UAlbany Field Hockey Falls to Top-Ranked Maryland, 4-2, in NCAA Tournament

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

College Park, Md. – Susie Rowe recorded two goals and one assist to lead No. 1 Maryland to a 4-2 win over No. 20 UAlbany in the first round of the 2008 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Tournament on Saturday afternoon at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex.

The Terrapins jumped out quickly, scoring two goals in the first 10 minutes of play. Nicole Muracco struck first at 3:43 with a hard shot from the middle of the circle. Rowe added her first goal in the eighth minute, as Katie O’Donnell gathered the ball in a scramble in front of the cage and passed over to Rowe, who slipped the ball past UAlbany goalkeeper Ashley Ross. The Great Danes would get on the scoreboard before the end of the first half, as junior forward Nicole Savage dribbled in and knocked an unassisted shot into the cage at 26:46.

Maryland (19-2) went ahead 3-1 early in the second stanza, as Danielle Keeley took an assist from Rowe on a penalty corner in the 39th minute. Rowe then gave the Terrapins their largest lead of the game with a penalty corner goal at 53:29 off an assist by Alexis Pappas. Jess Lindsey would cut the Great Danes’ deficit in half late in the game on UAlbany’s only penalty corner of the game. Senior Michele Polizois passed the ball back to Lindsey off the initial insert and Lindsey was able to shoot the ball past Maryland goalkeeper Alicia Grater.

Maryland outshot the Great Danes, 20-7, and held an 8-1 advantage in penalty corners. Grater made two saves in the cage for the Terrapins while Ross stopped nine of Maryland’s 13 shots on goal in the game.

“It was a very good experience overall,” said UAlbany head coach Phil Sykes, who led the Great Danes to the program’s first-ever conference title this season. “We came out a little nervous in the first 10 minutes, but we calmed down. We had several good opportunities in the second half to make it an interesting game, but we couldn’t capitalize. The team didn’t get overwhelmed with their opponent or the situation and I’m really proud of them for that.”

UAlbany finishes the season with a 12-10 overall record, and ends the year in the national rankings for the second consecutive season.

#20 UAlbany (12-10) 1 1 - 2
#1 Maryland (19-2) 2 2 - 4

UAlbany: Scoring – Nicole Savage (1-0), Jess Lindsey (1-0), Michele Polizois (0-1). Goalkeeper – Ashley Ross (70:00, 4 GA, 9 saves).

Maryland: Scoring – Susie Rowe (2-1), Nicole Muracco (1-0), Danielle Keeley (1-0), Katie O’Donnell (0-1), Alexis Pappas (0-1). Goalkeeper – Alicia Grater (70:00, 2 GA, 2 saves).

UAlbany Field Hockey Enters NCAA Tournament 1st Round Against #1 Seed Maryland Today At 11:30

Courtesy: UA Sports Info

UAlbany (12-9) was ranked or receiving votes in the NFHCA Division I National Coaches’ Poll every week this season. The Great Danes jumped back into the national rankings after winning the conference title, standing at 20th when the poll was released earlier today. UAlbany faced several nationally-ranked teams during the regular season, including NCAA participants Syracuse, Connecticut and Michigan. The Great Danes defeated the Wolverines, 3-2.

UAlbany, currently on a five-game winning streak, is led by all-conference performers Michele Polizois and Michelle Simpson. Polizois, the America East’s defensive player of the year, leads the team with 14 goals and six assists for 34 total points. Simpson, the conference’s midfielder of the year in 2008 and an All-America performer last season, added 10 goals and 12 assists for 32 points. Senior goalkeeper Ashley Ross, a four-time all-conference honoree, started all but one game in the cage for the Great Danes, recording 94 saves for a 1.98 goals against average. UAlbany is coached by Phil Sykes, who was recognized as the America East coach of the year for guiding the Great Danes to their first-ever conference championship and NCAA berth.

“This has been a very unique year for college field hockey,” said Sykes, now in his fifth season at the helm of the UAlbany program. “There has not been the usual four or five extremely dominant teams. In years past this match up would have been pretty daunting, but based on how tough our schedule was, we feel like we can compete with anyone.”

Maryland (18-2) earned the NCAA Tournament’s top seed after winning its seventh Atlantic Coast Conference championship in thrilling 4-3 triumph over Wake Forest on Nov. 9. Missy Meharg, a six-time NFHCA national coach of the year who is in her 21st season, has led the Terrapins to four national championships (1993, 1999, 2005 & 2006). Senior back Susie Rowe was recently named the 2008 ACC Defensive Player of the Year. A two-time first-team All-America selection, Rowe leads her team in scoring with 23 goals and 15 assists. Katie O’Donnell, a sophomore forward, was voted this season’s ACC Offensive Player of the Year after accounting for 18 goals and 20 assists. She earned first-team All-America recognition as a freshman. Goalkeeper Alicia Grater has allowed just 20 goals and made 68 saves in 20 starting assignments.

“It is a great feeling making history for the UAlbany field hockey program,” Simpson said. “We are going to approach it just like any other game. We know Maryland is a good team, but we also know that we have a lot of talent, and we’re playing the best field hockey that we can right now.”

Duke and Connecticut will square off in the other first-round game in College Park, Md. The winners of the two opening-round games will play a second-round contest on Sunday, also on the campus of Maryland.

2008 Division I NCAA Field Hockey Championship
First Round, College Park, Md.

Saturday, Nov. 15
Maryland (18-2) vs. UAlbany (12-9), 11:30 a.m.
Connecticut (17-3) vs. Duke (14-5), 2:00 p.m.

UAlbany Entertains Wagner Today with Chance to Wrap Up NEC Football Championship

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- UAlbany meets Northeast Conference opponent Wagner in the final regular-season football game of the season on Saturday, Nov. 15 at University Field. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. The Great Danes, who have already earned a Gridiron Classic berth, can capture the conference championship outright with a victory. Fans can listen to the game on Fox Sports 980, WOFX-AM.

Wagner (3-7, NEC 1-5) has 16 seniors returning from last year’s 7-4 squad, but key injuries and turnovers have plagued the current season. Despite those challenges, the Seahawks’ defense has been a consistent force. Wagner is ranked No. 11 among the Division I FCS national leaders in total defense (284.4 ypg) and third in passing yards allowed (127.1 pg). Defensive end Robert Brown was named to the 2007 Associated Press All-America squad and was chosen NEC preseason defensive player of the year. The Seahawks have used two quarterbacks for most of the season. Iowa transfer Adam Farnsworth has passed for 910 yards and six touchdowns. Matt Abbey, a three-year starter, has thrown for 792 yards and four scores.

UAlbany (7-3, NEC 6-0) clinched a share of the league title in last Saturday’s 41-7 victory at Robert Morris. The Great Danes extended their winning streak to six straight, the program’s second longest at the FCS level. Free safety Dave Casale, the ECAC and NEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week, had two interceptions and returned one for a 23-yard score. UAlbany held their fourth consecutive opponent to less than 300 total yards. Tailback David McCarty, the nation’s third-leading rusher with 1,477 yards and eight TDs, can become the school’s all-time leader in that category against Wagner. Defensive tackle Tom Pandolf will be one of 14 seniors honored in a pre-game ceremony.

UAlbany Volleyball Sweeps Hartford in America East Conference Action

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Senior middle blocker Kamisha Kellam recorded a team-high 11 kills to lead UAlbany to a 3-0 sweep of Hartford in America East Conference volleyball action on Friday evening at University Gymnasium. The Great Danes defeated the Hawks with scores of 25-13, 25-14 and 25-15.

UAlbany came out firing in the first set, scoring the first three points. The Great Danes built up a 9-4 advantage on a kill by Valerie Sourbeer that gave UAlbany back the serve. Junior Cate Eckhardt then served for six straight points to put the Great Danes ahead, 15-4. A block assist by Lindsay Makowicki and Hallie Fullagar combined with a UAlbany attack error pulled the Hawks back within 15-7, but sophomore outside hitter Amanda Cowdrey smashed a kill to give the Great Danes back the advantage. Hartford would pull within 20-10 on a kill by Lindsay Ford, but kills by Kellam and Sourbeer kept UAlbany ahead and a Hawk attacking error would end the first set in the Great Danes’ favor.

Freshman libero Laurie Gonzalez started the second set behind the service line for UAlbany, serving for the set’s first two points. After Hartford took a 3-2 lead on a UAlbany attack error, the Great Danes induced a Hartford attack error to put the ball in the hands of freshman Abbey Wexel. Wexel served for five straight points to put UAlbany ahead, 8-3. Sourbeer recorded back-to-back kills to give UAlbany a 12-7 advantage, and the Great Danes continued to build their lead from there. Cowdrey served for three straight points to put UAlbany up by ten, 22-12. After a UAlbany attack error put Hartford within 24-14, Stanley converted a dump set to seal the win.

