University of Albany & General Electric Global Research Share $14M In Stimulus Funding For Geothermal Energy Technologies

GE Global Research and the University at Albany will share about $13.7 million in federal stimulus money for geothermal energy technologies.

UAlbany will get $2.77 million to install a large geothermal heat pump system that will serve campus facilities.

GE’s grants are:

•$2.4 million to develop high-temperature components for a pumping system that can access deeper geothermal wells •$3 million to develop new technologies that would enable recovery of geothermal energy from lower temperature heat sources using alternative fluids

•$3.4 million to develop a high-tech sensor that can operate at the high temperatures and pressures needed for enhanced geothermal systems. The technology could lead to more cost-effective ways to drill new wells.

$2.08 million to develop an enhanced geothermal system-specific cable capable of accurate, real-time temperature, pressure, strain and vibration sensing in high temperature geothermal environments.

The grants will be matched with a $353 million in private and non-federal cost-share funds.

The Business Review (Albany)

NIH Awards UAlbany Researcher Edward L. Hannan $925,000 to Study Long-term Survival Following Coronary Revascularizations

Hannan's study will examine the comparative effectiveness of two of the most common and expensive coronary surgical procedures, coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and stenting.

University at Albany School of Public Health researcher Edward L. Hannan was awarded a $925,499 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) challenge grant from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) to study long-term survival of cardiac patients undergoing coronary revascularization procedures, including coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and stenting with percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

“This study will examine the comparative effectiveness of two of the most common and expensive surgical procedures, both of which are used for patients with coronary heart disease,” said Hannan, Distinguished Professor in the School’s Department of Public Health Policy, Management and Behavior. “The study will identify which types of patients will fare best with each procedure, and we expect that this information will provide valuable information to physicians and patients when choosing a treatment for coronary heart disease."

Using a unique database maintained by the New York State Department of Health, Dr. Hannan’s research will expand on research to address risk factors for, and patterns of, long-term survival following these procedures. NHLBI is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Each year more than 1.3 million PCI procedures and 500,000 CABG surgeries are performed in the United States. Data regarding longer-term survival from these procedures is limited, with earlier research indicating variations in patient survival between CABG surgery and PCIs in the first three years following the procedure. Earlier research on this topic did not include new treatment options, such as the use of drug-eluting stents for PCI procedures. Also, previous studies lacked detailed information on relative outcomes of PCI and CABG surgery for specific patient characteristics such as age, gender and race.

“Dr. Hannan’s continued study of long-term survival from revascularization procedures provides valuable public health data used to set standards of care by health care providers and policy makers and for determining appropriate courses of treatment by patients and their physicians,” said Dean Philip Nasca of the School of Public Health.

The expanded study will allow better comparison of longer-term survival following revascularization procedures, specifically five years and longer, and will focus on providing real-world data to patients and physicians for better-informed decision making when considering treatment for coronary heart disease. Risk scores that predict long-term mortality following CABG and PCI will also be developed.


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

University of Albany School of Social Welfare Dean Katharine Lawson Receives Leadership Award From Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education

University at Albany School of Social Welfare Dean Katharine Briar-Lawson is being recognized for her contributions to social work education and advocacy with the Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education (HPPAE) Leadership Award for Outstanding Dean. The award, administered by The Social Work Leadership Institute, honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in aging education.

"Dr. Briar-Lawson is a well-respected scholar and one of the leading voices of advocacy for vulnerable families and individuals," said Anne “Ricky” Fortune, associate dean for academic programs in UAlbany’s School of Social Welfare. "She has been influential in bringing aging issues to social work deans and others across the nation and continues her tireless work toward improving care."

Now in its second year, the award is being presented at The Council on Social Work Education’s annual conference in San Antonio, TX on November 7.

"I am most humbled and honored by this award," Briar-Lawson said. "I did not begin my career as a gerontologist but we as deans and directors of schools of social welfare must be inclusive and embrace the gerontological agendas and workforce development issues for our field. I am most fortunate to have exceptional gerontologists on our faculty who have taught me a great deal."

Briar-Lawson is an internationally recognized, 30-year veteran in aging, social welfare and social work education. She is the past president of the National Association of Deans and Directors and co-facilitated the National Leadership Academy for Deans and Directors in Aging with the New York Academy of Medicine and the Hartford Foundation. She was also appointed co-chair of the National Advisory Panel for the New York Academy of Medicine and named to the New York Academy of Medicine Center for Aging Policy Advisory Committee.

Briar-Lawson has been instrumental in securing more than $2 million in government and private funding for aging care programs at UAlbany. As School of Social Welfare dean, Briar-Lawson has been a major supporter of HPPAE, assisting faculty and staff in keeping aging in the forefront of field education and research and improving university-community relations. She has fostered international connections around aging issues by facilitating faculty exchanges in Korea and Russia.

About The Social Work Leadership Institute
The Social Work Leadership Institute of The New York Academy of Medicine is a national initiative that supports healthy aging by ensuring that America’s older adults receive the care they need to stay in charge of their lives—and that their caregivers also get the support they deserve. Our goals are to improve long-term, community-based care for older adults and to grow the workforce of social workers who specialize in aging.

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

UAlbany Field Hockey Finishes Season 18th on Kookaburra/NFHCA Coaches' Poll

The UAlbany field hockey team finished out the 2009 season ranked 18th in the Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I National Coaches' Poll, as announced by the organization on Tuesday afternoon. The Great Danes were ranked for the final six weeks this season.

UAlbany finished out the season with a 13-5 record, falling to Boston U. in the America East Conference Championship last weekend. The Great Danes made their third straight appearance in the league title game after winning the program's second consecutive regular season title. UAlbany had five players on the America East All-Conference Teams, including Suzy Clephane, who was named the league's top defensive player.

University of Albany's Bo Jelovac Earns America East Men's Soccer All-Academic Team Honors - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Bo Jelovac was named to the America East Conference All-Academic Men's Soccer Team, as announced on Tuesday, Nov. 10 by the league office.

Jelovac, a business administration major with a 3.33 cumulative grade point average, was a member of the America East Conference Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll and UAlbany Athletics Honor Roll last year. The junior forward led the team in scoring this season with two goals and one assist for five points. Jelovac's first career goal came in the final minutes of regulation in UAlbany's 1-1 tie against Coastal Carolina, the Big South Conference regular-season champion, on Sept. 4. He was named to the Coastal Carolina/adidas Invitational All-Tournament Team for his efforts.

To be nominated for the distinction, student-athletes must be a starter or important reserve for their team and participate in at least 50 percent of their team's games or competitions. In the classroom, student-athletes must have a 3.30 GPA and have completed at least one calendar year at their institution.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Syracuse Sends UAlbany to Season-Opening Defeat in 2K Sports Classic's First Round

Syracuse, N.Y. - Arinze Onuaka had 14 points to pace five players in double figures to lead Syracuse to a 75-43 victory over UAlbany in the first round of the 2K Sports Classic, benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer, on Monday, Nov. 9 before 15,707 fans at the Carrier Dome. The season-opening contest was televised nationally on ESPNU.

Syracuse's Jim Boeheim recorded his 800th career victory and became the eighth head coach at the Division I level to reach the milestone. Boeheim, who is in his 34th season at the school, has guided the program to 32 NCAA Tournament appearances and a national championship.

Syracuse, ranked No. 25 in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll, ran off eight straight points to start the game. But the visitors regrouped to close within 9-7 on a three-point field goal by Louis Barraza. The Orange came back with nine unanswered and the outcome was never in doubt. Rick Jackson, a 6-foot-9 junior, scored in the lane, before Kris Joseph's basket ended the run.

