UAlbany Volleyball Pounds Stony Brook In America East Conference Action

UAlbany Volleyball Pounds Stony Brook In America East Conference Action. More to come....

Sophomore outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey recorded a double-double with 16 kills and ten digs to lead UAlbany to a 3-1 win over Stony Brook in America East Conference volleyball action on Friday evening. The Great Danes defeated the Seawolves with scores of 25-17, 25-22, 25-27 and 25-21.

Cowdrey’s double-double was her seventh of the season, as she continues to lead the team. She is also in the midst of an 11-match streak in which she has reached double-figure kill totals. Senior middle blocker Hillary White also reached double-figure kills with 14, hitting .444 to go along with three digs and two block assists. Senior middle blocker Kamisha Kellam finished with 11 kills, hitting .348 for the match, and added four total blocks. Sophomore setter Brooke Stanley had a double-double of her own with a match-high 48 assists and 13 digs, added three block assists and one service ace.

Stony Brook (9-11, AE 0-2) was led by Gulce Dikecligil, who recorded a match-high 20 kills to go along with 13 digs, three service aces and two block assists. Alicia Nelson was the only other player to record double-digit kills for the Seawolves, finishing with 13, wile Michelle Burrola led the team defensively with 21 digs.

UAlbany (10-8, AE 3-0) will continue America East play on Saturday, visiting Hartford for a 6 p.m. match.

UAlbany (10-8, AE 3-0) def. Stony Brook (9-11, AE 0-2), 3-1 (25-17, 25-22, 25-27, 25-21).

Corrin Conroy Leads UAlbany Golf to a Second-Place Standing at Rutgers Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Piscataway, N.J. – Sophomore Corrin Conroy shot the lowest-ever single round score of 75 to lead the UAlbany golf team to a second-place team standing after the first day of the Rutgers Invitational at the Rutgers University Golf Course on Friday. The Great Danes shot an 18-hole score of 318 on the first day of competition to finish one shot off the lead, held by Lehigh with a score of 317.

Conroy, who recorded four birdies for the day, finished at three-over on the par-72 course, shooting 38 on the front nine and 37 on the back to tie for second in the individual standings. Freshman Annemarie Kissane, who shot a first round total of 76, recorded one of four birdies in the field on the day, finishing fourth overall. Fellow freshman Stephanie Klein placed 17th in the individual standings, shot a first-round total of 80. Juniors Jessica Signorelli and Amanda McPhee finished with 18-hole scores of 87 and 92, respectively.

Lehigh’s Livia Amado led the individual scoring with a first-round total of 74.

UAlbany’s team score of 318 was ten shots better than the previous one-round record total of 328, shot at the Rutgers Invitational on Oct. 18, 2003.

The Great Danes will continue play on Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m.

-agate-

Team Scoring: 1. Lehigh 317, 2. UAlbany 318, 3. Boston College 319, 4. Fairleigh Dickinson 320, 5. Hampton 324, 6. Rutgers 325, t7. Bucknell, Pennsylvania, Sacred Heart 328, 10. Siena 334, 11. Hartford 337, 12. Monmouth 340, 13. Long Island 343, 14. Central Connecticut 344, 15. Kutztown 345, 16. Boston U. 360.

UAlbany Scoring: t2. Corrin Conroy 38-37—75, t4. Annemarie Kissane 36-40—76, t17. Stephanie Klein 38-42—80, t58. Jessica Signorelli 46-41—87, t78. Amanda McPhee 45-47—92.

UAlbany Tennis Defeats Union, 7-0

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Sophomore Susan Ma swept her opponent in singles action, 6-0, 6-0, and teamed up with Laine Mackey at the top singles position to post an 8-0 win in leading the UAlbany tennis team to a 7-0 win over Union in non-conference tennis action at the Bubble on Wednesday afternoon.

Ma defeated Union’s Brittany Miller at the third singles position. Senior Charlotte Tatler also posted a sweep at second singles with a 6-0, 6-0 win over Kathleen Rucci. Tatler and freshman Holly Smith combined at the second doubles spot to defeat Rucci and Brittany Gilbert, 8-2. Smith also recorded a singles victory at the fourth position, defeating Gilbert, 8-1.

Senior Kim Weltman posted a 6-2, 6-0 win over Union’s Hallie Mabrey at the No. 1 singles spot, and teamed up with Aubrey Brooks to defeat Samantha Griffith and Kristen Ryan, 8-1, at third doubles. Brooks swept her opponent Andie Coopersmith at fifth singles, while Mackey recorded a 6-0, 6-0 win over Griffith at the final singles position.

UAlbany (3-0) will return to action for the fall season on Oct. 24, travelling to Penn for the three-day ITA tournament.


Singles

Kim Weltman (UA) def. Hallie Mabrey (UC), 6-2, 6-0

Charlotte Tatler (UA) def. Kathleen Rucci (UC), 6-0, 6-0

Susan Ma (UA) def. Brittany Miller (UC), 6-0, 6-0

Holly Smith (UA) def. Brittany Gilbert (UC), 8-1

Aubrey Brooks (UA) def. Andie Coopersmith (UC), 6-0, 6-0

Laine Mackey (UA) def. Samantha Griffith (UC), 6-0, 6-0

Doubles

Ma/Mackey (UA) def. Mabrey/Miller (UC), 8-0

Tatler/Smith (UA) def. Rucci/Gilbert (UC), 8-2

Weltman/Brooks (UA) def. Griffith/Ryan (UC), 8-1

Men's Soccer lose in Conference Play

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports

Cameron Keith recorded a goal and an assist to lead Binghamton University to a 3-0 victory over the University at Albany men’s soccer team, 3-0, in America East Conference play at Varsity Field on Wednesday, Oct. 8. With the loss, the Great Danes had their four-game winning streak snapped.

Binghamton (6-2-3, AE 1-0) netted its first goal in the 21st minute. Keith sent a pass over to Justin Leskow on the right side. Leskow then one-touched a low shot that beat a diving Steward Ceus to give the Bearcats a 1-0 advantage. UAlbany had a chance to score the equalizer in the 30th minute when Johnson received a pass and was alone in the box with a Bearcat defender. However, his turnaround shot was saved by Binghamton goalkeeper Jason Stenta, and the Bearcats held on to their one-goal lead heading into the break.

The Bearcats added two more goals in the second half. After being awarded an indirect kick from about 20 yards out on the right corner, the Bearcats used a trick play to double their lead. Using Darren McAllister as a decoy to take the kick, Mark Wood tapped a pass over to Barry Neville who rifled a shot to the top right corner of the net in the 66th minute. Keith punched in the third Bearcat goal in the 81st minute when he stole the ball inside the box from a UAlbany defender on a clear attempt.

UAlbany’s Ceus faced 18 shots and made seven saves. Binghamton’s Stenta stopped nine of the 16 Great Dane shots he saw in goal. Stenta earned his sixth shutout of the season and the 26th of his career, setting a new school record.

UAlbany (7-3, 1-1 AE) returns to action on Saturday afternoon when it visits New Hampshire at 5 p.m.

Binghamton (6-2-3, 1-0 AE) 1 2 - 3
UAlbany (7-3, 1-1 AE) 0 0 - 0

Binghamton: Scoring – Cameron Keith (1-1), Justin Leskow (1-0) Barry Neville (1-0), Mark Wood (0-1). Goalkeeper – Jason Stenta (90:00, 0 GA, 9 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring – None. Goalkeeper – Steward Ceus (90:00, 3 GA, 7 saves).

Michelle Simpson & Nicole Savage Lead UAlbany Field Hockey Past Crosstown-Rival Siena, 5-0

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Senior midfielder Michele Simpson and junior forward Nicole Savage each recorded two goals to lead UAlbany to a 5-0 win over crosstown-rival Siena in non-conference field hockey action at Alumni Turf Field on Tuesday afternoon.

Savage started off the scoring at the 11:58 mark, as she received a pass from senior defender Michele Polizois, who took the initial pass from a penalty corner. The Great Danes doubled their score in the 30th minute as sophomore forward Alysia Hough dribbled across the front of the cage and slipped a shot into the bottom left corner past Siena goalkeeper Jennifer Tesak. UAlbany added one more score before halftime and Polizois and Savage connected again after the initial insert on a penalty corner.

Simpson recorded her first tally of the game less than two minutes into the second half. Simpson dribbled into the circle past several defenders and shot the ball past Siena goalkeeper Renee Clavette, who relieved Tesak at the half. Simpson added the final goal of the game at 41:47, as she redirected a shot by junior defender Jess Lindsey into the back of the cage.

UAlbany outshot the Saints, 39-2, and held a 19-1 advantage in penalty corners. Tesak made nine saves in the cage while Clavette stopped four shots for the Saints (0-9). Senior goalkeeper Ashley Ross played the first half in the cage for UAlbany, making one save. Sophomore Christine Hoffman took over in the second half and completed the 35 minutes without having to make a save.

UAlbany (7-7) returns to America East Conference play on Saturday, visiting Vermont for a 1 p.m. start.

