This Week in UAlbany Athletics: August 24

ALBANY, N.Y. - The University at Albany athletic programs return to action this week, with four teams set to compete on their home turf. 

Thursday, August 27

The Great Danes return home for their 2026 home opener after opening the season on the road at Michigan State. UAlbany will host defending NEC Champion FDU on Thursday, Aug. 27, at Bob Ford Field at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium before welcoming Colgate on Sunday, Aug. 30. The two-match homestand marks the beginning of an eight-match home schedule for the Great Danes.

FDU enters Thursday’s matchup coming off a scoreless draw against Saint Peter’s as UAlbany’s first home opponent of the 2026 season. The Great Danes and Knights will meet under the lights at 6:30 p.m.

UAlbany and FDU have met three times previously, with the Great Danes holding a 1-1-1 all-time record. The teams last met on Aug. 21, 2026, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

Friday, August 28

The UAlbany field hockey is back for the 2026 season with seven newcomers on the 18-person roster. Jette Kurz and Pilar Lorenzini highlight returners having been named America East Preseason All-Conference. Lorenzini led the team last season with 12 goals. Kurtz had a standout performance in the 2025 America East quarterfinal matchup with Bryant, scoring four goals in one game. Junior transfer Merle Vaandrager was also named America East Preseason All-Conference after her 2025 season with Vermont. Vaandrager is also the reigning America East Goalkeeper of the Year, and was part of the 2024 America East Championship team. 

Wagner will head to the Capital Region to open their season at Alumni Turf. Floortje Leunisse returns with the Seahawks for her senior season after leading the team with nine goals and six assists in 2025. 

UAlbany is undefeated against Wagner, winning all three prior contests with the Seahawks. The last time these two teams met, the Great Danes earned a 3-1 win on August 31, 2025, including a goal from Lorenzini. 

The 2026 UAlbany football season officially arrives under the Friday night lights at Casey Stadium, as the Great Danes jump right into CAA action for an electric season opener against New Hampshire. Friday night marks the start of a bold new chapter for Great Dane football with the debut of head coach Tom Perkovich, making it a can't-miss night to kick off the fall season at home.

Great Dane Nation is encouraged to pack the stands and wear black to build a high-energy atmosphere for the official "Black Out" game. The excitement continues at halftime with a special fireworks display over Casey Stadium. Grab black gear and come out to welcome Coach Perkovich and the new team in the season opener!

Fans can click here to purchase tickets. Parking pass purchases are strongly encouraged in advance; fans who secure parking ahead of time will receive a $5 discount compared to game-day rates. UAlbany students receive free admission to all UAlbany Athletics events and must claim their tickets in advance via the official UAlbany Athletics App.

Saturday, August 29

The UAlbany women's soccer team is set to take on Quinnipiac Sunday evening in Tom & Mary Casey Stadium. Junior Kiara Levac leads the team with two points from one goal. Sophomore Julia DiRaddo follows with one point from one assist. Claudia Volino has spent the most time in net fot the Great Danes, recording over 245 minutes in goal. In that time Volino has recorded 17 saves. The Bobcats are led by Kiara Bengtsson, who tallies three points from one goal and one assist. Olivia Jarvis has spent all but 3:53 in net for Quinnipiac and made nine saves, while allowing ten goals.

UAlbany holds the series lead with two wins to Quinnipiac's one. The last time these two teams faced off in 2024, Quinnipiac took a 3-nil shutout win over the Great Danes. 

Sunday, August 30

Prior to Boston College's trip to the Capital Region on  Sunday, they will host Providence on Friday, August 28. The Eagles are led by Madelieve Drion who led the team in points (11) and goals (five) last season. Also returning for BC is senior goalkeeper Charlotte Kramer, who started 13 of 16 games the Eagles played last season. Kramer recorded a .729 save percentage and a 1.40 goals against average in 2025. 

The Eagles lead the all-time series 4-1 against UAlbany. The Great Danes' sole win was a 4-3 double overtime victory in 2022. 

The Raiders enter Sunday’s matchup with a 1-1 record after opening the season with a 1-0 win over New Hampshire before falling 4-1 at No. 13 Vermont. Colgate will host Le Moyne on Thursday before traveling to Albany for Sunday’s matchup with the Great Danes.

UAlbany and Colgate have met 16 times, with the Great Danes holding a 4-9-3 all-time record. Colgate won the most recent meeting, 1-0, on Sept. 16, 2025, and has won the last meeting between the teams. UAlbany's last win in the series came in 2024, a 3-1 victory at home.

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Keep up with all of the latest news, highlights, and insights on UAlbany sports by following the department on X, Instagram, and Facebook. See below for sport-specific accounts.

Field Hockey - X, Instagram, Facebook
Football - X, Instagram, Facebook
Men's Soccer - X, Instagram,  Facebook
Women's Soccer -  X, Instagram, Facebook