Hockey
Joe Meloni
Freshman James Marcou scored his fourth goal of the season with 5 minutes, 34 seconds remaining in the third period, lifting No. 9 UMass over No. 6 Notre Dame in the opening game of the Lightning College Hockey Classic in Tampa, Fla.
UMass will take on the winner of No. 4 Colorado College-No. 17 Rensselaer Sunday night in the championship game of the four-team tournament.
Junior Cory Quirk led the way for the Minutemen with four points on a goal and three assists. Senior P.J. Fenton had his second consecutive three assist game for UMass.
Mike Kostka scored the first goal of the game for UMass on the power play - one of three power-play goals for the Minutemen on the night. Entering the matchup, the Fighting Irish killed 92.6 percent of opponent's power plays but struggled against the Minutemen.
Sophomore Justin Braun scored UMass's second goal on the man advantage which tied the game at 3-3 late in the second period. The teams played over 14 minutes of scoreless hockey in the third period until Marcou put the Minutemen ahead.
In their last two games, the UMass power play has accounted for five goals on 10 opportunties.
Freshman goaltender Paul Dainton earned his fifth win of the season for the Minutemen, making 29 saves. Although the third period fell in favor of UMass, the Fighting Irish out-shot the Minutemen 13-6 in the period.
With 51 seconds left in the game, junior Alex Berry received a major penalty for boarding. The hit gave ND a 6-on-4 advantage in the final minute after ND coach Jeff Jackson pulled goaltender Jordan Pearce. But the Fighting Irish failed to take advantage as Dainton saved the one shot they forced in the final minute.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
First half recap; 44-25 UMass
Men's Basketball
Michael King
Mercifully the first half just ended for Boston University; the Terriers scored only 25 points. Gary Forbes led all scorers with 15 points. The senior already has notched a double-double with 10 rebounds.
The teams are tied with 24 rebounds, a surprising stat considering BU's lack of height in the front court. But 12 offensive rebounds allowed the Terriers to mask their low shooting percentage of 26 percent.
The Terriers play on offense was aneimic at times during the first 10 minutes. In one sequence, two BU players bricked 3-point attempts while closely guarded. The second rebound attempt resulted in the BU player jumping too soon and grabbing the rim instead of the ball.
By the 14-minute mark of the half, the Minutemen had already established a 20-point lead with the score 35-15.
Being located in one of America's 20 largest cities and with an undergraduate student body of over 20,000, you have to wonder how the Terriers average about 1,500 fans per home game. But judging by BU's offensive performance this evening, you can understand why people won't consistently come out and watch this team. The team's slow-down, half-court style is reminisicent of the UMass team's from the Steve Lappas era but stand in sharp contrast to this year's up-tempo Minutemen.
Michael King
Mercifully the first half just ended for Boston University; the Terriers scored only 25 points. Gary Forbes led all scorers with 15 points. The senior already has notched a double-double with 10 rebounds.
The teams are tied with 24 rebounds, a surprising stat considering BU's lack of height in the front court. But 12 offensive rebounds allowed the Terriers to mask their low shooting percentage of 26 percent.
The Terriers play on offense was aneimic at times during the first 10 minutes. In one sequence, two BU players bricked 3-point attempts while closely guarded. The second rebound attempt resulted in the BU player jumping too soon and grabbing the rim instead of the ball.
By the 14-minute mark of the half, the Minutemen had already established a 20-point lead with the score 35-15.
Being located in one of America's 20 largest cities and with an undergraduate student body of over 20,000, you have to wonder how the Terriers average about 1,500 fans per home game. But judging by BU's offensive performance this evening, you can understand why people won't consistently come out and watch this team. The team's slow-down, half-court style is reminisicent of the UMass team's from the Steve Lappas era but stand in sharp contrast to this year's up-tempo Minutemen.
The Lowe, Lowe and Lo show
Men's Basketball
Michael King
There's a good chance that someone named with the last name that's pronounced as 'low' will be one of the primary factors in tonight's game against Boston University. The Minutemen have junior point guard Chris Lowe, who leads the team in assists and averages about 11 points per game. UMass also has freshmen center Papa Lo who is developing into a shotblocking sensation. Last time out against CCSU last weekend, Lo blocked six shots in 12 minutes of action.
Meanwhile the Terriers are led by sophomore point guard Corey Lowe. He averages a team-high 19.1 points per game and 4.6 rebounds.
There's a surprisingly large crowd at the Mullins Center this evening, considering the New England Patriots kick off in less than 45 minutes. Though the crowd will be well below its average size especially since students are not on campus.
Michael King
There's a good chance that someone named with the last name that's pronounced as 'low' will be one of the primary factors in tonight's game against Boston University. The Minutemen have junior point guard Chris Lowe, who leads the team in assists and averages about 11 points per game. UMass also has freshmen center Papa Lo who is developing into a shotblocking sensation. Last time out against CCSU last weekend, Lo blocked six shots in 12 minutes of action.
Meanwhile the Terriers are led by sophomore point guard Corey Lowe. He averages a team-high 19.1 points per game and 4.6 rebounds.
There's a surprisingly large crowd at the Mullins Center this evening, considering the New England Patriots kick off in less than 45 minutes. Though the crowd will be well below its average size especially since students are not on campus.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
ECAC preseason poll
Men's Lacrosse
Michael King
The coaches of the ECAC Lacrosse League picked UMass to finish second in the conference this season. The Minutemen are coming off a 7-7 campaign from 2007 that did not lead to an NCAA tournament bid. UMass has talent at most positions including junior Doc Schneider, defenseman Sean Krygier and junior attackman Jim Connolly.
Georgetown was picked to win the league and has enough depth to outclass the other teams in the league. The Hoyas have a unique combination of senior leadership and skilled sophomores that could make them national title contenders in May.
Here how the league shapes up:
1. Georgetown
2. UMass
3. Loyola
4. Penn State
5. Rutgers
6. St. John's
7. Fairfield
8. Hobart
Michael King
The coaches of the ECAC Lacrosse League picked UMass to finish second in the conference this season. The Minutemen are coming off a 7-7 campaign from 2007 that did not lead to an NCAA tournament bid. UMass has talent at most positions including junior Doc Schneider, defenseman Sean Krygier and junior attackman Jim Connolly.
Georgetown was picked to win the league and has enough depth to outclass the other teams in the league. The Hoyas have a unique combination of senior leadership and skilled sophomores that could make them national title contenders in May.
Here how the league shapes up:
1. Georgetown
2. UMass
3. Loyola
4. Penn State
5. Rutgers
6. St. John's
7. Fairfield
8. Hobart
Friday, December 14, 2007
Demon Deacons take first semi
Michael King
Men's Soccer
Wake Forest won the first semifinal match-up with two second half goals against Virginia Tech. Forward Marcus Tracy scored both goals for the Demon Deacons.
The first came off of a free kick from the right side of the field near the 18-yard box. Tracy jumped in the air and simultaneously redirected the ball into the goal. In the 83rd minute, Tracy beat the goalie with a shot from 15 yards out to the right side.
Virgina Tech had several opportunities to score within the last 20 minutes, including one shot that hit the post. On several occasions, the Hokie forwards were looking for foul calls within the 18-yard box but received no favor from the referee.
Wake will play the winner of Massachusetts and Ohio State Sunday at 3 pm at SAS Soccer Park.
Photo by Brian Tedder
UMass 0, Ohio State 0 at halftime
Live from the College Cup
Joe Meloni
CARY, N.C. - UMass and OSU entered the break tied, 0-0. But the score is the only stat not heavily in slanted in favor of the Buckeyes.
The Buckeyes forced far more chances than the Minutemen, and maintained possession for a significant portion of the half. In the 10th minute, Roger Espinoza crossed into the UMass penalty area in front of goalkeeper Zack SImmons. Doug Verhoff perfectly timed the bicycle kick and lined it on net, but it flew over the crossbar.
UMass's best chance came in the third minute. After stealing a pass, Mike DeSantis played the ball long to brother Mark. The sophomore dribbled around a defender and linded up a left-footed shot, but OSU back Eric Brunner blocked the shot.
Sophomore back Dan Lepone received a yellow card in the final minutes of the half for a hard tackle on an OSU midfielder as they both pursued a loose ball.
Check back after the second half for more From the Press Box...
Joe Meloni
CARY, N.C. - UMass and OSU entered the break tied, 0-0. But the score is the only stat not heavily in slanted in favor of the Buckeyes.
The Buckeyes forced far more chances than the Minutemen, and maintained possession for a significant portion of the half. In the 10th minute, Roger Espinoza crossed into the UMass penalty area in front of goalkeeper Zack SImmons. Doug Verhoff perfectly timed the bicycle kick and lined it on net, but it flew over the crossbar.
UMass's best chance came in the third minute. After stealing a pass, Mike DeSantis played the ball long to brother Mark. The sophomore dribbled around a defender and linded up a left-footed shot, but OSU back Eric Brunner blocked the shot.
Sophomore back Dan Lepone received a yellow card in the final minutes of the half for a hard tackle on an OSU midfielder as they both pursued a loose ball.
Check back after the second half for more From the Press Box...
And in the other game
Live at the College Cup
Joe Meloni
CARY, N.C. - At halftime, the national semifinal match between Wake Forest and Virginia Tech is scoreless. Both teams forced chances, but superb goalkeeping maintained the 0-0 tie.
As the half ended, the Minutemen entered the SAS Soccer Park. The normally upbeat team kept a reserved demeanor as it ascended the bleachers led by captain Zack Simmons.
UMass and Ohio State kick off at 7 p.m. as of right now. But all of that depends on the first game. Late in the opening period, Wake forward Marcus Tracy dribbled through the VT defenders and walked in alone on goalkeeper Markus Aigner. Tracy tried to hit the far post with Aigner covering the near side, but the shot skipped wide, rolling harmlessly out of bounds.
Aigner and Demon Deacon goalkeeper Brian Edwards each made a pair of saves in the game. The match adopted an agressive feel late in the half. A hard tackle on the right flank by VT's Robert Edmans drew a yellow card from official Alex Gorin.
Check back after the game for more From the Press Box...
Photo by Brian Tedder
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
Men's Soccer preps for Final Four
Men's Soccer
Michael King
As UMass coach Sam Koch prepares for the program's first-ever NCAA College Cup appearance, he recieved a special call earlier this week from a former UMass coach who took his team to the Final Four in 1996.
"[John] Calipari called me and told that's its just another game and that we should keep doing what we've been doing. That was refreshing, because that's what we've been trying to do," Koch said.
Though the experience of the former men's basketball coach would be an asset to any coach, Koch hopes to have more success in the Final Four than his counterpart. Calipari's squad was defeated by eventual national champion Kentucky in the semifinal game.
Michael King
As UMass coach Sam Koch prepares for the program's first-ever NCAA College Cup appearance, he recieved a special call earlier this week from a former UMass coach who took his team to the Final Four in 1996.
"[John] Calipari called me and told that's its just another game and that we should keep doing what we've been doing. That was refreshing, because that's what we've been trying to do," Koch said.
Though the experience of the former men's basketball coach would be an asset to any coach, Koch hopes to have more success in the Final Four than his counterpart. Calipari's squad was defeated by eventual national champion Kentucky in the semifinal game.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Hockey
Joe Meloni
A two-goal third period sealed UMass's 4-1 victory over New Hampshire. Senior P.J. Fenton capped a career performance with a goal and an assist in the frame.
The win lifts UMass to a second-place tie with idle Boston College.
The Fenton score came on a power play when he redirected a shot from sophomore winger Will Ortiz through the legs of UNH's Brian Foster.
Fenton's senior season hasn't gotten off to a very prolific start, coming into tonight's matchup he had four points in the season's first 14 games.
Quirk's score came late in the period with the Minutemen already ahead 3-1. Fenton shot from the point hit the skate of Foster and kicked over to Quirk who slapped home the rebound. The Minutemen are now 38-0-1 in their last 39 games when scoring at least four goals.
Joe Meloni
A two-goal third period sealed UMass's 4-1 victory over New Hampshire. Senior P.J. Fenton capped a career performance with a goal and an assist in the frame.
The win lifts UMass to a second-place tie with idle Boston College.
The Fenton score came on a power play when he redirected a shot from sophomore winger Will Ortiz through the legs of UNH's Brian Foster.
Fenton's senior season hasn't gotten off to a very prolific start, coming into tonight's matchup he had four points in the season's first 14 games.
Quirk's score came late in the period with the Minutemen already ahead 3-1. Fenton shot from the point hit the skate of Foster and kicked over to Quirk who slapped home the rebound. The Minutemen are now 38-0-1 in their last 39 games when scoring at least four goals.
UMass up after 2
Hockey
Jeremy Rice
UMass 2, UNH 1
The Minutemen jumped out to a 2-0 lead before Mike Radja's second period goal closed the gap, but the Mass Attack looks like the sharper team tonight in the Mullins Center.
UMass broke a 98 minute, 47 second scoreless streak at 1:17 with David Leaderer's second goal of the season. P.J. Fenton sent a cross-ice pass in the neutral zone that found a speedy Chris Davis. Davis carried the pucked into the offensive zone and sent a shot at Brian Foster, who let the rebound trickle to his right in the crease, where Leaderer poked it home for the 1-0 lead.
Freshman Michael Lecomte made it a two-goal game with a smart play on a loose puck. Fenton again was the second assist on the play, digging the puck out of the corner. Marcou gathered it at the right face off circle and quickly fed Lecomte in the slot. Lecomte one-timed it over Foster's right shoulder.
Radja's goal brought the Wildcats back within striking distance at 16:24. The UNH assistant captain fought off nearly every Minuteman on the ice as he skated from behind the goal line to the right of the net, carried the puck across the crease and backhanded the shot past UMass goalie Paul Dainton.
Fenton is now 20th all-time at UMass with 44 career assists.
Six total players were given two-minute minor penalties at 17:28 for hitting after the whistle, as a scuffle broke out in front of the UNH net. Lecomte, Alex Berry and James Marcou for UMass, and Jamie Fritsch, Peter LeBlanc and James van Riemsdyk for UNH.
UMass was outshot 18-12 in the second period.
More From the Press Box after the third period ...
Jeremy Rice
UMass 2, UNH 1
The Minutemen jumped out to a 2-0 lead before Mike Radja's second period goal closed the gap, but the Mass Attack looks like the sharper team tonight in the Mullins Center.
UMass broke a 98 minute, 47 second scoreless streak at 1:17 with David Leaderer's second goal of the season. P.J. Fenton sent a cross-ice pass in the neutral zone that found a speedy Chris Davis. Davis carried the pucked into the offensive zone and sent a shot at Brian Foster, who let the rebound trickle to his right in the crease, where Leaderer poked it home for the 1-0 lead.
Freshman Michael Lecomte made it a two-goal game with a smart play on a loose puck. Fenton again was the second assist on the play, digging the puck out of the corner. Marcou gathered it at the right face off circle and quickly fed Lecomte in the slot. Lecomte one-timed it over Foster's right shoulder.
Radja's goal brought the Wildcats back within striking distance at 16:24. The UNH assistant captain fought off nearly every Minuteman on the ice as he skated from behind the goal line to the right of the net, carried the puck across the crease and backhanded the shot past UMass goalie Paul Dainton.
Fenton is now 20th all-time at UMass with 44 career assists.
Six total players were given two-minute minor penalties at 17:28 for hitting after the whistle, as a scuffle broke out in front of the UNH net. Lecomte, Alex Berry and James Marcou for UMass, and Jamie Fritsch, Peter LeBlanc and James van Riemsdyk for UNH.
UMass was outshot 18-12 in the second period.
More From the Press Box after the third period ...
Stalemate at Mullins
Hockey
Jeremy Rice
Massachusetts 0, New Hampshire 0
Despite being short on personnel both on the ice and on the bench, the Massachusetts hockey team is scoreless after one period with New Hampshire.
Wildcat goaltender Kevin Regan is not playing. In his place is sophomore Brian Foster, who is 2-0-1 this season in three games played with a 2.55 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage.
UMass forward Chase Langeraap was ejected from the game with 5:30 remaining in the first period after incurring a 5-minute game misconduct for hitting from behind in the corner of the UNH end of the ice. Although the hit looked inadvertent, Langeraap was forced to hit the locker rooms, and UMass coach Don Cahoon did not appear to put up much protest to the call.
Freshman Doug Kublin and junior John Wessbecker are not in the game tonight. Martin Nolet returned once again to his usual defeseman position next to captain Mike Kostka. Redshirt fresman Kevin Kessler is the sixth blue liner for UMass.
Shortly after an unproductive power play, the Mass Attack found itself two men down on the ice and one more short on the bench. Following Langeraap's game misconduct, Will Ortiz was whistled for slashing, and UNH's Kevin Kapstad was still in the penalty box for roughing.
UNH played a brief 4-on-3 before getting back to full strength for one minute, 20 seconds of the two-man advantage. UMass, however, stiffened up in their own zone, giving up very scoring chances to the Wildcats.
More From the Press Box after the second period...
