University of Albany Lacrosse's Garrett Pedley Among Thirty Candidates for 2009 Lowe's Senior Class Award - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Kansas City, Mo. – University at Albany’s Garrett Pedley is among thirty NCAA® lacrosse student-athletes who strive to make a difference in their classroom, their communities and on their field of competition. He has been identified as a 2009 candidate for the lacrosse division of the Lowe’s Senior Class Award, as announced on Thursday, March 5.

To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: Classroom, Character, Community, and Competition.

Pedley, a senior defenseman from Bow, N.H., will play in his 50th career game on Friday when the Great Danes host Delaware at John Fallon Field. Game time is 4:00 p.m. The UAlbany captain led a defense that ranked 11th nationally last year at 7.69 goals allowed per game. He is the school’s America East Conference representative to the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Lowe’s, an official Corporate Partner of the NCAA®, expanded the award program beyond men’s and women’s basketball in 2007 to include six additional NCAA® Division I sports - men’s and women’s soccer, men’s ice hockey, men’s lacrosse, baseball, and softball. With the addition of football (Bowl Subdivision) this year, the number of sports encompassed by the nation’s premier award for seniors has expanded to nine.

This marks the third year for the men’s lacrosse division of the Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award. Syracuse University attack and team captain Mike Leveille took home the award in 2008 and Cornell University goalkeeper Matt McMonagle was the inaugural winner in 2007.

The list of 30 student-athletes will be narrowed down to 10 finalists midway through the regular season, and those names will then be placed on the official ballot. The ballots will be distributed through a nationwide voting system to media, coaches and fans. The award winner will be announced and presented with his trophy at the 2009 NCAA® Men’s Lacrosse Championship in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

University of Albany Men's Ice Hockey Capture MCHC Championship - UAlbany Sports 2009

UAlbany defeated Farmingdale 11-4 and Southern Conneticut 6-2 to take back the MCHC title.

UAlbany Hockey Homepage

2009 ACHA Championship Tournament

Championship Info Link - March 4 - 7

University of Albany Women's Basketball Punishes Stony Brook - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Stony Brook, N.Y. – Britney McGee had 13 points and Janea Aiken added 10 as UAlbany picked up its second road win of the season in a 57-40 America East Conference victory over Stony Brook in the Seawolves’ regular-season home finale on Wednesday, March 4 at Pritchard Gymnasium.

UAlbany led 34-26 in the second half, but then pulled away with a 9-1 run. Aiken’s conventional three-point play pushed the lead to double figures when she was fouled on a driving bank shot. Ashley Lindsey added consecutive baskets, including an 8-foot jumper in the lane. Freshman Tabitha Makopondo later scored in the lane off a feed from a driving Felicia Johnson for a 43-27 advantage with 11:17 remaining.

Kirsten Jeter, who recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds, got Stony Brook to within 47-35 with a layup after her steal. But the Great Danes regrouped with six straight points. Kate Cronin, a 6-foot freshman who was making her third start of the year, did all of that scoring. Cronin, who had a career game with eight points and six rebounds, connected in the lane and hit a layup in transition. Her jumper from the left baseline with 5:28 to play gave her team a commanding 53-35 cushion.

"I am from Long Island and my entire family was here,” explained Cronin, whose team avenged a 64-56 loss to Stony Brook in the first meeting this season at SEFCU Arena on Jan. 27. “It was really exciting to play this well in front of them. I feel really comfortable with my increased role on the team, and I hope to continue improving the rest of the year and into next season."

The Great Danes, who had not won on the road since Jan. 3 at Rhode Island, trailed early in the first half, but then scored 12 of the game’s next 14 points. Aiken, a sophomore guard who scored in twin figures for the 19th time this season, converted a drive from left of the key to put her team ahead. Johnson later canned a foul-line jumper, before Makopondo netted back-to-back baskets for a 17-10 lead. Johnson, a redshirt freshman guard, totaled six points, five rebounds and four assists.

The Seawolves, who has their losing streak extended to five in a row, clawed back into the contest and closed within 21-19 when Sarah Kazadi scored from the right block. Kazadi, a 6-foot-2 junior, had 10 points and 12 rebounds. But Aiken followed her own missed drive and Charity Iromuanya delivered a three-pointer from the right corner. The Great Danes, who shot 48 percent in the period, led by as much as 10 before settling for a 30-22 halftime margin.

"We played great defense, and we played as a team,” said UAlbany coach Trina Patterson, whose squad held an opponent to its lowest scoring output since Dec, 4, 2004. “I think this game also showed that our future is bright, as we had two freshmen, two sophomores and a junior starting for us. This gives us confidence and momentum going into the tournament. Kate (Cronin) is getting better. She doesn't mind physical contact and battling."

Makopondo had 10 points for the Great Danes, who held Stony Brook to 25.4-percent shooting, a season-low by a UAlbany opponent. The Seawolves made just 16 of 63 field goals, including 1-of-11 from beyond the arc.

University of Albany Field Hockey Signs Five Newcomers for 2009 Season - UAlbany Sports

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – The UAlbany field hockey program has received National Letters of Intent from five student-athletes for the 2009 season, as announced by head coach Phil Sykes on Tuesday, March 3. Tessa Knapp (Marathon, N.Y./Marathon), Taylor Luke (Martinsville, N.J./Bridgewater-Raritan), Brianna Schwoyer (Telford, Pa./Christopher Dock Mennonite), Kristi Troch (Lehighton, Pa./Lehighton) and Nina Walters (Wildwood, Mo./Lafayette) will all join the Great Danes in the fall semester.

Knapp led Marathon to the 2006 and 2007 NYSPHSA Class C State Championship, as the Olympians posted an 85-5 record over her four-year career. She scored 80 goals and recorded 36 assists on the high school level, en route to being named a second team All-American as a senior. A two-time captain, Knapp earned all-state honors in 2007 and 2008 and was a three-time all-star. She was named to the NFHCA/Penn Monto All-Region Team as both a junior and a senior. Knapp is also a three-time junior Olympian, and has participated in five national indoor tournaments with Team CNY. She also led Team CNY to the bronze medal at the 2009 Disney Showcase and the silver medal at the 2006 and 2007 Empire State Games. A four-year student council member and class officer, she was also a member of FBLA and the Art and Foreign Language Club and intends to major in sociology.

Luke, a four-year starter and senior captain, led Bridgewater-Raritan to four conference championships, two county titles and four North Jersey Group IV Section I and II championships. Luke scored 20 career goals and holds the school record with 32 assists. She was a member of the National Futures program from 2004-08 and played in the national championship in 2006. She competed at the Garden State Games as a member of the U16 gold medal team in 2005 and captained the U19 gold medal team in 2007. Luke earned NJFHCA All-Star and Group IV second-team accolades, and was also named to the Somerset County and Skyland Conference first team on three occasions. A 2009 Academic All-America honoree, she intends to major in human biology.

Schwoyer was a four-year letterwinner at Dock, leading the Pioneers to the 2008 State AA semifinals after taking the Bicentennial League championship for the third consecutive season. A team captain, Schwoyer was the team’s most valuable player as a senior, while also earning the Bicentennial League MVP award. A three-time all-conference first team selection, she was also named first team All-State AA athletically, and was an All-State AA Academic Team member. She finished her career with 50 goals and 48 assists. As a member of the High Styx club team, Schwoyer has played at four National Field Hockey Outdoor Festivals, earning the gold medal in the U19 pool in 2008. She has also participated in five indoor tournaments and five Keystone Games. A member of the National Honor Society, she will graduate in the top 10 percent of her high school class, and intends to major in biology.

Troch is the third player to come to UAlbany from Lehighton High School. A three-year letterwinner for the Indians, she earned first team all-state and All-Mountain Valley Conference honors as a senior goalkeeper. A team captain, Troch led Lehighton to back-to-back MVC and District 11 championships. As a member of the First Class Titanium club team, she earned a gold medal at the 2008 National Indoor Tournament and was a three-year member of the Futures Program. A member of the National Honor Society, Troch was named to the 2008 NFHCA High School National Academic Squad. She is also a member of FBLA and FCCLA, and will graduate in the top 10 percent of her graduating class.

Walters, a four-year letterwinner at Lafayette High School, was named to the 2008 NFHCA High School All-Region team after recording 72 points as a senior. She finished with 40 goals and 63 assists in her career, breaking her high school’s record with 29 helpers as a junior. The 2008 Suburban Conference Player of the Year was a two-time All-Metro first team honoree and three-time all-conference first-team selection. She was a three-year team MVP for Lafayette, and was named team captain three consecutive seasons, becoming the first sophomore in school history ever selected. Walters participated in the Futures Program from 2006-09, and was a member of the 2008 National Futures Elite Team as well as the Regional Team in 2006 and 2008.

“We are very excited about our incoming class,” said Sykes, who guided the Great Danes to their first-ever America East Conference championship and NCAA Tournament berth last fall. “We have a well-rounded group coming in, as they are all exceptional students and athletes. I am most pleased with the depth that this class will create for our team. All of these girls come from very good high school and club programs, and their competitiveness and experience will make our team very dynamic.”

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2008 UAlbany Field Hockey Signings

Tessa Knapp, Marathon, N.Y./Marathon Central School

Taylor Luke, Martinsville, N.J./Bridgewater-Raritan

Brianna Schwoyer, Telford, Pa./Christopher Dock Mennonite

Kristi Troch, Lehighton, Pa./Lehighton

Nina Walters, Wildwood, Mo./Lafayette

Four University of Albany Field Hockey Players Named to NFHCA Division I Natoinal Academic Squad - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Ashley Ross and Vanessa Walter were named to the 2008 NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad for the fourth time in their careers, as announced by the organization on Tuesday afternoon. The pair of seniors were joined by junior Jess Lindsey and sophomore Sarah Deane. Lindsey makes her first appearance on the national squad, while Deane earns her second consecutive honor.

