University of Albany Men's Indoor Track & Field Captures Conference-Record Fifth Consecutive America East Title - UAlbany Sports 2010

Boston, Mass. - University at Albany's Alie Beauvais set a meet and school record in winning the 500-meter dash and was a member of the winning distance medley relay in leading his team to its fifth consecutive America East Conference indoor track and field championship on Saturday, Feb. 20 at Boston University's Track and Tennis Center. The Great Danes eclipsed the conference record for consecutive men's indoor titles, breaking a mark that was first set by Northeastern, from 1989-92.

UAlbany also claimed its first-ever America East indoor women's championship in a competition that came down to the triple jump, the last event of the day. After Boston University tighten the team scoring with victories in the 4x400- and 4x-800-meter relays, the Great Danes picked up 13 points in the triple jump, paced by Sandy Antenor's third-place finish. UAlbany captured first with 168.5 points. The Terriers, who had won four indoor championships in a row, were second with 162.

"We have a great coaching staff and a great group of young people," explained Roberto Vives, who teams became the first since Northeastern in 2005 to win the men's and women's championships in the same year. "They bought into the vision since September. They trained hard and continued to believe they could do it. We knew that it was going to be tough. It was going to come down to the wire (the women's championship), but our kids rose to the occasion."

In the men's meet, UAlbany had seven individual champions and one relay winner in accumulating 205 points. Binghamton was second in the team standings with 138. Beauvais' time of 102.32 broke a conference meet standard that had stood since for 19 years. The senior also shattered Howard Sellers' school record that was established in 1993.

"I believed this team could do amazing things," stated Beauvais, who also competed on the second-place 4x400-meter relay. "We could win fifteen in a row and I still wouldn't be shocked because this is such a great team and a great program. There is a great team atmosphere and team vibe with this group."

John Moore was victorious in the 1,000-meter run after helping the distance medley to a first-place finish on the first day. Moore, who is the school record holder in the 1,000, posted a winning time of 2:26.42. In addition, Moore was third in the 800-meteres (4:06.56). Nasim Siddeeq took home his second consecutive triple jump crown. Siddeeq, who also placed second in the long jump, went 50-feet, 2-inches on his second attempt in the competition.

Freddie Wills was first in the high jump, as he cleared the bar a 6-feet, 6-inches. Other winners were Luke Schoen (pole vault), Valete Graham (long jump) and Wilfredo de Jesus Elias (weight throw).

The Great Danes were propelled to the women's team title by senior Fey Adaramola, a double-winner in the 55- and 200-meter dashes and the Most Outstanding Track Performer of the Meet. Adaramola broke her own school record in winning the 200m championship for the second straight year by sprinting 24.18 seconds. She also hit the tape in 7.10 seconds to win the 55-dash.

"I was so nervous, but I looked at my teammates and saw that they looked extremely hungry (for this championship)," said Adaramola, whose anchored a 4x400 relay that was edged out at the finish line for first place. "When I saw everyone hungry, it made me hungry to perform at my best. My teammates also gave me energy. Everybody's support from the stands and all of our cheers created energy that was empowering."

Laura Cummings was a key figure in the Great Danes' team total by accounting for 16 points in three individual competitions. The senior middle-distance runner recorded third-place showings in the 1,000m (2:57.03) and 5,000m (17:00.92). She also took fifth in the mile run with a time of 4:58.62. Celine Cauderlier was the third women's champion as won Friday's pole vault (11-6.50).

Paw Prints: UAlbany head coach Roberto Vives and his group of assistants were chosen as both the America East Conference men's and women's coaching staffs of the year.
**********
America East Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships
MEN
Team - 1. Albany 205, 2. Binghamton 138, 3. UMBC 97, 4. New Hampshire 89, 5. Boston U. 88, 6. Maine 84, 7. Stony Brook 35, 8. Vermont 29, 9. Hartford 13.
Individual - 55-dash - 1. Landis Williams (Maine), 6.46; 55-hurdles - 1. Camal Pugh (UMBC), 7.59; 200 - Cazal Arnett (Binghamton), 21.54; 400 - 1. Cazal Arnett (Binghamton), 47.39; 500 - 1. Alie Beauvais (Albany), 1:02.32 (meet & school record); 800 - 1. Jeff Moreau (Boston U.), 1:51.88; 1,000 - 1. John Moore (Albany), 2:26.42; Mile - 1. Erik van Ingen (Binghamton), 4:04.92; 3,000 - 1. Riley Masters (Maine), 8:14.66; 5,000 - 1. Tim Hodge (Stony Brook), 14:29.16; High Jump - 1. Freddie Wills (Albany), 6-06.00; Long Jump - 1. Valete Graham (Albany), 23-06.00; Triple Jump - 1. Nasim Siddeeq (Albany), 50-02.00; Pole Vault - 1. Luke Schoen (Albany), 16-08.75; Shot Put - 1. Brice Paey (New Hampshire), 58-00.50 (meet record); Weight Throw - 1. Wilfredo de Jesus Elias (Albany), 62-04.50; Heptathlon - 1. Dominic Devaud (UMBC), 5,216 points; Distance Medley Relay - 1. Albany (Tyler Fogarty, Alie Beauvais, John Moore, Paul Lagno), 9:54.94; 4x400 Relay - 1. Binghamton (Christian Smith, Andy Haupt, Zach Keefer, Cazal Arnett), 3:12.16; 4x800 Relay - 1. Boston U. (Kenneth Haltom, Craig McPherson, Jeff Moreau, Balint Horvath), 7:38.68.

WOMEN
Team - 1. Albany 168.50, 2. Boston U. 162, 3. New Hampshire 107.50, 4. Maine 106, 5. UMBC 67, 6. Vermont 60, 7. Binghamton 53, 8. Stony Brook 34, 9. Hartford 21.