Jeremy Rice
Massachusetts 0, New Hampshire 0
Despite being short on personnel both on the ice and on the bench, the Massachusetts hockey team is scoreless after one period with New Hampshire.
Wildcat goaltender Kevin Regan is not playing. In his place is sophomore Brian Foster, who is 2-0-1 this season in three games played with a 2.55 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage.
UMass forward Chase Langeraap was ejected from the game with 5:30 remaining in the first period after incurring a 5-minute game misconduct for hitting from behind in the corner of the UNH end of the ice. Although the hit looked inadvertent, Langeraap was forced to hit the locker rooms, and UMass coach Don Cahoon did not appear to put up much protest to the call.
Freshman Doug Kublin and junior John Wessbecker are not in the game tonight. Martin Nolet returned once again to his usual defeseman position next to captain Mike Kostka. Redshirt fresman Kevin Kessler is the sixth blue liner for UMass.
Shortly after an unproductive power play, the Mass Attack found itself two men down on the ice and one more short on the bench. Following Langeraap's game misconduct, Will Ortiz was whistled for slashing, and UNH's Kevin Kapstad was still in the penalty box for roughing.
UNH played a brief 4-on-3 before getting back to full strength for one minute, 20 seconds of the two-man advantage. UMass, however, stiffened up in their own zone, giving up very scoring chances to the Wildcats.
More From the Press Box after the second period...
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
UMass takes lead over BC
Men's Soccer
Michael King
UMass just took the lead 2-1 against No. 1 Boston College with a goal from Mark DeSantis. The Minutemen need only to maintain its lead for the final few minutes to clinch a birth in the Round of 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
Michael King
UMass just took the lead 2-1 against No. 1 Boston College with a goal from Mark DeSantis. The Minutemen need only to maintain its lead for the final few minutes to clinch a birth in the Round of 16 of the NCAA Tournament.
Minutemen at the Carrier Dome
Men's Basketball
Michael King
There's a pretty big crowd here in Syracuse for tonight's game between the Orange and UMass. The Carrier Dome is an impressive structure. Since it doubles as a football arena, half of the stadium is cut off. The court itself is on one endzone and there is a set of moveable bleachers around where the 50-yard line normally would be.
The Syracuse student section is completely filled with students glad in Orange and Blue. Judging from the player introductions, they will be a vocal bunch.
Michael King
There's a pretty big crowd here in Syracuse for tonight's game between the Orange and UMass. The Carrier Dome is an impressive structure. Since it doubles as a football arena, half of the stadium is cut off. The court itself is on one endzone and there is a set of moveable bleachers around where the 50-yard line normally would be.
The Syracuse student section is completely filled with students glad in Orange and Blue. Judging from the player introductions, they will be a vocal bunch.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Warriors waive Lasme
Men's Basketball
Michael King
The Golden State Warriors waived forward Stephane Lasme earlier today. The team also signed veteren center D.J. Mbenga. The 7-foot center gives the Warriors more height in the front court than the 6-foot-8 Lasme. Mbena played in 21 games for the Dallas Mavericks last season, averaging less than four minutes per game.
Lasme was drafted in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft and was the first UMass player selected since Lari Ketner in 2002.
Michael King
The Golden State Warriors waived forward Stephane Lasme earlier today. The team also signed veteren center D.J. Mbenga. The 7-foot center gives the Warriors more height in the front court than the 6-foot-8 Lasme. Mbena played in 21 games for the Dallas Mavericks last season, averaging less than four minutes per game.
Lasme was drafted in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft and was the first UMass player selected since Lari Ketner in 2002.
Lowe in street clothes
Men's Basketball
Michael King
As the Massachusetts men's basketball team warms up for its game against Wisconsin-Green Bay at the Mullins Center, Chris Lowe is not playing. Lowe not being in uniform means that both senior forward Gary Forbes and freshman Gary Correia will see time at the position. Ford loves Forbes' versatility, but prefers to use him on the wings so he can focus on scoring. But it's unclear if Correia is ready to run the team.
Michael King
As the Massachusetts men's basketball team warms up for its game against Wisconsin-Green Bay at the Mullins Center, Chris Lowe is not playing. Lowe not being in uniform means that both senior forward Gary Forbes and freshman Gary Correia will see time at the position. Ford loves Forbes' versatility, but prefers to use him on the wings so he can focus on scoring. But it's unclear if Correia is ready to run the team.
Friday, November 16, 2007
UMass 1, Boston College 1
Hockey
Joe Meloni
Will Ortiz hit a streaking Mike Kostka in the low slot to beat John Muse and even the score at 1-1. The Eagles scored the games first goal in the second minute of the period when freshman winger Joe Whitney spotted a wide open Nathan Gerbe and an equally barren passing lane to Paul Dainton's left. Gerbe one-timed it past the UMass goaltender.
Both goals were scored on the power play.
The game is getting increasingly physical as it progresses. The BC defenders have taken every chance they can to rough up UMass's smaller forwards, namely Ortiz and James Marcou.
The shots on goal slanted heavily in favor of the Minutemen at 26-17. BC freshman net minder John Muse is doing a wonderful job replacing the departed Cory Schneider. On the other end, UMass freshman Paul Dainton is making the saves he should make. The BC goal was simply a wonderful passing play made by two of Hockey East's most dynamic forwards.
The UMass men's soccer team's game was slated for 8 p.m., but the previous game - between Charlotte and Saint Louis - just ended with the 49ers winning 3-2 on penalty kicks after a scoreless regulation and overtime period.
Saint Louis was the tournament's top seed, but Charlotte goalkeeper David Martin made three saves on five PK chances for the Billikens.
UMass takes on Rhode Island later this evening. The Rams beat UMass, 3-1, earlier this season in Amherst.
Joe Meloni
Will Ortiz hit a streaking Mike Kostka in the low slot to beat John Muse and even the score at 1-1. The Eagles scored the games first goal in the second minute of the period when freshman winger Joe Whitney spotted a wide open Nathan Gerbe and an equally barren passing lane to Paul Dainton's left. Gerbe one-timed it past the UMass goaltender.
Both goals were scored on the power play.
The game is getting increasingly physical as it progresses. The BC defenders have taken every chance they can to rough up UMass's smaller forwards, namely Ortiz and James Marcou.
The shots on goal slanted heavily in favor of the Minutemen at 26-17. BC freshman net minder John Muse is doing a wonderful job replacing the departed Cory Schneider. On the other end, UMass freshman Paul Dainton is making the saves he should make. The BC goal was simply a wonderful passing play made by two of Hockey East's most dynamic forwards.
The UMass men's soccer team's game was slated for 8 p.m., but the previous game - between Charlotte and Saint Louis - just ended with the 49ers winning 3-2 on penalty kicks after a scoreless regulation and overtime period.
Saint Louis was the tournament's top seed, but Charlotte goalkeeper David Martin made three saves on five PK chances for the Billikens.
UMass takes on Rhode Island later this evening. The Rams beat UMass, 3-1, earlier this season in Amherst.
No score after 1
Hockey
Jeremy Rice
UMass 0, Boston College 0
The Massachusetts hockey team and Boston College battled back and forth in the first period, but to no avail. Neither team could muster a goal, despite a handful of opportunities for both.
UMass had the best chance, with a 5-on-3 with about five minutes remaining in the period, but put together a pair of lackluster power plays and struggled to keep the puck in the offensive zone.
BC drew a 5-on-3 of it own as time expired and will begin the second period with a two-man advantage.
The Massachusetts men's soccer team is also in action tonight in the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 tournament against one of its biggest rivals, Rhode Island. Check back for updates on both games as the night progresses.
More from the press box after the second period...
Jeremy Rice
UMass 0, Boston College 0
The Massachusetts hockey team and Boston College battled back and forth in the first period, but to no avail. Neither team could muster a goal, despite a handful of opportunities for both.
UMass had the best chance, with a 5-on-3 with about five minutes remaining in the period, but put together a pair of lackluster power plays and struggled to keep the puck in the offensive zone.
BC drew a 5-on-3 of it own as time expired and will begin the second period with a two-man advantage.
The Massachusetts men's soccer team is also in action tonight in the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 tournament against one of its biggest rivals, Rhode Island. Check back for updates on both games as the night progresses.
More from the press box after the second period...
Boston College at UMass
Hockey
Joe Meloni
UMass and BC just skated off the ice after the pre-game shoot around. Operation 8K looks like a moderate success. The student section is basically full and the general admission half of the Mullins Center is scattered with youth groups and families.
For the Minutemen, sophomore defenseman Martin Nolet is out of the lineup for his third consecutive game; freshman Doug Kublin will skate alongside captain Mike Kostka on UMass's first defensive pair.
UMass top line is unchanged from last weekend, but - as it's been all season - the other three lines are different from the games with Boston University and UMass Lowell.
UMass:
LW - P.J. Fenton C - Cory Quirk RW - Chris Davis
James Marcou - Michael Lecomte - Alex Berry
Shawn Saunders - Brett Watson - Will Ortiz
Matt Burto - Jordan Virtue - Scott Crowder
LD - Kublin RD - Kostka
David Leaderer - Justin Braun
Topher Bevis - John Wessbecker
Paul Dainton looks like the option in net, but all three goaltenders on the roster were in pads during the warmup.
The Eagles are part of the five-way tie atop Hockey East with UMass, New Hampshire, Northeastern and Providence.
Junior winger Nathan Gerbe is back from a one-game mandated Hockey East suspension and is paired with center Ben Smith and right wing Dan Bertram. In Gerbe's absence, BC dropped a 5-2 decision at UNH to continue a three-game winless streak after starting conference play with two wins and a draw.
Hockey East points leader Joe Whitney is on the left side of BC's top line. The 5-foot-6 freshman has 12 points - three goals, nine assists - in his first nine college hockey games.
The big news out of Chestnut Hill this week was the departure of Brett Motherwell for the American Hockey League. He was one of BC's top defenders and his exit left the Eagles without one of the top defenders in the country.
More From the Press Box after the first period...
Joe Meloni
UMass and BC just skated off the ice after the pre-game shoot around. Operation 8K looks like a moderate success. The student section is basically full and the general admission half of the Mullins Center is scattered with youth groups and families.
For the Minutemen, sophomore defenseman Martin Nolet is out of the lineup for his third consecutive game; freshman Doug Kublin will skate alongside captain Mike Kostka on UMass's first defensive pair.
UMass top line is unchanged from last weekend, but - as it's been all season - the other three lines are different from the games with Boston University and UMass Lowell.
UMass:
LW - P.J. Fenton C - Cory Quirk RW - Chris Davis
James Marcou - Michael Lecomte - Alex Berry
Shawn Saunders - Brett Watson - Will Ortiz
Matt Burto - Jordan Virtue - Scott Crowder
LD - Kublin RD - Kostka
David Leaderer - Justin Braun
Topher Bevis - John Wessbecker
Paul Dainton looks like the option in net, but all three goaltenders on the roster were in pads during the warmup.
The Eagles are part of the five-way tie atop Hockey East with UMass, New Hampshire, Northeastern and Providence.
Junior winger Nathan Gerbe is back from a one-game mandated Hockey East suspension and is paired with center Ben Smith and right wing Dan Bertram. In Gerbe's absence, BC dropped a 5-2 decision at UNH to continue a three-game winless streak after starting conference play with two wins and a draw.
Hockey East points leader Joe Whitney is on the left side of BC's top line. The 5-foot-6 freshman has 12 points - three goals, nine assists - in his first nine college hockey games.
The big news out of Chestnut Hill this week was the departure of Brett Motherwell for the American Hockey League. He was one of BC's top defenders and his exit left the Eagles without one of the top defenders in the country.
More From the Press Box after the first period...
Friday, November 9, 2007
Two out of three ain't bad
Hockey
Jeremy Rice
UMass 5, BU 3 - FINAL
The Massachusetts hockey team made a living out of doing it last season, and if you're going to choose a period to take off, the least of three evils would be the second period.
That seems to be the Minutemen's strategy once again this season. After winning a hard-fought first period, 2-1, Boston University owned the second period and tied the game at two.
The Minutemen made good, however, on the latter end of their bargain with a convincing three-goal third period to knock off the Terriers on the road for the first time since the 2003-04 season, when UMass won, 2-1, on Jan. 7, 2004. That was the same year as the team's only Hockey East Finals appearance, a 2-1, triple-overtime loss to Maine.
UMass took a 3-2 lead near the seven-minute mark with a power play goal by freshman Chase Langeraap, who won out a tussle in front of the net. BU responded with Pete MacArthur's second goal of the game. MacArthur earned the top Star of the Game honor despite being on the losing side, with two goals and an assist.
MacArthur took a pass at the right goal post, and UMass goaltender Paul Dainton had no chance, as MacArthur lifted the puck over Dainton's left shoulder.
Will Ortiz notched the game-winner for UMass with 6:46 remaining. Freshman Shawn Saunders dug the puck out from behind the net and slung it out to Justin Braun at the top of the right circle. Braun's shot on goal deflected out to Ortiz low on the left side.
Ortiz punched it right back on net, beating Brett Bennett for the deciding score. P.J. Fenton added insurance with an empty-net goal at 19:29, his first goal of the season.
The moods of the two coaches were as different as a power play goal and an empty netter. UMass coach Don Cahoon credited his team for its persistence, and resilience after allowing a goal on the first shift of the game.
BU's headman Jack Parker called his penalty kill units "inept," and noted the significant advantage UMass had on faceoffs as a major difference in the game.
The Minutemen will be back in the eastern part of the state tomorrow night to face UMass Lowell. The sister schools fought to a 2-2 tie earlier this season.
Jeremy Rice
UMass 5, BU 3 - FINAL
The Massachusetts hockey team made a living out of doing it last season, and if you're going to choose a period to take off, the least of three evils would be the second period.
That seems to be the Minutemen's strategy once again this season. After winning a hard-fought first period, 2-1, Boston University owned the second period and tied the game at two.
The Minutemen made good, however, on the latter end of their bargain with a convincing three-goal third period to knock off the Terriers on the road for the first time since the 2003-04 season, when UMass won, 2-1, on Jan. 7, 2004. That was the same year as the team's only Hockey East Finals appearance, a 2-1, triple-overtime loss to Maine.
UMass took a 3-2 lead near the seven-minute mark with a power play goal by freshman Chase Langeraap, who won out a tussle in front of the net. BU responded with Pete MacArthur's second goal of the game. MacArthur earned the top Star of the Game honor despite being on the losing side, with two goals and an assist.
MacArthur took a pass at the right goal post, and UMass goaltender Paul Dainton had no chance, as MacArthur lifted the puck over Dainton's left shoulder.
Will Ortiz notched the game-winner for UMass with 6:46 remaining. Freshman Shawn Saunders dug the puck out from behind the net and slung it out to Justin Braun at the top of the right circle. Braun's shot on goal deflected out to Ortiz low on the left side.
Ortiz punched it right back on net, beating Brett Bennett for the deciding score. P.J. Fenton added insurance with an empty-net goal at 19:29, his first goal of the season.
The moods of the two coaches were as different as a power play goal and an empty netter. UMass coach Don Cahoon credited his team for its persistence, and resilience after allowing a goal on the first shift of the game.
BU's headman Jack Parker called his penalty kill units "inept," and noted the significant advantage UMass had on faceoffs as a major difference in the game.
The Minutemen will be back in the eastern part of the state tomorrow night to face UMass Lowell. The sister schools fought to a 2-2 tie earlier this season.
Tied after 2
Hockey
Joe Meloni
UMass 2, BU 2
A Bryan Ewing power-play goal at 7:38 tied erased the one-goal lead UMass built in the first period.
The Terriers took over the game in the second half of the game after it was completely even for most of the period. But the Minutemen had their chances in the period, but wasted those opportunities.
A back-checking Michael Lecomte stripped a BU defenseman in the high slot and turned to the BU net. He waited and BU net minder Brett Bennett went to his knees. Lecomte wristed a shot by Bennett, but over the goaltender's glove and off the glass.
At 10:04 of the period, both teams had 14 shots on goal, but at the end of the second, BU holds a 20-17 advantage.
For the second consecutive game, UMass spent a lot of time in the penalty box during the second period. Senior captain Mike Kostka went off first for slashing and then for holding leading to Ewing's goal.
Junior Topher Bevis cross-checked Ewing in the corner to Paul Dainton's left and put UMass on the penalty kill again. The Minutmen killed the penalty off, but UMass coach Don Cahoon stressed the need for his team to stay out of penalty kill situations to save the legs of his most-talented scorers. In a game like this, tied entering the third period, that could seriously hurt the Minutemen.
BU has done a good job staying out of the box, committing one penalty in the game and none in the second period.
More From the Press Box after the third period...
Joe Meloni
UMass 2, BU 2
A Bryan Ewing power-play goal at 7:38 tied erased the one-goal lead UMass built in the first period.
The Terriers took over the game in the second half of the game after it was completely even for most of the period. But the Minutemen had their chances in the period, but wasted those opportunities.
