BRONX, NY - Facing its second straight out of conference opponent in a three day period, the Iona College swimming and diving team put up a strong fight before falling to Fordham Friday evening at the Rose Hill campus pool. The women's squad was outscored 140-82, while the men were were defeated 137-92.

The Iona women posted a victory in the 400-freestyle relay and individually saw Brittney Liddy win on the three-meter springboard, Kaitlyn Mahon in the 500-Free, and Mary Ellen Mangione in the 200-breaststroke.

The Iona men also claimed the 400-freestyle relay. In individual events, Charles Blaschinski won on the three-meter springboard and Zack Holbrook, took the 50 and 100-freestyle events for the Gaels. Holbrook's 50 and 100-free races with times of 22.28 and 48.44 along with his 47.90 relay leg were his best three races collectively of the season.

“I was very pleased with our efforts today,” commented head coach Nick Cavataro. “Both the men and women were aggressive in their races and demonstrated the ability to put up back-to-back strong race efforts, which will serve us well in four weeks at the MAAC Championships in Buffalo.

“Our entire roster is committed to getting faster in each meet leading up to the MAAC Championship," commented Cavataro. "With the upcoming SPU-UD meet, our third event in a five day period, I am confident we can compete”

The Gaels face another strong challenge on Sunday at the Hynes Athletics Center Pool as Saint Peter's and Delaware visit for an 11:00 am starting time.