Sports Network's FCS College Football Poll

Team (First-place votes) Record Points Previous Rank

1. Northern Iowa Panthers (56) 7-0 2,696 1
2. North Dakota State Bison (47) 7-0 2,621 2
3. Montana Grizzlies (11) 7-0 2,473 3
4. Massachusetts Minutemen (4) 6-1 2,411 4
5. McNeese State Cowboys (2) 7-0 2,335 6
6. James Madison Dukes 6-1 2,155 8
7. Southern Illinois Salukis 7-1 2,101 9
8. New Hampshire Wildcats 5-2 1,821 11
9. Delaware Blue Hens 6-1 1,679 14
10. Appalachian State Mountaineers 5-2 1,665 5
11. Wofford Terriers 6-2 1,533 7
12. Delaware State Hornets 6-1 1,340 15
13. Yale Bulldogs 6-0 1,240 16
14. Richmond Spiders 5-2 1,110 18
15. Hofstra Pride 6-1 1,057 10
16. Elon Phoenix 5-2 1,000 24
17. Eastern Kentucky Colonels 6-2 849 13
18. Nicholls State Colonels 5-2 849 13
19. Montana State Bobcats 5-2 813 20
20. Youngstown State Penguins 5-3 719 12
21. Grambling State Tigers 6-1 514 23
22. Georgia Southern Eagles 5-2 503 NR
23. Norfolk State Spartans 6-1 432 25
24. Western Illinois Leathernecks 5-3 288 17
25. The Citadel Bulldogs 5-2 282 NR

Others receiving votes: San Diego 250, Alabama A&M 211, Eastern Washington 147, Cal Poly 104, Eastern Illinois 96, Villanova 59, Holy Cross 56, Jacksonville State 40, Northern Arizona 38, Fordham 37, South Carolina State 33, Illinois State 30, Central Arkansas 23, Harvard 19, Hampton 12, South Dakota State 9, Sam Houston State 3, Austin Peay 2, Albany 1, Dayton 1.


As of October 22, 2007, at 01:42 PM ET

UAlbany defeats Siena: The better team and talent prevail again

UAlbany Women's Volleyball continues its reign over Siena, keeping the six year win streak and dominance intact..

27-30, 23-30, 31-29, 31-29, 15-8

Ashley Crenshaw recorded 19 kills and a career-high 10 block assists to lead the UAlbany volleyball team to a 3-2 win over crosstown-rival Siena on Sunday afternoon at the Alumni Recreation Center. The Great Danes victory snapped Siena’s 17-match win streak, which was tied for the longest winless stretch in the nation. UAlbany came back from a two-game deficit to win the match with scores of 27-30, 23-30, 31-29, 31-29 and 15-8.

After cruising to wins in the first two games, Siena’s Aubrey Bobo gave the Saints a 29-27 lead in game three. Crenshaw then recorded consecutive kills to tie the game at 30-30 before Siena setter April London was called for a ball handling error, giving the Great Danes the win.

London was instrumental in a game-four comeback for the Saints, serving six straight points to bring Siena back from a 28-22 deficit to tie the game at 28-28. UAlbany regained a 30-29 lead on a Siena attack error before junior middle blocker Kamisha Kellam slammed home a kill to tie the match at two games apiece.

UAlbany jumped out to an early 7-2 lead in game five and controlled the remainder of the game to record the Great Danes’ sixth straight win over the Saints.

Kellam finished with 15 kills and three total blocks for the Great Danes. Sophomore outside hitter Valerie Sourbeer and freshman outside hitter Teresa Coppiellie both recorded 13 kills apiece. Sourbeer added seven digs, six total blocks and two service aces while Coppiellie added six digs defensively for UAlbany. Setter Brooke Stanley tallied 45 assists, five digs, four block assists, two kills and two service aces, while libero Tawny Dahmes led the team defensively with a match-high 20 digs.

Siena (17-4), which had not recorded a loss wince August 31, was led Bobo, who recorded a double-double for the Saints with a match-high 25 kills and 18 digs. Senior outside hitter Nadiege Honore added 19 kills for Siena while sophomore middle hitter Burgandy McCurty finished with 12 kills and four block assists. London led all players with 62 assists to go along with six digs, five block assists, four kills and three service aces.

UAlbany (15-7) returns to action on Friday, Oct. 26, continuing America East Conference play at Stony Brook at 7 p.m.

Alysia Hough & Nicole Savage Score to Lead #16 UAlbany to 2-1 Victory over Rutgers

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Freshman Alysia Hough scored in the 43rd minute to lead No. 16 UAlbany to a 2-1 victory over Rutgers in a non-conference field hockey game on Sunday, Oct. 21 at Alumni Turf Field.

Sophomore Nicole Savage got the Great Danes on the scoreboard at the 17:09 mark with her team-leading 13th goal of the season. Freshman Anouk Vandenberg registered her team-high 11th assist of the season with a cross from the left side to Savage. The Great Danes took the lead to the locker room.

Hough scored the eventual game-winning goal just over seven minutes into the final period, when she tallied from five yards out after a cross from the right side by senior Michelle Simpson.

Rutgers (7-10) cut the deficit in half with 12:23 remaining on a goal by Carrie Grainger off an assist by Amy Lewis.

UAlbany outshot Rutgers 16-9 in the contest, including a 9-5 edge in the second half. The Great Danes also held an 11-5 advantage in penalty corners. Junior goalkeeper Ashley Ross made four saves in the cage, while the Scarlet Knights’ Rosalyn Wentko recorded five saves.

UAlbany (13-4) returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 27 in its regular-season finale against conference-rival New Hampshire.

-agate-

Rutgers (7-10) 0 1 - 1

UAlbany (13-4) 1 1 - 2

Rutgers: Scoring – Carrie Grainger (1-0), Amy Lewis (0-1). Goalkeeping – Rosalyn Wentko (70:00, 2 GA, 5 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring – Nicole Savage (1-0), Alysia Hough (1-0), Anouk Vandenberg (0-1), Michelle Simpson (0-1). Goalkeeping – Ashley Ross (70:00, 1 GA, 4 saves).

David McCarty Leads Football to Third Straight win in 58-21 Triumph at NEC-Rival Saint Francis

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Loretto, Pa. -- David McCarty rushed for a career-high 170 yards and two touchdowns in leading UAlbany to its third straight win in a 58-21 Northeast Conference victory over Saint Francis, Pa. on Saturday, Oct. 20 at DeGol Field.

UAlbany (4-3, NEC 2-0) accounted for 482 total yards in recording its highest point total since Oct. 4, 2003. The Great Danes moved into a virtual tie for first place in the conference standings with Central Connecticut State.

McCarty, a sophomore tailback, broke two tackles and cut back to his right with a 63-yard scamper on the first play of the second half. Quarterback Vinny Esposito, who connected on 11-of-15 for 130 yards, found split end Irani DeAraujo with an eight-yard scoring pass on a slant pattern for a 38-7 lead.

Saint Francis (0-6, 0-3) came right back with two quick touchdowns. George Little, who passed for 283 yards on 19-of-30 attempts, fired a 60-yard bomb to Antoine Rivera to set up the first score. Following an on-side kick recovery, the Red Flash closed the gap to 38-21 on Little's three-yard TD pass to Ryan Zarnich.

