University of Albany Women's Soccer Makes First-Ever Appearance in America East Championship - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - The University at Albany women's soccer team will be making its first-ever appearance in the America East Conference Championship as the fifth seed. UAlbany (8-9-1, AE 3-4-1) travels to Stony Brook for a first-round match on Thursday, Oct. 29 at 7:00 p.m.

Fourth-year head coach Mary-Frances Monroe has led the youngest team in the league, which has only four upperclassmen and two that start, to its highest single-season win total in 21 years. The Great Danes won 10 matches as a Division III program in 1988. The team consistently plays with nine or 10 freshmen and sophomores.

The UAlbany-Stony Brook winner will advance to face defending-champion Boston University, the top seed with six tournament titles this decade, on Sunday, Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. In the other half of the bracket, third-seeded Maine will host sixth-seeded New Hampshire on Thursday at 2 p.m. The winner faces Binghamton, the second seed, on Sunday at 1 p.m. The championship match will be played at the site of the highest remaining seed on either Nov. 7 or 8 at a time to be determined.

UAlbany's improvement after finishing no higher than eighth in the conference standings before this season is a credit to the squad's most stellar defensive effort as a Division I program along with a balanced offensive attack. Anchored by freshman Casey Marks and sophomore Kendra Harrell-Vigil, UAbany has posted seven shutout victories, the most in more than 20 years, and surrenders only 1.22 goals per game. The program's Division I standard of allowing 2.00 goals per game was set in 2007. Sophomore Cate Crenson and freshman Breanna Maggio have registered four and three shutouts, respectively, and both rank among the league's top five goalkeepers in save percentage.

Chelsea DeVerna leads the team and all America East freshmen in scoring with six goals and three assists for 15 points. Senior forward Ashley Tirabassi broke the school record for career points, which stood unchallenged for 26 years, as well as the program standard for career goals. She enters the tournament with 19 career goals and eight assists for 46 points. Sophomore Rebecca Lee and freshman Maggie DeVerna control a midfield which has helped create the second-highest number of scoring opportunities in the conference for the strikers. The Great Danes attempt 16.72 shots per game.

Since the current six-team format began in 2003, the fifth seed has a 4-2 ledger and has won its opening-round match four times in the last five years. UAlbany has a three-game winning streak and a 5-1-1 ledger in its past seven road matches, which includes a 2-0 blanking of Stony Brook on Oct. 18.

The winner of the conference championship will receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, while the other contending teams will be eligible for an at-large selection. America East recently placed two teams in the NCAA field in 2006.

2009 America East Conference Women's Soccer Championship

Thursday, Oct. 29 - First Round (at higher seeds)
No. 6 New Hampshire at No. 3 Maine, 2 p.m.
No. 5 UAlbany at No. 4 Stony Brook, 7 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 1 - Semifinals (at higher seeds)
Maine/New Hampshire winner at No. 2 Binghamton, 1 p.m.
Stony Brook/UAlbany winner at No. 1 Boston University, 1 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 7 or Sunday, Nov. 8 (at highest seed remaining)
Championship, Semifinal winners, TBD

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Nicole Savage Named America East Field Hockey Player of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - UAlbany's Nicole Savage was named the America East Conference Field Hockey Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. It is Savage's second weekly award this season.

Savage tallied two assists in the Great Danes' 2-0 win over Boston U. that clinched UAlbany's second consecutive America East regular-season title. Savage, who is tied for the team lead with six goals on the season, recorded her sixth and seventh helpers for the year. She assisted on the game-winning goal in the 34th minute, before passing off to Alysia Hough in the 47th minute for an insurance goal. The senior forward also finished with a team-high three shots, including two on goal, in the game between the league's final two undefeated teams in conference play. UAlbany (12-3, AE 4-0) wraps the regular season this week against Connecticut and New Hampshire.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's White & Stanley Take Home America East Weekly Honors - Ualbany Sports 2009

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.-- University at Albany remained undefeated with two more conference wins last weekend and garnered this week's America East Volleyball Player and Setter of the Week awards. Senior middle blocker Hillary White (Aberdeen, S.D./Aberdeen) earned the award for top player, while junior setter Brooke Stanley (Hendersonville, N.C./West Henderson) made it four in a row with this week's Setter of the Week award.

Senior middle blocker White averaged 3.12 kills, 1.38 digs, 0.75 blocks and a remarkable .535 hitting percentage in two wins over Binghamton over the weekend, keeping the Great Danes undefeated in league play. At home on Friday, White finished with 14 kills, eight digs and five total blocks, hitting .444 for the match. In Vestal on Sunday, White recorded a team-high 11 kills with three digs and one block assist, hitting .688. For the week, White totaled 25 kills on 43 attempts with just two attack errors. The senior, a two-time all-conference selection, is receiving her first career Player of the Week award.

Stanley led the Great Danes to two wins over Binghamton, averaging 11.25 assists, 3.62 digs and 0.75 kills, while also finishing with five service aces and four block assists. In Friday's win at home, the junior setter recorded a match-high 55 assists and a career-high 22 digs for her eighth double-double of the season. She also added five kills with a .455 hitting percentage, two service aces and four block assists. On Sunday in Vestal, Stanley totaled 35 assists and seven digs, along with three service aces and one kill. Stanley's quarterbacking of the Great Danes offense led Albany to a .301 team hitting percentage. This is Stanley's fourth straight Setter of the Week honor and fifth of the season.

Team Notebook:

UAlbany (16-8 overall record, 6-0 America East record) won its 11th and 12th straight matches with two victories over Binghamton on Friday and Sunday to remain the lone undefeated team in the conference... Senior middle blocker Hillary White (Aberdeen, S.D./Aberdeen) averaged 3.12 kills, 1.38 digs and a remarkable .535 hitting percentage in the two wins... She totaled 25 kills on 43 attempts with just two attack errors for the week... Junior setter Brooke Stanley (Hendersonville, N.C./West Henderson) quarterbacked the Great Danes to the two wins over the Bearcats... On Friday, Stanley recorded a match-high 55 assists and a career-best 22 digs for her eighth double-double of the season... She also added five kills with a .455 hitting percentage, two service aces and four block assists... On Sunday, Stanley totaled 35 assists and seven digs, along with three service aces... Senior outside hitter Valerie Sourbeer (Valley Center, Calif./Valley Center) averaged a team-high 3.38 kills for the week, while junior outside hitter Teresa Coppiellie (Canton, Mich./Salem) added 2.62 kills and 2.75 digs per set... Sophomore middle blocker Casey Wright (Ballston Spa, N.Y./Ballston Spa) led the team at the net with 10 total blocks, including four solo, and is averaging a team-best 1.06 blocks per set on the season... Libero Laurie Gonzalez (Carolina, Puerto Rico/St. Francis School) paced the team defensively with 5.88 digs per set over the weekend... The Great Danes will return to action with one match on Friday, hosting New Hampshire at 7 p.m... UAlbany will be celebrating the second annual Dig Pink event, to raise money and awareness for the Sideout Foundation in support of breast cancer research.

