NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College softball team fell to Hofstra University 4-1 in non-conference action Wednesday afternoon at Rice Oval. Senior Katie Jansson led the Gaels with two of the team's five hits, while freshman Kelsey Long scored the Gaels' lone run in a pinch running role.

Leadoff hitter Rachel Senatore reached on a bunt single and ended up on third following an Iona error on the play. Chloe Fitzgerald then followed with a single to short to drive in the game's first run. Fitzgerald later scored the inning's second run on a fielder's choice to third base.

The Gaels were retired in order in the first, second and third innings before junior Allison Hand became the team's first base runner with a leadoff single in the fourth inning. Graduate student Eileen McCann recorded a single up the middle later in the frame but the Maroon & Gold capitalize.

The Pride plated their final two runs in the top of the seventh inning as Hawkins delivered a solo home run to right center with one out before Becca Bigler plated

Iona scored its lone run of the contest in the bottom of the inning.  A leadoff walk, an error and a base hit by Jansson put the potential tying run to the plate.  Following a force at home for the second out, sophomore Sydney Dimon singled to right field to score Long and put the tying run on base. Hofstra starter Taylor Pirone responded by getting a pop out to second to end the contest.

Pirone earned her eighth win of the season for Hofstra, allowing just one unearned run over seven innings while striking out five. Iona starter Jordan Courage allowed 10 hits, four runs, three earned, and two walks with three strikeouts in her seven innings of work.

Prior to the contest, the Gaels recognized Hofstra coach Bill Edwards, a 1989 Iona College Goal Club Hall of Famer who served as head coach of Iona's men's hockey program from 1967-1980.

The Gaels are back in action Saturday, when they host Monmouth in a MAAC doubleheader beginning at noon.