Feb. 17, 2008

Loudonville, N.Y. - The Siena swimming and diving team finished in sixth place following the third and final day of the MAAC Championships on Saturday night in Baltimore, Md. The Saints posted 299.5 points over the tournament and posted their highest finish at the championships since they finished fourth in 2004. Marist College came in first on both the men's and the women's side. In what was a record setting tournament, the Saints broke two more records in the 100 free and 400 free relay.

"The team swam outstanding all weekend," noted head coach Greg Brown. "Between all of the top eight's and school records it was one of the best MAAC Championships that we've ever had."

In her final collegiate competition, senior tri-captain Megan Dobbins concluded a strong weekend, shattering the school record in the 100 free. Dobbins, who on Thursday comprised part of the Saints 200 free relay school record setting squad, finished with a time of :53.49 in the 100 free, breaking the previous program record of :53.99 set by Martha Kroll in 2001.

Siena also set a new school record in the 400 free with a time of 3:36.64. The team of Caitlyn Biagioli, Dobbins, Rachel McShane and Brittany Pavolko broke the previous record of 3:39.04 by nearly three full seconds, set by Dana Golino, Kelly Pangburn, Kristine Robinson and Kaitlin Krause in 2003. In all, the Saints set six new school records at the championships.

Other top finishers on the final day included Biagioli who came in fifth in the 200 back (2:09.23) and Pavolko who finished sixth in the 200 fly (2:11.63).

Siena concludes the season following one of the most successful campaigns in program history. The 2007-08 Saints finished 9-4 overall, including an impressive 5-1 in MAAC meets.

"I think we've taken the right steps this season to be a player in the MAAC for years to come," reflected Brown. "We've got a young team with a number of top swimmers returning next year along with some great recruits that we will be welcoming in. The foundation is set for the future."