UAlbany then used its ground game to halt any comeback and chew up the clock. Esposito's one-yard sneak capped an eight-play sequence, with McCarty running on five of those plays. In the fourth quarter, Omar Johnson scored on a six-yard blast and freshman fullback Chris Bright reached the end zone on a two-yard run. The Great Danes finished with 334 net rushing yards, the highest figure since 2004.

"It was close to a magnificent day for our special teams and they just couldn't match up upfront with our offensive line,” said UAlbany head coach Bob Ford. “The score went higher because we gave up a long pass and then an on-side kick (in the third quarter), so we had to put the game away."

The Great Danes snapped a 7-7 tie in the first quarter when flanker Tim Bush reached paydirt on a 31-yard scoring pass from Esposito. Bush hauled in the throw in the left flat and crossed the goal line courtesy of DeAraujo's downfield block inside the five-yard line.

McCarty, who toppled the 100-yard mark for the third time this fall, scored on a 13-yard run over right guard to hand his team a 21-7 advantage. Daniel Bocanegra's 53-yard punt return, the longest by a UAlbany player since 1999, set up the touchdown. McCarty's 10-yard scoring run completed a seven-play drive in the second quarter. The sophomore tailback drove through a pile of players and into the end zone for his fifth rushing TD of the season. Jason Fralicker's 24-yard fiield goal with 34 seconds left in the quarter gave his team a 31-7 halftime lead.

UAlbany struck first when outside linebacker Trevor DuPont picked off Little's pass in the left flat on the second play of the game and returned it 25 yards for a touchdown. The Red Flash regrouped with a 75-yard march. Little delivered a 43-yard scoring strike to Troy Eison, who got behind the free safety on the left sideline.

"The offensive line had their way and have been getting stronger in every game,” said Esposito, whose team had no turnovers for the fourth time this season. “We played well enough to score points, but it was not 100 percent perfect. (David) McCarty is running with confidence. He feels comfortable because he has established himself. It's his position with his ability to run and pass block."

#14 Boston U. Defeats #16 UAlbany, 3-1, in America East Field Hockey Action

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – Suus Dekker converted a penalty stroke at 42:08 to score what would prove to be the gamewinner, giving #14 Boston U. a 3-1 win over #16 UAlbany in America East Conference field hockey action on Saturday afternoon. With the win, the Terriers take over sole possession of first place in the conference with a 4-0 mark in league play. UAlbany is second with a 3-1 record in the conference.

Hadley Adams struck first for Boston U., taking an assist from Pam Spuehler and redirecting the pass inside the right post just six minutes into the game. After Dekker scored on her penalty stroke, Shara Shute gave the Terriers a three-goal advantage a minute later, taking an unassisted shot into the right corner from just inside the circle.

Freshman Alysia Hough got UAlbany on the board in the final minute of play, redirecting a pass from senior forward Michelle Simpson in front of the cage past Terrier goalkeeper Kim Kastuk.

Boston U. (13-5, AE 4-0) outshot the Great Danes 10-8. The teams each had four penalty corner opportunities. Kastuk finished with zero saves for the Terriers, while UAlbany goalkeeper Ashley Ross made for stops in the cage for the Great Danes.

UAlbany (12-4, AE 3-1) returns to action on Sunday afternoon, hosting non-conference opponent Rutgers at 3 p.m. at Alumni Turf Field.


UAlbany (12-4, AE 3-1) 0 1 - 1

Boston U. (13-5, AE 4-0) 1 2 - 3

UAlbany: Scoring – Alysia Hough (1-0), Michelle Simpson (0-1). Goalkeeper – Ashley Ross (70:00, 3 GA, 3 saves).

Boston U.: Scoring – Hadley Adams (1-0), Suus Dekker (1-0), Sarah Shute (1-0), Pam Spuehler (0-1). Goalkeeper – Kim Kastuk (70:00, 1 GA, 0 saves).

Great Danes Fall at ITA East Regional

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Norfolk, Va. – University at Albany senior Amanda Hall and junior Kim Weltman fell in the first round of double’s play at the Wilson/Intercollegiate Tennis Association East Women's Regional Championships on Saturday, Oct. 20.

The duo of Hall and Weltman lost to James Madison’s Rebecca Erickson and Anna Khoor in the opening round of double’s action 8-2.

In evening single’s action, Weltman lost in three sets to Taylor Marable of Princeton. Weltman won the first set 6-2, but dropped the second set, 6-4, and the decisive third set, 6-2.

The UAlbany women’s tennis team returns to action on Sunday, Oct. 21 at the Brown Invitational in Providence, R.I.

-

Singles: Taylor Marable (Princeton) def. Kim Weltman (UAlbany) 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.

Doubles: Rebecca Erickson and Anna Khoor (James Madison) def. Amanda Hall and Kim Weltman (UAlbany) 8-2.

UMBC Snaps UAlbany's Unbeaten Streak 2-0

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Baltimore, Md. – Chris Williams scored in the 22nd minute as UMBC snapped the UAlbany men’s soccer team’s three-game unbeaten streak, 2-0, in an America East Conference match at UMBC Soccer Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 20.

Williams headed in a corner kick by Bryan Moffa at the 21:51 mark of the first half to score the only goal the Retrievers would need.

UMBC tacked on a second goal in the 62nd minute as the beneficiary of an own goal by the Great Danes.

UAlbany was outshot in the contest 15-8, including 8-3 in the first half. The Great Danes held a 7-5 advantage in corner kicks, including 5-2 in the second stanza. Sophomore Brian Gordon led the Great Danes with three shots. UAlbany junior goalkeeper Steward Ceus registered eight saves in the match, while Steve King recorded two saves in between the pipes for UMBC (7-4-3, AE 3-1-1).

UAlbany (2-8-3, AE 1-1-2) takes to the road on Wednesday, Oct. 24 at Stony Brook for a 7 p.m. start.


UAlbany (2-8-3, AE 1-1-2) 0 0 - 0

UMBC (7-4-3, AE 3-1-1) 1 1 - 2

UAlbany: Scoring – None. Goalkeeping – Steward Ceus (90:00, 2 GA, 8 saves).

UMBC: Scoring – Chris Williams (1-0), Bryan Moffa (0-1), OWN GOAL. Goalkeeping – Steve King (90:00, 0 GA, 2 saves).

UAlbany's Purple Path

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 19, 2007) -- The University at Albany today celebrated construction on its multi-use Purple Path, designed for campus and community activity including walking, jogging and navigating the UAlbany campus. Joining Officer in Charge and Provost Susan Herbst for an unveiling ceremony were members of the Purple Path Planning Studio and the Albany Running Exchange, as well as campus neighbors, faculty, staff and students.

"Our campus is a popular place for our neighbors, faculty, staff and students to run and walk, and this new path will make UAlbany an even more inviting place for these activities," said Officer in Charge and Provost Susan Herbst.

The concept for the path was developed by the Purple Path Planning Studio, a graduate studio of the Department of Geography and Planning, which won an American Planning Association Regional Award for design.

The first section of the Purple Path will consist of a two-lane trail -- a nine-foot-wide blacktop-paved path for walkers and a six-foot-wide path with crushed stone for runners -- with a grassy area in between the two. The Path will also be punctuated with bench seating and lighting. It will eventually replace and enhance the current path around campus, which is a mix of blacktop pavement, concrete sidewalks and well-worn compacted dirt areas.

