NESCAC 2011

pcc · August 24, 2011, 09:59:42 PM

Wonder what Becks thinks of Wes this year? I know of some good frosh coming in. I think Wes could finish top three.

Jim Matson · August 30, 2011, 11:04:57 PM

A slow start this season, but things will pick up in a week or so!

2xfaux · September 12, 2011, 05:51:28 PM

So now Messiah comes to Williams (apologies to Muhlenberg, who should not be taken lightly on Wednesday) for another early Saturday game. Any thoughts NESCAC folks?

2xfaux · September 16, 2011, 01:25:01 PM

I see that both of Williams' games this weekend have been moved to MCLA in North Adams. Apparently Williamstown and the Williams' fields have taken quite a beating from the recent storms, which Rick Perry has assured us have nothing to due with.....well, that's a whole different story. Does anyone know anything about this field? I assume it is turf of some kind. Is it big? Is it small? Is it painted blue? Both games (Messiah and Oneonta) should be a good test for the Ephs. Becks told me it was okay for other NESCAC fans to post their thoughts.

pcc · September 17, 2011, 07:40:21 AM

Williams will have to do somthing which no team has done vs Messiah so far this season, score. I think they will.

Giggs · September 17, 2011, 12:18:44 PM

Did not look at the box, but Williams lost and not able to get on the scoreboard. Most interesting match of the day is the Wes v. Tufts game. May show whether Wes is capable this year of moving into the top end of NESCAC, but Tufts is always solid and the match is at Tufts which leads me to think that Tufts will prevail in a tight game.

Becks · September 17, 2011, 08:09:28 PM

Saw the Wes v Tufts game on-line. Wes was lucky game wasn't 3-0 for Tufts. Stats support dominance by Tufts.

purplehat · September 18, 2011, 10:01:17 AM

Williams played a real nice game, but just couldn't get one in. They also did a good job of limiting Messiah to only one goal, especailly in the first 15 minutes when Messiah's attack was clicking. Was impressed with how fit and strong Williams was throughout the entire game. To get to the final four you need to be fit and have a strong bench. Both of these teams seem to have this, although Messiah is playing without four potential starters right now. I wouldn't be surprised to see either team (or both) playing in San Antonio later this year.

2xfaux · September 18, 2011, 03:19:09 PM

Often, over the last couple years, Messiah has seemed to be more fit early than many of their opponents. As you point out, purplehat, Williams and last week William Smith seem to have come physically prepared from the get go. Hard work over the summer is certainly a key to early season success. Hopefully some of the Falcons walking wounded can get back to action soon. I don't ever remember a Messiah team being so banged up.

Ocean 1 · September 20, 2011, 02:45:06 PM

One of the remarkable things about the Williams side is they have 10 frosh on the roster. What started the season as appearing to be a rebuilding year looks more like one of reloading.

Also don't believe anyone else in NESCAC has the same demanding non-conference schedule as Williams. That should bode well for their season.

machine54 · September 20, 2011, 04:02:28 PM

Before you anoint the new Williams class as the replacement for Wild, etc. let's just take a deep breath and realize we are only a few games into a long season - Williams will always get the pick of the NESCAC litter so they will consistently be good - how good - well that remains to be seen - both Amherst and Midd looked good this past weekend - Midd dominated a weak Colby team and v. Amherst, Midd controlled play in the first half but could not clear a corner and found themselves in an 0-2 hole at halftime - they have some nice freshman additions - after last year's melt down at Midd (up 3-0 with 9 minutes to play - only to lose in overtime) Amherst played a very physical, aggressive game - very athletic and good speed - they will be a very tough team - does any one know what happened to Hannah Cooper - she would be a junior now at Amherst but her name is not on the roster - was very good as a freshman and sophomore

amh63 · September 20, 2011, 08:31:14 PM

With respect to Hannah, I too noticed that she is not on the roster. I have been following her since she is from the Md./D.C. area. My guess is that she is taking her Junior year abroad this semester/year. Hannah's talents have been held back the past few years due to injuries. Her playing time has decreased. With a strong FY class and the coach's seemly preference to insert younger players......Hannah may have decided to concentrate on her schooling this year and enjoy herself a little.

Ocean 1 · September 20, 2011, 09:49:49 PM

Quote from: machine54 on September 20, 2011, 04:02:28 PM
Before you anoint the new Williams class as the replacement for Wild, etc. let's just take a deep breath and realize we are only a few games into a long season - Williams will always get the pick of the NESCAC litter so they will consistently be good - how good - well that remains to be seen - both Amherst and Midd looked good this past weekend - Midd dominated a weak Colby team and v. Amherst, Midd controlled play in the first half but could not clear a corner and found themselves in an 0-2 hole at halftime - they have some nice freshman additions - after last year's melt down at Midd (up 3-0 with 9 minutes to play - only to lose in overtime) Amherst played a very physical, aggressive game - very athletic and good speed - they will be a very tough team - does any one know what happened to Hannah Cooper - she would be a junior now at Amherst but her name is not on the roster - was very good as a freshman and sophomore

Believe I said reload, not replace. Besides, Williams has 13 upperclassmen on the team who have won championships together. With nearly a third of the regular season behind us I don't see many surprises happening leading to the tournament. And based on their strong showing against the dominant team in the country (shots: Mess 11/Will 10 & corners: 3-all), my nod goes to Williams to win NESCAC yet again

2xfaux · September 21, 2011, 11:26:48 AM

I just have to ask. How does machine54 rate a -2 karma? I am jealous.

machine54 · September 21, 2011, 04:16:09 PM

Ocean1 - we can debate whether Williams has 13 upperclassmen who contributed meaningful minutes to past championships (I believe I have the better of the argument) - with that said a bench player on Williams is more likely than not to be better than a starter on other D3 or even some NESCAC teams -- for the past several seasons it has been practically a birth rite for Williams to advance to the NCAA tournament (see NY Yankees) - so until another NESCAC team steps up - (Tufts did win the regular season title last year) the EPHs (Evil Empire) are the team to beat (as much as it pains me to say that) - and as far as Williams is concerned - simply making it to the big dance - while a nice accomplishment - is really just the first step - an early departure - like last year - is clearly (for Williams) a very disappointing season - such is life at the top -- while for other NESCAC teams - simply getting to the tournament is quite an accomplishment since it doesn't happen on a annual basis -- I look for Amherst to give Williams all they can handle --