Post game wrap-up comments

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer


-Here's what head coach Rick Smith had to say about this afternoon's game:

-On the pitching performance in the first game:
-"Richards and the other pitcher (DiRoberto) matched up pretty well. Richards pitched an excellent game and he only had one mistake in the entire game."

-On the pitching performance in the second game:
-"Liffers went out there and gave us some good innings. Schilling went out there and closed the door on both of Worcester States rally's."

-Is Schilling going to be the closer (worked out of two jam's in the late innings)?:
-"No, Schilling will not be the closer. Hes just trying to work his way back into the starting rotation right now."

-On the 7-for-7 performance of junior catcher Kelly LaDow:
-"Hes a great player. He supposed to have that kind of performance; I don't expect anything less. He was also great defensively."


-Here's what Worcester State head coach Dirk Baker had to say about the game:

-On Game 1:
-"That was really a tough way to end game one for Bridgewater State, but we have been hitting the ball well all game. The play of the game was that ground ball (in the 8th, with the bases loaded) that Poce threw to first base that ended the inning. You will not see a better play than that anywhere else."

-On the pitching performance's in Game 1:
-"You had two seniors on the mound just battling up there. That's why you come out to watch a college baseball game on a Saturday afternoon."

-On Game 2:
-"Bridgewater scored a bunch of runs on us after we made really stupid mistakes. That's when good teams capitalize on things like that."

-Point about the split:
-"It is very difficult to win two games on the road in a league like this."


-Bridgewater State plays a double header versus Becker College tomorrow afternoon at 12 pm. Game 1 starter will be sophomore Dennis Jennette. Jennette is 0-1 with a 3.38 ERA in 10.2 innings pitched, He has appeared in two games (with one start). Game two starter will be freshman Spencer Hatstat. Hatstat its 1-0 on the season, in 7.1 innings pitched. He has appeared in two games giving up no runs on the season. Hatstat said he was looking forward to the start in the second game.

-Coach Smith said that he was going to play some of the younger kids off the bench tomorrow, and give the older guys a game or two off. This might be a smart move with the Bears having 6 games (two double-headers) in the next 6 days.

-The plan tomorrow will be to cover the softball and baseball game tomorrow with no pre-game coverage. We will recap the afternoon's game as soon as both games are over.

Baseball splits with league rival Worcester State

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer


In college baseball action today, the Bridgewater State baseball team split the opening MASCAC league double header with rival Worcester State. Worcester State took the first game 2-1 (in 9 innings) and Bridgewater took the second game 9-5.

"I think that its great that we are tied with Worcester State in the league right now," said head coach Rick Smith. "Its always good when you remain tied with the team that your most likely to see in the tournament at the end of the year."

The first game was a battle in extra innings by both starting pitchers. Bridgewater State senior right-hander Jordan Richards went the distance pitching 9 innings, giving up only 2 runs (1 earned) on 7 hits. He had 5 strikeouts, 6 walks, and 13 outs by way of ground ball. Worcester State senior Steve DiRoboberto went 8 innings, giving up 1 run (none earned) on 6 hits. He had 6 strikeouts, 3 walks, and a wild pitch.

Worcester State opened with a 1-0 lead in the 4th inning. Junior first baseman Nate Nelson singled to right field, junior outfielder Chris Gusha followed that up with a base hit. Nelson moved to third on a very well executed hit and run. Senior DH Kirk Monbleau followed that up with a walk and junior catcher Mark Logan drove him in, reaching first on a fielders choice.

Bridgewater tied the game up in the bottom of the 5th inning. Senior shortstop Jay Lamoureux reached base after an error by the third baseman. He then moved to third on a sacrifice bunt. Sophomore right fielder Brad Koneski moved him over to third on a base hit to left field. In the middle of freshman third baseman Mark Claffey's at-bat, Lamoureux scored on a wild pitch.

The score remained tied until the top of the ninth inning. Logan led off the inning base hit that shortstop Lamoureux just could not get to. After he was bunted over to first, Bridgewater State made the decision to intentionally walk freshman shortstop . After second baseman Tom LaPrude flied out, Tom Huddleston reached first on a ground ball that should have been caught by freshman second baseman Nik Karangioze. With the bases now loaded sophomore left fielder Billy Manley hit a bouncing ground ball that Lamoureux misplayed and Worcester State scored the go ahead run.

