Recently in Pomona-Pitzer Category
With spring sports in full swing now, there are a lot of sporting events in the area from which to choose. Here's the rundown on what's going on locally . . .
WEDNESDAY
Men's basketball
Chaffey at College of the Desert, 7 p.m.
San Bernardino Valley at Rio Hondo, 7 p.m.
Barstow at Mt. San Jacinto, 7 p.m.
Antelope Valley at Victor Valley, 7 p.m.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at La Verne, 7:30 p.m.
Occidental at Redlands, 7:30 p..m.
Pomona-Pitzer at Caltech, 7:30 p.m.
Women's basketball
San Bernardino Valley at Rio Hondo, 5 p.m.
Chaffey at Desert, 5 p.m.
Antelope Valley at Victor Valley, 1 p.m.
Barstow at Mt. San Jacinto, 5 p.m.
Baseball
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at Azusa Pacific, 5 p.m.
THURSDAY
Women's basketball
Redlands at Whittier, 7:30 p.m.
La Verne at Occidental, 7:30 p.m.
Caltech at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, 7:30 p.m.
Cal Lutheran at Pomona-Pitzer, 7:30 p.m.
Baseball
Azusa Pacific at Cal State San Bernardino (at Fiscalini Field), 2 p.m.
FRIDAY,
Men's basketball
Cal State Dominguez Hills at Cal State San Bernardino, 7:30 p.m
Cal Poly Pomona at Chico State, 7:30 p.m.
Women's basketball
Cal State Dominguez Hills at Cal State San Bernardino, 5:30 p.m.
Cal Poly Pomona at Chico State, 5:30 p.m.
Baseball
Whitworth (Wash.) at Pomona-Pitzer, 2 p.m.
St. Martin's (Wash.) at Cal Poly Pomona, 2 p.m.
Cal State San Bernardino at Azusa Pacific, 2 p.m.
San Bernardino Valley and Chaffey at College of the Desert Tournament
Victor Valley at Grossmont, 2 p.m.
Softball
Cal Baptist at Cal State San Bernardino (DH), noon
Redlands at Azusa Pacific, 5 p.m.
SATURDAY
Men's basketball
Cal State Los Angeles at Cal State San Bernardino, 7:30 p.m.
Cal Poly Pomona at Cal State Stanislaus, 7:30 p.m.\
Victor Valley at Chaffey, 3 p.m.
Antelope Valley at San Bernardino Valley, 3 p.m.
Rio Hondo at Barstow, 3 p.m.
La Verne at Cal Lutheran, 7 p.m.
Redlands at Pomona-Pitzer, 7 p.m.
Whittier at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, 7 p.m.
Women's basketball
Cal State Los Angeles at Cal State San Bernardino, 5:30 p.m.
Cal Poly Pomona at Cal State Stanislaus, 5:30 p.m.
Antelope Valley at San Bernardino Valley, 1 p.m.
Victor Valley at Chaffey, 1 p.m.
Cerro Coso at Barstow, 1 p.m.
La Verne at Cal Lutheran, 5 p.m.
Whittier at Clarmeont-Mudd-Scripps, 5 p.m.
Redlands at Pomona-Pitzer, 5 p.m.
Baseball
La Verne at Biola, 1 p.m.
St. Martin's at Cal Poly Pomona (DH) 11 a.m.
Azusa Pacific at Cal State San Bernardino (at Fiscalini Field) , 1 p.m.
San Bernardino Valley, Chaffey at College of the Desert Tournament
Victor Valley at Southwestern, noon.
Softball
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at Azusa Pacific, noon
Pomona-Pitzer at vanguard, noon.
Swimming and diving
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at Redlands, 10 a.m.
Caltech at La Verne, 10 a.m.
Pomona-Pitzer at Occidental, 10 a.m.
SUNDAY
Baseball
St. Martin's at Cal Poly Pomona, 11 a.m.
Chaffey at Desert Tournament
Softball
Redlands at Concordia-Irvine, 11 a.m.
Want to check out some of the local college sports action? Well there are a lot of contests to choose from!
MONDAY
Women's basketball
Cerro Coso at Chaffey, 5 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Men's basketball
Chaffey at San Bernardino, 7 p.m.
College of the Desert at Barstow, 7 p.m.
Rio Hondo at Victor Valley, 7 p.m.
La Verne at Caltech, 7:30 p.m.
Occidental at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, 7:30 p.m.
Pomona-Pitzer at Whittier, 7:30 p.m.
Women's basketball
Cal Lutheran at Redlands, 7:30 p.m.
Chaffey at San Bernardino, 5 p.m.
Rio Hondo at Victor Valley, 5 p.m.
College of the Desert at Barstow, 5 p.m.
THURSDAY
Men's basketball
UC San Diego at Cal Poly Pomona, 7:30 p.m.
Cal State San Bernardino at San Francisco State, 7:30 p.m.
Women's basketball
UC San Diego at Cal Poly Pomona, 5:30 p.m.
Cal State San Bernardino at San Francisco State, 5:30 p.m.
Redlands at Occidental, 7:30 p.m.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at Pomona-Pitzer, 7:30 p.m.
Whittier at La Verne, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY
Baseball
Westmont at Pomona-Pitzer, 2 p.m.
SATURDAY
Men's basketball
Cal State San Bernardino at Cal Poly Pomona, 7:30 p.m.
Barstow at Chaffey, 3 p.m.
Mt. San Jacinto at San Bernardino, 3 p.m.
College of the Desert at Victor Valley, 3 p.m.
La Verne at Redlands, 7 p.m.
Pomona-Pitzer at Occidental, 7 p.m.
Cal Lutheran at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, 7 p.m.
Women's basketball
Cal State San Bernardino at Cal Poly Pomona, 5:30 p.m.
Mt. San Jacinto at San Bernardino, 1 p.m.
Desert at Victor Valley, 1 p.m.
Barstow at Cerro Coso, 1 p.m.
Cal Lutheran at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, 5 p.m.
Pomona-Pitzer at Occcidental, 5 p.m.
La Verne at Redlands, 5 p.m.
Swimming and diving
La Verne at Pomona-Pitzer, 11 a.m.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at Cal Lutheran, 11 a.m.
Redlands at Whittier, 11 a.m.
Here's what's happening in local college sports this week
MONDAY
Women's basketball -
San Bernardino Valley at Cerro Coso, 6 p.m.
Chapman at La Verne, 7:30 p.m.
TUESDAY
Men's basketball
San Francisco State at Cal Poly Pomona, 7:30 p.m.
Women's basketball
San Francisco State at Cal Poly Pomona, 5:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Men's basketball
Rio Hondo at Chaffey, 7 p.m.
San Bernardino Valley at Barstow, 7 p.m.
Victor Valley at Mt. San Jacinto, 7 p.m.
Whittier at La Verne, 7:30 p.m.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at Pomona-Pitzer, 7:30 p.m.
Redlands at Occidental, 7:30 p.m.
Women's basketball
San Bernardino Valley at Barstow, 5 p.m.
Rio Hondo at Chaffey, 5 p.m.
Victor Valley at Mt. San Jacinto, 5 p.m.
THUSRDAY
Women's basketball
Occidental at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, 7:30 p.m.
La Verne at Caltech, 7:30 p.m.
Cal Lutheran at Redlands, 7:30 p.m.
Pomona-Pitzer at Redlands, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY
Men's basketball
Humboldt State at Cal State San Bernardino, 7:30 p.m.
Cal Poly Pomona at Cal State Dominguez, 7:30 p.m.
Women's basketball
Humboldt State at Cal State San Bernardino,5:30 p.m.
Cal Poly Pomona at Cal State Dominguez, 5:30 p.m.
SATURDAY
Men's basketball
Sonoma State at Cal State San Bernardino, 7:30 p.m.
Cal Poly Pomona at Cal State Los Angeles, 7:30 p.m.
Antelope Valley at Chaffey, 3 p.m.
San Bernardino Valley at College of the Desert, 3 p.m.;
Barstow at Victor Valley, 3 p.m.
Clarmeont-Mudd-Scripps at Whittier, 7 p.m.
Redlands at Caltech, 7 p.m.
La Verne at Pomona-Pitzer, 7 p.m.
Women's basketball
Sonoma State at Cal State San Bernardino, 5:30 p.m.
Cal Poly Pomona at Cal State Los Angeles, 5:30 p.m.
Antelope Valley at Chaffey, 1 p.m.;
Victor Valley at Barstow, 1 p.m.
La Verne at Pomona-Pitzer, 5 p.m.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at Whittier, 5 p.m.
Redlands at Caltech, 5 p.m.
Junior Annie Lydens was named the SCIAC Female Athlete of the Week for the third time this season while sophomore forward Jake Klewer of the men's basketball team earned the SCIAC Male Athlete of the Week honor for the first time in his career.
Lydens earned this week's honor after recording the best finish for a Pomona-Pitzer Cross Country athlete (male or female) in the history of the Division III Championships. Lydens finished third overall at nationals, breaking the previous best of fifth-place set by Crosby Freeman at the 2004 Men's National Championships and her own high mark of ninth-place on the women's side, which she set last year.
In addition, Lydens also broke the program record in the 6K, crossing the line with a time of 21.02, which was 25 seconds faster than she ran last year on her way to a ninth-place finish. She easily earned All-America honors with her performance (the top 35 finishers earn All-America distinction) and has now been named an All-American three times, including once in Outdoor Track and Field after finishing second at the nationals in the 5000 meters last spring.
Lydens did not start competing competitively in distance events until her sophomore year, and has responded with three top-10 finishes in her first three seasons. As a freshman, she only competed in one cross country race due to a foot injury, and then competed in the middle-distance (800 meters) during track season.
Lydens, who also carries a 4.0 grade point average at Pomona, plans to compete in both the 1500 and the 5000 meters this spring, and is expected to be in the hunt for national championships in both events.
Klewer, meanwhile, had an exceptional performance in a double-overtime loss to defending national champion St. Thomas (Minn.) on Saturday. He finished with game-highs of 23 points and nine rebounds, while shooting 10-14 from the floor as the Sagehens nearly pulled off the upset, leading by five with 30 seconds to go in regulation. The 23 points established a new career high as well, surpassing the 21 he had last year in a home win over Caltech.
Klewer had 14 of his points in the second half, including eight straight for the Sagehens during one stretch when he helped his team pull rally from a nine-point deficit to pull even at 49-49 with 6:30 to go. He also had a key baseline spin move for a lay-up to put Pomona-Pitzer ahead by three in overtime, before the Tommies tied it on a three-point shot with just over a minute to play.
Senior guard James Lambert was named to the Capital One/CoSIDA Academic All-District 8 first team in a vote of the district's sports information directors.
Lambert, who carries a 3.93 grade point average as an economics major, is now eligible for Academic All-America honors, which will be announced in December.
As one of the team co-captains, Lambert has had a key role in this season in blocking for junior running back Luke Sweeney who leads the nation (Division III) in rushing by over 20 yards with 182.4 yards per game. Lambert and his line-mates have paved the way for Sweeney to set both single-game (265) and single-season (1,277) rushing records in the 119-year history of Sagehen Football.
In fact, over his career, Lambert has blocked for Pomona-Pitzer's all-time leading passer (Jake Caron) and receiver (R.J. Maki), in addition to Sweeney's records this season.
Lambert and the Pomona-Pitzer offensive line have been equally effective this season with their pass protection as in opening holes for Sweeney. The Sagehens have allowed only 11 sacks all year in 263 total passing plays.
Lambert and the Sagehens finish their 2011 season when they travel across Sixth Street to take on neighboring rival Claremont-Mudd-Scripps on Saturday at 1 p.m. in the annual Peace Pipe game.
Junior Annie Lydens was named the SCIAC Female Athlete of the Week (all sports) for the second time this fall, it was announced today by the conference office.
Lydens earned the honor after winning the SCIAC Women's Cross Country Championship on Saturday at Prado Park in Chino, finishing with a time of 23:11, which was 25 seconds faster than the second-place finisher.
After winning the race, Lydens also received the 2011 SCIAC Women's Cross Country Athlete of the Year honor for the second straight season, as a result of her combined performances in the SCIAC Mutli-Duals on Oct. 15 and the conference championship on Saturday. At the Multi-Duals, Lydens finished nearly 30 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher.
In fact, Lydens competed in three races in the month of October and won all three handily, including a personal-best time of 21:03 at the Pomona-Pitzer Invitational on Oct. 1 (pictured).
An All-American in both cross country and outdoor track last season, Lydens will try to defend her NCAA Division III West Region championship when she returns to action on Nov. 12 in a race that will be held on her home course.
The NCAA Division III nationals will be Nov. 19 in Wisconsin, where she will try to improve on her ninth-place finish last fall. She also finished second in the 5000 meters at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field championships in May.
Former Pomona-Pitzer quarterback Jake Caron has signed with the Utah Flash of the Arena Football League.
Caron, 21, finished his eligibility after the 2010 season. This season he has been serving as a quarterbacks coach for the Sagehens, coached by father Roger.
As a player Caron set school records for career total yardage (9,225), passing yardage (8,408) and completions (651). As a senior, he earned the Daley Award which recognizes outstanding athletic achievement. He ended his career as the number 10 ranked passer in NCAA Division III football.
Caron, a Claremont resident, said the NFL lockout made it difficult to pursue professional opportunities. He had planned on playing with the Hartford entry of the United Football League but that team folded a week before he was to leave.
"I'm excited about the opportunity. I'm in great shape so I am ready top go," he said. "Obviously it is different, being a shorter field in a confined space, things happen a lot quicker."
Caron will leave for training camp in February with the season starting a month later.
Senior goalkeeper Kyle Pokorny of Pomona-Pitzer was named the Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) Co-Player of the Week.
Pokorny shared the honor with fellow goalkeeper Michael Wishart of Santa Clara.
Pokorny earned this week's award after a key role in helping the Sagehens defeat No. 15 Navy on Saturday evening. He had seven saves in the pivotal third quarter alone, when Pomona-Pitzer outscored the Midshipmen 3-0 to turn a 5-4 halftime advantage into a commanding 8-4 lead.
The win helped the Sagehens vault into the No. 1 spot in the Division III national rankings, as well as move them into the receiving votes category for the overall national poll (all divisions). All eight of Pomona-Pitzer's opponents have been nationally ranked so far this season.
The Sagehens will next be in action against yet another ranked team, when it faces No. 7 UC Santa Barbara on Saturday at 3 p.m. It will be third meeting between Pomona-Pitzer and the Gauchos, who faced each other on Sept. 3 at the UCLA Invitational, which UCSB won 16-4, and on Sept. 10 at the Inland Empire Tournament, which the Gauchos captured 12-7.
Practice begins this week for most area college football teams. It should be quite an interesting season in the SCIAC. There are plenty of story lines.
Cal Lutheran is a heavy favorite. The Kingsmen are looking for a third straight conference title. They return 18 starters and will be playing in a brand-spanking new facility so the program has considerable momentum.
After that it will be a crapshoot. The University of Redlands is always in contention but the Bulldogs did finally graduate quarterback Dan Selway as well as their "quarterback" on the other side of the ball in defensive back-kick returner extraordinaire in Mike Nicolini.
