The MAC indoor track & field championships are at Lehigh University's Rauch Fieldhouse on Saturday, February 27. The doors open for the public at 9 AM with Pentathlon and field events starting at 10 AM. The DMR, kicking off running events, begins at 12:30 PM.

Messiah will be defending their men's and women's championships from 2009. 2009 individuals who are also trying to retain their championships:

Robert Innocent, Widener, 55m dash
Wyatt Eaton, Elizabethtown, 200m dash
Eric Reichert, Elizabethtown, mile run
Rich Greco, Elizabethtown, 5,000m run
James Green Widener, shot put
Zach Bleiler, Lebanon Valley, weight throw
Kristen Bates, Messiah, 55m hurdles, high jump, long jump, triple jump
Susan Bochnovich, Misericordia, 200m dash
Nikita Halteman, Widener, shot put
Briana Eshleman, Messiah, pentathlon

Competitors with NCAA qualifying marks:

Jose Santiago, DeSales, weight throw, "B" cut
Zach Bleiler, Lebanon Valley, weight throw, "B' cut
Eddy Palmer, Messiah, 800 m run, "B' cut
James Green, Widener, shot put, "B" cut
Kristen Bates, Messiah, "B" cuts - long jump, 55m hurdles, triple jump
Brooke McDonald, Widener, pole vault, "B" cut
Abby Schaffer, Widener, pole vault, "A" cut
Meghan Donovan, Delaware Valley, high jump, "B" cut

Relays with NCAA qualifying mark:

Messiah men's DMR, "B" cut
Messiah women's DMR, "B" cut


The Freedom Conference women's basketball championship pits DeSales (17-9, 11-3) at Manhattanville (19-7, 12-2) at 1 PM on 2/27. The two teams split during the regular season, DeSales winning at Manhattanville 53-52 and the Valiants winning in Center Valley 60-48. The Bulldogs, winners of 11 straight advance to the tournament final with a 75-51 win over Delaware Valley on Wednesday. DeSales is led by Lori Lidlow (17.9 ppg), Kelly Mcgrann (10.7 ppg), and Cherelle Simmons (8.4 rpg). Head Coach Fred Richter is in a familiar place as his team looks for a third straight Freedom championship. Manhattanville, under first year coach Lauren Thomer, returns to the Freedom championship game, but has the home court this year. They advance after a 62-49 win over Misericordia on Wednesday night. The Valiants have three players who lead the team statistiaclly - Simona Gordon (13.8 ppg, 4.1 rpg), Courtney Turner (11.2 ppg, 5.3 rpg), and Carol Ortiz (7 ppg, 4.9 rpg).

The Commonwealth Conference women's basketball tournament features two regular finalists, Lebanon Valley (23-3, 12-2) is in the championship game for the third straight year against perennial conference champion and national power Messiah (22-4, 11-3) in Annville at 1 PM. LVC advanced to the final by defeating Alvernia 70-59. The Dutchmen won both regular season games against Messiah by scores of 58-42 and 52-39. Three juniors control the tempo for LVC - Erin Schultz (13.8 ppg), Suzie Noyes (12.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg, and a team leading 31 blocks), and Andrea Hoover (11.5 ppg and 142 assists). LVC has been in the title game three times but have never won the championship. Mike Miller, in his 24th year as Messiah coach, has a young squad - 8 first year players, 3 sophomores, a junior, and one senior, Julie Henninger (13 ppg, 4.5 rpg). Dori Gyori, one of the many FY contribuotrs, is the other statisitcal leader (10.9 ppg, 8.3 rpg). They advance to the title game after handling Widener 85-70.

The Freedom Conference men's basketball tournament sends the #3 Misericordia Cougars (16-10, 9-5) to #1 DeSales (21-5, 13-1) for a 3 PM tip. The Bulldogs have been in fiveof the last seven title games, and last year enjoyed their greatest success by advancing to "elite 8" at F & M. Scott Coval, in his 17th season at DeSales, directed his team to the championship by defeating King's 82-69 on Wednesday. The Bulldogs success can be attributed to their All-American, Darnell Braswell (20.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg) and Brian Hunter (10.8 ppg, and a team leading 100 assists. DeSales swept the Cougars in the regular season 74-60 and 63-59. Trevor Woodruff's (six years at the Misericordia helm) squad advanced by winning at Eastern 80-65. Dom Del Prete (16.9 ppg) and Jeff Slanovec, a three-point threat with a 12.1 ppg.


