The Iona College men’s water polo team suffered a tough 12-6 loss to Princeton University at home on Wednesday afternoon.

The match started off optimistic in the first quarter as the Gaels held Princeton to only two goals and scoring two themselves. Against a ranked team, Iona seemed to be flowing with momentum.

Things started to look bleak in the second quarter as the Tigers broke through the Gaels’ defense, ending the quarter at 6-3.

“[Princeton] stayed out of the penalty box,” Iona head coach Brian Kelly said. “They’re a very experienced team.”

Princeton proceeded to perform well and lock down its three goal lead by playing solid defense that limited the Gaels to only one goal in the third period.

“They have a really good goalie,” Kelly said. “They have some very talented players and their talented players stepped up today and scored when it mattered.”

Princeton played well offensively and defensively as the team tallied five goals and held Iona to two.

The Gaels’ decision making when it came to shots was not clinical enough to put away the match.

“We took some uncharacteristic shots for us,” Kelly said. “We could’ve given ourselves a better chance.”

Princeton’s defense during the entire game stumped the Gaels and had them struggling in the penalty area of the pool, befuddling them when they had chances to score.

“We need to be more creative offensively,” Kelly said. “We need to work together more than we are now. We’re working too much individually. Water polo’s like basketball, you can set picks everywhere, and that needs to happen.”

Kelly is optimistic going into the match against St. Francis on Oct. 18. St. Francis beat the Gaels earlier this season and they look to return the favor.

“When we do what we do best, we’re very good,” Kelly said. “We had St. Francis beat already once this year. We’re excited to play that game and get back after it.”

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