Tag Archives: NCAA

Mar 20 2013

Mass. College Hoops: Battista, Finn Earn Daktronics All-East Region Honors

By NoontimeSports.com 

Courtesy of the Bentley University sports information department, here’s this afternoon’s release about Lauren Battista and Courtney Finn, who have earned spots on the Daktronics NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball All-East Region first and second team:

WALTHAM, Mass. – Bentley University junior forward Lauren Battista (North Easton/Oliver Ames HS) has been named to the Daktronics NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball All-East Region first team for the second straight season and teammate Courtney Finn (Winthrop/Winthrop HS), a senior guard, has been selected for the All-Region second team.

Battista averaged 14.9 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists for the Falcons while shooting 53 percent from the field and 82 percent from the line. It’s a combination of numbers that no other player in the region achieved, and she bumped up her production in the postseason, averaging 17.8 points and 7.2 rebounds while making 59 percent of her field goal attempts.

During the NCAA regional, Battista averaged 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and one block while helping Bentley make a third consecutive appearance in the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen. She shot 64 percent overall and made two of four threes, along with eight of ten free throws. Battista scored a season-high 27 points on 12-17 shooting against LIU Post in the first round, and netted 21 ponts on 9-13 shooting in the semis against Holy Family.

The two-time Capital One Academic All-America became only the tenth player in program history to reach 1,500 points, finishing with 1,504, and the first to do so as a junior.

Finn, who has another year of eligibility remaining, led the Falcons in rebounding (7.1) while averaging 13.8 points. She had four double-doubles and came within one rebound of four others, including the NCAA regional final against Dowling when she had 15 points, three assists and three steals. Finn will enter next season with 1,051 career points.

Junior forward Jacqui Brugliera (Fitchburg/Wachusett Reg. HS), who joined Battista on the East Regional All-Tournament Team, was named to the NE-10 Weekly Honor Roll after averaging 13.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 assists in the three games.

Brugliera had ten points and five rebounds in the opening round against LIU Post, 19 points (on 8-10 shooting) in only 14 minutes against Holy Family in the semis and provided 11 points and eight rebounds against Dowling in the championship game. Brugliera shot 48 percent  overall, made four of her ten three-pointers and was 6-8 at the free throw line.

Bentley, which reached the Sweet Sixteen for the third straight year and the 19th time in 26 seasons, finished the year with a 30-2 record. The Falcons, who entered the NCAA tournament ranked third in Division II, captured both the Northeast-10 regular season and playoff championships for the third straight season.

Mar 11 2013

Mass. College Hoops: Northeastern Falls In CAA Championship

Jonathan Lee, who netted his team-best 14 points, all in the second half, couldn't help the Huskies rally past James Madison in the CAA tournament championship! (Photo Credit: MassLive.com)

Jonathan Lee, who netted his team-best 14 points, couldn’t help the Huskies rally past James Madison in the CAA tournament championship! (Photo Credit: MassLive.com)

By Matt Noonan 

The Northeastern University men’s basketball season came to a halt Monday evening as the Huskies fell to James Madison, 70-57 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) championship.

The win provided the Dukes with their first conference tournament crown, as well as their first trip to the NCAA tournament since 1994.

James Madison jumped out to 22-6 advantage that ballooned into a 40-18 halftime lad. Northeastern stormed back and trailed the visitors, 51-43 with 8:23 remaining before James Madison answered with a 10-3 run that sealed the victory.

A.J. Davis (James Madison) led all players with 26 points, while Northeastern received 14 points from Jonathan Lee.

David Walker and Marco Banegas-Flores tallied 10 points, respectively, while Derrico Peck recorded eight points, four rebounds, one block and one steal.

Northeastern concludes their season with a 20-12 mark and CAA regular season title. The Huskies won 14 of their 18 conference contests and will await Sunday’s announcement regarding the March Madness pairings.

