Thursday, October 28, 2010

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

MAAC Media Day

Lady Gaels Ranked Second in Preseason Poll

The Lady Gaels had three players named Preseason All-MAAC team and was chosen in second place by a poll of the league's ten head coaches, as was announced at the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference's annual media day held at B.B. King Blues Club and Grill.

Senior forward Anda Ivkovic and junior guard Kristina Ford were named to the Preseason All-MAAC Second Team. Last year, Ford led all returning players with 9.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game along with 52 steals, while Ivkovic followed with 8.8 points and 3.9 boards per game before a knee injury cut her season short.

Earning a spot on the Preseason All-MAAC Third Team was senior point guard Suzi Fregosi, who had a league-leading 152 assists as a junior.

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Maroon Madness Kicks Off Basketball Season

The Iona College women’s basketball team kicked off the 2010-2011 campaign with the celebration of Maroon Madness on Friday, October 22, 2010 in the Hynes Athletics Center.
“Maroon Madness is a great event,” Head Coach Anthony Bozzella said. “Our student body comes out in full force, and this event gets all the fans fired up for the season ahead. Liz Faia and her staff do a terrific job putting this event together.”
Maroon Madness served as one of the marquee events of Iona's Homecoming Weekend. The evening featured performances by the Iona pipe band, cheerleaders, dance team, step team, and Born Talent (who performed the Iona basketball song). The event also included an assortment of prizes, contests, and promotions.
The players and coaches received a special introduction as they entered the gym one at a time to the roaring applause of the energetic crowd. The gym was packed with Iona students, alumni, and fans of all ages.
“The atmosphere is really exciting,” freshman forward/center Sabrina Jeridore said. “The support of the fans means a lot to us.”
Iona unveiled a banner honoring the Gaels’ 2010 WNIT berth. Senior guard Suzi Fregosi and Director of Basketball Operations Thazina Cook (a senior on last year’s team) conducted the unveiling of the banner.
“It’s a big honor,” Fregosi said. “It’s nice to know that we’ve made our mark.”
The Maroon & Gold posted an 18-14 record (13-5 MAAC) last year, finishing second in the MAAC standings. The Gaels’ appearance in the 2010 WNIT marked the program’s third postseason berth in the last four years.
The team delivered a real treat to the crowd at Maroon Madness by performing a skit that included a workout session, dance-off, and offbeat costumes. Senior guard Marissa Flagg and team manager Eric Alston originated the idea and incorporated suggestions from several players.
“We tried to incorporate everything that’s new and hip,” Flagg said. “Everybody grasped the steps really quickly.”
Senior guard/forward Catherine Lutz and junior Jermel Jenkins from the men’s team each paired up with an Iona student and competed in a shooting contest. Some of the men’s players performed a dunking exhibition.
Assistant Director of Athletics Elizabeth Faia coordinated the festivities. Alumnus Scott O'Donnell (Class of 2010) and Associate AD Brian Beyrer shared the role of master of ceremonies. At the end of the evening, Coach Bozzella and Coach Tim Cluess from the men’s basketball team addressed the audience and thanked the fans for their support.
Maroon Madness was truly a special event for the Iona community.

Article Courtesy of Michael Sacks

Friday, October 8, 2010

Preseason Charades

Preseason Awards Luncheon

On Monday we had our annual Preseason Awards Luncheon. At the gathering Coach Bozzella gave out three awards, along with showing two highlight films, and our usual team activity of charades. The awards that were given out were for Most Inspirational, and two for Most Improved. Senior Suzi Fregosi was awarded the Most Inspirational for the second straight year. The whole team did a great job over the summer and during the preseason improving their game, but Juniors Sarah Schoof and Milica Paligoric stood above the rest. Overall it was a great celebration of our preseason and a nice way to begin our first practice of the year!

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

McLean to Play Professionally in Poland

Former Iona College women's basketball powerhouse Anna McLean has been signed to play for Polish professional team Utex Row Rybnik out of Rybnik, Poland. McLean graduated as Iona's all-time leader in blocks (185) and games played (128). She was a two-time All-MAAC selection, being named to the Second Team in 2008 and the Third Team in 2010.

"I am very proud of Anna," expressed Gael head coach Anthony Bozzella. "All of her hard work over the years has paid off, and I know she will have success as she continues her basketball career."

The Polish league is one of the best leagues in Europe along with countries such as Russia, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Israel, and France. Utex Row Rybnik played its first game of the year on October 2 and the regular season continues through March 12. Other notable Americans playing in Poland this season are Jane Morris, first round draft pick for the Indiana Fever; Monica Wright, first round draft pick and second pick overall for the Washington Mystics; Janell Burse, center for the Seattle Storm; and Nicole Powell, first round draft pick in 2004 and a starter for the NY Liberty.

McLean is the newest in a long list of Iona athletes to play professionally and the fourth in recent years. Also going on to play in Europe were Jessica Smith '08 (Denmark) and Polina Hadjiyankova '08. Martina Weber '07, who signed with the New York Liberty, is the only player in MAAC history to join the WNBA.