A back-checking Michael Lecomte stripped a BU defenseman in the high slot and turned to the BU net. He waited and BU net minder Brett Bennett went to his knees. Lecomte wristed a shot by Bennett, but over the goaltender's glove and off the glass.
At 10:04 of the period, both teams had 14 shots on goal, but at the end of the second, BU holds a 20-17 advantage.
For the second consecutive game, UMass spent a lot of time in the penalty box during the second period. Senior captain Mike Kostka went off first for slashing and then for holding leading to Ewing's goal.
Junior Topher Bevis cross-checked Ewing in the corner to Paul Dainton's left and put UMass on the penalty kill again. The Minutmen killed the penalty off, but UMass coach Don Cahoon stressed the need for his team to stay out of penalty kill situations to save the legs of his most-talented scorers. In a game like this, tied entering the third period, that could seriously hurt the Minutemen.
BU has done a good job staying out of the box, committing one penalty in the game and none in the second period.
More From the Press Box after the third period...
Mass Attack up early
Hockey
Jeremy Rice
UMass 2, Boston University 1
The Massachusetts hockey team jumped out to a 2-1 lead after one period at Agganis Arena in Boston tonight. The Terriers' Pete MacArthur beat goaltender Paul Dainton through the 5-hole 33 seconds into the game, but the Minutemen seemed to be in control the rest of the way.
They took advantage of their first power play with a tip-in goal by Mike Kostka. Chase Langeraap gathered the puck and found James Marcou at the right circle. Marcou relayed the puck to Mike Kostka at the point. Kostka fired at the net, beating BU goalie Brett Bennett to tie the score.
With just over three minutes remaining, UMass took the lead during a 4-on-4. UMass gained possession of the puck and took it right into the BU zone. The next minute of play resembled a UMass power play, and defenseman Topher Bevis reinforced that notion with a goal from the top of the left circle.
The Minutemen had great puck movement on the play, with Chris Davis digging the puck out of the right corner, to Justin Braun at the top of the right circle. Braun fed it across to Bevis, who fired it home. The puck was deflected by Bennett, but he could not get all of it, and UMass gained the one-goal advantage.
More From the Press Box after the second period...
Jeremy Rice
UMass 2, Boston University 1
The Massachusetts hockey team jumped out to a 2-1 lead after one period at Agganis Arena in Boston tonight. The Terriers' Pete MacArthur beat goaltender Paul Dainton through the 5-hole 33 seconds into the game, but the Minutemen seemed to be in control the rest of the way.
They took advantage of their first power play with a tip-in goal by Mike Kostka. Chase Langeraap gathered the puck and found James Marcou at the right circle. Marcou relayed the puck to Mike Kostka at the point. Kostka fired at the net, beating BU goalie Brett Bennett to tie the score.
With just over three minutes remaining, UMass took the lead during a 4-on-4. UMass gained possession of the puck and took it right into the BU zone. The next minute of play resembled a UMass power play, and defenseman Topher Bevis reinforced that notion with a goal from the top of the left circle.
The Minutemen had great puck movement on the play, with Chris Davis digging the puck out of the right corner, to Justin Braun at the top of the right circle. Braun fed it across to Bevis, who fired it home. The puck was deflected by Bennett, but he could not get all of it, and UMass gained the one-goal advantage.
More From the Press Box after the second period...
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Minutewomen earn some hardware
Women's Soccer
Domenic Poli
Domenic Poli
Members of the Massachusetts women’s soccer team have been showered with awards over the past week. Senior Kaelyn Caldwell was named to ESPN The Magazine’s Academic All-District First Team as well as her third straight Academic All-Conference team. Senior Britt Canfield became the Atlantic 10 Player of the Week and an Honorable Mention All-Conference honoree as junior Vanessa Patry was also named Honorable Mention All-Conference.
Caldwell, a defender, is now qualified to be named College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSida) Academic All-America. In her senior season she pocketed her first-career goal Oct. 7 at Xavier and notched assists on Oct. 13 against Rhode Island and Nov.4 George Washington.
Canfield, a forward, ended the season with eight goals and 10 assists, for 26 points. She nailed two goals in UMass’s 2-1 win over Richmond Friday and an assist in a 2-2 tie with George Washington Sunday. It is the second time this season she has been given the honors.
She finished 11th in the country in assists per game (0.59) and 37th points per game (1.53). She capped off her collegiate career eighth on the Minutewomen’s all-time points, with 77, and 10th in goals, with 30.
Patry, a junior captain, had a stellar third year. The forward wound up with four goals and four assists, for 12 points – the most she has ever amassed in one season at UMass. This is the first time she has received A-10 honors.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
UMass 4, Merrimack 0
Hockey
Joe Meloni
The Minutemen dominated the second period, taking a 4-0 lead. The Minutemen are 35-0-1 since 2003 when scoring four or more goals in a game.
Sophomore Will Ortiz made it 2-0 seconds after a power-play ended when he tipped in a rebound after a scrum in front of the goal. It was his third of the season, which led the team until Matt Burto scored his third to make the score 4-0.
Dainton kept the Warriors off the board with some nifty saves in the period. A Merrimack player saw a teammate streaking into the UMass zone unmarked and made a perfect pass onto his stick before Dainton slid across and kicked the deflection out.
Both teams had seven shots on goal in the period and both teams forced quality chances, the Minutemen merely capitalized on the opportunities.
Elsewhere in Hockey East, UMass-Lowell leads Boston University, 4-2 after two. Northeastern leads New Hampshire, 2-1, with the third period getting under way. After a one-point weekend against Providence in their last action, the losses of BU and UNH should help the Minutemen in the standings down the rode. That is, of course, if UML and NU hold on.
Joe Meloni
The Minutemen dominated the second period, taking a 4-0 lead. The Minutemen are 35-0-1 since 2003 when scoring four or more goals in a game.
Sophomore Will Ortiz made it 2-0 seconds after a power-play ended when he tipped in a rebound after a scrum in front of the goal. It was his third of the season, which led the team until Matt Burto scored his third to make the score 4-0.
Dainton kept the Warriors off the board with some nifty saves in the period. A Merrimack player saw a teammate streaking into the UMass zone unmarked and made a perfect pass onto his stick before Dainton slid across and kicked the deflection out.
Both teams had seven shots on goal in the period and both teams forced quality chances, the Minutemen merely capitalized on the opportunities.
Elsewhere in Hockey East, UMass-Lowell leads Boston University, 4-2 after two. Northeastern leads New Hampshire, 2-1, with the third period getting under way. After a one-point weekend against Providence in their last action, the losses of BU and UNH should help the Minutemen in the standings down the rode. That is, of course, if UML and NU hold on.
UMass 1, Merrimack 0
Hockey
Joe Meloni
Freshman Michal Lecomte scored the second goal of his career at the 7:13 mark of the first period. James Marcou intercepted a clearing pass from a Merrimack defenseman and hit Lecomte streaking into the Warrior zone. Lecomte waited for the goaltender to commit one way before beating Andrew Braithwaite on his blocker side.
The Minutemen went 0-for-2 on the power play in the period and killed off two penalties of their own. There are two seconds remaining on the second penalty, a holding minor on sophomore Justin Braun. P.J. Fenton looks more comfortable in his role as power-play point man. While his shots still aren't as crisp as they need to be, he moved the puck well and created a few solid chances. Although the best power-play opportunity came when he misfired and the puck deflected off a cluster of players in the slot to a wide-open Cory Quirk in the left face-off circle. Braithwaite made the save on the Quirk wrister.
Overall, UMass looks more sharp than it did at any point last weekend. The Minutemen out-shot the Warriors 13-9 in the opening period. Despite the nine shots, the Warriors didn't test Paul Dainton much.
Joe Meloni
Freshman Michal Lecomte scored the second goal of his career at the 7:13 mark of the first period. James Marcou intercepted a clearing pass from a Merrimack defenseman and hit Lecomte streaking into the Warrior zone. Lecomte waited for the goaltender to commit one way before beating Andrew Braithwaite on his blocker side.
The Minutemen went 0-for-2 on the power play in the period and killed off two penalties of their own. There are two seconds remaining on the second penalty, a holding minor on sophomore Justin Braun. P.J. Fenton looks more comfortable in his role as power-play point man. While his shots still aren't as crisp as they need to be, he moved the puck well and created a few solid chances. Although the best power-play opportunity came when he misfired and the puck deflected off a cluster of players in the slot to a wide-open Cory Quirk in the left face-off circle. Braithwaite made the save on the Quirk wrister.
Overall, UMass looks more sharp than it did at any point last weekend. The Minutemen out-shot the Warriors 13-9 in the opening period. Despite the nine shots, the Warriors didn't test Paul Dainton much.
UMass vs. Merrimack Pre-game
Joe Meloni
Hockey
Sophomore goaltender Dan Meyers is dressed for the first time since the opening weekend. Freshman Paul Dainton will start however and Matt Gedman was in uniform during the team's initial warm up.
For the Minutemen, P.J. Fenton, Cory Quirk and Chris Davis will start and make up the first line. Sophomore Brett Watson is still out of the lineup, making room for freshman Brian Keane on the second line. Keane centers a trio featuring sophomore Will Ortiz and freshman Shawn Saunders. Saunders is playing the second game of his career. Against Connecticut, he scored the first goal of his career in his only action this season.
Check back during the intermission for more updates.
Hockey
Sophomore goaltender Dan Meyers is dressed for the first time since the opening weekend. Freshman Paul Dainton will start however and Matt Gedman was in uniform during the team's initial warm up.
For the Minutemen, P.J. Fenton, Cory Quirk and Chris Davis will start and make up the first line. Sophomore Brett Watson is still out of the lineup, making room for freshman Brian Keane on the second line. Keane centers a trio featuring sophomore Will Ortiz and freshman Shawn Saunders. Saunders is playing the second game of his career. Against Connecticut, he scored the first goal of his career in his only action this season.
Check back during the intermission for more updates.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
A Minutewoman by any other name
Women's Soccer
Domenic Poli
Domenic Poli
Baseball immortal George Herman Ruth was more commonly known by his nickname, "Babe." Legendary defensive lineman Ed Jones was called “Too Tall.” And college basketball great Pete Maravich was “Pistol Pete.”
For as long as professional sports have been familiarized in American living rooms thanks to the invention of television, certain athletes have had nicknames bestowed upon them with which their coaches, teammates and loving fans and friends refer to them. And the Massachusetts women’s soccer team is no different.
Almost as soon as they sign a letter of intent with the Maroon and White, incoming female soccer stars have a playful pseudonym given to them by UMass coach Jim Rudy. He said he likes nicknames not only because they help him reach a personal level with his players, but they also make opposing players confused when he shouts instructions from the sidelines addressed to someone with a name that is not listed the roster.
Here is a list of Rudy’s nicknames for each of his Minutewomen and how they earned them:
Senior midfielder Jenny Roehrig (a.k.a. J-RO)- “There’s a J-RO… there’s an A-Rod, so that’s where (she) got (hers). (That) was obvious.”
Redshirt senior goalkeeper Kristin Walker- “Walker’s just Walker. In fact, nobody knows her by ‘Kristin.’ Her mom said something about ‘Kristin this or that’ – I didn’t know who she was talking about.”
Senior midfielder/defender Kaelyn Caldwell (a.k.a. Mini)- “When I first saw her I thought she was sort of a small kid. She plays big but I thought she was a small kid so I called her ‘Mini.’
Senior midfielder/defender Tina Rodriguez (T-Rod)- [Same reason as Alex Rodriguez]
Junior defender Melissa Toulouse (a.k.a. Mel or Melacious)- “(‘Melacious’) is the antithesis of who she is. A malicious person is a bad person and Mel is just a happy-go-lucky, good person. It’s being facetious.”
Sophomore forward Cristina Adams (a.k.a. Young Adams)- “Because she’s young.”
Redshirt sophomore defender Amy Ballew (a.k.a. Lew)- “I call her Lew and I call her Amy.”
Sophomore forward Jacquelyn Desjardins (a.k.a. DJ)- “I call her ‘DJ’ for Desjardins (French for ‘of the gardens’). I love French names. My wife is French Canadian.”
Sophomore midfielder Meghan Gould (a.k.a. Lesley)- “She was on crutches a lot of last year [after undergoing two leg surgeries] and her nickname was ‘Limp-along Lesley.’ [Rudy picked ‘Lesley’ because it is an alliteration of ‘Limp-along’]
Sophomore goalkeeper Lauren Luckey- “I don’t have one (for her). When you’re Luckey (lucky) you don’t need a nickname.”
Sophomore midfielder/forward Katie Ruggles (a.k.a. Rugg)- “It’s abbreviated and it’s quick.”
Sophomore forward Sydney Stoll (a.k.a. Syd the Kid)- [She got the nickname when she was a freshman]
Freshman defender Kelsey Anderson (a.k.a. Woo)- “It’s just a nickname that her sister told me to call her. I think when she was a young baby or something she used to just jump up and down on the bed and go, ‘Woo, woo’… I don’t know. It sounds good and it’s quick.”
Freshman midfielder/forward Ashley Hamel (a.k.a. Ham or Ash)- “Ham for Hamel. I call her Ash, too.”
Freshman midfielder Therese Smith (a.k.a. Tee or Smitty)- (Her teammates) call her ‘Tee,’ I call her ‘Smitty.’ I’ve had two (players) I’ve called ‘Smitty’ over the years. It’s quick and it works.”
Freshman defender Alyssa Visconti (a.k.a. Wee or Vava)- (Her teammates) call her Wee. That means we have a ‘Wee’ and a ‘Woo.’ I call her ‘Vava’ because she’s very technical like a Brazilian. Vava! Although she is of Italian descent.”
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Halftime @ McGuirk
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
Villanova 6, UMass 0
Villanova is without starting quarterback Antwon Young, and backup Chris Whitney has one completion for four yards at halftime. But the Wildcats have the lead, 6-0, as the teams head to the lockerroom.
UMass signal-caller Liam Coen struggled in the first half with his accuracy, completing just 4-of-11 passes for 53 yards. Tailback Matt Lawrence has 47 yards rushing on nine carries.
The story of the first half was the ground game for Villanova. Whitney threw just two times (1-of-2, 4 yards) but gained 32 yards rushing. Matt Dicken was the star of the half, accumulating 90 yards rushing on 14 carries -- good for a 6.4 yard average.
Villanova kicker Joe Marcoux was a perfect 2-for-2 on field goals, connecting from 37 and 27 yards. UMass kicker Chris Koepplin was blocked on his lone attempt of 45 yards.
Villanova has 131 yards rushing, while UMass has 50. The Minutemen hold the edge in the air, gaining 53 yards to Villanova's 4. The Wildcats have dominated the time of possession, 17:09 to 12:51. Both teams are 1-for-6 on third downs.
Eli Rosenswaike
Villanova 6, UMass 0
Villanova is without starting quarterback Antwon Young, and backup Chris Whitney has one completion for four yards at halftime. But the Wildcats have the lead, 6-0, as the teams head to the lockerroom.
UMass signal-caller Liam Coen struggled in the first half with his accuracy, completing just 4-of-11 passes for 53 yards. Tailback Matt Lawrence has 47 yards rushing on nine carries.
The story of the first half was the ground game for Villanova. Whitney threw just two times (1-of-2, 4 yards) but gained 32 yards rushing. Matt Dicken was the star of the half, accumulating 90 yards rushing on 14 carries -- good for a 6.4 yard average.
Villanova kicker Joe Marcoux was a perfect 2-for-2 on field goals, connecting from 37 and 27 yards. UMass kicker Chris Koepplin was blocked on his lone attempt of 45 yards.
Villanova has 131 yards rushing, while UMass has 50. The Minutemen hold the edge in the air, gaining 53 yards to Villanova's 4. The Wildcats have dominated the time of possession, 17:09 to 12:51. Both teams are 1-for-6 on third downs.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
UMass comeback attempt falls short
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
BC 24, UMass 14
CHESTNUT HILL -- Trailing 17-0 at the half, UMass made a charge in the third quarter -- scoring two touchdowns to cut the deficit to three. But that was the closest the Minutemen would get, as the Eagles answered back with a long touchdown drive, bringing the score to 24-14.
UMass QB Liam Coen was injured early in the fourth quarter. He limped off with a left knee injury, the same knee he hurt earlier in the season. Backup signal-caller Scott Woodward replaced him and looked sharp.
Be sure to check out Monday's issue of the Daily Collegian for more in-depth coverage of the matchup between BC and UMass.
UMass missed on a 46-yard field goal attempt, maintaining the BC lead to two-scores. The last eight or so minutes of the fourth quarter went without any scoring.
Eli Rosenswaike
BC 24, UMass 14
CHESTNUT HILL -- Trailing 17-0 at the half, UMass made a charge in the third quarter -- scoring two touchdowns to cut the deficit to three. But that was the closest the Minutemen would get, as the Eagles answered back with a long touchdown drive, bringing the score to 24-14.
UMass QB Liam Coen was injured early in the fourth quarter. He limped off with a left knee injury, the same knee he hurt earlier in the season. Backup signal-caller Scott Woodward replaced him and looked sharp.
