University Park Regional: Albany

Albany: After a four year hiatus from regionals, the Great Danes are back. Coach Chris Cannata has built up an excellent program in the state of New York and they are in the America East title mix year in and year out. Albany had taken a back seat over the past couple years to Boston University, but this year Coach Cannata showed that she's still got and Albany bounced back to not only beat Boston University and win the America East title, but they also did it on Boston University's home field. This Albany squad may not have the postseason pedigree of past Albany squads, such as the 2007 squad that advanced to the regional finals in Hempstead, but this is a scrappy program.

Brittany MacFawn

In the circle, Albany is very young, as just one pitcher returned from last year. Freshman Brittany MacFawn leads the Great Danes in the circle and she has been on her game lately. MacFawn was the MVP of the America East Tournament, as she went 2-0 in the tournament and picked up a save, while allowing just two earned runs in 17 innings. MacFawn is a pitcher who relies on pinpoint location and she does not give up many free passes to opposing hitters. MacFawn is going to have to be very careful with how she pitches against some big bats this weekend, but if last weekend is any indication, she may be up to the task. MacFawn is the not the only Brittany that figures to see some time in the circle for Albany, as Brittany Schweiger has been another option that Coach Cannata has been willing to turn to. Schweiger is more of a strikeout pitcher than MacFawn, averaging more than a strikeout per inning. While Schweiger is more of a strikeout pitcher than MacFawn, but she is susceptible to the long ball as well. Both MacFawn and Schweiger figure to see some quality time in the circle for the Great Danes and they also have a third pitcher that they can turn to in Allie Weiser. Weiser comes in with an ERA of 2.90 and a record of 5-6 with 45 SO in 79.2 innings. Coach Cannata has depth in the circle and it will be interesting to see how she mixes and matches pitching.

Gina Mason

At the plate, Albany is an average hitting team, but once they are on the bases they can run. The Great Danes are hitting at a .253 clip with just 20 HR, but they have picked up 76 steals, which is over one steal per game. Albany likes its small ball, as the Great Danes have put down 38 sacrifice bunts on the year. Albany is led by Gina Mason, who is having an outstanding year for Albany. Mason is hitting a scorching .420 at the plate with 5 HR and 29 RBI and she leads the Great Danes in each category. Mason is the most powerful hitter in Albany's lineup, but the hitter that really gets things going for Albany is Andrianna Walraven. Walraven is Albany's leadoff hitter and shortstop and she is a great athlete for Albany. Walraven leads hits for average and power, while also being a real threat on the bases with 21 steals on the year. Walraven has also done a nice job starting at shortstop this year for Albany and she definitely a player to watch at this regional. Coach Cannata also has two other jackrabbits on the base paths with Jessica Bergin and Diane McDowell who have 15 and 23 steals respectively. Opposing pitchers are going to have to keep those three speedy runners off the bases in order to beat the Great Danes. Albany is going to fight and scrap for every run and they are going to take advantage of any miscues on defense.

Andrianna Walraven

Outlook: Albany may be a bit overmatched against Oregon and Fordham, but they have a great shot at taking down Penn State. Albany is going to have to fight and battle for every run, but if they can get on the board first in any of its games, anything could happen. In its 2007 regional appearance, Albany advanced all the way to the regional final against Baylor and they pushed Texas A&M to the brink in 2006. If the Great Danes can get a few bounces to go their way they could give Fordham or Oregon a competitive game, but it will be tough for them to come away with a victory. This is a very young Albany squad and this trip to regionals is sure to lay a solid foundation for the next few seasons and it will be fun to watch and see what they can do.