Jamar Wilson set to work out for Knicks, Nets, 76ers

UAlbany coach Will Brown, who is on vacation, checked in today to say former Great Danes star Jamar Wilson has received an alternate letter for the NBA’s pre-draft camp in Orlando that begins Tuesday.

Wilson could attend the camp if another invitee is unable to go.

Brown said Wilson has individual workouts set up with the New York Knicks on June 6, the New Jersey Nets on June 7 and the Philadelphia 76ers on June 8 with several more likely.

Source: Mark Singelais, Staff writer of Times Union

NBA head scout likes Jamar Wilson

Former University at Albany guard Jamar Wilson has a fan in NBA director of scouting Marty Blake, who said Wilson has the ability to play in the NBA. Eventually.

“Oh yeah, maybe not this year, but he definitely has a chance to play,” Blake said. “I think the guy’s skilled and he can do it. Sometimes he tried to do too much (in college). If he will just contain his game and go with the skills he has, hey, if I had a team, he might be better than some of the guys playing in the league. There are veterans out there making good money who might not be as quick. All he needs is some experience.”

All indications are Wilson, who didn’t play well in the Portsmouth Invitational last month, didn’t receive an invitation to the NBA pre-draft camp that begins in Orlando on Tuesday.

“It’s not looking that way,” Michael Whitaker, Wilson’s agent, said earlier this month. He and Wilson didn’t return phone messages last week. The NBA hasn’t released the rosters for Orlando yet.

Whitaker said earlier this month he was in the process of setting up individual workouts with NBA teams next month, though he declined to reveal which franchises were interested.

Blake said his office isn’t in charge of sending invitations to the Orlando camp. He added Wilson might need some seasoning in the NBA Development League before he can play in the big leagues.

“He needs to play somewhere and work on his game,” Blake said. “He’s really skilled and we saw him against Boise State (in the BracketBusters). He can dominate the level of basketball he played in. He didn’t play well in Portsmouth, but everybody knows that he has skills, especially at the point guard. I would urge him to play in the development league, which is going to 16 teams next year.”

It certainly doesn’t look like Wilson is going to get taken in the NBA Draft on June 28, but Blake pointed to players such as former Notre Dame guard Chris Quinn, who went undrafted last year and then played in 42 games for the Miami Heat.

“There are pretty good players this year who won’t get drafted,” Blake said.

Source: Mark Singelais, Staff writer of Times Union

NCAA Baseball Regional Tournament Times Changed Due to National Television Coverage

Fayetteville, Ark. – Times for the NCAA Division I Fayetteville Baseball Regional have been changed to accommodate CSTV’s national broadcast. UAlbany will meet Arkansas, ranked 11th nationally in the Baseball America and USA Today/ESPN national polls, on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET. The Razorbacks are hosting one of 16 regionals on June 1-4. Oklahoma State and Creighton are paired in the other first-round contest at 3:30 p.m.

Carter Blackburn is the play-by-play announcer for the Arkansas-UAlbany game. He will be joined in the booth by former major league player Kevin Stocker. CSTV is seen in more than 20 million homes via cable and satellite. CSTV is widely available on cable systems across the country, including Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, Cablevision, Charter, Insight, Bright House Networks, Mediacom, RCN, Advanced Cable and Bresnan. CSTV is also available on DIRECTV’s Total Choice Premier Package Channel 610 and DISH Network’s America’s Top 120 Package Channel 152.

UAlbany (29-27) is making its first-ever NCAA appearance after capturing the America East Conference championship. The Great Danes, who have won eight of their last 10 outings, including three straight in America East postseason play, own the second-highest win total in school history.

NCAA Fayetteville Regional Tournament Schedule (All Times Eastern)

Friday, June 1

Game 1 - #2 Creighton (44-14) vs. #3 Oklahoma State (38-19), 3:30 p.m.

Game 2 - #1 Arkansas (41-19) vs. #4 UAlbany (29-27), 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 2

Game 3 – Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 3:30 p.m.

Game 4 – Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, June 3

Game 5 – Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 loser, 3:30 p.m.

Game 6 – Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 7:30 pm.

Monday, June 4

Game 7 – Game 6 opponents (if necessary), 8:30 p.m.

Great Danes Seeded Fourth for 2007 NCAA Division I Baseball Fayetteville Regional

Albany, N.Y. – UAlbany will meet seventh-seeded Arkansas in the first round of the 2007 NCAA Division Baseball Tournament on Friday at 8:00 p.m. ET, as the national tournament bracket was unveiled on Monday, May 28. The Razorbacks, who will host the Fayetteville Regional on June 1-4, are ranked 15th nationally with a 41-19 record. Oklahoma State (38-19) and Creighton (44-14) are also in the regional which will be played at Baum Stadium at George Cole Field, a 10,737-seat facility.

UAlbany (29-27) is making its first-ever NCAA appearance after capturing the America East Conference championship with a 1-0 victory over top-seed Binghamton last Saturday. The Great Danes, who have won eight of their last 10 outings, including three straight in America East postseason play, own the second-highest win total in school history. Steve Wyland, a first-team all-conference third baseman, batted .379 with 23 extra-base hits and 44 RBI. He drove in the game’s lone run in the A-East championship game. Right-hander John Naples tied the program’s single-season record for pitching wins with an 8-2 mark and a 3.29 earned run average.

“We are excited to go to Fayetteville,” said UAlbany coach Jon Mueller, who has been the Great Danes mentor for all eight seasons at the Division I level. “I think the selection committee showed us some respect by placing us with seventh-seeded Arkansas. They must have felt that we have been playing some very good baseball after we won our conference tournament in three games.”

Arkansas is making its 20th NCAA appearance, plus has advanced the College World Series on five occasions. The Razorbacks are hosting the regional tournament for the fourth time, including three of the last four years. Arkansas came up just short of winning its first Southeastern Conference (SEC) title after falling to top-ranked Vanderbilt in the conference championship last weekend. Pitchers Nick Schmidt (10-3, 2.85 ERA) and Jess Todd (9-2, 2.49 ERA) each earned first-team All-SEC recognition. First baseman Danny Hamblin totaled 22 RBI and 60 RBI.

Oklahoma State is in the NCAA field for the 35th time. The Cowboys, who have reached the CWS 19 times, finished third in the Big 12 Conference regular-season standings. Second baseman Tyler Mach (15 HR, 79 RBI), outfielder Corey Brown (19 HR, 65 RBI) and second baseman Ty Wright (.417 BA) each made the all-conference first team.

Creighton captured its first-ever Missouri Valley Conference championship. The Blue Jays are making their eighth NCAA appearance and reached the CWS in 1991. MVC Player of the Year Darin Ruff is hitting .377 with eight home runs and 56 RBI. Ben Mancuso, the MVC Pitcher of the Year, has a 10-2 record with a 2.28 ERA.

Tickets are on sale to the general public at the Razorback Ticket Center or online at www.hogwired.com. As of last Wednesday, approximately 1,600 reserved tournament books remained. Tournament books are $70 for the regional. Individual game tickets will only be available on game day. All game day tickets, reserved and general admission/HogPen are $15 each. For more ticket information, call 1-800-982-HOGS (4647).

NCAA Fayetteville Regional Tournament Schedule (All Times Eastern)

Friday, June 1

Game 1 - #2 Creighton (44-14) vs. #3 Oklahoma State (38-19), 3:00 p.m.

Game 2 - #1 Arkansas (41-19) vs. #4 UAlbany (29-27), 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, June 2

Game 3 – Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 3:00 p.m.

Game 4 – Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, June 3

Game 5 – Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 loser, 3:00 p.m.

Game 6 – Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 8:00 pm.

Monday, June 4

Game 7 – Game 6 opponents (if necessary), 8:00 p.m.

Joe Greene & Marc Pallozzi Record Top-Five Finishes at NCAA East Regional Track & Field Championships

Gainesville, Fla. -- University at Albany’s Joe Greene and Marc Pallozzi each advanced to the NCAA championships in the 400-meter hurdles and javelin, respectively, for the second straight year on Saturday at the NCAA East Regional Outdoor Track & Field Championships. The two-day regional meet was held at the University at Florida’s James G. Pressly Stadium at Percy Beard Track.

