UAlbany Lacrosse Well Represented In The NLL Draft

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Boston, Mass. – Former University at Albany lacrosse players Steve Ammann, Jordan Levine and Mike Ammann were selected in the 2008 National Lacrosse League Entry Draft on Sunday, Sept. 7 at TD Banknorth Garden. Steve and Mike Ammann were drafted in the third and fifth rounds, respectively, by the New York Titans. Levine went in the fourth round to the Philadelphia Wings.

Levine, a two-time USILA All-America midfielder from Bethpage, N.Y., was voted to the All-America East Conference first team in three consecutive seasons. Levine, who was also drafted by Major League Lacrosse last May, finished his career with 57 goals, 56 assists and 321 ground balls. He will play in Philadelphia with UAlbany’s all-time scorer Merrick Thomson.

Steve Ammann was taken with the 33rd overall pick. Ammann, who had 15 goals and 12 assists as a senior midfielder, earned second-team All-America East recognition for the second consecutive year in 2008. He appeared in 65 career games as a collegian.

A native of Putnam Valley, N.Y., Mike Ammann will continue to play with his brother on the professional level, as the New York Titans grabbed him with the 59th overall selection. Ammann, who was voted to the all-conference second team as a junior, totaled 65 career points with 23 goals and 42 assists.

“I am on cloud nine right now,” said Mike Ammann, who helped the Great Danes win two conference championships and make two NCAA appearances during his career. “We have a great connection, we have played with each other our whole lives so we know where we are on the field at all times.”

A total of 76 players, including 54 United States collegians, were selected in the six-round NLL Entry Draft. UAlbany had two players drafted in 2007, when Frank Resetarits and Thomson went in the first round.

UAlbany vs Hofstra Photos

Michele Polizois Scores Three Goals to Lead #19 UAlbany Over Hofstra, 6-2

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Senior midfielder Michele Polizois scored three goals to lead UAlbany to a 6-2 win over Hofstra in non-conference field hockey action on Sunday afternoon at Alumni Turf Field. It was the second win in as many days for the Great Danes, who are currently ranked 19th in the NFHCA Division I Coaches’ Poll.

UAlbany started the scoring early, as freshman Megan Springmeyer recorded her first collegiate goal just four minutes into the game. Springmeyer collected the ball in front of the cage and shot the ball over Hofstra goalkeeper Krisha Giammarco. Just over a minute later, Polizois notched her first tally of the game on a penalty corner, with assists going to Michelle Simpson and Jess Lindsey. Polizois added her second score of the game at 7:55, converting a penalty stroke to give the Great Danes a 3-0 advantage.

Hofstra’s Charlia Warner cut into the deficit at 28:55, taking a pass from Nancy Wagenbrenner off a penalty corner. Polizois put the Great Danes back ahead by three goals on a corner at 34:46, before Warner scored her second goal of the game at 41:56. Warner dribbled off the in-bounds pass on a penalty corner and took a hard shot from the middle of the circle that made it past UAlbany goalkeeper Ashley Ross.

The Great Danes increased their advantage once again later in the second half, as sophomore forward Alysia Hough dribbled into the circle from the left side and passed up to junior midfielder Nicole Savage, who rocketed a shot into the back of the cage. Lindsey added the final UAlbany tally of the game at 61:51, as she redirected Polizois’ shot on a penalty corner.

UAlbany (3-1) outshot Hofstra 17-10 and held an 11-7 advantage in penalty corners. Ross recorded five saves in the cage before being replaced by sophomore Christine Hoffman, who played the final five minutes for the Great Danes. Giammarco finished the first half with one save for Hofstra (2-1), while Amanda Heyde played the second half in the cage, recording three saves.

UAlbany returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 13, as the team visits the West Coast to take on California and Stanford over the weekend.

-agate-

Hofstra (2-1) 1 1 - 2

UAlbany (3-1) 4 2 - 6

Hofstra: Scoring – Charlia Warner (2-0), Nancy Wagenbrenner (0-1). Goalkeepers – Krisha Giammarco (35:00, 4 GA, 1 save), Amanda Heyde (35:00, 2 GA, 3 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring – Michele Polizois (3-1), Jess Lindsey (1-2), Nicole Savage (1-0), Megan Springmeyer (1-0), Michelle Simpson (0-2), Alysia Hough (0-1).

UAlbany Tennis Posts 9-4 Record at Sacred Heart Doubles Tournament

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Fairfield, Conn. – Sophomore Charlotte Tatler and freshman Holly Smith went undefeated in five doubles matches to lead UAlbany to a 9-4 record at the Sacred Heart doubles tournament on Sunday afternoon. Kim Weltman and Aubrey Brooks posted a 2-2 record while Caitlin Crowley and Melissa Coughlin also teamed up for a 2-2 record in the tournament.

Tatler and Smith won the second flight of competition. The duo posted 8-3 wins over Katherine Francazio and Valeria Couto Cuervo of Bryant and Elizabeth Harrington and Ashley Amalfe of Sacred Heart. They also defeated Sacred Heart’s Delaney Dowling and Mandy Finkelstein, 8-2, and recorded an 8-4 win over Alexa Gregory and BreAnn Chung of Connecticut. The pair teamed up for an 8-6 victory over Jen Cusak and Ayushi Sinha of Providence to seal the Flight Two victory.

Weltman and Brooks posted an 8-3 win over Chelsea Downing and Emaz Czarnecki of Bryant and were victorious over Kate Donnelly and Nicole Betz of Sacred Heart with a score of 8-2. Crowley and Coughlin defeated Courtney Fuller and Liz Gillis of Providence, 8-6, and earned a 4-0 default victory over a Bryant duo.

The UAlbany tennis team will resume its fall season at the Eastern Championships, hosted by Army, on Sept. 26-28.

-agate-

Kim Weltman/Aubrey Brooks (UA) def. Chelsea Downing/Emma Czarnecki (Bryant), 8-3

Darcy Demers/Julianne Kasinow (SHU) def. Weltman/Brooks (UA), 8-4

Dana Postupack/Paulia Rys (Fairfield) def. Weltman/Brooks (UA), 8-4

Weltman/Brooks (UA) def. Kate Donnelly/Nicole Betz (SHU), 8-2

Holly Smith/Charlotte Tatler (UA) def. Jen Cusack/Ayushi Sinha (PC), 8-6

Smith/Tatler (UA) def. Delaney Dowling/Mandy Finkelstein (SHU), 8-2

Smith/Tatler (UA) def. Alexa Gregory/BreAnn Chung (UConn), 8-4

Smith/Tatler (UA) def. Katherine Francazio/Valeria Couto Cuervo (Bryant), 8-3

Smith/Tatler (UA) def. Elizabeth Harrington/Ashley Amalfe (SHU), 8-3

Caitlin Crowley/Melissa Coughlin (UA) def. Courtney Fuller/Liz Gillis (PC), 8-6

Gretchen/Amberg/Marisa Voloshin (Fairfield) def. Crowley/Coughlin (UA), 8-6

Crowley/Coughlin (UA) def. Amanda Granville/Aviana (Bryant), 4-0 (def.)

Isha Toor/Fanny Aizier (NJIT) def. Crowley/Coughlin (UA), 8-5

UAlbany Volleyball Sweeps Buffalo, Wright State and UConn, Winning UAlbany Tournament

UAlbany Volleyball Defeats Buffalo, Wright State, and UConn In 3 Set Sweeps.

