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D3baseball.com => Conferences by region => New England Region => Topic started by: Ralph Turner on February 11, 2006, 04:18:59 PM

Title: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on February 11, 2006, 04:18:59 PM
Welcome to the Baseball Message Board for the Great Northeast Athletic Conference  (GNAC).


(I am looking for a volunteer to monitor the board.  Please email either Pat Coleman or me.)
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: soxfan42585 on March 31, 2007, 10:11:39 PM
Anyone know who figures to be top dogs in the GNAC? and Next year when WNEC leaves- how does Saint Joseph's look to fair?
Title: GNAC Playoffs
Post by: TheGNAC on April 26, 2007, 02:29:52 PM
Today marks the start of the GNAC Playoffs.

The first game of the day is between #1 seed Western New England versus #4 Rivier. That game will be played at 3:00 pm at WNEC. On the hill for the Golden Bears should be ace Eric Smolin (5-1, 1.80 ERA, 45 K) ,and Isaac Burkett (4-3, 1.73 ERA, 42 K) will counter for Rivier.

Game two will be a rematch of last year's opening round game, as #2 Suffolk hosts #3 Johnson and Wales in Quincy, MA. Steve Durant (4-1, 3.38 ERA, 37 K) will throw for the Rams, and Erik Hufnagel (5-1, 2.27 ERA, 43 K) will take the mound for JWU.

I expect the top seeds to win their respective games today, setting up a showdown on Saturday at Holman Stadium in Nashua, NH between Suffolk and WNEC.

Comments?
Title: Re: GNAC Playoffs
Post by: Paul Heering on April 26, 2007, 07:20:39 PM
Here are my thoughts for each team.

Rivier

Why they can win?

Why they can't win?


Johnson & Wales

Why they can win?

Why they can't win?


Suffolk

Why they can win?

Why they can't win?


WNEC

Why they can win?

Why they can't win?


So basically i am saying everyone could win, and everyone could lose, so i am basically saying nothing.
Title: Re: GNAC Playoffs
Post by: Bob Maxwell on April 26, 2007, 07:28:23 PM
But it was interesting to read....

;D
Title: Re: GNAC Playoffs
Post by: Stump on April 26, 2007, 09:52:24 PM
good read indeed! would be nice to see more of this for other conferences
Title: Re: GNAC Playoffs
Post by: TheGNAC on April 26, 2007, 10:51:45 PM
Nice post Don. Spot on, I think.

WNEC took care of Rivier after a 7-run seventh inning, winning by a final score of 13-4. Blanchard picked up the win in relief, going to 5-1 on the year. I'd assume Smolin didn't start for WNEC? Perhaps Pizzoferrato?

In the nightcap, Johnson and Wales hung on to beat Suffolk by a final score of 7-6. JWU jumped out to an early 3-0 lead after the first, and were up 7-4 going into the bottom of the 8th. Suffolk mounted a comeback, scoring two, but couldn't push across the much-needed 7th run to tie the game. Erik Hufnagel picks up his league-leading 6th win of the season, allowing 4 runs in 7 innings while striking out 13. Steve Durant took the loss for the Rams, falling to 4-2.

Tough loss for Suffolk, I expected them to advance to the winners bracket. They now face an uphill battle, having to win 4 games over a 2-day span, and they're not a team with a lot of pitching depth.

I still think Suffolk makes it to the finals though, but I don't think they can beat WNEC twice. Look for WNEC to beat JWU on Saturday, and Suffolk to take care of Rivier.

#2 Suffolk vs. #4 Rivier - Saturday, 12:00 pm, Holman Stadium, Nashua, NH
#1 WNEC vs. #3 Johnson and Wales - Saturday, 3:00 pm, Holman Stadium, Nashua, NH

Winner of the 12 pm game advances to face the loser of the 3 pm game on Saturday night at 6:00 pm.
Title: Re: GNAC Playoffs
Post by: soxfan42585 on April 26, 2007, 10:55:24 PM
Why is the GNAC tounry in Nashua?  Are the other sports tournys in the GNAC held at (semi)neutral sites?

WNEC has some strengths as does Suffolk and JWU but Rivier is just too young this year to do anything.
Title: Re: GNAC Playoffs
Post by: Paul Heering on April 27, 2007, 12:10:51 PM
Hey TheGNAC,

You seem to know a lot about who these games. 

Do you happen to know who JWU threw in their game on Tuesday? 

Who do you think they will pitch on saturday?

Who pictched for Suffolk last night?  i assume one of their top two and the other will go vs Rivier on saturday

I would guess WNEC throws Smolin tomorrow  (Anderson and Blanchard pitched yesterday)  you have any guesses of who throw for the other three teams?

Rivier threw Burkett (complete game) on tuesday and Goulet threw thursday?  who is left?  do they come back with burkett?

have i asked enough questions
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on April 27, 2007, 02:19:15 PM
Don, I just typed a nice long preview of the games tomorrow, clicked post, and got an error message. Post is lost.

Anyway, here's a condensed version, let me try and recap.

Byron will throw tomorrow for JWU, Smolin for WNEC.

Jackson will throw for Suffolk, I'd assume Burkett comes back for Rivier.

Durant pitched for Suffolk last night, got roughed up a bit. If Suffolk wins tomorrow, I'd assume Dimarco will throw tomorrow night for Suffolk.

I like Suffolk in the first game against Rivier, and WNEC advancing to Sunday's championship. That would leave a Suffolk-JWU rematch tomorrow night under the lights, and it should be interesting.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Paul Heering on April 29, 2007, 07:43:04 PM
WNEC rolls through the tourney, combined score in three games 34-6 (21-2 this weekend in NH).  So lets revisit my silly explanations of earlier this week.

Quote from: don mattingly on April 26, 2007, 07:20:39 PM
Here are my thoughts for each team.

Rivier

Why they can win?

  • Have shown they can play with the other teams (beat Suffolk and JWU this year--Beat Suffolk and hung with WNEC until late in the game last year in the playoffs)
    Home cookin--Saturday and Sunday in Nashua

Why they can't win?


  • Have never won tourney before
    Lost to WNEC today 13-4

Johnson & Wales

Why they can win?

  • They can hit with anyone
    They beat Suffolk last year in this same spot, if they can get into the winners bracket you never know

Why they can't win?


  • Not enough pitching
    Season record vs 3 other teams, 2-4

Suffolk

Why they can win?

  • From looking at the stats, looks like they have two very good starters and then there is a drop off, the fact this tourney is so spread out may help them
    They have atleast one win against everyone in the field

Why they can't win?


  • After Durant and Jackson, who pitches?

WNEC

Why they can win?

  • Pitching depth, a team that can run out Smolin, Anderson, Blanchard, Pizzoferrato (seems to be back), and Richardson.  Will fair well in almost any tournament especially the GNAC

Why they can't win?


  • Pitching depth may be negated by tournament being spread out, throw in a rain out (always a possibility) and pitching depth doesn't matter
    They aren't going to mash and put up huge offensive numbers, coming into the tournament they put up 6 runs per game vs tournament field this year.

So basically i am saying everyone could win, and everyone could lose, so i am basically saying nothing.

Team by team

Rivier
Hung with WNEC for a while again, but lost
Apparently the kitched was closed, no home cookin, lost 3-1 in Nashua Saturday

I was off, but honestly i was stretching for ways they could win

Johnson & Wales
Said they could hit but pitching would be a problem, well they put up 13 runs in two  games vs Suffolk (blanked by WNEC) but the problem was in three games they gave up 24 runs

I was pretty close--except for Smolin shutting them down Saturday

Suffolk
Said they had two good pitchers but then would need help.  Once they lost that first game to JWU it was over, judging by the 11 runs they gave up Sunday looks like pitching was done

WNEC
Said pitching depth was the key, but i said they wouldn't put up huge offensive numbers, well, they scored double digits each game, i was off.

WNEC heads to NCAA tourney, You would think JWU and Suffolk would be get ECAC bids, and Rivier looks forward to a new look GNAC next year.  Should be interesting with WNEC out and St. Joes Maine in next year.  Should be interesting. 
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Catch08 on April 30, 2007, 11:38:03 AM
WNEC was easily the most balanced team in the league by far. They had the best pitcher in the league Smolin while Riv had the best thrower in Burkett. Riv would be nothing without that kid. The only way they beat any teams were when he pitched. Their hitting was terrible. The league will be wide open next year when WNEC leaves but it will still be a quality up and coming league. Suffolk was good this year but their pitching depth wasnt there but they could swing the bats with anyone. JWU was a scrappy team but i would like to see how they handle losing Hurley who was nasty his whole carrer at JWU. AMC is bringing a good team back with only losing 4 seniors and Emmerson did a nice job first year coming back from being a club team.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: MSG77 on May 01, 2007, 02:40:20 PM
Where is WNEC going?  Independant or joining another league?
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Paul Heering on May 01, 2007, 03:03:40 PM
WNEC is going to the CCC
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: MSG77 on May 01, 2007, 03:43:34 PM
Why?  I would think the CCC is weaker than the GNAC.  Also, aren't GNAC schools closer than the CCC schools, which are all along the coast, no?  Doesn't the CCC already have 13 schools?  While the GNAC is only 8?

I don't get it.  Anyone explain?
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Catch08 on May 01, 2007, 09:55:57 PM
WNEC is leaving because they want to get into a conf. that has football no GNAC school has a football team. The GNAC is picking up 3 teams to negate the departure of WNEC. St Joes of Maine Mt Ida and LaSalle are coming into the league. There are also more then 8 schools but the other ones are all girl schools. So we lose WNEC but bring in a very good St Joe team
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: MSG77 on May 02, 2007, 03:55:13 PM
Quote from: Catch08 on May 01, 2007, 09:55:57 PM
WNEC is leaving because they want to get into a conf. that has football no GNAC school has a football team. The GNAC is picking up 3 teams to negate the departure of WNEC. St Joes of Maine Mt Ida and LaSalle are coming into the league. There are also more then 8 schools but the other ones are all girl schools. So we lose WNEC but bring in a very good St Joe team

Ahh... I should have guessed.  Seems 9 times out of 10 if you ask any question about conference alignment, the answer always somehow involves football.  I guess even in NE, where college football's impact is minimal at best, it still factors into the equation.

I didn't realize the GNAC had more teams that were girls schools.  With just a quick look, it seemed that most of the GNAC schools were along either I-91 or I-90, which made it fairly convenient travelwise from Springfield.  I know the 2 schools in the CCC in RI are right on Narragansett Bay (Salve is in Newport and RWU is in Bristol).  They aren't easy to get to, even if you live in RI.  I thought a lot of the teams in the CCC were also very small schools in hard to reach locations.

