McCarty Impresses as the University of Albany Football Team Ends Second Week of Spring Practice

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany football coach Bob Ford finished up the second week of spring practice with a controlled scrimmage on Friday, April 11 at University Field. The Great Danes have already conducted eight of 15 NCAA-allowed practice sessions.

David McCarty, a tailback from Gansevoort, N.Y., showed why he earned All-Northeast Conference recognition last year by rushing for 104 yards and three touchdowns and hauling in a 44-yard scoring pass as his team worked on their two-minute offense. Colin Simmons, a sophomore from Manlius, N.Y., added 64 yards and one TD on the ground.

“We are starting to get people on the same page,” said quarterback Vinny Esposito, who completed 8 of 13 passes. “Any college team is trying to get their timing down during the spring. We ran the ball well, but we need to throw it better and become a balanced offense.”

The Great Danes’ defense was stingy last year when the UAlbany captured its third conference championship since joining the NEC in 1999. But a talented senior class was a big part of that unit’s front seven. Justin Brancaccio, an inside linebacker from Rockaway, N.J., may ease graduation losses. Brancaccio, who will be a junior in the fall, recorded 2.5 sacks in the scrimmage.

“We weren’t working as a group early on today,” said Brancaccio, who tied for second on the team with 63 tackles last season. “Once we slowed down, we started taking care of our responsibilities. The veterans have to bring the young guys along to get ready for the fall. With (Dave) Nicomini injured and guys lost to graduation, we need to play to the next level.”

UAlbany will practice three times next week and hold four sessions over the final seven days, as the team ends springs drills on Saturday, April 26.

Football Notes: Senior safety Dave Nicomini, a first-team All-NEC standout, had knee surgery to repair two torn ligaments on Wednesday, April 9 ... Nicomini, who had 63 tackles as a junior, was injured in the fourth spring practice ... Nicomini, who will be out indefinitely, will have a second surgical procedure in three weeks ... Herb Glass, a freshman from Miller Place, N.Y., improved his chances of replacing All-NEC placekicker Jason Fralicker ... Glass booted three field goals in the scrimmage, including a 42-yarder ... reserve quarterback Frank Blasinsky looked sharp by connecting on 9 of 11 pass attempts for 146 yards ... Blasinsky hooked up with freshman wideout John Lullen for 40 yards and threw the 44-yarder to McCarty in the two-minute drill ... sophomore defensive end Mike Kelly had a 22-yard interception return ...

University of Albany Alumni Invited to Launch of New Branding Campaign

During the past year, UAlbany has been engaged in a marketing study and branding initiative. We have solicited feedback from all of our constituents to better understand how the University is perceived and how we can better promote our distinctive strengths. We have concluded this process, and Interim President George Philip ’69, ’73, will launch our new brand to the campus community and the media April 14, 12:30-1:30 p.m. in University Hall on the main campus. Alumni are invited to attend the launch and show their pride in UAlbany.

University of Albany's Julita Ewa Patrosz is Selected as Recipient of Prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship

Julita Ewa Patrosz, a sophomore majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, receives nation's premier undergraduate award for students engaged in scientific study

Albany, NY - Julita Ewa Patrosz, a UAlbany sophomore who is majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, has been chosen as a recipient of the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, the nation's premier undergraduate award for outstanding students in the fields of science, engineering and mathematics.

Ms. Patrosz, who plans to seek a Ph.D. in biology or chemistry and is considering research in the field of bioinformatics as a future career, has a particular interest in the application of mathematics and chemistry to biological problems. Working with her research adviser, Associate Professor of Chemistry Dr. Jayanti Pande, she is currently engaged in a research program using modern biophysical techniques to understand how mutations in lens proteins lead to the formation of cataracts.

"I am honored to receive the Goldwater Scholarship, and I want to thank my research adviser, Dr. Pande, and the UAlbany Goldwater Faculty Representative, Dr. Kaloyeros, who have been so supportive," said Ms. Patrosz. "This honor provides a great opportunity to advance both my education and research in a field that offers so many exciting possibilities."

Ms. Patrosz is the 15th UAlbany student in the past 18 years to be chosen for esteemed Goldwater Scholarships, which are awarded on the basis of academic merit. She was among 321 students nationwide - and one of just 132 women - to be selected from a field of 1,035 sophomores and juniors who were nominated by college and university faculties. She will receive $15,000 in funding for undergraduate study over the next two years.

UAlbany Interim President George M. Philip said, "On behalf of the entire University community, I am proud to congratulate Julita Ewa Patrosz, as well as her adviser, Professor Jayanti Pande, and the UAlbany Goldwater Faculty Representative, Professor Alain E. Kaloyeros, on Julita's selection as a recipient of the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. In becoming the University's 15th student to receive this prestigious honor, Julita enhances a proud tradition of nationally recognized undergraduate academic and research excellence in the scientific field, which has become a hallmark of UAlbany's standing as a world-class institution of higher education."

Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering and UAlbany Faculty Representative for the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship, said, "The selection of Julita Ewa Patrosz for the prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship is both a glowing testimony to the scholarly excellence of UAlbany's undergraduate student body and emblematic of the University's reputation as a global leader in preparing students to be pioneers in the next-generation fields of scientific research and discovery. I am delighted to congratulate Ms. Patrosz and her adviser, Professor Pande, on this well-deserved and much-coveted recognition, as well as the UAlbany faculty nomination committee for its efforts that have brought national renown to the University."

UAlbany Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Susan D. Phillips said, "The impressive level of academic achievement that is representative of UAlbany's undergraduate students is borne out once again with the selection of Julita Ewa Patrosz as a Goldwater Scholar. As the fields of science and engineering become increasingly critical in the 21st century, it is clear that UAlbany is providing unique educational and research opportunities for its students that will translate into exciting career paths in the future."

Dr. Edelgard Wulfert, Acting Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, said, "I am thrilled that Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major Julita Ewa Patrosz has been awarded a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship in recognition of her impressive achievements, and I congratulate both Julita and her research advisor, Professor Pande. Our entire University can take pride in the accomplishment of this outstanding student who embodies our undergraduate academic and research excellence that truly defines the University."

Dr. Pande said, "One of my great joys as a returning alumna is having the opportunity to work with intelligent, focused and conscientious students like Julita, who truly represent the future of the scientific community. My hope is that the well-deserved recognition that she has earned as a recipient of the Goldwater Scholarship will encourage her to strive for even higher goals in the future, while also motivating fellow UAlbany students to continually test themselves against the nation's best and brightest undergraduates."

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship Program, established in 1986 in honor of Senator Barry M. Goldwater, is designed to foster and encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences, and engineering. In its 20-year history, more than 5,500 scholarships worth approximately $54 million have been awarded. In addition, recent Goldwater Scholars have been awarded 70 Rhodes Scholarships, 94 Marshall Awards - including 8 of the 40 awarded in the United States in 2008 - and numerous other distinguished fellowships.

Courtesy: University of Albany News

University of Albany's Women's Lacrosse Registers 11-8 Win Against Binghamton in America East Conference Play

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Sophomore midfielder Kayla Best scored three of her four goals in the second half to lead UAlbany to an 11-8 America East Conference win over Binghamton on Wednesday, April 9 at John Fallon Field.

UAlbany (8-5, AE 2-2) led 8-6 midway through the final period, but tallied three of the game’s next four goals. Best began that stretch when she connected on a free-position attempt following a successful clear. She gave her team a four-goal cushion by placing a shot inside the left post to complete a transition play. Binghamton’s Ali Castiglie scored her second of the game by moving around a defender from left of the cage. But the Great Danes answered eight seconds when Jodi Battaglia won the draw and passed ahead to Molly Ortolano, who was left one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

The Great Danes, who were coming off a last-second loss at Vermont four days ago, broke a 2-2 tie in the first half with four unanswered goals. Christine Grueniger, who did all of her scoring in the outburst with two goals and one assist, rifled a free-position shot inside the right post to put her team ahead. She then found Best in the middle of the zone for a 4-2 advantage. UAlbany struck twice in the final 39 seconds of the period. Grueniger slid to the right and fired into the left side of the net to make good on a free-position opportunity. Freshman Taylor Frink then drove from behind the game, faked a shot, and scored from the front of the crease with 11.6 seconds to play.

