University of Albany Volleyball Continues Hot Streak, Defeating Providence in Four Sets on the Road - UAlbany Sports 2011

Providence, R.I. - Casey Wright led three players with double-digit kill totals, totaling 19 on .607 hitting, as UAlbany defeated Providence, 3-1, in America East Conference volleyball action on Sunday afternoon at Alumni Hall. The Great Danes defeated the Friars in four games with set scores of 25-20, 25-11, 23-25 and 25-14.

UAlbany took the first set behind six kills on seven attempts from Wright. Laurie Gonzalez, who finished with a match-high 29 digs, totaled 10 in the first set alone. Providence took an early lead in the set, but UAlbany came back and built up a 20-16 advantage on a kill by Samanta Brostrom. UAlbany got to set point on a kill by Dunja Prgomet and finished off the first on one of Traci Vandegrift's three kills in the set.

UAlbany rolled through the second set, backed by strong serving by the Great Danes. Brooke Stanley served for the first three points, starting with a service ace, and UAlbany built up a 6-2 advantage in the early going. Gabby Whitworth then served for five straight points, including two service aces, putting the Great Danes ahead, 11-2. Providence's service game was not getting support from the offense, as UAlbany capitalized on several Friar errors throughout the set. It was an attack error that gave the Great Danes set point, but a kill by Anna Russian and a UAlbany error kept the match going. Another Providence error ended the set in UAlbany's favor.

The Friars would not go down without a fight, however, getting six kills from Laurent Fletcher in leading Providence to the two-point set win. The set was tied 15 times throughout, including at 23-23 on a kill by Vandegrift following a UAlbany timeout. A service error by the Great Danes gave Providence set point, and Carly Morrison served up on of the Friars' five aces in the match to end the set and extend the match.

UAlbany came out firing in the fourth, getting two kills from Brostrom sandwiching one from Vandegrift to start play. Brostrom served up an ace two points later, giving UAlbany a 5-1 advantage. UAlbany built up a 14-9 lead on a solo block by Vandegrift on an attack attempt by Lauren Hendel, prompting Providence to take a timeout. The Great Danes continued to roll, getting back-to-back kills by Stanley and Wright to put UAlbany ahead, 20-12. Consecutive kills by Vandegrift gave the Great Danes match point, and Brostrom smacked her 11th kill of the match to end play.

Brostrom finished with a double-double, adding 17 digs to her totals, while Stanley added a double-double of the assist-dig variety, totaling 55 assists and 12 digs. Vandegriftwas the third player in double-digit kill totals with 13 off .314 hitting, while Prgomet added 14 digs and nine kills.

Fletcher recorded a team-high 12 kills for Providence (8-20, AE 2-8), while Cassie Muzzonigro finished with a team-best 21 digs. Morrison finished with 33 assists and nine digs, and Kelly Ashmore recorded 11 digs for the Friars.

UAlbany (17-8, AE 9-1) will welcome America East opponent New Hampshire to University Gymnasium on Friday for a 7 p.m. match.

University of Albany Uses Two Late Goals to Advance to America East Conference Men's Soccer Semifinals - UAlbany Sports 2011

Burlington, Vt. - It's an America East Conference quarterfinal match that the University at Albany men's soccer team won't forget for a long time. With four minutes remaining and third-seeded Vermont leading, 2-1, everyone at Centennial Field believed the game was over. However, back-to-back own-goals in a three minute span by Vermont defenders capped UAlbany's win over Vermont, 3-2, on Saturday afternoon. First-year head coach Trevor Gorman grabbed his first postseason win and the just the second overall for the men's soccer program.

With Vermont (9-7-1) ahead, 1-0, at the half, UAlbany looked to tie the match. In the 63rd minute co-captain David Pinto was pressuring the Catamount defense. He sent a crossing pass inside the box to teammate Brandon Wilson, who headed the ball towards the net, but was denied by Vermont goalkeeper David Ramada. Then, in the 76th minute, Pomare Te Anau and Wilson hooked up on a bang-bang play to tie the game, 1-1.

In the 86th minute, UAlbany(6-9-3) experienced déjà vu when Vermont's DJ Edler delivered the go-ahead goal with a header off a free kick, which he did to the Great Danes twice six days ago in the regular season, that looked to take the wind out of the UAlbany sails. With the Great Danes down a goal and four minutes remaining, the match seemed to be over. However, in the 87th minute, Te Anau sent a crossing pass into the box looking for one of his teammates, but found a Vermont defender to redirect it in his own goal to tie the game, 2- 2, with about three minutes remaining.

The Great Danes continued pressuring the Catamount defense, and in the 89th minute as UAlbany's Te Anau chipped a pass inside the goalkeeper box. Ramada struck it away from the net, only to have it redirected by his own defender's back to give UAlbany the eventual game-winner.

Physical play highlighted the first half with Vermont getting the first shot in net. In the 15th minute the Catamounts Joe Losier carried the ball inside the 18-yard box and made a crossing pass that eluded the first Vermont offender but found the foot of Zach Paul, whose shot hit the inner part of the cross bar to grab the early 1-0 lead.

UAlbany led in corners, 5-1, and the teams were even in shots,8-8. Vermont's Ramada recorded three saves on six chances, while UAlbany's Foncette didn't record a save and allowed two goals.

UAlbany advances to the tournament semifinals for the second time in program history, visiting Stony Brook on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

University of Albany Men Soccer's Adrian Foncette Named to America East 2nd Team; Pomare Te Anau on Rookie Team - UAlbany Sports 2011

Cambridge, Mass.- Univeristy at Albany's Adrian Foncette was named to the America East All-Conference Second Team, as announce by the league office on Thursday, Nov. 3. Pomare Te Anau was also recognized by the conference as a member of the All-Rookie Team. Both players and the Great Danes will be in preparation for Saturday, Nov. 5 America East Quarterfinal match against Vermont at 1 pm.

Foncette, an Arima, Trinidad native, has excelled in his four years playing at UAlbany. For his career, Foncette has tallied the program's fourth best in career saves (262) and shutouts (12). This season has been by far Foncette's best as a starter with season bests in wins (5), shutouts (4), and goals against average (1.15). The Great Dane goalkeeper, as compared to the rest of the goalkeepers in the America East, is second in both save percentage (.790), total saves (64), and fourth in goals against average (1.15).

Te Anau, a native of Auckland, New Zealand, has brought a bright spot to the Great Danes' future. This season, Te Anau has recorded four goals and four assists for a total of 12 points. The freshman standout was recognized twice this season as America East Rookie of the Week (Aug.27-Sept.5, Oct. 3-9).

University of Albany Volleyball Overpowers Crosstown-Rival Siena in Three Sets on Dig Pink Night - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Dunja Prgomet had seven kills and seven digs, as UAlbany swept past Siena in three sets on "Dig Pink" night at University Gymnasium. The Great Danes, who extended their winning streak to five straight, defeated their crosstown-rivals by scores of 25-10, 25-15 and 25-16.

In the first set, UAlbany (16-8) tallied eight of nine points to break things open. Freshman Samantha Brostrom scored off a blocker, before the Saints had a pair of attack errors. Laurie Gonzalez finished off the run with a service ace. The Great Danes wrapped the opening frame when Prgomet delivered a cross-court kill to the right side.

Siena's Akana Taylor, who seven kills and nine digs, helped her team stay within striking distance in the second set. But Gonzalez came up with two of her 13 digs to help turn the tide. She dug out a serve that led to Progmet's push over the net for the first point and then made a diving save that set up another kill. Still leading leading 10-7, the Great Dane ran off five straight points to pull away. Brostrom and Gabby Whitworth scored points off attacks in that outburst.

After Taylor's kill off a blocker pulled Siena (10-13) within 6-4 in the final set, the Great Danes seized control with run of six points in a row. UAlbany's defense came up with the last three points. Casey Wright and Prgomet blocked a pair of hitting attempts, before Brooke Stanley teamed with Wright to stuff Taylor's strike and take a 12-4 advantage.

Stanley, an all-conference setter, finished with 22 assists and six digs. Wright and Whitworth each five kills for the Great Danes, who also defeated Siena in four games back on Sept. 10th at Fordham's Rose Hill Classic. UAlbany has won 12 of their last 13 matches. Jacqueline Skeen added seven kills for the Saints, who saw their six-match win streak come to an end.

Rick Dunetz, the founder of the Side-Out Foundation, was in attendance for the match, which had 281 in attendance. UAlbany head coach MJ Engstrom accompanied Dunetz to UAlbany's Cancer Research Center on the East Campus in East Greenbush earlier on Wednesday.

