University of Albany Women's Lacrosse Makes First-Ever Appearance in deBeer/Inside Lacrosse National Poll - UAlbany Sports 2010

Baltimore, Md. - The University at Albany women's lacrosse program made its first-ever appearance in the national rankings when the Great Danes were listed No. 19 in the deBeer/Inside Lacrosse media poll. UAlbany is also receiving votes for the first time in the IWLCA (Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association) poll. Both polls were released on Monday, April 26.

The Great Danes improved to 12-2 overall and 5-0 in the America East Conference after coming from behind in the second half to defeat New Hampshire, 13-12, on April 24. UAlbany has already established a school record for single-season wins that was previously set by the 1998 squad, as they went 11-4 on the Division II level. The Great Danes have won five conference games for the first time since joining America East in 2002.

UAlbany and Boston University are tied for first in the America East standings and will play for the regular-season title and the right to host the league's postseason championship on Saturday, May 1. Game time at UAlbany's John Fallon Field is 4:00 p.m.

Paw Prints: UAlbany has won back-to-back one-goal decisions for the first time since April 2005 following last Saturday's 13-12 win at New Hampshire ... the Great Danes posted their first win at UNH's Memorial Field in six tries ... Nikki Branchini, a defensive midfielder from Guilderland, N.Y., is fourth among the NCAA Division I leaders in draw controls (5.0 pg), plus is eighth in ground balls (3.3 pg) and 10th in caused turnovers (2.1 pg) ... goalkeeper Ashley Ross, a senior from Lancaster, Pa., is fifth nationally in save percentage (.525) ... Taylor Frink, a junior from Baldwinsville, N.Y., leads America East in scoring with 30 goals and 19 assists ... Christine Grueniger, a senior attacker from Lindenhurst, N.Y., is sixth among the league scoring leaders with 34 goals and nine assists ... Kayla Best, a senior from Guilderland, N.Y., is tied for second in goals at 2.5 per game.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information