MacFawn Earns Fourth Conference Accolade in Five Weeks

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – University at Albany junior hurler Brittany MacFawn took home her fourth conference accolade in the last five weeks as she was named America East Softball Pitcher of the Week on Monday, April 29.

MacFawn continued her sensational season with two complete-game shutout wins in a doubleheader sweep against Boston U. The right-hander allowed just six hits and one walk over 13 innings pitched and struck out 20 hitters (10.7 per 7 IP). She ended the day with her 11^th shutout and 27^th complete game of the season.

With the regular season winding down, UAlbany (30-11, 13-1 AE) control a half-game lead over Binghamton University (26-13, 13-2) for the conference’s top seed. The Bearcats and Great Danes square off in a three-game series at Binghamton this weekend to determine the No. 1 seed and hosting rights for the 2013 America East Tournament. 

 
INSANITY DVD Workout

Despite Late Rally, UConn Triumphs over UAlbany Softball

  STORRS, Conn. – The University at Albany softball team was defeated by the University of Connecticut on Thursday, April 25 at Burrill Family Field, 10-6. The loss snapped a 10-game win streak for the Great Danes – they’ve won 24 of 28.

The Huskies scored all 10 runs in the first three innings to take a commanding lead. From there, UAlbany (30-11, 13-1 AE) put together five unanswered, including three in the seventh.

UConn (23-22, 6-8 Big East) recorded seven hits and six runs in the first inning. The frame was highlighted with home runs by freshmen Jacklyn Dubois and Val Sadowl. UAlbany cut the lead to 6-1 with junior Lauren Alcorn’s third homer of the season.

The Huskies pushed the lead to 10-1 with a dinger in the second and third inning. Sophomore Emily O’Donnell and senior Kim Silva each put one over the fence. Sadowl added to her RBI total with a two-run single in the second.

UAlbany looked to rally, scoring one run in the fourth and the fifth inning and another three in the seventh. Senior Kylie Apsotolina drove-in the team’s second run with an RBI-double in the top of the fourth. One inning later, sophomore Vicky McFarland hit an infield single to drive-in a third run. Senior Taylor Franich hit a two-run double in the seventh to highlight the final at-bats.

Junior Emily Ostrom (9-5) took the loss for the Great Danes. She went the complete outing, walking three, striking out one and allowing 10 earned runs. Freshman Alyson Ambler (3-5) was the winner pitcher. She went two innings and gave up two earned runs.

UAlbany will head back to the Albany area to play crosstown rival Siena in a doubleheader in Loudonville, N.Y. on Tuesday, April 30. The Great Danes defeated Siena, 3-0, on April 4, 2013.

Julie Forster Named America East Conference Women's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year

CAMBRIDGE, MASS. -- Senior forward Julie Forster was named the 2013 America East Conference Women's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year, as announced by the league office on Thursday afternoon.

Forster graduated with a bachelor's degree with a 3.96 GPA in educational administration and has a 3.88 GPA in UAlbany’s business administration graduate program. A three-time America East All-Academic honoree and a two-time member of the CoSIDA/Capital One District I First Team, she is a multiple America East Commissioner’s Honor Roll honoree.

On the court, Forster was a first-team All-America East selection, helping to lead the Great Danes to their second-straight America East title in 2012-13. This season, she ranked third in the league in rebounding (8.4 rpg) while averaging 9.6 points. She also made indelible marks on the record books, becoming the first UAlbany women’s basketball player, and just the third in America East history to eclipse the 1,100 career mark in both points and rebounds.

VALLEYCATS TO TAKE “SHOW ON THE ROAD”

The ValleyCats have partnered with Hannaford Supermarkets to showcase their award-winning promotions at one lucky youth sports league

TROY, NY- The Tri-City ValleyCats have partnered with Hannaford Supermarkets to select one lucky youth sports league to take over one of their games this spring. The ‘Cats will bring their mascots, PA Announcer and promo team to put on a show worthy of “The Joe.”

As part of the “Show on the Road,” there will be pregame entertainment, ceremonial team introductions, a live performance of the national anthem, and in-game promotions including fan favorites such as the Mayors’ Race, T-Shirt Tosses, Pony Hops and more.

Hannaford Supermarkets will also be on hand to lend support in the league’s concession stand and to showcase healthy food and snack options.

The Tri-City ValleyCats and Hannaford Supermarkets recognize the important role that youth sports play in developing skills, leading a healthy and active lifestyle, having fun, and learning about sportsmanship.

“Youth baseball, softball, and sports in general are vital to the development of our youth,” said ValleyCats Vice President/General Manager Rick Murphy. “This program is an excellent opportunity to teach young players in the Capital Region about the importance of staying active, having fun, and demonstrating good sportsmanship on the field and in their communities.”

“Hannaford is thrilled to bring the excitement of The Joe to a Capital Region youth sports league field this spring in partnership with the Tri-City ValleyCats,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Community Relations Specialist Molly Tarleton. “Youth sports engage our children in active lifestyles at a young age, while promoting health and wellness at the same time. We look forward to seeing kids and families enjoying all that the ValleyCats bring to the ballpark right on their neighborhood field.”

Youth leagues interested in signing up for the chance to have the ValleyCats bring their show to one of their games must fill out an application located online at www.tcvalleycats.com under the “Community/Fans” tab. As part of the application process, leagues must explain how their league exemplifies sportsmanship both on and off the field.

The deadline for applications to be submitted is Friday, May 10. The ValleyCats and Hannaford will also select a league to receive a “Show on the Road” visit in 2014 at this summer’s Youth Baseball Night at “The Joe”, which is set for Friday, June 28th. For more information, visit the ValleyCats website at www.tcvalleycats.com or call 518-629-CATS.

