News & notes

 RPI will be playing to save its postseason tonight, down 1-0 in games in the ECAC playoffs vs. Quinnipiac after the Bobcats blew out the Engineers, 6-1. A win tonight forces a game 3 tomorrow.

The same holds true for Union, which lost, 3-1, to Dartmouth. Not a good way to mark the 10th anniversary of Union's national title in hockey.

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Basketball season is over at Siena.

Falling behind, 34-11, after the 1st quarter vs. Niagara, the Saints never recovered, and the Purple Eagles eliminated the women, just as the men did earlier in the week, 87-70. The men's game, hampered by a delayed start Tuesday, was more competitive, but turnovers in that critical 1st frame, cost Siena big time.

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Hopefully, there was plenty of Kleenex to send to Hudson Valley Community College for the high school state tournaments.

In the Class C final, Allison O'Hanlon had 27 points, but very little support, as Alex Moses was held to 3 points, and Hannah Mulhern had just 8, as Moravia defeated Duanesburg, 46-45.

Sean Organ's quest for a perfect season for Class AA champion Averill Park came to a crashing end as AP fell in overtime to Hilton, 73-71, in what can be perceived as the biggest upset of the day.

In her final high school game, Taylor Holohan had 31 points, backed by Arianna Verardi with 17, but Hilton wouldn't stay down, playing with a point to prove. Playing their 4th game on the HVCC court in 2 weeks, AP should've had more of an advantage, but Hilton had the answers to the AP defense.

Luckily, there are three more Section II teams still in the hunt.

In Class A, Catholic Central will play Walter Panas later tonight (approximate tip time is 7 pm). That game will be preceded by the B final, with Utica-Notre Dame as the last obstacle for Albany Academy, after the Bears routed Southwestern, 73-32, on Friday.

Earlier today, Class D champ Northville advanced to tomorrow's title game by beating Elba, 41-34. Jim Zullo's club will await the winner of Hammond Central vs. Cherry Valley-Springfield, underway at press time. Tip time tomorrow is 11:45 am.

Meanwhile, in Glens Falls, one men's title has been decided, as Stillwater defeated Marcellus, 59-50, for the B title.

Earlier today, Green Tech advanced to the Class AAA title game by defeating Kingston for the 2nd time this season, 52-45. The Eagles will play the winner of Bay Shore vs. Niagara Falls, also currently underway. In Class D, North Warren moves on to tomorrow's title game after beating Smithtown Christian, 51-46. They'll play Sackets Harbor tomorrow at 3.

Homestanding Glens Falls plays Wayne later this afternoon.

Thursday's high school & college scoreboard, 3/14

 The Siena women's basketball team had to have held a birthday party for senior Ahniysha Jackson (Albany) prior to the 1st round of the MAAC women's tournament in Atlantic City.

Jackson erupted for 22 points on her 22nd birthday, including 5 3 pointers, and Siena advances to today's semi-finals with an 80-57 thumping of Mount St. Mary's. Next up is Niagara, today at 1:30 pm. The Siena pep band, which made the trip to Atlantic City, serenaded Jackson with "Happy Birthday" after the game. Jackson was one of four Saints in double figures, followed by Teresa Seppala with 18, and Elisa Mevius with 12.

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The rest of Thursday's college action:

Baseball:

Franklin & Marshall 8, Skidmore 6.

Women's lacrosse:

Roberts Wesleyan 18, College of St. Rose 10.

Softball:

Lake Forest 14, Skidmore 6 (6 innings).

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Four months ago, Stillwater seniors Jaxon Mueller, Lukas Lilac, Kaelen Leak, Thomas McDonough, & Carter Wilchelns won a state championship in football in Class D.

Tonight, those five, with the rest of the Stillwater basketball team, will attempt to complete a daily double by winning the Class B title in Glens Falls against Marcellus. Stillwater got there by dispatching Woodlands, 64-53, on Thursday night. Mueller, the son of UAlbany baseball coach and Stillwater legend Jon Mueller, had 23 points, including 9 in the 4th quarter. Tip time today is approximately 5:15 pm.

