UAlbany Volleyball Sweeps New Hampshire In Straight Sets In America East Conference Action

UAlbany Volleyball Sweeps New Hampshire In Straight Sets. More to come...

Durham, N.H. – Senior Hillary White recorded a match-high 12 kills to lead UAlbany to a 3-0 win over New Hampshire in America East Conference volleyball action on Friday evening at Lundholm Gymnasium. The Great Danes remain undefeated in conference play, defeating the Wildcats with scores of 25-18, 25-14 and 25-21.

Junior Valerie Sourbeer recorded nine kills for UAlbany, hitting .400 for the match and adding three digs and one block assist. Sophomore outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey tallied eight kills, 11 digs and three total blocks, as well as one service ace. Sophomore setter Brooke Stanley continued her strong play for the Great Danes, tallying a match-high 31 assists, six digs, five kills and two service aces, along with a .400 hitting percentage.

Lindsay Fogarty led New Hampshire (6-18, AE 3-5) with seven kills while setter Kate Uitti recorded a double-double with 19 assists and 12 digs. Pauline Acres had six kills and six digs, while Alyse Lahti led the Wildcats defensively with a match-high 15 digs.

UAlbany (16-8, AE 8-0) will continue America East play on the road, visiting Maine on Sunday at 2 p.m.

-agate-

UAlbany (16-8, AE 8-0) def. New Hampshire (6-18, AE 3-5), 3-0 (25-18, 25-14, 25-21).

UAlbany Tennis Competes at First Day of Virginia Tech's Hokie Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Blacksburg, Va. – Freshman Holly Smith defeated Radford’s Emerald Lauzon, 6-1, 3-6, 6-2, to lead UAlbany on the first day of play at Virginia Tech’s 15th Annual Hokie Fall Invitational at the Burrows-Burleson Tennis Center on Friday afternoon.

Smith advanced to the second round of play and will take on Liberty’s Fabiana Gouveia on Saturday at 12:30 p.m. Senior Charlotte Tatler also advanced to the second round with a 6-3, 6-3 win over Murray State’s Katelyn Fulcher in Flight D competition. Junior Kim Weltman will play in the consolation round of the Flight A competition after dropping a 6-2, 6-4 match to Radford’s Petra Dajevic on Friday. In the Great Danes’ final singles match of the day, sophomore Susan Ma fell to Virginia Tech’s Martha Blakely, 6-3, 6-1.

UAlbany vs Wagner Info

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2008
Time: 1pm
Where: UAlbany Campus
City: Albany, NY

Tickets: By Phone (518) 442-4683
Ticket Webpage

Directions To UAlbany

Internet Audio Coverage

UAlbany Football Media Guide


Northeast Conference Standings

Albany 6-0
Monmouth 5-1
Sacred Heart 4-2
Central Connecticut State 3-3
Robert Morris 3-3
Duquesne 2-4
Wagner 1-5
St. Francis 0-6

Women's Basketball Selected Fourth in America East Conference Preseason Poll

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – After establishing a school record for conference victories last season, the University at Albany women’s basketball team has been picked to finish fourth in the 2008-09 America East Conference preseason poll, according to a vote of the league’s head coaches as announced on Thursday, Oct. 30.

Vermont was narrowly picked to win the league title, accumulating 61 points and five first-place votes. The Catamounts most notably return junior guard Courtnay Pilypaitis, the reigning America East player of the year who was recently named to the Women’s Basketball Magazine Preseason Mid-Major All-America Second Team.

Hartford, which advanced to the second round of last year’s NCAA Tournament, was picked second with 60 points and received the remaining four first-place votes. The Hawks graduated Danielle Hood, who was drafted by the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream, but still return all-conference selections Erica Beverly and Diana Delva.

Boston University was selected third with 50 points followed by UAlbany with 41 points. UMBC (31), Binghamton (25), New Hampshire (22), Maine (18) and Stony Brook (16) rounded out the rankings.

“This vote places us in the top half of a competitive America East Conference,” said head coach Trina Patterson, who was named last season’s America East Conference Coach of the Year. “I believe it has a lot to do with our guard play. I feel we have the best guards in the conference. Janea Aiken has garnered the most attention among the coaches in our conference because of her all-rookie status. Britney McGee’s offensive abilities and Charity Iromuanya’s defense also gives us a lot of experience.”

In addition to having a solid nucleus of players returning, Patterson believes that the team’s uptempo style of play was a key factor which persuaded the coaches to pick the Great Danes fourth.

In 2007-08, the Great Danes tied for fourth in the America East regular-season standings. UAlbany defeated Binghamton in the quarterfinal round of the league tournament before dropping its semifinal matchup to eventual champion Hartford. McGee, Iromuanya and Aiken, who became the program’s first-ever player to garner America East all-rookie team honors last winter, highlight the list of six returning letterwinners. Patterson also has five true freshmen on the roster who are all expected to make immediate contributions.

The Great Danes begin their schedule on Friday, Nov. 14, at California, which was recently selected as the No. 2 team in the nation in the Athlon Sports preseason poll and No. 8 according to Lindy’s preseason top-25 poll.

NFCA Recognizes Three UAlbany Softball Players as All-America Scholar Athletes

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Starkville, Miss. – University at Albany softball players Meagan Butsch, Nicole Kothe and Bailey Van Deest were named National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-America Scholar-Athletes, the association announced this week. All three individuals compiled a minimum of a 3.5 cumulative grade point average during the 2007-08 academic year.

Butsch, a biology major, was a member of the America East Conference All-Academic Team, the America East Academic Honor Roll and UAlbany’s Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. In addition, the third baseman, who batted in the cleanup spot last season, was a first-team all-conference selection as well as a member of the league’s all-championship team for her efforts in the conference tournament. Butsch, who was named the America East and ECAC player of the week on April 13, started all 51 games and led the Great Danes in batting average, runs batted in, slugging percentage and on-base percentage. She also knocked seven home runs and added seven doubles and four triples.

Kothe, a psychology major, was named to the America East Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll as well as UAlbany’s Athletic Director’s Honor Roll this past year. She started all 51 games as the team’s center fielder, committing only two errors for an impressive .963 fielding percentage.

Van Deest, a political science major, was on the America East all-academic team, the America East Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll and UAlbany’s Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. She was also a second-team all-conference selection. Van Deest, who made 40 appearances and 33 starts as the team’s right fielder and designated player, had 27 hits, seven doubles and 14 runs batted in on the season.

UAlbany's Mikael McNamara Named to ESPN The Magazine District I All-Academic Soccer Team

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Bronx, N.Y. – University at Albany’s Mikael McNamara (Mississauga, Ontario/Iona Catholic Secondary School) has been named to the ESPN The Magazine District I Academic All-America Men’s Soccer Team, as announced on Thursday, Oct. 30 by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America).

McNamara, a chemistry major with a 3.51 cumulative grade point average, was chosen to the all-district second team. He has been named to the America East Conference Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll twice, and was also on UAlbany’s Athletic Director’s Honor Roll last year.

The two-year starter has appeared in all 71 matches of his career and is putting up career numbers as a senior this season. Although regularly a midfielder, he showed his versatility by moving back as a starting defender during the second half of the season. In McNamara’s four starts on defense, the Great Danes posted three shutouts. He has two goals and two assists for six points this fall.

In addition, McNamara has helped the men’s soccer team move to the top of the America East standings. The team’s 12 wins has already tied the program’s Division I single-season mark. UAlbany, which entered the week tied for third in the nation with 2.40 goals per game, is already guaranteed at least one home match in the upcoming America East Conference Tournament.

The Great Danes can lock up the top seed in the league tournament for the first time ever if they can win their final match of the regular season at home versus Vermont on Sunday at 1 p.m. McNamara is one of six seniors who will be recognized prior to the match.

UAlbany Men's Soccer Blanks Maine, 3-0, In America East Action

UAlbany Men's Soccer Blanks Maine, 3-0, In America East Action. More to come...

Orono, Maine – Senior goalkeeper Steward Ceus recorded his 18th career shutout and junior forward Claudio Dantas factored in to a pair of goals to help lead the University at Albany men’s soccer team to a 3-0 win over the University of Maine on Wednesday afternoon. With the victory, the Great Danes guaranteed themselves at least home-field advantage in the opening round of the America East Conference Tournament. In addition, the team’s 12th win this afternoon matches the Division I program record set back in 2004.

“This was a very physical match, but our guys really stepped it up,” said head coach Johan Aarnio, whose team was guaranteed a home match in the upcoming conference tournament after Vermont defeated Hartford by a 1-0 score earlier this afternoon. ”Steward was dominant in goal and put forth one of his best perfomances.”