"We are doing our part for raising awareness for breast cancer," said Engstrom, whose team was participating in its fourth Dig Pink match. "One thing that the Side-Out Foundation helps with is education - for both the public and potential researchers. Having Rick here was awesome. Going to the Cancer Research Center enlightened me on how much research is being done right here in the Capital Region."

UAlbany will continue America East Conference play on Sunday, visiting Providence at 4 p.m.

Men's Basketball Meets Capital Region Media in Annual Luncheon at SEFCU Hall of Fame Room

Albany, N.Y. - After advancing to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments in 2006 and 2007, the University at Albany men's basketball program fell on hard times for a brief period. Those struggles appear to be in the rearview mirror after the Great Danes provided their second-best improvement in 97 seasons one year ago.

Head coach Will Brown's squad finished 16-16, bettered its win total by nine from the previous season, and tied for third in the America East Conference standings. The Great Danes return four starters, including two all-conference guards from the 2010-11 team.

"We have a nice group returning with six of our top seven players returning, explained Brown at UAlbany's basketball media luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 2. "We have some talented newcomers and we are trying to acclimate them on what we are doing, but our guys are working real hard and that's what we have been talking about is to play as hard as you can for as long as you can. I think our guys are starting to buy into that, we are trying to do a lot in practice to make practice more difficult than the actual games."

Logan Aronhalt and Mike Black, a pair of All-America East third-team selections, form one of the top scoring backcourts in the region. Aronhalt, a 6-foot-3 junior, was among the conference leaders in scoring at 14.6 points per game. He scored in double figures 23 times and canned 73 three-point field goals. Black, who runs the point position, averaged 12.3 points and 2.9 assists. He struck for a career-high 26 points at Maine, as his team ended the regular season with a four-game win streak.

"I am very excited," Aronhalt said. "I think we have a very talented team this year. The season starts a little more than a week away, so our first game against Pittsburgh is going to be very exciting going to a big stage. I think the team is ready to go."
Luke Devlin had a major impact in his first season as a collegian. The Australian forward was named to the conference's all-rookie team and earned the league's weekly rookie award five times. He led the team in rebounding (6.9 pg) and scored at a 7.4 clip. Devlin recorded seven double-doubles in points and rebounds.

Blake Metcalf, a 6'9" junior, and John Puk, a 6'10" sophomore, bolster the baseline. Metcalf, who does all the dirty work and shoots better than 53 percent from the field, adds 4.0 points and 4.8 rebounds on the baseline. Puk, whose three uncles each played major college football, blocked 37 shots in his first collegiate season. He has added 20 pounds to his frame. Ralph Watts, a 6'5" swingman, and Jacob Iati came off the bench last year and had productive minutes.

The Great Danes have added six new faces to the roster and each received an introduction to the college game during a seven-day Canadian tour last summer. Gerardo Suero, a junior college player who hails from the Dominican Republic, was a consistent double-figure scorer in UAlbany's five exhibition games. Jayson Guerrier, an honorable mention junior college All-American, also showed promise.

Enhanced recruiting efforts on the continent of Australia provided the addition of Peter Hooley, a 6'4" guard, and Sam Rowley, a 6'5" forward. Hooley won a bronze medal at his country's under-20 national championship. The coaches went back to familiar areas to find two freshmen. Tanner Gibson, a speedy point guard, played for the same Ohio high school that produced Aronhalt, while Chris Page attended Metcalf's Plainfield High in Indiana.

"I feel that I am one of the grandpas of this team and I always joke around with the young guys," Black offered. "I am trying to become more of a leader on the team knowing that I am a junior not a freshman so I am out there trying to let the guys know where they should be on the floor and help them grow."

Paw Prints: The Great Danes will scrimmage for a brief period at the beginning of Friday's Purple & Gold Event at SEFCU Arena, sponsored in part by the UAlbany Alumni Association ... UAlbany meets Pittsburgh, ranked No. 10 nationally in the Associated Press preseason poll, on Friday, Nov. 11 in the season opener ... the Great Danes will compete in the Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off on Nov. 14-15 in Syracuse, N.Y.

Women's Basketball Preparing for Start of 2011-12 Season; Meet Media at Annual Luncheon

Albany, N.Y. - The University at Albany women's basketball team was picked to finish eighth in the America East Conference one year ago, prior to the start of head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson's first season. Last March, the Great Danes stood in fifth place in the league standings and fell just short of upsetting eventual league champion Hartford in the conference quarterfinals. In the 2011-12 preseason poll, UAlbany made a four-spot jump, but don't expect the Great Danes to get too far ahead of themselves.

"I think last year when we were picked eighth, that was a source of motivation," said Abrahamson-Henderson, who opened up her first season as head coach of the Great Danes with five straight wins. "We live one day at a time. We don't think about March at all. We think about today and today's practice and that's it, because tomorrow is not promised and yesterday is gone, so we just worry about that day at task."

The Great Danes bring back four starters from last year's squad, including junior Ebone Henry, who was the first player to earn a major America East award in program history after being tabbed the league's defensive player of the year at the end of last season. Henry finished second in the conference with 2.6 steals per game, and was among the league leaders in scoring (third, 14.4 ppg) and rebounding (eighth, 7.3 ppg).

"We have really high expectations," said Henry, who was also an all-conference first team and all-defensive team honoree as a sophomore. "We only lost one main player from last year so we are expected to better from last year, which was pretty good. We are all focused and worked hard in the summer and did really well in the preseason. We are ready."

Also returning to the court is all-conference honoree Julie Forster, who joined Henry on the all-defensive squad after leading the league in rebounds for the second straight season, and Cassandra Callaway, who will be serving as a team captain along with Forster and Keyana Williams. Forster averaged 9.7 rebounds per game in 2010-11, and set UAlbany's single-season record for boards, pulling down 292. Callaway, a 5-7 guard, will run the floor from the point guard position this season, after averaging 10.0 points per game as a junior. Having seasoned veterans on the floor, combined with a year mentored by Abrahamson-Henderson, the Great Danes feel confident.

"It's great because we had a chance to be under [Coach Abe]," stated Callaway. "She builds confidence for us because she knows exactly what kind of players we can be. The confidence level comes from within and all of us are able to build each other up on the court."

Abrahamson-Henderson brought in three new players to the fold, and expects all of them to have an immediate impact, despite the strength coming back. Guards Sarah Royals and Allysia Rohlehr, along with center Megan Craig, bring depth and talent to a Great Danes' squad that is taking every day seriously.

"We are excited, very healthy, look like a team, look together," said Abrahamson-Henderson, whose team will kick off the 2011-12 season on Friday night at the Purple & Gold Scrimmage at SEFCU Arena. "Our slogan for this year is 'One team, one heartbeat.' We look completely different from last season at this time. They are very strong physically and that makes them very strong mentally."

The Great Danes enter the regular season on Friday, Nov. 11, visiting Fordham, before returning to Albany for the home opener against LaSalle on Sunday, Nov. 13.

University of Albany's Kristi Troch Claims Second America East Goalkeeper of the Year; Ten Great Danes Honored - UAlbany Sports 2011

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Kristi Troch was named the America East Conference Field Hockey Goalkeeper of the Year for the second straight season, as announced today by the conference office. In all, six Great Danes were selected all-conference and four were to chosen to the all-rookie squad.

Troch helped her team tie a league-high with seven shutouts, as she led the league in solo shutouts with a career-high and program-best five. Playing more than any goalkeeper in the league, Troch had just over 1,295 minutes in the cage to garner league-best 1.35 goals against average, a mark which also ranks 10th in the country and fourth-best save percentage (.722). Troch, who started in 18 of 19 games this season, currently has a career-best 11 wins which ties her for third in the program's single-season win record. Troch has been a steady anchor for the UAlbany the past two seasons and will remain a key asset going into the conference's postseason tournament.

Midfielder Katharina Helling and last season's rookie of the year Corrine McConville join Troch on the all-conference first team. Helling, a graduate student, tallied five goals and helped on five other scores in her first season at the collegiate level. She is fourth on the team with 15 points. McConville, a unanimous selection, has been an offensive leader for the Great Danes scoring 12 goals and helping on four for a team second-best 28 points. She led the conference for the second straight season in shots and was also ranked in the top ten in goals scored.

Defender Taylor Luke and forwards Christina Patrick and Daphne Voormolen earned second-team honors for their season performances. Luke sits in a four-way tie for first in the league in defensive saves with three. Patrick has a fourth-best goal output (13) and points per game (1.68). She has 32 points on 13 goals and six assists. Voormolen was second in the league with 72 shots and ranked in the top ten in points (23), goals (8), and assists (7).