Junior closer Travis Minor closed the door and picked up his second save of the year, facing four Bridgewater State batters in the bottom frame of the ninth.

Bridgewater State had a frustrating day at the plate stranding as many as 5 batters that could have tied or gotten the go-ahead run. Junior catcher Kelly LaDow was the lone standout for the Bears, who reached base all four times he was up in the game. He was 3-for-3, with a walk.

In the second game, Worcester State opened the game with a 1-0 lead. But in the bottom frame of the first inning, the Bears wasted no time with the bats hitting senior right-hander Eric Grabowski for 6 runs (1 earned) over the three innings that he worked in.

After Claffey grounded into a double play, junior left fielder Steve Smith worked a two out walk. Senior center fielder Andrew Dillon then reached base after Grabowski dropped a pop-up on the third base line. The Bears took advantage of the miscue and LaDow doubled in Smith from second and Dillon from first base. Senior DH Dana Hansen then doubled in Ladow, and sophomore Dave Kiloski doubled in Hansen. The Bears ended the first inning with a 4-1 lead.

Bridgewater added to its lead scoring two more in the third inning.

Worcester State tried to make the score close by rallying in the 6th inning. After a base hit to right center, Manley hit a two-run home run to make the score a 6-3 ball game. Sophomore Dave Liffers then walked Nelson and got the next two outs. But Logan got Liffers for a base hit and advanced to second on a misplayed ball in the outfield. With runners on second and third, junior third baseman Atchue got a base hit up the middle, that scored Nelson.

Junior Brian Schilling came into the game and allowed a double that scored Nelson. He then ended the inning on a fly to center field.

With the score 6-5, the Bears then rallied in the 6th inning for three runs. LaDow came up huge for the Bears, knocking in two big insurance runs.

In the top of the seventh, Schilling ended the game stranding the bases loaded and picking up his first save of the season.

Bridgewater right-hander Dave Liffers picked up his third win of the year. He went 5 2/3 innings, giving up 5 earned runs on 8 hits. He struck out 1, walked 2 batters, and picked up 11 outs by way of the ground ball.

The Bears were led by an outstanding offensive performance by LaDow. He was 7-for-7 on afternoon, and had six RBI's in the second game's 9-6 victory.

"I have been hitting the ball really well all along, during the season," said LaDow. "It was nice to see a couple of hits fall and it was nice to get a couple of RBI's."

We have more post game coverage in the next post.


Photo- Sophomore Dave Kiloski fields a ground ball
Credit- bridgew.edu

Softball team sweeps Worcester State

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer


In college softball action today the Bridgewater State Softball team took two from league rival Worcester State (1-10). The first game was a 8-0 victory and the second was a 4-3 victory.

In the first game, the Bears were led by a complete game shut out from sophomore Alyssa Verronneau (4-0). She went 6 innings scattering only 3 hits, and finished with 5 strikeouts and no walks.

The Bears went up early 4-0 in the first inning of the ball game. With runners on second and third, junior infielder Nicole Hebert doubled to center field and it scored both runners. Outfielder Ally LeBlanc then followed that up with a single through the left side of the infield. LeBlanc then advanced to second on a wild pitch and Hebert scored on the play. Sophomore second baseman Melissa McNamara followed that up reaching first on a throwing error by the shortstop and LeBlanc scored on the play.

Bridgewater then added to its lead by scoring three more runs in the third inning and one more in the seventh.

The Bears were led by sophomore shortstop Whitney Howe, who was 2-for-3 with a run and two RBI's. Hebert and McNamara were both 1-for-3 with two runs batted in on the game.

In the second game, Worcester State started the scoring adding two runs in the first inning. Bridgewater State came right back to take the 3-2 lead with a 3-run home run by junior outfielder Katie Holbrook.

Bridgewater's lead diminished when Worcester State took the lead back scoring two runs in the top of the 6th inning, to make the score 4-3. But the Bears stormed back in the bottom frame of the inning to retake the lead 5-4. They scored the tying run when sophomore third baseman Stacy Copodince singled in LeBlanc, on second base. Bridgewater scored the go ahead run when Howe doubled in LeBlanc from third.

