NESCAC 2016

Started by Giggs, August 30, 2016, 08:45:26 PM

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Giggs

For anyone who wants to get involved.

Ocean 1

A couple observations:

- First time in years I've seen such a close score between the two with Amherst taking the contest 2-0 over Mt. Holyoke. Has Holyoke strengthened or has Amhesrt weakened and/or at least still working out the kinks?

- Conn-Roger Williams should be an early test for Conn.

- Williams-Hamilton will be a solid test for Williams particularly...an away game at always tough Hamilton.

nescac1

Seems likes Williams has the early-season injury bug: three of the Ephs' top playmakers, Thomas, Alvarado, and Swarr, did not see any action in the first half vs. Hamilton.  Also, Kirsche did not play a ton of minutes and maybe seems limited?  Williams is up 1-0 nonetheless, Hamilton controlled the first 15 minutes of the half but Williams settled in and dominated the rest.  The Ephs played loads of frosh, starting two and with three others seeing time of the bench.  The two frosh starters Alison Lu and Nkem Iregbulem both looked very dangerous attacking (Lu scored the lone goal and almost scored a second, but then she seemed to get banged up in a collision with the GK and had to leave the game) and both should see a lot of time this year even assuming (hoping!) the veterans' injuries are not long-term in nature. 

The Ephs' started last-year's backup keeper, I wonder if the two keepers will split the job as the Ephs traditionally do when they have two talented options.  The Ephs seem to be crazy deep this year but certainly miss their stars ... hopefully none of the (presumptive) injuries are serious! 

Ocean 1

Williams started its season with a bang...beating Hamilton, Trinity and Skidmore...now 3-0-0. Offense looked like it was still getting itself synched-up, particularly with the First Years blending-in.

Having said that, what an impressive incoming class...generating 5 of 7 of the EPH's goals in total and some pretty good 'D' as well. In fact, the whole team was swarming on defense with pace and the two-platoon system continues to provide fresh legs when they need them.

nescac1

The Williams frosh class looks impressive indeed.  I was worried how they would replace the current dynamite senior class.  But considering that Williams was playing without four key players (three of whom were all-NESCAC players last year, and three of whom are seniors) and still went 3-0, the future looks very bright.  Hopefully Palchek (I assume she is hurt since she didn't play at all in the first three games, although perhaps not because Barnhill is clearly a quality player in net as well), Thomas, Swarr and Alvarado are all suffering from only minor ailments and are able to work their way back to health.  When they do, the Ephs will be able to bring in waves of offensive threats up front, now that all the young players have already established themselves as deserving of playing time.   

Ocean 1

Did Bennett Rankings goof this week...have Williams at #18?

The Saint

It also had Thomas More drop 4 places after 2 wins last week. It is this kind of unexplainable nonsense that makes me very wary of mathematical equations - questionable data used to establish the initial baseline.

2xfaux

If Becks was still here he could explain this.  I miss Becks.


Giggs

#8
Hopefully Becks can make a guest appearance!

Most interesting development is Conn now in the NSCAA top twenty.  And they win over Middlebury was not usual.  Was the game a fluke, or is Conn much improved from where the program usually stands?

2xfaux

Did all the NESCAC folks move to a more sophisticated place;  just kidding .....mostly.

Ocean 1

Quote from: Giggs on September 24, 2016, 08:10:31 AM
Hopefully Becks can make a guest appearance!

Most interesting development is Conn now in the NSCAA top twenty.  And they win over Middlebury was not usual.  Was the game a fluke, or is Conn much improved from where the program usually stands?

Agree. Think Conn has improved surely. Outshot a good Williams team while only losing by a score of 1-0 at home. Defense was pretty good and they were very adept at crowding the box. Time will tell but they seem to be moving in the right direction.

Ocean 1

Very hard to see a weakness in the Williams machine. Their offense has been picking-up speed and the defense is outstanding.

2xfaux

Certainly was an entertaining tournament.  Williams, despite the PK loss, looks really good.  Amherst and Midd seem very OK.  I am glad Trinity got into the NCAA tournament.  The Trinity keeper was really amazing in both games.  Conn. 1-4-1 in their last 6 games?  Oh well.  I hope Williams and Hopkins meet in the Sectional.  That would be a very interesting game.

Ocean 1

Agree on all counts!

Here are some of my prognostications on who should make Sectionals:

* Williams v JHU
* Messiah v Stevens
* Lynchburg v Chicago
* Wisconsin Whitewater v Pomona
* Trinity TX v Carnegie Mellon
* Washington v Hardin Simmons
* TCNJ v Conn
*William Smith v Amherst

Jump4Joy

Amherst looked convincing today.