Courtesy: AE News

2009 America East Women's Soccer Championship

2009 America East Women's Soccer Championship

Thursday, October 29 -- Quarterfinals
Game 1: No. 6 New Hampshire at No. 3 Maine, 2 p.m.
Game 2: No. 5 Albany at No. 4 Stony Brook, 7 p.m.

Sunday, November 1 -- Semifinals
Game 3: Game 1 Winner at No. 2 Binghamton, 1 p.m.
Game 4: Game 2 Winner at No. 1 Boston University, 1 p.m.

Saturday/Sunday, November 7/8 -- Final
Game 5: Game 3 Winner vs. Game 4 Winner, TBA

University of Albany Volleyball Sweeps Binghamton, 3-0, in America East Rematch - UAlbany Sports 2009

Vestal, N.Y. - Teresa Coppiellie and Hillary White each recorded 11 kills to lead UAlbany to a 3-0 sweep of Binghamton on Sunday afternoon at West Gym. It was the team's second time facing each other in the last three days, as UAlbany came out with a 3-2 win when the two teams met at University Gymnasium on Friday. The Great Danes came away with the win by posting set scores of 25-21, 25-13 and 25-21.

UAlbany rallied back from an early 4-1 deficit in the first set behind the service game of Laurie Gonzalez. Gonzalez served for four straight points, sandwiching a service ace between kills by Coppiellie and Kalyn Mostert, while Coppiellie also got a solo block in the series. Binghamton ended the rally with a kill from Michelle McDonough, but the Great Danes continued to roll, building up a 17-13 lead with a Bearcat attack error. Binghamton powered back, tying the set at 19-19 on a UAlbany ball handling error. The Great Danes jumped back in front with kills by Casey Wright and Valerie Sourbeer, while a service ace by Brooke Stanley gave UAlbany a 23-20 lead. Kills by Mostert and Coppiellie ended the first set in UAlbany's favor.

UAlbany quickly built up an 9-4 lead in the second set on a kill and service ace by Coppiellie. A service error by Binghamton put UAlbany ahead, 11-6, and put the ball in Stanley's hands for the service. Stanley served for six straight points, getting one service ace and five blocks at the net for the Great Danes. Wright was involved in four blocks during that series, while Sourbeer and Mostert also got in on the blocking action, giving UAlbany a 17-7 advantage. Binghamton was unable to recover, and the Great Danes rolled to the set win, getting a kill from White to end play.

UAlbany came out firing in the third set, building up a 6-2 lead on the service game of Laura Livergood, and building up a 15-9 advantage on a kill from Stanley. Binghamton would pull within 17-15 on a kill from McDonough, but Coppiellie responded with a kill of her own, and then served for four straight points to put the Great Danes ahead, 22-15. McDonough recorded another kill to get the Bearcats within23-18, before Elana King served for three consecutive points to pull Binghamton within two points. However, a Bearcat attack error gave the ball back to UAlbany, and Stanley finished the match with a service ace.

White finished the match with a .688 hitting percentage, taking 16 attempts without committing an error, leading the Great Danes to a .317 percentage as a team. Sourbeer added nine kills for UAlbany, while Wright totaled five blocks. Stanley finished with a match-high 35 assists to go along with seven digs and three service aces, while Gonzalez led the team defensively with a match-best 17 digs.

McDonough recorded a match-high 16 kills for Binghamton (11-11, AE 3-3). Anna Lejina added eight kills, while Brianna Strong totaled 11 digs for the Bearcats. Setter Lindsey Mueller recorded 24 assists.

UAlbany (16-8, AE 6-0) remains the only undefeated team in the conference, extending its win streak to 12 matches. The Great Danes will return to action on Friday, Oct. 30, as they host New Hampshire. UAlbany will be hosting the Second Annual Dig Pink match against the Wildcats, as the Great Danes will look to raise money and awareness for the Sideout Foundation in support of breast cancer research.

UAlbany (16-8, AE 6-0) def. Binghamton (11-11, AE 3-3)

UAlbany 3, Binghamton 0 (Oct 25, 2009)

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Tennis Closes Out Fall Competition at ITA Regional Tournament

New Haven, Conn. - Livia Gherman defeated Jessica de Carlos of Fairleigh Dickinson at the 2009 ITA Regional Tournament at the Yale Tennis Center on Sunday. The tournament is the fall finale for the UAlbany tennis team.

Gherman defeated de Carlos, 6-2, 6-3. Susan Ma dropped a 6-2, 6-2 decision to Vivian Laszloffy of Boston University in the winner's bracket from Friday's competition.

UAlbany will return to action in January, kicking off the championship season at Syracuse.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Women's Soccer Stages Late Rally in 3-2 Loss to Maine in America East Regular-Season Finale

Albany, N.Y. - Laura Martel scored her league-leading 12th goal of the season in the 75th minute to lead Maine past the UAlbany women's soccer team, 3-2, in the America East Conference regular-season finale for both schools on Sunday, Oct. 25 at Varsity Field. The Great Danes, who honored senior co-captains Jaclyn Rosada and Ashley Tirabassi prior to the match, will make their first-ever America East postseason appearance.

Maine (8-5-2, AE 5-2-1) scored on its first shot when Maddie Hill took a pass from Veronique Fleury on the right side and sailed the ball over goalkeeper Cate Crenson to the far post in the fifth minute. The match then shifted to the Black Bears' end, but UAlbany could not capitalize on its numerous chances. The visitors doubled their lead just before the break when Sady Tobin found Carolyne Nellis on the left side of the box. The sophomore fired a low shot to the far right post, giving Maine a two-goal advantage through 45 minutes of action.

UAlbany (8-9-1, AE 3-4-1), which had never finished higher than eighth in the league standings before this season, scored two straight goals before the midway point of the second half to knot the match at 2-2. Chelsea DeVerna, who leads all freshmen in scoring took a cross from Katie Norwood and one-timed a shot past goalkeeper Meagan Price-Leibenzeder in the 55th minute to cut the lead to one. It was the first goal the freshman goalkeeper surrendered in 384:13.

The Great Danes netted the equalizer following a free kick taken by Casey Marks from 40 yards away in the 65th minute. The freshman lobbed the ball into the box, and Tirabassi attempted a shot from inside the six which was saved by Price-Leibenzeder. The ball came back to Tirabassi, and the senior finished on her second chance at the open net.

DeVerna almost put the Great Danes ahead when she received a through ball from Chrissy Klepper on the right side of the box, but Price-Leibenzeder made a key save to keep the match tied. Maine then came right back the other way to score the deciding tally just 26 seconds later. Hannah Breton came charging down the left sideline, feeding the ball to Fleury on a breakaway. With only one Great Dane defender in the box, the senior made the extra pass to a wide open Martel. The league's leading scorer finished with a blast that made it past an unprotected Cate Crenson before landing in the back of the goal.

