Double Trouble

Corsair baseball team swept in doubleheader

By Benjamin Brown

Kevin Narey is thrown out at second.

On Sunday, March 30, the Corsairs went head-to-head against Southern Maine. UMD player Dave McGuire (right) made a nice catch on a pop-up, but Maine’s strong offense had the advantage. Powerful hitters (left) allowed Maine to build a strong lead, eventually ending the game with a 16-3 victory.

The men’s baseball team put up a valiant effort this past Sunday, but was ultimately unable to pull off a victory during either of their scheduled games during a doubleheader against Southern Maine.

The Corsairs found themselves in a difficult spot during the first game as the Southern Maine Huskies were able to drive in run after run with a barrage of homeruns and RBIs, ultimately leading to a 16-3 deficit before a brutal double play robbed the Corsairs of any hope for a comeback in the bottom of the ninth.

Despite a hard effort, Sophomore Adam Gustafson let up a two-run homer in the top of the second to drop behind the Huskies by five. The Corsairs were able to drive two runs in during the bottom of the second after a walk and a line drive to center field by freshman Peter Gillo moved men into scoring position. Unfortunately, the Corsair offensive was cut short when a foul ball was caught to turn it over to the third.

Gustafson was relieved during the sixth inning after letting up twelve runs on eleven hits. The Huskies were able to pull off another two runs in the sixth, bringing the score up to 14-3.

Southern Maine was able to drive in another run before a solo shot capped the damage at sixteen runs with eighteen hits.

While still a defeat, game two was much closer as freshman Brian Pedrotti was able to limit the damage to two runs and only five hits before relief came at the top of the eighth.

Unfortunately for UMass, Southern Maine was able to force five hitless innings before Corsair junior David Ogorzalek was able to pull out a grounder up the field between first and second base during the sixth to move the one man on into scoring position.

The possibility of victory seemed possible when senior Dylan Zygmont hit a line drive to left field to cut the Husky’s lead in half. The push came to a halt when a ground out to first turned it over to the seventh, but not before a wild pitch allowed UMD to sneak in one more run to tie it up 2-2.

Southern Maine was able to sneak in two more runs before the bottom of the ninth, putting pressure on the Corsairs to regain control of a 4-2 deficit. UMass Dartmouth was unable to comeback, leaving the ninth inning scoreless as the Huskies took the day two games to none.

PROFESSOR TORCH

Question marks surround defending champs

By Adam K. Ellis 

As the majority of the Northeast and many of the national syndicates begin to crown our beloved Sox as A.L East champions, allow me to quote recently-released New England Patriots linebacker Roosevelt Colvin, “Everybody just calllllmm down.”

Let us not forget what made the ‘07 Sox team so special: Starting Pitching. The ‘07 staff, powered by 20-game winner Josh Beckett, led the American League in total wins and lowest E.R.A, while allowing the least amount of hits and runs. The rotation consisted of Beckett, Japanese rookie Daisuke Matsuzaka, 40-year olds Tim Wakefield and Curt Schilling, and a combination of Jon Lester and Julian Tavarez as your fifth-day starters.

That cast of colleagues led the Sox to their seventh championship in franchise history and second championship within the past four years. Following their World Series victory, the Sox had an uncharacteristically mild offseason in which their biggest transaction involved the re-signings of third-baseman Mike Lowell and Schilling.

But as they embark upon their quest to defend their world title, many question marks surround this aging veteran team. Already Schilling and Beckett find themselves on the disabled list; Schilling for at least 60 days and Beckett for at least the first two weeks of the season. This has put a considerable amount of pressure on a pair of young arms, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz, to carry the load. And neither has looked impressive in spring training.

Their lineup is still capable of carrying the team for short stretches throughout the season, as you won’t find a deadlier 3-4 tandem of hitters in the league as David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez. But for a starting roster whose average age last season was 31, the Sox didn’t get any younger by sitting complacent (32 this year).

And most assuredly we cannot expect another career year from Mike Lowell again. Following a considerable drop in power numbers as well as off-season knee-surgery, do we know what can we expect from David Ortiz? A positive for Sox fans is the assumption that Julio Lugo and J.D. Drew can’t play as poorly as they did in their inaugural seasons last year. Then again, who knows? I’m sure Edgar Renteria has an opinion on the matter.

Perhaps those are only mild worries in comparison to those that the AL East will impose this season. While the defending champs lay dormant in an off-season slumber, their closest competition went on an aggressive wintry hunt.