The Commonwealth Conference men's basketball tournament features Albright (20-5, 10-4) at Lycoming (21-5, 10-4) at 3 PM on Saturday. The two teams split during the regular season as each won on the other teams court - Albright winning at Williamsport 84-80 and the Warriors prevailing 74-69 in Reading. Lyco advanced on Wednesday night by defeating Elizabethtown 90-81. As usual, three statistial leaders led the way - Eric Anthony (15.4 ppg), Will Kelly (15.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg), and Mike Bradley (11.2 ppg, 7 rpg). Lycoming coach Guy Rancourt is in his second year while Albright's Rick Ferry completes number nine with the Lions. Albright earned a ticket to championship by defeating Messiah at home 73-67. The Lions are led by Zac Schaeffer (18 ppg), Matt Ashcroft (14.9 ppg), and Derek Hall (7.5 ppg, 7.3 rpg).

2009-10 MAC BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2010

Men

Commonwealth Conference Championship Semi-Finals

#4 Elizabethtown (8-6) at #1 Lycoming (10-4) 7:00 PM
#3 Messiah (9-5) at #2 Albright (10-4) 7:30 PM

Freedom Conference Championship Semi-Finals

#4 King’s (8-6) at #1 DeSales (13-1) 8:00 PM
#3 Misericordia (9-5) at #2 Eastern (9-5) 7:00 PM

Women

Commonwealth Conference Championship Semi-Finals

#4 Alvernia (10-4) at #1 Lebanon Valley (12-2) 7:00 PM
#3 Widener (11-3) at #2 Messiah (11-3) 7:00 PM

Freedom Conference Championship Semi-Finals

#4 Misericordia (9-5) at #1 Manhattanville (12-2) 7:00 PM
#3 Delaware Valley (9-5) at #2 DeSales (11-3) 6:00 PM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2010

Semi-Final Winners at Highest Seed

THE WINNER OF EACH TOURNAMENT QUALIFIES FOR THE NCAA DIVISION III CHAMPIONSHIP

TICKET PRICES
Adults $6.00
Seniors $4.00
Students $2.00
Under 6 Free

RESULTS
http://www.gomacsports.com

As we enter the last weekend of play, here are the basketball tournament scerarios.

Freedom Women:

Manhattanville (11-2) has the #1 and DeSales (10-3) the #2 seeds. If Misericordia (9-4) defeats Manhattanville in Dallas they are #3. If they lose and Delaware Valley (8-5) beats Eastern, the Aggies move into third.

Commonwealth Women:

Lebanon Valley (12-1) is the #1 seed; if Messiah (10-3) defeats Albright, they are #2 and Widener is #3. If Messiah loses and Widener (10-3) wins, the Pride take the #2 spot, Messiah #3. Alvernia (9-4) is #4.

Freedom Men:

DeSales is the #1 seed. If Eastern (8-5) defeats Delaware Valley they are #2. If the Eagles lose and Misericorida (8-5) tops Manhattanville, the Cougars take #2 and Eastern #3. King's (7-6) is #4.

Commonwealth Men:

If Albright (10-3) beats Messiah (8-5), they are the #1 seed; if they lose to Messiah and Lycoming (9-4) defeats Widener, the Warriors move into the #1 spot and the Lions are #2. If Messiah wins, they are #3; if Elizabethtown (7-6) defeats Arcadia, they are #4. If the Falcons lose and Elizabethtown wins, the Blue Jays take #3 andMessiah is #4. Alvernia (6-7) can get the #4 spot if they win, Widener wins, and Elizabethtown loses. Lebanon Valley (6-7) gets #4 if they win, Etown, Albright, and Widener lose.

