UAlbany NanoCollege Receives National Science Foundation Award to Fuel Growth in Green Energy Jobs and Businesses

$600,000 grant through NSF's Partnerships for Innovation Program supports economic and workforce development through nanotechnology-enabled innovations in clean energy

Albany, NY - The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering ("CNSE") of the University at Albany announced today that it has been selected to receive a prestigious grant from the National Science Foundation ("NSF") for a new initiative that will support the growth of green energy jobs and businesses across New York State by advancing nanotechnology-enabled innovations in clean and renewable energy technologies.

The $600,000 grant, provided through NSF's Partners in Innovation Program, will fund the "Collaboration to Leverage Energy and Nanotechnology" ("CLEAN"), spearheaded by CNSE's Energy and Environmental Technology Applications Center ("E2TAC"), under the leadership of Dr. Pradeep Haldar, in partnership with Marist College.

The CLEAN program includes three key components: fostering critical information exchanges between academia and industry through a series of seminars, forums and workshops; expanding knowledge transfer through a platform of business incubation services, including technology commercialization assistance, business plan development, and market studies; and creating innovative workforce development programs, to include new opportunities for education, training and internships.

The goals of the CLEAN initiative include accelerating the development of advanced technologies for solar and fuel cells, ultracapacitors and other clean energy sources that improve efficiency while lowering costs; heightening the skills of technicians, engineers, and researchers engaged in green energy technologies; and creation of new jobs related to design, development, manufacture and sale of alternative energy products and services throughout upstate New York.

Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of CNSE, said, "This prestigious award from the National Science Foundation will allow the UAlbany NanoCollege to further deploy its world-class educational and technological capabilities to support the acceleration of clean and renewable energy technologies. I congratulate Dr. Haldar on the receipt of this grant, which underscores and enhances the critical role that nanotechnology-enabled innovations are playing in the growth of New York's emerging green collar economy."

Dr. Pradeep Haldar, Professor and Head of CNSE's Nanoengineering Constellation and Director of E2TAC, said, "I am delighted to receive this award through the National Science Foundation's Partnerships for Innovation Program, which allows us to utilize the unparalleled resources of the NanoCollege to advance a host of vital alternative energy technologies. Working in collaboration with Marist College and a cadre of industrial partners, we look forward to driving new innovations, leading workforce development, and supporting information exchanges to further build the growing clean energy sector in New York State."

The goals of NSF's Partnerships for Innovation Program are to stimulate the transformation of knowledge created by the research and education enterprise into innovations that create new wealth, build strong local, regional and national economies, and improve the national well-being; broaden the participation of all types of academic institutions and all citizens in activities to meet the diverse workforce needs of the national innovation enterprise; and catalyze or enhance enabling infrastructure that is necessary to foster and sustain innovation in the long-term.

About CNSE:

UAlbany CNSE is the first college in the world dedicated to education, research, development, and deployment in the emerging disciplines of nanoscience, nanoengineering, nanobioscience, and nanoeconomics. CNSE's Albany NanoTech Complex is the most advanced research enterprise of its kind at any university in the world. With over $5.5 billion in high-tech investments, the 800,000-square-foot complex attracts corporate partners from around the world and offers students a one-of-a-kind academic experience. The UAlbany NanoCollege houses the only fully-integrated, 300mm wafer, computer chip pilot prototyping and demonstration line within 80,000 square feet of Class 1 capable cleanrooms. More than 2,500 scientists, researchers, engineers, students, and faculty work on site at CNSE's Albany NanoTech, from companies including IBM, AMD, GlobalFoundries, SEMATECH, Toshiba, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, ASML, Novellus Systems, Vistec Lithography and Atotech. For more information, visit www.cnse.albany.edu

Former UAlbany FCS Football Star & MBA Student Daniel Bocanegra Won $50,000 Through The Pepsi Refresh Project

Daniel Bocanegra: Seeking Social Change Through "Selfless Tee"

Former UAlbany FCS Football Star & MBA Student Daniel Bocanegra Won $50,000 Through The Pepsi Refresh Project to foster his company's commitment to social change.

When Daniel Bocanegra first came to UAlbany in 2005, he was interested in studying business and playing football. Recruited as a quarterback for the Great Danes football team, Bocanegra added receiving and punt return duties to his repertoire. Similarly, after getting his bachelor's degree in business administration in May of 2008, he was accepted into the MBA program at the School of Business. It was through his education that Bocanegra honed his entrepreneurship skills, although his goals went beyond business. Bocanegra sought to develop a model by which he could enact social change through his entrepreneurial endeavors. The result was Selfless Tee: a firm providing fashionable clothing that supports socially-conscious projects with its proceeds.

In his first project, Bocanegra was able to use the proceeds from sales to purchase and bring 1,000 mosquito nets to villagers in Africa. The project was so successful that Bocanegra’s firm was also able to build a school and an irrigation system to provide clean water for drinking and for growing crops, which in turn could be sold, thereby providing a livelihood for an entire village.

For his efforts, Bocanegra's company was recently awarded a $50,000 grant to extend its program through The Pepsi Refresh Project, a groundbreaking effort that funds ideas, big and small, that can refresh the world.

"We are proud of Danny’s accomplishment, which epitomizes the School of Business's commitment to social entrepreneurship," said School of Business Dean Donald Siegel.

Bocanegra plans to use the funds to complete Selfless Tee's Web site, allowing the firm to connect with socially conscious designers who want to create impact, recruit interns, and provide a diverse set of individuals dedicated to extend the program’s impact beyond its initial project: providing 30,000 breakfast meals to low-income youth in the area.

"Daniel is a young man with an intense belief in helping people," said UAlbany football coach Bob Ford. "He took maximum advantage of everything that a college can offer. He scratched and battled to overcome obstacles (as a football player) and made a contribution while at the same time earning the respect of everyone on the team and the entire coaching staff."

"Danny and his idea, SelflessTee, are an inspiration to his generation," said Bill Morgan, Pepsi Beverages Company Regional Sales Director for Albany. "We are proud to support his creativity in creating an apparel company that benefits communities and social issues. SelflessTee will not only impact our community, but our world."

The Pepsi Refresh Project is an evolution of the Refresh Everything initiative Pepsi launched in 2009, which showed the brand as a catalyst for optimism. In 2010, Pepsi is funding ideas that will move the world forward in six categories: Health, Arts & Culture, Food & Shelter, The Planet, Neighborhoods and Education. The Pepsi Refresh Project will feature significant social engagement around people and the power of ideas. In 2010, Pepsi is awarding more than $20 million to ideas that will "move the world forward."

"I love seeing the ways that young entrepreneurs are improving the lives of others through projects like SelflessTee," said Mallika Chopra, Pepsi Refresh Project Health Ambassador. "By engaging the community to help develop products, and working with local partners on social issues in the community, this idea shows the power of one person to engage a large network for good."

University of Albany Women's Lacrosse Makes First-Ever Appearance in deBeer/Inside Lacrosse National Poll - UAlbany Sports 2010

Baltimore, Md. - The University at Albany women's lacrosse program made its first-ever appearance in the national rankings when the Great Danes were listed No. 19 in the deBeer/Inside Lacrosse media poll. UAlbany is also receiving votes for the first time in the IWLCA (Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association) poll. Both polls were released on Monday, April 26.

The Great Danes improved to 12-2 overall and 5-0 in the America East Conference after coming from behind in the second half to defeat New Hampshire, 13-12, on April 24. UAlbany has already established a school record for single-season wins that was previously set by the 1998 squad, as they went 11-4 on the Division II level. The Great Danes have won five conference games for the first time since joining America East in 2002.

UAlbany and Boston University are tied for first in the America East standings and will play for the regular-season title and the right to host the league's postseason championship on Saturday, May 1. Game time at UAlbany's John Fallon Field is 4:00 p.m.

Paw Prints: UAlbany has won back-to-back one-goal decisions for the first time since April 2005 following last Saturday's 13-12 win at New Hampshire ... the Great Danes posted their first win at UNH's Memorial Field in six tries ... Nikki Branchini, a defensive midfielder from Guilderland, N.Y., is fourth among the NCAA Division I leaders in draw controls (5.0 pg), plus is eighth in ground balls (3.3 pg) and 10th in caused turnovers (2.1 pg) ... goalkeeper Ashley Ross, a senior from Lancaster, Pa., is fifth nationally in save percentage (.525) ... Taylor Frink, a junior from Baldwinsville, N.Y., leads America East in scoring with 30 goals and 19 assists ... Christine Grueniger, a senior attacker from Lindenhurst, N.Y., is sixth among the league scoring leaders with 34 goals and nine assists ... Kayla Best, a senior from Guilderland, N.Y., is tied for second in goals at 2.5 per game.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women Lacrosse's Christine Grueniger & Stephanie Kempf Receive Weekly America East Awards - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Christine Grueniger has been chosen America East Conference Player of the Week in women's lacrosse, as announced on Monday, April 26 by the conference office. UAlbany's Stephanie Kempf was named America East defensive player of the week.

Grueniger, who earned her second weekly player award this season, had three goals and one assist, all in the second half, in a 13-12 come-from-behind victory at New Hampshire on April 24. She found Kayla Best cutting on the right side for the game-winning goal with 40 seconds remaining. She added a career-high seven draw controls and tallied four or more points for the fifth time this spring.

A native of Lindenhurst, N.Y., Grueniger ranks fifth among the America East leaders in goals (2.43 pg), sixth in scoring at 3.07 points per game, and first in game-winning goals with four. The senior attacker has 34 goals and nine assists on the season. She is ninth on the program's all-time scoring list with 121 points (97 goals, 24 assists).

Kempf, a sophomore from Wantagh, N.Y., caused a career-high four turnovers and collected two ground balls against New Hampshire. She has 19 ground balls and 10 caused turnovers for a defense that is allowing 7.57 goals per game.