"The Purple Path brings to fruition the vision to make UAlbany a more sustainable, safe and enjoyable place to be," said Jeffrey Olson, adjunct professor in UAlbany's Department of Geography and Planning.

Construction is underway on the Path's first section, stretching from the corner of the baseball field to the entrance of the SEFCU Arena parking lot. This section, which runs one-third of a mile long, is expected to be completed in December. This is the first phase of significant improvements planned for the entire route, which will be a five-kilometer loop trail encircling the campus.

UAlbany's Purple Path Video

UAlbany's Fralicker glad he's still kicker

ALBANY -- Jason Fralicker wasn't going to play football for the University at Albany this year because he wanted to get a job.

After second thoughts, Fralicker is back in the occupation he truly loves -- place-kicker.

Fralicker, a fifth-year senior, cemented his place as the best kicker in program history by making his school-record 23rd career field goal in a 38-7 win over Sacred Heart last week.

He accomplished the feat in less than two seasons after transferring from Erie Community College.

"It means a lot when you come in and excel at something and you have (10) other guys on the field to share it with," Fralicker said.

He wasn't with those teammates during spring practice because he had decided to leave football behind. He was due to receive his degree in information science and wanted to get on with his career, possibly as a teacher.

"It was more of a financial thing," he said. "I was looking to get ahead in the job field."

But Fralicker began to have doubts when he saw his then-roommates, offensive lineman Sam Pagano and linebacker Mark Peretore, head to morning workouts while Fralicker was bound for class.

He visited the coaches' office and stopped by spring practice. He took some sarcastic ribbing from punter Chris Lynch and talked with Pagano and linebacker Colin Disch.

"You definitely miss it," Fralicker said. "I wanted to take advantage of (football) as long as I could. I decided maybe this is what I want to do."

Fralicker had a year of eligibility left because he redshirted his first season at UAlbany in 2005. He postponed one of his classes to this fall so he could continue playing. After this semester, he'll become the second college graduate in his family, following his uncle.

UAlbany coach Bob Ford said Fralicker would have regretted not coming back for a final season.

"You can't say at the age of 28, 'I'm going to go back to college and get that last year in,' " Ford said.

The Great Danes are certainly glad to have him back. He's made 10 of 15 field goals this season to improve to 23 of 34 for his UAlbany career. His career long is 46 yards, though Ford said he would try him from 60, if necessary.

Ford just wishes he had a kicker like Fralicker earlier.

"We lost two championships because of our inability to kick short-range field goals," Ford said. "If we had Jay back then, we'd have two more championship rings."

UAlbany (3-3) continues its quest for a Northeast Conference title on Saturday at St. Francis (Pa.).

Ford also thinks Fralicker, who grew up playing soccer in North Tonawanda, could attract interest from pro football scouts.

Fralicker has gotten ribbing from his teammates, who have called him "Chubby" for gaining eight pounds while he was on football hiatus.

Peretore said he wasn't surprised Fralicker returned.

"I never really thought he was going to leave," Peretore said. "It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play college football."

Linda Fralicker, his mother, gave the decision her blessing.

"We support anything he wants to do," she said.

Mark Singelais

Cornhuskers' star Bonitatibus chooses UAlbany

Some recruits make their college choice based on their official visit.

For Yorktown boys lacrosse star Rocky Bonitatibus, things worked out a little bit differently.

Bonitatibus' official trip to the University at Albany late last month pretty much confirmed what he had already decided.

"I was close to committing before my visit and told (Albany) Coach (Scott) Marr that Albany was my No. 1 school," said Bonitatibus, a midfielder who scored 37 goals and 49 points last season to help the 'Huskers win their 26th sectional title in the last 28 years.

Following the visit, Bonitatibus orally committed to accept a scholarship offer from the Great Danes. He expects to sign a binding National Letter of Intent during the November signing period.

"I liked everything," said Bonitatibus, who also considered Army and Le Moyne. "I loved the lacrosse field there. I love that it's a Division I school that really did well last year. And I love Coach Marr."

Marr, a 1987 Yorktown graduate, was named the 2007 United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association Division I national coach of the year after leading Albany to a school-record 15 wins during a season in which the Great Danes rose to as high as No. 2 in the national rankings. Marr is the older brother of Yorktown varsity coach Dave Marr.

"That helps a lot," Bonitatibus said. "I've been with Coach (Dave) Marr a long time and they're both really alike."

Bonitatibus' younger brother Michael, a junior who in 2006 became the first freshman to start in goal for Yorktown since John Martino in 1967, is also high Division I recruit. He's received interest from Hopkins, Syracuse and Cornell. The two were teammates on the Hudson Valley Empire State Games team this past summer.

By JOE LOMBARDI
THE JOURNAL NEWS

DiLorenzo Scores to Lead UAlbany to 1-1 Tie With Boston U.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Junior captain Erik DiLorenzo headed in a corner kick in the 69th minute to lead the University at Albany men’s soccer team to a 1-1 tie with Boston U. in America East Conference action at Varsity Field on Wednesday, Oct. 17. The match marked head coach Johan Aarnio’s 200th game of his coaching career.

The Great Danes and the Terriers played a back-and-forth first half to go into intermission deadlocked 0-0. UAlbany had two chances to score in the opening half. Junior Gaby Seguin-Gauthier had an open goal shot turned away by a Boston U. defender in the 17th minute and DiLorenzo sent a free kick from the top of the penalty box just over the crossbar in the 34th minute following a Boston U. foul.

DiLorenzo put the Great Danes on the scoreboard with his second goal of the season on a header from the top of the goal box on a corner kick by Mikael-Taylor McNamara.

The Terriers responded with a goal just over three minutes later on a corner kick of their own. Neil Hlavaty sent a ball into the goal box and Derek Puerta knotted the score at one following a scramble for the ball.

UAlbany was outshot in the contest 17-10, but the Great Danes held a 5-1 advantage in the two overtime periods. The Terriers also held a 9-2 advantage in corner kicks in the match. Junior goalkeeper Steward Ceus posted four saves in goal for UAlbany, while Joe Cullaro made two saves in between the pipes for Boston U. (7-5-1, AE 1-1-1).

UAlbany (2-7-3, AE 1-0-2) returns to action at UMBC on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m.


Boston U. (7-5-1, AE 1-1-1) 0 1 0 0 - 1

UAlbany (2-7-3, AE 1-0-2) 0 1 0 0 - 1


Boston U.: Scoring – Derek Puerta (1-0). Goalkeeping – Joe Cullaro (110:00, 1 GA, 2 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring – Erik DiLorenzo (1-0), Mikael-Taylor McNamara (0-1). Goalkeeping – Steward Ceus (110:00, 1 GA, 4 saves).

Jamar Wilson in Belgium - Video

Jamar Wilson highlights


"Jamar is averaging 23 ppg which leads the league.

His team got their 1st win (1-2) 98-89.
Five teammates were in double figures, including Jamar's 31.
H went 10-17 from the floor including 0-4 from the three point land.
Also, Jamar went 11-13 from the FT line."

