UAlbany Men's Basketball Enjoys Successful Tour of Barbados in the Caribbean

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

St. James, Barbados – The University at Albany men’s basketball team recently completed a four-day foreign tour to Barbados, an island in the Caribbean located 270 miles northeast of Venezuela on the South American continent. The Great Danes played three games, posting victories over the Lumber Company Lakers, Barbados League All-Stars and Tridents.

“This was great cultural and athletic experience and opportunity for these young men to bond with each other on and off the court,” UAlbany head coach Will Brown said. “We tried several combinations on the basketball floor. We played to learn with each member of the team gaining valuable and meaningful minutes.”

Redshirt freshman Tim Ambrose, who averaged 13.0 points on the tour, scored a game-high 16 in his team’s 82-45 win over the Lumber Company Lakers. Jerel Hastings, a junior college transfer from Dallas, Texas, added 14 points. Ambrose and Brian Lillis, the 2007 America East Conference defensive player of the year, had 14 and 13 points, respectively, in a 63-43 decision against the League All-Stars. Freshman Al Turley, a 6-foot-7 forward/center from Houston, Texas, netted a team-high 16 points to wrap the trip with an 84-60 triumph against the Tridents.

Although all-conference forward Brent Wilson, sharpshooter Jon Iati and sophomore Reid Anderson did not participate in the games, the trio and the rest of their teammates enjoyed swimming, diving, beach activities, and a couple of island tours during their stay in the Caribbean.

In 2006-07, UAlbany reached the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season as the America East Conference champion. The Great Danes posted back-to-back 20-win campaigns for the first time since 1990 with a 23-10 record.

UAlbany Women's Soccer Ties Manhattan 1-1

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Riverdale, N.Y. – Diana Barrera sparked the University at Albany women’s soccer team with a late goal off the bench to tie Manhattan 1-1 in non-conference action on Wednesday afternoon at Gaelic Park. Sophomore goalkeeper Maria Liguori stopped a penalty shot in the second overtime for the Great Danes to preserve the tie.

Manhattan (0-2-1) got on the board with 14:07 remaining in the first half when Courtney McMahon one-timed a feed from Christine Reina to beat Liguori. Both teams would press offensively for the rest of the half, but the Jaspers would take the 1-0 edge to the break.

UAlbany (0-2-1) would earn the equalizer in the 72nd minute when Barrera tallied on a shot that deflected off of Manhattan’s goalie, Alicia DeFino. Ashley Tirabassi notched her first assist of the season on the goal.

Liguori finished with eight saves for the Great Danes, including three in overtime, while DeFino made four stops in goal for the Jaspers.

Freshman forward Teresa Boring led UAlbany with four shots. McMahon took seven shots for Manhattan.

The Great Danes will play on Friday at New Jersey Institute of Technology at 7:00 p.m.

UAlbany: Scoring- Diana Barrera (1-0), Ashley Tirabassi (0-1); Goalkeeping- Maria Liguori (110:00 minutes, 1 GA, 8 save).

Manhattan: Scoring- Courtney McMahon (1-0), Christine Reina (0-1); Goalkeeping- Alicia DeFino (110:00 minutes, 1 GA, 4 saves).

UAlbany's Ashley Crenshaw Named America East Conference Volleyball Player of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany’s Ashley Crenshaw was named the America East Conference Player of the Week, as announced today by the conference office.

Crenshaw, a senior outside hitter, averaged 4.38 kills and 1.05 blocks through the first 21 games of the season. Both of those stats put her in the conference's top seven. The senior also leads the league with a .431 hitting percentage. Her opening weekend was highlighted by a career-best 28-kill performance against Northern Arizona. Against the Lumberjacks, Crenshaw also tied a career-high with six digs and recorded six total blocks. Crenshaw’s is averaging 5.31 points per game, second-best in America East. She recorded four straight double-digit kill matches, tallying 17 against UC Davis, 17 versus West Virginia and 14 in a 3-1 win over Buffalo.

Crenshaw, a native of Birmingham, Ala., was named to the all-conference first-team last season after finishing second on UAlbany’s squad with 3.02 kills and 0.88 blocks per game.

Football's Mark Sheehan Selected Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Somerset, N.J. – University at Albany’s Mark Sheehan has been selected as Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Week in football, as announced on Tuesday, Sept. 4 by the conference office.

Sheehan, a senior defensive end from Waterford, N.Y., was a key figure in UAlbany’s sparking defensive effort in last Saturday’s 13-11 loss at Colgate in the season opener. Sheehan made a career-high nine tackles, including six unassisted. He also had three quarterback sacks, tying the second-highest total by a UAlbany defender at the Division I FCS level. The Great Danes limited Colgate to 183 total yards, including 70 through the air. UAlbany’s defense has held its opponent under the 200-mark in total offense in four of its last five games.

Sheehan, who graduated from Catholic Central High School but played football at Bishop Maginn, was a consensus all-area selection as a senior. He recorded 22 tackles and was second on the UAlbany team in sacks (4.5) last season.

Rashad Barksdale Makes Kansas City's NFL Roster, Andre Coleman on San Diego Practice Squad

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Former University at Albany cornerback Rashad Barksdale has been claimed off waivers by the National Football League’s Kansas City Chiefs and has joined the team’s 53-man roster for this Sunday’s NFL opener against the Houston Texans. Defensive end Andre Coleman has been signed to the San Diego Chargers’ practice squad.

Barksdale, who was drafted last spring by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round, was released on Saturday. The Chiefs then picked him up the following day where his positioned at left cornerback on the defensive unit. Coleman signed as a free agent with the Chargers following the draft. He went through training camp, then was released two days ago, and now has been assigned to the team’s eight-man practice squad.

“It feels good and there is a sense of relief to make the Chiefs’ 53-man roster,” said Barksdale, who can become the first UAlbany player to see action in an NFL regular-season game. “I now have a chance to officially prove myself. This is an opportunity that I will take full advantage of, without a doubt.”

Barksdale joined the UAlbany program as a walk-on in August 2006 after playing on the Great Danes’ baseball squad. He immediately worked his way into the starting cornerback position after not competing in football since high school. A native of Hudson, N.Y., Barksdale accounted for 37 tackles, three interceptions and three pass break-ups, and played a major role in the program’s upset wins over Lehigh and Delaware.

Coleman, a 6-foot-3, 274-pound defensive end from Buffalo, N.Y., was named to The Sports Network and Football Gazette Mid-Major All-America first-team units. He was chosen first-team All-Northeast Conference for the second straight year as a senior, when he totaled 42 tackles, 13.0 hits for a loss and 6.0 sacks. He spearheaded a defense that ranked fourth nationally among Division I FCS teams in points allowed (13.0 ppg) and total defense (240.8 ypg).

