University of Albany's Leuchanka Leads Men's Cross Country to Third-Place Finish at A-East Championships - UAlbany Sports 2010

Boston, Mass. - Paced by sophomores Alex Leuchanka and Paul Lagno, the UAlbany men's cross country team placed third among nine schools at the America East Conference Championships on Saturday, Oct. 30 at Franklin Park.

Boston University won its 11th title overall and first since 2000 by edging out second-place Binghamton by nine points and third-place UAlbany by 15 points. Riley Masters of Maine won the individual title in 24:04.47, which was almost 18 seconds faster than runner-up finisher Eric Ashe of Boston U. in the field of 84 competitors.

Leuchanka's third-place time of 24:32.16 was a school record on an 8,000-meter course. He was directly followed by classmate Lagno, who finished the race in a personal-best time of 24:37.03. Both runners earned all-conference honors for placing in the top 10. Junior Chris Burke (14th, 25:06.30), sophomore R.J. Sniffen (18th, 25:13.45) and senior Greg Kiley (21st, 25:19.96) completed the team's top five.

"Our men were not satisfied with being third because they thought they could win," explained head coach Craig McVey. "There were a few of them who did not execute the race the way they normally do. They still posted their best finish since 2003, and they will continue working hard to get better."

The Great Dane harriers return to action on Saturday, Nov. 13 to compete at the NCAA Northeast Regional at Hammonasset State Park in Madison, Conn.
Paw Prints: UAlbany posted its second-highest finish ever and lowest point total at the America East championship meet ... The squad placed second in 2003 ... Sophomores Alex Leuchanka and Paul Lagno became the first two Great Danes to earn all-conference laurels since Ricardo Estremera, who is currently a volunteer assistant coach, achieved the honor in 2006.

America East Conference Championship Team Standings

1. Boston U. 45; 2. Binghamton 54; 3. UAlbany 60; 4. Maine 118; 5. UMBC 161; 6. Stony Brook 170; 7. Vermont 186; 8. Hartford 192; 9. New Hampshire 229.

Individual Champion: Riley Masters, Maine, 24:04.47.

UAlbany Finishers: 3. Alex Leuchanka 24:32.16; 4. Paul Lagno 24:37.03; 14. Chris Burke 25:06.30; 18. R.J. Sniffen 25:13.45; 21. Greg Kiley 25:19.96; 24. Ethan Clary 25:22.87; 33. Sean Halpin 25:45.48; 36. Aaron Lozier 25:48.12; 60. Jimmy Carroll 26:44.33; 76. Alex Wilke 27:16.86.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women's Cross Country Places Fifth at America East Conference Championships - UAlbany Sports 2010

Boston, Mass. - Sophomore Emily Finnegan led the UAlbany women's cross country team to a fifth-place finish among nine schools at the America East Conference Championships on Saturday, Oct. 30 at Franklin Park. The Great Danes set a school record for the third straight meet by having their top-five finishers register an average time of 18:23.32.

Stony Brook, which was ranked 14th in the latest USTFCCCA national poll, ran away with the program's fourth straight team title by finishing 39 points ahead of second-place New Hampshire. The Seawolves' Lucy Van Dalen claimed the individual title by navigating the 5,000-meter course in 16:48.22, which was just 1.13 seconds faster than teammate and twin sister Holly Van Dalen.

Finnegan, who was UAlbany's top finisher for the fifth straight meet, placed 14th among 81 runners in a personal-best time of 18:02.82 to pace UAlbany. Freshman Kathryn Fanning placed second on the squad in 19:35.40, which was also a career-best mark, and good for 16th overall. Junior Ada Lauterbach (24th, 18:28.75), freshman Brianne Bellon (25th, 18:29.82) and senior Jenn Pierson (30th, 18:44.37) completed the team's top five.

"We talked about it being a tight meet between three schools for third place," said head coach Craig McVey. "The team was confident that it could finish third with 600 meters to go, but they didn't close the door at the end of the race. The squad is still very young and has had a great season. They are much better than they were a year ago, but so is the rest of the conference."

The Great Dane harriers return to action on Saturday, Nov. 13 to compete at the NCAA Northeast Regional at Hammonasset State Park in Madison, Conn.
Paw Prints: UAlbany recorded its lowest point total ever at the championship meet, while the school-record average time of the top-five finishers was lowered by another five seconds since the Great Danes competed at the UAlbany Invitational two weeks ago.

America East Conference Championship Team Standings

1. Stony Brook 24; 2. New Hampshire 63; 3. Maine 97; 4. Boston U. 104; 5. UAlbany 109; 6. Vermont 121; 7. Binghamton 183; 8. UMBC 231; 9. Hartford 277.

Individual Champion: Lucy Van Dalen, Stony Brook, 16:48.22.

UAlbany Finishers: 14. Emily Finnegan 18:02.82; 16. Kathryn Fanning 18:10.80; 24. Ada Lauterbach 18:28.75; 25. Brianne Bellon 18:29.82; 30. Jenn Pierson 18:44.37; 35. Miranda McConnell 18:49.41; 36. Emily Fung 18:49.66; 45. Ally Panos 19:11.59; 51. Melissa Del Rosario 19:22.92; 57. Brianna Service 19:36.22.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women's Soccer Advances to America East Semifinals With a 2-1 Win Over New Hampshire - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Maggie DeVerna and Shayla Bergeron each found the back of the net in leading UAlbany to a 2-1 victory over New Hampshire in the quarterfinal round of the America East Conference Championship on Thursday, Oct. 28 at Varsity Field. The fourth-seeded Great Danes will travel to face top seed Boston U. in a semifinal matchup on Sunday at 1 p.m.

UAlbany (10-7-2), which earned its first postseason victory as a Division I program, used its speed up front to jump out to a two-goal lead before the break. Maggie DeVerna received a through ball from Chelsea DeVerna and came in on a breakaway before punching the ball past goalkeeper Erica Correa to put the Great Danes ahead in the seventh minute. The hosts doubled their lead just before the break in the 40th minute when Shayla Bergeron took a through ball from Rebecca Lee and beat Correa with a low shot to the far post.

"We did a great job of getting opportunities early and then finishing them," said head coach Mary-Frances Monroe, who is in her fifth season. "We knew we had a lot of speed up top and that there was going to be a lot of space behind their back line. One thing we did really well in the first half was getting that diagonal ball past their back line to our three forwards [Chelsea DeVerna, Maggie DeVerna and Shayla Bergeron]."

Trailing by two goals at the recess, New Hampshire came out as the aggressor in the second frame and sliced the lead in half in the 50th minute. Monique Lamotte received a pass from Alyssa Michel at the top left corner of the box and lobbed a shot to the top corner of the net past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Breanna Maggio.

After Amy Harrison hit a shot off the crossbar in an attempt to give the Great Danes a two-goal advantage, the Wildcats continued to apply pressure and created several scoring chances over the last 40 minutes. Ashley Avitable took a hard shot in the 80th minute, but Maggio came away with the key save. UAlbany's back line being anchored by Casey Marks and Kendra Harrell-Vigil did not allow the visitors to attempt a shot the rest of the way, allowing the hosts to hold on for the one-goal win.

New Hampshire (8-8-4) outshot UAlbany, 15-12, and had a 2-0 advantage in corner kicks. Maggio made four saves on 15 chances for UAlbany to earn the victory, while New Hampshire's Correa stopped two of the 12 shots she faced in the losing effort.

"I believe we have 11 starters and 11 players that are non-starters that give everything that they have in training and in the games," added Monroe, whose team will face a Boston University squad which has won four straight regular-season titles and has not surrendered a goal in 11 straight matches. "I think that is really going to come into play {on Sunday}. We did a good job of keeping the ball and possessing it when we played {Boston University} the last time, but that was more in the middle third of the field. I think that if we can get the ball more into the attacking third, then we will be able to find success."

Paw Prints: UAlbany, which was hosting its first Division I postseason match, advanced to the semifinal round of the America East Conference Championship for the first time in program history ... The Great Danes have won four straight meetings against New Hampshire after dropping the first seven ... The Great Danes also matched their highest win total since posting a 10-6-2 ledge in 1988 ... Maggie DeVerna scored her first goal of the season and second of her career ... Her other marker was set up by Chelsea DeVerna on Aug. 30, 2009 against Pacific ... Shayla Bergeron matched a Division I single-season program record for goals (9) ... Teresa Boring also found the back of the net nine times in 2007 ... Breanna Maggio earned her league-leading eighth shutout of the season between the posts.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Rebecca Lee Highlights Five University of Albany Players on All-America East Women's Soccer Team - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Rebecca Lee leads a group of five student-athletes who were named to the 2010 America East All-Conference Women's Soccer Team, as announced on Wednesday, Oct. 27. Lee is the first player in program history to be placed on the all-conference first team.

Shayla Bergeron, a sophomore forward from Hudson, N.H., Chelsea DeVerna, a sophomore midfielder from Setauket, N.Y., Breanna Maggio, a sophomore goalkeeper from Ontario, N.Y., and Casey Marks, a sophomore defender from Cortland, N.Y., were each named to the all-conference second team. Midfielder Katie Dunn, a native of Devon, Pa., garnered a spot on the all-rookie team, while junior co-captain Chrissy Klepper, a midfielder from River Edge, N.J., was voted to the conference's all-academic squad.

Lee, a junior midfielder from Selkirk., N.Y., who made the all-conference second team last season and was an all-rookie pick in 2008, has controlled a midfield which has helped UAlbany generate a league-best 15.67 shots per game. She has accumulated three points on one goal and one assist this season. Lee is tied for fourth on the school's all-time list for career assists with seven.