Individual - 55-dash - 1. Fey Adaramola (Albany), 7.10; 55-hurdles - 1. Nikko Brady (Boston U.), 8.04; 200 - Fey Adaramola (Albany), 24.18 (school record); 400 - 1. Jessica Hennig (Binghamton), 55.77; 500 - 1. Caitlin Wright (Binghamton), 1:13.62; 800 - 1. Allison Letourneau (New Hampshire), 2:11.87; 1,000 - 1. Sarah Mosser (Boston U.), 2:52.47; Mile - 1. Corey Conner (Maine), 4:49.67; 3,000 - 1. Holly Van Dalen (Stony Brook), 9:32.62; 5,000 - 1. Sara Parkinson (UMBC), 16:47.69; High Jump - 1. - Jesse Labreck (Maine), 5-08.00; Long Jump - 1. Nikko Brady (Boston U.), 19-00.00; Triple Jump - 1. Whitney Ford (Boston U.), 40-03.25; Pole Vault - 1. Celine Cauderlier (Albany), 11-6.50; Shot Put - 1. Amanda Deller (UMBC), 45-01.50; Weight Throw - 1. Ashlee Lathrop (New Hampshire), 58-08.00; Pentathlon - 1. Allsson Barwise (Boston U.), 3,571 points; Distance Medley Relay - 1. Stony Brook (Lisa Voltaire, Justine Noel, Mary Connor, Holy Van Dalen), 11:43.01, 4x400 Relay - 1. Boston U. (Laura Martin, Nikko Brady, Catherine Milledge, Jackie Dim), 3:48.98; 4x800 Relay - 1. Boston U. (Kathleen Davies, Madeline Steiner, Mariko Takahaski, Sarah Mosser), 9:10.92


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Advances to America East Volleyball Championship Match With 3-0 Win Over UMBC in Semifinals - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - America East Conference Player and Setter of the Year Brooke Stanley finished with a double-double of 30 assists and 13 digs to lead UAlbany to a 3-0 sweep of UMBC in the first semifinal match of the 2009 America East Volleyball Championship, held at University Gymnasium on Friday afternoon. The Great Danes won with match scores of 25-19, 25-17 and 25-11.

UAlbany jumped out to a quick 4-0 advantage in the first set behind Stanley's service game. After a UAlbany ball handling error gave UMBC its first point, the Great Danes got a kill from Valerie Sourbeer and consecutive kills from Teresa Coppiellie to build up a 7-1 lead. UAlbany continued to roll in the set, getting up 19-9 on a UMBC error. The Retrievers took over serve after a kill by Ali Loynachan and took advantage on back-to-back UAlbany attack errors to pull within 19-12. UMBC attempted to rally late, pulling within 23-19 before a service error gave the ball back to UAlbany. Coppiellie recorded a service ace on set point for UAlbany.

The Great Danes came out firing again the second set, building up a 5-1 lead in the early going on a block assist by Casey Wright and Kalyn Mostert. UMBC powered back to tie the mach at 7-7, getting consecutive blocks by Alyssa Lang and Iman Kennedy and a service ace from Ashley Oscars. The Retrievers took a 8-7 lead on a UAlbany attack error, but a kill by Coppiellie put the Great Danes back in control. Coppiellie served for three straight points to put UAlbany back on top, 12-9. The teams exchanged points before Stanley took over the service game, producing three points, including a kill and solo block by Sourbeer. Lang and Kennedy combined for another block to pull the Retrievers within 20-16, but a kill by White ended UMBC's attempt at a rally. Abbey Wexel came into the game to serve, getting the Great Danes set point with a service ace. Lang took an assist from Kira Giles to keep the set alive, but Coppiellie smashed a kill to end the set in UAlbany's favor.

UMBC had first serve in the final set, getting a solo block from Oscars and a combined block by Loynachan and Sarah Joy to start play. UAlbany tied the score at 2-2 on a kill by Wright and a service ace by Stanley, before a service error gave the ball back to UMBC at 3-3. Sourbeer recorded a kill on the Retrievers' serve to put the ball in Laura Livergood's hands. Livergood proceeded to serve for eight straight points, putting the Great Danes up 12-3 on a Mostert kill. Lang recorded a kill to pull the Retrievers within 15-8, but UAlbany recorded nine of the next 10 points, getting to set point at 24-9 on a UMBC attack error. Naomi Bush recorded back-to-back kills to keep the Retrievers alive, but Wright finished the match off with a kill in the middle.

Sourbeer finished with a match-high 11 kills for UAlbany, while Coppiellie added nine. The Great Danes had three players finish with double-digit digs, led by Stanley. Mostert and Gonzalez recorded 11 and 10, respectively. Loynachan led UMBC with six kills, while Giles recorded 15 assists. Lang totaled a team-high 11 digs and three block assists. Both teams finished with 10 total blocks in the match. UMBC finishes up the season with a 13-13 overall record.

UAlbany (21-8) will advance to the America East Championship match, to be held on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. The Great Danes, who will be playing for their fourth consecutive championship title, will face the winner of the second semifinal between second-seeded New Hampshire and third-seeded Binghamton.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Hosts 2009 America East Volleyball Championship on Nov. 20-21 at University Gym

Cambridge, Mass. - After completing its second straight undefeated conference season, the University at Albany is the top seed and will host the 2009 America East Conference Volleyball Championship on Nov. 20-21 at University Gymnasium on campus. It is the third time in the last four years that UAlbany will host the league's postseason tournament. The Great Danes, who have won 16 matches in a row, have captured the America East regular-season title in four of the last five seasons.

UAlbany (20-8, AE 10-0) will face fourth-seeded UMBC (13-12, AE 5-5) in the first semifinal on Friday at 12 noon. New Hampshire (13-14, AE 5-5), which won four straight league matches to end the regular season and move from fifth to second in the standings, will take on third-seeded Binghamton (13-15, AE 5-5) in the second semifinal at 3 p.m.. The semifinal winners will play for the conference championship and an automatic NCAA Tournament berth on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 1 p.m.

A four-way tie for the final three seeds in the tournament field emerged after regular-season play was completed. New Hampshire, Binghamton, UMBC and Stony Brook all finished with 5-5 conference records, and the deadlock had to be broken by going deep into the tie-breaking criteria. Three of UNH's last four wins were over Binghamton, Stony Brook and UMBC.

UAlbany will welcome the other three teams and fans to University Gymnasium for the championship. Tickets are $7 for adults, $3 for youth aged 14 and under, and $2 for America East students with proper ID. More information on the championship can also be found at the America East website, www.americaeast.com.

