UAlbany Women's Tennis Wins Four Matches at Cornell Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Ithaca, N.Y. - The University at Albany women’s tennis team recorded four wins in the second day of the Cornell Fall Invitational on Saturday.

In the top half of the flight A singles bracket, Ma took the first set against Colgate’s Sam Inacker 6-3, but dropped the second set 6-4. She rebounded to win the third set 7-6 and advance in the flight A bracket. In the quarterfinals, Ma was swept by Susan Sullivan of Cornell 6-0 and 6-3.

In the bottom half of the bracket, UAlbany’s Kim Weltman was defeated by Cornell’s Tamara John 6-2, 6-3. In the consolation bracket, Weltman fell to Raquel Solis from Niagara 8-4.

In flight B action, Aimee Kern was topped by Temple’s Anastasiia Rukavyshynokova in two sets 6-4, 6-3.

Amanda Hall won her second match of the invitational by defeating Lehigh’s Victoria Vityuk 6-2, 7-5 in her first match of the day. In the flight C quarterfinals, Hall lost to Felicia Frazier from Temple by scores of 6-1 and 6-2.

Caitlin Crowley was also victorious for the Great Danes in her opening match as she defeated Niagara’s Kim Roberts 6-3, 6-4. In her quarterfinal match of flight C, Crowley fell to Ruxandra Dumitrescu of Cornell 6-1, 6-0.


Melissa Coughlin was UAlbany’s fourth winner on the day as she swept Colgate’s Ryan Dewey 6-0,6-4 to advance to the flight D quarterfinals. She then fell in two sets to Ashley Ebbert from Cornell 6-3, 6-2.

In the bottom half of the flight D bracket, Cornell’s Weatherly Schwab defeated UAlbany’s Alexa Etkin 6-0, 6-0.

UAlbany Women's Soccer Tops NJIT in 2OT

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information


Newark, N.J. – Senior Rachel Boles scored her first goal of the season in double overtime to pace the University at Albany women’s soccer team a 2-1 win over NJIT in non-conference action on Friday night at Lubetkin Field.

NJIT (0-2) broke the scoreless tie at the 29:27 mark when Christi Taylor buried a shot from the top of the box to beat UAlbany keeper Maria Liguori to the top right corner. Aine O’Dwyer got the assist for the Highlanders.

UAlbany (1-2-1) knotted the score at 1-1 in the 48th minute, when Diana Barrera, again sparking the Great Danes off the bench, finished a pass from Alicia Gibson to the far post past NJIT’s Sadie Mele.

Neither team could break the tie in the first 10 minute overtime stanza, setting the stage for Boles’ heroics. Teresa Boring sent a cross into the box, and the Medford, N.J. native made no mistake placing the shot to the far post to give UAlbany their first win of the season. Barrera also got credit for an assist on the play.

UAlbany outshot NJIT 11-3 and held a 4-3 edge in corner kicks. Barrera, Boring, and Uju Ogbuawa led the Great Danes with three shots apiece.

Liguori played the entire 103 minutes in goal for UAlbany, making one save. Mele stopped five shots for the Highlanders.

The Great Danes will play on Sunday at Marist. Kickoff is set for at 1:00 p.m.



UAlbany: Scoring- Diana Barrera (1-1), Rachel Boles (1-0), Alicia Gibson (0-1), Teresa Boring (0-1); Goalkeeping- Maria Liguori (103:00 minutes, 1 GA, 1 saves).

Manhattan: Scoring- Christi Taylor (1-0), Aine O’Dwyer (0-1); Goalkeeping- Sadie Mele (103:00 minutes, 2 GA, 5 saves).

UAlbany Women's Cross Country Place First, Men Finish Second For Second Straight Meet

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UALBANY WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY PLACE FIRST, MEN FINISH SECOND FOR SECOND STRAIGHT MEET

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Ricardo Estremera placed first and Laura Cummings finished second to lead the UAlbany men’s and women’s cross country teams at the Seawolves Cross Country Invitational on Friday afternoon in Stony Brook, N.Y. The women’s team placed first for the second straight week out of four squads, while the men’s team finished second out of five for the second time this season.
Cummings led the UAlbany runners as five Great Danes placed in the top-11, to score a meet-best team total of 33 points. Cummings covered the 4300 meter course in a time of 16:07.78 to place second after Stony Brook’s Laura Huet’s time of 15:50.94. Jessica Chichester finished fifth in 16:57.30, Kristine Mun came in seventh in 17:24.23, Allison Hazlett followed in eighth with a time of 17:29.38, and Laine Sefick finished the meet 11th in a time of 17:48.99 to round out the top-5 finishers for UAlbany.
Estremera finished the 5500 meter course in 17:22.67 to lead a trio of Great Dane runners in the top-11 finishers of the meet. The Great Danes finished second with 56 total team points. Brian Yurkewecz placed fourth in 17:49.03, while David Rothman came in 11th at 18:50.47. Jon Hilbert helped the UAlbany cause by placing 21st in 19:15.46 to gain 19 team points and John Moore came in 24th at 19:35.66 to earn 21 points and round out the top-5 finishers for the Great Danes. New Hampshire won the men’s race with 38 points as six Wildcats placed in the top 13.

