x-Fordham 14-4
x-St. Joseph's 10-4
x-Temple 11-5
UMass 10-5
x-Charlotte 10-6
x-Dayton 11-8
St. Louis 10-8
St. Bonaventure 7-11
George Washington 5-13
Rhode Island 2-16
La Salle 1-13
St. Louis is not officially eliminated, but they would need last place teams Rhode Island and La Salle to take 4 games against UMass. Stranger things have happened, but it is not very likely
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Saturday Results
Fordham 4 Massachusetts 0
WP-Jen Mineau (19-7)
LP-Sara Plourde (21-13)
Rhode Island 2 La Salle 1
WP-Sam Bedore
LP-DJ Guinn
St. Bonaventure 4 Saint Joseph's 3
WP-Jen Sansano (7-6)
LP-Erin Gallagher (21-8)
Saint Joseph's 13 St. Bonaventure 4 (6 inn)
WP-Taryn Ashway (5-6)
LP-Diana Phalon (4-8)
Saint Louis 8 George Washington 0 (5 inn)
WP-Kelcie Matesa (11-8)
LP-Ali Pardo (1-2)
George Washington 1 Saint Louis 0
WP-Kara Clauss (11-13)
LP-Hannah Huebbe (13-7)
Charlotte 2 Dayton 0
WP-Katy Hackett (9-9)
LP-Alysha Isaacson (10-11)
WP-Alysha Isaacson (11-11)
LP-Katie Watkins (9-9)
Moving Day
With a full slate of games scheduled for Saturday the top 6 teams for the A10 tournament will be decided.
Here are the standings heading into Saturday:
x-Fordham 13-4
UMass 10-4
x-St. Joseph's 9-3
x-Temple 11-5
Charlotte 9-5
Dayton 10-7
St. Louis 9-7
Fordham and UMass will play another game on Saturday and the winner of that game will most likely be the number 1 seed, while the loser will fall to the number 3 seed. These games are huge both in terms of A10 postseason implications and for a possible at-large bid. This is a huge game and it gives one team an opportunity to send a message to the rest of the conference.
St. Joseph's will play a doubleheader at St. Bonaventure on Saturday and with a sweep, the Hawks can finish the season with the 2nd seed. There is still a slim possibility that the Hawks could get the top seed, but they would need some help from Rhode Island and La Salle and to be frank I am not sure that is going to happen.
St. Louis is currently the odd team out at the moment, but they will have a doubleheader on Saturday against George Washington. George Washington is no slouch, but the Billikens are in a good spot to take two and move on to the A10 tournament. If St. Louis is swept they are out and if they split they will be on shaky ground.
Which brings us to Dayton and Charlotte who will also face off in a doubleheader on Saturday. Assuming that St. Louis sweeps George Washington, the last spot in the A10 tournament will come down to one of these two teams. Charlotte will make it in with a split, while Dayton needs a sweep to guarantee a spot for themselves. If St. Louis splits and Charlotte is swept the final spot will come down to tiebreakers and it is unclear who would advance. The other scenario with St. Louis splitting and Dayton and Charlotte splitting would see both the Flyers and the 49ers make it in with the Billikens sitting at home.
Here are the standings heading into Saturday:
x-Fordham 13-4
UMass 10-4
x-St. Joseph's 9-3
x-Temple 11-5
Charlotte 9-5
Dayton 10-7
St. Louis 9-7
Fordham and UMass will play another game on Saturday and the winner of that game will most likely be the number 1 seed, while the loser will fall to the number 3 seed. These games are huge both in terms of A10 postseason implications and for a possible at-large bid. This is a huge game and it gives one team an opportunity to send a message to the rest of the conference.
St. Joseph's will play a doubleheader at St. Bonaventure on Saturday and with a sweep, the Hawks can finish the season with the 2nd seed. There is still a slim possibility that the Hawks could get the top seed, but they would need some help from Rhode Island and La Salle and to be frank I am not sure that is going to happen.
St. Louis is currently the odd team out at the moment, but they will have a doubleheader on Saturday against George Washington. George Washington is no slouch, but the Billikens are in a good spot to take two and move on to the A10 tournament. If St. Louis is swept they are out and if they split they will be on shaky ground.
Which brings us to Dayton and Charlotte who will also face off in a doubleheader on Saturday. Assuming that St. Louis sweeps George Washington, the last spot in the A10 tournament will come down to one of these two teams. Charlotte will make it in with a split, while Dayton needs a sweep to guarantee a spot for themselves. If St. Louis splits and Charlotte is swept the final spot will come down to tiebreakers and it is unclear who would advance. The other scenario with St. Louis splitting and Dayton and Charlotte splitting would see both the Flyers and the 49ers make it in with the Billikens sitting at home.