For more information on this evening’s game — HOP HERE

For more information on the Northeastern men’s basketball team — HOP HERE

Feb 24 2013

Mass. College Hoops: WPI’s Bartley Reflects On NEWMAC Championship

Chris Bartley guided the Engineers to their first NEWMAC Championship since 2006 on Sunday afternoon! (Photo Credit: WPI Athletics)

Chris Bartley guided the Engineers to their first NEWMAC Championship since 2006 on Sunday afternoon! (Photo Credit: WPI Athletics)

By Matt Noonan 

WORCESTER, MA – After his team celebrated their first NEWMAC (New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference) championship in seven seasons, WPI men’s basketball coach Chris Bartley shared his thought’s on the Engineers overtime win against Springfield College, as well as the play of Ryan Kolb, who netted a career-best 29 points.

With the win, WPI earned an automatic bid to the upcoming NCAA Division III championship, which will commence next weekend.

On ending a seven-year championship drought: “It’s something that I think about all the time. I don’t think our guy’s do because they weren’t here for all of them. The only ones that have been here for all of them are Ryan Cain and I.”

On what worked for the Engineers this year: I think the big thing that helped us this year with this group is we really did a better job of not focusing on the outcome and just focusing on what we needed to do each day and each possession. We really broke it down and everything was like a microcosm, so I’m proud of that. I thought we handled it well and I’ve got to tell you that I did not sleep one second last night, so I was extremely confident because I might have past out on the bench for not sleeping, but it was great.”

On Fending Off Springfield’s Second Half Rally: “You’ve got great players on Springfield College’s team and you’ve got leadership with Sean Martin and Alex Berthiaume, and those guys are season veterans. They’ve been through it, so we knew and didn’t say to our guys that they were going to make a run, but I was figuring they probably would and when Berthiaume got going a little bit, made some shots, it gave them confidence. When they took the lead by a three-pointer, I think things could have really gone south for us, but again I point to our guy’s mental toughness. Our guy’s are really mentally tough, all year and when they needed it to be at the most critical time they were and I thought Aaron Davis with the way he started overtime was phenomenal. Davis scored two baskets with his left hand on drives, which he hasn’t made that shot for a while for us, so it just shows you what type of big game player he is.”

On the play of Ryan Kolb: “He’s a tough kid. He’s literally one of the toughest kids I have ever coached. We also call him, ‘The Rock’ because he can be a rock at a time, but when a kid steps up like that I’m just in awe of how a kid can do that on that big of a stage. It’s just very impressive to me.”

On Springfield’s play down the stretch: “For them to do what they’ve done at the end of the year here is why I think they belong in the NCAA (Division III tournament). They’ve beaten so many good teams, so I have nothing, but respect for how tough and how well coached Springfield is and another bounce or another way, and they would have been hoisting the trophy today.”     

Jan 1 2013

2013 Mass. College Sports Predictions

By Matt Noonan

The New Year has just begun, and while many are still recovering from their celebrations and parties, others, like myself, are asking their crystal ball about 2013.

2012 was an exciting year in sports, especially in the college sports world in Massachusetts. And below are my predictions and thoughts on what could occur over the next few months.

Boston College will win the Hockey East: The Eagles head coach just celebrated a major milestone this past weekend, as Jerry York scooped up win No. 925. He’s now the sole leader in wins in NCAA hockey, but the spotlight was quickly repositioned to his team. Boston College currently resides atop the Hockey East standings and is definitely the frontrunner to capture another conference crown in March. I’m confident that this crew can do it again, but if injuries occur, Boston University or New Hampshire might be the second or third best bets.

Babson College’s Conference Winning Streak Will Conclude: It’s very likely that the Beavers will once again win the NEWMAC (New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference) in February, but I also think their 68-game streak will be snapped, too. Smith College was the last team to defeat the Green and White in 2009, and ever since, Judy Blinstrub’s squad hasn’t dropped a single conference match. However, with the second half of the season set to tip-off tomorrow for most teams, I wouldn’t be totally surprised if the Pioneers (Smith) or Clark or Springfield beats Babson in January or February.

Jim O’Brien Leads Emerson College To A Winning Record: Last season, the former Boston College and Ohio State head coach guided the Lions to 7-19 campaign. This year, Emerson’s men’s basketball team is 4-5, and could possibly finish the season with a .500 record.

