NEW ROCHELLE, NY - Freshman forward Marisa Bentley's game-winning header to the right side of the net in the 109th minute propelled the Iona College women's soccer team to a 2-1 double overtime victory over NJIT Friday afternoon at Mazzella Field.
"Today was the first game we came out and played start to finish," said head coach Linda Hathorn. "We were able to be the aggressors and keep pressure on for what turned out to be 109 minutes."
The win snapped the Maroon & Gold's three-game losing streak and pushed the team's record to 4-5-0 heading into Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference action. The Gaels controlled the offensive tempo in the contest, holding a 34-3 edge on shots the game, but it was the final chance that proved most important.
Iona got out to a 1-0 lead in the 26th minute when senior midfielder Melissa Frederick headed in a throw from sophomore midfielder Emily Hansen to the left corner for her second goal of the season.
Despite a 9-1 advantage in first half shots, the Gaels headed into the locker room with just the one-goal advantage. The Highlanders then evened the contest in the 52nd minute. NJIT's Kaelyn Gamel pushed in a loose ball in the goalie box for her second goal of the season to tie the game at one.
"We had a little bit of a letdown on the goal, and ultimately you're going to get breakdowns in a game," said Hathorn. "They just happened to score on that one."
Iona recorded 20 shots in the second half, but could not score. Following a first overtime period without a goal, the Gaels netted the game-winner with just over a minute left in the contest.
Freshman forward Charlotte Stuart lofted a throw in towards the net which Bentley headed into the bottom of the right side for her second tally of the season, each coming in the last two games.
Freshman Morgan McBrier made two saves for Iona, to record her first career win in net. NJIT goalkeepers Samantha Bersett and Karen David combined for 18 saves for the Highlanders.
"This was a great game to show what we are capable of," said Hathorn. "Now it's just a matter of repeating that every single time we show up on the field."
The Gaels begin league play Wednesday at Quinnipiac, with kickoff set for 3:00 pm.