Binghamton (4-9, AE 0-4) closed within a pair of goals on two occasions in the second half. Kate Concialdi converted from right of the crease off a feed from behind by teammate Kate Tesi with 19:17 remaining. Castiglie then scored her 14th of the season to cut the deficit to 8-6 one minute and 40 seconds later by picking her way to the goal from the left side.

“We have a lot of injuries right now, so we had to move people around,” said UAlbany coach Lindsay Hart, whose team hosts No. 14 Vanderbilt on Sunday. “We were a completely different team with three players moving up to attack. We had control of the game, but didn’t have a great night shooting the ball and finishing plays. Taylor Frink and Mel Rorie made the most of their increased playing time.”

UAlbany’s Rory Redmond and Battaglia each had one goal and one assist, while goalkeeper Katie Neer made 12 saves. Best, who extended her scoring streak to 26 consecutive games, totaled four or more points for the fifth straight time. Binghamton’s Sandra Alvarez stopped 11 shots in the cage.

**********

UAlbany 11, Binghamton 8

Binghamton – Scoring: Ali Castiglie 2-0, Kate Tesi 1-1, Leanne Musso 1-0, Kate Concialdi 1-0, Lizzie Wright 1-0, Jen Fischer 1-0, Julia Demuth 1-0; Goalkeeper(s): Sandra Alvarez (60:00, 11 saves, 11 GA).

UAlbany – Scoring: Kayla Best 4-0, Christine Grueniger 2-1, Rory Redmond 1-1, Jodi Battaglia 1-1, Stacey Brown 1-0, Taylor Frink 1-0, Molly Ortolano 1-0, Jane Bush 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Katie Neer (60:00, 12 saves, 8 GA).

UAlbany Softball Sweeps Vermont in America East Doubleheader

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Third baseman Meagan Butsch went 2-for-3 with one run scored in the first game and slammed a home run to left field in the nightcap in leading UAlbany to a doubleheader sweep of Vermont in America East softball action on Wednesday afternoon at Albany Field. The Great Danes took the first game, 3-2, and won the second by a score of 5-2.

Both teams scored single runs in the first inning of the early contest to hold a 1-1 tie into the fourth frame. UAlbany (17-11, AE 6-2) took a one-run lead in the bottom half of that inning, as Butsch knocked a lead off triple into centerfield. Right fielder Bailey Van Deest recorded an RBI single two batters later to drive in Butsch and give the Great Danes a 2-1 advantage.

UAlbany held onto the lead until the seventh, as Vermont’s Rachelle Eloschuk reached on a fielding error. Eloschuk stole second and was driven home on a double by shortstop Kate Haber. UAlbany pitcher Leah McIntosh struck out Elena Rizza and induced a foul out by Rachelle Boone to end the inning.

The Great Danes were able to get the winning run across in the bottom half of the seventh, as shortstop Andrianna Walraven knocked a single into left to get on the base path. Walraven stole second before left fielder Amber Maisonet drew a walk off Vermont’s Aimee Kern, who entered the game in relief. Following a double steal by the baserunners, third baseman Whitney Borisenok could not get a glove on the throw from Boone, allowing Walraven to score the game-ending run.

McIntosh threw her 12th complete game of the season, striking out nine Vermont batters and improving to 10-3. Daggett took the loss for the Catamounts, fanning three in 6.1 innings of work.

Game two went scoreless until the UAlbany half of the fourth inning, as Butsch drove a lead-off homer off the scoreboard in left field to give the Great Danes a 1-0 lead. Kern, who started in the circle for Vermont, then walked Gina Mason, the next batter in the lineup, and allowed a single by Kat Smith. Smith advanced to second on an error by Vermont third baseman Jeanine Connolly, which also allowed pinch runner Tara Dalton to score.

The Catamounts answered in the top of the fifth, as Laura Stagliano reached on a UAlbany error, then stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. In the following at bat, second baseman Hayley Crosby knocked a home run to left centerfield to tie the game at 2-2.

UAlbany put up three runs in the bottom of the sixth to break the tie, led off by a single up the middle by Van Deest. Van Deest was replaced on the base path by Jessica Bergin, who was knocked over to second on a sacrifice bunt by Smith. Bergin advanced to third on a ground out by Leanne Tillman, and scored on a fielding error by the third baseman, which also allowed Walraven to get on base. Maisonet reached first on an error by the shortstop, advancing Walraven, and the baserunners moved ahead again on a wild pitch. Centerfielder Nicole Kothe drove a single up the middle to score both runners, but was caught stealing to end the inning.

UAlbany pitcher Marissa Powell, who tossed a complete game, made quick work of the final frame to seal the victory for the Great Danes. Powell fanned eight Catamount batters in her seven inning performance, walking two, and improving to 5-7 on the season. Kern tossed six innings for Vermont (9-18, AE 1-7), fanning three.

The Great Danes return to action on Saturday, April 12, hosting Maine in a three-game conference series.

-agate-

Vermont 100 000 1 - 2 5 3

UAlbany 100 100 1 - 3 6 1

Vermont: Alison Daggett, Aimee Kern (7) and Rachelle Boone.

UAlbany: Leah McIntosh and Kat Smith.



Vermont (9-18, AE 1-7) 000 020 0 - 2 9 3

UAlbany (17-11, AE 6-2) 000 203 x - 5 6 1

Vermont: Aimee Kern and Rachelle Boone.

UAlbany: Marissa Powell and Kat Smith.

UAlbany Graduate Programs Among Top 10 in the Nation by U.S. News and World Report

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 4, 2008) - Programs in the University at Albany's Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy and College of Computing and Information (CCI) rank among the Top 10 in the nation, and UAlbany's School of Social Welfare jumped seven places to rank 12th, according to the latest U.S. News and World Report's annual rankings of the nation's graduate programs.
For the 2009 edition, several UAlbany programs in public affairs garnered Top 10 rankings, including information & technology management (2), public finance and budgeting (7) and public management/administration (8). The information & technology management program is a unique collaboration involving faculty and students from Rockefeller College, CCI, and UAlbany’s Center for Technology in Government. Other Top-25 programs included non-profit management (18) and public policy analysis (22). The University ranked 14th overall in Public Affairs.

UAlbany's School of Education was ranked 56th, while the clinical psychology program ranked 43rd.

U.S. News collected data from more than 12,000 graduate programs for this year's rankings.

Other top-rated UAlbany programs include its criminal justice program, which ranks second; library and information studies, which ranks 23rd; archives and preservation, which ranks 9th; and sociology, which ranks 25th. These categories were not newly ranked this year. UAlbany currently has 14 Top-25 programs according to U.S. News and 18 programs that rank among the Top 100 nationally.

"We are extremely proud of the high marks we've received, which clearly reflects our commitment to enhancing the University's academic and research programs," said Susan Phillips, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs. "Our highly regarded programs and outstanding faculty continue to attract motivated students from all over the world."

"These high rankings reflect extraordinary effort and achievement by excellent students, as well as dedicated faculty and staff at Rockefeller College and our partners at the Center for Technology in Government and College of Computing and Information," said Jeffrey Straussman, dean of the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy.

"Our high marks are a testament to the quality of research and education of our faculty, staff and students, both at CCI and with our partners across the University," said Peter Bloniarz, dean of the College of Computing and Information.

"We are thrilled that U.S. News & World Report recognized the School's growth and continued dedication to excellence," said Katharine Briar-Lawson, dean of the School of Social Welfare. "Our high ranking clearly reflects the distinctive quality and impacts that have been hallmarks of our school."

UAlbany's School of Social Welfare is ranked in the top five in per capita scholarly productivity among the social work programs in the nation. The school's mission is to further social and economic justice and to serve people who are vulnerable, marginalized or oppressed. This mission is implemented through education, knowledge development, and service that promote leadership for evidence-based social work with a global perspective. As a recognized national and international leader in developing innovative and creative programs, along with facilitating public-private partnerships, the school has been able to attract premier students, providing them with an unsurpassed educational experience at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral level.

Ranked among the top public affairs programs in the nation, the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy's core mission is to discover, communicate, and apply knowledge about politics, governance, public policy, and public management. The college directly helps public managers, policymakers, and others deal effectively with the challenges they face, making democracy stronger and governments more effective around the world.

The College of Computing and Information is a unique community of leading educators, researchers, and talented students, positioned at the forefront of the information society. CCI's mission is to support world-class, discipline-based research and educational programs related to computing and information. With its partnerships across the campus, as well as in the corporate, government and nonprofit sectors, the College provides expertise and collaboration efforts that benefit New York State and the nation.