Siena (0-9) 0 0 - 0
UAlbany (7-7) 3 2 - 5

Siena: Scoring – None. Goalkeepers – Jennifer Tesak (35:00, 3 GA, 9 saves), Renee Clavette (35:00, 2 GA, 4 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring – Nicole Savage (2-0), Michelle Simpson (2-0), Alysia Hough (1-0), Michele Polizois (0-2), Jess Lindsey (0-1). Goalkeepers – Ashley Ross (35:00, 0 GA, 1 save), Christine Hoffman (35:00, 0 GA, 0 saves).

UAlbany Remains King In Albany Collegiate Athletics: 2008 TOTAL: UAlbany 8 Siena 1

UAlbany added another victory to its total with a 5-0 field hockey victory over siena today at Alumni Field.

UAlbany vs. siena: 2008 Head to Head, 1 on 1 Competition

TOTAL: UAlbany 8 Siena 1

UAlbany 18 Siena 8 - Women's Lacrosse: March 3, 2008
UAlbany 3 Siena 2 - Women's Softball: March 27, 2008
UAlbany 2 Siena 1 - Women's Softball: March 27, 2008
UAlbany 13 Siena 6 - Men's Lacrosse: April 2, 2008
UAlbany 6 Siena 1 - Women's Tennis: April 16, 2008
UAlbany 7 Siena 3 - Women's Softball: April 29, 2008
Siena 4 UAlbany 0 – Women’s Soccer: Sept 7, 2008
UAlbany 3 Siena 0 – Men’s Soccer: Sept 21, 2008
UAlbany 5 Siena 0 – Field Hockey: October 7, 2008

UAlbany Siena – Volleyball: October 15, 2008
UAlbany Siena – Men’s Basketball: December 6, 2008

UAlbany secured winning the annual head to head with siena back in April 29, 2008, when UAlbany continued its 2008 sweep over siena with its 6th consecutive win.

UAlbany's McCarty & Wargo Receive Weekly Northeast Conference Football Awards

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany’s David McCarty has been selected as the Northeast Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week in football, as announced by the conference office on Monday, Oct. 6. McCarty, a junior tailback who received the honor for the second time this season, shared the award with Monmouth’s David Sinisi. UAlbany’s Marc Wargo was named the NEC Rookie of the Week.

McCarty rushed for 230 yards, the sixth-highest single-game total among Division I FCS players this season, and scored on a 24-yard reception in last Saturday’s 33-23 victory at Duquesne to begin the conference schedule. McCarty, who also caught three passes, accounted for a career-high 270 all-purpose yards. His touchdown catch put the Great Danes ahead for good, 20-17, with 58 seconds left in the second quarter and extended his scoring streak to 13 consecutive games.

A native of Gansevoort, N.Y., McCarty is the nation’s sixth-leading rusher at 142.0 yards per game. He became the eight UAlbany player to surpass 2,000 career rushing yards and is now seventh all-time in that category with 2,211.

Wargo, a redshirt freshman linebacker from East Windsor, N.J., made three tackles, including a sack of quarterback Connor Dixon on third down after Duquesne had recovered an on-side kick with less than three minutes remaining. He also set up UAlbany’s second touchdown by recovering a fumble at the Dukes’ 19.

UAlbany (2-3, NEC 1-0) meets NEC-rival Central Connecticut State in its first home contest of the season on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. The game will be televised in the Capital Region on Time Warner Cable (TW3). The Great Danes, who have play eight consecutive away games dating back to last November, are the last Division I FBS or FCS program to have a home date this year.

UAlbany Soccer's Don Johnson Honored By College Soccer News and America East Conference

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany senior forward Don Johnson earned a spot the College Soccer News National Team of the Week for the week ending Oct. 5. In addition, he was named the America East Conference Player of the Week as announced by the league office on Monday. Johnson becomes the second Great Dane to earn the honor this season.

Even though the Great Danes were outshot 22-6, Johnson made the most of UAlbany’s few opportunities by scoring two goals in the club’s convincing 3-0 road win over Boston University, an NCAA Tournament team last year, in the conference opener for both schools. Johnson, who entered the season with three goals and four assists as a collegian, has already accumulated four goals and one assist for nine points this fall.

The team improved to 7-0-1 in America East Conference openers, and the club’s seven wins this season are the most victories through nine matches in the program’s Division I era which began in 1999. The win also snapped the Terriers’ six-game home unbeaten streak against league opponents that dated back to October 14, 2006 when the Great Danes recorded a 1-0 overtime decision.

UAlbany (7-2, AE 1-0), which averages a league-best 2.56 goals per game, hosts Binghamton, which allows a league-low 0.60 goals per game, at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

UAlbany Women Soccer's Katie Grant Named America East Conference Soccer Rookie of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany freshman midfielder Katie Grant earned America East Conference Rookie of the Week laurels in women’s soccer as announced by the conference office on Monday. Grant becomes the second Great Dane to earn the honor this season.

Grant’s career game helped UAlbany defeat New Hampshire, 3-1, on Oct. 5. The Great Danes posted thei first win against UNH in eight all-time meetings. After coming off the bench late in the first half, she netted her first career goal and game-winning shot in the 42nd minute. Grant also set up the team’s insurance tally, scored by Teresa Boring in the 84th minute, to finish the afternoon with three points. She now has one goal and two assists for four points.

UAlbany (3-11, AE 1-2) plays its final non-conference match of the regular season at Dartmouth at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 7. The squad stays on the road to visit America East opponent Hartford on Sunday, Oct. 12.

UAlbany Volleyball Completes 2-0 Weekend With a 3-1 Win Over New Hampshire

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Sophomore outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey’s sixth double-double of the season on 13 digs and a team-high 12 kills led the University at Albany women’s volleyball team to a 3-1 victory over New Hampshire in America East Conference action on Sunday afternoon. Set scores were 25-17, 21-25, 25-21 and 25-21. With the victory, the Great Danes are off to a perfect start through the first weekend of league play.

The first set started off sloppy as the two teams combined for three service errors on the first six rallies. With the score tied at 5-5, UAlbany went on an 8-0 run to go ahead 13-5. Mostert recorded four of her career-best five service aces during the stretch. New Hampshire never recovered and only brought the UAlbany lead down to seven points the rest of the way. After leading by as many as 10 points, the Great Danes closed out the set by a 25-17 decision.

The second set featured three ties and two lead changes. After trailing by scores of 2-0 and 3-1, the Great Danes went on a 5-0 run to take a 6-3 advantage with Hillary White serving and forced the Wildcats to call a timeout. Facing a narrow 11-10 deficit, the Wildcats scored the next four points and never trailed the rest of the set. UAlbany hung around and brought the Wildcat lead down to three points at 23-20 and 24-21 courtesy of kills by Cate Eckhardt, but Kristen Bates’ kill to close out the set gave the Wildcats the 25-21 win.

The teams traded points to begin the third set, a stanza which had five ties and two lead changes. With the score tied at 4-4, New Hampshire went ahead 7-4 and forced the Great Danes to call a timeout. UAlbany tied the score at 7-7 after a service error by the Wildcats’ Bates and kills by Mostert and Eckhardt. After UNH went ahead 10-7, UAlbany came right back to tie things up at 10-10. With the score knotted again at 11-11, the Great Danes took the lead for good following a pair of attacking errors by the Wildcats. UAlbany held on for the 25-21 set victory to go ahead 2-1.

In an effort by the Wildcats to force a fifth and deciding set, the two teams played a back-and-forth battle the entire fourth frame. Neither team went on a run that was greater than 4-0. UNH opened the scoring on a kill by Justine Elliott, but the Great Danes responded with four straight points and held off every run by the Wildcats for the remainder of the set. UAlbany won the set, 25-21, and recorded its second straight victory to open league play.

In addition to recording a double-double on 13 digs and 12 kills, Cowdrey finished third on the team with a .278 hitting percentage to pace the Great Danes. Eckhardt just missed a double-double, finishing with a career-best 18 digs along with nine kills and two service aces. Kamisha Kellam led the team with a .308 hitting percentage and had 10 kills. In addition to ending the match with a career-high five service aces, Mostert recorded a .286 hitting percentage, 10 digs, seven kills and four blocks. White had a team-best six blocks and Brooke Stanley contributed 36 assists.

New Hampshire (3-15, AE 0-2) was led by Bates, who finished the match with 20 kills, 13 digs, two service aces and a .356 hitting percentage. Lindsay Fogarty and Lauren Laquerre added 10 kills apiece, while Kate Uitti had 46 assists and Alyse Lahti posted 19 digs.

UAlbany (9-8, AE 2-0) returns to action next weekend for another pair of America East matches. The Great Danes will hit the road to face Stony Brook at 7 p.m. on Friday and Hartford at 6 p.m. next Sunday.

UAlbany Women's Soccer Beats New Hampshire, 3-1, for First America East Conference Victory

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Freshman Katie Grant scored her first career goal and assisted on another to lead the University at Albany women’s soccer team to a 3-1 victory over New Hampshire at Varsity Field on Sunday, Oct. 5. Ashley Tirabassi recorded two assists in a match for the first time in her career, which included setting up Grant’s game winner at the end of the first half.

