After making it all the way to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship game last season, but not winning it all, the Gaels are back for another season, with the intent to win it all.
The Gaels would open their season at home against Central Connecticut, a game which the Gaels would win, 17-8. While the Gaels would go back-and-forth with the Blue Devils for the first five minutes, a goal by Bryanna Renyolds would see the Gaels pull away. Kacie Scarduzio would lead the Gaels with seven points, with 11 other Gaels scoring points.
The next game would see the Gaels head to Burlington, Vermont,to face the Vermont Catamounts . The Catamounts established control early, scoring six goals in the opening quarter to quickly build separation from the Gaels.
After the early surge, Iona settled into the game defensively and produced one of its strongest stretches of the afternoon, holding Vermont scoreless for nearly 30 minutes across the second and third quarters. Anchored by steady play in goal and improved defensive communication, the Gaels limited high-quality chances and began to generate momentum in transition.
Iona finally broke through midway through the second quarter when Jocelyn Smith converted an assist from Scarduzio to put the Gaels on the scoreboard. The comeback effort continued in the third period, as Calen Norton and Smith each scored unassisted goals to cut the deficit to 7–3 entering the final quarter.
The defensive pressure remained consistent, allowing Iona to stay within striking distance despite facing an early multi-goal hole.In the fourth quarter, Brie Gaccino added a goal to keep the rally alive and apply late pressure. Scarduzio then capitalized on a woman-up opportunity with one second remaining to close the scoring. Although Vermont secured the 8–5 victory, Iona’s extended defensive stand and balanced late scoring highlighted the Gaels’ resilience and growth after a difficult opening quarter.
Most recently, the Gaels faced the Lehigh Mountain Hawks on Mazella Field. The Gaels opened the scoring early when Alyssa Castellano found the back of the net at the 10:56 mark of the first quarter, giving the Gaels a brief 1–0 advantage and an energetic start. Momentum quickly shifted, however, as the Mountain Hawks closed the opening period on a four-goal run to take control of the contest.
Lehigh continued to build on that surge in the second quarter, extending its lead with strong offensive pressure, including a rare man-down goal. Iona stayed competitive by answering with goals from Haley Lauer and Abby Axe, keeping the deficit manageable and showing balance on the offensive end. Despite the response, Lehigh maintained its edge and carried an 8–4 advantage into the halftime break.
The second half developed into a defensive battle, with both teams tightening coverage and limiting quality scoring opportunities. Possessions were hard-earned, and neither side was able to generate a sustained run following the intermission. Iona continued to fight through the final period, receiving goals from Calen Norton and Smith as the Gaels outscored Lehigh 2–1 in the closing frame. Although Iona showed resilience and improved execution late, the early deficit created by Lehigh’s first-quarter run ultimately proved too much to overcome. Which resulted in a final score of 12-7 Mountain Hawks.
