LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena Women’s Soccer will play in the MAAC Tournament for the sixth consecutive season. Freshman Emily McNelis scored the golden goal in the 106^th minute as the Saints downed Manhattan 1-0 in double overtime on Senior Day to clinch a postseason berth.

 

All six seniors started on Senior Day for Siena (8-7-3, 5-2-2) which has won five of six. Senior Kamryn Peffley received the start in goal and made six saves to record her third career shutout for the Saints.

 

However with 4:20 remaining in the final overtime period, it would be a freshman who would send out Siena’s senior sextet victorious in their final regular season home match. On the Saints’ season-high 12^th and final corner kick, the Haleigh Schanz service connected with the head of McNelis who registered her second goal of the season. McNelis is the third different Siena freshman to score a game-winning goal this season.

 

The Saints held a commanding 24-10 advantage in shots while improving to an impressive 7-2-3 over their last 12 overtime contests. Jayanna Monds led the way with six shots, while Darby D’Angelo and McNelis added five apiece for Siena which now holds a 19-7-4 all-time advantage over Manhattan (3-8-3, 2-5-2).

 

Kelly DiGregorio made seven saves including an 81^st minute penalty kick stop for the Jaspers who were eliminated from MAAC Tournament contention following their third loss in four matches.

 

The Saints enter Wednesday’s regular season finale at Canisius tied for third in the MAAC Standings with Niagara at 17 points, although the Purple Eagles have already concluded their conference slate. Siena can still finish as high as second and secure a First Round bye with a win coupled with a Marist loss. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Wednesday in Buffalo.