Seven University of Albany Great Danes Earn America East Indoor Track & Field All-Academic Honors - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Laura Cummings headlines a list of a league-best seven Great Danes who were named to the America East Conference Indoor Track and Field All-Academic Team, as announced by the league office. Cummings, who is being honored for the third straight season, was joined by Valete Graham, who is making his second appearance on the squad, as well as first-time winners Fey Adaramola, Celine Cauderlier, Paul Lagno, Peter Rowell and Nasim Siddeeq. All seven student-athletes helped UAlbany capture the America East Conference men's and women's championships in the same year for the first time in school history.

Cummings, a senior middle-distance runner from Bay Shore, N.Y., has a 3.50 cumulative grade point average as an English major with a minor in education. She has been a member of the 2008 and 2009 USTFCCCA Division I Women's All-Academic Track & Field Team, the 2008 and 2009 ESPN The Magazine District I Academic All-America Women's Track and Field Team and the America East Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll. A transfer from North Carolina, Cummings was the only student-athlete in the conference to qualify for the ECAC Championship in five different events. She racked up 16 points individually at the America East championship by placing third in the 1,000-meter run (2:57.03), third in the 5,000 (17:00.92) and fifth in the mile (4:58.02). She also helped earn an additional five points by anchoring the fourth-place 4x800-meter relay (9:23.23) in leading the women's team to its first America East indoor championship.

Graham, a senior horizontal jumper from Bronx, N.Y., is being honored for the second straight year. He carries a 3.71 GPA as a psychology major. Graham made the 2008 and 2009 USTFCCCA Division I Men's All-Academic Track and Field Team, the 2009 ESPN The Magazine District I Academic All-America Men's Track and Field Team and was named the 2009 America East Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year outdoors. He won the long jump with a leap of 23-feet, 6-inches and placed second in the triple jump with a mark of 47-10 to help the Great Danes capture their conference-record fifth straight America East indoor title. Graham broke the school record in the long jump with a first-place mark of 24-6.50 at the Great Dane Classic, which fell just shy of the NCAA provisional standard. He also placed fourth in the long jump at the IC4A Championship by leaping 23-2.75.

Adaramola, a short sprinter from Bronx, N.Y., has a 3.34 GPA as a human biology major. She was named to the 2009 USTFCCCA Division I Women's All-Academic Track & Field Team and also serves on the school's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). A transfer from Central Florida, Adaramola was named the Most Outstanding Track Performer at the America East championship meet by winning the 55- and 200-meter dash events in 7.10 and 24.18 seconds, respectively, and anchoring the second-place 4x400-meter relay which hit the tape in 3:49.01. Her time in the 200m was a school record. In addition, the senior captain helped UAlbany post its highest finish ever at the ECAC Championship by winning the 60m-dash in 7.55, which matched a program standard, and finishing fifth in the 200 in 24.87. Adaramola also broke the school record in the 55-meters (6.96) at the Great Dane Classic.

Cauderlier, a junior pole vaulter from Entzhein, France, has a 3.56 GPA as a journalism major with a minor in geography. She has been a member of the America East Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll. Cauderlier won the pole vault and set a school record by clearing 11-6.50 at the America East championship, garnering all-conference honors in the event for the second straight season. A transfer from Université Louis Pasteur, Cauderlier also set the outdoor record of 11-9.75 at the France National Championship last summer.

Lagno, a sophomore middle-distance runner from Salt Point, N.Y., is a financial market regulation major who carries a 3.47 GPA. He has been a member of the America East Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll. An IC4A qualifier in four events, Lagno individually placed sixth in the 1,000-meter run at the America East championship. He also anchored the winning distance medley relay team which hit the tape in 9:54.94 and ran a leg for the third-place 4x800-meter relay (7:42.66).

Rowell, a sophomore long sprinter from Scotia, N.Y., has a 3.74 GPA as an accounting major with a minor in business administration. He earned a spot on the 2009 USTFCCCA Division I Men's All-Academic Track and Field Team. At the America East championship, Rowell placed seventh in the 500-meter dash (1:04.66) after running a personal-best time of 1:04.22 in the prelims. He also ran the third leg for the second-place 4x400-meter relay team that was timed at 3:12.18, just .02 seconds shy of the winner. At IC4As, Rowell competed on the fourth-place 4x400-meter relay which clocked in the fastest time in the region (3:11.31). The performance iced the Great Danes' second straight IC4A title.

Siddeeq, a senior horizontal jumper from New Hampton, N.Y., carries a 3.33 GPA as a Spanish major with a dual minor in music and education. He has made the America East Conference Academic Honor Roll. Siddeeq, who was named the 2009 USTFCCCA Northeast Region Division I Field Performer of the Year and 2009 America East Conference Most Outstanding Field Performer, won the triple jump at the IC4A Championship last weekend by leaping 51-0.25, an NCAA provisional mark. He is the first Great Dane to win a field event at the IC4A meet. Siddeeq was also victorious in the America East triple jump (50-2), plus placed second in the long jump (23-5.25). Siddeeq set the conference championship meet record in the triple jump (51-4.25) in 2009.

To be nominated for the distinction, student-athletes must be a starter or important reserve for their team and participate in at least 50 percent of their team's games or competitions. In the classroom, student-athletes must have a 3.30 GPA and have completed at least one calendar year at their institution.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

UAlbany Among Twelve Participating Men's Basketball Teams in 2010 Legends Classic

Princeton, N.J. - The University at Albany men's basketball team will be among twelve programs participating in the 2010 Legends Classic, as announced on Wednesday, March 10 by The Gazelle Group. Syracuse, Michigan, Georgia Tech and UTEP will host regional round games. Detroit and William & Mary are the host institutions for the subregionals.

The 2010 Legends Classic culminates with the Championship Rounds at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J., Nov. 26-27. Championship Round tickets will go on sale Thursday, March 11 at 12:00 noon, and may be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at 800-736-1420 or through Ticketmaster.com.

The format for the 2010 Legends Classic, which has fast become one of the nation's premier early-season college basketball tournaments, will remain the same as this past season. Twelve teams from across the nation will compete in the fourth annual event with Syracuse, Michigan, Georgia Tech, and UTEP hosting regional round games from Nov. 17-21. The four hosts will then advance to the Championship Rounds on Thanksgiving Weekend, Nov. 26-27, at Atlantic City's historic Boardwalk Hall, while the remainder of the field will participate in subregionals held at campus sites.

Other teams participating in the 2010 Legends Classic are UAlbany, Bowling Green, Detroit, Gardner-Webb, Mercer, Niagara, Western Carolina, and William & Mary. Detroit and William & Mary will host the subregional rounds.
Match-ups for the Championship Rounds, as well as the entire bracket for the 2010 Legends Classic, will be announced at a later date.

"We are excited about the opportunity to play in the Legends Classic," UAlbany coach Will Brown said. "I like the format where you play three games in three days. It simulates a conference tournament atmosphere where you have a quick turnaround in terms of preparation. Our program enjoyed hosting the 2K Sports Classic (subregional) this year and look forward to the Legends."

The four schools playing in Atlantic City, each of which was ranked prior to the start of conference play this season, have combined for 13 Final Four appearances, 84 trips to the NCAA Tournament, and three national championships. Each of the four schools has been to the NCAA Tournament a minimum of 15 times.

The 2009 Legends Classic saw the emergence of Florida as the Gators, unranked prior to the event, posted wins over No. 2 Michigan State and Rutgers to claim the title. The wins catapulted Florida to No. 13 (AP) and 17 (ESPN/USA Today) in the next week's national polls.

The Northeast Conference (NEC) is the sponsoring conference of the Legends Classic. Now entering its 29th season, the NEC is an NCAA Division I collegiate athletic association consisting of 12 institutions of higher learning located throughout six states.

Historic Boardwalk Hall first opened its doors in 1929 and recently underwent a three year, $90 million renovation to transform the building into a modern special events arena. Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks, it has been recognized as Atlantic City's premier entertainment venue, known for high profile concerts, family shows and sporting events. Visit www.boardwalkhall.com for more information. For destination information about Atlantic City, visit www.atlanticcitynj.com.

The Legends Classic is produced by The Gazelle Group in Princeton, N.J. The Gazelle Group is a sports marketing firm specializing in event production and management, client representation, and sponsorship consulting. Gazelle produces numerous nationally-recognized events, such as the Coaches vs. Cancer Classic, the O'Reilly Auto Parts CBE Classic, and the College Basketball Invitational (CBI). For more information on The Gazelle Group, please visit www.gazellegroup.com.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women Lacrosse's Christine Grueniger Named America East Conference Defender of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Christine Grueniger has been chosen America East Conference Defensive Player of the Week in women's lacrosse, as announced today by the conference office. She also won the weekly defensive award last April.

Grueniger, a senior attack/midfielder from Lindenhurst, N.Y., matched a career-high with six ground balls and scored three times in last Saturday's 24-2 victory over Niagara. The Great Danes set the program's Division I single-game scoring record. She also had two draw controls and caused one turnover. Grueniger totaled two goals and one assist in her team's season-opening defeat against Hofstra, a 17-14 decision, on March 1.

Grueniger moved to 11th on the school's all-time list with 69 career goals. A starter in 40 of 50 games played as a collegian, she needs 16 points to reach the 100-career mark.

Paw Prints: UAlbany's Melanie Sosnowski established the program's single-game record with eight goals against Niagara, plus tied another standard with 10 points ... Sosnowski tallied five of her team's opening seven goals ... Kayla Best extended her goal-scoring streak to 48 consecutive games, the nation's second-longest mark .. Best, a senior midfielder, has moved to fourth in career goals (124) and fifth in career points (152) among the program's all-time leaders ... the Great Danes travel to crosstown-rival Siena on Friday, March 12 at 3:00 p.m.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Newman's Own Foundation Awards $7,500 Grant to Students of Albany Against Cancer

Westport, Conn. -- On Saturday, March 6, during the America East Conference Basketball Championship, Newman's Own Foundation unveiled the top three grant recipients of its first-ever Campus Community Service Challenge. Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf in connection with University of Vermont's Campus Kitchen received the top grant of $25,000. Best Buddies Connecticut working with University of Hartford's Best Buddies chapter received $15,000. $10,000 was awarded to The River Coalition in partnership with University of Maine's Black Bear Mentors. In total, over $100,000 was awarded to nonprofits throughout the tournament.

