The Iona Women’s Basketball team has completed their regular season schedule, finishing the last seven games with a record of 2-5. Iona has an overall record of 11-19 with their conference record being 7-11, good enough for 6th place in the MAAC. The Gaels suffered some tough loses down the stretch, starting off with a double overtime heartbreaker at Rider on Feb. 6. Senior Andja Ivkovic lead the Gaels with a double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Four other Gaels were in double figures as well, Freshman Jackie Marshall had her best game as a Gael, scoring 17 points, Junior Kristina Ford scored 12 points, and Senior Marissa Flagg and Sophomore Diana Hubbard both contributed 10 points.

 

The Gaels’ next game was against Marist Red Foxes at the Hynes Athletic Center on Feb. 11. Marist was undefeated against MAAC competition. The Gaels fought hard but came up short, losing 56-45. Ford had an impressive game, having a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds. Junior Tomica Bacic also snagged down 11 rebounds.

 

After Marist, the Gaels took on the Manhattan Jaspers in Riverdale, on Feb. 14. The Gaels struggled to score all night, losing 63-47. The Gaels shot 36 percent from the field and did not have a player score in double figures. It definitely was a tough loss for the Gaels to swallow.

 

Coming off three tough loses in a row, Iona showed heart when they went up to Buffalo for two games, playing Niagara University and Canisius College. Their first opponent was Canisius. In a tough playing environment and very passionate play, the Gaels pulled out a great 66-56 win. Ford and Ivkovic led all scorers with 16 points. Flagg also contributed 11 points.

 

After Canisius, the Gaels leveled Niagara with a 69-38 win. The Gaels had fifteen players score and was a fun game for Iona. Ivkovic led the Gaels with 13 points. In just twelve minutes of play, Junior Milica Paligoric contributed eleven points.

 

The Gaels’ last two games of the season were tough. The first game the Gaels blew a 17 point second half lead to lose by 3 in overtime. Six different Gaels scored in double figures, with Senior Cat Lutz leading the team with 14 points.

 

The Gaels then played their last game of the regular season by playing the Manhattan Jaspers at the Hynes Athletic Center on Feb. 27. They fell to Manhattan with a tough 57-51 loss.

 

The Gaels honored their three seniors on the team, Point Guard Marissa Flagg, Forward Andja Ivkovic, and Shooting Guard Cat Lutz. Iona also honored the two senior managers of the team, Eric Alston Jr. and Noel Emmanuel. All three seniors brought different elements to this team. 

 

The number six seed Gaels will compete in the first round of the MAAC Championships on March 3 in Bridgeport, Conn., against the three seed Manhattan Jaspers. Head Coach Anthony Bozzella is confident in his senior class to really step up expressing his teams experience in the MAAC championships. “Our Senior leaders have five playoff wins under their belt and know how to play in tough situations. Manhattans team isn’t as experienced and its going to be a great game to watch.”