UAlbany vs Buffalo:

Set 1: UAlbany 25 Buffalo 17

Set 2: UAlbany 25 Buffalo 17

Set 3: UAlbany 26 Buffalo 24

UAlbany vs Wright State:

Set 1: UAlbany 25 Wright State 21

Set 2: UAlbany 25 Wright State 18

Set 3: UAlbany 25 Wright State 16

UAlbany vs UConn:

Set 1: UAlbany 31 UConn 29

Set 2: UAlbany 26 UConn 24

Set 3: UAlbany 25 UConn 17

#19 UAlbany Field Hockey Defeats Cornell University In Hanna's Rain

Albany, N.Y. – Michelle Simpson scored the game’s lone goal in second half in leading UAlbany to a 1-0 victory over Cornell in the team’s home opener on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Alumni Turf Field. The Great Danes, who are ranked 19th nationally, will be home again on Sunday against Hofstra at 2:00 p.m.

UAlbany (2-1) broke up a scoreless tie with 16:00 remaining, when Simpson took a pass from Ashlyn Bach on the left side. The All-America forward then dribbled across the goal and converted a reverse hit, driving the ball past the goalkeeper.

Ashley Ross made just three saves, including Kate Thompson’s drive off a penalty corner with 11:53 to play. The senior goalkeeper recorded her second shutout of the season and the 12th of her career. Cornell (0-1) had another corner opportunity with just one minute remaining, but failed to get off a shot when the initial pass was mishandled.

The Big Red’s Melanie Jue totaled 12 of her 19 saves in the final period. Jue, whose team tied for second in the Ivy League standings and posted a 10-7 record last year, faced 31 shots and 14 penalty corners.

Simpson, a two-time all-conference performer, tallied her third goal of the year and 30th of her career. She moved into a tie for fifth place with Alexis Johnson on the program’s all-time scoring list with 75 points.

*********

Cornell (0-1) 0 0 - 0

#19 UAlbany (2-1) 0 1 - 1



Cornell: Scoring – None. Goalkeeper – Melanie Jue (70:00, 1 GA, 19 saves).

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

UAlbany Men's and Women's Cross Country Teams Finish First at Monmouth Kick-Off Classic

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Lincroft, N.J. – Laura Cummings won the individual title for the second consecutive year to lead UAlbany to a first-place finish in the team standings at the Monmouth Kick-off Classic on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Thompson Park. The Great Danes, who were competing for the first time this season in men’s and women’s cross country, also edge Temple by four points to place first in the men’s race.

Cummings, a senior from Bay Shore, N.Y., ran the 4,000-meter course in 14:36, as her team finished three points ahead of Monmouth. Freshman Emily Fung took fifth in 15:08, while Laine Sefick was sixth in 15:22. Ada Lauterbach hit the line in seventh place with a time of 15:28.

The Great Danes had three freshman runners record top-10 finishes in scoring a winning total of 40 points. Temple’s Travis Mahoney was the men’s individual champion, as he covered the 6,000-meter layout in 19:23. UAlbany’s Jack Kelley and R.J. Sniffen (Shaker) ended up in fourth and fifth, respectively. Kelley, an honorable mention all-state competitor on the scholastic level, posted a time of 19:47, while Sniffen was six seconds behind.

Chris Manico, a member of the 2007 Suburban Council championship team at Shaker High School, went 20:06 to take the ninth position. David Rothman placed 12th overall, as the Great Danes improved upon last year’s runner-up finish in this same meet.

*********

Monmouth Kick-Off Classic

MEN – 1. UAlbany 44, 2. Temple 48, 3. Wagner 61, 4. Monmouth 85, Long Island 172.

Individual – 1. Travis Mahoney (Temple), 19:23.

UAlbany Top Finishers: 4. Jack Kelley, 19:47; 5. R.J. Sniffen, 19:53, 9. Chris Manico, 20:06, 12. David Rothman, 20:12; 14. Jimmy Carroll, 20:15.


WOMEN – 1. UAlbany 30, 2. Monmouth 33, 3. Wagner 108, 4. Temple 118, 5. Long Island 152, 6. Drew 175.

Individual – 1. Laura Cummings (UAlbany), 14:36.

Other UAlbany Finishers: 5. Emily Fung, 15:08; 6. Laine Sefick, 15:22; 7. Ada Lauterbach, 15:28; 11. Ally Panos, 15:37.

University of Albany Men's Soccer Remains Undefeated With Win Over University of San Diego

San Diego, Calif. – Claudio Dantas recorded a goal and two assists to help lead the University at Albany men’s soccer team to a 3-0 victory over the University of San Diego at the Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Central Soccer Tournament on Friday, Sept. 5. The Toreros entered the match with an impressive resume after tying ninth-ranked Saint Louis and suffering an overtime loss to No. 10 New Mexico.

UAlbany (3-0) found the back of the net for the first time in the 25th minute. Dantas had the ball inside the 18-yard box and fired off a shot which was deflected by goalkeeper Tommy McClain. The ball bounced back at the feet of Shaun Kane who fired it back over McClain and into the net to give the Great Danes an early lead that they would carry into halftime.

The Great Danes doubled their margin in the 57th minute after the Toreros failed to clear the ball. Dantas made a pass back to Don Johnson who placed a shot in the bottom right corner of the net for his first goal of the season.

UAlbany added an insurance goal in the 84th minute. Mikael McNamara connected with Dantas, who placed the ball past McClain low to net his fourth goal of the season on the play. The two-time junior college All-American has factored into all six of his team’s goals this season.

The Great Danes, who only allowed San Diego (0-2-1) to take two shots on goal, have now blanked two straight opponents on the road dating back to last Sunday’s 1-0 win over Robert Morris and accomplished the feat with two different goalkeepers. In addition, the club has only allowed one goal in three games this fall.

UAlbany senior goalkeeper Steward Ceus turned away the two shots he faced on net to earn his 13th career shutout and first of the season. San Diego’s McClain made one save in the match.

The Great Danes can improve to a perfect 4-0 for the first time since joining Division I in 1999 when they play at San Diego State on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. Eastern. The Aztecs suffered a 3-2 loss in overtime to Michigan in Friday’s tournament play.

-agate-

UAlbany (3-0) 1 2 - 3

San Diego (0-2-1) 0 0 - 0




UAlbany: Scoring – Claudio Dantas 1-2, Shaun Kane 1-0, Don Johnson 1-0, Mikael McNamara 0-1. Goalkeeping – Steward Ceus (90:00, 0 GA, 2 saves).

San Diego: Scoring – None. Goalkeeping – Tommy McClain (90:00, 3 GA, 1 save).



UAlbany 3, San Diego ) (Sep 05, 2008)

University of Albany Volleyball Sweeps Buffalo In 3 Straight Sets

University of Albany Volleyball Sweeps Buffalo In 3 Straight Sets.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Sophomore outside hitter Valerie Sourbeer recorded a match-high 12 kills to lead the UAlbany volleyball team to a 3-0 sweep of Buffalo on the first day of the UAlbany Classic at University Gymnasium on Friday evening. The Great Danes claimed the win with scores of 25-17, 25-17 and 26-24.

After UAlbany opened up a quick 2-0 lead in the first set, the score remained close in the early going, with Buffalo tying the set at 6-6 with a block by Kayla Govier and Dani Silvers. The Great Danes then opened up a 16-7 advantage behind the service game of Kalyn Mostert, who served for six straight points. Mostert later combined with Hillary White on a block to put UAlbany ahead, 20-13, and set up set point for the Great Danes with a huge kill down the middle. Sophomore outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey took an assist from Brooke Stanley to put the first set away for the Great Danes, 25-17.

Buffalo pressured early again in the second set, but UAlbany was able to continue the offensive advantage, as Sourbeer and White recorded back-to-back kills to give the Great Danes an 8-5 lead. UAlbany pulled ahead, 15-10, on a kill down the line by senior middle blocker Kamisha Kellam, who finished with nine kills for the Great Danes. Consecutive attack errors followed by a ball handling error by the Bulls, gave UAlbany a 21-13 advantage down the stretch. A Kellam kill sealed up set point for the Great Danes, as they took the second set, 25-17.

