COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Iona University finished 3-1 at the United States Air Force Academy’s 2024 Rare Air Challenge by splashing Division III No. 10 University of La Verne, 21-18, Division III No. 5 California Lutheran University, 15-14, & Concordia University, 22-19, before the host Falcons handed the Gaels a 16-11 loss.
Led by standout performances from Luksa Vlasic, who netted seven goals, and four by Rastko Jevdjovic, the Gaels showcased their offensive power throughout the game in downing La Verne on Saturday, September 21.
Iona took an early lead, finishing the first quarter with an 11-6 advantage thanks to capitalizing on their scoring opportunities and maintaining pressure on the Leopards’ defense. The Gaels’ offense, featuring contributions from Pavle Musikic and Coby Scanlon, proved challenging for La Verne to contain.
Despite falling behind, La Verne fought back valiantly in the second quarter to narrowing the gap with a 4-1 outburst courtesy strikes from Nico Buono and Jordan Baker. However, the Leopards couldn’t maintain their momentum, as Iona regained control in the third quarter by scoring six goals to claim an 18-15 margin.
The Leopards continued to battle in the fourth quarter by managing to score three additional goals, with Buono finishing the game with five total tallies. Nonetheless, it was not enough to overcome the Gaels’ significant early lead as Iona picked a three-score win.
Iona’s Aleksander Slakovic made five saves and La Verne’s Eric Bates contributing four saves.
Taking on Cal Lutheran later in the day, the Gaels decrowned the Kingsmen at the Cadet Natatorium by a single goal.
Musikic led the charge with five goals with teammates Luksa Vlasic (three) and Jevdjovic (two) also posting multi-score outputs. Key contributions were also made by Mohamed Refaat, Matthew Mischlich, Hugh Coyle, Scanlon and James DiSalle as the quintet each added solo markers to the scoreboard.
For Cal Lutheran, the Kingsmen’s offense was spearheaded by Kayden Sourbeer, Cormac Flanders and Lincoln Hall as each chipped in trios of tallies. Levi Cook and Tommy Riffle were vital in the attack as well with two goals apiece. Zane Hermann also found the back of the net once.
The game was marked by a series of lead changes, with Iona taking an early lead before Cal Lutheran fought back to keep the match competitive. The Gaels scored consistently throughout the four quarters, with critical goals in the closing minutes helping them maintain their edge.
In goal, Iona’s Orlando Hernandez made 10 saves, while Cal Lutheran’s Bo DuBois recorded five.
Iona continued to rack-up high scoring games on Sunday, September 22, as the Gaels outlasted Concordia, 22-19.
Musikic again led the scoring for Iona with eight goals. Mischlich and Jevdjovic put away three shots, while Refaat and Trippe Bauman spun home pairs.
Concordia’s Harry Bentham tallied four goals in the contest. Kaliq Khan and Kai Young each added three goals for the Golden Eagles, while Konstantinos Koulouris, Carlos Olat and Thomas Kelly each tossed in pairs.
The game was tightly contested, with Iona scoring six goals in the first quarter to matching Concordia’s six. However, Iona pulled ahead with a strong third quarter by scoring eight goals compared to the Golden Eagles’ five spot. The Gaels maintained their lead into the final quarter, ultimately sealing the win with six goals.
Iona’s weekend trip to Colorado drew to a close in a five goal loss to the host Falcons of Air Force.
Musikic (four), Vlasic (two), Mischlich, Coyle, Refaat, Jefdjovic and DiSalle dented the twine for the Gaels as Iona outscored Air Force 4-0 in the first quarter before the tables were turned with a 12-7 margin for the Falcons in the second quarter.
Trailing 12-11 at halftime the visiting team was unable to overcome their hosts as Air Force racked up a 4-0 margin in the third quarter prior to both teams being held off the scoreboard in the final eight minutes for the 16-11 final score.
Tom Leggett from Air Force was the standout player of the match, netting eight goals. Jack Richards also had a strong showing by adding five goals to the Falcons’ tally.
Hernandez managed two saves, while Air Force’s Luca Smith and Jay Pyle combined for 10 stops.
Information courtesy The FOSH
