University of Albany Women's Lacrosse Advances to NCAA Quarterfinals After 10-7 Victory Over Dartmouth - UAlbany Sports 2011

Hanover, N.H. - Jodi Battaglia and Persy Sample keyed a second-half run in leading UAlbany to a 10-7 victory over Dartmouth in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, May 15 at rain-soaked Scully-Fahey Field. The unbeaten Great Danes advanced to meet second-seeded Northwestern in the NCAA quarterfinals on May 21 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

Dartmouth (11-5) erased a 5-4 deficit in the final period with consecutive goals. Hana Bowers curled from the left to the middle and sent a blast over the goalkeeper's head to tie the contest. After Kristen Giovanniello made a save leading to an offensive possession, the Big Green went ahead as Sarah Parks found Hilary Smith in the middle of the zone with 17:03 remaining.

UAlbany (18-0) regain the lead with three straight goals over a four-minute stretch. Nikki Branchini, who moved up to offense from her defensive midfielder position, sent a free-position attempt into the right side of the cage to start the decisive run. Sample, a freshman attacker, curled from the left and fired a low shot into the far right corner. Battaglia then made a full-extended catch of Sample's feed from behind to find the net and record an 8-6 advantage.

The Great Danes, who entered NCAA play as the only undefeated team at the Division I level, padded their margin in the final minutes. Jess Antelmi forced a turnover that led to an offensive possession where Allie Phelan drove from the right from a spread attack to beat the goalie low to the left side. Taylor Frink added an empty-net goal for a 10-6 cushion after Dartmouth received a yellow card during a defensive double-team.

"We had some pre-game jitters, but then we stepped it up," said Battaglia, who recorded her 23rd career hat trick with three goals and set a school-record in that category. "We have always grown from adversity this season. Someone has stepped up at different times and in different ways."

Dartmouth raced to a 3-0 lead in the opening five-plus minutes. A pair of Great Dane turnovers led to the first two goals. Sarah Plumb set up Greta Meyer, who faked and scored from right of the crease. Meyer later finished off a transition play with a bounce shot after Parks gathered in another miscue. Kirsten Goldberg later drove around a defender from the right point and placed a shot to the left of the goalkeeper.

UAlbany regrouped by scoring four times in a span of 13 minutes and 11 seconds. A cutting Amanda Pollock deposited a Rachael Burek feed. Battaglia tallied back-to-back goals, the second when she sent a free-position shot inside the left post. Phelan, a freshman midfielder, put the America East Conference champions in front, 4-3, by driving from the right point and moving across the top of the crease.

"We had an early case of nerves," offered first-year UAlbany coach John Battaglino, whose team is ranked No. 8 in the IWLCA coaches' poll and No. 6 by deBeer/Inside Lacrosse. "But the theme of the year has been to find a way. This team has stayed together and found a way to overcome."

Meyer had three goals and Bowers added a pair for the Big Green, who earned an NCAA at-large berth and were making their 12th tournament appearance. UAlbany goalkeeper Anna Berman matched a career-high with nine saves. Sample tied a career-best point total with one goal and two assists.

"Someone new has played well each game," stated Branchini, who scored a goal for the first time since April 16 and has 21 on the season. "That's why we have been successful. The team needed me to move to offense and it gave their defense a different look."

Paw Prints: UAlbany is the third America East Conference program to win an NCAA first-round game ... Boston U. accomplished the feat in 2005 and 2008 ... the Great Danes are the 17th team to enter the NCAA Tournament play undefeated or untied ... UAlbany made its first NCAA appearance since the women's lacrosse became a varsity sport in 1992 ... Jodi Battaglia set the program's single-season record for goals (54), breaking a mark previously held by Rafaela Nikas, who scored 51 in 1998 ... Persy Sample's matched her career-high points total (1 goal, 2 assists) ... the freshman had three goals against Niagara on March 11 ... Taylor Frink is the school's career assists leader with 82 ... UAlbany has had three programs record NCAA Division I Tournament wins, including men's lacrosse and softball in 2007 ...

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NCAA Tournament - First Round

#8 UAlbany 10, #11 Dartmouth 7

UAlbany - Scoring: Jodi Battaglia 3-0, Allie Phelan 2-0, Persy Sample 1-2, Taylor Frink 1-1, Rachael Burek 1-1, Nikki Branchini 1-0, Amanda Pollock 1-0; Goalkeeper(s): Anna Berman (60:00, 9 saves, 7 GA).

Dartmouth - Scoring: Greta Meyer 3-0, Hana Bowers 2-0, Kirsten Goldberg 1-0, Hilary Smith 1-0, Sarah Parks 0-2, Sarah Plumb 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Kriste Giovanniello (60:00, 4 saves, 10 GA).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Softball Captures America East Championship By Sweeping Boston University - UAlbany Sports 2011

Boston, Mass. - Brittany MacFawn was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player after pitching a complete-game two-hitter and leading UAlbany to the 2011 America East Conference Softball Championship title, as the Great Danes defeated Boston U., 3-1, on Saturday afternoon at the BU Softball Field. It is UAlbany's fourth league championship title, and first since 2007.

UAlbany broke a scoreless tie with three runs in the top of the third inning. After Mel Herndon scored on a Boston U. error, Katie Wambold, who was named to the all-tournament team for her efforts, recorded a two-RBI single that bounced off the arm of Boston U. pitcher Holli Floetker and went into right field. Diane MacDowell and Andrianna Walraven came home on the play. The three runs would be all the Great Danes would need, as Boston U. got one run back in the fourth on an RBI-double by Megan Volpano that scored Jayme Mask.

MacFawn, who was also joined on the all-tournament team by Walraven and fellow pitcher Brittany Schweiger, did not issue a walk and struck out eight opposing batters in the game, her third appearance of the weekend. Floetker took the loss on the mound for Boston U. (34-18).

"We had great pitching all weekend long," said UAlbany head coach Chris Cannata, who has now led the Great Dane program to four tournament and regular season titles, and is now just four games shy of her 500th career win. "Our pitching was key - we only allowed one run each game. We got great performances from both of the Brittany's [MacFawn and Schweiger] and we all came together at the right time."

The Great Danes, who have now earned their fourth NCAA Tournament berth, will find out where they will travel for the first round of NCAA Regional play on Sunday evening at 10 p.m. The NCAA Softball Selection Show will be televised on ESPNU, and the UAlbany team, coaches and supporters will gather in the SEFCU Arena Hall of Fame Room to watch the program.

University of Albany Track's Luke Schoen & Wilfredo de Jesus Elias Win Titles at IC4A Track & Field Championships - UAlbany Sports 2011

Princeton, N.J. - University at Albany's Wilfredo de Jesus Elias and Luke Schoen won titles in the hammer throw and pole vault, respectively, at the 135th IC4A Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Saturday, May 14 at Princeton's William Weaver Track & Field Stadium. After the second day of competition, the Great Danes are second in the team standings with 30 points, while Duke leads with 44.50.

de Jesus Elias finished first in the hammer throw on his sixth and final attempt with a toss of 208-feet, 6-inches. Princeton's Craig Pearce, who posted a mark of 207-4 on his first throw, led the competition heading in the final round. A senior from Arroyo, Puerto Rico, de Jesus Elias was third in this regional championship one year ago. He captured his second IC4A title after claiming the indoor weight throw in March.

Schoen, a senior from West Islip, N.Y., cleared the bar at 16-feet, 10.75-inches on his final attempt to win the pole vault. Liberty's Kolby Shepherd was second and made a height of 16-6.75. Schoen placed fourth at the 2009 IC4A meet and was second at the 2008 championship.

In addition, Fred Casimo was the runner-up in the long jump, as he leaped a season-best 24-feet, 2.50-inches. His teammate, Kadeem Howell, was seventh with a mark of 23-0.75. Duke's Curtis Beach won the event (24-3.50). UAlbany's Matthew Catera was 10th in the decathlon with 6,201 points.

Greg Kiley and Nick Santos each advanced to Sunday's 800-meter run final. Kiley was timed in 1:50.24, while Santos ran 1:50.46. Paul Lagno (3:49.19) and Chris Burke (3:49.29) moved through the preliminary round of the 1,500-meters to the championship race. Tristan Akong anchored the 4x100-meter relay to the third-fastest time (41.21) in qualifying.

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IC4A Outdoor Track & Field Championships (after second day)
1. Duke 44.50, 2. UAlbany 30, 3. Liberty 21, 4. Navy 18, 5. Rutgers 15, t6. Princeton 14, t6. UMBC 14, 8. Massachusetts 13, t9. Dartmouth 11, t9. Virginia 11 (34 scoring teams).


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Track's Kadine Johnson & Yushanni Durrant Set School Marks at ECAC Track & Field Championships - UAlbany Sports 2011

Princeton, N.J. - University at Albany's Kadine Johnson and Yushanni Durrant established school records in the hammer throw and long jump, respectively, at the 28th ECAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Saturday, May 14 at Princeton's William Weaver Track & Field Stadium. After the second day of the meet, UAlbany is 10th in the team standings with 12 points. Duke is in first place with 29.75.

Johnson, a senior from New Rochelle, N.Y., finished fourth in the hammer throw and broke her own school record on the final attempt with a mark of 188-feet, 9-inches. Johnson, who improved her standing nineteen positions after placing 23rd at this championship one year ago, previously set the UAlbany standard with a toss of 180-5.50 at the West Point Open on April 16.