On the game, the Bears were led by Holbrook who was 3-for-3 with a run and three RBI's. LeBlanc and Howe both were also 2-for-3 on the game.

Freshman Erika Christensen started the game for the Bears, and freshman Jamie Dukinski picked up the win in relief pitching four innings. Bridgewater pitching combined for 7 innings, giving up 4 runs (3 earned) on 5 hits. They also struck out 4 batters and walked 3 on the game.

Bridgewater State takes on a double-header with Wheaton College tomorrow at 12pm.



Note-Correction from this weeks paper. Jillian Vissonette did not win MASCAC player of the week, that honor goes to Alyssa Verronneau.

The answer is simple C's fans:Greg Oden

Ian Abreu
News Editor

Len Bias, Reggie Lewis, Tim Duncan and Rick Pitino, what do they all have in common? All, in some way, shape or form have lended a helping hand in the demise of the once proudest franchise in sports: the Boston Celtics. If you're a "real" Boston Celtics fan, I'm sure I won't have to explain to you the significance each of these people have had in the demise of the Green.

After 21 years of sup-par basketball and no banners being raised atop the Garden rafters, it would seem fitting that finally, the "luck of the Irish" will swing towards Beantown and give Boston one of the top two draft picks in this year's roll of the ping pong balls.

There are two clear-cut choices (if decided to leave college) in this year's class that will anchor the 1-2 slots, Ohio State University center Greg Oden and University of Texas small forward Kevin Durant. Both could go in either order.

Here is why, if you're the Boston Celtics, you choose Oden.

Oden is a shot blocker, he's a rebounder, he knows how to crash the boards, both on the offensive and defensive side. As of March 14, 2007, Oden has averaged 15.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game, while earlier in the month he was named First Team All-Big Ten, as well being voted the conference's Defensive Player of the Year.

Remember the Ohio State/Tenessee matchup in the Sweet Sixteen a few weeks back? Oden blocked a potential game-winning shot in the final seconds to preserve an 85-84 victory, eventually leading Ohio State to a 92-76 win over Memphis to advance to the 2007 Final Four in Atlanta, Georgia.

Oden, along with Durant, are the first freshman whom were voted to the All-American First Team since 1990.

Nothing against Durant, but Oden is exactly what the Boston Celtics need, a "big man" down low. If you look at all of those great NBA championship teams of the past, most had a tenacious center corralling the paint (Kareem Abdoul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O'Neal, Robert Parish, Bill Walton, Dave Cowens, Tim Duncan, Bill Lambeer and the list goes on).

If the C's are to return to their "glory days" of the past, then they need to do so with Oden. Captain Paul Pierce isn't getting any younger, or happier for that matter. I must admit, I feel bad for the guy. He's just wasting his prime away in this town. Sure, there is a talented supporting cast in place, featuring the likes of: Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Tony Allen, Rajon Rondo and Delonte West, but that's all they are (with hopefully the exception of Jefferson/Rondo), talented, but yet complimentary players. All of the following aren't the "game-breakers" you need in order to compete in the NBA today.

Oden, however, is. A tandem of Oden/Jefferson down low in the paint, blocking shots, boxing defenders out, perfecting that short, but yet deadly jump-hook are all the ingredients the Celtics need below the basket to become a force in the Eastern Conference. Throw in the shooting, passing, and "shake-and-bake" moves of Pierce, toss in continued development Rondo and Gomes, and now, Boston might have something cooking.

Nothing against Durant, but what this team needs is a Tim Duncan, not a Kevin Garnett, a Bill Russell, not a Jerry West--get it?

A center leads, a center is the backbone, and, most importantly, a great center wins championships. The Boston Celtics will with Greg Oden.

Contingent on the ping pong balls, of course. Uy-vey...

Worcester State Pregame

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer


-Good afternoon and welcome to Alumni Field. The Comment is here on the scene on this beautiful day 50 degree day here at the ball park and its going to stay nice. The weather.com report said that it will comfortable like this all afternoon. Winds are expected to come in from right-left field at about 5-7 MPH, with a high of 10 MPH

-The team had picture day down at the Tinsley Center at 10 pm. This means that the photographer will be taking new action photo shots for the Athletics website and they should be up sometime within the next two-three weeks.

