Lacrosse Season Ends with oss to Curry College

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer


With a 17-10 loss in the ECAC semi-finals (on Friday) to #2 seeded Curry College, the #3 seeded Bridgewater State College women's lacrosse season ends with a 9-7 overall record.

BSC was down 13-2 at the half, but battled back to make the score 14-7, on a 5-1 scoring run. But Curry rattled off 2 quick goals to make it a 16-5 lead. Bridgewater State tried to make it close. They ended the game with a 6-3 run, but it wasnt enough as time ran out for the Bears.

Bridgewater State had its opportunities to score goals, attempting 22 shots in the game (14 in the second half).

"I thought we dominated in the second half," said head coach Erika Smith. "If we played like that the whole game, we would have won."

The Bears were led by freshman attacker Shannon Manning and junior midfielder Alison Gugliotta who scored three goals apiece. Senior attacker Alicia Spolidoro also chipped in with two goals.

On defense sophomore defenseman Sarah Pimental and senior attacker Kathleen Sweeney each forced two of the teams 9 ground balls.

"When its playoff time it's a matter of who wants it more," said Smith. "It was a matter of who had the fight in them (down the stretch) and that was their fuel on offense and defense."

Sweeney agreed with Coach Smith. She said that the lacrosse team never gave up during the game.

"I think we never gave up and played poised the whole time," said Sweeney. "We (never once) got down on ourselves."

In the net, freshman Chelsea Bracci registered 11 saves in the loss. This was her third start in as many games, filling in for injured goalie Jessica Cerone.

Coach Smith said that she was really proud of Bracci's performance. According to Smith, Bracci has only been playing lacrosse for the last four months.

"Chelsea came to us with no experience playing lacrosse," said Coach Smith.

Curry was relentless on offense shooting as many as 33 attempts in the 17 point loss. Coach Smith said that she was happy about Bracchi's performance.

"(Today) she came up with some huge saves, she played low (in the net) and with confidence," said Coach Smith. "I can't wait to see what (kind of goalie) she becomes in the future."

While loosing in the ECAC semifinals was a rough way to end their postseason run, Coach Smith said that shes happy about the future of the program.

"I'm very excited for what this team might be able to do next year," said Coach Smith. "With a 9 win season we are still trying to step up the ladder. We had 4 starters that were brand new to BSC and we have a great recruiting class coming up. It is an exciting future for Bridgewater lacrosse."

Coach Smith said that she was very proud of her lacrosse squad and how they played after being down at the half (10-2).

"This team never gave up," said coach Smith. "This is very hard to teach players because its one thing to tell them to do it. It has to be in them in the heart."

Sweeney is one of the three seniors that will be leaving the BSC lacrosse program. She leaves along with defenseman Kathleen Cote, and Spolidoro.

"It was a successful and unforgettable ride that I wouldn't go back and change it," said Sweeney.

The Bridgewater State women's lacrosse ends its postseason run with a 9-7 overall record and 8-6 in regular season play, on an independent league schedule.


Photo 1: The BSC women's lacrosse team stretching before the semi-final match starts.

Photo 2: Midfielder Alison Gugliotta tries defend and get the ball away from Curry center Nikky Mackay.

Photo 3: Freshman goalie Chelsea Bracchi watches the action down-field.

Photo 4: Freshman attacker Shannon Manning waits for the signal on the penalty attempt.

Photo 5: The BSC women's lacrosse team huddles up before the game starts.


Photos courtesy of Jennifer Beaudry

Womens Lacrosse semi-final preview versus Curry

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer

With a win over Castleton on Thursday, #3 seeded Bridgewater State College advances to in the semifinal match versus #2 seeded Curry College. This game will be a rematch from the season opener. BSC first faced Curry, in Florida, in the opening game of the season. Bridgewater lost the game 9-18.

Head coach Erika Smith said this squad is a completely different team than the one that faced Curry at the beginning of the season.

"It will be a totally different game this time around," said Coach Smith. "Before it was the very first game of the season and I think we were overwhelmed in Florida. Now we are a smarter team and more together."

