Mike Konstanty Homers Twice as UAlbany Baseball Splits Doubleheader at Hofstra

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Hempstead, N.Y. – Senior Mike Konstanty homered twice, including the game-winner in the opening contest, to lead the UAlbany baseball team to a split of a doubleheader with Hofstra on Tuesday, March 18 at University Field. The Great Danes took game one, 5-3, in seven innings, but dropped the nine-inning second game, 4-1.

In game one, the Pride took a 2-0 lead through three innings. Nick Panzarella singled in the first inning to right field to drive in lead-off batter Tom Legregni from second base. Hofstra tacked on a second run in the third inning on a run-scoring groundout by Matt Prokopowicz.

UAlbany (4-11-1) cut the deficit in half with a run in the top of the fourth. With two outs, freshman second baseman Jamie Liebowitz doubled down the left field line to score junior shortstop Sean Donovan from second base. The Pride got the run back in the bottom of the fifth on a single to right field by Prokopowicz to score Legregni.

The Great Danes narrowed the gap to 3-2 in the top of the sixth and took the lead with three runs in the seventh. Donovan led off the sixth with his first homer of the season to pull within one. In the seventh, sophomore right fielder Brendan Rowland led off the frame with a double down the left field line. Following a fly out, Rowland moved to third on a passed ball and scored the tying run on a wild pitch as junior center fielder Dave West walked. Konstanty followed with a two-run shot to center field, his third homer of the season.

Junior Sean Gregory pitched two scoreless innings in relief, striking out two, for his first win of the season. Junior Josh Willimott recorded six strikeouts over the first innings, yielding three runs on eight hits. Drew Luedtke took the loss for the Pride, allowing two runs on two hits in an inning of work. Scott A’Hara struck out four over the opening four innings, allowing just an unearned run, while Brody Fontaine allowed two runs (one earned) in two innings.

Donovan finished the game with three hits and two runs scored.

In the nightcap, Hofstra tallied single runs in each of the first two innings. After consecutive walks and a double play to start the game, Elliot Hagburg singled through the left side to bring in Roberto Muniz from third. In the second, Felix Adamkiewicz singled to center to plate Adam Perlo, who led off the frame with a double.

Konstanty cut the Hofstra lead in half with a homer to right field in the third inning, but that was the only scoring Hofstra starter Bobby Neelon would allow.

Hofstra (5-12) added runs in each of the fourth and eighth innings to deliver the final score. Anthony Sarno led off the fourth by being hit by a pitch. After advancing to third on back-to-back groundouts, he scored on a wild pitch. In the eighth, Hagburg knocked in Legregni with a double to center.

Neelon pitched a complete game, striking out 13, while yielding just one run on five hits. Junior southpaw Dave Noble took the loss for the Great Danes, yielding three runs on three hits and recording two strikeouts in four innings pitched. Junior Jeff Kaier pitched the final four innings, giving up a run on six hits and registering a pair of strikeouts.

UAlbany returns to action on Friday, March 21 in Conway, S.C. for the start of a three-game weekend set with nationally-ranked Coastal Carolina. First pitch is slated for 6 p.m.

McIntosh Named America East Pitcher of the Week for Second Time This Season

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – Sophomore right-hander Leah McIntosh was named the America East Conference Softball Pitcher of the Week after leading UAlbany to a 3-1 record at the Winthrop/adidas Invitational in Rock Hill S.C. last weekend. It is her second weekly award of the season.

The sophomore earned all-tournament honors at the Winthrop/adidas Invitational after fanning 10 against Fairfield, and then another 10 against Ohio. Both performances were complete games, including eight innings against Ohio.

The Great Danes will return to action on Friday, March 21 at the Georgia Spring Fling.

McIntosh Tosses Complete Game to Lead UAlbany Over Ohio, 2-1, in Eight Innings

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Rock Hill, S.C. – Sophomore right-hander Leah McIntosh tossed a complete game to lead UAlbany to a 2-1 win over Ohio in eight innings on the final day of the Winthrop/adidas Invitational on Sunday, March 16.

UAlbany (6-3) tied the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the third inning. Sophomore Nicole Kothe knocked a single to reach base, and advanced to second and third on consecutive passed balls by Ohio catcher Jordan Paden. Bailey Van Deest drove Kothe in with a single of her own to knot the score.

The game remained tied until the bottom of the eighth inning, when Gina Mason, who started the frame on second base due to the international tie-break rule, was driven home on a sacrifice fly by senior Leanne Tillman.

McIntosh earned all-tournament team accolades for her performance over the weekend. The Great Danes will return to action on Friday, March 21 at the Georgia Spring Fling.
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Ohio 010 000 00 - 1 5 1

UAlbany (6-3) 001 000 01 - 2 10 2

Ohio: Emily Wethington and Jordan Paden
UAlbany: Leah McIntosh and Kat Smith

Katie Neer Makes Last-Second Save in Lacrosse's 11-10 Victory Against St. Bonaventure

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Kayla Best scored the game-winning goal with three minutes and 51 seconds remaining to lift UAlbany past St. Bonaventure, 11-10, in non-conference women’s lacrosse play on Sunday, March 16 at John Fallon Field. The game moved to the Capital Region due to poor field conditions in western New York.

UAlbany (5-2) tied the contest at 10 apiece when Christine Grueniger faked a shot from the left and went low around a defender with 5:23 left. Best, who had two goals and one assist, put her team ahead as she drove into the middle and sent a blast inside the left post. St. Bonaventure (1-3) had an opportunity to draw even with 12 seconds on the clock, but goalkeeper Katie Neer stopped Brenna Houghton’s shot from right of the crease at point-blank range.

“I tried to hold my position and stay patient,” explained Neer when describing Houghton’s last-second shot. “I knew that they would be driving (to the net) in the last 20 seconds. My team has come through for me when I didn’t play as well, so I certainly wanted to pull through for them. This is both thrilling and intense and I didn’t want to lose.”

The Bonnies rallied from an 8-6 halftime deficit with three goals during a four-minute span of the final period. Houghton scored her second goal of the game off a rebound, before Stephanie Jordan got the equalizer 28 seconds later with a bounce shot from right of the crease. Kimberly Ross, a first-team All-Atlantic 10 Conference midfielder, then drove to the cage after a restart to give her team the lead with 13:02 remaining.

Freshman Tee Ladouceur tallied her third goal to the game at nine-all when she moved from left to right and fired a shot inside the right post. The Great Danes appeared to go ahead with 6:32 to play when Jane Bush converted a feed from Rory Redmond, but the goal was disallowed due to an illegal stick. The Bonnies took advantage by scoring 23 seconds later when junior midfielder Keri Vito connected from the right side off a pass from Catie Greene.

In the opening period, UAlbany led by as much as three on two separate occasions, including 7-4 after freshman Jodi Battaglia netted a pair of unassisted goals. But St. Bonaventure’s Ashley Fischer converted a free-position shot and Houghton found the cage following a turnover. UAlbany’s Bush scored in transition with less than three minutes left in the half to stake her team to a two-goal lead at the intermission.

Neer, a first-year starter in the cage, finished with a career-high 18 saves, including several key stops when her team went scoreless for 18-plus minutes to begin the final stanza. St. Bonaventure’s Vito had two goals and one assist, while goalkeeper Eboni Preston turned aside 11 shots.

UAlbany Tennis Wins Fifth Straight Match With 4-3 Victory Over Hofstra

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Junior Charlotte Tatler won her singles match in straight sets and picked up a win at third doubles to lead UAlbany to a 4-3 non-conference women’s tennis win over Hofstra on Saturday, March 15 at the Bubble.

Tatler took both sets with Stacey Kent by scores of 6-2 and 6-2 at No. 4 singles for her sixth consecutive singles win. Tatler teamed with junior Kim Weltman at No. 3 doubles for an 8-2 pro-set triumph over Stacey Kent and Morganne Dowling. Weltman recorded her fifth straight singles win with a 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 victory over Zoe Taylor at the third slot.

