News & notes

 The America East Conference has thrown its member schools a curve by announcing Wednesday that they would end the regular season after games played over the next few days.

That said, UAlbany's teams will close out vs. state rival Stony Brook. The men will host the Seawolves Saturday & Sunday at SEFCU Arena, while the women will travel downstate Monday & Tuesday. All remaining regular season games beyond Tuesday have been cancelled due to COVID-19. The league tournament starts next Friday, February 26.

However, there are going to be just 7 teams in the women's tournament, so the top seed will get a bye. Pairings will be announced Sunday, with the tournament to start the following Sunday, February 28.

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UAlbany's men's lacrosse team was to open its season Sunday at Lehigh, but that game has been cancelled due to COVID concerns. Instead, Scott Marr's club will open at home against Colgate on February 27.

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Isis Young returned after being out with COVID last week, and scored 22 points, but Siena dropped a 84-63 decision to Quinnipiac on Wednesday afternoon. Siena drops to 2-6 in the MAAC women's standings.

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High school hockey: Saratoga gained a split of their home & home series with Shenendehowa, shutting out the Plainsmen, 3-0, on Wednesday night. The Blue Streaks, due to goal differential, have moved into first place in the CDHSHL's North division.

After getting humbled by Burnt Hills on Tuesday afternoon, LaSalle began formal league play Wednesday night by beating Albany Academy, 7-3. Senior Brendan Witte tallied a hat trick to lead the Troy-based Cadets (1-1 overall).

The two teams meet again tomorrow at Frear Park (4 pm puck drop). Albany Academy didn't have a live-stream ready in time for last night's game, but, as with most teams, it is a work in progress, and they should have that capacity soon.

We're hoping LaSalle can secure a PA system for tomorrow's game., but if Saratoga's live-stream last night is any indication, that might not be necessary, as it appeared the PA booth was empty there.

The Capital District Jets open their season against 3-time defending Delvecchio Cup champion Bethlehem today. The Jets are sharing Frear Park with LaSalle this season, as their home opener at Frear is on Friday.

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There will be a mini Albany Academy reunion at Siena during baseball season.

Brooks & Carter Knapek are graduate transfers from Virginia Commonwealth, and now, Brett Young has transferred from VCU to Siena. What isn't certain is whether or not Young will be eligible to play this season under NCAA transfer rules. The trio will join pitcher Ben Seiler on the Saints roster.

That leaves Danny Watson (Columbia) as the lone 518 graduate on the Rams roster. Stay tuned.

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The Tri-City Valleycats have released their schedule for the 2021 Frontier League season:

Games scheduled in the Quebec province in Canada are subject to COVID-related regulations, so there might be some changes. The 'Cats have not yet released ticket information, but figure it might still be the best value in town.