After Martel missed consecutive shots, the Great Danes made one more push in the final five minutes to net the equalizer and force overtime. With Maine keeping all 11 players in the back third of the field, UAlbany took aim at Price-Leibenzeder three more times. However, the freshman was able to record another save, allowing the Black Bears to survive and win their fourth straight conference match.

UAlbany's Crenson turned away four of the 17 shots she faced in the losing effort. Price-Leibenzeder made six stops on 24 chances for Maine to earn the victory.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

#18 UAlbany Field Hockey Clinches Top Seed in A-East Tournament With 2-0 Win Over Boston U - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - Inge Baijens scored the game-winner just before halftime to lead #18 UAlbany to a 2-0 win over Boston U. in America East Conference field hockey action at Jack Barry Field on Saturday afternoon. Win the win, the Great Danes improve to 4-0 in league play and clinch the top seed in the America East Conference Tournament for the second straight season.

After playing most of the first half scoreless, Baijens notched the game's first goal in the 34th minute off an assist from senior forward Nicole Savage. The Great Danes doubled the score with an insurance goal by Alysia Hough in the 47th minute, with Savage once again handing off the ball. The Terrier's best opportunities came in the first half, getting all three of their shots on goal in the first stanza.

Starting goalkeeper Christine Hoffman turned away all of the shots by Boston U., improving her nationally-leading goals against average to 0.13. Freshman Kristi Troch relieved Hoffman at halftime, but did not need to make a save in the cage for the Great Danes. Terrier goalkeeper Amanda Smith made three shots in the cage for Boston U. (7-10, AE 3-1). UAlbany held a slim 9-8 lead in shots, and had a 6-3 advantage in penalty corners.

UAlbany (12-3, AE 4-0) will return to action on Wednesday, visiting Connecticut at 6 p.m. The Great Danes will close out the conference slate on Saturday, Oct. 31, hosting New Hampshire at 1 p.m.


UAlbany (12-3, AE 4-0) 1 1 - 2

Boston U. (7-10, AE 3-1) 0 0 - 0

UAlbany: Scoring - Inge Baijens (1-0), Alysia Hough (1-0), Nicole Savage (0-2). Goalkeepers - Christine Hoffman (35:00, 0 GA, 3 saves), Kristi Troch (35:00, 0 GA, 0 saves).

Boston U.: Scoring - None. Goalkeeper - Amanda Smith (70:00, 2 GA, 3 saves).


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany FCS Football Rolls Past Monmouth In NEC Matchup - UAlbany Sports 2009

West Long Branch, N.J. - Vinny Esposito and Andrew Smith each passed for one touchdown and ran for another in leading UAlbany to its sixth consecutive win in a 35-10 triumph over Monmouth in Northeast Conference play on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Kessler Field.

UAlbany (6-2, NEC 5-0) scored twice off mistakes in a two-minute-and-14-second span early in the third quarter to build a 28-3 margin. Fullback Mike D'Urso fumbled a completed pass when Jon Morgan forced the turnover and inside linebacker Chris Simpson fell on the ball at the Monmouth 35. Smith, a redshirt freshman who plays both quarterback and tailback, then threw a reverse pass to a diving Tim Bush for a 31-yard touchdown with 12:11 remaining in the period.

After the Great Danes held Monmouth on downs, safety Jake Ciccarello broke through clean in the middle of the line to block Jack Daniels' punt attempt. Justin Gannon, a senior tailback, immediately bolted off left tackle and scampered to the end zone on a 23-yard touchdown run. Gannon, who accounted for 159 all-purpose yards, was subbing for injured starter David McCarty, who sprained an ankle in the second quarter and did not return.

"My job is to try and duplicate what he does," said Gannon, who rushed for 52 yards on 13 carries. "I worked on getting the right mind set at halftime and being ready if he did not play. We were able to get on top of them and finish it off."

Monmouth (3-4, NEC 2-2) closed the gap to 28-10 with 4:05 left in the third quarter when senior tailback David Sinisi, out of a wildcat formation, scored on a 3-yard run. Sinisi, who ran 24 times for 131 yards, became the conference's all-time leading rusher on the drive and now has 4,526 career yards.

The Great Danes, who last tasted defeat in league play to end the 2006 campaign, answered with a nine-play scoring sequence. Gannon's 43-yard kickoff return jump-started the series. Smith, who ran for 36 yards on 11 attempts, added a 15-yard scamper, before Esposito crossed the goal line on a 1-yard quarterback sneak with 13:42 to play. Esposito completed 12 of 19 passes for 117 yards in the contest.

"We had some big plays on special teams and then started to dominate things," explained UAlbany coach Bob Ford, who posted his 240th career win at the collegiate level and has a team that has won a conference-record 18 in a row against league opposition. "You don't always have a chance to make history in any sport. Now we have to get ready for a good opponent next week."

Monmouth broke up a scoreless deadlock in the second quarter when strong safety Kendall Haley picked off an Esposito pass that was intended for Bush. The Hawks, who started at the Albany 29-yard line, were eventually stopped as Dave Casale, the team leader with 11 tackles, broke up a third-down pass. Jake DelVento connected on a 32-yard field goal to put his team ahead.

"We take pride in being able to stop the run and then defend the pass," offered junior defensive end Mike Kelly, who had five tackles and contributed on one of his team's four sacks in a return to his hometown. "We are fortunate to able to rotate guys on the defensive line. That keeps us fresh and also able to talk about things on the sideline."

The Great Danes regrouped on their next possession with an 8-play, 70-yard march. Esposito delivered a 41-yard strike to a streaking Bush on the right sideline that set up first-and-goal at the Monmouth 7. Bush finished with seven receptions for 114 yards. On third down, Esposito found wide receiver John Lullen crossing in the middle of the end zone with a 5-yard scoring pass for a 7-3 lead.

Gannon's 16-yard punt return placed UAlbany's offense in Hawk territory to start its next series. The Great Danes moved eight plays to reach paydirt and grab a 14-3 advantage. McCarty, who left the game at the intermission with 64 yards on nine carries, busted through the middle on a 27-yard jaunt to the Monmouth 1. In a third-and-goal situation, Smith would bounce off the left side on a 1-yard touchdown run.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Confirms Top Dog Position in America East Volleyball Action With Win over Binghamton - UAlbany Sports 2009

Valerie Sourbeer led five players in double-digit kills, tying a career-high with 18, in leading UAlbany to a 3-2 win over Binghamton in America East Conference volleyball action on Friday evening at University Gymnasium. The Great Danes won with scores of 25-12, 29-27, 18-25, 21-25 and 15-11. UAlbany improved to 15-8 overall, and remain the only undefeated team in the league with a 5-0 America East ledger.

