UAlbany Volleyball Splits Matches on Final Day of Michigan/adidas Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Ann Arbor, Mich. – Sophomore outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey recorded a double-double to lead UAlbany to a 3-2 win over Western Kentucky in the final match of the Michigan/adidas Invitational at Cliff Keen Arena on Saturday. The Great Danes dropped a 3-0 decision to the host Wolverines, who are undefeated and ranked #25 nationally.

UAlbany kept the first set with Western Kentucky close, before the Hilltoppers got up, 14-11, behind the service game of Megan Argabright. The Great Danes tied the game at 17-17 on a kill by senior middle blocker Kamisha Kellam, who finished the match with ten kills. The score went back and forth, as the teams exchanged kills before Cowdrey put UAlbany ahead, 25-24. Kellam then recorded one of her match-high six blocks to end the set with UAlbany up, 26-24.

Western Kentucky took charge in the second set, not allowing the UAlbany offense to capitalize on any opportunity. Argabright converted a set from Julia Noe to give the Hilltoppers the sideout point and go ahead, 16-8. Argabright recorded a service ace later in the set to put Western Kentucky up, 18-8, before a service error gave the ball back to UAlbany. A Valerie Sourbeer kill pulled the Great Danes within 21-10, but back-to back attack errors and a block by Aquila Orr and Brittany Bowen sealed the win for the Hilltoppers, 25-10.

It was UAlbany’s chance to take charge in the third set, as setter Brooke Stanley served for the first four points of the set, including a service ace. Stanley assisted on Cowdrey’s kill that put the Great Danes up, 9-4, before the teams exchanged points to set the score a 14-8 in UAlbany’s favor midway through the set. Freshman Kalyn Mostert recorded a service ace, while Kellam and Cowdrey combined for back-to-back block assists to give the Great Danes an 18-11 lead. Argabright and Emily Teegarden hit consecutive kills to pull Western Kentucky to within 22-17, but a Hilltopper attack error followed by a service ace by Stanley set the final score at 25-17.

Western Kentucky jumped out to an early 4-1 lead in the fourth set, and the Hilltoppers continued to build their lead in the early going, getting ahead 10-4 behind the service game of Kelly Hofmeyer. A service ace and back-to-back kills by Kellam pulled the Great Danes to within 10-8. Sourbeer and White combined for a block to tie the set at 12-12 before Western Kentucky began to pull away. Noe served for four straight points and UAlbany committed a service error to put the Hilltoppers back in possession. Kelly Potts served for the final four points, and Tiffany Elmore blocked a UAlbany attack to give the Hilltoppers a 25-14 win.

Western Kentucky appeared to have the advantage in the final set, as the Hilltoppers built up an 8-5 lead on an Argabright kill. Western Kentucky continued to hold the lead as the teams went back and forth, exchanging kills. White took over the UAlbany service game with the score set at 14-11, and served for the final five points, including a service ace. One of Cowdrey’s 14 kills tied the set at 14-14, before an attack error by Western Kentucky gave UAlbany the 15-14 lead. Mostert and Kellam combined for a block assist to win the match for the Great Danes with a score of 16-14.

Stanley recorded a double-double with 40 assists and 11 digs, while Cowdrey added ten digs. The classmates also recorded three service aces apiece, while White and Sourbeer finished with nine and eight kills, respectively.

Teegarden recorded a match-high 18 kills for Western Kentucky (11-3), hitting .308 for the match. Argabright added 16 kills and Bowen finished with 11 kills and four total blocks. Noe tallied 52 assists and Hofmeyer led the Hilltoppers defensively with 20 digs.

Earlier in the day, UAlbany dropped three straight sets to #25 Michigan. The Wolverines posted scores of 25-18, 25-19 and 25-18 in the sweep. Cowdrey had ten kills to lead the UAlbany offense, while freshman libero Laurie Gonzalez recorded a team-high ten digs.

Juliana Paz led Michigan (11-0) with 12 kills while Veronica Rood added 11 kills. Kerry Hance paced the Wolverines defensively with 21 digs while setter Lexi Zimmerman finished with 46 assists, eight digs, two service aces and two block assists.

UAlbany (5-7) will return to action next weekend, hosting the second tournament of the season at University Gymnaisum. The Great Danes welcome Dayton, Long Island and Yale for the two-day tournament on Friday and Saturday.

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#25 Michigan (11-0) def. UAlbany, 3-0 (25-18, 25-19, 25-18)

UAlbany (5-7) def. Western Kentucky, 3-2 (26-24, 10-25, 25-17, 14-25, 16-14)

UAlbany Cross Country Teams Place Second at Vanderbilt's Commodore Classic

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Nashville, Tenn. – The University at Albany men’s and women's cross country teams finished second at the Commodore Classic hosted by Vanderbilt University on Saturday morning. Vanderbilt, ranked fourth in the South Region on the women’s side and 12th in the men’s poll, swept the team titles. UAlbany’s Brian Yurkewecz finished second and just .23 seconds behind men’s individual champion Ryan Chastain of Lipscomb to lead the way for the men’s team, while Laura Cummings was third overall and just 11 seconds behind Vanderbilt’s Rita Jorgensen who went on to win the women’s individual title.

