Dane Pound

Here's the links for those stories. I like this quote-"The game will be back. We have every intention of playing UAlbany in the 2005-06 season," (Siena AD) D'Argenio said Tuesday, "just as soon as Danielle Hutcheson graduates-she scares the hell out of us," he did not add. Saints, Danes women will skip a year UAlbany to make trip to Villanova

Found a very active but somewhat confusing to naviate Syracuse lacrosse forum. As expected they don't have a ton of respect for the Danes. I was surprised to find an Albany fan on their board who is predicting an Albany victory. Who knew? Syracuse Lacrosse Forum.

Marr compares playing SU to the 1980 miracle on ice hockey team. Syracuse is disappointed they didn't get a higher seed. Danes will see Orange-TU. SU surprised by four seed-Syracuse Post Standard. Danes Ready for Postseason-Troy Record

We should have six guards on the roster next year. Five of them will be a soph or a freshman. I can't see them taking another guard but who knows? Considering our recent luck with big men (Hughes gone, Pipikis injured) I'd like another big guy but as you pointed out they are probably few and far between this late in the recruiting cycle. A SF like Clyde Hooks that insiders had us listed as offering would be a nice pickup. I think he signed with Loyola Chicago today.

Obviously I have no way of knowing if Soup's allegations regarding Steve Sauers are true. I do remember Soup as the poster who repeatedly misreported Jamar Wilson's injury last fall. Several $iena posters said he was a credible poster and maybe they're right but I'll take those charges against Sauers with more than a few grains of salt.

From what I remember they only seed the highest four teams. Do they unofficially "seed" the remaining 12 teams or do they try to create reginal matchups?

UALBANY DEFEATS BINGHAMTON, 10-4, TO WIN SECOND CONSECUTIVE AMERICA EAST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP Vestal, N.Y. -- Michael Solazzo and Merrick Thomson each scored three goals and goalkeeper Kevin Rae made 12 saves to lead UAlbany to its second consecutive America East Conference men's lacrosse championship with a 10-4 victory over top-seeded Binghamton on Saturday afternoon at East Gym Complex. The Great Danes earned the league's automatic NCAA tournament berth. Albany (10-5), the tournament's No. 3 seed, jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the opening quarter. Brendan Russell converted a crossing pass from Chris Martocchia with one minute and 15 seconds elapsed in the contest, before Frank Resetarits connected on a bounce shot. Luke Daquino netted the first of his two goals on an underhanded low shot from the left side with 56 seconds left in the period. Binghamton (10-6), who won the conference's regular-season crown with an undefeated league record, scored back-to-back 20 seconds apart midway through the second quarter to cut the deficit to 3-2. Rob Williams netted a man-advantage goal, before Matt DeCirce fired in a shot after teammate Chris Bernard took control of a failed clearing attempt. The Great Danes, who dropped a 9-8 decision on their home field to Binghamton in the regular-season finale one week ago, quieted that comeback nearly one minute later. Solazzo rifled a left-handed shot into the cage on an extra-man opportunity. Daquino gave his team a 5-2 halftime advantage when he sent a high shot inside the far post following a restart with 2:35 left. Albany's defense took charge in the second and third periods, as the Bearcats were held scoreless for more than 33 minutes. Rae, the championship MVP for the second straight year, made three key stops en route to recording double-figure saves for the 11th time this season. His team's man-down unit wiped out 5-of-6 extra-man chances. The Great Danes would eventually push out to an 8-2 lead with 8:34 remaining in the fourth quarter. Thomson, a freshman attackman, tallied his second goal of the afternoon after faking the goalkeeper from right of the crease. Solazzo, who also had two assists, then ripped a shot from the middle of the field inside the right post. The UAlbany senior midfielder added his 24th goal of the season with 3:29 to play, as he came around from behind the cage for a 10-3 advantage. "Defense is what wins championships, and our man-down unit did a great job today," said Albany coach Scott Marr, whose team had to win on the road for the second straight year in making the NCAA Tournament field. "It's a credit to our kids that they stayed together and were positive. We had to come from two goals down in the fourth quarter in the semifinals and then to win here in the final makes it a well-deserved championship." Resetarits finished with one goal and two assists and Martocchia had two assists for the Great Danes, who reached the final with a 9-8 overtime win against UMBC in the semifinals last Wednesday. Binghamton's Matt McNamara scored once and assisted on another, while goalkeeper Matt McKeown, the America East player of the year, had nine saves. "I felt like this was my last opportunity; it might be the last game I may ever play," said Solazzo, who joined Rae, Daquino and defenseman Patrick McSweeney on the America East all-tournament team. "We are not like any other team. We rely on each other and we were definitely on the same page today. Our defense was excellent and Kevin (Rae) made some big saves, so we didn't feel like we had to make plays or rush on offense." ------------------------------------- America East Conference Men's Lacrosse Championship #3 Albany (10-5) 3 2 1 4 - 10 #1 Binghamton (10-6) 0 2 0 2 - 4 Albany -- Scoring: Michael Solazzo 3-2, Merrick Thomson 3-0, Luke Daquino 2-0, Frank Resetarits 1-2, Brendan Russell 1-1, Chris Martocchia 0-2, Eric Wolf 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Kevin Rae (58:56, 12 saves, 3 GA), Chris Gill (1:04, 0 saves, 1 GA). Binghamton -- Scoring: Matt McNamara 1-1, David Burpoe 1-1, Matt DeCirce 1-0, Rob Williams 1-0, Chris Bernard 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Kevin McKeown (60:00, 9 saves, 10 GA).