Friday Results
 |
| Chelsea Palumbo |
Fordham 6 UMass 0
WP-Jen Mineau (18-7) 2-Hitter
LP-Sara Plourde (21-12) 12 SO
Note-Fordham has clinched a spot in the A10 tournament and is in a good position for the top seed, Chelsea Palumbo went 2-3 with a HR and 5 RBI
La Salle 8 Rhode Island 2
WP-DJ Guinn
LP-Jayshree Narendran
Note-La Salle picked up its 1st A10 win this season
WP-DJ Guinn
LP-Jayshree Narendran
Note-La Salle picked up its 1st A10 win this season
*No live blog today or tomorrow*
Postseason Awards Preview: Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year
The contenders:
Chelsea Lenhart: George Washington came into 2011, after a bad 2010 campaign, thankfully outgoing coach Kim Staehle left new coach Stacey Schramm a nice welcome gift in Chelsea Lenhart. Lenhart has changed the complexion of the Colonial program along with Coach Schramm. Lenhart has been a big spark for George Washington at the top of the lineup with her bat and her speed. Another thing that I have noticed in watching this squad is that whenever George Washington needs a big hit Lenhart has come through for them. Lenhart leads the Colonials in almost every offensive category and she has been a player we have kept an eye from her first game at George Washington.
Gabby Luety: Fordham lost a big bat due to graduation last year in Erin Fisher and they gained a big bat this season with Gabby Luety. Luety has stepped up this year for Fordham and she has provided some real leadership on offense for a team that has sometimes struggled at the plate. Luety is currently second on the Rams in RBI and HR and she has provided some good protection for Jocelyn Dearborn in the leadoff slot. Luety also has a cannon behind the plate and she has formed an excellent 1-2 combo at catcher with Megan Shager. Luety is going to be a rock behind the plate and in the heart of the order for Fordham moving forward.
Stephanie Pasquale: there were big expectations coming in for Pasquale and she has delivered. Pasquale has been a leader for Temple this year both at the plate and in the circle. Pasquale has been at the forefront of the Temple renaissance and she has been a steady force in the cleanup hole. Pasquale swings a powerful bat and she has been the top run producer for the Owls. Temple has struggled offensively in the past and Pasquale has provided the big bat that the Owls have been missing in the past. Another impressive thing about Pasquale is that she very rarely strikes out, which is impressive considering the pitchers that she has gone up against this year. Pasquale is definitely going to be a force in the conference moving forward.
Lindsey Webster: this freshman outfielder has been one of the few bright spots on a struggling offense. Webster came into the year as a pitcher as well, but she has really made her mark playing right field for the Minutewomen. Webster has been a steady bat for the Minutewomen and she has come up with some clutch hits in her brief career. Webster has really solidified the 2 hole for UMass and she has been very effective in that role and she has 10 sacrifices on the year, which is an outstanding number. Webster has done just about everything that has been asked of her and without her, I am not sure where UMass would be.
Chelsea Lenhart: George Washington came into 2011, after a bad 2010 campaign, thankfully outgoing coach Kim Staehle left new coach Stacey Schramm a nice welcome gift in Chelsea Lenhart. Lenhart has changed the complexion of the Colonial program along with Coach Schramm. Lenhart has been a big spark for George Washington at the top of the lineup with her bat and her speed. Another thing that I have noticed in watching this squad is that whenever George Washington needs a big hit Lenhart has come through for them. Lenhart leads the Colonials in almost every offensive category and she has been a player we have kept an eye from her first game at George Washington.
Gabby Luety: Fordham lost a big bat due to graduation last year in Erin Fisher and they gained a big bat this season with Gabby Luety. Luety has stepped up this year for Fordham and she has provided some real leadership on offense for a team that has sometimes struggled at the plate. Luety is currently second on the Rams in RBI and HR and she has provided some good protection for Jocelyn Dearborn in the leadoff slot. Luety also has a cannon behind the plate and she has formed an excellent 1-2 combo at catcher with Megan Shager. Luety is going to be a rock behind the plate and in the heart of the order for Fordham moving forward.
Stephanie Pasquale: there were big expectations coming in for Pasquale and she has delivered. Pasquale has been a leader for Temple this year both at the plate and in the circle. Pasquale has been at the forefront of the Temple renaissance and she has been a steady force in the cleanup hole. Pasquale swings a powerful bat and she has been the top run producer for the Owls. Temple has struggled offensively in the past and Pasquale has provided the big bat that the Owls have been missing in the past. Another impressive thing about Pasquale is that she very rarely strikes out, which is impressive considering the pitchers that she has gone up against this year. Pasquale is definitely going to be a force in the conference moving forward.
