New Rochelle, NY— The Iona College lacrosse team started the 2016 season at Mazzella field with a strong 17-12 win over Wagner. 

The Gaels were led by junior Erin Pugh who put up a game-high six goals, many of them were facilitated by senior Mary Kate McCormick, who had 8 assists to lead the team. McCormick also netted one goal.  

Freshman Christine Gironda kicked off her Iona career by netting three goals and grabbing game high four ground balls.  Fellow freshman Libby Miller followed suit netting two goals. 

Junior Katelyn Noschese and sophomore Jenna Tolzmann also scored two goals apiece.  Senior Thea Leitman recorded 9 saves in net for the Gaels.

Pugh notched her first goaljust 39 seconds into the game. From there the game remained neck and neck for much of the first half; the Maroon & Gold broke a 4-4 tie at 15:13 with Noschese's, goal, and from there they never looked back. 

Carrying a 10-6 lead into halftime break, Iona would continue there success in much of the second half of keeping the Seahawks at bay. Never letting the Seahawks get within four goals. Pugh's final goal of the day put the Gaels up 16-10. Wagner would put up two more goals in the next five minutes to narrow deficit to four goals. Gironda then put up her final goal at 29:16 to seal the victory. 

The Gaels held the advantage in ground balls 15-13. As well as clears, going 13 of 15 on their attempts.  

The Maroon & Gold travel up to Providence for their first road contest of the season this Saturday  Feb. 20 to face Brown.