University of Albany Men's Lacrosse Breezes Past Yale, 15-4

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

Albany, N.Y. – Corey Small scored four of his career-high six goals in the opening half in leading UAlbany to a 15-4 non-league victory over Yale on Tuesday, April 8 at John Fallon Field. The Great Danes posted their fifth straight win, matching the program’s third longest streak at the Division I level.

UAlbany (5-5) used a six-goal first quarter to take control early. Leading 1-0 midway through the period, the Great Danes found the cage four times in a three-minute-and-49-second. Small, a junior attacker, scooped up a ground ball and scored from in front of the crease to start that run. Freshman Brian Caufield converted a pass from Steve Ammann after the senior midfielder intercepted a clearing pass near midfield. Small connected on blast from the right side, before Mike Ammann circled from the left and shot through a screen.

The Great Danes, who recorded their highest goal total of the season, put together another four-minute outburst in the second quarter to break the game wide open. Jordan Levine, who had two goals and one assist, rifled a shot into the top left corner from right of the cage for an 8-0 advantage. Small then connected on back-to-back goals, including a jump shot from the middle of zone on a man-advantage play. Steve Ammann connected on a bounce shot for an 11-goal cushion with 5:14 left in the period.

Yale (2-7) trailed 12-1 midway through the third quarter, but then showed some life with three unanswered. Brendan Gibson sent an underhanded shot into the net, before Michael Karwoski tallied off Tyler Castertano’s feed following a turnover. The Bulldogs scored off the subsequent face-off when Gregory Duboff won the draw and passed ahead to Kyle Washabaugh for his second goal of the game.

UAlbany ended any thoughts of a comeback by scoring three times in a period of two minutes and 13 seconds. Small dodged two defenders and then found the top of the net from the right of reserve goalkeeper Joe Costa. Mike Ammann, a senior midfielder, tallied his career-best third goal of the game after a restart, before Small scored his 26th of the season following a failed clearing attempt.

“We were very excited and into the game,” said UAlbany coach Scott Marr, whose squad travels to No. 9 UMBC for a key America East Conference matchup on Saturday. “We had that focus where we wanted to win a fifth straight and get back to a .500 record. Kevin Courtney did an unbelievable job on the face-offs and we hustled to all the ground balls.”

Brett Queener, one of three UAlbany goalkeepers to see playing time, made 13 saves. Steve Ammann added two goals and assisted on another, while Mark Cometti scored once and handed out a pair of assists. Yale goalkeeper George Carafides was peppered for 11 goals in the opening 25 minutes, but back-up Joe Costa stopped 13 shots in this third appearance of the year.

“We came out strong and didn’t let off the gas,” explained Mike Ammann, whose team has rebounded from five consecutive defeats to start the year. “We’re not the type of team to take anything for granted. We’ve had four one-goal losses and that’s enough character for the whole season.”

*********

UAlbany 15, Yale 4

Yale – Scoring: Kyle Washabaugh 2-0, Brendan Gibson 1-0, Michael Karwoski 1-0, Tyler Casertano 0-1, Gregory DuBoff 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): George Carafides (24:46, 4 saves, 11 GA), Joe Costa (35:14, 13 saves, 4 GA).

UAlbany – Scoring: Corey Small 6-1, Mike Ammann 3-0, Jordan Levine 2-1, Steve Ammann 2-1, Mark Cometti 1-2, Brian Caufield 1-1, John Alpizar 0-3, Derek Kreuzer 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Brett Queener (50:09, 13 saves, 3 GA), Dan McKeon (5:53, 1 save, 1 GA), A.J. Babnik (3:58, 2 saves, 0 GA).

University of Albany's Ammanns are double trouble

Until they switched their hair styles, twins Mike and Steve Ammann were almost impossible to tell apart without their jersey numbers.

The senior midfielders look alike, play alike and even excel alike in the classroom. For the University at Albany lacrosse team, which is riding a four-game winning streak heading into tonight’s game against visiting Yale, two Ammanns are definitely better than one.

“We’ve had our fair share of pranks over the years,” said Steve Ammann, who is third on the team in scoring, with nine goals and eight assists. “There’s always been a lot of confusion with people trying to tell us apart, but the guys on the team know us too well.

“During spring break, we had an intrasquad scrimmage called the Spring Break Bowl. We switched jerseys, because we thought we could fool a few people. But when you’re around the guys so often, they know how we run and how we talk. Our team is a lot like a big brotherhood, anyway, so it’s hard to fool anyone on our team.”

UAlbany head coach Scott Marr isn’t fooled. He knows the twins well, and he’s extremely happy to have the talented tandem on the Great Danes’ roster.

“They are a pair of extremely athletic kids who are such good cit­izens,” he said. “They certainly lead the way with showing the younger kids on the team how everything works. They are helpful when it comes to sharing their knowledge with their teammates. They tutor some of the guys, and they live and breathe for the program. They do what they can, no matter what it is. It’s nice to have a pair of kids like that on this team.”

The Ammanns put up prolific scoring numbers and were two-time team captains at Putnam Valley High School. Mike Ammann scored 70 goals and added 31 assists as a senior, and Steve connected for 68 goals and 26 assists to lead their team to the Class C state semifinals.

The twins, who were at the top of their class academically, wanted to continue their education at a New England Small College Athletic Conference school, but their plans fell through.

“It’s funny how we got them,” said Marr. “I saw them play in high school and at the Empire State Games, so I knew who they were. When the NESCAC schools didn’t take them, their coach, who played at Johns Hopkins with me, gave me a heads-up, and we got together. When we had a chance to grab a pair of 6-foot-2 athletic kids, we jumped at it.”

“When we’re on the field together, there is a synergy between us,” said Steve Ammann. “It’s easy to set each other up for dodges, and we also know where each other will be for help on defense. We’re both similar in the way we play, because we both can play both ways on offense and defense. Actually, playing around and with each other so

much has helped develop each of our games.”

But the Ammanns aren’t clones. There are a few differences.

“My game is a little more speed and finesse, while Mike’s more of a power player. He lowers his shoulder and releases a harder shot,” said Steve Ammann, who spoke for the duo.

Academically, the twins, who are co-captains for the Great Danes, are just .01 apart. Steve Ammann has a 3.86 grade-point average in bus­iness administration, while Mike Ammann, who has three goals and five assists, owns a 3.87 GPA in accounting.

“I’m proud of both of them,” said Marr. “They are [America East Conference] academic all-stars, and they have received both the President’s Leadership Award and the Chancellor’s Award. They’ve been contributors ever since they came here.”

By Bob Weiner
Daily Gazette Reporter

UAlbany Announces Two-Year Contract Extension for Women's Basketball Coach Trina Patterson

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Tuesday, April 8 that head women's basketball coach Trina Patterson will receive a two-year contract extension. The agreement will extend the coach's contract through the 2009-10 season.

Patterson recently completed her sixth season as UAlbany's coach. She led the Great Danes to their most wins in America East Conference play with a 10-6 record and the program's second appearance in the conference postseason tournament's semifinal round. UAlbany won just one of its opening 12 games, but rebounded in the second half of the season to finish 13-18 overall. Patterson was voted the 2008 America East Coach of the Year.

"Trina Patterson and her staff did a fine job this season under difficult circumstances," McElroy said. "She kept the program together during a tough start to the season and her team excelled during the conference schedule. That effort was recognized by her peers when she was named the conference's top coach. The progress of the program has been significant."

Patterson was appointed as UAlbany's head coach on May 6, 2002. She became the ninth coach in team history. During her tenure, the Great Danes established the program's Division I record with 14 victories during the 2004-05 campaign. She led UAlbany to its first America East postseason appearance the previous year. Prior to her present position, Patterson was the head coach at William & Mary from 1991-99.

"I would like to thank the University at Albany and the entire athletic department for supporting women's basketball," said Patterson, who earned her second contract extension as UAlbany's basketball coach. "I have enjoyed my relationships and experiences with our coaching staff and student-athletes. The UAlbany program will continue to move forward in a positive direction that places emphasis on an uptempo offense and pressure defense. The staff and players were outstanding in making this season so special."

Marist Downs Baseball, 13-4, in Non-Conference Baseball Action

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Poughkeepsie, N.Y. – Richard Cary struck out three over five and two-thirds innings to lead Marist to a 13-4 non-conference baseball win over UAlbany on Tuesday, April 8at McCann Field.