The Great Danes jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the final set as Kellam recorded the first three kills of the stanza, before a kill by Hartford Erin Macro ended the early rally. Kellam added a solo block on Hartford’s next attack attempt and Stanley recorded another kill to put UAlbany up, 7-1. The Hawks would pull within two at 8-6 on a kill by Fullagar but UAlbany would take off again, as a kill by Casey Wright put the Great Danes up, 12-8. Teresa Coppiellie would take over the service game for UAlbany, producing the match’s next seven points, including three service aces, to put UAlbany ahead, 19-8. Hartford would attempt to rally with two service aces by Fullagar, followed by a UAlbany attack error, but a Coppiellie kill would give the ball back to UAlbany. Coppiellie would set up match point for the Great Danes with a solo block, and Cowdrey ended the match in UAlbany’s favor with a service ace.

Cowdrey and Sourbeer finished with eight kills apiece, while Stanley recorded a team-high 29 assists and seven digs. Wright led the team with five block assists and added five kills. Maddison Molyneux led Hartford (6-24, AE 0-11) with six kills. Fullagar had a team-high eight digs while Ford finished with 16 assists.

UAlbany (19-8, AE 11-0) will honor Kellam in a Senior Day ceremony on Sunday in the regular-season conference finale, as the Great Danes host Stony Brook at 1 p.m.

UAlbany (19-8, AE 11-0) def. Hartford (6-24, AE 0-11), 3-0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-15).

UAlbany Basketball Comes Up Short Against Big East's #23 Villanova in Season Opener

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Villanova, Pa. -- Scottie Reynolds had 13 points, all in the second half, to pace six players in double figures in leading nationally-ranked Villanova to a 78-60 victory over UAlbany on college basketball’s opening night before a sold-out crowd at The Pavilion on Friday, Nov. 14. The Wildcats, who are ranked No. 23 by Associated Press and No. 25 the ESPN/USA Today, extended their winning streak in Pavilion home openers to 18 straight.

Villanova came flying out of the gate by turning a 12-6 advantage into an 18-point margin. The Wildcats, who shot 58.6 percent in first half on 17-of-29 attempts, went on a big run by using a sting defense in the halfcourt and employing a zone press in the open floor. Antonio Pena, a 6-foot-8, 235-pound center who had 10 his 12 points in the period, ignited that stretch with a slam dunk off a missed three-point shot by Corey Fisher and by canning a pair of free throws.

Dante Cunningham, the lone Wildcat to start every game last year, scored off a follow shot in transition for an 18-6 lead. Pena, who was double-teamed in the post, later found Casiem Drummond slicing to the basket, before Corey Stokes, a 6-foot-5 sophomore, drilled a three-point field goal to increase the lead to 27-9. Reggie Redding’s dunk after a steal provided Villanova with a 19-point cushion, its largest of the period.

In the second half, UAlbany made two runs at lead. Brian Connelly, the team’s top returning scorer, made a jumper from the circle, and Tim Ambrose scored off an offensive rebound. Brett Gifford, who had four points and grabbed seven rebounds as a starter, then converted off a high-low entry pass when his shot was goaltended to close the gap to 49-37. The Wildcats, who have made four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, reeled off eight unanswered points. Pena connected on a left baseline drive, before Corey Fisher hit two free throws and made a floater that beat the shot clock.

Villanova still led 60-40 midway through the period, but the Great Danes clawed back with 11 of the game’s next 13 points. Will Harris, the Virginia transfer who was making his UAlbany debut, scored off a tip-in and added a conventional three-point play in that run. Ambrose, a 6-foot sophomore, later made a layup off a steal to get his club within 62-51 with 6:29 to play. Harris finished with 13 points, five assists and three rebounds.

Reynolds, a Wooden Award candidate and an All-Big East Conference guard, made sure his team responded the visitors’ charge. After Reggie Redding drilled a three-pointer off a second-chance opportunity, Reynolds made two foul shots and delivered a knock-out 3-pointer to seal the outcome.

“Our early turnovers led to their runs in the first half,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown, who has eight new faces on his 13-player roster. “We finally settled down and had some opportunities in the second half, but their guards are so good. You have to help yourself against a team like Villanova, and we had too many careless turnovers.”

Cunningham and Stokes each had 13 points for the Wildcats, who shot 54.9 percent overall and forced UAlbany to commit 20 turnovers. Redding and Fisher added 11 and 10 points, respectively. UAlbany’s Anthony Raffa, a freshman playing in his first game as a collegian, tied for team scoring honors with 13 points.

“Albany played hard and scrapped us,” said Villanova coach Jay Wright, who has taken his program to three NCAA regional semifinals and one Elite Eight appearance over the last four years. “We couldn’t put them away. We did a good job early and then went away from it. They never left Scottie (Reynolds), even when he didn’t have the ball, but then he got it going in the second half.”

The Great Danes, who were playing their highest ranked opponent in a season opener, will take on their second consecutive Big East team on Monday at DePaul.

UAlbany Women's Basketball Loses to #9 California in Season Opener

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Berkeley, Calif. – All-American Ashley Walker scored 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting and added eight rebounds and four steals to lead California, the nation’s ninth-ranked team, past UAlbany, 63-39, in the season opener for both teams on Friday afternoon. The Golden Bears, who are ranked in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today polls, extended their home winning streak against non-conference opponents to 30 straight games at the Haas Pavilion.

This was the first time that the UAlbany program began the season against a nationally-ranked opponent, and just the second time the club faced a top-10 team after meeting No. 8 Connecticut three years ago.

The Golden Bears, who were playing without All-American Devanei Hampton, jumped out to a 6-0 lead in the opening two minutes of the game. Britney McGee put the Great Danes on the scoreboard at 17:23 when she stole the ball from the defense and converted a fastbreak layup.

Cal responded by netting the next six points and held a 20-4 advantage at the midway point of the first half. However, UAlbany trimmed the lead down to 11 points and trailed by a score of 30-19 at the half. Walker, who scored eight of her team’s first 10 points, led all scorers with 12 in the stanza, while Tiffanie Johnson had seven points and three rebounds to pace the visitors. Johnson finished with seven points and had personal-bests in rebounds (7) and steals (2).

Janea Aiken cut the lead to single digits by drilling a jumper 55 seconds into the second half, but a three-pointer by Cal’s Lauren Greif put the Golden Bears ahead again by double figures and sparked a 7-0 run. UAlbany freshman Tabitha Makopondo’s first career bucket brought the lead down to 14 points at 37-23. The Great Danes would not get any closer the rest of the way.

UAlbany was led by Aiken, who scored a team-high 14 points. Dating back to last year’s postseason tournament play, it marked the first time she recorded double-digit points in three straight contests. Ashley Lindsay and Kim Clements each had breakout performances. Lindsay set three career highs for scoring with six points on 3-of-5 shooting, grabbing four rebounds and recording three steals. Clements had eight points and finished with two steals, while her four rebounds matched her career-best.

In addition to Walker’s performance, California got strong contributions from Alexis Gray-Lawson, Casey Morris and Greif. Lawson had a game-high four assists and also added four points and three picks, while Greif just missed a double-double after finishing with nine points and eight rebounds. Morris came off the bench and had two steals to go along with a game-high two blocks.

"Our effort was good today,” said head coach Trina Patterson, whose program was facing a nationally-ranked squad for the fourth time in its Division I history. “We did not play with fear. We stayed together as a team and we did a good job of keeping the score in the sixties. Cal has a great defensive team. They were more physical than us and we never got accustomed to the bumping."

The Great Danes, who will hustle back to the Capital Region on a night flight, travel to Marist, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference preseason favorite, on Sunday. Tip-off is 4:00 p.m. The non-league game will air on Time Warner Cable.

UAlbany Mens Basketball Point Guards Johnson And Raffa Make Division I Debuts Against Villanova Tonight

One exchange during the preseason revealed the competitive fire of University at Albany point guards Mike Johnson and Anthony Raffa.

As usual, the two were on opposing sides in practice one day. Johnson, a junior college transfer from Brooklyn, led the team in the white jerseys. Raffa, a freshman from New Jersey, directed the group in the black uniforms.

"White had the ball and Mike Johnson said, 'Coach, I can just go by (Raffa) every time and score,'' UAlbany coach Will Brown recalled. "Fifteen seconds later, Black had the ball and Anthony goes, 'Can I just go by (Johnson)? I can go by him every time.' "

Brown hopes their brashness will serve them well tonight as both make their Division I college debut in UAlbany's opener against 23rd-ranked Villanova.

"They're not lacking in the confidence department,'' Brown said. "They both play with a chip on their shoulder and they do it at both ends of the court, which is good.''

Their self-assuredness will be tested by Villanova junior Scottie Reynolds, a nominee for the Bob Cousy Award, which goes to the nation's finest point guard.

Reynolds, who averaged team highs of 15.9 points and 3.2 assists per game, is one of five returning starters for the Wildcats. Villanova reached the NCAA Tournament's Sweet 16 last season, beating Siena in the second round, and is picked fifth in this year's Big East preseason coaches' poll.

If either point guard was daunted by the matchup with Reynolds, they weren't saying so.

