NEW ROCHELLE, NY – The Iona women's soccer program began its Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference season with a 0-0 draw against visiting Canisius College.  It is the first time the Maroon & Gold have earned a point in its conference opener since 2014 when they drew against Quinnipiac.

Junior Mariana Jaramillo and graduate Erika Flowers combined for nine of the Gaels 16 total shots.  Sophomore Mariah Elsenheimer registered two shots on goal while Jaramillo, Flowers, senior Julia Campagna, and freshman Kelsie Kearns each had one attempt on net.  Senior goalkeeper Tiffany Martinez made seven saves in her first shutout of the season.

Sophomore Gretta Dry led the Golden Griffins with four shots on goal.  Freshman Amanda Wisbeck, sophomore Madeline Beaulieu, and junior Melanie Linsmair each tested Martinez once. 

Dry tested Martinez early on, forcing her to make a two-handed save in a one-on-one opportunity in the eighth minute.  Kearns and Jaramillo combined for a dangerous opportunity in the 18th minute.  Kearns got her head on a corner attempted booted by sophomore Amber Crispin; sophomore goalie Alana Rossi denied Iona's rookie initially, and the Canisius defense combined to block a follow-up shot from Jaramillo.

Both teams traded chances in the second half.  Flowers send a chance high in the 52nd minute for Iona, and Bealieu had a header sail just over the crossbar for Canisius in the 71st.  Graduate Jacque Rice, who checked in late in the second, had her lone shot attempted go wide in the 74th minute.  Jaramillo took three shot attempts in the final 10 minutes, one of which warranted a save from Rossi.

Both teams combined for six shots in the two overtime periods.  The best chance for Iona came in the 94th minute when Campagna urged one just wide.  The Golden Griffs had two near-misses in the 105th and 107th minute from Dry and freshman Shauna Lee.

Iona and Canisius each had three corner kick opportunities in the match.

The Gaels take to the road first time since Aug. 24 when they make their way to Fairfield on Wednesday, Sept. 20.  Kickoff between the Stags and Iona is set for 7 PM.

Fans can keep up with the latest news and excitement surrounding Iona women's soccer by following the team on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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