UAlbany got on the board first with a pair of runs in the opening inning. Junior center fielder Dave West blasted a two-run homer over the fence in left field to start the scoring. Marist answered back with a run in the second and took the lead with four in the third. Following a walk and a hit batsman, Shane Kingsley singled with two outs in the second to drive in Kyle Meyer. In the third, the Red Foxes loaded with bases with one out on a single, a walk and an error. All three runners came around to score on two consecutive wild pitches and a passed ball. Meyer tallied the final run of the frame on another wild pitch.

Marist (11-12) tacked on three runs in the bottom of the fifth to take an 8-2 lead. The Red Foxes plated their first run of the inning as Bryce Nugent was hit by a pitch, the third of the inning, with the bases full to force in Kyle LaHonta. Meyer then scored his third run of the game as Kingsley hit into a double play. Richard Curylo followed with a single to right field to drive in Ben Henderson to give the Red Foxes the six run lead.

The Great Danes responded with two runs in the top of the sixth to narrow their deficit to 8-4. Junior shortstop Sean Donovan led off the frame with a single to left field. Following a pair of outs, junior Ryan Gugel walked and senior Tom Zink reached on an error by the third baseman to load the bases. Sophomore third baseman Pete Eichner then smacked a two-run single to right to plate Donovan and Gugel. After a walk to freshman Kyle Crean filled the bases, Kyle Putnam induced a fly ball to left to end the inning.

The Red Foxes scored four times in the sixth and once in the eighth to close out the game’s scoring. LaHonta doubled to center with one out in the sixth to score Brian McDonough from second. Following a walk, Henderson drove in LaHonta with a double to right. After a hit batsman and a UAlbany pitching change, Kenny Anderson plated Meyer with a single to left and Curylo knocked in Henderson with a groundout. In the eighth, Andrew Stanton led off the frame with a double, advanced to third on a single and crossed the plate on a wild pitch.

Cary picked up the win for the Red Foxes, yielding four runs (two earned) on six hits over 5.2 innings. Junior Nate Novak suffered his fifth loss of the season for the Great Danes, allowing seven runs (five earned) on six hits, while striking out five in four innings. West and Donovan each recorded two hits in the contest for UAlbany.

The Great Danes return to action on Friday, April 11 for the start of a four-game America East Conference series at Maine.
-agate-
UAlbany (5-23-1) 200 002 000 - 4 7 1
Marist (11-12) 014 034 01X - 13 13 1

UAlbany: Nate Novak (L, 0-5), Hunter Moffatt (5), Marco Rivera (6), Chris Ott (8) and Tom Zink.
Marist: Richard Cary (W, 4-0), Kyle Putnam (6), Tom Close (9) and Bryce Nugent, Andrew Stanton (9).

University of Albany's Laura Cummings Named America East Women's Track Performer of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany’s Laura Cummings has been named the America East Conference women’s outdoor track performer of the week, as announced by the conference office for the week ending April 7.

Cummings, a junior from Bay Shore, N.Y., finished third in the 3,000-meter steeplechase in an ECAC and NCAA East Regional qualifying time of 10:40.49 on Saturday, April 5 at the Duke Asics Invitational at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C. The performance marked the second-fastest time in the event in the program’s history.

The Great Danes return to the track on Saturday, April 12 in Amherst, Mass. at the UMass Invitational.

UAlbany's Brian Caufield Named Lax.com & America East Conference Rookie of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany’s Brian Caufield has been named Lax.com’s Division I Rookie of the Week in men’s lacrosse as announced on Monday, April 7. Caufield also earned the America East Conference’s weekly rookie award as he accounted for eight goals and four assists in two victories.

Caufield, a freshman from Bay Shore, N.Y., exploded for career-highs in (7) and points (9), all in the first half, in last Saturday’s 14-11 conference triumph over Hartford. His totals were just off Merrick Thomson’s single-game freshman records of eight goals and 11 points that were established in 2004. Caufield added one goal and two assists in a 13-6 decision against crosstown-rival Siena on April 2.

Caufield, who has three or more points in four of his last five starts, is second on the team in scoring with 10 goals and eight assists.

UAlbany Softball Splits Doubleheader with UMBC in America East Action

Baltimore, Md. – Junior Meagan Butsch went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and drove in three to lead UAlbany to a 9-4 America East Conference softball victory over UMBC on Monday afternoon. The Great Danes split the doubleheader, falling to the Retrievers 6-1 in the first game.

UAlbany (15-11, AE 3-1) scored runs in the first three innings of the nightcap, including solo home runs from senior left fielder Amber Maisonet and sophomore second baseman Michelle Connors (Shenendehowa) to hold a 4-2 advantage heading into the bottom of the third. UMBC (15-19, AE 4-2) tied the game with two runs in their half of the frame, as Amanda Fefel doubled to centerfield to score Jessica Vetok and Dana Shepherd, who both drew walks to start the inning.

After a scoreless fourth, Nicole Kothe knocked a single to right field to start the following inning. Butsch then smacked her third home run of the season over the left field fence to put the Great Danes back on top by two, 6-4. UAlbany added three more runs in the top of the seventh. Fefel, who entered the game in relief, issued two straight walks to Kothe and Connors, and Butsch recorded her third RBI of the game, blasting a double down the right field line to score pinch runner Kristine Bill. In the next at bat, freshman designated player Gina Mason singled to the shortstop, driving in Connors, and Butsch came home on the throw to end the scoring rally.

Sophomore right-hander Leah McIntosh struck out ten Retrievers in a complete-game performance, improving to 9-3 on the season. Ashley Gray picked up the loss for UMBC after relieving Stephanie Weigman in the circle in the fourth inning.

UMBC had the hot bats in the early game, scoring six runs off 12 hits. The Retrievers took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning when Shepherd scored on a Fefel’s sacrifice fly. UAlbany tied the game in the top half of the fourth when Butsch homered to centerfield.

UMBC tacked on two more runs in the fifth, led off by a single up the middle by Gray. Catcher Kali Shirk doubled to left to advance the base runner, and Gray scored on an RBI single by Lauren Brummell. Shirk crossed home plate by way of a sacrifice bunt by center fielder Lynn Pronobis. Starting pitcher Marissa Powell struck out the next batter to work her way out of the inning.

The Retrievers added three more runs in the sixth, led off by designated player Alison Duff’s home run. UMBC then recorded three straight singles, with Shirk and Brummell driving in runs to give the Retrievers a five-run advantage heading into the final inning.

Designated player Bailey Van Deest recorded a single to left to give the Great Danes a scoring chance, but Gray induced the final two outs to seal the win for UMBC. Gray struck out seven in a complete-game performance. Marissa Powell took the loss for UAlbany, striking out one opposing batter in five innings of work. Reliever Brittany Rose (Schenectady) fanned two in the final inning.

UAlbany continues America East play on Wednesday, hosting Vermont in a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m.

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UAlbany 000 100 0 - 1 5 2

UMBC 100 023 x - 6 12 1

UAlbany: Marissa Powell, Brittany Rose (6) and Leanne Tillman.

UMBC: Ashley Gray and Kali Shirk.



UAlbany (15-11, AE 3-1) 112 020 3 - 9 8 1

UMBC (15-19, AE 4-2) 202 000 0 - 4 6 1

UAlbany: Leah McIntosh and Kat Smith.

UMBC: Stephanie Weigman, Ashley Gray (4), Amanda Fefel (7) and Kali Shirk.

University of Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering aids global energy quest

ALBANY -- The University at Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering has been chosen to represent New York in a new international renewable energy consortium formed by the United States and Sweden.

The NanoCollege will join the state university system of Minnesota as well as the University of Georgia and the Georgia Institute of Technology in what is called the International Renewable Energy Technology Institute.

The NanoCollege's 10-year-old Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center, also known as the E2TAC, will lead the school's participation in the institute. E2TAC is led by professor Pradeep Haldar.

The NanoCollege also will be aided by two state agencies, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the New York State Foundation for Science, Technology and Innovation, and its architecture firm, Einhorn Yaffee Prescott Architecture & Engineering.

Alain Kaloyeros, chief administrative officer of the NanoCollege, said Sweden is well-known for its high-tech development and renewable-energy products, and the purpose of the institute will be to commercialize renewable-energy technologies in the United States and Europe. That means everything from fuel cells to solar energy and bio-mass technologies.

The school has assembled $10 million in private and public funding over the next three years to underwrite its participation in the institute, with more money possible in the future through additional sources like the U.S. Department of Energy.

