Bronx, NY - In their return to the field for the first time in 1043 days, The City College of New York lacrosse program fell in their 2022 season opener to Iona College, 7-6.

The Gaels struck first in the contest, netting a goal in the early minutes of the opening quarter to take a 1-0 lead. The Beavers responded as junior midfielder Justin Salmeron netted the first goal of the day for the Beavers to even the game. Iona found the back of the net once again to close out the frame with a 2-1 lead.

In the second period, the Gaels scored quickly, extending their lead to 3-1. CCNY answered again as graduate-student Carlos Cruz-Perez led the attack, tallying the Beaver's second goal. The Gaels added one more goal before the end of the frame, owning a 4-2 advantage at halftime.

In the third quarter, the Beavers caught fire, scoring three unanswered goals. Freshman Julian Lam scored the first maker of the half, followed by freshman Eric Giannaris's unassisted goal midway through the quarter that even the contest at 4-4. Cruz-Perez tallied his second goal off an assist from Giannaris to give the Beaver's their first lead of the game, 5-4.

Trailing by one goal entering the final quarter, Iona rallied to score three straight goals, taking a 7-5 lead. Freshman Delorian Millien netted the final goal in the game's closing seconds for the Beavers.

Freshman Maximus Czernisz started for the Beavers in goal, making ten saves.

Next, the Beavers return to action on Saturday, Apr. 2, a pair of games at home, facing off against Rutgers-Camden at 4:30 p.m., followed by Hudson Hellfire at 5:30 p.m. Both games will take place a Randall's Island - Field 10.