College Park, MD - The Iona College women's water polo team opened their 2008 season
against some tough competition at the Terrapin Invitational. The Gaels
(0-2) faced off against Maryland and kept it close early, but the Terps
put up seven goals in the third period to take a 16-6 win. The Maroon
and Gold took on Princeton in their second game and fell behind early. The Gaels tried to keep pace late but the damage was done, falling 12-6.
In the first game against the Terps (6-3), the Gaels were down just one goal after the first period, but were looking up at Maryland 6-2 at halftime. The third quarter decided the game as Maryland got seven goals on their way to a season high in goals going on to take a 16-16 win. Iona got a pair of goals from junior Lauren Peterson, who added two kick outs drawn and two steals. Junior Amanda Cody also had two goals, two kick outs drawn, and picked up a steal. Preseason MAAC Player of the Year, sophomore Amanda Brucia, had one goal and drew five kick outs. Junior Stephanie Klocke rounded out the Gaels' scoring with a goal and two steals.
"This was the ninth game for them and we are behind them in a game sense," said Head Coach Brian Kelly. "We made some mental mistakes that hurt us. The story of this weekend is to catch up to everyone else."
Kelly added that every team at the Invitational has played in at least one tournament, including the host Maryland.
"We're going right into it and trying to get some experience."
In the second game against Princeton, Kelly felt the Gaels were able to get into more of rhythm. The Gaels fell behind, though as the Tigers (6-2) put up four goals in each of the first two periods and Iona was only able to add a pair. The second half was a different story as the Gaels defense stepped up and limited the scoring opportunities for Princeton and tied in the third period scoring, but still were down by four goals, 10-6. The Maroon and Gold couldn't cut the lead of Princeton, who added two more goals to take a 12-6 win.
Peterson added three goals, drew two kickouts, and had two steals. Kelly called Peterson the "Player of the Weekend" with her five goals and four kick outs. Brucia notched two goals and drew three kickouts. Rookie Amanda Anastasio picked up her first collegiate goal and classmate Kathleen Link had 10 saves in net against the Tigers. She had five saves in game one against Maryland.
"We had no flow in game one as we tried to find out what worked," said Kelly. "We played really well defensively against Princeton. We had our chances, but weren't able to convert on our man-up chances (0-7 in first game; 3-7 in second game)."
Kelly pointed out that the Gaels were much more competitive in the second game and felt that they would have a good chance at claiming a win tomorrow against Bucknell. "It's tough because we are playing four of the six toughest teams in our first three tournaments. All of these teams know that we are starting late, but they are going to be worried about us the next time they see us."
