N Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
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For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 30, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
ST. JOHN’S DEFEATS UALBANY IN FOUR GAMES IN NCAA FIRST ROUND
Albany, N.Y. — Hui Ping Huang had 20 kills and 11 digs to lead St. John’s to a 3-1 victory over
UAlbany in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Volleyball Tournament on Thursday evening
before 1,415 fans at University Gymnasium. The Red Storm, who won by a scores of 30-21,
23-30, 30-22, 30-22, advanced to the Friday’s second round against ninth-ranked Minnesota,
a winner in three games against Siena.
Huang, a 6-foot-2 sophomore from China, was dominant in the final two games when
she totaled 13 kills. St. John’s (81-4) broke a 12-12 tie in third with seven of the game's next
eight points. Huang jump-started the run with a kill and a service ace. Latoya Blunt and Patti
Hardimon also scored off attacks. Hardimon, who had 18 digs, added the final point of the
stanza on one of her 11 kills.
In the fourth, the Red Storm led 19-18, but then ripped off six straight points to take
control. Dana DeMayo produced a kill and a service ace in that decisive run. Caitlin Rimgaila
had three of her 15 kills in the last six points of the match to close out the victory.
“It was a great environment for women’s volleyball,” said St. John’s coach Joanne
Gy eisico-Smin, who led her team to the Big East Conference’s regular-season title. “UAlbany
played an outstanding match. We made some switches on defense, which helped create our
rhythm.”
UAlbany (19-13) bounced back from losing the first game to draw even in the second.
The Great Danes reeled off four unanswered points to take a 13-9 lead. Ashley DeNeal, the
America East Conference Tournament’s most outstanding player, dumped a kill for a winner
and added a service ace to get things started. Shelby Goldman had five of her team-high 18
kills to keep her squad ahead the rest of the way in the frame. She completed a double-
double effort with 12 digs.
“St. John’s didn’t let us breathe at all,” said UAlbany coach Kelly Sheffield, who led the
Great Danes to their second NCAA appearance in the last three years. “They picked up on
Stuff that other opponents haven’t. When you host (the NCAAs), you want to go out and play
with courage. With our four seniors, you want to see them leave it all out on the court.”
Blunt, a 6’1” junior, finished with 13 kills for the Red Storm, who went a perfect 14-0 in
conference regular-season play. Wioleta Leszczynska had 61 assists from her setter
position. UAlbany’s Kamisha Kellam and Ashley Crenshaw totaled 16 and 10 kills,
respectively.
“Nobody wants to go out with a loss,” said Goldman, a three-time all-conference
outside hitter. “But it was nice to go out in front of such a huge crowd. | have never seen that
many fans for volleyball. It hurts to lose, but it was a great season and a great crowd.”
® 30.
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 29, 2006 Hoffman Wolff / 518-442-4511
UALBANY MEN’S INDOOR TRACK PICKED FIRST IN A-EAST, WOMEN CHOSEN SECOND
Boston, Mass. — In a poll of league coaches, the UAlbany men’s indoor track team was chosen to
finish first in the America East Conference, as announced by the conference office on Wednesday,
Nov. 29. The women’s team was picked to finish second out of nine teams.
The men’s team, which won the America East championship last season, received all eight
possible first-place votes. The squad will return sophomores Joe Greene, who set a UAlbany record
of 47.41 in the 400-meters and finished third at the |C4A meet, and Pat Weider, who won last
season's 200-meter dash at the America East Championship. Also coming back are junior Ricardo
Estremera, the team’s top finisher in the mile at the A-East championship, and sophomore Freddie
Wills, one of the Great Danes’ top jumpers. New Hampshire was given the conference’s other first-
place vote.
Head Coach Roberto Vives’ women’s squad, which received two of eight possible first-place
votes, also looks to challenge for the conference title. Three winners of individual events at last year’s
America East meet return: senior Adanna Andrews (500-meters), sophomore Kamilah McShine
(55-meter hurdles) and sophomore Ritshell Verdier (shot put). The first-place 4x800 meter relay
team and the second-place distance medley team will also be back. Defending champion Boston
University was awarded the other seven first-place votes on the women’s side.
e Both teams will start their seasons at Yale’s Season Opener on Dec. 9.
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2006-07 America East Indoor Track Coaches’ Poll
MEN
1. UAlbany (8) 64, 2. New Hampshire (1) 55, 3. Boston University 47, 4. UMBC 44, 5. Binghamton
39, 6. Maine 22, 7. Stony Brook 19, 8. Vermont 18, 9. Hartford 9.
WOMEN
1. Boston University (7) 63, 2. UAlbany (2) 58, 3. New Hampshire 47, 4. Maine 37, T5. UMBC 32, T5.
Vermont 32, 7. Binghamton 31, 8. Stony Brook 16, 9. Hartford 8.
SIMPSON NAMED TO ECAC DIVISION | FIELD HOCKEY ALL-STAR TEAM
Cape Cod, Mass. — UAlbany junior midfielder Michelle Simpson was selected to the ECAC Division |
Field Hockey All-Star team on Wednesday, Nov. 29.
The America East Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year, Simpson is currently 11th on the
UAlbany career points chart (35) and 10th in all-time goals (14). In her first season with the team, the
Middlesbrough, England, native scored 14 goals and added seven assists as the Great Danes went
12-7 overall. UAlbany earned a share of the program’s first-ever America East regular-season
championship by going 4-1 in league play.
-3(0-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 28, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
LBA
es
UALBANY RANKED NO. 20 IN INSIDE LACROSSE PRESEASON POLL
M
Baltimore, Md. — Inside Lacrosse has released the 2007 Face-Off Yearbook Top 25
Preseason Rankings as announced by the national publication on Tuesday afternoon.
UAlbany is No. 20 in the poll. Defending national champion Virginia is the top-ranked team.
The Great Danes, who made their fifth consecutive appearance in the America East
Conference championship final last year, are coming off an 8-7 campaign. Head coach Scott
Marr, a U.S. Team assistant at the 2006 World Championships, returns for his seventh
season at the helm.
UAlbany will feature a potent attack that was third nationally in scoring at 11.73 goals
per game. Frank Resetarits, the top scorer in Division I, totaled 45 goals and 19 assists,
while Merrick Thomson added 31 goals and 11 assists. Brett Queener, a first-team all-
conference goalkeeper, posted a .577 save percentage as a junior. Jordan Levine, an All-
America East midfielder, was eighth among the nation’s leaders in ground balls with a 5.87
average, plus had 14 goals and 13 assists.
Johns Hopkins and Syracuse are ranked second and third, respectively, in the Inside
@ 25° poll. UAlbany will meet both teams on this year’s schedule, including the season
opener with the Blue Jays on Saturday, Feb. 24.
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2007 Inside Lacrosse / Face-Off Yearbook Preseason Top 25
1. Virginia, 2. Johns Hopkins, 3. Syracuse, 4. Princeton, 5. Georgetown, 6. Duke, 7.
Maryland, 8. Cornell, 9. Navy, 10. Massachusetts, 11. Towson, 12. Loyola, Md., 13.
Pennsylvania, 14. Denver, 15. Hofstra, 16. Notre Dame, 17. Penn State, 18. UMBC, 19.
Delaware, 20. UAlbany, 21. North Carolina, 22. Dartmouth, 23. Harvard, 24. Army, 25.
Hobart.
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Page 1 of 2
Brian R Depasquale
From: Adam O'Neill [adam @insidelacrosse.com]
Sent: | Tuesday, November 28, 2006 11:41 AM
To: Adam O'Neill
Ce: Patrick Fischer; Jason Yellin; Stacie Michaud; Dave Lohse; carroll.64@nd.edu; pad11 @psu.edu;
Mike Mahoney; jprice @ princeton.edu; mdmorris @ syr.edu; Schlehr, Peter; slevy @ umbc.edu;
mcc7k@virginia.edu; twmilajecki@loyola.edu; Ernie Larossa; Stephen Gorchov;
sulliv2 @fas.harvard.edu; Brian R Depasquale; Zuhlke, J. MR ODIA; Julie Greco;
kathy.phillips @ dartmouth.edu; selheime @ udel.edu; ebacher @ du.edu; chasea @ duke.edu;
mbc32 @ georgetown.edu; debolt @hws.edu
Subject: Men's College Lacrosse Top 25 Pre-Season Rankings Out
For Immediate Release
November 28, 2006
Contact: Adam O'Neill
Phone: 410-583-8740 x104
Please do not "reply all" to this e-mail
Inside Lacrosse, Face-Off Yearbook release top 25 rankings
Story link: http://www.insidelacrosse.com/page.cfm?pagerid=2&news=fdetail&storyid=141432
Baltimore, Md.- Inside Lacrosse has released the Face-Off Yearbook Top 25 Pre-Season Rankings for the 2007
men's college lacrosse season.
Defending National Champion Virginia earned the top ranking, followed by Johns Hopkins. NCAA Semifinalist
Syracuse is third, with Princeton and Georgetown rounding out the top five.
Duke and Maryland are sixth and seventh, followed by Cornell and Navy. NCAA National runner-up
Massachusetts is tenth.
Face-Off Yearbook, the most referenced preview guide for men's college lacrosse, will be released next weekend
at the IMLCA Clinic in Baltimore.
Face-Off Yearbook features previews of every NCAA and NJCAA men’s lacrosse team, spanning all Dl, DII, DIl
and JuCo squads. The publication contains rankings, pre-season All-Americans, All-Conference selections,
strength of schedule analysis, stats and more. Conference rankings and All-America selections will be released in
the coming days. For a complete schedule of when information will be released, see below.
In addition to the Top 25 teams released today, this year Face-Off has ranked every men's Division | team, No. 1
2007 Face-Off Yearbook Top 25
Rk Team 2006 Record
1 Virginia 17-0
2 Johns Hopkins 9-5
3 Syracuse 10-5
4 Princeton 11-5
5 Georgetown 11-3
6 Duke 6-2
7 Maryland 12-5
11/28/2006
Page 2 of 2
8 Cornell 11
9 Navy 11-4
© 10 Massachusetts Ta
11 Towson 8-6
12 Loyola 6-6
13 Pennsylvania 10-4
14 Denver 12-5
15 Hofstra 17-2
16 Notre Dame 10-5
17 Penn State 8-5
18 UMBC 10-5
19 Delaware 12-5
20 Albany 8-7
21 North Carolina 4-10
22 Dartmouth 8-7
23 Harvard 6-7
24 Army 8-7
25 Hobart 6-8
Face-Off Yearbook Rankings and All-Americans
Check Insidelacrosse.com all week for rankings and All-America selections. The schedule of release of
information is below:
®@ Nov. 28: DI, DIl, Dill and JuCo National Rankings
Nov. 30: DI Pre-Season Conference Rankings
Dec. 1: DI All-Conference Teams
Dec. 4: DI, Dil, DIIl Pre-Season All-Americans
Dec. 5: Dill All-Conference Rankings and Teams
Dec. 6: Dll All-Conference Rankings and Teams
Adam O'Neill
Online Editor
Inside Lacrosse
Ph: 410-583-8740 x104
Cell: 301-332-7472
Fax: 410-296-8296
www.insidelacrosse.com
11/28/2006
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 26, 2006 Brianna LaBrecque / 518-442-5733
UALBANY VOLLEYBALL SET TO HOST FIRST ROUND OF NCAA TOURNAMENT
Albany, N.Y. — The University at Albany has been chosen to host the first and second rounds of the
2006 NCAA Division | Women’s Volleyball Tournament, as announced on Sunday, Nov. 26. UAlbany
will face St. John’s on Thursday, Nov. 30, at 8 p.m., while Siena will take on eighth-ranked Minnesota
at 6 p.m. The winners will meet in the second round on Friday, Dec. 1.
UAlbany (19-12) won its third-straight America East Conference regular season title and the
conference championship for the second time in three years. The Great Danes are led by senior
outside hitters Shelby Goldman (4.22 kpg) and Ashley DeNeal (2.72 kpg, 3.73 dpg) and senior setter
Blair Buchanan (11.27 apg), who was named the America East player and setter of the year for the
third time.
St. John’s (30-4) claimed its first Big East Conference regular season title before falling to
Notre Dame in the tournament semifinals. The Red Storm are led by sophomore Hui Ping Huang,
who averages 3.82 kills per game, and sophomore libero Kathleen Yee, who was named the Big
East’s libero of the year.
Siena (22-12) won its second straight Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference title to earn the
conference’s automatic bid. The Saints are paced by MAAC Rookie of the Year Burgandy McCurty,
who averages 3.26 kills per game.
Eighth-ranked Minnesota (23-7) finished second in the Big Ten, behind Penn State. The
eons Gophers, in their 12th NCAA Tournament appearance, are led by senior middle blocker
Meredith Nelson, who averages 3.27 kills per game, and junior middle blocker Jessy Jones, who
posts 1.30 blocks per game.
Team pairings were determined by geographical proximity, with the exception that teams from
the same conference were not paired during the first and second rounds. Teams winning both
matches will move on to regional play December 8 and 9. The pre-determined regional sites are
Austin, Texas; Gainesville, Florida; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Seattle, Washington. The regional winners
will advance to the semifinals and final hosted by Nebraska at the Qwest Center in Omaha,
Nebraska, on December 14 and 16.
All-session tickets will be $10 for adults, $6 For students and senior citizens and $4 for children
under 12. An all-session pass will include a ticket for each round of play. All-session tickets will be
available on Monday, Nov. 27 at 9 a.m. by calling the UAlbany Box Office at (518) 442-4683.
Individual tickets will go on sale on Thursday, Nov. 30th. Individual session passes will cost $6 for
adults, $5 for students and senior citizens, and $4 for children under 12. All seating for this event is
general admission. The UAlbany Box Office is open in the Physical Education Building Monday -
Friday 9-4 p.m., and by calling (518) 442-4683.
UAlbany Athletics - Stories Page | of 1
NO. 18 CONNECTICUT HAS SIX IN DOUBLE FIGURES IN 86-55 VICTORY OVER UALBANY
Storrs, Conn. -- Freshman Gavin Edwards scored 16 points and Marcus Johnson added 14 in leading No.
18 Connecticut to an 86-55 victory over UAlbany on Sunday evening before a capacity crowd of 10,167 at
Gampel Pavilion. The Huskies extended their home winning streak to 24 straight games.
In a matchup between two teams that staged a memorable battle in last year's NCAA Tournament,
UAlbany (2-2) led 18-17 after the opening 10 minutes. But Connecticut (5-0) came back with seven straight
points to go ahead for good. Edwards, a freshman who added five rebounds, converted a three-point play
when he was fouled on a shot in the lane to put his team in front.
The Huskies still led 25-22 with less than eight minutes to play in the period, but then reeled off 13
unanswered points. Freshman guard Jerome Dyson had five of his 12 markers in that run, while Johnson
added four. UConn took a commanding 47-31 lead to the break by shooting 64 percent from the field.
"We lost this game in the first half with the 21 points they scored off turnovers," said UAlbany head coach
Will Brown. "UConn is a young, talented team that played with a lot of energy. We didn't handle their pressure
well and got rattled, plus some of our key guys got into foul trouble."
Hasheem Thabeet, a freshman from Tanzania, totaled 12 points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots
for the Huskies, whose lead hovered around 20 most of the second half until things got out of hand in the final
five minutes. Jeff Adrien was the sixth player in double figures with 11 points and seven rebounds.
Jamar Wilson had 18 points and five steals for the Great Danes, who were unraveled by 21 turnovers that
led to 35 UConn points. Jason Siggers had 16 points and seven rebounds. UAlbany was held to 35.2-percent
shooting from the floor.
