REDLANDS, Calif. — The Iona University men’s water polo team battled hard but fell to the Concordia University-Irvine Golden Eagles, 16-11, prior to downing host/Division III No. 2-ranked the University of Redlands, 13-12, in the Thompson Aquatic Center during the first day of the 2025 Inland Empire Classic.
Against Concordia, the Gaels showed strong offensive efforts throughout the game, with Ryan Tannus leading the team by scoring four goals. Despite a slow start, Iona’s offense fought back in the third quarter with four goals, and another four in the fourth quarter. Matthew Mischlich and Samson Williams both added two goals.
Concordia jumped out to an early lead, posting four goals in the opening eight minutes and maintaining momentum with consistent scoring in each quarter of competition.
Aleksandar Slakovic made 10 saves and added two steals while allowing all 16 goals over the 32 minutes of play.
Taking on the host Bulldogs of Redlands, Iona claimed a one-goal victory.
Pavle Musikic delivered a career best performance, scoring eight goals to lead the Gaels to one of their most significant victories in recent program history. Backed by a strong defensive effort and 14 saves from Slakovic, Iona held off a late push from the Bulldogs to secure the win.
The Gaels struck first with an early goal from Tannus, but Redlands quickly answered with back-to-back goals from Joseph Madigan and Jake Simpson. Iona closed the opening quarter with a narrow 3-2 lead, setting the tone for a tightly contested match.
Both teams continued to trade goals in the second quarter as Musikic added two more to his total, while Redlands stayed in the fight to set the score at five-all entering halftime.
The third quarter saw Iona find momentum, sparked by a three-goal burst from Musikic. Despite a strong response from Redlands, the Gaels entered the final quarter with a 9-8 advantage.
The fourth quarter delivered a dramatic finish, with both sides battling fiercely for control. Musikic continued to power the Iona offense, while Redlands threatened the defense. Coby Scanlon added two goals and two assists as the Gaels came out on top for the program’s second win of the season.
Information courtesy Iona University Athletics Communications