The UAlbany men finished with 50 points, which was just eight points behind regionally-ranked Vanderbilt. The Great Danes had five runners place in the top 18. Yurkewecz’s second-place time in the field of 77 runners was 26:23.88. R.J. Sniffen navigated the 8,000-meter course in 26:45 and placed sixth overall. Chris Manico (12th, 27:02), Jack Kelley (15th, 27:15) and David Rothman (18th, 27:20) rounded out the top five finishers for the Great Danes.

The women’s team finished with 85 points, which was 54 points behind regionally-ranked Vanderbilt and 14 points ahead of Belmont, tabbed 11th in the South Region. Cummings’ third-place time in the field of 77 runners was 18:08. Ada Lauterbach placed 13th overall and second on the squad for completing the 5,000-meter course in 19:10. Emily Fung (18th, 19:25), Ally Panos (27th, 19:44) and Laine Sefick (31st, 19:53) rounded out the top five finishers for the women’s team.

The Great Danes will take next weekend off before heading to Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville, Md. for the Towson Invitational on Friday, Oct. 3. Oregon Ridge Park will also be the site of the America East Championships on Saturday, Nov. 1.



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MEN’S RESULTS (8k) WOMEN’S RESULTS (5k)

1. Vanderbilt 42 points 1. Vanderbilt 31 points

2. UAlbany 50 points 2. UAlbany 85 points

3. Lipscomb 79 points 3. Emory 93 points

4. Emory 100 points 4. Belmont 99 points

5. Rhodes 105 points 5. Lipscomb 103 points

6. Tennessee Tech 161 points 6. Tennessee Tech 122 points

6. Vanderbilt Alumni 161 points 7. Rhodes 157 points

8. Lambuth 250 points 8. Tennessee State 255 points



Men’s Individual Champion: Ryan Chastain, Lipscomb (26:23.65)

Women’s Individual Champion: Rita Jorgensen, Vanderbilt (17:57)

UAlbany Men’s Top Finishers: 2. Brian Yurkewecz (26:23.88), 6. R.J. Sniffen (26:45), 12. Chris Manico (27:02), 15. Jack Kelley (27:15), 18. David Rothman (27:20).

UAlbany Women’s Top Finishers: 3. Laura Cummings (18:08), 13. Ada Lauterbach (19:10), 18. Emily Fung (19:25), 27. Ally Panos (19:44), 31. Laine Sefick (19:53).

UAlbany Football Meets Another Nationally-Ranked Team in Saturday's Game with #10 New Hampshire

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Durham, N.H. – UAlbany will meet its second national top-10 football team this season, when the Great Danes battle New Hampshire in the first-ever meeting between the programs on Saturday, Sept. 20 at Cowell Stadium. Kickoff is 12:00 p.m. Eastern. Fans can listed to the game on Fox Sports 980 (WOFX-980 AM), beginning with the pregame show at 11:45 a.m. The contest will also air on the internet (www.unhwildcats.tv).

The Wildcats, who own victories over Army and Rhode Island, are ranked 10th in both the Sports Network and FCS Coaches’ polls. Head coach Sean McDonnell has led the program to four consecutive NCAA Division I FCS appearances, including the quarterfinals in 2004 and 2005. Quarterback R.J. Toman passed for a career-high 309 yards and five touchdowns in last week’s 51-43 victory, while running back Chad Kackert accounted for 316 all-purpose yards, including 164 on the ground. Hugo Souza, an outside linebacker, and free safety John Clements lead a swarming UNH defense. Souza had 10 tackles and scored on a 22-yard fumble return in the opener at Army.

The Great Danes recorded their first-ever overtime win in a 22-16 decision at Hofstra, one of four consecutive Colonial Athletic Association opponents to begin the schedule. Free safety Dave Casale, the ECAC and Northeast Conference defensive player of the week, blocked a 34-yard field goal attempt with nine seconds remaining in regulation to force an extra period. David McCarty scored on a 7-yard run to provide the winning points. McCarty rushed for 178 yards to go over the 100-mark for eighth straight game, eclipsing a mark set by Gary Jones in 2002. Defenders Justin Brancaccio and Mike Kelly had career efforts with 15 and 10 tackles, respectively.

#20 UAlbany Field Hockey Defeats #16 Michigan, 3-2 At UConn Invitational

#20 UAlbany Field Hockey Defeats #16 Michigan Wolverines, 3-2 At UConn Invitational. More to come...