Bergeron, who transferred from Duquesne, has sparked the offense and leads the team in scoring with eight goals and 16 points. Four of her eight markers are game-winning tallies in one-goal decisions. Bergeron, a unanimous selection, ranks third in the conference in goals, third in game-winners and is tied for fourth in points.

DeVerna, last season's America East rookie of the year, is making her second straight appearance on the second team. The sophomore is tied for second on the team in scoring behind Bergeron with two goals and one assist for five points. All of her scoring has factored into game-winning plays.

Maggio, a unanimous selection, is being honored for the first time after rewriting the program's record books. The UAlbany goalkeeper eclipsed Division I single-season records for wins (8) and shutouts (7), while her 11 career wins and 10 shutouts are also Division I standards. She led all America East goalies with five shutouts in conference play, plus ended the regular season with a .789 save percentage and a 1.09 goals against average. In addition, she ranks third in the league in goals against average and is tied for first in shutouts.

Like DeVerna, Marks is being honored by the conference for the second straight season. The sophomore has been the anchor of UAlbany's defense which has blanked nine opponents, a Division I program single-season record. Marks, who has one goal and one assist, has also helped the Great Danes go nearly 400 minutes without surrendering a goal during America East play.

Dunn is the ninth UAlbany player to earn a place on the all-rookie team since 2004. A unanimous selection, the midfielder earned the league's rookie of the week award after scoring her first career goal in the team's 1-0 road victory over Maine. It was the Great Danes' first victory over the Black Bears in 10 meetings.

Klepper is making her first appearance on the all-academic team. She has a 3.61 cumulative grade point average in communication with minors in public health and business administration. A team representative on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Klepper is tied for second on the team in scoring (2 goals, 1 assist).

UAlbany (9-7-2) has registered its highest win total and first winning season since posting a 10-6-2 ledger in 1988. The Great Danes will make their second straight America East postseason appearance as the fourth seed. In a quarterfinal match, UAlbany will host New Hampshire on Thursday, Oct. 28 at 2 p.m.

2010 America East Women's Soccer All-Conference Teams
First Team: Rebecca Lee, UAlbany; Alice Binns, Boston U.; Angelina Cords, Boston U.; Corie Halasz, Boston U.; Brittany Heist, Boston U.; Shauna Kelleher, Boston U.; Lisa Kevorkian, Boston U.; Jessica Luscinski, Boston U.; Amelia Pereira, Hartford; Kelly Mooney, New Hampshire; Dominique Adamo, Stony Brook.

Second Team: Shayla Bergeron, UAlbany; Chelsea DeVerna, UAlbany; Breanna Maggio, UAlbany; Casey Marks, UAlbany; Tiya Gallegos, Boston U.; Michele DeSanti, Hartford; Caroline Dixon, Hartford; Kelsey Wilson, Maine; Chelsea Kuss, New Hampshire; Monique Lamotte, New Hampshire; Alexis Lindo, Stony Brook.

All-Rookie Team: Katie Dunn, UAlbany; Kaitlyn Cook, Binghamton; Emma Clark, Boston U.; Kelly King, Boston U.; Kylie Strom, Boston U.; Lisa Bijman, Maine; Lauren Kadet, UMBC; Amy Savage, UMBC; Erica Correa, New Hampshire; Chelsea Morales, Stony Brook; Haley Marks, Vermont.

All-Academic Team: Chrissy Klepper, UAlbany; Angelina Cords, Boston U.; Jessica Luscinski, Boston U.; Michelle Babin, Hartford; Hannah Breton, Maine; Kaitlyn MacIssac, Maine; Meagan Price-Leibenzeder, Maine; Kelsey Wilson, Maine; Ashley Avitable, New Hampshire; Brooke Duchaney, New Hampshire; Alyssa Michel, New Hampshire; Debbie Aller, Stony Brook; Emily Milbank, Vermont.

Striker of the Year: Jessica Luscinski, Boston U.
Midfielder of the Year: Shauna Kelleher, Boston U.
Defender of the Year: Corie Halasz, Boston U.
Goalkeeper of the Year: Alice Binns, Boston U.
Rookie of the Year: Kelly King, Boston U.
Coaching Staff of the Year: Nancy Feldman, Boston U.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Field Hockey Moves to 15th in Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I National Coaches' Poll - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - The University at Albany field hockey team moved up three spots to No. 15 in the Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I National Coaches' Poll, as announced by the organization on Tuesday afternoon. It marks the sixth consecutive week the Great Danes have been nationally ranked this season.

The Great Danes took over the 15th position on the poll after defeating then-15th ranked Boston U. on Sunday in an America East Conference matchup. UAlbany, positioned at No. 18 last week, recorded a 2-1 shootout win over the Terriers at Alumni Turf Field. Christina Patrick scored the lone goal in regulation, while Suzy Clephane connected on her penalty stroke for the Great Danes' game winner. Goalkeeper Kristi Troch made 11 saves in the game, en route to being named the conference's co-player of the week.

UAlbany (13-4, AE 4-0) is one of two teams still undefeated in conference play. The Great Danes, who have clinched a spot in the America East Championship for the sixth consecutive season, will play on the road at New Hampshire for the regular-season title and the right to host the four-team tournament on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Announces Basketball Programs' Television Schedule for 2010-11

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Tuesday, Oct. 26 the school's basketball television schedule for the 2010-11 season.

UAlbany will appear twice as part of the America East Conference television package. MSG Plus Network is scheduled to air both regular-season games against conference opponent Stony Brook. The two teams will meet on Monday, Jan. 17, a 5:00 p.m. tip-off on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Long Island, and Monday, Feb. 14 at SEFCU Arena at 7:00 p.m.

Time Warner Cable Sports (TWCS) is scheduled to televise five home dates, highlighted by the Big Purple Growl doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 5. The UAlbany women tangle with America East opponent Hartford at 4:30 p.m., while the men also play the Hawks at 7:00 p.m. TWCS broadcasts also feature Maine (Jan.12), Boston University (Jan. 15), Binghamton (Jan. 20) and UMBC (Feb. 23). Boston U. is the preseason favorite to win the America East Conference men's regular-season crown.

Rodger Wyland and UAlbany Hall of Famer and former basketball standout John Quattrocchi will work together on the Time Warner Cable Sports broadcasts for the third straight season. Wyland is the sports director at WNYT-TV (NewsChannel 13) and the host of Fox Sports 980's Big Board Sports on weekday mornings.

FOX Sports Ohio will televise UAlbany's game with Xavier, a 2010 NCAA regional semifinalist, on Tuesday, Dec. 28. Play-by-play announcer Brad Johansen and color analyst Steve Wolf will call the action.

*********

2010-11 UAlbany Basketball Television Schedule

Dec. 28 (Tues.), at Xavier (Fox Sports Ohio), 7:00
Jan. 12 (Wed.), Maine (TWCS), 7:00
Jan. 15 (Sat.), Boston U. (TWCS), 7:00
Jan. 17 (Mon.), Stony Brook (AE-TV / MSG-Plus), 5:00
Jan. 20 (Thurs.), Binghamton (TWCS), 7:00
Feb. 5 (Sat.), Women vs. Hartford*+ (TWCS), 4:30
Feb. 5 (Sat.), Hartford*+ (TWCS), 7:00
Feb. 14 (Mon.), Stony Brook* (AE-TV / MSG-Plus), 7:00
Feb. 23 (Wed.), UMBC* (TWCS), 7:00


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Teresa Coppiellie Named America East Conference Volleyball Player of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Teresa Coppiellie has been named the America East Conference Volleyball Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. Coppiellie, a senior outside hitter from Canton, Mich, earned her third weekly honor this season.

Coppiellie recorded two straight double-doubles en route to averaging 4.62 kills and 5.00 digs per set in two matches over the weekend. In a loss to Binghamton on Friday, she notched her first double-double of the weekend with 12 kills and 14 digs in a three-set match. In Sunday's five-set win over the Bearcats in Vestal, N.Y., Coppiellie had a career day with 25 kills and 26 digs to go along with four blocks, including three solo, and a .345 hitting percentage.

UAlbany (15-7, AE 5-2) remains tied with Binghamton at the top of the America East standings. The Great Danes will host league-rival UMBC on Sunday, Oct. 31 at 1 p.m. UAlbany is hosting a Dig Pink match that day, supporting the Side-Out Foundation to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and research.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Kristi Troch Earns America East Conference Field Hockey Co-Player of the Week Honors - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Kristi Troch has been named the America East Conference Field Hockey Co-Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. Troch, a sophomore goalkeeper, received her first career weekly honor.

Troch anchored the UAlbany defense in a 2-1 strokeoff win over Boston U. on Oct. 24. She made 11 saves in the regulation and two overtime periods, and then stopped two of the Terriers' five penalty stroke attempts to give the Great Danes the victory. Troch faced 24 Boston U. shots in the complete-game victory and made four impressive saves in the second overtime stanza.

UAlbany (13-4, AE 4-0) is one of two teams still undefeated in conference play. The Great Danes, who have clinched a spot in the America East Championship for the sixth consecutive season, will play on the road at New Hampshire for the regular-season title and the right to host the four-team tournament on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 1 p.m


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany FCS Football Quarterback Buddy Leathley Selected Northeast Conference Rookie of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2010

Somerset, N.J. - University at Albany's Buddy Leathley has been selected Northeast Conference Rookie of the Week in football, as announced on Monday, Oct. 25 by the conference office.