#10 Men’s Lacrosse Falls Short To Crosstown Rival Siena, 10-9

LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. – It took a full 60 minutes to decide the contest before Siena’s Conor Prunty scored the game-winner with 51 seconds left to defeat No. 10 University at Albany, 10-9, on Tuesday, April 23 at Siena Turf Field. The Great Danes fall to 10-4 and look ahead to Stony Brook in the regular-season finale on Saturday, April 27 at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium. This men’s lacrosse match truly threw out the records between these two rivals, watching the game switch leads four times and tie on six different occasions. UAlbany (10-4) held advantages in shots, 46 to 35, and ground balls, 43 to 35, but lost the turnover battle, 15 to 11. With the Great Danes trailing at the half, 5-4, for just the third time this season, Derrick Eccles ended the 18-minute offensive drought with a submarine-like delivery shot that cut the deficit to one, 6-5, with 7:58 remaining in the third quarter. Then Dwayne Stewart tied the contest, 6-6, with a shot that hit in front of the net and bounced off a Siena defender into the back of the net. However, Siena (6-8) ended the third stanza by patiently passing the ball around and Richie Hurley found Thomas Schoener, who hit the back of the net with three seconds remaining to grab the Saints second lead of the game. Will Stenberg wasted no time in the final stanza, sending a rocket of a shot 41 seconds in to tie the game at seven for his first goal of the game. Then Great Dane goalie Blaze Riorden began a transition defense with pass to Tim Cox. Cox went the full length of the field and hit the top shelf of the net for UAlbany’s second lead of the game, 8-7, with 9:04 left. After Siena’s Kyle Curry tied the game for the fifth time, Eccles responded with the same low shot to score his second goal of the contest and give the Great Danes their final lead of the game with 5:08 remaining. The Saints’ Prunty found the back of the net twice, including the game-winner with 51 seconds remaining to improve to 6-8 on the season. Riorden recorded nine saves on 19 chances to fall to 10-3 on the season. Siena goalie Matt Sharp tallied 14 saves on 23 chances to improve to 6-7.

Wild Pitch Seals Wild Binghamton Loss, 9-8

PORTLAND, ME – The Portland Sea Dogs scored the game-winning run on a wild pitch in the bottom of the tenth inning to defeat the Binghamton Mets, 9-8, in walk-off fashion on a cold, wet Tuesday night at Hadlock Field.



With two outs, Heiker Meneses raced home with the game-winner when John Church’s first pitch to Derrik Gibson skipped to the backstop. The errant offering capped a four-hour, three-minute contest that was played in a prevailing mist with temperatures hovering in the low 40’s.



Facing a Major League rehabber for the second straight night, the B-Mets jumped out of the gate against southpaw Craig Breslow. Alonzo Harris and Darrell Ceciliani started the contest with singles. With Josh Rodriguez at the plate, Ceciliani broke for second. Harris, leading from third, sprinted home with the game’s first run when the catcher’s throw to second skipped away.



Following a walk to Rodriguez, Allan Dykstra stroked a two-run double to right, giving the B-Mets a 3-0 lead and ending Breslow’s rehab appearance. Brandon Workman entered and racked up three outs to end the frame.



Binghamton added two more runs in the second against Workman. After a leadoff walk, Danny Muno zipped an RBI double down the left field line. The B-Mets second baseman scored later when third baseman Kolbrin Vitek let a hard groundball squeak through his legs.



The five-run lead nearly vanished in the third. B-Mets starter Tyler Pill allowed the first five batters to reach safely on two walks and three singles. JC Linares and Michael Almanzar chipped away with RBI singles and Christian Vazquez capped the inning with a two-run single to left.



With their lead trimmed to one, Binghamton responded in the fifth with a single score. Ceciliani stared the stanza with a double to left center, stole third and came home on a sac fly from Rodriguez.



The two-run advantage did not stand for long. Adam Kolarek took over for Pill in the fifth and could not avoid damage after Wilfredo Tovar unleashed an errant through on a groundball from Tony Thomas. Vazquez drove him in later in the inning with a single to left and scored the game-tying run on a triple by Heiker Meneses.



Meneses struck again in the seventh against Kolarek. Following a pair of two-out walks, the Portland nine-hitter smacked a two-run triple into the right field corner, giving the Sea Dogs an 8-6 lead.



The B-Mets took advantage of shake Portland defense to tie the game in the eighth. Reliever Will Latimer allowed the first two he faced to reach, but bounced back with two strikeouts. With two on and two outs, Wilfredo Tovar sent a chopper to third. Vitek fielded cleanly, but his throw to first skipped past Almanzar, allowing both runs to score.



Jack Leathersich preserved the tie game with 2-1/3 innings of scoreless relief. The lefty struck out three during the hitless appearance.



In the tenth, Binghamton’s threat to retake the lead fell a few inches short. The B-Mets started the inning with a walk and a single against reliever Brock Huntzinger. Followed a sac bunt and a strikeout, Wilfredo Tovar launched a fly ball to center. Playing shallow to start, Shannon Wilkerson raced back and make a leaping catch to end the frame, setting the stage for Portland’s walk-off win in the bottom half of the inning.



Church (0-3) took his third loss and watched his stretch of scoreless appearances come to a close at five. Huntzinger (1-0) earned his first win of the year. Pill took a no-decision while allowing four runs on seven hits in four innings of work. Workman surrendered three runs (two earned) on three hits over five frames.



The B-Mets (10-9) conclude their week-long roadtrip and end a three-game series with the Sea Dogs Wednesday night at 6:00 PM. RHP Erik Goeddel (1-2, 5.52) gets the ball for Binghamton against RHP Kyle Kaminska (0-2, 7.53). The Horizons Federal Credit Union Pregame Show begins at 5:45 PM on Newsradio 1290 WNBF.



POSTGAME NOTES: It was Binghamton’s first extra-inning game of the season...the B-Mets went 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position…Kolarek’s 2-2/3 innings of work was his longest appearance as a B-Met



Individual tickets for all Binghamton Mets 2013 home games are on sale now. Visit the NYSEG Stadium box office during regular operating hours, purchase them online at www.bmets.com or call the office at (607) 723-METS.



Be sure to follow the B-Mets on Facebook, Twitter and at the team’s official website (www.bmets.com) for more team information. Fans can also stay up to date with all the action on the field by visiting “B-Mets Buzz with Tim Heiman” at bmets.mlblogs.com.

