The Iona College men’s water polo team has fought well this season, but it hasn’t been able to produce the best results. The Gaels’ (4-18) play has been sub-par and Head Coach Bryan Kelly doesn’t shy away from it.

“We’ve been bad,” Kelly said. “We haven’t even been below average, we’ve been bad.”

Power play is a crucial part of water polo, and Iona has had trouble capitalizing when given the opportunity. As a result, the Gaels are making sure that they focus on this aspect in every practice in order to make sure it’s not a lingering problem throughout the season.

“Our biggest problem has been our power play,” Kelly said. “Most of it has to do with our spacing. We’re our own worst enemy when it comes to our spacing.”

That said, there are several positive qualities that Kelly has seen in the team’s play.

“The silver lining is that we’re out-drawing our competition in advantages,” Kelly said. “Our biggest negative needs to be a strength. If our power play was good, we’d be good. We’re getting the opportunities. We just need to take advantage of those opportunities.”

The team’s play leading up to the power-plays has also been doing well so far this season.

“Our center is as good as most centers in the east coast,” Kelly said. “One of the better centers in the country is Patrick Hudak. Our goaltending has been good all year. Our 2-meter defense has been a strength.”

The Gaels have accumulated multiple losing streaks this season, but look to gain some winning streaks before the playoffs. Everyone on the team is motivating each other to make that a reality.

“You would think it would be very frustrating for these guys,” Kelly said. “[But] tThese guys want to be a part of the solution. All of them are contributing.”

This season is also all about getting the team solidified and structured for next year, according to Kelly. The circumstances that the Gaels have faced could be used toward improving the team for a great season next year.

“This is definitely a building season for us,” Kelly said. “We have a lot of guys that are playing expanded roles in this team and it’s going to help us in the future. I’m very positive with the direction of the program.”