The Newman's Own Foundation Campus Community Service Challenge was developed to foster social good on the America East Conference campuses and in surrounding communities. One student group, chosen from each of the America East's nine member universities, participated on behalf of its affiliated nonprofit for a Newman's Own Foundation grant.

"A priority of the Foundation is to encourage the practice of philanthropy among as broad a population as possible," said Bob Forrester, president of Newman's Own Foundation. "We thought bringing this challenge to America East Conference campuses would be a good way to seed future leadership with these ideals. The responses from the universities have demonstrated that the cornerstone for philanthropy is already solidly in place at these institutions. In fact, these students represent the next generation of leadership."

To implement the challenge among college students, the Foundation partnered with the America East Conference to identify a leading, service-focused student group at each member university who is closely affiliated with a nonprofit. The grant decisions were based on:

o The level of the student group's involvement with its affiliated nonprofit, and the degree to which that involvement reflects Paul Newman's philanthropic spirit of creativity and commitment.
o The actual mission and programs of the nonprofit, the populations and purposes it serves, and the impact the Foundation's grant would have on them.
The applications of the nine student group/non-profit pairings were reviewed and grants recommended by the Challenge's Selection Panel. Leaders in philanthropy and social activism, the judges were:
o Rebecca Lobo, basketball analyst for ESPN and former player in the Women's

National Basketball Association
o John Marshall, former president of The Kresge Foundation
o Ryan Scott, CEO and founder of Causecast
After reviewing the proposals, Newman's Own Foundation was so impressed by the quality of each of them that it decided to increase all Honorable Mention grants fifty percent, from $5,000 to $7,500. Receiving these grants were:
o University at Albany
Students of Albany Against Cancer on behalf of American Cancer Society
o Binghamton University
Colleges Against Cancer on behalf of A Room to Heal
o Boston University
Winter Outreach on behalf of Phoenix of New Orleans, Inc.
o University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Project HEALTH at UMBC on behalf of Project HEALTH, Inc.
o University of New Hampshire
Students Athlete Advisory Committee on behalf of Club Chameleon
o Stony Brook University

Alternative Spring Break Outreach (ASBO) on behalf of SUNY Research Foundation at Stony Brook University for ASBO

"A major educational component at all of our nine universities is to encourage our students to get involved in their communities and give back their time whenever possible," said America East Commissioner Patrick Nero. "To have a partner such as Newman's Own Foundation reinforces this value to our students. The Foundation's donations will have a meaningful impact in all nine of our communities and for this we are tremendously thankful."

Designed to instill the value of philanthropy among younger generations, the Challenge also featured "charity stripe shootouts" throughout the tournament. University students, selected from the crowd, played to win $1,000 for a local charity of choice. In total, $7,000 was awarded to nonprofits per the recommendations of these students. Cheering them on at each game were young people from Hartford-area nonprofits, attending with ticket blocks made available to the America East through a grant from Newman's Own Foundation.

"Challenges like this one led by Newman's Own Foundation encourages students and solidifies our philanthropic drive," said Liz Schindler, club coordinator of The Campus Kitchen at University of Vermont. "Not only will we give back today, but we are inspired to continue after graduation."

To learn more about the challenge and the nine student group/non-profit pairings, please visit http://newmansownfoundation.org/competition/.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's Indoor Track & Field Wins Second Straight IC4A Championship - UAlbany Sports 2010

Boston, Mass. - University at Albany's Tyler Fogarty won the mile and ran on the victorious 4x800-meter relay squad in leading his team to its second consecutive IC4A indoor track and field championship on Sunday, March 7 at Boston University's Track & Tennis Center. The Great Danes, who edged George Mason by 3.5 points to claim the title, became the first program in 10 years to earn back-to-back crowns at the prestigious event.

UAlbany also earned its highest finish in program history at the ECAC Championship, which was held at the Reggie Lewis Center, by tying for 12th in the team standings. Fey Adaramola, a senior captain, accumulated 14 of her team's 20 points to lead the way by winning the 60-meter dash and finishing fifth in the 200.

"I told the women that they could have their best finish ever, and I told the men that they could defend their championship," said head coach Roberto Vives, who had both of his teams sweep the America East Conference titles for the first time in program history two weeks ago. "You really can't ask for more. Both of our teams really stepped up and did what they had to do. It is really difficult to win a championship meet with over 100 schools, and our men were able to do that."

Just like last year, the IC4A meet came down to the final three relays with UAlbany, George Mason and Cornell all in the running to capture the title. The Colonials pulled ahead of the Great Danes by 2.5 points after finishing third in the distance medley relay, but UAlbany regained the lead it had for most of the meet by winning the 4x800 in 7:28.18. Fogarty led off the relay with a split time of 1:54, while Sean Halpin ran the second leg in 1:53. Nick Santos finished the third leg in 1:50.7, and John Moore anchored the squad with a mark of 1:49.7. The men's 4x400 consisting of Jonathan Santana, Peter Rowell, Jeffery Barnes and Alie Beauvais iced the team title by finishing fourth in a season-best time of 3:11.31.

"We knew we needed to finish higher than third," explained Fogarty on the group's mentality going into the 4x800. "My split time wasn't great, but Sean and Nick stepped it up (on their legs). I have to give John a lot of credit for getting us over the big hump. We were in third, and he came away with the win for us."

UAlbany, which held a one-point lead in the team standings after the first day of action, got a big boost from the middle distance runners who combined to accumulate 16 points in the mile early in the day. Fogarty became the first Great Dane to win an individual event since 2006 by hitting the tape in 4:09.72. Moore crossed the finish line in 4:10.16 to place third.

"John and I definitely worked together to get first and third," explained Fogarty, who was in the back of the pack entering the last lap before making his move on the final turn and winning the event by passing the leader in the final meters. "We both ran personal bests yesterday to advance, and the finals in an event all become practical. My time was nothing spectacular, but what was most important was finishing for the place (and scoring points)."

Nasim Siddeeq, who was named the 2009 USTFCCCA Northeast Region Field Athlete of the Year, was victorious in the triple jump and became the first Great Dane to win a field event at the meet. Siddeeq leaped 51-feet, 0.25-inches, which met the NCAA provisional standard.

Freddie Wills, a team captain, placed second in the heptathlon by scoring a personal-best 5,217 points. He most notably won the high jump, clearing 6-feet, 8-inches, and finished second in the long jump with a mark of 22-1.50. UAlbany also got extra points from Beauvais, who was fifth in the 500-meter dash in 1:03.43.

In the women's meet, Adaramola won the 60 in 7.55 seconds, which matched Ellakisha Williamson's program standard registered in 1998, and placed fifth in the 200 by circling the track in 24.47. Sheena Simpkins, a transfer from Mount Saint Mary's, and Kadine Johnson also scored for the Great Danes. Simpkins placed fifth in the 500 in 1:14.63, while Johnson finished seventh in the weight throw with a toss that sailed 56-3.75.

"This was the best indoor season that we have ever had," added Vives, who is in his 25th season. "Both the men and the women won America East titles, our men earned their second straight IC4A championship and our women had their best finish ever at ECACs. I am really excited about the outdoor season."

Paw Prints: UAlbany, which finished ahead of four conference champions, became the first school to win its second straight IC4A team title since Georgetown accomplished the feat in 2000 ... Tyler Fogarty and Nasim Siddeeq were UAlbany's first event winners at the meet since 2006 ... Gered Burns, who is currently serving as a volunteer middle distance assistant coach, won his third consecutive 800-meter title and was a member of the victorious 4x400-meter relay squad four years ago ... The Great Dane women posted their highest finish ever at the ECAC Championship, bettering their 13th-place showing in 2007 ... Fey Adaramola became the third student-athlete to place first in an event at the meet ... Jenna Ortman won the 1,000 in 2006, and Jenn Gurrant was the triple jump champion in 2009.


IC4A Team Standings
1. UAlbany 68.50, 2. George Mason 65, T-3. Liberty 45.50, T-3. Cornell 45.50, 5. Delaware State 37, 6. Syracuse 33, 7. UMBC 32, 8. Navy 28, T-9. Rutgers 25, T-9. William & Mary 25, 11. Seton Hall 22, 12. Manhattan 20.50, 13. Temple 20, 14. Long Island 19, T-15. Morgan State 16, T-15. VCU 16, T-17. Connecticut 15, T-17, Pittsburgh 15, T-19. Hampton 13, T-19. Rider 13. 21. Duke 12, T-22. Army 11, T-22. Binghamton 11, T-22. New Hampshire 11, T-22. UMES 11, 26. Maine 10.50, T-27. Harvard 10, T-27. Northeastern 10, T-27. VMI 10, T-27. Fordham 10, 31. Iona 9, 32. Lehigh 8.50, T-33. Pennsylvania 8, T-33. Sacred Heart 8, T-33. Bucknell 8, T-36. St. Joseph's 7, T-36. Dartmouth 7, 38. Duquesne 5, 39. St. Francis, N.Y. 4.50, T-40. Lafayette 4, T-40. Monmouth 4, T-40. Brown 4, T-40. Rhode Island 4, T-44. Coppin State 3, T-44. Boston U. 3, T-44. Lincoln, Pa. 3, T-47. Colgate 2, T-47. Boston College 2, T-47. Massachusetts 2, 50. Southern Connecticut State 1.50, T-51. La Salle 1, T-51. Mount Saint Mary's 1.

