University of Albany's Cate Crenson Garners America East Women's Soccer All-Academic Team Laurels - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Cate Crenson was named to the America East Conference All-Academic Women's Soccer Team, as announced on Wednesday, Nov. 4 by the league office. The sophomore goalkeeper helped lead the Great Danes to their highest single-season win total since 1988 and first-ever berth in the America East postseason tournament.

Crenson, a pre-medicine major with a 3.78 cumulative grade point average, was a member of the America East Conference Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll and UAlbany Athletic Director's Honor Roll last year. She posted a 1.48 goals against average, an .807 save percentage and four shutout victories this season after finishing with a 2.72 goals against average and a .692 save percentage with no shutouts as a freshman. Crenson, who blanked three America East opponents this fall, also broke a Division I program record when she made eight saves to register her fourth career clean sheet in a 2-0 win at Stony Brook on Oct. 18.

To be nominated for the distinction, student-athletes must be a starter or important reserve for their team and participate in at least 50 percent of their team's games or competitions. In the classroom, student-athletes must have a 3.30 GPA and have completed at least one calendar year at their institution.

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

Five University of Albany Women's Soccer Players and Coaching Staff Earn All-America East Conference Honors - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany had a program-best five players who were voted to the 2009 America East All-Conference Women's Soccer Teams, as announced on Wednesday, Oct. 28 by the league office. Head coach Mary-Frances Monroe and assistants Kristin Shaw and Geneva Sills were named the America East co-coaching staff of the year. Freshman forward Chelsea DeVerna was recognized as the conference's rookie of the year.

In addition to Chelsea DeVerna, freshman midfielder Maggie DeVerna, sophomore midfielder Rebecca Lee, freshman defender Casey Marks and senior forward Ashley Tirabassi were each named to the all-conference second team. The group are the first Great Danes to earn the all-league honors since Sara Rickard was selected in 2003. Marks and the DeVerna twins were also named to the America East All-Rookie Team.

Monroe and her staff have led the conference's youngest team, which features two veteran starters, to its highest single-season win total since 1988 and first-ever berth in the America East postseason tournament. The Great Danes, who consistently play nine or 10 freshmen and sophomores, won three America East matches for the first time. The squad has also posted seven shutout victories, the most in more than 20 years.

Chelsea DeVerna is the second Great Dane in three seasons to be named the league's rookie of the year. She leads the team and all America East freshmen in scoring with six goals and three assists for 15 points. Her first career tally was the golden goal in a 1-0 double-overtime victory at Massachusetts, and she also scored the game winner in a 1-0 road triumph at New Hampshire. The freshman was named the league's rookie of the week on Sept. 14 after recording two goals and two assists in three matches.

Maggie DeVerna started the season as a forward, but moved back to control a midfield which has helped the Great Danes attempt 16.72 shots per game. She scored the team's first goal of the season against Pacific, one of the top teams in the Big West Conference, and added an assist versus Temple.

Lee is being recognized by the conference for the second straight season after garnering all-rookie team honors as a freshman. Along with Maggie DeVerna, she is also a leader on a midfield which helped create the second-highest number of scoring opportunities in the conference for the strikers. Lee netted a goal against Temple and set up both UAlbany tallies in a 2-0 victory over Stony Brook.

Marks has anchored a back line which allowed just 1.22 goals per game this season and blanked seven opponents, including three America East teams. The mark betters the Division I standard of allowing 2.00 goals per game in 2007. She also added offensive punch for the Great Danes, most notably setting up Chelsea DeVerna's game-winning goal in double overtime against the Minutewomen.

Tirabassi, who has six goals and one assist this fall, broke the school record for career points, a standard that had stood unchallenged for 26 years, in a 1-0 victory over Niagara. She was named the America East player of the week for a second time season after setting the program mark for career goals in a 1-0 win over UMBC. The senior co-captain currently has upped her career totals to 19 goals and eight assists for 46 points.

UAlbany (8-9-1) will make its first-ever appearance in the America East Conference Women's Soccer Championship as the fifth seed. In a first-round match, UAlbany will visit Stony Brook on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m.

2009 America East Women's Soccer All-Conference Teams

First Team: Mandi Casares, Binghamton; Casey Brown, Boston U.; Shauna Kelleher, Boston U.; Jessica Luschinski, Boston U.; Farrell McClernon, Boston U.; Emily Pallotta, Boston U.; Janie Reilly, Boston U.; Becky Flowers, Hartford; Anjelica Hodgson, Maine; Laura Martel, Maine; Alex Teti, Stony Brook.

Second Team: Chelsea DeVerna, UAlbany; Maggie DeVerna, UAlbany; Rebecca Lee, UAlbany; Casey Marks, UAlbany; Ashley Tirabassi, UAlbany; Mara Osher, Boston U.; Christina Di Ielsi, Maine; Shaunna Kaplan, New Hampshire; Monique Lamotte, New Hampshire; Kelly Mooney, New Hampshire; Marisa Viola, Stony Brook.

All-Rookie Team: Chelsea DeVerna, UAlbany; Maggie DeVerna, UAlbany; Casey Marks, UAlbany; Jamie Holliday, Binghamton; Emily Pape, Binghamton; Megan McGoldrick, Boston U.; Caitlin Alves, Hartford; Meagan Price-Leibenzeder, Maine; Monique Lamotte, New Hampshire; Sa'sha Kershaw, Stony Brook; Tara Schoenbeck, Stony Brook; Jessica Herbst, Vermont.

Striker of the Year: Laura Martel, Maine.

Midfielder of the Year: Emily Pallotta, Boston U.

Defender of the Year: Casey Brown, Boston U.

Goalkeeper of the Year: Janie Reilly, Boston U.