UAlbany Volleyball Defeats Buffalo, 3-1, at Western New York Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Buffalo, N.Y. – Junior middle blocker Kamisha Kellam recorded a match-high 21 kills to lead the UAlbany volleyball team to a 3-1 victory over Buffalo on the second day of the Western New York Invitational, held at Buffalo’s Alumni Arena. The Bulls took the first game, 30-27, before the Great Danes swept the next three with scores of 30-23, 30-20 and 30-10.

Kellam, who finished with a .778 hitting percentage en route to being named to the All-Tournament team, led a group of four players who finished with double-digit kills for UAlbany. Freshman outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey recorded 18 kills and completed her second double-double with 10 digs. Cowdrey also tallied four service aces and three block assists. Senior middle blocker Ashley Crenshaw added 14 kills and a match-high six total blocks while sophomore outside hitter Valerie Sourbeer notched 12 kills. Freshman libero Tawny Dahmes led the Great Danes defensively with 14 digs. Brooke Stanley and Samantha Jacobson split the setting duties, recording 30 and 28 assists, respectively.

Marisa Hornbaker was the only player for Buffalo to reach double-digit kills with 11. Kristein Bignell and Maria Mezzadri added eight apiece, while Lizaiha Garcia paced the Bulls defensively with 20 digs. Lindsey Schlegel finished with 33 assists for Buffalo (1-7).

UAlbany (2-3) will visit Syracuse on Monday at 3 p.m.

UAlbany (2-3) def. Buffalo (1-7), 3-1 (27-30, 30-23, 30-20, 30-10)

UALBANY MEN’S SOCCER FALLS TO VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH 4-0

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Richmond, Va. – Pat Viray scored two goals and added one assist to lead Virginia Commonwealth to 4-0 victory over the University at Albany in men’s soccer action on Sunday afternoon in the final match of the Nike/Alltel Classic at Virginia Commonwealth's Sports Backers Stadium.

The Rams got on the board in the 20th minute on a penalty kick by Gerson Dos Santos. VCU tacked on another goal just before the intermission with a tally from 15 yards out into the left corner of the goal by Owusu Sekyere off a feed through the middle by Pat Viray.

VCU added two insurance goals by Viray in the 84th and 85th minutes. Viray scored into the left-hand corner on a breakaway down the right side to make it 3-0. Twenty-five seconds later he scored off a feed from Alan Delahunty and Carlos Herdy to make it 4-0.

UAlbany was outshot by the Rams 20-8 on the afternoon. The Rams and Great Danes each took two corner kicks.

Ceus registered four saves in 90 minutes of action, while Andrew Dykstra recorded just one save for VCU (2-0).

UAlbany (1-1) will return to action on Friday, Sept. 7, against Cornell at 5 p.m. in the opening match of Colgate University’s Raiders Adidas Fall Classic in Hamilton, N.Y.

UAlbany 0 0 - 0
Virginia Commonwealth 2 2 - 4

UAlbany: Scoring – None. Goalkeeping – Steward Ceus (90:00, 4 GA, 4 saves).
Virginia Commonwealth: Scoring – Pat Viray (2-1), Gerson Dos Santos (1-0), Owusu Sekyere (1-0), Alan Delahunty (0-1), Carlos Herdy (0-1). Goalkeeping – Andrew Dykstra (90:00, 0 GA, 1 save).

UAlbany Field Hockey Drops 4-1 Decision to #14 Louisville

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Louisville, Ky. – Tuli Lim scored the gamewinner, an unassisted shot from the middle of the circle, at the 33:30 mark to lead No. 14 Louisville to a 4-1 win over UAlbany in non-conference field hockey action on Sunday afternoon.

Julie Barton scored the first goal of the game for the Cardinals, converting a pass from Nicole Youman and slipping it past UAlbany goalkeeper Ashley Ross at 30:37. Louisville’s Allison Maffitt increased the lead to 3-0 just three minutes into the second half on a pass from Janelle Avila in the center of the circle. Missy Briery completed the Cardinals’ scoring at 53:15 with an unassisted shot off a rebound.

Freshman Chelsea Neff scored her first collegiate goal at the 60:37 mark, taking a pass from Michelle Simpson from the right side of the goal and firing past Louisville goalkeeper Marie-Claire Heller.

Ross finished with 11 saves in the cage for UAlbany. Heller made two stops for Louisville (2-2).

UAlbany will return to action on Friday, Sept. 7, hosting Temple in the 2007 home opener, starting at 3:30 p.m.

UAlbany (2-2) 0 1 - 1

Louisville (2-2) 2 2 - 4

UAlbany: Scoring – Chelsea Neff (1-0), Michelle Simpson (0-1). Goalkeeper – Ashley Ross (70:00, 4 GA, 11 saves).

Louisville: Scoring – Julie Barton (1-0), Tuli Lim (1-0), Allison Maffitt (1-0), Missy Briery (1-0), Nicole Youman (0-1), Janelle Avila (0-1). Goalkeeper – Marie-Claire Heller (70:00, 1 GA, 2 saves).

Holy Cross Tops UAlbany in Women's Soccer Action, 3-0

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Sarah Gouveia tallied the gamewinner for Holy Cross in the sixth minute of play to lead the Crusaders to a 3-0 victory over the University at Albany on Sunday afternoon in women’s soccer action. The Great Danes held a large advantage in shots, out-shooting the Crusaders 27-7, but were unable to finish their opportunities.

Holy Cross (1-0) took a 1-0 lead courtesy of Gouveia’s chip from 25 yards out that beat UAlbany goalkeeper Maria Liguori. The Crusaders would tally again in the 18th minute of play when Lauren Wright stripped a Great Dane defender in the box and tucked away the shot for a 2-0 lead going into the intermission.

UAlbany (0-2) would dominate the statistics categories over the course of the second half, but it was the Crusaders who found the back of the net again with one second remaining in regulation on a Casey Boland feed that found the head of Caitlin Belanger for a score.

The Great Danes held a 9-2 edge in corner kicks and Teresa Boring led the team with six shots.

Jessica Stone got the win in goal for Holy Cross, making seven saves in 45 minutes of play. Mary Ferketic recorded three saves in the second half for the Crusaders. Liguori made one save for UAlbany.

The Great Danes will take the road for their next contest, a non-conference match with Manhattan on Wednesday, Sept. 5 at 4 p.m.

UAlbany: Scoring – None.; Goalkeeping – Maria Liguori (90:00 minutes, 3 GA, 1 save).

Holy Cross: Scoring – Sarah Gouveia (1-0), Lauren Wright (1-0), Caitlin Belanger (1-0), Casey Boland (0-1); Goalkeeping – Jessica Stone (45:00 minutes, 0 GA, 7 saves), Mary Ferketic (45:00 minutes, 0 GA, 3 saves).

UAlbany Edged By Colgate, 13-11, in Football Season Opener at Andy Kerr Stadium

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Hamilton, N.Y. – Tailback Jordan Scott rushed 44 times for 180 yards and one touchdown and Mike Buck kicked the go-ahead field goal in the third quarter in leading Colgate to a 13-11 non-conference victory over UAlbany in the season opener for both teams on Saturday, Sept. 1 at Andy Kerr Stadium.

