LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. – Siena Women’s Soccer Head Coach Steve Karbowski has appointed rising seniors Kelsey Horst, Michele Tremblay and Madison Vasquez to serve as the captains of the 2017 Saints. Karbowski also unveiled the team’s six-match spring schedule, which commences at American International College on Mar. 26.

“We have a great group of seniors leading the way for the 2017 season, led by the three captains who have each distinguished themselves both on and off the field,” said Karbowski, who is set to enter his 19^th season at the helm this fall. “Kelsey, T, and Maddie have developed into great role models for the team with their complete dedication and commitment for Siena College and the women’s soccer program. Each of them has achieved individual success, while being major contributors to the overall success of the team, and will continue to represent the team with class and integrity.”

A native of Chalfont, Pennsylvania, Horst had a breakout junior season last fall. The striker scored a team-high 18 points and also tied for the team lead in both game-winning goals (three) and goals (six), which was tied for third and tied for 10^th most in the MAAC, respectively. Named the MAAC Offensive Player of the Week on Oct. 24, Horst appeared in all 19 matches (13 starts) and also ranked tied for sixth in the conference with six assists. Named to the MAAC All-Academic Team in each year of eligibility, she has appeared in 56 career matches (29 starts), totaling 26 points on nine goals and eight assists.

A 2016 First Team All-MAAC selection and two-time MAAC Offensive Player of the Week, Tremblay started all 19 matches at midfield last season. The Goffstown, New Hampshire product tied Horst for the team lead in both goals (six) and game-winning goals (three) in finishing with 15 points. A 2016 CoSIDA Academic All-District I First Team honoree, Tremblay too has been named to the MAAC All-Academic Team each year. She has started 54 of 59 career matches played, tallying 28 points on the strength of nine goals and 10 assists.

Vasquez was also tabbed a 2016 First Team All-MAAC selection after totaling 15 points on five goals and five assists. The midfielder by way of West Babylon, New York both appeared in and started all 19 matches last fall. Vasquez scored the game-winning goal in the Saints’ MAAC Championship match victory as a sophomore, and was named to the conference’s All-Academic Team last fall. She has played in 56 matches (49 starts) throughout her career, scoring 34 points on 13 goals and eight assists.

The newly named tri-captains will have their first opportunity to lead the team during the Saints’ spring season. Siena will play its first five spring matches on the road, beginning at AIC on Sunday, Mar. 26 at 1 p.m. The Saints will then travel to Adelphi (Apr. 2 – 3 p.m.), UAlbany (Apr. 7 – 7:30 p.m.), Southern New Hampshire (Apr. 9 – 2 p.m.) and Syracuse (Apr. 22 – 1 p.m.), before returning to the Capital Region to host the program’s annual Alumni Game on Saturday, Apr. 29 at 1 p.m. on Siena Field.  

“The team began the spring semester displaying one of the best fitness levels I’ve seen at this time of year, and has continued that effort in preparation for a competitive spring schedule,” commented Karbowski. “The spring allows us the time to build a confidence and comfort level among the team, while creating some points of emphasis and setting some goals. Each season really gets started in the spring when we can develop the character and identity of the team leading into the fall. This schedule of games will test the team, and provide a great environment for development basically playing one game a week.”

Siena looks to build off a strong 2016 season in which the Saints posted a 9-7-3 overall record, while tying a school record for both the program’s best MAAC finish (second) and most conference wins (seven). Siena is set to return nine starters and 90% of their goal scoring, along with their entire goalkeeping corps. 

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