2007-08 NEWS ARCHIVE
 

Week of  June 9, 2008

PITT-BRADFORD'S HERRMANN NAMED TO NATIONAL SAAC
6/11/08

Pitt-Bradford sophomore Stefanie Herrmann (St. Louis, MO/Lindberg) has been named to the NCAA Division III Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.  A soccer midfielder for the Panthers who is majoring in sports medicine, Herrmann was a member of the AMCC Academic All-Conference Team in 2007.  She will represent both the AMCC and the Skyline Athletic Conference at the national level.

FROSTBURG STATE'S ROHRS IS TRACK & FIELD NATIONAL CHAMPION
6/9/08

Frostburg State University junior Sumer Rohrs (Frostburg, MD/Forest) earned the first outdoor National Championship of her FSU career in the 100-meter hurdles at the 2008 NCAA Championships on the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.  Rohrs is a member of the AMCC conference SAAC.

Rohrs, a two-time 55-meter hurdle indoor National Champion, finished the 100 hurdles with a 13.68 to claim the title. She is the first 100-meter hurdle National Champion in school history and the third All-American in the event.  In her second event of the championships, the 400-meter hurdles, Rohrs came up just short of a second title finishing runner-up with a time of 60.71.

PITT-BRADFORD'S FOSTER SELECTED IN MLB DRAFT
6/9/08

Pitt-Bradford  junior Zach Foster (Bradford, PA/Bradford) was selected in the 49th round by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2008 Major League Baseball Draft.  Foster, who is a pitcher/first baseman, finished the year with a 3-1 record and a 5.40 ERA in 10 mound appearances. He also hit .253 with 10 RBIs for the Panthers.  He is the first player from an AMCC member school to be drafted since the inception of the league in 1997.
 

Week of  May 26, 2008

PENN STATE ALTOONA'S PETULLA GARNERS ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA RECOGNITION
5/28/08

Penn State Altoona baseball player Tony Petulla has been named to the 2008 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America Third Team College Division for his outstanding performance both on the field and in the classroom.  He is the first PSA student-athlete to be named an academic All-America.  To be eligible, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 on a scale of 4.00, and have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his or her current institution.

Two weeks ago, the Philipsburg, PA native earned first team Academic All-District distinction in the District II College Division.  Petulla graduated earlier this month with a degree in Criminal Justice, boasting a 3.56 grade point average.  He is a four-time Dean's List student and Academic All-Conference selection and was recently named the 2007-2008 Penn State Altoona Male Scholar Athlete of the Year.  On the field, Petulla spent most of the season behind the plate while leading the team in a number of statistical categories including batting average (.446), hits (58), runs (37), home runs (7), RBI (40), walks (29), on base percentage (.552), and slugging percentage (.715). 
 

Week of  May 19, 2008

SPRING ALL-SPORTSMANSHIP TEAM ANNOUNCED
5/23/08

Twenty-four Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference student-athletes have been selected by their teammates to represent their institutions on the conference All-Conference Sportsmanship Team for Spring 2008.  These individuals were chosen because they were considered to best represent the ideals of fairness, civility and respect toward teammates, opponents and officials, both in the competition arena and as spectators at other campus sporting events.  The award was initiated this year in a joint effort by the presidents and SAAC of the AMCC.

Click here for the complete All-Conference Sportsmanship Team.

FOUR AMCC PLAYERS NAMED TO ABCA ALL-REGION TEAM
5/23/08

Led by conference Player and Pitcher of the Year David Koerbel, four AMCC student-athletes have been named to the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Mid-Atlantic All-Region Team.  Koerbel and Penn St. Behrend teammate Josh Fyffe earned second team honors.  The pair were instrumental in helping the Behrend Lions win the AMCC championship.  Also gaining third team recognition were the AMCC Newcomer of the Year, Mount Aloysius College shortstop Bryan Nolan, and Lake Erie designated hitter Ben Reed.

PENN STATE BEHREND WINS EIGHTH PRESIDENTS CUP
5/21/08

For the seventh time in eight years, Penn State Behrend has won the AMCC Presidents' Cup, awarded annually to the conference member with the most successful overall program in AMCC competition.  The Behrend Lions won league titles in 10 of 13 championships this past year.  Following in the standings were Penn State Altoona in second place, their highest ranking since joining the conference, and Frostburg State in third place.  Click here for a complete list of team champions and Presidents' Cup standings.
 

Week of  May 12, 2008

BEHREND'S DOUGHERTY LEAVES TENNIS PROGRAM AS ALL-TIME WINS LEADER
5/16/08

Behrend Lions men's tennis senior Trevor Dougherty (Meadville, PA/Meadville) will be leaving the blue and white after setting the all-time wins record this season.  Dougherty holds the career singles wins record at Behrend, after winning 51 singles matches in his four-year career.   A three-year team captain, he was selected to the AMCC All-Conference first team in 2006 and 2007 and the second team in 2005 and 2008.  Dougherty was the team's Rookie of the Year as a freshman in 2005 and was the team's Leadership/Scholarship Award winner in 2006 and 2008.  He also helped capture the AMCC Championship for the first time since 2004.

AMCC ANNOUNCES ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM AND FAR AWARD WINNERS
5/15/08

La Roche College soccer player Nicole Booth (Pittsburgh, PA/Brashear) and Penn State Behrend swimmer Dustin Fairchild (Corry, PA/Corry) head the 2008 AMCC All-Academic Team.  The two seniors are the recipients of the conference Faculty Athletics Award, and were chosen from among 20 members of the AMCC All-Academic Team.

Booth, a criminal justice major and sociology minor, finished her academic career with a 3.9 GPA.  Among her many accomplishments in the classroom, Booth was awarded the Harlan Fiske Stone Award, given to the criminal justice or national security studies graduating senior with the highest departmental overall GPA and who has also achieved departmental school honors.  On the soccer field, Booth was the team captain during her senior campaign and was a four-team member of the all-conference team as a forward.

A two-time AMCC Swimmer of the Year and three-year team captain, Fairchild excelled academically as an electrical engineering major with a a 3.9 GPA and was the Behrend Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year.  In the pool Fairchild set seven individual records, and was a member of four record-setting relay teams.  He finished his collegiate career as a 12-time AMCC champion.

Click here for the complete 2008 AMCC All-Academic Team.

PENN ST. BEHREND'S KOERBEL HEADS BASEBALL ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM SELECTIONS
5/13/08

Penn St. Behrend pitcher David Koerbel (Pittsburgh, PA/Central Catholic) is the AMCC Player and Pitcher of the Year for 2008.  The junior led the Behrend Lions to the AMCC title over the weekend and an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III Tournament.  A three-time AMCC Pitcher of the Week, he led the conference with 8 wins, including 2 in the conference playoffs.  Koerbel boasted a 2.64 ERA in 64.2 IP, and held opposing hitters to a .264 BA.  He tied for first in strikeouts with 69.

Newcomer of the Year honors went to Mount Aloysius shortstop Bryan Nolan (Frederick, MD/Thomas Johnson).  The first year player hit .435 with 21 RBI, a .920 fielding percentage and was 17 for 20 in stolen base attempts.  Penn St. Behrend's Paul Benim was recognized as Coach of the Year.  In his 16th year at the helm of the Behrend Lions' program, he led the squad to a 17-1 AMCC record, the conference title, and the team's first-ever NCAA tournament bid.

Click here for the complete 2008 all-conference team.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF MAY 12
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")
5/12/08

Baseball Player:  Dustin Dubensky, Penn St. Behrend
Baseball Pitcher:  David Koerbel, Penn St. Behrend

PENN ST. BEHREND'S KASCHAUER NAMED TO NCAA REGIONAL ALL-TOURNAMENT TEAM
5/12/08

Penn State Behrend's Nikki Kaschauer (South Park, PA/South Park) has been named to the 2008 NCAA Softball Regional All-Tournament Team.  Kaschauer was picked as an at-large selection for the squad.  The junior went 3-for-6 in two games at the 2008 NCAA Regional Tournament hosted by Ithaca College.  This is the second time Kaschauer has been named to a NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team.  In 2006, the Behrend Lions also captured the AMCC championship and competed in an NCAA regional at Ithaca College.  Kaschauer, a freshman at the time, made the all-tournament team as the second baseman.   
 

Week of  May 5, 2008

PENN ST. BEHREND HOLDS OFF PITT-BRADFORD FOR BASEBALL CROWN

A determined ninth inning rally by the #4 seed Pitt-Bradford Panthers fell short as top seeded Penn State Behrend secured an 9-8 win and with it the AMCC baseball championship and an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.  A two-run homer by DH Justin Bifano (Shippenville, PA/Keystone) helped rally the Panthers to within one, but the Behrend Lions closed the door on the third out  when first baseman Zach Sullivan (Oil City, PA/Oil City) made a stabbing catch of a rocket line drive hit up the first base line.  Behrend finished the regular season with a 34-10 record (17-1 AMCC).  This is their second AMCC title and it will be their first-ever NCAA tournament appearance.

Behrend will now travel to Rutgers, NJ where they will be the #4 seed in the Mid-Atlantic Regional hosted by Kean University May 14-18.  They will face #5 Messiah.  Pitt-Bradford's strong season-ending performance earned the Panthers an ECAC South Region Tournament bid as well.  As the  #5 seed, Pitt-Bradford travels to #4 Washington & Jefferson in first round action on Wednesday.

PITT-BRADFORD'S KUSHNER, LAKE ERIE'S BINKO NAMED CO-PLAYERS OF THE YEAR FOR SOFTBALL
5/6/08

A pair of big-hitting juniors head the 2008 AMCC Softball All-Conference Team.  Pitt-Bradford outfielder Michelle Kushner (Pittsburgh, PA/Plum) who hit .448 this season with a .750 slugging percentage, and Lake Erie first baseman Brittney Binko (Warren, OH/John F. Kennedy) with a .435 batting average and .702 slugging percentage, were named the Co-Players of the Year.  Newcomer of the Year honors went to Lake Erie freshman third baseman Katie Puda (Euclid, OH/Euclid), who also stood out at the plate (.417 BA, 40 RBI, 10 HR).  Medaille College's Robyn Ventura got the nod for Coach of the Year, a first-time honor for her, after leading the Lady Mavs to the conference's regular season title and an ECAC Upstate Region Tournament bid.

Click here for the complete softball all-conference team.

The National Fast Pitch Coaches Association also announced their all-region teams today, and the AMCC was represented in three regions.  Lake Erie placed three players in the Central region:  Shaina Vanderpool (at-large) on the first team and Katie Puda (third base) and Brinney Binko (first base) on the second team.  Pitt-Bradford saw two players make the East region team:  Michelle Kushner (outfield) on the second team and Lauryn Weaver (catcher) on the third team.  Medaille placed Amanda Baker (catcher) on the first team.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF MAY 5
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")
5/5/08

Softball Player:  Lauren Lubic, Penn St. Behrend
Softball Pitcher:  Katelyn Coffey, Frostburg State
Baseball Player:  Josh Beimel, Pitt-Bradford
Baseball Pitcher:  Ben McCracken, Pitt-Bradford
 

Week of  April 28, 2008

BEHREND SOFTBALL COMES BACK TO WIN AMCC TITLE
5/5/08

The Penn State Behrend softball team won five straight games, picking up four wins on Sunday alone to capture the AMCC Championship.  The squad rallied after losing a game on Friday in the double-elimination tournament, winning their next five games to storm back and capture their second championship in three seasons.  They defeated Frostburg St. in back-to-back games (2-0 and 9-1) to earn the title.

The Behrend Lions move on to play in their second ever NCAA championship tournament.  They are seeded #7 in the East region and will face #2 Ramapo College, the New Jersey Athletic Conference champion, on Thursday at 4pm at Ithaca College.

Lake Erie College, which finished in second place in the regular season, received a bid to the ECAC Division III South Region Tournament as the No. 5 seed and will travel to No. 3 seed
Alvernia for a first-round game on Wednesday at 2 p.m.  The winner will advance to Washington & Jefferson for a four-team, double-elimination weekend tournament.

BASEBALL DOWN TO FINAL FOUR TEAMS FOR TOURNAMENT
5/4/08

The final pairings are finally set for the AMCC baseball tournament, to be held at Penn St. Behrend May 9-11.  Defending champion Frostburg St. earned the #2 seed and will face #3 Lake Erie College at 9:30am on Friday, while the top seeded Behrend Lions will take on #4 Pitt-Bradford at 1pm.  Lake Erie advanced by beating #6 Penn St. Altoona, 2-0 and 6-4, on Sunday, while UPB took a pair of games from #5 Pitt-Greensburg, 4-0 and 6-4.  The  winner of the championship round will also get the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

PENN ST. BEHREND MEN'S BASKETBALL EARN NATIONAL STATISTICS AWARD
5/1/08

Penn St. Behrend, the 2008 AMCC men's basketball champion, has been recognized by the NCAA for their outstanding defensive play.  The Behrend Lions finished the season ranked #1 in the nation among all Division III teams for their scoring defense, allowing opponents a paltry 54.6 ppg.  They also ranked 10th in scoring margin and 11th in win-loss percentage, concluding the season with a 24-5 record.

SOFTBALL, BASEBALL TOURNAMENT FIELDS FINALLY SET
4/29/08

A very competitive regular season in both softball and baseball meant the tournament fields were not decided until the last out was made, but the party invitations are finally out.

Softball will feature regular season champion Medaille College (16-2) as the #1 seed with Lake Erie College (15-3) as #2.  Both squads will receive byes in the opening games of the six team, double elimination tournament starting Friday, May 2 at 10am.  The tournament will be played at Hilbert College.  The first game on Friday will feature #3 Penn St. Behrend vs. #6 Pitt-Greensburg, and game 2 will match defending champion and #4 seed Pitt-Bradford against #5 Frostburg St.  The championship is scheduled for Sunday, May 4.  The winner will receive the AMCC's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

On the baseball side, top seeded Penn St. Behrend will play host to a four team, double elimination event May 9-11.  Defending champion Frostburg St. earned the #2 seed and will get a first round bye along with the Behrend Lions.  The winner of the championship round will also get the conference invitation to the NCAA tournament.