UAlbany had the most freshmen on the all-rookie squad. Jordan Homyak and Echo Bretz, two of the four Lehighton (Pa.) High School graduates currently on the UAlbany roster, along with Chloe Pachuilo had unanimous votes. Amy Nicklin, a forward from Stockport, England, also made the unit. The squad has combined for three goals and two assists on the season.

UAlbany, the nation's 12th-ranked team with a 13-6 record, meets No. 10 New Hampshire (15-4) in the first semifinal game of the 2011 America East Conference Field Hockey Championship in Durham, N.H. on Friday, November 4th at 1:00 p.m. Both live stats and live streaming will be available for the entire tournament weekend through the America East website.

Paw Prints: UAlbany received its highest national ranking in the current the Kookaburra/National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division I Weekly Poll as the Great Danes jumped up six spots to 12th after a 3-2 conference victory over New Hampshire at Alumni Turf Field on Oct. 29 to finish the regular season ... The Great Danes matched their highest ranking two weeks ago at No. 15, a position achieved three times last season.

Paw Prints II: Christina Patrick has been selected to participate in the 2011 NFHCA Division I Senior Game to be held on Saturday, November 19th at the University of Louisville (Louisville, Ky.) in conjunction with the NCAA Final Four ... Patrick will be joined by six other America East Conference athletes.

University of Albany's Adrian Foncette Voted America East Conference Fans' Choice Soccer Player of The Year - UAlbany Sports 2011

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany s men's soccer goalkeeper Adrian Foncette has been voted America East Conference Fans' Choice Player of the Year. Foncette received 195 votes (35%). Boston U.'s Stephen Knox came in second place with 113 (20%) votes and Vermont's Yannick Lewis received 80 (14%) votes to round out the top three. More than 550 fans vote for the award through a web-based system.

Foncette, a starter in all 14 matches this season, has tallied 64 saves and accrued a .790 saves percentage, both figures are second among goalkeepers in the America East. Foncette, an Arima, Trinidad native, has recorded 262 saves and 12 shutouts in his career as a Great Dane, which places him fourth all-time in each category among the program's all-time leaders.

Foncette and the Great Danes prepare to play the Vermont Catamounts in the America East Conference Tournament's quarterfinals on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 1:00 p.m. at Centennial Field. UAlbany is making its first conference postseason appearance since 2008 under first-year head coach Trevor Gorman.

Basketball's Purple & Gold Event on Friday at SEFCU Arena; TWCS TV Package Announced

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Tuesday, Nov. 1 that plans have been finalized for the Purple and Gold Basketball Scrimmage, sponsored in part by the UAlbany Alumni Association. The event will be held at SEFCU Arena on Friday, Nov. 4 at 7:00 p.m.

The school's men's and women's basketball teams will both be on display in controlled scrimmage play. Head coach Will Brown and the men's program has four starters returning, including All-America East Conference guards Logan Aronhalt and Mike Black. Katie Abrahamson-Henderson, the women's head coach, returns Ebone Henry, the America East Defensive Player of the Year and all-conference forward Julie Forster.

In addition, UAlbany's spirit groups, including the cheerleaders, dance team and pep band, will be performing during the expected 90-minute program. There will be contests with the opportunity to win an iPod Nano, a one-semester book scholarship and a flat screen television. The t-shirt gun will also deliver prizes to fans. The event will conclude with a meet and greet, with free pizza and music.

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Albany, N.Y. - The University at Albany men's and women's basketball programs are scheduled to have a combined ten games televised as part of Time Warner Cable Sports package during the 2011-12 season.

Time Warner Cable Sports will air four men's games from UAlbany's SEFCU Arena and the Big Purple Growl doubleheader on Saturday, Feb. 4. The broadcast schedule includes Colgate (Dec. 7), New Hampshire (Jan. 11), Binghamton (Jan. 25) and Vermont (Feb. 15). The Big Purple Growl features a pair of America East Conference contests against Stony Brook, beginning with the women's game at 4:30 p.m. Rodger Wyland and John Quattrocchi will provide the play-by-play coverage.

Additionally, the Great Danes will face Siena on Time Warner Cable Sports in the Capital Region on Monday, Dec. 5 and could possibly be involved in an ESPN3 broadcast during the second round of the Dick's Sporting Goods NIT Season Tip-Off on Nov. 15.

The UAlbany women will also have non-conference games televised against Siena (Dec. 3) and Canisius (Dec. 22). Both will air on Time Warner Cable Sports.

University of Albany Field Hockey's Corrine McConville Receives America East Weekly Honors - UAlbany Sports 2011

Cambridge, Mass. - Corrine McConville was named America East Conference Field Hockey Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon.

McConville, 2010 America East Rookie of the Year, scored the game-winning goal in Saturday's 3-2 victory over No. 10 New Hampshire. The game-winner came off a penalty stroke opportunity to which McConville took advantage of as she lifted the ball to the top left corner of the cage, giving the Great Danes a 3-2 lead with eight minutes left in regulation. She improves to 4-for-5 on penalty stroke attempts on the season.

With the goal, McConville increases her season point total to 28 for second-best on the squad; contributing 12 goals and four assists going into the America East tournament weekend. McConville now holds a top-10 program record for single-season points. At the top of the league in shot total for the past month, McConville averages four shots per-game this season having tallied 76 in 19 regular-season games.

McConville and the Great Danes, despite the season finale win over UNH, will enter this week's America East tournament as the fourth seed and will face the Wildcats in a 1:00 p.m. semifinal game Friday, November 4th in Durham, N.H. The second semifinal game will feature Boston U. and Maine.

2011 UAlbany FCS Football Gameday vs Bryant: 11/5/11

University of Albany Football: Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)


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NEXT GAME

Date: November 5, 2011
Time: 1pm
Opponent: Bryant
Location: University of Albany – Albany, NY
Facility: University Field
Directions
Tickets

Distance:
From Albany - 0m
From Syracuse – 145m
From Boston – 170m
From NYC - 157m


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2011 UAlbany FCS Football Schedule:

Sat, Sep 3 at Colgate L 34-37 --
Sat, Sep 17 Maine L 15-31 --
Sat, Sep 24 at Columbia W 44-21 --
Sat, Oct 1 at St. Francis (PA) W 41-20 --
Sat, Oct 8 Duquesne W 38-10 --
Sat, Oct 15 Robert Morris W 28-17 --
Sat, Oct 22 at Central Connecticut State W 63-35 --
Sat, Oct 29 at Wagner W 24-0 --
Sat, Nov 5 Bryant 1:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 12 at Monmouth 12:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 19 Sacred Heart 1:00 pm --


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Gameday Live Media Coverage:

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Pregame Media Coverage:

Big Purple Fans - UAlbany Fan Board


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Bryant: Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)


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2011 Schedule:

Sat, Sep 3 at Maine L 13-28 --
Sat, Sep 10 American International W 27-16 --
Fri, Sep 16 at Sacred Heart W 26-6 --
Sat, Sep 24 Wagner W 30-28 --
Sat, Oct 1 at Duquesne L 28-31 --
Sat, Oct 8 Stonehill W 42-7 --
Sat, Oct 15 Monmouth L 35-40 --
Sat, Oct 22 at Robert Morris W 34-27 --
Sat, Nov 5 at Albany 1:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 12 St. Francis (PA) 12:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 19 Central Connecticut State 12:00 pm --

University of Albany Women's Soccer Advances to America East Championship With 1-0 Win Over Hartford - UAlbany Sports 2011

West Hartford, Conn. - A match highlighted by a relentless UAlbany defense, including goalkeeper Jackie Ubert's third complete shuout, and Shayla Bergeron's lone goal resulted in a Great Danes' victory over Hartford, 1-0, in the America East Conference Women's Soccer Semifinals on Monday, Oct. 31. UAlbany will play Boston U., on Saturday, Nov. 5, in its first America East finals match since entering the conference

With the match scoreless through the first half, UAlbany (10-9-1) found daylight in the 47th minute when Maggie DeVerna sent a short pass to the foot of Bergeron just inside the 18-yard box. Bergeron directed the shot just underneath the crossbar for the 1-0 lead. Hartford wouldn't go away, as the Hawks peppered Ubert with 13 shots, including two on net, but Ubert would deny them all to preserve the 1-0 win.

"I just tried to stay confident and calm," said Ubert, who has let the Great Danes to an undefeated record since taking over in goal for the last seven games. "Communication is a big part of being a goalkeeper. I just tried to talk as much as I could, give direction and support them."

