Lacrosse

[amh63]

Nah...Gov. Christie is up in New Hampshire trying to gleem the votes he is losing in his own state not addressing such D3 issues
Remember going to Salisbury, Md. to see a game.  TCNJ seems to also be a school that is always in the chase for a lacrosse title....the preferred choice of the Jersey girls for D3 lacrosse?  Remember going to another  Jersey school...near the Delaware state line for a post season game....area of grape growing and a history of early Swedish immigrants.  Mind going blank on the college name.

Vandy....where are you?  Let me know if you need a tie...got a lot of Purple ones..seems to be a color for power pundits.

[Vandy74]

amh63.........I'm still here.  Computer issues lately.   Thanks for the offer of the purple tie.  That would go over huge here I'm sure.   Big game for the Panthers at Hamilton this afternoon as PolarCat has already mentioned.  It's hard to believe that TCNJ doesn't have video capability.  THE most successful women's LAX program.  13-5 in the championship game from '85-'06.   They haven't won it all since but are still always in the hunt.  The HC at Vandy is Cathy Swezey who my sister-in-law remembers well.  Until this season Vandy's top asst. coach had been Susan Pley Ellis.  Both were All-Americans at then-called Trenton State.  Grads of class of '96 who defeated the Panthers for the national title.  Middlebury is 3-0 against them since.  Coaches Swezey and Ellis took Vandy to the DI Final Four 5-6 seasons back.  The first "Western" women's lax team to advance that far.

[Vandy74]

Huge win for the Panther women 12-10 over Hamilton.  Off to Trivia at the local pub so no time to elaborate.  This one was a real nail biter.  Considering these teams could well meet again not only in the NESCAC tournament but even later on in the NCAAs one wonders if winning this one was the best thing to do in the long run.  Best season in the always highly competitive CAC I've seen in a long time. 

[PolarCat]

I watched it too, and Vandy is right.  Hamilton twice rallied from a 4 goal deficit to tie the game, only to have Midd pull ahead.  Superb play by both GK's; I believe Hamilton's had a career high 11 saves, and Midd's had 11 or 12.  They have a different brand of refs in Clinton: as in last week's defeat of Tufts, there were cross checks and checks to the head galore, and VERY few calls of shooting space.  I saw one of the Panthers drive to the goal and get quadruple-teamed, with no whistle and no SS call.  I am very, very glad we won't be travelling to Upstate for the NESCAC tournament.

Up two goals, Midd did play keep-away for the last 4 minutes or so.  I'd love to see the NCAA try a shot clock; I think it would improve the game.

The big surprise of the night is that TCNJ is SLAUGHTERING #1 ranked Trinity, up 5-1 with 8 minutes to go in the first half.

UPDATE:  Amazing rally by Trinity, rattling off 6 straight goals while holding the Lions scoreless, to take a 7-5 lead into halftime.  Wow.  I can't believe Snookie and her friends can't provide video, since this is clearly an amazing game.

[PolarCat]

Trinity was nothing short of amazing tonight.  From a 1-5 start they rallyed to win 15-8.  Martha Griffin was on fire - 5 goals and 2 assists.  Regardless of the sentimental feelings for Missy, Trinity's first year coach Katy Dissinger has to be a solid favorite for COTY.  She had huge shoes to fill following Kate Livesay's departure, but tonight proved she's the real deal.

[Vandy74]

Trinity was nothing short of amazing tonight.  From a 1-5 start they rallyed to win 15-8.  Martha Griffin was on fire - 5 goals and 2 assists.  Regardless of the sentimental feelings for Missy, Trinity's first year coach Katy Dissinger has to be a solid favorite for COTY.  She had huge shoes to fill following Kate Livesay's departure, but tonight proved she's the real deal.

That's why they're #1 PolarCat.  I expect them to want to send a little message to their ex-HC when they host the Panthers on Saturday.  After that Middlebury finishes at home against always dangerous Williams.  The Panthers could well have needed to win that game just to have a home field in the quarterfinals.  Today's victory was huge.  And you're right, great GK play on both sides. 