**********

2009 America East Conference Volleyball Tournament
(University Gymnasium, Albany, N.Y.)

Friday, Nov. 20

Semifinal Round
#1 UAlbany (20-8, AE 10-0) vs. #4 UMBC (13-12, AE 5-5), 12 p.m.
#2 New Hampshire (13-14, AE 5-5) vs. #3 Binghamton (13-15, AE 5-5), 12 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 21

Championship
Winner Semifinal #1 vs. Winner Semifinal #2, 1 p.m.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Field Hockey Falls in America East Championship Title Game to Boston U

Albany, N.Y. - Boston University's scoring duo of Kali Cardoza and Nicole van Oosterom combined for three of the Terriers' four goals in leading Boston U. to a 4-1 win over #17 UAlbany in the America East Conference Championship title game at Alumni Turf Field on Saturday afternoon. Boston U. claimed its eighth league title with the win.

The Terriers struck early with Cardoza netting the first goal of the game just 2:21 into play on an assist from van Oosterom, who dribbled down the right sideline and fired a crossing pass across the circle to connect with Cardoza. The two reversed the play in the final minute, with Cardoza hitting van Oosterom with the pass in the circle.

van Oosterom added her second tally of the game after halftime, as she dribbled into the circle, drawing UAlbany goalkeeper Kristi Troch out of the cage. A hard shot from the right side of the circle found the back of cage to give the Terriers a 3-0 advantage in the 40th minute. Boston U. wrapped up the scoring at 55:33, as Jacinda McLeod converted a penalty stroke.

UAlbany's Nicole Savage, who was named to the all-tournament team, broke the scoring drought for the Great Danes in the 66th minute, dribbling into the circle and taking a hard reverse stick shot that found the back of the cage behind Boston U. goalkeeper Amanda Smith.

The two teams were even with 11 shots apiece, while UAlbany held a 9-0 advantage in penalty corners. UAlbany's Christine Hoffman made two saves in the first half, while Troch stopped three shots for the Great Danes in the second stanza. Smith made two saves in the cage for Boston U. (10-11). UAlbany's Taylor Luke and Ashlyn Bach joined Savage on the all-tournament team.

UAlbany finishes the season with a 13-5 overall record after sharing the America East regular season title with Boston U. The Great Danes have made appearances in the past three America East Conference Championship title games.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Field Hockey Moves On To America East Championship Game With Win Over UNH - UAlbany Sports 2009

Senior forward Nicole Savage assisted on two goals to lead #17 UAlbany to a 3-0 win over New Hampshire in the first semifinal game of the America East Conference Championship at Alumni Turf Field on Friday afternoon. With the win, the Great Danes advance to the championship game for the second straight year.

After a scoreless first half, freshman all-rookie team member Inge Baijens broke the 0-0 tie for UAlbany, netting an unassisted goal just two minutes into the second stanza. Baijens dribbled in from the right side of the circle and took a hard reverse stick shot that zipped past New Hampshire goalkeeper Katherine Nagengast.

All-rookie midfielder Tegan Brown doubled the score for the Great Danes in the 53rd minute on a penalty corner, taking assists from Savage and Jess Lindsey with a hard shot from the top of the circle. UAlbany finished out the scoring at 59:35, as sophomore Christina Patrick took a pass from Savage inside the circle and found the back of the cage.

UAlbany outshot the Wildcats, 14-7 and held a slight 6-5 advantage in penalty corners. Nagengast finished with six saves for New Hampshire (12-7). Christine Hoffman made one save in the cage for the Great Danes in the first half, while Kristi Troch played the second half without having to stop a New Hampshire shot.

UAlbany (13-4) will face the winner of #2 Boston U. on Saturday at 4 p.m. The Terriers defeated Maine, 5-2, in the second semifinal on Friday.

-agate-

New Hampshire (12-7) 0 0 - 0

UAlbany (13-4) 0 3 - 3

New Hampshire: Scoring - None. Goalkeeper - Katherine Nagengast (70:00, 3 GA, 6 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring - Inge Baijens (1-0), Tegan Brown (1-0), Christina Patrick (1-0), Nicole Savage (0-2), Jess Lindsey (0-1). Goalkeepers - Christine Hoffman (35:00, 0 GA, 1 save), Kristi Troch (35:00, 0 GA, 0 saves).

UAlbany Hosts America East Conference Women's Field Hockey Championship Today & Tomorrow

Cambridge, Mass. - The University at Albany field hockey team claimed a share of the America East Conference regular-season title for the third time and the second consecutive season, earning the right to host the America East Championship for the second year in a row.

The America East Championship will be hosted by the top-seeded Great Danes at Alumni Turf Field on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7. Friday's semifinals feature UAlbany facing New Hampshire at 1 p.m., while second-seeded Boston University will take on third-seeded Maine at 4 p.m. The title game will be held on Saturday at 4 p.m.

UAlbany and Boston U. completed the conference schedule with 4-1 records, but the Great Danes earned the top seed based on head-to-head competition. UAlbany, ranked 17th in the most recent Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I National Coaches' Poll, dropped a 2-1 decision to New Hampshire in the regular-season finale on Oct. 31. The Terriers defeated Maine, 1-0, on Nov. 1 to claim the second seed.

New Hampshire and Maine finished with identical 3-2 America East records. An early season win over UNH gave the Black Bears possession of the third seed and left the four seed to the Wildcats. UNH, a winner in six of its last seven games, finishes their schedule with a non-league game against Harvard (Nov. 3) before the America East Championship.

Tickets for the America East Field Hockey Championship are $7 for adults, $3 for children 14 and under, and $2 for students with a valid America East ID.

The America East champion will host the NorPac Conference Champion on Tuesday, November 10 in an NCAA Play-In Game. Stanford and Radford are the favorites to win the NorPac crown. The field of 16 teams for the NCAA Championship will be announced that evening at 8 p.m.

Paw Prints: UAlbany dropped one spot to 17th in the Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I Coaches' Poll, as announced by the organization on Tuesday. The Great Danes have been ranked for six consecutive weeks. Nicole Savage will play in NFHCA Senior All-Star Game on Nov. 21 at Wake Forest University.


