University of Albany Women's Soccer Recognized as Ninth-Most Improved Division I Program Following 2009 - UAlbany Sports 2009

Camarillo, Calif. - The 2009 University at Albany women's soccer team was recently recognized by Somis Sports as the ninth-most improved Division I program in the nation. The Great Danes, who won just three matches in the 2008 campaign, posted their highest single-season win total in 21 years with an 8-10-1 overall record.

Somis Sports ranked Maryland as the most improved squad in 2009. Oregon State was second, while Santa Clara, DePaul and George Mason rounded out the top five.

UAlbany head coach Mary-Frances Monroe, whose staff was recognized by the America East Conference for her team's improved play, led the Great Danes to their first-ever conference postseason tournament appearance. A native of Northport, N.Y., Monroe was an All-America standout at UCLA and Connecticut and has played professionally with the Boston Breakers and New England Mutiny.

Five members of the 2009 UAlbany squad were chosen to the All-America East Conference second team, including Ashley Tirabassi, the school's career scoring leader with 46 points (19 goals, 8 assists). Chelsea DeVerna, the conference's rookie of the year, led the team in scoring with six goals and three assists and netted two game-winners. Rebecca Lee, a sophomore midfielder who also made the second team, is among several returning starters. Maggie DeVerna and Casey Marks, who were named All-America East as freshmen, helped UAlbany win three conference matches for the first time and register seven shutouts.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information