Ross and Walter were two of 84 four-year honorees in over 700 student-athletes named to the team. The National Academic Squad recognizes those student-athletes from 77 Division I programs from around the country who have achieved a cumulative grade point average of 3.30 or higher through the first semester of the 2008-09 academic year.

Ross, a senior goalkeeper from Lancaster, Pa., posted a 3.67 GPA in communication. She earned second-team All-America East recognition and was named the conference championship’s most outstanding player this season. Ross, who had a .741 save percentage, is the school’s all-time leader in career wins (53), saves (318) and shutouts (15). Ross also earned a place on the America East Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll during her four-year career.

Lindsey, a junior defender from Norristown, Pa., has a 3.35 GPA in psychology. She had four goals and a team-leading 14 assists in 2008. Lindsey, who has made 59 consecutive starts, is among the program’s all-time leaders with 39 assists. She is also a member of the America East Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.

Walter, a senior defender from Lebanon, Pa., recorded a 3.88 GPA in human biology with a minor in anthropology. A four-year starter on defense, she led a unit that allowed 1.64 goals per game. Deane is sophomore forward from Orefield, Pa, and posted a 3.86 GPA in psychology. She started 11 of 22 games played last fall, recording one goal and one assist, and was named to the America East Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

University of Albany's Joe Resetarits Selected America East Conference Lacrosse Rookie of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. -- University at Albany’s Joe Resetarits has been selected as America East Conference Rookie of the Week in men’s lacrosse, as announced by the conference office on Monday, March 2.

Resetarits, a freshman from Hamburg, N.Y., scored a career-high four goals, including two in the late stages of the fourth quarter in an 8-7 double-overtime win over Siena on Feb. 26. He found the net with a sidearm delivery that closed the gap to 7-6 with 3:40 remaining and drew his team with three-tenths of a second to play in regulation. UAlbany goalkeeper John Carroll sent a desperation pass into the Siena box and Resetarits came up with the bouncing ball and put it in the back of the net to beat the horn.

Resetarits was a two-time All-American on the high school level and participated in the Under Armour All-Star Game. His brother, Frank, is second on UAlbany’s all-time scoring list. The Great Danes are home on Friday, March 6 against Delaware at 4:00 p.m.

University of Albany Softball's Leah McIntosh Named America East Conference Pitcher of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany’s Leah McIntosh has been named the America East Conference Pitcher of the Week in softball, as announced by the league office on Monday, March 2. The junior has posted a 5-0 record, which includes four shutouts and a perfect game. She also has a league-best 0.26 earned run average, having surrendered just one run while striking out 60 batters in 34 innings of work.

McIntosh’s first shutout came in her first start when she fanned 10 in a 2-0 victory over Bethune-Cookman. She gave up her only run in a 2-1 eight-inning win over Stetson, but was able to strike out a season-best 16 batters. After recording a three-hit shutout in a 1-0 win over North Florida, the junior pitched a perfect game in a 12-0 triumph over Rhode Island. She rung up 12 of the 15 batters she faced and did not allow the ball to leave the infield. In her last appearance, McIntosh posted a one-hit shutout in a 2-0 win at South Florida. The Bulls, who won the Big East Conference regular-season title last spring, were receiving votes in the national polls.

UAlbany (6-6) will compete at the Buzz Classic hosted by Georgia Tech from March 6-8. The Great Danes will face Centenary, Jacksonville State, Bowling Green, Kennesaw State and Akron in tournament play.

Weltman Leads University of Albany Tennis to a 7-0 Sweep of Marist - UAlbany Sports 2009

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Senior Kim Weltman posted a 6-0, 6-0 singles win over Emily Zampello and teamed with Aubrey Brooks for an 8-3 doubles win to lead UAlbany to a 7-0 sweep of Marist in non-conference tennis action at the UAlbany Bubble on Sunday afternoon.

Susan Ma led the team at No. 1 singles with a 6-2, 4-6, 10-7 win over Marist’s Erin McCarthy. Sophomore Laine Mackey took over the No. 3 singles spot and recorded a 6-1, 6-0 victory against Mirelva Colon. Holly Smith defeated Kayla O’Donovan, 6-0, 6-2 at the fourth singles position, while Melissa Coughlin defeated the Red Foxes’ Jeannie Lukin, 6-2, 6-1 at No. 5 singles. Caitlin Crowley wrapped up the singles points for the Great Danes with a 6-0, 6-0 sweep of Joanna Macaluso.

Smith and Charlotte Tatler swept Zampello and O’Donovan, 8-0, at No. 2 doubles, while Weltman and Brooks defeated Lukin and Macaluso at the third doubles spot. Ma and Mackey teamed up for an 8-4 victory over Marist’s McCarthy and Colon at the top position.

UAlbany (9-1) will return to action on Sunday, March 8, taking on Hofstra at 11 a.m. at the UAlbany Bubble.

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Singles

Susan Ma (UA) def. Erin McCarthy (MC), 6-3, 4-6, 10-7
Kim Weltman (UA) def. Emily Zampello (MC), 6-0, 6-0
Laine Mackey (UA) def. Mirelva Colon (MC), 6-1, 6-0
Holly Smith (UA) def. Kayla O’Donovan (MC), 6-0, 6-2
Melissa Coughlin (UA) def. Jeannie Lukin (MC), 6-2, 6-1
Caitlin Crowley (UA) def. Joanna Macaluso (MC), 6-0, 6-0
Doubles

Ma/Mackey (UA) def. McCarthy/Colon (MC), 8-4
Smith/Charlotte Tatler (UA) def. Zampello/O’Donovan (MC), 8-0
Weltman/Brooks (UA) def. Lukin/Macaluso (MC), 8-3

Men's Basketball Falls to UMBC, 68-64, America East Conference Regular-Season Finale

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Baltimore, Md. -- Darryl Proctor had 13 points and made two key free throws with 5.5 seconds remaining to lift UMBC past UAlbany, 68-64, in the America East Conference regular-season finale for both teams on Sunday, March 1 before 3,069 fans at Retriever Activities Center.

With the game tied at 49 apiece, Justin Fry hit a jumper in the circle to put his team in front. Proctor, who added six rebounds, three assists and four steals to his scoring total, then made two free throws. Gilliam, a freshman, later canned a three-point field goal that bounced on the rim and fell in for a 58-53 advantage with 3:59 to play.

UAlbany (14-15, AE 6-10) closed the gap to one basket on three occasions. Tim Ambrose, who had 13 of his 19 points in the second half, canned a bank shot off a drive from left of the lane to slice the deficit to 62-60. After Proctor made two foul shots, Jerel Hastings followed Brian Connelly’s missed reverse layup with a tip-in. UMBC’s Jay Greene, one of three seniors honored prior to the game, then stepped to the line and sank a pair. Ambrose made two free throws with 6.9 seconds left, before Proctor sealed the outcome.

“(Jay) Greene is the best point guard in the league and Proctor is a first-team all-conference player,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team will be seeded seventh for next week’s America East Tournament at SEFCU Arena. “I am happy with the way our team has competed the last three games. They (UMBC) made plays in the stretch and their defense got tighter as we were unable to make any shots.”

UAlbany got off to a good start for the second straight game when Connelly, who had eight points and four rebounds, converted an inside cut for a 9-4 lead. UMBC, last year's America East champion with a 24-win campaign, closed the gap to 14-13 as Gilliam canned a three-pointer from the left wing.

The Great Danes, who shot 56 percent the floor in the period, still led 22-20, but then tallied nine of the game's next 10 points. Hastings, who netted 11 off the bench and has been in double figures in three of the last four games, had consecutive baskets, while Will Harris buried a 3-pointer from right of the key. UAlbany led by as much as 10 before settling for a 34-29 halftime cushion.

UMBC (13-16, AE 7-9) quickly wiped out that lead at the intermission with seven consecutive points. Proctor made a jumper from right of the lane in transition for a 36-34 advantage. Gilliam later connected on a layup after his steal for a 46-42 lead. Connelly’s jump hook in the lane eventually drew his team even at 49-all with 6:42 left. The final period featured seven lead changes and three ties.

“The first four or five minutes were not good offensively,” offered Connelly, whose team has dropped seven of its last eight contests. “We had a bunch of turnovers and made some soft plays. That’s where we really lost it.”

Matt Spadafora, who made 6 of 8 from the field, had 13 points for the Retrievers, whose squad earned the sixth seed for the conference tournament. Harris finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds, his fifth double-double of the season.

UAlbany Baseball Drops Both Ends of A Doubleheader at Western Kentucky

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Bowling Green, Ky. – Senior left fielder Matt Hightower recorded 11 RBI over the course of two games to lead Western Kentucky to a sweep of UAlbany in non-conference baseball action at Nick Denes Field on Sunday. The Hilltoppers posted a 17-6 win in the first game and defeated the Great Danes 13-3 in the series finale. The doubleheader was rescheduled after inclement weather on Saturday, and the second game was shortened to five innings due to time constraints.

