University of Albany Women's Tennis Sweeps America East Conference Opponent Hartford in Dual Match

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

West Hartford, Conn. – Charlotte Tatler and Kim Weltman recorded straight set, 6-0, 6-0 victories in singles action and combined for a win at No. 3 doubles to lead UAlbany to a 7-0 win over Hartford in America East Conference action on Tuesday afternoon at the Hartford Tennis Courts.

Tatler defeated Jess Ruggles at No. 4 singles while Weltman recorded her straight-set win over Nikki Haynal at the third singles position. The pair posted an 8-0 victory over Gulay Ozdemir and partner Michele Tafur. Aimee Kern and Susan Ma combined for an 8-0 sweep of Raquel Casino and Kasey Michels at the top doubles spot. Kern recorded a 6-3, 6-1 defeat of Casino at No. 1 singles while Ma posted a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Michels at the second singles position.

Laine Mackey also recorded a singles victory for UAlbany, defeating Tafur, 6-0, 6-1, at No. 5 singles. Amanda Hall swept Ozdemir, 6-0, 6-0 at No. 6 singles and teamed with Mackey to defeat Haynal and Ruggles, 8-0, at No. 2 doubles.

UAlbany will return to action on Friday, as they travel to New Haven, Conn. for the America East Conference Championship at the Cullman-Heyman Tennis Center on the campus of Yale University.

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Singles

Aimee Kern (UA) def. Raquel Casino (UH), 6-3, 6-1

Susan Ma (UA) def. Kasey Michaels (UH), 6-2, 6-2

Kim Weltman (UA) def. Nikki Haynal (UH), 6-0, 6-0

Charlotte Tatler (UA) def. Jess Ruggles (UH), 6-0, 6-0

Laine Mackey (UA) def. Michele Tafur (UH), 6-0, 6-1

Amanda Hall (UA) def. Gulay Ozdemir (UH), 6-0, 6-0

Doubles

Kern/Ma (UA) def. Casino/Michels (UH), 8-0

Mackey/Hall (UA) def. Haynal/Ruggles (UH), 8-0

Weltman/Tatler (UA) def. Tafur/Ozdemir (UH), 8-0

UAlbany's Brian Caufield Named America East Conference Lacrosse Rookie of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. -- University at Albany’s Brian Caufield has been chosen America East Conference Rookie of the Week in men’s lacrosse, as announced on Tuesday, April 22 the league office. Caufield was honored for the second time this season.

Caufield, a freshman attackman from Bay Shore, N.Y., tallied eight goals in two games last week. He scored five times, his second-highest output of the season, in last Sunday’s 13-3 conference victory over Vermont and added three more in a 10-5 loss to top-ranked Syracuse on April 18. Caufield has accounted for three or more points in five of his last six starts.

Caufield is 22nd among the NCAA Division I leaders in scoring at 3.30 points per game. He is also second on the team with 33 points (22 goals, 11 assists).

UAlbany (6-7, AE 3-1) will host Stony Brook in the regular-season finale on Saturday, April 26 at 7:00 p.m. The game will be televised in the Capital Region on Time Warner Cable (TW3). Saturday’s winner will earn the second seed for the upcoming America East postseason tournament.

Women's Lacrosse Seeded Fourth for 2008 America East Conference Championship

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y – UAlbany has received the fourth seed for this week’s America East Conference Women’s Lacrosse Championship. Despite losing its regular-season finale to Stony Brook, the Great Danes made the tournament field through a tie-breaker formula. The championship will be held at Boston University’s Nickerson Field.

UAlbany (8-8) tangles with No. 1 seed Boston U. (13-2) in the semifinal round on Friday, April 25 at 1:00 p.m. The Terriers, who have been ranked in the IWLCA and Inside Lacrosse top-20 national polls for most of the season, captured the conference’s regular-season crown with a perfect 6-0 mark. Vermont (8-8) and New Hampshire (11-4) will meet in the second semifinal at 4:00 p.m.

Boston U. has captured three consecutive America East tournament championships. Sarah Dalton, a third-team All-America midfielder last year, leads an offense that is ranked sixth nationally at 14.47 goals per game. Dalton is the team’s top scorer with 49 goals and six assists. Lauren Morton, an all-region standout, contributes 43 goals and six assists. Molly Collins, who has 25 goals and 17 assists, was the most outstanding player at the 2007 conference tournament.

The Great Danes are making their fifth America East postseason appearance since joining the league in 2002. UAlbany reached last year’s championship final after upending top-seed Stony Brook in the semifinal round. Kayla Best is one of the conference’s leading scorers with 44 goals and seven assists. Her goal total ranks sixth on the program’s single-season chart. Freshman Jodi Battaglia (21 goals, 3 assists) and sophomore Christine Grueniger (18 goals, 6 assists) each have 24 points. Goalkeeper Katie Neer, who has made 136 saves in her first season as a starter, has a 12.02 goals against average.

Tickets for the tournament will be available at the gate throughout the weekend. All-session passes for adults are $15, while all-session tickets for youth (14-under) and America East students with a valid ID are sold for $4. Individual tickets are $8 for adults and $2 for youth (14-under) and America East students.

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2008 America East Conference Women’s Lacrosse Championship

(played at Boston University’s Nickerson Field)

Friday, April 25

Semifinal Round

No. 1 Boston University (13-2, AE 6-0) vs. No. 4 UAlbany (8-8, AE 2-4), 1:00 p.m.

No. 2 Vermont (8-8, AE 5-1) vs. No.3 New Hampshire (11-4, AE 4-2), 4:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 27

Championship, 1:00 p.m.

UAlbany Track and Field Teams Cruise to First-Place Finishes at New York Relays

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

New York, N.Y. – Senior Arina Gerasimova set a new school record in the triple jump and freshman Tyler Fogarty qualified for the USA Junior Nationals in the 800-meter run to lead the UAlbany men’s and women’s track and field teams to first place finishes at the New York Relays at Icahn Stadium. The men’s team cruised to victory with 291 points, while the women’s team recorded 233 points for a commanding win.

Gerasimova, also the program-record holder in the indoor triple jump, was named the meet’s Most Outstanding Female Performer after registering a first-place leap of 41-feet, 10.75-inches to establish the new record and qualify for the ECAC and NCAA East Regional meets. Junior Jenn Gurrant recorded a second-place leap of 41-feet, 2.50-inches to also qualify for the ECAC and NCAA East Regional meets and surpassed the previous school record set by Sarah Charles at the UAlbany Classic on April 21, 2007. Gurrant also placed first in the long jump with a distance of 17-feet, 6.75-inches and was a member of the second-place 4x100-meter relay team. Gurrant combined with Kamilah McShine, Christen Griffin and Sarah Lapierre for a time of 48.74 seconds.

The Great Danes’ 4x800-meter relay team of Danielle Trimpop, Zuliana Fontanez, Esperanza Blanco and Laura Cummings turned in an ECAC-qualifying time of 9:11.02 to place first. UAlbany also received first place finishes from freshman Kristine Mun in the 5,000-meter run (18:17.13), senior Brenna Militello in the high jump (5-3.75), freshman Kadine Johnson in the discus throw (136-1) and sophomore Sineaid Corley in the hammer throw (142-7).

On the men’s side, Fogarty was named the meet’s Most Outstanding Male Performer after winning the 800-meter run with a time of 1:51.65 to qualify for the IC4A and USA Junior National meets. Fogarty teamed with Andrew Overbaugh, Joe Belokopitsky and Jared Jupin to finish first in the 4x800-meter relay with a time of 8:02.39.

The Great Danes recorded first place and IC4A-qualifying performances from junior Jean Juste in the 110-meter hurdles (14.79), sophomore Valete Graham in the long jump (23-8), junior Michael McCadney in the triple jump (48-3.50), sophomore Luke Schoen in the pole vault (16-4.75) and freshman Wilfredo de Jesus Elias in the hammer throw (181-0.50). Junior Brian Yurkewecz won the 5,000-meter run with a time of 14:54.42, while the 4x100-meter relay team of Raphael Jean-Baptiste, Dieuseul Joseph, Drew Harrison and Jeffery Barnes took second place in an IC4A-qualifying time of 41.72 seconds.

UAlbany returns to action on Thursday, April 24 at the Penn Relays.

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Men’s Team Scores
1. UAlbany 291, 2. Kingsborough C.C. 76, 3. CCNY 60, 4. Hofstra 43, t5. Hunter 22, t5. Polytechnic (N.Y.) 22, 7. St. Francis (N.Y.) 13, t8. College of Staten Island 12, t8. New Paltz St. 12, t10. Queens (N.Y.) 10, t10. York (N.Y.) 10, 12. Columbia 8, 13. Bronx C.C. 3.

UAlbany Men’s Results
100 Meter Dash: 8. Dieuseul Joseph 11.11, 10. Raphael Jean-Baptiste 11.18, 15. Daniel Avery 11.22, 18. Drew Harrison 11.36. 110 Meter Hurdles: 1. Jean Juste 14.79 (IC4A), 2. Garrett Askew Jr. 14.85, 3. Nick Assini 15.52, 4. Anthony Assent 15.60, 5. Alfred Pryor Jr. 15.74, 7. Mohamed Kanu 16.53. 200 Meter Dash: 4. Jeffery Barnes 22.31, 5. Daniel Avery 22.46, 7. Raphael Jean-Baptiste 22.62, 14. Jean Juste 23.06, 19. Garrett Askew 23.44, 30. Anthony Assent 24.59. 400 Meter Dash: 10. Nick Lemp 51.30. 400 Meter Hurdles: 2. Nick Assini 55.45, 4. Mohamed Kanu 58.84. 800 Meter Run: 1. Tyler Fogarty 1:51.65 (IC4A, USA Junior Nationals). 5,000 Meter Run: 1. Brian Yurkewecz 14:54.42, 2. Jon Hilbert 15:43.11, 7. David Rothman 16:35.51. 4x100 Meter Relay: 2. Raphael Jean-Baptiste, Dieuseul Joseph, Drew Harrison, Jeffery Barnes 41.72 (IC4A). 4x800 Meter Relay: 1. Andrew Overbaugh, Joe Belokopitsky, Tyler Fogarty, Jared Jupin 8:02.39. High Jump: 2. Anthony Collica 6-4, 3. David Parker 6-4. Long Jump: 1. Valete Graham 23-8 (IC4A), 2. Fred Casimo 22-9, 5. Kyle Nadler 22-0.25. Triple Jump: 1. Michael McCadney 48-3.50 (IC4A), 4. Dong Ning Hu 45-3.50. Pole Vault: 1. Luke Schoen 16-4.75 (IC4A), 3. David Parker 15-5, 3. Michael Dempsey 15-5. Discus Throw: 4. Will Anger 133-3.50, 5. Renauld Buck 132-3, 6. Zach Murphy 124-6. Hammer Throw: 1. Wilfredo de Jesus Elias 181-0.50 (IC4A), 2. Will Anger 163-5, 4. Kevin Lee 130-4. Shot Put: 2. Renauld Buck 48-1.75, 5. Frank Fazzino 43-8.75, 7. Jordan Meikle 38-11.75. Javelin Throw: 3. Renauld Buck 142-11, 6. Frank Fazzino 109-6.

