Reality check: Men’s lacrosse stumbles against Mt. Ida

UMass Dartmouth attackman Matt Leary looks for an open teammate during the team’s game against Mt. Ida.

By Trevor Medeiros

If the UMass Dartmouth men’s lacrosse team was flying high heading into last Wednesday’s regular-season home finale against visiting Mt. Ida, then they were brought back down to earth, as the visiting Mustangs held on for a 8-7 win over the Corsairs at Cressy Field.

The Corsairs surely had good reasons to be on cloud nine prior to the game, as UMD brought a stellar 10-2 record into the matchup. And they started the game off on the right foot, as sophomore middie Pat Kohout scored the first goal four minutes into the opening quarter after he regained possession of the ball, beating Mustang goalie Matt Vernik in front of the cage.

But the first quarter saw sloppy ball handling from the Corsairs, and Mt. Ida scored three unanswered goals before UMD’s Matt Leary scored after Vernik lost possession in front of the net. Corsair goalie Steve “Cheese” Chase (11 saves) made some great stops to keep UMD in the game as the day progressed.

“It wasn’t Steve Chase’s problem today,” said UMD head coach Kevin Mahoney. “The offense didn’t do anything.”

Corsair junior Andrew Getto (2 points) tied the game at four early in the second quarter after taking a nice outlet pass from Chase. The Corsairs were poised to take the lead just minutes later, but Kohout was stopped point blank by Vernik, who also finished the game with 11 saves. Mt. Ida scored the last two goals in the quarter to take a 6-4 halftime lead.

“The first half, we played probably the worst lacrosse we’ve played all season,” said Mahoney. “We were very flat.”

Corsair middie Josh Arsenault scored his team’s only goal of the third quarter, weaving his way through the Mustang defense to beat Vernik left-side. The tally cut Mt. Ida’s lead to 6-5. The Corsairs played inspired defense in the quarter, allowing Mt. Ida to score only once, despite the Mustangs maintaining possession through much of the frame. However, the goal proved to be a big one, as John Lightbown scored from the top of the box just as time expired in the period.

“Third quarter we played great defense, and the offense just wasn’t clicking,” said Mahoney. “We didn’t give our defense a chance to rest.”

Another Mt. Ida goal five minutes into the final quarter gave the visitors an 8-5 lead. Then Arsenault and Leary both scored goals three minutes apart to cut the deficit to one (8-7). Arsenault had a chance to give UMD a lead, but his shot hit off the post.

With possession, Mahoney called a timeout with 27 seconds left to set up a play for the equalizer. Arsenault came out of the timeout with possession in a one-on-one situation, but he was stripped of the ball trying to make a dodge, and the Corsairs failed to get a shot off in the game’s dying seconds.

“We made the call for him [Arsenault], and their defense responded a little better than our offense,” said Mahoney.

Mahoney also felt his team may have taken Mt. Ida lightly, despite knowing they were a tough non-conference opponent.

“I think we were too happy. Ida’s a pretty good team. It’s a nice wake-up call.”

But the Corsairs also know they have a chance to redeem themselves in the LEC tournament.

“We’re trying to get there,” said Mahoney. “Just gotta step it up a little bit more.”

Corsairs fifth at LEC, 6th, 8th at Alliance

PROVIDENCE, RI — The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s track and field team had 15 personal bests at the Little East Conference and New England Alliance Championships at Rhode Island College’s Black Track Complex.

Both teams finished fifth at the six-team Little East Conference Championships, the men with 76 points, and the women with 42. Southern Maine won both titles, their women scoring 199 points and the men scoring 194. The Corsair men were sixth and women eighth in the 12-team New England Alliance final standings. UMass Dartmouth’s men scored 56 points, the women 38. Southern Maine won the women’s team championship with 174 points, while Westfield State was the men’s champion with 145.  

Senior Chris Jodoin won the 400 meter hurdles in 54.93 seconds and set a school record when he finished first at 400 meters in 49.38 seconds. Senior Eric Holmes was first in the 3000 meter steeplechase in 9:44.7, and sophomore Derek Stevens was third in 10:12.8, which allowed him to qualify for the New England Championships and was a personal best. Junior Jimmy Knuuttila was fifth in the 400 meters (58.35 seconds), a personal best, and junior Tyler Buck was fifth at 800 meters in 2:00.34 and sophomore Tim Whelan seventh in 2:01.02, both also being personal bests. Freshman Eric Nygaard was ninth at 1500 meters in 4:11.17 and Whelan was 11th in 4:11.97, freshman Nick Deininger was fifth in the 110 meter hurdles in 16.60 seconds, and the 4 x 400 meter relay team of senior Sam Machuor, freshman Bobby Miller, Buck and Jodoin was third in 3:24.62.