10th Anniversary Patriot Sprint Tour Season Starts Saturday at Merrittville

Spring Sizzler Kicks Off 2^nd PST Canada Season

Rich Vleck, ROCHESTER, NY, (April 23, 2013)- Mother Nature has postponed the start of the 2013 Patriot Sprint Tour opener, but in doing so she has set the stage for a new event that is sure to heat up things.

This Saturday, April 27, the Merrittville Speedway plays host to the Patriot Sprint Tour for the “Spring Sizzler”, an event that will start the 10^th Anniversary Season of action for the Patriots, it will also begin the second season of the PST Canada Series. The Southern Ontario facility has played host to three prior Patriot races in the past, with the checkered flag on each occasion going to drivers that now have series championships.

Scott Kreutter, the defending PST America Series Champion from Alden , NY , scored his first career PST win at the d-shaped oval back in 2009. After pulling off the shocking upset to claim the title last season, and the $10,000 that went along with it, Kreutter will have a target on his No. 52 all season in both series.

Bryan Howland, the four-time Patriot Champion from Auburn , NY , won the first Patriot race at Merrittville in 2006, as well as the most recent winner there when the PST last visited the Bicknell/Williamson-Owned facility in 2011. On that night, Howland had to hold off a hard-charging Jared Zimbardi, another former series champion looking to get 2013 starting off on the correct foot.

PST America regulars that will be traveling north include George Suprick, Clint Ide, Brandan Warner, Don Adamczyk, Steve Collins, Steven Hutchinson Jr., Tommy Wickham, Todd Hoddick and Kevin Ward Jr. PST Canada regulars Glenn Styres, Keith Dempster, Jamie Collard, Alain Bergeron, Steve Poirier, Lee Ladouceur, Patrick Vigneault, Jason Barney, Chris Jones and Michael Parent are also names expected to be on hand.

Of course a race at Merrittville would not be complete without the groundswell of local teams that circled this date on their schedule early on. Travis Cunningham, Mikey Kruchka, Chris Steele, Tom and Jim Huppunen, Stan Zanchin, Zach Zumpe, Conor Mahoney, Jamie Turner and Brad Malloy just scratch the surface of names that could be present this weekend.

Pit gates for this special event will swing open at 3:00 P.M., with heat racing getting underway at 7:00 P.M. Stay up-to-speed with all that his happening this Saturday by following the Patriot Sprint Tour on Twitter or liking the Patriots Tour on Facebook. For additional information, visit www.PatriotSprintTour.com.

Shaky Defense Dooms Binghamton, 8-2

PORTLAND, ME – The Binghamton Mets committed five errors and dropped the series-opener to the Portland Sea Dogs, 8-2, Monday night at Hadlock Field. Binghamton’s five misplays matched a season-high and led to seven unearned runs.



The poor defense started early behind B-Mets starter Jacob DeGrom. With one out in the first, Alonzo Harris failed to catch a long fly ball in center, allowing Xander Bogaerts to reach third. The three-base error set the table for Travis Shaw, who grounded out to get Portland on the board.



Harris’ misplay also prolonged the inning. Following a hit batsman and a walk, Michael Almanzar blasted a two-run double over the head of Cory Vaughn in rightfield, giving Portland a 3-0 advantage.



The runs and defensive misplays continued in the second. With two aboard, Shannon Wilkerson shot a 1-2 pitch back up the middle. Christian Vazquez scored easily from third and Derrik Gibson came in from second when Harris bobbled the grounder in center.



Meanwhile, the B-Mets failed to crack the scoreboard against Major League rehabbing starter John Lackey. The righty tossed 3-2/3 shutout innings, striking out five along the way. He surrendered three hits and walked two, but stranded all four runners in his first start since suffering a strained right bicep with the Red Sox on April 6.



Portland added to their lead on another two more B-Mets errors in the fourth. Gibson reached to start the inning on a throwing error by shortstop Danny Muno. Wilkerson traded places with him on a fielder’s choice. With two outs, Wilkerson scampered to third on a single and scored when Vaughn’s throw to third bounced off of him and skipped into the stands.



Despite the unreliable defense, DeGrom navigated through five innings. The righty was tagged for seven hits and six runs, only one of which was earned. He walked four and wrapped up his night with three strikeouts.



Chase Huchingson entered in the sixth and was not immune to Binghamton’s defensive woes. With two runners on, JC Linares stroked a single to left. The bouncing ball skipped past Darrell Ceciliani and rolled to the Maine Monster, allowing two unearned runs to score.



Binghamton finally got on the scoresheet against reliever Keith Couch in the seventh. The righty had retired seven straight after replacing Lackey in the fourth, but surrendered a leadoff single in Binghamton’s only run-producing frame. With two on base and two outs, Danny Muno smashed a two-run single back up the middle, making it 8-2 in Portland’s favor.



Couch (1-0) shook off the bumpy inning and posted two more outs in the eighth, capping four innings of work. He was awarded the win. Chris Martin brought the game to the finish line, getting the final four outs. DeGrom (0-2) suffered his second loss.



The B-Mets (10-8) continue their three-game series against the Sea Dogs (10-7) Tuesday night at 6:00 PM. RHP Tyler Pill (1-1, 7.20) gets the ball for Binghamton against LHP Craig Breslow (0-0, ---). The Horizons Federal Credit Union Pregame Show begins at 5:45 PM on Newsradio 1290 WNBF.



POSTGAME NOTES: Tonight was just Binghamton’s third multiple-error game of the season…Muno has eight RBI in the first five games of the roadtrip…Shawn Teufel and John Church each threw a scoreless inning of relief



Individual tickets for all Binghamton Mets 2013 home games are on sale now. Visit the NYSEG Stadium box office during regular operating hours, purchase them online at www.bmets.com or call the office at (607)723-METS.



Be sure to follow the B-Mets on Facebook, Twitter and at the team’s official website: www.bmets.com for more team information.

MATT HARRIS, JOJO MARASCO RECEIVE BIG EAST WEEKLY HONORS

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Syracuse junior Matt Harris (Buffalo Grove, Ill.) was named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week, and senior JoJo Marasco (Yorktown Heights, N.Y.) was picked to the conference’s weekly honor roll on Monday, April 22.

