Former New York State Governor Hugh L. Carey Honored as UAlbany Citizen Laureate

The University at Albany Foundation has named former New York State Governor Hugh L. Carey as the recipient of its 2009 Citizen Laureate Award.

What: The University at Albany Foundation has named former New York State Governor Hugh L. Carey as the recipient of its 2009 Citizen Laureate Award. In its 30th year, the award recognizes outstanding leaders in business and industry, government and academia, and is the most prestigious honor bestowed by The University at Albany Foundation.

Who:
Hugh Carey, former New York State Governor
George Hearst, The University at Albany Foundation President
George M. Philip, University at Albany President

When: Thursday, October 22, 2009
Reception starts at 6 p.m.
Dinner and Award program starts at 7 p.m.

Where: Hall of Springs, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Background: Hugh L. Carey was elected the 51st Governor of New York in 1974and re-elected in 1978. Carey, the architect of the financial plan that prevented the bankruptcy of New York City, also began a sweeping program of fiscal reform and economic development to restore the state’s vitality.

Funds raised through the Citizen Laureate event will support educational, research and public service initiatives set by the University and managed by The University at Albany Foundation. Established in 1967 to encourage philanthropic support, the Foundation promotes the University's strategic goals by leading UAlbany's fundraising, asset management and stewardship activities.

University of Albany's Center for Technology in Government Welcomes International Group of Researchers

President George M. Philip welcomed 15 international scholars to a workshop hosted by UAlbany’s Center for Technology in Government (CTG) on October 14-15, 2009. The workshop is part of a four-year effort by CTG funded by the US National Science Foundation’s Digital Government Research Program. The goal of the grant is to create a framework for a sustainable global community among digital government researchers and research sponsors.

One of the main elements of this grant is a set of International Digital Government Research Working Groups. In 2006, CTG selected three groups of international researchers to receive funding to advance digital government (DG) research on issues that cross national boundaries. The groups were chosen through a peer review of proposed research programs that would benefit from close collaboration of U.S. and international partners. U.S. participation in the groups was supported by nearly $200,000 in travel funding over a three year period. Approximately 60 researchers from around the world have taken part in the efforts of these working groups.

For the past three years, the working groups have been exploring distinct areas of digital government such as evaluating the policy and other social impacts of online citizen consultation initiatives, developing a comparative and transnational research agenda targeted at questions about intergovernmental digital government initiatives in North America, and developing a prototype geoinformatic hotspot surveillance system.

"These projects are the vanguard of research on digital government questions of worldwide interest," said Sharon Dawes, CTG senior fellow and principal investigator for the grant. "The working groups involve both seasoned researchers and young scholars in long-term efforts to understand and solve information-intensive problems that cross countries and cultures. This workshop will help us identify successful research strategies and practices that can be adopted in similar projects around the world."

The workshop is designed by CTG to gather key members from all three working groups to share their insights and expertise on conducting international research and cultivating international research partnerships. As a result of their participation in this workshop, CTG will develop a report to support NSF and others going forward in international digital government research.

Researchers from the three working groups attending the workshop are from the following institutions, in addition to UAlbany: The Ohio State University, De Montfort University (UK), The George Washington University, Rutgers-Newark, Universidad de las Americas Puebla (Mexico), Clark University, Fudan University (China), Pennsylvania State University, Moolji Jaitha College (India), CEFRIO (Canada), Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (India), and the New York State Department of Health.

#18 UAlbany Holds Steady on Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I National Coaches' Poll

Albany, N.Y. - The University at Albany field hockey team is ranked 18th for the second straight week on the Kookaburra/NFHCA Division I Coaches' Poll, as announced by the organization on Tuesday afternoon. It is the Great Danes' fourth consecutive week in the national rankings.

UAlbany (11-3) recorded two shutouts last week, including a 2-0 win over America East Conference foe Vermont and a 4-0 victory over crosstown-rival Siena. Freshman Inge Baijens and junior Suzy Clephane each recorded one goal and one assist on the week. The Great Danes outshot their opponents 48-7 last week, including a 33-0 differential against Siena, while also holding a 24-4 advantage in penalty corners.

The Great Danes will return to action on Saturday, visiting conference-rival Boston U. at 1 p.m.
Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Alex Leuchanka Named America East Men's Cross Country Performer of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Alex Leuchanka has been named the America East Conference Men's Cross County Performer of the Week, as announced on Tuesday, Oct. 20 by the league office. The freshman is being recognized by the conference for the first time in his career.

Leuchanka, the 2008 New York Cross Country Federation champion on the scholastic level, placed fifth among 189 runners in 24:59.9 to lead the Great Danes to a third-place finish among 24 scoring teams at the 43rd UAlbany Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 17. The freshman, who was running an 8,000-meter circuit for just the third time in his career, improved at the distance by 27 seconds since competing at George Mason two weeks ago. In addition, he lowered his time by 44 seconds since racing at the America East Pre-Championship on Sept. 13.

Leuchanka was among three true freshmen to finish in his team's top five at the UAlbany Invitational. The Great Danes will look to improve on last year's sixth-place performance at the America East Conference Championships on Oct. 31. With only one upperclassman represented in the team's top 10, UAlbany is expected to field the youngest squad at the meet.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Quarterback Vinny Esposito Named Northeast Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2009

Somerset, N.J. - University at Albany's Vinny Esposito has been named the Northeast Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week in football, as announced on Monday, Oct. 19 by the conference office. Esposito's performance led his team to last Saturday's 20-17 NEC victory against Bryant.

Esposito, a senior quarterback, connected on 25 of 32 passes for a season-high 280 yards and two second-half touchdowns. He delivered a 34-yard strike to Jason Poore in a fourth-and-seven situation for a 13-9 lead with 7:55 remaining in the third quarter. In the final period, Esposito flipped a 5-yard scoring pass to Andrew Smith for an 11-point cushion. His third-down completion in a seven-play, non-scoring drive kept a series alive that effectively ran out the clock over the final three minutes. Esposito broke the school's single-game receptions record, as Joe Savino completed 24 passes against Stony Brook on Nov. 19, 1995.

A native of Demarest, N.J., Esposito became the third player in the program's history to reach the 5,000-career mark in total offense with 5,127 yards. He ranks second in both passing yards (4,893) and touchdown passes (32) on UAlbany's all-time lists.

Paw Prints: UAlbany (5-2, NEC 4-0) has set a conference record with their 17th consecutive win against league opponents ... the Great Danes have put together a five-game win streak overall, tying the third-longest mark in the program's Division I FCS history ... TB David McCarty has run for 100-plus yards in five straight games after gaining 118 on the ground last week ... McCarty, who has 24 career 100-yard games, went over the 4,000-yard plateau (4,105) as a collegian ... WR Tim Bush tied the program's FCS standard with 10 receptions (135 receiving yards) vs. Bryant ... WR Jason Poore had a career game with eight catches for 73 yards and one TD ... FS Dave Casale had a team-high eight tackles and two pass break-ups, as the UAlbany defense held Bryant to 30 net rushing yards, the lowest figure by an opponent since Nov. 4, 2006 ... head coach Bob Ford recorded his 230th career win at the school ... Miami Dolphins' head coach Tony Sparano attended the Bryant game to watch his sons, Tony and Andy, start at defensive end and offensive guard, respectively.

Courtesy: UA Sports

University of Albany's Brooke Stanley Named America East Player and Setter of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Brooke Stanley was named the America East Conference Volleyball Player and Setter of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. It is Stanley's third straight setter of the week honor, and the first player of the week accolade of her career.

Stanley led UAlbany (14-4, AE 4-0) to sweeps of America East foes Stony Brook and UMBC over the weekend, as well as a 3-0 win over crosstown-rival Siena on Oct. 14. She averaged 11.67 assists to go along with 3.11 digs, 1.11 kills and a .308 hitting percentage. Stanley recorded a match-high 34 assists to go along with six digs and two kills versus Siena and recorded her seventh double-double of the season against Stony Brook, accumulating 35 assists and 14 digs, while also adding five kills. In the weekend finale against UMBC, a battle of the final unbeaten America East teams, Stanley recorded 36 assists, eight digs and three kills, along with a solo block.

