EASTON, Pa. – The Lafayette women's lacrosse team took the first 20 minutes to settle in against Iona in the 2019 home opener at Fisher Stadium on Tuesday evening, but once the Leopards got going, the visiting Gaels could little to stop them in a 14-6 victory.

The win is the second in as many games to open the spring campaign, moving the Maroon and White to 2-0 following a road win at St. Bonaventure on Feb. 10. Iona is still searching for its first win at 0-4 this season.

Senior Jane Kirby provided the bulk of the offense, following up a four-goal effort against the Bonnies with five on Tuesday night, including an assist, with all her markers coming from the eight-meter spot. Classmate Emma Novick also tallied a hat trick in her first game of her final season, while senior Hannah Davey added a pair of goals and four other Leopards posted a tally.

The defense was sensational once again, led in the cage by sophomore Quinn Lacy, who tallied seven saves and played her position well with five ground balls and a pair of caused turnovers. The group of Lacy, senior co-captain Annelise Kinney, classmate Amelia Heisler and freshman Lily Bedell along the back line has allowed just six goals in more than 100 minutes of action so far this season.

Iona struck first with a pair of goals, but Lafayette countered with a Mairead Janzer score and the first from Kirby at 20:34 to tie it up early at two apiece. In the final 3:15, the Maroon and White ripped off three straight with two from Novick to take the game into the break at 5-2.

The Gaels scored first in the second stanza as well, with the teams trading a pair of tallies over the opening 10 minutes to put the margin at 7-4 with 21:13 to play. Then, Lafayette made its move, netting seven straight scores, finished off by freshman Olivia Cunningham's tally at 10:16, sufficiently putting the game out of reach with a 14-4 lead and ending it with a final of 14-6.

Shots finished at 35-25 in favor of the home side and Lafayette controlled the ground-ball game at 27-17. The teams were even in draw controls with 11 per side, but the Leopards' ride was a major factor, forcing 12 failed Iona clears in 23 attempts.

The Maroon and White return to action on Monday, making the short trip to Philadelphia for a meeting with Temple. Opening draw is set for 3 p.m.