NEW ROCHELLE, NY - The Iona College women's swimming and diving team won its initial meet of the 2009 season by upending Wagner by the score of 109-95. It marks the fifth time in six years the Gaels opened up the season with a victory.

"The women looked very solid, we were very pleased at the way every one attacked their races," said coach Nick Cavataro, "our freshman swam particulary strong."

Rookie Theresa Harvey performed very well anchoring the opening 400 yd medley relay team of junior Brittany Freeman, sophomore Jamie Manser, junior Samantha Cody and Harvey to a come from behind win as well as taking the 50-free (24.74) and 100-Free (54.35) with times that rank her fourth all-time in each event.

Freshman Victoria Ponzo swam a great 1000 yd freestyle with a time that ranks her fourth all time and led a 1-2-3 finish for the Gaels , with freshman Kara Nowakowski, whose 1053.66 now ranks fifth all-time, second and junior Christine Larkin third.

However, the biggest surprise may of the day have been sophomore Mackenzie Mone, who had a great meet winning the 200-Free with a regular season best time of 156.69 and returned to back Harvey in the 100-Free at 54.83, also in season best time.

The Gaels travel to Seton Hall for a meet with the Pirates on Tue, Nov. 3 beginning at 5:00 pm.