Lady Corsairs ‘Basque’ in defeat of West Conn.

The Lady Corsairs chase a Western Connecticut midfielder.

Battles for control were numerous during the game against Western Conn.

By Adam K. Ellis

As the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth women’s lacrosse team began their LEC playoff opener, their midfield duo of sisters Larissa and Kara Basque came out firing, scoring the first two goals of the game and combining for seven of UMD’s first fourteen, leading the Corsairs to an 18-10 victory over the visiting Western Connecticut Colonials.

The matchup between the two squads was a rematch of a game played three days prior in which the Corsairs proved to be victorious, but one where the Colonials finished scoring the last six goals of the game. And with a strong, lingering wind left from an afternoon of monsoon-like conditions, and pre-game temperatures reaching in the mid 40’s, the girl’s first-ever night game at Cressy Field looked to be quite a challenge -- one the Lady Corsairs proved to be more than ready for.

Not even two minutes into the game, Kara Basque picked up a ground ball, made her twenty yards in towards the net and slammed home the game’s first goal. Two minutes later, her sister Larissa followed her act by intercepting a Colonial’s pass and taking it the distance to give the Corsairs an early 2-0 lead.

The West Conn. girls quickly responded, showing their resiliency and tying the score at two. The two teams took turns trading goals, with UMD one-upping West Conn to take a 6-5 lead with 8:44 left in the first half. But the Lady Corsairs would close the half on a 3-0 run, as senior attacker Suzie Nearhoof, sophomore midfielder Andrea Russo and the freshman sister Larissa each added a goal.

When the teams returned to action in the second half, the sister act continued as Larissa and Kara helped break open a 14-6 lead, totaling four consecutive Corsair goals and fueling a 5-1 run. The Colonials were able to bring it to within five with twelve minutes to play. But the play of the senior Nearhoof down the stretch was too much, as she added two more goals to close out West Conn. and end the season for the Colonials.

“Our offense worked very well as a unit,” said UMass Dartmouth Head Coach Jerry Jennings. “We scored on set plays, and took advantage of our opportunities. We made a smooth transition from defense to offense, and our shots were on the mark. We also played well defensively, which was a big part of our game plan.”

Larissa Basque and Nearhoof each finished the game with five goals. Sophomore sister Kara finished with two goals and an assist. The Lady Corsairs concluded their season in the next round of the LEC tournament, losing 20-3 to Eastern Connecticut.

Men’s baseball team splits doubleheader both ways

NORTH DARTMOUTH, Mass. — The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s baseball team split their Little East Conference doubleheader with UMass Boston at the UMass Dartmouth Athletic Complex Monday afternoon. UMass Dartmouth won the opener, 16-6, and the Beacons took the nightcap, 5-0.

The Corsairs scored four times in their first two at-bats, then broke the first game open with seven runs in the top of the fourth inning. Senior left fielder Kevin Narey doubled home a run and sophomore left fielder Tom LaDore each doubled in a run in a three-run first. Narey doubled with the bases loaded to drive in three runs in the fourth, and LaDore capped the rally with a two-run homer over the left field fence. Senior first baseman Dylan Zygmont singled home a run in the fourth and doubled home a pair in the ninth.

The teams combined for 10 extra base hits, five each by the Corsairs and Beacons. Narey, LaDore and sophomore center fielder Jeff Macchi each had three hits for UMass Dartmouth. Sophomore left fielder Drew Tambling doubled twice, had three hits and drove in three runs for UMass Boston, while junior right fielder Tom Michael had three hits. Freshman right-hander Brian Pedrotti pitched the first 7 1/3 innings and earned the win for the Corsairs, improving his record to 5-2, while senior Mike Dorval started for the Beacons and took the loss, falling to 1-5.

Three UMass Boston pitchers combined for a three-hit shutout in the nightcap. Freshman Mike Cain allowed two hits in four innings, junior Patrick McCarthy allowed one hit over the next four innings, and Michael finished with a scoreless ninth inning. Dorval hit a two-run homer in the second inning, and designated hitter Eric Salvador doubled home two runs in the eighth. Zygmont, junior third baseman Dave McGuire and freshman shortstop Anthony Fiorita collected the Corsair hits, all singles. Freshman right-hander Chris Contre started and went all the way for UMass Dartmouth, taking the loss and falling to 0-9.