The first round games next Saturday (May 3) will slate #3 Lake Erie College at home against #6 Penn St. Altoona, while #5 Pitt-Greensburg. will travel to #4 Pitt-Bradford.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF APRIL 28
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")
4/28/08

Baseball Player:  Jon Gray, Penn St. Behrend
Baseball Pitcher:  Freddy Foshay, Frostburg State
Softball Player:  Rachel Parker, Hilbert
Softball Pitcher:  Julie Koman, Penn St. Behrend
 

Week of  April 21, 2008

PITT-BRADFORD'S MCCRACKEN GETS ECAC PITCHING AWARD
4/23/08

Pitt-Bradford junior Ben McCracken (Bradford, PA/Bradford) has been named the ECAC Div. III South Region Co-Pitcher of the Week.  He is the second AMCC pitcher to be recognized by the ECAC this season.  McCracken went the distance in a 6-1 decision over AMCC rival Mount Aloysius, fueling the Panthers to a 5-win week in conference play and keeping their tournament hopes alive.  The junior sat down 12 batters while walking none, scattering 6 hits and allowing no earned runs.  McCracken currently ranks #1 in the AMCC in opposing BA (.196), strikeouts (55) and #3 in ERA (2.59).

THREE FROM AMCC SELECTED FOR ECAC HONORS
4/23/08

Three AMCC basketball players have earned post-season recognition by the ECAC.  For the women, Medaille senior Amanda Baker (Lyons, NY/Newark) was named to the the Div. III South Region First Team, while Pitt-Bradford junior Katie Moore (Warren, PA/Warren) was selected for the second team.  Baker, who averaged 15.4 ppg and 8.9 rpg, led her team to the AMCC championship for the third straight year.  Moore was the AMCC Women's Player of the Year, leading the league in scoring with a 20.1 ppg average.  For the men, Hilbert College senior Dallas Reinard (Smethport, PA/Smethport) was also a second team honoree.  He averaged 21.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg for the Hawks.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF APRIL 21
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")
4/21/08

Softball Player:  Brooke Tapman, Frostburg St.
Softball Pitcher:  Amanda Westling, Medaille
Baseball Player:  John Shaposka, Lake Erie
Baseball Pitcher:  Ben McCracken, Pitt-Bradford
Week of  April 14, 2008

Week of  April 14, 2008

PITT-BRADFORD'S KUSHNER GETS ECAC SOFTBALL
 PLAYER OF THE WEEK NOD
4/18/08

Pitt-Bradford senior centerfielder Michelle Kushner (McKees Rocks, PA/Sto-Rox) is the third AMCC softball player to be selected as ECAC Player of the Week for the Div. III South region this season.  Kushner hit an eye-popping .704 for the Panthers in 8 games last week, going 19 for 27 with 13 runs scored and 6 RBI.  In a doubleheader versus Hilbert, she was a perfect 8 for 8 with 7 runs scored, and a career high 5 stolen bases in Game 2.  For the week she recorded 5 doubles, a home run, 5 walks, no strikeouts, and was a perfect 8-8 in stolen base attempts.

MEN'S TENNIS AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
4/17/08

A pair of freshmen have been voted the AMCC's best men's tennis players for 2008.  Penn St. Altoona's Jake Fleet (Holland, PA/Council Rock North), who was undefeated at #1 singles all season, and Penn St. Behrend's Elliot Blackstone (Wexford, PA/Pine-Richland), who sported a perfect record at #2 singles and #2 doubles, were voted as Co-Players of the Year.  Blackstone was also recognized as the conference Newcomer of the Year.  Penn St. Behrend head coach Jeff Barger was named Coach of the Year.  Barger guided his squad to the AMCC title last weekend after completing an undefeated regular season in conference competition.

Click here for the complete all-conference team.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF APRIL 14
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")
4/14/08

Men's Tennis:  Elliot Blackston, Penn St. Behrend
Softball Player:  Michelle Kushner, Pitt-Bradford
Softball Pitcher:  Taylor Kimmel, Pitt-Greensburg
Baseball Player:  Brandon Lumadue, Medaille
Baseball Pitcher:  Ben Cain, Penn St. Behrend
 

Week of  April 7, 2008

PENN STATE BEHREND WINS MEN'S TENNIS TITLE
4/13/08

Penn St. Behrend, undefeated in conference play in the regular season, lived up to their #1 ranking by winning the 2008 AMCC men's tennis tournament.  It was the Behrend Lions' first championship since 2004, and third overall.

The squad was led by by a pair of freshmen, Elliot Blackstone and Jon Henderson, who teamed up to win the #2 doubles title and then followed up with singles titles, Blackstone at #2 and Henderson at #5.  Penn St. Altoona freshman Nick Erb was also a double winner, taking the #3 doubles crown with partner Stephen Penn as well as the #6 singles title.

Click here for complete tournament results.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF APRIL 7
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")
3/31/08

Softball Player:  Amanda Baker, Medaille
Softball Pitcher:  Amanda Westling, Medaille
Baseball Player:  Keith Borman, La Roche
Baseball Pitcher:  David Koerbel, Penn St. Behrend
Men's Tennis:  Matt Chisholm, Frostburg State
 

Week of  March 31, 2008

539 STUDENT-ATHLETES NAMED ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE
4/4/08

More than 500 AMCC student-athletes earned a GPA of 3.2 or higher in the past year, qualifying them for academic all-conference honors.  The AMCC is proud to recognize these student-athletes in conjunction with National Student-Athlete Day on Sunday, April 6.

Every member institution also has the opportunity to select highly achieving scholar athletes for induction into Chi Alpha Sigma, the National Collegiate Student-Athlete Honor Society.  Chi Alpha Sigma is open to varsity letter winners in their junior or senior year with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4.

Click here for the complete list of honorees.

FOUR AMCC COACHES SELECTED FOR NCAA ACADEMY
4/3/08

Four AMCC coaches have been selected to participate in the prestigious NCAA Women's Coaches Academy this summer.  Frostburg State basketball coach Jody Pepple and Penn State Altoona swimming and diving coach Nanette Nardozza-Cummings will be attending the Atlanta session, June 7-11, while Penn State Behrend softball coach Stacy Pondo and Penn State Altoona softball coach Nikki Runzo will travel to Denver for the session on May 28-June 1.

The Women's Coaches Academy is coordinated by Celia Slater, who conducted the "Winning Careers for Women in Athletics" seminar for AMCC student-athletes this past November.

LA ROCHE'S AVOLIO, LAKE ERIE'S PUDA GET ECAC HONORS
4/3/08

The AMCC added two more players to the ECAC weekly honor roll.  La Roche baseball pitcher Phil Avolio (Eighty Four, PA/Canon McMillian)  and Lake Erie softball third baseman Katie Puda (Euclid, OH/Euclid) were name ECAC Division III South Region Players of the Week for March 31.

Avolio earned two of the Redhawks' six wins last week, both complete games.  Against Div. II Seton Hill, he allowed just 1 earned run and 1 walk while sitting down 6.  He then shut out AMCC rival Medaille, striking out 5 and allowing just 8 hits and 2 walks.  Puda led LEC to a 4-0 week in AMCC play after hitting .833 in 12 at-bats, making just 2 outs in the 4 games. Of her 10 hits, 8 were for extra bases, including 3 home runs. She had an on base percentage of .846 and a slugging percentage of 2.083. Puda also led the Storm with 9 runs and 13 RBI while helping the team maintain a 6-game winning streak and an undefeated AMCC record.

DIII NEWS RECOGNIZES THREE AMCC HOOPS STARS
3/31/08

DIII News, the monthly newsletter of NCAA Division III men’s and women's basketball, has named three AMCC student-athletes to their 2008 Honorable Mention All-American team.  Hilbert College senior Dallas Reinard (Smethport, PA/Smethport), the AMCC Player of the year in 2007, followed up his junior campaign with first team All-AMCC honors this winter.  The 6-4 guard averaged 21.4 ppg this past season en route to becoming the college’s all-time leading scorer with 1,810 career points.  Pitt-Bradford junior Katie Moore (Warren, PA/Warren) was named on the women's side along with Medaille senior Amanda Baker (Lyons, NY/Newark).  Leading the league in scoring with a 20.1 ppg average, Moore was the AMCC 2008 Player of the Year.  Baker, a two-time conference Player of the Year honoree, averaged 15.4 ppg and 8.9 rpg en route to leading the Mavericks to their third straight conference title.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF MARCH 31
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")
3/31/08

Baseball Player:  Keith Borman, La Roche
Baseball Pitcher:  Phil Avolio, La Roche
Men's Tennis:  Erkin Nasirli, Penn St. Behrend
Softball Player:  Katie Puda, Lake Erie
Softball Pitcher:  Lauren Malicki, Lake Erie
 

Week of  March 24, 2008

ALL-CONFERENCE SPORTSMANSHIP TEAMS ANNOUNCED

As part of a continuing emphasis on the importance of good sportsmanship and ethical conduct, the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference announces its first All-Conference Sportsmanship Team for the Winter 2007-08 season.

Members of the all-conference sportsmanship team are selected by their peers.  They represent the highest level of positive sporting conduct as exemplified in competition, in practice, and when participating as a spectator at other teams' sporting events.

Click here for the complete list of the AMCC All-Conference Sportsmanship Team honorees.

FROSTBURG STATE'S COFFEY IS ECAC PITCHER OF THE WEEK
3/27/08

Frostburg State pitcher Katelyn Coffey (Middletown, MD/Middletown) is the first AMCC softball player of the season to be selected for ECAC player of the week honors.  The senior was 3-1 in 4 starts at the Myrtle Beach Snowbird tournament. In 24.2 innings of work, Coffey struck out 23, including a season-high 11 in a non-conference win over Mount Aloysius.  She allowed just 3 runs, 2 earned runs, 2 walks and 14 hits as the Bobcats went 5-3 for the week.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF MARCH 24
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")
3/25/08

Men's Tennis:  Jake Fleet, Penn St. Altoona
Softball Player:  Jena Isenberg, Mount Aloysius
Softball Pitcher:  Katelyn Coffey, Frostburg St.
Baseball Player:  Harry Konrad, Lake Erie
Baseball Pitcher:  Seth Baumberger, Lake Erie

BEHREND'S BUCZYNSKI EARNS NABC HONORS
3/25/08

Penn State Behren senior Kevin Buczynski (Erie, PA/Villa Maria) and AMCC men's player of the year was selected by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) for the Division III All-District Team.  Selections are voted on by member coaches of the NABC.  He was also named to the 2008 men's basketball D3Hoops.com All-Great Lakes Region Team, where he received second team honors.   Buczynski led the Behrend Lions with 466 points, averaging 16.1 ppg.  He also led the team in rebounding, grabbing 193 off the boards this season for a 6.7 rpg.  Buczynski will leave the blue and white as the second all-time points scorer in Behrend history with 1,689 points.
 

Week of  March 17, 2008

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF MARCH 17
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")
3/17/08

Baseball Player:  Tony Petulla, Penn St. Altoona
Baseball Pitcher:  Paul Keith, Penn St. Altoona
Softball Player:  Nikki Kaschauer, Penn St. Behrend
Softball Pitcher:  Julie Koman, Penn St. Berhend
Men's Tennis:  Elliot Blackstone, Penn St. Behrend

FOUR AMCC STUDENT-ATHLETES SELECTED FOR NCAA LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
3/17/08

Four student-athletes from La Roche and Medaille have been chosen to participate in the NCAA National Student-Athlete Development Workshop (formerly Leadership Conference) in Orlando, FL in late May.  Carlton Falconer (basketball) and Gina Caracci (soccer) will represent La Roche, while Ben Dlugosh (lacrosse/cross country) and Danielle Radlich (soccer) will attend for Medaille.  The conference includes student-athletes from all three divisions.
 

Week of  March 10, 2008

PENN STATE BEHREND BUILDS LEAD IN PRESIDENTS CUP RACE
3/14/08

Penn State Behrend won three of four winter championships, and seven of 10 titles overall, to amass 77.5 points and extend its hold on first place in the AMCC Presidents Cup standings.  The Behrend Lions lead second place Penn State Altoona by 10.5 points heading into the spring conference competition season.  Click here for complete Presidents Cup results.

LAKE ERIE'S BETHEL CITED FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
3/14/08

Lake Erie College women’s soccer player Angela Bethel (Beavercreek, Ohio/Miami Valley) was one of 22 players to be selected to the Ohio Collegiate Soccer Association (OSCA) 2007 All-Ohio Academic Women’s Soccer NCAA Division III Team. This is the second consecutive season the forward is among the 11 player first-team.  This year, Bethel led the Storm in all offensive categories with 18 goals, six assists and 42 points, becoming the program’s all-time leader in goals (70) and points (160). The AMCC first team selection was also an ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Second-Team pick for the second straight year. She is majoring in business administration and mathematics.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF MARCH 10
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")
3/10/08

Softball Player:  Brittney Binko, Lake Erie
Softball Pitcher:  Jess Walters, Mount Aloysius
Men's Tennis: Youssef Abdelwahab, Pitt-Greensburg
Baseball Player:  Zac Coleman, La Roche
Baseball Pitcher:  David Koerbel, Penn St. Behrend
 

Week of  March 3, 2008

BUCZYNSKI, MOORE HEAD BASKETBALL ALL-STAR TEAMS
3/4/08

 Penn St. Behrend center Kevin Buczynski (Erie, PA/Villa Maria) and Pitt-Bradford guard/forward Katie Moore (Warren, PA/Warren) are the AMCC men's and women's Players of the Year for 2008. Buczynski led the Behrend Lions to the AMCC title this season, averaging 15.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg, and a league-best 59.5 field goal percentage.  Moore was the AMCC's leading scorer, averaging 20.1 ppg along with 5.0 rpg, and 2.3 spg.

Newcomer of the Year honors go to Lake Erie forward Alyssa Wagers (Stow, OH/Stow), who averaged 11.4 ppg and 11.3 rpg, and Pitt-Greensburg F Jacquet Wells (Washington, PA/Washington), who finished his freshman campaign with 12.4 ppg and 4.1 rpg.

Penn St. Behrend's David Niland and Penn State Altoona' Alan Seretti shared the Men's Coach of the Year award, while Pitt-Greensburg's Carol Gelet and Lake Erie's Bob Booher were named Co-Coaches of the Year for the women.

Click here for the complete all-conference team listings:  Men   Women

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF MARCH 3
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")
3/3/08

Women's Basketball:  Amanda Baker, Medaille
Men's Basketball:  Kevin Buczynski, Penn St. Behrend
Baseball Player:  Bret Mitchell, Frostburg St.
Baseball Pitcher:  Freddy Foshay, Frostburg St.
 