Women’s Team Scores
1. UAlbany 233, 2. Columbia 55, 3. CCNY 53, 4. York (N.Y.) 42, 5. College of Staten Island 39, 6. Bronx C.C. 35, 7. Hunter 16, 8. Hofstra 11, t9. Kingsborough C.C. 10, 10. C.W. Post 6, 11. New Paltz St. 5.

UAlbany Women’s Results
100 Meter Dash: 12. Sarah Lapierre 13.45, 13. Jessica Hunter 13.60, 16. Arielle Roberts 13.82. 100 Meter Hurdles: 2. Bryanna Hebenstreit 18.02, 5. Valerie Maignan 16.21, Christen Griffin NT. 200 Meter Dash: 11. Octavia Clarkson 26.80, 17. Corrine Porter-Stepney 27.16, 18. Jessica Hunter 27.37, 20. Laura Bolognino 27.55, 21. Lesan Mattis 27.82, 25. Arielle Roberts 28.32, 27. Jessica Panos 28.64. 400 Meter Dash: 2. Melissa Lee 57.95, 4. Corrine Porter-Stepney 58.77, 7. Octavia Clarkson 59.82, 10. Laura Bolognino 1:00.71, 12. Jessica Panos 1:04.39, 14. Lesan Mattis 1:05.29. 400 Meter Hurdles: 4. Rebecca Kelly 1:03.64. 1,500 Meter Run: 2. Ally Panos 5:03.37, 5. Briana McNamee 5:17.88. 5,000 Meter Run: 1. Kristine Mun 18:17.13, 2. Laine Sefick 18:59.99, 4. Kristin Grab 19:22.52. 4x100 Meter Relay: 2. Kamilah McShine, Jenn Gurrant, Christen Griffin, Sarah Lapierre 48.74. 4x800 Meter Relay: 1. Danielle Trimpop, Zuliana Fontanez, Esperanza Blanco, Laura Cummings 9:11.02 (ECAC). High Jump: 1. Brenna Militello 5-3.75, 2. Bryanna Hebenstreit 4-9.75, 3. Valerie Maignan 4-7.75, 4. Kamilah McShine 4-6, 5. Denise Parker 4-4. Long Jump: 1. Jenn Gurrant 17-6.75, 2. Arina Gerasimova 17-6, 3. Ashley Vives 17-5.25. Triple Jump: 1. Arina Gerasimova 41-10.75 (School Record, ECAC, NCAA East Regional), 2. Jenn Gurrant 41-2.50 (ECAC, NCAA East Regional), 6. Traequanda Brock 34-9.75. Discus Throw: 1. Kadine Johnson 136-1, 3. Ritshell Verdier 121-6.50, 4. Ashley Lewis 108-5. Hammer Throw: 1. Sineaid Corley 142-7. Shot Put: 2. Kadine Johnson 39-10.75. Javelin Throw: 3. Ashley Lewis 103-2, 7. Bryanna Hebenstreit 59-7.25.

UAlbany's Chris Cannata Records 400th Career Win as Head Softball Coach

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – With a 6-2 win over Hartford on April 19, University at Albany head softball coach Chris Cannata recorded her 400th career victory. In her 14th season at the helm of the Great Danes, Cannata has posted a 400-201-1 record, and has recorded more than half of her wins at the Division I level.

In the program’s eight seasons since moving to Division I, Cannata has led UAlbany to a 249-130-1 record, and has averaged over 32 wins per season. The Great Danes registered a program-record 36 wins in 2006, making their second straight NCAA Tournament appearance that season after claiming the America East Conference Championship. Last season, Cannata took the fourth-seeded Great Danes to their third consecutive championship title and guided the team to the NCAA Hempstead Regional final before falling to nationally-ranked Baylor.

UAlbany (23-13, AE 11-3) is currently second in the America East Conference standings. The Great Danes will continue conference play on Wednesday with a doubleheader at Vermont starting at 2 p.m.

University of Albany Men's Lacrosse's Brett Queener

ALBANY -- MARTIN BRODEUR WITH THE SAVE ... WAIT: THE GOALIE'S STICK-HANDLING UP ICE, BLOWING PAST THE FORWARDS AND SPLITTING THE DEFENSE ... HE SHOOTS ... HE SCOOOOORES!!

OK, that never happens. Ever.

Except in the dreams of every single goalie who's ever played hockey.

But Brett Queener, the senior goalie for the University at Albany lacrosse team, regularly takes off on such fanciful flights. The senior out of Penn Yan is a free spirit whom the crease can't contain.

Queener is a goalie in a constant search for payback. After a save, he often starts the breakout. Sometimes, he IS the breakout. He wants to attack.

Queener had a quiet game Sunday in a 13-3 win over Vermont. The game wasn't even that close: UAlbany (6-7, 3-1) had a 10-0 lead at John Fallon Field before the Catamounts scored with more than five minutes gone in the third quarter.

There was none of the end-to-end rushes that have marked Queener's career, no daring forays outside the cage that would terrify almost any coach.

Certainly there were no goals: Queener has two in his career, including a classic field-long dash against No. 1-ranked Johns Hopkins in 2006. His all-around skills are so good he plays attack when UAlbany is a man-up because of a penalty.

Queener is unique. So is Scott Marr. A professed "going for it on fourth down" type of guy, Marr is one of the few coaches who would let Queener get away with it.

"We are definitely more of a high-risk, push-the-ball type of team," Marr said. "It's very difficult to defend, having a goalie come out. ... It gives us an extra guy."

The most spectacular plays in sports come with risk, whether it's the stolen base or swinging for the fences in baseball, throwing a go pattern in football or attempting a baseline alley-oop in hoops.

But few gambles in sport rival your goalie 50 yards or more out of his net.

You have to embrace the risk. Queener has been doing that since he was a kid, when as the youngest brother he was the one put in a barrel and rolled down the sledding hill.

You know, to see if someone could survive.

"Growing up in a small town, with a lot of space around where no adult could see, you can find some crazy stuff to do," Queener said.

You know there were worse things. He's just not going to cop to them in print. His parents, he said, "know about most of them."

During one high school game, Queener broke into the open. He charged and found himself all alone. Twenty-yards out. Fifteen. Ten.

"He called timeout," Queener said.

As in the coach. As in Harry Queener. As in his own dad. A dream for every goalie ... snatched just a few steps short of realization.

"I was in trouble at home at the time," the son said, "so I understand." (Note to Dad: Diabolically brilliant.)

Harry, now an assistant coach with the Penn Yan Academy team, said there was also concern in part over injury from other teams taking cheap shots. Simply, goalies weren't allowed to shoot. But his son's play has made him change his mind on the tactic. Harry Queener said other coaches have told him they're thinking of doing the same thing: Embrace the risk.

"It's a Penn Yan tradition now," the dad said, "to let goalies run."

A goaltender's dream.

Mark McGuire

University of Albany's Brian Caufield Has Five Goals in Men's Lacrosse's 13-3 America East Conference Victory

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Brian Caufield had five goals and Joe Pompo added three in leading UAlbany to a 13-3 America East Conference victory over Vermont on Sunday, April 20 before 1,018 fans at sun-drenched John Fallon Field. The Great Danes moved into a tie for second place in the conference standings.

UAlbany (6-7, AE 3-1) was in complete control from the start. Derek Kreuzer, a freshman who had a career game with two goals and one assist, dodged a defender and converted a low shot from 10 yards away to get his team on the board. The Great Danes, who rebounded nicely from a loss to top-ranked Syracuse on Friday evening, scored 29 seconds apart to open up a 3-0 advantage. Caufield moved to the top of the crease through the defense after Alpizar came up with a ground ball. Pompo then netted a shot from the right side off a pass by Kreuzer from the point.

Caufield scored three times in a five-goal second quarter as his team posted an 8-0 halftime lead. The freshman attacker connected off a fastbreak feed from Jordan Levine following a Vermont turnover. After Nate Sullivan’s man-up goal, Caufield tallied a pair within a 55-second span. Levine found him on the crease with a long crossing pass from the left, and the rookie place a high shot in the cage. He than netted his fourth of the half when Alpizar drove from the left to set him up on the right crease.

The Great Danes, who clinched an America East postseason tournament berth for the seventh consecutive year, upped their margin to 10-0 early in the third quarter. Pompo, a freshman who started for injured leading-scorer Corey Small, hit an empty net after Alpizar broke up a clearing attempt and fed the 6-foot-4 attackman. Caufield scored his 22nd of the season with 12:35 remaining in the period off a crossing pass from behind the cage by Alpizar.

“We played well for four quarters,” said UAlbany goalkeeper Brett Queener, who made 10 saves in 41-plus minutes of action. “The defense was disciplined and the offense was effective. I was a little spent after Friday, but we will have to play two games in three days during our (postseason) tournament.”

Vermont (4-10, AE 1-3) did all of its scoring in the third period. Derek Lichtfuss, the team’s top scorer, broke up the shutout with a shot from the left side with 9:38 left in the stanza. Kyle Sminkey and Andrew Kelleher found the cage. Kelleher finished off a transition play following a turnover. Starting UVM goalkeeper Justin Lubas stopped 10 shots.

“We made a statement to ourselves,” UAlbany coach Scott Marr offered. “This was a huge win. We played at high level for the entire game. Even our reserves kept them off the scoreboard in the fourth quarter.”

UAlbany’s Levine tied a career-high with three assists and had a third-quarter goal, while Alpizar handed out a career-best four assists. Back-up goalkeepers Dan McKeon and A.J. Babnik combined on six saves, as the defense held its fourth opponent this season under the five-goal mark.

“We went out and played with a purpose,” said Alpizar, a junior midfielder. “Every game is a playoff game now. The defense has been doing a great job throughout the season, so the offense needs to step it up and score some goals.”

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UAlbany 13, Vermont 3

Vermont – Scoring: Andrew Kelleher 1-0, Derek Lichtfuss 1-0, Kyle Sminkey 1-0, Tommy Archer 0-1, Noah Miller 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Justin Lubas (45:00, 10 saves, 12 GA), Thomas Fuge (15:00, 4 saves, 1 GA).