Curry College brings an 14-4 record to the match and is 3-0 versus opponents that Bridgewater State has beaten (Worcester State, Lassell, and Salve).

Freshman attacker Shannon Manning said its going to be a battle because both teams are pretty evenly matched.

"It should be a fair match and a really good game," said Manning. "It will be a battle of who wants it more because both teams are so evenly balanced."

Cote said that everyone on the team has been excited for the rematch versus Curry College.

"This is what we have worked for all season," said senior defenseman Kathleen Cote. "Its the matchup that everyone has been looking forward to once we found out we would play Curry if we advanced."

Coach Smith said that the ECAC Tournament is an exciting opportunity for her squad.

"The last time we were here was in 2004 when I was a senior on the team," said Smith. "With 9 wins, up from last years 4 wins, its a huge improvement. It shows what kind of team we really are."

Cote said that as a senior she is happy to take play in the ECAC Tournament.

"I think we have a good chance of winning this tournament," said Cote. "We have worked hard all season, and it would be great to win the whole thing in my senior year."

Manning said that as a freshman, she is having a good time playing in the ECAC's.

"I think this is just a really awesome experience," said Manning. "We deserve to be here and I'm just phyked that we have the opportunity to play in this tournament."

The winner of this matchup will play the winner of #1 seeded Plymouth State versus #4 seeded Worcester State. Bridgewater State and Curry College will play at 6 pm at Curry, in Milton.

The winners of the semifinal matches will play in the ECAC Eastern Championship game on Saturday.


Photo 1: Junior midfielder Kathryn Sweeney tries to get around the Castleton defender

Photo 2: Freshman attacker Kate DeMaio tries to dig the ball out of the turf

Photos courtesy of Steven M Miller, Jr


ECAC Tournament bracket

Lacrosse team wins 22-5 advances to Semis

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer


This evening the #3 seeded Bridgewater State College women's lacrosse team beat #6 seeded Castleton State College 22-5. BSC improves to 9-6 on the season and Castleton finishes their season at 6-7.

"We played well and we worked on a lot of things today," said head coach Erika Smith. "On defense and offense we ran a lot of the plays that we are going to run on Friday (versus Curry)."

Bridgewater State went on a 13-0 run in the first 19:50 in the game, until Castleton scored their first goal of the game. After leading at the half 14-1, the Bears built on their lead scoring 7 more goals. In the second half, BSC allowed the Spartans to score four more goals in the game.

Bridgewater took a total of 26 shots in the first half, and 37 shots in the game.

The Bears were led by senior midfielder Kathryn Sweeney who had 5 goals and 3 assists. She scored 4 of her game high 5 goals in the first half, including the first three goals of the game.

Eight different players, including Sweeney, scored at least one goal. Junior midfielder Lauren Serratore had a big day as she had 4 goals, 4 draw controls, 3 ground balls, and she caused two turnovers. Freshman attacker Shannon Manning also chipped in with two goals, two assists, 3 draw controls, two ground balls, and she caused two turnovers. Freshman attacker Kate DeMaio also had 4 goals and an assist.

"On offense we got open shots, we made our cuts, and we got some good open passes," said Manning. "Our transition game was good and we put good shots on the goal."

In the first half, the Bears played tenacious defense only allowing 3 shots on goal, and 11 shots on the game. On defense, Senior Kathleen Cote and junior Adrienne Berkland each drew five ground balls in the game. Berkland also caused 8 of the teams 27 caused turnovers.

"On defense we played well," said Cote. "In the last couple of games we had been letting up, but today we really stepped it up today."

In the net, freshman Chelsea Bracci saved 4 goals, in her second start of the season.

"This was Chelsea's second start in the net and she played well," said Smith.

The Bridgewater State women's lacrosse team advances to the semifinal match of the ECAC Tournament. They will take on 11-4 Curry College at 6 pm at Curry College.

The winner of this semifinal match will take on the winner of #1 seeded Plymouth State and #4 seeded Worcester State.

The Comment will bring you a preview of the game on Thursday.