Week of February 25, 2008

PITT-BRADFORD'S BUTLER NOTCHES 200TH WIN

Pitt-Bradford baseball head coach Bret Butler earned his 200th career victory as the Pitt-Bradford baseball teamed opened the 2008 season by winning three out of four games in Virginia.  On Saturday, the Panthers swept Lincoln University 12-2 and 11-1 in five innings.
Pitt-Bradford then split with Penn State-Harrisburg losing the first game 5-4 and winning the nightcap 11-1 in five innings on Sunday.

PENN STATE BEHREND WINS MEN'S TITLE, MEDAILLE TAKES WOMEN'S CROWN IN AMCC BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

WOMEN'S TOURNAMENT
Finals: Sat., Mar. 1
at Medaille College
#1 Medaille d. #3 Pitt-Greensburg, 69-55
Medaille: Amanda Baker - 18 points, 15 rebounds
Pitt-Greensburg: Nicole Reiser - 17 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists

Semifinals: Fri., Feb. 29
#1 Medaille d. #4 Penn St. Behrend, 50-26
Medaille:  Amanda Baker - 14 points, 7 rebounds
PS-Behrend: Julia Andrus - 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists

#3 Pitt-Greensburg d. #2 Lake Erie, 74-63
Pitt-Greensburg: Amanda Sheaffer - 25 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists
Lake Erie: Renese Ames, 17 points, 5 rebounds

MEN'S TOURNAMENT
Finals: Sat., Mar. 1
at Penn State Behrend
#1 Penn St. Behrend d. #2 Lake Erie, 57-54
PS-Behrend: Kevin Buczynski - 20 points, 8 rebounds
Lake Erie: Derrick Thornton - 19 points, 8 rebounds

Semifinals: Fri., Feb. 29
#1 Penn St. Behrend d. #4 Penn St. Altoona, 62-42
Behrend: Kevin Buczynski - 24 points, 8 rebounds, 5 blocks
Altoona: Mike Dancer - 11 points, 3 rebounds

#2 Lake Erie d. #6 Medaille, 71-66
Lake Erie: Derrick Thornton - 25 points, 6 rebounds
Medaille: James McNeill - 25 points

SPRING PRESEASON POLLS:  PITT-BRADFORD PICKED FOR SOFTBALL, PENN STATE BEHREND IN BASEBALL

Defending champion Pitt-Bradford has gotten the coaches' nod to win their fifth AMCC softball championship in six years, while Penn State Behrend is favored to take home its first league baseball trophy since 2003.

Last season's AMCC Player of the Year and ECAC Division III Southern Player of the Year Nikki Kaschauer (South Park, PA/South Park) gets the nod as softball Preseason Player of the Year for 2008. 
Teammate Julie Koman (McKees Rocks, PA/Montour HS) was selected as the Preseason Pitcher of the Year.

Baseball Preseason Player of the Year honors go to Pitt-Greensburg junior shortstop Matt Stanziano (Pittsburgh, PA/Brashear), who was the conference's most outstanding player in 2007.   Penn State Behrend junior David Koerbel (Pittsburgh, PA/Central Catholic) is the AMCC baseball Preseason Pitcher of the Year. 

The winners of both the baseball and softball tournaments will receive the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournaments.

SWIMMING AND DIVING ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS RELEASED

AMCC men's and women's champions Penn State Behrend led the way in voting and performance for the 2008 AMCC swimming and diving all-conference teams.

Penn St. Behrend senior Dustin Fairchild (Corry, PA/Corry) is a repeat selection as the Men's Swimmer of the Year.  He was the co-high point scorer at the AMCC championship meet, winning 3 individual and 2 relay events.  Freshman Steve Graves (McMurry, PA/Peters Twp.) is the Diver of the Year.  Co-Newcomers were also named:  Penn St. Berhend freshman Ben Strunk (Cogan Station, PA/Williamsport), winner of the 100 breaststroke and  a member of the winning 400 medley relay, and Penn St. Altoona freshman Matt Dietrich (Manheim, PA/Manheim Central), who finished first in the 200 IM and was part of the fastest 200 medley relay.

For the women, Frostburg State senior Shannon Dunnigan (Bel Air, MD/C. Milton Wright) was selected as Swimmer of the Year.  Dominant in the distance events, Dunnigan won the 400 IM, the 1650 freestyle and the 200 butterfly, and was a member of the top 200 medley relay team.  Penn St. Behrend freshman Krystal Kovach (Pittsburgh, PA/Chartiers Valley), who won both the Grove City Invitational and AMCC titles in the 1m. and 3m. events, was recognized as Diver of the Year.  Newcomer of the Year honors were shared by Pitt-Bradford freshman Morgan Kinville (Fulton, NY/Hannibal), a titlist in the 200 and 500 freestyle events, and Penn St. Behrend freshman Katie VanEpps (Pleasantville, PA/Titusville), a member of the 200, 400 and 800 freestyle relays as well as the 400 medley relay.

Penn State Behrend head coach Jen Wallance was selected as the Men's and Women's Coach of the Year for the second year running.

Click here for the complete all-conference teams:   Men    Women

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF FEBRUARY 25
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Women's Basketball:  Lindsey Bush, Mount Aloysius

Men's Basketball:  Jade Belt, Frostburg State

PENN ST. ALTOONA BASEBALL PLAYER TO APPEAR ON "BEST DAMN SPORTS SHOW PERIOD"

Penn State Altoona 53-year-old baseball player John Wilson is quickly gaining both local and national attention as one of the oldest student-athletes in NCAA history.  The Pittsburgh native, who has lived in Altoona more than 20 years, is set to be a featured guest on Fox Sports' "Best Damn Sports Show Period".  The show is tentatively schedule to air tomorrow night, Tuesday, February 26, on Fox Sports Pittsburgh at 11:00 PM ET.  Wilson is flying to Los Angeles today in preparation for taping on Tuesday.  He will be joined on set with hosts Chris Rose, John Salley (ex-NBA player), Rodney Peete (ex-NFL player), and Rob Dibble (ex-MLB player) for a segment lasting approximately seven to eight minutes.  Wilson already has been featured in an article that appeared in USA Today and just last week was the subject of a three minute segment on the 6:00 PM KDKA evening news in Pittsburgh.  Tuesday will mark his debut on the television sports talk show circuit.

Wilson is a senior on the Lion baseball team, but his fascinating life story reaches far beyond the baseball diamond. He has been a player/coach for the squad over the last three years, and 2008 marks his final season of eligibility at Penn State Altoona.  Nicknamed "The Difference Maker", Wilson spent the early part of his life overcoming drug and alcohol addiction and now tries to advise teammates and classmates about the dangers of drug and alcohol use and abuse.  With the support and friendship of some high profile names,  John Wilson is on the path to graduation with hopes of returning to the counseling profession to continue helping others and making a difference.
 

Week of February 18, 2008

PENN STATE BEHREND MEN, MEDAILLE WOMEN TO HOST AMCC BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS

The final pairings are set for the AMCC mens' and women's basketball tournaments, with the deciding games played on the last day of the regular season.  Penn St. Behrend will host the "final four" rounds of the men's basketball tournament next Friday and Saturday, February 29 and March 1.  Medaille will have the same opportunity for the third year in a row as the number one seed for the women.  Both Lake Erie teams earned the #2 seed in their respective tournaments.

The remaining fields and seeds are as follows:

WOMEN
First Round: Tues., Feb. 26 - 7pm
#6 Penn St. Altoona at #3 Pitt-Greensburg
#5 La Roche at #4 Penn St. Behrend
Semifinals: Fri., Feb. 29 (at Medaille College)
5pm: Winner 4v5 vs. #1 Medaille
8pm: Winner 3v6 vs. #2 Lake Erie
Finals: Sat., Mar. 1 - 3pm

PENN STATE BEHREND'S BUCZYNSKI SHARES ECAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

Penn St. Behrend forward Kevin Buczynski (Erie, PA/Villa Maria) has been named the ECAC Div. III South Region Co-Player of the Week.   Buczynski propelled the first place Behrend Lions to their sixth straight conference win, recording 27.5 ppg and 10.0 rpg in a 2-0 week.  Against Medaille the senior put up 24 points and snagged 9 rebounds, while his performance against La Roche included 31 points, 11 boards and 3 blocks.  The league's most accurate shooter boasted a 69 FG% for the week, making 23 of 33 attempts.

MEDAILLE NAMES LEFEVRE TO COACH WOMEN'S SOCCER

The Medaille College women's soccer team will have a new leader.  Chris Lefevre will be the fourth head coach in the program's history as he takes over for Dan Krzyzanowicz who was at the helm of the Lady Mavs from 2004-2007.  Coach Lefevre was an assistant men's coach at Canisius College for one year before moving on to Genesee Community College where he was the head coach of the men's program for three seasons and the head women's coach for two years. In his three years with the GCC men's team he compiled a (40-17-1) overall record and he led them to the 2006 Regional Final Four and the 2007 Western New York Athletic Conference Championship. In his stint as the women's coach his teams went (20-15-0) and in 2006 they reached the Regional Final Four and were the Western New York Athletic Conference Champions.

PENN STATE BEHREND MEN, MEDAILLE WOMEN TO HOST AMCC BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS

In defeating Lake Erie tonight on their home court, the Penn St. Behrend men clinched the right to host the "final four" rounds of the AMCC basketball tournament next Friday and Saturday, February 29 and March 1.  Medaille will have the same opportunity for the third year in a row as the number one seed for the women.  Both Lake Erie teams earned the #2 seed in their respective tournaments.

The remaining fields and seeds remain up in the air for much of the tournament brackets.  On the women's side, Pitt-Greensburg is the #3 seed and will host #6 Penn St. Altoona in the first round on Tuesday, Feb. 26, while Saturday's games will determine whether Penn St. Behrend or La Roche is the #4 seed and host on Tuesday.

For the men, the winner of Hilbert vs. Medaille will also take the prize of a berth in the tournament.  Other teams already confirmed are Pitt-Greensburg, La Roche and Penn St. Altoona.  The seeding for the 3-6 slots will be determined by the outcome of Saturday's contests.

PENN ST. BEHREND'S ANDRUS EARNS ESPN THE MAGAZINE ALL-DISTRICT ACADEMIC HONORS

Penn St. Behrend women's basketball standout Julia Andrus (Corry, PA/Corry) has been named to the ESPN The Magazine All-District Academic Third Team by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).  A year ago, Andrus garnered second-team honors. Andrus has averaged 12.8 points and 3.9 rebounds a contest while starting in all 23 of Behrend games to date in her senior campaign.  She has recently entered the top-ten all-time scoring list at Behrend with a career total of 933 points.  Off the court, Andrus carries an impressive 3.88 grade point average with a major in biology.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF FEBRUARY 18
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Women's Swimming:  Shannon Dunnigan, Frostburg St. and
Sara Breese, Penn St. Behrend
Women's Diving:  Krystal Kovach, Penn St. Behrend

Men's Swimming:  Dustin Fairchild and Tom Weir, Penn St. Behrend
Men's Swimming:  Steve Graves, Penn St. Behrend

Women's Basketball:  Amanda McHale, Hilbert

Men's Basketball:  Kevin Buczynski, Penn St. Behrend
 

Week of February 11, 2008

PENN ST. BEHREND MEN AND WOMEN REPEAT AS SWIMMING/DIVING CHAMPIONS

For the second year in a row, Penn State Behrend has won both the men's and women's titles at the AMCC conference championship meet at the Grove City Invitational.  Frostburg St. senior Shannon Dunnigan and Behrend junior Sara Breese tied for the high point scorer of the women's competition, while Behrend sophomore Tom Weir and senior Dustin Fairchild shared the award on the men's side.  Freshman diver Krystal Kovach won both the overall 1m. and 3 m. diving titles. Click here for final results.

LAKE ERIE WOMEN SET NEW SCHOOL SCORING RECORDS

The Lake Erie College women's basketball team wore green uniforms at home for the first time this season which proved to be lucky as it totaled a program record 101 points in a win against Mount Aloysius College on Saturday. No Storm women's team has ever broken the century mark in 28 seasons of existence until today's 101-66 win. 

Lake Erie totaled 23 points off the Mounties' 18 turnovers as the Storm bench scored 51 of the team's points. Freshman reserve guard Brittany Zele (Geneva, OH/Geneva) scored a career-high 19 points and led the team with five steals. The Storm also recorded a season-high 63 rebounds led by sophomore Tayla Parnell's (Warrensville Heights, OH/Warrensville Heights) 14, while dishing out a program record 25 assists led by freshman Renese Ames' (Bedford, OH/Bedford) six.

PITT-BRADFORD HIRES NEW WOMEN'S SOCCER COACH

Michael Idland is the new women’s soccer coach at Pitt-Bradford.  He most recently served as an assistant women's coach at Canisius College and was an assistant coach with the women's program at Buffalo State from 2003-06.  Idland was the captain of the New Jersey State Cup Under 18 champion SSC Cosmos-Rangers in 1998 and then was a goalkeeper/midfielder at Division III Cortland State (NY) from 1999 to 2001.  The Westfield (NJ) native earned his undergraduate degree from Cortland (NY) State and a master's degree from the University of Buffalo.

LAKE ERIE'S THORNTON, PITT-GREENSBURG'S REISER SHARE ECAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS

In an AMCC double play, Lake Erie College forward Derrick Thornton (University Heights, Oh/Lutheran East) and Pitt-Greensburg guard Nicole Reiser (Renfrew, PA/Knoch) have been named ECAC Division III South Region Players of the Week for February 11.

In leading his team to a 2-0 week on the road and their fifth straight win, Thornton earned his second consecutive conference player of the week award.  The junior led the Storm in points (25.5 ppg), rebounds (7.5 rpg), steals (3.5 spg) and field goal percentage (74.1%).  For his efforts Thornton was also named to D3Hoops.com Team of the Week.  Reiser had an outstanding week as well, highlighted by the Bobcats' upset of #11 ranked Medaille, where she racked up 20 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists.  The junior finished the week with 21.5 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 6.5 apg.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF FEBRUARY 11
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Women's Basketball:  Nicole Reiser, Pitt-Greensburg

Men's Basketball:  Derrick Thornton, Lake Erie
 

Week of February 4, 2008

AMCC TEAMS "THINK PINK" IN SUPPORT OF BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Several AMCC women's basketball teams are staging events over the next 10 days as part of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) initiative to raise awareness--and in some cases, raise funds--for breast cancer treatment and prevention.  The WBCA's "Think Pink" will run February 8-17 on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. 

The Hilbert College women’s basketball team will be raising awareness while donning pink warm-up shirts.  During the “Think Pink” stretch, the Hawks will showcase the pink warm-up shirts twice on the road and once at home.  The Hawks will also be raising money for continued cancer research.  Fans attending the Hawks’ February 16^th home game vs. Frostburg State will be able to make a donation to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund.

