Since the Iona women’s basketball team was picked eighth in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference’s (MAAC) Pre-Season Coaches Poll, some teams might have been tempted to overlook the Gaels. That was a mistake.

The Gaels (4-2 MAAC, 9-8 overall) opened MAAC play with a trip to Buffalo. They started off by defeating the Niagara Purple Eagles 76-65 on Friday, Jan. 4. The Maroon & Gold were powered by 29 points and seven rebounds from sophomore guard Damika Martinez, and double-doubles from both junior center Sabrina Jeridore and freshman forward Joy Adams.

Two days later, Iona topped Canisius 68-54. Adams led the way with 18 points and six rebounds. Sophomore guard Aleesha Powell amassed 15 points, five rebounds, and four assists.

The Gaels beat Manhattan 76-46 in their MAAC home opener on Thursday, Jan. 10. Adams scored a career-high 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds. Martinez, Powell, and freshman guard Aaliyah Robinson added 12 points apiece.

“We all played defense and were on the same page,” Adams said. “We won by our defense.”

After this 3-0 start, the Maroon & Gold traveled to Marist to take on the seven-time defending MAAC champion, on Sunday, Jan. 13. The Red Foxes topped the Gaels 69-55. Marist opened the game scoring the first nine points and led the entire game.

Martinez posted 17 points and five rebounds. Adams was also in double-figures with 12 points and six rebounds.

Iona was outlasted by Fairfield 60-54 on Friday, Jan. 18. After trailing by 10 points with 10:30 remaining in the game, the Maroon & Gold moved to within a single point with 4:30 to go. The Stags then reeled off six straight points, and kept the Gaels at bay the rest of the way. Adams compiled 12 points and nine rebounds. Powell posted 11 points, five steals, and four assists.

“We came out flat, and we didn’t get out in transition,” Martinez said.

On Jan. 20, Iona dominated St. Peter’s 93-62. After trailing 7-5, the Gaels went on a 14-0 run and never trailed again. As a team, the Maroon & Gold shot 49 percent from the field.

Martinez led the way with 19 points. Powell compiled 15 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Adams posted 14 points and eight rebounds.

With the win over St. Peter’s, Iona is now 4-2 in conference play, which puts the Gaels at the top-half of the MAAC standings.

Adams was named MAAC Rookie of the Week for the seventh time – a program record – on Jan. 14. This was her fourth consecutive week receiving this honor.

“I was really proud of her,” head coach Anthony Bozzella said. “She continues to get better every day. She is very unselfish, and she works very hard.”

The Gaels are scheduled to host Niagara on Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Hynes Athletics Center. Then they take on Loyola, Siena, and Fairfield on the road.

“We have to keep our heads up, keep practicing, and take it game by game,” Martinez said.