Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
For Immediate Release For Futher Information
Feb. 5, 2005 Brianna LaBrecque/518-442-5733
LBAN
BURNS QUALIFIES FOR USAT&F NATIONAL MEET, FINISHING SECOND IN 800-METER RUN
New York, N.Y. — UAlbany’s Gered Burns (Guilderland) placed second in the championship division
of the 800-meter run, tying his school-record time of 1:49.50, as the Great Danes track and field
teams competed in the Fifth Annual New Balance Invitational at the New York City Armory.
Burns, the 2003 IC4A champion, finished behind Arkansas’ James Hatch. Hatch, a two-time All-
American performer, ran the fastest 800 time in the country this season and the fastest all-time at the
Armory, in 1:48.24. With his time, Burns qualified for the USA Track & Field National meet, which will
be held at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, Mass. on Feb. 27.
“Gered feels he belongs with these guys,” stated UAlbany head coach Roberto Vives. “He wasn’t
intimidated at all, and got right out there and ran with them. He feels like he can run with anyone in
the country.
Burns, who defeated several All-Americans, was winning the race with 100-meters to go before Hatch
@us" up and passed to claim the victory.
The men’s 4x400-meter relay team posted its fastest time of the indoor season, placing second
overall with a time of 3:19.80. The team of Junior Burnett, Marc Pallozzi, Tim O’Riley and Stephen
Evans finished just behind C.W. Post, which notched a time of 3:19.44. Evans posted a personal best
400-meter split of 48.5 seconds.
In the men’s collegiate triple jump event, Sheldon Gomes (Shaker) and Teiko Aryee finished second
and third, respectively. Gomes posted a season-best distance of 46-feet, 7.25-inches while Aryee
jumped 45-feet, 7.25-inches.
In the women’s competition, Alyssa Lotmore (Bishop Maginn) finished sixth in the championship
division of the mile with a time of 4:55. Meanwhile, the women’s 4x400-meter relay team posted a
time of 3:57.60, led by freshman Kelly Peao’s 58.5 split on the second leg. Anisha Andrews,
Rebecca Vannoy and Tracy Estriplet were the other members of the relay team.
Freshman Arina Gerasimova posted a leap of 38-feet, 6.75-inches in the championship division of
the triple jump. Gerasimova was one of only 12 women invited to compete in the event, against
athletes from Stanford, Ohio State and several other top schools in the nation.
“With all of the top programs there, our team was able to make their presence known,” said Vives.
“The head coach from Brown sought me out to congratulate me on the progress of the program. It felt
@< we were at the conference championships. While other teams sat back, our athletes were out
rhere supporting each other. You knew UAlbany was at the meet.”
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 5, 2005 Brian DePasquale/5 18-442-3072
ALBAN
UALBANY PLACES FIVE IN DOUBLE FIGURES IN 81-68 AMERICA EAST VICTORY
Albany, N.Y. — Jamar Wilson had 15 of his 19 points in the second half to pace five players
in double figures in leading UAlbany to an 81-68 America East Conference victory over New
Hampshire on Saturday evening at the Recreation and Convocation Center.
UAlbany (11-10, AE 7-5) led 33-32 early in the final period, before reeling off nine
unanswered points. Wilson, who reached double figures for the 20th consecutive time,
canned a three-point field goal to start that run and later added two free throws. Lucious
Jordan, a 6-foot-2 junior who had 18 points and seven rebounds, converted a driving layup
after a steal for a 42-32 lead.
The Great Danes, who shot 52.2 percent from the field after halftime, would run off a string
of eight straight points to pull away two minutes later. Levi Levine, who totaled 11 points,
eight rebounds and six assists, hit a 12-footer in that outburst. Levine then set up Kirsten
Zoellner with an in-bounds pass that led to slam dunk for a 50-36 advantage with 14:53
remaining.
UAlbany would eventually move out to a 20-point margin, when Levine buried a three-
pointer from the left wing. The Great Danes, who made 10 of their opening 16 field goal
attempts in the period, tied the program's highest single-season victory total at the Division |
evel. UAlbany finished 11-17 in the 1999-2000 campaign.
New Hampshire (7-14, AE 3-8) trailed 33-25 in the first half, but then scored the final five
points of the stanza to get back into the contest. loannis Karalis converted a back-door
layup and Blagoj Janev drilled a 3-pointer from the left corner.
“We did a much better job of attacking on both ends of the floor,” said UAlbany coach Will
Brown, whose team has won back-to-back games for the third time this Season. “Our
toughest opponent is ourselves sometimes. We need to gets stops and shots. When we get
careless with the basketball and bounce it on the floor, then we struggle.”
Freshman Mike Christensen led the Wildcats, who have dropped five of their last six
Starts, with 19 points. Ben Sturgill, a 6-foot-8 senior who has been playing with a wired-shut
broken jaw, and Craig Walls, scored 17 and 10, respectively.
Aquawasi St. Hillaire had 13 points, one off his season-high, for the Great Danes, who
played before a crowd of 4,091 fans, the largest of the year on Big Purple Growl, the
University's Winter Homecoming. Freshman Brent Wilson, the fifth UAlbany player in twin
figures, had 10 of his 12 points in the first half.
“The difference in the second half was our defensive focus,” commented Brent Wilson,
who made 5-of-8 from the floor. “We brought a lot of energy to floor with pressure defense. |
know | am going to get open looks on offense and I’ve got to knock them down.”
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 5, 2005 Alison Hischak/5 118-442-3359
B
ee ally
FRESHMEN HELP UALBANY TENNIS TO SEASON-OPENING WIN OVER FAIRFIELD
Albany, N.Y. — Freshmen Christina Suarez and Aimee Kern each registered singles and
doubles wins to lead UAlbany to a 6-1 season-opening victory over Fairfield on Saturday,
Feb. 5 in the UAlbany Bubble.
Fellow freshmen Amanda Hall and Kim Westcott also finished as double-winners for the
Great Danes, who won five of six singles matches. Kyle Steller rounded out the singles play
with a 6-2, 6-2 win at No. 6.
On the doubles side, Kern teamed with Suarez for an 8-6 victory over Diana Webb and
Alexis Accomondo at No. 1. Then Hall and Westcott defeated Christina Chacharone and
Megan Stauffer, 8-5 at second doubles.
Agate
UAlbany 6, Fairfield 1
Singles:
1. Diana Webb (FU) def. Courtney Michels (UA), injury default.
. Christina Suarez (UA) def. Megan Stauffer (FU), 6-1, 6-3.
Aimee Kern (UA) def. Christina Chacharone (FU), 6-3, 6-0.
Amanda Hall (UA) def. Alexis Accomondo (FU), 6-2, 6-1.
. Kim Westcott (UA) def. Tiffany Marsocci (FU), 6-0, 6-7 (5), 10-6.
. Kyle Steller (UA) def. Michelle Geller (FU), 6-2, 6-2.
soa No
Doubles:
1. Kern/Suarez (UA) def. Webb/Accomondo (FU), 8-6.
2. Hall/Westcott (UA) def. Chacharone/Stauffer (FU), 8-5.
3. Marsocci/Zaccareo (FU) def. Steller/Kerry Levis (UA), 8-6.
-30-
A 1
ttn: Sports Department No. of Pages:
LB A For Immediate Release For Further Information
A February 5, 2005 Alison Hischak/518-442-3359
LINDSAY ADAMS SCORES CAREER HIGH TO LEAD UNH PAST UALBANY
Albany, N.Y. — Lindsay Adams scored a career-high 23 points as New Hampshire defeated
UAlbany, 71-61, in America East Conference women’s basketball action on Saturday
afternoon at the Recreation and Convocation Center.
New Hampshire (10-9, AE 6-4) thrived from the three-point line in the first half, draining 7-of-
13 long-range attempts. With the game tied at 17-17 midway through the opening stanza,
Emily Hardy, Ebony Woods and Adams each hit a three-pointer on consecutive
possessions as the Wildcats began to pull away.
UAlbany (10-9, AE 5-5) closed to within 34-30 on a jumper in the lane by Tanika Thrower,
who led the team with seven first-half points. A trifecta by Danielle Clark helped send UNH to
the locker room with a 38-30 cushion.
Danielle Hutcheson, who recorded her second straight double-double with 12 points and 10
rebounds, made two free throws in the first minute of the second half to trim the gap to 38-32.
UNH answered right back as Adams scored on a layup and Whitney Edwards converted on a
The Wildcats went on a 20-9 run and built a 58-41 lead with 8:51 remaining.
UAlbany attempted a combeack as Jen Schumacher drilled a mid-range jumper to make the
score 64-53 with 3:04 to play, but the Great Danes did not get any closer than eight the rest of
the game.
“They moved the ball really well on offense,” said UAlbany coach Trina Patterson. “They
outplayed us. They were quicker and more aggressive which helped them get to the free
throw line. You have to bring you’re A-game against a team that has penetrating guards, but
that has been our weakness this season.”
New Hampshire made 24-of-32 free throw attempts, compared to the Great Danes who
finished 8-of-8. The Wildcats, who extended their unbeaten streak to three games, also held a
33-31 advantage on the boards.
Schumacher finished with a team-high 14 points, while freshman Gia Sanders scored a
career-high eight points. For New Hampshire, Clark tallied 17 points and eight rebounds,
while Edwards and Woods each chipped in 10 points.
The game was the first half of the Big Purple Growl doubleheader, the university’s winter
homecoming that attracted 2,416 fans for the contest.
©@ 30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
For Immediate Release For Futher Information
Feb. 4, 2005 Brianna LaBrecque/518-442-5733
ALBAN
MEN’S 4X400-METER RELAY TEAM VICTORIOUS AT 98TH MILLROSE GAMES
New York, N.Y. — The UAlbany men’s 4x400-meter relay team won the Section | College Division at
the 98th Millrose Games held at Madison Square Garden on Friday, February 4.
The team of Stephen Evans, Junior Burnett, Tim O’Riley and Jeremiah Wilson finished with a
time of 3:29.31. Long Island was second with a time of 3:30.39, followed by Global Institute of
Technology (3:31.09) and Lehman (3:57.02).
Other members of the UAlbany track and field teams were competing across the city at the Fifth
Annual New Balance Collegiate Invitational at the New York City Armory.
Robbie Freeman qualified for the |C4A Championships in the 3,000-meter run, posting a time of
8:24.98. Freshman Mike Reynolds notched a personal best in the pole vault, finishing fourth with a
height of 14-feet, 9-inches.
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 2, 2005 Brian DePasquale/5 118-442-3072
WILSON PACES FOUR IN DOUBLE FIGURES, AS UALBANY RECORDS 69-63 VICTORY
Albany, N.Y. — Jamar Wilson scored 13 of his 18 points in the second half, as UAlbany came
from behind for a 69-63 America East Conference victory over Stony Brook on Wednesday
evening at the Recreation and Convocation Center.
Stony Brook (7-13, AE 2-9) led 33-30 early in the final period after Jairus McCollum, who
had 10 points, made a pair of foul shots. UAlbany (10-10, AE 6-5) stormed ahead with 13 of
the game's next 14 points.
Wilson, a 6-foot-1 sophomore, who added eight assists and three steals, buried a three-
point field goal to tie the contest, before freshman Brian Lillis converted a fastbreak layup for
a 35-33 advantage. Lillis finished with a career-best 11 points off the bench on 5-of-5
shooting. The Great Danes, who made 58.3 percent of its field goals after halftime, pushed
out to a 43-34 margin when Wilson connected on four consecutive free throws.
