CCIW

[DIIIdad]

CCIW Tournament:

November 4, 2009

Millikin at Augie 7 PM
IWU at Wheaton 7 PM


The winners meet on November 7th at the highest remaining seed.

[sean-o]

Ill. Wesleyan advances to the finals over Wheaton on PKs (3-1), after finishing tied at one.

Some notes:

Wheaton was the better team in the second half and overtimes, but they just didn't look as efficient as they have in the past. I've seen the Thunder play twice this year, and both times, Taryne Lee was off compared to her extremely high standards. She did rip off one sudden cross along the ground late, but she was not sharp with her shot.

Ali Koppelman had a chance to finish things with a breakaway in OT, but she didn't pick out a spot and her hard, dead-center shot was popped out for a corner.

Officially it goes down as a tie, which is the best the loser of this game could hope for. In my opinion, Wheaton has to root hard for Augustana in the CCIW finals. If Ill. Wesleyan pulls off the upset and Chicago gets a win or draw (and Wash U thus doesn't pick up the UAA), then Wheaton would be No. 4 in line in the Central. With 21 bids across eight regions—and the Central this year being a two-conference region—that's a very tight chance.

If Augustana wins, then Wheaton will probably be ahead of Ill. Wesleyan because of last week's result (and a significantly tougher schedule).

[Mr. Ypsi]

With the references to Augie in the final, everyone probably already figured it out.

But, just in case, Augie demolished Millikin, 5-0.

My guess is the CCIW gets three teams in regardless, but just in case, GO TITANS!

[DIIIdad]

With the references to Augie in the final, everyone probably already figured it out.

But, just in case, Augie demolished Millikin, 5-0.

My guess is the CCIW gets three teams in regardless, but just in case, GO TITANS!

It was a good win for Augie.  When they play like that, the sky is the limit.  They controlled from the opening whistle and were even able to get 11 subs into the game, including the backup keeper.  The only concern was an unknown injury that kept the leading scorer out of the game entirely.  Hopefully she will return Saturday or next week. 

The scary thing about this team is that I don't think they know how good they can be.  The starting lineup last night had 6 sophomores and 2 freshman.  The three seniors that started last night add the perfect balance to the youthful exuberance of the team.  They've been there and keep things in perspective for the those going through this for the first time. 

It should be interesting to see the rematch with IWU on Augie's home field.  While it is nice that IWU has a stand-alone soccer complex, the field itself is a joke.  A smallish natural grass surface that kept the game very slow.  Saturday's game will be on Augie's artificial turf and the game should be much faster.  Although, the artificial turf didn't seem to bother IWU last night at Wheaton. 

As can be seen from the Wheaton/IWU game last night, it is tough to beat a team twice in one season.  Augie will have to play better than they did in the first meeting where they only had 3 shots.  That game was a defensive battle as both teams had their season low in shots. 

As for the NCAA tournament, I think IWU's win over Wheaton last night sealed their spot.  They had been stumbling, but I think they are safe regardless of Saturday's result.  I agree with Mr. Ypsi that the CCIW will have 3 teams in the tourney come next week.

[sean-o]

Well, I wouldn't bank IWU's chances solely on yesterday. Remember that the result goes down as a tie, not a win. If they beat Augie, obviously they are in. If they lose (and not in PKs) they will actually be worse off for the week than Wheaton. And Wheaton still holds that advantage head to head (1-0-1).

Keep in mind that advancement in conference tournament is not a criterion for NCAA selection. That's not to say the CCIW can't get three teams. That might just depend on circumstances from these realigned regions, if Wash U wins the UAA and other conference tourneys around the nation. Root for the favorites is all I'm saying.

[petemcb]

Here's to the CCIW and it's chances of 3 teams in the tournament.  How does it work?  Are the tournament games played at neutral, pre-selected sites or do the higher seeds host early round games?

[Mr. Ypsi]

Congratulations to Augie, winner 1-0 over the Titans this evening.

While I remain reasonably confident the CCIW will get three teams in the tourney, the Titans and Thunder will just have to cross their fingers until Monday.

[Jim Matson]

I think Wheaton has the upper hand for spot number two since the Illinois Wesleyan "loss" will be looked at by the committee as a tie.  So in the tourney, Wheaton has a tie, while IWU has a tie and a loss.  That said, I do believe that we'll see all three teams in the tourney.

Hosts are usually the higher seeded teams.

[sean-o]

I think Wheaton has the upper hand for spot number two since the Illinois Wesleyan "loss" will be looked at by the committee as a tie.  So in the tourney, Wheaton has a tie, while IWU has a tie and a loss.  That said, I do believe that we'll see all three teams in the tourney.

Hosts are usually the higher seeded teams.

Yep, the really important thing was Wash U getting the UAA auto qualifier despite losing to Chicago. (Unbelievable that Case was able to tie both Rochester teams.)

I'd say it's a definite that Chicago, Wheaton and Ill. Wesleyan get at-large berths now, and it will be in that order. I don't see the Central getting a fourth team -- There's not really a credible candidate outside of Calvin, who will be on the board but probably not make it.

The problem with predictions this year is that we don't really know how the regional realignment will affect the national process.

My bet is that Chicago hosts a bracket with Wheaton, unless the NCAA decides to send either to Augustana.

[DIIIdad]

Here's hoping neither of those teams gets anywhere near Rock Island.

[DIIIdad]

Here's hoping neither of those teams gets anywhere near Rock Island.

My wish is granted.


Augie will host:

Albion
Wis.-Stevens Point and
St. Thomas (MN)



They would only see any of Chicago, Wheaton, WashU or IWU if they get through to their sectional and Augie gets through to its sectional. 

First, Augie has to beat Albion, and then the winner of Stevens Point v. St. Thomas.

[Jim Matson]

I would say that Augie has a slightly easier bracket than does Illinois Wesleyan or Wheaton.  I think Chicago is good this year, especially at home.  Wash U is also a strong team to get by.

Stevens Point will be the best team that Augie faces, but they are down a bit this season compared to past seasons.

[sean-o]

I would say that Augie has a slightly easier bracket than does Illinois Wesleyan or Wheaton.  I think Chicago is good this year, especially at home.  Wash U is also a strong team to get by.

Stevens Point will be the best team that Augie faces, but they are down a bit this season compared to past seasons.

Stevens Point is definitely down. Can't lose one of the most dynamic duos in the region--Weisse and Prawat--and expect to be as dangerous. When I saw them early in the season they were a longball team. That can work in the postseason, though. Teams will throw up extra attackers to deal with the packed-box defense, and UWSP can catch them by finding one of their several athletic forwards. It's just not so connected up top anymore.

[The_Swede]

Wheaton senior forward Taryne Lee was named CCIW Player of the Year for the third-straight year on Monday. Lee has 97 career goals.
The Thunder had six players named All-Conference.
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2009/11/10/WSOC_1110093713.aspx?path=wsoccer

[The_Swede]

Wheaton beat Carleton 3-1 in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. Taryne Lee tallied three assists. She is now Top 10 in Career Points Scored in NCAA Division III history with 245 total points.