UAlbany Men's Results
500-Meter Dash (Finals): 5. Alie Beauvais 1:03.43. Mile (Finals): 1. Tyler Fogarty 4:09.72, 3. John Moore 4:10.16. Triple Jump: 1. Nasim Siddeeq 51-0.25 (NCAA Provisional), 9. Valete Graham 46-11.50, 19. Kadeem Howell 44-5.50. Heptathlon: 2. Freddie Wills 5,217 points. 4x400-Meter Relay (Finals): 4. Jonathan Santana, Peter Rowell, Jeffery Barnes, Alie Beauvais 3:11.31. 4x800-Meter Relay (Finals): 1. Tyler Fogarty, Sean Halpin, Nick Santos, John Moore 7:28.18.

ECAC Team Standings
1. Connecticut 84.50, 2. Seton Hall 65, 3. George Mason 45, 4. Rutgers 33, 5. Cornell 31, 6. Rhode Island 24, 7. Yale 22, T-8. Manhattan 21, T-8. New Hampshire 21, T-8. William & Mary 21, T-8. Syracuse 21, T-12. UAlbany 20, T-12. Boston College 20, T-14. Princeton 19, T-14. Providence 19, T-16. Pennsylvania 17.75, T-16. Harvard 17.75, 18. Temple 16.50, T-19. Boston U. 16, T-19. Villanova 16, 21. Long Island 15, T-22. St. John's 14, T-22. Delaware 14, 24. Pittsburgh 13.50, T-25. Vermont 12, T-25. Navy 12, T-27. Towson 10, T-27. VCU 10, T-27. George Washington 10, T-27. UMES 10, 31. Dartmouth 9, T-32. Saint Francis, Pa. 8, T-32. Brown 8, T-32. West Virginia 8, T-32. Fordham 8, T-32. Northeastern 8, T-32. Liberty 8, 38. Maine 7, T-39. Massachusetts 6, T-39. La Salle 6, T-39. Duquesne 6, 42. Sacred Heart 5, T-43. Colgate 3, T-43. UMBC 3, T-43. Monmouth 3, 46. Bucknell 2.50, T-47. James Madison 2, T-47. Binghamton 2, T-47. St. Joseph's 2, 50. Army 1.50, T-51. St. Francis, N.Y. 1, T-51. Morgan State 1.

UAlbany Women's Results
60-Meter Dash (Finals): 1. Fey Adaramola 7.55 (Matches School Record). 200-Meter Dash (Finals): 5. Fey Adaramola 24.47. 500-Meter Dash (Finals): 5. Sheena Simpkins 1:14.63. 3,000-Meter Run: Jenn Pierson. Triple Jump: 13. Tiffany Sprenkels 38-6, 20. Ashley Mahlmeister 37-9.25. Weight Throw: 7. Kadine Johnson 56-3.75.

Complete IC4A Championship Results

Complete ECAC Championship Results

Watch Tyler Fogarty Win the Mile (Flotrack Video)



Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women's Indoor Track & Field Posts Highest Finish in School History at ECAC Championship - UAlbany Sports 2010

Boston, Mass. - University at Albany's Fey Adaramola, a senior captain, accumulated 14 of her team's 20 points by winning the 60-meter dash and finishing fifth in the 200 at the ECAC Championship on Sunday, March 7 at the Reggie Lewis Center. The Great Danes earned their highest finish in program history at the meet by tying for 12th in the team standings.

Tyler Fogarty won the mile and ran on the victorious 4x800-meter relay squad in leading UAlbany to its second consecutive IC4A indoor track and field championship at Boston University's Track & Tennis Center. The Great Danes, who edged George Mason by 3.5 points to claim the title, became the first program in 10 years to earn back-to-back crowns at the prestigious event.

"I told the women that they could have their best finish ever, and I told the men that they could defend their championship," said head coach Roberto Vives, who had both of his teams sweep the America East Conference titles for the first time in program history two weeks ago. "You really can't ask for more. Both of our teams really stepped up and did what they had to do. It is really difficult to win a championship meet with over 100 schools, and our men were able to do that."

Adaramola won the 60 in 7.55 seconds, which matched Ellakisha Williamson's program standard registered in 1998, and placed fifth in the 200 by circling the track in 24.47 to pace the women's team. Sheena Simpkins, a transfer from Mount Saint Mary's, and Kadine Johnson also scored for the Great Danes. Simpkins placed fifth in the 500 in 1:14.63, while Johnson finished seventh in the weight throw with a toss that sailed 56-feet, 3.75-inches.

Just like last year, the IC4A meet came down to the final three relays with UAlbany, George Mason and Cornell all in the running to capture the title. The Colonials pulled ahead of the Great Danes by 2.5 points after finishing third in the distance medley relay, but UAlbany regained the lead it had for most of the meet by winning the 4x800 in 7:28.18. Fogarty led off the relay with a split time of 1:54, while Sean Halpin ran the second leg in 1:53. Nick Santos finished the third leg in 1:50.7, and John Moore anchored the squad with a mark of 1:49.7. The men's 4x400 consisting of Jonathan Santana, Peter Rowell, Jeffery Barnes and Alie Beauvais iced the team title by finishing fourth in a season-best time of 3:11.31.

"We knew we needed to finish higher than third," explained Fogarty on the group's mentality going into the 4x800. "My split time wasn't great, but Sean and Nick stepped it up (on their legs). I have to give John a lot of credit for getting us over the big hump. We were in third, and he came away with the win for us."

UAlbany, which held a one-point lead in the team standings after the first day of action, got a big boost from the middle distance runners who combined to accumulate 16 points in the mile early in the day. Fogarty became the first Great Dane to win an individual event since 2006 by hitting the tape in 4:09.72. Moore crossed the finish line in 4:10.16 to place third.

"John and I definitely worked together to get first and third," explained Fogarty, who was in the back of the pack entering the last lap before making his move on the final turn and winning the event by passing the leader in the final meters. "We both ran personal bests yesterday to advance, and the finals in an event all become practical. My time was nothing spectacular, but what was most important was finishing for the place (and scoring points)."

Nasim Siddeeq, who was named the 2009 USTFCCCA Northeast Region Field Athlete of the Year, was victorious in the triple jump and became the first Great Dane to win a field event at the meet. Siddeeq leaped 51-0.25, which met the NCAA provisional standard.

Freddie Wills, a team captain, placed second in the heptathlon by scoring a personal-best 5,217 points. He most notably won the high jump, clearing 6-feet, 8-inches, and finished second in the long jump with a mark of 22-1.50. UAlbany also got extra points from Beauvais, who was fifth in the 500-meter dash in 1:03.43.

"This was the best indoor season that we have ever had," added Vives, who is in his 25th season. "Both the men and the women won America East titles, our men earned their second straight IC4A championship and our women had their best finish ever at ECACs. I am really excited about the outdoor season."

Paw Prints: UAlbany posted its highest finish ever at the ECAC Championship, bettering its 13th-place showing in 2007 ... Fey Adaramola became the third Great Dane to place first in an event at the meet ... Jenna Ortman won the 1,000 in 2006, and Jenn Gurrant was the triple jump champion in 2009 ... The Great Dane men, which finished ahead of four conference champions, became the first program to win its second straight IC4A team title since Georgetown accomplished the feat in 2000 ... Tyler Fogarty and Nasim Siddeeq were UAlbany's first event winners at the meet since 2006 ... Gered Burns, who is currently serving as a volunteer middle distance assistant coach, won his third consecutive 800-meter title and was a member of the victorious 4x400-meter relay squad four years ago.

ECAC Team Standings

1. Connecticut 84.50, 2. Seton Hall 65, 3. George Mason 45, 4. Rutgers 33, 5. Cornell 31, 6. Rhode Island 24, 7. Yale 22, T-8. Manhattan 21, T-8. New Hampshire 21, T-8. William & Mary 21, T-8. Syracuse 21, T-12. UAlbany 20, T-12. Boston College 20, T-14. Princeton 19, T-14. Providence 19, T-16. Pennsylvania 17.75, T-16. Harvard 17.75, 18. Temple 16.50, T-19. Boston U. 16, T-19. Villanova 16, 21. Long Island 15, T-22. St. John's 14, T-22. Delaware 14, 24. Pittsburgh 13.50, T-25. Vermont 12, T-25. Navy 12, T-27. Towson 10, T-27. VCU 10, T-27. George Washington 10, T-27. UMES 10, 31. Dartmouth 9, T-32. Saint Francis, Pa. 8, T-32. Brown 8, T-32. West Virginia 8, T-32. Fordham 8, T-32. Northeastern 8, T-32. Liberty 8, 38. Maine 7, T-39. Massachusetts 6, T-39. La Salle 6, T-39. Duquesne 6, 42. Sacred Heart 5, T-43. Colgate 3, T-43. UMBC 3, T-43. Monmouth 3, 46. Bucknell 2.50, T-47. James Madison 2, T-47. Binghamton 2, T-47. St. Joseph's 2, 50. Army 1.50, T-51. St. Francis, N.Y. 1, T-51. Morgan State 1.
UAlbany Women's Results
60-Meter Dash (Finals): 1. Fey Adaramola 7.55 (Matches School Record). 200-Meter Dash (Finals): 5. Fey Adaramola 24.47. 500-Meter Dash (Finals): 5. Sheena Simpkins 1:14.63. 3,000-Meter Run: 10. Jenn Pierson 9:48.02. Triple Jump: 13. Tiffany Sprenkels 38-6, 20. Ashley Mahlmeister 37-9.25. Weight Throw: 7. Kadine Johnson 56-3.75.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Melanie Sosnowski Nets Career-High Eight in Women's Lacrosse's 24-2 Win Against Niagara - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Melanie Sosnowski scored a career-high eight goals and added two assists to lead UAlbany to a 24-2 win over Niagara in non-conference women's lacrosse action on Saturday afternoon at John Fallon Field.

The Great Danes came out firing, scoring five goals, including three by Sosnowski, in the first six minutes of play. Taylor Frink opened the game with an unassisted shot in the first minute, while Kayla Best (Guilderland) doubled the score just twenty seconds later. Sosnowski then scored three consecutive, including a free position shot at 24:18 to give UAlbany its head start. Niagara stopped the Great Dane rally at 23:09 with a goal by Francesa Pollastro, taking an assist from Emily Chayka on the left side of the goal.