The Great Danes came out firing in the first set, hitting a remarkable .773, finishing with 17 kills and no errors, while holding Binghamton to a .100 hitting percentage. Sourbeer finished with six kills in the set, while setter Brooke Stanley and middle blocker Hillary White combined for two block assists on Bearcat attacks.

Binghamton played a tougher second set, rebounding from an eight-kill first set to record 20 kills and a .409 hitting percentage in the second. Junior outside hitter Michelle McDonough led the Bearcat offense with seven kills, including two late in the set that kept play alive. After building up a 19-13 lead, UAlbany allowed Binghamton to rally back behind the service game of setter Lindsey Mueller, tying the match at 21-21 on a UAlbany attack error. The match volleyed back and forth from that point, with neither team closing out on match point five times. The Great Danes went ahead 28-27 on a kill by Casey Wright (Ballston Spa), before she combined with Kalyn Mostert for a block to seal the set win.

Binghamton took advantage of poor hitting by UAlbany in the third set. The Great Danes had 13 kills to Binghamton's 12, but committed eight attack errors to give the Bearcats the advantage. Anna Lejina and Mueller continued their strong serving, as Lejina served for four straight points, with McDonough getting two kills in that rally to put Binghamton up, 20-13. The Great Danes attempted a comeback, getting a kill from Sourbeer sandwiched with kills by White, but UAlbany could not pull together the rally. A block by Mueller and Dawn Lammert was followed by a service ace by McDonough to give the Bearcats the third set victory.

UAlbany was looking to put the match away in the fourth set, but the Great Dane offense managed only 10 kills and a .143 hitting percentage, while Binghamton smashed 18 kills in the set. Lejina, McDonough and Lammert all recorded four kills in the set, while the Great Danes struggled to find a rhythm. UAlbany was able to tie the set on three occasions, but Binghamton continued to roll, with service aces coming from Brianna Strong and Alex Roland. UAlbany took a time out on Binghamton set point, and Lejina served an ace into the Great Danes' back line to end the set in the Bearcats' favor.

UAlbany, playing in its first five-set conference match since 2007, fell behind in the deciding frame, 4-1, before Teresa Coppiellie slammed a kill to put the ball into the Great Danes' hands. A Bearcat attack error tied the set at 5-5, and the score would bounce back and forth from there, with the final tie coming at 9-9 on a Sourbeer kill. Stanley took over the UAlbany service game, going for four straight points, getting consecutive kills from Sourbeer and a solo block from Wright to give the Great Danes a 13-9 advantage. Stanley set up a ball for Mostert at 13-11 to give the Great Danes match point, and Wright and Mostert combined for UAlbany's 10th block of the match to give the Great Danes the victory.

White finished with 14 kills for UAlbany, while Wright added 13 and Coppiellie and Mostert each recorded 10. Stanley recorded her eighth double-double of the season with 55 assists and a career-high 22 digs in the match. Coppiellie also finished with a double-double, notching 16 digs, while libero Laurie Gonzalez led the Great Danes defensively with 30 digs.

McDonough finished with a team-high 18 digs for Binghamton (11-10, AE 3-2), while Lammert and Lejina recorded 16 and 13 kills, respectively. Strong finished with a match-high 31 digs, while Mueller recorded 53 assists, 10 digs and three total blocks.

UAlbany (15-8, AE 5-0) will return to action on Sunday, traveling to Binghamton at 5 p.m.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany & Monmouth Match Up in Saturday's Annual Northeast Conference Football Battle

West Long Branch, N.J. - UAlbany squares off with Monmouth in Northeast Conference play on Saturday, Oct. 24 at Kessler Field. The series has annually had an impact on determining the conference champion. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. Fans can listen to the game on Fox Sports 980, WOFX-AM, with Rodger Wyland and Greg Tobben handling the broadcast.

Monmouth (3-3, NEC 2-1) has won or shared five NEC championships in its history. The Hawks got back on the winning track in last Saturday's 42-20 triumph against Sacred Heart. Redshirt freshman quarterback Kyle Frazier passed for 322 yards and four touchdowns. Frazier, who has made three consecutive starts, has not thrown an interception this season.

David Sinisi, last year's NEC Offensive Player of the Year and a third-team Associated Press All-America running back, is one of the top players in the nation. He ranks third among the Division I FCS leaders in rushing at 130.5 yards per game. He is first on the conference's all-time scoring list with 390 points and is second in rushing yards with 4,395.

The Hawks' defense is led by strong safety Jose Gumbs, the 2008 NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Gumbs, a physical player, has 37 tackles on the season. He was named the ECAC and NEC defensive player of the week with 10 total hits and a 35-yard interception return for a touchdown against Wagner.

UAlbany (5-2, NEC 4-0) extended its winning streak to five straight in a tough 20-17 battle with Bryant on Oct. 17. Quarterback Vinny Esposito, the league's co-offensive player of the week, passed for a season-high 280 yards and a pair of second-half scores that put his team ahead. Tim Bush tied the program's FCS receptions mark with 10 catches for 135 yards. Jason Poore had a career day with eight receptions for 73 yards and one TD.

The Great Danes are ranked 21st nationally in rushing defense at 98.1 yards per game. UAlbany defenders held Bryant to 30 net rushing yards, the lowest figure by an opponent since Nov. 4, 2006. Free safety Dave Casale had a team-high eight tackles and two pass break-ups last week. Linebackers Justin Brancaccio (60) and Dave Nicomini (49) are the squad's top tacklers this season.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Nicole Savage Chosen to Play in NFHCA Division I Senior All-Star Game - UAlbany Sports 2009

Senior forward Nicole Savage was chosen to play in the National Field Hockey Coaches' Association Division I Senior All-Star game, as announced by the organization. It is the second straight year the Great Danes will have a representative in the Senior All-Star game, as current assistant coach Michelle Simpson played last season.

The game will take place on Saturday, Nov. 21 at Wake Forest. This year's Division I Senior All-Star Game will include four 25 minute sessions, including two pitting the all-stars against the U.S. Women's National Team. Savage is one of 38 student-athletes from across the country to be chosen to play in the event.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Announces Basketball Television Schedule for 2009-10 Season

University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Thursday, Oct. 22 the school's basketball television schedule for the 2009-10 season.

The Great Danes will appear twice as part of the America East Conference television package. MSG Plus Network will air both regular-season games against conference-rival Stony Brook. The two teams meet Jan. 24 on Long Island and Feb. 19 at SEFCU Arena.

Time Warner Cable (TW3) is scheduled to air five home dates, highlighted by the Big Purple Growl doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 6. The women's team meets America East opponent Vermont at 4:30 p.m., while the men tangle with Boston University at 7:00 p.m. TW3 broadcasts also feature Yale (Jan. 3), Vermont (Jan. 10), Hartford (Jan. 27) and New Hampshire (Feb. 9). Yale is traveling to the Capital Region for the time since the 1999-2000 campaign. Vermont shared last year's conference regular-season title.

