WEST LONG BRANCH, NJ- Monmouth University's (11-7, 6-2 MAAC) women's lacrosse team will head back to the semifinals of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Tournament for the third straight season after downing Iona College (9-9, 4-3 MAAC) by a score of 13-7 on Saturday afternoon.

"Today was a great team win," said first year Monmouth Head Coach Eileen Ghent. "It's tough to play a good team twice and I'm happy with how we adjusted and responded to the challenge."

The Hawks took a 2-0 lead on goals from Alexa Smith (Westhampton Beach, NY/Westhampton Beach) and Olivia Higson (Cheadle Hulme, England/Withington Girls School) over the first six minutes. Iona was able to cut the lead to one on two occasions but back to back Caroline Corbliss (Marriotts Ridge, MD/Marriottsville) goals started a 4-0 run for the Hawks which gave them a 7-2 lead going into the break.

Monmouth's lead grew to 10-2 over the first six minutes of the second half, with Kate Ryan (Morton, Pa./Springfield) hitting the back of the net twice. Iona's Mary Kate McCormick scored her first of three goals to slash the lead to seven but Corbliss and Smith struck again and the lead grew back to eight. With a 13-4 lead, Iona scored three goals over a 2:04 period but time ran out on their comeback attempt, eventually falling 13-7.

Senior goalie Caroline Huelster (Mount Laurel, NJ/Lenape) had a career-high 15 saves in the contest, while Smith and Corbliss led the way offensively with a trio of goals each. Higson registered three points on a goal and two assists while senior Michelle Gonzales (Marlton, NJ/Cherokee) and Ryan each scored twice. Senior Kristina Vangeli anchored a defense that allowed four goals for 57 minutes of the game, while individually she had six draw controls, three caused turnovers and two ground balls.

"Caroline's saves were absolutely unbelievable, especially against such a talented attack," said Ghent. "She continues to get better and we're all excited to see what she can do on Friday."

McCormick scored three times for the Gaels, including the final two markers. Four other Iona players registered a goal while the two Gael goalies that played combined for nine saves. Shots were even at 29-29 but Monmouth dominated in the draw, winning 14 of the 22 opportunities. The Hawks were 1-of-2 on free position attempts while Iona was 1-for-7 from the 8 meter.

"We have created some good momentum going into the semifinal game, but we know it will take full focus and effort on Friday," said Ghent.

Monmouth will face Marist at 4 PM in Buffalo on Friday, May 6. Earlier in the season the Red Foxes (6-2 in the MAAC) topped the Hawks 13-6 in Poughkeepsie to edge Monmouth out for the second seed.

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