Annapolis, MD - The Iona College Men's Water Polo team opened its 2008 season at the Navy Open in Annapolis, Maryland on Saturday.  The Gaels (2-0) took the opener 12-9 over Mercyhurst and downed Gannon 16-8 in the nightcap.  Senior Nick Velasquez finished the day with two goals, three assists and 10 steals.

The Gaels jumped out to a 9-3 lead at the half against Lakers (1-1) on the way to the victory.  "We missed lot of opens shots," said Head Coach Brian Kelly.  "This is a team we split with last year and is ranked ahead of us in the CWPA, so this was a big win."

Velasquez had seven steals, a goal, and an assist against Mercyhurst.  Sophomore Seth Tasman, who returned from a season-ending injury in 2007, netted three goals and handed out an assist.  Junior Joe Przekota picked up his first two goals of 2008 and drew four kickouts.  Senior captain Patrick St. Cin scored twice with an assist and two field blocks.  Junior Emre Erdogan had a goal and a pair of field blocks while senior Ed Gronkowski scored a goal and an assist.  Freshman Trevor Creighton scored his first two goals in the Maroon and Gold and one goal came on a penalty shot.  Sophomore goalie Eric Konzem had four saves and had two takeaways.

Against the Golden Knights (1-1), Przekota continued a strong start to '08 with four more goals, three kickouts drawn and a field block.  Creighton stayed on his heals with four more of his own.  Tasman had a hat-trick and field block, St. Cin had a goal and three assists, Gronkowski netted a goal and handed out two assists while sophpmore Andrew Velasquez added a goal.  Nick Velasquez score a goal, handed out two assists with three takeaways to cement his strong day.   Erdogan netted a goal and an assist and freshman Cameron Hudson picked his first goal as a Gael.  Konzem played the first half in net with nine saves, two steals and an assist.  Junior tranfer Eric Lilly had three saves in second half.

Iona continues the Navy Open on Sunday against Navy B at 8:40 am and Bucknell at 3:40 pm.