Rookie of the Year: Chelsea DeVerna, UAlbany

Co-Coaching Staff of the Year: Mary-Frances Monroe, UAlbany; Nancy Feldman, Boston U

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

University of Albany's Ashley Tirabassi Garners Second America East Women's Soccer Player of the Week Award - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Ashley Tirabassi was named the America East Conference Women's Soccer Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday, Oct. 19. The senior co-captain is being honored with the award for the second time this season.

Tirabassi set the program standard for career goals to help the Great Danes win two straight America East matches for the first time since joining the league in 2001. Her game-winning goal in a 1-0 win over UMBC was her 17th career marker, breaking the record of 16 set by Anna Courtney in 1982 and matched by Sara Rickard in 2004. Tirabassi also added the insurance goal in UAlbany's 2-0 win at Stony Brook, which knocked the Seawolves out of first place.

The forward, the program's all-time scorer with 18 career goals and eight assists for 44 points, has helped UAlbany (8-7-1, AE 3-2-1) post its highest single-season win total in 21 years. The Great Danes won 10 matches as a Division III program in 1988. After winning five conference matches in eight years, she has also led the squad to three America East victories for the first time ever. In addition, UAlbany has never finished higher than eighth in the league standings and is in a position to make its first-ever America East postseason appearance.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Klepper & Tirabassi Score to Lead Women's Soccer to Win at A-East Leader Stony Brook - UAlbany Sports 2009

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Chrissy Klepper and Ashley Tirabassi netted first-half goals and Cate Crenson made eight saves to lead UAlbany to a 2-0 victory over Stony Brook in America East Conference women's soccer action on Sunday, Oct. 18 at LaValle Stadium. With the victory, the Great Danes knocked the Seawolves out of first place and finished the day tied for fourth in the league standings with two matches left.

UAlbany (8-7-1, AE 3-2-1), which has recorded its highest single-season win total since posting 10 victories in 1988, took advantage of a free kick to net the first goal in the 26th minute. Rebecca Lee crossed the ball over to Chrissy Klepper, and the sophomore fired a shot past Marisa Viola, the conference's goalkeeper of the year last season, to the center of the net from 15 yards out.

Ashley Tirabassi, who broke the program record for career goals in Thursday's 1-0 win over UMBC, doubled the Great Dane lead in the 40th minute when she dribbled to the center of the 18-yard box and unleashed a shot which landed in the lower right corner of the goal. Lee was credited with her second assist of the match on the play. Cate Crenson, who entered today's action leading the league in save percentage, came through with five saves in the opening 45 minutes to keep the Great Danes ahead by two goals at the break.

Stony Brook (6-8-2, AE 5-1-1), which had taken over first place last Thursday by snapping Boston University's 21-game unbeaten streak against America East opponents, could not find its rhythm in the second half to trim the deficit. Anchored by Kendra Harrell-Vigil and Casey Marks, the Great Dane defense did not allow the Seawolves to attempt a shot until the 60th minute. Crenson came up with three more key stops, and the visitors held on for the win.

UAlbany's Crenson turned away eight of the 16 shots she faced to record her fourth career shutout, a mark which has been unmatched by any Great Dane goalkeeper in the program's Division I era. Stony Brook's Viola made four saves on 14 opportunities as the hosts had their six-game unbeaten streak snapped.

The Great Danes will be in a position to clinch their first-ever bid to the six-team America East Tournament on Thursday, Oct. 22 when they host Hartford at 3 p.m.

UAlbany (8-7-1, AE 3-2-1) 2 0 - 2
Stony Brook (6-8-2, AE 5-1-1) 0 0 - 0

UAlbany: Scoring - Chrissy Klepper (1-0), Ashley Tirabassi (1-0), Rebecca Lee (0-2). Goalkeeping - Cate Crenson (90:00, 0 GA, 8 saves).

Stony Brook: Scoring - None. Goalkeeping - Marisa Viola (90:00, 2 GA, 4 saves).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Chelsea DeVerna Leads Women's Soccer Past New Hampshire for First America East Win - UAlbany Sports 2009

Durham, N.H. - Freshman Chelsea DeVerna netted her team-leading fifth goal of the season at the midway point of the second half to lead UAlbany to a 1-0 victory over New Hampshire in an America East Conference women's soccer match on Thursday, Oct. 8 at Lewis Fields. With the win, the Great Danes vaulted into a fourth-place tie with Maine in the league standings.

UAlbany (6-6-1, AE 1-1-1), which surpassed its highest single-season win total as a Division I program with the shutout, broke the scoreless deadlock in the 64th minute. After stealing the ball away from a New Hampshire player, Jaclyn Rosada came down the sideline and sent a cross over to Chrissy Klepper. The midfielder headed it to Chelsea DeVerna, who blasted a shot past Wildcat goalkeeper Ally Yost from 10 yards away.

New Hampshire (2-10-1, AE 1-3-0), which has made a conference-best eight consecutive appearances in the America East Tournament, seized control and made numerous attempts to net the equalizer after being outshot by a 7-2 margin in the first half. However, goalkeeper Cate Crenson came up with all the key saves she needed to make to help the Great Danes post their second straight victory against the Wildcats.

UAlbany's Crenson finished the match with six saves on 10 chances, including five stops after the goal was scored, to post her second clean sheet of the season. The sophomore and Breanna Maggio have combined to post a league-best five shutout victories before the midway point of conference play. New Hampshire's Yost turned away two of the 11 shots she faced and took the loss.

The Great Danes return to Varsity Field to host Boston University on Sunday, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m. on Homecoming Weekend.

UAlbany (6-6-1, AE 1-1-1) 0 1 - 1
New Hampshire (2-10-1, AE 1-3-0) 0 0 - 0

UAlbany: Scoring - Chelsea DeVerna (1-0), Chrissy Klepper (0-1), Jaclyn Rosada (0-1). Goalkeeping - Cate Crenson (90:00, 0 GA, 6 saves).