Other AMCC members planning to participate are Frostburg State, La Roche, and Penn State Behrend.

ECAC TABS UPB'S MOORE AS WOMEN'S PLAYER OF THE WEEK FOR FEBRUARY 4

Pitt-Bradford guard/forward Katie Moore (Warren, PA/Warren HS) became the first AMCC women's basketball player this season to be named ECAC Division III South Region Player of the Week for the week of  February 4.  The AMCC scoring leader had another blistering week, lighting up two conference opponents with a 27.5 ppg scoring average.  In a loss to nationally-ranked Medaille, Moore recorded 29 points and 5 rebounds.  Shen then led the Panthers to a win over Mount Aloysius with a 26 point, 6 rebound, 2 assist performance. 

AMCC SOCCER PLAYERS RECOGNIZED BY D3KICKS.COM

Five AMCC women's soccer players and five men's players  have been named to D3Kicks.com all-region teams for 2007.

On the women's side, Medaille F Danielle Radlich earned first team honors in the New York region.   The Great Lakes region includes Penn St. Behrend M Nikki Frisbee on the second team and Frostburg State M Jen Naylor, La Roche M Nicole Booth and Lake Erie F Angela Bethel on the third team.

For the men, Medaille M Gary Boughton was a first team pick for the New York squad and teammate Josh Meier made the second team.  Penn St. Behrend GK Dustin Walker and Penn St. Altoona F Bryan Pierzga were selected to the Mid-Atlantic second team and Frostburg State M Adam Gracia earned third team honors.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF FEBRUARY 4
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

 Men's Swimming:  Ben Strunk, Penn St. Behrend

Men's Diving:  Steve Graves, Penn St. Behrend

Women's Swimming:  Danielle Palski, Penn St. Behrend

Women's Diving:  Krystal Kovach, Penn St. Behrend

Women's Basketball:  Katie Moore, Pitt-Bradford

Men's Basketball:  Derrick Thornton, Lake Erie

HILBERT'S MCHALE SURPASSES 1,000 CAREER REBOUNDS

Hilbert senior Amanda McHale (Bradford, PA/Archbishop Walsh) recorded her 1,000th career rebound in a loss to La Roche College on Saturday.  Already the program's all-time leader, McHale now has 1,006 for her career.  She is tied for second overall in the AMCC, averaging 10.0 rpg, to go with a 12.2 ppg scoring average and a league-best 3.46 bpg.
 

Week of January 28, 2008

In his 127th game as head coach of the Lady Mavericks, basketball head coach Pete Lonergan earned his 100th victory as Medaille  defeated Frostburg State, 56-38.  Coach Lonergan now boasts a record of 100-27 for a winning percentage of .787. The win is the 18th consecutive for the #12 ranked Lady Mavs.  They improve to 18-1 overall and stay perfect in conference play at 12-0. 

BEHREND'S FYFFE, KOERBEL CITED AS "PLAYERS TO WATCH"

College Baseball magazine has named Penn State Behrend junior pitcher David Koerbel (Pittsburgh, PA/Central Catholic) and sophomore shortstop Josh Fyffe (Fredonia, PA/Sharpsville) to an elite list of Division III "Players to Watch."

Koerbel had an outstanding season last year posting a record of 5-1 in 11 appearances for the Behrend Lions. He led his team in innings pitched (53.1) and finished with an impressive 2.87 ERA, while striking-out 55. Koerbel was named to the 2007 All-AMCC squad. As a rookie, Fyffe played in 39 games a season ago as shortstop and proved he could compete with the best. He batted an impressive .394 and led the Behrend Lions with nine doubles and 33 RBIs. He was also named the AMCC Newcomer of the Year.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF JANUARY 28
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")
 
Women's Swimming:  Danielle Wilson, Penn St. Behrend

Women's Diving:  Vita McHale, Penn St. Altoona

Men's Swimming:  Bill Ford, Frostburg State

 Women's Basketball:  Renese Ames, Lake Erie

 Men's Basketball:  Richard McNutt, Mount Aloysius
 

Week of January 21, 2008

MILESTONES REACHED BY FOUR AMCC HOOPS STARS

Four AMCC student-athletes achieved statistical milestones during Saturday's games.  Penn State Altoona senior Erin McGowan (Duncansville, PA/Bishop Guilfoyle) hit on 7of 8 from three point range to set a new school single game record for three-pointers.  As a team, the Lions shot 14 for 25 from beyond the arc which is also a team single game record.  In the same game, Hilbert senior Amanda McHale (Bradford, PA/Archbishop Walsh) finished with a team-high 22 points to go with a game-high 15 rebounds, establishing her as the Hawks' all-time leading rebounder with her 983^rd carom.  In the second game of the double-header, Hilbert senior Dallas Reinard (Smethport, PA/Smethport) became the Hawks' all-time leading scorer, racking up 16 points in a loss to Penn State Altoona.  In Greensburg, UPG senior Tiffany Menhorn (Latrobe, PA/Latrobe) established a new Bobcat scoring record, also recorded 16 points in a losing effort to Lake Erie.

PENN STATE ALTOONA TABS RUNKO FOR SOFTBALL

Nikki Runzo has beem named the third head coach in Penn State Altoona women's softball history, taking over for Brenda Palmer, who stepped down after more than five years at the helm.  A native of Blairsville, PA, Runzo was a four-year varsity letter winner and three-year starter at first base scholastically for the Blairsville Bobcats.  She was named team captain and MVP as a junior and senior.  Runzo graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2006 with a Health and Physical Education - Sport Management degree and is currently seeking a Masters of Science in Sport Management from California University of Pennsylvania.  She was hired in December as the Assistant Director of Recreation at Penn State Altoona where she coordinates the intramural program and assists with daily operations. 

PS-BEHREND'S KOVACH NAMED ECAC DIVER OF THE WEEK

Penn State Behrend freshman diver Krystal Kovach (Pittsburgh, PA/Chartiers Valley) has been named the ECAC Division III Diver of the Week.  Kovach had an excellent weekend, proving she is the most talented female diver Behrend to date. Friday night vs. Chatham she won both the one and three meter boards (228.75 and 176.45) qualifying for ECAC's in the process. She came back on Saturday to once again win both diving competitions against Penn St. Altoona and Frostburg St.  Her performance Saturday qualifies her for the NCAA meet, the first Behrend swimmer or diver to do so.

LAKE ERIE TO SPONSOR "GO GREEN" NIGHT

Lake Erie College, in partnership with Sports 'n Sports, is sponsoring Go Green Night this Thursday, Jan. 24 when the Storm basketball teams host Penn State-Behrend. The special event will not only support the Storm, but will bolster awareness for the environment. 

The first 30 Lake Erie College students to present a nonalcoholic bottle or can at the door will receive a free Go Green t-shirt. All non-Lake Erie students to present a nonalcoholic bottle or can at the door the entire night will receive $1 off admission. 

Fans are encouraged to wear green for the games to increase their chances of participating in special promotions throughout the evening that include recycling trivia, a paper airplane contest and more.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF JANUARY 21
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")
 
 Women's Basketball:  Tiffany Menhorn, Pitt-Greensburg
 
 Men's Basketball:  Mike Ridge, Pitt-Bradford

Women's Swimming:  Katie Van Epps, Penn St. Behrend

Women's Diving:  Krystal Kovach, Penn St. Behrend

Men's Swimming:  Tom Weir, Penn St. Behrend

Men's Diving:  Steve Weir, Penn St. Behrend
 

Week of January 14, 2008

PITT-BRADFORD CEO TO BEGIN TERM ON NCAA PRESIDENTS COUNCIL

University of Pittsburgh at Bradford president Livingston Alexander is on of three new members who will begin service on the Division III Presidents Council at its April meeting.

Dr. Alexander, who is the current chair of the AMCC Presidents Council, assumed Pittsburgh-Bradford's presidency in 2003. He previously was provost and vice president for academic affairs and professor of psychology at Kean University, and earlier served in academic and administrative posts at Western Kentucky University, Georgia Southern University and Troy State University.  Dr. Alexander has written widely in such areas as learning, cognition, planning, and assessment of learning outcomes, and often has led seminars and workshops on leadership and diversity.

PITT-GREENSBURG'S GELET EARNS 150TH CAREER WIN

Carol Gelet, already the career leader in coaching wins at Pitt- Greensburg, picked up  milestone victory number 150 Wednesday evening as her Lady Bobcats blew past Hilbert College, 85-50.  Senior   Tiffany Menhorn (Latrobe, PA/Latrobe) also had a memorable night, as her 18 points brought her career total to 1,378 and is now the second leading scorer in Pitt Greensburg women's basketball history, trailing only Annie Sral's (2004 graduate) 1,420 points.

THREE AMCC WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAMS EARN NSCAA ETHICS AWARDS

For the fourth time in six years, the Hilbert College women’s soccer team has been awarded the “Gold” Ethics award from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).  The Hawks are one of just five teams nationally to garnish this year’s gold honors.  Collegiate teams in all divisions that play the entire season without receiving a red card and less than five yellow cards are recognized.  Lake Erie College and Frostburg State University earned the NSCAA's Silver Team Ethics Award. 

The AMCC also had four players recognized as Scholar All-East Region Honorable Mention Selections by the NSCAA:  Hilbert  junior Jenifer Wade (Buffalo, NY/Mount Mercy) and senior Katrina Galofaro (Dunkirk, NY/Silver Creek) and Lake Erie junior Angela Bethel (Beavercreek, OH/Miami Valley) .

PENN STATE BEHREND TO HOST ANNUAL "SPIRIT AGAINST CANCER" FUNDRAISER

Penn State Behrend will host the sixth annual "Spirit Against Cancer" Dance & Cheerleading Competition on February 9 at 10:00 a.m. in the Junker Center.  Last year the event raised more than $7,000.

"Spirit Against Cancer" was created in memory of Becky Hubler Decker. Her commitment to the community included serving as dance coach at Penn State Behrend, cheerleading coach at Edinboro University, she was captain of the Invaderettes dance team, and a member of the Buffalo Bills (Jills) dance team. All proceeds from this special event will benefit the American Cancer Society. For more information, please contact Assistant to the Director of Athletics, Stacy Pondo at (814) 898-6240 or by email at slp15@psu.edu.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF JANUARY 14
 (Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")
 
 Women's Basketball:  Amanda Baker, Medaille
 
 Men's Basketball:  Dallas Reinard, Hilbert
 

Week of January 7, 2008

LAKE ERIE WOMEN EARN NSCAA/ADIDAS TEAM ACADEMIC AWARD

The Lake Erie College women's soccer team is a recipient of the 2006-07 NSCAA/adidas Team Academic Award after earning a team grade point average of 3.38 for the 2006-07 academic year.  A total of 414 teams (114 men's and 300 women's), posted a GPA of 3.0 or higher to earn the National Soccer Coaches Association's highest academic honor. Lake Erie, under the direction of head coach Lauren Ferullo, was the only member of the AMCC to earn this distinction. It is the team's fifth time receiving the accolade under Ferullo.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF JANUARY 7
(Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Women's Basketball:  Marisa Clark, Medaille

Men's Basketball:  Brian Green, Frostburg State
 

Week of December 31, 2007

AMCC LANDS FIVE ON MEN'S D3 KICKS.COM TEAMS

More awards for AMCC men's soccer players were announced this week, with five individuals receiving all-region team recognition.  In the Northeast region, Medaille midfielder Gary Boughton was selected to the first team while teammate Josh Meier, a defender, earned second team honors.  In the Mid-Atlantic region, Penn St. Altoona forward Bryan Pierzga and Penn St. Behrend goalkeeper Dustin Walker were named to the second team, and Frostburg State midfielder Adam Gracia was elected to the third team.
 

Week of December 17, 2007

NSCAA NAMES SEVEN MEN'S PLAYERS TO REGIONAL TEAMS

The AMCC has been well represented on the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) list of award winners for men's soccer for the 2007 season. The NSCAA/ADIDAS College Men Scholar All-Region team includes Medaille College junior Jared Reisdorf who was named to the first team (the first men's player to receive first team recognition in school history).  Goalkeeper J.J. Bilinski and defender Jacob Reisdorf were elected to the second team, and defender/midfielder Steven DeGroff, the college's first ever two-time winner, was named to the third team.

The conference was also represented by NSCAA Regional
All-Americans.  Medaille midfielder  Gary Boughton, the AMCC Co-Player of the Year, was named to the first team for NSCAA Northeast Regional All-American honors.   Joining him on the second team in the region was Maverick defender Josh Meier.  In the Mid-Atlantic Region, Penn State Behrend goalkeeper Dustin Walker earned second team honors, while Penn State Altoona forward Bryan Pierzga (the other AMCC Co-Player of the Year) and La Roche midfielder Reuben Jolo were selected to the third team.

HILBERT'S EDWARDS TABBED TWICE FOR PLAYER OF THE WEEK AWARDS

Hilbert College forward Malcolm Edwards (Cleveland Heights, OH/Lutheran East) has been named Division III South Region Player of the Week by the ECAC and has been recognized as a DIII News Hotshot for the week of December 17.  Edwards was named to the RIT Brodie all-tournament team, leading the Hawks to a 1-1 showing.  He posted back-to-back double-doubles with a 20 point/12 rebound performance against SUNY-Oswego and a 20 point/16 board effort versus D'Youville,  He finished the weekend with 20.0 ppg, 14.0 rpg, 2.0 apg, 2.5 bpg and a 67.7 shooting percentage (19-28) from the field.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF DECEMBER 17
(Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Women's Basketball:  Amanda Baker, Medaille

Men's Basketball:  Malcolm Edwards, Hilbert
 

Week of December 10, 2007

HILBERT WOMEN SET SCHOOL HOOP RECORDS

Two Hilbert women's basketball team members got into the school record books last night in a game against Fredonia State.  Senior forward Amanda McHale (Bradford, PA/Archbishop Walsh HS) knocked away 11 shot attempts to set a new blocks mark, and sophomore guard Courtney DeVille (Kenmore, NY/Kenmore HS) racked up 7 steals to tie the Hawks' record.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF DECEMBER 10
(Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Women's Basketball:  Erin McGowan, Penn St. Altoona

Men's Basketball:  Jacquet Wells, Pitt-Greensburg

AMCC, PAC TEAM UP FOR WINNING CAREERS WEEKEND

More than 50 young women aspiring to careers in coaching and athletics administration from the AMCC and the Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) gathered on November 9-11 at the "Winning Careers in Athletics" workshop in Pittsburgh.  The workshop, which was developed and run by the WinStar Foundation, included several top luminaries in the history of NCAA women's athletics. Presenters included former NCAA President Judy Sweet, Dr.Christine Grant of the University of Iowa, and Dr. Charlotte West of Southern Illinois University. Celia Slater and Ann Salerno from WinStar were joined by NCAA Director of Division III Leah Nilsson at the workshop as well.