The Raiders, who snapped a three-game skid in season lid-lifters, reversed an 11-10 halftime deficit when Buck nailed a 19-yard field goal with 11:15 remaining in the third quarter. The scoring play was set up when a low punt snap was covered by UAlbany’s Chris Lynch at his own 15-yard line.

Both teams had scoring opportunities in the final two periods, but could not convert in this expected defensive struggle. UAlbany quarterback Vinny Esposito, who threw for 154 yards and rushed for 39 more in his first collegiate start, moved his team into field goal position twice. But Jason Fralicker missed right from 23 yards in the third period and misfired from 41 yards in the fourth.

With their backs against the goal line and 4:27 to play, the Raiders put together a game-clinching, non-scoring drive of 77 yards. Reserve quarterback Alex Relph found Pat Simonds down the sideline for 33 yards in a third-and-13 situation to keep the march alive. Scott, a first-team All-Patriot League running back who ran for 121 of his total in the second half, then went to work. His key run came when he kept his balance on a first-down run to the UAlbany 28 that helped run out the clock.

In a first half where the special teams were involved in all of the scoring, Colgate jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the opening five minutes. Cody Williams broke out of a pack and broke down the left sideline 87 yards with the kickoff. Scott scored on a 4-yard run over the right side on his team’s first offensive play. UAlbany’s Lynch shanked a punt that led to Buck’s 37-yard field goal with 11:44 left in the first quarter.

“We spotted them 10 points before the national anthem was over,” said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team edged Lehigh, 17-16, in last year’s opener. “We had some breakdowns on special teams and had a couple of opportunities to take control of the game on offense.”

The Great Danes rebounded in that first half when a snap went through Colgate punter Jacob Stein’s hands that resulted in a safety. UAlbany used the subsequent free kick to march deep into Raider territory. Fralicker booted a 37-yard field goal to slice the deficit to 10-5. The senior placekicker added field goals of 41 and 45 yards in the second quarter to put his team ahead. The second tied the school’s single-game record and equaled the seventh-longest kick in the program’s history.

“The positive is that we can play with anyone,” said UAlbany defensive end Mark Sheehan, who had career-highs with nine tackles and three sacks. “It’s a team game and each side of the football needs to help each other out. We need to get these things fixed to have a big season." Colin Disch and Dave West added seven tackles apiece.

Fullback Dan Beigel offered, “Vinny Esposito had a heckuva day. He is someone who lead our team as the season goes along. But we made too many mistakes and were not aligned properly at times on offense. Our defense played extremely well.”

UAlbany Women's Cross Country Finishes First, Men Place Second

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Lincroft, N.J. - Laura Cummings and Ricardo Estremera led the UAlbany women's and men’s cross country teams with a first place overall finishes as the women’s team placed first out of eight squads and the men’s team finished second of eight at the Monmouth University Cross Country Kick-Off on Saturday, Sept. 1 at Thompson Park in Lincroft, N.J.

Cummings led a quartet of UAlbany runners to place in the top-10 with a time of 14:15.8 to capture the women’s meet for the second consecutive season with a total of 39 team points. Allison Hazlett placed fourth with a time of 15:08.0, Jessica Chichester finished seventh in 15:22.0, and Kristine Mun came in tenth in 15:43.0 for the Great Danes. Ally Panos finished the meet 17th in a time of 16:02.5 to round out the top-5 finishers for UAlbany.

Estremera finished in 18:51.6 to lead a trio of Great Dane runners in the top-15 finishers of the meet to garner a second-place finish for UAlbany with 72 team points. Estremera was the top runner of the meet for the second straight year. Brian Yurkewecz placed third in 19:06.7, while John Moore came in 14th at 19:42.2. Jon Hilbert helped the UAlbany cause by placing 22nd in 19:58.4 and David Rothman came in 31st at 20:16.6 to round out the top-5 finishers for the Great Danes. The men's race was won by New York University, which had six harriers in the top 13.

The Great Danes will compete at Stony Brook’s Seawolves Invitational in Stony Brook, N.Y., on Friday, September 7.

UAlbany Volleyball Falls to West Virginia, 3-1, at Western New York Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Buffalo, N.Y. – Tammy Wolf led three players with double digit kills as West Virginia defeated UAlbany, 3-1, in volleyball action at the Western New York Invitational, hosted by the University at Buffalo. The Great Danes took the first game, 31-29, before the Mountaineers rattled off three straight wins with scores of 30-19, 30-24 and 30-28.

Senior middle blocker Ashley Crenshaw led UAlbany with 17 kills while sophomore outside hitter Valerie Sourbeer added 12 kills. Sophomore Kate Eckhardt led the team defensively with 16 digs, while freshman outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey recorded nine kills, 11 digs and three service aces.

Wolf finished with a team-best 14 kills for West Virginia (2-2) while Kristina Gallahan and Abby Tevis tallied 13 kills apiece. Tevis completed the kill-dig double-double with 16 digs for the Mountaineers defensively, while also combining for a team-high five total blocks. Bonnie West recorded a match-high 23 digs.

UAlbany (1-3) will play host team Buffalo on Sunday, Sept. 2 at 2 p.m.

West Virginia (2-2) def. UAlbany (1-3), 3-1 (29-31, 30-19, 30-24, 30-28).

UAlbany's Merrick Thomson & Frank Resetarits Chosen in NLL Entry Draft's First Round

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Denver, Colo. – Former University at Albany lacrosse players Merrick Thomson and Frank Resetarits were drafted in the first round of the 2007 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft on Saturday, Sept. 1 at Pepsi Center. Thomson was taken second overall by the Philadelphia Wings, while Resetarits was chosen fifth overall by the San Jose Stealth.

Thomson, a third-team USILA All-America attacker from Stoney Creek, Ontario, is UAlbany's all-time scoring leader with 188 goals and 56 assists for 244 points. He led the Great Danes to the 2007 NCAA Tournament's quarterfinal round and the program's fourth America East Conference championship in the last five years.

"Merrick is a big, strong left-handed forward," said Philadelphia Wings General Manager Lindsay Sanderson said. "He's a great finisher and will be an asset to our offense."

Resetarits, who was also drafted earlier this by Major League Lacrosse, earned first-team USILA All-America recognition as a senior. He finished second on the school's career scoring list with 241 points on 158 goals and 83 assists. A native of Hamburg, N.Y., Resetarits was named the 2007 America East Conference Player of the Year.

UAlbany Field Hockey Shuts Out #14 Indiana, 2-0

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Bloomington, Ind. – Nicole Savage and Jess Lindsey both scored unassisted goals off penalty corners to lead the UAlbany field hockey team to a 2-0 win over No. 14 Indiana on Friday afternoon at the IU Field Hockey Field.