"I'm from the city, so I've played against the best of point guards ever, that ever came through the city,'' Johnson said. "So I'm just up for it. I need to make Mike Johnson known, just like Scottie Reynolds made himself known. ... I'll get into (Reynolds) just like I get into my little brother in the playground. No different, the same mentality.''

Johnson is listed as the probable starter tonight, although Raffa is sure to get minutes. The two could see time in the backcourt together, depending upon matchups.

Johnson described a friendly rivalry with Raffa.

"We're really still good friends, but at the same time, we both compete, we both fight, and we both beat each other up on a daily basis," he said.

Brown said both players have been tentative in practice because they're worried about pleasing him, but he wants them to be themselves tonight.

"Those two guys are aggressive and I told them that I expect both of them to make mistakes (tonight), but they need to be aggressive mistakes," Brown said.

Tonight's game will be about 90 miles from Raffa's hometown of Strathmere, N.J. Although he said his main concern is to take care of the basket and "do things like coach asks," Raffa acknowledged there will be a lot of excitement in his debut.

"Everyone's going to be souped up Friday night,'' Raffa said. "Everyone's going to be on their A game. So it's going to be fun. We'll see where we're at. If we can hang in with them, we'll be pretty good this year.''

By MARK SINGELAIS

UAlbany Men's Basketball Opens Season Against #23 Villanova Tonight At The Pavilion

There are many reasons why University at Albany head coach Will Brown chose to start the season at Villanova, one of the nation’s top-ranked teams, rather than against a soft opponent that would most likely give the Great Danes an easy “W”.

“This is an opportunity to challenge one of the best teams in the country that made the Sweet 16 last year, has all five starters back and is extremely well-coached,” said Brown about Villanova, which hosts the Great Danes tonight at 8 in The Pavilion.

“It’s going to be a tough place to play, with a great crowd at a rel­atively small [6,500-seat] facility. Plus, this game gives us an opportunity to bring Brian Connelly back home. He’s from that area. We’ve also got a strong alumni base in that area.”

But does Brown really expect to give the Wildcats, who are ranked 23rd by The Associated Press and 25th in the ESPN/USA Today preseason poll, a game with a roster that has eight new faces?

“I’m a little different when it comes to scheduling,” said Brown. “Right or wrong, I know we’re a one-bid league at the end of the year, in terms of an NCAA tournament bid. I don’t get caught up with my won-lost record as a head coach or our overall record. I get caught up in making sure we get challenged, getting us better and preparing us for the America East Conference championship. If I can say yes about those three things, then I’ll schedule that program.”

While Villanova features a lineup that has several possible future NBA players on it, Brown hasn’t even decided on his starting five yet.

“Connelly will start, and Will Harris will start. I didn’t bring Will here to sit,” said Brown about the 6-foot-6, 240-pound transfer from Virginia. “But the point guard

[Anthony Raffa versus Michael Johnson] and center positions [Brett Gifford versus Jimmie Covington] have been quite a battle, and so is the wing position [between Tim Ambrose and Jerel Hastings]. With this team, it might be more important who logs more minutes and finishes the game rather than who starts, but we’ve had some very interesting competitions going on for starting positions.

“We’re deep, but I’m trying to figure out the quality of that depth. I hope that translates into good, productive minutes for everybody.”

Connelly, a 6-8 senior forward, is the top returning scorer (10.1 ppg) and rebounder (5.3 rpg) from last year’s team, which finished 15-15 overall and tied for second with Hartford in the America East Conference standings. Harris averaged only 2.7 points and 2.5 rebounds in 15 appearances for Virginia last year, but missed 14 games because of a back injury. He’s healthy now, and should be a formidable weapon at either the shooting guard, small forward or power forward position.

Villanova counters with a lineup that includes junior guard Scottie Reynolds (15.9 ppg, 3.2 assists, 79 three-pointers), who was a second-team All-Big East selection; 6-8 Dante Cunningham (10.4 ppg, 6.5 rpg), the only Wildcat to play in every game a year ago;

Corey Fisher (9.1 ppg, 2.1 assists);
6-7 senior Shane Clark (7.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg); and 6-5 sophomore Corey Stokes (6.4 ppg).

By Bob Weiner

UAlbany Women's Basketball Opens Up With #9 California

The University at Albany women’s basketball team may still lack a few things, but confidence isn’t one of them.

After losing three of the team’s top five scorers from last season, the Great Danes remain confident they can improve on their fourth-place America East Conference finish.

“I expect a lot from us this year, especially in the conference,” sophomore guard Janea Aiken said. “I believe we should take the conference. I’m very confident in that.”

“Conference teams should definitely be worried,” junior guard Britney McGee added. “I think they’re underestimating us and they don’t know what they’re in for.”

Predicted to finished fourth in the preseason poll, UAlbany finished with a program-record 10 conference wins last year, but it was what they learned from a 1-11 start that they were able to build upon.

“They don’t want that to happen again,” UAlbany coach Trina Patterson said. “They don’t want to make the mistakes that happened last year early and they’re on board about doing the right things.”

Five of the 11 losses were by four points or less.

“We should have a quicker start than last year,” said McGee, who averaged 9.1 points per game last season.

One reason why the Great Danes are optimistic about a quick start is that they took a trip to Costa Rica in late August and every player, including the five freshmen, progressed significantly.

“We are so much further along now than we were at this time last year,” said Patterson, who was named the 2007-08 America East Conference Coach of the Year. “I think that’s the big difference.”

While Patterson thinks her guards could be the best in the conference, the freshmen bring height and size inside to the table.

Three freshmen — Delaney Cohen, Tabitha Makopondo and Shelby Coon — are all listed at 6-foot-1, while fellow frosh Katie Cronin is 5-10.

While there are only two seniors, Amria Ford and Tiffanie Johnson, Patterson believes it is the most talented team in her seven seasons at UAlbany.

“We’re not going to use youth as an excuse,” Patterson said. “They’re going to play older than they are and we expect that from them.”

UAlbany will be tested right out of the gate, as they start with No. 9 California today at 4 p.m., before taking on Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference favorite Marist (Nov. 16).

After a tough non-conference schedule last season, the Great Danes went 9-4 in their final 13 games, including the program’s first victory in the America East Tournament.

“We changed a lot of people’s minds,” Aiken said. “Now, we have to do that much better because (other teams) know it’s going to be a good game.”

Patterson says her club will play in “attack mode” this season, putting pressure on the ball, pressure on the opponents and attacking the basket.

The key will be for the Great Danes to carry over the momentum they created last season and quickly find their roles.

“We have a lot of players that are going to pick up that slack,” McGee said. “Last year was just the start of what we’re really about to do.”

By ANDREW SANTILLO

Terika Lunsford Signs Her LOI To Join UAlbany Women's Basketball

Lakeland senior Terika Lunsford signed her letter of intent to accept a full scholarship and play basketball at the University of Albany on Wednesday at Lakeland. Amy and Phillip Lunsford sit to each side of Terika. Head coach Alan Jones and activities director Teri Tucker stand behind Lunsford.

Lakeland senior basketball star Terika Lunsford turned her verbal commitment to the University of Albany into an official, signed commitment on Wednesday morning during a signing ceremony in the library at Lakeland High School.

The full scholarship from the America East Conference school is of course a testament to Lunsford’s skill and hard work on the basketball court, but it’s also a product of her work academically.

In September, when Lunsford made the announcement of her verbal commitment, she said, “the major (Biological Science) was the first thing I was looking at.

“Being able to play basketball at the Division I level, that’s even better,” said Lunsford. Wednesday was National Signing Day for high school seniors, the first day seniors could sign letters of intent to accept scholarship offers, so Lunsford wasted no time.

In the classroom, Lakeland head coach Alan Jones said Lunsford is around a 3.8 or 3.9 GPA. On the court, Lunsford, a 5-foot-11 guard with outstanding shooting ability from the three-point arc and from mid-range, has gone from averaging 10 points a game as a sophomore to averaging 17 points per game last season, which put her fourth among Group AAA players in South Hampton Roads.

Lunsford is the first Lakeland girls basketball player to earn a Division I basketball scholarship.

For the signing, all of Lunsford’s Lady Cavalier teammates, Jones, Lakeland activities director Teri Tucker, Lakeland principal Thomas Whitley and Terika’s parents, Amy and Phillip, were there.

“It shows how much they care,” said Lunsford about her teammates being there to congratulate her. “They are like my family.”

Lunsford said she’s been confident Albany was the right choice since the summer. While a number of other Division I programs showed interest, Albany made a special effort to show what Lunsford means to its team.

During the summer, Albany head coach Trina Patterson came to Suffolk first-hand to see Lunsford. Most of the time, assistant coaches make trips to see recruits, said Jones.

Shortly after Patterson’s visit, Lunsford visited the university’s campus.

“I was able to play and visit with the current players and see some of the teachers,” said Lunsford. Lunsford said the Lady Great Dane players made her feel welcome, took time out of their schedule to go out to eat, show her around the school and just hang out.

“With it being far away, I felt good that there was a family-type environment. I really need that,” said Lunsford.