“We hit the ball well in the first game, and they gave us extra outs, and we took advantage of that,” said UMass Dartmouth Head Coach Bob Curran. “Their pitching in the second game was good, and they took advantage of their opportunities. Our pitchers pitched well in both games.”

The action concluded the season for the Corsairs, who finished at 5-32.

End of the line

Men’s lacrosse falls to Plymouth State

Seen here, both UMD and PSU battled for supremecy last week, but no team maintained control for long.

By Benjamin Brown

The weather wasn’t the only disappointing thing about the men’s lacrosse game against Plymouth State University this past Wednesday, April 29.

The Corsairs were hopeful as they kicked off their first-round Little East Conference playoff game, backed by a commanding record of 10-4. Unfortunately, Plymouth State crushed any chance of extending that record as John Cogswell pulled out a tie-breaking goal with 3:12 left to play in the fourth quarter, taking the day 8-7.

The PSU Panthers were able to jump out of the gates, building a quick lead 3-0 in the first five minutes of the game. The Corsairs answered back before the end of the quarter with two goals by midfielders Pat Kohout (sophomore) and Steve Colella (junior). Senior attackman and lead scorer Matt Leary dropped out of the game before the second quarter due to an injury.

“Losing Matt Leary definitely hurt us,” said UMD head coach Kevin Mahoney. That hurt was felt later in the game as PSU stepped up the heat, scoring 4 more times before the fourth quarter.

UMD came back guns a-blazing in the final quarter with four more goals to tie it up 7-7. But the Corsairs could not stop the consistent PSU offense, which clinched the victory with the final goal in the last three minutes of the game.

The loss brought an otherwise outstanding season to what some would call a premature end. Mahoney admitted the loss was disappointing, but reflected positively on the season as a whole.

“It was a tough loss, but they came out prepared. I think we really improved across the board this season, and we had a solid freshman lineup step up and come through big for us.”

When asked what the biggest achievement for the men’s lacrosse team has been this season, Mahoney replied, “Just getting the experience. We had a lot of new players learn what it’s like to play college lacrosse, and we’re going to have a very strong returning lineup.”

Rugby team wins second championship

By Trevor Medeiros

This past fall, the UMass Dartmouth men’s club rugby team had a season to remember. The team smoked its competition en route to an undefeated season and a New England Club Rugby division IV title.

So what did the team do for an encore? Win another championship, of course. The team just wrapped up its spring season by going 8-2 and bringing home the New England division three spring-shorties championship.

Due to the success of the team in the fall, the team was forced to move up to division three for the spring. The increased difficulty in opposition plus having to play doubleheaders (with shorter games) every weekend caused the squad to struggle early on.

“After the first two games we started picking up the momentum,” said senior Michael Dagher.

With the help of players like Paul Armstrong, Wayne Reissfelder, Alex Tringale, and Jay Levesque, the team got back to its winning ways.

“We just have a lot of good players on our team,” commented Reissfelder, who’s a co-captain.

However, the team did run into some trouble in their first playoff game. Tied at 22 at the end of regulation and after the first round of penalty kicks, newcomer Zach Hager came off the bench to hit the game-winning penalty kick in dramatic fashion.

“It was awesome to be able to help the team out in that way,” said Hager. “It was definitely one of the greatest feelings of my college career.”

“It was incredible” added Dagher.

The championship game was less dramatic, with UMD winning via shutout. The success of the team in the fall attracted many newcomers like Hager and Tom Moore.

“I was surprised how good the team was,” said Moore. “Really good group of guys. No bad kids on the team.”

It also attracted Levesque so much he gave up football and has played with the team for four years. “My parents weren’t too happy I stopped doing track in the spring,” he joked.