Storrs, Conn. – Junior forward Nicole Savage scored one goal and assisted on another to lead the 20th-ranked University at Albany field hockey team to a 3-2 win over #16 Michigan at the Husky Invitational held at Connecticut’s George J. Sherman Family Sports Complex on Friday afternoon.

Michigan (3-4) struck first, as senior midfielder Sarah Wilhite took an assist from sophomore forward Alicia Mayer to score at the 12:05 mark. UAlbany freshman Christina Patrick tied the game at 1-1 off an assist from Savage in the 16th minute. Savage gave UAlbany the lead at 24:49, slipping an unassisted shot past Michigan goalkeeper Christi Barwick after gathering a rebound from a corner. The Wolverines would tie the game at 2-2 just before halftime, as Wilhite scored her second goal of the contest off an assist from Stephanie Hoyer at 26:17.

The Great Danes made the best of a penalty corner opportunity to get back ahead and seal the win. Senior midfielder Michele Polizois scored her team-leading fifth goal of the season in the 50th minute, taking assists from Michelle Simpson and Jess Lindsey.

The teams were even with 12 shots and seven penalty corners apiece. Barwick made five saves in the cage for Michigan, while goalkeeper Ashley Ross stopped six shots between the pipes for the Great Danes.

UAlbany (5-2) will return to action on Sunday, hosting Kent State at 1 p.m. at Alumni Turf Field. The Golden Flashes were receiving votes in the most recent NFHCA Division I Coaches’ Poll.

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#20 UAlbany 2 1 - 3

#16 Michigan 2 0 - 2

UAlbany: Scoring – Nicole Savage (1-1), Christina Patrick (1-0), Michele Polizois (1-0), Michelle Simpson (0-1), Jess Lindsey (0-1). Goalkeeper – Ashley Ross (70:00, 2 GA, 6 saves).

Michigan: Scoring – Sarah Wilhite (2-0), Alicia Mayer (0-1), Stephanie Hoyer (0-1). Goalkeeper – Christi Barwick (70:00, 3 GA, 7 saves).

Volleyball Drops 3-2 Decision to Arizona State at Michigan/adidas Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Ann Arbor, Mich. – Margie Giordano and Sarah Reaves both recorded double-doubles of the kill-dig variety to lead Arizona State to a 3-2 victory over UAlbany in non-conference volleyball action at the Michigan/adidas Invitational, held at Cliff Keen Arena on Friday afternoon. The Sun Devils were able to hold off a UAlbany rally, defeating the Great Danes by scores of 25-14 and 25-19 in the first two sets, before UAlbany posted wins of 25-8 and 25-22 in sets three and four to send the match to a fifth-set tiebreaker. Arizona State held off the Great Danes, winning 15-10 in the deciding set.

Arizona State took charge early in the first state, as Ashley Kelty served for seven straight points to put the Sun Devils up 11-4 in the early going. UAlbany was unable to get the offense in motion, as Arizona State cruised to a 25-14 first set victory, ended with a block assist by Sonja Markanovich and Paige Mittelstaedt.

The Sun Devils jumped out to an early lead in the second set as well, once again behind the service game of Kelty, who served three straight points to give Arizona State a 4-10 advantage. Amanda Cowdrey followed a block assist by Hillary White and Cate Eckhardt to pull the Great Danes within five points, 21-16, but Sara Todorovich put the game back in Arizona State’s favor with a kill. After a kill by setter Brooke Stanley got UAlbany to 24-19, a Great Dane service error sealed the set for the Sun Devils.

UAlbany came out firing in the third set, as White converted her first serve for an ace. Cowdrey recorded back-to-back kills to put the Great Danes up 7-3 in the early going, while Stanley tallied two service aces to give UAlbany a 12-4 advantage. White served for seven straight points later in the set, putting the Great Danes up, 23-6. Cowdrey took an assist from Stanley to slam the final kill in the set and put UAlbany back in the match.

The fourth set swung back and forth between the two teams, with neither getting up more than three points for the duration of play. Stanley put the Great Danes on top late in the set, serving four straight points, which included back-to-back solo blocks by Valerie Sourbeer, giving UAlbany a 21-18 lead. The teams exchanged kills in the late going, with Cowdrey again putting away the final point to send the match to the tiebreaking set.

Consecutive block assists by Kamisha Kellam and Stanley put UAlbany ahead, 4-3, early in the set. Marina Mercer put Arizona State on top, 6-4, before a Sun Devil service error and a Sourbeer kill tied the set at 6-6. Giordano recorded one of her match-high 20 kills to put Arizona State up, 11-9, but Kelty recorded a service error to put the ball back in UAlbany’s hands. Giordano served for the final three points, as Todorovich and Mercer combined for a block to end the set on a Great Dane attack error.



