With a record of 18 wins, 12 losses and two ties, it is safe to say the Iona College Mock Trial team had a fantastic season.

As the team took to Washington DC for the Opening Round of the Championship Series (ORCS) they had four wins, three losses, and one tie and placed eighth overall. Unfortunately, the competition only advanced the top six teams to the National Championship Tournament, which takes place in Florida, but there is no doubt these Gaels proved they are a force to be reckoned with.

Throughout the weekend, the various teams had to compete in multiple rounds. They were required to compete in a total of two rounds a day for a total of four rounds.

When asked how it feels now that the season is over, freshman Kayla Kosack believes it will be hard to let the seniors go but sees nothing but greatness in the team’s future.

“I’m pretty sad to see the seniors moving on. The friendships I have made with these team members are certainly special and I couldn’t be more thankful,” said Kosack.

“It would be a sin to not recognize the incredible Mary Ann Gallucci and Anastasia Nitis on all the time and effort they put into this team. For this I am sad and I will always look up to them.”

Senior and co-captain of the Mock Trial team Mary Ann Gallucci is grateful for all the skills and opportunities that being a part of Mock Trial has taught her and is positive that the these skills will help her in her future endeavors.

“It is very bittersweet,” Gallucci said. “I had the best last round I could have asked for. Mock Trial has largely defined my experience at Iona since I was a freshman, so it was nice to see myself grow and evolve as a competitor, teammate and co-captain. I have learned to think fast and critically, to speak with confidence and be poised to handle successes with humility and criticisms with grace, and to challenge myself more and more each day.”

Although the team didn’t advance to nationals, the team’s competitive drive and clear skill set has earned them an amazing national ranking. Currently ranked 70th in the nation, the Mock Trial team has accomplished remarkable work this past year and has a lot to be proud of.

“Moving forward, however, I am anxious to start out the next year with my fellow teammates and our two captains of 2014-2015: Amy Wert and Joshua Myree,” Kosack said. “They will be tremendous and I can’t wait to see what is in store for us.”

Although there are a few seniors who are getting ready to embark on new chapters of their lives, that doesn’t necessarily mean Iona is a distant memory.

“I am confident in the abilities of the teammates and the new captains in continuing to maintain our name on a national level and take it a step further,” Gallucci said. “I will be back to help coach next semester and I am looking forward to it!”