Leathley, a redshirt freshman quarterback, made his first start as a collegian in a 30-27 overtime loss to Central Connecticut State on Oct. 22. He rushed for 112 yards on 17 carries and completed 12 of 19 passes for 101 yards. Leathley is the first UAlbany quarterback to both pass and run for 100 or more yards in the same game since Sept. 30, 1989. He helped his team build a 24-6 halftime lead by scoring on a 20-yard run, his first TD at the collegiate level, with 2:33 left in first quarter and throwing a 9-yard scoring pass to WR Ryan Kirchner with 1:04 remaining in the second period.

A native of Manlius, N.Y., Leathley is also the first UAlbany signal-caller to rush for 100-plus yards in nearly six years and is the first freshman to start at quarterback since Frank Blasinsky against Cornell on Sept. 30, 2006. Leathley attended Bridgton Academy before enrolling at UAlbany in January 2009. He earned All-Onondaga League recognition twice on high school level at Fayetteville-Manlius.

Paw Prints: The Great Danes have played in three games decided by three points this season, including victories over Maine and Yale ... the overtime loss to Central Connecticut State was the first extra-period game played at University Field ... UAlbany is 8-12 in Division I FCS games decided by three points or less ... PK Herb Glass made two or more field goals for the ninth time in his career, hitting kicks of 21 and 38 yards, vs. Central Conn. ... Glass is second on the all-time field goals list with 25 and has climbed to 10th in career scoring with 148 points ... ILB Jon Morgan had a career-best 13 tackles vs. Central Conn., the highest total by a UAlbany defender since Sept. 13, 2008 ... UAlbany (3-4, NEC 1-3) travels to Bryant on Saturday, Oct. 30 for a 1:00 p.m. kickoff.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Teresa Coppiellie Posts Career Numbers to Lead University of Albany Volleyball to a 3-2 Win Over Binghamton - UAlbany Sports 2010

Vestal, N.Y. - Teresa Coppiellie recorded a career-high 25 kills and 26 digs to lead UAlbany to a 3-2 win over Binghamton in America East Conference volleyball action at West Gym. The Great Danes won the match with set scores of 22-25, 25-20, 24-26, 25-22 and 15-11.

Coppiellie hit a team-high .355 in the match and recorded three solo blocks. Casey Wright and Dunja Prgomet also finished with double-digit kills, recording 21 and 10, respectively. Traci Vandegrift added 11 digs and six kills, while libero Laurie Gonzalez totaled 22 digs and four service ace. Setter Abbey Wexel also set a new career high with 53 assists.

Michelle McDonough and Anna Lejina led Binghamton with 23 and 22 kills apiece, respectively. McDonough finished with a double-double, also totaling 10 digs, while setter Julie Chambers also recorded a double-double of the assist-dig variety with 51 assists and 12 digs. Sandra DeVito was the third Bearcat with double-digit kill totals with 10, while libero Xiomara Ortiz led all players defensively with 30 digs.

Binghamton (10-12, AE 4-2) outblocked the Great Danes, 11-9, while UAlbany managed a .208 team hitting percentage, while holding the Bearcats to .200 hitting as a team.

UAlbany (15-7, AE 4-2) will return to action next Sunday, hosting UMBC in America East Conference action. The Great Danes will be hosting the Retrievers in a Dig Pink match, supporting the Side-Out Foundation, raising money for breast cancer awareness and research.



Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

#18 University of Albany Records 2-1 Shootout Win over #15 Boston U. in A-East Field Hockey Action - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Goalkeeper Kristi Troch made 11 saves, including two in the penalty stroke shootout, to lead #18 UAlbany to a 2-1 victory over 15th-ranked Boston U. in America East Conference field hockey action on Sunday afternoon. The Great Danes are now tied with New Hampshire at the top of the league standings with 4-0 records in America East play.

UAlbany scored first, on an unassisted shot from Christina Patrick just under 10 minutes into the game. Patrick collected a rebound off the goalkeeper's pads and found the back of the cage at 9:46. Boston U. would tie the game later in the first half, as Macey Gaumond collected a rebound off Jacinda McLeod's initial shot and slipped the ball past Troch. The teams played the remainder of regulation and two overtime periods without another goal, sending the game to a penalty stroke shootout.

The Great Danes connected on all five of their penalty strokes, with Erin Crosson sending the final shot past Terrier goalkeeper Julie Collins. Boston U. made three of their five attempts in the shootout loss.

In a fairly evenly played game, the Terriers outshot UAlbany, 24-20, while the Great Danes held a slight 7-4 advantage in penalty corners. Collins made nine saves in her complete-game effort for Boston U. (9-7, AE 2-2). Brianna Schwoyer also made two defensive saves for the Great Danes at the goal line.

UAlbany (13-4, AE 4-0) will battle for the America East regular-season title on Saturday, taking on New Hampshire on the road in Durham at 1 p.m. Both teams have clinched a spot for the conference championship, and will play to decide who has hosting rights for the upcoming tournament.

-agate-

#15 Boston U. (9-7, AE 2-2) 1 0 0 0 0 - 1

#18 UAlbany (13-4, AE 4-0) 1 0 0 0 0 - 2

Boston U.: Scoring - Macey Gaumond (1-0), Jacinda McLeod (0-1). Goalkeeper: Julie Collins (100:00; 1 GA, 9 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring - Christina Patrick (1-0), Erin Crosson (1-0). Goalkeeper: Kristi Troch (100:00, 1 GA, 11 saves).



Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's Soccer Edges Vermont, 1-0, Thanks to David Burke's First Career Goal on Senior Day - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Senior defender David Burke netted his first career goal in the early minutes to lead UAlbany to a 1-0 victory over Vermont on Saturday, Oct. 23 at Varsity Field. The Great Danes, who honored Burke and seven other seniors for their contributions to the program prior to the match, ended the day just one point behind sixth place for the final playoff spot with two contests left in the regular season.

UAlbany scored the lone goal of the match in the 12th minute. Working from the left side near the endline, Anthony DeSalvo made a short cross to Ian Peach. The senior, who was being covered closely by a Vermont defender, made an extra pass back to Burke. The senior defender then one-timed a shot from the top of the box that made it past the outstretched hands of the Catamount goalkeeper before landing in the back of the net.

Vermont (6-6-4, AE 1-3-1) outshot UAlbany, 14-12, and had a 5-4 edge in corner kicks. UAlbany's Scott Kessler, a transfer from Marist, made five saves on 14 chances to earn his first shutout of the season. Vermont's David Ramada suffered the loss after turning away four of the 12 shots he faced.
UAlbany (5-8-1, AE 1-3-1), which is unbeaten in its last two America East matches after dropping its first three, visits New Hampshire on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at 2:30 p.m.

Paw Prints: UAlbany's eight seniors (Sander Anker, David Burke, Andrew Fojanesi, Shaun Kane, Milos Jankovic, Bo Jelovac, Darko Knezevic and Ian Peach) were honored in a pre-game ceremony ... Goalkeeper Scott Kessler, who was making his second appearance and first start in a Great Dane uniform, earned his second collegiate shutout ... He previously made three saves in a 2-0 win over Stony Brook on Sept. 24, 2008 as a true freshman at Marist.

Vermont (6-6-4, AE 1-3-1) 0 0 - 0
UAlbany (5-8-1, AE 1-3-1) 1 0 - 1

Vermont: Scoring - None. Goalkeeping - David Ramada (90:00, 1 GA, 4 saves).
UAlbany: Scoring - David Burke (1-0), Ian Peach (0-1), Anthony DeSalvo (0-1). Goalkeeping - Scott Kessler (90:00, 0 GA, 5 saves).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Paul Lagno Chosen America East Men's Cross Country Performer of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Paul Lagno has been selected America East Conference Performer of the Week in men's cross country, as announced on Tuesday, Oct. 19 by the conference office.

Lagno, a sophomore from Salt Point, N.Y., won last Saturday's 44th annual UAlbany Invitational by running the 8,000-meter campus course in a time of 24:51.7. He was 11 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor. Lagno is the first Great Dane to win the school's invitational since 2001 when Jamie Rodriguez won the individual title. He improved his mark from last year on the same course by more than 30 seconds.

The Great Danes captured the team title at the UAlbany Invitational for the first time in seven years, finishing 66 points ahead of the second-place squad. UAlbany is currently ranked 10th in the USTFCCCA Northeast regional poll. The Great Danes will next compete at the America East Conference Championship on Saturday, Oct. 30 at Franklin Park in Boston, Mass.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Field Hockey Holds Steady at 18th on Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I Coaches' Poll - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - For the third consecutive week, UAlbany field hockey remained ranked 18th on the Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I Coaches' Poll.

UAlbany (12-4, AE 3-0) split two games over the weekend. The Great Danes defeated conference rival Vermont, 3-0, on the road, before falling to #9 American, 2-0, at home. Christina Patrick, who leads the team with 11 goals and seven assists for 29 total points, assisted on two goals in the win over Vermont. Freshmen Corrine McConville and Daphne Voormolen, along with senior Alysia Hough all scored against the Catamounts. Christine Hoffman and Kristi Troch continue to split time in goal for the Great Danes. Hoffman picked up both decisions over the weekend, while Troch made four saves in the two games.

UAlbany will return to action on Sunday, Oct. 24, hosting America East rival Boston U. in the final regular-season home game at 3 p.m.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Katie Dunn Selected America East Conference Soccer Rookie of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Katie Dunn has been chosen America East Conference Rookie of the Week in women's soccer, as announced on Monday, Oct. 18 by the conference office.