Sourbeer came alive in the final set, recording back-to-back kills to put the Great Danes ahead, 6-4, early in the set. Behind the service game of freshman Abbey Wexel, UAlbany rattled off five straight points, to get ahead, 10-5. The Great Danes continued to build an advantage, getting ahead 18-9 on a Buffalo attack error, but Bulls sophomore setter Lindsey Schlegel recorded three service aces in eight serves to put Buffalo ahead, 23-21. A Sourbeer kill, followed by a solo block and kill from Mostert, gave the Great Danes back the lead, which they would not relinquish. A solo bock by junior Laura Livergood sealed the win for UAlbany with a score of 26-24.

Kellam recorded a .571 hitting percentage in the match, recording just one error in 14 attempts. Cowdrey led the team defensively with 14 blocks, while also adding nine kills. Stanley finished with a match-high 31 assists and eight digs.

Sophomore middle blocker Kristin Bignell led Buffalo with 11 kills while freshman libero Heather Pyle led the team defensively with seven digs. Sophomore outside hitter Richelle Bigelow added six digs while Govier had three block assists.

The Great Danes will face Wright State on Saturday at 12 p.m. and Connecticut at 7 p.m. on the concluding day of the tournament. Connecticut defeated Wright State, 3-1, in the first match of tournament play on Friday.

-agate-

UAlbany Volleyball Classic (University Gymnasium)

Connecticut (4-0) def. Wright State (0-4), 3-1 (29-27, 21-25, 25-17, 25-18)

UAlbany (1-3) def. Buffalo (2-2), 3-0 (25-17, 25-17, 26-24)

UAlbany 3, Buffalo 0 (Sep 05, 2008)

University of Albany Women's Soccer Wins Home Opener, 2-1, Over Youngstown State

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Sophomore Teresa Boring’s goal off a cross from senior co-captain Diana Barrera in the second half helped lead the University at Albany women’s soccer team to a 2-1 victory over Youngstown State in the club’s home opener at Varsity Field on Friday, Sept. 5. Barrera, who now has eight career assists, needs just one more helper to match and two more to break Dee Marfé’s school record of nine career assists.
“I think we came out a little bit slow,” said head coach Mary-Frances Monroe. “This was probably our weakest performance of the season so far, but I am still proud of the girls for being able to find a way to win.”

UAlbany (2-2) got on the scoreboard first in the 19th minute of action. Jenna Burke had the ball on the left side from about 35 yards out and lobbed it inside the 18-yard box. Tirabassi won the ball over several Penguin defenders and created her own shot from about eight yards away to give the Great Danes a 1-0 lead that they would take into the recess.

“We are more well-rounded as a team this year, and we work off each other much better than we have in the past,” said Tirabassi, who has scored three goals in four games this season after netting seven goals in her first two years on the squad. “I think that has allowed me to get better passes from my teammates so I can put the ball in the net.”

In the second half, UAlbany doubled its lead in the 62nd minute. Barrera had the ball on the left side near the endline and chipped a cross to the middle. Through a pack of players from both teams, Boring headed the ball home past junior goalkeeper Mariah Snyder for what would stand as the game-winning goal.

On the other side of the ball, UAlbany freshman goalkeeper Cate Crenson came up with several key saves to keep Youngstown State (0-3) off the scoreboard. After getting beat by Jordan Gapczynski on a breakaway opportunity, the freshman was able to recover and save Gapzynski’s shot on goal behind her back which would have landed in the right corner of the net in the 79th minute. One minute later, Crenson saved a point blank shot on goal by Kate Bonn from less than six yards out off a corner kick taken by Gapcznski.

“Cate came up huge for us,” said Monroe. “Getting a point blank save off a corner kick and then stopping a breakaway opportunity really kept us in the match and helped seal the win.”

After several missed opportunities, Carrie Wack cut the Great Dane lead in half with a breakaway goal in the 80th minute after taking a pass from Natalie Brady. However, the UAlbany defense did not allow the Penguins to get any shots off the rest of the way and the team held on for the one-goal win.

UAlbany's Crenson made seven saves on eight chances and was credited with the win. Youngstown State's Snyder turned away nine of the 11 shots she faced on net and took the loss.

The Great Danes return to action on Sunday when they visit the Brown Bears in Providence, R.I. at 6 p.m.

Youngstown State (0-3) 0 1 - 1
UAlbany (2-2) 1 1 - 2

UAlbany: Scoring – Ashley Tirabassi (1-0), Teresa Boring (1-0), Diana Barrera (0-1). Goalkeeping – Cate Crenson (90:00, 1 GA, 7 saves).

Youngstown State: Scoring – Carrie Wack (1-0), Natalie Brady (0-1). Goalkeeping – Mariah Snyder (90:00, 2 GA, 9 saves).

Photo Update on University of Albany's John Fallon Field Seating Project

University Gymnasium Plays Host to UAlbany Volleyball Classic on September 5-6

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University Gymnasium will play host to the UAlbany Volleyball Classic on Friday, Sept. 5 and Saturday, Sept. 6. The tournament field features Connecticut, Buffalo and Wright State. The Great Danes, who are coming off a third America East Conference championship in the last four years, opened the 2008 campaign in California last weekend.

UAlbany played three matches at the San Diego State Aztec Invitational, losing to No. 22 San Diego, UC Irvine and the host school. Kamisha Kellam, a first-team all-conference middle blocker, is the top returnee. Amanda Cowdrey received last year’s America East rookie of the year award. Valerie Sourbeer, a junior outside hitter, recorded a career-high 18 kills against San Diego State last Saturday. UAlbany will host another four-team tournament on Sept. 26-27.

UConn is off to a perfect 3-0 start after winning the Northern Illinois tournament title. Annie Luhrsen, a freshman setter, had a solid debut as a collegian. She averaged 12.60 assists per set in tourney play. Chauntay Mickens is fourth among the Big East Conference leaders in kills with a 3.83 average.

Buffalo won two of three matches at the Air Force Invitational in Colorado. Lauren Fensten, a junior libero, has taken over for the program’s all-time digs leader. Kristin Bignell, a sophomore middle blocker, posted 13 kills and just one error in 19 attempts in a four-set victory over Kennesaw Statd.

Wright State stayed close to home to begin the season, playing in the University of Cincinnati’s Vernon Manor/State Farm Bearcat Invitational. Lexi Leonhard registered a double-double with 14 kills and 14 digs against Marshall. Becca Awwa was named to the all-tournament team after recording a career-best 15 digs in the same match.

UAlbany Volleyball Classic (University Gymnasium)

Friday, Sept. 5
Connecticut vs. Wright State, 5:00 p.m.
UAlbany vs. Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 6
Connecticut vs. Buffalo, 10:00 a.m.
UAlbany vs. Wright State, 12:00 p.m.
Buffalo vs. Wright State, 5:00 p.m.
UAlbany vs. Connecticut, 7:00 p.m

University of Albany Women's Basketball Completes Costa Rican Tour

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Heredia, Costa Rica – Head coach Trina Patterson and the University at Albany women’s basketball team recently completed a four-day international trip to Costa Rica, a republic in South America. The Great Danes played three games, defeating the the University of Costa Rica, 73-29, and the Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, 79-51, before dropping a 75-64 decision to the Costa Rican National Team, known as the top women’s basketball program in Central America. The republic is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, with the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

“The ten days of practice we were able to hold, along with the three games gave us a chance to work on our basic fundamentals,” said Patterson, the 2007-08 America East Conference Coach of the Year. “We were able to see who can handle physical play, and this gave everyone a chance to get to know each other, from the players to the staff.”