The event, which was funded by the NCAA Division III Strategic Initiatives Grant program, included sessions on coaching, officiating, networking tools and communication strategies, the history of women in sport, Title IX and gender equity, and other career options.
 

Week of December 3, 2007

AMCC PLAYERS, TEAMS AMONG NATION'S LEADERS IN FINAL SOCCER STATS RANKINGS

The AMCC figured in prominently in many men's and women's soccer statistical categories this past season, according to the final NCAA Division III rankings.  Among the best:
- Penn St. Altoona forward Bryan Pierzga among the points leaders at #19 with 2.20 ppg
- Frostburg State forward Gregg Laskow at #25 among goal scorers with .86 gpg
- Medaille midfielder Gary Boughton ranked #2 in assists with .90 apg
- Penn St. Behrend goalkeeper Dustin Walker at #4 in save percentage (.911) and #8 at goals allowed average (.449 gaa)
- Pitt-Bradford goalkeeper Dale Quinlan ranked #15 in saves per game (8.08)
- Medaille midfielder Danielle Radlich ranked #7 in both points per game (2.7 ppg) and goals per game (1.15)
- Frostburg St. women's offense ranked #32 with 3.23 gpg

Click below for the complete national rankings:
Men                Women

HILBERT'S REINARD GETS FIRST ECAC BASKETBALL HONOR OF THE SEASON

Hilbert College guard Dallas Reinard (Smethport, PA/Smethport) is the ECAC Div. III South Region Player of the Week in the first week of awarding honors this basketball season.  Despite an 0-2 showing by his team, Reinard put forth a mighty individual effort, averaging 27.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg and 3.0 spg for the Hawks.  He led all scorers in both games, with 23 points against defending AMCC champ Lake Erie (to go with 4 boards, 5 assists and 2 steals) and 32 points and 10 rebounds versus Penn St. Altoona.  Reinard currently leads the league with a 23.8 scoring average and ranks #4 with 7.8 rebounds per game.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF DECEMBER 3
(Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Women's Basketball:  Alyssa Wagers, Lake Erie

Men's Basketball:  Dallas Reinard, Hilbert

Men's Swimming:  Pat Allen, Penn St. Behrend

Women's Swimming:  Shannon Dunnigan, Frostburg St.

Women's Diving:   Vita McHale, Penn St. Altoona

CAMPUS SAACS GET INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY SERVICE

Student-athletes at two AMCC member institutions have gone above and beyond the call of duty to participate in community service projects this past week.

Hilbert College’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) hosted the Treemor brownies and girl scouts for a day of sports and excitement this past Saturday.  An estimated 40 girls in grades first through sixth participated in a sports clinic and badge work during a day of on campus activity.  Soccer, softball, volleyball, and basketball fundamentals were taught by current Hilbert College student-athletes during a morning session at the Hafner Recreation Center.  The youngsters also heard from Hilbert coaches and players who addressed the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.  Handmade signs of support were made during craft time and proudly displayed later in the afternoon at the Hilbert vs. Penn State Altoona women’s basketball game.  The brownies and girl scouts also led the crowd in singing the National Anthem as they stood in one large circle on the main court of the basketball floor.

On December 1, the Penn State Behrend SAAC participated in a Habitat for Humanity build in Erie.   The eight student-athletes who volunteered included Daryl Nowacki (tennis), Marcus Taylor (soccer), Paul Henry (baseball), Andy Iams (cross country), Jenny Bailey (cross country), Christy Calvert (tennis), and Carissa Johnston (volleyball).  Behrend athletic director Brian Streeter and faculty athletics representative Dr. Rod Troester provided assistance as well.
 

Week of November 26, 2007

ALL-CONFERENCE SPORTSMANSHIP TEAMS ANNOUNCED

As part of a continuing emphasis on the importance of good sportsmanship and ethical conduct, the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference announces its first All-Conference Sportsmanship Team for Fall 2007.

Members of the all-conference sportsmanship team are selected by their peers.  They represent the highest level of positive sporting conduct as exemplified in competition, in practice, and when participating as a spectator at other teams' sporting events.

Click here for the complete list of the AMCC All-Conference Sportsmanship Team honorees.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF NOVEMBER 26
(Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Women's Basketball:  Amanda McHale, Hilbert

Men's Basketball: James McNeil, Medaille
 

Week of November 19, 2007

PENN STATE BEHREND LEADS PRESIDENTS CUP STANDINGS;
PENN ST. ALTOONA, FROSTBURG STATE CLOSE BEHIND

Penn State Behrend is enjoying its customary perch atop the AMCC Presidents Cup standings a third of the way through the year, but two challengers are in hot pursuit.

The Behrend Lions claimed four of six team championship titles in the fall season--men's and women's soccer along with men's and women's cross country--and were tied for first in the regular season standings, helping them to accumulate a league-leading 52.5 points in the cup race.

Just 2.5 points away in second place is Penn State Altoona, by virtue of one team championship (men's golf) and five top four finishes in all other sports.  Meanwhile, perennial contender Frostburg State sits just 3.5 points below Altoona.

Click here for the complete Presidents' Cup standings.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF NOVEMBER 19
(Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Women's Basketball:  Kelsey Wilcox, Pitt-Greensburg

Men's Basketball: Rich McNutt, Mount Aloysius

Women's Swimming & Diving
Swimmer of the Week:  Sarah Breese, Penn St. Behrend
Diver of the Week:  Krystal Kovach, Penn St. Behrend

Men's Swimming & Diving
Swimmer of the Week:   Dustin Fairchild, Penn St. Behrend
Diver of the Week:  Steven Graves, Penn St. Behrend
 

Week of November 12, 2007

PENN STATE ALTOONA TABS NEW VOLLEYBALL COACH

Altoona native and Saint Francis University alumnus Phil Peterman has been named the head coach of the Penn State Altoona women’s volleyball program.  He replaces interim bench boss Tick Hedrick-Sheaffer and becomes the third head coach in the program’s 10 year history as a member of the NCAA.

Peterman was a member of the St. Francis (PA) 2001 Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (EIVA) Championship squad and graduated that same year with a degree in Elementary and Special Education.  This past May, Peterman finished his Masters Degree in Education from SFU.

This spring, Peterman will enter his eighth season as an assistant coach on the Altoona High School boys volleyball staff.  He also remains active with the Keystone State Games, serving as a head coach and assistant coach to the 16-and-under and 18-and-under Regional teams.  Peterman led his 2002 and 2005 18-and-under squads to Bronze Medals before taking the 2006 16-and-under team to a Silver Medal finish.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF NOVEMBER 12
(Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Men's Swimming & Diving
Swimmer of the Week:   Anthony Spoto, Penn St. Behrend
Diver of the Week:  Steve Graves, Penn St. Behrend

Women's Swimming & Diving
Swimmer of the Week:  Morgan Kinville, Pitt-Bradford
Diver of the Week:  Krystal Kovach, Penn St. Behrend
 

Week of November 5, 2007

AMCC VENTURES SUCCESSFULLY INTO FALL POST-SEASON TOURNAMENTS, WIN FIVE OF SIX SOCCER CONTESTS

One volleyball team and six soccer teams were in action today as  AMCC members tried to make their marks in the post-season of the NCAA and ECAC tournaments.

On the national level, league champion Penn St. Behrend advanced to the second round of the Mid-Atlantic Regional by besting Washington & Jefferson, 1-0, on the road.  Jerry Tortella knocked in a pass from Mike Seth in the 69th minute, and Dustin Walker was flawless in goal to secure the win.  They will play Montclair State on Saturday at 7:30pm in New Jersey.

The ECAC men's soccer playoffs also kicked off today.  The Medaille men, #3 seed in the upstate bracket, avenged last season's NCAA playoff game loss to Nazareth College with a 1-0 win this year in the ECAC Upstate Tournament.  Josh Meier had the tally and J.J. Bilinski picked up the shutout.  The Mavericks' semifinal opponent is TBA.

In the South region tournament, #3 Penn St. Altoona posted a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over #2 seed Misericordia University.  Both Lions' goals came from J.C. Campbell, and the OT tally was scored while Altoona played a man short.  Ironically, their semifinal round opponent will be #8 seed Frostburg State, who pulled off a stunning upset of  #1 Carnegie Mellon, winning 3-2 in overtime.  Greg Laskow nailed the game-winner just seconds into the first OT on a feed from Kenny Dotter.

Two women's teams were also active in ECAC competition.  Frostburg St., seeded #2 in the South region bracket, upended #7 Carnegie Mellon by a 1-0 margin.  Amanda Drake took a feed from Lauren Lentine to net the game's only goal.  Goalkeeper Stephanie Gwinn turned away 5 shots to record the shutout.

The ECAC Upstate tournament included #8 Medaille facing top seed SUNY-Brockport.  Brockport proved too much for the Mavs, who fell by a 2-0 margin.

In volleyball action, #6 Penn State Altoona was swept by #3 Carnegie Mellon in the first round of the ECAC South region tournament, 3-0 (30-21, 30-14, 30-23).

FAMILIAR FACES ATOP AMCC BASKETBALL PRESEASON POLL

There aren't too many surprises at the top of the AMCC men's and women's basketball preseason polls.

The men's coaches split down the middle in their annual preseason poll as to who will finish first in the league standings at year end.  Votes were split between defending champion Lake Erie College and last year's runner-up Penn State Behrend for the top spot, while Hilbert College, a conference tournament semifinalist last season, was selected to come in third.

Preseason Player of the Year honors were awarded to Hilbert College senior guard Dallas Reinard (Smethport, PA/Smethport).  Recently recognized as a preseason Honorable Mention All-American by DIII News, the monthly newsletter of Division III college men’s basketball, Reinard was the 2007 AMCC Player of the Year.  He garnered numerous other accolades last season including ECAC Second Team South Region All-Star; D3Hoops.com All-East Region Second Team selection; and ESPN the Magazine Academic All-American. He averaged 22.4 ppg last season to lead the conference and rank #16 nationally in scoring.  Complete Men's Poll and Players to Watch

Medaille College earned 9 of 10 first place votes in the poll of the AMCC women's coaches, an overwhelming endorsement of the Lady Mavericks' ability to successfully defend their league title for the third straight year. Penn State Behrend, the runner-up in last year's tournament and the only AMCC team to defeat Medaille in 2007, and Lake Erie College, a surprise tournament semifinalist last year, tied for second. 

Preseason Player of the Year honors went to Pitt-Greensburg senior guard Tiffany Menhorn (Latrobe, PA/Latrobe).  Menhorn has been a first team all-conference selection the past two years.  Her stats in 2007 included 14.6 ppg on 39.6% shooting and 5.8 rpg.  She also shot 36% from three point range and 79% from the line, and contributed 41 steals.   Complete Women's Poll and Players to Watch

The AMCC begins conference play on Wednesday, November 28.  The conference championship will be Saturday, March 1 at the top seed.  The winners will receive the league's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF NOVEMBER 5
(Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Women's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Kim Chapman, Penn St. Behrend
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Kayla Frost, Penn St. Behrend

Men's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Adam Cline, Penn St. Behrend
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Dustin Walker, Penn St. Behrend

Volleyball
Player of the Week:  Brooke Winterling, Frostburg State

Men's Swimming & Diving
Swimmer of the Week:  Daniel Bodde, Penn St. Altoona

Women's Swimming & Diving
Swimmer of the Week:  Brittany Yingling, Penn St. Altoona
Diver of the Week: Vita McHale, Penn St. Altoona

ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM AND AWARD WINNERS NAMED IN SOCCER, VOLLEYBALL

The all-conference teams and award winners have been announced for three AMCC fall sports.  Click on the highlighted sport link for complete information:

Volleyball: One year after being named Newcomer of the Year, Frostburg State outside hitter Brooke Winterling is the Player of the Year.  The sophomore led her team to the AMCC championship by averaging 4.88 kpg and 2.29 dpg.  Newcomer of the Year honors went to Pitt-Bradford outside hitter Jackie Podrasky (3.48 kpg, 4.73 dpg), while Coach of the Year recognition was shared by FSU's Peter Letourneau and Lake Erie's Gary Van Cauwenberge.

Women's Soccer: Instrumental in leading her team to their second consecutive league title, Penn St. Behrend midfielder Nikki Frisbee (12 goals, 3 assists) has been named Player of the Year.  Frostburg State forward Lauren Russell (14 goals, 6 assists) is the Newcomer of the Year, and Penn State Altoona's Tim Wassell, who led the Lions to a 13-6-1 record, is the Coach of the Year.

Men's Soccer:  Player of the Year honors were shared by the AMCC's two top scorers, Penn St. Altoona midfielder Bryan Pierzga (17 goals, 9 assists, 2.39 ppg) and Medaille midfielder Gary Boughton (11 goals, 19 assists, 2.16 ppg).  Newcomer of the Year accolades went to Lake Erie College forward Scott Stuckey (7 goals, 5 assists), while La Roche College's Weston Hawley, who guided the Redhawks to an 11-8-1 finish, was voted Coach of the Year.
 

Week of October 29, 2007

ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM AND AWARD WINNERS NAMED IN SOCCER, VOLLEYBALL

The all-conference teams and award winners have been announced for three AMCC fall sports.  Click on the highlighted sport link for complete information:

Volleyball: One year after being named Newcomer of the Year, Frostburg State outside hitter Brooke Winterling is the Player of the Year.  The sophomore led her team to the AMCC championship by averaging 4.88 kpg and 2.29 dpg.  Newcomer of the Year honors went to Pitt-Bradford outside hitter Jackie Podrasky (3.48 kpg, 4.73 dpg), while Coach of the Year recognition was shared by FSU's Peter Letourneau and Lake Erie's Gary Van Cauwenberge.

Women's Soccer: Instrumental in leading her team to their second consecutive league title, Penn St. Behrend midfielder Nikki Frisbee (12 goals, 3 assists) has been named Player of the Year.  Frostburg State forward Lauren Russell (14 goals, 6 assists) is the Newcomer of the Year, and Penn State Altoona's Tim Wassell, who led the Lions to a 13-6-1 record, is the Coach of the Year.