Thanks for the info though.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Paul Heering on May 02, 2007, 05:24:39 PM
Catch08,

Thanks for the info on why WNEC is leaving.  Question though, is this first hand info or are you guessing?  not judging you but that theory doesn't make sense

you said the reason was...
Quote from: Catch08 on May 01, 2007, 09:55:57 PM
WNEC is leaving because they want to get into a conf. that has football no GNAC school has a football team.

Norwich is in the GNAC and they play football (not in NEFC with WNEC)
The CCC has four teams that play in the NEFC---Endicott, Nichols, Curry, & Salve--that is only 1/3 of the CCC.  i can't see how that would motivate the move.

I have other guesses as they might want to leave but they would only be guesses.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on May 02, 2007, 05:36:46 PM
Four schools is enough to form the core for a football AQ if they can:
--add 3 affiliate members,
--maintain a stable conference for 2 years and
--then seek an AQ for the CCC.

Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on May 02, 2007, 05:56:44 PM
Norwich is a valuable member of the E8 as an affiliate.  They give the E8 its AQ by being the 7th football playing member in the conference.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: JOUL on May 03, 2007, 09:25:05 AM
From a baseball standpoint, WNEC's move may not be the best, but for the school as a whole, im sure its beneficial overall.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Catch08 on May 03, 2007, 10:27:16 AM
This is all first hand knowledge about WNEC. I play in the GNAC and went to a couple of conference meetings and this is what we were told. Im sure there are always stories behind stories why they are leaving but this is why I was told they were leaving.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Paul Heering on May 03, 2007, 11:11:09 AM
Thanks catch08.   wasn't trying to say were wrong just wondering.  Ralph's theory about the CCC now having enough teams to break off and then have the CCC sponsor football is interesting.  they would have 5 full time members with football(endicott, curry, salve, nichols, and wnec) and would only have to get two more football members (i would assume they might target the non-mascac football schools that are already in the NEFC--MIT, Plymouth state, maine maritime, coast guard, umass dartmouth).  i am 100% guessing though
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: newenglandman on May 06, 2007, 10:36:12 AM
     I'm writing to comment on how poor I think the GNAC coaches did in picking award winners.  How is it that WNEC rolls through the conference, sweeps the conference tourney, and is ranked highly in New England all year, but can't win one major award from the conference?  Let's take a look at the numbers.

Player of the Year – Alex Hurley – Johnson and Wales.  This is the one pick I totally agree with.  He is the best all-around player in the league and possibly an All-American selection.  Great year Alex.  Here are his numbers:

INDIVIDUAL BATTING
Min 1.5 AB/Team game         G   Avg  AB    R    H  RBI   2B   3B   HR   BB
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alex Hurley JWU...........  39  .421 152   52   64   47   14    3    9   20

He also stole 28-29 bases. 

Pitcher of the Year – Isaac Burkett – Rivier (this is a joke).  Let's take a look at the stats:

INDIVIDUAL PITCHING
Minimum 5 IP               App   ERA  W-L  Sv    IP   H   R  ER  BB  SO
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric Smolin WNE...........   7  1.53  6-1   0  53.0  40  12   9  11  46
Isaac Burkett RIV.........   7  1.73  4-3   0  36.1  27  10   7  11  42
Erik Hufnagel JWU.........   8  2.11  6-1   0  42.2  34  18  10  16  54

   Burkett's a decent arm, but nowhere in the league of Smolin from WNEC.  Burkett started against WNEC during the regular season and didn't even last 3 innings.  He has no big wins and doesn't even have the stats of Smolin.  He does have more k/9, but that is a totally irrelevant stat.  Burkett did not pitch against Suffolk during the regular season and only pitched 2 innings against WNEC, but still got tagged with the loss.  He got 1 win against Johnson & Wales, but the other 3 are against cupcake teams. 
   But look at Smolin.  He just ran his record to 7-1 with a win against Wheaton College.  Here's his line: 9 ip, 4 hits, 0 ER, 9 k.  Smolin's wins: Johnson and Wales, Brandeis, Johnson and Wales, Rivier, Albertus Magnus, Obbertein (#1 in nation at the time), and now Wheaton.  His one loss came to Cortland State (#2 in nation) in his first start of the year.  Smolin is a big game pitcher who should have been Pitcher of the Year is not for bad GNAC coaches ticked off about WNEC leaving the league next year. 
   Hufnagel even has a better case than Burkett.  At least he's well above .500 winning percentage.  He's also got more k's/9.  I just don't understand how any pitcher with a 4-3 record can claim to be the Pitcher of the Year for their league.  Smolin will end up All-New England and possibly even a draft pick, while Burkett sits home with his coach telling him how good he is. 

Coach of the Year – Bill Maniotis (biggest joke of them all)
   Here's a coach who leads his team to a 4th place league finish with an 8-6 conference record and an 11-13 record overall.  Remember too that this is a very weak conference once you get past WNEC, Suffolk, and Johnson & Wales (5th place team finished at 5-9 conference and 12-16 overall).  I could maybe understand if Rivier wins the conference tournament, but they make a weak showing in the conference tournament by going 0-2 to be the first team sent home.  I'm not quite sure what Maniotis did that was so worthy of being coach of the year.  In fact, he led his team to a 4th place regular season last year and a 3rd place conference tournament finish.  His team from last year graduated ZERO players.  So with the same players, his team actually finished worse than last year.  It's not like he did a hell of a job recruiting some talent and moving up in the conference.  They finished in the exact same spot in the regular season and did worse in the conference tournament.  Good job coach. 
   Compare this with WNEC.  WNEC's coach (Matt LaBranche) loses his All-American player to graduation, his #2 starting pitcher to arm injury (Pizzoferrato), a starting position player to injury (Newell) and still manages to win the regular season GNAC title (12-2 conference record, 26-8 overall).  They then cruise through the conference tournament.  In the latest NCAA regional poll, they are ranked 2nd in New England.  I'm not sure what else you have to do to be recognized in the GNAC as the coach of the year.  I mean, WNEC also was the champion last year after losing at least 5 all-conference players to graduation.  Maniotis from Rivier was coach of the year that year too for his fine job of finishing in 4th place and failing to qualify for the NCAA tournament. 
   I'm just baffled about how a team can finish 11-13 overall and the coach is named coach of the year.  Sounds like the coaches who vote on this don't like WNEC because they are leaving.  What's funny is that LaBrance has a vote for the All-America team this year.  I bet you he is too much of professional to let some problems with GNAC coaches come between Hurley and All-American.  If he thinks Hurley is deserving, he'll vote for the kid. 

Rookie of the Year -  Corey Hayes - Rivier
   I'm not sure who the best rookie in the league was because stats are so hard to find for GNAC teams.  But I do know that Hayes didn't even make 1st or 2nd team all-league.  The Walz kid from WNEC is all league 2nd team at second base and a two-time GNAC player of the week, but can't win this award.  He also plays on a highly ranked team in New England. 

Walz's stats: 123 ABs, .301 ave., 43 hits, 4 doubles, 4 triples, 1 hr, 22 rbi, 25 BBs, 2-3 SBs, .957 fld. %.  Led conference in triples.  Also batted .378 in conference games. 

Hayes's stats: .338 average, no other information available except to say his defense was "stellar".  No GNAC player of the week awards.

   Again, I'm not sure if Walz's stats are better than Hayes's.  But I do know that they are at least comparable, especially when you factor in that Walz bats in the 2-hole and plays one of the toughest schedules in the GNAC.  Maybe if Rivier posted some better stats, we could have more data for a comparison.  Even so, when you have such a close decision, I really think you have to factor in strength of schedule and wins-losses. 

   So after all of this, we are left with one simple conclusion.  The GNAC is better called the Gross-NAC.  Rivier finishes 11-13 and wins pitcher of the year, coach of the year, and rookie of the year.   WNEC goes 26-8 and gets 2 All-GNAC first team selections and 3 second team selection. 

       I think the problem with the GNAC is you have a bunch of really bad teams with really bad coaches.  Outside of WNEC, Suffolk, and Johnson and Wales, there are five terrible teams (Rivier, Daniel Webster, Albertus Magnus, Norwich, and Emerson) that are never above .500.  These five teams are able to use their majority power to play favorites and make sure their players win awards even though they might not deserve them.  The five coaches get five votes for all the major awards and have a hard time giving the big hardware to the players and coaches from teams that kick their butts all year long.  WNEC beat Rivier by scores of 7-1, 12-2, and 13-4 this year.  It's got to be hard to swallow those losses and cast a vote for the players and coach that beat you like that.  But while Burkett, Maniotis, and Hayes are home saying how great it would be to win 12 games next year, WNEC can go for the real hardware at the Regional. 

I hope WNEC gets a fair shake each year in the CCC and the kids won't get short-changed by coaches who are jealous of their success. 
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Catch08 on May 06, 2007, 02:11:29 PM
Ok Newenglandman have you ever played the game before ??? Do you know how they pick the first and second teams. You sound like a bitter WNEC fan who wants the whole team placed on the first team. There is no question that Hurley should have been POY the kid is nasty. Ill give you Burkett didnt deserve Pitcher of the Year because he wasnt.  Smolin was. The kid was unreal didnt have the arm of Burkett but he did have better command of all his pitches. Burkett was the best thrower but Smolin best pitcher and the one pitcher that nobody in the league wanted to face. Now let me get into why your a tool. WNEC lost an All American. THATS IT they brought everyone else back. Anderson and Pizzo along with all of there hitting. How can you say that the bottom teams are awful with bad coaches ? When your making your case for Smolin you say he beats Albertus. And by the way Albertus won the GNAC about 3 years ago so know what your talking about. They also beat Suffolk this year with all of Suffolks guns in and played ESCU to 5-1 in 9 innings which is 9th in the country. Have you ever played the game ? Is everything about awards. There are alot of deserving kids that get left off of the all-star teams or all conf teams. whatever its not that big of a deal. Why dont you look at why WNEC always wins rather then just looking at these other teams cant win. WNEC has full time staff so they can recruit all day and be in the office. There only jobs are to be on campus doing baseball activities. They dont work 9-5 jobs then have to come recruit have practices then go on the road. WNEC has state of the art facilities. So instead of getting on your laptop and saying these coaches are awful why dont you do a sit up try and do what these coaches do for about 3,000 dollars a season. Its not an easy thing. Stats are nice but how about thinking what did this kid do in a big spot ? Did he strike out with the bases loaded ? Or did his hits come when the game was a blow out or with nobody on. Its easy to get on a kid when you just look at stats. Plenty of people were left off the GNAC teams that should have made it. Dont go crying for a WNEC team that gets all of the calls and all of the awards anyways. The overal goal of a team to do is to win the league and go to regionals.  So WNEC is doing that good for them but dont call other teams coaches bad when you cant even coach a girls tee ball team. So hide behind your computer you punk. While you cry for all of the WNEC kids because they didnt get awards they didnt deserve.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: JOUL on May 06, 2007, 02:25:50 PM
Catch08...pretty upset about that post from before huh?  I assume you play in the GNAC?...The one thing I can say is that it did look like alot of the awards were suspect at best.  And you speak of players needing to do things in big spots, WNEC did blow everybody out of the water, in the tourny...which is when it counts.  It sounds like you are pretty upset about this, but you know that the post from before was pretty accurate in most cases.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Ralph Turner on May 06, 2007, 02:29:57 PM
Just an outside observation...