UMass Men’s Basketball Goes Dancing: I am very confident about the Minutemen, and believe they’ll earn a spot in the March Madness Tournament. They are the clear favorite in this area, and will certainly make the Bay State proud.

Tufts Softball Returns To The NCAA Championship: Against one of the best home run teams in the country last May, the Jumbos surrendered three long balls, which eliminated them from the championship. This season, I’m expecting the Powder Blue and White to return to the tournament. Although, I’m not sure if they’ll win it, but I certainly like their chances despite losing four valuable seniors.

Framingham State Football Three-Peat: They’ve won the MASCAC (Massachusetts State Athletic Conference) the past two years, and this fall, they’ll do it again. The Rams won’t be competing in the NEFC (New England Football Conference), but will still face some non-conference foes, which will prepare them for another shot at NCAA glory.

AIC Football Will Be The Team To Beat: They’re young, fast and now have two years of experience under their belt. The Yellow Jackets from American International College will certainly be the team to beat in the Northeast-10 Conference, I guarantee it.

What’re your predictions? Do you think another college or team or player will endure a great deal of success this year? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending us an email (NoontimeSports@gmail.com).

Remember to follow Noontime Sports on Twitter (@NoontimeSports or @NoonSportsBlog). 

Dec 23 2012

Extra Thoughts: Revisting Headlines From The Past Week In College Sports

By Matt Noonan

Roughly one or two years ago, we started a weekly column called, “The Sunday Column.” Very catchy, eh?

Well, I’ve officially decided to revamp it, and going forward it’ll be called, “Extra Thoughts.”

Basically, this will be a once a week piece where I provide some insight or thoughts pertaining toward issues or news from the college sports world in Massachusetts.

And without further ado, here are some extra thoughts to kick start your Sunday:

* Keep your eyes pealed on our blog this week, as we’ll be revisiting some of our favorite blogs, articles and stories from this past year. Did you have a favorite? If so, let us know!

* Earlier this week we started a new weekly post with links from across the web. Did you like it? I certainly enjoyed learning more about some of the athletes we cover, especially Dani Rylan, the former Northeastern University women’s ice hockey player, who now runs a coffee shop by herself in East Harlem, New York.

* In today’s Boston Globe, I learnedthat the National Soccer Coaches Association of America named Brandeis University men’s soccer coach Mike Coven this year’s New England Division III Coach of the Year. Coven, who hails from Duxbury, enjoyed a really successful 40th season, as the Judges concluded their campaign with an 18-3-1 record and shared its first University Athletic Association crown. Brandeis made it to the NCAA’s Sweet 16, but was ousted by Williams College.

* I know I have mentioned this before, but I want to congratulate WPI’s men’s basketball team on a terrific start. The Engineers are 10-0, and have earned some impressive wins against Fitchburg State, Husson College, Rhode Island College and Salem State.

* Can the Northeastern men’s ice hockey team rebound in January? They’re currently riding a two-game losing streak and have a lot of ground to make up. Boston College continues to be the toast of the Hockey East, but on their tail is Boston University and New Hampshire.

* Lastly, I was saddened to hear the news via D3Hoops.com that Lasell College is currently mourning the passing of Sean Bertanza, who played for the men’s basketball team. Through nine games this season, Bertanza averaged close to 21 points per game, and was a major contributor for the Lasers in their only win this season.

As noted in the college’s press release, “Sean left his mark on the Newton campus with his exploits on the basketball court, but will be remembered even more fondly for his role as a loyal and caring individual to everyone he came into contact with in the campus community.”

I never had a chance to meet Sean, but want to extend my thoughts during this time to everyone at Lasell College.

Happy Holidays to everyone and make sure to check back next week for our second installment.

Dec 20 2012

Mass. College Sports Stories From Around The Web (LINKS)

By NoontimeSports.com 

One of the new things we’ll be providing in January 2013 is links to stories from around the web pertaining toward the various colleges in Massachusetts, as well as updates on former high school athletes.

If you have a story that you’d like our blog to feature or link, please send it to NoontimeSports@gmail.com. You can also connect with us on Facebook and Twitter (@NoontimeSports or @NoonSportsBlog), too.