Be sure to check out Monday's issue of the Daily Collegian for more in-depth coverage of the matchup between BC and UMass.
UMass missed on a 46-yard field goal attempt, maintaining the BC lead to two-scores. The last eight or so minutes of the fourth quarter went without any scoring.
Minutemen struggle in first half vs. Eagles
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
Boston College 17, UMass 0
CHESTNUT HILL -- Boston College dominated play in the first half, taking control in time of possession and in the battle for field position. BC had 17 first downs in the first half, UMass has just five. The Minutemen were unable to do much offensively, with just 66 yards on offense.
Eagles quarterback Matt Ryan was solid, throwing for 139 yards and a touchdown on 14-of-21 passing. UMass QB Liam Coen is 8-of-14 for 43 yards.
Aiding in the struggles for Don Brown's Minutemen was all of the penalties. UMass was flagged nine times for 68 yards. Neither time has had much success on the ground, with BC rushing for 57 yards (20 rushes) and UMass for 23 yards on 13 attempts.
BC first got on the board in the middle of the first quarter, connecting on a 37-yard field goal. It added a touchdown late in the period, on a 1-yard run by tailback Andre Callender. Its second touchdown -- and final score -- of the half came in the second quarter on a 9-yard pass to sophomore wideout Justin Jarvis. It was his first-career touchdown reception.
Eli Rosenswaike
Boston College 17, UMass 0
CHESTNUT HILL -- Boston College dominated play in the first half, taking control in time of possession and in the battle for field position. BC had 17 first downs in the first half, UMass has just five. The Minutemen were unable to do much offensively, with just 66 yards on offense.
Eagles quarterback Matt Ryan was solid, throwing for 139 yards and a touchdown on 14-of-21 passing. UMass QB Liam Coen is 8-of-14 for 43 yards.
Aiding in the struggles for Don Brown's Minutemen was all of the penalties. UMass was flagged nine times for 68 yards. Neither time has had much success on the ground, with BC rushing for 57 yards (20 rushes) and UMass for 23 yards on 13 attempts.
BC first got on the board in the middle of the first quarter, connecting on a 37-yard field goal. It added a touchdown late in the period, on a 1-yard run by tailback Andre Callender. Its second touchdown -- and final score -- of the half came in the second quarter on a 9-yard pass to sophomore wideout Justin Jarvis. It was his first-career touchdown reception.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Black Bears in hibernation
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass 24, Maine 0
ORONO, Maine -- Despite trailing by 24 at the half, the score above doesn't quite incapsulate just how poorly the Maine Black Bears played against Massachusetts in the first half.
UMass (3-0) scored two touchdowns in the first 2:02 of the game, scoring on a 62-yard run by Matt Lawrence and on a 2-yard pass to fullback Chris Zardas from quarterback Liam Coen. Maine fumbled the ball on the first play from scrimmage following Lawrence's TD.
Following a second Lawrence touchdown run (4-yards; making the score 21-0), Maine fumbled again. Coen was intercepted on the drive following the fumble.
The Black Bears attempted a 24-yard field goal with under 30 second remaining in the half, but the kick from senior Bobby Donnelly missed to the left.
Maine tailback Jhamal Fluellen and quarterback Adam Farkes each carried the ball 11 times -- with Fluellen gaining 43 yards and Farkes 40. Farkes has attempted only nine passes, completing three for 22 yards.
Lawrence was the first-half star for the Minutemen, gaining 120 yards and two scores on 10 carries.
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass 24, Maine 0
ORONO, Maine -- Despite trailing by 24 at the half, the score above doesn't quite incapsulate just how poorly the Maine Black Bears played against Massachusetts in the first half.
UMass (3-0) scored two touchdowns in the first 2:02 of the game, scoring on a 62-yard run by Matt Lawrence and on a 2-yard pass to fullback Chris Zardas from quarterback Liam Coen. Maine fumbled the ball on the first play from scrimmage following Lawrence's TD.
Following a second Lawrence touchdown run (4-yards; making the score 21-0), Maine fumbled again. Coen was intercepted on the drive following the fumble.
The Black Bears attempted a 24-yard field goal with under 30 second remaining in the half, but the kick from senior Bobby Donnelly missed to the left.
Maine tailback Jhamal Fluellen and quarterback Adam Farkes each carried the ball 11 times -- with Fluellen gaining 43 yards and Farkes 40. Farkes has attempted only nine passes, completing three for 22 yards.
Lawrence was the first-half star for the Minutemen, gaining 120 yards and two scores on 10 carries.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Canfield's late-minute heroics win it for UMass
Women's soccer
Domenic Poli
Senior Britt Canfield scored a goal in the final minutes of the Massachusetts women's soccer team's game against Dartmouth last night to pull the Minutewomen to a 1-0 win.
It was the first time UMass (4-0-1) has beaten the Big Green (1-7) since 1995.
In the 84th minute, Vanessa Patry recieved a ball from out of the back. The junior knocked about a 10-yard pass to freshman Therese Smith, who turned and shoveled it to Canfield. The through ball met perfectly with Canfield, who put it into the net. It was her third goal of the season. Smith and Patry were credited with assists on the play.
"Dartmouth is a very good team," UMass coach Jim Rudy said. "They were very direct in their attacking style. One or two passes and they were launching it at your penalty area. Our defenders were under pressure at getting balls out and we tried to play possession and knock it around a little bit. And if we played accurately we were pretty good and if we misplayed balls then the next thing you know, we're under pressure, they get it and they're launching it at our penalty area again."
He said that, despite the goal, Canfield struggled much of the game. As did senior captain Jenny Roehrig and other key players.
He was satisfied with one performance, however. That of goalkeeper Kristin Walker.
The red-shirt senior was solid between the post and made five saves. The goose egg was her second shutout of the season and the 20th of her college career. She has now held opponents scoreless for 267:59.
Domenic Poli
Senior Britt Canfield scored a goal in the final minutes of the Massachusetts women's soccer team's game against Dartmouth last night to pull the Minutewomen to a 1-0 win.
It was the first time UMass (4-0-1) has beaten the Big Green (1-7) since 1995.
In the 84th minute, Vanessa Patry recieved a ball from out of the back. The junior knocked about a 10-yard pass to freshman Therese Smith, who turned and shoveled it to Canfield. The through ball met perfectly with Canfield, who put it into the net. It was her third goal of the season. Smith and Patry were credited with assists on the play.
"Dartmouth is a very good team," UMass coach Jim Rudy said. "They were very direct in their attacking style. One or two passes and they were launching it at your penalty area. Our defenders were under pressure at getting balls out and we tried to play possession and knock it around a little bit. And if we played accurately we were pretty good and if we misplayed balls then the next thing you know, we're under pressure, they get it and they're launching it at our penalty area again."
He said that, despite the goal, Canfield struggled much of the game. As did senior captain Jenny Roehrig and other key players.
He was satisfied with one performance, however. That of goalkeeper Kristin Walker.
The red-shirt senior was solid between the post and made five saves. The goose egg was her second shutout of the season and the 20th of her college career. She has now held opponents scoreless for 267:59.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Minutemen ice it in 4th
Football
Jeremy Rice
UMass 36, Towson 13
Cornerback Sean Smalls and wide receiver Michael Omar each scored a touchdown to lift UMass over Towson. Smalls stepped in front of Tiger wide receiver Demetrius Harrison, picked a Sean Schaefer pass and sprinted 90 yards for the score. The first interception return for a touchdown since 1997, when one was returned 100 yards at Buffalo.
Linebacker Jason Hatchell tipped another Schaefer pass later in the quarter at the Towson 35-yard line. The senior held onto the ball, and returned it to the 30, setting up the final scoring drive of the game. After marching his team to the 10-yard line, quarterback Liam Coen threw a lateral to Michael Omar on an intended screen pass. With Rasheed Rancher and J.J. Moore blocking up front, Omar broke one tackle and dove into the end zone to put the game away for good.
Schaefer proved to be a non-factor in the game after missing last year's contest between Towson and UMass, throwing three interceptions en route to the 23-point loss.
Jeremy Rice
UMass 36, Towson 13
Cornerback Sean Smalls and wide receiver Michael Omar each scored a touchdown to lift UMass over Towson. Smalls stepped in front of Tiger wide receiver Demetrius Harrison, picked a Sean Schaefer pass and sprinted 90 yards for the score. The first interception return for a touchdown since 1997, when one was returned 100 yards at Buffalo.
Linebacker Jason Hatchell tipped another Schaefer pass later in the quarter at the Towson 35-yard line. The senior held onto the ball, and returned it to the 30, setting up the final scoring drive of the game. After marching his team to the 10-yard line, quarterback Liam Coen threw a lateral to Michael Omar on an intended screen pass. With Rasheed Rancher and J.J. Moore blocking up front, Omar broke one tackle and dove into the end zone to put the game away for good.
Schaefer proved to be a non-factor in the game after missing last year's contest between Towson and UMass, throwing three interceptions en route to the 23-point loss.
One quarter remains
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass 22, Colgate 13
After a turnover-laden third quarter, the Minutemen lead the Tigers, 22-13.
In a quarter inundated with penalties, interceptions and fumbles -- not much happened as the Minutemen maintained their nine-point cushion. Both teams connected on field goals for the only scores of the quarter.
UMass QB Liam Coen turned the ball over on consecutive drives, but the Tigers failed to take full advantage. Coen injured his knee on the latter turnover, and backup Scott Woodward came in for one series. His only pass was completed to WR Michael Omar -- who fumbled on the reception for the third-straight UM turnover.
A three-and-out followed for Towson, and punter Bill Shears mishandled the longsnap and was tackled by David Burris and Darnel DeLaire -- setting up a field goal for UMass to bring the lead back up to nine.
The Tigers are currently driving as the third quarter comes to a close. They have a first-and-10 at the UMass 29.
Check back for the final score immediately after the final whistle.
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass 22, Colgate 13
After a turnover-laden third quarter, the Minutemen lead the Tigers, 22-13.
In a quarter inundated with penalties, interceptions and fumbles -- not much happened as the Minutemen maintained their nine-point cushion. Both teams connected on field goals for the only scores of the quarter.
UMass QB Liam Coen turned the ball over on consecutive drives, but the Tigers failed to take full advantage. Coen injured his knee on the latter turnover, and backup Scott Woodward came in for one series. His only pass was completed to WR Michael Omar -- who fumbled on the reception for the third-straight UM turnover.
A three-and-out followed for Towson, and punter Bill Shears mishandled the longsnap and was tackled by David Burris and Darnel DeLaire -- setting up a field goal for UMass to bring the lead back up to nine.
The Tigers are currently driving as the third quarter comes to a close. They have a first-and-10 at the UMass 29.
Check back for the final score immediately after the final whistle.
UMass pulls away
Football
Jeremy Rice
UMass 19, Towson 10
Wide receiver Rasheed Rancher ran off with the ball in second quarter, and helped the Minutemen run off with the lead. On a third-and-three play from the Towson 35, Coen hit Rancher on the left side of the field on a skinny post.
Rancher bobbled the pass, which was well out in front of him, but made a one-handed catch, turned upfield and scampered to the pylon for six.
UMass and Towson have combined for 327 passing yards in the first half. The Tigers recorded just six total yards rushing thus far.
There were only two punts (one for each team) through two quarters.
More from the Press Box after the third quarter.
Jeremy Rice
UMass 19, Towson 10
Wide receiver Rasheed Rancher ran off with the ball in second quarter, and helped the Minutemen run off with the lead. On a third-and-three play from the Towson 35, Coen hit Rancher on the left side of the field on a skinny post.
Rancher bobbled the pass, which was well out in front of him, but made a one-handed catch, turned upfield and scampered to the pylon for six.
UMass and Towson have combined for 327 passing yards in the first half. The Tigers recorded just six total yards rushing thus far.
There were only two punts (one for each team) through two quarters.
More from the Press Box after the third quarter.
First quarter fireworks
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass 12, Towson 10
In an eventful first quarter filled with big plays, the Massachusetts Minutemen hold a small edge, 12-10, over the Towson Tigers.
Towson signal-caller Sean Schaefer torched the UMass secondary, throwing for 115 yards in the opening period. A 59-yard strike to tailback Paul Perry set up Rasheed McClaude's 1-yard TD run and a 39-yard pass to Marcus Lee set up a 34-yard field goal.
Liam Coen was strong in the opening quarter as well, throwing for 81 yards -- including a 10-yard TD pass to Michael Omar, tying the game late in the first. Tailback Matt Lawrence has carried the ball eight times for 35 yards.
The Minutemen added a safety when Towson longsnapper Joe McNamara sent a snap over the head of punter Bill Shears into the back of the endzone for the 2-point score.
The opening quarter took 54 minutes.
On a sour note, Towson offensive tackle Leon Stevenson was carted off the field after suffering an injury with under two minutes to play in the quarter. Stevenson stayed down on the field turf for several minutes before being carted off. His injury is believed to be to his lower leg. More on this later if more information is made available.
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass 12, Towson 10
In an eventful first quarter filled with big plays, the Massachusetts Minutemen hold a small edge, 12-10, over the Towson Tigers.
Towson signal-caller Sean Schaefer torched the UMass secondary, throwing for 115 yards in the opening period. A 59-yard strike to tailback Paul Perry set up Rasheed McClaude's 1-yard TD run and a 39-yard pass to Marcus Lee set up a 34-yard field goal.
Liam Coen was strong in the opening quarter as well, throwing for 81 yards -- including a 10-yard TD pass to Michael Omar, tying the game late in the first. Tailback Matt Lawrence has carried the ball eight times for 35 yards.
The Minutemen added a safety when Towson longsnapper Joe McNamara sent a snap over the head of punter Bill Shears into the back of the endzone for the 2-point score.
The opening quarter took 54 minutes.
On a sour note, Towson offensive tackle Leon Stevenson was carted off the field after suffering an injury with under two minutes to play in the quarter. Stevenson stayed down on the field turf for several minutes before being carted off. His injury is believed to be to his lower leg. More on this later if more information is made available.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Ford adds another recruit
Men's Basketball
Michael King
As is turns out, Travis Ford just wasn't finished putting his roster together for the 2007-08 season. The team announced today that 6'9" power forward Tyrell Lynch will play this season as a walk-on
Lynch was supposed to enroll at Auburn this fall and compete for their men's squad. The Niagara Falls, N.Y. native does not need to sit out a year under NCAA rules since he never officially enrolled at Auburn.
The freshman will add size to a UMass team that lost the majority of its post play to graduation.
Michael King
As is turns out, Travis Ford just wasn't finished putting his roster together for the 2007-08 season. The team announced today that 6'9" power forward Tyrell Lynch will play this season as a walk-on
Lynch was supposed to enroll at Auburn this fall and compete for their men's squad. The Niagara Falls, N.Y. native does not need to sit out a year under NCAA rules since he never officially enrolled at Auburn.
The freshman will add size to a UMass team that lost the majority of its post play to graduation.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Game over: UMass 35, Colgate 17
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass 35, Colgate 17
The Raiders scored the first touchdown in the fourth quarter on a fourth-and-goal play, but UMass answered back with a touchdown of its own just minutes later on the following drive.
The Raiders led the game in total yards for much of the game, but UMass was able to get into the endzone when it needed to -- while Jordan Scott and the Raiders offense could not.
UMass was aided by Liam Coen's four TD passes, and J.J. Moore's two scores -- one on a punt return and another on an 11-yard reception. Matt Lawrence had his second-consecutive, and second-career, 100-yard rushing performance.
Scott finished with 100+ yards in the losing effort, while wideout Erik Burke had a monster game -- finishing with well over 100 yards.
Be sure to read Monday's edition of the Massachusetts Daily Collegian for extensive UMass-Colgate game coverage.
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass 35, Colgate 17
The Raiders scored the first touchdown in the fourth quarter on a fourth-and-goal play, but UMass answered back with a touchdown of its own just minutes later on the following drive.
The Raiders led the game in total yards for much of the game, but UMass was able to get into the endzone when it needed to -- while Jordan Scott and the Raiders offense could not.
UMass was aided by Liam Coen's four TD passes, and J.J. Moore's two scores -- one on a punt return and another on an 11-yard reception. Matt Lawrence had his second-consecutive, and second-career, 100-yard rushing performance.
Scott finished with 100+ yards in the losing effort, while wideout Erik Burke had a monster game -- finishing with well over 100 yards.
Be sure to read Monday's edition of the Massachusetts Daily Collegian for extensive UMass-Colgate game coverage.
Minutemen pulling away
Football
Jeremy Rice
UMass 28, Colgate 10
Quarterback Liam Coen and the UMass offense found its rhythm in the third quarter. On the team's second possession of the second half, Coen led the Minutemen 75 yards in under three minutes, hitting tight end Ian Jorgensen on a beautifully drawn up play, rolling to the right and hitting Jorgensen in the flat to the left. Jorgensen was all alone and jogged into the end zone.