The MAC swimming championships in Wilkes-Barre last weekend had more of the same and a newcomer to the championship stand. The Widener men won their fifth championship in a row under Coach of the Year Bob Piotti. The women's competition came down to the last individual race between Lycoming, Albright (2008 champion), and Misericordia (2009 champion); Lycoming had three all-conference performers in the race and emerged with their first swimming championship under Coach of the Year Gerry Hammaker. More on individual champions later.

MAC basketball tournament qualifiers are emerging. There are some make up games tomorrow (Thursday) that will impact the standings - stay tuned for updated scenarios. Here is the current situation:

Freedom Men

DeSales (12-1) is the top seed and will host both rounds if they win the first game at home on Wednesday, February 24. Eastern (7-5) will likely host the other first round game if they win one of their last two games against Wilkes (4-8) and Delaware Valley (5-8). If the Eagles lose both of those games, Misericordia (8-5) hosts, regardless of their result against Manhattanville. In that same scenario, if King's (7-6) defeats cross-town rival Wilkes, they would move into third place (Eastern ends up in fourth). If Eastern wins one game, Misericordia takes third and King's fourth.

Commonwealth Men

The only thing clear here is that Albright (10-3) and Lycoming (9-3) have the top two seeds and will host first round games. After that, Messiah (7-5) and Elizabethtown (6-6) have the inside track, but Lebanon Valley (6-6), Alvernia (6-7), and Widener (6-7) still have a shot.

Freedom Women

DeSales (10-3) and Manhattanville (10-2) are in the drivers seat for the top two seeds, but they could stumble and allow Misericordia (9-4) into a three-way tie. The Bulldogs play FDU (5-7) and the Valiants take on the Cougars and FDU. If Misericordia loses to Manhattanville and Delaware Valley (8-5) defeats Eastern (0-12), the Cougars slip to fourth and the Aggies take third.

Commonwealth Women

Lebanon Valley (12-1) is a lock to host the tournament if they win the first round game at home - likely to be Alvernia (8-4). If Messiah (10-2) wins one of their last two, they will host the other semi-final, likely Widener (10-3). If Messiah loses the last two and Widener beats Lycoming (4-8), the Pride would move into second. Alvernia (8-4) could sneak out of fourth into third with wins over the top seeded Falcons and Dutchmen, and a loss by Widener to the Warriors.

With two weeks to play, the DeSales men and the Lebanon Valley women are the first teams to qualify for their respective conference tournaments. The weather disrupted games this weekend, and the results have also impacted the standings. Messiah at Alvernia are the only games that did not get played.

COMMONWEALTH MEN

Lebanon Valley (5-5) beat Widener (4-6) 70-62 in Chester for their third straight conference win. Dead in hte water two weeks ago, the Dutchmen are back in the thick of the tournament puzzle. Although not mathematically eliminated, the Pride will probably have to win out in order to get a tournament spot. In another dramatic change of fortune, Albright (7-3) lost to Elizabethtown (6-4) 74-67 - the Blue Jays solidified their hold on a tournament spot and the Lions lost their second in a row (Widener earlier in week) after the big win against Lycoming to start the second half of the season. Lycoming (7-3) held on to beat Arcadia and claim a tie for first place with Albright. Although the Knights haven't picked up a win in their last three games, they have all been very strong performances.

With six teams over .500 in conference play, the teams that gets hot for the last four games prevail. Wednesday may help sort things out as Messiah and Lebanon Valley battle to stay in range of a tournament spot. Widener is in a must win game against Alvernia at home. The big game is Lycoming at Elizabethtown - with a win, the Blue Jays will tie the Warriors at 7-4.

FREEDOM MEN

DeSales (9-1) continues to cruise with a win over Delaware Valley (4-6). The other three games held many surprises. FDU, winless to date, topped King's (6-4) 69-57. Eastern (6-4), after knocking off the top two teams in the previous week, lost to Misericordia (6-4) 61-44. Wilkes (4-6) worked the game to overtime before prevailing over Manhattanville (4-6) 81-78.

DeSales is a lock, but any of six teams that finish strong will be in the tournament. Delaware Valley has to win at King's and Wilkes at Eastern to have any shot at being in the hunt. If King's or Eastern lose they go to 6-5 and will need to pick up the pace in their last three games. Misericordia travels to DeSales - a loss there would also make them 6-5.

