Friday, April 18, 2008

Men's Lacrosse Comes Up Short Against #1 Syracuse, 10-5

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

Syracuse, N.Y. – Mike Leveille had three goals to lead Syracuse, the nation’s top team, to its ninth consecutive win in a 10-5 victory over UAlbany on Friday, April 18 before 5,420 fans at the Carrier Dome. The Orange are ranked No. 1 in the USILA coaches’ poll and No. 2 by Inside Lacrosse.

Syracuse (11-1) broke an early 1-1 tie with three consecutive goals. Greg Niewieroski scored from right in front following a failed clearing attempt. Leveille then found the net from the right side by going low inside the near post. Niewieroski rolled in from the right around two defenders to complete the outburst.

UAlbany (5-7) closed the gap to 4-2 when freshman Brian Caufield sent a blast into the top corner with 2:47 left in the opening period. But the Orange used a stingy defense and forced the visitors into several clearing miscues to keep them off the scoreboard for the rest of the half. Kenny Nims, who had two goals and one assist, found an empty net when defenseman Craig McDonald coughed up the ball on his side of the field. Steven Brooks and Stephen Keogh added unassisted goals in the second quarter.

The Great Danes, who are now winless in seven meetings when playing the nation’s No. 1 team, closed within four goals on two occasions in the third period. Jordan Levine drove from the right point to connect on a tough-angle goal with 2:23 on the clock that cut the lead to 8-4. UAlbany had many opportunities to make it a tighter affair, but made seven of its 24 turnovers in the stanza.

Leveille, who extended his scoring streak to 51 straight games, helped slam door with back-to-back goals. Following a 10-second clearing violation by the Great Danes, the senior attacker converted Brooks’ feed with 17 seconds remaining in the quarter. He added his 33rd of the season in the final period by circling back to his right and sending a high blast over reserve goalkeeper Dan McKeon’s head.

“We turned the ball over too many times and gave them too many chances,” said UAlbany coach Scott Marr, whose team was facing its fifth top-10 opponent and second No. 1 squad this season. “They rode us well and came with pressure. Their defense made it hard to get shots off and the goalie was outstanding.”

SU goalkeeper John Galloway finished with 14 saves, one off his career-best total. Brooks, a senior midfielder, had two goals and one assist. UAlbany’s Brett Queener, who also saw time on the man-up unit, stopped 10 shots and had a career-high 10 ground balls.

“They have a solid defense that works well together and slides fast to the ball,” commented Caufield, who led his team with three goals. “We didn’t play our best, but we had good looks and they didn’t fall.”


**********

UAlbany (5-7) 2 0 2 1 - 5

#1 Syracuse (11-1) 5 2 2 1 - 10

UAlbany – Scoring: Brian Caufield 3-0, Jordan Levine 1-0, Kyle Brunk 1-0, Mike Ammann 0-2, Joe Pompo 0-1, John Alpizar 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Brett Queener (51:32, 10 saves, 9 GA), Dan McKeon (8:28, 0 saves, 1 GA).

Syracuse – Scoring: Mike Leveille 3-0, Steve Brooks 2-1, Kenny Nims 2-1, Greg Niewieroski 2-0, Stephen Keogh 1-0, Dan Hardy 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): John Galloway (60:00, 14 saves, 5 GA).

Danes no stranger to looking out for No. 1

ALBANY — Playing the nation’s No. 1-ranked team is a daunting task, but the University at Albany men’s lacrosse team is getting used to it.

The Great Danes (5-6) beat No. 1-ranked Johns Advertisement Hopkins 8-7 to begin the 2007 season, but then fell to top-ranked Cornell in overtime in the NCAA Division I
quarterfinals.

UAlbany also took on the top-ranked and defending national champion Johns Hopkins s to begin the 2008 campaign, but fell 10-5.

The Great Danes will get their seventh chance in school history to topple No. 1 tonight, at 7 p.m., when they take to the field at the Carrier Dome against Syracuse (10-1).

“We’ve certainly played at this level for four or five years now, where we’ve been competing against Hopkins and Syracuse when they’ve been ranked No. 1,” UAlbany coach Scott Marr said. “It’s exciting. There’s nothing better than having the chance to beat the best team in the country and to do in their back yard would be nice.”

The game will air locally on Time Warner Ch. 1 in the Capital District.

UAlbany won’t just be up against the top team in the country, they will be without their leading scorer, Corey Small. The junior attacker from Ontario, who has scored 28 goals on the season, strained a glute muscle in practice this week and Marr said he will most likely not play this evening.

Expected to step up in Smalls’ absence are freshmen Joe Pompo and Derek Kreuzer, both who are from the Syracuse area. “It’s a great opportunity for them to go home to Syracuse and have the opportunity to play in the Dome and play in front of some family members,” Marr said.

Pompo, who went to high school at West Genesee and Kreuzer, who is from Liverpool, aren’t the only players that will be wearing Purple & Gold this evening, but grew up watching the Orange. “We have about 10 kids on our roster from the Syracuse area and they grew up watching the Syracuse lacrosse program,” senior captain Jordan Levine said.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to come back in front of their hometown, their family and friends and give a good effort against Syracuse.”

The Great Danes will also be looking to rebound from a league loss against the University of Maryland-Baltimore County that almost assures UAlbany they will not host the conference tournament at the end of the season.

“Like coach said in the beginning of the season, we have to have a short memory,” junior defenseman Chris Schongar said. “It’s a loss, but we have to put it
behind us, that was last week.” “The loss certainly hurt Saturday night, but there’s nothing we can do about Saturday night, now,” Marr said. “We have to look forward and not only are we playing Syracuse Friday, but we have a conference
game Sunday, here at home.”

A victory Sunday against Vermont would assure the Danes of a spot in the top four and punch the defending America East champions’ ticket into the conference
tournament.

The UAlbany players feel like they have nothing to lose tonight against Syracuse and see themselves and the decided underdog.“They’re the number one team, everything is riding on their shoulders and again we’re the underdogs,” said Schongar, a Clifton Park native and a graduate of Shenendehowa High School.

“I don’t think we could have a better opportunity,” Levine said. “We’re playing in the Dome against the number one team in the country. We just need to play smarter.”

Syracuse has beaten UAlbany all five times the teams have met since 2004, a year in which they beat the Great Danes twice, including in the first round of the NCAA
Tournament and the Orange posted back-to-back 14-13 wins in 2005 and 2006, with the latter coming in overtime.

“It almost feels like we’re due for a win,” Schongar said. “Losing in overtime once, a couple of other close games and last year they beat us by a few, but we’re
just going to go see what happens.”

“I don’t think we need anymore ammo,” Levine said. “They’re number one in the country and we’re 5-6 and we just had a tough loss to UMBC. A win like this
would put us back on track and it would be great for the program to have another win against the number one team in the country.”


By Andrew Santillo, The Record
Andrew Santillo may be reached at asantillo@troyrecord.com

University of Albany's Meagan Butsch Named ECAC Softball Player of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Centerville, Mass. – UAlbany’s Meagan Butsch was named the ECAC Conference Softball Player of the Week, as announced by the conference office on Monday afternoon.