Colgate went three-and-out on its ensuing possession setting up punt returner J.J. Moore for a 58-yard return for a touchdown, the first for UMass since 1996. Moore never had to make a player miss as the UMass blocking was superb. Sean Smalls made a key block right in front of Moore, who then sprinted down the right sideline, where Corey Davis showed great awareness, staying with his block well downfield, as Moore ran by him and into the end zone.
The Minutemen have taken control of the game, thought they still trail offensively in both rushing and passing.
More from the press box after the fourth quarter.
Jeremy Rice
UMass 28, Colgate 10
Quarterback Liam Coen and the UMass offense found its rhythm in the third quarter. On the team's second possession of the second half, Coen led the Minutemen 75 yards in under three minutes, hitting tight end Ian Jorgensen on a beautifully drawn up play, rolling to the right and hitting Jorgensen in the flat to the left. Jorgensen was all alone and jogged into the end zone.
Colgate went three-and-out on its ensuing possession setting up punt returner J.J. Moore for a 58-yard return for a touchdown, the first for UMass since 1996. Moore never had to make a player miss as the UMass blocking was superb. Sean Smalls made a key block right in front of Moore, who then sprinted down the right sideline, where Corey Davis showed great awareness, staying with his block well downfield, as Moore ran by him and into the end zone.
The Minutemen have taken control of the game, thought they still trail offensively in both rushing and passing.
More from the press box after the fourth quarter.
UMass leads at half
Football
Jeremy Rice
UMass 14, Colgate 10
The Minutemen continue to struggle offensively, but take a four-point lead into halftime. Following an interception by Courtney Robinson, Liam Coen and Matt Lawrence led UMass down to the Colgate four-yard line, where Coen rolled out to his right and hit fullback Breyone Evans a yard deep in the end zone.
The Raiders are dominating the Minutemen offensively, amassing 230 yards in the first two quarters, compared to 90 for UMass. The Maroon and White did not reach positive yards rushing until well into the second quarter.
And yet, UMass appears to be in control of the game, capitalizing on Colgate mistakes and turnovers. Both UMass touchdowns, in fact, are off Colgate turnovers. Jeremy Horne's touchdown reception in the first quarter followed a Cody Williams fumble during a punt return, and Evans' score in the second came off the Robinson interception.
More from the press box after the third quarter.
Jeremy Rice
UMass 14, Colgate 10
The Minutemen continue to struggle offensively, but take a four-point lead into halftime. Following an interception by Courtney Robinson, Liam Coen and Matt Lawrence led UMass down to the Colgate four-yard line, where Coen rolled out to his right and hit fullback Breyone Evans a yard deep in the end zone.
The Raiders are dominating the Minutemen offensively, amassing 230 yards in the first two quarters, compared to 90 for UMass. The Maroon and White did not reach positive yards rushing until well into the second quarter.
And yet, UMass appears to be in control of the game, capitalizing on Colgate mistakes and turnovers. Both UMass touchdowns, in fact, are off Colgate turnovers. Jeremy Horne's touchdown reception in the first quarter followed a Cody Williams fumble during a punt return, and Evans' score in the second came off the Robinson interception.
More from the press box after the third quarter.
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
With the first quarter complete, the Minutemen and the Raiders are deadlocked at 7-7.
UMass looked sluggish in the opening stanza, but capitalized on a Colgate fumble off a punt by Brett Arnold. Punting from his own endzone, Arnold unleased a booming punt into Raider territory, which was fumbled by #27 Cody Williams after a return of about 10-yards. UMass took advantage of its good field position with a 28-yard TD pass from Liam Coen to Jeremy Horne.
The Raiders evened the score near the end of the first quarter on a quick 4-play, 71-yard drive that ended on a 30-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Erik Burke.
Eli Rosenswaike
With the first quarter complete, the Minutemen and the Raiders are deadlocked at 7-7.
UMass looked sluggish in the opening stanza, but capitalized on a Colgate fumble off a punt by Brett Arnold. Punting from his own endzone, Arnold unleased a booming punt into Raider territory, which was fumbled by #27 Cody Williams after a return of about 10-yards. UMass took advantage of its good field position with a 28-yard TD pass from Liam Coen to Jeremy Horne.
The Raiders evened the score near the end of the first quarter on a quick 4-play, 71-yard drive that ended on a 30-yard touchdown strike to wide receiver Erik Burke.
Minutemen/Raiders pregame buffet
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
The Massachusetts football team is just twenty minutes away from the kickoff in game number two of the 2007 season. The Minutemen are in Hamilton, N.Y. to take the on Colgate Raiders.
Both teams enter the contest at 1-0 thus far, and each team would love to take the final game in the four-year series between the schools. For more background on the history of UMass-Colgate head-to-head matchups, click here.
Despite winning in their opener of Albany, 13-11, Colgate has made the decision to switch qaurterbacks for this afternoon's games with the Minutemen. Junior Anthony Fucillo is out, while fellow second-year man Alex Relph is in. Both struggled in the win against the Great Danes. Fucillo was sacked five times.
Tailback Jordan Scott did not struggle, however. Scott carried the load in a big way last weekend, toting the football 44 times for 180 yards. His effort earned him the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week.
Check back here for ongoing coverage of today's game, and be sure to check out the Daily Collegian's preview for more in-depth coverage.
Eli Rosenswaike
The Massachusetts football team is just twenty minutes away from the kickoff in game number two of the 2007 season. The Minutemen are in Hamilton, N.Y. to take the on Colgate Raiders.
Both teams enter the contest at 1-0 thus far, and each team would love to take the final game in the four-year series between the schools. For more background on the history of UMass-Colgate head-to-head matchups, click here.
Despite winning in their opener of Albany, 13-11, Colgate has made the decision to switch qaurterbacks for this afternoon's games with the Minutemen. Junior Anthony Fucillo is out, while fellow second-year man Alex Relph is in. Both struggled in the win against the Great Danes. Fucillo was sacked five times.
Tailback Jordan Scott did not struggle, however. Scott carried the load in a big way last weekend, toting the football 44 times for 180 yards. His effort earned him the Patriot League Offensive Player of the Week.
Check back here for ongoing coverage of today's game, and be sure to check out the Daily Collegian's preview for more in-depth coverage.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Four hours later, UMass escapes
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
After a long and eventful contest, the Massachusetts football team prevailed over Holy Cross, 40-30 at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Crusaders gave the Minutemen a scare in the fourth quarter, as they cut the deficit to a touchdown at 37-30.
But UMass added a 37-yard field goal to increase the lead to 10.
For more coverage on the game, be sure to pick up the Massachusetts Daily Collegian on Monday or Tuesday for the back-to-school issue.
Eli Rosenswaike
After a long and eventful contest, the Massachusetts football team prevailed over Holy Cross, 40-30 at McGuirk Alumni Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Crusaders gave the Minutemen a scare in the fourth quarter, as they cut the deficit to a touchdown at 37-30.
But UMass added a 37-yard field goal to increase the lead to 10.
For more coverage on the game, be sure to pick up the Massachusetts Daily Collegian on Monday or Tuesday for the back-to-school issue.
Crusaders still alive
Football
Jeremy Rice
The Crusaders are still alive after three quarters of action. The Minutemen gave up 14 points and now lead by just two touchdowns, 37-23 . More mistakes, sloppy play and penalties have cost UMass an easy fourth quarter.
It seems like the Maroon and White set the speed on cruise control a little early.
On a day when defending NCAA champ Appalachian State shocked Division I-A Michigan, 34-32 on a blocked field goal on the last play, the Minutemen are struggling against a Patriot League opponent at home.
More from the press box after the game, and check out the Collegian Monday and Tuesday in the Back to School Issue for full coverage.
Jeremy Rice
The Crusaders are still alive after three quarters of action. The Minutemen gave up 14 points and now lead by just two touchdowns, 37-23 . More mistakes, sloppy play and penalties have cost UMass an easy fourth quarter.
It seems like the Maroon and White set the speed on cruise control a little early.
On a day when defending NCAA champ Appalachian State shocked Division I-A Michigan, 34-32 on a blocked field goal on the last play, the Minutemen are struggling against a Patriot League opponent at home.
More from the press box after the game, and check out the Collegian Monday and Tuesday in the Back to School Issue for full coverage.
Interesting if nothing else
Football
Jeremy Rice
UMass walked into the locker room with a 30-9 lead at halftime, but UMass coach Don Brown is by no means happy with his team's performance. Numerous personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties highlighted a very sloppy two quarters by both teams. UMass was hit for 8 penalties for a total of 89 yards.
Special teams was especially unorthodox. Holy Cross gave up a 100 yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and both squads muffed a couple of punts.
Matt Lawrence was the brightest star for the Minutemen, racking up 124 yards on 13 carries in the first half alone - a 9.5 yard average. He also had a 70 yard touchdown run called back due to a holding penalty. Tony Nelson also had a good half, rushing for 41 yards on six carries, a 6.8 yard average.
With the game pretty much out of reach, Nelson may acquire more carries in the second half in garbage time, but it looks like Brown has chosen Lawrence as his featured back, and it's clear why.
Nelson may have more power, but Lawrence has tremendous speed and a deceptive ability to cutback into the field from the sideline. He appears stiff in the hips at times near the line of scrimmage or in the, but then surprises you with a brilliant move in the open field. The slow Holy Cross defense may have made him look better in the first half than he really was.
Next week's matchup at Colgate may give you a better idea of what Lawrence can really do against a challenging opponent.
More from the press box after the third quarter.
Jeremy Rice
UMass walked into the locker room with a 30-9 lead at halftime, but UMass coach Don Brown is by no means happy with his team's performance. Numerous personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct penalties highlighted a very sloppy two quarters by both teams. UMass was hit for 8 penalties for a total of 89 yards.
Special teams was especially unorthodox. Holy Cross gave up a 100 yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and both squads muffed a couple of punts.
Matt Lawrence was the brightest star for the Minutemen, racking up 124 yards on 13 carries in the first half alone - a 9.5 yard average. He also had a 70 yard touchdown run called back due to a holding penalty. Tony Nelson also had a good half, rushing for 41 yards on six carries, a 6.8 yard average.
With the game pretty much out of reach, Nelson may acquire more carries in the second half in garbage time, but it looks like Brown has chosen Lawrence as his featured back, and it's clear why.
Nelson may have more power, but Lawrence has tremendous speed and a deceptive ability to cutback into the field from the sideline. He appears stiff in the hips at times near the line of scrimmage or in the, but then surprises you with a brilliant move in the open field. The slow Holy Cross defense may have made him look better in the first half than he really was.
Next week's matchup at Colgate may give you a better idea of what Lawrence can really do against a challenging opponent.
More from the press box after the third quarter.
Quick action in 2nd quarter
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
It took just 24 seconds in the second quarter for lightning to strike twice in the UMass/Holy Cross season opener.
Holy Cross made the score 10-7 with a 2-yard touchdown run.
On the ensuing kickoff, Courtney Robinson took it 100-yards to the house for a return touchdown. It was the first kickoff return for a touchdown for a UMass player in 25 years. It was also tied for the third-longest kickoff return touchdown in school history.
Eli Rosenswaike
It took just 24 seconds in the second quarter for lightning to strike twice in the UMass/Holy Cross season opener.
Holy Cross made the score 10-7 with a 2-yard touchdown run.
On the ensuing kickoff, Courtney Robinson took it 100-yards to the house for a return touchdown. It was the first kickoff return for a touchdown for a UMass player in 25 years. It was also tied for the third-longest kickoff return touchdown in school history.
First Quarter Action
Football
Eli Rosenswaike
The Minutemen won the toin coss, but chose to defer to the second half. The Crusaders will return the opening kick. The opening kick was returned for 21 yards to the Crusader 24 yard line.
On a side note, UMass starting tight end Brad Listorti has an injured back, and will not play. Ian Jorgensen will get the starting nod.
After a few first downs, the Holy Cross offense stalled and was forced to punt. A short punt gave UMass the ball at their own 22 yard line.
The offense went right to work, with three straight rushes totaling 38 yards. Matt Lawrence had two of those carries for 34 yards. However, UMass settled for a 48-yard field goal to take an early 3-0 lead. It was the third-longest field goal in school history.
Holy Cross did little with their ensuing drive, and UMass marched down the field with good field position and pounded the ball in the endzone thanks to strong rushing by Lawrence. It's interesting to note that Tony Nelson has yet to carry the ball, while Lawrence has 8 carries already for 55 yards.
Holy Cross answered back with a nice drive of their own -- driving the ball all the way to the UMass 6-yard line. As the first quarter comes to a close, it will be Holy Cross with a 2nd and goal situation at the 6-yard line. Check the next update to see if Holy Cross scores a touchdown.
Eli Rosenswaike
The Minutemen won the toin coss, but chose to defer to the second half. The Crusaders will return the opening kick. The opening kick was returned for 21 yards to the Crusader 24 yard line.
On a side note, UMass starting tight end Brad Listorti has an injured back, and will not play. Ian Jorgensen will get the starting nod.
After a few first downs, the Holy Cross offense stalled and was forced to punt. A short punt gave UMass the ball at their own 22 yard line.
The offense went right to work, with three straight rushes totaling 38 yards. Matt Lawrence had two of those carries for 34 yards. However, UMass settled for a 48-yard field goal to take an early 3-0 lead. It was the third-longest field goal in school history.
Holy Cross did little with their ensuing drive, and UMass marched down the field with good field position and pounded the ball in the endzone thanks to strong rushing by Lawrence. It's interesting to note that Tony Nelson has yet to carry the ball, while Lawrence has 8 carries already for 55 yards.
Holy Cross answered back with a nice drive of their own -- driving the ball all the way to the UMass 6-yard line. As the first quarter comes to a close, it will be Holy Cross with a 2nd and goal situation at the 6-yard line. Check the next update to see if Holy Cross scores a touchdown.
Back to work for the Minutemen
Football
Jeremy Rice
There's still about a half-hour before game time, but the buzz is already in the air about the Massachusetts football team. All over town this morning, people were wearing Maroon and White in anticipation of today's 2007 season opener. The Minutemen take on the Crusaders from Holy Cross today, their first game since the December 15 loss to Appalachian State in the NCAA championship.
The players just entered the field for warm-ups to resounding applause, despite the fact that the stadium is not even half full yet. Judging from the number of tailgaters, however, it will be before the opening kickoff is in the air.
Check back after the first quarter for more updates. and after every quarter for more updates. Also, be sure to pick up the Massachusetts Daily Collegian's Back to School issue Monday or Tuesday for coverage of every UMass fall sport.
Jeremy Rice
There's still about a half-hour before game time, but the buzz is already in the air about the Massachusetts football team. All over town this morning, people were wearing Maroon and White in anticipation of today's 2007 season opener. The Minutemen take on the Crusaders from Holy Cross today, their first game since the December 15 loss to Appalachian State in the NCAA championship.
The players just entered the field for warm-ups to resounding applause, despite the fact that the stadium is not even half full yet. Judging from the number of tailgaters, however, it will be before the opening kickoff is in the air.
Check back after the first quarter for more updates. and after every quarter for more updates. Also, be sure to pick up the Massachusetts Daily Collegian's Back to School issue Monday or Tuesday for coverage of every UMass fall sport.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Lasme inks deal with Golden State
Men's Basketball
Eli Rosenswaike
Former UMass men's basketball star Stephane Lasme signed with the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, according to NBA.com. The terms of the deal were not yet announced, per team policy.
The 24-year-old forward was taken in the second round (46th overall) of the 2007 NBA Draft. With the recent buyout of center Adonal Foyle's contract, the Warriors both had room and the desire to have Lasme on the roster.
Lasme was named both the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in his fourth and final season at UMass. He finished 2006 second in the country in blocks, and recorded four triple doubles -- becoming just the third player in NCAA history to accomplish that feat.
The 6-foot-8 Lasme is a native of Gabon, and will wear the #12 for the Warriors. He donned the number 13 for the Maroon and White.
Eli Rosenswaike
Former UMass men's basketball star Stephane Lasme signed with the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, according to NBA.com. The terms of the deal were not yet announced, per team policy.
The 24-year-old forward was taken in the second round (46th overall) of the 2007 NBA Draft. With the recent buyout of center Adonal Foyle's contract, the Warriors both had room and the desire to have Lasme on the roster.
Lasme was named both the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in his fourth and final season at UMass. He finished 2006 second in the country in blocks, and recorded four triple doubles -- becoming just the third player in NCAA history to accomplish that feat.
The 6-foot-8 Lasme is a native of Gabon, and will wear the #12 for the Warriors. He donned the number 13 for the Maroon and White.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Media Day kicks off football season
Football
Jeremy Rice
The Massachusetts football team held its annual Media Day today.
After a two-hour practice, lunch was served, and UMass coach Don Brown and the players answered questions for print and television media alike.
The biggest questions in the air today revolved around the gaping hole left by the departure of running back Steve Baylark, who graduated last spring and is currently in camp with the Arizona Cardinals.
Senior Matt Lawrence and sophomore Tony Nelson will be competing for the starting nod, though they will likely share the load through most of the season.
