Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse Represent UAlbany in NCAA Tournament

Men's lacrosse advanced to the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals for a second consecutive season. The Great Danes lost a tough battle to No. 1 ranked Notre Dame, 14-10. The women were edged by Penn in the NCAA first round, 11-10.

The University at Albany men’s lacrosse team dominated Cornell University at Ithaca, winning 19-10, to clinch a third appearance in the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals. (Photo courtesy of UAlbany Athletics)

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 4, 2015) – For the first time in Division I history, the University at Albany men’s and women’s lacrosse teams both earned trips to the NCAA Tournament. The men advancing through an automatic bid, the women through UAlbany’s first Division I at-large bid.

Men's Lacrosse Returns to NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals

UAlbany men's lacrosse team appeared in the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals for a second consecutive season, after dominating No. 8 Cornell University, 19-10, on May 9, in the first round at Ithaca. The Great Danes' championships dreams came to a close against No. 1 ranked Notre Dame, losing 14-10, at Denver on May 16. 

It was another milestone season for UAlbany. The team finished the year at 16-3, and entered the NCAA Tournament as the nation’s top scoring team - averaging 17.4 goals per game. The Great Danes were crowned America East champions for the seventh time in program history, trouncing rival Stony Brook, 22-9, in the conference title game at Bob Ford Field on May 2.

Senior Lyle Thompson, co-winner of last year’s Tewaraaton Award, led the nation with his 6.3 points per game average this season. He became the NCAA Division I all-time scoring leader, passing Rob Pannell's mark of 354. His NCAA career ends with Division I records in points (400), assists (225) and single-season points (128). Thompson is once again a Tewaraaton Award nominee for the 2015 season. View his ESPNU interview on the 2015 NCAA Selection Show.

This was the Great Danes third program quarterfinal appearance in Division I history. Last season, UAlbany completed a historical upset, defeating No. 3-seeded Loyola University, 13-6, in the NCAA First Round in Baltimore.

View the full 2015 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Tournament Bracket. Also, watch UAlbany goalkeeper junior Blaze Riorden score a rare goal against Cornell.

The women's lacrosse team earned UAlbany's first Division I at-large bid in school history. The Great Danes posted a 14-4 regular season record, including 5-1 in conference play. (Photo courtesy of UAlbany Athletics)

Women's Lacrosse Earns NCAA Tournament At-Large Bid 

UAlbany women’s lacrosse team made history with its at-large bid into the NCAA Tournament. The Great Danes placed second in the America East Conference, defeated by host Stony Brook, 11-8, in the championship game on May 3. The America East sent two teams to the same NCAA Tournament for the first time in seven years.

In NCAA Tournament play, the Great Danes showed determination, edged by the University of Pennsylvania in overtime, 11-10, during the first round at Syracuse on May 9. This was the team's third appearance all-time in the NCAAs - first since 2012. 

Overall, UAlbany posted a 14-4 regular season record, including a 5-1 mark in America play. The Great Danes ranked top-five ranked top-five nationally in scoring defense, scoring offense and scoring margin, heading into the NCAA Tournament. 

View the full 2015 NCAA Women's Lacrosse Tournament Bracket.

Visit UAlbany Athletics’ official website to learn more about Great Danes lacrosse and all other Division I sports.

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