Stanley's strong setting against the Retrievers helped the Great Danes reach a .324 hitting percentage as a team. UAlbany did not commit an attack error in the first set in recording a .516 hitting mark. Stanley quarterbacked the squad to a league-best team hitting percentage of .294 for the week. She is the conference's leader in assists with an average of 10.38 helpers per set this season and is also among the league leaders in service aces (0.27 aps) and digs (2.62 dps).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Ashley Tirabassi Garners Second America East Women's Soccer Player of the Week Award - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Ashley Tirabassi was named the America East Conference Women's Soccer Player of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday, Oct. 19. The senior co-captain is being honored with the award for the second time this season.

Tirabassi set the program standard for career goals to help the Great Danes win two straight America East matches for the first time since joining the league in 2001. Her game-winning goal in a 1-0 win over UMBC was her 17th career marker, breaking the record of 16 set by Anna Courtney in 1982 and matched by Sara Rickard in 2004. Tirabassi also added the insurance goal in UAlbany's 2-0 win at Stony Brook, which knocked the Seawolves out of first place.

The forward, the program's all-time scorer with 18 career goals and eight assists for 44 points, has helped UAlbany (8-7-1, AE 3-2-1) post its highest single-season win total in 21 years. The Great Danes won 10 matches as a Division III program in 1988. After winning five conference matches in eight years, she has also led the squad to three America East victories for the first time ever. In addition, UAlbany has never finished higher than eighth in the league standings and is in a position to make its first-ever America East postseason appearance.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

#18 University of Albany Dominates Siena, 4-0, in Non-Conference Field Hockey Action - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Freshman Inge Baijens scored the game-winning goal, and added an assist to lead UAlbany to a 4-0 win over crosstown-rival Siena in non-conference field hockey action at Alumni Turf Field on Sunday afternoon.

Baijens recorded the first goal of the game just over five minutes into play with an unassisted shot. UAlbany doubled the score as time expired, as Suzy Clephane slipped a shot from the center of the circle towards the cage, where Jess Lindsey tipped the ball past Siena goalkeeper Renee Clavette.

The Great Danes scored two more goals in the second half, as Baijens assisted on Megan Springmeyer's goal in the 53rd minute. Baijens passed the ball from the right side of the circle and Springmeyer collected the ball in the center, finding the back of the cage. UAlbany's last goal would come from Clephane, taking an assist from Joanna Irey at the top of the circle.

UAlbany outshot Siena, 33-0, and held an 18-0 advantage in penalty corners. Christine Hoffman and Kristi Troch split time in the cage, with neither having to make a save for the Great Danes. Clavette played all 70 minutes between the pipes, making 18 saves for Siena (3-11).

UAlbany (11-3) will return to action on Saturday, visiting America East rival Boston U. at 1 p.m.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Controls UMBC for 3-0 Sweep in America East Volleyball Action - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Valerie Sourbeer recorded a match-high 12 kills, while UAlbany recorded a .324 hitting percentage and 10 team blocks, as the Great Danes recorded a 3-0 win over UMBC in America East Conference volleyball action on Sunday afternoon at University Gymnasium. UAlbany won in straight sets with scores of 25-12, 25-19 and 25-11.

The Great Danes came out firing in the first set, hitting .516 as a team, getting 16 kills without committing an error. Back-to-back kills by Teresa Coppiellie put UAlbany ahead, 7-2, and forced UMBC to take an early timeout. UAlbany's offense continued to fire on all cylinders, as the Great Danes built up an 18-7 lead on a Retriever service error. After a kill from Naomi Bush pulled UMBC within 10, UAlbany rattled off three consecutive points with a solo block by Casey Wright (Ballston Spa) and strong serving by Laurie Gonzalez. Hillary White smashed home a kill to give the Great Danes set point at 24-12, before the Retrievers, who hit .029 in the set, ended with an attack error to give UAlbany the win.

UMBC opened the second set strong, building up a 5-2 lead in the early going. A ball handling error put the serve back in Gonzalez's hands for UAlbany, and the Great Danes tied the set at 5-5 with a block assist by White and Kalyn Mostert. The Retrievers took the next point to get ahead by one, but White and Mostert combined for another block to swing the momentum back to UAlbany. The Great Danes took a 7-6 lead on a bad set by UMBC, and never looked back, building up to a 16-12 advantage on a Wright kill. UAlbany took advantage of poor hitting by the Retrievers, as attack and service errors combined to build the Great Dane lead to 20-15. After a service ace by UMBC's Alexandra Spaay pulled the Retrievers within 21-18, UAlbany took a quick timeout to regroup, and came out to rally towards set point, getting kills from Sourbeer and Wright, who smashed the winner on an assist from Brooke Stanley.

The third set was all UAlbany from the first serve, as UMBC had two attack errors to start the set. After Wright recorded a kill to put the Great Danes up, 3-1, she put up back-to-back solo blocks on Retriever attacks to give UAlbany a 5-1 lead. The Great Danes continued to roll, as a Coppiellie kill gave her serve, and UAlbany built up a 13-4 advantage. UMBC attempted to rally, getting a kill from Ali Loynachan and a block by Alyssa Lang to pull within 13-7. Mostert combined with Wright and White for blocks to induce attack errors from the Retrievers, holding UMBC to a -.140 hitting percentage in the set. After a kill by Coppiellie gave UAlbany a 21-11 lead, UMBC hit four straight attack errors, with a solo block from White ending the match.

Coppiellie and Wright each recorded nine kills for UAlbany, while Wright finished with a .533 hitting percentage and five total blocks, including three solo. Coppiellie was close to a double-double, finishing with 11 digs, while Gonzalez led all players with 17 digs. Stanley recorded with 36 assists and eight digs, while Mostert and White both finished with five total blocks.

Ashley Oscars led UMBC (11-18, AE 3-1) with six kills and 13 digs, while setter Kira Giles finished with a double-double, recording 12 assists and 10 digs. Pam Jarrett added 12 digs for the Retrievers.

UAlbany (14-8, AE 4-0) remains the only undefeated team in league play. The Great Danes will return to action on Friday, Oct. 23, hosting America East foe Binghamton at 7 p.m.


UAlbany (14-8, AE 4-0) def. UMBC (11-8, AE 3-1), 3-0 (25-12, 25-19, 25-11)

UAlbany 3, UMBC 0 (Oct 18, 2009)

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Klepper & Tirabassi Score to Lead Women's Soccer to Win at A-East Leader Stony Brook - UAlbany Sports 2009

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Chrissy Klepper and Ashley Tirabassi netted first-half goals and Cate Crenson made eight saves to lead UAlbany to a 2-0 victory over Stony Brook in America East Conference women's soccer action on Sunday, Oct. 18 at LaValle Stadium. With the victory, the Great Danes knocked the Seawolves out of first place and finished the day tied for fourth in the league standings with two matches left.

UAlbany (8-7-1, AE 3-2-1), which has recorded its highest single-season win total since posting 10 victories in 1988, took advantage of a free kick to net the first goal in the 26th minute. Rebecca Lee crossed the ball over to Chrissy Klepper, and the sophomore fired a shot past Marisa Viola, the conference's goalkeeper of the year last season, to the center of the net from 15 yards out.

Ashley Tirabassi, who broke the program record for career goals in Thursday's 1-0 win over UMBC, doubled the Great Dane lead in the 40th minute when she dribbled to the center of the 18-yard box and unleashed a shot which landed in the lower right corner of the goal. Lee was credited with her second assist of the match on the play. Cate Crenson, who entered today's action leading the league in save percentage, came through with five saves in the opening 45 minutes to keep the Great Danes ahead by two goals at the break.

