I do not want to make it a debate because it is probably semantics.  But from 2009-2010 to 2012-2013 seasons I would argue they were untouchable, well above the rest of their league, that has so many good programs.

2009-2010  (32-1)  only loss in final four
2010-2011  (32-1)  National champs, one in season loss OOC to Kean
2011-2012  (31-2)  only two losses in final four
2013-2013  (30-3)  finally a loss reg season to Williams team that went to final four, and two final four losses

So,  that is total domination of the league.  They are not there any more.  That really is my point.  They are mortal again.  The were not during that stretch. 

Easy, strength of schedule.  Wins over ranked teams.  None of that is present for Boston or anyone else.  It is too bad, as i would love to see Boston in, but it won't happen.

When I wrote last night, I said "slight" changing of the guard.  I mainly meant Amherst came back to the pack a bit.  A couple of years ago, for a good five years no one, even in the NESCAC, was really going to touch them.  So you had several real good teams and one untouchable one. 

I agree that the coaching changes at Tufts and Amherst began their success.  I do think Tufts will have a hard time without their star player though after round 1 or 2.

So do we see Amherst, Tufts and Bowdoin all host?

I agree that Bowdoin probably played best game today.  That having been said it was clear the second half of the year, despite the apparent depth, Amherst is not what they have been.  Still very good, but not what they were in the past.  Sounds crazy, buy maybe too much depth.   The great teams of 3,4,5 and 6 years ago had studs, but not always a lot of depth.  The present team has a lot of good players, but no true stud.  Some may say that Robertson is/was, but in reality she is one of those unfortunate college kids who had a bad injury and robbed her of two of her four seasons.   She was never the same.  Amherst gets in, probably, but I doubt they advance too far.  When was the last time they played an NCAA game on the road?  It is a big difference for all teams, but especially for Amherst.  When was the last big game they won on the road?

Too bad for Tufts they lost Foley.  Does anyone know how bad the injury is?  I agree they will lose to Bowdoin if she is out.

Interesting day, to see a bit of a changing of the guard. (just a bit).

Tufts did a very good job to get to where they did.  They could have won tonight with a bounce one way or the other.  They have continued to grow the program in an impressive manner, dethroned the multi year champ in Amherst, and went to the final four all in one season!  Pretty good work!