Butsch, a native of Tomball, Texas, recorded a .500 average to lead UAlbany to a 6-1 week, including six straight wins. The junior third baseman scored eight runs on 11 hits, including three home runs, three doubles and one triple for a 1.136 slugging percentage. Butsch also drove in seven runs while striking out just once in 22 at bats. She went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in a 9-4 win at UMBC on Monday, and went 2-for-3 with one run scored in a close 3-2 victory over Vermont on Wednesday.

Butsch is second on the team with a .356 average on the season. She leads the team with 13 extra-base hits, including four home runs, and has 18 runs and 18 RBI.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

University of Albany Defeats Crosstown-Rival Siena, 6-1, in Non-Conference Tennis Action

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Loudonville, N.Y. – UAlbany’s Kim Weltman and Charlotte Tatler combined for a 8-0 win in doubles action, and they both posted straight-set singles wins to lead the Great Danes to a 6-1 win over crosstown-rival Siena in non-conference tennis action on Wednesday afternoon.

Weltman defeated Siena’s Jessica Asselin, 6-3, 6-0 at the No. 3 singles position, while Tatler recorded a 6-0, 6-0 defeat of Lauren Garbade at the fourth singles position. Freshman Susan Ma posted a 6-7 (7-4), 6-3, 10-4 win over Sarah Davis and also teamed up with Aimee Kern for an 8-4 victory over Sarah Davis and Asselin at the top doubles spot. Amanda Hall was also victorious in singles action, defeating Jennifer Messing, 6-0, 6-1. Hall and teammate Laine Mackey defeated Sarah Mayer and Garbade, 9-8 (7-1), at No. 3 doubles. Mackey claimed a 5-0 default win over Keric in singles action. Siena’s lone point came in a 6-2, 6-1 win at the No. 1 singles position by Mayer over Kern.

UAlbany will return to action on Saturday, hosting America East Conference opponent Binghamton at 1 p.m.


2008 Head to Head Competition: UAlbany vs Siena

UAlbany 6 Siena 1 - Women's Tennis: April 16
UAlbany 13 Siena 6 - Men's Lacrosse: April 2
UAlbany 2 Siena 1 - Women's Softball: March 27
UAlbany 3 Siena 2 - Women's Softball: March 27
UAlbany 18 Siena 8 - Women's Lacrosse: March 3

2008 Totals: UAlbany 5 Siena 0


Today's Tennis Summary:

Singles

Sarah Mayer (S) def. Aimee Kern (UA), 6-2, 6-1

Susan Ma (UA) def. Sarah Davis (S), 6-7 (7-4), 6-3, 10-4

Kim Weltman (UA) def. Jessica Asselin (S), 6-3, 6-0

Charlotte Tatler (UA) def. Lauren Garbade (S), 6-0, 6-0

Laine Mackey (UA) def. Dinka Keric (S), 5-0 (default)

Amanda Hall (UA) def. Jennifer Messing (S), 6-0, 6-1


Doubles

Kern/Ma (UA) def. Davis/Asselin (S), 8-4

Hall/Mackey (UA) def. Mayer/Garbade (S), 9-8 (7-1)

Weltman/Tatler (UA) def. Keric/Messing (S), 8-0

No. 16 New Hampshire Downs Women's Lacrosse

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Durham, N.H. – Sarah Von Bargen tallied a season-high five goals, all in the first half, in leading New Hampshire to a 17-7 America East Conference victory over UAlbany on Wednesday, April 16 at Memorial Field. The Wildcats, who are ranked No. 16 in the latest IWLCA national poll, locked up the third seed for next week’s postseason conference tournament.

Von Bargen, a junior attacker, scored three times midway through the first half to stake her team to a 6-0 lead. She won the opening draw and hit the net on a free-position shot with 27 seconds elapsed in the contest. Von Bargen, who has 29 goals on the season, added her second of the game off a feed from Ashley Durepo following a successful clear.

UAlbany (8-7, AE 2-3) sliced that deficit in half with three unanswered. Freshman Jodi Battaglia converted a pair of free-position opportunities in that span. Brittany Scott, a senior midfielder, also scored after teammate Kayla Best controlled a draw and passed ahead.

The Great Danes, who have dropped all 10 meetings in the series, still trailed 9-5 after Molly Ortolano netted the first of her two goals. But New Hampshire (11-4, AE 4-2) struck twice in the final two minutes of the period. Von Bargen scored unassisted, before Shaunna Kaplan added her 23rd of the season with 55 seconds left before the break.

The Wildcats, who were coming off a pair of one-goal losses after winning nine in a row, ran off three consecutive goals to begin the second half. Susie Piotrkowksi scored twice, while Michaela Hardy found the cage with one of her four goals following a UAlbany turnover.

Best, a sophomore midfielder, had two goals and one assist for the Great Danes, who must defeat Stony Brook in their regular-season finale on Saturday in order to earn a place in the America East tournament. Best extended her goal scoring streak to 28 consecutive games, the sixth-best mark among Division I players. UNH’s Kaplan finished with four goals and one assist.

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#16 New Hampshire 17, UAlbany 7

UAlbany – Scoring: Kayla Best 2-1, Jodi Battaglia 2-0, Molly Ortolano 2-0, Brittany Scott 1-0, Stacey Brown 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Katie Neer (60:00, 10 saves, 17 GA).

New Hampshire – Scoring: Sarah Von Bargen 5-1, Shaunna Kaplan 4-1, Michaela Hardy 4-0, Susie Piotrkowski 2-0, Moira Talbot 1-1, Ashley Durepo 1-1, Goalkeeper(s): Ashley Milley (60:00, 10 saves, 7 GA).

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

UAlbany Softball Completes Season-Sweep of Binghamton

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – UAlbany’s Marissa Powell earned two wins in the circle to lead the Great Danes to a season sweep of Binghamton in America East Conference softball action on Tuesday afternoon at Albany Field. UAlbany defeated the Bearcats, 4-3 in 11 innings, in the completion of a game that was suspended on March 30 due to darkness. The Great Danes then recorded a 9-2 win in the series finale.

The resumed game, which picked up in the top of the tenth with the score tied at 3-3, was completed in the following inning, as Amber Maisonet knocked an RBI single into left field to score Leanne Tillman, who started the frame off with a single. Powell, who was the original starter in the game, finished with six strikeouts over seven innings of work. Brittany Rose and Leah McIntosh each tossed two innings of relief, striking out three and two, respectively.

UAlbany (22-11, AE 10-1) scored two runs in the first inning of the series finale to take an early lead. Shortstop Andrianna Walraven singled and then stole second before being driven home on an RBI single to left field by Michelle Connors (Shenendehowa). Connors recorded a stolen base and crossed home on a double by right fielder Bailey Van Deest.

The Great Danes broke the game open in the bottom of the second, scoring six runs off Binghamton pitcher Patty Egan. UAlbany loaded the bases on back-to-back singles by Nicole Kothe and Maisonet, with Walraven reaching safely on an error. Connors knocked her second base hit of the game to center field to score Kothe, while Maisonet scored on a fielder’s choice, with Walraven out on the play. Van Deest recorded her second straight double, scoring Connors. Designated player Gina Mason followed with her third home run of the season, a three-run shot over the left field fence. Nicole Constantatos entered the game in relief for Binghamton and induced the final out to end the Great Danes’ rally.

Binghamton (5-25, AE 1-10) was able to avoid the shutout, scoring single runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Bri Andrews led off the fourth frame with a triple and later scored on Powell’s wild pitch. Center fielder Sandy Meadows scored the Bearcats’ second run on an RBI single by pinch hitter Shawna Albright.

