St. Joe's Women's Hoops Hopes To Continue Surge Vs. Iona

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Since starting the season 0-3, the St. Joseph's University women's basketball team has won four of five games to even its record at 4-4.

The Hawks will look to move above .500 for the first time in the campaign on Thursday when they host Iona.

Hawks head coach Cindy Griffin talks about what's clicked for her team the last couple of weeks.

"I think we're finding different ways to win," Griffin tells KYW Newsradio. "I think we're winning with a great deal of defense, we're holding teams to ten under their average. We're able to execute down the stretch when we need to in close games."

Listen to the entire interview with St. Joe's head coach Cindy Griffin

Senior forward Sarah Fairbanks has been a key piece for the Hawks this season. She leads the team in scoring (11.5 ppg) and rebounding (7.6).

"Sarah's a leader, first and foremost," Griffin says. "She's a senior captain. She's one of two other seniors that have experienced a lot of success here at St. Joe's, winning an Atlantic 10 Championship and playing in the NCAA Tournament. She brings a lot of that experience with her every day and not just on game day. She has done a fabulous job with the younger kids. She's produced for us offensively and defensively. She's one of our best defensive players on the court."

On Thursday, the Hawks will face an Iona team that is 4-6. But the Gaels have also rallied from a slow start, winning three of their last four since opening the season 1-5.

"They have a very good player in (senior forward) Joy Adams (12.2 ppg & 11.4 rpg) and their point guard (Marina Lizarazu) is very good as well," Griffin says. "They've had different people step up at different times. I think that's the dangerous thing about them is that anybody can light it up from distance and from inside."

St. Joe's and Iona will tip-off at 11:30 on Thursday morning at Hagan Arena.