UAlbany – Scoring: Brian Caufield 5-0, Joe Pompo 3-0, Derek Kreuzer 2-1, Jordan Levine 1-3, Kyle Crotty 1-0, Nate Sullivan 1-0, John Alpizar 0-4; Goalkeeper(s): Brett Queener (41:25, 10 saves, 2 GA), Dan McKeon (13:34, 3 saves, 1 GA), A.J. Babnik (5:01, 3 saves, 0 GA).



Note: A Capital District Youth Lacrosse League clinic took place on Sunday morning prior to the UAlbany-Vermont game at John Fallon Field ... nearly 60 boys, grades 3-8, were instructed on the basic elements of the game, including shooting, passing and stick work ... UAlbany coach Scott Marr, his staff and about a dozen UAlbany players took part in the clinic.

Schumer to announce 'landmark' agreement between federal government, University of Albany's NanoCollege

Sen. Charles Schumer is planning to announce what he called a "landmark agreement" that will create a partnership between the federal government and the University at Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering.

Schumer (D-NY) said the agreement, which he will formally announce on Monday at the college, will bring federal research expertise and resources to the Albany NanoTech campus where UAlbany's NanoCollege is located.

Schumer said the partnership will trigger a new wave of funding to Albany NanoTech. The senator said he had previously secured $900,000 for a new nanotech research center at Albany NanoTech. That funding, which he called seed money, will jump-start further investments in the center totaling $14 million.

Schumer said he brokers an agreement between the Albany NanoTech and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. He will be joined by James Turner, head of NIST, on Monday.

Schumer's spokesman Alex Detrick said the senator's announcement will include details on job training programs and tax credits.

Softball Falls to Hartford, 2-1, in Extra-Inning Contest

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

West Hartford, Conn. – Amanda Sais hit a two-out, walk-off single to send the winning run across home plate in the eighth inning to lead Hartford to a 2-1 win over UAlbany in America East Conference softball action on Sunday afternoon at the UH Softball Field.

Sophomore Amanda Dilworth reached base on a walk and then stole second to move into scoring position, before Sais knocked a base hit into right-center field to end the game.

Hartford (17-15, AE 6-8) scored first, as Sais smacked a triple into right field in the bottom of the first inning to take the early lead. Sais later scored on a sacrifice fly to right by third baseman Jackie Simonetty. UAlbany tied the game at 1-1 in the third after shortstop Andrianna Walraven walked to lead off the frame. She then stole second and scored on a base hit to center by third baseman Meagan Butsch.

The Great Danes got a runner into scoring position with one out in the seventh, as Kat Smith reached on an error and pinch runner Kristine Bill advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Nicole Kothe. Hartford hurler Brittney Stratton induced a pair of infield pop-ups from Amber Maisonet and Walraven to retire the side. Stratton fanned five in a complete-game performance. UAlbany’s Marissa Powell, who dropped to 9-8 on the season, struck out a career-high 11 opposing batters in 7.2 innings of work.

UAlbany (23-13, AE 11-3), which dropped to second in the conference standings behind Boston U., will return to action on Wednesday with a doubleheader at Vermont starting at 2 p.m.

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UAlbany (23-13, AE 11-3) 001 000 00 - 1 6 0

Hartford (17-15, AE 6-8) 100 000 01 - 2 4 3

UAlbany: Marissa Powell and Kat Smith, Leanne Tillman.

Hartford: Brittney Stratton and Lindsey Anrico.

America East Women's Lacrosse Championship Field Set

Courtesy: America East Communications

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.- Despite a 9-7 loss to Stony Brook on Saturday, Albany has earned the fourth and final berth for the 2008 America East Women's Lacrosse Championship, which begins on Friday, April 25 at Boston University's Nickerson Field.

The Great Danes (8-8, 2-4 America East) finished in a three-way tie for fourth with the Seawolves (8-6, 2-4 America East) and UMBC (4-12, 2-4 America East). Albany, which received the bid because it allowed the fewest goals in games involving the other two tied teams, will face the top-seeded Terriers (13-2, 6-0 America East) in the first semifinal on Friday at 1 p.m.

No. 2 Vermont (7-8, 4-1 America East) will take on No. 3 New Hampshire (11-4, 4-2 America East) in the other semifinal at 4 p.m. on Friday. The championship game will be played on Sunday, April 27 at 1 p.m. The game will be video streamed by Pack Network and available free of charge at AmericaEast.com.

Tickets for the tournament will be available at the gate on Friday and Sunday. All-session passes for adults will be $15, while all-session tickets for youths 14 and under and America East students with a valid ID will be sold for $4. Individual tickets will be $8 for adults and $2 for youths and America East students.

2008 America East Women's Lacrosse Championship
Semifinals - Friday, April 25
Game 1: No. 4 Albany at No. 1 Boston University, 1 p.m.
Game 2: No. 3 New Hampshire vs No. 2 Vermont, 4 p.m.

Final - Sunday, April 27
Game 3: Winner Game 1 vs Winner Game 2, 1 p.m.

Times Union Prints A Letter From UAlbany Stadium Supporter

Stony Brook grows; why not UAlbany?

Stony Brook University has just announced a $20 million renovation project for its indoor sports facility. I am waiting for the moral outrage from Times Union contributors and citizens of the Capital Region -- or is it just when UAlbany wants to expand?

Stony Brook just got a brand new football/lacrosse stadium and no one has a problem with this? UAlbany has brought much exposure to the university and the system by excelling on the field of play and in the classroom. Stony Brook has had only a modicum of success compared to Albany. It's time for the community and the legislators of this great state to get behind UAlbany in this project and make Stony Brook go through some red tape for once.

CRAIG MROCZKA

Rocky Hill, Conn.

University of Albany Softball splits doubleheader with Hartford

West Hartford, Conn. – Amber Maisonet and Nicole Kothe scored two runs apiece to lead UAlbany to a 6-2 win over Hartford in the first game of an America East Conference softball doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. Hartford claimed the second game by a score of 1-0, in an eight-inning pitcher’s duel.

UAlbany (23-12, AE 11-2) recorded a three-run fourth inning in the early game, as first baseman Leanne Tillman led off the frame with a walk. Tillman advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Kat Smith and scored on a Hartford error, which also allowed Kothe to reach base safely. Maisonet drew a walk and stole second before Andrianna Walraven knocked an RBI single to score Kothe. Maisonet scored the third run of the inning on a wild pitch by the Hawks’ Brittney Stratton.

The Great Danes added a single run in the fifth inning on a lead-off homer by Meagan Butsch, her fifth of the season. UAlbany added two more runs in the top of the sixth frame, loading the bases with a walk by Kothe and back-to-back singles by Maisonet and Walraven. Michelle Connors (Shenendehowa) singled up the middle to drive in Kothe and Maisonet.

UAlbany pitcher Marissa Powell, who improved to 9-7 on the season, took a no-hitter into the seventh inning before giving up solo home runs to Jackie Simonetty and Kristen Cericola. Powell fanned seven opposing batters in her complete-game performance. Stratton took the loss for Hartford, striking out four over six innings before being relieved in the seventh by Amanda Farnan.

Stratton recorded an eight-inning no-hitter in the second game to lead the Hawks to their extra-inning victory. Right fielder Amanda Sais broke up a scoreless tie by knocking a two-out, RBI single to left to score pinch runner Kayla Demarest and give Hartford (16-15, AE 5-8) the win.

UAlbany hurler Leah McIntosh took a no-hitter into the final frame before giving up three hits. McIntosh struck out a career-high 13 batters over 7.2 innings.

The two teams will meet in the series finale on Sunday, beginning at 12 p.m.

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UAlbany 000 312 0 - 6 8 1

Hartford 000 000 2 - 2 2 1

UAlbany: Marissa Powell and Kat Smith.

Hartford: Brittney Stratton, Amanda Farnan (7) and Lindsey Anrico.



UAlbany (23-12, AE 11-2) 000 000 00 - 0 0 0

Hartford (16-15, AE 5-8) 000 000 01 - 1 3 0

UAlbany: Leah McIntosh and Kat Smith.

Hartford: Brittney Stratton and Lindsey Anrico.

Women's Lacrosse Falls in Regular-Season Finale to America East-Rival

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

Albany, N.Y. – Melissa Cook had three goals and one assist in leading Stony Brook to a 9-7 America East Conference victory over UAlbany in the regular-season finale for both teams on Saturday, April 19 at John Fallon Field.

Stony Brook (8-6, AE 2-4) erased a two-goal deficit by scoring five consecutive times over the final 12 minutes of the opening half. Cook ignited that outburst by driving around defender from the right side, before Jenna Celano tied the contest at three apiece with a high blast from the middle of the zone. Amy Hallion’s free-position shot over the goalkeeper’s head put her team in front. After Hallion added another goal, Kaitlin Leggio completed the decisive run by cutting to the top of the crease to take Diana Caroleo’s pass from behind with 6.9 seconds left in the period.

The Seawolves, who avenged a home loss to UAlbany in last year’s conference tournament semifinals, upped their advantage to 9-4 with 12:09 to play. Cook was responsible for all of the scoring in run of three unanswered. She converted a drive from the right side and then fed teammate Samantha Djaha in transition. The fastbreak started after Mickey Cahill saved a free-position attempt. The freshman attack then rolled inside from the left to net her 34th of the season.

UAlbany (8-8, AE 2-4) made a comeback attempt against the visitors by scoring three straight times. Kayla Best went low inside the left post on a free-position opportunity for her fourth of the game. Brittany Scott and Rory Redmond added unassisted goals that were created out of free-position situations. The Great Danes were looking to get closer in the final three minutes when Stony Brook’s Leggio, last year’s conference player of the year, forced a turnover. The Seawolves were able to keep possession in the offensive end and work the clock from that point.

The Great Danes, who suffered their third straight loss, leaped to 3-1 lead over the opening 15 minutes. Best, who extended her scoring streak 29 consecutive games, found the cage twice, including a shot that went low into the left side of the net following a restart. The sophomore midfielder has 44 goals this spring.

Hallion, a senior midfielder from South Australia, had a pair of goals for the Seawolves, who have won four of seven meetings in this series. Goalkeeper Mickey Cahill made 11 saves. UAlbany's senior class of Stacey Brown, Teresa Strano and Scott were honored in a pre-game ceremony.

**********

Stony Brook 9, UAlbany 7

Stony Brook – Scoring: Melissa Cook 3-1, Amy Hallion 2-0, Diana Caroleo 1-1, Kaitlin Leggio 1-1, Jenna Celano 1-0, Samantha Djaha 1-0; Goalkeeper(s): Mickey Cahill (60:00, 11 saves, 7 GA).

UAlbany – Scoring: Kayla Best 4-0, Brittany Scott 1-0, Rory Redmond 1-0, Jodi Battaglia 1-0, Christine Grueniger 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Katie Neer (60:00, 2 saves, 9 GA).