Photo 1: Junior midfielder Alison Gugliotta waits for the play to develop around Castleton colleges net

Photo 2: Junior midfielder Ashley Panzini tries to get the ball into play

Photos courtesy to Steven M. Miller, Jr


Information used in this report courtesy of bridgew.edu/athletics
Game recap and tournament bracket

Afternoon and Evening plan

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer

-We just wanted to let you know that we will have an interview from BSC softball center fielder Allie LeBlanc, who was named ECAC Player of the Week and MASCAC Player of the Week (for the second strait week). We will also have an interview with Athletic Director John Harper on what the possible name change might mean for Bridgewater State College with the switch to a university.

-Page 2 of ESPN.com also released a story on the inaugural season Newbury College; the team Bridgewater State beat 57-1 back in the beginning of April. It summarizes how Newbury first became a baseball program and how they played against their last two opponents (Beaker and Mass Maritime).
-Please note that most of the field shots are at Mass Maritimes beautiful facility (like the lighthouse in the background, for example)

-We will also bring you the latest from today's 5:30 pm matchup of the Women's Lacrosse game vs Castleton State College (at Swenson Field).

Women's Lacrosse team to play Castleton State in first round of ECAC Tournament

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer


As one of the 13 hopefuls that hoped to make the ECAC Tournament, Bridgewater State's prayers were answered on Monday afternoon. Once the pairings had been announced, BSC found out that it would be a #3 seed in the tournament and have a first round game versus Castleton State on Wednesday.

"It think it will be a great game," said head coach Erika Smith. "If we come out strong and play smart, we will do very well."

Entering the season, the women's lacrosse team had two goals on the season: to make the ECAC Tournament and to finish above .500 (8-6 record). Because Bridgewater State plays an independent schedule, their only hope at the postseason is an ECAC tournament berth. To be tournament eligible your team must finish above .500.

Coach Smith said that she is very excited about this years tournament and her team.

"I'm very excited and very proud of them," said Smith. "They have worked very hard to get here. I hope we win the championship and get some postseason experience for our younger players."

Coach Smith also said that this team isn't the same team that first walked out onto the field in March.

"We have a better team than we did in March," said Smith. "We play together now, instead of individuals playing lacrosse. We play smarter and with much better confidence."

fifth appearance in the Should BSC win on Wednesday, they will take on Curry College (14-5, #2 seed) on Friday, for the semifinal match. BSC last faced Castleton State in 2004, when they were members of the NEWLA Conference. Bridgewater State is 3-0 all-time versus the Spartans.

The top seed in the tournament is Plymouth State (12-5) and will face on Friday the winner of the Worcester State (11-4, #4 seed)- Keene State (8-6, #5 seed) matchup on Wednesday.

This season, Bridgewater State is 0-2 versus the top two seeds in the tournament. They suffered an opening season loss to Curry and dropped the last game of the season to Plymouth State.

"We would love to rematch both teams," said Smith. "We have grown since Curry and now we should be mentally ready for Plymouth State."

The 8-6 Bridgewater State women's lacrosse team looks to take on Castleton State College on Wednesday at 5 pm, at home. This is BSC's fifth postseason appearance n the programs 23 year history. The last time the team made the postseason was an NCAA Tournament appearance in capturing the NEWLA

The Bears look to take advantage of their homefield advantage.

"Its great to have fans-family here to support us," said coach Smith. "Not having to travel is always a huge advantage."




-For more information about who has stood out on the BSC Women's Lacrosse team click this link.
-ECAC Tournament Bracket
Photo Credits to bridgew.edu/athletics

Quadruple Header this afternoon

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer

-In what appears to be a very busy afternoon at Bridgewater State today, there are four different games going on at the same time. It is supposed to be a beautiful day today here in Bridgewater. Weather.com reports that the high will be 68 degrees with a low of 41 (tonight). The wind comes in from the NE at 5-10 MPH. We will run them off for you with a couple of notes:


-The pregame for the Bridgewater State baseball game is right below this post.


-The Bridgewater State softball team will be playing a double header versus Fitchburg State today. Fitchburg brings a 3-3 MASCAC record (11-14 overall) to the game, and is in third place in the league. Bridgewater State remains tied with Westfield State at 6-0 for the top spot in the league standings.