Kaloyeros said the college's participation in the institute will mesh well with its plans to create a new $60 million zero-energy building that will subsist on its own nonpolluting energy sources and house its growing number of environmental and energy researchers.

That building is being planned for land the college owns north of its existing Fuller Road campus, on the opposite side of the Washington Avenue Extension.

Courtesy: LARRY RULISON

Kat Smith Leads UAlbany Over UMBC, 3-2, in America East Softball Action

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Baltimore, Md. – Sophomore catcher Kat Smith drove a home run to right centerfield to score the go-ahead run in the sixth inning in leading UAlbany to a 3-2 win over UMBC in America East Conference softball action on Sunday afternoon at UMBC Softball Stadium.

UAlbany (14-10, AE 2-0) scored first, as designated player Gina Mason hit her second home run of the season over the fence in left centerfield in the top of the second inning. UMBC (14-18, AE 3-1) responded in the bottom of the frame as first baseman Ashley Gray drove a homer of her own to center. The Retrievers went ahead, 2-1, in the next inning when second baseman Dana Shepherd hit a solo shot out of the park in left field.

Smith recorded one of her two RBI’s in the next inning, as she drove a double into right field that scored Meagan Butsch, who led off the inning by drawing a walk off starting pitcher Amanda Fefel. UMBC got a runner in scoring position in their half of the frame, but UAlbany’s Leah McIntosh struck out Stephanie Weigman to end the inning.

After a scoreless fifth, Smith drove her first homer of the season over the fence, giving the Great Danes a one-run advantage. McIntosh delivered six straight outs in the sixth and seventh to hold off UMBC and seal the win for UAlbany.

McIntosh tossed her 10th complete game, improving to 8-3 on the season, striking out nine over seven innings. Fefel fanned four for UMBC before being relieved by Weigman, who took the loss for the Retrievers. Weigman also struck out four opposing batters in 3.2 innings of work.

The teams will wrap up the conference series on Monday, playing a doubleheader starting at 12 noon.

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UAlbany (14-10, AE 2-0) 010 101 0 - 3 7 2

UMBC (14-18, AE 3-1) 011 000 0 - 2 6 0

UAlbany: Leah McIntosh and Kat Smith.

UMBC: Amanda Fefel, Stephanie Weigman (4) and Kali Shirk.

Josh Willimott Pitches UAlbany to America East Doubleheader Split with Hartford

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Josh Willimott allowed just four hits over six innings in the opening game to lead UAlbany to a doubleheader split with Hartford in America East Conference baseball action on Sunday, April 6 at Varsity Field. The Great Danes took the opener, 6-2, in seven innings, before falling in the nightcap, 3-1, in 11 innings.

Hartford (9-13, AE 3-1) scored twice in the first inning of the opening game to get on the board. Mike Amendola followed two-out hits by Bill Perry and Matt Walker with a single through the left side to plate both runners. After a scoreless second inning, the Great Danes evened the score with two runs of their own. Junior shortstop Sean Donovan drove in sophomore Ralph Rizzo for the first run with a groundout. Junior Dave West followed with a single to left center to score sophomore Brendan Rowland from third.

UAlbany (5-22-1, AE 1-3) took the lead with four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Junior Gary Pitcheralle doubled to lead off the frame and was followed by a Rowland single and a Donovan walk to load the bases. After a Hartford pitching change and a force out at home, senior Mike Konstanty singled through the left side to score Rowland and Donovan. With two outs, junior catcher Ryan Gugel singled to center field to knock in West and Konstanty with the final runs of the contest.

Willimott picked up his third win of the season, striking out four over six innings, while allowing just two runs on four hits. Junior Dave Noble inherited a runner in the seventh inning, but closed the door on the Hawks with three consecutive outs. Pete Moraski suffered the loss for Hartford, allowing five runs on six hits over four innings.

In game two, UAlbany jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the third inning on three consecutive singles with one-out by Rowland, Donovan and West. The Hawks broke through in the eighth inning with an unearned run to knot the score at one. Adam Bowser started the rally with a two-out double down the left field line. After a pitching change, Ben Sobocinski reached on a fielding error to allow Bowser to score from second.

The Great Danes loaded the bases with two outs in each of the eighth and ninth innings, but could not produce a run. In the 11th inning, Amendola blasted a two-run homer over the fence in left for the winning runs.

Freshman Dave Kubiak, who pitched 7.2 innings and struck out three, while only giving up three hits, did not allow an earned run for the second consecutive start. Junior Sean Gregory took the loss, giving up two runs in an inning on the mound. Steve Dabroski picked up the win in relief for the Hawks, registering one strikeout in two innings.

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Game One
Hartford (8-13, AE 2-1) 200 000 0 - 2 4 0
UAlbany (5-21-1, AE 1-2) 002 040 X - 6 8 1

Hartford: Pete Moraski (L, 1-1), C.J. Browne (5) and Adam Grap.
UAlbany: Josh Willimott (W, 3-1), Dave Noble (7) and Ryan Gugel.

Game Two
Hartford (9-13, AE 3-1) 000 000 010 02 - 3 7 2
UAlbany (5-22-1, AE 1-3) 001 000 000 00 - 1 6 2

Hartford: Marc Toomey, Zach Tarner (8), Justin DiConzo (9), Steve Dabroski (10, W, 1-0) and Mike Amendola.
UAlbany: Dave Kubiak, Dave Noble (8), Sean Gregory (11, L, 1-3) and Ryan Gugel.

UAlbany wins its fourth straight, beating Hartford 14-11 in America East Matchup

West Hartford, Conn. – Brian Caufield had a career-high seven goals and added two assists as UAlbany held off Hartford, 14-11, in America East Conference play on Saturday, April 5 at Al-Marzook Field. The Great Danes won for the sixth consecutive time in the series.

UAlbany (4-5, AE 2-0) took a 13-9 lead into the final period, but Hartford (0-10, AE 0-2) found the cage twice in a 48-second span to cut that deficit in half. Chris Griffin scored unassisted, before Brian Tilley netted his second of the game with 4:10 remaining. The Great Danes’ Dan McKeon, who relieved starting goalkeeper Brett Queener at the intermission, kept his team ahead with two of his six saves over the next two minutes. Senior midfielder Jordan Levine, who tied a career-high point total with two goals and three assists, sealed the outcome with 47 seconds left on the clock.

The Great Danes led 7-5 early in the second quarter, but Caufield tallied four of the game’s next five goals. After his team won a faceoff, the freshman attacker converted Steve Ammann’s feed to begin that run. Hartford’s Tilley, who totaled two goals and one assist, closed the gap to 9-6 midway through the period. Caufield, who did all of his scoring before the break, answered with his sixth and seventh goals, including one that came off a failed clearing attempt with 5:09 left in the stanza.

In the first quarter, UAlbany ran off three unanswered to break an early 1-1 tie. Caufield, whose number of goals was one off Merrick Thomson’s single-game freshman record established in 2004, converted Mike Ammann’s pass. Levine and Corey Small followed with goals 12 seconds apart. After Levine scored unassisted, midfielder Kevin Courtney collected the subsequent face-off to set up Small.

Robert Nosworthy, a freshman midfielder, had three goals for the Hawks, who opened the league schedule with a 7-5 loss to Vermont one week ago. Justin Bearse had two first-half goals and handed out one assist. UAlbany’s Small accounted for two goals and one assist, as his team won its fourth in a row and after opening with five consecutive defeats.

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UAlbany 14, Hartford 11

UAlbany – Scoring: Brian Caufield 7-2, Jordan Levine 2-3, Corey Small 2-1, John Alpizar 1-0, Derek Kreuzer 1-0, Chris Schongar 1-0, Mike Ammann 0-2, Steve Ammann 0-1, Mark Cometti 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Brett Queener (30:00, 1 save, 8 GA), Dan McKeon (30:00, 6 saves, 3 GA).

Hartford – Scoring: Robert Nosworthy 3-0, Justin Bearse 2-1, Brian Tilley 2-1, Michael Cudmore 1-2, Jacob Eustice 1-1, Chris Griffin 1-1, Tim Fallon 1-0, Tom Harris 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Jon McMahon (60:00, 12 saves, 14 GA).

UAlbany Shuttle Hurdle Relay Team Finishes Third at Florida Relays

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Gainesville, Fla. – The quartet of Jean Juste, Nick Assini, Garrett Askew and Daniel Avery finished third in the 110-meter shuttle hurdle relay to lead the UAlbany track and field team on the second day of competition at the Florida Relays on Saturday, April 5 at Percy Beard Track Facility.

