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...With the new Press web site formally opening Tuesday I have begun blogging at the new web site..this includes more info on Sunday's MU football story that ran in the Press, a new poll, and a report Monday on the MU men's hoop practice and women's hoops injury updates...
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MU women's hoops: Hawks bow to Butler (more at the MU web site)
BUTLER TOPS MONMOUTH, 63-52 AT UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI THANKSGIVING TOURNAMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The Monmouth University women’s basketball team fell to Butler 63-52 in the opening game of the 2007 University of Miami Thanksgiving Tournament at the Bank United Center. The loss drops the Hawks record to 0-4 on the season, while Butler improves to 3-1.
Monmouth was led by Veronica Randolph (Deerfield Beach, Fla./Deerfield Beach) who scored a season-high 17 points off the bench, including drilling three three-point field goals. Jennifer Bender (Staten Island, N.Y./Staten Island Tech) added her first double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
From me: good sign to see Randolph back in action. MU badly needs to top Fordham (0-4) who I am going to assume they play in the consolation round Saturday.
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Monmouth University has received commitments from shortstop/pitcher Jamie Rosenkranz of Ocean Township and third baseman Owen Stewart of St. Rose. Rosenkranz batted .395 with four home runs and 24 RBI and stole 29 bases while going 6-3 on the mound with three saves and 1.96 ERA as a junior. Stewart batted .441 with 18 RBI.
Hawks do it again in the Jam (Much longer story here than will appear in Tuesday Press!!) MU finishes ahead of Notre Dame in the tournament.
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, U.S. Virgin Islands (AP) -Matt Causey scored 11 points, including a 3-pointer with 2 seconds remaining, and Georgia Tech beat Notre Dame 70-69 on Monday night.
This means UND went 1-2 in the Jam and finishes behind Monmouth. Amazing!
Also...kudos to the four people out of 52 on the Poll who picked MU to go 2-1 in the tournament...
By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER
Monmouth University guard Whitney Coleman made just two baskets in Monday's Paradise Jam fourth-place game in the Virgin Islands. But they were big ones. The 6-2 junior tied the score with a layup with 18 seconds left in regulation, then swished a 3-point basket with 10 seconds left in overtime to send the Hawks to their second consecutive upset victory in the event, 58-56 over the University of Charlotte. Coleman was just one-for-nine from the floor in the game and 0-for-5 from beyond the arc before connecting from the top of the circle.
""I always have to stay confident,'' said Coleman. ""The coaches always say, "Keep shooting, that was a good shot.' ''
Coleman said Monmouth used a five-guard alignment on both baskets. ""They put Alex (guard Alex Nunner at center (on the game-tying layup,'' said Coleman. ""He set a perfect screen, I was wide open and Jhamar (Youngblood) made a good pass.''
Coleman said Nunner made another good screen freeing him for the game-winner. ""I thought it was going in and it went in,'' said Coleman. "'It was amazing.''
Coleman also sank a game winning jump shot in the final seconds last season to defeat Rider.
""I was more excited about this one than the Rider game,'' said Coleman. ""The group of guys we have, everybody works so hard. I had a feeling we were going to pull it out.'
The triumph marked just the second in 13 tries for Monmouth against a member of the Atlantic-10 Conference and followed Saturday night's 59-50 upset of Wichita State of the Missouri Valley Conference.
Such outcomes seemed remote after Monmouth lost to Notre Dame by 43 points in the opening round Friday night. ""We're young and all we want to do is prove people wrong,'' said Coleman who along with Nunner are the only two juniors on an otherwise all freshmen-sophomore team. ""If people didn't believe in us we believe in ourselves and that's all it takes,'' Coleman said.
Monday Monmouth (2-3) rallied from a nine-point second-half deficit and in overtime took a a 55-52 lead over the 49ers (3-2) on a 3 by Nunner.
It fell behind 56-55 after senior guard Lee Goldwire, the top free throw shooter in the A-10 last season (90.5 percent), sank the first of two attempts with 32 seconds showing.
Monmouth coach Dave Calloway further explained Monmouth's five-guard offense when Coleman sank his layup as well as the game-winning 3.
""We were looking for that layup which we got and then in overtime we did the same thing,'' Calloway said.
""They kind of jammed Whitney for the layup and Alex set the screen and he (Coleman) popped for a 3. It was a good read and a great shot.''
Following Coleman's go-ahead basket Goldwire, whose 3-point basket in the waning seconds Saturday gave Charlotte a win over Illinois-Chicago, launched a 3 just before time ran out.
""It was on line but it was really short,'' said Calloway. ""It was a long rebound and the shot clock ran down as Alex ran down the rebound.
""Alex had two huge 3's in the game,'' said Calloway. ""And R.J. (Rutledge) had a huge one earlier when we were struggling and hadn't made shots.
""When that happens you need someone to step up and make the first one.'
The 3 by Rutledge cut into a 44-35 deficit with 6:35 remaining in regulation and then Nunner connected from deep to bring Monmouth within 46-41 with 5:43 showing.
Nunner also converted a conventional 3-point play that give Monmouth a 48-47 lead with 2:51 left.
Charlotte reclaimed the lead, 50-48, on a layup by An Juan Wilderness at the 1:25 mark.
Rookie center Nick DelTufo led Monmouth with 13 points and grabbed three rebounds. Nunner had 12 points, Youngblood 10 and Coleman nine.
Goldwire topped Charlotte with 18 points.
The 49ers dominated in the paint, outrebounding the Hawks 40-32 and beating them 17-4 on second-chance opportunities as 6-7 junior Lamont Mack added seven points and 11 rebounds. But Charlotte was 12-for-21 from the free throw line, compared to 9-for-9 for Monmouth. The Hawks were 21-for-29 from the stripe vs. Wichita State.
Monmouth's only other victory over an Atlantic-10 member was over St. Joseph's in the consolation round of the 1994 Cowboy Shootout in Casper, Wyoming.
Referee Tom Lopes, a long-time NCAA official who has worked the Final Four and started his officiating career in the Shore Conference, refereed the final game of his career in the contest.
A former schools' superintendent in Keansburg, Lopes started his collegiate career in the Northeast Conference and has worked the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Big 12.
Monmouth improved to 4-2 on its two trips to the Paradise Jam. In 2003 the Hawks defeated Appalachian State and Hampton.[PARA]
Calloway said Monmouth sophomore forward Rickie Crews, who did not play in the last two games, remains suspended indefinitely for a ""poor attitude'' as well as disrespect of a fellow member of the program.
Hawks facing Charlotte/Preview story in Monday Press/Make pre game and for now post game comments here
By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER
With its first victory of the season in the books, the resilient Monmouth University men's basketball team (1-3) will take a shot at No.‚2 today.
""It's nice that we have a win under our belts,'' coach Dave Calloway said. ""Now hopefully we'll bounce back and continue to play well.''
Monmouth, which defeated Wichita State Saturday night, 59-50, will face Charlotte (3-1) 3 p.m. today in the fifth-place game of the 2007 Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands.
""This was a good win for these guys,'' Calloway said. ""You've got to get wins.'' Monmouth will try to nab another one against Charlotte, which dropped its first-round game in the Paradise Jam to Georgia Tech, 82-78.
On Saturday, Charlotte edged Illinois-Chicago, 64-63, on a 3-point basket by senior guard Leemire Goldwater with 12 seconds left.
The Atlantic-10 team has also defeated High Point, 61-55, and Appalachian State, 84-78.
""They're probably very similar to Wichita State, big, athletic and strong,'' Calloway said
With te victory, Monmouth recovered from its 76-33 thrashing by Notre Dame in the opening round of the Jam.
Jhamar Youngblood and Whitney Coleman each scored 17 points to lead Monmouth.
You Rngblood, who was in early foul trouble and not feeling well, scored 14 of his total in the second half. Alex Nunner added nine points for the Hawks, including two 3-pointers.
Redshirt freshman center Dutch Gaitley added five points, including a key tip-in with 4:49 left, and grabbed a career-high eight rebounds.
Calloway said Monmouth didn't play ""that poorly'' in the first half against Notre Dame when it trailed, 36-25. But the Hawks scored just eight points in the second half.
Calloway said sophomore forward Rickie Crews has been suspended indefinitely and did not play in the Wichita State game ""because of poor attitude and disrespect of a fellow member of our program.''
Crews has spent most of his Monmouth career battling either suspensions or injuries and has appeared in only six games.
By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER WEST LONG BRANCH - Michele Baxter, Monmouth University women's basketball coach, had some company on her bench in street clothes Sunday that she would have very much preferred to see wearing blue and white uniforms.
Seated next to her, due to injuries and illness, were three seniors and four starters from last season who have amassed 2,166 career points.
The group that took the floor in a 53-39 non-conference loss to Villanova at Boylan Gym totaled about half that production.
""We as seniors are sitting there right now and it's kind of mind-boggling for us,'' said senior guard Veronica Randolph who missed the game with a concussion.
""We're trying to get it together,'' said Randolph who has started 50 games in her career, 28 last season. ""It's hard when you're injury plagued and you've got so many people with so much experience sitting down.
""It kind of hurts the team in a lot of ways, scoring, rebounding, hustling. It's hard for us to try and put everything together right now.''
At least, according to Baxter, Randolph is due to return to practice today and be ready for this weekend's trip by Monmouth (0-3) to the University of Miami Thanksgiving Tournament in Coral Gables, Fla.
