POUGHKEEPSIE, NY - The top-seeded Iona College women's water polo team advanced to the championship game of the 2011 MAAC Championships after defeating the number four seed St. Francis (NY) 12-8 Saturday afternoon at the McCann Natatorium.  The Gaels will take on third seeded Wagner, who defeated Marist 11-10 in overtime in the second semifinal.

The Gaels were ahead just 5-3 at half, but were able to outscore the Terriers 4-2 in the third quarter to push their lead to four, the eventual game differential. Junior Cecilia Leonard led the Gaels with eight points on five goals and three assists. Leonard also pickerd up a steal on defense. Senior Maggie Wood, the MAAC Offensive Player of the Year, had three goals, two assists and drew four kickouts and two penalty shots. Wood also had two steals for the Marooon & Gold. Freshman Amy Olsen, the MAAC Rookie of the Year, had two goals, two assists and drew one kickout and one penalty shot. Junior Mackenzie Mone had two goals, two assists and two steals while also going 4-for-4 on swimoffs. Sophomore Alyssa Turza drew three kickouts for the Gaels while junior Caitlin McGregor had one assist and senior Sam Cody had one field block. Senior Kathleen Link had 11 saves and one assist for the Gaels.

"The semifinal match is always tough, just as tough as the championship game," said head coach Brian Kelly. "We did not make it easy on ourselves in the first half as we couldn't convert on our counter attack attempts. We were able to turn that around in the third quarter and build a strong lead."

The Gaels and Seahawks face off tomorrow at 2:00 pm with the winner advancing to the 2011 NCAA Water Polo championship.