Rose, who came into the game in the fifth to relieve Powell in the circle, kept the Binghamton hitters quiet, striking out five opposing batters over the final two innings. Powell finished with five strikeouts, while Rose fanned eight in three innings of work.

The Great Danes will return to action on Saturday, with an America East doubleheader at Hartford, starting at 1 p.m.

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(completion of suspended game from March 30)

Binghamton 000 012 000 00 - 3 9 3

UAlbany 102 000 000 01 - 4 12 0

(one out when winning run scored)
Binghamton: Cyrilla Suker, Patty Egan (6) and Kelly Schuldt, Deannie Plemon.

UAlbany: Marissa Powell, Brittany Rose (6), Leah McIntosh (8) and Kat Smith.



Binghamton (5-25, AE 1-10) 000 110 0 - 2 6 1

UAlbany (22-11, AE 10-1) 260 010 x - 9 13 0

Binghamton: Patty Egan, Nicole Constantatos (3) and Deannie Plemon.

UAlbany: Marissa Powell, Brittany Rose (5) and Kat Smith.

Crean Homers UAlbany Baseball Past Manhattan, 9-4, in Non-Conference Action

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Freshman Kyle Crean smacked a one-out, two-run homer in the sixth inning to lead the UAlbany to a 9-4 non-conference win over Manhattan at Varsity Field on Tuesday, April 15.

UAlbany (9-24-1) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Senior left fielder Tom Zink was hit by the first pitch of the inning. After advancing to second on a balk, junior shortstop Sean Donovan laced a single up the middle to plate Zink. The Jaspers answered back in their half of the second with a single run. Senior catcher Dom Lombardi tripled to the center-field fence with one out and scored two batters later on a sacrifice fly by Austin Sheffield.

Manhattan (14-15-1) took a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning with a two-out rally. Senior Eric Nieto walked and stole second to get into scoring position. He then advanced to third on a wild pitch when Mark Onorati walked, and crossed the plate as brother Kevin Nieto singled through the left side. The Great Danes evened the score in the home half of the fifth. Junior catcher Ryan Gugel walked with the bases loaded to force in classmate Gary Pitcheralle.

Crean gave the Great Danes the lead in the sixth by pulling a two-run shot over the fence in right field. UAlbany tacked on four runs on two hits in the seventh inning. Crean, Pitcheralle and Zink drew consecutive walks with the bases loaded to force in three runs. Donovan then lifted a sacrifice fly to center to score Crean for an 8-2 lead.

The Jaspers got two runs back in the top of the eighth, but could not cut further into the UAlbany lead. Lombardi singled through the left side to plate Onorati and Kevin Nieto, who reached after being hit by pitch and a walk, respectively. The Great Danes closed out the scoring with a single run in the bottom of the eighth. Freshman designated hitter Jamie Liebowitz singled through the left side to knock in senior first baseman Mike Konstanty from second.

Matthew Herrick picked up the win in relief, striking out two in an inning of work. Zac Goyer took the loss for the Jaspers, yielding four runs on four hits over 5.1 innings. The Great Danes, who have won four of their last five contests, return to action at Binghamton on Friday, April 18 at 3:00 p.m. to start a four-game America East Conference series.

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Manhattan (14-15-1) 010 010 020 - 4 3 3
UAlbany (9-24-1) 100 012 41X - 9 8 0

Manhattan: Zac Goyer (L, 0-2), Mike Tibbetts (6), Tom Moran (7), Andrew Sutherland (8) and Dom Lombardi.
UAlbany: Nate Novak, Matthew Herrick (6, W, 1-0), Marco Rivera (7), Hunter Moffatt (8), Chris Ott (9) and Ryan Gugel.

UAlbany's Maggie Taylert Ties for Tenth Place at Hartford Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

West Hartford, Conn. – UAlbany’s Maggie Taylert shot a final-round 83 to finish in a tie for 10th place at the Hartford Women’s Invitational on Tuesday afternoon at Rockledge Golf Course. The Great Danes, who held a one-stroke lead after the opening round, slipped to fifth in the 36-hole team standings.

Taylert carded an 82 in Monday’s first round over the par-72, 5,803-yard layout. She finished nine strokes behind Long Island’s Natalie Desjardins, who won medalist honors by four strokes. UAlbany’s Corrin Conroy, a freshman, placed 13th with rounds of 83 and 84. Jessica Signorelli tied for 18th with a 36-hole score of 173 (82-91).

Sacred Heart captured the team title by 11 shots over runner-up Central Connecticut State. The Pioneers had three of the top-five finishers in the field. Desjardins, the first-day leader with a 77, came back with a 79 over the final 18 holes. Sacred Heart’s Jennifer Tierney was second with scores of 79 and 81. Her teammate Patricia Ali Heyes turned in the best round of the tournament with a three-over 75 on the final day to move up the leader board 13 places into third place.

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Team: 1. Sacred Heart 328-325-653, 2. Central Connecticut State 335-329-664, 3. Fairfield 333-338-671, 4. Hartford 341-333-674, 5. UAlbany 327-351-678, 6. Long Island 338-344-682.

Individual: 1. Natalie Desjardins (Long Island), 77-79-156, 2. Jennifer Tierney (Sacred Heart), 79-81-160, 3. Patricia Ali Heyes (Sacred Heart), 86-75-161, t4. Courtney Richardson (Fairfield), 80-82-162, t4. Joanne Martorana (Sacred Heart), 79-83-162.

Top UAlbany Finishers: t10. Maggie Taylert 83-83-165, 13. Corrin Conroy 83-84-167, t18. Jessica Signorelli 82-91-173, 29. Sun Hwa Kim 93-93-186.

UAlbany's Meagan Butsch Named America East Softball Player of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – UAlbany’s Meagan Butsch was named the America East Conference Softball Player of the Week, as announced by the conference office on Monday afternoon.

Butsch, a native of Tomball, Texas, recorded a .500 average to lead UAlbany to a 6-1 week, including six straight wins. The junior third baseman scored eight runs on 11 hits, including three home runs, three doubles and one triple for a 1.136 slugging percentage. Butsch also drove in seven runs while striking out just once in 22 at bats. She went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in a 9-4 win at UMBC on Monday, and went 2-for-3 with one run scored in a close 3-2 victory over Vermont on Wednesday.

Butsch is second on the team with a .356 average on the season. She leads the team with 13 extra-base hits, including four home runs, and has 18 runs and 18 RBI.

Monday, April 14, 2008

McPhee Leads UAlbany Women's Golf to First Round Lead at Hartford Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

West Hartford, Conn. – Sophomore Amanda McPhee shot an opening round 80 to lead the UAlbany women’s golf team to a first round lead at the Hartford Women’s Invitational on Monday, April 14 at the par 72, 5,803-yard Rockledge Golf Course. The Great Danes shot a first round 327, for a one-stroke lead over Sacred Heart.

McPhee opened with a 41 on the front nine holes and closed out her round with a 39, tied for the third-best back-nine score. Sophomore Jessica Signorelli and senior Maggie Taylert each carded rounds of 82 to finish tied for seventh place. Signorelli shot a 39 on the first nine holes, the second-best score of the day, and registered a 43 on the final nine. Taylert recorded scores of 40 on the front and 42 on the back. Freshman Corrin Conroy finished in a three-way tie for ninth with a first-day score of 83 to round out the Great Danes’ top-four scores. She started with a 46 on the first nine, before shooting a 37, the best score of the 33 competitors, on the final nine.