The Bulldogs open the season a week earlier than usual and will have a tough first-week foe in North Central (Ill.) which is the favorite in its conference. Beating that team might be a tall order with question marks in such key positions.
There are three new coaches - Kyle Sweeney at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, Chris Krich at La Verne and Kirk Jellerson at Whittier. Sweeney is in the best situation with a lot of returning starters from a team that went 7-2.
For Krich and Jellerson a three-win season would mean progress.
Then there is Occidental, looking to bounce back from an uncharacteristic losing season.
If that weren't enough, Chapman joins the SCIAC this year although the Panthers won't be eligible for a conference title in the first year. They play the SCIAC schools anyway so they may as well be in the conference.
On a sad note - condolences go out to the family and friends of former Occidental quarterback Andy Collins who collapsed and died while running on a treadmill in Florida. He was just 27 and had been married one week earlier. He was a three-time SCIAC Player of the Year.
Former Pomona-Pitzer baseball standout David Colvin is in his first year as a professional and is now pitching for the Seattle Mariners Rookie-League affiliate in Pulaski, Va.
Colvin, a 6-foot-3, 215-pound right-hander, is coming out of the bullpen for the team which is 19-22 overall. He has appeared in nine games, eight of those as a reliever. In 18 innings he has given up 16 hits, two earned runs and five walks with 17 strikeouts.
Colvin was drafted in the 27th round by the Seattle Mariners. He finished his career as the Pomona-Pitzer leader in wins with 35, strikeouts with 302, innings pitched with 369 and highest winning percentage at .833.
He also holds the single season record for strikeouts with 107 and shares the single season win record with 10 in 2010. He was named Second Team All-SCIAC in 2008 and First Team All-SCIAC in 2009, 2010 and 2011. He was named First Team All-West Region in 2010 and Second Team All-West Region in 2009 and 2011 and named Second Team All-American in 2010.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Pomona-Pitzer are hosting the NCAA Division III national tennis championships all week. While the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps teams didn't fare well, individuals are more than holding their own.
Sophomore Alex Lane of CMS just steamrolled past his two foes, losing a grand total of three games. Have you ever watched a sporting event and one side was playing so well you felt sorry for the other? That was the case. Lane said after his second match he was playing with a chip on his shoulder after a loss in the team competition earlier in the week.
He looks like he is going to be hard to beat now.
Tommy Meyer of Pomona-Pitzer also advanced to the qaurterfinals with a pair of straight set wins.
Sophomore Kristin Lim of CMS has been the star on the women's side. She too is in the quarterfinals.
All the action today is at Pomona-Pitzer beginning at 9 a.m. There is no charge and its a great venue to wander around and watch competition on different courts in a relaxed atmosphere.
It's that time of year when teams are battling for survival. A whole host of local teams were in action on Friday. Oh where to start . . .
The toughest loss of the day was that by the University of Redlands softball team which lost to host Texas-Tyler in a 15-inning extravanganza. The Bulldogs were on the brink of defeat until Sarah Beeman knocked in two runs with a double in the seventh and Redlands led 5-4.
Not so fast. Tyler then scored one. On they went.
In the ninth Lizett Casillas hit a grand slam home run, 9-5 visitors lead. Home team answeres with four. On they went.
Tyler eventually won it in the 15th on a solo home run. The Bulldogs played the equivalent of two games and must somehow find the energy to play a morning elimination game on Saturday.
It wasn't good news for the other local team playing there. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps lost to Louisiana College 8-3 and are one loss from being done.
On a brighter note, the Cal State San Bernardino softball team picked up a huge win in its regional playoff opener, upending defending national champion Hawaii Pacific 3-2 in eight innings behind the pitching of senior Cassidy Lee.
In baseball, Cal Poly Pomona remained alive, turning back Sonoma State 11-4 behind the hitting machine that is Travis Taijeron. The Broncos are in the loser's bracket playing Chico State in an elimination game.
In golf Claremont-Mudd-Scripps' Tain Lee finished second in the national championship tournament in Greensboro, N.C. He was ninth as a freshman and won it last year as a sophomore. That's quite a resume already.
University of Redlands was 10th, making its sixth top 10 finish in right years. University of La Verne was 15th.
There are six games left in the SCIAC baseball regular season and a couple of contenders have fallen by the wayside. A week ago five teams were still in the hunt. None of those have beem mathematically eliminated but both Pomona-Pitzer and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps suffered losses on Friday that will make it difficult for them now.
The defending champion Sagehens were dealt a 5-1 loss by the University of La Verne while CMS fell to Cal Lutheran 12-4. It is unlikely that either of those can leapfrog enough teams in front of them now.
Pomona-Pitzer and CMS play each other on Saturday, so the loser of that can definitely mail it in.
Redlands survived against a lower-tier team in Occidental 13-9. The Bulldogs trailed 8-0. So give them credit for having the guts to come back. But it shouldn't have been that hard.
In other games today La Verne will battle Whittier and Redlands will travel to Cal Lutheran. Its a chance for the Bulldogs to put a dagger in the Kingsmen.
A VERY big game looms on Sunday when Redlands travels to La Verne. Stay tuned!
| Redlands | 22 | 17-5 | 23-8 | |||||||||
| La Verne | 22 | 16-6 | 21-12 | |||||||||
| Cal Lutheran | 21 | 14-7 | 20-13 | |||||||||
| Pomona-Pitzer | 22 | 13-9 | 23-10 | |||||||||
| Claremont-Mudd-Scripps | 22 | 13-9 | 19-15 | |||||||||
| Whittier | 22 | 8-14 | 16-17 | |||||||||
| Occidental | 21 | 6-15 | 10-22 | |||||||||
| Caltech | 22 | 0-22 | 0-25 |
The SCIAC baseball race just a got a whole lot closer.
Not only did Pomona-Pitzer defeated Redlands 4-2, but Claremont-Mudd-Scripps upset University of La Verne 7-6. So now the four teams are separated by just two games. Redlands and La Verne remain tied for first with Pomona-Pizter one gane out and CMS two out,
The Bulldogs and Sagehens played one of the best games I have seen since I started covering colleges full-time in 2004. It was a great pitching matchup with Pomona's David Colvin opposed by Redlands's Derek Johnson.
The Bulldogs got to Colvin early and were up 2-0. But they didn't maximize their opportunities. Twice they had runners at third with one out and couldn't get another run home. They had a runner gunned down at the plate trying to score on fly ball to shallow right.
The Redlands defense was nothing short of spectacular in the first six innings, making several highlight-reel plays. They had two in the fifth, the first coming when shortstop Chase Tucker leaped as high as humanly possible to come down with a line drive off the bat of Nick Gentili that appeared headed into left field.
One batter later Teddy Bingham hit a line drive to second that was nabbed by Cameron Lowe who threw to first to double up a runner there.
The Sagehens fimally broke through with one in the seventh, then manufactured three in the eighth. There were four hits and a walk in the inning. A double down the left field line by Kyle Pokorney tied the game at 2 and a single by Timonthy Novum snapped the tie.
It was a little bit of redemption for Johnson, although his team came out on the losing end. The last time he was on the mound against the Sagehens he gave up seven hits and six runs and lasted two innings in a game that was pivotal down the stretch last year.
Colvin was Mr. Steady. In the games I have witnessed this season he seems to give up a couple early, but the later it gets, the tougher he gets. Get to him early or you won't get to him at all.
This race is going to go down to the final game!
The baseball teams from University of Redlands and Pomona-Pitzer will square off in a three-game series that starts on Friday. As usual the SCIAC will probably go down to the final game and both teams are in the mix so this is a huge series.
Redlands (20-7, 14-4) and La Verne (19-10, 14-4) are tied for first with the defending champion Sagehens (22-7, 12-6) in striking distance.
The pitching matchup doesn't get much better than this. The 3 p.m. game on Friday at Pomona-Pitzer will pit a pair of seniors in Derek Johnson (9-0, 2.10) of the Bulldogs and David Colvin (6-1, 3.18) of the Sagehens - probably the best two pitchers in the conference.
No doubt Johnson will want to make up for his showing in the game between the team's last season when he gave up seven hits and six earned runs in a 14-5 loss. He hasn't been hit that hard by anyone in his four years.
Both pitchers did face the other team in the ealier earlier series although they didn't take the mound in the same game. Johnson went the distance and earned the win in that one but like all competitors, he's likely to remember the last one because it was part of a six-game losing streak that cost the Bulldogs the conference title.
The teams will play a doubleheader at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Redlands. Kyle Hart and Adam Byrd will be the starters forthe Bulldogs. The Sagehens have some options with some pitchers now getting healthy. Travis Rooke-Ley will get the ball in one of those.
There is an interesting feature on the minor league basbeall websight (MiLB.com) featuring a trio of former baseball players at Pomona-Pitzer - James Kang, Drew Hedman and James Brunswick.
Hedman graduated in 2009 and Kang and Brunsiwck followed in 2010. They played together on some great teams. Both Hedman and Kang are now playing in the Boston Red Sox organization in the low level minors.
The two decided to get away from baseball this summer so they took a trip to China where they got back in touch with Brunswick who is working there now as an English teacher.
It's worth the read. It's titled From Green Monster to Great Wall.
It's the last week of play for area college football teams but only a couple have anything on the line.
The most important game will have San Bernardino Valley College (6-3, 4-0) traveling to East Los Angeles (4-5, 3-1) for a 6 p.m. showdown with a win bringing the Wolverines an American Division Mountain Conference title. Coach Kevin Emerson's squad is already guaranteed its first winning season since 1998.
Emerson inherited an 0-10 team in 2009 and went a respectable 5-5 last year in his first at the helm. Now he's on the brink of a conference title. That's a quick turnaround.
The other team with something on the line is the University of Redlands. The Bulldogs (7-1) will be hosting nonconference foe Chapman at 1 p.m.
Coach Mike Maynard's team can not earn a SCIAC automtic bid because of its head-to-head loss to Cal Lutheran. So Maynard is hoping for an at-large berth. It's a stretch though. A SCIAC runner-up hasn't gotten one in at least the last 20 years. I have a hard time believing it will happen this year either.
The Peace Pipe game will see Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (6-2, 3-2) cross the street to face Pomona-Pitzer (1-7, 1-4) for a 1 p.m. neighborhood tussle. It's all about bragging rights.
The University of La Verne (0-8, 0-5) will face Whittier, also at 1 p.m. If the Leopards don't pull it off they're going to have to go through another off-season thinking about an 0-9. La Verne has lost 19 straight games but maybe there is something in that fact that the last time the Leos one back in 2008, Whittier was also the foe.
Chaffey rounds out the regular season by hosting Antelope Valley at 6 p.m. I am guessing this goes down to the wire. It shouldn't. The Panthers have way more talent. But every other Chaffey game has followed that pattern.
Victor Valley (2-7) will be at Mt. San Jacinto. Coach Dave Hoover is just happy this season is about over.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps had a surprisingly tough time with Whittier but prevailed 30-27, the difference being a Chet Corcos field goal with 4:05 left.
There are a lot of games to choose from for area college football enthusiasts.
Cal Lutheran (1-1) at Redlands (2-0), 7 p.m.
Transfer U comes in to take on the Bulldogs in what should be one of the biggest games in the SCIAC this season. Cal Lutheran has looked more potent on offense than Redlands which tends to start slowly but wake up in the third quarter. The Bulldogs can't afford a slow start in this one. The running game must also do better than it has in the first two games. Slight edge to the visiting Kingsmen in this one.
La Verne (0-2) at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (2-0), 7 p.m.
A turning point game for both programs. CMS has played considerably weaker foes than the Leopards to this point. La Verne has lost 13 straight games and this a foe that shouldn't be out of its class if it wants to make a leap to respectability, CMS has looked solid but they haven't played anyone yet. Have to call this one for the Stags.
Pomona-Pitzer (0-2) at Chapman (0-2), 7 p.m.
Two teams still looking to get into the win column. The Sagehens need to improve on defense because Jake Caron and R.J. Maki can't carry the team. Chapman can also be a tough place to win. We're probably looking at a Panther victory.
In the community college ranks . . .
Riverside (2-1) at Chaffey (3-1), 6 p.m.
The Panthers have been lucky. Coach Carl Beach is the first to admit that and in this one he doesn't have room for error. Riverside is back on the way up and has some talented game-breakers. Chaffey has won some low-scoring games so trading touchdowns with the Tigers might be tough. Give RCC the edge, based on previous results.
Citrus (1-2) at San Bernardino Valley (1-2), 6 p.m.
The first Emerson Bowl with SBVC's Kevin Emerson facing his former team. He wants this one bad. His team wants it too. If Kristin James hangs on to the ball, it shouldn't be a problem. I'll go with the Wolverines at home.
Victor Valley (0-3) at Desert (1-3), 6 p.m.
The Rams have been beaten up physically by top-notch nonconference foes. They have the talent to win this one but coach Dave Hoover is worried about his team's mental state after the tough start. If the Rams lose this one it's going to be a very long season. If they can pull one out, it should them some momentum heading into conference play. Because of uncertainty at the quarterback position I have to go with Desert.
There aren't a lot of games to pick from if you want to take in a local college football game this weeekend.
The University of La Verne (0-1) and San Bernardino Valley College (0-2) are idle and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (1-0), Pomona-Pitzer (0-1) and Chaffey College (2-0) will all be on the road.
The University of Redlands (1-0) will host Whitworth, Wash. (1-1) at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Ted Runner Stadium. The Bulldogs opened their season with a 21-10 win at East Texas Baptist last week. That looks like a good win given that team's big win the previous week.
This will be the second straight week the Bulldogs will be defending a star player. Not that you want to focus and entire game plan on one player, but Whitworth does rely on all-everything back Adam Anderson much the way East Texas revolved around its quarterback Sed Harris.
Redlands has the benefit of a solid quarterback and leader in Dan Selway, who is finally exhausting his eligibilty - foes in the SCIAC wil be happy to know. The Bulldogs do need to develop a running game, something coach Mike Maynard says has been a focal point in practice this week.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps is going up to Pacific (Ore.) for a 1:30 p.m. game. That team is probably worse than the Lewis & Clark team it beat last week. Expect the Stags to move to 2-0. How good they are is still anybody's guess given the level of competition.
Pomona-Pitzer, which lost to Whitworth 35-7 last week, goes up to Lewis & Clark. So the Sagehens and quarterback Jacob Caron have a good shot at win No. 1.
In the junior college ranks Victor Valley (0-2) will be at Riverside (1-0) for a 6 p.m. showdown. The schedule makers did the Rams no favors. Don't get coach Dave Hoover started on that subject!
Chaffey (2-0) is off to an impressive start too but will face a tough task in marching down to Mission Viejo to square off against Saddleback, the No. 14 team in the state.
The University of Redlands chalked up a 21-10 win over East Texas Baptist this morning in its season debut. It was a good win for the Bulldogs over an opponent that picked up a quality win last week.