UAlbany got on the scoreboard first in the opener, with Gary Pitcheralle knocking a lead-off double to left center. Shortstop Sean Donovan singled to left field to advance Pitcheralle, who scored on Brendan Rowland’s sacrifice fly during the next at bat. WKU responded with a single run in the bottom of the first inning, as right fielder Chad Cregar drove an RBI single to right field to score Hightower, who reached on a base hit to center.

The Hilltoppers added two runs in the second before exploding for seven in the third. Hightower recorded two of his game-high seven RBI with a double down the right field line, sending Matt Payton and J.B. Paxson home. Shortstop Terrence Dayleg knocked a double to score Hightower, and was driven across the plate on a two-run homer by Cregar.

UAlbany scored two runs in the top of the fourth. Catcher Ryan Gugel doubled to centerfield and scored on a wild pitch. First baseman Pete Eichner recorded his first home run of the season during his at bat before pitcher Kes Carter induced a pop out to end the inning. After WKU responded with two more runs in the bottom half of the frame, the Great Danes scored a single run in the top off the fifth to pull within 12-4. Pitcheralle, who recorded his second hit of the game with a single, was driven home on an RBI ground out by Rowland.

The Hilltoppers added a single run in the fifth with a solo home run by Cregar, and scored four additional runs in the bottom of the sixth frame. Hightower continued his strong offensive output with a grand slam over the right field wall, clearing the bases. UAlbany attempted a rally in the top half of the seventh, scoring two runs on RBI singles by Donovan and Rowland. WKU reliever Bryce Jenney recorded two of his four strikeouts in the inning to wrap up the win for the Hilltoppers.

Lefty Cory Warrings earned the loss in 2.2 innings of work. Reliever Sean Gregory pitched the final 3.1 innings for the Great Danes, striking out one. Carter earned his first win of the season on the mound for WKU, fanning five over four frames. Southpaw Garrie Krueger tossed one inning of middle relief, striking out two before Jenney took over to close out the game.

UAlbany (0-4) scored the first two runs of the second game. Donovan scored on a fielder’s choice by Dave West before Eichner drove an RBI single to center to score Rowland. The Hilltopppers responded with two runs of their own in the bottom of the frame when third baseman Wade Gaynor singled threw the right side and advanced two bases on throwing errors by the Great Danes. Cregar and Dayleg scored on the play.

The teams exchanged home runs in the third to keep the score knotted at 3-3. UAlbany sophomore Kyle Crean drive his first homer of the season to right center field to lead off the frame. WKU’s Jake Wells countered with a home run of his own to lead off the Hilltoppers’ half of the inning. WKU was able to hold the Great Danes off the scoreboard for the remainder of the game, but scored four runs in the fourth and six in the fifth frame before the game was called. Hightower blasted his second grand slam of the day in the bottom of the fifth to seal the series sweep for Western Kentucky.

Freshman Austin Chase earned his first start on the mound for UAlbany, fanning three in three innings of work. Dave Noble and Jeff Kaier each tossed one inning for the Great Danes. Lefty Evan Teague earned the win for WKU, coming in to relieve starter Tyler Gilliland, who fanned two in three innings of work.

UAlbany & UMBC Tangle in America East Conference Regular-Season Basketball Finale

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Baltimore, Md. -- America East Conference opponents UAlbany and UMBC tangle in the regular-season finale for both teams on Sunday, March 1 at Retriever Activities Center. UMBC will honor three seniors in a pre-game ceremony. Fans can listen to the game on Fox Sports 980, WOFX-AM, with Rodger Wyland and Jon Phelps calling the action. Tip-off is 2:15 p.m.

UMBC (12-16, AE 6-9) can finish as the No. 5, 6 or 7 seed for the upcoming America East postseason tournament at UAlbany’s SEFCU Arena on March 6-8. Darryl Proctor is one of the league’s top players. He is second in the conference in scoring at 20.2 points per game and is third in rebounding (8.7 pg). A first-team all-conference player last year, Proctor has recorded 11 double-doubles this season. Jay Greene, another all-league performer, leads the America East in assists (6.1 pg) and scores at a 12.1 clip. The Retrievers won their first-ever conference championship in 2008.

UAlbany (14-14, AE 6-9) went through a tough month of February by losing six of seven games. The Great Danes can secure the sixth seed for next weekend’s conference tournament with a victory against UMBC. Sophomore Tim Ambrose, who leads the team in scoring with a 13.9 average, has reached the 20-point mark on seven occasions this season. Will Harris, a 6-foot-6 junior, adds 12.7 points and 6.3 rebounds off the bench. Jerel Hastings is contributing 13.0 points per game over his last three starts.

New Hampshire Uses Late Runs in Each Half to Edge Women's Basketball, 66-62, on Senior Day

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Candace Williams posted 22 points, including nine in the last nine minutes, to lead New Hampshire over UAlbany by a score of 66-62 in America East Conference women’s basketball action at SEFCU Arena on Saturday, Feb. 28. Trailing by 14, the Wildcats scored 11 consecutive points to close out the first half and reversed a nine-point deficit midway through the second stanza to pull away from the Great Danes at the end.

UAlbany (4-23, 2-12 AE), which honored seniors Amira Ford and Tiffanie Johnson prior to the contest, had a 52-43 advantage with 10:18 remaining in the game before New Hampshire rattled off 12 consecutive points to go ahead by three. A three-point field goal by Chrissy Hall at the 6:51 mark gave the Wildcats a 53-52 lead.

On the Great Danes’ next possession, Janea Aiken had a chance to put her team back on top at the free throw line. Her shot rimmed out, and Williams came back the other way and converted a layup to put UNH ahead by three.

UAlbany brought the lead down to two points on four more occasions. However, two field goals and two free throws by Williams and a layup by Rachel Fowler kept the Wildcats ahead. A three-point field goal by Charity Iromuanya with five seconds remaining sealed the four-point decision.

“We came out flat in the second half,” said co-captain Britney McGee after the Great Danes fell to 0-8 in games decided by five points or less and 3-10 when leading or tied at halftime. “They came out ready to play, and we were not ready for the run that they made. I think we can get down on ourselves too much. We just have to start believing in ourselves and give that extra effort that’s needed (down the stretch).”

Led by Kate Early, New Hampshire (8-20, 6-8 AE) scored eight of the first 10 points to open the game. However, the Great Danes clawed back and took their first lead, 12-10, on one of McGee’s four shots from behind the arc. After Williams hit a jumper to knot the score at 12, UAlbany recorded seven consecutive points to take a 19-12 advantage.

The Great Danes scored nine consecutive points to make it 32-18 with 4:23 left in the half, forcing the Wildcats to call a timeout. McGee and Johnson each made shots from behind the arc, while Aiken converted a conventional three-point play during the stretch. However, New Hampshire responded with 11 straight points to close out the half and trailed just 32-29.

The Wildcats picked up where they left off to start the second half, scoring six straight points to cap a 17-0 run dating back to the first frame. Sparked by a three by McGee, UAlbany battled back by scoring the next eight points to take a 40-35 advantage. A long jumper by McGee put the Great Danes up by double figures before a layup by Aiken made it 52-43 with 10:18 on the clock. However, UNH scored the next 12 points and never trailed the rest of the way.

McGee led the way for the Great Danes with 16 points and five rebounds, while Johnson added 15 points and a team-best seven rebounds in her final game at SEFCU Arena. Aiken finished with 12 points and five assists.

In addition to scoring a game-high 22 points, Williams grabbed eight rebounds to pace the Wildcats. Amy Simpson contributed 17 points, and Early added five points, nine rebounds and three steals.

“I would have liked for our seniors to go out with a win,” said head coach Trina Patterson, whose team will visit Stony Brook on Wednesday, Feb. 4. “We outrebounded them and shot the ball better than they did, but we had too many turnovers. It was one of those evenly played games where the small things mattered, and the small things were turning the ball over. That was the difference in the game.”

UAlbany outshot New Hampshire from the field, 42.3 percent (22-52) to 41.8 percent (23-55) and 31.6 percent (6-19) to 30.8 percent (4-13) from behind the arc. UNH held the advantage at the free throw line, 76.2 percent (16-21) to 63.2 percent (12-19).

University of Albany's Jean Juste and Luke Schoen Break School Records at NYU Fastrack Invitational - UAlbany Sports

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

New York, N.Y. – Jean Juste reset his own school record in the 60-meter high hurdles and Luke Schoen eclipsed his program standard in the pole vault to pace the UAlbany men's and women's indoor track and field teams at the NYU Fastrack Invitational on Friday, Feb. 27 at the Armory Track and Field Center. Heading into next weekend's IC4A and ECAC championships, the two programs have combined to break school records in 14 different events this winter.

Schoen provisionally qualified for the NCAA Championship and reset his own school record for the third time this winter, clearing 17-feet, 9-inches in the pole vault. Juste recorded a second-place time of 7.96 seconds in the 60-meter high hurdles, bettering his school record of 8.02 last year. After falling short by .01 seconds on two occasions in the event, Garrett Askew qualified for the IC4A championship for finishing fourth in 8.25.

The Great Dane men also had a pair of IC4A qualifying performances in the weight throw, and another in the long jump. Wilfredo de jesus Elias, who broke his own school record in the event earlier this winter, finished second with a toss that sailed 59-2.25. Will Anger recorded a personal-best mark of 58-5.75 which placed him fourth, while Valete Graham fell two inches shy of matching his school record in the long jump. His second-place mark was 24-3.

The women’s team had its best set of performances come in the triple jump. Jenn Gurrant, who has already met the NCAA provisional mark in the event, finished second with a leap of 41-2.50. Tiffany Sprenkels recorded a sixth-place performance of 38-5, bettering the ECAC qualifying mark for the first time this year.