New Hampshire: Scoring - None. Goalkeeping - Ally Yost (90:00, 1 GA, 2 saves).

Courtesy: UA Sports News

University of Albany Women's Soccer Plays Vermont to 1-1 Double-Overtime Tie in America East Opener - UAlbany Sports 2009

Burlington, Vt. - Freshman Chelsea DeVerna scored her fourth goal of the season as the UAlbany women's soccer team played Vermont to a 1-1 double-overtime tie in the America East Conference opener for both schools on Sunday, Sept. 27 at Centennial Field. The Great Danes, who held a one-goal lead at halftime, entered the match with more victories than any other America East team before settling for their first draw of the season.

UAlbany (5-5-1, AE 0-0-1), which has already matched its highest single-season win total as a Division I program, had a golden opportunity to score in the 15th minute when Chelsea DeVerna broke through the defense and only had goalkeeper Eliza Bradley to beat. However, the senior netminder charged to the top of the box and blocked the shot. Moments later, Maggie DeVerna's attempt to put the Great Danes on the board following an indirect kick by Nicole Berard from just outside the box went wide right of the goal.

Chelsea DeVerna, who was named UAlbany's player of the game, broke through for the first goal of the match in the 29th minute when she took a pass from Ashley Tirabassi, dribbled around a defender and fired a shot to the top left corner of the post. Vermont came alive after the goal and had multiple close calls to net the equalizer before the break, including a corner kick which was punched out of the box by goalkeeper Breanna Maggio. However, the defense led by Kendra Harrell-Vigil, Katie Grant, Jaclyn Rosada and Marks held its ground, and UAlbany took its one-goal lead into the recess.

The Great Danes, which had not allowed a goal in six straight halves, controlled play in the beginning of the second stanza. Chelsea DeVerna almost doubled the lead in the 66th minute, but Bradley made a diving stop.

Vermont (0-7-2, AE 0-0-1) knotted up the score in the 76th minute when it was awarded its second corner kick of the match. Maggio reached up to make the initial save on a high shot taken by Heidi Hassler, but Carson Laderoute potted in the rebound for the first goal scored against the freshman goalkeeper and UAlbany in over 320 minutes of action. The Catamounts almost took their first lead a minute later. However, Harrell-Vigil slid in and cleared the ball out towards the sideline before the opposing forward could take a shot.

UAlbany had a chance of its own to regain the lead when it earned one of its seven corner kicks after Bradley made another key save on a shot taken by Tirabassi. Rebecca Lee's cross inside the six-yard box was greeted by a mob of players from both teams. The ball took a Great Dane bounce to the net, but a Catamount defender cleared it just before it crossed the goal line. Nothing was decided through the end of regulation, and the teams headed to overtime.

Chelsea DeVerna had the best chance for either team to net the golden goal in the waning minutes of the second extra session. Her open look after beating a defender that missed forced a corner kick. The Catamounts then came back the other way after successfully clearing Lee's cross with one last chance to post the come-from-behind win. Jessica Becker took a pass from midfield and had an open field to work with, but she tripped on her own when trying to get off a shot. The final whistle sounded moments later.

UAlbany outshot Vermont, 13-9, which included a commanding 10-3 advantage in shots on goal. Maggio made two saves on nine opportunities in net for the Great Danes. Vermont's Bradley stopped nine of the 13 shots she faced.

The Great Danes return to Varsity Field for their America East home opener against Binghamton on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 3 p.m.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Tirabassi Earns UAlbany's First-Ever A-East Women's Soccer Player of the Week Honor - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - Senior Ashley Tirabassi was named the America East Conference Women's Soccer Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday, Sept. 21. The forward becomes the first player in program history to earn the honor.

Tirabassi broke the school's all-time scoring record, which stood for 26 years, when she netted the lone goal in the Great Danes' 1-0 victory over Niagara on Friday, Sept. 18. The senior now has 39 points in her career, which eclipsed the previous standard of 37 set in 1983 by Dee Marfé. The tally was also her 16th career goal, which tied the all-time school record set in 1982 by Anna Courtney and matched in 2004 by Sara Rickard.

The co-captain is among the America East scoring leaders with three goals and six points. She has helped UAlbany already equal its highest win total as a Division I program entering conference play. The team also won five matches in 2006 and 2007.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Chrissy Klepper's First Career Goal Sends Women's Soccer Past Colgate - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Sophomore midfielder Chrissy Klepper scored her first career goal and freshman goalkeeper Breanna Maggio registered her third shutout of the season to lead the UAlbany women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Colgate on Sunday, Sept. 20 at Varsity Field. The Great Danes, who have not surrendered a goal in five straight halves, closed out non-conference play by registering their fourth shutout victory of the season.

UAlbany (5-5) used its speed in the middle and up front to dominate the first half against a bigger and taller Colgate squad. Maggie DeVerna and Chelsea DeVerna each had open looks that went just high of the goal in the early going for the Great Danes, which had a commanding 11-5 advantage in total shots over the first 45 minutes of action.

After failing to capitalize on its initial opportunities, UAlbany got on the scoreboard in the 13th minute when a defender lobbed the ball into the box for Maggie DeVerna to finish. Raider goalkeeper Ashley Walsh came out of the net to intercept the cross, but she collided with the forward, and the ball fell to open space. Klepper, who was named the team's player of the game, got to the ball first and shot it to the back of the empty net to give UAlbany a 1-0 lead.

Maggie DeVerna had a golden opportunity to double the lead in the 21st minute when she took a pass down the left sideline from Kendra Harrell-Vigil and went in all alone on Walsh. However, the goalkeeper came charging out and made the point-blank save to keep it a one-goal match.