The Bulldogs got an efficient performance from senior quarterback Dan Sewlay who went 18 of 24 for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Coach Mike Maynard has said he will use other quarterbacks this season because he has to prepare for life after Selway. Well that came earlier than he even planned as Selway was sidelined with cramps early in the third quarter in the stifling humidity.
Sophomore Chad Hurst came in and directed a drive that put the Bulldogs a 21-3 lead.
Evan Reuter and David Metcalf proved to be the top targets.
On defense Redlands faced a tough task in trying to stop ETBU's scrambling quarterback Sed Harris. The Bulldogs gave up some big plays but did an admirable job. Maynard credit Andrew Carreon, Spencer Minshew, Alex Ouji and Brad Hutter.
Punter Wes Norris averaged 51.4 yards on five kicks and Mike Nicolini had a big interception in the first half.
Meanwhile Pomona-Pitzer lost to Whitworth (Wash.) 35-7 at home. The Sagehens gave up 21 quick points in the last three minutes and was not in striking distance again. The defense is looking suspect, having given up 562 yards. That will be a big problem!
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps has been awarded the right to host the 2011 California-Nevada Collegiate Track and Field Championships in the spring.
The prestigious meet for four-year colleges and universities in the two states has a history dating back to 1994. The meet, which will be held March 26-27, has been hosted by UCLA the past two years.
CMS will be the first Division III host for the championship in its 18-year history. The championship is the only meet held in either state which offers scored competition between all three NCAA Divisions as well as NAIA schools.
"It's a great opportunity to showcase our school and our facility," said former coach John Goldhammer, who was instrumental in bringing the meet to Claremont. "There hasn't been a lot of confidence in Division III schools when it comes to hosting this type of event so we're honored to be given the chance."
The bidding process came down to CMS and Division II power UC San Diego with CMS winning a vote of member coaches by a wide margin.
"We have bid for it before," Goldhammer said. "Maybe we just wore them down and they gave in. But we're looking forward to putting on a nice event."
The will not be more representation from the local schools just because it will be held near by though. To make the field athletes must be ranked in the top 27 in the field events or top 36 for track event.
The 2010 team champions were UCLA for the men and Cal State Northridge for the women.
The Pomona-Pitzer baseball team has fallen one game short of playing for the NCAA Division III West Region championship for a second straight year. The Sagehens were sent home from the 2010 event by a 6-5 loss to Mississippi College Saturday afternoon at Linfield University in McMinnville, Ore.
The disappointing thing is that the decisive run was the result of a Sagehens error in the ninth inning. Coach Frank Pericolosi says defense was an issue the entire tournament. Official scoring was generous, with many hits called as such that should have been ruled errors.
The tournament got off to such a promising start with the Sagehens winning their first two games and being the last team handed a loss in the double-elimination tournament. The wheels started coming off on Friday in a 10-0 loss to host Linfield. Two errors in the first inning led to four unearned runs and the Sagehens were never in the game.
The Sagehens (31-11) do have a lot to be proud of this season. Last year they were No. 1 in the country heading into the tournament so not winning then was more disappointing than it has to be this season.
Pericolosi started as many as four freshmen and three sophomores this season.So this team will be back. The key losses will be catcher James Brunswick, one of the team's more underrated players, and shortstop James Kang, who seemed to come up with every clutch hit.
Some players also emerged that few might have expected. Guy Stevens got throw into the fire Friday night after sophomore starter Leo Rosetti struggled. Stevens is just a freshman and had seen little mound time this season, That was a pretty pressure-packed situation. But he threw five scoreless innings before running out of gas and giving up a couple in his sixth inning of work.
The same can be said for senior Lucas Fogarty, the tough-luck loser today.He too had not been called on much but was solid in hs outing.
With three SCIAC titles and regional appearances in the last four years, it is clear that Pomona-Pitzer is the standard by which others in the conference will be measured in coming years.
The All-SCIAC honors have been doled out in baseball. Not surprsingly, Pomona-Pitzer and Redlands dominate the selections as the teams finished first and second in the conference.
The Sagehens are the lone team left playing.
FIRST TEAM
Pitchers
David Colvin, Jr., Pomona-Pitzer
Derek Johnson, Jr., University of Redlands
Alex Sunderland, Jr., Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
Catcher
Mike Surina, Sr., University of La Verne
Infielders
Nick Frederick, Jr., Pomona-Pitzer
John Hattabaugh, Sr., University of La Verne
Chase Tucker, So., University of Redlands
Steve Dannaway, Sr., Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
Zach Braband, Sr., University of Redlands
Outfielders
Nate Carlson, Jr., University of Redlands
Erik Munzer, Fr., Pomona-Pitzer
Max Rose, Sr., Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
Designated hitter
K.C. Judge, Jr., California Lutheran
SECOND TEAM
Pitchers
Matt Baudino, Jr., University of La Verne
Robbie Selden, Sr., California Lutheran
James Brunswick, Sr., Pomona-Pitzer
Ian Durhan, Jr., California Lutheran
Catcher
Jefre Johnson, Sr., University of Redlands
Infielders
Victor Peinado, Sr., University of La Verne
Eric Schropp, So., Caltech
Outfielders
Matt Martin, Sr., California Lutheran
David Spiller, Sr., Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
Jacob Storrer, Fr., Whittier
Designated hitters
Nick Gentili, Fr., Pomona-Pitzer
Brett Sandford, Sr., University of Redlands
Utility
Michael Lessig, Sr., University of Redlands
The SCIAC champion Pomona-Pitzer baseball team is the lone college team left standing. The Sagehens will leave Tuesday morning for the NCAA Division III West Regional to be hosted by Linfield (Ore.) starting on Wednesday.
The Sagehens (29-9) are seeded third in the six-team field and will open up against fourth-seeded University of Texas-Tyler at 7 p.m.
The field looks extremely tough with all six teams ranked nationally.Chapman is the top seed and is ranked the highest at No. 6. Then it's Trinity (Tex.) at No. 9, Pomona-Pitzer at No. 11, Mississippi College at No. 15 and Texas-Tyler at No. 18.
Tyler is the top team out of the tough American Southwest Conference. Both Tyler and Pitzer were regional qualifiers last year, although they didn't play each other.
The biggest challenge for the Sagehens will be rust. They haven't played in three weeks. No matter how much you practice or how many intrasquad games you play, it isn't the same as seeing live pitching and being in game situations.
Junior David Colvin gets the start. With him on the mound the Sagehens typically don't need a lot of runs.
The Sagehens have five seniors, two of whom are starters. They have been to the regional three times in the last four years.
Former Pomona-Pitzer baseball standout Drew Hedman is playing for the Salem (Va.) Red Sox, Boston's High A affiliate in the Carolina League.
It's early but his second professional season is off to a better start than the first.He is hitting .340 (16-for-47) in 14 games with eight RBI and eight runs scored. He played first base in college but is now seeing time in right field.
Hedman, who broke several school records his senior season, hit .265 last year in 45 games for the Lowell Spinners of the New York-Penn League. He was a 50th round draft pick by the Red Sox in 2009.
The SCIAC has announced the 2009-10 All-SCIAC honors in men's tennis. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, coached by Paul Settles, repeated as team champion. The Stags had three players named to the first team and one selected to second.
The complete list of honors are as follows:
Player of the Year: Andrew Giuffrida, California Lutheran University
Team Sportsmanship Award: University of La Verne
FIRST TEAM
Nick Ballou, California Lutheran University
Robbie Erani, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
Mikey Lim, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
Eric MacColl, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
Tommy Meyer, Pomona-Pitzer Colleges
Cameron Spearman, University of Redlands
SECOND TEAM
Frankie Allinson, Pomona-Pitzer Colleges
Russell Brockett, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
Jeff Hammond, University of Redlands
Ryan Lassila, California Lutheran University
Anish Nanda, University of Redlands
Uday Singh, Pomona-Pitzer Colleges
Kevin Wong, University of Redlands
Ray Worley, California Lutheran University
|
The SCIAC has announced the 2009-10 All-SCIAC Women's Tennis teams, Player of the Year and Team Sportsmanship Award and area schools are well represented. Pomona-Pitzer, coached by Ann Lebedeff, had the most players selected, although the Player of the Year is Paige Sumida of the University of Redlands. Here is the list of the entire team. FIRST TEAM
Holly Beaman, California Lutheran University Team Sportsmanship Award: California Institute of Technology |
The University of Redlands and Pomona-Pitzer baseball teams have separated themselves from the rest of the pack so the SCIAC title will come down to those two.
Redlands got brilliant pitching and posted wins of 6-2 and 7-1 over the Sagehens on Saturday. Pitzer was equally dominant in the opener on Friday, winning 9-2. So now all the three-game series are done and its on to round-robin play.
Each team has one game against all the others so it is a chance for the lesser teams to be the spoiler. But don't count on it. Barring an unforseen upset the title will come down to the last head-to-head battle between the teams on April 24 at Redlands.
The highlight of Saturday's doubleheader was a monster collision between the Bulldogs' Nate Carlson and Sagehens catcher James Brunswick with Carlson attempting to score from second on a hit in the third inning of the second game which Redlands was leading 5-0.
Carlson is a big dude - the roster says 6-4. Brunswick is 5-11, a small 5-11 at that. Carlson barreled in and Brunswick went flying, yet made the tag and hung on to the ball for the final out of the inning. Carlsown was ejected for not sliding, which Redlands coach Scott Laverty conceded was the right call.
How many times does the guy making the great defensive play lead off the next inning? Yes most of the time. And Brunswick got a hit and later scored. But that was about the only highlight of the day for the Sagehens.
Both are quality teams. And barring something unexpected, both should make the regional tournament. And both have the potential to make a run. It is ivalry in full bloom and should only get better!
Now that the dust has cleared, pairings for the SCIAC men's basketball tournament have been determined.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (19-6, 11-3) is the top seed and will host Occidental on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The other game will feature Cal Lutheran (15-10, 9-5) at Pomona-Pitzer (13-12, 9-5).
Going into the last game of the season Redlands, Cal Lutheran and Pomona-Pitzer were all tied for third so two of the three were going to make it in. Redlands looked to be the shoe-in with a game against seventh-place La Verne but the Bulldogs lost. They lost their last four games of the season so they didn't deserve to get in.
Meanwhile Pomona-Pitzer beat Oxy 55-54 and Cal Lutheran upset Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 74-67.
The championship game will be on Saturday with the highest seeded team hosting.
The University of Redlands got a win on the field and another off it Saturday night.
The Bulldogs (6-1, 4-1) cruised past Pomona-Pitzer 41-14 at Ted Runner Stadium. Dan Selway threw for 405 yards, his best showing this season. Daylan Swedlow ran for 100 with three touchdown runs, the highlight being a 25-yard in which he broke at least a half a dozen tackles.
The Bulldogs also got good news as Cal Lutheran beat Occidental 24-14. That means if the Bulldogs win their last two they could forge a three-way tie for first with Oxy and Cal Lutheran. Of couse that will be no easy task as Cal Lutheran is a formidable foe and Redlands will have to travel there the last game of the season.
As for the Sagehens . . . well they put up a fight. They only trailed 13-0 at the half despite being outplayed in every way. Jacob Caron is a quality quarterback and did everything he could. He just doesn't have the talent around him that Selway does.
Next up for Redlands is Chapman. Occidental is next for the Sagehens!
Tight end Robert McNitt caught a 23-yard scoring pass from receiver R.J. Maki in overtime to give the Sagehens a victory in their season opener in Tacoma, Wash., in their season opener.
The Sagehens tallied 397 yards offense with quarterback Jacob Caron throwing for 293. Colin Regan caught 13 passes for 11 yards while Maki hauled in eight for 105 highlighted by a 6-yard toss from Caron that gave Pitzer a 14-7 lead. Russell Oka led the ground game with 64 yards.
CLAREMONT-MUDD-SCRIPPS 22, LEWIS & CLARK 7
Andrew Segal rushed for 125 yards and quarterback Scott Yingling threw for 163 as the Stags turned back the Pioneers in their season opener.
Chet Corcos had field goals of 31 and 35 yards. Yingling had a 1-yard touchdown run and D.J. Lillard scored on a 2-yarder.
CMS rolled up 405 yards offense while limiting the host team to 55.
In most sports the SCIAC does well to get two teams from the conference in the playoffs so it was a pleasant surprise that three have been selected to the double-elimination Division III West Regional to be hosted by East Texas Baptist starting Thursday.
The University of Redlands (30-10) got the automatic bid by winning the four-team conference tournament but the Bulldogs also won the regular season. They will be the No. 4 seed in the seven-team event.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (28-14), the SCIAC tournament runner-up), received the No. 6 seed while the University of La Verne (28-18) is the No. 7.
"I'm very excited that we got three teams in and all are deserving," Redlands coach Laurie Nevarez said. "I think we're going to surprise some people."
Athenas coach Betsy Hipple agrees.
"The object is to take the best teams in the West Region," she said. "I don't see how you can not take all three teams."
Joining host and No. 3 seed East Texas Baptist (37-7) are top-seed Linfield, Ore. (36-4), No. 2 Louisiana College (36-7) and No. 5 Texas-Tyler (34-8), which hosted the event in 2008.
As surprising as the fact that three SCIAC teams got in is that three got in and Redlands still was not awarded the right to host. The school did submit a bid and the NCAA typically gives that honor based on finanical concerns. The fewer teams that need to fly, the better.
Even though the three SCIAC teams are closer in proximity, four teams were going to have to fly in to either location.
"They were ranked higher than we were most of the season so I guess they didn't think they could take it away from them," Nevarez said.
La Verne was the second seed in the SCIAC tournament but lost a 13-inning game to CMS in the loser's bracket that resulted in their elimination.
What likely helped get the Leopards in was a 5-4 win over Linfield, the No. 1 ranked in the country. Five of the seven in the field are ranked with East Texas at No. 3, Louisiana at 11, Texas-Tyler at 14 and Redlands at No. 25.
The teams will leave today and practice at the venue on Wednesday.
Division II men's golf
The University of Redlands will join the University of La Verne at the Division III national tournament which starts May 13 at the PGA Club in Port St. Lucie, Fla.
La Verne, ranked second nationally, was the SCIAC's automatic qualifier. Redlands received one of just two at-large bids handed out.
The Bulldogs success on the national stage seems to warrant that as they have finished as the national runner-up four of the last five years. The year that Redlands didn't go, 2007, La Verne was the runner-up giving the conference a streak of five straight second-place finishers.
"We're glad to get the chance to go again," Redlands coach Art Salvesen said. "Winning the conference is nice but it isn't our main goal.
Redlands is ranked ninth nationally. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps is No. 12 and had a shot at earning an at-large bid as well but the Bulldogs likely secured a bid by finishing one spot ahead of the Stags at the SCIAC 36-hole tournament, the last event of the regular season.
Methodist (N.C.) is ranked No. 1 but Salvesen likes La Verne's chances.
"I think they're the team to beat, I really do," he said. "They're talented and have some veteran players that have been there before."
It will be the first time La Verne has made the trip without veteran coach Rex Huigens, Salvensen's close friend, who retired after last season. The Leopards are now coached by Joe Skovron, a former player at the school.