But Baxter said junior guard Marisa Jimenez (gall bladder surgery) probably won't see action until a Nov. 28 game vs. St. John's and senior point guard and returning leader scorer Brianne Edwards (knee) may not return until after Christmas.
The season and career could be over for senior center Lindsey Zegowitz who suffered a torn ACL Nov. 12 at Lafayette.
Sunday Monmouth was hurt by nine threes by the Wildcats (2-1), three each from senior Stacie Witman (17 points) and junior Lisa Karcic (13 points).
"'We batted all the way through to the end,'' said Monmouth guard Nyaimah Ware, suddenly the team's only experienced senior regular.
Ware said Monmouth can't use the injuries as an excuse for its slow start. ""We've got to work without them (the missing players),'' said Ware. "'You lose people all the time. You've got to work around it.''
After shooting just 23 percent (6-for-26) in the first half when it fell behind by as many as 15 points Monmouth made a run in the second half.
Twice it got within six points, the last time on a jump shot by junior forward Jennifer Bender (11 points, seven rebounds) that drew it within 45-39 with 6:24 showing.
Monmouth failed to score another point after that.
""We just weren't knocking down shots,'' said Ware who had five points, four rebounds, and two steals.
""We had wide open shots. We missed layups, we missed twos, we missed threes.''
With Randolph and her team leading 111 career treys not playing sophomore Brooke McElroy sank Monmouth's only 3 of the night.
"'Defensively we played pretty solid,'' said Baxter. ""They hit some threes which was pretty much their game.
""But they didn't have a whole lot of points. That's all you can sort of hope for.
""We had those 2,000 points sitting on the bench,'' Baxter said. ""We only needed about 14 of them tonight.''
MU men's hoops shocks the Shockers/Rickie Crews suspended again
I wrote this off WSU radio
There is more now at the MU web site..
The monkey is off the backs of the Monmouth University men's basketball team. Sophomore Jhamar Youngblood and junior Whitney Coleman each scored 17 points leading the Hawks (1-3) to a 59-50 victory over Wichita State in the consolation round of the 2007 Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands. Youngblood scored 14 of his points in the second half when the Hawks gradually took command. Monmouth opened a 54-43 lead on two free throws by Coleman in the final minute. Monmouth took its second seven-point lead of the half, 47-40, on a driving layup by Coleman with 3:40 remaining and Alex Nunner widened the advantage to 50-42 on two free throws ner with three minutes left. Monmouth went 21 for 28 from the foul line as Coleman shot 8-for-8 in the late going.
The Shockers (1-2) of the Missouri Valley Conference never threatened down the stretch. Gal Mekel, a 6-3 senior guard had 17 points and Phil Thomasson, a 6-7 senior, scored all 16 of his points in the second half for Wichita State.[PARA] The Hawks started the game cold falling behind 12-2 but drew even just before the half 20-20. Monmouth will play Charlotte (3-1) in the fifth place game 3 p.m. Monday.
Just talked to Dave - Rickie Crews was suspended indefinitely and did not play in the game because of "poor attitude and disrepect of a fellow member of our program.''
WEST LONG BRANCH - Tailback Dave Sinisi, the big gun in the backfield of the Monmouth University football team, was firing on all cylinders Saturday in a record-breaking and record-tying performance vs. Duquesne.
""There's many things that he can do,'' said Kevin Callahan, Monmouth coach. ""It's a smart thing to try and take advantage of those things.''
The wisdom was never more evident than in Monmouth's 31-20 victory in front of 2,812 fans at Kessler Field in the season finale for the Hawks (4-6).
Sinisi rushed for two TD out of different formations and threw for another while becoming Monmouth's all-time single season rushing leader.
Sinisi's 125 yards rushing yards gave him 1,184 on the season surpassing Chris Reed's total of 1,166 in 1998. He tied the Monmouth career rushing touchdown mark of 30 also held by Reed and equaled Matt Merklinger's record of eight career 100-yard games.
What would have been Sinisi's 31st career TD was wiped out by a holding call.
""He's (Sinisi) been very productive for us all year long and was very productive for us again today,'' said Callahan.
Six plays after an interception by outside linebacker T.J. Cerezo Sinisi took a direct snap and plowed three yards into the end zone. The TD gave Monmouth a 21-13 lead over the Dukes (6-4) with 13 seconds remaining in the first half.
""We do a great job up front of pushing people around, we work for it,'' Sinisi said. Defensively Monmouth held potential National Football League prospect Bruce Hocker of Duquesne to six catches for 43 yards and a TD. The 6-4 senior led the nation in receiving yards per game (107) in 2006.
""We definitely wanted to recognize where he was in any formation,'' said Ken Amsel, Monmouth cornerback.
""I was talking to safeties, the Bischoffs (Bryan and Derek) and (Jon) Stolarz about where he was on the formations and about what routes he runs out of those formations.''
When Amsel saw Hocker running a comeback route on Duquesne's second possession of the second half the 5-10 sophomore was ready.
Amsel stepped in front of Hocker, picked the ball off near the right sidelines, and swerved across the field 32 yards to widen the Monmouth lead to 28-13.
""The receiver (Hocker) broke down pretty early,'' said Amsel. ""As soon as the quarterback (Kevin Rombach) brought his arm up I knew I was going to be able to break on it and take it.
""I saw their whole offensive line trying to cut me off so I decided to reverse it, cross the field,'' Amsel said. ""Fortunately it was open and I was able to score.''
The interception and TD were the first of Amsel's collegiate career. ""I couldn't breathe after it because everybody (on Monmouth's team) was tackling me,'' Amsel said.
The teams traded early touchdowns with Sinisi racing in from six yards out for a 7-0 Monmouth advantage.
Sinisi then sent Monmouth in front again early in the second quarter, 14-7, with a 20-yard halfback option pass to tight end John Nalbone.
""It was a toss right,'' said Sinisi. ""We were able to sneak John past the defense and I threw it up there for him and he made a great catch.''
Sinisi said the primary goal Saturday was playing for each other and the seniors. "'This one was for them (seniors) to go out top on the Kess (Kessler Field),'' Sinisi said. ""And for the rest of the guys coming back, something to take into the off season.''
MONMOUTH STUNNED BY CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE, 1-0 Top-seeded Hawks edged by Blue Devils at home
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.- Monmouth University’s men’s soccer team fell in the semifinal game of the Northeast Conference Tournament, losing to Central Connecticut State by a 1-0 margin on The Great Lawn on Friday afternoon.
MU men's hoops/Story highlights for Friday Press (Barbour to start) and poll
By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER
This weekend the Monmouth University men's basketball team hopes it's not a stranger in paradise. The youthful Hawks (0-2) begin competition 8:30 p.m. Friday vs. the Universirty of Notre Dame (1-0) in the 2007 Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands. ""This field is probably the toughest we've played in top to bottom,'' said Dave Calloway, Monmouth coach. ""Some of the tournaments we've played in over the years may have had a better top team, but throughout this field there's no weak link, that's for sure.'' The Irish (1-0) blasted Monmouth's Northeast Conference rival Long Island U. Monday night in South Bend, Ind., 82-50.[PARA] In Monmouth's next Paradise Jam game 8:30 p.m. Saturday it will play either Baylor (1-0) or Wichita State (1-0). The event ends Sunday. The remainder of the field includes Charlotte (2-0), Illinois-Chicago (2-0), Winthrop (1-0), or Georgia Tech (1-1).[PARA] Last season Georgia Tech (20-12), Notre Dame (24-8), and Winthrop (29-5) competed in the NCAA Tournament. Winthrop advanced to the second round with a win over Notre Dame. Georgia Tech lost to UNLV in the first round.[PARA] In the 2003 Jam a Monmouth team that made the 2004 NCAAs defeated Appalachian State and Hampton while losing to Boston College.
Calloway said freshman power forward George Barbour will make his first start of the season vs. Notre Dame, a start delayed over the first two games by injury. He said freshman Nick DelTufo, who had started the first two games, will come off the bench. Monmouth is 0-2 all time vs. Notre Dame.
Calloway just told me it's been sunny and 75-80 degrees. It is 80-81 degrees currently throughout the Islands. I just looked it up. (No wonder they make these trips!).
For more on the game specifics please go to the MU and or NEC web sites...
NEC Men's soccer championbships hosted by Monmouth University
Semifinals Friday, November 16
#1 Monmouth (12-4-2, 7-2 NEC) vs. #4 CCSU (6-8-3, 4-3-2 NEC), 11:00 am
#2 Saint Francis (PA) (8-8-2, 6-2-1 NEC) vs. #3 Sacred Heart (10-7-1, 6-3 NEC), 1:30 pm
Championship Sunday, November 18, 12:00 pm
Below from the NEC web site
2007 Head to Head Matchups Monmouth (2-1) • Saint Francis (PA) (1-2) • Sacred Heart (2-1) • CCSU (1-2)
Sacred Heart 1, CCSU 0 (2 OT) • Fairfield, CT • October 7 Sacred Heart 1, Saint Francis (PA) 0 • Loretto, PA • October 14 Saint Francis (PA) 1, CCSU 0 • New Britain, CT • October 19 Monmouth 1, Sacred Heart 0 • Fairfield, CT • October 21 CCSU 2, Monmouth 0 • West Long Branch, NJ • October 26 Monmouth 3, Saint Francis (PA) 2 (OT) • Loretto, PA • November 4
Notes • Monmouth is the only team in the field to have captured an NEC Tournament title, winning it all in 1990 and 2006. • All-time NEC Tournament records: Monmouth (7-7), Saint Francis (PA) (1-1-1), Sacred Heart (0-1), CCSU (1-3-1) • The NEC Tournament host has won only once in the last six years (Monmouth in 2006). • Monmouth is 15-2-4 over its last 21 home matches. • In the six regular season matches between teams participating in the tournament, five were decided by one goal and two went to overtime. • Monmouth enjoyed a two-week stay at the top of the NSCAA North Atlantic region rankings (October 23 & 30). •
In the NCAAS, MU women (12-4-4) at No. 6 in the nation Penn State (16-3-2) at 5 p.m. Friday
Below is highlights of my story for Friday Press
By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER
Friday marks a first for the Monmouth University women's soccer team and a homecoming for Monmouth assistant coach Bonnie Young.