UAlbany (12-3-1, AE 5-1-1) got on the scoreboard in the 16th minute when Bjorn Bekkers took a cross from Dantas and buried a shot into the upper right corner of the net. With his 10th helper of the year on the play, Dantas matched the all-time school record for assists in a season. Ed Campbell set the standard in 1968, and it was matched by Bryan Grabon in 2000.

“Bjorn scored a highlight film type of goal,” said Aarnio. “He is very strong and sees the field well.”

Dantas doubled the Great Dane lead when he received a pass from Mike Peters and beat goalkeeper Nemanja Kostic to the lower left corner of the goal in the 29th minute. He also matched Nick Southworth’s Division I program record for goals in a season with his ninth on the play.

In the second half, UAlbany got an insurance goal from L.J. Papaleo off a direct kick

taken by Erik DiLorenzo in the 66th minute. Maine (4-9-2, AE 1-5-1), which gave up more than two goals for the first time this season, outshot the UAlbany by a 19-12 clip and had its chances to avoid the shutout. However, UAlbany goalkeeper Steward Ceus along with the defensive line led by starters Milos Jankovic, Konner McNamara, Hilco Beeks and DiLorenzo would not let anything through.

UAlbany’s Ceus matched his career high with nine saves on 19 chances. He also broke two school Division I program records for career shutouts (18) and saves (320). Buona Coundol (17 shutouts) and Trevor Serraro (312 saves) held the previous marks. Maine’s Kostic was credited with four saves on 12 opportunities in the losing effort.

The Great Danes can lock up the top seed in the America East Conference Tournament for the first time ever if they can win their final match of the regular season at home versus Vermont on Sunday at 2 p.m. Seniors Gaby Seguin-Gauthier, Don Johnson, Mikael McNamara, DiLorenzo and Ceus Five will be recognized for their contributions to the program prior to the match.

UAlbany (12-3-1, AE 5-1-1) 2 1 - 3
Maine (4-9-2, AE 1-5-1) 0 0 - 0

UAlbany: Scoring – Claudio Dantas (1-1), Bjorn Bekkers (1-0), L.J. Papaleo (1-0), Mike Peters (0-1), Erik DiLorenzo (0-1). Goalkeeping – Steward Ceus (90:00, 0 GA, 9 saves).

Maine: Scoring – None. Goalkeeping – Nemanja Kostic (90:00, 3 GA, 4 saves).

Columbia Lacrosse Star Rachael Burek Selects UAlbany Great Danes, America East Conference

EAST GREENBUSH — Rachael Burek said talking to lacrosse coaches she did not know about their colleges was extremely stressful. The exception for Burek was University at Albany coach Lindsey Hart.

Burek competed for Hart with the Albany Elite club team for two years and as a member of the 2008 Adirondack Region scholastic squad over the summer. After visiting the school and seeing her potential teammates, Burek decided to give Hart her oral commitment to compete for the Great Danes of the America East Conference.

"I knew some of the girls already and I love coach Hart," said Burek, who also considered Fairfield, UC Davis, George Mason and Limestone.

Burek, who competes in field hockey, basketball and lacrosse at Columbia, plans to major in physical therapy at UAlbany.

"My parents are glad to be able to come see me play," Burek said about staying close to home.

By JAMES ALLEN

UAlbany Announces Scholarship Fund to Remember Senior Richard Bailey

In the wake of the tragic death of 22-year-old senior Richard Bailey, UAlbany student leaders will create an endowed scholarship in memory of their fellow student. The Richard Bailey Memorial Fund will be the focus of the 2009 Class Gift, targeting a goal of raising $25,000.
"Richard will always be a member of the University community," said Interim President George M. Philip, who has personally pledged a contribution to the fund. "This scholarship will ensure that Richard will be remembered by many generations of UAlbany students."

"Establishing the fund is an amazing gesture by the students of the senior class, who have lost one of their own," said Vice President for University Development Fardin Sanai, who has also pledged a contribution. "This is one more way for the University community to come together to honor Richard's life."

"UAlbany students are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Richard," said Student Association President Dan Truchan. "We hope the establishment of this scholarship will keep Richard's memory alive on our campus."

Bailey, a sociology major and criminal justice minor from Wantagh, N.Y., was scheduled to graduate in December. He will be awarded a bachelor's degree posthumously at a future commencement ceremony.

In Bailey's memory, the University hosted a candlelight service outside of the Campus Center, which was attended by hundreds of students, faculty, staff and administrators. There was also a moment of silence during UAlbany's homecoming football game.

To contribute to The Richard Bailey Memorial Scholarship, contact Valerie DiRocco Ruskin, The University at Albany Foundation, at (518) 437-5090. Contributions may also be mailed to:

Richard Bailey Memorial Fund
c/o University at Albany Foundation
1400 Washington Avenue
UAB 226
Albany, NY 12222

Checks should be made payable to The University at Albany Foundation.

Contact(s): Catherine Herman (518) 956-8150

Nation's Top Tailbacks on Display in Saturday's Northeast Conference Football Showdown: UAlbany vs Monmouth

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- Two of the nation’s top tailbacks will be on display when UAlbany and Monmouth battle for first place in the Northeast Conference standings on Saturday, Nov. 1 at University Field. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. Fans can listen to the game on Fox Sports 980 (WOFX-AM).

Monmouth’s David Sinisi is the top NCAA Division I FCS rusher at 161.9 yards per game, plus is second in scoring with a 12.8 average. Sinisi, a Walter Payton Award candidate, ran for 194 yards and scored four touchdowns in his last outing against Central Connecticut State. Sinisi, who rushed for a school-record 247 yards against Saint Francis, Pa. earlier this season, is the Hawks’ career leader with 3,233 yards.

UAlbany’s David McCarty ranks fifth in rushing (142.5 ypg) and third in all-purpose yards (180.1 ypg) among the national leaders. He has reached the century mark in 13 of his last 14 starts and has scored a touchdown in 16 consecutive games. McCarty is fifth on the program’s career rushing chart with 2,641 yards.

“They are good backs who have stood the test of time,” said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, who posted his 230th career win at the collegiate level last week. “They each have great balance and have stayed relatively healthy throughout their careers. They both have good pass receiving skills and are just complete football players.”

UAlbany (5-3, NEC 4-0) and Monmouth (5-3, 4-0) are currently tied for first atop the NEC standings. The two teams enter their annual meeting with unbeaten conference records for the first time since 2003. The two programs have combined to win eight league titles in the conference’s history.

Paw Prints: The Great Danes have won 10 straight against NEC opponents ... UAlbany has registered four or more conference wins for the 10th consecutive season as a conference member ... Monmouth’s Kevin Callahan, who has a 94-65 career record, was a member of Bob Ford’s coaching staff from 1977-79 ... Vinny Esposito has become the fourth UAlbany quarterback to surpass 3,000 career passing yards (3,098) ... TB David McCarty’s 1,140 rushing yards represent the program’s fourth-best single-season total ... UAlbany went undefeated in the month of October for the second straight year ...

UAlbany's Lee and Harrell-Vigil Garner America East Conference All-Rookie Team Laurels

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany’s Rebecca Lee (Selkirk, N.Y./Bethlehem Central) and Kendra Harrell-Vigil (Avondale, Ariz./Avondale Westview) were named to the America East Conference All-Rookie Team in women’s soccer, as announced today by the conference office. The Great Danes placed two players on the all-rookie unit for the first time.

Lee, a local product who made the roster as a walk-on, appeared in all 20 matches and made 19 starts as a midfielder. She finished the season with five goals and four assists for 14 points. Lee led the team in assists and ranked second in goals and points behind junior Ashley Tirabassi. She was also named to the UAlbany Governor’s Cup all-tournament team. Her best single-game performance arguably came in the team’s 2-1 double overtime win at Colgate. She netted the first goal to force overtime and then set up Tirabassi’s game winner in the second extra period with 31 seconds left after stealing the ball from the defense. Lee also scored two goals in the season finale against UMBC on Oct. 26.

Harrell-Vigil is the first defender in program history to be named to the league’s all-rookie squad. She started all 20 matches on a back line which featured four newcomers, accumulating two goals and four points. She scored her first career goal against Niagara and earned a spot on the Niagara Falls Classic all-tournament team two days later. In addition, she was named the America East rookie of the week.

The Great Danes return nine of their 11 starters next season. The entire starting defense and more than 98 percent of the offense’s point production will also be back.

Perseverance Pays Off For UAlbany FCS Football's Eddie Delaney

One look at University at Albany red-shirt freshman Eddie Delaney and you'll see an ordinary college football player. Look closer and you'll see what Delaney's battled through is extraordinary.

A native of Holtsville, N.Y. on Long Island, Delaney was born without a left hand, his arm ends around the wrist. At age six, he was diagnosed with diabetes and he has to wear an insulin pump.

