NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. - Battling back from a 21-point deficit to start the fourth quarter, the Saint Joseph's women's basketball team's rally came up just short as the Hawks fell, 58-57, to Iona on Wednesday night at the Hynes Athletics Center.

Down 48-27 to start the final period, the Hawks (0-3) furiously fought back and had a chance to tie in their final possession as sophomore Alyssa Monaghan was fouled as she made a three-pointer with 2.6 seconds to bring the Hawks to within one, 58-57.

On the ensuing free throw, Monaghan's shot rolled in and out as Iona's Alexis Lewis secured the rebound. But the final seconds would be reviewed as the referees appeared to make a delayed call. After meeting, the referees confirmed the buzzer had sounded to end the game.

Iona (2-0) jumped out to a 10-2 lead and controlled the pace for the opening 30 minutes as the Hawks struggled to connect from the field. The Gaels built up a 48-27 lead after three quarters as they shot 19-of-45 (42.2 percent), while holding SJU to just 11-of-44.

Staying aggressive in the final 10 minutes, Saint Joseph's hit 9-of-19 from the floor, including four three-pointers, in the final quarter and limited Iona to just 3-of-6 shooting, leading to the thrilling final moments.

For the game, SJU shot 31.7 percent overall (20-of-63) as sophomore Sarah Veilleux led three Hawks in double figures with a career-high 14 points. Junior Adashia Franklyn had a double-double, scoring 10 points to go with a game-high 12 rebounds, while classmate Chelsea Woods finished with 12 points.

The Gaels got a game-high 21 points from Marina Lizarazu as they finished 22-of-51 from the floor (43.1 percent).

The Hawks return to action next Tuesday at Big 5 rival Penn. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at the Palestra.

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