Chaffey baseball
The Panthers (29-13) drew the No. 18 seed and will travel to No. 15 Ventura (26-16) for a first round playoff game at 2 p.m. today. It will be the sixth straight playoff appearance for coach Jeff Harlow's team.
The Panthers finished third in the Foothill Conference behind Mt. San Jacinto (31-10) and Rio Hondo (24-16) which drew the No. 7 and No. 16 seeds respectively.
"It was pretty much what I expected," Harlow said. "We had the highest RPI of the teams in the Southern region so we deserved to get in. We had a good practice yesterday (Sunday) so the guys are ready and excited."
Freshman right-hander Colby Gurney (10-0), out of Alta Loma High School, will get the start for the Panthers.
CMS women's lacrosse
The Athenas (12-1) were selected for the 26-team NCAA field and will travel to Cortland State for a first-round game on Wednesday.
CMS has qualified for the NCAA Championships three straight years. The team is led by the scoring trio of sophomore Sarah Dick (41 goals), senior Courtney Cronin (41 goals) and junior Colbi Brawner (40 goals).
.
By Michelle Gardner
Staff Writer
Pomona-Pitzer senior Drew Hedman sprints to third base, where Frank Pericolosi is watching from the third-base coach's box. The Sagehens are about to score another run and they're already comfortably ahead.
"When you're done, there's a scout here to see you," the coach says to the player, then turns his attention back to the matter at hand.
It might not have been the best time to mention such a thing, but Pericolosi knows that his player can handle it. He's been doing so all season and it hasn't provided the least bit of distraction.
The Sagehens (31-3, 15-0), winners of 12 straight games, are nearing their second SCIAC title in three years but face a formidable challenge today against Cal Lutheran (27-7, 13-2).
The Sagehens are ranked No. 1 in one national poll and No. 3 in another. The contribution of Hedman has been a huge factor. The Redding native is hitting a whopping .533, but his other numbers are equally impressive.
He leads the SCIAC in runs scored (53), hits (72), home runs (21), RBIs (70) and total bases (152). His slugging percentage is a robust 1.126 and his on-base percentage is .605. He has more than twice as many walks (23) as strikeouts (9). The 21 home runs are a school single-season record.
Hedman knows he is being watched, but he doesn't let that get in his head.
"It's always been a dream of mine to get drafted, but it doesn't change how I approach the game," he said during a break in a recent practice. "I don't even think about that when I'm on the field."
Hedman's numbers warrant the attention, but getting drafted isn't a given when you play for a Division III school.
Pericolosi, in his seventh year, has had two players drafted during his tenure -- catcher Jose Cortes by the Phillies in 2003 and Jase Turner, Hedman's predecessor at first base, by the Cubs in 2005.
The University of Redlands and University of La Verne have been among the top of the heap in the SCIAC in recent years, but they haven't had much luck in the draft department.
Redlands hasn't had a player drafted in coach Scott Laverty's 10 years, and the last player drafted out of La Verne was pitcher Scott Lindeen, the SCIAC Player of the Year in 2005. He played just one year in the minor leagues and never made it out of rookie ball.
The most prominent player to come out of the SCIAC in the last decade is pitcher Jason Hirsh, who was drafted out of Cal Lutheran in the second round by the Houston Astros in 2003 and made his major- league debut in August of 2006.
Pericolosi certainly thinks his top player is worthy.
"I have to think someone will give him the chance," he said. "His hitting numbers speak for themselves, but his fielding is outstanding and his foot speed is above average for a first baseman. He has all the tools."
Pericolosi added that the Diamondbacks have shown the most interest, although that is hardly an indication of what might happen on draft day.
Other teams have turned out too, and they say the evaluation process isn't different than it is for a Division I player.
"You're looking at a lot of things," said one scout who took in the Sagehens against Chapman last weekend. "Bat speed, mechanics, how frequently the batter is making solid contact -- those things don't change.
"About the only thing that is different is that these guys aren't facing as good a pitching game-in, game-out."
Hedman set the stage for his senior season by competing for the Green Bay entry of the prestigious Northwoods League, a summer wood-bat college league that starts in early May and runs through August.
That gave him the chance to play with the top players throughout the country in all divisions and show that he can play without the aid of the aluminum bat. He responded by hitting a respectable .305 in 59 games.
"That was a great opportunity," Hedman said. "I was happy with how I played there, and it gave me a lot of confidence to hold my own against those guys."
While the draft is a definite goal, Hedman's priority right now is helping the Sagehens to the postseason. Pitzer won the SCIAC and advanced to the West Region in 2007, his sophomore year, but they went just 1-2 in that tournament. They're a more seasoned team this time around, though.
"Most of us have been there before and we know what it takes," he said.
"We're more experienced and we have more depth. Hopefully that will pay off."
[
Junior second baseman James Kang stroked a two-run single in the sixth to boost the Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens (29-3) to a 4-2 nonconference win over perennial Division III title contender Chapman University Friday at Hart Park.
That hit upped Pitzer's lead to 4-0 and it never looked back.
The Panthers (21-11) scored lone runs in the seventh and ninth against Sagehens starter David Colvin (5-0) who allowed just six hits and struck out four in going the distance.
Last year Occidental and Cal Lutheran were the premier men's basketball teams in the SCIAC during the regular season but neither even made it to the conference tournament final. It was Pomona-Pitzer taking the tournament and automatic playoff bid.
It was that kind of topsy-turvy season.
The 2009 race begins with all eight teams taking the court for their conference openers Saturday. CMS will be at Redlands while La Verne treks to Whittier. Pomona-Pitzer will host Caltech.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (8-3) has emerged as the frontrunner. The Stags served notice by winning the Lee Fulmer Tournament at Redlands in December. Their most noteworthy win in that event came over No. 15 Whitworth (Wash.) which is 11-1 and hasn't lost to anyone else.
"We have played some teams out of that Northwest Conference which is a pretty decent barometer of where you stand," said CMS coach Ken Scalmanini, in his 11th season. "I like my team. The guys play hard and we're pretty deep. I think we have a little more offense than we have had in the past and we can score both inside and outside."
CMS currently has four players averaing double figures led by sophomore forward Chris Blees (12.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg), the MVP at the Fullmer Tournament.
Joining him are junior guard Conner Faught (11 ppg), senior guard senior guard Austin Soldner (10.5 ppg) and junior guard Jason Toney (10.3 ppg). Senior center Tejas Gala (5.5 ppg) rounds out the starting lineup.
Cal Lutheran (8-3) also looks like a formidable foe led by returning first-team All-SCIAC selection Andy Meier (18.4 ppg, 11.4 rpg). The Kingsmen recently dropped a close game to No. 8 Buena Vista (Iowa) 68-65.
Much-improved Whittier (6-5) and Pomona-Pitzer (3-8) should also contend.
"I think those are the four top teams right now," second-year La Verne coach Richard Reed said. "That doesn't discount the others because anything can happen in this conference. There is a lot of balance."
The Sagehens upended CMS in the SCIAC tournament finale a year ago, then lost a first-round playoff game Occidental. Pitzer's record is a bit deceiving. The Sagehens had four players, three of whom are starters, go abroad for the fall semester and they just rejoined the team in December.
"Anyone overlooking them is making a big mistake," Scalmanini said of his cross-street rival. "They just got their whole team together and they're going to be as tough as ever."
Most coaches like having a conference tournament, pointing out the atmospehere it creates. The Sagehens downed the Stags in last year's final.
"It's always crazy when we play," Scalmanini said. "Now throw in that a playoff spot is on the line. It was one of the greatest atmospheres I've seen for a game at this level."
The Leopards were a good example of a team that benefited from it, although they didn't make the four-team field.
"We were 2-5 in the first round of conference so we would have been mathematically eliminated," Reed said. "Because we had a tournament, we had something to play for right up until the last game. It gave a lot of kids a chance to compete in a playoff environment."
"I also think it's good because then the conference is being represented by the team playing the best at the end of the season."
Defending regular season champion: Occidental
Tournament champion: Pomona-Pitzer
Current records: Cal Lutheran 8-3; Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 8-3; Whittier 6-5; Occidental 4-7; La Verne 4-7; Redlands 4-7; Pomona-Pitzer 3-8; Caltech 1-10.
New coach: Oliver Eslinger (Caltech).
10 players to watch: Cal Lutheran - Andy Meier (18.4 ppg, 11.4; rpg); Caltech - Matthew Dellatorre (15.2 ppg); CMS - Chris Blees; (12.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg), Austin Soldner (10.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg); La Verne - Kyle Luhnow (14.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg); ; Occidental - Henry Meier (12.1); ppg, 8.6 rpg); Pomona-Pitzer - Adam Chaimowitz (Sr., G, 6-1, 21 ppg, 6.2 rpg), David Liss (Sr., G, 6-0, 14.7 ppg, 3 rpg); Redlands - Matt Dietrich (17.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg); Whittier - Michael Archuletta (15.4 ppg, 6.9 rpg)
Comment: Last year CMS and Pitzer met in the SCIAC tournament final, upsetting the No. 1 and 2 seeds respectively. The Sagehens picked up the win and advanced to the playoffs, only to lose a first-rounder to Occidental which had gotten an at-large playoff bid.
Saturday's games: Claremont-Mudd-Scripps at Redlands; Caltech at Pomona-Pitzer; La Verne at Whittier; Cal Lutheran at Occidental (All games 7:30 p.m.)
Staff Writer
Before last season University of La Verne women's basketball coach
Julie Kline wasn't sure she liked the idea of a conference tournament
to decide the postseason representative.
But because the SCIAC had one last season, her team advanced to the
playoffs and Occidental stayed home.
The race for the 2009 regular season title gets under way again
Thursday as all eight schools will play their SCIAC openers.
Occidental, La Verne and University of Redlands, the three teams that
battled to the finish line last year, are again the top contenders.
``It's one of those things. If it helps you, you like it. If not
you don't like it,'' Kline said. ``It worked to our advantage last year.
But it does keep things interesting for more teams longer. Almost
everyone still has something to play for late in the season.''
Occidental, which won the regular season title for the first time
since 1980, returns most of its key players, the most notable being
reigning SCIAC and West Region Player of the Year Brianna Brown. The
senior averaged 15.4 points and 8.0 rebounds per game and also led
the team with 76 steals, 26 blocks and 70 assists.
The Tigers are one of three schools who changed coaches during the
offseason. Heidi VanDerVeer has taken over for Jaime Hoffman who
assumed the athletic director role. VanDerVeer is a former head coach
of the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx and assistant with the Seattle Storm.
La Verne got off to a 6-0 start before dropping a pair of games in
Arizona in December. The Leopards are led by senior Trenecca Jones, a
Chaffey High product. Jones is a three-time All-SCIAC selection and
was Player of the Year as a sophomore.
Kline's other offensive weapons are junior Emily Carrillo and
sophomore Ashley Paul. La Verne does boast a a talented starting
lineup but lacks some firepower coming off the bench and will rely on
a rotation of six players.
Redlands finished second a year ago at 17-9, just missing out on a
possible first-place finish after a double-overtime loss to
Occidental late in the season. That strong showing came even though new coach
Rich Murphy got hired too late to recruit. He comes in with a full year
under his belt and a roster full of promising newcomers, seven of
them freshman.
``You'd have to look at Oxy and La Verne as the frontrunners. We're
young but I think we'll be in the mix,'' Murphy said. ``A lot of
teams have improved so it should make for some better games.''
Most agree the SCIAC competition should be improved this season,
siting the improvement of teams that struggled last season.
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps went just 4-20 last season thanks in part to
injuries. It has already won more games than it did last year,
picking up its seventh win in a nonconference game at Southwestern (Ariz.)
Monday.
Pomona-Pitzer has also already equaled its win total of a year ago.
``CMS and Pomona-Pitzer have both really improved,'' Kline said.
``I
am most concerned about Pomona because I have them first. They're
athletic and big and they will be tough.''
SCIAC WOMEN'S PREVIEW
Defending regular season champion: Occidental
Tournament champion: University of La Verne
Current records: La Verne 8-2; Occidental 7-3; Redlands 7-3; Whittier 7-3; Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 7-4; Pomona-Pitzer 4-6; Caltech 3-8; Cal Lutheran 1-9.
Coaches poll with 20070-8 record: 1. Occidental (21-6, 12-2); 2. University of Redlands (17-9, 10-4); 3. University of La Verne (20-8, 11-3); 4. Whittier (12-13, 7-7); 5. Cal Lutheran (13-12, 8-6); 6. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges (4-20, 3-11); 7. Pomona-Pitzer (4-21, 3-11); 8. Caltech (4-21, 2-12)
New coaches: Heidi VanDerVeer (Occidental), Brad Durchslag (Whittier), Roy Dow (Cal Lutheran).
10 players to watch: Cal Lutheran - Kourtney Jones (So., G, 5-5, 13.6 ppg); Caltech - Lisa Yee (Jr., F, 5-7, 11.2 ppg, 10.2 rpg); CMS - Aria Krumwiede (Fr., G, 5-3, 9.2 ppg); La Verne - Trenecca Jones (Sr., F, 5-9, 15.3 ppg, 7.9 rpg), Ashley Paul (So., G, 5-8, 13.3 ppg); Occidental- Brianne Brown (Sr., G, 5-8, 10.4 ppg, 2.5 spg); Pomona-Pitzer - Diedre Chew (Jr., G, 5-6, 20.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg); Redlands - Courtney Carroll (Fr., F, 6-0, 12.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Meghan Yetman (Jr., F, 5-10, 9.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg); Whittier - Kourtney Zilbert (So., F, 5-9, 12.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 3.4 spg)
Comment: Occidental lost the SCIAC tournament final to La Verne, giving the Leopards the playoff berth . . . Oxy's Brown is the reigning conference and West Region Player of the Year but has started just three of 10 games . . . Dow has taken over the reigns at Cal Lutheran
after having previously served as head coach of the Caltech men's team the last six years
Thursday's games: Occidental at Redlands; Pomona-Pitzer at La Verne; Caltech at Claremont-Mudd-Scripps; Whittier at Cal Lutheran (All games 7:30 p.m.)
CAL LUTHERAN (6-2, 4-1) at REDLANDS (7-1, 4-1)
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
Radio: KMET (1490-AM)
About Redlands: The Bulldogs are ranked No. 25 by D3football and No. 21 by the AFCA and need to win to still have a shot at an at-large playoff berth. The Bulldogs rank No. 2 nationally in total defense and No. 1 in sacks for a loss and net punting. Senior DE Brock Arndt, LB Ian Sluss and DB Mike Nicolini head the effort on that side of the ball. Junior QB Steve Smith has progressed each week since taking over for Dan Selway. Zack Schafer is the top rusher in the SCIAC.
About Cal Lutheran: The Kingsmen also rely on defense and rank fourth nationally led by DE Jacob Calderon, last year's player of the year. Cal Lu ranks first nationally defending the pass and has not yielded a touchdown pass through the air in conference play. Elusive QB Jericho Tolilolo is the catalyst of the offense and is good at making things happen on the run. The Kingsmen also boast a reliable place-kicker in Jackson Damron.