Is WNEC leaving the GNAC for the CCC?

Then is this recent voting possibly a "don't let the door hit your back side on the way out" matter?  ???

"You think that you are better than we are? Well, take your game somewhere else!"

Just curious...
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: JOUL on May 06, 2007, 02:32:16 PM
Also, I just read that Smolin was throwing 92-93 against JWU.   So you are telling me that Burkett throws harder than that.  I dont know for sure, but I really think we would have heard much more about him if was throwing 94mph.  Your facts arent lining up buddy.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: JOUL on May 06, 2007, 02:33:39 PM
Ralph,

I would have to say you were right on with that assumption!
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: StraightGas on May 06, 2007, 02:53:43 PM
Catch08,

First of all, WNEC has one paid coach.  That's Matt LaBranche.  He also teaches at WNEC, so he's not a full-time only baseball guy.  WNEC raises money for their assisant coaches.  So raise money for your coach so he is more motivated to recruit better.

Secondly, WNEC should have won every award besides Player of the Year.  When has an MLB coach ever won a Coach of the Year with a losing record? 

Thirdly, you said "Stop hiding behind your computer, you punk"... If you play in the GNAC, what's your name and who do you play for?  Stop bashing everyone's valid opinions while hiding behind your computer.

And NewEnglandMan, righteous post on the faults of the GNAC.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Catch08 on May 06, 2007, 05:41:55 PM
Smolin throws nothing close to 93 unless the person with the gun had alittle too much to drink that day. He was the best pitcher in the league by far so I dont want anyone to get that confused, however he did not come close to sniffing upper 80's. Does Joe Torre win coach of the year every year how about Geno for Uconn women hoops ??? What does LaBranche teach Golf ? Come on now.  Hollowatty does the same stuff at Eastern. Dont bash other coaching staffs around the league is my point. They had 5 players on both teams. All the teams vote on the awards and it goes by in conf stats as well. WNEC is trying to be the new eastern, well thats not going to happen. And if anyone read my previous posts they would see that I didnt bash WNEC. Dont bash other schools INCLUDING ALBERTUS if you want a hint there it is. Dont bash other coaches and the work they put into it. Very easy to sit in your dirty underwear and read stats from college kids because you were the last one picked at reccess.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: wordsmith on May 06, 2007, 06:01:55 PM
Quote from: Catch08 on May 06, 2007, 05:41:55 PM
What does LaBranche teach Golf ? Come on now.  Hollowatty does the same stuff at Eastern.

FYI>>Matt Labranche teaches a Personal Health and Wellness class at WNEC.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on May 06, 2007, 06:22:35 PM
Catch,

I was at the WNEC-JWU game, behind the plate. The Mets scout in attendance for Smolin had him sitting upper 80's, touching 91-92.

Isaac Burkett is lucky if he hits 87.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: StraightGas on May 06, 2007, 09:04:18 PM
Catch08,

The facts are there.  JOUL and TheGNAC have confirmed the obvious.  Maybe you should read threads other than the GNAC. 

And it appears you were the last one picked to read in English class.  Your spelling and grammar are borderline grade school. 

Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Catch08 on May 06, 2007, 10:31:06 PM
What facts did you step into a batters box this year ??? I was in the box against the all of WNEC's guns and the rest of the GNAC were you ??? A kid doesnt go from 82 on our gun to another 10mph if he did then everyone should transfer to WNEC because they are doing some mind blowing things over there. How many people should WNEC have had ? All 9 ? And StraightGas which you only call yourself that because you most likely have never have thrown gas who do you play for you sound like a WNEC fan and if you read my other posts you would see that I dont doubt they were the best team and Matt is a very good coach. Dont bash other coaching staffs,players, and cry because everyone didnt get on the first team. I know alot of players that should have been on that did not get voted on the team
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: JOUL on May 06, 2007, 10:38:36 PM
Catch,

Only one guy mentioned anything about the other coaches...Which I agree was inappropriate.  However,  you have been bashing Smolin this whole time when you went 0-3 with 2 k's against him.  Also, I really dont think scouts make up numbers like 91-92 mph.  Usually, they are pretty honest.  And when did you EVER have a gun on him?
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: StraightGas on May 06, 2007, 10:55:21 PM
Do guys always throw their best every single game?  He may have been low to mid-80's against you but that doesn't mean he hasn't thrown harder. 

Major League Baseball scouts don't lie.

Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Paul Heering on May 06, 2007, 11:17:45 PM
Joul, Straightgas, catch08, and friends,

If i am getting up on my preverbial high horse and need to be knocked down i can take it but....

The point of these message boards (in my opinion and jim and pat can correct me if i am wrong) is to share information and opinions with each other.  i appreciate a good debate as much as the next guy but i don't think this is the place for you guys to go back and forth and say who got picked last or who has stinkier underwear.  I for one really appreciate a lot of the information that people throw up here and i have learned a lot.

Keep posting, your insight is great and appreciated, you all seem to know alot about the league.  But please if you want to go back and forth with attacks on each other or coaches or players do it somewhere else.  send a private message, send each other an email, or even better just let it go. 

thanks

Donald Aurthor
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Catch08 on May 06, 2007, 11:44:13 PM
Ok here we go again. Take the time and read my posts. Smolin SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE PITCHER OF THE YEAR ive been saying it all year. I was shocked when he wasnt as most people who have seen the kid throw. However I dont think he hits 92 there is no way he gained 10 mph since the begining of the year just no way. We have a radar gun that charts our pitchers as most ppl do. And i did go 0-3 against him. I also hit 367 if you want to go to my schools website or the GNAC website and see my name on some leaderboards. I dont like it when Newenglandboy comes to the aid of WNEC like they need help. Maybe they did get big leagued but 5 kids on the 1st and 2nd teams arent bad. You dont play the game on paper you play the game on the field. We beat Suffolk this year when there number 1 seed was on the line. So thats where i take offense to the terrible teams. When your on a team trying to win games the last thing you want to hear is some guy behind a computer and fake name talking crap about your school and a coaching staff that works hard to better the team is out of line. So hopefully that ends that.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: StraightGas on May 07, 2007, 12:23:55 AM
Does anyone have the names and statistics for the All-Conference guys (first and second teamers)?  I actually never saw a compiled list, just a few names off some websites.

Thanks.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: JOUL on May 07, 2007, 09:00:13 AM
1st team was.....
Nick Martinho C - Suffolk
Greg Dimarco RF - Suffolk
Jeison King CF - Suffolk
Marc Exarhopoulos DH - Suffolk
Alex Hurley 2B - JWU
Casey Allen UT - DWC
Eric Smolin P - WNEC
Ryan Kravontka SS - WNEC

Those were the only teams that posted anything...Obviously there are a few missing, but the GNAC website was useless and had to get these from individual websites...I think that JWU's Left Fielder was in here too but not positive.  And not sure about 3rd



2nd team was....
Tom Horgan 1B WNEC
Travis Schwamb DH WNEC
Justin Walz 2B WNEC
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: JOUL on May 07, 2007, 01:12:12 PM
1ST Team

Casey Allen – Util .300, 7 2B, 22 RBI  .... 2-6, 5.79 ERA...DWC
Eric Smolin – Pitcher 7-1 1.31 ERA...WNEC
Ryan Kravontka – SS .379, 9 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 24 RBI...WNEC
Alex Hurley – 2B .444, 12 2B, 3 3B, 9 HR, 45 RBI, 23-24 SB...JWU
Nick Martinho – C/1B .368, 8 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 33 RBI 7-7 SB...SUFF
Greg DiMarco – RF .406, 2 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 17 RBI, 12-18 SB...SUFF
Marc Exarhopoulos – DH .367, 6 2B, 1 HR, 25 RBI...SUFF
Jeison King – CF .355, 10 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 23 RBI, 19-20 SB...SUFF

Again...These were the only guys who were shown on each teams website, so obviously there are some guys missing (3B, 1B)...anyone who knows, feel free to add on
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Catch08 on May 07, 2007, 01:45:51 PM
Mike Damiani First team Albertus Magnus
Jeff King Second Team Albertus Magnus
JR Bagley Second Team Albertus Magnus
Ward from Norwich made First Team as a Catcher
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on May 07, 2007, 02:24:29 PM
First Team

Casey Allen, DWC – Util .300, 7 2B, 22 RBI
Eric Smolin, WNEC – SP 7-1 1.31 ERA, 55 K
Ryan Kravontka, WNEC – SS .379, 9 2B, 3 3B, 2 HR, 24 RBI
Alex Hurley, JWU – 2B .444, 12 2B, 3 3B, 9 HR, 45 RBI, 23-24 SB
Nick Martinho, SUFF – C/1B .368, 8 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 33 RBI 7-7 SB
Greg DiMarco, SUFF – RF .406, 2 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 17 RBI, 12-18 SB
Marc Exarhopoulos, SUFF – DH .367, 6 2B, 1 HR, 25 RBI
Jeison King, SUFF – CF .355, 10 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 23 RBI, 19-20 SB
Mike Damiani, AMC - OF .465, 12 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 22 RBI, 7-9 SB
Aaron Ward, NOR - C .425, 7 2B, 3 3B, 0 HR, 15 RBI
Isaac Burkett, RIV - SP 5-3, 1.45 ERA, 52 K

Emerson didn't place anyone on the first team.