Dunn, a freshman from Devon, Pa., scored her first career goal in last Thursday's 1-0 league win over Maine. She helped UAlbany record its first victory in the series as Maine had won the previous nine meetings. The midfielder scored in the 51st minute. She also placed two shots at the net in Sunday's 1-0 triumph against UMBC, as the Great Danes extended their unbeaten streak to five in a row. Dunn has been a starter in 13 of 16 matches this season. She led her Conestoga High School squad to two state championships and was an all-area and all-league selection.

UAlbany (8-6-2, AE 3-1-2) is having its best season in two decades and wraps up regular-season play with America East matches against Boston U. and Vermont this week. The Great Danes are currently in third place in the conference standings.

Paw Prints: UAlbany has tied the program's Division I single-season record with eight wins ... the Great Danes also won eight matches last season ... UAlbany last reached the 10-win mark in the 1988 campaign as a NCAA Division III program ... Shayla Bergeron is tied for fourth among the America East Conference scoring leaders with eight goals and 16 points ... Bergeron is also tied for second among the conference's best with four game-winning goals ... the sophomore netted the game's lone goal in the 88th minute in Sunday's victory over UMBC ... goalkeeper Breanna Maggio is fourth in GAA (1.10) and fifth in save percentage (.787), plus leads the league in shutouts with six.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Shayla Bergeron's Late Goal Lifts University of Albany Women's Soccer to 1-0 America East Win Over UMBC - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Shayla Bergeron scored her team-leading eighth goal of the season in the 88th minute to lead UAlbany to a 1-0 victory over UMBC in an America East Conference women's soccer match on Sunday, Oct. 17 at Varsity Field. The Great Danes, who outshot the Retrievers by a lopsided 32-3 margin, extended their unbeaten streak to five matches and ended the day in third place in the league standings with two matches left in regular season.

Bergeron, who also hit a shot off the crossbar in the 68th minute, made the most of her second golden opportunity before the end of regulation. After taking a pass from Despina Psomopoulos, who was named the team's player of the game, the sophomore went in all alone against goalkeeper Lauren Kadet from the left side of the box. Bergeron unleashed a hard shot from the middle that Kadet stopped with her right leg before punching in her own rebound with just 2:02 remaining in regulation time to seal the outcome.

UAlbany's Breanna Maggio earned her sixth shutout and seventh victory of the season without having to make a save. Kadet, who was named her team's player of the game, made 11 saves on 32 chances in the losing effort for UMBC (2-13-1, AE 1-6-0).

UAlbany (8-6-2, AE 3-1-2) will visit first-place Boston University on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m.

Paw Prints: UAlbany's five-match unbeaten streak against America East Conference opponents is a program record ... The Great Danes also set a new Division I standard by registering their eighth shutout of the season ... Defenders Kendra Harrell-Vigil, Amy Harrison, Casey Marks and Katie Norwood did not allow the Retrievers to attempt a shot on net and have not yielded a goal in 352:56, a stretch which has spanned seven halves and two 10-minute overtime sessions.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's Soccer Plays Binghamton to 1-1 Double-Overtime Tie - Sander Anker Scores Goal - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Sander Anker netted his first goal of the season in the early minutes as UAlbany and Binghamton played to a 1-1 double-overtime tie in an America East Conference men's soccer match on Saturday, Oct. 16 at Varsity Field.

Anker put the Great Danes on the board quickly in the sixth minute when he collected a cross from Bo Jelovac and blasted a shot to the far post from six yards away. After Ryan Walter and Adam Whitehead each rifled shots that hit off the post, the Bearcats were able to break through and tie the match just minutes before the recess on a free kick converted by Whitehead from 25 yards out. UAlbany captain Shaun Kane had the best chance for either side to net the go-ahead marker the rest of the way, but his shot following a free kick in the 70th minute sailed just wide left of the goal.

UAlbany's Adrian Foncette made a season-high 10 saves on 23 chances, while Chris Hayen turned away two of the nine shots he faced for Binghamton (4-4-4, AE 2-0-2). The Bearcats outshot the Great Danes, 23-9, and had a slim 4-3 advantage in corner kicks.

UAlbany (4-8-1, AE 0-3-1) wraps up its four-match homestand when it hosts Vermont on Saturday, Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. Seniors David Burke, Andrew Fojanesi, Milos Jankovic, Bo Jelovac, Darko Knezevic, Ian Peach, Kane and Anker will be recognized for their contributions to the program prior to the contest.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Freshmen Lead #18 University of Albany Field Hockey to 3-0 Victory Over America East Rival Vermont - UAlbany Sports 2010

Burlington, Vt. – Christina Patrick assisted on two goals, while three different players found the back of the cage for UAlbany, as the 18th-ranked Great Danes defeated Vermont, 3-0, in America East Conference field hockey action on Saturday afternoon.

UAlbany got on the scoreboard at 19:00, as freshman Daphne Voormolen scored her ninth goal of the season, tipping in an initial shot from Patrick. The Great Danes held onto the 1-0 lead into halftime, and netted two additional goals after the break. Junior Alysia Hough picked up an assist from Suzy Clephane in the 42nd minute, while freshman Corrine McConville set the final score on a penalty corner at 67:22. Patrick earned her second assist of the day with the inserting pass, while Ashlyn Bach made the stop for McConville, who smashed the ball past Vermont goalkeeper Brooke Crane.

UAlbany outshot the Catamounts, 29-6, and held an 8-3 advantage in penalty corners. Crane made 10 saves in a complete-game performance for Vermont (5-10, AE 0-3). Christine Hoffman and Kristi Troch split time in goal for the shutout. Troch made all three of the Great Danes’ saves in the game.

UAlbany (12-3, AE 3-0) will return to action on Sunday, hosting #9 American in non-conference action at 3 p.m. at Alumni Turf Field.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Paul Lagno Leads Men's Cross Country to First University of Albany Invitational Title in Seven Years - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Sophomore Paul Lagno crossed the finish line first as the UAlbany men's cross country squad won the team championship at the 44th Annual UAlbany Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 16 on a University Campus Course. The Great Danes had their top-five runners all place among the top nine.

UAlbany, ranked 10th in the latest USTFCCCA Division I Northeast Region poll, took the crown easily among the 25 scoring teams by finishing 66 points ahead of Brandeis. Lagno became the first Great Dane to claim the individual title since Jamie Rodriguez in 2001 by navigating the 8,000-meter course in 24:51.7.

"It felt really good [to win the individual title], but it felt better knowing that we won as a team," said Lagno after winning his first invitational. "We had five guys in the top 10, which was a lot better than last year. This sets us up well for the conference meet in two weeks. We will definitely be ready to go."

Lagno was directly followed by sophomore Alex Leuchanka, who registered a second-place time of 25:02.8. Sophomore Ethan Clary (6th, 25:23.4), junior Chris Burke (7th, 25:29.4) and sophomore R.J. Sniffen (9th, 25:35.6) rounded out the top five in the field of 183 competitors.

"The team is on a roll," said head coach Craig McVey on his squad winning the team crown for the first time since 2003. "They are believing in themselves and racing with each other and off of each other. This is our best group ever collectively, and the exciting thing is that the bulk of them are going to be together for two more years."

The Great Dane harriers begin their championship portion of the schedule when they travel to compete at the America East Conference Championships on Saturday, Oct. 30. Boston University will host the event at Franklin Park in Boston, Mass.
Paw Prints: UAlbany won the team title and produced the individual champion at its home meet for the first time since 2001 ... The Great Danes had four sophomores, including three from Capital Region High Schools, place in their top five for the third straight meet ... In addition to the championship race, several other Great Danes competed in the Men's Purple 8k Race ... UAlbany's Aaron Lozier won the individual title in 26:24.





Women's Cross Country Places Third and Has Record-Breaking Day at UAlbany Invitational

Sophomore Emily Finnegan placed eighth overall to lead the UAlbany women's cross country squad to a third-place finish among 22 scoring teams at the 44th Annual UAlbany Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 16 on a University Campus Course. The Great Danes set a school record for the second straight meet by having their top-five finishers register an average time of 18:28.6 on the 5,000-meter course.

New Hampshire, which was tabbed ninth in the latest USTFCCCA Division I Northeast Region poll, ran away with the team title over Middlebury, the nation's top-ranked Division III squad. Brandeis' Gracye Selig claimed the individual title by crossing the line in 17:34.2. Paced by Finnegan, who registered a personal-best time of 18:04.3, UAlbany finished third and was just three points behind Middlebury.

"I was very pleased with the way I ran today," said Finnegan after coming seconds shy of becoming only the second woman in program history after Alyssa Lotmore to break the 18-minute mark on a 5,000-meter course. "I did better than I thought and still want to break 18 minutes. I thought it was awesome that our team broke a school record. Our top five is definitely better than last year, and I think we have the potential to finish in the top three or top five [at the conference meet in two weeks]."

Finnegan was followed by freshman Brianne Bellon, who finished 10th among the 177 competitors in 18:18.1. Freshman Kathryn Fanning (18th, 18:32.9), senior Jenn Pierson (21st, 18:35.2) and sophomore Emily Fung (31st, 18:52.4) completed the team's top five.

"Our women set a school record at Louisville, and here we are two weeks later on a windy day where the footing is not good in places and breaking it again," explained head coach Craig McVey, after the squad's top five women averaged the fastest time in school history for the second straight meet. "They are doing a great job. They believe in themselves, they believe in the work that they are doing and it shows. If we race well and we keep getting better, we have a shot to be in the top three [at the conference meet]."