Women’s results
1. UAlbany 33, 2. Hartford 58, 3. Stony Brook 63, 4. Wagner 77.


INDIVIDUAL
1. Laura Huet (Stony Brook) 15:50.94, 2. Laura Cummings (UAlbany) 16:07.78, 3. Stefanie Lombardi (Hartford) 16:42.66, 4. Brecken Drager (Wagner) 16:44.68, 5. Jessica Chichester (UAlbany) 16:57.30, 6. Lisa Voltaire (Stony Brook) 17:09.47, 7. Kristine Mun (UAlbany) 17:24.23, 8. Allison Hazlett (UAlbany) 17:29.38,
9. Meaghan Robbins (Wagner) 17:38.62, 10. Liz Foster (Hartford) 17:40.78.


UALBANY RESULTS
11. Laine Sefick 17:48.99, 14. Ally Panos 18:04.05, 15. Kristin Grab 18:07.63, 26. Danielle Trimpop 19:07.09.


Men’s results
1. New Hampshire 38, 2. UAlbany 56, 3. Stony Brook 67, 4. Wagner 72, 5. Hartford 135.

INDIVIDUAL
1. Ricardo Estremera (UAlbany) 17:22.67, 2. Tim Hodge (Stony Brook) 17:36.31, 3. Shaun Krawitz (Stony Brook) 17:45.61, 4. Brian Yurkewecz (UAlbany) 17:49.03, 5. Wesley Dinnan (New Hampshire) 18:07.68, 6. Matthew O’Connor (New Hampshire) 18:08.62, 7. Mouhamed Halwani (Wagner) 18:18.87, 8. Joshua Kearns (New Hampshire) 18:23.68, 9. Nicholas Decrescenzo (New Hampshire) 18:24.08, 10. Dylan McGuffin (New Hampshire) 18:38.58.

UAlbany Field Hockey Defeats Temple, 2-1

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Michele Polizois scored both goals for UAlbany, including a penalty stroke in the first half, to lead the Great Danes to a 2-1 victory over Temple at Alumni Turf Field on Friday afternoon.

Polizois netted her first goal of the game in the first half, sending a penalty stroke past Owl goalkeeper Erin Hanshue at 14:09. The junior midfielder doubled the score in the second half, converting a penalty corner at the 51:41 mark, with assists going to Jess Lindsey and Anouk Vandenberg.

Temple got on the board with just over three minutes remaining, as Ali Lokey scored off assists by Leanne Vogelsong and Charise Young on the Owls’ sixth penalty corner of the half.

The teams were even with eight shots apiece, while Temple held a slight advantage in penalty corners with nine to UAlbany’s eight. Junior goalkeeper Ashley Ross made six saves in the game for the Great Danes while Hanshue stopped five shots in the cage for Temple (3-2).

UAlbany (3-2) will return to action on Sunday, Sept. 9, hosting 10th-ranked Ohio at 1 p.m.

UAlbany (3-2) 1 1 - 2

Temple (3-2) 0 1 - 1

UAlbany: Scoring – Michele Polizois (2-0), Jess Lindsey (0-1), Anouk Vandenberg (0-1). Goalkeeper – Ashley Ross (70:00, 1 GA, 6 saves).

Temple: Scoring – Ali Lokey (1-0), Leanne Vogelsong (0-1), Charise Young (0-1). Goalkeeper – Erin Hanshue (70:00, 2 GA, 5 saves).

Cornell Tops UAlbany Men's Soccer 3-2 in Overtime

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UALBANY EDGED BY CORNELL IN MEN’S SOCCER 3-2 IN OVERTIME

Hamilton, N.Y. – Matt Bouraee scored 3:27 into the second overtime period to lift Cornell University to a 3-2 victory over the University at Albany men’s soccer team at Colgate University's Van Doren Field on Friday evening in the opening match of the Raiders Adidas Fall Classic.
The Big Red were the first to get on the board as Brian Kuritzky scored just over the 15 minute mark on a shot just past the outreached fingertips of UAlbany junior goalkeeper Steward Ceus.
UAlbany knotted the score at one apiece 21 minutes later when freshman forward Shaun Kane scored his second goal of the season by depositing the shot in the left corner pocket. Sophomore forward Kenneth Ibe picked up the first assist of his career on the tally.
After a UAlbany penalty kick was wide right, the Big Red took a 2-1 advantage as Brett Sumpio rocketed a shot from just outside the penalty box into the net off an assist from Bouraee at the 41:49 mark of the first half.
The Great Danes evened the score at two on Ibe’s first career goal off a two-on-one feed from junior Mikael-Taylor McNamara with 36:51 remaining in regulation. UAlbany and Cornell played the remainder of the half scoreless to force overtime.
Both teams had opportunities to score in the first overtime period but were unable to capitalize on their chances. Ceus stopped a close range shot in the 99th minute to keep the game tied at two.
Bouraee collected an errant UAlbany pass and went in one-on-one with Ceus and shot the ball into the right side of the goal.
UAlbany was outshot by the Big Red 23-15, including 12-8 in shots on goal. Cornell held a 7-6 edge in corner kicks.
Ceus registered a season-high nine saves, including four in the first 10 minute overtime period to preserve the tie and deliver the second overtime period. Cerretani recorded six saves in between the pipes for Cornell (3-0).
UAlbany (1-2) will return to action on Sunday, September 9, against host Colgate in the final match of the Raiders Adidas Fall Classic at 2:30 p.m.