Meanwhile, in Troy, Duanesburg's women will play for their first title today at Hudson Valley Community College after defeating Frewsburg, 54-51. Senior star Allison O'Hanlon had 21 points, but no 3 pointers. After seeing a 4th quarter lead dissipate thanks to a Frewsburg rally to tie the game, Hannah Mulhern scored the final six points for Duanesburg to win and advance to the finals, where they'll play Moravia at approximately 5:15 pm today.

Regrettably, the box scores for both high school games won't be published until tomorrow.

News & notes

 TNA (Total Non-stop Action) Wrestling is returning to the ancient Washington Avenue Armory for their Under Siege show and a subsequent taping of Impact, Friday & Saturday, May 3-4. Tickets will go on sale via Ticketmaster on Saturday, and also at the Armory box office.

But, that's not all.

As you can see from the above graphic, TNA is joining forces with the Albany Firebirds for the May 2 game vs. Nashville at MVP Arena. Current TNA World champion Moose (Quinn Ojinnaka) and AJ Francis, a recent signee after leaving WWE, will be honorary captains, despite both being heels in the ring.

Ojinnaka, also a songwriter, composed his own theme music, which was introduced in Ring of Honor. He played with 4 NFL teams, including Atlanta & New England, before swapping his shoulder pads & cleats for tights & boots.

Francis, formerly Top Dolla in WWE/NXT, played with several NFL teams, including Miami & the Giants, before signing with WWE in 2020. Francis also hosted WWE Most Wanted Treasures during its 1st season on A&E.

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A quick reminder of state semi-finals in men's & women's basketball, starting tonight for the women, culminating in the finals on Sunday in Troy & Glens Falls:

Men @ Cool Insuring Arena:

Class AAA: Green Tech vs. Kingston, 12:30 pm Saturday.

Class A: Homestanding Glens Falls will be the visitors vs. Maine-Endwell, 9 am Friday.

Class B: Stillwater vs. Woodlands, 6 pm tonight.

Class D: North Warren vs. Smithtown Christian, 9 am Saturday.

Women @ Hudson Valley Community College:

Class AA: Averill Park vs. Hilton, 7 pm Friday.

Class A: Catholic Central vs. Aquinas, 12:30 pm Friday.

Class B: Albany Academy vs. Southwestern, 9 am Friday.

Class C: Duanesburg vs. Frewsburg, tonight at 6.

Class D: Northville vs. Elba, 12:30 pm Saturday.

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Wednesday's college scoreboard:

Baseball:

Rhode Island College swept a doubleheader from Skidmore, 5-3 & 17-3.

Union 6, St. John Fisher 5.

Army 9, UAlbany 4.

Boston College 20, Siena 4 (7 innings).

Williams College 22, RPI 1.

Men's lacrosse:

College of St. Rose 22, Caldwell 8.

Skidmore 12, Sewanee 7.

Russell Sage 16, Eastern Connecticut State 14.

Women's lacrosse:

Union 20, Bard 5.

Softball:

Skidmore 12, Fredonia 8.

Trinity (Connecticut) 13, Skidmore 1 (5 innings).

News & notes

 As a parting gift to Troy High, which is moving to the Colonial Council this fall, the Suburban Council snubbed the Flying Horses in naming their men's basketball all-stars, revealed Tuesday. Didn't help that their best player, freshman Stetson Merritt, left the team before the sectionals. Former Troy player Daniel Covington, a senior at Albany, made the 2nd team.

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Siena's men's basketball team had to wait until nearly midnight to take the court vs. Niagara in the MAAC tournament due to earlier games running long.

The game, scheduled for a 9:45 pm tip, didn't start until sometime after 11 pm. Given Siena's wretched record, you'd think the tournament organizers would've gotten a clue and had this game go on earlier than it was scheduled.

As it was, oft-injured sophomore Michael Eley didn't start, and led Siena with 15 points in 33 minutes coming off the bench, leading 5 Saints in double figures. Mason Courtney (Shenendehowa) was one of three with 10 points in 30 minutes, but it wasn't enough, as Niagara advanced with a 67-65 win. Siena finishes 4-28, on an 8 game losing streak heading into next season.

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The rest of Tuesday's college action:

Women's lacrosse:

Siena 16, Colgate 9.

Skidmore 14, Rowan 8.

Russell Sage 15, Manhattanville 13.

Baseball:

Georgetown 8, George Washington 6. Brett Young (Albany Academy) didn't start, but was used as a pinch runner. The Revolutionaries have dropped five of six heading into a weekend series at Presbyterian.

