Softball
Domenic Poli
Neither wind, nor rain, nor sleet nor snow could have prevented the Massachuestts softball team from playing a scheduled game.
The Minutewomen were forced to wait through an hour and a half rain delay before beating the Dayton Flyers 5-2 in the second game of a two-day series in Ohio.
Pitcher Brandice Balschmiter won her second consecutive start, hurling a complete game with three walks six strikeouts and four hits allowed.
The two runs the sophomore gave up were earned.
Stacy Cullington got things going in the top of the first with a two-run blast to left-center that brought in Amanda Morin who had reached base by walking as the first batter of the game.
The Maroon and White got their last three runs a mere inning later when captain Amanda Acampora homered over the left field fence. With two outs in the inning, co-captain Candice Molinari stepped up to the plate. An error by Dayton's shortstop on the succeeding play allowed Amanda Morin and Jessica Serio to come on down.
The remainder of the game was quiet as far as run-scoring goes, as not one more player crossed the plate before when Flyers' left fielder Mollie Schrank grounded back to Balschmiter in the circle with two outs in the bottom of the seventh. Balschmiter threw over to Morin at first base to end the rain-soaked game.
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
Balschmiter just misses second-straight no-no
Softball
Domenic Poli
UMass sophomore Brandice Balschmiter pitched another outstanding game for the Minutewomen - tossing an 8-0 one-hitter against Dayton in a game, that was called after five frames. A first-inning single by Flyers' leftfielder Mollie Schrank was the only thing that kept Balschmiter from throwing her second consecutive no-hitter.
Balschmiter - now 10-8 - fanned seven Dayton batters and has now hurled 19.1 scoreless innings.
Junior Stacy Cullington and sophomore Samantha Salato, sophomore Whitney Mollica and freshman Whitney Williams and seniors Amanda Acampora and Amanda Morin, all drove in runs for the Maroon and White, but only Salato and Cullington registered two.
Cullington had a 1-for-2 performance, while Salato went 2-for-2 with a run scored on the day.
Check back here for results and highlights from the Minutewomen's next day, which is set for tomorrow at 12 p.m. versus Dayton.
Domenic Poli
UMass sophomore Brandice Balschmiter pitched another outstanding game for the Minutewomen - tossing an 8-0 one-hitter against Dayton in a game, that was called after five frames. A first-inning single by Flyers' leftfielder Mollie Schrank was the only thing that kept Balschmiter from throwing her second consecutive no-hitter.
Balschmiter - now 10-8 - fanned seven Dayton batters and has now hurled 19.1 scoreless innings.
Junior Stacy Cullington and sophomore Samantha Salato, sophomore Whitney Mollica and freshman Whitney Williams and seniors Amanda Acampora and Amanda Morin, all drove in runs for the Maroon and White, but only Salato and Cullington registered two.
Cullington had a 1-for-2 performance, while Salato went 2-for-2 with a run scored on the day.
Check back here for results and highlights from the Minutewomen's next day, which is set for tomorrow at 12 p.m. versus Dayton.
Honor bestowed upon softball duo
Softball
Domenic Poli
Sophomores Brandice Balschmiter and Whitney Mollica were among 50 student-athletes named to USA Softball's Player of the Year Watch List Tuesday afternoon. The award is designed to recognize outstanding athletic achievement by female collegiate softball players throughout the United States.
So far this season Balschmiter has amassed a record of 9-8 to accompany her excellent 1.78 ERA. She has thrown 117.2 innings this year, having given up 96 hits, 44 total runs allowed and 24 walks.
She also has 105 strikeouts to her credit.
Third baseman Whitney Mollica - also the granddaughter of baseball legend Don Zimmer - maintains a .293 batting average, 28 total bases and a slugging percentage of .373.
So far this year she has 22 hits and 11 RBIs, one of which was the result of the tatter hit by a UMass player this season.
The 2007 Pre-Season Watch List is made up of 50 players representing 33 schools and 11 different NCAA Division I Conferences.
Domenic Poli
Sophomores Brandice Balschmiter and Whitney Mollica were among 50 student-athletes named to USA Softball's Player of the Year Watch List Tuesday afternoon. The award is designed to recognize outstanding athletic achievement by female collegiate softball players throughout the United States.
So far this season Balschmiter has amassed a record of 9-8 to accompany her excellent 1.78 ERA. She has thrown 117.2 innings this year, having given up 96 hits, 44 total runs allowed and 24 walks.
She also has 105 strikeouts to her credit.
Third baseman Whitney Mollica - also the granddaughter of baseball legend Don Zimmer - maintains a .293 batting average, 28 total bases and a slugging percentage of .373.
So far this year she has 22 hits and 11 RBIs, one of which was the result of the tatter hit by a UMass player this season.
The 2007 Pre-Season Watch List is made up of 50 players representing 33 schools and 11 different NCAA Division I Conferences.
Sanders glides through rough patches to win second game of doubleheader
Softball
Domenic Poli
The Massachusetts softball team was able to snatch the second game of the doubleheader against Dartmouth on Saturday, beating the Big Green 14-6 by run rule.
Freshman Bailey Sanders (5-4) got the nod for the Minutewomen.
Sanders struggled out of the gate and seemed to have trouble finding the strike zone in the games initial frames. She managed to get her act together, however, and went all five innings while giving up six hits and three earned runs.
She also sat down eight Dartmouth batters by way of the K.
Junior Lauren Proctor was UMass' main RBI contributor, driving in five of her team's 14 runs. She also went 3-for-4 on the day, with three hits and two runs scored.
Also, seniors Amanda Morin and Candice Molinari had three hits each as well as two and three runs scored, respectively.
Check back here for the results of UMass' game versus Dayton scheduled for 3 p.m. today.
Domenic Poli
The Massachusetts softball team was able to snatch the second game of the doubleheader against Dartmouth on Saturday, beating the Big Green 14-6 by run rule.
Freshman Bailey Sanders (5-4) got the nod for the Minutewomen.
Sanders struggled out of the gate and seemed to have trouble finding the strike zone in the games initial frames. She managed to get her act together, however, and went all five innings while giving up six hits and three earned runs.
She also sat down eight Dartmouth batters by way of the K.
Junior Lauren Proctor was UMass' main RBI contributor, driving in five of her team's 14 runs. She also went 3-for-4 on the day, with three hits and two runs scored.
Also, seniors Amanda Morin and Candice Molinari had three hits each as well as two and three runs scored, respectively.
Check back here for the results of UMass' game versus Dayton scheduled for 3 p.m. today.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Early success on opening day
Softball
Jeremy Rice
The Massachusetts Softball team won its home opener, 6-0 over the Dartmouth Big Green. Sophomore Brandice Balschmiter threw her second-career no-hitter as the Minutewomen dominated from start to finish.
Shortstop Whitney Williams had a pair of nice hits in the game as the wind is playing the largest role down at the UMass Softball Complex, blowing in from left field.
The American Flag flying over centerfield looks like its about to be ripped from the flag pole, and pop flys are traveling almost 50 feet, horizontally. On one play, Dartmouth's shortstop called for the catch, but the ball ended up being caught by the right fielder in shallow right.
The wind was making it chilly on the field, as both pitchers struggled with control and the gloves were tight- five errors in the game, two by the Minutewomen.
Check back later for results from the nightcap of the double-header.
Jeremy Rice
The Massachusetts Softball team won its home opener, 6-0 over the Dartmouth Big Green. Sophomore Brandice Balschmiter threw her second-career no-hitter as the Minutewomen dominated from start to finish.
Shortstop Whitney Williams had a pair of nice hits in the game as the wind is playing the largest role down at the UMass Softball Complex, blowing in from left field.
The American Flag flying over centerfield looks like its about to be ripped from the flag pole, and pop flys are traveling almost 50 feet, horizontally. On one play, Dartmouth's shortstop called for the catch, but the ball ended up being caught by the right fielder in shallow right.
The wind was making it chilly on the field, as both pitchers struggled with control and the gloves were tight- five errors in the game, two by the Minutewomen.
Check back later for results from the nightcap of the double-header.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Game On
Softball
Jeremy Rice
After the Atlantic 10 and home opener was cancelled this past weekend, the Massachusetts softball team will finally put cleat to grass at the UMass Softball Complex tomorrow.
The Minutewomen (11-12-1) were slated to kick off their home schedule with a double-header Sunday against St. Bonaventure, but the poor field conditions caused by the heavy amount of snow melt forced the teams to cancel the meetings.
Dartmouth (4-13) will come to town hoping to score at least one more run than it managed last season, which would give them a total of...one.
UMass bounced the Big Green right out of the Pioneer Valley in 2006, sweeping the double-header by a total score of 28-0, inlcuding a 20-0 thrashing in the night cap.
The field at the Complex is still soft and soggy, and obviously not ideal. It is truly unfortunate that UMass softball has to endure this every year. Coach Elaine Sortino is one of the best in the business and her team seems to suffer from an unavoidable South/West bias (like football's east-coast bias).
Teams who play where it's warm year-round have such an advantage, not only in having more time to practice on real playing surfaces, but in the reputation they build early on. UMass is a game under .500 right now, but no one is questioning its place as a front runner in the A-10.
People know the Minutewomen are a very good squad, but winning fewer games than you lose during these early tournaments (where at-large bids are won and lost) makes it so difficult to keep up.
Tomorrow will mark the first time the team sets foot on its field, and they are already 24 games into the schedule. Very few other top-tier teams have to deal with that. But somehow, Sortino pulls through year after year.
Remember, this team made three Women's College World Series appearances in the 90s playing the same type of schedule. And last year's team had an even worse record coming into the A-10 schedule, only to come a game away from the WCWS.
As Sortino said to me earlier today, "Let's hope we get some sunshine."
Jeremy Rice
After the Atlantic 10 and home opener was cancelled this past weekend, the Massachusetts softball team will finally put cleat to grass at the UMass Softball Complex tomorrow.
The Minutewomen (11-12-1) were slated to kick off their home schedule with a double-header Sunday against St. Bonaventure, but the poor field conditions caused by the heavy amount of snow melt forced the teams to cancel the meetings.
Dartmouth (4-13) will come to town hoping to score at least one more run than it managed last season, which would give them a total of...one.
UMass bounced the Big Green right out of the Pioneer Valley in 2006, sweeping the double-header by a total score of 28-0, inlcuding a 20-0 thrashing in the night cap.
The field at the Complex is still soft and soggy, and obviously not ideal. It is truly unfortunate that UMass softball has to endure this every year. Coach Elaine Sortino is one of the best in the business and her team seems to suffer from an unavoidable South/West bias (like football's east-coast bias).
Teams who play where it's warm year-round have such an advantage, not only in having more time to practice on real playing surfaces, but in the reputation they build early on. UMass is a game under .500 right now, but no one is questioning its place as a front runner in the A-10.
People know the Minutewomen are a very good squad, but winning fewer games than you lose during these early tournaments (where at-large bids are won and lost) makes it so difficult to keep up.
Tomorrow will mark the first time the team sets foot on its field, and they are already 24 games into the schedule. Very few other top-tier teams have to deal with that. But somehow, Sortino pulls through year after year.
Remember, this team made three Women's College World Series appearances in the 90s playing the same type of schedule. And last year's team had an even worse record coming into the A-10 schedule, only to come a game away from the WCWS.
As Sortino said to me earlier today, "Let's hope we get some sunshine."
Saturday, March 24, 2007
The Final 20 Minutes Loom
Hockey
Michael King
2-1 Maine.
The penalties kept coming, but the goals are starting to come for both teams. The Black Bears started the scoring during 4-on-4 hockey at the 4:42 mark. Maine forward Josh Soares launched a centering pass to Bret Tyler directly in front of the net. Quick deflected the shot which flipped over his right shoulder into the net.
The Black Bear special teams struck again five minutes later. With Alex Berry in the penalty box for a holding/obstruction infraction, Mike Hamilton scored from the right side of the net. He simply flipped the puck toward Quick and the puck bounced off the goalie’s head into the net.
The Minutemen had by far they best scoring opportunity during the period of the period with a two man advantage for just over one minute. UMass had several good shots from the point, but Bishop either saved the shots or deflected the puck away from the crease in either case.
Not to be outdone, the Minutemen scored their first goal with less than two minutes left in the period. Kevin Jarman passed to Matt Anderson in the high slot. Anderson took a wrist shot, which was tipped by PJ Fenton into the net from the left side.
Maine will enjoy 1:08 worth of an extra man advantage to start the third period, as the Minutemen attempt to kill off the second half of a bench minor for too many men on the ice.
Although Bishop is playing very well in net, his restricted movement when the puck is out of the zone and stoppages in play indicate that his groin is still tender and not completely healed.
Michael King
2-1 Maine.
The penalties kept coming, but the goals are starting to come for both teams. The Black Bears started the scoring during 4-on-4 hockey at the 4:42 mark. Maine forward Josh Soares launched a centering pass to Bret Tyler directly in front of the net. Quick deflected the shot which flipped over his right shoulder into the net.