Stony Brook (6-8-2, AE 5-1-1), which had taken over first place last Thursday by snapping Boston University's 21-game unbeaten streak against America East opponents, could not find its rhythm in the second half to trim the deficit. Anchored by Kendra Harrell-Vigil and Casey Marks, the Great Dane defense did not allow the Seawolves to attempt a shot until the 60th minute. Crenson came up with three more key stops, and the visitors held on for the win.

UAlbany's Crenson turned away eight of the 16 shots she faced to record her fourth career shutout, a mark which has been unmatched by any Great Dane goalkeeper in the program's Division I era. Stony Brook's Viola made four saves on 14 opportunities as the hosts had their six-game unbeaten streak snapped.

The Great Danes will be in a position to clinch their first-ever bid to the six-team America East Tournament on Thursday, Oct. 22 when they host Hartford at 3 p.m.

UAlbany (8-7-1, AE 3-2-1) 2 0 - 2
Stony Brook (6-8-2, AE 5-1-1) 0 0 - 0

UAlbany: Scoring - Chrissy Klepper (1-0), Ashley Tirabassi (1-0), Rebecca Lee (0-2). Goalkeeping - Cate Crenson (90:00, 0 GA, 8 saves).

Stony Brook: Scoring - None. Goalkeeping - Marisa Viola (90:00, 2 GA, 4 saves).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

2009 UAlbany FCS Football Gameday @ Monmouth

UAlbany FCS Football Homepage

UAlbany Roster

UAlbany Media Guide

UAlbany Game Notes

UAlbany Stats

2009 Schedule:

Sat, Sep 5 at Georgia Southern L 26-29 --
Sat, Sep 12 at Massachusetts L 7-44 --
Sat, Sep 19 Maine W 20-16 --
Sat, Sep 26 Sacred Heart W 22-9 --
Sat, Oct 3 at St. Francis (PA) W 27-6 --
Sat, Oct 10 Duquesne W 55-10 --
Sat, Oct 17 Bryant W 20-17 --
Sat, Oct 24 at Monmouth 1:00 pm --
Sat, Oct 31 at Central Connecticut State 12:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 7 Robert Morris 1:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 21 at Wagner 1:00 pm --


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NEXT GAME

Date: October 24, 2009
Time: 1pm
Opponent: Monmouth
Location: Monmouth University
City/Town: West Long Branch, NJ
Facility: Kessler Field
Distance:
From Albany - 194m
NYC - 53m
Directions
Tickets
Media Coverage:
FoxSports Radio - Great Dane Football

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Monmouth Football Homepage

Monmouth Roster

Monmouth Game Notes

Monmouth Media Guide

Monmouth Stats

2009 Schedule:

Sat, Sep 5 at Colgate L 23-35 --
Sat, Sep 12 at Coastal Carolina L 17-24 --
Sat, Sep 19 Duquesne W 17-10 --
Sat, Sep 26 at Old Dominion W 31-28 --
Sat, Oct 10 Wagner L 24-27 --
Sat, Oct 17 at Sacred Heart W 42-20 --
Sat, Oct 24 Albany 1:00 pm --
Sat, Oct 31 Bryant 1:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 7 at St. Francis (PA) 1:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 14 at Central Connecticut State 12:00 pm --
Sat, Nov 21 Robert Morris 12:00 pm --

Kessler Field

University of Albany FCS Football Sets Conference Football Win Streak Record in 20-17 NEC Victory Against Bryant - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Vinny Esposito passed for a season-high 280 yards and two touchdowns, as UAlbany held off Bryant, 20-17, in Northeast Conference play on Saturday, Oct. 17 at University Field. The Great Danes established a conference record by winning their 17th straight against league opponents.
Bryant (3-3, NEC 2-1) grabbed a 9-6 early in the third quarter off a gadget play. Running back Mike Canfora moved to his right, off a fake reverse, and fired a perfect 13-yard strike to a wide open Vinton South for the go-ahead touchdown. The extra-point was blocked.
UAlbany (5-2, NEC 4-0) took advantage of a mistake later in the period. Tim Mastrino muffed a punt return and Great Danes' safety Jake Ciccarello made the recovery at the Bryant 37. After the Bulldogs' defense stiffened to set up a fourth-and-seven situation, Esposito hit Jason Poore on a post pattern in the middle of the field. The 6-foot-6 receiver split the safeties and reached across the goal line to complete a 34-yard scoring play.
"We knew they were doubling (Tim) Bush and the safety was spying," said Poore, who caught his first touchdown of the season. "Vinny (Esposito) put the ball where only the receiver could catch it. I reached across the line and looked to see if the referee's hands were up."
The Great Danes would stop Bryant on its next offensive series when inside linebacker Chris Simpson sacked quarterback Mike Croce on fourth down at the Albany 40. UAlbany then marched 60 yards to paydirt for a 20-9 lead. Esposito, who completed 25 of 32 pass attempts, hit Tim Bush for 32 yards in a third-down situation to keep the sequence alive. After tailback David McCarty rushed three straight times to the Bryant 5-yard line, Esposito found Andrew Smith in the right flat for the touchdown on the first play of the final quarter.
"The receivers have been consistent and it has been a matter of me getting them the football," explained Esposito, who established the program's single-standard for completions, breaking a mark that had stood since 1995. "Like most teams they are putting eight guys in the box to stop the run, so we took advantage with our size and speed on the outside. This gives me confidence as we head down the stretch.
The Bulldogs, who are in their first season as a conference member and second year at the Division I FCS level, did not go away quietly. UAlbany's defense snuffed out a scoring threat deep in its own end of the field. Cornerback Ross Bertrand came up with a sack on first down, before Croce's fourth-down pass fell incomplete at the Great Danes' 23-yard line.
But Bryant's Michael Morgan partially blocked a punt, following a high snap from center, to set up his team's next possession. The Bulldogs made use of a face-mask penalty that wiped out a sack and senior tailback Jerell Smith finished off the eight-play drive with a 2-yard scoring run over right tackle. Croce threw a two-point conversion pass to Mastrino in cutting the margin to 20-17 with 3:13 remaining.
After Poore leaped into the air to recover the on-side kick, the Great Danes were able to basically run out the clock. Esposito hooked up with Bush, who had 10 receptions for 135 yards, on a third-down pass. McCarty, who lugged the ball 38 times for 118 yards, was the primary rusher as his team extended its home win streak to 12 straight.
"We had to battle because that was a game we could have lost five or six times (at any point)," offered UAlbany coach Bob Ford, who picked up his 230th career win at the school. "They did a great job of shutting down our run game. Vinny (Esposito) and Jason (Poore) executed that fourth-down pass and that probably was the turning point in the game."
In a first half where the defenses controlled the action, as the two teams combined for three field goals. UAlbany's Herb Glass made attempts from 39 and 19 yards to overcome a 3-0 deficit in the second quarter. Bryant's field goal was set up by Aaron Bryant's blocked punt.
Croce, a sophomore, completed 22 of 35 passes for 234 yards, but was sacked five times. Smith, who came into the contest averaging nearly 109 rushing yards, was held to 44 on the ground. UAlbany's Poore had a career day with eight receptions for 73 yards.

Paw Prints: UAlbany has won 17 in a row against Northeast Conference opponents, breaking Robert Morris' standard of 16 straight from 1998-2000 ... QB Vinny Esposito posted the third-best single-game passing yardage total (280) in the program's FCS history ... Esposito's 25 completions (32 attempts) eclipsed Joe Savino's single-game mark of 24 that was established on Nov. 19, 1995 ... UAlbany has no turnovers for the second time this season ... UAlbany's defense held Bryant to 30 net rushing yards, the lowest figure by an opponent since Nov. 4, 2006 ... WR Tim Bush tied the program's FCS single-game receptions record with 10 catches for 135 yards ... Bush has five 100-yard receiving games as a collegian

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

#18 University of Albany Field Hockey Beats Vermont In Conference Matchup - UAlbany Sports 2009

Christina Patrick and Alysia Hough each recorded a goal to lead #18 UAlbany to a 2-0 win over Vermont in America East Conference field hockey action on Saturday afternoon at Alumni Turf Field. The Great Danes improved to 10-3 overall, and remain undefeated in league action with a 3-0 slate.

