LOUDONVILLE, NY - Under first-year head coach Michael Ashe, Siena Water Polo begins its 24th varsity season this weekend at the Princeton Invitational in Princeton, NJ. The three-game weekend will feature a pair on Saturday against Azusa Pacific at 10 a.m. and Bucknell at 5:30 p.m. before capping off the trip at 8:30 a.m. Sunday against Saint Francis (PA). 
 
Only Princeton matches will be streamed on ESPN+. No live stats will be provided either. 
 
Siena improved its record for a third consecutive season in 2024, posting an 8-18 record after having won five games the year prior. The team returns each of its top-nine goal scores from last season highlighted by reigning MAAC Rookie of the Year, Catherine Williamson - whose 68 goals led the team, and ranked fifth in the MAAC. Rebecca Currie (36), Lucia Fernandez Caballero (33), and Parker Thomas (31) each eclipsed 30 goals last season as well. Thomas also led the team with 39 assists to rank second on the Saints with 70 points. 
 
Coach Ashe will look towards a fresh face in goal, having a pair of freshman netminders on the team in Savana Slaughter, and Julia Hough. 
 
The Saints take on Azusa Pacific for the second time ever on Saturday, having lost the only other previous meeting in the 2022 season. The Green and Gold will also be in search of its first win against Bucknell in its 18th try. The sides met last season at the Princeton Invitational where Bucknell claimed a 9-8 win. Siena is 1-7 all-time against Saint Francis (PA) after defeating them for the first time last season, 15-7. 
 
Picked to finish eighth in the MAAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, The Green and Gold will begin their journey of aiming to make the MAAC Championship for what would be the third time ever and the first appearance since 2010.