NEW ROCHELLE, NY-- The Iona College lacrosse team put on their best offensive showing of the season, defeating MAAC rival Manhattan, 18-8. Nine Gaels found the back of the net in their fourth straight Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference win.

Senior Mary Kate McCormick had a career and program defining day for Iona, setting the single season points record with 69 and becoming the first Iona lacrosse player in program history to record 100 assists in her tenure. She finished the afternoon with an all-around fantastic game, tallying three goals, five assists, three draw controls and four ground balls. 

McCormick was one of four Gaels to pick up a hat trick in the game. Junior Katelyn Noschese, sophomore Pamela Giordano and freshman Christine Gironda all found the back of the net three times. Gironda also dished out two assists. Junior Erin Pugh added two goals for the Gaels. 

Four more Gaels joined the party with one goal apiece, including freshman Maureen Murphy, who netted her first collegiate goal. Murphy, Hager, Serafini, Noschese and Jenna Tolzmann all had one assist as well.

Senior goalkeeper Thea Leitman recorded 10 saves for the Gaels. 

While the Jaspers got things going with the first goal of the game, Iona would answer with a Gironda goal from McCormick; her helper set the single season points mark of 62. 

Iona's offense ran smoothly throughout the first half.  Head Coach Michelle Mason saw her squad take an 8-4 lead to the half. 

Still setting the pace of the game, the Gaels parlayed their hot play into the second half with a 3-0 run, McCormick became the first Gael to eclipse 100 assists for her career on the second goal of that run. 

Manhattan would sneak by just three goals in the second half as Iona continued to score seven more goals, and with the help of the 10 goal clock running secured 18-8 victory. 

Iona would out shoot the Jaspers (33-24) and on the turnover battle (16-19). Manhattan secured more draw controls (15-13) and ground balls (26-23). 

The Maroon & Gold will host senior day when they take on Canisius this Saturday, April 23 at 1:00pm