The Great Dane harriers begin their championship portion of the schedule when they travel to compete at the America East Conference Championships on Saturday, Oct. 30. Boston University will host the event at Franklin Park in Boston, Mass.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Football Preview

University at Albany coach Bob Ford doesn’t believe in living in the past. This week in practice, he didn’t need to bring up last year’s game against Robert Morris because his players have it fresh in their minds. “They came to our place last year and beat us on our own turf,” junior defensive lineman Zach Gallo said after Thursday’s practice.

“We want revenge. We’re going to their place and we want to get this big win.” The Colonials defeated the Great Danes 13-10 last season, ending UAlbany’s 12-game home winning streak.

Today, at Joe Walton Stadium, UAlbany (1-1, 3-2) gets that chance to extract a little revenge against Robert Morris (4-0, 5-1). Kickoff is at noon. The Colonials have a five-game home winning streak and are one of two unbeatens remaining in the Northeast Conference.

While the Great Danes have played two conference games, the Colonials are halfway through their conference schedule. The UAlbany players don’t want to get to far ahead of themselves, but they realize this game could go a long way in determining which team wins the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA playoffs. “This game could make or break our season,” Gallo said.

“We take each week seriously, but this week, we really hyped it up.” The game takes on even more importance for the Great Danes because they’ve previously traveled to Pittsburgh and lost a conference game at Duquesne. “The team that wins (the league) is probably going to have a loss,” Ford said.

“I don’t know whether the team that wins it will have two losses, so that would really dig a hole for us.” UAlbany is coming off of their best game of the season, a 48-0 victory over St. Francis (Pa.). “Everything we did was phenomenal,” Ford said. The Great Danes haven’t turned the ball over in their past two games, both victories.

In the two games before that, both losses, UAlbany had five turnovers. “If you don’t turn it over and you’re playing pretty good defense, you got a shot in a lot of games,” Ford said.

The Great Danes defense will be challenged this week. Robert Morris’ quarterback, Jeff Sinclair, is averaging more than 200 yards passing per game and their top tailback, Myles Russ, is averaging more than 100 yards rushing per game. “It’s going to be a challenge for our defense,” Gallo said. “We pride ourselves on stopping the run, so this is our test.” UAlbany is hoping this is a test they can pass. By Andrew Santillo The Record ALBANY —

Casey Wright Leads University of Albany Volleyball to a Three-Game Sweep of Stony Brook - UAlbany Sports 2010

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Casey Wright recorded a match-high 13 kills on a .500 hitting percentage to lead UAlbany to a 3-0 sweep of league rival Stony Brook in America East Conference volleyball action at Pritchard Gymnasium on Friday evening. The Great Danes won with scores of 25-16, 25-19 and 25-21.

Teresa Coppiellie also recorded double-digit kills for UAlbany, finishing with 11 kills to go along with seven digs and one service ace, while Traci Vandegrift totaled nine kills and nine digs. Setter Abbey Wexel quarterbacked the Great Danes to a .308 hitting percentage, handing out 38 assists and recording eight digs. Libero Laurie Gonzalez led the team defensively with 15 digs.

Alicia Nelson paced Stony Brook (7-13, AE 2-2) with 13 kills, while Ashley Headen added 12 kills for the Seawolves. Corinne Perry and Kelsey Sullivan split the setting duties for Stony Brook, recording 15 and 16, respectively. Hailee Herc and Jeanette Gibbs paced the team on the defensive end, as Herc totaled 14 digs, while Gibbs finished with 15.

UAlbany (14-5, AE 4-0) will return to action on Sunday, visiting America East Conference opponent Hartford at 2 p.m.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany FCS Football Gears Up for Saturday's Northeast Conference Game at NEC-Leader Robert Morris

Albany, N.Y. - UAlbany travels to Northeast Conference-leader Robert Morris on Saturday, Oct. 16. Kickoff is 12:00 p.m. The Colonials have won five in a row and 10 of their last 11 contests. Fans can listen to the game on Fox Sports 980, WOFX-AM, with Rodger Wyland handling play-by-play.

Robert Morris (5-1, NEC 4-0) is coming off a 17-16 victory over Monmouth. The Colonials blocked a field goal attempt in the final seconds to preserve head coach Joe Walton's 100th career win at the school. QB Jeff Sinclair runs RMU's pro-style offense and has thrown for 1,219 yards and 14 touchdowns. HB Myles Russ is 13th among the Division I FCS national rushing leaders at 111.3 yards per game. TE Shadrae King (6-3, 225) earned second-team All-NEC recognition as a sophomore and is the top receiver with 26 catches for 295 yards and five touchdowns.

The Colonials, who have won or shared five NEC championships in their history, once again have a solid defensive unit. RMU is 16th nationally in rushing defense (103.5 ypg), 22nd in points allowed (20.2 ppg) and 10th in turnover margin (+1.17 pg). WS Michael Landers and CB Rolf Bathold each earned second-team all-conference honors last year. Landers has 45 tackles and four interceptions. ILB Alex DiMichele leads the team with 59 tackles and three pass break-ups. He is fourth on the program's career chart with 284 career tackles.

UAlbany (3-2, NEC 1-1) rolled to a 48-0 homecoming victory against Saint Francis, Pa. last Saturday. QB Dan Di Lella passed for two touchdowns and freshman Dillon Romain scored twice on the ground. The Great Danes recorded their second shutout of the season by holding the visitors to 81 total yards and three first downs. OLB Chris Blais and ILB Dave Plungas are the leading tacklers with 23 and 22, respectively.

Paw Prints: The Great Danes hold a 6-5 edge in the series with Robert Morris ... the Colonials' Garrett Clawson made a 20-yard field goal as time expired in his team's 13-10 victory last year at University Field ... Robert Morris is receiving votes in both The Sports Network Top-25 and FCS Coaches' national polls ... UAlbany's win margin against Saint Francis tied the second-largest in the program's FCS history ... the Great Danes had no turnovers for the second straight week ... PK Herb Glass has moved to second in career field goals (23) and into 12th on the all-time scoring list with 139 points.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Announces Men's & Women's Basketball Schedules; Big Purple Growl on Feb. 5th

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Wednesday, Oct. 13 the school's men's and women's basketball schedules for the 2010-11 season. The America East Conference has released the entire league schedule for all nine member institutions. The conference's men's and women's championship tournaments will be held in the same venue at the University of Hartford for the second year in a row on March 3-6.

UAlbany will host the 14th annual Big Purple Growl at SEFCU Arena on Saturday, Feb. 5th. The school's Winter Homecoming featured a crowd of 4,000-plus for the sixth consecutive year in 2010. Big Purple Growl will feature a men's and women's doubleheader against America East opponent Hartford. UAlbany's basketball programs will conduct four additional doubleheaders, including the season opener on Friday, Nov. 12.

The men's program opens its schedule at home for the first time since 2006-07 and the third time in the program's Division I history when UAlbany takes on defending Ivy League champion Cornell. The Great Danes tangle with Georgia Tech on Wednesday, Nov. 17 as part of the fourth annual Legends Classic. The Yellow Jackets reached the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament championship final and the NCAA Midwest Regional's second round last season. In the Legends Classic's Detroit Subregional, UAlbany meets Detroit, a 20-game winner in the Horizon League last season, in the second half of a doubleheader on Friday, Nov. 26 at the school's 8,295-seat Calihan Hall. The Great Danes also battle Niagara on Nov. 27 and Bowling Green on Nov. 28.

In the first-ever meeting between the programs, UAlbany heads to Xavier and Cintas Center in Cincinnati, Ohio on Dec. 28. The Musketeers, who earned a share of their fourth consecutive Atlantic 10 Conference regular-season title last year, went 26-9 overall and played in the NCAA West Regional semifinal.

UAlbany begins America East regular-season play against New Hampshire on Sunday, Jan. 2 at SEFCU Arena. The Great Danes will make their first-ever appearance at New York City's Madison Square Garden on Thursday, Feb. 10 against Boston University. The America East TV package and the Time Warner Cable broadcast schedule will be announced at a later date.

The women's basketball program begins a 16-game America East schedule on Tuesday, Jan. 4 at home against New Hampshire. The Great Danes host defending conference champion Vermont on Jan. 30 and NCAA Tournament participant Hartford on Feb. 5 in the first half of the Big Purple Growl event.

UAlbany visits Big East Conference opponent Syracuse on Monday, Dec. 6 and then travels to Cameron Indoor Stadium on Dec. 9 for a match-up with nationally-ranked Duke. The Great Danes have not faced Syracuse since 2005-06. The Orange posted a 25-11 record a year ago and advanced to the WNIT quarterfinals. At Duke, Abrahamson-Henderson will reunite with Blue Devil head coach Joanne McCallie. Abrahamson-Henderson served as the associate head coach under McCallie at Michigan State from 2000-02. Duke went 30-6 overall last season, winning the Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament title before reaching the NCAA Tournament's Elite Eight.

Abrahamson-Henderson, who took over the program's reins last spring, and UAlbany will kick off the season with a home game for the first time in four years, hosting Brown on Nov. 12. The Great Danes also entertain St. Peter's, Canisius, Hofstra and Fordham at SEFCU Arena prior to beginning conference play.

