News
August 12, 2015Women’s Soccer Picked Fifth in MAAC Coaches’ Poll
Siena’s women’s soccer team was picked fifth in the annual MAAC Coaches’ Preseason Poll. Junior back Tara Sobierajski was selected to the Preseason All-MAAC Team.
“The team has come in to preseason looking confident and excited for the season,” head coach Steve Karbowski, who is entering his 17th season, said. “We know the league will be very competitive and we will have to earn our spot. Tara is well deserving of her All-MAAC recognition and will lead an experienced defensive unit. Her steady play, ability to start the attack and service on set pieces has earned her the honor of being one of the top players in the conference.”
Monmouth was picked first, followed closely by Fairfield and defending champion Rider. Niagara edged out Siena to secure fourth in the poll. Manhattan, Iona, Canisius, Quinnipiac, Marist and Saint Peter’s rounded out the poll.
Siena went unbeaten in 12 of its final 15 matches to end the 2014 season and finished with a 7-7-6 overall record. The Saints posted a 4-2-4 conference mark last season, culminating with the No. 5 seed in the MAAC Tournament. Siena returns eight starters and eight of their top-nine scorers from a year ago, in addition to welcoming six freshmen to the program this fall.
Sobierajski (Rockaway, N.J.) was a First Team All-MAAC selection in 2014 after earning MAAC Second Team and MAAC All-Rookie Team honors in 2013. The back led the Saints in shots and shots and goal, and tied for fourth in the conference with five assists.
Rider striker Tara Ballay, the 2014 MAAC Offensive Player of the Year, was named MAAC Preseason Player of the Year. The Broncs topped the league with five preseason All-MAAC selections.
The Saints kick off the program’s 36th campaign with a season-long three-game road trip spanning three states. For the second year in a row, Siena opens against Holy Cross with a 4 p.m. Friday tilt in Worcester, Mass. The Aug. 21 opener marks the earliest start in program history.