A native from Montego Bay, Jamaica, Durrant recorded a fourth-place showing in the long jump by eclipsing a UAlbany record that had stood since 2004. She went 19-feet, 9.75-inches to shatter Teresa Covert's previous jump of 19-5.50.

Catie Coxon, a junior from Delanson, N.Y., was seventh in the discus and threw a distance of 150-11 on her fifth attempt. Rebecca Kelly ran career-best 59.75 seconds in 400-meter hurdles qualifying. Her time was the fifth-fastest in the preliminary round.

Alli Rogers and Christen Griffin advanced to Sunday's finals in the 400-meter dash and 100-meter hurdles, respectively. Rogers, who set the 400m school record last week at the America East Conference championship, was clocked in 55.01. Griffin cleared the hurdles in 13.98 seconds.

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ECAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships (after second day)
1. Duke 29.75, 2. Virginia 23, t3. Brown 21, t3. Connecticut 21, 5. Princeton 20, 6. James Madison 19, 7. Cornell 16, 8. Navy 15, 9. Columbia 12.33, 10. UAlbany 12 (37 scoring teams).



Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Three Great Danes Named to All-America East First Team; Mason Honored for Fourth Time - UAlbany Sports 2011

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Gina Mason and Andrianna Walraven, a pair of seniors, and freshman Brittany MacFawn, were all named to the All-America East Conference Softball first team in softball, as announced by the league on Wednesday afternoon. It is the fourth time Mason has been honored by the conference, including her second consecutive appearance on the first team.

Mason, a first baseman, leads the team as a senior with a .419 batting average. She has recorded a team-high 52 hits, including 10 doubles and five home runs, and has scored 26 runs while driving in 27 more. A native of Sacramento, Calif., Mason has also posted a .669 slugging percentage and is 4-for-4 on stolen base attempts. She was an all-conference second-team member as a sophomore and was named to the all-rookie team as a freshman.

Walraven, who has started all 45 games at shortstop for the Great Danes, earned her first all-conference first -team honor after posting a .318 batting average as a senior. The native of Thompson Ridge, N.Y., who was an all-rookie team member as a freshman, is first on the team with 31 runs scored, second with 41 hits and second with 21 stolen bases. She has recorded 19 RBI, along with five doubles, three triples and three home runs.

MacFawn, who received the league's pitcher of the week award three times as a freshman, was a first-team honoree and earned a spot on the all-rookie squad. She has a staff-low 2.31 ERA and leads the Great Dane pitchers with 125 strikeouts in 133.1 innings of work. MacFawn, who hails from Orlando, Fla., has posted a 13-6 record, while making 30 appearances, including 18 starts. She has thrown a team-high 12 complete games, including six solo shutouts and two combined, and threw one perfect game and one no-hitter. MacFawn has also recorded three saves and holds opponents to a .227 batting average.

UAlbany (25-21, AE 14-4) earned a share of the America East regular-season title, and will face Binghamton in the first round of the league championship tournament starting on Thursday at Boston U.

-agate-

2011 America East Softball All-Conference Teams

First Team: Brittany MacFawn, P, UAlbany; Holli Floetker, P, Boston U.; Deannie Plemon, C, Binghamton; Gina Mason, 1B, UAlbany; Lauren Brummell, 2B, UMBC; Andrianna Walraven, SS, UAlbany; Terren Hall, 3B, Maine; Jessica Phillips, OF, Binghamton; April Setterlund, OF, Boston U.; Kali Burnham, OF, Maine; Nicole Springer, DP, Hartford, Katie Ferguson, Util., UMBC.

Second Team: Eric Schuppert, P, Boston U.; Stephanie Weigman, P, UMBC; Amy Ekart, C, Boston U.; Chelsea Kehr, 1B, Boston U.; Lisa Cutrona, 2B, Binghamton; Lauren Maloney, SS, Stony Brook; Megan Volpano, 3B, Boston U.; Meghan Tucker, OF, Binghamton; Jayme Mask, OF, Boston U.; Julia Culotta, OF, UMBC; Meghan McLain, DP, Maine; Jessica Combs, Util., Stony Brook.

All-Rookie: Brittany MacFawn, UAlbany; Jessica Bump, Binghamton; Lisa Cutrona, Binghamton; Brittany Clendenny, Boston U.; Amy Ekart, Boston U.; Holli Floetker, Boston U.; Chelsea Kehr, Boston U.; Megan Volpano, Boston U.; Meghan McLain, Maine; Jessica Warner, UMBC; Jessica Combs, Stony Brook.

UAlbany Will Make First NCAA Appearance in First-Round Matchup at Dartmouth on May 15

Albany, N.Y. - In making its first NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Tournament appearance, the University at Albany will travel to Dartmouth for a first-round matchup on Sunday, May 15 at 1:00 p.m. The Great Danes, who are the NCAA's seventh seed, earned the America East Conference's automatic berth with an 11-4 victory over UMBC in the conference tournament final.

UAlbany (17-0) enters NCAA post-season play as the lone undefeated team at the Division I level. In his first season, John Battaglino, the America East Coach of the Year, led the program to a school record for wins and a national top-10 ranking in both polls.

"I am proud to see them up there (on the bracket) with all those other teams," offered Battaglino, who served as UAlbany's associate head coach last year and previously was a Syracuse assistant. "They have accomplished something together and they forever hold a common bond."

Nikki Branchini, the program's first Division I All-American, was named the America East's top player for the second consecutive year. Tewaaraton Award nominee Taylor Frink, a first-team all-conference selection, is among the nation's scoring leaders with 33 goals and 48 assists. Frink and Jodi Battaglia are one-two on the program's single-season scoring list. Battaglia, who has 51 goals and 15 assists, is a first-team All-America East attacker. Ariana Parker (43 goals, 3 assists) and Michelle Primomo (10 caused turnovers), a pair of freshman, were also on the all-league first team.

"This is great and worth the wait," said Battaglia, whose team was ranked No. 8 in last week's IWLCA poll. "We were crossing our fingers (to see who we would play). We are happy to be here and now waiting for the next game."

Dartmouth (11-4) was No. 10 in last week's IWLCA poll. The Big Green, who are members of the Ivy League, own a double-overtime win over top-ranked Maryland, a 9-8 decision that dropped the Terrapins from the list of unbeatens. Kat Collins, the Ivy League Player of the Year, has 33 goals and 10 assists. Greta Meyer leads the team in scoring with 45 points (31 goals, 10 assists). Freshman goalkeeper Kriste Giovanniello, who has a .517 save percentage, was voted Ivy League Rookie of the Year.

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NCAA Division I Women's Lacrosse Tournament Bracket (First Round)
Saturday, May 14
Navy (15-5) at #1 Maryland (18-1), 12:00 p.m.
Virginia (9-8) at #3 North Carolina (13-5), 1:00 p.m.
Stanford (16-2) at #4 Florida (15-3), 1:00 p.m.
Massachusetts (17-2) at #6 Loyola, Md., 1:00 p.m.
Princeton (11-6) at #8 James Madison (15-3), 1:00 p.m.
Boston College (12-6) #2 Northwestern (17-2), 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 15
#7 Albany (17-0) at Dartmouth (11-4), 1:00 p.m.
Pennsylvania (11-5) at #5 Duke (13-4), 2:00 p.m.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Co-Regular Season Champion UAlbany Heads to Boston for America East Softball Championship - UAlbany Sports 2011

Cambridge, Mass. - After a three-game sweep of Stony Brook over the weekend, UAlbany earned a share of the America East Conference regular season title, and the second seed in the upcoming conference championship tournament, hosted by top-seeded Boston U. on May 12-14.

The Great Danes, earning their fourth regular-season title since 2004, have won 20 of their last 26 games since starting the season 5-15. UAlbany won three straight league titles from 2005-2007 and became the first America East program to advance to an NCAA Regional Final in 2007. The Great Danes will face third-seeded Binghamton in the first round of the conference tournament on Thursday, May 12 at 3:30 p.m. Binghamton (22-21, AE 10-7) is making its first-ever tournament appearance. The Bearcats' 10 conference wins is the second-highest total in program history.

Boston U. (32-16, AE 14-4) earned the tournament's top seed after taking two of three games on the road at Binghamton over the weekend. The Terriers held the tiebreaker over UAlbany after a three-game sweep of the Great Danes last weekend, and will look to become the first host school to win the tournament since 2004. Boston U. will take on fourth-seeded UMBC (25-23, AE 8-10), which claimed the final spot in the tournament after missing the field last season. The Retrievers completed their season last week, but earned the final spot after Hartford took two of three games from Maine over the weekend.

Boston U. and UMBC will play the first game on Thursday at 1 p.m., followed by the UAlbany/Binghamton matchup. The two winners will face each other in the double-elimination tournament at 11 a.m. on Friday, followed by the first elimination game at 1:30 p.m. and the second at 4 p.m. The championship game will take place Saturday at 12 p.m., with another slated for 2:30 p.m. if necessary.

2011 America East Softball Championship
BU Softball Field (Boston, Mass.)

Thursday, May 12

#1 Boston U. vs. #4 UMBC, 1 p.m.
#2 UAlbany vs. #3 Binghamton, 3:30 p.m.

