This past weekend the Iona College softball team traveled to Deland, Fla. on Feb. 11 and Feb. 12 to kick off their first games of the 2012 season. The Gaels split their first day of the Stetson Leadoff Classic shutting out Samford 1-0 before falling to the host Hatters 8-2.

Junior right fielder Eileen McCann put the Gaels on the board in the first inning providing them with the only run that they would need to defeat Samford. Senior right hand pitcher Sarah Jackson dominated allowing just four hits and three walks in seven innings.

The second game proved to be a struggle for the Gaels as they allowed Stetson to score eight runs within two innings due to sloppy defense. A hit by junior center fielder Jodi Peterson allowed for teammates McCann and senior RHP Alyssa Maiese to score two runs, but still left them unable to make up for their errors in the field. Freshman Carly Argyle also made her Iona debut stepping in for Maiese allowing just four hits and one walk.

In the second day of action, the Gaels came out strong, defeating South Dakota and Samford 9-0 and 2-1 to improve their record to 3-1 for the weekend. The team took an early lead in the opening game with a two run homer by McCann allowing senior second baseman Chelsea Sheehan to score.

Iona scored once again, this time on an RBI single by Petersen, driving in sophomore catcher Katie Jansson with the team’s third run. Freshman SS Briana Schauer also doubled home Jansson and pinch runner senior Melanie Hay before Petersen followed with a double of her own to left, driving in junior left fielder Beth Kann. The final runs were scored off Jansson’s homer driving in senior first baseman Deanne Algeo and senior designated hitter Allyssa James.

Jackson got the win, going five innings, striking out 11 and allowing just three hits and two walks. Petersen ended the contest 3-4, while James went 3-3 and Kann went 2-3. The Gaels appear to have a promising season ahead.

“I’m really happy with the way we played last weekend, especially it being one of our first times on dirt,” said Jackson. “Hopefully that weekend set the tempo for another great season. We just have to stay hungry.”

In the second game, Iona put themselves in a good position in the first inning, Algeo drove in Sheehan and McCann with a double to left field. The Samford Bulldogs scored their only run in the third and were unable to keep up with the Gaels. Maiese went seven to pick up her first win of the season, allowing six hits and one run while striking out five. McCann was proud of their weekend performance.

“We had a productive first weekend out in Florida,” said McCann. “We had some great wins but also learned a lot from our loss. I’m excited about our energy and enthusiasm this year and can’t wait to get back on the field this weekend in Longwood.”

The Gaels will return to action Feb. 25 and Feb. 26 when they travel to Longwood, Va.