"We are still trying find ourselves and need to keep making positive strides," said Jamar Wilson. "They are
a young groups of kids who are playing hungry. They took pride in playing defense."
http://www.albany.edu/sports/stories.htm 11/28/2006
HN Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
ALBAN
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 26, 2006 Brianna LaBrecque / 518-442-5733
UALBANY WOMEN’S BASKETBALL DEFEATS HOLY CROSS, 63-50
Albany, N.Y. — UAlbany scored 14 unanswered points over the course of six minutes in the second
half, and hit 7-of-10 free throws in the final two minutes of the game to seal a 63-50 non-conference
win over Holy Cross on Sunday afternoon at the SEFCU Arena.
Holy Cross (3-4) jumped out to an 11-1 lead on a 3-pointer by Laura Aloisi at the 16:15 mark of
the first half. UAlbany then embarked on an 8-0 run to pull within three, 12-9, with 12:07 on the clock.
The Crusaders built their lead back up to eight, 22-14, but the Great Danes would score nine
unanswered points to get up by two, 24-22, on a 3-pointer by freshman guard Charity lromuanya with
just over four minutes left in the half.
Bethany O’Dell and Brittany Keil hit back-to-back treys within 15 seconds to give Holy Cross a
six-point lead entering the final minute of the first half. Senior center Kaitlin Foley converted a layup at
24 seconds, but Sherri Mikus hit a shot from beyond the 3-point arc with eight ticks left to cut the lead
to five, 34-29, as the teams headed to the locker room.
lromuanya, who totaled five points for the Great Danes, knocked down two free throws at
13:05 of the second half to give UAlbany a one-point lead, 39-38. Junior forward Kristin Higy dropped
in two free throws of her own at 11:15 to build the lead up to five. Higy, who finished with eight points,
also recorded four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
e Holy Cross pulled back to within two, 46-44, on a layup by Kathy Gruzynski, but the Great
Danes kicked off their 14-0 run to get ahead 58-44 with just 2:09 remaining.
Mikus led UAlbany with 17 points, including a 6-for-6 performance from the free throw line.
Mikus added six boards, four steals and two assists. Amanda Ward recorded her fifth double-digit
point total in six games, netting 10. Sophomore center Devran Tanacan exploded off the boards with
10 for the Great Danes, who outrebounded their opponents 44-36.
O’Dell and Keil each recorded 12 points for Holy Cross. Keil also led the Crusaders with eight
rebounds. Aloisi recorded 11 points to go along with a game-high seven assists, five rebounds and
five steals.
UAlbany (2-4) will return to action on Sunday, Dec. 3, hosting defending Patriot League
Champion Army at 2 p.m.
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i Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
ALB AN For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 25, 2006 Brianna LaBrecque / 518-442-5733
UALBANY VOLLEYBALL ENDS REGULAR SEASON WITH LOSS TO LONG BEACH STATE
Long Beach, Calif. — Alexis Crimes recorded a match-high 19 kills and Long Beach State produced
10 total blocks as the 49ers swept UAlbany, 3-0, on the final day of the Baden Thanksgiving Classic
on Saturday evening.
Long Beach State (24-5) cruised to victories in all three games, winning with scores of 30-23,
30-17 and 30-17.
senior outside hitter Ashley DeNeal led the Great Danes with nine kills and six digs while
sophomore middle blocker Hillary White totaled eight kills, four digs and two block assists. Senior
setter Blair Buchanan recorded 30 assists, eight digs and four kills for UAlbany.
Mariko Crum also notched double-digit kill totals for Long Beach State, finishing with 10 to go
along with five total blocks. Iris Murray led the 49ers defensively with a match-high 12 digs while
Talaya Whitfield posted 11 digs. Nicole Vargas tallied 38 assists, nine digs, five kills, two service
aces and two block assists for Long Beach State.
UAlbany (19-12) will return to the East Coast on Sunday, Nov. 26, where the team will await
their match-up for the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The 64-team field will be named in the
NCAA's selection show, televised on ESPNews from 3-4 p.m. ET.
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HN Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
ALBAN
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 24, 2006 Brianna LaBrecque / 518-442-5733
UALBANY VOLLEYBALL FALLS TO SANTA BARBARA IN BADEN THANKSGIVING CLASSIC
Long Beach, Calif. — Jamie Garbisch recorded a match-high 22 kills to lead the University of
California, Santa Barbara to a 3-1 win over non-conference UAlbany on the first day of the Baden
Thanksgiving Tournament, on Friday afternoon at Long Beach State’s Walter Pyramid.
UC Santa Barbara (18-11) won the first game, 30-28, but the Great Danes evened the score
by taking game two, 30-25. The Gauchos rolled to a 30-18 win in game three before holding out fora
30-25 win in the fourth and final stanza.
UAlbany (19-11) was led by senior outside hitter Shelby Goldman, who recorded her 18th
double-double of the season with a team-high 16 kills and18 digs. Senior outside hitter Ashley
DeNeal also added a double-double of the kill-dig variety with 13 and 18, respectively. Senior setter
Blair Buchanan recorded 51 assists, nine digs, five kills and two service aces for the Great Danes,
while sophomore middle blocker Kamisha Kellam notched seven total blocks and nine kills.
Garbisch completed the double-double for the Gauchos, adding 12 digs. Olivia Waldowski
recorded 19 kills while Emily Hendrickson paced the team defensively, tallying 23 digs. Brett Quirarte
added 13 kills and two total blocks for UC Santa Barbara.
UAlbany will conclude the tournament, a tune-up for post-season play, on Saturday, facing off
against Long Beach State at 6 p.m. ET. The Great Danes will return to the East Coast on Sunday,
@.. 26, when they will find out their first-round match-up for the NCAA Tournament.
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Baden Thanksgiving Classic
UC Santa Barbara 3, UAlbany 1 (30-28, 25-30, 30-18, 30-25)
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Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 23, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
ALBAN
UALBANY SENDS THREE PLAYERS TO 2006 EAST COAST BOWL ON SATURDAY
Petersburg, Va. — University at Albany’s Jacob Hobbs (Schenectady), Rashad Barksdale
(Hudson) and Andre Coleman have been selected to play in the 2006 East Coast Bowl, a
college football all-star game that features 75 of the best seniors from Division I-AA, Il, Ill and
NAIA programs from across the Mid-Atlantic Region.
The 6th Annual East Coast Bowl will be played on Saturday, Nov. 25 at historic
Cameron Field in Petersburg, Va. The all-star contest is co-sponsored by the city of
Petersburg and the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. All revenue
generated is used to award a scholarship for a local high school senior who plans on
attending a Division I-AA, II or III college.
Hobbs, a 6-foot-4, 325-pound offensive tackle, blocked for a unit that averaged 193.7
rushing yards and nearly 300 total yards against conference opponents. He earned first-team
All-Northeast Conference recognition.
Coleman, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound defensive end, made his second consecutive
appearance on the AII-NEC first team. He accounted for 42 tackles and led the team in hits
@” a loss (13.0) and sacks (6.0). UAlbany ranked among the NCAA leaders in several
categories, including sixth in scoring defense at 13.0 points per game.
Barksdale, a senior cornerback, made a significant impact in his only season with the
UAlbany football program after playing on the school’s baseball team the previous two years.
He totaled 37 tackles, three interceptions and three pass break-ups.
All three UAlbany players are members of the North roster and will be coached by Jim
Barker, General Manager of the Canadian Football League’s Calgary Stampeders.
The East Coast Bowl Committee gathered more than 250 nominations for this year’s
game. Players will have not only have an opportunity to showcase their ability in front of
professional scouts, but will soend the Thanksgiving holiday weekend with community
members that are less fortunate, including visits to community centers, convalescent homes
and children’s hospitals.
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Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 22, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
ALBAN
COLIN DISCH NAMED NORTHEAST CONFERENCE DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Great Danes Place Six Players on All-Conference First Team
Albany, N.Y. — University at Albany’s Colin Disch has been named the Northeast Conference
Defensive Player of the Year for the second consecutive season, as voted by the league's head
coaches. The Great Danes placed six players on the all-conference first team and four more were
second-team selections.
Disch, a three-time first-team AII-NEC linebacker, becomes the third player in conference
history to earn the league’s top defensive player award twice in a career. He recorded 100-plus
tackles for the third straight season (103) and added 11 hits for a loss, four pass break-ups, two
forced fumbles and one interception. He ranks third on the school’s all-time tackles list with 346. A
junior from North Plainfield, N.J., Disch led a defensive unit that is fourth nationally in total defense
(240.8 ypg), fifth in rushing yards allowed (90.2 ypg) and sixth in scoring (13.0 ppg) among the NCAA
Division I-AA leaders.
Jacob Anderson, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound offensive tackle, made the All-NEC squad for the
third consecutive year. Anderson, a two-time first-team selection, paved the way for an offense that
averaged 193.7 rushing yards against league opponents. Andre Coleman, a 6-foot-4, 290-pound
defensive end, was named to the first team for the second year in a row. Coleman made 42 tackles
and led the Great Danes in hits for a loss (13.0) and sacks (6.0).
© Other first-team All-NEC members were offensive tackle Jacob Hobbs (Schenectady),
defensive tackle Michael Dungey and punter Chris Lynch. Hobbs, a 6-foot-4, 325-pound lineman,
was a Starter for the second straight year. Dungey (6-2, 275) had 34 tackles, including eight for
losses. Lynch averaged 38.8 yards per attempt, and booted a career-long 70-yarder during the
season.
Place-kicker Jason Fralicker led a group of four players who were chosen to the AIl-NEC
second team. Fralicker set a single-season record with 13 field goals and connected on 25-of-25
point-after attempts. He led the team in scoring with 64 points, the ninth-best total in the program’s
history. Offensive guard Sam Pagano (Colonie Central) and center Pierce Brennan were second-
team offensive linemen. Pagano made his second consecutive appearance on the All-NEC squad.
Mike Wall, a junior flanker, was honored as a kick return specialist. He averaged 24.9 yards per
kickoff return and 13.7 yards on punt returns. Wall, who caught 15 passes for 217 yards and two
touchdowns as a receiver, also blocked three punts.
UAlbany (7-4, NEC 5-2) tied for the second place in the conference standings in 2006. The
Great Danes have posted seven or more victories in eight of the last 11 seasons.
meen
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 21, 2006 Brianna LaBrecque / 518-442-5733
ALBAN
UALBANY MEN’S BASKETBALL DROPS FIRST ROAD GAME TO SACRED HEART
Fairfield, Conn. — Chauncey Hardy and Joey Henley scored 15 points apiece to pace six players in
double figures in leading Sacred Heart to a 90-71 victory over UAlbany on Tuesday evening at
William H. Pitt Center.
Sacred Heart (2-3) made 12-of-27 from three-point range and shot 54.2 percent from the field
to bounce back from a nine-point road loss at Lehigh two days earlier.
"We played like we were supposed to win,” said UAlbany head coach Will Brown. “They shot
the ball extremely well and it was a poor effort by us defensively. They extended us and it was just a
lack of focus."
Freshman guard Ryan Litke had a career-high 14 points, including four 3-pointers. His long-
range shot from the left corner gave his team a commanding 73-55 advantage with 7:47 remaining.
Luke Granato added 12 points, while All-Northeast Conference guard Jarrid Frye added 11.
UAlbany (2-1) continued to struggle on the defensive end in the final period, as the Pioneers
made 16-of-24 field goals. The effort offset Brent Wilson's career-high 29 points. Wilson, a 6-foot-8
junior, made six 3-pointers and grabbed nine rebounds. Jamar Wilson and Brian Lillis added 17 and
11 points, respectively.
"We didn't come ready to play,” said Brent Wilson. “We scored enough points, but when you
give up 90 you are not giving yourself a chance. We have been spoiled the first two games playing
@" front of big crowds. Tonight we needed to create our own energy."
sacred Heart built a 47-36 halftime lead on the strength of eight 3-point field goals in the
period. The Pioneers trailed 19-18 midway through the period, but wiped that out with seven straight
points. Hardy, who came off the bench to score 11 first-half points, hit one of his three long-range
jumpers in that run. Still leading 41-36, Granato canned a three-pointer and Henley converted a
three-point play when he was fouled on a drive to the hoop.
UALBANY WOMEN’S BASKETBALL FALLS TO VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH, 67-55
Richmond, Va. — Quanitra Hollingsworth scored a game-high 22 points to lead Virginia
Commonwealth to a 67-55 win over non-conference opponent UAlbany on Tuesday evening at the
Siegel Center.
The Great Danes would take a three-point lead, 5-2, in the early moments of the game on
back-to-back baskets by freshman guard Britney McGee, who knocked down a three pointer, and
junior forward Kristin Higy, who converted a layup at 16:50. Virginia Commonwealth’s D’Andra Moss
hit a jumper to cut the lead to one, and was fouled less than 30 seconds later, hitting one of two free
throws to tie the contest at 5-5. LakKea Jones gave the Rams the lead for good at 15:38, converting a
free throw of her own.
Virginia Commonwealth (4-0) would not look back from that point, building a 20-point lead, 39-
19, by halftime. UAlbany (1-4) would attempt to mount a comeback in the second half, pulling within
15, 46-31, on a Higy layup at 13:19. The Rams would not fold, however, as Jones put the team back
@” by 20, 60-40, with just over five minutes remaining.
CONTINUED
UALBANY ATHLETICS
PAGE 2 of 2
McGee, who scored a team-high 15 points for the Great Danes, and Gia Sanders combined
3... the final seven points to set the final 67-55 deficit. Sanders finished with 11 points, seven boards,
three assists, three steals and a career-high six blocks to lead UAlbany across the board. McGee
added a game-high five steals and three assists for the Great Danes.
“We played a good 20 minutes in the second half, but a game is two halves,” said UAlbany
head coach Trina Patterson, whose team wrapped up a four-game road stretch with tonight's
contest. “| am pleased with the effort, but rebounding is still a concern. We will use the break to
improve.”
Hollingsworth added a game-high eight rebounds, two blocks and a steal for Virginia
Commonwealth, while Krystal Vaughn added 16 points and seven boards. Michele Cosel was the
final player for the Rams in double-digit scoring, chipping in 11 points.
UAlbany will be back in action after the Thanksgiving break, returning to the SEFCU Arena to
host non-conference foe Holy Cross on Sunday, Nov. 26.
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 20, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
LBA
=
STEPHAN HALL NAMED TO ESPN THE MAGAZINE ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA SOCCER TEAM
Toledo, Ohio — University at Albany’s Stephan Hall has been chosen to the ESPN The
Magazine University Division Men’s Soccer Academic All-America Team, as voted by CoSIDA
(College Sports Information Directors of America). Hall, a graduate student, was voted to the first
team for the second consecutive year. He is one of four UAlbany student-athletes to be
recognized on a national all-academic first team in the athletic program’s Division | history.
Hall, who is presently pursuing his master’s degree in information technology systems,
graduated last May with a B.S. in urban planning and minors in history and psychology by posting
a 3.98 cumulative grade point average.
A two-time UAlbany captain, Hall started all 19 matches as a defender and was second on
team in scoring with two goals and two assists in 2006. He led the Great Danes to a fourth-place
finish in the America East Conference standings and the program’s third consecutive postseason
tournament berth. Hall, a two-time all-conference selection, was a starter in all 74 matches as a
collegian and totaled 10 goals and 15 assists.
Hall, who was recently named to the America East all-academic squad, has been selected
as the conference's scholar-athlete of the year in men’s soccer on two occasions. In 2005-06, he
was awarded an ECAC Merit Medal as the school’s top senior male student-athlete and was the
@ ccipient of the Chancellor's Scholar-Athlete Award. He recently served as vice president of the
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
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|
UAlbany’s Division | First-Team Academic All-Americans
2006: Stephan Hall (men’s soccer)
2005: Stephan Hall (men’s soccer)
2004: Victor Camacho (football)
2003: Emil Bove (men’s lacrosse)
2000: J.T. Herfurth (football)
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, November 21, 2006
Contact: Bernadette Cafarelli, University of Notre Dame, 574-631-8458 or cafarelli.1 @nd.edu
SMU's Wideman and Ohio Wesleyan's Warren Head
2006 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America® Men’s Soccer Team
NOTRE DAME, Ind. — Senior goalkeeper Matt Wideman of Southern Methodist University and senior
defender Josh Warren of Ohio Wesleyan University, each of whom led their teams into the NCAA tournament,
head the 2006 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America® Men's Soccer Teams, as selected by the College
Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
A Fairview, Texas native, Wideman helped SMU to the number three seed in the NCAA Division I
tournament. A first-team Conference USA selection with a 3.83 GPA in finance, Wideman ranks seventh
nationally with a 0.51 goals against average and is | 1th with an .859 save percentage.
