The Iona Women’s soccer team completed their 2010 season by splitting a pair of games on a tough road trip.

The Gaels beat Marist 3-0 and lost to Siena 2-0. Against Marist, the Gaels dominated the game and deservedly came away with a comprehensive victory.

Two goals from junior forward Kerrie Deignan and a strike from sophomore Gabriella D’Aprile was the difference between the two sides.  Deignan’s first goal came in the ninth minute of play.

The goal was assisted by D’Aprile and senior midfielder Abby Dixon. Early in the second half the Gaels scored their second goal, senior defender Diane Hare providing service for Deignan to convert.

In the 60th minute D’Aprile scored the Gaels third and final goal, rounding Marist’s goalie to put the ball into an empty net.  

Both D’Aprile and Deignan had five shots during the game. Freshman goalie Trista Rivera earned her fourth shutout of the season making a season high 12 saves.

The Gaels ended their season against tough opponents; falling to Siena 2-0. Siena scored in each half to beat the Gaels. Senior Lauren Machtel and D’Aprile each recorded a shot on goal, while goalkeeper Rivera made seven saves.

The Gaels ended their campaign with a record of 4-15-1 including nonconference play. Considering only play within the competitive MAAC conference, the Gaels were 2-6-1.

Iona finished ninth in the MAAC; however, they managed to win several games against highly rated opponents. In conference play the Gaels defeated Saint Peters and Marist, while in nonconference play, Stony Brook and Binghamton were beaten.

Kerrie Deignan was the Gaels top scorer, with three, while Gabriella D’Aprile led the team’s points tally with eight. Goalkeeper Trista Rivera made 96 saves over the course of the season.

The Gaels graduate five players, and expect their strong returning class to maintain the programs hunt for success. Ali Werner, Ay Dixon, Diane Hare, Liz Pettersen and Lauren Machtel are graduating from the program.

Rivera had a strong rookie campaign in net for the Gaels posting a 4-10 record with four shutouts and a 1.48 save percentage.

The Gaels anticipate success when they consider the strength of their returning class.