Greene placed third in the 400-hurdles final, the best finish by a UAlbany athlete in regional competition. He eclipsed his own school record by sprinting 50.18 seconds. He set the previous standard of 50.52 in the NCAA Championship’s semifinal roundlast year. Georgia’s Justin Gaymon, who took third at the 2006 regionals, was first in 49.61, while South Carolina’s Thomas Hilliard grabbed second in 49.83. The top five finishers advance to nationals on June 6-9 in Sacramento, Calif.

Marc Pallozzi finished fifth in the javelin by recording the second-best throw in school history of 226-feet, 8-inches on his final attempt. Pallozzi, who was tenth in this event at the 2006 nationals to earn All-America honors, set the UAlbany standard of 228-2 at last year’s NCAA East Regional.

Mike McCadney and Jessica Ortman were edged out in their bids for a top-five finish. McCadney tied for fifth in the triple jump by breaking his own school record with a leap of 50-feet, 11.50 inches. However, he was placed sixth after the tie was broken with Georgia Tech’s Alphonso Jordan based on a better second attempt in the final. Ortman, who set a UAlbany record in the 800-meter run in qualifying, was seventh in the championship race with a time of 2:07.32. Both athletes will be considered for NCAA at-large bids by a committee, with the announcement due on Tuesday.

Gered Burns led UAlbany to a school-record effort in the 4x400-meter relay, as the Great Danes shattered the existing mark with a time of 3:08.86 to finish sixth. Burns ran 47.9 seconds on the third leg, while Junior Burnett and Joe Greene posted 46-splits in their sections. Pat Weider went 48.3 on the second leg of the relay. Florida won the competition in 3:06.31 as the top three relays qualify for nationals.

UAlbany Baseball - America East Champions... on to the NCAA's

The UAlbany Great Danes baseball team beat Binghamton by the score of 1 to 0, to win the America East Conference Championship. With the win, they advance to the NCAA tournament to represent the America East Conference.

This brings UAlbany athletics its 8th America East Conference Championship this year.

UAlbany Places Four Players on the 2007 USILA Division I All-America Lacrosse Team

University at Albany’s Frank Resetarits leads a group of four players who have been chosen to the 2007 USILA All-America Team, as announced on Saturday, May 26 by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association. Resetarits, a finalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy, becomes the first Great Dane to earn first-team All-America honors at the Division I level.

UAlbany’s Jordan Levine (second team), Merrick Thomson (third team) and Brett Queener (honorable mention) were also recognized on the USILA All-America squad. Luke Daquino, an honorable mention selection two years ago, had been the lone All-American in the lacrosse program’s history since the Great Danes upgraded to Division I in 2000.

“These players have put the UAlbany lacrosse program on the national map,” said UAlbany coach Scott Marr, whose team was ranked second nationally for six consecutive weeks during the season. “Their selection to the All-America team shows how much we have grown and the respect UAlbany has gained across the country.”

Resetarits, the 2007 America East Conference Player of the Year, ranks third nationally in scoring with 57 goals and 23 assists for 80 points, the third-best total in UAlbany annals. The senior attackman tied a career-high with eight points (6 goals, 2 assists) in the conference tournament championship against UMBC. Resetarits, a three-time first-team All-America East standout, finished his career with a 49-game scoring streak, which equaled the longest mark among active Division I players. He ranks second on the school’s all-time scoring list with 241 points (158 goals, 83 assists).

Levine, a junior midfielder, totaled 23 goals and 16 assists. He ranked 17th nationally in ground balls at 5.06 per game, plus set the program’s Division I single-season record with 91. Levine, who scored multiple goals against eight opponents this season, equaled a career-best with five points (2 goals, 3 assists) vs. Loyola in the NCAA’s opening round. He scooped up a career-high 11 ground balls against both Stony Brook and UMBC in America East postseason play.

Thomson was voted all-conference four times, including a pair of first-team selections, during his career. He netted 56 goals and ranks third among the nation’s leaders at 3.11 per game. Thomson was named the America East Championship’s most outstanding player after accounting for 10 goals and two assists in the postseason tournament. A native of Stony Creek, Ontario, Thomson participated in the 66th Annual USILA North-South Classic along with UAlbany teammate Frank Resetarits. He finished as the program’s career scoring leader with 188 goals and 56 assists for 244 points.

Queener, a senior goalkeeper, posted a 9.68 goals against average and a .520 save percentage en route to setting a school record with 14 victories in the cage. He made double-figure saves on six occasions during the spring, including a season-high 14 against top-ranked Cornell in the NCAA quarterfinal round. Queener, who was also used as an attacker in man-advantage situations, added two goals and five assists.

UAlbany (15-3) captured its fourth America East championship in the last five years this spring. The Great Danes established a single-season record for victories, defeated seven top-20 opponents, recorded the first NCAA Division I win in the athletic program’s history, and reached the national lacrosse quarterfinals for the first time.

UAlbany Places Four Players on the 2007 USILA Division I All-America Lacrosse Team

Baltimore, Md. – University at Albany’s Frank Resetarits leads a group of four players who have been chosen to the 2007 USILA All-America Team, as announced on Saturday, May 26 by the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association. Resetarits, a finalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy, becomes the first Great Dane to earn first-team All-America honors at the Division I level.

UAlbany’s Jordan Levine (second team), Merrick Thomson (third team) and Brett Queener (honorable mention) were also recognized on the USILA All-America squad. Luke Daquino, an honorable mention selection two years ago, had been the lone All-American in the lacrosse program’s history since the Great Danes upgraded to Division I in 2000.

“These players have put the UAlbany lacrosse program on the national map,” said UAlbany coach Scott Marr, whose team was ranked second nationally for six consecutive weeks during the season. “Their selection to the All-America team shows how much we have grown and the respect UAlbany has gained across the country.”

Resetarits, the 2007 America East Conference Player of the Year, ranks third nationally in scoring with 57 goals and 23 assists for 80 points, the third-best total in UAlbany annals. The senior attackman tied a career-high with eight points (6 goals, 2 assists) in the conference tournament championship against UMBC. Resetarits, a three-time first-team All-America East standout, finished his career with a 49-game scoring streak, which equaled the longest mark among active Division I players. He ranks second on the school’s all-time scoring list with 241 points (158 goals, 83 assists).

Levine, a junior midfielder, totaled 23 goals and 16 assists. He ranked 17th nationally in ground balls at 5.06 per game, plus set the program’s Division I single-season record with 91. Levine, who scored multiple goals against eight opponents this season, equaled a career-best with five points (2 goals, 3 assists) vs. Loyola in the NCAA’s opening round. He scooped up a career-high 11 ground balls against both Stony Brook and UMBC in America East postseason play.

Thomson was voted all-conference four times, including a pair of first-team selections, during his career. He netted 56 goals and ranks third among the nation’s leaders at 3.11 per game. Thomson was named the America East Championship’s most outstanding player after accounting for 10 goals and two assists in the postseason tournament. A native of Stony Creek, Ontario, Thomson participated in the 66th Annual USILA North-South Classic along with UAlbany teammate Frank Resetarits. He finished as the program’s career scoring leader with 188 goals and 56 assists for 244 points.

Queener, a senior goalkeeper, posted a 9.68 goals against average and a .520 save percentage en route to setting a school record with 14 victories in the cage. He made double-figure saves on six occasions during the spring, including a season-high 14 against top-ranked Cornell in the NCAA quarterfinal round. Queener, who was also used as an attacker in man-advantage situations, added two goals and five assists.

UAlbany (15-3) captured its fourth America East championship in the last five years this spring. The Great Danes established a single-season record for victories, defeated seven top-20 opponents, recorded the first NCAA Division I win in the athletic program’s history, and reached the national lacrosse quarterfinals for the first time.

UAlbany baseball pulls out an amazing win faced with a 4 run deficit in the bottom of the 9th

The Albany baseball team came up to the plate in the bottom of the 9th inning, down 4 runs in Albany's second game of the America East Championship series.

Sayre and West recorded 2 straight outs to start the inning.

Then, the magic began. Konstanty homered, bringing the deficit down to 3 runs.
Wood reached first on an error by the 3rd baseman. Barbato and Corvino both singled, loading the bases. Wyland doubled, and cleared the bases, scoring 3 runs to tie the game. Hill was intentionally walked, putting runners on 2nd and 1st.
Donovan then ended the game, by singling and driving in Wyland, scoring the winning run.

Albany wins 8 to 7, earning them a trip to the America East Championship final. Albany will play the winner of the 12 o'clock game tomorrow (Saturday) Maine vs Binghamton, at 3:35pm.. If they win the game, the win the America East Championship. If they lose, they will play Sunday for another chance at taking the Championship crown.