Ashley Snider: the Bonnies have had a power explosion this season and freshman Ashley Snider has been at the very center of it. Snider started off slowly, but she has been hot as of late. Snider has been swinging a powerful bat and more than half of her hits have gone for extra bases. Snider's power gives the Bonnies a great foundation moving forward in the middle of their defense and the lineup. The Bonnies have had to deal with some adversity in this season, but despite all that Snider has performed. She is definitely going to be one to watch moving forward.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Postseason Awards Preview: Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year
The contenders:
Terri Adams: in just a few short years Coach Adams has taken this program to new heights and this year she had the Hawks in the mix once again. The Hawks have been hurt by bad weather, but if not for that they might be on top of the conference. She has really turned around this program and you can really see it in the mentality of her teams. St. Joseph's does not have all of the resources that other teams do, but their fight and will to succeed is unmatched. Under her guidance, the Hawks have started playing with some real swagger and they do not back down from anyone.
Aimee DeVos: I must say I was a little skeptical of Charlotte coming into this season, but as I have learned you can never count out Charlotte. Coach DeVos has instilled a mental toughness in her squad which has carried through in long extra inning battles and brutal playing conditions. Her squad has a never say die attitude and they find a way win when their backs are against the wall. She didn't have Emily Jeffery's lights out pitching this year, but the 49ers found a way to win. If there is one thing you can say about this squad they play fundamental softball and they come ready to play each time out.
Joe DiPietro: This year has been a long time coming for Coach DiPietro, after so many years of finishing just short of advancing to the conference tournament, both at La Salle and Temple he has finally broken through this year. Ever since its first game of the year, which saw Temple fall just short against Missouri, this team has believed. The Owls played a tough non conference schedule and that really prepared this squad for A10 play. Coach DiPietro has gotten his squad to swing the bats this year and they have been a force at the plate. Temple is just going out and taking care of business making their coach a very happy man. This year all the stars have aligned for Coach DiPietro and he may even get a Coach of the Year award out of it.
Cara LaPlaca: Dayton has been in a postseason drought for a long time and this year things finally seemed to go right for the Flyers. This squad has benefited from a solid freshman class and some outstanding power hitting. Coach LaPlaca stepped up the schedule for her team and seeing good pitching early seems to be paying off for her team. She has her team right in the hunt headed into the final week and that is a big step in the right direction. She is really laying a solid foundation for the program moving forward. If Coach LaPlaca makes it down to Charlotte she may come back with this award.
Elaine Sortino: after losing seven seniors to graduation and last year Co-Player of the Year, Coach Sortino has her squad right in the mix once again. UMass played an extremely difficult schedule in non conference play, which contributed to an 8 game losing streak. She found a way to get her team through that rough stretch and they have really raised their game to another level in April. Some may question whether she should win another Coach of the Year award, but this may be the best coaching job of her career.
Terri Adams: in just a few short years Coach Adams has taken this program to new heights and this year she had the Hawks in the mix once again. The Hawks have been hurt by bad weather, but if not for that they might be on top of the conference. She has really turned around this program and you can really see it in the mentality of her teams. St. Joseph's does not have all of the resources that other teams do, but their fight and will to succeed is unmatched. Under her guidance, the Hawks have started playing with some real swagger and they do not back down from anyone.
Aimee DeVos: I must say I was a little skeptical of Charlotte coming into this season, but as I have learned you can never count out Charlotte. Coach DeVos has instilled a mental toughness in her squad which has carried through in long extra inning battles and brutal playing conditions. Her squad has a never say die attitude and they find a way win when their backs are against the wall. She didn't have Emily Jeffery's lights out pitching this year, but the 49ers found a way to win. If there is one thing you can say about this squad they play fundamental softball and they come ready to play each time out.
Joe DiPietro: This year has been a long time coming for Coach DiPietro, after so many years of finishing just short of advancing to the conference tournament, both at La Salle and Temple he has finally broken through this year. Ever since its first game of the year, which saw Temple fall just short against Missouri, this team has believed. The Owls played a tough non conference schedule and that really prepared this squad for A10 play. Coach DiPietro has gotten his squad to swing the bats this year and they have been a force at the plate. Temple is just going out and taking care of business making their coach a very happy man. This year all the stars have aligned for Coach DiPietro and he may even get a Coach of the Year award out of it.
Cara LaPlaca: Dayton has been in a postseason drought for a long time and this year things finally seemed to go right for the Flyers. This squad has benefited from a solid freshman class and some outstanding power hitting. Coach LaPlaca stepped up the schedule for her team and seeing good pitching early seems to be paying off for her team. She has her team right in the hunt headed into the final week and that is a big step in the right direction. She is really laying a solid foundation for the program moving forward. If Coach LaPlaca makes it down to Charlotte she may come back with this award.