Feb. 27 - NYU Fastrack Invitational

UAlbany Men’s Results – 400-Meter Dash: 17. Andrew Overbaugh 50.66. 60-Meter High Hurdles (Prelims): 3. Jean Juste 8.08 (IC4A), 5. Garrett Askew 8.35. 60-Meter High Hurdles (Finals): 2. Jean Juste 7.96 (IC4A, School Record), 4. Garrett Askew 8.25 (IC4A). Mile: 42. Jon Juleus 4:37.57. 3,000-Meter Run: 6. R.J. Sniffen 8:35.25 (U.S. Junior National). Long Jump: 2. Valete Graham 24-3 (IC4A), 16. Kevin O’Riley 21-3.25. Triple Jump: 6. Jordan Pollock 45-7.25. Pole Vault: 1. Luke Schoen 17-9 (NCAA Provisional, School Record). Weight Throw: 2. Wilfredo de Jesus Elias 59-2.25 (IC4A), 4. Will Anger 58-5.75 (IC4A).

Feb. 27 - NYU Fastrack Invitational

UAlbany Women’s Results – 60-Meter Dash (Prelims): 16. Quante Harris 8.05. 500-Meter Dash: 6. Octavia Clarkson 1:18.39. 3,000-Meter Run: 8. Ada Lauterbach 10:17.46. High Jump: T-5. Tiffany Bennett 5-1, T-10. Ashleigh Whitfield 4-11. Triple Jump: 2. Jenn Gurrant 41-2.50 (ECAC), 6. Tiffany Sprenkels 38-5 (ECAC). Pole Vault: T-9. Celine Cauderlier 10-5.50, T-13. Rebecca Power 9-11.75.

Baseball Opens 2009 Season at Western Kentucky

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Bowling Green, Ky. – Junior third baseman Wade Gaynor went 2-for-3 with three runs scored and two RBI to lead Western Kentucky to an 11-0 win over UAlbany in the Great Danes’ 2009 season opener at Nick Denes Field on Friday afternoon. The seven-inning game was part of a doubleheader moved to Friday due to impending weather.

The Hilltoppers scored runs in all but one inning. WKU tallied single runs in the first and second and added two in the third. All four runs were unearned off UAlbany starter Josh Willimott, who struck out five in his four innings of work. Willimott held the Hilltoppers hitless in the fourth frame, striking out his final batter faced to end his first outing of the season.

WKU added three runs in the bottom half of the fifth. The Hilltoppers started the rally as UAlbany reliever Ryan White hit senior outfielder Matt Hightower with a pitch. Hightower, who stole second and third, was driven home along with Chad Crager on a two-RBI single by Gaynor. Gaynor, who advanced to second on a throw to home after his single, stole third and scored on a single to right by Jared Andreoli. Freshman Travis Wilson, who relieved White on the mound, got Jeremy Coleman looking and induced a fly out to end the inning.

The Hilltoppers then exploded for four runs in the sixth inning. Wilson walked three of the first four batters faced before being relieved by senior Chris Ott. Catcher Matt Rice singled to score two runs for WKU, while Gaynor scored an unearned run on a fielding error by the Great Danes. Rice scored on a groundout by Kes Carter before Ott got Matt Payton to fly out to end the inning.

UAlbany (0-1) managed three hits in the game. Shortstop Sean Donovan recorded a double in his first at bat, while senior left fielder Gary Pitcheralle drove a triple to left centerfield in the third inning. Senior outfielder Dave West also added a single for the Great Danes. Right hander Matt Ridings went six innings on the mound for WKU (2-1), striking out eight and allowing UAlbany’s three hits.

UAlbany Hosts America East Men's Basketball Championship at SEFCU Arena on March 6-8

2009 America East Conference Men’s Basketball Championship
(University at Albany, Albany, N.Y.)

Friday, March 6, SEFCU Arena
Game 1 – First Round, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 7, SEFCU Arena
Game 2 – Quarterfinal #1, 12:00 p.m. (Time Warner Cable)
Game 3 – Quarterfinal #2, 2:30 p.m.* (Time Warner Cable)
Game 4 – Quarterfinal #3, 6:00 p.m. (Time Warner Cable)
Game 5 – Quarterfinal #4, 8:30 p.m.* (Time Warner Cable)

Sunday, March 8, SEFCU Arena
Game 6 – Semifinal #1, 2:00 p.m. (America East TV Network)
Game 7 – Semifinal #2, 5:00 p.m. (America East TV Network)

Saturday, March 14, Home Court of Higher Seeded Team
Game 8 – Championship, 11:00 a.m. (ESPN2)
*time approximate

... pairings will be announced following the completion of regular-season play on March 1 ...

America East Fan Fest (Physical Education Building, University Gymnasium)
Saturday, March 7 – 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.; 4:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 8 – 12:00-5:00 p.m.

Public Parking Information
SEFCU Arena (south of arena) - $5 per vehicle, no bus parking
Dutch Gold Lot (adjacent to tennis courts and west of arena) –
$5 per vehicle, $15 for buses, media permitted with valid parking pass

Ticket Information
Office - (518) 442-4683
Visa, MasterCard & Discover Accepted.
www.ualbanysports.com

Will Call available in Physical Education Ticket Office
Ticket Sales available in SEFCU Arena Ticket Office

All-Session Ticket Prices:
Chairback Seat ($55.00), Reserved Seat ($45), Child Seat ($20),
Student ($20, America East students only).

Individual Session Tickets Prices:
Chairback Seat ($18.00), Reserved Seat ($15), Child ($10, 12 & under),
Student ($10, America East students only).

Handicap Seating available on walking track behind sections 550 and 650

Men's Basketball Comes Up Short Once Again

Tyrece Gibbs had 20 points and New Hampshire broke away in the late stages of the game en route to a 64-56 America East Conference victory over UAlbany on Thursday, Feb. 26 at Lundholm Gymnasium. The Wildcats swept the regular-season series for the first time since 2005-06.

With the score tied at 49 apiece, New Hampshire (12-15, AE 7-8) sped away with seven consecutive points. Radar Onguetou, a 6-foot-5 junior, followed Alvin Abreu’s missed three-point field goal attempt from the left wing. After the Great Danes turned the ball over on a five-second call under UNH’s basket, Gibbs buried a fadeaway three-pointer from right of the key on his team’s next possession. Ongeutou, who totaled 12 points and nine rebounds, sank both ends of a one-and-one free throw opportunity with 1:36 remaining to close out that decisive run.

“Our energy was high and we competed in the first half,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team played with a short bench for the second straight game due to injuries and one suspension. “New Hampshire sagged off (Mike) Johnson and (Jerel) Hastings in the second half and took away our driving angles. Gibbs was great and we gave him too many three-point attempts. Their offensive rebounds led directly to baskets.”

In a first half that had four lead changes and four ties, UAlbany (14-14, AE 6-9) took a 14-9 lead when Mike Johnson, who had eight points and six rebounds, converted in the lane off a feed from the top by Billy Allen. The Wildcats wiped out that margin with seven straight points. Tyrone Conley tied the contest with a three-point field goal off a screen from the top of the arc and then gave his team the lead with a foul-line jumper.

Still trailing 19-17, the Great Danes went back in front for the rest of the period. Allen sank two foul shots, before Johnson connected in transition after Jimmie Covington started the break with a blocked shot. UAlbany extended its lead to 32-25 as Will Harris hit a slam dunk off a lob pass from Jerel Hastings, but Gibbs beat the halftime buzzer by making a 19-footer with a dribble move.

UAlbany posted its biggest lead at 34-27 early in the final period when Tim Ambrose, the lone Great Dane in double figures with 11 points, converted a back-door cut. But that advantage was quickly erased, as Gibbs hit two free throws to draw his team even at 37 apiece and Rony Tchatchoua hit a drive in the lane to put the Wildcats ahead.

The contest went back-and-forth over the next seven minutes despite the fact that the visitors made just 20.7 percent from the field after halftime on 6-of-29 shooting. Tchatchoua, who scored in twin figures for the fourth time this season with 12 points, delivered a crowd-pleasing, one-handed slam dunk in transition for a 46-43 lead. UAlbany’s Harris, who had nine points and five rebounds off the bench, sank two free throws to force the fifth tie of the period. Gibbs followed with a 22-foot three-pointer from the left side, before Johnson eventually made a driving layup in transition that evened the score at 49-all with 5:06 left.

“That’s the make-up of our team right now, we are not a jump-shooting team,” explained Brown, whose squad fell into a tie for sixth place in the conference standings. “We can’t stretch the defense. With (Anthony) Raffa and (Louis) Barraza out, we have to encourage Mike and Jerel to more aggressive.”

Brian Connelly and Hastings each finished with nine points for the Great Danes, who have dropped six of their last seven outings. Covington added eight points, his highest scoring total since Jan. 31, 2007, and grabbed five rebounds in his second consecutive starting assignment.

University of Albany Women's Soccer Signs 11 High School Standouts to National Letters of Intent - UAlbany Sports

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – University at Albany head women’s soccer coach Mary-Frances Monroe announced on Wednesday that 11 student-athletes, who all hail from the state of New York, have signed national letters of intent to play for the Great Danes in the 2009-10 academic year. The class features two forwards, four midfielders, four defenders and one goalkeeper.

“We are extremely excited about our incoming class,” said Monroe on her largest collection of signees which includes eight players who compete in their local Olympic Development Program (ODP) and four 2008 NSCAA/adidas regional All-America selections. “This is a very unique and highly talented group of student-athletes who are going to leave an everlasting impression on this program.”