Here is our first installment of “stories from around the web.”

* The New England Hockey Journal recently profiled former Northeastern University women’s ice hockey player Dani Rylan, who opened a coffee shop on Dec. 17 in East Harlem, New York. Rylan, who reported for GoNU.com, had her dream opportunity of working for the NHL Network dashed due to the lockout. So while the professional hockey world remains at a standstill, Rylan has focused her attention on growing her new business.

* According to the New England Hockey Journal, the ECAC East Div. III men’s ice hockey conference has featured some interesting results over the past few weeks. And while most teams remain below Norwich University (10-0) in the standings, their are at least six teams on the Cadets tail.

* On Wednesday, the Boston Globe noted on its college blog that Boston College Eagles football head coach Steve Addazio named Don Brown and Ryan Day coordinators for the upcoming season. Brown, who spent the past two seasons at the University of Connecticut, will control the defense, while Day will operate the offense.

* The Globe also published two interesting profiles — one about about Nichols College senior Hayley Zophin, who has anchored the Bison this season at the center position, and the other about Scituate High graduates Andrew and Sean McCarthy, who’re each playing Div. I basketball.

* The Boston Herald profiled Dartmouth College’s Abbey D’Agostino, who hails from Topsfield, and her pursuit toward landing a spot as a runner in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. According to the article, “the former Masconomet High star has positioned herself among the U.S. women’s running hierarchy, winning the 2012 NCAA outdoor title in the 5,000 meters in a Dartmouth record of 16:11.34, becoming the first Big Green woman to capture an individual national championship.” 

* Could UMass’ men’s basketball team be joining the Mid-American Conference? It’s not likely, but possible, according to MassLive.com.

Noontime Favorite: Earlier this week we learned that Holy Cross’ men’s lacrosse team will be competing in the inaugural Metropolitan Lacrosse Classic, and on Wednesday we caught up with head coach Jim Morrissey to discuss the event.

Dec 18 2012

Northeastern Celebrates Successful Year Of Athletics (LINK)

By Matt Noonan 

Courtesy of our friends from Northeastern University — here is a link from a recent article pertaining toward the Huskies success on the diamond, ice and grass in 2012.

As noted by Northeastern News, “2012 marked a mem­o­rable year for North­eastern Ath­letics, one in which players and teams cap­tured sev­eral records, awards, and impres­sive victories.”

To access the story — HOP HERE.

Dec 17 2012

Mass. College Hoops: A Few Thoughts On Div. III Basketball

By Matt Noonan 

With the college basketball season in Massachusetts slowly hitting the halfway point, it’s time to provide a few thoughts on what’s occurred in the Div. III world thus far.

* I’m not sure if this is a total shocker, but the WPI men’s basketball team is 10-0. They’ve managed to pullout a few impressive wins against Fitchburg State, Husson College and Rhode Island College, and will attempt to keep their perfect mark intact when they host Colby-Sawyer on Sunday, December 30.

* As usual, Amherst College remains one of the top squads in the country, as well as New England. The Lord Jeffs are currently 8-2, and riding a two-game winning streak. Amherst will attempt to keep their winning ways going over the next few weeks when they travel to four different institutions before returning home for a contest against Hamilton College on January 11.

* The NESCAC (New England Small College Athletic Conference) men’s basketball conference currently has three teams with eight wins (Amherst, Middlebury and Williams). As expected, all three teams will be in the running for a conference crown, but which one is the strongest unit? I’d probably say Amherst due to their depth, but let’s not count out the Ephs or Panthers.

* Jim O’Brien must have done something during the offseason, as his Emerson College Lions men’s basketball team is currently 4-4. The Lions have won two-of-three GNAC (Great Northeast Athletic Conference) games, but know their biggest test will occur on January 19, against Albertus Magnus.

* The GNAC women’s conference seems like a toss-up, but luckily its only December. Emmanuel College hasn’t played a single conference game, but has managed to win eight-of-night contests. The Saints only setback came against Amherst College, but luckily they’ve been able to rebound with two back-to-back victories against Endicott College and Salem State.