Before the new opportunity, and new challenges, of starting with Albany, there’s still the important matter of one final season with the Lady Cavaliers. Lakeland improved from two wins in 2006-07 to a 6-16 record last season, but Lunsford sees a much bigger leap this coming campaign.

“I think we can go all the way and make it to states.

“We definitely have a much bigger team,” said Lunsford. “There’s no reason I can’t help lead the team to our goal.”

By Andrew Giermak

Three High School Standouts Sign National Letters to Play for UAlbany Men's Basketball Program

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany men's basketball coach Will Brown announced on Thursday, Nov. 13 that three student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play for the Great Danes in the 2009-10 academic year. Gavin Glanton, a 6-foot-7, 200-pound forward from Forrest City, Ark. (Forrest City H.S.), Blake Metcalf, a 6-foot-9, 250-pound center from Camby, Ind. (Plainfield H.S.), and Ralph Watts, a 6-foot-5, 195-pound swingman from Peekskill, N.Y. (Peekskill H.S.), each made his commitment.

Glanton averaged 16.9 points and 9.7 rebounds as a junior when he was named to the All-6A-East Conference and All-St. Francis County squads. He shot 58.6 percent from the field and 72.3 percent from the line. As a sophomore, Glanton led the Mustangs to a conference title, a state final appearance and a 26-4 record. He played for the AAU Arkansas Wings program.

"Gavin brings a rare combination of athleticism and skill to the floor," Brown explained. "He is explosive, attacks the rim, and has a strong mid-range game. He is very talented and has a bright future."

Metcalf accounted for 13.2 points and 9.4 rebounds and had a .636 field goal percentage as a junior. He was selected to the All-Metro and All-Mid-State Conference teams. The Quakers, who finished with a 17-4 record, received votes in the Class 4A Associated Press and IBCA state polls. Indiana Basketball Digest rated him the No. 1 center in the state's 2009 class.

"Blake is a physical player with a very good skill set," Brown offered. "He can score on the block and shoot the 15-foot to 17-foot jumper. He knows that he is a true center and really likes playing with his back to the basket."

Watts totaled 12.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists for a 25-1 squad. The Red Devils won the Section I championship and were ranked No. 3 in the final NYSSWA state poll. He received All-Westchester County and All-Conference II, League A North recognition. Watts, who played for AAU Westchester Hawks, won a silver medal as a member of Hudson Valley team at the 2008 Empire State Games.

"Ralph is an extremely versatile perimeter player who can impact a game in a variety of ways," Brown said. "He can play all three perimeter positions and is an excellent defender and a very good passer."

University at Albany Men's Basketball Signings

Name, Pos., Cl., Ht., Wt., Hometown (High School)

Gavin Glanton, F, Fr., 6-7, 200, Forrest City, Ark. (Forrest City)

Blake Metcalf, C, Fr., 6-9, 250, Camby, Ind. (Plainfield)

Ralph Watts, G/F, Fr., 6-5, 195, Peekskill, N.Y. (Peekskill)

UAlbany Men's Basketball Fast Freshman

University at Albany men’s basketball coach Will Brown has compared watching his team play last season to sitting in the dentist chair with no Novocain.

That grind it out style was how the Great Danes had to play to be successful.

This season, Brown might not be pain-free, but he’ll be out of the dentist chair and into the fast lane as he turns up the speed on his offense.

“This year we should be getting out in the open the floor, transitioning and attacking the rim,” sophomore guard Tim Ambrose said.

There are eight new faces on the UAlbany squad as this season begins with a date against No. 23 Villanova tomorrow night, and Brown thinks all of them can fit in with his new up-tempo style.

“I just think that we have enough athletes that can go up and down the floor,” Brown said.

There is one big difference this year though, a question mark, at the game’s most important spot.

Gone is Brian Lillis, a player who was thrust into the point guard position and added that to his do-everything type of year.

In step two freshmen, Anthony Raffa and Mike Johnson.

“The point guard position is probably the most important position on the team,” said senior co-captain Brian Connelly. “It’s the floor general and we have two rookies doing it.”

Raffa is a 6-foot energy-filled, self-proclaimed pass first guard from New Jersey, who averaged more than 30 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game, two years ago as a senior in high school. Raffa competed last season at Winchenden Prep School in Massachusetts.

Johnson, 6-1, is your typical New York City style point guard, who is physical, intense and fast-paced.

Both are filled with confidence that they can not only run UAlbany’s offense, but that they can jump right into the Division I level and make an impact.

“The best thing about those two is that they’re fierce competitors and they challenge each other,” Connelly said. “They force each other to get better every day.”

One of the main reasons why Brown has shifted to a quicker tempo is because he has the point guards to play that style.

“They both have shown flashes,” Brown said. “They both have gotten a lot better, and I think both of them can really cause problems for opponent on both ends of the floor.”

Both players are comfortable with a quick play offense.

“I like to run up and down because that’s what gets my energy and intensity going,” said Raffa, who says he feeds off of the crowd.

“I want to run all day,” adds Johnson.

While there are some differences to their respective games, they also think that there are some similarities.

“We have a lot of similarities, like our intensity level, our work ethic and our confidence is high,” Johnson said. “We both feel that we can be that guy and should be that guy and it shows in our play.”

While Brown hasn’t made a decision of who will start the season opener, he knows both will play significant minutes and a significant role in how the Great Danes fare this season.

In giving his team the opportunity to run, he’s made a deal with them.

The first 10 seconds of the shot clock are theirs, to play transition and get a quick look, but the next 25 are his, to run his sets and get good looks at the basket.

“The one thing with playing fast is that you really have to do a good job of valuing the basketball and understanding shot selection,” Brown said.

While this year will be a change, even the returning players seem to be in favor of the new style.

“I feel we can be a tough team to match up against as long as we execute our offense,” Ambrose said. “Anybody on the perimeter as well as some of the big guys can score one-on-one.”

Much like the team chemistry, the style of play will have to progressively get better as the season goes along.

“It’s like a big family with us and it shows on the court,” Johnson said. “We’ve been playing well together as of late and we’re just trying to expand on that.”

Connelly has seen the team take major strides in between the team’s two scrimmages, adding that the improvement was “incredible.”

“With experience and enough practice, I think we can grow to be one of the top teams in this league,” Connelly said.

By Andrew Santillo

UAlbany Men's Soccer Falls to Binghamton in America East Conference Semifinal Match

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Cameron Keith’s goal in the second overtime led Binghamton to a 1-0 victory over UAlbany in the semifinal round of the America East Conference Men’s Soccer Championship at Varsity Field on Wednesday, Nov. 12. The Bearcats advanced to this weekend’s championship game against the winner of tonight’s other semifinal match between Boston University and Vermont, while the Great Danes’ best season in four years came to a stunning end.

“I felt we were absolutely the better side,” said head coach Johan Aarnio after the match. “One of the difficult parts of competition which I told the team was that sometimes you are the better side and you do not get the result. It is just one thing that can change (everything), and that ended up costing us.”

The teams played the first two halves evenly. Total shots were even in the first half at eight apiece, and the Great Danes had an 8-5 advantage in the second half. However, nothing was decided in 90 minutes of action.

UAlbany (12-4-2) controlled play from the opening kickoff in the first sudden-victory overtime and outshot the Bearcats by a count of 3-0 in the stanza. Following the team’s second corner kick of the frame, Mike Peters fired a shot from outside the box in that was blocked by the Bearcat defense in the 93rd minute. The ball bounced out to Mikael McNamara on the left, but his shot attempt sailed wide. Binghamton earned its ninth corner kick of the match in the 99th minute, but the ball was cleared away by the Great Dane defense.

In the second sudden-victory overtime, Binghamton (12-5-3) would take advantage of its first shot since Kyle Kucharski’s attempt with 12 minutes remaining in regulation was saved by UAlbany goalkeeper Steward Ceus. Playing from the left sideline, Cody Germain lobbed the ball towards Keith, who was all alone in the box. Ceus came out in an attempt to intercept the ball, but last season’s America East striker of the year got to it first and chipped in the game-winning score at 101:13. With the winning play, the Bearcats advanced to the conference championship match for the sixth straight time, which is a league record.

UAlbany’s Ceus made four saves on 14 opportunities in his final career match. He ended his career as the program’s all-time Division I leader in shutouts (19) and total saves (329). Binghamton’s Jason Stenta stopped four of the 19 shots he faced against the nation’s fourth-ranked offense to earn the shutout.

“They have to keep their heads up,” Aarnio said. “They showed championship intensity and what a championship side is made of. They all showed that we were the better side today. We did not get the result, but we need to build on this and bring it back next year.”

Despite winning just three matches last season, the Great Danes matched the program’s Division I record for single-season victories. The program will most notably return Claudio Dantas, who was named the America East Striker of the Year. He set the single-season Division I mark for points and matched the all-time single-season standard for assists.


