May 5, 2002

Today the Siena Softball team honored their five seniors in between games of a doubleheader with Niagara in their season and MAAC finale. Mary Buckheit, Jodie Fiacco, Allison Clark, Emily Day and Christina Teator are all graduating later this month.

"These young ladies have been an important part of this program. Their efforts will be missed," said Head Coach Barbara Sauter. "While sad to see them go, they will all be successful because they all have great attitudes. Siena prepared them very well."

Christina Teator (Castleton, N.Y./Maple Hill) has been the Saints' everyday second baseman for the duration of her career. Her superb defense, bat control and speed were a welcome addition to the team in 1999. She started all 39 games as a freshman, leading the team in sacrifice hits with eight. She drove in seven runs her sophomore season, crossed the plate 18 times and was a perfect 7-for-7 in stolen base attempts. Last season, she had 22 hits, six runs and two doubles for the Green and Gold. This season, she hit her first career home run against Towson University of March 26, 2002.

Allison Clark (Satauket, N.Y./Ward Melville), a psychology major whose crafty presence in the circle has been a deceptive trap for many opponents. Her experience has been a tremendous boost to this year's young pitching staff. Last season, her 17 starts were the most on the team and she struck out 44 batters in 107.1 innings. In 2000, she won the Most Improved Player award and started 20 games registering 73 strikeouts. The highlight of her freshman year was a complete game shutout against Colgate.

Emily Day (Lynn, Mass./Bishop Fenwick) has seen her time in the outfield and proven to be a key performer in clutch situations. She is a left-handed power hitter, who has contributed in various roles throughout her tenure. This season, she launched her second career home run against George Mason on March 30. As a sophomore, she led the team in on-base percentage (.382) and was third in average with .296. Originally a walk-on, she saw action in 24 of 39 games, hitting two doubles and bringing in four runs.

Mary Buckheit (Cheshire, Conn./Cheshire) has been a four-year starter for the Saints. A Co-Captain, she batted .299 in her freshman season and led the team in triples. As a sophomore, Buckheit led the team in both assists and sacrifices. In the 2001 campaign she batted .275 and brought in ten runs and had eight doubles on the year. She ended last year with a 13-game hitting streak. So far this season, she has hit two homeruns and is hitting .370 in 92 at-bats. She also leads team in total bases and assists.

Jodie Fiacco (Endicott, N.Y./Union Endicott) has had one of the biggest impacts in Siena softball history. She currently holds the all-time career record for home runs with 16. Jodie is one of the most versatile players in the program's history, being able to pitch, field and hit. Last year, she was named to the First-Team All-Northeast and Second Team All-ECAC team. She was selected as the Designated Player for the All-MAAC team as well. Fiacco is the reigning school record holder in hits, doubles and home runs. In 2000, she was ranked 21st nationally in doubles, with 13.

Assistant Athletic Director and Senior Women's Administrator (and former Siena Softball Head Coach) Joyce Eggleston commented on the legacy of the departing seniors. "These young ladies have been a huge difference in the program and in the classroom. They have excelled and will no doubt lead successful lives. We congratulate them, thank them for their work and wish them much success."

The Seniors were presented with flowers and special mementos from Head Coach Barb Sauter at the between-game ceremony.