After a scoreless first half, Lindsey tallied her first goal of the season nine minutes into the second stanza. The Great Danes doubled their advantage in the 59th minute, as Savage capitalized on a rebound in front of the cage for her second goal of the season.

UAlbany’s Ashley Ross went the distance in the cage, making four saves. Haley Exner made three stops in her 70-minute performance for Indiana (2-1). The Hoosiers produced nine shots, while the Great Danes had six, and also led in penalty corners with a 6-5 advantage.

UAlbany (2-1) will continue its current road stretch with a game at Louisville on Sunday, Sept. 2 at 1 p.m.

-agate-

UAlbany (2-1) 0 2 - 2

Indiana (2-1) 0 0 - 0

UAlbany: Scoring – Jess Lindsey (1-0), Nicole Savage (1-0); Goalkeeper – Ashley Ross (70:00, 0 GA, 4 saves).

Indiana: Scoring – None.; Goalkeeper – Haley Exner (70:00, 2 GA, 3 saves).



UAlbany 2, Indiana 0 (Aug 31, 2007)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Box Score

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Field Hockey Box Score
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Field Hockey Box Score (Final)
2007 UAlbany Field Hockey
Albany vs #15 Indiana (Aug 31, 2007 at Bloomington, Ind.)




Albany (2-1) vs. Goals by period 1 2 Tot
Indiana (2-1) -------------------------------
Date: Aug 31, 2007 Attendance: 107 Albany.............. 0 2 - 2
Weather: 82, Sunny and Breezy Indiana............. 0 0 - 0

Albany Indiana
Pos ## Player Sh G A DS Pos ## Player Sh G A DS
----------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------
GK 38 Ross, Ashley........ - - - - GK 15 Exner, Haley........ - - - -
M 3 Savage, Nicole...... 2 1 - - M 1 Brown, Meredith..... - - - -
M 5 Daly, Sam........... - - - - B 2 Castro, Danitra..... 3 - - -
D 6 Lindsey, Jess....... 2 1 - - F 3 Kiper, Katie........ - - - -
F 8 Vandenberg, Anouk... - - - - F 4 Griswold, Katie..... - - - -
F 10 Clephane, Suzy...... - - - - F 7 O'Connell, Kate..... 4 - - -
M 11 Deane, Sarah........ - - - - M 8 Oyler, Amanda....... 1 - - -
M 14 Simpson, Michelle... 1 - - - M 10 O'Connell, Meg...... - - - -
F 15 Holder, Kristen..... - - - - M 12 Kiper, Kelsey....... - - - -
M 18 Bach, Ashlyn........ - - - - B 13 Ireland, Lucy....... - - - -
M 22 Polizois, Michele... 1 - - - M 32 Mutembwa, Mutsa..... - - - -
---------- Substitutes ---------- ---------- Substitutes ----------
4 Flagg, Jamie........ - - - - 6 Hacken, Brittney.... - - - -
13 Walter, Vanessa..... - - - - 9 Funk, Haley......... 1 - - -
16 Hough, Alysia....... - - - - 14 Stoll, Margie....... - - - -
Totals.............. 6 2 0 0 16 Valenti, Alina...... - - - -
18 Schmidt, Elizabeth.. - - - -
Totals.............. 9 0 0 0

Albany Indiana
## Player MIN GA Saves ## Player MIN GA Saves
--------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
38 Ross, Ashley........ 70:00 0 4 15 Exner, Haley........ 70:00 2 3

Shots by period 1 2 Tot Saves by period 1 2 Tot
------------------------------- -------------------------------
Albany.............. 1 5 - 6 Albany.............. 4 0 - 4
Indiana............. 6 3 - 9 Indiana............. 1 2 - 3

Penalty corners 1 2 Tot
-------------------------------
Albany.............. 0 5 - 5
Indiana............. 3 3 - 6


SCORING SUMMARY:
GOAL Time Team Goal Scorer Assists Description
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. 43:52 ALBANY Lindsey, Jess (1) Penalty corner scored off rebound
2. 59:17 ALBANY Savage, Nicole (2) Penalty corner scored on rebound

UAlbany Men's Soccer Opens Season With 2-1 Victory Over Adelphi

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Richmond, Va. – Junior captain Erik DiLorenzo scored the gamewinner 11 minutes into the second half to lead the University at Albany men’s soccer team to a season opening 2-1 victory over Adelphi at Virginia Commonwealth's Sports Backers Stadium on Friday evening in the opening match of the Nike/Alltel Classic.

The Panthers got on the board just over one minute into the game on a tally by Mark Hoffman off a pass from Kemalie Preston.

UAlbany responded 13 and a half minutes later on a goal by freshman forward Shaun Kane. Senior goalkeeper Steward Ceus was credited with the first assist of his career on the goal. The Great Danes and Adelphi played the remainder of the half scoreless, to head into intermission knotted at one apiece.

The Great Danes took the lead 2-1 on a goal by DiLorenzo in the 56th minute of the match off a feed from freshman Colin Veney.

UAlbany was outshot by the Panthers 14-9, but held a 6-5 advantage in shots on goal. The Panthers held a 6-4 edge in corner kicks.

Ceus registered four saves in recording his 13th career victory. Shane Flanagan recorded three saves in between the pipes for Adelphi (0-1).

UAlbany (1-0) will return to action on Sunday, September 2, against host VCU in a non-conference match at 3:30 p.m.

UAlbany Linebacker Colin Disch Named to Buck Buchanan Award Watch List

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Philadelphia, Pa. -- University at Albany’s Colin Disch, an All-America linebacker, has been selected to the Buck Buchanan Award watch list. The Buck Buchanan Award is presented to the most outstanding defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (Division I FCS).

Disch was previously named to Street & Smith’s preseason FCS All-America first team, and was a second-team selection by The Sports Network and College Sporting News. A two-time Northeast Conference defensive player of the year, Disch racked up 100 or more tackles for the third consecutive season in 2006. He was chosen to the American Football Coaches Association All-America first team and was Football Gazette’s FCS Mid-Major Linebacker of the Year.

Disch, a first-team All-NEC choice on three occasions, is one of seven linebackers on the 16-player list. Buck Buchanan, an All-America defensive lineman from Grambling State University who passed away in 1992, is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He led the Kansas City Chiefs to the Super Bowl IV title. Previous Buchanan Award winners include Appalachian State’s Dexter Coakley, who played for both Dallas and St. Louis from 1997-2006.

2007 Buck Buchanan Award Watch List: Kroy Biermann (Sr., DE, Montana), Colin Disch (Sr., ILB, Albany), Mike Gallihugh (Sr., LB, Colgate), Jarmaul George (Sr., S, Southern), Jason Hatchell (Sr., LB, Massachusetts), Brian Johnston (Sr., DE, Gardner-Webb), Kendall Langford (Sr., DE, Hampton), Tony LeZotte (Sr., FS, James Madison), Corey Lynch (Sr., FS, Appalachian State), Joe Mays (Sr., LB, North Dakota State), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Sr., DB, Tennessee State), Bryan Smith (Sr., DE, McNeese State), Kye Stewart (Sr., LB, Illinois State), Donald Thomas (Sr., LB, Eastern Illinois), Bobbie Williams (Sr., FS, Bethune-Cookman).

