EMMITTSBURG, MD - In a thrilling back-and-forth battle, the Iona women's lacrosse team secured a historic 11-10 win over Mount St. Mary's to earn their second-ever MAAC Playoff victory—and, for the first time in program history, a spot in the MAAC Championship game.

The Gaels came out on fire, jumping to a 5-0 lead in the opening seven minutes of the first quarter. However, Mount St. Mary's responded with three unanswered goals to close the quarter, cutting Iona's lead to 5-3 heading into the second.

Offensive momentum slowed in the second quarter, but Kira Varada kept the Gaels ahead, scoring both of Iona's goals in the frame—including a clutch strike in the final minute—to give the Maroon & Gold a 7-5 edge at halftime.

The Mountaineers came out strong after the break, outscoring Iona 4-1 in the third quarter and taking a 9-8 lead into the final 15 minutes. But Iona's offense regrouped, with goals from Varada, Kacie Scarduzio, and Kate Krueger outpacing Mount St. Mary's 3-1 in the fourth. Redshirt freshman goalie Ava Giugliano made key saves down the stretch to lock up the Gaels' historic win.

Varada led the offensive charge with a game-high five goals and one assist, tying the program record with her 37th career free-position goal. Scarduzio added two assists and a goal, while Krueger and Calen Norton each scored twice. Natasha Newport chipped in with one goal on three shots.

Giugliano anchored the defense with 12 saves on 36 shots faced, including several clutch stops in the closing minutes. She also picked up a ground ball. As a team, Iona collected 17 ground balls and caused seven turnovers. Varada led the defensive effort as well, tallying a team-high seven ground balls and three caused turnovers.

Iona controlled nine of 25 draws, with Varada, Amelia Kelley, and Krueger each securing two. The Gaels were penalized eight times compared to just three for the Mountaineers, but their grit and late-game execution proved enough to punch their ticket to the MAAC Championship.

Iona plays the winner of the Fairfield-Siena matchup in the 2025 MAAC Championship at 11 am and can be watched on ESPNU. For information for Sunday please visit ionagaels.com.

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