Nov. 14, 2008

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - Head women's basketball coach Gina Castelli announced the signing of two student-athletes to National Letter of Intents earlier today. Lily Grenci, a 6-1 forward from Mars, Pa. and Carly Cooper, a 5-8 guard from Syracuse will both attend Siena next fall.

"We are very excited to welcome both Carly Cooper and Lily Grenci to our program," said Castelli. "Both Carly and Lily are talented and passionate basketball players."

Grenci averaged a double-double as a junior with 17.9 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Entering her senior year at Mars High School, she has 1,090 career points and 930 career rebounds. With 96 more points, she will be the school's all-time leading scorer for both boys and girls basketball and could be the only player with 1,000 points and rebounds. Grenci is a two-time all-section player and was named Butler County Eagle Player of the Year and selected to the Pittsburgh Post Gazette AAA Fab Five Players in 2007-08.

"Lily is a versatile forward that can score both facing the hoop and with her back to the basket," Castelli said. "She has a knack for the boards and defends well in the post."

Cooper averaged 16.3 points, seven assists, five rebounds and three steals per game as a junior at Westhill High School. She has 955 career points and is a 3-point threat with 156 career 3-point field goals. As a junior she was named First Team All-League and Second Team All-Central New York. As a sophomore, she was named Liberty Division Player of the Year and Second Team All-State. Her high school team's overall record is 71-23. Cooper also played for the Unity Wildcat AAU program in central New York.

"Carly is a versatile guard, who can play both point and off guard," Castelli said. "She can hit the 3 and finish and is an exceptional passer. She understands the game and will be great addition to our back court."

The Saints open the 2008-09 season tonight against Syracuse University in Loudonville. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.