The Seawolves, who had won four of the last five meetings in this series, including two
overtime decisions last year, closed within 43-40, as Bobby Santiago made one of his
career-high five 3-pointers. Santiago, a 6-foot-2 junior, led all scorers with 20 points.
However, UAlbany pulled away with an 11-4 run sparked by the play of Levi Levine, who
eo: 13 points and eight rebounds. Levine ignited that stretch with a three-pointer from the
eft wing, and later hit a layup in transition and scored off an offensive rebound. He handed
his team a 54-44 lead on another 3-point shot with 7:54 remaining.
“Stony Brook has done a good job of slowing teams down with their zone,” said UAlbany
coach Will Brown, whose team shot 33 percent in the opening period and trailed by one at the
break. “We know we can't hang our heads when our offense is not going well. Our defense
must carry us, and it helped get some easy baskets in transition.”
The Great Danes led by as much as 12 points, before Stony Brook closed within 64-58 on
back-to-back 3-pointers by Santiago and Hendrick Feist. Lucious Jordan, the fourth
UAlbany player in double figures with 14, ended that threat with two free throws. Wilson, who
extended his double-digit, scoring streak to 19 straight, made a driving layup to push the lead
back to twin figures.
“We have played up to our competition and down to our competition this year, so it is nice
to get a win when we are supposed to," said Levine, wnose squad doubled last year’s victory
total with a season-low eight turnovers. “Our defense kept us in it. We were then able to
open up opportunities for each other on offense.”
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
For Immediate Release For Futher Information
February 2, 2005 Jason Bryden / 518-442-451 1
ALBAN
UALBANY HOLDS OFF STONY BROOK, 76-73, FOR THIRD STRAIGHT VICTORY
Stony Brook, N.Y. — Maree Jones scored a career-high 21 points as UAlbany held on for a 76-73
victory over Stony Brook in America East Conference action on Wednesday evening at the Indoor
Sports Complex.
UAlbany (10-8, AE 5-4), led 70-60 with 1:51 remaining before Stony Brook (4-14, AE 2-7) started to
rally. Dana Ferraro made two free throws and Mykeema Ford drilled a three-pointer from the top of
the key to bring the Seawolves within 70-65.
Stony Brook then fouled on the in-bounds pass and UAlbany’s Jen Schumacher converted both free
throws to push her team’s lead back to seven points with 35 seconds left to play. Ford, who led all
scorers with 29 points on 10-of-23 shooting, then connected on her sixth three-pointer of the game, to
pull within 72-68.
Jones, a 6-foot-1 senior, made two free throws to put the Great Danes back up by six, 74-68, but than
missed her next two opportunitie at the 16-second mark. Ferraro, who had 10 points and 11
rebounds, then sank two foul shots and stole the ball with full-court press. She then handed the ball
off to Kelly Watson, who hit a trifecta from the top of the key to make it 74-73 with seven seconds
@ emaining.
UAlbany’s Jones, who made 8-of-12 from the field and grabbed eight rebounds, converted a pair of
free throws on her team’s next possession. Stony Brook’s Stephanie Barlett hit the front rim ona
three-pointer from the right side in attempt to force overtime as time expired.
"We needed to get out of there with a win," said head coach Trina Patterson, whose team extended
its unbeaten streak to three games. "We had solid post play from (Danielle) Hutcheson and Jones.
They both had good shooting games and a strong first half. We were not mentally sharp at the end.
We cannot get overconfident against any team."
Danielle Hutcheson totaled 19 points and 13 rebounds for her fourth double-double of the season.
Schumacher, who made 4-of-8 from three-point range, chipped in 18 points for UAlbany, who shot a
season-high 58 percent.
Sophomore Jessica Smith added 13 points for the Seawolves, who have lost seven of their last eight
Starts.
eth
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 28, 2005 Alison Hischak/5 18-442-3359
ALBAN
DANIELLE HUTCHESON NAMED AMERICA EAST PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Boston, Mass. — University at Albany’s Danielle Hutcheson has been named the America
East Conference Player of the Week in women’s basketball as announced by the conference
office on Monday afternoon. Hutcheson earned the award for the second time this season
and fifth in her career.
Hutcheson helped the Great Danes to their second two-win week in America East play this
season, as UAlbany moved into a tie for fifth place in the conference standings. Hutcheson, a
6-foot-4 senior center, registered her ninth double-double of the season with 18 points and 13
rebounds in UAlbany’s 81-60 victory over Stony Brook on Feb. 23. The co-captain added four
blocks and one steal.
Against Northeastern, Hutcheson, who was playing in her final home game at the RACC,
scored a season-high 21 points to lead the Great Danes to a 78-68 come-from-behind win.
Hutcheson, who added eight rebounds, two assists, two blocks and two steals in the contest,
shot 50 percent from the field (16-of-32) last week.
utcheson, a preseason all-conference honoree, ranks fifth in the America East in scoring at
15.0 points per game. She leads the league in rebounding (9.6 pg) and blocked shots (1.64
Pg).
UAlbany (13-12, AE 8-8) can clinch a first-round bye in the America East tournament with a
win at Boston University on Wednesday. Tip-off is 7:00 p.m.
0).
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 27, 2005 Brian DePasquale/5 18-442-3072
ALBAN
UALBANY SEEDED FOURTH FOR AMERICA EAST BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Boston, Mass. — Vermont has earned the top seed for next weekend’s Choice Hotels
International America East Conference Men’s Basketball Championship. The Catamounts,
who finished with a 21-6 record, including 16-2 in conference play, are looking to win their
third consecutive tournament title.
The America East tournament's first three rounds will be held at Binghamton University’s
Events Center on March 4, 5 and 6. The championship final will be played at the highest
remaining seed’s home arena on Saturday, March 12. The America East champion receives
an automatic NCAA berth.
UAlbany (13-14, AE 9-9) is seeded fourth and will meet No. 5 Binghamton (11-16, AE 8-
10) in quarterfinal round action on Saturday, March 5 at 12 noon. The Great Danes, who
received their highest seeding since joining the conference in 2001-02, and Binghamton split
their regular-season series. UAlbany registered a 68-62 come-from-behind victory on Jan. 12
at the Recreation and Convocation Center. The Bearcats posted a 67-53 triumph on their
home floor on Feb. 9.
Sophomore guard Jamar Wilson is among the America East leaders in scoring (17.0 ppg)
and assists (4.2 pg). Lucious Jordan (14.8 ppg) and Levi Levine (10.6 ppg) also score in
aimee figures for the Great Danes, who improved greatly this season by bettering last year’s
overall record by eight wins and posting six more victories in conference play.
Binghamton finished the regular season by capturing six of its last eight contests, including
a 65-48 victory over Boston University. Andre Heard, a 6-foot-3 junior, leads the Bearcats in
scoring at 13.9 points per game.
-agate-
2005 Choice Hotels America East Conference Men’s Basketball Championship
(Binghamton University’s Events Center, Vestal, N.Y.)
Friday, March 4
Game 1 - #8 New Hampshire (9-18, 5-13) vs. #9 UMBC (10-17, 5-13), 6:00 p.m.
Game 2 - #7 Stony Brook (11-16, 6-12) vs. #10 Hartford (8-19, 4-14), 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 5
Game 3 - #4 UAlbany (13-14, 9-9) vs. #5 Binghamton (11-16, 8-10), 12 noon
Game 4 - #1 Vermont (21-6, 16-2) vs. Game 1 winner, 2:30 p.m.
Game 5 - #2 Northeastern (19-8, 15-3) vs. Game 2 winner, 6:00 p.m.
Game 6 - #3 Boston U. (20-7, 14-4) vs. #6 Maine (13-14, 8-10), 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, March 6
Game 7 - Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 12 noon (AE-TV)
Game 8 - Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner, 2:30 p.m. (AE-TV)
Saturday, March 12 — Championship
(at highest remaining seed’s home arena)
Game 9 — Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner, 11:30 a.m. (ESPN)
-30-
2005 Choice Hotels America East Championship
First Round Quarterfinals Semifinals Championship
Friday, March 4 Saturday, March 5 Sunday, March 6 Saturday, March 12
Events Center Events Center Events Center at higher remaining seed
(ESPN)
#4 Albany
12 noon
#5 Binghamton
12 noon
#1 Vermont
#8 New Hampshire
2:30*% p.m.
6 p.m.
America Bare
1N’S CHAMPIONSHIP _——
(CHOICE HOTELS
Timteawational
#7 Stony Brook
8:30% p.m.
6 p.m
#10 Hartford
#2 Northeastern
2:30*% p.m.
#3 Boston U.
8:30% p.m. |
#6 Maine
NOTE: “Second game of a session begins 30 minutes after the first game is completed.
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 27, 2005 Jason Bryden/518-442-451 1
E-mail: joryden @ uamail.albany.edu
GREAT DANES FALL IN SEMIFINAL ROUND OF UTEP TOURNAMENT
El Paso, Texas -- Sarah Ramirez went 3-for-4 with two RBI, while Simone Holland drove in three
runs as third-seeded UTEP held off second-seeded UAlbany, 9-6, in the semifinal round of the UTEP
Tournament on Sunday afternoon at Helen of Troy Field.
The Miners (6-11) jumped out to a 4-1 lead after three innings. Jennifer Davis scored on an
RBI single by DeAnna Camacho to give the Miners a 1-0 lead in the top of the first. After the Great
Danes tied it in the bottom of the frame when Amber Maisonet scored on a UTEP error, Kristin
Hardy would put the Miners in the lead for good on a home run to lead off the second. UTEP scored
two runs in the third inning, highlighted by an RBI triple by Ramirez.
UAlbany (2-3) scored a run in each the fifth and sixth innings to cut the UTEP lead to 4-3.
Maegan Larsen scored on an RBI single by Kelly Ogden in the fifth and Danielle Buyea was plated
on a sacrifice fly by Larsen in the sixth.
The Miners scored five in the top of the seventh to take a 9-3 lead. Holland capped off the
five-run frame with a two-run single. The Great Danes responded with three runs in the bottom of the
inning, to cut the deficit to 9-6. Ashley Rios hit a two-run home run and Ali Meacham was driven in
on a walk to Larsen. With the bases loaded and representing the game-winning run, Maisonet ended
the game with a fly out to left field.
Megan Barber pitched a complete game victory for UTEP, while Casey Halloran (Columbia
@.s) took the loss for UAlbany, going the distance.
-agate-
UTEP Tournament — Third Day -- Semifinal Round
Helen of Troy Field -- El Paso, Texas
123 456 7- RHE
3-UTEP (6-11) 112 000 5- 993
2-UAlbany (2-3) 100 011 3- 6131
UTEP -- Megan Barber (4-5) and Denise Emmons.
UAlbany -- Casey Halloran (0-2) and Katie Trott.
ot).
yAN Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: |
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 27, 2005 Brianna LaBrecque/518-442-5733
NORTHEASTERN HOLDS ON FOR 70-63 AMERICA EAST VICTORY OVER UALBANY
Boston, Mass. — Jose Juan Barea scored 24 points and handed out 10 assists, as Northeastern
posted its sixth straight victory with a 70-63 America East Conference victory over UAlbany on
Sunday afternoon in the regular-season finale for both teams at Solomon Court.