Through all that, he doesn't describe himself as handicapped, in fact, his parents Ed and Suzanne taught him at an early age that nothing could hold him back.
"I never even realized that people viewed it as a disadvantage because my parents said it's not," Delaney said. "Growing up, I was never held back by that."

Delaney earned Northeast Conference Rookie of the Week honors in only his second career start after totaling five tackles and breaking up two passes as the Great Danes defeated previously unbeaten Sacred Heart on Oct. 18.

While it was an injury to junior Tony Sparano that gave Delaney a shot in the starting role, the 6-foot-6, 235-pound Delaney has helped the Great Danes defense hold their opponents to 83.2 rushing yards per game over their past four games.
"I took it as my chance," said Delaney, who made nine tackles in Saturday's 27-3 victory over Saint Francis (Pa.). "I'm only a freshman, but this is my chance to show people I can play."

Delaney started his athletic career playing tee-ball as a youngster, but quickly turned his attention to football by age six. Growing up, Delaney looked up to professional baseball player Jim Abbott, who was also born without an arm and played 10 seasons in Major League Baseball. When he was still young, he went to Yankee Stadium to see Abbott pitch for the Yankees and thought it was the "coolest thing."
Delaney aspired to play college football after playing at Sachem East High School, but wasn't being recruited.

He remembered overhearing a Division III coach tell his father that if Ed had two hands, he'd probably be too talented to play there, but also that they were unsure he would be successful at the collegiate level.

While he was happy that they thought he could play at a higher level, he was also frustrated. "How would that change me being a defensive end, being a football player?" Delaney said. "I don't think having two hands would make me any different of a football player."

During his senior year of high school, he got a chance to meet Abbott at an event sponsored by the YES network. Delaney got a chance to tell Abbott how he inspired him while he was growing up. Still looking for a school, Delaney looked at UAlbany, where Tom Pandolf, someone he had played Pee Wee football with, was succeeding.
Delaney applied and was accepted to UAlbany, but he still hadn't heard anything from the Great Danes coaching staff.

He reached out to former offensive coordinator Pete Rossomando, who was the Long Island recruiter, and his highlight tape had never got there. Delaney sent out another copy and two days later, he got the call from Rossomando, the current coach at the University of New Haven, that he would get a preferred walk-on spot and he was on the team.

Coach Bob Ford was a little skeptical, but he had coached a student-athlete with one arm before in his days at Springfield College. Delaney was placed on the look-defense, pitting him against the varsity offense every day in practice.
"He took it on as a challenge, that he was going to get better in that process," Ford said. "If you really look at it like that, you do get better."
"I fed off that," Delaney said. "I took that as my chance to get better and I felt myself getting better every day."

A year later, the kid who showed up in Albany weighing less than 210 pounds, now is an integral part of the fierce run-stuffing UAlbany defense.

Following the graduation, of thee all-league players in Jon Volpe, Michael Dungey and Mark Sheehan, even Ford has been impressed with how his this group has played.
"I think it's a credit to Bill Banagan, our defensive line coach," Ford said.
The trio of Pandolf, Delaney and sophomore Mike Kelly, have helped UAlbany remain one of the toughest teams to run the ball against.

"We take a lot of pride in that," Delaney said. "That's our defensive philosophy to stop the run and make teams try to pass on us," Pandolf said. Pandolf thinks that the team has learned about how to deal with adversity, just from having a guy like Delaney on the team. "He's always at a disadvantage, but he doesn't let that affect him at all," Pandolf said. Delaney recently spoke with a high school student from Shenendehowa who lost his hand in a firecracker mishap, trying to teach him that nothing will hold you back unless you let it. "Everything I do, I feel I do to the best of my ability," Delaney said

By: Andrew Santillo

America East Conference Promotes UAlbany's SEFCU Arena as Basketball Championship Host

Albany, N.Y. -- America East Conference Men’s Basketball Media Day was held at the historic Fort Orange Club in downtown Albany on Monday, Oct. 27. City of Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings welcomed the conference membership to the Capital Region. The 2009 America East Men’s Basketball Championship will be held at the University at Albany’s SEFCU Arena on March 6, 7 and 8.

The nine-team tournament begins with a first-round game on Friday, March 6. Quarterfinal and semifinal games follow on Saturday, March 7 and Sunday, March 8, respectively. The championship will be played on Saturday, March 14 at the home court of the higher remaining seed.

“Anytime a conference, especially at our level, moves a tournament, it is great to go to an area where the host school is in an area that has an interest in basketball,” said New Hampshire coach Bill Herrion, who guided Drexel to three America East titles. “Albany has that, especially with the team being successful the last few years. Albany is a great basketball town; it will be great having the tournament here. It should be exciting.”

Boston University coach Dennis Wolff continued, “I think moving the tournament from city to city is an exciting way to involve different communities. Albany has a great fan base which will make the tournament a well-supported event.”

Boston U. was chosen first in the America East preseason poll by the league’s head coaches. The Terriers received five of a possible eight first-place votes. Vermont was second in the rankings and had four first-place votes. Hartford earned the third spot and defending league champion UMBC was placed fourth.

UAlbany was picked sixth by the coaches. Brian Connelly is the top returning scorer (10.1 ppg) and rebounder (5.3 pg). Jimmie Covington and Jerel Hastings are also experience starters, while sophomore Tim Ambrose was a member of last year’s America East all-rookie squad. Will Brown, one of 10 head coaches to have won multiple conference championships, will incorporate eight first-year players into the mix, including Virginia transfer Will Harris.

Boston U. won nine of its final 12 games last season and returns its top seven scorers from that team. Corey Lowe, a second-team all-conference player, was second in the league in scoring at 18.1 points per game. John Holland (15.5 ppg) was named the America East Rookie of the Year. Vermont has two of America East’s top three scorers in Marqus Blakely and Mike Trimboli. Blakely, a 6-foot-5 junior, led the conference in scoring (19.0 ppg), rebounding (11.0 pg) and blocked shots (2.7 pg). Trimboli is America East’s active scoring leader with 1,496 points.

“Today was a great day to tip off our season,” America East Commissioner Patrick Nero stated. “We are pleased with the momentum and enthusiasm that UAlbany has generated for our season and our championship in March.”

********

2008 America East Conference Preseason Men’s Basketball Poll

1. Boston U. (5), 59; 2. Vermont (4), 55; 3. Hartford, 51; 4. UMBC, 45; 5. Binghamton, 37; 6. Albany, 30; 7. New Hampshire, 24; 8. Maine, 13; 9. Stony Brook, 10.

UAlbany Volleyball Sweeps Season Series With UMBC With 3-1 Victory

UAlbany Volleyball Sweeps Season Series With UMBC With 3-1Victory. More to come...

Cowdrey and Kellam Lead UAlbany Volleyball to Ninth Straight Win, Defeating UMBC, 3-1
Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Sophomore outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey recorded a double-double with 11 kills and 18 digs, while senior middle blocker Kamisha Kellam finished with 11 kills and three blocks to lead the UAlbany volleyball team to a 3-1 victory over America East Conference rival UMBC on Sunday afternoon. It was the ninth straight win for the Great Danes, who remain undefeated in league play. UAlbany defeated the Retrievers with scores of 25-13, 25-18, 15-25 and 25-20.

The Great Danes came out firing in the first set, as Hillary White served for four straight points to put UAlbany up. The Great Danes built up a 14-5 advantage behind the service game of Cowdrey, while sophomore Brooke Stanley took an assist from Valerie Sourbeer for the point. UAlbany built up a 10-point lead, getting ahead 20-10 on a kill by freshman Kalyn Mostert. Laurie Gonzalez served for two points later in the match, but UMBC’s Ashley Oscars recorded a kill on set point to keep the Retrievers alive. A UMBC service error ended the set in UAlbany’s favor.

After jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the second set, UMBC came back to tie the set at 3-3 on a kill by Oscars. Back-to-back kills by Sarah Hill put the Retrievers ahead, but UAlbany bounced back with kills from White and Cowdrey to tie the score at 5-5. The teams exchanged points throughout the match, before UAlbany broke away from a 16-16 tie behind White’s service game. She served for five straight points before Oscars ended the rally to pull the Retrievers back within 21-17. UMBC had consecutive attack errors and a service error to give the ball back to UAlbany, and Teresa Coppiellie recorded a service ace to end the set.

UMBC returned from the break and built up a 14-4 lead on UAlbany to start the third set. Oscars recorded three straight kills and Iman Kennedy added another to give the Retrievers the 10-point advantage. UMBC continued to fire away, holding onto the 10-point lead throughout the remainder of the set. Cate Eckhardt recorded a kill on set point to keep the Great Danes in contention, but a UAlbany attack error ended the set with UMBC on top.