Harris registered four ground balls and four caused turnovers in the Orange’s 9-8 win at Georgetown on April 20. He helped anchor an SU defense that allowed just one Hoya goal during a 37:05 stretch that encompassed most of the second half. In addition, Harris collected two ground balls versus Hobart on April 16 and led an Orange unit that did not give up a goal to any of Hobart’s three starting midfielders.

Marasco tallied three goals and three assists in the two games. He leads the Orange in points (46) and assists (30). Marasco is tied with Brad Kotz (1984) for the second-most assists by a Syracuse midfielder in one season. Paul Gait holds the record with 34 in 1990.

Notre Dame attackman John Scioscia was named the BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week after recording four goals and one assist in a 13-9 win against Villanova Saturday.

Sean Wright (Providence), Colin Keegan (St. John’s), John LoCascio (Villanova) and Jack Rice (Villanova) joined Marasco on this week’s honor roll.

Syracuse concludes the regular season Saturday, April 27 against Notre Dame in the 2013 Konica Minolta Big City Classic at MetLife Stadium. Faceoff is slated for 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU.

Baseball Walks Off With Hartford Series Win, 10-9, In 12 Innings

ALBANY, N.Y. – With one out in the bottom of the 12th inning, junior Josh Nethaway played hero with a walk-off game-winning double, leading the University at Albany baseball team to a 10-9 victory over the visiting Hartford Hawks Sunday afternoon at Varsity Field. The Great Danes, who were tied with Hartford in the America East Conference standings, captured the series and sole possession of second place with a 10-8 league record and 16-16-1 overall mark. In the three-game series, UAlbany totaled 48 hits, including 19 in the rubber match led by Nethaway’s 4-for-6 performance. Junior D.J. Hoagboon also went 4-for-6 with an RBI and run scored, while senior Greg Muller went 3-for-6 and batted in a run. Junior Brian Bullard (2-for-5) belted his first home run of the season and boasted a multi-hit performance along with Nolan Gaige (2-for-5) and Gordon Madej (2-for-6). In the early innings, the momentum from Saturday’s nightcap win seemed to still be in Hartford’s favor, as the Hawks plated the first seven runs of the afternoon. Hartford scored two runs in the first and four in the second off starter Kevin Archbold, prompting a call to the bullpen. Reliever Cameron Sorgie faced one batter and forced the final out of the second frame before the visitors tagged one run in the top of the third. Despite trailing 7-0, the Great Danes steadily chipped away at the deficit. UAlbany got on the board with one run in the third on Madej’s sacrifice fly to centerfield, scoring Craig Lepre from third. In the fourth, the Danes added three runs, stringing together four singles by Hoagboon, Bullard, Gaige, and Muller. While Hartford scored one run in the top of the fifth, UAlbany answered back immediately, plating two in the bottom of the inning. Nethaway led off with a single up the middle and with two outs, Bullard belted his seventh career home run over the right field wall, cutting the margin to two, 8-6. On the mound, Sorgie kept the Hawks at bay, allowing UAlbany to strike and take the lead in the bottom of the sixth. The Danes recorded four consecutive hits as Lepre and Gaige led off with back-to-back doubles and Muller and Madej followed with singles through the left side. Hoagboon capped the rally with a two-out go-ahead RBI single through the left side, bringing home Madej for a 9-8 lead. However, Hartford tied it back up in the seventh, as Pat Knauth led off with a double, reliever Austin Chase allowed a walk and an RBI single through the left side. However, the senior right-hander settled in and forced three straight outs, leaving two runners stranded. From there, a pitching duel ensued as Chase battled Hartford’s Alex Gouin and Jeremy Charles into the 12th inning. Chase did not allow a runner past second base and held the Hawks to just four hits in the final six innings, while Charles fought his way out of a bases loaded jam in the 11th, sending the ballgame into one more frame. In the bottom of the 12th, an inside pitch hit Muller with one out to lead things off and Madej singled through the left side, putting the winning run -- pinch runner Adam Mund -- in scoring position at second. At the plate, Nethaway drilled a high fly ball deep to centerfield that fell in the gap. Unsure if it would drop or be caught, the runners did not stray too far from the bags and it became a mad dash for home. Mund beat out the throw to the plate and the Great Danes walked off with the victory. Chase (4-3) earned the win, allowing no runs and struck out seven in the final six innings. Charles (1-2) took the loss, throwing the final two and a third frames for Hartford. Up next, the Great Danes travel to Manhattan for a midweek non-conference matchup Wednesday. UAlbany will return to Varsity Field next weekend, hosting UMBC for a three-game America East series.

Brett Hearn and Rob Yetman Go Back To Back

West Lebanon, NY: No, this is not a re-write from last week’s racing at the famed ½ mile dirt high banks of Lebanon Valley Speedway, but it is true that the Jet returned to victory lane to score his 2^nd victory of the 2013 season. Also, Pro Stock veteran Rob Yetman scored his back to back victory shortly thereafter.

The chilly air was still settled into the upstate New York high banked oval alongside State Route 20 in West Lebanon. But that didn’t seem to bother the race fans, nor the drivers as stout fields of racers made their way onto the Valley of Speed.

The modified main event was another 30 lap challenge for the Big Block division. On the front of the field was Steve Hough aboard his #34. But the #77F of Mark Flach jumped out to the early lead. But another #34, this one driven by Bobby Hackel IV, spun in turn 1 on the 2^nd lap, to slow the field under caution.

Then yet another #34, this one belonging to Andy Bachetti, took over the runner up spot, challenging Flach for the lead by lap 3. Caution flew again by lap 5 for the #60 of Brian Berger, by then; the #34B of Bachetti was out front. But this time, the #20H of Brett Hearn was sitting 2^nd looking to for another win.

Hearn took over from Bachetti on lap 9, but was slowed once again by the caution as the #55K of Mike King broke a drive shaft. Hearn pulled away again, but this time with legendary driver Kenny Tremont Jr hot in pursuit.

