A Historic Early Kickoff
The Siena Saints women's soccer squad will take the field on August 12 against Boston College, marking the earliest debut in program history and kicking off a season that stretches well before the traditional September start. The matchup also represents the team's first encounter with the Eagles, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the opening game.
Head coach Steve Karbowski, who has led the program for 28 years, sees the early schedule as an opportunity to stretch the campaign into ten to thirteen weeks, providing his players with additional rest and preparation time. "We want to give our athletes the best chance to peak at the right moment," Karbowski said, emphasizing the strategic benefits of a longer build‑up.
Key Returners and New Roles
The roster features several standout returners, including senior forward Catherine Rogers, a first‑team all‑league selection and preseason Metro all‑team honoree, who is eager to translate her high preseason expectations into conference success. Joining her are Briana Neary, who contributed seven goals last season, and sophomore Megan Stowell, who netted nine goals as a sophomore. In goal, Cate Burns returns after leading the league in save percentage last year, providing stability between the posts.
Junior midfielder Lily Farrell, who previously scored 118 goals at Voorheesville before transitioning to a defensive midfield role at Siena, will anchor the midfield and help dictate tempo. The team also welcomes back goalkeeper Cate Burns, whose experience in the NCAA Tournament appearances of 2010, 2015 and 2021 under Karbowski adds depth to the defensive lineup.
Conference Outlook and Schedule
The Saints are slated to face a challenging slate of opponents before Metro play begins on September 5. Early nonconference fixtures include a home opener against New Hampshire, a road test at the University at Albany, and a matchup with Le Moyne. The team’s preseason coaches poll placed them fourth in the Metro Conference, tied with Canisius, while Fairfield was selected as the preseason favorite.
Despite a narrow 2‑1 loss in last year’s conference quarterfinals to eventual champion Sacred Heart, the squad remains focused on improving its standing. The early victory over Boston College would not only set a historic tone but also serve as a confidence booster as the team prepares for the rigors of conference competition.
The coaching staff has scheduled a scrimmage against UMass Lowell, which the Saints won 3‑2 before a weather delay forced a late return to campus. The experience highlighted the team’s depth and resilience, traits that Karbowski believes will be crucial as the season unfolds.