May 28, 2008
Loudonville, N.Y. - Siena baseball coach Tony Rossi announced today the signings of three additional incoming freshmen who will enroll at Siena this fall and hit the diamond with the start of the 2009 season. Andrew Sawyer, John Hopkin and William Cardona signed National Letters of Intent, boosting the incoming freshman class to nine members.
"We are excited to have Andy, John and William join us at Siena," said Rossi. "All three players will be impact student-athletes here."
Sawyer joins the Saints from Marietta, Ga. where he helped guide McEachern High to an 18-11 record last season in the highly competitive 5-A region. An All-County runner-up, Sawyer hit .330 during his senior season while posting a solid .412 on-base percentage. In addition, he tallied 12 RBI and scored 14 runs, while also slugging a pair of game-winning hits against rivals Kennesaw Mountain and Parkside.
"Andy has been an outstanding player for McEachern High," noted Rossi. "He is a talented middle infielder and will be expected to play immediately."
A native of Cape May Court House, N.J., Hopkin was a four year starting pitcher and team captain at Middle Township High. He was named All-League, All-Area, All-State and Team MVP. In addition, Hopkin holds his school record for strikeouts.
"John is one of the top pitchers in southern New Jersey," explained Rossi. "He is a big, strong lefty with an outstanding changeup and should give the team quality innings immediately. He will be counted on heavily to take his upper 80's fastball to the next level and be a major contributor."
Cardona, who hails from Brooklyn, N.Y., comes from perennial New York City Catholic League power Bishop Ford. He is a top infielder who was one of the key performers for the New York City entry in the 2007 Empire State games. Cardona is also an outstanding hitter who possesses both a strong arm and knowledge for the game.
"William is one of the top infielders in the strong New York City League," remarked Rossi. "He has the ability to be a major contributor to the program in a short period of time and also be an asset to the Siena community. We are extremely happy to have him join the program."
The group joins CJ Sohl, Dan Paolini, Brandon Curson, Ryan Poplawski, Nicco Stento, and Don Pendleton who all signed during the NCAA's early signing period back in December. The Saints recently concluded the 2008 season at 30-26, the third most wins in program history, and advanced to the MAAC Championship game.