LA VERNE (2-6) at CHAPMAN (4-4)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
About La Verne: The Leopards have already surpassed their win total of 2007 so another win would be an added bonus. The passing game has been the most consistent part of the offensive attack with junior Anthony Andre at the helm, averaging 163.6 ypg. The defense has been spearheaded by senior LB Jason Carpenter and junior DB Taylor Hart. According to D3football.com the Leos have played the 14th toughest schedule out of 228 Division III schools.
About Chapman: The Panthers, a Division III independent, are coming off a 21-7 loss at Redlands. They tend to play up to the competition and down as well. They are 3-3 against teams from the SCIAC. The Panthers are averaging 322 yards a game on offense and are giving up 306 per game. They prefer to throw the ball with senior QB Eric Marty directing the offense. Daniel Hartigan and Chino product Garrett Earls lead the defense.
POMONA-PITZER (2-6, 1-4) at CLAREMONT-MUDD-SCRIPPS (3-5, 2-3)
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
About Pitzer: The Sagehens have been totally reliant on a passing game that averages 294 yards a game. Sophomore Jacob Caron threw for 507 yards last week with Kevin Kelley, last week's SCIAC Athlete of the Week, catching 16 for 272 yards in a 62-33 loss at Occidental. R.J. Maki has been a steady performer on both sides of the ball and on special teams. Success here depends on whether or not the rushing game can contribute.
.
About CMS: The Stags snapped a three-game losing streak with a 31-6 win over Whittier last week. D.J. Lillard ranks third in the conference in rushing and is coming off a 113-yard effort against the Poets. Senior DB Brock Olson leads the SCIAC in interceptions (6) and senior LB Ashton Clarke ranks second in tackles. CMS has 15 interceptions as a team, tied for first with Redlands.
CHAFFEY (5-4, 2-3) at MT. SAC (8-1, 4-1)
Kickoff: 6 p.m.
About Chaffey: The Panthers are coming off a 27-14 loss to College of the Desert that spelled the end of any postseason Bowl hopes. A number of Panthers are playing through nagging injuries including leading rusher Mark Chase (96 yards) who missed some practice time this week with a sprained ankle. Edward Heath is the team's leading tackler.
About Mt. SAC: The Mounties fell from No. 1 to 3 in Southern California after losing to Cerritos last week 44-38. They can clinch the Central Conference with a win. Freshman Nick Lamaison (2,631 yards, 29 TDs) is the catalyst of an offense that averages 428.7 yards a game. Other key players are WRs Jesse Canada and Matt Austin and RB Iosefa Burton. Sophomore DB Dominique Gaisie, of San Beranrdino, and sophomore LB Alfred Rowe lead the defense.
VICTOR VALLEY (3-6, 3-3) at MT. SAN JACINTO (2-7, 1-5)
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
About Victor: The Rams snapped a three-game losing streak with a 39-17 win over Compton. They have gotten solid play out of freshman QB O'Ryan Bradley who averages 236 yards a game passing. The Rams are down to five healthy linemen however. Victor Valley's biggest struggle has come in the secondary and it will be facing a team that averages 212 yards a game through the air.
About MSJ: The Eagles have played better of late, winning two of their last three games with one of those wins coming over a team the Rams lost to. They have used four quarterbacks but freshman Carmen Boyer worked the entire game last week. Other key players on offense are RB Butch Tuvale (562, 6 TDs) and WR Daniel Chamberlain (673 yards, 6 TDs). Freshman DB Clarence Laster is the leading tackler.
SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY (0-9, 0-7) at L.A. HARBOR (2-7, 1-5)
Kickoff: 6 p.m.
About SBVC: This is the last chance for the Wolverines to chalk up a win and snap a 14-game losing streak that dates back to last season. The bright spot for coach Pat Meech's team has been the improvement of freshman QB Danny Laugen. Meech also singled out the play of WR Robert Anderson, LBs Cordell Nugent and Shawn Borden and DB John Lewis.
About Harbor: The Seahawks rank first in the South in passing (329.4 ypg) with QB Andrew Trudnowski but don't do much of anything else. They average 148 on the ground. Chris Mathews is his favorite target. Harbor has lost three in a row and six of its last seven.
By Michelle Gardner
Staff Writer
CLAREMONT - Pomona-Pitzer sophomore Jacob Caron is looking forward to a chance to redeem himself. Last year he threw an interception after driving his team 80 yards to the Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 10 with time running out. The Sagehens lost 27-22.
It wasn't just any old loss. It was CMS, the cross-street rival. So when the teams meet Saturday at 1 p.m. at Pomona-Pitzer to play for the Peace Pipe, the sophomore standout will be looking for a little poetic justice.
``There were a couple throws in that game he'd like to have back and that was one of them,'' said Pitzer coach Roger Caron, also Jacob's father. ``He definitely has some added incentive.''
Neither team is going anywhere in the standings with Pitzer at 2-6 overall and 1-4 in conference play and CMS slightly better at 3-5 and 2-3. But that doesn't lessen the intensity of the rival which started in 1959. CMS holds a slight 27-23 edge overall, although there is some debate as to when the teams actually started playing for a prize.
``There is always a buzz around here when it comes to that game,'' Caron added. ``There were good teams here that were expected to win that game and lost and vice versa. As coaches we don't have to say much about it because the kids are already talking about it.''
Stags coach Rick Candaele agrees.
``There are very few rivalries where the other team is 20 yards up the street,'' he said. ``It may be Division III but it would be like Ohio State being able to go 20 yards to play Michigan. It's a big deal for us.''
The Sagehens look to have the advantage because of the emergence of Caron. He threw for 1,659 yards with seven touchdowns and 15 interceptions as a true freshman but has improved to the tune of 2,359 yards with 14 touchdowns and 10 interceptions this season. He threw for 507 last week in a loss to unbeaten Occidental.
The CMS secondary has been solid led by SCIAC interceptions leader Brock Olson. He will be tested as will teammates Landon Patoc, David Spiller and Blake Kos.
``He (Caron) presents a problem,'' Candaele said. ``He's tall and got good vision downfield and he gets rid of the ball pretty fast. We're going to have to put some pressure on him and limit the damage.''
CMS will be led by senior quarterback Ryan Larsen, who has struggled with a shoulder but appears healthier now.
Elsewhere La Verne rounds out the season with a nonconference game at Chapman at 7 p.m. The big clash will be at Redlands where the Bulldogs and Cal Lutheran will square off, with the winner having an outside shot at an at-large playoff spot.
In the community college ranks Chaffey will be at Mt. SAC at 6 p.m. and San Bernardino Valley will be at L.A. Harbor, also at 6 p.m.
University of La Verne volleyball standout Brianna Gonzales has been named the 2008 SCIAC Player of the Year after helping lead the Leopards to their ninth straight conference championship and second consecutive undefeated league mark.
Gonzales was joined by four other Leopards in the All-Conference awards as Crista Jones and Anna Calmer were First Team All-SCIAC selections while Yesenia Lopez and Ashley Morgado each earned Second Team nods.
Voting for the all-conference teams was conducted among the league's coaches.
Gonzales paced La Verne She tallied a team-high 310 kills (3.92 per game) while also collecting 274 digs which ranked second-most on the Leopard squad. She had a .268 overall hitting percentage on the season while hitting .304 in conference matches from her outside
hitter position. Gonzales also reached double figures in both kills and digs in 14 matches this season.
A senior from Whittier, Gonzales repeats as SCIAC Player of the Year from last season and becomes La Verne's first two-time Player of the Year since Amy Kratochvil (2002, 2004). Her selection marks the 16th time a La Verne student-athlete has earned SCIAC Player of the Year honors in volleyball.
Jones led La Verne in hitting percentage at .353 in all matches while hitting .397 in conference play. The junior middle blocker also tallied 225 kills (2.85 per game) in addition to leading the team in blocks with 72. Jones makes her third appearance on the All-SCIAC squad after a First Team selection in 2006 and a Second Team nod in 2007.
A sophomore from La Habra, Calmer earns her first selection to the All-SCIAC team after making a successful transition from setter to rightside hitter for the Leopards. Calmer finished the regular season with 157 kills, an average of 2.01 per game.
A junior from Hacienda Heights, Morgado makes her first All-SCIAC selection after collecting 123 kills. The middle blocker also registered 58 total blocks this season.
Lopez dished out a team-high 721 assists. The junior setter from West Covina helped La Verne record the highest team hitting percentage in the conference (.250) while averaging 8.90 assists per game which ranked second in SCIAC play.
La Verne finished the regular season with a 23-2 overall record including a 14-0 mark in the SCIAC to earn an automatic berth into the NCAA Division III Tournament. The Leopards are currently ranked #3 in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA)
Division III Top 25 Poll.
The team includes:
Anna Calmer OH ULV SO
Emily Hudson OH CMS FR
Summer Plante-Newman OH CLU JR
Crista Jones M ULV JR
Allison Kerr M CLU SO
Linsdey Benson S CLU SR
Ruchi Patel L PP SR
Second Team
Corri Hayes OH CLU JR
Helena Bottemiller M CMS SR
Ashley Morgado M ULV JR
Alex Harrison S CMS SR
Yesenia Lopez S ULV JR
Chelsea Arcaris L UR SO
Erin Exline M CLU SO
By Michelle Gardner
Staff Writer
Jeff Willey scored off an assist from Nick Gunderson 29 seconds into
the second overtime to give the top-seeded the University of Redlands
a 2-1 win over third-seeded Pomona-Pitzer in the championship game of
the SCIAC tournament.
The win sends the Bulldogs (16-4-1) into the Division III playoffs
with pairings to be announced Monday.
Redlands finished with a commanding 40-14 edge in shots. It also had
a goal late in regulation ruled no good. But Coach Ralph Perez
appreciated his team's determination.
"You have to overcome. Sometimes it's the opponent. Sometimes it's a
referee's decision,'' Perez said. ``Sometimes it's a game when things
aren't going your way.''
It was the second game in as many tries where the Bulldogs where
forced to double overtime. They defeated Claremont-Mudd-Scripps in
Thursday's semifinals 1-0.
``I've never been a big fan of the tournament because I think 14
games is enough,'' Perez said. ``But this does help make you
tournament tough, tournament ready.''
The Sagehens (10-7-3) scored first despite being outshot 27-8 to that
point. A Sagehen player was tripped inside the box on a breakaway and
Andrew Stamm converted the penalty kick to give the visitors a 1-0
lead with 16:50 left.
The Bulldogs appeared to answer with 12:47 left when Willey dished
the ball off to Bryan Fakkema who sent the ball to the right side of
the net sending the Bulldogs into celebration. But that proved
premature as the referee called the ball off the inside of the post.
It didn't take long for them to answer though. Just a minute later
Alex Parker did score from 15 yards out off a pass from Fakkema,
tying it at 1-all.
The Sagehens played the last 10 minutes of regulation a player short after a red card had been issued to one of their players after a hard tackle on the Bulldogs Alex Parker.
Pomona-Pitzer keeper Charlie Balter made 13 saves while Redlands'
Evan Hobson needed to make just three.
For the seventh consecutive match, the No. 20 University of Redlands women's soccer team shut out its opponent, taking out the University of La Verne by a 3-0 score in the semifinal round of the 2008 Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Postseason Tournament on Wednesday at Farquhar Field.
After a scoreless first half, sophomore midfielder Jessi Hoyt (Boise, ID) took a pass from freshman midfielder Jaimie Morton (Boise, ID) and chipped a shot over Leopard keeper Tatiana Gutierrez's head for the first goal of the match.
Freshman midfielder Fionna Connolly (Salem, OR) tacked on the second score of the contest with a goal off of a through ball from senior forward Erica Jahn (Davis, CA) while sophomore defender Chelsea Hafley (Redlands, CA) secured the victory at the 85-minute mark from a shot driven well outside of the box, marking the third time she has found the back of the net this season.
The Bulldogs outshot the visiting Leopards by a 26-9 margin and received seven corner kicks to La Verne's three.
With Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges advancing on penalty kicks (3-2) after a 0-0 tie against Cal Lutheran University in the first semifinal round game, Redlands (14-4-1, 9-3 SCIAC) will host the Athenas on Saturday, Nov. 8 at a time to be determined. The winner of the match on Saturday will get the SCIAC's automatic bid to the NCAA playoffs.
When the University of Redlands lost to Occidental three weeks ago, hopes of a playoff bid appeared bleak. It might be natural to suffer a letdown, but the Bulldogs (5-1, 3-1) have lived up to their billing, beating two foes by a combined 101-14. Next up is a 1 p.m. contest Saturday at Pomona-Pitzer (2-4, 1-2).
"I have been proud of this team because that does show a lot of character," Bulldogs Coach Mike Maynard said. "That was a huge, disappointing loss but it shows nothing can keep us down."
Pitzer coach Roger Caron has been impressed with the way the Bulldogs regrouped after their loss.
"They're going out and playing to the bitter end and letting things play out," he said. "That's a tribute to their kids and coaching staff that they have played that well after such a big letdown."
This is yet another game that looks like a mismatch. The Bulldogs got back in the American Football Coaches Association poll at No. 25. More importantly they are ranked seventh in the West Region.
Redlands is ranked second in the country in total defense. Senior end Brock Arndt is tied for second nationally in both sacks and tackles for loss.
While the Sagehens have not fared well overall, they do boast a passing attack that ranks first in the SCIAC and 26th nationally.
Sophomore quarterback Jacob Caron, the coach's son, is the catalyst. He has the two top receivers in the conference in senior Kevin Kelly and sophomore R.J. Maki.
Maynard said he plans to mix up his defenses to try and keep Caron off balance.
"He's a very good quarterback and his receivers are solid," Maynard said. "He's very savy. He's a coach's son so they talk about coverages over the dinner table."
Caron knows that they key to that passing will whether or not the smaller offensive line can withstand a bigger, more physical defensive front.
Redlands will dress 100 while Pitzer, which also has smaller players physically, will dress 40.
"We're going to have to go out and play way over our heads," Caron said.
In SCIAC play elsewhere La Verne (1-5, 1-3) will be at Whittier (1-5, 1-2) and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (2-4) will play nonconference foe Chapman (3-3).
On the community college front, Chaffey (4-3, 1-2) will host Riverside (2-6, 0-4) at 1 p.m. and San Bernardino Valley (0-7, 0-4) hosts first-place Southwestern (5-2, 4-0).
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
About Chaffey: The Panthers need a win to keep even a remote shot at
a bowl bid alive. The Panthers have damaged their own cause with
penalties. They had 185 yards called against them in last week's
costly 27-20 loss to Citrus. Chaffey continues to use two
quarterbacks buy Greg Sprowls will get the start this week. DT David
Williams is the latest injury casualty. The Panthers have some depth
there with Garrett Haro and Chris Ramos, both out of Claremont,
likely to see more action. RB Mark Chase and WR-KR Aaron Mays
continue to be the bright spots for coach Carl Beach.
