UAlbany's Brooke Stanley Earns Second Straight America East Setter of the Week Honor

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – Sophomore setter Brooke Stanley was named the America East Conference Setter of the Week as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. It is the second-straight weekly honor for Stanley.

Stanley repeats this week after finishing with 10.55 assists per set, the top mark in the conference. She added 2.45 digs and 0.45 aces per set along with ten kills, while hitting .348 over the weekend at the University of Kentucky Tournament. Stanley recorded 30 assists along with seven digs, three kills and three service aces in a 3-0 sweep of Eastern Kentucky on Friday. She then recorded a double-double with 48 assists and 11 digs against Indiana and was on dig short of her second-consecutive double-double with 38 assists and nine digs, along with six kills and one service ace in the tournament finale against Kentucky. Stanley is averaging 10.27 assists and 2.17 digs per set for the season.

UAlbany (4-5) will return to action over the weekend at the Michigan/adidas Invitational. The Great Danes will take on Arizona State on Friday before facing off against the host Wolverines and Western Kentucky on Saturday.

UAlbany's Kendra Harrell-Vigil Named America East Conference Soccer Rookie of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – Freshman Kendra Harrell-Vigil of the University at Albany women’s soccer team was named the America East Conference Rookie of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. She becomes the first Great Dane to be honored by the conference this season.

Harrell-Vigil was named to the all-tournament team at the Niagara Falls Classic this past weekend. The midfielder tallied her first career goal on Friday, Sept. 12 against Niagara.

The Great Danes will play all three of their games this week at home on Varsity Field. After facing Massachusetts at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, the squad will host the Governor’s Cup this weekend. UAlbany will play Army on Friday at 3 p.m. and Sacred Heart on Sunday at 1 p.m. Siena will also compete in the tournament.

UAlbany Golf Finishes Sixth at Dartmouth With Record-Breaking Performance

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Hanover, N.H. – Freshman Annemarie Kissane recorded the best single-round score in UAlbany golf history on Sunday, posting a 76 to lead the Great Danes to a sixth-place finish at the Dartmouth Invitational at Hanover Country Club. UAlbany posted a team total of 644, which was the best two-day total in the history of the program.

Kissane, whose two-day score of 155 was the lowest score ever for a UAlbany golfer, finished tied for ninth place overall. Junior Amanda McPhee finished with a two-day score of 161 after shooting an 82 on Sunday to tie for 20th overall. Sophomore Corrin Conroy placed 25th individually with a two-day score of 162, shooting a second-round 83. Junior Jessica Signorelli (82-84—166) and freshman Stephanie Klein (82-85—167) rounded out the top-five UAlbany golfers. Freshman Rebecco Otero recorded an 81 on Sunday for a two-day total of 167.

Harvard shot a two-round score of 616 to finish first in the team standings. Siena’s Katelynn Mannix was the individual winner with a two-day score of 148 on the par-72, 5,803-yard course.

The Great Danes will return to action over the weekend at the Princeton Invitational.

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Dartmouth Invitational

Team Standings: 1. Harvard 314-302—616, 2. Dartmouth 308-317—625, 3. Brown 311-318—629, 4. Siena 316-317—633, 5. Amherst 322-319—641, 6. UAlbany 319-325—644, 7. Sacred Heart 326-319—645, 8. Fairfield 320-334—654, 9. Williams 326-336—662, 10. Middlebury 344-324—668, 11. Mount Holyoke 340-331—671, 12. Hartford 338-334—672, 13. Holy Cross 350-331—681, 14. Boston U. 347-337—684, 15. Central Connecticut 348-340—688, 16. Wellesley 363-342—705, 17. St. Mary’s 355-356—711.

UAlbany Standings: t9. Annemarie Kissane 79-76—155, t20. Amanda McPhee 79-82—161, t25. Corrin Conroy 79-83—162, t44. Jessica Signorelli 82-84—166, t49. Stephanie Klein 82-85—167, t49. Rebecca Otero 86-81—167.

#19 UAlbany Field Hockey Defeats Stanford Completing West Coast Trip

#19 UAlbany Field Hockey Defeats Stanford Completing West Coast Trip. More to come...