**********
2010-11 Men's Basketball Schedule
Nov. 12 (Fri.) Cornell 7:30
Nov. 15 (Mon.) American 7:00
Nov. 17 (Wed.) at Georgia Tech 7:30
Nov. 20 (Sat.) at Fairleigh Dickinson 7:00
Nov. 23 (Tue.) Iona 7:30
Nov. 26 (Fri.) at Detroit+ 7:30
Nov. 27 (Sat.) Niagara+ 5:00
Nov. 28 (Sun.) Bowling Green+ 3:00
Dec. 4 (Sat.) at Siena 7:30
Dec. 6 (Mon.) at Yale 7:30
Dec. 11 (Sat.) Central Connecticut State 7:00
Dec. 18 (Sat.) Mount St. Mary's 7:00
Dec. 22 (Wed.) at Colgate 7:00
Dec. 28 (Tue.) at Xavier TBA
Dec. 30 (Thu.) at Wagner 7:00
Jan. 2 (Sun.) New Hampshire* TBA
Jan. 6 (Thu.) at Vermont* TBA
Jan. 9 (Sun.) at Hartford* TBA
Jan. 11 (Tue.) Maine* 7:00
Jan. 15 (Sat.) Boston U.* TBA
Jan. 17 (Mon.) at Stony Brook* TBA
Jan. 20 (Thu.) Binghamton* 7:00
Jan. 26 (Wed.) at UMBC* TBA
Jan. 29 (Sat.) Vermont* TBA
Feb. 2 (Wed.) at New Hampshire* TBA
Feb. 5 (Sat.) Hartford* (BPG) 7:00
Feb. 10 (Thu.) Boston U.* (MSG) 9:35
Feb. 14 (Mon.) Stony Brook* 7:00
Feb. 20 (Sun.) at Binghamton* TBA
Feb. 23 (Wed.) UMBC* 7:00
Feb. 27 (Sun.) at Maine* TBA
*America East Conference Opponent
+Legends Classic Subregional (Detroit, Mich.)
BPG - Big Purple Growl
MSG - Madison Square Garden (New York, N.Y.)

2010-11 Women's Basketball Schedule
Nov. 12 (Fri.) Brown 5:00
Nov. 16 (Tue.) at St. Francis, N.Y. 7:00
Nov. 19 (Fri.) at Manhattan 7:00
Nov. 23 (Tue.) St. Peter's 5:00
Nov. 27 (Sat.) at Wagner 4:00
Dec. 1 (Wed.) at Sacred Heart 7:00
Dec. 4 (Sat.) at Siena 5:00
Dec. 6 (Mon.) at Syracuse 7:00
Dec. 9 (Thu.) at Duke 7:00
Dec. 12 (Sun.) Canisius 2:00
Dec. 18 (Sat.) at Niagara 2:00
Dec. 20 (Mon.) Hofstra 7:00
Dec. 22 (Wed.) at Fairfield 7:00
Jan. 2 (Sun.) Fordham 1:00
Jan. 4 (Tue.) New Hampshire* 7:00
Jan. 8 (Sat.) at Hartford* TBA
Jan. 12 (Wed.) at Maine* TBA
Jan. 15 (Sat.) Boston U.* TBA
Jan. 18 (Tue.) at Stony Brook* TBA
Jan. 20 (Thu.) at Binghamton* TBA
Jan. 26 (Wed.) UMBC* 7:00
Jan. 30 (Sun.) Vermont* 2:00
Feb. 3 (Thu.) at New Hampshire* TBA
Feb. 5 (Sat.) Hartford* (BPG) 4:30
Feb. 9 (Wed.) at Boston U.* TBA
Feb. 14 (Mon.) at Vermont* TBA
Feb. 17 (Thu.) Stony Brook* 7:00
Feb. 20 (Sun.) Binghamton* 2:00
Feb. 23 (Wed.) at UMBC* TBA
Feb. 26 (Sat.) Maine* 2:00

*America East Conference Opponent
BPG - Big Purple Growl


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Names Logan Aronhalt & Blake Metcalf Basketball Captains for 2010-11 Season

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany head men's basketball coach Will Brown announced on Wednesday, Oct. 13 that Logan Aronhalt and Blake Metcalf have been named captains for the 2010-11 season. Aronhalt and Metcalf are the third and fourth sophomores to be selected during the program's Division I era. Will Brand (2000) and Levi Levine (2004) were also captains as sophomores.

Aronhalt, a 6-foot-3 guard, averaged 6.7 points and 1.8 rebounds as a redshirt freshman. He scored in double figures eight times, including a career-high 18 against Hartford in the regular-season finale. Aronhalt totaled 16 points and six rebounds in the America East Conference tournament quarterfinals against Stony Brook. He was chosen conference rookie of the week once. A native of Zanesville, Ohio, Aronhalt played for his father on the high school level and was the OHSBCA Division I Player of the Year in 2007-08.

Metcalf, who is in his second season with the UAlbany program, started 10 of 32 games played as a true freshman. He averaged 2.0 points and 3.9 rebounds, plus blocked 14 shots. He collected five or more rebounds against 12 opponents, include a career-best 11 caroms against UMBC. He was voted America East rookie of the week last November. As a scholastic player in Camby, Ind., Metcalf earned Associated Press Class 4A honorable mention all-state recognition.

Paw Prints: UAlbany conducts its first official practice on Friday, Oct. 15th ... the Great Danes return eight letterwinners, including three starters ... among the six newcomers are two redshirt freshmen and two junior college transfers ... UAlbany will hold its annual Purple-Gold intrasquad scrimmage at SEFCU Arena on Friday, Oct. 22 at 5:30 p.m. ... the scrimmage will be held prior to UAlbany football's home game with Northeast Conference opponent Central Connecticut State at 7:00 p.m. ... the football game was previously moved to Friday to accommodate the Northeast Conference television package and will air on MSG-Plus, Fox College Sports, Cox Cable (CT/RI) and CTSN ... America East Conference Basketball Media Day is slated for Thursday, Oct. 14 in Hartford, Conn.


Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

University of Albany Volleyball

Teresa Coppiellie thinks about the 2009 America East volleyball championship game every day. After winning their second consecutive regular season title by going undefeated in league play, Coppiellie and the Great Danes fell to Binghamton in the final, abruptly ending the season. That loss ended their hopes of reaching the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time in six years. “Losing that game was such a disappointment,” Coppiellie said before Tuesday’s practice at University Gym.

Even though that match was almost a year ago (Nov. 21, 2009), this UAlbany team is using that game as a driving force this season. “That added more motivation to come in strong and take every game in our conference even more seriously,” said Ballston Spa native Casey Wright. The Great Danes (3-0, 13-5) have won 11 of their last 13 matches and are in the heart of the conference schedule. UAlbany takes to the road this weekend, when they face Stony Brook on Friday (Oct. 15) and Hartford on Sunday (Oct. 17).

“Our goal is to make it big in the NCAA Tournament and to get there, we have to win the America East Conference,” Wright said. Under current coach MJ Engstrom and former coach Kelly Sheffield, UAlbany has become a power in the America East and a pretty usual customer come NCAA Tournament time. The Great Danes have reached the NCAA Tournament in 2004, ’06, ’07 and ’08. “We expect to win,” Engstrom said. “We expect to come in and get better every day.” UAlbany entered this year having won 22 consecutive America East regular season matches and have added three more this season.

“Every year, we come into conference play looking to be the top team,” Wright said. The team has stayed local during the summer and over breaks in the academic calendar to continue to work together and strive to improve. “It’s just about doing things right,” Engstrom said. “It doesn’t take any more time.

It takes a lot more effort and paying attention to detail, but that’s what makes a program great.” UAlbany has reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament once (2007), but they one day expect to challenge for a bid in the Sweet 16, year in and year out. “It’s all really about getting the right people on the team,” Wright said. “When we recruit people, we make sure they want to be part of a winning program.”

This year’s team has already had to overcome the loss of one of their best players, senior setter Brooke Stanley. Stanley tore her ACL during the first match of the year, back in August. “For the team to pull together just shows how strong of a team that we are and that we can adjust to changes,” Coppiellie said. The offense has changed. Both junior Abbey Wexel and freshman Kaley Jacobsen have stepped up in Stanley’s absence.

Engstrom says the continued success without one of the team’s top players is “encouraging”. “Our continued winning without having a setter whose been running the team for three years shows that they have learned their lessons about ‘We come out here and we win,’” Engstrom said. While they have moved on from last year’s championship game loss, it remains in the back of all of the player’s heads. “I don’t think they’ll ever forget it,” Engstrom said. “It’s a good motivating factor.” “It motivates me every day,” said Coppiellie.

Courtesy: The Record

Katie Dunn's First Career Goal Lifts University of Albany Women's Soccer to 1-0 America East Win Over Maine - UAlbany Sports 2010

Orono, Maine - Freshman midfielder Katie Dunn scored her first career goal early in the second half and sophomore goalkeeper Breanna Maggio made four saves in leading UAlbany to a 1-0 win over Maine in an America East Conference women's soccer match on Thursday, Oct. 14 at Alumni Field.

UAlbany (7-6-2, AE 2-1-2), which is off to its best start in more than 20 years, broke through with the only goal it needed in the 51st minute. Chrissy Klepper beat an opposing defender to the endline and sailed a dangerous cross inside the box. After the ball was bobbled by goalkeeper Meagan Price-Leibenzeder in an attempt to make a save, Dunn collected the rebound and tapped it in to the left post for her first career marker.

