NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – The first-ever Fairfield win came in New York, with the Stags defeating a MAAC team 3-0.  Over twenty years and 249 wins later, the Stags repeated the feat.  Michelle Kowalski, Karolyn Collins, and Ashley Small all scored as the Fairfield women's soccer team defeated Iona, 3-0, to earn a first-round bye in the MAAC tournament and secure a spot in the semifinals.  The victory was also the 250th in program history.

“Our win was important to get back on track after our loss over the weekend at Niagara,” Head Coach Jim O'Brien said.  “The bye to the semifinal gives us time to prepare in training and rest and recover for out opponent next Friday.”

Fairfield has now won seven straight matches after a loss, dating back to last season.

The Stags (14-4-1, 8-2 MAAC) got on the board 15 minutes into the first half, when off a corner kick, Collins sent a ball into the box where Kowalski was able to head the ball in the back of the net.  It was the second goal of the season for Kowalski and the seventh assist for Collins, which currently leads the conference.

Collins added to her career season 20 minutes later, when she took in a cross from Pam Coufos to notch her first career goal. 

The half would end with Iona (6-10-3, 2-5-3 MAAC) taking two shots, but the Gaels' leading scorer Erica Flowers missed both attempts wide.

The Gaels put more pressure on the Stags' backline firing 10 shots in the final 45 minutes, with four on goal.  Kathleen Early was up for the challenge picking up five saves in earning her seventh shutout of the season.  Early has never given up a goal against the Gaels in 270 minutes.

Fairfield capped off the scoring when Small took a feed from Megan O'Brien to score her eighth goal of the season which is tied for the team-high.

The Stags earned their 14th win of the season which is tied for the fourth most in program history. 

Fairfield will await their opponent in the MAAC Semifinals which will be held in Monmouth, N.J. with the first game coming on Friday, November 7.