FAIRFIELD, CT – The Iona College women's soccer program began the 2018 campaign with a 3-2 win at Sacred Heart on Friday afternoon. Two goals from junior attacker Amber Crispin gave the Gaels an early cushion and rookie Faith Preziosi put home the game-winning score to secure the season opening victory.

Crispin wasted no time getting the Maroon & Gold on the scoreboard. After drawing a penalty just outside the 16-yard box, Crispin capitalized in the second minute and buried a free kick into the right side of the net. Less than five minutes later she propelled Iona to a two-goal lead with a header off a lofted assist from senior captain midfielder Mariana Jaramillo.

The Pioneers and Gaels traded shots for the remainder of the first half. Rookie goalkeeper Emma Havrilla made one save in the opening 45 minutes while the Iona offense out shot Sacred Heart, 5-4. Crispin had three shots and Jarmillo teamed with fellow midfielder, junior Ciara Guglielmo, to each tally one strike.

Iona took a 3-0 lead in the 53' with Preziosi scoring her first collegiate goal. The Parsippany, NJ native took in a pass from Guglielmo on the left side and was able to softly guide it in.

Sacred Heart got on the scoreboard in the 74' with Marana Gibbons getting one past Havrilla off an assist from Emily Rosso. The Pioneers tallied a final goal in the 90' with Christina Palanza sliding one home off a deflection from Caitlyn Buckley.

Iona concluded with 12 overall shots and nine shots on goal. Crispin had a team-high four shots, all of which were on net. Jaramillo took three attempts and Guglielmo fired two. Rookies Andrea Ferrer, Marika Niekowal and Preziosi each had one shot.

The Pioneers had 10 shots and Lindsay Corallo fired a team-high four. Six different student-athletes had one shot. Sacred Heart goalkeeper Nicole Sambucco had six saves.

Friday's goal tally is Iona's highest since Oct. 5, 2015 when the it tied against the Marist Red Foxes at Mazzella Field, 3-3.

The Maroon & Gold return to action on Tuesday, Aug. 21 against Army at Mazzella Field. Kick-off is at 3:00 PM. The game is being broadcasted live for free on IonaInsider.com.

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