The Iona College women’s soccer team won 2-0 against St. Peter’s on Sunday afternoon to clinch a spot in the 2012 MAAC Championship at Mazzella Field.

Before the start of the game, Iona honored the graduating seniors Shannon Meara, Leah Taylor and Laura Jackson.

Junior Carly Haden said, “The St. Peter’s game was one of our biggest games this year. Winning this game would secure the fourth seed in the playoffs.”

Scoreless for the first 63 minutes, Haden sent the ball to sophomore Samantha Fiorenzo for a goal.

Haden said, “This game was exciting for me because I had the assist on the first goal which was scored by Sam Fiorenzo.”

Sophomore Safi Ayinde quickly sent the ball to sophomore Melissa Frederick for another goal.

“With every goal scored we knew we were one step closer to the MAAC Championship,” said Ayinde.

In the game, junior goalkeeper Trista Rivera accomplished her fourth shutout of the season, making five saves.

“With regards to the Saint Peter’s game, I am so proud of how my teammates came together and played so well,” said Rivera.

Iona finished the game with a 19-10 advantage in shots. The Gaels had an 8-2 lead in corner kicks.

“This was a huge game for us. We played an exceptional game and everyone on the team fought hard for each other. It was a great accomplishment making it into playoff[s],” said senior Leah Taylor.

When the game finished, the lady Gaels waited for the results of the Marist/Rider game.

The lady Gaels then faced Marist in Poughkeepsie, New York, but came short 2-0 on Friday evening.

Junior Nicole Paulucci said, “The performance we put on against Marist really reflects what type of team we are. We played with so much heart and no matter what we will always fight for each other.”

Rivera made four saves in the game, while Marist goalkeeper Andrea Wicks also made four saves.

“It was unbelievable how we fought. From start to finish we were in the game and putting a lot of pressure on Marist. We had a great year and proved a lot of people wrong,” said Rivera.

Shots attempted by Iona were from Taylor, junior Christina Tesoriero, Fiorenzo and Frederick.

“We will never forget these memories we made and we have laid down a foundation for the years to come, a foundation where Iona will always be the one to beat in conference,” said Taylor.