May 1, 2008

Loudonville, N.Y. - Siena women's basketball coach Gina Castelli announced today the additions of two junior college transfers who will join the Saints beginning next season. Mesa (Ariz.) Community College guard Charlieann Chacon and Kirkwood (Iowa) Community College guard Allie Lindemann will have two years of eligibility with Siena beginning next season, joining the Class of 2010.

"We are very excited to have signed two very experienced players in Charlieann Chacon and Allie Lindemann," noted Castelli. "Both players will bring immediate depth to our backcourt."

Chacon, a 5'6" guard from Phoenix, Ariz., posted a pair of stellar seasons at Mesa. Following her freshman year she was named Third Team All-ACCAC (Arizona Community College Athletic Conference) after averaging 10.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.4 steals per game.

This past season as a sophomore, Chacon was a Preseason All-American and Region I Tourney MVP while also garnering First Team All-Region and Second Team All-ACCAC accolades. During the 2007-08 season, she averaged 11.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.7 steals per game. Her 155 assists for the year broke the previous record.

"Charlieann Chacon is a skilled point guard that has an exceptional ability to see the floor," added Castelli. "She has three point range, but also can score off the dribble. Her experience at the point guard position will be her greatest asset to us and will fill a huge void for us with Melissa Manzer's departure.

Lindemann, a 5'8" guard from Champaign, Ill. led Kirkwood to a 72-7 record and back-to-back National Championships in her two seasons. As a freshman, she averaged 9.0 points per making 59 threes at a clip of 43.7%. She was a Second Team All-Region selection and member of the All-Tournament Team.

During her sophomore season in 2007-08, Lindemann increased her scoring average to 11.5 points, while making an astonishing 94 three pointers, good for a 43.1% from beyond the arc. She was a First Team All-Region selection and for the second straight year earned All-Tournament Team honors.

"Allie Lindemann is a tremendous three point shooter, offensively skilled and a very knowledgeable basketball player," remarked Castelli. "She has a winning attitude and has been successful both at the high school level and at Kirkwood Community College."

Chacon and Lindemann join incoming freshmen Brittany Wilwohl and Cristina Centeno who signed during the NCAA's early signing period last fall.