Sosnowski responded for UAlbany, netting the next two goals for UAlbany. The sophomore attacker would add two more goals and two assists in the half, while Frink, Christine Grueniger and Julie Bush also scored multiple goals before the halftime break. Best, who added another tally for the Great Danes at 12:47, scored a goal for the 48th straight game. Late in the half, junior attacker Jodi Battaglia assisted on three consecutive goals, including two with under a minute to play. Frink closed out the first half much like she started, taking a Sosnowski assist to the back of the net.

UAlbany (1-1) struck again early in the second, with an unassisted goal by Bush at 29:13. Sosnowski netted her final goal of the game at 26:59, and Mel Rorie added one more to the Great Danes' total before Niagara scored again. Sophomore midfielder Caitlin Sacco took an assist from Leigh Downing at 16:51 with a shot from the center of the 8-meter circle. The Great Danes would account for three more goals in the game, with Rachael Burek (Columbia) recording her first collegiate goal and assist on back-to-back goals.

Alma Aponte played all 60 minutes in goal for Niagara (0-1), making eight saves in the net for the Purple Eagles. Senior Ashley Ross earned the win with seven saves, while freshman Kim Santorv made her first collegiate appearance, playing the final 9:49 of the game, making two saves. UAlbany, which improved to 5-0 all time against Niagara, led in all statistical categories, including a 43-15 advantage in shots and 27-11 in groundballs.

UAlbany will return to action on March 12, visiting crosstown-rival Siena at 3 p.m.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's Indoor Track & Field Stands in First After Day One of IC4As; Women Compete at ECACs - UAlbany Sports 2010

Boston, Mass. - Fred Casimo finished third in the long jump, as the UAlbany men's team has the first-day lead at the 89th Annual IC4A Championship on Saturday, March 6 at the Boston University Track & Tennis Center. Fey Adaramola advanced to the final round in both short sprinting events to pace the women's squad on the opening day of the 27th Annual ECAC Championship, which was being held at the Reggie Lewis Center.

The UAlbany men accumulated 11 of their 15.50 points in the long jump and hold a one-point advantage over Manhattan through the first day of action. Casimo's third-place mark was 23-feet, 3.50-inches, while Graham finished fourth after leaping 23-2.75. Wilfredo de Jesus Elias was sixth in the weight throw with a toss that sailed 60-6, and Luke Schoen tied for sixth in the pole vault by clearing 15-9. Pat McNish finished 14th in the long jump in the only women's final of the day featuring a Great Dane. She leaped 17-11.50.

In the preliminary rounds, Fey Adaramola and John Moore challenged school records by registering the fastest marks in their respective events. Adaramola most notably ran a blistering time of 7.56 seconds in the semis of the 60-meter dash, which was .01 seconds off Ellakisha Williamson's record set in 1998. She also advanced to the final in the 200 by navigating the track in 24.58. Moore clocked in at 4:05.63 in the mile, which was only .02 seconds short of Aaron Lozier's program standard recorded last season. Sheena Simpkins was .01 seconds shy of Adanna Andrews' school record in the 500. She circled the track in 1:14.54 to advance to tomorrow's final. In addition, Freddie Wills finished the afternoon second in the heptathlon through four events with 2,945 points, which was only nine behind the leader.

UAlbany had both of its relays on the men's side advance to tomorrow's final round. Anchored by Moore, the men's 4x800-meter relay team navigated the track in 7:37.02. Lozier, Sean Halpin and Nick Santos also ran on the relay which turned in the third-fastest time of the day.

The UAlbany men will aim to capture their second straight IC4A crown tomorrow afternoon, while the Great Dane women's program will look to improve on last year's 15th-place showing at ECACs.
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IC4A Team Scores (Through Four Events)
1. UAlbany 15.50, 2. Manhattan 14.50, T-3. Syracuse 13, T-3. Temple 13, T-5. Long Island 10, T-5. VCU 10, T-5. Rider 10, 8. Maine 9.50, 9. Iona 9, 10. Cornell 8, T-11. Connecticut 6, T-11. Navy 6, 13. Lehigh 5.50, 14. New Hampshire 5, 15. Liberty 4.50, 16. Duke 4, T-17. Dartmouth 3, T-17. Hampton 3, T-19. George Mason 2, T-19. Lafayette 2, 21. Southern Connecticut State 1.50, 22. Mount Saint Mary's 1.

UAlbany Men's Results
200-Meter Dash (Trials): 14. Jeffery Barnes 21.78, 25. Taylor Chaney 22.07, 39. Jake Rachiele 22.34. 400-Meter Dash (Trials): 17. Jonathan Santana 48.09. 500-Meter Dash (Trials): 9. Alie Beauvais 1:03.74, 23. Peter Rowell 1:04.58, 32. Alex Petit-Frere 1:06.29. 55-Meter High Hurdles (Trials): 22. Garrett Askew 7.87. 1,000-Meter Run (Trials): 21. Ian Ellis-Jones 2:30.69. Mile (Trials): 1. John Moore 4:05.63, 3. Tyler Fogarty 4:06.35, 32. Paul Lagno 4:18.31. Long Jump: 3. Fred Casimo 23-3.50, 4. Valete Graham 23-2.75, 10. Nasim Siddeeq 22-5.25. Pole Vault: T-6. Luke Schoen 15-9. Weight Throw: 6. Wilfredo de Jesus Elias 60-6. Heptathlon (Through Four Events): 2. Freddie Wills 2,945 points. 4x400-Meter Relay (Trials): 7. Jonathan Santana, Peter Rowell, Jeffery Barnes, Alie Beauvais 3:12.58. 4x800-Meter Relay (Trials): Aaron Lozier, Sean Halpin, Nick Santos, John Moore 7:37.02.

ECAC Team Scores (Through Five Events)
1. Connecticut 29.50, 2. Rhode Island 21, 3. Boston U. 12, T-4. Rutgers 10, T-4. Syracuse 10, T-4. George Washington 10, T-4. St. John's 10, 8. George Mason 9, T-9. Brown 8, T-9. Manhattan 8, T-9. Saint Francis, Pa. 8, 12. Pittsburgh 6.50, 13. Princeton 6, T-14. Providence 5, T-14. Cornell 5, T-14. New Hampshire 5, T-14. Sacred Heart 5, T-14. William & Mary 5, T-19. Seton Hall 4, T-19. Navy 4, T-21. Monmouth 3, T-21. UMBC 3, T-23. VCU 2, T-23. Massachusetts 2, 25. Bucknell 1.50, T-26. St. Francis, N.Y., 1, T-26. Dartmouth 1, 28. Temple 0.50.

UAlbany Women's Results
60-Meter Dash (Trials): 1. Fey Adaramola 7.59. 60-Meter Dash (Semis): 1. Fey Adaramola 7.56. 200-Meter Dash (Trials): 7. Fey Adaramola 24.58, 20. Allie Rogers 25.26. 500-Meter Dash (Trials): 5. Sheena Simpkins 1:14.54. 60-Meter High Hurdles: 23. Christen Griffin 9.00, 24. Ashley Mahlmeister 9.01. Mile (Trials): 15. Laura Cummings 4:57.79. Long Jump: 14. Pat McNish 17-11.50. 4x400-Meter Relay (Trials): 12. Sherez Mohamed, Tierra Chavis, Tenica Roberts, Octavia Clarkson 3:50.03. 4x800-Meter Relay (Trials): Maureen Nweke, Kendra Adams, Allie Carlson, Renee Johnson 9:28.53.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Laine Mackey Wins in Singles & Doubles to Lead Tennis to 7-0 Triumph Against Fordham - UAlbany Sports 2010

Albany, N.Y. - Laine Mackey posted a 6-2, 6-3 win at number two singles, while teaming up with Livia Gherman for an 8-6 win at the top doubles spot to lead UAlbany to a 7-0 win over Fordham in non-conference tennis action at the UAlbany Bubble on Saturday afternoon.

The Great Danes earned the doubles point with two wins. After Mackey and Gherman's win at the top position, Melissa Coughlin and Sarah Iannone defeated Liz Stall and Jenny Mullen, 8-4, at third doubles to seal the point for UAlbany. Fordham's Bethany Boyle and Taylor Holt took Aubrey Brooks and Caitlin Crowley to a tiebreak, but won at second doubles, 9-8 (7-5).

UAlbany took all six singles matches in the match, led by Gherman at the number one position. She defeated Tremaine, 6-2, 6-2. Crowley posted a 6-2, 6-3 win over Boyle at No. 3 singles, while Brooks recorded a 6-1, 6-2 win at fourth singles over Holt. Iannone and Coughlin wrapped up singles play with wins at No. 5 and No. 6 singles, respectfully. Iannone dropped one point in the first set for a 6-1 win, but swept the second with a 6-0 score to beat Brittany Russeu. Coughlin sealed up the singles wins for UAlbany with a 6-0, 6-4 defeat of Jane Carrol.

The Great Danes will return to action on March 13, visiting Holy Cross in non-conference action.

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Doubles

Laine Mackey/Livia Gherman (UA) def. Martine Featherston/Sarah Tremaine (FU), 8-6

Bethany Boyle/Taylor Holt (FU) def. Aubrey Brooks/Caitlin Crowley (UA), 9-8 (7-5)

Melissa Coughlin/Sarah Iannone (UA) def. Liz Stall/Jenny Mullen (FU), 8-4

Singles

Gherman (UA) def. Tremaine (FU), 6-2, 6-2

Mackey (UA) def. Featherston (FU), 6-2, 6-3

Crowley (UA) def. Boyle (FU), 6-2, 6-3

Brooks (UA) def. Holt (FU), 6-1, 6-2

Iannone (UA) def. Brittany Russeu (FU), 6-1, 6-0

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Freshman Guard Mike Black Named to America East Conference All-Rookie Basketball Team - UAlbany Sports 2010

West Hartford, Conn. - University at Albany's Mike Black has been named to the 2009-10 America East Conference All-Rookie Team in men's basketball, as announced on Friday, March 5 by the conference office. Billy Allen was voted to the conference's all-academic basketball squad.