UAlbany Defeats Stony Brook, 5-2, in First Round of America East Conference Baseball Championship

Farmingdale, N.Y. – Senior right-hander John Naples went seven strong innings to pick up his eighth win of the season in leading UAlbany to a 5-2 victory over Stony Brook in the first round of the America East Conference Baseball Championship on Thursday evening at Farmingdale Park. The Great Danes will meet Binghamton, a 9-3 winner over Maine, on Friday at 7:05 p.m. in the winner’s bracket of this double-elimination tournament.

Naples, who allowed just a lead-off home run in the first inning, scattered seven hits while striking out one and walking one. He worked out of trouble on three occasions in the middle frames. He benefited from an unusual play in the third when Chris Sipp hit an apparent sacrifice fly to right field, but Robert Dyer was called out on an appeal play when he left the third-base bag early. Michael Stephan then flied out to center field for the third out.

In the fourth, Naples allowed back-to-back singles by Robert Leonard and Justin Echevarria to start the inning, but then retired the next three batters. Stony Brook (31-23) loaded the bases again in the fifth, but the UAlbany hurler forced Echevarria to fly out to center fielder Dave West. Naples, who improved 8-2 on the mound, equaled the program’s single-season record for pitching wins established by Steve Emmerthal and Adam Kroft in 2004.

UAlbany (27-27) erased a 1-0 deficit with a three-run third inning. The Great Danes loaded the bases with one out when Chris Wood singled to right field, Leo Corvino singled off the pitcher’s foot and Steve Wyland walked. After Stony Brook pitcher Tom Koehler recorded the second out on a strikeout, shortstop Sean Donovan lined a two-run double that bounced off the turf and over the left fielder’s head. Wyland would then come across on a wild pitch.

The Great Danes, the championship’s No. 3 seed, would add a pair of runs. Mike Konstanty singled and scored on a wild pitch with the bases loaded in the fourth. Tom Hill, who went 2-for-5 at the plate, doubled to lead-off the seventh and then came home when Steve Sayre drilled a two-bagger off the left-field wall for his 33rd RBI of the season.

“I thought Naples was a rock on the mound,” said UAlbany coach Jon Mueller, whose team has lost their previous two America East opening-round games in 2004 and 2006. “He just threw quality pitches when he was in trouble and never caught too much of the plate. This is a confident group that thinks they have a chance in this tournament.”

Stony Brook’s Brian Witkowski collected three hits, including his third home run of the year, and scored a pair of runs. Koehler, who was lifted in the seventh, fell to 5-8 overall for the Seawolves, who face Maine in an elimination game on Friday.

UAlbany Sends 17 Track & Field Athletes to NCAA East Regional in Florida

Gainesville, Fla. – Seventeen athletes, the largest group in the track and field program history, will represent the University at Albany at the NCAA East Regional Outdoor Track & Field Championships on May 25-26. The regional competition will be held at the University of Florida’s Percy Beard Track at James G. Pressly Stadium.

The list of UAlbany qualifiers include Junior Burnett, Gered Burns (Guilderland), Ricardo Estremera, Joe Greene, Raphael Jean-Baptiste, Gabriel Lopez, Mike McCadney, Marc Pallozzi (Lansingburgh), Felipe Reyes (Christian Brothers Academy), Luke Schoen, Pat Weider, Freddie Wills, Adanna Andrews, Sarah Charles, Jenn Gurrant, Brenna Militello and Jessica Ortman. The top five finishers in each individual event and the top three relays in the 4x100m and 4x400m will automatically qualify for the NCAA Championships on June 6-9 in Sacramento, Calif.

Burnett will compete in the 100-meter dash after winning his first America East Conference title. He is also a member of America East champion 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter relays. Burns, a senior from Altamont, N.Y., qualified for the NCAA East Regional in the 800-meter run. He posted a first-place finish at the America East championship and placed second at the IC4A meet. Burns ran a season-best 1:48.75 at the UAlbany Spring Classic in April.
Greene, a regional qualifier in both the 400-dash and 400-hurdles, will concentrate this weekend on the hurdles. He holds both school records in the 400-dash and 400-hurdles. The sophomore became first UAlbany track and field athlete to win two consecutive IC4A outdoor championships at the Division I level with a season-best 50.65 seconds in the hurdles. He will also compete as a member of the 4x100 and 4x400 relays.

Pallozzi, the first UAlbany field athlete to earn All-America honors after placing tenth at nationals in 2006, will compete in the javelin for the third straight year. He has consistently thrown over 200-feet en route to garnering his second America East title and first IC4A crown this spring. Pallozzi holds the school standard with a toss of 228-feet, 2-inches. McCadney will compete in the triple jump after finishing second at the America East championship. He bested the UAlbany mark, established by Peter Rugel in 1991, by leaping 50-feet, 9.25-inches.

Reyes broke the long jump record, previously set by Luis Soto in 1998, with a mark of 24-feet, 6.5-inches in qualifying for the NCAA regional meet. Lopez won the long jump at the America East championship. Schoen, a freshman, is a regional participant after placing second at the America East championship in the pole vault with a school-record mark of 16-feet, 8.75-inches. Estremera won his first America East 3,000-meter steeplechase championship with a time of 9:03.46.

Ortman, a sophomore, qualified for NCAA regionals in two events, but will focus on the 800-meter run. She won the America East 1,500-meter run championship and recorded second-place finishes in the 3,000-meter steeplechase and 800m. She became the first UAlbany athlete to capture a Texas Relays’ title with a winning effort in the 800-meters.

Charles, a senior from Central Islip, N.Y., eclipsed the UAlbany triple jump mark with a leap of 41-feet, 2.25-inches at the UAlbany Spring Classic. She also posted a second-place showing at the America East championships. Andrews, Gurrant and Militello won America East titles in the 800m, long jump and high jump, respectively, to qualify for regional competition.

UAlbany might play at Duke next season

UAlbany athletic director Lee McElroy confirmed on Tuesday morning a Fox-23 report the Great Danes are talking to Duke about playing an ESPN game at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, N.C. next season.

“We’ve been talking to a lot of big schools, Duke being one of them,” McElroy said. “In the past we’ve tried to make sure we have at least two to three guarantee games.”

McElroy stressed the deal hasn’t been finalized.

“We don’t have a contract,” he said. “I don’t want to jeopardize it. Let’s say we hope to have our schedule completed within the next couple of weeks.”

McElroy said ESPN was trying to arrange the game partly out of gratitude for the difficulties the Great Danes endured trying to get to their ESPNU BracketBuster game against Boise State this past season. Because of a snowstorm that blanketed the Northeast, UAlbany had take buses to Washington, D.C., from where the team flew to Boise.

“It’s a combination of things,” McElroy said. “The BracketBuster and that travel debacle has something to do with it. And really, the (America East) conference is building a strong relationship with ESPN. This will probably the third year in a row we’ll play a BracketBuster game, in addition to the potential Duke game.”

UAlbany played at UConn last season and faced UCLA and Florida in 2005-06, when those two programs ended up playing in the national championship game. But Duke, whose last national championship came in 2001, is arguably the most recognizable college basketball program in the country.

“To go to a place like Duke, should that be completed in the next few weeks, would be another feather in the cap for our student-athletes,” McElroy said.

UAlbany's Resetarits & Thomson Will Play in USILA North-South Classic on May 25

Baltimore, Md. – University at Albany’s Frank Resetarits and Merrick Thomson have been selected to play in the 66th Annual United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) North-South Classic which features the nation’s finest senior collegiate players. The all-star contest will be held at Calvert Hall High School in Towson, Md. on Friday, May 25 at 5:45 p.m. The game is part of the NCAA lacrosse championship weekend at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium.

Resetarits is currently third in the nation in scoring with 57 goals and 23 assists for 80 points, the third-best total in UAlbany history. A finalist for the Tewaaraton Trophy, Resetarits was voted the 2007 America East Conference Player of the Year. He is second on the school’s all-time scoring list with 241 points (158 goals, 83 assists).

Thomson earned all-conference recognition four times, including a pair of first-team selections, during his career. He ranks third among the NCAA Division I leaders in goals with 56 this season. Thomson, who was named the America East Championship’s most outstanding player, is the program’s all-time scorer with 188 goals and 56 assists for 244 points.