The Orange, who went 28-10 last year and advance to the NCAA regional semifinals, cruised to a 38-20 halftime advantage. Syracuse's 2-3 zone defense caused all kinds of problems, as UAlbany had 20 turnovers in the half. The Great Danes finished 32 miscues, the program's single-game Division I mark.

"We didn't take care of the ball and were soft with it," UAlbany senior Brett Gifford said. "The turnovers led to easy baskets. For some reason, the mystique of this (Syracuse) program got to us. We didn't play like we have in practice."

Wes Johnson, an Iowa State transfer, stuffed his stat line in his first game in a Syracuse uniform. He finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, six steals and four assists. Scoop Jardine and Joseph added 12 points apiece, as their team shot 48.3 percent from the field.

"We were active on defense and got the ball inside," Boeheim explained. "The encouraging thing is that we scored despite the turnovers. It was a good way to start the season."

UAlbany's Will Harris, a 6-foot-5 senior, led the way with 14 points, all in the second half. Tim Ambrose had 10 of his 12 markers in the opening stanza. Brown used most of his bench throughout the game, as 11 of the 12 players who saw action had made an appearance with 10 minutes elapsed.

"Everything that could possibly go wrong did go wrong," said Brown, whose team plays its home opener at SEFCU Arena against Morgan State on Friday. "We were like deer in headlights. Once we turned the ball over, we panicked offensively. Syracuse has great length on its 2-3 zone and they stretch it like a 2-2-1."
Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

2009 UAlbany FCS Football Gameday @ Wagner

UAlbany FCS Football Homepage

UAlbany Roster

UAlbany Media Guide

UAlbany Game Notes

UAlbany Stats

2009 Schedule:

Sat, Sep 5 at Georgia Southern L 26-29 --
Sat, Sep 12 at Massachusetts L 7-44 --
Sat, Sep 19 Maine W 20-16 --
Sat, Sep 26 Sacred Heart W 22-9 --
Sat, Oct 3 at St. Francis (PA) W 27-6 --
Sat, Oct 10 Duquesne W 55-10 --
Sat, Oct 17 Bryant W 20-17 --
Sat, Oct 24 at Monmouth W 35-10 --
Sat, Oct 31 at Central Connecticut L 29-31
Sat, Nov 7 Robert Morris 1:00 pm L 10-13
Sat, Nov 21 at Wagner 1:00 pm --


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NEXT GAME

Date: November 21, 2009
Time: 1pm
Opponent: Wagner
Location: Staten Island, NY
Facility: Arute Field
Distance:
From Albany - 150m
NYC - 5m

Directions
Tickets
Media Coverage:
FoxSports Radio - Great Dane Football

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Wagner Football Homepage

Wagner Roster

Wagner Game Notes

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Wagner Stats

2009 Schedule:

9/5/2009 Stonehill L 42-45
9/10/2009 SUNY Maritime W 41-10
9/19/2009 North Dakota State L 28-59
9/26/2009 Saint Francis (PA) W 56-48
10/3/2009 Bryant L 2-6
10/10/2009 Monmouth W 27-24
10/24/2009 Sacred Heart W 49-28
10/31/2009 Duquesne W 23-17 (2 OT)
11/7/2009 Central Connecticut State W 32-27
11/14/2009 Robert Morris 12:00 PM
11/21/2009 Albany 1:00 PM


Wagner College Stadium:

University of Albany Volleyball Remains Undefeated in America East Play, Sweeping Stony Brook, 3-0 - UAlbany Sports 2009

Valerie Sourbeer finished with a match-high 17 kills, while Casey Wright (Ballston Spa) recorded a .583 hitting percentage with eight kills to lead UAlbany to a 3-0 sweep of Stony Brook in America East Conference volleyball action on Sunday afternoon. The Great Danes won the match with set scores of 25-18, 25-23 and 25-20.

The Great Danes jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the first set behind the service game of Brooke Stanley. The Seawolves attempted to fight back, pulling within 8-5 on a UAlbany handling error, but the Great Danes continued to roll, getting ahead, 16-8 on a Wright kill. After a kill by Stanley gave UAlbany a 19-11 advantage, Laurie Gonzalez served for four straight points, getting a block assist from Hillary White and Kalyn Mostert to put the Great Danes up, 23-11. Stony Brook's Harmonie Calinda served for four points, attempting to start a rally for the Seawolves, but a kill from White on set point gave UAlbany the win.

UAlbany came out firing again in the second set, getting a kill from Sourbeer on the opening serve, followed by four straight service points from Stanley, giving the Great Danes an early 5-0 advantage. Stony Brook battled back successfully in the set, tying the match at 8-8 behind the service game of Sally Downs. The Seawolves took their first lead of the match on a UAlbany attack error, and was able to get ahead, 14-11, before Sourbeer ended the rally with a kill. The Great Danes rallied to tie the set at 19-19 and regained the lead behind Stanley's serve, getting consecutive kills from Sourbeer to put UAlbany up 23-21. Sourbeer gave the Great Danes set point, but Lisa Doremus kept Stony Brook alive. Wright took an assist from Stanley off Stony Brook's serve to end the set in UAlbany's favor.

Stanley's service game continued to pace the Great Danes in the final set, as the junior setter served for five straight points to open up play. Stony Brook attempted to regain control with two service aces by Lindsey Gordon, pulling within 6-5, but UAlbany refused to back down. Wright smashed a kill to give the Great Danes a 15-9 advantage, before the teams exchanged several points, with UAlbany holding onto a six-point advantage, getting a kill from Stanley to set the score at 21-15. Sourbeer crushed three kills in the late going, including getting the Great Danes to set point at 24-18. Stony Brook got kills from Doremus and Ashley Headen to stay alive, but Stanley took an assist from Teresa Coppiellie to get UAlbany its 15th straight win.

Sourbeer's .486 hitting percentage helped UAlbany hit .376 as a team. White and Coppiellie also finished with double-digit kill totals, tallying 12 and 10, respectively. Stanley finished with a double-double of 46 assists and 11 digs, while Gonzalez led all players with 23 digs.

Calinda led Stony Brook with 14 kills, as UAlbany held the Seawolves to a .197 team hitting percentage. Calinda also recorded two of Stony Brook's six service aces and finished with seven digs. Setter Corinne Perry finished with 27 assists and seven digs, while Jeanette Gibbs totaled 20 digs for Stony Brook (13-12, AE 5-4).

UAlbany (19-6, AE 9-0) will return to action on Saturday, hosting Hartford at 4 p.m.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Field Goal On Game's Final Play Leads Robert Morris to 13-10 NEC Football Win Against UAlbany

Albany, N.Y. - Garrett Clawson made a 20-yard field goal with no time remaining in leading Robert Morris to a 13-10 Northeast Conference victory over UAlbany on Saturday, Nov. 7 at University Field. The Great Danes had their school-record 12-game home winning streak halted.

Robert Morris (3-6, NEC 3-3) drove nearly the length of the field for the game-winning points, holding on to the ball for the final five minutes and 38 seconds. Senior quarterback Camdin Crouse, who came off to bench earlier in the contes, engineered the 14-play drive. He found D.J. Zalewski with a 22-yard pass into UAlbany territory and later connected with tight end Shadrae King on a third-down throw for 13 yards. Crouse's sneak over the right side set up a first-and-goal at the Great Danes' 3-yard line. After both teams used their final timeout, Clawson broke the tie.