Paw Prints: UAlbany (12-2, AE 5-0) is tied for first in the America East Conference standings with Boston University ... the two programs will meet for the conference regular-season title and the right to host the America East postseason championship on Saturday, May 1 at UAlbany's John Fallon Field (4:00 p.m.) ... the America East will hold its championship on May 6 and 8 at the top seed's home facility ... the Great Danes are having their best season at the Division I level and have already established a school record for single-season wins.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany's Branchini & Ross Are Candidates for America East Fans' Choice Player of the Year

Cambridge, Mass. - The America East Conference is now conducting its vote for the Women's Lacrosse Fans' Choice Player of the Year Award. Fans can vote for their favorite America East women's lacrosse player. UAlbany's Nikki Branchini and Ashley Ross are among the candidates.

http://www.americaeast.com//quest/Questionaire.dbml?SPSID=59680&SPID=6540&QID=79625&DB_OEM_ID=14000

Voting will go through the end of the day on Thursday, April 29. The winner will be announced Friday, April 30 via release at AmericaEast.com.

UAlbany's Nikki Branchini was voted the 2009 America East Conference Women's Lacrosse Fans' Choice Player of the Year.

Branchini, a junior defensive midfielder from Guilderland, N.Y., ranks third among the NCAA Division I leaders in draw controls (5.0 pg), plus is eighth nationally in ground balls (3.31 pg) and caused turnovers (2.08 pg). She has 10 goals and three assists with a .476 shot percentage. A two-time first-team all-conference selection, Branchini had 14 draw controls against Binghamton this season, one off the NCAA single-game record. She tied a career-high with three goals against Hofstra. In addition, Branchini had a career-best seven ground balls vs. Vermont and caused a career-high four turnovers against Colgate and Lehigh. She was chosen conference defensive player of the week once this season.

Ross, a senior goalkeeper from Lancaster, Pa., is third among the NCAA Division I leaders in save percentage (.525) and fourth nationally in goals against average (7.69). In her first year as a starter, Ross has made double-figure saves on six occasions, including a career-best 12 stops against Denver and Lehigh. Ross has twice been named the conference's defensive player of the week this season. She made the lacrosse team as a walk-on in November 2008 after earning All-America East Conference honors three times as a field hockey goalkeeper. She led the UAlbany field hockey program to its first-ever NCAA appearance in the fall of 2008.

UAlbany is having its best season at the Division I level with a 12-2 record. The Great Danes and Boston University will play for the America East regular-season title and the right to host the conference postseason championship on Saturday, May 1 at 4:00 p.m.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

DiResta Leads University of Albany Baseball to Doubleheader Sweep of Stony Brook in A-East Action - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Right fielder Pete DiResta went 3-for-4 in game one and recorded another three hits in game two, driving in five total runs on the day, leading UAlbany to a doubleheader sweep of Stony Brook in America East Conference baseball action on Sunday at Varsity Field. The Great Danes posted an 11-10 come-from-behind win in the early game before holding on for a 14-10 victory in the nightcap.

UAlbany fell behind, 8-1, in the second inning of game one before coming back for the win. Stony Brook put two runs on the board in the first and exploded for six runs in the second, against a single UAlbany run scored by DiResta in the first. Kevin Bartlett took the mound in relief for the Great Danes in the second inning to induce a pop out, and threw three shutout innings to follow. UAlbany started its comeback in the fifth, scoring four runs in the frame. Pete Eicher recorded a double, while Stony Brook pitcher Adam Brown then issued back-to-back walks to Ralph Rizzo and Nolan Gaige. DiResta followed with his first triple of the season to clear the bases. The Great Danes tacked on their final run of the inning on an RBI single by Brian Bullard to drive in DiResta.

Stony Brook's William Carmona drove in two runs in the top of the sixth to give the Seawolves a 10-5 advantage, but UAlbany's rally was not over. The Great Dane offense came alive again in the bottom of the frame, scoring six runs on five hits. Gaige and Keppler recorded RBI singles, while a doubles by Bullard and Rowland drove in two runs apiece. Bartlett got three quick outs in the top of the seventh to earn the win on the mound for the Great Danes, striking out five without issuing a walk in five and a third innings.

UAlbany carried strong pitching and offense into the second game, as freshman Kasceim Graham went six and two thirds innings in a winning effort on the mound. Stony Brook got on the board first, putting up a single run on a Mike Stephan homer in the second inning. The Great Danes responded with four runs in the third, getting four consecutive hits with two outs. DiResta and Bullard recorded back-to-back RBI doubles in the frame to lead UAlbany.

After Stony Brook added a second run in the fourth, the Great Danes posted three runs in both the fifth and sixth innings. Two runs scored in the fifth on a Ralph Keppler single down the right field line, while Kyle Crean drove in the final run with a sacrifice fly. Struggling Stony Brook pitching brought in two runs on bases loaded walks in the sixth, while an unearned run by DiResta due to a Seawolf fielding error accounted for UAlbany's third run in the frame.

Stony Brook (16-18, AE 6-4) scored two runs in the top of both the seventh and eighth innings, but the Great Danes matched the run totals to hold onto a 14-6 lead heading into the ninth. The Seawolves attempted to mount a comeback of their own, scoring four runs in the inning behind three consecutive doubles with just one out. Greg Lutton came into the game in relief for UAlbany, and got a quick groundout before allowing an RBI single by Tanner Nivins. Lutton sealed up the sweep for the Great Danes with a groundout by Pat Cantwell.

UAlbany (6-27, AE 5-5) will return to action on Wednesday hosting non-conference foe Manhattan at 3 p.m.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Track & Field Teams Post 12 First-Place Finishes at Capital District Classic - UAlbany Sports 2010

Troy, N.Y. - Sophomore Catie Coxon qualified for the ECAC Championship in the women's discus throw by posting a winning toss that challenged the school record to lead the UAlbany outdoor track and field teams at the Capital District Classic hosted by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on Saturday, April 24. Stephen Hassard, who met the IC4A standard in the men's discus throw, was also among 12 Great Danes to win an event at the non-scoring meet.

Coxon, an All-America East selection in the women's discus throw last season, won the event by posting a personal-best toss of 157-feet, 3-inches. The mark, which was just shy of Ritshell Verdier's school record of 159-9, ranks first on the America East Conference performance list and 37th in the East Region. Hassard also set a personal record in the event on the men's side by recording a throw that sailed 159-0. The sophomore ranks fifth on the program's top-10 list.

The UAlbany women dominated the field in all three sprinting events. Led by Jessica Hunter, Octavia Clarkson and Sandy Antenor, the Great Danes registered the top six times in the 200-meter dash, produced the top five finishers in the 400 and took the top two spots in the 100. Hunter won the 200 in 25.80 seconds, while Clarkson was victorious in the 400 by navigating the track in 57.71. Running the event for the first time this season, Antenor edged out teammate Patrice Johnson to win the 100 in 12.98. Elia Francis placed second in the 200 and 400, registering times of 25.89 and 58.29 in the events.

The UAlbany men were also impressive in the sprints and boasted the top-three finishers in the 100-meter dash. Tristan Akong won the event in 11.30 seconds. He was closely followed by Kadeem Howell and Pat Weider, who finished in 11.65 and 11.75, respectively.

Brittany Eveleth and Emily Finnegan rounded out UAlbany's first-place finishers in the track events. Eveleth clocked in a personal-best time of 1:03.18 to win the women's 400-meter intermediate hurdles. The sophomore has dropped time in her premier outdoor event at every meet this spring. Finnegan was victorious in the women's 1,500-meter run in 4:52.19, which was a personal best for the freshman.

UAlbany had an additional three additional members of the women's team and one member of the men's squad win a field event. Celine Cauderlier and Ashley Lewis took the pole vault and javelin throw crowns for the second straight year. Cauderlier cleared 11-9.75 to win the pole vault, while Lewis registered a first-place mark of 125-8 to better her competition in the javelin. Rebecca Power also had a strong day, placing second in each event. She posted a mark of 116-7 in the javelin before clearing 10-8.75 in the pole vault. Sineaid Corley won the women's hammer throw with a toss that traveled 144-2, while Danny Hu was first in the men's long jump by leaping 22-4.25.

UAlbany Men's Results

100-Meter Dash: 1. Tristan Akong 11.30, 2. Kadeem Howell 11.65, 3. Pat Weider 11.75, 9. Brandon Sligh 11.98, 12. Pat Weider 12.12. 200-Meter Dash: 3. Freddie Wills 23.50, 10. Sean Cooper 23.85, 14. Jordan Pollock 24.15. 110-Meter High Hurdles: 2. Nick Assini 16.07, 5. Sean Cooper 16.32. 800-Meter Run: 8. Daniel Hernandez 2:03.03. 1,500-Meter Run: 2. R.J. Sniffen 3:57.90, 3. Ethan Clary 4:01.43, 4. Ryan Florkiewicz 4:03.17, 5. Ian Ellis 4:06.94, 6. Cory Greczyn 4:07.34, 9. David Rothman 4:10.96, 18. Jimmy Carroll 4:20.69. High Jump: T-3. Tim McGreevy 5-10.75. Long Jump: 1. Danny Hu 22-4.25, 5. Kurtis Randolph 20-10.50. Triple Jump: 2. Kurtis Randolph 44-5.25. Pole Vault: T-6. Ben Brunjes 12-11.75. Discus Throw: 1. Stephen Hassard 159-0 (IC4A), 6. Zach Murphy 120-2, 7. Simon Cleary 118-6, 9. Jordan Meikle 109-8. Hammer Throw: 5. Simon Cleary 142-1. Javelin Throw: 5. Erik Andersen 148-4, 9. Mitchel Troise 126-7. Shot Put: 3. Jordan Meikle 41-11.25.

