NEW ROCHELLE, NY - In an afternoon highlighted by back and forth finishes, the Iona College women's swimming and diving team raced to a win in the day's last event to edge visiting St. Francis Brooklyn, 152-139. The Iona men had an easier time, winning 183-78. Both teams are now 2-0 on the season.

With a four-point lead going to the day's final race – the 400-yard freestyle relay - the Iona quartet of Katherine Lee, Samantha Whitney, Lily Devaney and Isabella Nicholson posted a 3:41.00 clocking to win by 3.6 seconds to seal the victory.

"I didn't know what to expect in the relay," commented Coach Nick Cavataro, "The St. Francis coaches looked like they were adjusting their lineup every race and we just held firm and got great efforts out of all four ladies today."

The Iona women were put in a position to win largely by wins from Grace Curry (100-Butterfly at 1:00.77); Katherine Lee (50-Free at 25.33), Isabella Nicholson (100 and 200-Free at 53.27 and 1:56.37, respectively) and Taylor Spillman (200-Butterfly and IM at 2:10.16 and 2:13.19).

"We had 16 women score individual points today and that was the key to winning today, contributions up and down the roster."

The Iona men saw Sophomore Michael Faughnan continue his hot swimming with wins in the 1000, 200-Free and 500-Free with respective times of 9:58.43, 1:41.02 and 4:34.59.

"Michael is swimming very well right now," commented Cavataro. "He wants to be faster in every race than the last time; but, today was about evaluating the collective three individual races and being able to go back-to-back in the 1000-Free and 200-Free, which is a sign of good physical conditioning and mental toughness. To go 1:41 is a great step to being ready in February."
 

The Iona men also received two wins each from graduate students Spencer Moran and Conor Mullin. Moran took both the 100 and 200-Back at 52.36 and 1:54.80, respectively. Mullin claimed the 50-Free and 100-Fly with respective times of 22.02 and 50.66. Other Iona wins for the Iona men came from Jackson Madonia in the 200-Individual Medley at 2:00.88 and David Son in the 200-Butterfly at 1:59.96.

"I can't say enough about the energy Moran and Mullin bring to the men's team. They drive everyone to compete at a higher level. It is the same with our two women graduate students, Isabelle Pabon and Kate DiRaimo who are leaders every day in practice, on deck and in the race.", commented Cavataro.

The Gaels jump right back into the pool Saturday, October 16, as they host Sacred Heart University and Wagner College at the Hynes Pool with diving at 7:45 am and swimming at 11:30 am.