The Retrievers came out quick in the final set as well, putting up two unanswered points to start. UAlbany rallied back, tying the set at 3-3 with an Eckhardt service ace. Stanley served for four straight points and recorded a kill to put UAlbany up 11-5. UMBC pulled back into the set as Sarah Ball served for three points and Hill took the service game back from UAlbany with a kill. Alyssa Lang then served for three more points to pull the Retrievers within 18-17 before a White kill ended the rally. White added another of her nine kills to put the Great Danes up, 22-20 and then served for the match’s final three points, ending with a service ace.

Stanley finished with a double-double for UAlbany, recording 41 assists and 13 digs, along with eight kills, hitting .571 for the match. Kellam added seven digs, while Gonzalez led the team defensively with a team-high 19 digs. UMBC had three players finish with double-digit kill totals, led by Oscars with 16. Hill added 15, while Land tallied 13 kills and 16 digs. Setter Kira Giles also finished with a double-double, recording 40 assists and 11 digs for the UMBC (15-9, AE 4-3).

UAlbany (15-8, AE 7-0) returns to action on Friday, Oct. 31, visiting conference opponent New Hampshire at 7 p.m.

UAlbany (15-8, AE 7-0) def. UMBC (15-9, AE 4-3), 3-1 (25-13, 25-18, 15-25, 25-20)

Women's Soccer Comes Up Short Today In Tight Match

Women's Soccer Comes Up Short Today In Tight Match. More to come...

Courtesy: UA Sports

Morgan Warrington’s second goal of the match in the 89th minute gave UMBC a 4-3 win over the University at Albany in women’s soccer action at Varsity Field on Sunday, Oct. 26. Seniors Diana Barrera, Danielle Ethier and Amber Maisonet were all honored prior to the start of the match for their contributions to the UAlbany program.

UMBC (3-16-0, AE 2-6-0) got on the scoreboard first when Erin Johnson’s shot from the top of the box was redirected in by a UAlbany defender in the seventh minute. Warrington doubled the Retriever lead in the 17th minute when she was fed the ball down the middle from Danielle Kell, sending a low shot past UAlbany goalkeeper Maisonet.

Rebecca Lee cut the lead in half on a corner kick in the 20th minute. After the freshman took the corner from the left side, the ball was intercepted in the air by UMBC goalkeeper Christine Bacinski. However, the referee had ruled the entire ball had crossed the goal line when she landed.

UAlbany (3-17-0, AE 1-7-0), which outshot UMBC by a 29-18 clip, would take a one-goal lead heading into the break. Katie Grant took a pass from Teresa Boring and potted her shot in the back of the net in the 39th minute, and Lee added her second goal of the match directly after a Retriever foul.

The Retrievers tied the match up for the second time in the 67th minute when Brooke Piper took a shot after receiving a pass from JoAnne Jackson. With the clock winding down and overtime looming, Warrington fired in the game winner off the post with just 1:04 remaining on the clock.

UAlbany’s Maisonet saved seven Retriever shots on 18 chances in her final appearance for the Great Danes. UMBC’s Bacinski made seven saves on 29 shots to earn the win.

The Great Danes will return nine of their 11 starters next season, including all of their goal scoring, 98.1 percent of their point production and the entire starting line of defenders.

UAlbany FCS Football Rolls Over St.Francis 27-3 In Heavy Downpour In NEC Conference Action

UAlbany FCS Football Rolls Over St.Francis 27-3 In Heavy Downpour In NEC Conference Action. UAlbany will face Monmouth next week at University Field on the UAlbany campus, likely which will determine the NEC Champion. More to come...

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Football Remains Unbeaten in Northeast Conference Play with 27-3 Homecoming Victory

Vinny Esposito threw two first-half touchdown passes and tailback David McCarty scored twice in leading UAlbany to a 27-3 Northeast Conference victory over Saint Francis, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 25 before a Homecoming crowd of 5,284 at rain-swept University Field.

UAlbany (5-3, NEC 4-0) posted its fourth straight win by reaching the end zone on its opening two possessions before a driving rain and gusty winds made the field hardly playable as the game progressed. The Great Danes marched eight plays for its first touchdown. Esposito hit McCarty in the right flat on third-and-seven, and the junior cut back, using his blockers, on a 22-yard score.

After cornerback Daniel Avery came up with his first career interception, UAlbany drove 62 yards in just five plays. Esposito found wide receiver Tim Bush with a third-down completion for 11 yards. Reserve tailback Justin Gannon later broke through off left guard and split the defensive backfield en route to paydirt on a 45-yard touchdown run and a 14-0 lead.

“The play was blocked perfectly,” Gannon said. “I just had to run straight. Tim Bush made a good block downfield and I was able to outrun the secondary. It was the type of day where you just had to do a good job of holding on to the ball.”

UAlbany upped its lead to 21-0 late in the first quarter. Defensive end Mike Kelly sacked Saint Francis quarterback Colton Sipe, a redshirt freshman who was making his first start for the injured George Little, to force a punt. Esposito, who completed 7 of 11 attempts for 134 yards, then delivered a 58-yard scoring strike to Bush, who maneuvered around the cornerback into open space on the right sideline as he hauled in the pass.

St. Francis (0-8, NEC 0-5) had an opportunity to get back into the contest in the second period. Zak Campbell’s 34-yard field goal finished off a 14-play drive. Linebacker Scott Lewis, last year’s ECAC and NEC defensive rookie of the year, who had a game-high 15 tackles, would then pick off Esposito’s intended screen pass for McCarty at the Albany 27. Following the return and a personal foul penalty, the Red Flash ended up with a first-and-goal at the 5-yard line. But UAlbany’s defense stiffened and Sipe was tackled for a loss on fourth down by linebacker Rich Duff and safety Dave West.

“That was a good goal line stand,” offered defensive tackle Tom Pandolf, whose defense held the visitors to 145 total yards, including 68 on the ground. “We just didn’t let them score in that situation. I wasn’t absolutely sure what they would run (on fourth down) following the timeout. We played well in the conditions. You get a little leeway, as a defense, to make mistakes when the weather is like that.”

The weather played havoc with both teams’ offense and special teams throughout the second half. A bad punt snap gave the Red Flash the ball at the Albany 21 late in the third quarter, but Sipe threw three incomplete passes during the series, including a fourth-down attempt that sailed out of bounds. The Great Danes would tack on to their lead when Omar Winston muffed a punt return and UAlbany’s Luke Weaver recovered at the St. Francis 9. McCarty would eventually score off the left side from one-yard out with 7:53 remaining.

“You have to run the football in the Northeast, because you are going to get conditions like we had today,” said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team will battle Monmouth for first place in the conference standings next week. “We didn’t use the shotgun or probably throw as much as we would like. With the lead, we had the ability to work the clock. At the same, our defense took their run away.”

McCarty rushed for 122 yards on 31 carries, and has reached the century mark in 13 of his last 14 starts. The Great Danes have won nine in a row against league opponents. St. Francis’ Sipe finished 9-of-23 through the air for 77 yards and was intercepted twice.

UAlbany Field Hockey Registers A 1-0 Shutout On Boston University In America East Conference Showdown

UAlbany Field Hockey Registers A 1-0 Shutout On Boston University In America East Conference Showdown. More to come...

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Field Hockey Defeats America East Rival Boston U., 1-0, on Senior Day

Senior Michele Polizois scored her team-leading 12th goal of the season to lead UAlbany to a 1-0 America East Conference field hockey win over Boston University at Alumni Turf Field on Saturday afternoon. Polizois, along with fellow seniors Ashley Carr, Michelle Simpson, Ashley Ross and Vanessa Walter, were all honored prior to the start of the game for their contributions to the UAlbany program.

After 66 scoreless minutes, UAlbany finally broke the 0-0 tie as Polizois capitalized on a penalty corner opportunity. Junior defender Jess Lindsey and Simpson both recorded their 11th assists of the season on the goal, which would prove to be the only tally the Great Danes would need.

Boston U. (8-9, AE 2-2) pulled goalkeeper Kim Kastuk after the goal in exchange for another attacker on the field in hopes of scoring the goal to stay alive in the final 3:45. UAlbany had several opportunities to take advantage of the keeperless cage, but the Terriers’ defensive unit held strong over the closing minutes.

UAlbany outshot Boston U., 13-5, and held a 10-4 advantage in penalty corners. Ross made four saves in the game for UAlbany, recording her fourth shutout of the season, while Kastuk made five saves between the pipes for the Terriers.

UAlbany (9-9, AE 3-1) will visit New Hampshire on Saturday, Nov. 2 for the final game of the regular season. The teams hold identical conference records, and the winner of the game will host the America East Conference Tournament on November 7-9.

Boston U. (8-9, AE 2-2) 0 0 - 0
UAlbany (9-9, AE 3-1) 0 1 - 1

Boston U.: Scoring – None. Goalkeeper – Kim Kastuk (66:15, 1 GA, 5 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring – Michele Polizois (1-0), Michelle Simpson (0-1), Jess Lindsey (0-1). Goalkeeper – Ashley Ross (70:00, 0 GA, 4 saves).

