TEANECK, N.J.- The FDU Knights (2-3) outlasted the Iona Gales (1-4) in a non-conference women's lacrosse matchup at University Stadium.
Nora Codianni stole the shoe for the Knights, logging three goals and four draw controls. FDU recorded their first home win of the 2026 campaign, as well as their second game with double-digit goals.
The Knights struck. first with a
Karly Dillabough goal just 37 seconds into the contest to lead 1-0. FDU held onto the lead until the Gales responded to tie the game. Iona attempted to take a lead, but were denied by
Riley Schildt. With just 2:42 left in the first quarter,
Abigail McDonald scooped up a ground ball to help move the Knights into their offensive third.
Mia Devino launched a shot, wide of the mark, but was found by
Riley Eaton on a scoring play with 3:09 left in the quarter. the Knights took a 2-1 lead into the break.
Iona started the second quarter with possession as a result of a green card on Dillabough, quickly losing possession and giving the Knights another opportunity. The knights ripped off two shots, but could not connect. After a Schildt save and ground ball recovery, the Knights were given a free position attempt in plus territory.
Brielle McInaw pulled the trigger to extend the Knights lead with 9:20 to go in the first half. Following the next draw control, the Dillabough found her way to the back of the net to give FDU the 4-1 advantage. The Gales mounted an offensive of their own, narrowing the gap to 4-3 in favor of the Knights.
Nora Codianni made her presence felt, scoring twice in 19 seconds to give FDU a 6-3 lead. Iona got one back in the waning seconds of the half, as the Knights led at the intermission 6-4.
The third quarter began with Codianni picking up where she left off in the second half, putting the Knights ahead 7-4 just under two minutes into the second half. the squads exchanged quick goals with
Jenny Spencer answering an Iona goal. The ales ended the quarter with two unanswered scores, as the Knights lead shrank to 8-7.
Iona attempted to sustain their momentum to start the final quarter, however the squad was shut down by a critical
Skylar Goodman save early to keep the scoreboard unaltered.
Mia Layne answered back with eight minutes left in the contest with a goal to put FDU ahead by two, 9-7. The Knights scored their final goal off a Spencer up-goal following a green card issued to the gales. The Knights gave up two late goals in just a 60 second span, as FDU remained ahead 9-10 with just under three minutes to go. With the gales in plus territory, the McDonald caused a turnover and recovered the ground ball to close the door on the Gales as the Knights won 10-9.
The Knights return home on March 7, hosting Austin Peay at noon. Coverage of the game will air on NEC Front Row.