Second team
Mike Crawford, RIV - .365, no other stats available
Brian Fennessy, EME - .333, 4 2B, 3 3B, 3 HR
Reid Jackson, SUFF - 6-1, 2.96 ERA, 30 K
Steve Durant, SUFF - 4-2, 4.31 ERA, 47 K
Kevin Silva, SUFF - .347, 4 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR
JR Bagley, AMC - .364, 6 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR
Jeff King, AMC - .319, 8 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 9-11 SB
Tom Horgan, WNEC - .338, 4 2B, 0 3B, 0 HR
Travis Schwamb, WNEC - .333, 12 2B, 0 3B, 3 HR
Justin Walz, WNEC - .298, 4 2B, 4 3B, 1 HR

Best I could come up with for statistics. Add to it if you'd like.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on May 07, 2007, 04:06:16 PM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on May 06, 2007, 02:29:57 PM
Then is this recent voting possibly a "don't let the door hit your back side on the way out" matter?

That is exactly what I was thinking -- good call.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: StraightGas on May 07, 2007, 11:32:23 PM
To add on to the why WNEC may be leaving the GNAC for the CCC is that it matches the demographics of the other schools involved in the CCC.  Such as students looking at WNEC when filling out a college application and asked "What other schools are you applying to?"  Many of those students are writing Salve Regina, Endicott, and so on.  Those colleges offer the same programs at relatively the same costs.

Just a thought, seems feasible. 
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Pat Coleman on May 07, 2007, 11:52:22 PM
Often conference affiliation is not based on one sport. Unless, as mentioned earlier, that sport is football. Since not every conference offers football, having an automatic bid available is important.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Paul Heering on May 08, 2007, 12:29:58 PM
Another reason for the switch to the CCC might be (and i am guessing) is that WNEC could have the majority of their sports play in one league.  right now there are a few sports that play in other leagues b/c the GNAC doesn't sponsor that sport.

for example....
Women's Lacrosse plays in the NEWLA
Men's Lacrosse plays in the Pilgrim League
Field Hockey plays in the NAC

Maybe they wanted all their teams to play in one league, again just guessing though.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Catch08 on May 09, 2007, 11:07:05 AM
just a question/thought The GNAC conf has been done for over a week maybe longer while other D3 schools are still playing. Why doesnt the GNAC make its tourny the same as the LEC It seems as if we put our champs in a bad spot rolling into the tourny by having them sit for a week.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: frank uible on May 09, 2007, 11:14:31 AM
Besides athletes usually more enjoy playing games than merely practicing.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: JOUL on May 09, 2007, 11:17:46 AM
Well there is one benefit...Your pitching isnt worn down going into the tourny.  For example, if the LEC ends on Sunday they only have two days to rest up pitching.  As we know in conference tournys, some teams will use their ace more than once in the tourny, and therefore, wouldnt be able to use their ace on day one of the Regionals.  Other than that, I would agree that the GNAC tourny is way too early.  Maybe it has something to do with Finals for Classes?  Just a thought.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on May 11, 2007, 08:05:02 PM
That is surprising how many conferences do run their conference tournament so close to the regionals. I suppose it helps keep team sharp but it has to tax the pitching heading into the regionals
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Jim Dixon on May 11, 2007, 08:09:03 PM
Quote from: Catch08 on May 09, 2007, 11:07:05 AM
just a question/thought The GNAC conf has been done for over a week maybe longer while other D3 schools are still playing. Why doesnt the GNAC make its tourny the same as the LEC It seems as if we put our champs in a bad spot rolling into the tourny by having them sit for a week.

The USA South has been decided three weeks and they make the championship round often.  The northern schools have to wait longer since the majority dont play until a month after teh southern schools start.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Paul Heering on November 19, 2007, 10:19:16 PM
I had some time so I went through some stats I had lying around.

Here are some stats based on 2007 GNAC baseball results

Here are the figures for the production that teams got out of their underclassman pitchers (I didn't go through and check to see who was back, this is just based on their 200 statistics and roster)

To explain further, if Starts = 63% that means that in 2007 63% of their games were started by underclassmen (this is just pitching stats)

Daniel Webster (8-29-1) Team ERA 8.18
Starts = 63%
Wins = 71%
Innings Pitched = 70%
Appearances = 63%
Average of these = 67%

Emerson (12-16) Team ERA 9.88
Starts = 46%
Wins = 33%
Innings Pitched = 46%
Appearances = 40%
Average of these = 41%

Johnson & Wales (22-18) Team ERA 5.24
Starts = 48
Wins = 57
Innings Pitched = 66
Appearances = 77
Average of these = 62

Norwich (6-26) Team ERA 10.08
Starts = 69
Wins = 40
Innings Pitched = 72
Appearances = 75
Average of these = 64

St. Joe's (30-12) Team ERA 4.31
Starts = 85
Wins = 73
Innings Pitched = 78
Appearances = 83
Average of these = 80

Suffolk (23-17) Team ERA 4.11
Starts = 100
Wins = 100
Innings Pitched = 100
Appearances = 100
Average of these = 100

Based on this it would say that St. Joe's and Suffolk should be ahead of the pack but I guess that isn't a surprise.

Rivier & Albertus Magnus did not have stats listed on their pages
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Jim Dixon on December 21, 2007, 01:37:26 PM
Catch the three part story by Eric Smolin on his reflections of his first year in the minor leagues.
Title: Re: GNAC -- Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Jim Dixon on December 28, 2007, 12:13:27 PM
Quote from: Jim Dixon on December 21, 2007, 01:37:26 PM
Catch the three part story by Eric Smolin on his reflections of his first year in the minor leagues.

The final installment is on the web site now. 
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on February 25, 2008, 07:48:10 PM
Hey guys, here are my GNAC picks for 2008.

1. Suffolk - Suffolk is returning their entire pitching staff, led by Jackson, Durant, and Dimarco, all three of whom played in collegiate leagues last summer (Jackson in the NYCBL, Durant in the Great Lakes Collegiate League, and Dimarco in the Coastal Plains League). Their offense should be potent once again with Martinho and Dimarco back, as well. I think it will come down to Suffolk and St. Joe's, and going on past results, Suffolk should be the pre-season favorite.

2. St. Joseph's (Maine) - St. Joe's is new to the GNAC, but they will be a force. They're coming from an admittedly cupcake league, but no one can doubt their talent. Luke Enman is my pre-season POTY pick, he's a legitimate stud at the D3 level. They also have an excellent transfer in Pat Moran, who comes to St. Joe's from D-1 UMaine. He's a big, hard throwing righthander, and he should dominate the GNAC. I just don't think they have the pitching to win this thing, as they lost their top two arms from last season, and they were swept by Suffolk late in the season.

3. Johnson and Wales - JWU is always in the mix come April, and this year should be no different. They return their top arm from last year in Hufnagel, and also return Jackson, Melendez, and Maldonado. That being said, they lost their best player (and the best player to come through the GNAC in a long time) in Hurley, so I think they're going to have a tough time with the top two teams. Still, they should prove a tough test for any team they play.

4. Rivier - Rivier had a good season in 2007, finishing 4th in the conference. Much like last season, I just don't think they have the firepower to contend with Suffolk or St. Joe's. 2007 Pitcher of the Year Isaac Burkett is back, but after that are nothing but question marks.

5. Albertus Magnus

6. Norwich

7. Daniel Webster

Preseason Picks:

Player of the Year
1. Luke Enman, SJC
2. Nick Martinho, SUFF
3. Greg Dimarco, SUFF

Pitcher of the Year
1. Reid Jackson, SUFF
2. Pat Moran, SJC
3. Erik Hufnagel, JWU
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Paul Heering on February 26, 2008, 10:26:19 AM
Agreed.  It looks like a two team race with Suffolk having the edge. 

Another reason they may have the edge is that St. Joe's plays both JWU and Suffolk on the same weekend.  That means that they need four different pitchers in their toughest four games in conference.  Where Suffolk and JWU can use their top two in all four of those games.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on February 26, 2008, 11:12:32 PM
Good point Paul, that alone will make it tough for SJC to get that #1 seed. IIRC, Suffolk lost their last conference game to Albertus Magnus last year, failing to clinch the regular season title in doing so. Instead of facing Rivier, the 4 seed, in game 1, they ended up playing JWU, and losing. This put them in a hole for the rest of the tournament, eventually running out of pitching in the finals against WNEC.

IMO, whoever gets that #1 seed will be playing in Harwich come May.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: broke_ya_ankles on March 01, 2008, 03:40:41 PM
I'm not sure why you guys are so quick to look at St. Joe's pitching as a weak point.  They did lose their ace from last year (Sam Tupper) although Moran should at least replace him.  Andrew Kierstead and Kyle Dorr were a pair of freshmen southpaws last year that each had very respectable seasons.  Kierstead went 4-2 with a 3.46 ERA over 54.2 innings including 2 complete game efforts and showed great control with a 25/6 k/bb ratio.  Dorr finished 4-1 with a 4.15 ERA over 30.1 innings holding opponents to just a .217 BA.   Andrew Pooler the main arm out of the bullpen who led the team in appearances last season with 17 posted a 3.09 ERA.  Newcomer Mason Roberge should have at least similar seasons to that of Kierstead and Dorr last season. Their pitching should prove to be good enough to keep them in just about every game as long as their offense does as they have the past couples years and there is no reason why they shouldnt considering they boast about a half dozen players who have some sort of all conference honor under their belt including the previously mentioned 2nd team all-american Luke Enman.   Their lineup top to bottom will do a number on opposing pitching staffs as they averaged over 7 runs per game last year.    I think it would be pretty difficult to not considering these guys the favorites going into the season....
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Paul Heering on March 02, 2008, 05:54:25 PM
I don't think I ever said that St. Joe's pitching was a weak point.  I said (in my last post) that they would have to use four starting pitchers in their difficult conference games (with all honesty, neither JWU, Suffolk, and St. Joe's have no business losing to anyone other than each other in the GNAC).  I also said (in the new england preview) that they would have to replace a lot of their pitching from last year.  From what it looks like their pitching staff should be one of the top in the conference. 

I was only giving my opinion about who I thought would win the conference and point out the facts that Suffolk returns their top two pitchers while St. Joe's loses theirs (advantage Suffolk) and that Suffolk can pitch their their #1 and #2 against both St. Joe's and JWU while St. Joes will have to pitch #1, #2, #3, & #4 in those games (advantage Suffolk) and (someone else pointed out) that Suffolk swept St. Joe's in two close games last year while pitching their #1 & #2 while St. Joe's did not (push).