Binghamton Scores Late-Inning Run to Top Baseball in America East Action

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Vestal, N.Y. – Kyle Klee drove in the winning run in the eighth inning to lead Binghamton past UAlbany, 5-4, in America East Conference baseball action at Varsity Field on Friday, April 18.

Binghamton (11-21, AE 4-5) jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the opening two innings. In the first, Joe Charron singled to center to plate Peter Bregartner, who had reached base via a wild pitch on a swinging third strike. Following a hit batsman and a groundout, Corey Taylor singled to right field to drive in Charron from third. Brian Ivan followed with an infield single to score Ryan Holley. The Bearcats added a single run in the second inning as Ryan James singled down the left field line with one out to knock in Jeff Abrams, who led off the frame with a double down the right field line.

UAlbany (9-25-1, AE 4-5) rallied for four runs in the top of the seventh inning to knot the score at four. Senior first baseman Mike Konstanty got the scoring started with a single to left field to drive home sophomore right fielder Brendan Rowland, who reached base on a fielder’s choice. Junior designated hitter Dave West followed with a single to center to score classmate Ryan Gugel, who singled with two outs to reach base. After a walk to sophomore third baseman Pete Eichner knocked Binghamton starter Zach Groh from the contest, freshman second baseman Kyle Crean singled to center to plate Konstanty and West with the tying runs.

The Bearcats took the lead in the eighth on a fielder’s choice by Klee. Abrams singled to lead off the frame and moved to second on a sacrifice bunt by Bregartner. James followed with an infield single to put runners on the corners. Junior Sean Gregory then intentionally walked Charron to load the bases. After Dave Noble took over on the mound for the Great Danes, Klee hit a grounder between second and third. The Great Danes were able to record an out at second, but Klee beat the relay throw to first, allowing Abrams to score the winning run.

Gregory took the loss in relief for the Great Danes, yielding a run on three hits over 1.1 innings. Junior southpaw Cory Warrings pitched the first six innings for UAlbany, striking out four, while allowing four runs on seven hits. Greg Lane earned the win for the Bearcats, pitching the final 1.2 innings, striking out a pair, while giving up just one hit.

The Great Danes and the Bearcats resume their four-game series with a pair of seven-inning contests on Saturday starting at 12:00 p.m.

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UAlbany (9-25-1, AE 4-5) 000 000 400 - 4 6 1
Binghamton (11-21, AE 4-5) 310 000 01X - 5 10 2

UAlbany: Cory Warrings, Sean Gregory (7, L, 2-4), Dave Noble (8) and Ryan Gugel.
Binghamton: Zach Groh, James Giulietti (7), Morgan Smith (7), Greg Lane (8, W, 3-2) and C.J. Lukaszweski.

Men's Lacrosse Comes Up Short Against #1 Syracuse, 10-5

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

Syracuse, N.Y. – Mike Leveille had three goals to lead Syracuse, the nation’s top team, to its ninth consecutive win in a 10-5 victory over UAlbany on Friday, April 18 before 5,420 fans at the Carrier Dome. The Orange are ranked No. 1 in the USILA coaches’ poll and No. 2 by Inside Lacrosse.

Syracuse (11-1) broke an early 1-1 tie with three consecutive goals. Greg Niewieroski scored from right in front following a failed clearing attempt. Leveille then found the net from the right side by going low inside the near post. Niewieroski rolled in from the right around two defenders to complete the outburst.

UAlbany (5-7) closed the gap to 4-2 when freshman Brian Caufield sent a blast into the top corner with 2:47 left in the opening period. But the Orange used a stingy defense and forced the visitors into several clearing miscues to keep them off the scoreboard for the rest of the half. Kenny Nims, who had two goals and one assist, found an empty net when defenseman Craig McDonald coughed up the ball on his side of the field. Steven Brooks and Stephen Keogh added unassisted goals in the second quarter.

The Great Danes, who are now winless in seven meetings when playing the nation’s No. 1 team, closed within four goals on two occasions in the third period. Jordan Levine drove from the right point to connect on a tough-angle goal with 2:23 on the clock that cut the lead to 8-4. UAlbany had many opportunities to make it a tighter affair, but made seven of its 24 turnovers in the stanza.

Leveille, who extended his scoring streak to 51 straight games, helped slam door with back-to-back goals. Following a 10-second clearing violation by the Great Danes, the senior attacker converted Brooks’ feed with 17 seconds remaining in the quarter. He added his 33rd of the season in the final period by circling back to his right and sending a high blast over reserve goalkeeper Dan McKeon’s head.

“We turned the ball over too many times and gave them too many chances,” said UAlbany coach Scott Marr, whose team was facing its fifth top-10 opponent and second No. 1 squad this season. “They rode us well and came with pressure. Their defense made it hard to get shots off and the goalie was outstanding.”

SU goalkeeper John Galloway finished with 14 saves, one off his career-best total. Brooks, a senior midfielder, had two goals and one assist. UAlbany’s Brett Queener, who also saw time on the man-up unit, stopped 10 shots and had a career-high 10 ground balls.

“They have a solid defense that works well together and slides fast to the ball,” commented Caufield, who led his team with three goals. “We didn’t play our best, but we had good looks and they didn’t fall.”


**********

UAlbany (5-7) 2 0 2 1 - 5

#1 Syracuse (11-1) 5 2 2 1 - 10

UAlbany – Scoring: Brian Caufield 3-0, Jordan Levine 1-0, Kyle Brunk 1-0, Mike Ammann 0-2, Joe Pompo 0-1, John Alpizar 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Brett Queener (51:32, 10 saves, 9 GA), Dan McKeon (8:28, 0 saves, 1 GA).

Syracuse – Scoring: Mike Leveille 3-0, Steve Brooks 2-1, Kenny Nims 2-1, Greg Niewieroski 2-0, Stephen Keogh 1-0, Dan Hardy 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): John Galloway (60:00, 14 saves, 5 GA).

Danes no stranger to looking out for No. 1

ALBANY — Playing the nation’s No. 1-ranked team is a daunting task, but the University at Albany men’s lacrosse team is getting used to it.

The Great Danes (5-6) beat No. 1-ranked Johns Advertisement Hopkins 8-7 to begin the 2007 season, but then fell to top-ranked Cornell in overtime in the NCAA Division I
quarterfinals.

UAlbany also took on the top-ranked and defending national champion Johns Hopkins s to begin the 2008 campaign, but fell 10-5.

The Great Danes will get their seventh chance in school history to topple No. 1 tonight, at 7 p.m., when they take to the field at the Carrier Dome against Syracuse (10-1).

“We’ve certainly played at this level for four or five years now, where we’ve been competing against Hopkins and Syracuse when they’ve been ranked No. 1,” UAlbany coach Scott Marr said. “It’s exciting. There’s nothing better than having the chance to beat the best team in the country and to do in their back yard would be nice.”

The game will air locally on Time Warner Ch. 1 in the Capital District.

UAlbany won’t just be up against the top team in the country, they will be without their leading scorer, Corey Small. The junior attacker from Ontario, who has scored 28 goals on the season, strained a glute muscle in practice this week and Marr said he will most likely not play this evening.

Expected to step up in Smalls’ absence are freshmen Joe Pompo and Derek Kreuzer, both who are from the Syracuse area. “It’s a great opportunity for them to go home to Syracuse and have the opportunity to play in the Dome and play in front of some family members,” Marr said.

Pompo, who went to high school at West Genesee and Kreuzer, who is from Liverpool, aren’t the only players that will be wearing Purple & Gold this evening, but grew up watching the Orange. “We have about 10 kids on our roster from the Syracuse area and they grew up watching the Syracuse lacrosse program,” senior captain Jordan Levine said.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to come back in front of their hometown, their family and friends and give a good effort against Syracuse.”

The Great Danes will also be looking to rebound from a league loss against the University of Maryland-Baltimore County that almost assures UAlbany they will not host the conference tournament at the end of the season.

“Like coach said in the beginning of the season, we have to have a short memory,” junior defenseman Chris Schongar said. “It’s a loss, but we have to put it
behind us, that was last week.” “The loss certainly hurt Saturday night, but there’s nothing we can do about Saturday night, now,” Marr said. “We have to look forward and not only are we playing Syracuse Friday, but we have a conference
game Sunday, here at home.”

A victory Sunday against Vermont would assure the Danes of a spot in the top four and punch the defending America East champions’ ticket into the conference
tournament.

The UAlbany players feel like they have nothing to lose tonight against Syracuse and see themselves and the decided underdog.“They’re the number one team, everything is riding on their shoulders and again we’re the underdogs,” said Schongar, a Clifton Park native and a graduate of Shenendehowa High School.

“I don’t think we could have a better opportunity,” Levine said. “We’re playing in the Dome against the number one team in the country. We just need to play smarter.”

Syracuse has beaten UAlbany all five times the teams have met since 2004, a year in which they beat the Great Danes twice, including in the first round of the NCAA
Tournament and the Orange posted back-to-back 14-13 wins in 2005 and 2006, with the latter coming in overtime.

“It almost feels like we’re due for a win,” Schongar said. “Losing in overtime once, a couple of other close games and last year they beat us by a few, but we’re
just going to go see what happens.”

“I don’t think we need anymore ammo,” Levine said. “They’re number one in the country and we’re 5-6 and we just had a tough loss to UMBC. A win like this
would put us back on track and it would be great for the program to have another win against the number one team in the country.”


By Andrew Santillo, The Record
Andrew Santillo may be reached at asantillo@troyrecord.com

University of Albany's Meagan Butsch Named ECAC Softball Player of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Centerville, Mass. – UAlbany’s Meagan Butsch was named the ECAC Conference Softball Player of the Week, as announced by the conference office on Monday afternoon.

Butsch, a native of Tomball, Texas, recorded a .500 average to lead UAlbany to a 6-1 week, including six straight wins. The junior third baseman scored eight runs on 11 hits, including three home runs, three doubles and one triple for a 1.136 slugging percentage. Butsch also drove in seven runs while striking out just once in 22 at bats. She went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in a 9-4 win at UMBC on Monday, and went 2-for-3 with one run scored in a close 3-2 victory over Vermont on Wednesday.

Butsch is second on the team with a .356 average on the season. She leads the team with 13 extra-base hits, including four home runs, and has 18 runs and 18 RBI.

University of Albany Defeats Crosstown-Rival Siena, 6-1, in Non-Conference Tennis Action

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Loudonville, N.Y. – UAlbany’s Kim Weltman and Charlotte Tatler combined for a 8-0 win in doubles action, and they both posted straight-set singles wins to lead the Great Danes to a 6-1 win over crosstown-rival Siena in non-conference tennis action on Wednesday afternoon.