Junior Sun Hwa Kim recorded scores of 44 and 49 to finish the day at 93, while senior Becky Lukac shot 49 on the front and back for a 98.

The second round of the Hartford Invitational begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

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Team Scores
1. UAlbany 327, 2. Sacred Heart 328, 3. Fairfield 333, 4. Central Connecticut State 335, 5. Long Island 338, 6. Hartford 341.

Top 10 Scores
1. Natalie Desjardins (Long Island) 37-40 – 77, T2. Jennifer Tierney (Sacred Heart) 41-38 – 79, T2. Joanne Martorana (Sacred Heart) 39-40 – 79, T4. Amanda McPhee (UAlbany) 41-39 – 80, T4. Courtney Richardson (Fairfield) 39-41 – 80, 6. Deb Kim (Central Conn. St.) 42-39 – 81, T7. Jessica Signorelli (UAlbany) 39-43 – 82, T7. Maggie Taylert (UAlbany) 40-42 – 82, T9. Corrin Conroy (UAlbany) 46-37 – 83, T9. Kristen MacDonald (Fairfield) 42-41 – 83, T9. Juliana Carrillo (Hartford) 39-44 – 83.

Other UAlbany Scores
T29. Sun Hwa Kim 44-49 – 93, 32. Becky Lukac 49-49 – 98.

University of Albany Unveils "The World Within Reach"

New branding initiative highlights the University's unique qualities

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 14, 2008) -- Today, the University at Albany launched its first-ever branding initiative with the theme, "The World Within Reach." It showcases the University's distinctive qualities as a leading public research university that offers students a strong foundation for success and a broad world view.

Today's announcement is the culmination of a year-long initiative which began last spring, when the University set out to examine how UAlbany was perceived both by the campus community and the public. The University partnered with the higher education marketing firm Stamats, assembled a core marketing team, and sought the input of faculty, students, staff, alumni, prospective students, high school guidance counselors, and community and business leaders to conduct a comprehensive analysis of its identity.

The mission was to build a strong and consistent reputation based upon attributes that the University could demonstrate and stand behind. The goal is to better position the University in attracting and recruiting top students, first-tier faculty and administrative staff, and the necessary resources to sustain UAlbany's tradition of excellence.

"In all our work, we noticed a recurring theme -- UAlbany as a place of opportunity and success," said Interim President George M. Philip. "Today, we unveil a campaign that captures and highlights the notable strengths that make UAlbany great and distinctive."

"The World Within Reach" theme will appear in University publications, on the University Web site, and in other broadcast and outreach materials created by the University. UAlbany also unveiled today a new advertising campaign that will initially appear in the Capital Region, including the Albany-Rensselaer Train Station and Albany International Airport.

"The World Within Reach" initiative highlights the University's core strengths, which include:

* Strategic Location -- UAlbany is a hub for new ideas. Its location in New York's capital has driven many of its distinctive academic strengths in such areas as public policy, criminal justice, social welfare, education, public health, and, most recently, nanosciences. UAlbany students have access to enviable internship and public service opportunities, employer connections that lead to jobs after graduation, and all the culture, recreation and entertainment of the region.

* Modern Vision -- The University's educational mission is straightforward: expand the worldview of its students and prepare them to make meaningful and lasting contributions to their communities, their nation, and their world. This far-reaching vision manifests itself on campus in the richness and variety of the University’s academic programming and the vibrancy of its cultural diversity.

* Life-Enhancing Research and Scholarship -- Through its research and scholarship, UAlbany contributes tremendously to the public good. The biological roots of diseases, the dynamics of hurricanes, immigration, cyberterrorism, and nanotechnology are just a few of the issues being tackled by UAlbany researchers. UAlbany research is advancing knowledge, driving economic growth in the region and state, and creating extraordinary opportunities for students.

* Diversity that Enriches Learning -- UAlbany is the ideal place to get a global perspective. Student and faculty come from more than 100 countries, bringing different and fresh perspectives. This breadth of diversity adds rich texture to the learning that takes place on campus and prepares UAlbany students to become world citizens in today’s interconnected global society.

* Excellence at a Great Value -- The excellence of a UAlbany education is recognized by many independent sources, such as the rankings published this month by U.S. News and World Report. Its great value comes in the world of opportunities available to students at an affordable price. Students learn from and are mentored by accomplished faculty. UAlbany offers 189 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degree programs, an Honors College, championship Division I athletics, and a rich array of campus activities. Students form lasting connections with peers, professors, and alumni, and when they graduate, they join a global alumni network of more than 140,000.

"By the time they graduate, our students have what it takes to contribute and succeed in many fields. In countless ways, UAlbany has put the world within reach for them," said Susan Phillips, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

"UAlbany has played an important role in my life as a professional and as a person, helping me attain a position where I could be of greater benefit to my community," said David Brown, '05, President and CEO of the Capital District YMCA.

"UAlbany has been at the forefront in developing research partnerships across the globe," said Sanjay Goel, Associate Professor in the School of Business and Director of Research at the Center for Information Forensics and Assurance. "Through UAlbany, professors like me have made contacts with top international researchers, leading to mutual engagement on critical issues and creating the potential for increased networking and cooperative efforts."

"I have received a great education with excellent faculty, made wonderful connections, and have had countless experiences that I will never forget," said Elizabeth Gray, '08, of Ithaca, N.Y.

Sunday, April 13, 2008

University of Albany Softball Completes Sweep of Maine, 10-9, in America East Showdown

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Freshman shortstop Andrianna Walraven knocked a no-out, walk-off single past the second baseman to score Nicole Kothe in leading UAlbany to a 10-9 win over Maine in America East Conference softball action on Sunday afternoon at Albany Field. The Great Danes swept the three-game weekend series.

Kothe’s run capped a four-run rally in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Great Danes the come-from-behind victory. Down 9-6 entering the bottom half of the frame, first baseman Gina Mason led off with a single to left field. Catcher Leanne Tillman reached on a fielder’s choice, and Mason was safe at second after a throwing error. Right fielder Jessica Bergin walked to load the bases, and Mason scored the first run of the inning on a fielder’s choice by Kothe, who reached first safely to keep the bases juiced. Left fielder Amber Maisonet drew her team even at nine apiece with a two-rn double down the left field line, scoring pinch runner Kristine Bill and Bergin. With no outs, Walraven hit a 2-2 pitch through the infield, sending Kothe home for the winning run.

UAlbany (20-11, AE 8-1) found themselves in a 8-0 hole after Maine, who led off the game with a first-pitch home run by Alexis Souhlaris, posted seven runs in the top of the third. Shortstop Ashley Waters and first baseman Kirstin Allen both knocked two-RBI doubles off starting pitcher Marissa Powell to get the Black Bears started in the frame. Freshman Brittany Rose came into the circle in relief, but hit her first batter faced and allowed a two-run double by Erin Iandoli. Melinda Corssino drove in Iandoli on an infield single, but Rose induced a groundout by Souhlaris to end the inning.