Charity Iromuanya, a junior guard, led the team in the win over Universidad Nacional de Costa, scoring 22 points. Sophomore Janea Aiken, an all-conference rookie team member last season, added 12 points in the victory. Against the University of Costa Rica, freshman Shelby Coon scored a team-high 15 points, while sophomore Tiffanie Johnson added 12. Sophomore Kim Clements led the Great Danes against the National Team, recording 16 points, with Aiken chipping in 14.

The team also enjoyed a tour of the central countryside, including the Costa Rican coffee fields. The Great Danes participated in some team-building activities, including ziplining in the rainforest, and toured the Pacific side of the country.

In 2006-07, UAlbany posted the most wins in America East Conference play with a 10-6 record and produced 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.

UAlbany's Palma Named To National Hall of Fame

Bobbi Palma visits the University at Albany each year to fire a starter's pistol and present the awards for a race run in her name.

UAlbany created the Bobbi Palma Women's Championship, a 5-kilometer race, to honor the founder the school's first track and field program for women.

But Palma's decades of commitment to track extend far beyond campus. She's been a fixture at events both local and international, from regional meets to Olympic Games.

For her decades of service as a track and field official and pioneer for women's sports, Palma earned induction Tuesday into the USA Track and Field National Officials Hall of Fame. She formed part of the hall's inaugural class.

Palma, 72, has served as served as an official at the Olympics, Olympic trials, NCAA championships and local USATF events among others. As the first chairman of the USATF national long-distance running committee, she stood at the forefront of the push to get the women's marathon, 5K and 10K into the Olympics.

"I enjoy this because it keeps me close to the sport, close to the athletes and keeps me young," said Palma, a Massachusetts native who lives part of the year in Albany and part in Tucson, Ariz. "Until I can't push a pencil anymore, I'll keep going."

During the 1960s and 1970s, Palma spearheaded track-and-field initiatives for girls and women, giving clinics at local high schools and later starting the track program at UAlbany, where she worked in the athletic department and now is a professor emeritus.

She founded the track program before the NCAA even sponsored women's sports. Without the funding or support the program now receives, Palma relied on help from friends. She'd invite them to use the school's training facilities if they'd agree to help coach.

"I have a very warm spot in my heart for the UAlbany track and field and cross-country programs," she said.

Palma continues to work as an official at some UAlbany track meets, including the race named for her.

"She's an excellent official," said Roberto Vives, director of UAlbany's track and field and cross-country programs. "She's very thorough and fair. Our own kids haven gotten DQ'd from things. But she'll bring them over and use it as a teaching moment."

Several years ago, Palma also took over the officials program for the USATF Adirondack Association, where she turned a loose-knit collection of officials into a well-run and much expanded organization.

"The main thing I can say is she really stepped in at a very critical time when our officials program was kind of floundering and pulled that back together for us," said Chris Rush, the USATF Adirondack Association president.

Though her experience includes dozens of international competitions, Palma cited the 1996 Paralympics as her most memorable event.

"The Paralympics model was, 'No excuses,''' Palma said. "What a wonderful model."

Palma, an avid Red Sox fan, said her only disappointment is having seen performance-enhancing drugs become more prevalent in not just track but across baseball and other sports as well.

View Complete Article

USA Track and Field Hall of Fame


By PETE IORIZZO

UAlbany's Claudio Dantas Named America East Conference Soccer Co-Player of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany men’s soccer junior forward Claudio Dantas earned America East Conference Co-Player of the Week laurels as announced by the conference office on Tuesday, Sept. 2. The two-time junior college All-American was named the Tournament MVP and helped the Great Danes win the Robert Morris Invitational championship.

Dantas scored all three goals for the Great Danes, with both of his game-winning scores coming off headers. On Friday, he scored twice in his team’s 2-1 win over Pittsburgh. It was the Great Danes’ first win over a Big East Conference opponent since Sept. 22, 2004. In Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Robert Morris, he took a header from freshman Konner McNamara and redirected it for the match’s only goal.

The Great Danes are off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2004 when they won a share of the America East regular-season crown. UAlbany will travel to California for the Courtyard by Marriott Central San Diego Tournament this weekend. The squad faces San Diego on Friday at 10:00 p.m. Eastern and San Diego State on Sunday at 4:00 p.m.

Note: The Great Danes are ranked eighth in the latest NSCAA Northeast Regional poll ... St. John’s is first in the regional rankings, while Connecticut and South Florida follow in the order ...

Former UAlbany Stars Rashad Barksdale & Andre Coleman Make NFL Practice Squads

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- Former University at Albany defensive standouts Rashad Barksdale and Andre Coleman has been signed to the National Football League practice squads of the New York Giants and San Diego Chargers, respectively.

Barksdale, the first Great Dane to play in an NFL regular-season game, was released by Kansas City on Saturday and picked up by the Giants on Sept. 1. Barksdale, who did not play college football until his senior season, was originally drafted in the sixth round by the Philadelphia Eagles. He was an outfielder on the UAlbany baseball team for two years after transferring from Hudson Valley Community College.

“He is one of those great surprises that you get in your football coaching career,” said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, who started the football program at the club level in 1970. “He has a great understanding of the game despite not playing on a competitive level for four years until his senior season. The Giants are getting someone who has great work ethic, good character and a tremendous determination and fighting spirit.”

A native of Hudson, N.Y., Barksdale played in six games as both a cornerback and special teams performer for the Chiefs during the 2007 campaign. The 5-foot-11, 208-pound defender accounted for 37 tackles and three interceptions in his lone season as a collegian.

“Rashad was outstanding on this level,” Ford stated. “He has everything physically and is strong with great instincts and a fierce competitor. He is very confident without stepping over the line.”

Coleman, a 6-foot-3, 287-pound defensive end, is on the Chargers’ practice squad for the second consecutive year. He had four tackles, including one for a loss, in San Diego’s final preseason game against San Francisco, but did not make the final cut when the roster was trimmed over the weekend.

A first-team All-Northeast Conference performer, Coleman totaled 42 tackles and led the Great Danes in hits for a loss (13.0) and sacks (6.0) as a senior in 2006. He was named to the Sports Network FCS Mid-Major All-America Team.

UAlbany Men's Soccer Defeats Robert Morris, Sweeps Invitational

Men's Soccer Captures Robert Morris Invitational Behind Tournament MVP Claudio Dantas
Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Moon Township, Pa. – Junior Claudio Dantas’ goal in the fifth minute gave the University at Albany men’s soccer team a 1-0 victory over Robert Morris on Sunday, Aug. 31, claiming the Robert Morris Invitational championship. Dantas, who also scored both UAlbany goals in Friday’s 2-1 win over Pittsburgh, was named the Tournament MVP.

“Ít was tremendous for the guys to win their first tournament and start the season off on a real positive note,” said head coach Johan Aarnio. “We are looking to build from here. These two wins give us positive momentum moving forward.”

UAlbany (2-0) scored its goal on a set play off a corner kick. Gaby Seguin-Gauthier took the kick from the right side and crossed the ball to freshman Konner McNamara, who headed it hard towards the goal. Dantas redirected the ball from left to right past Robert Morris goalkeeper Matt Felice to give the Great Danes the early lead. It was Dantas’ third goal of the tournament and his second tally off a header.

The teams continued to battle back and forth into the final minutes of the second half. Robert Morris (0-2) was awarded a penalty kick and an opportunity to tie the game and force overtime in the 87th minute. However, freshman goalkeeper Adrian Foncette saved David Torrance’s shot, which went low and to his left, to preserve the UAlbany lead until the final whistle sounded.

. UAlbany’s Foncette, who was making his collegiate debut, saved all four shots he faced on goal to earn his first victory and shutout. Robert Morris’ Felice turned away five of the six shots he faced.

A total of four Great Danes made the Robert Morris Invitational All-Tournament Team. Dantas, the Tournament MVP, was joined by McNamara, senior co-captain Erik DiLorenzo and junior Mike Peters on the squad.