Friday, May 13

Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2, 11 a.m.
Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2, 1:30 p.m. (elimination game)
Loser Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4, 4 p.m. (elimination game)

Saturday, May 14

Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 5, 12 p.m. (championship game)
Winner Game 6 vs. Loser Game 6, 2:30 p.m. (if necessary)


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's Track Finishes First at America East Outdoor Championship for Seventh Consecutive Year - UAlbany Sports 2011

Baltimore, Md. - University at Albany's Nasim Siddeeq set a meet and school record in the triple jump to lead his team to its seventh consecutive title at the America East Conference Men's Outdoor Track & Field Championship on Sunday, May 8 at UMBC Stadium. The Great Danes scored 204 points to finish 33 ahead of runner-up Binghamton.

Siddeeq, a senior from New Hampton, N.Y., leaped 52-feet, 1.25-inches on his final attempt to break a conference standard that had stood since 1991. Siddeeq, who competed for the first time during the outdoor season on April 23rd due to injury, also eclipsed Mike McCadney's UAlbany record of 51-4.25 that was established two years ago.

Greg Kiley was a winner in the 800-meter run with a season-best and IC4A-qualifying time of 1:51.55. He also ran the opening leg on UAlbany's second-place 4x800-meter relay. Peter Rowell also met the IC4A standard in winning the 400-meter intermediate hurdles. He is the fourth Great Dane in the last six years to win the event.

Stephen Hassard placed second in the discus and improved his IC4A mark with a toss of 162-feet, 6-inches. Tristan Akong was second in the 100-meter dash by sprinting 10.64 and was nine-hundredths of a second behind champion R.J. Page, of Boston University. In addition, Akong anchored the 4x100 relay to a second-place showing in 41.22. Paul Lagno and Matthew Catera registered third-place efforts in the 1,500-meters and decathlon, respectively. Cattera scored 6,637 points in the 10-event competition to break James Nixon's 1994 school record and qualify for next weekend's IC4A championship.

Luke Schoen, one of UAlbany's seven individual champions, was named Field Performer of the Meet. He won the pole vault on the first day by clearing the bar at a meet-record height of 17-feet, 3.50-inches. Kareem Morris, a freshman from Albany, N.Y., earned Rookie of the Meet recognition. He was third in the 100-dash, ran on the runner-up 4x100 relay, took sixth in the long jump and was seventh in 200-dash. Roberto Vives and his assistants received America East Men's Coaching Staff of the Year.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women's Outdoor Track Capture Third Straight America East Conference Outdoor Track Championship - UAlbany Sports 2011

Baltimore, Md. - University at Albany's Alli Rogers set a school record in winning the 400-meter dash in the process led her team to its third straight league title at the America East Conference Women's Outdoor Track & Field Championship on Sunday, May 8 at UMBC Stadium. The Great Danes, who have won six of the last seven outdoor conference crowns, totaled 174 points, while second-place Boston University had 151.

A sophomore from Amherst, N.Y., Rogers reached the finish line in 54.62 seconds to claim a narrow victory over runner-up Jessica Henning of Binghamton, who was clocked in 54.87. Rogers set a UAlbany record, breaking Ellakisha Williamson's previous mark of 55.14 that was established in 1997. In addition, Rogers was fourth in the 200-meter dash (24.68) and ran the anchor leg on the second-place 4x100 relay that hit the tape in 46.56.

Catie Coxon, a junior from Delanson, N.Y., recorded her second consecutive America East discus throw title with a toss of 152-feet, 1-inch. She was one of four Great Danes who won individual events. Rebecca Kelly ran a season-best time of 1:00.55 in winning the 400-meter intermediate hurdles and improved her ECAC-qualifying standard.

After winning her first conference hammer throw title on the first day, Kadine Johnson placed third in the shot put with a mark of 42-feet, 7.50-inches. Yushanni Durrant was second in the triple jump with a leap of 40-9. UAlbany racked up 23 points in the triple jump with Great Danes placing in the third through eighth positions.

Christen Griffin, a senior from Waldorf, Md, was responsible for accumulating 19 points in three events and helping win eight more by running the second leg on the 4x100 relay. Griffin was second in the 100-meter hurdles in 13.90 seconds and third in the 200-dash in 24.45. She also finished fourth in the 100-dash (12.28). Roberto Vives and his assistants were awarded America East Women's Coaching Staff of the Year.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Womens Lacrosse Wins First America East Championship; Jodi Battaglia Leads Unbeaten Great Danes - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Jodi Battaglia had five goals and two assists in leading UAlbany to an 11-4 victory over UMBC and capturing its first-ever America East Conference championship on Saturday, May 7 at John Fallon Field. The Great Danes, who are ranked No. 8 in the IWLCA poll and No. 5 by deBeer/Inside Lacrosse, earned the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance at the Division I level.

UAlbany (17-0) broke open a tight game in the first half with a string of five unanswered goals over a span of six minutes and 49 seconds. After UMBC (11-7) tied the contest at two apiece, Nikki Branchini won the following draw to set up the offensive possession. Battaglia, the championship's most outstanding player, cut to the right of the crease and scored off Taylor Frink's pass from behind the cage.

Amanda Pollock and Ariana Parker added unassisted goals for a 5-2 advantage. Pollock bounced a free-position attempt through the goalkeeper's legs. Jess Antelmi's caused turnover and ground ball led to a successful clear by Parker, and the freshman drove to the net for the goal. Frink, who became the school's career assists leader in the contest, was involved in the next two scoring plays. She set up Battaglia by knifing a diagonal pass from behind the net to the right of the crease. The senior attacker then sent a free-position shot inside the right post with a sidearm delivery.

The Great Danes, who will make the NCAA field as the nation's only unbeaten squad, scored three more times in the opening eight minutes of the final period to build a 10-2 margin. Battaglia, who tied a season-best with seven points, rolled inside a defender from the left side, before finding a cutting Rachael Burek one minute and three seconds later. Working from a spread attacker, Parker, who had two goals and one assists, moved in from the left to deposit a shot on the near side.

Meanwhile, UAlbany's defense held the Retrievers off the scoreboard for more than 46 minutes. Freshman goalkeeper Anna Berman had four saves and robbed Alicia Krause, the conference's fifth-leading scorer, at point-blank range during that sequence. UMBC finally ended the drought when Ashley Stodter finishing off a clearing play by placing a shot into the left side with 2:10 remaining.

"They had momentum after defeating Boston University in overtime (in the semifinals)," explained Branchini, a senior defensive midfielder who won 13 draw controls in the two tournament games. "We made good decisions and came out and performed. I love looking back to see the ball in her (Berman's) stick. She didn't play like a freshman today."

The Great Danes, who were competing in the championship final for just the second time since joining America East in 2002, were fighting off the past to make history. UMBC upended regular-season champion UAlbany is last year's tournament semifinals.

"We have seen them before and we knew how to handle it," said Battaglia, as her team also posted a 12-11 win against UMBC to decide this season's regular-season title and top seed just one week ago. "We were ready for the game and focused."

The Retrievers' Amanda Pappas scored a pair, including a free-position goal that tied the contest in the opening half. UAlbany's Frink, who joined Battaglia, Branchini and Parker on the all-championship squad, had one goal and three assists.

"This is fantastic and it doesn't get old," said first-year UAlbany coach John Battaglino, who was promoted to the position after one season as the program's associate head coach and was previously a Syracuse assistant. "I have coached a lot of teams. But when you look at that fact that we were missing three starters (due to injury), this performance is one of the best."

Paw Prints: UAlbany will find out its NCAA Tournament opponent on Sunday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m. ... the NCAA bracket will be unveiled on www.ncaa.com ... Taylor Frink (81) and Jodi Battaglia (66) are one-two on the program's single-season scoring chart ... Frink moved past Andrea Esposito (2000-03) as the UAlbany's career assists leader (81) ... Battaglia climbed to seventh on the school's career scoring list with 149 points ... the Great Danes have won 46 conference championship and 18 teams have made NCAA appearances since upgrading to Division I in 1999-2000.



Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Battaglia & Parker Each Score Five Goals For University of Albany Women's Lacrosse In America East Conference Semifinal Win - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Jodi Battaglia and Ariana Parker each scored five goals to power UAlbany to an 18-7 victory over New Hampshire in the America East Conference Tournament's semifinal round on Thursday, May 5 at John Fallon Field. The Great Danes advanced to Saturday's championship and will meet UMBC, a 12-11 overtime winner against Boston University.

UAlbany (16-0) reversed an early 1-0 deficit by scoring nine consecutive times. Parker put her team in front by converting a bounce shot in a free-position situation. Battaglia tallied two of her team's next three goals, each off a feed from Taylor Frink. Amanda Pollock, who had a career-high four goals, all in the opening period, ended that outburst when Jess Antelmi caused a turnover that led to an offensive possession.

New Hampshire (8-9) came back with a pair of goals. Amber Casiano connected on a free-position shot, before Hayley Rausch moved from behind the cage to score from the left side. The Great Danes, who are the tournament's top seed after winning the regular-season crown, responded with the final five goals of the period to take a 14-3 lead to the locker room. Pollock, a junior midfielder, scored twice in that stretch, including a transition play where defender Jenn Primeau caused a turnover and drove the ball from her own end.

The Great Danes, who advanced to the championship for just the second time in the program's history, scored twice in the opening four minutes of the second half. Battaglia, who recorded her 21st career hat trick, found the net with a free-position opportunity. Frink, who netted a pair and tied a tournament-record with five assists, faked and scored from left of the crease.

"We set the tone right away," said Battaglia, whose team had lost their previous three meetings with New Hampshire in conference postseason play. "We pushed the pedal and there was no backing down."

