LOUDONVILLE, NY - Siena Women's Basketball puts a bow on its non-conference schedule Monday, welcoming the Central Connecticut State (CCSU) Blue Devils into Loudonville. The sides tip off at 6 p.m. at the UHY Center.
Monday's game is the second and final of Siena's Catholic Charities Christmas Series. Fans who donate to the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany during Siena's game against CCSU will receive a souvenir Siena pennant while supplies last. Established in 1917 as a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Albany, Catholic Charities helps an estimated 77,000 people each year across the 14 local counties that it serves. The 501(c)(3) agency offers a wide spectrum of services, from addressing basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter to more specialized support for the most vulnerable in our communities, including individuals with developmental disabilities, pregnant and parenting teens, the unemployed, victims of domestic violence, and the homeless.
The Saints return to the court following their longest layoff of the season, with 11 days coming between their win over New Haven on Dec. 3 and the team's game with CCSU on Dec. 15. Notably, Siena will have one more lengthy stretch between games this season, with 10 coming between its game at Canisius on Dec. 21 and home bout against Mount St. Mary's on New Year's Day.
Despite 11 days between games, the Saints look to carry momentum from their 80-54 win over New Haven on Dec. 3. In that game,
Nicole Melious set a career and Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference single-game high for the year with eight steals. Additionally, her eight thefts are currently tied for the 16th most nationally in a game this year. She accounted for nearly half of the team's 19 steals against New Haven, which were the most for Siena since recording 20 at Niagara two seasons ago on 2/15/24.
Freshman
Francesca Schiro secured her team-leading fifth double-digit scoring game after posting a game-high 16 points last time out. Through just eight games, she has already surpassed 100 career points (111) and is sixth in the league, averaging 13.9 per game. The Saints have also seen consistent scoring from
Genevive Wedemeyer over the last three games, with the junior increasing her points per-game total by one over the last three games with outings of nine, 10, and nine, respectively.
Kristin Caruso is in her second season leading the Blue Devils, who are off to an 0-8 start to the season, which includes an 0-5 ledger on the road. CCSU has averaged 44.6 points per game on the road compared to 55.3 at home, as well as a sub-30 shooting percentage in such games. Kiyah Lewis (12.8 PPG) and Lucia Noin (11.3 PPG) account for half of the team's point average while also serving as the top two leading rebounders.
The Saints and Blue Devils gear up for the ninth all-time meeting in a series that began in the 1993-94 season, with Siena leading 5-3. The Green & Gold won each of the first three matchups up to 2010 until CCSU responded with three straight to tie the series. The Saints have taken back each of the previous two, including an 87-50 victory in New Britain, CT, last season. That win served as the first of
Terry Primm's career as Siena's head coach. In that game,
Zyriah Price posted the first of two career double-doubles, with career highs in points (17) and rebounds (12).
Emmanuel Berbari and Brian Rubino have the call on ESPN+, with Joe Lemery on hand to deliver sideline reporting. Joe Puccio and Steve Amedio will also have the call over the airwaves on WVCR 88.3 FM. Tickets, live stats, and courtside X updates can also be found by clicking on the corresponding links.
Following the team's non-conference finale, the Saints open MAAC play in Western New York with the first of two weekend games coming at Niagara on Friday, Dec. 19, at 6 PM.