About Riverside: The Tigers have found the going tough in the
National Division Central Conference. They have lost six straight
games, the last four all conference games. Cedric Foster (366 yards,
5 TDs) is the team's leading rusher. Redlands High product Coy Glass
(1,246 yards, 11 TDs) directs an offense that averages 312 yards per
game. Miller grad Jacob Slouka is the top receiver. RCC has big-play
potential on special teams with James Calhoun on punt returns and
Corey Ham on kick returns. Sophomore SS Jamell Murry and Anthony
Caruthers (Redlands East Valley) lead the defense.
SOUTHWESTERN (5-2, 4-0) at SAN BERNARDINO VALLEY (0-7, 0-4)
Kickoff: 6 p.m.
About Southwestern: The Jaguars had traditionally been a bottom tier
team in the old Foothill Conference but have emerged as the
frontrunner in the new American Division Mountain Conference. They
have won five straight games, the eye-opening one a 14-10 win over
nonconference foe Grossmont. The rushing game revolves around Kenslow
Smith (694 yards, 9 TDs) with QB Ryan Nelson (1,820 yards, 16 TDs)
directing the aerial game. His favorite target is George Bell (847
yards, 8 TDs). David Ferris (51 tackles) is the team's top defender.
About SBVC: The Wolverines came up just short last week, falling to
Mt. San Jacinto 34-28. Freshman QB Danny Laugen(434 yards, 5 TDs)
has made great strides since taking over for injured Mike Stadler
three weeks ago. Other key offensive players arew RB Devon Libran and
WR Eric Charles. Freshman SS Dexter Reed had 12 tackles and two
interceptions to earn conference defensive player of the week honors.
Freshman SS Ricky Pesquera and freshman LB Shawn Borden are the
team's leading tacklers.
VICTOR VALLEY (2-5, 2-2) at SAN DIEGO MESA (3-4, 3-1)
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
Radio: 910-AM
About Victor: The Rams are looking to bounce back from a 41-19 loss
to conference leader Southwestern. Starting QB O'Ryan Bradley has
been sidelined with a hip flexor but is expected back this week. The
Rams rely on balance with Deandre Glasper (234 yards, 3 TDs) and Mel
Carmichael (204 yards, 4 TDs) sharing the workload out of the
backfield. Kenyatta Smith (383 yards, 2 TDs) is the top threat in
the passing game. Joshua Hudson (70 tackles) is the top defender. The
kicking game has been a bit inconsistent as well.
About Mesa: The Olympians have won three of their last four. Included
in that streak is a 31-27 win over L.A. Harbor, a team the Rams lost
to. Mesa averages 194 yards through the air with Philip Staback
directing the attack. Other prominent players in the offense are WR
Michael Medina (36 catches, 570 yards, 9 TDs) and RB Braxton Welford
(450 yards, 2 TDs). Sophomore LB Michael Johnson and ophomore DB Matt
Collins lead the defense. Mesa is in contention for a playoff berth
in the Mountain Conference (American Division).
REDLANDS (5-1, 3-1) at POMONA-PITZER (2-4, 1-2)
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
Radio: KMET (1490-AM)
About Redlands: The Bulldogs boast a balanced attack, led by junior
QB Steve Smith who is coming off his best game as a starter. Zack
Schafer (602 yards, 9 TDs) is second in the SCIAC in rushing while
Jeff Stewart (403 yards, 4 TDs) is fifth. The Bulldogs rank second in
the country in total defense led by senior DE Brock Arndt, freshman
LB Ian Sluss and sophomore DB Mike Nicolini. The teaqm had six sacks
last week with Arndt getting three of those. Special teams are also
solid with punter Wes Norris and kicker Joe MacMillan.
About Pitzer: The Sagehens are all about the pass as QB Jacob Caron
(1,637 yards, 10 TDs) leads the conference and wide receivers Kevin
Kelley (51 catches, 729 yards, 5 TDs) and R.J. Maki (43 catches, 572
yards, 3 TDs) are 1-2 in receiving. Pitzer ranks sixth of seven teams
in rushing although Russell Oka is coming off a good showing in last
week's win over Whittier. Senior TE Robert McNitt (ankle) is out for
the second week. Senior DB Taylor Barbour is second in the
conference in interceptions (4).
LA VERNE (1-5, 1-3) at WHITTIER (1-5, 0-3)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
About La Verne: La Verne's losses are to teams with a combined record
of 25-8. The Leopards are coming off a 40-27 loss to unbeaten
Occidental. Despite that loss coach Andy Ankeny was pleased with his
team responded down 34-0. Backup QB Christian Winnewisser played well
in relief of starter Anthony Andre. Seniors WRs Charles Lacy and Phi
Van Le have come up big in the passing game which has helped since
the Leos rank last in the conference running the ball. Senior LB
Jason Carpenter has been the steady leader on defense.
About Whittier: The Poets boast the leading rusher the conference in
Anthony Pomponio (686 yards, 8 TDs) but they have been erratic with
the passing game. It has a true freshman at the controls in Chino
product Taylor Fallon. Senior Shawn Briggs (24 catches, 347 yards, 4
TDs) is ninth in the SCIAC in receiving. Leading defenders are senior
LB Sean MacNeil, senior LB Steffen Santos and junior LB Brandon Boehm
(Serrano HS).
CHAPMAN (3-3) at CLAREMONT-MUDD-SCRIPPS (2-4)
Kickoff: 1 p.m.
About Chapman: The Panthers are an independent but play all of the
SCIAC schools and are 2-2 against them thus far. They average 346
yards per game offense, 197 of that through the air. Senior Eric
Marty (1,183 yards, 9 TDs) runs the offense. Other key players in the
offense are RB Mike Christensen (648 yards, 8 TDs) and WR Kaleo Perez
(24 catches, 299 yards). Daniel Hartigan (46 tackles) is the top
tackler. Chino product Garrett Earls (40 tackles) is also a key
contributor.
About CMS: The Stags are coming off a 48-0 loss to Redlands.
Quarterback has been issue. Coach Rick Candaele said he plans to
start Scott Yingling, who is returning from a shoulder injury. Ryan
Larsen is the backup but will see action. The best performance last
week was turned in by Landon Patoc who had two interceptions, Brock
Olson is the SCIAC leader in interceptions (6).
The Claremont-Mudd-Scripps women and Occidental men came out on top at the SCIAC Multi-Dual Meet Saturday at La Mirada Park.
The Athenas (7-0) were led by individual winner Evelyn Ross (22:15.86) and second-place finsiher Julia Rigby (22:20.42). Sophomore Ashley Scott (23:23.35) and senior Kathleen Harris (23:23.81) finished sixth and seventh.
The Sagehens claimed fourth through sixth places with Anna Scharfen (22:47.93), Maddy Kieselhorst (23:11.99) and Rose Haag (23:17.31).
Pitzer was without its top runner Alicia Freese who has been sidelined with a stress fracture the last three weeks. Coach Kirk Reynolds isn't sure when she will be able to run.
On the men's side Eric Kleinasser (26:11.26) of Occidental took individual honors.
Pitzer (6-1) was second and CMS third (5-2) in the team competition. Senior Torrey Olson of Pitzer was second (26:16.14) with junior teammate Brian Gillis fourth (26:36.38). The best finish for CMS was the sixth by junor Florian Scheulen (26:52.75)
<
Starting quarterback or no starting quarterback, the University of Redlands is still a formidable foe. That seems to be the prevailing thought among coaches in the SCIAC.
Conference play begins today and the Bulldogs (2-0) will trek to Ortmayer Stadium for a 1 p.m. showdown against the University of La Verne (0-2).
The Bulldogs will be without junior quarterback Dan Selway who earned SCIAC Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2007 but sustained a broken foot in a win over Whitworth (Wash.) two weeks ago.
He threw for 489 yards and five touchdowns in the first two games. His spot now goes to junior Steve Smith with freshman Dylan Barrera elevated to backup status. Smith did see some mop-up duty in the first two games. He also played the entire second half of Redlands' playoff game last year at St. Johns (Minn.).
"They're a good program and they're deep at every position," second-year Leopards coach Andy Ankeny said of the Bulldogs. "We don't shy away from tough competition. We want to play them at their best because there's no better way to find out where your progam is. We wish he (Selway) was in there but don't expect less of a game because he isn't."
The Bulldogs were idle last week, giving Smith an extra week to prepare. Redlands coach Mike Maynard said his team won't alter its game plan even though it has the luxury of a three-pronged rushing attack ignited by seniors - Tom Romaine, Zack Schafer and Jeff Stewart.
"We do what we do. We're not going to change anything, he said. "He has been here so he knows the offense. He has had a good week of practice and we have all the confidence in the world in him."
Selway was also the Bulldogs' punter. Maynard said freshman Wes Norris and senior Kraig Kraning are battling for that job.
The biggest factor in the game will likely be how the La Verne running game fares against a Redlands defense that ranks first nationally against the run.
The Leopards have managed just 101 yards total in two games on 75 tries with their leading rusher being freshman Curtis Puli with 61 yards.
The Bulldogs, led by senior defensive end Brock Arndt and freshman linebacker Ian Skuss, have held their first two opponents to minus-24 yards.
"We can't let our quarterback sit back there and get tattoed," Ankeny said. "Our young pups are going to have to hold up. That's obviously a big factor. If we can do that we have a chance."
Redlands is averaging 452 yards offense. The La Verne defense, led by senior linebacker Jason Carpenter, is giving up and average 453.
While the game looks one-sided on paper, Maynard is leary of the Leopards.
"They're a hungry team and it's the conference opener so they're going to be ready," said Maynard, who was at La Verne's game last week against Willamette (Ore.). "They have made a lot of progress even though it may not show in th win column. We're expecting a battle."
The other SCIAC teams will also be in action. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (1-1) will be at Occidental (2-0) to play a team it nearly upset a year ago. Pomona-Pitzer (1-1) will be at Chapman (1-1) for its final nonconference tuneup. Both the Stags and Sagehens are coming off byes.
Area community colleges will also be in action. Chaffey (3-1) will host Cerritos (3-1) in its National Division Central Conference opener at 6 p.m.
In American Division Mountain Conference play San Bernardino Valley (0-4) will be at San Diego Mesa (1-3) at 6 p.m. and Victor Valley (1-3) will host Golden West (2-2) at 1 p.m.
The University of Redlands finished 30th out of 430 Division III colleges in the National Association of Collegiate Directors of America (NACDA) U.S. Sports Academy Directors' Cup.
This honor is presented annually by NACDA and USA Today to the nation's best
overall collegiate athletics programs in each division as well as the NAIA.
Williams College (Mass.) was the winner in Division III. Redlands chalked up 438.5 points to finish 30th in the standings. It was the highest finish of any Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) school.
The University of La Verne came in 73rd, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges took 81st and Pomona-Pitzer Colleges 98th. In addition, the Bulldogs surpassed various schools from the West Coast, including Whitworth University (41st), the University of Puget Sound (59th),
Linfield College (68th), and UC Santa Cruz (75th).
"We earn points and remain competitive because of the quality of our programs across the board," Director of Athletics Jeff Martinez said. "This is a great tribute to our student-athletes, coaches, and support staff, who work diligently to help make us the best we can be
every day."
This is the fifth straight season Redlands has been in the top 30. The Bulldogs' best finish came in 2004-05, when they earned 458.5 points for 16th place.
2008 All-SCIAC Baseball Selections Announced
May 14, 2008
The 2008 All-SCIAC Baseball Selections have been announced. University of La Verne Leopards claimed the SCIAC Conference title. Scott Marcus, a senior from La Verne has been named Player of the Year. The First and Second All-SCIAC Teams are listed below.
| Player of the Year: | Scott Marcus, SR | University of La Verne |
|
First Team | ||
| Pitchers | Tim Jolly, SO | University of La Verne |
| Michael McCarthy, SO | University of Redlands | |
| Nolan Nicholson, JR | University of Redlands | |
| Catcher | Jefre Johnson, SO | University of Redlands |
| Infielders | Andrew Blomberg, JR | Claremont-Mudd-Scripps |
| Anthony Cappelletti, JR | Whittier College | |
| Paul Hartmann, SO | California Lutheran University | |
| Drew Hedman, JR | Pomona-Pitzer Colleges | |
| Brandon Huerta, JR | Pomona-Pitzer Colleges | |
| Jack Mehl, SR | University of La Verne | |
| Outfielders | Charles Acker, SR | Whittier College |
| Kyle Rizzo | University of Redlands | |
| Alex Weber-Shapiro, SO | Claremont-Mudd-Scripps | |
| Second Team | ||
| Pitchers | David Colvin, FR | Pomona-Pitzer Colleges |
| Matt Jones, JR | Occidental College | |
| Jimmy Wilfong, SR | University of La Verne | |
| Catcher | Adam Franks, SR | Occidental College |
| Infielders | Trevor Boucher, SR | University of La Verne |
| David Iden, JR | California Lutheran University | |
| James Kang, SO | Pomona-Pitzer Colleges | |
| Mike Moretti, JR | University of La Verne | |
| Travis Nishioka, SO | Claremont-Mudd-Scripps | |
| Brian Schumaker, SR | University of Redlands | |
| Outfielders | Glenn Gray, SO | Occidental College |
| Michael Joannides, SR | Pomona-Pitzer Colleges | |
| Zachary Mandelblatt, JR | Pomona-Pitzer Colleges |
HEAD COACH: LAURIE NEVAREZ
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: NICKY NEUMANN, UNIVERSITY OF REDLANDS
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: MOLLY YRIARTE, WHITTIER COLLEGE
|
FIRST TEAM | ||
|
Pitcher |
Katie Brnca |
University of Redlands |
|
Pitcher |
Julia Cruz |
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges |
|
Catcher |
Alyssa Corley |
Pomona-Pitzer Colleges |
|
1st Base |
Melissa Munoz |
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges |
|
2nd Base |
Dory Baga |
University of Redlands |
|
Shortstop |
Ashley Paul |
University of La Verne |
|
3rd Base |
Lynsey Padilla |
University of La Verne |
|
Outfield |
Michelle Harvey |
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps |
|
Outfield |
Vicky Ovieda |
Whittier College |
|
Outfield |
Remy Kawaguchi |
University of Redlands |
|
DP |
Amanda Doeppel |
University of Redlands |
|
Utility |
Billy McGrane |
Pomona-Pitzer Colleges |
|
At-Large |
Melissa Carlson |
University of La Verne |
|
SECOND TEAM | ||
|
Pitcher |
Olivia Ellis |
University of Redlands |
|
Pitcher |
Lizzy Chacon |
California Lutheran University |
|
Catcher |
Emily Robertson |
California Lutheran University |
|
1st Base |
Nicole Acevedo |
Whittier College |
|
2nd Base |
Trish McCormick |
University of La Verne |
|
Shortstop |
Melanie Hamlin |
University of Redlands |
|
3rd Base |
Christine Calderon |
Pomona-Pitzer Colleges |
|
Outfield |
MacKenzie Smith |
Pomona-Pitzer Colleges |
|
Outfield |
Kari Granger |
University of La Verne |
|
Outfield |
Mandy Brenner |
University of La Verne |
|
DP |
Alexis Garcia |
Pomona-Pitzer Colleges |
|
Utility |
Erika Weingart |
Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges |
|
At-Large |
Gabriela Chavez |
Occidental College |
By Michelle Gardner
Staff writer
The women's water polo team from Pomona-Pitzer got to square off against the top Division I teams in the country last year but was overwhelmed from the start.