Tremont would come up a little short though as Brett Hearn clicked off the remaining laps on the 104.9 The Cat Lap Counter, and took his 2^nd win in as many weeks. Tremont had to settle for 2^nd, followed by Bachetti, J.R. Heffner, and Donnie Corellis.

The Pro Stock 20 lap feature saw the green flag fly with veteran driver Danny Sanchez out front trying to duplicate the win his son just had in the race just before. But his bid for checkers ended quickly as contact with another car on lap 9 ended his night with suspension damage.

Jay Corbin had just taken over the top spot, and began to pull away before that incident, but the caution had bunched the field and put last week’s winner, Rob Yetman, right on his rear deck. Yetman took over the top spot on lap 14, and then Corbin took it back on lap 15.

But a caution slowed the field again and this time Yetman was not to be denied as he powered away and took the checkers. Corbin had to settle for 2^nd, followed by Paul LaRochelle, Jason Casey and Jay Casey.

The Budget Sportsman made their 2013 debut for a 20 lap shootout. At the point was the #51 of Brandon Page with the #710 of Greg Catlin hot in pursuit. As they were battling, the #1 of Tyler Dippel charged by them both and took over the top spot by lap 8.

The caution flew a few more times before the end of the event, but Tyler Dippel had them all covered and took the checkers for his first career win at the Valley of Speed. John Virgilio made a late race charge but had to settle for 2^nd. Josh Gaylord, Matt Papa Jr, and Tommy Johnson battled it out to round out the top 5 finishers.

In the Purestocks, the winners were: Lloyd Tomlin in PS#1, Gary O’Brien scored the win in PS#2, and in PS#3, Daniel Sanchez scored the win.

Hold on to your hats, cause next Saturday Night it’s the Debut of the much talked about Small Block Modifieds for a Dash Only Shootout! Contractor Sales and Slovak Demolition and Equipment Sales present the nights festivities with the full regular weekly divisions, plus Budget Sportsman.

More Fun, More Racing, More Lebanon Valley!

Saturday April 20, 2013 Big Block Modified Feature (30 Laps): 1)Brett Hearn, 2)Kenny Tremont Jr, 3)Andy Bachetti, 4)J.R. Heffner, 5)Donnie Corellis, 6)Kolby Schroder, 7)Kyle Armstrong, 8)Eddie Marshall, 9)Kyle Hoffman, 10)Steve Hough, 11)Brian Berger, 12)Jimmy Burns, 13)Keith Flach, 14)Kyle Sheldon, 15)Paul Gilardi, 16)Bobby Hackel, 17)Denny Soltis, 18)Chad Jeseo (SB), 19)Mike King, 20)Jason Harrington (SB) 21)Chad Pierce (SB) 22)Kim LaVoy, 23)Sean Mendall (SB) 24)Rob Pitcher, 25)Mark Flach Jr, 26)Nick Hotaling, 27)Brett Haas (SB), 28)Matt Quinn (SB) DNS)Wayne Jelley

Pro Stock Feature (20 Laps): 1)Rob Yetman, 2)Jay Corbin, 3)Paul LaRochelle, 4)Jason Casey, 5)Jay Casey, 6)Victor Hopkins, 7)Kevin Arnold, 8)Robbie Speed, 9)Rick Demsey, 10)Frank Twing, 11)Tom Harkins, 12)Jason Meltz, 13)Milo Campbell, 14)Nick Hilt, 15)Chuck Towslee, 16)Walt Brownell, 17)Brian Keough, 19)Mark Dupree, 20)Danny Sanchez

Budget Sportsman (20 Laps): 1)Tyler Dippel, 2)John Virgilio, 3)Josh Gaylord, 4)Matt Papa, 5)Tommy Johnson, 6)Whitey Slavin, 7)Peter Carlotto, 8)Cody Ochs, 9)Alan Hotaling, 10)Todd Lane, 11)Ryan Darcy, 12)Brian Peterson, 13)Jim Bemiss, 14)Jack Speshock, 15)Greg Catlin, 16)Brandon Page, 17)Jeb Catlin, 18)Ray Hall Jr., 19)Brandon Pitcher, 20)Milo Campbell, 21)Timothy Davis 2nd, 22)Ricky Davis, 23)Greg DeCamp, 24)Collin Clow, 25)Scott Duso, 26)Martin Lesard, 27)Rob Maxon, 28)Rob Knipe, 29)Robbie Speed, 30)Michael Sabia, 31)Jake Jelley, 32)Mike Verhagen, DNS)Chris Lynch, DNS)Courtney Campbell

Purestock 1 (8 Laps): Lloyd Tomlin

Purestock 2 (8 Laps): Gary O’Brien

Purestock 3 (12 Laps): Daniel Sanchez

UAlbany Softball Completes Three-Game UMBC Sweep on Senior Day

ALBANY, N.Y. – The University at Albany softball team defeated UMBC, 6-1, to complete a three-game series sweep at Albany Field on Sunday, April 21. Freshman Annie Johnson went a perfect 8-for-8 at the plate over the series; she was 3-for-3 on the day. The Great Danes honored Kylie Apostolina, Taylor Franich and Lindsey Stout in a Senior Day celebration before the game. They’ve now won 23 of 26.

Both teams exchanged runs to open up the first inning. First, it was UMBC (8-36, 1-14 AE) sophomore Taylor Hall who hit a solo homer in the top of the first. UAlbany (28-10, 11-1 AE) followed with an RBI-single off the bat of freshman Maggie Cocks to tie things up through one frame.

The Great Danes blew the game open with a three-run fourth inning. Johnson singled to drive-in Apostolina. Sophomore Vicky McFarland then followed with a two-run bases clearing single to left field, putting the score at 4-1. They tacked on two insurance runs in the sixth as Johnson again singled to drive-in her second run of the day – followed by a steal of home plate by freshman Kelly Costello.

Junior Brittany MacFawn improved to 19-6 on the season. She allowed two hits, one earned run and struck out eight on the way to her 25^th complete game. Senior Heather Brown (5-16) was tagged with the loss for the Retrieves. She allowed 11 hits, four earned runs and struck out two over six innings.