Reaves finished with 19 kills and 15 digs for Arizona State, while Giordano completed her double-double with 12 digs. Sarah Johnson led the Sun Devils defensively with 22 digs, while Todorovich and Markanovich finished with five blocks apiece. Mercer recorded 58 assists for Arizona State (9-2).

Cowdrey recorded a team-high 19 kills for UAlbany, while Kellam added 13 kills and three total blocks. Stanley tallied a double-double with 45 assists and 12 digs, while libero Valerie Sourbeer had a team-high 17 digs. White, who chipped in with seven kills, had a team-high six total blocks.

UAlbany (4-6) will return to action at the tournament on Saturday, facing the host Wolverines, who are currently undefeated and ranked 25th in the nation, and Western Kentucky.

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Arizona State (9-2) def. UAlbany (4-6), 3-2 (25-14, 25-19, 8-25, 22-25, 15-10).

Second-Half Goal Sends Army Past UAlbany Women's Soccer, 1-0, at Governor's Cup

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Senior Amelia Janoski’s first goal of the season off a cross from junior Christine O’Leary gave the Army Black Knights a 1-0 victory over the University at Albany women’s soccer team in the first round of the Governor’s Cup at Varsity Field on Friday, Sept. 19. Great Dane freshman Katie Grant had an excellent scoring opportunity in the final minute which would have tied the match and possibly forced overtime, but sophomore goalkeeper Alex Lostetter made a key stop to preserve the win for Army.

After a scoreless first half, Army (5-3) got on the board in the 76th minute of action. O’Leary took the ball down the right sideline and crossed it from just outside the 18-yard box to Janoski. The senior then took a low shot that landed in the left corner of the net from about 15 yards out.

Starting goalkeeper Amber Maisonet as well as defenders Jenna Burke, Katie Norwood, Kendra Harrell-Vigil and Annika Hanson were able to hold off 14 Black Knight corner kick attempts, including 10 in the second half, to keep the Great Danes in the match until the very last play.

With under 30 seconds left in regulation, freshman Katie Grant had a chance to tie the score at 1-1 when she dribbled past several Black Knight defenders and blasted a shot to the upper right side of the net. However, Lostetter leaped and made the save to keep UAlbany (2-8) off the scoreboard. She punted the ball away and the final whistle sounded a few seconds later to end the match.

UAlbany’s Maisonet made a career-high seven saves in her second career start. Army’s Lostetter was credited with three saves in the match to earn the victory.

The Great Danes will host Sacred Heart in the second round of the Governor’s Cup on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. following an 11 a.m. match between Siena and Army. Sacred Heart tied Siena, 2-2, in the other first-round matchup played at Varsity Field earlier in the day.

Army (5-3) 0 1 - 1

UAlbany (2-8) 0 0 - 0

Army: Scoring – Amelia Janoski (1-0), Christine O’Leary (0-1). Goalkeeping – Alex Lostetter (90:00, 0 GA, 3 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring –None. Goalkeeping: Amber Maisonet (90:00, 1 GA, 7 saves).

Jon Iati Becomes Director of Basketball Operations at Quinnipiac

Former UAlbany guard Jon Iati reported today that he’s been on the job about a month as Quinnipiac’s new director of basketball operations.

“I really enjoy doing it,” Iati said via cell phone. “I’m glad to be on the staff and trying to get into the business.”

Iati, who just wrapped up his UAlbany playing career, said his aspirations lie in someday becoming a head coach.

“I think most people who are getting into the business eventually want to get there,” he said. “I’m a long, long ways away right now. I want to continue in my position and eventually move up to an assistant’s job, whenever that is.”

Originally, Iati was supposed to work in the UAlbany basketball office this season as a graduate assistant under Kenny Dagostino, the Great Danes’ director of basketball operations.

But then Quinnipiac assistant coach Eric Eaton, who worked at UAlbany from 2005-07, heard through former Great Dane Brent Wilson that Iati was looking for a job. While UAlbany was going to pay for Iati’s classes, the Quinnipiac job was a step up and offered a salary.

“It was a no-brainer,” said Iati, who needs one more class to complete his graduate degree in liberal arts.

Iati acknowledged it was a little odd turning in UAlbany’s purple and gold for Quinnipiac’s blue and gold.

“I’ll always hold Albany in my heart,” he said.

Iati said he’s asked for advice from the UAlbany staff, including Dagostino.

“Right now, I’m just getting adjusted and learning the details of the position, day in and day out,” he said. “I’m still inexperienced and I’ve got a lot of questions that need to be answered.”

Although Iati’s not allowed to be on the court during practice, he is allowed to pull players aside for instruction. But he’s just trying to fit in right now.

“I’m still the (fifth) guy on the totem pole with a head coach and three assistants,” he said. “I’m going to learn and take it all in, especially my first year.”

Iati said when the “time is right,” he might talk to Quinnipiac’s players about the role he took in helping UAlbany win its first two America East titles.

