NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Senior forward Haillie Price scored two goals and added an assist as the Niagara Purple Eagles survived a late scare to top the Iona Gaels, 4-3, on Saturday afternoon.

"The goal was to get the win and go 2-0 in conference and I'm proud of the girls for getting the job done," head coach Peter Veltri said.  "I thought the first 45 minutes was outstanding.  Offensively and defensively we played as well as we have all year; we did a great job of creating and scoring some great goals today".

For the second consecutive game, junior Emily Phillips scored the game's first goal, this one coming in the 18th minute. Defender Amanda Gallo played Price into space and Price crossed the ball to Phillips, who slotted the ball home.

A mere twenty seconds later, it was Price herself adding to her sizzling hot start to the season. Price managed to get into the box with possession and sent a low shot to the far side of the net, doubling NU's lead to 2-0.

Price chipped in her second of the day and team-leading eighth of the season in the 32nd minute to push the lead to 3-0. Forward Laura Ortiz out-jumped the Iona defense on a goal kick and headed the ball to Price, who calmly sent the ball into the back of the net.

Hayley Besaw provided what proved to be the game-winner in the 60th minute after a beautiful give-and-go sequence with junior Naomi Giovino found Besaw alone in the box, where she sent a low finish past the goalkeeper.

Iona fought to get back into the game by scoring three goals in the last 24 minutes of regulation. Charlotte Stuart pulled one back for the Gaels in the 66th minute and Erika Flowers cut the deficit in half by finishing off a cross in the 73rd minute. Iona forward Marisa Bentley provided late game drama with an 86th minute goal, but NU's veteran players kept the team composed and preserved the victory.

Price recorded a game-high four shots on goal while Niagara finished the day with 27 total shots and a season-high four goals.

Niagara (4-3-2; 2-0-0) continues its home MAAC schedule on Wednesday, Sept. 30 with a tilt against the Siena Saints at 4:00 pm.

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