Colgate (2-5-2), which has won 10 Patriot League titles in its storied history, threatened to tie the match up before recess several times, but UAlbany's young defense consisting of Katie Grant, Casey Marks, Katie Norwood, Jaclyn Rosada and Harrell-Vigil either blocked the shots or stole the ball away from inside the box. Most of the shots on Maggio in the opening stanza came from outside of 25 yards.

UAlbany, which has already matched its highest win total in the program's Division I era, kept the pressure on early and often at the start of the second half while clinging to a one-goal advantage. However, the squad could not extend its lead with many of their shots sailing either high or wide. After failing to penetrate the defense for most of the match, Colgate turned it on for the latter part of the closing frame. The Raiders created better opportunities to score, but everything was cleared away by the defense or saved by Maggio.

Colgate earned one of its three corner kicks in the closing minutes with one last chance to net the equalizer. However, the ball was cleared up the field and away from trouble. The visitors made one last push in the final 20 seconds, but UAlbany's defense once again came through by forcing a Raider forward to kick the ball out of bounds. Grant took her time to throw the ball in from the left sideline in the final seconds, and the Great Danes survived to post their second straight one-goal win.

UAlbany's Maggio made six saves on 15 opportunities to post her third shutout this season, a mark which has been unmatched by any other Great Dane goalkeeper on the NCAA's highest stage. Colgate's Walsh made four stops on 24 chances and was credited with the loss. She was relieved by Rebecca Michlin late in the second half, who did not face any shots.

The Great Danes return to action on Sunday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. when they travel to Vermont for their America East Conference opener.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Ashley Tirabassi's Milestone Goal Propels Women's Soccer Over Niagara, 1-0 - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Senior co-captain Ashley Tirabassi scored her third goal of the season and broke the program's all-time record for career points in leading UAlbany to a 1-0 victory over Niagara in non-conference women's soccer action on Friday, Sept. 18 at Varsity Field. Tirabassi also matched the school's all-time record for career goals on the play, while freshman goalkeeper Breanna Maggio earned her second shutout of the year.

UAlbany (4-5), which already has more wins through nine matches than all of last season, was able to break through for the only goal it needed in the 13th minute. Nicole Berard sent a ball down the middle, and Tirabassi broke through the defense with only the goalkeeper to beat. She received the ball at the top of the box before sending a rocket to the back of the net. The senior now has 39 points, which eclipsed the previous program standard of 37 points set by Dee Marfé in 1983. Her 16th career goal on the play also matched the all-time mark which was set by Anna Courtney in 1982 and matched by Sara Rickard in 2004.

Niagara (3-4-1) had a few chances to get on the scoreboard before halftime, but most of their shot attempts proved to be harmless. Chiara Greco took a direct kick from just outside of the box after Adrianna Gallo was taken down by a Great Dane defender, but she tried to rush the shot before UAlbany could set up a wall and sent the ball wide right. Jennifer Kimoto's bid to redirect a long shot taken from 40 yards away was saved by Maggio, and the teams went to recess with UAlbany holding on to a one-goal lead.

The Great Danes kept the pressure on in the second half offensively, while the defense consisting of Katie Grant, Kendra Harrell-Vigil, Casey Marks and Jaclyn Rosada did not allow the Purple Eagles to take a shot on goal from inside the box in the final 45 minutes. Niagara's Brittany Benthin took a pass from Jamie Raepple and had an open look at the goal from the top of the box in the opening minutes, but her shot attempt was blocked by Harrell-Vigil, who was named the team's player of the game, and cleared away.

Despina Psomopoulos almost doubled the Great Dane lead when she charged in from the right side of the box and blasted a high shot towards the top left of the post, but goalkeeper Ashleigh Bowers reached up and made the save.

Maggie DeVerna had two golden opportunities to put the match out of reach in the final six minutes. After one open look at the goal went just wide, she took a pass from Chrissy Klepper and only had Bowers to beat. However, the goalkeeper came charging up and stuffed the shot from point-blank range. The Great Danes kept the ball in the Purple Eagles' third of the field and held on for the one-goal win.

UAlbany's Maggio made four saves on 10 opportunities in the winning effort. Niagara's Bowers registered nine stops on 22 chances and was credited with the loss.

The Great Danes conclude their three-game homestand and non-conference play when Colgate visits Varsity Field on Sunday, Sept. 20 at 1 p.m.

Niagara (3-4-1) 0 0 - 0
UAlbany (4-5) 1 0 - 1

Niagara: Scoring - None. Goalkeeping - Ashleigh Bowers (90:00, 1 GA, 9 saves).
UAlbany: Scoring - Ashley Tirabassi (1-0), Nicole Berard (0-1). Goalkeeping - Breanna Maggio (90:00, 0 GA, 4 saves).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Chelsea DeVerna Garners America East Women's Soccer Rookie of the Week Honors - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Chelsea DeVerna has been named the America East Conference Rookie of the Week in women's soccer, as announced today by the conference office on Monday, Sept. 14. The freshman forward becomes the second Great Dane to earn the honor this season after goalkeeper Breanna Maggio was chosen last week.

DeVerna, the 2008 Suffolk County Player of the Year at the high school level, went on a tear offensively in three road matches. She finished with two goals and two assists for six points and factored into both of the game-winning goals in the Great Danes' first-ever victories over Atlantic 10 Conference opponents.