Stanford, Calif. – Senior forward Michele Polizois scored her fourth goal of the season just five minutes into play to lead the UAlbany field hockey team to a 1-0 win over Stanford on Sunday afternoon at the Varsity Field Hockey Turf.

Polizois recorded the only tally the Great Danes would need on a penalty corner with assists from Michelle Simpson and Jess Lindsey.

Stanford (1-5) had many chances to score in the game, as the Cardinal outshot UAlbany, 14-5, and held a 10-5 advantage in penalty corners. UAlbany goalkeeper Ashley Ross played all 70 minutes in the cage for the Great Danes, making seven saves. Stanford goalkeeper Alessandra Moss made three saves between the pipes for the Cardinal.

UAlbany (4-2) returns to action on Friday, Sept. 19, visiting Connecticut at 3 p.m.

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#19 UAlbany 1 0 - 1

Stanford 0 0 - 0

UAlbany: Scoring – Michele Polizois (1-0), Michelle Simpson (0-1), Jess Lindsey (0-1).Goalkeeper – Ashley Ross (70:00, 0 GA, 7 saves).

Stanford: Scoring – None. Goalkeeper – Alessandra Moss (70:00, 1 GA, 3 saves).

UAlbany Football Beats Hofstra In Overtime Thriller

UAlbany Football Beats Hofstra In Overtime Thriller. More to come... Hempstead, N.Y. – David McCarty rushed for 178 yards and scored on a seven-yard run in overtime, as UAlbany upended Hofstra, 22-16, on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Shuart Stadium. The Great Danes ended a nine-game losing streak in the series and won for the first time since 1985.

Hofstra (0-2) rallied from a 16-9 deficit in the fourth quarter behind the running and passing of quarterback Cory Christopher, who connected on 27 of 38 passes for 272 yards and added 44 on the ground. Anthony Nelson hauled in a 17-yard completion before a pass interference call kept the offensive set alive. Freshman Brock Jackolski took an option pitch and reached paydirt from three yards out with 10:34 remaining.

The Pride, who had won 22 of their previous 26 home openers, used 16 plays to drive from their own 15-yard line in an effort to get the winning points. Christopher hit Nelson with a slant pass to the UAlbany 22 to set up a field goal attempt. But free safety Dave Casale came off the right edge to block Brian Hanly’s 34-yard try with nine seconds to play.

“We brought pressure from the middle and right,” said Casale, who added a career-high 13 tackles. “(Daniel) Avery and I are a tag team on that side. Their end went for Avery and I got both hands on the ball.”

In the extra period, Hofstra’s first possession stalled out at the Great Danes’ 13 when Christopher’s pass sailed out of the bounds on third-and-eight. The Pride had a chance when Nguti blocked a 30-yard attempt and Casale tackled holder Shane Casciano, who picked up the loose ball. UAlbany ran McCarty four straight times to the end zone, the last carry a driving run over left guard to the goal line.

UAlbany (1-1) trailed 9-7 at the intermission, but regrouped to take the lead in the third quarter. Christopher, working out of the shotgun, mishandled a snap from center and was covered in the end zone by Chris Blais and Mark Peretore for a safety. The Great Danes then marched 11 plays with the free kick. Quarterback Vinny Esposito completed a third-down throw to the Hofstra 1, before scoring himself over right guard with 2:12 to play in the period.

“I told the team we have four great challenges to begin the season,” said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team was playing the second of four consecutive Colonial Athletic Association opponents. “This was kind of thrilling. The safety was a key play and then we were fortunate to block two kicks in the game. I think when our offense stepped on the field in overtime they knew they were going to score.”

Hofstra scored on its opening possession when Christopher directed his team on a nine-play march. Atter Jackolski gave his team great field position with a 38-yard kickoff return, Christopher completed three passes, including a 13-yarder to Aaron Weaver for a touchdown. The 6-foot-1, 230-pound junior rolled to his right on fourth down and floated a pass to his wide open receiver in the back of the end zone. However, UAlbany’s Raphael Nguti blocked the extra point attempt.

UAlbany took a 7-6 lead the second time its offense touched the ball. McCarty, who set a school record with his eighth consecutive 100-yard rushing game, moved his team into Pride territory with a 46-yard sweep around left end. Esposito later converted a third-down play with a 10-yard completion to redshirt freshman John Lullen, before scoring on a 1-yard sneak with 1:04 left in the first quarter.