"It probably helps to have an experienced quarterback on the last drive, but that didn't change how we played," said UAlbany senior linebacker Justin Brancaccio, who had a game-high 12 tackles, including three for losses. "We had good practices this week and we were prepared and comfortable with our checks. We just didn't make any plays."

The Colonials, who began the season with six consecutive losses, posted their third straight win with a big special teams play on the opening kickoff when Anthony Coleman went 58 yards to the UAlbany 32. Starting quarterback Jeff Sinclair mixed the run and pass on a nine-play scoring march. The freshman capped the series with a 3-yard touchdown pass to fullback Jeff Link, who came wide open in the left flat.

UAlbany (6-4, NEC 5-2) used a blocked punt by safety Emerson Kinsey to get on the scoreboard in the second quarter. Sean Kenny would eventually kick a 24-yard field goal. The Colonials answered with seven seconds left before halftime as Clawson booted a 39-yarder for a 10-3 lead. The field goal was set up by Crouse's 31-yard completion to split end Sherrod Evers. Crouse completed 6 of 7 attempts for 90 yards on the day.

The Great Danes, who were in contention for a third straight conference title coming into the contest, were bottled up by the Robert Morris' defense throughout the game. UAlbany put together a 12-play march to start the third quarter, but that was wiped out when inside linebacker Elias Navarro picked off an Esposito pass at his own 12-yard line. The Colonials held their opponent to 217 total yards, including 43 on the ground, the lowest total in an NEC contest since the Great Danes joined the conference in 1999.

"They did a pretty good job of shutting down our running attack," said Esposito, whose team could have been in a tie for first place in the conference standings after Wagner upended Central Connecticut, 32-27. "There were opportunities but we didn't take advantage. As seniors we are embarrassed and disappointed."

UAlbany was able to break through in the fourth quarter and drew even at 10 apiece with 7:58 to play. After a short punt, Esposito hit tailback Justin Gannon with a 27-yard screen pass on first down. The senior quarterback later connected with tight end Paul Booker for an 11-yard touchdown. Esposito completed 13 of 31 attempts for 168 yards, but was intercepted twice.
Robert Morris' Myles Russ, who saw limited time last week with an ankle injury, led all rushers with 87 yards on 31 carries. Sinclair was 9-of-20 through the air for 50 yards.

"The challenge (in coaching) is to pick up your team after a devastating loss," explained UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team had its 18-game conference win streak stopped in a 31-29 thriller the previous week. "I didn't get them (the team) off the deck and the opening kickoff set the tone. They won the line of scrimmage, for the most part, on both sides of the ball. This is a bitter loss."

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Field Hockey Falls in America East Championship Title Game to Boston U

Albany, N.Y. - Boston University's scoring duo of Kali Cardoza and Nicole van Oosterom combined for three of the Terriers' four goals in leading Boston U. to a 4-1 win over #17 UAlbany in the America East Conference Championship title game at Alumni Turf Field on Saturday afternoon. Boston U. claimed its eighth league title with the win.

The Terriers struck early with Cardoza netting the first goal of the game just 2:21 into play on an assist from van Oosterom, who dribbled down the right sideline and fired a crossing pass across the circle to connect with Cardoza. The two reversed the play in the final minute, with Cardoza hitting van Oosterom with the pass in the circle.

van Oosterom added her second tally of the game after halftime, as she dribbled into the circle, drawing UAlbany goalkeeper Kristi Troch out of the cage. A hard shot from the right side of the circle found the back of cage to give the Terriers a 3-0 advantage in the 40th minute. Boston U. wrapped up the scoring at 55:33, as Jacinda McLeod converted a penalty stroke.

UAlbany's Nicole Savage, who was named to the all-tournament team, broke the scoring drought for the Great Danes in the 66th minute, dribbling into the circle and taking a hard reverse stick shot that found the back of the cage behind Boston U. goalkeeper Amanda Smith.

The two teams were even with 11 shots apiece, while UAlbany held a 9-0 advantage in penalty corners. UAlbany's Christine Hoffman made two saves in the first half, while Troch stopped three shots for the Great Danes in the second stanza. Smith made two saves in the cage for Boston U. (10-11). UAlbany's Taylor Luke and Ashlyn Bach joined Savage on the all-tournament team.

UAlbany finishes the season with a 13-5 overall record after sharing the America East regular season title with Boston U. The Great Danes have made appearances in the past three America East Conference Championship title games.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany FCS Football Honors 2009 Senior Class in Final Home Game Against Robert Morris Today

Albany, N.Y. -- With the 2009 senior class set to be recognized prior to the game, UAlbany meets Northeast Conference-rival Robert Morris in the Great Danes' final home football game of the season on Saturday, Nov. 7. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. David McCarty, the program's career rushing leader, will be one of 17 seniors honored.

UAlbany (6-3, NEC 5-1) is coming off last Saturday's thrilling 31-29 loss at Central Connecticut State in a battle of conference unbeatens. The Great Danes has their six-game win streak stopped and a conference-record 18 wins in a row against league opponents halted.

Robert Morris has posted back-to-back wins in conference play after opening with six consecutive losses. The Colonials are led by veteran coach Joe Walton, who has guided the program to five NEC championships and two mid-major national titles during his 16-year tenure. Walton twice guided the New York Jets to AFC playoff appearances as head coach from 1983-89.

Paw Prints: The Great Danes are in second place in the Northeast Conference standings and need victories against Robert Morris and Wagner (Nov. 21) to have a chance at their third consecutive conference championship ... WR Garrett Askew, QB Frank Blasinsky, ILB Justin Brancaccio, WR Tim Bush, FS Dave Casale, OLB Rich Duff, QB Vinny Esposito, TB Justin Gannon, CB Jean Juste, FB Chris Kenneally, S Emerson Kinsey, TB David McCarty, OLB Dave Nicomini, C Kevin Richards, ILB Chris Simpson, DE Tony Sparano and WR Devin Wooten are making their final home appearance as members of the 2009 senior class ... McCarty, who ranks third on the NEC's all-time rushing list with 4,234 yards, needs one touchdown to tie the career standard (42) and six points to equal the career scoring record (252) ... Bush became the program's all-time leader in receptions (138) last week, breaking a mark held by Dan Gmelin (1994-97) ... the senior caught 10 passes for 95 yards at Central Conn. State ... Casale became a member of UAlbany's 200-career tackle club (208) ... Casale made a season-high 12 tackles and recovered two fumbles last Saturday ... the Great Danes own a school-record 12-game home winning streak that dates back to Oct. 6, 2007.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Great Danes Alumni Win Way Into World Series of Poker Finals in 3 of Last 4 Years

It's a coincidence, every one says. It has to be, even if it keeps happening over and over (and over), if only because there's no other plausible explanation that's readily available.

The first time somebody from the University at Albany showed up at the final table of the World Series of Poker Main Event, it was a novelty. Hey, look, a local guy ...

The second time it happened, it made for an amusing if not amazing curiosity.

But what do you say after learning that for the third time in four years, the nine-person final table of the Main Event, the world's pre-eminent Texas Hold'em tournament that starts with more than 6,000 competitors, features a former UAlbany student?

"I don't even know what to say about that," said Eric Buchman, a 2002 graduate and one of this year's finalists for the $8.5 million in prize money. "It is a pretty amazing feat."

As the finalists return to Las Vegas for the final table Saturday (the tournament will air at 9 p.m. Tuesday on ESPN), Buchman is second in total chips.

"This is the guy who I think has the best chance to win the Main Event," ESPN co-host Lon McEachern said of Buchman. "He is just a quality player … and he's sitting pretty in second place. I would fear Eric Buchman if I was one of any of the eight other players."

