Ithaca Wins Empire 8 Title Game

  Top-seeded Ithaca College got 13 points each from Jenn Escobido and Mary Kate Tierney as the Bombers defeated host Hartwick,47-29 to win their second straight Empire 8 conference title.

Hartwick's Maria Foglia led the Hawk's with a 12-point effort, and was named to the All-Tournament team, along with Ithaca's Escobido and Devin Shea, who was named the MVP.

Ithaca improved to 25-2 on the year, and receives an automatic bid into the NCAA Division III tournament.

Hartwick fell to 19-8, and awaits word if they will get a bid to the NCAA tournament on Monday.

#16 UAlbany Unable to Complete Comeback; Falls to Drexel, 20-19

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - Despite nine total points from Lyle Thompson, #16 UAlbany fell to Drexel, 20-19, in non-conference men's lacrosse action on Saturday afternoon. Thompson scored three goals and handed out six assists to lead the Great Danes, who move to 1-1 on the season, while Drexel also moves to 1-1 on the early season.

Three minutes into the game, the Great Danes owned a 3-0 lead behind scores by Miles Thompson, Will Fuller, and Mike Woods. Fuller netted his second of the day at 8:51 with an assist to Matt Garziano to push the UAlbany advantage to 4-0 and prompt Drexel to take a timeout. Less than a minute later, the Dragons ended the Great Dane rally with a goal by Ben McIntosh to cut the UAlbany lead to 4-1 with 8:06 to play in the first quarter. Ty Thompson got on the board at 5:38, taking an assist from Woods and finding the back of the net to increase the advantage to 5-1, before Derrick Eccles assisted Doug Eich with 4:51 to play. The Great Danes then got another quick goal by Ryan Feuerstein to push the lead to 7-1 with just over two minutes on the clock, and that score held through the rest of the period.

Drexel scored two quick goals to start the second quarter, but the Great Danes roared back, getting three straight goals. Woods netted his second of the day at 5:22, and UAlbany won the ensuing faceoff and scored again, as Feuerstein scored his second goal. At 4:21, Lyle Thompson scored to put the Great Danes up, 10-3. The Dragons would score twice more to end the half, getting tallies from Ryan Belka and Robert Church to set the halftime score at 10-5.

The Dragons scored first to start the third on a goal by Nick Saputo, just 10 seconds into play, and then pulled to within 10-7 on an unassisted goal by Aaron Prosser at 12:45. Drexel was determined to make a game out of it, getting another goal 30 seconds later from Nick Trizano. The Dragons then cut the UALbany advantage to one, 10-9, on a goal by Ryan Belka, and UAlbany finally answered at 10:26, as Matt Garziano took an assist from Lyle Thompson to push the lead back to 11-9. With 8:11 left to play, Feuerstein recorded his second goal of the day with an unassisted goal, but Drexel responded to keep the Dragons within one, 11-10, with 5:21 to play. Drexel tied the game at 11-all on a man-up goal by McIntosh at 3:53, and then took their first lead of the game at 2:57 on a goal by Frank Fusco. With UAlbany trailing for the first time this season, Fusco scored again at 2:22, and UAlbany picked up a quick penalty to give the Dragons a man-up opportunity. Drexel continued to roll, getting an extra-man goal from Belka before UAlbany finally responded with a man-up goal of its own from Will Stenberg with 50 seconds on the clock to pull back within 14-13 before the end of the third.

The fourth quarter got off to a rapid start, as both teams scored two goals within the first two minutes of play. However, Drexel got back-to-back goals to take a 17-15 lead with 11:56 to play. The Dragons built up a 19-15 lead before UAlbany found the back of the net again, as the Great Danes got a goal from Fuller with 4:37 to go. The Great Danes got back-to-back goals from Lyle Thompson to pull within 19-18, but were unable to take advantage of a man-up opportunity. Drexel goalkeeper Will Gabrielsen made a save on a shot by Miles Thompson, and the Dragons turned a clear into a goal at the other end, pushing their advantage to 20-18. The Great Danes would not fold, however, as Garziano found the back of the net with 18 seconds to play. UAlbany's Kevin Glueckert won the ensuing faceoff, and the Great Danes got two good shots off, but time would expire before one connected.

UAlbany held a 55-48 advantage in shots, and led, 39-29, in groundballs. However, Drexel won 21-of-19 faceoffs. Gabrielsen made 18 saves between the pipes for Drexel, while Blaze Riorden stopped 11 shots for UAlbany.

The Great Danes will continue their season next Saturday, opening the season at home against Yale at 2 p.m.