Maine (6-6-0, AE 2-3-0) made a fierce attempt to rally and sent a barrage of shots at Maggio the rest of the way, including a blast by Kelsey Wilson which hit the post, but the back line being anchored by Casey Marks and Kendra Harrell-Vigil was impenetrable for the second straight match. A corner kick attempt by Wilson with time running down was successfully cleared away by the defense, allowing UAlbany to hang on for its first victory over Maine in 10 tries.

The Black Bears outshot the Great Danes, 9-6, and had a 6-0 advantage in corner kicks. Maggio turned away four of the nine shots she faced to earn her fifth shutout of the season, which matches a league best, and eighth of her career for UAlbany. Price-Leibenzeder made four saves on six chances for Maine in the losing effort.

UAlbany, which ended the day in a tie for fourth place in the conference standings with Hartford, will look to extend its unbeaten streak to five matches when it hosts UMBC on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m.

Paw Prints: Goalkeeper Breanna Maggio continued to rewrite the record books in UAlbany's first-ever victory over Maine ... She broke two Division I single-season program standards by registering her sixth victory and fifth shutout of the fall ... Maggio also holds Division I records for career victories (9) and shutouts (8) ... UAlbany has gone 262:56 without allowing a goal.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Women's Basketball to Hold Walk-On Tryouts for 2010-11 Season

Head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson has announced that walk-on tryouts for the University at Albany women's basketball program will be held Saturday, Oct. 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in SEFCU Arena.

Anyone wishing to try out MUST complete the following tasks prior to being cleared to practice:
1. Enroll in at least 12 credits for the Fall 2010 semester.
2. Obtain a signature from the coach on the walk-on form.
3. Present athletic trainers proof of personal health insurance, an approved physical within the past six months and receive sickle cell education/waiver.
4. Meet with compliance after receiving signatures from the coach AND athletic trainers.

The link for the NCAA compliance form is
https://admin.xosn.com/attachments1/84224.doc?SPSID=82359&SPID=7966&DB_OEM_ID=15800

If interested, please get in contact with graduate assistant coach Tahnee Balerio by either phone or email or stop by the women's basketball office on the third floor of the Physical Education Building.

Email: tbalerio@uamail.albany.edu
Phone: 518-437-3731

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

University of Albany Field Hockey Remains 18th on Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I Coaches' Poll - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - The UAlbany field hockey team remains ranked in the Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I National Coaches' Poll, holding onto an 18th-place ranking after a 1-1 record last week. UAlbany stands at 11-3 on the season, including a 2-0 mark in America East Conference play.

The Great Danes posted a 1-0 over America East Conference rival Maine before falling to now-eighth ranked Syracuse, 2-1, in overtime. Junior forward Nina Walters and freshman midfielder Corrine McConville scored the Great Danes' two goals for the week. Walters tipped in a rebound on McConville's initial shot on a penalty corner for the game-winner against Maine, while McConville's drive from the top of the circle on a corner scored UAlbany's lone goal against the Orange.

UAlbany will return to action over the weekend, playing games on back-to-back days for the third week in a row. UAlbany will visit America East rival Vermont on Saturday before hosting #9 American at Alumni Turf Field on Sunday.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Freshman Tailback Dillon Romain Named Northeast Conference Football Rookie of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2010

Somerset, N.J. - University at Albany's Dillon Romain has been chosen Northeast Conference Rookie of the Week in football, as announced on Monday, Oct. 11 by the conference office. He received the weekly award for the first time this season after his team posted a 48-0 NEC victory over Saint Francis, Pa.

A freshman tailback from Vernon, N.J., Romain ran 15 times for a career-high 58 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns. He capped a 68-yard drive in the first quarter with a two-yard touchdown run for a 14-0 lead and scored on a one-yard blast in the third period. He became the second true freshman in the program's Division I FCS history to rush for two TDs in the same game.

Romain, the 2008 New Jersey Gatorade Player of the Year at Don Bosco Prep, has rushed for 50-plus yards in each of his last two contests. He is second on the squad in rushing with 133 yards and three touchdowns. UAlbany (3-2, NEC 1-1) has recorded back-to-back wins for the first time since October 2009. The Great Danes travel to conference-leader Robert Morris (5-1, NEC 4-0) on Saturday.

Paw Prints: UAlbany's Herb Glass was an honorable mention selection for the College Football Performance Division I FCS Placekicker of the Week ... Glass made field goals of 45 and 42 yards and connected on all six PATs ... the junior is the fourth kicker in program history to make two 40-plus yard field goals in the same contest and his 45-yarder in the opening quarter tied the ninth longest in UAlbany annals ... UAlbany's defense recorded its second shutout of the season by limiting Saint Francis to 81 total yards and three first downs ... the Homecoming attendance of 6,624 was the largest home crowd since Nov. 6, 1978 when UAlbany, as a Division III program, edged Ithaca, 9-6, at Bleecker Stadium ... UAlbany opponent Stephen F. Austin is ranked No. 5 in The Sports Network Top-25, while Robert Morris, Yale and Maine are receiving votes ... Robert Morris also receiving votes in the FCS Coaches' Poll.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Volleyball's Teresa Coppiellie & Abbey Wexel Earn America East Conference Weekly Awards - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Teresa Coppiellie and Abbey Wexel earned their second America East Conference weekly volleyball awards, as announced by the league office on Monday, Oct. 11. Coppiellie was named the conference's player of the week, while Wexel was the league's top setter for the second consecutive week. The Great Danes won all three matches.

Coppiellie recorded three straight double-doubles, averaging 4.18 kills and 4.27 digs per set. She also recorded two solo blocks and two block assists. The senior outside hitter completed her first double-double of the week in a televised match against non-conference opponent Colgate on Oct. 6, recording 10 kills and 19 digs. Coppiellie then totaled 15 kills and 13 digs in a three-game sweep of Providence on Friday before finishing with 21 kills and 15 digs in a Sunday's 3-1 win over league opponent New Hampshire.

Wexel averaged 11.0 assists and 2.64 digs, recording double-doubles in two of three matches last week. She added three block assists and three service aces, while quarterbacking the Great Danes to a .269 hitting percentage. In a win over Colgate, Wexel finished with a career-high 50 assists along with 12 digs. In the win over America East opponent Providence, she totaled 31 assists as well as two aces before wrapping up the week with 40 assists and 14 digs in the win over New Hampshire.

UAlbany (13-5, AE 3-0) is the only undefeated team in conference play after winning five straight matches. The Great Danes have won 25 consecutive regular-season league matches, dating back to the 2008 campaign. UAlbany will return to action this weekend, visiting America East opponents Stony Brook and Hartford.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Coppiellie Leads University of Albany Volleyball to 3-1 Win Over New Hampshire to Conclude Homecoming - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Senior Teresa Coppielle recorded a double-double of 21 kills and 15 digs to lead UAlbany to a 3-1 win over New Hampshire in America East Conference volleyball action on Sunday afternoon at University Gym. The Great Danes dropped the first set, 24-26, but were victorious in the next three with scores of 25-16, 28-26 and 25-20. Now standing at 13-5 overall, and 3-0 in conference play, the Great Danes have won five straight matches.

New Hampshire won the first set, which was tied nine times. The Wildcats jumped out to a quick lead early on, but UAlbany would rally to tie the match at 4-4 on a kill by Dunja Prgomet. Prgomet would later serve for four straight points to put UAlbany up, 10-6, when New Hampshire would then battle back from the deficit to build up an 18-14 lead later in the set on a kill by Amy Keding. Prgomet's service game would again pull the Great Danes ahead, as she served for five consecutive points to put UAlbany on top, 21-19. A kill by Destiny Tolliver would put New Hampshire back in control, and a UAlbany service error gave the Wildcats set point. Coppiellie responded with a kill to send the set to extra points, but Justine Elliott and Morgan Thatcher combined for a block to end the set in New Hampshire's favor.

UAlbany came out firing in the second set, building up a quick 13-5 advantage in the early going. Thatcher and Elliott would team up for back-to-back blocks to attempt to start a Wildcat rally, but UAlbany would get a kill from Traci Vandegrift and take advantage of consecutive New Hampshire attack errors to regain control. Casey Wright put down one of her four solo blocks followed by a bad Wildcat set to give the Great Danes set point at 25-16. Prgomet continued her strong service game, ending the second set for UAlbany with one of the Great Danes' five service aces.

Setter Abbey Wexel, who finished with a double-double of 40 assists and 14 digs, served for the first four points of the third set to put the great Danes up early. Consecutive kills by Coppiellie and Prgomet forced New Hampshire to take an early time out, where the Wildcats regrouped and got a kill from Sara Heldman to end the UAlbany run. Behind the service game of Jayde Huxtable, New Hampshire battled back to within 15-13, then tied the match at 16-16 on a UAlbany attack error. The teams exchanged points for the remainder of the set, going into extra points once again before Wright and Wexel ended the set with a block assist on a New Hampshire attack.

The teams played a closely matched fourth set in the early going before UAlbany pulled ahead, 19-9 on a New Hampshire attack error. The Wildcats battled back to within 10-15, getting kills from Tolliver and Keding, who lead New Hampshire with 15 and 10 kills, respectively, for the match. UAlbany got to match point on a Wildcat attack error, but then committed an attack error to keep New Hampshire in the set. Vandegrift ended the match, redeeming herself from the error, taking an assist from Wexel and smashing a kill down the line to give the Great Danes the victory.