-Worcester State enters today's game at 5-6 overall and they open league play today with Bridgewater State. The Game 1 starter for them will be right-hander Steve DiRoberto (1-2). Game 2 starter will be

-Today's starters for Bridgewater will be senior staff ace Jordan Richards (0-2) and sophomore Dave Liffers (2-0). Richards was spotted stretching out in the bullpen and the dugout prior to working out. He looked like he was ready to go, even before he threw a pitch.


-We asked Coach Smith some pregame questions before the game. Here they are:

-On the game-
-"We just want to go out there to play and win for first place right now. We have to hit and play good defense."

-On Worcester State-
-"Worcester State is a good team, highly competitive, and always come down here to Bridgewater ready to play once they walk into the gate."

-On today's starting pitchers-
-"Richards (Game 1 starter) is a veteran starter who is never rattled in the heat of the moment. Liffers (Game 2) is new to the MASCAC, but he is an experienced pitcher. This experience should carry him through the game."

-On this weeks practice-
-"We worked on recapping all of the things that are necessary to do: fundamentals, bunt defense, executing first and third situations, and things of that nature."


-We will bring you the game results of both the baseball and softball double-header games after they happen. Stay tuned for the updates. If you want to come down to watch the games the first game starts at about 12 pm and the second game will start at about 2:30-3 pm. A concession stand will be set up underneath the stands at the Softball field.

Final Four predictions

Steven M Miller Jr, Staff Writer


Before I hit the sack to go to bed, I just had to spill out my Final Four predictions and analysis. I think this year's tournament has been exceptional. A couple of really big upsets, some marquee match-ups and surprises along the way. Those I will highlight for you at the end of the post. So now lets get to the predictions.

Florida-UCLA

-Lets look at it this way, of the teams remaining, both have the experience behind them to make anyone bet the house on them being the favorite to win the title. UCLA returns junior guard Arron Alffalo (leads team with 16.9 pts per game) and junior center Mata Lorenzo (leads team with 7.5 rebounds per game). But Florida returns 5 starters. For instance, they return all four starters who average double figures in points scored and Horford (9.5 rebounds) and Noah (8.2 rebounds) average and have out rebounded Lorenzo. And I think Florida is also a deeper team. Not only that, but they spread the ball around well as each of the starters average more than an assist a game. You don't see it often, especially with both the 4 and the 5 man averaging more than two a game.

-Florida is the kind of team that starts slow, and then all of a sudden kicks it into high gear around the 10 minute mark of the first half. They then play with a fire and intensity that makes them one of the best teams in the nation, and worthy of the ranking for the overall #1 seed in the tournament. The question that I ask you is, can UCLA play defense and make it tough for Florida to get into a grove and get into a scoring run if they are down by 10-12 points? I don't think that is going to happen. UCLA may have beaten a deep and very dangerous Kansas team. UCLA may have also won the regular season Pac 10 title. Don't get me wrong, the Pac 10 is one of the best conferences in college basketball, with 3 teams representing the conference in the Sweet 16. But let me refresh your memory about something, Florida plays in the dangerous SEC. The SEC also had three representatives in the Sweet 16 as well (Tennessee and Vanderbilt). This game will be interesting indeed. Two really good teams facing off for a defensive battle down the stretch. Or at least that's my hunch.
-Pick- Florida


Ohio State-Georgetown

-In watching these two teams play throughout the tournament, they just seem to just hang on. Ohio State almost lost to Xavier, had it not been for an amazing 3 point buzzer beater. Not to mention a great win over Tennessee with an outstanding block from man-child Greg Ogden. Georgetown is lucky to have made the Final Four after just getting by both North Carolina and Vanderbilt. But you know that great players make great plays and step it up when the game is on the line. You don't expect anything more and anything less. But any team can beat any other team on any given night.