Personally I'm not a fan of the shot clock idea.  Playing keep away for 2-3 minutes is not easy.  It's rather difficult, especially with the more shallow cross nets allowed in the women's game.  I've talked to many men familiar with the game who when playing catch with a daughter or girl friend and using the women's sticks were embarrassed by their inability to do it.  Midd turned it over once in the closing 2 minutes as I recall and was lucky enough to get it back.  I don't like the clock in basketball either.  But I'm a dying breed and I know it.   What I would like to see is a continuation rule in scoring while being fouled.  The Panthers lost what at the time was a very important goal in the 2nd half.  I don't understand the reasoning behind the rule.  It's supposed to be to protect the players but doesn't a defender know she is beaten and doesn't the fact that a goal will be nullified for a free position shot that's a 30-40% chance at best make committing the foul the smart thing to do?  Where's the protective factor at work there?  IMHO

[amh63]

Caught a bit of the Amherst win over near by Mt. Holyoke...15-5 or something like that.  Anyway, in the closing minute or so, the Amherst players were playing keep away.  The other teams goal was empty and Amherst did not want to score  a needless goal.
Bored with the evening news channels and went to watch a big time Div 1 women's lacrosse battle.  No. 1 Maryland, playing its first in the Big Ten....undefeated at 14-0....was playing the #12 ranked Johns Hopkins Un. team at Homewood field.  Got an education while looking over the "changes " on the stadium. 
Seems that the Terps' use more of a man to man defense and let their goalie prevail.  The defensive players are recruited for their speed and athletic skills vice their stick skills....to be developed  later.  Seems to work for the defending national champs.  The women announcer was educating the man announcer over the differences between the men and women game and the recent changes.  One had to do with the number of players on the offensive side...even in a player down situation.  There was a discussion of when a ref pulls out a yellow card/flag but puts it back when a player scores.  Did not really understand the points enough to even correctly post them here!  Not many yellow flags even when players were knocked down.  Even saw a penalty call on an offensive player after knocking down a defensive player that had her feet set...like in basketball!
Announcers..both former players....did point out that the women players do not have the skill set to attack the goal like the men.  Even saw a long fast break pass that led to a quick goal by Maryland.
The Terp Goalie was wearing a helmet much like the men players..thought of PolarCat's comment.  Many of the Maryland players are homegrown.  JHU's has a tall young player of great skill from Newton Mass!...parents watching...great overall skill set....possible future star.

[PolarCat]

amh63,

A friend's daughter plays for the Terp's.  She was also on the same club team as my daughter, though 2 years older.  An absolute STUD on the prep school and club circuit, she mostly rides the pine for Maryland.  Their recruiting, talent and depth is amazing.  Not sure she wouldn't have been happier in D3, playing every minute.

There is a difference between a yellow flag and a yellow card.  A yellow flag means a foul has occurred, but play will continue while the offense has possession.  We love yellow flags; nothing is more frustrating than when an attacker is wide open to shoot, but the ref blows the whistle and stops play.  In contrast, a yellow card is given for a major foul, the offending player is out of the game for 2 minutes or until the other team scores.  (It's a "releasable" foul).  Two yellow cards in one game and the player is ejected.

Just like in basketball, an attacker can be called for "charging" - bowling into a defender whose feet are set.  It's a call that some refs make more than others.  Some of the NY refs are VERY lenient in calling it, to the point where some of the Upstate players adopt some Marshawn Lynch moves.

I heard a rumor that Northwestern and some other D1 programs are arguing for helmets and body armor, to allow the girls to be even more aggressive.  I hope that never happens; it would turn this fast, elegant game into a slugfest.  One of the problems D1 programs have is with athletes' body image: the girls spend inordinate amounts of time in the weight room, and some of the girls wind up looking like fireplugs.  Not a problem if you are a guy, but not an attractive look for a co-ed.

Worse, coaches check their players' body fat content / BMI, and tales of anorexia abound.  Which is yet another reason I'm thrilled my PolarKitten is playing D3.