Freshman Laine Mackey picked up the Great Danes’ third singles win at the No. 5 position, defeating Valerie McDonald, 6-0, 6-1. The duo of Mackey and Amanda Hall won for their fifth straight match by topping McDonald and Samantha Sharifi, 8-0. Hall fell to Downing at sixth singles, 3-6, 6-4, 11-9.

Hofstra picked up singles wins at the first and second positions. At No. 1 singles, Christie Gattelaro beat Aimee Kern, 6-2, 6-3, while Lauren Clifton defeated Susan Ma at second singles. Kern and Ma combined to beat Gattelaro and Clifton, 8-7 (11-9), at first doubles.

Connors & Kothe Power Softball Past North Carolina A&T at Winthrop Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Rock Hill, S.C. – Sophomore Nicole Kothe tripled and homered to lead UAlbany to a 4-3win over North Carolina A&T on the second day of the Winthrop/adidas Invitational on Saturday, March 15.

After three scoreless innings, North Carolina A&T (11-5-1) got on the board with three runs in the top of the fourth. With one out, Jessie Larson singled and Tangala Conover walked. Second baseman Lillian Bullock followed with a three-run homer to get the Lady Aggies in the scoring column.

UAlbany (5-3) responded with a pair of runs in each of the next two innings. Kothe led off the fourth inning with a triple. Sophomore second baseman Michelle Connors followed by blasting a 2-2 pitch for a home run to cut the Great Danes’ deficit to one. In the fifth inning, UAlbany rallied with two outs. Senior left fielder Amber Maisonet singled and stole second. Kothe then homered to give UAlbany the lead.

Sophomore Marissa Powell picked up the win for the Great Danes by pitching the final 3.2 innings, without allowing a run on two hits and recording two strikeouts. Freshman Brittney Rose tossed the first 3.1 innings, allowing three runs on five hits, with three strikeouts. Zapora Gatson took the loss for UNC A&T, striking out one over two innings.

Kothe, Connors and Maisonet each recorded two hits in the contest for UAlbany. The Great Danes close out competition at the Winthrop/adidas Invitational against Ohio at 11 a.m. on Sunday.

Women's Basketball Rallies for 64-57 Win in America East Conference Quarterfinal Round

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

West Hartford, Conn. – Charity Iromuanya recorded his first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, as UAlbany rallied in the second half for a 64-57 victory over Binghamton in the America East Conference Championship’s quarterfinal round on Friday, March 15 at the University of Hartford’s Chase Arena. The Great Danes will meet top-seed and regular-season champion Hartford, a 72-41 winner against Stony Brook, in the semifinals on Saturday at 5:00 p.m.

UAlbany (13-17) trailed by nine at the intermission and erased that hole with 12 consecutive points to begin the second half. Iromuanya ignited that run with a baseline drive, a steal that led to a fastbreak layup and two free throws. Freshman guard Janea Aiken, who led her team with 14 points, hit a driving layup and sank a pair of three throws for a 37-36 lead.

Binghamton’s Laura Sario, who had 16 points and seven rebounds, later drew her team even at 39 apiece with a three-point field goal from the left corner. But the Great Danes answered with 11 of the game’s next 12 points. Iromuanya, who added four steals and two assists to her career-high rebound total, made a three-pointer from the left wing to put her team ahead for good. Gia Sanders then scored in the lane off a baseline feed from Kristin Higy. Sanders, a 6-foot senior who had 10 points, later made a foul-line jumper and converted in the lane for a 50-40 lead midway through the period.

The Bearcats, the tournament’s fifth seed who lost both regular-season meetings to UAlbany, would eventually closed the gap to three on two occasions, including 56-53 with 3:27 left when Brianna Thompson, a 6’1” senior, made a turnaround bank shot. UAlbany’s Britney McGee answered that surge when she hit a 15-foot jumper and finished off a fastbreak on consecutive possessions. Despite missing the front end of three one-and-one free throw opportunities in the final minute, the Great Danes hung on to advance to the semifinal round for the first time since 2004.

“I am so proud of the heart of this team,” said UAlbany coach Trina Patterson, whose squad has reached the America East semifinals for just the second time since joining the conference in 2001-02. “There was no rhyme or reason to how we won the game. We were on another level intensity-wise. We didn’t want to go home. If we can keep the intensity this high or higher, we can be very dangerous this weekend.”

Binghamton (11-19) wiped out a nine-point deficit in the opening half with 12 unanswered. Erica Carter drilled three consecutive 3-point shots, including a long-range jumper from the right wing, to tie the contest at 25 apiece. Sario, who had 10 first-half points, then nailed a three-pointer from the left wing to put her team ahead. The Bearcats, who closed the period on a monster 20-2 run, held the tournament’s fourth seed without a field goal over the final six minutes of the stanza. Sario used the glass to can a pair of shots from left of the lane before making one of two free throws for a 36-27 lead at the break. UAlbany held a nine-point cushion twice in the first stanza despite shooting just 28.6 percent. Higy and TaNika Thrower made back-to-tack 3-pointers for a 25-16 advantage.

“We know that if we lose one we’re done,” said Iromuanya, a sophomore guard who did all of her scoring after halftime and helped her team force 27 turnovers. “We have a great bunch of seniors that push us. Defense wins games. Everyone committed (to that) in the first five minutes of the second half ... stay on your man and help each other out.”

The Bearcats’ Laine Kurpniece, a first-team all-conference center, had 14 points and a career-high 15 rebounds, while Carter had 12 of her 14 points in the opening half. McGee finished with 11 points for the Great Danes, who have won nine of their last 12 outings.

Eight UAlbany Field Hockey Players Named to the ZAG/NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – All-conference honorees Ashley Ross and Anouk Vandenburg highlight a group of eight UAlbany field hockey players who were named to the ZAG/NFHCA Division I National Academic Squad, as announced by the organization on Wednesday afternoon.

Ross, who was named an all-conference first-team member for the second time, earned Northeast second team accolades after compiling five shutouts and a 1.14 goals against average, putting her sixth in the country. Vandenberg was named to the all-conference first team and all-rookie squad after finishing the season ranked first in the conference and seventh in the nation with 13 assists.

Freshmen Carrie Brown, Suzy Clephane, Sam Daly, Sarah Deane and Joanna Irey, along with junior Vanessa Walter also earned spots on the 2007 squad. The National Academic Squad program recognizes those collegiate student-athletes who have achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.30 through the first semester of the 2007-08 academic year.

UAlbany finished the 2007 season at 15-5 overall after falling to conference champion Boston University in the America East Championship on Nov. 4. The Great Danes finished No. 19 in the final NFHCA national rankings.

UAlbany Lacrosse 's Kayla Best Scores Four Goals in 12-9 Non-League Win Against Colgate

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

Albany, N.Y. – Sophomore Kayla Best tied a career-high with four goals, including three in the first half, in leading UAlbany to a 12-9 non-conference victory over Colgate on Tuesday, March 11 at John Fallon Field.

UAlbany (4-2) reversed an early 1-0 deficit with five consecutive goals over a four-plus minute span. Freshman Tee Ladouceur, who scored twice and had one assist, put her team ahead by cutting to the top of the crease and placing Jane Bush’s pass from behind into the net. Best tallied back-to-back goals 15 seconds apart. The all-conference midfielder sent a blast inside the left post while driving in the middle of the zone. After Ladouceur won the following draw control, Best went to the cage and sent a low shot past Colgate goalkeeper Sara Drexler. Jodi Battaglia capped that outburst by converting a free-position attempt.

Colgate (2-5) would later close to within 6-4 with 5:01 left in the opening half. Sophomore Brie Moran, who had three goals, including her 16th of the season, sent a free-position opportunity into the lower left corner. Colleen Bubnack then worked her way in from the right side and fired a low shot into the cage. Bubnack, a freshman midfielder, added three assists.