The Toronto Blue Jays, who remained close to the Sox in the East until the final month of the season, strengthened the left side of their infield by acquiring former All-Stars third-baseman Scott Rolen and shortstop David Eckstein. The Jays will also begin the season with a healthy B.J. Ryan, their stud left-handed closer who missed almost all of last year following his elbow surgery.

The forgotten –yet pesky-Tampa Bay Rays cleaned house of a few locker-room trouble-makers in a trade with the Twins, acquiring 24-year-old power pitching Matt Garza and sure-handed shortstop Jason Bartlett. The Rays who placed fourth in the AL in blown saves also added a possible future Hall-of-Fame candidate, former Los Angeles Angels closer Troy Percival.

And then there is always the New York Yankees, who remained close enough to the Sox last season to provide plenty of scares to Red Sox Nation. Although the Yankees didn’t add much to their roster, they still possess arguably the most potent lineup in baseball as well as a slew of young characters who could prove to be major pawns come mid-July.

So as you switch over to your cast of favorite ESPN or FSN analysts and hear them fawning over the easy pre-season pick, just be weary. The Sox are the popular pick right now, but they are as flawed as any other of the AL’s top-dawgs. How far will they advance in this 2008 season? Well that will be dependent upon how much production they get from a vulnerable pitching staff.

Just know that it won’t be as easy as everyone has made it out to be. To win back-to-back titles is not an easy feat. Only two teams in the last thirty years have won back-to-back titles and reside within our division: The Yankees and the Blue Jays.

Just remember who was urging caution when your Sox don’t rush out to 110-plus victories: Your Professahhhhhh. For if it is July and your Sox haven’t matched up to the early expectations, let us quote the wise and all-knowing Manny Ramirez after the Red Sox found themselves in a 3-1 hole to Cleveland last year: “It’s not the end of the world.” For it’s a long season and October is a half-a-year away. Just remember to enjoy the ride.

Lee Soares chosen to participate in NEISL All-Star Game

NEW LONDON, CT — Senior forward Lee Soares of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth men’s soccer team has been chosen to appear in the New England Intercollegiate Soccer League Senior All-Star Game.

Soares is one of 35 NCAA Division III players who were selected to play in the game. He is one of eight forwards chosen, and one of seven Little East Conference players on the list. The game features players from all NCAA Divisions, and will be played at Clark University in Worcester, MA Saturday, May 3 at 3 p.m. Players are selected by a vote of the coaches.

Soares ranked second in scoring among Corsairs last season with six goals and three assists for 15 points. “I’m very pleased that Lee was selected,” said UMass Dartmouth Head Coach Ray Cabral. “Lee had a great season even though he was injured. Obviously, he still stood out.”

Three Corsairs earn LEC Track and Field Honors

PROVIDENCE — Three members of the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s track and field team have been honored by the Little East Conference.

Freshman Eric Nygaard has been named Little East Conference Men’s Track Rookie of the Week, freshman Linee Mello-Frost has been named Little East Conference Women’s Track Rookie of the Week, and freshman Jermai Harrison has been named Little East Conference Women’s Field Rookie of the Week.

Nygaard placed fifth at 1500 meters with a time of 4:19.40 at the Jerry Gravel Classic at Westfield State College last Saturday. Mello-Frost won the 100 meter hurdles in 16.77 seconds, while running against a strong head wind, while Harrison finished second in the shot put (35 feet, 6 3/4 inches) and was third in the discus (104 feet, three inches).

“Jermai and Linee are two of the top performers in their events,” said UMass Dartmouth Head Coach Jon Hird. “Both of their performances are New England qualifiers. They’re competing at a top quality level, even though they are freshmen. Eric Nygaard didn’t run indoor track or cross country in high school, so college track and field is a big jump for him. He’s figuring it out really quickly, and he’s going to be fun to watch this spring.”

The Corsairs will return to action when they visit Fitchburg State Saturday.

UMD lacrosse fails to fend off Keene State

By Benjamin Brown

Andrew Foster (29) rushes past his defender toward the goal.

Andrew Foster prepares to make a pass.

The UMD men’s lacrosse team picked up their first loss this past Saturday against Keene state with a final score of 10-8. The confrontation was heated till the end as both teams relentlessly battled for the upper hand.

The game came out of the blocks slowly, leaving the majority of the first quarter scoreless before junior Matt Leary was able to take it to the cage with three minutes left to play before the second quarter. Keene State answered back with a tying goal two minutes later.