Patrick scored the Great Danes' first goal of the game, 9:53 into play, taking an assist from Tegan Brown from the top of the circle and slipping it past Vermont goalkeeper Kristen Heavens into the left side of the cage. UAlbany held onto the one goal lead into the second half before Hough found the ball in a scramble in front of the cage and was able to knock the ball into the back of the net.

UAlbany outshot Vermont, 15-7, and held a 6-4 advantage in penalty corners. Goalkeepers Christine Hoffman and Kristi Troch split time in the cage. Hoffman started the game for the Great Danes and made one save, while Troch played the second half, making two stops between the pipes. Heavens made eight saves in the cage for Vermont (1-13, AE 0-3).

UAlbany (10-3, AE 23-0) will return to action on Sunday, hosting crosstown-rival Siena in non-conference action at 2 p.m.

University of Albany Men's Cross Country Places Third, Women Finish Sixth at 43rd UAlbany Invitational - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Freshman Alex Leuchanka and sophomore Ada Lauterbach led the UAlbany men's and women's cross country squads to third and sixth-place finishes, respectively, among 24 scoring teams at the 43rd UAlbany Invitational held on a campus course on Saturday, Oct. 17.

Marist, ranked 12th in the latest USTFCCCA Division I Northeast Region poll, won the men's team championship over the Rochester Institute of Technology. Plattsburgh State's Mike Heymann claimed the individual title for navigating the 8,000-meter course in 24:32.6, which was nine seconds shy of the meet record.

Leuchanka placed fifth among 189 runners in a time of 24:59.9 to lead UAlbany, which had five underclassmen factor into the team's 91 points. The mark was a career best and a 27-second improvement from his time at the George Mason Invitational two weeks ago. Redshirt freshman Paul Lagno placed second on the squad and 10th in the field in 25:24, dropping his best 8k time by 47 seconds. He was followed by freshman Craig Weiss, who was 19th in 25:37. Rounding out the top five for the Great Danes, who improved on their fifth-place team finish at last year's meet, were freshman Sean Halpin, who was 27th in 25:44.6, and sophomore Chris Manico, who finished 30th in 25:46.3.

Middlebury, a Division III program which was ranked seventh nationally by the USTFCCCA, ran away with the women's team title over Marist. Colgate's Elise DeRoo crossed the tape first in 17:28.7 to win the individual championship.

Lauterbach finished 10th among 193 competitors in 18:05.6, dropping her best 5,000-meter course time by over one minute, to pace the UAlbany women. Freshman Miranda McConnell finished second on the squad for the third straight meet in 18:18.4, which was good for 16th overall. Junior Jenn Pierson (26th, 18:32.2), freshman Mikala Anson (54th, 18:53.8) and classmate Melissa Del Rosario (66th, 19:05.7) completed the team's top five.

In addition to the championship races, several other Great Danes competed in the Men's Purple 8k Race and the Women's Gold 5k race. Cory Greczyn's seventh-place finish in 26:42.3 led the men, while Maureen Nweke paced the women for placing 25th in 20:07.4.

The Great Dane harriers will begin their championship portion of the schedule when they travel to compete at the America East Conference Championships on Saturday, Oct. 31. Vermont will host the event at the Catamount Family Center in Williston, Vt.

R.K. Munsey Men's Championship Team Standings (8k)
1. Marist 47 points; 2. RIT 73 points; 3. UAlbany 91 points; 4. Sacred Heart 147 points; 5. Plattsburgh State 161 points; 6. Binghamton 196 points; 7. Middlebury 210 points; 8. Colgate 243 points; 9. Brandeis 277 points; 10. Harvard 294 points; 11. Canisius 319 points; 12. Springfield 374 points; 13. UMass-Dartmouth 377 points; 14. Long Island 398 points; 15. Niagara 405 points; 16. Bryant 408 points; 17. Vassar 421points; 18. SUNY Delhi 438 points; 19. St. Francis, N.Y. 535 points; 20. Siena 554 points; 21. SUNY New Paltz 580 points; 22. Dowling 681 points; 23. Keystone 689 points; 24. St. Bonaventure 698 points.

Individual Champion: Mike Heymann, Plattsburgh State, 24:32.6.
UAlbany Results: 5. Alex Leuchanka 24:59.9; 10. Paul Lagno 25:24.3; 19. Craig Weiss 25:37.0; 27. Sean Halpin 25:44.6; 30. Chris Manico 25:46.3; 52. David Rothman 26:01; 87. Ethan Clary 26:28.2; 97. John Moore 26:36.8; 99. Jack Kelley 26:39.8.

Bobbi Palma Women's Championship (5k)
1. Middlebury 88 points; 2. Marist 109 points; 3. Sacred Heart 139 points; 4. Massachusetts 141 points; 5. Colgate 143 points; 6. UAlbany 167 points; 7. Canisius 171 points; 8. Brandeis 212 points; 9. Binghamton 228 points; 10. Harvard 287 points; 11. Springfield 318 points; 12. RIT 334 points; 13. Plattsburgh State 340 points; 14. Bryant 397 points; 15. NYIT 403 points; 16. SUNY New Paltz 459 points; 17. Siena 524 points; 18. Niagara 534 points; St. Francis, N.Y. 572 points; 20. UMass-Dartmouth 577 points; 21. Long Island 577 points; 22. St. Thomas Aquinas 655 points; 23. St. Bonaventure 691 points; 24. Dowling 706 points.

Individual Champion: Elise DeRoo, Colgate, 17:28.7.

UAlbany Results: 10. Ada Lauterbach 18:05.6; 16. Miranda McConnell 18:18.4; 26. Jenn Pierson 18:32.2; 54. Mikala Anson 18:53.8; 66. Melissa Del Rosario 19:05.7; 95. Emily Finnegan 19:45.4; 110. Roxanne Wegman 20:08.5.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Football Battles Bryant in a Northeast Conference Matchup Today at University Field

Albany, N.Y. - UAlbany battles Bryant in a Northeast Conference matchup on Saturday, Oct. 17 at University Field. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. Fans can listen to the game on Fox Sports 980, WOFX-AM, with Rodger Wyland and Greg Tobben calling the action.

Bryant (3-2, NEC 2-0) is in its first season as a NEC member. The Bulldogs, who are off to a fine start in conference play with wins over Wagner and Robert Morris, put together an accomplished Division II resume. Head coach Marty Fine, who guided the program to a 7-4 record in its inaugural Division I campaign last year, led Bryant to a pair of conference titles and two Division II NCAA playoff appearances.

Running Jerell Smith, who is averaging 108.8 yards rushing yards, is one of the top players in the program's history. He is among the all-time leaders in rushing yards (2,128) and all-purpose yards (3,662). Smith ran for 179 yards and scored the winning touchdown against Wagner.

Sophomore Mike Croce, who has thrown for 765 yards and seven TDs, won the starting quarterback job in the preseason after transferring from Merrimack College. Linebacker Jason Riffe is the leading tackler in a 4-3 defensive scheme. Defensive end Don Smith (6-4, 255) has 14 career sacks, while linebacker Aaron Bryant (2 blocked kicks) is playing as a graduate student after appearing in 20 games for Division I FBS Connecticut as a undergraduate.

UAlbany (4-2, NEC 3-0) performed well in all three phases of the game in a 55-10 victory over Duquesne on Oct. 10. Justin Gannon, the NEC co-special teams player of the week, scored on a 78-yard punt return and outside linebacker Jon Morgan returned a fumble 56 yards to paydirt in a 28-point second quarter. David McCarty rushed for 145 yards and two scores and has reached the century mark in four straight starts.

