New Rochelle is said to be the home of singer Don McLean, former baseball star Willie Mays and late actor Ossie Davis. It also is the birthplace of actor Matt Dillon, comedian Jay Leno and many others. But in this city of famous stars and legends, there was nothing to be said of the Binghamton women’s lacrosse team’s sixth consecutive loss, as the Iona Gaels (8-7) rocked the Bearcats (1-13), 18-12.

The game opened in favor of the ‘Cats with a goal apiece from senior Heather Grose, junior Leanne Musso and freshman Kate Gromatsky. But Iona struck back and put five goals into the Binghamton net in under three minutes. By the end of the first half, the Gaels had a 9-5 lead.

The Bearcat offense was overall scintillating, as Musso totaled a team-high five goals while Gromatsky netted two more for the team. Senior Danielle Edwards and sophomore Julia Demuth each contributed a goal and an assist.

Binghamton’s attack has indeed taken a turn for the better, as the last game against Long Island University showed when they put up a strong fight and placed a total of 13 goals. And while the Bearcats defense lacked vigor, sophomore C.J. Cuneo made 12 saves as goaltender.

For the Iona squad, the sister act took center stage as Jaclyn and Rachel O’Leary struck a total of 10 goals in the match. Marisa Audley of the Gaels had a total of five points, with two goals and three assists.

Despite the loss, head coach Emily Edmonston was elated by the team’s performance.

‘All season long we were talking about execution and consistency,’ Edmonston said. ‘They have been steadily improving in both fields.’

She also stated how she expected the Bearcats to keep their composure, whatever the outcome of the game might be, and at the same time to remain concentrated and secure throughout the match. She was proud to say that the team ‘was able to stay confident throughout the whole game.’

The season will draw to a close this weekend, as the Bearcats return home to face off against New Hampshire in their final game tomorrow at noon. The team will remain focused on its goal of executing the ball and will concentrate on ‘not having any lapses in execution and consistency,’ according to Edmonston.

The Bearcats have been eliminated from contention for the America East tournament, while the Wildcats have already clinched a spot and will be playing for seeding.