2009 America East Conference Field Hockey Championship
Albany, N.Y (Alumni Turf Field)
Friday, Nov. 6 - Semifinals
#1 UAlbany (12-4, AE 4-1) vs. #4 New Hampshire (11-6, AE 3-2), 1 p.m.
#2 Boston U. (8-11, AE 4-1) vs. #3 Maine (12-6, AE 3-2), 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7 - Championship
Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 4 p.m


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Meets Stony Brook In First Round Match of the America East Conference Championship Tonight

Fourth-year head coach Mary-Frances Monroe has led the youngest team in the league, which has only four upperclassmen and two that start, to its highest single-season win total in 21 years. The Great Danes won 10 matches as a Division III program in 1988. The team consistently plays with nine or 10 freshmen and sophomores.

The UAlbany-Stony Brook winner will advance to face defending-champion Boston University, the top seed with six tournament titles this decade, on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. In the other half of the bracket, third-seeded Maine will host sixth-seeded New Hampshire on Thursday at 2 p.m. The winner faces Binghamton, the second seed, on Sunday at 1 p.m. The championship match will be played at the site of the highest remaining seed on either Nov. 7 or 8 at a time to be determined.

UAlbany's improvement after finishing no higher than eighth in the conference standings before this season is a credit to the squad's most stellar defensive effort as a Division I program along with a balanced offensive attack. Anchored by freshman Casey Marks and sophomore Kendra Harrell-Vigil, UAbany has posted seven shutout victories, the most in more than 20 years, and surrenders only 1.22 goals per game. The program's Division I standard of allowing 2.00 goals per game was set in 2007. Sophomore Cate Crenson and freshman Breanna Maggio have registered four and three shutouts, respectively, and both rank among the league's top five goalkeepers in save percentage.

Chelsea DeVerna leads the team and all America East freshmen in scoring with six goals and three assists for 15 points. Senior forward Ashley Tirabassi broke the school record for career points, which stood unchallenged for 26 years, as well as the program standard for career goals. She enters the tournament with 19 career goals and eight assists for 46 points. Sophomore Rebecca Lee and freshman Maggie DeVerna control a midfield which has helped create the second-highest number of scoring opportunities in the conference for the strikers. The Great Danes attempt 16.72 shots per game.

Since the current six-team format began in 2003, the fifth seed has a 4-2 ledger and has won its opening-round match four times in the last five years. UAlbany has a three-game winning streak and a 5-1-1 ledger in its past seven road matches, which includes a 2-0 blanking of Stony Brook on Oct. 18.

The winner of the conference championship will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, while the other contending teams will be eligible for an at-large selection. America East recently placed two teams in the NCAA field in 2006.

2009 America East Conference Women's Soccer Championship

Thursday, Oct. 29 - First Round (at higher seeds)
No. 6 New Hampshire at No. 3 Maine, 2 p.m.
No. 5 UAlbany at No. 4 Stony Brook, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 1 - Semifinals (at higher seeds)
Maine/New Hampshire winner at No. 2 Binghamton, 1 p.m.
Stony Brook/UAlbany winner at No. 1 Boston University, 1 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 7 or Sunday, Nov. 8 (at highest seed remaining)
Championship, Semifinal winners, TBD

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women's Soccer Makes First-Ever Appearance in America East Championship - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - The University at Albany women's soccer team will be making its first-ever appearance in the America East Conference Championship as the fifth seed. UAlbany (8-9-1, AE 3-4-1) travels to Stony Brook for a first-round match on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7:00 p.m.

Fourth-year head coach Mary-Frances Monroe has led the youngest team in the league, which has only four upperclassmen and two that start, to its highest single-season win total in 21 years. The Great Danes won 10 matches as a Division III program in 1988. The team consistently plays with nine or 10 freshmen and sophomores.

The UAlbany-Stony Brook winner will advance to face defending-champion Boston University, the top seed with six tournament titles this decade, on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. In the other half of the bracket, third-seeded Maine will host sixth-seeded New Hampshire on Thursday at 2 p.m. The winner faces Binghamton, the second seed, on Sunday at 1 p.m. The championship match will be played at the site of the highest remaining seed on either Nov. 7 or 8 at a time to be determined.

UAlbany's improvement after finishing no higher than eighth in the conference standings before this season is a credit to the squad's most stellar defensive effort as a Division I program along with a balanced offensive attack. Anchored by freshman Casey Marks and sophomore Kendra Harrell-Vigil, UAbany has posted seven shutout victories, the most in more than 20 years, and surrenders only 1.22 goals per game. The program's Division I standard of allowing 2.00 goals per game was set in 2007. Sophomore Cate Crenson and freshman Breanna Maggio have registered four and three shutouts, respectively, and both rank among the league's top five goalkeepers in save percentage.

Chelsea DeVerna leads the team and all America East freshmen in scoring with six goals and three assists for 15 points. Senior forward Ashley Tirabassi broke the school record for career points, which stood unchallenged for 26 years, as well as the program standard for career goals. She enters the tournament with 19 career goals and eight assists for 46 points. Sophomore Rebecca Lee and freshman Maggie DeVerna control a midfield which has helped create the second-highest number of scoring opportunities in the conference for the strikers. The Great Danes attempt 16.72 shots per game.

Since the current six-team format began in 2003, the fifth seed has a 4-2 ledger and has won its opening-round match four times in the last five years. UAlbany has a three-game winning streak and a 5-1-1 ledger in its past seven road matches, which includes a 2-0 blanking of Stony Brook on Oct. 18.

The winner of the conference championship will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, while the other contending teams will be eligible for an at-large selection. America East recently placed two teams in the NCAA field in 2006.

2009 America East Conference Women's Soccer Championship

Thursday, Oct. 29 - First Round (at higher seeds)
No. 6 New Hampshire at No. 3 Maine, 2 p.m.
No. 5 UAlbany at No. 4 Stony Brook, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 1 - Semifinals (at higher seeds)
Maine/New Hampshire winner at No. 2 Binghamton, 1 p.m.
Stony Brook/UAlbany winner at No. 1 Boston University, 1 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 7 or Sunday, Nov. 8 (at highest seed remaining)
Championship, Semifinal winners, TBD

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

#2 UAlbany Defeats #3 Stony Brook, 8-1, in First Game of America East Baseball Tournament - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Endicott, N.Y.. – Sophomore Dave Kubiak tossed 8.0 innings, striking out a career-high eight opposing batters to lead No. 2 UAlbany to an 8-1 win over No. 3 Stony Brook on the first day of play at the America East Conference Baseball Tournament on Thursday afternoon at Pete Sylvester Field. With the win, the Great Danes advance to face the winner of the day’s second game between Binghamton and Vermont.