New Hampshire (3-8-1, AE 2-1) got on the scoreboard early to take a quick 1-0 lead when Amy Avitabile took a cross from the right side and found the back of the net in the third minute. Shaunna Kaplan and Stephanie Gilkenson were credited with assists on the play.

UAlbany (3-11, AE 1-2), which entered the match 0-7 all-time against the Wildcats, responded with two straight scores to take a 2-1 advantage heading into the break. Kendra Harrell-Vigil tied up the match in the 18th minute when she took a pass from Tirabassi and let the ball sail from 20 yards away to the upper 90 of the net. Grant netted the next goal in the 42nd minute. After receiving a pass from Tirabassi, Grant went from left to right and around a New Hampshire defender before potting a shot from the center around the 18-yard line.

The Great Danes added an insurance goal in the 84th minute when Teresa Boring, facing pressure inside the box, shot the ball past goalkeeper Ally Yost. The UAlbany defense did not surrender a single shot the rest of the way and the team held on to beat the Wildcats for the first time ever.

UAlbany’s Amber Maisonet faced 10 shots and made six saves to earn her first collegiate win. Yost of UNH stopped four of the 14 shots taken by the Great Danes in the losing effort.

The Great Danes travel to Dartmouth on Tuesday for their final non-conference match of the regular season. The match is slated to begin at 6 p.m.

New Hampshire (3-8-1, AE 2-1) 1 0 - 1
UAlbany (3-11, AE 1-2) 2 1 - 3

New Hampshire: Scoring – Amy Avitabile (1-0), Shaunna Kaplan (0-1), Stephanie Gilkenson (0-1). Goalkeeping – Ally Yost (90:00, 3 GA, 4 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring – Katie Grant (1-1), Ashley Tirabassi (0-2), Kendra Harrell-Vigil (1-0), Teresa Boring (1-0). Goalkeeping: Amber Maisonet (90:00, 1 GA, 6 saves).

UAlbany Football Downs Duquesne Entering NEC Conference Play With Help From Esposito & McCarty

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Pittsburgh, Pa. -- Vinny Esposito threw a career-high three touchdown passes and David McCarty rushed for 230 yards, his second-highest total as a collegian, in leading UAlbany to a 33-23 victory over Duquesne in the Great Danes’ Northeast Conference opener on Saturday, Oct. 4 at Rooney Field.

UAlbany (2-3, NEC 1-0) led 20-17 in the fourth quarter, but then reached the end zone on consecutive possessions to pull away. The Great Danes, who have won eight of 10 games to begin NEC play since joining the league in 1999, marched 60 yards in nine plays, using their high-caliber ground attack. Esposito finished off the sequence by hooking up with Tim Bush on a five-yard slant pattern on third-and-goal. The series was set up by cornerback L.B. McCloskey’s interception.

After a Duquesne fumble was recovered by linebacker Justin Brancaccio, UAlbany went eight plays to build a 33-17 margin with 3:54 remaining. Esposito, who completed 10 of 18 attempts, hit tight end Dan Archer for a first down at the nine-yard line. He later teamed with fullback Justin Petersen on a two-yard scoring touchdown in another third-down situation.

Duquesne (2-2, NEC 1-1) tried to mount a comeback behind the strong arm of Connor Dixon, who connected on 21-of-46 through the air for 338 yards and two touchdowns. Dixon found tight end Sean Bunevich across the middle on a 41-yard scoring pass to close the gap. The Dukes, who are in their first season as a league member after winning nine straight Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference titles, recovered the on-side kick, but UAlbany’s defense stiffened at its own 36 to end the threat.

“I was very impressed with Duquesne,” said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose defensive unit forced five turnovers, including three interceptions. “But I think our offensive line grinded on them and eventually wore them down. We were trying to keep our defense off the field, but we made too many mental mistakes and had a ton of penalties.”

The first half featured three lead changes as the offenses combined for more than 400 yards in the opening two periods. The Dukes, who rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat Dayton last week, scored on the game’s first possession. Cleodis Williams capped an 11-play drive by breaking off right tackle on a 20-yard touchdown.

UAlbany regrouped to take a 14-7 lead in the second quarter. Colin Simmons tied the contest with a two-yard blast over left tackle. McCarty, whose rushing total tied the fifth-highest single-game mark in school history, set up the touchdown with a 45-yard scamper around left end. The Great Danes’ defense helped put their team ahead when inside linebacker Marc Wargo recovered a fumble at the Duquesne 19. Esposito would later run a quarterback sneak over left guard into the end zone from two yards out.

Duquesne rallied with 10 unanswered points. Dixon, a Michigan State transfer and the state of Pennsylvania’s top player coming out of high school, found a streaking Conrad Carter on a post pattern for a 42-yard touchdown. The Dukes recovered from a third-and-20 situation when Bunevich hauled in a 23-yard completion. Bunevich, a 6-foot-4, 230-pound junior who caught eight passes for 163 yards on the day, later made a 30-yard catch to set up the go-ahead points. Mark Troyan booted a 20-yard field for a 17-14 advantage.

UAlbany went back in front before the intermission with a nine-play march. The Great Danes overcame a holding call in the Duquesne red zone, as Esposito, under pressure, dumped a pass to McCarty in the right flat. McCarty, who accounted for 270 all-purpose yards, used his blocking to finish off the 24-yard scoring pass.

“We did a much better job in the second half than we have in previous weeks,” offered McCarty, whose squad has won seven straight and 11 of its last 12 against conference opponents. “The mental errors made it a little nerve-racking at times, but there is always going to be mistakes in a game. Our offensive line and receivers allowed us to pound the ball.”


UAlbany 33, Duquesne 23 (Oct 04, 2008)

UAlbany Men's Soccer Blanks Boston U. in America East Conference Opener, 3-0

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Boston, Mass. – Don Johnson recorded two goals for the first time in his career to help lead the University at Albany men’s soccer team to a convincing 3-0 victory over Boston University in the America East Conference opener for both teams on at Nickerson Field on Saturday, Oct. 4. With the win, the Great Danes are off to their best start through nine matches since joining the Division I ranks in 1999. The last time the Terriers had lost at home to a league opponent was on Oct. 14, 2006 when the Great Danes recorded a 1-0 victory against them in overtime.

Johnson put UAlbany (7-2, AE 1-0) on the scoreboard in the 38th minute when he took a pass from Mikael McNamara and shot the ball through a scramble of players past BU goalkeeper Hrafn Davidsson. Ian Peach doubled the Great Dane lead when he took a shot that landed just inside the left post after receiving a cross from Shaun Kane in the 40th minute.

Johnson added another goal for insurance in the 49th minute. Once again, his shot made it through a scramble of players before finding the back of the net. Claudio Dantas was credited with an assist on the play.

Boston University (3-5-2, AE 0-1), which advanced to the NCAA Tournament last year, had numerous scoring opportunities and fired 22 shots in the contest. However, UAlbany goalkeeper Steward Ceus and the defense denied every one of them. It was the team’s fifth shutout of the season.

UAlbany’s Ceus faced 22 shots and made eight saves to earn his third shutout this year and the 15th of his career. BU’s Davidsson saved only one of six Great Dane shot attempts.

The Great Danes, who are ranked as one of the top five teams in the nation in goals per game, return to action on Wednesday afternoon to host Binghamton at 4 p.m. The Bearcats are the league’s reigning regular season champions.


UAlbany (7-2, AE 1-0) 2 1 - 3

Boston U. (3-5-2, AE 0-1) 0 0 - 0

UAlbany: Scoring – Don Johnson (2-0), Ian Peach (1-0), Mikael McNamara (0-1), Shaun Kane (0-1), Claudio Dantas (0-1). Goalkeeping: Steward Ceus (90:00, 0 GA, 8 saves).

Boston U.: Scoring – None. Goalkeeping – Hrafn Davidsson (90:00, 3 GA, 1 save).

UAlbany Field Hockey Wins America East Conference Opener Over Maine, 3-1

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – The University at Albany field hockey team used a balanced scoring attack to defeat the University of Maine, 3-1, in the America East Conference opener for both teams at Alumni Turf Field on Saturday, Oct. 4. Sarah Deane’s first career goal late in the first half proved to be the game winner. The Great Danes outshot the Black Bears by a count of 24-9 in the game and held a commanding 14-1 advantage in penalty corners.

UAlbany (6-7, AE 1-0) got on the scoreboard first off a penalty corner. After Michele Polizois’ shot was saved by Maine goalkeeper Brittany Fleck, Carr collected the rebound and found the back of the goal for the first time to put the Great Danes ahead by a goal.

Maine (3-6, AE 0-1) responded with the equalizer in the 13th minute. Following a UAlbany foul, Maire Dineen started with the ball from just outside the arc on the left side. She passed it down to Brittney Cummings who flicked a shot past UAlbany goalkeeper Ashley Ross to knot up the score. Dineen was credited with an assist on the play.