The Pride defense stopped the visitors on a fourth-and-eight at their own 38-yard line when Luke Bonus sacked Esposito. Hofstra’s offensive unit responded with a 10-play scoring sequence, led by Christopher’s five completed passes. His third-down pass to Anthony Nelson kept the drive alive. Hanly’s 25-yard field goal put his team ahead, 9-7.

Field Hockey Drops 3-2 Decision to California in Penalty Strokes

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Berkeley, Calif. – Senior defender Carolina Bistue converted her penalty stroke to give California a 3-2 shootout victory over No. 19 UAlbany on Saturday afternoon at Maxwell Family Field. The game's final score was also 3-2, with Bistue earning a game-winning goal for her penalty stroke.

The Great Danes had taken a 2-0 first-half lead before the Golden Bears rallied back in the second half to send the game to overtime. Freshman Christina Patrick gave the Great Danes a 1-0 lead by knocking in a rebound in the 21st minute, scoring her first collegiate goal. Classmate Megan Springmeyer scored at 28:45 with an assist by sophomore forward Sarah Dean to push UAlbany's lead to 2-0, which it took into halftime.

Cal (5-1) came out firing in the second half, as senior Andrea Lo recorded a goal at 42:41 off an assist by Natalie Nurnberg. Lo then set up Katie Knoche’s goal in the final minute, passing the ball across the circle, where Knoche shot the ball into the left side of the goal past UAlbany’s Ashley Ross.

After two scoreless overtime periods, senior Michele Polizois gave the Great Danes a 1-0 lead in penalty strokes as she converted her first shot, while the Golden Bears’ Rachel Moffitt shot was stopped by Ross. Ashley Glosz tied the shots at 1-1 for Cal, while UAlbany misfired on the next two attempts. Patrick slipped a shot past Kelly Knoche on her attempt, while Lo evened up the score at 2-2 with her shot. UAlbany was unable to convert its last attempt before Bistue ended the game with her stroke.

Cal held outshot UAlbany, 14-12, while the Great Danes held a 5-4 advantage in penalty corners. Ross played the entire game in the cage for UAlbany, making six saves. Kelly Knoche made seven shots between the pipes for the Golden Bears.

UAlbany (3-2) returns to action on Sunday, taking on Stanford at 6:30 p.m. (EST).

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#19 UAlbany 2 0 0 0 - 2

California 0 2 0 1 - 3

UAlbany: Scoring – Christina Patrick (1-0), Megan Springmeyer (1-0), Sarah Deane (0-1). Goalkeeper – Ashley Ross (100:00, 3 GA, 6 saves).

California: Scoring – Andrea Lo (1-1), Katie Knoche (1-0), Carolina Bistue (1-0), Natalie Nurnberg (0-1). Goalkeeper – Kelly Knoche (100:00, 2 GA, 7 saves).

Volleyball Drops Two Matches on Final Day of Kentucky Tournament

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Louisville, Ky. -- The University at Albany volleyball team dropped two matches on the final day of the University of Kentucky Tournament on Saturday. The Great Danes fell to Indiana, 3-1, early in the day before recording a 3-1 loss to the host Wildcats in the tournament finale. Indiana posted scores of 21-25, 25-20, 25-21 and 25-9 to claim the victory in the first match while Kentucky won the four-set second match with scores of 25-20, 25-19, 22-25 and 25-22.

Sophomore outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey recorded a double-double with 16 kills and 13 digs against Indiana to lead the Great Danes against Indiana. Classmate Valerie Sourbeer added 15 kills, while sophomore setter Brooke Stanley had a double-double of her own with a match-high 48 assists and 11 digs. Freshman libero Laurie Gonzalez posted a match-high 19 digs to lead UAlbany defensively.

Indiana (5-3) was paced by senior middle blocker Erica Short, who recorded 16 kills, 11 digs and three block assists. Sophomore middle blocker Ashley Benson added 13 kills and finished with a match-high seven total blocks. Freshman defensive specialist Caitlin Cox led the Hoosiers defensively with 14 digs and added one service ace.