The offense looked sharp in practice, including a number of impressive catches by the wide receivers. Wide receiver Rasheed Rancher will join J.J. Moore as the starting wideouts. Rancher impressed with a couple of nice grabs and looks ready to replace Brandon London. At 6-foot-5, the senior towers over the UMass defenders and should prove to be a huge target for quarterback Liam Coen.
The Minutemen get back to work on Sept. 1 at home against Holy Cross. The first league game is Sept. 15 at home against Towson.
Jeremy Rice
The Massachusetts football team held its annual Media Day today.
After a two-hour practice, lunch was served, and UMass coach Don Brown and the players answered questions for print and television media alike.
The biggest questions in the air today revolved around the gaping hole left by the departure of running back Steve Baylark, who graduated last spring and is currently in camp with the Arizona Cardinals.
Senior Matt Lawrence and sophomore Tony Nelson will be competing for the starting nod, though they will likely share the load through most of the season.
The offense looked sharp in practice, including a number of impressive catches by the wide receivers. Wide receiver Rasheed Rancher will join J.J. Moore as the starting wideouts. Rancher impressed with a couple of nice grabs and looks ready to replace Brandon London. At 6-foot-5, the senior towers over the UMass defenders and should prove to be a huge target for quarterback Liam Coen.
The Minutemen get back to work on Sept. 1 at home against Holy Cross. The first league game is Sept. 15 at home against Towson.
Wednesday, August 8, 2007
Tamara Tatham to play professional ball
Women's basketball
Domenic Poli
Recent UMass graduate and women’s basketball player Tamara Tatham is going pro, having signed a contract with a professional team in Finland.
A few months after earning her bachelor’s degree in Sport Management, the four-year starter signed on to play with the Catz, of the Finnish League. Tatham will debut when the team plays its first game on Oct. 6. The Finnish League has a 36-game regular season schedule before the playoffs.
Tatham is slotted to be a wing player but will also move to the center position, for the Catz, who finished second in the Finnish League last year.
Tatham will meet with up with the squad once she completes her duties with the Canadian National Team. Her native country is trying to qualify for the 2008 Summer Olympics, in Beijina, China.
"I hope she makes it for the first match, although it might take a little while for her to get the same rhythm with the team," Catz Head Coach Tommi Koskinen said. "There are 36 matches before the playoffs, so I think she'll be fine. We weren't the only ones who were interested in her as there was a little competition going on. I'm glad we won. Tatham has a two-week trial period, but from what I've heard I don't think we'll be having any problems with her, I've heard only good things and look forward to having her help us contend for a title."
The Catz play in Lappeenranta, a city in southeast Finland, about 136 miles from Helsinki and just over 25 miles from the Russian border.
Tatham was the first recruit of UMass coach Marnie Dacko. She averaged 10.3 points per game and collected 226 assists, 190 steals and 60 blocks in 115 games as a Minutewoman. She also grabbed 754 rebounds – an average of 6.6 a game.
During her senior season, the Brampton, Ontario, native became the 15th player in UMass history to eclipse the 1,000-point plateau and wound up eighth in scoring. She also finished fifth in school history in both steals and rebounds.
As a member of the Maroon and White, Tatham shot 46 percent from the field and 63 percent from the free throw line.
Domenic Poli
Recent UMass graduate and women’s basketball player Tamara Tatham is going pro, having signed a contract with a professional team in Finland.
A few months after earning her bachelor’s degree in Sport Management, the four-year starter signed on to play with the Catz, of the Finnish League. Tatham will debut when the team plays its first game on Oct. 6. The Finnish League has a 36-game regular season schedule before the playoffs.
Tatham is slotted to be a wing player but will also move to the center position, for the Catz, who finished second in the Finnish League last year.
Tatham will meet with up with the squad once she completes her duties with the Canadian National Team. Her native country is trying to qualify for the 2008 Summer Olympics, in Beijina, China.
"I hope she makes it for the first match, although it might take a little while for her to get the same rhythm with the team," Catz Head Coach Tommi Koskinen said. "There are 36 matches before the playoffs, so I think she'll be fine. We weren't the only ones who were interested in her as there was a little competition going on. I'm glad we won. Tatham has a two-week trial period, but from what I've heard I don't think we'll be having any problems with her, I've heard only good things and look forward to having her help us contend for a title."
The Catz play in Lappeenranta, a city in southeast Finland, about 136 miles from Helsinki and just over 25 miles from the Russian border.
Tatham was the first recruit of UMass coach Marnie Dacko. She averaged 10.3 points per game and collected 226 assists, 190 steals and 60 blocks in 115 games as a Minutewoman. She also grabbed 754 rebounds – an average of 6.6 a game.
During her senior season, the Brampton, Ontario, native became the 15th player in UMass history to eclipse the 1,000-point plateau and wound up eighth in scoring. She also finished fifth in school history in both steals and rebounds.
As a member of the Maroon and White, Tatham shot 46 percent from the field and 63 percent from the free throw line.
Alisha Tatham to play in FISU Games
Women's basketball
Domenic Poli
UMass senior Alisha Tatham has been named to Canada’s development women’s national team that will compete at the FISU (International University Sport Federation) Games in Bangkok, Thailand.
The FISU Games are the second-largest multi-sport games in world, after the Olympics, and competiton begin on Aug. 7, ending on the 19.
Domenic Poli
UMass senior Alisha Tatham has been named to Canada’s development women’s national team that will compete at the FISU (International University Sport Federation) Games in Bangkok, Thailand.
The FISU Games are the second-largest multi-sport games in world, after the Olympics, and competiton begin on Aug. 7, ending on the 19.
Friday, July 20, 2007
New women's soccer schedule released
Women's soccer
Domenic Poli
The Massachusetts women’s soccer team’s 2007-2008 regular season schedule has been released.
The first action of the season is scheduled for Aug. 31, against Maine in Kingston, R.I.
The Minutewomen will look to put an early down payment on a playoff spot, as the nasty competition of the Atlantic 10 Conference slowly erased their postseason dreams last season. UMass finished 11-6, with a 5-4 conference record.
What first looked like a bright season for the Maroon and White took an unpleasant turn around the midway point as it ultimately could qualify for the playoffs. Though it won six of its final seven games, the Minutewomen failed to finish high enough in the A-10 standings.
Last year’s season ended for UMass after a 1-0 victory over Duquesne on Oct. 29. The Cristina Adams scored the game's lone goal in 75th minute, off an assist from senior captain Stephanie Barrett.
It was the final collegiate game for Barrett, as well as co-captain Nadia Villarroel and Liz Weinsten.
UMass’ hopes for a playoff berth had all but dwindled away two days earlier, when it lost a 1-0 heartbreaker to Saint Louis. Julia Bradenberg scored the Billikens' lone goal with eight minutes left in the game.
The Minutewomen will try to turn things around this season, however, and vie for some revenge against the teams that dealt them losses in 2006 – Saint Louis, Rhode Island, Dayton, LaSalle, Vermont and New Hampshire. Though they pulled off a solid season last year the A-10 proved that it takes something special to earn a spot in the playoffs.
Of UMass’ six defeats, three of them – against Saint Louis, URI, and Vermont – were one-goal games.
If the Minutewomen want to make it into this year’s postseason, they – along with coach Jim Rudy – will need to dig down deep come late August because they know that in November, one of those games decided by a single goal could be the difference between going on and going home.
Domenic Poli
The Massachusetts women’s soccer team’s 2007-2008 regular season schedule has been released.
The first action of the season is scheduled for Aug. 31, against Maine in Kingston, R.I.
The Minutewomen will look to put an early down payment on a playoff spot, as the nasty competition of the Atlantic 10 Conference slowly erased their postseason dreams last season. UMass finished 11-6, with a 5-4 conference record.
What first looked like a bright season for the Maroon and White took an unpleasant turn around the midway point as it ultimately could qualify for the playoffs. Though it won six of its final seven games, the Minutewomen failed to finish high enough in the A-10 standings.
Last year’s season ended for UMass after a 1-0 victory over Duquesne on Oct. 29. The Cristina Adams scored the game's lone goal in 75th minute, off an assist from senior captain Stephanie Barrett.
It was the final collegiate game for Barrett, as well as co-captain Nadia Villarroel and Liz Weinsten.
UMass’ hopes for a playoff berth had all but dwindled away two days earlier, when it lost a 1-0 heartbreaker to Saint Louis. Julia Bradenberg scored the Billikens' lone goal with eight minutes left in the game.
The Minutewomen will try to turn things around this season, however, and vie for some revenge against the teams that dealt them losses in 2006 – Saint Louis, Rhode Island, Dayton, LaSalle, Vermont and New Hampshire. Though they pulled off a solid season last year the A-10 proved that it takes something special to earn a spot in the playoffs.
Of UMass’ six defeats, three of them – against Saint Louis, URI, and Vermont – were one-goal games.
If the Minutewomen want to make it into this year’s postseason, they – along with coach Jim Rudy – will need to dig down deep come late August because they know that in November, one of those games decided by a single goal could be the difference between going on and going home.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Walker makes A-10 All-Conference team
Women's soccer
Domenic Poli
Massachusetts red-shirt senior goalkeeper Kristin Walker has been named to the Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Conference Team. Walker, a two-time A-10 All-Conference selection, is one of 11 players voted to the team selected by the conference's coaches, the league announced Monday.
Waker started all 17 games in 2006 for the Minutewomen and finished with an .846 save percentage and a career-best 0.96 goals against average. She allowed 16 goals on the season, including one or fewer in 15 of 17 games.
Domenic Poli
Massachusetts red-shirt senior goalkeeper Kristin Walker has been named to the Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Conference Team. Walker, a two-time A-10 All-Conference selection, is one of 11 players voted to the team selected by the conference's coaches, the league announced Monday.
Waker started all 17 games in 2006 for the Minutewomen and finished with an .846 save percentage and a career-best 0.96 goals against average. She allowed 16 goals on the season, including one or fewer in 15 of 17 games.
Cook Named to A-10 Preseason Team
Men's Soccer
Michael King
Despite not yet having reached summer's midpoint, that fact hasn't stopped the Atlantic 10 from previewing the upcoming men's soccer season.
The league named senior defender Kenny Cook to its Preseason All-Conference Team. Cook joins three representatives from both Saint Louis and Rhode Island on the nominal squad.
The senior leads a UMass team that excels in its defensive style of play. The Minutemen led the conference with 10 shutouts last season and also posted a 0.53 goals-against average. But the team's defensive prowress took a toll on its offensive - a unit ranked next to last in the A-10, while scoring only 0.74 goals per conference game last season.
Michael King
Despite not yet having reached summer's midpoint, that fact hasn't stopped the Atlantic 10 from previewing the upcoming men's soccer season.
The league named senior defender Kenny Cook to its Preseason All-Conference Team. Cook joins three representatives from both Saint Louis and Rhode Island on the nominal squad.
The senior leads a UMass team that excels in its defensive style of play. The Minutemen led the conference with 10 shutouts last season and also posted a 0.53 goals-against average. But the team's defensive prowress took a toll on its offensive - a unit ranked next to last in the A-10, while scoring only 0.74 goals per conference game last season.
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Minutemen and Minutewomen release 2007 schedule
Cross Country
Mike Gillmeister
The coaches for the Massachusetts men's and women's cross country teams have released the schedules for the 2007 season.
All-conference runners last season, seniors Nils Fischer and Christina Derosa lead their teams into the Dartmouth Invitational, the first meet of the season, on Sept. 8 in Hanover, N.H. Last season, both teams took third place in the meet. Derosa finished ahead of all Minutewomen, earning a fourth-place finish. Sophomore Nicolai Naranjo will come back to the place where he impressed in his collegiate debut, taking first place overall.
After their first home meets of the season on Sept. 15, the Minutemen and Minutewomen will travel to Lehigh University to take part in the Paul Short Invitational, one of the most prestigious meets in the country. Neither UMass cross country team took part in this meet last season.
The next meet for either team will be the New England Championships, on Oct. 6. Then-sophomore Jesse Regnier took 13th place overall, leading the Maroon and White to an eighth-place finish overall. Derosa finished 32nd overall, leading the Minutewomen to a 16th-place finish.
The Albany Invitational will be held on Oct. 13. Last season, junior Mark Kenwood placed 54th overall, leading the Minutemen to a 12th-place finish. Derosa led all Minutewomen with an 18th-place finish. The Minutewomen went on to earn a ninth-place finish in the meet.
On Oct. 27, both teams will take part in the Atlantic 10 Championships in which the Minutemen took third place overall in 2006, while the Minutewomen finished sixth. Last year, Fischer earned a ninth-place finish in the men's race while Derosa finished 10th overall in the women's race.
The Minutemen and Minutewomen will face some of the best collegiate teams in the country on Nov. 10. Last season, Regnier was the first Minuteman to cross the finish line, taking 54th place overall. Derosa finished in 21st place overall, ahead of any other Minutewoman.
The Maroon and White will compete in its last meet of the season on Nov. 17, at the IC4A Championship meet. Regnier lead the Minutemen to an 11th-place finish, taking 22nd overall for the men. Eilis Kierans capped off her first year of competitive collegiate running, finishing 52nd overall for the women.
Mike Gillmeister
The coaches for the Massachusetts men's and women's cross country teams have released the schedules for the 2007 season.
All-conference runners last season, seniors Nils Fischer and Christina Derosa lead their teams into the Dartmouth Invitational, the first meet of the season, on Sept. 8 in Hanover, N.H. Last season, both teams took third place in the meet. Derosa finished ahead of all Minutewomen, earning a fourth-place finish. Sophomore Nicolai Naranjo will come back to the place where he impressed in his collegiate debut, taking first place overall.
After their first home meets of the season on Sept. 15, the Minutemen and Minutewomen will travel to Lehigh University to take part in the Paul Short Invitational, one of the most prestigious meets in the country. Neither UMass cross country team took part in this meet last season.
The next meet for either team will be the New England Championships, on Oct. 6. Then-sophomore Jesse Regnier took 13th place overall, leading the Maroon and White to an eighth-place finish overall. Derosa finished 32nd overall, leading the Minutewomen to a 16th-place finish.
The Albany Invitational will be held on Oct. 13. Last season, junior Mark Kenwood placed 54th overall, leading the Minutemen to a 12th-place finish. Derosa led all Minutewomen with an 18th-place finish. The Minutewomen went on to earn a ninth-place finish in the meet.
On Oct. 27, both teams will take part in the Atlantic 10 Championships in which the Minutemen took third place overall in 2006, while the Minutewomen finished sixth. Last year, Fischer earned a ninth-place finish in the men's race while Derosa finished 10th overall in the women's race.
The Minutemen and Minutewomen will face some of the best collegiate teams in the country on Nov. 10. Last season, Regnier was the first Minuteman to cross the finish line, taking 54th place overall. Derosa finished in 21st place overall, ahead of any other Minutewoman.
The Maroon and White will compete in its last meet of the season on Nov. 17, at the IC4A Championship meet. Regnier lead the Minutemen to an 11th-place finish, taking 22nd overall for the men. Eilis Kierans capped off her first year of competitive collegiate running, finishing 52nd overall for the women.
Minutemen release 2007 schedule
Men's Soccer
Joe Meloni
After a season that produced one of the best starts in program history before one of the worst conference showings in program history, the Massachusetts men's soccer team released its schedule for the 2007 season. This year marks the team's 75th anniversary.
The Minutemen welcome back 10 of their 11 starters from last season - including 2007 Atlantic 10 First Team All-Conference defender Kenny Cook (senior) and leading scorers Bryan Hogan (sophomore) and Prince Ofosu (junior).
UMass begins the season with consecutive home games against Long Island and Providence before a six-game road trip beginning on Aug. 31 at Maine and ending Sep. 16 at Harvard.
In 2006, the Minutemen began the season 6-2-1 against non-conference opponents before ending the season with a 2-6-2 stretch against teams within the A-10. Of the 10 games against A-10 teams, six of them were played on the road which certainly affected the play of the team negatively. Opponents held the Minutemen scoreless from Sept. 17 to Oct. 1 - a stretch of five games that basically ended UMass' season.
The 2007 schedule has only two road trips during the conference schedule for the Minutemen. They travel to Saint Louis and then to Charlotte from Oct. 19 to Oct. 21. Then have three home games against defending A-10 Champion Rhode Island, La Salle and Fordham. Last season, La Salle handed UMass its worst loss of the season, a 5-0 drubbing on Oct. 1.
The season ends with a trip to Philadelphia for games with Saint Joseph's and Temple on Nov. 9 and 11. The Minutemen defeated Temple, 2-0, last season and played to a scoreless tie with St. Joe's.
If UMass qualifies, the A-10 Tournament is in Dayton, Ohio, and is scheduled for Nov. 15, 16 and the A-10 Championship game is on Nov. 18.
The Minutemen possess the abilty to contend for a conference title, but will need to make some adjustments to achieve the offensive consistency they lacked in 2006. Players like Hogan and Ofosu are dynamic enough to create opportunities, but must learn to operate within the conservative style UMass coach Sam Koch preaches.