For the second time in the game, UAlbany scored a goal following a penalty corner and a saved shot taken by Polizois from just inside the arc. This time, Deane collected the rebound and found the back of the net in the 34th minute to give the Great Danes a 2-1 lead that they would take into halftime. UAlbany outshot Maine 12-2 and had an 8-0 advantage in penalty corners in the first half.

Michelle Simpson added an insurance goal to put the Great Danes ahead 3-1 in the 45th minute. The senior captain had the ball inside the arc from about 10 yards away with her back to the goal. She then turned around and fired a shot that bounced off Fleck and into the bottom left corner of the cage.

UAlbany’s Ashley Ross faced nine shots and stopped six of them in the winning effort. Maine’s Fleck saved eight of the 24 Great Dane shots she faced and took the loss.

The Great Danes will return to action on Tuesday afternoon to host crosstown-rival Siena at 3:30 p.m.

Maine (3-6, AE 0-1) 1 0 - 1
UAlbany (6-7, AE 1-0) 2 1 - 3

Maine: Scoring – Brittney Cummings (1-0), Maire Dineen (0-1). Goalkeeping – Brittany Fleck (70:00, 3 GA, 8 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring – Ashley Carr (1-0), Sarah Deane (1-0), Michelle Simpson (1-0). Goalkeeping: Ashley Ross (70:00, 1 GA, 6 saves).

UAlbany Volleyball Sweeps Maine To Open America East Conference Play

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Sophomore outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey recorded a team-high 13 kills and a .370 hitting percentage along with nine digs to lead the University at Albany volleyball team to a 3-0 sweep of Maine in the America East Conference opener for both clubs on Friday, Oct. 3. The Great Danes posted wins of 28-26, 25-11 and 25-22 in the match.

The Great Danes jumped out to a 7-2 lead in the first set and held a commanding 16-8 advantage just past the midway point. UAlbany scored four straight points on two occasions during the stretch with Hilary White and Brooke Stanley serving. However, the Black Bears stormed back. With UAlbany holding a 23-20 lead, Maine pushed the Great Danes to the brink with four straight points to take a 24-23 advantage after a service ace by Laura Goettsch. Set up by Stanley on each occasion, Cowdrey answered with two kills to give the Great Danes a 25-24 edge. A kill by Lindsay Allman followed by an attacking error by the Great Danes put Maine ahead 26-25. However, UAlbany went back ahead 27-26 courtesy of kills by Kamisha Kellam and Cowdrey. An attacking error by Maine’s Allman ended the set in the Great Danes’ favor, 28-26.

UAlbany scored the first five points of the second set with Stanley serving. Maine brought the margin down to as low as three points on five occasions and found themselves trailing 10-7 just before the midway point. However, the Great Danes went on cruise control and outscored the Black Bears the rest of the way by a 15-4 margin to take the set by a count of 25-11. UAlbany finished with an impressive .609 hitting percentage in the stanza.

Maine kept things close for most of the third set, but the Great Danes never trailed in the final frame. Leading 12-10, UAlbany went on to score five straight points with Stanley serving. The Black Bears were able to pull within two points at 23-21, but that was as close as they would come. Valerie Sourbeer scored UAlbany’s final two points on kills with assists being credited to Stanley in the 25-22 set win.

Cowdrey and Stanley each fell one dig shy of a double-double to lead the way for the Great Danes. Stanley had a match-high 30 assists to go along with nine digs and three kills. In addition to leading the squad with 13 kills and a .370 hitting percentage, Cowdrey also had a team-high two service aces. Laurie Gonzalez led the team in digs with 10, while Kalyn Mostert had one solo block and assisted on four others.

Maine (7-8, AE 0-1) was paced by Brittany Kiehl, who finished with nine kills and a match-high .471 hitting percentage. Amy Lawson and Allman had seven kills apiece, while Jessica Wolfendsen tacked on 26 assists and seven digs.

UAlbany (8-8, AE 1-0) continues conference play on Sunday afternoon when New Hampshire visits University Gymnasium at 1 p.m. The Wildcats were swept by UMBC in their conference opener earlier this evening.

UAlbany (8-8, AE 1-0) def. Maine (7-8, 0-1), 3-0 (28-26, 25-11, 25-22)

UAlbany Football Begins Northeast Conference Play Against Duquesne on Saturday

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Pittsburgh, Pa. -- UAlbany completes its run of five consecutive road games to begin the 2008 football season in a Northeast Conference matchup against league newcomer Duquesne on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 1:00 p.m. Fans can listen to the game on Fox Sports 980 (WOFX-AM). Rodger Wyland will handle the play-by-play from Rooney Field.

The Dukes, who are in their first season as an NEC member, previously captured nine consecutive Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championships. Duquesne (2-1, NEC 1-0) is off to a 2-1 start following a 24-16 come-from-behind victory over Dayton last Saturday. Eleven starters return, including five first-team all-conference performers. Michigan State transfer Connor Dixon has an immediate impact at quarterback. The 6-foot-4 signal-caller has thrown for 870 yards and 11 touchdowns in three starts. Running back Cleodis Williams is the first Duquesne player to rush for 100-plus in back-to-back games in five years. He had 129 yards on the ground in a 21-7 triumph over Saint Francis, Pa. to begin league play on Sept. 20. Linebacker Nathan Totino ranks 10th among the FCS national leaders in tackles at 12.3 per game. Freshman Chidozie Oparanozie has won the NEC rookie of the week award twice this season. Duquesne’s string of 14 consecutive winning campaigns is only bettered by Montana and Eastern Kentucky at the Division I FCS level.

UAlbany (1-3, NEC 0-0) has won seven of nine conference openers since joining the league in 1999. The Great Danes, who are playing a school-record eighth straight road game, dating back to last November, went up against three national top-20 opponents in preparation for the NEC schedule. David McCarty, who had his nine-game, 100-yard rushing streak snapped at Delaware last week, is 11th nationally at 120.0 per game. Quarterback Vinny Esposito has connected on 57 of 103 passes for 647 yards and two touchdowns. Justin Gannon set the program’s FCS record with 183 kickoff return yards against Delaware and accounted for a career-best 205 all-purpose yards. Linebacker Justin Brancaccio (39) and free safety Dave Casale (32) are the top tacklers on defense.

Seating changes at UAlbany's SEFCU Arena

Any fans who are tired of sitting on bleachers at SEFCU Arena will have a chance to upgrade this season.

UAlbany is adding 320 chairback seats that are scheduled to be ready for the men’s home opener against Central Connecticut on Nov. 22. That will bring the total number of chairbacks to 1,024 at SEFCU, which has a overall capacity of 4,538.

The overhaul, which is to begin on Oct. 22, is happening mainly because the America East Conference Tournament is being held at SEFCU Arena in March.

The new chairbacks will replace bleachers that are on either side of the current chairbacks. The original 704 chairbacks are sold out. The new seats haven’t gone on sale yet because the school wants to make sure the installation stays on schedule. We’ll keep you posted when they do.

The additional chairbacks will probably only be available through season-ticket packages, although UAlbany hasn’t ruled out selling some on a game-by-game basis.

by Mark Singelais

UAlbany Unveils Men's Basketball Schedule for 2008-09, Big Purple Growl on Feb. 7th

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Lee McElroy announced on Thursday, Oct. 2 the school's men's and women's basketball schedules for the 2008-09 season. The America East Conference has released the entire league slate for all nine member institutions.

The men's conference schedule begins on Saturday, Jan. 3 against Hartford at Chase Family Arena. The season concludes with the America East Conference Tournament on March 6, 7, 8 and 14. UAlbany's SEFCU Arena will host the first round, quarterfinals and semifinals for the first time.

The Great Danes, who finished in the upper echelon of the conference standings for the third consecutive year, open their schedule on the road with a pair of Big East Conference teams in Villanova (Nov. 14) and DePaul (Nov. 17). Villanova has made three regional semifinals and one Elite Eight appearance the last four years. UAlbany's non-conference schedule features Kansas, a program that won last year's national title in a memorable overtime battle with Memphis. The contest will be televised nationally on ESPNU. Pennsylvania is among four non-league opponents which will play at SEFCU Arena. The Quakers have made 23 NCAA appearances in their storied history. The Great Danes also host Central Connecticut State (Nov. 22), Bryant (Dec. 1) and Canisius (Dec. 13). UAlbany squares off with Siena in the crosstown-rivalry's 48th meeting on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The Great Danes are expected to appear several times on the America East TV package, including a possible date with defending conference champion UMBC on Sunday, March 1 to finish off the regular season. Time Warner Cable is tentatively scheduled to air six home games, highlighted by the Big Purple Growl contest with Vermont on Saturday, Feb. 7.


The UAlbany women's program has a 16-game America East schedule that starts on Saturday, Jan. 10 at Binghamton. The Great Danes meet Maine in their first conference home game on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 7:00 p.m. The season ends with the America East Conference Tournament on March 12-15 at the University of Hartford's Chase Family Arena.