COMMONWEALTH WOMEN

Widener (7-3) ended Lebanon Valleys (9-1) drive to a perfect confernece season with a 68-60 win on Sunday. Messiah (8-1) and Alvernia (6-3) will play their make up game on the 18th. The Dutchmen travel to Gratham on Wednesday for the big first place match up. Widener visits Alvernia - the winner has exclusive rights to third place.

FREEDOM WOMEN

DeSales (7-3) is hot at the right time as they knocked off the top two teams last week - Manhattanville and Delaware Valley (7-3). The 84-77 win over the Aggies this weekend tightened up the race for the top four teams. The Bulldogs now host Misericordia (7-3) for second place. For King's to remain viable, they need to defeat the Aggies at home. FDU's thin chances rest on an upset of #1 Manhattanville (8-2).

With the weather forecast predicting significant snow for the region, you should check schedules to find out about postponements.

COMMONWEALTH WOMEN

Messiah (8-1) travels to Alvernia (6-3) as each team battles to maintain their position in the standings. Messiah wants to head into next weeks game with LVC with the chance to get back into at least a tie for first; Alvernia doesn't want to drop any lower than third. Widener (6-3), tied with Alvernia, faces Lebanon Valley (9-0) and will be looking for the home upset to stay in third place. Arcadia (0-9) travels to Lyoming (3-6) and Albright (2-7) visits Elizabethtown (2-7) for bragging rights.

FREEDOM WOMEN

After a slow start, DeSales (6-3) is back in the mix and has a chance to improve their position as they host #1 Delaware Valley (7-2). Manhattanville (7-2) should hold onto a share of first place as they travel to Wilkes (1-8). FDU (4-5) hosts King's (5-4) in a must win situation - a loss, and the Devils are on the outside looking in. Misericordia (6-3) looks to stay in the upper echelon as they travel to Eastern (0-9).

COMMONWEALTH MEN

Messiah (5-4) and Alvernia (5-4) have a major battle brewing as the winner could be looking at second place; the loser could be vying with several other teams for fourth. Another key match up pits Lebanon Valley (4-5) at Widener (4-5). These two teams are regular tournament participants, but a loss here may put them out of contention. Each has won their first two games in the second go round in the schedule. Lycoming (6-3) hopes to get back on the winning track against Arcadia (0-9) after close losses to Albright and LVC. Despite their record, the Arcadia men have played LVC and Alvernia tough in the last two outings. The final game has first place Albright (7-2) hitting the road to Elizabethtown (5-4). On Wednesday, the Lions lost a heartbreaker to Widener and the Blue Jays were outlasted by Messiah in a 1 point game.

FREEDOM MEN

Eastern (6-3), after knocking off the two top conference teams (DeSales and King's) , heads to Misericordia (5-4), winner of their last two against DVC and Wilkes. DeSales (8-1) hosts Delaware Valley (4-5), a tough assignment for the Aggies as they want to stay in tournament contention. Wilkes (3-6) hosts Manhattanville 4-5) in a must win for both programs - the loser will have a tough time getting back into the race for a tournament sport. King's (6-3) hopes to keep a grip on second as they play FDU (0-9) in Madison.

Commonwealth Conference Basketball

Men:

Three of the top four teams lost on Wednesday night by a total margin of 5 points. Widener and Lebanon Valley each won for their second straight win in the second half of the season to move to 4-5 and stay alive for a tournament berth. Lebanon Valley beat Lycoming (6-3) 75-72 for the second time this season; Widener topped Albright, the conference leader (7-2), 49-48 in a wild finish. In another key game, Messiah (5-4) knocked off rival Elizabethtown (5-4) 61-60 in front of packed house. Although Arcadia is winless in the conference, it took overtime for Alvernia (5-4) to prevail 82-75.

Women:

No surprises here as the top four teams, Lebanon Valley (9-0), Messiah (8-1), Alvernia (6-3), and Widener (6-3), all won their games against the bottom half of the conference.