At this time we are unsure who the starters will be for the Bears. Coach Janet McGuire does not announce starters for the games because she wants to see what shes up against before the games take place.

The game starts at noontime at Alumni Field.


-The Bridgewater State tennis team plays the second of the three league games they have scheduled this weekend. They play at home today versus Salem State College starting at noontime. The Bears are 2-1 in the Little East Conference and 4-1 overall. Salem State is 2-3 in the LEC (4-5 overall) and plays their last game of the regular season today.

Over the past week the Bears dropped a 0-9 loss to Southern Maine on Tuesday and rebounded for a 7-2 victory (link is on the front page) over Rhode Island College.
2-4


-The Bridgewater State women's lacrosse team and takes on Westfield State today. BSC brings a 5-5 record to the match. Westfield State is a first year program and comes in at 2-4. Bridgewaters last win came this past Thursday with a 14-8 win over Pine Manor College (Recap).

The game is scheduled to start at 1 pm at Swenson Field.


-We will try to bring you the highlights once they become available.

Baseball and Lacrosse games

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer


-The Bridgewater State baseball team will travel down to Rhode Island College this afternoon to play a single game versus the 11-8 Anchormen. The Bears look to play their first game since the double header sweep of Framingham State on Saturday, just 5 days ago.

BSC turns to #5 starter freshman Ben Altman (2-0) on the mound. Altman has a 1.72 ERA in 15 .2 innings, in two starts and three appearances. He also had 9 strikeouts and 5 walks on the season. In his last start he went five shutout innings in the record setting 57-1 victory over Newbury College.


-The BSC Lacrosse team will travel up to Mount Holyoke College for a 4:30 game. Mount Holyoke is 2-10 on the season and 0-7 since returning from their early March trip to California. They have allowed an average of 19 points given up and have scored an average of 6 points on their regular season New England schedule.

The Lacrosse team looks to even out its 4-5 record to get back to .500 and remain eligible for ECAC postseason play

Early games this week cancelled or postponed

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer

-In what appears to be another horrible week of rain, extreme wind, and bad weather here are the postponements by sport this week, followed by total cancellations on the year:

-The Baseball team found itself this past weekend with two more postponed league games, with rescheduling a double header versus Salem (from last Saturday) and a doubleheader that was scheduled for Monday, but rescheduled and cancelled earlier today. Salem and BSC are now slated to play on Sunday, April 29th (weekend of Springfest) and they are to play Westfield on this coming Sunday (April 22nd).

According the to Athletics website, non-conference rival Eastern Connecticut was supposed to play Bridgewater tomorrow (Wednesday), but that home game has been cancelled with 70% chance of showers that day. This makes for 5 cancelled games on the season. It is worth noting that Bridgewater has cancelled games versus #12 (#2 regionally) ranked EConn, #4 regionally Southern Maine, and #6 regionally Suffolk University, according to the April 10th ABCA Division III Coaches poll.

While you have to have a minimum number of games to be considered eligible for postseason play, the Bears would finish the season at 28 if every one of its next 6 non-conference opponents are cancelled. Every other team is considered to be in about the same kind of situation, so the Bears should still be eligble, if they win this years MASCAC Conference tournament.

The Bears still have 10 league games remaining. They are scheduled to take on RIC on Thursday, a double-header versus Fitchburg on Saturday (at home, at noon) and the rescheduled league game versus Westfield away, at noon.


-While the softball team had their MASCAC double header postponed, they haven't had any games cancelled this year. In addition, the week that the Salem game got postponed for the baseball team, the softball team made the trip instead. This marks the third game this season that has been postponed (postponed versus RIC and Tufts; both games got made up later in the week).

This week the Bears have a scheduled double header versus Fitchburg on Saturday (at home, at noontime) and travel up to Westfield with the baseball team on Sunday. On Monday, the Bears are right back at it with a double header versus Eastern Connecticut and then play another MASCAC twinbill with Mass Maritime on Tuesday.

