UAlbany's Thompson Trio Named Inside Lacrosse Face-Off Preseason All-Americans

BALTIMORE – University at Albany attack trio Lyle Thompson, Miles Thompson and Ty Thompson were named DI Preseason All-Americans, Inside Lacrosse has announced. Lyle Thompson was placed on the All-America First Team, while Miles Thompson got All-America Third Team and Ty Thompson received All-America Honorable Mention. Courtesy: UA Sports

CAA Football: Greg Gattuso Named UAlbany Head Football Coach

ALBANY, N.Y. – Greg Gattuso, a former head coach at Duquesne University and assistant head coach at both Pittsburgh and Maryland, has been named the University at Albany’s head football coach. The 51-year-old Gattuso becomes the second football coach in the program’s 41-varsity season history, taking the reins from program architect Bob Ford. Courtesy: UA Sports

UAlbany's Heuser and McConville Named to Longstreth/NFHCA All-America Team

ALBANY, N.Y. – The National Field Hockey Coaches Association announced Monday morning that UAlbany’s Paula Heuser and Corrine McConville were named All-Americans following the 2013 season. Heuser was selected for the second team, while McConville earned her second All-America honor on the third team. Courtesy: UA Sports

UAlbany CAA Football: Osbourne, Dorsey, And Smith Earn All-CAA Honors

RICHMOND, Va. – In the program’s inaugural season competing in the Colonial Athletic Association, junior running back Omar Osbourne headlined the University at Albany football team’s postseason accolades, earning first team All-CAA honors. In addition, junior linebacker Christian Dorsey and senior defensive lineman Andrew Smith were named to the CAA’s third team. Courtesy: UA Sports

UAlbany Women’s Basketball Improves to 4-0 After 71-49 Win Over Cal State Fullerton

ALBANY, N.Y. - Another career-night for Shereesha Richards, who earned 22 points and six boards, led UAlbany to a 71-49 victory over Cal State Fullerton on Wednesday night, improving the Great Danes to 4-0 to start the year. Courtesy: UA Sports

Second Half Surge Sends UAlbany to 69-59 Win over Local Powerhouse Marist

ALBANY, N.Y. - In a matchup of the two-best mid-major teams in the Empire State, UAlbany came back from down at halftime to defeat Marist 69-59 at the SEFCU Arena on Thursday night. Courtesy: UA Sports

Richards 25 Points Leads UAlbany to Home Opening 77-61 Win over Western Michigan

ALBANY, N.Y. – A 25-point career day for Shereesha Richards led UAlbany to a 77-61 victory over Western Michigan in the home opener on Sunday. Courtesy: UA SPorts

Top Offensive Output since ‘08 Leads UAlbany to 5-1 Win Over Vermont to Advance to AE Semis

 

BURLINGTON, Vt. – The best team offensive output since 2008 saw 5-seed UAlbany score five consecutive goals, leading to a 5-1 victory at 4-seed Vermont to advance the Great Danes into the America East semifinals.

“We are thrilled to have had one of our best performances in such an important game,” says coach Trevor Gorman.  “We showed great composure in the attacking third, had good chances and executed well against a Vermont team that has had a very good season.”

The Great Danes (6-10-4) return to Baltimore to take on 1-seed UMBC in the America East semifinal round on Wednesday.

“We are looking forward to going back to Baltimore and playing a strong UMBC team again,” says Gorman.
It is the first time since October 18, 2008, a 5-2 home victory over UMBC, that UAlbany has scored five goals in a game.  It is also the first five-goal contest on the road since September 28^th of that year, a 5-1 victory at Marist.

In goal, Michael Pizzuti saved the first shot of the contest from Vermont’s (9-5-4) Mike Clayton on a dive to the left corner in the third minute.

In minute seven, UAlbany earned a breakaway attempt.  Pomare Te Anau went down the center, passing the ball to Anthony Rozzano on the outside.  Going into the goal box, Rozzano found a returning Te Anau, who kicked the ball into the right side of the net for his first goal of the year, putting UAlbany up 1-0.

Later in the closing seconds of the 17^th minute, Jonathan Interiano hit a hard shot to the left side, which was knocked away for a corner.  After Thomas Manz kicked it to Bernardo Mattos, a pass to Dominic McGarr outside the goal box was headed into the right part of the cage.  UAlbany pushed to a 2-0 lead on McCarr’s second goal of the season.

Te Anau nearly got his second goal in the next minute, getting away from a defender at the top of the penalty box.  A hard shot on the ground ground was saved by a diving Conor Leland.

On a free kick attempt in the 25^th minute, Daniel Kuczynski jumped a headed a free kick pass near the goal box.  A jumping Puzzuti punched the ball away, keeping the two-goal lead intact.

Vermont got a corner kick in the 33^rd minute.  After a deflection, Brian Wright headed the ball high above the crossbar, ending the threat.  UAlbany counterattacked in the next minute and got a corner, but Manz headed the ball to the right of the post.

In the closing minutes of the half, Philip Persson drew away all defenders on a free kick into the box.  Manz headed the ball over a charging Leland, placing his target into the right side of the box in 41^st minute, putting UAlbany up 3-0.  Manz pocketed his third goal of the year.

UAlbany protected against a couple of corners in the half’s final minute, not allowing a shot.  The Great Danes went into halftime with its largest lead of the season, up 3-0 on Vermont.

The 49^th minute saw Vermont get the first opportunity of the second half.  Bernard Yeboah got a pass just ahead of the UAlbany back line.  Yeboah shot was saved by a falling Pizzuti near the top of the box.

