New Rochelle, NY - The Iona College Men's Swimming and Diving Team returned to the pool and MAAC competition on Thursday night as it faced Saint Peter's.  The Gaels played catch-up for most the night and trailed by just a few points heading into the final two events, but the Peahens held on for a two-point victory, 118-116.

"We're all a little disaapointed," said captain David Gartman.  "It really came down to last relay.  Everybody put in a ton of effort and is giving 100 percent."  Gartman earned a first place finish in the 200 Free touching the wall at 1:47.38.  Seth Tasman and Ed Gronkowski both just missed being 1-2 in the 50 Free coming in at 22.24 and 22.64.  Tasman was just .08 off the leader.  Jon Riddle took both diving events scoring 157.95 in the 1 meter and 113.40 in the 3 meter.

Gartman earned his second win of the evening with a 5:02.87 in the 500 Free.  Gronkowski stormed back from nearly a full length behind to the take second place at 5:06.55,

"We thought we would be able to handle [Saint Peter's] and just had some disappointing races," commented Head Coach Nick Cavataro.  Coming off a successful training trip Cavataro added that his team is getting stronger in the longer races.  "We really expanded on our distance pace, but we still have some work to do sprint wise."

As for the rest of the season, he says his team can already feel the MAAC just around the corner.  "This time of year, it feels like you're going the speed limit and then you push it into overdrive. the kids and coaches are starting to see the finish line at the MAACs.  We have a non-conference meet against Seton Hill and then dual meet aginast Loyola and Fairfield at home.  The kids really like swimming at the Hynes Pool."