“I’m not going to come out and start boasting about my 1,000-point stats,” he said. “They’re trying to do the same thing here that we did at UAlbany.”

by Mark Singelais

UAlbany Hosts Governor's Cup Women's Soccer Tournament at Varsity Field on Sept. 19-21

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – The University at Albany women’s soccer program will host the Governor’s Cup at Varsity Field on Sept. 19 and 21. The tournament field features Army, Sacred Heart and Siena.

UAlbany enters the tournament with a record of 2-7 after taking a 2-1 loss to Massachusetts at home on Wednesday. Freshman Kendra Harrell-Vigil, who has started every match, was named the America East Conference Rookie of the Week on Sept. 15 after netting her first career goal and being named to the all-tournament team along with Ashley Tirabassi at last weekend’s Niagara Falls Classic. Tirabassi and freshman Rebecca Lee lead the America East Conference in scoring with nine points apiece. Freshman goalkeeper Cate Crenson has started eight of the nine games in net and has a .692 save percentage as well as a 2.77 goals against average.

Gene Ventriglia, who is the only head coach the U.S. Military Academy program has ever known, has led the Black Knights to a 4-3 ledger. Army most recently placed fourth at the Air Force Tournament. Dymon Washington, Deanna Cleg and Pia White all have two goals apiece, while Washington’s six points is a team-best. Sophomore goalkeeper Alex Lostetter has a .708 save percentage and a 1.81 goals against average.

After qualifying for its seventh straight Northeast Conference Tournament and advancing to the championship match in 2007, Sacred Heart has struggled out of the gates this fall and stands 0-7 overall. The Pioneers most recently took a 6-0 loss at Yale on Sept. 16. Leigh Dogmanits leads the offensive attack with two goals, while Britney Dupee has the squad’s only other goal this season. Meghan Reichelt, the only goalkeeper on the roster, has a .569 save percentage.

Siena is also participating.

Governor’s Cup Schedule (Varsity Field)

Friday, Sept. 19
siena vs. Sacred Heart, 1:00 p.m.
UAlbany vs. Army, 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 21
Lil’ Danes Clinic, 10:30-11:30 a.m. (UAlbany women’s soccer practice field)
siena vs. Army, 11:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart vs. UAlbany, 1:00 p.m.

Governor’s Cup Clinic Note: The UAlbany women’s soccer team will be hosting a free clinic for boys and girls, from ages 5-13, on Sunday, Sept. 21 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at its practice field adjacent to Varsity Field. Directed by head coach Mary-Frances Monroe, kids will have the opportunity to improve their soccer skills and get to know the players on the UAlbany team. All kids should bring shin guards, cleats, a ball and a water bottle.

Former UAlbany Basketball Stars Find New Teams on European Professional Circuit

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Jason Siggers and Levi Levine, a pair of former University at Albany basketball stars, have recently found new teams on the European professional circuit. Siggers, a 6-foot-4 guard, will play for BC Boncourt in Switzerland LNA’s first division. Levine, a 6-foot-6 forward, has signed with BC Tirgu Mures in Romania’s Division A.

Siggers led the Bakken Bears to the 2008 Danish League championship with a 21-3 record. He was named the league’s player of the year and import player of the year after averaging 24.5 points per game. The first-team All-Danish performer ranked second among the league’s scoring leaders. Siggers, a first-team All-America East Conference selection on the collegiate level, averaged 13.9 points and 3.9 rebounds as senior. He was named to the America East all-championship squad when the Great Danes edged Vermont, 60-59, for the 2007 conference championship.

Levine earned second-team All-Irish Superleague recognition while playing for the UCC Demons in Ireland’s first division last season. He averaged 20.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 2.1 steals. Levine, who was a professional in Germany the previous year, will now play for Romania Division A’s top scoring offense at 89.5 points per game. A tri-captain at UAlbany in 2005-06, Levine led the Great Danes to the program’s first-ever NCAA Division I tournament appearance. He finished his career ranked No. 14 on the school’s all-time scoring list with 1,270 points and 13th in rebounds with 610.

Albany's McCarty One of Four CSN National All-Stars for Week Three Performance at Hofstra

Somerset, NJ -- Albany's David McCarty (Gansevoort, NY/LaSalle Institute), the reigning NEC Offensive Player of the Week, is one of four Division I FCS players to be named a College Sporting News National All-Star for his week three efforts. McCarty used his program-record eighth consecutive 100-yard rushing performance to carry the defending NEC champion Great Danes to an overtime road victory at Hofstra. The final seven of his 178 rushing yards came on a game-winning touchdown burst in the extra period that snapped Albany’s nine-game losing streak to the Pride.