RV/RV Women's Lacrosse Looks For Redemption Against 3/3 Florida On Sunday

The Opening DrawThe University at Albany begins the 2013 season against the same team it ended the 2012 season, the University of Florida, on Sunday, Feb. 24 at 12 p.m. The Great Danes and the Gators faced off in the first round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament. Florida came out on top 6-4, but UAlbany arguably had its best defensive performance of the season by holding the then-number one overall seed to a season-low 11 shots. Scouting the Gators• Florida is off to a hot start for the 2013 season with a 5-0 record. The Gators have already knocked off two nationally ranked teams to begin the season, North Carolina (W, 5-3) and Stony Brook (W, 16-9). • 11 of the 12 starters from the 2012 NCAA Tournament Finals team returns for the Gators to make them primed for another potential run • Attack Kitty Cullen, midfielders Brittany Dashiell, Shannon Gilroy, and goalkeeper Mikey Meagher highlight the 2013 starting returners • Senior goalkeeper Meagher was honored last season as the IWLCA's C.Markland Kelly Goalie of the Year. Meagher has picked up where she left off last season, holding opponents to 5.37 goals per game • Cullen, Dashiell and Gilroy have not skipped a beat on offense to begin this season, combining for 25 of the team total 49 goals Season PreviewUAlbany begins the 2013 season in search for its third consecutive America East Conference Tournament title in as many season. The team returns seven starters that won the conference title as the four seed in the conference tournament, who upended the tournament's number two seed Boston University in the semifinals and the number one seed Stony Brook in the finals en route to their second consecutive conference title and NCAA Tournament appearance. Offensive End:•The Great Danes offensive mindset this season will look to change from a slow-paced posession heavy style to a more fast-paced run-and-gun style due to more available players to switch in and out. • Senior Rachael Burek and sohomore Maureen Keggins return to lead the UAlbany attack, bringing back a combined 46 goals from last season • Burek returns as a all-conference second team member, having tallied 35 goals and seven assists Midfield:• A crucial part to the success of UAlbany will come from the midfield with the majority of the offensive production coming back in this part of the field • Of the 200 goals and 80 assists from last season, 84 goals and 56 assists come starting returners Jess Antelmi, Ariana Parker, Nichole Eamer and Allie Phelan • Parker highlights the returners of the midfield, having been named a 2012 all-conference first team member and named as one of Inside Lacrosse's Preseason All-Americans for the 2013 season Defensive End:• With the losses of all-conference first team Jenn Primeau and second team Stephanie Kempf, the Great Danes will have big shoes to fill. Primeau and Kempf combined for 146 ground balls and 65 caused turnovers in their four-year careers at UAlbany • Kathleen Lennon is the lone starter that returns on the defensive, recording 15 groundballs and six caused turnovers last season. Lennon will look to take her two years of experience to lead the defenders Goalkeeping:• Junior Anna Berman returns to defend any and all shots that may come between the pipes. Berman, as a two-year starter, has recorded a career 30-6 record as a Great Dane • The "Berman Wall" has tallied over 191 saves and a .406 saves percentage The Watch List• Great Dane midfielder Ariana Parker is being watched by the lacrosse world, following two successful seasons at UAlbany • Parker has been named to Inside Lacrosse's Preseason All-American team and most recently the Tewaaraton Award Watch list (equivalent to the Heisman in lacrosse) Preseason Conference Poll Prediction• In the 2013 America East Conference Preseason Poll, which was voted on by the conference coaches, the University at Albany was picked to finish in a tie-for second with Boston Univeristy. The Great Danes received two first-place votes. • Stony Brook, the conference tournament runner-ups, were chosen as the favorites to win the league. The Seawolves received 33 total votes and three first-place votes. • Four of the seven total teams in the conference received first-place votes. Stony Brook (3), UAlbany (2), Boston U. (1) and UMBC (1). Great Start For The Great Dane Head Coach• Third-year head coach John Battaglino has begun his career at UAlbany with a bang. In two seasons, Battaglino has tallied a record of 34-7 overall and 9-3 in conference play. • In two seasons, Battaglino has won back-to-back America East Conference Tournament championships and has gone to the NCAA Tournament in consecutive seasons as well. • Coach Battaglino looks to become just the third head coach in conference history to win three-straight conference tournament championships. University of Delware's Denise Wescott (1997-99) and Boston University's Lix Robertshaw (2008-10) were the previous two to accomplish the feat. • In just his first season as head coach, he was able to grab a win in the NCAA Tournament against Dartmouth in the first round, 10-7, on May 15, 2011 • Following a 18-1 record in the 2011 season, he was named as IWLCA Northeast Region Division I Coach of the Year Persistent Parker• Junior midfielder Ariana Parker has been persistently scoring goals since her freshman stint. In two seasons, Parker has tallied 83 goals in 37 career games at UAlbany. • Her 83 goals have landed her 12th all-time at UAlbany in scoring. If she continues this pace in the next two season, Parker land in the top-3 all-time at UAlbany. Successful Switch• Senior midfielder Jess Antelmi found great success in last season's switch from defense to midfield, due to the injuries of her teammates. • Before the switch, Antelmi recorded just three goals in 19 games played at UAlbany. Following the switch, the Bridgeport, N.Y. native tallied career-bests in goals (29), assists (26) and points (55). • Her 26 assists and 55 points were both team-bests last season Preseason Recognition• Following a conference tournament championship and a NCAA Tournament appearance, the University at Albany has been recognized by both the coaches and media in the preseason polls. The Great Danes are receiving votes in both polls to begin the season. • UAlbany has been ranked as high as 8th, which was during the 2011 season. Last season the Great Danes were recognized as high as 13th. Burek Belongs In The Faceoff Circle • Senior attack Rachael Burek found much success both on the offensive end and in the draw control circle. • Burek posted the team’s second best goal total with 35 goals. More importantly, the Rensselaer, N.Y. native found her niche in the draw control circle, recording 73 successful draw controls. • Her 73 draw controls last season put her third all-time at UAlbany for draw controls in a season. In her career, Burek has tallied over 124 draw controls, which places her third all-time in the school’s history. "The Berman Wall" • Junior goalkeeper Anna Berman will look to build upon her previous success in both her career record and saves. Currently, Berman stands sixth in saves (191) and her 30 victories put her first all-time at UAlbany

 

SU MEN'S LACROSSE LOOKS TO REBOUND SUNDAY VERSUS ARMY

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Army Black Knights (2-1) visit the Carrier Dome on Sunday, Feb. 24 to face No. 18 Syracuse (0-1) in their annual regular-season meeting. The Orange is coming off a 16-15 season-opening loss to Albany in double overtime on Feb. 17 and is looking to avoid its first 0-2 start since 1974.

Sunday's contest is the second game of a lacrosse tripleheader at the Dome. In the first game, the SU women's team faces Virginia at 1 p.m. The Cornell men and Hobart men renew the longest rivalry in college lacrosse in the nightcap at 7 p.m.

Tickets are available online at SUAthletics.com, over the phone (1-888-DOMETIX), or in person at the Carrier Dome Box Office during normal business hours. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for youth ages 12 and under. 'Cuse Kids Club members get in free with their membership card. Parking is $10.

LACROSSE ROYALTY
Sunday's game features two of the five winningest programs in Division I college lacrosse. The Orange and Black Knights have combined to win 1,564 games. Syracuse is second all-time with 830 victories. Army's 734 wins ranks fifth all-time.

MARASCO HAS MONSTER GAME
Senior midfielder JoJo Marasco (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.) totaled a career-high eight points in SU's season-opening loss to Albany on Feb. 17. Marasco scored three goals and passed out five assists. Six of his eight points came in the second half as the Orange rallied from multiple four-goal deficits after intermission to force extra time. He was named to the first BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll of 2013 for the performance.

Marasco's scoring output was highest total by an SU player since Kenny Nims finished with eight points against Providence in February 2009.

MARASCO CLOSES IN ON CENTURY MARK
Marasco's eight points against Albany raised his career scoring total to 97 points (47 goals, 50 assists), three shy of 100. Marasco is the team's active leading scorer. He has at least one point in 33 of SU's last 35 games and 39-of-45 games in his career.

FOR STARTERS
Five SU players earned their first starts in the Albany game. Sophomore Kevin Rice (Skaneateles, N.Y.), redshirt freshman Dylan Donahue (Camillus, N.Y.) junior Scott Loy (Toledo, Ohio) and seniors Luke Cometti (Syracuse, N.Y.) and Kyle Carey (Worthington, Ohio) all took field with the first string for the first time. Rice recorded a career-best four points, including three assists. Donahue tallied three goals (all in the fourth quarter) and Cometti tied his career best with three points (two goals, one assist).

DADDIO DOMINATES THE X
Junior Chris Daddio (Purcellville, Va.) turned in a career performance at the faceoff X against Albany on Feb. 17. Daddio won 20-of-33 draws, setting career highs in each category along with ground balls (8). Daddio's 20 faceoff victories is tied for the second-most in Division I this season behind Rutgers' Joseph Nardella (21).

BALANCE IS THE KEY
When Syracuse is at its best the team receives contributions from all over the field. The Orange displayed a balanced offense in the season opener against Albany as 10 players combined for SU's 15 goals. All three starting attackman and fourth attackman Billy Ward (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) found the cage at least once. In addition, five of the team's top six midfielders scored a goal.

SCOUTING THE BLACK KNIGHTS
Army has posted identical 14-8 victories against Manhattan and VMI since losing its 2013 opener, 16-9, at Massachusetts. The Black Knights are averaging 12.3 goals per contest and nearly 50 shots per game (48.3). They have also done a good job capitalizing on opponents' penalties. Army has nine man-up goals so far this year (3.0 per game).

The Army offense runs through senior attackman Garrett Thul who leads the team with 12 goals. Against Manhattan and VMI, Thul scored 11 times on his way to Patriot Offensive Player of the Week Honors. The New Jersey product notched four goals versus Manhattan and followed it up with a career-high seven against VMI. For his career, Thul has 134 goals (the second-highest active total in the nation) and he owns the country's longest active scoring streak with at least one goal in 42 straight games. He is six goals shy of the Academy career goals record (140) held by Scott Finlay.