Jessica Baccaglini (Rockville Centre, N.Y./South Side) is a 5-foot-5 defender who led her high school team to three straight New York State Class A championships from 2005-07. As a senior captain, she led the Cyclones to the state finals. A two-time All-Nassau County selection, Baccaglini was also a member of her school’s National Honor Society and helped her club team, the Rockville Centre Tornados, advance to the Eastern New York State Cup championship game twice.

Danielle DelNero (Endicott, N.Y./Union Endicott) is a 5-foot-4 midfielder who was named all-division three times and all-conference once. The five-year letterwinner helped her squad win three consecutive New York State Class AA Section IV championships and advance as far as the state’s title game. The National Honor Society member recorded 26 goals and 14 assists in her career and captained her team for two seasons while also leading the Syracuse Football Club to a pair of New York West State Cup championships.

Chelsea DeVerna (Setauket, N.Y./Ward Melville) and Maggie DeVerna (Setauket, N.Y./Ward Melville) are twin sisters and team captains who led their program to two straight league titles. Chelsea, a 5-foot-2 forward, was named the Suffolk County Player of the Year and an all-state first-team selection, while Lisa, a 5-foot-2 midfielder, was a member of the NYSSWA Class AA all-state fourth team. The sisters played club soccer with Baccaglini on the Rockville Centre Tornados. They are Region II All-Americans and participate in the Eastern New York State Olympic Development Program (ENYSODP).

Olivia Guy (Ontario, N.Y./Aquinas Institute) finished her four-year high school career with 76 goals and 41 assists. A 5-foot-11 forward, she led her team to the 2006 NYS Class AA Championship when she was named the game’s most outstanding player. She also helped the Rochester Junior Rhinos win the U.S. Soccer Club National Championship in 2007 and the New York State Cup twice. Guy was a two-time Region II All-American and is in the player pool for the Western New York State Olympic Development Program (WNYSODP). A team captain who was a fourth-team all-state selection as a senior, Guy also holds the state record in the long jump at 18-feet, 0.5-inches and currently ranks first in Section V in the long jump and triple jump.

Julianne Hayes (Northport, N.Y./Northport) led her high school team to four league championships and a combined record of 47-8-8 in that span. The 5-foot-4 defender and team captain was a four-time Scholar-Athlete Award winner and garnered all-league and all-conference honors as a senior after recording three goals and five assists from the backfield. She totaled 10 goals and 15 assists during her career and also played at the club level for Cold Spring Harbor ISA.

Lily Honor (Brooklyn, N.Y./The Beacon School) is a 5-foot-4 midfielder who earned three letters at The Beacon School and played at the club level for the Mamaroneck Junior Soccer Panthers. She is also a member of the ENYSODP. Off the field, she worked with the New York 2 New Orleans Coalition (NY2NO), a youth-led organization which works with people who have been affected by social, racial and economic inequities in both cities.

Breanna Maggio (Ontario, N.Y./Wayne Central) was a five-year letterwinner and the first eighth grader to ever play at Wayne Central. She was also a four-time all-league selection and was named to the NYSSWA Class A all-state third team as a senior. The 5-foot-5 goalkeeper, who played in 100 matches, finished her career holding school records for shutouts (49) and goals against average (0.49). A volunteer for the Special Olympics, Maggio played her club ball for the Rochester Junior Rhinos, winning a national championship and two state titles. A WNYSODP member, she surrendered one goal in three games in the 2007 national tournament.

Casey Marks (Cortland, N.Y./Cortland) is a 5-foot-9 defender who has the ability to play every position on the field. She led Cortland High School to a pair of NYS Class A Section III championships and played for the Syracuse Football Club. In addition, she was a Region II All-American and is in the WNYSODP player pool.



Regina Nowicki (Fairport, N.Y./Fairport) was a four-time all-league selection and helped her high school win the 2008 Section V championship with a 19-3-1 ledger. A second-team all-state pick and member of the WNYSODP, the 5-foot-8 defender played on the Rochester Junior Rhinos’ back line which surrendered one goal in three games to claim the 2007 U.S. Club Soccer National Championship.


Despina Psomopoulos (Bayside, N.Y./Bayside) is a 5-foot-5 midfielder who led Bayside to a combined record of 66-4-2 over a four-year span. She was a two-time league MVP who has amassed 63 goals and 38 assists in her career and led the conference in goals and points as a freshman. A member of the ENYSODP and National Honor Society, Psomopoulos also helped the Albertson Soccer Club advance to the championship game of the New York State Cup and win the Northeast Region I championship.

-agate-

2009 University at Albany Women’s Soccer Signings

Name, Pos., Ht., Hometown (High School/Club)

Jessica Baccaglini, Defender, 5-5, Rockville Centre, N.Y. (South Side / Rockville Centre Tornados)

Danielle DelNero, Midfielder, 5-4, Endicott, N.Y. (Union Endicott / Syracuse Football Club)

Chelsea DeVerna, Forward, 5-2, Setauket, N.Y. (Ward Melville / Rockville Centre Tornados)

Maggie DeVerna, Midfielder, 5-2, Setauket, N.Y. (Ward Melville / Rockville Centre Tornados)

Olivia Guy, Forward, 5-11, Ontario, N.Y. (Aquinas Institute / Rochester Junior Rhinos)

Julianne Hayes, Defender, 5-4, Northport, N.Y. (Northport / Club Spring Harbor ISA)

Lily Honor, Midfielder, 5-4, Brooklyn, N.Y. (The Beacon School / Mamaroneck Junior Soccer Panthers)

Breanna Maggio, Goalkeeper, 5-5, Ontario, N.Y. (Wayne Central / Rochester Junior Rhinos)

Casey Marks, Defender, 5-9, Cortland, N.Y. (Cortland / Syracuse Football Club)

Regina Nowicki, Defender, 5-8, Fairport, N.Y. (Fairport / Rochester Junior Rhinos)

Despina Psomopoulos, Midfielder, 5-5, Bayside, N.Y. (Bayside / Albertson Soccer Club)

UAlbany-New Hampshire pregame thoughts

With the Great Danes down to eight available players ...... head coach Will Brown said today having fewer players does simplify matters entering Thursday’s game at New Hampshire.

“It’s made my job easier because we basically have eight guys,” Brown said. “The guys we’re bringing off the bench, it’s actually unique the way it works. (Freshman forward) Billy Allen can play on the perimeter, or we can use him as an undersized 4-man (power forward), depending on who we play. (Junior forward) Will Harris can play on the perimeter and we’re playing him at the 4 some, too, and Brett Gifford and Jimmie Covington just rotate in and out at the 5 spot (center), so I think in the eight-man rotation, we have some flexibility coming off the bench where guys can play different positions.

“It’s made my job easier,” Brown repeated. “I don’t really have to think as much with these eight guys.”

Brown said it probably makes the players’ lives easier, as well.

“I’m sure,” he said. “When you don’t have a lot of options, the kids look at it as, `Hey, I’m going to get an opportunity to play, relax, go out and play and see what happens.’ When you have eight guys in uniform, as opposed to 11, 12 or 13, kids get the sense they’re going to get an opportunity, and hopefully they embrace that opportunity and run with it.”

Brown said he again won’t have freshman point guard Anthony Raffa (sprained toe) or sophomore guard Louis Barraza (Achilles’ tendinitis and bad back). Brown said Raffa had an X-ray today and won’t be able to practice until next Wednesday, at the earliest, which means he’ll miss the final two regular-season games. He might be done for the season.

Brown plans to start the same five as the Maine game with Jerel Hastings at small forward and Mike Johnson at the point. Both are known more for their defense than their outside shooting.

UAlbany sophomore guard Tim Ambrose said the lack of depth can also be a drawback.

“I like playing in general, but having a short bench means we’ve got to play a lot of minutes,” Ambrose said. “It can help us in the long run, or it can hurt us. But we’re in shape now. Coach Brown made sure of that. So we’re just going to go out there, and when you get tired, you ask for a sub.”

************

At least Ambrose is staying on the floor.

He played 32 minutes in Sunday’s win over Maine, in no small part because he didn’t pick up his first foul until 18:12 remained in the game. That was a change from his tendency to have two fouls before some fans settle into their seats.

“Just not reaching,” Ambrose explained. “Just playing people with my feet instead of my hands. I tend to reach every now and then and I get caught every time I do it.”

***********

The seeding implications of Thursday’s game weren’t lost on Ambrose as UAlbany is in a three-way tie for fifth in America East with UNH and UMBC.

A win would be a major step toward locking up the fifth seed in the conference tournament and likely playing Stony Brook in the No. 4-vs.-No.5 quarterfinal on March 7 at 2:30 p.m in SEFCU Arena.

“It’s a very important game,” Ambrose said. “I feel like if we win this game, we’ll be in fifth place, and we’ll have to play Stony Brook, and that’ll be a good game, even though they beat us twice in the regular season. Hey, anything’s possible. Just got to come out ready to play tomorrow.”

**************

UNH is playing well lately, winning two of its past three games.

The Wildcats humbled UAlbany 10 days ago with a 78-59 victory that was UAlbany’s worst margin of defeat at home since SEFCU Arena opened in 1992.

Then the Wildcats beat Maine before taking America East co-leader Binghamton to overtime in a 70-69 loss on Sunday.

“Our guys, because we played (UNH) a week ago, understand their personnel and what they do and what we didn’t do,” Brown said. “I think the preparation aspect of it is fresh in their mind, and so is the beating we took.”