Just into the 54^th minute, Brandon Wilson charged down the left side of the field, kicking it to Te Anau wide open on the upper left corner of the penalty box.  Te Anau kicked it just inside the right post past a diving keeper for his second goal of the day, putting UAlbany up 4-0.

Shortly after, UAlbany almost got a fifth goal after a Te Anau free kick found Wilson behind the back line.  Wilson kicked the ball into the net, but an offsides call prevented the score.

In the 60^th minute, Te Anau took a free kick just outside the penalty box.  His kick was headed inadvertently by Clayton into the net for a Vermont own goal, giving UAlbany a 5-0 advantage.

UAlbany stayed aggressive, seeing Te Anau set up Leonardo Rodrigues on a cross.  The cross went past the keeper, but the shot just missed left of the post.

With about 21 minutes remaining, Beau Johnson received a ground pass from Wright next to the keeper.  Johnson turned, got around the keeper and scored for Vermont’s first goal, making it 5-1 UAlbany.
At minute 79, UAlbany pushed and got Martin Gorrie with the ball on the left side.  Gorrie crossed and found Denara straight away, but the header went right.

Te Anau nearly got a hat trick, kicking a bouncing ball toward the right post, missing wide with two minutes left.  Neither side got an opportunity for the remainder of the game as UAlbany earned the 5-1 victory.
Pizzuti finished with eight saves in his third victory of the season.  Te Anau got two goals, while Manz concluded with a goal and an assist.

University of Albany's Hooley and Rowley Score 17 Points Each to Stunt Siena 74-62 and Take Home Albany Cup

 

ALBANY, N.Y. - After wiping off the dust in the first half, University at Albany men’s basketball (1-0) brought home the Albany Cup for the second consecutive year. It was the first come-from-behind victory in the series under Will Brown for the Great Danes.

“It’s a great win for our school,” said Sam Rowley. “It’s a fantastic way to start.”

Siena got out to a 7-0 lead early before DJ Evans scored the first Great Dane basket of the 2013-14 season. At the first media timeout at the 15:55 mark, the Saints were 5-for-6 from the field, while the Purple & Gold was just 2-for-6.
UAlbany proved to have the early advantage with the whistle, putting Siena’s Marquis Wright in early foul trouble with two fouls just nine minutes into the game. Wright’s foul put Siena over the limit with more than 11 minutes left in the first half.

The Saints held a double-digit lead for four minutes late in the half before UAlbany began showing signs of life to close the opening period. Levan Shengelia spun past his defender for a dunk with 3:30 left to narrow the lead to eight. Shengelia found Evans on the ensuing position for a three-pointer to make the score 37-30. Anders Haas hit one-of-two free throws to close the half.

At the break, Evans and Haas led UAlbany with six points apiece.

In what was truly a tale of two halves, Sam Rowley scored as many points as he did in the first half in the first two minutes of the second. The junior captain went 5-for-6 in the second half and 3-for-3 in the opening four minutes. With starting center John Puk picking up his fourth foul less than four minutes into the second half, Rowley didn’t let the momentum swing back to the Saints. The forward grabbed an offensive rebound for the put-back to narrow the margin to just one point.

Two free throws from Peter Hooley with 15:27 remaining gave UAlbany its first lead of the game.
The Great Danes used an 11-0 run to get out to a 55-44 lead with just over 10 minutes left. The Saints surged back, holding UAlbany scoreless for nearly four minutes late in the half after throwing a 2-3 zone at the Great Danes.
A technical on the Siena bench gave UAlbany the opportunity to win back the momentum. After Hooley hit the two technical free throws with ease, he hit a three with just under six minutes left to wipe away Siena’s temporary one-point lead. The Great Danes did not relinquish the lead again, forcing Siena into poor shots down the stretch. Siena shot just 27.8% from the field in the second half.

Free throw shooting led UAlbany through the second half, with Hooley going 8-for-8 and Evans hitting 6-of-6. UAlbany went 20-for-24 from the charity stripe in the second half, while Siena shot just 5-of-10. Siena also went 0-for-16 from behind the arch in the second half.

“The change of competitiveness is what did it for us,” said Hooley. “We knew our first half wasn’t UAlbany basketball, and we just weathered that storm. In the second half we knew we would play better, and we did.”

Hooley and Rowley finished with 17 points apiece. Rowley nearly notched a double-double with nine rebounds to his credit. Evans also recorded five steals, a new individual record for UAlbany against Siena under Will Brown.

“In the end, we played the way we were capable of playing,” said head coach Will Brown. “It helps to have some older guys, and I knew their freshmen would come out and play with a ton of energy. I thought we were playing our tempo and imposing our will in the second half, we opened it up.”

The Great Danes will face NJIT in their home opener on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on Time Warner Cable Sports Channel from SEFCU Arena.

University of Albany Women’s Hoops Captures Fourth Straight Albany Cup With 69-42 Victory Over Siena

ALBANY, N.Y. – Opening the season with a furious scoring pace, the University at Albany women’s basketball team jumped out to 13-0 lead Friday night at the Times Union Center and never looked back, overcoming cross-city rival Siena, 69-42. The victory captured the Great Danes’ fourth straight Albany Cup and bragging rights for another year.

Junior Sarah Royals matched her career-best with a game-high 21 points, and also career-marks with six rebounds and four steals, adding six assists. Classmate Margarita Rosario also had a career night, scoring 14 points. The reigning America East Rookie of the Year, Shereesha Richards opened the season with a double-double, logging 13 points and 12 rebounds, while also notching four steals.