“There are still some things we need to work on, but our opportunities and scoring chances are showing up,” said Aarnio. “We are starting to find some good rhythm as a team.”

The Great Danes return to action next weekend when they travel to California for the Courtyard by Marriott Central San Diego Tournament. UAlbany will meet the University of San Diego at 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Friday and San Diego State on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.



-agate-



UAlbany (2-0) 1 0 - 1

Robert Morris (0-2) 0 0 - 0



UAlbany: Scoring – Claudio Dantas (1-0), Konner McNamara (0-1) Gaby Seguin-Gauthier (0-1). Goalkeeping – Adrian Foncette (90:00, 0 GA, 4 saves).

Robert Morris: Scoring – None. Goalkeeping – Matt Felice (90:00, 1 GA, 5 saves).



Robert Morris Invitational Tournament Finish

Champions – UAlbany (2-0)

Second – Pittsburgh (1-1)

Third – Rider (1-1)

Fourth – Robert Morris (0-2)



Robert Morris Invitational All-Tournament Team

MVP – Claudio Dantas – UAlbany

Erik DiLorenzo – UAlbany

Konner McNamara – UAlbany

Mike Peters – UAlbany

Ryan Brode – Pittsburgh

Sam Luffy – Pittsburgh

Connor Malone – Pittsburgh

Nico Tramontana – Rider

Randy Zapolski – Rider

Eric Bittner – Robert Morris

John Morihlatko – Robert Morris

Last-Minute Goal Leads Lehigh Past Women's Soccer, 1-0

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Bethlehem, Pa. – Junior Natalie Hojnacki’s goal in the 89th minute led the Lehigh Mountain Hawks to a 1-0 victory over the University at Albany women’s soccer team on Sunday, Aug. 31, at the Ulrich Sports Complex. The Great Danes had a breakaway opportunity in the 87th minute, but Lehigh goalkeeper Laura Mains came through with a save which allowed the Mountain Hawks to respond with the game winner shortly afterwards.

After a scoreless first half in which UAlbany (1-2) held a 4-2 advantage in shots on goal, the teams continued to battle deep into the second stanza without either offense finding the back of the net. Senior co-captain Diana Barrera broke through the Mountain Hawk defense in the waning minutes with a chance to put the Great Danes on the scoreboard first, but Mains made a point blank stop to keep the match scoreless.

With time winding down and the teams just minutes away from overtime, Lehigh (1-1) scored the only goal it needed to seal its first win of the season. Freshman Corrine Parkinson brought the ball down the right corner of the 18-yard box and centered a pass to Hojnacki. The junior then redirected the ball home with her left foot from just outside the six-yard line to put the Mountain Hawks ahead with just 1:18 left on the clock.

UAlbany freshman goalkeeper Cate Crenson made eight saves on nine opportunities in the losing effort. Lehigh’s Mains turned away all five shots she faced to earn her first win and shutout of the season.

The Great Danes return to action on Friday afternoon when they host Youngstown State in their home opener at Varsity Field at 4:00 p.m.

No. 19 Field Hockey Falls to 15th-Ranked American, 2-0

No. 19 UAlbany Field Hockey Falls to 15th-Ranked American, 2-0
Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Washington, D.C. – Junior forward Emily Stovicek directed a pass from sophomore forward Christine Fingerhuth past UAlbany goalkeeper Ashley Ross to give 15th-ranked American a 2-0 win over UAlbany on Sunday afternoon.

After a scoreless first half, American sophomore Kirstin Gebhart scored the first goal for the Eagles with an unassisted shot at 47:05. Stovicek recorded her second goal of the season for American at the 54:59 mark.

American (2-0) held a 12-11 shot advantage over UAlbany, while the Great Danes had six penalty corners to the Eagles’ four. Ross finished with six saves in the cage for UAlbany, with senior Alyssa Poorman recording seven saves between the pipes for American.

UAlbany (1-1) returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 6, hosting Cornell in the home opener at Alumni Turf Field, starting at 1 p.m.

#19 UAlbany Field Hockey Defeats Radford In 2008 Season Opener

#19 UAlbany Field Hockey Defeats Radford In Season Opener. Senior Michelle Simpson scored two goals to lead UAlbany to a 3-0 win over Radford in the Great Danes’ season-opener held at American University on Saturday afternoon.

Simpson scored the first goal of the game 13:16 into the contest off her own rebound. Simpson notched her second unassisted tally of the game at the 26:18 mark, giving the Great Danes a 2-0 lead at the halftime break. Junior Nicole Savage scored UAlbany’s third goal at 42:21, slipping an unassisted shot past Radford goalkeeper Megan Stucke.

The Great Danes outshot the Highlanders 16-5 and held a 9-4 advantage in penalty corners. Stucke finished with seven saves in the cage for Radford (0-1), while Ashley Ross played all 70:00 between the pipes for UAlbany, stopping four shots.

UAlbany (1-0), ranked 19th in the NFHCA Preseason Coaches’ Poll, will face 15th-ranked American on Sunday at 3 p.m.

-agate-

#19 UAlbany (1-0) 2 1 - 3

Radford (0-1) 0 0 - 0

UAlbany: Scoring – Michelle Simpson (2-0), Nicole Savage (1-0). Goalkeeper - Ashley Ross (70:00, 0 GA, 4 saves).

#5 Massachusetts Overcomes UAlbany Football, 28-16, in Season Opener

Senior quarterback Liam Coen threw three touchdown passes and Tony Nelson rushed 171 yards and one score, as Massachusetts overcame an early deficit to defeat UAlbany, 28-16, on Saturday, Aug. 30 before15,112 fans at McGuirk Alumni Stadium. The Minutemen, who are ranked fifth nationally in both polls, extended their home winning streak to 15 straight.

The Great Danes surprised the defending Colonial Athletic Association champions in the first quarter by scoring on their first possession. UAlbany converted two third-down plays to reach midfield. David McCarty then hauled in quarterback Vinny Esposito’s screen pass in the left flat and then cut back to his right on a 52-yard touchdown. Wide receiver Tim Bush threw the key block on UMass’ 10-yard line to get the junior tailback into the end zone.

UAlbany (0-1) moved out to a 9-0 lead when Sean Smalls mishandled a punt return and the football was kicked beyond the end line by a UMass player for a safety. Following the free kick, the Great Danes drove into scoring territory, but Herb Glass missed a 37-yard field goal with 3:42 left in the opening period.

The Minutemen rebounded in the second period with a pair of touchdowns. Coen, a Walter Payton Award candidate, finished off a 14-play march when he flipped a 2-yard scoring pass to tight end Ian Jorgensen. Tony Nelson did the bulk of the work during the offensive sequence. UMass’ defense set up the go-ahead touchdown when defensive back Jeromy Miles picked off Esposito’s tipped pass. Coen, using play-action in a fourth-and-goal situation, would connect with Nelson on another 2-yard TD for a 14-9 advantage.

UAlbany had an opportunity to regain the lead with a 13-play drive just before halftime. But an illegal procedure call on first down at the UMass’ one-yard line threw the offense off schedule. McCarty was stopped short of the goal line on a fourth-down carry.

“It was mind-boggling at the start,” said McCarty, whose team was playing a program ranked in the top 10 for the fourth time in its Division I FCS history. “We just wanted to stay focused. Everyone knew on the sideline what the talk was coming into the game.”

UMass (1-0) pushed out to a 21-9 lead on the first series of the second half. Nelson, a junior tailback, darted through the middle, breaking tackles, on a 64-yard jaunt to paydirt, the longest by a UM runner in nearly six years. The Great Danes closed the gap with an eight-play drive in the closing stages of the third quarter. McCarty, who toppled the 100-yard mark for the seven game in a row, bounced around right end on a 24-yard touchdown. He finished with 125 yards on 24 carries.