News & notes

 Sports fans at UAlbany can now give their full attention to lacrosse, softball, & baseball, after the women's basketball team was eliminated by arch-nemesis Vermont, 50-46, at Broadview Center on Monday. Kayla Cooper led Albany with 16 points. Helene Haegerstrand, in her final game, finished with 15. Lilly Phillips (Cambridge) had 5, and Meghan Huerter & Abby Ray were held scoreless.

Albany finishes 25-6, but who knows? Maybe they land a berth in the Women's NIT.......!

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On the eve of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) tournament, the league announced its awards at a ceremony in Atlantic City on Monday.

Women:

Player of The Year: Janelle Brown, Fairfield.

Rookie of The Year: Meghan Andersen, Fairfield.

Defensive Player of The Year: Elisa Mevius, Siena.

Coach of The Year: Carly Thibault-DuDonis, Fairfield.

6th Player of The Year: Athina Lexa, Canisius.

1st team: 

Sisi Eleko, Canisius.

Meghan Andersen.

Janelle Brown.

Elisa Mevius.

Teresa Seppala, Siena.

2nd team:

Petra Juric, Manhattan.

Jessica Tomasetti, Mount St. Mary's.

Aallyah Parker, Niagara.

Angel Parker, Niagara.

Anna Foley, Quinnipiac.

Taylor Langan, Rider.

3rd team:

Emina Selimovic, Fairfield.

Sierra DeAngelo, Iona.

Zaria Shazer, Marist.

Jo Rafto, Mount St. Mary's.

Anajah Brown, Siena.

Ahniysha Jackson, Siena.

All-rookie team:

Meghan Anderson.

Kaety L'Amoreaux, Fairfield.

Anna Foley.

Karson Martin, Quinnipiac.

Fatmata Janneh, St. Peter's.

Men:

Player of The Year: Matt Balanc, Quinnipiac.

Rookie of The Year: De'Shayne Montgomery, Mount St. Mary's.

Defensive Player of The Year: Latrell Reid, St. Peter's.

Coach of The Year: Tom Pecora, Quinnipiac.

6th Man of The Year: Brycen Goodline, Fairfield.

1st team:

Jalen Leach, Fairfield.

Dakota Leffew, Mount St. Mary's.

Matt Balanc.

Mervin James, Rider.

Corey Washington, St. Peter's.

2nd team:

Frank Mitchell, Canisius.

Caleb Fields, Fairfield.

Max Allen II, Marist.

Savion Lewis, Quinnipiac.

Amarri Tice, Quinnipiac.

3rd team:

Tre Dinkins, Canisius.

Brycen Goodline.

Idan Tretout, Iona.

Allen Powell, Rider.

Latrell Reid.

All-Rookie Team:

Jeremiah Quigley, Iona.

Seydou Traore, Manhattan.

Josh Pascarelli, Marist.
De'Shayne Montgomery.

Ahmad Henderson II, Niagara.

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The season is not over yet for the College of St. Rose's women's basketball team.

Will Brown's Golden Knights will play in the NCAA Division II tournament, starting Friday vs. Daemen at Bentley University. The winner will meet the winner of #2 Assumption vs. #7 Franklin Pierce in a 2nd round game the next day. The Eastern regional ends Monday with the winner advancing to the Elite 8 in St. Joseph, Missouri, on March 25.

News & notes

 The Albany Patroons are now 1-1 on their current road trip after routing the Rhode Island Kraken, 128-89, on Sunday afternoon. The Pats (3-1) head to Canada for a 3 game series with Newfoundland starting later this week.

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Section II has been trying for years to bring home a state hockey championship. 

On Sunday, Queensbury tried to end the drought, but Skaneateles wasn't having any of it, beating the Spartans, 5-1. There's always next year.

Lost amidst it all is the fact that Columbia, representing the Suburban Council, won a state women's bowling championship on Sunday in Syracuse. The Lady Devils are the first team from Section II to win a state bowling title since Colonie did it 11 years ago. Jennifer Doty led Columbia with a 1301 total over a 6 game block, averaging 216.8 over the six games.

Columbia's men's team finished in 8th place

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Colleges:

Softball:

Kean 8, Skidmore 1.