The Long Island native joins 2006 WSOP Main Event winner Jamie Gold (Class of 1991) and 2007 finalist Hevad Khan, who attended UAlbany 2004-06 before leaving for a poker career, as a Great Dane to hit it big in the tournament aired exhaustively on ESPN.

While at Albany, Buchman would cut out on weekends to hone his game at regional casinos. He says by the time he graduated he had a tidy bankroll of $12,000.

"I would go to the casinos and sleep in my car," he said. "I didn't have the money to blow on stuff" like a room.

"It's been my dream since college," Buchman added, "to win the tournament."

Apparently, others from the uptown campus have shared that dream. So in what's become and annual poser, how do you explain UAlbany's repeated presence at the final table?

You can't.

"It's just throwing darts at the board," McEachern said. "You guys just got lucky."

"It's complete happenstance," added his on air partner, Norman Chad.

The nine finalists each have intriguing stories, Chips leader Darvin Moon is a Maryland logger who doesn't have cable TV. Phil Ivey is considered the best player in the world. At 21, Michigan's Joseph Cada is trying to become the youngest Main Event champion ever. There are finalists from Europe and Florida and Vegas, and Albany. Again, Albany.

Buchman tried to work through the UA question just as he sizes up an opponent. He looked at the variables --there are business skills applicable to poker, and UAlbany has a good business school, he said -- but in the end he folded like everyone else.

"I think," Buchman concluded, "it's just a crazy coincidence."

As it did the last time this came up in 2007, UAlbany find itself in a difficult position of celebrating such a unique feat (and maybe take a little credit) without being seen as promoting gambling. (Gambling is even prohibited on campus.)

"The poker players are three former students, true, but they attended UAlbany over a span of 15 years, and we have 145,000 living alumni," UAlbany spokesman Karl Lunta said. "I think it's a coincidence that these three former students have achieved similar success at poker.
"But we are pleased whenever UAlbany alumni are successful. But we won't take credit for anyone's success in poker. We don't teach poker."

OK, but Chad thinks the school is missing an opportunity.

"It's something I think they would embrace," Chad said. "There are (poker) skills you can pick up at the school. I think it is indicative of some type of intellectual flow that is good, because it is unusual for three people (at the final table to come) from the same school."

Three out of four years may just mean ... something.

Oh, and that off year, 2008? A fourth UAlbany alum, Larry Spraker of Clifton Park made it to Day 2. The Class of 1985 grad grudgingly agrees with the coincidence explanation, but adds, "Geez, it's starting to get awful suspicious."

"Boy, I guess I really let 'em down in '08," he said.

By Mark McGuire

University of Albany Field Hockey Moves On To America East Championship Game With Win Over UNH - UAlbany Sports 2009

Senior forward Nicole Savage assisted on two goals to lead #17 UAlbany to a 3-0 win over New Hampshire in the first semifinal game of the America East Conference Championship at Alumni Turf Field on Friday afternoon. With the win, the Great Danes advance to the championship game for the second straight year.

After a scoreless first half, freshman all-rookie team member Inge Baijens broke the 0-0 tie for UAlbany, netting an unassisted goal just two minutes into the second stanza. Baijens dribbled in from the right side of the circle and took a hard reverse stick shot that zipped past New Hampshire goalkeeper Katherine Nagengast.

All-rookie midfielder Tegan Brown doubled the score for the Great Danes in the 53rd minute on a penalty corner, taking assists from Savage and Jess Lindsey with a hard shot from the top of the circle. UAlbany finished out the scoring at 59:35, as sophomore Christina Patrick took a pass from Savage inside the circle and found the back of the cage.

UAlbany outshot the Wildcats, 14-7 and held a slight 6-5 advantage in penalty corners. Nagengast finished with six saves for New Hampshire (12-7). Christine Hoffman made one save in the cage for the Great Danes in the first half, while Kristi Troch played the second half without having to stop a New Hampshire shot.

UAlbany (13-4) will face the winner of #2 Boston U. on Saturday at 4 p.m. The Terriers defeated Maine, 5-2, in the second semifinal on Friday.

-agate-

New Hampshire (12-7) 0 0 - 0

UAlbany (13-4) 0 3 - 3

New Hampshire: Scoring - None. Goalkeeper - Katherine Nagengast (70:00, 3 GA, 6 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring - Inge Baijens (1-0), Tegan Brown (1-0), Christina Patrick (1-0), Nicole Savage (0-2), Jess Lindsey (0-1). Goalkeepers - Christine Hoffman (35:00, 0 GA, 1 save), Kristi Troch (35:00, 0 GA, 0 saves).

University of Albany Women's Volleyball Remains Undefeated in Conference Play With 3-1 Win Over UMBC - UAlbany Sports 2009

Baltimore, Md. - Teresa Coppiellie recorded a career-high 18 kills and 16 digs, while Brooke Stanley finished with 50 assists and 17 digs to lead UAlbany to a 3-1 win over UMBC in America East Conference volleyball action on Friday evening. With the win, the Great Danes move to 8-0 in league play and clinch the top seed for the upcoming conference tournament. UAlbany won the match with set scores of 25-18, 22-25, 25-20 and 25-21.

The Great Danes had three players reach double-digit kill totals, led by Coppiellie, who also managed a .340 hitting percentage. Valerie Sourbeer and Hillary White each recorded 14 kills, while Laurie Gonzalez and Abbey Wexel led the team defensively with 12 and 10 digs, respectively. UAlbany also outblocked the Retrievers, 11-7, led by six total blocks by Casey Wright (Ballston Spa). Five Great Danes finished with multiple blocks, while Stanley also recorded two service aces in addition to finishing with her 10th double-double of the season.

Alyssa Lang paced UMBC (13-10, AE 5-3) with 14 kills and 11 digs to go along with three service aces, while Naomi Bush added 13 kills for the Retrievers. Setter Kira Giles also recorded a double-double for UMBC with 23 assists and 14 digs while Alexandria Spaay added 24 assists.

UAlbany (18-8, AE 8-0) remained the only undefeated team in conference play with its 14th straight victory. The Great Danes will return to action on Sunday, visiting Stony Brook for an America East match at 1 p.m.

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UAlbany (18-8, AE 8-0) def. UMBC (13-10, AE 5-3), 3-1 (25-18, 22-25, 25-20, 25-21).

UAlbany Hosts America East Conference Women's Field Hockey Championship Today & Tomorrow

Cambridge, Mass. - The University at Albany field hockey team claimed a share of the America East Conference regular-season title for the third time and the second consecutive season, earning the right to host the America East Championship for the second year in a row.

The America East Championship will be hosted by the top-seeded Great Danes at Alumni Turf Field on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7. Friday's semifinals feature UAlbany facing New Hampshire at 1 p.m., while second-seeded Boston University will take on third-seeded Maine at 4 p.m. The title game will be held on Saturday at 4 p.m.

UAlbany and Boston U. completed the conference schedule with 4-1 records, but the Great Danes earned the top seed based on head-to-head competition. UAlbany, ranked 17th in the most recent Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I National Coaches' Poll, dropped a 2-1 decision to New Hampshire in the regular-season finale on Oct. 31. The Terriers defeated Maine, 1-0, on Nov. 1 to claim the second seed.

New Hampshire and Maine finished with identical 3-2 America East records. An early season win over UNH gave the Black Bears possession of the third seed and left the four seed to the Wildcats. UNH, a winner in six of its last seven games, finishes their schedule with a non-league game against Harvard (Nov. 3) before the America East Championship.