Weltman defeated Siena’s Jessica Asselin, 6-3, 6-0 at the No. 3 singles position, while Tatler recorded a 6-0, 6-0 defeat of Lauren Garbade at the fourth singles position. Freshman Susan Ma posted a 6-7 (7-4), 6-3, 10-4 win over Sarah Davis and also teamed up with Aimee Kern for an 8-4 victory over Sarah Davis and Asselin at the top doubles spot. Amanda Hall was also victorious in singles action, defeating Jennifer Messing, 6-0, 6-1. Hall and teammate Laine Mackey defeated Sarah Mayer and Garbade, 9-8 (7-1), at No. 3 doubles. Mackey claimed a 5-0 default win over Keric in singles action. Siena’s lone point came in a 6-2, 6-1 win at the No. 1 singles position by Mayer over Kern.

UAlbany will return to action on Saturday, hosting America East Conference opponent Binghamton at 1 p.m.


2008 Head to Head Competition: UAlbany vs Siena

UAlbany 6 Siena 1 - Women's Tennis: April 16
UAlbany 13 Siena 6 - Men's Lacrosse: April 2
UAlbany 2 Siena 1 - Women's Softball: March 27
UAlbany 3 Siena 2 - Women's Softball: March 27
UAlbany 18 Siena 8 - Women's Lacrosse: March 3

2008 Totals: UAlbany 5 Siena 0


Today's Tennis Summary:

Singles

Sarah Mayer (S) def. Aimee Kern (UA), 6-2, 6-1

Susan Ma (UA) def. Sarah Davis (S), 6-7 (7-4), 6-3, 10-4

Kim Weltman (UA) def. Jessica Asselin (S), 6-3, 6-0

Charlotte Tatler (UA) def. Lauren Garbade (S), 6-0, 6-0

Laine Mackey (UA) def. Dinka Keric (S), 5-0 (default)

Amanda Hall (UA) def. Jennifer Messing (S), 6-0, 6-1


Doubles

Kern/Ma (UA) def. Davis/Asselin (S), 8-4

Hall/Mackey (UA) def. Mayer/Garbade (S), 9-8 (7-1)

Weltman/Tatler (UA) def. Keric/Messing (S), 8-0

No. 16 New Hampshire Downs Women's Lacrosse

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Durham, N.H. – Sarah Von Bargen tallied a season-high five goals, all in the first half, in leading New Hampshire to a 17-7 America East Conference victory over UAlbany on Wednesday, April 16 at Memorial Field. The Wildcats, who are ranked No. 16 in the latest IWLCA national poll, locked up the third seed for next week’s postseason conference tournament.

Von Bargen, a junior attacker, scored three times midway through the first half to stake her team to a 6-0 lead. She won the opening draw and hit the net on a free-position shot with 27 seconds elapsed in the contest. Von Bargen, who has 29 goals on the season, added her second of the game off a feed from Ashley Durepo following a successful clear.

UAlbany (8-7, AE 2-3) sliced that deficit in half with three unanswered. Freshman Jodi Battaglia converted a pair of free-position opportunities in that span. Brittany Scott, a senior midfielder, also scored after teammate Kayla Best controlled a draw and passed ahead.

The Great Danes, who have dropped all 10 meetings in the series, still trailed 9-5 after Molly Ortolano netted the first of her two goals. But New Hampshire (11-4, AE 4-2) struck twice in the final two minutes of the period. Von Bargen scored unassisted, before Shaunna Kaplan added her 23rd of the season with 55 seconds left before the break.

The Wildcats, who were coming off a pair of one-goal losses after winning nine in a row, ran off three consecutive goals to begin the second half. Susie Piotrkowksi scored twice, while Michaela Hardy found the cage with one of her four goals following a UAlbany turnover.

Best, a sophomore midfielder, had two goals and one assist for the Great Danes, who must defeat Stony Brook in their regular-season finale on Saturday in order to earn a place in the America East tournament. Best extended her goal scoring streak to 28 consecutive games, the sixth-best mark among Division I players. UNH’s Kaplan finished with four goals and one assist.

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#16 New Hampshire 17, UAlbany 7

UAlbany – Scoring: Kayla Best 2-1, Jodi Battaglia 2-0, Molly Ortolano 2-0, Brittany Scott 1-0, Stacey Brown 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Katie Neer (60:00, 10 saves, 17 GA).

New Hampshire – Scoring: Sarah Von Bargen 5-1, Shaunna Kaplan 4-1, Michaela Hardy 4-0, Susie Piotrkowski 2-0, Moira Talbot 1-1, Ashley Durepo 1-1, Goalkeeper(s): Ashley Milley (60:00, 10 saves, 7 GA).

UAlbany Softball Completes Season-Sweep of Binghamton

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – UAlbany’s Marissa Powell earned two wins in the circle to lead the Great Danes to a season sweep of Binghamton in America East Conference softball action on Tuesday afternoon at Albany Field. UAlbany defeated the Bearcats, 4-3 in 11 innings, in the completion of a game that was suspended on March 30 due to darkness. The Great Danes then recorded a 9-2 win in the series finale.

The resumed game, which picked up in the top of the tenth with the score tied at 3-3, was completed in the following inning, as Amber Maisonet knocked an RBI single into left field to score Leanne Tillman, who started the frame off with a single. Powell, who was the original starter in the game, finished with six strikeouts over seven innings of work. Brittany Rose and Leah McIntosh each tossed two innings of relief, striking out three and two, respectively.

UAlbany (22-11, AE 10-1) scored two runs in the first inning of the series finale to take an early lead. Shortstop Andrianna Walraven singled and then stole second before being driven home on an RBI single to left field by Michelle Connors (Shenendehowa). Connors recorded a stolen base and crossed home on a double by right fielder Bailey Van Deest.

The Great Danes broke the game open in the bottom of the second, scoring six runs off Binghamton pitcher Patty Egan. UAlbany loaded the bases on back-to-back singles by Nicole Kothe and Maisonet, with Walraven reaching safely on an error. Connors knocked her second base hit of the game to center field to score Kothe, while Maisonet scored on a fielder’s choice, with Walraven out on the play. Van Deest recorded her second straight double, scoring Connors. Designated player Gina Mason followed with her third home run of the season, a three-run shot over the left field fence. Nicole Constantatos entered the game in relief for Binghamton and induced the final out to end the Great Danes’ rally.

Binghamton (5-25, AE 1-10) was able to avoid the shutout, scoring single runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Bri Andrews led off the fourth frame with a triple and later scored on Powell’s wild pitch. Center fielder Sandy Meadows scored the Bearcats’ second run on an RBI single by pinch hitter Shawna Albright.

Rose, who came into the game in the fifth to relieve Powell in the circle, kept the Binghamton hitters quiet, striking out five opposing batters over the final two innings. Powell finished with five strikeouts, while Rose fanned eight in three innings of work.

The Great Danes will return to action on Saturday, with an America East doubleheader at Hartford, starting at 1 p.m.

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(completion of suspended game from March 30)

Binghamton 000 012 000 00 - 3 9 3

UAlbany 102 000 000 01 - 4 12 0

(one out when winning run scored)
Binghamton: Cyrilla Suker, Patty Egan (6) and Kelly Schuldt, Deannie Plemon.

UAlbany: Marissa Powell, Brittany Rose (6), Leah McIntosh (8) and Kat Smith.



Binghamton (5-25, AE 1-10) 000 110 0 - 2 6 1

UAlbany (22-11, AE 10-1) 260 010 x - 9 13 0

Binghamton: Patty Egan, Nicole Constantatos (3) and Deannie Plemon.

UAlbany: Marissa Powell, Brittany Rose (5) and Kat Smith.

Crean Homers UAlbany Baseball Past Manhattan, 9-4, in Non-Conference Action

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Freshman Kyle Crean smacked a one-out, two-run homer in the sixth inning to lead the UAlbany to a 9-4 non-conference win over Manhattan at Varsity Field on Tuesday, April 15.

UAlbany (9-24-1) jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Senior left fielder Tom Zink was hit by the first pitch of the inning. After advancing to second on a balk, junior shortstop Sean Donovan laced a single up the middle to plate Zink. The Jaspers answered back in their half of the second with a single run. Senior catcher Dom Lombardi tripled to the center-field fence with one out and scored two batters later on a sacrifice fly by Austin Sheffield.

Manhattan (14-15-1) took a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning with a two-out rally. Senior Eric Nieto walked and stole second to get into scoring position. He then advanced to third on a wild pitch when Mark Onorati walked, and crossed the plate as brother Kevin Nieto singled through the left side. The Great Danes evened the score in the home half of the fifth. Junior catcher Ryan Gugel walked with the bases loaded to force in classmate Gary Pitcheralle.

Crean gave the Great Danes the lead in the sixth by pulling a two-run shot over the fence in right field. UAlbany tacked on four runs on two hits in the seventh inning. Crean, Pitcheralle and Zink drew consecutive walks with the bases loaded to force in three runs. Donovan then lifted a sacrifice fly to center to score Crean for an 8-2 lead.

The Jaspers got two runs back in the top of the eighth, but could not cut further into the UAlbany lead. Lombardi singled through the left side to plate Onorati and Kevin Nieto, who reached after being hit by pitch and a walk, respectively. The Great Danes closed out the scoring with a single run in the bottom of the eighth. Freshman designated hitter Jamie Liebowitz singled through the left side to knock in senior first baseman Mike Konstanty from second.

Matthew Herrick picked up the win in relief, striking out two in an inning of work. Zac Goyer took the loss for the Jaspers, yielding four runs on four hits over 5.1 innings. The Great Danes, who have won four of their last five contests, return to action at Binghamton on Friday, April 18 at 3:00 p.m. to start a four-game America East Conference series.

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Manhattan (14-15-1) 010 010 020 - 4 3 3
UAlbany (9-24-1) 100 012 41X - 9 8 0

Manhattan: Zac Goyer (L, 0-2), Mike Tibbetts (6), Tom Moran (7), Andrew Sutherland (8) and Dom Lombardi.
UAlbany: Nate Novak, Matthew Herrick (6, W, 1-0), Marco Rivera (7), Hunter Moffatt (8), Chris Ott (9) and Ryan Gugel.

UAlbany's Maggie Taylert Ties for Tenth Place at Hartford Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

West Hartford, Conn. – UAlbany’s Maggie Taylert shot a final-round 83 to finish in a tie for 10th place at the Hartford Women’s Invitational on Tuesday afternoon at Rockledge Golf Course. The Great Danes, who held a one-stroke lead after the opening round, slipped to fifth in the 36-hole team standings.

