NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. — Iona Gaels women's lacrosse maintained control from start to finish Wednesday, defeating Mercyhurst Lakers women's lacrosse 14-9 in a nonconference matchup.

GAME SUMMARY

Iona led at the end of every quarter and used a balanced offensive attack to secure the victory.

Lindsey Grove led the Gaels with four goals and three assists, while Calen Norton added four goals, including the game's opening score. Jocelyn Smith contributed three goals in the win.

Abby Axe finished with one goal and two assists, while Brianna Reynolds and Sydney Grassi each recorded a goal and an assist. Grassi also scored a man-up goal during the third quarter.

Iona jumped out to an early advantage in the first quarter behind goals from Norton and Axe and held a 4-1 lead after the opening frame.

Mercyhurst attempted to close the gap in the second quarter, but Grove scored twice and Smith added another goal to keep the Gaels in front. Iona entered halftime with a 7-4 lead.
The Gaels extended their lead to 10-7 by the end of the third quarter before pulling away in the fourth, outscoring the Lakers 4-2 to seal the 14-9 victory.

In goal, Lauren Sweeney made five saves for Iona. The win marked the 18th of her career, making Sweeney the winningest goalkeeper in program history, Sweeney takes over the number one spot from Colleen Margi who had 17 wins from 2006-09. Victoria Curreri led the defensive effort with three ground balls, and Amelia Kelley helped control possession with four draw controls.

UP NEXT

Iona heads south for a spring break trip to Clarksville, Tennessee, where the Gaels will face Austin Peay Governors women's lacrosse on March 16 before taking on the Winthrop Eagles women's lacrosse on March 18.