UAlbany Women's Results

100-Meter Dash: 1. Sandy Antenor 12.98, 2. Patrice Johnson 13.01, 9. Katie Fargnoli 13.95. 200-Meter Dash: 1. Jessica Hunter 25.80, 2. Elia Francis 25.89, 3. Quante Harris 25.97, 4. Nyree Richardson 25.99, 5. Octavia Clarkson 26.06, 6. Tierra Chavis 26.09, 9. Katie Fargnoli 26.71, 10. Patrice Johnson 27.02, 20. Emily Curry 28.60. 400-Meter Dash: 1. Octavia Clarkson 57.71, T-2. Elia Francis 58.29, T-2. Tierra Chavis 58.29, 4. Jessica Hunter 58.31, 5. Nyree Richardson 58.46. 100-Meter High Hurdles: 4. Quante Harris 17.46, 6. Emily Curry 17.91. 400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles: 1. Brittany Eveleth 1:03.18, 3. Kendra Adams 1:07.24. 800-Meter Run: 4. Renee Johnson 2:23.46, 5. Emily Finnegan 2.24.69, 6. Jessica Panos 2:26.83, 7. Laura Varble 2:27.49. 1,500-Meter Run: 1. Emily Finnegan 4:52.19, 6. Maureen Nweke 5:01.12, 8. Brianna Service 5:04.04, 9. Melissa Del Rosario 5:08.85, 17. Rachel Wysocki 5:24.12. 5,000-Meter Run: 7. Roxanne Wegman 19:58.16. High Jump: 3. Karley Giles 5-1.75, 5. Emily Curry 4-9.75. Pole Vault: 1. Celine Cauderlier 11-9.75, 2. Rebecca Power 10-8.75, 4. Emily Mino 10-4. Discus Throw: 1. Catie Coxon 157-3 (ECAC) 4. Ashley Lewis 119-0, 6. Emily Curry 106-11. Hammer Throw: 1. Sineaid Corley 144-2, 4. Candice Mann 125-8. Javelin Throw: 1. Ashley Lewis 125-8, 2. Rebecca Power 116-7. Shot Put: 2. Candice Mann 39-3.75, 4. Ashley Lewis 37-11.50.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany FCS Football's Buddy Leathley Leads Gold to 14-7 Win Over Purple in Football's Spring Scrimmage Game - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Ben Miseikis scored on a two-yard run with 8:09 remaining to lead Gold to a 14-7 victory over Purple in the University at Albany's annual spring football intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday, April 24 at University Field.

Gold quarterback Buddy Leathley set up the game-winning touchdown when he rolled to his right and hit fullback Ben Carl with a 20-yard reception. Miseikis, who ran for 42 yards on 12 carries, powered his way over right guard to the end zone. Defensive tackle Zach Gallo helped preserve his team's winning margin when he hit quarterback Dan Di Lella as he threw a fourth-down pass at the Gold 18-yard line on the scrimmage's last play.

Leathley, a redshirt freshman, used the two-minute drill at the end of the first half to help draw his team even at seven apiece. He fired an eight-yard scoring pass to wide receiver Ryan Kirchner with three seconds left before the break. Leathley connected on 19 of 31 attempts for 179 yards.

Purple took a 7-0 lead in the second period when Tramaine Wilson reached paydirt on a 22-yard scamper. Wilson, a redshirt freshman tailback who rushed for 62 yards on nine carries, broke through the left side of the line on his way to the goal line.

"I was impressed with the enthusiasm and the good thing was we were injury free," UAlbany head coach Bob Ford said. "We threw the ball and ran the ball well, but I was not happy that we put it on the ground a couple of times. We flew to the football on defense and there were some vicious hits."

Gold's Kirchner had four receptions for 41 yards and one touchdown, while Carl caught four passes for 47 more. Jason Poore was Purple's top receiver, as he hauled in four passes for 57 yards. Di DiLella went 14-of-27 through the air for 172 yards.

"We played together as a team and the offensive line did a great job of blocking," said Miseikis, who missed all of last fall following knee surgery. "The defense had some big hits and knocked down some passes."

Paw Prints: The Purple and Gold played four 12-minute quarters ... the two teams combined 102 official plays in the controlled scrimmage ... Gold edged Purple in total yards, 252 to 240 ... Gold won for the second straight year after recording a 10-3 victory last April 18th ... Gold defensive end Eddie Delaney led all defenders with seven tackles, including 1.5 sacks ... ILB Jon Morgan had five tackles, while OLB Chris Blais added four unassisted hits, including one sack ... safety Justin Hassan broke up three passes, while Rutgers transfer Rob Cervini totaled three tackles, one PBU and one fumble recovery ... Purple wide receiver Bryon King caught three passes for 70 yards ... ILB Chris Wilk and safety Justinian Mason each had five tackles for the Purple ... Jake Ciccarello, a junior safety, piled up four tackles with a sack ... UAlbany opens its 2010 schedule at Colonial Athletic Association Maine on Thursday, Sept. 2.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women's Lacrosse Rallies Past New Hampshire to Stay Tied for First in America East Standings, Improving To 12-2

Durham, N.H. - Kayla Best scored the game-winning goal with 40 seconds remaining and Mel Rorie had three of her four goals in the second half, as UAlbany rallied for a 13-12 victory over New Hampshire on Saturday, April 24 at Memorial Field. The Great Danes remained in a tie for first place in the conference standings with Boston University.

The Great Danes, who won for the first time in six trips to New Hampshire, reversed an 8-5 deficit with five unanswered. Mel Sosnowski's free-position chance tied the contest at eight apiece, before Rorie put her team ahead. Christine Grueniger converted Jodi Battaglia's feed for a 10-8 advantage.

UNH's Amber Casiano, who had three goals and one assist, drew her team even at 10-all, before the Great Danes scored twice in a 48-second stretch. Grueniger, who scored three times and handed out an assist, gave her team the lead and Rorie's free-position goal followed.

The Wildcats, who had won five of their previous six outings, came back again when Hayley Rausch and Casiano each scored. Casino, a freshman midfielder, found the net with 1:56 to play. All of which set up the game-winner when Best connected off a pass from Battaglia.

New Hampshire (9-5, AE 3-2) jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the opening six-plus minutes of play. Casiano scored with 19 seconds elapsed, before JoJo Curro tallied her 23rd of the season. Allie Bratton, a junior attack, netted a pair of goals of one minute and six seconds apart to end that outburst.

UAlbany (12-2, AE 5-0) battled back with four of the game's next five goals. Taylor Frink and Rorie ignited that stretch by scoring twice in a 24-second span. Olivia Jarem closed the gap to 6-4 with 11:26 left in the period with a free-position shot. The Wildcats kept that two-goal margin by taking a 7-5 lead to the intermission.

Paw Prints: UAlbany will meet Boston University for the America East Conference regular-season title and the right to host the conference postseason tournament on Saturday, May 1 at John Fallon Field (4:00 p.m.) ... the Great Danes established the program's single-season record with their 12th win, breaking a mark that was established in 1998 ... UAlbany has won five league games for the first time since joining America East in 2002 ... the Great Danes have won three one-goal decisions this season, including two straight in come-from-behind fashion ... Mel Rorie has scored four goals in a game five times, including twice against New Hampshire ... Olivia Jarem has 23 points (19 goals, 4 assists) over her last seven games ... Christine Grueniger moved to ninth in career scoring with 121 points and is tied for seventh in goals (97).


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Two Throwers and One Relay Eclipse IC4A Standards Before Record Crowd at Penn Relays

Philadelphia, Pa. - Junior Wilfredo de Jesus Elias and senior captain Will Anger qualified for the IC4A Championship in the men's hammer throw to lead UAlbany before a record crowd at the 116th Annual Penn Relays on Saturday, April 24 at Franklin Field. The men's 4x100-meter relay ran a qualifying time for the postseason competition in May to cap the weekend.

de Jesus Elias, the school's record holder in the hammer throw, finished seventh in the college division by registering a mark of 185-feet, 4-inches. Anger recorded a season-best toss that sailed 173-1, placing 17th in the same section.

UAlbany also had two men's relays compete on the final afternoon of the three-day carnival. The 4x100-meter relay consisting of Jake Rachiele, Germain Smith, Earnest Waters and Taylor Chaney navigated the track in 42.03 seconds to finish sixth. Anchored by freshman Sean Halpin, who ran a 1:51.9 split on the final leg of yesterday's sprint medley relay for the Great Danes, the 4xMile relay team placed 13th in 16:54.02. Tyler Fogarty, Paul Lagno and John Moore also ran on the relay.

UAlbany will host the Friendship Meet and compete against Jamaica's University of Technology on Monday, April 26 at 3:30 p.m. in its final tuneup before next weekend's America East Conference Championships.

Paw Prints: Saturday's festivities attracted 54,310 fans, setting a new one-day attendance record ... The previous high of 50,827 was recorded in 2002 ... The event also drew 117,346 spectators over the three days, which was also a record ... A total of 114,194 fans attended the carnival in 2006.

UAlbany Men's Results
Hammer Throw (College): 7. Wilfredo de Jesus Elias 185-4 (IC4A), 17. Will Anger 173-1 (IC4A). 4x100-Meter Relay (IC4A Final): 6. Jake Rachiele, Germain Smith, Earnest Waters, Taylor Chaney 42.03 (IC4A). 4xMile (Championship of America): 13. Tyler Fogarty, Paul Lagno, John Moore, Sean Halpin 16:54.02.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's DMR and Women's 4x200 Establish Program Standards at Friday's Penn Relays - UAlbany Sports 2010

Philadelphia, Pa. - John Moore and Fey Adaramola each anchored a relay which established a school record to lead the UAlbany outdoor track and field teams at the 116th Annual Penn Relays on Friday, April 23 at Franklin Field. In addition to breaking two program standards, the Great Danes recorded two IC4A qualifying marks on the second day of the annual carnival.