DeVerna first scored the golden goal in the 104th minute by evading several defenders in her path in leading UAlbany to a 1-0 win over Massachusetts in double overtime. She followed that performance by notching the assist on the game-winning goal in the squad's 2-1 come-from-behind victory against La Salle on Sept. 11. The freshman closed out the week with a three-point effort in Sunday's narrow 4-3 double-overtime loss to Temple. She made her way through a pile of Owl defenders to net the team's first goal, and had the helper on the squad's third goal which gave the Great Danes a 3-2 lead at the time before the Owls rallied from behind. The forward has been involved in five of the Great Danes' nine goals this season.

DeVerna, who leads the Great Danes in scoring through three weeks of action, is currently tied for third in goals scored (2), tied for first in assists (3) and tied for third in points (7) among the America East leaders. In addition, she is one of only two players in the league to have a hand in more than one game-winning goal.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Women's Soccer Outlasted By Temple in 4-3, Double-Overtime Thriller in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, Pa. - Morgyn Seigfried's first career goal in the 107th minute led Temple to a 4-3 double-overtime victory over UAlbany in a wild and tension-filled non-conference women's soccer match on Sunday, Sept. 13 at the Ambler Sports Complex. Six goals were scored in the second half alone, and six cards were handed out between the teams over the course of four periods of action.

UAlbany (3-4), which won two road matches against Atlantic 10 opponents earlier this week, had the first opportunity to score in the 10th minute when Ashley Tirabassi's shot on net was saved by goalkeeper Gillian Kacsuta. Meanwhile, UAlbany's backline consisting of Katie Grant, Kendra Harrell-Vigil, Casey Marks and Jaclyn Rosada only allowed the Owls to take three total shots and one on net, which was saved by Crenson, in the first 45 minutes. Chelsea DeVerna made an attempt to put the Great Danes on the scoreboard in the 36th minute, but Temple's freshman goalkeeper stuffed that shot as well to keep the teams locked in a scoreless tie at the break.

Temple (4-1-1) came out firing to start the second half. Nikki Conn took consecutive shots in the opening minute before Meredith Crowell took another which went wide. Following a scoring attempt on a corner kick failed for the Great Danes, Conn came back the other way with her fifth goal of the season in the 52nd minute when she took a pass from Allicia Yurkovic and unleashed a shot from 15 yards out which found its way to the top right of the net.

UAlbany quickly shook off the score by netting two goals in a span of just 1:32. Chelsea DeVerna made her way through a forest of Owl defenders and slipped the ball past Kacsuta to knot the score at 1-1 in the 63rd minute. Nicole Berard was credited with her second helper of the season on the play. Shortly after the ensuing kick, Maggie DeVerna had the ball in the corner and passed it out to Jaclyn Rosada. The senior defender then let it fly from 30 yards out to net her first goal of the season and seventh of her career.

With three goals already in the books in the stanza, the match continued to be unpredictable as both teams exchanged a pair of scores before the 70-minute mark. Temple tied up the match for the second time in the 67th minute when Stephanie Ferretti potted the rebound of Nicky Petrillo's shot which was initially saved by Crenson. Rebecca Lee then put the Great Danes ahead again in the 69th minute when she sent a laser over the keeper's head from 25 yards away. Chelsea DeVerna, who ranks second among America East freshmen in scoring, was credited with her third assist of the season on the play.

Tempers continued to flare between the teams after the Great Danes regained their one-goal lead. With UAlbany down to 10 players after a second yellow was issued to a forward, Conn headed in her second goal of the afternoon to tie the match up following a free kick taken by Meredith Crowell in the 76th minute. Both teams failed to capitalize before the end of regulation, and the match went to overtime.

After a relatively quiet first extra period in which only one shot was attempted, the Great Danes had the first opportunity to score in the second extra session when Berard headed a shot which was saved by Kacsuta. After failing to score on their first two chances of the frame, Seigfried knocked in the game winner for the Owls off a corner kick taken by Ferretti in the 107th minute to hand the Great Danes their fourth one-goal loss of the season.

UAlbany's Crenson made seven saves on 23 opportunities. Temple's Kacsuta turned away five of the 11 shots she faced to earn the victory.

UAlbany returns home for a three-game homestand beginning on Wednesday, Sept. 16 when crosstown-rival Siena visits Varsity Field at 4 p.m.

University of Albany Women's Soccer Rallies Past La Salle in Final Minutes For Second Straight Win - UAlbany Sports 2009

Philadelphia, Pa. - Ashley Tirabassi and Katie Grant netted goals just 39 seconds apart late in regulation in leading the UAlbany women's soccer team to a 2-1 come-from-behind victory over La Salle on Friday evening at McCarthy Stadium. Goalkeeper Cate Crenson made 10 saves in the team's second straight road win over an Atlantic 10 Conference opponent.

UAlbany (3-3), which had never beaten a team from the Atlantic 10 Conference before this week, controlled play from the opening whistle. The Great Danes had their first golden opportunity to score in the eighth minute when Maggie DeVerna sent a hard shot past goalkeeper Gabby Pakhitigian. However, an Explorer defender cleared the ball away before it crossed the goal line to keep things scoreless.

Chelsea DeVerna and Chrissy Klepper each fired shots on goal which were saved by Pakhitigian in the following four minutes before the momentum shifted to the home team. After Crenson made eight straight stops, La Salle almost got on the scoreboard in the waning seconds. However, Erin Brennan's header hit the crossbar and the teams headed to recess tied at 0-0.

La Salle (4-2-1), which set program records earlier this season for winning its first four matches and blanking four straight opponents, was able to break through with a goal in the 59th minute when Brennan took a cross from Becky McGuigan and poked the ball past Crenson to put her team ahead by a goal.

UAlbany, which played 14 freshmen and sophomores in the match, rallied late in the second half with two goals in a span of 39 seconds. Tirabassi put the Great Danes on the scoreboard when she took a pass from Kendra Harrell-Vigil on a free kick from midfield and blasted the ball past Pakhitigian. Tirabassi matched the all-time program record for career points on the play, while Harrell-Vigil notched her first career assist.