Thul is flanked by sophomore John Glesener (13 points) and freshman Connor Cook (five points). Glesner is a product of nearby West Genesee High School. He leads Army with eight assists. Sophomore Alex Newsome is Army's top midfield scorer. Newsome has 12 points, including eight goals. He also leads the Black Knights with four extra-man goals.

Preseason All-Patriot League performer Brendan Buckley anchors the Army defense. He has a squad-best four caused turnovers. Pat Hart and John Burk have started alongside Buckley on close defense through the first three games. Bobby Sincero has played the majority of minutes in goal. Sincero has 22 saves in 129 minutes of action. Army has also used Sam Somers between the pipes. Somers has started twice, but has played just 49 minutes. Somers has five saves on the year and a 1-1 overall record.

THE SYRACUSE-ARMY SERIES
The Black Knights lead the all-time series, 39-21. Army dominated the rivalry's early years, but has beaten the Orange just four times since 1980. One of those was in the first round of the 2010 NCAA Tournament, which was just the Orange's second postseason loss ever at the Carrier Dome. Syracuse has won 16 of the last 18 meetings dating back to 1984, including a 10-9 regular-season victory in 2012. The Orange is 10-2 against the Black Knights since the two programs began playing annually in 2002.

UP NEXT ...
The Orange closes out a three-game homestand at the Carrier Dome on Friday, March 1 against Virginia. Faceoff is slated for 6 p.m. on Time Warner Cable Sports.

Laubach Launches to First Volusia Win in Super DIRTcar Series Feature

For Nine Years, Rick Laubach Traveled from Pennsylvania to Florida, Hoping to Score a Victory His Whole Family Could Watch

BARBERVILLE, FLA - February 23, 2013 - When Rick Laubach pulled his Enders-powered No. 7 TEO chassis out of victory lane yesterday, a crowd of a couple dozen people followed him. His extended family gathered around his pit stall after the race to help him celebrate his first-ever win in the state.

"My family lives down in Fort Lauderdale," said Lauter, of Quakertown, Penn. "When I come here it's like a little bit of a reunion. I get to see my niece, my sister, and everybody. My parents come down and it's fun."

They were all there to watch him beat Big Block Modified legend Danny Johnson to the finish line Friday, Feb. 22, for the third of four Super DIRTcar Series feature events during UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment at Volusia Speedway Park.

"It really feels awesome. I knew we felt good tonight coming here and it couldn't get any better," said Laubach, who has competed in UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment for nine years. "It means a little more to us, I guess."

Laubach's success started early Friday, clocking the fastest lap in timed hot laps at 17.610 seconds. He won his heat and a lucky redraw let him pick the outside pole starting position. He took the lead at the green, and kept it through 30 laps and four cautions.

Although he never relinquished his top spot, the race was a nail-biter for Laubach. Danny Johnson, who started on the inside pole, kept his 27J bumper-to-bumper with Laubach through every turn, determined to pull off his second Volusia win of 2013. Unfortunately for "the Doctor," Laubach was strong on restarts, taking the outside every time, and unflinching during green laps.

"He's fast, and he's already got a win as well, so he's comfortable," Laubach said of Johnson. "We've never won down here before - been close once - and I could feel him there."

"I would move down a little on the starts to take away any kind of slide job from him, and then I would just get comfortable back on the outside and go," Laubach said.

Finishing third Friday was Pete Britten, whose success at UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment, includes another third-place finish and a fourth. Britten drove from 13^th on the starting grid to third at the checkered.

"It gives me confidence that I know the car is really fast in the feature. It's also frustrating that I'm not time trialing as well as I normally do. Normally time trials are such a strong part of my race night. I'm always putting myself out front, but tonight, and the past couple of nights, I haven't been doing as well," Britten said. "I seem to be getting better and better in the feature races and worse and worse in time trials and heat races, but I guess it's the feature race that counts."

The Australian Modified star was a consistently strong qualifier last season in Super DIRTcar Series point events, almost always placing first or second in heat races. In feature races, he claimed one top-five finishe and five top-tens.

"Hopefully we'll come down tomorrow night, do well in the time trial, start near the front of the field, and not make it so hard on ourselves," Britten said of Saturday's Super DIRTcar Series race that concludes UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment.

Last season, the Australian driver scored just one top-five finish among Super DIRTcar Series points races and five top-ten. However, he often fared well in qualifying rounds, almost always placing first or second in heat races.

Rounding out the top ten are H. J. Bunting III in fourth place, Stewart Friesen in fifth, Brett Hearn in sixth, Alan Johnson in seventh, Francois Bernier in eighth, Matt Sheppard in ninth, and Tim Fuller in tenth.

UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment concludes today, Saturday, February 23, at Volusia Speedway Park featuring the Super DIRTcar Series and the World of Outlaws Late Model Series. Gates open at 5 p.m. and racing starts at 7:30 p.m.

UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment

Volusia Speedway Park

February 22, 2013

Super DIRTcar Series - Statistical Report

A-Main (30 laps): 1. 7 Rich Laubach/Quakertown, Penn. ($2,000); 2. 27J Danny Johnson/Rochester, N.Y.; 3. 21a Pete Britten/Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; 4. 85J H.J. Bunting III/Milford, Del.; 5. 85f Stewart Friesen/Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario; 6. 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex, N.J.; 7. 10J Alan Johnson/Middlesex, N.Y.; 8. 49 Francois Bernier/St-Hyacinthe, Quebec; 9. 9s Matt Sheppard/Waterloo, N.Y.; 10. 74 Tim Fuller/Edwards, N.Y.; 11. 6 Mat Williamson/St. Catharines, Ontario; 12. 3 Justin Haers/Phelps, N.Y.; 13. 10 Billy VanInwegen/Sparrowbush, N.Y.; 14. 85 Dan Vauter/Clifford,Penn.; 15. 99 Bruno LaPage/Maplegrove, Quebec; 16. 22c Mario Clair/St-Edouard, Quebec; 17. 323 Neal Williams/Pittsgrove, N.J.; 18. T21 Roger Chrysler/Lewiston, N.Y.; 19. 21K Randy Chrysler/Lewiston, N.Y.; 20. 8r Rob Bellinger/Cicero, N.Y.; 21. 88 Dave Allen/Palmyra, N.Y.; 22. 42b Kevin Bates/Lake Ariel, N.Y.; 23. 30 Jamie Mills/Milford, Del.; 24. 518 Kyle Sheldon/Nassau, N.Y.; 25. 34B Andy Bachetti/Sheffield, Mass.; 26. 5 Jimmy Horton, Neshanic Station, N.J.; DNS: 8 Rich Scagliotta/Bound Brook, N.J.; 901 Eric Kormann/Vineland, N.J.; 1 Darwin Greene/Susquehanna, Penn.; 48too Dave Rauscher/Waterloo, N.Y.; 14 C. G. Morey/Rutland, Vt.; 79 Jeremy Markle/Port Jarvis, N.Y.; 97 Michel Chicoine/Ste-Cecile-de-Milton, Quebec; 64 Daniel Nadeau/Montreal, Quebec; 29 Chris Ostrowsky/Conklin, N.Y.