Warren has Ohio Wesleyan alive in the NCAA Division HI tournament. The Fort Wayne, Ind. native is a
two-time Academic All-America first team selection with a 4.0 GPA in zoology. The unbeaten Battling Bishops
are 15-0-6 with 15 shutouts and will face Wheaton (IIl.) in an NCAA semifinal game on Nov. 24.
The University Division first team features three players with perfect 4.0 grade point averages or higher,
including Dartmouth's Nick Chistman, UAB's Lukasz Kwapisz, and Columbia's Gregg Cass. Repeating on the
first team are Albany's Stephan Hall and Delaware's Matt Haney.
In addition to Warren, the College Division first team features three other athletes at 4.0 or higher.
Warren's teammate Jamison Dague, MIT senior Ryan Scheffler, and University of Rochester senior Brian Tuohy.
Scheffler and Andrew Winters of St. Norbert College are repeat first-team selections.
The Academic All-America® Teams program honors 816 male and female student-athletes annually who
have succeeded at the highest level on the playing field and in the classroom. Individuals are selected through
voting by CoSIDA, the College Sports Information Directors of America; a 2,000-member organization consisted
of sports public relations professionals for colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.
To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative grade point
average of 3.20 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current
institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director. Since the program’s inception in 1952,
CoSIDA has bestowed Academic All-America honors on more than 14,000 student-athletes in Divisions I, I, HI
and NAIA covering all NCAA championship sports.
ESPN The Magazine — winner of the 2003 National Magazine Award for General Excellence — is a
provocative and innovative sports publication. Full of insight, analysis, impact and wit, the oversized bi-weekly
with a circulation of 1.85 million looks ahead to give fans a unique perspective on the world of sports.
For more information about the Academic All-America Teams program, please visit www.cosida.com or
e-mail rlipe@bentley.edu.
COLLEGE SPORTS
INFORMATION
DIRECTORS
OF AMERICA
CoSIDA
MAN NNOOVCVVZSZ
Pos.
GK
Hague eS
7
Name
Matt Wideman
Jeff Stepan
Nick Christman
Tyler Hemming
Stephan Hall
Matt Haney
Greg Cass
Devin Sheppard
George Josten
Lukasz Kwapisz
Eugene Brooks
Name
Chay Cain
Eric Burkholder
Mac Wilkie
Ryan Overdevest
Jason Pele
Jared Helfrich
Todd Reedy
Paul Mongillo
Billy Meier
Michael Todd
John DiRaimondo
Chris Wright
Chris Archer
Name
Conrad Taylor
Stephen King
Michael Videira
Matt Thomas
Ryan Badaracco
Noah Salsi
Corey Bronner
Kevin Van Den Berg
Alex Harrison
as selected by CoSIDA
First Team
School Dist. Yr.
Southern Methodist University VI Sr.
St. John’s University (NY) I Jr.
Dartmouth College I Jr.
Hartwick College I Sr.
University at Albany I Gr.
University of Delaware I] Sr.
Columbia University I Sr.
Campbell University If = Sr.
Gonzaga University VII Jr.
University of Alabama-Birmingham — IV
ar.
California State University, Fullerton VIII Sr.
Second Team
School Dist. Yr.
Indiana University V_ So.
University of Tulsa VI Jr.
Davidson College If = Sr.
College of William & Mary Il = Jr.
University of Evansville V Sr.
Duquesne University Il Sr.
Bradley University VoJr.
Butler University VV sSr.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee V_— Gr.
Hofstra University I Sr.
Saint Louis University VII Sr.
University of New Mexico VI So.
High Point University Il = Gr.
Third Team
School Dist. Yr.
Penn State University We Jr.
University of Maryland Jr.
Duke University HI Jr.
University of Tulsa VI Sr.
Penn State University Il Jr.
Duquesne University Il Gr.
University of Vermont I Sr.
Coastal Carolina University Ht Jr.
Central Connecticut State Univ. I Sr.
Hometown
Fairview, Texas
Fremont, Calif.
Falmouth, Mass.
London, Ontario, Canada
Denver, Colo.
Newark, Del.
Lansdale, Pa.
Roxborough, Tobago
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Oshawa, Ontario
El Paso, Texas
Hometown
Aurora, IIl.
Broken Arrow, Okla.
Jamesville, N.Y.
Bridgeton, N.J.
Kennewick, Wash.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Springdale, Ark.
Arlington Heights, III.
Racine, Wis.
Cleveland, England
St. Louis, Mo.
Fair Oaks, Calif.
Hilton, England
Hometown
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Medford, N.J.
Milford, Mass.
Oklahoma City, Okla.
Wexford, Pa.
North Huntingdon, Pa.
Morrisville, Vt.
Grand Rapids, Mich.
Eastbourne, England
2006 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America® Men’s Soccer Team (University Division)
GPA/Major(s)
3.83, Finance
3.99, Chemistry
4.00, Computer Science & Mathematics
3.73, Sports Management
3.98, Urban Planning
3.96, Biological Sciences
4.09, Chemical Engineering
3.95, Pharmacy
3.85, Civil Engineering
4.0, Chemistry
3.84, Bio-chemistry
GPA/Major(s)
3.90, Accounting and Computer Information Systems
3.94, Finance
3.93, Economics
4.0, Business
3.89, Electrical Engineering
3.95, Finance
4.00, Mechanical Engineering
3.94, Finance
3.80, Business
3.40, Exercise Science
3.62, Accounting
4.10, Pre Med
3.46, Sports Management (Undergraduate);
Sports Management (Graduate)
GPA/Major(s)
3.85, Kinesiology
3.47, Finance
3.28, Sociology
3.92, Biochemistry
3.93, Finance
3.85, Physician Assistant
3.76, Business Administration
3.86, Business Management and Finance
3.73, Physical Education
ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA® OF THE YEAR: Matt Wideman, Southern Methodist University
COLLEGE SPORTS
INFORMATION
DIRECTORS
OF AMERICA
F
7AMNNOUOGVGCVUE
Name
Jamison Dague
Ryan Sheffler
Andrew Winters
Patrick Huffer
Josh Warren
Peter Petropanagos
Tim Presto
Brandon Beaudoin
Morten Jensen
Brian Tuohy
Nick Noel
Name
Danny Coble
Tony Breitbach
Stephen Rigby
Adam Jensen
Adam Barnes
Kerrin Sheldon
Maurice Aboud
Tommy Ehrenfelt
Randy Sturm
Ryan Potter
Matt Pietro
Name
Tim Williamson
Diogo Silvy
Benjamin Gilde
Blaine Phillips
John Keese
Travis Cober
Brett Cook
Hans Esterhuizen
Ben Passe
Jacob Helling
Dan Gravlin
Matt Trowbridge
as selected by CoSIDA
First Team
School Dist. Yr. Hometown
Ohio Wesleyan University IV Jr. Bexley, Ohio
Massachusetts Institute of Technology I Sr. Beaumont, Texas
St. Norbert College VV sSr. Green Bay, Wis.
Williams College I Sr. Boulder, Colo.
Ohio Wesleyan University IV Sr. Fort Wayne, Ind.
Franklin Pierce College I Sr. Mississauga, Ontario
The College of Wooster IV Sr. Wadsworth, Ohio
Saint Michael's College I Jr. Newburyport, Mass.
Dowling College I Gr. Tananger, Norway
University of Rochester I Sr. Sayreville, NJ
DePauw University VV sSr. Zionsville, Ind.
Second Team
School Dist. Yr. Hometown
Johns Hopkins University Il Sr. Fremont, Calif.
Clarke College VII Sr. Dubuque, Iowa
Wheaton College (Ill.) V or. Winnetka, III.
Seattle University VIL Sr. Missoula, Mont.
Oklahoma Christian Univeristy VI-sSJr. Yukon, OK
Wingate University It = Jr. Moatsville, W.Va.
University of New Haven I Sr.
Baldwin-Wallace College IV Sr. Strongsville, Ohio
De Sales University II Sr. North Cape May, N.J.
Letourneau University VI Sr. San Antonio, Tex.
Baldwin-Wallace College IV Jr. Canfield, Ohio
Third Team
School Dist. Yr. Hometown
Saint Michael’s College I Jr. Wakefield, R.I.
Lincoln Memorial University IV Sr. Santa Catarina, Brazil
Worcester Polytechnic Institute I So. Manchester, N.H.
Johns Hopkins University I] Sr. Mechanicsburg, Pa.
University of Texas-Dallas VI Sr. Albuquerque, NM
Virginia Wesleyan College Wt Jr. Morgantown, W.Va.
Sonoma State University VII Sr. San Diego, Calif.
Seattle University VIII Gr. Pasco, Wash.
Saint John’s University (Minn.) VsoSJr. Oronoco, Minn.
Hamline University V sSr. Brookings, S.D.
University of Missouri-Rolla VII Jr. St. Louis, Mo.
Rose-Hulman Inst. of Technology Vode. Fort Collins, Colo.
2006 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America® Men’s Soccer Team (College Division)
GPA/Major(s)
4.00, Politics & Government
4.0, Physics
3.98, Mathematics and Economics
3.93, Biology
4.0, Zoology
3.83, Pre-Med
3.84, Mathematics
3.86, Biology
3.76, MBA in General Management
4.00, Clinical & Social Psychology and Religion
3.59, Education
GPA/Major(s)
3.5, Economics and Applied Math & Statistics
4.00, Chemistry
3.67, Business and Economics
3.94, Biochemistry
3.95, Mathematics
3.87, Communication Studies
Westmoorings, Trinidad 3.91, Forensic Science
3.75, Finance
3.43, Elementary Education
3.73, Biomedical Engineering
3.86, Business Administration
GPA/Major(s)
3.80, Business administration
3.70, Business
4.00, Actuarial Mathematics
3.87, Behavioral Biology
3.90, Arts & Technology
3.94, Liberal Arts Management
3.52, Criminal Justice
3.84, Finance/Business Administration
3.87, Computer Science
3.45, Art
3.94, Civil Engineering
3.57, Civil Engineering
ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA® OF THE YEAR: Josh Warren, Ohio Wesleyan University
COLLEGE SPORTS
INFORMATION
DIRECTORS
beenerrennnome OF AMERICA ———~——~
a COSIDA ‘wae
ees,
A Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
ALBAN For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 20, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
JAMAR WILSON NAMED AMERICA EAST CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Boston, Mass. — University at Albany’s Jamar Wilson has been selected as the America East
Conference Player of the Week in basketball, as announced by the conference office on Monday
afternoon.
Wilson, a 6-foot-1 senior, scored 33 points, the second-highest total of his career, in an 87-67
non-conference victory over Delaware on Nov. 17. He added 10 rebounds, six assists and just one
turnover in 38 minutes played. He posted his third career double-double, the first since Feb. 16,
2003, and scored 30-plus points for the sixth time as a collegian.
Wilson, the 2006 America East player of the year, is averaging 22.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and
6.0 assists per game. UAlbany has won its opening two contests for the just the second time as a
Division | program.
UALBANY PLACES THREE ON AMERICA EAST ALL-ACADEMIC VOLLEYBALL SQUAD
Boston, Mass. — UAlbany’s Ashley DeNeal, Shelby Goldman and Blair Buchanan have named to the
America East Conference All-Academic Volleyball Team.
@ DeNeal, who has a 3.53 cumulative grade point average in criminal justice and psychology,
and Goldman, who owns a 3.31 GPA in English, were chosen to the all-academic unit for the second
consecutive year. DeNeal, the most outstanding player at this years America East Conference
championship, averages 2.69 kills and 3.75 digs. Goldman, who is second among the A-East leaders
in kills with a 4.31 average, was also named to the all-tournament team.
Buchanan posted a 3.06 GPA in accounting with a minor in business administration. She
recently became the first student-athlete in NCAA history to be voted the conference player and setter
of the year three times. She is among the A-East leaders in assists at 11.25 per game.
UAlbany (19-10) captured the America East Conference championship for the second time in
the last three years over the weekend. The Great Danes will find out their NCAA Tournament
opponent when the bracket is announced on Sunday, Nov. 26 at 3:00 p.m. on ESPNEWS.
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Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 19, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
ALBAN
UALBANY RALLIES IN FIVE TO WIN 2006 AMERICA EAST VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
\lbany, N.Y. — Kamisha Kellam had a career-high 19 kills and Ashley DeNeal added 193 kills and a career-
pest 39 digs, as UAlbany rallied from a huge deficit in a 3-2 victory over UMBC that captured the America
East Conference Volleyball Championship. The Great Danes, who won by scores of 27-30, 22-30, 30-26,
30-18 and 15-12, receives an automatic NCAA berth as the conference tournament champion.
UMBC (16-15) looked in firm control after winning the opening two games and building a 22-16
lead in the third. Freshman Ashley Oscars, the conference’s rookie of the year, and Sarah Ball helped
create that margin with 18 and 14 kills, respectively.
UAlbany (19-10) then turned the match around by running off 10 of the game’s next 12 points.
Kellam, a sophomore, drew her team even at 24 apiece, before Shelby Goldman, an all-tournament
selection who had 18 kills and 18 digs, finished off two attacks to put her team ahead.
DeNeal, the championship’s most outstanding player, helped UAlbany run off eight unanswered
points to start the fourth game. She ignited the outburst with a kill off a blocker and ended the spree with
a service ace. The Great Danes led by as much as 14 in the stanza.
In the fifth and deciding game, UAlbany jumped out to an 11-6 advantage when Kellam scored off
a quick set and UMBC’s Sarah Fillmore hit an attack long over the end line. However, the Retrievers, who
upset defending champion Binghamton in the semifinal round, would close the gap. Amanda Willey and
Ball, who totaled 23 digs, blocked DeNeal’s attack to slice the margin to 13-12. But the Great Danes
<~ored the last two points, including Goldman’s game-winning kill in the middle of the floor.
@ “(Ashley) DeNeal’s shoulders were big in the comeback,” said UAlbany coach Kelly Sheffield,
whose team became the first to overcome a 2-0 deficit in the conference championship match. “She and
shelby (Goldman) came up huge. This senior class has been through everything; they stayed calm. |
think they just got both irritated and competitive.”
Ashley Crenshaw added 12 kills for the Great Danes, who will make their second NCAA
Tournament appearance after winning the 2004 America East title in another five-game championship.
“We just believe in ourselves and | am proud of our team,” offered DeNeal, whose squad last came
back from two games down against Syracuse last November. “We played with some nerves in the first
two games, but then we were aggressive in the moment. It feels good to come this far and then battle it
Out.”
UMBC’s Jessie Folk and Angela Anderson had 12 kills apiece. Anderson, a sophomore outside
hitter, converted three attacks in the first game, which went back and forth with 14 ties and five lead
changes. Folk’s kill off a block jump-started a run of four consecutive points that broke open game two.
“We do not play well when we are frustrated, so we just kept going point by point,” explained
UAlbany setter Blair Buchanan, the America East player of the year. “We picked up our passes in the
third game and that helped get the middle involved. | always have confidence in Ashley (DeNeal) that she
will do whatever it takes to get the job done. She has the mentality that she’s not going to lose and wants
the ball.”
