University of Albany Women's Basketball Completes Costa Rican Tour

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Heredia, Costa Rica – Head coach Trina Patterson and the University at Albany women’s basketball team recently completed a four-day international trip to Costa Rica, a republic in South America. The Great Danes played three games, defeating the the University of Costa Rica, 73-29, and the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, 79-51, before dropping a 75-64 decision to the Costa Rican National Team, known as the top women’s basketball program in Central America. The republic is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, with the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

“The ten days of practice we were able to hold, along with the three games gave us a chance to work on our basic fundamentals,” said Patterson, the 2007-08 America East Conference Coach of the Year. “We were able to see who can handle physical play, and this gave everyone a chance to get to know each other, from the players to the staff.”

Charity Iromuanya, a junior guard, led the team in the win over Universidad Nacional de Costa, scoring 22 points. Sophomore Janea Aiken, an all-conference rookie team member last season, added 12 points in the victory. Against the University of Costa Rica, freshman Shelby Coon scored a team-high 15 points, while sophomore Tiffanie Johnson added 12. Sophomore Kim Clements led the Great Danes against the National Team, recording 16 points, with Aiken chipping in 14.

The team also enjoyed a tour of the central countryside, including the Costa Rican coffee fields. The Great Danes participated in some team-building activities, including ziplining in the rainforest, and toured the Pacific side of the country.

In 2006-07, UAlbany posted the most wins in America East Conference play with a 10-6 record and produced the program's second appearance in the conference postseason tournament's semifinal round. UAlbany won just one of its opening 12 games, but rebounded in the second half of the season to finish 13-18 overall.