The first half was powered by Hartford (13-3-3), as the Hawks led in shots, 3-1, and in corner kicks, 2-0. In the 13th minute, Hartford looked to grab the early lead when the Hawks' Arielle Aikens received a perfect through ball only to be denied by Ubert. In the 32nd minute, Hartford looked to capitalize from a corner kick with a header by Amelia Periera, but Ubert made another key save on Hartford's second shot on net to preserve the scoreless tie at half.

Overall, Hartford lead in shots, 16-4, and in corner kicks, 5-0. Hartford's Erin Quinlan saved two shots on three chances. UAlbany's Ubert denied all four shots that she saw.

"We have become a lot stronger and tighter as a defensive unit," said head coach Mary-Frances Monroe on her stellar defensive play. "This is huge. We've been on a nice run since two games into the conference season and ever since then we've started to connect and every game we've gotten a little bit better."

The Great Danes will face #14 Boston U. (17-2-1) on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Nickerson Field. The Terriers enter the contest on a 12-game winning streak. UAlbany fell to Boston U., 2-0, earlier this season in Albany.

University of Albany FCS Football Tailback Andrew Smith Chosen Northeast Conference Football Offensive Player of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2011

Somerset, N.J. - University at Albany's Andrew Smith has been named Northeast Conference Offensive Player of the Week in football, as announced on Monday, Oct. 31 by the conference office. Smith, a junior tailback, received the NEC's weekly award for the second time this season.

Smith rushed 23 times for 149 yards, the second-best performance of his career, and one touchdown in last Saturday's 24-0 victory over Wagner. In blizzard conditions due to a rare October snowstorm, Smith was featured on an eight-play, 45-yard drive in the second quarter that gave his team a 7-0 lead. He scored on a one-yard run, his seventh consecutive carry, to cap the march. The native of Guilderland, N.Y., also helped break open a tight game in the third quarter. He caught a 15-yard first-down pass and broke free on a 48-yard run in a drive that led to 14-0 advantage.

Smith accounted for 170 all-purpose yards, his second-highest total as a collegian, and has reached the century mark in that category in six consecutive games. He recorded his fifth career 100-yard rushing effort. Smith leads the Great Danes in rushing with 720 yards and seven touchdowns, plus is sixth in the NEC in all-purpose yards (115.1 ypg).

UAlbany (6-2, NEC 5-0) is in first place in the conference standings. The Great Danes, who have won six in a row, host Bryant at University Field on Saturday, Nov. 5 at 1:00 p.m.

Paw Prints: UAlbany owns a six-game winning streak, tying the third longest in the program's Division I FCS history ... the Great Danes recorded their 11th shutout as an FCS program by holding Wagner to 204 yards, including 25 passing ... UAlbany has reached the five-win mark in Northeast Conference play in 10 of 13 seasons as a league member ... the Great Danes and Bryant will meet for the third time this weekend ... the Bulldogs posted a 24-7 victory one year ago ... Bryant's Jordan Brown, a Walter Payton Award candidate as the nation's top FCS player, is averaging 163.5 rushing yards, 241.1 all-purpose yards and 13.8 points ... the Great Danes are eighth in scoring (35.9 ppg) and tied for ninth in red-zone efficiency (91%) among the NCAA leaders ... DT Zach Gallo made a career-high 11 tackles and recovered a fumble last week ... DE Eddie Delaney added eight tackles and equaled a career-best 1.5 sacks ... Delaney's sacks wiped out two second-half scoring threats by the Wagner offense ... the Great Danes are receiving votes in both The Sports Network and FCS Coaches national polls.

University of Albany FCS Football Punter Paul Layton Named Northeast Conference Special Teams Player of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2011

Somerset, N.J. - University at Albany's Paul Layton has been selected Northeast Conference Special Teams Player of the Week in football, as announced on Monday, Oct. 31 by the conference office. Layton, a sophomore from Burnt Hills, N.Y., earned the conference award for the second time this season.

Despite blizzard conditions, a snow-covered field, and 20 mile-per-hour winds, Layton averaged 38.3 yards in six punting attempts during a 24-0 victory over Wagner. He helped provide his team with favorable field position and booted a 58-yarder from his own end zone in the second quarter. Three of his punts went to the Seahawks' 20-yard line and beyond. He also assisted placekicker Herb Glass as the holder on all placements. In the wintry conditions, Glass made all three point-after attempts and a 23-yard field goal.

Layton is fourth among the Division I FCS national leaders with a 43.8 punting average. He has placed 17 punts inside the opposition's 20-yard line and has 13 kicks of 50 yards or longer this season.

University of Albany Men's Cross Country Captures First America East Conference Title - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Chris Burke paced the University at Albany men's cross country team to their first America East Conference Championship title on Saturday, October 29th, as the program joined the league in 2001. Burke completed the 8,000-meter course in 24:25.67, as the Great Danes placed three runners in the top-ten.

"We wheeled out a brand new course this year, we're really proud of that and to win our first conference title at home is awesome. It really is ", said coach McVey on UAlbany's first cross country title since entering the America East Conference. "Chris is a senior for us and Paul has another year of eligibility for us and they both ran smart races. They had an opportunity to run on the course at our invitation two weeks ago so that played a factor in how well they did. But they both ran smart races and I 'm just really, really proud of them."

UAlbany and Boston University tied with 60 points each, but the Great Danes were awarded the tie-breaker with Burke's finishing time. The Terriers and Great Danes edged the third-place finisher, University of Maine by nine points. Riley Masters of Maine took his second straight America East championship title in 24:18.66 to set a new course record and finish ahead of 84 competitors.

Coming in after Burke, UAlbany's 2011 45th Annual Invitational winner, Paul Lagno finished fifth overall in 24:47.19. Completing the Great Dane top-five finishers were Ethan Clary (24:50.24, 8th), Alex Leuchanka (25:08.34, 13th), and Chris Buchanan (25:33.09, 32nd).


Paw Prints: Coach Craig McVey and his staff were voted by fellow America East Conference coaches as Coaching Staff of the Year ... The Great Danes will compete in the NCAA Northeast Regional (Amherst, N.Y.) on November 12th and the IC4A Championship (Van Cordlandt Park, Bronx, N.Y.) on November 19th to conclude the 2011 season.

University of Albany Field Hockey Holds Off New Hampshire, 3-2, in America East Play; McConville Nets Game Winner - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Corrine McConville capitalized on penalty stroke opportunity in the 62nd minute to give the No. 18 University at Albany a 3-2 victory over No. 10 New Hampshire in America East Conference action Saturday afternoon on Senior Day.

The Great Danes tallied the lone goal in the first half with a tip-in from Katharina Helling coming off a long shot by Daphne Voormolen with under ten minutes remaining. The goal was Helling's fifth on the season and Voormolen's seventh helper.
New Hampshire (14-4, 4-1AE) rebounded in the 45th minute as Melyssa Woods received a pass near the left post from Hayley Rausch to sneak past UAlbany goalkeeper Kristi Troch. Voormolen and Chantae Miller teamed up to give the Great Danes a 2-1 lead in the 48th minute when Miller's intended shot was received by Voormolen and tipped into the right corner. Play would remain neutral for the next six minutes and the Wildcats took a timeout to regroup. Joyce Kellie of New Hampshire notched the equalizer in the 55th minute with possession of the ball off a defenders stick.

UAlbany (13-6, 3-2 AE) was awarded a penalty stroke in the 62nd minute after a jostle in the crease. McConville would take the shot for the Great Danes and capitalize, giving UAlbany a 3-2 lead. The goal was McConville's 12th on the season as she has gone 4-for-5 on penalty strokes this season. UAlbany held the Wildcats to no shots for the remainder of the game to give New Hampshire their first conference loss this season.

"We played a complete game today," said UAlbany Head Coach Phil Sykes. "This was a very good team win for us against a talented UNH team. We will now focus on next weekend's America East tournament."

For the Wildcats, goalkeeper Katherine Nagengast made four saves in the effort. Troch made three saves, good for her 11th win this season which ties her for third in single-season wins in program history.

The Great Danes had a slight edge on shots, 9-7, and were the only team awarded penalty corners; UAlbany had four in the match.

Up next for UAlbany is the America East championship weekend which is hosted by New Hampshire on November 4th and 6th. The Great Danes will either be seeded third or fourth; final rankings will be announced by the conference after the completion of all games this weekend.

