LA VERNE, CA - In a hard-fought battle at Las Flores Pool, the Iona Gaels came out strong but ultimately fell short against the University of La Verne, dropping a 15–13 decision. The Gaels opened the match with momentum, taking a 5–3 lead after the first quarter. However, a 6–3 second-quarter surge from the Leopards shifted the tide, giving La Verne the advantage heading into halftime. Despite a late push from Iona in the fourth, the Leopards held on to secure the win.

Iona's early offense featured goals from Matthew Mischlich, Toni Vlasic, Samson Williams, Pavle Musikic, and Hugh Coyle, helping the Gaels build an early edge. La Verne answered behind strong play from Josh Lamberton. In the second frame, Iona found the back of the net with goals from Musikic and Rastko Jevdjovic, but a flurry of scores from Jordan Baker, Lamberton, and Nico Buono gave La Verne control heading into the break.

The Leopards extended their lead in the third quarter, while Iona's lone goal came from Brett Grady. The Gaels mounted a determined comeback in the final period with tallies from Jevdjovic, Mischlich, and Ryan Tannus, but La Verne's Lamberton delivered the final blow to close out the match.

UP NEXT

The Maroon & Gold return to New Rochelle to open their home slate against Wagner on Friday night at 6:30 PM.