UAlbany begins play on the road on Friday, Nov. 14 against California, a program that has advanced to a school-record three consecutive NCAA Tournaments. The home opener against Richmond is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22 at 2:00 p.m. The non-league slate includes an appearance in Texas-Pan American's Battle at the Border Classic on Dec. 28-29. UAlbany meets non-conference opponents Virginia Commonwealth (Nov. 29), Detroit (Dec. 1) and New Jersey Tech (Dec. 9) at SEFCU Arena. The VCU Rams reached to the second round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) one year ago. UAlbany has away dates with NCAA participants Marist (Nov. 16) and Cornell (Nov. 19).

The Great Danes, who won a school-record 10 conference games, tied for for fourth in the America East standings and reached the postseason tournament's semifinal round in 2007-08. UAlbany tangles with Binghamton in the first half of the Big Purple Growl doubleheader, the University's Winter Homecoming, on Feb. 7. The game is scheduled to be televised by Time Warner Cable in the Capital Region.

2008-09 Men’s Basketball Schdule

Nov. 14 (Fri.) at Villanova 8:00
Nov. 17 (Sat.) at DePaul 8:30
Nov. 19 (Wed.) at Bryant 7:00
Nov. 22 (Sat.) Central Connecticut State 7:00
Nov. 25 (Tue.) at Columbia 7:00
Nov. 29 (Sat.) Pennsylvania 7:00
Dec. 1 (Mon.) Bryant 7:00
Dec. 6 (Sat.) at Siena 7:00
Dec. 8 (Mon.) at Lehigh 7:00
Dec. 13 (Sat.) Canisius 7:00
Dec. 19 (Fri.) at Sacred Heart 7:00
Dec. 22 (Mon.) at St. Francis, N.Y. 7:00
Dec. 30 (Tue.) at Kansas 9:00
Jan. 3 (Sat.) at Hartford* 7:00
Jan. 8 (Thu.) Boston U.* 7:00
Jan. 11 (Sun.) at Vermont* 1:00
Jan. 14 (Wed.) Binghamton* 7:00
Jan. 17 (Sat.) at Maine* TBA
Jan. 23 (Fri.) Stony Brook* 7:00
Jan. 25 (Sun.) UMBC* TBA
Jan. 28 (Wed.) Hartford* 7:00
Feb. 5 (Thu.) at Boston U.* 7:00
Feb. 7 (Sat.) Vermont* (BPG) 7:00
Feb. 9 (Mon.) at Binghamton* 7:00
Feb. 12 (Thu.) at Stony Brook* 7:00
Feb. 15 (Sun.) New Hampshire* 2:00
Feb. 22 (Sun.) Maine* 2:00
Feb. 26 (Thu.) at New Hampshire* 7:00
Mar. 1 (Sun.) at UMBC* TBA

*America East Conference Opponent
BPG - Big Purple Growl

ALL TIMES EASTERN

University at Albany Announces Women's Basketball Schedule for 2008-09 Campaign

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Lee McElroy announced on Thursday, Oct. 2 the school's men's and women's basketball schedules for the 2008-09 season. The America East Conference has released the entire league slate for all nine member institutions.

The UAlbany women's program has a 16-game America East schedule that starts on Saturday, Jan. 10 at Binghamton. The Great Danes meet Maine in their first conference home game on Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 7:00 p.m. The season ends with the America East Conference Tournament on March 12-15 at the University of Hartford's Chase Family Arena.

UAlbany begins play on the road on Friday, Nov. 14 against California, a program that has advanced to a school-record three consecutive NCAA Tournaments. The home opener against Richmond is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22 at 2:00 p.m. The non-league slate includes an appearance in Texas-Pan American's Battle at the Border Classic on Dec. 28-29. UAlbany meets non-conference opponents Virginia Commonwealth (Nov. 29), Detroit (Dec. 1) and New Jersey Tech (Dec. 9) at SEFCU Arena. The VCU Rams reached to the second round of the Women's National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) one year ago. UAlbany has away dates with NCAA participants Marist (Nov. 16) and Cornell (Nov. 19).

The Great Danes, who won a school-record 10 conference games, tied for for fourth in the America East standings and reached the postseason tournament's semifinal round in 2007-08. UAlbany tangles with Binghamton in the first half of the Big Purple Growl doubleheader, the University's Winter Homecoming, on Feb. 7. The game is scheduled to be televised by Time Warner Cable in the Capital Region.

The men's conference schedule begins on Saturday, Jan. 3 against Hartford at Chase Family Arena. The season concludes with the America East Conference Tournament on March 6, 7, 8 and 14. UAlbany's SEFCU Arena will host the first round, quarterfinals and semifinals for the first time.

The Great Danes, who finished in the upper echelon of the conference standings for the third consecutive year, open their schedule on the road with a pair of Big East Conference teams in Villanova (Nov. 14) and DePaul (Nov. 17). Villanova has made three regional semifinals and one Elite Eight appearance the last four years. UAlbany's non-conference schedule features Kansas, a program that won last year's national title in a memorable overtime battle with Memphis. The contest will be televised nationally on ESPNU. Pennsylvania is among four non-league opponents which will play at SEFCU Arena. The Quakers have made 23 NCAA appearances in their storied history. The Great Danes also host Central Connecticut State (Nov. 22), Bryant (Dec. 1) and Canisius (Dec. 13). UAlbany squares off with Siena in the crosstown-rivalry's 48th meeting on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The Great Danes are expected to appear several times on the America East TV package, including a possible date with defending conference champion UMBC on Sunday, March 1 to finish off the regular season. Time Warner Cable is tentatively scheduled to air six home games, highlighted by the Big Purple Growl contest with Vermont on Saturday, Feb. 7.

2008-09 Women's Basketball Schedule

Nov. 14 (Fri.) at California 4:00

Nov. 16 (Sun.) at Marist 4:00

Nov. 19 (Wed.) at Cornell 7:00

Nov. 22 (Sat.) Richmond 2:00

Nov. 26 (Wed.) at Colgate 5:00

Nov. 29 (Sat.) Virginia Commonwealth 2:00

Dec. 1 (Mon.) Detroit 5:00

Dec. 3 (Wed.) at Army 7:00

Dec. 9 (Tue.) New Jersey Tech 7:00

Dec. 19 (Fri.) at St. Francis, N.Y. 7:00

Dec. 28 (Sun.)- at Texas-Pan American+ 6:00

Dec. 29 (Mon.) vs. Montana State or Troy+ 6 or 8

Jan. 3 (Sat.) at Rhode Island 12:00

Jan. 10 (Sat.) at Binghamton* 2:00

Jan. 13 (Tue.) Maine* 7:00

Jan. 17 (Sat.) Vermont* 2:00

Jan. 21 (Wed.) at UMBC* 12:00

Jan. 24 (Sat.) at New Hampshire* 1:00

Jan. 27 (Tue.) Stony Brook* 7:00

Jan. 31 (Sat.) at Hartford* 7:00

Feb. 4 (Wed.) Boston U.* 7:00

Feb. 7 (Sat.) Binghamton* (BPG) 4:30

Feb. 14 (Sat.) at Vermont* 1:00

Feb. 18 (Wed.) at Maine* TBA

Feb. 21 (Sat.) Hartford* 2:00

Feb. 25 (Wed.) UMBC* 7:00

Feb. 28 (Sat.) New Hampshire* 2:00

Mar. 4 (Wed.) at Stony Brook* 7:00

Mar. 7 (Sat.) at Boston U.* 1:00

UAlbany Will Enshrine Five Former Athletes Into Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 24

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Five former athletes will be enshrined into the University at Albany Athletic Hall of Fame on Friday, October 24 at the 25th annual HOF Dinner and Induction Ceremony. A reception for the Athletic Hall of Fame inductees begins at 5:30 p.m., with the dinner and ceremony to follow in SEFCU Arena on campus.

The induction ceremony is part of Homecoming and Family Weekend, which also includes Saturday's football game at University Field with Northeast Conference-rival Saint Francis, Pa. at 4:00 p.m. Men's soccer hosts Bryant and women's field hockey entertains Boston University earlier in the day. Both contests begin at 1:00 p.m. On Sunday, women's soccer is home against UMBC at 1:00 p.m., while women's volleyball meets UMBC at 2:00 p.m.

The new inductees and their sports: Tom Alexander '98, lacrosse; Andre Duncan '98, basketball; Afrim Nezaj '82, soccer; Kelly Paolino Cirilla, basketball '99; and Liz Peck '97, field hockey.

With this year's class, there are 119 former athletes, coaches and administrators who have been inducted into the University at Albany's Athletic Hall of Fame.



Tom Alexander (1995-99) -- Alexander was the top defenseman in the UAlbany lacrosse program's Division II era. He was named to the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) All-America squad in three consecutive seasons.

A native of Altamont, N.Y., Alexander was selected to the USILA All-America second team as a sophomore. He earned Capital District College Lacrosse League All-Star recognition. Alexander led the Great Danes to the 1997 ECAC Division II championship final and was part of a defensive unit that allowed 9.31 goals per game.