Courtesy: "Patch"

Field Hockey: 2007 STX/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll

Tuesday, October 16, 2007 Jennifer Goodrich, Executive Director of NFHCA Field Hockey

1. University of North Carolina (16-0) 867 (31)
2. University of Maryland (16-0) 849 (13)
3. Wake Forest University (9-4) 755
4. University of Michigan (11-4) 709
5. University of Iowa (12-2) 701
6. University of Connecticut (14-2) 663
7. Michigan State University (12-4) 581
8. James Madison University (13-2) 578
9. Penn State University (10-5) 529
10. Duke University (9-6) 441
11. Old Dominion University (8-7) 415
12. Boston College (10-5) 373
13. University of Louisville (11-5) 330
14. Boston University (12-4) 304
15. Ohio University (12-4) 221
16. University at Albany (12-3) 215
17. American University (11-4) 210
18. Syracuse University (12-4) 118
19. University of Virginia (8-7) 106
20. Princeton University (8-4) 86

Also Receiving Votes: Villanova University (49), Temple University (31), Providence College (30),University of California, Berkeley (28), Indiana University (18), Drexel University (6), Northeastern University (6), Stanford University (4), University of Vermont (4), Virginia Commonwealth University (4), Rutgers University (3), Ohio State University (2), Columbia University (1), Kent State University (1), Siena College (1),College of William & Mary (1).

The Sports Network FCS Top-10 Mid-Major Poll

As of October 15, 2007, at 03:04 PM ET

Team (First-place votes) Record Points Previous Rank

1. San Diego Toreros (30) 6-0 300 1
2. Dayton Flyers 6-1 246 3
3. Central Conn State Blue Devils 4-2 206 5
4. Drake Bulldogs 5-2 205 2
5. Wagner Seahawks 5-1 177 8
6. Albany Great Danes 3-3 147 7
7. Duquesne Dukes 4-2 107 9
8. Iona Gaels 5-2 100 6
9. Morehead State Eagles 4-2 91 4
10. Robert Morris Colonials 3-4 17 10

Others receiving votes (in order of points):

Jacksonville 14, Valparaiso 12, Butler 11,
Davidson 8, Monmouth 5, Stony Brook 4.

Cowdrey and Stanley Lead UAlbany Volleyball Over Binghamton, 3-1

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Vestal, N.Y. – Amanda Cowdrey and Brooke Stanley both recorded double-doubles to lead the UAlbany volleyball to a 3-1 win over Binghamton in America East Conference action on Monday evening. Cowdrey finished with a match-high 20 kills to go along with 17 digs while Stanley recorded 48 assists and 10 digs for the Great Danes, who won with scores of 30-23, 28-30, 30-27 and 30-24.

Cowdrey and Stanley also combined for seven service aces in the match for UAlbany. Junior middle blocker Kamisha Kellam finished with double-digit kills, recording16 to go along with five total blocks. Senior middle blocker Ashley Crenshaw, who totaled five block assists, also added 13 kills. Freshman libero Tawny Dahmes led the Great Danes defensively with 18 digs while sophomore outside hitter Kate Eckhardt recorded seven kills, nine digs, six assists, three solo blocks and two service aces.

Binghamton (11-14, AE 3-2), which had not lost on its home court in America East play since 2004, was led by Kathleen Schauer with 16 kills. Michelle McDonough recorded a double-double of the kill-dig variety, tallying 12 kills and 13 digs along with five solo blocks. Jacki Kane, who also finished with five solo blocks, added 10 kills for the Bearcats.

UAlbany (14-7, AE 4-2) will return to action on Sunday, Oct. 21, as they visit crosstown-rival Siena at 4 p.m.



UAlbany (14-7, AE 4-2) def. Binghamton (11-14, AE 3-2), 3-1 (30-23, 28-30, 30-27, 30-24).

Anouk Vandenberg Named America East Field Hockey Rookie of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – Freshman midfielder Anouk Vandenberg was named the America East Conference Rookie of the Week, as announced by the conference office on Monday afternoon.

Vandenberg earned her first weekly award of the season after finishing with one goal and two assists in the Great Danes’ 5-1 win over non-conference opponent Cornell on Saturday. Vandenberg, who has a team-high 10 assists on the season, assisted on both of Michele Polizois’ goals in the first half, including the gamewinner just before halftime. She then scored her first collegiate goal to complete scoring in the second half.

UAlbany (12-3, AE 3-0) visits America East rival Boston U. on Saturday at 1 p.m. before hosting non-conference opponent Rutgers on Sunday at 3 p.m.

Michele Polizois Scores Twice to Lead #17 UAlbany Field Hockey, 5-1, Over Cornell

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Ithaca, N.Y. – Michele Polizois scored two first half goals as #17 UAlbany defeated Cornell, 5-1, in non-conference field hockey action on Saturday evening.

Polizois scored her first goal of the game on a corner at 28:49, with assists going to Jess Lindsey and Anouk Vandenberg. The trio teamed up again later in the stanza to give the Great Danes a 2-0 lead going into the halftime break.

Sophomore Nicole Savage added to the UAlbany total on a corner at the 47 minute mark off assists from Lindsey and Vandenberg. Freshman Joanna Irey scored her first collegiate goal at 49:33to give the Great Danes a 4-0 lead off an assist from Michelle Simpson.

Cornell (6-5) broke the shutout at 65:40, as Katie De Stio took an assist from Brenna Gulotta and slipped a shot past UAlbany goalkeeper Ashley Ross. A minute and a half later, Vandenberg gave the Great Danes back their four-goal advantage, scoring an unassisted tally.

Ross finished with four saves in the cage for the Great Danes while Cornell goalkeeper Shannon Prescott made five stops for the Big Red. UAlbany outshot Cornell 15-10 and held a 7-5 advantage in penalty corners.

UAlbany (12-3), which has been ranked in the STX/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll for five straight weeks, has a seven-day layoff before traveling to America East Conference rival Boston U. on Saturday, Oct. 20 at 1 p.m.


UAlbany (12-3) 2 3 - 5

Cornell (6-5) 0 1 - 1

UAlbany: Scoring – Michele Polizois (2-0), Nicole Savage (1-0), Joanna Irey (1-0), Anouk Vandenberg (1-2), Jess Lindsey (0-2), Michelle Simpson (0-1). Goalkeeper – Ashley Ross (70:00, 1 GA, 4 saves).

Cornell: Scoring – Katie De Stio (1-0), Brenna Gulotta (0-1). Goalkeeper – Shannon Prescott (70:00, 5 GA, 5 saves).

Quarterback Vinny Esposito Leads Football to 38-7 Homecoming Win Against Sacred Heart

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Quarterback Vinny Esposito passed for two touchdowns and ran for another score as UAlbany opened its Northeast Conference schedule with a 38-7 victory over Sacred Heart on Saturday, Oct. 13 at University Field. A homecoming crowd of 6,417 was the fifth-largest in the program’s history.

Sacred Heart (2-5, NEC 0-3) closed within 14-7 with 55 seconds left in the first half when quarterback Dale Fink hit Steve Tedesco with a seven-yard scoring pass. Senior tailback Jason Payne, who rushed 16 times for 82 yards, had three runs of 10 or more yards during the series that came after a blocked field goal.

UAlbany (3-3, NEC 1-0) then broke the Pioneers’ back with a 70-yard touchdown drive just before intermission. Justin Gannon’s 17-yard run on third-and-15 from the Great Danes’ 39 kept the sequence alive. Esposito, who completed 17 of 27 attempts for 236 yards, then delivered a 44-yard strike to Jason Smith for a 21-7 lead with two seconds remaining. Smith slid behind two Sacred Heart defensive backs and hauled in the throw in the back of the end zone.