America East Conference Championship – Semifinal Round

Binghamton (12-5-3) 0 0 0 1 - 1
UAlbany (12-4-2) 0 0 0 0 - 0


Binghamton: Scoring – Cameron Keith (1-0), Cody Germain (0-1). Goalkeeping – Jason Stenta (101:13, 0 GA, 4 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring – None. Goalkeeping – Steward Ceus (101:13, 1 GA, 4 saves).

Will Harris Welcomed to UAlbany Basketball Family By Capital Region Media Members

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- Will Harris commands attention from the moment he enters the room. At all of the listed 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, he is certainly not missed. But what sticks out more than his obvious size – which will come in handy once the 2008-09 basketball season kicks off on the hardwood Friday evening – is the warm smile and welcoming personality displayed by the newest member of the UAlbany men’s basketball team.

While head coach Will Brown may not want opponents to see this side of Harris, it was there for all to see at the annual basketball media day held at SEFCU Arena’s Athletic Hall of Fame Room on Tuesday, Nov. 11. All Capital Region media outlets were on hand to get the first available sound bites from Harris, a transfer from the University of Virginia who was granted immediate playing status from the NCAA.

One could see the camaraderie that has already been built between Harris and his new teammates – several of who played AGAINST the forward in 2007 when the Great Danes met Virginia in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

“I fit in well here,” stated Harris, who will take the floor against No. 23 Villanova in the opener. “I love my teammates, they are all great and easy to get along with. It’s a good family atmosphere here, and we’re always having fun, which is what the game is about.”

Ironically, Harris’ decision to come to UAlbany was based on several factors, the important of which was being closer to his immediate family, who lives in Queens.

“We have two games coming up in the city soon,” Harris said. “My mom and my two younger brothers are really excited. It is something special when your family can come see you play, and everything I do is for my family, so it’s great to have them be able to come watch.”

Brown is looking forward to getting Harris on the court. Harris, who was Virginia’s sixth man when UAlbany faced the Cavaliers in the NCAA Tournament two seasons ago, brings an added bit of experience to the program and is expected to have an immediate impact on the Great Danes’ success this season.

“Will played an important role for UVa when they were the co-champs of the ACC (Atlantic Coast Conference) his freshman season,” Brown remarked. “He was a top-100 player coming out of high school. He is an experienced talent that is a huge addition to our program. He creates matchup problems and he can score inside and outside. He’s going to have to embrace the role of being a scorer for us.”

Harris will start the season in the role of x-factor for the Great Danes. As a Division I transfer, he was initially supposed to sit out the 2008-09 season and have one year of eligibility remaining, but was granted a hardship waiver by the NCAA to play right away.

“It was an exciting feeling,” Harris says of finding out he could play as a junior. “I was not looking forward to sitting out a year.”

Harris will get the chance to start things off on the right foot against a nationally-ranked Villanova squad. UAlbany will then fly directly from Philadelphia to Chicago, where the team will face DePaul three nights later. While Harris is looking forward to getting started, he isn’t worried about any pressure he may be feeling.

“I don’t really feel any added pressure,” Harris explained. “No one has higher expectations for me than I have of myself. I’m just going to go out there and do what Coach needs me to do.”

Harris ended his first interview session with the media much like he started, with a smile. He threw a “Hi Mom!” towards the cameras before the lights went off, and returned to his teammates for some good-natured ribbing about what is sure to be the first of many interview sessions to come as a member of the UAlbany program.

#9 California Provides UAlbany Women's Basketball With Challenging Start to Schedule

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- After winning a school-record ten league games last season, the UAlbany women’s basketball team is shooting to finish even higher this winter as it hopes to compete for its first America East Conference championship. When league play opens up on Jan. 10 at Binghamton, they should be prepared after completing what will arguably be the most grueling non-conference schedule in the program’s history.

“We are excited,” said head coach Trina Patterson, whose team attended the school's annual basketball media day on Tuesday, Nov. 11. “I am glad to be challenged early because it gets you tested and let’s you know where you are. We have really put ourselves in a position to do some good things against three very good teams.”

The Great Danes fly to the West Coast on Wednesday night where they will play the California Golden Bears two days later in the opener. The Golden Bears, who return all five starters including All-Americans Ashley Walker and Devanei Hampton, are ranked ninth in the country in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today national polls. It will be the first time that the UAlbany program begun with a nationally-ranked opponent. In addition, it will be just the second time the club faces a top-10 team after battling No. 8 Connecticut three years ago.

UAlbany returns from California on Saturday afternoon and will hop on a bus to depart campus just a few hours later headed down I-87 to Poughkeepsie where the team is scheduled to play Marist on Sunday afternoon at 4 p.m. The Red Foxes have made three straight appearances in the NCAA Tournament and finished each of those seasons among the nation’s elite. Marist advanced to the Sweet 16 in 2007, the second round last winter and are among the top teams in the receiving votes column of both preseason national polls. Rachele Fitz, the 2007-08 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Player of the Year, headlines the list of three returning starters.

If that weekend does not turn anyone’s head, the Great Danes will be back on a bus next Tuesday at 6 p.m. to face Cornell the following evening in what will be the squad’s third straight game against a team that competed in last year’s NCAA Tournament. Like Marist, the reigning Ivy League champions bring back three starters.

“It is going to be a tough start, but we should be fine,” said co-captain and starting point guard Britney McGee, who averaged 9.1 points and made 46 three-point field goals last year. “We are going to be pretty fatigued when we come back from California and then go to play Marist, but this challenging non-conference schedule will help us tremendously (get ready for conference play).”

The Great Danes want to win the program’s first America East Conference Championship. As the saying goes, ‘In order to be the best, you have to play the best,’ and that is exactly what Patterson and the Great Danes are doing.

UAlbany's McCarty, Casale & Kinsey Receive Northeast Conference Weekly Football Awards

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Somerset, N.J. -- Unniversity at Albany’s David McCarty been selected the Northeast Conference Offensive Player of the Week in football, as announced on Monday, Nov. 10 by the conference office. McCarty has won or shared the award five times this season. UAlbany’s Dave Casale was tabbed as the NEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week, while Emerson Kinsey was chosen NEC Special Teams Player of the Week.

McCarty, a junior tailback from Gansevoort, N.Y., rushed for 129 yards and one touchdown as his team clinched a share of the conference title with a 41-7 victory over Robert Morris. McCarty, who also caught three passes for 30 yards, extended his school-record touchdown streak to 18 straight games when he scored on a 26-yard scamper in the first quarter. He tied the school’s single-season record with his ninth 100-yard rushing game of the year and equaled Gary Jones’ career standard of 17 games over the century mark. McCarty is third nationally among the Division I FCS rushing leaders at 147.7 yards per game.

Casale, a junior free safety from Troy, N.Y., earned the league’s defensive award for the second time this season. He totaled seven tackles, including four unassisted, intercepted two passes and added a pass break-up. His first interception led to a last-second touchdown pass in the second quarter and a 21-7 halftime lead. Casale also returned a tipped ball 23 yards to the end zone with 6:15 remaining in the third period. He leads the team in interceptions (5) and pass break-ups (5) and is second in tackles with 71.

Kinsey, a junior outside linebacker from Syracuse, N.Y., blocked a punt in the first quarter to set up a one-yard touchdown run and a 14-0 lead. He also had two tackles and one sack for minus-9 yards, as the Great Danes held Robert Morris to 215 total yards, including 59 on the ground. Kinsey has 20 tackles and four pass deflections this season.

UAlbany (7-3, NEC 6-0) meets Wagner in the regular-season finale at University Field on Saturday, Nov. 15. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. The Great Danes can win the NEC crown outright with a victory.



Paw Prints: UAlbany has grabbed a share of the Northeast Conference championship and a Gridiron Classic berth ... the Great Danes will host the Pioneer Football League champion on Saturday, Dec. 6 at University Field ... Dayton and Jacksonville will most likely play for the PFL title on Nov. 22 ... UAlbany has won six in a row, tying the fifth longest active streak among NCAA FCS programs ... the Great Danes have registered six or more conference wins for the fifth time as a conference member ... TB David McCarty needs 56 yards to break the school’s career rushing record and 51 yards to break the UAlbany standard for all-purpose running ... QB Vinny Esposito has become the first UAlbany passer to throw for 200 or more yards three times in the same season at the FCS level ... FS Dave Casale has tied the program’s FCS mark for single-season interceptions with five ... UAlbany’s defense has held four opponents under 100 rushing yards this season ...

UAlbany Volleyball's Brooke Stanley Picked as America East Conference Setter of the Week

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Cambridge, Mass. – Sophomore setter Brooke Stanley earned her seventh America East Conference Setter of the Week Award as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. Stanley helped lead the Great Danes to their 12th straight win to remain undefeated in America East play, and earn at least a share of the conference title and hosting rights to the league’s postseason tournament.

Stanley quarterbacked UAlbany to a 3-1 win over Binghamton in the Great Danes’ only match of the week. She recorded a match-high 46 assists and just missed a double-double with nine digs. She also added four kills on four attempts for a perfect hitting percentage, and recorded one block assist in the match. Due in part to Stanley’s superb passing on Sunday, Nov. 9, the Great Danes outhit Binghamton in the match, .288 to .110. UAlbany (18-8, AE 10-0) remained in sole possession of first place in the standings.