In addition, senior Tammy Phillip matched her career-high with 10 boards, as the Great Danes outrebounded the Saints, 48-30.  Megan Craig also earned a career-high with four blocks, adding five points.

Coming off a conference championship and NCAA Tournament appearance, the Great Danes opened the season in top form with a sweltering 58.6 percent field goal percentage in the first half, as well as hitting 6-of-8 shots from behind the arc.

Royals knocked down two and Rosario hit another to give the Great Danes a 13-0 head start at the 12:53 mark. Not only was UAlbany’s offense lighting it up, but the defensive effort suffocated the Saints to a 17.2 field goal percentage (5-29) in the opening stanza. Siena did not record a field goal until the 7:52 mark, as Tehresa Coles’ layup made the score 20-5.

Picking up the intensity in the final five minutes of the first half, the Great Danes used a 17-2 run, capped by another Royals three, to take a 30-point lead, 43-13 with 1:17 remaining. Siena made the final basket of the half with 34 seconds on the clock, as Emia Willingham touched one off the glass. However, UAlbany still went into the break with a commanding 43-15 lead.

Out of the locker room, Richards scored UAlbany’s first six points with two field goals and two free throws, giving the Great Danes a 32-point lead (49-17) -- their largest advantage of the game – with 17:41 remaining.
With Brianna Logan’s layup, Siena cut the margin to 22, 53-31, with 11:19 on the clock, but that would be as close as the Saints would get. UAlbany built their lead back up to as much as 28, 66-38, led by a trio of Rosario baskets and Royals’ pair of free throws with 3:18 remaining, and the Great Danes held onto their comfortable advantage through the remainder of regulation.

In the game, UAlbany held Siena to a 26.2 field goal percentage (16-61), as well as a 4.8 percentage (1-21) from three. Leading the Saints, Meghan Donahue and Coles both reached double figures with 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Up next, UAlbany hosts Western Michigan Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at SEFCU Arena for its home opener.

University of Albany's Mariano Scores Game-Winner to Lead No. 16 Field Hockey Past Maine 1-0 in America East Semifinal

 

 

DURHAM, N.H. – University at Albany field hockey (16-4) will return to the America East final on Saturday to face No. 1 seed New Hampshire. The Great Danes downed Maine 1-0 in the semifinal on Thursday night. Freshman Molly Mariano scored the game-winner in the 56th minute.
“It feels really good to be here for my first America East tournament,” said Mariano. “I couldn’t have scored that goal without my teammates. It was a great pass from Daphne, and I’m excited to play New Hampshire in the final on Saturday.”


The Purple & Gold will face the Wildcats in the final for the second consecutive year at Memorial field.
To start the first half in the 30th minute, Corrine McConville fired a pass down the field to Daphne Voormolen. Voormolen deflected the pass towards the goal and her shot sailed high.

The Great Danes put the pressure on the Maine back line early in the first half, earning three penalty corners in the first 10 minutes. Voormolen had a shot blocked on a penalty corner insertion by Fiori Van Rijswijk for her second shot of the game.

America East Midfielder and Rookie of the Year Paula Heuser had UAlbany’s first good look at the Maine cage in the 20th minute. The freshman lined up on a penalty corner for a shot that required a diving save from the Black Bear keeper.

Maine called timeout with 19 minutes left in the first half, after the Great Danes dominated possession for the first 15 minutes and took four penalty corners. UAlbany entered halftime with a 6-0 penalty corner advantage.
Echo Bretz had a good look at the goal to start the second half. The junior snuck behind the Maine defense, but her attempt was thwarted by the Maine keeper.

Heuser maneuvered around the Maine defense on UAlbany’s seventh penalty corner of the game, but couldn’t find anyone across the circle for the pass with 20 minutes left.

The freshman midfielder didn’t let up in the 57th minute, firing a shot that hit the crossbar. Voormolen took a shot moments later that required a defensive save by the Black Bears to keep from crossing the goal line.
Freshman Molly Mariano knocked in a pass across the circle from Voormolen in the 56th minute to give the Great Danes the 1-0 lead. The goal was Mariano’s sixth of the season.

After Maine nearly evened the score with seven minutes left, Phil Sykes called timeout to regroup.
The Black Bears pulled their goalie with four minutes left in an attempt to send all 11 players forward to even the score. The Great Danes held strong on the back line.

“I think sometimes you feel like there’s a force field on the goal,” said head coach Phil Sykes. “We had some good looks without results. It got a little bit scary there. We’ve been focusing on trying to be strong in front of the goal, and Molly’s position there really paid off for us. New Hampshire kind of took it to us in the regular season, so we’re looking forward to seeing them on Saturday.”

UAlbany will face New Hampshire on Saturday at 2 p.m. The game will be streamed live from Memorial Field on America East.tv.

University of Albany's Heuser Becomes Program’s All-Time Single Season Rookie Scoring Leader in 5-1 Win Against UMass Lowell

 

LOWELL, MASS.-  Freshman midfielder Paula Heuser became the UAlbany field hockey program’s all-time single-season leader in scoring amongst rookies in the team’s final regular season game of the year. The No. 15 Great Danes downed UMass Lowell 5-1.

Heuser scored two goals in the victory, passing current assistant coach Michelle Simpson on the rookie scoring leaderboard. The freshman has now scored 16 goals this season to lead the team in goals and points with 42.

Liza Morgan opened scoring for the Great Danes in the 21st minute. Heuser collected a rebound and found Morgan for the goal. Morgan scored her 10th goal of the season to become the third Great Dane with 10 or more goals in 2013.