The Great Danes cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the frame, as second baseman Michelle Connors hit a two-run homer over the fence in centerfield to score Maisonet, who reached on a bunt single. Third baseman Meagan Butsch was hit by a pitch and designated player Bailey Van Deest knocked a single to left to put runners in scoring position. Mason smacked a double into center field to score the base runners in slicing the lead to 8-4.

UAlbany added two more runs in the fourth as Walraven chase home a pair with a double into left, scoring Kothe and Bergin, who started the inning with back-to-back singles. The Black Bears scored one run in their half of the sixth on an RBI single by Waters, to hold a 9-6 advantage before UAlbany’s late-inning rally.

Jenna Balent tossed 3.1 innings for Maine (5-34, AE 5-6) before being relieved by Christine McGivney, who fanned two opposing batters in 2.2 innings of work. UAlbany’s Powell struck out three batters, while Rose recorded three strikeouts over 4.2 innings.

The Great Danes will return to action on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m., hosting America East-rival Binghamton in the continuation of an early-season series that was suspended due to weather.

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Maine (5-34, AE 5-6) 107 001 0 - 9 12 1

UAlbany (20-11, AE 8-1) 004 200 4 - 10 14 0

(no outs when winning run scored)

Maine: Jenna Balent, Christine McGivney (4) and Whitney Spangler.

UAlbany: Marissa Powell, Brittany Rose (3) and Leanne Tillman.

#14 Vanderbilt Downs Women's Lacrosse, 15-5, in Non-League Play

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Cara Giordano had four goals and Carter Foote added three in leading Vanderbilt to a 15-5 non-league victory over UAlbany on Sunday,, April 13 at John Fallon Field. The Commodores, who are ranked No. 14 nationally in the IWLCA poll and No. 15 by Inside Lacrosse, have won five of their last six outings.

Vanderbilt (10-4) broke a 1-1 deadlock with six consecutive goals over the final 11 minutes of the opening half. Foote, a sophomore midfielder, converted Margie Curran’s pass from behind the cage to put her team ahead. Giordano and Foote each scored a pair during a four-minute stretch of the period. Giordano spun in the middle of the zone and sent a shot high into the net. The Commodores took a 6-1 lead when Foote netted a blast from left of the crease after collecting a underhanded pass from Emily Franke. Ashley Paschall, who had two goals and one assist, scored from the top of the crease with 23.3 seconds left before the break.

The Commondores, who compete in the American Lacrosse Conference, still led 8-2 early in the second half, after UAlbany’s Taylor Frink spun in the middle and placed a shot into the right side of the net. Vanderbilt would find the cage three straight times over the next eight minutes. Giordano connected from right of crease off Laura Keenan’s feed, before Sarah Downing scored back-to-back goals. Downing drove around a defender from the right side, before nailing a bounce shot from the top of the crease.

UAlbany (8-6) scored twice in the late stages. Kayla Best won a draw control and drove to the crease area in netting her 38th of the season with 4:50 to play. Christine Grueniger sent a free-position opportunity into the lower right corner two minutes later. Goalkeeper Katie Neer made six saves for the Great Danes, who were meeting their fourth national top-15 team this season.

Allie Frank, a sophomore attack, finished with two goals and one assist for the Commodores, who made their third NCAA appearance over the last six years in 2007. Curran, the school’s all-time scorer with 224 career points, added one goal and handed out two assists.

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#14 Vanderbilt 15, UAlbany 5

Vanderbilt – Scoring: Cara Giordano 4-1, Carter Foote 3-0, Ashley Pachchall 2-1, Allie Frank 2-1, Sarah Downing 2-0, Margie Curran 1-2, Meghan Rose 1-0, Leslie Koch 0-1, Katherine Denkler 0-1, Emily Frank 0-1, Laura Keenan 0-1; Goalkeeper(s); Brooke Shinaberry (60:00, 7 saves, 5 GA).

UAlbany – Scoring: Christine Grueniger 1-0, Kayla Best 1-0, Jodi Battaglia 1-0, Taylor Frink 1-0, Mel Rorie 1-0; Goalkeeper(s): Katie Neer (60:00, 6 saves, 15 GA

Saturday, April 12, 2008

University of Albany Softball Sweeps Maine in America East Conference Doubleheader

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Marissa Powell and Brittany Rose turned in two complete-game performances in the circle to lead UAlbany to a doubleheader sweep of Maine in America East Conference softball action on Saturday afternoon at Albany Field. The Great Danes won the first game, 9-5, and took the second by a score of 9-3.

Powell earned the win in the early contest, striking out six over seven innings. Maine jumped out to an early lead, scoring all five runs in the first frame. Second baseman Ashley Waters gave the Black Bears a 3-0 lead on a three-run, no-out homer, scoring Alexis Souhlaris and Whitney Spangler. Third baseman Terren Hall walked and shortstop Kristen Calvetti singled to center before first baseman Kirstin Allen drove an RBI single to right to send Hall home. Calvetti later scored on a fielder’s choice before Powell could induce the final two outs to get out of the inning.

UAlbany responded in the bottom of the first, scoring two runs on an RBI single by Meagan Butsch that scored left fielder Amber Maisonet and centerfielder Nicole Kothe, who got on base by way of a single and a walk, respectively.

The Great Danes were able to hold Maine scoreless for the remainder of the game, but added four runs in the bottom of the third on a two-RBI double by right fielder Bailey Van Deest and a two-run double by shortstop Andrianna Walraven. UAlbany added a single run in the fourth, as second baseman Michelle Connors hit a single up the middle to score pinch runner Kristine Bill, who came in to run for Kat Smith, who was hit by a pitch. Connors finished with three RBI in the game, as she drove a two-run homer over the left field fence in the bottom of the sixth to give the Great Danes a four-run advantage.

Jenna Balent took the loss in the circle for Maine (5-33, AE 5-5) in 4.0 innings of work. Cayleigh Montano entered in relief for the final two frames, striking out two without allowing a walk.

First baseman Leanne Tillman recorded three RBI off two hits to lead UAlbany in game two. The Great Danes started with the hot bats in the contest, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first. With the bases loaded, Van Deest knocked a two-run single to right field, scoring Maisonet and Connors. Butsch scored the third run for UAlbany on a sacrifice fly by Walraven, and Tillman drove in Van Deest on a single to center.

The Great Danes added two runs in the bottom of the second, with both runs coming due to Maine throwing errors. The Black Bears cut into the deficit in the fourth frame, as Waters and Hall hit back-to-back home runs to left field.

UAlbany added three runs in the bottom half of the fifth inning, with Tillman recording two RBI on a double to left field which scored Walraven and designated player Gina Mason. Smith knocked an RBI single during the next at bat, scoring Tara Dalton, who entered to run for Tillman. Maine was able to get one more run scored in the sixth, but Rose worked out of a bases-loaded jam, inducing a ground-out by Spangler to end the inning.

Rose finished with eight strikeouts for UAlbany (19-11, AE 7-1), and improved to 3-1 on the season. Souhlaris took the loss for Maine, allowing all nine Great Dane runs. Sophomore Christine McGivney tossed one inning in relief.

UAlbany and Maine will complete the three-game conference series on Sunday, beginning at 12 p.m.

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Maine 500 000 0 - 5 9 0

UAlbany 204 102 x - 9 8 2

Maine: Jenna Balent, Cayleigh Montano (5) and Whitney Spangler.

