Oct. 21, 2002

Junior linebacker Dan Smacchia (Thornwood, N.Y./Westlake) has been selected Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week. It is third time Smacchia has received the weekly award in his career.

Smacchia led Siena's defensive effort in the team's 36-20 win over Fairfield on Saturday. He recorded 10 tackles (three behind the line of scrimmage) and forced a fumble. The Sports Network's Preseason All-American also defended a pass and got in on a crucial quarterback sack.

On the season, Smacchia is second in the league with 75 tackles. Last year, he led the conference with 115 tackles and was a First Team All-MAAC selection as well as a postseason honorable mention All-American as selected by Don Hansen's Football Gazette.

Smacchia and the Saints will aim for their first back-to-back wins since 1999 as they take on Stony Brook at Heritage Park on Saturday at 1 p.m.