""It's going to be very, very much the same but coming from a different bench,'' said Young, a former honorable mention All-America at Penn State who the Hawks face 5 p.m. in an opening game of the 2007 NCAA College Cup at University Park, Pa.
The game marks the first appearance in the field of 64 for Northeast Conference Tournament champion Monmouth (12-4-4). Hofstra (17-3-0) and Ohio State (12-9-1) are the other two teams in the bracket.
Big 10 regular season champion Penn State (16-3-2) is the number-one seed in the Region and the number-six ranked team in the country.
The Monmouth attack usually revolves around NEC Player of the Year Amy Hoyer and sophomore forward Andrea Lopez (Ocean Township), the 2006 NEC Player and Rookie of the Year.
Hoyer and Lopez lead Monmouth with five goals apiece. Lopez connected for last Sunday's game-winner vs. Sacred Heart.[PARA]
Sheree Gray, a Toms River High School South graduate, is a junior midfielder for the Nitanny Lions.
Sophomore Katie Schopefer leads Penn State with 14 goals and senior Aubrey Aden-Buie has 10.
Today's winners meet in the second round 1 p.m. Sunday at Penn State.
MU football (3-6) final game of 2007 vs. future NEC opponent Duquesne (6-3)/MY PREDICTION/Pre-game story
By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER
WEST LONG BRANCH - It happens every season.[PARA] ""Graduating and moving on is what you're supposed to do in college,''said Monmouth University football coach Kevin Callahan.[PARA] Today (Sat., Nov. 17) 12 Monmouth seniors will make their last appearances at Kessler Field as the Hawks (3-6) host Duquesne (6-3) in the 2007 finale for both teams. ""Most of them have been part of two NEC championships (2004 and 2006), some of them part of three (2003),'' said the coach. ""That's quite an achievement on their part.'' It's also the beginning of the rest of their lives for the seniors including wide out Adam San Miguel and defensive end Chris Reed. The 5-10, 175 pound San Miguel is the answer to the trivia question, ""Who hold the Monmouth record for most career catches.'' His 190 receptions entering today's game is already 40 more than current Dallas Cowboy and former Hawk Miles Austin. San Miguel said he also hopes to pursue a career in football beyond college. ""Anything,'' he said. ""I'll just train, see what opportunities come to me and see if I can capatalize on them.'' If not football than he said business, the sports industry, or both also beckon. ""The sky is the limit,'' San Miguel said. San Miguel said he takes pride in his record. ""Especially since it belonged to Miles and he's in the NFL,'' San Miguel said. Reed said he plans to enter the field of corporate law. ""In house attorneys, something along those lines,'' said Reed who is majoring in finance and business management. ""I've always had an interest in the law and felt it's something I could do well in,'' said Reed. The 6-2, 235 pound Reed stepped into action immediately as a freshman. ""I'm really happy I got the chance,'' he said. ""I've been a part of some great teams and had a lot of great teammates.'' The non-conference game is also a portal into the future as Duquesne, long time power of MAAC football, joins the Northeast Conference in 2008. This season Duquesne has defeated NEC members Robert Morris, St. Francis, Pa., and Sacred Heart. The 2007 MAAC co-champions with Iona feature the league's Preseason Offensive Player of the Year in wide receiver Bruce Hocker. The 6-4, 205 pound senior has caught 48 passes for 625 yards and eight touchdowns. ""I know it's their ambition, their goal, to make clean sweep of the NEC this year,'' said Callahan. ""They're a very talented team.'' "'You always want to end the season on a good note,'' said San Miguel. ""Especially for the younger guys, give them something positive to feed off of going into the off season. And for me and the older guys to go off with a win.'' "'Saturday is somewhat bitter sweet in that it is their (seniors) last game in a Monmouth uniform, their last time playing on Kessler Field,'' Callahan said. "'They'll all be missed.'' Along with San Miguel and Reed, Saturday will also be the final game for Derek and Brian Bischoff, Jonathan Dunn, Vinny Fonti, Brian Frech, Jordan Good, Neal Haynes, Larry Hudson, Jarrett Osborne-Revis, and Bob Skellenger. At 0-3 at home Monmouth will be attempting to avoid its second winlesss season at Kessler Field in its 15 years of football. In Monmouth's only other meeting with Duquesne the Dukes prevailed 12-10 in the 2003 ECAC Bowl at at Rooney Field. in Pittsburgh.
2007 Dukes' SCHEDULE
Date Opponent / Event Location Time/Result
09/01/07 vs. BUCKNELL Pittsburgh, Pa. L, 28-19 09/15/07 at Brown Providence, R.I. L, 28-17 09/22/07 at Sacred Heart Fairfield, Conn. W, 30-23 (OT) 09/29/07 vs. FROSTBURG STATE Pittsburgh, Pa. W, 37-10 10/06/07 at Marist* Poughkeepsie, N.Y. W, 31-21 10/13/07 at Saint Francis (PA) Loretto, Pa. W, 24-17 10/20/07 vs. ROBERT MORRIS Pittsburgh, Pa. W, 17-14 10/27/07 at Iona* New Rochelle, N.Y. L, 28-23 11/10/07 vs. LA SALLE* Pittsburgh, Pa. W, 51-8 11/17/07 at Monmouth West Long Branch, N.J. 12:00 p.m. ET
Meanwhile -
My prediction record: 6-3.
My thoughts: I'm not all that wowed with the Dukes depsite their record. That they needed OT to defeat Sacred Heart and struggled with SFPA is not that impressive a resume.
MU has to control their passing game while at the same time this is not the Albany defense.
Monmouth U. women's basketball coach Michele Baxter has confirmed senior center Lindsey Zegowitz suffered a torn ACL in the game at Lafayatte Monday night. Baxter said Zegowitz said she will attempt to rehab for a few months and try to return, if possible, late in the season.
My gut feeling is she will probably not redshirt as she has been accepted into a police academy in Maryland.
Monmouth (0-2) will host Villanova (1-1) 5 p.m. Sunday at Boylan Gym.
Latest on Brianne Edwards, probably out now until mid December, maybe Dec. 16 vs. Drexel at the earliest. Marisa Jimenez maybe returns by Florida trip which is Nov. 23.
and Veronica Randolph is questionable for Sunday due to concussion like symptoms (Lafayette game).
MU women's hoop update/Injuries and the Lafayette loss
Spoke with Michele this afternoon...
Topic of Lindsey's knee injury...""They sent her in for an MRI but it's not looking good. They know it's probably a (torn) meniscus (a fibrous cartilage within a joint especially of the knee) for sure.''
However, the fear is a torn ACL which would mean her season (and probably her career) is just about over...
Possible tough break for a really super young woman...
Topic of the 0-2 start. ""Any time you lose those two players (Jimenez and Edwards who are injured) you never really know how your team is going to actually react until it really counts. They were really our pressure players.
""Even though you do well in scrimmages and stuff like that - when it counts it's different.''
Michele said she doubts if Jimenez will be back for the 'Nova game Sunday and Brianne is still out.
Up front Jen Bender moves from power forward to full time center and will be backed up by the two 6-3 freshmen, Elizabeth Kudurka and Samantha Schanuel. ""If they can just defend and rebound we'll be fine.''
Michele said she is hopeful to have Marisa and Brianne in action at least for the NEC opener Dec. 8 vs. Sacred Heart (0-1).
On the topic of allowing the last second layup last night: ""We sort of got caught standing around. We `had two people I sent back and the minute the ball (Randolph's foul shot) came off the rim and sort of went loose they ran up. When they ran up, it left the basket wide open.
""It wasn't just them. Everyone should have gotten back. The girl (who scored) came from the basket, the low block. Everyone needed to get back and everyone sort of just stood around.''
Michele said it reminded her of the layup Chris Kenny scored against FDU to win the 2006 NEC championship game.
MU women's hoops verbal commitment/No early commitments anticipated for men
Tia Curtis, a senior at Monmouth Regional High School, said she has made a verbal commitment to Monmouth University for basketball for the 2008-2009 season. Monmouth Regional went 18-11 last year when the 5-9 Curtis said she averaged around 17 ppg. ""There were a few other schools but I wanted to stay close to home so my family and friends could come to the games,,' Curtis said. ""I thought I fit into the program really well. I really love the game and I wanted to go somewhere where I thought I could have a good chance to play and where I felt I meshed well with the coaches.'' Wednesday (Nov. 14) marks the first day of the early signing period for high school recruits which runs through Nov. 21. Monmouth men's coach Dave Calloway said he does not anticipate any early commitments. His team has one open scholarship for next fall.
The women expect to have several announcements regarding early commitments once they receive the signed National Letters of Intent...