Qualifying Heats (8 laps, top 2 to redraw, top 5 qualify)

Heat 1: 1. 10J Alan Johnson; 2. 49 Francois Bernier; 3. 34B Andy Bachetti; 4. 21a Pete Britten; 5. 74 Tim Fuller; 6. T21 Roger Chrysler; 7. 8 Rich Scagliotta; 8. 8r Rob Bellinger; 9. 901 Eric Kormann; 10. 14 C. G. Morey

Heat 2: 1. 7 Rich Laubach; 2. 85J H. J. Bunting III; 3. 5 Jimmy Horton; 4. 323 Neal Williams; 5. 22c Mario Clair; 6. 6 Mat Williamson; 7. 1 Darwin Greene; 8. 48too Dave Rauscher; 9. 34 Steve Hough; 10. 29 Chris Ostrowsky

Heat 3: 1. 10 Billy VanInwegen; 2. 20 Brett Hearn; 3. 30 Jamie Mills; 4. 21K Randy Chrysler; 5. 99 Bruno LaPage; 6. 88 David Allen; 7. 518 Kyle Sheldon; 8. 64 Daniel Sheldon

Heat 4: 1. 27J Danny Johnson; 2. 9s Matt Sheppard; 3. 3 Justin Haers; 4. 85f Stewart Friesen; 5. 42b Kevin Bates; 6. 79 Jeremy Markle; 7. 85 Dan Vauter; 8. 97 Michel Chicoine; 9. 5* Tyler Siri

Last Chance Showdown 1: 1. 6 Mat Williamson; 2. T21 Roger Chrysler; 3. 8 Rich Scagliotta; 4. 901 Eric Kormann; 5. 1 Darwin Greene; 6. 48too Dave Rauscher; 7. 8r Rob Bellinger; 8. 14 C. G. Morey

Last Chance Showdown 2: 1. 518 Kyle Sheldon; 2. 88 Dave Allen; 3. 85 Dan Vauter; 4. 79 Jeremy Markle; 5. 97 Michel Chicoine; 6. 64 Daniel Nadeau; 7. 29 Chris Ostrowsky

Timed Hot Laps: 1. 7 Rich Laubach, 17.610; 2. 27J Danny Johnson, 17.820; 3. 9s Matt Sheppard, 17.873; 4. 85J H. J. Bunting III, 17.958; 5. 85f Stewart Friesen, 17.969; 6. 323 Neal Williams, 18.100; 7. 3 Justin Haers, 18.111; 8. 10J Alan Johnson, 18.153; 9. 5 Jimmy Horton, 18.179; 10. 79 Jeremy Markle, 18.188; 11. 22c Mario Clair, 18.284; 12. 10 Billy VanInwegen, 18.445; 13. 21K Randy Chrysler, 18.487; 14. 49 Francois Bernier, 18.543; 15. 1 Darwin Greene, 18.567; 16. 42b Kevin Bates, 18.612; 17. 34B Andy Bachetti, 18.670; 18. 8 Rich Scagliotta, 18.675; 19. 85 Dan Vauter, 18.684; 20. 8r Rob Bellinger, 18.697; 21. 20 Brett Hearn, 18.718; 22. 30 Jamie Mills, 18.721; 23. 97 Michel Chicoine, 18.799; 24. 21a Pete Britten, 18.820; 25. 34 Steve Hough, 18.834; 26. 6 Mat Williamson, 18.949; 27. 518 Kyle Sheldon, 19.054; 28. 74 Tim Fuller, 19.075; 29. T21 Roger Chrysler, 19.141; 30. 29 Chris Ostrowsky, 19.164; 31. 88 Dave Allen, 19.243; 32. 14 C. G. Morey, 19.324; 33. 5* Tyler Siri, 19.456; 34. 901 Eric Kormann, 19.546; 35. 64 Daniel Nadeau, 19.651

Baseball Slips To No. 5 South Carolina, 8-3

COLUMBIA, S.C. – In the first clash of this weekend’s three-game series, the University at Albany baseball team slipped, 8-3, to No. 5 South Carolina, Saturday at Carolina Stadium. While the Gamecocks improved to 3-1 on the season, UAlbany (0-3) will look for its first win in Sunday’s doubleheader, beginning at noon.

In the contest, sophomore Adam Mund led the Great Danes with two hits (2-for-4), while redshirt junior Josh Nethaway belted UAlbany’s first home run of the season and classmate Brian Bullard lined a double. UAlbany totaled seven hits in the afternoon.

South Carolina struck first in the bottom of the opening inning with a single run, as they strung together a leadoff walk and two singles with two outs. The Gamecocks added three runs in the second, batting around the order with five singles off starter Kasceim Graham. South Carolina took a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the third with a run on a sac fly following two hit batsmen and a walk.

Despite the early five-run deficit, the Great Danes battled back with solo runs in the fourth and fifth frames. In the fourth, Nethaway blasted a solo shot over the left field wall with two outs off South Carolina starter Jordan Montgomery. UAlbany made the score 5-2 in the fifth when Mund led off with a single up the middle, Craig Lepre followed with a walk, Nolan Gaige laid down a sacrifice bunt, and Gordan Madej lined home Mund with an RBI single to left-centerfield.

However, the Gamecocks earned the runs back in the sixth with LB Dantzler’s three-run home run off reliever Cameron Sorgie, stretching the margin to six, 8-2.

Sorgie kept South Carolina off the board in the final frames, while UAlbany tagged Gamecock reliever Curt Britt with a run in the top of the ninth. With Bullard on second after a double to right-center, pinch hitter Evan Harasta brought him home with a single to the same location.

Montgomery (2-0) earned the win for South Carolina, tossing five innings, while allowing two earned runs on five hits, three walks, and struck out five. Britt earned the save, as he threw four frames, giving up a run, two hits, while striking out three.

Graham (0-1) took the loss for the Danes, hurling two and a third frames, allowing five runs, seven hits, and two walks. Out of the bullpen, Sorgie tossed five and two-thirds, allowing three runs, four hits, four walks, while striking out six.

Great Danes Conclude Day Two at FGCU Invitational

 

FORT MYERS, FLA. -- The University at Albany softball team dropped two at the FGCU/LaQuinta Inn at the Airport Spring Break Invitational. The losses came against Michigan State University of the Big Ten, 3-1, and reigning Atlantic Sun champions and tournament host, Florida Gulf Coast University, 6-0. UAlbany will match-up against the University of Minnesota tomorrow, their second meeting in three days, before concluding their 2013 tournament-opener.

The Great Danes began Saturday’s action against the Spartans. Brittany MacFawn was given the nod for UAlbany against MSU’s Kelly Smith. The right-handed junior was coming off a complete game performance yesterday against Villanova.

MacFawn started strong – keeping Michigan State off the board for the first four innings. She left three Spartan runners in scoring position in the first two innings.

In the bottom of the fourth, UAlbany (0-4) took their first lead of the early 2013 season off the bat of sophomore Marlin Solano. The inning started with junior Lauren Alcorn connecting for a single up the middle. Two straight successful bunts put pinch-runner Kelly Costello on third base. She scored off a sac-fly by Solano to put the Great Danes up 1-0. It was her first RBI of the season.

MacFawn’s scoreless streak was brought to an end in the fifth inning. Michigan State (7-4) strung together two straight singles to begin the inning. After bringing one home, Jayme O’Bryant gave MSU their first lead of the game, 3-1. She stepped up to the plate with two outs and hit a two-run double.

That would be the only scoring the Spartans would need to seal the victory. UAlbany was put down one-two-three in the final two innings. Smith went the distance in the victory. She allowed three hits and one earned run, striking out four. MacFawn (0-2) recorded her second straight complete game. She scattered six hits over six innings, allowing three earned runs and strikeout out three.