Last season, McCarty came up just shy of the Great Danes' all-time single-season rushing mark (Gary Jones, 1,524), gaining 1,503 yards on the ground en route to second team all-NEC honors. Thus far this season, McCarty ranks third among the NCAA Division I FCS rushing leaders at 151.5 yards per game (51 car., 303 yds., 2 TD).

College Sporting News National All-Stars, 9/14/2008
James Madison quarterback Rodney Landers, Albany runningback David McCarty, Hampton linebacker Wakeem Goode and Dayton defensive end Scott Vossler are the recipients of College Sporting News national Football Championship Subdivision honors for the week ending September 15, 2008.

Each of the honorees are listed here with their achievements and their school, position, height, weight, class and hometown.

Rodney Landers, James Madison, QB, 6-1, 220, Sr., Virginia Beach, VA
In what was billed as the game of the week in FCS, Landers made sure the outcome was never really in doubt early as his Dukes led the entire game in a 52-38 thumping of UMass, the #3 team in the nation. He would do most of his damage with his feet, grinding out 206 net yards on 26 carries while adding four pass completions for 86 yards. The Virginia Beach, VA native would account for three of the Dukes seven touchdowns of the day and would account 292 all-purpose yards on the afternoon.

David McCarty, Albany, RB, 6-0, 207, Jr., Gansevoort, NY
McCarty had to be frustrated to not reach the end zone against in-state rival Hofstra after four quarters, especially after coming so close on several occasions. But the Gansevoort, New York native would ultimately find what he was looking for: the game-winning touchdown in an overtime 22-16 victory over the Hofstra Pride of the CAA. McCarty would rack up 178 yards on 27 carries, including a 46-yard run that set up the Great Danesʼ first touchdown on the day. He ripped off five rushes of 10 yards or more - although the best one for him had to be the seven-yarder in overtime.

Wakeem Goode, Hampton, LB, 5-11, 227, Soph., Cleveland, OH
Sometimes a defense simply needs to keep making plays to allow their offense to get started, and Goode did just that in a 38-27 win over Howard. The Pirate offense would be held scoreless before erupting for 38 second-half points, but it was the defensive effort of Goode that would help hold the Bison to only a 7-0 lead at halftime. He would log an interception and two sacks in the first half en route to a 14 tackle day, including 2 1/2 tackles for loss and two pass breakups.

Scott Vossler, Dayton, DE, 6-2, 237, Sr., St. Maryʼs, OH
Vossler made two game-changing plays in their 23-20 victory over the defending Patriot League champion Fordham Rams, both on special teams. The first came when the Flyers were up 14-7 near the close of the first half. The St. Maryʼs, OH native blocked the Ram punt and picked up the loose ball and ran it back for a 35 yard touchdown putting the Flyers up 21-7. In the second half, Fordham would score a touchdown to cut the deficit to 8, but Vossler would make it a two score game again once he blocked the extra point. Vosslerʼs teammate, defensive back Joe Castenada, would find the loose ball and return it for a 2 point point-after conversion the other way to give Dayton a 23-13 advantage. Vosslerʼs contribution didnʼt stop there: he also registered 7 tackles, including 1 1/2 tackles for loss and a pass breakup.

Courtesy: NEC

Lakeland's Terika Lunsford Commits To UAlbany

Lakeland senior Terika Lunsford verbally committed to accept a basketball scholarship from the University of Albany on Tuesday. Lunsford averaged 17 points per game last season for the Lady Cavaliers. She plans to sign a letter of intent in November.

Such an opportunity is hard-earned and well-deserved said her head coach at Lakeland, Alan Jones.

“She’s a prime example of a student-athlete who puts academics first, yet still excels on the basketball court,” said Jones.

In the classroom, Jones said Lunsford is around a 3.8 or 3.9 GPA. On the court, Lunsford, a 5-foot-11 guard with outstanding shooting ability from long- and mid-range, has gone from averaging 10 points a game as a sophomore to averaging 17 points per game last season, which put her fourth among Group AAA players in South Hampton Roads.

According to Jones, Lunsford is the first Lakeland girls basketball player to earn a Division I basketball scholarship. Lunsford will have an official signing at Lakeland in November.

“I didn’t know much about (Albany) until I was told about it,” said Lunsford.

While a number of other Division I teams showed interest, such as Illinois, Purdue, Old Dominion and Rhode Island, and URI offered Lunsford a scholarship in June, Albany set itself apart during its visit to see Lunsford during the summer.

Albany head coach Trina Patterson came first-hand to see Lunsford. Most of the time, assistant coaches make trips to see recruits, said Jones, but this showed Albany saw Lunsford as one of its most important recruits.

“The major was the first thing I was looking at,” said Lunsford, who plans to major in Biological Science.

“Being able to play basketball at the Division I level, that’s even better.”

“I feel confident about my decision and I’m happy about it. I feel I made the right decision,” said Lunsford.

After Patterson came to Suffolk to see Lunsford, Lunsford visited the campus in Albany.