The Purple & Gold struck again in the 30th minute on a penalty corner. Heuser smacked in an insertion from Fiori Van Rijswijk for her first goal of the match. Van Rijswijk’s assist was her ninth of the season to rank her tied for second on the team. Heuser nearly scored her second goal from Van Rijswijk to close the half, but the River Hawks made a defensive save on the attempt.

UAlbany continued to pound the UMass Lowell cage in the second period. Kelly Bonner and Daphne Voormolen both took shots early in the half, with the River Hawks making defensive saves to keep the game close.

Molly Mariano widened the gap for the Great Danes in the 54th minute, scoring unassisted to make the score 3-0.

Heuser struck again one minute later unassisted. The freshman streaked through the circle to beat the UMass Lowell goalkeeper and find the back of the cage.

Voormolen scored the final goal for the Great Danes, beating the UMass Lowell goalkeeper one-on-one for the tally.

“We had a good game today,” said head coach Phil Sykes. “UMass Lowell started off playing well, and they really took it to us in the first half. I’m proud of the team for going 15-4 in the regular season, and we’re looking forward to the America East Tournament next week.”

The Great Danes posted their best regular season program record in the Division I ranks at 15-4. UAlbany will enter the America East Tournament as the No. 2 seed for the second consecutive year, facing No. 3 seed Maine. The seeding for the tournament, set to kick off in Durham, N.H., on Thursday at 2 p.m., is identical to last year’s America East field. New Hampshire is the No. 1 seed, with Maine falling into the No. 3 spot and Fairfield competing in the No. 4 slot. UAlbany won last year’s America East tournament in Durham.

University of Albany's Miles Thompson’s 14-Point Performance Earns Inside Lacrosse Laxie

 

BALTIMORE – The fans have spoken, choosing Miles Thompson’s 14-point game against Stony Brook last season for the “Individual Game Performance of the Year” Laxie.
The Laxie Awards, run by Inside Lacrosse magazine, are voted on by fans online each year.  The Laxies include a wide-array of categories, including player and team performance, coaches and off-the-field.  The Laxie Awards are in their sixth year.
On April 27, 2013, UAlbany attack Miles Thompson had a historic game against Stony Brook, combining for 14 points, earning at least three points in each quarter, in a 21-12 victory over the Seawolves to complete an undefeated conference season.  Thompson finished with five goals and nine assists in the game.
His performance earned 42 percent of the vote for Individual Game Performance of the Year for the Laxie, beating out Duke’s Brendan Fowler’s 20-28 face-offs against Syracuse, which got 30%.
In addition, Lyle Thompson nearly earned a couple of Laxies as well.  Lyle finished second in the Laxies for Inside Lacrosse Player of the Year and Division I Men’s Player of the Year with 23.3% and 30.1% of the vote respectively.  Cornell’s Rob Pannell got each one with 35.7% and 34.7% of voting respectively.

University of Albany Field Hockey Comes in at No. 12 in Latest NFHCA Poll for Third Consecutive Week

 

ALBANY, N.Y.- The University at Albany field hockey team (12-2, 2-0 AE) maintained its No. 12 ranking this week in the latest NFHCA poll. The Great Danes beat Vermont 8-0 and Columbia 6-0 last week. 

UAlbany is the top team in the nation in five statistical categories. The Great Danes lead all Division I teams including assists per game (3.43), scoring margin (3.79), goals against average (0.79), shutouts per game (0.50) and points per game (12.57). Phil Sykes’s squad is also ranked second in scoring average (4.57).
The Great Danes face New Hampshire at Alumni Field on Friday at 3 p.m.

University of Albany Football's Eric LaPorta Named Semifinalist For NFF Campbell Trophy

DALLAS – Eric LaPorta, a senior center on the University at Albany football team, has been named a semifinalist for the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy, announced by the National Football Foundation Wednesday. LaPorta is one of 170 candidates vying for the award honoring the nation’s top scholar-athlete. 

LaPorta, a native of Yorktown Heights, N.Y., is a three-year starter for the Great Danes and 2013 team captain. After beginning his career as a walk-on, LaPorta was named to the 2012 Capital One Academic All-District Football Team and helped UAlbany win back-to-back Northeast Conference titles.

As a dual major in criminal justice and history, LaPorta graduated magna cum laude with a 3.57 cumulative grade point average and is currently enrolled in UAlbany’s Master of Science In Secondary Education program for social studies with a 3.65 GPA.

LaPorta is one of three athletes from the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) in the semifinalist stage.

Nominated by their schools, which are limited to one nominee each, candidates for the awards must be a senior or graduate student in their final year of eligibility, have a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, have outstanding football ability as a first team player or significant contributor, and have demonstrated strong leadership and citizenship. The class is selected each year by the NFF Awards Committee, which is comprised of a nationally recognized group of media, College Football Hall of Famers and athletics administrators.

“The NFF would like to personally congratulate each of the nominees as well as their schools on this tremendous honor,” said NFF President & CEO Steven J. Hatchell. “We are extremely proud to highlight each semifinalist’s achievements, which show that football players can balance between academics and athletics at the highest level. There is no question that the NFF Awards Committee will have an incredibly difficult task in selecting the finalists from among this esteemed group.”

The NFF Awards Committee will select up to 16 recipients, and the results will be announced via a national press release on Thursday, October 31. Each recipient will receive an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship, and they will vie as finalists for the 2013 William V. Campbell Trophy. Each member of the 2013 National Scholar-Athlete Class will also travel to New York City to be honored Dec. 10 during the 56th NFF Annual Awards Dinner at the Waldorf-Astoria where their accomplishments will be highlighted in front of one of the most powerful audiences in all of sports. One member of the class will also be announced live at the event as the winner of the William V. Campbell Trophy.