The Black Bear special teams struck again five minutes later. With Alex Berry in the penalty box for a holding/obstruction infraction, Mike Hamilton scored from the right side of the net. He simply flipped the puck toward Quick and the puck bounced off the goalie’s head into the net.
The Minutemen had by far they best scoring opportunity during the period of the period with a two man advantage for just over one minute. UMass had several good shots from the point, but Bishop either saved the shots or deflected the puck away from the crease in either case.
Not to be outdone, the Minutemen scored their first goal with less than two minutes left in the period. Kevin Jarman passed to Matt Anderson in the high slot. Anderson took a wrist shot, which was tipped by PJ Fenton into the net from the left side.
Maine will enjoy 1:08 worth of an extra man advantage to start the third period, as the Minutemen attempt to kill off the second half of a bench minor for too many men on the ice.
Although Bishop is playing very well in net, his restricted movement when the puck is out of the zone and stoppages in play indicate that his groin is still tender and not completely healed.
Second Period Update
Hockey
Michael King
It was an eventful first period, but no score for either squad. Maine took four penalties in the frame, while UMass committed three infractions.
But before the rash of penalties began, Maine’s Keith Johnson nearly drew first blood within the first two minutes. The forward intercepted a pass in front of Jon Quick, but the goaltender made the save with his left blocker.
Several seconds later, Mike Hamilton went off the ice for the Black Bears for charging. In the ensuing power play, UM managed only one quality rush with a Mark Matheson slap-shot from the point as its best opportunity.
In the 12th minute, David Leaderer committed a cross-check and put Hockey East’s best power play unit on the ice for the first time. Brent Shepheard almost tapped the puck past Quick, on a rebound from Mike Lundin’s shot from the point.
Will Ortiz was called for a tripping penalty, which was followed by a slashing penalty by Matt Anderson less than a minute later. Although they had several excellent scoring chances on the 5-on-3 opportunity, the Black Bears did not score. However, Quick stopped a shot with an outstretched stick from Teddy Purcell at the left face-off circle.
Immediately after UMass successfully killed off both penalties, Mike Hamilton committed his second penalty – this time a slashing call. The Mass Attack will open the second period with a 1:13 power play.
Several players stood out for the Minutemen besides Quick. Cory Quirk won seven face-offs, including several in the defensive zone. Defenseman Mike Kostka blocked four shots, as the team blocked 10 all together.
An update after the second period to follow.
Michael King
It was an eventful first period, but no score for either squad. Maine took four penalties in the frame, while UMass committed three infractions.
But before the rash of penalties began, Maine’s Keith Johnson nearly drew first blood within the first two minutes. The forward intercepted a pass in front of Jon Quick, but the goaltender made the save with his left blocker.
Several seconds later, Mike Hamilton went off the ice for the Black Bears for charging. In the ensuing power play, UM managed only one quality rush with a Mark Matheson slap-shot from the point as its best opportunity.
In the 12th minute, David Leaderer committed a cross-check and put Hockey East’s best power play unit on the ice for the first time. Brent Shepheard almost tapped the puck past Quick, on a rebound from Mike Lundin’s shot from the point.
Will Ortiz was called for a tripping penalty, which was followed by a slashing penalty by Matt Anderson less than a minute later. Although they had several excellent scoring chances on the 5-on-3 opportunity, the Black Bears did not score. However, Quick stopped a shot with an outstretched stick from Teddy Purcell at the left face-off circle.
Immediately after UMass successfully killed off both penalties, Mike Hamilton committed his second penalty – this time a slashing call. The Mass Attack will open the second period with a 1:13 power play.
Several players stood out for the Minutemen besides Quick. Cory Quirk won seven face-offs, including several in the defensive zone. Defenseman Mike Kostka blocked four shots, as the team blocked 10 all together.
An update after the second period to follow.
Just before the opening face-off
Hockey
Joe Meloni
The Massachusetts hockey team improved its neutral site record to 1-2-1 with Friday’s triumph over Clarkson. Today’s foray with Maine will enter the recordbooks as a neutral site game, but the blue and white swarms situated on eitherside of the ice should provide the Black Bears with a distinct advantage.
Maine’s faithful turned out in expectedly enormous numbers and are making theirpresence felt, ditto for the Black Bear marching band.For some reason the UMass marching band doesn’t send a contingent to hockeygames like they do for basketball games. This has led some to Minutemen to question whether or not they have the support of the entire university.
At the press conference following yesterday’s game, senior captain Matt Anderson discussed how much of an advantage Clarkson had with the presence of its marching band here in Rochester.
“Having a loud fan base from Clarkson, it gets pretty loud and we didn’t have our band. We never have a band for that matter,” Anderson said. “What a big plus it is to have a fan base like that and to have a band like that create some noise for you. There’s some momentum swings and I’m almost sure of thefact that in the near future that that’s going to be going on at the Mullins Center.”
Joe Meloni
The Massachusetts hockey team improved its neutral site record to 1-2-1 with Friday’s triumph over Clarkson. Today’s foray with Maine will enter the recordbooks as a neutral site game, but the blue and white swarms situated on eitherside of the ice should provide the Black Bears with a distinct advantage.
Maine’s faithful turned out in expectedly enormous numbers and are making theirpresence felt, ditto for the Black Bear marching band.For some reason the UMass marching band doesn’t send a contingent to hockeygames like they do for basketball games. This has led some to Minutemen to question whether or not they have the support of the entire university.
At the press conference following yesterday’s game, senior captain Matt Anderson discussed how much of an advantage Clarkson had with the presence of its marching band here in Rochester.
“Having a loud fan base from Clarkson, it gets pretty loud and we didn’t have our band. We never have a band for that matter,” Anderson said. “What a big plus it is to have a fan base like that and to have a band like that create some noise for you. There’s some momentum swings and I’m almost sure of thefact that in the near future that that’s going to be going on at the Mullins Center.”
NCAA Quarterfinal Pre-game
Hockey
Joe Meloni
Despite a lack of offensive rhythm or production yesterday, UMass coach Don Cahoon kept the lineup exactly as it was in the Minutemen's opening round win over Clarkson.
Line 1: Chris Capraro (LW) – Cory Quirk (C) – Matt Burto (RW)
Line 2: P.J. Fenton – Brett Watson – Alex Berry
Line 3: Kevin Jarman – Jordan Virtue – Will Ortiz
Line 4: Scott Crowder – Matt Anderson – Chris Davis
Defense 1: Mark Matheson (Left) – Mike Kostka (Right)
Defense 2: David Leaderer – Justin Braun
Defense 3: Topher Bevis – John Wessbecker
Maine’s lines remain unchanged from yesterday’s 4-1 defeat of St. Cloud State. Sophomore goaltender Ben Bishop is between the pipes for the second consecutive game after missing four games with a groin injury.
The Black Bears sent three net minders out for warm-ups, this is most likely in case Bishop aggravates that groin injury.
The 6-foot-7 net minder wasn’t tested much by St. Cloud yesterday. While he made 32 saves, many of them were poor shots taken by a desperate Husky team.
Check back between periods for game notes and updates.
Joe Meloni
Despite a lack of offensive rhythm or production yesterday, UMass coach Don Cahoon kept the lineup exactly as it was in the Minutemen's opening round win over Clarkson.
Line 1: Chris Capraro (LW) – Cory Quirk (C) – Matt Burto (RW)
Line 2: P.J. Fenton – Brett Watson – Alex Berry
Line 3: Kevin Jarman – Jordan Virtue – Will Ortiz
Line 4: Scott Crowder – Matt Anderson – Chris Davis
Defense 1: Mark Matheson (Left) – Mike Kostka (Right)
Defense 2: David Leaderer – Justin Braun
Defense 3: Topher Bevis – John Wessbecker
Maine’s lines remain unchanged from yesterday’s 4-1 defeat of St. Cloud State. Sophomore goaltender Ben Bishop is between the pipes for the second consecutive game after missing four games with a groin injury.
The Black Bears sent three net minders out for warm-ups, this is most likely in case Bishop aggravates that groin injury.
The 6-foot-7 net minder wasn’t tested much by St. Cloud yesterday. While he made 32 saves, many of them were poor shots taken by a desperate Husky team.
Check back between periods for game notes and updates.
Minutewomen take on BC
Women's Lacrosse
Steve Games
The Massachusetts women's lacrosse team will face Boston College on Sunday. The Minutewomen have lost two straight on the road and will most likely drop out of the Top 20 in next week's rankings. On Friday, the Minutewomen were crushed by the No. 2 Northwestern, 18-4 and on Tuesday New Hampshire beat them by a narrow margin, 11-10.
The Minutewomen (4-4) look to recapture their early season success against BC (4-3). This will be their third straight road game; they are 3-3 on the road. UMass is 11-7 against BC all time but it has not beaten the Eagles since 1998. Last year, the Eagles came to UMass and won 16-10. The Minutewomen will look to stop sophomore attack Jenna McCabe. She has 21 goals through seven games. UMass junior attack Kathleen Typadis has 25 goals through eight games.
Steve Games
The Massachusetts women's lacrosse team will face Boston College on Sunday. The Minutewomen have lost two straight on the road and will most likely drop out of the Top 20 in next week's rankings. On Friday, the Minutewomen were crushed by the No. 2 Northwestern, 18-4 and on Tuesday New Hampshire beat them by a narrow margin, 11-10.
The Minutewomen (4-4) look to recapture their early season success against BC (4-3). This will be their third straight road game; they are 3-3 on the road. UMass is 11-7 against BC all time but it has not beaten the Eagles since 1998. Last year, the Eagles came to UMass and won 16-10. The Minutewomen will look to stop sophomore attack Jenna McCabe. She has 21 goals through seven games. UMass junior attack Kathleen Typadis has 25 goals through eight games.
Will Kentucky be calling on Travis Ford?
With Tubby Smith's recent departure, one has to wonder whether the Wildcats will try to land UMass' ownThere's no word of a move from Amherst to Lexington, but Kentucky's coaching search has begun, and Travis Ford could be a candidate.
Of course, this is mere speculation on my part. But why not?
Ford transfered to Kentucky prior to his sophomore season, and led the Wildcats to three NCAA Tournament appearances under coach Rick Pitino.
Many big names have popped up to replace Tubby Smith, who fled for Minnesota on Thursday. In the next few days you'll hear the likes of Billy Donovan and John Calipari, guys who have been there before.
But Ford will be a wild card in the crowd of potential replacements because let's face it, he is an up and coming coach in high demand that gets the most out of his players. And he knows Kentucky. He was a Wildcat for three seasons.
Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart did not respond to an email on Friday, but the Associate AD did.
"Mitch is not responding to media inquiries at this time due to his involvement in our coaching search," Scott Stricklin said when asked if Ford would be a candidate for the job. "I hope you understand."
Oh, I do. I understand that there was no denial. But again, this is all speculation.
The Kentucky job is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any coach. The expectations are high, and the next man in will have big shoes to fill.
Is Travis Ford the man for the job? Only time will tell.
And as for the question, "Would Ford even leave UMass if he was offered the job?"
You're kidding me, right?
Danny Picard can be reached at dpicard@student.umass.edu.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Hockey
Michael King
Face-offs and special teams. That was the name of the game for Maine in their 4-1 upset of No. 7 St. Cloud State in the second game of the quarterfinals in the NCAA East Regional. The Black Bears stormed out to 3-1 lead at the end of the first period, behind two power play goals. They also won 33 of 61 face-off attempts.
But the real story of the game is the return of Ben Bishop to the Black Bear crease. The sophomore missed all four games against UMass due to injury, but made 20 saves against the SCSU offense.
Just in case five games is not enough to decide a season series, UMass and Maine will face each other with a trip to the Frozen Four on the line.
The return of Bishop is the most striking change since UMass and Maine met two weeks ago. The goalie gives Maine a different dynamic in net, something that perhaps translates to its offense and special teams units. The Black Bear offense appears to have regained its form after failing to perform against the Minutemen in four consecutive games.
But the Minutemen still hold the key to solving Maine’s Hockey East leading power play – limiting penalties. UMass was the least penalized team in the conference this season, although it allowed Maine to score six times on the power play during the four games (a 30 percent efficiency, higher than its average of 21 percent).
Michael King
Face-offs and special teams. That was the name of the game for Maine in their 4-1 upset of No. 7 St. Cloud State in the second game of the quarterfinals in the NCAA East Regional. The Black Bears stormed out to 3-1 lead at the end of the first period, behind two power play goals. They also won 33 of 61 face-off attempts.
But the real story of the game is the return of Ben Bishop to the Black Bear crease. The sophomore missed all four games against UMass due to injury, but made 20 saves against the SCSU offense.
Just in case five games is not enough to decide a season series, UMass and Maine will face each other with a trip to the Frozen Four on the line.
The return of Bishop is the most striking change since UMass and Maine met two weeks ago. The goalie gives Maine a different dynamic in net, something that perhaps translates to its offense and special teams units. The Black Bear offense appears to have regained its form after failing to perform against the Minutemen in four consecutive games.