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2006 America East Conference Volleyball Championship
UAlbany def. UMBC, 27-30, 22-30, 30-26, 30-18, 15-12
America East Conference All-Championship Team
hoover Sweany (Stony Brook), Megan Hoag (Binghamton), Kira Giles (UMBC), Sarah Ball (UMBC),
Kamisa Kellam (Albany), Shelby Goldman (Albany), Ashley DeNeal (Albany)
Most Outstanding Player — Ashley DeNeal (Albany)
~23f)-
HN Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
ALBAN
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 18, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
RICARDO ESTREMERA FINISHES SECOND AT IC4A CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP
Bronx, N.Y. — University at Albany’s Ricardo Estremera placed second in the 98th IC4A University
Division Cross Country Championship to lead his team to a seventh-place finish on Saturday
afternoon at Van Cortlandt Park. UAlbany’s women took sixth in the 22nd ECAC Championship.
Estremera, who finished 46th in last year’s race, covered the five-mile course in 25:58.1 and
was just over 20 seconds behind Adelphi’s Jaime Julia-Perez, who won the IC4A championship in
25:49.8. Fordham captured team title with five runners among the top-16 finishers.
UAlbany’s John Moore (Fonda-Fultonville) and Brian Yurkewecz (Fonda-Fultonville) hit the
tape in 23rd and 44th place, respectively. Moore was clocked in 26:50.7.
In the women’s 5,000-meter event, UAlbany’s Jenna Ortman placed fourth in 18:39.4, while
her twin sister, Jessica, was right behind in fifth with a time of 18:40.2. Each runner improved over
their performances in last year’s meet. Jenna was 10 places better than in 2005, while Jessica ended
up in 32nd position last year.
Binghamton Katie Radzik was individual winner in 18:02.8, while Colgate claimed the team
championship with 47 points.
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IC4A University Division Cross Country Championship
© Team: 1. Fordham 61, 2. Binghamton 140, 3. Army 142, 4. Bucknell 161, 5. Monmouth 1638, 6.
Manhattan 177, 7. UAlbany 177, 8. Longwood 186, 9. Colgate 215, 10. Seton Hall 216, 11. Hofstra
249, 12. Adelphi 283, 13. Loyola, Md. 376, 14. C.W. Post 392, 15. Siena 393, 16. Sacred Heart 394,
17. NJIT 407, 18. Temple 461, 19. Fairfield 534.
Individual: 1. Jaime Julia-Perez (Adelphi), 25:49.8; 2. Ricardo Estremera (UAlbany), 25:58.1,
3. Robert Squier (Army), 26:02.2; 4. Craig Segal (Monmouth), 26:07.8, 5. Todd Raymond
(Manhattan), 26:09.0.
ECAC Cross Country Championship
Team: 1. Colgate 47, T2. Bucknell 118, T2. Binghamton 118, 4. Army 146, 5. Towson 155, 6.
UAlbany 166, 7. Manhattan 202, 8. Sacred Heart 218, 9. Mansfield 286, 10. Siena 289, 11. Hofstra
296, 12. Fordham 324, 13. Loyola, Md. 347, 14. Monmouth 348. 15. C.W. Post 361, 16. Fairfield 365,
17. Adelphi 435, 18. St. John’s 442, 19. Longwood 486.
Individual: 1. Katie Radzik (Binghamton), 18:02.8; 2. Abby Pullen (Hofstra), 18:28.1; 3. Kristen
Kiraly (Colgate), 18:34.6; 4. Jenna Ortman (UAlbany), 18:39.4; 5. Jessica Ortman (UAlbany), 18:40.2.
=30)-
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 18, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
ALBAN
Women’s College Basketball — Central Florida 59, UAlbany 51
Orlando, Fla. — Keunta Miles scored 19 of her career-high 23 points in the second half, as Central
Florida came from behind for a 59-51 victory over UAlbany in the consolation of the UCF Golden
Knights Tournament on Saturday afternoon at UCF Arena.
UAlbany (1-3) held the host school scoreless for more than five minutes in the opening half en
route to a 25-21 lead at the intermission. Amanda Ward and Kristin Higy, who had 15 and 14 points,
respectively, helped the Great Danes build their margin.
Central Florida (1-3) wiped out a six-point deficit early in the final period, when Miles converted
a layup following her steal for a 33-32 advantage. Higy, a 6-foot-1 junior who made 6-of-10 from the
field, would put UAlbany back on top with 13:21 remaining.
But Miles, who connected on 11-of-21 attempts from the floor and grabbed nine rebounds,
gave her team the lead for good with a jumper and another layup after a steal. The Golden Knights,
who forced 25 turnovers, still led 43-41 with less than nine minutes to play, when freshman Kristin
Thomas and Miles made back-to-back baskets.
UAlbany’s Sherri Mikus, who had 12 points, canned a 15-footer, but Central Florida responded
with six unanswered markers to pull away. Freshman guard Shante Cummings hit a jumper, before
Miles followed a missed shot in the lane and scored off another offensive rebound for a commanding
55-45 lead.
©} “The outcome was a disappointment,” said UAlbany coach Trina Patterson, whose club was
beaten in the tournament’s opening round by Bowling Green. “We thought that this was a good
opportunity for a win. Our lack of rebounding and the turnovers were the keys. This tournament was
a learning experience against teams that play in tougher conferences.”
Thomas, a 5-foot-10 guard, finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Golden Knights,
who were coming off a 77-64 loss to Fairleigh Dickinson in Friday’s first round. UAlbany’s Gia
Sanders totaled four points, nine rebounds, three blocked shots and three steals.
dt).
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 18, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
ALBAN
UALBANY ADVANCES TO AMERICA EAST CHAMPIONSHIP WITH FOUR-GAME VICTORY
Albany, N.Y. — Kamisha Kellman had 13 kills and a career-high 12 blocks to lead UAlbany to a 3-1
victory over Stony Brook in the semifinal round of the America East Conference Volleyball
Tournament on Saturday afternoon at University Gymnasium. The Great Danes, who won by scores
of 30-12, 30-17, 27-30 and 30-23, advanced to the conference championship match for the second
time in the last three years. The America East champion receives an automatic NCAA berth.
UAlbany (18-10) came roaring out of the gate as the tournament's top seed by winning eight
of the first nine points in game one. Kellam, a 6-foot-1 sophomore, delivered four kills, as her team
had one hitting error in the period. Freshman Bev Hazell had five of her career-high seven service
aces in that opening frame.
The Great Danes, who have won 14 of their last 17 matches, were equally as dominant in the
second game. UAlbany led 9-7, but then reeled off eight of the next 10 points to take control.
Kellam, who again had four kills in the stanza, and Hillary White combined on two blocks in that run.
stony Brook (13-17) came alive in the third game by reversing a 24-22 deficit with seven
consecutive points. Morgan Sweany, a first-team all-conference outside hitter who had six of her
match-high 17 kills in that period, led the charge. Guice Dikecligil had two kills and Amy Oleksiej
added a kill and a solo block in that decisive stretch.
Kellam helped UAlbany snap a 13-all deadlock in the fourth and deciding game. She powered
@::- ball off a America East Player of the Year Blair Buchanan’s quick set to break the tie and then
ended a string of four straight points with a kill at the net. The Great Danes, who will meet the winner
of the Binghamton-UMBC semifinal, stayed ahead the rest of the way.
“When Kamisha (Kellam) is that aggressive, it's because we are the passing the ball really
well,” said UAlbany coach Kelly Sheffield, who guided the Great Danes to the 2004 America East
title. “(Ashley) DeNeal and (Kristin) Fiorillo did a great job of controlling the ball. The senior class is
a driven group and you would like to see them go out as conference champions.”
Shelby Goldman and Ashley DeNeal, two members of that senior class, turned in double-
double performances. Goldman had 13 kills and 12 digs, while DeNeal added 11 kills and 17 digs.
Stony Brook’s Dikecligil and Oleksiej totaled 13 and 10 kills, respectively.
“We are farther along that last year, but we want to get that one tomorrow,” said DeNeal,
whose team was upset in five games by Stony Brook in the 2005 conference semifinal. “When we
pass the ball the way we did it keeps the other team’s blockers on their toes and allows Blair
(Buchanan) to have options as the setter.”
-agate-
America East Conference Tournament
UAlbany def. Stony Brook, 30-12, 30-17, 27-30, 30-23
Binghamton vs. UMBC, 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 19
Championship, 2:00 p.m.
UAlbany (18-10) vs. Binghamton or UMBC
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For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 17, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
ALBAN
College Basketball — Albany 87, Delaware 67
Albany, N.Y. — Jamar Wilson scored 33 points, the second-highest total of his career, and grabbed
10 rebounds in leading UAlbany to an 87-67 non-conference victory over Delaware on Friday evening
at SEFCU Arena. The Great Danes have won their opening two games for just the second time since
moving to the Division | level in 1999.
Delaware (0-2) led 20-19 with 8:06 remaining in first half, wnen Herb Courtney, a 6-foot-7
junior who had 18 points and 10 rebounds, canned one of his four 3-point field goals. The opening
part of the contest featured five lead changes and three ties.
UAlbany (2-0) then seized control with 10 of the game’s next 11 points. Brent Wilson put his
team ahead with a three-pointer from the top of the arc. Wilson, who 18 first-half markers, later hit a
foul-line jumper and one his three 3-point shots. Michael Knight followed a missed free throw for a
30-21 lead with 5:21 left in the period. The Great Danes, who made 15-of-27 from the field, including
7-of-13 from 3-point range in that opening stanza, would later settle for a 43-32 halftime lead.
Jason Siggers, a senior swingman who had 17 points, helped his team pull away to start the
final period with three consecutive baskets. He made a 12-foot jumper in the lane off the dribble and
followed with a slam dunk off a steal for a 50-32 margin.
The Blue Hens, who were meeting the home team for the first time in the two program's
history, trailed by as much as 21 points with seven minutes remaining. Zaire Taylor, who had 15
@>oints and eight rebounds, converted a three-point play when he was fouled on a driving layup to
slice the deficit to 73-61 with 4:16 left. But freshman center Brett Gifford hit a turnaround jumper in
the lane, and the Great Danes held on to their double-figure advantage at the foul line.
‘| thought we did a decent job defensively the last 10 minutes of the first half and the first part
of the second half,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown, who got solid contributions from his bench,
including a career-high six points and three rebounds from sophomore forward Brian Connelly. “We
just need to play with a sense of urgency throughout the game.”
Brian Johnson added 15 points and five assists for the Blue Hens, who were held to 36.7-
percent shooting in the second half on 11-of-30 attempts. Wilson, last year’s America East
Conference player of the year, made 10-of-15 from the floor and 10-of-12 from the line to go with six
assists and just one turnover.
“My legs felt good and | was fresh,” said Wilson, who struggled through the second half of the
season opener six days ago with leg cramps. “My teammates were always looking to find me.
Overall, we did a good job of making sure that we sealed the deal in the second half.”
The Great Danes, who shot 52.9 percent from the floor for the game, played their opening two
contests at home for the first since the 1994-95 campaign.
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November 17, 2006 Brianna LaBrecque / 518-442-5733
@ (ALBAN
UALBANY WOMEN’S BASKETBALL FALLS TO BOWLING GREEN AT UCF TOURNAMENT
Orlando, Fla. — Senior forward Ali Mann recorded a game-high 16 points to lead three players in
double figures as Bowling Green posted a 76-40 victory over UAlbany on the first day of the UCF
Golden Knights Tournament on Friday evening.
The game was scoreless for nearly a minute and a half, before Falcons senior Carin Horne
knocked down a jumper. The Great Danes committed a turnover that produced a Megan Thorburn
hoop, and Horne followed with a steal and layup for a six-point BG lead.
The Great Danes would tie the game at 8-8 with 11:50 on the clock in the first half on a shot
from senior guard Amanda Ward, but that would be as close as they could make it. The lead would
increase to 18-8 before junior forward Kristin Higy snapped a 10-0 BG run with a layup in the paint.
Senior center Liz Honegger converted a free throw after being fouled on a layup to produce
the 30-14 lead that the Brown and Orange would take into the locker room.
Bowling Green (2-1) remained hot in the second half, and UAlbany would get no closer than 15
for the remainder of the game.
Ward was the only player in double figures for UAlbany (1-2.) Higy added eight points and a
team-high eight rebounds to go along with one assist and one block. Freshman guard Charity
lromuanya added seven for the Great Danes while junior guard Sherri Mikus chipped in with six
@ors and five boards.
Senior center Honegger scored 15 points for UAlbany while Amber Flynn netted 12 points
and grabbed a game-high nine boards. Bowling Green (2-1) will face Fairleigh Dickinson in the
championship game on Saturday at 5 p.m. FDU defeated the host Golden Knights, 75-64, in Friday’s
second game.
UAlbany will take on Central Florida at 3 p.m. on Saturday.
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ALBAN
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 17, 2006 Brianna LaBrecque / 518-442-5733
BLAIR BUCHANAN EARNS AMERICA EAST CONFERENCE’S TOP AWARDS FOR THIRD TIME
Boston, Mass. — University at Albany’s Blair Buchanan was named the America East Conference
Player and Setter of the Year for the third consecutive season, as announced by the conference
office on Friday, Nov. 17 at the America East tournament banquet. Buchanan becomes the first
player in NCAA history to win both awards three times and just the 13th player in NCAA annals to win
three straight league player of the year awards.
Buchanan, a senior setter, was the catalyst of the league’s most efficient offense that hit .242
on the season. She ranks second in assists with 11.25 per game, and recorded 12 double-doubles of
the assist-dig variety this season.
Joining Buchanan on the all-conference first team are fellow seniors Shelby Goldman and
Ashley DeNeal and junior Ashley Crenshaw. Goldman, an outside hitter, became UAlbany’s all-time
kills leader this season and now has 1,603 kills in her career. Goldman, a three-time all-conference
selection, led the America East with 4.38 kills per game this season.
DeNeal, an outside hitter, set the program’s career digs record after finishing second on the
team with 3.56 digs per game. DeNeal, who served as the team’s libero for the past two seasons
before moving back to the hitting position, has 1,814 digs in her career. She is also third in school
with 179 service aces after leading the team with 52 this season.
Crenshaw finished second on the team in kills (3.18 kpg) and blocks (0.88 bpg). She currently
Stands in the top-15 in UAlbany history in both career categories.
Sophomore middle blockers Kamisha Kellam and Hillary White were named to the All-
America East second team to earn their first conference honors. Kellam led the team and was second
in the league with 1.33 blocks per game while also averaging 2.06 kills per game. White, who was in
her first season after sitting out the 2005 season with injury, averaged 1.26 kills, 1.37 digs and 0.81
blocks per game.
UAlbany head coach Kelly Sheffield became just the third coach in conference history to earn
coach of the year honors twice. Sheffield, who also won the award in 2004, guided the Great Danes
to their third straight regular-season title and the top seed for the conference postseason tournament.
UAlbany (17-10) will host the 2006 America East Conference Tournament on Saturday, Nov.
18 and Sunday, Nov. 19. The Great Danes will play No. 4 Stony Brook on Saturday at 3 p.m. while
No. 2 Binghamton takes on No. 3 UMBC in the second semifinal. The two winners will face in the
championship match on Sunday at 2 p.m. for the league title and the conference’s automatic bid to
the NCAA Tournament.
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UALBANY UPENDS CROSSTOWN-RIVAL SIENA FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 1977-78
Albany, N.Y. — Sherri Mikus had 16 of her 18 points in the second half, as UAlbany pulled away for a
72-52 victory over crosstown-rival Siena on Wednesday evening at Pepsi Arena. The Great Danes,
who had not beaten their Capital Region counterpart since 1977-78, ended a four-game losing streak
in the series since it was renewed in 2001.
UAlbany (1-1) led 25-24 at halftime, but opened the final period with 17 of the game’s next 19
points to take control. Freshman guard Britney McGee, who had 16 points, canned a three-point field
goal following a steal before Kristin Higy sank two foul shots for a 10-point margin. Mikus, one of five
players who scored in double figures, hit a layup after a Tanya James’ steal and then made two free
throws for a 42-26 lead with 11:33 remaining.