The Great Danes, who had dropped five of the previous six meetings in this regional series, netted a pair of goals before halftime. Battaglia scored on a give-and-go from Bush from in front of the crease. Best gave her team at an 8-4 cushion at the intermission by depositing a free-position shot into the left side with 2.7 seconds remaining.

The Raiders, who were coming off an 11-8 win over Patriot League opponent Holy Cross last Saturday, never got closer than three in the second half. Jess Van der Muelen recorded the second of her two goals with 3:03 to play. But Battaglia, a freshman midfielder, scored her third goal nearly two minutes later when she stripped Drexler trying to clear the ball and found an empty net.

“It wasn’t pretty, but we won,” stated UAlbany coach Lindsey Hart, whose team matched its best six-game record at the Division I level. “Our defensive made some good stops, and we won draw controls and pushed the fastbreak. (Jodi) Battaglia played well on both ends of the field.”

UAlbany’s Christine Grueniger had two goals, including her 12th of the year, while Bush posted a career-best assist total. Goalkeeper Katie Neer made eight saves.

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Colgate (2-5) 4 5 - 9

UAlbany (4-2) 8 4 - 12

UAlbany Tennis Team Breaks Division I Program Record With 12th Win

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Hamilton, N.Y. – The UAlbany tennis team recorded a 5-2 win over Colgate in non-conference action Tuesday afternoon, giving the Great Danes a 12-2 record for the season and breaking the Division I program record for single season wins. UAlbany had won 11 matches on two occasions, most recently in 1999-00, the first season at the Division I level.

UAlbany was led by freshman Laine Mackey, whose 7-6 (9-7), 6-3 win over Erin Fenn at No. 5 singles solidified the match win for the Great Danes. Mackey also combined with Amanda Hall for an 8-2 win over Cameron Williams and Stephanie Bender at second doubles. Freshman Susan Ma claimed a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory over Samantha Inacker at No. 2 singles, while Kim Weltman posted a 6-0, 6-4 victory against the Raiders’ Isabel Riemer at the third singles position. Charlotte Tatler and Amanda Hall also posted singles wins for the Great Danes, defeating Cameron Williams (6-4, 6-2) and Jackie Stimmel (2-6, 6-3, 6-2), respectively.

Colgate received a singles win from Elise Derose, who defeated Aimee Kern, 6-1, 6-2, at the No. 1 singles position. Derose and Inacker defeated Kern and Ma at top doubles, 8-5, while Riemer and Fenn posted an 8-5 victory over Weltman and Tatler at No. 3 doubles.

UAlbany will return to action on Friday, March 14 at St. Peter's.

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Singles

Elise Derose (CU) def. Aimee Kern (UA), 6-1, 6-2

Susan Ma (UA) def. Samantha Inacker (CU), 3-6, 6-4, 6-4

Kim Weltman (UA) def. Isabel Riemer (CU), 6-0, 6-4

Charlotte Tatler (UA) def. Cameron Williams (CU), 6-4, 6-2

Laine Mackey (UA) def. Erin Fenn (CU), 7-6 (9-7), 6-3

Amanda Hall (UA) def. Jackie Stimmel (CU), 2-6, 6-3, 6-2



Doubles

Derose/Inacker (CU) def. Kern/Ma (UA), 8-5

Mackey/Hall (UA) def. Williams/Stephanie Bender (CU), 8-2

Riemer/Fenn (CU) def. Weltman/Tatler (UA), 8-5

Massachusetts Holds Off UAlbany Lacrosse's Late Rally in 9-8 Decision at Garber Field

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Amherst, Mass. – Junior attack Tim Balise had three goals and one assist as Massachusetts held off UAlbany, 9-8, in non-league play on Tuesday, March 11 at Garber Field. The two lacrosse teams battled to a one-goal decision for the fifth consecutive year.

UMass (2-2) controlled the action for most of the way by winning 14 of 20 face-offs. The Minutemen, who led 5-3 at halftime, opened up a four-goal lead in the third period. Senior defenseman Brian Danvers scored her first career goal with the long pole after a defensive double-team led to a turnover by UAlbany’s Jordan Levine. Belise gave his team a 7-3 advantage by driving from the left corner and placing a shot over goalkeeper Brett Queener’s shoulder with 7:41 left in the quarter.

The Minutemen, who have made 17 NCAA appearances in their history and reached the national championship game in 2006, kept its four-goal cushion midway through the final stanza when Fred Federico connected on a blast in an extra-man situation.

UAlbany (0-4) rallied in the late stages by scoring three times in a one-minute-and-12 second span. Derek Dale scored back-to-back goals, the first after Queener caused a turnover and the second after Levine won the subsequent face-off. The Great Danes, who lost in triple-overtime to nationally-ranked Delaware three days ago, closed the gap to 9-8 with 1:12 remaining. Corey Small converted after UMass’ Kevin Wright was stripped of the ball by defender Mark Kelly as his team doubled the ball.

The Great Danes had two chances to draw even in the final minute but could get the equalizer. After winning the draw following Small’s goal, Dale threw a pass that resulted in a turnover. Mike Ammann, a senior midfielder, then intercepted UMass’ clearing attempt, but his twin brother Steve sent a shot high over the net with 21 seconds on the clock.

Doc Schneider, an All-ECAC goalkeeper, made 16 saves for the Minutemen, who avenged last year’s 10-9 overtime loss at John Fallon Field. Freshman Zach Rogers added one goal and two assists. UAlbany’s Levine totaled two goals and two assists as his team has opened the season with four consecutive losses for the first time as a Division I program.

UAlbany Women's Basketball Seeded Fourth for America East Conference Championship

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – Hartford has earned the top seed in the America East Conference Tournament after winning the regular-season title for the third straight season. The Hawks, who finished 23-5 overall and 13-2 in the conference, will host the 2008 tournament, presented by Friendship Cottage Cheese, at Chase Arena in West Hartford, Conn.

The America East championship tournament will begin with a first-round match-up between eighth seeded Maine (7-22, AE 4-12) and ninth seeded Stony Brook (7-22, AE 2-14) on Thursday, March 13. Quarterfinal games will take place on Friday, March 14, with semifinal action starting at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 15. The 2008 championship will be played on Sunday at 5 p.m. The America East champion receives an automatic NCAA berth.

UAlbany (12-17, AE 10-6) is the fourth seed and will meet No. 5 Binghamton (11-8, AE 9-7) in the second quarterfinal game of Friday’s evening session. The game will start 30 minutes after the completion of the contest between Hartford and the winner of the Maine/Stony Brook match-up, which begins at 6 p.m. The Great Danes, who have earned their highest seeding in the conference tournament since joining the America East in 2001, took both games from Binghamton during the regular-season series.

Senior forwards Kristin Higy and Gia Sanders have paced the Great Danes this season. Higy leads the team offensively, averaging 10.9 points per game while leading the conference in three-point shooting percentage (.384). Sanders, UAlbany’s career blocks leader, is chipping in with 9.0 points per game and is also grabbing a team-high 6.9 rebounds per contest. Sanders also is first on the team with 1.92 steals and 1.52 blocks per game.

Binghamton won three of its final four games before losing the regular-season finale to UAlbany on March 5. The Bearcats are led by seniors Laine Kurpniece and Laura Sario, who average 12.4 and 10.3 points per game, respectively. Kurpniece, a preseason all-conference selection, also grabs a team-high 5.3 rebounds per game.

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2008 America East Conference Women’s Basketball Championship

(University of Hartford’s Chase Arena at the Reich Family Pavilion, West Hartford, Conn.)

Thursday, March 13

Game 1 - #8 Maine (7-22, 4-12) vs. #9 Stony Brook (7-22, 2-14), 7:00 p.m.

