Beginning conference play frequently rejuvenates teams. After struggling though non-conference play, the Iona College women’s soccer team began conference play with a sense of determination.

The Gaels opened the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) portion of their schedule against Canisius on Sept. 21.

The Maroon & Gold (2-5-3 overall, 1-0-1 MAAC) took the game 1-0.

Junior forward Safi Ayinde scored the only goal of the contest in the 63rd minute. Ayinde outran a Canisius defender inside 18 yards and scored on a dribbler to the left corner past Golden Griffin goalkeeper Megan Tock.

“Starting off this MAAC season with a win has put us in a great spot. We have had a great week of practice so I hope this continues on for the next few games,” said senior Nicole Paulucci. “So far, we have come out strong, and I know if we continue to play our game we will be successful.”

The Golden Griffs outshot the Gaels 10-9 and held a 5-3 advantage on corner kicks. Tock stopped four Iona shots.

Senior goalkeeper Trista Rivera made seven saves, preventing Canisius from getting on the scoreboard and recording her first shutout of the year.

This performance earned her the MAAC Defensive Player of the Week honor.

The Gaels then traveled to Riverdale, N.Y. to play rival Manhattan on Sept. 25.

Neither team found the back of the net until the 79th minute when junior forward Melissa Frederick punched one in.

Unassisted, Frederick scrambled in front of the net and scored from five yards out for her first goal of the season.

The Gaels’ advantage did not last long because Manhattan’s Erica Modena tied the game six minutes later on a goal into the upper right corner on a pass from teammate Tara Teal.

In the 85th minute, freshman midfielder Alexa Wagoner took a shot hoping to end the game, but it sailed over the goal, keeping the game knotted at one.

The game then went to overtime. In the first overtime, Rivera saved two shots by the Jaspers.

Senior defender Katie Higgins attempted to score, but the shot was saved by Manhattan goalie Kristen Skonieczny.

With a scoreless first overtime, the game progressed to a second overtime period, where neither teams scored. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.

For the game, Manhattan outshot Iona 18-10. Rivera made seven saves.

Iona was scheduled to play Saint Peter’s at home on Oct. 2. The result of the game was not available at press time.

The Gaels continue their three-game home stand with MAAC newcomers Quinnipiac and Monmouth on Oct. 5 and 9. Both games will be played on Mazzella Field.

“Even though our record is not spectacular, I believe we have made tremendous gains as a team,” junior defender Sali Ayinde said. “Every game we learn what needs to be done to win, and we are able to grow as a program.”