POUGHKEEPSIE, NY - The Iona University women's water polo team went 1-1 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play, earning a decisive 18-7 victory over VMI before dropping a tightly contested 9-8 decision to LIU.
IONA 18 VMI 7
The Gaels delivered a commanding performance behind
Grace Goldhammer's six goals and two assists.
Sadie Sallas added four goals as Iona showcased its depth with 10 different goal scorers.
Iona's offense was highly efficient and unselfish, assisting on 14 of its 18 goals. MJ Metzdorf anchored the defense in her return to the cage, totaling nine saves, three steals, and two assists to guide the Gaels on both ends of the pool.
IONA 8 LIU 9
Iona's defense led the way in a narrow setback, with
MJ Metzdorf recording nine saves and four steals in another strong effort in goal. Senior
Lola Trujillo contributed across the board with four offensive points while adding a team-high seven steals.
Goldhammer remained active offensively, drawing a game-high five exclusions to create opportunities for the Gaels. Despite a strong defensive showing and late push, Iona was unable to find the equalizer in the closing moments.
NOTABLE NUGGETS
- Grace Goldhammer: 6 goals, 2 assists vs. VMI; 5 drawn exclusions vs. LIU
- Sadie Sallas: 4 goals vs. VMI
- 10 Gaels scored in win over VMI
- Eight different scorers in the loss to LIU
- 14 of 18 goals assisted vs. VMI
- MJ Metzdorf: 18 saves, 7 steals, 2 assists across two games
- Lola Trujillo: 8 points, 9 steals for the day
- Iona totaled 26 goals across two MAAC games
UP NEXT
Iona closes out the regular season next weekend with two contests on March 28 against La Salle and Villanova and a season finale on March 29 against Wagner.