FOOTBALL NOTES: UAlbany travels to Colgate for the season opener on Saturday, Sept. 1 ... kickoff is 1:06 p.m. ... the game will be televised in Central New York on Time Warner Sports – Channel 26 and seen locally on Time Warner Cable (TW3) ... the contest can be heard on Fox Sports Radio AM 980 (WOFX).

UAlbany Football Ranked Third in The Sports Network Preseason FCS Mid-Major Poll

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Philadelphia, Pa. -- UAlbany football is ranked third in The Sports Network’s preseason FCS Mid-Major Top-10 poll as announced on Wednesday, Aug. 29. The Great Danes, who are the coaches’ pick to win this year’s Northeast Conference title, received one first-place vote. San Diego, the winner of two consecutive Sports Network Cups as the top Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) mid-major program, was the top pick on 15 of 17 ballots. Drake is second in the poll.

The Great Danes, who posted a 7-4 record one year ago, are coming off their best defensive campaign since moving to the Division I FCS level. UAlbany ranked among the top-five nationally in three categories, including points allowed (13.0 pg) and total defense at 240.8 yards per game. All-America linebacker Colin Disch and All-NEC defensive tackle Michael Dungey are among eleven returning starters. Offensive guard Sam Pagano earned All-NEC honors for a unit that averaged more than 190 rushing yards against conference opponents. Placekicker Jason Fralicker booted a school-record 13 field goals and all-league specialist Chris Lynch averaged nearly 39 yards per punt.

The Sports Network FCS Top-10 Mid-Major Poll
Team (First-place votes)
Record
Points
Previous Rank

1. San Diego Toreros (15)
11-1
167
1

2. Drake Bulldogs
9-2
124
3

3. Albany Great Danes (1)
7-4
115
5

4. Monmouth Hawks (1)
10-2
112
2

5. Duquesne Dukes
7-3
102
6

6. Central Conn State Blue Devils
8-3
100
4

7. Robert Morris Colonials
7-4
73
7

8. Davidson Wildcats
6-4
48
8

9. Dayton Flyers
4-6
30
NR

10. Jacksonville Dolphins
4-6
25
10

Others receiving votes (in order of points): Stony Brook 17, Marist 16, Iona 4, Wagner 2.

UALBANY NOTES; Time Warner Cable (TW3) is scheduled to televise three games during the 2007 season ... TW3 will air this Saturday’s contest at Colgate, the home opener on Sept. 15 against Hofstra, and the match-up with conference-rival Sacred Heart as part of Homecoming & Family Weekend on Oct. 13 ... Rodger Wyland and Greg Tobben will handle the play-by-play and color analyst roles, respectively, on the home broadcasts ... Fox Sports Radio AM 980 will again air the entire UAlbany football schedule ... UAlbany and Colgate are meeting for the first time on the gridiron ... Bob Ford is second among active Division I FCS head coach in career victories with 217 ... ILB Colin Disch has been named to The Sports Network FCS Preseason All-America second team ... Disch, who has 346 career tackles, needs nine to become the program’s all-time leader ... DT Michael Dungey, OG Sam Pagano and P Chris Lynch joined Disch on the preseason All-Northeast Conference squad ... The Great Danes have reached the seven-win mark in eight of the last 11 seasons after posting a 7-4 record in 2006.

Athletic Director Lee McElroy Greets UAlbany Student-Athletes At Welcome Back Event

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy greeted nearly 425 student-athletes back to campus on the first day of classes at the athletic department’s annual Welcome Back event on Monday, Aug. 27. McElroy reviewed the success of the 2006-07 academic year, when the Great Danes won eight conference championships and sent five teams to NCAA Tournament play, and introduced the head coaches and administrative staff.

Director of the Office of Conflict Resolution and Civic Responsibility Clarence McNeil went over the UAlbany Community Rights & Responsibilities Handbook. He urged all student-athletes to make a commitment to the program for a positive campus and social environment.

“We want to make sure that the student-athletes have an opportunity to immediately bond and meet the coaches and staff they will be working with during their time here,” McElroy said. “We also want them to understand the value of academics, athletic competition, and community responsibility. This is an event where we can have some fun and at the same time lay the groundwork for the upcoming academic year.”

UAlbany sponsors 19 Division I athletic programs, including eight for men and 11 for women. The Great Danes compete in the America East Conference and play football as an associate member of the Northeast Conference.

UAlbany Volleyball Splits Matches on Second Day of NAU Tournament

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Flagstaff, Ariz. – The University at Albany volleyball team split two matches on the second day of play at the Northern Arizona Tournament. In the first match of the day, against the host Lumberjacks, the Great Danes dropped a 3-1 decision with scores of 27-30, 30-23, 30-27 and 30-26. In UAlbany’s second match versus the University of California-Davis, the Great Danes swept the Aggies, 3-0, with scores of 30-21, 30-27 and 30-23.

In the three-game sweep, UAlbany (1-2) had three players reach double-digit kill totals, led by senior middle blocker Ashley Crenshaw, who added four total blocks in the match en route to being named to the all-tournament team. Freshman outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey added 11 kills and 10 digs for her first collegiate double-double while junior middle blocker Kamisha Kellam recorded 10 kills and a match-high seven blocks.

UC Davis (0-3) was led by Kayla Varney with 12 kills. Avreeta Singh led the Aggies defensively with 13 digs while Carson Lowden tallied a match-high 31 assists.

UAlbany dropped the first match despite a career-high 28 kills from Crenshaw. Crenshaw, who also tied a career-best with six digs, recorded a match-high six total blocks. The Great Danes were led defensively by sophomore outside hitter Kate Eckhardt, who tallied 15 digs, and freshman libero Tawny Dahmes, who added 13 digs.

Northern Arizona (2-0) received a team-best 20 kills from Kim Babcock, who completed a double-double with 14 digs. Emily Osiadacz added 15 kills while Kelly Verboom had a match-high 52 assists. Brittany Stowers tallied a match-best 20 digs.

UAlbany will travel to Buffalo for the Western New York Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 1 and Sunday, Sept. 2.

Northern Arizona def. UAlbany, 3-1 (27-30, 30-23, 30-27, 30-26)

UAlbany def. UC Davis, 3-0 (30-21, 30-27, 30-23)

UAlbany Field Hockey Opens 2007 Season With 2-0 Win Over Appalachian State

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Harrisonburg, Va. – The University at Albany field hockey team opened the 2007 season with a 2-0 win over Appalachian State at James Madison’s Field Hockey/Track & Field Complex. Michelle Simpson and Kristen Holder each scored for the Great Danes.