The men's distance medley relay edged out Kentucky to win the college section in 9:43.15, which was also the eighth-fastest time overall behind seven schools from the Pacific-10, Big East, Big 10, Big 12, Southeastern and Atlantic Coast conferences that competed in the Championship of America race. Tyler Fogarty ran the leadoff 1,200-meter leg and was followed by Jonathan Santana in the 400, Nick Santos in the 800 and Moore, who anchored the squad by running the 1,600. The group, which was given a plaque and medals following the race, broke their own standard of 9:45.71 that they previously set at the Texas Relays on April 3.

The women's 4x200-meter relay squad, which included Alli Rogers, Christen Griffin, Sheena Simpkins and Adaramola, broke the school record by registering a time of 1:39.32. The group bettered last year's mark of 1:39.44, which was posted by Griffin, Tierra Chavis, Jenn Gurrant and Adaramola. By establishing a new program standard for the third straight season at the prestigious event, UAlbany is entered as the first alternate for tomorrow's ECAC Final and will have the option to compete at 2:37 p.m. if one of the top eight schools decides to scratch.

The men's 4x100-meter relay team consisting of four newcomers, including two true freshmen, qualified for tomorrow's IC4A Final by hitting the tape in 41.76 seconds. The time, which was registered by Jake Rachiele, Germain Smith, Earnest Waters and Taylor Chaney, also met the standard for May's IC4A Championship. Four of UAlbany's young and talented short sprinters are slated to compete against Hampton, Georgetown, Temple, Seton Hall, Buffalo, Liberty and Army in tomorrow's IC4A Final at 1:22 p.m.

Fred Casimo led all Great Danes in individual events by placing 10th in the eastern division of the men's long jump. He leaped 23-feet, 6-inches, which eclipsed the IC4A mark. In addition, Peter Rowell and Alan Nimblette ran personal-best times in the men's 400-meter intermediate hurdles. Rowell finished third in the opening heat in 54.03 seconds, which was .19 seconds shy of the IC4A standard. Nimblette, who navigated the track in 54.73, was sixth in the same section.

The UAlbany track and field teams will finish competing at the Penn Relays tomorrow morning and afternoon. In addition, the men's and women's programs will send athletes to the Capital District Classic, hosted by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Paw Prints: Tomorrow's final day of action at the 116th Annual Penn Relays is expected to produce a record turnout, as Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, the world's fastest man, is expected to take part in the 4x100-meter relay race in the 11th edition of the USA vs. The World Series ... UAlbany is slated to field a men's 4xMile consisting of multiple student-athletes from Capital Region high schools, a men's 4x100-meter relay in the IC4A Final and competitors in the men's triple jump and men's hammer throw.

UAlbany Men's Results

400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles (Championship): 16. Peter Rowell 54.03, 25. Shane Wagner 54.71, 27. Alan Nimblette 54.73. Long Jump (Eastern): 10. Fred Casimo 23-6 (IC4A). Shuttle Hurdle Relay (Championship of America): 8. Garrett Askew, Shane Wagner, Mohamed Kanu, Jared Nilsson 1:00.12. 4x100-Meter Relay (College): 31. Jake Rachiele, Germain Smith, Earnest Waters, Taylor Chaney 41.76 (IC4A). 4x400-Meter Relay (College): 46. Peter Rowell, Ebube Abara, Alex Petit-Frere, Alan Nimblette 3:19.45. Sprint Medley Relay (Championship of America): 12. Jake Rachiele, Taylor Chaney, Jonathan Santana, Sean Halpin 3:24.65. Distance Medley Relay (College): 1. Tyler Fogarty, Jonathan Santana, Nick Santos, John Moore 9:43.15 (School Record).

UAlbany Women's Results

Triple Jump (Eastern): 11. Tiffany Sprenkels 38-8.25, 23. Ashley Mahlmeister 37-4. 4x200-Meter Relay (College): 26. Alli Rogers, Christen Griffin, Sheena Simpkins, Fey Adaramola 1:39.32 (School Record).


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Lacrosse Meets League-Rival Stony Brook to Cap UAlbany Alumni Association's Spring Stomp

Albany, N.Y. - UAlbany and Stony Brook will meet in America East Conference men's lacrosse action on Saturday, April 24 at John Fallon Field. The 7:00 p.m. contest is part of the UAlbany Alumni Association's Spring Stomp. The game will be televised in the Capital Region on Time Warner Cable (TW3), with Andrew Catalon and Kelly O'Donnell handling the play-by-play.

The Seawolves own sole possession of first place in the conference standings. Stony Brook (8-3, AE 3-0) posted its fourth consecutive win in last Saturday's 17-16 victory at Binghamton. The Seawolves are ranked No. 12 in both the USILA and Nike/Inside Lacrosse national polls. Jordan McBride, a honorable mention USILA All-America attackman, leads the nation in goals (4.0 pg) and shot percentage (.567). Kevin Crowley is second nationally in scoring at 4.82 points per game. Tom Compitello averages 4.45 points per game, seventh among the NCAA leaders. Senior goalkeeper Charlie Parr has a .514 save percentage.

UAlbany (3-9, AE 2-1) is in a three-way tie for second place in America East. Dave Brock is the team's top scorer with 27 goals and four assists. The senior attackman has scored at least two goals in seven consecutive games. Defensemen Brendan Gleason and Mark Kelly are having productive seasons. Gleason is eighth in the nation in caused turnovers at 2.09 per game. Kelly has collected three or more ground balls seven times this season. Goalkeeper John Carroll leads the league in saves per game (12.08) and has a .509 percentage.

Paw Prints: The UAlbany Alumni Association's Spring Stomp is scheduled for Saturday, April 24 ... the Great Danes play a 12 noon baseball doubleheader at Varsity Field ... football conducts its annual spring football scrimmage at University Field, beginning at 3:00 p.m. ... a tailgate party will take place following the football scrimmage in the SEFCU Arena parking lot ... Verizon Wireless t-shirt giveaways and a live disc jockey are part of the activities ... SEFCU will sponsor a post-game fireworks display at the conclusion of the lacrosse game with Stony Brook ... contact 518-442-4683 for ticket information ... come to the Alumni Association Purple & Gold Tent, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. on John Fallon Field ... the first 500 students who show a UAlbany ID will receive a free game ticket, DANEger Zone t-shirt, food and chance to win great prizes, including an Xbox.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women's Track 4x400 Breaks School Record by Over Two Seconds on First Day of Penn Relays - UAlbany Sports 2010

Philadelphia, Pa. - University at Albany's Fey Adaramola anchored two relay squads which eclipsed ECAC Championship standards, including one that broke a school record, to lead her team at the 116th Annual Penn Relays on Thursday, April 22 at Franklin Field. The Great Danes competed in five different women's events on the first day of the oldest and largest track competition in the United States.

The 4x400-meter relay shattered the program standard by 2.29 seconds en route to placing third in its heat in 3:46.04. Tenica Roberts led off the relay with a split time of 58.1 seconds, while Sheena Simpkins ran the second leg in 56.4. After Sherez Mohamed finished the third leg in 56.2, Adaramola anchored the squad by running a split of 54.9. The group, which eclipsed the ECAC standard by over four seconds, broke the previous mark of 3:48.48, which was established by Anisha Andrews, Jenn Gurrant, Ashley Vives and Adanna Andrews in 2007. Earlier in the day, Adaramola also anchored the 4x100-meter relay team which qualified for ECACs by placing fourth in its heat in 47.18. The relay also included Alli Rogers, Christen Griffin and Quante Harris.

In addition, Jenn Pierson and Rebecca Kelly each ran a personal-best time in their respective individual events. Pierson finished eighth in the championship section of the 3,000-meter steeplechase in 10:43.16. Her mark, which surpassed the ECAC standard by over seven seconds, ranks second on the America East Conference performance list behind teammate Laura Cummings and among the top 35 in the East Region. Kelly placed second in her heat of the 400-meter intermediate hurdles. She navigated the track in 1:02.23, which was just .19 seconds shy of the ECAC qualifying mark.

The UAlbany men's and women's track and field teams will continue competing at the Penn Relays tomorrow throughout the day. In addition to fielding six relays, the Great Danes will also have competitors in the men's 400-meter intermediate hurdles, women's triple jump and men's long jump.

UAlbany Women's Results
400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles (Championship): 22. Rebecca Kelly 1:02.23. 3,000-Meter Steeplechase (Championship): 8. Jenn Pierson 10:43.16 (ECAC). Long Jump (Eastern): 17. Pat McNish 18-2.25, 25. Ashley Mahlmeister 17-6.75. 4x100-Meter Relay (College): 41. Alli Rogers, Christen Griffin, Quante Harris, Fey Adaramola 47.18 (ECAC). 4x400-Meter Relay (College): 30. Tenica Roberts, Sheena Simpkins, Sherez Mohamed, Fey Adaramola 3:46.04 (ECAC, School Record).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Football Scrimmage Game Part of Saturday's UAlbany Alumni Association Spring Stomp

Albany, N.Y. - The University at Albany football program will hold its annual Purple-Gold spring scrimmage at University Field on Saturday, April 24, beginning at 3:00 p.m., as part of the UAlbany Alumni Association's Spring Stomp.

Head coach Bob Ford and his staff have attempted to balance the rosters with an equal amount of experienced players on both teams. The Great Danes are coming off a 7-4 campaign and a second-place standing in the Northeast Conference

While the fans will be getting their first look at next year's squad, this is an important time for the players and coaches. "This is about determining your depth chart for fall camp in a game-like situation," offensive coordinator Ryan McCarthy explained.

McCarthy, who says that 85 percent of the offensive playbook has been installed, also hopes to keep things balanced in terms of play calling. His plan is to run 55-60 plays for each team and stay within what has been practiced during the week.

"We are looking (as coaches) for consistency," McCarthy stated. "It's about execution, eliminating concentration penalties, running and passing effectively, and getting the ball in the end zone."