“I was able to play and visit with the current players and see some of the teachers,” said Lunsford. Lunsford said the Lady Great Dane players made her feel welcome, took time out of their schedule to go out to eat, show her around the school and just hang out.

“With it being far away, I felt good that there was a family-type environment. I really need that,” said Lunsford.

Last season, the Lady Great Danes were 13-18 overall and 10-6 in the America East Conference. Patterson, in her sixth season as Albany’s head coach, was named the conference’s Coach of the Year. Patterson is a native of Newport News, played for four seasons and graduated from Virginia in 1987 and her past coaching jobs include William and Mary and assisting the U.S. national team in the 2003 Pan-American Games.

During this offseason, the Albany team traveled on a tour of Costa Rica and played two university teams and the Costa Rica national team.

“We’re ecstatic about this,” said Jones.

“She’s done a tremendous job working hard and being in the gym. Anything we said she needed to do, she’s done it.

“I’m happy because a lot of our younger players have the chance to see how hard work pays off,” said Jones.

By Andrew Giermak

UAlbany Men's Soccer Blanks Cornell, 4-0

Ithaca, N.Y. – The University at Albany used four different goal scorers to cruise to a 4-0 win over Cornell in men’s soccer action on Wednesday night at Berman Field. With the victory, the Great Danes have already surpassed their win total from last season and matched their second-best start through six matches since joining the Division I ranks in 1999.

UAlbany (4-2) fired in its first goal in the 41st minute when freshman Bjorn Bekkers took a pass from Ian Peach and banked the ball in off the post from about 20 yards out. It was Bekkers’ first career goal and Peach’s first career assist.

The Great Danes doubled their lead when Peach took a cross from freshman Luuk Collou and finished the play from 12 yards in the 55th minute. It was Collou’s first career assist. Junior Claudio Dantas, the leading scorer in America East, headed in the third UAlbany goal in the 67th minute off a corner kick taken by senior Gaby Seguin-Gauthier. Dantas now has five goals and three assists for 13 points in just six matches.

The Great Danes got some more insurance in the 78th minute when senior Mikael McNamara one-touched a pass from L.J. Papaleo for his second career goal in as many matches. Papaleo was also credited with his first career assist on the play.

The four goals scored was the most by a UAlbany team since the program defeated St. Francis, N.Y. by a score of 4-0 back on Sept. 11, 2005. Cornell (0-5), playing its home opener tonight, was shutout for the fourth time this season.

UAlbany freshman goalkeeper Adrian Foncette made three saves and recorded his second career shutout in just his third start. Sophomore Scott Brody got the start for Cornell. He allowed three goals and made three saves in just over 71 minutes of action. Luca Cerretani relieved him for the rest of the match and allowed one goal.

The Great Danes return to action on Sunday to host cross-town rival Siena in their home opener at 3 p.m. The match will conclude a tripleheader at UAlbany’s Varsity Field after the UAlbany, Army, Sacred Heart and Siena women’s teams play second round matches of the Governor’s Cup earlier in the day.

UAlbany (4-2) 1 3 - 4
Cornell (0-5) 0 0 - 0

UAlbany: Scoring – Ian Peach (1-1), Bjorn Bekkers (1-0), Mikael McNamara (1-0), Claudio Dantas (1-0), Luuk Collou (0-1) Gaby Seguin-Gauthier (0-1), L.J. Papaleo (0-1). Goalkeeping: Adrian Foncette (90:00, 0 GA, 3 saves).

Cornell: Scoring – None. Goalkeeping – Scott Brody (71:24, 3 GA, 3 saves), Luca Cerretani (18:36, 1 GA, 0 saves).

UAlbany 4, Cornell 0 (Sep 17, 2008)

UMass Edges UAlbany, 2-1, in Women's Soccer Play at Varsity Field

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Therese Smith netted her first two goals of the season to give the Massachusetts a 2-1 victory over the UAlbany in women’s soccer action on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at Varsity Field. The Great Danes held a commanding 22-12 advantage in total shots, but the Minutewomen, who have already played four overtime matches this fall, were able to find the back of the net with under eight minutes left in regulation to seal their third straight victory.

After UAlbany took the first eight shots of the match, UMass (3-1-2) scored a goal on its first attempt in the 20th minute of play. Therese Smith got the ball on a failed clear by the Great Dane defense and let it fly to the top left corner of the net from just over 20 yards out. The Minutewomen kept their 1-0 lead at halftime despite getting outshot 15-3 in the stanza.

UAlbany (2-7) was able to knot the score at 1-1 in the 64th minute. After freshman Katie Grant got tripped inside the box by two UMass defenders, classmate Rebecca Lee capitalized on the ensuing penalty kick by sending the ball to the right corner of the net. With her third goal of the season, Lee is now tied for first in scoring in the America East Conference with junior Ashley Tirabassi. Both players have nine points.

