Losing a championship by one stroke can be an excruciating feeling. The Iona College Golf team unfortunately learned this first hand at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. on the weekend of April 26-28.

The Gaels had a promising start to the three-day event and led the nine-team field after day one. They shot a one-under 287 and held a six stroke lead over second-place Fairfield.

The Maroon & Gold featured many of the players on the leaderboard. Senior Dylan Newman held first place after shooting a four-under-par 68. He recorded five birdies and scored a three-under on the back nine. Senior Andrew Graham was tied for third after shooting a 70.

Senior Doug Hoppe shot a one-over 73 and sat in a tie for seventh place. Senior Scott Gallo was tied for 13th after shooting a 76. Tied for 21st was sophomore Tom McHugh, who shot a 78 in the opening round.

On day two, the Maroon & Gold shot a 301 and found themselves in a tie with Fairfield for first place with a two-day score of 588, five over par. Both teams led defending champion Loyola by ten strokes.

On the second day, Newman carded an even 72 and finished the day tied for the lead. He was four-under for the tournament. Hoppe shot a one-under in the second round and sat at even par for the championship. He was tied for third place.

Graham sat in sixth place after shooting four-over 76. He was two-over par for the tournament. Gallo and McHugh each struggled on day two, falling to 22nd and 36th, respectively.

On day three, Iona looked to capture its first MAAC title since 2002. However it was not meant to be. The Gaels shot a six-over 294. Loyola reeled off and impressive five-under 283 to take the championship by one stroke.

Hoppe tried to take home his second individual crown by shooting a three-under 69 in final round. He fell five strokes behind the leader and finished in second. Newman finished in third, recording a 215 for the tournament. He carded a final-round 75.

Graham also placed in a tie for seventh, by turning in a 220. Gallo ended up tied for 19th with a final score of 234, and McHugh finished tied for 34th.

Though the Gaels endured a disappointing finish to the MAAC Championship, there are some positives that can be taken from the three-day event. Iona shot an 882, its best performance at the MAAC Championship since the tournament expanded to three days in 2002.

Also, two Gaels finished in the top three on the individual leader board. With performances like this, the future looks bright for Iona golf.