Defensive coordinator Mike Simpson views the spring game as an opportunity to solidify what the coaches have seen over the previous three weeks of practice. "It's the last chance to evaluate in a game atmosphere," he said. "The actual game offers a fair evaluation for the new players and to see where they stand."

Simpson adds that spring practice has developed a pretty good competition for the starting inside linebacker spots and shown the emergence of younger players at both the cornerback and safety positions.

"Besides identifying the starters, you are looking for a 4-over-2 or a 3-over-2 situation," Simpson added. "You want guys to come in and play without a step down in performance."

Paw Prints: The UAlbany Alumni Association's Spring Stomp is scheduled for Saturday, April 24 ... the Great Danes play a baseball doubleheader at 12 noon at Varsity Field prior to Saturday's spring football scrimmage ... a tailgate party will take place following the football scrimmage in the SEFCU Arena parking lot ... Verizon Wireless t-shirt giveaways and a live disc jockey are part of the activities ... men's lacrosse takes on conference-rival Stony Brook at John Fallon Field (7:00 p.m.) ... SEFCU will sponsor a post-game fireworks display at the conclusion of the lacrosse game ... contact 518-442-4683 for ticket information ... come to the Alumni Association Purple & Gold Tent, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. on John Fallon Field ... the first 500 students who show a UAlbany ID will receive a free game ticket, DANEger Zone t-shirt, food and chance to win great prizes, including an Xbox.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Track & Field Coach Celebrates 25th Year

Coach Roberto Vives has overseen the growth of UAlbany track an average dIII program to a dominant DI force.

Over the past 25 years, the University at Albany has seen its track and field team rise from an average Division III program to a dominant Division I force — and Roberto Vives has been there every step of the way.

Vives, UAlbany’s director of track and field and cross country, has coached the Great Danes since 1985. During his tenure, his teams have won 40 conference championships, including 17 America East championships, and three IC4A championships.

He has garnered a bevy of awards for his coaching as well.
Vives, who grew up in housing projects in the South Bronx and used to run at Macombs Dam Park near Yankee Stadium, began his coaching career at the age of 14 by founding an organization that grew into the Bronx International Athletic Club.

“I fell in love with track as soon as I started competing in it because it was something that everybody could do,” Vives said. “I started to work with the kids in the neighborhood. I would walk out with a stopwatch, we measured a track around the building and I just started to time them. We kept a little notebook and it was a way to keep young people engaged and out of trouble.”

Vives said he had to compete against better competition when he was a 5-foot, 90-pound freshman in a Catholic high school, and he pushes his athletes to compete against tough competition as well. Even when the program was at Division III, he wanted to push his athletes.

“From the very beginning we had the mindset: shoot for the stars,” Vives said. “Our student-athletes have really bought into it, so that’s why for us making the transition from Division III to II to I was a smooth transition.”

For all its success, the UAlbany track and field team cannot host home meets at the school because the school’s track does not meet NCAA regulations. Vives said the team is anticipating a new outdoor facility as soon as 2012.

“We’re road warriors. We’re never home; we travel every weekend, which is wearing on students,” Vives said. “Plus, their friends and the university community don’t get an opportunity to see them compete.”

Senior sprinter Jeffrey Barnes put it bluntly.

“This is not a facility of a championship team,” he said. “Nobody can come here, you can’t run in front of your school. It’s kind of depressing as an athlete. You want to show off in front of your school and show them what you have got and build some school spirit in your sport.”


Despite this, Vives continues to recruit athletes to improve the program and further its success.

“What we tell young people is that we’re a big family. A lot of programs can be like a factory or they bring in quality athletes and don’t develop (them),” Vives said. “[The athletes here] are going to get a lot of support, they’re going to get quality coaching, and we don’t treat them as a number, we take care of their individual needs.

“We have people from all walks of life, from every part of the state of New York, all religious backgrounds, all ethnic backgrounds. They work together and function together,” Vives continued. “We’re the true meaning of diversity.”

Senior mid-distance runner Octavia Clarkson said Vives encourages his athletes to not take any race lightly.

“He’s about opportunity,” said Clarkson, who was originally a walk on. “Every time we have a race he says, ‘Take advantage of the opportunity because you don’t know if you’ll be injured.’”

The men’s and women’s teams are coming off one of the best years the program has seen. They are continuing to compete well in the outdoor season with athletes already breaking three school records and trying to sweep the America East championships.

“Men and women won indoors (America East championships) and if we can do that in a couple of weeks,” Vives said. “That’ll be the first time we’ve won four championships in a year.”

Vives continues to try to expand and advance the program.

“The biggest success (since I’ve been here) has been to take a program that was Division III and now start to compete in the highest levels of Division I,” Vives said. “We’re already one of the top Northeast Region schools and we’re trying to make the move to a consistent national-level program.”

Last Saturday, the UAlbany track team went to a new dual meet at the University of Connecticut that has been dubbed the “Dogfight” in reference to the Great Dane and Husky mascots of the two schools. Vives is trying to foster competition and rivalry between the teams, two of the Northeast’s best.

“It’s the beginning of something great,” Vives said. “They do it on the west coast: USC vs. UCLA, with Stanford vs. Oregon and now it’s going to be UAlbany vs. UConn. That’s going to be the beginning of a great rivalry.”

Though he has come a long way from timing neighborhood kids running around his building with a stopwatch, Vives’ early experiences still resonate in his team philosophy and enthusiasm.

“I still feel like the kid from the South Bronx,” he said.

By Eric Thrasher

University of Albany Track & Field's Graham and Adaramola Earn America East Winter Scholar-Athlete Honors - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Valete Graham and Fey Adaramola have been named America East Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year in their respective sports, as announced by the league office on Wednesday, April 21. Graham, a jumper on the men's indoor track & field team, and Adaramola, a sprinter on the women's indoor track & field squad, helped UAlbany capture the America East men's and women's championships in the same year for the first time in school history.

Graham, a senior from Bronx, N.Y., carries a 3.71 cumulative grade point average as a psychology major. The league's top scholar-athlete for the 2009 outdoor season also earned a spot on the 2008 and 2009 USTFCCCA Division I Men's All-Academic Track & Field Team. In addition, Graham has been named to the 2009 ESPN The Magazine District I Academic All-America Men's Track and Field Team as well as the America East indoor and outdoor track and field all-academic squads four times in his career.

The horizontal jumper helped UAlbany capture its league-record fifth straight America East team crown by accumulating 18 points at the indoor championship meet. Graham garnered all-conference laurels twice by winning the long jump with a leap of 23-feet, 6-inches and placing second in the triple jump with a mark of 47-10. He also led the Great Danes to their second consecutive title at the IC4A Championship by registering a fourth-place mark of 23-2.75 in the long jump. UAlbany was the first program to win back-to-back IC4A crowns since Georgetown in 2000, and is the only America East institution to win the championship meet. In addition, the senior broke the school record in the long jump with a first-place mark of 24-6.50 at the Great Dane Classic.

Adaramola, a senior who also hails from Bronx, N.Y., is a human biology major with a 3.34 cumulative GPA. A member of the UAlbany's 2009-10 Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the team captain earned a spot on the 2009 USTFCCCA Division I Women's All-Academic Track and Field Team and the 2010 America East Conference All-Academic Indoor Track & Field Team.

On the track, Adaramola helped UAlbany claim its first America East team title, ending Boston University's run of four straight crowns. She scored points with ECAC-qualifying marks in all three events she was entered. The senior was named the America East Championship's Most Outstanding Track Performer after winning the 55- and 200-meter dashes in 7.10 and 24.18 seconds, respectively, to garner all-conference accolades. Adaramola, who won the 200-meters for the second straight season, also anchored the second-place 4x400-meter relay which hit the tape in 3:49.01. Adaramola also led UAlbany to its highest finish in program history at the ECAC Championship by winning the 60-meter dash (7.55) and placing fifth in the 200 (24.47). The Great Danes tied for 12th in the team standings. Adaramola broke school records in the 55m (6.96), the 200m (24.18) and matched the program standard in the 60m (7.55) this winter.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Softball Splits Non-Conference Doubleheader Against Dartmouth; Kothe Blasts Grand Slam

Hanover, N.H. - Nicole Kothe blasted her first career grand slam in leading UAlbany to a 9-2 victory over Dartmouth in the first game of a non-conference softball doubleheader on Wednesday, April 21 at Sachem Field. The Big Green defeated the Great Danes in game two, 6-3, to salvage the split.

In game one, UAlbany scored six times in the top of the second inning after Dartmouth tallied the first run in the opening frame. An error by the shortstop allowed the tying run to come across before Diane MacDowell smacked a single through the left side to put the Great Danes ahead. Batting with the bases loaded, Kothe hit her second home run in as many games to give the visitors a five-run cushion.

UAlbany, which is playing its last 12 games of the regular season on the road, padded its lead by tacking on one run in the fifth and sixth innings. Jessica Bergin hit an RBI triple to right center in the fifth, while MacDowell drove in the team's eighth run when she reached on a fielder's choice play.

The Big Green scored an unearned run in their half of the sixth to cut the lead to six, but that was as close as they would come. Katie Wambold singled in the top of the seventh to plate Lindsey Stout, and the hosts went down in order in the bottom half of the frame to end the game.

UAlbany's Marissa Powell picked up the victory and improved to 6-9 overall. She surrendered four hits and one run while fanning seven in five innings of work. The senior was relieved by Allie Weiser, who allowed a hit and an unearned run in two innings. Dartmouth's Kat Hicks, who lasted two innings, took the loss and fell to 1-6 this spring. She gave up two hits, six runs, including four earned, and issued two walks. Evan Gray, who threw five innings in relief, surrendered five hits and three runs, including two earned. She struck out three batters.