The stolen base count for Johnson continues. She snagged her 33^rd bag of the season and sixth of the series. The speedy outfielder was tied for third nationally in steals-per-game before this series.

“Annie [Johnson] is making solid contact. It helps to have speed on the bases,” said head coach Chris Cannata. “Right now, we are getting great pitching and great defense from everyone.” She also thanked the seniors for all their contributions to the team over the past four seasons.

UAlbany will travel for three straight doubleheaders in the upcoming week. They play Boston U., Tuesday, Dartmouth, Wednesday and UConn on Thursday.

SU MEN’S LACROSSE HEADS TO GEORGETOWN

WASHINGTON – After three straight home games, No. 5 Syracuse makes its first trip to Georgetown since 2009 on Saturday, April 20 for a 1 p.m. contest against the Hoyas. The Orange has already clinched a berth in the upcoming BIG EAST Championship, while the Hoyas aim to improve their conference tournament résumé with a victory.

Syracuse is closing out a grueling stretch in which its played five games in two weeks. The Orange is 9-3 overall and 3-1 in the league. Georgetown is 5-6 overall. The Hoyas have lost two of their last three and are 2-1 in the BIG EAST.

Fans can hear the action live on the radio home of the Orange - TK 99 (99.5 FM) and ESPN Radio 97.7 in Syracuse. Live streaming audio is available on SUAthletics.com as part of Orange All-Access.

CLOSE SHAVES
Syracuse has played seven one-goal games this season, the most in the nation, and its most since also playing seven in 2005. So far the Orange is 4-3 in those contests with consecutive one-goal wins against Princeton (April 6), Cornell (April 10) and Rutgers (April 13). Overall, Syracuse's last four games have all been decided by a single tally. The only loss in that stretch was a 13-12 defeat against Hobart in SU's most recent outing.

BEAT THE NEW BOSS?
Georgetown's Kevin Warne is the second first-year head coach the Orange will face this season. SU is 1-0 against first-year mentors in 2013, beating Providence and the Friars' new boss Chris Gabrielli, 18-9, in March.

PADUDA SHINES AT FACEOFF X
Freshman faceoff specialist Cal Paduda (Madison, Conn.) has given the Orange a lift at the X the past two games. Since the fourth quarter against Rutgers on April 13, Paduda is 24-for-37 (.649). Against Hobart on April 16, Paduda set personal bests in faceoffs won (20), attempted (28) and ground balls (8). His 20 wins matched Chris Daddio (Purcellville, Va.) for the most by an SU player in one game this year.

SCOUTING THE HOYAS
After a close loss to Notre Dame in South Bend, the Hoyas sit at 5-6 on the season. Georgetown has played in very tight contests all year long, including three overtime games. The Hoyas enter this weekend averaging 9.75 goals per game. They have allowed 11.08 goals per contest.

Sophomore attackman Reilly O'Connor leads the club in goals (21), assists (18) and points (39). Fellow attackman Jeff Fountain has contributed 16 goals and eight assists this year, but missed the Notre Dame game. Sophomore Charles McCormick is the team's top midfield threat. He has 14 goals and 20 total points.

Tyler Knarr is one of the top faceoff specialists in the nation. He owns a .641 winning percentage (134-209) and has collected 84 ground balls. He also has one assist on the year. Defensively, goalie Jack Haley has seen the majority of minutes in the cage. He has 95 saves, but he has struggled overall, allowing 104 goals. Brennan Bicknese (20 ground balls, 11 caused turnovers) anchors the close defense in front of Haley.

Kevin Warne is in his first year as the head coach at Georgetown. Warne took over for the legendary Dave Urick last summer following a two-stint as an assistant coach at Maryland. In Warne's two years with the Terps he helped lead them to consecutive NCAA championship game appearances.

THE SERIES
Syracuse and Georgetown have played at least once every year since 1995 and the Orange holds a 16-5 series advantage. SU owns the longest winning streak in series history, winning eight straight meetings from 1999-2004. One of those pairings was a 24-16 SU win during the 2000 season. The Orange's 24 goals in that contest are the most in John Desko’s tenure as head coach. Georgetown won last season's pairing at the Carrier Dome, 10-8.

UP NEXT ...
The Orange closes out the regular season at the 2013 Konica Minolta Big City Classic on Saturday, April 27. Syracuse will face Notre Dame in MetLife Stadium at 6:30 p.m.

B-Mets Double Their Way Past Fisher Cats, 4-3

MANCHESTER, NH – The Binghamton Mets stroked a season-high five doubles to defeat the New Hampshire Cats, 4-3, Thursday night at Northeast Delta Dental Staidum. Danny Muno led the offensive charge with two hits and three RBI’s.



Binghamton had to play catch-up after Tyler Pill’s smooth start ran into a bumpy patch in the third. Ricardo Nanita started by stroking a double to center and scored two batters later on Amadeo Zazueta’s RBI single to left. Kevin Pillar doubled New Hampshire’s lead later in the inning by scorching an RBI hit under Wilfredo Tovar’s glove at short. Pill escaped any further damage by striking out Brad Glenn and Adam Loewen to strand the bases loaded.



Binghamton struck back in the fourth against Fisher Cats starter Ryan Tepera. Cesar Puello roped his second triple of the season over left fielder Kevin Pillar’s head to start the inning. Daniel Muno drove him home with a single to left and collected his fifth RBI of the season.

After Ricardo Nanita extended the lead with a solo homer in the fourth, the B-Mets used three doubles to take the lead in the sixth. Cory Vaughn jump-started the two-bagger parade by shooting his second of the year to center. Tepera hit pinch-hitter Allan Dykstra with a 2-2 offering and exited after Francisco Pena’s sac bunt.



Chorye Spoone inherited both runners and fell behind Danny Muno 2-0. In the driver’s seat, Muno laced a game-tying two-run double to right. Alonzo Harris followed quickly by dumping an RBI double into center, giving Binghamton a one-run advantage.



Pill preserved the lead and capped his night with a perfect sixth inning. The righty allowed three runs on seven hits over six frames. He struck out six, walked one and retired the final seven Fisher Cats he faced.