Stony Brook broke up the shutout in the top of the third inning, as Brian Witkowski recorded a double into right center to get on base, and came around to score on a UAlbany throwing error. Chad Marshall knocked the ball to short, but Sean Donovan misjudged the throw to first, allowing the run to score and Marshall to advance to third.

UAlbany took a 4-1 lead in the bottom half of the sixth frame, led off by a Donovan triple into deep right field. The senior shortstop crossed home on a sacrifice fly by Gary Pitcheralle. Brendan Rowland followed with a double that hugged the left field line all the way to the wall, and scored on an RBI single by Ryan Gugel. Centerfielder Dave West dropped a single into left to advance Gugel, who made it home on a double by Pete Eichner that dropped into the outfield just over Michael Tansey’s head. Marc Brown took over for Mike Errigo on the mound for Stony Brook, and induced a ground out and fly out to end the inning. West scored on Kyle Crean’s ground out to give the Great Danes a three-run advantage.

Starter Dave Kubiak made quick work of the Seawolves in the top of the seventh, inducing a fly out and striking out the next two batters. Freshman designated hitter Jim Banks led off the bottom of the frame with a double into left and came home on a fielding error by Stony Brook first baseman Rob Dyer to give the Great Danes a 5-1 lead.

UAlbany added three runs in the bottom of the eighth, as West and Tirri drew walks off Brown. Banks recorded his second RBI of the day, knocking a single through the right side to score West. Donovan, who finished with three hits, followed with double into centerfield to send both baserunners home, to increase the Great Danes’ lead to seven runs.

Closer Sean Gregory came into the game in the top of the ninth for UAlbany, and got Jeremy Nowak to hit into a double play. After loading the bases with a single and two walks, Gregory sat Witkowski down with a called strike to get the Great Danes out of the jam and seal the win.

“If we continue to play like this, we have a great chance,” said UAlbany head coach Jon Mueller, who has led the Great Danes to the postseason tournament for the third time in four seasons. “This was one of the better games we’ve played all season. If we get a good pitching performance like we did today, and erase some of the mental mistakes we made, we will be in good shape.”

UAlbany (25-29-1) will wait to find out its next opponent for Friday. The Great Danes will either face No. 1 Binghamton or No. 4 Vermont at 8 p.m. at Pete Sylvester Field.

Stony Brook (29-22) 001 000 000 - 1 7 1
UAlbany (25-29-1) 000 004 13x - 8 11 1

UAlbany: Dave Kubiak, Sean Gregory (9) and Ryan Gugel.
Stony Brook: Mike Errigo, Marc Brown (6), Jordan Purrington (8) and Pat Cantwell.

University of Albany Softball Beats Stony Brook In Semi-Final, Loses To BU In America East Championship Final - UAlbany Sports 2009

Senior pitcher Cassidi Hardy tossed a five-hitter in leading Boston University to a 7-1 victory over UAlbany in the championship final of the America East Conference Softball Tournament on Saturday, May 9 at Stony Brook’s University Field. The Terriers, who earned an automatic NCAA berth, won their first conference crown since 2003 and seventh overall.

Hardy, the championship’s most outstanding player, was in complete in control in winning her third tournament game in as many days. She struck out one and walked none in improving to 25-5 in the circle and recording her 26th complete game this spring. Boston U. (41-16) became the third consecutive team to sweep all three tourney games en route to the title. Stony Brook and UAlbany also accomplished that feat in 2008 and 2007, respectively.

The Terriers built a 5-0 lead after three innings. Brooke Hudson and Emily Roesch put together consecutive doubles in the second, before Rachel Hebert added an RBI single. Shayne Lotito and April Setterlund led off the third with back-to-back home runs. Melissa Dubay singled and later came across on Nora Militz’s sacrifice fly.

The Great Danes, who dropped a 4-3 extra-inning decision to Boston U. in Friday’s first round, got on the scoreboard in the fourth when the America East co-player of the year Meagan Butsch belted a two-out home run, her school-record 16th of the season. Boston U. added two more runs in the sixth that were aided by three errors and a wild pitch.

“We are very disappointed with the outcome,” said UAlbany coach Chris Cannata, whose program had worked its way to the championship round for the fifth consecutive year. “However, we still have a lot to be proud of. We broke the school record for victories, and 38 wins is a great season for us. Getting to the championship game is a big accomplishment.”

In the loser’s bracket final that preceded the championship in this double-elimination tournament, Gina Mason slammed a three-run homer, her eighth of the season, in the fifth inning to lift UAlbany (38-16) past defending conference champion Stony Brook, 4-1. After a two-hour weather delay, Stony Brook (36-14) took a 1-0 lead in the second when all-conference third base Kelly Oberto hit a solo blast over the right-field fence. UAlbany tied the contest in the third. Jessica Bergin led off with a double, but Seawovles’ ace Alyssa Struzenberg struck out the next two batters. Butsch followed with a run-scoring single to right field.

UAlbany starting pitcher Leah McIntosh ran into some mild trouble with two runners aboard and one out in the fourth. But McIntosh got Kendall Blumenthal to pop out to the shortstop and Jade Clare to strike out swinging. McIntosh, who recorded five strikeouts, was then lifted for reliever Marissa Powell in the top of the fifth after throwing 73 pitches.

The Great Danes broke the tie in the fifth in advancing to their fifth consecutive championship final. Bergin walked to start the inning and was sacrificed to second. After Struzenberg struck out Nicole Kothe looking, Butsch was intentionally walked. Mason then drilled a 3-1 pitch to dead center that cleared the fence by nearly 40 feet for a 4-1 lead.

UAlbany Softball Upends UMBC, Moves On To America East Semi-Final Saturday @ Noon - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Stony Brook, N.Y. – Meagan Butsch homered, doubled twice and scored three runs to lead UAlbany to a 5-1 victory over UMBC in the loser’s bracket of the America East Conference Softball Championship on Friday, May 8 at Stony Brook’s University Field. The Great Danes, who lost in extra innings to start the day, will face Stony Brook on Saturday at 12:00 p.m. in an elimination game.

