CLAREMONT, Calif. — Iona University wrapped up competition at the 2025 Inland Empire Classic by dropping games to Fresno Pacific University, 20-17, and host/Division III No. 3-ranked Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges, 22-12, at CMS’ Axelrood Aquatics Center.
Against Fresno Pacific, the Gaels came out firing in the first quarter to claim an early 4–1 lead with goals from Pavle Musikic, Coby Scanlon and Gavin Williamson. However, Fresno Pacific quickly rallied to even the score at 4–4 by the end of the opening frame.
Despite a strong offensive performance by junior attacker Matthew Mischlich, who netted a game-high six goals and added an assist, Iona trailed by one at halftime, 10–9. Fresno Pacific widened the gap in the third quarter, outscoring the Gaels 6–3 to take control of the game.
Iona showed resilience in the fourth quarter thanks to goals from Mischlich, Musikic and freshman Ryan Tannus, but the Sunbirds maintained their lead and sealed the win with consistent offensive execution.
In addition to Mischlich’s standout performance, Scanlon added two goals and an assist, while Jayden Arana and Rastko Jevdjovic each tallied two goals. Goalie Aleksandar Slavkovic recorded seven saves in the cage for Iona.
The Gaels dominated in sprint wins 4–0 and forced 16 steals compared to three by the Sunbirds. However, Fresno Pacific capitalized on their shooting chances, converting 20-of-29 shots to Iona’s 17-of-39. Fresno Pacific was led by Forrest Gray, who scored seven goals-on-seven shots, and Christiano Sandino, who chipped in three goals and three assists.
Taking on the Division III nationally-ranked Stags, Gaels saw offensive contributions from nine different players to close out the weekend with a loss to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.
CMS came out strong with a 7-2 first-quarter advantage, using an aggressive offensive attack to seize early control. Iona responded with four goals in the second quarter but trailed 13-6 by halftime. The Gaels added three goals in each of the final two quarters, but could not close the gap as the Stags continued to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Musikic led the Gaels with two goals and a team-high nine total points. Hugh Coyle added two goals and one assist, while Jakob Villasenor netted a pair in the fourth quarter. Additional goals came from Scanlon, Arana, Daniel Raz, Samson Williams, Zayden Garner and Tannus. Tannus and Musikic also recorded assists in the contest.
Both teams recorded 32 total shots, but CMS’ balanced offensive execution resulted in 18 assists on 22 goals. The Stags also held the advantage in steals (14-to-four) and claimed all four sprints. Iona was whistled for eight exclusions to CMS’ 11.
Release courtesy Iona University Athletics Communications