For the women, freshman Jermai Harrison was second in the shot put at 35 feet, 5 3/4 inches and third in the discus at 104 feet, four inches, while junior Hilary Baker was fourth in the shot at 34 feet, 3/4 inch and second in the discus at 104-4. Senior Leanne Nygaard turned in a personal best performance at 800 meters, finishing eighth in 2:26.81, sophomore Jess Carpenter was 10th with a personal best time of 2:27.67, senior Marliana Gaspardi and Nygaard had personal bests at 800 and 1500 meters (2:44.63 and 5:00.45, respectively), and the 4 x 100 meter relay team of freshman Linee Mello-Frost, senior Deanna Bealby, sophomore Stephanie Dinardis and freshman Briley Morrill was sixth in a team best time of 53.97 seconds.

“Our team really competed well,” said UMass Dartmouth Head Coach Jon Hird. “Both teams should be proud of themselves.”

The Corsairs will return to action at the New England Division III Championships at Coast Guard this Saturday.

PLAYER PROFILES

Tyngsboro midfielders make a difference

By Adam K. Ellis

The UMass Dartmouth women’s lacrosse team is having a tremendous season. I recently had a chance to catch up with two of the squad’s most unique sophomores, Allison Trearchis and Andrea Russo, a pair of young midfielders from Tyngsboro, Massachusetts who have known each other since they were in first grade. The sophomores have proven to be quite valuable to the young Lady Corsairs team.

Adam Ellis: First question is for Ally, Miss Clutch. I understand that you were quite the flair for dramatics back in high school, from State Tournament overtime game-winning goals to numerous stories of late-game heroics. Earlier this season you once again resurrected that high-school folklore, scoring a big goal to tie the game with 52 seconds left versus Southern Maine. What makes you so special in those big moments?

Allison Trearchis: For some reason, the pressure doesn’t really affect me. If anything, I think it gets me more focused. I just try not to think about anything but what is happening in that moment, you know? But my mind gets very clear; it’s tough to explain.

AE: Interesting….. Now Andrea, I read that in high school you ran cross-country. How much does that experience help you play your position?

Andrea Russo: Well I began running cross-country in the eighth grade and continued until I graduated. As a midfielder that helps a lot because I am constantly running.

AT: Russo does a lot of “man marking,” which is marking the best offensive player on the other team and staying with her for the whole game. Her assignment is to take the opposing team’s star out of the play and prevent her from scoring goals. It’s one of the hardest jobs on the field and I think at times it goes unrecognized.

AE: So how do you balance trying to be offensive-minded, as well as getting back on defense as quick as you can?

AR: Well the other girls on the team help me out a lot. If I’m down on attack and there’s a turnover, while I’m running back one of my teammates will pick up my assignment until I catch up. Coach Jennings tells everyone on the team which girl to watch so everyone knows that that certain girl is coming to watch her.

AE: Does playing on the same team and being such good friends fuel you to become better players?

AT: We’ve been friends since first grade and we’ve played lacrosse together since sophomore year in high school when Andrea joined our squad.

AR: We’ve been playing together for a while now, but it’s good, because it’s not really a competition between the two of us.

AE: The way you two compliment each other, as well as talk about your teammates, it sounds like you have a really selfless squad. Is your team really this close or is this just professional courtesy?

AT: No, it’s legitimate. We have a good group of players and great team chemistry this year.

AR: It’s true. There aren’t any individuals out there only for themselves. When one of us scores, we are all happy for each other. We hang out all the time and we’re around each other constantly. These girls are like my sisters….I love this team.

AE: While we’re on a sentimental moment, let’s hear your favorite moments of the season.

AR: Scoring a hat-trick versus Eastern Connecticut.

AT: That’s a tough one. Southern Maine was one of the most exciting games we’ve had but we got unlucky. Even so, I think I’ll go with that one.

AE: You lost two close games: One in which you led East Conn at the half and the sudden-death defeat in Southern Maine. Have you proven you can hang with some of the better teams in the LEC?

AR: Well, I think we can beat the East Conn’s and the Keene State’s of the league (the division front runners). We almost had the first place team in our division, East Conn, but we didn’t show up for the second half.

AT: And we should have beat Southern Maine in OT. That game was a heartbreaker.

AR: We played sooo hard, it was awful to lose that game. I would have rather walked home from that game.

Golfer Tyler Kett places second at Jack Barry Invitational

STOW, Mass. — The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s men’s golf team shot a team score of 302 and finished second at the 18-hole, seven-team Jack Barry Invitational, at the Stow Acres Country Club Saturday.

