The Iona College Women’s Basketball team started off their season on Nov. 13 in the preseason Women’s National Invitation Tournament, as they played the Charlotte 49ers in Charlotte, N.C.

The Gaels went up against a very tough non-conference opponent in Charlotte, who is a good team in a hard conference of the Atlantic 10.

The Gaels lost their season opener 72-40. Senior forward Andja Ivkovic led the team with 12 points as junior Kristina Ford had 11 points and seven rebounds, but the team struggled to keep up with quick pace of the 49ers. Senior Suzi Fregosi also added three assists.

The Gaels continued the tournament on Nov. 19, as they traveled to James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va., as they took on another tough non-conference opponent in the Central Florida Knights.

The Gaels fell short, losing by a final score of 59-48, making it their first 0-2 start since the 2007-2008 season, when they went on to the MAAC Championship title game and Postseason WNIT.

Ford was the only Gael to score in double figures with 14 points, while also hauling in four rebounds. Junior Milica Paligoric and senior Cat Lutz put up eight points each, while Ivkovic led the team with nine rebounds and added six points.

The Gaels concluded their preseason WNIT trip the next day against a good team in the St. Francis University Red Flash.

The Gaels just couldn’t pull this one out, as they lost by the score of 77-69. Ivkovic led all players by having 22 points and also eight rebounds. Senior Marissa Flagg had 16 points and junior Tomica Bacic had 12 points.

The Gaels showed much promise in the second half, but were unable to overcome the 12-point deficit they faced at halftime.

On Nov. 27, the Gaels won their first game of the season in their home opener against the Bears of Brown University. The game was a part of the Iona Thanksgiving Classic.

It was a hard fought game and was definitely a great effort and win for the Gaels. Ford and Ivkovic led the team with 18 points each, while both having fiverebounds as well.

Flagg also played well, scoring 14 points and led the team with six rebounds. Fregosi did a great job at the point guard position, pushing the Gaels to their first win of the season by leading the team with seven assists while also having five rebounds.

The Gaels will hit the road to take on Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisc. on Dec. 1.