Freedom Conference Basketball

Men:

DeSales (8-1) returned to the win column by topping Manhattanville (4-5) - the Valiants are tied with Delaware Valley for 5th place. The Aggies maintain hopes of a tournament slot by beating FDU. The two big games had red hot Eastern (6-3) prevailing over King's (6-3) 70-55, and Misericordia (5-4) sending neighbor Wilkes home losing 77-71. Eastern last two wins were against the two top teams in the conference.

Women:

The game of the night had DeSales (6-3) squeaking by Manhattanville (7-2) 53-52 to put the Bulldogs back in the thick of the conference race. As expected, Delaware Valley (7-2), Misericordia ((6-3), and King's (5-4) won against teams in the bottom half of the conference. The Aggies are now tied for first with Manhattanville and have the tiebreaking edge with the win over the Valiants earlier in the season.

With the hiring of Isaac Collins at Widener yesterday, the MAC has its first African-American head football coach. For a conference that has been around for almost 100 years, that shouldn't be news, but it is, and we welcome Coach Collins to a great Division III football conference.

The second half of the basketball season is under way and tomorrow we already have some big games that will impact tournament play.

Commonwealth Men

Widener (3-5) stayed alive for a tournament spot on Saturday by defeating Messiah (4-4) 69-57. Things don't get easier as the Pride travels to first place Albright (7-1) for another must win game. Meanwhile, the Falcons host cross-river rival Elizabethtown (5-3) for a chance to stay in the hunt for a good tournament seed. Lebanon Valley (3-5) handed Lycoming (6-2) one of their two conference losses in December. For the Dutchmen to keep pace for a tournament spot, they need a repeat against the Warriors in Annville.

Freedom Men

DeSales (7-1) stumbled against Eastern (5-3) 61-56 on Saturday and travel to Manhattanville (4-4) in one of the toughest road venues in the MAC. The Valiants need a win to keep pace with the cluster in the middle of the pack. King's (6-2), maybe the most improved team in the conference, heads to Eastern to try to hold on to their second place standing; the Eagles can move into a tie for second with a win. Misericordia (4-4) hosts Wilkes (3-5) - the implications are obvious.

Commonwealth Women

The top four teams play the bottom four (is an upset in order?):
Lycoming at #1 Lebanon Valley (8-0)
Elizabethtown at #2 Messiah (7-1)
Alvernia (5-3) at Arcadia
Widener (5-3) at Albright

Freedom Women

Perennial power DeSales (5-3) heads to Purchase against Manhattanville (7-1). This is the best chance for the Bulldogs to get back into the hunt for a home seed in tournament. Red hot Delaware Valley (6-2) hosts FDU (4-4) - the Devils need to stay in range of fourth place and the Aggies, with the only conference win over #1 Manhattanville, hope to keep pace for the top seed.

Congratulations to the Messiah soccer teams on other post season awards that they received at the NSCAA Convention in Philadelphia. Juniors Erin Hench and Geoff Pezon were national players of the year and first-year head coach Brad McCarty was men's coach of the year.

Wrapping up other fall awards, the MAC scholar athletes were: Brian Pastor, Widener, Football; Meghan Droge, FDU-Florham, Volleyball; Andrew Loyd, Misericordia, Men's Soccer; Amanda Naeher, Messiah, Women's Soccer; Andrew Ferretti, DeSales, Men's Cross Country; Bethany Pavlik, Delaware Valley, Field Hockey; and, Megan VanDenHengel, Elizabethtown, Women's Cross Country. Although they only needed a 3.2 to be nominated, this group had an average grade point average of 3.72. 25 senior fall athletes were nominated for the 7 awards.

Make your plans to attend the wrestling regional hosted by Delaware Valley on Saturday, February 20. Del Val hopes to have several national qualifiers emerge from this tournament.

MAC swimming championships are at the Catholic Youth Center in Wilkes-Barre on February 12-14. Widener looks to retain their men's championship from last year, while the Misericordia women, 2009 MAC champions, will be under pressure from several teams to pull a repeat.

On February 27 the MAC indoor track & field championships are at Lehigh University.