Paw Prints: Before today's game, three graduating Great Danes were honored; Erin Crosson, Christina Patrick, and graduate student Katharina Helling ... Over four seasons, Crosson and Patrick helped UAlbany to a 54-27 record and two America East Conference Championship titles ... The Great Danes have qualified for the America East tournament seven consecutive years.

University of Albany FCS Football Prevails 24-0 in Battle With Wagner and Snow; Andrew Smith Rushes for 149 Yards - UAlbany Sports 2011

Staten Island, N.Y. - Andrew Smith rushed for 149 yards and one touchdown and Dillon Romain ran for a pair of scores in the second half, as UAlbany posted a 24-0 victory over Wagner in Northeast Conference play on Saturday, Oct. 29 at Wagner College Stadium. A driving rain turned into three inches of snow prior to kickoff and covered the field.

UAlbany (6-2, NEC 5-0) broke open a tight game in the third quarter. Wagner (1-7, NEC 1-4) marched from near midfield to inside the Great Danes' 20-yard line. But defensive Eddie Delaney sacked quarterback Nick Doscher on third down and Kenny Howard's fourth-down reception was well short of the yard marker.

The Great Danes then marched 86 yards in nine plays for a 14-0 lead. Smith, a junior tailback, hauled in a 15-yard pass for a first down, before exploding over the right side on a 48-yard scamper. Romain ran five straight times to finish off sequence, including a two-yard blast over right guard.

The Seahawks, who have lost seven in a row since a season-opening win, mishandled a UAlbany punt midway through the fourth quarter and cornerback Duane Harper made the recovery. Herb Glass' 23-yard field goal gave his team a 17-0 cushion. UAlbany's defense set up another score when inside linebacker Jon Morgan forced a fumble following a completed pass and safety Brandon Baylor made a 38-yard return. Romain blasted over right tackle on a three-yard touchdown run with 6:50 remaining.

"We wanted the shutout," said Morgan, who made eight tackles. "We have a mature defense with a lot of starters back. It was a challenge to play in those conditions and then get some turnovers."

The blizzard forced both offenses to be conservative in the opening half. Doscher, who did not even attempt a pass before the break, had his team on the move during its second possession after scrambling for a first down to keep the drive alive. But running back Dominique Williams would later fumble and UAlbany defensive tackle Zach Gallo made the recovery. Williams, one of the nation's top rushers, finished with 145 yards on 34 attempts.

After a short punt on the first play of the second period, the Great Danes featured Smith on an eight-play, 45-yard scoring march. Smith ripped off a 16-yard run to get his team inside the five-yard line. He later dove over right guard for a one-yard touchdown, his seventh consecutive carry, for a 7-0 lead with 11:46 left before the intermission.

"We knew on Thursday that the weather was going to be an issue," offered Smith, who also caught three passes for 21 yards. "It came down to the elements and we knew we had to pound the ball. The defense collapsed in the gap on that long run and I was able to take it to the outside."

Wagner's Doscher, second on the school's career total offense chart, completed just 4 of 8 passes for 25 yards and was limited to 20 on the ground. UAlbany's Dan Di Lella connected on 6-of-11 through the air for 53 yards.

"The conditions were a great equalizer," explained UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team has won six straight games. "I think we are better and healthier than Wagner at this point in the season, but the game was still pretty close into the second half. We have a confident group and I am happy about our defensive performance."

Paw Prints: UAlbany recorded its first shutout since last October 9th, a 48-0 win over Saint Francis, Pa. ... the Great Danes and Wagner met for the 15th time ... UAlbany has reached the five-win mark in conference play for the ninth time in 13 seasons as a league member ... the Great Danes have won eight in a row against NEC opposition ... defensive tackle Zach Gallo made a career-high 11 tackles and defensive end Eddie Delaney matched a career-best with 1.5 sacks ... Andrew Smith accounted for 100-plus all-purpose yards for the sixth consecutive game ... Smith toppled the 100-rushing mark for the fifth time in his career.

#18 University of Albany Field Hockey Holds Off #10 New Hampshire, 3-2 in America East Action; McConville Nets Game Winner - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Corrine McConville capitalized on penalty stroke opportunity in the 62nd minute to give the No. 18 University at Albany a 3-2 victory over No. 10 New Hampshire in America East Conference action Saturday afternoon on Senior Day.

The Great Danes tallied the lone goal in the first half with a tip-in from Katharina Helling coming off a long shot by Daphne Voormolen with under ten minutes remaining. The goal was Helling's fifth on the season and Voormolen's seventh helper.
New Hampshire (14-4, 4-1AE) rebounded in the 45th minute as Melyssa Woods received a pass near the left post from Hayley Rausch to sneak past UAlbany goalkeeper Kristi Troch. Voormolen and Chantae Miller teamed up to give the Great Danes a 2-1 lead in the 48th minute when Miller's intended shot was received by Voormolen and tipped into the right corner. Play would remain neutral for the next six minutes and the Wildcats took a timeout to regroup. Joyce Kellie of New Hampshire notched the equalizer in the 55th minute with possession of the ball off a defenders stick.

UAlbany (13-6, 3-2 AE) was awarded a penalty stroke in the 62nd minute after a jostle in the crease. McConville would take the shot for the Great Danes and capitalize, giving UAlbany a 3-2 lead. The goal was McConville's 12th on the season as she has gone 4-for-5 on penalty strokes this season. UAlbany held the Wildcats to no shots for the remainder of the game to give New Hampshire their first conference loss this season.

"We played a complete game today," said UAlbany Head Coach Phil Sykes. "This was a very good team win for us against a talented UNH team. We will now focus on next weekend's America East tournament."

For the Wildcats, goalkeeper Katherine Nagengast made four saves in the effort. Troch made three saves, good for her 11th win this season which ties her for third in single-season wins in program history.

The Great Danes had a slight edge on shots, 9-7, and were the only team awarded penalty corners; UAlbany had four in the match.

Up next for UAlbany is the America East championship weekend which is hosted by New Hampshire on November 4th and 6th. The Great Danes will either be seeded third or fourth; final rankings will be announced by the conference after the completion of all games this weekend.

Paw Prints: Before today's game, three graduating Great Danes were honored; Erin Crosson, Christina Patrick, and graduate student Katharina Helling ... Over four seasons, Crosson and Patrick helped UAlbany to a 54-27 record and two America East Conference Championship titles ... The Great Danes have qualified for the America East tournament seven consecutive years.

Gonzalez Becomes University of Albany Volleyball Career Digs Leader; UAlbany Volleyball Sweeps UMBC - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Laurie Gonzalez became UAlbany's career digs leader, recording a match-high 23 to lead the Great Danes to a 3-0 win over UMBC in America East Conference volleyball action on Friday evening at University Gymnasium. UAlbany posted set scores of 25-21, 25-21 and 25-15 to sweep the Retrievers. Gonzalez, who passed Ashley DeNeal '08 to take over the top spot in UAlbany annals, now has 1,917 career digs.

UMBC jumped out to an early 9-3 lead on three straight kills, including two by Ali Loynachan, prompting UAlbany to take a timeout. Dunja Prgomet recorded a kill to end the UMBC rally. The Great Danes rallied from the deficit, tying the match at 11-11, and then taking the lead on three consecutive kills by Casey Wright. Emily Vandegrift recorded a kill to pull the Retrievers back within one, 17-16, but UAlbany continued to rally, as Gonzalez served for three straight points, including a service ace, putting the Great Danes ahead, 22-17. UAlbany got to set point on one of Wright's six kills in the first, but Loynachan and Dalton Tolliver nailed back-to-back kills to keep UMBC in play. However, a Retriever service error ended the set in UAlbany's favor.

The teams played a close start to the second set, tying the match six times in the early going before UAlbany took control. Progomet took over the service game after a Wright kill, and served for four straight points, including one of UAlbany's five service aces, to put the Great Danes ahead, 11-7. Emily Vandegrift pulled the Retreivers back within 14-13 on a kill, but UAlbany continued to rally. After a UMBC service error, Abbey Wexel served for four consecutive points to put UAlbany up, 21-16. After a block by Tolliver and Alexandria Spaay, Samantha Brostrom gave UAlbany set point with one of her nine kills in the match. Traci Vandegrift took an assist from Brooke Stanley to end the set and give the Great Danes a 2-0 match lead.

The Great Danes, who defeated UMBC, 3-0, earlier this season, were determined not to let the match go past three sets, and came out firing after the break. The Great Danes built up an 11-7 lead on a kill by Wright, and a kill by Traci Vandegrift prompted UMBC to take a timeout, down 13-8. The teams exchanged points on serves before Traci Vandegrift smacked back-to-back kills to put UAlbany ahead, 22-14. A Retriever attack error gave UAlbany set point, and Brostrom served up an ace to end the match and give the Great Danes the three-set sweep.