In game two, sophomore Emily Ostrom hit the mound for UAlbany. She was matched up against FGCU’s Shelby Morgan. Ostrom (0-2) has converted to a starting pitching role this season. She made her collegiate debut on the mound yesterday against the Golden Gophers.

After three scoreless innings, the Eagles found the scoreboard. Regan Knapik singled to center field, driving in two. After adding one in the fifth, FGCU (6-4) opened things up in final inning. Chelsea Zgrabik slugged a homer to left field, scoring two. The dinger gave the Eagles the 6-0 win.

Sophomore Vicky McFarland and Costello each recorded a hit for the Great Danes. Ostorm went the distance. She allowed seven hits, six earned runs and walked four. UAlbany left five runners on base and were 3-7 on advancement opportunities.

UAlbany will conclude action at the FGCU Invitational tomorrow. They play Minnesota at 9:00 a.m. Tournament play will continue next weekend when the Great Danes head to the Coastal Carolina Tournament.

Super DIRTcar Series Star Hearn Wins Thrilling Florida Finale

Last Race of UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment Keeps Fans on Their Feet

BARBERVILLE, FLA. - February 24, 2013 - When Brett Hearn wins, he wins with style. His victory yesterday at the Super DIRTcar Series UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment finale was nothing short.

Not only did Big Block Modified legend Hearn usurp the lead in lap 49 of the 50-lapper, but he also did so after a lap-35 flat in took him from the lead to the tail of the field.

"At that point, the crew had a really dejected look on their faces," Hearn recalled pulling up to his pit crew for a tire change. "They were changing the right rear tire, and I'm thinking, they think I don't have a chance."

Nonetheless, Hearn worked his magic, navigating to second place off a lap-45 restart and, in a stunning last-lap lead change, passed Mario Clair on the back straightaway to take the win.

"I knew that if I was going to pass him I had to go on the inside and nail a really good turn - stay low in the middle of (turn) two and then get ahold of a shot off the backstretch and move up on him a little bit," Hearn said. "I could run that lap over in my mind a hundred times."

Hearn started the race in tenth with H.J. Bunting III taking the lead off the initial green. Stewart Friesen passed Bunting in lap two and, by lap 15, Friesen was darting between lapped cars with Hearn at his back bumper.

In lap 20, Hearn cruised past Friesen on the backstretch, continuing to tenaciously maneuver lapped cars for 15 more green laps. "The Jet" was so persistent, in fact, that when he reached Pete Britten and Eric Kormann racing two-wide, he never slowed to let one pull to the side - he sped between the two, nearly touching the sides of both as he passed. That daring maneuver cost him a tire.

"I thought I'd get through the hole and I didn't quite fit, but maybe bent the wheel or scuffed the side wall," Hearn said. "I probably should have been a little more patient at that point."

The timing worked out for Hearn, with the tire giving at the turn-four pit entrance, allowing him to steer to the pit crew without further damaging the car. The crew worked quickly through the lap-35 caution, sending Hearn back to the track before the green. Having lapped more than half the field when he was in the lead, Hearn was able to restart tenth as the last lead-lap car.

"Right off the get-go, I had a fresh tire and passed five or six cars on the first lap," Hearn said of the lap-35 restart. "Before I knew it, I was a contender again."

For Clair, who gained the lead when Hearn pitted for a tire change, Hearn's last-lap challenge was not a surprise.

"I had a really fast car tonight, but when I saw Brett Hearn on the scoreboard in third I knew that his was the fastest car here," said Francophone Clair via a translator. "I'm really happy with our performance here the last four days."

With a sixth-place finish, Danny Johnson topped the Super DIRTcar Series competitors in points for the week, taking home the prized UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment gator trophy.

"We're really excited to get that big gator. The championship means a lot to the race team and myself, so it's just a really cool situation for us all," Johnson said, although he would have liked to have made it to victory lane, and was in contention for the lead for much of the race. "As long as we could get a good finish and get the championship, that was really important to us."

Justin Haers, of Phelps, N.Y., finished third after running in second for most of the race and very nearly passing Clair on the first of two lap-45 restarts. Friesen started fourth, made his way to the lead early, but ended up back at fourth by the time the checked flags waved. After an uncharacteristically poor qualifying round, three-time defending series champion Matt Sheppard started 16^th on the grid, but made his way up to fifth.

Mat Williamson started sixth and finished seventh. Friday's winner Rick Laubach qualified well and was a strong contender for the lead early in the race, but finished eighth. Rich Scagliotta finished ninth and Bunting tenth to round out the top ten.

After a brief hiatus, the Super DIRTcar Series moves back to the Northeast, with the next date scheduled for Wednesday, June 5, at Rolling Wheels Raceway Park in Elbridge, N.Y. The 60-lapper at Rolling Wheels is the first chance competitors will have to earn points toward the series championship.

For the full Super DIRTcar Series 2013 event schedule, visit www.superdirtcarseries.com/schedule.

UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment

February 23, 2013

Super DIRTcar Big Block Modified Series

Statistical Report

A-Main (50 laps): 1. 20 Brett Hearn/Sussex, N.J. ($4,000); 2. 22c Mario Clair/St-Edouard, Quebec; 3. 3 Justin Haers/Phelps, N.Y.; 4. 85f Stewart Friesen/Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario; 5. 9s Matt Sheppard/Waterloo, N.Y.; 6. 27J Danny Johnson/Rochester, N.Y.; 7. 6 Mat Williamson/St. Catharines, Ontario; 8. 7 Rick Laubach/Quakertown, Penn.; 9. 8 Rich Scagliotta/Bound Brook, N.J.; 10. 85J H.J. Bunting III/Milford, Del.; 11. 21 Pete Britten/Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; 12. 8r Rob Bellinger/Cicero, N.Y.; 13. 99 Bruno LaPage/Maplegrove, Quebec; 14. 5 Jimmy Horton/Neshanic Station, N.J.; 15. T21 Randy Chrysler/Lewiston, N.Y.; 16. 5* Tyler Siri/Corning, N.Y.; 17. 1 Darwin Greene/Susquehanna, Penn.; 18. 29 Chris Ostrowsky/Conklin, N.Y.; 19. 48T Dave Rauscher/Waterloo, N.Y.; 20. 79 Jeremy Markle/Port Jervis, N.Y.; 21. 49 Francois Bernier/St-Hyacinthe, Quebec; 22. 85 Dan Vauter/Clifford, Penn.; 23. 34B Andy Bachetti/Sheffield, Mass.; 24. 97 Michel Chicoine/Ste-Cecile-de-Milton, Quebec; 25. 10 Billy VanInwegen/Sparrowbush, N.Y.; 26. 901 Eric Kormann/Vineland, N.J.; 27. 30 Jamie Mills/Milford, Del.; 28. 323 Neal Williams/Pittsgrove, N.J.; DNS: 14 C.G. Morey; 64 Daniel Nadeau; 66w Dexter Stacey; 88 Dave Allen; 518 Kyle Sheldon; Roger Chrysler

Lap Leaders:

Bunting (1-2)

Friesen (3-20)

Hearn (21-34, 50)

Clair (35-49)

B-Main 1: 1. 85 Dan Vauter; 2. 48too Dave Rauscher; 3. T21 Randy Chrysler; 4. 79 Jeremy Markle; 5. 88 David Allen; 6. 30 Jamie Mills; DNS: 64 Daniel Nadeau