Good thing what I think (and what everyone writing a post) means almost nothing, we can see what happens on the field.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on March 03, 2008, 01:19:11 AM
Quote from: broke_ya_ankles on March 01, 2008, 03:40:41 PM
I'm not sure why you guys are so quick to look at St. Joe's pitching as a weak point.  They did lose their ace from last year (Sam Tupper) although Moran should at least replace him.  Andrew Kierstead and Kyle Dorr were a pair of freshmen southpaws last year that each had very respectable seasons.  Kierstead went 4-2 with a 3.46 ERA over 54.2 innings including 2 complete game efforts and showed great control with a 25/6 k/bb ratio.  Dorr finished 4-1 with a 4.15 ERA over 30.1 innings holding opponents to just a .217 BA.   Andrew Pooler the main arm out of the bullpen who led the team in appearances last season with 17 posted a 3.09 ERA.  Newcomer Mason Roberge should have at least similar seasons to that of Kierstead and Dorr last season. Their pitching should prove to be good enough to keep them in just about every game as long as their offense does as they have the past couples years and there is no reason why they shouldnt considering they boast about a half dozen players who have some sort of all conference honor under their belt including the previously mentioned 2nd team all-american Luke Enman.   Their lineup top to bottom will do a number on opposing pitching staffs as they averaged over 7 runs per game last year.    I think it would be pretty difficult to not considering these guys the favorites going into the season....

Suffolk swept St. Joe's right before the regionals last year, with both Jackson and Durant earning wins in those contests. I'm basing that as my reason for picking Suffolk over St. Joe's.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: soxfan42585 on March 09, 2008, 10:25:42 PM
How do teams look early on- if there has been action.  I know St Joes came out of Florida 6-3 but looked rusty and young.  They swung the bat well but didnt play cleanly overall.

What would you say is a good early season GNAC showdown that may indicate how the playoffs would look- i.e. a nice matchup of what you'd think was a 1 v 3 or 2 v 4 ?

I think Rivier migh have some firepower this year.  Thats a team that has turned a corner and may perhaps have a chance at becoming a solid program
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on March 16, 2008, 08:30:37 PM
Here's an update on the top teams in the GNAC thus far.

St. Joe's finished their spring trip in Florida by posting a 6-3 record, however none of their victories were too impressive. Perhaps their best win came against WPI, but beating teams like Northland, Misericordia, and losing to teams like Clark and Thomas More doesn't exactly look good at the end of the year.

Luke Enman has once again proven himself to be one of the premier players in the Northeast, if not the country, as he has gotten off to a very hot start. Luke hit .500 on the trip in 9 games, going 15-30 with 11 RBI. Brian Schools and Dustin Spiller are also hot for the Monks, hitting at .484 and .444, respectively.

On the mound, the Monks used 7 different starting pitchers in 9 games. They lost their top two starters from a year ago, so this most likely means there is some uncertainty as to the rotation at SJC. Pat Moran, one of my finalists for the GNAC Pitcher of the Year, was a tough luck loser in his only start down south, going 6 innings against WPI and surrendering 2 earned runs in the Monks 3-0 loss.

Johnson and Wales currently sits at 3-5 with their spring trip concluded. With a lack of statistics available online, it is hard to say how they are doing individually, however it looks like this may end up being a tough season for JWU.

Suffolk, my pick to win the GNACs, is currently 3-1 on their spring trip, with an impressive victory today over perennial New Jersey powerhouse Montclair State, 9-4. The Rams only loss came at the hands of the College of New Jersey, the 8th-ranked team in the nation. Due to a lack of updated stats on the Suffolk website, it's difficult to say how they are doing individually, also. The Rams have games remaining against WNEC and two versus Southern Maine, so it will be interesting to see how they end up.

I'll keep everyone updated as the season progresses.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: soxfan42585 on March 17, 2008, 07:28:33 PM
It appears that the top female (and only) baseball player in New England is off to a quick start.  She's a pitcher/infielder for J.P.Pyne at Daniel Webster.  She's from Australia and leads her team (granted, one appearence) in ERA

Player                          ERA   W-L   APP  GS  CG SHO/CBO   SV    IP   H   R  ER  BB  SO

77 Christal Fitzgerald  0.00   0-0     1      0     0   0/0    0     2.0   2   1    0   0      2   0

Any thoughts on this?  Anyone know of any other females playing d3 ball in new england in their memory?

Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: soxfan42585 on March 17, 2008, 07:37:22 PM
3/11/08 - Enman & LaBatte Honored by Conference
STANDISH, ME - The Great Northeast Athletic Conference has announced their weekly award honorees for the March 2nd-March 8th reporting period. Monks senior shortstop Luke Enman (Milan, NH) has been named the GNAC Baseball Player of the Week.

Enman receives the weekly award after hitting .500 (15-30) with 9 runs and 11 RBI's in the Monks' 6-3 week in Port Charlotte, FL. The senior shortstop was 3-4 with 2 runs, 3 RBI's and a home run in a win over Northland College (WI) on March 6th and 4-6 with 3 runs and an RBI in a victory over Olivet College (MI) on March 7th. Enman also collected 3 RBI's and went was 3-5 in a win over Misericordia University (PA) on March 7th. Enman played his usual stellar defense during the trip, making only two errors in the nine SJC games.

__________________________________________________________________________

Luke is one of the top players in New England.  He continues to improve over his years and the likelyhood of him being an All-American is right up there.  Look for Luke's name all over the All region teams.  Kid can flat out play.



Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on March 19, 2008, 10:46:56 AM
Suffolk continues it's strong play down south, beating former conference rival WNEC 14-2. Western New England also lost to #10 Johns Hopkins 12-7 yesterday, falling to 0-5 to start their season.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Jim Dixon on March 19, 2008, 01:51:20 PM
Quote from: soxfan42585 on March 17, 2008, 07:37:22 PM
Luke is one of the top players in New England.  He continues to improve over his years and the likelyhood of him being an All-American is right up there.  Look for Luke's name all over the All region teams.  Kid can flat out play.

it started before the season D3baseball.com preseason All-American Honorable Mention:  SS: Luke Enman, St. Joseph's (Me.)
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: soxfan42585 on March 23, 2008, 01:17:53 PM
rough weekend for the monks.  Looks like they dropped 3-4.

swept yesterday by ranked salsbury
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on March 29, 2008, 06:53:58 PM
In the biggest tilt of the season for both teams, Suffolk sweeps St. Joseph's in two pivotal conference games today, winning 7-0 and 15-11 in the two contests.

Steve Durant tossed a complete game shutout in the first game, allowing 3 hits in the Rams victory. Pat Moran took the loss for SJC, falling to 0-3 on the year.

In game two, St. Joseph's jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, only to see the Rams battle back to take the lead twice in the late innings. St. Joe's scored 4 unearned runs in the 6th inning off Suffolk starter Reid Jackson to tie the game at 11. The score would remain that way until the bottom of the 8th, when Tim Corcoran belted a pitch to dead-center to win the game for the Rams with a walk-off grandslam.

Two big wins for Suffolk, who had been scuffling since their return from Arizona. The Rams move to 10-4, while St. Joe's falls to 7-8 on the year.

SJC doesn't have it any easier tomorrow as they travel to Johnson and Wales in another big conference series.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: soxfan42585 on March 29, 2008, 10:45:10 PM
must wins for sjc tomorrow
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: soxfan42585 on March 30, 2008, 08:25:14 PM
looks like JW swept st joes.  Slow start for the monks.  they will be there come end of the season.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on April 13, 2008, 06:29:32 PM
Suffolk improves to 19-6 and 10-0 in conference with a sweep of Rivier today. Steve Durant out-dueled 07 Pitcher of the Year Isaac Burkett in tossing a no-hitter in the 7 inning contest. Durant walked just one on a 3-2 pitch, and struck out 14 in completing the feat. He improves to 5-2 and is the early favorite to succeed Burkett as POTY for 2008.

In the second game, junior Dan Delia pitched 5.1 innings of 1-run ball and Greg Dimarco earned the save as the Rams closed out a 3-0 win over the Raiders.

Good start for Suffolk, as they have a very realistic chance to run the table in-conference, with just Albertus Magnus and Johnson and Wales to go.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 17, 2008, 09:58:26 PM
St. Joes gets a big win at USM today. come from behind 7-6 victory.  good pitching performances from Charlie WholeStaff.  mixed and matched to keep  hitters off balance after 1st couple innings. Helped out by sloppy defense from Sullen Maine Mushies

if St. Joes could match the intensity they played with today, they could be in much better shape in the GNAC.  That seems to be the biggest missing piece to their puzzle. Can't seem to put together a real good run
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on April 22, 2008, 08:04:34 PM
Well folks, the dust has settled in the GNAC and the tournament seedings are in place. Earlier today, #3 Rivier beat #6 Emerson to secure the #3 seed, and #4 St. Joe's beat #5 Albertus Magnus to secure the #4 seed. With #1 Suffolk and #2 Johnson and Wales already on to the weekend thanks to byes, the series is set.

Here's how I think things will shake out.

Game #1 - St. Joe's @ Suffolk, Thursday, 6 PM
- St. Joe's had a tough go-around in their first GNAC season, as they managed just an 8-6 record in conference games. The Monks, coming off two straight regional appearances, came into the GNAC with a lot of fanfare, thanks to their strong records in both 2006 and 2007. I had them pegged to battle it out with Suffolk for the regular season title, but things didn't go according to plan. Starting out their first conference weekend with double-headers against Suffolk and Johnson and Wales, the Monks didn't get much of anything going, being swept in both series to fall to 0-4 in conference. Not a great start. The Monks, however, managed to go 8-2 in their remaining games.

Suffolk, meanwhile, has had a banner season thus far. Sitting at 23-8 overall, the Rams compiled a 14-0 conference mark, just the second time any team has ran the table in a season (Suffolk was the last, in 2000). They beat all-comers, sometimes in fantastic fashion (walkoff grandslam against SJC, 10th inning walkoff against JWU this past weekend). I picked them to win the conference before the season started, and they did nothing to prove me wrong.

As for this game;

I think Suffolk will take this one, fairly handily. I don't know who threw for St. Joe's today, but they beat Albertus 10-6. That being said, the Monks aren't fooling anybody on the mound, and the kid I touted to contend for pitcher of the year (UMaine transfer Pat Moran) has struggled mightily, with a 1-4 record. Suffolk, meanwhile, has been firing on all cylinders, led by a devastating offense (.340+ BAA, 28 homers, a ridiculous .977 team-OPS), a nationally-ranked defense, and a strong pitching staff. Steve Durant should win pitcher of the year (5-2, 2.98, 53 K's in 51 IP, an other-wordly .197 BAA, and a no-hitter to go along with that), and Dan Delia's stats are even more remarkable, with a 5-2 record and a 1.67 ERA. Put hard-throwing Greg Dimarco at the back of the bullpen, and I don't see many teams being able to beat the Rams. Suffolk handles Enman and Co. 9-4.