Wright recorded a match-high 16 kills on .500 hitting for UAlbany, while Traci Vandegrift added another nine, hitting .353 for the match. Stanley finished with 34 assists and eight digs, while Wexel added 12 digs for the Great Danes. Emily Vandegrift led the Retrievers with eight kills, while Spaay recorded a double-double of 25 assists and 12 digs. Libero Ali Goc added 13 digs for UMBC (12-11, AE 2-6).

UAlbany (14-8, AE 7-1) will return to action on Sunday, hosting Stony Brook in America East Conference action at 1 p.m.

Bergeron Leads University of Albany Women's Soccer to 2-1 Double-Overtime Win Over Vermont in America East Quarterfinals - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Shayla Bergeron scored the gamewinner in the second overtime period to lead UAlbany to a 2-1 victory over sixth-seeded Vermont in an America East Women's soccer quarterfinal match on Thursday afternoon at Varsity Field. The third-seeded Great Danes move on to the tournament semifinals against #2 Hartford on Sunday.

After a scoreless first overtime, Bergeron tallied the decisive goal in the 108th minute. The junior forward picked the ball up at midfield and took it all the way through the Vermont defense. She passed four Catamount defenders, coming head on with Vermont goalkeeper Sarah Leiby, chipping the ball into the left side of the net for the score.

UAlbany got on the board first in regulation, as Maggie DeVerna passed the ball ahead to Katie Grant, who shot from just outside the goalie box. In the 10th minute, Grant's shot sailed just above Leiby's head and into the top right corner. Vermont netted the equalizer in the 72nd minute to send the ball to overtime. Off of a Vermont free kick into the box, Midori Eckenstein headed the ball towards the net, where Ellie Mills got a head on the ball in the air and redirected it past UAlbany's Jackie Ubert.

The teams played a fairly even game, with Vermont holding a slight 19-16 edge in shots and 8-5 advantage in corner kicks. Ubert played all 107:34 for the Great Danes between the pipes, making 10 saves. Leiby also recorded a complete game for Vermont, stopping 10 shots. The Catamounts end the season with a 5-10 overall record.

UAlbany (8-9) will look to win its first America East semifinal game against Hartford on Sunday at 2 p.m. The two teams played to a 1-1 tie in the regular season in Albany.

University of Albany Women's Soccer Earns Four America East Post-Season Accolades - UAlbany Sports 2011

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Chrissy Klepper and Rebecca Lee highlight a group of four Great Dane student-athletes honored on the America East Conference Women's Soccer All-Conference teams, as announced by the league office on Wednesday afternoon. Klepper and Lee were both named to the all-conference second team, along with Chelsea DeVerna. Freshman Stephanie Nelle earned a spot on the all-rookie squad.

Lee leads the team on the season with four goals and two assists for 10 points. She has recorded one game-winning goal, and has converted 2-of-3 penalty kicks. In a 5-3 victory over New Hampshire in September, Lee scored two goals, and she netted the game winner in a 1-0 win at UMBC earlier in October. Klepper is second in scoring, recording three goals and three assists this season for nine total points. She has netted two game winners, and is second on the squad with 29 shots. The senior midfielder scored the winning goal in the season opener against Sacred Heart and netted the go-ahead tally in the regular-season finale win over Stony Brook.

DeVerna makes her third consecutive appearance on the all-conference second team. The junior forward has scored three goals and tallied one assist, while leading the Great Danes with 34 shots. DeVerna's goal against Maine on Oct. 16 helped lead UAlbany to a 3-1 victory to close out a stretch of four straight wins. Nelle has anchored a Great Dane defense that has recorded three shutouts and a 2.01 goals against average this season.

UAlbany (7-9-1, AE 5-2-1) will host Vermont in an America East Championship quarterfinal game on Thursday at 2 p.m. The Great Danes enter the tournament on a six-game undefeated streak, dating back to Oct. 2. UAlbany won four in a row before tying Hartford, and ended the regular season with a 2-1 victory on the road at Stony Brook.

-agate-

2011 America East Women's Soccer All-Conference Teams

First Team: Jessica Luscinski, F, Boston U.; Mary Beth Hamilton, F, Hartford; Amelia Pereira, F, Hartford; Brittany Heist, MF, Boston U.; Kylie Strom, MF, Boston U.; Caitlin Alves, MF, Hartford; Monique Lamotte, MF, New Hampshire; Angelina Cords, D, Boston U.; Katherine Donnelly, D, Boston U.; Michele DeSanti, D, Hartford; Erin Quinlan, GK, Hartford.

Second Team: Chelsea DeVerna, F, UAlbany; Tiya Gallegos, F, Boston U.; Rachel McKee, F, UMBC; Rebecca Lee, MF, UAlbany; Chrissy Klepper, MF, UAlbany; Stephanie Gilkenson, MF, New Hampshire; Sa'sha Kershaw, MF, Stony Brook; Christiana Lang, D, Hartford; Kelly Mooney, D, New Hampshire; Alexa DeMaio, D, Vermont; Alice Binns, GK, Boston U.

All-Rookie Team: Stephanie Nelle, UAlbany; Connie Gormley, Binghamton; Ariana Aston, Boston U.; Taylor Krebs, Boston U.; Jamie Turchi, Boston U.; Chanel Johnson, Hartford; Jordan Pellerin, Maine; Camile Varin-Tremblay, Maine; Meghan Ledwith, New Hampshire; Regan Bosnyak, Stony Brook; Alexandra Dezenzo, Vermont; Kerry Glynn, Vermont.

Striker of the Year: Jessica Luscinski, Boston U.

Midfielder of the Year: Brittany Heist, Boston U.

Defender of the Year: Angelina Cords, Boston U.

Goalkeeper of the Year: Erin Quinlan, Hartford

Rookie of the Year: Taylor Krebs, Boston U.

Coaching Staff of the Year: John Natale, Hartford

2011 UAlbany FCS Football Gameday @ Wagner: 10/29/11

University of Albany: Championship Subdivision Football (FCS)


UAlbany FCS Football Homepage

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NEXT GAME

Date: Saturday, October 29, 2011
Time: 12pm
Opponent: Wagner
Location: Staten Island, NY
Facility: Wagner College Stadium
Directions
Tickets

Distance:
From Albany - 165m
From Boston – 229m
From NYC - 13m


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2011 UAlbany FCS Football Schedule:

Sat, Sep 3 at Colgate L 34-37 --
Sat, Sep 17 Maine L 15-31 --
Sat, Sep 24 at Columbia W 44-21 --
Sat, Oct 1 at St. Francis (PA) W 41-20 --
Sat, Oct 8 Duquesne W 38-10 --
Sat, Oct 15 Robert Morris W 28-17 --
Sat, Oct 22 Central Connecticut State W 63-35 --
Sat, Oct 29 at Wagner 12:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 5 Bryant 1:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 12 at Monmouth 12:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 19 Sacred Heart 1:00 pm --


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Gameday Live Media Coverage:

FoxSports Radio - Great Dane Football
Webcast
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Pregame Media Coverage:

Big Purple Fans - UAlbany Fan Board


Coach's Corner:




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Wagner University: Championship Subdivision Football (FCS)


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2011 Schedule:

Sat, Sep 3 St. Francis (PA) W 38-28 --
Sat, Sep 10 at Richmond L 6-21 --
Sat, Sep 17 Central Connecticut State L 24-28 --
Sat, Sep 24 at Bryant L 28-30 --
Sat, Oct 1 at Cornell L 7-31 --
Sat, Oct 8 Georgetown L 10-24 --
Sat, Oct 22 at Duquesne L 21-37 --
Sat, Oct 29 Albany 12:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 5 Sacred Heart 1:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 12 at Robert Morris 12:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 19 at Monmouth 12:00 pm --


Stadium:

University of Albany Football's Dan Di Lella Named NEC Offensive Player of the Week for Second Straight Time - UAlbany Sports 2011

Somerset, N.J. - University at Albany's Dan Di Lella has been chosen Northeast Conference Offensive Player of the Week in football, as announced on Monday, Oct. 24 by the conference office. Di Lella, a 6-foot-5 quarterback, was recognized with the league award for the second consecutive week.

Di Lella set a school record with five touchdown passes, including four in the first half, and scored on a 20-yard run in the third quarter in last Saturday's 63-35 NEC victory against Central Connecticut State. He jump-started a run of 21 unanswered in the second half that broke the game open. He found tight end Paul Booker with a 7-yard scoring pass, his fifth of the game, and then ran for touchdown that gave his team a 49-21 lead.

