To kick off the season on Aug. 14, the Iona women’s soccer team started on an unpleasant note, losing their first game in Philadelphia to Temple by a score of 3-0. They trailed the whole game down by one goal, which Ariana Grauer scored. Iona put up a good fight with Ava Barker taking a rip to the bottom right of the net but getting blocked by the keeper.
However, Iona looked defeated going into the second half as Sabrina Campbell ripped a shot and scored a minute into the second half, which helped Temple gain lots of momentum. But it does not end there at the 62-minute mark, Temple gets awarded a penalty due to Liv-Lilith Falk being reckless in the box. Valentina Bitterwolf stepped up to take the shot and scored to bring Temple to a 3-0 victory.
In its second game of the season on Aug. 17, the Iona women’s soccer team earned its first win of 2025 with a 1-0 victory over Le Moyne in the Gaels’ home opener. Freshman Mya Jackson scored her first collegiate goal in the 42nd minute with a header off a cross from junior Camille Daniel. Goalkeeper Savannah Rogers made three saves to secure the clean sheet. The Gaels protected their lead in the second half, limiting the Dolphins’ chances to equalize.
On Aug.31, Iona Women’s Soccer had themselves a nailbiter. They played Wagner, with the score ending in 0-0. Both teams fought to the very end, with neither team coming out on top. Ava Barker and Dolene Smith both came close to scoring, but the opposing keeper made incredible saves on both shots. The Gaels still dominated most of the match, having over 10 corner kicks and 17 total shot attempts, but only five were on target.
Iona Women’s Soccer played in Easton, PA, on Sep.3 to Face Lafayette. Iona had a poor day in the office, conceding five goals and losing 5-0. Lafayette wasted no time, ripping four shots straight off the bat with no mercy 12 minutes into the game. Applying all of this pressure led to Lafayette’s success, allowing half the team to get an opportunity to score. Ava Murphy, Katrina Santelli, Heather Plowright, Nadia Zaffanella, and Jessica Giordanella all contributed to the goals scored.
To wrap up the Weekend, the Women’s soccer team traveled upstate to face Marist on Sep. 6, with the score ending in a 1-1 draw. Sophomore Dolene Smith scored their only goal in the 41st minute, creating an opportunity for victory. With the turnout being three goals shot and two on target, Iona showed signs of a dominant team. But just like many other sports, there are always comebacks in the 89th minute. Marist scores the equalizer to end the game in a tie.