The game was stopped seven minutes into play and was delayed for almost four hours due to inclement weather, before restarting at 5:30 p.m. The contest suffered another 25-minute delay later on in the game because of storms.

Simpson scored the games first goal, an unassisted tally, at the 22:27 mark of the first half, as she drove into the circle and drove a head on shot from eight yards out. Holder capitalized on an assist from Michele Polizois with 26:52 on the clock. Junior goalkeeper Ashley Ross made one save for the Great Danes.

Denise Adams made eight stops in the cage for Appalachian State (0-1).

UAlbany, which received votes in the STX/NFHCA Division I Preseason Poll, (1-0) will take on James Madison on Sunday, starting at 1 p.m. The Dukes were ranked 11th in the preseason poll.

Saddle Up and Ride with UAlbany

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Here’s your chance to travel with the Great Danes football team as they play at the University of Montana on Saturday, September 22. A charter flight will leave Albany International Airport on Friday morning, September 21 and return to Albany after the game on September 22. The package, which includes the charter flight, ground transportation in Missoula, MT, hotel room and ticket to the game will cost $1,100 per person, or $2,000 per couple. There are a limited number of seats available. Purchase must be made by Friday, September 7.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Matt Roche at (518) 442-3054. Please have the following information available when you call to make your reservations:

Address, phone number, birthdate, weight, and your method of payment for everyone in your traveling party.

UAlbany Men's Basketball Will Participate in O'Reilly ESPNU BracketBusters on Feb. 22-23

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Thursday, Aug. 23 that the men’s basketball has been invited to play in the sixth annual O’Reilly ESPNU BracketBusters series on Feb. 22-23, 2008. The Great Danes, who are participating for the third consecutive year, are among 100 teams selected to the pool. UAlbany, the defending America East Conference champion, is joined in the field by conference members Boston University, Vermont and Binghamton.


“BracketBusters has been a good event for our program and the University,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team has been involved in a pair of thrilling finishes against Virginia Commonwealth and Boise State the previous two years. “The game has provided great exposure, as our team has been featured on national television twice. It also allows us the opportunity to play a quality opponent that would not normally be on our schedule.”


In its sixth year, BracketBusters is an ESPN television property that provides potential NCAA Tournament-caliber teams a chance to meet in a two-day, 50-game event. A minimum of 12 of the 50 match-ups will be televised nationally, highlighted by a total of six games on ESPN2. An additional five games will be aired on ESPNU – ESPN’s 24-hour collegiate sports network which launched on March 4, 2005 – and one on ESPN Classic.


The match-ups for the BracketBusters series will be determined by ESPN in conjunction with the conference approximately three weeks prior to the event. As part of the agreement, home teams will play a “return” game at the home facility of their BracketBusters series opponent in November or December of the following season. UAlbany has been tabbed as a “road” team for the 2008 event, which will result in a home game versus its selected opponent during the 2008-09 season. The Great Danes have appeared on ESPNU in each of the last two BracketBusters, suffering an 83-82 loss at Boise State last February after falling 70-67 at Virginia Commonwealth in 2006.


In 2006-07, UAlbany reached the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season as the America East Conference champion. Brent Wilson, a third-team all-conference forward, leads a group of seven letterwinners who are back from last year’s 23-10 squad. Brian Lillis, the league’s defensive player of the year, and Jon Iati, one of the program’s all-time leading three-point shooters, also return. This year’s roster includes six newcomers.

UAlbany Field Hockey Chosen Second in America East Preseason Poll

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – The University at Albany field hockey team has been picked to finish second in the America East Conference in the 2007 preseason poll, as voted by the conference’s head coaches. Boston University, which earned all five possible first-place votes, was unanimously chosen to finish first for the third-straight year. UAlbany claimed the final first-place vote and 21 points overall to place second in this year’s poll.

Vermont (16 points), Maine (13 points), New Hampshire (10 points) and new associate member Fairfield (5 points) round out the six-team poll.

UAlbany, which claimed a share of last season’s regular season crown, returns the conference’s offensive player of the year from 2006, Michelle Simpson, who finished third in the conference in both points (35) and goals (14). Also returning are A-East first team members Jess Lindsey and Ashley Ross, who both helped anchor a defense which allowed just 1.37 goals per game a year ago. Fourth-year head coach Phil Sykes will also welcome 10 freshmen to the UAlbany squad this season.

The Great Danes start play on Saturday, Aug. 25, at the James Madison Tournament. UAlbany will play Appalachian State on Saturday before facing off against the host Bulldogs on Sunday.

2007 America East Conference Preseason Field Hockey Poll

1. Boston U., (5) 25 points; 2. UAlbany, (1) 21 points; 3. Vermont, 16 points; 4. Maine, 13 points; 5. New Hampshire, 10 points; 6. Fairfield, 5 points.

*First place votes in parentheses ()

UAlbany Volleyball Picked Second in America East Preseason Poll

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Boston, Mass. – The University at Albany volleyball team has been picked to finish second in the America East Conference in the 2007 preseason poll, as voted by the conference’s head coaches. UMBC, which earned four first-place votes, was chosen to finish first. UAlbany, the defending champions, took first in the poll the previous two years. With 34 total points, the Retrievers replaced the Great Danes, who garnered three first-place votes and 30 total points, atop the poll. New Hampshire (23 points), Binghamton (22 points) and Stony Brook (21 points) filled the top five, while Maine (11 points) and Hartford (6 points) rounded out the poll.

UAlbany, which has won three straight regular-season America East titles, defeated UMBC in the conference championship last season, coming back for a dramatic 3-2 victory. Head coach Kelly Sheffield, the 2006 A-East coach of the year, returns all-conference players Ashley Crenshaw and Kamisha Kellam. Crenshaw led the conference in hitting percentage and was in the top ten performers in kills, blocks and points. Kellam led the conference with 1.37 blocks per game a year ago.

The Great Danes start play on Friday, Aug. 24, at the Northern Arizona Tournament. UAlbany will play New Mexico State on Friday before facing off against the host Lumberjacks and UC Davis on Saturday.

2007 America East Conference Preseason Volleyball Poll

1. UMBC, (4) 34 points; 2. UAlbany, (3) 30 points; 3. New Hampshire, 23 points; 4. Binghamton, 22 points; 5. Stony Brook, 21 points; 6. Maine, 11 points; 7. Hartford, 6 points.

*First place votes in parentheses ()

Former UAlbany Basketball Star Jamar Wilson Will Play Professionally in Belgium

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Former University at Albany basketball standout Jamar Wilson will play professionally in Europe with Verviers-Pepinster, a first division team in Belgium. Verviers-Pepinster reached the Belgian Cup semifinals the last two seasons.

“I am excited to be able to continue my career as a basketball player,” said Wilson, who led the Great Danes to a pair of America East Conference championships and back-to-back NCAA appearances. “Belgium has a lot to offer, the league is competitive, and it is a good place to start. It’s a bonus to get paid well for something you love to do.”