Per NCAA rules colleges may not comment on recruits until they sign..
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. – The Monmouth University women's soccer team, the 2007 Northeast Conference Champions, will travel to State College, Pennsylvania to compete in the first round of the 26th Annual NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship against Penn State University. The Hawks will face the number-one seed in the region and the number-six ranked team in the country on Friday, November 16, at Jeffrey Field.
Monmouth (12-4-4) earned the NEC’s automatic bid to the NCAA Regional by virtue of its 1-0 victory over Sacred Heart on Sunday afternoon, in the league's championship game. Monmouth, which won the NEC title in 1995 and 1996, is making its first-ever NCAA appearance in program history. The Hawks earned the number one seed in the NEC postseason with its first regular season title since 2000, and topped Long Island 1-0 in the semifinals.
Penn State, the Big Ten regular season champion, enters the NCAA Tournament with a 16-3-2 record.
Hofstra (17-3-0) and Ohio State (12-9-1) are the other two teams in the region.
Center Lindsey Zegowitz injured her knee early in the game and could be out for a while at least. She now becomes the third MU regular on the shelf for now though perhaps junior guard Marisa Jimenez may return for Sunday's home opener with Villanova.
This season has certainly not gone according to plan so far.
By MATT MANLEY STAFF WRITER WEST LONG BRANCH - onmouth University sophomore Andrea Lopez chose to play for Krissy Turner and the Hawks women's soccer team after her senior year at Ocean Township High School because everything about the program made her happy.
In Sunday's Northeast Conference championship game against Sacred Heart, Lopez returned the favor.
] Lopez scored off a cross from Illiana Blackshear in the 15th minute, giving Monmouth a 1-0 victory and its first-ever automatic berth in the NCAA Women's College Cup with its first NEC Tournament championship since 1996.[PARA] ""This is so exciting,'' said Lopez, who is from nearby Oakhurst. ""My family comes to every game, and to win this game in front of them and to be representing the NEC in the NCAA Tournament with this team is such an honor.''
Both teams felt each other out for the first eight minutes, until Monmouth (12-4-4) made its push at the goal. The Hawks put up two shots between the eighth and 15th minutes, then got the ball to Blackshear heading up the right side. Blackshear beat a defender and crossed the ball past oncoming Pioneer goalie Meghan Reichelt to Lopez, who slid into the 6-yard box and poked in her fifth goal of the season.
""Illiana and I have been practicing that play and we even worked on it some more before the game,'' Lopez said. ""I saw her get the edge and I just started screaming for the ball and she put it right there.''
Blackshear created another chance for Lopez near the midway point of the first half, when the junior forward took a shot on goal that Reichelt saved. The rebound came to Lopez, who put up a shot to the far side of the net, but the ball hit the post and bounced out. ] From that point on, Monmouth controlled the ball with its midfield and backs, led by senior midfielder and NEC Player of the Year Amy Hoyer, senior sweeper Brittani Heller, and freshman goalie and tournament Most Valuable Player Lia Fierro. The freshman stopped two Sacred Heart (5-12-4) shots and recorded two shutouts in the Hawks' two tournament games.
""It felt like forever,'' Fierro said of the last 75:55. ""The clock was moving like molasses. I was trying to just keep my head in the game and stay ready, but you can't help but look up and check the clock in a situation like that.''
Hoyer and and Heller are the two lone senior starters on Monmouth and felt the pressure of the 11-year NEC Championship drought.[PARA] ""We were so close last year,'' Heller said. ""We felt slighted because we felt like we were good enough to win. This year, we knew it was our year and we just had to play the way we know how, get home-field advantage, and finish the job.''
Turner is in her 10th year as Monmouth head coach and has watched her team come within one game of a Women's Cup berth three times, but fall short in all three. For the first time, Turner's Hawks reached the finals after earning the home-field advantage by winning the NEC regular season title.
""If you look at the record, it speaks for itself,'' Turner said of her team's 18-3-1 mark in its last 21 games on The Great Lawn. ""We benefit a lot from the atmosphere and we knew if we could play this tournament at home with this team, we'd be very tough to beat.''
Monmouth will find out its destination in the Women's Cup during Monday's selection show at 8 p.m. (ESPN NEWS).
MU men's hoops - So near and yet so far/Story for Monday Press
By TONY GRAHAM
STAFF WRITER[
NEWARK - As a he stood outside the media room Sunday afternoon at the Prudential center, Monmouth University sophomore guard Jhamar Youngblood said he was ""pleasantly shocked.''
He was referring to his team's effort in its near shock of Seton Hall.[PARA]
The Pirates withstood Monmouth's bid for what would have been one its more memorable upsets, outlasting the Hawks in overtime, 89-81.
" "I saw this performance, and even though we were so close to winning, I saw a lot in our guys,'' said Youngblood.
The 2006-2007 Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year poured in 22 of his game high tying 27 points in the second half and overtime in the new home of Seton Hall (1-0).
""I could look in the eyes of somebody like R.J. (freshman R.J. Rutledge), Alex (junior Alex Nunner), even James (freshman James Hett) and see that they were fearless and ready to win,'' Youngblood said.
With the near miss Monmouth (0-2) dropped to 0-9 vs. Seton Hall, most of them blowouts. The script looked familiar when it trailed by 20 points late in the first half.
But in a rally that stunned most of the 6,711 fans it stormed in front by as many as three points twice late in the second half.
It was eight seconds away from victory when rookie George Barbour rebounded home a missed drive by Youngblood to give it a 72-70 lead.
Seton Hall sophomore Eugene Harvey, who tied his career high with 27 points, sank two free throws with 5.5 seconds to play and Whitney Coleman's long three-ball from the left side hit the rim at the buzzer.
""We tried to get a stop at the end of regulation, but Harvey split the defenders and we were a half-second off,'' Monmouth coach Dave Calloway said. ""He's too good on a play like that and we had to be exact.''
Seton Hall scored the first seven points of overtime.
""You've got to give Monmouth a lot of credit,''said Bobby Gonzalez, Seton Hall coach. ""Those kids played their brains out.
""It looked to me like that had a game on Friday (a 63-60 loss at Colgate).
""I thought you could tell it was our first game and their second game. They looked a little more poised.''
Well, not in the first half when they committed 16 of their 23 turnovers.
""In the second half we were just playing our game,'' said Rutledge. ""We weren't running our offense (in the first half), too many turnovers.
"" During the second half, we played with confidence,'' Rutledge said. ""Guys were making big shots.''
During a time out Calloway told Rutledge, "Rebound and shoot the ball,' and the silky smooth rookie from Baldwin, N.Y. delivered 8 of his 13 points after intermission.
Nunner scored eight of his 11 points in the second half and brought the Monmouth bench to its feet when his right wing trey with 41 seconds left gave it a 70-68 lead.
""We got back into it,'' Rutledge said. ""It was our game until they got us in overtime.''
""Some people thought Colgate would blow us out and Seton Hall would beat us by a lot,'' Youngblood said. ""That didn't happen. We just stayed together as a team.
""We said, 'Everything everybody is talking about is how we're going to lose (this season).' We've got to prove them wrong.''
""We never gave up, we competed, and the second half was probably as good a half as we've played in a while,'' said Calloway.
""We came close. I don't want to come close too much more. I want to get it done.''
MU hoops/Sunday Seton Hall Press preview story/Barbour update
Just talked to Dave..Barbour looking a little better.. officially..."questionable." Was "doubtful" for Friday night...
By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER
Monmouth University's men's basketball team will make history Sundaywhen it plays in the first college basketball game at the 18,500-seat Prudential Center in Newark.
In the game, which pits the Hawks against Seton Hall University in its season opener, Monmouth faces a daunting task. It has dropped six straight games by an average of 21 points and is 0-8 overall vs. the Big East member.
Last year, a veteran Hawks team that included 7-foot-2 John Bunch was drubbed, 83-49.
""We didn't play very well last year, so that didn't work out,'' coach Dave Calloway said.
The Hawks' chances today appear even slimmer than usual considering its youth and lack of an established big man will have to contend with Seton Hall's size and athleticism.
""It's going to be a clearly difficult situation,,'' Calloway said.
Calloway said the series was originally set up so Seton Hall would play at Monmouth when its new arena was ready. At the time, it shaped up as Monmouth going to Seton Hall for three games in exchange for Seton Hall's visit to West Long Branch.
""Then we got delayed with the building, so, instead of it being a three-for-one, it turned out to be like a seven-for-one,'' Calloway said.
""Seton Hall has been great about it,'' he added. ""Every year they say, "All right, throw out that last contract, here's the new one. When you're building is done we're coming.'‚''
That's expected to happen in 2009-2010.
Monmouth dropped it season opener Friday night at Colgate, 63-60. It trailed by 11 points in the first half before taking a nine-point lead with 12:58 remaining on a layup by junior Whitney Coleman (17 points).
""They went to a zone, we got a little stagnant, and didn't get some good looks,'' Calloway said.
Down one point with nine seconds left, Calloway said sophomore Jhamar Youngblood (20 points) penetrated toward the basket.
""He got into the lane, he got he got a great look; it literally was halfway down and it popped out,'' Calloway said.
After two Colgate foul shots, Youngblood dished the ball to freshman R.J. Rutledge.
""R.J. got a good look for the 3,'' Calloway said. ""I was really pleased with that.
""Hopefully, next time we'll get those things and we'll make them. I thought we made all the right decisions down the stretch.''