B-Main 2: 1. 5* Tyler Siri; 2. 29 Chris Ostrowsky; 3. 99 Bruno LaPage; 4. 14 C.G. Morey; 5. 518 Kyle Sheldon; 6. 66w Dexter Stacey; DNS: T21 Roger Chrysler

Qualifying heats (8 laps, top 2 to redraw, top 5 qualify)

Heat 1: 1. 85f Stewart Friesen; 2. 85J H.J. Bunting III; 3. 22c Mario Clair; 4. 8r Rob Bellinger; 5. 1 Darwin Greene; 6. 21K Randy Chrysler; 7. 88 Dave Allen; 8. 85 Dan Vauter; 9. 64 Daniel Nadeau

Heat 2: 1. 7 Rich Laubach; 2. 323 Neal Williams; 3. 20 Brett Hearn; 4. 34B Andy Bachetti; 5. 5 Jimmy Horton; 6. 48too Dave Rauscher; 7. 30 Jamie Mills; 8. 79 Jeremy Markle; 9. 99 Bruno LaPage

Heat 3: 1. 10 Billy VanInwegen; 2. 3 Justin Haers; 3. 8 Rich Scagliotta; 4. 901 Eric Kormann; 5. 97 Michel Chicoine; 6. 29 Chris Ostrowsky; 7. 14 C.G. Morey; 8. 518 Kyle Sheldon

Heat 4: 1. 6 Mat Williamson; 2. 27J Danny Johnson; 3. 49 Francois Bernier; 4. 9s Matt Sheppard; 5. 21a Pete Britten; 6. 5* Tyler Siri; 7. T21 Roger Chrysler; 8. 66w Dexter Stacey

Time Trials: 1. 3 Justin Haers, 17.393; 2. 7 Rick Laubach, 17.415; 2. 323 Neal Williams, 17.484; 3. Brett Hearn, 17.505; 4. Mat Williamson, 17.584; 5. 30 Jamie Mills, 17.594; 6. 85f Stewart Friesen 17.596; 7. 49 Francois Bernier, 17.597; 8. H. J. Bunting III, 17.658; 9. 9s Matt Sheppard, 17.690; 10. 48too Dave Rauscher, 17.704; 11. 5 Jimmy Horton, 17.711; 12. Billy VanInwegen, 17.747; 13. 34B Andy Bachetti, 17.765; 14. 27J Danny Johnson, 17.847; 15. 901 Eric Kormann, 17.877; 16. 22c Mario Clair, 17.968; 17. 8 Rich Scagliotta, 17.977; 18. 21a Pete Britten, 18.029; 19. 5* Tyler Siri, 18.070; 20. 8r Rob Bellinger, 18.078; 21. 79 Jeremy Markle, 18.227; 22. 1 Darwin Greene, 18.218; 23. Bruno LaPage, 18.265; 24. 29 Chris Ostrowsky, 18.265; 25. 518 Kyle Sheldon, 18.312; 26. 97 Michel Chicoine, 18.352; 27. 21K Randy Chrysler, 18.450; 28. 14 C. G. Morey, 18.506; 29. 85 Dan Vauter, 18.567; 30. 88 Dave Allen, 18.601; 31. T21 Roger Chrysler, 18.837; 32. 64 Daniel Nadeau, 19.311; 33. 66w Dexter Stacey, 19.735

UNOH DIRTcar Nationals presented by Summit Racing Equipment Points

	POINTS	CAR#	DRIVER / HOMETOWN
1	224	27J	Danny Johnson/Rochester,NY
2	212	85F	Stewart Friesen/Niagara-on-the-Lake,ONT
3	200	21a	Peter Britten/Brisbane, AUS
4	198	3	Justin Haers/Phelps, NY
5	198	7	Rick Laubach/Quakertown,PA
6	197	20	Brett Hearn/Sussex,NJ
7	183	9s	Matt Sheppard/Waterloo,NY
8	176	22c	Mario Clair/St-Edouard,QUE
9	173	85J	H.J. Bunting III/Milford,DE
10	138	5	Jimmy Horton/Neshanic Station,NJ
11	129	49	Francois Bernier/St-Hyacinthe/QUE
12	125	85	Dan Vauter/Clifford,PA
13	124	21k	Randy Chrysler/Lewiston,NY
14	123	323	Neal Williams/Pittsgrove, NJ
15	117	8r	Rob Bellinger/Dexter,NY
16	115	6	Mat Williamson/St. Catharines, ONT
17	102	10J	Alan Johnson/Middlesex,NY
18	98	8	Rich Scagliotta/Bound Brook,NJ
19	95	34B	Andy Bachetti/Sheffield,MA
20	95	74	Tim Fuller/Edwards, NY
21	92	10	Billy VanInwegen/Sparrowbush,NY
22	88	1	Darwin Greene/Susquehanna,PA
23	84	901	Eric Kormann/Vineland, NJ
24	80	99	Bruno LePage/Maplegrove, QUE
25	76	30	Jamie Mills/Milford,DE
26	67	29	Chris Ostrowsky/Conklin, NY
27	66	79	Jeremy Markle/Port Jervis,NY
28	64	48too	Dave Rauscher/Waterloo,NY
29	60	97	Michel Chicoine/Ste-Cecile-de-Milton,QUE
30	57	5*	Tyler Siri/Corning, NY
31	57	42b	Kevin Bates/Lake Ariel, PA
32	55	T21	Roger Chrysler/Lewiston,NY
33	52	88	David Allen/Palymra, NY
34	50	518	Kyle Sheldon/Nassau, NY
35	50	34	Steve Hough/East Greenbush, NY
36	40	14	C.G. Morey/Rutland, VT
37	40	64	Daniel Nadeau/Marieville, QUE
38	10	66w	Dexter Stacey/Kahnawake,QUE

UAlbany And Fairfield Meet For the First Time In Saturday's BracketBuster

1. BracketBuster Weekend The 11th annual Ramada Worldwide Bracket Buster, a two-day men's college basketball event pitting potential NCAA Championship hopefuls against each other will take place this weekend, Feb. 22-23. The University at Albany is one of two teams selected from the America East Conference to participate. In total, 122 teams from 15 conferences will compete. The Great Danes travel to play Fairfield on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. in Bridgeport, Conn.

2. UAlbany BracketBuster History This is the fifth time the Great Danes have been featured in the BracketBuster. They are 1-3 all-time. The four previous opponents that head coach Will Brown and the men's basketball squad have faced were Virginia Commonwealth on Feb. 17, 2006 (L, 70-67), Boise State on Feb. 16, 2007 (L, 83-82), Canisius (L, 64-60) and Rider on Feb. 18, 2012 (W, 70-61).

3. A Strong Sophomore Campaign for Great Dane Aussie Sophomore forward Sam Rowley scored 18 points and recorded eight boards in the Great Danes loss to Boston U. last Wednesday. The Australian forward continues to lead UAlbany in rebounds, 6.5 per game. He also has a team leading 34 steals and is third in blocks with 11. He has four double-double's this season.

4. Black's Back After going through a scoring drought - senior Mike Black has again found himself atop the box scores. Over the last three game's the starting guard has scored a combined 51 points, including 21 in the team's loss against the Terriers. If Black continues at his current pace (15.1 ppg), he will finish his career with the sixth most points in program history.