Black, a freshman guard from Chicago, Ill., averaged 6.8 points, 2.4 assists and 1.6 rebounds, plus shot 43.7 percent from the three-point arc and 75 percent from the line. A starter in 21 of 30 games played, he ranks 10th among the conference assists leaders.

Black, who averaged 10.4 points and 3.4 assists against America East opponents, has scored in double figures on 10 occasions. He had a career-high 18 points against both Binghamton (Jan. 7) and Boston University (Feb. 6). Black handed out a career-best nine assists against Stony Brook on Feb. 19, the highest total by a UAlbany player in four seasons.

UAlbany has produced six players who have been chosen to the America East All-Rookie Team. The list includes Jamar Wilson (2003), Levi Levine (2003), Jon Iati (2004), Brent Wilson (2005) and Tim Ambrose (2008).

Allen, a sophomore guard/forward from Hamilton, Ohio, has a 3.38 cumulative grade point average in a dual major of physics and mathematics. Allen, who is averaging 3.4 points and 1.5 rebounds in 29 appearances this season, overcame back surgery as a true freshman in 2007-08. He scored a career-high 21 points against Yale in early January. Allen is one of two students on UAlbany's Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Board (IAAB) and is the school's representative to the America East Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Paw Prints: UAlbany meets America East regular-season winner Stony Brook in the conference tournament's quarterfinal round at the University of Hartford's Chase Family Arena on Saturday, March 6 at 12 noon ... UAlbany and Stony Brook are meeting for the first time in America East post-season play ... the game can be heard on Fox Sports 980, WOFX-AM, with Rodger Wyland and Greg Tobben handling the play-by-play broadcast.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Women's Basketball Falls to Defending Champion Vermont in A-East Quarterfinals

West Hartford, Conn. - Alissa Sheftic scored a season-high 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, as Vermont posted a 61-36 victory over UAlbany in the quarterfinal round of the America East Conference Tournament on Friday, March 5 at the University of Hartford's Chase Family Arena.

The Catamounts, who are the defending conference champions, held UAlbany (11-19) to a tournament-record 16.9-percent shooting, including an 0-for-17 start to the second half. Vermont (24-6), the No. 2 seed, advanced to Sunday's semifinals and has won eight of its last nine contests.

Leading 32-22 early in the final stanza, the Catamounts took firm control with 12 unanswered. Sheftic, a 6-foot-3 senior, tallied the opening five points in that run, including an old-fashioned three-point play when she was fouled on a basket in the lane. May Kotsopoulos, a first-team all-conference guard and the league's top scorer, ended that stretch with a jumper and a three-point field goal from right of the key. Lauren Buschmann split a pair of free throws that gave her club a 20-point cushion.

"We ran into a brick wall today," said UAlbany coach Trina Patterson, whose team also scored a season-low 36 points on this same court against Hartford during the regular schedule. "Size mattered. The rebounding and physical nature of the game disturbed our flow."

In the opening period, Vermont used a string of 15 straight points to build a 16-3 margin. Kotsopoulos, who had 15 points, buried a 3-pointer in transition to put her team ahead. Sofia Iwobi later made a pair of baseline turnarounds, before Courtnay Pilypaitis found Tonya Young alone in the lane. Kotsopoulos hit a driving one-hander to complete the run.

The Great Danes got into the fray behind the play of Felicia Johnson, a sophomore guard who had all seven of her points in the half. Charity Iromuanya nailed a 3-pointer to slice the deficit to 27-20. However, UVM recovered when Kendra Soto sank a 12-foot baseline shot and Pilypaitis drilled a three-pointer from the right wing.

"Their size hurt us and they have a bunch of seniors," offered Iromuanya, who was named to the all-conference third team the previous day. "We rushed some shots. We should have pushed the ball more and not let them get set up (in their defense)."

Pilypaitis, a 6'1" senior and a first-team All-America East selection, recorded her eighth double-double of the season with 13 points and 14 rebounds for the Catamounts, who are receiving votes in the USA Today/ESPN Top 25 poll. Iromuanya, a senior guard playing in her final game as a collegian, led the Great Danes with 11 points.

Paw Prints: UAlbany and Vermont met for the first time in America East Conference post-season play ... the Catamounts swept the regular-season series, including a 72-63 decision at SEFCU Arena on Feb. 6 ... the Great Danes had won at least one conference tournament game in each of the last three seasons ... Charity Iromuanya scored in double figures 20 times this year, including the final six games of her career ... UAlbany shot 16.9 percent from the field (10-of-59) to break the tournament single-game record ... Hartford (2004) and Delaware (1997) shared the previous America East tourney mark of 25.5 percent.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Baseball Upended By Pittsburgh on First Day of Caravalle Resort Tournament

Conway, S.C. - Designated hitter Kevan Smith recorded three hits, scored three runs and drove in three more to lead Pittsburgh to an 18-4 win over UAlbany on the first day of the Caravalle Resort Tournament, hosted by Coastal Carolina at Watson Stadium on Friday afternoon.

Pittsburgh (6-1) jumped out to an early lead, scoring one run in the bottom of the first and adding on three more in the second. The Panthers' first two batters were hit by pitches to get on base in the second frame. After a fielder's choice got the first out of the inning for the Great Danes, Pittsburgh loaded the bases with a walk by Danny Lopez. Left fielder John Schultz knocked a single to drive in the first run, while Joe Leonard followed with a two-RBI single through the left side to send the final runs home. The Great Danes then turned a double play to end the inning. UAlbany scored its first run of the game with a solo home run by Pete Eichner in the top of the third.

The Panthers added a single run in the fifth with a homer by Smith to take a 5-1 lead. Pittsburgh then exploded for seven runs in the sixth inning and five more in the seventh to shut down the UAlbany pitchers. The Panthers produced five hits in the sixth, including a three-RBI double to left center by Zach Duggan. Pittsburgh added five runs on five hits in the seventh, with two-run homers by Leonard and Smith.

UAlbany responded to Pittsburgh's seven-run sixth with three runs in the seventh, as Brendan Rowland and Pete DiResta both recorded home runs for the Great Danes. Rowland's solo shot sailed over the left field fence, while DiResta drove in Kyle Crean, who singled to reach base, with a long ball to left center. The Panthers tacked on one final run in the bottom of the eighth to set the final score.

Right hander Nathan Hood earned the win for Pittsburgh, striking out seven UAlbany batters in 7.2 innings of work. Alex Caravella tossed the final 1.1 innings in relief. Dave Kubiak fell to 0-2 with the loss on the mound for UAlbany after striking out three opposing batters in 5.0 innings. Relievers Mike Baltera and Brian Derschowitz both struck out one batter.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Charity Iromuanya Named to All-America East Conference Women's Basketball Third Team

West Hartford, Conn. - University at Albany's Charity Iromuanya has been chosen to the 2009-10 America East Women's Basketball All-Conference Team, as announced by the league office on Thursday, March 4 at a reception held at the University of Hartford's Harry Jack Gray Conference Center. Iromuanya was a third-team selection and also made the all-defensive squad. UAlbany's Ebone Henry and Julie Forster were named to the conference's all-rookie squad.

Iromuanya, a 5-foot-8 senior guard from Lincoln, Neb., put up career numbers in several statistical categories. She leads the Great Danes in scoring at 11.4 points per game and is third on the team in rebounding (5.1 pg.) UAlbany's team captain ranks third in the conference in steals (2.4 pg) and is sixth in three-point field goal percentage (.353). Iromuanya reached double figures in scoring 19 times, including a career-high 29-point effort in the team's 64-62 overtime victory at New Hampshire on Feb. 21. She enters the conference tournament ranked seventh on the program's all-time steals list with 211. Iromuanya is averaging 18.6 points over the last five games.

Henry, a 5-foot-10 swing player from San Diego, Calif., scores at an 11.0 clip and also accounts for 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game. All three marks rank second on the team. Henry is also second in the league among rookies behind Forster in rebounding and third among freshmen in scoring. She broke the all-time freshman single-season scoring record in the Great Danes' 62-57 road win over Maine. She currently has 320 points, eclipsing a standard set in 2001-02. In addition, Henry netted a career-high 26 points in a 59-52 overtime victory over Stony Brook to set the Division I freshman single-game scoring record.

Forster, a 6-foot forward from Huntington, N.Y., averages 8.9 points and a conference-best 8.7 rebounds per game. She broke the school's freshman single-game rebounding record by grabbing 20 in the overtime win over New Hampshire, which was two off the overall single-game standard. Forster has pulled down 251 rebounds, the program's freshman single-season record. The walk-on also leads all America East freshmen and ranks fourth overall in blocked shots (1.4 pg).

Since joining America East in 2001-02, UAlbany has produced six players named to the all-conference teams and three named to the all-rookie squads. Iromuanya became the second player named to the all-defensive team since the award was instituted five years ago. The Great Danes, who won four of their last seven conference games to close out the regular season, are seeded seventh in this week's conference postseason championship. They will face second-seeded Vermont, the defending conference champion, in a quarterfinal game on Friday, March 5 at 12:00 p.m. at the University of Hartford's Chase Arena.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Softball's Allie Weiser Garners America East Pitcher and Rookie of the Week Awards - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Allie Weiser was named the America East Conference Pitcher and Rookie of the Week in softball, as announced by the league office on Monday, March 1. The freshman hurler is being honored by the conference for the first time in her career.

Weiser, a native of Wildwood Crest, N.J., pitched two complete games and was stellar in both of her starts at the Stetson Hatter Classic. She made her collegiate debut in a 2-1 loss to Bethune-Cookman on Feb. 26. The freshman did all she could to keep her team in the game by surrendering six hits, including just one for extra bases, and issuing two walks while striking out three batters. She improved on that performance two days later to record her first collegiate victory in a 6-1 comeback win over the same opponent. Weiser surrendered five hits, including one for extra bases on a double, struck out five batters and did not issue any walks. In addition, she held her opponent scoreless over the last six innings by only allowing one runner to reach second base during the stretch.