The Great Danes' defense has been a consistent force in extending the team's conference win streak to 16 in a row, the nation's longest at the FCS level. Justin Brancaccio, a senior inside linebacker, had a team-high nine tackles against Duquesne and leads the squad with 53 this season. Senior outside linebacker Dave Nicomini (42 tackles, 5 PBUs) recently moved past the 200-career tackle mark. Brancaccio and Nicomini rank 16th and 19th, respectively, on the program's career chart.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Teresa Coppiellie Leads University of Albany to 3-0 Win Over Stony Brook in A-East Volleyball Action - UAlbany Sports 2009

Albany, N.Y. - Teresa Coppiellie recorded 15 kills to lead UAlbany to a 3-0 sweep of Stony Brook in America East Conference volleyball action on Friday evening at University Gymnasium. The Great Danes swept the Seawolves with scores of 25-24, 25-29 and 25-17.

In a battle of conference unbeatens, the Great Danes dominated offensively and defensively, holding Stony Brook to a .083 hitting percentage and outblocking the Seawolves, 10-4. UAlbany came out firing in the first set, scoring four straight points behind the service game of Brooke Stanley to get ahead, 14-6. Ashley Headen took an assist from Corrine Perry to end the UAlbany rally, but a kill by Kalyn Mostert followed by a solo block by Casey Wright but the Great Danes back in control. Coppiellie gave the Great Danes a 20-10 advantage with a kill, but Stony Brook attempted a comeback with three straight points, including a block by Headen and Sally Downs. Coppiellie recorded a service ace to give UAlbany a 22-13 advantage and the Great Danes received back-to-back kills from Sourbeer and Stanley to get to set point. A block assist from Wright and Stanley on a Stony Brook attack gave the Great Danes the easy first set win.

Stony Brook looked to even the match in the second, building up a 4-1 lead early on. The Seawolves held on to a slim lead until consecutive attack errors tied the match at 11-11 and then gave the Great Danes a one-point lead. Back-to-back kills by Harmonie Calinda put Stony Brook back on top by one, but the service game of Laura Livergood and Laurie Gonzalez drove UAlbany to a 21-14 advantage. The Seawolves attempted one last rally to pull within 22-18 on a Headen kill, but the Great Danes pulled forward, getting kills by Sourbeer and Stanley to end the set.

The third set featured five ties in the early going, with the last coming at 14-14 as Stony Brook knotted the score on a kill by Lindsey Gordon. UAlbany rallied from that point, getting ahead, 21-15, on three consecutive kills by Coppiellie. After a Greta Strenger kill that ended the UAlbany run, Coppiellie and Valerie Sourbeer combined for consecutive kills for the Great Danes before Stony Brook ended the set in the Great Danes' favor by committing an attack error.

Stony Brook (10-9, AE 2-1) got eight kills apiece from Headen, Gordon and Calinda. Perry finished with 28 assists and six digs, while Jeanette Gibbs finished with a team-high 15 digs defensively.

Stanley recorded her seventh double-double of the season for the Great Danes with 35 assists and 14 digs, while also recording five kills and one block assist. Sourbeer also finished with double-digit kill totals with 10, while Mostert and Wright led the team at the net, each finishing with six total blocks.

UAlbany (12-8, AE 3-0), which has now won nine straight matches, returns to action on Sunday, taking on UMBC in conference action at 2 p.m.

UAlbany (12-8, AE 3-0) def. Stony Brook (10-9, AE 2-1), 3-0 (25-14, 25-19, 25-17).


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

2009 UAlbany FCS Football Gameday vs Bryant

UAlbany FCS Football Homepage

UAlbany Roster

UAlbany Media Guide

UAlbany Game Notes

UAlbany Stats

2009 Schedule:

Sat, Sep 5 at Georgia Southern L 26-29
Sat, Sep 12 at Massachusetts L 7-44
Sat, Sep 19 Maine W 20-16
Sat, Sep 26 Sacred Heart W 22-9
Sat, Oct 3 at St. Francis (PA) W 27-6
Sat, Oct 10 Duquesne W 55-10
Sat, Oct 17 Bryant 1:00 pm
Sat, Oct 24 at Monmouth 1:00 pm
Sat, Oct 31 at Central Connecticut State 12:00 pm
Sat, Nov 7 Robert Morris 1:00 pm
Sat, Nov 21 at Wagner 1:00 pm

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NEXT GAME

Date: October 17, 2009
Time: 1pm
Opponent: Bryant
Location: University of Albany
City/Town: Albany, NY
Facility: University Field
Driving distance:
From NYC - 147 miles
From Boston - 168 miles
Directions
Tickets
Media Coverage:
DaneZone Video
FoxSports Radio – Great Dane Football
LiveStats

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Bryant Football Homepage

Bryant Roster

Bryant Game Notes

Bryant Media Guide

Bryant Stats

2009 Bryant Schedule:

September
Sat 5 Southern Conn. St. 19-10 Win
Sat 12 Hofstra 24-40 Loss
Sat 19 bye
Sat 26 at Robert Morris 20-13 Win
October
Sat 3 Wagner 6-2 Win
Sat 10 at Fordham 7-35 Loss
Sat 17 at Albany 1:00 PM
Sat 24 Central Conn. St. 1:00 PM
Sat 31 at Monmouth 1:00 PM
November
Sat 7 at Sacred Heart 1:00 PM
Sat 14 St. Francis (Pa.) 12:00 PM
Sat 21 at Duquesne 12:00 PM

University of Albany School of Public Health Researchers Receive $1.1 Million Grant From American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

UAlbany researchers are seeking to encourage good eating habits and curb obesity through a new $1.1 million grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

University at Albany School of Public Health researchers Janine M. Jurkowski and Kirsten K. Davison have received a $1.1 million stimulus grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to address the national childhood obesity epidemic.

The researchers will collaborate with parents of children enrolled in Head Start and community-based organizations in Rensselaer County, N.Y., to develop and implement a childhood obesity prevention program. This process will begin by determining the needs and wishes of families regarding healthy lifestyles in children and identifying key assets in the community and in families that could be utilized and expanded upon to meet those needs.

"Involving families and the community in the development of obesity prevention programs offers the best opportunity for success and overall improved health for the children most at risk," said Dean Philip Nasca of the School of Health.

"Families and community members will participate throughout the project working alongside the researchers to ensure that the program that is developed leverages family and community assets and addresses barriers to health," said Jurkowski, an assistant professor of health policy, management and behavior.

"I am excited to work with parents and families in this capacity," said Davison, an associate professor of health policy, management and behavior. "Preventing the development of obesity in children is a real challenge, but with this approach and the diverse skills of the research team, I am confident that we can effectively engage families and begin to address this problem"

The interdisciplinary team includes principal investigators Jurkowski and Davison as well as co-collaborators Hal Lawson (School of Social Welfare and Department of Educational Administration and Policy), Glenn Deane (Department of Sociology) and Sibylle Kranz (Purdue University Department of Foods and Nutrition) and Larry Schell, director of the University’s Center for Elimination of Minority Health Disparities (CEMHD). Jurkowski and Davison serve as research associates with CEMHD.

University of Albany's International System Dynamics Society Presents 2009 Applications Award To Cooper and Lee For Concept Helping Fluor Corporation

The International System Dynamics Society, located at the University at Albany's Rockefeller College, awarded its 2009 Applications Award to Kenneth Cooper of Cooper Associates, Milford, New Hampshire, and Gregory Lee of Fluor Corporation, Aliso Viejo, California. The Applications Award recognizes the best application of system dynamics and is one of the preeminent awards in the field of dynamic simulation modeling, the application of computer programs or networks to simulate models of particular objects and systems.

The international panel of judges unanimously selected Cooper and Lee's "Managing the Dynamics of Projects and Changes at Fluor" as the best modeling application from nominees around the world.

Cooper and Lee designed, built, tested, and implemented a model-based system to aid project management at Fluor Corporation, one of the world's largest engineering and construction firms, with revenues of more than $20 billion in 2008. The US-based firm operates in major business sectors worldwide.