Friday, March 14

Game 2 - #7 New Hampshire (7-21, 4-12) vs. #2 Vermont (22-7, 13-3), 12 noon

Game 3 - #6 UMBC (9-19, 5-10) vs. #3 Boston U. (18-11, 11-5), 2:00 p.m.*

Game 4 - Game 1 winner vs. #1 Hartford (23-5, 13-2), 6:00 p.m.

Game 5 - #5 Binghamton (11-18, 9-7) vs. #4 UAlbany (12-17, 10-6), 8:00 p.m.*

Saturday, March 15

Game 6 – Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 5 p.m. (AE-TV/NESN)

Game 7 – Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 7 p.m. (AE-TV/NESN)

Sunday, March 16

Game 8 – America East Conference Championship, 5 p.m. (AE-TV/CSN)



*Second game of each session will start 30 minutes following the conclusion of the prior contest

UAlbany's Tee Ladouceur Named America East Conference Lacrosse Rookie of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany’s Tee Ladouceur has been chosen as America East Conference Rookie of the Week in women’s lacrosse, as announced on Monday, March 10 by the conference office.

Ladouceur, a freshman attack/midfielder from Slingerlands, N.Y., totaled 10 goals, one assist, nine ground balls and six caused turnovers in three games. UAlbany (3-2) defeated Siena and Le Moyne and lost to unbeaten Harvard last week. She leads the team in scoring with 14 goals and two assists this season.

Ladouceur had three goals, all in the second half, in a come-from-behind win versus Le Moyne, the defending Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference champion. She tallied a career-high four goals against Harvard. Ladouceur, a first-team high school All-American and the Capital Region’s offensive player of the year in 2007, added three goals and one assist against Siena, plus picked up a career-best five ground balls.

America East Women's Basketball Championship Bracket Set

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--The bracket for the 2008 America East Women’s Basketball Championship presented by Friendship Cottage Cheese in West Hartford, Conn. March 13-16 is set with still one more game remaining in the regular season. The only seeds still up in the air entering the last day of competition was the three and four seeds, which was decided by Boston University’s come-from-behind overtime victory over Albany at Case Gym on Saturday afternoon. Click here for PDF Release.

The University of Maine (7-22 overall, 4-12 in America East) and Stony Brook University (7-22, 2-14) will meet in Thursday night’s first round game as the eight and nine seeds, respectively. The winner will take on first-seeded Hartford (23-5, 13-2) on Friday at 6 p.m. in the first game of session three. The second quarterfinal in the session will pit No. 5 Binghamton (11-18, 9-7) and No. 4 Albany (12-17, 10-6) together in a series the Great Danes swept this season.

Earlier on Friday, the first two quarterfinals will be played. At 12 p.m., No. 7 New Hampshire (7-21, 4-12) and No. 2 Vermont (22-7, 13-3) will play, while No. 6 UMBC (9-19, 5-10) and No. 3 Boston U. (18-11, 11-5) will compete half an hour after the first game ends.

The winners of the evening quarterfinals will meet at 5 p.m. Saturday afternoon and the winners of the afternoon quarterfinals will take the court at approximately 7:30 p.m. The final two teams standing will play for the conference championship title on Sunday afternoon at 5 p.m.

The first round and quarterfinal games will be broadcast for free online as America East PackCasts. Those streams are available at the America East Zone on www.AmericaEast.com. New England Sports Network will air the semifinal games from Chase Family Arena live, and the title game will be televised live on Comcast SportsNet. Eric Frede will have the play-by-play and Leah Secondo will provide color analysis for each of the televised games.

The Retrievers are the defending America East champions, winning last year’s title as the seven seed. They became the first program in conference history to defeat a three-, two-, and one-seed on the way to a tournament crown.

Men´s Basketball Season Ends in the America East Quarterfinals

The men´s basketball team ends their season with a loss to Boston University, 68-64, in the America East Quarterfinals.

Women's Basketball Upended in Overtime, 76-67, in Regular-Season Finale at Boston U.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Boston, Mass. – Boston U.’s Cheri Raffo scored 15 points, including a three-pointer with 19 seconds remaining in regulation, to lead the Terriers to a 76-67 America East Conference women’s basketball overtime victory over UAlbany in the final game of the regular season for both teams on Saturday, March 8 at Case Gym. The Great Danes finished in fourth place in the conference standings, while the Terriers captured third place, entering next weekend’s postseason tournament.

UAlbany (12-17, AE 10-6) traded baskets with the Terriers throughout the first half, which featured 10 ties and four lead changes. After Boston U.’s Aly Hinton tied the game for the final time of the half at 24, the Great Danes went on a 12-2 run to jump out to a 10-point advantage. Guard TaNika Thrower scored six points in the streak, while senior Gia Sanders tallied four. Boston U. converted four free throws to deliver the 36-30 halftime score.

Boston U. (18-11, AE 11-5) scored 11 of the second half’s first 15 points to take a 41-40 lead with 15:54 remaining. Christine Kinneary converted on a jump shot to give the Terriers the advantage. The two teams traded baskets over the next five minutes, with UAlbany’s Amira Ford tying the game at 49 with a lay-up off a feed from senior Sherri Mikus.

The Terriers went on an 11-6 run over the next minutes to open up their largest lead of the half. Amarac Umez-Eronini scored five points in the streak, capped by a lay-up with 6:55 remaining.

UAlbany responded with a 12-0 run to take a 67-60 lead with 2:17 remaining in the stanza. Sanders converted a basket in the paint to ignite the run and sophomore Charity Iromuanya tallied consecutive lay-ups to give the Great Danes the lead. Thrower scored twice around a Sanders basket to cap the rally.

Following a 30-second timeout, Kinneary made a jumper to cut the UAlbany lead to five. Hinton narrowed the deficit to three with a pair of free throws at the 1:35 mark. After a UAlbany turnover with 50 seconds left, Raffo hit the game-tying three-pointer on an assist from Kinneary. Iromuanya misfired on a jumper with a four seconds remaining to force the extra session.

In the overtime period, the Terriers used seven foul shots and a put-back by Hinton off a missed free throw to seal the game. Kasey Devine converted her first free throw attempt of the period with 4:40 remaining for the only point the Terriers would need.

"We let one slip away,” said UAlbany head coach Trina Patterson, whose team finished the regular season with the most conference wins in the program’s history. “We had the opportunity to spoil Boston's undefeated home record. We played with heart, but we didn't make smart plays down the stretch. We had some uncharacteristic plays by our upperclassmen. Our mindset needs to move forward for the tournament."

Iromuanya scored a game-high 19 points to lead three Great Danes in double-figures. Sanders scored 16 points and pulled down 10 rebounds, while Thrower added 14 points off the bench. Raffo was one of five Terriers in double-digits. Hinton and Umez-Eronini added 12, with Devine and Kinneary each registering 11. Umez-Eronini and Devine both pulled down 10 rebounds.

Men's Lacrosse Falls in Triple-Overtime Thriller While Facing Third Straight Top-10 Opponent

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Newark, Del. – Martin Cahill scored the game-winning goal with two minutes and 12 seconds remaining in the third overtime to lead ninth-ranked Delaware to an 8-7 victory over UAlbany on Saturday, March 8 in the rain and wind at Rullo Stadium.

Delaware goalkeeper Tom Scherr, who had 18 saves, stopped Mike Ammann’s shot in the third extra period. Following a successful clear to the midfield line, Cahill scored his 11th goal of the season by converting a bounce shot to finish off the transitional play. UAlbany (0-3) had eight of its 41 shots in the three overtimes, but could not get one past Scherr.

Delaware (5-0) led by two goals on three occasions during regulation. After a scoreless third quarter, UAlbany’s Derek Dale tied the contest at six apiece on a possession that started following a Blue Hen turnover. Delaware’s J.J. Moran regained the lead with 6:01 to play off a pass from Curtis Dickson, who led all scorers with four goals and one assist.