UAlbany Men's Soccer Blanks Bryant In 4-0 Shutout

UAlbany Men's Soccer Blanks Bryant In 4-0 Shutout... More to come...

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Men's Soccer Blanks Bryant, 4-0, to Continue Program's Best Start in Division I Era. L.J. Papaleo recorded five points on two goals and one assist to lead the University at Albany men’s soccer team to a 4-0 victory over Bryant in its final non-conference match of the regular season at Varsity Field on Saturday, Oct. 25. In addition to Papaleo’s career performance, Gaby Seguin-Gauthier added one goal and two assists and Claudio Dantas added two helpers to pace the Great Danes. The team’s 11 wins is the most victories through 15 matches in the program’s Division I era which began in 1999.

UAlbany (11-3-1) got on the scoreboard in the 32nd minute. From inside the box, Erik DiLorenzo headed the ball to Dantas who was standing at its tip. He passed the ball down and over to Seguin-Gauthier, who punched the ball past Bryant goalkeeper Andrew Snell to the back of the net. UAlbany had a one goal lead and an 8-6 shot advantage over Bryant (1-14-1) at halftime.

The Great Danes wasted no time doubling their lead in the second half. Seguin-Gauthier took a pass from Papaleo and sent the ball over to Bjorn Bekkers at the right corner of the box. Bekkers then fired a shot from 16 yards away in the 47th minute to put UAlbany up to two.

Entering the match with one goal this season, Papaleo netted the next two goals to pad the Great Dane lead. In the 53rd minute, Seguin-Gauthier passed the ball downfield to Dantas, who then dribbled the ball inside the box and fired a shot from about 12 yards out on the left. The ball was stopped by Snell and punched out to the right. Papaleo got the rebound and rifled a shot to the back of the net. Twelve minutes later, Papaleo stole the ball from the goalkeeper on a pass attempt and sailed it into the net from about 25 yards away.

UAlbany’s Adrian Foncette made four saves on 14 opportunities and earned his third shutout in four career starts. Snell started the match for the Bulldogs, recording four saves on 15 shots. He was relieved by Victor Tutino, who made one stop on three chances.

Even though they were playing a non-conference opponent this afternoon, the Great Danes qualified for the six-team America East Conference Tournament after Boston University defeated UMBC, 3-0, and Vermont blanked Maine, 1-0, earlier today. UAlbany can not finish lower than fifth in the standings.

The Great Danes can clinch the top seed as well as home-field advantage in the conference tournament if it can win its last two America East matches this week. The club travels to Maine on Wednesday for a 3 p.m. match and returns home on Saturday to face Vermont at 1 p.m.

Bryant (1-14-1) 0 0 - 0
UAlbany (11-3-1) 1 3 - 4

Bryant: Scoring – None. Goalkeeping – Andrew Snell (67:57, 4 GA, 4 saves), Victor Tutino (22:03, 0 GA, 1 save).

UAlbany: Scoring – L.J. Papaleo (2-0), Gaby Seguin-Gauthier (1-2), Bjorn Bekkers (1-0), Claudio Dantas (0-2), Erik DiLorenzo (0-1). Goalkeeping – Adrian Foncette (90:00, 0 GA, 4 saves).

UAlbany Wide Receiver Tim Bush Is All Hustle

University at Albany football coach Bob Ford said wide receiver Tim Bush is one of his favorite players. "He just brings a tremendous amount of enthusiasm to practice," Ford said. "He's a kid who makes coming to practice fun for coaches. He has only one speed, and that's 100 percent."

Bush, a 5-foot-9 senior from Saratoga Springs, leads the Great Danes with 32 receptions entering Saturday's homecoming game against winless St. Francis (Pa.) at University Field. Beyond the statistics, Bush's relentless approach to the game might have saved UAlbany's bid for a second straight Northeast Conference title.

With UAlbany trailing 14-10 last week, Sacred Heart linebacker Rich Marrone intercepted a deflected pass at the UAlbany 26. Motoring down the left sideline, Marrone seemed bound for a touchdown until Bush caught him from behind at the 1 and forced a fumble, which rolled out of bounds for a touchback with 4:18 left in the first half. It provided a big momentum swing in UAlbany's 26-21 victory.

Bush was a star in UAlbany's film room the next day, when coaches stopped the tape to show Bush had come from 15 yards behind the play to strip Marrone. "All the coaches thanked me for putting in a lot of effort because that was a really big play, probably the biggest," Bush said. "It felt really good to be considered that person that made that play and helped us come out with a victory."

The coaching staff named Bush the receiver of the week. Bush predicted UAlbany (4-3 overall, 3-0 NEC) won't run into a letdown against St. Francis (0-7, 0-4). The Great Danes are coming off a big win over previously unbeaten Sacred Heart and have a first-place showdown with Monmouth looming next week.

"We're going to come out and do something special this Saturday," assured Bush, a former Times Union all-star who helped Saratoga High win a Class AA sectional title in 2004.He came to UAlbany from Hudson Valley Community College, where Bush played only four games because of a broken leg. Schools who weren't already scared off by his size — he weighs 178 pounds — quickl y lost interest.

But UAlbany was persuaded to recruit him by then-HVCC assistant coach John Bolt, a former UAlbany defensive end. "I'm not the ideal wide receiver," Bush said. "Even Coach Ford told me that when I first came in here ... I wasn't exactly a scholarship kid when I came in, but hard work pays off. I'm undersized, and the hustle does pay off."

UAlbany linebacker Rich Duff, who is Bush's cousin, said he's had the same attitude since Pop Warner. "Ever since we were little, he's always wanted to play football," Duff said. "He gets angry pretty easily on the field. He's a fighter and he makes plays."


UAlbany vs. St. Francis
Kickoff: 4 p.m. Saturday, University Field, Albany
TV/radio: TW-3, WOFX 980 AM

By M SINGELAIS

UAlbany Inducts Five Into Athletic Hall of Fame to Kick Off Homecoming & Family Weekend

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Five former athletes were enshrined into the University at Albany Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, October 24 at the 25th annual HOF Dinner and Induction Ceremony.

The new inductees and their sports: Tom Alexander '98, lacrosse; Andre Duncan '98, basketball; Afrim Nezaj '82, soccer; Kelly Paolino Cirilla, basketball '99; and Liz Peck '97, field hockey.

With this year's class, there are 119 former athletes, coaches and administrators who have been inducted into the University at Albany's Athletic Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony is part of Homecoming and Family Weekend, which also includes Saturday's football game at University Field with Northeast Conference-rival Saint Francis, Pa. at 4:00 p.m. The contest will be televised on Time Warner Cable (TW3).

Men's soccer hosts Bryant and women's field hockey entertains Boston University earlier in the day. Both contests begin at 1:00 p.m. On Sunday, women's soccer is home against UMBC at 1:00 p.m., while women's volleyball meets UMBC at 2:00 p.m.

The Great Danes opened their conference football schedule with its third consecutive win following a 26-21 victory over previous unbeaten Sacred Heart last week. UAlbany (4-3, NEC 3-0) piled up a season-high 504 yards, including 320 on the ground, in the come-from-behind win.

David McCarty, who ran for 207 yards and one touchdown, ranks fifth among the Division I FBS leaders in rushing at 145.4 yards per game. Quarterback Vinny Esposito passed for 184 yards and gained a career-best 65 on the ground against Sacred Heart. UAlbany’s defense held the NEC’s top offense to just under 300 total yards.

UAlbany Volleyball Sweeps UMBC In 3 Sets, Retaining Top Position In America East Conference

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Baltimore, Md. – Senior middle blocker Kamisha Kellam recorded a match-high 11 kills to lead the UAlbany volleyball team to a 3-0 sweep of UMBC in America East Conference volleyball action on Friday evening. The Great Danes, now the lone undefeated team in the league, improved to 14-8 overall and 6-0 in conference play with their eighth consecutive win. UAlbany swept the Retrievers with scores of 25-18, 25-19 and 25-16.

Kellam, who also recorded two block assists in the match, tallied a .364 hitting percentage. Sophomore outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey finished with nine kills and eight digs and added two total blocks and two service aces, while classmate Brooke Stanley notched 30 assists and eight digs in the match. Freshman libero Laurie Gonzalez led the team defensively with 13 digs.

Alyssa Lang paced UMBC (15-8, 4-2) with nine kills while Sarah Hill added eight for the Retrievers. Ashley Oscars led the team with 10 digs to go along with six kills, while setter Alexandria Spaay tallied 16 assists, five digs and one block assist.

The two teams will meet again on Sunday, Oct. 26, taking to the court at 2 p.m.

