Oct. 22, 2001

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - Siena linebacker Dan Smacchia (Thornwood, N.Y./Westlake) was named MAAC Defnesive Player of the Week for a second time following his impressive performance in the Saints tough loss to Iona on Saturday.

Smacchia posted a season-high 22 tackles against the Gaels, including 11 solo and two stops for a loss of seven yards. The 6-0 sophomore made his lone quarterback sack of the game on Iona'a final offensive drive. Smacchia sacked the Gaels' QB in the fourth quarter on a third down play forcing Iona to punt, and giving the Saints their final opportunity to take the lead. Iona was able to hold off the Saints for a 21-19 victory.

Coach Jay Bateman wasn't surprised by Smacchia's monster numbers, "Dan is one of the best defensive players in the history of our program, and he's only a sophomore. His numbers have been jumping out at us for the past three weeks."

Smacchia currently leads the MAAC in tackles with 88 (45 solo) and in tackles for loss with 13 for 55 yards this season.