But the Minutemen still hold the key to solving Maine’s Hockey East leading power play – limiting penalties. UMass was the least penalized team in the conference this season, although it allowed Maine to score six times on the power play during the four games (a 30 percent efficiency, higher than its average of 21 percent).
Post-Game Reaction from the Minutemen
Hockey
Joe Meloni
Kevin Jarman
“It first started with me and Will Ortiz just exchanging the puck. He did a nice job taking the puck to the front of the net. I went backdoor and it scooted out to Jordan Virtue who set a nice backhand on net. I was just fortunate to come pick up the garbage and put it over the goalie.”
“To be honest I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet. Obviously after the puck went in I went kind of berserk. Back home shooting pucks, it’s the kind of thing you dream about.”
Matt Anderson
“We left last week with a bit of a sour taste but we felt like we worked hard. It’s a team game and it’s a real credit to our team to overcome and comeback this week and continue to fight. Having played last week and it going to into two overtimes, it was a pretty comfortable feeling. We knew what we had to do. I think we definitely benefited having played that game last week.”
“I think that when all is said and done and the season is over maybe we can look back. I don’t think now is the time to do that. We’re just kind of feeding off the energy that we’re creating. I feel really privileged to know that maybe we’re paving the way for somebody else, that’s pretty special.”
Jon Quick
“There’s a thin line between winning and losing and we learned that last week and again today. Just a bounce of the puck this way or that way could decide your fate. It’s a lot better being on this side.”
Don Cahoon
“Jordan [Virtue] has done a great job for us. As a lot of people know that follow our program, he’s only played in about a dozen games and a lot of them have been in the last month as a result of Marty Nolet being out and our decision to move Mark Matheson from center back to defense full time.”
“We have a little tradition where we give ourselves a hand for a good performance and normally when we’re in two game sets we don’t do it until after the second game. But I let these kids enjoy it a little bit. I told them that the win was all about them and it’s about each other. That’s been kind of a theme for our team all year is each other. We use ‘EO,’ it’s on the back of our tee-shirts. It’s something we talk about in our locker room, we’re doing it for each other, it’s about each other and when we walk out of that locker room, it’s important that we leave it there and they get themselves rested and prepared to take on another challenge tomorrow.”
Joe Meloni
Kevin Jarman
“It first started with me and Will Ortiz just exchanging the puck. He did a nice job taking the puck to the front of the net. I went backdoor and it scooted out to Jordan Virtue who set a nice backhand on net. I was just fortunate to come pick up the garbage and put it over the goalie.”
“To be honest I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet. Obviously after the puck went in I went kind of berserk. Back home shooting pucks, it’s the kind of thing you dream about.”
Matt Anderson
“We left last week with a bit of a sour taste but we felt like we worked hard. It’s a team game and it’s a real credit to our team to overcome and comeback this week and continue to fight. Having played last week and it going to into two overtimes, it was a pretty comfortable feeling. We knew what we had to do. I think we definitely benefited having played that game last week.”
“I think that when all is said and done and the season is over maybe we can look back. I don’t think now is the time to do that. We’re just kind of feeding off the energy that we’re creating. I feel really privileged to know that maybe we’re paving the way for somebody else, that’s pretty special.”
Jon Quick
“There’s a thin line between winning and losing and we learned that last week and again today. Just a bounce of the puck this way or that way could decide your fate. It’s a lot better being on this side.”
Don Cahoon
“Jordan [Virtue] has done a great job for us. As a lot of people know that follow our program, he’s only played in about a dozen games and a lot of them have been in the last month as a result of Marty Nolet being out and our decision to move Mark Matheson from center back to defense full time.”
“We have a little tradition where we give ourselves a hand for a good performance and normally when we’re in two game sets we don’t do it until after the second game. But I let these kids enjoy it a little bit. I told them that the win was all about them and it’s about each other. That’s been kind of a theme for our team all year is each other. We use ‘EO,’ it’s on the back of our tee-shirts. It’s something we talk about in our locker room, we’re doing it for each other, it’s about each other and when we walk out of that locker room, it’s important that we leave it there and they get themselves rested and prepared to take on another challenge tomorrow.”
The Fallen Knights
Hockey
Michael King
Highlights from Clarkson's post-game press conference:
Thoughts on the game and UMass’ style of play from head coach George Roll:
I thought they came out in the first period and played with a lot of energy. In the second period, I though it was the opposite – we had a lot of good chances. In the third period, it was more back and forth. They’re a pretty good counter team – they’re very patient and they wait for you to make mistakes.
Junior captain Nick Dodge, the team’s second leading scorer and typically a dependable face-off winner, lost 15 of 25 attempts. His comments on the team’s failure to score:
“We definitely had some good chances on the power play, we got the puck the moving pretty good, but I think we would have liked to get more shots on net.”
In net, junior David Leggio played well, making 37 saves for the Golden Knights. His thoughts on the only goal of the game:
“I thought [Will Ortiz] was going to wrap it around, but he passed it to [Jordan Virtue] on the far side. I made the initial save and I thought the puck was underneath me, but they managed to score. [Kevin Jarman] did a great job putting the puck top shelf.”
Michael King
Highlights from Clarkson's post-game press conference:
Thoughts on the game and UMass’ style of play from head coach George Roll:
I thought they came out in the first period and played with a lot of energy. In the second period, I though it was the opposite – we had a lot of good chances. In the third period, it was more back and forth. They’re a pretty good counter team – they’re very patient and they wait for you to make mistakes.
Junior captain Nick Dodge, the team’s second leading scorer and typically a dependable face-off winner, lost 15 of 25 attempts. His comments on the team’s failure to score:
“We definitely had some good chances on the power play, we got the puck the moving pretty good, but I think we would have liked to get more shots on net.”
In net, junior David Leggio played well, making 37 saves for the Golden Knights. His thoughts on the only goal of the game:
“I thought [Will Ortiz] was going to wrap it around, but he passed it to [Jordan Virtue] on the far side. I made the initial save and I thought the puck was underneath me, but they managed to score. [Kevin Jarman] did a great job putting the puck top shelf.”
Minutemen Advance
Hockey
Michael King
1-0 UMass win.
Senior Kevin Jarman scored the winning goal in the eighth minute of the first overtime. Seven minutes and 40 seconds into overtime, Jarman flipped the rebound from Jordan Virtue's backhander into the top of the net.
Michael King
1-0 UMass win.
Senior Kevin Jarman scored the winning goal in the eighth minute of the first overtime. Seven minutes and 40 seconds into overtime, Jarman flipped the rebound from Jordan Virtue's backhander into the top of the net.
Overtime Again
Hockey
Joe Meloni
0-0 at the end of regulation.
UMass holds a 31-28 advantage in shots but in the final period Clarkson forced the best chances for either side. CU junior center Steve Zalewski won a draw in the Minuteman zone back to defenseman Tyrell Mason. Mason spotted the Golden Knights’ leading scorer Shawn Weller in the left face-off circle.
A perfect pass later, Weller deked and attempted a backhand but couldn’t beat Jon Quick. Quick made a pad save and covered forcing another face-off. Later, after a clearing attempt deflected off a Clarkson forward, Quick made a pad save to maintain the tie.
The Minutemen almost forced their own undoing when officials whistled Scott Crowder for charging at the period’s 5:48 mark. UMass killed the penalty off however with great play by senior defenseman Mark Matheson and Quick.
Joe Meloni
0-0 at the end of regulation.
UMass holds a 31-28 advantage in shots but in the final period Clarkson forced the best chances for either side. CU junior center Steve Zalewski won a draw in the Minuteman zone back to defenseman Tyrell Mason. Mason spotted the Golden Knights’ leading scorer Shawn Weller in the left face-off circle.
A perfect pass later, Weller deked and attempted a backhand but couldn’t beat Jon Quick. Quick made a pad save and covered forcing another face-off. Later, after a clearing attempt deflected off a Clarkson forward, Quick made a pad save to maintain the tie.
The Minutemen almost forced their own undoing when officials whistled Scott Crowder for charging at the period’s 5:48 mark. UMass killed the penalty off however with great play by senior defenseman Mark Matheson and Quick.
Second Period Update
Hockey
Michael King
0-0 after two periods.
Each team had more quality scoring chances than during the first period, but there is still no score. Defenseman Mark Matheson made an excellent defensive play early in the period on a Clarkson rush. UM center Matt Anderson took a penalty several minutes later for a cross-check in the defensive zone. The Golden Knights had several good looks on the power play, but they could not beat Quick.
In the 12th minute, Clarkson had its best scoring chance of the game. On a 2-1 rush, Steve Zalewski passed from the right slot to Matt Beca on the left side on the net. The play beat Quick, but Beca was unable to get enough stick on the puck to score.
One minute later, defenseman Grant Clitsome went off the ice for a tripping call, which was then followed by another Clarkson penalty. UMass had a 5-on-3 power play opportunity for 29 seconds, but could not score.
After the penalty, Cory Quirk and Chris Capraro nearly scored on a 2-1 rush for the Mintuemen. Quirk beat his defender, flipped the puck to Capraro, but the UMass winger was not able to beat goaltender Dave Leggio.
The pressure is on for the Minutemen in the third period, as Clarkson has outscored its opponents by 23 goals during the final frame during the season.
Michael King
0-0 after two periods.
Each team had more quality scoring chances than during the first period, but there is still no score. Defenseman Mark Matheson made an excellent defensive play early in the period on a Clarkson rush. UM center Matt Anderson took a penalty several minutes later for a cross-check in the defensive zone. The Golden Knights had several good looks on the power play, but they could not beat Quick.
In the 12th minute, Clarkson had its best scoring chance of the game. On a 2-1 rush, Steve Zalewski passed from the right slot to Matt Beca on the left side on the net. The play beat Quick, but Beca was unable to get enough stick on the puck to score.
One minute later, defenseman Grant Clitsome went off the ice for a tripping call, which was then followed by another Clarkson penalty. UMass had a 5-on-3 power play opportunity for 29 seconds, but could not score.
After the penalty, Cory Quirk and Chris Capraro nearly scored on a 2-1 rush for the Mintuemen. Quirk beat his defender, flipped the puck to Capraro, but the UMass winger was not able to beat goaltender Dave Leggio.
The pressure is on for the Minutemen in the third period, as Clarkson has outscored its opponents by 23 goals during the final frame during the season.
Lackluster Atmosphere
Hockey
Michael King
Even though the UMass campus is a solid five hour drive from Rochester, NY, a relatively large number of UM fans made the trip. However, the Clarkson fans out-cheered the UM faithful during the first period. Clarkson also has the benefit of its student band in the arena – something that UMass lacks. After playing the national anthem, the band led much of the Clarkson cheering, especially during the team’s one penalty kill of the frame.
And despite being the NCAA Quarterfinals, the arena is less than half full. Tickets have been sold out for quite some time, but they are apparently held by Maine and Saint Cloud State fans who are electing to attend only the second game.
Michael King
Even though the UMass campus is a solid five hour drive from Rochester, NY, a relatively large number of UM fans made the trip. However, the Clarkson fans out-cheered the UM faithful during the first period. Clarkson also has the benefit of its student band in the arena – something that UMass lacks. After playing the national anthem, the band led much of the Clarkson cheering, especially during the team’s one penalty kill of the frame.
And despite being the NCAA Quarterfinals, the arena is less than half full. Tickets have been sold out for quite some time, but they are apparently held by Maine and Saint Cloud State fans who are electing to attend only the second game.
Minutemen open with strong first
Hockey
Joe Meloni
Although the first period ended in a scoreless tie, UMass coach Don Cahoon’s boys proved that Clarkson’s No. 1 seed means nothing. The Minutemen out-shot the Golden Knights and displayed more energy in the game’s first frame.
The best chance for UMass came on a rebound. Clarkson net minder Dave Leggio kicked a Mike Kostka slap shot from the point to his right. Matt Anderson corralled the bouncing puck before lifting it just over the crossbar with a frantic backhand.
The senior center played very well in the period with line mates Chris Davis and Scott Crowder. Ranking as the fourth line on the depth chart, the trio logged a solid amount of time on the ice and did a good job maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities for the Maroon and White.
UMass goaltender Jon Quick played well in the first period. Although he wasn’t really tested, he held the Golden Knights scoreless on their only power-play opportunity thus far.
Joe Meloni
Although the first period ended in a scoreless tie, UMass coach Don Cahoon’s boys proved that Clarkson’s No. 1 seed means nothing. The Minutemen out-shot the Golden Knights and displayed more energy in the game’s first frame.
The best chance for UMass came on a rebound. Clarkson net minder Dave Leggio kicked a Mike Kostka slap shot from the point to his right. Matt Anderson corralled the bouncing puck before lifting it just over the crossbar with a frantic backhand.