The system developed by Cooper and Lee rapidly tailors a model to simulate each engineering and construction project. Each model is then used to foresee future cost and schedule impacts of project changes, and most important, test ways to avoid negative impacts. Their "Change Impact Assessment" system has been used on more than 100 different projects, and hundreds of project managers and planners have been trained in its internal use. In addition to providing a better understanding of the project-wide effects of changes, the cost savings identified for Fluor and its clients amount to hundreds of millions of dollars.

System dynamics is a computer simulation methodology for studying and managing complex systems. The methodology is used internationally by leading corporations and universities. The method is critical to forecasting and mitigating project change impacts. Growth of a project's work scope, without schedule relief, often entails adding resources and working overtime. The ability of system dynamics to quantify these effects allows managers to foresee results and design strategies to mitigate or even avoid the impacts.

University of Albany’s Center for Technology In Government Releases Findings On National Survey of Cross-Boundary Information Sharing

The University at Albany's Center for Technology in Government has released a new report summarizing the results of a national survey of cross-boundary information (CBI) sharing in the public sector. The national survey and the findings presented in the report are the result of a U.S. National Science Foundation-funded project that began in 2002. The primary goal of this long-term project has been to understand how governments share information across program, agency, and jurisdictional boundaries as they work to improve governmental programs and services.

"The identification of a consistent set of factors and the understanding of how they interact to influence CBI initiatives will provide practitioners from around the world with important knowledge necessary to ultimately increase governments’ performance, accountability, and transparency," said Brian Burke, senior program associate at CTG.

The report highlights several factors that stood out among the 41 included in the survey. For example, survey participants reported that clarity of roles and responsibilities; knowledge of organizational policies and information needs; informal problem solving; and information confidentiality, security, privacy, and disclosure concerns were prominent in the course of their CBI initiatives.

The national survey involved over 700 government professionals from criminal justice and public health agencies at the local and state levels from across the 50 states. The survey was conducted to test the generalizability of a preliminary theoretical model of the interactions of policy, organizational, social, and technical factors in criminal justice and public health information sharing initiatives. This model was developed by CTG researchers based on eight case studies that focused on cross-boundary information sharing projects in the areas of criminal justice and public health in the states of New York. Colorado, Connecticut, North Carolina, and Oregon, as well as in New York City.

CTG will continue to analyze the project data to test the weight of each of the factors as compared to their overall influence, and make further results available in both academic and practitioner publications. The findings will be incorporated into new research efforts as CTG continues to work with governments around the world to foster public sector innovation, enhance capability, generate public value, and support good governance.

The mission of the Center for Technology in Government at the University at Albany is to foster public sector innovation, enhance capability, generate public value, and support good governance. CTG specializes in applied research, knowledge sharing, and collaboration at the intersection of policy, management, and technology. For more information visit www.ctg.albany.edu.

University of Albany's Tirabassi's Record-Breaking Goal Lifts Women's Soccer Over UMBC, 1-0, in A-East Play - UAlbany Sports 2009

Baltimore, Md. - Senior captain Ashley Tirabassi eclipsed the all-time school record for career goals in leading UAlbany to a 1-0 win over UMBC in an America East Conference women's soccer match on Thursday afternoon at UMBC Stadium. The Great Danes outshot the Retrievers by a decisive 20-1 margin to post their sixth shutout victory of the season and remain unbeaten on the road against league opponents.

UAlbany (7-7-1, AE 2-2-1), which has recorded its highest single-season win total since posting 10 victories in 1988, got on the scoreboard before UMBC (2-11-1, AE 1-4-0) could attempt a shot. Katie Grant came down the left side and crossed the ball into the box, and Tirabassi headed it past goalkeeper Mo Van Vlerah to provide all the insurance the Great Danes needed in the 18th minute. It was Tirabassi's 17th career goal, breaking the old standard of 16 set by Anna Courtney in 1982 and matched by Sara Rickard in 2004.

The Great Danes continued to apply pressure offensively in the second stanza, while the defense being anchored by Kendra Harrell-Vigil and Casey Marks continued to be impenetrable. Tirabassi almost scored her second goal of the match in the 82nd minute, but defender Erin Johnson was credited with a team save when she cleared the ball away just before it could cross the goal line. The visitors kept the ball in the Retrievers' end until the final whistle to hold on for the one-goal win.

UAlbany's Crenson turned away the only shot she faced to record her third shutout victory of the fall. UMBC's Van Vlerah made nine saves on 20 chances and suffered the loss.

The Great Danes will play their final road match of the regular season when they visit Stony Brook on Sunday, Oct. 18 at 2 p.m.

UAlbany (7-7-1, AE 2-2-1) 1 0 - 1
UMBC (2-11-1, AE 1-4-0) 0 0 - 0

UAlbany: Scoring - Ashley Tirabassi (1-0), Katie Grant (0-1). Goalkeeping - Cate Crenson (90:00, 0 GA, 1 save).

UMBC: Scoring - None. Goalkeeping - Mo Van Vlerah (90:00, 1 GA, 9 saves).


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Inside UAlbany Athletics Video

UAlbany Men's Basketball Coach Interview

ALBANY – UAlbany is happy to begin official practice on Friday afternoon, probably no one more so than assistants Pat Filien and Jeremy Friel, who will be coaching instead of participating.

Filien and Friel, who played collegiately at Saint Rose and New Hampshire, respectively, often had to take part in practices in the latter half of last season because injuries left the Great Danes with fewer than 10 available players.

Head coach Will Brown was determined that not happen again, which is why UAlbany enters this season with the largest roster in its Division I history.

“The last five, six weeks of the season, we had players practicing with coach Filien and coach Friel because we just had guys banged up, a couple of guys just suiting up for games,” Brown said. “We’ve got 17 bodies now, and I appreciate coach Friel and coach Filien’s effort, they’re not going to have to practice this year, which is good.”

UAlbany’s roster has eight freshmen, including redshirt freshmen Logan Aronhalt and Jake Lindfors.

Brown compared some of last year’s practices to individual workouts because the Great Danes couldn’t go five-on-five for long periods of time.

.”Poor Jeremy Friel,” Brown said. “It’s hard. We had to revamp our offense to keep us from turning the ball over so much, but we didn’t have a lot of practice time working on it against defense. Filien and Friel, I don’t want them to get hurt, but we needed them as bodies on the floor. So it was a challenge, but this year’s a challenge with 17 guys. But it’s a good challenge.”

************

Brown was asked what his expectations are for this season. He said that he believes his team is possibly second in talent in the America East behind likely league favorite Boston University.

“To compete for an America East Conference championship,” Brown responded. “That’s not going to change. I think we can do it. Boston University has the most talent returning on paper … I think there’s three tiers in our league. BU by themself in tier one, Albany in my mind is going to be at the top of tier two, and then you’ve got some other teams, and then you’ve got tier three.”

************

UAlbany had the worst turnover margin in the America East last season, but Brown said he hoped that would improve with at least four who can play the position: 6-1 senior Mike Johnson, 6-foot freshman Mike Black, 6-3 freshman Derrek Tartt and 6-5 freshman Ralph Watts. Brown said 6-foot junior Tim Ambrose could play some point against Syracuse’s zone in the opener on Nov. 9 since Johnson will be serving a two-game suspension for his off-season arrest involving illegal fireworks.

“I like the group we have,” Brown said. “We have more shooters now, which I think is going to help us offensively, than we did a year ago, and I think we’re going to be stronger at the point guard position than a year ago, understand what a point guard’s responsibilities are. I think the guys we have playing that position this year will get guys involved and I think the turnovers will go down.”

Last year, freshman Anthony Raffa played hurt and struggled with the position before transferring to Coastal Carolina.

***********

Brown said redshirt freshman guard/forward Logan Aronhalt, who missed last season with a foot injury, has been cleared to go full speed since Oct. 1 but may not be 100 percent until the league opener against Binghamton on Jan. 7.

“I think he would have played major minutes and been an all-rookie guy for us last year,” Brown said. “He can really shoot the ball. Problem is, he’s been inactive for a year. He’s had screws put in the foot, taken out, put back in.”

Brown said he was encouraged during a recent workout when Aronhalt went down the lane and dunked two-handed over another player.

