The Iona College Women’s Water Polo team has won the regular season MAAC title, along with Marist and Wagner, as they look forward to a competitive MAAC Championship and a third consecutive trip to the National Championships.

The Maroon & Gold defeated their two opponents on April 14 as the regular season came to a close with a three-way tie involving Iona, Marist and Wagner who all conclude with a 10-2 conference record. Along with 5-7 Villanova, the four schools will compete for the MAAC Championship title beginning April 17. The Maroon & Gold will play Marist in the quarterfinal round.

Marist has given the Maroon & Gold a reason to fight this season, as they were the only team to not only defeat Iona, but sweep the season series against them.

“It’s frustrating because I thought we outplayed them. We just couldn’t convert on our power plays, 6-on-5. They have been major problem for us this season,” said Head Coach Brian Kelly.

“We are not aggressive enough on our power play. When you have a 6-on-5, you have to set the tone with your aggressiveness,” said Kelly. “We are too stagnant. We are allowing [their] defense to dictate what we are going to do. It’s a terrible approach.”

If the Maroon & Gold are looking to defeat Marist at all, they will need to convert on these grand power play opportunities as they are 2 for 19 in these situations.

On the upside, the defense has significantly improved throughout the season.

“Our defense has improved dramatically, especially during the weekend when we stepped up defensively,” said Kelly. “We had our two better defensive games against Wagner and Marist.”

Marist will have home pool advantage throughout the MAAC Championship however, Coach Kelly is confident and is not worried about it. “We have been in that championship game there for five straight years. I’m not worried about home pool advantage. I’m worried about making plays and converting. If we do that, we will win,” Kelly said.

The Maroon & Gold have fought hard this season. Although commencing the season a little rough, the team came together during spring break in their annual west coast swing, which Kelly calls “The Turning Point.” They have dominated their conference as this was one of their many goals.

With many difference makers, along with experience and determined young blood, the team is more than just solid, but potential champions. The Maroon & Gold are looking to win the MAAC Championship for third consecutive year and the road begins against Marist.