Northeastern (19-8, AE 15-3) led 29-28 at halftime, but then exploded with 19 of the game’s next 21
points. Shawn James, a 6-foot-9 freshman, had nine of his 15 points in that outburst. Barea, who
completed the run with a layup, and Bennet Davis each added four points, as the Huskies built a 48-
30 margin. James finished with 17 rebounds and 11 blocked shots to record the second triple-double
in school history.
UAlbany (13-14, AE 9-9) worked their way back into the contest on two occasions in the final seven
minutes, including cutting the deficit to 60-54 with 2:56 remaining on a driving layup by Jamar
Wilson, who had 12 points. Marcus Barnes, a senior who was playing in his final home game, then
drilled a three pointer from the left wing, and Northeastern’s lead appeared safe.
However, the Great Danes would not go away in the final minute. Lucious Jordan, who had 12 of his
13 points in the final period, hit a layup to close the game to 66-61. Freshman Brian Lillis, who had
10 points and five rebounds off the bench, then made one of his career-high six steals, but Brent
ilson missed a three pointer from the right corner that would have made it a one possession game.
“They outplayed us the first five minutes of each half,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team
missed 12 straight field goal attempts to start the game. “Northeastern is good at going on runs, but
we felt we could get back in the contest from any deficit. We had plenty of chances despite their big
Start to the second half.”
Levi Levine was the fourth UAlbany player in double figures with 12 points. Davis, a 6-foot-9
sophomore, totaled 13 points and eight rebounds for the Huskies, who finished in second place in the
America East standings and improved their NIT chances.
“We didn't give up and that’s important,” offered Lillis, whose team will meet Binghamton in the
America East Tournament quarterfinal round on Saturday, March 5 at 12 noon. “I went into the game
to provide our team with some energy. |’ll dive on the floor and do whatever it takes.”
-30-
B
oa me
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 27, 2005 Alison Hischak/518-442-3359
MELODY AGNEW LEADS #12 SYRACUSE TO WIN OVER UALBANY LACROSSE
syracuse, N.Y. —- Melody Agnew scored four goals and Monica Joines added three goals as
#12 Syracuse defeated UAlbany, 17-4, in non-conference action on Sunday, Feb. 27 at the
Carrier Dome.
Syracuse (1-0) jumped out to a 3-0 lead at 16:34 in the first half. Agnew scored on a free
position shot then Caitlyn Dragon, who finished with three goals, scored back-to-back tallies.
sarah Spillett put UAlbany (1-2) on the board, taking a feed from Nikki Donohue.
The rest of the half belonged to Syracuse, as the Orange poured in eight goals over the final
12 minutes to take an 11-1 halftime lead. Agnew found the net three times during the run.
Syracuse, who has won all three meetings against the Great Danes, added to its cushion with
two goals at the start of the second half, going ahead 13-1 and ensuring the victory.
Kim Reny, Krissy Rajczak (Scotia-Glenville H.S.) and Donohue each scored a second-half
goal for the Great Danes. UAlbany goalkeeper Jen Daly faced 42 shots from the Orange
offense, making a season-high 11 saves. Syracuse’s Jen Kasel and Bethel Steele combined
@° six saves on 14 UAlbany shots.
-agate-
UAlbany 1 3 - 4
#12 Syracuse 11 «6 : 17
. UAlbany: Scoring — Donohue (1-1), Spillett (1-0), Rajczak (1-0), Reny (1-0).
Goalkeeper: Daly (60:00, 17 GA, 6 saves).
Syracuse: Scoring — Agnew (4-2), Joines (3-2), Dragon (3-0), O’Connell (2-0), Long
(2-0), Fortune (1-0), Looney (1-0), Pike (0-1). Goalkeepers: Kasel (48:41, 2 GA, 5 saves),
steele (11:19, 2 GA, 1 save).
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 26, 2005 Alison Hischak/5 118-442-3359
ALBAN
UALBANY WOMEN’S TENNIS REGISTERS 7-0 SWEEP OF MANHATTAN
Queens, N.Y. — UAlbany earned its first sweep of the season, defeating Manhattan, 7-0, in
non-conference action on Saturday, Feb. 26 at the Alley Pond Tennis Center.
Courtney Michels and Aimee Kern registered identical 6-0, 6-0 straight-set decision at No. 1
and No. 3 singles for the Great Danes. Amanda Hall, Kim Westcott and Kyle Steller also
posted 6-0, 6-0 victories. Christina Suarez defeated Meghan Smith, 6-0, 6-1 at No. 2
singles.
UAlbany (3-2) also swept the doubles play, with the duos of Hall and Westcott, and Steller
and Suarez leading the way with 8-0 shutouts.
-agate-
Singles:
1. Courtney Michels (UA) def. Patriece Riley 6-0, 6-0.
2. Christina Suarez (UA) Meghan Smith, 6-0, 6-1.
3. Aimee Kern (UA) def. Meng Nguyen, 6-0, 6-0.
4. Amanda Hall (UA) def. Kathryn Weir, 6-0, 6-0.
5. Kim Westcott (UA) def. Alison Bowlin, 6-0, 6-0.
6. Kyle Steller (UA) def. Garcia, 6-0, 6-0.
Doubles
1. Michels/Kern (UA) vs. Riley/Smith, 8-1.
2. Hall/Westcott (UA) vs. Nguyen/Weir, 8-0.
8. Suarez/Steller (UA) vs. Bowlin/Garcia, 8-0.
AMANDA MORIN TOSSES SECOND ONE-HITTER OF THE SEASON
El Paso, Texas -- UAlbany pitcher Amanda Morin (South Glens Falls H.S.) tossed her second one-
hitter of the season as the Great Danes shut out host UTEP, 3-0, on Saturday afternoon at Helen of
Troy Field in the second game on the second day of the UTEP Tournament. In the opening game,
New Mexico State downed UAlbany, 9-1, in six innings.
Morin allowed a single to Simone Holland in the bottom of the first inning. The only other
batter she allowed on base was Kristin Hardy, who walked to lead off the second. The right-hander
struck out nine in the complete game and improves her record to 2-0. For the Miners (5-11), Megan
Barber took the loss and drops to 3-5 on the season in going the distance.
The Great Danes (2-2) scored one run in the third as Leslie Busch scored on an error by the
catcher. UAlbany tacked on two runs in the fifth inning when Maegan Larsen hit a double to left field,
plating Ali Meacham and Busch. Meacham and Katrina Dunning each had two hits in the game.
New Mexico State took command of the opener with a five-run top of the second. Stacy
Knight had a two-run single and Ashley Roskos hit a two-run home run to spark the inning.
UAlbany scored its only run in the bottom of the frame when Julie Gannon drove in Dunning, who led
MORE
2-2-2-2 UALBANY
off with a triple, on an RBI single. The Aggies (9-11) scored four runs in the sixth to extend the lead
@- 9-1. Knight went 2-for-3 with three RBI for New Mexico State.
Stephanie Carrasco pitched four innings to record the victory for the Aggies. She struck out
two batters and is now 3-3. For the Great Danes, Lauren Perk allowed five unearned runs in 3 1/3
innings and took the loss. Danielle Buyea pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowing four runs, but only one was
earned.
-agate-
UTEP Tournament — Second Day
Helen of Troy Softball Complex -- El Paso, Texas
(Game 1) 123 456- RHE
New Mexico State (9-11) 050 004- 951
UAlbany (1-2) 010 0OO0O0- 175
Nex Mexico State -- Stephanie Carrsco, Sarah Seagraves (5) and Askley Roskos.
UAlbany -- Lauren Perk, Carisa Marcucci (4) and Ali Meacham.
(Game 2) 123 456 /7- RHE
UAlbany (2-2) 001 020 0- 361
UTEP (5-11) 000 000 O- 012
UAlbany -- Amanda Morin and Ali Meacham.
Northern Colorado -- Megan Barber and Denise Emmons, Kailey Cruickshank (5).
-30-
-30-
i\ Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Futher Information
Feb. 26, 2005 Brianna LaBrecque/518-442-5733
GERED BURNS SETS NEW SCHOOL RECORD AT USA TRACK & FIELD NATIONAL MEET
Boston, Mass. — UAlbany junior Gered Burns (Guilderland) set a school record in the 800-meter run,
finishing third in his semifinal heat of the USA Track and Field National meet, held at the Reggie
Lewis Center on the campus of Northeastern University on Saturday, Feb. 26.
Burns, who finished seventh overall, was one-tenth of a second off making the final race, finishing
with a time of 1:49.49. Burns’ previously ran a record time of 1:49.50 twice, including this season at
the New Balance Collegiate Invitational at the New York City Armory.
Burns will defend his |C4A Championship in the event on March 5-6 at the Reggie Lewis Center.
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 26, 2005 Alison Hischak/5 18-442-3359
ALBAN
HUTCHESON SCORES 21 POINTS IN UALBANY’S 78-68 WIN OVER NORTHEASTERN
Albany, N.Y. — Danielle Hutcheson tied her season-high with 21 points as UAlbany rallied to defeat
Northeastern, 78-68, in America East Conference action on Saturday afternoon at the Recreation and
Convocation Center.
Northeastern (11-14, AE 6-10) led 61-53 with 6:53 remaining in the second half, before UAlbany (13-12,
AE 8-8) ran off 11 consecutive points and claimed its first lead of the game. Hutcheson scored on a jump
hook and then Tanika Thrower stole the inbounds pass and laid it in to trim the gap to four points. After a
Hutcheson foul shot, Alicia Learn drained a jumper in the lane to bring the Great Danes within 61-60.
UAlbany’s Jen Schumacher stole an errant pass by Northeastern’s Jody Burrows and was fouled.
Schumacher connected on both free throws, putting the Great Danes in front, 62-61, with 4:31 left in the
game.
The Great Danes scored 10 of the game’s next 11 points and opened up a 72-62 advantage. UAlbany
made 8-of-10 free throws during the spurt and Learn, who finished with 17 points, capped it with a jump
shot.
@. were not taking the ball to the basket in the first half,” said UAlbany coach Trina Patterson, whose
eam tied the program's Division | single-season record with 13 wins. “They are really physical and don’t
allow you to get easy shots. The second half we did a much better job of attacking the basket and getting
to the free throw line.”
UAlbany finished the game shooting 52 percent (25-of-48) from the field, compared to 37 percent (23-of-
61) for Northeastern. The Great Danes, who moved into a tie for fifth in the conference standings, also
took advantage of 37 trips to the charity stripe, making 26.
Northeastern (11-14, AE 6-10) led the contest from the start and used 16 first-half points from Francesca
Vanin to take a 33-29 halftime advantage. Vanin, who finished with 20 points, was held to 2-of-5 shooting
in the second half.
A tightly contested start to the second half saw the Great Danes close to within one on a pair of free
throws by Maree Jones. However, the Huskies canned back-to-back three-pointers to rebuild its cushion,
99-52. Burrows netted a long trifecta from the top of the key with the shot clock winding down and
Maralene Zwarich, who scored a team-high 21 points, nailed a trey from the right wing.
Schumacher tallied 16 points for UAlbany, while Jones recorded 10 points and nine rebounds.
Northeastern’s, Burrows scored 13 points and dished eight assists.
“Every time we play them, it is a comeback,” said Hutcheson, who broke the 20-point plateau for the third
time this season as one of four senior making their final home appearance. “We had that fire in our bellies
@ the second half. When we are down, we know what we have to do to come back and win.”