The relay team combined for a time of 58.98 seconds, which marked the top time turned in by a collegiate team. It also marks the top time in the event in the program’s Division I history. The 4x800-meter relay team of Jared Jupin, Joe Belokopitsky, Andrew Overbaugh and Tyler Fogarty finished fifth in a time of 7:47.52. The Great Danes’ 4x100-meter relay team, consisting of Raphael Jean-Baptiste, Drew Harrison, Torshiro Jenkins and Dieuseul Joseph recorded an IC4A-qualifying time of 42.26 seconds.

In women’s competition, the Great Danes received a pair of ECAC-qualifying marks in the triple jump. Arina Gerasimova finished fifth with a leap of 40-feet, 6.25-inches, while Jenn Gurrant placed seventh at 39-feet, 7-inches.

The Great Danes return to action on Saturday, April 12 in Amherst, Mass. for a six-way meet with Boston College, Fairfield, Hartford, Central Connecticut State and Massachusetts.

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Men's Results
Shuttle Hurdle Relay: 3. Jean Juste, Nick Assini, Garrett Askew, Daniel Avery 58.98. 4x100 Meter Relay: 19. Raphael Jean-Baptiste, Drew Harrison, Torshiro Jenkins, Dieuseul Joseph 42.26 (IC4A). 4x800 Meter Relay (M): 5. Jared Jupin, Joe Belokopitsky, Andrew Overbaugh, Tyler Fogarty 7:47.52.

Women's Results
Triple Jump: 5. Arina Gerasimova 40-6.25, 7. Jenn Gurrant 39-7. 4x100 Meter Relay: 28. Kamilah McShine, Christen Griffin, Jenn Gurrant, Ashley Vives 49.09.

University of Albany's Laura Cummings Places Third in 3,000-Meter Steeplechase at Duke Asics Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Durham, N.C. – University at Albany’s Laura Cummings finished third in the women’s 3,000-meter steeplechase on the second day of competition at the 2008 Duke Asics Invitational on Saturday, April 5 at Wallace Wade Stadium. Cummings qualified for both the NCAA East Regionals and ECAC meet with a season-best time of 10:40.49.

Coastal Carolina’s Felicitas Mensing was first across the line in 10:32.72, while runner-up Kara McKenna, an unattached competitor, was clocked in 10:37.79. UAlbany’s Danielle Trimpop placed 10th in the same race with a time of 11:18.37.

In the men’s meet, Luke Schoen tied for third in the pole vault as he cleared the bar at 15-feet, 9-inches. Michael Dempsey and David Parker placed ninth and 10th, respectively, with marks of 15-3. Parker was sixth in Friday’s high jump event. Kyle Nadler took sixth place in the long jump with a leap of 21-9.

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Duke Asics Invitational

Women’s 3,000-Meter Steeplechase

1. Felicitas Mensing (Coastal Carolina), 10:32.72; 2. Kara McKenna (unattached), 10:37.59; 3. Laura Cummings (UAlbany), 10:40.49; 4. Patricia Loughton (Duke), 10:56.06; 5. Cristy Falcone (Mary Washington), 10:59.79. Other UAlbany Finishers: 10. Danielle Trimpop, 11:18.37, 14. Kristine Mum, 11:29.88.

Men’s Pole Vault

1. Yavgeniy Olhovsky (Virginia Tech), 17-5; 2. Shawn Francis (North Dakota State), 16-2.75; t3. Luke Schoen (UAlbany), 15-9; t3. Colton Weaver (Wilmington), 15-9, t3. Parker Smith (North Carolina), 15-9. Other UAlbany Finishers: 9. Michael Dempsey, 15-3, 10. David Parker, 15-3.

Men’s Long Jump

1. Trevor Barry (North Dakota State), 23-11, 2. Brandyn Mitchell (Wilmington), 13-5.50; 3. Julius Higginbotham (Heidelberg), 22-8, 4. Eric Tisdol (Cumberlands), 22-6.25; 5. Ricky Harris (Appalachian State), 22-2.50; 6. Kyle Nadler (UAlbany), 21-9.

Women's Lacrosse Falls to America East-Rival Vermont, 11-10, on Last-Second Goal

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Burlington, Vt. -- Sarah DeStefano’s unassisted goal with 1.8 seconds remaining, her second of the game, lifted Vermont to an 11-10 America East Conference victory over UAlbany on Saturday, April 5 at Moulton Winder Field. The Catamounts won for the first time since this series began in 2000.

UAlbany (7-5, AE 1-2) rallied from a 9-8 deficit with less than five minutes remaining. Kayla Best, who had three goals and two assists, connected off a Rory Redmond’s pass from behind the cage to draw her team even. Best extended her scoring streak to 24 consecutive games. Christine Grueniger put her team ahead with her 15th of the season, as she found a lane in the middle of the crease with 1:17 to play.

Vermont (6-5, AE 3-1) regrouped with a pair of goals in the last 45 seconds of regulation. Megan MacDonald tallied her career-high fourth goal of the game on a free-position attempt that tied the contest at 10 apiece. UVM’s Kristin Millar then forced Jodi Battaglia into a turnover with 13 seconds on the clock. DeStefano, a junior attacker, finished off the winning play by finding a hole in the middle field and sending a blast high into the net.

The Great Danes, who played without injured leading-scorer Tee Ladouceur, led by three in the opening half after Battaglia found the cage off a Stacey Brown’s feed. UAlbany still led 7-4 early in final period as Best and Brown converted back-to-back free-position opportunities. The Catamounts answered by scoring three times in a three-minute-and-34-second span. Millar, a junior midfielder who had one goal and three assists, tied the contest with her 27th of the year.

UAlbany’s Brown finished with two goals and one assist, while Brittany Scott and Battaglia each scored twice. Vermont’s Sara Buxton had two goals and one assist, while goalkeeper Meaghan Hanley made 11 saves. Eight of the nine meetings between these teams have been decided by two goals or less.

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Vermont 11, UAlbany 10

UAlbany – Scoring: Kayla Best 3-2, Stacey Brown 2-1, Jodi Battaglia 2-0, Brittany Scott 2-0, Christine Grueniger 1-0, Rory Redmond 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Katie Neer (60:00, 11 saves, 11 GA).

Vermont – Scoring: Megan MacDonald 4-0, Sara Buxton 2-1, Sarah DeStefano 2-0, Kristen Millar 1-3, Tori Wasson 1-0, Alison Haigh 1-0, Goalkeeper(s): Meaghan Hanley (60:00, 11 saves, 10 GA).

Defending America East Baseball Champions Meet Hartford in Saturday's Home Opener

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- With weather forecast improving by the hour, the defending America East Conference champion UAlbany baseball team will finally play its home opener on Saturday, April 5 at Varsity Field. The Great Danes take on conference-rival Hartford in a doubleheader that begins at 1:00 p.m. The two teams are scheduled to complete the four-game weekend series on Sunday with a 12 noon twinbill.

University of Albany's Daniel Avery Registers Program's Top Division I Time in the 110 Meter Hurdles at Florida Relays

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Gainesville, Fla. – Freshman Daniel Avery turned in the top time in the program’s Division I history in the 110-meter high hurdles to lead UAlbany on the first day of the Florida Relays at Percy Beard Track Facility on Friday, April 4.

Avery sprinted to an IC4A and NCAA East Regional-qualifying time of 13.96 seconds to win his heat of the 110-meter high hurdles and place 12th overall. Avery, who is also a defensive back on the UAlbany football team, turned in the top performance in the event by a UAlbany athlete since the Great Danes transitioned to the NCAA Division I level in 1999 and the fastest time by a freshman since Jeff York recorded a time of 14.23 seconds in 1992. Junior Jean Juste raced to an IC4A-qualifying time of 14.49 seconds in the 110-meter hurdles.

In the long jump, sophomore Valete Graham placed third with a leap of 23-feet, 1.25-inches in the “B” section of the event. The Great Danes quartet of Raphael Jean-Baptiste, Drew Harrison, Torshiro Jenkins and Jeffery Barnes placed ninth in the 4x200-meter relay in a time of 1:27.44.

On the women’s side, sophomore Zuliana Fontanez registered a time of 2:13.58 in the 800-meter run to place 14th. The team of Kamilah McShine, Christen Griffin, Melissa Lee and Ashley Vives recorded a time of 1:42.70 in the 4x200-meter relay.