UAlbany shot 20-of-33 from the free-throw line in the first meeting.

“UNH is going to play us mostly man-to-man,” Brown said. “That helps Mike (Johnson), that helps Jerel (Hastings) on a consistent basis. We were very aggressive in the second half against UNH offensively and really got to the free-throw line but we didn’t make our free throws. I think we need to establish the inside game and be aggressive early on against UNH up there and we’ll see what happens.”

By Mark Singelais

University of Albany Men's Lacrosse Pulls Out Win

Courtesy: UA Sports

Sophomore Joe Pompo scored the game-winning goal with 32 seconds elapsed in the second overtime, as UAlbany rallied for an 8-7 victory over crosstown-rival Siena on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Siena Turf Field. The Great Danes have won all seven meetings since both programs have competed at the Division I level, but this one was the most tightly contested.

Siena (0-2) broke a 5-5 deadlock midway through the fourth quarter when senior attack Chris Zarins rifled a shot into the net from the left side after collecting Chris Roth’s feed from behind the cage. The Saints then looked to take control when Ryan Duggan tallied his second goal of the game in man-advantage situation.

UAlbany (1-1) closed the gap to 7-6 with 3:40 left when freshman Joe Resetarits connected with a sidearm shot by reversing to his left shoulder. The Saints appeared to have thwarted any comeback attempt when goalkeeper Brent Herbst, who had 13 saves, stopped Resetarits from the left side of the cage with 12 seconds remaining. But defenseman Kyle Vercruysse’s clearing pass was picked by UAlbany goalie John Carroll and the freshman sent a desperation pass into the Siena zone. After several bounces in the box, Resetarits corralled the loose ball and put it in the back of the net from the top of crease with three-tenths of a second to play to force overtime.

“I knew I had a couple of seconds,” explained Resetarits, who netted a game-high four goals. “I was just trying to pick it up and shoot it. I didn’t think we would get the ball back (after Herbst’s save). There was a big scrum in front of me and I was more shocked that it bounced right to me.”

The Saints had two scoring chances in the first extra period. Carroll made one of his 12 saves on Chris D’Alberti’s high blast and Matt Leithead’s shot was wide with six seconds left in the stanza. However, Siena’s Roth was called for slashing as the overtime ended and the Great Danes started the second four-minute session with an extra attacker. Pompo then sent his game-winner from the right point into the upper left corner off a pass from Brian Caufield.

“I was the third option on that play,” said Pompo, who had a pair of goals. “We had worked on that play every day in practice. We made a lot of errors in the first half, but kept on fighting.”

The Saints, who had lost the previous six meetings with UAlbany by fairly wide margins, dominated the action in the opening half. Kenny Mazzone scored on a low grounder from the left point in the first quarter. Still leading 2-1 late in the second period, Siena found the net twice in a 40-second span. Shaun Dunn went low from the left side and Duggan followed on an extra-man goal with 30 seconds left before intermission.

The Great Danes, who were coming off a one-goal loss in the season opener against Denver, trailed 5-3 with 7:45 left in the third quarter after Zarins connected with the man-advantage from right of the crease. But UAlbany regrouped when Caufield, who had one goal and three assists, converted a bounce shot after Pompo came up with a failed clear. Pompo drew his team even at five apiece with 10:24 remaining in regulation. Defender Garrett Pedley intercepted a clearing attempt with his squad a man up to set up the game-tying goal.

“We were fortunate but we played all sixty minutes,” said UAlbany coach Scott Marr, whose club had lost its previous six one-goal decisions, dating back to the 2007 NCAA quarterfinal defeat against Cornell. “It was gut-check time when we were down 4-1. Siena possessed the ball and took us out of our rhythm. We fought back and did a job on defense in the first overtime.”

***********

UAlbany (1-1) 0 1 3 3 0 1 - 8

Siena (0-2) 1 3 1 2 0 0 - 7

UAlbany – Joe Resetarits 4-0, Joe Pompo 2-0, Brian Caufield 1-3, Corey Small 1-0, John Alpizar 0-1, Derek Kreuzer 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): John Carroll (64:32, 12 saves, 7 GA).

Siena – Ryan Duggan 2-0, Chris Zarins 2-0, Chris D’Alberti 1-2, Shaun Dunn 1-1, Kenny Mazzone 1-0, Chris Roth 0-2, Bryan Neufeld 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Brent Herbst (62:38, 13 saves, 8 GA), Tom Morr (1:54, 1 save, 0 GA).

University of Albany's Britney McGee's 30 Points Helps Women's Basketball in 92-80 Win

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Britney McGee scored a career-high 30 points and made seven three-point field goals as UAlbany snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 92-80 victory over UMBC in America East Conference play on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at SEFCU Arena.

UMBC (14-13, AE 6-8) rallied from a 14-point deficit early in the second half. Michelle Kurowski, a freshman guard who had 25 points, hit a driving layup, before Katie Brooks made a jumper in the lane to draw their team even at 64-all. Kurowski, who added three assists and four steals, made two of her three 3-point field goals in that run.

With the game still tied at 66 apiece, UAlbany (4-22, AE 2-11) ran off 11 consecutive points to take control. McGee canned a three-pointer from the right corner on an inbounds play to break the tie. Tabitha Makopondo, a 6-foot-1 freshman, connected on a drive and then scored in the lane off a feed from Tiffanie Johnson. McGee, who made 7-of-8 from beyond the arc, later buried two free throws for a 77-66 advantage with 3:54 remaining.

The Retrievers, who won the first meeting this season by a 13-point spread, never got closer than seven in the stretch. After Melissa Book drilled a three-point field goal, UAlbany’s Janea Aiken answered with a conventional three-point play. Aiken, who had 14 points and five assists, was fouled on a left baseline drive.

“We shot the ball well and we played good defense,” said UAlbany coach Trina Patterson, whose team made a season-best 58.5 percent from the field on 31-of-53 shooting. “When they made their run, we didn’t clam up, we fought back. We were committed to pride, purpose and being physical. We have been in the valley so long; now they know how to climb out.”

The first half featured nine lead changes and five ties. The Retrievers were behind, 24-23, but then went ahead on Kurowski’s two foul shots and a three-pointer by Michele Brokans. UAlbany answered with a 20-4 run over the next four minutes. McGee, who added five assists, seven rebounds and three steals to the second-highest scoring total by a Great Danes this season, helped her team regain the lead with back-to-back long-range jumpers. Still leading 36-32, McGee hit another 3-pointer from right of the key off a kick-out pass. Johnson made a right baseline jumper and McGee sank a 23-footer for a 44-32 cushion.

After taking a 48-38 lead to the locker room, McGee and Makopondo helped expand that margin early in the final stanza. McGee nailed a 14-foot jumper and another three-pointer. Makopondo, who had a career-high 17 points, scored on the right baseline and sank two from the charity stripe for a 57-43 advantage with 17:28 left.

“We played as a team and we were all on the same page,” offered McGee, whose squad scored the most points in a Division I game, breaking a mark established in a 91-73 win over Lafayette on Jan. 2, 2003. “There was a little fear (when they tied the game), because we have been so use to losing. But we toughened up, pulled together and pushed through.”

Brooks was the only other UMBC player in double figures with 15 points, while Erin Brown added nine points and six rebounds. Carlee Cassidy, the conference’s leading scorer with a 21.5 average coming into the contest, was held to four on 1-of-6 shooting. Charity Iromuanya added 10 points and three steals for the Great Danes, who ended the second-longest losing skid in the program’s Division I history and won for the first time since Jan. 13th against Maine.

University of Albany Men's Basketball Records 80-69 America East Conference Win Against Maine on Senior Day - UAlbany Sports

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Tim Ambrose scored 27 points and Jerel Hastings added his first career double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, as UAlbany halted a five-game losing streak with an 80-69 America East Conference victory over Maine on Sunday, Feb. 22 at SEFCU Arena.

Maine (9-18, AE 4-10) reversed a seven-point deficit early in the second half to go back in front. Sean McNally, a 6-foot-7, 250-pound sophomore who had 15 points and eight rebounds, put his team ahead, 50-48, with a three-point field goal from left of the key. Troy Barnies, who scored 15 off the bench, later gave his club a four-point cushion when he connected in the lane.

UAlbany (14-13, AE 6-8) regrouped with 12 unanswered. Jimmie Covington, a 6-foot-7 senior, tied the contest at 56 apiece with two foul shots, before Ambrose drilled a three-pointer from the left corner as his team regained the lead. The 6-foot sophomore later drove to the basket to set up Brian Connelly for a basket, and hit a one-hander on the left baseline. Connelly split a pair of free throws for a 64-56 advantage. Ambrose, who had 20-plus points for the seventh time this season, added four rebounds, four assists and four steals to his scoring total.

The Great Danes, who shot 53.8 percent in the final period, would rattle off a string of eight straight points to build their lead to double figures. Hastings, a Dallas, Texas native who was one of three seniors playing in his final regular-season home game, made a 16-foot baseline jumper and delivered a slam dunk on an inside cut. Brett Gifford sank two free throws for a 72-58 cushion with 3:53 to play.

“The intensity from practice finally carried over to the floor,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team committed a season-low six turnovers. “The team responded to the challenge they were presented and I am happy that the seniors leave on a positive note. This is the first time that Jerel’s mother has an opportunity to see him play here.”