Calloway said the status of freshman power forward George Barbour, who was held out Friday night due to a sprained ankle, will probably be a game-time decision.
If Barbour is unable to go, Calloway said freshman Nick DelTufo will make his second consecutive start.
MU football: Great Danes take a bite out of the Hawks (for Sunday Press)
By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER
WEST LONG BRANCH - Monmouth University tailback David Sinisi wasn't hit by five tacklers of Northeast Conference leading Albany every time he touched the ball Saturday.
It just seemed that way.
Albany, which began the afternoon with the No. 1 rushing defense in the NEC ended Sinis's nation's longest touchdown streak at 20 games as it shackled Monmouth 21-3 before 3,223 fans at Kessler Field.
"'Their defense was good,'' said Sinisi after Monmouth (3-6, 3-3) was unable to move the ball inside the 30-yard line of Albany (7-3, 5-0) after the early moments of the second quarter.
""They played well together, they played in sync'' said Sinisi who began the day on top of the NEC in rushing in conference games averaging 149.8 yards per game.
But Albany linebacker Colin Disch, the reigning NEC Defensive Player of the Year, led the Great Danes with nine tackles and junior free safety David West, a Toms River High School North graduate, was one of several Albany players with five.
""Offensively we just couldn't get a little spark, a little play here or there to get us going a little bit,'' said Sinisi held to 57 rushing yards.
""It was one of those games where we couldn't give up a touchdown,'' said Monmouth coach Kevin Callahan.
When the Hawks did, trailing by only five points, it was a back breaker.
Facing a third-and-30 on his own 13-yard line with under seven minutes remaining in the game, Albany quarterback Vinny Esposito floated a screen pass to tailback Justin Gannon.
The sophomore sped down the right sidelines for an 87-yard touchdown that made it a 14-3 score with 6:07 left.
""That really hurt,'' said Callahan of the screen pass. ""I felt we'd get the ball back in good, positive field position. We'd need a a touchdown and we'd win the game.'' Callahan said two Monmouth players missed tackles on the play. ""Those are tackle you've got to make,'' he said.
Albany snapped a 3-3 tie when, following a 69-yard punt that rolled out of bounds at the Monmouth the one-yard line, Sinisi was dropped in the end zone for a safety with 33 seconds left in the third quarter.
""The issue on it (the safety) was we did not field the punt,'' Callahan said. ""Had we fielded the punt it would have been (Monmouth ball) probably at the 15-yard line.
""We made some key mistakes in the kicking game that created a lot of opportunities for them,''he said.
After the safety Monmouth junior linebacker Tyler Burnett (Southern Regional) registered his first career interception at the Monmouth 39, but the Hawks' offense went nowhere.
Albany widened the gap when it blocked a punt and four plays later Jason Fralicker kicked a 40-yard field goal to make it 8-3 with 12:06 left in the game.
Monmouth's defense played Albany virtually even most of the day until the fourth quarter. It sacked Esposito four times.
Redshirt freshmen linebackers Joe Cella (Jackson Memorial) and Jeff Brady recovered fumbles with Cella's leading to a 39-yard first-quarter field goal by Fred Weingart (New Egypt).
""Our defense played real, real, well,'' said Sinisi. ""Offensively we've got to capitalize on the turnovers.''
Talked a little while ago with EO who is with the team at Colgate. He said Barbour is prob 50-50, maybe a little less, to see action tonight....But if he doesn't not play his status would be improved for Sunday...
Unfortunately for MU, tonight they at least seemingly would have a chance. Sunday vs. Seton Hall it will not matter...
MU women' s soccer downs LIU, 1-0. Will meet SHU in final.NEC women's soccer tournament/make predictions/comments/POLLS/post game comments here
Below mainly from the MU and NEC web sites..(more on the game and MU honors at the web sites!)
New POll!!!
MONMOUTH ADVANCES TO NEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME WITH 1-0 WIN OVER LIU
Sophomore Alessandra (the Brick Flash!) DeTata nets lone goal of the game
Hawks to face Sacred Heart in the final. SHU topped CCSU, 2-1
Steve Edelson covered the game for the Press. Please check out his story in Saturday Press...
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J.- Monmouth University’s women’s soccer team advanced to the Northeast Conference Tournament Finals on Friday after dispatching Long Island University 1-0 on The Great Lawn.
The Hawks avenged last year’s 2-0 loss to the Blackbirds in the NEC finals, which was hosted on the campus of LIU. After a first half that featured little scoring opportunities, Monmouth sophomore Alessandra DeTada (Brick, N.J./Brick) tallied her second goal of the season when she headed in a ball that was volleyed to her by Second Team All-NEC selection Shannon Rogers (Massapequa, N.Y./Massapequa) at the 58:34 mark of the contest.
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. - The Monmouth University women’s soccer team, winners of the 2007 Northeast Conference regular season, placed four members on all-conference teams, as the postseason awards were announced at a banquet on the eve of the NEC Tournament. Senior Amy Hoyer (Chesterfield, N.J./Northern Burlington) was named the NEC Player of the Year, Monmouth’s second straight accolade, while head coach Krissy Turner earned her second straight, and third overall, NEC Coach of the Year honor.
Joining Hoyer on the all-league first team were classmate Brittani Heller (Newton, N.J./Newton), her second consecutive first-team accolade and sophomore Andrea Lopez (Oakhurst, N.J./Ocean Township), last year’s dual recipient of NEC Rookie and NEC Player of the Year. Sophomore Shannon Rogers (Massapequa, N.Y./Massapequa) was named to the second team all-conference, her first postseason nod.
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#1 MONMOUTH Monmouth, winners of the Northeast Conference regular season championship, earned the number one seed and the right to host the postseason on The Great Lawn, where the Hawks are 6-1-2 this year. This season’s title is the first for the Hawks since 2000 and marks the second straight year the Blue and White have advanced to the NEC Tournament. MU enters Sunday with an overall record 11-4-4, the second straight year the Hawks posted double-digit wins and topped the NEC standings with a 6-2-1 mark. The Hawks are led offensively by senior Amy Hoyer (five goals, four assists) and sophomore Andrea Lopez (four goals, four assists), while the defense has posted an 0.88 goals against average and eight shutouts. Freshman goalkeeper Lia Fierro has played in all 18 matches, allowing 16 goals. Monmouth faces number-four seed Long Island, which defeated the Hawks in last season’s NEC title game. Monmouth went 2-0-1 versus this year’s postseason field, earning home wins over Long Island (2-1 ot) and CCSU (2-1). The Hawks battled to a 1-1 double overtime draw at Sacred Heart.
#3 SACRED HEART Sacred Heart (5-11-4, 4-2-3 NEC) rebounded from an 0-6 start, winning four of its last six to qualify for its seventh straight postseason appearance. Third year head coach Kim Banner has the Pioneers’ playing its best soccer of the season thanks in part to a rejuvenated Sacred Heart defense led by the reigning NEC Rookie of the Week, freshman goalkeeper Meghan Reichelt. The Selden, N.Y. native has five shutouts on the season, including shutouts in the Pioneers’ last four victories. Reichelt is joined on the backline by senior Alyssa Long, junior Janice Rodriguez and freshman Jasmine Rodriguez. Junior midfielder Britney Dupee and senior Allison Rojas headline the Pioneers offense, with Dupee ranking first on the team in goals and second in points. Rojas ranks in the top ten in the NEC in assists with three and is first on the team in points with seven.
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Notes: • All four teams have previously captured NEC championships. CCSU has won a league-high six (1997-98, 2002-05), while Monmouth (1995-96) and Long Island (1999, 2006) have claimed two. Sacred Heart captured its NEC championship in 2001. • CCSU and Sacred Heart are certainly familiar with one another. Friday’s semifinal will mark the fifth straight postseason in which the two teams have met. The Blue Devils have won all four meetings thus far, including two semifinal wins, 1-0 in 2002 and 2-0 in 2005, and two shootout wins in 2003 and 2004. • Monmouth is 17-1-3 in its last 21 matches on the Great Lawn. The Hawks 17-game home unbeaten streak came to an end in its regular-season finale against Mount St. Mary’s on November 4.
All games on the Northeast Conference Tournament will be available on the Monmouth University Athletics Website through GameWatcher. Weather permitting, Monmouth Athletics will attempt to videostream all Hawks' matches during the postseason.
Football: MU vs. Albany/POLL//make pre and post game comments here
HERE IS A LOOK AT THIS WEEKEND’S MATCHUP...
(this from the MU web site)
Albany (6-3, 4-0) at Monmouth (3-5, 3-2)
1 p.m. Saturday at Kessler Field
Monmouth comes into today’s game with a two-game win streak for the first time all season after blasting Saint Francis (Pa.) by a score of 47-17 in Loretto.
The Monmouth offense has heated up recently, averaging 40.75 points over the last four games, three of which were wins. Offensively, Monmouth quarterback Brett Burke has thrown for over 200 yards in each of those four games, while piling up a career-high three touchdowns against St. Francis. Running back David Sinisi has scored in 20 straight games and is on pace to break every school rushing record.
The MU defense has also started to gel, forcing nine turnovers in the last two weeks. Monmouth racked up four sacks and three interceptions against the Red Flash, while holding them scoreless in three out of four quarters.
Albany brings an undefeated conference record into Kessler Field, a place where they have won once in four tries. The Great Danes feature one of the league’s best rushers in sophomore Dave McCarty, while owning one of the NEC’s best defenses.