Rausch, who earlier this season netted an overtime shot to defeat Boston U., led the Wildcats with three goals, including her 26th of the season. UAlbany's Parker, a freshman midfielder, added one assist to her five-goal offensive output. The Great Danes, who are the lone unbeaten team at the NCAA Division I level, are ranked No. 8 in the IWLCA poll and are No. 5 by deBeer/Inside Lacrosse.

"We had a great start," offered Pollock, whose team lost in the America East semifinals one year ago after running the table in the regular season. "Coach (Battaglino) expects the best from us. We had that (losing last year) in the back of our heads and it is an awful feeling."

In the second semifinal, UMBC came from four down midway through the second half to draw even in regulation on goals by Lindsay Cox and Amanda Pappas. The Retrievers tallied 20 seconds into the extra period as Emily Coady circled from behind the cage and scored from right of the crease.

Paw Prints: UAlbany advanced to the America East Conference championship game for the first time since 2007 ... the Great Danes are the tournament's No. 1 seed for the second consecutive year ... All-America Nikki Branchini broke her own single-season record for draw controls (82) and is third nationally in that category at 5.13 per game ... Jodi Battaglia has 46 goals, the fifth-best single-season total in UAlbany annals ... Ariana Parker's 41 goals is the second-best mark by a freshman ... Tewaaraton Award nominee Taylor Frink scored seven or more points for the sixth time this season ... Frink needs two assists to break the program's career record, held by Andrea Esposito who had 79 from 2000-03 ... Amanda Pollock also scored four goals on two occasions against Vermont, including April 6, 2011.

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#8/5 UAlbany 18, New Hampshire 7

New Hampshire - Scoring: Hayley Rausch 3-0, Amber Casiano 1-0, Jenny Simpson 1-0, JoJo Curro 1-0, Kate Keagins 1-0; Goalkeeper(s): Kate Gunts (60:00, 3 saves, 18 GA).

UAlbany - Scoring: Ariana Parker 5-1, Jodi Battaglia 5-0, Amanda Pollock 4-0, Taylor Frink 2-5, Rachael Burek 1-0, Allie Phelan 1-0, Persy Sample 0-1, Jenn Primeau 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Anna Berman (56:43, 4 saves, 6 GA), Brett Yenger (3:17, 0 saves, 1 GA).


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Womens Lacrosse's Nikki Branchini Voted America East's Top Player; John Battaglino Chosen Coach of the Year - UAlbany Sports 2011

Cambridge, Mass. -- University at Albany's Nikki Branchini has been voted America East Conference Co-Player of the Year in women's lacrosse, as announced on Wednesday, May 4 by the conference office. Branchini was one of five Great Danes named to the all-league first team. John Battaglino was chosen America East Coach of the Year.

Branchini, who was the America East's top player last year, becomes the third athlete to win multiple conference player of the year awards, joining Boston University's Chrissy Lombard (1999-2001) and Sarah Dalton (2008-09). A defensive midfielder from Guilderland, N.Y., she is also the first UAlbany player to earn first-team All-America East recognition four times.

Branchini, a third-team IWLCA All-American as a junior, ranks third among the NCAA Division I leaders in draw controls at 4.93 per game, plus averages 1.2 caused turnovers and 2.0 ground balls. She also had her best offensive season as a collegian with 20 goals and three assists. During the regular-season, she was named conference defensive player of the week on three occasions and chosen league player of the week once. She is the NCAA's active career leader in draw controls with 258.

Battaglino, who is in his first season after being promoted from the program's associate head coach position, led the Great Danes to the America East Conference regular-season crown and a 15-0 record. The Great Danes, who are ranked No. 8 nationally in the IWLCA poll and No. 5 by deBeer/Inside Lacrosse, became the first America East program to go undefeated overall through regular-season play in conference history. UAlbany is the only unbeaten team at the NCAA Division I level.

Taylor Frink and Jodi Battaglia, a pair of senior attackers, join Branchini on the all-conference first team. Frink, one of 24 nominees for the Tewaaraton Award as the nation's top player, is fifth nationally in scoring at 4.67 points per game and second in assists (2.67 pg). She has established UAlbany single-season records for assists (40) and points (70). Frink is sixth on the school's career scoring chart with 158 points. Battaglia makes her second appearance on the first team after earning the honor as a sophomore. She is third among the league leaders in goals (2.73 pg) and fourth in points (3.60 ppg). Battaglia is sixth on UAlbany's single-season scoring list (54) and ninth among the career scorers with 137 points.

In addition, UAlbany placed two freshmen on the first team. Ariana Parker totaled 36 goals and one assist from her midfield position. She is fifth in the conference in goals (2.4 pg) and has the third-best season goal total by a UAlbany freshman. Michelle Primomo, a defender, has 14 ground balls and 10 caused turnovers. She keys a defensive unit that is among the nation's leaders in goals allowed at 6.87 per game.

Parker and Primomo are also members of the America East All-Rookie Team along with Allie Phelan and Anna Berman. Phelan, a midfielder, totaled 13 goals, one assist, 29 draw controls and 18 ground balls. Berman, a goalkeeper, is second nationally in goals against average (7.03) and has a .496 save percentage.

Branchini led a group of four UAlbany players who were picked to the America East All-Academic Team. Branchini, who is on the all-academic unit for the third year in a row, has a 3.83 cumulative grade point average in history. She recently received an ECAC Merit Medal as the school's top senior female student-athlete. Battaglia is also on the academic squad with a 3.55 GPA in business administration. Amanda Pollock, a junior midfielder, owns a 3.53 in accounting, and Rachael Burek has a 3.62 in business administration.

UAlbany begins postseason play on Thursday, May 5 when the Great Danes host New Hampshire in the conference tournament semifinals at 1:00 p.m. Boston U. and UMBC meet in the second semifinal at 3:30 p.m. The winners will play for the championship at UAlbany's John Fallon Field on Saturday, May 7 at 1:00 p.m. For tickets, call 518-442-4683.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Mens Lacrosse's Resetarits on All-America East First Team; Thompson Named League Rookie of the Year - UAlbany Sports 2011

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Joe Resetarits has been chosen to America East Men's Lacrosse All-Conference Team, as announced on Tuesday, May 3 by the conference office. Resetarits, a junior midfielder, was a member of the first team. Freshman Miles Thompson was named the league's rookie of the year.

Resetarits, who missed almost all of last season due to injury, makes his second appearance on the all-conference first team. He is fourth in the America East in goals (2.07 pg) and also fourth in scoring at 2.93 points per game. A native of Hamburg, N.Y., Resetarits has 31 goals and 13 assists. He had three goals and handed out an assist in his team's upset of fifth-ranked Massachusetts in March.

Resetarits owns the nation's longest goal-scoring streak at 33 consecutive games. He has scored at least one point in 34 straight contests, the sixth-longest streak among the NCAA Division I leaders. Resetarits recently reached the 100-career point mark and has 78 goals and 25 assists.

Thompson, who hails from Nedrow, N.Y., is the third UAlbany player to be named America East Rookie of the Year, joining Merrick Thomson (2004) and Kevin Rae (2002). Thompson is sixth among the conference leaders in scoring at 2.73 points per game. He finished with 29 goals and 12 assists. Thompson was tabbed conference rookie of the week on four occasions. He tallied three or more points against eight opponents, including a career-high five goals and two assists against nationally-ranked Stony Brook.

Ty Thompson, a freshman from Hogansburg, N.Y., and his cousin Miles were each picked to the America East All-Rookie Team. Ty accounted for 26 goals and four assists. He netted three or more goals on four occasions, including a career-high four against Harvard. Kyle Crotty, a senior midfielder, earned a spot on the conference all-academic team for the second consecutive year. Crotty, who received UAlbany's Presidential Scholar-Athlete Award as the senior with the highest grade point average, has a 3.87 GPA in accounting with a minor in business administration.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany FCS Football's Defensive Tackle Trevor Anderson Chosen in Fifth Round of United Football League Draft - UAlbany Sports 2011

Virginia Beach, Va. - Former University at Albany defensive tackle Trevor Anderson was chosen in the United Football League Draft by the Virginia Destroyers on Monday, May 2. Anderson was taken in the fifth round as the 25th overall selection.

General Manager and Head Coach Marty Schottenheimer contacted Anderson personally to inform him the team had drafted him. Schottenheimer, who is in his first year with the UFL franchise, was previously the head coach with four National Football League teams, including Cleveland, Kansas City, Washington and San Diego. He also once served as the New York Giants' defensive coordinator.

Anderson, a native of Warnersville, N.Y. and a Cobleskill-Richmondville High School graduate, earned first-team All-Northeast Conference recognition on two occasions. He accounted for 45 tackles and had two sacks and three pass break-ups as a senior in leading UAlbany to its fifth consecutive winning campaign. The 6-foot-2, 295-pound defensive lineman participated in the Division I FCS Senior Scout Bowl.

As a collegian, Anderson earned four varsity letters and played on the school's 2008 Gridiron Classic and NEC championship team. He totaled 146 tackles, 10.5 sacks and 20.5 tackles for a loss during his career.

The United Football League Draft was conducted over 10 rounds and had 52 players selected. The UFL season begins in September and runs through the end of November.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women's Lacrosse Ranked #5 In deBeers Poll, Will Host America East Tournament - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - The University at Albany will host the America East Conference Women's Lacrosse Championship on May 5 and 7 at John Fallon Field. The Great Danes, the championship's top seed, earned the right by winning the conference regular-season title for the second consecutive year. UAlbany (15-0) is the only undefeated team at the NCAA Division I level.