Alexander, a 6-foot-2 and 220-pound athlete, was chosen to the USILA All-America first team as a junior and was voted second-team All-American as a senior. He also made two more appearances on the CDCLL all-star team. Alexander started 42 of 50 career games and accounted for 176 ground balls. In 1998, UAlbany finished with an 8-4 record and the defense was nationally ranked, allowing 7.83 goals per game.

Before his athletic career even began, Alexander was a great citizen of the University when he played a significant role in apprehending an assailant who held a UAlbany Greek history class hostage at gunpoint on Dec. 14, 1994.

Alexander earned his B.A. in English with a minor in history and also received a M.A. in education from UAlbany. He taught English at the 11th and 12th grade levels at Colonie Central High School from 2000-06 and has just returned to the school after a two-year absence. In the interim period, he started Alexander's Home Beautification Systems, Inc., a landscaping and contracting company.

He and his wife, Dagny, have two children, a 10-year old son, Malachi, and a four-year old daughter, Maryn. Alexander is still involved in lacrosse as his son's youth team coach. He previously was head coach of the freshman lacrosse team at Colonie Central High from 2000-03.



Andre Duncan (1994-98) -- Duncan, the 1998 New England Collegiate Conference Player of the Year, became the fourth Great Dane in the men's basketball program's history to earn All-America honors. He continues to be the only UAlbany player to combine for 1,400 points, 650 rebounds and 150 blocked shots in a career.

In 1998, Duncan led the Great Danes to an ECAC Division II Tournament appearance and a 19-8 record. He averaged 19.3 points and 8.6 rebounds and was among the NECC's top 10 in five statistical categories as a senior. Duncan was chosen to the Daktronics NCAA Division II All-America third team. In addition, he was named All-Northeast Region, All-East (small college), ECAC-North first team and NABC All-District.

As a junior, Duncan was picked second-team All-NECC after averaging 14.3 points and 6.4 rebounds. He also combined for 6.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game as a freshman in leading the Great Danes to an 18-8 record and the NCAA Division III Tournament's second round. He completed his career ranked fifth in scoring with 1,453 points, ninth in rebounding (696) and first in blocked shots (184) among the school's all-time leaders.

A native of Monticello, N.Y., Duncan went on to play professionally in Germany for two seasons, before signing with Guimaraes, a second division team in Portugal. After two years in the corporate world, he returned to Germany, and along with former UAlbany standout Will Brand, led Weissenfels to a second-place finish in its division. He is currently teaching at The School at Columbia University, an elementary school with 500 students.

Duncan received his undergraduate degree in a dual major of sociology and Africana Studies from UAlbany and is presently pursuing a master's in physical education from Teachers College, Columbia University. He and his wife, Angela, and their sons Diari (5) and Adrian (3 months) reside in Queens, N.Y.



Afrim Nezaj (1978-81) -- An NCAA Division III All-America and All-SUNY Athletic Conference selection, Nezaj is one of the top strikers in the men's soccer program's history.

Nezaj accounted for nine goals and two assists as a senior when he was named to the NCAA All-America squad and made his fourth consecutive All-SUNYAC East appearance. He recorded his second career hat trick in a victory over crosstown-rival Siena in the season opener on Sept. 14.

Nezaj also produced 20-plus points as a junior, when he had nine goals and four assists. He netted multiple goals against Plattsburgh and Vassar and the match's lone goal in a 1-0 triumph over Siena. Nezaj still ranks among the program's career scoring leaders with 25 goals and nine assists.

A native of Bronx, N.Y., Nezaj was drafted in the first round by Major Indoor Soccer League's Buffalo Stallions and played for four American Soccer League teams, including the Albany Capitals, for nearly a decade. He later went into coaching as a UAlbany assistant under Bill Schieffelin and became head coach at Fulton-Montgomery Community College in 1987. An USSF "A" Licensed Coach, Nezaj had two stints as an assistant coach at Siena College and served as a high school head coach at both Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk and Christian Brothers Academy. Nezaj, who has also coached on the professional level, currently serves as president of the Capital District Alleycats, a 22-team soccer club for boys and girls, ages 10 to 19.

Nezaj earned his undergraduate degree in sociology with a dual minor in psychology and criminal justice. He is the owner of Afrim Sports, a group that manages multi-sport facilities in Colonie and Latham. Nezaj and his wife, Patty, have five children, Martina (17), Isabella (8), Margot (6), Vivienne (2) and Emerson (8 months).



Kelly Paolino Cirilla (1995-99) -- A two-time All-New England Collegiate Conference guard, Paolino became the fourth player in the women's basketball program's history to score 1,000 career points.

Paolino led the Great Danes to the conference championship final against Massachusetts-Lowell as a sophomore. UAlbany finished with a 19-9 record, as she combined for 5.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.2 steals per game. She was named to the NECC all-tournament team after scoring at an 11.7 clip in postseason play.

In the 1998-99 campaign, Paolino averaged 14.0 points, 3.6 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 3.0 steals as a senior. She netted a career-best 28 points against Binghamton. A two-time captain, she finished her career ranked fourth in scoring with 1,020 points, fourth in assists (332), second in steals (271) and first in games played (109).

Paolino, who also was a member of the women's golf team, received the 1999 ECAC Merit Medal as UAlbany's top female senior student-athlete. She served as the chair of the school's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and worked as a volunteer at Veteran's Hospital.

A native of Schenectady, N.Y. and a Schalmont High School graduate, Paolino received her B.A. in psychology with a minor in education. She earned her Juris Doctor from Albany Law School in 2002 and runs a general practice out of her home that specializes in real estate. Paolino and her husband, Dennis Cirilla, a former UAlbany baseball player, have three children, Ashley (5), Dennis III (3) and Gianna (18 months). Cirilla, a graduate of the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, is an anesthesiologist at Albany Medical Center.



Liz Peck (1995-98) -- Peck was named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-America Team on three occasions at the NCAA Division II level. She made 67 consecutive starts in the midfield during the late 1990s.

A four-time UAlbany captain, Peck led the program to a combined 50 victories and the 1997 ECAC Division II championship during her career. She helped that '97 squad put together a school-record 17-2 campaign when she tallied four goals and two assists. Peck, who totaled eight goals and 11 assists as a collegian, garnered first-team All-America honors as a junior and senior. In 1996, Peck was voted second-team All-American after leading the Great Danes to a 14-3 record and a No. 3-ranking in the North Region.

In the classroom, Peck was picked to the 1998 CoSIDA Academic All-America Fall-Winter At-Large national first team and made the national second team the following year. Peck was named to the NFHCA national academic team three times. She received her B.S. in biology with a minor in education and then went on to earn a graduate degree in molecular biology. Peck received the 1998 ECAC Merit Medal as the school's top senior female student-athlete.

Following graduation, Peck would work at UAlbany as a volunteer assistant field hockey coach and as a member of the athletic grounds crew, including duties with New York Giants training camp. She has been employed by Price Chopper for the last eight years at various stores in the Capital Region. In April 2008, Peck was elevated to grocery manager at the Malta location where she administrates scheduling, stock orders and store presentation.

UAlbany Football's Daniel Bocanegra Chosen to 2008 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany’s Daniel Bocanegra has been named to the 2008 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®, as announced on Wednesday, Oct. 1 by Allstate Insurance Company and the American Football Coaches Association. The 22 college football players awarded this honor were recognized for their off-the-field achievements and selfless deeds.

The two 11-member teams, one comprised of players competing in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (I-A) and a combined team representing the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (I-AA), Divisions II, III and the NAIA, honor players that embody the true spirit of “teamwork” and “giving back” through selfless contributions and commendable acts of kindness. Athletic ability and on-the-field achievements are not part of the selection criteria.

“He has certainly given more than he has gotten,” UAlbany coach Bob Ford said. “He is very interested in community involvement and making the world a better place. He is one of those individuals who sees the good in all human beings, regardless of their situation.”

A senior wide receiver from Daly City, Calif., Bocanegra is the first UAlbany player to be chosen to the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. He graduated last spring with a B.A. in business administration with a concentration in finance and marketing. He is currently working toward a master’s degree in the same discipline. Bocanegra has been positioned at quarterback, punt returner and receiver during his career.

Bocanegra has been actively involved in campus and community events and projects. He is a Purple and Gold Student Ambassador, serving as a liaison between alumni and current students, and has been a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). He has been involved in the Adopt-A-Family Program, providing Christmas gifts to underprivileged families, Habitat for Humanity and has been a mentor to a high school student through the District Attorney Big Brother Program.

The Allstate AFCA Good Works Teams® were established in 1992 by the College Football Association, recognizing the extra efforts made by college football players and student support staff off the field. AFCA became the governing body of the award in 1997 and continues to honor college football players who go the extra mile for those in need.

Since 1992, the SEC leads all conferences with 50 selections to the Good Works Teams®, followed by the Big 12 with 35 selections and the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference with 20 selections. Former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team® members include Super Bowl XLII and XLI champion quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning, respectively, Vince Young, Daunte Culpepper and Tom Zbikowski.

