NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. -Iona University women's soccer earned a convincing 4-0 victory over Delaware State at Mazzella Field on Saturday afternoon, staying undefeated through four matches this season. The Gaels set the tempo early before unleashing a three-goal second-half outburst to put the match out of reach.
THE RUNDOWN
The Gales broke through in the 17th minute when Senior
Camille Daniel delivered a precise long pass from midfield to find Junior
Dolene Smith, who slotted home a five-yard strike for her third goal of the season. Up 1-0 coming out of the halftime break, Iona doubled its advantage in the 53rd minute as Senior
Marissa Graziano played the ball out to Smith on the right flank, setting up a cross that freshman
Lauren DeLaurentiis deflected into the net.
Just seven minutes later, the Gaels struck off a set piece. Graziano executed a free kick pass out to rookie
Natalia Arango, who chipped in a shot from two yards out to extend the cushion to 3-0. The Gaels sealed the 4-0 victory in the 78th minute when freshman
Kaylie Conklin linked up with senior
Molly Marcuss on the right side before rookie
Kate Allen finished off the cross to cap off a dominant performance.
IONA PERFORMERS
- Smith led the attack early by opening the scoring with her third goal of the season and later adding an assist on the team's second strike to secure her second multi-point game of the season.
- Graziano dictated play in the midfield, setting up two separate goals in the second half for her second career multi-assist game.
- Arango recorded her second goal of the season.
- Allen and DeLaurentiis and Allen notch their first collegiate goals.
- Daniel and Marcuss both registered their second career assists while Conklin picked up her first collegiate point with her assist on the final goal.
- Senior Kayla Kalbaugh played all 90 minutes in goal, stopping three shots to record back-to-back clean sheets and her third of the season.
THE OPPONENT
- Jazmin Bailey faced steady pressure between the posts for Delaware State, making seven saves across 90 minutes.
- Aryanna Peregrino created the best offensive looks for the visiting side, generating two of the team's six total shots.
TEAM STATS
- The Gaels fired a season-high 17 shots while holding Delaware state to an opponent-low six shot attempts.
- Iona recorded a season-high 11 shots on goal to three shots on target from the Hornets.
- The Gaels attempted four corner kicks while the Hornets were held to just a first half corner kick.
- Iona was the more aggressive team committing 19 fouls and two cautions to Delaware State's three fouls.
NOTABLE NUGGETS
- Iona remains unbeaten in the young season, improving to 3-0-1 overall following Saturday's win.
- The squad showcased its lineup depth as 34 total players saw game action throughout the contest.
- The defensive unit recorded its third shutout of the season.
UP NEXT
The Gaels remain in New Rochelle to host Seton Hall on Thursday, Aug. 27. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Mazzella Field.