Rodger Wyland and former UAlbany basketball standout and college head coach John Quattrocchi will work together on Time Warner broadcasts for the second consecutive year. Wyland is the sports director at WNYT-TV (NewsChannel 13) and the host of Fox Sport 980's Big Board Sports every weekday morning.

In addition, UAlbany previously announced ESPNU dates with defending national champion North Carolina (Dec. 30) and Syracuse (Nov. 9). The Great Danes are making their first trip to the Carrier Dome since December and the season opener is part of the 2K Sports Classic, benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. UAlbany's women will also meet Hartford (Jan. 24) on the Connecticut Sports Network (CTSN).

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2009-10 UALBANY BASKETBALL TELEVISION SCHEDULE
Nov. 9 (Mon.), at Syracuse (ESPNU), 9:00
Dec. 30 (Wed.), at North Carolina (ESPNU), 7:00
Jan. 3 (Sun.), Yale (TW3), 4:00
Jan. 10 (Sun.), Vermont* (TW3), 4:00
Jan. 24 (Sun.), at Stony Brook* (AE-TV/MSG Plus), 12:00
Jan. 24 (Sun.), Women at Hartford (CTSN), 2:00
Jan. 27 (Wed.), Hartford* (TW3), 7:00
Feb. 6 (Sat.), Women vs. Vermont+ (TW3), 4:30
Feb. 6 (Sat.), Boston U.*+ (TW3), 7:00
Feb. 9 (Tue.), New Hampshire* (TW3), 7:00
Feb. 19 (Fri.), Stony Brook* (AE-TV/MSG Plus), 7:00
*America East Conference Opponent +Big Purple Growl

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Men's Lacrosse WriteUp By Inside Lacrosse

Last season, Albany players were greeted with a copy of the 2008 America East Championship – a heartbreaking loss to UMBC which saw the Great Danes blow a nine-goal lead – when they returned for fall practices. This year, coach Scott Marr took a different approach.

“There’s nothing we really held over their heads. We’re tired of looking backward,” he said. “We’re not talking too much about the past anymore.”

Instead, Marr and his staff preached hard work and character this fall in an effort to improve chemistry on a team that didn’t quite live up to expectations during an injury-riddled 2009 season.

Fall focus

Improving defensively was a big focus for Albany this fall (Greg Wall)Much of the fall practices were spent trying to tighten up a defense that allowed over 11 goals per game last season. “Our play defensively was a big question mark coming out of last year,” Marr said. “We really wanted to focus on our defense and becoming a little more athletic in how we play our individual defense, and then our team concept had to get better. We really saw the defensive side of the ball really gel this fall.”

Senior Brendon Gleason moves into a starting role alongside fellow senior Mark Kelly and close defender Mike Banks, a junior. Gleason played in 17 games as a freshman, but was limited to spot duty over the past two seasons.

Banks was an honorable mention on the 2009 IL Preseason All-America Team, but suffered through a disappointing season as he dealt with back problems that limited his physical play. While still not fully healthy, Marr said Banks is learning how to cope with the pain and had an impressive fall. “[Banks] is playing like we thought he would when we brought him in right now,” Marr said.

Marr placed an emphasis on team chemistry and communication this fall, abandoning early morning practice sessions and lengthy runs for a workload aimed at tightening the bond between teammates.

“It’s a much tighter group, and I think that could be the difference as far as chemistry is concerned with this team over last year, “ he said. “Our chemistry and our camaraderie seem to be a lot better right now.”

Fresh faces
Even though the core of the team will undoubtedly be a strong group of juniors and sophomores, Marr said he does expect a few freshmen to see the field, led by defender Anthony Ostrander (Farmingdale), who will serve as the primary backup at the pole position and could see some time at the close defender spot, as well.

Matt Mackenzie is a left-handed faceoff specialist who was coached by Brodie Merrill while at The Hill Academy in Ontario. He’s expected to split time with senior Kevin Courtney and junior Matt Cushing at the X, as Albany looks to improve on its .435 face-off winning percentage from a year ago.

Other freshmen expected to see some playing time are defender Andy Fish (Lincoln Senior; Portland, Ore.), and defensive midfielders Colin Beavers-Anderson (Lawrenceville, N.J.) and Jack Nickla (Bellport).

Marr compared midfielder Kevin Gluekert (Bethpage) to former Albany midfielder Jordan Levine in terms of size and speed, but Gluekert broke his kneecap playing football at the end of last year and may redshirt if he doesn’t heal in time for the spring.

Key Battles
Though most of the starting spots are filled, the Great Danes still face some uncertainty between the pipes.

Last season, John Carroll was anointed the starting goalie as a freshman coming into the season, leaving senior Dan McKeon on the bench. As the season rolled on, Carroll ended up splitting time with Drew DiCioccio, a redshirt freshman at the time.

Now, DiCioccio and Carroll are battling again for the starting spot while Marr and his staff contemplate using a two-goalie system.

“I think they both bring solid attributes to the table,” Marr said. “They’re both very good stoppers. I think John gives you a little more athleticism out of the goal, but Drew gets rid of the ball a little bit quicker. They each have a couple of things that they do very well.”

Marr liked what he saw from his sophomore keepers this fall.

“I think the best thing out of this fall so far is they weren’t giving up bad goals,” he said. “When you’re giving up 11 goals a game, I think your goalie is giving up two goals that he probably should have had. And then I think if your defense does a better job, then that’s another one or two more goals. So you really can kind of shave that down to an eight or nine with a few less soft goals and a few better plays by the defense in general.”

Top Dogs


Brian Caufield leads a high-powered offense for the Danes (Greg Wall)Albany will go as far as their high-powered attack can take them. Junior Brian Caufield and sophomore Joe Resetarits return, while junior Derek Kreuzer will step in for Corey Small, now a member of the Toronto Nationals and Edmonton Rush. While stepping in for a player of Small’s stature is no small task, Marr said Kreuzer brings a different type of game to the table.

“Corey was more of a catch-and-shoot finisher, whereas Derek is a little bit more of a creator and ball carrier for us,” Marr said. “He’s a finisher off of zone dodges, but then can also distribute for us. I think he’ll pass the ball of a dodge a lot better than what Corey did.”

Marr didn’t get a chance to see what his attack can do at the Catamount Classic Lacrosse for a Cure fallball tournament last week, as both Kreuzer and Caufield sat out with injuries. Caufield underwent surgery for a dislocated kneecap he suffered the first day of fall practices, but is recovering well and expected to be fine for the start of the season.

The attack will be aided by a number of talented offensive midfielders, led by senior Dave Brock and junior Joe Pompo, who each chipped in with 19 points a year ago. Marr also expects big things from sophomore Luke Cometti this year, who was injured to start his freshman year and improved as the season moved on.