Wilson, a 6-foot-1 guard from Bronx, N.Y., led the Great Danes in scoring (18.8 ppg), rebounding (6.2 pg) and assists (4.8 pg) as the 2007 America East Conference Player of the Year. He became the fourth athlete in conference history to win consecutive player of the year awards, joining Reggie Lewis (Northeastern), Taylor Coppenrath (Vermont) and Malik Rose (Drexel). He finished his career as the UAlbany program’s all-time scorer with 2,164 points and ranked second in assists (488). Wilson also shattered the single-season scoring mark as senior when he totaled 620 points. He was named to the Associated Press All-America squad as an honorable mention selection for the second straight year.

“I am very happy for Jamar,” UAlbany coach Will Brown commented. “This is a great opportunity to play in one of the better professional leagues in Europe. Verviers-Pepinster made him a priority as he is the first import player they decided to sign. Playing in the first division will allow him to develop as a player and chase his dream of playing the game at the highest level.”

New York Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin Speaks to UAlbany Football Team

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin addressed the University at Albany football team following the Great Danes’ morning practice on Friday, Aug. 17. Coughlin, a former college head coach at Boston College and Rochester Institute of Technology, has guided the Giants to back-to-back postseason appearances for the first time since 1990.

“We don’t have it that hard, we’re in the greatest situation of our lives,” Coughlin said. “You guys are young, you’re representing a great University, you have a great coach. You have a guy that has been there when it was good and been there when it’s been bad.”

Coughlin continued, “You cannot sit on the fence gentleman. You can’t be there when it’s good and then not be there when it’s going bad. That is not part of the brotherhood. That is not loyalty. That’s not what this game is all about. So as you go forward, stick together gentlemen.”

UAlbany will scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 18 during the 9:00 a.m. practice session to end the second week of preseason camp. The Great Danes, who are favored to win this year’s Northeast Conference title, open their schedule at Colgate on Sept. 1.

The Giants conclude their twelfth summer training camp on the UAlbany campus on Aug. 23.

UAlbany Football Favored to Win Conference Title; Four Players on Preseason All-NEC Team

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

Somerset, N.J. – According to a preseason poll of Northeast Conference head coaches, UAlbany has been established as the favorite to capture the 2007 NEC Football Championship. The Great Danes, who tied for second place in last year’s standings, received three first-place votes. Monmouth, the defending NEC champion, also earned three first-place votes and was picked second in the poll.

This year’s NEC champion will meet the winner of the Pioneer Football League in the second annual Gridiron Classic, an exempted postseason football game that takes place on Saturday, Dec. 1. The PFL champion will host the 2007 event.

“The voting represents a respect for the program, our defensive unit, and a pair of proven kicking specialists,” said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, who has 217 career victories on the collegiate level. “It’s the same story each year, but we need to stay relatively injury-free, reduce penalties, and improve our takeaway margin.”

The Great Danes, who posted a 7-4 record one year ago, are coming off their best defensive campaign since moving to the Division I FCS level. UAlbany ranked among the top-five nationally in three categories, including points allowed (13.0 pg) and total defense at 240.8 yards per game. All-America linebacker Colin Disch and All-NEC defensive tackle Michael Dungey are among eleven returning starters. Sophomore Frank Blasinsky has been installed as the No. 1 quarterback, while offensive guard Sam Pagano earned All-NEC honors. Placekicker Jason Fralicker booted a school-record 13 field goals and all-league specialist Chris Lynch averaged nearly 39 yards per punt.

2007 Northeast Conference Preseason Coaches Poll

1. UAlbany (3), 2. Monmouth (3), T3. Central Connecticut State, T3. Robert Morris (1), 5. Wagner, T6. Sacred Heart, T6. Saint Francis, Pa. ( ) – first-place votes

**********

Somerset, N.J. – The Northeast Conference announced its 2007 preseason all-conference football team on Tuesday, Aug. 14. UAlbany had four players voted to the squad by the league’s head coaches.

Colin Disch, the 2005 and 2006 NEC Defensive Player of the Year, was named to last year’s American Football Coaches Association Division I FCS All-America squad. Disch, a senior inside linebacker who was also chosen as the Football Gazette FCS Mid-Major Linebacker of the Year, totaled 103 tackles, including 11 for a loss. He is currently third on school’s all-time tackles list with 346 and made double-figure hits in 21 career games.

Michael Dungey, a 6-foot-2, 275-pound defensive tackle, earned all-conference recognition for the second straight season. He had 34 tackles, eight hits for a loss and two sacks as a junior. A mid-major All-American and All-Northeast Region standout, Dungey led a defensive unit that ranked fifth nationally in rushing yards allowed at 90.2 per game.

Sam Pagano, a two-time All-NEC left guard, has appeared in 29 career games on UAlbany’s offensive line. He paved the way for an offense that averaged 296.0 total yards and 193.7 rushing yards against conference opponents. Lynch, a first-team mid-major All-American, averaged 38.8 yards per punt in 2006. He was selected to the all-conference first team. Lynch had five punts of 50-plus yards and placed 16 kicks inside the 20-yard line with five for touchbacks.

University at Albany Football Begins 2007 Preseason Practice on Monday, Aug. 6

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – The University at Albany football program begins preseason camp on Monday, August 6 with an afternoon workout, from 3:30-5:00 p.m. The Great Danes will conduct their preseason practices on the campus’ Dutch Quad intramural fields. UAlbany opens its 35th varsity campaign against Colgate on Saturday, September 1 in Hamilton, N.Y. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. ET.

2007 SEASON PREVIEW
UAlbany made progress by recording a pair of top-25 wins and finishing in a tie for second in the Northeast Conference standings last season. But now the Great Danes want more, including a championship, as they enter their ninth season at the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (formerly I-AA) level.

"We should have a great defensive unit and a solid kicking game," explains UAlbany's Bob Ford, who is second among active FCS-I head coaches with 217 career victories. "We have veteran personnel at every spot and enough talent to be considered in the top echelon of the conference."

Ford continues, "The offensive line has a strong nucleus and the tight end situation is upbeat. We have a stable of running backs with a decent corps of wide receivers."

UAlbany has 41 letterwinners, including 11 starters, back from a team that produced a 7-4 record. The Great Danes have reached the seven-win mark five times as an FCS program.

"We certainly need to be more consistent on offense and reduce our penalties and turnovers," Ford evaluates. "Our quarterbacks had a good spring but still need to develop and take charge. We also have an untested group of cornerbacks."

UAlbany will again compete against a formidable list of non-conference opponents in preparation for the NEC season. A trip to perennial national power Montana and dates with Colgate, Hofstra and Fordham fill out the month of September.