Tickets for the America East Field Hockey Championship are $7 for adults, $3 for children 14 and under, and $2 for students with a valid America East ID.

The America East champion will host the NorPac Conference Champion on Tuesday, November 10 in an NCAA Play-In Game. Stanford and Radford are the favorites to win the NorPac crown. The field of 16 teams for the NCAA Championship will be announced that evening at 8 p.m.

Paw Prints: UAlbany dropped one spot to 17th in the Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I Coaches' Poll, as announced by the organization on Tuesday. The Great Danes have been ranked for six consecutive weeks. Nicole Savage will play in NFHCA Senior All-Star Game on Nov. 21 at Wake Forest University.


2009 America East Conference Field Hockey Championship
Albany, N.Y (Alumni Turf Field)
Friday, Nov. 6 - Semifinals
#1 UAlbany (12-4, AE 4-1) vs. #4 New Hampshire (11-6, AE 3-2), 1 p.m.
#2 Boston U. (8-11, AE 4-1) vs. #3 Maine (12-6, AE 3-2), 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 7 - Championship
Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 4 p.m


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Suzy Clephane Among Five Players on All-America East Conference Field Hockey Teams - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Suzy Clephane has been named the America East Conference Field Hockey Defensive Player of the Year, headlining a group of five Great Danes earning all-conference accolades, as announced by the league office on Thursday. UAlbany's Phil Sykes was voted the league's coach of the year award for the second straight season, after guiding his team to its second consecutive regular-season title. In addition, UAlbany placed five on the America East All-Rookie Team.

Clephane, a junior from Auckland, New Zealand, becomes the second UAlbany player to earn the league's top defensive award, following Michele Polizois in 2008. Clephane, who plays on both offensive and defensive penalty corner units, finished with four goals and four assists and made one defensive save. She was also a unanimous selection to the all-conference first team.

Joining Clephane with first-team honors was unanimous selection Nicole Savage and Taylor Luke. Savage, a senior forward, leads the Great Danes this season with six goals and seven assists for 19 total points. A two-time player of the week, Savage started all 16 games for UAlbany this season and earns her fourth straight all-conference award. Luke, a freshman defender, made an immediate impact in the backfield, anchoring a defense that led all Division I team in goals allowed at 0.56 per game.

Luke was also an all-rookie team member, joined by classmates Tegan Brown, Inge Baijens, Brianna Schwoyer and Kristi Troch. Brown, who was also named to the all-league second team, finished third on the UAlbany squad in points with five goals and six assists, taking a team-high 63 shots. Baijens made an immediate impact for the Great Danes' offensive attack, scoring six goals and adding two assists. Schwoyer, a defender, and Troch, a goalkeeper, both saw action in all 16 contests. Troch recorded a 0.88 goals against average in the cage, splitting time with Christine Hoffman, who was named to the all-conference second team for her efforts. The duo of goalkeepers allowed just nine goals in 16 games, and Hoffman's 0.25 goals against average and .935 save percentage led the nation.

Sykes repeated as the conference's coach of the year after guiding UAlbany to a 12-4 overall record and a national ranking as high as 16th during the regular season. The Great Danes have been ranked for six straight weeks, and were the lone undefeated team in the conference until the final game of the regular season. UAlbany earned the right to host the America East Conference Field Hockey Championship for the second straight year.

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2009 America East Conference Field Hockey All-Conference Teams

First Team: Suzy Clephane, Jr., D, UAlbany; Taylor Luke, Fr., D, UAlbany; Nicole Savage, Sr., F, UAlbany; Nikki Lloyd, Sr., F, Boston U.; Jacinda McLeod, Fr., D, Boston U.; Haley Robinson, Sr., D, Boston U.; Kelly Newton, So., F, Maine; Lelia Sacre, So., D, Maine; Whitney Frates, So., F, New Hampshire; Meg Shea, Sr., F, New Hampshire; Kristen Heavens, Sr., GK, Vermont.

Second Team: Tegan Brown, Fr., M, UAlbany; Allie Dolce, Jr., M, Boston U.; Nicole van Oosterom, Fr., F, Boston U.; Carly McCullough, Sr., M, Fairfield; Maire Dineen, Jr., M, Maine; Stephanie Gardiner, So., F, Maine; Jocelyn Mitchell, So., F, Maine; Kara Connolly, Jr., M, New Hampshire; Kendall Deck, So., D, New Hampshire; Sarah Meacham, Sr., D, Vermont; Christine Hoffman, Jr., GK, UAlbany.

All-Rookie Team: Tegan Brown, UAlbany; Inge Baijens, UAlbany; Taylor Luke, UAlbany; Brianna Schwoyer, UAlbany; Kristi Troch, UAlbany; Jacinda McLeod, Boston U.; Nicole van Oosterom, Boston U.; Leslie Zules, Boston U.; Macey Gaumond, Boston U.; Rachael White, Boston U.; Leah Furey, Fairfield; Zoe Adkins, Maine; Chelsea Wagner, Maine; Melyssa Woods, New Hampshire; Taylor Silvestro, Vermont.

Coach of the Year: Phil Sykes, UAlbany

Rookie of the Year: Jacinda McLeod, Boston U.

Goalkeeper of the Year: Kristen Heavens, Vermont

Midfielder of the Year: Allie Dolce, Boston U.

Defensive Player of the Year: Suzy Clephane, UAlbany

Offensive Player of the Year: Meg Shea, New Hampshire


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany FCS Football's Sparano, Simpson & Woods Chosen to ESPN The Magazine District I All-Academic Football Team - UAlbany Sports 2009

Washington, D.C. - University at Albany's Tony Sparano leads a group of three student-athletes who have been chosen to the ESPN The Magazine District I Academic All-America Football Team, as voted by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America). Sparano was selected for the second straight year, while Chris Simpson and Bobby Woods made their first appearance on the all-academic squad. Each athlete moves on to the University Division national ballot and that team will be announced on Nov. 24.

Sparano, a senior defensive end from Colleyville, Texas, has a 3.40 cumulative grade point average in history with a minor in political science. He earned his B.A. last May and is enrolled in UAlbany's graduate school. In nine starting assignments this season, Sparano has 23 tackles and two fumble recoveries. He had a career-high seven tackles against nationally-ranked Massachusetts in September. Sparano, the son of the Miami Dolphins' head coach, has twice been named to the Northeast Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll.

Simpson, a senior inside linebacker from Victor, N.Y., has a 3.97 GPA in physics. He is enrolled in the school's 3+2 engineering program and will also earn an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in May 2010. Simpson was a member of the 2008 FCS Athletic Directors' Academic All-Star Team. Simpson is fourth on the UAlbany squad in tackles with 51 and has two sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He had a career-best 11 tackles in his team's upset of No. 20 Maine this year.

Woods, a junior punter from Sayreville, N.J., owns a 3.58 GPA in accounting with a minor in business administration. He is averaging 35.7 yards per punt with five 50-plus kicks, five touchbacks and seven punts inside the 20-yard line. He booted a 77-yarder in the season opener at Georgia Southern, the second longest in school history. Woods came to the UAlbany program after Iona College dropped the sport of football.

UAlbany (6-3, NEC 5-1) is currently in second place in the conference standings. The Great Danes meet league-rival Robert Morris on Saturday in their final home game of the season.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Holds Annual Basketball Tip-Off Luncheon for Capital Region Media Members

Albany, N.Y. - Capital Region media members attended the University at Albany's annual basketball tip-off luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at the SEFCU Arena Athletic Hall of Fame Room on campus.