SEVEN UALBANY PLAYERS ON AMERICA EAST ALL-CONFERENCE MEN'S LACROSSE TEAM Freshman Attackman Merrick Thomson Named America East Rookie of the Year Boston, Mass. – University at Albany’s Luke Daquino has been chosen to the America East All-Conference Men’s Lacrosse first team for the second consecutive year, as announced on Thursday, May 6 by the conference office. The league’s head coaches voted freshman Merrick Thomson the America East Rookie of the Year. UAlbany placed six players on the all-conference second team, including Kevin Rae, Michael Solazzo, Ryan Olmstead, Patrick McSweeney, Frank Resetarits and Thomson. Freshman Tom Trapani joined Thomson and Resetarits on the America East All-Rookie Team. Daquino, a junior attackman from Farmingville, N.Y., is third among the America East scoring leaders with 17 goals and 30 assists for 47 points. He ranks seventh among the NCAA Division I assists leaders at 2.14 per game. Daquino, the only unanimous all-league first-team selection, is fifth on the school’s all-time scoring list with 159 points (67G, 92A). Thomson leads the conference in scoring at 3.50 points per game. He is fourth nationally in goals (38) and ninth in points (49). He set the school’s single-game record with eight goals against Hartford on April 21. Thomson was named the America East rookie of the week on three occasions this spring. Solazzo, a senior midfielder with 21 goals and five assists, makes his second consecutive appearance on the all-league second team. He has 122 points (92G, 30A) as a collegian. Rae, a junior goalkeeper, is 18th nationally in save percentage (.592) and has a 9.82 goals against average. He has recorded double-figure saves against 10 opponents this season. Resetarits, a freshman attacker, is fifth in the league in scoring at 3.14 points per game, and has 26 goals and 18 assists. Olmstead and McSweeney, a pair of junior defensemen, lead a unit that is allowing 10.07 goals per game and is eighth nationally in man-down situations at 79.1 percent. Albany (9-5) travels to top-seeded Binghamton (10-5) on Saturday, May 8 for the America East Conference championship. The champion receives an automatic NCAA berth. Game time is 1:00 p.m. at East Gym Complex. The Great Danes, who won the title last year, are making their third straight appearance in the America East tournament final.

Press conference yesterday that she's taking over as President for Queen's University in Kingston, Canada. UAlbany loss is gain for Canada-TU.

