EMMITTSBURG, MD – In their first-ever appearance in the MAAC Championship game, the Iona University women's lacrosse team fell to the second seeded Fairfield, 12–7. Despite the loss, it was a landmark season for the Gaels, who notched the program's first playoff win earlier this month.

The Gaels got off to a slow start offensively, trailing 3–1 after the first quarter and 5–2 at halftime. A decisive third quarter saw Fairfield pull away, outscoring Iona 6–1 to take an 11–3 lead into the final frame. Iona responded with a spirited comeback attempt, winning the fourth quarter 4–1, but ultimately ran out of time.

Seniors Kate Krueger and Kira Varada paced the offense with two goals each. Kacie Scarduzio, Jocelyn Smith, and Calen Norton each added one goal. Krueger and Norton recorded the only assists for the Gaels. Iona took 26 shots, 16 of which were on target. Kira Varada made program history during the game, scoring her 38th career free-position goal to break the Iona all-time record.

In goal, redshirt freshman Ava Giugliano made six saves in a strong effort. Defensively, the Gaels collected 16 ground balls. Standouts Sydney Langton and Victoria Curreri combined for 10 ground balls and seven caused turnovers. Varada added four ground balls and two caused turnovers to cap off her Midfielder of the Year campaign.

Despite the loss, the 2025 season will go down as a historic and transformative year for Iona women's lacrosse.

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