New Rochelle, NY - The Iona College Men's Swim Team competed in its final non-conference and second to last meet of the 2008-09 season Tuesday afternoon.  The Gaels faced the Big East's Seton Hall and the Pirates came out quickly to grab control of the meet, one they never relinquished in a 138-95 win.

"We were clearly a bit flat today," said Head Coach Nick Cavataro.  "I'm not sure exactly why."  The Gaels entered Tuesday's meet just five days removed from a a tough two point defeat to MAAC rival Saint Peter's.  "We saw a few good races, but we have to be sharper on Saturday," added Cavataro commenting on Iona's dual-meet with Loyola (MD) and Fairfield.

David Gartman claimed the top spot for the Maroon & Gold in the 200 Free as he touched the wall first at 1:47.77.  "[Gartman] continues to perform well and is getting more and more confident each race," commented Cavataro.  Seth Tasman was a double-winner in the 50 Free (22.61) and 100 Free (48.83). 

Other strong finishes for Iona included the "A" 200 Free Relay team of Joe Przekota, Matt Magura, Trevor Creighton and Cameron Hudson, who came in with a time of 1:42.10.  Matthew Kolb finished just off Tasman in the 50 Free in a time of 22.85.  Creighton finished just 0.50 back of the winner in the 100 Fly touching the wall at 55.75.   

The Gaels return to the Hynes Athletics Center Pool on January 31 for a dual meet against MAAC opponents Loyola (MD) and Fairfield. "With two of main MAAC rivals here on Saturday and the last meet for our seniors, I think we'll see the intensity and hopefully results come up a notch," added Cavataro.  The meet begins at 10am with diving.  Cavataro will recognize his program's seven seniors at 12:45pm before the swimming portion of the meet commences at around 1pm.  A schedule for Saturday's meet will be posted, so continue to check back on ICGaels.com for the latest information.