Feb. 7, 2008

Loudonville, N.Y. - The Siena water polo team was picked to finish third in the annual MAAC Preseason Coaches' Poll, released today by league headquarters. The third place preseason ranking is the highest the Saints have accrued in program history. Junior utility Lauren Garrigan comprised the Preseason All-MAAC Team.

"This is the highest that we've ever been picked to finish so it's definitely an honor and hopefully we can exceed those expectations," said head coach Ellen Howe.

Siena enters the 2008 season coming off a 12-14 finish a year ago which included key wins over Arizona and Oregon. Howe enters her first full year guiding the Saints after taking over on an interim basis for the final ten games of last season. The Green and Gold return their top four scorers from a year ago, while also welcoming seven highly touted freshmen.

For the second straight year, Garrigan was selected to the Preseason All-MAAC Team. Last year she surpassed expectations, leading the Saints in goals (50), points (86), game winning goals (4) and steals (55), while ranking second in ejections drawn with 38.

"Lauren has shown herself to be one of the best players in the MAAC," added Howe. "Hopefully she will continue to succeed and build on last year's strong season."

The Saints will embark upon their 2008 campaign with an exhibition game against Adirondack WPF at the Siena Swim Center on Sunday. Siena will open regular season competition on Feb. 16 at the Princeton Invitational.

Preseason Coaches Poll