Before the Explorers could blink, the Great Danes pushed across the game-winning goal. Maggie DeVerna passed the ball downfield to Chelsea DeVerna, her identical twin sister, who then sent it into the box. Through a scramble of players from both sides, Grant won the ball and shot it to the back of the net for the game winner. After Grant's attempt to double the lead hit the crossbar three minutes later, Crenson saved one more shot with 47 seconds left to preserve the win.

UAlbany's Crenson earned her second win in as many starts by turning away 10 of the 14 shots she faced. La Salle's Pakhitigian saved three of the seven shots she saw.

UAlbany will look for its third straight victory on the road against an Atlantic 10 opponent when it visits Temple on Sunday, Sept. 13 at 1 p.m.

UAlbany (3-3) 0 2 - 2
La Salle (4-2-1) 0 1 - 1

UAlbany: Scoring - Ashley Tirabassi (1-0), Katie Grant (1-0), Kendra Harrell-Vigil (0-1), Chelsea DeVerna (0-1). Goalkeeping - Cate Crenson (90:00, 1 GA, 10 saves).

La Salle: Scoring - Erin Brennan (1-0), Becky McGuigan (0-1). Goalkeeping - Gabby Pakhitigian (90:00, 2 GA, 3 saves).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Chelsea DeVerna's Golden Goal Lifts Women's Soccer Over UMass, 1-0, in Double Overtime - UAlbany Sports 2009

Amherst, Mass. - Freshman Chelsea DeVerna's first career goal in the 104th minute led the UAlbany women's soccer team to a thrilling 1-0 double overtime victory over Massachusetts on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at Rudd Field. Freshman goalkeeper Breanna Maggio made four saves to earn the shutout in the Great Danes' first-ever win over an Atlantic 10 Conference opponent.

After the teams combined for only two shots on goal in the first half, UMass (0-4), which has made six College Cup appearances in its storied history, had its best scoring opportunity in the 56th minute. Therese Smith, who netted both goals for the Minutewomen in their 2-1 victory over the Great Danes last year, fired a shot past Maggio which was headed for the right post. However, UAlbany's Katie Grant cleared the ball when it was on the goal line to keep the match scoreless. Maggio also made a key save in the 77th minute on a header taken by Lindsey DiOrio.

UAlbany (2-3), which has blanked two of its past three opponents and has allowed only one goal in over 303 minutes of action, almost got on the scoreboard just before time expired in the 88th minute. Maggie DeVerna had a one-on-one opportunity against goalkeeper Emily Cota, but the freshman who was named to the Atlantic 10 preseason all-rookie team was able to turn away the shot. Casey Marks' attempt at her first career goal off the ensuing corner kick sailed high, and the teams headed to overtime.

The Minutewomen controlled play for most of the first overtime. The squad had a corner kick opportunity as well as two quality shots which went wide and high. The Great Danes had a corner kick opportunity in the final minute, but the shot attempt by Chelsea DeVerna in the waning seconds was blocked by a UMass defender to force another extra session.

UAlbany's momentum carried over into the second overtime. Chelsea DeVerna, the 2008 Suffolk County Player of the Year, took consecutive shots in the opening minutes which were saved by Cota. However, the freshman was able to capitalize on her third opportunity of the frame by evading several defenders and beating Cota with a shot to the right post for the golden goal.

Maggio, who was named the America East Conference Rookie of the Week yesterday, saved four of the 16 shots she faced to earn her first career win. UMass goalkeeper Lauren Luckey got the start and made one stop on five chances in the first half. She was relieved by Cota in the second half, who made seven saves on 16 chances and was credited with the loss.

UAlbany will continue its three-game road trip against a trio of Atlantic 10 opponents when it visits La Salle on Friday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m.

UAlbany (2-3) 0 0 0 1 - 1
Massachusetts (0-4) 0 0 0 0 - 0

UAlbany: Scoring - Chelsea DeVerna (1-0). Goalkeeping: Breanna Maggio (103:20, 0 GA, 4 saves).

Massachusetts: Scoring - None. Goalkeeping: Lauren Luckey (45:00, 0 GA, 1 save), Emily Cota (58:20, 1 GA, 7 saves).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Breanna Maggio Named America East Conference Women's Soccer Rookie of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - UAlbany freshman goalkeeper Breanna Maggio has been named the America East Conference Rookie of the Week in women's soccer, as announced by the league office on Tuesday, Sept. 8. It is the first time this season that a Great Dane is being recognized by the conference.

Maggio earned her first career start at Varsity Field and second overall in Sunday's 1-0 loss to Lehigh. The freshman made 10 saves, including several from point-blank range, before surrendering the lone goal of the contest on a breakaway in the 89th minute. After making a diving save on an open shot aimed at the far post in the fourth minute, she made her biggest stop midway through the first half when a Lehigh forward came down the field on a one-on-one breakaway. The unprotected Maggio charged out towards the top of the box and stuffed the shot to rob the Mountain Hawk forward of a goal.

In the 85th minute, the freshman came through with another big save to keep UAlbany in the match. A Lehigh forward broke through the defense and had a good look at the goal from the left side, but Maggio came running out again to disrupt the play. The forward dribbled around her and had a wide open look at the net, but the young goalkeeper retreated back just in time to stop the shot, leaping backwards, to force a corner kick.

Through two weeks of play, Maggio's .846 save percentage and 1.33 goals against average rank first among America East freshman goalkeepers. In addition, both marks rank among the top seven overall in the league.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Baratta and Tirabassi's Goals Lift Women's Soccer Over Iona in Home Opener - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Makenzie Baratta scored her first career goal at the end of the first half and Ashley Tirabassi headed in an insurance tally in the second stanza to lead the UAlbany women's soccer team to a convincing 2-0 victory over Iona in its home opener at Varsity Field on Friday, Sept. 4. The Great Danes held a commanding 30-15 advantage in total shots, including 15-8 on net, while goalkeeper Cate Crenson recorded her first career shutout.

