Flushing, NY - The Iona College Men's Water Polo team has faced some the steepest competition this past week than it has faced in recent seasons.  The Gaels (3-7) dropped a tough decision on Tuesday night to No. 13 St. Francis (NY) 16-8 in the first-ever match played at Flushing Meadows Corona Park Aquatic Center.

The Maroon & Gold fell behind early, but outscored the Terriers (3-2) three goals to two goals to trail 5-3 heading into the second quarter.  St. Francis (NY) had a strong start to the second and third quarters and Iona could not recover. 

"We played really well and one of the best games we've played against one of the top teams on the east coast," said Head Coach Brian Kelly.  The Gaels drew 14 6-on-5 power plays, but were only able to convert on four of the opportunities.  The Terriers were 50% on their 6-on-5 power plays.  "[The team] drew 14 power plays, which is great news," added Kelly and said that the team is "heading in the right direction."

Captain Patrick St. Cin led the team with three goals, an assist and two kickouts drawn.  Joe Przekota added a pair of goals and also added an assist and a pair of kickouts drawn.  Trevor Creighton had a goal and a steal with Nick Velasquez netting a goal, a kickout drawn and two field blocks.  Ed Gronkowski was all over the pool with five kickouts drawn to go along with a goal and a field block.  Seth Tasman and Cameron Hudson each added a field block.  Goalie Eric Konzem, who had a good weekend in net at the Princteon Invitational, stopped ten shots and had a takeaway.  

Iona has a quick turnaround as they head back to Flushing and the campus of Queens College to face the Knights on Wednesday, September 17 at 7:30 pm.