The men's program begins its season on Nov. 9 against nationally-ranked Syracuse at the Carrier Dome. The opener will be televised nationally on ESPNU at 9:00 p.m. Tim Ambrose and Will Harris lead a group of seven returning letterwinners.

"I think this team has tremendous potential, but I also realize that potential is a scary word," UAlbany head coach Will Brown offered. "I think we're deep, versatile and we have some talented kids. I just think we've got to get everybody on the same page and stick to our principles and schemes both offensively and defensively. I think this team has the chance to be very good come America East Conference play."

Ambrose was one of six players selected to the America East preseason all-conference squad. He was among the league's leading scorers at 14.3 points per game last year. The 6-foot junior added 5.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists, plus shot 78.1 percent from the line. Will Harris, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound forward, contributed 12.9 points and 6.5 rebounds in his first season with the program after transferring from the University of Virginia. He received third-team All-America East recognition.

"I feel like this team has high potential," said Harris, whose squad was picked third in the conference preseason poll. "We have a lot of new guys who are willing to learn. Our potential is through the roof. I am hoping to be a consistent leader, a more consistent scorer and being at the forefront of helping us have a more successful year."

In 2008-09, the women's program won three of its final six games to close out the season after a slow start. UAlbany defeated Maine by a convincing margin in the first round of the America East Championship before suffering a tough 77-75 overtime loss to top-seeded Boston University in the quarterfinals. The team's schedule featured a program-record 11 contests against clubs which advanced to either NCAA or WNIT post-season play.

"Our players are showing me that they have good chemistry early, that there are different people who can score and that they are seeing success in small ways," UAlbany coach Trina Patterson said. "This recruiting class is ranked the number one class in America East. They are state champions and all-conference players who have come in with a hunger that is passing over to some of our returners."

Senior guard Charity Iromuanya and sophomore forward Tabitha Makopondo highlight the list of seven returnees. Patterson also has four active freshmen and two transfers on the roster who are expected to step in and contribute immediately. UAlbany begins its 2009-10 season at Fordham on Friday, Nov. 13 at 6:00 p.m.

"I think what makes this year so different is that we have a bunch of people who want to work together as a team," Iromuanya stated. "We are working a lot harder this year. I think it is the character of the people that (Coach Patterson) brought in. They are athletes, they are used to winning and they are willing to do whatever it takes. Whether it be sacrificing playing time or stepping in to play whatever position they're asked to play, they have all come in ready to work."

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Cate Crenson Garners America East Women's Soccer All-Academic Team Laurels - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Cate Crenson was named to the America East Conference All-Academic Women's Soccer Team, as announced on Wednesday, Nov. 4 by the league office. The sophomore goalkeeper helped lead the Great Danes to their highest single-season win total since 1988 and first-ever berth in the America East postseason tournament.

Crenson, a pre-medicine major with a 3.78 cumulative grade point average, was a member of the America East Conference Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll and UAlbany Athletic Director's Honor Roll last year. She posted a 1.48 goals against average, an .807 save percentage and four shutout victories this season after finishing with a 2.72 goals against average and a .692 save percentage with no shutouts as a freshman. Crenson, who blanked three America East opponents this fall, also broke a Division I program record when she made eight saves to register her fourth career clean sheet in a 2-0 win at Stony Brook on Oct. 18.

To be nominated for the distinction, student-athletes must be a starter or important reserve for their team and participate in at least 50 percent of their team's games or competitions. In the classroom, student-athletes must have a 3.30 GPA and have completed at least one calendar year at their institution.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Basketball Interviews

UAlbany Coach Skiles Interview On Upcoming America East Championship

UAlbany FCS Football Coach Ford's Interview

University of Albany Volleyball's Teresa Coppiellie & Brooke Stanley Earn America East Conference Weekly Awards - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Teresa Coppiellie and Brooke Stanley were named the America East Conference Volleyball Player and Setter of the Week, respectively, as announced on Monday, Nov. 2 by the conference office. With her first honor of the season, Coppiellie becomes the third straight Great Dane to earn the player of the week award. Stanley was chosen the conference's top setter for the fifth consecutive week.

Coppiellie, a junior from Canton, Mich., recorded a double-double with a match-high 11 kills and 10 digs to lead UAlbany to a 3-0 sweep of New Hampshire on Oct. 30. In the week's only match, the outside hitter averaged 3.67 kills, 3.33 digs and 1.00 aces while hitting at a .370 clip. Coppiellie recorded just one attack error and smacked three service aces.

Stanley, a junior from Hendersonville, N.C., quarterbacked her team past New Hampshire, keeping the Great Danes undefeated in conference play and extending UAlbany's win streak to 13 straight. Against the Wildcats, Stanley recorded a match-best 30 assists, nine digs and two service aces to go along with two kills and a .333 hitting percentage. Stanley, who is among the league leaders in three statistical categories, leads the conference with 11.0 assists per set in league play.

UAlbany (17-8, AE 7-0) will return to action on Friday, visiting second-place UMBC at 7 p.m. The Great Danes have a two-game lead in the America East standings with two weeks remaining in the regular season.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

2009 UAlbany FCS Football Gameday vs Robert Morris

UAlbany FCS Football Homepage

UAlbany Roster

UAlbany Media Guide

UAlbany Game Notes

UAlbany Stats

2009 Schedule:

Sat, Sep 5 at Georgia Southern L 26-29 --
Sat, Sep 12 at Massachusetts L 7-44 --
Sat, Sep 19 Maine W 20-16 --
Sat, Sep 26 Sacred Heart W 22-9 --
Sat, Oct 3 at St. Francis (PA) W 27-6 --
Sat, Oct 10 Duquesne W 55-10 --
Sat, Oct 17 Bryant W 20-17 --
Sat, Oct 24 at Monmouth W 35-10 --
Sat, Oct 31 at Central Connecticut State L 29-31 --
Sat, Nov 7 Robert Morris 1:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 21 at Wagner 1:00 pm

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NEXT GAME

Date: November 7, 2009
Time: 1pm
Opponent: Robert Morris
Location: University of Albany
City/Town: Albany, NY
Facility: University Field
Driving distance:
From NYC - 147 miles
From Boston - 168 miles
Directions
Tickets
Media Coverage:
DaneZone Video
FoxSports Radio – Great Dane Football
LiveStats

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RM Football Homepage

RM Roster

RM Game Notes

RM Media Guide

RM Stats

2009 Robert Morris Schedule:

Sat, Sep 5 at Virginia Military L 13-14 --
Sat, Sep 12 at Bucknell L 23-26 --
Sat, Sep 19 Dayton L 14-21 --
Sat, Sep 26 Bryant L 13-20 --
Sat, Oct 3 at Duquesne L 20-34 --
Sat, Oct 10 at Central Connecticut State L 21-42 --
Sat, Oct 17 St. Francis (PA) W 28-0 --
Sat, Oct 31 Sacred Heart W 9-7 --
Sat, Nov 7 at Albany 1:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 14 Wagner 12:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 21 at Monmouth 12:00 pm

Football Edged By Central Connecticut State, 31-29, in a Battle of Northeast Conference Unbeatens

New Britain, Conn. - James Mallory rushed for 204 yards and three touchdowns as Central Connecticut State rallied in the second half for a 31-29 victory over UAlbany in a battle of Northeast Conference unbeatens on Saturday, Oct. 31 before 3,698 fans at Arute Field.