UAlbany (1-2), which had nine or 10 freshmen and sophomores on the field at the same time for the entire match, dominated from the opening whistle by taking seven of the first nine shots. The squad had its first major opportunity score when Kendra Harrell-Vigil's indirect kick in the 29th minute from about 40 yards away found Maggie DeVerna in the box. However, DeVerna's open look at the net was saved by Iona goalkeeper Kelly Mahoney to keep the match scoreless.

After misfiring on their first 12 attempts, the Great Danes were able to break through with a goal in the 40th minute. Despina Psomopoulos, the 2009 Queens Player of the Year, sent a pass from midfield down the right sideline in front of Baratta. The sophomore caught up to the ball before it went out of bounds and let it fly from the sideline about 25 yards away, dropping it in the far left corner of the net. Psomopoulos, who entered the match just eight minutes before the tally, was credited with the helper on the play to gave the Great Danes a 1-0 lead which they carried into the break.

UAlbany kept the pressure on early and often in the second half by peppering Mahoney with seven straight shots in the first 15 minutes. DeVerna almost netted her second goal in as many games in the first minute of action when she had a one-on-one opportunity at the top of the box, but Mahoney charged up from the goal line and stuffed DeVerna's attempt. Mahoney came up big again for the Gaels when a shot taken by Chrissy Klepper was almost directed into the goal by a defender. The sophomore punched the ball over the net just in time to force one of the Great Danes' four corner kick attempts.

Iona (1-3), which earned its lone victory on the road at Stony Brook, had two big chances to net the equalizer within a five-minute span midway through the stanza. Abby Dixon, who was awarded a direct kick after a teammate was tripped up just outside of the box, was able to get her shot past a wall of Great Dane defenders. However, Crenson reached up to make the save before the ball could make its way to the top center of the net. The Gaels had another golden opportunity to get on the scoreboard when Lauren Matchel unloaded a laser headed towards the right corner of the net. However, Crenson was there once again to make the stop, and freshman defender Casey Marks, who was named the team's player of the game, cleared the ball away from inside the six-yard line before a Gael could capitalize on the rebound.

UAlbany added an insurance goal in the 83rd minute after a forward was taken down just outside the left corner of the box. Nicole Berard centered the indirect kick towards a scrum of players from both teams, and Tirabassi headed the ball in to double the Great Dane lead. Berard was credited with her first career assist and point on the play, while Tirabassi inched closer to each of the program's all-time scoring records. The senior captain now needs just three goals, three assists and three points to break the school standard in each category. The Gaels' last shot attempt by Stephanie Sommers went wide, and the Great Danes held on to win their home opener for the second consecutive season.

UAlbany's Crenson, who was the winning goalkeeper in last season's home-opening win, made eight saves on 15 chances to earn her first victory of the season. She has held opponents scoreless in four of the five halves she has played in this fall. Iona's Mahoney turned away 13 of the 30 shots she faced in the losing effort.

The Great Danes return to action on Sunday, Sept. 6 when they host Lehigh at 2 p.m.

Iona (1-3) 0 0 - 0
UAlbany (1-2) 1 1 - 2

Iona: Scoring - None. Goalkeeping - Kelly Mahoney (90:00, 2 GA, 13 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring - Makenzie Baratta (1-0), Ashley Tirabassi (1-0), Despina Psomopoulos (0-1), Nicole Berard (0-1). Goalkeeping - Cate Crenson (90:00, 0 GA, 8 saves).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Women's Soccer Edged By Sacramento State, 1-0, in Season Opener

Sacramento, Calif. - Junior Leah Larot's first marker of the season in the 29th minute of action led Sacramento State to a 1-0 victory over the UAlbany women's soccer team at Hornet Soccer Field on Friday, Aug. 28. The Great Danes held a commanding 16-9 advantage in shot attempts in their season opener, but Hornet goalkeeper Savannah Abercrombie turned away everything and got some help from her defense to earn her first shutout of the season and ninth of her career.

UAlbany (0-1) threatened to go ahead early when Maggie DeVerna, one of five freshmen starting for the Great Danes, took a cross and fired a shot to the far post that got past Abercrombie and appeared to be heading for the back of the net just 44 seconds after kick-off. However, Hornet defender Christina Trenton dove in front of the ball just in time and was credited with a team save to keep the match scoreless. Sacramento State (1-0-1), which opened its season with a 1-1 tie against rival UC-Davis earlier in the week, had a chance to get on the scoreboard in the ninth minute of action, but Ashley Forbes' shot attempt hit off the crossbar and was successfully cleared.

Following several more missed opportunities for both sides, the Hornets were able to break through with the only goal they needed in the 29th minute. Elece McBride made a cross from the right side towards the far post which was deflected by UAlbany freshman goalkeeper Breanna Maggio right to the foot of Larot, who slid the ball in the net to give the Hornets a 1-0 lead. UAlbany's Ashley Tirabassi made an attempt to tie the match up in the 32nd minute of play, but her shot hit the crossbar and the teams went to the recess with the Hornets still holding on to a one-goal lead.

UAlbany continued pounding Abercrombie with shots in the second half and had several chances to force overtime through the waning minutes of play. The team's best attempt in the stanza came in the 86th minute. Tirabassi sent a laser from 10 yards out on the right side, but Abercrombie punched away the ball into a group of defenders, and it was cleared out before any of the Great Danes up front had a chance to score the equalizer on the open net.