Cowdrey also led UAlbany against Kentucky (9-2), finishing with a match-high 16 digs for the second-straight match. Sourbeer finished with 12 kills, while Gonzalez finished with a career-high 24 digs defensively for the Great Danes. Both Cowdrey and Stanley were one dig shy of their second-consecutive double-doubles, with both players tallying nine digs. Stanley finished with 38 assists.

Sophomore middle blocker Lauren Rapp and sophomore outside hitter Sarah Mendoza led Kentucky offensively and defensively, both recording double-doubles, notching 14 and 11 kills, along with 10 and 13 digs, respectively. Junior setter Sarah Rumely also had a double-double with 42 assists and 12 digs, while junior libero led the Wildcats defensively with 28 digs.

UAlbany (4-5) will return to action on September 19, as the Great Danes compete at the Michigan/adidas Invitational. UAlbany will face Arizona State on Friday and face the host Wolverines and Western Kentucky on Saturday.

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Indiana (5-3) def. UAlbany, 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-9)

Kentucky (9-2) def. UAlbany (4-5), 3-1 (25-20, 25-19, 23-25, 25-22)

University of Albany and Albany Law School Partner to Offer J.D./M.B.A. Degree

UAlbany and Albany Law School are partnering on a J.D. and M.B.A. program allowing students to pursue and complete law and graduate-level business degrees. (Photo Mark Schmidt)

ALBANY, N.Y. (September 12, 2008) -- The University at Albany School of Business and Albany Law School today announced a cooperative J.D. and M.B.A. program, allowing students to simultaneously pursue and complete law and graduate-level business degrees. The program allows students to customize their business studies with law and business related course work, and can be completed in four years, as opposed to the more traditional five-year commitment.
"We've seen significant demand for this kind of program, which positions graduates well for careers in commercial and investment banking, government regulation, business policy analysis and management consulting," said Donald Siegel, dean of the University at Albany School of Business. "Companies are increasingly interested in hiring individuals with a robust knowledge of both business and legal issues."

"Having complementary degrees can provide a significant advantage in today's competitive business environment," said Connie Mayer, acting president and dean of Albany Law School. "Students will be able to center their legal courses around their intensive business studies."


(Standing) Victor Rauscher, Albany Law School; Donald Siegel, Dean, UAlbany School of Business; Richard Ludwick, Albany Law School; Susan Phillips, Interim Provost, UAlbany. (Sitting) Connie Mayer, Acting President/Dean, Albany Law School; George M. Philip, Interim President, UAlbany. (Photo Mark Schmidt)

Students can apply to the degree program upon application to Albany Law School, or after they have completed some of their legal studies. Once accepted, students take a one-year leave from the law school to complete 36 credits at the University at Albany School of Business, then combine their final business studies with ongoing law training.
The J.D./M.B.A. program is currently accepting applications for the fall 2009 semester.

About the University at Albany School of Business

The UAlbany School of Business has been providing students of all ages and backgrounds with high quality academic programs that build critical business management skills essential for achieving long-term success.

Our undergraduate programs began in 1970, and UAlbany quickly became recognized as one of the most comprehensive and competitive business schools in the Northeast. Our graduate programs followed a couple of years later, and they continue to draw students from all over the world by offering both full-time and part-time opportunities to earn a highly regarded advanced degree.

About Albany Law School

Albany Law School is a small, independent private school in the heart of New York State's capital since 1851. As the oldest law school in New York and the oldest independent law school in the nation, the institution offers students an innovative, rigorous curriculum taught by a committed faculty. Several nationally recognized programs -- including the Government Law Center and the Albany Law Clinic & Justice Center -- provide opportunities for students to apply classroom learning. Students have access to New York's highest court, federal courts and the state legislature, as well as a thriving tech-based economy. With a network of 9,000-plus alumni practicing in every state in the country and several continents, the employment rate for graduates has been well above the national average for law schools for the past 26 years.

Contact(s): Catherine Herman (518) 956-8150

UAlbany Volleyball Sweeps Again, Beating Eastern Kentucky In 3 Sets

UAlbany Volleyball Sweeps Again, Beating Eastern Kentucky In 3 Sets. More to come...

