Gaels Celebrate Senior Day

By Michael Sacks


The Iona College women's basketball team celebrated Senior Day on Sunday, February 27, 2011. The Gaels honored seniors Marissa Flagg, Anda Ivkovic, and Catherine Lutz.
The Senior Day celebration occurred in conjunction with the Gaels' final home game of the year, a 57-51 loss to Manhattan. The festivities included a pre-game ceremony and a post-game reception.
This senior class has had a spectacular run at Iona. Over the past four years, the Gaels have amassed 67 wins (an average of about 17 wins per year), advanced to three MAAC final fours, and participated in two postseason WNITs. Furthermore, these seniors have excelled academically and distinguished themselves as model citizens.
"These seniors have been great ambassadors for the program throughout their careers," Head Coach Anthony Bozzella said. "They have represented Iona with class and dignity the whole time."
Flagg, a 5-foot-5 guard from Queens, N.Y., has had an extraordinary career at Iona. She has played in 95 career games, compiling 370 points, 198 assists, and 141 steals. Flagg ranks in the top 20 in program history in career assists and career steals.
A tenacious defender and a gifted playmaker, Flagg has contributed in a number of ways for Iona. Flagg’s talent, leadership, and charismatic personality make her an exceptionally valuable player for the Gaels.
Flagg, a criminal justice major, serves as president of Iona’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (S.A.A.C.).
Ivkovic, a 6-foot-1 forward from Subotica, Serbia, has had a remarkable career at Iona. She has played in 113 career games, scoring 1,159 points, grabbing 479 rebounds, and recording a .420 field-goal percentage.
Ivkovic has had a huge impact on Iona's success. A resilient competitor, Ivkovic has overcome several injuries throughout her career. Ivkovic has distinguished herself as one of the premier players in the MAAC, earning All-MAAC accolades as a sophomore, junior, and senior.
Ivkovic, a criminal justice major, ranks among the program's career leaders in points (10th), free throws made (fifth), and games played (eighth).
Lutz, a 6-foot-1 guard/forward from Easton, Pa., has had an outstanding career at Iona. She has played in 96 career games, compiling 429 points and 141 rebounds.
A terrific shooter and an intelligent player, Lutz has played a key role in the Gaels’ success. Lutz ranks among the program’s all-time leaders in three-point field goals made (106), three-point field goal percentage (.312), and free throw percentage (.756).
Lutz, a psychology major, has earned distinction on the MAAC all-academic team every year in which she has been eligible for this honor.
During the pre-game ceremony on Senior Day, the Gaels presented each of the seniors with a framed replica of their jerseys, a framed action photo, a bouquet of flowers, and balloons.
Iona also honored the team's two senior managers, Eric Alston and Noel Emanuel. The managers play an integral role in the functioning of the program. They perform a multitude of tasks behind the scenes, and they are an immense help to the team.
After the game, the team gathered in the LaPenta Student Union for a reception in honor of Senior Day. This event featured a delicious meal and a touching slide show tribute to the seniors, prepared by Provost Dr. Warren Rosenberg, the program's moderator.
Senior Day was truly a special day for the Iona College women's basketball program.