Men's Soccer:  Player of the Year honors were shared by the AMCC's two top scorers, Penn St. Altoona midfielder Bryan Pierzga (17 goals, 9 assists, 2.39 ppg) and Medaille midfielder Gary Boughton (11 goals, 19 assists, 2.16 ppg).  Newcomer of the Year accolades went to Lake Erie College forward Scott Stuckey (7 goals, 5 assists), while La Roche College's Weston Hawley, who guided the Redhawks to an 11-8-1 finish, was voted Coach of the Year.

CHAMPIONSHIP FINALES:  BEHREND MEN AND WOMEN TEAM UP FOR SOCCER TITLES; FROSTBURG STATE CLAIMS VOLLEYBALL CROWN

Three automatic bids to the NCAA tournament were awarded today, as Penn State Behrend won both the men's and women's soccer championships and Frostburg State the victors in the volleyball title game.

The Behrend women made it two in a row in women's soccer, defeating Frostburg State by a 2-1 margin. FSU's Shonna Ferree had the Bobcats' lone goal, while PSB's Jaclyn Stottlemyer got both the game-tying score and assisted on the game winner by Kim Chapman. It was the ninth meeting between these two squads in the championship game, with the edge going to Behrend, 5-4, after today's contest. 

In the men's championship, the score was the same but the route was a little different.  Behrend scored with 21 seconds remaining to force overtime, then scored less than 4 mins. into the first ten minutes to de-thrown two-time champion Medaille.  Adam Cline netted both goals for his team, while Kendall McFayden scored for the Mavericks.

Volleyball was more like a marathon, with the Bobcats outlasting Penn State Altoona, 3-2.  The two teams traded wins, with Altoona winning Game 1, 30-27, and Game 3, 30-28, and Frostburg State taking Games 2 and 4 by identical 30-20 scores.  FSU then won the fifth and deciding set by a score of 17-15 for their eighth AMCC championship in 11 years.  The Bobcats' outside hitter Brooke Winterling recorded 30 kills and 24 digs, while the Lions' middle hitter Lauren Carter contributed 19 kills and 9 blocks.

FROSTBURG STATE, PENN STATE ALTOONA TO MEET FOR  VOLLEYBALL TITLE

It will be Frostburg State University versus defending champion Penn State Altoona in the title game of the AMCC volleyball tournament on Saturday.   The duo avenged regular season losses to their opponents, as the  top seeded Bobcats defeated #4 Lake Erie College, 3-0 (30-25, 30-28, 30-24) in the first semifinal, and the #3 seeded Lions earned a 3-0 win over #2 Penn State Behrend in game 2 (30-28, 30-24, 30-23).  They meet tomorrow at 1pm for the conference crown and an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

CROSS COUNTRY AWARDS ANNOUNCED

A pair of sophomores headline the 2007 AMCC cross country all-conference teams.  Pitt-Bradford's Ali Mertsock (Shinglehouse, PA/Oswayo Valley) and Penn St. Behrend's Kevin Gorny (Erie, PA/McDowell) are this year's Runners of the Year.  The duo capture the men's and women's titles at the AMCC championship meet last weekend after standout competition seasons.

Penn St. Behrend dominated the remaining awards.  Freshmen Tyler Lyon (Washington, PA/Trinity) and Emily Berry (Reno, PA/Rocky Grove) were named Newcomers of the Year.  The Behrend Lions' first year head coach Greg Cooper swept  the men's and women's Coach of the Year honors, after guiding both squads to team championships.

Click below for the complete all-conference teams:
Men         Women

SOCCER FINALS SET:  BEHREND/FROSTBURG ST. WOMEN AND BEHREND/MEDAILLE MEN TO MEET ON SATURDAY

The AMCC soccer title games, scheduled for Saturday, will have but one new face from last year.  The women's championship will feature Penn State Behrend, the top seed, hosting Frostburg State at 2pm in Erie.  The two have met for the title eight times, each winning four.  The Behrend men, who have not been in a conference final since winning in 2003, will challenge the two-time defending champion and #1 seed Medaille College at All High Stadium in Buffalo; kick-off will be at 6pm.  The winners will receive the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

The Behrend Lions women overwhelmed the #5 seed, La Roche College, by a 5-0 margin today, while Frostburg State handled #3 Penn St. Altoona, 4-1.  Behrend, the defending champion, was victorious in the regular season vs. FSU by a 1-0 score.  On the men's side, Medaille posted a 3-0 decision over #5 Frostburg State, and #2 Penn St. Behrend took care of Penn St. Altoona by a 1-0 margin.  Medaille had the advantage in the regular season, defeating the Behrend Lions 1-0.

FROSTBURG STATE'S WINTERLING NAMED ECAC VOLLEYBALL PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Frostburg State University sophomore Brooke Winterling (Glenelg, MD/Glenelg) became the first AMCC volleyball player this season to be named ECAC Div. III South Region Player of the Week.  Winterling led the Bobcats to the regular season title with a pair of wins to close the AMCC schedule.  She averaged 6.1 kills on the attack to go with  4.4 digs on the defensive side.  Her standout effort came against defending champion Penn St. Altoona, where she recorded 30 kills, 2 blocks and 20 digs in the 3-2 victory.

PENN STATE ALTOONA, LAKE ERIE ADVANCE  IN VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT

There were no surprises Tuesday night in the AMCC volleyball playoffs, as  #3 Penn St. Altoona and #4 Lake Erie emerged victorious in their first round matches.  The defending champion Lions swept #6 Pitt-Greensburg, 3-0, while the #4 Storm handled #5 Pitt-Bradford in straight sets as well.  The semifinals will be held at Frostburg State on Friday, with the top seeded Bobcats facing Lake Erie at 6pm followed by #2 Penn St. Behrend meeting Penn St. Altoona at 8pm.  The championship will be on Saturday at 1pm.  The winner will receive the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF OCTOBER 29
(Click on red sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Women's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Allie Schumacher, Penn St. Altoona
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Amber Werner, Penn St. Altoona

Men's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Bryan Pierzga, Penn St. Altoona
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Jay Herford, Frostburg State

Women's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Ali Mertsock, Pitt-Bradford

Men's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Kevin Gorny, Penn St. Behrend

Volleyball
Player of the Week:  Brooke Winterling, Frostburg State
 

Week of October 22, 2007

BEHREND SWEEPS CROSS COUNTRY TITLES

There are two new champions in the AMCC as Penn St. Behrend edged out Frostburg State University in both the men's and women's races to claim the team titles.  It is the first championship for the Behrend men since 2000, while the women last won the crown in 2004.

Individual honors went to Penn St. Behrend sophomore Kevin Gorney (Erie, PA/McDowell), with a time of 27:51.1 in the 8K race, while Pitt-Bradford sophomore Ali Mertsock (Shinglehouse, PA/Oswayo Valley) was the fastest woman, covering the 6K course in 23:57.

Click here for complete results:
Men Team     Men Individual
Women Team     Women Individual

FROSTBURG STATE EARNS TOP SEED IN VOLLEYBALL TOURNEY

It came down to the last match of the season, but Frostburg State University came through with a 3-0 win over Pitt-Bradford to earn the #1 seed in the AMCC volleyball tournament.  The Bobcats will get a first round bye, along with Penn St. Behrend, who out-battled defending champion Penn St. Altoona in a head-to-head contest today to determine #2 and #3.

Tuesday's matches will feature #3 Penn St. Altoona playing host to #6 Pitt-Greensburg, while #5 Pitt-Bradford will travel to #4 Lake Erie College.  The semifinals will be held at Frostburg State on Friday, with the championship on Saturday at 1pm.

SOCCER TOURNAMENT FIRST ROUND COMPLETE

The AMCC soccer playoffs opened on Saturday to some less than ideal weather conditions which left only half the games completed.  On the women's side, #5 La Roche upset #4 Medaille on the road, 4-2.  The Redhawks will travel to #1 Penn St. Behrend on Wednesday for a semifinal contest.  There was a similar upset in the men's draw, with #5 Frostburg St. upending #4 La Roche, 1-0.  The Bobcats will face #1 Medaille on Wednesday as well.

Unplayable field conditions delayed both men's and women's games scheduled for Altoona until Sunday.  #3 seed Penn St.-Altoona eventually prevailed over Pitt-Greensburg, 3-0, and will face #2 Frostburg St. on Wednesday. The Penn St.-Altoona men, also a #3 seed, handled #6 Lake Erie men, 2-0, and will match up with #2 Penn St. Behrend in a doubleheader in Erie.

The title games are scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 3, hosted by the highest remaining seed in each tournament.  The winners will receive the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY

The Frostburg State men women will be ready to defend their team titles on Saturday when Hilbert College hosts the AMCC cross country championship meet.  The race will be held at Frontier High School in Hamburg, NY.  (Click here for directions.)

The Bobcats' men have won the past six championships and nine of the past 10.  They are led this year by junior Brian Leiter (New Windsor, MD/Francis Scott Key), who finished ninth at last year's meet.  Also in contention for individual honors on the men's side will be Penn St. Behrend sophomore Kevin Gorney (Erie, PA/McDowell), who came in seventh last year, and Pitt-Greensburg junior Jeremy Eshelman (Chambersburg, PA/Chambersburg) who finished in sixth place.

 The Frostburg State women have won the title seven times, and will be paced by junior Jennifer Patton (Barton, MD/Westmar), the runner-up in 2006.  She will be challenged by Penn St. Behrend junior Jenny Bailey (Corry, PA/Corry), last year's individual titleist, and Pitt-Bradford sophomore Ali Mertsock (Shinglehouse, PA/Oswayo Valley), who came in third in 2006 and was named the AMCC Newcomer of the Year.

FINAL PAIRINGS SET FOR SOCCER TOURNAMENT

The tournament brackets are now in stone for the AMCC men's and women's soccer tournaments.  First round action begins on Saturday.

For the men, #3 Penn St. Altoona will host #6 Lake Erie at 2:30pm, while #5 Frostburg St. will travel to #4 La Roche for a 2pm start.  The winner of Altoona/Lake Erie will then head to #2 Penn St. Behrend on Wednesday, Oct. 31 and the Frostburg St./La Roche winner will take on #1 Medaille in Buffalo. 

On the women's side, Penn St. Altoona is also the #3 seed and will welcome #6 Pitt-Greensburg on Saturday with a 12n game time.  #4 Medaille will host #5 La Roche in a 2pm start at the Nichols School field.  The winner of Altoona/Greensburg will then face #2 Frostburg St. on Wednesday, while the winner of Medaille/La Roche will match up with #1 Penn St. Behrend.

The title game is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 3, hosted by the highest remaining seed in each tournament.  The winners will receive the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

In volleyball, the only thing for sure with one week left in the regular season are the participating teams:  Penn St. Altoona, Penn St. Behrend, Frostburg State, Pitt-Bradford, Pitt-Greensburg and Lake Erie are all in contention.  Volleyball's playoffs begin on Tuesday, October 30.  The semifinals (Friday, Nov. 2) and championship (Sat., Nov. 3) will be held at the site of the #1 seed.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF OCTOBER 22
(Click on sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Women's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Beth Manganaro, Penn St. Behrend
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Kelly Goodwin, Hilbert

Men's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Reuben Jolo, La Roche
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Dustin Walker, Penn St. Behrend

Women's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Angela Nicholl, Penn St. Altoona

Men's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Matthew Gorman, Penn St. Altoona

Volleyball
Player of the Week:  Alisha Wisel, Pitt-Bradford
 

Week of October 15, 2007

SOCCER, VOLLEYBALL PLAYOFF PICTURES GAIN FOCUS

With one game to go in the regular season for soccer and two for volleyball, the AMCC playoff pairings are starting to take shape, with an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament waiting as the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

The women's soccer draw is the clearest at this point, with defending champion Penn St. Behrend the #1 seed and last year's runner-up Frostburg State at #2.  Still to be determined are #3-5, with Medaille, La Roche and Penn State Altoona all in the mix.  Pitt-Greensburg is the #6 seed.

The men's draw still has a lot of questions yet to be answered this week.  Two time defending champion Medaille has cemented the top seed.  The #2-4 slots are up for grabs between Penn St. Behrend, Penn St. Altoona and La Roche.  Lake Erie and Frostburg State are in the running for #5-6.

In volleyball, the only thing for sure with one week left in the regular season are the participating teams:  Penn St. Altoona, Penn St. Behrend, Frostburg State, Pitt-Bradford, Pitt-Greensburg and Lake Erie are all in contention.

In all three tournaments, the top two seeds receive first round byes.  Soccer's first round begins on Saturday, October 27 and will feature #3 hosting #6, and #5 traveling to #4.  The semifinals will be Wednesday, October 31 and will see #1 hosting the winner of 4v5, and #2 at home to face the winner of 3v6.  The title game is schedule for Saturday, Nov. 3, hosted by the highest remaining seed.

Volleyball's playoffs begin on Tuesday, October 30.  The semifinals (Friday, Nov. 2) and championship (Sat., Nov. 3) will be held at the site of the #1 seed.

LAKE ERIE VOLLEYBALL CONTINUES TO SET RECORDS

There are still five regular season matches to be played this year and all ready several individuals have reached both season and career records for the Lake Erie volleyball program:
* Junior defensive specialist Ashley Piorkowski (Cleveland, OH/Cleveland Central Catholic) became the season leader in digs after surpassing the previous record of 434 which she set in 2006. Currently she is at 515 digs and counting. She also holds the career leader spot in the category with 1,182 in three seasons - another mark reached this season.
* Senior setter Autumn Smith (N. Baltimore, OH/N. Baltimore) bettered her previous season assist mark, this year totaling 432. She has also added to the top spot among career leaders with her current four-year total of 1,430 assists.
*On the all-time leader board, junior hitter Tiffany Farner (West Salem, OH/Northwestern) took over the number one position just a few games ago. Her current total is 526 kills and she also holds the top spot in career blocks with 372.
* Senior setter Megan Price (Greensburg, OH/Salem) continues to hold the number one spot in career service aces with 151. She's tacked on 25 so far this season to hold on to the lead she first gained as a junior.

TWO MORE AMCC SOCCER PLAYERS GET ECAC HONORS

A pair of AMCC soccer players have earned Player of the Week honors from the ECAC, bringing the conference's season total of honorees to eight.  Medaille College midfielder Gary Boughton (Lancaster, NY/Lancaster) was named the men's south region Offensive Player of the Week, while Pitt-Greensburg goalkeeper Dana Huether (Jeannette, PA/Jeannette) became the fourth AMCC women's player to be named Defensive Player of the Week.