Cornell 2 0 0 1 - 3
UAlbany 1 1 0 0 - 2

Cornell: Scoring – Matt Bouraee (1-1), Brian Kuritzky (1-1), Brett Sumpio (1-0). Goalkeeping – Luca Cerretani (106:33, 2 GA, 6 saves).
UAlbany: Scoring – Kenneth Ibe (1-1), Shaun Kane (1-0), Mikael-Taylor McNamara (0-1). Goalkeeping – Steward Ceus (106:33, 3 GA, 9 saves).

UAlbany Extends Men's Lacrosse Coach Scott Marr's Contract Through 2012 Season

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Thursday, Sept. 6 that the school has agreed on a three-year contract extension for head men’s lacrosse coach Scott Marr. The new agreement will make him UAlbany’s head coach through the 2012 season.

Marr led the Great Danes to their most celebrated season in 2007 when he was named the U.S. Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) Division I National Coach of the Year. UAlbany captured its fourth America East Conference championship in the last five years and made its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament’s quarterfinal round.

“Scott Marr and his coaching staff have provided tremendous leadership in building a national-caliber men’s lacrosse program at the Division I level,” McElroy said. “The team’s accomplishments, both on and off the field, are both noteworthy and historic, and something our students, alumni and fans can enjoy with great pride.”

In his seven years at UAlbany, Marr has a 65-43 career record for a .602 winning percentage. His teams have won 10 or more games four times and advanced to NCAA play in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2007. UAlbany set a school record for single-season victories with a 15-3 campaign, including a perfect 10-0 mark at home, last year. The Great Danes registered seven top-20 wins, the most ever in a Division I season, including an 8-7 victory over eventual national champion Johns Hopkins.

The Great Danes, who were ranked No. 2 nationally in the USILA coaches’ poll for six consecutive weeks, defeated UMBC, 15-14, for their fourth America East championship. UAlbany recorded the athletic program’s first-ever NCAA Division I Tournament victory in a 19-10 decision over Loyola, Md. The Great Danes were then edged in a memorable overtime contest against top-ranked Cornell in the NCAA quarterfinals.

“My family and I are excited that we will be at UAlbany for at least the next five years,” Marr stated. “I am grateful to the University’s administration for making this happen. This extension allows the program to continue its quest for a national championship.”

UAlbany ranked second among the NCAA leaders in scoring offense at 13.78 goals per game last season. Frank Resetarits, who was chosen in both the Major League Lacrosse and National Lacrosse League professional drafts, was voted to the USILA All-America first team. Merrick Thomson, taken second overall in the NLL Draft, was a third-team All-America selection. Thomson and Resetarits finished one-two on the school’s all-time scoring list.

Northeast Conference to Televise Pair of Football Games in 2007

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Somerset, N.J. – With the Northeast Conference beginning its 12th football season, the league announced plans to televise a pair of games on Northeast regional outlets.

The first game airs on October 27th when defending NEC champion Monmouth travels to Central Connecticut State. FSN-New York will broadcast the contest live at 11:00 am. On November 3rd, NEC preseason favorite Albany will play host to Robert Morris for a 1:00 pm kickoff to air on FSN-Pittsburgh and Time Warner Albany (TW3). These games will reach over 12 million households in the Northeast, plus those satellite subscribers nationally with multi-sport packages.

The 2007 season marks the fifth straight that the NEC has aired football games as part of its extensive regional sports package. This coming winter, the league will air over 20 men’s and women’s basketball games.

“We’re happy to be able to feature four of our top football programs in this year’s package,” said Brenda Weare, NEC Commissioner. “Both Monmouth and Central Connecticut State were both ranked nationally last year and should be in the NEC title hunt once again in 2007. Albany topped the NEC preseason coaches’ poll, while Robert Morris is expected to be a strong contender.”

Paul Dottino enters his fifth season as the play-by-play voice of NEC football. He is also a member of the NEC basketball broadcast team and the New York Giants beat reporter for 1050 ESPN Radio in New York and for Sirius' NFL Radio Channel. Steve Jackson - Hofstra’s all-time leading receiver - will provide color analysis. Eric Singer is the Producer of NEC football telecasts.

The Northeast Conference consists of 11 institutions of higher learning located throughout five states and is celebrating its 26th year as an NCAA Division I collegiate athletic association. The NEC began sponsoring football at the FCS level in 1996, and has since increased its membership from five to seven institutions. Central Connecticut State, Monmouth, Robert Morris, Sacred Heart, Saint Francis (PA) and Wagner are full-time NEC members who sponsor football, and they are joined by associate member Albany. Duquesne will become the eighth member of the football league in 2008.

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

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

Field Hockey Box Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 ()