Elaine Sortino: after losing seven seniors to graduation and last year Co-Player of the Year, Coach Sortino has her squad right in the mix once again. UMass played an extremely difficult schedule in non conference play, which contributed to an 8 game losing streak. She found a way to get her team through that rough stretch and they have really raised their game to another level in April. Some may question whether she should win another Coach of the Year award, but this may be the best coaching job of her career.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Weekday Scoreboard
Tuesday, April 26th
Saint Joseph's 5 Temple 4 (11 inn)
WP-Taryn Ashway (4-6)
LP-Kisten Marris (14-9)
Saint Joseph's 12 Temple 4
WP-Erin Gallagher (21-7)
LP-Brooklyn White (5-9)
Fordham 1 Iona 0
WP-Jen Mineau (16-7) 2-Hitter 11 K's
LP-Deanne Algeo (1-4)
UMBC 9 La Salle 1 (6 inn)
WP-Stephanie Weigman (14-12)
LP-Kristen Paoletti (0-14)
UMBC 4 La Salle 1
WP-Heather Brown (4-4)
LP-Laura McCreesh (1-6)
Dayton, Ohio -- Rained Out
Akron vs Dayton 3:00 PM
Akron vs Dayton 5:00 PM
SIU-Edwardsville 3 Saint Louis 0
WP-Erika Taylor (18-13) 3-Hitter 10 K's
LP-Kelcie Matesa (10-8)
Saint Louis 10 SIU-Edwardsville 2 (6 inn)
WP-Hannah Huebbe (13-6)
LP-Lindsey Coleman (5-2)
Wednesday, April 27th
Fordham 9 Saint Peter's 0 (5 inn)
WP-Chelsea Plimpton (16-10) 1-Hitter 9 K's
LP-Shelby Beaver (2-13)
Fordham 9 Saint Peter's 0 (5 inn)
WP-Jen Mineau (17-7) Perfect Game 12 K's
LP-Erica Colon (0-10)
La Salle 1 Bucknell 0
WP-DJ Guinn (2-13)
LP-Bridget Gates (6-16)
Bucknell 4 La Salle 1
WP-Alex MacLean
LP-Laura Beth McCreesh
WP-Alex MacLean
LP-Laura Beth McCreesh
St. Bonaventure, N.Y. -- Rained Out
Buffalo vs St. Bonaventure 4:00 PM
George Mason 6 George Washington 4
WP-Miranda Cranford (4-8)
LP-Kara Clauss (10-12)
Massachusetts 3 Boston 2
WP-Sara Plourde (21-11) 3-Hitter 14 K's
LP-Erin Schuppert (9-4)
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Atlantic 10 Standings
Team Overall A10 Games Remaining (Conference Only)
x-Temple 20-18 11-3 4
UMass 22-15 10-3 6
Fordham 31-17 12-4 4
St. Joseph's 25-13 7-3 4
Charlotte 25-21 9-5 2
Dayton 18-23 10-7 2
x-Temple 20-18 11-3 4
UMass 22-15 10-3 6
Fordham 31-17 12-4 4
St. Joseph's 25-13 7-3 4
Charlotte 25-21 9-5 2
Dayton 18-23 10-7 2
Temple's ordeal
 |
| St. Louis airport after the tornado |
As many of you know a nasty tornado swept through St. Louis this past weekend, leaving a path of destruction in the surrounding area. The airport was hit very hard by the storm (pictures can be found all over) and the Temple softball team was right in the airport when it hit. Thankfully both Temple and St. Joseph's made it through the storm and by now both may be back in Philadelphia after a long bus ride.
This is one of those times to remember there is more to life than softball. Here are some stories chronicling Temple's ordeal
ESPN: Temple Softball withstands tornado trip
Temple News: Tornado disrupts softball's Easter plans
ABC 6: Local teams in Missouri during tornado
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Sunday Results
 |
| Audrey Boutin tied the game with a 2-run HR |
UMass 6 George Washington 0
WP-Sara Plourde (19-11) 1-hitter 12 SO
LP-Heidi Penna (3-11)
Note-Tiffany Meeks hit her 4th HR of the year
UMass 5 George Washington 4 (8 innings)
WP-Sara Plourde (20-11)
LP-Kara Clauss (10-12)
Note-UMass came back after a 4 run deficit to score 2 in the 6th and tied the game in the 7th with an Audrey Boutin HR
WP-Sara Plourde (20-11)
LP-Kara Clauss (10-12)
Note-UMass came back after a 4 run deficit to score 2 in the 6th and tied the game in the 7th with an Audrey Boutin HR
 |
| Kyllie Magill drove in the winning run in Game 2 |
Friday, April 22, 2011
Saturday Results
 |
| Lauren Nacke hit another blast today |
Fordham 4 Dayton 1
WP-Jen Mineau (15-7) 3-hitter 16 SO
LP-Alysha Isaacson (10-10)
Note: Lauren Nacke hit her league leading 15th HR of the year, Megan Shager also hit her 1st HR of the year
Dayton 3 Fordham 1
WP-Sarah Wedel (6-5)
LP-Chelsea Plimpton (15-10)
S-Alysha Isaacson (2)
Saint Joseph's vs Saint Louis 12:00 PM St. Louis, Mo. CANCELLED due to bad weather (If you were under a rock click here)
Saint Joseph's vs Saint Louis 2:00 PM St. Louis, Mo.
