Iona College Lacrosse Head Coach Michelle Mason aims to improve the offensive abilities of the Gaels for the 2019 season.

After relying on two players last season for the bulk of the goals, Mason hopes to have more players be a threat in front of the goal.

The midfield was solid for the Gaels a year ago, and Mason looks to improve if not maintain similar play this season.

“I think that our ability to pass the ball and find somebody by feeding them has improved from last year,” Mason said. “That’s been a really great growing point.”

Consistency has been a problem for the Gaels, as they will display their potential in some games while falling short in others. Keeping a steady incline is a goal for Mason.

“I think that we had some games last year where we spiked and were playing amazing,” Mason said. “Then our final two games in the season we hadn’t let in that many goals all year.”

The main goal for the team is to win the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Cchampionship and reach the NCAA Tournament. Mason looks to make sure there aren’t any hiccups to deter the team.

“Every game [we want to] make a team beat us, essentially, rather than shoot ourselves in the foot,” Mason said.

The Gaels have chemistry to help their consistency throughout the season. The depth and performance in the goalkeeper position alone helps the team’s performance.

“They’ve got such an awesome relationship that they really push each other,” Mason said. “It’s fun, [with]  so much depth there.”

The defense, although young, knows what their roles are and how to perform them.

“They all got a decent amount of experience last year,” Mason said. “So I think we’re going to see a lot more from our sophomore and junior classes.”

The Gaels want to maintain their brick-wall defense from last season. However, Army was able to break through Iona’s defense, beating the Gaels 18-8 in the season opener on Feb. 9.

“Showing that even though we may have graduated a big core of our defense, we’re still very, very strong in that regard,” Mason said. “That’s something we really pride ourselves on.”

Emphasis on allowing new players to show their talent is also a goal for the rest of the way.

“We have this group that’s really excited to have their chance,” Mason said. “I’m excited for them to be able to leave their mark in that regard.”