Loudonville, NY - The Iona College women's water polo team won in convincing fashion and are headed to the finals at the Siena Invitational to take on the host, Siena, tomororw at noon. The Gaels (2-3) used a dominate first half to beat Utica 14-4. The Maroon and Gold continued its dominance with a 7-1 second quarter on its way to a 20-8 win over Gannon.

In the opener, the Gaels jumped out to a 4-0 lead after the first quarter and were up 8-1 at halftime. The Pioneers (0-2) were never able to recover as Iona outscored them 6-3 in the second half and took the win, 14-4.  Freshman Maggie Wood scored her three goals, her first in the Maroon and Gold. Wood also added two assists and a steal. MAAC Pre-season Player of the Year Amanda Brucia added a pair of goals, two assists, drew three kickouts and one steal. Lauren Peterson had another strong performance with two goals and an assist, Freshman Sam Cody had a goal and two kickouts drawn and her sister, junior Amanda Cody had a goal and four steals. Sam Cody also was 3-for-3 on swim-offs and Wood was 1-for-1 on swim-offs. Sophomore Meghan Keller had two goals, two kickouts drawn, rookie Amanda Anastasio had a goal and an assist and junior Stephanie Klocke had an assist and a steal. Freshman goalkeeper Kathleen Link had seven saves in the victory.

Iona got back in the pool in the afternoon against Gannon. With a 3-2 advantage after the first quarter, the Gaels went on a 7-1 run heading into halftime and added 10 more goals on their way to a 20-8 victory. The Maroon and Gold held the Golden Knights (1-3) to just 2-for-9 on man-up penalty chances while converting on four of their five opportunities. The Gaels also added a 5-M penalty shot from Amanda Brucia. Brucia finished with three goals, two assists and three steals. Wood had another strong game picking up four goals, four steals, 2 kickouts drawn and an assist. Peterson added three goals, an assist and a steal, senior Captain Alicia Keating picked up one goal, one steal, and Klocke netted a pair of goals. The rookies played a big role in the win as Sam Cody netted two goals, an assist and a steal, Anastasio added three goals, an assistant, one kickout drawn and Link stopped ten Golden Knights' shots.

The Gaels are back in the pool tomorrow, March 2 at noon as they face the host, Siena, in the Siena Invitational Final.