UAlbany tangles with New Hampshire in the first semifinal on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. Boston University, the second seed and six-time defending champion, meets UMBC in the second semifinal at 3:30 p.m. The winners will play for the America East championship and an NCAA Tournament automatic berth on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. The championship final will be streamed live for free at the America East Zone in partnership with Pack Network.

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America East Conference Women's Lacrosse Championship
(John Fallon Field, Albany, N.Y.)

Thursday, May 5
#1 UAlbany (15-0, AE 6-0) vs. #4 New Hampshire (8-8, AE 3-3), 1:00 p.m.
#2 Boston University (8-8, AE 4-2) vs. #3 UMBC (10-6, AE 4-2), 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 7
America East Conference Championship, 1:00 p.m.

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Albany, N.Y. - After defeating UMBC to finish regular-season play, UAlbany is ranked No. 8 in the IWLCA coaches' poll for the second straight week. The Great Danes moved up two positions to No. 5 in the deBeer/Inside Lacrosse media rankings.
UAlbany (15-0, AE 6-0) is the only undefeated NCAA Division I program after top-ranked Maryland was upset on Sunday by Dartmouth in double overtime. The Great Danes recently secured their second consecutive America East Conference regular-season crown. As the No. 1 seed, UAlbany will host the America East Championship on May 5 and 7 at John Fallon Field. The Great Danes meet New Hampshire in the semifinal round on Thursday at 1:00 p.m.

Paw Prints: UAlbany is the first America East Conference program to go undefeated through the regular season since the conference began in 1996 ... Tewaaraton Award nominee Taylor Frink leads the nation in assists at 2.67 per game and is fifth in scoring at 4.67 points per game ... the senior attacker has already set UAlbany's single-season records for points (70) and assists (40) ... Nikki Branchini is third nationally in draw controls (4.93 per game) ... the Great Danes are ranked second among the Division I leaders in scoring defense, allowing 6.87 goals per game.

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IWLCA Poll: 1. Maryland, 2. North Carolina, 3. Northwestern, 4. Florida, 5. Duke, 6. Stanford, 7. Pennsylvania, 8. Albany, 9. Loyola, 10. Dartmouth, 11. James Madison, 12. Boston College, 13. Virginia, 14. Princeton, 15. Syracuse, 16. Georgetown, 17. Penn State, 18. Ohio State, 19. Vanderbilt, 20. Massachusetts.

deBeer/Inside Lacrosse Poll: 1. Maryland, 2. Northwestern, 3. Florida, 4. North Carolina, 5. Albany, 6. Pennsylvania, 7. Duke, 8. Loyola, 9. Stanford, 10. James Madison, 11. Boston College, 12. Dartmouth, 13. Virginia, 14. Ohio State, 15. Syracuse, 16. Massachusetts, 17. Penn State, 18. Georgetown, 19. Princeton, 20. Vanderbilt.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women's Lacrosse Wraps Up America East Regular-Season Crown & Undefeated Conference Season - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Freshman Ariana Parker scored three goals, including what proved to be the game-winner, in leading unbeaten UAlbany to a 12-11 victory over UMBC on Saturday, April 30 at John Fallon Field. The Great Danes wrapped up their second consecutive conference regular-season crown and will host next week's America East championship tournament.

UAlbany (15-0, AE 6-0) built an 11-8 margin midway through the second half when Taylor Frink passed over the top of the goal to a cutting Allie Phelan. UMBC (10-6, AE 4-2) responded with a pair of goals. Lindsay Cox connected on a free-position attempt from the left side, before Amanda Pappas stuck a bounce shot from in front of the cage in another free-position situation.

After defensive midfielder Nikki Branchini came away with the following draw, the Great Danes took a 12-10 lead when Parker dodged defender C.J. Durham from the left and sent a sidearm delivery into the net with 9:05 remaining. Erika Braerman, a senior who had three goals and one assist, again sliced the deficit in half by spinning to her right shoulder and sending a shot inside the far post. The Great Danes were able to play keep away from UMBC's double-team defense over the final two minutes.

"It certainly could have gone either way, but I am proud of how the team pulled together," said Frink, a senior attacker with had one goal and five assists. "UMBC is always a head-to-head battle; they always fight to the last whistle. There was pressure with the outcome deciding who would host the tournament, but this should boost our confidence."

In the opening half, the Great Danes snapped a 4-4 deadlock with four unanswered. Phelan, a freshman midfielder, dodged a defender from the right point and moved across the crease to break the tie. Parker collected the following draw to set up her own goal, when she finished off a move from the left. Jodi Battaglia added back-to-back goals, including the second on a transition play that started when freshman Michelle Primomo caused a turnover in the defensive end.

The Retrievers, who have posted 10 or more wins in consecutive seasons for the first time in eight years, regrouped when Cox closed the gap to 9-6 just before halftime. The sophomore midfielder spun through two defenders and found the right side of net. Pappas, who scored three times, drew her team within a pair of goals with two minutes and 37 seconds elapsed in the final period.

"We had a lot of errors which led to second and third opportunities for them," said UAlbany coach John Battaglino, whose team is the first America East Conference program to finish a regular season undefeated since the league began in 1996. "UMBC has savvy players. But we were able to control the ball over the final minutes."

Cox finished with three goals for the Retrievers, who ended up in a tie with Boston University for second place in the conference standings. UAlbany's Rachael Burek had three goals and one assists, while Battaglia added three goals. Goalkeeper Anna Berman made eight saves.

"This is the best feeling and it is good to enjoy the moment," offered Branchini, whose team in ranked No. 8 in the IWLCA poll and No. 7 by deBeer/Inside Lacrosse. "We know what it is like to host the tournament and the fact that teams will not roll over for us just because we won the regular season."

Paw Prints: UAlbany will host the America East Conference Championship on Thursday, May 5 and Saturday, May 7 ... times and pairings will be announced at a later date for the four-team tournament ... the Great Danes have won 13 consecutive America East regular-season games ... UAlbany won its fifth one-goal decision of the season ... Jodi Battaglia registered her 20th career hat trick ... Battaglia moved up to sixth in career goals with 105 ... Taylor Frink has 73 career assists and is seven away from breaking Andrea Esposito's all-time mark ... Tara Akstull made her first appearance of the season as a starter after having knee surgery in the fall ... Akstull, who was a standout ice hockey player at St. Lawrence, is competing as a graduate student in her fifth year of eligibility ... UAlbany (15-0) and top-ranked Maryland (18-0) are the only unbeaten NCAA Division I programs.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Softball Sweeps Non-Conference Doubleheader from Crosstown-Rival Siena - UAlbany Sports 2011

Loudonville, N.Y. - Katie Wambold recorded two hits and two RBI in game one, while Kristine Bill drove in the winning run in game two, leading UAlbany to a doubleheader sweep of crosstown-rival Siena in non-conference softball action on Tuesday afternoon. UAlbany won the first game, 5-1, and was victorious, 2-0, in the nightcap.

UAlbany got on the board in the third inning, plating three runs. Andrianna Walraven led off with a double into left, coming home on Wambold's first hit of the day, a single to center. Wambold then stole second, and made it home, along with Kylie Apostolina on a base hit to center by Lauren Alcorn. UAlbany got one run back in the bottom of the fourth on a ground out RBI by Nastasha Powlowsky that scored Alyssa Sceppaguerci, who led the inning off with a double.

The Great Danes scored their final two runs of the game in the sixth, as Wambold knocked her second base hit of the game into center, scoring Diane MacDowell. Wambold then stole second, and Walraven was able to make it home on the play to set the final score.

Allie Weiser earned the win in the circle for the Great Danes in a complete-game effort. Weiser scattered five hits and struck out five over the seven innings. Jessika-Jo Sandrini took the loss for Siena, allowing three earned runs while fanning six in five innings of work.

The second game was a pitcher's duel, but UAlbany came out on top after finally scoring two runs in the top of the seventh. Bill drove an RBI-single into left, scoring pinch runner Alison Haan. Siena's Amanda Filippazzo issued a bases-loaded walk to Stephanie Talerico which brought home Weiser, who came into the game to pinch run.

Brittany MacFawn tossed the complete-game shutout for UAlbany, scattering just three hits and fanning eight opposing batters. Filippazzo allowed four hits over seven innings, fanning five for Siena (16-22).

UAlbany (22-18), which has clinched a berth in the upcoming America East Conference tournament, will return to action over the weekend, visiting league foe Boston U. for a three-game series starting on Saturday.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women's Lacrosse Continues Best Start in Program History With 19-3 Victory Over Vermont - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Jodi Battaglia and Amanda Pollock each had a season-high four goals in leading unbeaten UAlbany to a 19-3 victory over Vermont on Wednesday, April 6 in America East Conference play at John Fallon Field. The Great Danes, who are ranked No. 10 nationally in the IWLCA coaches' poll and No. 7 by deBeer/Inside Lacrosse, continued their best start in program history.

UAlbany (10-0, AE 2-0) ripped off five unanswered over the opening eight-plus minutes. Pollock, a junior midfielder, converted twice in a 40-second span to ignite that outburst. Battaglia, who added two assists to her scoring total, found the cage with a rebound after UVM goalkeeper Laura Barber saved Pollock's initial attempt. Freshman Ariana Parker then placed a shot between the goalie's legs, before a cutting Rachael Burek found the cage off Persy Sample's pass.

