Nov. 18, 2011

Albany, N.Y. - The Stony Brook University women's volleyball team begins its quest for its first America East tournament championship on Friday, taking on New Hampshire in the semifinal round of the 2011 America East Championships. First serve is set for 4 p.m.

Setting the Scene: The No. 3 Seawolves will take on No. 2 UNH in the America East semifinals on Friday at Albany's University Court. The winner advances to play the winner of the other semifinal between top-seeded Albany and No. 4 UMBC in the final on Saturday at 7 p.m.

About the Seawolves: The Seawolves finished the regular season in third place in the America East standings, posting a 7-5 record in conference play and 14-12 mark overall. Senior outside hitter Alicia Nelson (Apple Valley, Minn.) became just the second player in program history to be named America East Player of the Year as she led the conference in kills per (4.38) and points per set (4.92). Sophomore middle blocker Evann Slaughter (Clinton, Md.) earned a spot on the All-America East second team and freshman libero Laura Hathaway (Warsaw, N.Y.) was named to the America East All-Rookie team. This will be the Seawolves second straight appearance in the America East championships. SBU lost in five sets to top-seeeded Albany in the semifinals last season.

Scouting New Hampshire: The Wildcats went 10-19 overall and 8-4 in America East play, finishing second in the conference standings. UNH is led by senior outsider hitter Amy Keding, who was named to the All-America East first team on Thursday. The Wildcats also had three players named to the conference's second team including junior setter Jansan Falcusan.

The Matchup: New Hampshire won in five sets in both meetings between the teams this season. Nelson had a combined 53 kills and Slaughter averaged 1.30 blocks per set. The Wildcats hit a combined .278 in the two matches while holding the Seawolves to a .186 hitting percentage.