A native of Neshanic Station, N.J., Di Lella is the first UAlbany player to account for six touchdowns in a game at the Division I FCS level. He completed 14-of-22 through the air for a career-high 283 yards, tying the sixth-best figure in school annals. Di Lella added 75 yards on the ground and established the program's FCS single-game record with 358 total yards. In seven starting assignments, he has thrown for 1,557 yards and 16 touchdowns. He is 21st nationally in total offense at 258.6 yards per game.

Paw Prints: UAlbany (5-2, NEC 4-0) is receiving votes in both national Division I FCS polls ... the Great Danes own a five-game winning streak for the first time in two years ... UAlbany surpassed the 500-mark in total yards with 573 against Central Connecticut State, plus scored its most points in a conference game ... QB Dan Di Lella, who set the program's FCS standard with 358 total yards last week, helped the offense score on nine of 11 possessions ... the Great Danes are fourth nationally in scoring (37.6 ppg) and ninth in total offense (448.9 ypg) ... TB Andrew Smith has accounted for 100 or more all-purpose yards in five consecutive games ... WR Ryan Kirchner is the 12th UAlbany player to reach 1,000 career receiving yards (1,006) ... FS Justin Hassan became the sixth active UAlbany defender to register 100 career tackles (101) ... UAlbany travels to Wagner on Saturday, Oct. 29 for a 12:07 p.m. kickoff ... the contest is part of the NEC television package and can be seen on ESPN 3 and Fox College Sports.

University of Albany All-America Track Hurdler Alie Beauvais Competes at XVI Pan American Games - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Former University at Albany All-America hurdler Alie Beauvais will compete this week at the XVI Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico. Beauvais, who will represent his native country of Haiti, is scheduled to run in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles preliminary round on Wednesday, Oct. 26. The Pan American Games are held the year prior to the Summer Olympics.

Beauvais, who attended Hempstead High School on Long Island, earned third-team All-America honors last year when he advanced to the NCAA 400-hurdles semifinals. Beauvais, who also qualified for nationals in 2009, punched his ticket to the NCAAs with a third-place effort at the East Preliminary Round.

Beauvais suffered a leg injury in early May at the 2011 America East Conference meet, but returned one month later to compete at NCAA regionals. He ran a season-best time of 51.08 seconds when he took third at Penn Relays. In 2010, Beauvais set the school's indoor 500-meter record of 1:02.32.

During his career, he previously represented Haiti and advanced to the finals in the 400-hurdles at the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games. In addition to UAlbany's success at the America East Conference level, Beauvais was a key figure in the program's three IC4A championships.

University of Albany's Brooke Stanley Earns Fifth America East Volleyball Setter of the Week Award - UAlbany Sports 2011

Cambridge, Mass. - Senior setter Brooke Stanley was named the America East Conference Volleyball Setter of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. It is Stanley's fifth weekly award this season.

Stanley led the Great Danes to two sweeps last week, as the team defeated Colgate, 3-0, in non-league action on Wednesday before posting a 3-0 win over Binghamton in America East play on Sunday. The native of Hendersonville, N.C. averaged 12.33 assists, the highest in the conference for the week, and led the team to a .356 hitting percentage. She also recorded 1.50 digs and 1.17 kills, along with two service aces on the week.

Against Colgate, Stanley finished with 38 assists, four kills, four digs and an ace while the Great Danes hit .360 as a team. Versus the Bearcats at home, she tallied 36 assists, three kills, five digs, two blocks and an ace. One of Stanley's two blocks against Binghamton was a solo block in the second set that gave the Great Danes a commanding 17-12 lead. She leads the conference with 11.03 assists per set this season, while UAlbany leads the league with a team hitting percentage of .232.

University of Albany W Soccer Edges Stony Brook; Hosts Vermont in Thursday's America East Quarterfinal Match - UAlbany Sports 2011

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Senior Chrissy Klepper scored the game-winner with an unassisted goal off a free kick to lead UAlbany to a 2-1 win over Stony Brook in America East Conference women's soccer action on Sunday afternoon at LaValle Stadium. The Great Danes, who secured the No. 3 seed in the upcoming America East Championship, will host sixth-seeded Vermont on Thursday at 2 p.m. in the quarterfinals of the league tournament.

After a scoreless first half, UAlbany ended the drought with a goal in the 61st minute. Senior Katie Grant took a long cross from Harrison from the right wing. Grant and Stony Brook goalkeeper Chelsea Morales both went for the ball, but Grant got there first, heading it into the net. Ten minutes later, Klepper netted what would prove to be the game-winner, taking an assist off Amy Harrison's free kick from 45 yards out on the right wing. Morales misplayed the ball in the air, and Klepper knocked it across the goal line for the score.

The Seawolves attempted a late comeback, as Sa'sha Kershaw scored a goal in the 74th minute to cut the UAlbany lead to one. Christi Casamassina sent a crossing pass from the right wing, were Kershaw collected the ball and slipped it past UAlbany netminder Jackie Ubert with two taps.

UAlbany held a 19-13 shot advantage, including a 13-8 tally in the second half, and also took three corner kicks to Stony Brook's one. Ubert played a complete game between the pipes for the Great Danes, recording five saves, while Morales stopped seven UAlbany shots for Stony Brook (4-12-1, AE 2-5-1).

UAlbany wraps up the regular season with a 7-9-1 overall record, posting a 5-2-1 ledger in America East play. The Great Danes have not lost a game since October 2, notching four straight victories before settling for a tie against league-leader Hartford on Thursday. UAlbany defeated Vermont (5-9-4, AE 3-4-1), 2-1, in the regular-season meeting between the two teams. The winner will face No. 2 seed Hartford on Sunday at 2 p.m.

University of Albany Volleyball Sweeps Binghamton in Three Sets; Tied for First in America East Standings UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Casey Wright recorded a match-high 16 kills on .481 hitting to lead UAlbany to a 3-0 sweep of Binghamton in America East Conference volleyball action on Sunday afternoon at University Gymnasium. The Great Danes swept the Bearcats with set scores of 25-16, 25-17 and 25-15.

UAlbany came out firing, building up a quick 9-3 advantage in the first set on a kill by Wright, prompting Binghamton to take an early timeout. The Bearcats regrouped and scored the next four points to pull within 9-7, but Wright smacked another one of her five kills in the set to end the rally and put the Great Danes back in control. UAlbany pulled ahead, 14-10, on a kill by Samantha Brostrom, but a kill by Binghamton's Kristin Hovie, followed by two Great Dane errors allowed the Bearcats to get within a point. A timeout by UAlbany refocused the Great Danes, who quickly jumped back ahead, getting to set point on back-to-back kills by Gabby Whitworth. A Binghamton attack error ended the set and gave UAlbany a 1-0 match lead.

The teams played a closer start to the second set, tying the score six times before UAlbany pulled ahead, 18-13, behind the service game of Abbey Wexel. A kill by Annelot Nieuwenhuis ended the rally, but Wright smashed a kill up the middle and put The Great Danes back in control. Dunja Prgomet, who recorded two service aces on the day, notched one on her first serve, and then served for three additional points to put the Great Danes up by ten, 23-13. Grace Vickers recorded a kill and then took over serve for Binghamton and attempted to start a rally for the Bearcats, pulling within 23-17. Wright took an assist from Stanley to get UAlbany to set point, and then recorded a kill off her own serve to end the set.

UAlbany wasted no time after the break, and built up a 12-6 lead on back-to-back kills by Brostrom. Binghamton pulled to within four, 14-10, on a service ace by Julie Chambers, but the Great Danes would not fold, building up a 19-11 advantage on the team's fifth ace of the day, served up by Brostrom. Wright was involved the the final four points of the match, recording three kills, including the match-winner, and combining with Stanley on a block for set point.

Brostrom added nine kills in the match, going without an error in 24 attempts for a .375 hitting percentage, while also coming up with 11 digs. Stanley quarterbacked the Great Danes to a .352 team hitting percentage, finishing with 36 assists, five digs, three kills and two blocks. Laurie Gonzalez recorded 12 digs, and now needs just ten digs to set the UAlbany career record.

Binghamton (10-15, AE 2-5) was led by Hovie and Nieuwenhuis, who each totaled nine kills. Libero Xiomara Ortiz finished with 11 digs, while Emily Litwin added 10 digs defensively. Setter Amanda Dettmann finished with 29 assists and eight digs.