Prgomet and Vandegrift both finished with additional double-doubles for UAlbany. Prgomet recorded 13 kills and 13 digs, while Vandegrift recorded 10 digs and 13 kills to go aonlg with three block assists and one service ace. Libero Laurie Gonzalez totaled a match-high 26 digs, adding seven assists and two service aces for the Great Danes. Heldman recorded 39 assists and 13 digs for New Hampshire (7-12, AE 2-2).

UAlbany (13-5, AE 3-0) will return to action on Friday, hitting the road for an America East match with Stony Brook at 7 p.m.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Tennis' Sarah Iannone Captures Flight C Singles Title on Day Two of Marist Invitational - UAlbany Sports 2010

Poughkeepsie, N.Y. - Sarah Iannone won two singles matches, including posting a victory in the Flight C finals, to lead the UAlbany tennis team on the final day of the Marist Invitational. Iannone also teamed up with Aubrey Brooks to win the finals of Flight B doubles.

Iannone recorded a 6-4, 2-6, 10-5 win over Fordham's Sarah Tremaine in the semifinals before posting a 4-6, 6-3, 10-6 win over Ayushi Sinha of Providence in the finals. Iannone and Brooks later defeated Marist's Joanna Macaluso and Retta Byron, 8-0, in doubles action. In other singles action, Melissa Coughlin recorded a 6-1, 6-4 win over Providence's Kathryn Parry before falling to Melissa Ferry, also from Providence, 6-1, 6-1 in the Flight D finals. Laine Mackey won her semifinals match in Flight B singles, posting a 6-4, 6-3 win over Siena's Jessica Asselin. Mackey then dropped a 6-0, 6-2 decision to the Friars' Maria Clara Bernardez in the finals. In further doubles play, Mackey teamed up with Susan Ma for an 8-4 win over Kyrsten Chen and Linnea Enoh-Janssen from St. Peter's.

UAlbany will return to action on Oct. 22, at the ITA Regionals.



Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Football Shuts Down NEC Opponent Saint Francis, 48-0, Before 6,624 Fans on Homecoming - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Dan Di Lella passed for two touchdowns and Dillon Romain scored on a pair of runs in leading UAlbany to a 48-0 victory over Saint Francis, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 9 in Northeast Conference play. The Great Danes were home for the first time this season after opening with four consecutive road games.

UAlbany (3-2, NEC 1-1) scored on four of its first five possessions en route to a 24-0 halftime advantage. After a short punt, Di Lella finished a five-play drive with a 15-yard touchdown pass to John Lullen. The junior quarterback then directed his team on a 68-yard march for a 14-0 lead. He twice connected on third-down throws with Ryan Kirchner for 36 yards and fullback Justin Peterson for 10 more. Romain, a true freshman, capped the series with a two-yard blast.

Herb Glass booted the first of two field goals, a 45-yarder, after his team took advantage of another short punt into a 17-mile-per-hour wind. Kirchner returned another kick 14 yards into Red Flash territory to set up a second-quarter touchdown. Andrew Smith, who carried 14 times for 80 yards, swept to the right and split a pair of defenders on a 17-yard scoring dash.

UAlbany, the last Division I FBS or FCS program to play at home this season, turned a couple of Saint Francis' miscues into two third-quarter touchdowns. Paul Layton's punt into the wind hit the Red Flash's Michael Durr and Duane Harper recovered the loose ball at Saint Francis' 24. Di Lella, who completed 16 of 20 attempts for 170 yards, hit tight end Paul Booker with a 2-yard TD pass in a third-and-goal situation. Running back Taylor Holby fumbled on the Red Flash's next possession and safety Rob Cervini made the recovery. Romain, who had 58 rushing yards, reached the end zone from one yard away for a 38-0 margin.

"Games are won and lost in the trenches," said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team improved to 27-11 in homecoming contests. "The defensive line took their run game away and we able to play (on offense) with a short field. Dan Di Lella is work in progress, but he probably had his best game."

In the fourth period, second-string quarterback Buddy Leathley tossed an 8-yard touchdown pass to Rhakeem Wiggins and Glass added a 42-yard field goal to wrap up the scoring. Tailback Ben Miseikis added 68 on the ground for an offense that piled up 417 total yards. Meanwhile, UAlbany's defense held Saint Francis (1-4, NEC 1-2) to 81 yards of offense, including 29 through the air. Quarterback John Kelly connected on just 6 of 15 attempts.

"We swarmed to the football and gang-tackled," stated UAlbany linebacker Chris Blais, who had five tackles and one pass break-up. "We are starting to get our swagger back. Last week's Yale win got us back on our feet."

Saint Francis' Kyle Harbridge, who ranked third among the nation's all-purpose runners, was scratched before kickoff with a groin and hamstring injury. Jude Yearwood, a senior, ran 14 times for 44 yards in his absence.

"The field position was the big thing," offered Di Lella, whose team was welcomed home by a crowd of 6,624, the largest in the program's Division I FCS era. "We wasted field position at Yale. The special teams and defense got us on the right side of the field. We were focused and dialed in before the game."

Paw Prints: UAlbany's defense recorded its second shutout of the season and tenth as a Division I FCS program ... the Red Flash ran just 40 offensive plays ... the Great Danes have won five consecutive homecoming games and have a 27-11 all-time record ... the attendance of 6,624 is the largest crowd at University Field since Nov. 6, 1978 ... Air Force Major General Mike Basla was involved in the pre-game coin toss ... Basla was a starting offensive tackle on UAlbany's first varsity teams in 1973 and 1974 ... UAlbany's total yards (417) were the highest since the 2009 season finale at Wagner ... Robert Morris was the last opponent to be held to less than 100 yards in total offense on Nov. 4, 2006 ... CB Leon Saddler had four tackles for the fourth consecutive game and broke up a pass ... DE Mike Kelly reached the 100-career tackle mark.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Walters Leads #19 UAlbany to 1-0 Win Over Maine in America East Conference Field Hockey Action

Albany, N.Y. - Nina Walters scored the game's lone goal to lead #18 UAlbany to a 1-0 victory over America East Conference rival Maine in field hockey action at Alumni Turf Field on Saturday afternoon. The contest was the final game of the day for Saturday's festivities during UAlbany's Homecoming/Fall Festival Weekend.

Walters scored her unassisted tally late in the first half. In the 30th minute, UAlbany had a penalty corner opportunity, where Corinne McConville took a hard shot from the top of the circle that was stopped by Maine goalkeeper Brittany Fleck. On the rebound, Walters collected the ball and tipped it into the back of the cage. Both teams had several opportunities in the second half, but neither defense would yield another goal.

UAlbany outshot the Black Bears, 7-4 and held a 2-4 advantage in penalty corners. Starter Christine Hoffman made two saves in the cage for the Great Danes in the first half, while Kristi Troch made one save in the second. Fleck stopped three shots for Maine (8-4, AE 0-2) before being pulled for an additional field player late in the second half.

UAlbany (11-2, AE 2-0) will return to action on Sunday, hosting #9 Syracuse at 2 p.m. at Alumni Turf Field.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Prgomet Leads University of Albany to 3-0 Sweep of Providence in America East Volleyball Action - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Dunja Prgomet recorded a double-double with match-highs of 15 kills and 15 digs along with a .414 hitting percentage to lead UAlbany to a 3-0 sweep of Providence in America East Conference volleyball action on Friday evening at University Gym. The Great Danes won the match with set scores of 25-10, 25-21 and 25-10.

In a tightly played first set, the teams were tied four times through the middle of the set before Teresa Coppiellie recorded a kill to put the ball back in UAlbany's hands, where Casey Wright tallied one of the Great Danes' six service aces. The teams exchanged points, with UAlbany holding onto a slight advantage, until Prgomet smacked a kill to put the Great Danes ahead, 22-20. Laurie Gonzalez took over the service game for the final three points, with Prgomet recording the final kill to end the set.

Providence (9-13, AE 1-2) came out firing in the second set, building up a 10-2 lead in the early going, including back-to-back service aces from Carly Morrison. After the Great Danes battled back to pull within 13-10, setter Abbey Wexel served for five consecutive points for UAlbany to pull ahead. A kill by the Friars' Shelagh Dolan ended the run, but Coppiellie recorded a kill and served for three more points to give the Great Danes a 19-14 advantage. The Great Danes continued to roll from there, getting an ace from Traci Vandegrift and kills by Coppiellie and Prgomet before a Providence attack error ended the set.

UAlbany came back from the set break and streaked out to a 5-0 lead behind Wexel's service before Lauren Fletcher ended the run for Providence. After the Friars pulled to within 12-7, a kill by Coppiellie put the ball back in Wexel's hands behind the service line, where she served for five straight points. In that streak, Vandegrift and Gabby Whitworth teamed up for back-to-back blocks on the Friars' attack. Two service errors gave Providence serve, but kills by Vandegrift and Whitworth helped UAlbany regain control, while a service ace from Gonzalez put UAlbany ahead, 24-9. Fletcher and Kourtney Halliday teamed up to block a UAlbany attack on match point, but Lindsey McCloskey connected on Wexel's next set to decide the match for the Great Danes.

Coppiellie recorded a double-double with 15 kills and 13 digs, while Vandegrift recorded 14 kills on a match-high .500 hitting percentage. The Great Danes hit .369 as a team for the match, holding Providence to .081 hitting. Fletcher recorded a team-high ten kills for the Friars, while Emily Morris and Cassie Muzzonigro led the team defensively with 12 digs apiece.

UAlbany (12-5, AE 2-0) will return to action on Sunday to close out Homecoming/Fall Festival Weekend with an America East Conference matchup with New Hampshire at 1 p.m.



Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information