Poughkeepsie, NY – The third-seeded Wagner College Water Polo team (16-20, 6-4 MAAC) fell to the second-seeded Iona College Gaels in double overtime, 9-8. The Seahawks will conclude their 2010 season in the tournament's consolation round tomorrow at 12:00 PM against Siena College.

A back and fourth game between the two teams was tight from the start. Iona lit up the scoreboard first a goal halfway through the opening period. Sophomore Chelsea Beck (Reading, PA/Wilson) was able to tie the game with her 55th marker of the season. The score stood 1-1 after one period.

Iona opened up their largest lead of the game with a 3-1 run in the second half. After taking the lead 2-1, sophomore Molly Robinson (Lansdale, PA/North Penn) knotted the game a 2-2 with a score early in the period. Two unanswered goals by the Gaels made the halftime score 4-2 in their favor.

Wagner responded with a 3-0 run in the third period sparked by back-to-back goals from junior Carina Giles (Mohton, PA/Governor Mifflin). Giles first goal came 41 seconds into the period, while her second score at 5:18, tied the game at 4-4. After a penalty on Iona, sophomore Becca Hannings (Lansdale, PA/North Penn) gave the Seahawks a 5-4 lead with a goal on a penalty shot at 1:54.

After three defensive-oriented periods, the two teams combined for seven goals in the final frame. Iona started the run with consecutive goals to regain the lead for the Gaels, 6-5. Sophomore Laura Vanderbent (Shillington, PA/Governor Mifflin) tied the game at 6-6, only to have Iona move ahead 7-6 with 3:59 remaining. Hannings added her second goal of the game a minute later, but Iona was able to pull ahead again, 8-7.

With 30 seconds remaining in the game, Iona's long pass was intercepted by senior goalie Kelsey Rodgers (Anaheim Hills, CA/Canyon/Fullerton JC). Rodgers tossed the ball up to two Seahawks who were just feet away from Iona's net. With 17 seconds remaining, sophomore Lauren French (Colmar, PA/North Penn) scored the game-tying goal to send the game into overtime.

The teams remained tied until a late Iona score gave the Gaels a 9-8 lead with 25 seconds remaining. Wagner shot wide in their last offensive possession and the game came to a close with Iona holding onto the ball.

Rodgers finished with 19 saves in defeat.

Iona will advance to play Marist College in the finals. Wagner will play fourth-seeded Sienna College at 12:00 PM on Sunday.