Together We Transform Thursday – February 21, 2019
 
Electric Island
 
Electricity will be in the air tonight as our men's basketball team takes on Albany to begin a three-game homestand at Island Federal Arena. 

 

Our rivalry with Albany has resulted in some epic moments of jubilation (21-0 game ending run in 2017) and heartbreak (thanks, Peter Hooley). Rivalries are what make college sports so special, which is why we have placed a stronger emphasis on beating Albany in all sports this year. As a program that is only 20 years into its Division I history, it is important that our students and supporters embrace the rivalry and all that comes along with it.
 
As I have said before, I have tremendous respect for Albany and what they have accomplished as a program. I am good friends with their AD Mark Benson. All of that being said, I want to beat them – badly. Albany has won six straight America East Commissioner's Cup titles while we have finished second each time. It doesn't take a genius to determine that the more that we beat them, the better our chances of winning the Commissioner's Cup.
 
Tonight is another important chapter in the men's basketball rivalry. We have won two straight against the Great Danes, and we need to make three. It won't be easy. As with any rivalry game, the records are insignificant. Albany head coach Will Brown will have his guys geared up and ready to compete. Our guys will be ready too.
 
You will make the difference. We need you to be loud and provide the energy that makes Island Federal Arena the best home court advantage (by far) in the America East. Tonight is a rare Thursday night conference game. The reason that we are playing tonight as opposed to Wednesday is because ESPN selected this date as the America East "showcase" game for ESPNU. Although I am not pleased that the Vermont-UMBC game was selected over us, we will continue to take care of business in our quest to reach the more important ESPN broadcast – the America East title game on March 16.
 
The next step in that quest is getting win number 22 tonight. If you still don't have tickets, be sure to get them now! In the meantime, get some rest and save your voice… it's rivalry time at the Island!
 
Women's Basketball Delivers Win Over Albany
 
Our department was treated to another "Beat Albany" bagel breakfast this morning thanks to our women's basketball team, which earned a convincing 68-52 win over the Great Danes last night.

 

More important than the bagels, the win gave our women their 20^th of the season and a stronghold on third place in the America East. This is the first year that the women are playing under the playoff format that was adopted by the men five years ago where high seeds host throughout the postseason.  Our women are playing with a tremendous amount of confidence right now, and that will serve us well heading down the home stretch with three regular season games remaining.
 
On behalf of the department, thank you to women's basketball for delivering a big W – and bagels!
 
Women's Lacrosse Ready to Roll in the Rockies
 


Our women's lacrosse team is taking its No. 4 national ranking on the road to begin the season with games against No. 14 Colorado and No. 16 Denver.
 
It is the second year in a row that we have traveled west to open the year against ranked opponents after last season's wins over USC and Stanford. Our team wouldn't have it any other way.
 
Expectations are higher than ever for a team that made history in 2018 by going 20-1 and maintaining the No. 1 ranking most of the season. Despite the loss of Courtney Murphy and Kylie Ohlmiller, the team is loaded with talent. Senior Mackenzie Burns and junior Ally Kennedy turned heads while competing for the U.S. National Team last month while junior Taryn Ohlmiller is back and stronger than ever after injuring her knee in last season's NCAA Tournament.
 
Senior Anna Tesoriero returns in goal after leading the nation with a 7.44 goals against average in 2018. Our team prides itself on its defense, and this year will be no different. In addition to our returning players, we have an influx of young talent and impact transfers who will contribute immediately. 
 
Joe Spallina has our women's lacrosse program firmly established as one of the nation's elite. Now it is time to begin another march toward a national championship. I can't wait!
 
Indoor Track and Field Championships
 


Good luck to our women and men who will compete in the America East Indoor Track and Field Championships this weekend in Boston.
 
Given the fact that we do not compete in every field event, our goal is to secure as many points as possible and finish among the top three teams. The women finished second in 2018 and will look to build upon their strong showing a season ago. Courtney Warden returns to defend her title in the 60-meter hurdles while Alyssa Oviasogie is the top seed in the pentathlon.
 
On the men's side, Michael Watts is back as the defending champion in the 3000-meter run and is joined by a deep group of middle and long distance runners. Wayne Williams leads the sprinters, who will look to reclaim their title in the 4x400 relay.
 
Let's keep winning… and believing!
 
Warm regards,
 
Shawn