Bearcats' comeback magic ends-Bing Paper. Stonewall defense helps Danes earn NCAA bid-TU. UALBANY DEFEATS BINGHAMTON, 10-4, TO WIN SECOND CONSECUTIVE AMERICA EAST CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP Vestal, N.Y. -- Michael Solazzo and Merrick Thomson each scored three goals and goalkeeper Kevin Rae made 12 saves to lead UAlbany to its second consecutive America East Conference men's lacrosse championship with a 10-4 victory over top-seeded Binghamton on Saturday afternoon at East Gym Complex. The Great Danes earned the league's automatic NCAA tournament berth. Albany (10-5), the tournament's No. 3 seed, jumped out to a 3-0 lead after the opening quarter. Brendan Russell converted a crossing pass from Chris Martocchia with one minute and 15 seconds elapsed in the contest, before Frank Resetarits connected on a bounce shot. Luke Daquino netted the first of his two goals on an underhanded low shot from the left side with 56 seconds left in the period. Binghamton (10-6), who won the conference's regular-season crown with an undefeated league record, scored back-to-back 20 seconds apart midway through the second quarter to cut the deficit to 3-2. Rob Williams netted a man-advantage goal, before Matt DeCirce fired in a shot after teammate Chris Bernard took control of a failed clearing attempt. The Great Danes, who dropped a 9-8 decision on their home field to Binghamton in the regular-season finale one week ago, quieted that comeback nearly one minute later. Solazzo rifled a left-handed shot into the cage on an extra-man opportunity. Daquino gave his team a 5-2 halftime advantage when he sent a high shot inside the far post following a restart with 2:35 left. Albany's defense took charge in the second and third periods, as the Bearcats were held scoreless for more than 33 minutes. Rae, the championship MVP for the second straight year, made three key stops en route to recording double-figure saves for the 11th time this season. His team's man-down unit wiped out 5-of-6 extra-man chances. The Great Danes would eventually push out to an 8-2 lead with 8:34 remaining in the fourth quarter. Thomson, a freshman attackman, tallied his second goal of the afternoon after faking the goalkeeper from right of the crease. Solazzo, who also had two assists, then ripped a shot from the middle of the field inside the right post. The UAlbany senior midfielder added his 24th goal of the season with 3:29 to play, as he came around from behind the cage for a 10-3 advantage. "Defense is what wins championships, and our man-down unit did a great job today," said Albany coach Scott Marr, whose team had to win on the road for the second straight year in making the NCAA Tournament field. "It's a credit to our kids that they stayed together and were positive. We had to come from two goals down in the fourth quarter in the semifinals and then to win here in the final makes it a well-deserved championship." Resetarits finished with one goal and two assists and Martocchia had two assists for the Great Danes, who reached the final with a 9-8 overtime win against UMBC in the semifinals last Wednesday. Binghamton's Matt McNamara scored once and assisted on another, while goalkeeper Matt McKeown, the America East player of the year, had nine saves. "I felt like this was my last opportunity; it might be the last game I may ever play," said Solazzo, who joined Rae, Daquino and defenseman Patrick McSweeney on the America East all-tournament team. "We are not like any other team. We rely on each other and we were definitely on the same page today. Our defense was excellent and Kevin (Rae) made some big saves, so we didn't feel like we had to make plays or rush on offense." ------------------------------------- America East Conference Men's Lacrosse Championship #3 Albany (10-5) 3 2 1 4 - 10 #1 Binghamton (10-6) 0 2 0 2 - 4 Albany -- Scoring: Michael Solazzo 3-2, Merrick Thomson 3-0, Luke Daquino 2-0, Frank Resetarits 1-2, Brendan Russell 1-1, Chris Martocchia 0-2, Eric Wolf 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Kevin Rae (58:56, 12 saves, 3 GA), Chris Gill (1:04, 0 saves, 1 GA). Binghamton -- Scoring: Matt McNamara 1-1, David Burpoe 1-1, Matt DeCirce 1-0, Rob Williams 1-0, Chris Bernard 0-1; Goalkeeper(s): Kevin McKeown (60:00, 9 saves, 10 GA).

Fantastic Win! What an amazing program this has become. Regular season or tournament champions for the last 3 years with 2 straight NCAA appearances. I wish I could have made the game today. Brackets are announced on Monday. The first round games are on the campus of the highest seed. Danes drew 4th seed Princeton last year. Hopefully they will be seeded higher this year.

Usually that's a pretty confidence building score but I think Bing has come back in just about all of it's games this year. Go Danes!

I'm not sure how accurate this is but insiders has Albany as offering Clyde Hooks a 6'7 Juco small forward from Salt Lake CC. If it's right I have to assume Hughes won't be back. CLYDE HOOKS, a 6'7" 205 Lbs. Hooks, hails from Chicago Il. and played High School ball at Simeon High School. Hooks, is such an athlete that he can play a multitude of positions on the floor. Hooks is a versatile athlete with a soft lefty touch around the basket. As his basketball comprehension level improves so will his game. Has the athleticism to play out on the perimeter and should do so in division One college basketball. He will have two years of division One basketball. We will keep you posted on his progress and his recruitment. Amoung schools looking at him are Weber State.

I don't know about you Patch but my conscience could live with it. He would have to wait and sign in the fall for next year wouldn't he? Or can you sign and LOI for next year in the spring?

Bearcats' stingy defense may be tested by Albany-Bing Paper. Road-happy Danes eager for title game-TU.

They also listed us as offering Juco PF for this year but I wasn't sure how old that info was.

The insiders has UA offering James Tchana a scholarship for next year. Tchana is a 6'7 260lb PF/C. He attends the Our Saviour school in NY (Jamar Wilson's school) and was injured in that tragic accident earlier this year which killed one of his teamates. Here's the insider's link. NYC hoops had this to say about him: "James Tchana 6'7" PF Our Savior New American (LI) His wide body, ability to run the floor and soft hands are reminiscent of Antonio Pena but right now his game is even more "box to box" if you will than Antonio's. I love the way he sits in the post. He provides guards with a big target and one they can trust to catch the ball. His foot work is improving and how much it does will determine if he's recruitable by high majors. He held his own at ABCD as a junior and that's pretty impressive and it indicates that he's learning to compete at a high level"

Believe me I don't think it's a good idea either. I really haven't followed Marist and Sauers may be a fine assistant and be a good head coach someday. I'm not particularly interested in making the head coaching job a monarchy. Just thought it was interesting timing. Hopefully Steve lands on his feet somewhere other than Iona.