The Great Danes, who held the home team to 34.5-percent shooting and forced 18 turnovers,
pushed out to a 57-36 cushion four minutes later. McGee, who also netted 16 markers in the opener
against La Salle, converted a baseline layup to start a run of six unanswered points. Mikus, a junior
guard who made 7-of-12 from the field, buried a jumper before feeding Amanda Ward for a layup.
“We didn't get down after our loss in the first game,” said UAlbany coach Trina Patterson,
whose club shot 58.3 percent from the floor on 14-of-24 attempts after the intermission. “We went to
a quicker lineup and played small ball. Siena has a great tradition and it’s good for us to get out there
and show the talent that we have.”
Siena’s Shondaya Burrell led all scorers with 20 points and six rebounds. Melissa Manzer was
@:- only other player in double figures with 12 for the Saints, who began their season with a loss to
St. Bonaventure four days ago.
‘It feels great because this is a big win for UAlbany, the team and myself,” said James, who
tied her career-high with 11 points and scored in twin figures for the fourth time as a collegian. “As a
senior, | tried to give every thing | had since we had never beaten them before. This will really bring
up my confidence.”
Higy, a 6-foot-1 transfer from George Mason, also turned in a career effort with 16 points, six
rebounds and four assists. Ward was the fifth UAlbany player in double digits with 10.
The Great Danes will play in Central Florida’s Golden Knights Tournament on Nov. 17-18 in
Orlando. UAlbany meets Bowling Green in the first round at 5:00 p.m. ET.
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For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 15, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
HAN Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
B
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 13, 2006 Brianna LaBrecque / 518-442-5733
BRITNEY McGEE EARNS AMERICA EAST ROOKIE OF THE WEEK HONORS
Boston, Mass. — UAlbany’s Britney McGee was named the America East Conference
Rookie of the Week for the first week of the 2006-07 season, as announced by the conference
office on Monday, Nov. 13.
McGee made an immediate impact on the court for the Great Danes, starting her first
collegiate contest and recording 16 points, a team-high five assists and one steal. McGee, who
scored 12 of her 16 points in the first half, shot 4-of-7 from the floor, all from behind the three-
point arc, and also went 4-of-4 from the free throw line.
UAlbany (0-1) will take on crosstown-rival Siena on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at the Pepsi
Arena at 7 p.m.
Jat).
HN Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
ALBAN
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 13, 2006 Brianna LaBrecque / 518-442-5733
MICHELLE SIMPSON AND ARLETTE WESTDORP NAMED TO NFHCA ALL-REGION TEAM
Albany, N.Y. — UAlbany’s Michelle Simpson and Arlette Westdorp were named to the
National Field Hockey Coaches Association Division | All-Northeast Regional Team, as
announced by the NFHCA on Monday, Nov. 13. Simpson earned first-team honors while
Westdorp was named to the second team.
simpson, the America East Conference Offensive Player of the Year, became the first
player to be named to the NFHCA first team in the program’s Division | history. She finished first
in the conference with 14 goals and seven assists for 35 total points. Simpson, a junior midfielder,
is 11th on the UAlbany career points chart and 10th in all-time goals.
Westdorp was named the America East defensive player of the year after leading the
nation with 1.12 assists per game. Westdorp, a sophomore midfielder, recorded 19 assists to set
the UAlbany single-season record. She became the Great Danes’ all-time assists leader with 33
and is tied for eighth with 39 career points.
UAlbany finished the season at 12-7 overall, 4-1 in the America East, and won a share of
the conference regular-season title, the first in the program’s Division | history.
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©
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 13, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
JASON SIGGERS NAMED AMERICA EAST CONFERENCE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Boston, Mass. — University at Albany’s Jason Siggers has been selected the America East
Conference Player of the Week in men’s basketball for his performance in last Saturday's 55-49
victory over Bucknell before a capacity crowd at SEFCU Arena.
Siggers, a 6-foot-4 senior from Dallas, Texas, tallied 11 of his 17 points in the opening half to
keep his team in the contest. The Great Danes overcame the largest halftime deficit in the program’s
Division | history, trailing 34-22 at the intermission. In his first career start, Siggers made 7-of-13
from the field, tied a career-best with seven rebounds, and played a career-high 37 mintues. He
scored on the left baseline with 2:47 remaining to draw his team even at 48 apiece. Siggers reached
in double figures for the seventh time as a collegian.
The Great Danes, who face Delaware at home on Friday, Nov. 17 at 7:00 p.m., held Bucknell
to 29.8 percent shooting, the lowest figure by an opponent since Feb. 14, 2004.
SHELBY GOLDMAN EARNS AMERICA EAST HONORS FOR SECOND STRAIGHT WEEK
Boston, Mass. — Senior outside hitter Shelby Goldman was named the America East Conference
Player of the Week in volleyball for the second consecutive week, as announced by the conference
“fice on Monday afternoon.
Goldman helped UAlbany (17-10, AE 10-2) captured its third straight America East regular-
season title, recording 31 kills and 21 digs in two matches last week. In the Great Danes’ regular-
season conference finale, a three-game sweep over Stony Brook on Nov. 8, Goldman tallied 12 kills
and nine digs to go along with four total blocks. Against Long Island the following day, Goldman
posted a team-high 19 kills and 12 digs for her 14th double-double of the season. Goldman
continues to lead the team, averaging 4.38 kills per game and is third with 2.81 digs per contest. She
has now totaled 1,603 kills and 588 digs in her career.
The Great Danes will host the America East Championship, set to take place on November 18
and 19. UAlbany will take on Stony Brook in the first semifinal game on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Binghamton and UMBC will play in the second semifinal at 5:30 p.m. The championship match will
take place on Sunday at 2 p.m., with winner receiving an automatic NCAA berth.
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Brian DePasquale
0-518-442-3072, C-518-331-3714
UAlbany Will Be the Top Seed for the 2006 America East Conference Volleyball
Championship
Boston, Mass. -- UAlbany (17-10, 10-2 America East), Binghamton (15-16, 9-3),
UMBC (15-14, 7-5) and Stony Brook (13-16, 6-6) have earned the right to compete for
the 2006 America East Volleyball Championship on November 18-19. UAlbany's
University Gymnasium will be the site for the championship. The winner of the four-team
tournament will earn the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.
For the third consecutive season, the Great Danes are the top seed for the
championship and will take on No. 4 Stony Brook in the first semifinal on Saturday,
November 18 at 3:00 p.m. The winner of that contest will move on to the title match to
take on the winner of the No. 3 UMBC versus No. 2 Binghamton semifinal that is
expected to start at 5:30 p.m. The championship match takes place on Sunday,
November 19 at 2 p.m.
UAlbany coach Kelly Sheffield, who led his team to its third straight America East
regular-season title, has guided the Great Danes to wins in 13 of their last 16 matches.
Blair Buchanan, a two-time America East player and setter of the year, contributes 11.25
assists per game, while first-team all-conference outside hitter Shelby Goldman
averages 4.38 kills. Ashley DeNeal, the 2005 conference defensive player of the year,
adds 2.69 kills and 3.56 digs per game.
Stony Brook and New Hampshire (11-16, 6-6) finished the regular-season tied for the
fourth spot in the conference standings with identical 6-6 league records. The Seawolves
earned the fourth and final spot in the four-team conference tournament by sweeping the
two regular-season meetings.
In the first semifinal of the league tournament, UAlbany will look to avenge last
season's semifinal loss to the Seawolves. The Great Danes won the conference
tournament crown in 2004, while Stony Brook is in search of its first-ever league title.
UMBC makes its first-ever appearance in the conference tournament and gets things
started by taking on the defending champion Bearcats. Binghamton won its first title last
season and will try to repeat this year.
Live scoreboards or statistics for all rounds of the 2006 America East Volleyball
Championship will be made available on www.AmericaEast.com.
2006 America East Conference Volleyball Championship
University Gymnasium (Albany, N.Y.)
Saturday, November 18
Semifinal #1: #4 Stony Brook at #1 UAlbany, 3:00 p.m.
Semifinal #2: #3 UMBC vs. #2 Binghamton, 5:30 p.m.
Championship: Sunday, November 19
Winner Semifinal #1 vs. Winner Semifinal #2, 2:00 p.m.
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Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 11, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
‘BA
UALBANY COMES FROM BEHIND FOR 55-49 VICTORY OVER BUCKNELL IN OPENER
Albany, N.Y. — Jason Siggers had 17 points and Brian Lillis added 11, all in the second half, as
UAlbany overcame a huge deficit to post a 55-49 victory over Bucknell in the season opener for both
squads on Saturday evening before a capacity crowd of 4,538 at SEFCU Arena.
Bucknell, a program that has captured back-to-back Patriot League titles and won its first-
round NCAA Tournament contest the last two years, trailed 15-14 in the first half, but then ran off 20
of the game's next 24 points. Jason Vegotsky, who came off the bench to score 13 points, and
Andrew Morrison drilled consecutive three-point field goals to ignite that outburst. John Griffin, who
tied a career-high with 19 points, canned one his four 3-point shots and later made two free throws for
a double-figure lead. Vegotsky’s hit another long-range jumper from the left corner to end that run.
The Great Danes, who had two banners unveiled in a pre-game ceremony to commemorate
their first-ever America East Conference championship and subsequent NCAA appearance,
regrouped from a 34-22 halftime deficit. Jamar Wilson, who had 12 points and six assists despite
suffering from leg cramps over the final nine minutes, converted a one-hander in the lane to close the
gap to 36-33 with 11:57 remaining.
UAlbany would eventually take its first lead of the final period, when Lillis and Brent Wilson
made back-to-back three-pointers for a 44-40 edge. The Bison, who shot just 19 percent after
halftime on 4-of-21 from the floor, returned the favor as Griffin, a 6-foot-1 junior, nailed consecutive
field goals from beyond the arc to put his team ahead.
© Bucknell still was in front, 49-48, with 2:25 to play as Vegotsky split a pair of free throws. But
Lillis, a 6-foot-5 junior who added five rebounds and four steals to his best scoring total since Jan. 9th
of last year, sank two foul shots with 51.3 seconds remaining. He then made a steal that led to two
more free throws. Vergotsky would later miss a 3-pointer under heavy pressure in the closing
moments. Brian Connelly grabbed the rebound and made both ends of a one-and-one opportunity to
seal the outcome.
“After the first half we knew it was our defense that was keeping us behind,” Lillis said. “As the
pressure was building we knew how to pull through and win this game because we had been there
before. With Jamar (Wilson) not in there, we played together even more.”
The Bison, who had won three of the previous four meetings between the two programs, made
just 29.8 percent of their field goal attempts and committed 20 turnovers. Siggers, who was making
his first start in a UAlbany uniform, connected on 7 of 13 from the floor and tied a career-high with
seven rebounds.
“This was a team win,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose club beat a program that was
receiving votes in both national polls. Bucknell will take advantage of any of your miscues. We didn’t
Stick to our principles in the first half. We are good team trying to get better and this was a great
atmosphere to play in.”
3h.
College Football — November 11, 2006
Contact: Brian DePasquale (518-442-3072; bdepasquale @ uamail.albany.edu)
Monmouth 19, Albany 0
Albany, N.Y. — Senior quarterback Brian Boland completed 17 of 18 passes for 213 yards and
two touchdowns in leading Monmouth to the Northeast Conference championship in a 19-0
victory over UAlbany on Saturday afternoon at University Field. The Hawks won the title
outright for the first time in the program’s history when Stony Brook, who was locked in a three-
way tie for first place to start the day, lost to Central Connecticut State.
Monmouth (10-1, NEC 6-1) took control of the contest early, when the defense stopped
UAlbany (7-4, NEC 5-2) on the game’s first possession deep in Hawk territory. The Great
Danes put together a 14-play drive that penetrated the 25-yard line, but stalled when
quarterback Daniel Bocanegra threw incomplete passes on third and fourth down.
The Hawks, who won for the sixth straight time, then reached the end zone on their next
two series to build a 13-0 halftime lead. Boland, a 6-foot-1 signal-caller, directed his team on
an 11-play, 76-yard drive that was capped by David Sinisi’s 1-yard touchdown run over left
guard. Boland was a perfect 4-for-4 during the sequence, including a third-down, 15-yard
completion to Chris Kiley. Adam San Miguel then took a reverse 14 yards to the one-yard line.
Another 13-play scoring march overlapped the first and second quarters. Sinisi, a
redshirt freshman who had 20 carries for 72 yards, rumbled to the UAlbany 10-yard line. After a
Great Danes’ personal foul kept the drive alive, Boland rolled to his left and delivered a 2-yard
touchdown strike to Michael McClelland. The extra point missed to the left.
Boland, a Rutgers transfer who became the school’s all-time passer with nearly 7,700
yards in his career, fired a 63-yard touchdown pass to San Miguel on the first play of the third
quarter. San Miguel hauled in the throw between the cornerback and free safety on the left
hash and went into the end zone untouched. The two-point conversion run failed.
The Great Danes, who had their four-game win streak halted, were undone by mistakes
throughout the contest. Bocanegra, who connected on 13 of 28 attempts for 117 yards and ran
for 43 more, was picked off twice, including middle linebacker Mike Castellano’s interception at
the Monmouth 19 with 1:21 left in the third quarter. UAlbany also missed a 30-yard field goal
and dropped a potential TD pass in the final stanza.
“Offensively, we did a good job of keeping them off balance,” said Monmouth coach
Kevin Callahan, whose team tied a school record for single-season wins. “We spread them out
and moved around. By throwing early we were able to get the run going. Boland threw to spots
and not to people and the receivers made some catches.”
San Miguel, a senior wideout, finished with four catches and 93 receiving yards for the
Hawks, who had shared their previous four NEC crowns in 1996, 1998, 2003 and 2004.
Defensive end Brian Sweeney had nine tackles and one sack to lead a unit that held the home
team to 174 total yards, including 57 on the ground.
“They are a well-balanced team,” UAlbany coach Bob Ford stated. “Their quarterback
put the ball where he needed and | thought they did a great job of play calling. We never
established the run game. We needed to generate more offense that we did to be in this thing.”
Safety Dave Nicomini, who turned in a career performance, and inside linebacker Colin
Disch each had 14 tackles for the Great Danes, who were bidding for their first conference title
since 2003.
“We moved the football, but just made mistakes,” said UAbany offensive tackle Jacob
Anderson, one of 12 seniors playing in his final game. “When you make mistakes, you lose
games. My hat is off to Monmouth because they played well both offensively and defensively.”
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Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 11, 2006 Hoffman Wolff / 518-442-4511
ORTMANS PACE WOMEN AS UALBANY CROSS COUNTRY COMPETES AT NCAA MEET
Bronx, N.Y. — Sophomore Jessica Ortman led the UAlbany women’s cross country team with a time
of 22:34.9, while junior Ryan Gaedje registered a time of 35:10.7 to pace the shorthanded men’s
squad, as the Great Danes competed at the NCAA Northeast Regional meet at Van Cortlandt Park
on Nov. 11.
The women’s team finished 20th in the 41-team race and fifth among the eight America East
Conference teams participating. Jessica Ortman came in 36th overall, two spots ahead of Jenna
Ortman, who ran the 6,000-meter course in a time of 22:39.0. Junior Danielle Trimpop was third
among Great Danes’ runners, clocking in at 24:28.5.
The men’s side did not receive a team score, as only two members of the squad, Gaedje and
junior Joe Choiniere, completed the 10,000-meter race. Junior Ricardo Estremera pulled out of the
race near the 7,000-meter mark due to injury.
Both squads will compete in their final race of the season at the IC4A Championships, also
held at Van Cortlandt Park, on Nov. 18.