The senior center played very well in the period with line mates Chris Davis and Scott Crowder. Ranking as the fourth line on the depth chart, the trio logged a solid amount of time on the ice and did a good job maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities for the Maroon and White.
UMass goaltender Jon Quick played well in the first period. Although he wasn’t really tested, he held the Golden Knights scoreless on their only power-play opportunity thus far.
NCAA Tournament Pre-Game
Hockey
Joe Meloni
I am not in Kansas anymore.
Covering the NCAA Hockey Tournament is a little different than covering the UMass swimming and diving team like I did for the last three months. The week-long layoff didn’t do much in the way of healing for the Minutemen.
Freshman defenseman Martin Nolet will miss his third consecutive game. Sophomore center Jordan Virtue will dress in his place which puts senior Mark Matheson on the blue line for what could be his final collegiate game. Virute will center the third line between senior Kevin Jarman and freshman Will Ortiz.
The Minutemen look strong but will need a strong performance if they plan to defeat the No. 3 Clarkson Golden Knights.
Check back after the opening period for a game update.
Joe Meloni
I am not in Kansas anymore.
Covering the NCAA Hockey Tournament is a little different than covering the UMass swimming and diving team like I did for the last three months. The week-long layoff didn’t do much in the way of healing for the Minutemen.
Freshman defenseman Martin Nolet will miss his third consecutive game. Sophomore center Jordan Virtue will dress in his place which puts senior Mark Matheson on the blue line for what could be his final collegiate game. Virute will center the third line between senior Kevin Jarman and freshman Will Ortiz.
The Minutemen look strong but will need a strong performance if they plan to defeat the No. 3 Clarkson Golden Knights.
Check back after the opening period for a game update.
NCAA Quarterfinals
Hockey
Michael King
Much has changed since the Massachusetts hockey team and the Golden Knights of Clarkson played to a 3-3 tie in October at the Mullins Center. In that game, junior captain Nick Dodge scored once on the power play and added an assist. Dodge has 18 goals and 21 assists this season and is the team’s biggest scoring threat in addition to Shawn Weller. Weller has a team leading 40 points, including nine goals on the power play.
Goaltenders Jon Quick and David Leggio of Clarkson have nearly identical numbers this season. They have the same goals-against average of 2.20, but Leggio has a slightly better save percentage of 0.929 vs. 0.928.
Even though Clarkson has been ranked in the top five of the nation for much of the season, the teams seem to be evenly matched. The Golden Knights have the benefit of playing in an easier league than the Minutemen. More updates to come during the game.
Michael King
Much has changed since the Massachusetts hockey team and the Golden Knights of Clarkson played to a 3-3 tie in October at the Mullins Center. In that game, junior captain Nick Dodge scored once on the power play and added an assist. Dodge has 18 goals and 21 assists this season and is the team’s biggest scoring threat in addition to Shawn Weller. Weller has a team leading 40 points, including nine goals on the power play.
Goaltenders Jon Quick and David Leggio of Clarkson have nearly identical numbers this season. They have the same goals-against average of 2.20, but Leggio has a slightly better save percentage of 0.929 vs. 0.928.
Even though Clarkson has been ranked in the top five of the nation for much of the season, the teams seem to be evenly matched. The Golden Knights have the benefit of playing in an easier league than the Minutemen. More updates to come during the game.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Student first, athlete second
Swimming and Diving
Joe Meloni
UMass senior diver Mary Jenkins won the Atlantic 10's women's swimming and diving Student-Athlete of the Year award. A kinesiology major, Jenkins boasts a 3.81 cumulative grade point average.
Fellow Minutewomen, junior Sam Demty and senior Melissa Pond earned spots on the A-10's Academic All-Conference Team.The only Minuteman named to the men's Academic All-Conference Team was junior John Weaver. Saint Bonaventure's Chris Ekimoff won the men's swimming and diving Student-Athlete of the Year award.
Joe Meloni
UMass senior diver Mary Jenkins won the Atlantic 10's women's swimming and diving Student-Athlete of the Year award. A kinesiology major, Jenkins boasts a 3.81 cumulative grade point average.
Fellow Minutewomen, junior Sam Demty and senior Melissa Pond earned spots on the A-10's Academic All-Conference Team.The only Minuteman named to the men's Academic All-Conference Team was junior John Weaver. Saint Bonaventure's Chris Ekimoff won the men's swimming and diving Student-Athlete of the Year award.
Friday, March 16, 2007
More Good News
Hockey
Jon Pelland
Other teams continue to help out UMass. Word out of St. Paul, Minn., is that Wisconsin just lost to Minnesota, 4-2, in the WCHA playoffs. The Badgers were right at the tail end of the top 16 in the PairWise.
Now UMass needs Quinnipiac to lose tomorrow to bolster its position for the NCAAs.
Jon Pelland
Other teams continue to help out UMass. Word out of St. Paul, Minn., is that Wisconsin just lost to Minnesota, 4-2, in the WCHA playoffs. The Badgers were right at the tail end of the top 16 in the PairWise.
Now UMass needs Quinnipiac to lose tomorrow to bolster its position for the NCAAs.
Clarkson wins
Hockey
Jon Pelland
Clarkson 5
Dartmouth 4
Just saw that score as I posted the last entry. I'll check the PairWise in a minute to see if anything changed.
Jon Pelland
Clarkson 5
Dartmouth 4
Just saw that score as I posted the last entry. I'll check the PairWise in a minute to see if anything changed.
Future chances
Hockey
Jon Pelland
The press conferences for UMass and UNH ended about 30 minutes ago and BC is already leading BU. Brock Bradford scored from the far circle. But I'm confident John Curry will rebound and shutdown the Eagles for the remainder of the season. It still amazes me that he isn't drafted - that will definitely change come summer.
Back to UMass and UNH, here are the opening statements from both Toot and Dick Umile.
Umile:
Obviously it was a tremendous college hockey game. As coaches, we just kind of stay out of the way and let the players play and both teams played extremely well, both goalies made some huge saves. It was a great game back and forth. You had two teams really battling. We’re just excited to be playing in the championship game and congratulations to UMass. Donny has done a terrific job with his team. I think everybody was aware of that and we knew we could possibly have a great college hockey game.
Cahoon:
The intensity and quality of the play, I think both teams went toe-to-toe and had lots of scoring chances – lots of opportunities to break it open. Congratulate UNH for the big goal in the big moment. I’m really proud of my guys for the way they competed and the way they executed. Hopefully we get a chance to continue to playing in the future.
Although the loss tonight darkened the Minutemen's NCAA Tournament picture, they are still in it according to up-to-the-minute PairWise Rankings on USCHO.com. Adding in the recommended .003 bonus for "quality road wins," UMass dropped down to 14th - just ahead of Denver and Dartmouth. Entering tonight, the Minutemen were 11th, but that's without the bonus.
BC just went up 2-0 on a Benn Ferriero score - he's really good. Come on Curry.
For those of you who don't know, the PairWise Ranking tries to mimic the Selection Committee's system to determing what teams make into the NCAA Tournament. It's usually very accurate, with the top 16 teams moving on to the tourney.
Dartmouth and Clarkson are tied at four in the third. If the Big Green loses that obviously bodes well for UMass. Michigan Tech (currently 17th in PairWise) lost to Wisconsin last night.
What continues to boggle my mind is that Maine remains 11th, despite the fact it is sitting at home right now, probably tuned into NESN. I can't believe even computers continue to overrate the Black Bears.
The Daily Hampshire Gazette's own Matt Vautour just told me he plugged in all the bad losses and still came out with UMass at No. 16 in the PairWise. I guess we'll just have to listen to Toot and let the hockey gods play it out.
First period is over, still 2-0 BC.
Jon Pelland
The press conferences for UMass and UNH ended about 30 minutes ago and BC is already leading BU. Brock Bradford scored from the far circle. But I'm confident John Curry will rebound and shutdown the Eagles for the remainder of the season. It still amazes me that he isn't drafted - that will definitely change come summer.
Back to UMass and UNH, here are the opening statements from both Toot and Dick Umile.
Umile:
Obviously it was a tremendous college hockey game. As coaches, we just kind of stay out of the way and let the players play and both teams played extremely well, both goalies made some huge saves. It was a great game back and forth. You had two teams really battling. We’re just excited to be playing in the championship game and congratulations to UMass. Donny has done a terrific job with his team. I think everybody was aware of that and we knew we could possibly have a great college hockey game.
Cahoon:
The intensity and quality of the play, I think both teams went toe-to-toe and had lots of scoring chances – lots of opportunities to break it open. Congratulate UNH for the big goal in the big moment. I’m really proud of my guys for the way they competed and the way they executed. Hopefully we get a chance to continue to playing in the future.
Although the loss tonight darkened the Minutemen's NCAA Tournament picture, they are still in it according to up-to-the-minute PairWise Rankings on USCHO.com. Adding in the recommended .003 bonus for "quality road wins," UMass dropped down to 14th - just ahead of Denver and Dartmouth. Entering tonight, the Minutemen were 11th, but that's without the bonus.
BC just went up 2-0 on a Benn Ferriero score - he's really good. Come on Curry.
For those of you who don't know, the PairWise Ranking tries to mimic the Selection Committee's system to determing what teams make into the NCAA Tournament. It's usually very accurate, with the top 16 teams moving on to the tourney.
Dartmouth and Clarkson are tied at four in the third. If the Big Green loses that obviously bodes well for UMass. Michigan Tech (currently 17th in PairWise) lost to Wisconsin last night.
What continues to boggle my mind is that Maine remains 11th, despite the fact it is sitting at home right now, probably tuned into NESN. I can't believe even computers continue to overrate the Black Bears.
The Daily Hampshire Gazette's own Matt Vautour just told me he plugged in all the bad losses and still came out with UMass at No. 16 in the PairWise. I guess we'll just have to listen to Toot and let the hockey gods play it out.
First period is over, still 2-0 BC.
All Done
Hockey
Jon Pelland
UNH 3
UMass 2
Bobby Butler just ended the could-be marathon. More after the press conference.
Jon Pelland
UNH 3
UMass 2
Bobby Butler just ended the could-be marathon. More after the press conference.
Still Going
Hockey
Jon Pelland
UMass 2
UNH 2
End of 1st Overtime
That was an exciting period. Both teams had plenty of chances to score. Jon Quick stoned Josh Ciocco on a UNH 2-on-1 and then Will Ortiz came right back with a breakaway try that Kevin Regan blocked with his chest.
Neither team has won an overtime game yet this season. UMass is 0-0-5, while UNH is 0-1-2 in extra-time games.
Something has to give, this is looking more like the Minutemen's marathon with Maine from 2004.
Jon Pelland
UMass 2
UNH 2
End of 1st Overtime
That was an exciting period. Both teams had plenty of chances to score. Jon Quick stoned Josh Ciocco on a UNH 2-on-1 and then Will Ortiz came right back with a breakaway try that Kevin Regan blocked with his chest.
Neither team has won an overtime game yet this season. UMass is 0-0-5, while UNH is 0-1-2 in extra-time games.
Something has to give, this is looking more like the Minutemen's marathon with Maine from 2004.
Not Quite Done
Hockey
Jon Pelland
UMass 2
UNH 2
End of Regulation
UMass loves playing at the Garden so much that it just doesn't want the game to end. There wasn't much action to speak of in the game's third period. I have just three things written down in my notes.
Matt Burto had a decent look at Regan. And Brett Watson crashed the net with 44 seconds remaining to one-time a shot that was saved by the goalie. The crowd overreacted a little to that one. Although it was an OK opportunity, it was still a straight shot directly in front of Regan.
Up in the press box we're wondering what happens to the second game if this one turns into another marathon like the Minutemen's last trip to the Garden - then FleetCenter. That will need some further investigation.
Jon Pelland
UMass 2
UNH 2
End of Regulation
UMass loves playing at the Garden so much that it just doesn't want the game to end. There wasn't much action to speak of in the game's third period. I have just three things written down in my notes.
Matt Burto had a decent look at Regan. And Brett Watson crashed the net with 44 seconds remaining to one-time a shot that was saved by the goalie. The crowd overreacted a little to that one. Although it was an OK opportunity, it was still a straight shot directly in front of Regan.
Up in the press box we're wondering what happens to the second game if this one turns into another marathon like the Minutemen's last trip to the Garden - then FleetCenter. That will need some further investigation.
Dream Job
Hockey
Jon Pelland
Don't get me wrong, the Mullins Center is definitely one of the top venues in Hockey East. But nothing can compare with the TD Banknorth Garden. I'd love to be covering games here every night.
From way up on Level 9 you can see everything that happens on the ice. It's not like the home rink where you lose the puck along the near boards.
The crowd was a little disappointing to begin the game, but I'll chalk that up to the early start and the weather. The place is filling up more and more as the game goes on. And I must hand it to the UMass fans, they came out tonight in full force. They've been out-cheering the UNH faithful all game long.
Jon Pelland
Don't get me wrong, the Mullins Center is definitely one of the top venues in Hockey East. But nothing can compare with the TD Banknorth Garden. I'd love to be covering games here every night.