UMD was finally able to break away with a three goal advantage by the end of the first half, bringing the score up to 6-3 with goals by freshmen attackman Tim Walsh and junior Matt Swirbalus.

Despite valiant attempts to hold off the insistent Keene State Owls, the UMD men’s lacrosse team was unable to hold the lead as Keene State came from behind with two goals by Owl junior Tony Santa Fe. With just 3:31 left to play, the score was brought to a final 10-8 in the fourth quarter with a crippling goal by junior midfielder Alex Loscialpo.

“I’m fired up,” said Corsair head coach Kevin Mahoney. “They’re a top twenty team, but I think we played with a lot of intensity.”

The head coach went on to state that he is looking forward to the rest of the season, and will be looking to see the UMD men’s lacrosse team improve across the board.

Kevin Garnett: The new Green Monster

By Jason Sarro

A season removed from one of the Celtics’ worst, Danny Ainge made a commitment to reshaping the roster into a team that would contend in the East. The acquisition of Ray Allen on draft day 07’ was a good start. Subsequently, that wasn’t enough for Boston sports fans. Ainge then landed “The Big Ticket” or the man they simply call, KG.

After acquiring perennial All-Star forward Kevin Garnett on July 31st 2007, the Boston Celtics became the favorite in the Eastern Conference. One of the more revered power forwards in the NBA, Garnett poses a mismatch on every possession.

Garnett, who is currently playing in his 13th season, has faced some wear and tear over the years playing such a physically demanding position as the four (power forward). Even though he is turning 32 on May 19th his demeanor and tenacity on the court are nothing short of his rookie year with Minnesota.

Garnett has emerged as an MVP candidate, despite being sidelined for nine games with an abdominal strain. He is averaging 18.8 points per game, 9.8 rebounds per game, while adding 3.5 assists per game. Garnett is a double-double guy every time he steps onto the hardwood.

The fate of the Celtics relies on having a healthy Kevin Garnett in the lineup. Though the Celtics gave up a wealth of young talent, such as Al Jefferson and Gerald Green, their upside may never match what Garnett has accomplished in his career. He won MVP in the 2003-2004 season, compiled 11 All-Star game selections, as well as being named to 8 All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams. Combined, the talent the Celtics gave up will probably never accumulate a fraction of what Kevin Garnett has earned on the court.

Garnett is a multi-dimensional force offensively that demands double teams when he receives the ball in the post. Then, we the spectator, get to enjoy an underrated aspect to Kevin’s game, his ability to find the open man on the perimeter. This has allowed players like Paul Pierce and Allen to nail uncontested triples. Garnett can also guard multiple positions, so when a switch occurs he has no problem jumping out at smaller guards and forwards.

Not only is he a presence on the floor, the leadership skills he holds has relinquished further pressure on Paul Pierce to be the lone motivator. Having veterans in the locker room and the huddle will only push the young the players to improve their game. Since KG is so demanding of his peers it brings out the best in his teammates, i.e. Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins.

With the Celtics in first place in the Eastern Conference and boasting the best record in the NBA, the acquisition of Kevin Garnett has been a steal. Even though the Celtics gave up half their active roster and two future first round picks, their chances to win with that roster were in the future. Now, the Celtics have a roster that can compete with the superior Western Conference.

Kevin Garnett brings more than superior skills to the Boston Celtics. Garnett gives the Celtics someone who has playoff experience as well as unquestionable leadership skills, the intangibles it takes to win a championship.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Goliaths rule this spring’s final four

By Trevor Medeiros

The beauty of March Madness is that it’s one of the few events where little, unknown David can reign supreme over big, bad Goliath. And maybe that’s why it’s so ironic that after all upsets and mayhem that came out of the latest NCAA tournament, a quartet of Goliaths have emerged from the chaos to battle for college basketball’s ultimate prize.

For the first time since the tournament expanded to 65 teams, all four number-1 seeds have advanced to the Final Four, as Kansas, North Carolina, Memphis, and UCLA avoided any and all road blocks, speed bumps, and potential upsets on the road to San Antonio.

So what does that mean for this year’s big dance, besides the fact that everyone who knows nothing about college basketball now has a mint bracket in the office tournament pool? It means that with no George Masons to worry about, we will see the four best teams truly answer the question of who’s the best college basketball team of 2008.

