May 4, 2007

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - Softball standout Jamie Piela and men's tennis player Jose Loren were named Student-Athletes of the Month for April. Both student-athletes got off to strong starts this spring excelling both on and off the playing field.

Piela, a Wallington, N.J. native, has started all 32 games for the Saints so far this season. The sophomore pitcher/outfielder carries a 3.45 cumulative grade point average as an undecided business major. Piela has been a key member to the Saints offensive production.

"Jamie has consistently found success both on and off the field," said head coach Deanna Parks. "She is a valuable asset to our team, and I look forward to coaching her over the next couple years."

Loren, a sophomore marketing management major, harbors a 3.27 grade point average. Loren has become one of the most consistent players as he has managed a 6-2 singles record this season, including a perfect 3-0 league mark.

"Jose is a model student-athlete," head coach Jim Serbalik said. "He brings great intensity to the court, and has been a pleasure to coach."

The Leo Dufort Student-Athlete of the Month Award is presented nine times annually (September-May) throughout the academic year. The award recognizes exemplary achievements in both academics and athletics. The late Leo Dufort received a B.S. in marketing and management from Siena in August of 1977. His entire academic career was completed on a part-time basis beginning in the spring of 1961, as a married adult while at the same time raising five children. He passed away suddenly of a heart attack while cross country skiing in February of 1993. His wife Jeanine wanted to do something to immortalize his memory. The original plaque was donated to athletics and the department began the Leo Dufort Student-Athlete of the Month Award to help carry out his legacy. Dufort graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1954, was a Navy Veteran (USS Bennington) who worked for JL Hammett Co. at the time of his death.