-agate-
NCAA Division | Northeast Regional
Women's
1. Boston College 82, 2. lona 85, 3. Providence 97, 4. Columbia 128, 5. Cornell 135, 6. Boston
@- riversity 202, 7. Yale 227, 8. Brown 244, 9. Quinnipiac 286, 10. Syracuse 313, 11. New Hampshire
315, 12. Dartmouth 318, 13. Stony Brook 405, 14. Harvard 421, 15. Buffalo 423, 16. Connecticut 491,
17. Colgate 512, 18. Maine 520, 19. Army 538, 20. UAlbany 547, 21. Massachusetts 571, 22.
Binghamton 587, 23. Sacred Heart 593, 24. Marist 610, 25. Vermont 664, 26. Holy Cross 774, 27.
Central Connecticut 790, 28. Manhattan 796, 29. Siena 818, 30. Hofstra 845, 31. Niagara 866, 32. St.
John's 908, 33. Fairfield 928, 34. Canisius 974, Wagner INC., Hartford INC., St. Francis INC.
Fordham INC., Long Island INC., Rhode Island INC., Northeastern INC.
INDIVIDUAL
1. Salome Kosgei (lona) 20:45.3, 2. Lindsay Donaldson (Yale) 20:45.9, 3. Aine Hoban (Providence)
20:59.6, 4. Catherine Parker (New Hampshire) 21:08.9, 5. Toni Salucci (Cornell) 21:10.8, 6. McKayla
Plank (lona) 21:14.9, 7. Mallory Champa (Boston College) 21:19.0, 8. Jillian Sullivan (Connecticut)
21:22.6, 9. Marisa Ryan (Boston University) 21:24.3, 10. Emmily Chelenga (lona) 21:29.1.
UALBANY RESULTS
36. Jessica Ortman 22:34.9, 28. Jenna Ortman 22:39.0, 130. Danielle Trimpop 24:28.5, 163. Sarah
Miller 25:14.2, 180. Jessica Chichester 25:40.3, 185. Natasha Torres 26:04.9, 198. Laine Sefick
26:26.8.
Men's
1. lona 59, 2. Providence 72, 3. Syracuse 102, 4. Harvard 161, 5. Columbia 182, 6. Brown 198, 7.
Dartmouth 201, T8. Yale 248, T8. Cornell 248, 10. Boston College 278, 11. Stony Brook 301, 12.
Connecticut 307, 13. New Hampshire 355, 14. Massachusetts 418, 15. Boston University 442, 16.
Quinnipiac 450, 17. Marist 455, 18. Fordham 465, 19. Maine 477, 20. Colgate 483, 21. Army 520, 22.
Buffalo 603, 23. Binghamton 614, 24. Manhattan 643, 25. Hofstra 763, 26. Central Connecticut 770,
@’. Niagara 818, 28. Vermont 833, 29. Holy Cross 849, 30. Sacred Heart 905, 31. Canisius 940, T32.
CONTINUED
2-2-2
Qeier2 984, T32. Siena 984, 34. Fairfield 1026, St. John’s INC., UAlbany INC., Rhode Island INC..,
Wagner INC., Northeastern INC., Hartford INC., Long Island INC.
INDIVIDUAL
1. Martin Fagan (Providence) 30:40.7, 2. Mohamed Khadroui (lona) 31:26.4, 3. Ben True (Dartmouth)
31:28.3, 4. Ahmed Haji (Providence) 31:30.3, 5. Abraham Ng’eitch (lona) 31:35.1, 6. Patrick Mellea
(Boston College) 31:36.8, 7. Harbert Okuti (lona) 31:46.9, 8. Max Feldman (Connecticut) 31:50.5, 9.
Tim Galebach (Harvard) 31:51.1, 10. Max Smith (Providence) 31:56.3.
UALBANY RESULTS
134. Ryan Gaedje 35:10.7, 145. Joe Choiniere 35:22.3, DNF. Ricardo Estremera
Af).
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 10, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
ALBAN
LA SALLE HOLDS OFF UALBANY, 77-63, INWOMEN’S BASKETBALL SEASON OPENER
Albany, N.Y. — Crista Ricketts scored a career-high 27 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead La
Salle to a 77-63 victory over UAlbany in the season opener for both teams on Friday evening at
SEFCU Arena.
The Explorers, who play in the Atlantic 10 Conference, raced to a 25-9 advantage midway
through the opening period. Ricketts, a 6-foot-1 senior, had of eight her team’s first 13 points.
Carlene Hightower, who added 20 points and seven rebounds, converted back-to-back baskets,
before Antonia Gale made a jumper in transition to give her club that 16-point margin.
La Salle led 36-24 at halftime by holding UAlbany, an America East Conference member, to
32.1-percent shooting in the stanza. Freshman guard Britney McGee had 12 of her 16 points in the
period to keep her team close. McGee canned four 3-pointers in the half.
The Great Danes, who trailed by double figures most of the final period, were still behind, 57-
46, with less than nine minutes remaining. However, junior guard Sherri Mikus sparked a run at the
lead and closed the gap to 59-54 with a 14-foot jumper from the left side. She finished with nine
points, all in the second half.
But La Salle pulled away with eight unanswered markers. Alyse Hoover came off the bench to
drill a three-point shot from the left wing. Ricketts, who made 10-of-12 from the field and 7-of-8 from
the line, then connected on a baseline drive and later added a pair of free throws with 3:11 remaining.
Amanda Ward had 18 points and four steals for the Great Danes, who had won five of their
@rcv"s seven openers as a Division | program. The Explorers, who ended the 2005-06 campaign
with six straight losses, shot a blistering 61.5 percent from the floor on 24 of 39 attempts.
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Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 9, 2006 Brianna LaBrecque / 518-442-5733
UALBANY FALLS TO LONG ISLAND, 3-2, INNON-CONFERENCE ACTION
Brooklyn, N.Y. — Martina Wagner recorded a double-double with 26 kills and 18 digs to lead Long
Island to a 3-2 non-conference win over UAlbany on Thursday evening. The Great Danes, who had
won 13 of their previous 15 matches, fell to 17-10 overall.
Long Island (21-10) won the first game by a score of 30-27 before UAlbany claimed the next
two with scores of 30-24 and 30-23. The Blackbirds stayed alive with a 30-26 victory in the fourth and
ran away with a 15-10 deciding fifth game.
Senior outside hitter Shelby Goldman led the Great Danes with 19 kills and 12 digs.
Sophomore middle blocker Hillary White added 10 kills, five digs and five block assists. Junior
middle blocker Ashley Crenshaw also posted five block assists to go along with eight kills, while
sophomore middle blocker Kamisha Kellam had six total blocks with three solos and three assists.
Senior outside hitter Ashley DeNeal led UAlbany defensively with a match-high 25 digs.
Martina Racic and Shelby Heggie both recorded 11 kills for Long Island, with Heggie posting
four solo blocks. Svetlana Simic led the Blackbirds with 22 digs while Lindsey Patty and Dunja
Milin spilt the setting duties, with both coming up with 27 assists.
The Great Danes, who wrapped up the America East regular season with a 3-0 sweep of
Stony Brook to earn at least a share of the regular season title on Wednesday, will return to action as
the hosts of the America East tournament, set to take place on November 18 and 19. Final seedings
er times are to be determined.
<7).
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 9, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
Media Contact: Ayla Hay, Meridian Group
(757) 340- 7425, ayla@themeridiangroup.com
UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY TO HONOR THE NATION’S MILITARY HEROES
Albany, N.Y. — University at Albany plays host to Monmouth and the Wounded Warrior Project
(WWP), in a game set to honor those men and women of the United States armed forces who have
been severely injured during conflicts in Irag, Afghanistan and other locations around the world. The
game will take place in Albany, New York on November 11, 2006.
“We are proud to recognize these wounded servicemen and women by providing a forum to
honor their sacrifices and enduring spirits,” Lee McElroy.
This year Wounded Warrior Project, a non-profit organization whose motto is “The Greatest
Casualty is Being Forgotten,” partnered with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of
Athletics (NACDA), to raise awareness in the collegiate community. A local wounded warrior, Robert
Loria, will be honored prior to the game and all service men and women will receive free admission to
the contest as well.
“NACDA is proud to be associated with the Wounded Warrior Project,” said Lee McElroy,
NACDA president and director of athletics at the University at Albany. “This relationship will allow our
member institutions, student-athletes and fans to recognize and honor the men and women who have
risked their lives for our well being and assist them on their road to recovery.”
“While stationed overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, our nation’s military personnel participated
in sports during their downtime and even after severe injury, wounded service members continue to
use athletic endeavors as a tool in their rehabilitation,” said John Melia, Founder and Executive
Director of WWP.
“lam confident this relationship will be rewarding and lasting for the Wounded Warrior Project.”
About NACDA: NACDA, now in its 42nd year, is the professional and educational association for
more than 6,100 college athletics administrators at more than 1,600 institutions throughout the United
States, Canada and Mexico. More than 2,000 athletics administrators annually attend the NACDA
Convention. Additionally, NACDA administers 10 professional associations for the separate business
units that report directly to the athletics director. For more information, visit www.nacda.com.
About the Wounded Warrior Project: The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a non-profit
organization aimed at assisting those men and women of the United States armed forces who have
been severely injured during the war on terrorism in Iraq, Afghanistan and other hot spots around the
world. Beginning at the bedside of the severely wounded WWP provides programs and services
designated to ease the burdens of these heroes and their families, aid in the recovery process and
smooth the transition back to civilian life. For more information, please call (540) 342-0032 or visit
www.woundedwarriorproject.org.
MORE
ee
|
UAlbany Sports 2-2-2
CHROBAK & VOLPE ON DISTRICT | ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA FOOTBALL TEAM
© ssrincton D.C. — University at Albany's Ryan Chrobak and Jon Volpe have been voted to the
ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District | Football Team, as selected by the College Sports
Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Each student-athlete was a first-team selection and will
move on to the national ballot. The University Division Academic All-America squad will be
announced on Nov. 30.
Chrobak, a senior cornerback, graduated magna cum laude with a 3.56 cumulative grade point
average last spring, while majoring in criminal justice with a minor in chemistry. He is currently
enrolled in UAlbany’s graduate school criminal justice program. Chrobak has 42 tackles, including 26
unassisted, with a team-leading nine pass break-ups this season. He recently moved into a tie for
23rd place on the school’s all-time tackles list with 187 and has six career interceptions.
Volpe, a junior defensive end, has a 3.45 GPA in business administration with a finance
concentration and a minor in economics. He has 19 tackles this season. Volpe, a 10-game starter,
has helped the Great Danes rank third in total defense (230.0 ypg), fourth in rushing yards allowed
(85.6 ypg) and fifth in scoring defense (12.4 ppg) among NCAA Division I-AA teams.
ASHLEY DeNEAL EARNS ESPN THE MAGAZINE ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT HONORS
Boston, Mass. — University at Albany's Ashley DeNeal was named to the ESPN The Magazine
Academic All-District | Volleyball squad, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of
America (CoSIDA). DeNeal, a second-team selection, earned a 3.53 cumulative grade point average
6" a dual major of criminal justice and psychology.
DeNeal, a senior outside hitter, became the all-time digs leader at UAlbany this season and
now has 1,789 in her career. A four-year starter for the Great Danes, DeNeal is second on the team
with 3.48 digs per game and is third with 2.76 kills per game. She has also recorded a team-high 49
service aces.
The reigning America East Conference Defensive Player of the Year, DeNeal was named to
the conference’s all-academic team and was an AVCA All-Northeast Region honorable mention last
season. She was the first libero in conference history to earn player of the week honors, and tied the
program's single-season digs record with 566.
-30-
For Immediate Release a a Contact: Brian DePasquale
Thursday, November 9, 2006 (518) 442-3072
UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY BASKETBALL SIGNS TWO STUDENT-ATHLETES FOR 2007-08
Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany men's basketball coach Will Brown announced today that two student-
athletes have signed national letters of intent to play for the Great Danes in the 2007-08 academic year. Billy
Allen, a 6-foot-6, 210-pound swingman from Hamilton, Ohio (Hamilton H.S.), and Anthony Raffa, a 6-foot-1,
175-pound point guard from Strathmere, N.J. (Wildwood Catholic H.S.) each made his commitment during the
early signing period.
Allen was named to the 2005-06 Associated Press Division | All-Ohio squad in the honorable mention
category. He averaged 17.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.0 assists when he was chosen to the All-Southwest
District second team. Allen, who posted a triple-double in one game as a junior, also earned a spot on the All-
Greater Miami Conference squad. He contributed 12.0 points and 5.5 rebounds in his sophomore campaign,
and was the sixth man on Hamilton's 2003-04 Division | state championship team.
“He understands the game as a coach's son," UAlbany head coach Will Brown said. "He is a big-time
shooter and plays every position on the floor for his high school team. His versatility, shooting ability and physi-
@.: make-up will allow him the opportunity to make an impact as a freshman."
Raffa was the second-leading scorer in the Cape Atlantic League at 22.7 points per game. He also
ranked among the league leaders in assists (3.0 pg), steals (3.3 pg) and free throw percentage (.715). Asa
junior, he was voted first-team All-Cape Atlantic League National Conference. Raffa led Wildwood Catholic to
New Jersey's Non-Public Class B final, the program's first appearance in the championship since 1988. The
Crusaders, who went 22-8 overall, also captured the South Jersey, sectional and CAL National titles. Raffa
averaged 11.0 points per game as a sophomore.
"He is our point guard of the future and a fierce competitor," Brown offered. "He led his team to the state
championship game and played at the prestigious ABCD summer camp last year. He is fearless and can flat
out make plays, so we have high expectations that he will have a postive effect on our program from day one."
UAlbany made its first-ever NCAA Division | Tournament appearance after winning the America East
Conference championship last season with a 21-11 record. The Great Danes have two seniors on their current
roster in reigning America East player of the year and Associated Press All-America Jamar Wilson (6'1") and
projected starter Jason Siggers (6'4").
2007-08 University at Albany Men's Basketball Signings
Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Hometown (High School)
Billy Allen G/F 6-6 210 Hamilton, Ohio (Hamilton)
Anthony Raffa G 6-1 175 ~—=Strathmere, N.J. (Wildwood Catholic)
® 80.
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 8, 2006 Brianna LaBrecque / 518-442-5733
UALBANY SWEEPS TO CLINCH A SHARE OF AMERICA EAST REGULAR-SEASON TITLE
Stony Brook, N.Y. — Senior outside hitter Shelby Goldman and sophomore middle blocker Kamisha
Kellam each posted 12 kills to lead UAlbany to a 3-0 sweep of Stony Brook in America East
Conference action on Wednesday evening at the SBU Sports Complex. The Great Danes won in the
three games by scores of 30-24, 30-21 and 30-25. UAlbany clinched at least a share of the America
East regular-season title, and earned the right to host the conference tournament as the top seed
later this month.
“We started slow this season, but we have focused on getting better each week,” said
UAlbany setter Blair Buchanan, a two-time America East player of the year. “I think our gym is the
toughest place to play in our league. We feed off the fans energy and now we will have a chance to
play for the NCAA Tournament in front of them.”
UAlbany (17-9, AE 10-2) fell behind 24-20 in the third game, but Goldman smacked a kill to
pull the Great Danes within three. Four straight attack errors by Stony Brook (12-16, AE 5-6) gave
the visitors a 25-24 lead. Junior middle blocker Ashley Crenshaw hit one of her 10 kills to put the
Great Danes up by two.
Stony Brook’s Morgan Sweany hit a service ace to try and rally the Seawolves, but Goldman
and Crenshaw combined for a block assist to swing the momentum back in UAlbany’s favor.
Crenshaw converted another kill to give the Great Danes a 29-24 advantage, and a Seawolves’ kill
@ Noelle Bay was followed by an attack error to end the match.
Goldman finished with nine digs and four total blocks while Kellam added three block assists.
Crenshaw recorded a match-high eight total blocks. Senior outside hitter Ashley DeNeal and senior
libero Kristin Fiorillo each totaled 15 digs for the Great Danes, who have won 13 of their last 15
contests. Buchanan added 34 assists, eight digs and five kills.