Senior Tyler Kett made his final match in a UMass Dartmouth uniform a memorable one, finishing in a first-place tie with Lee Bloom of Brandeis at 70, then winning medalist honors with a birdie on the first hole of a sudden-death playoff.

The Corsairs’ team score of 302 left them one shot behind Johnson & Wales (FL), which shot a 301 and claimed first place. Trailing UMass Dartmouth were Brandeis at 307, UMass Lowell at 311, Babson at 320, Johnson & Wales (RI) at 324 and host MIT at 333.

For the Corsairs, Kett was followed by senior Andrew Jacobs, who shot a 75 and tied for seventh,  junior Marc Francis, who shot a 78 and tied for 12th, senior Joe Accardi, who shot a 79 and finished 19th, and senior Matt Shea, who shot an 89 and tied for 34th.

“It was great to see Tyler go out in style in his last collegiate match, shooting two under par and winning on the first playoff hole,” said UMass Dartmouth Head Coach Joel Baptista. “It couldn’t have happened to a better person. Andrew Jacobs and Joe Accardi put together two of their better rounds of the spring, and they finished on a good note. We had 10 birdies as a team today, and we played our best round of the spring.”

The competition was the final action of the season for the Corsairs.

Corsairs’ outclass West Conn on senior day

By Adam K. Ellis

Kara Basque plays a tight defense in Saturday’s win.

Defense midfielder Larissa Basque (6) tries to get the ball upfield.

Playing in their last regular season home game of their careers, seniors Marie Spang, Susie Nearhoof, Megan Libby, and Erin Doherty finished on a winning note, defeating Western Connecticut State 15-11 on Saturday afternoon at Cressy Field.

After an emotional pre-game ceremonial recognition, the Lady Corsairs began with a bang. Following a Corsair score from sophomore midfielder Kara Basque, Spang found her way into the back of the Colonial net for two quick goals, giving UMD a 3-0 jumpstart.

But Colonials’ star sophomore midfielder Kara Kruczkiewicz responded, cutting into the Corsairs’ lead with two goals of her own with 19:41 to play in the first half. The Colonials had numerous chances to add to the score, but Doherty made an array of brilliant stick saves, flashing the quick hands that have made her the Corsairs’ netminder since she was a sophomore.

Finally clearing the zone, the Corsairs pushed the ball downfield, finding sophomore midfielder Allison Trearchis in front of the net, who slammed home a shot above West Conn’s keeper. Five minutes later, Trearchis added another. The Corsairs finished the half leading 7-3 and continued upon their offensive dominance in the second half, completing a thirty-minute span in which the Corsairs outscored the Colonials 12-4.

Trearchis completed the run as she scored the Corsairs final goal with 11:50 play, creating a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. Trearchis led the offensive explosion putting up a team-high five goals during the span. Nearhoof also contributed during the run with a trio of goals and a pair of assists. The Colonials would try to make things interesting down the stretch, but time ran out following five straight goals West Conn’ goals.

For the contest, UMD out shot the Colonials, 41-21. The seniors finished with a strong output, as Spang finished with a game-high of seven points (4 goals, 3 assists), including the 125th goal of her career. Nearhoof had five points (3 goals, 2 assists). Doherty stopped nine shots and Libby played well on defense.

The Lady Corsairs followed up Saturday’s success with a season ending stinker on Sunday, getting pounded 19-1 at Keene State. With the loss, UMD finished with an overall record of 8-5 and 3-3 in Little East Conference play.

Softball drops doubleheader to Western Connecticut State

NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass. — Western Connecticut State held the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s softball team to one run and eight hits and swept a Little East Conference doubleheader, winning 5-0 and 7-1 at the UMass Dartmouth Athletic Complex Saturday afternoon.

Freshman third baseman Kate Kelly and sophomore third baseman Emily Surprenant had two hits each for the Corsairs, who scored their only run in the sixth inning of the nightcap on a sacrifice fly by junior shortstop Vicki Andruszkiewicz.

Senior designated hitter Stacey DiMaggio led the Colonial attack, driving in two runs for Western Connecticut in the opener and getting three hits in the nightcap. Senior Courtney Romans scattered three hits in six innings to win the opener, improving her record to 6-0, while junior right-hander Amie Nickerson took the loss and fell to 5-12. In the second game, senior Shelby Slie and sophomore Kara Cullinane combined for a five hitter, with Slie earning the win and improving to 15-6 and Cullinane pitching the final three innings for her first save of the year. Freshman right-hander Ashley Puls started and took the loss for UMass Dartmouth, falling to 1-11.