Vermont (7-6, AE 1-2), who had its five-game win streak snapped four days ago, came back with a pair of goals to close the gap to 5-2. Allison Pfohl scored the first of two on the day by drilling a 10-yard shot from the right after moving around a defender. Samantha Stern scored in transition following a turnover with 11:40 left in the period.

The Great Danes, who are one of four undefeated teams at the Division I level, regrouped with five in a row over the remainder of the first half. Battaglia, a senior attacker, scored back-to-back to start the run. She one-timed a high pass from left of the crease in a free-position situation, before connecting off Taylor Frink's feed. Frink added two goals in the late stages of the period, including a play where she drove from the right and hit the top right corner with 8.6 seconds left before the intermission.

"We focus on how we play and try to put our best foot forward," said Battaglia, who had a season-best six points. "We do not think about rankings and the coaches help us maintain our focus. Lacrosse is a momentum sport and we were able to ride that today."

The Great Danes improved upon their 11-2 halftime advantage by reeling seven straight goals after the break. Pollock and Battaglia started that run with one minute and 40 seconds elapsed when they teamed up on their team's 12th goal after a clearing play. Nikki Branchini scored on consecutive possessions by finishing off drives to the net for two of her three goals. Frink circled from the left to score with sidearm delivery and later set up Battaglia for an 18-2 lead with 8:19 remaining.

"I like the way we attacked and were resilient on the draw controls and ground balls," offered UAlbany's John Battaglino, who is in his first season as head coach. "We did a lot of the little things right."

Frink, a senior attacker, finished with a career-high seven points on four goals and three assists, while Parker scored twice. Freshman goalkeeper Anna Berman made seven saves in the cage for the nation's top-ranked defense.

"We have the potential when we work as a team," explained Pollock, who also had four goals against Vermont in last year's matchup. "This happens with a lot of practice and does not come naturally. We know things won't be handed to us."

Paw Prints: UAlbany has won nine consecutive America East Conference regular-season contests, dating back to late in the 2009 season ... the Great Danes tied their second-highest win margin (16) in a conference game and matched the fifth most goals (19) scored versus a league opponent ... Jodi Battaglia had a season-high six points (4 goals, 2 assists) and recorded her 15th career hat trick ... Battaglia moved to 10th on the school's career goals list (84) ... Taylor Frink equaled a career-high with seven points for the fourth time this spring ... Frink climbed into a tie for eighth on UAlbany's all-time scoring list with Rafaela Nikas (1995-98) ... Frink has 132 points (69 goals, 53 assists) ... Nikki Branchini has tallied three or more goals three times this season.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Women's Lacrosse Moves Registers At #7 deBeer / #10 Inside Lacrosse National Polls - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - After defeating nationally-ranked Boston College and Stony Brook in its America East Conference opener, UAlbany has moved up one position in the IWLCA coaches' poll and two spots in this week's deBeer/Inside Lacrosse media poll on Monday, April 4. The Great Danes, who are one of four unbeaten Division I teams, are No. 10 in the IWLCA rankings and No. 7 by deBeer/Inside Lacrosse.

UAlbany (9-0) plays twice at home this week against America East Conference opponents Vermont (April 6, 3:00 p.m.) and New Hampshire (April 9, 1:00 p.m.). The Great Danes join Maryland (12-0), Northwestern (10-0) and Loyola, Md. (8-0) as the only undefeated NCAA Division I programs. In addition, freshman midfielder Allie Phelan has been selected the National Rookie of the Week by both WomensLax.com and Synapse Sports for her performance in UAlbany's 11-10 comback win over Boston College on March 30. After converting a free-position opportunity to tie contest at 10 apiece, Phelan scored the game-winning goal with 2:30 remaining. She netted a career-best three goals in the game.

Paw Prints: UAlbany (9-0) posted victories over No. 19/17 Boston College (11-10) and Stony Brook (11-5) last week ... the Great Danes have won 15 of their last 16 non-conference games and ows three one-goal wins this season ... Jodi Battaglia recorded her 14th career hat trick against Boston College ... Nikki Branchini is sixth nationally in draw controls (4.33 pg) ... Branchini recorded career-highs in goals (4) and points (5) and did all of her scoring in the second half at Stony Brook... the All-America defensive midfielder leads a unit that is first in the nation in scoring defense at 6.11 goals per game ... freshman goalkeeper Anna Berman in seventh among the Division I leaders in save percentage (.505).

IWLCA Poll: 1. Maryland, 2. Northwestern, 3. Duke, 4. North Carolina, 5. Loyola, 6. Florida, 7. Stanford, 8. Pennsylvania, 9. James Madison, 10. Albany, 11. Virginia, 12. Princeton, 13. Syracuse, 14. Vanderbilt, 15. Penn State, 16. Boston College, 17. William & Mary, 18. Georgetown, 19. Dartmouth, 20. Massachusetts.

Inside Lacrosse Poll: 1. Maryland, 2. Northwestern, 3. Loyola, 4. Duke, 5. North Carolina, 6. Florida, 7. Albany, 8. Pennsylvania, 9. James Madison, 10. Stanford, t11. Massachusetts, t11. Princeton, 13. Virginia, 14. Boston College, 15. Syracuse, 16. Ohio State, 17. William & Mary, 18. Penn State, 19. Vanderbilt, 20. Dartmouth.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Miles Thompson Chosen America East Conference Rookie of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2011

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Miles Thompson has been chosen America East Conference Rookie of the Week in men's lacrosse, as announced on Monday, April 4 by the conference office. The freshman was recognized for the second time this season.

An attackman from Nedrow, N.Y., Thompson tallied seven goals in a pair of games. He scored a career-high four times, all in the second half, in his team's 12-11 come-from-behind victory over Harvard on April 2. Thompson tallied the game-winning goal with 1:27 remaining when he spun to his right shoulder and sent a low bounce shot into the cage and also had the equalizer 47 seconds earlier. In addition, Thompson had three goals and three ground balls in a 9-8 loss to Hartford to begin America East Conference play on March 30.

Thompson, who has 10 goals over his last three starts, is eighth among the America East leaders in goals at 1.78 per game. He is tied for third on the team in scoring with 19 points (16 goals, 3 assists).

Paw Prints: UAlbany (4-5) travels to Johns Hopkins, ranked No. 3 in both national polls, on Friday, April 8 ... ESPNU will televise the contest nationally, with Joe Beninati and Mark Dixon handling the broadcast duties ... Brian Caufield returned to form following an injury with a season-best five points (1 goal, 4 assists) vs. Harvard ... the senior has moved into a tie for fourth among the program's all-time leaders with 83 career assists ... Caufield is 11th nationally in assists per game (1.83) ... Ty Thompson had a career-high four goals, all in the opening half, against Harvard ...the freshman has three-plus points against five opponents this season ... Joe Resetarits extended his point-scoring streak to 28 consecutive games after totaling two goals and three assists versus Harvard.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Alie Beauvais Named America East Conference Men's Track Performer of the Week - UAlbany Sports 2011

Cambridge, Mass. - University at Albany's Alie Beauvais has been selected America East Conference Men's Track & Field Performer of the Week, as announced on Tuesday, April 5 by the conference office.

Beauvais produced the fourth-fastest time in school annals in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles at the 67th Florida Relays last weekend. He finished 10th overall in 51.87 seconds. A senior from Hempstead, N.Y., he lowered his IC4A-qualifying time with a season-best effort.

In addition, Beauvais ran the third leg (400-meters) on the sixth-place sprint medley relay that reached the finish line 3:23.19. He anchored the 4x400-meter relay to a time of 3:17.39, meeting the IC4A standard and placing 34th overall.

Beauvais, who did not compete during the 2010 outdoor season, finished 10th in the 400-hurdles at the 2009 NCAA Championships and earned All-East recognition.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Pitcher Brittany MacFawn Records No-Hitter Against Colgate - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Brittany MacFawn threw a five-inning no hitter with nine strikeouts in the second game to lead UAlbany to a doubleheader split with Colgate in non-conference softball action on Wednesday afternoon at Albany Field. Colgate took the first game, 7-1, before the Great Danes shut out the Raiders, 8-0, in five innings in the nightcap.

MacFawn took control in the nightcap, recording the first no-hitter for UAlbany since Marissa Powell tossed a 12-0 win over Vermont on April 15, 2009. MacFawn struck out nine of 16 batters faced, and used a hard-hitting offense to back up her win.

The Great Danes scored all of their runs in the first and third innings. Gina Mason recorded a sacrifice fly to score MacDowell in the first, giving UAlbany a 1-0 advantage. UAlbany then racked up seven runs in the third. Katie Wambold started off the scoring with a two-RBI single up the middle, before Mason sent her home on a triple down the right field line. Melissa Herndon knocked a base hit to score Mason, and crossed home plate on an RBI-single by Lauren Alcorn. Alcorn wrapped up the scoring for the Great Danes with an unearned run on a Colgate fielding error. Michelle Hollebeke took the loss for Colgate (13-12) after two and two thirds innings.

In game one, Colgate took a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run homer by Jennifer Ortega. The Raiders then added four runs in the top of the third, as Tera Vaughn knocked a two-run double, followed by Colgate's second home run of the game, a two-run shot by Nicole Siedhof. UAlbany got one run in the bottom of the inning on an RBI triple by Andrianna Walraven that scored Diane MacDowell. Colgate finished up the scoring in the fifth with Siedhof's second homer of the game.

