NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. - Eight different members of the Iona College rugby team scored tries in the Gaels 59-15 win over UMass in the program's 2018 fall opener at Mazzella Field. The Maroon & Gold never trailed in the victory over a strong Liberty Conference foe from the New England Division.
 
The Gaels ran out to a solid lead with senior playmaker John Powers scoring twice in the first six minutes of the contest. Iona opened a 21-0 lead on sophomore Connor Buckley's first try of the season. The Minutemen capitalized on Gael penalties late in the first half, scoring twice. Two failed conversions however made the score 21-10. Iona newcomer Watson Filikitonga capped the first half with a try as Iona headed into the break with a 28-10 advantage.
 
Following UMass' third try of the contest early in the second half, the Gaels scored five unanswered tries to seal the win.
 
The Gaels started seven freshmen in the contest in the with Cameron DiGiorgio and Emmett Esposito standing out.
 
Iona dominated field position and territory throughout the contest and converted pressure into points.
 
Iona faces two strong service academies in its next two contests, hosting Navy on Saturday, September 15, before traveling to West Point, N.Y., to face Army the following week. The Gaels honor alumnus Pat Quinn '04, ALS advocate and co-founder of the Ice Bucket Challenge, on September 15 with the dedication of Pat Quinn Corner.
 
Iona Tries:
John Powers (2)
Connor Buckley
Watson Filikitonga
Cullen Buckley
Dilsher Maini
Omar Mtarfi
Santiago Mascolo
Nandipha Dube
 
Iona Conversions
Santiago Mascolo (7-of-9)