“I hadn’t seen that kind of explosiveness from him since we recruited him, but he hasn’t been healthy,” Brown said. “But he’s got a ways to go as far as getting his wind under him getting some rust off and improving his lateral quickness because you’ve got to be careful with that foot … I think by conference play, he’s going to be a major, major contributor.”

Courtesy: M Singleais

University of Albany Volleyball Sweeps Siena College - UAlbany Sports 2009

Valerie Sourbeer recorded a team-high 11 kills, while Hillary White added 10 kills to lead UAlbany to a 3-0 sweep of crosstown-rival Siena in non-conference volleyball action at UHY Court on Wednesday evening. The Great Danes defeated the Saints with scores of 25-19, 25-14 and 25-23.

UAlbany posted a match-high .375 hitting percentage in the first set, led by White's six kills on eight attempts. White recorded a .556 hitting percentage for the match, managing double-digit kills without recording an error. Casey Wright finished with nine kills and two block assists, while Kalyn Mostert was strong at the net with five total blocks, including two solo. Setter Brooke Stanley, the reigning America East Conference Player of the Week, finished with a match-high 34 assists and six digs. The Great Danes finished with five services aces in the match.

Siena (7-10) was led by Burgandy McCurty, who finished with a match-high 17 kills to go along with seven digs. Aubrey Bobo and Amanda Sawlsville recorded nine and eight kills, respectively, while Bobo totaled 13 kills. Libero Lesli Akeo led the Saints defensively with 17 digs, while Amanda Sawlsville had three total blocks. Sarah Sivertson and Kau'i Robello split time at the setter position, finishing with 22 and 14 assists, respectively.

UAlbany (11-9) will return to University Gymnasium for the first match since September 5, welcoming America East rival Stony Brook at 7 p.m.

UAlbany (11-9) def. Siena (7-10), 3-0 (25-19, 25-14, 25-23)

Foncette's Point-Blank Save in Final Minutes Salvages 0-0 Tie for Men's Soccer at Vermont

Burlington, Vt. - Adrian Foncette made four saves, including one from point-blank range in the final minutes, as UAlbany battled Vermont to a 0-0 double-overtime tie in America East Conference men's soccer action on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Centennial Field.

After playing to a scoreless draw at Varsity Field last season and a 1-0 decision which also ended in double overtime at Vermont in 2007, the two teams appeared to be destined to produce the same low-scoring outcome from the opening kick. Neither side could put a shot on net through the first 45 minutes of play. While the teams combined for seven shots on the cage in the second half, almost all of them were harmless attempts from outside the box.

Vermont (1-6-5, AE 1-0-2), which knocked off a nationally-ranked opponent for the sixth straight season with a 3-1 win over #18 UMBC in its America East opener, had a huge opportunity to net the golden goal in the waning minutes of the second extra session. Rem Kielman took a through ball on the left side and only had Foncette standing in his way. However, the sophomore made a diving save on the shot which was scorched from the top of the box to preserve the tie.

UAlbany's Foncette faced 16 shots in earning his second shutout of the season and fifth of his career. Vermont's Tom Critz turned away four of the 15 shots he faced to record his second clean sheet of the fall.

UAlbany will conclude its three-game road swing against America East opponents when it visits Stony Brook on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Announces Men's & Women's Basketball Schedules; Big Purple Growl on Feb. 6th

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Lee McElroy announced on Wednesday, Oct. 14 the school's men's and women's basketball schedules for the 2009-10 season. The America East Conference has released the entire league slate for all nine member institutions.

The men's conference schedule begins on Thursday, Jan. 7 against Binghamton at SEFCU Arena. The season concludes with the America East Conference Tournament at the University at Hartford's Chase Family Arena on March 4, 6, 7 and 13.

The Great Danes, who have posted 15 or more wins in four consecutive seasons, open their schedule on Monday, Nov. 9 against Syracuse. UAlbany's first meeting with the Orange since December 2004 is part of the 2K Sports Classic, benefitting Coaches vs. Cancer. The opener will be televised by ESPNU. UAlbany will be playing a defending national champion for the second consecutive year when the Great Danes travel to North Carolina on Dec. 30. The matchup with the Tar Heels, who won their fifth national championship last year, will also air on ESPNU.

In a continuation of the 2K Sports Classic, SEFCU Arena will host one of two sub-regionals on Nov. 20-22. Robert Morris, Detroit and Alcorn State will participate. Big Purple Growl, the University's Winter Homecoming, takes place on Saturday, Feb. 6. The Great Danes meets Boston University. Morgan State, one of six opponents to play in last year's NCAA Tournament, comes to the Capital Region for the home opener on Friday, Nov. 13. Ivy League member Yale is the final non-league opponent on Sunday, Jan. 3.

The America East TV package and the Time Warner Cable broadcast schedule will be announced at a later date.

The UAlbany women begin a 16-game America East schedule on Sunday, Jan. 10 at Vermont. The Great Danes are paired with UMBC in their first conference home date on Wednesday, Jan. 13 at 7:00 p.m. Hartford's Chase Arena is hosting the America East Conference Tournament on March 4-14. The conference is playing both the men's and women's postseason basketball championships at the same venue for the first time.

Nebraska and Canisius, a pair of Women's National Invitational Tournament (WNIT) participants, are among 13 non-conference opponents. UAlbany faces the Cornhuskers, who advanced to NCAA play in 2007 and 2008, on Dec. 30. The Great Danes visit Canisius, the runner-up squad in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, on Dec. 2. After opening with two road games, UAlbany meets St. Francis, N.Y. in its home opener on Monday, Nov. 23 at 7:00 p.m. Atlantic 10 Conference member Rhode Island will also visit SEFCU Arena. The Great Danes also renew their rivalry with Siena in the first half of a doubleheader with the schools' men's programs on Saturday, Dec. 5.

UAlbany tangles with Vermont in the first game of the Big Purple Growl doubleheader on Feb. 6. In addition to conference opposition, Cornell, Wagner, Army and Fairfield are on the home schedule.

2009-10 MEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Nov. 9 (Mon.) at Syracuse (ESPNU) 9:00
Nov. 13 (Fri.) Morgan State 7:00
Nov. 16 (Mon.) at American 7:30
Nov. 20 (Fri.) Alcorn State 7:30
Nov. 21 (Sat.) Detroit 7:00
Nov. 22 (Sun.) Robert Morris 5:00
Nov. 28 (Sat.) at Central Florida 5:00
Nov. 30 (Mon.) at Florida Atlantic 7:00
Dec. 5 (Sat.) at Siena 7:30
Dec. 8 (Tue.) at Pennsylvania 7:00
Dec. 12 (Sat.) at Central Connecticut State 2:00
Dec. 17 (Thu.) at Iona 7:30
Dec. 22 (Tue.) at Loyola (Chicago) 8:00
Dec. 30 (Wed.) at North Carolina (ESPNU) 7:00
Jan. 3 (Sun.) Yale 4:00
Jan. 7 (Thu.) Binghamton* 7:00
Jan. 10 (Sun.) Vermont* 4:00
Jan. 13 (Wed.) at New Hampshire* 7:00
Jan. 16 (Sat.) UMBC* 7:00
Jan. 19 (Tue.) at Boston U.* 7:00
Jan. 21 (Thu.) Maine* 7:00
Jan. 24 (Sun.) at Stony Brook* 2:00
Jan. 27 (Wed.) Hartford* 7:00
Jan. 30 (Sat.) at Vermont* 2:00
Feb. 3 (Wed.) at Binghamton* 7:00
Feb. 6 (Sat.) Boston U.*+ 7:00
Feb. 9 (Tue.) New Hampshire* 7:00
Feb. 13 (Sat.) at UMBC* 7:00
Feb. 19 (Fri.) Stony Brook* 7:00
Feb. 24 (Wed.) at Maine* TBA
Feb. 28 (Sun.) at Hartford* 2:00