Courtesy: UA Sports

Nolan Gaige Has Four Hits & Homers in University of Albany Baseball's Doubleheader Sweep of Fordham - UAlbany Sports 2011

Bronx, N.Y. - Nolan Gaige recorded a hit and scored a run in the first game, then went 3-for-4 with a home run in the nightcap to lead UAlbany to a doubleheader sweep of Fordham in non-conference baseball action on Sunday afternoon at Houlihan Park. The Great Danes held off a late Ram rally with a 4-3 win in the first game and posted a 6-4 comeback victory in the late contest.

UAlbany took a 2-0 lead in the third inning of game one, scoring two unearned runs on a Fordham fielding error. The Great Danes added a single run in the fifth, taking advantage of another of the Rams' six errors, which allowed Ralph Rizzo to make it home after drawing a walk earlier in the inning. In the seventh, Brian Bullard recorded a sacrifice fly to center that allowed Rizzo to score his second run of the game and give the Great Danes a 4-0 advantage.

Fordham made a late rally in the bottom of the ninth, scoring three runs. Chris Walker led off with a single and advanced to second on a walk issued to Stephen McSherry. With two outs, Ryan Maghini knocked a triple into right center to score both baserunners and came home on Alex Kenny's base hit. Reliever Austin Chase worked his way out of the jam by inducing a pop up by Nick Martinez to end the game in the Great Danes' favor.

Zach Kraham earned his first win on the mound for the Great Danes, going seven innings, scattering four hits and fanning four without allowing a run. Max Krakowiak took the loss for Fordham after allowing three runs in six innings of work.

Fordham scored first in the late game, putting three runs on the board in the second. Walker led off with a double and scored on a wild pitch. Maghini singled into right center, scoring Tim Swatek, then came home on a Martinez base hit. UAlbany scored one run in the third on an RBI single by Jeff Welsh that scored Gaige to cut the lead to two runs. The Rams scored their fourth run of the game in the bottom of the inning as Ryan Lee and Walker knocked out consecutive singles. Ryan David then recorded and RBI-single to score Lee for Fordham's final run.

UAlbany responded with a run in the top of the fourth and tied the game at 4-4 with two runs in the top of the fifth. Josy Espinal scored Pete DiResta with a sacrifice bunt in the fourth and Gaige smashed a two-run homer over the right field fence that scored Vincent Martorelli. The Great Danes tacked on single runs in the sixth and the eighth to set the final score. Espinal scored Mike Tirri with a sacrifice fly in the sixth, while a Joe Ilacqua double sent Kyle Crean home in the eighth.

Kasceim Graham improved to 2-0 on the season with a six-inning performance on the mound for the Great Danes, striking out six opposing batters. Matt Dybus earned his first save of the season, allowing just two hits without a run in three innings of work. Chris Pike took the loss on the mound for Fordham (16-11) after allowing five earned runs in six innings of action.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Shuttle Hurdles Relay Establishes School Record at 67th Pepsi Florida Relays - UAlbany Sports 2011

67th Annual Pepsi Florida Relays Results

Gainesville, Fla. -- University at Albany's Christen Griffin led the shuttle hurdles relay to a school-record performance at the 67th annual Pepsi Florida Relays on Saturday, April 2 at the University of Florida's Percy Beard Track.

The shuttle hurdles relay placed sixth in 57.43 seconds to break a record that had been on the books for 13 years. Joining Griffin on the squad was Ashley Mahlmeister, Yushanni Durrant and Rebecca Kelly. The previous record of 57.93 was established in 1998.

In addition, Griffin helped the 4x100-meter relay qualify for the ECAC Championship in May by sprinting 47.12 seconds. Other members of the relay were Alli Rogers, Nyree Richardson and Jodi-Ann Walker. Rogers also ran on UAlbany's 4x400-meter relay that qualified for the ECAC meet and was 28th overall in 3:48.25. The distance medley relay took fifth by hitting the tape in 12:02.06, with Jessica Panos, Sherez Mohamed and Jonelle White running the opening three legs.

A freshman from Manlius, N.Y., Kathyrn Fanning qualified for USA Junior Nationals in the 1,500-meter run. She covered the distance in 4:34.02, more than six seconds better than the national standard, to finish in 14th place. Fanning will compete at the USA Junior Nationals in Eugene, Oregon, scheduled from June 23-26. Her time is the fifth-fastest by a UAlbany runner in program history.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's 4x100-Meter Relay Nearly Sets School Record at 67th Annual Pepsi Florida Relays - UAlbany Sports 2011

67th Annual Pepsi Florida Relays Results

Gainesville, Fla. - University at Albany's Luke Schoen finished sixth in the pole vault and the men's 4x100-meter relay nearly set at school record at the 67th annual Pepsi Florida Relays on Saturday, April 2 at the University of Florida's Percy Beard Track.

Schoen, a senior from West Islip, N.Y., cleared a season-best 16-feet, 7.50-inches on his first attempt to improve his IC4A-qualifying mark. He missed on three tries at the next height of 16-11.50. Virginia Tech's Hunter Hall won the competition by clearing the bar at 17-3.50.

The 400-meter relay of Tristan Akong, Kareem Morris, Jake Rachiele and Donald Williams sprinted 40.91 seconds to finish in 15th place and qualify for the IC4A Championship in May. The relay's time was 13-hundredths of a second off the school record (40.78).

Jonathan Santana ran the opening leg on the 4x400-meter relay that posted an IC4A time of 3:17.39 and ended up in 34th position. Santana and Taylor Chaney led the sprint medley relay to a sixth-place showing, as that unit was clocked in 3:23.19. Peter Rowell ran the 400-meter leg on the fifth-place distance medley relay that finished in 9:54.09.

In other events, Alie Beauvais produced the fourth-best time in school annals in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles, as he finished 10th overall in 51.87 seconds. Beauvais lowered his IC4A-qualifying time with a season-best effort. Nick Santos was 11th in the 800-meter run with a time of 1:52.28.

UAlbany placed three competitors among the top-25 finishers in the 1,500-meter run. Paul Lagno hit the tape in 3:51.35, just 35-hundredths of a second off the IC4A standard, and ended up in 16th place. Chris Burke took 19th in 3:52.97, while Sean Halpin was 22nd in 3:54.95.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Nikki Branchini Leads With 5 Points As Unbeaten University of Albany Women's Lacrosse Dominates Stony Brook - UAlbany Sports 2011

Stony Brook, N.Y. - Nikki Branchini had a career-high four goals and one assist, all in the second half, as UAlbany stayed unbeaten with an 11-5 victory over Stony Brook on Saturday, April 2 at LaValle Stadium. The Great Danes, who were playing in their America East Conference opener, are one of four undefeated teams at the Division I level.

Stony Brook (3-7, AE 0-2) closed the gap to 5-4 early the final period when Kaila Gottlick connected on a free-position attempt. UAlbany (9-0, AE 1-0) answered with a pair of goals one minute and 50 seconds apart. Kathleen Lennon and Branchini each scored unassisted.

Gottlick, a freshman midfielder, tallied her third goal of the game to slice the deficit to 7-5 with 12:41 to play. After Stony Brook goalkeeper Mickey Cahill made two saves off free-position attempts, UAlbany attacker Jodi Battaglia ended that sequence with her 16th goal of the season.

The Great Danes pulled away by scoring three more times in a span of two minutes and 41 seconds. Branchini set up Amanda Pollock for a 9-5 lead with 5:09 remaining. The senior defensive midfielder later drilled a free-position shot into the cage after being fouled by Seawolves' midfielder Trish Molfetta. Freshman Persy Sample ended that offensive outburst after Lennon broke up a clearing attempt and picked up a ground ball.

"They came out with a lot of energy," said Branchini, whose team is ranked No. 11 in the IWLCA coaches' poll and No. 9 by deBeer/Inside Lacrosse. "Our defense was able to keep them from scoring. We made some adjustments and started to get the 50-50 loose balls. We are very excited about our success, but we have to take it one game at a time."

Freshman Ariana Parker had two goals for the Great Danes, who along with Maryland, Northwestern and Loyola, Md. are the nation's only undefeated Division I teams. Stony Brook's Cahill made 10 saves.

Paw Prints: The Great Danes won their America East Conference opener for the third consecutive year ... the Great Danes are 6-4 all-time in league lid-fiters since joining the conference in the 2002 campaign ... UAlbany (9-0) joins Maryland (12-0), Northwestern (10-0) and Loyola, Md. (8-0) as the only unbeaten NCAA Division I programs ... the Great Danes lead the nation in scoring defense at 6.11 goals per game ... Nikki Branchini posted career-highs in goals (4) and points (5) ... the senior previously had four points (3 goals, 1 assist) in an 8-7 win at Penn State on Feb. 26th.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany Men's Lacrosse Rallies Late in 4th Quarter Against Harvard For Win - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Miles Thompson scored the game-winning goal with one minute and 27 seconds remaining as UAlbany ended a four-game skid in a 12-11 come-from-behind victory over Harvard on Saturday, April 2 at John Fallon Field. The Crimson were No. 20 in the Nike/Inside Lacrosse media poll and receiving votes in the USILA coaches' rankings.

Harvard (6-3) reversed a 9-8 deficit early in the final period on back-to-back goals by Daniel Eipp. The freshman midfielder connected from the right of the crease off a Dean Gibbons' pass from behind the cage. The pair combined again one minute and seven seconds later for the go-ahead goal. Eipp converted a spinning underhanded shot from in front of the crease.