Friday Results
Temple 1 Saint Louis 0
WP-Kristen Marris (14-8)
LP-Julian Austin (4-8)
George Washington 10 Rhode Island 9
WP-Kara Clauss (10-11)
LP-Narendran (2-8)
Rhode Island 4 George Washington 1
WP-Sam Bedore (3-10)
LP-Heidi Penna (3-10)
Charlotte 1 St. Bonaventure 0
WP-Katy Hackett
LP-Jen Sansano
St. Bonaventure 6 Charlotte 3
WP-Diana Phalon (4-7)
LP-Kalie Lang (4-5)
#36 Syracuse 2 Massachusetts 1
WP- Jenna Caira (21-8)
LP- Sara Plourde (17-11)
Massachusetts 2 #36 Syracuse 0
WP- Sara Plourde (18-11)
LP- Jenna Caira (21-9)
Thursday, April 21, 2011
How does the A10 match up statistically speaking against the rest of the NCAA?
Individual
Batting Average
37. Dana Parks .423
HR per game
16. Lauren Nacke 0.35
Doubles per game
25. Tenaya Tucker 0.35
Triples per game
22. Kristin Nicoletti 0.12
24. Jocelyn Dearborn 0.11
ERA
30. Erin Gallagher 1.47
36. Sara Plourde 1.51
SO/7 innings
1. Sara Plourde 12.2
35. Jen Mineau 8.4
Wins
20. Erin Gallagher 19
45. Katy Hackett 16
Saves
9. Jen Mineau 4
Sacrifice Hits per game
4. Kerri Dockins 0.34
Hit by pitch per game
31. Kristain Burger 0.28
Team
ERA
22. UMass 1.88
38. St. Joseph's 2.09
40. Fordham 2.13
Fielding Percentage
6. Fordham .977
47. Charlotte .968
HR per game
26. St. Bonaventure 1.12
31. Dayton 1.03
43. Temple 0.94
Doubles per game
47. Charlotte 1.4
Batting Average
37. Dana Parks .423
HR per game
16. Lauren Nacke 0.35
Doubles per game
25. Tenaya Tucker 0.35
Triples per game
22. Kristin Nicoletti 0.12
24. Jocelyn Dearborn 0.11
ERA
30. Erin Gallagher 1.47
36. Sara Plourde 1.51
SO/7 innings
1. Sara Plourde 12.2
35. Jen Mineau 8.4
Wins
20. Erin Gallagher 19
45. Katy Hackett 16
Saves
9. Jen Mineau 4
Sacrifice Hits per game
4. Kerri Dockins 0.34
Hit by pitch per game
31. Kristain Burger 0.28
Team
ERA
22. UMass 1.88
38. St. Joseph's 2.09
40. Fordham 2.13
Fielding Percentage
6. Fordham .977
47. Charlotte .968
HR per game
26. St. Bonaventure 1.12
31. Dayton 1.03
43. Temple 0.94
Doubles per game
47. Charlotte 1.4
The Atlantic 10 and NCAA RPI IV
The NCAA released its second official RPI of the year and here is how the A10 stacked up as individual teams out of 289 teams in Division 1 softball.
38 Fordham
52 UMass
110 St. Joseph's
134 St. Louis
150 Temple
155 Charlotte
215 Dayton
230 George Washington
263 Rhode Island
269 St. Bonaventure
277 La Salle
So what does this mean for the A10 teams? This means that the conference has the possibility for multiple bids again in 2011. Fordham improved on its standing in the NCAA's latest RPI and at this point in the season the Rams are pretty much a lock. UMass also made a big leap in the rankings this week and the Minutewomen appear to be on the cusp of the bubble right now. The good thing for UMass is that they still have games remaining against Fordham, as well as Syracuse, which is also in the top 50 in the latest RPI. UMass still needs a strong finish if they want to see themselves in Regionals again this year. No other team in the A10 has a shot at an at-large, but unfortunately La Salle and St. Bonaventure inched closer to that 289 mark. There is a clear divide between the top and bottom teams in the conference and this is very evident in the RPI.
So how does the A10 stack up against other conferences?
1 Pac-10 22.3
2 Big 12 22.8
3 SEC 47.7
4 Big Ten 58.5
5 ACC 66.3
6 CUSA 80.6
7 Sun Belt 87.4
8 Mountain West 93.3
9 Big East 101.4
10 Big West 111.5
11 Atlantic Sun 127.9
12 WAC 130.3
13 Missouri Valley 135.9
14 Southland 137.3
15 Mid-American 146.5
15 Horizon 146.5
17 Southern 153.6
18 OVC 166.6
19 Big South 166.8
20 A10 172.1
21 CAA 176.2
22 America East 183.8
23 Summit 196.4
24 Northeast 197.3
25 Ivy 197.3
26 Metro-Atlantic 212.6
27 Pacific Coast 217.1
28 Independent 225.6
29 Patriot 226.5
30 Mid-Eastern 248.7
31 SWAC 265.3
The A10 remained 20th out of 31 conferences, which is okay. It really reflects where the teams in the middle of the A10 are situated and I think it is a little disappointing to be frank. The A10 needs to schedule tougher games as a whole and win games that they are favored to win. RPI is all about taking care of business which is something that the A10 hasn't necessarily done this year.
