March 1, 2008
Loudonville, N.Y. - The Siena water polo team captured a pair of victories this afternoon in the first day of the Fourth Annual Siena Invite at the Siena Swim Center. The Saints secured wins against Carthage 12-5 and over MAAC foe Villanova 12-8. The Green and Gold have now won four of their last five and improved to 4-5 on the season.
"Today we executed well and had a bunch of scoring from many different people," reflected head coach Ellen Howe. "It was a good day for us and we are looking forward to playing in the first place game tomorrow."
Against Carthage, the Saints jumped out to an early 4-1 lead after the first period and never looked back. Caitlin Smith and Jackie Crosby led the offensive outpouring with three goals apiece. Smith, Crosby, Kaedy Graves and Devan Ragg led a balanced scoring attack as each finished with four points. Molly Chamberlain paced the defensive efforts with four steals, while Gina Guevara added three.
The Saints made it a clean sweep of the day in downing MAAC foe Villanova in an exciting game. Tied at seven heading into the final period, Siena erupted for four fourth period goals to take home the win. Lauren Biehle posted five goals in the game, two of which came in fourth, while Crosby and Lauren Garrigan each added a pair of scores. Goalie Lisa Reilly was outstanding between the pipes, recording nine saves while also tallying two assists.
The Green and Gold will have an opportunity to improve to .500 with a win when they host MAAC rival Iona tomorrow on Day Two of the Siena Invite at 12 noon in the first place game. The Saints have never won the Siena Invite. Prior to the game, the Saints will honor seniors Graves, Reilly and Smith in Senior Day festivities.
