Catholics square off in soccer, basketball

The College of Saint Rose women's soccer team had its season come to an end in heartbreaking fashion Dec. 3, losing 3-2 in overtime against No. 3 Grand Valley State in the national semifinals in Tampa, Fla.

SAINT ROSE
After finishing the regular season undefeated and ranking No. 2 in the national poll, the Albany college continued its run throughout the tournament, allowing only one goal in three games. However, Grand Valley State (21-0-4) was able to find a hole in the stellar Saint Rose defense to pull off a victory.

After jumping out to an early 2-0 lead, Saint Rose allowed three unanswered goals, including the game winner just shy of the five-minute mark in overtime. Grand Valley State outshot the Golden Knights 19-11.

This marks the second consecutive year where Saint Rose has lost in the semifinal round of the NCAA Tournament. They finished their season with a 24-1 record.

SIENA COLLEGE
After travelling to Atlanta and losing to former coach Paul Hewitt and No. 23 Georgia Tech Dec. 2, the Siena College men's basketball team managed to bounce back with authority for their big matchup against cross-town rival The University at Albany.

Junior Clarence Jackson scored a game high 25 points and senior Edwin Ubiles returned from a knee injury, giving the Saints (5-3) an 853-54 victory - and once again giving Loudonville bragging rights over Albany.

The game, played in front of 12,960 fans at the Times Union Center in Albany, was never a contest. Siena took a 49-23 lead into halftime and UAlbany was never able to get closer than 23 points in the second half.

HIGH SCHOOL BALL
The high school basketball season opened over the weekend with some dominating performances by local Catholic schools.

On the men's side, Bishop Maginn of Albany beat Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons of Schenectady 71-48, Chstiian Brothers Academy of Colonie toppled Troy 74-43, and Catholic Central in Troy bested Amster-dam 53-39.

LaSalle was not so lucky, however: The Troy school lost to Albany 71-68.

On the women's side, Sara-toga Central Catholic beat Cor-inth 25-20, Albany's Academy of the Holy Names bested Schalmont 62-37, CCHS edged Amsterdam 59-48 and Bishop Maginn defeated Scotia 52-46.

(12-10-09)