OFFENSE: Coach Ford is making changes on an offense that ranked sixth in scoring and seventh in total yards among the conference leaders. Daniel Bocanegra, last year's starting quarterback, will move to flanker and work on special teams as a returner to take advantage of his athleticism. Sophomore Frank Blasinsky has been installed in the No. 1 position. He played in nine games as a true freshman, throwing for 258 yards and one TD. "He doesn't have to play out of his mind for us to be successful," offers Ford, who has help on the way with three incoming freshman QBs.

The Great Danes will have to replace three all-conference offensive linemen, including NFL free agent Jacob Hobbs. But both starting guards are back in Sam Pagano (6-3, 290) and Jeff Wentzell (6-4, 295). Pagano was named to the Football Gazette Division I FCS All-America Team as an honorable mention selection. Raphael Nguti (6-6, 330) and Boston College transfer Justin Tougas (6-6, 308) are ready to continue a long-standing tradition of great tackles. Sophomore center Kevin Richards (6-2, 280) is expected to anchor the line.

Omar Johnson is the top returning rusher with 435 yards and seven touchdowns. Johnson, a senior tailback, is among the school's all-time leaders with 17 career rushing TDs. Colin Simmons, who like Johnson missed spring practice while recovering from off-season surgery, ran for 215 yards as a freshman. Sophomores Justin Gannon and David McCarty, a converted flanker, worked at tailback throughout last spring. Fullback Dan Beigel (6-2, 230) has been productive throughout his career. He has run for nearly 600 yards and scored six TDs.

Irani DeAraujo and Mike Wall started at split end and flanker, respectively, last year. DeAraujo had a team-high 28 receptions for 270 yards. Mike Wall, who earned All-NEC honors as a kick returner, hauled in 15 passes for 217 yards and two TDs. He also ranked among the national leaders with a 24.9 kickoff return average. Marcus Miles (6-3, 240) and Dan Archer (6-3, 230) are capable tight ends with blocking skills.



DEFENSE: The Great Danes are coming off their best defensive campaign since moving to Division I FCS. UAlbany ranked among the top-five nationally in three categories, including points allowed (13.0 pg) and total defense at 240.8 yards per game.

Colin Disch is about to become the school's all-time tackles leader. Disch is the team's most decorated individual as he made the AFCA (first team) and Football Gazette (third team) All-America squads. He was also voted mid-major linebacker of the year and the NEC's top defender for the second season in a row. Disch, a senior, reached the 100-tackle mark for the third straight campaign (103). He has double-figure hits in 21 career games.

"He has the instincts that all great linebackers have," Ford says. "He can come over the top and underneath blocks with quickness and speed."

Tommy Genovesi (6-2, 225) and Mark Peretore (6-1, 230) are also positioned at inside linebacker. Genovesi made 36 tackles while playing in all 11 games. Peretore was fourth on the team in tackles (48), including 25 unassisted.

Trevor DuPont (6-1, 220) and Chris Simpson (6-0, 230) are penciled in at the outside spots. DuPont accounted for 34 tackles and scored on an interception return. Simpson showed great promise as a freshman by contributing on special teams.

UAlbany's defensive line performed at a high level throughout last season. Defensive tackle Michael Dungey (6-2, 275) earned mid-major All-America and all-region recognition and was a first-team All-NEC choice. He accounted for 34 tackles, including eight for a loss. Defensive ends Jon Volpe (6-1, 260) and Mark Sheehan (6-2, 260) have been integral in the line's rotation. Sheehan was second on the team in sacks (4.5) and reached paydirt on a 55-yard interception return. Tackle Tom Pandolf (6-0, 260) was the team's most improved player with 29 tackles and 4.0 sacks.

Graduation wiped out most of UAlbany's starting secondary. Cornerbacks Jean Juste (13 tackles) and L.B. McCloskey (10 tackles) each saw significant time last year. Dave Casale will get an opportunity at the free safety position. Safety Dave Nicomini is a physical defender who had 51 tackles and two interceptions as a sophomore. Dave West, an all-conference baseball outfielder, will also help at the safety positions.

KICKING GAME: Placekicker Jason Fralicker earned second-team All-NEC honors after booting a school-record 13 field goals and leading the team in scoring with 64 points. Fralicker, who also handled kickoffs, made all 25 point-after attempts. Chris Lynch earned first-team mid-major All-America and all-conference honors after averaging 38.8 yards per punt.

UAlbany Tennis Team Earns Academic Recognition from ITA

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – The University at Albany tennis team earned recognition as an Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-Academic Team for last season. In addition, five student athletes were honored by the ITA as individual scholar-athletes. Amanda Hall, Aimee Kern, Christina Suarez, Kim Weltman and Kim Westcott all earned ITA Scholar-Athlete status.

The ITA All-Academic Team award is open to any ITA program that has a cumulative team grade point average of 3.20 or above (on a 4.00 scale). All eligible student-athletes whose names appear on the NCAA/NAIA/NJCAA eligibility form and have competed in one or more varsity matches must average into the GPA for the current academic year (including fall 2006 and spring 2007).

In order to earn ITA Scholar-Athlete status a player must be a varsity letter winner, have a grade point average of at least 3.50 (on a 4.00 scale) for the current academic year, and have been enrolled at their present school for at least two semesters.

The Great Danes posted a 3.72 team GPA, which was the highest grade point average of any team in the America East Conference.

AVCA Recognizes UAlbany Volleyball Program

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – The American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) has recognized the University at Albany program with the GamePlanä/AVCA Team Academic Award for the 2006-2007 season.

The award, initiated in the 1992-93 academic year, honors collegiate and high school teams that displayed excellence in the classroom by maintaining at least a 3.30 cumulative team grade-point average on a 4.0 scale and a 4.10 cumulative team GPA on a 5.0 scale during the school year. Nominating head coaches must be AVCA members. Each school will receive a plaque, and each player a certificate commemorating the designation.

UAlbany was led both on the court and in the classroom by recent graduates Blair Buchanan, Ashley DeNeal and Shelby Goldman. The three student-athletes, who were all members of the America East Conference First Team as seniors, also earned spots on the conference’s all-academic squad.

DeNeal, the America East Tournament’s most outstanding player, was also a Chancellor’s Scholar-Athlete Award winner and earned the ECAC Merit Medal as the school’s top senior student athlete. DeNeal finished her four-year career as the program’s all-time digs leader.

Buchanan, UAlbany’s career assists leader, became the first player in NCAA Division I history to earn her conference’s player and setter of the year awards for three consecutive seasons. Buchanan was also a two-time Division I Honorable Mention All-American, and a three-time AVCA All-Northeast Region honoree.

Goldman became the program’s all-time kills leader as a senior, en route to her third straight all-conference first team award. She is a two-time member of the America East all-academic team and earned her second AVCA All-Northeast Region accolades last season.

The Great Danes, who became the first program in UAlbany’s Division I history to host an NCAA Tournament event, won their second America East championship in the last three seasons with a thrilling 3-2 victory over UMBC in the final. UAlbany will kick off the 2007 season at the Hilton Garden Inn NAU Invitational in Flagstaff, Ariz. on Friday, August 24.