From way up on Level 9 you can see everything that happens on the ice. It's not like the home rink where you lose the puck along the near boards.
The crowd was a little disappointing to begin the game, but I'll chalk that up to the early start and the weather. The place is filling up more and more as the game goes on. And I must hand it to the UMass fans, they came out tonight in full force. They've been out-cheering the UNH faithful all game long.
Two down, one to go
Hockey
Jon Pelland
UMass 2
UNH 2
2nd Intermission
I have to hand it to the Minutemen for sticking with the Wildcats through two periods. It really looked as if their nerves were holding them back in the early stages of the first period. For a skating team, UMass couldn't get out of its own way.
With a little help from Brad Flaishans' skate - Alex Berry's shot ricochetted off it and went directly in - tying the score at one apiece and eventually took the lead. From Level 9 (Press Area) UMass' second goal look very pretty. Chris Capraro has such an uncanny sense of space on the ice. He took a pass in the low slot from Cory Quirk - who got the puck behind the net - and got Kevin Regan to lunge with a deke. Capraro then simply flicked the puck in.
Despite failing to convert, UMass had a really good power-play in the second. The first unit really pressured Regan with four goals. They also failed to allow UNH to clear the puck as it was in the attacking zone for much of the two minutes.
As always Jon Quick is playing great in net.
Jon Pelland
UMass 2
UNH 2
2nd Intermission
I have to hand it to the Minutemen for sticking with the Wildcats through two periods. It really looked as if their nerves were holding them back in the early stages of the first period. For a skating team, UMass couldn't get out of its own way.
With a little help from Brad Flaishans' skate - Alex Berry's shot ricochetted off it and went directly in - tying the score at one apiece and eventually took the lead. From Level 9 (Press Area) UMass' second goal look very pretty. Chris Capraro has such an uncanny sense of space on the ice. He took a pass in the low slot from Cory Quirk - who got the puck behind the net - and got Kevin Regan to lunge with a deke. Capraro then simply flicked the puck in.
Despite failing to convert, UMass had a really good power-play in the second. The first unit really pressured Regan with four goals. They also failed to allow UNH to clear the puck as it was in the attacking zone for much of the two minutes.
As always Jon Quick is playing great in net.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it
Hockey
Jon Pelland
As expected, UMass coach Don Cahoon is sticking with his regular lines for the semifinals of the Hockey East playoffs against UNH. The Wildcats blew out the Minutemen, 5-1, the last time Cahoon tried to make his lineup top-heavy to counter UNH's dynamic top-two lines. Here's what the coach said on Wednesday about his lines:
There might be a couple of things that we do, but one of the advantages of our lines being arranged the way they have been as of late is that there is more balance in the lineup and I don’t have to be as concerned about mismatches as maybe I was when I tried to stack a line one way or another.
Jon Pelland
As expected, UMass coach Don Cahoon is sticking with his regular lines for the semifinals of the Hockey East playoffs against UNH. The Wildcats blew out the Minutemen, 5-1, the last time Cahoon tried to make his lineup top-heavy to counter UNH's dynamic top-two lines. Here's what the coach said on Wednesday about his lines:
There might be a couple of things that we do, but one of the advantages of our lines being arranged the way they have been as of late is that there is more balance in the lineup and I don’t have to be as concerned about mismatches as maybe I was when I tried to stack a line one way or another.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Quotes from HEA Semi-final Coaches
Hockey East
Michael King
Here are some of the highlights from the Hockey East conference call on March 13 with the remaining coaches:
BC coach Jerry York
On the status of the team:
“Well I think we’re playing our best hockey of the year at this juncture. Now, having said that, it’s a matter of how you do the next time you put on the skates. We hope there is a carryover but you can’t assume that ‘hey, we played well; we think that we’re going to play well in the future.’ We’ve had two good days of practice and we look forward to the Lamoriello Cup. I think it’s something we all talk about during the year. It is one of the coveted trophies and we’re preparing hard for BU.”
BU coach Jack Parker
On his relationship with UMass coach Don Cahoon:
“He was my first assistant coach when I started coaching here. He’s really settled in up there now and they’ve got it going real well. It was just a matter of time, in my opinion, before he would be very successful there. He’s successful because he’s a real good coach. His attention to detail is terrific, but he’s also a real competitor. He wants to do well and I think he wants to do well for his players, and that’s the most important thing. He wants his players to experience the same things he did as a college hockey player.”
“I was surprised to hear him say “the cadre of scorers that UNH has.” I was impressed since he was a phys-ed grad at BU.”
UNH Coach Dick Umile
On UM’s offense:
“I believe that UMass does not get credit for its offense. They can transition off a very good defense and they play it very well. I’m not saying they’re just playing a trap game – they can play against a very strong defensive posture and yet be aggressive; they transition off of it very well.”
“Right now Quick is playing well. You look in our league, the four teams in the playoffs, everyone has very good goaltending. “Toot” has his team playing extremely well. Defensively they make you work for everything. They don’t give you much. They keep you out of the Grade A scoring opportunities and they are a transitional team. They can bottle you up in the center zone and yet they are quick and have some players that can put the puck away. (Chris) Capraro is playing well for them. He is their finesse player that does it all for them and (Cory) Quirk is playing well. Right now, they are feeling very good about themselves, beating Maine four times in a row. There are not many teams that can say that they’ve done that. They are playing well and that’s why they are playing in the Garden this weekend.”
Michael King
Here are some of the highlights from the Hockey East conference call on March 13 with the remaining coaches:
BC coach Jerry York
On the status of the team:
“Well I think we’re playing our best hockey of the year at this juncture. Now, having said that, it’s a matter of how you do the next time you put on the skates. We hope there is a carryover but you can’t assume that ‘hey, we played well; we think that we’re going to play well in the future.’ We’ve had two good days of practice and we look forward to the Lamoriello Cup. I think it’s something we all talk about during the year. It is one of the coveted trophies and we’re preparing hard for BU.”
BU coach Jack Parker
On his relationship with UMass coach Don Cahoon:
“He was my first assistant coach when I started coaching here. He’s really settled in up there now and they’ve got it going real well. It was just a matter of time, in my opinion, before he would be very successful there. He’s successful because he’s a real good coach. His attention to detail is terrific, but he’s also a real competitor. He wants to do well and I think he wants to do well for his players, and that’s the most important thing. He wants his players to experience the same things he did as a college hockey player.”
“I was surprised to hear him say “the cadre of scorers that UNH has.” I was impressed since he was a phys-ed grad at BU.”
UNH Coach Dick Umile
On UM’s offense:
“I believe that UMass does not get credit for its offense. They can transition off a very good defense and they play it very well. I’m not saying they’re just playing a trap game – they can play against a very strong defensive posture and yet be aggressive; they transition off of it very well.”
“Right now Quick is playing well. You look in our league, the four teams in the playoffs, everyone has very good goaltending. “Toot” has his team playing extremely well. Defensively they make you work for everything. They don’t give you much. They keep you out of the Grade A scoring opportunities and they are a transitional team. They can bottle you up in the center zone and yet they are quick and have some players that can put the puck away. (Chris) Capraro is playing well for them. He is their finesse player that does it all for them and (Cory) Quirk is playing well. Right now, they are feeling very good about themselves, beating Maine four times in a row. There are not many teams that can say that they’ve done that. They are playing well and that’s why they are playing in the Garden this weekend.”
#20 UMass
Women's Lacrosse
Michael King
The Massachusetts women's lacrosse team is starting to get some recognition. With a 4-2 record, the Minutewomen moved into 20th place in this week's Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association poll. The team has not been ranked since the 1999 season.
Junior attack Kathleen Typadis was named Atlantic 10 Co-Performer of the Week by the league office, which despite the name, is in honor of the past two weeks. During that four game stretch, she scored 14 goals and added 4 assists.
The Minutewomen will resume play on March 20, when they travel to New Hampshire.
Michael King
The Massachusetts women's lacrosse team is starting to get some recognition. With a 4-2 record, the Minutewomen moved into 20th place in this week's Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association poll. The team has not been ranked since the 1999 season.
Junior attack Kathleen Typadis was named Atlantic 10 Co-Performer of the Week by the league office, which despite the name, is in honor of the past two weeks. During that four game stretch, she scored 14 goals and added 4 assists.
The Minutewomen will resume play on March 20, when they travel to New Hampshire.
Monday, March 12, 2007
A-10 honors Cullington
Softball
Joe Meloni
UMass junior Stacy Cullington received the Atlantic 10 Softball Player of the Week Award on Monday afternoon for her performance at the USF adidas Invitational over the weekend.
Cullington went 11-for-21 - including a game-winning grand slam in the first game of the tournament - in seven games for the Minutewomen to lead the team. She also had two three-hit games for the Maroon and White.
The Minutewomen head south again this weekend for the FAU Parent's Weekend Tournament.
Joe Meloni
UMass junior Stacy Cullington received the Atlantic 10 Softball Player of the Week Award on Monday afternoon for her performance at the USF adidas Invitational over the weekend.
Cullington went 11-for-21 - including a game-winning grand slam in the first game of the tournament - in seven games for the Minutewomen to lead the team. She also had two three-hit games for the Maroon and White.
The Minutewomen head south again this weekend for the FAU Parent's Weekend Tournament.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Typadis Sets Career High, Paces UM Offense
Women's Lacrosse
Michael King
Junior Kathleen Typadis scored six goals and one assist en route to a 15-7 win over Albany on Saturday afternoon. The numbers are both career highs in points and goals for the UMass attacker.
She also moved into eighth place on the school's all-time career goal scoring list. She has 98 goals in 41 games. If she scores at least four points in her next game, the junior can move into tenth place on that list as well. Also, she is fourth on the career draw controls list with 68.
Typadis' first goal of the game sparked a six goal run that put the Minutewomen in the lead for good during the first half.
The performance extended Typadis' scoring steak to 30 games. She also has started 41 consecutive games, marked by 32 multi-point games, 33 multi-goal efforts and 17 hat tricks. The junior has only been held scoreless three times over that stretch.
The six goals were the most scored by an individual UMass player since the 2005 season, when Kerri Connerty scored six against the Great Danes.
Check out tomorrow's edition of the Collegian for a game recap and more on the team's move from Garber to McGuirk.
Michael King
Junior Kathleen Typadis scored six goals and one assist en route to a 15-7 win over Albany on Saturday afternoon. The numbers are both career highs in points and goals for the UMass attacker.
She also moved into eighth place on the school's all-time career goal scoring list. She has 98 goals in 41 games. If she scores at least four points in her next game, the junior can move into tenth place on that list as well. Also, she is fourth on the career draw controls list with 68.
Typadis' first goal of the game sparked a six goal run that put the Minutewomen in the lead for good during the first half.
The performance extended Typadis' scoring steak to 30 games. She also has started 41 consecutive games, marked by 32 multi-point games, 33 multi-goal efforts and 17 hat tricks. The junior has only been held scoreless three times over that stretch.
The six goals were the most scored by an individual UMass player since the 2005 season, when Kerri Connerty scored six against the Great Danes.
Check out tomorrow's edition of the Collegian for a game recap and more on the team's move from Garber to McGuirk.
Minutewomen bounce back
Softball
Joe Meloni
After dropping consecutive games to strong teams from Georgia Tech and Tennessee Tech, the UMass softball team picked themselves up in winning three straight games before losing in the final of the USF adidas Invitational Tournament, 4-1, to Ohio State.
Head coach Elaine Sortino decided to tamper with her usual batting order, dropping star third baseman Whitney Mollica to fifth in the lineup. The Minutewomen scored 18 runs in the final four games of the tournament compared to the two they scored in the previous losses.
The Minutewomen now sit at 8-8-1 after the first three early-season tournaments. UMass takes part in their final tournament of the season next weekend, the FAU Parent's Weekend Tournament.
Check out tomorrow's Collegian for a full report on UMass' action over the weekend.
Joe Meloni
After dropping consecutive games to strong teams from Georgia Tech and Tennessee Tech, the UMass softball team picked themselves up in winning three straight games before losing in the final of the USF adidas Invitational Tournament, 4-1, to Ohio State.
Head coach Elaine Sortino decided to tamper with her usual batting order, dropping star third baseman Whitney Mollica to fifth in the lineup. The Minutewomen scored 18 runs in the final four games of the tournament compared to the two they scored in the previous losses.
The Minutewomen now sit at 8-8-1 after the first three early-season tournaments. UMass takes part in their final tournament of the season next weekend, the FAU Parent's Weekend Tournament.
Check out tomorrow's Collegian for a full report on UMass' action over the weekend.
Minutemen look to avoid sweep
Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike
Game three of the series between UMass (0-2) and UCF (10-9) is now underway. Coach Mike Stone and the Minutemen need a victory to prevent the sweep. Here are the lineups...
Massachusetts:
Eli Rosenswaike
Game three of the series between UMass (0-2) and UCF (10-9) is now underway. Coach Mike Stone and the Minutemen need a victory to prevent the sweep. Here are the lineups...
