Basketball Upended By Defending MEAC Champion Morgan State, 69-65, in Home Opener

Albany, N.Y. - Reggie Holmes scored 23 points and DeWayne Jackson's steal and slam dunk put his team ahead in the final five minutes in leading Morgan State to a 69-65 victory over UAlbany on Friday, Nov. 13 before 3,434 fans at SEFCU Arena.

In a second half that featured five lead changes and four ties, UAlbany (0-2) reversed a 46-42 deficit with 11 unanswered. Tim Ambrose, a 6-foot junior who had 14 of his 21 points after the break, drew his team even with a pair of free throws. Freshman guard Mike Black followed with a driving layup and a three-point play when he was fouled while converting a fastbreak opportunity. Ambrose's jumper from left of the lane gave his club a 53-46 advantage with 12:30 remaining.

Morgan State (1-0) still trailed by four with less than six minutes to play, but regrouped when Holmes canned one of his three 3-point field goals after an offensive rebound. Jackson's steal and dunk put his team ahead, 61-60, with 4:23 left.

Still leading by one, Holmes connected on a one-hander as he curled into the lane. Jackson came up with another steal and sank a 19-footer from just inside the top of the arc for a 67-62 lead with 1:32 remaining. The Great Danes were still within one possession in the closing seconds, but Jackson sealed the outcome by splitting a pair of free throws.

"I was disappointed that we lost the game, but I look at this as a positive," said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team held the visitors to 38.2-percent shooting. "The young guys played well and we were missing two starters. Morgan State is an NCAA team who will win their league again this year. They switched (defensively) on everything in the last three minutes and we got stagnant (on offense)."

The Bears, who made their first NCAA appearance last year after winning the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship, built a 27-16 margin in the first half. Kevin Thompson, a 6-foot-8 sophomore who totaled 15 points and nine rebounds, scored on a follow shot to give his squad its biggest lead.

The Great Danes, who opened their season with a loss at No. 25 Syracuse four days earlier, came back to tie the contest at 33 apiece by halftime. Will Harris, a senior who netted 18 points, hit a bank shot in transition before Logan Aronhalt drilled his second 3-pointer of the period to close the gap to 33-31. Harris later made a jumper from the foul line that evened the score.

"We had trouble putting the ball in the hole," offered Harris, whose team did not make a field goal over the last seven minutes. "We have to do a better job of being available for Tim (Ambrose). I am encouraged because the young guys stepped up. They will be needed later in the year.

UAlbany's Black finished with seven points and three assists, while Aronhalt, a redshirt freshman, added six points and four rebounds off the bench. Derrek Tartt, another freshman guard, contributed three points, four assists and three rebounds.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Fordham Uses Late Run to Defeat Women's Basketball, 76-56, in Season Opener

Bronx, N.Y. - Tiffany Stokes scored 17 of her game-high 25 points in the second half and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead Fordham past the UAlbany women's basketball team, 76-56, in the season opener for both schools on Friday evening at the Rose Hill Gymnasium. The score was tied at 49 with 8:25 left to play before the Rams went on a 27-7 run to end the game.

UAlbany (0-1), which won three of its final six games last season, started off strong by scoring the first five points of the game. After blocking a shot on the Rams' first possession, Keyana Williams converted a layup on the other end to put the Great Danes on the board. Charity Iromuanya followed up with a three-pointer on the next possession. Fordham rallied back to tie the match at five before the first media timeout. Randall Hurst provided all the scoring with a conventional three-point play and a layup.

After trading baskets, UAlbany went on a 9-0 run to force the Rams to burn a timeout. Sparked by Melia Basavand's trifecta from the right wing, all of the scoring during the stretch came from the Great Danes' bench.

Fordham (1-0), which posted an eight-win improvement last season, trimmed the lead down to a point, but Ebone Henry made a free throw and Felicia Johnson hit a jumper on a fast break to keep the Great Danes ahead at 19-15. The Rams kept fighting back and took their first lead at the 5:07 mark when Hurst drilled two free throws to break a 21-21 tie.

Stokes made a short jumper which allowed Fordham to extend its advantage to six points at 31-25, but the Great Danes continued to use its balanced scoring attack to rally and regain the lead. Johnson converted two free throws, and Basavand canned another three and a long jumper in the left corner with the back of her foot on the line to give the Great Danes a 32-31 advantage at the recess.

The second half was a seesaw battle at the beginning with four lead changes in the opening 2:17. Henry broke a 42-42 deadlock when she netted five straight points on two free throws and a shot from downtown. The Rams rallied once again and took the lead for good by scoring 12 straight points before Basavand drilled a three from NBA range at 4:39 to end the scoreless drought which lasted almost five minutes.

Basavand hit a pair of free throws to make it 65-54 with 2:56 on the clock, but that was the closest the Great Danes came the rest of the way. The Rams went ahead by 18 points on two occasions, and an uncontested layup on a fast break by Kyara Weeks sealed the final outcome.

In addition to Stokes, Fordham was led by Hurst who netted 22 points. Kristina Bell and Becky Peters netted eight and six points, respectively, and Kyara Weeks pulled down seven rebounds.

UAlbany, which used a balanced scoring attack and got 31 points from its bench, was paced by Basavand and Henry. Basavand scored a team-high 13 points on 4-of-9-shooting, while Henry contributed 10 points and a team-leading eight rebounds in 18 minutes of action. Johnson and Julie Forster contributed eight points apiece, and Iromuanya had a game-high four steals.

The Rams outshot the Great Danes, 54.7 percent (29-53) to 38.6 percent (22-57) from the floor. UAlbany outshot Fordham 29.4 percent (5-17) to 20 percent (1-5) from behind the arc and 77.8 percent (7-9) to 70.8 percent (17-24) at the charity stripe.