Taylert carded an 82 in Monday’s first round over the par-72, 5,803-yard layout. She finished nine strokes behind Long Island’s Natalie Desjardins, who won medalist honors by four strokes. UAlbany’s Corrin Conroy, a freshman, placed 13th with rounds of 83 and 84. Jessica Signorelli tied for 18th with a 36-hole score of 173 (82-91).

Sacred Heart captured the team title by 11 shots over runner-up Central Connecticut State. The Pioneers had three of the top-five finishers in the field. Desjardins, the first-day leader with a 77, came back with a 79 over the final 18 holes. Sacred Heart’s Jennifer Tierney was second with scores of 79 and 81. Her teammate Patricia Ali Heyes turned in the best round of the tournament with a three-over 75 on the final day to move up the leader board 13 places into third place.

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Team: 1. Sacred Heart 328-325-653, 2. Central Connecticut State 335-329-664, 3. Fairfield 333-338-671, 4. Hartford 341-333-674, 5. UAlbany 327-351-678, 6. Long Island 338-344-682.

Individual: 1. Natalie Desjardins (Long Island), 77-79-156, 2. Jennifer Tierney (Sacred Heart), 79-81-160, 3. Patricia Ali Heyes (Sacred Heart), 86-75-161, t4. Courtney Richardson (Fairfield), 80-82-162, t4. Joanne Martorana (Sacred Heart), 79-83-162.

Top UAlbany Finishers: t10. Maggie Taylert 83-83-165, 13. Corrin Conroy 83-84-167, t18. Jessica Signorelli 82-91-173, 29. Sun Hwa Kim 93-93-186.

UAlbany's Meagan Butsch Named America East Softball Player of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – UAlbany’s Meagan Butsch was named the America East Conference Softball Player of the Week, as announced by the conference office on Monday afternoon.

Butsch, a native of Tomball, Texas, recorded a .500 average to lead UAlbany to a 6-1 week, including six straight wins. The junior third baseman scored eight runs on 11 hits, including three home runs, three doubles and one triple for a 1.136 slugging percentage. Butsch also drove in seven runs while striking out just once in 22 at bats. She went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in a 9-4 win at UMBC on Monday, and went 2-for-3 with one run scored in a close 3-2 victory over Vermont on Wednesday.

Butsch is second on the team with a .356 average on the season. She leads the team with 13 extra-base hits, including four home runs, and has 18 runs and 18 RBI.

McPhee Leads UAlbany Women's Golf to First Round Lead at Hartford Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

West Hartford, Conn. – Sophomore Amanda McPhee shot an opening round 80 to lead the UAlbany women’s golf team to a first round lead at the Hartford Women’s Invitational on Monday, April 14 at the par 72, 5,803-yard Rockledge Golf Course. The Great Danes shot a first round 327, for a one-stroke lead over Sacred Heart.

McPhee opened with a 41 on the front nine holes and closed out her round with a 39, tied for the third-best back-nine score. Sophomore Jessica Signorelli and senior Maggie Taylert each carded rounds of 82 to finish tied for seventh place. Signorelli shot a 39 on the first nine holes, the second-best score of the day, and registered a 43 on the final nine. Taylert recorded scores of 40 on the front and 42 on the back. Freshman Corrin Conroy finished in a three-way tie for ninth with a first-day score of 83 to round out the Great Danes’ top-four scores. She started with a 46 on the first nine, before shooting a 37, the best score of the 33 competitors, on the final nine.

Junior Sun Hwa Kim recorded scores of 44 and 49 to finish the day at 93, while senior Becky Lukac shot 49 on the front and back for a 98.

The second round of the Hartford Invitational begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday.

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Team Scores
1. UAlbany 327, 2. Sacred Heart 328, 3. Fairfield 333, 4. Central Connecticut State 335, 5. Long Island 338, 6. Hartford 341.

Top 10 Scores
1. Natalie Desjardins (Long Island) 37-40 – 77, T2. Jennifer Tierney (Sacred Heart) 41-38 – 79, T2. Joanne Martorana (Sacred Heart) 39-40 – 79, T4. Amanda McPhee (UAlbany) 41-39 – 80, T4. Courtney Richardson (Fairfield) 39-41 – 80, 6. Deb Kim (Central Conn. St.) 42-39 – 81, T7. Jessica Signorelli (UAlbany) 39-43 – 82, T7. Maggie Taylert (UAlbany) 40-42 – 82, T9. Corrin Conroy (UAlbany) 46-37 – 83, T9. Kristen MacDonald (Fairfield) 42-41 – 83, T9. Juliana Carrillo (Hartford) 39-44 – 83.

Other UAlbany Scores
T29. Sun Hwa Kim 44-49 – 93, 32. Becky Lukac 49-49 – 98.

University of Albany Unveils "The World Within Reach"

New branding initiative highlights the University's unique qualities

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 14, 2008) -- Today, the University at Albany launched its first-ever branding initiative with the theme, "The World Within Reach." It showcases the University's distinctive qualities as a leading public research university that offers students a strong foundation for success and a broad world view.

Today's announcement is the culmination of a year-long initiative which began last spring, when the University set out to examine how UAlbany was perceived both by the campus community and the public. The University partnered with the higher education marketing firm Stamats, assembled a core marketing team, and sought the input of faculty, students, staff, alumni, prospective students, high school guidance counselors, and community and business leaders to conduct a comprehensive analysis of its identity.

The mission was to build a strong and consistent reputation based upon attributes that the University could demonstrate and stand behind. The goal is to better position the University in attracting and recruiting top students, first-tier faculty and administrative staff, and the necessary resources to sustain UAlbany's tradition of excellence.

"In all our work, we noticed a recurring theme -- UAlbany as a place of opportunity and success," said Interim President George M. Philip. "Today, we unveil a campaign that captures and highlights the notable strengths that make UAlbany great and distinctive."

"The World Within Reach" theme will appear in University publications, on the University Web site, and in other broadcast and outreach materials created by the University. UAlbany also unveiled today a new advertising campaign that will initially appear in the Capital Region, including the Albany-Rensselaer Train Station and Albany International Airport.

"The World Within Reach" initiative highlights the University's core strengths, which include:

* Strategic Location -- UAlbany is a hub for new ideas. Its location in New York's capital has driven many of its distinctive academic strengths in such areas as public policy, criminal justice, social welfare, education, public health, and, most recently, nanosciences. UAlbany students have access to enviable internship and public service opportunities, employer connections that lead to jobs after graduation, and all the culture, recreation and entertainment of the region.

* Modern Vision -- The University's educational mission is straightforward: expand the worldview of its students and prepare them to make meaningful and lasting contributions to their communities, their nation, and their world. This far-reaching vision manifests itself on campus in the richness and variety of the University’s academic programming and the vibrancy of its cultural diversity.

* Life-Enhancing Research and Scholarship -- Through its research and scholarship, UAlbany contributes tremendously to the public good. The biological roots of diseases, the dynamics of hurricanes, immigration, cyberterrorism, and nanotechnology are just a few of the issues being tackled by UAlbany researchers. UAlbany research is advancing knowledge, driving economic growth in the region and state, and creating extraordinary opportunities for students.

* Diversity that Enriches Learning -- UAlbany is the ideal place to get a global perspective. Student and faculty come from more than 100 countries, bringing different and fresh perspectives. This breadth of diversity adds rich texture to the learning that takes place on campus and prepares UAlbany students to become world citizens in today’s interconnected global society.

* Excellence at a Great Value -- The excellence of a UAlbany education is recognized by many independent sources, such as the rankings published this month by U.S. News and World Report. Its great value comes in the world of opportunities available to students at an affordable price. Students learn from and are mentored by accomplished faculty. UAlbany offers 189 undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degree programs, an Honors College, championship Division I athletics, and a rich array of campus activities. Students form lasting connections with peers, professors, and alumni, and when they graduate, they join a global alumni network of more than 140,000.

"By the time they graduate, our students have what it takes to contribute and succeed in many fields. In countless ways, UAlbany has put the world within reach for them," said Susan Phillips, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

"UAlbany has played an important role in my life as a professional and as a person, helping me attain a position where I could be of greater benefit to my community," said David Brown, '05, President and CEO of the Capital District YMCA.

"UAlbany has been at the forefront in developing research partnerships across the globe," said Sanjay Goel, Associate Professor in the School of Business and Director of Research at the Center for Information Forensics and Assurance. "Through UAlbany, professors like me have made contacts with top international researchers, leading to mutual engagement on critical issues and creating the potential for increased networking and cooperative efforts."

"I have received a great education with excellent faculty, made wonderful connections, and have had countless experiences that I will never forget," said Elizabeth Gray, '08, of Ithaca, N.Y.

University of Albany Softball Completes Sweep of Maine, 10-9, in America East Showdown

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Freshman shortstop Andrianna Walraven knocked a no-out, walk-off single past the second baseman to score Nicole Kothe in leading UAlbany to a 10-9 win over Maine in America East Conference softball action on Sunday afternoon at Albany Field. The Great Danes swept the three-game weekend series.

Kothe’s run capped a four-run rally in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Great Danes the come-from-behind victory. Down 9-6 entering the bottom half of the frame, first baseman Gina Mason led off with a single to left field. Catcher Leanne Tillman reached on a fielder’s choice, and Mason was safe at second after a throwing error. Right fielder Jessica Bergin walked to load the bases, and Mason scored the first run of the inning on a fielder’s choice by Kothe, who reached first safely to keep the bases juiced. Left fielder Amber Maisonet drew her team even at nine apiece with a two-rn double down the left field line, scoring pinch runner Kristine Bill and Bergin. With no outs, Walraven hit a 2-2 pitch through the infield, sending Kothe home for the winning run.

UAlbany (20-11, AE 8-1) found themselves in a 8-0 hole after Maine, who led off the game with a first-pitch home run by Alexis Souhlaris, posted seven runs in the top of the third. Shortstop Ashley Waters and first baseman Kirstin Allen both knocked two-RBI doubles off starting pitcher Marissa Powell to get the Black Bears started in the frame. Freshman Brittany Rose came into the circle in relief, but hit her first batter faced and allowed a two-run double by Erin Iandoli. Melinda Corssino drove in Iandoli on an infield single, but Rose induced a groundout by Souhlaris to end the inning.

The Great Danes cut the deficit in half in the bottom of the frame, as second baseman Michelle Connors hit a two-run homer over the fence in centerfield to score Maisonet, who reached on a bunt single. Third baseman Meagan Butsch was hit by a pitch and designated player Bailey Van Deest knocked a single to left to put runners in scoring position. Mason smacked a double into center field to score the base runners in slicing the lead to 8-4.

UAlbany added two more runs in the fourth as Walraven chase home a pair with a double into left, scoring Kothe and Bergin, who started the inning with back-to-back singles. The Black Bears scored one run in their half of the sixth on an RBI single by Waters, to hold a 9-6 advantage before UAlbany’s late-inning rally.