Massachusetts:
- Ryan Franczek (3B)
- Bill Rankin (CF)
- Adam Tempesta (2B)
- Bryan Adamski (DH)
- Lou Proietti (SS)
- Bryan Garrity (C)
- Andy Tuetken (1B)
- Brian Baudinet (RF)
- Jim Cassidy (LF)
- Mike DiCato (P)
Central Florida:
- Tyson Auer (CF)
- Chadd Hartman (LF)
- Kiko Vazquez (1B)
- Brandon Romans (C)
- Chris Duffy (DH)
- Shane Brown (3B)
- Ryan Richardson (RF)
- Eric Kallstrom (SS)
- Dwayne Bailey (2B)
- Jaager Good (P)
Check out tommorow's Collegian for results.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Minutemen moving on
Hockey
Jon Pelland
For the first time since its run to the championship game in 2004, UMass is returning to the TD Banknorth Garden and the Hockey East semifinals. A 5-2 victory tonight gave the Minutemen a two-game sweep of Maine. Here's coach Don Cahoon's opening statement at the postgame press conference.
"I thought it was a really gutsy performance by our club and for all the players in the locker room to be able to contain themselves in the moment. It's so easy for this thing to run away, especially when you have to play teams consecutive nights like we did [with Maine]. To just keep it in the present, our guys did an unbelievable job of just keeping it very much in the present to the point where we were just trying to win one period at a time. That's been going on for a few weeks now. I give them high marks for buying into that concept and for really putting in good practice."
UMass will face New Hampshire on Friday night given BU's overtime win over Vermont tonight to take that series, 2-1.
Jon Pelland
For the first time since its run to the championship game in 2004, UMass is returning to the TD Banknorth Garden and the Hockey East semifinals. A 5-2 victory tonight gave the Minutemen a two-game sweep of Maine. Here's coach Don Cahoon's opening statement at the postgame press conference.
"I thought it was a really gutsy performance by our club and for all the players in the locker room to be able to contain themselves in the moment. It's so easy for this thing to run away, especially when you have to play teams consecutive nights like we did [with Maine]. To just keep it in the present, our guys did an unbelievable job of just keeping it very much in the present to the point where we were just trying to win one period at a time. That's been going on for a few weeks now. I give them high marks for buying into that concept and for really putting in good practice."
UMass will face New Hampshire on Friday night given BU's overtime win over Vermont tonight to take that series, 2-1.
UMass baseball falls to UCF, again
Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike
The Massachusetts baseball team (0-2) made things interesting Saturday night against the UCF Golden Knights (10-9), but suffered the same fate as Friday, losing 5-2.
UCF jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, getting to freshman starter Jared Freni. Freni settled down after the second inning, and shut down the opposition for the next four frames. Freni was a bit erratic in his six innings of work (6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 HBP, 4 K) but he showed his poise by inducing a double-play in the sixth inning to excape a big jam.
UMass came close to tying the ballgame in the 8th inning, when they had the bases loaded down 4-2. But Jim MacDonald grounded out to third on a full count to end the rally.
UCF added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning to push the lead to 5-2.
UMass only managed to scrounge five hits together, as UCF starter Mitch Houck was outstanding -- striking out 10 and only allowing three hits in his seven innings of work. Houck pulled off a rare feat in the fourth inning, striking out four UMass batters. He struck out Donato, Munsey, Franczek and Rankin. Munsey reached first after the third strike got away from the UCF catcher.
Last year it was the poor pitching that ailed the Minutemen, but so far it has been the hitting that has really been struggling for Mike Stone's squad.
The teams play again tommorow, at 1 p.m.
Eli Rosenswaike
The Massachusetts baseball team (0-2) made things interesting Saturday night against the UCF Golden Knights (10-9), but suffered the same fate as Friday, losing 5-2.
UCF jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, getting to freshman starter Jared Freni. Freni settled down after the second inning, and shut down the opposition for the next four frames. Freni was a bit erratic in his six innings of work (6 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 1 HBP, 4 K) but he showed his poise by inducing a double-play in the sixth inning to excape a big jam.
UMass came close to tying the ballgame in the 8th inning, when they had the bases loaded down 4-2. But Jim MacDonald grounded out to third on a full count to end the rally.
UCF added an insurance run in the bottom of the eighth inning to push the lead to 5-2.
UMass only managed to scrounge five hits together, as UCF starter Mitch Houck was outstanding -- striking out 10 and only allowing three hits in his seven innings of work. Houck pulled off a rare feat in the fourth inning, striking out four UMass batters. He struck out Donato, Munsey, Franczek and Rankin. Munsey reached first after the third strike got away from the UCF catcher.
Last year it was the poor pitching that ailed the Minutemen, but so far it has been the hitting that has really been struggling for Mike Stone's squad.
The teams play again tommorow, at 1 p.m.
Where are the paying customers?
Hockey
Jon Pelland
It boggles my mind that UMass can't sell out the Mullins Center for a hockey playoff game. Tonight the Minutemen have a chance to clinch a spot in Boston next weekend, and the place isn't full. But don't blame it on the students because they are here in full force. Taunts during introductions were the loudest I've ever heard it here.
But for some reason the paying locals didn't deem this game important enough to show up for. While 7,119 was a high number last night, tonight should have been higher - it's debatable if that is the case.
Last Saturday the attendance was upwards of 8,000.
Jon Pelland
It boggles my mind that UMass can't sell out the Mullins Center for a hockey playoff game. Tonight the Minutemen have a chance to clinch a spot in Boston next weekend, and the place isn't full. But don't blame it on the students because they are here in full force. Taunts during introductions were the loudest I've ever heard it here.
But for some reason the paying locals didn't deem this game important enough to show up for. While 7,119 was a high number last night, tonight should have been higher - it's debatable if that is the case.
Last Saturday the attendance was upwards of 8,000.
Minutemen re-match vs. UCF
Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike
The Massachusetts baseball team (0-1) returns to the field for game 2 of the three-game set against the Golden Knights (9-9). UMass dropped yesterday's game, 6-1. Sophomore Adam Tempesta didn't play in the opener (apparent hand injury) but is in tonight's order, hitting third as the designated hitter.
Freshman Jared Freni gets the start on the mound for coach Mike Stone and the Minutemen. Here are the rest of the starting lineups...
Massachusetts:
Eli Rosenswaike
The Massachusetts baseball team (0-1) returns to the field for game 2 of the three-game set against the Golden Knights (9-9). UMass dropped yesterday's game, 6-1. Sophomore Adam Tempesta didn't play in the opener (apparent hand injury) but is in tonight's order, hitting third as the designated hitter.
Freshman Jared Freni gets the start on the mound for coach Mike Stone and the Minutemen. Here are the rest of the starting lineups...
Massachusetts:
- Ryan Franczek (2B)
- Bill Rankin (CF)
- Adam Tempesta (DH)
- Bryan Adamski (1B)
- Lou Proietti (SS)
- Bryan Garrity (C)
- Jim MacDonald (3B)
- Mike Donato (CF)
- Travis Munsey (RF)
- Jared Freni (P)
Central Florida:
- Tyson Auer (CF)
- Chadd Hartman (LF)
- Kiko Vazquez (1B) 3-run HR in game-1
- Steve Stropp (C)
- Chris Duffy (3B)
- Matt Horwath (DH)
- Ryan Richardson (RF)
- Eric Kallstrom (SS)
- Dwayne Bailey (2B)
- Mitch Houck (P)
Check back here for results and analysis at the conclusion of the game. The game started at 6:29 p.m. and is currently underway.
Game Two: UMass goes for sweep of Maine
Hockey
Jeremy Rice
After sustaining what UMass coach Don Cahoon called "a completely new injury," defenseman Martin Nolet is once again not in the starting lineup for the Mass Attack. The freshman missed three straigt games (Feb. 25 at Northeastern, and March 2 and 3 vs. Maine) with an undisclosed injurynleading up to this weekend. Forward Jordan Virtue is back in the lineup, listed as a top-line defenseman with Mike Kostka.
What will likely happen is another double-duty game for center/defenseman Mark Matheson. During Nolet's earlier absence, Matheson worked shifts at both positions. At several points, he would finish a shift at center, then Cahoon waved him to stay on the ice, taking a shift at defense.
Virtue's role will likely be to spell Matheson later in the game, taking some of the assistant captain's shifts at center.
Collegian's picks for tonight's game:
Jon Pelland: 4-3 UMass
Jeremy Rice: 2-1 UMass
Both teams played a sloppy game and still won last night. Cahoon has a great ability to get the team re-focused after a game like that. Expect sharp skating and crisp passing from the Minutemen tonight, and a sweep of the Black Bears.
Look for more updates in between periods.
Jeremy Rice
After sustaining what UMass coach Don Cahoon called "a completely new injury," defenseman Martin Nolet is once again not in the starting lineup for the Mass Attack. The freshman missed three straigt games (Feb. 25 at Northeastern, and March 2 and 3 vs. Maine) with an undisclosed injurynleading up to this weekend. Forward Jordan Virtue is back in the lineup, listed as a top-line defenseman with Mike Kostka.
What will likely happen is another double-duty game for center/defenseman Mark Matheson. During Nolet's earlier absence, Matheson worked shifts at both positions. At several points, he would finish a shift at center, then Cahoon waved him to stay on the ice, taking a shift at defense.
Virtue's role will likely be to spell Matheson later in the game, taking some of the assistant captain's shifts at center.
Collegian's picks for tonight's game:
Jon Pelland: 4-3 UMass
Jeremy Rice: 2-1 UMass
Both teams played a sloppy game and still won last night. Cahoon has a great ability to get the team re-focused after a game like that. Expect sharp skating and crisp passing from the Minutemen tonight, and a sweep of the Black Bears.
Look for more updates in between periods.
Friday, March 9, 2007
UMass Baseball loses opener, 6-1
Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass played sloppy baseball en route to a disappointing 6-1 loss to the UCF Golden Knights (9-9) in the first game of the 2007 season. The lone UMass run came with two outs in the ninth inning on a single by catcher Bryan Garrity.
Three Minutemen pitchers combined to allow 17 UCF hitters to reach base, including seven hits, four walks, four hit batsmen and two errors. The big blow came in the third inning of a scoreless game when UCF exploded for four runs, including a three-run blast by Kiko Vazquez.
The Maroon and White never managed to get anything going, and only registered six hits and one walk on offense.
The two teams play again tommorow at 6:30 p.m.
Eli Rosenswaike
UMass played sloppy baseball en route to a disappointing 6-1 loss to the UCF Golden Knights (9-9) in the first game of the 2007 season. The lone UMass run came with two outs in the ninth inning on a single by catcher Bryan Garrity.
Three Minutemen pitchers combined to allow 17 UCF hitters to reach base, including seven hits, four walks, four hit batsmen and two errors. The big blow came in the third inning of a scoreless game when UCF exploded for four runs, including a three-run blast by Kiko Vazquez.
The Maroon and White never managed to get anything going, and only registered six hits and one walk on offense.
The two teams play again tommorow at 6:30 p.m.
Final go-round
Hockey
Jon Pelland
This weekend is it for Matt Anderson in Amherst. Should the Minutemen make it past the Black Bears, the fifth-year senior will have to close out his career elsewhere. It's been a long five years to say the least. Talking to Anderson after practice on Tuesday, you could tell how much these past few years have changed him.
He had a tough time reflecting on his senior year, and understandably so. Individually it hasn't gone exactly according to plan. Anderson paused for a long time contemplating how to describe this season:
Anderson is one of the better people involved in sports, through it all he's still managed to remain an outstanding student. He deserves better than what 's already been dealt, but he definitely has to close out a tulmultuous career on a high note this weekend and beyond.
Jon Pelland
This weekend is it for Matt Anderson in Amherst. Should the Minutemen make it past the Black Bears, the fifth-year senior will have to close out his career elsewhere. It's been a long five years to say the least. Talking to Anderson after practice on Tuesday, you could tell how much these past few years have changed him.
He had a tough time reflecting on his senior year, and understandably so. Individually it hasn't gone exactly according to plan. Anderson paused for a long time contemplating how to describe this season:
It’s been a great ride, I’ve learned a lot. There’s a lot more hockey to be
played and I’m really excited with what lies ahead. I think what’s in the past,
is in the past and you really can’t dwell on it or look back on it right now.
Anderson is one of the better people involved in sports, through it all he's still managed to remain an outstanding student. He deserves better than what 's already been dealt, but he definitely has to close out a tulmultuous career on a high note this weekend and beyond.
Good News for Mass Attack
Hockey
Jeremy Rice
20 minutes until game time...
Defensemen Martin Nolet and Topher Bevis are back in uniform tonight for the playoff game against Maine. Both have missed a lot of time in the closing weeks of the regular season.
Forward Zech Klann has still not returned, but with the return of two defenders, Center Mark Matheson should be able to focus on scoring up front and less on shifting between two positions.