Brian Grodotske, who had been injured for the most of the previous two seasons and was making his first appearance of the year, tallied his third goal of the game with 3:20 left in the final period. Each team had a scoring opportunity in the last minute of the quarter. Moran’s blast sailed wide with 41 seconds remaining, before UAlbany’s Jordan Levine had his shot blocked at the end.

Dickson, a sophomore, netted his 16th of the season for a 6-4 lead in the second quarter after defenseman Sean Kostkowski caused a turnover near midfield. Grodotske, who had a career-high scoring total, closed the gap to one by halftime.

Corey Small had three goals and one assist for the Great Danes, who were meeting their third consecutive top-10 opponent and playing in the program's first-ever multiple-OT game at the Division I level. Goalkeeper Brett Queener made nine saves. Vincent Giordano had two goals and assisted on another, all in the first quarter, for the Blue Hens, who are enjoying their national highest ranking since 1999. The Blue Hens reached the NCAA Final Four and posted a 13-6 record last season.


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#16 UAlbany (0-3) 3 2 0 2 0 0 0 - 7

#9 Delaware (5-0) 4 2 0 1 0 0 1 - 8

UAlbany – Scoring: Corey Small 3-1, Brian Grodotske 3-0, Derek Dale 1-1, Mike Ammann 0-2; Goalkeeper(s): Brett Queener (66:32, 9 saves, 7 GA), Dan McKeon (3:16, 0 saves, 1 GA).

Delaware – Scoring: Curtis Dickson 4-1, Vincent Giordano 2-1, J.J. Moran 1-0, Martin Cahill 1-0, Drew Turner 0-1, Cam Howard 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Tom Scherr (69:48, 18 saves, 7 GA).

David Parker in Third Place in the Heptathlon After First Day of IC4A Championships; Laura Cummings Advances at ECAC Championships

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Boston, Mass. – UAlbany’s David Parker is in third placed through four events in the heptathlon to lead the Great Danes on the first day at the IC4A Indoor Track & Field Championships on Saturday, March 8 at the Boston U. Track and Tennis Center in Boston, Mass. Through four events, the Great Danes are in 14th place with five points. In the women’s ECAC competition at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, Mass., junior Laura Cummings qualified for the finals in the 1,000-meter run.

Parker, a senior, has 2,879 points for third place, while junior Freddie Wills is tied for fifth with 2,837 points, through the heptathlon’s first four events. Parker’s best showing came in the high jump, in which he placed first by clearing the bar at 6-feet, 6.75-inches. Wills had his top performance in the 55-meter dash, finishing fifth in 6.74 seconds.

A pair of Great Danes qualified for the semi-finals in the 55-meter hurdles. Junior Jean Juste, the America East Conference champion, placed fifth in the trials with a time of 7.48 seconds, while freshman Daniel Avery finished seventh with a time of 7.48 seconds. Senior Dieuseul Joseph, who won the 55-meter dash at the America East Championships, advanced to the 55-meter dash semi-finals with time of 6.47 seconds. Freshman Torshiro Jenkins turned in a season-best time of 22.03 seconds in the 200-meter dash to advance to the finals.

In the long jump, Valete Graham placed fourth with a leap of 23-feet, 5.5-inches to score UAlbany’s five points of the day, while Kyle Nadler finished tenth with a distance of 22-feet, 3-inches. Sophomore Luke Schoen turned in a ninth-place finish in the pole vault at 16-feet, 0.75-inches and freshman Michael Dempsey placed 10th at 15-feet, 9-inches. Freshman Wilfredo de Jesus Elias registered a distance of 57-feet, 4.75-inches in the weight throw. The quartet of Alan Nimblette, Joe Belokopitsky, Jared Jupin and Tyler Fogarty ran a season-best 7:44.18 in the 4x800-meter relay.

At the ECAC meet, Cummings turned in a season-best performance of 2:53.32 to place eighth in the 1,000-meter run and advance to the finals. Sophomore Zuliana Fontanez recorded her best time of the season in the 500-meter dash, finishing in 1:15.51. Junior Kamilah McShine registered the best time of the season by a Great Dane in the 60-meter hurdles, crossing the finish line in 8.91 seconds.

The men’s IC4A meet resumes on Sunday at 10 a.m., while day two of the ECAC meet starts at 11 a.m.

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Men’s IC4A Results

Heptathlon: 3. David Parker 2,879, T5. Freddie Wills 2,837. 55M Dash: 11. Dieuseul Joseph 6.47. 55M Hurdles: 5. Jean Juste 7.48, 7. Daniel Avery 7.48. 200M Dash: 10. Torshiro Jenkins 22.03, Jeffery Barnes FS. 4x800M Relay: 13. Alan Nimblette, Joe Belokopitsky, Jared Jupin, Tyler Fogarty 7:44.18. 4x400M Relay: 13. Andrew Overbaugh, Torshiro Jenkins, Drew Harrison, Jeffery Barnes 3:18.26. Long Jump: 4. Valete Graham 23-5.50, 10. Kyle Nadler 22-3. Pole Vault: 9. Luke Schoen 16-0.75, 10. Mike Dempsey 15-9. Weight Throw: 11. Wilfredo de Jesus Elias 57-4.75.


Women’s ECAC Results

60 Meter Hurdles: 20. Kamilah McShine 8.91. 500 Meter Dash: 17. Zuliana Fontanez 1:15.51. High Jump: 15. Brenna Militello 5-5. 1000 Meter Run: 8. Laura Cummings 2:53.32. 4 x 400 Meter Relay: 19. Melissa Lee, Zuliana Fontanez, Ashley Vives, Octavia Clarkson 3:54.46.

UALBANY BEGINS LACROSSE STADIUM CONSTRUCTION

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – The University at Albany has begun construction on permanent seating and a press box at John Fallon Field, the home of the school’s men’s and women’s lacrosse programs. The nearly $2 million project will provide seating for 2,000 spectators and is expected to be completed for use in the 2008-09 academic year.

Temporary seating will be available to UAlbany lacrosse spectators during the 2008 season. A grandstand was recently erected on the east side of the facility and is similar to one used during last year’s postseason tournament play. UAlbany will now sell tickets for all home lacrosse games. Tickets are $5.00 for general admission and $1.00 for youth (12 & under). Tickets will be sold on the northwest corner of Fallon Field.

Due to the construction, spectators will no longer be able to enter the facility from the southwest and southeast corners. An attached map displays the pedestrian routes. Spectators will still be able to park in the SEFCU Arena parking lot. However, the walking route to the entrance will follow the west side of The Bubble and through University Field (football stadium). Spectators may also use the Indian Quad parking lot and enter Fallon Field from the north side.

The permanent seating design was developed by Clough Harbour & Associates, while James H. Maloy, Inc. is the contractor. In addition to seating, the project will include a field ramp, two ticket booths, architectural improvements, pedestrian lighting and banner poles.

UAlbany Tennis Defeats Marist, 6-1, in Non-Conference Action

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – The UAlbany tennis team defeated Marist 6-1 in non-conference action on Friday, March 7 at The Bubble to improve to 11-2 on the season. The Great Danes won five of six singles matches in straight sets.

Freshman Susan Ma, the reigning America East Conference performer of the week, won her eighth straight match with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Erin Godly at No. 2 singles. Marist’s Christine Ong topped Aimee Kern topped 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) at first singles. At No. 3 singles, junior Kim Weltman won in straight sets over Cassie Strange by the scores of 6-1 and 6-2. Freshman Charlotte Tatler picked up her 10th singles win of the spring season with a 6-2, 6-1 at fourth singles against Alexa Strange. Laine Mackey topped Emily Zampello 6-0 in the first set and 6-1 in second set at No. 5 singles, while senior Amanda Hall won at No. 6 singles, 6-1, 6-0, over Retta Byron.

