May 11, 2005
LOUDONVILLE, NY - The Siena women's soccer program has announced the addition of two more players to complete the 2005 fall signings. Head coach Steve Karbowski received a National Letter of Intent from goalkeeper Natalie Bennett (Santa Fe, TX) and confirmed walk on Patti Carroll (Middle Grove, NY).
Natalie comes to Siena from Santa Fe High School where she was a four year starter. She was recently named the 2005 District IV Co-Defensive Most Valuable Player. The All Region Selection garnered top honors as the 2004 District IV Defensive MVP. With eight years of experience playing with club teams such as the Eclipse and United Alliance, Natalie has a tremendous pedigree, and could evolve into a top goalkeeper.
"Natalie is an athletic, aggressive goalkeeper with a strong work ethic and has the potential to be a standout at Siena," Karbowski said. "She's a great personality for the team and with her commitment will be a welcomed addition."
As a three year starter at Galway High School, Carroll was named to the 2004 First Team All Conference. The senior captain garnered Goalkeeper of the Year and First Team Section II All-Star Class C Co-Goalkeeper of the Year.
Carroll has played club soccer with Blackwatch and the Alleycats where she led the team to the 2004 State Cup Finalists. She also played three years for the Clifton Park Premier, leading the team to the 2002 State Cup Champs title. She was also a part of the Eastern New York Olympic Development Program for two years. The netminder also competed in the Eastern New York State Olympic Development Program.
"Patti is a goalkeeper with extensive club soccer experience and individual training," Karbowski said. "She has all the qualities of a complete goalie with her strengths being her technical ability and foot skills."
"The addition of Natalie and Patti will help to replace the loss of two senior goalkeepers", said Karbowski. "This tandem will join the lone returning goalkeeper, Carey Winkler, to provide a strong committee in goal. We are very excited to have both Natalie and Patti joining the team next season. They both bring experience, talent and great potential to the goalkeeper position."
Siena's 2005 season opens at home against Holy Cross on September 3.
The MAAC Tournament is set for October 27-31, 2005 at Disney World in Orlando, Fl.