Sweany notched 12 kills and 11 digs for the Seawolves while Gulce Dikecligil totaled 11 kills.
Setter Kaitlyn Deutsch had a match-high 35 assists while Claire Linder recorded 23 digs.
The Great Danes, who have now wrapped up America East regular-season play, will meet
Long Island in a non-conference match on Thursday at 5 p.m.
-30-
Brian DePasquale
0-518-442-3072, C-518-331-3714
UALBANY’S ANDRE COLEMAN NAMED ECAC DIVISION | CO-DEFEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE
WEEK
Centerville, Mass. — University at Albany’s Andre Coleman has been selected as the ECAC
Division I-AA Co-Defensive Player of the Week in football for his efforts in last weekend’s 16-6 victory
against Robert Morris. UAlbany (7-3, NEC 5-1) will play for at least a share of the Northeast
Conference championship against Monmouth this Saturday at 1:00 p.m.
Coleman, a senior defensive end, recorded career-highs in tackles (10), sacks (3.5) and tackles
for a loss (7.5), plus recorded one quarterback hurry that resulted in safety Dave Nicomini’s 21-yard
interception return for a touchdown. The Great Danes held Robert Morris to 79 total yards, including
the program’s I-AA record of minus-51 rushing, and came up with 10 sacks, the highest total by a
NCAA Division I-AA team this season.
Coleman’s 3.5 sacks for minus-27 yards tied the fifth-best total by a Division I-AA player this
year. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound defender also reached the 100-career tackle mark (105) in the contest
and has 14.0 career sacks.
VOLLEYBALL’S SHELBY GOLDMAN CHOSEN ECAC DIVISION | PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Centerville, Mass. — UAlbany’s Shelby Goldman, a senior outside hitter, has been named the
ECAC Division | Player of the Week in volleyball. Goldman recorded 38 kills, 33 digs, two service aces
and two block assists in three matches to lead UAlbany to an undefeated week of America East
Conference play. In a 3-0 sweep of Binghamton, Goldman tallied a match-high 15 kills, en route to
becoming the school’s all-time kills leader. She added 13 digs, one service ace and one block assist in
the match. Goldman recorded her sixth straight double-double with 15 kills and 10 digs in a 3-1 win
over Maine last Friday. On the road at Hartford the following evening, Goldman had eight kills and a
match-high 10 digs in the three-game sweep. The Great Danes are in first place in the conference
standings.
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11/8/2006
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
November 8, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
UALBANY MEN’S BASKETBALL CRACKS MID-MAJOR NATIONAL TOP 25
Albany, N.Y. — UAlbany is ranked 25th in this week’s Collegelnsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 men’s
basketball national poll. The Great Danes, who are coming off a 21-11 campaign, captured their first-
ever America East Conference championship and earned an NCAA Tournament berth last year.
Creighton, from the Missouri Valley Conference, is the nation’s top mid-major team, while
Gonzaga and Hofstra are second and third respectively. Bucknell, who meets UAlbany in the season
opener on Saturday, is ranked No. 6. The Bison, who went 27-5 last year and won their second
consecutive Patriot League title, have defeated Kansas and Arkansas in the first round of the NCAA
Tournament the last two years.
The UAlbany-Bucknell contest on Nov. 11 at SEFCU Arena will tip off at 7:05 p.m. A
ceremony to honor last year’s conference champions will be held prior to the game at 6:45 p.m.
UAlbany will unveil two banners, one for America East title and one recognizing the NCAA
appearance, plus each member of the team and coaching staff will receive a championship ring.
Lucious Jordan, a member of the 2006 America East all-tournament squad, and Jerrad Knotts will
represent last year’s senior class at the ceremony.
Paw Prints: Less than 1,000 tickets remain for Saturday’s season opener ... SEFCU Arena seats
Capacity crowds of 4,538 ... Jamar Wilson was named today by ESPN.com as one of nine mid-major
@easketdai stars to watch ... Wilson was named to the 2006 Associated Press All-America squad ...
Bucknell is receiving votes in the latest Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN national polls ... the
Great Danes are 4-3 in home openers as a Division | program.
-agate-
The Collegelnsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 Poll
1. Creighton, 2. Gonzaga, 3. Hofstra, 4. Southern Illinois, 5. Wichita State, 6. Bucknell, 7. George
Mason, 8. Akron, 9. Winthrop, 10. Western Kentucky, 11. Missouri State, 12. Toledo, 13. Loyola
(Chicago), 14. Oral Roberts, 15. Drexel, 16. Loyola Marymount, 17. Marist, 18. Northern Arizona, 19.
Montana, 20. Pennsylvania, 21. Old Dominion, 22. College of Charleston, 23. Long Beach State, 24.
Sam Houston State, 25. UAlbany.
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For Immediate Release For Further Information
Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 7, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
UALBANY ANNOUNCES BASKETBALL TELEVISION SCHEDULE FOR 2006-07
Albany, N.Y. — University at Albany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy today
announced the school’s men’s basketball television schedule for the 2006-07 season. The Great
Danes will appear six times on the America East Conference package, while Time Warner Cable will
televise five games. UAlbany’s meeting with No. 18 Connecticut, a rematch of last year’s NCAA first-
round game, will also be seen on Fox Sports New York and ESPN Full Court.
America East and ESPN Regional Television will team up to produce and distribute games
throughout the conference’s geographical footprint. The telecasts will also be available on-line via
video streaming at AmericaEast.com, through the conference’s multi-media partner, XOS
Technologies. UAlbany has three home dates, New Hampshire (Jan. 3), Binghamton (Feb. 3) and
Boston U. (Feb. 25), on the schedule. Three conference away games, Vermont (Jan. 13), Boston U.
(Jan. 24) and Maine (Feb. 7), will also be televised.
Time Warner Cable will offer five games on its TW3 channel, starting with a non-conference
home game against St. Bonaventure on Dec. 16. The TW3 package also features Stony Brook (Jan.
15), Hartford (Jan. 21) UMBC (Jan. 31) and Vermont (Feb. 11).
Time Warner Cable serves more than 400,000 customers in the Capital Region and western
Massachusetts. TWC’s Albany Division operates one of the most sophisticated cable systems in the
@ x02: and is home to New York’s first two-way digital network.
agate-
UAlbany Basketball Television Schedule
Nov. 26 (Sun.) at Connecticut (FSNY) 5:00
Dec. 16 (Sat.) St. Bonaventure (TW3) 2:00
Jan. 3 (Wed.) New Hampshire* (AE-TV) — 7:30
Jan. 13 (Sat.) at Vermont* (AE-TV) 3:00
Jan. 15 (Mon.) Stony Brook* (TW3) 7:00
Jan. 21 (Sun.) Hartford* (TW3) 2:00
Jan. 24 (Wed.) at Boston U.* (AE-TV) 8:00
Jan. 31 (Wed.) UMBC* (TW3) 7:00
Feb. 3 (Sat.) Binghamton*+ (AE-TV) 7:30
Feb. 7 (Wed.) at Maine* (AE-TV) 70)
Feb. 11 (Sun.) Vermont* (TW3) 2:00
Feb. 25 (Sun.) Boston U.* (AE-TV) 12:30
ORTMANS NAMED TO AMERICA EAST CROSS COUNTRY ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
Boston, Mass. — University at Albany’s Jessica Ortman and Jenna Ortman, a pair of sophomores on
the women’s cross country team, were named to the America East Conference’s All-Academic Team
on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Student-athletes selected for the award have a minimum cumulative grade-point
average of 3.00 entering the season and were among the top-10 finishers at the America East Cross
Country Championship meet.
rd Both Ortmans finished in the top 15 in all five of the team’s races this season, with Jenna
winning the Monmouth Kick-Off Classic on Sept. 2 and the Fordham Invitational on Sept. 9. Most
recently, Jessica Ortman, who has a 3.78 GPA in communication, finished sixth and Jenna Ortman,
who owns a 3.90 GPA in communication, came in eighth at the America East Cross Country
Championships in Orono, Maine, on Oct. 28.
MORE
UALBANY SPORTS 2-2-2
® TWO UALBANY FIELD HOCKEY PLAYERS EARN AMERICA EAST ACADEMIC HONORS
Boston, Mass. — UAlbany sophomore goaltender Ashley Ross and sophomore midfielder Arlette
Westdorp were named to the America East Conference’s Field Hockey All-Academic Team on
Tuesday, Nov. 7. Student-athletes selected for the award have a minimum cumulative grade-point
average of 3.00 entering the season and were nominated to the post-season awards ballot.
Ross, who has a 3.56 GPA in communication, saw action in 18 of the squad’s 19 games this
season, posting an 11-7 record and a 1.41 goals-against average. Westdorp, a 3.70 student in
economics, became the school’s all-time assists leader after tallying a conference-leading 19 helpers
during the regular season. She led the nation with a 1.12 assists per game. The Great Danes went
12-7 and won a share of their first-ever conference regular-season title. The two helped to anchor a
defense that was ranked 10th nationally with a 1.13 goals against average.
-30-
HN Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 6, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
UALBANY’S COLEMAN & FRALICKER HONORED BY NORTHEAST CONFERENCE
Somerset, N.J. — University at Albany’s Andre Coleman has been selected as the Northeast
Conference Defensive Player of the Week in football for his performance in last week’s 16-6 victory
against Robert Morris in a battle of first-place teams. Jason Fralicker was named the NEC Special
Teams Player of the Week for the third time this season.
Coleman, a senior defensive end, recorded career-highs in tackles (10), sacks (3.5) and
tackles for a loss (7.5), plus recorded one quarterback hurry that resulted in safety Dave Nicomini’s
21-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Great Danes held Robert Morris to 79 total yards,
including the program’s I-AA record of minus-51 rushing, and came up with 10 sacks, the highest total
by a NCAA Division I-AA team this season.
Coleman’s 3.5 sacks for minus-27 yards tied the fifth-best total by a Division I-AA player this
year. The 6-foot-4, 290-pound defender also reached the 100-career tackle mark (105) in the contest
and has 14.0 career sacks.
Fralicker, a junior place-kicker, was the NEC’s top special teams performer for the second
Straight week by tying the school’s single-game record with three field goals of 32, 40 and 43 yards.
Fralicker tied a standard that he equaled in this year’s season opener against Lehigh. His leg gave
UAlbany a 9-0 lead in the second quarter. In addition, he became just the second UAlbany kicker to
@>00: a pair of 40-plus yard field goals in the same contest.
Fralicker also eclipsed a 21-year-old single-season record with his 13th field goal this year,
breaking a mark set by Scott Reagan in 1985. He currently ranks third in the NEC in scoring with 64
points (13-18 FGs, 25-25 PATs), the ninth-best total in school annals.
UALBANY RANKED IN TOP-FIVE IN BOTH DIVISION I-AA MID-MAJOR NATIONAL POLLS
Albany, N.Y. — Following last Saturday’s decisive 16-6 victory over Robert Morris, UAlbany climbed
two spots to fifth in the Football Gazette Division I-AA national mid-major poll. The Great Danes
remained fourth in The Sports Network rankings.
UAlbany (7-3, NEC 5-1) meets Monmouth (9-1, NEC 5-1) in a showdown for at least a share of
the Northeast Conference championship on Saturday, Nov. 11 at University Field. Kickoff is 1:00
p.m. ET. The Hawks, who own a five-game winning streak, are ranked second in both mid-major
polls. The UAlbany-Monmouth winner, coupled with a Stony Brook loss, could also capture the NEC
title outright and represent the conference in the Gridiron Classic on Dec. 2.
The Great Danes are ranked nationally in several Division I-AA categories, including rushing
yards allowed (85.6 ypg), total defense (230.0 ypg) and scoring defense (12.4 ppg).
-agate-
FOOTBALL GAZETTE: 1. San Diego, 2. Monmouth, 3. Drake, 4. Central Conn. State, 5. Albany, 6.
Robert Morris, 7. Stony Brook, 8. Davidson, 9. Duquesne, 10. Jacksonville.
THE SPORTS NETWORK: 1. San Diego, 2. Monmouth, 3. Drake, 4. Albany, 5. Central Conn. State,
TF Duquesne, 7. Robert Morris, 8. Stony Brook, 9. Davidson, 10. Jacksonville.
MORE
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UAlbany Sports 2-2-2
© GOLDMAN, BUCHANAN EARN AMERICA EAST WEEKLY VOLLEYBALL HONORS
Boston, Mass. -- Senior outside hitter Shelby Goldman and senior setter Blair Buchanan were
named the America East Conference Player and Setter of the Week, respectively, as announced by
the conference office on Monday, Nov. 6.
Goldman earned the weekly honor for the second time this season after recording 38 kills, 33
digs, two service aces and two block assists in three matches to lead UAlbany to an undefeated week
of conference play. In a 3-0 sweep of Binghamton, Goldman tallied a match-high 15 kills, en route to
becoming the all-time kills leader at UAlbany. She added 13 digs, one service ace and one block
assist in the match. Goldman recorded her sixth straight double-double with 15 kills and 10 digs ina
3-1 win over Maine last Friday. On the road at Hartford the following evening, Goldman had eight kills
and a match-high 10 digs in the three-game sweep.
Buchanan garners setter of the week accolades for the third time this season. She averaged
39.3 assists, 10.0 digs and 2.6 total blocks over three matches. In the Great Danes’ 3-0 sweep of
Binghamton, Buchanan posted a match-high 39 assists and added 11 digs, three block assists and
two kills. On Senior Night against Maine, she totaled 45 assists to go along with 15 digs, three total
blocks and three kills. Against Hartford, Buchanan recorded a match-high 34 assists, four kills, four
digs and two block assists.
UAlbany (16-9, AE 9-2) will wrap up America East regular-season play on Wednesday, Nov. 8
at Stony Brook. The Great Danes are currently in first place in the conference standings.
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i Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 4, 2006 Brianna LaBrecque / 518-442-5733
UALBANY VOLLEYBALL SWEEPS HARTFORD IN AMERICA EAST ACTION
West Hartford, Conn. — Junior middle blocker Ashley Crenshaw recorded a team-high 11 kills and
sophomore middle blocker Kamisha Kellam added ten kills and nine total blocks to lead UAlbany to
a three-game sweep of America East Conference foe Hartford on Saturday evening. The Great
Danes posted scores of 30-16, 30-25, 30-15 to defeat the Hawks.
Senior outside hitter Shelby Goldman ended her streak of double-doubles, recording eight
kills to go along with a team-best 10 digs. Senior setter Blair Buchanan recorded a match-high 34
assists to go along with four kills, four digs, two block assists and one service ace. Freshman setter
Samantha Jacobson added five block assists for the Great Danes.
Hartford (8-19, AE 0-11) was led by Jennifer Monroy who recorded 15 kills for the Hawks.
Sarah Rasor had 30 assists while Hallie Fullagar tallied a team-high nine digs.
UAlbany (16-9, AE 9-2), which has now won five matches in a row, will continue America East
play on Wednesday, Nov. 8, visiting Stony Brook at 7 p.m.
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Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 4, 2006 Brianna LaBrecque / 518-442-5733
UALBANY’S DEFENSE KEEPS GREAT DANES IN TIE FOR FIRST PLACE IN NEC
Moon Township, Pa. — Dave Nicomini returned an interception for a touchdown and the UAlbany
defense recorded 10 sacks in leading the Great Danes to a 16-6 Northeast Conference victory over
Robert Morris in a battle of first-place teams on Saturday afternoon at Joe Walton Stadium. UAlbany
(7-3, NEC 5-1) remained in a three-way tie atop the conference standings.
The league's top two defenses kept each team's offense in check, as both clubs were held to
less than 100 total yards. Robert Morris (6-4, NEC 4-2) avoided a shutout when quarterback Erik
Cwalinski threw a 19-yard scoring pass to Frankie Probst with 2:19 remaining. But Cwalinski, a 6-
foot-3 sophomore, connected on just 12 of 30 passes for 130 yards and was intercepted four times.