[amh63]

Amherst teams played Tufts this afternoon.  Good news and bad news.  Good news is Amherst men's team had a big statement win over Tufts...12-6  at home..  Bad news is the women's team lost to Tufts in OT, 11-10...two closely matched teams.  Game was in Medford.

[middhoops]

Well, Vandy; 'twould seem Trinity sent the message you referenced.

[Vandy74]

Well, Vandy; 'twould seem Trinity sent the message you referenced.

'Twould seem indeed.   Not a big surprise though.  Trinity wasn't about to lose at home on Senior day against their ex-HC visiting for the first time.  Home field for the semis and finals in the CAC tournament most likely on the line as well.  But no denying the Bantams look like the cream of the conference once again.  Only a 11-10 season opening loss to Colby blemishes the Trinity record.  Except for a 7-6 road win over Washington College only one opponent has lost by as few as 5 goals.  Very strong out of conference schedule.  Remarkable.   

Am I correct that the Bowdoin-Tufts game on Wednesday night is for a top 4 seed and home field in the quarterfinals? I don't see a video option.  Is that possible?   

[PolarCat]

While I'm not surprised the Bant's won, I was very surprised by the score.  An old fashioned beat-down.  Trin is nothing short of a juggernaut.  My hat will really be off to F&M or Cortland if they can catch Trinity on a bad day and prevail for the NCAA Championship.

Vandy, right now the NESCAC Tournament seeds look like this:

1. Trinity, 8-1.  They play Amherst on Wednesday, and should solidify their position unless amh63 gives the Jeff-ette's an incredible pre-game pep talk.

2. Middlebury 7-2.  The same record as my Polar Bears, but they beat us head-to-head, so my understanding is they get the better seed.  They host Williams on Wednesday.  Can the Ephs rally to make a statement?  I'm not counting on it.

3. Bowdoin, 7-2.  We travel to a talented Tufts team Wednesday, who will be hoping to upset us and squeak into hosting the first round.  I think we're up to the challenge, but hey, this is NESCAC so anything can happen.

4. Hamilton, 7-3.  The Continentals have concluded NESCAC play, and face Ithaca Wednesday.  Even if Tufts tops Bowdoin and Hamilton finishes with the same record as Bowdoin, we beat the Continentals head-to-head (in OT).

5. Tufts, 6-3.  This is where it gets interesting.  If the Jumbo's beat the Polar Bears on Wednesday, Bowdoin, Hamilton and Tufts will finish with identical 7-3 records.  The Cont's beat the Jumbo's and the Jumbo's will have beaten the Polar Bears. Who gets the #3, #4 and #5 seeds in that scenario?  Damned if I know; I'll just keep my glass half full and believe that Bowdoin will prevail in Medford.

6. Colby 5-4.  If the Mules beat  Bates Wednesday, they'll finish at 6 - 4, which still won't be enough to get them home field for the first round.  They will be a VERY formidable opponent, and I am hoping that the plucky Bates team will make a statement and beat them (in OT?)

7. Amherst, 4-5.  They face Trinity Wednesday.  Barring a major miracle (or a communicable disease laying waste to Trinity), the Jeff-ette's will finish a disappointing 4-6.

8. Williams 3-6.  Baring a miracle, they don't stand a chance against Midd Wednesday.  And even if the Ephs and Jeff-ette's somehow both prevail, Amherst has the head-to-head win and gets the #7 seed.  The best they can hope for is a bus ride from Willytown to the Coop.

Bottom line: Tufts - Bowdoin may be the key match-up of the coming week.  Although "Video" is not showing on the Tufts, Bowdoin or NESCAC websites, I'd be amazed if they don't provide it.  I watched the very-professionally-produced broadcast of the OT today, and can't imagine the Jumbo's wouldn't televise what will arguably be the biggest regular season game of their year.