“This team should be able to put the ball in the goal,” Marr said. “There’s no doubt about it.”

UAlbany Basketball's Purple & Gold Scrimmage Set for Saturday, Oct. 24 at SEFCU Arena

Albany, N.Y. - The annual Purple and Gold men's basketball intrasquad scrimmage will be held at the University at Albany's SEFCU Arena on Saturday, Oct. 24. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. Admission is free for both the general public and students.

The festivities include an introduction of head coach Will Brown and his coaching staff and members of the 17-player team. UAlbany's dance team, cheerleaders and Damien the Dane, the school's mascot, will make appearances. Music will be provided by DJ Don Juan.

At halftime of the scrimmage, there will be a half-court shot contest for $5,000, the opportunity to win an iPod, the SEFCU Money Machine contest, where a lucky fan can win up to $500, the Northwoods Inn Drawing for a ski package, and performances by two campus dance groups.

UAlbany opens its season on Monday, Nov. 9 against Syracuse at the Carrier Dome, as part of the 2K Sports Classic, benefitting Coaches vs. Cancer. The opener will be televised on ESPNU at 9:00 p.m. The Great Danes will also be hosting the 2K Sports Classic sub-regional on Nov. 20-22 at SEFCU Arena. Robert Morris, a 2009 NCAA Tournament participant, Detroit and Alcorn State will travel to the Capital Region for the three-day event.

Basketball Tickets: UAlbany basketball season tickets are on sale, and currently can be ordered through the UAlbany ticket office, at 518-442-4683 ... ticket office personnel will be available at the Purple and Gold scrimmage to take your order ... Season Ticket Prices: $125.00, reserved seat, $175.00, chair back and $50.00 season parking pass ... UAlbany season ticket holders receive admission to all men's and women's home games ... tickets are also on sale for the men's and women's doubleheader with crosstown-rival Siena at the Times Union Center in downtown Albany ... Siena tickets are priced at $20.00.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

A New Era For UAlbany Women's Soccer

Mary-Frances Monroe knew she inherited a mess when she took over the University at Albany women's soccer program four years ago.

She didn't sugarcoat the situation to her first two recruits, back Jaclyn Rosada and forward Ashley Tirabassi.

"I told Jaclyn and Ashley their freshman year that they wouldn't see ultimate success or the program change until their senior year," Monroe said. "They just kind of looked at me. I said, `It takes time and you guys are the ones starting the tradition here at Albany.' "

That tradition used to be one of futility for the women's soccer program, which won a total of 25 games (against 154 losses) in the school's first 10 years of Division I competition after upgrading in 1999.

But it's a new decade and a fresh start for the Great Danes, who can make program history with a home win today over Hartford.

A victory would ensure UAlbany (8-7-1) of its first non-losing season in Division I and its first bid to the America East Conference Tournament.

"(Monroe) told us it was a rebuilding program and by our senior year, it would be what a program is expected to be at the Division I level," Rosada recalled. "And sure enough, she was absolutely correct."

The Great Danes had gone 0-for-34 on the road in America East play entering this season. They're unbeaten in four conference road matches this year, including a 2-0 upset at first-place Stony Brook this past Sunday.

"That was a great achievement for us," Tirabassi said. "That was probably one of the best wins that we've ever had. Beating a team like that was amazing and boosted us up a lot."

The architect of this turnaround is Monroe, who was 25 years old when she took over the program after the 2005 season.

She had coached for only two seasons, including one as a UAlbany assistant under Kalekeni Banda, who resigned after going 4-54-1 over three seasons.

Yet UAlbany athletic director Lee McElroy overlooked her inexperience and saw the energy and potential of someone who was an elite player.

Monroe was an All-America midfielder at UConn and UCLA and played for the U.S. national team. She still competes during the summer for the Boston Breakers of Women's Professional Soccer.

Monroe had second thoughts about accepting the job with struggling UAlbany because she could have gotten an assistant's job at a major program.

"I decided to take this challenge," she said. "And I'm happy I did. I have no regrets about it. It's something to be proud of, for sure, taking a program and building it and making it a winning program."

She laid the foundation with Tirabassi, an Ontario native who's become the program's career leader with 18 goals and 44 points. Rosada, from Wyckoff, N.J., leads a defense that's allowing 1.06 goals per match.

Monroe said her players had become too accustomed to losing. That mentality began to change last year, even as the Great Danes went 3-17 with eight freshmen starters.

"I think last year was the first time they realized that it's not OK to lose, even though we had so many losses," Monroe said. "Now they know what I meant, that losing's not acceptable and we will be a winning program."

Mark Singelais

UAlbany Baseball Team Supports ALS and Breast Cancer Research with Fundraising Walks

Albany, N.Y. - The UAlbany baseball team supported ALS and Breast Cancer Research organizations by participating in two local walks held in the Capital Region last weekend.

The Great Danes gathered at Saratoga State Park for the 8th Annual Walk to Strike Out ALS, which raises funds and awareness for the ALS Regional Center at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany. Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS is a progressive, fatal, neuromuscular disease caused by the degeneration of motor neurons. About 7,000 people in the United States are diagnosed each year and 30,000 Americans live with the disease at any given time. Most are given a prognosis of two to five years to live.

Saturday's walk raised money for ALS Regional Center, which provides medical and emotional care as well as physical, speech and occupational therapy and counseling for people with ALS and their families. The center also provides a free equipment loan closet with walkers, power wheelchairs and communication devices for people with ALS.

On Sunday, UAlbany baseball players joined other student-athletes representing the Great Dane football, men's basketball and cheerleading and dance squads in Washington Park to walk in the 2009 American Cancer Society Making Strides for Breast Cancer event. UAlbany president George Philip joined the student-athletes at the event.

Over 12,000 people participated in the walk, combining to raise $1,050,000 towards breast cancer research and awareness.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Interview With UAlbany FCS Football Coach Bob Ford

UAlbany Basketball Coach Will Brown Interview

#18 UAlbany Field Hockey Highlights

UAlbany Volleyball Highlights

Former New York State Governor Hugh L. Carey Honored as UAlbany Citizen Laureate

The University at Albany Foundation has named former New York State Governor Hugh L. Carey as the recipient of its 2009 Citizen Laureate Award.

What: The University at Albany Foundation has named former New York State Governor Hugh L. Carey as the recipient of its 2009 Citizen Laureate Award. In its 30th year, the award recognizes outstanding leaders in business and industry, government and academia, and is the most prestigious honor bestowed by The University at Albany Foundation.

Who:
Hugh Carey, former New York State Governor
George Hearst, The University at Albany Foundation President
George M. Philip, University at Albany President

When: Thursday, October 22, 2009
Reception starts at 6 p.m.
Dinner and Award program starts at 7 p.m.