38 Fordham
52 UMass
110 St. Joseph's
134 St. Louis
150 Temple
155 Charlotte
215 Dayton
230 George Washington
263 Rhode Island
269 St. Bonaventure
277 La Salle
So what does this mean for the A10 teams? This means that the conference has the possibility for multiple bids again in 2011. Fordham improved on its standing in the NCAA's latest RPI and at this point in the season the Rams are pretty much a lock. UMass also made a big leap in the rankings this week and the Minutewomen appear to be on the cusp of the bubble right now. The good thing for UMass is that they still have games remaining against Fordham, as well as Syracuse, which is also in the top 50 in the latest RPI. UMass still needs a strong finish if they want to see themselves in Regionals again this year. No other team in the A10 has a shot at an at-large, but unfortunately La Salle and St. Bonaventure inched closer to that 289 mark. There is a clear divide between the top and bottom teams in the conference and this is very evident in the RPI.
So how does the A10 stack up against other conferences?
1 Pac-10 22.3
2 Big 12 22.8
3 SEC 47.7
4 Big Ten 58.5
5 ACC 66.3
6 CUSA 80.6
7 Sun Belt 87.4
8 Mountain West 93.3
9 Big East 101.4
10 Big West 111.5
11 Atlantic Sun 127.9
12 WAC 130.3
13 Missouri Valley 135.9
14 Southland 137.3
15 Mid-American 146.5
15 Horizon 146.5
17 Southern 153.6
18 OVC 166.6
19 Big South 166.8
20 A10 172.1
21 CAA 176.2
22 America East 183.8
23 Summit 196.4
24 Northeast 197.3
25 Ivy 197.3
26 Metro-Atlantic 212.6
27 Pacific Coast 217.1
28 Independent 225.6
29 Patriot 226.5
30 Mid-Eastern 248.7
31 SWAC 265.3
The A10 remained 20th out of 31 conferences, which is okay. It really reflects where the teams in the middle of the A10 are situated and I think it is a little disappointing to be frank. The A10 needs to schedule tougher games as a whole and win games that they are favored to win. RPI is all about taking care of business which is something that the A10 hasn't necessarily done this year.
The Road to Charlotte
With the Atlantic 10 Tournament only a few weeks away here are the paths that the Atlantic 10 squads will take
Charlotte (8-4)
@St. Bonaventure
@Dayton
Outlook: The 49ers will face two teams below themselves in the standings and if they can go out and take care of business they will be able to play in the A10 tournament, which they are hosting. Charlotte needs to take both these teams seriously and if they take care of business they will be able to return home for the A10 tournament.
Dayton (7-6)
@La Salle
@Fordham
Charlotte
Outlook: The Flyers are going to need to pull an upset or two to make it to Charlotte and they will need some help as well. Dayton was hurt by the weekend that saw all of Charlotte's games in Philadelphia get rained, but they did get some help when Saturday's game with UMass was cancelled. Dayton cannot afford to split these games and if they can't go at 4-2 or better, I am not expecting to see Dayton in Charlotte.
Fordham (11-3)
Dayton
@UMass
@Rhode Island
Outlook: The Rams are in a great position right now for a bye and the top seed in the tournament. Fordham controls its own destiny and if they can continue to avoid rainouts, this squad should get a day off. The big showdown will be when Fordham heads to UMass and if things go as expected this matchup could decide the A10 Championship. Even with a split Fordham would likely find themselves winning the A10 title.
George Washington (3-9)
@Rhode Island
@UMass
St. Louis
@La Salle
Outlook: The Colonials have a tough road ahead of them and it just doesn't look like a trip to Charlotte will be in the cards for this year. The Colonials were on a good roll before Kara Clauss went down and they have been in a bit of a rut ever since. I can see George Washington splitting its final few games, but they may be in too big of a hole to make the conference tournament.
La Salle (0-10)
Dayton
@Rhode Island
@UMass
George Washington
Outlook: Well it's pretty similar to Rhode Island's outlook a.k.a. not good. La Salle has no room for error and
even then they need some help. Also if for some reason they are close enough to make the A10 tournament, they may need to find a way to play the rained out DH with St. Joe's.
UMass (8-3)
George Washington
Fordham
La Salle
@Rhode Island
Outlook: The Minutewomen control their own destiny moving forward and they will be facing the bottom three teams in the conference, as well as current leader Fordham. UMass will have a big advantage in that they will be playing at home, where they have only lost five A10 games, ever. The Minutewomen should be in Charlotte, though their seed could come down to the last weekend.
