SANTA CLARA. Calif. — The Iona College men’s water polo dropped a pair of contests at the Julian Fraser Memorial as the Gaels lost to Fresno Pacific University, 12-9, in the early afternoon and then slipped against Santa Clara University, 16-7.
In a mini repeat of what happened against Penn State Behrend in Erie, the Gaels were victim of an opponents’ impressive comeback versus Fresno Pacific. Iona had a 4-1 lead after the first quarter and 7-3 advantage at intermission. Come the second half, Fresno Pacific cut its deficit to one, 8-7, entering the fourth quarter. The ‘Birds then outscored the Gaels 5-1 in the final quarter to result in the 12-9 final score.
Junior Andrew Brozovic had three goals, one assist, two steals and one block. Rookie Lester Machado and junior Patrick Hudak had two goals on 13 combined shots. Hudak had a team-high three exclusions drawn. Sophomore Justin Ginsberg and freshman Mohamed Refaat each had one score.
Senior Jorge Andres Torres made nine saves in net on 30 shots against. He had one assist from the cage.
As a team, Iona had six turnovers while gathering nine steals. The Gaels were two-for-four on man-up opportunities. The ‘Birds were two-for-nine in their man-up chances.
The Gaels never led in their match against Santa Clara as the Broncos shutout Iona n the first quarter and claimed an 8-4 lead heading into intermission. The third quarter was the differentiator as Santa Clare expanded its lead to 13-5 before Iona scored two goals in the fourth quarter.
Machado and Hudak had two goals to lead Iona. Sophomore German Rodriguez, junior Brett Hofer and senior Philip Wachowski each had one goal. Machado, Ginsberg, Refaar, Rodriguez and Hofer all had one assist. Hudak and Hofer both posted two exclusions drawn.
Andres Torres faced 24 shots and had nine saves. Senior Michael Banks played the fourth quarter and allowed three goals.
The Maroon & Gold were one-for-seven on man-up chances, while Santa Clara connected on three-of-six chances. Turnovers troubled the Gaels as they had 14 in the course of the game.
Release courtesy Iona College Athletics Communications