UAlbany Field Hockey Wins First-Ever America East Conference Championship Title

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Senior midfielder Michelle Simpson scored the game-winning goal off a penalty corner to lead the University at Albany field hockey team to its first-ever America East Conference Championship in a 2-1 win over New Hampshire on Sunday afternoon at Alumni Turf Field. The Great Danes earned the conference’s automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

UAlbany (12-9) struck first when junior forward Nicole Savage scored a breakaway goal less than five minutes into play. Savage carried the ball into the left side of the circle and shot the ball over New Hampshire goalkeeper Jenna Lehman into the right corner of the cage. New Hampshire (9-11) was able to tie the game at 1-1 before halftime, as Sarah Craigue took an assist from Whitney Frates and sent the ball past UAlbany’s Ashley Ross in the 29th minute.

The score remained knotted for the majority of the final period, although UAlbany maintained control in the offensive half of the field for most of the half, outshooting the Wildcats, 9-1, in that span. The Great Danes broke the tie at 60:49, as Simpson collected the insertion pass from Jess Lindsey on a penalty corner and smashed the ball past Lehman for the game-winner. UAlbany held the Wildcats attack off for the remainder of the game en route to earning the program’s first postseason conference title.

“I am just at a loss for words right now,” said UAlbany senior defender Michele Polizois, who was a member of the all-tournament team, and scored the team’s lone goal in a 1-0 semifinal triumph over defending champion Boston University. “For the last four years we have just kept getting better and better, and the competition has kept getting better. As a senior, to get to go to the NCAA Tournament, I am just so excited.”

UAlbany outshot New Hampshire 16-7 in the game and held a 9-3 advantage in penalty corners, including 6-0 in the second half. Ross, who was named the tournament’s most outstanding player, made one save in the cage for the Great Danes, while Lehman stopped four shots between the pipes for New Hampshire.

“I am extremely excited for this day,” added UAlbany head coach Phil Sykes, who was named the conference’s coach of the year. “New Hampshire played very well. Michelle [Simpson] scored a very good goal at a very important time for us. All of our girls played their hearts out for us today.”

The Great Danes, who are making their first NCAA appearance at any divisional level, will learn its first-round opponent on Tuesday, Nov. 11. The 2008 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Selection Announcement will be streamed online through ncaa.com at 8 p.m.

2008 America East Conference Field Hockey Championship

New Hampshire (9-11) 1 0 - 1
UAlbany (12-9) 1 1 - 2

New Hampshire: Scoring – Sarah Craigue (1-0), Whitney Frates (0-1). Goalkeeper – Jenna Lehman (70:00, 2 GA, 4 saves).

UAlbany: Scoring – Nicole Savage (1-0), Michelle Simpson (1-0), Jess Lindsey (0-1). Goalkeper – Ashley Ross (70:00, 1 GA, 1 save).

2008 All-Championship Team
Ashley Ross, UAlbany – Most Outstanding Player
Michele Polizois, UAlbany
Nicole Savage, UAlbany
Michelle Simpson, UAlbany
Sarah Craigue, New Hampshire
Whitney Frates, New Hampshire
Meg Shea, New Hampshire
Brittany Fleck, Maine
Maire Dineen, Maine
Holly Wiles, Boston U.
Lizzie Perreault, Boston U.

UAlbany Volleyball Clinches A-East Regular-Season Title and Will Host League Tournament

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Vestal, N.Y. – Kamisha Kellam recorded 13 kills and committed only one attacking error on 24 attempts to lead UAlbany to a 3-1 win over America East Conference-rival Binghamton on Sunday, Nov. 9 in a battle of the league's top women’s volleyball programs. With their 12th straight win, the Great Danes captured the regular-season title and earned hosting rights for the conference’s postseason tournament on Nov. 21-22.

The Great Danes, who won with scores of 25-10, 24-26, 25-21 and 25-17, never trailed in the opening set, building up a 7-1 lead early on, taking advantage of four Bearcat attacking errors and a ball handling error. After taking a timeout, Binghamton would not come any closer than five points. Leading 18-10, the Great Danes scored the final seven points of the set. UAlbany hit .440 in the frame and committed only one attacking error.

UAlbany (18-8, AE 10-0) jumped out to a 10-5 advantage in the second set before the Bearcats rallied to score six straight points to take a slim 11-10 lead. UAlbany regained its advantage at 14-13 after a Kellam kill, but the Bearcats took control again by scoring the next three points. Trailing 23-22, UAlbany scored the next two points to go up 24-23 on a Bearcat attacking error and a Cate Eckhardt service ace. However, Binghamton (14-13, AE 8-2) rallied to score the next three points and take the set.

The pivotal third set featured nine ties and four lead changes. In addition, neither team led by more than three points until the final rally. With the squads locked at 13 apiece, a Kellam kill and a Bearcat attacking error gave the visitors a lead they would not relinquish. An Eckhardt kill off a feed from Brooke Stanley ended the in the Great Danes’ favor.

After UAlbany scored the first three points of the fourth set, Binghamton recovered to take a 6-4 advantage. The Great Danes responded by scoring the next three points on kills by Hillary White and Kellam as well as another Bearcat attacking error. After Binghamton’s Dawn Lammert tied the match up at 7-7, Kellam recorded a kill and a block assist to give UAlbany a lead they would carry all the way until match point. The Great Danes sealed the win and home court advantage for the postseason when Kalyn Mostert and White combined to block Anna Lejina’s attack attempt.

In addition to Kellam’s 13 kills and .500 hitting percentage, UAlbany was led by Eckhardt, who finished with 10 kills and nine digs. Stanley recorded 46 assists and nine digs, while libero Laurie Gonzalez led the Great Danes with 23 digs. White added a team-best seven blocks to go along with eight kills. Amanda Cowdrey just missed a double-double on eight kills and nine digs, and Mostert hit .500 on eight kills while also accumulating five blocks.

Michelle McDonough and Lindsey Mueller each had a double-double to pace Binghamton, which has already secured a spot in the league tournament. McDonough had 16 kills and 11 digs, while Mueller contributed 42 assists and 12 digs. Jaclyn Strader finished with a team-best 14 digs, while Lammert led the Bearcats with five blocks.

UAlbany will wrap up conference play at home next weekend when it hosts Hartford on Friday at 7 p.m. and Stony Brook on Sunday at 1 p.m. The Great Danes, who are the top seed in the tournament for the fourth time in the last five seasons, will host the conference tournament at University Gymnasium on campus.

-agate-

UAlbany (18-8, AE 10-0) def. Binghamton (14-13, AE 8-2), 3-1 (25-10, 24-26, 25-21, 25-17).

UAlbany Football Guaranteed A Share of North East Conference Championship With Big Win Against Robert Morris, 41-7

UAlbany Football Guaranteed A Share of North East Conference Championship With Big Win Against Robert Morris, 41-7. The Great Danes Are On Their Way To Its 2nd Straight Undefeated Conference Season, With One Game Remaining Against Wagner. This Marks 12 Consecutive Wins In NEC Competition. Also, Today's Win Guarantees UAlbany's Birth Into The GridIron Classic On December 6th Against The Pioneer League Champion. More to come...

Courtesy: UAlbany Athletics

Moon Township, Pa. -- Quarterback Vinny Esposito passed for one touchdown and ran for another in leading UAlbany to its sixth consecutive victory in a 41-7 triumph over Robert Morris on Saturday, Nov. 8 at Joe Walton Stadium. The Great Danes clinched a share of the Northeast Conference title and earned a berth in the Gridiron Classic on Dec. 6.

UAlbany (7-3, NEC 6-0) exploded for 17 third-quarter points to seal the outcome. David McCarty, who rushed for 129 yards on 25 carries, led his team to a field goal on the first possession of the second half. McCarty, a junior tailback, hauled in a18-yard screen pass to put his team in the red zone, before Herb Glass booted a 27-yard field goal for a 24-7 cushion.

Free safety Dave Casale picked off his second pass of the game and returned it 23 yards for a touchdown with 6:15 to play in the stanza. Robert Morris quarterback Erik Cwalinski, who connected on 12 of 27 attempts for 156 yards, had his pass tipped by cornerback L.B. McCloskey and Casale came up with the ball out of the air and raced untouched for the score. The Great Danes pushed out to a 38-7 lead late in the quarter with reverse tailback Justin Gannon cut back to his left on a 40-yard dash to the end zone.

“We came to play right from the start,” said Casale, who added seven tackles and led a defense that held the Colonials to 59 net rushing yards and recorded five sacks. “Each level (of the defense) played well. The defensive line got pressure, the linebackers took care of the run and defensive backs just had to worry about the pass. It’s great to reach a season-long goal (Gridiron Classic).".