“Vinny threw a good ball and they left me by myself,” explained Smith, a 6-foot-2 sophomore. “I thought I had a chance to catch it and I was confident that it was going to get there. They focused on Jason Poore coming underneath and I just got behind them.”

The Great Danes, who have won seven of nine conference openers since joining the league in 1999, put the game away in the third quarter with a pair of 11-play drives. Esposito reached paydirt untouched on a four-yard option run around left end. Omar Johnson’s six-yard blast through the middle handed his team a 35-7 lead with 1:48 left in the period. Tim Bush keyed that offensive series with a 13-yard reverse and a 17-yard reception on back-to-back plays.

“I thought that we were soft on defense and didn’t control the line of scrimmage on offense in the first half,” said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team has reached the win column in 24 of 35 homecoming games. “We were trying to get the ball down the field and then bang, it’s 21-7. That’s just a horrible sensation for a team and coaching staff. In the second half, we looked much better and played tougher defense.”

UAlbany built a 14-0 lead early in the second quarter. The Great Danes scored on their first possession of the game, as David McCarty scored on a seven-yard run when he cut back to the left. The sophomore tailback finished with 97 yards on the ground, while Gannon ran for 62 on 13 carries. Esposito fired a 24-yard touchdown pass to Bush to cap a 93-yard march. Bush, who had four receptions for 66 yards, caught the ball in the middle of the field and sprinted to his right across the goal line.

Fink connected on 17 of 24 passes for 107 yards, but was sacked six times. UAlbany’s Jason Fralicker booted a 39-yard field goal in the final quarter to become the school’s all-time leader in that category with 23. The Great Danes balanced the run and pass for a season-high 524 total yards.

“It’s good to start out with a win in conference play,” said Esposito, who passed for more than 200 yards for the second time this season. “We had some miscues early and didn’t exactly send the message we wanted. We were looking to hit a dig (route) on that last play of the half, but I saw him open deep.”

Estremera Finishes Second Overall at 41st Annual UAlbany Cross Country Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Ricardo Estremera finished second overall in a personal best time of 24:49.2 over the 8,000-meter course to lead the Great Danes at the 41st Annual UAlbany Invitational on Saturday afternoon. Laura Cummings was the top finisher for the UAlbany women, placing 16th overall in a time of 18:13.4 on the 5,000-meter women’s course. The Great Danes placed eighth in the team standings in the men’s competition, while the women were 10th as a team. Harvard took both team titles.

David Raucci of Marist was the individual winner for the men, covering the 8,000m in 24:41.8. Harvard’s Brian Holmquest (24:53.4), Andrew Lipkin (25:00.0) and Chas Gillespie (25:06.7) took the third, fourth and fifth spots to round out the top five.

“The course was wet, but everyone did a great job getting it prepared and being organized,” said Estremera, who posted the top finish for a Great Dane runner since 2001, when UAlbany’s Jamie Rodriguez was the individual champion. “It was a harder course than in the past, but I knew I had to give it all I could. It was my best race ever – I have never broken 25:00 in an 8,000m race, so I am very happy with my performance.”

Brian Yerkewecz finished 10th overall for UAlbany in a time of 25:39.3. John Moore (52nd, 26:35.2), David Rothman (70th, 26:59.1) and Jon Hilbert (78th, 27:07.2) wrapped up the top five finishers for the Great Danes.

Christina DeRosa of Massachusetts led the women’s field with a time of 17:21.7. Smita Gupta (17:22.2) and Arielle Wright (17:31.1) took the next two spots for Brown while Jamie Olson (17:41.2) and Claire Richardson (17:41.3), both of Harvard, rounded out the top five.

Freshman Kristine Mun was the second finisher for UAlbany with a time of 18:33.4, placing her 26th individually. Jessica Chichester (18:58.3) was 55th overall while Danielle Trimpop (98th, 20:01.8) and Aly Panos (102nd, 20:03.0) finished out the top five for the Great Danes.

“There was a lot of good competition in the field,” said Cummings, who was competing in her first UAlbany Invitational. “The course was great.”

In the Men’s Purple race, Adam Daoud finished first in a time of 26:32.7 over 8,000m to lead Harvard to a first-place team finish. Meghan Houser (18:23.1) and Meghan Cleary (18:43.2) placed first and third in the Women’s Gold race to lead the Crimson to their fourth team title of the day.


41st Annual UAlbany Invitational


R.K. Munsey Men’s Championship (8,000 meters)

Team Scores: 1. Harvard (38), 2. RIT (140), 3. Massachusetts (152), 4. Hofstra (153), 5. Brandeis (180), 6. Marist (181), 7. Middlebury (195), 8. UAlbany (212), 9. Colgate (223), 10. Canisius (257), 11. Northeastern (264), 12. Wagner (302), 13. Adelphi (311), 14. Springfield (358), 15. Delhi (422), 16. Ramapo (442), 17. Siena (505), 18. UMass Dartmouth (528), 19. Binghamton (559), 20. St. Thomas Aquinas (580), 21. Long Island (660), 22. Paul Smith (688), 23. Clarkson (708), 24. St. Bonaventure (709), 25. Mercy (785), 26. Molloy (789).

Individual: 1. David Raucci (Marist), 24:41.8, 2. Ricardo Estremera (UAlbany), 24:49.2, 3. Brian Holmquest (Harvard), 24:53.4, 4. Andrew Lipkin (Harvard), 25:00.0, 5. Chas Gillespie (Harvard), 25:06.7, 6. Lyle Tolli (Colgate) 25:09.5, 7. Dan Chenoweth (Harvard), 25:11.7, 8. Jared Burdick (RIT), 25:14.6, 9. Erik van Ingen (Canisius), 25:21.7, 10. Brian Yurkewecz (UAlbany), 25:29.3.

UAlbany Finishers: 52. John Moore (26:35.2), 70. David Rothman (26:59.1), 78. Jon Hilbert (27:07.2), 90. Chris Jimenez (27:23.5), 106. Joe Belokopitsky (27:47.0).


Bobbi Palma Women’s Championship (5,000 meters)

Team Scores: 1. Harvard (42), 2. Brown (52), 3. Colgate (89), 4. Massachusetts (141), 5. Binghamton (172), 6. Middlebury (185), 7. Northeastern (231), 8. Hofstra (242), 9. Marist (290), 10. UAlbany (297), 11. Canisius (331), 12. Rhode Island (336), 13. Springfield (369), 14. Siena (396), 15. Adelphi (432), 16. Brandeis (436), 17. Wagner (448), 18. RIT (504), 19. Saint Rose (548), 20. Ramapo (593), 21. Long Island (673), 22. St. Bonaventure (701), 23. Clarkson (754), 24. St. Francis (764), 25. Hudson Valley (806), 26. Lehman (831), 27. Molloy (856), 28. Herkimer (863), 29. St. Thomas Aquinas (890).

Individual: 1. Christina DeRosa (Massachusetts), 17:21.7, 2. Smita Gupta (Brown), 17:22.2, 3. Arielle Wright (Brown), 17:31.1, 4. Jamie Olson (Harvard), 17:41.2, 5. Claire Richardson (Harvard), 17:41.3, 6. Alexandra Kreig (Middlebury), 17:44.5, 7. Stacey Marion (Colgate), 17:45.3, 8. Eliza Ives (Harvard), 17:52.1, 9. Elizabeth Kennedy (Colgate), 17:54.2, 10. Ashley Horton (Binghamton), 17:55.0.