Rhode Island (0-12)
George Washington
La Salle
Fordham
UMass
Outlook: Well the good news for the Rams is that they finish up at home, the bad news is that they need to run the table to make the conference tournament, but even then they still might not make it. The Rams should really focus on finishing strong to hopefully carry some momentum into next year.
St. Bonaventure (5-9)
Charlotte
St. Joseph's
Temple
Outlook: If the Bonnies want to make it down to Charlotte they are going to have to get there the hard way by playing 3 of the top 6 teams in the conference. Even if they do win all of their games it still might not be enough to get in. Not to mention they do need to actually play these games, which is not a given at this point.
St. Joseph's (7-3)
@St. Louis
@Temple
@St. Bonaventure
Outlook: The Hawks have a difficult stretch of games remaining, but they have been playing very well and I am expecting them to make the trip down to Charlotte. St. Joseph's really doesn't have much room for error over these next 6 games, but I can't see that stopping the Hawks.
St. Louis (9-5)
Temple
St. Joseph's
@George Washington
Outlook: The Billikens also have a difficult remaining schedule, but they do have the luxury of hosting Temple and St. Joseph's. St. Louis should make the tournament, but it's not a given for them either. The Billikens need to take every team seriously and they cannot afford any letdowns.
Temple (9-3)
@St. Louis
St. Joseph's
@St. Bonaventure
Outlook: The Owls are in a great spot right now to advance to the A10 tournament, but they do have a tough stretch ahead of them. Temple just needs to keep their level of play up and they should be down in Charlotte. Temple will need some help to get a bye and they find themselves at a disadvantage due to the number of games played.
Charlotte (8-4)
@St. Bonaventure
@Dayton
Outlook: The 49ers will face two teams below themselves in the standings and if they can go out and take care of business they will be able to play in the A10 tournament, which they are hosting. Charlotte needs to take both these teams seriously and if they take care of business they will be able to return home for the A10 tournament.
Dayton (7-6)
@La Salle
@Fordham
Charlotte
Outlook: The Flyers are going to need to pull an upset or two to make it to Charlotte and they will need some help as well. Dayton was hurt by the weekend that saw all of Charlotte's games in Philadelphia get rained, but they did get some help when Saturday's game with UMass was cancelled. Dayton cannot afford to split these games and if they can't go at 4-2 or better, I am not expecting to see Dayton in Charlotte.
Fordham (11-3)
Dayton
@UMass
@Rhode Island
Outlook: The Rams are in a great position right now for a bye and the top seed in the tournament. Fordham controls its own destiny and if they can continue to avoid rainouts, this squad should get a day off. The big showdown will be when Fordham heads to UMass and if things go as expected this matchup could decide the A10 Championship. Even with a split Fordham would likely find themselves winning the A10 title.
George Washington (3-9)
@Rhode Island
@UMass
St. Louis
@La Salle
Outlook: The Colonials have a tough road ahead of them and it just doesn't look like a trip to Charlotte will be in the cards for this year. The Colonials were on a good roll before Kara Clauss went down and they have been in a bit of a rut ever since. I can see George Washington splitting its final few games, but they may be in too big of a hole to make the conference tournament.
La Salle (0-10)
Dayton
@Rhode Island
@UMass
George Washington
Outlook: Well it's pretty similar to Rhode Island's outlook a.k.a. not good. La Salle has no room for error and
even then they need some help. Also if for some reason they are close enough to make the A10 tournament, they may need to find a way to play the rained out DH with St. Joe's.
UMass (8-3)
George Washington
Fordham
La Salle
@Rhode Island
Outlook: The Minutewomen control their own destiny moving forward and they will be facing the bottom three teams in the conference, as well as current leader Fordham. UMass will have a big advantage in that they will be playing at home, where they have only lost five A10 games, ever. The Minutewomen should be in Charlotte, though their seed could come down to the last weekend.
Rhode Island (0-12)
George Washington
La Salle
Fordham
UMass
Outlook: Well the good news for the Rams is that they finish up at home, the bad news is that they need to run the table to make the conference tournament, but even then they still might not make it. The Rams should really focus on finishing strong to hopefully carry some momentum into next year.
St. Bonaventure (5-9)
Charlotte
St. Joseph's
Temple
Outlook: If the Bonnies want to make it down to Charlotte they are going to have to get there the hard way by playing 3 of the top 6 teams in the conference. Even if they do win all of their games it still might not be enough to get in. Not to mention they do need to actually play these games, which is not a given at this point.
St. Joseph's (7-3)
@St. Louis
@Temple
@St. Bonaventure
Outlook: The Hawks have a difficult stretch of games remaining, but they have been playing very well and I am expecting them to make the trip down to Charlotte. St. Joseph's really doesn't have much room for error over these next 6 games, but I can't see that stopping the Hawks.