After three scoreless innings, the Great Danes broke loose by plating three runs in the top of the fourth of the nightcap. Hitting with runners on first and second and one out, Kat Smith singled through the left side to score Michelle Connors and advanced to second on the throw. After the next hitter fanned, a throwing error by the shortstop on a ball hit by Andrianna Walraven allowed two more runners to come home.

Dartmouth (12-21) used three home runs, including back-to-back blasts, in the bottom of the fifth to fight back and take a two-run lead. Kirsten Costello blasted a three-run homer to knot the score before Rachel Hubert's solo shot over the fence on the next play put the Big Green ahead. Two batters later, Molly Khalil went yard to make it a 5-3 game. Another Big Green home run in the sixth sealed the final outcome.

UAlbany's Leah McIntosh suffered the loss and dropped her record to 5-5. She fanned six batters while allowing eight hits and six runs. The senior issued only one walk. Dartmouth's Hillary Barker boosted her record to 6-8 by striking out seven batters and allowing three hits and three runs, including one which was earned.

UAlbany (15-19) returns to America East action when it visits Stony Brook this weekend. The teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday, April 24, beginning at 1 p.m., and a single game on Sunday, April 25 at 12 p.m.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Tennis Sweeps Crosstown-Rival Siena Again, 7-0 - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Livia Gherman defeated Jasleen Sandhu, 6-2, 6-4, at No. 1 singles, while also teaming up with Laine Mackey for a win at No. 1 doubles to lead UAlbany to a 7-0 sweep of crosstown-rival Siena on Tuesday afternoon at University Courts.

Gherman and Mackey combined for an 8-4 win over Sandhu and teammate Nicole Ross in doubles action. With an 8-4 win by Melissa Coughlin and Sarah Iannone over Jessica Asselin and Brittany Filip, the Great Danes took the doubles point. Siena's only win of the match came at No. 2 doubles, as Danielle Crill and Elora Benfer recorded an 8-4 win over Caitlyn Crowley and Susan Ma.

Ma and Crowley responded in singles play, each recording wins over their opponents. At No. 2 singles, Ma posted a 6-2, 6-2 win over Crill, while Crowley finished strong with a 2-6, 6-2, 10-7 win over Ross at fourth singles. Mackey recorded a 6-2, 6-1 win over Asselin at No. 3 singles, while Iannone tallied a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Filip at the fifth position. Coughlin wrapped up the singles sweep for the Great Danes, defeating Benfer, 6-1, 6-0 at No. 6.

UAlbany will return to action on Sunday, April 25, visiting America East Conference foe Hartford at 10:30 a.m.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Spring Stomp 2010

Spring Stomp 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
UAlbany Athletics Complex

UAlbany Spring Football Game - 3:00pm
@ Ford Field

Tailgate Party in the SEFCU Arena Parking - 5:00pm-7:00pm
***Contests, Food, T-Shirt Giveaways from Verizon Wireless, and a Live DJ***

UAlbany Lacrosse v. Stony Brook - 7:00pm
@ John Fallon Field

Postgame Fireworks Show brought to you by SEFCU

Tickets - just $7 for adults; $2 for children

University of Albany's Jonathan Santana Garners America East Male Track Performer of the Week Honors - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Jonathan Santana has been named the America East Conference Men's Track Performer of the Week, as announced on Tuesday, April 20 by the league office. The freshman sprinter is the third member of the men's program to capture the honor this season.

Santana, a native of Rochester, N.Y., qualified for the IC4A Championship in three separate events to lead UAlbany at last Saturday's 1st Annual "Dogfight," a dual scoring meet between UAlbany and Connecticut. The freshman accumulated five points individually and an additional eight points on the relays.

Santana ran on the second-place 4x100-meter relay which finished in 41.75 seconds. The sprinter then won the 400-meter dash by navigating the track in 48.48, a time which ranks third overall and first among freshmen on the America East performance list. Santana ended the day by running an impressive 47.9-second split as a member of the victorious 4x400-meter relay which hit the tape in 3:16.98. During the indoor season, Santana was named the America East Conference Championship's Most Outstanding Rookie Performer.

UAlbany will compete at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia from April 22-24 and also send athletes to the Capital District Classic, hosted by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on April 24.

Paw Prints: UAlbany is prepping to become the first school to win all four America East Conference track and field championships in the same academic year ... UAlbany and Northeastern have each combined to win three of the four crowns in the same academic year on 10 occasions ... The Great Danes won both outdoor titles and the men's indoor championship in 2006, 2007 and 2009 ... The 2010 America East Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships will be hosted by New Hampshire on May 1-2.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Named Katie Abrahamson-Henderson Head Women's Basketball Coach - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Monday, April 19 the hiring of Katie Abrahamson-Henderson as head women's basketball coach. Abrahamson-Henderson, the 10th head coach in the UAlbany program's history, was previously the associate head coach at Indiana University. She also served as Missouri State University's head coach from 2002-07, leading that program to three NCAA Tournament appearances.

"We are extremely pleased to have found a coach who has a proven record of success on the court and in the classroom," McElroy said. "Katie has been a winner on all levels as a head coach, assistant coach and student-athlete. She is respected by her peers, has strong relationships and will be active in the community. The America East Conference and its women's basketball programs are on the rise and she has the ability to meet that challenge."

Abrahamson-Henderson has two decades of experience on the Division I level. At Missouri State, she guided that program to three Missouri Valley Conference tournament championships, two MVC regular-season titles and three NCAA berths. The Bears, who also won the 2005 WNIT championship, posted a 95-61 record during her five seasons. In addition, she coached a pair of MVC players of the year, 11 all-conference honorees, two of the program's all-time leading scorers, three players who went on to professional careers, and 13 MVC scholar-athletes.

"I am extremely honored and humbled to have this opportunity and to be a part of the UAlbany family," said Abrahamson-Henderson, who is third among Missouri State women's basketball coaches in career victories. "I am excited to begin this wonderful journey of coaching the women's basketball team and at the same time both teach and develop these amazing young women. Dr. McElroy has shown me so much character, honesty, and excitement for his athletic department that I am so excited to be a part of his team. Everyone involved with this search has been impressive, so open and honest that becoming a Great Dane was an easy choice."

Missouri State recorded back-to-back 25-plus win campaigns in 2003-04 and 2004-05. The Bears went 28-4 in her second season at the helm when they won both the MVC regular-season and tournament crowns. They followed that performance with another regular-season title, a 25-8 record, and a victory over West Virginia in the WNIT championship game. The program was also recognized by the WBCA for its academic performance.

Following her stay at Missouri State, Abrahamson-Henderson worked at Washington in the Pacific-10 Conference as assistant coach and co-recruiting coordinator in 2007-08. She spent the last two seasons in the Big Ten Conference at Indiana as associate head coach on Felisha Legette-Jack's staff. The Hoosiers advanced to the 2009 WNIT quarterfinals and finished with a 21-11 record.

"We are excited for Katie and her family for reaching a goal that she set a few years ago in helping our Indiana women's basketball program continue to grow to another level and then attain a head coaching position again," Legette-Jack said. "Albany has gotten a great coach; a coach that knows how to win and knows discipline. We're sad to see Katie leave, but we understand her goal and we are very proud and excited about this opportunity for her."

Previous to Missouri State, Abrahamson-Henderson served as associate head coach at Michigan State University from 2000-02. She worked for (now Duke University head coach) Joanne McCallie and helped lead a resurgence of the program as the team went from a .500 season the first year to 19-13 and the WNIT semifinals the following season.

From 1994-2000, Abrahamson-Henderson was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator on Bill Fennelly's Iowa State University staff. The Cyclones made four consecutive NCAA appearances, reaching the Elite Eight in 1999 and Sweet Sixteen in 2000. Iowa State went a combined 94-34 during that four-year period and ended that run with a Big 12 Conference championship.

A 1990 graduate of the University of Iowa, Abrahamson-Henderson began her coaching career at Duquesne University for two seasons before moving to the University of Maine as McCallie's assistant from 1992-94. The Black Bears won the North Atlantic Conference (now America East Conference) championship and reached the NCAA Tournament.

An accomplished student-athlete and a Parade Magazine and USA Today High School All-American, Abrahamson-Henderson played two seasons at the University of Georgia for Andy Landers before transferring to Iowa to compete for Basketball Hall of Famer C. Vivian Stringer. At Iowa, she was a member of two Big Ten Conference championship teams and played in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. As a freshman at Georgia, she helped the Bulldogs capture the 1986 Southeastern Conference title. Following her college career, Abrahamson-Henderson played one season professionally in New Zealand.

A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Abrahamson-Henderson earned a B.S. in physical education with an emphasis in sports administration from the University of Iowa. She received her master's in education from Duquesne University in 1992.

Abrahamson-Henderson and her husband, Michael, have two daughters, Savannah and Brooklyn. Michael also had a celebrated college basketball career and eventually played for the Harlem Globetrotters. He led Long Island-C.W. Post to a pair of NCAA Tournaments and scored 1,173 career points from 1981-84.

Katie Abrahamson-Henderson Biography

PERSONAL
Name: Kay N. Abrahamson-Henderson
Birthdate: December 23, 1966
Age: 43
Overall Record: 95-61 (5 years)
Husband: Michael A. Henderson
Children: Savannah (born July 12, 2003), Brooklyn (born April 20, 2005)

EDUCATION
University of Iowa, B.S. in physical education, sports administration, 1990
Duquesne University, M.S., education, 1992

COACHING
2008-10, Indiana University, Associate Head Coach
2007-08, University of Washington, Assistant Coach
Missouri State University, Head Coach (95-61)
2002-03 (18-13), MVC Champion, NCAA First Round
2003-04 (28-4), MVC Champion, NCAA First Round
2004-05 (25-8), WNIT Champion
2005-06 (17-15), MVC Champion, NCAA First Round
2006-07 (7-21)
2000-02, Michigan State University, Associate Head Coach
1994-00, Iowa State University, Assistant Coach
1992-94, University of Maine, Assistant Coach
1990-92, Duquesne University, Assistant Coach

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Olivia Jarem Named America East Lacrosse Player of the Week; Branchini Top Defender - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Olivia Jarem has been named America East Conference Player of the Week in women's lacrosse, as announced on Monday, April 19 by the conference office. Nikki Branchini was chosen the conference defensive player of the week.