Where: Hall of Springs, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Background: Hugh L. Carey was elected the 51st Governor of New York in 1974and re-elected in 1978. Carey, the architect of the financial plan that prevented the bankruptcy of New York City, also began a sweeping program of fiscal reform and economic development to restore the state’s vitality.

Funds raised through the Citizen Laureate event will support educational, research and public service initiatives set by the University and managed by The University at Albany Foundation. Established in 1967 to encourage philanthropic support, the Foundation promotes the University's strategic goals by leading UAlbany's fundraising, asset management and stewardship activities.

University of Albany's Center for Technology in Government Welcomes International Group of Researchers

President George M. Philip welcomed 15 international scholars to a workshop hosted by UAlbany’s Center for Technology in Government (CTG) on October 14-15, 2009. The workshop is part of a four-year effort by CTG funded by the US National Science Foundation’s Digital Government Research Program. The goal of the grant is to create a framework for a sustainable global community among digital government researchers and research sponsors.

One of the main elements of this grant is a set of International Digital Government Research Working Groups. In 2006, CTG selected three groups of international researchers to receive funding to advance digital government (DG) research on issues that cross national boundaries. The groups were chosen through a peer review of proposed research programs that would benefit from close collaboration of U.S. and international partners. U.S. participation in the groups was supported by nearly $200,000 in travel funding over a three year period. Approximately 60 researchers from around the world have taken part in the efforts of these working groups.

For the past three years, the working groups have been exploring distinct areas of digital government such as evaluating the policy and other social impacts of online citizen consultation initiatives, developing a comparative and transnational research agenda targeted at questions about intergovernmental digital government initiatives in North America, and developing a prototype geoinformatic hotspot surveillance system.

"These projects are the vanguard of research on digital government questions of worldwide interest," said Sharon Dawes, CTG senior fellow and principal investigator for the grant. "The working groups involve both seasoned researchers and young scholars in long-term efforts to understand and solve information-intensive problems that cross countries and cultures. This workshop will help us identify successful research strategies and practices that can be adopted in similar projects around the world."

The workshop is designed by CTG to gather key members from all three working groups to share their insights and expertise on conducting international research and cultivating international research partnerships. As a result of their participation in this workshop, CTG will develop a report to support NSF and others going forward in international digital government research.

Researchers from the three working groups attending the workshop are from the following institutions, in addition to UAlbany: The Ohio State University, De Montfort University (UK), The George Washington University, Rutgers-Newark, Universidad de las Americas Puebla (Mexico), Clark University, Fudan University (China), Pennsylvania State University, Moolji Jaitha College (India), CEFRIO (Canada), Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (India), and the New York State Department of Health.

#18 UAlbany Holds Steady on Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I National Coaches' Poll

Albany, N.Y. - The University at Albany field hockey team is ranked 18th for the second straight week on the Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I Coaches' Poll, as announced by the organization on Tuesday afternoon. It is the Great Danes' fourth consecutive week in the national rankings.

UAlbany (11-3) recorded two shutouts last week, including a 2-0 win over America East Conference foe Vermont and a 4-0 victory over crosstown-rival Siena. Freshman Inge Baijens and junior Suzy Clephane each recorded one goal and one assist on the week. The Great Danes outshot their opponents 48-7 last week, including a 33-0 differential against Siena, while also holding a 24-4 advantage in penalty corners.

The Great Danes will return to action on Saturday, visiting conference-rival Boston U. at 1 p.m.
Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Alex Leuchanka Named America East Men's Cross Country Performer of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Alex Leuchanka has been named the America East Conference Men's Cross County Performer of the Week, as announced on Tuesday, Oct. 20 by the league office. The freshman is being recognized by the conference for the first time in his career.

Leuchanka, the 2008 New York Cross Country Federation champion on the scholastic level, placed fifth among 189 runners in 24:59.9 to lead the Great Danes to a third-place finish among 24 scoring teams at the 43rd UAlbany Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 17. The freshman, who was running an 8,000-meter circuit for just the third time in his career, improved at the distance by 27 seconds since competing at George Mason two weeks ago. In addition, he lowered his time by 44 seconds since racing at the America East Pre-Championship on Sept. 13.

Leuchanka was among three true freshmen to finish in his team's top five at the UAlbany Invitational. The Great Danes will look to improve on last year's sixth-place performance at the America East Conference Championships on Oct. 31. With only one upperclassman represented in the team's top 10, UAlbany is expected to field the youngest squad at the meet.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Quarterback Vinny Esposito Named Northeast Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2009

Somerset, N.J. - University at Albany's Vinny Esposito has been named the Northeast Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week in football, as announced on Monday, Oct. 19 by the conference office. Esposito's performance led his team to last Saturday's 20-17 NEC victory against Bryant.

Esposito, a senior quarterback, connected on 25 of 32 passes for a season-high 280 yards and two second-half touchdowns. He delivered a 34-yard strike to Jason Poore in a fourth-and-seven situation for a 13-9 lead with 7:55 remaining in the third quarter. In the final period, Esposito flipped a 5-yard scoring pass to Andrew Smith for an 11-point cushion. His third-down completion in a seven-play, non-scoring drive kept a series alive that effectively ran out the clock over the final three minutes. Esposito broke the school's single-game receptions record, as Joe Savino completed 24 passes against Stony Brook on Nov. 19, 1995.

A native of Demarest, N.J., Esposito became the third player in the program's history to reach the 5,000-career mark in total offense with 5,127 yards. He ranks second in both passing yards (4,893) and touchdown passes (32) on UAlbany's all-time lists.

Paw Prints: UAlbany (5-2, NEC 4-0) has set a conference record with their 17th consecutive win against league opponents ... the Great Danes have put together a five-game win streak overall, tying the third-longest mark in the program's Division I FCS history ... TB David McCarty has run for 100-plus yards in five straight games after gaining 118 on the ground last week ... McCarty, who has 24 career 100-yard games, went over the 4,000-yard plateau (4,105) as a collegian ... WR Tim Bush tied the program's FCS standard with 10 receptions (135 receiving yards) vs. Bryant ... WR Jason Poore had a career game with eight catches for 73 yards and one TD ... FS Dave Casale had a team-high eight tackles and two pass break-ups, as the UAlbany defense held Bryant to 30 net rushing yards, the lowest figure by an opponent since Nov. 4, 2006 ... head coach Bob Ford recorded his 230th career win at the school ... Miami Dolphins' head coach Tony Sparano attended the Bryant game to watch his sons, Tony and Andy, start at defensive end and offensive guard, respectively.

Courtesy: UA Sports

University of Albany's Brooke Stanley Named America East Player and Setter of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Brooke Stanley was named the America East Conference Volleyball Player and Setter of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. It is Stanley's third straight setter of the week honor, and the first player of the week accolade of her career.