UAlbany Finishers: 16. Laura Cummings (18:13.4), 26. Kristine Mun (18:33.4), 55. Jessica Chichester (18:58.3), 98. Danielle Trimpop (20:01.8), 102. Ally Panos (20:03.0), 136. Tashia Alexander (21:01.4), 154. Briana McNamee (21:55.2).


Men’s Purple Race (8,000 meters)

Team Scores: 1. Harvard (5), 2. Middlebury (46), 3. Marist (88), 4. Vassar (127), 5. Delhi (133), 6. Suffolk C.C. (155), 7. Springfield (162), 8. Siena (227), 9. Clarkson (280).

Individual: 1. Adam Daoud (Harvard), 26:32.7, 2. Bobby Kenney (Harvard), 26:47.8, 3. Dan Emont (Harvard), 26:54.6, 4. Mark Hirschboeck (Harvard), 26:56.5, 5. Tom Hutchinson (Harvard), 26:59.6, 6. Peter Hoffman (Middlebury), 27:03.9, 7. Alex Brenner (Harvard), 27:14.1, 8. Dan Kaufman (Middlebury), 27:19.0, 9. Jack Terrett (Middlebury), 27:22.7, 10. Robert Schaaf (Harvard), 27:29.7.

Women’s Gold Race (5,000 meters)

Team Scores: 1. Harvard (19), 2. Middlebury (40), 3. Northeastern (125), 4. Suffolk (130), 5. Adelphi (152), 6. Marist (153), 7. Delhi (167), 8. Siena (193), 9. Springfield (223), 10. Ramapo (252).

Individual: 1. Meghan Houser (Harvard), 18:23.1, 2. Sophia Spring (Middlebury), 18:37.6, 3. Meghan Cleary (Harvard), 18:43.2, 4. Thea Lee (Harvard) 18:56.0, 5. Brendan Cohen (Harvard), 19:09.1, 6. Alison Liewer (Harvard), 19:15.6, 7. Tara Doyle (Middlebury), 19:22.3, 8. Meredith MacGregor (Harvard), 19:23.7, 9. Ellie Buechner (Middlebury), 19:26.0, 10. Sarah Norton (Middlebury), 19:30.6.

UAlbany Ties New Hampshire 0-0 in America East Home Opener

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – The University at Albany tied New Hampshire, 0-0, in double overtime in America East Conference men’s soccer action at Varsity Field on Saturday, Oct. 13.

After a back-and-forth first half, the two teams went into intermission knotted at zero. The second half was much of the same and forced overtime. The two overtime periods did not produce a goal, despite chances for both teams. The biggest threat the Great Danes could muster was a shot by junior Don Johnson on a breakaway late in the first overtime period.

UAlbany outshot the Wildcats 15-14 in the contest, including a 3-2 advantage in the two overtime periods. New Hampshire registered 9-2 advantage in corner kicks, but the Great Danes kept the Wildcats off the scoreboard.

Reigning conference co-player of the week Steward Ceus made four saves in goal for UAlbany, while Mike Jenne recorded two saves in net for New Hampshire (3-4-5, AE 0-1-2).

UAlbany (2-7-2, AE 1-0-1) returns to action at home on Wednesday, Oct. 17 at 4 p.m. against Boston U.



New Hampshire (3-4-5, AE 0-1-2) 0 0 0 0 - 0

UAlbany (2-7-2, AE 1-0-1) 0 0 0 0 - 0


New Hampshire: Scoring – None. Goalkeeping – Mike Jenne (110:00, 0 GA, 2 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring – None. Goalkeeping – Steward Ceus (110:00, 0 GA, 4 saves).

Signorelli's 81 Leads UAlbany at Rutgers Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Piscataway, N.J. – Jessica Signorelli shot an 81 to lead the University at Albany women’s golf team in the second round of the Rutgers Invitational at the RU Golf Course on Saturday, Oct. 13. The Great Danes finished the invitational in 16th place with a two-day total of 706.

Signorelli finished in a tie for 39th at 169 as she followed her first round 88 with an 81 in round two. Freshman Corrin Conroy shot an 82 in the second round for a two-day total of 171 and in a tie for 47th. Senior Maggie Taylert finished in a tie for 74th with a 181 after an 89 in the second round and junior Sun Hwa Kim shot a 90 in the second round for a two-round score of 185. Senior Rebecca Lukac rounded out the Great Dane competitors with a final round 95.

UAlbany returns to action at the Fairleigh Dickinson Tournament in Hillsborough, N.J. on Monday, Oct. 22 and Tuesday, Oct. 23.

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TEAM SCORES
1. Bethune-Cookman 318-306 - 624; 2. Yale 329-304 - 633; 3. St. John’s 337-305 - 642; 4. Siena 331-314 - 645; T5. USC Upstate 344-322 - 666; T5. Rutgers 336-330 - 666; T5. Bucknell 341-325 - 666; 8. Lehigh 342-331 - 673; 9. Central Connecticut St. 343-333 - 676; T10. Sacred Heart 348-331 - 679; T10. Fairleigh Dickinson 345-334 - 679; 12. Boston U. 347-343 - 690; T13. Hartford 353-339 - 692; T13. Monmouth 359-333 - 692;

15. St. Francis (PA) 365-333 - 698; 16. UAlbany 364-342 - 706; 17. Mount St. Mary’s 371-363 - 734; 18. Hampton 384-357 - 741.


INDIVIDUAL SCORES

1.Ellie Brophy (Yale) 76-74 -150; 2. Brittany Lambertson (St. John’s) 77-74 - 151; 3. Kim Wong (Bethune-Cookman) 80-74 - 154; T4. Becky Dowell (Bethune-Cookman) 78-79 - 157; T4. Katelynn Mannix (Siena) 81-76 - 157; 6. Emma Tayler (Bethune-Cookman) 83-75 - 158; T7. Lucie Sarochova (Central Conn. St.) 79-80 - 159; T7. Lois Kim (St. John’s) 85-74 - 159; T9. Richelle Wedzik (USC Upstate) 83-77 - 160; T9. Rylee Plitz (Monmouth) 82-78 - 160; T9. Katie Jurenovich (Bucknell) 83-77 - 160; T9. Fern Grimshaw (Bethune-Cookman) 78-82 - 160; T9. Harriet Owers-Bradle (Yale) 84-76 - 160; T9. Maria Garrido (Bethune-Cookman) 82-78 - 160.


UALBANY SCORES

T39. Jessica Signorelli 88-81 - 169; T47. Corrin Conroy 89-82 - 171; T74. Maggie Taylert 92-89 -181; T82. Sun Hwa Kim 95-90 - 185; 97. Rebecca Lukac 111-95 - 206.

UAlbany Volleyball Falls to UMBC, 3-2, in America East Conference Action

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Baltimore, Md. – Ashley Oscars recorded a match-high 24 kills to go along with 11 digs to lead UMBC to a 3-2 win over UAlbany in America East Conference volleyball action on Friday afternoon. The Retrievers defeated the Great Danes with scores of 24-30, 32-30, 21-30, 30-27 and 15-11.

UAlbany freshman outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey led UAlbany with her 12th double-double of the season, recording a team-high 18 kills and 18 digs. Junior middle blocker Kamisha Kellam finished with 16 kills while Valerie Sourbeer and Ashley Crenshaw added 16 and 11 kills, respectively. Freshman setter Brooke Stanley tallied 61 assists and completed her ninth double-double of the season with 17 digs. Freshman libero Tawny Dahmes led the Great Danes defensively with 28 digs.