Resetarits and Thomson led the Great Danes to their fourth America East championship in the last five years in 2007. UAlbany (15-3) set a single-season record for victories, defeated seven top-20 teams, and reached the NCAA quarterfinal round for the first time in the program’s history.

UAlbany's Frank Resetarits One of Five Finalists for Lacrosse's Tewaaraton Trophy

UAlbany's Frank Resetarits One of Five Finalists for Lacrosse's Tewaaraton Trophy

Washington, D.C. -- University at Albany’s Frank Resetarits has been named as one of five finalists for the Tewaaraton Trophy, which annually recognizes the top male collegiate lacrosse player in the United States. Joining Resetarits on the list are Duke’s Matt Danowski, Virginia’s Ben Rubeor, Cornell’s Max Seibard and Johns Hopkins’ Paul Rabil.

Resetarits, a senior attacker from Hamburg, N.Y., leads the nation in scoring with 54 goals and 21 assists. He has netted four or more goals against eight opponents this season. Resetarits was named the 2007 America East Conference Player of the Year. He has been voted to the all-conference team four times, including three first-team selections. Resetarits is currently tied with teammate Merrick Thomson for first place on the school’s all-time scoring list with 236 points (155 goals, 81 assists.)

Resetarits had six goals and two assists to tie a career-high point total in leading UAlbany to a 15-14 victory over UMBC in last Saturday’s America East championship game. The Great Danes will make their fourth NCAA appearance in the last five years when they host Loyola on Sunday, May 13 at 2:30 p.m. in the first round.

The Tewaaraton Trophy is the lacrosse equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. The winner will be announced on May 30.

UAlbany Baseball beats Vermont, heads to America East Championship Tournament

UAlbany Baseball Posts 5-4 Comeback Win Over Vermont in A-East Action

Burlington, Vt. – Senior second baseman Al Barbato finished 1-for-3 with two runs scored to lead UAlbany to a 5-4 win over Vermont in the finale of the America East Conference series on Sunday afternoon at Centennial Field. The Great Danes have secured a spot in the conference tournament, with final seeding to be determined on Monday.

UAlbany (26-27, AE 13-11) broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning, scoring two runs in the frame. After first baseman Steve Sayre and second baseman Al Barbato recorded back-to-back singles to start the inning, left fielder Mike Konstanty doubled down the left field line to send Sayre across home plate. Centerfielder Dave West followed with an RBI single that scored Barbato to give the Great Danes a 2-0 lead.

Vermont (21-29, AE 10-13) responded in the bottom half of the inning, as right fielder Nate Matusick led off with a double to right center. Jim Chapman scored Matusick with an RBI single two batters later to cut the Catamounts’ deficit in half. Bryan Rembisz, who was walked by UAlbany pitcher Cory Warrings, stole third to put himself in scoring position, and tied the game after coming home on a sacrifice fly by Ethan Paquette.

The Catamounts took a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the eighth, scoring back-to-back runs on an RBI single by catcher Jeff Nolet and a fielder’s choice by Kyle Henry.

The Great Danes responded with three runs in the top of the ninth to reclaim the lead. Pinch-runner Tom Zink scored on a wild pitch while Chris Wood and Barbato tacked on runs off an RBI single by Phil Marchese to give the Great Danes a one-run lead.

Jeff Kaier picked up the win for UAlbany, after going 1.1 innings on the mound. Reliever Alexander Beaulieu recorded his ninth save of the season, getting the final two outs of the game.

Nolet went 3-for-4 with one RBI for Vermont. Henry tossed a complete game for the Catamounts, striking out five and allowing just two earned runs.

The America East Tournament will be held at Farmingdale State College in Farmingdale, N.Y., with Stony Brook serving as the host institution. UAlbany’s seeding in the championship will be determined on Monday, after Binghamton and Maine wrap up a conference series that was pushed back due to inclement weather.

UAlbany beaten by Baylor in NCAA Softball Championship's Hempstead Regional Final

In the NCAA Softball Tournament's Hempstead Regional, UAlbany collects two wins, eliminating Harvard and Hofstra... These are the first wins for UAlbany in NCAA tournament competition.

This is a huge win,” said UAlbany head coach Chris Cannata. “The Harvard game was the first win we had in the NCAA Tournament. It was also the first win for our conference in the tournament. We have been close the last couple years, but we needed to get over the hump. So being in the final is huge for us as a program.”

2007 NCAA Division I Softball - Hempstead Regional


Saturday, May 19

Game 3 - Baylor 7, Hofstra 2

Game 4 - Albany 1, Harvard 0 (Harvard eliminated)

Game 5 - Albany 4, Hofstra 2 (Hofstra eliminated)


Sunday, May 20 (Championship Round)

Game 6 - Baylor 10, Albany 0 (Albany eliminated)

NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship – 'Elite Eight' Quarterfinal Round

UAlbany Edged in Sudden Death Overtime By Cornell in NCAA Lacrosse Championship's 'Elite Eight' Quarterfinals

Cornell 12, UAlbany 11 (Sudden Death OverTime)

Princeton, N.J. – John Glynn scored with 4.8 seconds remaining in overtime to lift Cornell to a 12-11 victory over UAlbany in the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship’s quarterfinal round on Saturday afternoon at Princeton Stadium. The Big Red advanced to the Final Four for the first time since 1988.

UAlbany (15-3) trailed 11-9 in the fourth quarter, but sliced the deficit in half when Merrick Thomson netted a rebound after Cornell goalkeeper Matt McMonagle saved Corey Small’s initial blast. The Great Danes drew even with 17.8 seconds to play in regulation as Jordan Levine pivoted to his left and placed a low shot inside the right post.

Each team had scoring opportunities on the first series of possessions in the extra period. Levine just missed the net on a drive from the right side, before UAlbany goalkeeper Brett Queener made one of his 14 saves on a scramble in front of the crease. The Great Danes’ Tyler Endres later carried ball the ball into the Cornell offensive end, but was back-checked by Max Seibald. The situation led to the game-winning play when Eric Pittard found Glynn in front of the cage.

Cornell (15-0) reversed a 7-5 deficit with three goals in a 23-second span in the third quarter. Pittard, a senior attacker who had two goals and five assists, connected on a low underhanded shot from the left to tie the contest. UAlbany’s Dan Barnes won the subsequent face-off, but then his pass back to Queener was picked off by David Mitchell in front of the crease. Mitchell, who had four goals, found the empty net.

The Great Danes later scored twice seven seconds apart to draw even at nine apiece as the two teams combined for seven goals in the opening five minutes of the third stanza. John Alpizar, who totaled three goals and one assist, converted from the top of the crease on a drive from the left, before long-stick midfielder Chris Schongar scored unassisted off the following face-off. The Big Red, the nation’s top-ranked team and winner of three national titles in the 1970s, then went up 11-9 on a goals by Casey Lewis and Mitchell.

“It was a tough way to lose,” said UAlbany coach Scott Marr, whose team was ranked No. 2 in the nation for six consecutive weeks at one point during the season. “We left everything on the field and it took overtime to decide it. We knew were playing against a team with a similar style. Both goalkeepers were great. We were just one goal short of playing in front of 60,000 people.”

UAlbany jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first quarter when Thomson and Small scored 44 seconds apart. The Big Red, who reached the NCAA quarterfinals for the fourth time in the last six years, regrouped to tie the contest at three apiece early in the second period when Seibald, who had two goals and two assists, converted in a man-advantage situation.

The Great Danes, who won their first-ever NCAA Tournament game last week in the first round, went back ahead on consecutive goals. Alpizar scored the first on a 15-yard blast, before he set up teammate Eric Wolf with a crossing pass to the right of the cage. Pittard drew Cornell even with 1:29 left before the break with a tough-angle shot from the right side off a nifty feed by Seibald. Frank Resetarits then gave Albany a halftime lead when he converted on his first shot of the contest with 2.7 seconds remaining in the period.

“This has been a special team playing with these guys,” said UAlbany’s Thomson, who finished his career as the school’s all-time scoring leader with 244 career points. “We hit our main goals and helped establish something here. They are good young kids in the program, so Albany is not going away.”

UAlbany Upends Loyola, 19-10, in First Round of NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship

Albany, N.Y. – Merrick Thomson scored five goals and added one assist in leading UAlbany to a 19-10 victory over Loyola in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship before a record-crowd of 2,953 on Sunday, May 13 at John Fallon Field. The Great Danes posted their first NCAA win in the program’s history and advanced to face Cornell in the quarterfinals on Saturday, May 19 at Princeton Stadium.

