Feb. 7, 2007

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. - The Siena swimming and diving team departed Loudonville early Wednesday morning en route for Baltimore to take part in the 2007 MAAC Championships, which will be held at the Mangione Aquatic Center on the campus of Loyola College, beginning on Thursday, February 8 and concluding on Saturday, February 10.

Last season, the Saints placed seventh overall among a crowd of 10 teams, tallying an overall score of 182. This year though, with first year head coach Greg Brown at the reign, the Saints have a chip on their collective shoulders as they enter this year's competition.

The Saints, led by senior captains and freestyle specialists Ashley Serrago and Cat Delaney, look to make some noise in the pool on behalf of Siena as Serrago so far this season, combined, has captured three first place finishes in the 50 and 100-meter freestyle events.

Without a diving team in last year's championships, the Saints took a beating in points. But with the hiring of diving coach Melissa Hershey, divers Erin Keys and Lisa O'Connell look to make paramount changes in this year's event that are certain to boost the Saints up the leader board.

Backstroker Megan Dobbins will look to crack the top-10 for the second year in a row in the 200-yard backstroke event, as she placed tenth in the final day of the tournament with a time of 54.92.

Thursday's meet will begin at 10 a.m.