The Black Bears, who won this year’s first meeting with UAlbany on Jan. 17 by a 72-61 score, broke free in a first half that featured five lead changes and three ties. Maine led 26-23, but then scored six of the game’s next eight points. Freshman Gerald McLemore, who had 11 of his 14 points in the period, buried a 3-pointer and canned a 15-foot jumper on the left baseline. Barnies later followed Mark Socoby’s missed runner and his team had a 34-25 advantage.

The Great Danes, who helped end their longest loss skein since December 2005 by grabbing 17 offensive rebounds, came back 10 straight points to take a 35-34 edge to the locker room. Hastings, who made 6-of-9 from the field and 7-of-8 from the line, hit a baseline shot and had a slam dunk on an offensive board in that span. Mike Johnson made a three-point field goal to draw his team even, before Covington split two free throws with less than one seconds left in the half.

“I was nervous before the game and shed a tear (during the pre-game ceremony),” said Hastings, who scored in twin figures in consecutive games for the first time in a UAlbany uniform. “My coaches have been asking me to more aggressive and I played with energy. We have been focusing on rebounding and crashing the glass.”

Junior Bernal had 16 points, six rebounds and four steals for the Black Bears, who have dropped seven of their last eight outings. Connelly, a 6-foot-8 senior, scored in twin figures for the 12th time this season with 15 points.

“I don’t know if I am happy as a senior or just happy to get a win period,” offered Connelly, whose squad moved into a tie for fifth place in the conference standings. “I think our energy was the difference. This is the kind of effort that can start moving us up the hill.”

Softball Falls to Jacksonville State, 11-5, in Final Game of South Florida Tournament

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Tampa, Fla. – Senior Kayla Collins went 4-for-5 with three runs batted in to lead Jacksonville State to an 11-5 victory over the UAlbany softball team at South Florida’s The Game Tournament on Sunday, Feb. 22. The reigning Ohio Valley Conference champions jumped out to an 8-0 lead and went wire-to-wire for the six-run win.

Jacksonville State (8-3), which advanced to the regional final of the NCAA Tournament a year ago, plated eight runs in the first four innings. The Gamecocks scored once in the first on a fielder’s choice. A pair of doubles by Jackie Jarman and Courtney Underwood put three more runs across the board in the second frame, and a single with the bases loaded by Kaycee Crow added another run in the third. UAlbany’s Marissa Powell forced the first two batters to fly out in the fourth, but the Gamecocks recovered offensively and scored three more times to take an eight-run lead.

The Great Danes, who were facing their third straight opponent which advanced to the 2008 NCAA Tournament, cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the fourth inning. Meagan Butsch led off with a double to right center. After Gina Mason singled to right on the next play, Butsch was able to score on a throwing error by Crow from the outfield. With the bases loaded and one down, Katie Wambold came in as a pinch hitter and plated Diane MacDowell on a groundout to third. Jess Bergin came home with the Great Danes’ third run on a wild pitch. Andrianna Walvraven chased pitcher Kelly McGregor out of the game when she sent in Stephanie Talerico with one of her career-high three hits. The inning ended when Michelle Connors was called out on strikes.

The Gamecocks responded with two runs in the top of the fifth to go ahead by a 10-4 score, but the Great Danes answered back with one more run half an inning later when Bergin laced a double down the left field line. An RBI single up the middle by Collins in the top of the seventh sealed the final outcome.

Jacksonville State’s McGregor was credited with the victory and improved to 1-0 this season. She recorded one strikeout and surrendered six hits, three walks, and three earned runs in 3.2 innings. She was relieved by Collins, who struck out three Great Danes and allowed three hits and one earned run in 3.1 innings of work. UAlbany’s Powell pitched her seventh complete game of the season and dropped to 1-6 with the loss. She had one strikeout while giving up 20 hits, 10 earned runs and two walks.

UAlbany (6-6), which finished the tournament with a 2-3 ledger, will be back in action when it travels to Georgia Tech’s Buzz Classic in Woodstock, Ga. from March 6-8. The Great Danes will open up against Centenary before facing Jacksonville State, Bowling Green, Kennesaw State and Akron in the three-day event.

University of Albany Men Win Fourth Straight America East Indoor Track & Field Crown; Women Finish Second - UAlbany Sports

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Boston, Mass. – University at Albany’s Jean Juste won the 55-meter hurdles for the third year in a row, as his team captured its fourth consecutive America East Conference men’s indoor track & field championship on Saturday, Feb. 21 at the Boston University Track & Tennis Center. The Great Danes were second for the third time in the last four years in the women’s championship.

Juste, a defensive back on the UAlbany football team, sprinted 7.47 seconds to win the 55-hurdles title. The Great Danes, who had seven individual champions and won two took relays, were first in the team standings by 73 points over second-place Binghamton. UAlbany scored 211 total points, breaking Northeastern’s previous standard of 202 set in 1991.

Nasim Siddeeq was first in the triple jump with an NCAA-provisional mark and an America East meet record leap of 51-feet, 4.25-inches. Siddeeq, who became sixth UAlbany athlete in as many years to win the event, was named the Most Outstanding Field Performer of the Meet. Michael McCadney also went over 50 feet (50-10.75) to place second. Tyler Fogarty set a school record in winning the 1,000-meter run in 2:24.86, while John Moore was second.

Alie Beauvais reached the finish line first in the 500-meter dash with a time of 1:03.40 and helped the victorious 4x400m relay establish a conference record. A transfer from Lincoln (Mo.) University, Beauvais teamed with Andrew Overbaugh, Joe Greene and Jeffery Barnes to run the relay in 3:11.77, breaking a mark that had stood since 2003. In addition, Greene was second at 400-meters with an NCAA-provisional and school record time of 47.15.

Aaron Lozier ran to victory in the 800-meter run and was clocked in 1:52.69. Lozier also competed on the 4x800m relay that placed second in a school-record time of 7:37.57 and was fourth in the mile run. Luke Schoen (pole vault), Wilfredo de Jesus Elias (weight throw) and the distance medley relay picked up wins on Friday’s opening day of competition.

In the women’s meet, Kamilah McShine was a winner in the 55-meter hurdles for the fourth consecutive year. McShine, who won the pentathlon on Friday, hit the tape in a meet-record 7.93 seconds. She was also a member of the winning 4x400m relay, along with Jenn Gurrant, Zuliana Fontanez and Fey Adaramola. The relay was timed in 3:48.48, just two-hundredths of a second off the existing meet record. McShine, who scored 22 points in the championship, was chosen the Most Outstanding Performer of the Meet.

Adaramola set a school standard in winning the 200m dash in 24.30 seconds. The Central Florida transfer added a fourth-place finish in the 55-dash. The Great Danes, who had five individual winners, scored 141.50 and were 17 points behind champion Boston University.

Gurrant, who was third in the long jump competition the previous day, took the triple jump with a leap of 41-0.25. Ritshell Verdier won her second conference indoor shot put crown with a toss of 44-9.75. Melissa Lee was second at 500-meters in 1:15.05.

“The men take great pride in winning this championship,” said UAlbany coach Roberto Vives, a member of the America East Coaching Staff of the Year for the fourth time in his career. “We just keep getting better and better, and there were many outstanding performances. The women pushed Boston U. as far as they could. We are a young team.”

***********

2009 America East Conference Indoor Track & Field Championship

MEN

1. UAlbany 211, 2. Binghamton 138, 3. New Hampshire 133, 4. UMBC 123, 5. Boston U. 57, 6. Maine 42.50, 7. Vermont 38, 8. Stony Brook 34, 9. Hartford 3.5.



Individual

55 – Aaron Campbell (Vermont), 6.46, 200 – Cazal Arnett (Binghamton), 21.41, 400 – Cazal Arnett (Binghamton), 46.96, 500 – Alie Beauvais (UAlbany), 1:30.40, 800 – Aaron Lozier (UAlbany), 1:52.69, 1,000 – Tyler Fogarty (UAlbany), 2:24.86; Mile – David Proctor (Boston U.), 4:02.47, 3,000 – Riley Masters (Maine), 8:17.46, 5,000 – Chris Gaube (Binghamton), 14:45.27, 55-Hurdles – Jean Juste (UAlbany), 7.47, 4x400 Relay – UAlbany (Andrew Overbaugh), Alie Beauvais, Jeffery Barnes, Joe Greene), 3:11.77 (championship record), 4x800 Relay – Boston U. (Kenneth Haltom, Balint Horvath, Jeff Moreau, David Proctor), 7:34.90 (championship record), Distance Medley Relay – UAlbany (Aaron Lozier, Joe Greene, Tyler Fogarty, Ricardo Estremera), 9:42.99 (championship record), High Jump – Victor Gilreath (UMBC), 6-9, Pole Vault – Luke Schoen (UAlbany), 17-0.75, Long Jump – Spencer Shaw (New Hampshire), 24-0.25, Triple Jump – Nasim Siddeeq (UAlbany), 51-4.25 (championship record), Shot Put – Brice Paey (New Hampshire), 56-2.50 (championship record), Weight Throw – Wilfredo de Jesus Elias (UAlbany), 62-6, Heptathlon – Dominic Devaud (UMBC), 4,884 points.



WOMEN

1. Boston U. 158.5, 2. UAlbany 141.5, 3. New Hampshire 120, 4. Vermont 92, 5. Maine 73, 6. Binghamton 61, 7. UMBC 57, 8. Stony Brook 54, Hartford 21.