UAlbany's Maggio, who made her collegiate debut in goal for the Great Danes, turned away one of the five shots she faced in the first half and was credited with the loss. She was relieved by Cate Crenson in the second half, who stopped two Hornet shots on four chances. Abercrombie of Sacramento State recorded six saves on 16 opportunities and was credited with the win.

The Great Danes conclude their West Coast trip to begin the 2009 season when they visit Pacific University of the Big West Conference on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 3 p.m. ET.

UAlbany (0-1) 0 0 - 0
Sacramento State (1-0-1) 1 0 - 1

UAlbany: Scoring - None. Goalkeeping - Breanna Maggio (45:00, 1 GA, 1 save), Cate Crenson (45:00, 0 GA, 2 saves).

Sacramento State: Scoring - Leah Larot (1-0), Elece McBride (0-1). Goalkeeping - Savannah Abercrombie (90:00, 0 GA, 6 saves).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Announces 2009 Women's Soccer Schedule; Great Danes Head for California - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Friday, May 15 the school’s women’s soccer schedule for 2009. The Great Danes will play an 18-match schedule, which includes non-conference dates against five opponents which finished with a winning record last season.

UAlbany’s 10-game non-conference slate begins with a trip to California for a pair of matches against winning programs. The Great Danes kick things off at Sacramento State on Friday, Aug. 28 and conclude the West Coast swing at Pacific on Sunday, Aug. 30.

The Great Danes will return to the Capital Region for two dates at Varsity Field. UAlbany will host Iona in its home opener on Friday, Sept. 4 at 4 p.m. Two days later, the squad will look to avenge a narrow loss on a last-minute goal to Lehigh when the Mountain Hawks visit Varsity Field at 1 p.m.

UAlbany will continue its schedule with three consecutive road dates against Atlantic 10 Conference foes. The squad will visit Massachusetts on Wednesday, Sept. 9 before heading to Philadelphia to face La Salle on Friday, Sept. 11 and Temple on Sunday, Sept. 13. The four-match road trip ends against crosstown-rival Siena on Wednesday, Sept. 16.

The Great Danes’ non-conference portion of the schedule concludes with home matches against Niagara and Colgate. The Purple Eagles come to town on Friday, Sept. 18 and the Patriots make the trek on Sunday, Sept. 20.

UAlbany begins America East Conference play on the road against Vermont on Sunday, Sept. 27. The Great Danes also have road matches against New Hampshire, UMBC and Stony Brook. The squad’s conference home opener at Varsity Field will be on Thursday, Oct. 1 against Binghamton at 3 p.m. UAlbany will also welcome Boston University, the two-time reigning conference tournament champion, as well as Hartford and Maine.

Head coach Mary-Frances Monroe enters her fourth season. After posting a Division I program-record five victories in 2006 and 2007, the Great Danes stayed in contention for their first bid to the six-team league tournament until the final weekend of the regular season last year.

In addition to bringing in the program’s largest recruiting class of 11 members under Monroe, the squad is slated to return eight of its 11 starters and nearly all of its scoring production. Teresa Boring, the 2007 America East rookie of the year, as well as Rebecca Lee and Kendra Harrell-Vigil, a pair of 2008 conference all-rookie team selections, are among the returnees.

**********

2009 University at Albany Women’s Soccer Schedule

August – 28 (Fri.), at Sacramento State, 8:00; 30 (Sun.), at Pacific, 3:00.

September – 4 (Fri.), Iona, 4:00; 6 (Sun.), Lehigh, 1:00; 9 (Wed.), at Massachusetts, 4:30; 11 (Fri.), at La Salle, 7:00; 13 (Sun.), at Temple, 1:00; 16 (Wed.), at Siena, 4:00; 18 (Fri.), Niagara, 4:00; 20 (Sun.), Colgate, 1:00; 27 (Sun.), at Vermont*, 3:00.

October – 1 (Thu.), Binghamton*, 3:00; 8 (Thu.), at New Hampshire*, 3:00; 11 (Sun.), Boston University*, 1:00; 15 (Thu.), at UMBC*, 3:00; 18 (Sun.), at Stony Brook*, 2:00; 22 (Thu.), Harford*, 3:00; 25 (Sun.), Maine*, 12:00.



*America East Conference Opponent

UAlbany Women's Soccer Announces 2009 Spring Schedule

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – The UAlbany women’s soccer team has announced its 2009 spring schedule. Head coach Mary-Frances Monroe and the Great Danes will compete in three tournaments and conclude the short season with a scrimmage on the road.

UAlbany’s non-traditional schedule begins on Saturday, March 28 when the Great Danes travel for a tournament hosted by Hofstra. UAlbany will play matches against Long Island, Iona and St. Peter’s. The Great Danes will then embark on a trip to play in a 7-on-7 tournament hosted by Central Connecticut State on Saturday, April 4.

Two weeks later, UAlbany will welcome Cornell, Syracuse, Colgate and Saint Rose to Varsity Field for a tournament on Saturday, April 18. The round-robin event will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The spring season will conclude on Saturday, March 25 with a scrimmage at Marist.

UAlbany Women’s Soccer 2009 Spring Schedule

March – 28 (Sat.), vs. Long Island^, 11:40; vs. Iona^, 1:30; vs. St. Peter’s^, 6:05.

April – 4 (Sat.), Central Connecticut State 7-on-7 Tournament#, TBA; 18 (Sat.), Cornell+, 9:00 a.m.; Syracuse+, 10:30 a.m.; Saint Rose+, 1:00; Colgate+, 3:15; 25 (Sat.), at Marist, 2:00.

^Hofstra Tournament (Hempstead, N.Y.)

#Central Connecticut State 7-on-7 Tournament (New Britain, Conn.)

+UAlbany Tournament (Varsity Field)