Louisville, Ky. – Sophomore outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey recorded a team-high eight kills and seven digs to lead UAlbany to a 3-0 sweep of Eastern Kentucky on the first day of the University of Kentucky Tournament on Friday evening. The Great Danes posted wins of 25-11, 25-17 and 25-17 in the match.

UAlbany rattled off seven of the first eight points in the match, getting up to a 7-1 advantage on three straight kills by Valerie Sourbeer. The sophomore outside hitter helped the Great Danes continue to build their lead, recording a kill followed by a service ace to give UAlbany a 14-4 lead. Sophomore setter Brooke Stanley served for three straight points, including two consecutive aces to put the Great Danes up by a score of 23-11, before two attack errors by Eastern Kentucky sealed up the first set win.

UAlbany broke out quickly in the second set, as Stanley’s service game helped the Great Danes build a 10-5 lead early on. Freshman setter Abbey Wexel later served for four straight points to put UAlbany up 19-11. After Eastern Kentucky pulled within 23-16 on a UAlbany attack error, Kalyn Mostert and Hillary White combined for a block, while senior middle blocker Kamisha Kellam smashed the set’s final kill to give the Great Danes the victory.

Kellam started off the third set with UAlbany’s first two kills, and Cowdrey recorded two straight service aces to put the Great Danes up 4-1 early. Later in the set, Mostert served for five straight points, including three aces, to give UAlbany a 15-7 advantage. Freshman Casey Wright tallied an ace to put the Great Danes up 24-15, and Kellam recorded the final kill of the match on an assist from Stanley to seal the win.

Kellam and Sourbeer finished with seven blocks apiece, while Sourbeer also finished with two total blocks. White added six kills, while Mostert led the team with four service aces and added eight digs. Freshman libero Laurie Gonzalez finished with a team-best ten digs for UAlbany.

Amanda Wilson led Eastern Kentucky (1-6) with seven kills. Abby O’Connor and Lindsey Loescher recorded 21 and ten digs, respectively while Jill Henneman tallied 15 assists.

UAlbany (4-3) continues play at the tournament on Saturday, taking on Indiana at 10 a.m. and the host Wildcats at 7 p.m.


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UAlbany (4-3) def. Eastern Kentucky (1-6), 3-0 (25-11, 25-17, 25-17)

Rhode Island Uses Last-Minute Goal to Outlast Men's Soccer

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Kingston, R.I. – Greg Balicki’s goal in the 90th minute led the University of Rhode Island to a 3-2 victory over the University at Albany men’s soccer team at the URI Soccer Complex on Friday, Sept. 12. Senior Mikael McNamara scored his first career goal for the Great Danes in the 89th minute to tie up the match, but Balicki and the Rams answered right back with the game winner just eight seconds later to seal the victory.

UAlbany (3-2) got on the scoreboard first in the 26th minute when Claudio Dantas connected with Shaun Kane. It was Kane’s second goal of the season and fourth of his career in just eight matches.

URI (2-1) responded with the equalizer right before halftime in the 44th minute. Dwayne Williams sent a pass through the UAlbany defense to Erkko Puranen, and the freshman beat goalkeeper Steward Ceus on a breakaway opportunity.

The Rams took their first lead of the match when Puranen netted his second goal of the evening in the 71st minute through a scrum of players from both teams. UAlbany had a tremendous scoring opportunity in the 81st minute, but Dantas’ shot hit the crossbar and Konner McNamara’s attempt off the rebound sailed high.

With time winding down, the Great Danes were able to net the equalizer in the 89th minute with just 1:06 left on the clock when Mikael McNamara cut through traffic and scored his first career goal. Erik DiLorenzo and Kane were credited with assists on the play. Just eight seconds later following the kickoff, Balicki’s shot from 18 yards out would stand as the game winner for the Rams.

UAlbany’s Ceus stopped eight of the 11 shots he faced on net. URI’s Chris Pennock turned away one of the three shots he saw on goal and was credited with the victory.

The Great Danes will be back in action when they visit Cornell on Wednesday evening at 7 p.m.


UAlbany (3-2) 1 1 - 2

Rhode Island (2-1) 1 2 - 3

UAlbany: Scoring – Shaun Kane (1-1), Mikael McNamara (1-0) Claudio Dantas (0-1), Erik DiLorenzo (0-1). Goalkeeping – Steward Ceus (90:00, 3 GA, 8 saves).

