ANN ARBOR, MI - The Iona College women's water polo team opened its 2014 campaign Saturday afternoon with a pair of contest at at the Michigan Kick-Off at Canham Natatorium. The day began with a 17-9 loss to No. 15 Indiana before a 15-6 setback at the hands of No. 13 Michigan.

"It was a tough early test versus two of the top teams in the country," said head coach Brian Kelly. "We couldn't do anything consistently well today. Indiana and Michigan are fast, physical and deep. Still there's no excuses for the mistakes that we made. We'll learn from today."

Against the Hoosiers, Iona was led by senior Erika Lauraitis' three goals and one steal. Sophomores Rebecca Mathews and Meghan Mahoney scored twice, with Mathews adding two ejections drawn in the game. Senior Amy Olsen scored one goal, drew three ejections and picked up one steal. Sophomore Taylor Silva had the other Iona tally to go along with a steal. Senior Marisa Gaynor had nine saves and one steal in three quarters of action while sophomore Dana Delucchi had two saves in her Iona debut.

Against Michigan, Olsen scored twice, drew four ejections and grabbed one steal. Silva tallied two goals and drew four ejections. Lauraitis scored once and notched an assist on one of Silva's goals while sophomore Dana Andrea was credited with the other Iona goal. Gaynor made seven stops for the Maroon & Gold.

"We played well in spots but we have a lot of work to do," continued Kelly. "I'm encouraged at the positives that I've seen and we're going to be an excellent team when all is said and done."

The Gaels are back in action Feb. 1, when they take on Harvard (1:00 pm) and CAMO (3:00 pm) at the Villanova Invitational.