May 28, 2009

Siena College enjoyed one of its finest overall athletic seasons ever in 2008-09 as evidenced by the final MAAC Commissioner Cup standings released Thursday by the league office. The Siena men's athletic programs placed second among the MAAC's 10 members, just one point behind first place Loyola. Overall, Siena finished fourth, equaling its best finish ever. Fairfield won the Cup for the first time since 1997-98.

Siena's men's finish was bolstered by strong seasons from the basketball, lacrosse, soccer and golf squads. On the women's side, the volleyball team and soccer team led the way. The second place overall finish was the highest men's or women's overall finish for Siena since the College joined the MAAC in 1989.

Fairfield finished the overall race with a total of 128.50 points, 18 points ahead of runner-up Marist College. The Stags also finished in the top spot in the women's cup race by compiling 79 points, 18 points ahead of Marist.

The rest of the overall field finished as follows: Marist (110.50), Loyola (102), Siena (98), Manhattan College (95.5), Iona College (87.5), Canisius College (87), Niagara University and Rider University (79.50), and Saint Peter's College (55.50).

In the men's standings, Loyola ended with 53.50 points and Siena finished second with 52.50 points, followed by Fairfield and Marist (49.50), Manhattan (48.50), Niagara (43), Rider (40), Iona (39), Saint Peter's (31) and Canisius (30.50).

On the women's side, Marist was second with 61 points, followed by Canisius (56.50), Iona and Loyola (48.50), Manhattan (47), Siena (45.50), Rider (39.50), Niagara (36.50) and Saint Peter's (24.50).