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 25, 2005 Jason Bryden/518-442-4511
E-mail: joryden@ uamail.albany.edu
ALBAN
AMANDA MORIN TOSSES ONE-HIT SHUTOUT IN GREAT DANES’ SEASON OPENER
E| Paso, Texas -- UAlbany pitcher Amanda Morin (South Glens Falls H.S.) fired a one-hit shutout in
her debut, the Great Danes blanked Northern Colorado, 8-0, in the first game of the UTEP
Tournament at Helen of Troy Field on Friday afternoon. On the season’s opening day, UAlbany was
defeated by Texas-San Antonio, 13-0 in six innings, in the second game.
Morin, a right-hander who transferred from Florida Atlantic, had her no-hit bid broken up in the
seventh, when Northern Colorado's Stephani Miller singled to left field to lead off the frame. Morin
struck out eight in the contest and retired the first eight Bears she faced. Miller took the loss for
Northern Colorado, allowing eight runs, but only two of them earned in going the distance.
The Great Danes broke a scoreless tie with a five-run third inning. With the Great Danes up 2-
0, Katrina Dunning smacked a double down the left field line, plating two runs and giving UAlbany a
4-0 lead. Dunning finished 2-for-4 with two RBI in the contest, while shortstop Maegan Larsen went
3-5 with a run scored. UAlbany (1-1) would add three more runs in the top of the seventh on an RBI
double by Erika Enocksen and a two-RBI double by Amber Maisonet.
Texas-San Antonio (8-7) jumped out to a 5-0 lead after two innings in game two. Jessica Els
hit a grand slam to give the Roadrunners a 4-0 lead after the first inning. Mel Torres highlighted a
seven-run sixth inning with a three-run home run. Torres went 2-3 with two runs scored and three
@ while Aimee Murray 2-4 with three runs scored and driving in two runs.
Ursula Mares pitched a complete game for Texas-San Antonio, striking out 14 and allowing
just three hits in picking up the victory for the Roadrunners. Casey Halloran (Columbia) received the
loss, allowing six runs, but only one earned. She struck out three in five innings of work.
-agate-
UTEP Tournament — First Day
Helen of Troy Softball Complex -- El Paso, Texas
(Game 1) 123 456 7- AA E
UAlbany (1-0) 005 000 3- 8112
Northern Colorado (0-5) 000 000 O- 014
UAlbany -- Amanda Morin and Ali Meacham.
Northern Colorado -- Stephani Miller and Whitney Platten.
(Game 2) 123 456- RAE
Texas-San Antonio (8-7) 410 017- 13 12 1
UAlbany (1-1) 000 O000- 033
Texas-San Antonio -- Ursula Mares and Jessica Els.
UAlbany -- Casey Halloran, Carisa Marcucci (6) and Katie Trott.
86-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Futher Information
Feb. 25, 2005 Brianna LaBrecque/518-442-5733
ALLSTADT AND GOMES QUALIFY FOR IC4A CHAMPIONSHIPS AT NYU FASTRACK INVITE
New York, N.Y. — Seniors Andy Allstadt and Sheldon Gomes (Shaker) qualified for the IC4A
Championships at the NYU Fastrack Invitational held on Friday afternoon.
Allstadt posted a time of 8:29.17 in the 3,000-meter run to qualify for |C4A’s, which will be held March
0-6 at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston, Mass. Gomes hit the qualifying mark in the triple jump with
a distance of 49-feet, 11-inches.
Teammate Gered Burns (Guilderland) will be competing in the 800-meter run at the USA Track &
Field National Championships at the Reggie Lewis Center on Saturday 2 p.m.
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 25, 2005 Alison Hischak/5 118-442-3359
ALBAN
DONOHUE SCORES FIVE GOALS TO LEAD UALBANY LACROSSE TO 14-11 COMEBACK WIN
Troy, N.Y. — Nikki Donohue scored a career-high five goals to lead UAlbany to a 14-11 come-from-
behind victory over Siena in a non-conference women’s lacrosse contest on Friday afternoon at
Rensselaer's Harkness Field.
Siena tied the score at 10 apiece when Tammy Vitolins scored in transition at 11:28. The Great
Danes answered with three consecutive goals en route to the victory. Kate Fontana scored twice and
Donohue added one, with Sarah Spillett setting up all three.
Siena (0-1) jetted out to a 4-1 advantage midway through the opening period behind three goals from
Amy Schoonmaker and an unassisted tally by Christina Pamapolone. Claire Devine and Kathryn
Marcantonio each scored for Siena in the closing minutes of the half as the Saints took a 7-3 lead at
halftime.
UAlbany started strong in the second period, scoring five of the first six goals. Donohue netted her
second off a feed from Sarah Spillett, who set a career high with five assists. Kim Reny followed
with her second goal, using an underhanded shot to convert a free-position attempt, as the Great
@** cut the deficit to 7-5.
After a transition goal by Siena’s Pampalone, UAlbany rattled off three straight to tie the contest at 8-
all. Fontana, who finished with three goals and one assist, notched a free-position tally and Donohue
followed with two goals one minute apart.
Siena regained the lead, 9-8, when Michelle Eide capitalized on a free-position attempt with 19:38
remaining. Spillett then threw a pass in front of the cage to Krissy Rajczak (Scotia-Glenville), who
scored to knot the score again. The Great Danes took their first lead of the contest when Spillett
buried a rebound in the back of the net.
Bethany Zimmer made nine saves in goal for Siena, while Devine paced the offense with two goals
and two assists.
-agate-
Siena 7 4 - 11
UAlbany 3 11 - 14
Siena — Scoring: Schoonmaker (3-0), Devine (2-2), Pampalone (2-0), Eide (1-1), Vitolins (1-0),
Burger (1-0), Marcantonio (1-0), Cruger (0-1), Elliott (0-1), Harkins (0-1). Goalkeeper: Zimmer (60:00,
14 GA, 9 saves).
UAlbany — Scoring: Donohue (5-0), Fontana (3-1), Rajczak (2-2), Reny (2-0), Spillett (1-5), Hill
(1-0), Primomo (0-1). Goalkeeper: Daly (60:00, 11 GA, 2 saves).
© -30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 24, 2005 Brian DePasquale/518-442-3072
ALBAN
STONY BROOK HOLDS ON TO DEFEAT UALBANY, 68-63, IN AMERICA EAST ACTION
Stony Brook, N.Y. — Bobby Santiago scored 17 points, including the go-ahead basket with 1:05
remaining in leading Stony Brook to a 68-63 America East Conference victory over UAlbany on
Thursday evening at SBU Sports Complex.
UAlbany (13-13, AE 9-8) trailed by as much as 13 points on three occasions before getting back into
the contest. Jamar Wilson, a 6-foot-1 sophomore, scored five of his 21 points in a run of 13
consecutive markers that drew his team even at 49 apiece with 8:12 left.
stony Brook (11-15, AE 6-11) regrouped to take a 56-51 lead three minutes later on a Santiago
jumper. The Great Danes then scored consecutive baskets, as Lucious Jordan, who scored all 12 of
his points after halftime, hit a driving layup to close the gap to 56-55. The Seawolves responded with
a conventional three-point play by Mike Popoko, who had 11 points and seven rebounds. Popoko
was fouled as he hit a drive in the lane.
UAlbany would come back to tie the game twice, including a driving layup by Jamar Wilson that
knotted the score at 61 all. However, Stony Brook made the last run when Santiago put his team
ahead. Later Jairus McCollum missed a baseline jumper, but Cori Spencer was fouled as he
@rcr on the follow shot in the lane. Spencer, who had 11 points and six rebounds, hit the
subsequent free throw for a 66-61 advantage with 13.3 seconds remaining.
“The team who played with the most energy won,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team
trailed 36-27 at halftime. “When you dig yourself a hole on the road, you have to fight like hell to get
back into the game. It came down to late possessions, and we didn’t get the rebound on a missed
shot at the end.”
Hendrik Feist was the fourth SBU player in double figures with 11 off the bench. The Seawolves,
who have won four of their last six outings, avenged a 69-63 loss to the visitors earlier this month.
“We came out flat and there is no excuse for that,” commented Wilson, who made 8-of-12 from the
field. “We had too many unforced turnovers in the first half. We have confidence in ourselves, but we
have to play together to be successful.”
30).
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 23, 2005 Alison Hischak/518-442-3359
ALBAN
HUTCHESON’S DOUBLE-DOUBLE SPURS UALBANY TO 81-60 WIN OVER STONY BROOK
Albany, N.Y. — Danielle Hutcheson scored a game-high 18 points to lead four UAlbany players in
double figures as the Great Danes defeated Stony Brook, 81-60, in America East Conference
women’s basketball action on Wednesday evening at the Recreation and Convocation Center.
Hutcheson added 13 rebounds for her ninth double-double of the season.
UAlbany (12-12, AE 7-8) jetted out to an 11-4 advantage behind two early baskets from Alicia Learn,
who finished with 12 points and extended her double-figure scoring streak to five games. Stony
Brook, meanwhile, connected on just two of its first 12 shots. The Seawolves pulled within one, 13-
12, as Mykeema Ford netted a three-pointer and converted a fastbreak layup at 10:46.
The Great Danes, who recorded their largest margin of victory ever in an America East game, then
went on a 13-4 run to pull ahead, 26-16 with 5:32 remaining in the half. Gia Sanders, who corralled
a career-high eight rebounds, started the spurt with a jumper, while Jen Schumacher capped it with
a basket from the left wing. Hutcheson added six points in the closing minutes as the Great Danes
took a 41-22 lead to the locker room.
“We needed an offensive boost,” said UAlbany coach Trina Patterson, whose team snapped a three-
ame losing streak. “The 2-3 zone gave us a lot of easy layups in the first half, and they didn’t
recover. Limiting a high-scoring team like Stony Brook to 60 points also helped us build our defensive
confidence.”
UAlbany continued to cushion its lead as Schumacher netted one of her four three-pointers in the
opening minutes of the second period, putting the Great Danes in front, 46-22. The closest the
Seawolves climbed was 19 when Ford found Jessica Smith for a bucket on an inbounds play. A
Great Dane run featuring five points from Sherri Mikus and a right-wing jumper from Sanders made
the score 64-37 with 10:07 remaining and sealed the game.
“We were intense and came out with a lot of energy,” said Hutcheson, who recorded her sixth double-
double in her last seven games. “They could not keep up with us on the offensive end. We knew they
were wild shooters, so our main focus was to not foul them.”
Schumacher tallied 15 points for UAlbany, while Maree Jones added 13 points and nine rebounds.
Tanya James dished a career-high six assists for the Great Danes, who grabbed a season-high 57
rebounds. UAlbany also connected on 23-of-31 free throws in the game.
Stony Brook shot 27 percent (19-of-71) from the floor, including 19 percent (4-of-21) from three-point
range. Ford, the conference’s leading scorer at 18.1 points per game, finished with 11 points on 4-of-
16 shooting. Smith scored a team-high 15 points for the Seawolves, to go along with seven rebounds,
while Kelly Watson chipped in 13 points.
@ -30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
AN For Immediate Release For Futher Information
ALB AN February 23, 2004 Brianna LaBrecque/518-442-5733
UALBANY BASEBALL PICKED FOURTH IN AMERICA EAST PRESEASON POLL
Boston, Mass. — UAlbany was picked fourth in the America East Conference preseason
baseball poll, as announced by the conference office on Wednesday afternoon. Stony Brook,
the defending America East champion, was chosen first in the rankings, as voted on by the
league's head coaches. Maine was second, followed by Northeastern, UAlbany, Vermont,
Binghamton, UMBC and Hartford.