[Vandy74]

PolarCat,

It is my understanding that Bowdoin must win on Wednesday night.  I think records against higher seeds come into play as a second tie-breaker system but I am not 100% sure of that.  If I am correct, however, Tufts has a win over Middlebury.  Other than #1 Trinity, the Panthers have beaten everyone else in the potential 7-3 pool.   One more thing to consider is the seeding if Tufts does beat Bowdoin and the Ephs, playing with nothing to lose catch a Panther team down from the effects of their loss today.  That would make MC a 7-3 team as well and with the loss to Tufts would become the #3 seed rather than #2.  I drink a toast here to Panther and Polar Bear victories this mid-week.

As for the decisive Trinity victory this afternoon, I repeat I am impressed but not overwhelmed.  While the Panthers are obviously driven to send their coach out on top Trinity is just as focused to win it all.   No present Bantam, barring a possible but unlikely red shirt, has failed to play in the championship game.  After an 8-7 victory over Salisbury in 2012 they were the ones who were trounced in the final the following two seasons.  Don't be misled by last year's 9-6 score.  It was 5-0 at the half and 9-2 at @17:00.  Three of Trinity's last four goals were free position shots.  In the semi-final game they handed #1 Cortland it's only defeat winning 8-7.  Down 5-4 at the half, the Bantams scored 4 unanswered to lead 8-5 at 9:07.  Cortland made it a one score margin with about a minute and a half left.  Salisbury had a much easier time against Amherst.  The LJ defense kept it close and Amherst trailed only 3-2 at the half but the the 2nd 30 minutes were all Sea Gulls.  I was present at both Trinity's and Cortland's victories over the Panthers during the regular season and considered Cortland the better team.  Trinity was tired and came out flat.  By the time they found themselves it was too late.  They were certainly a team very capable of beating the Sea Gulls.  In all of this talk about the NESCAC let's not overlook the fact that Cortland has been beaten only once this year.  An early season 13-11 road loss to Salisbury is something you can be sure is on their minds as well.   At least a dozen half teams not mentioned here belong in the post season conversation as well.  There is a lot of lacrosse left to be played and nothing is etched in stone.
 

[PolarCat]

Vandy,

I will defer to your expertise, as I can't follow all the seeding rules myself.  (I think somewhere in the tie-breaker process they include "number of read-headed players named Phoebe" and "number of coaches born in a month without an R in it").

I will join you in bellying up to the bar Wednesday and drinking to the Panther and Polar Bear victories.  And I may even do a rickety keg stand if the Bobcats and their superb GK can rally and knock off the Mules.  Should be a pretty fun tailgate in Medford ... unless we're drowning our sorrows.

I certainly didn't mean to slight the rest of Division 3, and F&M is another team I think could go all the way. My earlier post was specifically about the NESCAC Tournament, and the NCAA Tournament will pose another set of challenges, but I don't want to look too far ahead.

It would be great if we could get some posters on here from other conferences (and dare I say it, some more MEN'S lacrosse posts, too).  But until we do, you, middhoops, amh63 and I will have to keep this forum going.   

[amh63]

Several odds and ends on other matters.
I have been mentioning to my daughter to take my granddaughter to a lacrosse game....kid likes to run and is becoming fast and athletic, etc.....though only 7.  Probably will be a swimmer.  Anyway, they live in the village of Groton...closer to Cortland than Ithaca.  They have been to Cortland to watch sports....NY Jets training camp....and have gone to nearby contests when Amherst teams show up....did I mention my daughter is an alumnae?
There is a fine lacrosse player on the men's team...a soph from the Delbarton School in N.J....with the name Killian.  Yes, he is the younger brother of the fine MBB player Killian'14....though about 4 inch shorter but just as athletic and competitive.
Yes, there is something about playing on one's home field on a special day.  Watched the second half of the JHU homecoming game in Baltimore yesterday.  Hopkins destroyed Michigan in a Big Ten game....the Blue Jays in the Big Ten?  The Jay's coach did not start its Captain Goalie who is a senior even...but he basically shut out the Big Blue team when he finally came in.  The 2nd half was like the Varsity playing against the J.V.s. Yes, special games at home can be misleading.