And if you’re looking for the answer, you don’t have to wait until this Monday night, because I’m going to tell you right now!

Kansas vs. North Carolina: Some of us saw this matchup coming, including yours truly. Maybe Roy Williams also saw this coming, as much as he didn’t want to. Williams will try to get UNC one step closer to another championship, as he tries to get his Tar Heels past the team he coached for so many years, the Kansas Jayhawks.

While it may be an awkward game for Williams, it’ll be an outstanding game for the rest of us. It’s safe to say that these two teams are loaded. Since both have so much, talent, athleticism, and depth, it’s very unlikely that either team is going to get blown out in this one.

We all know about the dynamic duo of Ty Lawson and Tyler Hansbrough. Lawson is playing as well as any point guard in the country, and Hansbrough has been an absolute bull in the tourney (no surprise there). My pick to win the Naismith has carried the team on his back as of late, putting up 28 and 13 against Louisville in the Elite 8 matchup. Hansbrough just finds a way to get the ball in the basket.

However, it’s the play of guys like Danny Green, Wayne Ellington, and Deon Thompson that could be the difference in a Carolina win-or loss come Saturday night.

The Jayhawks have a pretty impressive core of ballers themselves in the likes of Darrell Arthur, Mario Chalmers, and Sasha Kaun. Sure they squeaked past Stephen Curry and Davidson 59-57 in the Elite 8, but make no mistake about it; this is Kansas’s best squad since the days that Kirk Hinrich and Nick Collison were playing for Williams himself.

So with such an even matchup, who comes out victorious? I know it would be easy to go with the Heels in this situation. They have had a relatively easy road to the Final Four, steamrolling every opponent except for the Cardinals. However, they haven’t faced a team this impressive all season. Kansas is just too well balanced to be denied their first national championship appearance since 2003.

Memphis vs. UCLA: The Memphis Tigers are a team on a mission. Since the tournament started, John Calipari’s squad has developed an underdog mentality, despite boasting only one defeat all season.

They’re playing motivated, trying to silence the critics (including myself) who think their lack of conference competition, free throw shooting and maturity will lead to their downfall. Well, the us-against-the-world mentality has worked so far (along with the free throw shooting), as the Tigers tore through the likes of Michigan State and Texas to earn a spot in San Antonio.

While UM is thinking like underdogs, they’re certainly anything but. With players like Chris Douglas-Roberts, Joey Dorsey, Derrick Rose, and Robert Dosier at his disposal, it’s no wonder Calipari has his team two wins from a title. But there’s a very formidable opponent standing in his way in UCLA.

Yes, the Bruins struggled to get to the Elite 8, but they showed why they belong in San Antonio when they dissected a talented Xavier team last Saturday. Of course, it starts with freshman phenom Kevin Love, but it certainly doesn’t end there for Ben Howland’s team.

Where it does end is defense, and this will be the difference in this Final Four, as the D will carry UCLA past both Memphis and Kansas this weekend. Pauley Pavilion, make room for yet another basketball title, because the Bruins are bringing it home.

MMA

UFC has competition

By Timm Freitas

Last week, there were two smaller MMA promotions that aired fights for the public: the WEC, live on Versus, and Strikeforce/EliteXC, live on Showtime. Both delivered quality cards that were exciting for viewers and the main events for both promotions lived up to their pre-fight hype.

Starting with the WEC light-heavyweight title fight, contender and United States Marine Brian Stann knocked out defending champ Doug Marshall in the first round. The press for the fight set it up as a stand up battle and that’s exactly what both fighters delivered. In the middle of round one, both fighters let their hands go and Stann landed the “money shot” keeping his professional MMA record without blemish and earning himself the crown of the light-heavy division.

Last Saturday Strikeforce and EliteXC once again did a cross promotion show and their main event for the Strikeforce middleweight title matched legend and former UFC champ, Frank Shamrock vs. undefeated Cung Le. And this fight is definitely an early candidate for fight of the year.

For three rounds the fighters went toe to toe and at the end of round three in the final minute Shamrock almost put Le out, but Le regained his composure and exercised a final kick that broke Shamrock’s wrist. The round concluded and Shamrock had to throw in the towel. If anyone is interested in seeing the break, there are pictures of Frank’s X-rays all over the internet, just search for it.

So, in all last week was a good week for the lesser known MMA promotions. And if they continue to produce quality cards like they have been, the will continue to quickly prove their legitimacy in the once-UFC dominated market.