Head coach Jon Mueller, who is entering his sixth season at the helm of the Great Danes,
was named the America East Conference Coach of the Year last season after leading
UAlbany to a program-best record of 37-14, including 14-7 in league play. UAlbany lost 2004
Player of the Year Dan Schoonmaker to graduation along with major league draft pick Adam
Kroft, but returns a solid corps of upperclassmen.
Shortstop Joe Lamb and first baseman Derek DeGrazio, a pair of first team All-America
East selections, return to the diamond for the Great Danes. Lamb (.321 BA) led the
conference in runs scored with 48, while DeGrazio (.369 BA) totaled 45 RBI and did not
@ > ommit an error on the season. Also returning for UAlbany is starting pitcher Ethan Vaiana,
who tallied a 6-1 record with a team-best 3.08 ERA. Shawn Ryan (Stillwater H.S.), the Great
Danes top closer, finished the 2004 season ranked third in the nation with 14 saves.
Right-hander Nick Murphy (Christian Brothers Academy) leads a group of five Section II
high school standouts who will be regulars in the lineup. Murphy posted a 5-3 record on the
mound with a 4.66 ERA. Senior captain Tony Vallone (Greenwich Central) hit .279 as the
starting center fielder last year. Monmouth transfer Leo Corvino (Columbia) and Hudson
Valley C.C. transfer Steve Sayre (Columbia) will be positioned in right field and first base,
respectively. Rich Northrup (Shenendehowa) has taken over at second base.
“We are optimistic about our chances to return to the conference tournament,” said
Mueller, whose team competed in the postseason in 2004 for the first time in the program’s
history. “Over the last two years, the four seed has advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
Hopefully we will follow suit and move one step further than last year.”
UAlbany opens the 2005 season on Saturday, Feb. 26 with a non-league doubleheader at
La Salle, beginning at 12 noon. The Great Danes begin their home slate on March 13, as they
host Holy Cross, plus open up conference play by hosting Maine on April 9.
ee". America East Conference Baseball Preseason Poll
. Stony Brook (6) 58, 2. Maine (2) 51, 3. Northeastern 50, 4. UAlbany 37, 5. Vermont 36, 6.
Binghamton 28, 7. UMBC 19, 8. Hartford 9. ( ) —first-place votes
Sf).
Le Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
ALBAN
a ey
GREAT DANES PICKED TO FINISH THIRD IN AMERICA EAST CONFERENCE SOFTBALL POLL
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 22, 2005 Jason Bryden/518-442-451 1
E-mail: _joryden@uamail.albany.edu
Boston, Mass. -- University at Albany was voted third in the 2005 America East Conference
preseason softball coaches’ poll, as announced by the conference office on Feb. 22. Boston
University was selected first, while defending America East tournament champion Maine was picked
second.
The Great Danes finished 34-18 overall and 17-2 in conference play last spring. UAlbany qualified
for the conference tournament for the third time in as many years. Head coach Chris Cannata, the
reigning two-time coach of the year, returns seven starters and 13 letterwinners. Junior second
baseman Katrina Dunning, sophomore third baseman Kelly Ogden and junior first baseman Ashley
Rios, all first-team all-league selections, are back for UAlbany in 2005. Second-team All-America
East choice Casey Halloran (Columbia H.S.) leads the Great Danes pitching staff. Voorheesville
high school standout Brittany Burnham is expected to start in the outfield, while Florida Atlantic
transfer Amanda Morin (South Glens Falls) will be in the rotation as a right-handed hurler.
Dunning, who played in 48 games, hit .317, drove in 21 runs and had 15 multi-hit games for the
Great Danes in 2004. Ogden, who was also selected to the all-rookie team, tied for the team lead in
home runs with three, was second on the team in RBI with 28 and had multiple hits in 10 games.
Rios finished second on the team with a .386 batting average and tied Ogden for the team lead in
home runs. Halloran, an all-rookie team member, won her last 10 decisions, going 11-3 with a 1.63
ERA. She tossed 10 complete games and three shutouts.
"Boston U., Maine and Stony Brook pretty much return their entire teams, so it would be hard not
put them ahead of us," commented Cannata, who guided her team to the conference's regular-
season title in 2004. "We graduated a lot of talented players from last year's team, but we still have a
strong corps of returning players. Along with our newcomers, we are hoping to take the next step."
UAlbany will open its schedule in El Paso, Texas against Northern Colorado at 12 noon on Friday,
Feb. 25 at the UTEP Tournament. The Great Danes will also play in the Patriot Classic at George
Mason University, the Mizuno Bash at the Beach in Georgetown, Del. and the Rebel State Games in
Kissimmee, Fla. in the month of March. The home and conference opener for UAlbany will be on
Saturday, April 2 at 1 p.m. against Hartford.
2005 America East Conference Softball Preseason Coaches’ Poll
1. Boston U. (5), 61, 2. Maine (1) 50, 3. UAlbany (2) 49, 4. Stony Brook 47, 5. Binghamton 32, 6.
Hartford 20, 7. UMBC 17, 8. Vermont 12. ( ) - first-place votes
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Futher Information
February 21, 2004 Brianna LaBrecque/518-442-5733
UALBANY FIELD HOCKEY PLAYERS EARN NFHCA ACADEMIC HONORS
Glen Allen, Va. — University at Albany seniors Cheryl Varga and Amber Wade, along with junior Shelley
Gebhardt, were named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division | National Academic Squad
for the 2004 season.
The program recognizes student-athletes who have achieved a grade point average of 3.30 or above for the
fall semester of the 2004-05 academic year.
Varga, a forward from Southbury, Conn., was a four-year member of the UAlbany field hockey team. A
communication major with a minor in psychology, has been honored by the NFHCA four consecutive seasons.
Varga, who started all 18 contests for the Great Danes this season, tallied one assist as a senior, finishing her
career with 16 total points.
Wade, a defender from Whitney Point, N.Y., was also a four-year member of the UAlbany squad. Wade, a
biology major, has also been named to the NFHCA National Academic Squad three times. On defense, Wade
recorded six defensive saves for the Great Danes, putting her fifth on UAlbany’s career chart.
Gebhardt, a junior forward from Fairport, N.Y., makes her first appearance on the NFHCA Academic Squad. A
Qrormunication and political science major with a dual minor in journalism and history, Gebhardt was
previously named to UAlbany’s athletic academic honor roll. Gebhardt finished her junior season tied for first
place on the team with four assists after starting all 18 contests for the Great Danes.
The UAlbany field hockey team was also honored by the NFHCA by being named to the Division | National
Academic Team list. This award honors squads that have achieved a team GPA of 3.0 or higher.
UALBANY ASSISTANT COACH JILL DEDMAN NAMED TO USA INDOOR TEAM
Colorado Springs, Colo. — University at Albany assistant field hockey coach Jill Dedman was named to the
USA Field Hockey National Indoor Team for the 2005-06 season.
Dedman, a native of Orange, Conn., was a member of the 2002 World Cup team after a stellar collegiate
career at Boston College. A two-time Big East Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, Dedman was a three-time
All-Big East selection and was named to the National Field Hockey Coaches Association All-America Third
Team in 1999.
The USA Indoor Team will compete in the third Indoor Pan American Cup in late 2005 or early 2006. The event
will serve as a qualifier for the second Indoor World Cup to be played in Vienna, Austria in 2007.
Northeastern’s Scott Smith will serve as head coach for the team, after leading the squad in 2004.
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 20, 2005 Alison Hischak/5 18-442-3359
ALBAN
COLGATE’S SECOND-HALF SURGE SENDS UALBANY WOMEN’S LACROSSE TO 10-5 LOSS
Hamilton, N.Y. — Jessica Van der Meulen and Katie McVeigh each scored three goals to lead
Colgate to a 10-5 victory over UAlbany in the season-opening game for both teams at Tyler's Field on
Sunday afternoon.
Colgate, the 2004 Patriot League champions, jumped out to a 2-1 lead less than 10 minutes into the
game. McVeigh capitalized on a free-position opportunity and Kelly Winning dealt one of her three
assists to Van der Meulen for a goal. Kate Fontana got UAlbany on the board with an unassisted
tally.
UAlbany (0-1) countered to take a 3-2 halftime advantage. Sarah Spillett scored on a free-position
chance and Kim Reny fed Brittany Scott, who found the net for her first goal as a collegian.
Scott, a freshman midfielder, notched her second goal of the game to give the Great Danes a two-
goal cushion at 22:14 of the second half.
Colgate (1-0) scored 15 seconds later as Winning dished to Van der Meulen, trimming the lead to 4-3.
On the next trip down the field, Winning sent a free position attempt through the legs of UAlbany
Qyoalkeeper Jen Daly to draw her team even. Van der Meulen, a freshman midfielder, completed her
hat trick, scoring on a rebound of an Amanda Bradshaw shot to put the Raiders ahead. Winning’s
second goal of the game pushed the score to 6-4 with 16:34 left in the game.
UAlbany closed to within 6-5 on Fontana’s second unassisted goal at 14:25.
The Raiders then took advantage of two UAlbany fouls, as McVeigh and Megan Janson each
converted free position opportunities to make the score 8-5. Janson scored again and McVeigh
notched her hat trick in the closing minutes.
Daly finished with eight saves for UAlbany, while Sue Bielamowicz stopped eight shots for the
Raiders.
-agate-
UAlbany (0-1) 3 rs - 5
Colgate (1-0) 2 8 - 10
UAlbany — Scoring: Kate Fontana (2-0), Brittany Scott (2-0), Sarah Spillett (1-0), Kim Reny (0-
1). Goalkeeper: Jen Daly (60:00, 8 saves, 10 GA).
Colgate — Scoring: Katie McVeigh (3-0), Jess Van der Meulen (3-0), Kelly Winning (2-3),
Megan Janson (2-0), Amanda Bradshaw (0-1). Goalkeeper: Sue Bielamowicz (60:00. 8 saves, 5 GA).
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 19, 2005 Brian DePasquale/518-442-3072
0 (PANY
STONY BROOK DEFEATS UALBANY, 5-2, IN WOMEN’S TENNIS ACTION
Bethlehem, Pa. — Anne Cathrine Valle and Sandy Wijeratne were straight-set winners at
first and second singles to lead Stony Brook to a 5-2 victory over UAlbany on Saturday
evening at Lehigh University’s Rauch Fieldhouse.
Valle defeated Coutney Michels, 6-0, 6-3, while Wijeratne, a freshman from Melbourne,
Australia, was a 6-3, 6-1 winner over Christina Suarez.
UAlbany’s Amanda Hall and Kim Westcott each recorded singles victories in the No. 4
and No. 5 positions. Hall upended Monica Myers, 6-1, 6-1, while Westcott registered an 8-2
pro-set decision. The Great Danes, who are 2-2 this spring, travel to Manhattan on Feb. 26.
-agate-
stony Brook 5, UAlbany 2 (Bethlehem, Pa.)
