The Iona College women’s water polo team returned to the pool early this January to begin training for what looks to be a promising season ahead.  The Gaels return four starters from last season and boast a solid group of five new freshmen to the roster.  The Gaels made their first trip to the NCAA tournament last year and hope to continue that success this season. Coach Brian Kelly is looking forward to seeing his team improve.  “We’re very excited about the upcoming season, going to NCAA’s for the first time was a great accomplishment, but we want to go back and perform better there,” said Kelly. “Our success in MAAC play last year has us fired up, so were excited to get better and continue to move forward as a program.”  This year’s captains include talented seniors Cecilia Leonard, Caitlin McGregor and Mackenzie Mone. While the team suffers the loss of three influential players, McGregor believes that everyone has been working hard to bring their game to the next level. “I know we are all really excited to carry on our success from last year,” said McGregor.  “We have a great group of freshman that have come in and are really vibing with our already close-knit team, and I can’t wait to see what we can all do together come game time. We are all working hard, girls are stepping it up, and we are all ready for the season to begin.” The Gaels are heading into the season with a tough schedule ahead playing top teams such as the University of Michigan, San Jose State and Arizona State.  Leonard, however,  believes Iona has what it takes to defeat whatever challenges come their way.  “The chemistry we have as a team outweighs the obstacles we will have to overcome this season,” said Leonard. “We really have each other’s backs in and out of the water.” Mone couldn’t be more excited to start off the season with her teammates as well.  “We are all so close which makes it a lot easier to work together towards our end goal of winning MAACS two consecutive years in a row, and bringing Iona’s name and intensity back to nationals,” said Mone. Leonard, Mone, sophomore Amy Olsen and junior Alyssa Turza are going to be a huge impact for the team. With three versatile offensive sets, the Gaels will prove to be a true threat this season. The team will also be looking for contributions from McGregor, sophomore Erika Lauraitis, as well as the underclassmen to step-up to bigger roles for the team. With the success of the 2011 year behind them, the Gaels will look to regain their title as MAAC Champions when they begin play at the Iona Invite Feb. 4.