Rhode Island: Scoring – Erkko Puranen (2-0), Greg Balicki (1-0), Dwayne Williams (0-1), Gary Crooks (0-1). Goalkeeping – Chris Pennock (90:00, 2 GA, 1 save).

UAlbany Football Writeups

UAlbany cornerback familiar with Hofstra.

ALBANY ­— Jean Juste knows Hofstra University well because he lived the length of a football field from the Hempstead campus and made a summer routine of attending the New York Jets' training camp there.

"When I was a child, I used to just ride my bike there and hang out there and get a peek at the players," said Juste, who got autographs from Keyshawn Johnson and Curtis Martin.

The Jets are gone from Hofstra for good — they've relocated their headquarters to Florham Park, N.J., but Juste is returning.

The junior starts at cornerback for the University at Albany (0-1), which meets Hofstra (0-1) in a nonleague game at 7 p.m. Saturday in James M. Shuart Stadium.

His only other trip back to Long Island as a player came when he played sparingly as a redshirt freshman against Stony Brook in 2006 (when UAlbany once again was victorious).

"It's a great opportunity," Juste said. "This is the first opportunity I really have at playing at home with my family coming to see me. I'm excited to see them and for them to watch me play."

Juste has competed on Hofstra's field only once, in an all-star game after his senior year at Uniondale High School. He then chose to attend UAlbany as a two-sport athlete. He's also a 110-meter hurdler who won the America East championship in outdoor track last spring.

After redshirting as a freshman in 2005, Juste made his debut a year later and made 13 tackles. He got his break against Cornell that season, making his first start and holding his own when cornerbacks Rashad Barksdale and Ryan Chrobak were both injured.

Juste started all 12 games last season and made 34 tackles.

Still looking for his first career interception, Juste made three tackles in UAlbany's 28-16 loss to No. 5 Massachusetts in the season opener on Aug. 30.

Now the Great Danes prepare to play Hofstra, another Colonial Athletic Association team, which is coming off a 35-3 loss to Connecticut of the Big East.

Juste and starting cornerback L.B. McCloskey will cover a potent group of Hofstra receivers that includes speedy 5-foot-10 sophomore Anthony Nelson and 6-5 senior Ottis Lewis.

They both played in Hofstra's 28-13 win at UAlbany last year.

"They're very athletic," Juste said. "I feel like we match up well against them. So it's going to be a real hard-fought game and test how much we've grown."

Hofstra won't have senior quarterback Bryan Savage, who was scratched less than 45 minutes before the UConn game with a herniated disc in his back. Savage had season-ending surgery this week and is replaced by junior Cory Christopher.

By MARK SINGELAIS

Albany at Hofstra. Albany’s “Theater of Pain” tour continues: after a week off after frightening the pants off of UMass fans after their Great Danes succumbed 28-16 to the Minutemen, Albany takes Week Two in their tour of the CAA against Bryan Savage-less Hofstra this week. The Pride have had more than two weeks to prepare for their clash with Albany after losing Savage in a 35-3 loss to FBS UConn. But I think the loss of Savage might be too much to overcome: behind the running of runningback David McCarty, I think the Danes take this game – handily – and the discussion about the merits of Albany making the FCS playoffs start on Sunday morning.

Albany 24, Hofstra 10.

By Charles Burton, CSN Columnist

UAlbany Field Hockey Ranked 19th in NFHCA Division I National Coaches' Poll

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – The University at Albany field hockey team is ranked 19th in the current STX/NFHCA Division I National Coaches’ Poll, as announced by the organization on Tuesday afternoon. The Great Danes held onto their national ranking from the preseason poll after two weeks of play.

UAlbany (3-1) defeated Cornell, 1-0, and Hofstra, 6-2, last weekend. Senior midfielder Michele Polizois earned America East Conference player of the week after recording three goals and an assist in the win over Hofstra.

The Great Danes visit the West Coast over the weekend, taking on California on Saturday and Stanford on Sunday. Both teams are receiving votes in the NFHCA Poll.

University at Albany Research Grants Total Record $391.7 Million in '07-08

University at Albany Research Grants Total Record $391.7 Million in '07-08. UAlbany 15th in research expenditures among universities without a medical school.