The Minutemen, who reached the NCAA quarterfinals last year and played for the national title in 2006, slammed the door on their next offensive set. Coen, who completed 10 of 20 attempts for 92 yards, hit Julian Talley with a 20-yard pass to the UAlbany 32. The CAA Preseason Player of the Year, later beat a blitzing linebacker with a 17-yard scoring pass to Jeremy Horne for a 28-16 cushion.

“I thought this was extremely positive,” said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team opens with four consecutive CAA opponents. “I was extremely proud of their effort. You improve the most between the first and second week. It will be an interesting film session. We did too many things that hurt ourselves.”

Esposito connected on 16 of 30 passes for 172 yards, but was intercepted twice. The Great Danes, who are favored to win the Northeast Conference title, accounted for 353 total yards, including 181 net on the ground.

UAlbany Football Begins 2008 Schedule Against Fifth-Ranked Massachusetts on Saturday

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information


UAlbany vs. No. 5 Massachusetts

Saturday, August 30, 2008

McGuirk Alumni Stadium (17,000/FieldTurf)

Amherst, Mass., 6:00 p.m. Eastern

Radio: WOFX-980 AM (www.foxsports980.com)



Amherst, Mass. – UAlbany begins its 2008 football schedule against Massachusetts, ranked No. 5 nationally in both the Sports Network and FCS Coaches’ preseason polls, on Saturday, Aug. 30. Kickoff is 6:00 p.m. The Minutemen, who play in the Colonial Athletic Association, have won back-to-back conference championships and own a 14-game home winning streak at McGuirk Alumni Stadium.

UMass reached the NCAA quarterfinals last year and returns Walter Payton Award candidate Liam Coen. The senior quarterback passed for 3,091 yards and 30 touchdowns in 2007. The Minutemen feature a suffocating defense led All-American and NFL prospect Sean Smalls. A first-team All-CAA cornerback, Smalls had 49 tackles and defended 12 passes one year ago.

“I think the end product of this is you develop tougher kids because they’re playing tougher people,” said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team faces its most challenging schedule since upgrading to the NCAA Division I FCS level in 1999. The Great Danes will also face non-league opponents Hofstra, New Hampshire and Delaware.

The defending Northeast Conference champions are playing a season opener in the month August for the first time. David McCarty, a junior tailback, is among eleven returning starters. He finished 10th among the FCS rushing leaders last year at 125.3 yards per game. Tom Pandolf, a first-team All-NEC defensive tackle, and safety Dave West (60 tackles) lead the defensive unit. West is one of six players on the current UAlbany roster who played against UMass in 2005.

University of Albany's Claudio Dantas Scores Twice in Men's Soccer’s Opening Win Over Pittsburgh

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information
Release: 08/29/2008

Moon Township, Pa. – Junior Claudio Dantas found the back of the net twice in his Great Dane debut to lead the University at Albany men’s soccer team to a 2-1 victory over the University of Pittsburgh in the first round of the Robert Morris Invitational on Friday afternoon. Sophomore Milos Jankovic as well as seniors Don Johnson and Gaby Seguin-Gauthier were credited with assists in the victory.

“It was a great effort from all of our players in the first game,” said head coach Johan Aarnio. “We came close to having a shutout."

UAlbany (1-0) got on the scoreboard first in the 39th minute of action. Jankovic took the ball down the left side and found Dantas along the wing. With senior goalkeeper Eric Barnes charging from the net, Dantas quickly played a shot over Barnes and down into the far corner of the goal to give the Great Danes a one-goal advantage which they would take into the break. Jankovic’s helper was also his first career point.

The Great Danes doubled their lead in the opening minutes of the second stanza off a corner kick taken by sophomore Shaun Kane. The ball went to Seguin-Gauthier who passed it over to Johnson. The senior then fired a shot on goal which was saved by Barnes, but Dantas jumped on the rebound and headed the ball in from point-blank range in the 49th minute.

“Claudio is like a hawk,” added Aarnio. “He has a great eye for the goal and is very experienced in the box. Today, he came up big for us twice.”

Pittsburgh (0-1) cut the lead in half in the 83rd minute off a failed clear attempt by the UAlbany defense. The ball came directly to the foot of redshirt freshman Sam Luffy, who took a shot from about 25 yards out that deflected off a UAlbany defender and landed in the right corner of the net.

Each team had its chances to score again before the final whistle. UAlbany’s L.J. Papaleo took a shot which got past Pittsburgh senior goalkeeper Jordan Marks in the 84th minute of play, but the Panther defense recorded a team save to keep it a one-possession match. A few minutes later, Pittsburgh had a corner kick with a chance to tie it up. However, the UAlbany defense which only surrendered four shots on goal in the match was able to successfully clear the ball to help seal the victory.

UAlbany senior co-captain Steward Ceus made three saves as the Panthers took 12 shots. Barnes got the start in goal for Pittsburgh and stopped two of the three shots he faced on net. Marks relieved Barnes in the second half and recorded three saves.

The Great Danes conclude play at the Robert Morris Invitational on Sunday afternoon when they face the host Colonials. The match is slated to begin at 2:00 p.m.



-agate-



Pittsburgh (0-1) 0 1 - 1

UAlbany (1-0) 1 1 - 2



UAlbany: Scoring – Claudio Dantas (2-0), Milos Jankovic (0-1), Don Johnson (0-1), Gaby Seguin-Gauthier (0-1). Goalkeeping – Steward Ceus (90:00, 1 GA, 3 saves).

Pittsburgh: Scoring – Sam Luffy (1-0). Goalkeeping – Eric Barnes (45:00, 1 GA, 2 saves), Jordan Marks (45:00, 1 GA, 3 saves).



UAlbany 2, Pittsburgh 1

Former University of Virginia Basketball Forward Will Harris Transfers to UAlbany Program

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany head men’s basketball coach Will Brown announced on Thursday, Aug. 28 that Will Harris has transferred to the University at Albany program. Harris, a 6-foot-6, 245-pound forward who played the last two years at the University of Virginia, has signed a scholarship agreement and will be eligible for competition in the 2009-10 academic year.

“We are very excited to add Will Harris to our program,” said Brown, whose teams have combined for 59 victories and two conference championships over the last three seasons. “Will brings ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) experience to our program and he is a former top 100 player nationally coming out of high school. We expect him to be a major impact player in our conference, as he will be a matchup problem with his ability to play multiple positions. More importantly, Will is an outstanding individual who has enjoyed success in the classroom and on the court.”

A native of Corona, N.Y., Harris appeared in 47 games over the last two seasons as a member of the UVa program. He averaged 2.7 points and 2.5 rebounds as a sophomore to earn his second varsity letter, but did not play in the last 14 games due to an injury. Harris played in all 32 games as a freshman for the Cavaliers. He accounted for 3.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.

In 2005-06, Harris attended Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, where he earned first-team all-conference recognition after averaging 21.0 points and 11.0 rebounds. He received the Ronald “Buzzy” Dore Memorial Award as the graduate who exemplified outstanding leadership in the areas of academics, athletics and other activities. Harris scored at a 26.0 clip the previous year at Maine Central Institute

UAlbany Track and Field & Cross Country Program Announces 48 Commitments

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany’s Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Roberto Vives announced on Wednesday, August 27 that a record 48 student-athletes will be joining the UAlbany men’s and women’s programs for the 2008-09 academic year. The class includes 11 student-athletes from Capital Region high schools and nine transfers.

