The Iona College Women’s Lacrosse team home opener was spoiled by the University of Connecticut Huskies 13-2.

The Huskies outscored the Gaels in the first half 10-1. After trailing 8-0, Iona’s lone goal of the half was scored with 6:25 remaining by sophomore midfielder Casey Palmer. The goal was assisted by senior captain Kylie Gregory.

Iona was back on the scoring sheet with 15:07 remaining in the game when Gregory scored her fourth goal of the season to cut the lead to 11-2. Gregory led Iona with 10 shots. The Huskies finished the Gaels off scoring two more goals to complete the rout.

The Gaels looked to bounce back March 3 against the 14th ranked University of Massachusetts Minutemen.

In the opening minutes, UMASS set the momentum of the game with a goal by senior Cori Murray, for her seventh of the season. After allowing two more goals and falling behind 3-0, the Gaels cut the deficit with a goal by freshman Mary Kate McCormick, her second this season, assisted by Gregory.

Iona’s second goal came from junior midfielder Nina Veneziale on a free position goal for her first of the year and pulled within two goals for the second time in the game (4-2).

The Minutemen scored six goals to extend the lead to 10-2, before Iona’s junior midfielder Jenna Stone scored her second goal of the season, assisted by senior attack Brittney Mabus (10-3). Three minutes later, Mabus scored her fist goal of the season in the Gaels’ attempt to continue to battle against the nationally ranked Minutemen.

UMASS scored four more goals in the first half to take a commanding 15-4 lead. The Minutemen took their first-half momentum into the second scoring five goals in just over 14 minutes of play to take a 20-4 lead. Gregory scored consecutive goals for Iona. UMass defeated the Gaels in convincing fashion 22-6.

“Facing harder teams in non-conference play helps us prepare for the teams in our conference,” Gregory said. “It also gives us a chance to fix mistakes we find earlier, so we don’t have problem in season. It’s basically time to get all the rust out and get our minds right for season.”

Although the Gaels have struggled in their last two games, Gregory and junior teammate Brenna Lade believe that continuing to practice hard will lead to future success.

“Implementing what we learn in practice and applying it in games can also make us better as a whole,” Lade said. “Having constant communication and trust everyone on the field will be the key to our success. Hard work always pays off, so if we put in the time and effort we will achieve the success we want and reach our goals.”