LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena Women’s Soccer Head Coach Steve Karbowski has announced the appointment of rising seniors Meghan Riccardi and Olivia Stegner to serve as the Saints’ co-captains for the upcoming 2018 season. The duo will begin serving its duties during the team’s five-match spring season which kicks off Apr. 6.

“Meghan and Olivia are part of the last remaining class who were part of the 2015 MAAC Championship team, and each of them are strong and steady contributors to the team both on and off the field,” said Karbowski. “They are well respected within the team, athletic department, and Siena community. Both Meghan and Olivia lead by example with their commitment to Siena College and the women’s soccer program. Their leadership, character, and integrity will be valuable for the team’s success and in the process of working towards another MAAC Championship season.”

A native of Hopewell Junction, New York, Riccardi has appeared in 46 matches over her first three seasons including 25 starts, and totaled 26 points on seven goals and 12 assists. The striker returned from injury during the fall to appear in 10 matches (two starts), and tallied five points on a goal and three assists. Riccardi has been named to the MAAC All-Academic Team in each year of eligibility.

Stegner has been a steadying force as the Saints’ holding midfielder the past three years. The Massapequa, New York standout has appeared in 53 matches including 41 starts while logging over 3,600 minutes of action. Stegner was named to the 2016 MAAC All-Tournament Team.

The newly minted co-captains will have their first opportunity to lead the team during five spring matches, including two which will be contested at Siena Field. The Saints kick off their spring season on Friday, Apr. 6 at 5:30 p.m. at Hartford. Siena then returns home to the Capital Region for its two spring home matches vs. AIC on Sunday, Apr. 8 at 1 p.m. and vs. crosstown rival UAlbany on Friday, Apr. 13 at 5 p.m. The Saints wrap up their spring slate with road contests at Binghamton on Sunday, Apr. 15 at 1 p.m. and at Hofstra on Saturday, Apr. 21 at 1 p.m. Siena will also host its annual Alumni Game following the conclusion of its spring season on Saturday, Apr. 28 at 1 p.m. on Siena Field.

“The team has been working extremely hard throughout a long, cold spring in preparation for our spring schedule in April,” explained Karbowski. “We had a great season in the weight room under Coach Ian’s guidance, and have been training particularly well as a team. As we enter into our spring season we have some specific goals in mind, but generally plan to develop the confidence of each player and build continuity as a team. The schedule of games is one of the most challenging we’ve ever played in the spring, and will be great preparation for the team heading into the summer and eventually the fall.”

Siena looks to build off another strong season in which the Saints posted an 11-8 overall record last fall, which included a fourth place finish in the MAAC following a 6-4 league ledger. Siena does graduate seven seniors, but will also welcome eight newcomers to the program in the fall to compliment a strong returning core which includes eight returning starters including leading scorer Gabby Albano and starting goalkeeper Taylor Dorado.

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