UAlbany (37-15) trailed 1-0 with two outs in the third inning when Butsch slammed her school-record 15th home run of the season over the left-field fence. The Great Danes scored times in the fifth to break the tie. Butsch doubled into the right-field gap to start the uprising, before Gina Mason was hit by a pitch. Michelle Connors pushed Butsch across with a fielders’ choice ground ball. Bailey Van Deest, who had two hits, drove in another run with a ground ball to the shortshop. The throw went to the plate, but catcher Amanda Page couldn’t hang on to the ball which allowed a sliding Mason to score. Connors also came home on the same play as the ball went to the back of the fence.

The Great Danes, who set the program’s single-season standard with their 37th win, tacked on an insurance run in the sixth. Butsch, the America East co-player of the year, delivered a one-out double before moving to third on a passed ball. Connors, who totaled two hits with two RBIs, then doubled to right field.

Starting pitcher Marissa Powell upped her record to 19-10 by scattering four hits, while striking out four and walking one. Powell, who threw her 25th complete game of the season, sent UMBC hitters down in order in four of seven innings, including one-two-three in the final frame. The Retrievers finished 34-21 overall.

“We had a very disappointing loss to start the day, and we could have packed our bags up because it was very emotional,” said UAlbany coach Chris Cannata, whose team has won three previous America East championships. “However, we battled back and Marissa threw a great game. We have to continue taking it one game at a time.”

In first-round play, Nora Militz’s run-scoring double in the eighth inning led Boston University to a 4-3 come-from-behind victory over UAlbany. The Great Danes built a 3-0 lead after four innings. Mason belted her seventh home run of the season over the center-field fence in the second. After Kristine Bill doubled, Van Deest sent an RBI single through the left side. Catcher Kat Smith, who went 3-for-4 at the plate, drilled the first pitch of the fourth to left field for her third homer of the spring.

Boston U. picked up a run in the fifth after UAlbany hurler Leah McIntosh had struck out the first two batters of the inning. Rachel Hebert lined a double down the right-field line and later came across on error by the UAlbany center fielder. The Terriers, who have won six conference championships in their history, came up with another two-out rally in the sixth. Militz singled to right and Brooke Hudson followed with a two-run blast that tied the contest at three apiece.

In the seventh, shortstop Andriana Walraven led off with a double and was sacrificed to third, but the heart of the the Great Danes’ order failed to get her across. Boston U. broke through in the first extra frame when Melissa Dubay singled up the middle, took second on a sacrifice bunt, and came home on Militz’s RBI double into the left-field gap.

University of Albany Earns Third Seed for America East Conference Softball Tournament - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany was tabbed as the third seed for this week’s America East Conference Softball Championship, which will be hosted by top-seeded Stony Brook from May 7-9. The Great Danes, who have won three tournament titles and advanced to the championship game in five of the past six seasons, are making their eighth consecutive conference postseason tournament appearance.

UAlbany (36-14, AE 12-7) will take on No. 2 Boston University (38-16, AE 14-6) in the second game on Thursday, May 7 at 3:30 p.m. Top-seeded Stony Brook (35-12, AE 15-5) will face No. 4 UMBC (34-19, AE 12-8) in the first game, scheduled to start at 1:00 p.m. The winners of the first two games will face off on Friday, May 8, starting at 11 a.m., while the losers of Thursday's games will play at 1:30 p.m. in an elimination game. A second team will go home later on Friday when the winner of previous game and the loser of the day's first game meet at 4:00 p.m. The 2009 America East champion will be named on Saturday, May 9. The final two teams standing will play at 12 noon with a second game slated for 2:30 p.m., if necessary. If inclement weather occurs, the champion will be crowned on Sunday, May 10. The winner will earn an automatic berth in the 2009 NCAA Tournament.

The Great Danes have been led by junior pitcher Leah McIntosh and senior third baseman Meagan Butsch. McIntosh has hurled a national-best four perfect games this season. She holds Division I program records for career strikeouts (610) and no-hitters (6) while boasting a league-best 1.27 ERA. McIntosh is also first in strikeouts per seven innings (11.02). Butsch is hitting .379 this season and has broken the school records for home runs in a career (29) and a single season (14). She leads the conference in home runs, on-base percentage (.491) and slugging percentage (.780). Sophomore center fielder Kristine Bill is also hitting over .300, while junior pitcher Marissa Powell has won 16 of her last 19 decisions in the circle.

agate-

2009 America East Conference Softball Championship

(played at Stony Brook’s University Field)

Thursday, May 7
Game One: #1 Stony Brook (35-12, AE 15-5) vs. #4 UMBC (34-19, AE 12-8), 1 p.m.
Game Two: #2 Boston U. (38-16, AE 14-6) vs. #3 UAlbany (36-14, AE 12-7), 3:30 p.m.

Friday, May 8
Game Three: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 11 a.m.
Game Four: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 1:30 p.m.
Game Five: Loser Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 4 p.m.

Saturday, May 9
Game Six: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 12 p.m.
Game Seven: (if necessary): Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 2:30 p.m.

University of Albany Men Capture Fifth Consecutive America East Outdoor Track & Field Championship - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Vestal, N.Y. – University at Albany’s Joe Greene was a double-winner in the 400-meter dash and 400-meter hurdles to lead his team to its fifth consecutive America East Conference outdoor track & field championship on Sunday, May 3 at Binghamton University’s East Gym Track Complex. The Great Danes were comfortable winners with team total of 243.33 points.

UAlbany’s Kamilah McShine and Fey Adaramola each won two events in leading their team to its first women’s outdoor track & field championship since 2007. The Great Danes scored 176.50 points, while runner-up New Hampshire had 153. UAlbany has garnered three America East women’s outdoor titles in its history.

Greene, who suffered a hamstring injury during the 2008 indoor season and never recovered to full strength, pulled off the 400-dash and 400-hurdles double for third time in his career. An NCAA All-America selection in 2007, he was named the championship’s most outstanding track performer for the third time in his career and won the coaches’ award for accumulating the meet’s highest individual point total. He set a school and meet record of 46.49 seconds in the 400-meters and lowered another conference mark in the 400-hurdles in 49.97. Greene also anchored the 4x400-meter relay to a winning time of 3:13.20. He was joined on the relay by Andrew Overbaugh, Jeffery Barnes and Alie Beauvais.