* Babson College and Smith College both have eight wins. Yet, the Beavers haven’t lost this season. The Pioneers only loss came against RPI, but ever since they’ve won six consecutive games. Both teams will meet twice in 2013, and it’ll be interesting to see if Lynn Hersey’s squad can overcome their past NEWMAC (New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference) championship losses.

* Tufts University’s women’s team has been on a roll. The Jumbos have won all nine of their contests and will attempt to earn their 10th win against Connecticut College on Monday, December 31. Are the Jumbos for real? Tufts’ has always been a tough team to beat, and this year they certainly have been impressive.

Dec 4 2012

Mass. College Hoops: Div. III Women’s Basketball Rankings

By NoontimeSports.com 

The Div. III college basketball season is in full swing, and below is our first official women’s poll of the season.

Do you agree with our rankings? If not, send us an email to NoontimeSports@gmail.com or contact us on Twitter (@NoontimeSports or @NoonSportsBlog).

1.) Amherst College (5-0) – Despite some critical graduating losses, G.P. Gromacki’s squad has continued their success with wins against non-conference foes. Their toughest test of the season will occur on Tuesday at Emmanuel College.

2.) Tufts University (6-0) – The Jumbos have stampeded, not literally, over their most recent opponents. Hannah Foley continues to lead the squad in points (73), while Kate Barnosky has chipped in 51 points and 21 assists.

3.) Emmanuel College (6-0) – The Saints have managed to rattle off six straight wins since the season commenced, but can they earn their seventh on Tuesday against Amherst?

4.) Babson College (6-0) – The Beavers may have entered the season without two of their best players, but Sarah Collins has made up for their graduating losses with some impressive performances. Babson can earn a comfortable advantage in the NEWMAC (New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference) standings with victories against Wellesley College and Wheaton College this week.

5.) Williams College (5-1) – The Bears of Bridgewater State rallied in the second half of Saturday’s game to edge the host Ephs, 61-60 in Williamstown. Yet, despite the loss, Pat Manning’s squad managed to secure some early season non-conference wins against Salve Regina and Springfield College, so don’t expect the purple and yellow to slow down following their first setback.

Honorable Mentions: Bridgewater State, Clark University, Curry College, Endicott College, Smith College, Suffolk University, WPI, UMass Dartmouth

Dec 4 2012

Mass. College Hoops: Div. III Men’s Basketball Rankings

By NoontimeSports.com 

The Div. III college basketball season is in full swing, and below is our first official men’s poll of the season.

Do you agree with our rankings? If not, send us an email to NoontimeSports@gmail.com or contact us on Twitter (@NoontimeSports or @NoonSportsBlog).

1.) Amherst College (5-1) – The Lord Jeffs might indeed be the best squad in the state, but a loss to Springfield College, an honorable mention, proves the purple and white are beatable. The schedule doesn’t get easy for David Hixon’s bunch, as they’ll face Brandeis, Babson and Emmanuel this week.

2.) MIT (6-1) – Despite being the number one team in the country to kickoff the season, the Engineers came down to earth last week with a tough loss to Rhode Island College. However, they rebounded with a victory against Newbury College at home last weekend. Larry Anderson and his Engineers can regain their early season momentum by picking up wins this week.

3.) WPI (7-0) – The Engineers squeaked out a non-conference overtime victory on the road Saturday against Husson. This week, WPI will face Fitchburg State, Rhode Island College and Salem State, which will be telling signs of where this unit is headed.

4.) Westfield State (6-0) – Rich Sutter’s squad is on a roll. The Owls remain the top squad in the MASCAC and have picked up wins against Elms, Regis and Springfield. Keep your eyes on Lee Vasquez, who currently leads the squad with 99 points.  

5.) Brandeis (5-1) – After dropping their first game of the season, the Judges have won five straight. Their only setback came against Rhode Island College, a squad that’s receiving a good chunk of votes on the D3Hoops.com poll. Brian Meehan’s squad will play four of their next five contests on the road, which won’t be easy.

Honorable Mentions: Curry College, Springfield College, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Wheaton College, Williams College, Worcester State, UMass Boston