"We felt a lot of pressure and committed a lot of turnovers that were unforced late in the game," said head coach Trina Patterson. "I thought we played very well for 30 minutes, but that's not enough. We were up by one at halftime and lost by 20 because we got out of our scheme and started playing one-on-one ball. We need to stay in our systems if we want to be successful."
Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

DANEger Zone - UAlbany Great Dane Student Nation

Friday the 13th, enter the DANEger Zone (if you DARE!) at the Men’s Basketball Home Opener: 7 pm Tip-Off

The Great Dane Nation has been named - Be part of the new and very purple and gold student fan club – The DANEger Zone. Come to the University Gym, Nov. 13 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm and receive your official DANEger Zone t-shirt, get free food, and win prizes including an XBOX 360. Your official DANEger Zone t-shirt is a must to participate in on court contests and gives you special access to events.

Spread out your wings and head to the DANEger Zone!

The DANEger Zone is the new UAlbany student fan club! To be part of the DANEger Zone wear your official DANEger Zone t-shirt at UAlbany events to participate in exclusive contests, gain access to events and win prizes. If you are exploding with UA spirit, be part of the DANEger Zone. Contact dangerzone@albany.edu with your name, email address, and class year to be the first to hear about upcoming DANEger Zone events!

UAlbany Men's Basketball Interview With Coach Brown

UAlbany FCS Football Interview With Coach Ford

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

Video Presentation

UAlbany Interim Vice President for Research James Dias highlights the success of the University's four-year-old Cancer Research Center at a news conference announcing $7 million in new grants to advance studies related to finding a cure for the disease.

The University of Albany Cancer Research Center (CRC) has been awarded $7 million in new funding to support its research into the causes, prevention and treatment of cancer, all with the goal of finding a cure for the disease. The CRC, which opened in October 2005, combines the University's research expertise in genomics, bioinformatics, and biomedical sciences with cutting-edge technology to explore the genetic and environmental origins of the disease and to develop new therapies.

"The success of the Cancer Research Center rests on a strong foundation of outstanding scientists involved with innovative research designed to find a cure for this devastating disease," said UAlbany President George M. Philip. "These grants allow the University to develop and evaluate cancer therapies, employ scientists and provide training for the next generation of cancer researchers."

The new grants have been awarded to four Cancer Research Center scientists.

CRC researcher and assistant professor of biomedical sciences Thomas Begley (pictured with student researcher Jessica Hovancik) has garnered $2.9 million in new grants to explore environmentally induced cancers and identify targets for treatments.

Thomas Begley, CRC researcher and assistant professor of biomedical sciences at the School of Public Health, was awarded $2.1 million by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study RNA modifications as biomarkers of environmental stress and inflammation. Begley was also awarded two NIH stimulus grants - one for $415,000 to study translational machinery in stress signaling and tumor suppression and another for $346,955 to explore the connection between tRNA methylation and the DNA damage response. The long term goal of Begley's research program is to develop methodologies to identify individuals susceptible to environmentally induced cancers and to identify targets for cancer treatments.

Douglas Conklin, CRC researcher and associate professor of biomedical sciences at the School of Public Health, was awarded $1.25 million from NIH to study the NR1D1 gene, a recently identified Achilles' heel in breast cancer cells. Conklin was also awarded $246,800 from the Susan G. Komen Foundation and $264,177 from the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity for analysis of NR1D1. Conklin's research may provide information on how diet and the "the night shift" contribute to breast cancer and may lead to therapies that target an aggressive form of the disease.

Chittibabu Guda, CRC researcher and assistant professor of epidemiology and biostatistics, was awarded $946,875 from NIH to catalog the subcellular and suborganellar proteomes of sequenced genomes. Guda's research aims to create a better understanding of the spatial organization and the function of proteins in the cell that work together. The outcome of this project will benefit any field of biomedical research involving the function of proteins, including cancer.

JoEllen Welsh, CRC researcher and Empire Innovations Professor in environmental health sciences, received a two-year stimulus grant for $996,333 to study how dietary factors protect cells from environmental agents that can cause cancer. Welsh was recently awarded a $275,000 grant from NIH to continue her studies linking vitamin D and breast cancer. The studies in Welsh's lab are designed to clarify the actions and requirements for vitamin D in cancer prevention.

The Center also recruited scientist Ramune Reliene from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) to its research team. Reliene joined UAlbany as an assistant professor in the School of Public Health's Department of Environmental Health Sciences in September 2009. Reliene, who received her doctorate from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich in Switzerland, studies the environmental causes of cancer. Reliene's addition expands the scientific portfolio of the Center, advancing its ability to conduct research and provide training related to understanding the genetic and environmental causes of cancer.

The basic research mission of the Center is focused on the underlying biology associated with tumor initiation and progression, and the development and evaluation of chemopreventive regimens and therapeutic approaches for common cancers; it fosters the training of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in cancer biology. The Center houses fully staffed, comprehensive, state-of-the-art research facilities, and benefits from its affiliation with UAlbany's School of Public Health and the Wadsworth Research Laboratories of the New York State Department of Health. It is the only academic cancer research center in North America with strong ties to a school of public health.

The Cancer Research Center, a major component of the University's life sciences research endeavors, is located on the University at Albany's 87-acre East Campus, which is anchored by the School of Public Health and also serves as home to established and start-up biotech firms, as well as Tech Valley High School.

Private donations of more than $1 million are helping to bridge information gap between the CRC laboratories and the public. With the strength of more than 1,000 individual donors, the CRC has launched several innovative educational initiatives, including the inaugural Hogarty Family Foundation Lecture series, designed to educate the public on the latest developments in cancer prevention and treatment.

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

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

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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.

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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