Starting lines for the Minutemen:
Center- Brett Watson
Forwards- P.J. Fenton, Alex Berry
Defenseman- Martin Nolet, Mike Kostka
Jeremy Rice
20 minutes until game time...
Defensemen Martin Nolet and Topher Bevis are back in uniform tonight for the playoff game against Maine. Both have missed a lot of time in the closing weeks of the regular season.
Forward Zech Klann has still not returned, but with the return of two defenders, Center Mark Matheson should be able to focus on scoring up front and less on shifting between two positions.
Starting lines for the Minutemen:
Center- Brett Watson
Forwards- P.J. Fenton, Alex Berry
Defenseman- Martin Nolet, Mike Kostka
Minutemen take mound for first time
Baseball
Eli Rosenswaike
The Massachusetts baseball team begins the 2007 season tonight against the Central Florida Golden Knights (8-9) in Orlando, Fla. The first pitch was thrown a few minutes before 6:30 p.m. and the game is currently underway. Check back here for a recap and analysis once the season opener is completed.
In the meantime, here are the starting lineups:
Massachusetts:
Eli Rosenswaike
The Massachusetts baseball team begins the 2007 season tonight against the Central Florida Golden Knights (8-9) in Orlando, Fla. The first pitch was thrown a few minutes before 6:30 p.m. and the game is currently underway. Check back here for a recap and analysis once the season opener is completed.
In the meantime, here are the starting lineups:
Massachusetts:
- Jim Cassidy (DH)
- Bill Rankin (CF)
- Ryan Franczek (2B)
- Bryan Adamski (1B)
- Lou Proietti (SS)
- Bryan Garrity (C)
- Jim MacDonald (3B)
- Brian Baudinet (RF)
- Travis Munsey (LF)
- Chris Lloyd (P)
Notably absent from the UMass starting lineup is last year's freshman standout second baseman Adam Tempesta. No word yet on why that might be.
Central Florida:
- Tyson Auer (CF)
- Chadd Hartman (LF)
- Kiko Vazquez (1B)
- Chris Duffy (3B)
- Steve Stropp (C)
- Matt Horwath (DH)
- Ryan Richardson (RF)
- Eric Kallstrom (SS)
- Dwayne Bailey (2B)
- Austin Hudson (P)
Minutewomen seek revenge
Softball
Joe Meloni
After splitting yesterday's action, the Minutewomen square off with Georgia Tech this morning. The Minutewomen need to develop something resembling consistency if they plan to defeat the No. 20 Yellow Jackets.
The last time these two teams played, Yellow Jacket ace Tiffany Johnson spun a two-hit shutout, leading her team to a 3-0 victory over the Minutewomen.
The lineup Johnson will face is a little different than the one she saw the last these two teams met.
1. Amanda Morin 1B
2. Candice Molinari CF
3. Whitney Mollica 3B
4. Samantha Salato SS
5. Lauren Proctor LF
6. Stacy Cullington 2B
7. Amanda Acampora DP
8. Emily Wehr C
9. Davina Hernandez RF
10. Brandice Balschmiter P
Check back after the first game for some notes and a the lineup for game two against Illinois-Chicago.
Joe Meloni
After splitting yesterday's action, the Minutewomen square off with Georgia Tech this morning. The Minutewomen need to develop something resembling consistency if they plan to defeat the No. 20 Yellow Jackets.
The last time these two teams played, Yellow Jacket ace Tiffany Johnson spun a two-hit shutout, leading her team to a 3-0 victory over the Minutewomen.
The lineup Johnson will face is a little different than the one she saw the last these two teams met.
1. Amanda Morin 1B
2. Candice Molinari CF
3. Whitney Mollica 3B
4. Samantha Salato SS
5. Lauren Proctor LF
6. Stacy Cullington 2B
7. Amanda Acampora DP
8. Emily Wehr C
9. Davina Hernandez RF
10. Brandice Balschmiter P
Check back after the first game for some notes and a the lineup for game two against Illinois-Chicago.
An abrupt ending
Men's Basketball
Rob Greenfield
One reporter at the Atlantic 10 Tournament said it best last night. "It feels like UMass' season is over. But it's not over." That's true, even though it sure felt like the end of all ends when the Minutemen dropped a 74-71 shocker to the Saint Louis Billikens in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Tournament last night in Atlantic City. UMass is a lock for the NIT and most likely will not receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. But the Minutemen will be one of the higher seeds in the NIT so they could see another few games at the Mullins Center this season. Not many people thought that UMass would lose in the quarterfinals of the A-10 Tournament. It just seemed extremely unlikely that a team that had won six straight games and had an outside shot for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament would go down in the quarterfinals. Brandon Thomas, Gary Forbes, Stephane Lasme, Luke Bonner, all were extremely down after the game. Forbes said that he "still can't believe it."
I feel bad for Rashaun Freeman in particular. Forbes has another year, Thomas has only been with UMass for the last two seasons, Lasme has a possible NBA career ahead of him, but Freeman is UMass basketball. It will be strange to go to a game and not see No. 1 on the block pulling down rebounds. Freeman devoted four years of hard work and dedication to UMass basketball and he never made it past the quarterfinals of the A-10 Tournament. He came down with a harsh illness during the week and didn't practice in the four days leading up to the game. He looked out of sorts and he finished with just six points. He was in foul trouble most of the night and fouled out with about six minutes to go in the game. It's a sad semi-ending to his career, and in the locker room after the game he looked devastated. He didn't speak to the media after the game and we didn't ask him to. He's probably taking this the hardest of anyone.
Here's some food for thought. Travis Ford talked about the selection committee taking into consideration the illness that his team had earlier in the week and how UMass wasn't able to practice in the four days leading up to the game. That definitely had a significant impact on game preparation and probably had something to do with the UMass loss and Freeman's absence on the offensive end. But how detailed can the selection committee get with these evaluations? Yes, the illness that struck this team was detrimental to their cause, but should the committee really take something like that into consideration when making the decisions for an at-large bid in the most prestigious college basketball tournament on the planet? Here's a hypothetical: let's say that George Washington had a legitimate shot at an at-large bid this season (this is just a hypothetical situation to illustrate my point). Maureece Rice, one of GW's top scorers, has had a tough week. He attended his grandmother's funeral yesterday morning (that is true) and played against Saint Joseph's last night. For the sake of the argument, let's say that Rice had a terrible game (he played great last night) and GW lost, when it needed to get to the conference championship to have a legit shot at an at-large. Should the committee take into consideration Maureece Rice's personal situation in that scenario? His grandmother's funeral that morning had his mind on other things and he wasn't the same player, and it clearly impacted the team's loss against St. Joe's, a team that, let's say, GW should have beaten. Should that really be taken into consideration for an at-large bid? Ford knows that the committee takes injuries into consideration, and Ford said in the press conference after the game that the selection committee should take his team's illness into consideration when it evaluates the Minutemen's loss in the quarterfinals. But should the committee get that detailed with its evaluations? And if it does, where does it draw the line of what to consider and what not to consider? Just some passing thoughts as I sit in my Holiday Inn hotel room watching Bubble Watch on ESPN.
By the way, Duke, UCLA and Maryland lost last night. I couldn't be happier about the Duke loss, because I think that team is overrated anyway, but the UCLA loss just confuses me. It just paints the whole bracket gray. Now, UCLA, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Florida - all possibilities for a No. 1 seed in the tournament - have had their struggles this season. All are vulnerable. Not that it's a bad thing for college basketball, but it makes filling out the bracket harder. A lot harder. There might be no No. 1 seeds in the Final Four this year.
Some notes from the UMass game tonight:
Rob Greenfield
One reporter at the Atlantic 10 Tournament said it best last night. "It feels like UMass' season is over. But it's not over." That's true, even though it sure felt like the end of all ends when the Minutemen dropped a 74-71 shocker to the Saint Louis Billikens in the quarterfinals of the Atlantic 10 Tournament last night in Atlantic City. UMass is a lock for the NIT and most likely will not receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. But the Minutemen will be one of the higher seeds in the NIT so they could see another few games at the Mullins Center this season. Not many people thought that UMass would lose in the quarterfinals of the A-10 Tournament. It just seemed extremely unlikely that a team that had won six straight games and had an outside shot for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament would go down in the quarterfinals. Brandon Thomas, Gary Forbes, Stephane Lasme, Luke Bonner, all were extremely down after the game. Forbes said that he "still can't believe it."
I feel bad for Rashaun Freeman in particular. Forbes has another year, Thomas has only been with UMass for the last two seasons, Lasme has a possible NBA career ahead of him, but Freeman is UMass basketball. It will be strange to go to a game and not see No. 1 on the block pulling down rebounds. Freeman devoted four years of hard work and dedication to UMass basketball and he never made it past the quarterfinals of the A-10 Tournament. He came down with a harsh illness during the week and didn't practice in the four days leading up to the game. He looked out of sorts and he finished with just six points. He was in foul trouble most of the night and fouled out with about six minutes to go in the game. It's a sad semi-ending to his career, and in the locker room after the game he looked devastated. He didn't speak to the media after the game and we didn't ask him to. He's probably taking this the hardest of anyone.
Here's some food for thought. Travis Ford talked about the selection committee taking into consideration the illness that his team had earlier in the week and how UMass wasn't able to practice in the four days leading up to the game. That definitely had a significant impact on game preparation and probably had something to do with the UMass loss and Freeman's absence on the offensive end. But how detailed can the selection committee get with these evaluations? Yes, the illness that struck this team was detrimental to their cause, but should the committee really take something like that into consideration when making the decisions for an at-large bid in the most prestigious college basketball tournament on the planet? Here's a hypothetical: let's say that George Washington had a legitimate shot at an at-large bid this season (this is just a hypothetical situation to illustrate my point). Maureece Rice, one of GW's top scorers, has had a tough week. He attended his grandmother's funeral yesterday morning (that is true) and played against Saint Joseph's last night. For the sake of the argument, let's say that Rice had a terrible game (he played great last night) and GW lost, when it needed to get to the conference championship to have a legit shot at an at-large. Should the committee take into consideration Maureece Rice's personal situation in that scenario? His grandmother's funeral that morning had his mind on other things and he wasn't the same player, and it clearly impacted the team's loss against St. Joe's, a team that, let's say, GW should have beaten. Should that really be taken into consideration for an at-large bid? Ford knows that the committee takes injuries into consideration, and Ford said in the press conference after the game that the selection committee should take his team's illness into consideration when it evaluates the Minutemen's loss in the quarterfinals. But should the committee get that detailed with its evaluations? And if it does, where does it draw the line of what to consider and what not to consider? Just some passing thoughts as I sit in my Holiday Inn hotel room watching Bubble Watch on ESPN.
By the way, Duke, UCLA and Maryland lost last night. I couldn't be happier about the Duke loss, because I think that team is overrated anyway, but the UCLA loss just confuses me. It just paints the whole bracket gray. Now, UCLA, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Florida - all possibilities for a No. 1 seed in the tournament - have had their struggles this season. All are vulnerable. Not that it's a bad thing for college basketball, but it makes filling out the bracket harder. A lot harder. There might be no No. 1 seeds in the Final Four this year.
Some notes from the UMass game tonight:
- Luke Bonner played 15 minutes in the game, by far the most he's played in a meaningful game this season, and he knocked down two free throws to give UMass a 65-63 lead with a few minutes remaining in the game.
- The Minutemen went with a man-to-man full court press for the majority of last night's game to try and speed up the pace of play. The Billikens like to slow things down, run clock with their offensive sets and dump it down to Ian Vouyoukas on the interior, who can help with the inside-outside game to open things up for Tommie Liddell. For all intents and purposes, the press worked. The final score, 74-71, indicates that the game was played more to UMass' pace, unlike the game at the Mullins Center on Feb. 24, when both teams finished with point totals in the low 50's.
- Liddell finished the game with 24 points and he is one of the best offensive players in the conference. He can shoot from 3-point land, he can put it on the floor, and he can use his body in order to get his shot off among the trees in the paint. He took on Lasme last night several times and succeeded in using his body to shield the ball from Lasme's reach.
- UMass had two airballs in the overtime period. One by Bonner, one by Ricky Harris.
- Saint Louis coach Brad Soderberg made sure that Lasme and Freeman weren't going to get to the basket easily last night. He took at least one guard and planted him in the paint, essentially playing a one-man zone. If the ball was passed to his man, he would close-out and prevent dribble penetration, forcing UMass to shoot over the top of the defense. Soderberg admitted that he was a little worried when Thomas hit a couple of threes, but other than that, the plan worked well. Most of the time, Soderberg took the man who was guarding Chris Lowe - who isn't a good shooter - and sagged him way off, so the defender was there for the double teams on Lasme and Freeman as soon as they touched the ball. Lowe burnt SLU a couple of times and finished with 11 points, but Lasme and Freeman were limited to 14 points combined.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Minutewomen take one from Indiana
Softball
Domenic Poli
UMass won the first game of an afternoon doubleheader with a 8-5 comeback victory over Indiana. With her team down 5-4, junior middle infielder Stacy Cullington took the Hoosier pitcher yard with a grand slam in the top of the seventh.