UAlbany (15-2) leaped to a 3-0 lead in the opening four minutes of play. Derek Dale finished off a crossing pass from Jordan Levine following a Loyola miscue. Mike Ammann, a junior midfielder, then scored back-to-back goals. He drove from the left and placed a hard shot inside the far post, before advancing from the right side where he went one-on-one with goalkeeper Alex Peaty.

The Great Danes, who were hosting a NCAA Tournament game for the first time as the championship’s No. 5 seed, moved out to an 8-2 lead with 4:32 left in the second period. Matthew Green scored unassisted when drove in from the left point and ripped a shot into the top right corner to fuel a three-goal run. Goalkeeper Brett Queener, who made eight saves, stopped two shots that led to a pair of fastbreak opportunities. Dale cleaned up on a left-to-right crossing pass from Thomson, before Levine went all the way from the midfield line and switched to his left hand for a six-goal margin.

UAlbany increased its advantage in the third quarter to 13-4 with another three-goal outburst. Thomson, a senior attacker, started that stretch by scoring in transition after a turnover. Levine, who tied a career-best with five points, then split two defenders en route to the cage. Thomson, who had five-plus points for the 25th time in his career, used a two-man advantage situation to find the net from right of the crease.

Loyola (7-6) ended the third stanza by ripping off three unanswered in a 46-second span. Greg Leonard scored an extra-man goal before his team won the following face-off. Shane Koppens, who had a pair of goals, finished off that possession to slice the deficit to 13-7. But the Great Danes put the game away in the final quarter by netting six of the game’s next seven goals. Thomson scored twice in that stretch, and Frank Resetarits and Eric Wolf combined on two other scoring plays.

“We were very prepared,” said UAlbany coach Scott Marr, whose program had lost their previous three NCAA opening-round games. “We’ve been waiting a long time for this after missing the playoffs last year. We go into every game anticipating Frank (Resetarits) and Merrick (Thomson) will be shut off, or some special defense will be on them. That’s what happened today. When Frank and Merrick don’t get their looks, it just opens things up for everyone else.”

UAlbany showed its balance with eleven players reaching the scoring column. Resetarits, a Tewaaraton Trophy finalist, finished with two goals and two assists, while Corey Small and Wolf each scored twice and had an assist. Paul Richards and Andrew Spack had two goals apiece for the Greyhounds, who made the NCAA field for the first time since 2001.

“I really felt like we had to match their energy,” explained Loyola coach Charlie Toomey, whose team finished second in the ECAC standings behind Georgetown. “They didn’t let us back in, they stayed on top of us today. They had an answer for everything. Albany got some good looks at the goal; they proved they can score with their weak hands.”

Loyola (7-6) 1 2 4 3 - 10

UAlbany (15-2) 5 5 3 6 - 19

UAlbany men's basketball recruits 2007/2008

Anthony Raffa, point guard

Anthony Raffa is a 6-foot-1, 175-pound point guard from Strathmere, N.J. (Wildwood Catholic H.S.). Raffa was the second-leading scorer in the Cape Atlantic League at 22.7 points per game. He also ranked among the league leaders in assists (3.0 pg), steals (3.3 pg) and free throw percentage (.715). As a junior, he was voted first-team All-Cape Atlantic League National Conference. Raffa led Wildwood Catholic to New Jersey 's Non-Public Class B final, the program's first appearance in the championship since 1988. The Crusaders, who went 22-8 overall, also captured the South Jersey , sectional and CAL National titles. Raffa averaged 11.0 points per game as a sophomore.

"He is our point guard of the future and a fierce competitor," Brown offered. "He led his team to the state championship game and played at the prestigious ABCD summer camp last year. He is fearless and can flat out make plays, so we have high expectations that he will have a postive effect on our program from day one."

Billy Allen, swingman

Billy Allen is a 6-foot-6, 210-pound swingman from Hamilton, Ohio (Hamilton H.S.).
Allen was named to the 2005-06 Associated Press Division I All-Ohio squad in the honorable mention category. He averaged 17.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists when he was chosen to the All-Southwest District second team. Allen, who posted a triple-double in one game as a junior, also earned a spot on the All-Greater Miami Conference squad. He contributed 12.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in his sophomore campaign, and was the sixth man on Hamilton 's 2003-04 Division I state championship team.

"He understands the game as a coach's son," UAlbany head coach Will Brown said. "He is a big-time shooter and plays every position on the floor for his high school team. His versatility, shooting ability and physical make-up will allow him the opportunity to make an impact as a freshman."

Albert Turley, forward

UAlbany received an oral commitment on Wednesday night from 6-foot-7, 270-pound forward Albert Turley of Westfield High School in Houston, according to Westfield coach Larry Brown.

Turley averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and a city-leading 4.2 blocks per game for Westfield, which finished 25-11 in Class 5A, Texas’ highest division.

“He’s a big kid and he’s got a lot of upside,” Larry Brown said. “He’s a great kid and he’s got good hands. His future is ahead of him. He’s a great character person.”

Larry Brown said Turley had scholarship offers from McNeese State and Southeastern Louisiana during the early signing period but decided to wait.

Larry Brown said Purdue, Arkansas State and New Mexico were scheduled to see Turley tonight, but he expected Turley to stick by his decision.

“He liked the (Albany) kids,” Larry Brown said of Turley’s visit to UAlbany .“Coach Brown did a tremendous job recruiting him. They’ve been in the (NCAA) tournament the last couple of years and they have a definite need for a big (player). It was just a good fit.”

Josh Martin, guard

We finished up our 2007 recruiting class with the addition of Josh “SCRAP” Martin from Simon Gratz HS in Philly. Josh is a tough hardnosed city guard who has a great feel for the game. He won a state championship as a junior and lost in the city final as a senior. Simon Gratz has a history of sending players to the Division 1 level. NBA players Aaron McKie and Rasheed Wallace played at Simon Gratz. Josh had offers from several programs and we were fortunate to be the university that he decided to attend.

We are excited about the potential of the 2008 Great Danes! It was very important to me that we continued to recruit and sign quality people. The young men in this class will have an impact on our program over the next four years. They will work hard and represent our program and university in a positive manner!

Jerel Hastings, small forward

Jerel will be transfering from Lon Morris CC, TX. Jerel is an excellent athlete who has that special ability to draw fouls. He does a great job of attacking the basket. He is an excellent offensive rebounder and finisher. Jerel is a good mid-range shooter and can defend four spots on the perimeter.

Lon Morris CC won the region championship and advanced to Hutchinson, KS where they finished 6th at the NJCAA National Tournament. He was the teams 2nd leading scorer, leading rebounder, and leader in FT’s made and attempted. He can do a little of everything.

He played high school ball at Dallas South Oak Cliff HS and won a state championship as a senior. He signed with Stephen F Austin University and had a rough freshman year because of injury. He tore up his knee and had surgery during the early part of his freshman season. He missed 9 games as a result of the injury and came back too quickly. He was 100% this past season and was the best player on a very talented Lon Morris CC basketball team.

Robert Moores, guard

The UAlbany men’s basketball team filled its final scholarship for next season with the commitment of 6-foot-2 guard Robert Moores of Pratt (Kansas) Community College, Pratt coach Trevor Rolfs confirmed Tuesday night.

Moores, a Chicago native, averaged 13.9 points per game and shot 41.9 percent from 3-point range for Pratt, which was 24-8 overall as a member of the Jayhawk Community College Conference.

Rolfs said Moores can play both guard spots and fill UAlbany’s need for perimeter scoring following the departure of guards Jamar Wilson and Jason Siggers.

“He’s got good size for a point guard - at 6-2 he’s very long,” Rolfs said. “He handles the ball extremely well. He’s a very tough kid mentally and physically. Probably what sets Rob apart from a lot of point guards is that the best part of his game is that he’s a very good 3-point shooter.”

Moores spent two seasons at Pratt, but redshirted his first year, so he’ll have three seasons of eligibility remaining at UAlbany. That’s more than the usual two seasons a school gets from a juco transfer.

Rolfs said Utah State and Northern Colorado also were “heavily involved” with Moores but had yet to offer him a scholarship.

Moores visited the UAlbany campus last weekend and signed his national letter of intent on Tuesday.