5. Connecting Behind the Arc UAlbany has connected from behind the arc all season. They currently sit second in conference in 3-point percentage, (.362), only trailing Boston U. (.384). The Great Danes are led in three-point land by graduate guard Jacob Iati. He currently sits second in the conference with 77 made-three's, shooting 41.6 percent (77-185). The fifth-year guard trails only E.J. Gallup, 93, and Matthew Haggarty, 94, in terms of the DI single-season program record record.

UAlbany's Ariana Parker Added To The Tewaaraton Award Watch List

WASHINGTON, D.C - The University at Albany women's lacrosse junior midfielder Ariana Parker has been named to the 2013 Tewaaraton Award Watch List, which was announced by the Tewaaraton Foundation on Friday, Feb. 22. Parker will look to build on her success from her two previous seasons at UAlbany and her resume in the 2013 season to potentially win this prestigious award. The Port Ewen, N.Y. native is climbing the career scoring list at UAlbany, having recorded 83 goals in two seasons to put her 12th all-time. The junior midfielder improved her offensive game from her freshman season to her sophomore season, upping her season point total from 47 (44 goals; 3 assists) to 54 (39 goals; 15 assists). The Tewaaraton Award annually honors the top male and top female college lacrosse player in the United States. The selection committees are made up of top collegiate coaches and are appointed annually by The Tewaaraton Foundation. Committees will make additions to these lists as the season progresses and athletes earn a spot along side these elite players. Both lists will be narrowed to 25 men's and women's nominees in late April. In mid-May, five men's and five women's finalists will be announced. These finalists will be invited to Washington, D.C. for the 13th annual Tewaaraton Award Ceremony, May 30 at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian. Parker and the Great Danes will open the 2013 season against the number three ranked, in both coaches and media poll, University of Florida on Sunday, Feb. 24 at Donald R. Dizney Stadium at 12 p.m.

 

Binghamton Basketball Game Date Change

The game, originally scheduled for Sunday against the University of New Hampshire Wildcats, has been moved up a day to beat a snow storm headed into the Durham area. The game is being aired on Fox College Sports or catch the action on News Radio 1290 WNBF. 

SYRACUSE AND PENN STATE OPEN 2013 FOOTBALL SEASON AT METLIFE STADIUM

SYRACUSE AND PENN STATE OPEN 2013 FOOTBALL SEASON AT METLIFE STADIUM

Tickets On Sale Monday, April 22 at 10 AM ET

East Rutherford, N.J. - The Syracuse Orange return to MetLife Stadium to face the Penn State Nittany Lions in New York’s College Classic on Saturday, August 31; game time TBD.

The match-up marks Syracuse’s second of 14 games to be played at MetLife Stadium through 2038 and Penn State’s first return to the Meadowlands in 13 years, when it faced USC in the 2000 Kickoff Classic at Giants Stadium. The August game will be the season opener for both universities. This year's meeting was first announced in 2010.

Tickets, which range in price from $75 to $175, go on sale Monday, April 22 at 10 AM ET through Ticketmaster. Tickets will be available online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, and at Ticketmaster Retails Outlets.

Tickets will be available at the MetLife Stadium and IZOD Center Box Offices beginning Tuesday, April 23 at 11 AM ET. For Group Sales (15+ tickets), contact 201-460-4370. Suites for the game can be purchased by calling 201-559-1616.

Syracuse will ride the momentum of two bowl victories in the last three years and the 2012 BIG EAST co-Championship into the Atlantic Coast Conference. First-year head coach Scott Shafer welcomes back 12 starters, including five on offense and seven on defense, from the 2012 ECAC FBS Team of the Year. The offensive group includes 1,000-yard rusher Jerome Smith, tight end Beckett Wales and three of five starting linemen in center Macky MacPherson, guard Rob Trudo and tackle Sean Hickey. On defense, Markus Pierce-Brewster and Jay Bromley return to anchor the line, while linebackers Marquis Spruill and Dyshawn Davis, cornerbacks Keon Lyn and Ri’Shard Anderson and free safety Jeremi Wilkes will provide Shafer’s defense, which ranked sixth nationally in tackles for a loss in 2012, with veteran experience.

The Orange closed its tenure in the BIG EAST with a 38-14 victory against West Virginia in the 2012 New Era Pinstripe Bowl. The game also marked the conclusion of head coach Doug Marrone’s four years as the leader at his alma mater, as the 1991 Syracuse graduate moved to the National Football League to coach the Buffalo Bills. The 2012 Orange offense set multiple school records, including total offense yards (6,188), total yards per game (476.0), total plays (1,028), passing yards (3,757), passing yards per game (289.0), completions (295), pass attempts (473) and first downs (328), and touchdown (26).

“We look forward to starting our 2013 season by rekindling an age-old rivalry against a prestigious Penn State program,” said Syracuse Football Coach Scott Shafer. “It is a great opportunity for us to kick off the three-game series with the Nittany Lions in front of one of our largest alumni fan bases at MetLife Stadium.”

Penn State returns 16 starters and 38 letterwinners for the 2013 season. Among the Nittany Lions' returnees are three first-team All-Big Ten honorees: tight end Kyle Carter, wide receiver Allen Robinson and guard John Urschel, as well as defensive end Deion Barnes, the conference's 2012 Freshman of the Year. Robinson was the Big Ten Receiver of the Year after breaking the Penn State season record with 77 receptions, good for 1,013 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Barnes and Carter were consensus first-team Freshman All-Americans. Urschel graduated with a 4.0 grade point average prior to his junior season and was a 2012 first-team Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-America® honoree.

In his first season as head coach, Bill O’Brien led Penn State to wins in eight of its final 10 games, beating eventual Big Ten champion Wisconsin on Senior Day to finish 8-4 overall and 6-2 in the Big Ten. O'Brien was the 2012 Bear Bryant, Maxwell Football Club and ESPN National Coach of the Year and the Big Ten-Dave McClain Coach of the Year. O’Brien’s eight wins were the most by a first-year Penn State coach in the 126 years of the program. Linebacker Michael Mauti became Penn State’s 97^th first-team All-America selection and led six Nittany Lions that earned first-team All-Big Ten honors. Senior quarterback Matt McGloin, who broke nine school passing records, won the Burlsworth Trophy, presented the nation’s top player who began his career as a walk-on.

"We are thrilled with the opportunity to open the 2013 season in a fantastic venue like MetLife Stadium against Syracuse, a team that Penn State has more than 90 years of tradition with on the football field,” said Bill O’Brien, Penn State Football Coach. “With nearly 30,000 Penn State alumni in the New York-New Jersey metro area, we are looking forward to playing in front of a passionate base of Penn State supporters. It will be exciting for our team to open the 2013 season in the same facility that will end the year by hosting Super Bowl XLVIII."

Syracuse and Penn State met at Giants Stadium once on October 20, 1979, with Penn State taking the win, 35-7. The Nittany Lions are 10-3 overall at Giants Stadium and Syracuse is 5-3. The Orange are 0-1 at MetLife Stadium (vs. USC – 42-29, September 8, 2012).

About MetLife Stadium

MetLife Stadium (which replaced Giants Stadium), home to the New York Football Giants and New York Jets, sets the standard for venue excellence with state-of-the-art technology, comfort and amenities. The only active venue to serve as the home stadium for two NFL teams, MetLife Stadium hosts 20 NFL games per season, more than any other Stadium.

With a full, game-day seating capacity of 82,500, MetLife Stadium is one of the largest stadiums in the National Football League. It boasts numerous dining options and a rail line that drops guests directly at the front door. During its inaugural year in 2010, MetLife Stadium was selected to host Super Bowl XLVIII, and in 2014 the venue will become history’s first open-air venue in a cold-weather region to hold football’s biggest game.