With so many newcomers to the sport of rugby, it has meant additional teaching for the team’s veterans. But they don’t mind helping out.

“It’s great,” said Reissfelder. “With the help of maybe Dagher and a couple others, we’ve taught about 30 kids how to play rugby, and I’d say a good solid 15, 20 of them have really become really good rugby players in doing so.”

Of course, it also helps that the team is loaded with a bunch of naturally talented athletes.

“We’ve got a lot of animals,” kidded Dagher.

Perhaps the biggest reason for the club’s success has been the influence of Bryan O’Brien, “the most extremely effective president that we’ve ever had,” according to Dagher.

O’Brien has crafted a stellar budget that was proposed to the school last week, and he’s also trying to organize a summer trip to Canton, MA to play a team from Munster, Ireland.

“Without Bryan O’Brien, this team wouldn’t be where it is right now,” added Reissfelder.

While it’s been a successful year, the squad’s not resting on its laurels. The team has many talented players coming back this fall (against division three competition); and with its flexible practice philosophy (show up when you can) and its policy that anyone can join the team regardless of talent expected to attract even more newcomers, the expectations are high for fall 2008.

“I’m pretty confident,” said Dagher.

Track does well at Division III Championships

NEW LONDON, CT — The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth’s track and field team turned in a few good performances at the New England Division III Championships at the Coast Guard Academy Track Saturday afternoon.

Senior Eric Holmes finished fourth in the 3000 meter steeplechase in 9:32.51. The men’s 4 x 400 meter relay team of senior Sam Machuor, freshman Bobby Miller, freshman Eric Nygaard and Jodoin was 13th in 3:31.05, and the women’s 4 x 400 meter relay team of freshman Briley Morrill, sophomore Jess Carpenter, senior Marliana Gaspardi and senior Leanne Nygaard was also 13th in 4:29.56.

Junior Jimmy Knuuttila was 19th in the 400 meter hurdles in 60.58 seconds, and senior Chris Jodoin finished 20th in 61.28. Meanwhile, freshman Jermai Harrison was 11th in the shot put at 34 feet, 3 1/2 inches.

“Eric Holmes ran very well,” said UMass Dartmouth Head Coach Jon Hird.

He continued, “The race kind of broke apart, and he stayed with the lead group and held on and finished well. In the men’s 4x4, we substituted Eric Nygaard for (junior) Tyler Buck and we finished 13th, and the women’s relay team ran their fastest time of the season.”

Coach Hird commented, “In the hurdles, Chris Jodoin fell on the fourth hurdle, and Jimmy Knuuttila had a tough time, and Jermai Harrison had good throws on her first two attempts but fouled on them, and had to make a safe throw on her third attempt.”

“We had some good performances, and, in some cases, we didn’t perform as well as we hoped to,” he explained.

The Corsairs will return to action at the Open New England Championships at New Hampshire this weekend.

Viera ready for nationals

By Trevor Medeiros

UMass Dartmouth junior Rebecca Viera will be representing the equestrian team at nationals in Los Angeles this week (May 8-11).

Trevor Medeiros: Well, how does it feel to quality for nationals? Are you nervous, excited, or both?

Rebecca Viera: I am very excited to qualify for Nationals and I am looking forward to riding.

TM: How do think your team did overall this season in competitions? Did you exceed your expectations, or were you disappointed?

RV: Overall we did well this year. We finished third for the region.

TM: What are you hoping to accomplish this week in Los Angeles?

RV: Of course winning would be the ultimate accomplishment, but I am hoping to have a good ride and just do my best. It’s going to be a great experience.

TM: Are you allowed to bring your horse with you?

RV: No, I am not bringing a horse. I will not be riding a horse I have experience with at nationals. The horses at the show will be donated for use by local schools and horse owners.

TM: For people who aren’t familiar with the difficulties of equestrian riding, just briefly explain the challenges which come with the sport.

RV: Riding on an intercollegiate team is challenging because you have to ride a horse you are unfamiliar with.

TM: What have you enjoyed most about your experience with the team?