John Church took over in the seventh, making his second appearance in as many nights, and worked a perfect inning. Chase Huchingson worked around a two-out single in a scoreless eighth and Jeff Walters shut the door with a shutout ninth to earn his fourth save.



The B-Mets three-run sixth made a winner of Pill (1-1) for the first time at Double-A. Spoone (0-1) suffered the loss and blown save.



The B-Mets (8-6) continue their four-game set against the Fisher Cats (7-8) Friday night at 6:35 PM. RHP Erik Goeddel (1-1, 3.48) gets the ball for Binghamton against RHP Austin Bibens-Dirkx (1-2, 3.57). The Horizons Federal Credit Union Pregame Show begins at 6:20 PM on Newsradio 1290 WNBF.



POSTGAME NOTES: Muno’s RBI single snapped a four-game hitless slump…at one point, the B-Mets pitching staff retired 12 straight Fisher Cats (4^th inning to 8^th inning)…Walters is 4-for-4 in save chances to start the season



Individual tickets for all Binghamton Mets 2013 home games are on sale now. Visit the NYSEG Stadium box office during regular operating hours, purchase them online at www.bmets.com or call the office at (607)723-METS.



Be sure to follow the B-Mets on Facebook, Twitter and at the team’s official website: www.bmets.com for more team information.

B-Mets Roster Update

Please note the following transactions involving the Binghamton Mets.

April 16:

• RHP Luis Mateo placed on disabled list (right elbow strain)
• RHP Jacob DeGrom transferred from St. Lucie (High-A) to Binghamton (AA)

B-Met Bats Struggle in 7-4 Loss

BINGHAMTON, NY – The B-Mets were held hitless through 6.2 innings, and finished with four hits in a 7-4 loss to the Portland Sea Dogs Monday night at NYSEG Stadium.

Portland struck first in the top of the second inning against B-Met starter Luis Mateo. After Peter Hissey singled, moved to second on a balk, and stole third base, he was brought home on an RBI single by Alberto Rosario. In the third, Portland took a 3-0 lead when Tony Thomas hit a two-run home run to right-centerfield.

In his Double-A debut, Mateo’s night ended after throwing just three pitches in the fourth inning. With a 3-0 count to Alberto Rosario, Mateo was removed from the game with an apparent injury. He finished his night giving up three runs on six hits.

LHP Sean Teufel came in for relief, and made his B-Met debut. He gave up one run in the fourth on a RBI single by Michael Almanzar, but came back to throw a scoreless fifth. John Church came in next and threw a scoreless sixth and seventh, his best outing so far this season.

After the B-Mets were held hitless through 6.2 innings, Juan Centeno ended the no-hitter and shutout with a two-run double off of Pete Ruiz. With a 4-2 advantage in the top of the ninth, the Sea Dogs tacked on three more runs on four hits against Chase Hutchingson. Binghamton showed life in the ninth, scoring twice on RBI doubles from Rhyne Hughes and Cesar Puello, but could not complete the comeback. Anthony Ranaudo earned the win after striking out six in five hitless innings. Mateo was given the loss in his Double-A debut.

The B-Mets (6-5) continue their series with the Portland Sea Dogs (5-5) Tuesday night at NYSEG Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM as RHP Logan Verrett will pitch against LHP Drake Britton. The Horizons Federal Credit Union Pregame Show begins at 6:20 PM on Newsradio 1290 WNBF.

POSTGAME NOTES: Eight different Sea Dogs got at least one base hit…As a team, Binghamton struck out 12 times…C Juan Centeno and Manager Pedro Lopez were both ejected from the game by home plate umpire Ramon de Jesus in the ninth inning

Individual tickets for all 71 Binghamton Mets 2013 home games are on sale now. Visit the NYSEG Stadium box office during regular operating hours, purchase them online at www.bmets.com or call the office at (607)723-METS.

Be sure to follow the B-Mets on Facebook, Twitter and at the team’s official website: www.bmets.com for more team information.

Dale Blaney three-peats in Ti22/Peoples TWP Sprints to kick start Stampede Finale Dave Hess Jr. scores $3,000

 

Dale Blaney three-peats in Ti22/Peoples TWP Sprints to kick start Stampede Finale Dave Hess Jr. scores $3,000 Precise Late Model A-Main win Chad Brachmann repeats in BRP Mods to win 20th Annual Kodiak Graham Memorial Dellinger, Blair, Taylor, Kekich, Knepper, Mitchell and Crynock win Stampede Belt Buckles

Sarver, PA (April 14, 2013) Well over 211 cars (plus another 83 Enduros) overflowed the pits once again for the finale of the DIRTcar Round Up Steel City Stampede. For the third straight year, 1991 Track Champion turned multiple-time All Star Champion Dale Blaney was the class of the field and scored his third straight Steel City Stampede feature win in the Ti22/Peoples TWP Sprints, but had to pass hotshoe Danny Holtgraver and hold off All Time division wins leader Ed Lynch Jr. to score the win. Dave Hess Jr. won the Precise Racing Products DIRTcar Late Models feature over a spirited Russell King and Chad Brachmann won the 20^th Annual Kodiak Graham Memorial from the tail of the A and B main; his second straight Steel City Stampede A-Main feature win.



Former Track Champions and current All Star Circuit of Champions stars Dale Blaney and Danny Holtgraver paced the front row of the $3,000-to-win, 30-lap Ti22 Performance/Peoples TWP DIRTcar 410 Sprints with Holtgraver jumping out to the early lead running around the top of turns one & two. Blaney took the lead on lap six with a slide job in turns three & four and never looked back. All Time Division wins leader Ed Lynch Jr. got past Holtgraver mid-race and was seemingly reeling in Blaney, but ended up spinning himself out trying to miss a spinning lapped car at the flagstand. Holtgraver chased Blaney home, but could never mount serious charge as Blaney scored his third straight Steel City Stampede feature and the 16^th feature win of his Lernerville career; tying him with fellow Ohio legend Rick Ferkel. Holtgraver finished second ahead of Danny Smith, Jack Sodeman Jr. and a hard-charging Dan Kuriger who started at the tail of the field due to not competing in heat race action in October.