With time winding down and another overtime match looming for UMass, Smith found the back of the net for the second time to help her team regain the lead in the 83rd minute. Vanessa Patry had the ball in the middle of the field from about 30 yards away from the goal and passed it down to Smith. The sophomore made her way through the UAlbany defense and lined a shot from the left side to the far post from about 12 yards away past UAlbany goalkeeper Amber Maisonet.

The Great Danes had one more chance to score with a corner kick in the waning seconds. However, Lee’s cross with two ticks left on the clock never made it in time for the Great Danes to force another period.

UAlbany’s Maisonet saved four of the 12 shots she faced in her first career start. UMass goalkeeper Lauren Luckey made nine saves to earn the victory.

The Great Danes return to action this weekend and will serve as the host school for the Governor’s Cup. 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.


Massachusetts (3-1-2) 1 1 - 2
UAlbany (2-7) 0 1 - 1

Massachusetts: Scoring – Therese Smith (2-0), Vanessa Patry (0-1). Goalkeeping: Lauren Luckey (90:00, 1 GA, 9 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring – Rebecca Lee (1-0). Goalkeeping – Amber Maisonet (90:00, 2 GA, 4 saves).

Northeast Conference Recognizes Three UAlbany Football Players After Hofstra Victory

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Somerset, N.J. – University at Albany’s David McCarty has been selected as the Northeast Conference Offensive Player of the Week in football, as announced by the conference office on Monday, Sept. 13. Dave Casale and Raphael Nguti were named the NEC’s defensive and special teams players of the week, respectively.

McCarty, a junior tailback from Gansevoort, N.Y., scored on a 7-yard run in overtime to lead his team to last Saturday’s 22-16 victory over Hofstra, a member of the Colonial Athletic Association. McCarty ran for 178 yards on 27 carries, the second-highest rushing total of his career. He established a school record with his eighth consecutive 100-yard game, eclipsing a mark set by Gary Jones in 2002. McCarty ranks third among the NCAA Division I FCS rushing leaders at 151.5 yards per game.

Casale, a junior free safety from Troy, N.Y., sent the non-league game to an extra period when he blocked Brian Hanly’s 34-yard field goal attempt with nine seconds remaining in regulation. He also made a career-high 13 tackles, including seven unassisted, and reached the double-figure mark for the first time as a collegian.

Nguti, a senior offensive tackle from Rochester, N.Y., used his 6-foot-7 and 330-pound frame to block a pair of kicks in the victory. He stuffed a point-after attempt after Hofstra’s first-quarter touchdown. Nguti was at it again in overtime when he blocked a potential go-ahead 30-yard field goal that set the stage for McCarty’s winning touchdown. Nguti, a first-team All-NEC recognition, helped end a nine-game losing streak in the series.

UAlbany meets New Hampshire on Saturday, Sept. 20 in the first-ever meeting between the programs. The Wildcats are ranked No. 10 in the current Sports Network and FCS Coaches national polls.

UAlbany Football Gets Some Recognition In The FCS

It was a tough week in college football as hurricane Ike caused plenty of games to be postponed or cancelled. It was also a week with less-than-intriguing matchups as there were many games against FBS teams and sub-D-I competition which pretty much went as expected. As a result, fans of FCS teams had significantly fewer opportunities to watch good games this weekend.

There were three unlikely teams, however, that demonstrated that they belong in the national discussion. With thrilling victories, they all deserve early attention from FCS fans.

Watching the Danes

The Big South and Northeast conferences will be getting automatic bids to the FCS playoffs in 2010. But teams can qualify for an autobid to the playoffs by meeting certain criteria, one of which is two wins against teams from conferences that already have autobids.

From the NEC, The Albany Great Danes made their first stride towards this goal with a thrilling 22-16 overtime win over Hofstra, a member of the CAA.

In a back-and-forth game, the Pride rallied to knot the game at 16 when freshman runningback Brock Jackloski barreled into the end zone to cap off a 14 play 73 yard drive. Hofstra would get the get the ball back with 5 minutes left and attempted to eat up the clock and set up for a 34 yard field goal to win the game. However, linebacker Dave Casale would block the attempt to force overtime.

In the overtime it would be another blocked kick that would set up the Dane’s big win. Offensive lineman Raphael Nguti this time was the player that would block Brian Hanly’s 30 yard attempt.

That would set up Albany runningback David McCarty (28 carries, 178 yards) for his only touchdown on the evening: a 7 yard run that would give the Danes their first victory over a CAA squad since they shocked Delaware in 2005.

With games left against two nationally-ranked CAA opponents on the schedule in Delaware and New Hampshire, should Albany knock off one or both we may be seeing them practice Thanksgiving weekend for something other than the “Gridiron Classic".

UAlbany sporting News Article

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.