-Georgetown made the tournament last year, and looks to avenge last years Sweet 16 loss to Florida. Ohio State has been in the Top 5 all year and proven itself a worthy challenge to beat Florida or UCLA for the championship. The question is, which team is going to step it up? I don't know about you, but this games going to come down to the wire. Both teams possess excellent play-makers with Ohio State's Greg Ogden, Ron Lewis, Mike Conley Jr and bench man Daequan Cook. And Georgetown has Roy Hibbert, Jeff Green, Ewing Jr. and Johnathan Wallace. I just have this feeling about Ohio State right now.
-Pick- Ohio State


-Final 2: Ohio State vs Florida
-Pick- Florida


Random thoughts about the tournament:

-Even though there were less at-large teams from teams from mid-major conferences, we saw Southern Illinois and Butler make it to the Sweet 16 as at-large teams. Had both teams won their tournaments like they were supposed to it would have opened the door for other at-large mid-major schools, but it didn't. But I just wanted to point out that both teams lived up to expectations of being ranked in the Top 25. But both teams just couldn't get past the #1 seed's. Someones got to win and someones got to loose I guess.
-Please someone get rid of Billy Packer. I am sick of him. Bring on the Simmons Ipod list to listen to during the game while its going on so you didn't have to listen to him. I should e-mail Simmons and tell him to make a list to listen to during every McCarver-Buck broadcast of a Yankees-Sox game. Thank god that happens only six times a year.
-This is the first year without a 5-12 seed upset. In fact, three of the 5 seeds made the Sweet 16. Maybe it wont happen again next year, who knows?
-There was also no "Cinderella" story this year. I mean not that I wouldn't have enjoyed listening to America buzz about it, random people you didn't know followed NCAA Basketball to start talking about it, and then the exclusive story interviews with the coaches, players, and passionate fans from whatever institution. But I would have gotten sick of the people who always say, "Oh I always root for the upsets in any tournament." Then again, I would have most likely enjoyed this much more than any headline involving Anna Nicole Smith. I think I'm getting sick to my stomach mentioning that name.
-Here are some notable upsets from this years tournament to recap-
-#11 VCU over #6 Duke
Best part had to be when they showed VCU on CBS and they were absolutely ecstatic they were facing Duke in the first round. Man Duke must have really sucked this year or what.
-#7 UNLV over Wisconsin
I thought Wisconsin just sucked when they played Ohio State. I mean they really, really kicked the bucket. That might have been just fatigue on their part, but UNLV really beat them, pretty good. Was UNLV that good? Well, when you have two teams other at-large teams making the tournament from the Mountain West, and Air Force make the final four of the NIT, that sure tells me that UNLV plays some pretty good competition. And besides, the Big 10 wasn't that good a conference this year anyway. I'll give props for every team for making it to the second round of play (from the Big 10), but that's as far as they got (minus Ohio State). For a conference that had three representatives in the final four two years ago, that's just sad.
-#11 Winthrop over Notre Dame
Consider this for a second: Winthrop had made the tournament 7 out of the last 8 years and was 0-7 all-time in NCAA Tournament history. But, one thing I was thinking about when I was filing out my bracket was how Notre Dame had a 106 CBS rating on strength of schedule. Not only that but they lost to such teams as South Florida, St. Johns, and DePaul; the bottom of the Big East. Their only quality wins were over Maryland, Alabama, West Virginia (ill give them credit for the NIT winner), Louisville, and Marquette. They just couldn't get it done versus the good teams (like loosing to Georgetown twice). Remember that when your filling out your bracket next year with overrated teams. Look a the schedule. Id love to meet someone that had Notre Dame in their Final Four. If they put money down (if gambling is legal?) I sure hope they had Georgetown, UCLA, and Ohio State in their Final Four.
-#2 Memphis over #3 Texas A & M
In my bracket, I had A & M going to the finals. And they almost won this game had they not blown the 20 chances they had to ice the game in the last minute. I mean, a missed layup by Ace Law III (who's been the clutch guy for them all year), the two missed free throws to go up by three, the four Memphis offensive rebounds, and a poorly executed desperation shot. No, I did not punch my fist through my 20" TV when the game was over, I just sighed and passed out for the evening.
-#2 Georgetown over #1 North Carolina
I thought a lot of people had NC winning the whole thing, plus not to mention all of the other NC fans rooting them on in this match up. It was an upset, even though it was a higher seed match up. The question is, did the better team win?
-#5 USC over #4 Texas
Lots of people thought Texas had the chance to beat North Carolina, but that just didn't happen did it. Guess USC was in the Pac 10 finals for a reason. I guess Kevin Durant's 30 points we rent enough to win the 68-87 ball game either.
-#8 Kentucky over #9 Villanova
No this wasn't even an upset, but this victory alone was not enough to keep Tubby Smith his job. Guess we know how hard it must be for any coach under that much fire, when an entire state expects an SEC championship (let alone National Championship). We wish Tubby the best of luck trying to rebuild the Minnesota Golden Gophers program. Minnesota's record the last 5 years has been a mediocre 77-80 (29-51 in the Big 10)