-agate-

UAlbany (14-8, AE 6-0) def. UMBC (15-8, AE 4-2), 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-16).

University of Albany's Homecoming and Family Weekend Scheduled for Oct. 24-26

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University of Albany will celebrate its Homecoming and Family Weekend on Oct. 24-26. The festivities begin with the 25th Annual Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony on Friday evening. Tom Alexander ’98, men’s lacrosse; Andre Duncan ’98, men’s basketball; Afrim Nezaj ’82, men’s soccer; Kelly Paolino Cirilla ’99. women’s basketball; and Liz Peck ’97, women’s field hockey, will be enshrined into the UAlbany Athletic Hall of Fame.

Saturday’s athletic schedule includes the homecoming football game with Northeast Conference opponent Saint Francis, Pa. at 4:00 p.m. The Great Danes are currently tied for first in the NEC standings. The contest will be televised by Time Warner Cable (TW3) in the Capital Region. The first 500 fans will receive a free sports cup, courtesy of SEFCU. In addition, SEFCU will sponsor a fireworks display following the game.

The men’s basketball program will conduct its annual Purple & Gold scrimmage on Saturday at 2:00 p.m., which will be preceded by an alumni game at SEFCU Arena. UAlbany’s field hockey squad takes on Boston University at 1:00 p.m., with first place in the America East Conference standings on the line. Men’s soccer, presently in second place in the conference, has a non-league game with Bryant at 1:00 p.m. Women’s lacrosse is holding its alumni game on Saturday morning at John Fallon Field.

The weekend slate wraps up on Sunday when women’s volleyball meets conference-rival UMBC at 2:00 p.m. The Great Danes stand alone atop the America East standings. Women’s soccer ends its regular season against UMBC, beginning at 1:00 p.m.

2008 UAlbany Homecoming Schedule

Friday
6:00 p.m., 25th Annual Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony
(SEFCU Arena Hall of Fame Room)

Saturday
9:00 a.m., SEFCU Arena Parking Lot Opens ($5.00 for parking)
10:00 a.m., Women’s Lacrosse Alumni Game (John Fallon Field)
1:00 p.m., Men’s Soccer vs. Bryant (Varsity Field)
1:00 p.m., Women’s Field Hockey vs. Boston University (Alumni Turf Field)
1:00 p.m., Men’s Basketball Alumni Game (SEFCU Arena)
2:00 p.m., Touchdown Tailgate, featuring the band, Hair of the Dog (SEFCU Arena Parking Lot)
2:00 p.m., Men’s Basketball Purple-Gold Scrimmage (SEFCU Arena)
2:30 p.m., Football Ticket Office Opens
(Tickets – Reserved $10, General Admission $8, Child (12-under) $1
4:00 p.m., Football vs. Saint Francis, Pa. (University Field)
(First 500 Fans Receive SEFCU Sports Cup)
(SEFCU Fireworks Following Game)

Sunday
1:00 p.m., Women’s Soccer vs. UMBC (Varsity Field)
2:00 p.m., Women’s Volleyball vs. UMBC (University Gymnasium)

UAlbany's Michelle Simpson Chosen to Play in NFHCA Division I Senior All-Star Game

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Senior midfielder Michelle Simpson has been chosen to play in the 2008 National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division I Senior All-Star Game, as announced by the NFHCA on Wednesday afternoon. Simpson is one of 38 players from across the country chosen to play in the contest.

Simpson, who leads UAlbany this season with nine goals and 10 assists for 28 total points, was an NFHCA Division I Second Team All-American last season after earning America East Conference First Team accolades for the second straight season. Simpson is currently ranked fourth on the UAlbany career goals chart with 36 and is also fourth on the all-time assists chart with 25. She has also moved into third place on the career points list, accumulating 97 total points in her three seasons with the UAlbany program.

Simpson will join America East counterparts Maegen Luce (Vermont) and Kim Striegler (Vermont) in the all-star game, which will take place on Saturday, Nov. 22 at the University of Louisville at 7:30 p.m.

Women's Soccer Attempts Late Charge, But Comes Up Short, 2-1

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Emily Perrin’s fourth goal of the season following a corner kick midway through the first half led the University of Vermont to a 2-1 victory over the University at Albany in women’s soccer action at Varsity Field on Thursday afternoon. UAlbany outshot UVM by a 14-9 clip in the second half and had numerous chances to at least even the score and force overtime, but the Catamounts survived several late charges by the Great Danes and held on for the one-goal victory.

Vermont (4-12-1, AE 2-4-1) got on the scoreboard in the third minute of the match. Jessica Becker dribbled the ball down the left sideline and crossed it inside the box to Lexie Kaknes on the right. Kaknes took a low shot that was redirected in by a UAlbany defender into the far post for an own goal.

The Catamounts doubled their lead in the 24th minute after being awarded a corner kick which was taken by Kaknes from the right side. The ball was initially touched by a Great Dane defender, but Perrin was there to fire it to the back of the net. Vermont held on to its two-goal advantage heading into the break.

After being outshot 8-5 in the first half, the second frame was dominated by UAlbany (3-16-0, AE 1-6-0). One minute after entering the match, Makenzie Baratta had a chance to net her first career goal when she had a one-on-one opportunity against UVM goalkeeper Eliza Bradley. However, Bradley came out to the top of the box and forced Baratta to shoot the ball high in the 61st minute. Less than ten minutes later, Teresa Boring had a breakaway opportunity down the middle and slightly to the left. Her low shot got past Bradley, but UVM defender Kristina Miele was able to kick the ball away and to the right from about five yards away before it could cross the goal line.

The Great Danes cut the Catamount lead in half in the 77th minute on a corner kick. Katie Grant received a cross from Rebecca Lee and took a low shot from about 12 yards away on the right towards the near post. Bradley appeared to have made a save, but the referee ruled that the entire ball had crossed the goal line first. UAlbany took two more shots before the end of the match, but was unable to net the equalizer.

UAlbany’s Amber Maisonet stopped five of the 17 shots taken by the Catamounts. UVM’s Bradley made 11 saves on 19 chances to earn the victory.

The Great Danes will host UMBC in their final match of the season on Sunday at 1 p.m. Seniors Diana Barrera, Danielle Ethier and Maisonet will be honored for their contributions to the program prior to the match.

UAlbany's Steward Ceus Sets Men's Soccer Program Record With 23 wins and 17 shutouts

ALBANY — When Steward Ceus first toured the University at Albany campus four years ago, he was hosted by the goalkeeper he ended up replacing. Passes Coundoul's goalie standard, is tied in shutouts

Ceus, then a senior at North Rockland High, got a brief glimpse into what made Bouna Coundoul the first Great Dane to reach Major League Soccer.

Coundoul, a devout Muslim, showed Ceus the prayer section in his dorm room during the recruiting visit.

"I asked him, 'Do you go out?' He said, 'No,' '' Ceus recalled. "Do you get a lot of girls? 'No.' He really kept to himself, but he was really focused. He knew what he wanted to do and how he was going to get there.''

Coundoul graduated after that season and became a goalie for the MLS' Colorado Rapids. Ceus stepped into the starter's role as a freshman and on Wednesday night passed Coundoul with his 23rd career victory in a 2-1 UAlbany win at the University of Hartford.

Ceus and Coundoul were tied for first in the program's Division I history with 22 wins and 17 shutouts.

"It's meaningful just because Bouna made a big difference over here,'' Ceus said. "He kind of put soccer on the map here. I'm honored to be in company with Bouna. I've always worked to get to his level.''

It's worth noting Ceus has compiled his numbers in four years at UAlbany compared to three for Coundoul, who transferred after his freshman year at Bethel College in Tennessee.

However, Ceus has a shot at doing what Coundoul could not, which is lead the Great Danes to an America East championship and the NCAA Tournament. Entering Wednesday's match, UAlbany (9-3-1 overall, 3-1-1 league) had its most wins through 13 games since upgrading to Division I in 1999.

"I think we have a very good chance of getting to NCAAs this year,'' Ceus said. "We have the chemistry like no other year, and this year we're turning our solid defense into positive offense.''

And the last line of that defense is Ceus, whom UAlbany coach Johan Aarnio called "one of the top collegiate keepers in the country.''

Not as athletic as Coundoul, Ceus was blessed with imposing size at 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, which allows him to dominate on balls in the air. He also played basketball and tennis in high school, which he feels helps his footwork.

But sometimes Ceus has been willing to coast on his physical gifts, according to Aarnio, who brought in freshman goalkeeper Adrian Foncette to compete with Ceus this season. "Not that I'm not self-motivated, but sometimes I just need someone to push me,'' Ceus said. "I need a little spark to make me go a little harder.''

Ceus held off Foncette in nonleague play to keep the job. The two have become good friends, and Ceus is grooming Foncette to replace him the same way he took over for Coundoul.