Singles: Anne Cathrine Valle (S) def. Courtney Michels (A), 6-0, 6-3; Sandy Wijeratne (S)
def. Christina Suarex (A), 6-3, 6-1; Hana Chovanova (S) def. Aimee Kern (A), 6-1, 6-4;
Amanda Hall (A) def. Monica Myers (S), 6-1, 6-1; Kim Wescott (A) def. Rachel Kimelman (S),
8-6, Victoria Vasile (S) def. Kerry Levis (A), 8-2.
Doubles: Valle/Wijeratne (S) def. Michels/Kern (A), 8-2; Hall/Wescott (A) def.
Gono Myers (S), 9-8 (7-4); Kimelman/Vasile (S) def. Kyle Steller/Suarez (A), 8-5.
Records: UAlbany (2-2), Stony Brook (1-2).
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Futher Information
Feb. 19, 2005 Brianna LaBrecque/518-442-5733
UALBANY MEN FINISH SECOND, WOMEN THIRD AT A-EAST INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS
Boston, Mass. — Northeastern’s Idris Payne earned Most Outstanding Track Performer of the Meet
accolades helping the Huskies hold of UAlbany for the America East Conference Indoor
Championship at the Boston University Track and Tennis Center on Saturday, Feb. 19.
Payne posted individual victories in both the 200- and 400-meter dashes to lead Northeastern, who
held off UAlbany’s charge for its third straight America East title by a score of 147-146.
UAlbany was led by Gered Burns (Guilderland), who claimed his first indoor 800-meter
championship in a time of 1:51.87. Kamar Elliott also posted an individual title by winning the triple
jump with a IC4A-qualifying distance of 47-feet, 1.75-inches. Sheldon Gomes (Shaker) was second
in the event with a leap of 46-feet, 6-inches.
Michael Lynch and Renauld Buck finished third and fourth, respectively, in the shot put. Lynch
recorded a throw of 48-feet, 1.25-inches while Buck had a toss of 47-feet, 9-inches. David Parker
(Niskayuna) also finished third in the heptathlon, scoring a |C4A-qualifying 4,322 points.
New Hampshire was third in the team competition with 102 points, followed by UMBC (101.5),
@sinchamton (93.5), Boston U. (77), Maine (64), Stony Brook (26), Hartford (16) and Vermont (7).
In the women's competition, UAlbany finished third overall in the team standings with 107 points. The
Northeastern women claimed the team championship, sweeping the event for the Huskies with a
score of 173.5 points. Boston U. was second with 134 points, followed by UAlbany, New Hampshire
(102), Binghamton (80.5), UMBC (54), Maine (48), Vermont (46), Stony Brook (32) and Hartford (3).
Arina Gerasimova led the Great Danes with the only individual championship of the day.
Gerasimova posted a first-place finish in the triple jump, qualifying for the ECAC Championships with
a distance of 38-feet, 9-inches.
Joy Williams, who won the weight throw with a school-record mark on Friday, placed second in the
shot put competition with a throw of 43-feet, 3.75-inches. Alyssa Lotmore (Bishop Maginn) recorded
a second-place showing in the mile with a time of 4:53.79, and was also third in the 3,000-meter run,
setting a new school record and qualifying for ECAC’s with a time of 9:47.37.
-agate-
MEN
1. Northeastern, 147; 2. UAlbany, 146; 3. New Hampshire, 102; 4. UMBC, 101.5; 5. Binghamton,
93.5; 6. Boston U., 77; 7. Maine, 64; 8. Stony Brook, 26; 9. Hartford, 16; 10. Vermont, 7.
WOMEN
@. Northeastern, 173.5; 2. Boston U., 134; 3. UAlbany, 107; 4. New Hampshire, 102; 5. Binghamton
80.5, 6. UMBC, 54; 7. Maine, 48; 8. Vermont, 46; 9. Stony Brook, 32; 10. Hartford, 3.
-30-
No. of Pages: 2
Attn: Sports Department
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 19, 2005 Jason Bryden / 518-442-451 1
UMBC SNAPS SEVEN-GAME LOSING STREAK AGAINST UALBANY, 69-53
Baltimore, Md. — Matea Pender scored 15 of her 18 points in the second half as UMBC defeated
UAlbany, 69-53, in America East Conference action on Saturday evening at the Retriever Activities
Center to snap a seven-game losing streak.
UAlbany (11-12, AE 6-8) struggled from the floor in the first half, going more then seven minutes
without a field goal as the Retrievers turned a six point deficit into a 24-16 advantage with 2:21 left in
the half. Amanda Robinson scored eight of her career-high 13 points, while Ana Goncharova
canned two three-pointers off the bench to give UMBC (8-15, AE 3-11) a 26-21 lead at the half. The
Great Danes were held to 25 percent shooting, 8-of-32, and committed 11 turnovers.
“We had an early lead, but then turnovers let them back into the game," said UAlbany coach Trina
Patterson, whose team dropped its third straight game. "We had too many unforced errors and in the
first half that showed a lack of concentration. We didn't defend the backdoor cuts and they exploited
that in the second half."
The Retriever offense heated up in the second half behind four three pointers from Pender. UMBC
used an 18-10 start to the period to build its lead to 44-31 with 12:04 to play. Sharri Rohde
converted two backdoor layups as the Retrievers opened up their biggest lead, 50-33, with 9:35 to go.
Despite 10 second half points from Danielle Hutcheson, the Great Danes never climbed any closer
then 13 points the rest of the game.
Brittnie Hughes and Rohde each finished with 12 points. For UAlbany, Alicia Learn had 14 points,
extending her double-digit scoring streak to four games. Hutcheson and Jen Schumacher each
scored 12, while Maree Jones (Albany HS) had 11 points and 12 rebounds for her fourth double-
double of the season.
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 19, 2005 Brian DePasquale/5 18-442-3072
ALBAN
UALBANY DEFEATS UMBC, 76-62, IN FINAL HOME GAME OF THE SEASON
Albany, N.Y. — Jamar Wilson scored 17 points and Brent Wilson added a career-high 16 off
the bench in leading UAlbany to a 76-62 America East Conference victory over UMBC on
Saturday afternoon at the Recreation and Convocation Center.
UAlbany (13-12, AE 9-7) led 13-11 midway through the first half, but then tallied 14 of the
game's next 16 points. Brent Wilson, a 6-foot-8 fresnman scored five in that stretch,
including a three-point field goal from the top of the arc that gave his club a 27-13 advantage.
The Great Danes, who have won six of their last seven at home, shot 50 percent from the
field in the opening period en route to a 33-21 lead at the intermission. UMBC (9-16, AE 4-
12) struggled on offense in the first half by shooting 8-of-25 from the field and committing 10
turnovers.
In the final period, the Retrievers closed within 35-29 on Andrew Feeley’s free throw with
16:48 remaining. However, UAlbany built their margin back to double figures over the next
three minutes. Christopher Wyatt, a 6-foot-6 senior who was making his final home
appearance, tipped in a missed three-pointer with a slam dunk during that run. Lucious
Jordan followed by scoring with an offensive rebound, before Wilson made one of his four 3-
point shots for a 46-33 lead.
e@ The Retrievers, who won this year’s first meeting, 67-62, back on Jan. 19th, would hang
within striking distance until the final two minutes behind the play of Mike Housman, who had
15 points and 10 rebounds off the bench.
Rob Gogerty, one of four UMBC players in double figures with 11 points, made three
consecutive free throws to close the gap to 68-60. But UAlbany extended their margin at the
free throw line, making 23-of-33 overall, in a foul-plagued contest where the teams combined
for 47 personals and four technicals.
“A win is a win,’ commented UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team had lost the previous
three senior-day games. “You can’t get frustrated with all the fouls. Our team kept its
composure. We're a flow team that needs to get into a rhythm. | was happy that we were
Smart about it.”
Wyatt turned in a season-best performance with 12 points and eight rebounds. Levi
Levine finished with 10 points for the Great Danes, who held on to fourth place in the
conference standings. UMBC’s Brian Hodges, a freshman, and Cory McJimson had 11
and 10 points, respectively.
“It feels good to win on senior day, especially since | helped my team,” said Wyatt, who
made 4-of-5 from the floor to go with three steals and two blocks. “We haven’t fared well the
past three years. There have been many ups and downs during my career, so I’m enjoying
my final year.”
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Futher Information
Feb. 18, 2005 Brianna LaBrecque/518-442-5733
UALBANY MEN LEAD A-EAST CHAMPIONSHIPS AFTER FIRST DAY OF COMPETITION
Boston, Mass. — The UAlbany men’s track and field team leads with a score of 41 points after the first
day of competition in the America East Indoor Championships, held at the Boston University Track
and Tennis Center.
The Great Danes recorded four championship performances on the first day, led by a 5,000-meter
victory by junior Robbie Freeman. Freeman posted a personal best time of 14:28.03, which is also
the second fastest time in UAlbany history.
The distance medley relay team finished in 9:59.97. The team of Gered Burns, Stephen Evans,
Rich Villanueva and Ricardo Estremera set a new meet record in the event.
In the field events, UAlbany had two victories. Eric Opuana, the school record holder, won the weight
throw with a distance of 58-feet, 8-inches. Jonathan Jones, who finished fourth in the long jump in
2004, won the event on Friday with a leap of 22-feet, 3.5-inches, a personal best.
6... Great Danes, who are looking to win their third straight indoor championship title, lead second-
place Northeastern (38) by 11 points. Binghamton is third with 28.5 points, followed by New
Hampshire (22), Boston U. (20), UMBC (16.5), Maine (13), Stony Brook (6) and Hartford (2).
The UAlbany women’s team had one individual champion on the first day of competition. Joy
Williams, the school record holder in the shot put, won the weight throw event with a school-record
distance of 52-feet, 1-inch.
Patty Diedrich qualified for the ECAC Championships in the 55-meter hurdles, finishing second with
a season-beset time of 8.25 seconds. Tequirra Cox finished third in the 200-meter dash, posting a
time of 22.18 seconds.
The Great Danes are currently fourth in the team standings with 33 points. New Hampshire leads with
99 points, with Northeastern in second with 40.5 points. Boston U. (36.5) sits in third, followed by
UAlbany, Binghamton (25), UMBC (14), Maine (12), Stony Brook (9) and Vermont (9).
The America East Indoor Championships will continue on Saturday, Feb. 19, starting at 10 a.m.
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 16, 2005 Brian DePasquale/5 1 8-442-3072
ALBAN
T.J. SORRENTINE LEADS VERMONT TO COME-FROM-BEHIND WIN OVER UALBANY
Albany, N.Y. — T.J. Sorrentine scored 21 of his 26 points in the second half, as Vermont
posted a 71-63 come-from-behind victory over UAlbany in America East Conference play on
Wednesday evening at the Recreation and Convocation Center.
Vermont (19-4, AE 14-1) trailed 43-29 early in the second half, before reeling off 13
unanswered points to get back into the contest. Sorrentine, a 5-foot-11 senior, buried
consecutive three-point field goals, and then finished off the run with a one-hander off the
glass.
Still trailing 45-42, the Catamounts then went ahead with 10 straight points. Freshman
Ryan Schneider connected on back-to-back 3-pointers from the right wing to put his team in
front. Sorrentine followed with a drive in the lane, and then Schneider, who came off the
bench, drilled an 18-foot jumper.
UAlbany (12-12, AE 8-7) fell behind 55-48, but then regrouped with seven consecutive
points. Lucious Jordan, who had 17 points, made a three-pointer, before Jamar Wilson’s
driving layup drew the Great Danes even.
