LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. – The reigning MAAC Champions will get a chance to defend their crown. Junior midfielder Kelsey Horst and senior captain Kristen Connors scored as Siena Women’s Soccer shutout Quinnipiac 2-0 at Siena Field to secure a MAAC Tournament berth.

 

Siena (8-5-3, 6-2) controlled action throughout against their fellow MAAC contender in a key conference match in which the winner would clinch a tournament berth. The Saints held decisive advantages in both shots (20-8) and corners (13-1).

 

Offensively, Siena opened the scoring in the 22^nd minute. Junior midfielder Madison Vasquez won possession near midfield, side stepped a defender, and fed freshman Amber Alfonzo who one touched to a cutting Horst who broke free to finish her fourth goal of the season.

 

The Saints added to the lead in the 50^th minute when the team’s senior captains connected. Tara Sobierajski served in a corner kick from the left which was headed in by Connors for a key insurance tally.

 

Defensively, Siena handed the MAAC’s No. 2 scoring offense just its second shutout of the season. Quinnipiac (9-6-1, 5-4) had entered play ranking tied for 46^th nationally averaging 2.0 goals per match. Additionally, the Saints held reigning MAAC Rookie of the Year and the Bobcats’ leading scorer Nadya Gill without a shot in a complete team effort.

 

Freshman goalkeeper Taylor Dorado made three saves to post her second consecutive clean sheet and third of her rookie campaign. Olivia Myszewski stopped seven shots for Quinnipiac.

 

The first senior class in program history to qualify for the MAAC Tournament in all four of their years, Siena’s Class of 2017 will be honored just prior to the kickoff of the team’s final regular season home match Saturday. The Saints host Manhattan in a rematch of last year’s MAAC Championship Match for Senior Day at 1 p.m.