Weiser finished the tournament with a 1.50 earned run average, eight strikeouts and a 1-1 record. In addition, opponents batted just .212 against the freshman. Weiser's earned run average and opponent's batting average were America East bests last week. She also allowed a league-low three runs among America East pitchers who started at least one game.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Ebone Henry Earns Second America East Women's Basketball Rookie of the Week Award - UAlbany Sports 2010

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Ebone Henry was named the America East Conference Rookie of the Week in women's basketball for the second time this season, as announced by the league office on Monday, March 1. It marked the third straight week and fourth time this winter that a Great Dane has garnered the award.

Henry, who hails from San Diego, Calif., eclipsed the all-time freshman single-season scoring standard while helping the Great Danes secure the seventh seed in the upcoming America East Conference Tournament. Henry started the week by netting 14 points and grabbing four rebounds as UAlbany took nationally-ranked Hartford to the limit before dropping a 63-57 decision. The swing player followed up that performance by scoring 15 points and pulling down six rebounds in her team's 62-57 road win over Maine. Henry broke the freshman single-season scoring mark midway through the second half when she hit a jumper from the left corner and ended the regular season with 320 points. Becky Ayers scored 316 during the 2001-02 campaign.

Henry is averaging 11.0 points, which ranks second on the team and third among America East rookies, as well as 5.2 rebounds, which is second on the team and second among the league's freshmen behind teammate Julie Forster. She broke the Division I freshman single-game scoring record a few weeks ago by netting 26 in an overtime win over Stony Brook.

Paw Prints: UAlbany won four of its last seven conference games to close out the regular season ... The Great Danes had four players - Charity Iromuanya, Julie Forster, Ebone Henry and Keyana Williams - earn an America East weekly award ... Forster, Henry and Williams garnered the league's weekly rookie honor ... Henry was one of four freshmen around the league to be named rookie of the week multiple times


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Women's Basketball Seeded Seventh for America East Conference Championship

Cambridge, Mass. - The University of Hartford will be the top seed and host this week's America East Conference Women's Basketball Championship. The event, which will be held from March 4-7 at Chase Arena, will be combined with the men's tournament for the first time ever.

Seeded seventh, UAlbany will face Vermont, the reigning tournament champion and second seed, in Friday's first quarterfinal game at 12:00 p.m. The Catamounts posted a 23-6 overall record. Vermont won both regular-season meetings, but the Great Danes put forth a much stronger performance in the second meeting which ended in a nine-point defeat. The two programs will play for the first time in the conference tournament.

The Great Danes, who finished 11-18 overall and 4-12 in America East play, ended the regular season by winning four of their last seven conference games. Senior Charity Iromuanya and sophomore Felicia Johnson have been putting up career numbers this season. Iromuanya averages a team-high 11.4 points and ranks third in the league with 2.4 steals per game, while Johnson scores at a 9.4 clip and dishes out 3.6 assists per contest. Ebone Henry (11.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg) and Julie Forster (8.9 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.4 bpg) are among a conference-high three freshmen that start. Henry, a swing player, has broken the all-time freshman single-season scoring record (320) and Division I single-game freshman scoring mark (26). Forster, a walk-on forward, has eclipsed the single-season record for rebounds by a freshman (251) and leads the conference in boards per game (8.7).

Vermont, which starts four seniors and has been ranked as high as 24th nationally by the Associated Press, is paced by senior guards Courtnay Pilypaitis and May Kotsopoulos. Pilypaitis, the team's floor general, has been named the league's player of the year, rookie of the year and most outstanding player in the conference tournament. She ranks among the top five America East leaders in scoring (14.8 pg), rebounding (7.5 pg), assists (4.9 pg) and steals (2.8 pg). Kotsopoulos, a shooting guard and returning all-conference honoree, averages a league-best 17.9 points per game.

The America East semifinals, scheduled for Sunday, March 7, will be streamed online at AmericaEast.com. The championship will be held at the site of the highest remaining seed on Saturday, March 13 at 8:00 p.m. and will be televised live on Comcast SportsNet.

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2010 America East Conference Women's Basketball Championship
(University of Hartford, Chase Arena, West Hartford, Conn.)
Thursday, March 4 - First Round
Game 1 - #8 Maine (8-20, AE 4-12) vs. #9 New Hampshire (8-21, AE 3-13), 6:00 p.m.
Friday, March 5 - Quarterfinal Round
Game 2 - #2 Vermont (23-6, AE 13-3) vs. #7 Albany (11-18, AE 4-12), 12:00 p.m.
Game 3 - #3 Boston University (15-13, AE 11-5) vs. #6 UMBC (13-16, AE 7-9), 2:15 p.m.
Game 4 - #1 Hartford (25-3, AE 16-0) vs. Game 1 winner, 6:00 p.m.
Game 5 - #4 Stony Brook (9-19, AE 7-9) vs. #5 Binghamton (11-18, AE 7-9), 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, March 7 - Semifinal Round
Game 6 - Game 2 winner vs. Game 3 winner, 11:00 a.m.
Game 7 - Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, 1:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 13 - Championship
(At higher seed's facility)
Game 8 - Game 6 winner vs. Game 7 winner, 8:00 p.m. (Comcast SportsNet)

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Basketball Will Meet America East Regular-Season Winner in Saturday's First Quarterfinal

Cambridge, Mass. - The University at Hartford will host this week's America East Conference Men's Basketball Championship. The America East postseason tournament, held on March 4-7 at Chase Family Arena, will feature a combined men's and women's format for the first time in conference history.

UAlbany is the eighth seed and will face Stony Brook, the regular-season champion and top seed, in Saturday's first quarterfinal game at 12:00 p.m. The Seawolves, who posted a 21-8 overall record, won a pair of tightly-contested contests this season, including a 67-61 decision at home on Jan. 24 and a 68-66 last-second triumph on Feb. 19. The two programs will play for the first time in America East post-season play.

The Great Danes, who finished 7-24 overall and 2-14 in the conference, ended the regular season with Sunday's 85-79 overtime defeat at Hartford. Will Harris and Tim Ambrose are both averaging 12.6 points per game. Harris scored a season-high 26 in his last start and has netted 20-plus on seven occasions this year. Ambrose, a 6-foot junior, has tallied more than 1,000 career points. Freshman Mike Black (6.8 ppg) and redshirt freshman Logan Aronhalt (6.6 ppg) have become more involved in the offense as the season has progressed.

Stony Brook's Muhammad El-Amin, a 6-foot-5 senior, and sophomore guard Bryan Dougher are among the America East's top 10 scorers. El-Amin is scoring at a 16.8 clip. Dougher, who has made 83-of-196 from three-point range, is averaging 13.6 points.

The America East semifinals, scheduled for Sunday, March 7, will be televised on regional sports networks and will also be available on ESPN's Full Court, ESPN 360, and streamed online at AmericaEast.com. The championship will be held on the campus of the higher remaining seed on Saturday, March 13 at 12:00 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN2.

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2010 America East Conference Men's Basketball Championship
(University at Hartford, Chase Arena, West Hartford, Conn.)
Saturday, March 6 - Quarterfinal Round
Game 1 - #1 Stony Brook (21-8, AE 13-3) vs. #8 UAlbany (7-24, AE 2-14), 12:00 p.m.
Game 2 - #4 Boston University (17-12, AE 11-5) vs. #5 Hartford (8-21, AE 6-10), 2:15 p.m.
Game 3 - #2 Vermont (22-9, AE 12-4) vs. #7 UMBC (4-25, AE 3-13), 6:00 p.m.
Game 4 - #3 Maine (19-10, AE 11-5) vs. #6 New Hampshire (12-16, AE 6-10), 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, March 7 - Semifinal Round
Game 5 - Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 5:00 p.m.
Game 6 - Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 13 -- Championship
(At higher seed's facility)
Game 7 - Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, 12:00 p.m. (ESPN2)


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Women's Lacrosse Defeated By Hofstra's Rally, 17-14; Frink Equals Career-High Point Total

Hempstead, N.Y. - Corrine Gandolfi had five goals and one assist, as Hofstra rallied in the second half for a 17-14 victory over UAlbany on Monday, March 1 at James M. Shuart Stadium. The Great Danes, who had their first two games postponed due to weather, were playing for the first time this season.
UAlbany (0-1) trailed by as much as five in the first half and were still behind 10-7 after the Pride's Stephanie Rice scored from right of the crease on a pass from behind. The Great Danes then rattled off seven of the game's next eight goals to build a 14-11 advantage.
Kayla Best, a senior midfielder, scored back-to-back to give her team its first lead of the contest. She converted a seven-yard shot while working through traffic to draw her team even, and then put the Great Danes ahead by moving in from the left and shooting low past the goalkeeper.
After Hofstra's Liz Falco, who had three goals and one assist, tied the contest at 11 apiece, Olivia Jarem netted a free-position opportunity that bounced over the goaltender's stick. Taylor Frink, who scored three times and handed out two assists, and Nikki Branchini, ended the run with a pair of unassisted goals.
The Pride, who were coming off a one-goal loss to No. 8 Notre Dame and are receiving votes in the IWLCA national poll, erupted for six unanswered to regain control. K'Leigh Vanaman connected on a bounce shot to tie the game for the third time in the half. Rice, who had four goals, then found the right corner off a pass from Jackie Ardolino with 10:54 remaining for a 15-14 lead. Gandolfi scored twice for insurance, including a rebound conversion after goalie Ashley Ross made the initial save.
In the first half, Hofstra (2-1) reversed an early 2-1 deficit by scoring six consecutive times. Courtney O'Connor put her team in front when she gathered in a loose ball from in front of the cage. The Great Danes rallied with three consecutive goals, including a transition play in which Frink finished off some quick passing into the attack area. The Pride took a 9-7 lead to the intermission.
Branchini equaled a career-high with three goals for the Great Danes, who posted their first winning campaign since 2000 last year. Best scored three times and extended her goal-scoring streak to 47 consecutive games.