6 Compelling issues for the Boston Redsox --- more to come

Shawn Medeiros
Sports Editor


The 2007 Boston Red Sox season is less than a week away. Every fan must be excited about the new season along with the new additions the Red Sox have. But what will be the compelling stories of this season. Let us take a deep look into that issue.


1) Daisuke Matsuzaka MLB Debut

Can Dice-K be what we paid him for this season? I think so but fans have to be patient with his development. My hunch is that he will win 13 games this year and the year after that he will win 15. Dice-K's first three starts will be electric then some of the league will start to figure him out and some fans may get riled up, but all in all Dice-K will have a very successful season.


2) J.D. Drew in right field

If you wanted to name a good 3,4,5 punch Drew's name is a great hitter for the 5 spot. If Drew can survive the Boston media he will be all set for a huge year with the Sox. Projecting Drew's season as long as he stays healthy he could potentially hit 20+ home runs and notching 110 rbi's with the Sox. The Sox ranked last in the #5 spot with a .231 avg. I think Drew's career avg can change that. (Drew's career avg over 9 season is .286)


3) Jerry Remy and Don Orsillo laugh counter

If Remy and Orsillo do not end up laughing at least 25 times this season to the point where no one calls the play I will be incredibly surprised. Come on every Red Sox fan enjoys this feature of NESN's broadcasts just as much as I do.


4) Lugo in the leadoff spot/Defense

If Francona lets this guy attempt to steal bases and let YOOOOOOOK hit him in from second this could be one deadly punch for a one and two hole combination. Lugo should do a lot better at the plate, all YOOOOOOOK references aside, the Gonzo but we certainly will be yelling that we wish we had Alex Gonzales on the first 10 errors that Lugo makes. All in all Lugo is an upgrade but I will miss Gonzo.


5) Manny being Manny

Let's face it. Without Manny being Manny we would have to write more stories about Willy Mo Pena not getting enough playing time. OOO well!. Manny trying to sell grills, not running out groundouts, and so on is more entertaining to me than half the stuff with the Red Sox. Plus when a guy like Manny produces over 100 rbis every season about 35 homeruns each season, who cares!

6) Pedroia at second base

As long as he doesnt make too many errors at second base and hits at least 265 I will be perfectly happy with him for his first full major league season under his belt. To be honest he will be hitting eitght or ninth and he is more importantly defensively

to this team since we

have enough firepower in the hitting department.

Softball loses first and ties versus Babson College

Steven M. Miller Jr, staff writer


The Bridgewater State softball team lost the first game of their double-header matchup, but tied the second game. The second game was called off because of darkness going into extra innings. One complaint about the game was that the umpires took to long in between games.

In the first game, the Babson Beavers took an early 2-0 lead in the first inning. The Bears then scored on back-to-back doubles by junior leftfielder Ciana Godin and sophomore rightfielder Katie Holbrook, with no one out in the fourth inning. The softball team then stranded Holbrook at the plate to end the inning. Over the final four innings, they left the five runners on base that would have tied the game up.

Freshman Erin Christianson (1-1) pitched the complete game giving up two runs (one earned), on 5 hits while striking out four.

In the second game, Bridgwater started the scoring with a pair of runs in the first. They then fell behind 3-2 in the top of the fifth inning. In the bottom frame of the fifth, Bridgewater scored the trying and go-ahead runs to make the score 4-3.