Jarem, a senior midfielder from Clifton Park, N.Y., totaled three goals and two assists, tying a career-high point total, in Sunday's 11-10 come-from-behind victory over league opponent UMBC. She set up the winning goal with a pass from the right point to the top of the crease with 52 seconds remaining. Jarem tallied three second-half goals as her team twice rallied from a two-goal deficit in the second half. She also scored a pair in a 13-5 non-league victory over California and added three goals in a 17-14 loss at Lehigh on April 12.

Jarem, who is fifth on the team in scoring, is on a tear after having tallied 21 of her 28 points (24 goals, 4 assists) this season over the last six games. She had just seven points as a junior after transferring from UC Davis.

Branchini, a junior defensive midfielder from Guilderland, N.Y., accounted for six ground balls, three caused turnovers and three draw controls in the one-goal victory against UMBC. Her pressure forced a turnover that led to UAlbany taking a 10-9 lead with 4:33 to play. In addition, Branchini netted a second-half goal and caused three turnovers vs. California as her squad avenged last year's five-goal loss, plus scored twice with four turnovers caused at Lehigh.

Branchini is the America East leader in draw controls (5.08 pg), ground balls (3.33 pg) and caused turnovers (2.17 pg). She also has 10 goals and three assists.

Paw Prints: UAlbany tied the program's single-season record with its 11th win in the comeback victory over UMBC ... the Great Danes went 11-4 in the 1998 campaign as a Division II program ... Taylor Frink leads America East in scoring with 29 goals and 19 assists, while Kayla Best is first in goals (34) ... Best moved to second on the school's career scoring chart with 185 points (153 goals, 32 assists) ... Ashley Ross is second among goalkeepers in saves at 8.46 per game ... senior attacker Christine Grueniger climbed into a tie for ninth on the all-time scoring list with 117 points (94 goals, 23 assists) ... Grueniger is tied for sixth in the league in scoring at 3.0 points per game.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Three Home Runs From Different Players Propel University of Albany Softball to 6-3 A-East Win Over Maine - UAlbany Sports

Albany, N.Y. - Nicole Kothe went 3-for-4 with two RBIs and was one of three Great Danes to go yard to in leading UAlbany to a 6-3 victory in America East Conference softball action on Monday, April 19 at Albany Field. Jessica Bergin and Gina Mason also homered for the Great Danes, who plated at least one run in the last five innings and ended the day in a tie for fourth place with Binghamton in the league standings.

Maine (18-21, AE 7-2), which fell into a first-place tie with Boston University by suffering only its second America East loss, took a quick 2-0 lead in the top of the first when Terren Hall homered over the scoreboard in left field. However, the Great Danes used the long ball to even up the score through three innings. Bergin launched her second home run of the season way over the fence in left in the second before Kothe crushed a homer to right center an inning later.

UAlbany, which ended a four-game skid with the victory, took its first lead of the game in the bottom of the fourth. Bergin reached first on an error by the Black Bear shortstop and stole second to move into scoring position. Walraven hit a ball which was also misplayed at short, allowing Bergin to come home to give the Great Danes a one-run lead.

Maine, which entered the series finale riding a seven-game winning streak in conference play, tied up the score at 3-3 on a homer by Alexis Souhlaris in the top of the fifth, but UAlbany answered right back in the bottom of the frame and regained the lead by tallying two runs. Kothe doubled down the left field line to get things started. Two batters later, Mason lined a home run over the fence in dead center to put the hosts ahead for good. An RBI single by Kothe in the sixth inning, which was kick-started by Andrianna Walraven's double to right center, produced the final outcome.

UAlbany's Marissa Powell went the distance and picked up the victory to improve her record to 5-9 overall and 4-2 in America East play. She struck out three batters, issued one walk and allowed seven hits and three runs.

Maine's Ashley Kelley, who had only given up one earned run in four starts against league opposition, got the nod to start for the Black Bears. She surrendered two hits and two runs in three innings while striking out one. Beth Spoehr, who pitched two innings in relief, was tagged with the loss and fell to 2-7 after allowing four runs, including three earned, and four hits in two innings of work. Cayleigh Montano hurled the last frame for the Black Bears. She gave up one hit while striking out one and issuing one walk.

UAlbany (14-18, AE 6-6) returns to action on Wednesday, April 21 when it visits Dartmouth for a doubleheader beginning at 3 p.m.

Paw Prints: UAlbany, which has come from behind to win five of its six America East Conference games, finished the afternoon tied for fourth with Binghamton in the league standings ... The Great Danes own the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Bearcats by taking two out of three games when the teams met on March 27-28 at Albany Field ... The six-member senior class consisting of Michelle Connors, Nicole Kothe, Leah McIntosh, Marissa Powell, Kat Smith and Bailey Van Deest played their last game at Albany Field ... The group helped the team register a 46-17 record at home over the last four years.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women's Lacrosse Gains Piece of 1st Place in America East With 11-10 Win Against UMBC - UAlbany Sports 2010

Baltimore, Md. - Freshman Rachael Burek scored the game-winning goal with 52 seconds remaining as UAlbany rallied for an 11-10 America East Conference victory over UMBC on Sunday, April 18 at UMBC Stadium. The Great Danes moved into a tie for first place in the conference standings with Boston University.

UMBC (9-6, AE 2-3) reversed a halftime deficit with four unanswered over the opening eight-plus minutes of the period. Bria Phillips spun to her left shoulder against a midfielder and sent a shot into the left side of the net to tie the contest, before Alicia Krause gave her team a 5-4 lead with a free-position opportunity. Phillips ended the run when Erika Braerman found her cutting in the middle and the sophomore midfielder was left one-on-one with the goalkeeper.

UAlbany (11-2, AE 4-0) was still trailing 9-7 with less than 10 minutes remaining, but then regrouped with three consecutive goals. Olivia Jarem, who totaled three goals and two assists, connected on a free-position attempt, before Mel Rorie scored on a bounce shot after being fouled on the top of the crease. Christine Gruenger put her team ahead, 10-9, with 4:33 to play when the Great Danes pressured Ashley Stodter into a turnover. Grueniger drove to the cage in transition after the restart.

The Retrievers, who won last year's matchup at John Fallon Field, forced the sixth tie of the game when Phillips tallied her third goal and 19th of the season with 2:00 remaining. She blasted a free-position chance over the top of goalkeeper Ashley Ross' head. Burek netted the game-winner when she hauled in Jarem's pass from the right point and converted by faking and shooting around goalie Kate Quick.

"I saw (Rachael) wide open and she made an excellent play to catch the ball," said Jarem, a senior midfielder who tied her career-high point total. "It was a hard-fought battle. This is a lesson for us that we can't expect teams to roll over. But we stayed positive. We have learned to handle the pressure because our coaches stay on us on practice."

In the first half, UAlbany scored twice in a one-minute-and-21 second span to take a 2-0 lead. Taylor Frink drove from the top and connected on a left-handed shot, before Kayla Best netted a tough-angle goal from the left after defensive midfielder Nikki Branchini started the play with a caused turnover in the defensive end.

UMBC drew even at two apiece with a pair of goals one minute and five seconds apart. Amanda Pappas made a free-position attempt with a bounce shot, the first of her two goals. Braerman found Emily Coady on the top of the crease with a short right-to-left crossing pass. Melanie Sosnowski put the Great Danes back in front by collecting a ground ball at midfield and then finding the cage off Frink's feed. Rorie drove between two defenders for an unassisted goal after Best broke up a clearing play. Ross saved Meagan Linkous' free-position attempt at the buzzer to preserve her team's 4-2 halftime margin.

"It shows our character," offered UAlbany coach Lindsey Hart, whose team tied a school record for single-season victories that was first established in 1998. "We haven't had too many games decided late. We got back into it because (Ashley) Ross had big saves, the defensive made stops and then we started to win draws."

UAlbany's Grueniger and Rorie each scored twice, while Ross had seven saves. Coady and Stodter had two goals apiece for the Retrievers, who had won seven of their previous nine entering the contest.

Paw Prints: UAlbany and UMBC have split eight meetings since the series started in 2001 .. four of the eight games have been decided by two goals or less ... the Great Danes recorded their second one-goal victory this season after having defeated Denver, 11-10, on March 28 ... Olivia Jarem also had three goals and two assists against Binghamton on April 3 ... the senior midfielder has 24 goals and four assists this spring after scoring seven points one year ago ... Christine Grueniger climbed into a tie for ninth on the all-time scoring list with 117 points (94 goals, 23 assists) ... Nikki Branchini caused three turnovers, one off her career-best ... Kayla Best moved into second on the career scoring chart with 185 points.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Kubiak and White Lead Baseball to Doubleheader Sweep of Hartford in A-East Action - UAlbany Sports 2010

West Hartford, Conn. - Dave Kubiak pitched a complete-game win in the first match-up, while Ryan White struck out seven opposing batters in the nightcap to lead UAlbany to a doubleheader sweep of Hartford in America East Conference baseball action on Sunday. The Great Danes won the first game, 8-0, and took the second game by a score of 2-0.

In game one, UAlbany's offense came out firing, scoring four runs in the first inning. The Great Danes recorded four hits in the frame, including a three-run homer by catcher Ralph Keppler that gave UAlbany an early 4-0 lead. Centerfielder Brendan Rowland also drove in a run, with a double down the left field line that scored Nolan Gaige, who led off the game with a single.