Named in honor of Bill Campbell, the chairman of Intuit, former player and head coach at Columbia University and the 2004 recipient of the NFF’s Gold Medal, the award comes with a 25-pound bronze trophy and increases the amount of the recipient’s grant by $7,000 for a total post-graduate scholarship of $25,000. A total distribution of $300,000 in scholarships will be awarded at the NFF Annual Awards Dinner, pushing the program’s all-time distributions to more than $10.4 million.

Launched in 1959, the NFF scholar-athlete program became the first initiative in history to award post-graduate scholarships based on both a player’s academic and athletic accomplishments. The William V. Campbell Trophy, first awarded in 1990, adds to the program’s mystique, having previously honored two Rhodes Scholars, a Rhodes Scholar finalist, two Heisman Trophy winners and five first-round NFL draft picks

America East to Feature Four Men's Basketball Games on ESPN3 in 2013-14

 
CAMBRIDGE, MASS.- The America East Conference announced Tuesday that defending league champion UAlbany will be featured on ESPN3 four times in the 2013-14 conference regular season.
Will Brown’s squad will appear on the ESPN family of networks against Vermont at SEFCU Arena on Feb. 1, at UMBC on Feb. 12 at 7 p.m., against Maine at SEFCU Arena on Feb. 15 at 7 p.m., and at Binghamton on Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. The league championship, hosted by the highest-remaining seed, will also be broadcast on ESPN2.
“The partnership with ESPN is exciting for our conference and program,” said Brown.  “We look forward to making four America East appearances on ESPN this upcoming season.  Hopefully the partnership continues to grow and develop as we move forward as a conference.”
UAlbany’s four America East ESPN3 appearances ranks them third in the league in number of showings, behind Stony Brook and Vermont who will both appear five times. The Great Danes could make another appearance on March 2 in the wildcard slot when they play at Stony Brook.
In addition to their appearances on the league schedule, the Great Danes can also be seen on ESPN3 at Pittsburgh on Dec. 31 at 1 p.m., from the Petersen Events Center.
In the largest T.V., package ever for the league, all ESPN3 games can also be seen on the WatchESPN app, which is accessible through smartphones, tablets as well as Xbox LIVE and Apple TV.
The Great Danes host NJIT in their first home game on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. Men’s basketball season and individual tickets are now on sale

The UAlbany men’s basketball team opens the 2013-14 season against cross-town rival Siena at the Times Union Center on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.

University of Albany Men’s Basketball Names Devlin, Hooley, Rowley and Wiegmann Captains for 2013-14 Season

ALBANY, N.Y.- University at Albany men’s basketball coach Will Brown announced Monday that seniors Luke Devlin and Dave Wiegmann, junior Sam Rowley and sophomore Peter Hooley will serve as team captains for the 2013-14 season. “We are excited to name Luke, David, Sam, and Peter captains for the 2013-14 season,” said head coach Will Brown. “We as a staff value the input of our team when choosing captains and these were the four names that continued to be mentioned by each player in our program.  All four are high-character kids who work very hard on the court and in the classroom.  We are confident that all four will be effective captains and lead this team on and off the court.  Being a captain is a challenge and comes with a tremendous amount of responsibility.  We are looking forward to helping them grow and develop as leaders throughout the season.” UAlbany returns eight players from last year’s 2013 America East Championship squad. The Great Danes welcome seven newcomers for 2013-14 and return three starters. Devlin, a three-time captain has played in 98 games in his career with 60 starts. The senior is averaging 5.4 points and 4.4 rebounds for his career, and also shot .750 from the charity stripe in 2012-13. Hooley averaged 10.2 points per game as a starter in 11 games in 2012-13. An America East All-Rookie honoree, Hooley averaged 9.0 points per game and 3.7 assists per game in league play last season. Hooley led the team as a freshman with 102 assists (3.1 apg). The sophomore recorded his first career double-double at Hartford on Jan. 19, scoring 18 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Hooley also leads all returners with a career free-throw percentage of .817. Rowley proved to be an integral piece of UAlbany’s America East campaign last season, averaging 11.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per game in league play. The junior notched his first career double-double against Binghamton on Jan. 7 with 21 points and 13 rebounds along with four assists. He followed up his career night against the Bearcats with another double-double performance against Maine on Jan. 12 with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Rowley is the squad’s leading returning scorer and rebounder, having averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game in 2012-13. Wiegmann, a transfer from Southwestern Illinois Junior College, saw his first action as a Great Dane last season. He played in 17 games, recording three rebounds against South Carolina State on Nov. 20. The Great Danes began practice on Saturday, and host NJIT in their first home game on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. Men’s basketball season tickets are now on sale, with individual tickets available beginning Oct. 1. The UAlbany men’s basketball team opens the 2013-14 season against cross-town rival Siena at the Times Union Center on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.

PBS Documentary Features Members of Thompson Family - UAlbany Sports 2013

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - PBS aired a documentary on September 22nd called "America Reframed" at 8 p.m., featuring the Thompson family.

The movie features the older brothers of UAlbany's Lyle and Miles Thompson, Jeremy and Jerome, and their Native American heritage in the Onondaga Nation as they look to make the Syracuse lacrosse team.  It features the family and culture on their seven-year journey.  Both Lyle and Miles are featured in the movie.