Asked why Moores chose UAlbany, Rolfs explained, “They’re an established program in a good conference and they’ve been to the NCAAs the past two years. He just felt comfortable with their system and what they’re going to want him to do.”

Tim Ambrose, guard 2006 Recruit, eligible this coming year.

UAlbany's Frank Resetarits One of Five Finalists for Lacrosse's Tewaaraton Trophy

Washington, D.C. -- University at Albany’s Frank Resetarits has been named as one of five finalists for the Tewaaraton Trophy, which annually recognizes the top male collegiate lacrosse player in the United States. Joining Resetarits on the list are Duke’s Matt Danowski, Virginia’s Ben Rubeor, Cornell’s Max Seibard and Johns Hopkins’ Paul Rabil.

Resetarits, a senior attacker from Hamburg, N.Y., leads the nation in scoring with 54 goals and 21 assists. He has netted four or more goals against eight opponents this season. Resetarits was named the 2007 America East Conference Player of the Year. He has been voted to the all-conference team four times, including three first-team selections. Resetarits is currently tied with teammate Merrick Thomson for first place on the school’s all-time scoring list with 236 points (155 goals, 81 assists.)

Resetarits had six goals and two assists to tie a career-high point total in leading UAlbany to a 15-14 victory over UMBC in last Saturday’s America East championship game. The Great Danes make their fourth NCAA appearance in the last five years.

The Tewaaraton Trophy is the lacrosse equivalent of the Heisman Trophy. The winner will be announced on May 30.

Danes get oral commitment from 6-7, 270-pound men's basketball prospect

UAlbany men's basketball coach Will Brown didn't waste any time filling one of his two available scholarships for next season.

UAlbany received an oral commitment Wednesday night from 6-foot-7, 270-pound forward Albert Turley of Westfield High School in Houston, according to Westfield coach Larry Brown.

Turley averaged 14.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and a city-leading 4.2 blocks per game for Westfield, which finished 25-11 in Class 5A, Texas' highest division.

"He's a big kid, and he's got a lot of upside," Larry Brown said. "He's a great kid, and he's got good hands. His future is ahead of him. He's a great character person."

Turley fills one of the two scholarships that recently became available when forward Mike Yocum and guard Michael Knight decided to leave the program.

Larry Brown said Turley had scholarship offers from McNeese State and Southeastern Louisiana during the early signing period but decided to wait.

Larry Brown said Purdue, Arkansas State and New Mexico were scheduled to see Turley on Thursday night, but he expected Turley to stick by his decision.

"He liked the kids," Larry Brown said of Turley's visit to UAlbany. "Coach Brown did a tremendous job recruiting him. They've been in the (NCAA) tournament the last couple of years, and they have a definite need for a big (player). It was just a good fit."

Will Brown is prohibited by NCAA rules from commenting on Turley until he signs a letter of intent during the late signing period, which began April 11 and lasts until May 16.

UAlbany Softball Seeded Fourth in NCAA Tournament's Hempstead Regional

UAlbany Softball Seeded Fourth in NCAA Tournament's Hempstead Regional

Albany, N.Y. – UAlbany will meet Baylor in the opening round of the NCAA Softball Championship on Friday, May 18 at Hofstra Softball Stadium. The Pride will host the three-day regional. Hofstra and Harvard will also play in the weekend’s double-elimination format.

UAlbany (33-15) is making its third consecutive NCAA appearance. The Great Danes defeated UMBC, 6-4, to capture its third straight America East Conference championship. Casey Halloran, the championship’s most outstanding player, struck out 10 to record her 18th victory of the season in the final. Meagan Butsch singled in the go-ahead run in the fifth inning.

“This absolutely the toughest bracket we have had to play in the three years we have been in the tournament,” said UAlbany coach Chris Cannata, whose team is seeded fourth in the regional. “Baylor has been ranked all year long and beat some really good teams. This is a good opportunity for everyone to see us play. Hofstra’s stadium is familiar to us since we played a (pre-season) tournament there last fall.”

Baylor (45-13) received an NCAA at-large berth as the Big 12 Conference regular-season champion. Hofstra (40-13) and Harvard (31-13) earned automatic bids by winning the Colonial Athletic Association and Ivy League titles, respectively.

NCAA Softball Championship – Hempstead Regional

Friday, May 18

Game 1 - #1 Baylor (45-13) vs. #4 UAlbany (33-15), 12:00 p.m.

Game 2 - #2 Hofstra (40-13) vs. #3 Harvard (31-13), 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 19

Game 3 – Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 10:00 a.m.

Game 4 – Game 2 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 12:30 p.m.

Game 5 – Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 winner, 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 20

Game 6 – Game 3 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 12:00 p.m.

Game 7 – if necessary (30 minutes after Game 6)

Great Danes Earn Softball Three-Peat - America East Champions

BOSTON -- Fourth-seeded Albany becomes only the second team in America East history to win three-straight titles as the Great Danes captured a 6-4 win over No. 2 UMBC in the title game of the 2007 America East Softball Championship at Boston University Field in Boston, Mass. The Great Danes capture the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament and will learn their opponent on Sunday evening's selection show live on ESPNews between 3 and 4 p.m.

Albany becomes the lowest seed ever to win a conference title, pulling off three-straight upsets to earn the three-peat. The Great Danes join Hofstra as the only teams in conference history to win three-straight titles. The Pride accomplished this fete from 1998-2000.

In the title game, UMBC jumped out to an early 2-0 lead as Amanda Fefel cracked a two-run homer to left field. The Great Danes answered in the home-half of the first as Meagan Butsch smoked a three-run shot to give Albany a 3-2 lead. The Retrievers rallied scoring a pair in the top of the fifth. Once again, the Danes had an answer scoring two in the bottom of the fifth, including Meagan Butsch's single that drove in the go-ahead run. They would add an insurance run in the bottom of the sixth.

In the day's first game, UMBC's Krissy Licursi cracked a three-run walk-off home run to erase a 2-0 deficit and lift the Retrievers to a 3-2 win over No. 3 Hartford and advanced UMBC to the title game against No. 4 Albany.

Albany's Casey Halloran tossed a pair of complete-game wins including a win in the title game to earn her second-straight America East Championship Most Outstanding Player. Below is a list of the entire all-championship team.

All Championship Team:
Amber Maisonet - Albany
Meagan Butsch - Albany
Leah McIntosh - Albany
Kelly Ogden - Albany
Christy Leath - Boston University
Brandi Shields - Boston University
Brittney Stratton - Hartford
Nikki Thompson - Hartford
Kali Shirk - UMBC
Krissy Licursi - UMBC
Amanda Fefel - UMBC

Most Outstanding Player:
Casey Halloran - Albany

UALBANY MEETS LOYOLA IN NCAA TOURNAMENT'S FIRST ROUND AT JOHN FALLON FIELD

Albany, N.Y. – UAlbany will meet Loyola in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship on Sunday, May 13 at John Fallon Field. Face-off is 2:30 p.m. All opening round matchups will be televised nationally by ESPNU. The Great Danes, who won the America East Conference title to earn an automatic berth, earned the tournament’s No. 5 seed.

NCAA tickets will go on sale on Tuesday morning (May 8) at SEFCU Arena’s Merchandise Store on campus. The box office will be open from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. through Friday. Ticket prices are $5.00 for adults and students (all seats are general admission), while youth 12-under can purchase at ticket for $2.00. For ticket information, call 518-442-4683. Phone orders will be accepted and the athletic ticket office accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

UAlbany (14-2) is making its fourth NCAA appearance in the last five years. The Great Danes edged UMBC, 15-14, in last Saturday’s conference championship. Frank Resetarits leads the nation in scoring with 54 goals and 21 assists, while Merrick Thomson, the league tournament’s most outstanding player, adds 49 goals and 12 assists.

“I am happy to be home and excited that we are seeded fifth,” said Thomson, whose team will be the first America East lacrosse program to host an NCAA contest. “This shows that we are starting to step out of Syracuse’s shadow and making a name for ourselves and the school.”

Loyola (7-5) returns to the NCAA field for the first time since 2001. The Greyhounds, who garnered an at-large berth with their second-place finish in the ECAC, are in the national tournament for the 15th time. Shane Koppens leads the team in scoring with 18 goals and 26 assists. Goalkeeper Alex Peaty has a 9.43 goals against average with a .562 save percentage.

