University of Albany Great Danes Seeded #2 For America East Conference Women's Lacrosse Championship - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – UAlbany has earned the second seed for this week’s America East Conference Women’s Lacrosse Championship. The Great Danes, who are making their third consecutive conference postseason tournament appearance, received their highest seeding since joining the league in 2002.

UAlbany (9-7, AE 4-2) tangles with third-seed New Hampshire (11-6, AE 4-2) in the semifinal round at Boston University’s Nickerson Field on Thursday, April 30 at 3:30 p.m. The Great Danes upset the nation’s 19th-ranked team during the regular season. The championship is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at 1:00 p.m.

Boston U. (13-3, AE 6-0) captured the regular-season title by defeating UMBC in the regular-season finale. The Terriers, who are ranked No. 12 in the current IWLCA national poll, have won four consecutive America East crowns. Vermont (9-7, AE 3-3) will face Boston U. in Thursday’s first semifinal at 1:00 p.m. The Catamounts gave the top seed all they could handle in a 12-9 decision on April 11.

Tickets, available day of games, are $8 for adults, $5 for youth (age 14 & under) and $2 for all America East students with valid school ID. Live stats will be available for all three games, while the championship contest on Saturday will be streamed live at the America East Zone in partnership with Pack Network.

The Great Danes ended the regular season by winning five of their last six contests. UAlbany has established the program's Division I record for single-season victories and has secured its first winning campaign since 2000. Kayla Best leads the team in scoring with 41 goals and 11 assists. The all-conference midfielder has scored 40-plus points for the third straight season. Mel Rorie (37 goals, 7 assists) and Jodi Battaglia (37 goals, 4 assists) are among the top scorers. Julie Bush has 12 goals and a team-leading 19 assists. Nikki Branchini leads the team in draw controls (64), ground balls (39) and caused turnovers (17). Goalkeeper Katie Neer has an 11.25 goals against average with 131 saves

2009 America East Conference Women’s Lacrosse Championship
(played at Boston University’s Nickerson Field)

Thursday, April 30 – Semifinal Round
No. 1 Boston U. (13-3, AE 6-0) vs. No. 4 Vermont (9-7, AE 3-3), 1:00 p.m.
No. 2 Albany (9-7, AE 4-2) vs. No. 3 New Hampshire (11-6, AE 4-2), 3:30 p.m.

Saturday, May 2
Championship, 1:00 p.m.