LEWISTON, NY— The Iona College lacrosse team defeated Niagara Saturday afternoon, 8-6,  for their first MAAC win of the season. The Gaels were able to hold off a Purple Eagles comeback in the final minutes to pick up the victory.  

Senior Mary Kate McCormick, sophomore Pamela Giordano and junior Grace Celona led the way for the Maroon & Gold with two goals each. Celona also dished out one assist. Juniors Katelyn Noschese and Erin Pugh both netted one score, while Pugh also picked up a helper. Senior Thea Leitman racked up eight saves in net.

Iona kicked things off with a Celona goal in the opening two minutes. The Purple Eagles were quick to respond, scoring two consecutive to go up by one early; it'd be their only lead of the game.

The Gaels dominated the remaining 21 minutes of the first half with a stifiling six-to-nothing run to take a 7-2 lead into the locker room.

After the Purple Eagles scored early in the second half, Iona continued their offensive attack  with McCormick netting her second goal of the day to go up 8-3. 

After several minutes of passing, Niagara turned on the its own offensive prowess with a four goal run over the final 15 minutes of the second half to put the game at 8-6. 

Leitman was monsterous in the cage for the Maroon & Gold in the final moments, halting the Purple Eagles attack with two key saves to keep the final at 8-6. 

Iona won the turnover battle (20-22) and secured more ground balls (31-25). Niagara outshot the Gaels 21-20 and received more draw controls (12-4).

The Maroon & Gold will hit the road again to face Quinnipiac for a midweek showdown on Wednesday, April 13 at 3:00 pm.