@Paul Newman, you have great insights into the game and are more than fair when it comes to Kenyon's match ups.  As a parent of a former Denison player (pre-Bianco, rough times), I realize I take a bit too much pleasure in seeing Kenyon off its stride, as that rivalry could get mean during my kid's four years. I don't follow the season anymore, but still get social media posts from Denison athletics, so I pay attention to the occasional surprise.

Though I didn't see the match, sounds like Denison's second goal was off the counter attack, for a 2-1 win over Kenyon.

Wow, congratulations to Coach Shabazz and to W&L. My kid went through recruiting at K'zoo a number of years ago and, after an hour one-on-one with Coach Shabazz, my kid walked out of the room and said he would follow him anywhere, he was completely inspired. During repeat visits to campus and the team, my kid saw that Shabazz is an inspirational leader who built commitment and trust among his players. My kid declined the spot at Kzoo because he wanted a bigger school which was further away from home than K'zoo, but that was a program he respected.

Denison beats Kenyon 3-1 to win NCAC -- I didn't watch so don't know much other than that.

Denison beats JCU, 2-1 at JCU. Denison was down 0-1 much of the game, tied it up  with about 7 min left, then a minute later, there was an own goal as JCU defender tried to clear a cross.

Re Salisbury, which was discussed a few pages ago -- it's a soccer recruiting problem there, not a sports recruiting problem generally. Salisbury Men's Lacrosse is an elite national program, with 9 Men's Lax national championships since 2000, and was the runner-up 6 additional times in the same period. The school presumably has no problem attracting the players it wants in lax.

Makes sense that a different weather pattern in Marietta -- it is not close to anything!

Thx for the update -- now I need a new procrastination/work avoidance technique since I was going to have Denison vs. JCU on tonight in the background while I work . . ..

Re Denison @ Brandeis -- unlike some years where the team came away with a draw but relied heavily on its defense to hold back relentless attacks, this seemed much more balanced play. Denison attacked well, had some good chances and did not seem off-balance as had often been the case in the past. Coach Bianco is making his mark on the program, for sure.

D1 comment, so my apologies, but this group is about the only one I know who might find this soccer coaching tidbit intriguing

Looking at the 8 teams in the quarterfinals -- Oregon State, Clemson, Pitt, ND, Georgetown, West Virginia, St Louis, and Washington -- 4 have coaches who worked under Bobby Clark at Notre Dame. BJ Craig at Oregon State, Chad Riley at ND, Brian Wiese at Georgetown, and Jamie Clark (Bobby's son) at Washington. Clark's legacy at ND is impressive on its own, but it's fun to see his former assistants achieving great success with their programs as well.

Wow, congrats to SLU, what an amazing conference tournament run! Hope it continues, as SLU has such a great soccer tradition. My kid went through recruiting a few years ago, and played against Dede etc., such a talented group of players. Although my kid did not get an offer from SLU and went elsewhere, I've kept an eye on the program and am happy to see the turn-around in the conference tournament.

@PaulNewman -- you have always been a fair, reasonable observer of this game we love, and I'm sorry that you and your son are disappointed tonight. When my kid went through recruiting, the Kenyon coaching staff was quite clear that a national championship was the goal, and I'm confident that is on the horizon for the Kenyon team. As the parent of a Denison soccer alum, I'm happy that there is finally a strong coach leading the program. My kid chose the school, rather than the soccer program and, as a result, suffered through some lousy days and seasons. But like other young men at D3 schools across the country, he carries with him the great friendships and memories of 4 years as a D3 soccer player.

Denison up 1-0 against Kenyon at the half in the NCAC finals. Bianco certainly has made a difference and is putting the program on a new trajectory.

Updated -- that's game, Denison beats Kenyon 1-0 to win the NCAC championship.

My player has graduated, but I'm happy for the boys and for Coach Bianco. Now they get to play Kenyon . . . again.

Just checked in on OWU-Denison NCAC tournament semi final, 0-0 with 7 min left, and Denison scores in what looks like a chip over the GK. 5 min left, and Denison leads 1-0.

Update, well that's a new twist -- Denison beat OWU 1-0 and will face Kenyon in NCAC tournament finals.