“Last year was very frustrating for Joe and he wanted to go out on top,” said UAlbany coach Roberto Vives, whose team has an extraordinary year after winning their first-ever IC4A indoor championship in March. “He is very team-oriented, but today he established himself as one of the top hurdlers in the country.”

Middle-distance runner John Moore was also a key figure as the Great Danes surged from their second-place standing after the first day of competition. Moore won the 800-meter run in an IC4A-qualifying time of 1:51.25 and was second in the 1,500-meter in 3:51.56. He also ran the final leg on the winning 4x800-meter relay that finished in 7:32.37. Nick Santos, Ricardo Estremera and Joe Belokopitsky competed on the first three legs.

“John Moore did a great job on the relay with a 1:49 split to hold off the other teams,” Vives offered. “The seniors have never tasted defeat in indoors or outdoors (at conference meet) and they talked about going out that way.”

Jean Juste successfully defended his 110-meter hurdles crown by setting a conference record with a time of 14.40 seconds. A defensive back on the UAlbany football team, Juste was one of nine individual men’s champions. Freddie Wills came from behind on the second day to win the decathlon with 6,250 points. Wills was a winner in 110-hurdles and long jump in the 10-evert competition. Michael McCadney took first in the triple jump for the second consecutive year with a leap of 49-feet, 8.25-inches.

In the women’s championship, McShine won the conference title in the 100-meter hurdles for third year in a row as she was clocked in 13.90 seconds. She completed the hurdles double for the first time in her career when she was the first to hit the tap in the 400 event. McShine posted a time of 59.74 that automatically qualified her for the NCAA East Regional.

Adaramola, who ran the second-fastest qualifying time in the preliminaries, bettered that mark to win the 100-meter dash final in 11.96. She later came back to take the 200-meters in an ECAC-qualifying time of 24.27. Adaramola, a Central Florida transfer, and McShine were both members of the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams that each finished second.

Ritshell Verdier set a school record in the hammer throw to win the conference championship for the second time in her career. Verdier broke her own standard by more than two feet with a toss of 159-feet, 9-inches. She was also third in the shot put with a mark 42-0. Jenn Gurrant, who also competed on both second-place relay squads, was the runner-up in the triple jump. Gurrant shattered the UAlbany record with a leap of 42-0.75. Vives and his assistants were named America East Conference Women’s Coaching Staff of the Year.

-agate-

America East Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships

(Binghamton University’s East Gym Track Complex)

Men’s Team Standings

1. UAlbany 243.33, 2. New Hampshire 159.50, 3. Binghamton 119.33, 4. UMBC 118.50, 5. Boston U. 81, 6. Vermont 57, 7. Maine 44.33, 8. Stony Brook 16, 9. Hartford 15.

University of Albany Women Win First America East Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championship Since 2007 - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Vestal, N.Y. – University at Albany’s Kamilah McShine and Fey Adaramola each won two events in leading their team to its first America East Conference women’s outdoor track & field championship since 2007 on Sunday, May 3. The Great Danes had 176.50 points, while runner-up New Hampshire scored 153 at Binghamton University’s East Gym Track Complex. UAlbany has garnered three America East women’s outdoor titles in its history.

UAlbany’s Joe Greene was a double-winner in the 400-meter dash and 400-meter hurdles to lead his team to its fifth consecutive men’s outdoor track & field championship. The Great Danes were comfortable winners with team total of 243.33 points.

McShine won the conference title in the 100-meter hurdles for third year in a row as she was clocked in 13.90 seconds. She completed the hurdles double for the first time in her career when she was the first to hit the tap in the 400 event. McShine posted a time of 59.74 that automatically qualified her for the NCAA East Regional.

Adaramola, who ran the second-fastest qualifying time in the preliminaries, bettered that mark to win the 100-meter dash final in 11.96. She later came back to take the 200-meters in an ECAC-qualifying time of 24.27. Adaramola, a Central Florida transfer, and McShine were both members of the 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams that each finished second.

“This has been a magical year for our program,” explained Vives, whose men’s and women’s program also captured outdoor titles in the same year in 2006 and 2007. “The missing piece has been the women winning the conference. Kamilah was composed and confident and Fey was our secret weapon, a real competitor.”

Ritshell Verdier set a school record in the hammer throw to win the conference championship for the second time in her career. Verdier broke her own standard by more than two feet with a toss of 159-feet, 9-inches. She was also third in the shot put with a mark 42-0. Jenn Gurrant, who also competed on both second-place relay squads, was the runner-up in the triple jump. Gurrant shattered the UAlbany record with a leap of 42-0.75. Vives and his assistants were named America East Conference Women’s Coaching Staff of the Year.

In the men’s championship, Greene, who suffered a hamstring injury during the 2008 indoor season and never recovered to full strength, pulled off the 400-dash and 400-hurdles double for third time in his career. An NCAA All-America selection in 2007, he was named the championship’s most outstanding track performer for the third time in his career and won the coaches’ award for accumulating the meet’s highest individual point total. He set a school and meet record of 46.49 seconds in the 400-meters and lowered another conference mark in the 400-hurdles in 49.97. Greene also anchored the 4x400-meter relay to a winning time of 3:13.20. He was joined on the relay by Andrew Overbaugh, Jeffery Barnes and Alie Beauvais.

“Last year was very frustrating for Joe and he wanted to go out on top,” UAlbany coach Roberto Vives said. “He is very team-oriented, but today he established himself as one of the top hurdlers in the country.”

Middle-distance runner John Moore was also a key figure as the Great Danes surged from their second-place standing after the first day of competition. Moore won the 800-meter run in an IC4A-qualifying time of 1:51.25 and was second in the 1,500-meter in 3:51.56. He also ran the final leg on the winning 4x800-meter relay that finished in 7:32.37. Nick Santos, Ricardo Estremera and Joe Belokopitsky competed on the first three legs.