In doubles play, Mackey and Hall were victorious over Ong and Cassie Strange, 8-5, at the No. 2 spot. At third doubles, Weltman teamed with Caitlin Crowley to defeat Zampello and Natalie Fouche 8-0. Godly and Alexa Strange registered an 8-5 win at first doubles over the UAlbany tandem of Kern and Ma.

UAlbany (11-2) returns to the courts on Tuesday, March 11 at Colgate at 3 p.m.


Singles
1. Christine Ong (MC) def. Aimee Kern (UA) 6-4, 7-6 (7-5)
2. Susan Ma (UA) def. Erin Godly (MC) 6-2, 6-3
3. Kim Weltman (UA) def. Cassie Strange (MC) 6-1, 6-2
4. Charlotte Tatler (UA) def. Alexa Strange (MC) 6-2, 6-1
5. Laine Mackey (UA) def. Emily Zampello (MC) 6-0, 6-1
6. Amanda Hall (UA) def. Retta Byron 6-1, 6-0


Doubles
1. Godly/A. Strange (MC) def. Kern/Ma (UA) 8-5
2. Mackey/Hall (UA) def. Ong/C. Strange (MC) 8-5
3. Caitlin Crowley/Weltman def. Zampello/Natalie Fouche 8-0

University of Albany Basketball's Brian Lillis & Tim Ambrose Earn Spots on All-America East Conference Teams

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Vestal, N.Y. – University at Albany’s Brian Lillis has been named to the 2008 America East Men’s Basketball All-Conference Team, as announced on Friday, March 7 at the conference’s annual awards brunch, held at Binghamton University’s Events Center. Lillis was selected to the first team and made his second consecutive appearance on the all-defensive unit. Tim Ambrose earned a spot on the America East All-Rookie Team.

Lillis, a 6-foot-5 senior from Urbandale, Iowa, became the third UAlbany player to receive first-team all-conference honors. He joins Jamar Wilson (2006, 2007) and Jason Siggers (2007) in that category.

Lillis, one of 10 players at the Division I level to lead his team in points, rebounds and assists, was voted America East Fans’ Choice Player of the Year earlier in the week. He leads the Great Danes in scoring (15.8 ppg), rebounding (6.1 pg), assists (3.5 pg), steals (1.7 pg) and blocks (0.7 pg). Lillis scored 20-plus points on five occasions, including a career-high 29 against Vermont. He added five double-doubles and turned in a 27-point, 12-rebound effort in the first meeting with Boston University.

Ambrose, a redshirt freshman from Brentwood, N.Y., is the fifth Great Dane to be chosen to the America East all-rookie squad. Other UAlbany all-rookie selections were Jamar Wilson (2002), Levi Levine (2002), Jon Iati (2004) and Brent Wilson (2005). Ambrose averaged 7.5 points and 2.9 rebounds in 13.8 minutes per game off the bench. He scored in double figures eight times, including a 24-point performance against nationally-ranked Duke.

In addition, Brian Connelly and Lillis were named to the America East All-Academic Team. Lillis, who has a 3.23 cumulative grade point average in business administration, made the squad for the second year in a row. Connelly, a junior who averages 10.1 points and 5.4 rebounds, has a 3.08 GPA in business administration.

UAlbany (15-14) is the third seed in this weekend’s conference postseason tournament. The Great Danes, who tied for second place in the America East regular-season standings, won 10 or more conference games for the third consecutive season.

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2008 America East Men’s Basketball All-Conference Teams

First Team – Marqus Blakely (Vermont), Jay Greene (UMBC), Brian Lillis (Albany), Darryl Proctor (UMBC), Joe Zeglinski (Hartford).

Second Team - Ray Barbosa (UMBC), Mike Gordon (Binghamton), Brian Hodges (UMBC), Corey Lowe (Boston U.), Mike Trimboli (Vermont).

Third Team – Tyrece Gibbs (New Hampshire), John Holland (Boston U.), Cavell Johnson (UMBC), Mark Socoby (Maine), Lazar Trifunovic (Binghamton).

All-Defensive – Marqus Blakely (Vermont), Mike Gordon (Binghamton), John Holland (Boston U.), Brian Lillis (Albany), Michael Turner (Hartford).

All-Rookie – Alvin Abreu (New Hampshire), Tim Ambrose (Albany), Tyrone Conley (New Hampshire), John Holland (Boston U.), Morgan Sabia (Hartford.

All-Academic – Junior Bernal (Maine), Brian Connelly (Albany), Brian Lillis (Albany), Ricky Lucas (Stony Brook), Jaret Von Rosenberg (Hartford).



Player of the Year: Marqus Blakely (Vermont)

Rookie of the Year: John Holland (Boston U.)

Defensive Player of the Year: Marqus Blakely (Vermont)

Coach of the Year: Randy Monroe (UMBC)

UAlbany's Brian Lillis Chosen 2008 America East Conference Fans' Choice Player of the Year

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany’s Brian Lillis has been selected as the 2008 America East Conference Fans’ Choice Player of the Year, as announced on Thursday, March 6 by the conference office. For the second year in a row, fans of America East basketball voted for the award. Vermont’s Marqus Blakely and UMBC’s Jay Greene were the other finalists.

Lillis, a 6-foot-5 senior from Urbandale, Iowa, leads the Great Danes in scoring (15.8 ppg), rebounding (6.1 pg), assists (3.5 pg), steals (1.7 pg) and blocked shots (0.7 pg). He is one of 10 players at the Division I level to lead his team in points, rebounds and assists. Lillis, who ranks among the league leaders in six statistical categories, has scored 20-plus points five times and recorded five double-doubles.

“This award shows the respect that people have for Brian Lillis as a student-athlete,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team tied for second place in the conference’s regular-season standings. “He is one of the most popular players we have had here. He is the MVP of our conference because he means so much to our team. Brian should be proud of this award.”

The Fans’ Choice award included voting in the preliminary round and finals, with those votes added together to determine the winner. Vermont’s Mike Trimboli won the inaugural award in 2006-07.

The America East Conference will announced its all-conference basketball awards on Friday at the league’s annual postseason banquet, to be held at Binghamton University’s Events Center.

Janea Aiken Leads UAlbany to Key America East Road Win at Binghamton

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Vestal, N.Y. – Freshman guard Janea Aiken scored 17 points to lead UAlbany to a 63-49win over Binghamton in a key America East Conference women’s basketball matchup at the Events Center on Wednesday, March 5. With the win, UAlbany remains tied with Boston U., who was victorious over UMBC on Wednesday night, for third place in the America East.

After back-and-forth play through the first five and a half minutes, UAlbany scored four consecutive points to open a three point lead. Senior Sherri Mikus converted a jump shot and sophomore Britney McGee recorded a layup to give the Great Danes an 11-8 lead. Following the under four minute media timeout, in which the game was tied, UAlbany scored seven of the half’s final 12 points to take a 24-22 lead into intermission. Guard TaNika Thrower ignited the run with a three-pointer and capped the stretch with a pair of free throws with 11 seconds left in the half.

UAlbany (12-16, AE 10-5) scored 14 of the first 18 points in the second half to jump out to a 38-26 advantage. Aiken connected on consecutive layups and Thrower scored six straight, capped by a fastbreak basket, to key the streak. Following a conventional three-point play by Binghamton’s Laine Kurpniece to cut the lead to single-digits for the final time, the Great Danes scored 11 of the next 13 points to open up an 18 point lead. Aiken hit a jump shot and a three-pointer in the stretch.

Binghamton (11-17, AE 9-6) narrowed the deficit to 14 on a layup and a pair of free throws by Kurpniece with just under eight minutes remaining, but could not get any closer. UAlbany responded with a three-pointer by senior Kristin Higy and a lay-up by classmate Gia Sanders to extend the lead to a game-high 19 points.

