PRINCETON, NJ - The Iona College men's water polo team completed its opening weekend slate at the Princeton Invitational Sunday at DeNunzio Pool. In the first game of the day, the Gaels lost a hard fought contest to MIT 16-13 before falling to the host Tigers, ranked 13th nationally, 20-11.
"I'm excited about how we competed this weekend against top competition", said head coach Brian Kelly. "These games helped us grow in the pool and will certainly help come league play."
In the opening contest of the day against MIT, the Gaels and Engineers traded goals over the first period, leading to a 5-5 tie after one quarter. MIT outscored the Maroon & Gold 7-5 in the second, taking a 12-10 advantage into the half. A 2-0 third quarter gave the Engineers a 14-10 cushion heading into the final frame. Iona scored three times in the fourth, but could only get within two before an MIT tally with three seconds remaining gave the Engineers the three-goal victory.
Senior James Ramaley registered six points in the conest, on one goal and five assists. Senior Ian Thompson scored three times, while senior Jake Lloyd, junior Zach Presto and sophomore Matthew Rothman scored two goals each. Senior Nicholas Joslyn, sophomore Chris Ellis and freshman Zach Roper were responsible for the final Iona tallies. Presto also recorded a team-high four steals in the contest. Junior Matt McCrudden and senior Mike Pufunt split time in net, with McCrudden making eight saves and Pufunt stopping seven attempts.
Against the Tigers, the Gaels opened up the first period with a 2-1 lead, before Princeton scored the quarter's final two goals to take a 3-2 lead after the initial eight minutes of play. In the second, the Tigers extended its lead with an 8-2 run in the quarter, bringing their lead to seven, 11-4, at half. The two teams played a much closer second half, as Princeton held a 9-7 edge in second half tallies to claim the nine-goal victory.
Ramaley led the Gaels with five points on one goal and four assists. Thompson and Lloyd scored three goals apiece, while sophomore Hudson Grieve scored twice. Thompson also drew four kickouts, while Lloyd registered three field blocks defensively. Sophomore Patrick Dougherty and freshman Jay Pagano each scored once in the contest. In net, Pufunt made seven saves while McCrudden made four stops.
"Jake and Ian had great weekends, and a number of our young players stepped up and contributed big minutes in the water," said Kelly.
The Gaels begin CWPA North action Sat. Sept. 20, when they visit Brown for a 1:00 pm start. Later in the day at 7:00 pm, Iona takes on Connecticut College in New London, CT.