The BSC softball team looks to take advantage of the off days by working on their hitting in the mult-purpose court at the Tinsley Center. We will let you know how they fare during the weekend.


-The BSC Lacrosse team scheduled to play Rhode Island College in an attempt to get back to .500 and eligible for postseason ECAC play. They have been fortunate, only having one other game postponed this season. The 6pm away game has been rescheduled for Tuesday next week.

Barring the weather conditions, the Bears take on Mount Holyoke College (away at 4:30) on Thursday and then play Westfield State on Saturday. The Saturday game versus will be played at home starting at 1 pm, at Swenson field.


-The 4-0 tennis team was to play Clark University on Monday, but that game has been cancelled. Barring weather conditions, the team will travel to (5-2) Southern Maine tomorrow. Southern Maine is also currently undefeated in conference play coming into tomorrows match up with an identical 4-0 LEC record. The forecast is showers all afternoon, with 70% chance of precipitation. The game is scheduled to be played at 3:30.

Should this game not be played, the Bears look to play three strait games, over the weekend. The BSC tennis team will be playing RIC on Friday (away at 3pm), Saturday at home versus Salem State (at 12 pm), and then Saturday away at Western Conneticut (at 1 pm).

We will bring you the highlights when they become available.


-As the BSC outdoor track team gets ready for the MASCAC Championships, they look to have a warm-up meet at Springfield College. They will compete in the Springfield College invitational this coming Saturday at 11 am.

Lacrosse and Tennis highlights

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer


Tennis

-The Tennis team extended its record to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in Little East Conference play with a 8-1 victory over Umass Boston. The Bears took advantage of home field sweeping all six singles matches and they won two out of their three doubles matches.

In the singles matches, sophomore Matt Charest (6-2, 6-0), junior Barry Gorman (7-5, 3-6, 10-5), sophomore Giovani Cuscina (6-0, 6-0), senior Matt Kelley (6-2, 6-0), senior Howard Smyth (6-0, 6-0), and junior Greg Nelson (6-0, 6-0) all were victorious in their singles match ups.

In the doubles matches, the #1 team of Charest and Kelly won 8-3 and the #3 team of senior Johnathan Bouchard and sophomore Brendan Barbo won 8-2. The #2 team of Cuscina and Smyth took the 8-6 loss.

Barring rain, the next scheduled game will be today at Clark University at 4 pm.


Lacrosse

The Women's Lacrosse team dropped a tough 11-7 loss to Eastern Connecticut Saturday. Bridgewater fell behind 6-2 in the first half . BSC then rallied for three goals to open up the second half and make it a 6-5 ball game. With the pressure on, Eastern Connecticut scored the next four goals and took the lead for good.

The Bears were led by freshman Shannon Manning, who had 3 goals on the game. Senior attacker Alicia Spolidoro and junior midfielder Lauryn Serratore also chipped in with a goal and an assist. In the net, freshman Chelsea Bracchi had 9 saves in the net for BSC.

The women's lacrosse team takes on RIC at 6pm on Tuesday as they look to get to .500 and remain eligible for ECAC post-season tournament play.

Women's Lacrosse beats Salve Regina 24-7

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer


-The Womens Lacrosse team has won their third strait victory to improve to 3-2 on the season. In the last three games the team has scored 20 or more points, a feat that hasnt been accomplished in the history of the program. Coach Erika Smith said that she was really pleased with the teams results today.

"We came out really strong, with a lot of intensity," said Smith. "We started the game off like we wanted to win the game."

A key in the victory for the Bears was domination of the first half. Bridgewater State led the margin in a few of the categories. For instance, the Bears held the advantage in shots by the endof the first half (24-8), in draw controls (13-6), and ground balls (12-6). Maintaing control of draw controls in any game is an important statistic. Its important because it tells you who had control of the ball for most of the game, similar to the time of possession statistic that is used in football box scores.


Leading the way for the Bears was freshman attacker Shannon Manning who scored a career high 6 goals. Junior midfielder Allison Gugliotta finished with 3 goals and an assist and freshman attacker Katie DeMaio had a goal and 3 assists on the afternoon.

