TEANECK, NJ - The Iona women's lacrosse offensive exploded in their first win of the 2024 season over FDU, 20-4. 11 different Gaels found the back of the net with nine goals scored in the first quarter. 

In net for the Maroon & Gold Lauren Sweeney played the first 30 minutes, making three saves and only allowed one goal. Freshman net minder Ava Giugliano entered for the second half making eight saves and allowing two goals. Defensively as a team the Gaels caused seven turnovers and picked up 12 ground balls. 

In the first quarter the Gaels offense could not be stopped jumping out to a two goal lead with the help of Alexa Maggiacomo & Kira Varada. After the home team got on the board the Maroon & Gold went on a seven goal run to close out the opening quarter. Emily Stewart, Laine Walterson, Natasha Newport, and  Micaela FitzPatrick joined in on the fun.

Second quarter was just like the first with it being all Iona, Gaels continued the streak of unanswered goals with six more in the second. They entered the halftime break with a commanding 15-1 lead. Second quarter goals came off the sticks of Maliya Haddock, Kacie Scarduzio, FitzPatrick, and Katelyn Nieves.

The third started with a Knights goal as Iona's offense was held off the board for the first five minutes. The Gaels scored two more times in the quarter extending their lead to 16. Lana Ranghelli joined the scoring barrage with a women-up goal on a free-position shot. Fourth quarter goals were from Ranghelli and Lindsey Grove notching her second of the season as the Gaels closed it out for a 20-3 victory.

As a team the Gaels out shot the opponent 42-15 and recorded 14 more draw controls. Kira Varada led the team once again with five. Stewart recorded four herself, she is now two draw controls away from setting a new program record for most career draw controls with 177. Iona assisted on half of the goal with Varada leading the way with three. FitzPatrick and Varada were the only Gaels to record a hat trick.    

Iona is back in action this Saturday Feb. 24 for the Maroon & Gold's first home game of the year. They will be taking on Merrimack which is scheduled for a noon start. 

Be sure to follow Iona Athletics on all social media platforms:
IonaGaels: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Email Updates)
Iona Lacrosse: Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (Email Updates)