Since the start of the 2018 Iona College women’s water polo season, the Gaels (3-17) have endured a difficult schedule, featuring nationally ranked teams.

“We have a really difficult schedule,” head coach Brian Kelly said. “We’ve played some really tough opponents. All [of] those teams are, [or] have been, top 15.”

From the beginning of the season until now, all of the Gaels’ matches have been held at different tournaments. Only practice has been at Iona, but the Hynes Center pool is smaller than a regulation-size water polo pool.

“It’s [been] a combination of tough opponents and playing in a smaller setting and having to transition into a big setting,” Kelly said.

The season has been more challenging than usual for Iona, between travel and competing high-skill opponents.

Kelly suggests that each game with tough opponents will help the team later on in league play.

“Everybody we’ve played so far is better than the majority of the teams we’re going to play moving forward,” Kelly said. “It’s going to help us. We’re learning how to play better and how to improve within and throughout weekends against some of the best teams in the country.”

While most of the games haven’t turned out the way they wanted, the Gaels still persevere and show signs of improvement. Kelly praises his team’s effort and “never give up” mentality.

“[Our] positives, I would say, first and foremost; our effort,” Kelly said. “Aside from maybe one game this year, I’ve been really happy with the effort. Despite all of the losses, they haven’t backed down or stopped fighting in any game.”

Iona, as a whole, has shown great integrity, and at the forefront of such character are the senior players. They’ve been leading the team in their effort and endeavors since the beginning of the season. .

Kelly believes the senior leadership will bolster the team when conference play comes around.

“Despite our record, which will improve throughout the season, they’ve had a positive outlook and attitude the whole way and it’s going to translate,” Kelly said.

The Gaels will kick off Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play on March 10against Marist.

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