UAlbany bolted to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter. After a 24-yard field goal was blocked on their first drive, the Great Danes struck for two touchdowns in a two-minute span. McCarty, who tied a single-season record with his ninth 100-yard rushing effort and matched a career standard with 17th game over the century mark, bounced around left end on a 26-yard scamper, using wide receiver Jason Poore’s downfield block en route to paydirt. He extended his touchdown streak to 18 consecutive games. Outside linebacker Emerson Kinsey then blocked a punt that set up Esposito’s 1-yard quarterback sneak with 2:39 left in the period.

The Colonials, who entering the contest with three wins in a row against league opponents, put together a 15-play, 80-yard march to slice the deficit in half. Karey Murray’s 1-yard run over the right side capped the sequence. Cwalinski, a 6-foot-3 senior, kept the drive alive with a 34-yard completion to Sherrod Evers in a third-and-15 situation from the UAlbany 37.

RMU’s defense stuffed UAlbany on fourth-and-goal from the six-inch line when Adam Lawrence and Andy Walton shut off Esposito’s sneak with 6:09 remaining in the second quarter. But UAlbany’s Casale halted that momentum with his first interception of the day. The Great Danes went 56 yards in four plays behind Esposito’s passing for a 21-7 advantage. He fired a 16-yard scoring pass to wideout Daniel Bocanegra, who caught his first career touchdown pass in the middle of the end zone with two seconds to play before the intermission.

“The defense shut down their pass game and we got to the quarterback early in the game,” said UAlbany coach Bob Ford, whose team will meet the Pioneer Football League champion in the Gridiron Classic for the second straight year. “It was a close game at the start, but the special teams blocked a punt and had a couple of good kickoff returns. That was a great read by Vinny (Esposito) on the touchdown before the half. Jason (Poore) was double-covered and he looked off the defense with the throw.”

Sophomore Myles Russ, the nation’s eighth-leading rusher, was held to 66 yards on the ground, as the Colonials fell to 4-6 overall and 3-3 in the conference. Esposito, who connected on 16-of-24 through the air, threw for 153 of his 201 yards in the first half. The Great Danes, who have won 12 straight against NEC opposition, rolled up 486 total yards, the second-highest figure of the season.

UAlbany After Share of Northeast Conference Football Title Against Robert Morris on Saturday

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Moon Township, Pa. -- UAlbany and Robert Morris square off with Northeast Conference title implications on the line at Joe Walton Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 8. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. Fans can listen to the game on Fox Sports 980, WOFX-AM. The Great Danes, who are currently in first place in the league standings, can earn a share of the conference title with a victory.

The Colonials have won three in a row against NEC opponents to move into fourth place in the standings. Robert Morris (4-5, NEC 3-2) dispatched Central Connecticut State, 27-14, last week, as QB Erik Cwalinski directed a pro-style offense to 428 total yards. Cwalinski has thrown for 1,871 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. HB Myles Russ has provided the RMU offense with a balanced attack. Russ, who ran for 163 vs. Central Conn. State, is eighth nationally in rushing (123.2 ypg). WR Sherrod Evers leads a group of dangerous receivers. LB Alex DiMichele (101 tackles) is the top defender on an improving unit that is 31st among the FCS national leaders in scoring defense (21.1 ppg). Joe Walton, the former New York Jets’ head coach, is in his 15th season at the helm.

UAlbany (6-3, NEC 5-0) is coming off an impressive second-half performance in a 35-17 come-from-behind triumph over Monmouth on Nov. 1. TB David McCarty rushed for 185 of his 208 yards after halftime, as his squad posted its fifth consecutive win. WR Tim Bush caught a 6-yard touchdown pass and scored on a 17-yard reverse in the third quarter to wipe out a 14-0 deficit. QB Vinny Esposito reached the end zone on a pair of 1-yard sneaks in the final period. TB Justin Gannon, who was chosen NEC special teams player of the week, jump-started his team’s rally with a 37-yard kickoff return to begin the second half. Gannon accounted for 136 all-purpose yards, the fourth time he has surpassed the century mark as a collegian. DT Tom Pandolf made seven tackles to lead a defensive unit that has limited three straight opponents to less than 300 total yards.

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UAlbany’s Tony Sparano has been chosen to the ESPN The Magazine District I Academic All-America Football Team, as voted by CoSIDA (College Sports Information Directors of America). Sparano, a first-team selection, moves on to the University Division national ballot.

Sparano, a junior defensive end from Colleyville, Texas, has a 3.39 cumulative grade point average in history with a minor in political science. He started the opening five games of the season, before fracturing a bone in his left arm in the conference opener on Oct. 4. He had 18 tackles and one forced fumble prior to the injury. Sparano, who is the son of the Miami Dolphins’ head coach, was named to the 2007 Northeast Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll. He had a career-high six tackles against nationally-ranked New Hampshire in September.

UAlbany Field Hockey Advances to America East Conference Championship Final with 1-0 Triumph

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Senior Michele Polizois scored the game’s lone goal to lead UAlbany to a 1-0 victory over Boston University in the semifinal round of the America East Conference Field Hockey Championship at Alumni Turf Field on Friday, Nov. 7.

The Great Danes converted their third penalty corner of the first half, with junior defender Jess Lindsey making the pass out to Polizois at the top of the circle. Polizois drove the ball straight into the cage, getting the ball past Boston U. goalkeeper Kim Kastuk on the left side, for her 14th goal of the season.

UAlbany held onto its advantage for the remainder of the game, despite several chances by Boston U. in the second half. The Terriers, who outshot UAlbany, 9-6, in the game, spent most of the final period in their offensive half, but could not capitalize on several penalty corner opportunities in the waning minutes.

“We have competed hard with them for four years, so it feels great to be in the championship,” said Polizois, who was voted the America East defensive player of the year earlier this week. “My adrenaline was flowing and it was an amazing feeling to play in front of our fans. We will have to play our game (on Sunday) by possessing the ball, being calm and talking to each other.”

Boston U. (10-10) held an 8-4 advantage in penalty corners, including 6-1 in the second half. Kastuk made four saves in the cage for the Terriers, who had won the previous three conference championships. UAlbany’s defense held strong throughout the game, anchored by senior goalkeeper Ashley Ross, who stopped both of Boston U.’s shots on goal.

UAlbany (11-9) advances to Sunday’s championship game, and will face the winner of the second semifinal game between second-seeded New Hampshire and No. 3 Maine. The America East championship, with an NCAA Tournament berth on the line, will take place on Sunday at 1 p.m.

#4 Boston U. (10-10) 0 0 - 0
#1 UAlbany (11-9) 1 0 - 1

UAlbany: Scoring – Michele Polizois (1-0), Jess Lindsey (0-1). Goalkeeping: Ashley Ross (70:00, 0 GA, 2 saves).

Boston U.:Scoring – None. Goalkeeping: Kim Kastuk (70:00, 1 GA, 4 saves.

Top-Seeded UAlbany Set to Host 2008 America East Field Hockey Tournament TODAY At 1PM

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – The University at Albany field hockey team, which claimed the America East Conference regular-season title outright for the first time since joining the league in 2001, is the top seed and will host the America East Championship this weekend at Alumni Turf Field on campus.

The Great Danes will face fourth-seeded Boston University on Friday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. in the first semifinal contest, with #2 New Hampshire and #3 Maine play in the second semifinal at 4 p.m. The championship game will take place on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. The winner receives an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament field.

UAlbany (10-9, AE 4-1) claimed its first regular-season field hockey crown after defeating New Hampshire, 3-1, on Nov. 2. New Hampshire (8-10, AE 3-2) earned the tournament’s No. 2 seed by winning a tiebreaker over both Maine (6-9, AE 3-2) and Boston U. (10-9, AE 3-2) based on total goals scored in conference games. A tiebreaker also had to be used to determine the three and four seeds, which the Black Bears won based on head-to-head play. Maine defeated Boston University earlier this season, 2-1.

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2008 America East Field Hockey Championship
Friday, November 7 - Semifinals
No. 4 Boston University at No. 1 Albany, 1, p.m.
No. 3 Maine vs. No. 2 New Hampshire, 4 p.m.

Sunday, November 9 - Championship
Boston University/Albany vs. Maine/New Hampshire, 1 p.m.

UAlbany Football Coach Ford Shooting For 2nd Straight NEC Championship And Undefeated NEC Season

An emotional comeback against Monmouth last week put the University at Albany football team in the driver's seat for its second straight Northeast Conference title.

This morning, the Great Danes will be passengers on an eight-hour bus trip to the Pittsburgh area for Saturday's game at Robert Morris.

UAlbany coach Bob Ford has warned his players they must keep their focus because their business is not yet finished.

"That's the challenge both for me and the kids and the coaching staff," Ford said. "Get down to earth. That was a great win last week. Put it behind us."

With a victory, the Great Danes would clinch at least a share of the Northeast Conference title and earn a berth in the Gridiron Classic, a postseason game that pits an NEC representative against the Pioneer League champion.

"If we're going to have a shot at this, I'd like to be champions, not co-champions," he said. "Second, we've got a shot at the bowl game."

The Great Danes (6-3 overall, 5-0 NEC) have a one-game lead over Monmouth and Sacred Heart with two to play. UAlbany closes at home against Wagner next week. Even if UAlbany finishes tied for first with Monmouth or Sacred Heart, the Great Danes would get the Gridiron berth by virtue of wins over both teams.

