Stony Brook, N.Y. - Meghan Gilley and Sa'sha Kershaw each netted a goal in the second half to lead Stony Brook past UAlbany, 2-0, in the first round of the America East Conference Women's Soccer Tournament on Thursday, Oct. 29 at LaValle Stadium. The Seawolves advance to meet top seed and defending-champion Boston University in Sunday's semifinal round at 1:00 p.m.
     UAlbany (8-10-1), which was making its first-ever appearance in the America East postseason tournament, had several chances to get on the scoreboard early, earning a pair of free kicks in the opening 15 minutes of play. Casey Marks sent in a cross from 30 yards away to the far side which was headed by Chelsea DeVerna, but goalkeeper Marisa Viola punched the ball over the net just in time to force a corner kick. Just five minutes later, Marks' direct kick fired at the far post was also smothered by the senior.
     Meanwhile, the Great Danes' back line consisting of Kendra Harrell-Vigil, Jaclyn Rosada, Katie Norwood and Marks was practically impenetrable throughout the scoreless first half. The Seawolves, who did not take aim at goalkeeper Cate Crenson until the 23rd minute, only attempted a pair of harmless shots from over 20 yards away.
     The Great Danes stayed in control at the beginning of the second half. Katie Grant came down the left side on a breakaway in the opening seconds, and was awarded a free kick when Viola took her down just inches outside the box. However, the Seawolf goalkeeper intercepted the ensuing cross as the match remained deadlocked. A header by Ashley Tirabassi on another free kick minutes later was also stopped.
     Stony Brook (7-9-2), which advanced to the conference championship match last season, had its first major scoring opportunity in the 52nd minute. Gabriella Petralia received a cross inside the six-yard box from the left side, but Norwood made a remarkable block on a very dangerous shot attempt by the sophomore forward.
     The Seawolves seized the momentum and netted the first goal of the match in the 68th minute. Dominique Adamo took a corner kick from the left side which was cleared away from trouble, pushing players from both sides up the field. However, Sarah Dwyer intercepted the ball and sent it back in the box to Gilley, who was alone with one Great Dane defender standing in her way. The freshman finished with a hard shot from eight yards out to give the Seawolves a one-goal advantage.
     After DeVerna took a shot which hit off the left post, the Seawolves came back the other way and doubled their lead when Kershaw converted a penalty kick in the 80th minute of action to seal the final outcome.
     "I thought our team played very well today," said head coach Mary-Frances Monroe, who along with assistants Kristin Shaw and Geneva Sills were recognized as the America East co-coaching staff of the year. "We controlled the majority of the game, but we didn't finish on our opportunities. I give Stony Brook credit for finishing and scoring on their chances. We were very young this year, and we have a lot to look forward to."
     UAlbany outshot Stony Brook, 11-7, and held a 3-2 advantage in corner kicks. Crenson finished with two saves for the Great Danes, while Viola stopped four shots for the Seawolves to earn her 26th career shutout.
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2009 America East Conference Women's Soccer Tournament (First Round)
UAlbany (8-10-1)          0     0      -      0
Stony Brook (7-9-2)      0     2      -      2

UAlbany: Scoring - None. Goalkeeping - Cate Crenson (90:00, 2 GA, 2 saves).
Stony Brook: Scoring - Meghan Gilley (1-0), Sa'sha Kershaw (1-0), Sarah Dwyer (0-1). Goalkeeping - Marisa Viola (90:00, 0 GA, 4 saves).

Stony Brook 2, UAlbany 0 (Oct. 29, 2009)

Soccer Box Score (Final)
Albany vs Stony Brook (Oct 29, 2009 at Stony Brook, N.Y.)