MY PREDICTION RECORD: 5-3.
MY SCORE: Albany, 20-10. Danes' defense halts MU attack.
HOOPS - Monmouth women's and men game days for Friday/POLLS/ and also make any post game comments here
The Press is not - in person - covering either game and will get both stories from the MU SIDs and web sites. (I am at a HS football game Friday night). I will be talking to Dave Saturday morning and plan to preview, and will cover the Seton Hall game.
Went to both practices today. George Barbour was dressed but did not practice do to a thigh bruise and slightly turned ankle. He told me he planned to play but I think it's questionable. Calloway said freshman Nick DelTufo will start if Barbour does not. Also, Rickie Crews has cleared his latest off the court hurdle and is expected to come off the bench Friday night. I think if - always an if - Rickie can keep the act together he could be starting before too long.
The coaches are working with Barbour extra on his free throw shooting. At times he makes 3-4 in a row, but then clangs a few...I was told he has made eight in a row..his high so far.
GAME DAY WOMEN'S BASKETBALL WHAT: Monmouth at Rider. WHEN: 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 9.
THE SKINNY: Monmouth (18-13, 10-8 NEC last year) will open minus senior point guard and leading scorer Brianne Edwards (10.1 ppg.), who had off season knee surgery, and junior guard Marisa Jimenez (gall bladder surgery this week), both out until maybe around Thanksgiving. A tentative starting lineup consists of junior guard Marbely Montas, senior guard Nyaimah Ware, junior Jennifer Bender at center, and junior Rachel Ferdinand and sophomore Brooke McElroy at forwards. Rider (2-28 last year), now under first year coach and alumnus Lynn Milligan, has 11 returnees has also added a new piece in George Mason transfer guard Tammy Meyers.
My women's outlook was in the Press today and on porior thread. Basically, I think they can win the NEC but be very wary of LIU, RMU, and Quinnipiac.
THE SKINNY: Monmouth (12-18, 7-11 NEC last year) opens the season with the first of two games in three days as it visits Seton Hall Sunday. Monmouth coach Dave Calloway has announced a tentative starting lineup of returning guards Jhamar Youngblood and Whitney Coleman, freshman point guard James Hett, freshman forward George Barbour, and redshirt freshman center Dutch Gaitley. Barbour (bruised thigh, twisted ankle) could be questionable but hopes to play. Colgate brings back three starters and a slew of reserves from last year's 10-19 team. Kendell Chones, a 6-6, 243 pound senior, is the returning leading scorer (10.0 ppg., 3.5 rpg.).
Monnmouth men: MY SEASON OUTLOOK: A classic rebuilding year. Aside from its two experienced guards, Jhamar Youngblood and Whitney Coleman, it's anyone's guess what fate awaits a team with mainly freshmen, redshirt freshmen, and a smattering of other returnees without much collegiate playing time. Lineups and rotations may vary from game to game. It was a bitter disappointment when Monmouth failed to make the 2007 NEC Tournament. It would be a major achievement if this year's team did.
MU women's preview for Thursday Press and update/ Marisa Jimenez has gall bladder surgery..will be out about two weeks
By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER
WEST LONG BRANCH - Seniorities is considered a plus this year for the Monmouth University women's basketball team. For the first time since five seniors started the last game of the 2000-2001 season, and after having just one of significance play each of the last two years, Monmouth will suit up five for 2007-2008.
""It's an exciting time,'' said coach Michele Baxter whose 2006-2007 team (18-13, 10-8 Northeast Conference) made it to the semifinals of the NEC Tournament for the first time since bowing in the 2004 title game to St. Francis, Pa. ""We've really spent a couple of years with a limited amount of seniors,'' said Baxter. ""It's tough when you had so many young kids and not a large senior class in front of them.''
But when Monmouth takes the floor in its 2007-2008 opener Friday at Rider, seniors including center Lindsey Zegowitz, forward/guard Veronica Randolph, point guard Brianne Edwards, and guard Nyaimah Ware will have three years of substantial playing time in their resume.
Edwards, recovering from off season knee surgery, and junior guard Marisa Jimenez (gall bladder surgery a few days ago) aren't expected to take the court until around Thanksgiving. A fifth senior, guard Kim McCloskey, has played sparingly.
The seniors are backed by a strong group of five juniors including junior college transfer point guard Marbely Montas, named a 2006-2007 All-America at Union County College.
This is a program that, after vacillating between third and fourth place in the NEC regular season standings since 2001-2002, appears ready to make a run at an NEC title.
Monmouth has not won the NEC Tournament since 1987 when one of the last of former coach Mickey McGlade's juggernauts went 23-6.
""It's kind of like we all have a sense of urgency, that this is it, this is our last chance to win together,'' Zegowitz said. ""We have a lot of upperclassmen this year, this is a veteran team.'' ""Last year we thought we were a good enough team (to win the championship),'' said Randolph.
But three losses to eventual champion Sacred Heart doomed Monmouth. They were games in which Monmouth allowed late leads to slip away including the NEC Tournament semifinal. ""This year the core of the team is seniors, the group that we've put together to try and win the championship,'' Randolph said.
""This year the senior class, with a junior class that is just as good as we are, should be an advantage for us.''
Zegowitz said when she first arrived at Monmouth she was told her four years would fly by. """I was like, "No, that's not true, it'll never happen,' '' she said. ""Now I cannot believe we're seniors, it happened so fast.'' ""Seriously, I feel like last year I was a freshman,'' Randolph said. ""Coming back in the summer time it was like, "I can't believe this will be my last year. It just went by too fast.''
Edwards said a lot of people last year asked her if she was a senior. ""They were like, "It seems like you've been here forever,' '' Edwards said. ""It's true. We have been here for a while. We've formed great bonds.
""This is my last year. I do want to go away with a ring, something to remember Monmouth by in a good way.''
A fifth place pick in the NEC Coaches Preseason Poll surprised the Hawks. ""We were disappointed (in the ranking),'' said Randolph.
""Hopefully this will be a breakout season for us. This is what we're looking for.' ""We have to come ready, we have to prepare,'' Zegowitz said. ""It starts now.''
MONMOUTH SEASON OUTLOOK: Even with their health issues Hawks, with seasoned talent and depth, appear to have their most realistic shot in years to win a championship, barring any more health-related problems. In what could be a battle to the wire defending NEC Tournament champion Robert Morris, 2006-2007 regular season winner LIU, and Quinnipiac loom as the most serious threats to the end of Monmouth's long title drought. - Tony Graham
e-mail tonygsports@aol.com. Visit out website at www.app.com [PARA]
Of course Rickie Crews didn't play today, and he figured to start and potentially brings another athletic dynamic into play.......
But let's say he remains "The Phantom" for whatever reason....
From what I saw today...Hawks are more athletic than has been seen in WLB for some time but most inexperienced team since Dave started five freshman in '98-99 (and you know how that went!).
I think going to a pressure defense..certainly in spurts..is a good idea because this team has no half court offense to speak of with the lack of an established big man....In half court will look to Jhamar or Whitney to go one-on-one...
Other problems... were outrebounded by a D 3 team with no major size........George Barbour's foul shooting, probably his weakest point and a potential problem late in games at least until he improves.
Late turnovers. MU looks like it may have problems finishing games when ahead late....but much or most of this can be traced to all this youth.
Positives...A lot of upside to the young players. Barbour will eventually be a force inside and an above average rebounder....
Rutlidge..a teriffic athlete, should get lots of playing time as a rookie...great attitude..
I like Hett at the PG....may have some problems early in his career due to inexperience, but has a bright future, knows the game, etc. etc.
Nunner deserves some time... junior..knows the "O" and the "D"..still needs to prove he can make a few 3's when it means something......
Simpson..a potential zone buster, but that's about it
The big men Other than Barbour who figures to play a lot...
DelTufo looks a bit overmatched a freshman but has some nice moves inside...
I'd still like to see more of Barlow..doesn't get much of a chance...just my opinion. It's not like he has to beat out Bill Walton in the middle. I'm not even saying start him, but I'd like to see him get some minutes and see what he can do ......
Dutch - has miles to go offensively but is steady, intelligent player. Adam appears to have fallen to near the bottom of the rotation for now.
Each practice, each game this year, will be like an audition for playing time. Lineups and rotations may change day to day, game to game.
Overall - young team will go as far as Jhamar and Whitney can carry it while it hopes others develop.
Rickie Crews remains a wild card, but until it can be shown he is going to play and be a factor on a regular basis - I have to keep him out of the equation...
Soooooo.....
At this time I don't see this team making the NEC Tournament...... At this time is the operative phrase. Hawks are a year or two away from contending again in the NEC - in my opinion........
From what I hear MU women won by about and maybe over 20 points Saturday vs. St. Peter's (which is usually pretty good) in a closed scrimmage at Boylan Gym, apparently led in scoring by Brooke McElroy and Jen Bender... and Marbley Montas continues to play very well
On the injury front Lakia Barber saw action (did OK) but Marisa Jimenez was still out as was Brianne Edwards....
Hawks open Friday at Rider.
MU women's hoops fans should be excited about this season....
Halftime: Monmouth 40-25. 3-point goals: William Paterson 4-19 (Fowler 0-2, Spiegel 1-3, Ellis 0-1, Holloway 2-2, Lucas 1-2, Dunn 90-1). Monmouth: 8-21 (Youngblood 25, Coleman 2-5, Hett 1-1, Nunner 2-4, Simpson 0-3, Rutledge 1-3). Rebounds: William Paterson 37 (Fowler, Ouedraogo 7). Monmouth 31 (Barbour 8). Assists: William Paterson 9 (Cameron, Cousins 2). Monmouth 14. Hett (5).