With the score 4-3 in the top of the seventh, the Bears saw that lead vanish before their eyes as Babson scored on a pair of unearned runs. Bridgewater then scored to tie the game in the bottom of the inning. Pinch hitter Rachel Sprague reached first base, after striking out to lead off the inning. Sprague moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, and then scored on an RBI single by Godin.

The game remained tied 5-5 in the top of the seventh, until the game was called off because of darkness. Sophomore Stephanie Pierce got the start in game two going 6 1/3 innings giving up 5 runs (3 earned) on 9 hits. She walked 1 and struck out 6.

The Bears enter their double-header matchup versus Worcester State with a 4-6-1 record. The opening pitch is at 12pm this Saturday.


Photo: Junior catcher Lindsey Allison takes a swing at the pitch
Photo credit- bridgew.edu

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 holds on to 9-6 victory versus Endicott College

Steven M. Miller Jr, Staff Writer


With a 9-6 victory over Endicott College, the Bears extend their 2-0 record up north. This victory also marks the fifth strait victory versus Endicott going all the way back to the 2000 season.

"I like the fact that we are 2-0 up north," said head coach Rick Smith. "I hope we continue this as we try to concentrate on the conference games this Saturday.

Freshman righthander Ben Altman picked up the victory for the Bears. It was his second appearance of the season as he went 7 2/3 innings allowing 5 runs (2 unearned) on 10 hits. He struck out 1 and walked 3.

I approached Altman after the game and he was pretty speechless about the win. "I just went out there and tried to throw strikes," he said. While Altman is not in the starting rotation, he gives the bullpen a much needed rest as the Bears have two double-headers over the weekend.

Junior leftfielder Steve Smith led the way for the Bears going 3-for-5 with two runs and a pair of runs batted in. Senior centerfer Andrew Dillon also stood out going 2-for-4 with two runs scored and two RBI’s and senor DH Dana Hanson finshed 2-for-5 with two runs and an RBI.

"Offensively the we had some timely hitting from Andrew Dillon and Steve Smith," said Smith. "Dana Hansen has also been swinging a pretty hot bat for us."

The Bears had an 8-1 lead throughout the entire way, until Endicott made it a game in the 8th inning. After Altman got the first two outs, the Bridgewater defense gave up two errors and allowed baserunners while Altman worked deeper into his 100+ pitch count. Sophomore Dennis Jennette relieved Altman and Endicott strung together four strait hits.

Endicott got another base hit, with the bases loaded, and third baseman Mark Claffey threw the ball away. Firstbaseman, Dave Kiloski, chased after the ball and threw the runner trying for third to end the inning.

The Bears added the insurance run in the bottom frame of the 8th inning and Jennette slamed the door on the game with a 1-2-3 9th inning.

"I think the defense has to get much better (to win games)," said coach Smith.

Bridgewater State takes on league rival Worcester State in a double-header matchup on Saturday. They then play another double header versus Beaker College on Sunday. Both games are at home and start at noontime.

If your interrested, here's the full game recap

Baseball Pregame

Steven M. Miller Jr, Staff Writer


The Comment is here live at the Baseball game bringing you the latest information that is available. Here is a couple of pieces of information that we have for you prior to the games start:

-I spoke with Director of Facilities, Keith McDonald and he said that the field looked good to play on, but it is still a little soft out there (especially in the outfield). He said that there was a frost last night and it was quite a challenge to get both the softball and baseball field in playing condition because a frost brings water back up. The grounds crew started their work at about 11 am this morning to get the field ready for 1:30 pm.

"Things are always tentative in this season, when it comes to playing games.", said McDonald.

-Today's starter is Ben Altman, from Taunton, MA. Altman was a catcher in high school and pitched a couple of games in high school. He told me that he is really excited to get the nod for this afternoons game.

Altman has one appearance on the season coming out of the bullpen. His record is 0-0 on the season, with a 3.00 ERA pitching 3 innings, with a strikeout and a walk.

-Representing the office of the President is Mr. Bryan Baldwin and he will be throwing out the games ceremonial opening pitch. The ball was signed by all the members of the team this past Wednesday. He is the Assistant to the President for Communications and Public Affairs.