“Once again, when we play strong teams, we have to play well defensively,” said UMass Dartmouth Head Coach Kelly Roy-Sale. “When you score one run in a doubleheader, you’re not going to win too many games. We have to be able to make all of the routine plays. Overall, I think we did some good things this year that we’re going to be able to build on for next season.”

WCSU improved to 28-11 and 10-4 in the Little East Conference with the sweep, while UMass Dartmouth dropped to 6-24 and 2-12 in the Little East. The Colonials advanced to this week’s Little East Conference Tournament, while the losses were the final action of the season for the Corsairs.

NFL DRAFT

Pats get defensive in this year’s draft

By Trevor Medeiros

Well, the 2008 NFL draft has come and gone, and for better or for worse, it’s safe to say many members of Patriot Nation came away from this event surprised.

Some were probably surprised that the Pats actually for once took a linebacker with their top pick (Jerod Mayo). Some were probably surprised that they selected three cornerbacks. Others may have been surprised that they didn’t select a tight end like they usually do. Everyone was probably surprised that Bill Belichick used a third-round pick to draft a quarterback (Kevin O’Connell), albeit one with tremendous upside.

The one thing that surprised me the most was that, for once, I actually came away pleased overall with a Patriots draft! They addressed their two most pressing needs (LB, CB) while coming away with group of players who exhibit a boatload of potential at the next level.

I have to be honest, though. I was a little disappointed with the Mayo pick, and not because it’s fattening. With Vernon Gholston off the board (thanks Mangini), the next-best player available in my eyes was USF defensive back Mike Jenkins. Not that I don’t like Mayo, I just felt that Jenkins was a better player at that point in the draft.

But, everyone else loves Mayo, and he is versatile (Belichick’s favorite word), so I guess it was the right pick after all. I was pleased New England went defensive back in round two, but was baffled again with the selection of Terrence Wheatley (Colorado). Even Mel Kiper felt there were better players at this position left on the board when this pick took place.

However, Wheatley can be summed up in one word; yeah you guessed it-versatile! He reminds me of Eugene Wilson circa 2003. The drafting of O’Connell so high was also a little perplexing to many (including yours truly). Yes, the San Diego State alum has the size, athleticism, and potential to be a great NFL quarterback, but third round?

Now, if you think Tom Brady should be looking over his shoulder, let’s be serious. The only way O’Connell replaces Tom Terrific is if he’s injured or is officially on his way to Canton. Matt Cassell is the one who should be looking over his shoulder, if anything. He’s entering the final year of his contract and the coaching staff obviously isn’t impressed with his ability to back up number 12. If that were the case, they wouldn’t have drafted O’Connell.

While drafting two more linebackers may seem like a stretch to some, consider who they are. Shawn Crable is big and physical, another word Belichick likes to associate with an ideal defender. Bo Ruud may even be the steal of the team’s draft, considering where New England got him. He comes from a school (Nebraska) with a strong defensive tradition, even if it was damaged this past season. Plus, his brother Barrett plays for the Bucs, so football runs in his family.

Yes, the Pats went defensive in this year’s draft, maybe to the surprise of some. But there should be no surprises when we see these future stars shining in Foxboro three years (or sooner) down the road.

Baseball falls twice to Eastern Connecticut State

NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass. — Visiting Eastern Connecticut State had 41 hits and swept a Little East Conference doubleheader from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s baseball team, 28-6 and 11-6, at the UMass Dartmouth Athletic Complex Saturday afternoon.

The Corsairs made things interesting in the nightcap before the Warriors scored three runs in the seventh and one in the ninth to pull away.

A triple by freshman second baseman Pete Grillo and an infield grounder by junior designated hitter Casey Askeland produced two runs for UMass Dartmouth in the third inning, and freshman Matt Ryan’s two-run single in the 4-1, while freshman Brian Pedrotti started for the Corsairs and took the loss, falling to 1-5.

ECSU scored five runs in the top of the first inning in the opener and scored in seven of their nine at-bats. Freshman designated hitter Andrew Dewin doubled, tripled and drove in six runs for the Warriors, while Hobbes and freshman shortstop Pat Smith each homered and drove in three runs. Senior first baseman Dylan Zygmont homered and drove in a pair of runs for the Corsairs. Junior Jimmy Jagodzinski went eight innings and earned the victory for Eastern Connecticut, improving to 7-2, while freshman Chris Contre started and took the loss for UMass Dartmouth, falling to 0-8.

UMass Dartmouth dropped to 3-31 and 1-11 in the Little East Conference with the losses, while the ECSU improved to 23-11-1 and 8-3 in conference play with the sweep.