Stanley led UAlbany (14-4, AE 4-0) to sweeps of America East foes Stony Brook and UMBC over the weekend, as well as a 3-0 win over crosstown-rival Siena on Oct. 14. She averaged 11.67 assists to go along with 3.11 digs, 1.11 kills and a .308 hitting percentage. Stanley recorded a match-high 34 assists to go along with six digs and two kills versus Siena and recorded her seventh double-double of the season against Stony Brook, accumulating 35 assists and 14 digs, while also adding five kills. In the weekend finale against UMBC, a battle of the final unbeaten America East teams, Stanley recorded 36 assists, eight digs and three kills, along with a solo block.

Stanley's strong setting against the Retrievers helped the Great Danes reach a .324 hitting percentage as a team. UAlbany did not commit an attack error in the first set in recording a .516 hitting mark. Stanley quarterbacked the squad to a league-best team hitting percentage of .294 for the week. She is the conference's leader in assists with an average of 10.38 helpers per set this season and is also among the league leaders in service aces (0.27 aps) and digs (2.62 dps).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Ashley Tirabassi Garners Second America East Women's Soccer Player of the Week Award - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Ashley Tirabassi was named the America East Conference Women's Soccer Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday, Oct. 19. The senior co-captain is being honored with the award for the second time this season.

Tirabassi set the program standard for career goals to help the Great Danes win two straight America East matches for the first time since joining the league in 2001. Her game-winning goal in a 1-0 win over UMBC was her 17th career marker, breaking the record of 16 set by Anna Courtney in 1982 and matched by Sara Rickard in 2004. Tirabassi also added the insurance goal in UAlbany's 2-0 win at Stony Brook, which knocked the Seawolves out of first place.

The forward, the program's all-time scorer with 18 career goals and eight assists for 44 points, has helped UAlbany (8-7-1, AE 3-2-1) post its highest single-season win total in 21 years. The Great Danes won 10 matches as a Division III program in 1988. After winning five conference matches in eight years, she has also led the squad to three America East victories for the first time ever. In addition, UAlbany has never finished higher than eighth in the league standings and is in a position to make its first-ever America East postseason appearance.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

#18 University of Albany Dominates Siena, 4-0, in Non-Conference Field Hockey Action - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Freshman Inge Baijens scored the game-winning goal, and added an assist to lead UAlbany to a 4-0 win over crosstown-rival Siena in non-conference field hockey action at Alumni Turf Field on Sunday afternoon.

Baijens recorded the first goal of the game just over five minutes into play with an unassisted shot. UAlbany doubled the score as time expired, as Suzy Clephane slipped a shot from the center of the circle towards the cage, where Jess Lindsey tipped the ball past Siena goalkeeper Renee Clavette.

The Great Danes scored two more goals in the second half, as Baijens assisted on Megan Springmeyer's goal in the 53rd minute. Baijens passed the ball from the right side of the circle and Springmeyer collected the ball in the center, finding the back of the cage. UAlbany's last goal would come from Clephane, taking an assist from Joanna Irey at the top of the circle.

UAlbany outshot Siena, 33-0, and held an 18-0 advantage in penalty corners. Christine Hoffman and Kristi Troch split time in the cage, with neither having to make a save for the Great Danes. Clavette played all 70 minutes between the pipes, making 18 saves for Siena (3-11).

UAlbany (11-3) will return to action on Saturday, visiting America East rival Boston U. at 1 p.m.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Controls UMBC for 3-0 Sweep in America East Volleyball Action - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Valerie Sourbeer recorded a match-high 12 kills, while UAlbany recorded a .324 hitting percentage and 10 team blocks, as the Great Danes recorded a 3-0 win over UMBC in America East Conference volleyball action on Sunday afternoon at University Gymnasium. UAlbany won in straight sets with scores of 25-12, 25-19 and 25-11.

The Great Danes came out firing in the first set, hitting .516 as a team, getting 16 kills without committing an error. Back-to-back kills by Teresa Coppiellie put UAlbany ahead, 7-2, and forced UMBC to take an early timeout. UAlbany's offense continued to fire on all cylinders, as the Great Danes built up an 18-7 lead on a Retriever service error. After a kill from Naomi Bush pulled UMBC within 10, UAlbany rattled off three consecutive points with a solo block by Casey Wright (Ballston Spa) and strong serving by Laurie Gonzalez. Hillary White smashed home a kill to give the Great Danes set point at 24-12, before the Retrievers, who hit .029 in the set, ended with an attack error to give UAlbany the win.

UMBC opened the second set strong, building up a 5-2 lead in the early going. A ball handling error put the serve back in Gonzalez's hands for UAlbany, and the Great Danes tied the set at 5-5 with a block assist by White and Kalyn Mostert. The Retrievers took the next point to get ahead by one, but White and Mostert combined for another block to swing the momentum back to UAlbany. The Great Danes took a 7-6 lead on a bad set by UMBC, and never looked back, building up to a 16-12 advantage on a Wright kill. UAlbany took advantage of poor hitting by the Retrievers, as attack and service errors combined to build the Great Dane lead to 20-15. After a service ace by UMBC's Alexandra Spaay pulled the Retrievers within 21-18, UAlbany took a quick timeout to regroup, and came out to rally towards set point, getting kills from Sourbeer and Wright, who smashed the winner on an assist from Brooke Stanley.

The third set was all UAlbany from the first serve, as UMBC had two attack errors to start the set. After Wright recorded a kill to put the Great Danes up, 3-1, she put up back-to-back solo blocks on Retriever attacks to give UAlbany a 5-1 lead. The Great Danes continued to roll, as a Coppiellie kill gave her serve, and UAlbany built up a 13-4 advantage. UMBC attempted to rally, getting a kill from Ali Loynachan and a block by Alyssa Lang to pull within 13-7. Mostert combined with Wright and White for blocks to induce attack errors from the Retrievers, holding UMBC to a -.140 hitting percentage in the set. After a kill by Coppiellie gave UAlbany a 21-11 lead, UMBC hit four straight attack errors, with a solo block from White ending the match.

Coppiellie and Wright each recorded nine kills for UAlbany, while Wright finished with a .533 hitting percentage and five total blocks, including three solo. Coppiellie was close to a double-double, finishing with 11 digs, while Gonzalez led all players with 17 digs. Stanley recorded with 36 assists and eight digs, while Mostert and White both finished with five total blocks.

Ashley Oscars led UMBC (11-18, AE 3-1) with six kills and 13 digs, while setter Kira Giles finished with a double-double, recording 12 assists and 10 digs. Pam Jarrett added 12 digs for the Retrievers.

UAlbany (14-8, AE 4-0) remains the only undefeated team in league play. The Great Danes will return to action on Friday, Oct. 23, hosting America East foe Binghamton at 7 p.m.


UAlbany (14-8, AE 4-0) def. UMBC (11-8, AE 3-1), 3-0 (25-12, 25-19, 25-11)

UAlbany 3, UMBC 0 (Oct 18, 2009)

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information