Meanwhile, the Great Danes were nearly perfect on defense. Defensive end Andre Coleman,
who had a career-high 10 tackles, including 3.5 sacks, led a unit that set the program's Division I-AA
records for rushing yards allowed (minus-51) and quarterbacks sacks. Defensive tackles Tom
Pandolf and Michael Dungey added two sacks apiece, while defensive end Mark Sheehan picked off
a fourth-quarter pass and also got to the quarterback. In fact, the Colonials crossed the 50-yard line
just three times, all in second half, and two were the result of a penalty and a turnover
"The defense was superb and the line had moments of brilliance,” said UAlbany head coach
Bob Ford, whose team reached the seven-win mark for the eighth time in the last 11 years. “We were
, i to take away their run game and force the quarterback to make decisions under pressure."
UAlbany’s defense and the strong leg of Jason Fralicker built a 16-0 halftime lead. Mike Wall
blocked a punt on the first possession of the game to set up a 32-yard field goal. The junior place-
kicker added two more, from 40 and 483 yards, as the Colonials' offense was unable to move the ball
with poor field position. Fralicker set the school’s single-season record with his 13" field goal.
"It was crunch time and we knew we had to step up to the next level,” said Coleman, one of
seven defenders to register a sack in the game. “We studied their strengths and weaknesses and
thought we had a great chance to be productive. It's fun whenever you can put pressure on both the
quarterbacks and running backs, especially on the road."
The Great Danes, who forced six 4-and-out possessions in the half, also found the scoreboard
when Nicomini ran back an interception 21 yards for a touchdown with 3:10 left in the second quarter.
Coleman forced Cwalinski to throw under pressure from his own end zone on the play. The Colonials
were held to minus-1 yard in total offense during the opening two periods, and finished with just 79 for
the entire contest.
"After the Stony Brook loss, we knew we had to run the table,” explained Ford, whose squad
will play for at least a share of the conference title at home next Saturday. “There are too many good
teams in this conference to go undefeated. Now we have to concentrate on Monmouth and hope
things fall into place."
Si).
fae\ Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 2
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UALBANY TUNES UP FOR BASKETBALL SEASON WITH EXHIBITION WIN OVER LAVAL
Albany, N.Y. — Brent Wilson and Michael Knight each scored nine points to lead a balanced attack, as
UAlbany posted a 63-43 exhibition victory over Laval (Quebec) on Friday evening at SEFCU Arena.
The Great Danes, who are coming off their first-ever America East Conference championship and
NCAA Division | Tournament berth, begin the 2006-07 season against Bucknell on Nov. 11.
UAlbany led 18-14 with 8:43 remaining in the first half, but then pulled away with nine
unanswered points. Knight, a junior who is in his first season with the program as a junior college
transfer, buried a three-point field goal to begin that run. Wilson, a 6-foot-8 junior, hit a layup, before
freshman center Brett Gifford converted a bank shot. The Great Danes, who shot 50 percent from
the field in the opening half, led 33-21 at the intermission.
Jamar Wilson, last year’s America East player of the year, helped UAlbany get off to a good
Start after the break. Wilson, who had five points and four assists, connected on a three-pointer from
the left wing before Brent Wilson followed with another long-range shot from left of the key. The
Great Danes, who tallied 13 of the game’s next 15 points after halftime, pushed out to a 46-23
advantage with 12:59 remaining. Sophomore Brian Connelly, who had six points and seven
rebounds, and Gifford, a 6’11” center, ended that outburst with a three-point play and a jump hook,
respectively. :
“We were extremely flat, there was no flow or rhythm,” said UAlbany coach Will Brown, whose
club will play at home in eight days to open its schedule against the two-time defending Patriot
Oicague champions. “The positives were that everybody got to play, the lights were on, and people
were in the stands. We should have been sharper. We have a lot of work to do before we play
Bucknell.”
Laval’s Andre Bureau came off the bench to score nine points, all from outside the 3-point arc.
Francois-Olivier Gagnon-Herbert, a 6-foot-5 center, added eight points and six rebounds. Laval was
held to 29.6-percent shooting on 16 of 54 attempts.
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 3, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
UALBANY VOLLEYBALL DEFEATS MAINE, 3-1, INAMERICA EAST ACTION
Albany, N.Y. — Senior outside hitter Shelby Goldman recorded a team-high 15 kills and 10 digs for her
sixth straight double-double to lead UAlbany to a 3-1 win over America East Conference opponent
Maine on Senior Night on Friday evening at University Gymnasium. The Great Danes won their fourth
straight match by scores of 30-16, 27-30, 30-16, 30-27.
senior outside hitter Ashley DeNeal and sophomore middle blocker Kamisha Kellam each
added 14 kills. DeNeal also posted 11 digs, while Kellam had six total blocks and a .650 hitting
percentage on 20 attacks. Sophomore middle blocker Ashley Crenshaw was the fourth UAlbany
player in double digits with 10 kills, while senior setter Blair Buchanan tallied 45 assists and a match-
high 15 digs. Senior defensive specialist Kristin Fiorillo had six service aces in the match.
sophomore outside hitter Laura Goettsch recorded a match-high 19 kills for Maine (6-17, AE
4-5). Sophomore middle blocker Jessica Wolfenden added 14 kills while sophomore outside hitter
Lindsay Allman tallied 11 kills and 11 digs. Senior libero Jody Connacher finished with a team-high 14
digs for the Black Bears.
© UAlbany (15-9, AE 8-2), currently sitting atop the conference standings, will continue America
East play on Saturday as they travel to Hartford for a 7:00 p.m. match.
-agate-
UAlbany def. Maine, 30-16, 27-30, 30-16, 30-27.
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Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 3, 2006 Brianna LaBrecque / 518-442-5733
MAINE FIELD HOCKEY SLIPS BY UALBANY IN OVERTIME IN AMERICA EAST SEMIFINAL
Cambridge, Mass. — Amy Zdrojesky redirected a shot past UAlbany goalkeeper Ashley Ross nine
minutes and five seconds into the overtime period to give Maine a 1-0 win over the Great Danes in
the America East Conference Tournament’s semifinal round at MIT’s Jack Berry Field on Friday
afternoon.
UAlbany, who finishes the season at 12-7 overall, outshot the Black Bears, 9-6, in the game,
but could not capitalize on four shots in overtime. Maine goalkeeper Rebecca Giroux had six saves,
including three in the extra period. The Black Bears, who are 9-10 overall, will move on to face
Boston U. in the America East championship on Sunday. |
Junior midfielder Michelle Simpson led the Great Danes with four shots, while sophomore
midfielder Michele Polizois had three. Ross finished with four saves in the cage.
Zdrojesky had a team-high two shots on goal for Maine, including the game-winner. Katie
Flaherty assisted on the score.
-agate-
Maine (9-10) 0 0 1 1
UAlbany (12-7) 0 0 0 0
Maine — Scoring: Amy Zdrojesky 1-0, Katie Flaherty 0-1. Goalkeeper: Rebecca Giroux (79:05, 0 GA,
saves.
Albany — Scoring: None. Goalkeeper: Ashley Ross (79:05, 1 GA, 4 saves).
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Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 2, 2006 Brian DePasquale / 518-442-3072
UALBANY FIELD HOCKEY PLACES FOUR PLAYERS ON ALL-CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM
Boston, Mass. — University at Albany’s Michelle Simpson, a junior midfielder, has been named the
America East Conference Offensive Player of the Year in field hockey, as announced by the
conference office on Thursday, Nov. 2 at the championship banquet. Sophomore midfielder Arlette
Westdorp was awarded the league’s Defensive Player of the Year.
Simpson and Westdorp become the first UAlbany field hockey players to earn the
conference’s major awards since the Great Danes joined America East in 2001. Simpson finished the
regular season at the top of the conference with 14 goals and seven assists for 35 points, the
second-best total in the program's Division | history. After one season with the UAlbany program, she
is ranked among the top-10 career leaders for goals and points. Westdorp became the school’s all-
time assists leader after tallying a conference-leading 19 helpers during the regular season. She also
ranks first in the nation, averaging 1.12 assists per game. Westdorp also helped anchor a defense
that was ranked 10th nationally with a 1.13 goals against average.
Freshman defender Jess Lindsey and sophomore goalkeeper Ashley Ross joined Simpson
and Westdorp on the all-conference first team. Lindsey, who was also named to the America East all-
rookie squad, was fourth on the team with two goals and 14 assists for 18 total points. Lindsey, who
handles the passing duties on the Great Danes’ penalty corners, was second in the national rankings
with 0.88 assist per game.
6 Freshman midfielder Teska Koch earned both second-team all-conference and all-rookie
team recognition. Koch was third on the team with nine goals and three assists for 21 points. She
scored the game-winning goal in the Great Danes’ 3-2 overtime victory over Vermont that gave
UAlbany a share of the America East regular-season title. Also named to the all-conference second
team was sophomore midfielder Michele Polizois, who was second on the squad with 10 goals and
three assists for 23 points. Polizois is among the school’s career leaders in goals and points.
Joining Lindsey and Koch on the all-rookie squad was freshman forward Nicole Savage. She
recorded three goals and two assists, all in conference play, after missing eight games due to injury.
UAlbany (12-6, AE 4-1), the second seed in the conference’s postseason tournament, will
meet third-seed Maine on Friday at 2:30 p.m. in the semifinal round. The winner will advance to meet
either Boston U. or Vermont on Sunday, Nov. 5 in the championship at 1:00 p.m. MIT’s Jack Barry
Field, located in Cambridge, Mass., is the host facility.
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Attn: Sports Department No. of Pages: 1
For Immediate Release For Further Information
November 2, 2006 Brianna LaBrecque / 518-442-5733
JAY GEIGER NAMED HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER AT THE UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY
Albany, N.Y. — Director of Athletics Lee McElroy announced on Thursday, Nov. 2, that Jay Geiger
has been named head athletic trainer at the University at Albany. He is responsible for aspects of the
sports medicine program, including preventive training, injury rehabilitation and nutrition counseling.
Geiger supervises a staff of four full-time assistants and several volunteer trainers.
Previously, Geiger served as assistant athletics director and head trainer at the College of Saint
Rose since 1996. He supervised a full-time assistant, three graduate assistants and 20 student
interns who provided sports medicine services for the school's 220 student-athletes. Geiger, who
served as a graduate assistant at Saint Rose for two years prior to being named head athletic trainer,
began his career as an intern on the athletics training staff at Siena College.
A certified athletics trainer according to the NATABOC requirements, Geiger is a member of the
National Athletics Trainers Association (NATA) and is a certified sports psychologist in accordance
with the American Coaches Effectiveness Program. He has also worked as the head trainer for the
Albany Conquest of arena football2 since 2002 and was the assistant trainer and equipment manager
for the Albany Firebirds of the Arena Football League from 1992-2000.
Geiger earned his bachelor's degree in sports medicine from Colby-Sawyer College in the spring of
1994 before completing his master's in educational psychology at Saint Rose. He earned four varsity
etters as a member of the Colby-Sawyer soccer team, plus was named to the All-New England
squad.
STEPHAN HALL NAMED TO COSIDA MEN’S SOCCER ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM
' Albany, N.Y. — Stephan Hall of the University at Albany’s men’s soccer team has been named to the
CoSIDA Academic District | Team for the third consecutive year on Thursday. The graduate student
in information technology systems has a 3.98 grade point average, and earned his undergraduate
degree in urban planning in May 2006.
A member of last years ESPN The Magazine First Team Academic All-America squad and a
two-time team captain, the senior defenseman started all 19 of UAlbany’s games this season. Hall
was second on the team with six points (two goals, two assists) as the Great Danes finished fourth in
the America East Conference standings and earned their third consecutive postseason berth. The
Denver, Colo., native has also been selected as the America East Men’s Soccer Scholar-Athlete of
the Year for the past two seasons.
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EECU For Immediate Release
Contacts: John DeCelle — SEFCU
Office: 518-464-5336 Cell: 518-312-2204
Brian DePasquale — UAlbany
Office: 518-442-3072 Cell: 518-331-3714
SEFCU and UALBANY Forge a 10 Year Partnership
Albany, N.Y. — SEFCU, the largest credit union in the Capital Region, and the University at Albany today
announced a $2.75 million commitment to name the university’s Recreation and Convocation Center, in
addition to promotional opportunities, for a 10 year period. The facility, to be known as the SEFCU Arena, is
the home for UAlbany's men's and women's basketball teams. The SEFCU Arena will continue to expand its
role as a major venue for community events, sporting events and university activities. The arena has seating
for capacity crowds of 4,538.
“The University at Albany is very grateful to SEFCU for believing in our students and the success of
our athletic program,” said University at Albany's Officer in Charge Susan Herbst. “Today's commitment to
name the SEFCU Arena is a tribute to the power of public-private partnerships. We look forward to a very
prosperous and fruitful relationship and to welcoming many more Great Danes fans to UAlbany's SEFCU
Arena.”
“SEFCU is excited about entering into this partnership with UAlbany, a true leader in our
community,” said Michael J. Castellana, SEFCU’s president. “This unique collaboration brings together
@puviic and private entities to work together to develop programs and events that will enrich the UAlbany
community and the entire Capital Region.”
“SEFCU's commitment to higher education and the Capital Region community is outstanding,"
UAlbany Vice President and Director of Athletics Lee McElroy said. "This long-term partnership will not
only enhance our growth as a Division I intercollegiate athletics program, but benefit the student-athletes,
alumni, and fans that use SEFCU Arena. UAlbany and SEFCU will work together to utilize resources to
make this partnership a significant investment in our community."
“On behalf of the University at Albany Foundation, we are grateful for SEFCU’s generous support of
UAlbany. This commitment will dramatically enhance opportunities for our student athletes and all those
who enjoy the University’s sports programs. The Foundation is pleased to be a partner in this wonderful
public-private collaboration that benefits both the campus and our community,” remarked George R. Hearst
III, president of the University at Albany Foundation.
“Today's groundbreaking announcement is a critical move to creating even greater bonds
among University at Albany students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community at large,” said George Philip,
University at Albany Council chair. “We are delighted to be working with Michael Castellana, our
community partner and distinguished alumnus, on this most exciting initiative.” Philip noted that the
University at Albany University Council had approved the naming of the SEFCU Arena and that the State
University Board of Trustees would take up a similar resolution at its November Meeting.
©} UAlbany opened the Recreation and Convocation Center in the spring of 1992 as an $11 million state-
of-the-art facility. The playing surface on the arena's three basketball courts and the surrounding .11-mile
indoor track were completely renovated in December 2004. The facility hosted last year's America East
Conference Men's Basketball Championship before a sold-out crowd and traditionally has been the site for the
University's graduate commencement, the opening round of the Section II Boys' High School Basketball
Tournament, and Section II indoor track competition. In addition, rock and pop concerts, with such musical
nersonalities as Shervl Crow and Green Dav. have heen held in the arena
Eee
Established in 1934, SEFCU is among the 70 largest credit unions in the United States with more than
$1.3 billion in assets and over 143,000 members in the Capital Region, Binghamton, Syracuse, and Buffalo.
In addition to standard deposit and loan products, SEFCU offers 24-hour banking by phone and Internet,
lectronic bill payment and eStatements, investment and insurance services, and a full-range of business
banking and lending services.
The University at Albany is an internationally recognized public research university with a broad
mission of undergraduate and graduate education, research and service. More than 17,000 diverse students
are enrolled in ten schools and colleges. UAlbany athletics sponsors 19 intercollegiate teams, including eight
for men and 11 for women, at the NCAA Division I level. Since upgrading to that status in 1999, the Great
Danes have won 17 conference championships and made several NCAA appearances.
HEHE
Patroon Creek Corporate Center e 700 Patroon Creek Boulevard » Albany, NY 12206
(518) 452-8234 e (866) 733-2880 ¢ www.sefcu.com
