NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – The Niagara Purple Eagles came back once in the first half, but ultimately fell to the Iona Gaels, 2-1 on a rain-soaked Saturday afternoon at Niagara Field.
 
The Gaels (7-7-4, 6-2-2 MAAC) jumped out to an early 1-0 lead when Melissa Frederick scored just 50 seconds into the contest.  The Purple Eagles (4-12-2, 3-5-2 MAAC) did not go quietly as Breanna Catipovic, who was one of two seniors honored in a pregame ceremony, scored her eighth of the season when she found an open spot just outside of the goal area and converted a rebound of a Shawnique Samuels shot to tie the game at 1-1. The goal tied Catipovic's career-high for goals in a season.

"I thought we competed hard today and had chances to win," head coach Peter Veltri said.  "I thought we were the better team overall but we just couldn't capitalize."
 
Iona took the lead back with just two and a half minutes left in the opening half. 

The Purple Eagles controlled most of the second half, they outshot Iona 8-6 and had two solid chances to tie the game late, but the Gaels were able to nurse their lead and come away with the 2-1 victory. 
 
Both Catipovic and Samuels tied for the team lead in shots on goal, with two, and Claire Feiertag finished with three saves.  

Saturday's contest featured a pregame ceremony to honor the two graduating seniors on the 2013 squad.  Both Catipovic and Kayla Picanco had family in attendance.

After today's result Niagara finishes the regular season as the No. 8 seed for the 2013 MAAC Championships being held in Orlando, Fla.  The Purple Eagles will play No. 9 Canisius at 2 p.m. in the third and final opening round match on Oct. 31.