UAlbany (4-5) drew even at 10 apiece as freshman midfielder Ryan Feuerstein tallied his first goal as a collegian on a blast from the left side. The Crimson went back in front 37 seconds later when Peter Schwartz found Jack Doyle streaking in the middle of the zone. Doyle sent a shot low into the right corner.

The Great Danes, who were coming off a one-goal loss to Hartford three days ago, were able to get the equalizer with 2:14 to play. Brian Caufield drove between two defenders at the top of the zone and passed off to his left to Miles Thompson, who delivered a sidearm shot into the net. Caufield finished with a season-high five points on one goal and four assists.

After the Crimson won the following face-off, long-stick midfielder Mike Woods dislodged the ball from Harvard midfielder Terry White and scooped up the ground ball. The turnover led to a transition play where Miles Thompson spun to his right shoulder and buried a low shot for a 12-11 lead. The Great Danes were able to maintain possession until Harvard defenseman Daniel DiMaria forced a turnover that led to Ryan Stevens' shot that wide to the left of the goal with five seconds remaining.

"It's more than I can explain," said UAlbany coach Scott Marr about his team's victory. "We have played well, but not well enough in our recent games. Miles (Thompson) had two huge goals and Brian Caulfield took over when needed. It was a great effort."

The teams played to a 7-7 halftime tie in a contest that went up and down the field. Freshman Ty Thompson, Miles' cousin, had all his career-high four goals in the half, while Harvard's Gibbons had a pair of first-quarter tallies. The Crimson grabbed a 7-6 lead when Jeff Cohen scored an extra-man goal. The Great Danes kept pace as Caufield found the cage from right of the crease with 8.6 seconds left in the period.

The Crimson, who had won five of their last six entering the contest, evened the score at eight apiece midway through the third quarter. After a failed clearing attempt, Stevens drove around a short-stick defender and drilled a bounced shot into the left side. UAlbany regained the lead, 9-8, when Miles Thompson shot over his right shoulder with his back to cage from right of the crease. The freshman finished with a career-best four goals, all in the second half.

"This will get our confidence back up," said Caufield, who is just returning to form after missing a couple of games due to injury. "They controlled the ball, but we were able to make the best of our opportunities. But throughout we were still going for the ball and attacking the goal."

Eipp finished with three goals, while Gibbons scored twice and handed out two assists for the Crimson, who defeated No. 14 Massachusetts in their previous outing on Tuesday. UAlbany's Joe Resetarits totaled two goals and three assists and goalkeeper Edmund Cathers made 12 saves.

Paw Prints: UAlbany and Harvard met for the first time on the lacrosse field ... the Great Danes have previously faced Ivy League members Cornell, Princeton, Yale and Dartmouth ... UAlbany is 33-26 all-time in Division I games decided by two goals or less ... Miles Thompson and Ty Thompson each netted a career-high four goals ... Joe Resetarits had five points (2 goals, 3 assists) and extended his scoring streak to 28 consecutive games ... Edmund Cathers has made 10 or more saves against seven opponents ... defenseman Jack Nickla picked up a career-best four ground balls ... Brian Caufield moved into a tie for fourth place with Frank Resetarits (2004-07) on UAlbany's career assists chart (83) ... the senior needs three points to reach the 150-career mark.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Gina Mason Leads University of Albany Softball to America East Conference Doubleheader Sweep of Hartford - UAlbany Sports 2011

Albany, N.Y. - Gina Mason recorded two home runs, going 5-for-6 with four RBI on the day to lead UAlbany to a doubleheader sweep of Hartford in America East Conference softball action on Saturday afternoon at Albany Field. The Great Danes took the first game, 7-0, and defeated the Hawks, 8-0, in five innings in the nightcap.

In game one, UAlbany took a 1-0 lead in the first inning as Andrianna Walraven singled through the right side, and proceeded to steal second, third and home to score the first run of the game. The Great Danes then tacked on two runs in the fourth, as Mason and Jess Bergin came home on an RBI-double by Melissa Herndon. UAlbany broke it open in the fifth, scoring four runs to set the final score. Mason drove a two-run homer over the outfield fence to also bring home Katie Wambold, who led off with a single, while an RBI-single by Stephanie Talerico later in the inning also brought home two runs.

Brittany Schweiger earned the shutout win in the circle for the Great Danes, striking out 10 while allowing just one hit. Siera Sheehan took the loss for Hartford, issuing three walks and allowing 12 hits by the Great Danes, while striking out one opposing batter.

The teams played two and a half scoreless innings before UAlbany scored three runs in the bottom of the third. Mason smashed her second two-run homer of the game to score Walraven, who reached on a single and then stole second. Herndon followed with her third RBI of the day, scoring Kylie Apostolina with a double into left. The Great Danes ended the game in five innings by way of the eight-run rule after scoring five in the bottom of the fifth frame. UAlbany loaded the bases and scored on a fielder's choice during Bergin's at-bat. Lauren Alcorn then singled to right for an RBI before Talerico drove a two-RBI single to end the game.

Brittany MacFawn took the second shutout win of the day in the circle, allowing just one hit, striking out four. Kaitlyn Meade took the loss with seven earned runs and 13 hits, fanning one.

UAlbany (8-16, AE 2-0) and Hartford (3-16, AE 0-5) will return to action tomorrow to wrap up the three-game series.


Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

University of Albany's Kathryn Fanning Qualifies for USA Junior Nationals at 67th Pepsi Florida Relays - UAlbany Sports 2011

Gainesville, Fla. -- University at Albany's Kathryn Fanning qualified for USA Junior Nationals in the 1,500-meter run at the 67th annual Pepsi Florida Relays on Friday, April 1 at the University of Florida's Percy Beard Track. The two-day competition, which began in 1939, continues on Saturday.

A freshman from Manlius, N.Y., Fanning covered the distance in 4:34.02, more than six seconds better than the qualifying standard, to finish in 14th place. She will compete at the USA Junior Nationals in Eugene, Oregon, scheduled from June 23-26. Her time is the fifth-fastest by a UAlbany runner in program history.

In the men's competition, Alie Beauvais produced the fourth-best time in school annals in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles, as he finished 10th overall in 51.87 seconds. Beauvais lowered his IC4A-qualifying time with a season-best effort. Nick Santos was 11th in the 800-meter run with a time of 1:52.28.

UAlbany placed three competitors among the top-25 finishers in the 1,500-meter run. Paul Lagno hit the tape in 3:51.00, just 35-hundredths of a second off the IC4A standard, and ended up in 16th place. Chris Burke took 19th in 3:52.97, while Sean Halpin was 22nd in 3:54.95.

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Freshman Allie Phelan Fuels Rally in University of Albany Women Lacroose's 11-10 Comeback Win Against Boston College - UAlbany Sports 2011

Newton, Mass. - Freshman Allie Phelan scored a career-high three goals, including the game-winner with two minutes and 30 seconds remaining, as unbeaten UAlbany rallied for an 11-10 decision over Boston College on Wednesday, March 30 in a matchup of national top-20 programs.

Boston College (7-4) broke a 7-7 tie by scoring three consecutive times. Hannah Alley ignited that run with her 12th goal of the season, before Brittany Wilton converted a free-position shot. In another free-position situation, Jill Amo passed to Brooke Blue for a 10-7 advantage with 7:38 to play.

UAlbany (8-0) started its comeback when Jess Antelmi scored high after beating a defender with a spin move. Rachael Burek forced the Eagles' Kirstin Igoe into a turnover, picked up the ground ball and scored to close the gap to 10-9 with 5:29 remaining

After UAlbany's Nikki Branchini won the following draw, Phelan tied the contest at 10 apiece by connecting in a free-position situation 44 seconds later. Phelan, who had just two goals this season from her midfielder position coming into the contest, converted a low shot to complete the rally.

Wilton finished with four goals for the Eagles, who were coming off Atlantic Coast Conference losses to top-ranked Maryland and No. 5 North Carolina. UAlbany's Jodi Battaglia equaled a season-high with three goals, including one that tied the contest at seven-all with 15:59 left. The Great Danes are ranked in both the IWLCA (#11) and Nike/Inside Lacrosse (#9) polls.

Paw Prints: The Great Danes have won their opening eight games for the first time in the program's Division I history ... UAlbany owns three one-goal wins over Penn State, Oregon and Boston College ... the Great Danes are 26-23 all-time in games decided by two goals or less at the Division I level ... Jodi Battaglia recorded the 11th hat trick of her career .. Battaglia has scored three or more points in five consecutive games ... the senior has moved to 11th in goals (79) and 12th in points (104) on the school's career charts ... Jess Antelmi netted the third goal of her career ... freshman Persy Sample handed out a career-best two assists ... the Great Danes begin America East Conference play on Saturday, April 2 at Stony Brook.

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#11/9 UAlbany 11, #19/17 Boston College 10

UAlbany - Scoring: Allie Phelan 3-0, Jodi Battaglia 3-0, Ariana Parker 2-0, Kathleen Lennon 1-0, Rachael Burek 1-0, Jess Antelmi 1-0, Persy Sample 0-2; Goalkeeper(s): Anna Berman (60:00, 6 saves, 10 GA).

Boston College - Scoring: Brittany Wilton 4-0, Brooke Blue 2-0, Hannah Alley 2-0, Kristin Igoe 1-1, Sam Taylor 1-0, Jill Amo 0-2, Moira Barry 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Sheila Serafino (60:00, 9 saves, 11 GA).

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information