The Sagehens are getting the same chance and hoping for a better showing in this year's national tournament which starts Friday at Stanford. The Sagehens (13-8), who got an automatic bid by finishing first in the SCIAC, open play against No 1. UCLA (30-0). That's the same opening-round foe they drew last year and lost 22-0.
"Last year we were just happy to be there," Sagehens coach Alex Rodriguez said. "We're looking forward to a more competitive showing this year. We're not saying we're going to win but we want to do a better job of representing our conference."
Water polo is one of the few sports where colleges don't compete in divisions because there are only 65 that have teams. The other six teams in the field this week are No. 2 seed Stanford, No. 3 USC, No. 4 San Diego State, No. 5 UC Davis, No. 6 Michigan and No. 7 Marist.
One reason Rodriguez is expecting a better showing is that this year's team has improved. It graduated just two players and has had some key additions.
The Sagehens are led by senior Laura Condon, senior keeper Elena Peifer and junior driver Janelle Gyorffy.
But there have also been some imprssive newcomers in freshman driver Tamara Perea (Upland HS) and junior Nicole Ruesch, a transfer from Chaffey College.
The coach also singles out the improvement of sophomore driver Danielle Joseph, who typically gets the job of defending the opposing team's best perimeter player.
"Last year we were basically practicing dummies for them," Rodriguez said. "They had things they wanted to work on and they weren't going to sit there and feel sorry for us. We want to make them have to work for it."
By Michelle gardner
Staff Writer
After a long day on the diamond, the University of La Verne softball team headed home to pack. SCIAC rival Redlands went to wait by the phone.
The Leopards gained the SCIAC's automatic bid beating the Bulldogs 5-4 Saturday in the title game of the first SCIAC tournament. Next up is the Division III West Regional which starts Thursday at University of Texas-Tyler.
The Leos (27-17), under first-year coach Julie Smith, have won 11 of their last 12 games. They were the No. 3 seed in the four-team tournament, but upended No. 2 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps (10-0) and No. 4 Pomona-Pitzer (4-1) on Friday.
"We're peaking at the right time. I used the old marathon analogy," said Smith, a member of the United States' gold-medal Olympic team in 1996. "With about seven miles to go we were running sixth and I told them we still had time to make a move but we had to move together."
Smith chalked part of the team's slow start this season up to the late arrival of three players who came out after basketball. The Leos made the playoffs in that sport, so the trio of freshman shortstop Ashley Paul, senior outfielder Jenny Strycula and freshman reserve Mayra Duenas didn't join the team until the middle of March.
"We had more bodies, more depth and we were able to start practicing much more efficiently," she said. "Then we had to get used to playing together."
Top-seeded Redlands (34-10) had to come through the loser's bracket after dropping its opener to Pitzer 4-1 on Friday. It defeated CMS 6-0 later Friday, then avenged the loss to Pitzer, 6-5, Saturday morning.
Shortstop Melanie Hamlin led the effort, going 3-for-4 with a double, triple, home run and three RBI, with three RBI, falling a single short of the cycle.
Senior pitcher Katie Brnca logged 17 innings of the 21 the Bulldogs played Saturday. She pitched five in the opener, then went the distance in the first game against La Verne, surrendering just four hits. The Bulldogs' offense racked up 11 hits, led by Nicky Neumann's three.
But Redlands trailed from the start in the deciding game, committing two errors on the first three hitters and twice failing to handle bunts, allowing La Verne an early 2-0 lead.
A two-run single by junior Kari Granger in the third made it 4-0.
La Verne was up 5-1 before Redlands scored three in the fifth.
But that inning could have produced more, as Redlands had two runners thrown out at the plate, the last with some controversy. Kayla Peterson tried to score from first after a hit by Hamlin, but catcher Melissa Carlson made the tag on a toss from pitcher Delaney Baylor-Dick.\
Redlands wanted, but didn't get, an obstruction call on Carlson for blocking the plate without the ball.
The two plays at the plate and four errors proved costly, but coach Laurie Nevarez refused to blame fatigue.
"I hate to blame any one thing or one person," Nevarez said. "For every thing someone didn't do right I can think of five things they did do right."
The Bulldogs, who won their fourth straight regular season title, are hoping for an at-large bid -- which is possible given their strength of schedule and No. 12 national ranking, despite the SCIAC's dubious history of advancing second-place teams.
"A lot of people have told me we have a good shot but you never know," Nevarez said. "I hope we get a shot because I think we're deserving but we didn't do what we needed to do here."
| By Michelle Gardner Staff Writer LAVERNE - The University of La Verne baseball team knew it didn't have a lot of room for error. Not with so few games left in the regular season and three teams in contention for the SCIAC title. But the Leopards stayed in the hunt with an 8-7 win over defending champion Pomona-Pitzer Friday at Ben Hines Field. It was an eventful game with the Sagehens scoring three in the ninth to tie the game at 7 and La Verne winning it on a walkoff RBI single by freshman Eddie Kalankiewicz in the bottom of the frame. It was the 10th win in the last 11 conference games for the Leos. The win keeps La Verne (23-14, 14-4) one half-game behind Redlands (27-11, 15-4) which beat Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 8-5. Both teams will play a doubleheader today with La Verne at Pitzer (27-11, 13-6) and Redlands across the street at CMS. Both twinbills start at noon. "We all know the situation. We pretty much have to keep winning," La Verne coach Scott Winterburn said. "This conference is tough year-in and year-out. It just so happens we came down to the wire this year with three teams. It doesn't get better than this." La Verne took a 7-4 lead into the final inning but faltered in the ninth as the Sagehens loaded the bases with no outs on an infield single by James Kang, a solid single up the middle by Drew Hedman and a walk to Zach Mandelblatt. Mike Silva grounded out to second, scoring Kang and closing the gap to 7-5 and forcing reliever Grant Wheatley from the game. Michael Joannides then lined an offering from Jimmy Wilfong to the right side of the infield where Trevor Boucher made a spectacular diving stop and leaped to his feet in time to get the runner. But Hedman raced home bringing the visitors within one. Boucher's stop momentarily prevented Mandelblatt from scoring too but he did so when the next batter, Andrew Nino, blooped a check swing single into shallow right field to tie the game. Pitzer then got a double by Eric Thompson that advanced Nino to third. Wilfong then made the defensive play of the game to keep the go-ahead runs from scoring. Edward Pickett hit a scorching line drive that took the glove of Wilfong's hand. He scrambled for the ball a few feet away and unleashed a strike to first baseman Jon-Michael Hattabaugh that just nipped the runner and ended the uprising. Had Wilfong not knocked the ball down, both runners would have scored. "You have to give them credit because they made a couple of great plays in the last inning," Sagehens coach Frank Pericolosi said. "We hit a lot of balls hard all day. It was just one of those when none of them found a hole." La Verne retaliated quickly, starting its rally when Boucher lined a triple to deep center field over the head of Pickett for a triple. James Brunswick, who entered in relief of starter David Colvin in the seventh, walked the next two hitters intentionally to set up a force and set the stage for Kalankiewicz, who entered as a defensive replacement the previous inning. He then stroked a fastball away for a solid single through the left side over the drawn-in infield. "I was just trying to put the ball in play, execute, nice easy swing," he said. "It feels good to be able to come through in such a big game. Now we have to keep the momentum." La Verne won the game on the base paths with some daring moves paying off. Jack Mehl went first to third on a sacrifice bunt by Dimitre Mondette, then scored on a single by Scott Marcus in the sixth. It also pulled off a double steal in the fifth with Hattabaugh racing home when Jason Munoz took off for second. Meanwhile the Sagehens went just 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position before the ninth inning and the top four hitters in their normally potent lineup were 0-for-12 to that point. Pitzer, which was ranked as high as 15 nationally, now needs to win both games today and hope Redlands loses twice. It has lost six of its last seven games and came back to the pack after getting swept by Cal Lutheran last week. But Pericolosi said he won't be worrying too much about the other pivotal game nearby. "If we're worried about what someone else is doing we're not focused on ourselves," he said. "We need to go out and win two games tomorrow before that even matters." The other factor could be a game that La Verne has not finished with Cal Lutheran. That game, postponed from Feb. 22, was tied at 12 in the 11th inning. Redlands won the series with La Verne so it has the tiebreaker over the Leos. Athletic director Chris Ragsdale said it wouldn't be finished by Winterburn thought it would be if Redlands was a half game out and could pull even with a La Verne loss. |
By winning the 2008 Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) Championship, the Bulldog softball team earned the right to host the first-ever conference postseason tournament. The inaugural double-elimination event takes place on Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3, at the Softball Field of Dreams at the University of Redlands.
As the top seed, Redlands faces #4-seed Pomona-Pitzer Colleges at 11:30 a.m. on Friday. The complete tournament schedule is listed below.
The winner of the postseason tournament earns the SCIAC's automatic qualification to the NCAA Championships, which begin Thursday, May 8, at the University of Texas, Tyler.
Friday, May 2:
Game 1 9 a.m. #2 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps vs. #3 La Verne
Game 2 11:30 a.m. #1 Redlands vs. #4 Pomona-Pitzer
Game 3 2 p.m. Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2
Game 4 4:30 p.m. Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
Saturday, May 3:
Game 5 9 a.m. Loser Game 4 vs. Winner Game 3
Game 6 11:30 a.m. Winner Game 4 vs. Winner Game 5
Game 7 2 p.m. Only if necessary (first loss)
By Michelle Gardner
Staff Writer
The University of Redlands women and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps men will take to the tennis courts this weekend looking to keep their perfect SCIAC records in tact. On the line will be a automatic bids to the upcoming Division III West Regionals.
“The way it used to be it didn’t matter if you lost early. You really wanted to peak at the right time,” Bulldogs coach Jim Ducey said. “Now you still want to peak at the right time but those matches early are also important because of the automatic bids.”
The two schools will be hosting the eight-team tournament beginning today. The women’s competition will be hosted by Redlands with some matches aslo played at Redlands East Valley High School.
The Stags will host the men’s draw with matches also played at neighboring Pomona-Pitzer as well as the Upland and Claremont Tennis Clubs.
The automatic bids will be awarded for a combined finish in the regular season and the tournament. Both host teams head in with 7-0 marks but that is just a coincidence since hosting rights are rotated alphabetically.
On the men’s side the Stags (20-7, 7-0) are currently ranked eighth nationally and third in the West but that was before they upset No. 1 UC Santa Cruz last Sunday.
CMS is led by junior Larry Wang, who holds down the No. 1 spot. Claremont native Drew Sabater has pulled out some clutch wins in the No. 5 hole.
“We’re playing pretty well right now and we’re coming off a couple of big wins,” CMS coach Paul Settles said. “We’re hoping to keep that momentum in this tournament.”
Redlands (18-6, 6-1), led by No. 1 Matt Liebman and No. 2 Eric Wagar, is seeded second and lost a hard-fought battle to CMS 5-4 a week ago in the regular-season conference finale for both teams.
No. 2 seed Pomona-Pitzer (11-7, 6-1) is the defending champion on the women’s side and boasts the reigning player of the year in sophomore Siobhan Finicane.
Redlands (13-4, 7-0) is currently ranked third in the West Region and has five of its six singles players returning. The new addition is sophomore Rachael Miller, whose father played for the Bulldogs in 1976 with Ducey.
“You like to think if you’re ranked high enough you can get an at-large bid if you don’t win,” Ducey said. “But you can’t take any chances.”
There is no admission charge for spectators at any of the sites.
MEN’S SCHEDULE
Friday’s matches (All at 9 a.m.) - No. 1 Claremont-Mudd-Scripps vs. No. 8 Caltech at CMS; No. 2 Redlands vs. No. 7 Whittier (at Pomona-Pitzer); No. 3 Cal Lutheran vs. No. 6 La Verne (at Upland Tennis Club); No. 4 Occidental vs. No. 5 Pomona-Pitzer (at Claremont Tennis Club).
Next round (All at 1 p.m.) - CMS-Caltech loser vs. Occidental-Pitzer loser (at Claremont TC); Redlands-Whittier loser vs. Cal Lutheran-La Verne loser (at Upland TC); CMS-Caltech winner vs. Occidental-Pitzer winner (at CMS); Redlands-Whittier winner vs. Cal Lutheran-La Verne winner (at Pitzer).
Saturday’s matches (All at 9 a.m.) - Seventh place match (at Claremont TC); Fifth place (at Upland TC); Third place (at Pitzer); Championship - (at CMS).
WOMEN’S SCHEDULE
Friday’s matches (All at 8:30 a.m.) - No. 1 Redlands vs. No. 8 Caltech (at Redlands); No. 2 Pomona-Pitzer vs. No. 7 Whittier (at Redlands); No. 3 CMS vs. No. 6 Cal Lutheran (at Redlands East Valley HS); No. 4 Occidental vs. No. 5 La Verne (at REV).
Next round (All at 1:30 p.m.) - Redlands-Caltech winnner vs. Occidental-La Verne winner (at Redlands); Pitzer-Whittier winner vs. CMS-Cal Lutheran winner (at Redlands); Caltech-Redlands loser vs. Occidental-La Verne loser (at REV); Pitzer-Whittier loser vs. CMS-Cal Lutheran loser (at REV).
Saturday’s matches (All at 10 a.m.) - Championship and third-place matches (at Redlands); Fifth and seventh place matches (at REV).
The Pomona-Pitzer baseball team remained in first place in SCIAC with a 13-8 and 9-8 sweep of local rival Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.
The Sagehens (23-5, 10-2), ranked 18th nationally have a one-game lead over La Verne which swept lowly Caltech.
Shortstop Brandon Huerta supplied the power in the opener, stroking two grand slam home runs, opne ion the fourth and one an inning later.
Zach Mandelblatt, returning to leftfield after missing three weeks with a wrist injury, had two hits, as did Mike Silva and Michael Joannides.
CMS was led by Travis Nishioka with four hits and Andrew Blomberg with two home runs and four RBI.
The second game was closer with CMS taking an 8-7 lead into the seventh when the Sagehens got the tying and go-ahead runs. Drew Hedman walked and Mandelblatt doubled. After an intentional walk to load the bases and set up a double play, Nick Frederick knocked in two with a single to left.
James Brunswick (3-1) got the win in relief of starter Joannides.
DREW HEDMAN
Pomona-Pitzer
Baseball
The lowdown: The junior first baseman is coming off a week in which he earned Division III national player of the week honors. In 25 games he is hitting .452 (42-for-93) with 47 RBI, 32 runs, nine doubles and 13 home runs with a slugging percentage of .968. He also has a fielding percentage of .991. Was a first-team All-SCIAC, All-West Region and All-American selection as a junior when he hit .389 with 14 home runs and 56 RBI in 43 games. Also carries a 3.61 GPA.
Age: 21
Hometown: Redding
High school: Shasta High School, 2005
Major: Politics, Philosophy, Economics (with concentration on economics).