UMass pitcher Brandice Balschimiter gave her teammates a little scare after loading the bases with two down in the bottom half of the inning. The sophomore managed to gather her poise, however, and get Indiana's Stephanie Pellerito to ground into a force out to seal the win.
The Minutewomen start the latter half of the doubleheader against Tennessee Tech any minute. The lineup of the Minutewomen is as follows:
Amanda Morin 1B
Candice Molinari CF
Whitney Mollica 3B
Samantha Salato SS
Lauren Proctor LF
Stacy Cullington 2B
Amanda Acampora DP
Emily Wehr C
Carly Normandin RF
Brandice Balschimiter P
Domenic Poli
UMass won the first game of an afternoon doubleheader with a 8-5 comeback victory over Indiana. With her team down 5-4, junior middle infielder Stacy Cullington took the Hoosier pitcher yard with a grand slam in the top of the seventh.
UMass pitcher Brandice Balschimiter gave her teammates a little scare after loading the bases with two down in the bottom half of the inning. The sophomore managed to gather her poise, however, and get Indiana's Stephanie Pellerito to ground into a force out to seal the win.
The Minutewomen start the latter half of the doubleheader against Tennessee Tech any minute. The lineup of the Minutewomen is as follows:
Amanda Morin 1B
Candice Molinari CF
Whitney Mollica 3B
Samantha Salato SS
Lauren Proctor LF
Stacy Cullington 2B
Amanda Acampora DP
Emily Wehr C
Carly Normandin RF
Brandice Balschimiter P
Meet me tonight in Atlantic City
Men's Basketball
Rob Greenfield
I don't know about putting makeup on and putting my hair up, but Bruce Springsteen pretty much had the rest of it right. I made it down to AC about an hour and 15 minutes ago, despite the overwhelming traffic at the George Washington bridge and a near-accident thanks to a driver with some serious road rage. I left at 11:15 from Amherst after a Dunkin Donuts run and here's my one significant observation from the ride down that isn't at all original: Nickelback's music all sounds the same, except for "Far Away," which is a decent tune if you are comfortable with your masculinity.
I entered an empty Boardwalk Hall at about 4:45. This place is huge. And not meant for basketball. There is about 30 yards of space between the end of the stands and a gigantic painting of a ship that stretches the length of the wall vertically. It's more of a place for the Rolling Stones than for a basketball tournament, but it's a festive and artistic venue nonetheless. Boardwalk Hall is essentially inside Trump Plaza, which has a not-so-subtle, illuminated sign on the side of it so drivers can see it from about 10 miles away on the expressway into the city.
The Minutemen were on the court shooting around about an hour before the game and they came out of the tunnel to warm up 30 minutes before game time. The illness that temporarily swept the team doesn't look like it has a hold on it anymore. Luke Bonner, who missed practice on Monday because of sickness, was bouncing around the court before the teams came out to warm up. Matt Pennie still looks a little under the weather, but Rashaun Freeman and Stephane Lasme look close to 100 percent. I asked Bonner how he was feeling before the game because he was coughing profusely in warmups, and I got a "good enough" before he went back to practicing some 3's before game time.
The UMass band is here and is playing loud and proud with a small contingent of UMass fans sitting in the seats behind them to help out with the cheers. Sam the Minuteman made the trip as well, and made his first appearance about 20 minutes before game time. More on the game after things calm down here.
My predictions for the first round of the tournament were somewhat off. I still can't figure out the huge Dayton victory over Charlotte, because all signs pointed to the 49ers taking that one.
Saint Louis edged Duquesne by one point, Fordham beat Richmond by a slim two points and St. Joe's came back in the second half against Temple to take its first round game. Dionte Christmas, the A-10's leading scorer, tallied just seven points in the game. I picked Temple over St. Joe's, and said something along the lines of, "Christmas will be too much for the Hawks to handle." Oops.
Check back for more stuff after the UMass game.
Rob Greenfield
I don't know about putting makeup on and putting my hair up, but Bruce Springsteen pretty much had the rest of it right. I made it down to AC about an hour and 15 minutes ago, despite the overwhelming traffic at the George Washington bridge and a near-accident thanks to a driver with some serious road rage. I left at 11:15 from Amherst after a Dunkin Donuts run and here's my one significant observation from the ride down that isn't at all original: Nickelback's music all sounds the same, except for "Far Away," which is a decent tune if you are comfortable with your masculinity.
I entered an empty Boardwalk Hall at about 4:45. This place is huge. And not meant for basketball. There is about 30 yards of space between the end of the stands and a gigantic painting of a ship that stretches the length of the wall vertically. It's more of a place for the Rolling Stones than for a basketball tournament, but it's a festive and artistic venue nonetheless. Boardwalk Hall is essentially inside Trump Plaza, which has a not-so-subtle, illuminated sign on the side of it so drivers can see it from about 10 miles away on the expressway into the city.
The Minutemen were on the court shooting around about an hour before the game and they came out of the tunnel to warm up 30 minutes before game time. The illness that temporarily swept the team doesn't look like it has a hold on it anymore. Luke Bonner, who missed practice on Monday because of sickness, was bouncing around the court before the teams came out to warm up. Matt Pennie still looks a little under the weather, but Rashaun Freeman and Stephane Lasme look close to 100 percent. I asked Bonner how he was feeling before the game because he was coughing profusely in warmups, and I got a "good enough" before he went back to practicing some 3's before game time.
The UMass band is here and is playing loud and proud with a small contingent of UMass fans sitting in the seats behind them to help out with the cheers. Sam the Minuteman made the trip as well, and made his first appearance about 20 minutes before game time. More on the game after things calm down here.
My predictions for the first round of the tournament were somewhat off. I still can't figure out the huge Dayton victory over Charlotte, because all signs pointed to the 49ers taking that one.
Saint Louis edged Duquesne by one point, Fordham beat Richmond by a slim two points and St. Joe's came back in the second half against Temple to take its first round game. Dionte Christmas, the A-10's leading scorer, tallied just seven points in the game. I picked Temple over St. Joe's, and said something along the lines of, "Christmas will be too much for the Hawks to handle." Oops.
Check back for more stuff after the UMass game.
Sortino settles on Sanders
Softball
Joe Meloni
Wednesday morning, Massachusetts softball coach Elaine Sortino was still unsure who would pitch for the Minutewomen in the first of the two games slated for this afternoon. Sortino decided before the start of the game, however, that freshman hurler Bailey Sanders would get the nod against Indiana.
The rest of UMass' lineup is as follows:
1. Amanda Morin 1B
2. Candice Molinari CF
3. Whitney Mollica 3B
4. Samantha Salato SS
5. Lauren Proctor LF
6. Stacy Cullington 2B
7. Amanda Acampora DP
8. Bailey Sanders P
9. Carly Normandin RF
10. Emily Wehr C
Joe Meloni
Wednesday morning, Massachusetts softball coach Elaine Sortino was still unsure who would pitch for the Minutewomen in the first of the two games slated for this afternoon. Sortino decided before the start of the game, however, that freshman hurler Bailey Sanders would get the nod against Indiana.
The rest of UMass' lineup is as follows:
1. Amanda Morin 1B
2. Candice Molinari CF
3. Whitney Mollica 3B
4. Samantha Salato SS
5. Lauren Proctor LF
6. Stacy Cullington 2B
7. Amanda Acampora DP
8. Bailey Sanders P
9. Carly Normandin RF
10. Emily Wehr C
Bishop-less Black Bears
Hockey
Jon Pelland
It looks as though UMass won't have to deal with Maine goaltender Ben Bishop for yet another weekend. According to the Portland Press Herald, it is unlikely the sophomore will suit up for the Hockey East quarterfinals at the Mullins Center.
Jon Pelland
It looks as though UMass won't have to deal with Maine goaltender Ben Bishop for yet another weekend. According to the Portland Press Herald, it is unlikely the sophomore will suit up for the Hockey East quarterfinals at the Mullins Center.
Still a young season
Men's Lacrosse
Jon Pelland
Despite the fact that he hides it well, you can tell UMass men's lacrosse coach Greg Cannella does not want to go 0-3 to start the season one year removed from playing in the National Championship game. There was a fire in the coach's eye as he sat behind his desk yesterday after practice. Here's what Cannella had to say about his team starting 0-2:
Jon Pelland
Despite the fact that he hides it well, you can tell UMass men's lacrosse coach Greg Cannella does not want to go 0-3 to start the season one year removed from playing in the National Championship game. There was a fire in the coach's eye as he sat behind his desk yesterday after practice. Here's what Cannella had to say about his team starting 0-2:
Harvard is a perfect opponent to face for the Minutemen to kick start their season. The Crimson have allowed double-digit scores to both their 2007 opponents, in fact they allowed matching 13-point performances in each of their losses.Unfortunately we lost the first two, but that doesn’t make your season. You have to play the rest of your games. What are we going to do? Feel bad for ourselves or are we going to fight? I think these guys are going to fight. This
group has a lot of pride and can play well enough.
Photo courtesy of UMass Media Relations.
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Minutewomen fall from top 25
Softball
Joe Meloni
When the season began, the Massachusetts softball team sat in the No. 23 spot of NFCA Preseason poll. Offensive struggles, shoddy defense and plain bad luck forced voters to leave the Minutewomen off their top-25 ballot completely.
At this juncture in the season, the polls have very little bearing on the team's morale. But the national ranking did provide great publicity for a program overdue for some exposure.
The Minutewomen have a chance to leap back into the polls with a big performance this weekend. They take on the No. 20 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, a team that defeated the Minutewomen, 3-0, on Feb. 24.
These early season tournaments provide a barometer for how the team will fare in postseason play should the Maroon and White make it that far. Remember, the Minutewomen were just one game away from reaching the Women's College World Series last season and return six starters in the field and last year's Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Year sophomore Brandice Balschmiter.
The fact that the pollsters even consider the Minutewomen for the national rankings means a great deal. Northern programs rarely compete with teams in the south and west. Gaining that much in the way of national prominence will help the head coach Elaine Sortino land top recruits in the future.
Joe Meloni
When the season began, the Massachusetts softball team sat in the No. 23 spot of NFCA Preseason poll. Offensive struggles, shoddy defense and plain bad luck forced voters to leave the Minutewomen off their top-25 ballot completely.
At this juncture in the season, the polls have very little bearing on the team's morale. But the national ranking did provide great publicity for a program overdue for some exposure.
The Minutewomen have a chance to leap back into the polls with a big performance this weekend. They take on the No. 20 Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, a team that defeated the Minutewomen, 3-0, on Feb. 24.
These early season tournaments provide a barometer for how the team will fare in postseason play should the Maroon and White make it that far. Remember, the Minutewomen were just one game away from reaching the Women's College World Series last season and return six starters in the field and last year's Atlantic 10 Pitcher of the Year sophomore Brandice Balschmiter.
The fact that the pollsters even consider the Minutewomen for the national rankings means a great deal. Northern programs rarely compete with teams in the south and west. Gaining that much in the way of national prominence will help the head coach Elaine Sortino land top recruits in the future.
Mass Attack injury update
Hockey
Jon Pelland
It's no secret that the UMass hockey team has seen a rash of injuries at the most inopportune time of the season. But there is some relief in sight for the Minutemen. Three of their four injured players practiced on Tuesday.
The one notable exception yesterday was goaltender Jon Quick. After being injured against Northeastern on Feb. 23, he sat out that Sunday in Boston. Quick returned to lead UMass past Maine and was named the Hockey East player of the week this week. UMass coach Don Cahoon did not elaborate on Quick's condition or whether he'll play in the quaterfinals this weekend.
Defensemen Martin Nolet and Topher Bevis were back wearing the defense's usual black practice sweater. Zech Klann was the only skater in yellow, which leads me to assume it meant he was barred from contact. Nolet and Bevis practicing has to be a welcomed sign for a team desperately in need of healthy defensemen.
Photo courtesy of UMass Media Relations.
Jon Pelland
It's no secret that the UMass hockey team has seen a rash of injuries at the most inopportune time of the season. But there is some relief in sight for the Minutemen. Three of their four injured players practiced on Tuesday.
The one notable exception yesterday was goaltender Jon Quick. After being injured against Northeastern on Feb. 23, he sat out that Sunday in Boston. Quick returned to lead UMass past Maine and was named the Hockey East player of the week this week. UMass coach Don Cahoon did not elaborate on Quick's condition or whether he'll play in the quaterfinals this weekend.
Defensemen Martin Nolet and Topher Bevis were back wearing the defense's usual black practice sweater. Zech Klann was the only skater in yellow, which leads me to assume it meant he was barred from contact. Nolet and Bevis practicing has to be a welcomed sign for a team desperately in need of healthy defensemen.
Photo courtesy of UMass Media Relations.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