The team's defense is among the best in the conference but occasional lapses in both concentration and execution found the Minutemen on the wrong end of leads at crucial points in the game. Leaders like Cook and record-setting goalkeeper Zack Simmons have already established themselves as two of the best defensive players in the conference and team leaders, but the rest of UMass' defense and midfield unit must do a better job of maintaining proper positioning.
With the team returning basically its entire roster, it must view 2007 as a chance to contend for the conference championship and an NCAA Tournament birth.
Joe Meloni
After a season that produced one of the best starts in program history before one of the worst conference showings in program history, the Massachusetts men's soccer team released its schedule for the 2007 season. This year marks the team's 75th anniversary.
The Minutemen welcome back 10 of their 11 starters from last season - including 2007 Atlantic 10 First Team All-Conference defender Kenny Cook (senior) and leading scorers Bryan Hogan (sophomore) and Prince Ofosu (junior).
UMass begins the season with consecutive home games against Long Island and Providence before a six-game road trip beginning on Aug. 31 at Maine and ending Sep. 16 at Harvard.
In 2006, the Minutemen began the season 6-2-1 against non-conference opponents before ending the season with a 2-6-2 stretch against teams within the A-10. Of the 10 games against A-10 teams, six of them were played on the road which certainly affected the play of the team negatively. Opponents held the Minutemen scoreless from Sept. 17 to Oct. 1 - a stretch of five games that basically ended UMass' season.
The 2007 schedule has only two road trips during the conference schedule for the Minutemen. They travel to Saint Louis and then to Charlotte from Oct. 19 to Oct. 21. Then have three home games against defending A-10 Champion Rhode Island, La Salle and Fordham. Last season, La Salle handed UMass its worst loss of the season, a 5-0 drubbing on Oct. 1.
The season ends with a trip to Philadelphia for games with Saint Joseph's and Temple on Nov. 9 and 11. The Minutemen defeated Temple, 2-0, last season and played to a scoreless tie with St. Joe's.
If UMass qualifies, the A-10 Tournament is in Dayton, Ohio, and is scheduled for Nov. 15, 16 and the A-10 Championship game is on Nov. 18.
The Minutemen possess the abilty to contend for a conference title, but will need to make some adjustments to achieve the offensive consistency they lacked in 2006. Players like Hogan and Ofosu are dynamic enough to create opportunities, but must learn to operate within the conservative style UMass coach Sam Koch preaches.
The team's defense is among the best in the conference but occasional lapses in both concentration and execution found the Minutemen on the wrong end of leads at crucial points in the game. Leaders like Cook and record-setting goalkeeper Zack Simmons have already established themselves as two of the best defensive players in the conference and team leaders, but the rest of UMass' defense and midfield unit must do a better job of maintaining proper positioning.
With the team returning basically its entire roster, it must view 2007 as a chance to contend for the conference championship and an NCAA Tournament birth.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Lasme a 'Warrior' in more ways than one
Men's Basketball
Eli Rosenswaike
The hard work put forth by former UMass star Stephane Lasme has paid off in a big way.
The 6-foot-7 forward -- who is the career blocked shots record-holder for the Minutemen -- was drafted in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. Lasme was selected 46th overall -- the 16th pick in the second round.
Lasme joins an uptempo offensive team in desperate need of defense. While the draft experts all agree he needs to vastly improve his offensive game, nobody questions his ability to defend and alter a contest with his shot-blocking prowess.
The Warriors ranked third-to-last in points allowed per game, and Lasme has a chance to possibly come off the bench to help improve Golden State in that clear problem area.
Lasme was a fan-favorite at UMass -- mostly due to his intensity, hard work and impressive numbers. He recorded four triple-doubles in his senior season, something only two players have ever done at the college level; Jason Kidd was one of the others.
ESPN.com's draft expert, Chad Ford, describes the 24-year-old and his fit with the Warriors: "Lasme is one of the better shot-blockers in the draft. He's a little undersized, but he makes up for it with length and athleticism. Another good fit for Golden State."
On Lasme's draft report card, Ford has a lot of praise for the former UMass star: "Long, athletic jumping jack. Dominant defender. One of the best shot-blockers in college basketball. Excellent rebounder. Aggressive. Strong. Excellent quickness for a big man."
However, experts site his lack of size for a forward (6-foot-7, 213 pounds) as a major question mark. They also mention his inferior offensive game and his rawness as a basketball player (he hasn't been playing basketball for all that long).
Lasme averaged 13.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 5.1 blocks per game in his last season under Travis Ford. He improved his numbers across the board in every season (including points, rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage) for the Maroon and White, culminating in his career season.
Golden State is sorely lacking any kind of defensive presence in the middle, and it has only a few players at the power forward position -- both of which add up to Lasme having a real possibilty to see serious minutes. But it will take time, as Lasme is 'raw as a player' and has a lot to learn.
Eli Rosenswaike
The hard work put forth by former UMass star Stephane Lasme has paid off in a big way.
The 6-foot-7 forward -- who is the career blocked shots record-holder for the Minutemen -- was drafted in the second round of the 2007 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. Lasme was selected 46th overall -- the 16th pick in the second round.
Lasme joins an uptempo offensive team in desperate need of defense. While the draft experts all agree he needs to vastly improve his offensive game, nobody questions his ability to defend and alter a contest with his shot-blocking prowess.
The Warriors ranked third-to-last in points allowed per game, and Lasme has a chance to possibly come off the bench to help improve Golden State in that clear problem area.
Lasme was a fan-favorite at UMass -- mostly due to his intensity, hard work and impressive numbers. He recorded four triple-doubles in his senior season, something only two players have ever done at the college level; Jason Kidd was one of the others.
ESPN.com's draft expert, Chad Ford, describes the 24-year-old and his fit with the Warriors: "Lasme is one of the better shot-blockers in the draft. He's a little undersized, but he makes up for it with length and athleticism. Another good fit for Golden State."
On Lasme's draft report card, Ford has a lot of praise for the former UMass star: "Long, athletic jumping jack. Dominant defender. One of the best shot-blockers in college basketball. Excellent rebounder. Aggressive. Strong. Excellent quickness for a big man."
However, experts site his lack of size for a forward (6-foot-7, 213 pounds) as a major question mark. They also mention his inferior offensive game and his rawness as a basketball player (he hasn't been playing basketball for all that long).
Lasme averaged 13.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 5.1 blocks per game in his last season under Travis Ford. He improved his numbers across the board in every season (including points, rebounds, blocks and field goal percentage) for the Maroon and White, culminating in his career season.
Golden State is sorely lacking any kind of defensive presence in the middle, and it has only a few players at the power forward position -- both of which add up to Lasme having a real possibilty to see serious minutes. But it will take time, as Lasme is 'raw as a player' and has a lot to learn.
Friday, June 22, 2007
UMass Tennis signs four recruits
Tennis
Mike Connors
The Massachusetts tennis team looks to improve upon its 2006-2007 record of 13-9 with four new arrivals for the 2007-2007 campaign.
Candynce Boney (Las Vegas, Nev.) comes in as the 75th-ranked freshman recruit in Division I. After being named Rookie of the Year in high school in 2003, she continued to excel throughout the rest of her year career in Nevada, winning team MVP the next three years. She also belongs to the Andre Agassi Boys and Girls Club, and was awarded the Team Agassi Coach Award in 2006.
Kaitlyn Carpenter (Alburis, Penn.) played in the Middle States Section and went on to win District AA singles. Carpenter also came in at third for doubles in Pennsylvania.
Jenna Goldfine (Newton, Mass.) was named to the Boston Globe All-Scholastic Tennis Team in 2004 and 2005, and has also won a Gold Medal at the USTA Zonal Team Championship.
The Minutewomen's final recruit, Tanisha Hodgson, will come to Amherst as the No. 1 ranked player in Aruba. She is ranked #760 in the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
Mike Connors
The Massachusetts tennis team looks to improve upon its 2006-2007 record of 13-9 with four new arrivals for the 2007-2007 campaign.
Candynce Boney (Las Vegas, Nev.) comes in as the 75th-ranked freshman recruit in Division I. After being named Rookie of the Year in high school in 2003, she continued to excel throughout the rest of her year career in Nevada, winning team MVP the next three years. She also belongs to the Andre Agassi Boys and Girls Club, and was awarded the Team Agassi Coach Award in 2006.
Kaitlyn Carpenter (Alburis, Penn.) played in the Middle States Section and went on to win District AA singles. Carpenter also came in at third for doubles in Pennsylvania.
Jenna Goldfine (Newton, Mass.) was named to the Boston Globe All-Scholastic Tennis Team in 2004 and 2005, and has also won a Gold Medal at the USTA Zonal Team Championship.
The Minutewomen's final recruit, Tanisha Hodgson, will come to Amherst as the No. 1 ranked player in Aruba. She is ranked #760 in the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Dios bendice Puerto Rico (God bless Puerto Rico)!
Softball
Domenic Poli
UMass outfielder Davina Hernandez officially made the Puerto Rican national softball team Tuesday.
Although P.R. will not play its Olympic Qualifier in Valencia, Venezuela until Aug. 18-26, it will be taking part in the Canada Cup in Surrey, British Columbia June 30-July 8 and the Pan American Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil from July 23-29.
Puerto Rico will have a training trip to Florida after the Canada Cup.
Domenic Poli
UMass outfielder Davina Hernandez officially made the Puerto Rican national softball team Tuesday.
Although P.R. will not play its Olympic Qualifier in Valencia, Venezuela until Aug. 18-26, it will be taking part in the Canada Cup in Surrey, British Columbia June 30-July 8 and the Pan American Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil from July 23-29.
Puerto Rico will have a training trip to Florida after the Canada Cup.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Maroon and White players to be donning some new colors in China
Softball
Domenic Poli
It looks like UMass may send two softball players to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China - but they will be representing countries other than the United States.
Having recently earned citizenship in Italy, graduated center fielder Candice Molinari will button up her jersey for the land of her ancestors and junior outfielder Davina Hernandez is trying out for the Puerto Rican national team.
Hernandez flew to P.R. last Friday for tryouts and will find out Monday if she will be on the team.
Stay tuned to "From the Press Box" to see if Hernandez will represent Puerto Rico in Beijing.
Domenic Poli
It looks like UMass may send two softball players to the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China - but they will be representing countries other than the United States.
Having recently earned citizenship in Italy, graduated center fielder Candice Molinari will button up her jersey for the land of her ancestors and junior outfielder Davina Hernandez is trying out for the Puerto Rican national team.
Hernandez flew to P.R. last Friday for tryouts and will find out Monday if she will be on the team.
Stay tuned to "From the Press Box" to see if Hernandez will represent Puerto Rico in Beijing.
Molinari, Balschmiter receive Easton All-American honors
Softball
Domenic Poli
Massachusetts senior center fielder Candice Molinari and sophomore pitcher Brandice Balschmiter were recently named Easton All-Americans. Balschmiter received second-team honors, while Molinari was elected to the third team.
Domenic Poli
Massachusetts senior center fielder Candice Molinari and sophomore pitcher Brandice Balschmiter were recently named Easton All-Americans. Balschmiter received second-team honors, while Molinari was elected to the third team.
Both players were third team All-Americans in 2006.
Molinari finished her fourth and final season at UMass by aligning herself with an elite group of people. With a batting average of .401, she became just the ninth player in UMass history to hit over .400 in a season.
The fleet-of-foot center fielder swiped 21 bases out of 27 attempts.
She committed only one error all season in the outfield and gunned down seven runners.
She also had 67 hits, 41 runs scored and 15 RBIs.
Balschmiter went 29-10 over the course of the season. She made 44 appearances for the Maroon and White with 38 starts, 34 complete games, two saves 14 shutouts and two no-hitters. She surrendered 52 earned runs while letting up 184 hits and 57 walks in 262.1 innings pitched.
The 6-foot-1 righty also struck out 269 batters and held opponents to a .189 average.
Monday, June 4, 2007
Lasme helping draft stock
Men's Basketball
Eli Rosenswaike
Former UMass basketball star Stephane Lasme improved his draft stock considerably after his strong performances at the NBA Pre-Draft Camp in Orlando, Fla this past week.
Lasme was thought to be a possibility in the late second round, but is now expected to be a lock for the second stanza in the NBA Draft held on June 28. According to ESPN.com's Chad Ford, Lasme essentially "shored" up his selection in the second round due to his impressive display on the defensive end during the camp.
Additonally, Lasme climbed to the 55th spot in Ford's Top 100 Draft-eligible prospects. He had previously been at number 79.
The Portland Trailblazers have four picks in the second round, so one highly possible scenario has Lasme going to them with one of them. But that is purely speculation on my part.
My guess is that a solid team in need of a shot-blocking extraordinaire will call Lasme's name on June 28 -- somewhere in the late second round.
Eli Rosenswaike
Former UMass basketball star Stephane Lasme improved his draft stock considerably after his strong performances at the NBA Pre-Draft Camp in Orlando, Fla this past week.
Lasme was thought to be a possibility in the late second round, but is now expected to be a lock for the second stanza in the NBA Draft held on June 28. According to ESPN.com's Chad Ford, Lasme essentially "shored" up his selection in the second round due to his impressive display on the defensive end during the camp.
Additonally, Lasme climbed to the 55th spot in Ford's Top 100 Draft-eligible prospects. He had previously been at number 79.
The Portland Trailblazers have four picks in the second round, so one highly possible scenario has Lasme going to them with one of them. But that is purely speculation on my part.
My guess is that a solid team in need of a shot-blocking extraordinaire will call Lasme's name on June 28 -- somewhere in the late second round.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Cross Country names captains for 2007
Cross Country
Mike Gillmeister
The Massachusetts Men's Cross-country team has named captains for the 2007 season. Senior Ryan Durkin and junior Jesse Regnier lead the Minutemen this season under Massachusetts coach Ken O'Brien. Durkin finished among the top five runners in five meets last season. In the 8 kilometer race, he ran his fastest time in that event of the year at the New England Championships with a time of 25:50, good for 70th place overall.
Regnier was exceptional as a sophomore last season, finishing before any of his teammates in four out of the six events that he participated in. He finished in 14th place overall at the New England Championship meet. Renier took 17th place at Atlantic 10 Championship meet, as well as 54th overall at the NCAA Regional meet, again finishing ahead of any of his teammates.
Durkin and Regnier captain a team of familiar faces this season. While losing only two seniors, the Cross-country team welcomes back 19 runners, including five seniors and six juniors.
Mike Gillmeister
The Massachusetts Men's Cross-country team has named captains for the 2007 season. Senior Ryan Durkin and junior Jesse Regnier lead the Minutemen this season under Massachusetts coach Ken O'Brien. Durkin finished among the top five runners in five meets last season. In the 8 kilometer race, he ran his fastest time in that event of the year at the New England Championships with a time of 25:50, good for 70th place overall.
Regnier was exceptional as a sophomore last season, finishing before any of his teammates in four out of the six events that he participated in. He finished in 14th place overall at the New England Championship meet. Renier took 17th place at Atlantic 10 Championship meet, as well as 54th overall at the NCAA Regional meet, again finishing ahead of any of his teammates.
Durkin and Regnier captain a team of familiar faces this season. While losing only two seniors, the Cross-country team welcomes back 19 runners, including five seniors and six juniors.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Baseball gets graded
Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike
The 2007 baseball season has wrapped up for the Minutemen, as Stone and Co. fell just shy of a playoff berth in the Atlantic 10. UMass finished the season at 22-25 (13-14 A-10) and ended the year in eighth place in the 14-team conference. Only the top six teams made the postseason.
In terms of overall record, only five teams (Charlotte, Fordham, Richmond, Xavier and St. Bonaventure) faired better than the Minutemen. While the players are awaiting grades for their work in the classroom, here are their grades (at least, in my opinion) for their on-field performances in 2007.
Catcher: Bryan Garrity (C-)
One of two co-captains, Garrity did a solid job behind the plate for the Minutemen -- both defensively and in calling the game for the pitching staff. He is a good leader for the ballclub, and his work behind the plate is certainly more important to their successes than his work at the plate.
However, Garrity had a down year with the stick, hitting below his career average of .264. He hit at a .240 clip this season, but did draw 16 walks (eight HBP, as well) to bump up his on-base percentage to .349. He did a decent job in cutting down opposing basestealers, throwing out 19 runners on the season in 55 attempts.
First Base: Bryan Adamski (offense, B...pitching, A)
Somehow, it seems like Adamski is overlooked at times. Probably the best player on the team. He contributes with the bat and on the mound, and in a big way. He led the club -- or tied for the lead -- in numerous offensive categories (12 doubles, 5 home runs, 77 total bases, 20 walks, 11 HBP's, .401 on-base percentage, .453 slugging percentage) and always seemed to come up big in key situations. He even swiped eight bases.
