The 2014 Iona College women’s lacrosse team began its season with four straight losses.

The first game was at Brown University on Feb. 22. The Gaels fell in this contest by a final score of 17-4.

Freshman Erin Pugh was the team leader in goals for the day with two. Senior Nina Veneziale and junior Meghan Testoni each scored once. Senior Maria Ortiz started in net, saving three shots in 30:24 and was replaced by junior Blaire Nathanson who stopped three shots in 29:36 of play. Senior Danielle Mastro recorded four goals and two assists to lead Brown.

The next stop for the Gaels was New Britain, Conn., where they visited Central Connecticut State University on Feb. 25. Iona dropped its’ second in a row, this time by a final score of 15-10. Veneziale, Testoni and Pugh all scored two goals, and senior Nicole Brancaccio and sophomore Mary Kate McCormick had three points each. Nathanson started at goalie for the first time this season and tallied seven saves. Ortiz replaced her and stopped three shots. Senior Amanda Toke tallied six points (four goals) to lead CCSU.

The Maroon & Gold returned to Mazzella Field for their 2014 home opener on March 1 against Massachusetts, who was ranked No. 11 in the country at the time. Iona lost 19-6. Juniors Bernadette Gennaro and Casey Palmer played well, each scoring two goals for the Gaels. Veneziale and McCormick scored the other two goals for Iona. Sophomore Thea Leitman made six saves in her first appearance as goalie this season, and Ortiz played 33:50 in net, recording seven saves. Senior Sam Rush tallied four goals and two assists to propel Massachusetts.

Iona played New Hampshire at home on March 10 and was defeated 12-3. The Gaels scored all three of their goals in the first four minutes of the contest.

The Gaels will travel to Cincinnati on March 16 and will host Stony Brook four days later at Mazzella Field.