Jenna Balent tossed 3.1 innings for Maine (5-34, AE 5-6) before being relieved by Christine McGivney, who fanned two opposing batters in 2.2 innings of work. UAlbany’s Powell struck out three batters, while Rose recorded three strikeouts over 4.2 innings.

The Great Danes will return to action on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m., hosting America East-rival Binghamton in the continuation of an early-season series that was suspended due to weather.

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Maine (5-34, AE 5-6) 107 001 0 - 9 12 1

UAlbany (20-11, AE 8-1) 004 200 4 - 10 14 0

(no outs when winning run scored)

Maine: Jenna Balent, Christine McGivney (4) and Whitney Spangler.

UAlbany: Marissa Powell, Brittany Rose (3) and Leanne Tillman.

#14 Vanderbilt Downs Women's Lacrosse, 15-5, in Non-League Play

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Cara Giordano had four goals and Carter Foote added three in leading Vanderbilt to a 15-5 non-league victory over UAlbany on Sunday,, April 13 at John Fallon Field. The Commodores, who are ranked No. 14 nationally in the IWLCA poll and No. 15 by Inside Lacrosse, have won five of their last six outings.

Vanderbilt (10-4) broke a 1-1 deadlock with six consecutive goals over the final 11 minutes of the opening half. Foote, a sophomore midfielder, converted Margie Curran’s pass from behind the cage to put her team ahead. Giordano and Foote each scored a pair during a four-minute stretch of the period. Giordano spun in the middle of the zone and sent a shot high into the net. The Commodores took a 6-1 lead when Foote netted a blast from left of the crease after collecting a underhanded pass from Emily Franke. Ashley Paschall, who had two goals and one assist, scored from the top of the crease with 23.3 seconds left before the break.

The Commondores, who compete in the American Lacrosse Conference, still led 8-2 early in the second half, after UAlbany’s Taylor Frink spun in the middle and placed a shot into the right side of the net. Vanderbilt would find the cage three straight times over the next eight minutes. Giordano connected from right of crease off Laura Keenan’s feed, before Sarah Downing scored back-to-back goals. Downing drove around a defender from the right side, before nailing a bounce shot from the top of the crease.

UAlbany (8-6) scored twice in the late stages. Kayla Best won a draw control and drove to the crease area in netting her 38th of the season with 4:50 to play. Christine Grueniger sent a free-position opportunity into the lower right corner two minutes later. Goalkeeper Katie Neer made six saves for the Great Danes, who were meeting their fourth national top-15 team this season.

Allie Frank, a sophomore attack, finished with two goals and one assist for the Commodores, who made their third NCAA appearance over the last six years in 2007. Curran, the school’s all-time scorer with 224 career points, added one goal and handed out two assists.

**********

#14 Vanderbilt 15, UAlbany 5

Vanderbilt – Scoring: Cara Giordano 4-1, Carter Foote 3-0, Ashley Pachchall 2-1, Allie Frank 2-1, Sarah Downing 2-0, Margie Curran 1-2, Meghan Rose 1-0, Leslie Koch 0-1, Katherine Denkler 0-1, Emily Frank 0-1, Laura Keenan 0-1; Goalkeeper(s); Brooke Shinaberry (60:00, 7 saves, 5 GA).

UAlbany – Scoring: Christine Grueniger 1-0, Kayla Best 1-0, Jodi Battaglia 1-0, Taylor Frink 1-0, Mel Rorie 1-0; Goalkeeper(s): Katie Neer (60:00, 6 saves, 15 GA

University of Albany Softball Sweeps Maine in America East Conference Doubleheader

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Marissa Powell and Brittany Rose turned in two complete-game performances in the circle to lead UAlbany to a doubleheader sweep of Maine in America East Conference softball action on Saturday afternoon at Albany Field. The Great Danes won the first game, 9-5, and took the second by a score of 9-3.

Powell earned the win in the early contest, striking out six over seven innings. Maine jumped out to an early lead, scoring all five runs in the first frame. Second baseman Ashley Waters gave the Black Bears a 3-0 lead on a three-run, no-out homer, scoring Alexis Souhlaris and Whitney Spangler. Third baseman Terren Hall walked and shortstop Kristen Calvetti singled to center before first baseman Kirstin Allen drove an RBI single to right to send Hall home. Calvetti later scored on a fielder’s choice before Powell could induce the final two outs to get out of the inning.

UAlbany responded in the bottom of the first, scoring two runs on an RBI single by Meagan Butsch that scored left fielder Amber Maisonet and centerfielder Nicole Kothe, who got on base by way of a single and a walk, respectively.

The Great Danes were able to hold Maine scoreless for the remainder of the game, but added four runs in the bottom of the third on a two-RBI double by right fielder Bailey Van Deest and a two-run double by shortstop Andrianna Walraven. UAlbany added a single run in the fourth, as second baseman Michelle Connors hit a single up the middle to score pinch runner Kristine Bill, who came in to run for Kat Smith, who was hit by a pitch. Connors finished with three RBI in the game, as she drove a two-run homer over the left field fence in the bottom of the sixth to give the Great Danes a four-run advantage.

Jenna Balent took the loss in the circle for Maine (5-33, AE 5-5) in 4.0 innings of work. Cayleigh Montano entered in relief for the final two frames, striking out two without allowing a walk.

First baseman Leanne Tillman recorded three RBI off two hits to lead UAlbany in game two. The Great Danes started with the hot bats in the contest, scoring four runs in the bottom of the first. With the bases loaded, Van Deest knocked a two-run single to right field, scoring Maisonet and Connors. Butsch scored the third run for UAlbany on a sacrifice fly by Walraven, and Tillman drove in Van Deest on a single to center.

The Great Danes added two runs in the bottom of the second, with both runs coming due to Maine throwing errors. The Black Bears cut into the deficit in the fourth frame, as Waters and Hall hit back-to-back home runs to left field.

UAlbany added three runs in the bottom half of the fifth inning, with Tillman recording two RBI on a double to left field which scored Walraven and designated player Gina Mason. Smith knocked an RBI single during the next at bat, scoring Tara Dalton, who entered to run for Tillman. Maine was able to get one more run scored in the sixth, but Rose worked out of a bases-loaded jam, inducing a ground-out by Spangler to end the inning.

Rose finished with eight strikeouts for UAlbany (19-11, AE 7-1), and improved to 3-1 on the season. Souhlaris took the loss for Maine, allowing all nine Great Dane runs. Sophomore Christine McGivney tossed one inning in relief.

UAlbany and Maine will complete the three-game conference series on Sunday, beginning at 12 p.m.

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Maine 500 000 0 - 5 9 0

UAlbany 204 102 x - 9 8 2

Maine: Jenna Balent, Cayleigh Montano (5) and Whitney Spangler.

UAlbany: Marissa Powell and Kat Smith.



Maine (5-33, AE 5-5) 000 201 0 - 3 9 1

UAlbany (19-11, AE 7-1) 420 030 x - 9 9 1

Maine: Alexis Souhlaris, Christine McGivney and Whitney Spangler.

UAlbany: Brittany Rose and Kat Smith.

Willimott and Kubiak Pitch UAlbany to America East Baseball Doubleheader Sweep of Maine

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Bangor, Maine – Junior Josh Willimott and freshman David Kubiak recorded victories on the mound to lead UAlbany to a doubleheader sweep of Maine in America East Conference baseball action on Saturday, April 12 at the Winkin Complex at Husson College. The Great Danes topped the Black Bears, 5-2, in seven innings in the opener and rallied for an 8-3 victory in the nightcap.

In game one, Maine (11-16-1, AE 1-3) got on the board first in the second inning. With one out, Tony Patane reached on catcher’s interference and moved to second on a groundout. Jarrett Lukas followed with a single to right to advance Patane to third and allow him to score on an error by the catcher.

UAlbany (8-24-1, AE 4-4) went ahead in the third with a pair of runs and scored twice more in the fourth and once in the fifth. Sophomore Brendan Rowland and junior Sean Donovan each singled to lead off the third. Following a successful sacrifice bunt by junior Zac Halloran to advance the runs up a base, junior catcher Ryan Gugel singled to center to knock in Rowland and Donovan. In the fourth, Tom Zink singled and Gary Pitcheralle walked around a strikeout to open the frame. Freshman second baseman Kyle Crean then followed with a two-run double to right field for the eventual game winning runs. The Great Danes plated their final run of the contest in the fifth as Gugel and Mike Konstanty each walked at the start of the inning. After a strikeout and a wild pitch that moved Gugel to third, sophomore Pete Eichner singled to center to plate Gugel.

The Black Bears scored once in the bottom of the sixth, but could not cut further into the Great Danes’ lead. Curt Smith singled to right and Myckie Lugbauer walked to open the inning against Willimott. Junior Sean Gregory was then summoned from the bullpen to close out the inning. After a fly out moved Smith to third, Joey Martin singled to right field to score Smith. Lugbauer advanced to third on a passed ball, but Gregory recorded a strikeout and a fly out to end the inning.

In the nightcap, Rowland walked and Gugel was hit by a pitch with two outs in the first inning. Konstanty then followed with a single to right center to get the Great Danes on the board. Maine answered back in the second inning with a pair of runs, the first two earned runs Kubiak has allowed in 14 innings over three starts. With one out, Danny Menendez lifted a sacrifice fly to right field to drive in Martin, who reached on a walk to open the inning and advanced on a hit batsman and a sacrifice bunt. Joe Mercurio then singled to knock in Patane, who reached by being hit by a pitch.

The Great Danes evened the score at two with a run in the sixth. Gugel started the inning with a double to right. He scored three batters later on a single to left by Pitcheralle. UAlbany scored four times in the seventh, without getting the ball out of the infield, to take a 6-2 lead. The Great Danes loaded the bases on a hit batsman and three consecutive fielder’s choices. With one out, Konstanty was hit by a pitch for the second time in the game to force home Donovan. Eichner then drove in Rowland with a groundout to second. Gugel and Konstanty both scored on a wild pitch to Pitcheralle.

Maine got one run back in the bottom of the eighth, but the Great Danes scored twice in the ninth to deliver the final score. Smith opened the eighth frame with a double to left field and advanced to third on a wild pitch. After a walk to Lugbauer and a sac bunt, Martin singled to shortstop to plate Smith. Junior Dave Noble then induced a fly out and Lugbauer advanced too far around third on a single and was thrown out by Zink to end the inning. In the ninth, Rowland followed a Donovan leadoff single with his fifth homer of the season.

