PHILADELPHIA, PA - Iona Women's Lacrosse comes up short in a back and forth battle against the Explores of La Salle. Opening the season on the road the Gaels led going into the final quarter but La Salle out scored them 4-2 and secured the win, 14-13. 

Seven different Gaels found the back of the net, three coming from two seniors in Megan Collins and Katherine Meyer. Both Emily Stewart and freshman Kira Varada notched two goals each. The other three goals came from seniors Leah Marshall, Kati Paavola, and freshman Alyssa Castellano. Three goals were assisted on out of the 13, one each from Collins, Stewart, and sophomore Alexa Maggiacomo. 

Freshman Sophia Votto made her first career start in net for the Maroon & Gold, making nine saves in 60 minutes. She saw 27 total shots with 23 of them being on net and picked up one ground ball. As a team Iona grabbed 16 ground balls with Emily Stewart leading the team with four of her own. Both Varada and Marshall each had five draw controls and Erin O'Donnell led the team with two caused turnovers.

GAME SUMMARY

Iona opened the game with a free-position goal from Kati Paavola at the 12:35 mark. La Salle would answer three goals of their own. Iona fought back and ended the last 2:36 of the first quarter on a 3-1 run and knotted the score up at four goals apiece. The second quarter lacked scoring with only two goals from each team in the 15 minutes. 

Both offenses had something to prove in the third quarter with nine total goals being scored. Both teams went on multiple two goal runs over the 15 minutes. Meyer's and Varada's goals in the final minutes of the quarter gave the Gaels a one goal advantage entering the final quarter of the game.

Two quick goals in the first three minutes of the fourth gave Iona a two goal lead with 12:36 left to play. La Salle's defense stepped up for the final 12 minutes and held the Maroon & Gold score less. Three goals by the Explores was all they needed as they clinched the victory 14-13.  

UP NEXT

Iona continues on the road again, traveling to LIU on February 16. Game time is scheduled for a 2 pm start.

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