The America East Conference announced on Monday evening that the Maine women's team will not participate in the 2013 America East tournament, this weekend at SEFCU Arena, in Albany.

The decision comes in the wake of the Feb. 26 bus accident, in which the Black Bears were traveling to Boston University, when the bus went off of Interstate 95, near Georgetown, Mass. Coach Richard Barron and Athletic Director Steve Abbott spoke with the student-athletes before notifying the league of its decision.

"It has been a difficult time for these student-athletes following the accident," says Robert Dana, Maine's vice president for student affairs and dean of students. "Our focus has been and continues to be the health and well-being of these players in their athletic and academic lives"

Maine's absence means that the University at Albany will advance right into Sunday's semifinals.

"I feel for them," said UAlbany coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson, who was an assistant at Maine from 1992-94. "That's something tough to go through."

The Great Danes will play Sunday, March 10, at 1 p.m., against the winner of the Stony Brook/New Hampshire game.

"I feel really bad for them," said UAlbany senior Ebone Henry. "I wouldn't want that to happen to any team."

Fans who have already purchased single-session or all-session passes will receive refunds and can also receive a $10 discount to a future America East championship event. The Stony Brook/New Hampshire quarterfinal will be moved up to 6 p.m., the original time of the UAlbany/Maine game. 

“We are very sympathetic to the traumatic event Maine women’s basketball has experienced,” said America East Commissioner Amy Huchthausen. “We entrust this decision to the experts and professionals on Maine’s campus to do what is best for the student-athletes, coaches and staff. The America East still looks forward to a great tournament in Albany this weekend.”