UAlbany would host the Gridiron Classic on Dec. 6 at University Field. The Great Danes lost that game at Dayton 42-21 last year.

UAlbany is also trying to become the second NEC team to go undefeated in league play two years in a row. Robert Morris was the other in 1999 and 2000.

"It's awesome," UAlbany junior tailback David McCarty said. "We have a chance to do something very special. And I hope everybody else on the team knows what we can do and I think that will be a key factor in the way we play on Saturday."

McCarty can become the school's career rushing leader on Saturday. He has 2,849 yards, 184 behind leader Gary Jones of Ravena.

Jones gained his 3,033 in two seasons (2002-03) after transferring from Hudson Valley Community College.

Ford believes McCarty, who has three 200-yard games this season, could be in for another big day against Robert Morris (4-5, 3-2).

"I think we've got a better offensive line and offensive group than they do defensively," Ford said. "I'll be surprised if we don't run the ball hard and a lot."

Ford is concerned about Colonials quarterback Erik Cwalinski, who has passed for 1,871 yards and 15 touchdowns. Cwalinski is complemented by halfback Myles Russ, eighth nationally with 123.2 yards per game.

"They're a team we've really got to be careful of," Ford said.

Cwalinski has completed at least 10 passes each to seven receivers.

"They've got a young group of receivers, but they're all doing well," said UAlbany safety Dave Casale. "They look for big plays."

Mark Singelais can be reached at 454-5509 or by e-mail at msingelais@timesunion.com.


At a glance

UALBANY at ROBERT MORRIS

Records: UAlbany 6-3 overall, 5-0 NEC; Robert Morris 4-5, 3-2

Kickoff: 1 p.m. Saturday, Joe Walton Stadium, Moon Township, Pa.

Radio: WOFX 980 AM

By MARK SINGELAIS

UAlbany Field Hockey Head Coach Sykes Has Great Danes Well Prepared For America East Conference Championship Tournament

University at Albany head field hockey coach Phil Sykes will find out this weekend if his new strategy worked.

After just missing out on an at-large berth into the NCAA tourn­ament last year, Sykes decided to improve his strength of schedule dramatically.

The tough schedule hurt the Great Danes’ overall record

(10-9), but Sykes hopes it prepared his team for the America East Conference tournament.

UAlbany, which won the reg­ular-season title outright for the first time, is the top seed and host for the four-team event. The Great Danes (4-1 in the conference) take on fourth-seeded Boston University (3-2, 10-9) today at 1 p.m., followed by third-seeded Maine (3-2, 6-9) and second-seeded New Hampshire (3-2, 8-10) at 4 p.m. Sunday’s championship game will be played at 1 p.m. The winner receives an automatic berth into the NCAA tournament.

“I would say there is a little bit more pressure on us this year, but we’ve been in the conference tournament for the last four years, and the girls are comfortable. It’s not a new, shocking thing for them any more,” said Sykes. “Hosting this is a very nice thing. Sure, we have high expectations on us, but we have the comfort of being on our own field. We have familiarity with the tournament, and we have most of our same group back.”

The Great Danes are ranked 22nd in the nation.

“We’ve been ranked as high as 18th early in the season, but with our record being only 10-9, we dropped a little lately. I still think playing a tough schedule will help us in the long run,” he said. “It’s interesting, because last year, we lost in the America East Conference finals. I thought we had a chance of getting an at-large bid, along with teams like Louisville and Duke. But both Louisville and our team didn’t get in. I think if our strength of schedule was tougher, we might have gotten in. So this year, we played 12 top-25 teams. Maybe it was a little too much, but we’ll see.”

Senior midfielder Michele Pol­izois is the top scorer for the Great Danes with 13 goals, six assists and 32 points. MIchelle Simpson, a sen­ior midfielder from Midlesbrough, England, is next with nine goals and 12 assists for 30 points.

“We were able to get Michelle Simpson an extra year of eligibility. We worked seven months to get it, and it was an historic case,” Sykes said. “She gives us five experienced seniors, and I think that’s the major difference between this year’s team and last year’s team.”

Other top players include junior forward Nicole Savage (seven goals, two assists for 16 points) and junior defender Jess Lindsey (3-12-18).

Ashley Ross is the team’s prim­ary goalkeeper. She has a 2.13 goals-against-average with a .746 save percentage and four shutouts.

Sykes thinks this group has enough offense and defense to reach the next level.

“In our last three conference games, we played very well, particularly against BU,” he said. “BU graduated nine seniors, all starters, from last year’s team, but they always seem to recruit good players. They just don’t have the experience that we do this season. We’ll just have to wait and see how it works out.”

By Bob Weiner (Contact)
Gazette Reporter

Five UAlbany Field Hockey Players Earn All America East Conference Accolades; Head Coach Phil Sykes Named Coach of the Year

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. – Five UAlbany field hockey players earned all-conference accolades at the America East Conference awards banquet, held in the UAlbany Athletic Hall of Fame Room on Thursday evening. Three members of the program earned individual awards, including Defensive Player of the Year Michele Polizois, Midfielder of the Year Michelle Simpson and Coach of the Year Phil Sykes.

Junior midfielder Nicole Savage joined Polizois and Simpson on the first team. All three were unanimous selections. Senior defender Ashley Carr and senior goalkeeper Ashley Ross were named to the all-conference second team, while freshman forward Christina Patrick was a unanimous selection to the all-rookie team.

Polizois, a three-time America East player of the week, leads the conference in shots (109), points (32), goals (13) and game-winning goals (5). Her work on defense helped lead a UAlbany unit that is second in the league in allowing just 1.63 goals per game and has produced five shutouts. The native of Oceanport, N.J., she earned her first all-conference honor, recorded hat tricks on two occasions, once against Hofstra and again versus league opponent Fairfield.

Simpson, now a three-time all-conference honoree, recorded 30 points this season with nine goals and 12 assists. She is second in the conference in points behind Polizois and tied for first in assists with teammate Jess Lindsey. Simpson, who earned All-America laurels a year ago, has been chosen to play in the National Field Hockey Coaches’ Association Senior All-Star Game, which will take place at the NCAA Final Four in Louisville, Ky.

In his fifth season coaching the Great Danes, Sykes led UAlbany to its first-ever regular-season title after posting a 4-1 conference record for the third straight season. UAlbany, which finished the regular season with a 10-9 overall record, was either ranked or receiving votes in the national poll every week of the season.

Savage has seven goals and two assists for 16 total points this season. Carr, in her first season with the Great Dane program, helped anchor the stingy UAlbany defense, led by Ross in the cage. Carr has recorded two defensive saves, while Ross, who is the UAlbany career leader in wins, owns a .746 save percentage with 88 stops on the season. Patrick started seven of 11 games played this season before suffering an injury. She scored two goals as a rookie before being sidelined, and will return to the field for the Great Danes in the postseason.

UAlbany earned the right to host the 2008 America East Conference Field Hockey Championship, which will take played on Friday, Nov. 7 and Sunday, Nov. 9 at Alumni Turf Field. The top-seeded Great Danes will take on No. 4 Boston U. at 1 p.m. on Friday, followed by No. 2 New Hampshire and No. 3 Maine at 4 p.m. The two winners will face off in the final on Sunday at 1 p.m., with a berth to the NCAA Tournament on the line.

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2008 America East Field Hockey All-Conference Teams
First Team: Michele Polizois, UAlbany; Nicole Savage, UAlbany; Michelle Simpson, UAlbany; Lizzie Perreault, Boston U.; Kim Kastuk, Boston U.; Holly Wiles, Boston U.; Maire Dineen, Maine; Kelly Newton, Maine; Sarah Craigue, New Hampshire; Megan Shea, New Hampshire; Kim Striegler, Vermont.

Second Team: Ashley Carr, UAlbany; Ashley Ross, UAlbany; Sheena Berry, Boston U.; Haley Robinson, Boston U.; Carly McCullough, Fairfield; Marit Westenberg, Fairfield; Cally Cooke, New Hampshire; Whitney Frates, New Hampshire; Stephanie Gardiner, Maine; Jen Angers, Vermont; Maegan Luce, Vermont.

All-Rookie: Christina Patrick, UAlbany; Kiley Allosso, Boston U.; Giovanna Monaco, Boston U.; Marit Westenberg, Fairfield; Stephanie Gardiner, Maine; Kelly Newton, Maine; Kendall Deck, New Hampshire; Whitney Frates, New Hampshire; Jenna Lehman, New Hampshire; Kate Collins Smyth, New Hampshire; Mackenzie Williams, Vermont.

Coach of the Year: Phil Sykes, UAlbany

Rookie of the Year: Kelly Newton, Maine

Goalkeeper of the Year: Kim Kastuk, Boston U.

Midfielder of the Year: Michelle Simpson, UAlbany

Defensive Player of the Year: Michele Polizois, UAlbany

Offensive Player of the Year: Sarah Craigue, New Hampshire