Boughton had a highly productive week, racking up 9 points on 4 goals and 1 assist.  He had the hat trick in a 6-0 rout of Wells, then netted the insurance goal in a 2-0 win over league leader Penn St. Altoona.  Boughton, ranked #1 in the nation in assists, currently heads the list of AMCC scorers with 34 points off of 9 goals and 16 assists.  Huether recorded three shutouts last week to boost her season total to four.  She made a total of 11 saves and lowered her goals against average to 1.85.

HILBERT'S REINHARD NAMED DIII NEWS PRESEASON ALL-AMERICAN

Hilbert College senior men’s basketball player Dallas Reinard (Smethport, PA/Smethport) has been named a preseason Honorable Mention All-American by DIII News, the monthly newsletter of Division III college men’s basketball. 

Ranked as one of the nation’s top 25 players as a fifth team All-American last winter, Reinard was the 2007 AMCC Player of the Year and received D3Hoops.com All-East Region honors.  As a junior, the nation’s 16^th leading scorer (22.4 ppg) led the Hawks to the semifinals of the AMCC Tournament before the college’s first ever appearance in the ECAC Tourney.

RIBELLI AND AUSTIN HEAD AMCC MEN'S GOLF ALL-CONFERENCE TEAM

Lake Erie College junior Joe Ribelli (Mentor, OH/Notre Dame Cathedral Latin) and La Roche College sophomore Jon Austin (Pittsburgh, PA/Baldwin) are the AMCC men's golf Co-Players of the Year.  Ribelli is a first time all-conference selection while Austin, the AMCC Newcomer of the Year in 2006, makes his second appearance on the first team.

Medaille College freshman John Haberman (Kenmore, NY/Kenmore West) is the Newcomer of the Year, while Lake Erie head coach Milton Johnson earned his first conference Coach of the Year accolade.

Click here for the complete all-conference team.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF OCTOBER 15
(Click on sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Volleyball
Player of the Week:  Lisa Byars, Penn St. Altoona

Men's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Gary Boughton, Medaille
Goalkeeper of the Week:  J.J. Bilinski, Medaille

Women's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Kim Chapman, Penn St. Behrend
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Dana Huether, Pitt-Greensburg

Women's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Ali Mertsock, Pitt-Bradford

Men's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Jeremy Eshelman, Pitt-Greensburg
 

Week of October 8, 2007

PIORKOWSKI SETS LAKE ERIE VOLLEYBALL MARK

In Wednesday night’s win 3-0 against Medaille College, Lake Erie College junior defensive specialist Ashley Piorkowski (Cleveland, OH/Cleveland Central Catholic) recorded 22 kills to set the single season record with her current total of 456.  Piorkowski held the old record of 434, a total she achieved during the 2006 season.  She is also the career leader in the category with a three-year mark of 1,123.  This season, she is averaging 5.9 digs per game.

PENN STATE ALTOONA VOLLEYBALL HAS RECORD-BREAKING NIGHT

At first glance, the Penn State Altoona volleyball team's 3-1 win over Pitt-Greensburg Wednesday evening seemed no different than any of the squad's previous 15 victories.  But one school record fell and two personal milestones were reached, including interim head coach Tick Hedrick-Sheaffer recording her 500th career victory, as the Lions rallied past the visiting Bobcats 28-30, 30-12, 30-28, 30-22. 

Sophomore setter Lisa Byars and senior outside hitter Sara Kylor also helped rewrite the history books for Altoona.  Byars entered the night just nine assists shy of the all-time school record of 1,956.  The Punxsutawney graduate broke the mark midway through the first game on Lauren Carter's emphatic kill and finished with 54 match assists (2,002 all-time).  Kylor began Wednesday just four kills away from 1,000 for her career and reached the plateau late in game one with help from one of Byars' 54 assists in the match.  The Huntingdon native is also Penn State Altoona's all-time kills leader.

PENN STATE BEHREND'S WALKER HONORED AS ECAC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Penn State Behrend goalkeeper Dustin Walker (Apollo, PA/Kiski Area HS) became the fifth AMCC soccer player to receive ECAC Div. III South Region player of the week honors, recognized for his defensive play.  Walker recorded two shutout victories last week against AMCC opponents.  He made 9 saves to earn a 2-0 decision over Lake Erie, and stopped 4 more to blank Pitt-Greensburg.  The sophomore leads the league with a .41 GAA and a .919 save percentage.

HILL NAMED SID AT PITT-GREENSBURG

Joe Hill has been appointed Sports Information Director at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, filling the position vacated by Kevin Conlon.  Conlon left the university to pursue an employment opportunity with ESPN.  Hill, a resident of Penn Hills and graduate of the University of Notre Dame (IN), will add sports information to his current duties as head baseball coach, a position he has held since June 2002.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF OCTOBER 8
(Click on sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Men's Golf
Golfer of the Week:  Jon Austin, La Roche

Volleyball
Player of the Week:  Anne Bemis, La Roche

Men's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Jerry Tortella, Penn St. Behrend
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Dustin Walker, Penn St. Behrend

Women's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Allie Schumacher, Penn St. Altoona
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Kayla Frost, Penn St. Behrend

Women's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Jenny Bailey, Penn St. Behrend

Men's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Brian Leiter, Frostburg State
 

Week of October 1, 2007

PENN STATE ALTOONA DEFENDS MEN'S GOLF TITLE

Defending champion Penn State Altoona took the team title for the second year in a row, posting a 316 for the two day event and earning an automatic bid to the NCAA Division III tournament.  Medaille College was the runner-up with a 336.  La Roche College sophomore Jon Austin (Pittsburgh, PA/Baldwin HS) was the medalist, winning  on the second hole of a playoff with the Lions' Jake Biltz (Hollidaysburg, PA/Hollidaysburg).  The pair each carded a 154 for the 36-hole tournament which was played at Tom's Run Golf Resort in Blairsville, PA.

Penn State Altoona's Ashley Piper fired an 81 to win the women's invitational.  Pitt-Bradford's Heidi Haljencin was the runner-up with a 111.

PENN STATE LEADS THE FIELD AFTER FIRST ROUND OF AMCC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

Defending champion Penn State Altoona led the pack again after the first day of the AMCC men's golf championship at Tom's Run Golf Resort in Blairsville, PA.  The Lions shot a collective 313, thanks to a trio of 78s--Quintin Dziabo,  Jake Biltz and M.J. Worsham--good for third place.  La Roche sits in the #2 position with a 320, riding the shoulders of a spectacular round by sophomore Jon Austin (Pittsburgh, PA/Baldwin HS), who led the field of individual competitors with a 71, six strokes ahead of his next closest challenger.

Play continues on Saturday with a 9am timed start.  The team champion will receive the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA tournament.

Click here for complete first round results.

MEDAILLE'S RADLICH HITS 100 CAREER POINTS MARK

Medaille College forward Danielle Radlich (Clarence, NY/Clarence) became the first Mavericks women's soccer player to reach the 100 point mark for a career this past week.  She notched the game winner in an overtime victory over Hilbert on Wednesday to give her 102 points for her career to date.

AMCC COMMISSIONER HONORED BY ECAC

AMCC Commissioner Donna Ledwin was recognized by the ECAC on Sunday evening as the 2007 Female Administrator of the Year.  Ledwin, who is in her sixth year with the conference, is a 22 year veteran of intercollegiate athletics, 18 at the NCAA Division III level.  She has served on numerous Division III and association-wide committees, and is currently the president of the Division III Commissioners Association.  She is the second AMCC administrator to be so honored.  Brian Streeter, the athletic director at Penn State Behrend and former president of the ECAC, was recognized in 2001.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF OCTOBER 1
(Click on sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Women's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Ali Mertsock, Pitt-Bradford

Men's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Zach Whitney, Pitt-Bradford

Men's Golf
Golfer of the Week:  Sean Buenger, Frostburg State

Volleyball
Player of the Week:  Lauren Carter, Penn St. Altoona

Men's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Bryan Pierzga, Penn St. Altoona
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Camillo DiLorenzo, La Roche

Women's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Emily Schneider, Penn St. Altoona
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Amber Werner, Penn St. Altoona
 

Week of September 24, 2007

LAKE ERIE, FROSTBURG ST. NAME NEW BASEBALL COACHES

Lake Erie College and Frostburg State University  have both added baseball head coaches to their staffs.

Bob McGee joins Lake Erie by way of Greensboro College where he was the assistant varsity and head junior varsity baseball coach since 2003.  While at Greensboro, he also served as the assistant director and facility manager for the College’s student recreation center.

Guy Robertson has been named as the new Frostburg State head baseball coach.  He comes to Frostburg after serving as the Director of Recruiting for the Baseball Factory in Columbia, Md. since July 2006. While there, he helped place kids with colleges and universities all across the country.  Robertson served as the head coach at Coppin State from 2002 through 2006. He is the all-time leader in winning percentage, second all-time in both CSU wins (64) and MEAC wins (30). He also holds the school record for victories in a single-season (21). In 2005, he was selected as the MEAC Coach of the Year after posting a 10-7 league record.

MEDAILLE'S BOUGHTON GETS D3KICK.COM RECOGNITION

Medaille College forward Gary Boughton (Lancaster, NY/Lancaster) was one of eleven players in the nation named to the D3kicks.com Team of the Week. The same honor was given to Jacob Reisdorf (Strykersville, NY/Holland) last week. In a 2-0 week for the Mavericks, Boughton recorded the assist on the game winning goal versus Daemen College and then scored the game winning goal against La Roche. He finished the week with 1 goal and 2 assists for 4 points. Boughton, a first team all-region selection by D3kicks.com in 2006, has led Medaille to a 7-1-1 start.

AMCC EXPANDS TO WELCOME FRANCISCAN, D’YOUVILLE AS MEMBERS

On the heels of its ten year anniversary, the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) will grow to ten members in 2008-09 and 11 in 2009-10.  The conference has accepted Franciscan University of Steubenville (OH), an NCAA Division III first year provisional member, to begin competition in Fall 2008, followed by D’Youville College (Buffalo, NY) in Fall 2009.

"This is a strategic move for the AMCC to strengthen its membership by staying within our established geographic footprint,” said conference commissioner Donna M. Ledwin.  “Both Franciscan and D’Youville match up well with the academic, enrollment and sport sponsorship profiles of our current members, so the transition for them and us should be a smooth one.”

Talk about possible expansion began late last year when Lake Erie College, a founding member of the AMCC, announced that it would seek to reclassify to Division II.  This is the last year of competition for LEC in the conference and as a member of Division III.

"Franciscan University is very pleased and honored to be a member of the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference” said Father Terence Henry, the school’s president.  “We see this as a tremendous opportunity and are looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the members of the conference."

Franciscan University of Steubenville is located approximately 40 miles southwest of Pittsburgh.  With an undergraduate enrollment of just under 2,000, the school recently re-introduced varsity athletics to the campus in 2006 after a more than 20 year hiatus.  The Barons are unaffiliated with any conference and currently in their first year of a four year provisional member process to gain Division III status.  They offer ten sports and will be expanding to 12 by Fall 2009 to meet NCAA requirements.

"We look forward to our new association with the AMCC, said D’Youville president Sister Denise Roche.  “Several local institutions are currently members and their proximity and enthusiasm should ignite even greater spirit at athletic events and enable student-athletes to good competitive opportunities while spending less time traveling." 

D’Youville College, a private liberal arts institution with approximately 1,500 undergraduates, is currently a member of the North Eastern Athletic Conference. They will be joining the AMCC as a full, active member of Division III.  The Spartans compete in 11 sports at the varsity level, and will be expanding to at least 13 by the time they start play in the conference.

The AMCC was founded in 1997 by six institutions:  Frostburg State University (Frostburg, MD), La Roche College (Pittsburgh, PA), Lake Erie College (Painesville, OH), Penn State Behrend (Erie, PA), University of Pittsburgh at Bradford (Bradford, PA) and the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg (Greensburg, PA).  Penn State Altoona (Altoona, PA) joined in 1998), followed by Hilbert College (Hamburg, NY) and Medaille College (Buffalo, NY) in 2005 and Mount Aloysius College (Cresson, PA) in 2006.  The conference attained NCAA Division III membership in 2002 and received an automatic bid to the national tournament in all team sports in 2004.

FSU'S RUSSELL NAMED ECAC OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

For the third straight week, an AMCC women's soccer player has earned ECAC South Region Player of the Week honors.  This time it is Frostburg State freshman midfielder Lauren Russell (Waldorf, MD/Westlake).  In a 3-0 week for the Bobcats, Russell scored all three game-winning goals, including the one to defeat Johns Hopkins, ranked #18 in the country.  She finished the week with 4 goals and 1 assist.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 24
(Click on sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Women's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Lauren Russell, Frostburg St.
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Stephanie Gwinn, Frostburg St.

Women's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Jenny Bailey, Penn St. Behrend

Men's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Brian Leiter, Frostburg State

Men's Golf
Golfer of the Week:  Joe Ribelli, Lake Erie

Volleyball
Player of the Week:  Brianna Baker, Mount Aloysius

Men's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Gary Boughton, Medaille
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Mike Loparo, Lake Erie

PENN ST.  BEHREND ANNOUNCES HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

The Penn State Behrend Behrend Lions Athletic Hall of Fame honors individuals and teams for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the college. This year Behrend announced that there will be six members of the 2007 Hall of Fame Class: Angela (Georg) Gorman, Lara Herrmann, David Koster, Sue Mazur, Quinn McGuire, and Cherie (Varrassa) Stadler.

Gorman was an outstanding four-year letter winning volleyball player for the Behrend Lions. She helped the team establish a school record for wins with 27 during her rookie season. In 1997 Gorman was selected as the league's Most Valuable Player after leading Behrend to the AMCC regular-season title.

During Herrmann's three seasons in uniform, she guided the blue and white to an impressive 35-15 mark during its first three years of varsity competition.  When her career concluded, she was the program's all-time leader in career points with 52, and goals with 22.

Koster excelled as a member of the Behrend Lions golf team under the leadership of late Hall of Fame Coach Herb Lauffer.  The school's 1997 Male Scholar Athlete of the Year, is only the third golfer in 17 years to be enshrined into the Penn State Behrend Athletic Hall of Fame.
Mazur (1992-95), a graduate of North Allegheny High School, was an impact player for the softball squad, and a four-year starter at third base for the Behrend Lions.

Mazur was a softball team captain and named to the ECAC All-Star team. She was an integral part of the college's most successful four years of softball as she led the team to back-to-back ECAC Championships, a runner-up finish, and another ECAC berth, while attaining the program's highest regional and national rankings and set the school record for wins.