The Bearcats were able to score 12 of the game’s last 19 points to deliver the final score. Juta Jahilo, who recorded six points and a game-high seven rebounds in the contest, scored four points in the run for Binghamton.

"We use our conditioning as our strength,” said UAlbany head coach Trina Patterson, whose team can claim the third seed in the conference tournament with a win against Boston U. “We're smaller, but we play with a lot of heart. We aren't looking ahead to the tournament right now, we are still focused on Boston U. on Saturday."

Aiken was joined in double-figures by Sanders, who scored 14 points and Thrower, who tallied 11 points. Sanders registered a team-high five rebounds, McGee dished out a game-high six assists and recorded three of the Great Danes’ 10 steals. Kurpniece was the only Bearcat in double-digits, scoring 15 points.

UAlbany returns to action on Saturday, March 8 at Boston U. at 1 p.m. The winner of the match-up will be the third seed in the conference tournament, while the loser will be seeded fourth.



UAlbany 63, Binghamton 49 (3/5/08 at Vestal, N.Y.)

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Official Basketball Box Score
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Official Basketball Box ScoreALBANY vs Binghamton3/5/08 7 p.m. at Vestal, N.Y.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------VISITORS: ALBANY 12-16, 10-5, AE TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN24 Sanders, Gia........ f 7-12 0-0 0-0 0 5 5 1 14 1 1 0 2 2931 Higy, Kristin....... f 2-4 1-2 2-2 0 2 2 3 7 0 2 0 0 1502 McGee, Britney...... g 1-7 0-3 2-2 2 2 4 2 4 6 1 0 3 3310 Aiken, Janea........ g 7-12 3-4 0-0 1 1 2 1 17 2 1 0 1 3023 Iromuanya, Charity.. g 1-6 0-2 4-4 0 4 4 2 6 1 2 1 2 2901 Ford, Amira......... 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 503 Lindsay, Ashley..... 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 305 Thrower, Tanika..... 3-7 1-2 4-4 0 3 3 0 11 0 1 0 1 1214 Clements, Kim....... 0-2 0-0 0-0 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 615 Mikus, Sherri....... 2-5 0-1 0-0 2 2 4 2 4 1 3 0 0 2555 Peterson, Kirsten... 0-0 0-0 0-0 1 2 3 2 0 0 0 0 1 13 TEAM................ 1 2 3 Totals.............. 23-55 5-14 12-12 8 24 32 14 63 12 12 1 10 200TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 8-26 30.8% 2nd Half: 15-29 51.7% Game: 41.8% DEADB3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 2-6 33.3% 2nd Half: 3-8 37.5% Game: 35.7% REBSF Throw % 1st Half: 6-6 100 % 2nd Half: 6-6 100 % Game: 100 % 0--------------------------------------------------------------------------------HOME TEAM: Binghamton 11-17, 9-6 AE TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN32 Laine Kurpniece..... f 6-9 0-0 3-3 0 4 4 2 15 1 1 0 1 2733 Laura Franceski..... f 3-6 0-0 0-0 0 5 5 3 6 1 1 1 1 2511 Laura Sario......... g 3-10 1-2 0-0 0 2 2 1 7 4 2 0 0 3322 Erica Carter........ g 2-8 0-2 0-0 0 2 2 3 4 2 2 0 1 2625 Muffy Sadler........ g 2-4 1-3 0-0 0 0 0 2 5 2 4 0 1 2613 Darryll Peterson.... 0-0 0-0 0-1 1 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 815 Juta Jahilo......... 1-5 0-0 4-4 3 4 7 1 6 0 5 0 0 2021 Jackie Ward......... 0-2 0-0 0-0 1 0 1 1 0 3 0 0 0 1331 Brianna Thompson.... 2-4 0-0 0-0 1 4 5 1 4 0 0 0 1 1855 Erin Owens.......... 0-2 0-0 2-2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 4 TEAM................ 2 2 4 1 Totals.............. 19-50 2-7 9-10 8 24 32 14 49 13 17 1 6 200TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 9-23 39.1% 2nd Half: 10-27 37.0% Game: 38.0% DEADB3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 2-4 50.0% 2nd Half: 0-3 0.0% Game: 28.6% REBSF Throw % 1st Half: 2-2 100 % 2nd Half: 7-8 87.5% Game: 90.0% 0--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Officials: Michele St. Pierre, Michael Schmidt, Keith MillerTechnical fouls: ALBANY-None. Binghamton-None.Attendance: 1583Score by Periods 1st 2nd TotalALBANY........................ 24 39 - 63Binghamton.................... 22 27 - 49

Harvard Comes From Behind to Defeat UAlbany, 16-10, in Women's Lacrosse Action

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. -- Natalie Curtis had three of her four goals in the second half as unbeaten Harvard rallied for a 16-10 victory over UAlbany in a non-league women’s lacrosse matchup on Wednesday, March 5 at Jordan Field.

UAlbany (2-2) broke a 4-4 tie over the final five minutes of the opening period with a pair of goals to take a halftime lead. Brittany Scott, a senior midfielder, recorded an unassisted tally before Christine Grueniger, who scored three times, converted a free-position opportunity with 35 seconds remaining.

Harvard (3-0) reversed that deficit at the intermission with six unanswered. Kaitlin Martin, a second-team All-Ivy League attacker, put her team ahead, 7-6, with a free-position shot, before Sarah Bancroft found the net eight seconds later. Martin, who had three goals, and Caroline Simmons, who scored twice and assisted on another, finished off that decisive run.

The Crimson, who have won their opening three games for the first time since 2000 and are receiving votes for the Nike/Inside Lacrosse national top-20 poll, still led 10-7 midway through the period. But Curtis, a senior midfielder, found the net three times in a six-plus minute span to help her team pull away. Her final two goals came 45 seconds apart.

Freshman Tee Ladouceur had a career-high four goals for the Great Danes, who were coming off a pair of wins over Marist and Siena. Goalkeeper Katie Neer had nine saves, one off her career-best. Harvard’s Sara Flood led all scorers with two goals and three assists, while Bancroft added three goals.


Harvard 16, UAlbany 10

UAlbany – Scoring: Tee Ladouceur 4-0, Christine Grueniger 3-0, Brittany Scott 1-0, Kayla Best 1-0, Jodi Battaglia 1-0, Jane Bush 0-1, Nikki Branchini 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Katie Neer (60:00, 9 saves, 16 GA).

Harvard – Scoring: Natalie Curtis 4-0, Kaitlin Martin 3-0, Sarah Bancroft 3-0, Sara Flood 2-3, Caroline Simmons 2-1, Jess Halpern 1-2, Lauren Bobzin 1-0; Goalkeeper(s): Kathryn Tylander (30:00, 4 saves, 6 GA), Katherine Martino (30:00, 7 saves, 4 GA).

Indoor Track & Field Athletes Named to America East All-Academic Team

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – Six members of the University at Albany men’s and women’s indoor track and field teams have been named to the America East Conference All-Academic Team, as announced by the conference office on Wednesday, March 5. The recognition is based on both athletic and academic achievements. The all-academic team has been selected based on the student-athlete’s academic and athletic accomplishments. For consideration, student-athletes are required to have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.00 entering the season and be a top-three finisher at the conference championship meet.

The women’s team placed five members on the all-academic team, while one member of the men’s team earned a spot. Junior Laura Cummings, an English major with a 3.75 GPA, placed third at the conference championships in the 1,000-meter run in 2:55.56. Junior Candice Mann, who carries a 3.73 GPA as a criminal justice major, finished third in the shot put with a toss of 43-feet, 4.25-inches. Zuliana Fontanez, a sophomore accounting major and business administration minor with a 3.49 GPA, placed second in the 500-meter dash in 1:15.85 and was a member of the second place 4x400-meter relay team. Junior Jenn Gurrant, who holds a 3.28 GPA while majoring in communication with a minor in business administration, placed third in the long jump with a distance of 18-feet, 1-inch and triple jump with a leap of 41-feet, 9.25-inches, which set the school record at the time. Brenna Militello, a senior mathematics major with a 3.11 GPA, came in third in the high jump by clearing the bar at 5-feet, 4-inches.