By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER
WEST LONG BRANCH - It was an unusual sight for a Monmouth University men's basketball team. As William Paterson's Steve Cousins dribbled on the Boylan Gym floor during Sunday 's preseason game he was suddenly surrounded at half court by Monmouth's 6-9 center Dutch Gaitley and guard Jhamar Youngblood. And it was not a one one time thing as the Hawks trapped and pressed more in 40 minutes than probably all of last season. Or many seasons for that matter. ""We're a little bit more athletic (than in the past) and a little more experienced at guard,'' said Monmouth coach Dave Calloway after the 68-58 victory by the Hawks over the Division III Pioneers.
""I did something (Sunday) that we planned coming into the year to do a little bit,'' said Calloway. He said Monmouth employed similar tactics last week in a closed scrimmage at Lafayette. ""A times it looked good and today, too,'' he said.
The players appear to enjoy the up tempo possibilities. Youngblood, who scored a game high 19 points Sunday, said the pressure defense should limit the amount of time Monmouth has to play true half court defense. ""Plus it gives us a chance to use our athletic ability a little bit more,'' said Youngblood. ""Get a couple of deflections and run more. ""Hopefully we'll do it all year, every game, after every free throw. I like it. It helps us on defense and gets us some chippies on offense, too.''
Junior guard Whitney Coleman said he was hoping over the summer Monmouth would employ some defensive pressure. ""I think it helps get things moving quicker, gets us some easy baskets, get back door cuts,'' said Coleman who added 18 points and three steals. ""On defense we're slowing their time of possession to where we may only have to play defense 24 seconds,'' Coleman said. ""And maybe their offense is already flustered a little bit.'' It was Monmouth that appeared flustered towards the end of the game when it committed five of its 22 turnovers in the last 5:55.
That's when what had been a Monmouth 18-point lead early in the second half was twice trimmed to seven points. ""That's why we have exhibition games, to get the bone head mistakes out early,'' said Colman. ""We had a bunch of bone head mistakes late. We need to settle down, hit free throws, and do what we need to do to win.''
Monmouth opens its 2007-2008 season 7 p.m. Friday at Colgate.
Note..Rickie Crews (served one game suspension) is expected to return to practice Monday...
MU football - follow story for Monday Press. Hawks next face Albany test
By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER
It's been feast or famine lately for the Monmouth University football team (3-5, 3-2). Especially feast. And mainly over the last four Northeast Conference games.
Beginning Oct. 6 there was that 49-point outbreak in a win over Sacred Heart. The following week marked the worst ever home loss, the 29-point pasting at the hands of Wagner.
Since then Monmouth has wracked up 51 points on Central Connecticut State, then the top defense in the NEC, followed by Saturday's 47-point barrage against the NEC's worst defense of St. Francis, Pa.
That all leads up to Saturday's 1 p.m. showdown at Kessler Field between Monmouth and NEC leading Albany (6-3, 4-0) and its No. 1 ranked defense and offense.
Despite it's uneven season Monmouth, with a win Saturday, would remain in the hunt for at least a share of the NEC regular season title.
Also, via tiebreakers, Monmouth might also have a shot at the 2007 Gridiron Classic likely to be played at the University of San Diego.
But Monmouth isn't thinking beyond Saturday. ""It'll be a test,''said Brett Burke, Monmouth redshirt junior quarterback. ""CCSU was a big test for us, too.
""We have the talent on offense,'' said the Wall High School graduate. ""If we play hard and play well there's not a lot of teams in this league or around that can stop us.''
Burke and redshirt sophomore tailback David Sinisi have been at the heart of Monmouth's offensive showings.
Saturday Burke delivered a career-high three touchdown passes, including two to Adam San Miguel.
Burke finished with 234 yards on 18-of-31 passing and threw for over 200 yards in the fourth consecutive game. ""The last couple of weeks he's played very well, doing a good job managing the offense,'' said Kevin Callahan, Monmouth coach. ""He's making plays, throwing the ball when he needs to.''
Sinisi finished with 187 yards and a TD on 24 carries to become to second Monmouth player to reach 1,000 yards for the season.
Monmouth had only averaged 13.2 points over its first four games against Delaware, Maine, Stony Brook, and Robert Morris.
"I think our mind set as an offense has changed,'' said Burke. ""We're playing with a lot of confidence.''
Burke, always the calm in a storm, said he didn't get discouraged early in the season. ""I try to keep things on an even keel whether things are going good or going bad,'' he said. "'The key is making plays.
""I'm getting the ball out to our tight ends, running backs, and receivers, and they're making plays.''
NOTES...Junior wide out Steve Dowens (Middletown South), had his first career TD catch Saturday....Kicker Fred Weingart (New Egypt) tallied a career-high 11 points against the Red Flash, including five extra points and a pair of field goals. The senior is now six-of-nine kicking field goals and 24-of-25 kicking extra points...Sinisi will try to extend the nation's longest streak of games scoring touchdowns to 21 against an Albany defense that in league contests ranks No. 1 in rushing in rushing defense (68 ypg.). It has allowed just 13.8 ppg. in NEC games.
MU men's hoops: sophomore forward Rickie Crews suspended for preseason game Sunday
From what I was told Crews' ""violation of a team rule" is for a minor offense (usually these are for being late for a team function, a shoot around, a practice, etc. ) and that he played fairly well in the closed scrimmage Thursday at Lafayette. But he's ""The Phantom"" again for a day. It's too bad because he had apparently won a starting job in preseason. He's expected to be back at practice Monday and to play Friday vs. Colgate.
Otherwise, Calloway plans to play everyone. Monmouth returns only two regulars, guards Jhamar Youngblood and Whitney Coleman from last year's 12-18 team. The Pioneers have three starters back from last year's 15-10 team with senior point guard Joey Spiegel their returning leading scorer (12.2 ppg., 2.7 aqg.). The roster includes sophomore guard Corey Brown (Toms River North) and freshman guard Mike Gawronski (Brick). Monmouth opens its 2007-2008 season 7 p.m. Friday at Colgate.
MU football - Sinsi TD streak now at 20 games, Saturday vs. SFPA..
By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER
Kevin Callahan wanted his Monmouth University football team to pick up Saturday vs. St. Francis, Pa. where it left off last week in a win at Central Connecticut State.
It did.
Tailback David Sinisi kept his touchdown scoring streak intact and redshirt junior quarterback Brett Burke, a Wall High School graduate, threw a career high three touchdown passes leading the Hawks to a 47-17 victory over St. Francis in a Northeast Conference game in Loretto, Pa.
The triumph followed on the heels of Monmouth scoring 51 points last week.
Saturday Monmouth led at the half, 23-0.
"" We wanted to start right away with a fairly high level of performance,'' Callahan said. ""We continued that through four quarters and finished off the game in good fashion.''
The victory by Monmouth (3-5, 3-2) over the Red Flash (1-7, 1-4) enables the Hawks to stay within range of first place Albany (6-3, 4-0). The Great Danes visit Kessler Field Saturday.
Monmouth closes its regular season Nov. 17 at home against future NEC opponent Duquesne in a non-conference game.
Sinisi's TD gave Monmouth az 6-0 lead in the first quarter and extending the nation's longest touchdown scoring streak in college football to 20 games.
The redshirt sophomore carried the ball 24 times for 187 yards to reach 1,000 yards for the season.
Sinisi also lined as the quarterback in the shotgun formation where he passed the ball over the middle to tight end John Nalbone for a touchdown, to put Monmouth in front 13-0 with 4:46 to play in the opening quarter. The touchdown completion was the first attempted pass of Sinisi's career.
Burke, who went 17-for-30 for 224 yards, connected on all three of his TD passes in the second half.
Burke threw 47 yards to Adam San Miguel when Monmouth took a 30-3 lead in the third quarter.
""We came out in the third quarter and they got a field goal but we came right back with a touchdown,'' said Callahan. ""We were in good shape there.''
Burke later added TD passes covering 58 yards to San Miguel and 23 yards to Steve Dowens, a Middletown South High School graduate.
Joe Cella (Jackson Memorial), whose 80-yard TD on a pass interception was nullified by a blocking penalty on the return, had one of three Monmouth picks on the day. Derek Bischoff and and Kevin Walsh also had pass interceptions.
The win increased Monmouth's advantage in the series with St. Francis to 13-2.
More should be available soon on MU web site...and more here later...
How do you think it will end???? My gut feeling is MU women will host, but SFPA will defeat or tie faltering men who have dropped two of their last three games....
Men - MU will finish as the top seed : 1. only if it wins Sunday at now first place SFPA.
School NEC Pts Overall 1. St. Francis (PA) 6-1-1 19 8-7-2 2. Monmouth 6-2 18 11-4-2
Women - First place MU will finish as the top seed 1. if it defeats Mount St. Mary's (4-13, 2-6) at home Sunday, 2. if it ties and CCSU ties its game wih Sacred Heart (3-11-4, 3-2-3), 3. if it loses and CCSU ties SHU (by virtue of MU head-to-head win), or loses.