Funny you guys should mention that someone is too small. I just got the alumni magazine yesterday and in it is a nice story about Danes linebacker Victor Camacho. According to Ford, Camacho had two knocks on him when he came in as a freshman, too small and too slow. He worked hard when he got here and got into the starting lineup. Always great to read about guys who get written off like that and then come in and have productive careers.

With Wednesday's win Daquino and Rae have been in the conference championship game every year of their college careers so far. That's certainly alot of experience. With the way Spring Sports are going maybe Wyland needs to do a spring sports show in addition to the basketball and football show.

I was wondering if anyone had heard what happened to Steve Sauers at Marist. From the $iena board it sounds like he won't be returing to Marist with the hiring of Matt Brady as head coach but there hasn't been anything official. it would be some timing that Doc's son is looking for a job (as an assistant?) and Albany may be looking to hire an assistant.

After Q was announced as MVP for the basketball team I was curious who the MVP would be for lacrosse. Resetarits easily had the biggest goal of the year on Wednesday.

Best of luck to Coach Spisto at Delhi. Leaving UA with our recruting done and with plenty of time before the season to hire a replacement is a classy exit. We'll have to keep tabs on his progress to rebuild the Delhi program. Does this mean Brian Barnes will be promoted?

All-Conference teams and awards were announced today. Thomson was Rookie of the year and Daquino was 1st team. McKeown, Thomson, Stephenson Earn Top Men's Lacrosse Awards Sophomore goalkeeper Kevin McKeown and head coach Ed Stephenson, who helped lead Binghamton University to a perfect 6-0 mark in conference play, were selected America East Player and Coach of the Year, respectively. Attackman Merrick Thomson of University at Albany was named Rookie of the Year. All voting was conducted by the conference's head coaches. Awards McKeown ranks second in America East in both goals against average (6.83 ) and save percentage (.598). He has been a major component in the Bearcat defense, which leads the nation in scoring defense with 6.74 goals allowed per game. Stephenson's team was chosen sixth in the preseason poll, yet will host the America East Championship Saturday as the No. 1 seed. The Bearcats are playing just their third season as a varsity program. Stephenson's win total has improved from one in the program's first season, to four last season, to a current mark of 10-5. Thomson leads America East and ranks fourth in the nation with 38 goals in 14 games (2.71 per game). He also leads the conference and ranks ninth nationally in scoring (49 points, 3.50 per game). Junior Luke Daquino, the 2003 America East Player of the Year, was the only unanimous selection to the all-conference first team. Daquino leads America East and ranks seventh nationally with 30 assists (2.14 per game). He ranks second in America East to Thomson in scoring with 47 points. He is joined at attack by sophomore Brendan Mundorf of UMBC and sophomore Jason Cappadoro of Stony Brook University. Mundorf is second in America East in both goals (33) and points (48). Cappadoro is third in America East with 26 goals and fourth in the conference in scoring with 46 points. Seniors Pat Muston and Franklin Berry of UMBC are joined at the first-team midfield by senior George LaFlare of Stony Brook. Muston leads America East in ground balls (77, 5.50 per game). Berry has scored 12 goals and added eight assists. LaFlare, a repeat selection to the first team, has 16 goals and 10 assists. The first-team defenders are sophomore Michael Baudouin of Binghamton and junior Kyle Pearl and senior Eric Hatkewitz of Stony Brook. It marks the third time in as many years that Pearl, who has totalled 77 ground balls, and Hatkewitz have been named to an all-conference team. McKeown is the first-team goalkeeper. The second team consists of Thomson, rookie Matt McNamara and sophomore Phil Cavallo of Binghamton at attack. Rookie Frank Resetarits and senior Michael Solazzo of Albany and rookie Sean Layton of University of Vermont comprise the midfield. Juniors Patrick McSweeney and Ryan Olmstead of Albany and senior Brad Preisinger of UMBC are the defenders. Junior Kevin Rae of Albany, who leads America East with 13.43 saves per game, is the second-team goalkeeper. The all-rookie team includes Resetarits, Thomson, McNamara and Layton, who earned all-conference honors, as well as defender Tom Trapani of Albany, attackman Nate Kerstein and midfielder Jeff Santucci of Binghamton, attackman Drew Westervelt of UMBC, attackman Larry Cerasi and goalkeeper Brendan Callahan of Stony Brook and attackman Dan Zwirko of Vermont. Callahan leads the nation in goals against average at 5.96. A total of 11 all-conference choices and six all rookie selections will be in action Saturday when Binghamton plays host to third-seeded Albany in the America East Championship game at East Gym Complex at 1 p.m.

Story from the Daily Star about Spisto taking the coaching job at Delhi. Spisto.