RIVERSIDE, CA - The Iona College men's water polo team began its annual west coast road swing with a pair of losses on the road, beginning with a 13-12 loss to Cal Baptist Thursday afternoon at Lancer Aquatics Center before dropping an 11-8 decision at Whittier College at Lillian Slade Aquatic Center.
The Gaels found themselves ahead 2-0 after the first quarter after goals from juniors James Ramaley and Ian Thompson. The Lancers were able to even the score at half, outscoring Iona 4-2 during the second quarter. Cal Baptist would add five more goals in the third quarter taking a 9-7 lead into the fourth. Iona would outscore the home team 5-4 in the final period but would not be able to even the score.
Thompson led the Gaels with four goals, while junior Jake Lloyd and sophomore Zach Presto had two tallies apiece. Seniors Matthew Stelnicki and Sean Davis, Ramaley and junior Kyle Elmore each had one goal each. Senior Stefen Hill had 11 saves in net. Cal Baptist was led by four goals from Cameron Custance.
Against Whittier, the Gaels could get themselves out of an early hole, trailing 3-1 after the first. The Poets pulled out to a 5-2 lead at half, and extended the lead to four, 9-5, after three. Iona outscored the opposition 3-2 in the fourth but could not get any closer.
Lloyd led the Gaels with three goals in the contest, all coming in the final period. Stelnicki and Presto had two tallies apiece while Ramaley scored once.
The Gaels continue road trip Friday when they begin play at the Gary Troyer Tournament at the Slade Aquatics Center. Iona will take on Cal Lutheran at 2:00 pm EST, and No. 16 Concordia at 7:20 pm EST.