Central Connecticut State (7-1, NEC 5-0) ran off 17 unanswered points to reverse a nine-point halftime deficit. The Blue Devils drove the length of the field with the second-half kickoff but quarterback Aubrey Norris fumbled to end the non-scoring effort. But fortunes turned when CCSU strong safety Alondre Rush picked off Vinny Esposito's third-down pass. Mallory then bolted 14 yards for a touchdown to close the gap to 23-21 with 4:39 left in the period.

The Blue Devils, who extended their win streak to six in a row, went ahead 28-23 on their next possession. Norris, who completed 10 of 19 passes for 184 yards, threw a third-down, 59-yard strike to wide receiver Josue Paul to ignite the scoring drive. Mallory pushed his way through the middle on a 1-yard touchdown run. Norris and Paul connected on another 43-yard pass that led to Joe Izzo's 28-yard field goal and a 31-23 margin with 9:17 to play in the final quarter. Paul had five receptions for 131 yards.

UAlbany (6-3, NEC 5-1) later recovered from a missed 22-yard field goal midway through the final quarter and put together a nine-play touchdown drive in the closing minutes. Esposito, who hit on 25-of-39 through the air for 266 yards, found Tim Bush with a fourth-down throw to keep possession. Justin Gannon would score on an 8-yard screen pass with 59 seconds remaining. Esposito then completed a two-point pass to Paul Booker, but the tight end was called for offensive pass interference. CCSU's Ray Sauders then sacked Esposito on the next conversion attempt.

The Great Danes, who had their six-game win skein halted after opening with two losses, were still in business when outside linebacker Dave Nicomini recovered Herb Glass' high-bouncing onside kick. But on fourth-and-one at the 50-yard line, Rush stepped in front of an Esposito pass that was intended for Jason Poore and made the interception to seal the outcome.

"It's hard to beat anyone. and if you don't believe it look at the NFL (National Football League) every week," said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose squad had its conference-record win streak of 18 straight ended. "There was a lot offense and they made a number of big plays. (James) Mallory has quite a motor with a quick burst, but we never stopped them on third down."

Central Connecticut State, who made good on 10-of-13 three-down conversions, took a 14-9 lead with 6:36 remaining in the second quarter when wide receiver Richie Martin scored on a 10-yard reverse. The touchdown drive was keyed by Norris' 45-yard pass to Nick Colagiovanni. Martin later took a handoff from Mallory on the scoring play and went around left end to the end zone.

UAlbany regrouped with a pair of touchdowns in a two-minute-and-37-second span. Esposito hooked up with Poore on a 7-yard slant to put their back on top. The scoring sequence was set up by a flea-flicker, screen pass to Gannon for 24 yards into CCSU territory. On the following kickoff, safety Dave Casale, who totaled 12 tackles and two fumble recoveries, stripped Paul and pounced on the loose ball at the Blue Devil 33. Senior tailback David McCarty, who was questionable coming into the contest with both an ankle and wrist sprain, later slanted to the left on a 10-yard touchdown run for a 23-14 advantage.

In a first half that produced plenty of fireworks, the Great Danes struck first with a 12-play march. Esposito scored on a 1-yard quarterback sneak, but the extra point failed due to a high snap. The Blue Devils answered immediately as Mallory broke clean over right guard and dashed 79 yards to paydirt for a 7-6 lead. UAlbany went back in front early in the second quarter when Glass booted a 23-yard field goal to finish off another 12-play drive.

"We battled, but we left points on the field," said Esposito, whose team won a two-point decision that came down to the last minutes in last year's meeting. "Our offense squandered some opportunities. The interception (in the third quarter) changed the momentum and they scored off it."

The Blue Devils, who took over sole possession of first place in the conference standings and have the inside track to their first Gridiron Classic appearance, bottled up UAlbany's rushing attack throughout the game, holding the visitors to 110 net yards. McCarty finished with 65 yards on 22 carries. Meanwhile, Bush caught 10 passes for 95 yards and became the program's career leader with 138 receptions, breaking Dan Gmelin's career standard.

"We had some alignment issues, but we basically beat ourselves on defense," said UAlbany's Casale, whose team allowed its first 200-yard rusher since Oct. 6, 2007. "They have good athletes with great speed at quarterback, running back and receiver. It's hard to cover everything."

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

#16 UAlbany Field Hockey Falls to New Hampshire, 2-1, in America East Finale

Albany, N.Y. - Senior forward Leah Boody scored the go-ahead goal to lead New Hampshire to a 2-1 win over #18 UAlbany in the America East Conference regular-season finale at Alumni Turf Field on Saturday afternoon.

UAlbany struck first, getting a goal from Suzy Clephane at the 22:08 mark of the first half. Clephane took assists from Jess Lindsey and Tegan Brown on a penalty corner, taking a hard shot from the top of the circle that found the back of the cage. New Hampshire tied the game six minutes later as Boody made a diving pass into the circle, finding Whitney Frates, who tipped the ball into the upper left corner of the goal, out of UAlbany goalkeeper Christine Hoffman's reach.

The teams played most of the second half with the knotted score, before senior forward Meg Shea found Boody in front of the cage with a pass. Boody redirected the shot past UAlbany's Kristi Troch for what would prove to be the gamewinner.

UAlbany outshot New Hampshire, 13-8, and held a 10-5 advantage in penalty corners. Hoffman and Troch split time in cage for the Great Danes, with Hoffman making one save and Troch stopping two Wildcat shots. Katherine Nagengast made seven saves in the cage for New Hampshire (11-6, AE 3-2).

UAlbany (12-4, AE 4-1), who honored seniors Lindsey and Nicole Savage before the game, has clinched top seed in the America East Conference Championship, and will host the four-team tournament on Nov. 6-7. Remaining seedings and game times are still to be determined.

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New Hampshire (11-6, AE 3-2) 1 1 - 2

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

New Hampshire: Scoring - Leah Boody (1-1), Whitney Frates (1-0), Meg Shea (0-1). Goalkeeper - Katherine Nagengast (70:00, 1 GA, 7 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring - Suzy Clephane (1-0), Jess Lindsey (0-1), Tegan Brown (0-1). Goalkeepers - Christine Hoffman (35:00, 1 GA, 1 save), Kristi Troch (35:00, 1 GA, 2 saves).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Volleyball Sweeps New Hampshire at "Dig Pink" Event at University Gymnasium - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Teresa Coppiellie recorded a double-double with a match-high 11 kills and 10 digs to lead UAlbany to a 3-0 sweep of New Hampshire in America East Conference volleyball action on Friday evening at University Gymnasium. The Great Danes and Wildcats faced off in the second annual "Dig Pink" match, which raised money and awareness for the Side-Out Foundation, which supports breast cancer research. UAlbany won the match with scores of 25-11, 25-14 and 25-17.

UAlbany rolled in the first set, building up a quick 5-0 lead behind the service game of Brooke Stanley. The Great Danes controlled much of the set, getting 11 kills and five service aces, including two from Coppiellie. Lindsay Fogarty paced New Hampshire with four kills in the set.

After UAlbany got out to a 3-0 advantage in the second set, Fogarty served for four straight points for New Hampshire, putting the Wildcats on top, 5-3. Kalyn Mostert ended the rally with a kill and Coppiellie tied the set at 5-5 with a kill of her own. UAlbany held control from then on, getting aces from Laurie Gonzalez and Stanley, who served for four consecutive points late in the set to give the Great Danes a 22-13 lead. After a service error on the Great Danes, Mostert and Coppiellie recorded back-to-back kills before Casey Wright ended the set with a solo block of Lauren Laquerre's attack.

