May 23, 2002

Newburgh, N.Y.--The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference announced its 2002 All-MAAC baseball teams at the annual awards banquet this morning in Newburgh--a listing that included six Siena players. Sophomore Kevin Roberts joined seniors Ryan Finn and Jim Buckley on the conference's first team, while senior Josh Kean, sophomore Tony Cipolla and freshman Luis Khoury were selected to the second team. Seniors Dave Pahucki and Brent Wengert were selected to the MAAC All-Academic Team along with junior Justin Knoff and sophomore Gary Tarantino.

Finn earned First Team honors in the outfield for the third consecutive season after another sensational year at the plate. The senior tri-captain led the MAAC with 13 home runs and was second on the squad with 51 RBI. Classmate Jim Buckley also enjoyed a sensational season for the Green and Gold and was named to the All-MAAC team for the second time in his career. Buckley batted .306 with 12 home runs and a team-high 54 runs batted in. He was named to the squad as a catcher after tossing out 62% of would-be basestealers in league games. Roberts scored 31 runs and had 10 stolen bases after leading off all 40 games he played this season. After Roberts return to lineup (suffered broken hand before the season began), Siena went 27-13.

Following one of the greatest offensive seasons in school history, senior Josh Kean was selected to the All-MAAC Second Team. Kean could become the first Saint since the program turned Division I 25 years ago to bat over .400. He enters the postseason with a .408 batting average. Kean boasted an astounding .500 average against MAAC competition. Tony Cipolla had a breakout sophomore season and was rewarded with inclusion on the Second Team as well. Cipolla was second on the team with a .323 batting and blasted seven home runs while playing consistent defense at third. Freshman Luis Khoury was selected as the Second Team designated hitter after batting .275 in 54 games.

The Saints also placed four pitchers on the conference's All-Academic Team. Seniors Dave Pahucki and Brent Wengert were joined by junior Justin Knoff and sophmore Gary Tarantino on the 35 member team. To be considered for the MAAC All-Academic team a student-athlete must have at least a 3.20 overall grade point average, and be a starter or significant reserve.

The Saints begin play in the MAAC Championships at 3 p.m. today at Fishkill's Dutchess Stadium. Siena, which finished the season with a 28-27 record and a 17-9 MAAC mark, will take on Le Moyne College in the first round.