HAMDEN, CT - The Iona women's lacrosse program started MAAC play with an offensive explosion scoring 17 goals and taking down the Bobcats of Quinnipiac. 16-7. Kira Varada was a force to be recockned with scoring four goals and adding three assists for a game high seven points. 

Senior Kacie Scarduzio also added four goals of her own. The rest of the offense came off the sticks of Calen Norton securing a hat trick, Kate Krueger and Maliya Haddock each with two, and the final goal coming from sophomore and Canada native Natasha Newport. 

Iona only assisted on five goals total, Haddock had the other teams two. The Gaels tool 34 shots with 27 of them on net and set a season high with four free position goals on nine chances. Just the second game of the season where the Maroon & Gold won the draw control battle, 15-10. Varada set a game high with six and Sydney Grassi added four as they combined for 10 of the teams 15. 

In net for the Gaels Sophomore Ava Giugliano made her first career start and first career win, she played all 60 minutes faced 23 shots and made seven saves. She also picked up two ground balls which are both season and career highs. 

On defense as a team the Gaels picked up 16 ground balls and caused 17 Bobcat turnovers. Varada led the team in both categories with 4 GB's and 5 caused turnovers. Gaels had a strong defensive pair in Amelia Kelley and Victoria Curreri as the combined for 5 GB's and 5 CT's. 

Iona will return in one week and will be back on home turf as they Host Marist on Mar. 29 for a noon opening draw on Mazzella.