LOS ANGELES, CA — The Iona Gaels split a pair of contests at the De Mandel Aquatics Center on Friday, falling to CSUN in the afternoon before bouncing back with a 14–8 victory over Cal Lutheran in the evening. The Gaels built an early lead against the Matadors but were undone by a decisive third-period surge by CSUN, despite a late fourth-quarter rally. Iona responded in the nightcap with a strong all-around performance, highlighted by a dominant seven-goal second period that created a halftime cushion the Gaels maintained the rest of the way to secure the win.

GAME ONE SUMMARY

The Iona Gaels opened the contest with early momentum but ultimately fell to the CSUN Matadors at the De Mandel Aquatics Center on Friday afternoon. Despite leading after the first period and mounting a late comeback attempt, Iona was unable to overcome a decisive third-period surge by CSUN.

The Gaels came out firing in the opening frame, establishing control with a 6–3 advantage. Iona's offense moved the ball effectively and capitalized on several scoring opportunities to build the early lead.

Momentum shifted in the middle stages of the match. While Iona managed to find the net only once during the third period, the Matadors erupted for seven goals to take control of the game heading into the final frame.

Refusing to back down, the Gaels mounted a determined push in the fourth period, outscoring CSUN 4–1. The rally narrowed the gap, but the earlier deficit proved too large to erase before the final whistle.

Sadie Sallas led Iona's offensive effort with five total points, including multiple goals, while drawing three exclusions. Maleah Penman contributed three points, and Nicole Morrison added four points to support the Gaels' attack. Olivia Weissman remained a consistent offensive presence, recording four points while drawing two exclusions.

Defensively, Lola Trujillo paced the Gaels with a team-high five steals, anchoring Iona's effort in the water. In net MJ Metzdorf played all 32 minutes and recorded a steal in the loss. 

GAME TWO SUMMARY

The Iona Gaels delivered an offensive masterclass on Friday evening, defeating the Cal Lutheran Regals 14–8 at the De Mandel Aquatics Center. Fueled by a dominant second period in which they scored seven goals, the Gaels seized control of the match and never looked back.

The game opened as a tight defensive battle, with Iona holding a narrow 3–2 advantage after the first period. The Gaels then broke the contest wide open in the second frame, erupting for seven goals while limiting Cal Lutheran to just two. That decisive stretch gave Iona a commanding 10–4 lead at halftime. Despite the physical nature of the contest, the Gaels maintained their composure throughout the second half, matching the Regals goal-for-goal and preventing any chance of a comeback.

The match featured a high level of physical play, resulting in 24 total exclusions between the two teams. Cal Lutheran's Lauren Lohmeier received a yellow card late in the first period, while Iona stayed disciplined and avoided any cards of their own.

Grace Goldhammer led the Gaels offensively with four goals on eight shots and added an assist. Lola Trujillo recorded a hat trick with three goals and one assist, while Sadie Sallas also scored three times and contributed two assists. Maleah Penman added two goals and one assist, Nicole Morrison finished with a goal and an assist, and Vanessa McNabb rounded out the scoring with one goal.

Iona was highly efficient in front of goal, scoring 14 times on 32 shots for a .438 shooting percentage. The Gaels also capitalized in man-up situations, converting four of their seven power-play opportunities. Trujillo set the tone from the opening sprint, winning all four to give Iona possession at the start of every period.

In goal, MJ Metzdorf played the full duration of the match for Iona, providing a steady presence in the cage to anchor the defense. Metzdorf recorded eight saves and made several key plays in transition, finishing with multiple assists and steals to help spark the Gaels' attack from the back.

UP NEXT

Iona continues with their West Coast trip with two more games in the convergence tournament with a match-up against Cal Baptist and La Verne.