The Catamounts, who have won 16 of their last 17 contests, then pulled away with 11 of
the game's next 13 points. Josh Duell canned a three-point shot to put his club ahead for
@°: Taylor Coppenrath, a two-time America East player of the year, would hit consecutive
baskets in that stretch, including a tip-in off a missed 3-pointer. Sorrentine sank a pair of free
throws for a 66-57 advantage with 56.9 seconds remaining.
“Let's give Vermont a lot of credit,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose team
committed 11 of its 20 turnovers in the final stanza. “They made eight three’s and had one
turnover in the second half. They spread us out, hit the gaps, and found the open shooters.
When they went to the zone, we were stagnant on offense. We put a lot of pressure on
ourselves after the halftime lead evaporated.”
The Great Danes, who saw their five-game home winning streak come to an end, built a
36-23 halftime lead with a string of 10 consecutive points to end the period. Levi Levine,
who scored 16 points, including the 1,000th of his career, converted a three-point play when
he fouled on a layup after his steal. Jordan made two free throws and finished with a 3-
pointer at the buzzer.
“We lost our composure early in the second half, but then we got it back,” said Levine, who
added five rebounds and four assists. “We just had too many careless turnovers and missed
a couple of shots down the stretch.”
Vermont's Coppenrath, the nation’s second-leading scorer, ended up with 19 points,
Slightly under his 24.3 average, and grabbed seven rebounds. Wilson was the third UAlbany
player in double figures with 11 points and five assists.
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 16, 2005 Jason Bryden / 518-442-4511
VERMONT DOWNS UALBANY, 90-72, AS CUNCIC NETS A CAREER-HIGH 28
Burlington, Vt. - Ashleigh Cuncic scored a career-high 28 points as Vermont defeated UAlbany 90-
72 in America East Conference action on Wednesday evening at Patrick Gymnasium.
Vermont (11-11, AE 7-6) jetted out to a 16-1 lead just four minutes into the game. Cuncic netted
three of her school record eight three pointers to fuel the start. UAlbany did not score its first field
goal until 15:39 of the first half when Gia Sanders hit a jumper. The Great Danes closed to within
nine, 20-11, behind six points from Danielle Hutcheson, who registered her second 20-point game of
the season.
Vermont continued its torrid shooting and opened up a 46-23 advantage with three minutes left in the
half. The Catamounts shot 54-percent (19-for-35), including 8-of-12 three-pointers, on their way to a
49-25 halftime lead.
“We didn't come out strong on the road," said UAlbany coach Trina Patterson, whose team allowed
the most points since a 93-43 loss to Colorado in 2000. "We knew they were not confident coming
into this game. The beginning gave them a huge boost and |'m disappointed in our defensive effort."
Albany (11-11, AE 6-7) opened the second half with a 12-2 run, to make the score 51-37 on six
points from Hutcheson and two driving layups by Sherri Mikus. However, the Catamounts
responded to extend the lead to 62-45 on two trifectas from Tiffany Spinka and Cuncic.
The Great Danes continued to battle as Alicia Learn scored 16 of her career high 20 points in the
second half. A rebound basket by Hutcheson brought the Great Danes within 69-57 at 7:21 left to go
in the contest. UAlbany could never get the lead into single digits, as the Catamounts finished with a
school record 14 three-pointers.
Katie McNamara finished with 15 points, while Lani Boardman added 11 points and six assists.
Hutcheson recorded her fifth consecutive double-double for UAlbany, tallying 20 points and 12
rebounds. Tanika Thrower tied her career-high with eight points to go along with three assists and
three steals.
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Futher Information
February 15, 2004 Brianna LaBrecque/518-442-5733
ERIC OPUANA EARNS AMERICA EAST TRACK AND FIELD WEEKLY HONORS
Boston, Mass. — University at Albany’s Eric Opuana has been chosen America East Conference
Male Field Performer of the Week in indoor track and field, as announced by the conference office on
Tuesday, Feb. 15.
Opuana garnered his first weekly award of the indoor season, after winning the weight throw at last
Fridays Binghamton Dual meet. Opuana posted a season-best distance of 58-feet, 8.75-inches, over
a foot further than the second-place finisher. The junior broke his own school record with the throw,
besting his previous record by nearly two feet. He previously qualified for March’s IC4A
Championships.
Opuana will be competing for the Great Danes at the America East Conference Indoor Track & Field
Championships, held Boston University’s Track and Tennis Center on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 18-
19.
-30-
HN Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
ALBAN
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 15, 2005 Alison Hischak/5 18-442-3359
UALBANY MEN’S LACROSSE VOTED TO WIN AMERICA EAST IN PRESEASON POLL
Boston, Mass. — Two-time defending champion University at Albany has been selected to win the
2005 title in the America East Conference preseason men’s lacrosse coaches’ poll, as announced by
the conference office on Tuesday afternoon. UMBC stands second in the poll, while Binghamton, last
year’s regular-season winner, is third.
The Great Danes made their second consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament last season.
Head coach Scott Marr has six all-conference performers returning, including first-team attacker
Luke Daquino, from last year’s 10-6 squad.
“Our expectation is always to win our conference and take another step in the NCAA
Tournament,” said Marr, whose teams have combined for 29 victories over the last three years. “This
is a veteran team that burns to get back to the NCAAs.”
Daquino has been a model of consistency with 50-plus points in three consecutive seasons.
He had 22 goals and 35 assists last year. Merrick Thomson, the 2004 America East Rookie of the
Year, is among four players who netted 40 or more points for the nation’s seventh-best scoring
offense. Thomson led all America East scorers with 47 goals and 12 assists.
UAlbany’s defense is led by goalkeeper Kevin Rae, a two-time America East championship
MVP. Rae, who is second on the school’s career saves list, posted a .578 save percentage with a
10.16 goals against average one year ago. All-America East defenders Ryan Olmstead (6-3, 215)
and Patrick McSweeney (6-1, 240) will support Rae in the cage.
005 America East Conference Men’s Lacrosse Preseason Coaches Poll
1. UAlbany (4), 44; 2. UMBC (1), 37; 3. Binghamton (2), 36; 4. Stony Brook 31; 5. Vermont 23; 6.
Quinnipiac 16; 7. Hartford 9. ( ) — first-place votes
UALBANY WOMEN’S LACROSSE PICKED FOURTH IN PRESEASON COACHES’ POLL
Boston, Mass. — University at Albany was picked fourth in the America East Conference preseason
women’s lacrosse coaches’ poll, as announced by the conference office on Tuesday afternoon.
Boston University was chosen as the preseason favorite, edging out defending conference champion
New Hampshire by two points and one first-place vote.
“| expected to be right around fourth place, based on how we played last season,” said
UAlbany head coach Dennis Short, whose team opens its schedule at Colgate on Sunday, Feb. 20
at 1:00 p.m. “We are going to continue to work hard and show everyone that we are a stronger team
this year.”
The Great Danes are coming off a 6-11 campaign in 2004. UAlbany turned in a 3-3 America
East record and qualified for the conference tournament for the second time in three years. Kate
Fontana and Kristen Mathias, a pair of all-conference second-team selections, are among the top
returnees. Fontana, a midfielder, set a freshman scoring record with 53 points on 39 goals and 14
assists. Mathias, a junior, started every game on defense and tallied 27 ground balls and 17 caused
turnovers.
Other key returnees include sophomore goalkeeper Jen Daly and sophomore attacker Sarah
Spillett, who were each named to the America East All-Rookie Team. Daly set the school’s single-
season saves record with 190, while Spillett scored 28 goals and picked up 34 ground balls.
005 America East Conference Women’s Lacrosse Preseason Coaches Poll
. Boston U. (4), 46; 2. New Hampshire (3), 44; 3. UMBC, 35; 4. UAlbany, 26; 5. Vermont, 19; 6.
Stony Brook, 18; 7. Binghamton 8. ( ) — first-place votes
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 13, 2005 Alison Hischak/518-442-3359
ALBAN
AIMEE KERN HELPS CLINCH WIN AS UALBANY DEFEATS ST. BONAVENTURE
Albany, N.Y. — UAlbany claimed four singles matches en route to a 5-2 victory over St.
Bonaventure on Sunday, Feb. 13 in the UAlbany Bubble.
Freshmen Aimee Kern and Amanda Hall swept third and fourth singles for the Great Danes.
Kern and Hall won in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3 and 6-0, 6-0, respectively. Kim Westcott and
Kyle Steller picked up wins by default.
UAlbany (2-1) won all three doubles matches, including a 9-7 victory by Courtney Michels
and Kern at No. 1.
Agate-
UAlbany 5, St. Bonaventure 2
Singles:
Anna Perevenzetseva (SB) def. Courtney Michels, 6-4, 6-4.
Anna Delgado (SB) def. Christina Suarez, 2-6, 6-4, 10-6.
Aimee Kern (UA) def. Stephanie Fosnight, 6-3, 6-3.
Amanda Hall (UA) def. Sarah Costello, 6-0, 6-0.
Kim Westcott (UA) won by default.
6. Kyle Steller (UA) won by default.
Doubles:
1. Michels/Kern (UA) def. Perevenzetseva/Delgado, 9-7.
2. Hall/Westcott (UA) def. Fosnight/Costello, 8-3.
3. Suarez/Steller (UA) won by default.
9...
2).
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 12, 2005 Brian DePasquale/5 18-442-3072
ALBAN
JAMAR WILSON’S 20 POINTS LEADS UALBANY TO 67-54 VICTORY OVER MAINE
Albany, N.Y. — Sophomore guard Jamar Wilson scored 20 points in leading UAlbany to its
fifth straight home win with a 67-54 America East Conference victory over Maine on Saturday
evening at the Recreation and Convocation Center.
UAlbany (12-11, AE 8-6) broke a 39-39 deadlock early in the second half with eight
consecutive points. Freshman Brent Wilson canned a three-point field goal in that run,
before Wilson made a pair of free throws. Chris Wyatt hit a layup off an in-bounds play to
complete the outburst.
The Great Danes, who held the visitors to 31.8-percent shooting in the second half, still led
51-43 two minutes later, but then pulled away with 12 of the game’s next 16 points. Wilson,
who reached double figures for the 22nd straight time, ignited that stretch with three
consecutive baskets, including a layup following a steal. Freshman Brian Lillis made a 3-
pointer from the left corner, before Lucious Jordan sank a foul shot for a 63-47 advantage
with 4:37 to play.
The contest featured eight lead changes and six ties through the opening 33 minutes.
Maine (11-12, AE 6-8) moved out to a 28-20 lead with 5:31 left in the opening period behind
the play of senior center Mark Flavin, who had 10 of his 14 points in the stanza. The Great
tines would draw even by halftime at 35 apiece, as Jordan, who recorded his first double-
double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, converted a fastobreak opportunity.
“Our full-court pressure disrupted their offensive flow,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown,
whose program has reached its highest win total since moving to the Division | level in 1999-
2000. “They were getting good looks by pounding the ball into Flavin. The pressure forced
them into some turnovers and quick shots."
Joe Campbell, a 6-foot-7 senior, had 10 points and eight rebounds for the Black Bears,
shot 53.6 percent in the first half on 15-of-28 shooting. Kevin Reed, who was coming off a
season-high 31 points in his last outing, was held to six on 2-of-13 from the field. Levi Levine
was the third UAlbany player in double figures with 12 points and eight rebounds. The Great
Danes swept the season series after posting a 58-49 decision back on Jan. 16th.
