A early‑season rivalry reignited
Friday night will see the Quinnipiac Bobcats travel to Albany, New York, to face the Great Danes in a much‑anticipated season opener. The match, scheduled for 4:00 p.m., marks the sixth meeting between the two programs, with Quinnipiac holding a 3‑2 edge in the series.
The Bobcats arrive with a strong pedigree. Under head coach Dave Clarke, now in his 28th season, Quinnipiac captured the MAAC Championship in 2023 and finished the previous campaign with an 8‑3‑6 record, highlighted by an unbeaten 8‑0‑4 conference slate. Clarke’s long tenure has produced multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and a reputation for steady, disciplined play.
Across the field, the Great Danes are still searching for their first win of the year. After opening with defeats to Boston University, Siena and CCSU, they stand at 0‑3‑0. Their lone goal scorer, Kiara Lavac, found the net in the season opener against Boston, while goalkeeper Claudia Volino has already logged 17 saves, though seven goals have slipped past her.
Recent history favors Quinnipiac. The Bobcats posted a 3‑0 victory over UAlbany on September 1, 2024, and have dominated conference matchups in recent years. This edge is reinforced by a roster that returns top scorers Morgan Cupo and Corey Anderson, while also integrating five fresh faces to bolster depth.
Beyond the immediate contest, Quinnipiac will host seven home games this season, including a September 5 showdown with Yale. The team’s early schedule offers a chance to build momentum, and a win over the Great Danes would not only extend their series lead but also solidify their position as a top contender in the upcoming conference play.