The documentary, based on the movie "The Medicine Game," was produced by Lukas Korver and Jason Halpin.  Check local listings for re-airings

No. 11 Field Hockey Advances to 8-0 With 4-1 Win at Lehigh

 

BETHLEHEM, Pa. – University at Albany field hockey (8-0) kept its undefeated streak going with a 4-1 win against Lehigh (2-6) on Sunday afternoon.
“We had a good weekend,” said head coach Phil Sykes. “We played two solid teams and had a great team effort.”
UAlbany got off to a quick start in the first half, tallying six shots and two penalty corners in the first seven minutes of the game. Echo Bretz scored the first Great Danes goal in the 14th minute on a pass from Emily White.
White assisted on the second UAlbany goal in the 33rd minute to Liza Morgan. Morgan has now scored seven goals this season.
With 20 seconds remaining in the first half, Corrine McConville converted on her fifth penalty stroke of the year to give the Great Danes a 3-0 lead going into halftime. The senior is now 5-5 on penalty strokes.
The Great Danes took a season-high 23 shots in the first half.
Lehigh got on the board mid-way through the second half on a penalty corner.
Daphne Voormolen notched the final goal of the game on a breakaway from Echo Bretz. Voormolen beat the Lehigh goalie to fire a shot high into the cage.
Freshman Averill Erdody made her first start in goal, making one save.
The Great Danes took a season-high 36 shots and 25 shots on goal. UAlbany out-shot Lehigh 36-5 and held a 12-5 advantage on penalty corners.
The Great Danes return to Alumni Field on Friday, Sept. 27 at 3 p.m., to face Sacred Heart.

Former Great Dane Mike Woods Drafted 16th Overall in the NLL

OAKVILLE, Ontario - Former University at Albany standout Mike Woods was drafted 16th overall by the Toronto Rock in the 2013 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft yesterday.

"The Albany lacrosse family is thrilled that another Great Dane has been drafted into the NLL," says UAlbany head coach Scott Marr.  "We are all excited for Mike and his family that he was drafted by Toronto and will represent his home province."

Woods, a native of Newmarket, a town in the Greater Toronto area, will get to suit up for his hometown team, the defending NLL East Division champion.  Last year, the Rock was 10-6, finishing with the best record in league.

He impressed scouts before and on Draft Day.  Rated #28 among draft-eligible players by ILIndoor.com, Woods was drafted 12 spots above his projected draft status as a player who continued to improve and had impressive offensive and defensive skills.

Woods played 64 games for UAlbany from 2010-13. serving the team as a short stick defensive midfielder.  In 2013, he earned Second Team All-America East with 20 ground balls and four goals in transition, helping UAlbany win the conference title.  Woods scored the second goal of the contest for the Great Danes in the NCAA First Round game against Denver.

Several Great Danes have played box lacrosse in the professional ranks.  Most recently, Joe Resetarits was taken sixth overall by the Calgary Roughnecks in 2012.  On the 2013 draft day, Resetarits was traded to the Buffalo Bandits, his hometown team.  He along with Woods, Mike Ammann, Steve Ammann, Dave Brock, Jordan Levine, Brett Queener, Frank Resetarits, Corey Small, and Merrick Thomson are former Great Danes that have played in the NLL.

The first game for the Rock will be on January 3rd when Toronto hosts Calgary at 7:30 p.m. at the Air Canada Centre.

Men’s Soccer Stuns No. 22 Fairleigh Dickinson 2-1 in Opener at Bob Ford Field

 

ALBANY, N.Y.- The University at Albany men’s soccer team (1-4-1) opened soccer play on Bob Ford Field in spectacular fashion on Sunday night, downing No. 22 Fairleigh Dickinson 2-1. The victory is the first for UAlbany against a nationally ranked opponent since joining the Division I ranks.

“It feels great to get a win like that against a quality team,” said head coach Trevor Gorman. “Our players worked hard tonight and our fans were tremendous. It was fantastic to have so many people come out to support us in our new home.”
Both teams got off to a slow start in the first half. With much of play taking place in the midfield, the game entered the second half deadlocked at 0-0.
In the 58th minute, Philip Persson intercepted a pass in the Fairleigh Dickinson half on a poor pass by the Knights. Persson found Brandon Wilson on the 2-on-1 opportunity, and Wilson buried a shot past Fairleigh Dickinson goalkeeper Jacob Lissek.
UAlbany kept up the pressure on the Knights back line, forcing another turnover deep in Fairleigh Dickinson territory less than 10 minutes later. Jonathan Interiano made the tackle in the Knights 18-yard box, and found Phil Denara across the goal to give the Great Danes a 2-0 lead.
Two minutes later the Knights charged down the field and scored off a free kick deflection.
UAlbany overcame a 14-9 shot advantage and 5-3 corner kick edge for Fairleigh Dickinson to hand the Knights their first loss of the season. The Great Danes are also the first team to score against the Knights in 2013.
The Great Danes return to action on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at Bob Ford Field at 7 p.m., when they take on Siena. The game will be televised on Time Warner Cable Sports.

No. 13 Field Hockey Extends Record to 5-0 With 4-0 Win Over Rutgers

ALBANY, N.Y.- University at Albany field hockey (5-0) is off to its best start in the Division I era after beating Rutgers 4-0 at Alumni Field on Sunday afternoon.

“We played inspired today,” said head coach Phil Sykes. “Rutgers beat us in our first game last season, so I think that loss still stung. We played focused, and we had a good team defensive effort.”

Echo Bretz tallied the first Great Danes goal in the ninth minute off a rebound from Paula Heuser. Kelly Bonner gave UAlbany a 2-0 lead going into half time on a breakaway pass from Emily White.