Leading the men’s signees is transfer Alie Beauvais (Hempstead, N.Y./Hempstead), who joins the Great Danes from Lincoln University in Missouri. Beauvais was a three-time New York State Champion. Nasim Siddeeq (New Hampton, N.Y./Goshen Central) comes to the UAlbany program after two seasons at Robert Morris University. Siddeeq broke the Northeast Conference championship record in the triple jump last season with a leap of 51-feet, 0.75-inches. Siddeeq, who was a two-time All-East selection in the triple jump, will also compete in the long jump. Deshaun Sutton (Westbury, N.Y./Westbury), who comes to UAlbany from SUNY Old Westbury, will add depth to the field events, after posting personal bests of 47-feet, 1-inch in the triple jump and 6-feet, 3-inches in the high jump.

Feyisara Adaramola (Bronx, N.Y./Trevor Day) joins the women’s squad after two seasons at the University of Central Florida, while Celine Cauderlier (Entzheim, France/Lycee Louis Pasteur) comes to UAlbany from University Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg, France. Adaramola will join the Great Dane sprinting corps after earning All-USA Conference honors. Cauderlier is a former national high school pole vault champion in France, posting a personal best of 12-feet, 7.75-inches.

Tierra Chavis (Brooklyn, N.Y./Bishop Loughlin), a transfer from St. Francis (N.Y.) College, brings additional strength to the sprints. Chavis was a two-time national high school champion in the 4x400-meter and sprint medley relays. Roxanne Wegman (Delmar, N.Y./Bethlehem Central) spent the last two seasons at Army. Wegman was a high school All-American as a member of mile relay and is former Empire State Games champion in the 10,000-meter run.

Leading an outstanding crop of freshmen for the UAlbany men is Nicholas Santos (Albany, N.Y/Colonie Central) and Jonathan Juleus (Succasunna, N.J./Pope John XXIII Regional). Santos is a two-time high school All-American and a four-time All-State Federation honoree who will compete in the 800-meter run. Juleus was a two-time New Jersey State champion in the 1,600-meter run. Ethan Clary (Schuylerville, N.Y./Schuylerville) will compete for the Great Danes’ distance squad. Clary placed fourth in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the 2008 New York State Federation Championships.

The mid-distance and distance running corps increases its strength with Ryan Florkiewics and Greg Miniger, a pair of high school All-Americans from Warwick Valley High School. Florkiewics will compete in the 800-meter, 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter events, while Miniger was a four-time All-American as a member of the distance relay squads. R.J. Sniffen, Chris Manico and Devon Sedgwick of Shaker High School were members of the 4x800-meter and distance medley relay teams for the Blue Bison.

Jared Nilsson (East Moriches, N.Y./Westhampton Beach) will add to an already strong hurdle group, while Kadeem Howell (Great Neck, N.Y./Manhasset) joins the jump squad. Howell was a high school All-American with a personal best of 47-feet, 6.5-inches in the triple jump. Stephen Hassard (Setauket, N.Y./Ward Melville) and Cory Thomas (Painted Post, N.Y./Corning-Painted Post) join a solid throws group. Hassard is an all-state discus thrower with a personal best of 156-feet, 8-inches, while Thomas will compete in the discus and shot put events.

On the women’s side, New York State standouts Emily Fung (Greenwich, N.Y./Greenwich Central) and Ada Lauterbach (East Berne, N.Y./Berne-Knox-Westerlo) will add to the distance program. Fung is in a select group as one of the few women runners from New York who have earned all-state honors in cross country for six consecutive years. Fung also claimed the 3,000-meter state title and was part of the National High School record-setting 4x1,500-meter relay team. Lauterbach was an all-state performer in the 3,000-meter steeplechase.

Alexandria Carlson (Suffern, N.Y./Suffern) and Laura Varble (Henrietta, N.Y./Rush Henrietta) join the UAlbany mid-distance squad. Carlson earned All-America recognition as a member of Suffern High School’s distance medley relay team, and also earned all-state honors as a member of the 4x800-meter relay. Varble brings an 800-meter time of 2:18 and was chosen all-state as the 600-meter leg of the intersectional relay.

The Great Danes add five standouts to the sprinting corps. Tenica Roberts and Rashida Charles are both high school All-Americans from Bay Shore (N.Y.) High School. Roberts, who earned All-America honors as a member of the distance medley relay, will compete in the 400-meter as well as the triple jump, while Charles will join the 100-meter and 200-meter competitors. Both were All-America members of Bay Shore’s sprint medley relay.

Nyree Richardson (Elmont, N.Y./Elmont Memorial) was an all-state selection in the 4x100-meter relay. Elia Francis is a two-time all-state honoree out of Ursuline High School in Mount Vernon, N.Y., while Jennifer Adams (Batavia, N.Y./Batavia) will add depth to the sprinting and jumping squads after earning all-state honors in the long jump.

Catie Coxon (Delanson, N.Y./Duanesburg) leads a group of five student-athletes that will be competing in the field events. Coxon is a two-time all-state discus thrower. Tiffany Bennett (Marlboro, N.Y./Marlboro) is an all-state high jumper, while Ashleigh Whitfield (Freeport, N.Y./Kellenberg Memorial) will also compete in the high jump. Rebecca Power (Bellrose Village, N.Y./Archbishop Molloy) will compete in both the pole vault and the javelin, while Emily Mino (Oradell, N.J./River Dell) is a two-time New Jersey state champion in the pole vault.

“This is definitely the best recruiting class we have had here at UAlbany, we have added strength as well as depth,” said Vives, who guided the program to 12 men’s and women’s America East Conference championships. “We are looking forward to seeing this recruiting class in action. This class is definitely going to contribute to our fine tradition of winning conference championships and our move toward becoming a national level program.

UAlbany's Women's Basketball Announces Non-Conference Schedule for 2008-09 Season

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Lee McElroy announced on Tuesday afternoon the school's women's basketball non-conference schedule for the 2008-09 season. The list of opponents include three teams that reached the NCAA Tournament last season, two teams that finished the season nationally ranked and another squad that advanced to the Women’s National Invitational Tournament.

UAlbany opens up its schedule on the road against a trio of teams that advanced to the 2008 NCAA Tournament. The Great Danes will face the California Golden Bears on Nov. 14, the Marist Red Foxes on Nov. 16 and the Cornell Big Red on Nov. 18.

California has advanced to a school-record three straight NCAA Tournaments, including the Sweet 16 one year ago. The Golden Bears finished the season ranked 18th in the final ESPN/USA Today Women’s College Basketball Poll. Cal-Berkeley posted a school-record 27 wins last season and return all five starters, including All-Americans Ashley Walker and Devanei Hampton. SportsIllustrated.com and ESPN.com ranked the program sixth and seventh in the nation, respectively, for the upcoming season.

Marist has also made a record three consecutive NCAA appearances, and reached the second round last season and the Sweet 16 in 2007. The Red Foxes finished the winter ranked 23rd in the ESPN/USA Today poll. Marist won a school-record 32 games and returns forward Rachele Fitz, who was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year. ESPN.com ranked the Red Foxes 20th in the preseason.

Cornell made its first-ever appearance in NCAA Tournament this past winter. The Big Red set a school standard with 20 wins. Jeomi Maduka, the 2008 Ivy League Player of the Year, was named to the Associated Press honorable mention All-America team.

Virginia Commonwealth University of the Colonial Athletic Association is one of four non-league opponents that will play at SEFCU Arena. The Rams, who won a school-record 26 games last season and advanced to the second round of the Women’s National Invitational Tournament, visit the Capital District on Nov. 29. The Great Danes will also host Richmond (Nov. 22), Detroit (Dec. 1) and the New Jersey Institute of Technology (Dec. 9).

In addition, the Great Danes will compete in a four-team tournament at Texas-Pan American on Dec. 28-29. Montana State and Troy will also travel to Edinburg for the two-day event. UAlbany also meets Colgate, Army, St. Francis, N.Y. and Rhode Island in non-conference play.