UMBC (19-5, AE 4-1) received 14 kills and 18 digs from Sabrina Hoeks, while Bridget Scheetz added 14 kills with a .444 hitting percentage. Tiffany Johnson also finished in double-digits, recording 12 kills and six block assists. Bianca Sande led the Retrievers defensively with 19 digs, while setter Kira Giles added 68 assists and 18 digs.

UAlbany (13-7, AE 3-2) will return to action on Monday, continuing America East Conference play on the road at Binghamton at 7 p.m.

UMBC (19-5, AE 4-1) def. UAlbany (13-7, AE 3-2), 3-2 (24-30, 32-30, 21-30, 30-27, 15-11).

UAlbany seeks $60M for stadium project

University requests public funding for facility worthy of Division I football

ALBANY -- Lined by wooden stands on one side, aluminum bleachers on the other, University Field seems adequate for a NCAA Division III football program.

The problem is, the University at Albany upgraded its intercollegiate sports programs to Division I eight years ago.

That's why Great Danes football coach Bob Ford wants something better.

"If you said, 'What is (our) stadium?' You'd have to say it's more like a Division III stadium, if you had the (nerve) to call it a stadium," Ford said.

UAlbany seeks to change that -- with a lot of help from the state.

UAlbany wants public funding for a projected $60 million, multipurpose stadium that would seat 10,000 to 15,000 fans. It would stand on or near the site of University Field, the team's 5,000-seat home since the Great Danes became a varsity program in 1973.

Lee McElroy, the school's athletic director, said UAlbany has submitted its plan to the State University of New York system. The SUNY board of trustees has yet to consider the request.

"It's too early to address specific projects" for 2008, said Dave Henahan, the spokesman for SUNY system administration.

Should the trustees endorse the plan, it would go to Gov. Eliot Spitzer, who then would decide whether to put the project in his budget request for 2008-09.

UAlbany seeks $5 million to $8 million in private donations to supplement state funding, McElroy said.

School officials hope to begin construction next year and have the artificial-turf facility ready by fall 2010 for the football team. It also would be available for soccer, lacrosse and high school events.

"It will provide a venue that is representative of the entire university community," McElroy said. "It will also be an economic impact drive to the Capital Region."

UAlbany soon will begin a site analysis and environmental impact study that is expected to take three to five months and will determine the best location for the project.

UAlbany upgraded its sports program in 1999 to Division I, the highest level of college athletics. The football team plays in the Football Championship Subdivision, formerly known as Division I-AA, in which programs are allowed to give out a maximum of 63 full scholarships.

Better-known schools such as Ohio State and Florida play in the Football Bowl Subdivision, formerly known as Division I-A, which has a maximum of 85 scholarship players.

UAlbany once played at the Division III level, which offers no aid based on athletic ability.

Right now, UAlbany spreads the equivalent of 23 football scholarships among 45 to 50 players. The hope is that a new football stadium will attract better players and allow UAlbany to someday become a fully funded FCS program.

"I think (UAlbany) football, sometime during my lifetime, will probably be at the level with UMass, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, a major state university playing scholarship football on that level somewhere in the future," Ford said.

Read the entire article:
Stadium article

By MARK SINGELAIS

UAlbany Basketball Teams Begin Preseason, Individual Home Game Tickets for Sale on Oct. 16

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Preseason practice for the University at Albany men’s and women’s basketball teams begins this weekend as the programs prepare for their seventh season as America East Conference members. The men will conduct their first practice on Friday, Oct. 12 at 7:00 p.m. in SEFCU Arena. The UAlbany women will take the floor the following day in University Gymnasium for the first time at 1:00 p.m.

The Great Danes captured their second consecutive America East Conference championship and NCAA Tournament berth last season. UAlbany posted a 23-10 record, the first back-to-back 20-win campaigns in 17 years. Brent Wilson, a 6-foot-8 senior, is one of three returning starters. Wilson, who earned third-team all-conference honors, averaged 11.0 points and 5.0 rebounds, plus led the team in three-point field goals with 71. Brian Lillis, a 6’5” senior, was named the America East’s defensive player of the year. He contributed 6.9 points and 4.9 rebounds.

UAlbany opens its schedule with a pair of non-league road games against Bucknell (Nov. 10) and Central Connecticut State (Nov. 14). The Great Danes meet Columbia in their SEFCU Arena debut on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 7:00 p.m.

UAlbany’s women’s team has a strong nucleus returning from a group that took perennial America East power Hartford to the wire in last year’s tournament quarterfinals. Kristin Higy, a 6-foot-1 senior, scored in double figures at 10.4 points per game and led the squad in rebounding (6.2 pg). Gia Sanders, a member of the conference’s all-defensive team, added 6.3 points and 5.8 rebounds, and was one of the league’s top shot-blockers with 51. Senior Sherri Mikus (9.3 ppg) and sophomore Britney McGee (8.4 ppg) provide scoring punch from the backcourt.

The Great Danes begin on the road at NIT Participant Indiana on Friday, Nov. 9. UAlbany faces Colgate in the home opener at SEFCU Arena on Thursday, Nov. 15 at 7:00 p.m.


INDIVIDUAL HOME GAME BASKETBALL TICKETS GO ON SALE ON TUESDAY, OCT. 16

Albany, N.Y. – Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced today that the University at Albany will begin the sale of individual home game tickets for the 2007-08 men’s and women’s basketball season on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 9:00 a.m. Tickets will be available by calling 518-442-4683. The Physical Education Building’s Ticket Office will be open from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Individual tickets are $10.00 for reserved seats. Children (12 & under) can purchase the same ticket for $1.00. Season tickets are currently available for reserved seating only and are priced at $100.00. Reserved season tickets for children are $30.00. Season parking passes (SEFCU Arena Lot) are on sale for $50.

Tirabassi, Boring Lead UAlbany to FIrst-ever Win Over Binghamton

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Sophomore Ashley Tirabassi tallied her first goal of the season and freshman Teresa Boring scored her conference-high eighth to lead UAlbany to its first-ever win over Binghamton, 3-1, in America East Conference women’s soccer action on Thursday afternoon at Varsity Field. The Great Danes snapped an 11-game losing streak to the Bearcats.

The Great Danes took a 1-0 lead with 25:33 to play in the first half when Alicia Gibson sent a free kick from the left of the goal into the box that found its way through a string of Binghamton defenders to Tirabassi at the top of the box. Tirabassi sent a shot that struck the crossbar and fell in behind Bearcat keeper Erin Iman for the goal. Diana Barrera was credited with an assist. UAlbany would take the one-goal lead into the intermission.

Boring scored what would stand as the game-winner with 41:20 left to play in the second half when she took an Uju Ogbuawa feed and beat a pair of Binghamton defenders for the score. The Bearcats fought back to tally just over two minutes later to make the score 2-1 on an Amanda Casares shot that beat UAlbany goalie Maria Liguori high and to the left. The Great Danes added an insurance goal in the 82nd minute from Caitlin Mulligan when her shot from 30 yards out slipped through Iman’s hands. Barrera earned her second assist on the day on the goal.

UAlbany outshot Binghamton 14-11 in the contest. Liguori made six saves in goal for UAlbany, while Iman stopped six shots for Binghamton (2-9-2, AE 1-3) .

