This year’s Iona College Women’s Lacrosse team is determined to hit the ground running and improve last year’s overall record of 9-7.

The Gaels finished with a 3-3 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference record, just falling short of a playoff spot.

Senior Captain Kylie Gregory, was named All MAAC First Team and one time Offensive Player of the Week. She appeared and started in 16 games last season scoring a team high 42 goals and recorded 16 assists. Gregory also led the Gaels with a team high 58 points. Each year Gregory has improved and has compiled 79 goals in her first three seasons.

She, along with her teammates have high expectations for the upcoming season.

“This season as a senior and a captain, my teammates and I are expecting to win the MAAC championship,” Gregory said. “In previous years we have made it to the playoffs, but have never won. This year we have the skill and determination to win the entire tournament.”

As Gregory approaches the 100 goal mark, she still remains focused but puts her team before any individual accomplishment.

“I hope I can pass that mark in my last season, but it does not affect my mindset of my playing,” Gregory said. “If I score, then I score, but the greatest accomplishment for me and the best feeling is when you set your teammates up to score, especially the players who do not always get the chance to take a shot in a game. Right now my focus is on preparing for our upcoming games and to start preparing to finally wear that MAAC ring.”

After losing Casey Scully (35 goals), Emily Taddei (24 goals) and Meghan Testoni (19 goals) the Gaels will have to look elsewhere to put points on the scoreboard. Junior Brenna Lade will look to lessen the blow after losing much of the team’s offense.

Brenna scored a fourth best, 18 goals and a third best 12 assists last season.

Senior playmaker Brittney Mabus will play an important role coming off a 10 goal season and leading the Gaels with 23 assists.

Junior goaltender Maria Ortiz will play a pivotal role in the Gaels success. Ortiz played in 13 games and started in 12 recording a team high 97 saves with 45 percent save percentage.

Sophomore Marissa Tomsky expects the Gaels to perform well through, hard work, determination and effort.

“We want to win for each other,” she said.

The Gaels will open up their season on the road Feb. 20 against Sacred Heart at 3 p.m.