McGuire will always be remembered for being a base-running stalwart and for passing former Behrend graduate and major leaguer Tom Lawless in several offensive statistical categories. McGuire remains the program's all-time leader in career stolen bases with 80, and its single-season record holder with 30. McGuire was named the 1995-96 Behrend Lions Male Athlete of the Year.

A softball pitcher, Stadler led from the circle while serving as the crucial ingredient to the program achieving a regional ranking of number-two, and a national ranking of sixteen. The two-time All-ECAC, All-Region, and All-NSCA Academic All-American,  was a part of three no-hitters in her career and was the all-time leader in wins in a career with 42, ERA at 1.18, and complete games with 47.
 

Week of September 17, 2007

MEDAILLE'S RADLICH SETS NEW SCORING RECORDS

Medaille College forward Danielle Radlich (Clarence, NY/ Clarence) continued her record setting ways as she became the school's all-time leading goal scorer (38) and tied the mark for career assists (17) in a 7-1 win over D;Youville College.  She became the all-time scoring leader in the women's soccer program history with her three point performance in a 2-1 win over Geneva College this past weekend.   She now has 93 points, surpassing Kerri Clarkson ('07), who finished her three year Medaille career with 83 points. The sophomore has done all of this in just 28 games. The previous scoring mark was established in 56 contests.

FILM CREW TO PROFILE UPG STUDENT-ATHLETE

A film crew will be at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg on Thursday to profile senior Aaron Slafka, a student-athlete who persevered despite being diagnosed with a brain tumor. The profile is scheduled to air on ESPN Classic and ESPNU and will include comments from Slafka, faculty, staff, students and alumni.

In 2004, Slafka, a McKeesport native who is president of the Pitt-Greensburg Student Government Association as well as a member of its cross-country team, was diagnosed with a benign brain tumor near his pituitary gland. After a month-long ordeal in which he underwent several operations, was on a respirator for a time and suffered a seizure, he returned to Pitt-Greensburg as a full-time student in the spring of 2005 and as a member of the cross-country team.

TWO AMCC SOCCER PLAYERS GET ECAC HONORS

Penn State Altoona senior midfielder Bryan Pierzga (State College, PA/State College) and Penn State Behrend junior goalkeeper Kayla Frost (Venetia, PA/Peters Twp.) have been named ECAC Players of the Week for the south region.

Pierzga was named the MVP of the Penn State Altoona Challenge Cup, scoring the game-winning goal in both contests to lead the Lions to the championship.  He racked up 4 goals and 1 assist in a three win week, and boosted his season total of game-winning scores to four in five games.  Frost put in an all-star performance to blank perennial PAC power Westminster College in a 0-0 tie.  She thwarted 22 scoring attempts over the course of 110 minutes between the pipes.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 17
(Click on sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Men's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Bryan Pierzga, Penn St. Altoona
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Marc Zajak, Penn St. Altoona

Women's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Danielle Radlich, Medaille
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Kayla Frost, Penn St. Behrend

Women's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Ali Mertsock, Pitt-Bradford

Men's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Kevin Gorny, Penn St. Behrend

Men's Golf
Golfer of the Week:  Joe Ribelli, Lake Erie

Volleyball
Player of the Week:  Lauren Carter, Penn St. Altoona
 

Week of September 10, 2007

PITT-GREENSBURG SID LEAVING FOR ESPN

Pitt-Greensburg Sports Information Director Kevin Conlon has announced he will step down to pursue an opportunity at ESPN.  Conlon, who has spent the past two years as the university's sports information director will be heading Bristol, CT to serve as a studio research analyst and writer for ESPN. 

Conlon also served as an assistant coach for the women's basketball program and the softball program.  Prior to working at Pitt-Greensburg, Conlon was a student-athlete for the Bobcats.  He garnered numerous athletic and academic awards, highlighted by being named the AMCC Player of the Year in men's basketball (2004-2005) and earning the AMCC's "Student-Athlete of the Year " award in 2005. 

MEDAILLE SOCCER COACH HITS 100 WIN MILESTONE

Medaille's 7-0 win over Morrisville State on Wednesday was not only a big win for the program, but also for head coach Daniel J. Krzyzanowicz.  It was his 100th career victory as leader of the Mavericks' soccer programs.  In four seasons with the women his overall record is 32-28-3 for an overall winning percentage of 53%.  This his sixth year as the head coach of the men's squad, he has led them to a 69-24-9 overall mark.  His winning percentage with the men is a stellar 72%, which ranks him in the top 25 of active Division III soccer coaches.  His combined record for both is 101-52-12, a 65% winning percentage following the men's team win yesterday over D'Youville College.

MEDAILLE'S HAESSNER EARNS ECAC SOCCER HONORS

Medaille goalkeeper Mattea Haessner (Moravia, NY/Moravia HS) is the AMCC's first ECAC Player of the Week honoree, recognized as the Defensive Player of the Week for women's soccer in the South region.  Haessner held opponents scoreless for the first (206) minutes of the week, stopping a total of 18 shots and helping the Mavs to a win and a tie. She also turned away 21 shots in their loss to Mount Union. 
 

The Penn State Behrend Lions had an impressive showing Wednesday night as they defeated the Presidents from Washington and Jefferson 6-1.  The victory marked the program's 300th win.

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 10
(Click on sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Women's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Koryn Walker, Medaille
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Mattea Haessner, Medaille

Men's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Joe Starvaggi, Lake Erie
Goalkeeper of the Week:  J.J. Bilinski, Medaille

Women's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Jennifer Patton, Frostburg State

Men's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Brian Leiter, Frostburg State

Men's Golf
Golfer of the Week:  Joe Ribelli, Lake Erie

Volleyball
Player of the Week:  Jackie Podrasky, Pitt-Bradford


BETHEL SETS SCORING RECORD FOR LEC WOMEN'S SOCCER

Junior forward Angela Bethel (Beavercreek, OH/Miami Valley HS) scored three goals this week to become the all-time scorer in Lake Erie College women's soccer history with 57 career goals.   She has five already this season.   She currently ranks second in career points with 129 and is only five points from tying the leader.
 

Week of September 4, 2007

AMCC PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:  WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 4
(Click on sport link for full story and "Best of the Rest")

Volleyball
Player of the Week:  Brooke Winterling, Frostburg State

Women's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Tiffany Azzarito, Medaille
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Mattea Haessner, Medaille

Men's Soccer
Player of the Week:  Scott  Stuckey, Lake Erie
Goalkeeper of the Week:  Jay Herford, Frostburg State

Women's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Jenny Bailey, Penn St. Behrend

Men's Cross Country
Runner of the Week:  Kevin Gorny, Penn St. Behrend
 

Week of August 27, 2007

MEDAILLE ANNOUNCES NEW HEAD COACH FOR VOLLEYBALL

The Lady Mavs will be under new leadership in 2007 as Lonni Wilson takes the helm. Lonni Wilson has been coaching volleyball for over a decade. Wilson spent the 2005-2006 season as an assistant coach with Medaille.  Prior to that, he was an assistant coach at Division II University of West Georgia, and before that he was a volunteer coach/administrative assistant for The Ohio State University.  Wilson also spent time in the NAIA serving as an assistant coach for his alma mater, Point Loma Nazarene University.

In addition to collegiate coaching experience, Wilson has extensive successful coaching experience at the juniors level.  He currently is a professor of sport law and sport marketing at Medaille College.

PITT-BRADFORD INTRODUCES FOUR NEW COACHES

Pitt-Bradford will have four new coaches roaming the sidelines in 2007-08.

Darek Panol, who takes over the men's soccer team, earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and philosophy from Syracuse U. and a Master of Science in Education for Utica College. He was a four-year starter at Syracuse from 1991-96 and was named to the Big East All-Conference Second team in his senior year.

The new women's basketball coach, Allan King, received a Bachelor of Arts in Sport Management from Bluffton College and a Masters of Arts in Education from Heidelberg College. He played basketball for two years and football for one at Bluffton until a back injury ended both careers.

Ed Bahan, at the helm of the men's and women's swim program, earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh. He was the head coach at Plum High School from 1996-99. Bahan was also a five-time U.S. National Trials competitor and a 1980 Olympic Trials competitor.

Hired to lead the newly developing tennis program, Susan Schenfield earned a Bachelor of Business from Penn State. She was a tennis instructor at Pitt-Bradford from 1985-96 and a tennis pro at the St. Bonaventure U. Fitness Center from 2002-04.
 

Week of August 20, 2007

PENN STATE ALTOONA APPOINTS WASSELL WOMEN'S SOCCER COACH

Penn State Altoona graduate Tim Wassell has been named  head coach of the Lion women's soccer program.  Wassell replaces long-time bench boss Jim Fee, who stepped down earlier this week after six seasons at Penn State Altoona.  Wassell served as an assistant to Fee last season and handled the program's recruiting efforts, while also providing coaching support for the men's team.
             
Wassell was named an Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference first team all-star and a National Soccer Coaches Association of America Regional All-American.  He was named the Penn State Altoona team MVP both years and compiled a school record 18 shutouts.   Wassell became the first Penn State Altoona student-athlete to ever be named to the Regional Academic All-American team.  His resume also includes a NSCAA National Diploma and a National Goalkeeper Diploma.
           
Fee leaves Ivyside after six seasons at the helm.  His most successful campaign came in 2004 when the Lions finished 10-12 and qualified for the AMCC playoffs.  Over the last 38 years, Fee has served a variety of roles in the local soccer community and has been recognized as a pioneer in bringing soccer to the Altoona area.   In the late 1990s, he coached the club soccer team at Penn State Altoona and vigorously lobbied that soccer gain official varsity status.  His efforts paid off in 2001 when men's and women's soccer were introduced as the newest Penn State Altoona varsity sports.

PENN STATE BEHREND NETTERS EXCEL ACADEMICALLY

Three Penn State Behrend women's tennis players were honored by the ITA for academics. Junior Amy Brem (Kersey, PA/St. Marys), freshman Christine Calvert (Warren, PA/Mercyhurst Prep) and junior Allison Mudrey (Hermitage, PA/Hickory) were recognized for their outstanding accomplishments.  In order to earn ITA Scholar-Athlete status a player must be a varsity letterwinner and  hold a grade point average of at least a 3.50 (on a 4.00 scale).

Brem, Calvert and Mudrey guided the Behrend Lions to the 2007 AMCC Conference Championship last October as they marched through the regular-season schedule with a 6-0 conference slate and a 15-1 overall record. Brem was named second-team all-conference while Calvert and Mudrey anchored the first-team.  Mudrey was also named the league's Player of the Year.

CONFERENCE MEMBERS WELCOME NEW COACHES, STAFF

Several AMCC schools have made additions to staff over the summer:

Penn State Behrend has announced the appointments of three assistants and one athletics trainer in the department for the 2007-08 year.   Deanna Brink will serve all 21 Behrend Lions sports as a member of the training staff.  She earned a baccalaureate degree from Lock Haven University and a master's from California of Pennsylvania.
Heather Crawford will join the sports information staff as an assistant. She was a four-year starter for the women's soccer program and three-time all-conference player. Crawford earned a business degree and is completing her master's of business administration from Behrend.
Alanna Daniels will assist head women's basketball coach Roz Fornari.  Daniels was a four-year starter and two-year captain at Seton Hill University; she is pursuing an Behrend MBA.  Karla Murray will be serving as an assistant softball and volleyball coach.  Murray just finished her playing career on the court last fall and spent last season as an assistant in the softball program. Murray will also be working on her MBA at Behrend.

Hilbert College has added Mary Boller-Easterbrook as the Hawks' women’s volleyball coach.  A recent graduate of Canisius College, Boller-Easterbrook was a four-year Division I standout where she earned 2006 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) first-team honors as a middle hitter.  With a B.S. in physical education and health, Boller-Easterbrook holds a New York State teaching certificate.

AMCC  WELL REPRESENTED AS  ECAC SPRING ALL-STARS

The AMCC had its share of standouts among ECAC member competitors this past spring, landing four players on the southern region baseball squad and two on the softball honor roll, including the AMCC's  most outstanding player in both sports.

Penn State Behrend second baseman Nikki Kaschauer, the conference softball player of the year, was also chosen for that honor among her southern region peers.  She was joined on the all-star team by teammate Katie Whitby, a first team all-conference outfielder.

Frostburg State University landed three players on the baseball all-star team.  Pitcher Aaron Main, first baseman Allen Peake, and outfielder Brian Burke made the squad along with Pitt-Greensburg second baseman Matt Stanziano, who was the AMCC player of the year.
 

Week of July 30, 2007

HILBERT DUO EARN BASKETBALL GOLD AT EMPIRE STATE GAMES 

Former Hilbert College men’s basketball player Glen Ufland (’07) and current head men’s basketball coach Rob deGrandpre helped the Western Region’s Open men’s basketball team to a gold medal at the 2007 Empire State Games.

Sunday’s 78-64 win over Hudson Valley avenges last year’s loss in the gold medal game and gives the Hilbert player-coach duo their second gold medal in the last three years.  Ufland didn’t score in Sunday’s finals but contributed a few key buckets in Thursday night’s win over New York City and later in a must-win game over the Central Region on Saturday.

For deGrandpre, the gold represents his fifth medal over the past eight years while patrolling the summer sidelines for the Western Region. 

A multi-sport event for amateur athletes, the Empire State Games is the largest competition of its kind in the nation and is patterned after the Olympic program.  This year some 6,000 participated in final competition throughout the Westchester County area of New York State.
 

Week of July 16, 2007

AMCC SCHOOLS RECOGNIZED FOR EXEMPLARY COMPLIANCE WITH TITLE IX

On the 35th anniversary of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Penn State Behrend and Penn State Altoona have been recognized as leader in providing athletic opportunities for women.

In a Chronicle of Higher Education cover story on Title IX on June 29, 2007, the Chronicle’s reporters explained that one option the U.S. Department of Education provides for colleges to demonstrate that they are offering female athletes a fair chance to play sports is by showing that they have “at least the same proportion of athletes who are female as undergraduates who are female.” The article goes on to list Penn State Behrend in the top four NCAA Division III schools in the country in that category, with 50 percent of the college’s athletes being female compared to 34 percent of the student body as a whole.

Another way to show compliance is to demonstrate a history of continuing progress.  According to the article, Penn State Altoona has shown a 129% jump in participation for female student-athletes for the period of 1998-99 to 2005-06 (41 women to 94 women).  The Lions ranked #3 in Division III for percentage increase.