"He's confident in everything he does,'' Foncette observed.

The MLS is showing interest in Ceus, who feels he can follow Coundoul into the pros. If not, he could attend medical school.

"I'm open to playing in Europe or MLS, wherever I get the best opportunity for myself,'' he said. "But we have to see, though.''

Career statistics

Player Years G GAA Sv W-L-T Sho
Bouna Coundoul 2002-04 46 0.93 271 22-17-6 17
Steward Ceus 2005-08 62 1.34 311 23-27-11 17

By MARK SINGELAIS

UAlbany Men's Soccer Tied for First in America East Conference Following 2-1 Victory Over Hartford

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

West Hartford, Conn. – Claudio Dantas set the Division I program record for points in a single season and Don Johnson netted his second game-winning goal of the year to lead the University at Albany past Hartford, 2-1, in America East Conference men’s soccer action on Wednesday, Oct. 22. With the victory, UAlbany is tied for first place in the league with Boston University and owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Terriers with two matches left on the conference schedule. In addition, the team’s 10 wins is the most victories through 14 matches in the program’s Division I era which began in 1999.

“This was a huge result for us,” said head coach Johan Aarnio, whose team moved into a tie for first in the conference after Boston University and Vermont played to a 1-1 draw earlier in the evening. “The players stuck to the game plan in the second half and a great result came out of it. All of the chips fell our way as well, so it feels great to be back in first place.”

After Ivan Guarin’s first goal of the season put Hartford (7-5-2, AE 3-2-0) on the scoreboard first in the eighth minute of action, the Great Danes wasted no time by scoring the equalizer just 23 seconds later. Fresh off of scoring the game-winning goal against UMBC on Saturday, Shaun Kane netted his eighth tally of the season after receiving a pass from Dantas. By accumulating his 23rd point on the play, Dantas surpassed Nick Southworth’s Division I record of 22 points set back in 2000.

Johnson broke a 1-1 deadlock in the second half with his sixth goal of the season in the 49th minute to give UAlbany (10-3-1, AE 4-1-1) a one-goal lead it would not relinquish. Bjorn Bekkers was credited with his first career assist on the play.

UAlbany’s Steward Ceus made seven saves on 15 chances to earn his eighth win of the season. With 23 career victories, Ceus passed Bouna Coundoul’s win total of 22 and now stands alone in second place on the all-time list in the program’s Division I era. The senior co-captain needs two more stops to establish the Division I record for career saves currently held Trevor Serraro. Hartford’s Luke Citriniti made three saves and faced eight shots.

Before wrapping up league action next week against Maine and Vermont, the Great Danes will play their final non-conference match of the regular season when they host Bryant on Saturday at 1 p.m. Even though they are not playing a league match, UAlbany will qualify for the six-team America East Tournament on Saturday if Maine or UMBC either tie or lose the same afternoon. The Black Bears travel to Vermont and the Retrievers will host Boston University.


UAlbany (10-3-1, AE 4-1-1) 1 1 - 2
Hartford (7-5-2, AE 3-2-0) 1 0 - 1

UAlbany: Scoring – Shaun Kane (1-0), Don Johnson (1-0), Claudio Dantas (0-1), Bjorn Bekkers (0-1). Goalkeeping – Steward Ceus (90:00, 1 GA, 7 saves).

Hartford: Scoring – Ivan Guarin (1-0), Patrick Boucher (0-1). Goalkeeping – Luke Citriniti (90:00, 2 GA, 3 saves).

Underage Siena College Students, Picked Up On Campus, Bussed Down To Albany Bar, Arrested For Underage Drinking And False Identity

The investigation was undertaken after the district attorney was contacted by someone (an employee at siena college) who complained that a local college (siena college) provided bus transportation to the Pearl and that many who participated were believed to be underage.

A total of 47 underage drinkers (mostly from siena college) were ticketed for having fake identification when police and state agencies raided the Pearl Restaurant and Lounge on North Pearl Street late Thursday night, authorities said.

Four bartenders were arrested and charged with serving underage drinkers (from siena college), but the Pearl's liquor license was not immediately suspended as an investigation continues. Authorities estimated that as many as 200 of the roughly 300 patrons in the bar were underage, but if they were not observed drinking or caught with unaltered IDs, they were not ticketed, according to the Albany County district attorney's office.

The proprietor of the club, popular with (siena) college students, disputed those numbers. "We run things strict down here and that's an exaggeration of what happened," said owner Tim Rankins, who also offered an apology. "We're working diligently with local law enforcement to try to stem the problem of fake IDs, but the technology has become very good," he said. Rankins said he employs a retired veteran detective from the Albany Police Department to handle security.

The task force included undercover agents and investigators from the district attorney's office, the Albany Police Department, the State Police, state Liquor Authority and state Department of Motor Vehicles.

The investigation was undertaken after the district attorney was contacted by someone who complained that a local college (siena college) provided bus transportation to the Pearl and that many who participated were believed to be underage. "I've been in business 18 years and everyone who comes in our door has a believable, valid, legitimate ID," Rankins said.

This is the district attorney's fifth crackdown on underage drinking at local bars in the past 18 months. Prosecutors promise additional investigations. Those (siena students) issued tickets will appear in court next month. A review of the Pearl's liquor license and further action is pending, state Liquor Authority officials said.

By PAUL GRONDAHL



Bar raid underscores tricky issue for (siena) college drinkers

Underaged drinking in Albany (by siena college students) got the spotlight in a rather spectacular fashion this week. On Thursday about 11:30 p.m. various local and state law enforcement in partnership with the Albany County District Attorney's office descended en masse at the Pearl on Steuben Place to bust them selling alcohol to minors.

Unexpectedly, law enforcement en masse got trumped in spades by an even larger number of underaged drinkers (mostly siena college students)en masse. DA David Soares says that conservatively, 200 out of the 300 patrons at the time proved to be under 21. A staggering number of illegal consumers. Just from a processing point of view, the event was overwhelming for everyone involved requiring hours and hours.

This is the fifth "compliance inspection," as they are officially termed, of an area bar for underaged drinking, going back to 2007. Pearl now joins the elite company of Sadie Klutz, Stone Crow, Pauly's Hotel, Ziggy's Sports Bar, Dapps and Tommy's Place.

What tipped off law enforcement to Pearl was reasonably obvious. An employee at Siena College saw a flyer on campus advertising bus transportation to the bar and that the required admission was a valid college ID card. Since most kids in college are under 21, its a no-brainer that such a come-on would attract underagers.

Even so, I believe even the most experienced and cynical law enforcement type on the scene was shocked at how many underaged drinkers ( from siena college ) were snared.

High marks, then, to the District Attorney's office, the State Liquor Authority, Albany and State Police for the raid. There's no question these targeted enforcements discourage bars from serving the underaged, and in the process make our streets less rowdy and more urine-free.

by Fred LeBrun

It is peculiar why siena college would allow a local bar to advertise and put up fliers all throughout its campus. One really needs to question the intentions of this tier 4 college in Loudonville.

Siena College Cut Non Scholarship NCAA Football Program Due To Lack Of College Athletic Support

Loudonville, NY -- Siena College announced .. that it is discontinuing its non-scholarship .. football program.

The decision to discontinue varsity football was made after deliberations among athletic administrators, senior staff, school president Kevin E. Mackin, and the board of trustees.

"In light of the college's strategic plan, enhancing the football program is not in line with the athletic department's or the college's strategic direction," said John D'Argenio, director of athletics.

Courtesy of SportsNetwork
January 22, 2004

2003 siena football results (football discontinued) 0-11

DATE - - - - - TIME - - - - OPPONENT SCORE

Lost 09/06/2003 07:00 PM ET Iona 14 - 19
Lost 09/13/2003 06:00 PM ET at Stony Brook 3 - 31
Lost 09/20/2003 07:00 PM ET at Marist 14 - 28
Lost 09/27/2003 01:00 PM ET Cent Conn St 10 - 28
Lost 10/04/2003 01:35 PM ET at Duquesne 14 - 36
Lost 10/11/2003 01:00 PM ET Sacred Heart 14 - 41
Lost 10/18/2003 07:00 PM ET Wagner 6 - 34
Lost 10/25/2003 01:00 PM ET St Peters 16 - 20
Lost 11/01/2003 01:00 PM ET St Anselm 8 - 23
Lost 11/08/2003 01:00 PM ET La Salle 7 - 34
Lost 11/15/2003 04:00 PM ET at Fla Atlantic 3 - 51

UAlbany's Brian Yurkewecz Named America East Conference Cross Country Performer of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – Senior Brian Yurkewecz (Fonda-Fultonville), of the University at Albany men’s cross country team, has been named the America East Conference Performer of the Week, as announced by the league office on Tuesday afternoon. He is the second Great Dane to earn the weekly honor this season.