St. Louis (9-5)
Temple
St. Joseph's
@George Washington
Outlook: The Billikens also have a difficult remaining schedule, but they do have the luxury of hosting Temple and St. Joseph's. St. Louis should make the tournament, but it's not a given for them either. The Billikens need to take every team seriously and they cannot afford any letdowns.
Temple (9-3)
@St. Louis
St. Joseph's
@St. Bonaventure
Outlook: The Owls are in a great spot right now to advance to the A10 tournament, but they do have a tough stretch ahead of them. Temple just needs to keep their level of play up and they should be down in Charlotte. Temple will need some help to get a bye and they find themselves at a disadvantage due to the number of games played.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Poll of the Week
In creating this week's poll, an egregious error was made and Chelsea Plimpton was left off the list
Plimpton is 6-0 in conference play with a 1.76 ERA
Comment here and vote for other in the poll to express support for her
Plimpton is 6-0 in conference play with a 1.76 ERA
Comment here and vote for other in the poll to express support for her
Weekday Scoreboard
Tuesday, April 19th
Providence 3 Rhode Island 0
Temple vs Villanova 3:00 PM Villanova, Pa.
Providence 3 Rhode Island 0
WP-Corinne Clauss (8-11) 2-Hitter 8 K's
LP-Cassie Baker (0-4)
Providence 13 Rhode Island 2 (5 inn)
WP-Alicia Grosso (11-14) 3-Hitter
LP-Jayshree Narendran (2-6)
Niagara vs St. Bonaventure 3:00 PM St. Bonaventure, N.Y. CANCELLED
Niagara vs St. Bonaventure 5:00 PM St. Bonaventure, N.Y.Temple vs Villanova 3:00 PM Villanova, Pa.
Temple vs Villanova 5:00 PM Villanova, Pa.
George Washington 4 Georgetown 2
WP-Kara Clauss (9-11)
LP-Melissa Conners (3-14)
Wednesday, April 20th
Marist 9 La Salle 0 (6 inn)
WP-Emily Osterhaus (11-6) 1-Hitter 8 K's
LP-Laura McCreesh (1-5)
Marist 9 La Salle 1 (6 inn)
WP-Paige Lewis (13-6)
LP-Kristen Paoletti (0-13)
Saint Joseph's 5 Towson 1
WP-Erin Gallagher (20-7)
LP-Katie Lingmai (11-10)
James Madison 5 George Washington 2
WP-Olivia McPherson (11-8)
LP-Heidi Penna (3-8)
James Madison 2 George Washington 1
WP-Brittany Jeans (6-8)
LP-Heidi Penna (3-9)
S-Olivia McPherson (2)
St. Bonaventure 7 Robert Morris 3
WP-Jen Sansano (6-6)
LP-Geena Badolato (8-12)
Robert Morris 12 St. Bonaventure 9 (6 inn-Darkness)
WP-Annie Dubovec (3-4)
LP-Erin Nargi (1-4)
Massachusetts 2 Connecticut 0
WP-Sara Plourde (16-10) 3-Hitter 13 K's
LP-Ali Adelman (6-6)
South Carolina 2 Charlotte 1
WP-Julie Sarratt (7-7) 3-Hitter
LP-Kalie Lang (4-4)
#7 Missouri 7 Saint Louis 4
WP-Lindsey Muller (2-0)
LP-Kelcie Matesa (10-6)
S-Ashley Fleming (2)
#7 Missouri 5 Saint Louis 1
WP-Kristin Nottelmann (13-1) 8 K's
LP-Julian Austin (4-7)
Thursday, April 21st
Dayton 2 La Salle 1
WP-Alysha Isaacson (10-9) 2-Hitter
LP-DJ Guinn (1-12)
Dayton 5 La Salle 1
WP-Sarah Wedel (5-5)
LP-DJ Guinn (1-13)
Temple 9 Saint Louis 1
WP-Kristen Marris (13-8)
LP-Kelcie Matesa (10-7)
NOTE: Temple Scored 9 Runs in Top of 7th
Fordham 8 Fairleigh Dickinson 0 (6 inn)
WP-Jen Mineau (14-7) 2-Hitter 15 K's
LP-Kirsten Shreve (4-8)
Fordham 18 Fairleigh Dickinson 0 (5 inn)
WP-Chelsea Plimpton (15-9)
LP-Caitlin Bradac (10-5)
Massachusetts 1 Fairfield 0
WP-Sara Plourde (17-10) 2-Hitter 11 K's
LP-Sarah Minice (10-7) 6-IP 9 K's
Brown 8 Rhode Island 4
WP-Kristie Chin (9-9)
LP-Jayshree Narendran (2-7)
Rhode Island 18 Brown 9 (5 inn)
WP-Sam Bedore (2-10)
LP-Trish Melvin (2-7)
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