Paw Prints: Taylor Frink matched a career-high with five points (3 goals, 2 assists) ... Kayla Best's 47-game scoring streak is the second longest in the nation ... Best moved into fourth place on the all-time goals list with 122 ... she climbed past Hall of Famer Dawn DiMicco, who had 121 from 1997-2001 ... goalkeeper Ashley Ross was making her first start in lacrosse ... Ross was a three-time All-America East Conference netminder in field hockey.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Softball Splits Pair of Sunday Games to End Play at Stetson's Hatter Classic in Florida

DeLand, Fla. - Allie Weiser earned her first collegiate win on the hill and Andrianna Walraven had three hits and three stolen bases in leading the UAlbany softball team to a 6-1 victory over Bethune-Cookman at Stetson's Hatter Classic on Sunday, Feb. 28 at Patricia Wilson Field. The Great Danes closed out the weekend tournament with a 5-1 loss to Stetson later in the day.

After Bethune-Cookman (4-8) plated the first run in the top of the first inning on a sacrifice fly by Cesley Tafoya, UAlbany used aggressive baserunning and took advantage of multiple errors to erupt for five runs in the bottom of the fifth. With one out, Diane MacDowell singled to pitcher Allison Garcia, stole second and advanced to third on a wild throw. Walraven hit one of her three singles in the game to plate MacDowell and stole second and third shortly afterwards.

Kristine Bill sent Walraven home by singling to Garcia and took third on the next play thanks to Nicole Kothe's sacrifice bunt in which the pitcher threw the ball past her target at first. Gina Mason followed with a two-RBI single to right center. After the second out was recorded, Michelle Connors singled to left center to score Mason. Kayla Cilley, who led off the sixth inning as a pinch hitter for Katie Wambold, crushed her first career home run over the fence in left for insurance.

Weiser earned her first collegiate win on the hill and improved to 1-1 on the year by going the distance and striking out five batters for UAlbany. She allowed five hits, including only one for extra bases, and one run. In addition, the freshman who has pitched a perfect game on the scholastic level did not issue a walk and finished the weekend with a 1.50 earned run average. Garcia of Bethune-Cookman surrendered 10 hits and six runs, including four earned, and fanned four batters in the losing effort to drop to 4-4.

In the second game of the day, Stetson (6-6) got all the scoring it needed in the bottom of the opening frame. Amy Joyce drew a leadoff walk and stole second to start things off, and Chelsey Trotto plated the senior before the first out could be recorded on a double down the line in right field. A home run to left by Katie Lawrence gave the Hatters a 3-0 advantage.

UAlbany had its best chance to do some damage offensively in the top of the fifth. Jessica Bergin led off with a single to center before advancing to second on a wild pitch. Walraven, who batted .538 in the tournament, followed with a single to right to load the bases with still nobody down. However, pitcher Amanda Lindsey got out of the major jam by striking out the next three Great Dane hitters.

With two down in the bottom half of the same frame, Stetson got two more runs to extend its advantage to five on a double to right center by Lindsey and a single to left by Jessica Lokeinsky on consecutive plays before Marissa Powell fanned Chelsea Whalley to end the inning. Connors scored the Great Dane run on a wild pitch in the top of the sixth to seal the final outcome.

Stetson's Courtney Gunby got the nod to start and struck out five while allowing five hits in 3.2 innings of work. She was relieved by Lindsey, who was credited with the victory and improved to 6-2. She struck out six while allowing four hits and a run in 3.1 innings. UAlbany's Powell dropped to 0-2 this spring after surrendering 10 hits and five runs. The senior also fanned five batters.

UAlbany (1-3) will take the next week off and be back in action when it travels to Virginia to participate in the Cherry Blossom Classic at George Mason from March 12-14. The Great Danes will compete against Cornell, the reigning Ivy League champion, Mount Saint Mary's, Niagara and the host school at the three-day event.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women's Basketball Holds off Maine, 62-57; Henry and Johnson Break Single-Season Records - UAlbany Sports 2010

Orono, Maine - Keyana Williams scored nine of her career-high 15 points down the stretch in leading UAlbany to a 62-57 victory over Maine on Saturday, Feb. 27 at Alfond Arena. Ebone Henry broke the single-season school record for points by a freshman, while Felicia Johnson set the single-season program standard for assists by a sophomore.

UAlbany (11-18, AE 4-12), which has won four of its past last seven conference games after dropping its first nine, built up an eight-point lead at 29-21 to start the second half. Johnson broke the sophomore assists record when she found Charity Iromuanya for a 3-pointer in the right corner to spark the early run. Krista Bratishko, one of three Black Bear seniors honored prior to the game, made three consecutive baskets to keep her team in it, but the Great Danes never relinquished their lead.

A long two from the left corner by Henry to break the freshman single-season scoring record gave the visiting team its third double-digit lead of the half at 41-31 by the midway point of the stanza. Maine came within four points thanks to free throws by Baker, but Williams took over by netting nine consecutive points to put the Great Danes comfortably ahead by a 53-43 score with 3:03 left.

"At first I was just happy to see that I was helping my team and contributing," said Williams, who was named the team's player of the game after breaking her previous career high of 12 points set in last week's overtime win over New Hampshire. "My teammates were cheering for me, and it really pumped me up and got me excited (as I continued to knock down shots). I only started playing in seventh grade, and I feel like my game is starting to peak now at the end of the season when it counts the most."

Maine (8-20, AE 4-12) gave the visitors a scare at the end by closing the deficit to three on a three-pointer by Tanna Ross with 40.6 seconds remaining. After Melia Basavand and Iromuanya netted shots from the line, Brittany Williams made a layup to make it a 60-57 score. However, Iromuanya hit two clutch free throws in the waning seconds to hold off the rally.

"We have been playing really well," said head coach Trina Patterson, whose team will be seeded seven for next week's America East Tournament if Boston University beats New Hampshire on Sunday afternoon. "We have won two big games on the road (this month), and we are winning games when we have to. I thought we made some bad decisions down the stretch and played too casually, but we made our free throws when we had to."

The first 10 minutes of the game featured four ties and three lead changes with neither team leading by more than two points. Trailing 9-7 after Samantha Wheeler followed her own miss at the free throw line, the Great Danes scored the next seven points to take a 14-9 lead at the 8:55 mark. Henry made a layup and a trifecta from the right corner to cap the run which was made with two sophomores and three freshmen on the floor.

Maine came as close as two points on two occasions, but the visitors hung on to a 24-19 lead at the recess despite shooting just 27.6 percent from the field in the stanza. Henry had 10 points to lead all scorers, while Forster had nine boards through the first 20 minutes of action.

"Lately, our freshmen have been taking giant steps," added Patterson, whose squad is the only team in the league that starts three true freshmen. "They were taking baby steps in January, and lately they are taking these long strides. Of the three that start, at least two are going to give us something good every night. Tonight, it was Keyana Williams and Ebone Henry."

Iromuanya led three Great Danes in double figures with 16 points, and she also contributed a team-high five assists. Williams and Henry finished with 15 points each, while Julie Forster grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds. Bratishko and Wheeler each posted a double double for Maine, which lost for the seventh time in the last eight outings. Bratishko had 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Wheeler netted 11 and had 11 boards.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Men's Lacrosse Drops Season Opener to Denver; Pompo Has Career-Best Five Points

Denver, Colo. - Alex Demopoulos totaled three goals and three assists, as Denver broke away in the second half for a 17-13 victory over UAlbany on Saturday, Feb. 27 at Peter Barton Lacrosse Stadium. The Great Danes were playing their season opener.

Denver (1-2) broke a 9-9 tie in the third quarter by scoring four straight times. Todd Baxter hit the back of the net off Demopoulos' assist with 8:59 left in the period. Charley Dickenson and Patrick Rogers followed with unassisted goals and freshman attack Colin Scott ended the outburst. Demopoulos capped the decisive eight-goal quarter by finishing off a pair of shots in the last 34 seconds of the period.

The Pioneers won for the first time under former Princeton coach Bill Tierney, who took his current position last summer after winning six national titles at his former school. John Dickenson and Cameron Flint broke a 7-7 halftime deadlock by converting in man-advantage situations 26 seconds apart. UAlbany (0-1) rallied behind goals by Dave Brock and Kyle Brunk. The game featured three lead changes and six ties to that point.

"They did a good job of capitalizing on our mistakes," said UAlbany coach Scott Marr, whose team dropped a 10-9 decision to Denver in last year's opener. "They did a better job of scoring off our turnovers than we did on theirs. We had a chance to go up 10-9 in the third quarter and just missed the goal. They came back and scored, got the momentum, and things snowballed."

Denver erased an early 2-0 deficit in its home debut with four consecutive goals. Demopoulos, a sophomore attack, found the cage off Baxter's feed late in the opening period to put his team in front, and Flint scored unassisted with 13:58 left in the second quarter to complete the run.

UAlbany regrouped with three unanswered. Sophomore Joe Resetarits scored twice, including an extra-man goal, in tying the contest. Brian Caufield gave his team a 5-4 advantage on a play that originated off a turnover. The team traded goals the rest of the period. After Denver tied the game at six apiece, UAlbany's Derek Kreuzer tallied 13 seconds later following Matt Mackenzie's face-off win. Mark Matthews drew the Pioneers even with six seconds left before the break off a pass from Charley Dickenson.

Flint finished with three goals for the Pioneers, who were coming off road losses to No. 1 Syracuse and Jacksonville to start the season. UAlbany's Pompo had three goals and two assists, while Brock and Kreuzer each scored three times.

*****

Paw Prints: Brian Caufield scored his 100th career point on a second-quarter goal ... Caufield has tallied at least one point in 24 consecutive games ... Joe Pompo recorded a career-high five points (3 goals, 2 assists) ... Dave Brock had a career-best four points (3 goals, 1 assist) ... the Great Danes are 4-7 in season openers as a Division I program ... Derek Kreuzer netted three goals, his highest total as a collegian ... UAlbany was receiving votes in this week's USILA coaches poll and was ranked No. 20 in the Nike/Inside Lacrosse media poll.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Women's Lacrosse Vs Hofstra Postponed Until Monday @ 3:30pm

Hempstead, NY - The Hofstra Women's Lacrosse game versus Albany, originally scheduled for Saturday, has been moved to Monday at 3:30 p.m. due to the inclement weather in the Long Island area.

