LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena Women's Soccer looks to close out its non-conference schedule on a high note and secure Capital Region bragging rights when the Saints host crosstown rival UAlbany Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Hickey Field.
 
Siena (3-5, 1-0) has played UAlbany (1-5-1, 0-1) more times than any other opponent in non-conference action, as the programs prepare to meet for the 28^th time. The Great Danes hold a 15-9-3 all-time advantage in a series which dates back to Siena's first varsity season in 1980.
 
With the exception of last year's COVID-affected season, the programs match up for fifth straight non-conference season, and sixth time in the past seven years. UAlbany has held the upper hand of late, going 3-1-1 in the series since the beginning of the most recent near annual stretch, while outscoring the Saints 11-4 during that time. Siena is in search of its first victory in the series in five years, dating back to a 1-0 triumph here in Loudonville on Aug. 26, 2016.
 
The Saints and Great Danes played to a 1-1 draw in their most recent meeting on Sept. 25, 2019 at Casey Stadium, with each side scoring via second half penalty kicks. Then junior Darby D'Angelo scored the match-tying goal for Siena in the 76^th minute after classmate Jayanna Monds was taken down in the box, while Taylor Dorado made 11 saves. Leah Pais converted a PK in the 64^th minute for UAlbany, which held a 25-16 shot advantage in a wide-open affair.
 
Siena enters its non-conference finale looking to build off a thrilling 2-1 overtime triumph in their MAAC opener Saturday vs. Rider at Hickey Field. Danielle Borrino scored the golden goal in the 93^rd minute and Leslie Adams made eight saves – including a critical penalty kick stop with just 4:22 remaining in regulation – as the Saints snapped a five-match losing skid, while also opening their MAAC Title defense victorious.
 
Siena is set to play its second straight home match within the friendly confines of Hickey Field, where the Saints are a perfect 2-0 this season and hold an eight-match unbeaten streak (6-0-2) overall at the facility dating back to the start of last season. Siena has outscored its opponents by a 17-3 margin during that span. Moreover, the Saints have achieved a 78-29-15 (.701) overall record in Loudonville over the past 14 seasons, including a stellar 38-11-3 (.760) mark in non-conference action.
 
Offensively, Siena has been paced by a balanced attack so far this year. Eight different goal scorers have accounted for the team's 10 tallies so far, with another goal coming via an own goal. Borrino is the lone multiple goal scorer, with the junior outside back notching her first two career tallies this season while converting on both of her shot attempts.
 
Meanwhile, Adams and Brooke Boermeester have split time in goal with each keeper making four starts apiece. Both keepers have each made in excess of 20 saves, with both also posting solid save percentages of better than 76%.
 
UAlbany enters play looking to bounce back from consecutive 2-1 road losses at Wagner and Stony Brook. The Great Danes were predicted to finish fifth (out of 10 teams) according to the America East Preseason Coaches' Poll. UAlbany is Siena's fifth America East opponent so far this season, with the Saints having posted a 1-3 record against the conference to date, with a victory over preseason No. 3 Binghamton, and losses to New Hampshire (fourth), Hartford (sixth), and Vermont (seventh). UAlbany is coached by Leigh Howard, who led MAAC foe Marist from 2018-19.
 
Rich Becker and Joe Mixie have the call of the match on ESPN+, which is available by clicking the corresponding link, on smartphones and tablets via the ESPN app, and on televisions through Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Xbox360, and Xbox One. Wednesday's match marks the first of four Siena Women's Soccer home matches scheduled to be broadcast this fall on the ESPN Family of Networks, with future matchups vs. Iona (Oct. 2), Niagara (Oct. 13), and Quinnipiac (Oct. 16) set to air on either ESPN3 or ESPN+ (channel designation to be determined). Overall, eight of Siena Women's Soccer nine home matches are scheduled to be broadcast this fall, with non-ESPN contests streamed via Siena All-Access.
 
Fans wishing to attend any Siena Athletics games held on campus are required to adhere to the Siena Athletics Spectator Policy. All spectators are required to complete the Siena Athletics Spectator Screening Form at sienasaints.com/spectatorregistration, and receive clearance to attend, prior to their arrival on campus. All spectators must be vaccinated to be able to attend, and are required to bring proof of vaccination with them to campus. Unvaccinated children 12 and under must remain masked at all times. Spectators are requested to enter campus via Route 9 through the College's main gate on Loudon Road and check in at the Welcome Booth. All forms of tailgating are also currently prohibited at this time. This policy is guided by the alert level established by Siena College's COVID-19 Operations Team and is subject to change based on current conditions. Siena College and the athletic department will continue to monitor developments and alert spectators of any adjustments made to this policy.