Individual

55 – Shelby Walton (Boston U.), 7.10, 200 – Fey Adaramola (UAlbany), 24.30, 400 – Vicki Tolton (Maine), 54.31 (championship record), 500 – Rebecca Marshburn (Boston U.), 1:15.62, 800 – Katie Weider (Boston U.), 2:12.16, 1,000 – Lucy Van Dalen (Stony Brook), 2:48.02 (championship record), Mile – Lucy Van Dalen (Stony Brook), 4:45.87, 3,000 – Andrea Walkonen (Boston U.), 9:25.69 (championship record), 5,000 – Andrea Walkonen (Boston U.), 16:04.49 (championship record), 55-Hurdles – Kamilah McShine (UAlbany), 7.93 (championship record), 4x400 Relay – UAlbany (Kamilah McShine, Zuliana Fontanez, Jennifer Gurrant, Fey Adaramola), 3:48.48, 4x800 Relay – Maine (Corey Conner, Stephanie Jette, Jennifer Lucy, Vanessa Letourneau), 9:18.99, Distance Medley Relay – New Hampshire (Kelly Maguire, Catherine Perella, Allison Letourneau, Sydney Fitzpatrick), 11:55.53, High Jump – Karly Neveu (Boston U.), 5-4.25, Pole Vault – Rita Ciambra (New Hampshire), 12-5.50 (championship record), Long Jump – Edwina Clarke (Boston U.), 18-11.75, Triple Jump – Jennifer Gurrant (UAlbany), 41-0.25, Shot Put – Ritshell Verdier (UAlbany), 44-9.75, Weight Throw – Ashlee Lathrop (New Hampshire), 57-3, Pentathlon – Kamilah McShine (UAlbany), 3,418 points.

Men's Lacrosse Edged By Denver, 10-9, in Great Danes' Home Opener at John Fallon Field

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Charley Dickenson had three goals and two assists as Denver held off UAlbany, 10-9, in the Great Danes’ home opener at John Fallon Field on Saturday, Feb. 21.

Denver (1-1) snapped a 6-6 deadlock with a pair of goals in the last minute of the third quarter. Senior attacker Cliff Smith moved around a long-stick midfielder and bounced a shot into the right side of the net with 38.7 seconds remaining in the period. Dickenson then drove from behind the cage and scored from the left with one tick left on the clock.

After UAlbany (0-1) closed with 8-7 on a behind-the-back shot by Brian Caufield, the Pioneers stretched their advantage to a three-goal cushion. Joey Murray tallied his third goal of the game when he spun to his right shoulder and sent a blast into the upper right corner. Dickenson, a junior midfielder, then faked high and went low on a drive from behind the net with 6:32 to play.

The Great Danes, who are ranked No. 17 in the current USILA coaches’ poll, closed within one goal three minutes later when Dave Brock scored twice. The junior college All-American buried a 15-yard shot from the right point and followed one minute and 44 seconds later off a pass from midfielder Mark Cometti. The play originated in the defensive end when the Great Danes forced a turnover with a double-team.

UAlbany has two excellent chances to force overtime, but Denver goalkeeper Peter Lowell was up to the challenge with two of his 13 saves. Lowell stopped Brock’s behind-the-back attempt with one minute remaining after the Great Danes once again forced a miscue by doubling the ball. The Great Danes’ Corey Small came open in the middle of the field with 17 seconds on the clock, but Lowell thwarted the senior’s blast from six yards in front of the cage to preserve the road win.

“Their goalie was the difference in the game,” said UAlbany coach Scott Marr, whose team is also ranked No. 13 in the Nike/Inside Lacrosse poll. “You can’t ask for a better opportunity with your best player shooting from six or seven yards away. We started slowly and weren’t moving our feet well. We could have been sharper at certain times in the game.”

The Pioneers, who were coming off a 20-7 loss to nationally-ranked North Carolina in their opener one week ago, leaped to a 4-1 lead in the second quarter. Alex Gaijic’s extra-man goal from left of the crease gave his team that three-goal cushion.

UAlbany rattled off three unanswered in the third period to go ahead 5-4. Small, who had three goals and one assist, scored from the top of the crease with a man-advantage, before Caufield put his team ahead from the middle of the zone after a restart. Murray and Dickenson netted a pair of unassisted goals to help the Pioneers regain the lead. UAlbany’s Joe Pompo drew his squad even by working his way around a defender to score from the left side. Pompo and Caufield each finished with two goals and one assist.

“They came out firing and we were a step behind,” said Brock, who totaled 115 goals in his two seasons at Herkimer County Community College and set up Small for the potential game-tying score. “The game isfaster and there is a lot more talent (at this level). We need to work on the little things and next time we will be in a position to execute.”

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Denver (1-1) 1 3 4 2 - 10

#17 UAlbany (0-1) 1 1 4 3 - 9

Denver – Charley Dickenson 3-2, Joey Murray 3-0, Alex Gajic 2-0, Cliff Smith 1-0, Todd Baxter 1-0, Jamie Lincoln 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Peter Lowell (60:00, 13 saves, 9 GA).

UAlbany – Corey Small 3-1, Brian Caufield 2-1, Dave Brock 2-1, Joe Pompo 2-1, Joe Resetarits 0-1, Mark Cometti 0-1, John Alpizar 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): John Carroll (60:00, 11 saves, 10 GA).

University of Albany Leah McIntosh's Third Straight Shutout Salvages Split of Big East Opponents for Softball - UAlbany Sports

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Tampa, Fla. – Leah McIntosh pitched her third straight shutout to lead the UAlbany softball team to a 2-0 victory over South Florida, last season’s Big East regular-season champion, on Saturday, Feb. 21 at South Florida’s The Game Tournament. Earlier in the day, Louisville, ranked 25th in the nation by USA Today/NFCA, hit five home runs to earn a 12-3 win over the Great Danes in five innings.

After McIntosh got out of the top of the first inning with two consecutive strikeouts, the Great Danes scored all the runs they would need in the bottom half of the opening frame. Andrianna Walraven singled up the middle and stole second to start things off. Walraven then advanced to third on a single by Kristine Bill, and made it home on the next play when Connors grounded out to short. Batting with two runners in scoring position and one out, Gina Mason singled down the left field line to plate Bill for the team’s second run.

South Florida (8-5), which was among the teams receiving votes in the national polls, made its biggest threat to get on the scoreboard in the top of the sixth. JoJo Medina, an All-Big East second-team member last year, recorded the Bulls’ only hit of the afternoon when she singled through the left side to put two runners on for Cat Olnick. With a pair of runners in scoring position following a wild pitch, the cleanup hitter flied out to Nicole Kothe in left. McIntosh got out of her biggest jam of the day by fanning the last batter.

UAlbany’s McIntosh improved to a perfect 5-0 with her fourth shutout of the season. She has only given up one earned run in her five starts, dropping her earned run average to 0.26. The junior, who pitched a perfect game against Rhode Island yesterday, struck out nine batters to increase her total to 60 in 34 innings of work.

South Florida’s Cristi Ecks, who recorded only one out, surrendered four hits and two runs which were both earned to drop to 2-1 this season. She was relieved by Kristin Gordon, who only allowed one batter to reach base when Connors was hit by a pitch in the sixth.

In the first game, Louisville (11-1) took a quick 2-0 advantage in the opening frame when senior Kristi Cunningham blasted her fifth home run of the season over the right field fence. The Great Danes threatened in the top half of the second, but could not plate Meagan Butsch from third.

The Cardinals, whose only loss this season came to fifth-ranked Michigan, added three more runs in the bottom of the second. After Vanessa James tripled to right center with one runner on, Melissa Roth went yard to give Louisville a five-run lead.

UAlbany (6-5) staged a rally by putting three runs on the scoreboard in the top of the fourth. With Connors on first, Butsch reached on an error to put two runners on for Mason. The sophomore who was named to last season’s all-rookie team by America East then doubled to right center, plating Butsch and Connors. Bill, who recorded a career-high five RBI in yesterday’s win over Rhode Island, singled to second which brought Mason home for the Great Danes’ third run before Kat Smith grounded out to end the stanza.

Louisville extended its lead up to seven runs in the bottom of the fourth. After James sent her second triple down the right field line to plate Patrika Barlow, Roth hit her second home run of the morning to make it a five-run game. Cunningham then hit the Cardinals’ fourth ball over the fence to make it 10-3, and the contest ended in the bottom of the fifth due to the eight-run mercy rule when Roth hit her third home run of the morning.

Cardinal freshman Tori Collins earned the victory to improve to 4-0 this season. She finished the game with three strikeouts, no walks and was only charged with one earned run. Collins was relieved by junior Kristen Wadwell for 1.2 innings. An All-Big East second-team selection last season, she recorded a strikeout while only allowing one hit and one walk. UAlbany’s Marissa Powell dropped to 1-5 on the year with the loss. She surrendered 12 hits and 12 earned runs while walking two Cardinal hitters and fanning three in 4.1 innings before the game was called.

The Great Danes will close out tournament play tomorrow morning when they face Jacksonville State, last season’s Ohio Valley Conference champion, at 11 a.m.

-agate-

UAlbany 000 30 - 3 4 1

#25 Louisville (11-1) 230 52 - 12 12 1

(game ended due to 8-run rule)

UAlbany: Marissa Powell and Kat Smith. Louisville: Tori Collins and Melissa Roth.



South Florida (8-5) 000 000 0 - 0 1 0

UAlbany (6-5) 200 000 x - 2 4 1

UAlbany: Leah McIntosh and Kat Smith. South Florida: Cristi Ecks and Cat Olnick.

Men's Lacrosse Vs Denver - Saturday 1pm

IL Game Preview

Where: University of Albany Campus
Facility: John Fallon Stadium
Time: 1pm
Opponent: University of Denver