UAlbany Softball advances to America East Championship game

Softball Advances to America East Conference Final in 2-0 Win Against UMBC

Boston, Mass. – Freshman Leah McIntosh fired a two-hit shutout in leading UAlbany to a 2-0 victory over UMBC in the second round of the America East Conference Tournament on Friday afternoon at BU Softball Field. The Great Danes advanced to Saturday’s championship, scheduled for 1:30 p.m., in this double-elimination event.

UAlbany (32-15) survived a three-hour-and-20-minute rain delay en route to reaching the championship final for the fourth time in the last five years. McIntosh allowed just singles in the second and fifth innings in recording her third shutout of the season. She only appeared to be in trouble in the first by allowing a lead-off walk to shortstop Dana Shepherd. Kali Shirk then smacked a line drive to left field that outfielder Amber Maisonet tracked down with an over-the-shoulder catch near the base of the fence. Shepherd was then caught stealing and McIntosh struck out Melanie Denischuk for the third out.

The Great Danes, the tournament’s fourth seed, broke up a scoreless tie in the sixth. Center fielder Nicole Kothe started the uprising with a single, before Michelle Connors (Shenendehowa) reached base on an error by third baseman Ashleigh Robinson. Kelly Ogden then delivered a sacrifice fly to left field that scored Kothe. Meagan Butsch, who homered in Thursday’s 2-1 first-round win over top-seed Boston U., plated an insurance run when she tripled down the right-field line.

“That play by Amber (Maisonet) changed the tone of the game,” said UAlbany coach Chris Cannata, whose program will now play for its third consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament. “It’s been a roller-coaster season with all these freshmen. We have had to play the last three weeks like it was the playoffs. Now that we are here, we seem relaxed and are playing with composure.”

McIntosh, who improved to 10-5 on the season, upped her consecutive inning scoreless streak to 17 straight. The right-hander struck out six and walked one against UMBC (31-17), a club that was averaging 5.5 runs prior to the contest and had swept the three-game regular-season series with the Great Danes. Ashley Gray was the tough-luck loser, as she scattered five hits and registered three strikeouts in a complete-game effort.

“I think we are in a position where we have been playing like there’s nothing to lose,” explained Ogden, a senior who drove in the game-winning run by swinging at the first pitch she saw that was up in the strike zone. “We have a couple of veterans and lot of freshmen who have stepped it up. In the first inning, the team’s confidence grew with some great defensive plays.”

-agate-

America East Conference Softball Championship – Second Round

UMBC (31-17) 000 000 0 - 0 2 2

UAlbany (32-15) 000 002 x - 2 5 0

Ashley Gray and Krissy Licursi.

Leah McIntosh and Kat Smith.

Softball Upends Top-Seed Boston U. in First Round of America East Conference Championship

Boston, Mass. - Shortstop Meagan Butsch cracked a solo home run to lead off the top of the fourth inning that proved to be the difference as UAlbany earned a 2-1 win over top-seed Boston U. in the opening round of the America East Softball Championship on Thursday afternoon at Boston University Softball Field.

The Great Danes got on the board first in the third inning, as leftfielder Amber Maisonet knocked a two-out double to left field. Nicole Kothe was hit by a pitch in the next at-bat to put two runners aboard. Second baseman Michelle Connors, an all-conference rookie team selection, drove an RBI single up the middle to score Maisonet that gave her team a 1-0 lead.
Boston U. (34-13), the America East regular-season champion, responded in the bottom of the frame, as third baseman Brooke Hudson reached on a single through the middle of the infield. Second baseman Brandi Shields followed with a base hit to put runners in scoring position. Shayne Lotito reached on an error by UAlbany third baseman Kelly Ogden that allowed Hudson scored on the play. UAlbany’s Casey Halloran struck out Boston U.'s Rachel Hebert to end the inning with three runners left on base.
Halloran, a four-time all-conference hurler, tossed a complete game for the Great Danes, improving her record to 17-9. Halloran allowed just one unearned run, striking out eight in seven innings of work.
"It was a total team effort," said Halloran, who recorded her 14th complete game of the season. "My catcher called a great game, my first baseman was talking to me the whole time, my left fielder caught a ball at the fence and my shortstop hit a home run to win the game. I felt like I didn't have many strikeouts, but I felt my team was behind me all the way."
Butsch, who belted her sixth homer of the season, drew two walks in the game. Shields had two hits for the Terriers, who had won 18 of their 22 outings coming into the contest. Megan Currier, now 18-5 overall, tossed a complete game, fanning three in seven innings on the mound.
"It was a very well-played game by both teams," said UAlbany head coach Chris Cannata, who has led her team to six straight 30-win seasons and back-to-back America East championships. "It was a pitching duel the entire game. Casey got the outs for us when we needed them. There were a lot of base runners for both teams, and we bared down when the pressure was on."
UAlbany (31-15) will take on UMBC in the America East championship’s second round on Friday at 11:00 a.m.
-agate-

America East Conference Softball Championship – First Round
UAlbany (31-15) 001 100 0 - 2 5 1
Boston U. (34-13) 001 000 0 - 1 4 1
Casey Halloran and Kat Smith. Megan Currier and Christy Leath.

Softball Seeded Fourth for America East Conference Championship on May 10-12

UAlbany has earned the fourth seed for this week’s America East Conference Softball Championship. The Great Danes made the tournament field with two wins over Stony Brook in the final regular-season series of the season last weekend. The championship will be held at the Boston University Softball Field. The America East champion receives an automatic berth in the NCAA field.

UAlbany (30-15, AE 11-9) tangles with No. 1 seed and regular-season champion Boston U. (34-12, AE 17-3) in the first round of the double-elimination tournament on Thursday, May 10 at 1:00 p.m. The Terriers won 2-of-3 in the regular-season series between the two teams that took place on March 31 and April 1.

UMBC (30-16, AE 13-8) earned the No. 2 seed and will face No. 3 seeded Hartford (22-25, AE 12-8) also on Thursday, at 4:00 p.m.. The second round of play will take place on Friday, with the championship being played on Saturday at noon.

The Great Danes, who have reached the 30-win mark in six consecutive seasons, returns to America East postseason play after winning two consecutive conference championships in 2005 and 2006.

2007 America East Conference Softball Championship

(played at Boston University Softball Field)

Thursday, May 10, 2007
Game 1: #1 Boston University vs. #4 UAlbany, 1:00 p.m.
Game 2: #2 UMBC vs. #3 Hartford, 4:00 p.m.

Friday, May 11, 2007
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 11:00 a.m.
Game 4: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 1:30 p.m.
Game 5: Loser Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, May 12, 2007
Game 6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5 (championship), 12:00 p.m.
Game 7: If necessary (to follow Game 6), 2:30 p.m.

UAlbany Athletes Honored At Seventh Annual Great Dane Awards

University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy presented Ashley DeNeal, Kate Fontana and Ryan Chrobak with ECAC Merit Medals on Monday evening at the seventh annual Great Dane Awards, held at SEFCU Arena on campus. The event celebrates UAlbany Athletics in the 2006-07 academic year. Presidential Scholar-Athlete Awards were given to Stephan Hall and Alyssa Lotmore. Each of the 19 intercollegiate men’s and women’s teams handed out their most valuable player awards.

ECAC Merit Medals are annually awarded to the school’s top senior male and female student-athletes who have shown excellence in the classroom and as competitive athletes during the current academic year. Presidential Scholar-Athlete Awards are presented to the Department of Athletics’ top students.

DeNeal, a senior outside hitter on the women’s volleyball team, has a 3.57 cumulative grade point average in a dual major of criminal justice and psychology. DeNeal was named the 2006 America East Conference Championship’s Most Outstanding Player after leading the Great Danes to a five-game, come-from-behind victory over UMBC in the tournament championship. DeNeal, a first-team all-conference selection for the second year in a row, led the program to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances during her career.

Fontana, a senior midfielder on the women’s lacrosse squad, has a 3.72 GPA in criminal justice. She is the first player in the program’s history to be chosen to the All-America East Conference team in four consecutive years, including three first-team selections. Fontana had 38 goals and eight assists for the Great Danes, who made their first-ever appearance in the conference championship game. She finishes her career as the school’s all-time scorer with 156 goals and 36 assists for 192 points.

