This Week in UAlbany Athletics: February 16

ALBANY, N.Y. - The University at Albany athletic programs return home this week for an action packed week of men's and women's lacrosse, as well as double women's basketball. 

Tuesday, February 17

Following a heart-pounding season opener against the defending National Champions, the UAlbany men’s lacrosse team returns to Casey Stadium this Tuesday for a mid-week clash against the University of Pennsylvania. The Great Danes enter the week with significant momentum despite a narrow 11-10 loss to No. 4 Cornell on Saturday. In that contest, UAlbany fought back from a two-goal fourth-quarter deficit to tie the game late, powered by four-goal performances from both Jackson Palumb and Ryan Doherty. The grit shown against one of the nation's top teams has validated the Great Danes' rise in the national conversation, as they officially moved into the No. 20 spot in the Inside Lacrosse Media Poll this week.

Standing in their way is a Penn team also looking for its first win of the season. The Quakers arrive in Albany following a tough 12-9 season-opening loss to No. 5 Georgetown this past Saturday. Led by new head coach Taylor Wray, Penn features a potent offense spearheaded by Davis Provost and Griffin Scane, both of whom found the back of the net in their opener. While Penn controlled the ground ball battle against the Hoyas, they will face a UAlbany unit that has historically been one of the most athletic in the country, setting the stage for a high-intensity battle between two programs hungry to jumpstart their 2026 campaigns.

The series history between these two programs has leaned in favor of the Quakers, with Penn holding a 4-0 all-time record against the Great Danes. This includes a 14-8 victory for Penn in Philadelphia last season. Tuesday marks the third time the Quakers visit Casey Stadium. With the Great Danes boasting a veteran roster and the advantage of a home crowd under the Tuesday afternoon lights, Coach Scott Marr’s squad is strongly positioned to break the streak and secure their first-ever victory over the Red and Blue.

Thursday, February 19

The Great Danes continue conference play looking to build consistency as the regular season enters its final stretch, carrying a 13-12 overall record into the matchup. UAlbany has leaned on efficient offense this season, shooting nearly 44 percent from the field and over 34 percent from three while averaging 58.2 points per game. Delanie Hill leads the Great Danes at 14.0 points per contest, with Amaya Stewart and Martina Borrellas providing a steady presence inside and on the glass. Defensive discipline remains a key focus as UAlbany continues to hold opponents to just 54.6 points per game.

NJIT enters with a balanced lineup that plays with physicality and looks to protect the paint while generating second-chance opportunities.

UAlbany leads the all-time series 41-18 and won the most recent meeting, 71-54, on January 29.

Saturday, February 21

The UAlbany Great Danes' women’s lacrosse team (1–1) returns to action for its home opener against the No.25 Harvard Crimson, at John Fallon Field. The Great Danes are 1–1 all-time against the Crimson, most recently falling 18–6 in last season’s meeting.

Offensively, UAlbany is led by Ravan Marsell, who has totaled six points on five assists and one goal, all coming in the Great Danes’ 9–6 season-opening win over Holy Cross. Kloey Roos paces the team with four goals, while Paisley Cook and Amanda Williamson have added three goals apiece. In net, Grace Cincebox (1–1) has played every minute this season, recording 19 saves with a 10.50 goals-against average and a .475 save percentage.

Harvard enters the matchup coming off a 10–7 home loss to No. 16 Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Prior to facing the Great Danes, the Crimson will travel to Smithfield, Rhode Island, to take on the Bryant Bulldogs on Wednesday, February 18. Charlotte Hodgson leads Harvard offensively with four points on one goal and three assists, while Grace Mullahy netted three goals against Notre Dame. Goalkeeper Rebecca Arpano (0–1) played the full 60 minutes in the opener, making 13 saves and posting a .565 save percentage.

Later in the week, the Great Danes turn their attention to UMBC as they look to carry momentum through another important conference matchup. UAlbany continues to emphasize ball movement and defensive execution, ranking among the league leaders in assists while maintaining one of the nation’s top scoring defenses. With contributions throughout the rotation, the Great Danes aim to control tempo and limit extra possessions.

UMBC brings an aggressive defensive approach and strong rebounding presence, led by Jade Tillman and a lineup that forces turnovers and creates pressure in the half court.

UAlbany leads the all-time series 34-24, though UMBC claimed the most recent meeting, 55-46, on January 31.

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