Hofstra enters Monday's contest with a 1-1 record after dropping a narrow 13-12 decision to #8 Notre Dame in its last game on February 23. Monday will be the season opener for Albany.

University of Albany's Luke Schoen and Laura Cummings Win Events at NYU Fastrack Invitational - UAlbany Sports 2010

New York, N.Y. - Luke Schoen won the pole vault and Laura Cummings was victorious in the 3,000-meter run to lead the UAlbany men's and women's indoor track and field teams at the NYU Fastrack Invitational on Friday, Feb. 26. The non-scoring meet was held at the New York Armory Track & Field Center.

Schoen, an All-American, won the pole vault for the fifth time in six meets this winter by clearing 17-feet, 2.75-inches to meet the NCAA provisional standard to pace the men's squad. Alan Nimblette qualified for the IC4A Championship for the first time in his career by finishing seventh in the 500-meter dash in 1:05.05. All three long jumpers met the IC4A standard, led by Fred Casimo's second-place leap of 24-1.75.

Cummings became the first America East Conference student-athlete to qualify for the ECAC Championship in five different events by winning the 3,000-meter run in 9:54.20. She has also qualified for the championship meet in the 1,000, mile, 5,000 and as a member of the school's 4x800-meter relay team. Alli Rogers, a freshman met an ECAC mark for the first time by placing third in the 200. She hit the tape in 24.87 seconds. Rogers also placed fifth in the 60 in 7.83.

The UAlbany men will aim to capture their second straight crown at the IC4A Championship, which will be held at the Boston University Track & Tennis Center on March 6-7. The women's program will head to the ECAC Championship at the Reggie Lewis Center on the same days and look to improve on last year's 15th-place showing.

UAlbany Men's Results

60-Meter Dash (Prelims): 11. Jake Rachiele 7.11, 13. Tristan Akong 7.11. 60-Meter Dash (Finals): 7. Tristan Akong 7.07, 12. Jake Rachiele 7.14. 400-Meter Dash: 9. Alie Beauvais 48.67 (IC4A). 500-Meter Dash: 7. Alan Nimblette 1:05.05 (IC4A). 60-Meter High Hurdles (Prelims): 14. Shane Wagner 8.49, 19. Mohamed Kanu 8.59. 60-Meter High Hurdles (Finals): 13. Shane Wagner 8.47. Mile: 23. Ryan Florkiewicz 4:24.42. Long Jump: 2. Fred Casimo 24-1.75 (IC4A), 4. Valete Graham 23-8.25 (IC4A), 7. Nasim Siddeeq 23-4 (IC4A). Triple Jump: 5. Jordan Pollock 46-1.50. Pole Vault: 1. Luke Schoen 17-2.75 (NCAA Provisional).

UAlbany Women's Results

60-Meter Dash (Prelims): 6. Alli Rogers 7.81. 60-Meter Dash (Finals): 5. Alli Rogers 7.83. 200-Meter Dash: 3. Alli Rogers 24.87 (ECAC). 400-Meter Dash: 31. Rebecca Kelly 1:00.19. 500-Meter Dash: 4. Jessica Hunter 1:16.40, 7. Octavia Clarkson 1:16.67, 10. Brittany Eveleth 1:17.30. 3,000-Meter Run: 1. Laura Cummings 9:54.20 (ECAC). Long Jump: 5. Ashley Mahlmeister 17-7. Pole Vault: T-4. Celine Cauderlier 11-1.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Women's Soccer Signs Four High School Student-Athletes to National Letters of Intent

Albany, N.Y. - University at Albany head women's soccer coach Mary-Frances Monroe announced today that four high school standouts have signed a national letter of intent to play for the Great Danes in the 2010-11 academic year. The class features two forwards, one midfielder and one goalkeeper. UAlbany made its first-ever America East Conference postseason appearance last season.

"We are excited about adding four new fantastic student-athletes to our program," said Monroe, who has recruited two student-athletes who have won the league's rookie of the year award in the past three seasons and a conference-best five players who have been named to the all-rookie squad in the last two. "Each of them brings special qualities as players that will continue this program's path to success."

Becky Bakich (North Valley Stream, N.Y./Holy Trinity) is a 5-foot-4 forward who was a team captain and four-year starter for the Titans. She was named all-county and all-league as a senior after registering five goals and nine assists for 19 points, which ranked 10th in the CHSAA. The forward also plays for the Albertson Soccer Club, which won the Eastern New York State Cup Championship in 2009 and is currently ranked second in the nation among club teams.

"Becky is a competitor," said Monroe on the forward who is also a member of the Eastern New York State Olympic Development Program. "She comes from a club system of excellence, and I know she will bring that same mentality to the Great Dane program. She plays simple. She plays well with her back to the goal, and she is the type of player that when you need that winning goal, she will produce it."

Dani Britt (Webster, N.Y./Webster Schroeder), a 5-foot-9 goalkeeper, was a three-year letterwinner for the Warriors and an NSCAA/adidas All-Region II selection last fall. She was also a second-team all-county and all-region honoree after posting an .880 save percentage and turning away 163 shots as a senior.

"Dani has good size, excellent hands, strong ball distribution, she plays well with both feet and is explosive," said Monroe on the goalkeeper who also competed at the club level for Empire United SA - Rochester. "She has the skills, knowledge and determination to step up and be successful at the collegiate level."

Katie Dunn (Devon, Pa./Conestoga) started all four years and helped the Pioneers post a combined 77-8-2 record, win two state championships, three league titles and a district championship. The 5-foot-5 midfielder tallied 13 goals and nine assists in her career. In addition to earning all-league honors as a junior and senior, the team captain was a five-time all-area selection by the Daily Local and Main Line Times.

"Katie will bring composure and instant leadership to the team," stated Monroe on the midfielder who also played at the club level for FC Vincent United Valor. "She possesses many tools that will help take this program to the next level. She has a hard-working attitude and will lead by example. Her commitment to defend and still get involved in the attack will be fun to watch in our style of play."

Aubrey VanGorder (Cortland, N.Y./Cortland) is a 5-foot-3 forward who amassed 49 career goals and 22 assists. VanGorder helped the Purple Tigers post a combined 61-20-3 record, advance to the state semifinals and win two NYS Class A Section III championships. The forward, who ranks second on the school's career scoring list, was a two-time All-Central New York selection by the Syracuse Post Standard and an NSCAA/adidas All-Region II honoree. In addition, VanGorder, a Western New York State Olympic Development Program player, earned fourth-team all-state and league co-player of the year accolades as a senior captain.

"Aubrey is a pure athlete," added Monroe on the forward who played her club ball with Empire United SA - Cortland. "She brings many tools and pace to our front line. Her quickness and her ability to get in behind the defense will create a lot of scoring opportunities for us."

The 2009 UAlbany women's soccer team was recognized by Somis Sports as the ninth-most improved Division I program in the nation after posting its highest single-season win total in 21 years with an overall record of 8-10-1.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Softball Opens 2010 Season With Two Losses at Stetson's Hatter Classic

DeLand, Fla. - Pitcher Allison Garcia homered in the top of the fifth inning in leading Bethune-Cookman to a 2-1 victory over UAlbany at the Stetson Hatter Classic on Friday, Feb. 26. The Great Danes also dropped a 4-0 decision to Boston College earlier in the day.

Bethune-Cookman (3-7) plated an early run in the top of the first. Ashton Hinds earned a free pass to start the game. Aurelia Gamch reached on a fielder's choice to the pitcher, which allowed Hinds to take second. Cesley Tafoya, who was batting with no outs, plated Hinds on a single to center to put the Wildcats ahead by a run.

In a wild string of events, UAlbany tied the game in the bottom of the third. After Diane MacDowell walked with one out, Andrianna Walraven reached on a bunt single to third base. Walraven was gunned down while trying to advance to second, but MacDowell was able to score on the play. The next batter struck out swinging to end the frame.

UAlbany attempted to take the lead in the bottom of the fourth courtesy of a pair of singles by Gina Mason and Kylie Apostolina, who was making her collegiate debut. However, with runners on first and second and two outs, Garcia got out of trouble in the circle by forcing Michelle Connors to fly out to left.

After finishing the fourth frame unscathed, Garcia helped herself out by homering to left in the top of the fifth. UAlbany put runners on base in both the sixth and seventh innings, but could not score the equalizing run. Apostolina, who reached first to open the seventh on an error by the first baseman, was stranded at third when pinch hitter Bailey Van Deest grounded out to second to end the game.

Garcia threw a complete game and allowed three hits and one run to score while fanning eight batters to garner the win for Bethune-Cookman. Allie Weiser, who was making her collegiate debut for UAlbany, also went the distance. She allowed six hits, two runs and struck out three.

In game one, Boston College (3-2) put two unearned runs on the board in the second inning to break a scoreless tie. Nicole D'Argento hit a one-out double to right center to plate Amy Tunstall, who singled and advanced to second on a passed ball, for the first run. A fielding error on the next play allowed D'Argento to score on the next play. BC put two runners in scoring position on a double to right by Wilkins, but Marissa Powell was able to get out of the jam by forcing Rene Delagrammaticas to fly out to left.

After the Eagles added two insurance runs in the fifth on a home run by Weir to left center, the Great Danes threatened to score in the top of the seventh thanks to a double to right center by Nicole Kothe. However, D'Argento sat down the next two batters to seal the win.

D'Argentno tossed a complete game shutout for the Eagles, allowing two hits while striking out nine to earn the win. Powell allowed seven hits and fanned two batters for UAlbany. Two of the four runs she allowed were unearned.

UAlbany (0-2) returns to action at the Stetson Hatter Classic tomorrow afternoon when it faces Bethune-Cookman at 11 a.m. and Stetson at 4 p.m.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information