-The wind is blowing at 16 MPH from the right to the left at game time. Weather.com says gusts could reach up to 29 MPH. It is also currently 53 degrees and it is expected to be clear the rest of the afternoon.

-A recording of Coach Rick Smith's wife was played as the national anthem.

We will update you with the final score and highlights from the Baseball, Softball games. In addition, we will also post the score to today's Women's Lacrosse game and Men's Tennis matches. Softball has a double header versus Babson College, Tennis takes on Roger Williams, and the Women's Lacrosse team takes on Salve Regina.

3 and 4 Hitters contagious

Shawn Medeiros
Sports Editor

With the wind blowing out at the UMASS-Dartmouth Athletic Complex yesterday, Steve Smith and Andrew Dillon took full advantage of it.

Both hitters looked poised for a good season starting off regular season play combining for six hits, eight rbi's, four runs, and two walks in a 15-13 win over the Corsairs.

Smith started off the first inning with an rbi single bringing home Right Fielder Brad Koneski, but this would not be the end of Smith's day.

Smith continued the onslaught in the 4th inning with a double which plated two runs.
Then Andrew Dillon came up and smacked a two run homer off of Corsairs pitcher Shaun McAuliffe.

Later, in the sixth inning Smith got his third hit of the day with a double to center field.

With an all ready impressive stat line Smith and Dillon continued to add to the box score. In the seventh inning with a Smith rbi single to left field and Dillon launching another homerun to center field for two rbi's.

Steve Smith rounds second base after hitting a homerun.
Shawn Medeiros/ Photo

BSC's next game is Thursday 3/29 vs Endicott College
at Home at 3:30.

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

Cristiano Ronaldo: World's Next Best Soccer Player?

Shawn Medeiros
Sports Editor

Ronaldo's recent trashing of Middlesbrough by setting up three of the four goals scored equaled a standing ovation for the young Portuguese soccer star. With 16 goals and 11 assists in the 2006/2007 Premiership one can only wonder why England star and fellow Manchester United teammate has called Ronaldo "The World's Best Player." Rooney is also delighted that the world's best player is on his team.
The 22 year old, Ronaldo, now only needs to step up on the International stage to show how truly incredible of a right winger he is to the world. In the 2006 World Cup Ronaldo had seven goals in the qualifying rounds and only one in the six games he appeared in. The challenge for Ronaldo will be to display his speedy and creative talents in the FA Cup which will continue to show his progression and talents and then harness this all in the next World Cup.
With Ronaldo's rapid progression certain club teams have been wanting the star. Real Madrid (the New York Yankees of Soccer) have been inquiring about obtaining number seven. Madrid is willing to "bust open" the bank to acquire Ronaldo. This is only another sign of how talented and how much more recognizable Ronaldo is becoming the World's Next Best Soccer Player.
Real Madrid has had such stars on their teams like Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, and (Luiz) Ronaldo.
Currently, Ronaldo has led the way for Manchester United in the Premiership standings. Man U. leads second place Chelsea by six points
(75-69) and is steadily advancing to the semi-finals where Manchester United will take on bottom seed Watford in the next round.


Cristiano Ronaldo pictured above

(Luiz) Ronaldo pictured to the right

BSC Baseball Rained Out

Shawn Medeiros
Sports Editor

Bridgewater State College Baseball has caught some bad weather lately. The last four home games for the Bears have been either cancelled or postponed partially in part from weather and field conditions. The most recent home game scheduled for 3/26 against UMASS-Boston was postponed because of poor field conditions at Alumni Park.
Currently, the Bears have a 2-5 overall record. All of these games were played during their trip to Cocoa, FL.
Both of Bridgewater's wins came against Richard Stockton College of N.J.
(9-6) and Plattsburgh State University (9-2).
The next sscheduled home games for the Bears are Tuesday 3/27 against Endicott College and Wednesday 3/28 versus UMASS-Dartmouth.
Unless the conditions of Alumni Park get better over night there
probably wont be a game against Endicott College either. The
weather has been nothing but rain, rain, and more rain since 5pm
right after today's game was supposed to be played. To be safe
if the Bears want to play a game tomorrow they better bring
their raincoats.