In 2011 MetLife Stadium was ranked No. 1 for safety by Security magazine’s “Security 500” in the Arenas/Stadiums/Leagues/ Entertainment division and for the third consecutive year was cited by Billboard magazine as the highest-grossing stadium in North America (#1 in the World in 2012).

For more information, visit www.metlifestadium.com

Baseball Travels To No. 5 South Carolina For Three

ALBANY, N.Y. - The University at Albany baseball team meets No. 5 South Carolina for the first time in program history, playing a three-game series at Carolina Stadium Feb. 22-24. The SEC powerhouse won the NCAA Division I Baseball Championship in 2010 and 2011, and finished 2012 as the nation's runner-up. The Great Danes look to rebound from an 0-2 start at the Ron Fraser Classic, played in Cary, N.C. last weekend. Due to snow, UAlbany's games vs. Toledo, Wright State, and Delaware were cancelled.

MEDIA CENTER
Video: GamecocksOnline.com
Live Stats: GamecocksOnline.com
Radio: Gamecock Radio Network Flagship WNKT FM 107.5 Columbia
Recap: UAlbanySports.com
Twitter: @UAlbanySports and @DanesBaseball

PITCHING PROBABLES
Friday - 3:30 p.m.
South Carolina - Jordan Montgomery (So. LHP) 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 6.0 IP, 2 BB, 5 SO
UAlbany - Kasceim Graham (Sr. RHP)

Saturday - 1:30 p.m.
South Carolina - Colby Holmes (Sr. RHP) 0-0, 2.84 ERA, 6.1 IP, 2 BB, 4 SO
UAlbany - Derek Zielinski (Sr. RHP) 0-1, 6.75 ERA, 4.0 IP, 3 BB, 6 SO

Sunday - 1:30 p.m.
South Carolina - Nolan Belcher (Sr. LHP) 0-1, 4.76 ERA, 5.2 IP, 1 BB, 9 SO
UAlbany - Austin Chase (Sr. RHP) 0-1, 15.75 ERA, 4.0 IP, 2 BB, 3 SO

SCOUTING THE GAMECOCKS (2-1, 0-0 SEC)
Ranked in every college baseball publication in the preseason, South Carolina is No. 5 in the USA Today coaches' poll, and No. 7 in Baseball America and Collegiate Baseball. The Gamecocks come off a 2-1 series versus Liberty with all three games being decided by a single run. The hosts won the first two contests by scores of 4-3 and 8-7, while dropping the third to Liberty, 3-2.

With a strong lineup, four South Carolina players earned Louisville Slugger Preseason All-America honors by Collegiate Baseball, including sophomore catcher Grayson Greiner, senior left-handed pitcher Tyler Webb, senior right-handed pitcher Col­by Holmes and sophomore left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery. The Great Danes are scheduled to face Montgomery on the mound Friday and Holmes Saturday.

THE COACH: Chad Holbrook (1^st season, North Carolina, '94)
After serving four seasons as associate head coach, Chad Holbrook was promoted to the top spot this past July and enters his first season at the helm. Holbrook came to the Gamecock program in 2008 after serving 15 seasons as a member of the University of North Carolina coaching staff. Holbrook was honored as the 2011 ABCA/Baseball America Assistant Coach of the Year and was named the No. 10 best recruiter in all of college sports by ESPNU & ESPN The Magazine in the publication's 2011 January edition.

UALBANY'S LAST TIME OUT
Expecting a warm southern trip to Cary, N.C. last weekend, the Great Danes ran into snow flurries and inclement weather, forcing the Saturday and Sunday games to be cancelled. UAlbany, originally scheduled to play single games versus Canisius, Toledo, Wright State, and Delaware, ended up playing a doubleheader against the Golden Griffins Friday, knowing the weekend looked bleak. In both games, the Griffs took the lead first and never lost it, as the Great Danes fell 8-2 and 12-4 in the season-opening contests.

LAST TIME VS. RANKED FOE
Facing No. 5/7 South Carolina, the last time the Great Danes took on a ranked opponent was in 2012's season-opening series against No. 12 Miami. Almost exactly a year ago, UAlbany fell to the Hurricanes, 15-4 (2/24), 11-1 (2/25), and 12-5 (2/26).

MADEJ MAKES HIS MARK
Gordon Madej, an America East All-Rookie Team selection in 2012, led UAlbany with a .444 average (4-for-9) with two runs scored against Canisius. Madej also lined an RBI double, while starting both games at shortstop.

GAIGE STREAKING
Carried over from last season, senior centerfielder Nolan Gaige enters the weekend on a six-game hitting streak. Gaige finished 2012 hitting in four straight contests and then tallied one each in the games against Canisius. In addition, Gaige has reached base in 12 consecutive games.
GO THREE!
Nolan Gaige is currently tied for first in UAlbany's record book with 11 career triples. One more and Gaige will become the all-time leader.

MOUND WORK
While UAlbany saw limited innings in the first weekend, the Great Danes pitching staff was given the opportunity to shake the nerves, as seven arms saw action. LeMoyne College transfer Derek Zielinski tossed four innings, allowed six hits, three earned runs, three walks, and struck out six, while taking the loss in his Great Dane debut. Out of the bullpen, junior transfer from Merced College Andrew Jaurique (1.2 IP, 0 ER, 3 H) and freshmen Brendan Ryan (1 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 3 SO) and Ryan Stinar (2.1 IP, 3 ER, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 SO) also made first appearances in a UAlbany uniform. Returners junior Kevin Archbold, senior Austin Chase, and sophomore Joey Moore also saw time on the hill.

2012 UALBANY SEASON SUMMARY (22-32-1, 16-8 America East)
In 2012, UAlbany earned the No. 2 seed in the America East Championship, recording the highest total league wins in the program's Division I history with a 16-8 record. Seven earned all-conference honors, highlighted by first-teamers Mike Tirri and Nolan Gaige, as Gaige finished the season ranked third in the nation for triples (9). In addition, left-handed pitcher Sean Lucas was chosen in the 25th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Cincinnati Reds, marking the highest draft choice from the UAlbany program since 2002, and the eighth player in UAlbany history to be selected.

2013 OUTLOOK
The Great Danes return 20 from a season ago, including eight starting position players. UAlbany added 10 newcomers to the mix, including Derek Zielinski, a redshirt senior transfer from LeMoyne College who is expected to make an immediate impact in the pitching rotation. UAlbany was picked to finish fourth in the America East preseason coaches' poll.

THE COACH: Jon Mueller (14^th season, Eckerd College, '92)
Jon Mueller enters his 14th season as the head coach of the University at Albany baseball program in 2013. The Stillwater, N.Y. native has had proven success as both a player and coach throughout his career. Mueller ranks first among UAlbany's career leaders with 279 coaching victories, and was named the America East Coach of the Year in 2004. He also led the Danes to the program's first America East Conference tournament championship title and NCAA appearance in 2007. Mueller has produced dozens of all-conference standouts and has had six players selected in the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft under his direction, including one in each of the past two seasons.

CAPTAINS
D.J. Hoagboon, Josh Nethaway, Greg Muller, and Jeff Welsh were named team captains for the 2013 baseball season.

ON DECK
UAlbany heads to UNCG to play a three-game series March 1-3 in Greensboro, N.C.