Corrine McConville converted on her third penalty stroke of the season in the 50th minute. The senior assisted a goal scored by Paula Heuser in the 56th minute on a penalty corner rebound.

Freshman Maxi Primus made seven saves in the cage for the Great Danes. Primus has allowed just three goals in five games.

In a physical match-up, UAlbany out-shot Rutgers 14-10, while Rutgers held a 6-4 advantage in penalty corners. The teams combined for nine penalty corners in the second half and just one in the first period.

No. 13 UAlbany opens the season 5-0 for the first time under head coach Phil Sykes.  Sophomore Liza Morgan and freshman Paula Heuser have each tallied 12 points this season to lead the Great Danes on offense.

Next up for UAlbany is a mid-week game at Alumni Field against cross-town rival Siena on Wednesday at 3 p.m.

University of Albany Football To Open Bob Ford Field And CAA Slate With Rhode Island Saturday

 

ALBANY, N.Y. – After much anticipation, the University at Albany football program is set to kickoff its first Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) contest, as well as unveil its $19 million multi-sport complex Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at Bob Ford Field. Coaching his 44^th and final season at UAlbany, Head Coach Bob Ford will lead the Great Danes into one last new chapter, as they host the University of Rhode Island for the first time in program history.

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University of Albany Field Hockey Earns No. 13 Ranking in Latest NFHCA Poll

 

ALBANY, N.Y.- The University at Albany field hockey team received 239 votes in the latest National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) poll to be ranked No. 13 in the nation.

The Great Danes opened their season 3-0 for the first time since 2010. UAlbany ranks first in goal differential (4.67) and first in goals against average (0.33), with freshman Maxi Primus in the cage. The squad downed Bryant 8-0 and Providence 4-1 on opening weekend. The Great Danes also shut out Cornell this past weekend 3-0 at Alumni Field.
The No. 13 ranking is the highest for UAlbany since 2011, when the team was ranked No. 12 going into the America East conference semifinals.

Next up for Phil Sykes & co. is Yale on Saturday, Sept. 14 at Alumni Field at 1 p.m.

University of Albany Football's Osbourne Earns CAA Offensive Player Of The Week Honor

RICHMOND, Va. – Announced by the conference office Monday, junior running back Omar Osbourne has been named the CAA Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the University at Albany football team’s victory over Colgate.

Osbourne, a native of Syracuse, N.Y., finished with a career- and game-high 252 yards on the ground, including a pair of touchdowns, to lead the Great Danes to their second win in as many years over the Raiders. The junior, whose 252 yards on 35 carries marks the third-best rushing performance in program history, turned in his career-high rushing total in the first half alone as UAlbany moved to 1-1 on the season with Saturday's 37-34 win.

Osbourne gave the Great Danes their first lead of the season (7-0) with a 5-yard touchdown rush on their opening drive. Out of the halftime break, Osbourne struck again, rushing for 15-yards into the end zone on a 4th-and-1 situation, stretching the lead to 30-14.

After the Great Dane defense made the key play of the game, stopping a 4th-and-goal attempt on the 1-yard line, Osbourne led the Danes to a 99-yard scoring drive. He rushed four times in the possession, including a 36-yarder that set up another UAlbany touchdown, putting the game out of reach (37-27, 1:34 4th).

UAlbany returns to action Saturday, September 14th, when they host Rhode Island for the Great Danes’ inaugural CAA contest and first game at the brand new Bob Ford Field.

University of Albany Football Holds Off Colgate, 37-34

 
HAMILTON, N.Y. – Using Omar Osbourne’s historic running performance and a few key defensive plays, the University at Albany football team overcame the hosting Colgate University Raiders, 37-34, Saturday night at Andy Kerr Stadium. With the victory, the Great Danes improve to 1-1 on the season, while the Raiders fall to 0-2.

The biggest defensive play of the game came with 4:26 remaining in the ball game.  Colgate faced fourth-and-goal on the one-yard line, trailing by three, 30-27, and chose to take a gamble. Going for it with a run play, the Great Danes’ defensive line suffocated the attempt and gave UAlbany possession on a turnover of downs.

The Danes then drove 99-yards down the gridiron on the back of Osbourne’s four carries, including a 36-yarder, as well as Presley Beauvais’ drive-capping 45-yard touchdown scamper. With Tom O’Riordan’s point-after attempt sailing through the uprights, the Great Danes held a 37-27 lead with 1:34 remaining.

While Colgate did answer with a touchdown of their own with 18 seconds remaining, UAlbany handled the on-sides kick with ease, securing their first win of the 2013 season.

Topping his career-high in the first half alone, junior running back Omar Osbourne rushed for 252 yards with 35 carries, marking the third-best rushing performance in program history. Osbourne also crossed the goal line twice and totaled 260 all-purpose yards.

Beauvais totaled 59 yards with six carries, while wildcat quarterback Jake Meek rushed the ball four times, totaling 27 yards.

Senior wide receiver Kevin Chillis also racked up the yards, recording his second straight 100+ receiving game, connecting with Will Fiacchi five times for 112 yards and a touchdown.

Fiacchi totaled 180 passing yards, completing 13-of-24 attempts with just one interception.

Defensively, junior Christian Dorsey finished with a career-high 12 tackles, including nine unassisted, as well as forced a fumble. TJ Idowu and Cody Greenhagen both tallied seven tackles, while Clay Harris brought down six, and Alex Helmer tackled five, including a sack for a loss of nine yards.