Willimott improves to 4-1 on the season, yielding just two runs (one earned) on four hits over five innings. Gregory allowed just two hits over the final two innings. Kyle Benoit took the loss for the Black Bears, giving up four runs on five hits in four innings. Kubiak recorded his first career win in the nightcap, striking out six over seven innings, while allowing three runs on three hits. Matt Jebb suffered the loss, giving up six runs (two earned) on six hits in seven innings.

The Great Danes return to action on Tuesday, April 15 at 3:30 p.m. as they host Manhattan.

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Game One
UAlbany (7-24-1, AE 3-4) 002 210 0 - 5 6 2
Maine (11-15-1, AE 1-2) 010 001 0 - 2 6 1

UAlbany: Josh Willimott (W, 4-1), Sean Gregory (6) and Ryan Gugel.
Maine: Kyle Benoit (L, 2-1), Jim Cox (5) and Myckie Lugbauer.

Game Two
UAlbany (8-24-1, AE 4-4) 100 001 402 - 8 8 0
Maine (11-16-1, AE 1-3) 020 000 010 - 3 5 2

UAlbany: David Kubiak (W, 1-0), Dave Noble (8) and Ryan Gugel.
Maine: Matt Jebb (L, 2-2), Jonathan Balentina (8) and Joe Mercurio.

UAlbany Track and Field Teams Record First-Place Finishes at UMass Invitational

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Amherst, Mass. – Ten members of the men’s track and field team registered IC4A-qualifying marks and three members of the women’s squad recorded ECAC-qualifying performances to lead UAlbany to a first-place finish in the men’s and women’s competition at the UMass Invitational at the Track and Field Facility on Saturday, April 12. The men’s team scored 236 points to win by a commanding margin, while the women registered 223 points to place ahead of the host school.

Freshman Daniel Avery (14.34) and junior Jean Juste (14.40) each qualified for the IC4A meet in the 110-meter hurdles by finishing first and second in the event, respectively. A pair of Great Danes also qualified for the IC4A competition in the pole vault. Sophomore Luke Schoen cleared the bar at 16-feet, 2.75-inches to place first and freshman Michael Dempsey recorded a height of 15-feet, 9-inches for second place. Freshman Wilfredo de Jesus Elias turned in an IC4A-qualifying performance en route to winning the hammer throw with a toss of 185-feet, 1-inch. Senior Dieuseul Joseph recorded a pair of IC4A marks by placing second in the 100-meter dash in a time of 10.90 seconds and as a member of the winning 4x100-meter relay team. Joseph teamed with Raphael Jean-Baptiste, Torshiro Jenkins and Jeffery Barnes to register a time of 41.32 seconds. In the long jump, sophomore Valete Graham was first with an IC4A-qualifying leap of 23-feet, 8.25-inches.

The Great Danes also had winning performances by Andrew Overbaugh in the 400-meter hurdles (54.87), Tyler Fogarty in the 800-meter run (1:52.77) and Will Anger in the discus throw (142-4). The 4x400-meter relay team of Overbaugh, Barnes, Joe Belokopitsky and Drew Harrison recorded a time of 3:18.30 to cross the line first.

In the women’s competition, Kamilah McShine won 100-meter hurdles in 14.09 seconds to qualify for the ECAC championships. A pair of Great Danes had ECAC-qualifying efforts in the triple jump. Senior Arina Gerasimova recorded a first-place leap of 39-feet, 7.25-inches, while junior Jenn Gurrant had a second-place distance of 39-feet, 1.75-inches. Brenna Militello was a winner in the high jump (5-4.50) and Ritshell Verdier took first in the discus (138-9).

The Great Danes return to action on April 19-20 at the New York Relays in New York City.

-agate-

Men’s Team Scores
1. UAlbany 236, 2. Williams 99, 3. UMass 93.50, 4. Boston College 57, 5. Westfield State 54.50, 6. Stony Brook 54, 7. Hartford 48, 8. Central Connecticut State 43, 9. Amherst 22.

UAlbany Men’s Results
100 Meter Dash: 2. Dieuseul Joseph 10.90 (IC4A), 4. Drew Harrison 11.01, 5. Raphael Jean-Baptiste 11.02, 6. Torshiro Jenkins 11.16. 110 Meter Hurdles: 1. Daniel Avery 14.34 (IC4A), 2. Jean Juste 14.40 (IC4A), 3. Garrett Askew 14.86, 5. Nick Assini 14.99, 6. Mohamed Kanu 16.08. 200 Meter Dash: 4. Torshiro Jenkins 22.00, 5. Drew Harrison 22.30, 7. Jeffery Barnes 22.48, 8. Raphael Jean-Baptiste 22.51, 10. Garrett Askew 22.89, 12. Dieuseul Joseph 22.96. 400 Meter Dash: 16. Nick Lemp 51.68. 400 Meter Hurdles: 1. Andrew Overbaugh 54.87, 3. Daniel Avery 55.73, 7. Nick Assini 57.64, 10. Mohamed Kanu 58.71, 14. Jean Juste 59.63, 16. Alan Nimblette 1:00.96. 800 Meter Run: 1. Tyler Fogarty 1:52.77, 17. Jared Jupin 1:59.37, 21. Joe Belokopitsky 2:00.97, 26. Bryan Lasky 2:05.82. 1,500 Meter Run: 42. Mitchel Troise 4:38.59. 5,000 Meter Run: 16. David Rothman 16:16.50, 17. Jon Hilbert 16:17.92. 4x100 Meter Relay: 1. Raphael Jean-Baptiste, Dieuseul Joseph, Torshiro Jenkins, Jeffery Barnes 41.32 (IC4A). 4x400 Meter Relay: 1. Andrew Overbaugh, Joe Belokopitsky, Drew Harrison, Jeffery Barnes 3:18.30, 5. Nick Lemp, Tyler Fogarty, Jared Jupin, Bryan Lasky 3:25.12. Shot Put: 2. Renauld Buck 49-1.50, 4. Frank Fazzino 43-3, 11. Jordan Meikle 38-5. Javelin Throw: 2. Michael McCadney 174-6, 9. Kevin O’Riley 141-8, 10. Frank Fazzino 128-4, 12. David Parker 118-6, 13. Zach Murphy 107-10. Long Jump: 1. Valete Graham 23-8.25 (IC4A), 2. Kyle Nadler 22-4.50, 6. Kevin O’Riley 19-8.25. Triple Jump: 3. Dong Ning Hu 43-5, 4. Valete Graham 43-4, 5. Kyle Nadler 42-6.25. Pole Vault: 1. Luke Schoen 16-2.75 (IC4A), 2. Michael Dempsey 15-9 (IC4A), 3. David Parker 14-9. High Jump: 1. David Parker 6-7, 2. Anthony Collica 6-5. Hammer Throw: 1. Wilfredo de Jesus Elias 185-1 (IC4A), 3. Will Anger 148-8, 10. Kevin Lee 124-4. Discus Throw: 1. Will Anger 142-4, 12. Zach Murphy 114-8, 23. Kevin Lee 96-4, Renauld Buck FOUL.


Women’s Team Scores
1. UAlbany 223, 2. UMass 137, 3. Boston College 95, 4. Williams 73, 5. Hartford 59, 6. Amherst 44, 7. Central Connecticut State 43, 8. Stony Brook 33, 9. Westfield State 25.

UAlbany Women’s Results
100 Meter Dash: 2. Ashley Vives 12.50, 5. Sandy Antenor 12.95, 8. Sarah Lapierre 13.23, 11. Arielle Roberts 13.41, 12. Jessica Hunter 13.42, 18. Jessica Antoniades 13.74, 19. Traequanda Brock 13.76. 100 Meter Hurdles: 1. Kamilah McShine 14.09 (ECAC), 3. Christen Griffin 15.36, 4. Valerie Maignan 15.41, 14. Bryanna Hebenstreit 18.32. 200 Meter Dash: 6. Ashley Vives 26.29, 10. Jessica Hunter 27.01, 14. Arielle Roberts 27.57, 29. Bryanna Hebenstreit 29.96. 400 Meter Dash: 2. Jenn Gurrant 58.31, 4. Corrine Porter-Stepney 59.50, 5. Octavia Clarkson 59.64, 6. Laura Bolognino 1:00.21, 16. Jessica Panos 1:04.42, 19. Lesan Mattis 1:06.26. 400 Meter Hurdles: 2. Kamilah McShine 1:04.72, 5. Rebecca Kelly 1:06.06, 11. Christen Griffin 1:08.49. 800 Meter Run: 7. Laura Cummings 2:16.14, 11. Zuliana Fontanez 2:18.13, 19. Esperanza Blanco 2:24.54, 20. Danielle Trimpop 2:24.82, 40. Laine Sefick 2:33.23, 42. Ally Panos 2:33.33. 1,500 Meter Run: 3. Laura Cummings 4:39.20, 12. Danielle Trimpop 4:56.20, 19. Ally Panos 5:00.09, 20. Laine Sefick 5:00.19. 3,000 Meter Steeplechase: 4. Kristine Mun 11:21.03. 4x100 Meter Relay: 3. Sarah Lapierre, Christen Griffin, Sandy Antenor, Jessica Antoniades 49.82. 4x400 Meter Relay: 2. Octavia Clarkson, Zuliana Fontanez, Laura Cummings, Melissa Lee 3:58.53, 6. Rebecca Kelly, Lesan Mattis, Jessica Panos, Esperanza Blanco 4:12.51. Shot Put: 2. Kadine Johnson 41-6, 4. Ritshell Verdier 34-11.75. Javelin Throw: 5. Ashley Lewis 106-6, 14. Ritshell Verdier 72-1, 16. Valerie Maignan 67-3, 18. Kadine Johnson 61-3, 20. Bryanna Hebenstreit 53-9. Long Jump: 2. Ashley Vives 17-5.25, 3. Arina Gerasimova 17-4.75, 4. Jenn Gurrant 17-4.75, 5. Valerie Maignan 16-7.75, 6. Sandy Antenor 16-7.25, 11. Traequanda Brock 15-6, Tiffany Sprenkels FOUL. Triple Jump: 1. Arina Gerasimova 39-7.25 (ECAC), 2. Jenn Gurrant 39-1.75 (ECAC), 3. Sandy Antenor 38-4, 4. Traequanda Brock 35-7.75, Tiffany Sprenkels FOUL. Pole Vault: 6. Krystal Myers 10-0. High Jump: 1. Brenna Militello 5-4.50, 6. Sandy Antenor 5-0.50, 10. Bryanna Hebenstreit 4-10.50, 11. Valerie Maignan 4-10.50, Kamilah McShine NH, Denise Parker NH. Hammer Throw: 2. Ritshell Verdier 148-10, 3. Sineaid Corley 146-1, 4. Kadine Johnson 131-7. Discus Throw: 1. Ritshell Verdier 138-9, 3. Ashley Lewis 125-6, 4. Kadine Johnson 118-6.