POUGHKEEPSIE, NY- The Iona College women’s water polo team traveled to Poughkeepsie where they played matches against Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and St. Francis.
In their first match, the Gaels took VMI with a 7-5 win. Freshman Kayla Allen led the team in the first period with two goals, unassisted. Freshman Paige Neary also hit two, while sophomore Darby Nevins, freshman Hannah Schultz and senior Jordan Camody had a goal each. Junior goalie Dana Delucchi took the win for Iona with six saves in net.
“In game one vs VMI, we didn’t play well,” said head coach Brian Kelly. “We shot poorly, but thankfully our defense and Dana really stepped up when we needed it. Credit VMI’s defense with really frustrating our shooters.”
Against St. Francis, the team took an 18-6 win, with Schultz taking four goals, junior Sara Bortz with three, junior Dana Andrea and Allen had two. Sophomore Rebecca Koshy, junior Rebecca Matthews, freshmen Brittany Toro, Megan Hofer, and Devika Joshi, Nevins, and Mahoney each took one goal. On defense, senior Devin Green had six saves, freshman Britten Vilander had four and Delucchi had three.
“In game two, our shot selection was much better and we put ourselves in much better position to score,” said Kelly. “It’s always great to start MAAC play with two wins!”
The Gaels will travel to Lexington, VA next weekend, Saturday Mar.28- Sunday Mar. 28 to continue MAAC play.