Top 12 of '12: Moments 9-7

It's time to continue the countdown of the top moments of 2012 here at AExtra. The America East saw some great things happen over the last twelve months and yesterday we started by recapping moments 12-10. We heard about a national championship for Vermont skiing, a pair of NCAA Tournament berths for New Hampshire and Stony Brook, a monumental academic achievement for America East student-athletes, and a pair of signature non-conference wins early in the 2012-13 season. We've got plenty more to relive, so let's get into it again today with moments nine through seven.

No. 9: Boston U. Softball in the NCAA Tournament

After winning its third America East title in four years, Boston U. advanced to the College Softball World Series, where it would be in the same regional as national No. 1 seed California. In the Terriers' first matchup of the regional, they would face Arkansas of the SEC. Boston U. got out to an early lead, using an RBI double from Emily Roesch to go up 1-0 in the top of the second inning. But Arkansas would come right back with two runs and eventually win the game by a score of 3-2. This set up a matchup with MAAC champion Iona in the second game of regional play. The two teams were tied 2-2 after six innings and 3-3 after nine innings. Finally, in the bottom of the 13th inning, Boston U. would threaten with back-to-back singles and a wild pitch that sent runners to second and third. This set this state for Amy Ekart's walk-off single up the middle, plating Chelsea O'Connor and keeping the Terriers alive. Though Boston U. would fall in the next game to California, its victory was the sixth for the America East in the NCAA Tournament in as many years, and the victory was one we won't soon forget.

No. 8: Albany Women's Basketball Wins Its First Conference Title

"When the buzzer went off, I was speechless. I really think my mind went blank," said the Tournament Most Outstanding Player Ebone Henry. Her emotions were common as Albany defeated UMBC to win its first ever America East Championship. It was a special year for the Great Danes, as they eclipsed the 20-win mark for the first time ever as a Division I program by winning 23 games. Henry was a huge part of this historic season for Albany, as the junior guard, who was also named the conference Defensive Player of the Year, averaged 16.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, and 3.3 spg in the America East Tournament. The conference title game marked the team's 10th straight win, as they got ready to face No. 1 Texas A&M in the first round. Despite another strong effort from the Great Danes, the Aggies were too much and Albany's season ended witha 69-47 loss. The season, however, will surely be memorable for Albany and its fans.

No. 7: 12 America East Baseball Players Taken in the MLB Draft

It was a historic season for America East baseball, even before Stony Brook's magical run was complete (we may touch on that later). When the Major League Baseball Amateur Player Draft took play, a record 12 players from the conference heard their names called. The highest of these selections was Stony Brook outfielder Travis Jankowski, who went as a first-tround sandwich selection at 44th overall to the San Diego Padres. Jankowski had an incredible season for Stony Brook and was named to Baseball America's First-Team All-America list, on which he was called, "one of the nation's most dynamic players". Standouts from Albany, Binghamton and Maine also were taken in the draft. Take a look at this AExtra post from September to see how each of the player's made out in their pro debut.

Linked Up

The America East is the only conference with two teams in the top 10 of the women's basketball Mid-Major Top 25 poll.

Albany checks in at No. 24 in the latest men's Mid-Major Top 25 poll while Stony Brook is receiving votes.

Speaking of top memories, check out Stony Brook baseball appearing in a pair of top moments lists. The first is from Newsday, while the second is from Perfect Game.

Boston U. was the subject of CollegeInsider.com's latest Spotlight video.