*America East Conference Opponent
+Big Purple Growl

2009-10 WOMEN'S BASKETBALL SCHEDULE
Nov. 13 (Fri.) at Fordham 6:00
Nov. 19 (Thu.) at New Jersey Tech 7:00
Nov. 23 (Mon.) St. Francis, N.Y. 7:00
Nov. 25 (Wed.) at Hofstra 7:00
Nov. 29 (Sun.) Cornell 2:00
Dec. 2 (Wed.) at Canisius 7:00
Dec. 5 (Sat.) at Siena 5:00
Dec. 12 (Sat.) Wagner 2:00
Dec. 19 (Sat.) Army 2:00
Dec. 23 (Wed.) Fairfield 5:00
Dec. 30 (Wed.) at Nebraska 8:00
Jan. 2 (Sat.) Rhode Island 2:00
Jan. 6 (Wed.) at Brown 7:00
Jan. 10 (Sun.) at Vermont* 2:00
Jan. 13 (Wed.) UMBC* 7:00
Jan. 16 (Sat.) at Boston U.* 2:00
Jan. 19 (Tue.) at Stony Brook* 7:00
Jan. 22 (Fri.) New Hampshire* 7:00
Jan. 24 (Sun.) at Hartford* 2:00
Jan. 28 (Thu.) Maine* 7:00
Jan. 30 (Sat.) at Binghamton* 2:00
Feb. 6 (Sat.) Vermont*+ 4:30
Feb. 10 (Wed.) Stony Brook* 7:00
Feb. 13 (Sat.) Boston U.* 2:00
Feb. 15 (Mon.) Binghamton* 7:00
Feb. 18 (Thu.) at UMBC* 7:00
Feb. 21 (Sun.) at New Hampshire* 1:00
Feb. 24 (Wed.) Hartford* 7:00
Feb. 27 (Sat.) at Maine* TBA

*America East Conference Opponent
+Big Purple Growl


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Hosts 43rd Annual Cross Country Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 17

Albany, N.Y. - The University at Albany will host the 43rd Annual Cross Country Invitational on a campus course this Saturday, Oct. 17. The Bobbi Palma Women's Championship Race, a 5,000-meter event, begins at 10:05 a.m. The R.K. Munsey Men's Championship Race, an 8,000-meter circuit, starts at 10:40 a.m.

This year's field includes at least 27 men's teams and 26 women's teams encompassing all three NCAA divisions and the community college level. Harvard highlights the largest contingent of Division I schools to enter into the field which is only rivaled by the one at Penn State University this weekend in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. The Crimson men and women are ranked sixth and seventh, respectively, in the latest United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) Division I Northeast Region poll. Both squads will showcase their depth on the University Campus Course, as they are also sending many of their top performers to Pre-Nationals at Terre Haute, Ind. Massachusetts, Binghamton and Marist are three top-15 programs in the region that will challenge for the men's team title. Sacred Heart, Canisius and Marist, which consistently rank among the top programs in their respective conferences, will aim to take the women's crown.

A total of five nationally-ranked programs and eight regionally-ranked squads that compete at the NCAA Division II and III levels are expected to be in attendance. The New York Institute of Technology highlights the list of Division II schools competing. The men's team is ranked seventh in the latest Division II East Region poll, and the women have been tabbed as high as ninth.

The Middlebury women were ranked 10th in the Division III national poll released on Oct. 7, while the Brandeis women were 17th and the Judge men were 27th. Plattsburgh State's men and women are also top-25 programs. Other regionally-ranked schools competing at the meet include the Middlebury men and the Rochester Institute of Technology men's and women's squads.

The UAlbany men's team, which is coming off a fourth-place finish behind three nationally and regionally-ranked schools at George Mason, is extremely young with only one upperclassman represented in the squad's top 10. Freshman Alex Leuchanka, the 2008 New York Cross Country Federation champion on the scholastic level, has finished first for the Great Danes in all three meets this season. He won his first collegiate race at the Monmouth XC Kick-Off, leading UAlbany to the team title for the second straight year. Rounding out the top seven for the UAlbany men are redshirt freshman Paul Lagno, freshman Sean Halpin, freshman Craig Weiss, junior David Rothman, sophomore Jack Kelley and redshirt freshman Ethan Clary.

The UAlbany women's team has also relied on its underclassmen throughout the fall, and is expected to field the youngest squad at the America East Conference Cross Country Championships in two weeks. Sophomore Ada Lauterbach, who was honored as the America East performer of the week earlier this month, has paced the group so far. A 2009 ECAC outdoor qualifier in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, she became the fifth straight Great Dane to win the individual title at the Monmouth XC Kick-Off, and has finished first on the team at every meet this fall. Ally Panos and Jenn Pierson, a pair of juniors, and four freshmen, led by Miranda McConnell, complete the team's top seven for the invitational. McConnell was second on the squad behind Lauterbach at the last two meets, while classmates Mikala Anson, Melissa Del Rosario and Emily Finnegan have also fared well heading into the weekend's final opportunity for the squads to gear up for the upcoming championship portion of the schedule.

43rd UAlbany Cross Country Invitational
Schedule of Events (University Campus Course)
9:00 a.m. - Women's Gold 5K Race
9:35 a.m. - Men's Purple 8K Race
10:05 a.m. - Bobbi Palma Women's Championship 5K Race
10:40 a.m. - R.K. Munsey Men's Championship 8K Race

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Field Hockey Ranked #18 In Latest NFHCA Poll - UAlbany Sports 2009

University of Albany Field Hockey Ranked #18 In Latest NFHCA Poll.
Next on the slate is Vermont on Saturday, and siena on Sunday.

University of Albany FCS Football's Justin Gannon Named Northeast Conference Co-Special Teams Player of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2009

Somerset, N.J. - University at Albany's Justin Gannon has been selected Northeast Conference Co-Special Teams Player of the Week in football, as announced on Monday, Oct. 12 by the conference office. Gannon accounted for 100-plus all-purpose yards for the third time this season in last Saturday's 55-10 conference win over Duquesne.

A senior tailback from Sussex, N.J., Gannon scored on a 78-yard punt return in the first quarter that handed the Great Danes a 13-0 lead. He became the first Great Dane to return a punt for a touchdown at the Division I FCS level. Troy Rhett last scored on a runback on Oct. 31, 1998. Gannon, who ranks sixth among the nation's leaders with an 18.8 punt return average, also rushed nine times for 31 yards. He totaled 119 all-purpose yards.

Gannon, who has totaled 100 or more all-purpose yards seven times as a collegian, climbed to No. 15 on the school's career all-purpose running list with 2,297 yards.

Paw Prints: UAlbany (4-2, NEC 3-0) has reached the win column 16 straight times against conference opponents, the nation's longest Division I FCS streak ... the Great Danes have tied a NEC standard established by Robert Morris from 1998-2000 ... UAlbany has also won a school-record 11 in a row at home ... the Great Danes tied their second-highest point total (55) in league play against Duquesne ... David McCarty (LaSalle Institute) has run for 100 or more yards in four consecutive games with his 145-yard, two-touchdown effort last week ... McCarty moved to third in rushing (3,987) and sixth in points (240) on the conference's career lists ... McCarty is 11th nationally among the FCS leaders in rushing at 105.7 yards per game ... UAlbany hosts Bryant, who is in its first year as an NEC member, on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 1:00 p.m.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Stanley Earns Second Straight America East Conference Volleyball Setter of the Week Award - UAlbany Sports 2009

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Brooke Stanley was named the America East Conference Volleyball Setter of the Week, as announced by the league office on Monday afternoon. It is Stanley's second straight weekly honor and her third of the season.

Stanley, a junior setter from Hendersonville, N.C., recorded her seventh double-double of the season in the Great Danes' only match of the week against Hartford on Oct. 9. In a 3-0 sweep of the Hawks, Stanley moved into second place on UAlbany's career assists chart, surpassing Lisa Grenier with 3,262 helpers. She tallied 28 assists in the match to go along with a team-high 10 digs. Stanley also recorded three service aces, two kills and a .667 hitting percentage.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information