In 2007-08, the Great Danes tied for fourth in the America East Conference regular-season standings after winning a school-record 10 league games. UAlbany defeated Binghamton in the quarterfinal round before dropping its semifinal matchup to eventual-champion Hartford, which advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Britney McGee, Charity Iromuanya and Janea Aiken, who became the program’s first-ever player to garner America East all-rookie team honors last winter, are among eight returning letterwinners.

2008-09 UAlbany Women’s Basketball Non-Conference Schedule

Nov. 14 (Fri.) at California 4:00
Nov. 16 (Sun.) at Marist 4:00
Nov. 19 (Thu.) at Cornell 7:00
Nov. 22 (Sat.) Richmond 2:00
Nov. 26 (Wed.) at Colgate 5:00
Nov. 29 (Sat.) Virginia Commonwealth 2:00
Dec. 1 (Mon.) Detroit 5:00
Dec. 3 (Wed.) at Army 7:00
Dec. 9 (Tue.) New Jersey Tech 7:00
Dec. 19 (Fri.) at St. Francis, N.Y. 7:00
Dec. 28 (Sun.) at Texas-Pan American+ TBA
Dec. 29 (Mon.) Montana State or Troy+ TBA
Jan. 3 (Sat.) at Rhode Island 2:00

+UTPA Battle at the Border Tournament (Edinburg, Texas)

All Times Eastern

Fountains Mark New Entry To The University of Albany

Local officials came together Tuesday for the dedication of a new $4 million Grand Entry Plaza into the University of Albany's uptown campus off Washington Avenue.

The walk-through fountain, which was built using state funding, is located along Collins Circle and will join the campus' other fountains which are used during the school's annual Fountain Day tradition, officials said.

"The new plaza provides a welcoming first impression to prospective students, our campus community, alumni, and other university visitors," said Interim President George Philip. "It will become a unifying presence and gathering place for the entire campus."

Tuesday's event opened with a short concert by the school's a cappella group called the Earth Tones which sang the University at Albany's fight song. Local officials attending the event included Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari, Assemblymen Jack McEneny and Tim Gordon.

The state representatives announced a $5 million provision included in the state budget which is earmarked for future improvement projects at UAlbany. This funding will be added to the money the university already received for such revitalization projects in 2006 which totaled $25 million.

"The beauty of this new entry way is very fitting as it will serve as the gateway to this fantastic university," said Canestrari. "It's very exciting to see all of the wonderful improvements that continue to be made across this campus that serves as the academic home to thousands of New Yorkers."

The plaza, including two identical groupings of fountains and a stone walkway, is part of a new three-acre plaza. It has expanded green space, ornamental trees and bench seating with wireless Internet.

The park was designed by internationally-renowned landscape architectural firm Thomas Balsley Associates of New York City which has created similar structures in Dallas, Detroit, and Baltimore. They have built about 100 parks and plazas in New York City alone.

"The celebratory space was conceived as a design bridge between the modernist Podium and Collins Circle, while enhancing 21st century campus life with elements that foster daily activity," said Thomas Balsley, one of the project's primary architects. "We are delighted to have contributed to this first great leap forward in campus place making. We wanted to humanize this into an entrance plaza to make it a vital social center."

Balsley said he hopes to create more green space on the campus where parking lots and roads currently are located.

McEneny said, "I look forward to coming back and seeing more done. This is an outstanding facility at the heart of the university's undergraduate school which serves 11,000 students.

The event, which attracted students and faculty onlookers, was also a way to welcome the students to campus for the new academic year.

Gordon said, "Any money spent on education is money well spent. There are scores of legislators who went through the SUNY system, including myself. I'm just happy to help give back."

The officials said the $5 million earmarked for the school was not part of the recent cuts.

Tom Killips — The Record.
Danielle Sanzone may be reached at 270-1292 or by email at dsanzone@troyrecord.com

UAlbany #19 In NCAA Field Hockey Preseason Poll

Preseason Rankings

The University at Albany field hockey team is ranked 19th in the STX/NFHCA Division I Preseason Poll, as announced on Wednesday afternoon.

The Great Danes, who were also ranked 19th in the final NFHCA poll of last season, begin play on Saturday, as they take on Radford before facing 15th-ranked American on Sunday. Six of the teams UAlbany will face this season are ranked in the national top 20, with another five teams receiving votes in the poll. Connecticut, a team that the Great Danes will face on Oct. 12, start the season as the highest-ranked team on the schedule, earning the fourth-place spot on the preseason poll. America East Conference rival Boston U. finished 14th in the preseason voting.

UAlbany, which earned the top ranking in the America East preseason coaches’ poll, returns senior midfielder Michelle Simpson, a two-time all-conference player who earned second-team All-America honors last season after recording 34 total points. Also returning is senior goalkeeper Ashley Ross, who led the America East and was fourth in the nation with a 1.14 goals against average.

-agate-

2008 STX/NFHCA Division I Preseason Poll

1. North Carolina, 2. Maryland, 3. Wake Forest, 4. Connecticut, 5. Iowa, 6. Penn State, 7. James Madison, 8. Old Dominion, 9. Michigan, 10. Michigan State, 11. Virginia, 12. Duke, 13. Boston College, 14. Boston University, 15. American, 16. Princeton, 17. Louisville, 18. Syracuse, 19. UAlbany, 20. Ohio.

BRETT QUEENER: A MLL STAR

Rochester goalkeeper Brett Queener gave a whole new meaning to the concept of using stingy defense to fuel an offense in yesterday’s Major League Lacrosse championship game at Harvard Stadium.

The fearless rookie stopped 10-of-11 shots and recorded an assist after entering a 6-5 game at halftime, sparking an outburst that earned the Rattlers their first MLL title with a 16-6 win over Denver.

“That was amazing to watch,” Rochester attackman John Grant said. “(Queener) didn’t let a goal in until the very last minute, and he was even (plus-minus). You can’t ask for anything better than that. He had some exciting plays out of the goal.”

Queener made his first save early in the third quarter and took off up field for the first of several forays into the offensive zone. His first trip over midfield was met with a bone-crushing blow by Outlaw Jeff Sonke, but the University of Albany product was not discouraged.

“It actually woke me up and made me want to get out there again so that I didn’t get knocked down,” Queener said of the hit. “After that, all the facets of our team started clicking, and I just had to make a couple of saves, and everything rolled from there.”

The Rattlers outscored Denver, 6-0, in the third quarter to put the game out of reach. Championship Weekend MVP Joe Walters (6 goals, 5 assists in the postseason) opened the floodgates 3:28 into the third.

Queener’s zig-zagging jaunts over midfield continued to steal the spotlight, however, even after Jeff Zywicki (6 goals) and two-time reigning MLL MVP Grant (4 goals, assist) tallied to extend the lead to 11-5.

With 1:14 remaining in the third, Queener made his fifth save and sprinted from the safety of his crease. After a quick give-and-go with Jordan Hall at the top of the arch, Queener earned an assist with a pass to set up Zywicki’s fifth tally on the left goal line.

As much as Queener plays like a daredevil that could give a coach a heart attack, Rochester coach B.J. O’Hara wouldn’t change a thing about his young sparkplug, who began the season as a reserve.

“When we gave him some chances to get out there, he just seemed to light up the team and light up the crowd,” O’Hara said. “We started to feed him more and more (playing time) - and the more he got, the better he did. It just kind of grew like a snowball.”

It was the second championship game loss for the Outlaws in the last three seasons, and their six-goal output was a new low for an MLL title tilt.

“We just couldn’t put a couple plays together,” said Denver coach Brian Reese, whose team was held scoreless for the first 27:45 of the second half.

“We’d make a great play on offense, and they’d make a great save. We just couldn’t get it all together. I thought we had some momentum coming into halftime, but they took it away pretty quickly.”

By Joe Vieira
The Boston Herald