The Great Danes wrap up competition at the Florida Relays on Saturday, April 5.

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Men’s Results
110 Hurdles: 12. Daniel Avery 13.96 (IC4A, NCAA East Regional), 26. Jean Juste 14.49 (IC4A), 36. Garrett Askew 14.90. 800 Meter Run (M): 16. Tyler Fogarty 1:52.78, 43. Joe Belokopitsky 2:04.05. Long Jump: 3. Valete Graham 23-1.25. 4x200 Meter Relay: 9. Raphael Jean-Baptiste, Drew Harrison, Torshiro Jenkins, Jeffery Barnes 1:27.44.


Women’s Results
100 Hurdles: 23. Kamilah McShine 14.29, 35. Christen Griffin 14.88. 800 Meter Run: 14. Zuliana Fontanez 2:13.57. 4x200 Meter Relay: 23. Kamilah McShine, Christen Griffin, Melissa Lee, Ashley Vives 1:42.70.

David Parker Places Sixth in High Jump at Duke Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Durham, N.C. – Senior David Parker placed sixth in the high jump to lead the UAlbany track and field team on the first day of the Duke Invitational on Friday, April 4 at Wallace Wade Stadium.

Parker cleared the bar at 6-feet, 4.75-inches to finish sixth in the high jump. Freshman Wilfredo de Jesus Elias recorded a toss of 169-feet, 6-inches in the hammer throw to place 10th.

In the women’s competition, freshman Octavia Clarkson came in third in the developmental 400-meter dash in a time of 59.28 seconds. Clarkson also finished 14th in the developmental 200-meter dash in a time of 26.45 seconds. Freshman Sandy Antenor registered a leap of 37-feet, 2.50-inches to place 14th in the triple jump.

The Great Danes complete competition at the Duke Invitational on Saturday, April 5.

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Men’s Results
200 Meter Dash Developmental: 21. Michael McCadney 23.30. High Jump: 6. David Parker 6-4.75. Hammer Throw: 10. Wilfredo de Jesus Elias 169-6, 25. Kevin Lee 139-8, Will Anger FOUL.


Women’s Results
200 Meter Dash Developmental: 14. Octavia Clarkson 26.45. 400 Meter Dash Developmental: 3. Octavia Clarkson 59.28. Triple Jump: 14. Sandy Antenor 37-2.50. Pole Vault: Krystal Myers NH. Hammer Throw: 36. Sineaid Corley 126-10, 39. Kadine Johnson 123-4, 41. Ritshell Verdier 119-1.

Heery International Inc. Selected to Study Proposed UAlbany Multi-Purpose Complex

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Friday, April 4 that Heery International Inc. has been selected to study a proposed on-campus multi-purpose stadium complex.

Heery's study, which will take four to six months to complete, will include a site analysis, developing a stadium concept, establishing a project budget and formulating fund-raising materials.

"Heery International's work is the beginning of an exciting project that will benefit the entire Capital Region," McElroy said. "As our Division I athletic program continues to grow, so does the facility needs of our 19 sports. The vision for this athletic complex is something that not only services our athletic programs, but campus, high school and community events. The results of this study will allow us to determine, with respect to funding, what our options will be in the future."

Heery International, an Atlanta-based company founded in 1952, is a full-service design, engineering and construction management firm with 1,100 employees located in 30 offices throughout the United States and Europe.

Heery's list of more than 250 collegiate sports projects and 50-plus collegiate stadiums include a recent renovation and expansion of the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas; eight renovations and expansions of the University of Georgia's Sanford Stadium; and a design for the renovation of the University of Texas' Memorial Stadium.

UAlbany Cruises Past Siena For An Easy Win @ a frigid John Fallon Field

UAlbany showed its dominance over Siena once again. Mid way through the final quarter, with a 12-3 lead, UAlbany was able to coast to the finish.

Albany, N.Y. – Corey Small matched a season-high with four goals, including two in each half, as UAlbany upended Siena, 13-6, in non-league play on Wednesday, April 2 at John Fallon Field. The Great Danes have won all six meetings since both teams have competed as Division I programs.

UAlbany (3-5) wiped out an early 1-0 deficit with four unanswered in the opening quarter. Freshman Kyle Crotty converted a drive from the right point as his team scored three times in a two-minute-and-39 second span. Small cut to the top of the crease in connecting off Alpizar’s pass from behind, before Brian Caufield sent a low shot into the net with 20.6 seconds left in the period on a transition play that started with a Siena turnover.

The Great Danes tallied three more goals in the second quarter in building a 7-2 halftime margin. Alpizar scored from left of the crease off a spin move. Nate Sullivan, who had a career-best three goals, found the cage on the man-advantage with 10:02 remaining in the stanza. Steve Ammann, who had a career-high point total with two goals and three assists, sent a long crossing pass to the right side that put Small one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

UAlbany used a five-goal third period to put together a commanding 12-3 lead. Small, who has 18 goals this year, scored twice in that outburst. He finished off a fastbreak after gathering in Alpizar’s short crossing pass and later spun to his right shoulder to score from the middle of the zone. In between, freshman Derek Kruezer drilled an underhanded shot and Ammann converted a drive from the right side.

“We were fortunate to get up on them early,” said UAlbany coach Scott Marr, whose team has won its last three after opening the season with five losses. “The man-up and fastbreak goals got us going and we used that fact that we are a little bigger and stronger to our advantage. This is a great rivalry for area lacrosse fans.”

Siena (6-4) responded in the final quarter with three consecutive goals, including a pair by sophomore midfielder Matt Leithead. Matt Girsh, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference preseason player of the year, added an extra-man goal, his second of the game. Brent Herbst, who ranks second nationally among the Division I leaders in save percentage, made 13 stops in the Saints’ cage. UAlbany’s Alpizar and Caufield each scored once and handed out two assists.

“We knew we had to match their intensity,” said UAlbany goalkeeper Brent Queener, who made 10 saves and moved into fifth place on the school’s all-time list with 382. “We gave our best effort because this game is about bragging rights and we are trying to build up after a slow start (to the season).”

Syracuse Pulls Away in Final Half to Post 21-11 Win Against UAlbany in Women's Lacrosse Play

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Halley Quillinan scored five goals and Katie Rowan added four as Syracuse, ranked fifth in both national polls, pulled away in the second half for a 21-11 victory over UAlbany on Wednesday, April 2 at John Fallon Field.

Syracuse (9-2) led 11-10 in the final period, but then reeled off seven unanswered in a span five minutes and nine seconds. Megan Mosenson converted Kristin Brady's feed in a free-position situation to begin that stretch.

Christina Dove, a sophomore midfielder, netted the first of her two goals during the outburst by finishing off a drive in the middle of the zone. Rowan, the nation's top scorer who had four goals and four assists, converted a free-position opportunity. After a UAlbany foul gave the Orange the following draw, Dove scored eight seconds later for a 15-10 advantage.

Quillinan, a sophomore attacker, tallied two of the next three goals to end the run. Brady added two scores in the final two minutes and ended up with career-highs in goals (5) and points (7). The Orange, who reached the 20-goal mark for the seventh time this season, own Division’s I top scoring attack.

UAlbany (7-4) wiped out an early 3-0 deficit with five of the game's next six goals. Kayla Best scored twice in that stretch, before Jodi Battaglia connected on an inside roll from the left side for a 5-4 lead. The Orange, who have won seven of their last eight outings, went back in front on Brady's bounce shot in transition. Awehiyo Thomas later found the net with 23.7 seconds left before halftime for a 10-7 lead at the break.

The Great Danes, who were hosting the highest-ranked opponent in the program’s Division I history, closed within one five minutes into the final half. Best scored unassisted with a blast inside the right post. Freshman attacker Tee Ladouceur, who scored three times with one assist, cut to the top of the crease to place Jane Bush’s feed from behind into the left side of the net.

Syracuse’s Mosenson totaled two goals and five assists, while freshman goalkeeper Liz Hogan stopped 14 shots. UAlbany’s Best had four goals, while Bush netted a pair and handed out one assist.

Powell and Rose Pitch UAlbany to Doubleheader Sweep of Iona

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Marissa Powell and Brittany Rose each pitched a complete game to lead UAlbany to a doubleheader sweep of Iona in non-conference softball action on Wednesday, April 2 at Albany Field. The Great Danes took the opener 4-0 and topped the Gaels 11-2 in five innings in the nightcap.

