LOUDONVILLE, NY - Siena Women's Soccer kicks off its abbreviated 2021 spring season in earnest Thursday when the Saints host Iona at 3 p.m. at Hickey Field. 

Due to current COVID-19 protocols enacted by the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Council of Presidents, fans are not permitted to attend Siena home games at this time. 

Joe Mixie and Isis Young have the call of the match via Siena All-Access. The action can be viewed free of charge by simply logging onto sienasaints.com/watch or by clicking the corresponding link. 

Following a pair of COVID-related cancellations, Siena is finally set to return to the field for the first time in 512 days. The Saints last played on Oct. 30, 2019 at Quinnipiac, with the ensuing traditional Fall 2020 season later cancelled due to the pandemic. Siena and Iona (0-1-1) were originally scheduled to match up in the spring opener on Mar. 16, but the contest was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols within the Siena program. Tuesday's second scheduled match at Niagara was also postponed following similar issues within the Purple Eagles' program. 

Siena looks to make the most of its special spring season, as the Saints return six starters from their 2019 squad while welcoming eight newcomers to the roster this year. Siena kicks off an unprecedented 41st varsity season projected to finish eighth according to the 11-team MAAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, ahead of the Gaels who were predicted to place ninth. 

The Saints are led by the winningest coach in program history in alumnus Steve Karbowski '93. Karbowski, who has amassed 188 career victories as he enters his 22nd season leading his alma mater, became the first head coach in MAAC Women's Soccer history to eclipse 100 career conference regular season wins with the Saints' 2-1 victory over Canisius on Oct. 2, 2019. 

Siena will play its home matches this spring at Hickey Field, which is adjacent to the women's soccer grass field. Thursday's match marks the Saints' first regular season contest at the facility since a 2-1 overtime loss vs. Rhode Island on Sept. 13, 2013. Siena only played at the facility one other time prior, falling in the 2008 MAAC Semifinals vs. Fairfield in a shootout following a scoreless draw.

Iona enters Thursday's matchup looking to improve upon a 3-0 season-opening loss vs. Monmouth on Mar. 9 and a 1-1 tie vs. Rider Tuesday. Graduate transfer Nicole Whitley netted the tying goal for the Gaels in the 65th minute. 

Siena leads the all-time series vs. Iona 22-12-2, as the programs meet for the 37th time Thursday. The Saints have won seven straight in the series, dating back to the Gaels last win during the 2013 regular season. Siena rallied to capture the most recent matchup between the programs 2-1 in overtime during the 2019 season in New Rochelle. Current juniors Carrie Krohn and Ashleigh Sarafin each scored for the Saints in the 79th and 93rd minutes, respectively.