EDISON, N.J. - Siena College, which won its second straight MAAC Regular Season title last season, is the coaches' choice to in it all in the 2002-03 season, according to the MAAC Preseason Coaches' Poll.
The Saints, which posted a 23-7 overall mark, including a 16-2 MAAC record in 2001-02, are expected to top the MAAC standings again this season. 2001-02 Spalding MAAC Co-Coach of the Year Gina Castelli has all five starters returning for the upcoming season, including two-time MAAC Preseason Player of the Year Gunta Basko and All-MAAC picks Liene Jansone and Erica Anderson. Siena won 23 games last season, earning a trip to the Women's National Invitational Tournament, and the Saints look go even further this season.
Manhattan is expected to be right on the Saints' heels as they vie for the top spot in the standings this season. Head coach Sal Buscaglia, the 2001-02 Spalding MAAC Co-Coach of the Year, has a strong group of veterans returning, including All-MAAC performers Rosalee Mason and Tiffany Schettig, who give the Lady Jaspers plenty of hope of going the distance this season.
Fairfield should also make some noise in the Stags' way up to the top of the MAAC ladder this year, with help from senior forward Schrene Isidora, a First Team Preseason All-MAAC selection. The return of junior guard Marybeth Chartier also provide reason for optimism for head coach Dianne Nolan and the Stags.
Saint Peter's, under head coach Mike Granelli, welcomes back a talented and exciting team, led by senior guard Layla Willis. Junior guards Natasha Philip and Lindsay Gonzalez should aid in the Peahens' MAAC Title hopes.
Loyola, under second-year head coach Candy Cage, rounds out the top five. The return of senior forward Jennifer Mitchell and senior center Katie Netherton, both All-MAAC performers, give the Greyhounds high hopes for this season.
The rest of the teams are each capable of unseating any one of the top five teams to win the MAAC crown. Marist could move higher in the MAAC standings this year under first-year head coach Brian Giorgis, with the help of senior forward Sarah Tift and junior Nina Vecchio. Canisius and Rider will also be trying to hurdle the pack chosen ahead of them. Canisius will rely heavily on First Team Preseason All-MAAC pick Jenel Stevens and senior center Jessica Butler. Rider has a strong returning backcourt with sophomores Katie Hall and Becky Hower to help the Broncs towards a winning season. Niagara will look to continue their climb up the MAAC ladder behind the play of floor general Katie Murphy, a Second Team Preseason All-MAAC pick, and senior guard Katie Murphy, a Third Team Preseason All-MAAC selection. Iona's Anthony Bozzella will look to senior guard Charlotte Rocker and junior center Michelle Fahy to lead their squad up the MAAC standings in his first season at the helm of the Gaels.
2002-03 MAAC PRESEASON POLL
| 1. | Siena | 98 |
| 2. | Manhattan | 83 |
| 3. | Fairfield | 81 |
| 4. | Saint Peter's | 75 |
| 5. | Loyola | 54 |
| 6. | Marist | 45 |
| 7. | Canisius | 39 |
| 8. | Rider | 35 |
| 9. | Niagara | 22 |
| 10. | Iona | 18 |