UAlbany: Marissa Powell and Kat Smith.



Maine (5-33, AE 5-5) 000 201 0 - 3 9 1

UAlbany (19-11, AE 7-1) 420 030 x - 9 9 1

Maine: Alexis Souhlaris, Christine McGivney and Whitney Spangler.

UAlbany: Brittany Rose and Kat Smith.

Willimott and Kubiak Pitch UAlbany to America East Baseball Doubleheader Sweep of Maine

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Bangor, Maine – Junior Josh Willimott and freshman David Kubiak recorded victories on the mound to lead UAlbany to a doubleheader sweep of Maine in America East Conference baseball action on Saturday, April 12 at the Winkin Complex at Husson College. The Great Danes topped the Black Bears, 5-2, in seven innings in the opener and rallied for an 8-3 victory in the nightcap.

In game one, Maine (11-16-1, AE 1-3) got on the board first in the second inning. With one out, Tony Patane reached on catcher’s interference and moved to second on a groundout. Jarrett Lukas followed with a single to right to advance Patane to third and allow him to score on an error by the catcher.

UAlbany (8-24-1, AE 4-4) went ahead in the third with a pair of runs and scored twice more in the fourth and once in the fifth. Sophomore Brendan Rowland and junior Sean Donovan each singled to lead off the third. Following a successful sacrifice bunt by junior Zac Halloran to advance the runs up a base, junior catcher Ryan Gugel singled to center to knock in Rowland and Donovan. In the fourth, Tom Zink singled and Gary Pitcheralle walked around a strikeout to open the frame. Freshman second baseman Kyle Crean then followed with a two-run double to right field for the eventual game winning runs. The Great Danes plated their final run of the contest in the fifth as Gugel and Mike Konstanty each walked at the start of the inning. After a strikeout and a wild pitch that moved Gugel to third, sophomore Pete Eichner singled to center to plate Gugel.

The Black Bears scored once in the bottom of the sixth, but could not cut further into the Great Danes’ lead. Curt Smith singled to right and Myckie Lugbauer walked to open the inning against Willimott. Junior Sean Gregory was then summoned from the bullpen to close out the inning. After a fly out moved Smith to third, Joey Martin singled to right field to score Smith. Lugbauer advanced to third on a passed ball, but Gregory recorded a strikeout and a fly out to end the inning.

In the nightcap, Rowland walked and Gugel was hit by a pitch with two outs in the first inning. Konstanty then followed with a single to right center to get the Great Danes on the board. Maine answered back in the second inning with a pair of runs, the first two earned runs Kubiak has allowed in 14 innings over three starts. With one out, Danny Menendez lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to drive in Martin, who reached on a walk to open the inning and advanced on a hit batsman and a sacrifice bunt. Joe Mercurio then singled to knock in Patane, who reached by being hit by a pitch.

The Great Danes evened the score at two with a run in the sixth. Gugel started the inning with a double to right. He scored three batters later on a single to left by Pitcheralle. UAlbany scored four times in the seventh, without getting the ball out of the infield, to take a 6-2 lead. The Great Danes loaded the bases on a hit batsman and three consecutive fielder’s choices. With one out, Konstanty was hit by a pitch for the second time in the game to force home Donovan. Eichner then drove in Rowland with a groundout to second. Gugel and Konstanty both scored on a wild pitch to Pitcheralle.

Maine got one run back in the bottom of the eighth, but the Great Danes scored twice in the ninth to deliver the final score. Smith opened the eighth frame with a double to left field and advanced to third on a wild pitch. After a walk to Lugbauer and a sac bunt, Martin singled to shortstop to plate Smith. Junior Dave Noble then induced a fly out and Lugbauer advanced too far around third on a single and was thrown out by Zink to end the inning. In the ninth, Rowland followed a Donovan leadoff single with his fifth homer of the season.

Willimott improves to 4-1 on the season, yielding just two runs (one earned) on four hits over five innings. Gregory allowed just two hits over the final two innings. Kyle Benoit took the loss for the Black Bears, giving up four runs on five hits in four innings. Kubiak recorded his first career win in the nightcap, striking out six over seven innings, while allowing three runs on three hits. Matt Jebb suffered the loss, giving up six runs (two earned) on six hits in seven innings.

The Great Danes return to action on Tuesday, April 15 at 3:30 p.m. as they host Manhattan.

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Game One
UAlbany (7-24-1, AE 3-4) 002 210 0 - 5 6 2
Maine (11-15-1, AE 1-2) 010 001 0 - 2 6 1

UAlbany: Josh Willimott (W, 4-1), Sean Gregory (6) and Ryan Gugel.
Maine: Kyle Benoit (L, 2-1), Jim Cox (5) and Myckie Lugbauer.

Game Two
UAlbany (8-24-1, AE 4-4) 100 001 402 - 8 8 0
Maine (11-16-1, AE 1-3) 020 000 010 - 3 5 2

UAlbany: David Kubiak (W, 1-0), Dave Noble (8) and Ryan Gugel.
Maine: Matt Jebb (L, 2-2), Jonathan Balentina (8) and Joe Mercurio.

UAlbany Track and Field Teams Record First-Place Finishes at UMass Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Amherst, Mass. – Ten members of the men’s track and field team registered IC4A-qualifying marks and three members of the women’s squad recorded ECAC-qualifying performances to lead UAlbany to a first-place finish in the men’s and women’s competition at the UMass Invitational at the Track and Field Facility on Saturday, April 12. The men’s team scored 236 points to win by a commanding margin, while the women registered 223 points to place ahead of the host school.

Freshman Daniel Avery (14.34) and junior Jean Juste (14.40) each qualified for the IC4A meet in the 110-meter hurdles by finishing first and second in the event, respectively. A pair of Great Danes also qualified for the IC4A competition in the pole vault. Sophomore Luke Schoen cleared the bar at 16-feet, 2.75-inches to place first and freshman Michael Dempsey recorded a height of 15-feet, 9-inches for second place. Freshman Wilfredo de Jesus Elias turned in an IC4A-qualifying performance en route to winning the hammer throw with a toss of 185-feet, 1-inch. Senior Dieuseul Joseph recorded a pair of IC4A marks by placing second in the 100-meter dash in a time of 10.90 seconds and as a member of the winning 4x100-meter relay team. Joseph teamed with Raphael Jean-Baptiste, Torshiro Jenkins and Jeffery Barnes to register a time of 41.32 seconds. In the long jump, sophomore Valete Graham was first with an IC4A-qualifying leap of 23-feet, 8.25-inches.

The Great Danes also had winning performances by Andrew Overbaugh in the 400-meter hurdles (54.87), Tyler Fogarty in the 800-meter run (1:52.77) and Will Anger in the discus throw (142-4). The 4x400-meter relay team of Overbaugh, Barnes, Joe Belokopitsky and Drew Harrison recorded a time of 3:18.30 to cross the line first.

In the women’s competition, Kamilah McShine won 100-meter hurdles in 14.09 seconds to qualify for the ECAC championships. A pair of Great Danes had ECAC-qualifying efforts in the triple jump. Senior Arina Gerasimova recorded a first-place leap of 39-feet, 7.25-inches, while junior Jenn Gurrant had a second-place distance of 39-feet, 1.75-inches. Brenna Militello was a winner in the high jump (5-4.50) and Ritshell Verdier took first in the discus (138-9).