UAlbany Field Hockey Falls to #2 Syracuse, 3-1

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Senior midfielder Shannon Taylor recorded two penalty corner goals to lead No. 2 Syracuse to a 3-1 win over UAlbany in non-conference field hockey action at Alumni Turf Field on Wednesday afternoon.

The Great Danes started the scoring in the eighth minute, as senior midfielder Michelle Simpson dribbled into the circle from the left and slipped an unassisted shot past Syracuse goalkeeper Heather Hess. The Orange tied the game at 14:23 as Taylor recorded her first tally, with assists going to Martina Loncarica and Maggie Befort on the penalty corner.

Syracuse added another goal before halftime, as freshman forward Nicole Nelson gathered a rebound in front of the cage and pushed the ball past UAlbany goalkeeper Ashley Ross into the bottom right corner of the net. Taylor added the insurance goal in the 53rd minute to set the final score.

Syracuse (11-0) outshot UAlbany, 18-9, and held a 14-7 advantage in penalty corners. Ross finished with nine saves, while Hess stopped four shots in the cage for the Orange.

UAlbany (5-7) will kick off America East Conference play over the weekend, hosting Maine on Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.

-agate-

#2 Syracuse 2 1 - 3

UAlbany 1 0 - 1

Syracuse: Scoring – Shannon Taylor (2-0), Nicole Nelson (1-0), Martina Loncarica (0-2), Maggie Befort (0-2). Goalkeeper – Heather Hess (70:00, 1 GA, 4 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring – Michelle Simpson (1-0). Goalkeeper: Ashley Ross (70:00, 3 GA, 9 saves).

UAlbany's Brooke Stanley Named America East Volleyball Setter of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – Sophomore setter Brooke Stanley earned her third America East Conference Setter of the Week award of the season in women’s volleyball, as announced by the conference office on Monday afternoon. Stanley was named to the all-tournament team at the UAlbany Invitational on Sept. 27-28, leading the Great Danes to the tournament title.

Stanley averaged 10.93 assists and 2.86 digs per set and recorded double-doubles in all three matches to bring her streak to four straight. She recorded 47 assists and 13 digs along with four kills and a .400 hitting percentage in the opening win over Yale on Friday. Stanley then finished with a season-high 58 assists to go along with 16 digs, five kills and two service aces, while hitting .556 in a five-set loss to Long Island. She wrapped up the tournament with 48 assists, 11 digs, three block assists, two kills and one service ace in the finale against Dayton.

UAlbany (7-8) will begin America East play this weekend, hosting Maine on Friday at 7 p.m. and New Hampshire on Sunday at 1 p.m.

UAlbany's L.J. Papaleo Named America East Conference Soccer Co-Rookie of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany men’s soccer freshman forward L.J. Papaleo earned America East Conference Co-Rookie of the Week laurels as announced by the conference office on Monday. He received the weekly honor for the first time this year.

Papaleo made the most of his first career start in UAlbany’s decisive 5-1 win at Marist. He scored his first career goal in the 25th minute, and it would also stand as the game winner. The freshman, who was one of 11 players that recorded a goal or an assist in the victory, now has one goal and one assist this season.

The five goals scored against Marist were the most by a UAlbany team since the program defeated the Red Foxes by a 7-1 score on Sept. 1, 2002. The victory also extended the club’s winning streak to three matches for the second time this season.

UAlbany (6-2), which has already doubled its win total from a year ago and averages a conference-best 2.50 goals per game, will play its first America East match at Boston University this Saturday. Game time is slated for 7 p.m. at Nickerson Field.

University of Albany Receives Approximately 1 Million For Northeast Regional Forensic Institute

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced that the National Institute of Justice awarded $950,000 to the Research Foundation of State University of New York under the Forensic Science Training Development and Delivery Program. Funds will enable the Northeast Regional Forensic Institute (NEFRI) to host the Forensic Science Training Development and Delivery Program annually for one year and train sixteen students at the DNA Academy at SUNY Albany. In 2004, Schumer helped secure funding to maintain the program ensuring a new wave of highly trained forensic scientists for the future.

"DNA technology analysis has become a critical aid to law enforcement and forensic science," said Schumer. “The DNA Academy at the University at Albany helps train new and current scientists with cutting edge technology and procedures. I will continue to support programs like this that address the growing need for quality forensic scientists.”

The Northeast Regional Forensic Institute (NERFI) program seeks to bring together the criminal justice and academic community to provide highly trained forensic scientists and the latest forensic methods to the area. Working in collaboration with the University at Albany's Office for Research, the New York State Police Forensic Investigation Center, and with the support of Senator Schumer, NERFI and its DNA Academy provide the forensic community with a customized curriculum, state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, international, multilingual teachers and prompt, effective turn-around time for casework competency.

These funds will enable NERFI to host the Forensic Science Training Development and Delivery Program annually for one year. This will be accomplished by training sixteen students for sixteen weeks to attend the DNA Academy to fulfill the intent of FBI Quality Assurance Audit and SWGDAM training criteria. Those trained will also be supplied with professional development training in the form of DVDs, which will also be distributed to all public DNA laboratories in the United States and placed on their website at DNA.gov.

The National Institute of Justice is the research, development, and evaluation agency of the U.S. Department of Justice and a component of the Office of Justice Programs. The National Institute of Justice provides objective, independent, evidence-based knowledge and tools to enhance the administration of justice and public safety.

Balanced Offensive Attack Propels UAlbany Men's Soccer Past Marist, 5-1

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Poughkeepsie, N.Y. – Eleven different players recorded a goal or an assist to lead the University at Albany men’s soccer team to a decisive 5-1 win over Marist College on Sunday, Sept. 28. The five goals scored was the most by a UAlbany team since the program defeated the Red Foxes by a score of 7-1 back on Sept. 1, 2002. Head coach Johan Aarnio’s squad will enter America East Conference play having already doubled last year’s win total. The team is also off to its best start through eight matches since beginning the 2004 season with an overall ledger of 6-1-1.

UAlbany (6-2), which averages a league-best 2.50 goals per game, tallied two in the first half of action. Senior co-captain Erik DiLorenzo put the Great Danes on the scoreboard when he took a pass from freshman Konner McNamara and scored his first goal of the season on a header from inside the box in the 15th minute. Freshman L.J. Papaleo doubled the Great Dane lead in the 25th minute when he netted his first career goal and game winner after receiving a pass from classmate Luuk Collou, who was credited with his third assist of the season.

Senior Don Johnson would pad the Great Dane lead early in the second half when he scored his second goal of the season in the 47th minute. Sophomores Shaun Kane and Ian Peach were credited with assists on the play.

After Troy Confessore put Marist (2-5-1) on the board in the 49th minute, the Great Danes scored two more times to put the match out of reach. Junior Claudio Dantas netted his team-leading sixth goal of the season in the 64th minute after taking a pass from classmate Mike Peters, who earned his first career point on the play. The rout continued when freshman Bjorn Bekkers headed in a cross from senior Gaby Seguin-Gauthier in the 73rd minute to give the Great Danes a commanding four-goal advantage that they would hold until the very end.

UAlbany senior goalkeeper and co-captain Steward Ceus stopped six of the 16 shots taken by Marist to improve his record to 4-1 this season. He also boasts an .821 save percentage as well as a 1.00 goals against average to date. Marist’s Scott Kessler saved just two of the 15 UAlbany shots he faced in net.

The Great Danes will look to extend their winning streak to four matches for the first time since 2004 when they open up America East action at Boston University on Saturday evening at 7 p.m.

UAlbany (6-2) 2 3 - 5

Marist (2-5-1) 0 1 - 1

UAlbany: Scoring – Erik DiLorenzo (1-0), L.J. Papaleo (1-0), Don Johnson (1-0), Claudio Dantas (1-0), Bjorn Bekkers (1-0), Konner McNamara (0-1), Luuk Collou (0-1), Shaun Kane (0-1), Ian Peach (0-1), Mike Peters (0-1), Gaby Seguin-Gauthier (0-1). Goalkeeping – Steward Ceus (90:00, 1 GA, 6 saves).

Marist: Scoring – Troy Confessore (1-0), Lucas Szabo (0-1). Goalkeeping – Scott Kessler (90:00, 5 GA, 2 saves).

#15 Princeton Stifles #18 Field Hockey, 6-3, in Non-Conference Field Hockey Action

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Senior Holly McGarvie scored three goals to lead 15th-ranked Princeton to a 6-3 win over #18 UAlbany on Sunday afternoon at Alumni Turf Field.

Freshman forward Kathleen Sharkey scored two goals for the Tigers, starting the scoring less than a minute into play on a wide open shot in front of the cage. UAlbany evened the score at 1-1 in the 13th minute, as sophomore forward Alysia Hough took a pass into the circle from Nicole Savage and found the back of the cage. Princeton added three more goals before halftime, as McGarvie converted a penalty corner opportunity into a score at 18:22 and drove another shot in from the top of the circle at 26:38. Junior defender Kaitlyn Perrelle closed out the first-half scoring in the 29th minute, taking a rebound off a penalty corner and slipping it past UAlbany goalkeeper Ashley Ross.

