Facing two nationally ranked teams to open a season is never an easy task. The Iona College women’s water polo team began its 2014 season on Jan. 18 at the Michigan Kick-Off in Ann Arbor, Michigan; where they fell against Big Ten powerhouses No.15 Indiana 17-9 and No. 13 Michigan 15-6.


“Playing against major programs such as Michigan and Indiana is an incredible experience,” senior Georgina Lee said. “Even if the score may not reflect it we learned a lot as a team and played well together.”


In the first match-up, the Gaels took on the Indiana Hoosiers. The Hoosiers seized control in the opening quarter, scoring the game’s first four goals. Before the end of the quarter the Gaels got on the scoreboard and cut the deficit to three goals.


The Hoosiers’ offensive dominance continued in the second quarter as they added six more goals compared to the Gaels’ two scores. Indiana had a commanding 10-3 lead at halftime.

In the remaining two quarters, the scoring was a lot closer, with Indiana outscoring Iona 7-6. Seven different Hoosiers filled the box-score.


As for the Gaels, sophomores Meghan Mahoney and Rebecca Mathews each scored two goals. Senior captain Erika Lauraitis also added a pair of goals. Senior captain Amy Olsen, sophomore Taylor Silva and senior Sarah Hanly each found the back of the net once.



In the second game of the day, the Gaels took on the Michigan Wolverines. Iona took the lead in the opening minutes after Lauraitis converted a penalty shot. The Wolverines netted the next eight goals to go ahead 8-1.

Before the end of the second quarter, Silva added two goals and Olsen also added a goal. At the midway point, Iona trailed 9-4.

The Gaels had trouble finding the back of the net in the final 16 minutes and were outscored 6-2.

Olsen scored her second goal of the game in the third, and sophomore Dana Andrea netted her first goal of the season in the final quarter.

Despite suffering these two losses, the Maroon & Gold will use this trip as motivation for the remainder of the season.



“For our first games of the season I felt we played decent especially against two very challenging teams,” senior Hannah Cross said. “I think we got our jitters out and came together versus Michigan. We have a lot to improve on, but that’ll come with time and practice.”


Iona will play in the Villanova Invitational on Feb. 1.