In game two, Johnson and Wales will host Rivier on Thursday night. These two clubs are more evenly matched, and I expect this one to be a tightly-contested battle. I don't think Rivier threw their ace, Isaac Burkett, and this bodes well for them. Burkett is a legitimate pro prospect, standing 6'6 and throwing in the low 90's. He gave Suffolk all they could handle earlier in the season, and has wins against both Johnson and Wales and St. Joe's. The 07 Pitcher of the Year can beat anybody, and if he goes on Thursday night, don't be shocked to see Rivier in the winners column on Saturday.

However, JWU has a pretty good pitcher of their own, and he downright dominated Suffolk this past weekend. Erik Hufnagel is JWU's #1 arm, and his stats are just as nasty as Burkett's or Durants. For instance, the righty struck out 15 over 9 innings against Suffolk, and stands an impressive 6-0 on the season. I expect him to go for JWU, and this one could be a battle for the ages. In the end, I just don't think Rivier has the offense to get to Hufnagel, whereas I think JWU can scratch a few runs across against Burkett. Don't be surprised to see a 2-1, 1-0 game down in Providence. In the end, I think JWU prevails here, setting up a great matchup on Saturday in the winners bracket between JWU and Suffolk.

I'll be back before Saturday to preview the rest of the tournament. Hope you guys enjoyed the read.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: RedDevils36 on April 24, 2008, 09:13:06 PM
St. Joes: 7
Suffolk: 1

Is this score accurate?  I saw it on the GNAC website.  I know numerous players on that St. Joes squad.  They all know how to win.  I wouldn't count them out if their pitching comes through.  A great hitting team with fundamental defense.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 24, 2008, 10:18:04 PM
The score is right. Keirstead threw a very good game, kept Suffolk hitters off balance to help deliver Coach Sanborn's 400th victory
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: RedDevils36 on April 27, 2008, 05:37:46 PM
St. Joes 6
Suffolk 5

SJC wins the GNAC conference tourney and earns a free bid.  Go Monks!
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: wordsmith on April 27, 2008, 05:48:43 PM
Quote from: RedDevils36 on April 27, 2008, 05:37:46 PM
St. Joes 6
Suffolk 5

SJC wins the GNAC conference tourney and earns a free bid.  Go Monks!

Congrats to Coach Will (The Hardest Working Man in D-III Baseball) Sanborn and the Monks for qualifying for yet another NCAA Tourney. This is a school deep in the boonies of southern Maine, with about 300 male students and a total of about 1100 in the student body.

Great Job Monks.

Word
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on February 13, 2009, 07:34:22 PM
I encourage everyone to check out TheGNAC's analysis and preseason rankings in the General New England thread. It is a terrific post and everyone should log in give him your comments. As much work as he put into this, he deserves kudos.
Looking forward to the season!
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on February 17, 2009, 09:28:00 PM
Quote from: Stump on February 13, 2009, 07:34:22 PM
I encourage everyone to check out TheGNAC's analysis and preseason rankings in the General New England thread. It is a terrific post and everyone should log in give him your comments. As much work as he put into this, he deserves kudos.
Looking forward to the season!

Thanks, Stump.

My GNAC preview is coming soon, stay tuned.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on March 28, 2009, 08:10:42 PM
Checking in on the opening weekend of the GNAC...

Suffolk took two from Rivier, beating the Raiders 34-0 in game one (not a typo) and 9-1 in game two. Suffolk is now 11-3 (2-0 GNAC), Rivier is 0-4 (0-2).

St. Joe's (ME) took two from Albertus Magnus, winning game one 6-4 in 8 innings and game two 10-2. St. Joe's is now 8-6 (2-0), Albertus Magnus is 1-10 (0-2).

Emerson swept Norwich today by scores of 12-6 and 16-9. Emerson is now 6-6 (2-0), while Norwich stands at 0-2 (0-10-1).

In the final slate of games today, Johnson and Wales swept newcomer Lasell by scores of 9-0 and 6-2. JWU moves to 8-9 (2-0), and Lasell falls to 3-11 (0-2).
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on March 30, 2009, 07:08:41 PM
Sunday results: St. Joes splits with Johnson & Wales. St. Joes(9-7,3-1GNAC) wins 1st 13-4. Johnson & Wales(9-11,3-1GNAC) comes back in 2nd for 8-7 victory.  Grounds crew at Pierce Field did good job getting field ready to play after a 2 hour delay. Waking up Sun. AM it didn't look good for any games but they did a good job getting the field ready.  The light were horrible but the field was playable.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on April 05, 2009, 07:16:09 PM
St. Joe's went 4-0 this weekend, beating Rivier and Lasell two times each, by a combined score of 93-4.  :o
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 05, 2009, 08:47:11 PM
Rivier is a very undermanned team. 11 players on roster. Probably 2 or 3 are ballplayers. I hope the players they do have can maintain the program while the new coach tries to recruit a new nucleus to stabilize and begin rebuilding from the disaster left behind by the old coach. Good luck,keep plugging away and best wishes on future success.

Lasell is a 1st year varsity program. 20 players on roster, all but 2 are freshmen or sophomores. They apperar to have the makings of a solid programs. Good luck and best wishes for the growth of your program.

That being said: This was one ugly weekend.  Much playing time for players who normally don't see much.

Saturday St. Joe's received the benefit of27 free passes(14 BB & 13 HBP), 4 errors and numerous catchable flyballs that dropped harmlessly between 2 or 3 fielders.

Sunday it looked like Lasell may have run down on pitching. They swept Norwich Saturday 14-10 & 11-10 in extra innings.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: soxfan42585 on April 08, 2009, 10:28:58 PM
I like the start for saint joes, a bit slow coming out of florida and still trying to find footing on a pretty young staff, did I hear keirstad their number 2 was hurt? but gaining some steam heading into more competitive teams soon.  Hopefully the bats continue to pop and the pitchers keep the ball down
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: soxfan42585 on April 08, 2009, 10:29:42 PM
anyone know what the conference standings look like?  Looks like a 3 man race between J n W, SJC and Suffolk from what I know
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: 363dp on April 09, 2009, 06:29:22 AM
Congratulations to St. Joes Mike Burdin selected hitter of the week!!  Hit for the cycle in one game and had  a banner weekend. Way to go.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 09, 2009, 08:58:05 AM
Quote from: soxfan42585 on April 08, 2009, 10:29:42 PM
anyone know what the conference standings look like?  Looks like a 3 man race between J n W, SJC and Suffolk from what I know
Soxfan: you're right about it being basically a 3 team race:

St. Joe's    7-1 (split w/J&W, swept Albertus,Rivier,Lasell)
Suffolk      5-1 (split w/J&W, swept Rivier,Emerson)
J&W          6-2 (split w/St.Joes&Suffolk, swept Lasell,Rivier)
Emerson   2-2 (swept Norwich, swept by Suffolk)
Albertus    2-2 (swept by St. Joes, swept Norwich)
Lasell        2-4 (swept by J&W,St.Joes, swept Norwich)
Norwich     0-6 (swept by Emerson,Albertus,Lasell)
Rivier         0-6 (swept by Suffolk,St' Joes, J&W)

  Kierstad had some injury problems but seems to be in good shape,now. Weekend rotation seems to be Moran(Jr) then 3 lefties, Kierstad(Jr),`Dorr(Jr) and Murray(Fr). Bats have struggled some against better pitching. Hitters have come on pretty good but the competition has been horrible so it's hard to judge how much is the hitters and how much is the poor pitching they are seeing. (There was some pretty serious stat inflation this past weekend. Team BA for 4 games .509) 
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Knuckles97 on April 10, 2009, 11:57:02 AM
I was in Portland area yesterday on business so I decided to drive to Standish (not as close as it looked on the map!) to check out the Monks.  They beat Daniel Webster College 9-6. 
I was surprised to see that it was a close game, but former Monks pitcher JP Pine's team gave them a fight.  SJC certainly has some pop in the lineup.  I expected them to beat up on a 2-15 team, wondering if they took their opponent lightly?
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 10, 2009, 09:17:41 PM
Quote from: Knuckles97 on April 10, 2009, 11:57:02 AM
I was in Portland area yesterday on business so I decided to drive to Standish (not as close as it looked on the map!) to check out the Monks.  They beat Daniel Webster College 9-6. 
I was surprised to see that it was a close game, but former Monks pitcher JP Pine's team gave them a fight.  SJC certainly has some pop in the lineup.  I expected them to beat up on a 2-15 team, wondering if they took their opponent lightly?
JP Pynes Eagles actually outhit the Monks 14-11. I think it may be some taking their opponent lightly and part that the Monks have not hit anything resembling decent pitching well all year.

It showed again today as St. Joes could only manage a split with UM-Farmington with a total of 12 hits in the DH to 14 for Beavers. Also the defense was less than stellar in the loss(only charged with 2 errors but it was more like double that number, at least) I think that may be the evidence of taking the opponent lightly(a couple spots in field seemed to be going through the motions) Very poor showing. After winning first game, (close game but solid win) I think the Monks thought they would cruise to an easy victory. Pendleton for UMF threw a very good game and Monks never really made any adjustments to his stuff.

St. Joe's has some pop in their lineup but it has often come up short against better pitching. Team BA is .349 but removing last weeks stat inflating .509 against Rivier & Lasell the team BA falls to .295 with some better teams down the road.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 11, 2009, 09:56:58 PM
Better effort today for St. Joe's(9-1 GNAC 18-9 overall) as they take 2 from lowly Norwich(0-10, 0-20-1). First game was a struggle as Norwich's Austin Shaw kept the Monks off balance and hitting the ball at people but the Monks finally rallied to win 3-2 behind a 12 strikeout 3 hit gem by Pat Moran(5-0). The second game was 7-1 with Andrew Kierstead tossed a great game allowed 3 hits with 4 K's over 6 innings to advance to 4-1.