Dave Hess Jr. won a thrilling Precise Racing Products Late Model feature over Russell King, Doug Eck and Jared Miley. King took the early lead from the outside pole, but Hess back took the lead with a slide job through turns one & two on the lap 13 restart. Hess and King traded wicked slide jobs again late in the race, with Hess scoring the final slider in turn two on lap 22 and held on to win his first Steel City Stampede feature win in the Precise Late Models; he also has a UEMS/UMP Modifieds Stampede win in 2011. King raced home second, while Doug Eck passed Jared Miley late in the race for third and Garrett Krummert rounded out the top five.



Chad Brachmann was not present for the Steel City Stampede heat races in October and thus had to tail the BRP/Diehl Mods B-Main #2 just to make the Kodiak Graham Memorial starting lineup. He started 23^rd in a stacked A-Main and raced his way to the front; taking the lead from Ricky Richner who took the lead early in the race from Russell King. Brachmann made the winning pass on lap 28 and scored the $3,000 win in the prestigious 20^th Annual Kodiak Graham Memorial; his second straight Steel City Stampede BRP/Diehl Mods feature win. Richner settled for second ahead of Rex King Sr., Russell King and Randy Chrysler.



SS Chassis guru Chris Schneider jumped out to a quick lead in the Millerstown Pic-A-Part DIRTcar Sportsman/Stock A-Main, but gave way to Rusty Moore after a few laps. Moore, however, spun out while leading on a mid-race restart and Alan Dellinger seized the lead in the #100 stock car that Joe Kelley runs weekly at Mercer Raceway Park. Dellinger had to hold off a late race surge by PPMS star Pat Weldon, but rolled into Sheetz Victory Lane for a $1,000 payday and a shiny Steel City Stampede belt buckle. Weldon chased Dellinger to the checkers ahead of Randy Wyant, Rusty Martz and Bob Sloss. All Time division wins leader and seven-time Lernerville Track Champion “Super Joe” Kelley finished just outside the top five in sixth.



Max Blair had to endure a bevy of cautions, but made his way to the front of a stout FASTRAK Northeast Late Model field and passed Kyle Zimmerman late in the race to score another FASTRAK Northeast victory worth $2,000! Mike Pegher Jr. raced the #1 Cochran Late Model to a third place finish, ahead of Butch Lambert and Chad Ruhlman.



Jonathan Taylor held off Brett Rhebergen to win the UEMS/UMP Modified feature. Adam Kekich was shoot out of a cannon at the drop of the green flag and led wire-to-wire to win the 305 Sprint feature. Alan Knepper won a wild STARS Mod Lites A-Main and Larry Mitchell won in the 4-Cylinders. Paul Crynock III won his second straight Enduro and his Stamepe belt buckle to bring the show to a close!





Ti22/Peoples TWP DIRTcar 410 Sprint Feature: (30 Laps)

1. 2 Dale Blaney

2. D4 Danny Holtgraver

3. 4 Danny Smith

4. 94 Jack Sodeman Jr.

5. 08 Dan Kuriger

6. 8 David Smith

7. 7 Eric Williams

8. 13 Brandon Matus

9. 38 Dennis Wagner

10. 46 Stuart Williams

11. 2L Ed Lynch Jr.

12. 40X Cory Good

13. 49 Bob Howard

14. 33 Brent Matus

15. 22S Brandon Spithaler

16. 44 Pete Landram

17. 1R Gale Ruth Sr.

18. 2E Ed Lynch III

19. 27 Skip Dougherty

20. 2s Francis Sesco

21. C11 Brandon Cornelius

22. 5 Bob McMillin

23. C9 Charlie Cornelius





Precise Racing Products DIRTcar Super Late Model Feature: (30 Laps)

1. 44H Dave Hess Jr.

2. 56 Russell King

3. 03 Doug Eck

4. H1 Jared Miley

5. 29K Garrett Krummert

6. 88 Chuck Sarver

7. 29 Kenny Schaltenbrand

8. CR9 Chris Rhodes

9. 111 Brian Swartzlander

10. 72 Michael Norris

11. 55S Chris Schneider

12. 3 Dan Swartzlander

13. J4 John Garvin Jr.

14. 3D Bill Davis

15. 27X Sam Eichelberger

16. 66 Todd Bachman

17. 11 Greg Kent

18. B8 Tom Bateman

19. 82 Bobby Watt

20. 5 Mike Blose

21. 10 Alex Ferree





BRP/Diehl Kodiak Graham Memorial Big Block Modified Feature: (30 Laps)

1. 3B Chad Brachmann

2. 26 Ricky Richner

3. 65 Rex King Sr.

4. 166 Russell King

5. 21K Randy Chrysler

6. 11R Brad Rapp

7. 61 Dave Murdick

8. 19 Joe Kubiniec

9. 17M Skip Moore

10. 45 Steve Feder

11. 3E Eric Gabany

12. 35H Chris Haines

13. 83 Brian Schwartzlander

14. 37MD Jeremiah Shingledecker

15. 4S Jerry Schaffer

16. 03 Mark Frankhouser

17. 777 Ed Lynch Jr.

18. 516 Gary Smoker

19. 27R Dave Reges

20. 1G Frank Guidace

21. 6 Carl Murdick

22. 165 Rex King Jr.

23. 69 Tom Mattocks

24. 17H Kevin Hoffman

25. 66 JR McGinley Jr.

26. 19W Justin Wright



Log on to www.Lernerville.com for a complete rundown of Steel City Stampede Finale feature results.



Car Count Total: 294

Ti22 Performance DIRTcar 410 Sprints: 23

Precise Racing Products DIRTcar Late Models: 21

BRP/Diehl Auto Group DIRTcar Modifieds: 35

Millerstown Pic-A-Part DIRTcar Sportsman: 30

FASTRAK Northeast Late Models: 26

UEMS/UMP Modifieds: 29

305 Sprints: 14

4 Cylinder: 14

Mod Lites: 19

Enduro: 83