On the mound, Adamski was even better -- leading the team with his 2.67 ERA. He also had a 3-1 record and four saves. He wasn't overpowering (just 6 strikeouts in 30.1 innings) but he was economical with his pitches and only walked six hitters. He really only had one poor outing all season, when he struggled in the seventh (and final) inning at Fenway Park in the Beanpot consolation game. He will be missed in a big way next season.
Second Base: Adam Tempesta (B)
Tempesta is a ballplayer. He just goes out there, hits over .300, scores runs and generally plays the game the way it should be played. He is a tough competitor who played through numerous injuries this season. He led the team in hitting (.306), hits (57) and was the hardest Minuteman to strike out (just 13 K's in 202 plate appearances). He played solid defense after coming back to his normal position after he spent the beginning of the season at DH. Mike Stone has to be more than delighted to have him back for two more years.
Third Base: Ryan Franczek (C-)
Franczek has a lot of talent, and it showed at times during the season. He went through a pretty big slump during the middle of the season, but really picked it up at the tail end of the year. He finished with a .252 AVG, 3 HR's and 18 RBIs. I'm sure he's definitely disappointed with those final numbers, because he's certainly capable of bigger numbers.
He contributed in other ways, drawing 20 walks, stealing seven bases and making some terrific plays at the hot corner. He did struggle in the field at times, committing 10 errors. Franczek will need to pick up the slack with his offense next year, especially with Adamski graduating. I think he will do just that.
Shortstop: Lou Proietti (D+)
Things didn't go as well for 'sweet Lou' this season, compared to a terrific 2006 campaign. The 'D+' grade may be a bit harsh, but he was markedly better last season.
Here's a quick comparison:
2007: .263 AVG, 7 XBH, 12 RBIs, .316 SLG %, .329 OBP %, 15 E.
2006: .331 AVG, 11 XBH, 22 RBIs, .398 SLG %, .411 OBP %, 18 E.
His average fell .68 points, and his on base and slugging percentages fell a great deal, as well. Proietti did a great job on the basepaths again this season, but his lack of production was really surprising. The low grade reflects how much his offensive output fell off from 2006. He is definitely not a 'D+' player.
Center Field: Bill Rankin (B+)
Rankin was mired in a long slump to start the season -- hitting at .160 -- but he still managed to contribute to the team. He routinely made spectacular plays in the field, and moved runners over whenever called upon to do so. I wrote about the senior outfielder, and he mentioned in the article about how frustrating it was to not help out more with the bat.
His struggles didn't last much longer, as the left-handed Rankin started to catch fire. He stayed hot for the rest of the season, and surprisingly led the team in RBIs (26), doubles (12) and runs scored (25). Rankin finished the season hitting .280, and added three home runs and 10 stolen bases. If the A-10 awarded Gold Gloves, Rankin probably would have won in a landslide.
Much like Tempesta, Rankin simply plays the game the right way -- and he was an instrumental in the team improving from last season.
Left Field: Mike Donato (C-) and Brian Baudinet (F)
Donato was inconsistent, but he showed signs of being a pretty good player. He displayed some power, slugging three home runs and driving in 17 runs -- despite only having 99 at-bats. However, Donato hit just .232 and had an unreasonably low OBP (.262) because he only drew two walks. His plate discipline has to improve, but he did a real nice job of driving in runs. He did well in the field, and didn't committ an error.
Baudinet really struggled. He played in 25 games (16 starts) and only hit at a .132 clip (7 hits in 53 at-bats). He also struck out 15 times and had a hard time getting bunts down when called upon. He's certainly a better player than those numbers suggest, but those numbers earn him the poor grade.
Right Field: Travis Munsey (C-)
Munsey did a great job -- much like Rankin -- in picking up the slack after early struggles at the plate. A co-captain alongside Garrity, Munsey hit for a solid .287 average, but had just nine extra-base hits among his 41 hits.
Two things keep him from earning a higher grade:
1. Despite having a .287 AVG, his OBP was only .302 (just 3 walks and 1 HBP in 143 AB).
2. He strike out 23 times.
But Munsey did a good job in the field and came through in the clutch for Mike Stone. His leadership will be missed.
Designated Hitter: Jim Cassidy (D-) and Jim Macdonald (B)
Cassidy did a very good job on the mound (I'll get to that shortly) but the same cannot be said for his work as the regular DH. In 110 at-bats, Casssidy hit just .173 and had just five XBH. A .236 slugging percentage is simply not acceptable for a DH. Even if he were using wooden bats.
It's too bad Macdonald got hurt, because he was enjoying a really solid season. He was hitting .298 with a team-leading 19 RBIs when he injured his finger. It will be interesting to see how he recovers next year. He could be real fun to watch.
Starting Pitching: Chris Lloyd (B-), Jared Freni (C-), Jim Cassidy (B) and Tim Comiskey (C+)
Every member of that rotation had the same problem. Command. They walked entirely too many hitters.
LLoyd: 14 G (11 starts), 5-3, 4.74 ERA, 1 CG, 1 SV, 76 IP, 77 H, 25 BB, 32 K, .276 OBA
He was a workhorse for the Minutemen, giving the team plenty of innings. And they needed those innings because the bullpen wasn't real strong. Lloyd had the best command of all four starters, and really did a good job down the stretch when it mattered most.
Freni: 11 G (11 starts), 3-4, 5.12 ERA, 51 IP, 60 H, 27 BB, 33 K, .300 OBA
I gave him a C- and not a D+ because inconsistency is expected from a freshman. He was real good at times (he won a Rookie of the Week honor) but he also fell apart with his control in other outings. He probably didn't do as well as he had hoped, but he can definitely build on his 2007 season next year. The kid has some good stuff, no doubt about that. He could emerge as an ace in the future.
Cassidy: 7 G (7 starts), 5-1, 3.35 ERA, 43 IP, 38 H, 26 BB, 27 K, .241 OBA
I think he got a bit lucky with that ERA on the season. Twenty-six walks in just 43 innings is quite poor, and he fenagled his way out of jumps at an impossibly-high rate that probably couldn't be duplicated again. That said, he did a terrific job on the hill, and hitters had a real difficult time hitting off of him.
Once again, it's a shame that he got hurt and missed the last two or three starts of the season. Hopefully he will be healthy in 2008 and we can see more of what he's capable of. He's a great athlete. I don't think he was expected to do that well on the hill, and that poorly at the plate.
Comiskey: 12 G (7 starts), 3-4, 3.83 ERA, 47 IP, 44 H, 30 BB, 21 K, .247 OBA
Too many free passes. But he did a good job as the weekday starter for the Minutemen. Can't argue with that solid ERA, but those walks are going to haunt him next year.
Bullpen: Bryan Adamski (A), Mitchell Eilenberg (B), Aaron Smith (B+), Mike Dicato (D+) and Ryan Walczak (F)
I mentioned Adamski earlier, no need to mention him further, other than to say he did great. The other closer, Smith, did very well before he got hurt. He got roughed up in his last outing to end the regular season, so his 4.71 ERA is deceiving. He had five saves (tops on team) and struck out 15 in 21 innings. He only had four walks.
Eilenberg (3-0, 3.25 ERA, 52.2 IP, 59 H, 22 BB, 28K) had a real nice season, as well. He made some spot starts, and performed admirably in those opportunities. Coach Stone handed the ball to Eilenberg in crucial spots, and he usually got the job done. The kid is a battler out there and is a tough competitor.
Dicato (0-7, 6.17 ERA, 46.2 IP, 49 H, 25 BB, 30K) is a lot better than those numbers suggest. He took some hard-luck losses and he has some good stuff. But he did lose seven games and had a very high ERA -- which is why his grade is low. He's got a good future ahead of him, though I think.
Walczak was 0-3 with a 8.34 ERA in 22.2 innings pitched. He allowed 32 hits and an unseenly 19 walks. Coupled with three hit-batsmen, that's 54 base runners in 22.2 innings pitched. Enough said.
Eli Rosenswaike
The 2007 baseball season has wrapped up for the Minutemen, as Stone and Co. fell just shy of a playoff berth in the Atlantic 10. UMass finished the season at 22-25 (13-14 A-10) and ended the year in eighth place in the 14-team conference. Only the top six teams made the postseason.
In terms of overall record, only five teams (Charlotte, Fordham, Richmond, Xavier and St. Bonaventure) faired better than the Minutemen. While the players are awaiting grades for their work in the classroom, here are their grades (at least, in my opinion) for their on-field performances in 2007.
Catcher: Bryan Garrity (C-)
One of two co-captains, Garrity did a solid job behind the plate for the Minutemen -- both defensively and in calling the game for the pitching staff. He is a good leader for the ballclub, and his work behind the plate is certainly more important to their successes than his work at the plate.
However, Garrity had a down year with the stick, hitting below his career average of .264. He hit at a .240 clip this season, but did draw 16 walks (eight HBP, as well) to bump up his on-base percentage to .349. He did a decent job in cutting down opposing basestealers, throwing out 19 runners on the season in 55 attempts.
First Base: Bryan Adamski (offense, B...pitching, A)
Somehow, it seems like Adamski is overlooked at times. Probably the best player on the team. He contributes with the bat and on the mound, and in a big way. He led the club -- or tied for the lead -- in numerous offensive categories (12 doubles, 5 home runs, 77 total bases, 20 walks, 11 HBP's, .401 on-base percentage, .453 slugging percentage) and always seemed to come up big in key situations. He even swiped eight bases.
On the mound, Adamski was even better -- leading the team with his 2.67 ERA. He also had a 3-1 record and four saves. He wasn't overpowering (just 6 strikeouts in 30.1 innings) but he was economical with his pitches and only walked six hitters. He really only had one poor outing all season, when he struggled in the seventh (and final) inning at Fenway Park in the Beanpot consolation game. He will be missed in a big way next season.
Second Base: Adam Tempesta (B)
Tempesta is a ballplayer. He just goes out there, hits over .300, scores runs and generally plays the game the way it should be played. He is a tough competitor who played through numerous injuries this season. He led the team in hitting (.306), hits (57) and was the hardest Minuteman to strike out (just 13 K's in 202 plate appearances). He played solid defense after coming back to his normal position after he spent the beginning of the season at DH. Mike Stone has to be more than delighted to have him back for two more years.
Third Base: Ryan Franczek (C-)
Franczek has a lot of talent, and it showed at times during the season. He went through a pretty big slump during the middle of the season, but really picked it up at the tail end of the year. He finished with a .252 AVG, 3 HR's and 18 RBIs. I'm sure he's definitely disappointed with those final numbers, because he's certainly capable of bigger numbers.
He contributed in other ways, drawing 20 walks, stealing seven bases and making some terrific plays at the hot corner. He did struggle in the field at times, committing 10 errors. Franczek will need to pick up the slack with his offense next year, especially with Adamski graduating. I think he will do just that.
Shortstop: Lou Proietti (D+)
Things didn't go as well for 'sweet Lou' this season, compared to a terrific 2006 campaign. The 'D+' grade may be a bit harsh, but he was markedly better last season.
Here's a quick comparison:
2007: .263 AVG, 7 XBH, 12 RBIs, .316 SLG %, .329 OBP %, 15 E.
2006: .331 AVG, 11 XBH, 22 RBIs, .398 SLG %, .411 OBP %, 18 E.
His average fell .68 points, and his on base and slugging percentages fell a great deal, as well. Proietti did a great job on the basepaths again this season, but his lack of production was really surprising. The low grade reflects how much his offensive output fell off from 2006. He is definitely not a 'D+' player.
Center Field: Bill Rankin (B+)
Rankin was mired in a long slump to start the season -- hitting at .160 -- but he still managed to contribute to the team. He routinely made spectacular plays in the field, and moved runners over whenever called upon to do so. I wrote about the senior outfielder, and he mentioned in the article about how frustrating it was to not help out more with the bat.
His struggles didn't last much longer, as the left-handed Rankin started to catch fire. He stayed hot for the rest of the season, and surprisingly led the team in RBIs (26), doubles (12) and runs scored (25). Rankin finished the season hitting .280, and added three home runs and 10 stolen bases. If the A-10 awarded Gold Gloves, Rankin probably would have won in a landslide.
Much like Tempesta, Rankin simply plays the game the right way -- and he was an instrumental in the team improving from last season.
Left Field: Mike Donato (C-) and Brian Baudinet (F)
Donato was inconsistent, but he showed signs of being a pretty good player. He displayed some power, slugging three home runs and driving in 17 runs -- despite only having 99 at-bats. However, Donato hit just .232 and had an unreasonably low OBP (.262) because he only drew two walks. His plate discipline has to improve, but he did a real nice job of driving in runs. He did well in the field, and didn't committ an error.
Baudinet really struggled. He played in 25 games (16 starts) and only hit at a .132 clip (7 hits in 53 at-bats). He also struck out 15 times and had a hard time getting bunts down when called upon. He's certainly a better player than those numbers suggest, but those numbers earn him the poor grade.
Right Field: Travis Munsey (C-)
Munsey did a great job -- much like Rankin -- in picking up the slack after early struggles at the plate. A co-captain alongside Garrity, Munsey hit for a solid .287 average, but had just nine extra-base hits among his 41 hits.
Two things keep him from earning a higher grade:
1. Despite having a .287 AVG, his OBP was only .302 (just 3 walks and 1 HBP in 143 AB).
2. He strike out 23 times.
But Munsey did a good job in the field and came through in the clutch for Mike Stone. His leadership will be missed.
Designated Hitter: Jim Cassidy (D-) and Jim Macdonald (B)
Cassidy did a very good job on the mound (I'll get to that shortly) but the same cannot be said for his work as the regular DH. In 110 at-bats, Casssidy hit just .173 and had just five XBH. A .236 slugging percentage is simply not acceptable for a DH. Even if he were using wooden bats.
It's too bad Macdonald got hurt, because he was enjoying a really solid season. He was hitting .298 with a team-leading 19 RBIs when he injured his finger. It will be interesting to see how he recovers next year. He could be real fun to watch.
Starting Pitching: Chris Lloyd (B-), Jared Freni (C-), Jim Cassidy (B) and Tim Comiskey (C+)
Every member of that rotation had the same problem. Command. They walked entirely too many hitters.
LLoyd: 14 G (11 starts), 5-3, 4.74 ERA, 1 CG, 1 SV, 76 IP, 77 H, 25 BB, 32 K, .276 OBA
He was a workhorse for the Minutemen, giving the team plenty of innings. And they needed those innings because the bullpen wasn't real strong. Lloyd had the best command of all four starters, and really did a good job down the stretch when it mattered most.
Freni: 11 G (11 starts), 3-4, 5.12 ERA, 51 IP, 60 H, 27 BB, 33 K, .300 OBA
I gave him a C- and not a D+ because inconsistency is expected from a freshman. He was real good at times (he won a Rookie of the Week honor) but he also fell apart with his control in other outings. He probably didn't do as well as he had hoped, but he can definitely build on his 2007 season next year. The kid has some good stuff, no doubt about that. He could emerge as an ace in the future.
Cassidy: 7 G (7 starts), 5-1, 3.35 ERA, 43 IP, 38 H, 26 BB, 27 K, .241 OBA
I think he got a bit lucky with that ERA on the season. Twenty-six walks in just 43 innings is quite poor, and he fenagled his way out of jumps at an impossibly-high rate that probably couldn't be duplicated again. That said, he did a terrific job on the hill, and hitters had a real difficult time hitting off of him.
Once again, it's a shame that he got hurt and missed the last two or three starts of the season. Hopefully he will be healthy in 2008 and we can see more of what he's capable of. He's a great athlete. I don't think he was expected to do that well on the hill, and that poorly at the plate.
Comiskey: 12 G (7 starts), 3-4, 3.83 ERA, 47 IP, 44 H, 30 BB, 21 K, .247 OBA
Too many free passes. But he did a good job as the weekday starter for the Minutemen. Can't argue with that solid ERA, but those walks are going to haunt him next year.
Bullpen: Bryan Adamski (A), Mitchell Eilenberg (B), Aaron Smith (B+), Mike Dicato (D+) and Ryan Walczak (F)
I mentioned Adamski earlier, no need to mention him further, other than to say he did great. The other closer, Smith, did very well before he got hurt. He got roughed up in his last outing to end the regular season, so his 4.71 ERA is deceiving. He had five saves (tops on team) and struck out 15 in 21 innings. He only had four walks.
Eilenberg (3-0, 3.25 ERA, 52.2 IP, 59 H, 22 BB, 28K) had a real nice season, as well. He made some spot starts, and performed admirably in those opportunities. Coach Stone handed the ball to Eilenberg in crucial spots, and he usually got the job done. The kid is a battler out there and is a tough competitor.
Dicato (0-7, 6.17 ERA, 46.2 IP, 49 H, 25 BB, 30K) is a lot better than those numbers suggest. He took some hard-luck losses and he has some good stuff. But he did lose seven games and had a very high ERA -- which is why his grade is low. He's got a good future ahead of him, though I think.
Walczak was 0-3 with a 8.34 ERA in 22.2 innings pitched. He allowed 32 hits and an unseenly 19 walks. Coupled with three hit-batsmen, that's 54 base runners in 22.2 innings pitched. Enough said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