Solid effort all around today with excellent pitching, timely hitting and good honest defense, maybe Friday's stinker was a wakeup call for the Monks.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 13, 2009, 08:39:19 PM
Wow! that's quite a schedule for Emerson this week.  DH w/Rivier today. Salem Wed. then DH Fri,Sat,Sun,& Mon Albertus,St' Joe's, Lasell, & J&W. And then a potential playoff game Tues. Yikes!
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on April 13, 2009, 10:26:28 PM
Suffolk took two from Albertus Magnus today, moving the Rams to 21-4 on the year and tied with St. Joe's for 1st in the GNAC at 9-1.

Next weekend's games are shaping up to be really interesting. St. Joe's has Emerson Saturday, while Suffolk has Lasell on Saturday. I expect both teams to sweep those games, setting up the final weekend showdown between Suffolk and St. Joe's up in Standish for all the marbles on Sunday. Should be a great two games, for sure.

Also, it's interesting to note Johnson and Wales has a definite chance to win out in the conference, as well. They have Albertus and Norwich next weekend, and if they go 4-0, and Suffolk and St. Joe's split, there's a 3-way tie atop the GNAC, and only two clubs get 1st round byes. Anyone know the tiebreakers?
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 19, 2009, 09:12:21 AM
Big doubleheader in at beautiful Larry Mahaney Diamond on the shores of Sebago Lake today. Although now it's just for seeding after Johnson & Wales drops 2 to Albertus Magnus in New Haven Sat. Should be a beautiful day for baseball all over New England. Get out and enjoy a game somewhere!
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 19, 2009, 09:11:12 PM
St. Joe's sweeps Suffolk to take GNAC regular season championship.  Pat Moran hits 7th inning leadoff walk off HR to win 1st game 6-5. Moran wins 2nd game 5-2 pitching a 5 hit 9 K complete game. Moran's record moves to 6-0 with 1 save lowering his ERA to 2.25.

2 very good college baseball teams, 2 very good baseball games.
Beautiful day in Maine, sunny and probably 15 degrees warmer than forecast.

St Joe's moves to 25-10(13-1 GNAC) Suffolk 24-7(11-3 GNAC)

Next up GNAC tourney starting Tues(weather permitting)forecast sounds nasty.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: soxfan42585 on April 19, 2009, 09:14:21 PM
no need for tie breakers, is the gnac tourny still double elim?
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on April 19, 2009, 09:26:36 PM
Quote from: Stump on April 19, 2009, 09:11:12 PM
St. Joe's sweeps Suffolk to take GNAC regular season championship.  Pat Moran hits 7th inning leadoff walk off HR to win 1st game 6-5. Moran wins 2nd game 5-2 pitching a 5 hit 9 K complete game. Moran's record moves to 6-0 with 1 save.

2 very good college baseball teams, 2 very good baseball games.
Beautiful day in Maine, sunny and probably 15 degrees warmer than forecast.

St Joe's moves to 25-10(13-1 GNAC) Suffolk 24-7(11-3 GNAC)

Next up GNAC tourney starting Tues(weather permitting)forecast sounds nasty.

What a day for Pat Moran. Hits a walk off home run to end game one, and tosses a complete game in game two with 9 strikeouts. His stat line is also very impressive. .404 BA, 8 HR, 6-0 record, 2.25 ERA, 62 K's. Could make a run at an All-American selection at the utility position this season.

Johnson and Wales took a lot of the oomph out of today's matchup by dropping both games with Albertus yesterday, though. Both Suffolk and St. Joe's were guaranteed 1st round byes going into today's games, and both should win their opening round game on Thursday. In my opinion, these two clubs are so much better than everybody else in the GNAC, it's all but guaranteed they'll meet each other in the finals on Sunday. Question is, who goes in from the winner's bracket, and who goes from the loser's bracket. That's what really makes the difference, here. Should be quite the weekend up in Standish.

As an aside, not sure if anybody took in the games today, but it's becoming pretty apparent there's not much love lost between Suffolk and St. Joe's. These two teams really dislike each other, as evidenced by the back and forth going on all day long. Competition is nice to see, but I hope these two teams can keep it somewhat friendly and not go overboard this weekend. We'll see what happens.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 19, 2009, 09:33:17 PM
Tourney starts Tues with #6@#3 and #5@#4. Double elim from there. Thurs Quarterfinal games are Tues. winners @ #1 & #2. Semifinals are Sat @ St. Joe's with the finals Sun @ St. Joe's.

It's worth the trip to see a game at beautiful Larry Mahaney diamond on the shores of Sebago Lake.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 19, 2009, 10:00:52 PM
I think a good part of the "dislike" is the fact that the 2 teams are by far the best in the GNAC and are the only ones I saw with the combination of talent and intensity that make the game fun to watch.  I could count the number of conference games this year that had the feel of a true college baseball game on one hand and have several fingers left over.  Many of the games I saw were like a college team playing a poor high school team. Not fun or entertaining for anyone(players, coaches or fans)
I will echo the thought that I hope the games stay somewhat friendly(or civil at least).
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Knuckles97 on April 20, 2009, 09:58:30 AM
I think that everything will be alright in terms of in-game behavior.  Will Sanborn seems to be about as classy a coach as I have seen in my 20 years watching college baseball in New England.  While Cary McConnell may have a penchant for running up scores, I think he has enough control over his team to stay focused on the prize.

Let's hope that it does come down to these two teams, because they are clearly the class of the GNAC.  However, they better stay focused because J&W can beat either of them if they get the chance...I just wish the GNAC Tournament was a week later.

Should be interesting...
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: soxfan42585 on April 22, 2009, 09:21:41 PM
rainouts...
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 24, 2009, 10:56:41 PM
Big comeback win for St. Joe's over Johnson & Wales 9-8. Down 8-1 going into 7th, scored 4 each in 7th and 8th.  Andrew Kierstead starts, does 2.1 innings gives up 6(only 2 earned). Gave up 4 in the first  but should have been out of the inning, a 2 out error at third led to all 4 runs. Kevin Chamberlain and Mason Roberge held J&W through the 8th to keep the Monks in the game. Pat Moran came in for the 9th and earned the save(2nd of the year)

Bobby Gilbert pitched six strong innings for J&W, keeping St. Joe's off balance. It looked like he ran out of gas in the 7th giving up 4(only 1 earned). I was surprised he came out for the 8th. Game up a HR to Moran then a walk and a single(both would eventually score) before being replaced. By the time he was replaced the game had slipped away from J&W. Some poor defense in addition to timely St. Joe's hitting victimized J&W.

Johnson & Wales will face Albertus Magnus tomorrow in an elimination game at 10 AM at St. Joe's while St. Joe's will face Suffolk at 2 PM
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 26, 2009, 10:14:23 PM
Congratulations to Suffolk on winning GNAC tourney.  St. Joe's forced the if needed game by winning the first game 6-5 scoring 1 in 8th to tie and 2  to win in 9th. Very good pitching performances from starters Reid Jackson(complete game) and Kevin Chamberlain(7.2 innings) with Chris Dion finishing and picking up the win.

The second game was a very good complete game pitching performance from Alex Torres. St. Joe's ran out of pitching and any hint of effective pitching was quickly let down by the defense.

All weekend the Monk's defense seemed to be making errors to extend an inning putting extra pressure on the pitching staff.  Neither Moran or Keirstead was effective all weekend.

On a side note: it didn't really make much difference in the outcomes, but the umpiring crew was poor at best.  They missed calls and the strike zone often seemed to be a moving target. It makes for a long and frustrating weekend when you spend almost as much time noticing the umpires as you do watching the game.  The best umpire in the world is the one you never even notice during a game. The crew this weekend was almost a circus sideshow for being noticed.  You expect better out a crew doing a college baseball tournament.  I try to give umps the benefit of the doubt but this weekend was ridiculous. Again I'll say it didn't make a real difference in outcomes so it's not sour grapes but it sure interfered with the enjoyment of the game. Just venting a little, there now I feel better ;)
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: TheGNAC on April 27, 2009, 06:47:05 PM
What a whirlwind weekend in the GNAC up in Standish! Congratulations to Suffolk University on winning the conference tournament, as they're making their 1st trip to the regionals since 2005. A few thoughts and observations from the weekend.

- Suffolk and St. Joe's confirmed what I believed all year long - those two clubs were far and away the cream of the conference, and they really outclassed the rest of the competition all year long.

- The old adage rang true in this tournament; pitching and defense wins championships, although the latter wasn't too evident all weekend long. Still, Suffolk had the upper hand by winning their 1st two contests, whereas St. Joe's simply ran out of pitching by the second game yesterday.

- As mentioned above, the defense exhibited in this tournament was no less than atrocious. The left side of the St. Joe's infield was porous all weekend, and Suffolk's efforts in the field weren't much better. I counted no less than 20 errors in the 4 games I took in. Suffolk actually should have won game one yesterday, but were hindered by 5 defensive miscues.

- Saturday's 22-21 game between Suffolk and St. Joe's was unlike anything I'd ever seen on a baseball field. The Rams offense exploded for 11 runs in the 1st two innings off of GNAC Player and Pitcher of the Year Pat Moran. Moran had shut down Suffolk just one week earlier in a complete game effort, but he didn't stand a chance on Saturday, allowing 9 hits and 11 earned runs in just 1.2 innings. The big right hander saw his ERA jump from 2.15 to 4.13 after the weekend. Suffolk's efforts on the mound weren't much better, as they were handed lead after lead and almost relinquished each and every one of them. Just a bizarre baseball game.

- I really enjoy taking in baseball games at Larry Mahaney Diamond, and I applaud the way the Monks take care of that field, but if I were a pitcher, I would dread pitching there. It's like Coors Field, the way the ball flies there. 320 to left field, with a 10 foot fence? Yikes.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 27, 2009, 11:20:33 PM
TheGNAC,

Saturday's game was definitely a one of a kind and the oddest part is it was the best defensive contest all weekend. 

As you said Suffolk probably should have won the 1st game Sunday, the biggest errors they made were the mental errors after the physical errors that gave St. Joe's extra bases and runs. Heads down after a bobble compounded their problems several times.

St. Joe's infield defense has been a problem all year, particularly 3rd base.  They had finally had settled into a fairly solid middle infield after much searching for a good combination then the freshman shortstop who had earned the job was lost for the year.  They were forced to make adjustments up the middle but nothing seemed to click. They could hit but couldn't field which put a lot more pressure on the pitching staff.

Again Congrats to Suffolk and good luck at the regionals!
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: GNACfan on November 05, 2009, 08:59:48 AM
Who are going to be the key players in the GNAC this upcoming season?
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: fotoguy on January 12, 2010, 12:25:22 PM
If you take a look at last years all-conference players, subtract the seniors then add the transfers (who  we dont know yet), thats a good place to start for who to look for guys.