University of Albany faculty attracted a record $391.7 million in research awards in 2007-08, an increase of 39 percent from the previous year.
"The University at Albany has developed into one of the nation’s leading public research universities," said Interim President George M. Philip. "This substantial growth reflects the breadth and global impact of UAlbany research and scholarship."

"The steady expansion of UAlbany research is an indication of the core strength of programs in nanosciences, life sciences, social sciences, and public policy," said Vice President for Research Lynn Videka.

Research expenditures are tracked by the National Science Foundation (NSF), and indicate the previous year's research awards. A recent NSF report found that in 2006-07 UAlbany ranked 59th among all universities in research expenditures, and 15th nationally among universities without a medical school. "This is especially positive news in the face of a nationwide decline in federal funding of academic science and engineering research," said Videka.

The nanosciences attract 56 percent of Research Foundation (RF) awards to the university. The Research Foundation helps SUNY acquire, administer, and manage external funds to advance research and education, and transfer technology from campuses to the marketplace.

The School of Public Health's partnership with the New York State Department of Health (DOH) has helped the school maintain steady growth in research funding for UAlbany over the past decade.

"We are very fortunate to have world-class life sciences researchers as part of the University's research productivity," Videka said. Awards for life scientists at the DOH's Wadsworth Center make up roughly a third of UAlbany's total.

The number of applications for patents filed by UAlbany researchers also grew, from 15 in 2006-07 to 22 in 2007-08, another sign of research progress. As a Carnegie-recognized Research Extensive university, UAlbany is in the top tier of research universities in the nation.

Contact(s): Catherine Herman (518) 956-8150

UAlbany's Michele Polizois Earns America East Conference Field Hockey Player of the Week Award

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany’s Michele Polizois has been chosen the America East Conference field hockey player of the week, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. It is the first weekly honor for both players this season.

Polizois recorded three goals, the first hat trick in the America East this season, and added an assist in Sunday’s 6-2 win over Hofstra. Polizois scored her first goal of the game on a penalty corner just over five minutes into the contest. Two minutes later, she converted a penalty stroke, her first of the season, placing the ball into the upper left corner of the cage. The senior midfielder tallied her third goal of the game less than a minute before halftime on a penalty corner to give the Great Danes a 4-1 advantage at the break. Polizois added her first assist of the season on UAlbany’s final goal of the game. She led the Great Danes with 12 shots on goal in two games last week.

UAlbany (3-1), ranked 19th nationally in the NFHCA Preseason Poll, will return to action over the weekend, as the team visits the West Coast to take on California on Saturday and Stanford the following day. Both teams are receiving votes in the NFHCA national poll.

UAlbany's Kellam and Stanley Earn America East Conference Weekly Volleyball Awards

Cambridge, Mass. –University at Albany’s Kamisha Kellam and Brooke Stanley have been selected the America East Conference volleyball player and setter of the week, respectively, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. It is the first weekly honor for both players this season.

Kellam averaged 3.00 kills per set to lead the Great Danes to an undefeated weekend at the UAlbany Classic. The senior middle blocker, who was named the tournament’s most valuable player, recorded nine kills in a 3-0 win over Buffalo, added 10 kills in a 3-0 sweep of Wright State and finished with eight kills in a 3-0 triumph over previously unbeaten Connecticut in the championship. Kellam, who hit for .449 in tourney play, also finished with eight total blocks and recorded three digs. She currently leads the America East in blocks, averaging 1.26 per set, and is second in hitting percentage (.402).

Stanley led the conference in assists last week, averaging 10.78 per set to go along with 2.33 digs and 0.78 blocks per set. The sophomore setter recorded 31 assists to go along with eight digs, one block and one kill against Buffalo and then tallied a double-double against Wright State with 33 assists and 10 digs. Stanley also recorded four kills, two blocks and a .800 hitting percentage in the match. In the tournament finale against Connecticut, she dished out 33 assists and posted four blocks and three digs.

UAlbany (3-3) returns to action on Friday and Saturday at the University of Kentucky Tournament. The Great Danes will take on the host Wildcats along with Eastern Kentucky and Indiana.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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USA Track and Field Hall of Fame


By PETE IORIZZO