“Lucious did a great job defensively on an all-conference player like Kevin Reed,”
commented Wilson, whose team has six more America East victories than last year at this
point in the season. “He’s doing more than scoring for us. He’s playing offense and
defense.”
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 12, 2005 Alison Hischak/5 18-442-3359
ALBAN
BRACEY BARKER SCORES 21 POINTS TO LEAD MAINE PAST UALBANY
Albany, N.Y. — Bracey Barker scored 21 points to lead four players in double figures as
Maine defeated UAlbany, 67-58, in America East Conference women’s basketball action on
Saturday, Feb. 12 at the Recreation and Convocation Center. The Black Bears (14-8, AE 10-
2) extended their unbeaten streak to seven games and gained sole possession of first place
in the standings.
UAlbany (11-10, AE 6-6) held a 36-31 halftime advantage, its first-ever in nine meetings
against the Black Bears. Maine rattled off a 13-4 run to open the second period and claim a
44-40 lead. Kim Corbitt scored six of her 11 points during the spurt, while Barker added two
jumpers.
The Great Danes battled back and pulled even at 48-48 with 9:41 remaining on a three-point
play by Alicia Learn, who tied her career high with 19 points. The Black Bears outscored
UAlbany 9-2 over the next three minutes and built a 57-50 cushion. Missy Traversi, who
scored 11 points to go along with six assists, buried a three-pointer in the right corner and
Barker drained a short jump shot.
Qvaivany kept the game close, as Maree Jones scored in the paint and Danielle Hutcheson
completed a three-point play to bring the Great Danes with 59-56 with 4:23 left in the game.
Barker scored on the ensuing possession and Abby Schrader knocked down two free throws
to make the score 63-56 and preserve the win for the Black Bears.
“If we could have stopped Barker, it might have been a different story,” said UAlbany coach
Trina Patterson, whose team had won four of its previous five games. “They are the best
passing team in the conference. Some possessions we didn’t play defense long enough.”
Hutcheson registered her fourth straight double-double with 17 points and a season-high 16
rebounds. Jones chipped in nine points and five rebounds. Monica Peterson was the fourth
Maine player in twin figures with 10 points to go along with six boards.
“We are playing with a lot more confidence right now,” said Learn, who connected on 9-of-12
field goals. “We always keep playing hard. We always believe we can win.”
3).
HN Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
ALB AM For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 12, 2005 Alison Hischak/5 18-442-3359
PROVIDENCE DEFEATS UALBANY WOMEN’S TENNIS 4-3
Albany, N.Y. — Providence captured four singles matches en route to a 4-3 victory over
UAlbany in women’s tennis action in the UAlbany Bubble on Friday, Feb. 11. Sara Bitetti and
Molly Gilbride won the top two singles flights to help the Friars.
For UAlbany (1-1), Aimee Kern notched a 6-3, 6-1 decision over Andrea Lee at No. 3
singles. Kim Westcott won her second straight singles match of the spring season, 6-0, 6-3
at No. 5.
The Great Danes swept the doubles matches, with Courtney Michels and Kern taking No. 1
doubles, 8-1. Westcott teamed with Amanda Hall at second doubles, while Christina Suarez
and Kyle Steller paired for a win at No. 3.
Agate-
Providence 4, UAlbany 3
Singles:
1. Sara Bitetti (PC) def. Courtney Michels, 6-2, 6-0.
2. Molly Gilbride (PC) def. Christina Suarez, 7-6 (4), 1-6, 7-5.
. Aimee Kern (UA) def. Andrea Lee, 6-3, 6-1.
4. Nicole Rodger (PC) def. Amanda Hall, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
5. Kim Westcott (UA) def. Lindsey Christensen, 6-0, 6-3.
6. Katherine Lyons (PC) def. Kyle Steller, 6-3, 6-3.
Doubles:
1. Michels/Kern (UA) def. Bitetti/Christensen, 8-1.
2. Hall/Westcott (UA) def. Gilbride/Rodger, 8-5.
3. Suarez/Steller (UA) def. Carly Hoffend/Andrea Lee, 8-2.
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
For Immediate Release For Futher Information
Feb. 11, 2005 Brianna LaBrecque/518-442-5733
[BAN
UALBANY MEN DEFEAT BINGHAMTON IN DUAL MEET, WOMEN FINISH SECOND
Vestal, N.Y. — The UAlbany men defeated Binghamton in the annual dual meet between the two
schools, at the Binghamton Events Center on Friday, February 11.
UAlbany men won nine out of 16 events, posting a winning score of 95 points. Binghamton recorded
74 points.
Junior Burnett was the only double-winner for the men, scoring victories in both the 200-meter dash
and the 400-meter dash. Burnett finished the 200 with a season-best time of 22.48 seconds and
crossed the line of the 400 in 50.55.
Gered Burns (Guilderland), who is currently ranked eighth in the nation in the 800-meter run, placed
first in the 1,000-meter run agasint Binghamton, posting a time of 2:26.72. The men’s 4x400-meter
relay team also finished first. The team of Shamere Boland, Anthony Robibero, Tim O’Riley, and
Stephen Evans recorded a time of 3:21.93 in the win.
6. the field events, Eric Opuana placed first in the weight throw event with a distance of 58-feet, 8.75-
inches.
In the women’s competition, the Great Dane women finished first in six events, including the 4x400-
meter relay. The team of Kelly Peao, Rebecca Vannoy, Adanna Andrews, and Tracy Estriplet
crossed the finish line in 4:00.07.
Alyssa Lotmore (Bishop Maginn) posted a first-place standing in the mile, finishing in a time of
4:58.36. Patty Diedrich was first in the 55-meter hurdles (8.29) while also placing second in the long
jump (16-feet, 10.75-inches) and third in the high jump (4-feet, 11-inches).
The UAlbany women ended with 73 points, while Binghamton came away with 83.
-30-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 10, 2005 Brian DePasquale/5 18-442-3072
ALBAN
UALBANY PLACES 52 ON AMERICA EAST FALL ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL
Boston, Mass. — Shelby Goldman, Ashlee Reed and Ashley Hunter, first-team all-
conference players who led UAlbany to its first-ever America East Conference women’s
volleyball championship, lead a group of 52 University at Albany student-athletes who have
been named to the 2004 America East Fall Academic Honor Roll.
The athletes, who earned a grade point average of 3.0 or higher, were members of teams
in the six championship sports which the conference offered in the fall season, including
men’s and women’s cross country, field hockey, men’s and women’s soccer and women's
volleyball.
UAlbany also had 21 student-athletes on the Commissioner’s Honor Roll after posting a
3.50 GPA and above during the 2004 fall semester. Nicole Susser (Colonie Central), who
finished in 14th place at the ECAC women’s cross country championships, and teammate
Theresa Juva, each recorded perfect 4.0 GPAs.
2004 America East Conference Fall Academic Honor Roll
Men’s Cross Country: Andy Allstadt, Chris Pierson.
@ Womens Cross Country: Adanna Andrews, Anisha Andrews, Jenny Boshco, Maureen
Brown, Trista Neinast, Theresa Juva, Alysssa Lotmore, Jennifer Russell, Nicole Susser, All
Wiederhold.
Women’s Field Hockey: Danielle Costello, Kristi Clausi, Barbara Czaplinski, Shelley
Gebhardt, Amber Greiner, Alexis Jonnson, Susan Kioko, Amber Morris, Cheryl Varga, Amber
Wade.
Men’s Soccer: George Friedman, Yan Gbolo, Matthew Hall, Stephan Hall, Alex Kuritzky,
Hugo Osorio, Nicos Savva, Jonathan Stroud, Savvas Theofilou.
Women’s Soccer: Jessica Campbell, Jennifer Donohue, Meghan Garrity, Alicia Gibson,
Jessica Insana, Katie Johnson, Ashley Jurica, Kate Lawler, Catherine Nicholson, Uju
Ogbuawa, Leslie Russell, Patricia Sotirakis, Morgan Warwick.
Women’s Volleyball: Ashley Crenshaw, Jill Dombrowski, Ashley DeNeal, Shelby Goldman,
Ashley Hunter, Ashlee Reed, Susan Spierre.
-30-
AN Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
ALBAN
For Immediate Release For Further Information
February 9, 2005 Brian DePasquale/5 18-442-3072
BINGHAMTON DEFEATS UALBANY MEN’S BASKETBALL 67-53
Vestal, N.Y. — Schafer Jackson scored 15 points and Jordan Fithian added 10, as
Binghamton won its third straight with a 67-53 America East Conference victory over UAlbany
on Wednesday evening at Events Center.
Binghamton (8-14, AE 5-8) held the visitors scoreless for more than four minutes to start the
game en route to an 8-0 lead. Jackson, who had 10 first-half points, scored on the left
baseline to push the lead to double figures.
Later leading 24-12, Andre Heard hit a layup after a steal. Jackson, who made 5-of-7 from
the field, followed with one of his three 3-pointers from left of the circle. The Bearcats held
UAlbany (11-11, AE 7-6) to 2-of-17 shooting and forced 10 turnovers in the half.
The Great Danes, who have lost four straight on the road, trailed by as much as 20 points
early in the final period. But Kirsten Zoellner hit a slam dunk off an inbounds pass to close
the gap to 41-28 with 14:40 remaining. The Bearcats, who avenged a 68-62 loss to UAlbany
back on Jan. 12, then pulled away for good. Jackson canned another three-pointer before
e- Billings, a 7-foot center, made a turnaround jumper on the left baseline.
“They are physical and they bang you for 40 minutes,” UAlbany coach Will Brown
commented. “They have as much talent as anyone in the league. We competed, but didn’t
play well. We fought ourselves when we didn’t make shots early.”
Jamar Wilson was the only UAlbany player in double figures with 15 points, extending his
streak to 21 straight. Brent Wilson added eight points and six rebounds off the bench.
“| didn't get things to go in the first half,” said Jamar Wilson, whose team shot a season-worst
2/.9 percent from the floor. “I was immature at times and rushed things. They just kept
executing throughout the game and buried us into the hole.”
3H.
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
AN For Immediate Release For Futher Information
ALB AN February 8, 2004 Brianna LaBrecque/518-442-5733
BURNS AND LOTMORE EARN AMERICA EAST WEEKLY TRACK HONORS
Boston, Mass. — University at Aloany’s Gered Burns (Guilderland) and Alyssa Lotmore (Bishop
Maginn) were named America East Conference Track Performers of the Week, as announced by the
conference office on Tuesday, February 8.
Burns earned his first weekly award of the season after a top-notch performance at the Fifth Annual
New Balance Collegiate Invitational at the New York City Armory on Saturday. Burns, the 2004 IC4A
champion in this event, finished second in the championship division of the 800-meter run, posting a
season-best time of 1:49.50.
Burns tied his own school record that was set one year ago, met the NCAA provisional-qualifying
standard, and registered the eighth-best time in the nation this season. Burns, a junior, had been
undefeated until the Collegiate Invitational, where he finished behind Arkansas’ two-time All-American
James Hatch. He defeated several other All-America runners, including athletes from Tennessee,
Illinois and Louisiana State.
Lotmore, who also competed at the Collegiate Invitational, earns her first conference honors of the
@e*eason after finishing sixth in the championship division of the mile with a time of 4:55. Lotmore, a
sophomore, set the school record in the indoor mile earlier this season with a time of 4:53.29.
-30-