The Great Danes cut their deficit in half to start the second half as junior defender Jess Lindsey gathered a rebound off of Michele Polizois’ initial shot on a penalty corner and pushed it past Princeton goaltender Cynthia Wray. UAlbany moved within one goal less than a minute later as Lindsey and Michelle Simpson assisted on a Polizois goal on a penalty corner.

McGarvie padded the Tigers’ lead with a penalty corner goal of her own at 67:27. Sharkey set the final score, adding her second goal of the contest in the 69th minute, dribbling the ball into the circle alone and finishing the shot.

Princeton (6-1) outshot UAlbany, 18-15, while the Great Danes held a 10-8 advantage in penalty corners. Ross made seven saves in the cage for UAlbany, while Wray also stopped seven shots for the Tigers.

UAlbany (5-6) hosts #2 Syracuse on Wednesday at 3 p.m. before kicking off America East Conference play on Saturday, welcoming Maine to Alumni Turf Field at 1 p.m.

-agate-

#15 Princeton 4 2 - 6

#18 UAlbany 1 2 - 3

Princeton: Scoring – Holly McGarvie (3-0), Kathleen Sharkey (2-0), Kaitlyn Perelle (1-0), Kraftin Schreyer (0-2), Katie Reinprecht (0-1), Candice Arner (0-1). Goalkeeper – Cynthia Wray (70:00, 3 GA, 7 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring – Jess Lindsey (1-1), Michele Polizois (1-1), Alysia Hough (1-0), Michelle Simpson (0-1), Nicole Savage (0-1). Goalkeeper – Ashley Ross (70:00, 6 GA, 7 saves).

UAlbany Volleyball Upends Dayton and Former Coach

Kellam Leads Great Danes Over Dayton in UAlbany Invitational Finale

Senior middle blocker Kamisha Kellam earned tournament MVP honors after recording 17 kills and seven total blocks in leading UAlbany to a 3-1 win over Dayton at the UAlbany Invitational on Saturday evening at University Gymnasium. The Great Danes posted a 2-1 record to claim the tournament record, after falling to Long Island, 3-2, earlier in the day. UAlbany defeated Dayton with scores of 21-25, 25-20, 25-17 and 25-15. The Great Danes dropped the five-set decision to Long Island with scores of 26-24, 17-25, 27-25, 28-26 and 20-18.

After the Flyers claimed a back-and-forth first set, the second set started in the same direction, with neither team getting ahead by more than two points. Junior defensive specialist Laura Livergood served for three straight points to give UAlbany a 12-10 lead before Dayton tied the set back up at 12-12 with a block by Lindsay Fletemier. A UAlbany attack error later in the match put the Flyers back on top, 18-16, but the Great Danes capitalized on a Dayton attack error, followed by a kill by Cate Eckhardt to tie the set. Senior Hillary White smashed a kill and then combined with Kalyn Mostert on a block to give the Great Danes back the lead, where they would stay. Eckhardt served the final four points of the set, taking an assist from Mostert to record the set-ending point.

UAlbany came out firing in the third set, building up a 9-4 lead on an Eckhardt kill. Kellam and sophomore setter Brooke Stanley combined for back-to-back points to put the Great Danes ahead, 14-8. The teams exchanged service errors before sophomore outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey slammed consecutive points to put the Great Danes up, 17-11. The teams switched possession several times over the final few points, with White and Stanley teaming up for a block on a Nicole Bateman attack to set the final score.

The Great Danes took off again in the fourth set behind Livergood’s service game, building up a 4-0 lead on back-to-back block assists by Kellam and Mostert. UAlbany’s tough defense stifled any momentum Dayton would hope to gain, as the Great Danes built up a 12-6 advantage on a kill by Stanley. After a kill by Kellam put the ball back in UAlbany’s possession, Cowdrey served for four straight points to get UAlbany up, 19-9. The Flyers attempted to rally, getting consecutive kills by Tiffany Gaerke and Bateman, but White gave the ball back to UAlbany to serve for the final point. Cowdrey drove home the final point off an overpass to give the Great Danes the win.

Kellam hit .440 in her final performance of the tournament to lead all players. Eckhardt finished with her first double-double of the season, recording a career-high 17 kills and adding 13 digs, while Cowdrey also finished with 17 kills and added eight digs. Stanley notched her fourth straight double-double, finishing with 48 assists and 11 digs, while also adding three block assists. Mostert also tallied a career-best, finishing with nine total blocks in the match.

Bateman paced Dayton (9-6) with 18 kills and added nine digs en route to earning all-tournament team honors. Sophomore outside hitter Tiffany Gaerke, who joined Bateman on the all-tournament team, finished with 14 kills, while setter Kacie Hausfeld finished with a double-double of 37 assists and 15 kills.

Kellam and Cowdrey also led the Great Danes in the earlier match against Long Island, finishing with 21 kills apiece. Cowdrey also added 17 digs, and her three-match performance earned her all-tournament honors along with Stanley, who finished with a match-high 58 assists and 16 digs. Sophomore outside hitter Valerie Sourbeer also tallied double digit kills with 14, while libero Laurie Gonzalez finished with a team-best 28 digs.

Yale also finished the tournament with a 2-1 record, and placed setter Ally Mendenhall and junior outside hitter Alexis Crusey on the all-tournament team. Long Island was represented by junior Svetlana Simic, who recorded a match-high 24 kills and 33 digs in the Blackbirds’ win over UAlbany on Saturday.

UAlbany (7-8) will return to action on Friday, Oct. 3, kicking off America East Conference play, hosting Maine at 7 p.m.


Long Island (6-8) def. UAlbany, 3-2 (26-24, 17-25, 25-27, 28-26, 20-18).
UAlbany (7-8) def. Dayton (9-6), 3-1 (21-25, 25-20, 25-17, 25-15).


UAlbany Invitational All-Tournament Team
Kamisha Kellam, UAlbany (MVP)
Amanda Cowdrey, UAlbany
Brooke Stanley, UAlbany
Alexis Crusey, Yale
Ally Mendenhall, Yale
Nicole Bateman, Dayton
Tiffany Gaerke, Dayton
Svetlana Simic, Long Island

Delaware Pulls Away in Big Second Half to Upend Football Before Sold-Out Crowd

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Newark, Del. -- Johnathan Smith rushed for two touchdowns and nationally-ranked Delaware used a suffocating defense to pull away in the second half for a 38-7 victory over UAlbany on Saturday evening before a sold-out crowd of 22,196 fans at Delaware Stadium.

Delaware (2-2) reached paydirt on its first four possessions after the intermission to build a commanding 31-point advantage. Quarterback Robby Schoenhoft, an Ohio State transfer, keyed the first drive when he beatthe blitz with a 44-yard strike to wideout Aaron Love. Schoenhoft, at 6-foot-6, 250-pound junior, later fired a 20-yard scoring pass to Martwain Johnston. All-America kicker Jon Striefsky then finished off an eight-play march with a 43-yard field goal for a 24-7 margin.

The Blue Hens, who avenged a 17-10 upset in the first meeting between these programs two years ago on this field, would score on the first play of the fourth quarter when Smith took an option pitch and rumbled three yards to the end zone. Schoenhoft, who connected on 10-of-16 for 166 yards following a four-interception game the previous week against Furman, kept the sequence alive with a third-and-eight completion to Love for a first down at the UAlbany 9. Reverse running back Jerry Butler later ended a 71-yard march with a 4-yard run with 8:19 remaining.

“They are an excellent defensive team and have a couple of kids who will play on Sundays,” said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose squad was held to 150 total yards and nine first downs. “We didn’t have a first down in the third quarter and you can’t do that to the defense. They came off the corner with more pressure and the blitz hurt us badly. We battled, especially in the first half, but were not effective enough with the pass.”

The Blue Hens, who are ranked No. 12 in the FCS Coaches Poll and No. 17 by Sports Network, took a 7-0 lead with a six-play, 60-yard drive midway through the opening quarter. Kervin Michaud bounced off a pile and sprinted 37 yards to the UAlbany 10. Smith, who carried 17 times for 59 yards, scored on a 1-yard run three plays later, one of his seven touchdowns over the last three games.

The Great Danes, who were playing their fourth consecutive Colonial Athletic Association opponent to begin the season, regrouped with a 16-play march that took seven-plus minutes off the clock. David McCarty lugged the ball nine straight times to finish the sequence, including a 1-yard blast that just crossed the goal line on fourth down.

Delaware’s defense provided the go-ahead touchdown when cornerback Tyrone Grant picked off Vinny Esposito’s errant throw and returned the interception 60 yards to the end zone for a 14-7 lead. UAlbany later marched deep into UD territory in the closing seconds of the first half, but defensive end John Higginson sacked Esposito on third down and then blocked Herb Glass’s 46-yard field goal attempt as time expired.

“We played well again in the first half, but our kryptonite has been the second half,” explained McCarty, who was limited to 47 yards on 22 carries and in the process had his nine-game, 100-yard rushing streak snapped. “Their defensive style was similar to UNH (New Hampshire), but we were unable to tame them. They were quick to the ball and made plays when we could not.”