UAlbany tacked on single runs in the second and fifth innings before adding two in the sixth. Second baseman Brian Bullard recorded an RBI single to left center in the sixth frame, then stole second and third before scoring on a bases-loaded walk.

Kubiak recorded his first complete-game performance of the season, and UAlbany's first shutout since a 1-0 win over Binghamton in the 2007 America East Championship. Kubiak struck out six opposing batters while allowing just five hits across seven innings. Hartford's Steve Sobocinski threw five and two thirds innings, taking the loss for the Hawks.

In the nightcap, the two teams relied on strong pitching to go four innings without a run. UAlbany got on the board in the top of the fifth, scoring the only two runs the Great Danes would need. Right fielder Pete DiResta and Bullard each recorded RBI singles, driving home Jeff Welsh and Gaige, respectively.

Left hander White earned the win on the mound for the Great Danes in their second straight shutout, tossing seven and a third innings with seven strikeouts, allowing just three hits. Greg Lutton threw one and two thirds innings in relief, fanning three opposing batters. Hartford's Mike Thatcher and Brian Rice split time on the mound, with Thatcher taking the loss for the Hawks.

UAlbany (4-23, AE 3-2) and Hartford (6-20, AE 1-5) will return to action on Monday for the final game in the three-game series.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Kadine Johnson Shatters School Record in Hammer Throw at UConn Select Invitational - UAlbany Sports 2010

Storrs, Conn. - Kadine Johnson shattered her own school record in the hammer throw by over 11 feet and Fey Adaramola factored into a pair of first-place performances to lead the UAlbany women's outdoor track and field team at the UConn Select Invitational on Saturday, April 17 at the George J. Sherman-Family Sports Complex. The Great Danes won five events and had two individuals qualify for the ECAC Championship at the non-scoring meet.

Johnson placed third in the hammer throw by registering a mark of 174-feet, 0-inches. The junior, who became the first Great Dane in school history to qualify for ECACs in the event, easily broke her previous program standard of 162-5, which was recorded at last year's America East championship meet. Catie Coxon also eclipsed an ECAC mark by placing second in the discus throw. Her best toss that traveled 152-3 was a personal best mark by almost 12 feet and topped the America East Conference performance list.

Ashley Mahlmeister and Sandy Antenor also posted top-three marks in the field events. Mahlmeister won the triple jump (37-6.50) and placed third in the long jump (17-4.25), while Antenor was third in the triple jump by leaping 35-10.50.

Adaramola, the reigning America East 100- and 200-meter dash champion, won the 400 in 56.09 seconds to highlight several strong performances by the Great Danes in the track events. She was closely followed by Sheena Simpkins, who finished in 56.31. Adaramola and Simpkins were also members of the winning 4x400-meter relay which hit the tape in 3:53.83. The victorious group also included Tenica Roberts and Octavia Clarkson.

Rounding out UAlbany's event champions were Rebecca Kelly and Jenn Pierson. Kelly edged out teammate Brittany Eveleth by .20 seconds to win the 400-meter intermediate hurdles in 1:03.31, while Pierson ran a first-place time of 10:50.83 in the 3,000-meter steeplechase. Other top-three performances in the track events were made by Christen Griffin and Mahlmeister in the 100-meter high hurdles. Griffin and Mahlmeister placed second and third in 14.55 and 14.71, respectively.

UAlbany will compete at the Penn Relays in Philadelphia from April 22-24 and also send student-athletes to the Capital District Classic hosted by the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute on Saturday, April 24.

UAlbany Results

100-Meter Dash: 7. Alli Rogers 12.39, 9. Quante Harris 12.74, 11. Katie Fargnoli 12.92, 4. Patrice Johnson 13.01. 200-Meter Dash: 5. Alli Rogers 25.19, 6. Christen Griffin 25.22, 13. Katie Fargnoli 26.93, 15. Patrice Johnson 27.35, 18. Emily Curry 29.35. 400-Meter Dash: 1. Fey Adaramola 56.09, 2. Sheena Simpkins 56.31, 5. Tenica Roberts 58.32, 7. Sherez Mohamed 58.49, 8. Octavia Clarkson 58.53, 9. Jessica Hunter 58.70, 10. Elia Francis 59.16,11. Tierra Chavis 59.30, 13. Nyree Richardson 1:00.47. 100-Meter High Hurdles: 2. Christen Griffin 14.55, 3. Ashley Mahlmeister 14.71, 9. Emily Curry 18.11. 400-Meter Intermediate Hurdles: 1. Rebecca Kelly 1:03.31, 2. Brittany Eveleth 1:03.51, 5. Kendra Adams 1:07.43. 800-Meter Run: 9. Emily Finnegan 2:23.36, 12. Renee Johnson 2:26.02, 14. Laura Varble 2:27.58, 16. Jessica Panos 2:28.86, 23. Rachel Wysocki 2:47.06. 1,500-Meter Run: 3. Miranda McConnell 4:53.17, Maureen Nweke, 12. Brianna Service 5:10.44, 20. Rachel Wysocki 5:25.16. 5,000-Meter Run: 7. Melissa Del Rosario 19:14.21, 8. Roxanne Wegman 19:25.07. 3,000-Meter Steeplechase: 1. Jenn Pierson 10:50.83. High Jump: 4. Karley Giles 5-1. Long Jump: 3. Ashley Mahlmeister 17-4.25, 4. Sandy Antenor 16-8. Triple Jump: 1. Ashley Mahlmeister 37-6.50, 3. Sandy Antenor 35-10.50, 4. Tiffany Sprenkels 34-8.50. Pole Vault: 2. Celine Cauderlier 11-1.75, 3. Rebecca Power 10-8. Discus Throw: 2. Catie Coxon 152-3 (ECAC), 5. Kadine Johnson 125-9, 11. Emily Curry 88-10. Hammer Throw: 3. Kadine Johnson 174-0 (ECAC, School Record), 4. Sineaid Corley 151-1. Javelin Throw: 4. Rebecca Power 122-6, 8. Emily Curry 82-4. Shot Put: 4. Kadine Johnson 39-0.50, 5. Catie Coxon 36-1.50. 4x100-Meter Relay: 2. Alli Rogers, Christen Griffin, Patrice Johnson, Katie Fargnoli 48.83. 4x400-Meter Relay: 1. Tenica Roberts, Sheena Simpkins, Octavia Clarkson, Fey Adaramola 3:53.83; 3. Jessica Hunter, Elia Francis, Brittany Eveleth, Tierra Chavis 3:56.83; 5. Rebecca Kelly, Nyree Richardson, Renee Johnson, Kendra Adams 4:00.09.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Christine Grueniger Has Four Second-Half Goals in Women Lacrosse's 13-5 Win Against California - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Christine Grueniger totaled four goals and one assist, all in the second half, as UAlbany pulled away in the final period for a 13-5 non-league victory over California on Friday, April 16 at John Fallon Field. The Great Danes established the program's Division I record with their 10th win of the season.

UAlbany (10-2) led 4-3 at halftime, but then erupted for nine unanswered. Mel Rorie, a junior midfielder, started the decisive run when she scored with 19 seconds elapsed. Defender Stephanie Kempf won the opening draw and Rorie sent a low shot into the net to finish off a drive from the right side.

Grueniger then went to work as she scored four consecutive times in a five-minute-and 38-second span. After a free-position attempt was saved by Califorinia goalkeeper Allie Shropshire, Grueniger scored from the right with a sidearm delivery. She later worked around a defender and sent a blast directly over Shropshire's head into the cage. The senior attacker fired a sidearm shot inside the right post after Melanie Sosnowski found her cutting in the middle of the zone 55 seconds later. Grueniger gave her team a 9-3 advantage by converting a free-position shot after being fouled in transition.

The Great Danes, who rebounded off a 17-14 loss to Lehigh on Monday, added four more goals that pushed the lead to double figures with 11:49 remaining. With the goalkeeper out of the cage in Cal's pressure defense, senior attacker Julie Bush one-timed Taylor Frink's pass from behind. Nikki Branchini connected on a free-position opportunity, before Frink converted a fastbreak pass from Grueniger after defender Jenn Primeau started the play with a caused turnover.

"We talked about making adjustments at halftime and winning the first five minutes of the second half," UAlbany coach Lindsey Hart said. "Christine (Grueniger) stepped it up and (goalkeeper) Ashley (Ross) has had a great year. We got back to basics and were disciplined."

California (4-9) reversed an early 2-0 deficit with three consecutive goals. Tara Arolla tied the contest with her 17th of the season when Allie Welsh sent a pass to the right of the crease. Alyse Kennedy, a senior midfielder, then put her team in front by driving from the top of the zone and sending a shot inside the right post. The Great Danes regained the lead with a pair of goals 37 seconds apart. Sosnowski, who had two goals and one assist, and Olivia Jarem, who scored twice, each were successful in free-position situations.

"We played a lot of defense in the first half," explained Grueniger, who was one off her career-high point total. "The first goal (of the second half) put everyone in the mindset that we had to keep it going. We grabbed the momentum from the beginning."

Shropshire finished with 10 saves for the Bears, who defeated conference opponent Oregon in their last outing one week ago. UAlbany's Ross stopped 10 shots, while Frink had one goal and two assists.

Paw Prints: UAlbany has its most wins since the 1998 season when the Great Danes competed as a NCAA Division II program and posted an 11-4 record ... the Great Danes avenged last year's 14-9 loss to California in Berkeley ... UAlbany has defeated two Mountain Pacific Sports Federation opponents this season ... Christine Grueniger moved into a tie for 10th place with Alexis DiDomenico '04 on the all-time scoring list with 115 points (92 goals, 23 assists) ... UAlbany's six seniors (Christine Grueniger, Tricia Primomo, Julie Bush, Olivia Jarem, Kayla Best, Ashley Ross) were honored in a post-game ceremony.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information