UAlbany (4-6-3, AE 1-3) will return to America East Conference action on Sunday, Oct. 14 at Stony Brook.




UAlbany 1 2 -- 3

Binghamton 0 1 -- 1



UAlbany: Scoring- Ashley Tirabassi (1-0), Teresa Boring (1-0), Caitlin Mulligan (1-0), Uju Ogbuawa (0-1), Diana Barrera (0-2); Goalkeeping- Maria Liguori (90:00 minutes, 1 GA, 6 saves)

Binghamton: Scoring- Amanda Casares (1-0); Goalkeeping- Erin Iman (90:00 minutes, 3 GA, 6 saves).

UAlbany Field Hockey Ranked #17 on STX/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Despite two wins this past week, the UAlbany field hockey team was dropped down one position, ranking #17 in the STX/NFHCA Division I National Coaches Poll, as announced on Tuesday afternoon. It is the fifth-straight week the Great Danes have been nationally ranked.

UAlbany (11-3, AE 3-0) were undefeated in two games last week. The Great Danes continued America East Conference play with a 1-0 win over Vermont on Saturday before defeating Fairfield, 3-0, at home on Sunday. Sophomore defender Jess Lindsey scored two goals and recorded an assist in the two victories, while junior goalkeeper Ashley Ross earned her fifth solo shutout of the season in the blanking of Vermont.

The Great Danes will take a break from conference play as they travel to Cornell on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Other ranked teams:

-Louisville moved up 3 positions to #14, passing UAlbany, despite UAlbany winning both games played this past week.
-American University dropped one position to #16, despite going 1-0 this past week.
-Boston University moved up one position to #13, despite going 1-1 this past week.
-Boston College dropped only two postions to #12, despite going 0-2 this past week.
-Duke University moved up one position to #11, despite going 0-1 this past week.

Weltman Leads UAlbany to 7-0 Sweep Over Union

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Kim Weltman earned a win in No. 1 doubles and No. 2 singles to lead the UAlbany women’s tennis team to a 7-0 victory over Union on Tuesday afternoon at University Bubble. Weltman won her No. 2 singles match in straight sets over Roni Brumberger (6-2, 6-0) and then paired up with Amanda Hall for an 8-1 win over Hallie Mabrey and Jessica Meola.

In other singles action, Susan Ma defeated Mabrey in No. 1 singles (6-4, 6-2), Aimee Kern took the win in No. 3 singles over Kathleen Rucci (6-0, 6-3), and Charlotte Tatler earned a 6-0, 6-0 win over Meola at the No. 4 singles spot. Caitlin Crowley beat Marla Feldman (8-6) at No. 5 singles and Melissa Coughlin won at No. 6 singles over Libby Johnson (8-3).

At No. 2 doubles, Ma and Tatler defeated Brumberger and Rucci (8-2), and Crowley Kern completed the sweep for the Great Danes, beating Johnson and Feldman (8-1).

UAlbany (2-0) will next play in the ITA Regional Championships Oct. 18-19 in Norfolk, Va.

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Doubles:

1. Hall/Weltman (UAlbany) def. Mabrey/Meola (Union), 8-1

2. Ma/Tatler (UAlbany) def. Brumberger/Rucci (Union), 8-2

3. Kern/Crowley (UAlbany) def. Johnson/Feldman (Union), 8-1



Singles:

1. Ma (UAlbany) def. Mabrey (Union), 6-4, 6-2

2. Weltman (UAlbany) def. Brumberger (Union), 6-2, 6-0

3. Kern (UAlbany) def. Rucci (Union), 6-0, 6-3

4. Tatler (UAlbany) def. Meola (Union), 6-0, 6-0

5. Crowley (UAlbany) def. Feldman (Union), 8-6

6. Coughlin (UAlbany) def. Johnson (Union), 8-3

UAlbany Athletics Set for Homecoming and Family Weekend on October 12-14

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – The University at Albany will celebrate its Homecoming and Family Weekend on Oct. 12-14. The festivities begin with the 24th annual Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony on Friday evening. Alan Cornfield ’85, lacrosse (posthumously); Mike Grever ’99, football; and Kelly Poynton ’99, softball, will be enshrined into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Saturday’s athletic schedule includes the homecoming football game with Northeast Conference opponent Sacred Heart at 4:00 p.m. The contest will be televised on Time Warner Cable (TW3) in the Capital Region. SEFCU will sponsor a fireworks display following the game.

The 41st annual UAlbany Cross Country Invitational will be held on the campus course, with more than 20 men’s and women’s teams competing. The men’s championship 8,000-meter race begins at 10:45 a.m., while the women’s championship 5,000-meter race follows at 11:30 a.m.

UAlbany’s men’s basketball program will conduct its Purple & Gold scrimmage at 1:30 p.m. in the SEFCU Arena. The Great Danes have made two consecutive NCAA appearances after winning the America East Conference championship. In addition, men’s soccer is home at Varsity Field against conference-rival New Hampshire at 1:00 p.m.



2007 University at Albany Homecoming Schedule

Friday, Oct. 12

7:00 p.m., 24th Annual Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony

(SEFCU Arena Hall of Fame Room)

Saturday, Oct. 13

SEFCU Arena Parking Lot Opens ($5.00)

10:00 a.m., 41st UAlbany Cross Country Invitational – Campus Course (free)

1:00 p.m., Men’s Soccer vs. New Hampshire – Varsity Field (free)

1:30 p.m., Men’s Basketball – Purple & Gold Scrimmage – SEFCU Arena (free)

2:00-4:00 p.m., Touchdown Tailgate – SEFCU Arena Parking Lot (free)

Band – Hair of the Dog

Family Fun Zone

2:30 p.m., Football Box Office Opens and Gates to University Field Open

4:00 p.m., Football vs. Sacred Heart – University Field

Admission – Adults $8.00, Children $1.00 (under 12)

SEFCU Fireworks Following Game

Amanda Cowdrey Earns America East Conference Rookie of the Week Honors

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany freshman outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey earned her third America East Conference Rookie of the Week award of the season as announced by the conference office on Tuesday afternoon.

Cowdrey averaged a team-high 3.38 kills per game and was second with 3.38 digs per game in leading the Great Danes to an America East split last week. The rookie recorded her 11th double-double of the season in a 3-2 loss to New Hampshire on Friday, finishing with a team-high 15 kills and 18 digs. Cowdrey, a native of Brampton, Ontario, finished with 12 kills and nine digs in a 3-0 win over Maine, while also finishing with five service aces against the Black Bears. Cowdrey’s average of 0.62 service aces per game last week put her fourth in the conference.

UAlbany (13-6, AE 3-1) will hit the road for its only match of the week on Friday, a 4 p.m. contest at UMBC.

Steward Ceus Named America East Conference Co-Player of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany junior goalkeeper Steward Ceus was named the America East Conference Men’s Soccer co-Player of the Week, as announced by the conference office on Tuesday afternoon.

Ceus recorded nine saves in posting his first shutout of the season in UAlbany’s 1-0 double overtime victory at Vermont on Saturday, Oct. 6. For the season, Ceus has a 1.99 goals against average and is tied for first in the conference with 52 saves, while playing every minute in goal for the Great Danes.

UAlbany (2-7-1, AE 1-0) returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 13 as they host conference opponent New Hampshire at 1 p.m. as part of Homecoming and Family Weekend.