UAlbany (13-8, AE 7-1) will return to action on Friday, hosting UMBC in America East action at 7 p.m. The Great Danes posted a 3-2 come-from-behind victory over the Retrievers earlier this season in Baltimore.

University of Albany Football's Di Lella Sets School Record for TD Passes in 63-35 NEC Win at Central Conn. State - UAlbany Sports 2011

New Britain, Conn. - Senior quarterback Dan Di Lella threw a school-record five touchdown passes and ran for another score in leading UAlbany to a 63-35 Northeast Conference victory over Central Connecticut State on Saturday, Oct. 22 at Arute Field. The Great Danes, who have won five in a row, remained in sole possession of first place in the conference standings.

UAlbany (5-2, NEC 4-0) led 35-21 at the intermission, but then exploded for 21 unanswered in the second half. The Great Danes drove 80 yards in 10 plays on their first offensive series. Andrew Smith, a junior tailback, broke free on the right sideline with a 57-yard screen pass to wipe a second-and-21 situation. Di Lella wrapped up the possession with a seven-yard touchdown pass to tight end Paul Booker, his fifth of the game to break the program's all-time standard.

Di Lella, who threw for a career-high 283 yards on 14-of-22 through the air, and added 75 yards on the ground, called his own number the next time the Great Danes touched the ball. His completed a 29-yard pass to Cole King and followed with a 20-yard scamper to paydirt. Defensive tackle Andrew Smith ended the scoring spree with a 38-yard interception return for a touchdown and a 56-21 advantage.

"I just followed (offensive guard) Kyle O'Keefe on the screen," explained Smith, who had 125 all-purpose yards. "We have the talent and now it is all coming together. We have the same guys from last year; there is a chemistry. Dan (Di Lella) knows the offense and he knows the receivers."

UAlbany broke a 7-7 tie in the opening period by scoring on consecutive possessions. Di Lella hooked up with reserve tight end Brian Parker on a 57-yard touchdown reception, his first career catch, in beating a cornerback blitz. After the Blue Devils ran out of downs at the Albany 39, the Great Danes mixed the run and pass on a six-play drive. Di Lella fired a 34-yard post-pattern strike to Nick Hutcherson for a two-touchdown lead.

In an offensive shootout from the start, Central Connecticut State (2-6, NEC 1-4) answered with a 12-play, 71-yard march. Gunnar Jespersen's 36-yard completion to Deven Baker on third-and-12 kept the series alive. Jespersen finished off the sequence with a one-yard run over right guard. UAlbany retaliated with a 14-play drive for a 28-14 advantage. Di Lella's seven-yard shovel pass put Smith across the goal line.

The Blue Devils, who have dropped five straight, came up with the game's first turnover when linebacker Lawton Arnold hit Di Lella as he threw and strong safety Antwione Reese came up with the interception near midfield. The miscue led to Jespersen's 18-yard scoring pass to a high-leaping Baker. UAlbany regrouped once again with a drive that ate up most of the first-half clock. Dillon Romain's nine-yard run on fourth down was a key play. Ryan Kirchner would later haul in Di Lella's pass with two hands in the back of the end zone for an 11-yard score and a 14-point halftime margin.

"Dan Di Lella threw the ball well and ran the ball well," said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team set a record for most points against an NEC opponent. "The defense struggled early on, but we figured it out at halftime and were able to get a number of three-and-outs."

CCSU's Jespersen completed 11 of 18 pass attempts for 205 yards. He threw a 47-yard scoring pass in the opening period and 30-yard TD in the final stanza, both to wide receiver Nick Bacarella. Brian Fowler and reserve quarterback Andrew Clements, a converted linebacker, added 85 and 74 rushing yards, respectively.

"It was a team effort," offered Di Lella, who broke a single-game record that was shared by Joe Savino and Brad Aldrich. "Your teammates help you out and that means a lot to me. I trust everyone to make a make a play. We just wanted to keep our foot on the gas."

Paw Prints: UAlbany has a five-game win streak for the first time in two years ... the Great Danes and Central Connecticut State met for the 16th time ... the last three games in the series were each decided by three points or less ... the Great Danes set a program record for most points against an NEC opponent, as the previous mark was 58 against Saint Francis, Pa. on Oct. 20, 2007 ... QB Dan Di Lella established career-highs in passing yards (283) and total offense (368) ... Di Lella eclipsed Michael Oliva's record of most total offensive yards against an NEC team, as Oliva had 323 against Stony Brook on Oct. 2, 1999 ... Ryan Kirchner became the 12th UAlbany receiver to surpass 1,000 career receiving yards (1,006) ... the Great Danes have won seven straight against conference opposition ... UAlbany has registered four or more league wins in all 13 seasons as an NEC member.

University of Albany Volleyball Sweeps Non-Conference Opponent Colgate - UAlbany Sports 2011

Hamilton, N.Y. - Dunja Prgomet recorded a match-high 12 kills on .480 hitting to go along with seven digs, leading UAlbany to a 3-0 sweep of Colgate in non-conference volleyball action on Wednesday evening at Cotterell Court. The Great Danes swept the Raiders with set scores of 25-18, 25-18 and 25-13.

Colgate jumped out to a quick 4-0 lead in the first set before service error ended the run. Michelle McCarthy put the Raiders up 5-1 with a kill, but UAlbany came roaring back, eventually tying the set at 10-10 on a kill by Traci Vandegrift and taking its first lead with a Prgomet kill. Another kill by McCarthy tied the set for a final time at 11-11, but the Great Danes rattled off six straight points to take a 17-11 advantage. UAlbany continued to roll, getting back-to-back kills from Gabby Whitworth, followed by a service ace by Brooke Stanley, getting ahead, 23-16. Samantha Brostrom gave UAlbany set point with a kill before Prgomet took an assist from Stanley to end the set.

UAlbany's momentum carried into the next set. Despite a back-and-forth start, the Great Danes took an 8-7 advantage on a kill by Whitworth, and scored the next three points to pull ahead, 11-7, and prompt Colgate to take a timeout. After a UAlbany service error gave the Raiders a chance to rally back, Whitworth smacked another kill, giving Brostrom the ball behind the service line for the Great Danes. Brostrom served for six straight points, putting UAlbany up by 10, 18-8 before Colgate could get another point on a kill by Maureen Colligan. Brostrom later gave the Great Danes set point with a kill before Stanley ended the set with a kill of her own off an assist from Natalee Gruse.

The Great Danes did not slow in the third set, building up a quick 9-2 advantage behind five serves by Laurie Gonzalez, including two aces and two blocks by Vandegrift and Casey Wright. The teams exchanged points before UAlbany embarked on another rally, scoring five straight points to build up a 19-8 advantage. UAlbany scored the final three points of the set, getting to match point on a Colgate attack error and ending the match on a kill by Vanessa Sheffield.

Wright finished with nine kills, while Whitworth and Vandegrift added seven and six, respectively. Gonzalez led the team defensively with 24 digs, while Brostrom added 11 digs and two aces. Stanley totaled 38 assists, along with four digs, four kills and one ace.

Colgate (9-12) was led by Lindsay Young with 10 kills, while McCarthy added nine. Lexi Finger paced the Raiders defensively with 13 digs. Caitlin Cremin and Blaire Safir also totaled double-digit dig totals with 11 and 10, respectively. Kaylee Fifer tallied 32 assists and helped the Raiders with eight digs and five kills.

UAlbany (11-8) will return to action on Sunday, hosting Binghamton in America East play at 5 p.m.

University of Albany Field Hockey Moves Up to 15th in NFHCA Poll - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany field hockey climbed to No. 15 in the Kookaburra/National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division I Coaches Poll, the program's eighth consecutive week in the rankings. The weekly poll was announced Tuesday, October 18 by the organization.
After sweeping both America East Conference opponent Vermont and Delaware to record their third and fourth consecutive shutout, the Great Danes moved up one position switching spots with Boston U. (16th). Also on the move were other conference foes; Maine bumped up to 13th and New Hampshire dropped two spots to 10th.

UAlbany (12-5) has two regular-season games remaining, both featuring conference opponents. The Great Danes will travel to Boston U. Saturday, October 23rd at 3:00 p.m. and host New Hampshire on Saturday, October 29th at 1:00 p.m.

Paw Prints: After defeating Delaware 4-0 on this past Sunday, the Great Danes hosted their second annual "Stick it to Cancer" fundraiser and clinic. The team hosted 85 athletes from the Shenendehowa School District to work on field hockey skills and training. UAlbany raised $300 from donations for the National Foundation of Cancer Research and $425 for the Luke Romano Fund.