The Iona women’s water polo team closed out the regular season winning three out of its final four games outscoring their opponents 61-24.

On April 6, the Maroon & Gold (14-15 overall, 9-3 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC)) defeated the Villanova Wildcats 15-4 in Loudonville, N.Y. The Gaels overpowered the Wildcats from the opening whistle and had a commanding 10-0 lead at the intermission.

Seniors Amy Olsen and Sarah Hanly led the Gaels with five goals apiece. Senior Erika Lauraitis added two goals of her own in the lopsided victory.

Later that day, the Gaels fell to the Wagner Seahawks 9-7. The two teams were tied at six after three quarters. Three goals in the final quarter of play helped the Seahawks sweep the season series from the Gaels.

Olsen led Iona with four goals, scoring one in each quarter. Senior goalkeeper Marisa Gaynor recorded seven saves in the loss.

The Maroon & Gold bounced back one week later demolishing St. Francis (Brooklyn) 17-3 in Brooklyn, N.Y. Iona netted nine first quarter goals, and held a 13-1 edge at halftime.

Once again leading the way for the Gaels was Olsen with five goals on six shot attempts. Lauraitis contributed four goals. Junior Katie Stelnicki played a key role defensively, recording five steals.

In their final game of the regular season the Gaels’ offensive prowess showed again, as they scored a season-high 22 goals in a 22-8 thrashing of Virginia Military Institute (VMI).

Eight different Gaels found the back of the net. Olsen scored a team high six goals, and Lauraitis amassed five scores along with three assists. Stelnicki added three goals.

Olsen has scored a career best 100 goals this season and leads the conference in scoring. Lauraitis ranks fourth in the MAAC with 76 goals.

“I’m really excited that I reached the 100-goal mark,” Olsen said. “That was one of my personal goals for the season. I’m grateful for my teammates and coaches. I can’t compete the way that I do without their help and support.”

Iona’s regular season success earned it the No. 3 seed in the MAAC Championship in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. The Gaels will begin their quest for a fourth straight conference title against the No. 2 seed Marist Red Foxes on April 26. The winner will face either top-seeded Wagner or the No. 4 seed Villanova.

“We have been in this position before, and we have experienced players who know how to compete in important games,” Olsen said.