The Iona College women’s lacrosse team is off to a good start in their 2018 campaign, supporting a 3-2 record and only losing once at home.

The Gaels have seen their seniors step up in the leadership role, while junior goalie Shannon McCaffrey has been a force in the net.

“Right now [McCaffrey] has been playing so well,” Iona head coach Michelle Mason said. “Until proven otherwise, she will see the most time in between the post.”  

McCaffrey has started all five games and accumulated 60 minutes for the Gaels. She has already racked up 47 saves on 92 shots and led the Gaels to victories over Holy Cross, Sacred Heart, and Wagner.

Senior Pamela Giordano has been Iona’s go-to scorer, leading the Gaels with 15 goals on 35 shots. Senior Jenna Tolzmann is second on the team with 11 goals on 24 attempts.

Mason wants to see not only the upperclassmen step up, but also the core of young players.

Junior midfielder Christine Gironda, who tore her ACL last season, has appeared in the five games and started twice, registering two assists and a shot on net. The team has also seen sophomore Catherine Gallery provide significant playing time.

Iona surrendered its first home loss of the season against Army on Feb. 28. However, Mason thought Iona’s second half effort was something to take away from the 9-6 defeat.

“It was a good test of our toughness,” Mason said. “We had a great second half, but our first half lacked the execution we had against Holy Cross.”

The team has a good mix of both young and senior talent, who look to accomplish the ultimate goal every team in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference has their eyes on: a conference title and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.

“They’re really committed with taking the next step with the program,” Mason said.

 

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