RIVERDALE, NY - In the team's 2009 MAAC opener, the Iona College men's swimming and diving team defeated Manhattan by the final of 101-88.

In the opening event, the 400 yd medley relay, the Gaels' team of David Gartman, Chris Yacobacci, Matt Magura and William Kolodgie took first with a time of 3:47.61. The team of Raymond Joyal, Graham Weir, Jay Wegimont and Chris Durette was second with a time of 3:59.93.

In the 1000 yd freestyle, Joseph De Leone picked up his first career event victory as he finished first with a time of 10:23.03. Zachary Benoit (10:26.95) and Patrick O'Reilly (10:55.74) took second and third to complete a top three sweep for the Gaels.

In the 200 yd freestyle, Yacobacci took second with a time of 1:49.06, while Joyal (1:56.16) and Magura (2:00.38) took third anf fourth, respectively.

Ed Gronkowski got Iona back to its winning ways as he took first in the 50 yd freestyle with a time of 22.77. Michael O'Connor was third with a time of 24.58.

Gartman took first in the 200 yd IM with a time of 2:01.70. Kolodgie took second with a time of 2:06.05. In the next event, Gartman won the 100 yd butterfly with atime of 54.60. O'Reilly was second with a time of 55.70, while Wegimont took fourth with a time of 59.57.

Weir placed second in the 100 yd freestyle, finishing in 50.35.

Michael Wu took second in the 100 yd backstroke in a time of 59.24.

Durette won his first collegiate event in the 500 yd freestyle, finishing with a time of 5:20.12. Marty Callinan was second with a time of 5:25.62.

Iona hosts Canisius Saturday at the Hynes Center Pool, beginning at 10:00 am.