RIVERDALE, N.Y. - The Manhattan women's lacrosse team dropped an 11-9 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) decision to Iona at Gaelic Park on Wednesday afternoon.
With the loss, the Jaspers move to 3-12 overall, including 0-6 in league play. Iona improves to 6-9, and 2-5 against MAAC opponents.
The Gaels used a 4-0 spurt to close the first half and open the second half to overcome a 6-4 deficit and take an 8-6 lead, one they would hold onto the rest of the way.
Freshman Jenna Tolzmann had a game-high four goals, two of which came over that stretch, for Iona.
Manhattan made a late comeback attempt, scoring two of the final three goals in the contest, but a few key defensive stands and saves by senior starting goalkeeper Blaire Nathanson protected the Gaels' lead. She made ten saves in the game.
In the first half, the two teams exchanged goals until Iona took a 4-3 lead. Manhattan answered with its largest run, of 3-0, to take a 6-4 advantage.
Junior co-captain Megan Yarusso (Brewster, N.Y. / Brewster) netted twice on the mini run, while junior Claire Roediger (Katonah, N.Y. / Somers) tallied once.
Each side displayed balanced scoring, with the Jaspers receiving goals from six different players and Iona from five.
Yarusso, Roediger and senior Domenica O'Brey (Loudonville, N.Y. / Colonie Central) scored twice apiece. Junior co-captain Kaitlyn Cunningham (Spring Lake, N.J. / Red Bank Catholic), junior Stefanie Ranagan (Yorktown Heights, N.Y. / Yorktown) and sophomore Darby Nolan (Oakridge, N.J. / Jefferson Township) recorded one goal apiece.
Senior starting goalkeeper Christina Fiorinelli (Massapequa, N.Y. / Massapequa) picked up five ground balls and made seven saves in the outing. Junior defender Casey Silvestri (Pomona, N.Y. / Albertus Magnus) caused two turnovers.
Manhattan will next play on Saturday, April 18, when the squad travels upstate to take on Niagara. The opening draw control is scheduled for 4 p.m.