Yurkewecz helped UAlbany post a fifth-place finish among 22 scoring teams at the 42nd UAlbany Invitational on Oct. 18. He placed third overall in the field of 186 runners. Yurkewecz navigated the 8,000-meter course in 24:40, which was only five seconds behind first-place finisher Girma Segni of Marist College. Yurkewecz registered his fastest 8k time of the season.

UAlbany takes this weekend off and will travel to compete at the America East Championship on Saturday, Nov. 1. UMBC will host the event at Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, Md.

Amanda McPhee Leads UAlbany Golf on First Day of Fairleigh Dickinson Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Hillsborough, N.J. – Junior Amanda McPhee was tied for fourth individually, shooting a first-round score of 79 to lead UAlbany on the first day of the Fairleigh Dickinson Invitational at the Royce Brook Golf Course. The Great Danes stood fifth in the team standings after recording a score of 333 over the par-72, 5,935-yard course.

Freshman Annemarie Kissane (Albany) posted a score of 81 over the first 18 holes to tie for 10th in the individual standings. Sophomore Corrin Conroy recorded a first-round score of 86 while junior Jessica Signorelli carded an 87 on the first day of play. Freshman Stephanie Klein rounded out the UAlbany scoring with an 18-hole score of 88 on Monday.

Sacred Heart’s Carly Bergin led all players with a 77 in the first round, while Fairleigh Dickinson led the team standings by posting a score of 318.

-agate-

Team Scoring: 1. Fairleigh Dickinson 318, 2. Sacred Heart 326, 3. Rutgers (Team 1) 331, 4. Rutgers (Team 2) 332, 5. UAlbany 333, 6. Long Island 340, 7. Hofstra 345, 8. St. Francis, N.Y. 386.

UAlbany Scoring: t4. Amanda McPhee 37-42—79, t10. Annemarie Kissane 39-42—81, t21. Corrin Conroy 40-46—86, t24. Jessica Signorelli 42-45—87, t27. Stephanie Klein 47-41—88.

UAlbany's David McCarty & Eddie Delaney Receive Weekly Northeast Conference Awards

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Somerset, N.J. – University at Albany’s David McCarty has been chosen the Northeast Conference Offensive Player of the Week in football, as announced today by the conference office. McCarty has won or shared the weekly honor three times this season. Eddie Delaney was named the NEC Rookie of the Week as his team moved into a tied for first place in the conference standings.

McCarty, a junior tailback from Gansevoort, N.Y., rushed for 207 yards and one touchdown in last Saturday’s 26-21 victory over previously unbeaten Sacred Heart. McCarty, who also caught three passes for 31 yards, scored on a 2-yard blast to put his team ahead for good, 17-14, in the third quarter. He also had eight carries for 61 yards on his team’s final possession, a drive that wiped out the final 4:40 of the game and left his team on the SHU 1-yard line as time expired. McCarty, who ran for 200 or more yards for the third time in his career, has reached the century mark in 12 of his last 13 starts. He moved to fifth on the school’s career rushing chart with 2,519 yards and extended his touchdown streak to 15 consecutive games.

Delaney, a redshirt freshman from Holtsville, N.Y., had a career-high five tackles, including two unassisted, and two pass break-ups in his second start as a collegian. The UAlbany defense held the NEC’s top offense to 298 total yards and 51 net rushing yards. A 6-foot-6, 235-pound defensive end, Delaney plays without a left hand and wears an insulin pump to control diabetes.

Football Notes: UAlbany (4-3, NEC 3-0) entertains Saint Francis, Pa. on Homecoming & Family Weekend at 4:07 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25 ... the Northeast Conference game will be televised in the Capital Region on Time Warner Cable (TW3) ... UAlbany will enshrine five former athletes into its Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 24 as part of the festivities ... TB David McCarty is ranked fifth in rushing (145.4 ypg) and second in all-purpose yards (185.3 ypg) among the NCAA Division I FCS national leaders ... McCarty became the fourth player in the UAlbany program’s history to surpass 3,000-career all-purpose yards (3,068) ... Bob Ford recorded his 220th career win at the school ... the Great Danes have won nine in a row against conference opponents ...

UAlbany's Brooke Stanley and Amanda Cowdrey Eran America East Weekly Volleyball Honors

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – Sophomore setter Brooke Stanley and sophomore outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey earned America East Conference weekly volleyball honors, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. Stanley earned setter of the week accolades for the second straight week, while Cowdrey was named the league’s player of the week for the first time this season.

Stanley, who has earned the award five times this season, helped lead the Great Danes to an undefeated week, averaging 14.0 assists and 2.50 digs per set. She recorded 41 assists to go along with five digs, two kills, one service ace and one block assist in a 3-0 win over crosstown-rival Siena on Oct. 15. In last Friday’s 3-0 conference win over Binghamton, Stanley reached the 40-assist plateau for the 10th time this season, handing out 43 assists and recording 10 digs, three kills and one service ace. Stanley directed a balanced attack, as UAlbany players recorded the four highest hitting percentages of the week in the conference. She leads the America East with 10.45 assists per set and is third on the team with 2.30 digs per set.

Cowdrey earned her first weekly award after averaging 5.0 kills and 3.17 digs per set last week. She recorded 15 kills and eight digs against Siena and flowed with a 15-kill, 11-dig performance versus Binghamton. Cowdrey hit .481 against Siena, while also recording one service ace. She also finished with a .424 hitting percentage versus the Bearcats, adding one solo block. Cowdrey, one of just four players to see action in every set this season, is averaging a team-leading 3.49 kills per set. She is second on the team with a 2.79 dig average.

Ualbany's Michele Polizois Named America East Conference Field Hockey Player of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – Senior defender Michele Polizois was chosen America East Conference Field Hockey Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. She earned the honor for the third time this season.

Polizois recorded a hat trick in the Great Danes’ 4-1 conference victory over Fairfield on Oct. 18. She scored the game winner with a penalty corner goal just before halftime and added two more goals in the second half off a penalty corner and a penalty stroke. Polizois leads the team and the conference with 11 goals on the season and has recorded five assists for 27 total points. She leads the conference in shots with 99 and game-winning goals with four.

UAlbany (8-9, AE 4-1) continues America East play on Saturday, hosting defending conference champion Boston U. at Alumni Turf Field at 1 p.m.

UAlbany Lacrosse Fall Ball Review

A Danes attack without its second leading returning scorer from 2008, senior attacker Brian Caufield, was led by two new faces. Junior transfer Dave Brock scored three goals in the first half against Hobart. Freshman Joe Resetarits seems poised to pick up where his brother Frank, a first team All-American for the Danes in 2007, left off. Resetarits displayed uncanny quickness and an outstanding ability to create his own shot, as he led the Danes in scoring against Colgate.

Defensively the Danes were led by senior defensemen Mark Kelly, sophomore midfielder Kyle Crotty, sophomore defensemen Mike Banks and most notably senior defensemen Garrett Pedley. Senior goalkeeper Dan McKeon was active around the net all day, but seemed to struggle at times, especially early in the game versus an aggressive Raiders attack. Redshirt freshman Drew DiCioccio saw heavy action in the second half against Hobart, where he started off with four consecutive saves and played a solid all around game.

Sophomore attackman Joe Pompo also saw heavy action in the second halves of both games, and stood out with several big plays on offense and in transition defense. Freshman midfielder Keith Olson was the most effective Dane on face-offs throughout the day.
By Inside Lacrosse

Albany went with Resatartis, small, brock on attack....they looked pretty good considering it is the first four weeks they've worked together. Mark cometti,Alpizar, Pompo on the first line- Good flow on offense, although Pompo was not at the second game. Second line had a lot of young guys mixed in, though I think Crotty did a particularly nice job in transition, Finnegan also appears to have increased his athleticism a little. Luke Cometti had a few nice plays and should figure into the middie rotation. The Defense consisted of a rotation of many players...all who played OK but none tremendous, I think Banks may be feeling the pressure of the Cover Story a little bit.
By LaxKing

I thought that the day went well for both teams, looking strong as they both should. Albany attack looked good, with strong performances by small, resetarits and Brock. 'gate had a slow start in the morning against lemoyne but found their stride in the second game against albany. Thought the defence from both was good, but the offence moved the ball well and found ways to break them down, with a few great plays, one from resetarits and corp just looked unbelievable.
By RG08

UA looked strong. Still need a FOGO but other than that was pretty good.
Brock will have a lot of points come spring. Joe R and Cory looked good both shooting and feeding. Brocks size come in handy. Hobart just looked small, Dan looked good in goal the first half and 11 was pretty good the second half.
By Jimridd

Although Brian Caufield did not play in either game, there is conflicting reports if Pompo did or did not play in the second game vs Colgate.