The Great Danes return to action on April 19-20 at the New York Relays in New York City.

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Men’s Team Scores
1. UAlbany 236, 2. Williams 99, 3. UMass 93.50, 4. Boston College 57, 5. Westfield State 54.50, 6. Stony Brook 54, 7. Hartford 48, 8. Central Connecticut State 43, 9. Amherst 22.

UAlbany Men’s Results
100 Meter Dash: 2. Dieuseul Joseph 10.90 (IC4A), 4. Drew Harrison 11.01, 5. Raphael Jean-Baptiste 11.02, 6. Torshiro Jenkins 11.16. 110 Meter Hurdles: 1. Daniel Avery 14.34 (IC4A), 2. Jean Juste 14.40 (IC4A), 3. Garrett Askew 14.86, 5. Nick Assini 14.99, 6. Mohamed Kanu 16.08. 200 Meter Dash: 4. Torshiro Jenkins 22.00, 5. Drew Harrison 22.30, 7. Jeffery Barnes 22.48, 8. Raphael Jean-Baptiste 22.51, 10. Garrett Askew 22.89, 12. Dieuseul Joseph 22.96. 400 Meter Dash: 16. Nick Lemp 51.68. 400 Meter Hurdles: 1. Andrew Overbaugh 54.87, 3. Daniel Avery 55.73, 7. Nick Assini 57.64, 10. Mohamed Kanu 58.71, 14. Jean Juste 59.63, 16. Alan Nimblette 1:00.96. 800 Meter Run: 1. Tyler Fogarty 1:52.77, 17. Jared Jupin 1:59.37, 21. Joe Belokopitsky 2:00.97, 26. Bryan Lasky 2:05.82. 1,500 Meter Run: 42. Mitchel Troise 4:38.59. 5,000 Meter Run: 16. David Rothman 16:16.50, 17. Jon Hilbert 16:17.92. 4x100 Meter Relay: 1. Raphael Jean-Baptiste, Dieuseul Joseph, Torshiro Jenkins, Jeffery Barnes 41.32 (IC4A). 4x400 Meter Relay: 1. Andrew Overbaugh, Joe Belokopitsky, Drew Harrison, Jeffery Barnes 3:18.30, 5. Nick Lemp, Tyler Fogarty, Jared Jupin, Bryan Lasky 3:25.12. Shot Put: 2. Renauld Buck 49-1.50, 4. Frank Fazzino 43-3, 11. Jordan Meikle 38-5. Javelin Throw: 2. Michael McCadney 174-6, 9. Kevin O’Riley 141-8, 10. Frank Fazzino 128-4, 12. David Parker 118-6, 13. Zach Murphy 107-10. Long Jump: 1. Valete Graham 23-8.25 (IC4A), 2. Kyle Nadler 22-4.50, 6. Kevin O’Riley 19-8.25. Triple Jump: 3. Dong Ning Hu 43-5, 4. Valete Graham 43-4, 5. Kyle Nadler 42-6.25. Pole Vault: 1. Luke Schoen 16-2.75 (IC4A), 2. Michael Dempsey 15-9 (IC4A), 3. David Parker 14-9. High Jump: 1. David Parker 6-7, 2. Anthony Collica 6-5. Hammer Throw: 1. Wilfredo de Jesus Elias 185-1 (IC4A), 3. Will Anger 148-8, 10. Kevin Lee 124-4. Discus Throw: 1. Will Anger 142-4, 12. Zach Murphy 114-8, 23. Kevin Lee 96-4, Renauld Buck FOUL.


Women’s Team Scores
1. UAlbany 223, 2. UMass 137, 3. Boston College 95, 4. Williams 73, 5. Hartford 59, 6. Amherst 44, 7. Central Connecticut State 43, 8. Stony Brook 33, 9. Westfield State 25.

UAlbany Women’s Results
100 Meter Dash: 2. Ashley Vives 12.50, 5. Sandy Antenor 12.95, 8. Sarah Lapierre 13.23, 11. Arielle Roberts 13.41, 12. Jessica Hunter 13.42, 18. Jessica Antoniades 13.74, 19. Traequanda Brock 13.76. 100 Meter Hurdles: 1. Kamilah McShine 14.09 (ECAC), 3. Christen Griffin 15.36, 4. Valerie Maignan 15.41, 14. Bryanna Hebenstreit 18.32. 200 Meter Dash: 6. Ashley Vives 26.29, 10. Jessica Hunter 27.01, 14. Arielle Roberts 27.57, 29. Bryanna Hebenstreit 29.96. 400 Meter Dash: 2. Jenn Gurrant 58.31, 4. Corrine Porter-Stepney 59.50, 5. Octavia Clarkson 59.64, 6. Laura Bolognino 1:00.21, 16. Jessica Panos 1:04.42, 19. Lesan Mattis 1:06.26. 400 Meter Hurdles: 2. Kamilah McShine 1:04.72, 5. Rebecca Kelly 1:06.06, 11. Christen Griffin 1:08.49. 800 Meter Run: 7. Laura Cummings 2:16.14, 11. Zuliana Fontanez 2:18.13, 19. Esperanza Blanco 2:24.54, 20. Danielle Trimpop 2:24.82, 40. Laine Sefick 2:33.23, 42. Ally Panos 2:33.33. 1,500 Meter Run: 3. Laura Cummings 4:39.20, 12. Danielle Trimpop 4:56.20, 19. Ally Panos 5:00.09, 20. Laine Sefick 5:00.19. 3,000 Meter Steeplechase: 4. Kristine Mun 11:21.03. 4x100 Meter Relay: 3. Sarah Lapierre, Christen Griffin, Sandy Antenor, Jessica Antoniades 49.82. 4x400 Meter Relay: 2. Octavia Clarkson, Zuliana Fontanez, Laura Cummings, Melissa Lee 3:58.53, 6. Rebecca Kelly, Lesan Mattis, Jessica Panos, Esperanza Blanco 4:12.51. Shot Put: 2. Kadine Johnson 41-6, 4. Ritshell Verdier 34-11.75. Javelin Throw: 5. Ashley Lewis 106-6, 14. Ritshell Verdier 72-1, 16. Valerie Maignan 67-3, 18. Kadine Johnson 61-3, 20. Bryanna Hebenstreit 53-9. Long Jump: 2. Ashley Vives 17-5.25, 3. Arina Gerasimova 17-4.75, 4. Jenn Gurrant 17-4.75, 5. Valerie Maignan 16-7.75, 6. Sandy Antenor 16-7.25, 11. Traequanda Brock 15-6, Tiffany Sprenkels FOUL. Triple Jump: 1. Arina Gerasimova 39-7.25 (ECAC), 2. Jenn Gurrant 39-1.75 (ECAC), 3. Sandy Antenor 38-4, 4. Traequanda Brock 35-7.75, Tiffany Sprenkels FOUL. Pole Vault: 6. Krystal Myers 10-0. High Jump: 1. Brenna Militello 5-4.50, 6. Sandy Antenor 5-0.50, 10. Bryanna Hebenstreit 4-10.50, 11. Valerie Maignan 4-10.50, Kamilah McShine NH, Denise Parker NH. Hammer Throw: 2. Ritshell Verdier 148-10, 3. Sineaid Corley 146-1, 4. Kadine Johnson 131-7. Discus Throw: 1. Ritshell Verdier 138-9, 3. Ashley Lewis 125-6, 4. Kadine Johnson 118-6.

