The Iona College golf team turned some heads last year with their second place finish at the MAAC Championships. It was their best finish since 2003.

With many returners getting ready for the upcoming season, it is safe to say that head coach Matt Glovaski has some high expectations for his guys.

Glovaski, the 2010-2011 MAAC Coach of the Year, believes that fans see the same consistency they saw last year, with the Gaels finishing in the top four in five tournaments, including a first place finish at the Lafayette Spring Invitational.

“I think we just need to continue to play with confidence like we did last year” Glovaski said. “I saw the team mature over the course of the year as we won a few tournaments, and I am hoping that will translate into a solid beginning this lifetime.”

Out of the Gaels’ nine-man roster, seven are returners, with Andrew Shortall as the lone senior on the squad. The team is still young, but has a great core of experienced players, including junior Dylan Newman, a member of the PING All-Region Team last year.

Glovaski believes that one Gael in particular is really going to make some buzz for Iona this season.

“I think sophomore Jordan Kral could play a big role on this year’s team. Jordan has a lot of talent and with some steady tournament experience I believe that he can be a difference maker,” Glovaski said.

Alongside those returning, the Gaels added freshman Thomas McHugh and sophomore Robert Winters.

Glovaski believes that he could get some production out of the newcomers.

“Tom comes to us with some solid playing experience and a great deal of potential. I have high expectations for Tom and believe he will be able to contribute to the team right away,” Glovaski said.

The Gaels open up their season on Sept.16. They will compete in The McLaughlin, at Bethpage Red Golf Course in Farmingdale, N.Y.

On Sept. 27, the Gaels will compete in the Iona-UCD Invitational in Dublin, Ireland as they will face University College Dublin for three days.

Glovaski is pumped to get the season started to say the least.

“With a core group of returners and some talented younger guys, I think we’re in a good position to have a really strong year,” Glovaski said.