School NEC Pts Overall 1. Monmouth 6-1-1 19 10-3-4 2. Central Conn. St. 6-2 18 9-7-1
Both MU teams are in the NEC Tournaments whether they host or not
New York, NY -- A total of four players that played for NEC teams were selected in the 2007 NBDL Draft on Thursday. Sacred Heart's Kibwe Trim was taken in the third round by the Dakota Wizards, Central Connecticut State's Keith Closs (CCSU 1994-96) went to the Tulsa 66ers in the fifth round, Fairleigh Dickinson's Michael Peeples was picked by Tulsa in the sixth round, while Monmouth's John Bunch was tabbed by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the tenth and final round.
There are 44 Developmental League alumni on the rosters of NBA teams at the start of the 2007-08 season.
Bunch is the second Hawk ever selected in the NBADL draft, with the first being former center Kevin Owens, who was taken by the Roanoke Dazzle with the fourth pick of the eighth round in the 2003 draft. Owens now plays professionally in Australia.
Bunch graduated from Monmouth University in 2007 as the school’s all-time career leader in blocked shots with 169 and holds the single season record with 94 swatted shots in 2006-07.
“It feels good to know that the hard work has paid off,” said Bunch. “I’ve been working everyday and feeling good.”
While at Monmouth, Bunch, who helped the 2005-06 MU squad advance to the NCAA Tournament and win their opening round game 71-49 over Hampton, averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game in his career. Bunch played in 54 games in his two seasons in West Long Branch, after transferring from Lincoln University in Philadelphia.
“While I was at Monmouth we played against some very good competition that helped prepare me to play at the next level,” Bunch said. “Making it to the NCAA Tournament my junior year was a great experience that should help me now as well.”
The Rio Grande Valley Vipers compete in McAllen, Texas and open the season Friday, November 23 when they host the Austin Toros.
MU men's hoops - scrimmage vs. Lafayette Thursday night
This was a closed scrimmage per NCAA rules...No scores or stats are published.
From what I heard had it been a game Lafayette would have won though it wasn't a blow out. Monmouth had trouble defending the 3 (nothing new there I guess going back to last season).
On offense rookies George Barbour and James Hett were said to have played well, and Jhamar Youngblood played an all around OK game.
This is all very sketchy I know, hard to find out how every player did, but at least it's something.
MU hosts D3 William Paterson in a preseason game 4 p.m. Sunday.
MU football advance for Saturday Press/My prediction at bottom
It looks like FS Stolarz is back, but LB Matt Sterner is out....
By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER
When the discussion this week has been about Monmouth University tailback David Sinsi, the numbers most often likely to come up have been six and 20.
Six is the NEC record single game total of touchdowns Sinisi scored last week at Central Connecticut State.
Twenty would be the number of games in a row in which the redshirt sophomore will have scored a touchdown if he reaches the end zone Saturday in Loretto, Pa. where the Hawks (2-5, 2-2) visit St. Francis, Pa. (1-6, 1-3) in a Northeast Conference game.
If Sinisi scores Saturday it would extend the nation's longest TD scoring streak to 20.
But the number Sinisi would prefer to concentrate on is three, as in the third victory of the season Monmouth hopes to register in its erratic season.
""Winning is the most important thing to me, personally, and as a team goal,'' Sinisi said. ""That's the most important thing no matter how well I play or anyone else plays.'' Sinisi, who has scored 16 of Monmouth's 23 touchdowns, said he tries not to think about the streak. ""It's just on the side,'' he said. ""It is exciting that I've been scoring.
""But I try not to think about it too much and try to focus more on team goals and executing my assignments.''
One of Sinisi's assignments lately has been returning kick offs with an injury that has sidelined regular kick returner Brian Robinson. Sinisi has returned nine for a 25.7 yard average.
""I did it in high school,'' Sinisi said. ""And it's another fun aspect of the game.''
Monmouth boss Kevin Callahan, in his 30th year coaching college football, said he probably has never been involved with a player on his team on this type of a TD surge.
""Certainly not at Monmouth,'' said Callahan. ""I think this is a great thing for Dave. He has a knack for finding the end zone. He has the ability to break tackles and keep himself alive on plays.''
Already the No. 5 all-time rusher in Monmouth history with 1,567 yards, Sinisi is 672 shy of Chris Reed's school record 2,239.
Sinisi has rolled up 813 yards this fall after 754 last year.
""I think he has a great deal more confidence now,'' said Callahan. ""He has a better feel for our offense and understand defenses to a higher degree. I think his vision and anticipation of how things are going to break is a little bit better.''
Despite its record Monmouth retains an outside chance of at least tieing for the NEC regular season title if it wins its last two league games against St. Francis and Nov. 10 vs. Albany (5-3, 3-0).
""We're just taking one day, one game at a time,'' Sinsi said. ""And forget about everything that happened last week.''
On paper Sinsi would appear to have a great shot at scoring Saturday and Monmouth an excellent opportunity to win.
St. Francis is last in the league in scoring defense, giving up 38.9 points per game, and in total defense surrendering 422.3 yards per game.
But the Hawks can ill afford to think along those lines. ""We're fighting for our life,''s aid Callahan. ""We've been a struggling team all year.''
Notes: Callahan said back up quarterback Andrew Mandeville (shoulder), a Raritan High School graduate is still out and inside linebacker Matt Sterner (shoulder), Monmouth's leading tackler (43) will not play. Callahan said Joe Cella (Jackson Memorial) will start in Sterner's place.
Free safety Jon Stolarz (neck) is expected to return.
My prediction....
SFPA throws the ball but has virtually no running game so return of Stolarz will help. SFPA is also at the bottom of the NEC in defense which has never been a strong point even in it's better years....
I don't see this as a "trap" game for MU which won't be overlooking SFPA. Only way MU loses this game - in my opinion - is through errors and turnovers. Hard to see SFPA keeping Sinisi out of the end zone..
MU soccer weekend/Results will also be posted with full details at the MU web site....
Women - MU win Friday over the Mount in MU's finale (or a CCSU defeat) and women clinch first place and the home field in next week's NEC Tournament......there are other possibilites as well howMU can clinch. CCSU has another game Sunday .
Men - MU (11-3-2, 6-1) leads SFPA (7-7-2, 5-1-1) by two points..(a win is worth 3 points and a tie one) each with two games left. MU at RMU (6-7-3, 1-4-2) today. SFPA hosts Mount (4-10-1, 2-5) before MU visits SFPA Sunday in what could be a biggie.
I'm not going to do a poll ..but what do you think happens this weekend????
MU women's hoops - Fifth place pick ""baffles'' Baxter. Team is disappointed. Participate in poll at the bottom
for Friday Press
By TONY GRAHAM STAFF WRITER
It's been an optimistic preseason so far for the Monmouth University women's basketball team.
With nine seniors and juniors who saw considerable action returning from last year's 18-13 (10-8 Northeast Conference, t/4th place) team, plus the addition of All-America junior college point guard Marbely Montas, the Hawks feel good about themselves.
They like their chances of soaring to their first league title since 1988 and winning their first NEC Tournament since 1987.
Apparently that feeling isn't shared by other NEC coaches.
Monmouth was picked fifth, which would be its lowest finish since 2001, in voting conducted by conference head coaches and announced Thursday. The Hawks have landed in third and fourth place ties the last six seasons.
""It was baffling just in the sense we were picked higher last year and all those same players are back this year from a team that made it to the (NEC Tournament) semifinal game and won 18 games,'' said Michele Baxter, Monmouth coach.
""But, so be it. That's how it is sometimes.''
Long Island, the NEC's top tournament seed a year ago, garnered six first-place votes out of the conference's 11 head coaches who were not permitted to rank their own teams. Monmouth did not receive a first place vote.
Monmouth senior Veronica Randolph said she thought the team would be picked in the top three.
""Everybody seems pretty disappointed and definitely surprised we got picked fifth,'' Randolph said. ""It's motivation for us. Everybody is hungry for the championship.''
Baxter said Monmouth looked strong in a closed scrimmage last week at Bucknell which defeated Monmouth by 14 points last season.
""Because of injuries we started five players who had never started together last year,''s said Baxter.
Senior point guard Brianne Edwards (knee), and juniors Lakia Barber (ACL) and Marisa Jimenez (shoulder) did not play vs. Bucknell.
Jimenez and Barber are expected to play Saturday in a closed scrimmage at home vs. St. Peter's, with Edwards due back around Thanksgiving.
""For that being the first time with that group together against such a quality team it made me excited,'' Baxter said. ""It showed me what type of depth and quality of talent this team can have.''
""We've seen we can be a very powerful team,'' said Randolph. ""We did very well, had a lot of people step up.''
""We're ready to go this year,'' Baxter said. ""We hope we can maintain the intensity we have right now as a team.''
The Hawks open the 2007-2008 season 7 p.m. Friday at Rider.
Below from the NEC web site were much more is on line.....
Long Island Tabbed as NEC Women's Basketball 2007-08 Preseason Favorite Blackbirds In Search of First Title Since 2001; Preseason All-Conference Selections Announced
1. Long Island (6) 2. Robert Morris (3) 3. Quinnipiac (2) 4. Sacred Heart 5. Monmouth 6. St. Francis (NY) 7. Fairleigh Dickinson 8. Mount St. Mary's 9. Saint Francis (PA) 10. Central Connecticut St. Wagner
If you have a moment please check out my Asbury Park Press blog at app.com. Just click on sports and then colleges. We talk about all MU sports..football, men's and women's hoops, soccer, the works...as well as local colleges in general.
Thank you.