Jean Juste successfully defended his 110-meter hurdles crown by setting a conference record with a time of 14.40 seconds. A defensive back on the UAlbany football team, Juste was one of nine individual men’s champions. Freddie Wills came from behind on the second day to win the decathlon with 6,250 points. Wills was a winner in 110-hurdles and long jump in the 10-evert competition. Michael McCadney took first in the triple jump for the second consecutive year with a leap of 49-feet, 8.25-inches.

**********

America East Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships

(Binghamton University’s East Gym Track Complex)

Women’s Team Standings

1. UAlbany 176.50, 2. New Hampshire 153, 3. Boston U. 140.50, 4. Maine 111, 5. Binghamton 80, 6. Vermont 69, 7. Stony Brook 50, 8. Hartford 39, 9. UMBC 34.

University of Albany's Valete Graham Wins Second Consecutive America East Conference Men's Long Jump Title - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Vestal, N.Y. – University at Albany’s Valete Graham won the long jump with a school-record leap and Ricardo Estremera was first in the 3,000-meter steeplechase to highlight their team’s performances on the first day of competition at the America East Conference Track & Field Championships. The two-day event is being held at Binghamton University’s East Gym Track Complex.

Graham captured the long jump title for the second straight year and met the NCAA East Regional qualifying standard with a mark of 24-feet, 9.25 inches. He broke Felipe Reyes’ previous school standard of 24-6.25. UAlbany’s Fred Casimo (23-7.50) and Michael McCadney (23-10.25) finished second and third, respectively.

Estremera, who did not compete last year, captured his second conference steeplechase crown in the last three years. He set a facility record with a time of 8:59.45. Freddie Wills, who also sat out the 2008 outdoor season, is in second place after the first five events in the decathlon. Wills scored 3,393 points and won the long jump competition. UMBC’s Dominic Devaud has a 17-point lead going into the second day. Defending conference pole vault champion Luke Schoen did not compete due to a leg injury.

In preliminary races, defending America East champion Jean Juste advanced to Sunday’s 110-meter hurdles final by sprinting 14.57 seconds, the best time of the day. Joe Greene turned in the second-fastest time in the 400-meter dash (48.22) in working his way to the championship race. Alie Beauvais and Greene went one-two in qualifying for the 400-meter intermediate hurdles. Beauvais and Greene were clocked in 52.09 and 53.34, respectively.

UAlbany Meets Stony Brook in AEast Conference Men's Lacrosse Semifinal On Long Island Tonight

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – UAlbany has earned the third seed for this week’s America East Conference Men’s Lacrosse Championship. The Great Danes are making their eighth consecutive conference postseason tournament appearance.

UAlbany (7-6, AE 3-2) travels to second-seed Stony Brook (8-5, AE 4-1) in one of two semifinal contests tonight at 7:00 p.m. The Seawolves, who shared the conference’s regular-season crown, edged UAlbany, 13-12. The championship is scheduled for Saturday, May 2 at the highest remaining seed’s home facility.

UMBC (12-3, AE 4-1) shared the regular-season title with Stony Brook, but received the top seed by winning the head-to-head matchup on March 28. The Retrievers, who are ranked No. 11 in both the current USILA and Nike/Inside Lacrosse national polls, won last year’s championship. Binghamton (3-11, AE 2-3) captured the fourth seed with an 11-9 victory over Hartford in the final game of the season.

Tickets for the UAlbany-Stony Brook semifinal contest can be purchased through the Stony Brook ticket office. Prices are $8 for adults, $5 for youth and $2 for students of America East institutions with proper ID. Tickets can be purchased in person at the box office, online or by calling 631-632-WOLF. Box office hours are weekdays 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The Great Danes are facing Stony Brook in the America East semifinal round for the fourth consecutive year. Brian Caufield leads the Great Danes in scoring with 24 goals and 22 assists. The all-conference attacker has scored 45-plus points for the second year in a row. Joe Resetarits is the third-highest scoring freshman in the nation with 31 goals and nine assists, while senior attacker Corey Small is among the school’s career leaders with 105 goals. Long-stick midfielder Chris Schongar is first on the squad in ground balls (48).

*********

2009 America East Conference Men’s Lacrosse Championship

Wednesday, April 29 – Semifinal Round
No. 4 Binghamton (3-11, AE 2-3) @ No. 1 UMBC (12-3, AE 4-1), 7:30 p.m.
No. 3 Albany (7-6, AE 3-2) @ No. 2 Stony Brook (8-5, AE 4-1), 7:00 p.m.


Saturday, May 2
Championship, TBD+
+played at highest remaining seed’s home facility

University of Albany's Corrin Conroy Takes Individual Title and Leads Golf to America East Championship - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Loudonville, N.Y. – Sophomore Corrin Conroy eagled the par-5 17th hole and finished with a 1-over score of 73 on the second day of play to claim the individual medalist title and lead UAlbany to the 2009 America East Conference Women’s Golf Championship. It is the Great Danes’ third team title and second consecutive.

Conroy had a two-day total of 155 to take the individual title, defeating second-place Ana Johnson of Boston University by four strokes. Conroy broke her own school record with a low score of 73 over 18 holes, after setting the mark at 75 at Rutgers in the fall.

“I just wanted my team to win, so I wanted to do whatever it took to get us there,” said Conroy, who is now one of five players in program history to record an eagle. “It feels good to win, but it’s great to have the team get a second America East Championship under our belts.”

Freshman Stephanie Klein and junior Jessica Signorelli tied for third place individually with a two-day score of 161. Freshman Annemarie Kissane, who led the field after the first day of play, shot an 84 on day two of competition to finish tied for sixth overall with a score of 163. Junior Amanda McPhee rounded out the UAlbany golfers with a ninth-place finish and a score of 169.

“Winning the America East title was our spring goal, and we reached that today,” said UAlbany head coach Richard “Doc” Sauers, who earned his second straight America East Conference Coach of the Year award. “I was very impressed with Corrin’s play today, she exceeded my expectations.”

-agate-

Team Standings: 1. UAlbany, 320-318—638; 2. Boston U., 333-331—664; 3. Hartford, 336-335—671.

UAlbany Standings: 1. Corrin Conroy, 82-73—155; t3. Stephanie Klein, 79-82—161; t3. Jessica Signorelli, 80-81—161; t6. Annemarie Kissane, 79-84—163; t9. Amanda McPhee, 87-82—169.

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

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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