The Iona College softball team continues its hot streak on the road, as the team prevailed against University of Penn in doubleheader action on Mar. 26.

The Gaels (8-11) kicked off the two-game series with a 3-2 victory over Penn. Although the Quakers crossed the plate first, they were not able to hold onto the lead. Junior catcher Tori Danner changed things quickly as she smacked her seventh home run of the season over the left field wall to tie the game. Freshman infielder Jasmine Temple also homered to give Iona a 2-1 advantage.

Keeping the momentum going, sophomore third baseman Kimberley Chiapparelli drove in a run after hitting her first triple of the season. Pitching also played a factor as sophomore pitcher Alana Evans finished with five strikeouts and only one walk.

Iona’s offense was in full display in the 9-3 victory to close the series. The Gaels got going early with an RBI single by Temple. Senior outfielder Kelsey Long hit her first dinger of the season to give the Gaels a 3-0 lead in the second inning.

The Quakers did not stay quiet for long as they were able to score in the third and fourth innings. Senior first baseman and Iona’s all-time homeruns leader Kristen Turner crushed a homerun into left field, making the score 6-2. Turner now has five home runs and 21 RBIs on the season.

The Gaels scored three runs in the seventh to cushion their lead even more. Freshman Marnie Skinner closed the game after sophomore Jessica Harkness’ started.

Before the games in Philadelphia, Iona traveled to New Jersey for the Seton Hall University Pirate Invite, which started on Mar. 17.

Iona fell to Seton Hall, 5-3 in the first game of the tournament despite outhitting the Pirates, 10-7.

The second day of action was much better for the Maroon & Gold, as they swept the day with wins over Brown and Hartford. The Gaels 4-3 victory over Brown ended a seven game losing streak.

Temple had a team high three hits, while sophomore right fielder Marisa Gergel, Turner and Danner all had two hits.

The Gaels dismantled Hartford, 12-2 to conclude the tournament. The Gaels had 13 hits in the game and Evans was stellar on the mound. The sophomore faced 23 batters and struck out 10.

Iona played St. John’s on Tuesday, but stats were not available as of press time. The Gaels will open up conference play at home against Niagara on Apr. 1.