The  guess is St. Joes should be ranked 1, Suffolk 2, JWU 3, A Magnus 4 for now until we see if Suffolk was able reload their pitching.  If not, JWU might challenge SJU, they had a very young team last year and split with both SJU and Suffolk last year.

Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Hobbesy on March 01, 2010, 03:22:32 PM
Guys,

Finally launched my blog that is everything New England D3 Baseball!

Check it out!

http://ned3baseball.wordpress.com/ (http://ned3baseball.wordpress.com/)
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on March 07, 2010, 09:38:34 PM
St. Joes opens with DH sweep of Clark 6-4, 18-6 at Chain of Lakes Park in Winter Haven,Fl. 

http://www.gomonks.com/sports/bsb/2009-10/releases/20100307yyte68
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Hobbesy on March 08, 2010, 05:43:14 PM
St. Joes and WPI combine for 17 runs in the third inning of their first game...WPI hung on to win...second game in progress
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on March 09, 2010, 11:15:54 PM
Odd day for St. Joe's. Score 20 runs in 2 games and lose both. 13-12, 9-8 to WPI.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Hobbesy on March 28, 2010, 05:15:01 PM
Checked out St. Joes-Suffolk game today in Quincy.  Only was able to stay for the first but was able to get some interviews afterwards.

Pat Moran hit a two-run homer in the top of the sixth to break a 1-1 tie and the Monks won 6-1.  Pretty good game I thought.  Both Moran and Suffolk starter Babb threw well.  Babb hurt by an infield error that extended the inning and allowed Moran to bat in the sixth.

Check out the interviews here!

http://ned3baseball.wordpress.com/ (http://ned3baseball.wordpress.com/)
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: GNACfan on April 03, 2010, 11:53:23 PM
Shaping up to be a fight to the end. Any Idea of a all-Conf team yet?

Should be a great fight until the end for the playoffs, every team involved.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: GNACfan on April 21, 2010, 02:00:30 AM
Last week of play. Any good season wrap up or post season projections?

Looks like The Monks and The Suffolk Rams are at the top as expect
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 21, 2010, 11:21:35 PM
1) Suffolk 13-1
2) St. Joe's 9-3 (with Sat DH w/ Norwich)
3) Johnson & Wales 8-6
4) Emerson 7-7
5) Norwich 5-7 (with Sat DH @ St. Joe's)
6) Lasell 5-9
7) Albertus Magnus 4-10
8) Rivier 3-11

Top 6 make playoffs. Suffolk and St. Joe's are locked in w/ prelim round byes.
Preliminary round: Tues. 4/27
#3 JWU hosts #6. #4 hosts #5.  Norwich could end up: a) 7-7 to tie Emerson for #4(they split season DH)(not sure what tiebreaker is for GNAC seedings) b) 6-8 which would lock them at #5 or c) 5-9 to tie Lasell (Lasell swept season DH so I would guess that Lasell would go #5 and Norwich #6 in that scenario.)
QUARTERFINALS: Thurs. 4/29
Winner of #6 @ #3 plays @ St. Joe's (Game D)
Winner of #5 @ #4 plays @ Suffolk  (Game C)
SEMIFINALS: Sat. 5/1 @ Johnson & Wales in East Providence, R.I.
Game E: Loser Game C v. Loser Game D
Game F: Winner Game C v. Winner Game D
Game G: Winner Game E v. Loser Game F
FINALS: Sun 5/2 @ Johnson & Wales
Game H: Winner Game F v. Winner Game G
Game I: If needed
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: fotoguy on April 22, 2010, 02:25:07 PM
assuming Norwich loses 2 to st Joes, they would finish 5-9 like LaSalle but Lasalle holds the tiebreaker meaning Norwich vs JWU and Emerson vs LaSalle next Tuesday.....assuming Norwich loses both.

this year is the year a Butler could make it to the regionals.  all teams match up pretty good....of course, Suffolk has to be the favorite.

should be a fun week.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 29, 2010, 09:29:33 PM
GNAC Tourney

1st Round
#3 Johnson & Wales 11  #6 Norwich 1 (7 innnings)
#4 Emerson 11  #5 Lasell 10

Quarterfinals
Game A: #1 Suffolk 5  #4 Emerson 2
Game B: #2 St. Joe's 11  #3 Johnson & Wales 1  (7 inninngs)

Semifinals  Sat. May 1  Pierce Memorial Field  East Providence, RI
Game C: 10 AM  Emerson vs. Johnson & Wales (Elimination game)
Game D:  1 PM  Suffolk vs. St. Joe's
Game E:  4 PM  Winner Game C vs Loser Game D (Elimination game)

Finals  Sun. May 2 Pierce Memorial Field
Game F: Noon  Winner Game D vs. Winner Game E
Game G: (If needed)

So far no surprises. Everyone holds serve thru quarters.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Hobbesy on April 29, 2010, 09:45:46 PM
Stump-

You are right.  The matchup everyone has predicted on Saturday.  Whichever team wins has the big advantage...obviously  :P


http://ned3baseball.wordpress.com/ (http://ned3baseball.wordpress.com/)
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 30, 2010, 09:30:50 AM
GNAC All-Conference Teams announced

http://www.norwichathletics.com/sports/bsb/2009-10/2010_All-GNAC_Team.pdf
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on May 02, 2010, 07:15:20 PM
St. Joe's punch ticket to regionals with a come from behind 5-4 victory over Suffolk Sunday in East Providence.

Sat. results:
Johnson & Wales eliminated Emerson 7-3
St. Joe's thumps Suffolk 12-4
Suffolk eliminates Johnson & Wales 7-4 to set up Sunday's final.

Suffolk started quick, jumping to a 4-0 lead thru 2- 1/3 innings.  Mason Roberge came in for St. Joe's to shut down Suffolk the remainder of the game. St. Joe's broke thru to tie the game with 4 in the 6th. It stayed tied til the bottom of the ninth, when Craig Woodbrey's 2 out single scored Dan Achorn from 2nd for the win.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: fotoguy on May 03, 2010, 08:32:46 AM
Good Luck to St. Joes...lets hope they put up a good fight in the Regionals and represent the conference better than Suffolk did last year.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: fotoguy on May 05, 2010, 04:17:56 PM
any reason why this isnt posted on the GNAC website (which is the worst website in the NCAA)  >:(
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on May 06, 2010, 03:26:37 PM
Quote from: fotoguy on May 05, 2010, 04:17:56 PM
any reason why this isnt posted on the GNAC website (which is the worst website in the NCAA)  >:(
couldn't agree more, fotoguy.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: fotoguy on May 13, 2010, 02:07:28 PM
why is that? they are so far behind posting scores and stats? who is in charge of that site?
its awful.  maybe this is the GNAC is the laughingstock of New England.

shame.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: fotoguy on January 09, 2011, 12:05:09 PM
only a few days till practices start.  any reading on the GNAC this season?  lets get this going.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Hobbesy on January 11, 2011, 05:20:54 PM
Gotta believe the Monks are the favorite this year with Murray leading the staff and Keneborus and Campbell leading the offense.  Add a healthy Ian Lee and get more quality outings from Roberge and Rafferty, the Monks look to be a dominant team not only in the GNAC but in New England.

Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: fotoguy on January 17, 2011, 01:34:28 PM
How is Keneborous not playing D1?  Kid's a stud.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: StagnantFLY on January 18, 2011, 01:32:52 PM
Hey Guys,
Its been awhile since I have posted. I was wondering about Indy Ball. My son played at the Division 3 level and was all region player 3 times and an all conference player as well. He had very good college stats.....averaging a .350-.380 BA every year with alot of RBIs and 4-5 Home Runs. I know its a tough answer since you prob havent seen him play but do you think he has a shot at playing Indy ball? Whats the level like at Indy ball....does an above average college D3 Player have a chance to excel there? He is been trying to contact teams via email but they seem to invite him to tryouts....are these tryouts worth it? Hope someone knows more than me!

Thanks
The FLY



Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Hobbesy on March 01, 2011, 04:23:19 PM
JWU put up a good fight against Christopher Newport and lost 7-5 in their season opener.

Looks like Alosco has picked up right where he left off last year.  He finished in the top 5 in a majority of offensive categories in the GNAC.

http://ned3baseball.wordpress.com/ (http://ned3baseball.wordpress.com/)
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: fotoguy on March 09, 2011, 08:56:16 AM
and as the JWU luck would have it, their freshman phenom, Aldo Morales who moved from Miami campus to RI to play ball and would have been pitcher of the year in the GNAC, (IMHO), breaks his ankle in 3 places backing up a throw and is done for the year.  a horrendous injury to a kid who wants to be a chef and a pitcher.  hopefully he makes a full recovery and is back next year. 
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on April 30, 2011, 09:14:16 PM
Results from today's GNAC Tourney action at Larry Mahanney Diamond in Standish,Maine:

Semifinals:
#3 Suffolk comes back to top #4 Lasell 10-6 (Lasell eliminated)
#1 St Joe's shuts out #2 Johnson & Wales 4-0 (Rafferty strikes out 12)
#3 Suffolk eliminates #2 JWU 7-2 (Sliney complete game, 7K's, shutout thru 8, 3 of 4 hits in 9th)


Finals:
#1 St Joe's meets #3 Suffolk at noon for championship (if needed game at 3 PM)

Beautiful warm sunny day in Standish (not been many of those days this season)Hopefully more of same tomorrow.


Previous games in GNAC Tourney:

1st Round (losers eliminated):
#3 Suffolk trounced #6 Emerson 17-0
#4 Lasell defeated #5 Albertus Magnus 8-5

Quarterfinals:
#1 St Joe's comes back to beat #4 Lasell 13-9 (score 9 in bottom of 8th after giving up 5 in top of 8th)
#2 Johnson & Wales beats #3 Suffolk 8-7 (unearned run in bottom of 8th to win, 9 errors total in game)
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on May 01, 2011, 05:05:25 PM
St Joe's beats Suffolk 8-6 to take GNAC title and punch their ticket to Harwich.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: fotoguy on May 02, 2011, 01:40:48 PM
St joes just out depths everyone.  good luck in the regionals.
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: Stump on May 02, 2011, 07:15:33 PM
fotoguy:
very good way of phrasing it: out depths
Title: Re: BB: GNAC: Great Northeast Athletic Conference
Post by: LTBB1971 on February 03, 2012, 08:47:24 AM
Alright, it's 2012 and spring is around the corner...How.s JWU looking?