New Hampshire jumped out to an early 3-1 lead in the final set, but Gonzalez took over the service game for the Great Danes at 3-2 and served for six straight points, including two kills by Mostert and a service ace. The team's exchanged service errors, before Coppiellie served for three points to put UAlbany ahead, 13-5. Later in the set, Gonzalez served for four consecutive points, including back-to-back service errors to give the Great Danes a 21-11 advantage. New Hampshire attempted a rally, getting kills from Justine Elliott and Kirsten Bates to pull within 21-15. UAlbany continued to roll, however, getting a kill from Sourbeer to end the match for the Great Danes.

Sourbeer and Mostert finished with eight kills apiece, while Gonzalez led the team defensively with 15 digs. Stanley recorded a match-high 30 assists and notched two of UAlbany's 11 service aces in the match.

Fogarty finished with a team-high seven kills for New Hampshire (9-14, AE 1-5). Setter Kate Uitti recorded 18 assists, while libero Sara Heldman led the team with 12 digs.

UAlbany (17-8, AE 7-0), won its 13th straight match, and raised over $3,000 in support of the Side-Out Foundation. SEFCU president Michael Castellana was on hand to present a check for $2,000 to UAlbany Athletic Director and Vice President Lee McElroy, in support of the Great Danes and the Side-Out Foundation.

UAlbany will return to action on Friday, Nov. 6, visiting UMBC at 7 p.m.

UAlbany (17-8, AE 7-0) def. New Hampshire (9-14, AE 1-5), 3-0 (25-11, 25-14, 25-17)

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

2009 - 2010 University News: Year In Review

University of Albany Center For Technology In Government Scholars Recognized as Ranking Members of the Digital Government Community

UAlbany ROTC Cadet Alex Saxby Wins Prestigious USAA Spirit Award Scholarship
$6.8 Million National Institutes of Health Grant Bolsters UAlbany Center for the Elimination of Minority Health Disparities

University of Albany School of Education Researchers Author 'Best Practices from High-Performing Middle Schools'

University of Albany School of Education Researchers Reveal Reasons Why Some Schools Excel at Science Instruction

UAlbany Highlights Sustainability in Proposed Student Housing Project and Will Boast LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Silver Rating

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

University of Albany's Center for Technology in Government Welcomes International Group of Researchers Funded By US National Science Foundation

University of Albany Cancer Research Center (CRC) Awarded $7 Million In Additional Research Grants

University of Albany & General Electric Global Research Share $14M In Stimulus Funding For Geothermal Energy Technologies

NIH Awards UAlbany Researcher Edward L. Hannan $925,000 to Study Long-term Survival Following Coronary Revascularizations

University of Albany School of Social Welfare Dean Katharine Lawson Receives Leadership Award From Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education

University of Albany School of Public Health Researchers Receive $1.1 Million Grant From American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

University of Albany's International System Dynamics Society Presents 2009 Applications Award To Cooper and Lee For Concept Helping Fluor Corporation

University of Albany’s Center for Technology In Government Releases Findings On National Survey of Cross-Boundary Information Sharing, A U.S. National Science Foundation Funded Project

University of Albany Political Science Professor Joseph Zimmerman Proposes Comprehensive Reform For New York State Governance

University of Albany NanoCollege and School of Business Develop World’s First MBA Program with Elective Track in Nanotechnology

University of Albany's William Kennedy, founder and executive director of the New York State Writers Institute, To Accept Eugene O'Neill Award

University of Albany's School of Public Health Professor Hoff Publishes Work On 21st Century Health Care

University of Albany's Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy Welcomes Congressmen John Glen & Steven T. Kuykendall

Former NASA Reseacher And UAlbany Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences Professor John Delano Searches for Life on Other Planets

University of Albany's New York State Writers Institute - 25 years - A Literary Institution

SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher and University of Albany President George Philip Work to Reduce Harmful Carbon Emissions

University of Albany Alum James Walsh, President of the Academy of Management, Links U.S. Demand with Working Conditions Around the World

University of Albany's THE WORLD WITHIN REACH SPEAKER SERIES Presents General Colin Powell

Mary McCarthy, Director of Social Work Ed Consortium of UAlbany's School of Social Welfare, Elected to Board of National Association of Social Workers

University of Albany's College of NanoScale Science And Engineering Now Offers Full Spectrum Of Degrees - Baccalaureate Thru Doctoral

UAlbany's Susan Roth Sherman's Commitment to Chapel House Lives On Through Peace Garden And Its Dedication To Her

UAlbany School of Public Health's Distinguished Professor Edward L. Hannan Leads Study On Aortic Valve Replacement

University of Albany's NYS Writers Institute Celebrates 25th Anniversary

University of Albany To Oversee Rockefeller Institute Think Tank

University of Albany Alumna Jennifer Manner Is New Deputy Chief of Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau at Federal Communications Commission

Council of Counseling Psychology Training Programs Bestows Lifetime Achievement Award on University of Albany Provost Phillips

University of Albany Named 1 of 8 "Gateway" Sites By Department of State And Hosts 40 International Fulbright Students

University of Albany's School of Business Hosts Leading Scholars From Duke, Harvard, UCLA... To Analyze Green Management Practices

Kids' Vitamin D Deficiency: ABC News Seeks Expertise Of University of Albany Professor And Researcher JoEllen Welsh

Palantir Technologies Donates $2.25 Million To University of Albany School of Business In Partnership To Fight Global Security Threats

SUNY University Center Innovation and Economic Growth Act Introduced by Sen. Stavisky S.5836

University of Albany's Sara Ganetis Has Won The Ernest F. Hollings Scholarship from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

UAlbany School of Public Health Researcher Timothy Hoff Examines New U.S. Government Policy on Hospital-Acquired Infections With Harvard Medical Associates

New $50 Million Dollar Microchip Package Facility, and 200 Jobs, To Be Added At University of Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering

University of Albany's Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (CARD) Mission: Improving Children's Quality of Life

New $60 million, 500 Bed Dormitory To Be Built On University of Albany Uptown Campus Near Sculpture Studio

UAlbany Volleyball Set to Host "Dig Pink" Event Against New Hampshire on Friday

Albany, N.Y. - The University at Albany volleyball team will be sponsoring the second annual "Dig Pink" event on Friday, Oct. 30 as the Great Danes host America East Conference rival New Hampshire at University Gymnasium. Match time is 7:00 p.m. Dig Pink, established by the Side-Out Foundation, is a National Breast Cancer awareness rally that is taking place throughout the month of October, sponsored by high schools and colleges across the country.

UAlbany volleyball has been supported once again this season by SEFCU, who is donating $2,000 for the second straight year to the Side-Out Foundation. SEFCU president Michael Castellana will be on hand to present a check to UAlbany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy in support of the Great Danes and the Side-Out Foundation.

The Side-Out Foundation was established in 2004 by a group of individuals drawn together by their love of volleyball and a shared passion to be a part of the war against breast cancer. Side-Out's mission is to raise money for the war against breast cancer through the recreational activity of volleyball. The Side-Out Foundation is a Virginia-based 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization with a serving Board of Directors and advisors from the healthcare sector to provide oversight and guidance regarding the strategic direction and recommended allocation of donations and grants.

The match, which will be streamed live on www.ualbanysports.com, will feature several tributes to breast cancer victims, survivors and those continuing the fight. There will be areas for spectators to learn more about breast cancer and the Side-Out Foundation, and they will have the opportunity to make donations to support the organization's mission. More information is available at www.digpink.org and at www.side-out.org.

UAlbany (16-8, AE 6-0) is currently riding a 12-match win streak and is in first place in the America East Conference standings.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Meets Stony Brook In First Round Match of the America East Conference Championship Tonight

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