In the second inning of the opener, UAlbany jumped out to a 3-0 lead behind the efforts of senior Amber Maisonet. Following two walks and a pair of successful sacrifice bunts that put runners on second and third, Maisonet laced a triple down the right field line to plate Gina Mason and Jessica Bergen. During the next at bat, Maisonet stole home as the catcher was throwing the ball back to the pitcher.

The Great Danes tacked on an insurance run in the bottom of the fifth inning. Sophomore Michelle Connors doubled down the right field line with one out. Following an out, junior Meagan Butsch doubled to the gap in left center to knock in Connors.

Powell went the distance in the circle for the Great Danes, striking out nine, while allowing just four hits to pick up her fourth win of the season. Becky Riccitelli took the loss for the Gaels, allowing four runs on four hits, to go with six strikeouts.

In the nightcap, UAlbany exploded for nine runs in the first two innings. The Great Danes used five consecutive singles to start the first inning. Maisonet scored the first run of the frame as she stole third and advanced home on a throwing error by the catcher. Connors followed with a single to right field to plate Nicole Kothe. On a single up the middle by Mason, an errant throw by the centerfielder allowed Connors and Butsch to score and Mason to end up on third. Senior Leanne Tillman plated Mason with the Great Danes’ fifth run of the inning as she reached on a fielding error.

UAlbany (13-10) struck for four runs on four hits in the bottom of the second inning. Kothe and Connors led off the frame with a walk and a single. After a passed ball allowed the runners to advance a base, Butsch drilled a triple over the centerfielder’s head to drive home Kothe and Connors. Mason followed with a sacrifice fly to center to knock in Butsch. Following back-to-back singles by Tillman and Bergin and a wild pitch, sophomore Kat Smith grounded out to the pitcher to score Tillman.

Iona (6-18) cut into UAlbany’s lead with a pair of runs in the top of the fourth inning. The Gaels loaded the bases on two errors and an infield single. Paige Cauley then drew a walk to plate Lolli Mills. Amanda Glaser delivered a single to left to score Riccitelli.

The Great Danes got the two runs back in their half of the fourth. Tillman led off with a single down the left field line. After a wild pitch and a walk to Bergin, Smith executed a sac bunt to move Bergin and pinch runner Tara Dalton into scoring position. Pinch hitter Bailey Van Deest singled up the middle to drive in Dalton. Two batters later, Bergin scored on a wild pitch to deliver the final score.

Rose struck out a career-best 10 batters over five innings, yielding just two unearned runs on two hits, to record her second win of the season. Katie Jo Passero suffered the loss, allowing eight runs (seven earned) on eight hits in an inning of action.

The Great Danes return to action in America East play on Saturday, April 5 at UMBC at 1:00 p.m.

UAlbany Track's Daniel Avery and Luke Schoen Recognized by America East Conference

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany’s Daniel Avery and Luke Schoen have been named America East Conference men’s outdoor track and field performers of the week, as announced by the conference office on Wednesday afternoon.

Avery, a freshman from Cooper City, Fla., has been selected as the track performer of the week. Avery, who is also a defensive back on the UAlbany football team, won the 110-meter hurdles in an IC4A-qualifying time of 14.31 seconds at North Carolina State’s Raleigh Relays on Saturday, March 29 at Paul Derr Track Stadium. He advanced to the event’s finals by sprinting 14.50 seconds in the preliminaries.

Schoen, a sophomore from Bohemia, N.Y., has been chosen as the field performer of the week. Schoen placed second in the pole vault with an IC4A-qualifying height of 15-feet, 11-inches in last Friday’s competition at the Raleigh Relays.

The Great Danes are in competition at a pair of meets on April 4-5, at the Florida Relays in Gainesville, Fla. and the Duke Invitational in Durham, N.C.

UAlbany Softball Splits Non-Conference Doubleheader With Marist

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Marissa Powell recorded a complete-game victory and freshman Taryn LaColla scored on a throwing error to lead UAlbany to a 4-3 extra-inning win over Marist in the second game of a non-conference doubleheader. Marist won the early game, 6-5.

In the nightcap, neither team was able to score until the seventh, when Marist plated a pair of runs in the top of the frame. Right fielder Jessica Green homered to left to drive in centerfielder Pamela de la Llave, who recorded a lead-off single to start the inning. The Great Danes responded in the bottom of the frame to extend the game, as third baseman Meagan Butsch knocked a triple to right center to drive in pinch runner Kristine Bill. UAlbany tied the game three batters later as senior Leanne Tillman hit an RBI single to send Butsch home.

Marist (11-17) regained the lead in the top of the eighth, as McCallion Campbell, who started the inning on second by way of the international tiebreak rule, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a fielding error by Powell. UAlbany turned a double play to end the inning, as shortstop Melissa Giordano grounded back to the pitcher, who flipped the ball to first baseman Gina Mason. Mason gunned down Alanna Woody at third to get the third out.

UAlbany’s Nicole Kothe, who was placed on second to start the bottom half of the inning, tied the game at 3-3, scoring on a passed ball. LaColla entered the game to pinch run for Andrianna Walraven, who was hit by a pitch during her at bat. LaColla advanced to second on a passed ball and managed to get to third on the same play. She came off the bag on a two-out pitch by Megan Rigos and scored on a throwing error by the catcher to end the game in UAlbany’s favor.

Powell struck out four opposing batters to earn the win, improving to 3-6 on the season. Rigos took the loss for Marist after relieving Caitlin Carpentier, who fanned seven in 7.1 innings of work.

UAlbany held a 4-2 lead in the top of the seventh inning in game one before de la Llave drove a grand slam over the centerfield fence to put Marist up, 6-4, in the final frame. UAlbany attempted a rally in the bottom half of the inning, led off by a solo homer by Jessica Bergin, but the Great Danes were unable to score any other runs.

Marist took the first lead of the game in the top of the second on a solo shot by Kate Molloy. UAlbany scored two runs in the bottom of the third to get in front and added a pair in the fourth on a two-run homer by Mason to take a 4-1 advantage. Molloy scored again for Marist in the fifth, leading off with a double and scoring on a groundout by Woody.

Sophomore Leah McIntosh went 5.1 innings in the circle, fanning nine and allowing the first two runs. Freshman Brittany Rose took the loss for the Great Danes in relief. Rigos struck out six in a complete-game performance for Marist.

UAlbany (11-10) will return to action on Wednesday, hosting non-conference opponent Iona in a doubleheader starting at 2:30 p.m.

University of Albany Football Rolls On

Football outlook bright for UAlbany

With 48 letterwinners and 12 starters returning from only the third Northeast Conference team to go undefeated in league play, the defending champion University at Albany football team began spring practice Sunday with plenty of confidence.

The Great Danes will have 15 NCAA-allowed spring workouts, and will use both the Alumni Turf Field (artificial) and Mara-Tisch Field (natural) as practice sites.

UAlbany won its third Northeast Conference title last fall with an overall 8-4 record. Tailback David McCarty, from LaSalle Institute in Troy, leads an offensive unit that ranked 20th nationally in rushing at nearly 209 yards per game. Named to the Sports Network All-America squad, McCarty ran for 1,503 yards, the third-highest single-season

total in team history. He ran for at least 100 yards on eight occasions, including a career-best 247 in the championship-clinching win over Central Connecticut State.

Quarterback Vinny Esposito also returns. He passed for the second-best single-season total in program history, with 1,810 yards, and also tossed 12 TD strikes.

Right tackle Raphael Nguti

(6-foot-6, 330 pounds), center Kevin Richards (6-2, 280), from Shenendehowa, and left tackle Justin

Tougas (6-6, 308), from Queensbury, anchor the offensive line.

UAlbany lost starting kicker Jason Fralicker from its special teams and all-time leading tackler Colin Disch from its linebacking corps.

“On defense, we have to improve in the red zone,” said UAlbany head coach Bob Ford, who owns a

225-162-1 career record in 39 varsity seasons. “It’s a matter of tightening things up and being more aggressive in our approach. These practices will also allow us to identify the pass rushers and swing people on the defensive line.

“Certain elements of our run offense need to be established, and we have to become consistent in the three-step pass game. We want to review our punt returners and long snappers on special teams.”

The Danes also announced the hiring of John Allen and Eric Evans as assistant coaches and Juan Torres as director of operations. Allen will coach the receivers, and Evans will work with the tight ends.

Courtesy: Bob Weiner
Schenectady Gazette Sports Reporter