After falling behind early in the season-opener at Duquesne a week ago, the Great Danes responded with a quick spark versus Colgate. On the very first play after kickoff, Tramaine Wilson picked off Gavin McCarney’s pass, immediately putting momentum in the Danes’ favor.

Four rushing plays later, UAlbany took its first lead of the season, 7-0, on Osbourne’s five-yard touchdown rush and O’Riordan’s kick.

On the next drive, Colgate marched 72 yards down the field on eight plays and looked to tie it up. However, McCarney tried to stretch the ball one-handed across the goal line, the ball knocked loose, and rolled out of the end zone, handing UAlbany possession with a touchback.

The Great Danes took advantage, using 13 plays to set up O’Riordan’s 32-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead with 5:00 minutes remaining in the first quarter.

The defending Patriot League champions responded with their first points of the game, capping an eight-play, 80-yard drive with John Wilkins’ one-yard touchdown rush with 1:02 left in the opening stanza.

Holding a steady upper hand throughout the first half, UAlbany answered back with 14 straight points, sparked by the Great Dane defense. Dorsey stripped the ball from Wilkins and Kyle Jordan recovered. Wilkins was knocked out of the game with a knee injury on the play.

Again, UAlbany took full advantage of the Colgate miscue, as Fiacchi connected a 51-yard touchdown pass to Chillis with 8:29 to go in the half.

Forcing Colgate to punt, the Great Danes struck again on their next possession with the help of five Osbourne rushes and a 33-yard reception by Chillis. Beauvais capped the 92-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown run for a 24-7 lead with 2:44 on the clock in the second quarter.

After a defensive stop for the Raiders, Colgate made it a 10-point game, 24-14, heading into halftime as McCarney finished an eight-play, 67-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown pass to Nat Bellamy.

Out of the break, UAlbany struck again, as Osbourne rushed for 15-yards into the end zone on a fourth-and-1 situation, stretching the lead to 30-14 with 10:02 on the clock.

Still hanging around, Colgate answered with a touchdown of their own, as Jimmy DeCicco scampered 40-yards into the end zone with 3:23 left in the third quarter.

Becoming a real threat, the Raiders cut the deficit to three points after picking off Fiacchi’s pass on the 16-yard line, and then rushed for another quick touchdown, making the score, 30-27 with 14:55 left in the game.

However, that is when the Danes’ defense stepped up and held off the Raiders for the remainder of the way.

UAlbany returns to action Saturday, September 14^th, when they host Rhode Island for the Great Danes’ inaugural CAA contest and first game at Bob Ford Field.



Albany vs Colgate (Sept 7, 2013 at Hamilton, N.Y.)

Albany (1-1) vs. Colgate (0-2)

Date: Sept 7, 2013 • Site: Hamilton, N.Y.  • Stadium: Andy Kerr Stadium  •  Attendance: 5217

University of Albany Men’s Basketball Releases 2013-14 America East Schedule

  CAMBRIDGE, MASS. – The America East Conference released the league match-ups for all home-and-home men’s basketball games on Thursday for the 2013-14 season. Game times and T.V., scheduling will be revealed at a later date.
The Great Danes open their America East slate at home at the beginning of January. UAlbany hosts Hartford on Jan. 4 and UMBC on Jan. 8.

Head coach Will Brown & co. hit the road for three games beginning Jan. 11 at Vermont. UAlbany visits new league member UMass-Lowell on Jan. 15 and wraps up the three-game road trip at Maine on Jan. 18.

The Great Danes return to SEFCU Arena to face Binghamton on Jan. 20, and travel to New Hampshire for a game on Jan 23. UAlbany hosts league rival Stony Brook to conclude the month of January on the 29th.

The annual Purple Growl event will feature a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader on Feb. 1 against Vermont. UAlbany concludes a three-game homestand with UMass-Lowell on Feb. 5.

The Great Danes visit Hartford and UMBC on Feb. 5 and Feb. 8, respectively. Maine pays a visit to SEFCU Arena on Feb. 15 before the Great Danes face Binghamton on the road on Feb. 19.

UAlbany celebrates senior day on Feb. 27 against New Hampshire before visiting Stony Brook for its final regular-season contest.

The Great Danes are the defending America East champions, having claimed the title as the No. 4 seed after going 9-7 in the league. UAlbany won the conference championship by a total of seven points across three games. The Great Danes defeated Stony Brook and Vermont in the tournament despite losing to both opponents twice in the regular season.
UAlbany hosts the 2014 America East Tournament beginning on March 7.

UAlbany opens its 2013-14 season with a crosstown rivalry game against Siena at the Times Union Center on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.
 
2013-14 UAlbany America East Schedule:
January
4                     Hartford
8                     UMBC                                                                                       
11                   at Vermont                                                                               
15                   at UMass-Lowell                                                                     
18                   at Maine                                                                                   
20                   Binghamton                                                                              
23                   at New Hampshire                                                                   
29                   Stony Brook                                                                             
February
1                     Vermont (M/W doubleheader)                                                 
5                     UMass-Lowell                                                                         
8                     at Hartford                                                                               
12                   at UMBC                                                                                   
15                   Maine                                                                                       
19                   at Binghamton                                                                          
27                   New Hampshire                                                                       
March
2                     at Stony Brook
7-9                 America East Tournament

All-Time Program Records Against America East Opponents:
Binghamton: 62-29
Hartford: 19-10
Maine: 13-12
UMass-Lowell: 5-6
New Hampshire: 16-12
Stony Brook: 36-25
UMBC: 16-6
Vermont: 9-25