Favorite athlete: Travis Hafner, J.T. Snow
Favorite team: San Francisco Giants
Role model: My parents because they are honest, hard-working and generous people.
Most memorable sports moment: Last year on the last day of the regular season when our baseball team qualified for the regional tournament.
Most embarrassing sports moment: I was so excited for my first game as a freshman that I didn’t pay attention to the lineup and I went to the wrong position, only to have the person who was playing that position tell me I was in the wrong spot.
Person most influential in your athletic success: My dad. He taught me to play hard, to work hard at practice and to push myself in the weight room. He taught me to play hard but play smart. Many days when I was younger were spent throwing the ball in the backyard or hitting at my school.
Best advice anyone has ever given you: Don’t ne satisfied. There is always room for improvment.
Pre-game ritual or superstition: I always give my batting gloves to my first base coach right when the game starts. Even after checking the lineup and knowing the answer, I ask our statistician where I am hitting in the order.
Can’t miss TV show: The Office
Celebrity you most want to meet: Michael Jordan
Last good book you read: White Fang (while I was studying abroad in Spain it was the only book in English in my room).
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite movie: Gladiator
Favorite vacation spot: Anywhere sunny, warm, with a beach nearby.
Other hobbies: Working out, listening to music, playing the piano.
What’s in your CD player/iPOD: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Citizen Cope, Jay-Z, Tom Petty.
What do you want to be doing in five years?: I want to play baseball as long as I can. After that I could see myself getting my MBA and working as a sports agent or in a front office of a baseball team.
- Compiled by Michelle Gardner
The University of La Verne golf team earned yet another victory in SCIAC competition by taking top honors at the SCIAC #3 Tournament Monday at the friendly confines of Sierra La Verne Country Club.
The Leopards finished with a four-player team total of 294 to prevail over Redlands (297) by three strokes. Claremont-Mudd-Scripps finished third at 300 followed by Cal Lutheran (308), Pomona-Pitzer (309), Occidental (317) and Whittier (350).
Chris Davis earned medalist honors with the top individual finish of the day with a round of 72 (37-35). Teammates Mitchell Fedorka and Ryan Waring were among five players who tied for second one stroke back with respective rounds of 73, while Rizal Amin contributed with a 76.
The Leopards break from conference play to compete at the West Region Invitational held April 8 at Berry Creek Country Club in Texas.
REDLANDS — The No. 7 University of Redlands softball team proved it can win with the short game and the long game, all in the same day.
The defending champion Bulldogs swept a SCIAC doubleheader from much-improved Pomona-Pitzer 1-0 and 7-6 Saturday to keep a strong hold on first-place.
Redlands (20-2, 11-1), which has won 20 straight games, took the first contest on a one-out squeeze bunt in the bottom of the eighth by senior shortstop Melanie Hamlin.
The Bulldogs then won the nightcap on a two-run walkoff home run by sophomore catcher Nicky Neumann.
“We didn’t play up to our potential today but we found a way,” Redlands coach Laurie Nevarez said. “We got lucky with a couple of hits and that was the difference.”
The first game was a pitcher’s dual between seniors as Katie Brnca allowed the Sagehens just two hits and struck out six. Pitzer’s Billie McGrane was up the challenge and gave up just six while striking out four.
But one of those hits was a triple to Neumann with one out in the bottom of the eighth. Hamlin, a Redlands East Valley product, came up next and laid down a bunt that was retrieved by McGrane, whose toss to home wasn’t handled by catcher Alyssa Corley.
Neumann factored even bigger in the nightcap. The Sagehens (12-8, 5-5) surged out to a 4-0 lead, powered by a solo home run by Christine Calderon in the fourth and a two-run shot by Corley in the fifth.
The Bulldogs answered with a five-run outburst in the bottom of the inning, the big blows being a run-scoring double by Dory Baga and two-run singles by Remy Kawaguchi and Kayla Peterson.
But back came the visitors, who took a 6-5 lead on a two-run bloop single by Leanna Guillermo in the sixth.
The Sagehens again were on the brink of victory as sophomore Melanie Gularte, who entered in relief of starter Alexis Garcia in the fourth, fanned the first two hitters in the seventh.
Peterson then reached on an infield single, setting the stage for Neumann who smacked a 1-0 pitch over the leftfield fence, ending the contest.
“We seem to know when to turn it on,” Neumann said. “I was really just interested in getting a single. The last thing I was thinking about was a home run. Wow. That was so exciting, I don’t know what else to say.”
The close calls were little consolation for a Sagehen team that has made monumental strides. In 2007 Pitzer finished sixth of seven teams in the conference at 15-24 overall and 8-16 in conference. Their losses to Redlands came by scores of 5-0, 9-4, 11-2 and 10-0.
“I am pleased with how far we have come and that we have raised the bar,” second-year coach Joanne Ferguson said. “It’s a step in the right direction but we’re not satisifed.”
Nevarez, a former player at UCLA, was impressed with the opposition.
“That coach has done a great job with them,” Nevarez said. “They aren’t just improved, they’re a good team that really gave us our most competitive conference games so far.”
2007-08 Women's Basketball All-SCIAC Awards
March 4, 2008
The 2007-2008 All-SCIAC Women's Basketball Honors have been named. The Occidental Tigers and Head Coach Jaime Hoffman claimed the title of Conference Champions finishing 12-2 in conference. Head Coach Julie Kline and the Leopards of La Verne (11-3, SCIAC) were crowned champions of the inagural SCIAC Tournament and will represent the SCIAC in NCAA post-season competition as they go on the road to face Puget Sound Friday night.
Player of the Year: Brianne Brown, Junior, Occidental College
Ed Baldwin Award Recipient: Lindsay King, Senior, California Institute of Technology
| First Team | ||||
| Stephanie Babij | FR | Occidental College | Ontario, OR | |
| Stacie Roshon | SR | Occidental College | Saratoga, CA | |
| Trenecca Jones | SR | University of La Verne | Ontario, CA | |
| Marissa Raya | SR | University of La Verne | Pasadena, CA | |
| Valerie Katayama | SR | University of Redlands | Huntington Beach, CA | |
| Kourtney Zilbert | FR | Whittier College | Burbank, CA | |
| Second Team | ||||
| Lindsey Shiomi | SR | University of La Verne | Cerritos, CA | |
| Mary Placido | SR | California Lutheran University | Chandler, AZ | |
| Rosario Rios-Aguilar | SR | Whittier College | El Rancho, CA | |
| Jennifer Osgood | SO | Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges | Vashon, WA | |
| Deirdre Chew | SO | Pomona-Pitzer Colleges | Pacifica, CA | |
| Meghan Yetman | SO | University of Redlands | Danville, CA |
The 2007-2008 All-SCIAC Men's Basketball Honors have been named. The Conference Co-Champions and recipients of the Dave Jacobs Trophy were the Occidental College Tigers and California Lutheran University Kingsmen. Pomona-Pitzer Sagehens were crowned the SCIAC Tournament Champions.
David Wells Player of the Year: Connor Whitman, Senior, Occidental College, 6'1"
Ted Ducey Award Recipients: Jabarri Reynolds, Senior, Pomona-Pitzer, 6'4"
Matt Loretz, Senior, University of Redlands, 6'5"
| First Team | ||||
| Justin Sexton | SO | Pomona-Pitzer | 6'8" | Watertown, MA |
| Jabarri Reynolds | SR | Pomona-Pitzer | 6'4" | Chicago, IL |
| Dave Thomas | SR | University of Redlands | 6'3" | Santa Cruz, CA |
| Dan Winterbottom | SR | Claremont-Mudd-Scripps | 6'3" | Tempe, AZ |
| Andy Meier | SO | California Lutheran University | 6'7" | Parker, CO |
| Michael Archuletta | JR | Whittier College | 6'6" | Manhattan Beach, CA |
| Second Team | ||||
| Bryan Hires | SR | California Institute of Technology | 6'6" | Columbus, IN |
| Deshion Inniss | SR | California Lutheran University | 5'10" | Oxnard, CA |
| Juan Canas | SR | University of La Verne | 6'1" | Commerce, CA |
| Huston Conti | JR | Occidental College | 6'2" | Seattle, WA |
| Jeff McLean | JR | Whittier College | 6'6" | Hingham, MA |
| Mychal Owens | SO | California Lutheran University | 6'5" | Oregon City, OR |
The University of La Verne boasted the top four individual finishers and cruised to a a first-place team showing at the first SCIAC tournament of the season at the 6,628-yard par 72 Empire Lakes.
The Leopards, the national Division III runner-up a year ago, tallied 284 while Claremont-Mudd Scripps was second (305) and Redlands third (306). Pomona-Pitzer tied Cal Lutheran for fourth (319).
The Leos Mitchell Fedorka took medalist honors with a 70. Teammates Rizal Amin and Andrew Kramer were one stroke back while Chris Davis was two back. Also representing the school were Jordan Talah (75) and Kevin Smith (78).
John Morris had the best finish for the Stags (74) . His teammates included Luke Redfern (75), Kurt Scheline (76) and Kyle Cassella (80).
Ross Canavao was the top player for Redlands (75). Other finishers for the Bulldogs were Nick Giordano (76), Scott Pena (77), E.J. Stenftenagel (78) and Ryan Williams (79).l
Aex Nakao led the Sagehens (77).
Senior Jabarri Reynolds of Pomona-Pitzer is this week's SCIAC Male Athlete of the Week.
Reynolds led the Sagehens to a 2-0 week. In a 52-42 home win over 6th street rival CMS, Reynolds scored 19 points, including 3-5 from three-point range, and grabbed 11 rebounds. Reynolds also committed zero turnovers in 35 minutes of action.
In a stunning 62-47 road win over the number one team in the conference and West region Occidental, Reynolds shot 8-12 from the field en route to a 19 point, seven rebound performance.
Occidental's Brianne Brown was named Female Athlete of the Week.
Pomona-Pitzer rallied for five runs
in the top of the ninth Tuesday night to beat Cal
State San Bernardino, 6-5, in a non-conference
baseball game at Arrowhead Credit Union Park.
The Sagehens, 1-1, trailed 5-1 entering the final
inning but put together their winning rally with four
hits and two costly Coyotes errors. CSUSB is now 6-2
overall and 3-2 at home.
The game resembled one of those marathon Major League
spring training games as the two teams used 41
position players and 13 pitchers in the 3-hour,
8-minute contest.
The Coyotes went the “pitcher by committee” route and
it worked well as CSUSB built a 5-1 lead heading into
the ninth as seven pitchers had combined to allow just
one run and four hits through the first eight frames.
However, disaster struck in the ninth as CSUSB junior
right-hander Michael Leal was rocked, giving up a
leadoff double to Teddy Bingham followed by a one-out
RBI single by Mike Silva. Pinch-hitter Mike Goldberg
then singled Silva to second. Both Silva and pinch
runner Zach Haberman advanced on a ground out. Brandon
Huerta followed with a single to right center to score
both runners to make it 5-4.
After Huerta stole second, James Kang hit the ball
sharply to Coyotes shortstop Jesus Beltran who
overthrew Jason Klug at first base for an error,
allowing Huerta to score the tying run and Kang to
take second.
The Coyotes went to the bullpen for closer Ward
Minich. However, Zachary Mandelblatt hit a ball into
the hole between first and second and Minich dropped
the throw as he crossed the bag for what would have
been the third out and Kang scored the unearned,
go-ahead run on the error. Minich ended the horror
show by striking out Drew Redman.
David Colvin, the Sagehen’s fourth reliever, pitched
two hitless innings to get the win for the 2007 SCIAC
champions. Leal (0-1) took the loss.
Trailing 1-0 in the bottom of the third, the Coyotes
evened the score on a walk to Beltran and a triple by
Johnnie Haas (2 for 3 with two runs scored and an
RBI).
In the sixth, Haas sparked a two-run inning with
a leadoff single, then stole second and advanced to
third on Kyle Walton’s single. He scored on an infield
grounder by Drew Valenzuela. Walton later scored on a
single by Billy Haynes to make it 3-1.
CSUSB added two more runs in the seventh a two-run
double by Klug, raising his RBI count to 16 just eight
games into the season.
Of the nine Coyotes pitchers, five didn’t allow a
hit. Starter Bryan W. Hart retired all six batters in
the first two innings.
Offensive Player of the Year - Dan Selway, QB, Redlands
Defensive Player of the Year - Josh Richards, DL, Cal Lutheran
Newcomer of the Year - Jacob Caron, QB, Pomona-Pitzer
John Zinda Award - Zach Landman, LB, Pomona-Pitzer; William Wagner, Claremont-Mudd Scripps
First team offense
QB Josh Scurlock, Whittier
RB Zach Shafer, Redlands
RB Jason Haller, Occidental
TE Jake Lacey, Redlands
WR Kyle Godfrey, Redlands
WR Rocky Ciasulli, Occidental
WR Jesse Matlock, Cal Lutheran
OL Matt Rosen, Cal Lutheran
OL D.J. Tano, Redlands
OL Chris Kyles, Occidental
OL Max Hodge, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
OL Jared Schwass, Redlands
K Connor Pearce, Cal Lutheran
SPT Kyle Godfrey, Redlands
First-team defense
DL James Sabo, Occidental
DL Gavril Gabriel, Redlands
DL Brock Arndt, Redlands
DL Daniel Lopez, Whittier
LB Arlo Castelo, Whittier
LB Kris Richardson, Redlands
LB Ashton Clarke, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
LB Zach Landman, Pomona-Pitzer
DB Conor Drake, Redlands
DB Garett Redd, Cal Lutheran
DB Eddie Pickett, Pomona-Pitzer
DB Jerel Garcia, Redlands
P Alex Groh, Occidental
Second-team offense
QB Jericho Toillolo, Cal Lutheran
RB D.J. Lillard, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
RB Tom Romaine, Redlands
TE Anthony DeJager, La Verne
WR Shawn Briggs, Whittier
WR Colin Regan, Pomona-Pitzer
WR Danny Hernandez, Cal Lutheran
OL Chris Anderson, Whittier
OL Jeff Briscoe, Cal Lutheran
OL Joe Manfre, La Verne
OL Tom Gonzalez, Occidental
OL Brett Henderson, Occidental
K Neil Martin, Occidental
SPT Grady Thomas, La Verne
Second-team defense
DL Jacob Calderon, Cal Lutheran
DL Tim Creamer, Occidental
DL Victor Lopez, Occidental
DL Mitch Crocco, Redlands
LB Jared Izidoro, Whittier
LB Branamier Courtney, La Verne
LB Jason Carpenter, La Verne
LB Eddie Stamm, Redlands
DB Dan Picciotto, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
DB Sean MacNeil, Whittier
DB Daniel Tromello, Occidental
DB Chris Denton, Cal Lutheran
P Bryan Downs, Claremont-Mudd-Scripps
About Michelle
Michelle Gardner has been a staff writer for The Sun and the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin since 2002 and has covered the local college sports scene since 2004. She ventured West after working at the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale for eight years and is a graduate of the University of Florida.
E-mail Michelle here.
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