Junior Midfielders Lauryn Serratore and Erica Murphy, and senior attacker Alicia Spolidoro each chipped in with 3 goals apeice.

Both goalies got in the game sharing time between the half's. Freshman Jessica Cereone played in the first half and freshman Chelsea Bracchi played in the second half. Each registered 6 saves apeice.


-After the game, the Comment sat down interview head coach Erika Smith. Here's what she had to say about todays victory:

On the game:
"We really came out pretty strong and played with a l. Both goalies played exceptionally well. We really controlled the ball well with getting as many draw controls as we did."

On the Win:
"This was really a big win for us. Because we arent affilated with any league in particular we have to hope that we make the ECAC Tournament. The goal is have a record above .500 so that we can qualify."

On players that stood out:
"Shannon Manning and Allison Gugliotta stood out for us today on offense (combined for 9 goals). Adrienne Berkland (defense) also had some key turnovers for us on defense."

-The Women's Lacrosse team plays its next two games on the road versus Worcester State on Tuesday and Wheaton College on Thursday.


Photos:
Right: Senior Attacker Alicia Spolidoro on the prowl for another goal
Left: Junior defender Heather Anzalooking to get the ball back up the field
Credit: bridgew.edu

Baseball looks to open season tomorrow and the Womens Lacrosse victory

Steven M. Miller Jr, Staff Writer

Baseball

The Bridgewater State baseball (2-5) team looks to take on non-conference rival Umass Dartmouth (3-5) tomorrow at 3 pm, at Umass. The starting pitcher junior Brian Schilling gets the nod as the team plays its first game up north. Schilling looks to rebound after getting roughed up in his first start, down in Florida. Hes 0-1, with a 19.64 ERA in 3.2 IP, with 4 walks and 4 strikeouts

There is also a game scheduled for Thursday versus Endicott, but the outlook is grim for that game. Coach Smith walked out onto the field today and the dirt (not the grass) sunk to the ground. Its possible the field may not be ready until the Bears open up league play on Saturday.

The Bears look to play a double-header versus Worcester State on Saturday, starting at 12 pm. The projected starters are senior staff ace Jordan Richards (0-2) and #2 right-hander Dave Liffers (2-0).

Freshman righthander Spencer Hatstat and junior Steve Smith also received honerable mentions, in this weeks MASCAC Player of the Week awards. Hatstat pitched 4.1 innings of 2 hit relief, in the teams matchup versus Oneonta State. He confused batters with his offspeed pitches, and struck out 7, in the appearance. Smith batted .333, had 4 runs scored, and 5 runs batted in on the Florida trip.

Pictured- Junior outfielder Steve Smith

Softball

The 5-5 softball team was scheduled to play Endicott this afternoon, but the game was cancelled. Their field too has been unplayable, however, they did practice on it earlier today.
Sophmore pitcher Alysssa Verronnea, was also named MASCAC League Player of the Week. Down in Florida, Verronnea was 3-0 in three starts, with two shutouts and three complete games. She posted a 0.37 ERA in 19 innings of work, to go along with 19 strikeouts.

Junior outfielder Katie Holbrook was also named to this weeks MASCAC Honor roll. She led the team with a .364 batting average and 2 home runs and 11 RBI's. Holbrook said today that she was surprised that one of her home runs even cleared the fence. She just jogged around the bases in shock as she was pretty sure it was a check swing.

The Lady Bears look to start their season (up north) versus Worcester State. Their double-header starts at 12 pm.



Women's Lacrosse

The 2-2 Women's Lacrosse team handled an inexperienced Norwich College team this afternoon, by the score of 23-3. This was Norwich colleges first game in their schools history, after making the jump from Club status. Leading the way for the team was junior midfielder Lauryn Serratore, who registered 3 goals, and 2 assists. Freshman attacker Lauren Manning also had 3 goals and an assist on the game. They were led defensively by senior Kathleen Cote, who drew 4 turnovers and 5 ground balls.

The Lacrosse team takes on Salve Regina this Thursday at 4 pm, at Swenson Field.


Pictured- Junior midfielder Alison Gugliotta