The Iona College men’s water polo team took on Fordham in their final conference game of the regular season. The Gaels stayed close to the Rams throughout the first half; however, a three goal run in the third prevented an Iona comeback. The Maroon & Gold suffered an 8-10 loss at the Messmore Aquatic Center.

The Gaels were down 3-2 at the end of the first quarter of play, but junior Lee Stiles was able to tie the score in a man-up advantage early in the second. Junior Sean Davis chipped in a second goal to take a lead over the Rams with 1:19 left in the half. Fordham ended the period notching two more quick goals to regain the lead.

The Maroon & Gold struggled to keep up in the third and the Rams took an 8-4 lead. Davis netted his second goal of the game, however Fordham responded with a goal, ending the third in a four goal deficit.

The Rams opened the quarter with yet another goal, however the Gaels would not quit. Sophomores Kyle Elmore and Ian Thompson were both able to find the net, trimming the Fordham lead to three. Freshman Zach Presto added to the offensive attack with a stand out performance leading the Maroon & Gold with three goals; cutting the score 10-8. The teams traded possessions in the final minutes, but neither team was able to convert.

Presto and Davis led the way for the Gaels, while Elmore, Thompson and Stiles each contributed a goal apiece. Junior goal keeper Stefen Hill made eight saves in the net.

Iona will be heading into the CWPA Northern Division Championships on Nov. 3 and 4 at Brown University in Providence, RI. The Gaels will take on The Naval Academy in their first game.

Head Coach Brian Kelly believes that adjustments need to be made to see success in their next tournament. “Were playing aggressive and hard right now, just not smart enough,” Kelly said. “We need to play like a team, for an entire game. We have too many individual moments.”