Sophomore Anthony Collica, an undeclared major with a 3.25 GPA, finished third in the high jump by clearing the bar at 6-feet, 6-inches.

The Great Danes will compete at the IC4A and ECAC Championships on March 8-9 in Boston, Mass.

UAlbany’s Susan Ma Named America East Tennis Performer of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany’s Susan Ma has been named the America East Conference Tennis Performer of the Week, as announced today by the conference office.

Ma, a freshman from Parkville, Mo., has posted a 9-1 record in singles play and a 7-2 doubles record to start the spring season, playing all of her singles matches at the No. 2 position. Her only loss of the spring came in a 6-7 (4-7), 2-6 loss in a dual match versus Massachusetts. Ma recorded one of two singles victories for UAlbany against Georgetown, coming away with a 6-2, 2-6, 6-2 win, and posted a 7-5, 3-6, 10-7 win in conference play against UMBC. Ma has teamed up with Aimee Kern in the spring for doubles play, recording key victories in the No. 1 doubles spot against Providence (8-5), Georgetown (8-1) and George Mason (8-2).

Defending Northeast Conference Football Champion UAlbany Announces 2008 Schedule

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Tuesday, March 4 the school's football schedule for 2008. The Great Danes, who will play a 12-game regular-season schedule for the first time in team history, faces its toughest group of opponents at the Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. The non-league schedule features four teams who made NCAA appearances last year, including national runner-up Delaware and quarterfinalist Massachusetts. In addition, UAlbany meets seven Northeast Conference opponents, including first-year member Duquesne.

The Great Danes begin away from home for the eighth time in the last 10 years when they travel to Massachusetts on Saturday, Aug. 30. The Minutemen, who shared the Colonial Athletic Association crown, posted a 10-3 record and reached the NCAA quarterfinals in 2007. Massachusetts played for the national title the previous season. UAlbany entertains Fordham in the home opener at University Field on Sept. 6. Kickoff is 6:00 p.m. The Rams, who had an 8-4 record, won last year's Patriot League championship en route to an automatic NCAA berth.

UAlbany is on the road against three consecutive CAA opponents in Hofstra (Sept. 13), New Hampshire (Sept. 20) and Delaware (Sept. 27). Hofstra finished 7-4 one year ago and was ranked in the FCS national top 25 for the most of the season. New Hampshire advanced to the NCAA playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. The Wildcats, who went 7-5 overall, gave top-seed Northern Iowa all it could handle in the NCAA's first round. Delaware (11-4) was awarded the Lambert Cup Trophy and was voted the ECAC Team of the Year in 2007. The Blue Hens advanced all the way to the NCAA FCS championship game for the first time in four years.

Saint Francis, Pa. will be the opponent for Homecoming and Family Weekend on Oct. 25. Kickoff is 4:00 p.m. UAlbany's Athletic Hall of Fame will also induct new members on that weekend. Central Connecticut State (Oct. 11), Monmouth (Nov. 1) and Wagner (Nov. 15) also visit University Field. All three of those home contests begin at 1:00 p.m.

Bob Ford, who is first among active FCS coaches with 225 career victories, begins his 36th varsity season with 48 letterwinners, including 10 starters, back from last year's squad. UAlbany (8-4) captured the NEC championship and earned a Gridiron Classic berth. Tailback David McCarty, a member of The Sports Network mid-major All-America squad, returns after rushing for 1,503 yards and 13 touchdowns. All-NEC offensive tackle Raphael Nguti (6-6, 330) will block in the trenches. Defensive tackle Tom Pandolf and safety Dave Nicomini, a pair of first-team all-conference selections, lead a nationally-ranked defensive unit.

2008 University at Albany Football Schedule

August -- 30 (Sat.), at Massachusetts, 6:00.

September -- 6 (Sat.), Fordham, 6:00; 13 (Sat.), at Hofstra, TBA; 20 (Sat.), at New Hampshire, 12:00; 27 (Sat.), at Delaware, 6:00.

October -- 4 (Sat.), at Duquesne*, 1:00, 11 (Sat.), Central Connecticut State*, 1:00; 18 (Sat.) at Sacred Heart*, 1:00; 25 (Sat.), St. Francis, Pa.* (HC), 4:00.

November -- 1 (Sat.), Monmouth*, 1:00; 8 (Sat.), at Robert Morris*, 1:00; 15 (Sat.), Wagner*, 1:00.

*Northeast Conference Opponent (HC) - Homecoming/Family Weekend All Times Eastern

University of Albany Women's Lacrosse Records 18-8 Win Against Crosstown-Rival Siena in Non-League Play

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Loudonville, N.Y. – Freshman Tee Ladouceur had three goals and one assist in leading UAlbany to an 18-8 non-conference win over Siena on Monday afternoon at Siena Turf Field. The Great Danes have won all eight meetings in this lacrosse series since upgrading to the Division I level in 2000.

UAlbany (2-1) scored six unanswered in a five-minute span in the first half. Ladouceur, a high school All-American last year, broke up a clearing attempt that led to a goal by Christine Grueniger, who had two goals and two assists. Kayla Best scored twice in the outburst, including a rebound shot after Saints goalkeeper Liz Peters made an initial save. Ladouceur, who added five ground balls and caused four turnovers in the field, upped her team’s advantage to 6-0 with 19:27 remaining in the first half.

The Great Danes, who were coming off a nine-goal win over Marist two days ago, still led 12-3 early in the second half when freshman Jodi Battaglia netted a free-position opportunity. Siena (1-2) then rattled off five of the game’s next six goals. Lindsey Rosecrans and Courtney Highsmith, who each scored twice, found the net 23 seconds apart to close the gap to 13-8 with 14:01 to play.

UAlbany countered by scoring five consecutive times. Stacey Brown finished off a pass from Ladouceur following a Siena turnover to begin that run, before Mel Rorie hit the cage following a successful clear. Jane Bush, who had two goals and two assists and tied a career-high with four points, had a hand in two of those tallies.

Brittany Scott and Best each scored twice and had one assist for the Great Danes, who had eleven players find the scoring column. Best extended her consecutive game scoring streak to 16 in a row. Siena’s Peters, a freshman, made eight saves while going the entire way in goal.

University of Albany ´s Leah McIntosh Named America East Softball Pitcher of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany’s Leah McIntosh was named the America East Conference Softball Pitcher of the Week, as announced today by the conference office.

McIntosh, a sophomore right hander from Whitby, Ontario, went 2-0 in her first appearances of the 2008 season, tossing two complete-game shutouts for the Great Danes. McIntosh led UAlbany to an 8-0 win over Maine in five innings, striking out 10. She then fanned 11, one away from her career-high, in a 1-0 pitchers’ duel victory over Stetson.

University of Albany¨s Lacrosse's Katie Neer & Jodi Battaglia Earn America East Conference Weekly Awards

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – University at Albany’s Katie Neer and Jodi Battaglia have been named the America East Conference Defender and Rookie of the Week, respectively, in women’s lacrosse, as announced on Monday, March 3 by the conference office.

Neer, a junior goalkeeper from Baldwinsville, N.Y., recorded a career-high 10 saves in a 15-6 victory over Marist, the preseason favorite to win the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference title. Neer, who added three ground balls, was making her second career start in the cage.

Battaglia, a freshman midfielder from Amherst, N.Y., totaled three goals and one assist, her first points as a collegian in the non-league win. Battaglia, a first-team U.S. Lacrosse All-America selection on the high school level, added two caused turnovers, one draw control and four ground balls.