Chrobak, who had a 3.56 GPA as an undergraduate, is currently enrolled in UAlbany’s criminal justice program. He was voted the football program’s top defensive back for the third straight year after making 43 tackles and recording a team-high nine pass break-ups. UAlbany posted a 7-4 record and finished second in the Northeast Conference standings. Chrobak, who had 188 tackles, 29 pass break-ups and six interceptions as a collegian, was voted to the 2006 Division I FCS Athletic Directors Academic All-Star Team.

Hall, who is pursuing a master’s degree in information technology systems, was a two-time All-America East Conference midfielder in men’s soccer. He started 74 career matches and totaled 10 goals and 15 assists. Hall was named to the ESPN The Magazine University Division Men’s Soccer Academic All-America national first team for the second consecutive year. He earned his B.S. in urban planning last May with a 3.98 cumulative GPA and received the Chancellor’s Scholar-Athlete Award.

Lotmore, a senior distance runner on the women’s track and field and cross country teams, has a 3.85 GPA in social welfare. Lotmore won two events at the 2007 America East Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships by finishing first in the 3,000- and 5,000-meter runs. She posted a season-best time of 9:51.40 in the 3,000 and was first across the line in the 5,000 by nearly 24 seconds. Lotmore was named to the America East indoor track all-academic team.

UAlbany Wins America East Conference Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field Championships

Joe Greene was named the championship’s most outstanding performer as UAlbany captured its fourth America East Conference men’s track and field championship in the last five years on Sunday, May 6 at UMBC Stadium Complex. The Great Danes also won the women’s championship for the second consecutive year.

Greene, a sophomore, placed first in the 400-meter dash and 400-hurdles for the second year in a row, plus was a member of the winning 4x400 relay, as the Great Danes set a meet record with 268 points. UAlbany held the previous standard with 230 points in 2003. Greene sprinted the 400-dash in a school and championship record of 47.09 seconds. He posted a 400-hurdles’ time of 52.95 seconds.

Junior Burnett earned the Coaches’ Award by scoring 23 points, as he won the 100-meter dash and was a member of two winning relays. Burnett crossed the finish line in the 100 with a time of 10.90 seconds. He ran the second leg on the 4x100 relay that was clocked in 41.37. Burnett teamed with Weider, Greene and Gered Burns to set a meet record in the 4x400 relay of 3:10.85.

Burns was among six individual men’s champions on the day, as he took the 800-meter crown in 1:50.15. Pat Weider was first in the 200-dash (21.76) and ran the lead-off leg on both winning relays. Freddie Wills won the triple jump with a leap of 46-feet, 10-inches. Renauld Buck was second in the shot put (48-2.50) and David Parker finished third in the decathlon with 5,830 points.

UAlbany recorded its second straight women’s track title by scoring 162 points. The Great Danes, who were in fourth place in the standings after the first day, edged New Hampshire for the crown. Jessica Ortman captured her second consecutive 1,500-meter championship with a time of 4:29.65. Ortman, a sophomore, also had a pair of second-place showings in the 800-meters and 3,000m steeplechase. Adanna Andrews held on against her teammate to win the 800 in 2:11.28. Brenna Militello won the high jump with a mark 5-feet, 7-inches after finishing fifth last year.

The Great Danes showed balance with five athletes taking second in their respective events. Anisha Andrews posted a time of 56.76 in the 400-dash and was six-hundredths of a second behind champion Keisha Short of Binghamton. Kamilah McShine (100-hurdles), Sarah Charles (triple jump), Ritshell Verdier (discus) and Valerie Maignan (heptathlon) were also second.

America East Conference Men’s Track & Field Championship

1. UAlbany 268, 2. New Hampshire 154, 3. UMBC 113, 4. Binghamton 100, 5. Boston U. 82, 6. Stony Brook 57, 7. Maine 45, 8. Vermont 25, 9. Hartford 11.

America East Conference Women’s Track & Field Championship

1. UAlbany 162, 2. New Hampshire 156, 3. Boston U. 139.50, 4. Vermont 110.50, 5. Binghamton 101, 6. Maine 73, 7. UMBC 70, 8. Stony Brook 31, 9. Hartford 14.

UAlbany Hosts Loyola in NCAA Lacrosse Tournament's First Round on Sunday, May 13

UAlbany will meet Loyola in the first round of the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Championship on Sunday, May 13 at John Fallon Field. Face-off is 2:30 p.m. All opening round matchups will be televised nationally by ESPNU. The Great Danes, who won the America East Conference title to earn an automatic berth, earned the tournament’s No. 5 seed.

NCAA tickets will go on sale on Tuesday morning (May 8) at SEFCU Arena’s Merchandise Store on campus. The box office will be open from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. through Friday. Ticket prices will be announced. For ticket information, call 518-442-4683. Phone orders will be accepted and the athletic ticket office accepts Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

UAlbany (14-2) is making its fourth NCAA appearance in the last five years. The Great Danes edged UMBC, 15-14, in last Saturday’s conference championship. Frank Resetarits leads the nation in scoring with 54 goals and 21 assists, while Merrick Thomson, the league tournament’s most outstanding player, adds 49 goals and 12 assists.

“I am happy to be home and excited that we are seeded fifth,” said Thomson, whose team will be the first America East lacrosse program to host an NCAA contest. “This shows that we are starting to step out of Syracuse’s shadow and making a name for ourselves and the school.”

Loyola (7-5) returns to the NCAA field for the first time since 2001. The Greyhounds, who garnered an at-large berth with their second-place finish in the ECAC, are in the national tournament for the 15th time. Shane Koppens leads the team in scoring with 18 goals and 26 assists. Goalkeeper Alex Peaty has a 9.43 goals against average with a .562 save percentage.

Men's Lacrosse Advances to America East Conference Championship Final for Sixth Straight Year

Merrick Thomson scored a season-high seven goals, including five in the first half, to lead UAlbany to a 17-5 victory over Stony Brook in the semifinal round of the America East Conference Tournament on Thursday evening before 1,288 fans at John Fallon Field. The Great Danes advanced to the Saturday’s championship. UMBC defeated Binghamton, 11-7, in the other semifinal contest.

UAlbany (13-2) used a run of nine unanswered goals to erase an early 1-0 deficit. The Great Danes scored five times in a five-minute-and-40-second span of the first quarter to go ahead. Frank Resetarits buried a shot from the right side before Thomson connected with the man-advantage. Corey Small, who totaled three goals and two assists, found the net off a rebound when SBU goalkeeper Brendan Callahan stopped Thomson from point-blank range. Thomson completed that outburst when he netted Derek Dale’s crossing pass.

The Great Danes, who will play in their sixth consecutive America East championship final, would push their margin to 9-1 midway through the second period. Small, a sophomore attacker, scored twice in that stretch, including a drive from the right side that he finished off with his left hand by placing a shot inside the left post. Dale ended that decisive run by hitting a bounce shot after Thomson came up a ground ball to keep the play alive.

Thomson, who posted the second-highest point total of his career, added an extra-man goal in the third period. He gave his team a 14-5 lead with 9:11 left when he scored from the top of the crease off Small’s feed from the right.

“We were ready to play,” said Thomson, who last scored seven goals against Binghamton on April 9, 2005. “We wanted to put the two losses we had in the last part of the season behind us. The conference tournament is a new season and the seniors do not want to go out without a championship.”

Owen Adams, a junior midfielder, finished with three goals for Stony Brook (8-5), the tournament’s fourth seed. Larry Cerasi and Ryan Hughes added the other goals, while Callahan had 11 of his 15 saves in the opening half.

“UAlbany is bigger, faster, and stronger (than us) right now,” explained Seawolves coach Rick Sowell, whose team suffered a 14-5 setback to the Great Danes during the regular season. “They’re pretty darn good – good seniors, good coaching. I give UAlbany all the praise, they played well very tonight.”

UAlbany’s Resetarits finished with a pair of goals to extend his consecutive game scoring streak to 46 straight. Dale added one goal and two assists as 11 Great Danes reached the scoring column. Brett Queener, who made his first start in goal since April 20 after injuring his ankle, made eight saves and had two assists as an attacker on the extra-man unit.

“This has been a tough week,” said UAlbany coach Scott Marr, whose team tied the conference tournament record for victory margin set by Delaware in 2000. “We had to get back to business, refocus, and stoke that fire. Merrick (Thomson) and Frank (Resetarits) have been there for us for four years. The championship game should be entertaining. Both teams feel they have been the best two in the conference throughout the year.”