Siena 10, Columbia 1.

Skidmore 8, Pittsburgh-Greensburg 7.

Hope 9, Russell Sage 2.

Baseball:

City College of NY & Union split a doubleheader. The Garnet Chargers won the opener, 6-2, but CCNY salvaged the nightcap, 4-3.

Haverford swept a doubleheader from Skidmore, 20-6 & 2-1.

Purdue swept UAlbany, 16-6 & 12-1. Both games went 7 innings due to the mercy rule.

George Washington split with Canisius, winning the first game, 5-3, then dropping the nightcap, 4-2.

Men's lacrosse:

Skidmore 16, Birmingham Southern 12.

Women's lacrosse:

Northwestern 25, UAlbany 8.

Women's tennis:

UMass 4, Siena 0.

News & notes

 Playing the second game in a rare back-to-back weekend schedule, the Albany FireWolves fell to Rochester, 18-12, on Saturday night. The rematch will be at MVP Arena next Saturday night (WNYA, 7 pm.).

Meanwhile, the Albany Patroons were on the road Thursday, and dropped a 114-104 decision. Derrick Rowland's club (2-1) visits Rhode Island today at 3.

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Section II started state basketball play with 12 champions. This morning, the number is down to 9 after 3 teams were eliminated in Saturday's action. 

Saturday's results:

Women's basketball:

Class AAA: Liverpool 53, Colonie 47.

Class AA: Averill Park 68, Central Square 35. Sean Organ's undefeated squad returns to HVCC next Saturday to play Hilton out of Section 5 at 7 pm.

Class A: Catholic Central blew away Beekmantown, 77-20, on Friday. Next up for Audra DiBacco's Crusaders will be Aquinas Institute. This game will be on Friday afternoon at HVCC, with a 12:30 pm tip.

Class B: Albany Academy 45, Gouverneur 21. Next up for the Bears will be Southwestern from Section 6 next Saturday at 9 am.

Class C: Duanesburg 51, Moriah 29. Duanesburg returns to HVCC Thursday to play Frewsburg at 6 pm.

Class D: Northville 60, Boquet Valley 30. Northville plays Section 5's Elba next Saturday at 12:30 pm at HVCC.

Men's basketball:

Class AAA: Green Tech 55, Liverpool 49. The Eagles face Kingston, a school that has been a nemesis to Section 2 for years, Saturday at 12:30 at Cool Insuring Arena.

Class AA: West Genesee 61, Niskayuna 55.

Class A: Glens Falls 78, Westhill 70. Next up for the homestanding Black Bears will be the winner of today's game between Maine-Endwell & Saugerties.

Class B: Stillwater 64, Canton 44. Stillwater will host Woodlands Thursday at 6 pm.

Class C: Moriah 43, Maple Hill 40.

Class D: North Warren 57, Schroon Lake 56.  North Warren will host Smithtown Christian Saturday at 9 am.

Hockey:

Queensbury 4, Byram Hills 2. The Spartans will play Skaneateles today at 2 pm for the state title.

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Colleges:

Men's basketball: 

America East, 1st round: Vermont 75, UAlbany 72. Sebastian Thomas led Albany with 31 points as a late rally fell short.

Iona 68, Siena 54. The Saints have dropped 7 straight, limping into the MAAC tournament, where they will play Niagara Tuesday at 9:45 pm.

Hockey:

RPI 3, Clarkson 2.

Union 6, Brown 0.

Men's lacrosse:

UAlbany 14, Hobart 10. Scott Marr's Great Danes snap a season opening 5 game losing streak.

Sacred Heart 10, Siena 8.

RPI 19, MIT 10.

Union 17, Muhlenberg 7.

Women's lacrosse:

Russell Sage 12, Castleton 6.

Softball:

Siena 5, LIU 2.

Bucknell 5, Siena 3.

Russell Sage 3, Fredonia 0.

Baseball:

Stony Brook 4, Siena 3. The Seawolves completed a 3 game sweep.

Purdue swept a doubleheader from UAlbany, 11-3 & 6-1.

Canisius at George Washington was rained out. They'll try a doubleheader today.

Hobart swept a doubleheader from Cobleskill, 9-0 & 9-5.

Russell Sage 10, Marian (Wi.) 9.