UMBC Defeats Men's Lacrosse

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Baltimore, Md. – Ryan Smith scored a career-high five goals and added three assists to lead UMBC to a 14-10 victory over UAlbany in a showdown for first place in the America East Conference standings on Saturday, April 12 at UMBC Stadium. The Retrievers, who are ranked No. 9 in the USILA national poll and 11th by Inside Lacrosse, extended their winning streak to seven straight.

UAlbany (5-6, AE 2-1) rallied from a three-goal halftime deficit to draw even at eight apiece midway through the third quarter. Nate Sullivan found the net in a man-advantage situation 49 seconds into the period. The Great Danes won the following face-off, and Brian Caufield converted Steve Ammann’s feed. Tyler Endres, a defensive midfielder, then tallied his first goal of the season.

UMBC (8-3, AE 3-0) regrouped with four unanswered goals, including a pair in the final minute of the quarter. Terry Kimener, an All-America midfielder, forced a turnover and then scored himself to put his team on top for good with 7:35 remaining. Smith, a junior college transfer, converted back-to-back goals, including his fifth of the game with 39 seconds to play. Taylor Marino won the subsequent face-off to set up Maxx Davis’s goal with just one tick left on the clock.

The Retrievers, who have won 10 in a row at home, the second longest streak among Division I teams, led 5-4 in the second quarter, but then exploded with three goals in a 55-second span. UMBC won two consecutive face-offs to score 13 seconds apart, as Matt Latham and Smith connected. Freshman attack Dom Scalzo followed with his fifth of the season in a man-up situation after UAlbany’s Mike Ammann went to the penalty box for pushing.

Freshman Brian Caufield had three goals and two assists for the Great Danes, who had their five-game win streak halted. Corye Small and Sullivan each scored twice. UMBC’s Kimener finished with two goals and two assists. The start of the fourth quarter was delayed for 35 minutes due to lightning.

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UAlbany (5-6, AE 2-1) 2 3 3 2 - 10

#9 UMBC (8-3, AE 3-0) 3 5 4 2 - 14

Friday, April 11, 2008

UAlbany Earns Split With Maine in America East Conference Baseball Doubleheader

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Orono, Maine – Sophomore Brendan Rowland picked up four hits and two runs batted in to lead UAlbany to an America East Conference baseball doubleheader split at Maine on Friday, April 11 at Mahaney Diamond. The Great Danes took the opener, 11-8, while the Black Bears recorded a 6-0 shut-out in the nightcap.

In game one, the Black Bears got on the board in the first on a solo home run by Curt Smith. The Great Danes answered back in the top of the second with five runs on three hits. They loaded the bases on a pair of hit batsman around a single by junior Ryan Gugel. Sophomore Pete Eichner followed with a two-run single to plate Mike Konstanty and Gugel. After a walk and a strikeout, Brendan Rowland singled home Tom Zink for a 3-1 lead. The final two runs of the inning scored on as Sean Donovan reached base on a fielder’s choice.

UAlbany (6-24-1, AE 2-4) scored single runs in the third and fourth innings and twice in the fifth to take a 9-3 lead. Konstanty scored in the third on a single by Gugel after being hit by a pitch and advancing to third on a throwing error. In the fourth, Rowland reached on a bunt single, stole second and scored on a double by Dave West.

Maine (11-14-1, AE 1-1) registered two runs in the bottom of the fourth on a two-run triple by Jarrett Lukas, but Gary Pitcheralle slammed a two-run homer to left center in the fifth to extend the lead back to 9-3. The Black Bears narrowed the contest to 9-7 in the fifth with four runs on four hits. Smith started the scoring with a bases loaded single to left. Myckie Lugbauer followed with a single to right to score Billy Cather, while Matt Howard scored on an error by the right fielder. Smith capped the inning as he stole home on a double steal.

The Great Danes tacked on insurance runs in the seventh and ninth innings to seal the win. Gugel led off the seventh by being hit by a pitch and scored two batters later as he stole home on squeeze play. In the ninth, Eichner singled, stole second and came in on a single to center by Rowland. Maine scored an unearned run in the bottom of the ninth to deliver the final score.

In the nightcap, the Black Bears scored three unearned runs in the second inning for the only scoring they would need. Following two walks around a single, Tony Patane scored from second on an error by the first baseman. Two batters later, pinch runner Joey Martin crossed the plate as Cather reached on a fielder’s choice. The final run of the frame was scored on an error by the catcher.

Maine extended the lead in the third with a pair of runs. Smith led off the frame with a double to right center. Two batters later, Kevin McAvoy knocked in Smith with a double of his own. He later scored on a passed ball to give the Black Bears a 5-0 lead. Patane tallied a run in the sixth inning after reaching on an error, moving to third on another error and scoring on a dropped ball at the back-end of a double play attempt.

Junior Sean Gregory picked up his second win of the season in the opener, recording three strikeouts in five innings out of the bullpen. Joe Miller took the loss for the Black Bears, allowing seven runs (five earned) in four innings. In game two, Casey Walsh was tagged with his sixth loss of the season, going all six innings, yielding six runs (two earned) on five hits. Kevin Scanlon recorded his first career win for Maine, pitching all seven innings, striking out 12 and allowing just three hits.

The Great Danes and Black Bears continue their series with a single game on Saturday. First pitch is slated for 1 p.m.

-agate-
UAlbany (6-23-1, AE 2-3) 051 120 101 - 11 7 3
Maine (10-14-1, AE 0-1) 100 240 001 - 8 13 4

UAlbany: Cory Warrings, Sean Gregory (5, W, 2-3) and Ryan Gugel.
Maine: Joe Miller (L, 3-2), Alejandro Balsinde (5), Jonathan Balentina (6), Justin Latta (7) and Joe Mercurio, Myckie Lugbauer (9).

UAlbany (6-24-1, AE 2-4) 000 000 0 - 0 3 6
Maine (11-14-1, AE 1-1) 032 001 X - 6 5 1

UAlbany: Casey Walsh (L, 0-6) and Ryan Gugel.
Maine: Kevin Scanlon (W, 1-2) and Myckie Lugbauer.

University of Albany Men's Hockey

The University of Albany Ice Hockey team has established themselves as an elite team in the MCHC and a top notch ACHA competitor. Since its inception in 1976, the program has and will continue to be run in a very professional manner. Funded through the Student Association, the Great Danes Ice Hockey team is one of the most reputable organizations on campus.

The team has put themselves into a high ranking position in the Atlantic Region and an annual favorite for the National Tournament. The team plays between 25 and 30 games per season and practices twice a week.


The home ice for the Great Danes is the Albany Academy Ice Rink, located only 10 minutes from campus.

135 Academy Road
Albany, New York

For all away games the team travels together via coach bus.

All team members are required to be full time students and in good academic standing with the University. The Great Danes season begins with a general interest meeting. After the meeting the team conducts an open try-out.

The team begins its season in early September and runs through early March. All practices and games are suspended for major holidays and school closings. The team consists of approximately 27 players and three coaches.

UAlbany Hockey Homepage

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.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

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

Wednesday, April 9, 2008

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.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

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).

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