After going 12-13 overall and 8-7 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference last season, the Iona College women’s water polo team will look to use its balance for upper and under classmen to compete at a higher level.

The 2018 season hasn’t started the way Iona planned,  as the Gaels are 2-5 and lost four of their last five games. Defense has been a concern for head coach Brian Kelly, who understands it’s something the Gaels need to improve on if they want to win a conference championship.

“It is defense. We are not a good defensive team,” Kelly said. “We need to become a good defensive team to win the conference.”

Kelly expressed his beliefves in the Gaels having enough talent to win the MAAC Tournament. Senior Hannah Schultz, who was named Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, is expected to manage the offense this season. Schultz was awarded MAAC Co-Offensive Player of the Year last season, scored 92 goals and was selected to the All MAAC first team and MAAC All-Academic Team.

Schultz reached the 300 goals  scored mark at the 2018 Bruno Classic on Feb. 3. Schultz is the third player in program history to surpass 300 goals. She currently trails Amy Olson and Maggie Woods for the all-time record.

“[Hannah] is a dynamic player, who is an elite offensive talent in the country,” Kelly said. “She will continue to grow as a player. This season will be her best of her career.”

Kelly’s main goals is getting his freshmen players up to speed so that they will be ready for game day. In addition to that, Kelly wants his younger players to work on their physical conditioning.

“Players are bigger, stronger, and faster transitioning from high school to a Division I league in college,” Kelly said.

Kelly addressed that they need to work together more as a team in order to secure victories.

As the new season progresses, Coach Kelly did notice a few gameplay faults that need to be adjusted so that they can the team can triumph over their opponents.

 Iona will travel to San Diego to compete in the 2018 Triton Invitational, which starts on Feb. 10. The Gaels’ first opponent will be UCLA.

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