RV: I’ve enjoyed learning a lot about riding and competing. I’ve also made some really good friends.

TM: How long have you been riding horses?

RV: I joined the equestrian team my freshman year and had some prior riding experience.

Day looking to improve athletic department in second year

By Trevor Medeiros

While his first year at the university was a success, UMass Dartmouth athletic director Ian Day knows there are still many challenges which lie ahead of him as he leads the athletic department into year two of his tenure.

Day took the position of athletic director last summer after serving the Tiffin University (OH) athletic department for 24 years. He also directed the program from NAIA status to NCAA Division II during his tenure as AD. Day has not regretted taking over the reins here at UMD.

“I enjoyed it immensely,” said Day, when asked how his first year went. “I really enjoyed working with the people, not only in the athletic department, but all across campus.”

Day also gives credit to UMD vice chancellor Jean Kim, and the support she’s given him and the whole department.

However, Day also knows being UMD athletic director means tackling the many challenges that come with the job.

“I think the athletic department has its challenges, but quite frankly, if it didn’t have the challenges, it’s not a position I would’ve been interested in,” he said. “I was eager to take those on.”

One of the improvements Day is making to the department is the addition of more full-time coaches for the varsity teams. He is currently looking for both a new women’s soccer coach and a new women’s basketball coach, both of which will be encouraged to have jobs on campus.

However, Day acknowledges that not every team needs a full-time leader.

“There are some sports that have been successful with part-time coaches,” said Day, noting the success of UMD hockey coach John Rolli, who’s a teacher at Keith Middle School in neighboring New Bedford.

Another area Day is looking to improve is the athletic facilities. He’s working with colleagues on a possible renovation of the Tripp Athletic Center, built in 1972. Day would also like to see a new field house and ice hockey arena, but he knows that’s easier said than done.

“We realize that the athletic department is just one department of many that are looking to expand.”

While UMD boasts 25 varsity teams (the most of any school in the Little East Conference), there has been talk over the years of eliminating the few who have struggled to be successful. But Day is optimistic that he won’t need to eliminate any teams in the near future.

“I do want to give an opportunity for all of our sports to succeed. I think it can be done.”

So when every varsity team on campus becomes successful, UMD will be ready to jump up to Division II, right? Well, not so fast.

“I think most people on this campus are quite happy that we are Division III,” said Day. “I just don’t see [moving up].”

Center for children Schwartz 20th annual golf tournament

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The Schwartz Center for Children — in partnership with McDonald’s of New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, and Wareham, Mass., and Warwick and Cranston, RI — announces that it will be holding the 20th Annual “Fore the Children” Sports Weekend 2008 Golf Tournament on Monday, June 16 at Allendale Country Club in Dartmouth, MA.

The tournament begins with an 11:30 a.m. check-in and lunch and a 1 p.m. shotgun start with a scramble format. The cost to participate is $125 per person or $500 per team and includes a buffet lunch, dinner, and raffle prizes. This tournament is limited to the first 134 golfers.

Lynn Ciminello, Center Development Committee Chair and McDonald’s Corporation Comptroller states, “For the past 20 years, the McDonald’s Corporation has sponsored this event, as well as others, and has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the Center in assisting them in meeting their mission of helping each child achieve their greatest potential. We are so pleased to have been such a special part of this wonderful agency.”

The Schwartz Center for Children is a non-profit agency established in 1947 by parents seeking services for their children and is the only freestanding pediatric rehabilitation clinic in New England. Since its founding, the Center has continued to grow to meet the needs of children through the southcoast area. Its four major programs include: Early

Intervention, Private Day School, Outpatient Rehabilitation, and a Regional Consultation Program.

The Schwartz Center’s mission is to help children reach their greatest potential. It is able to do this through strong community support from private contributions, fundraising events, and the United Way of Greater New Bedford.

For more information, to register for or to donate to these events contact the Development Office of the Schwartz Center for Children at 508-996-3391 or visit the Center’s Web site at www.schwartzcenter.org.

MMA

Ten things to look forward to this summer

By Timm Freitas

Seeing that this is the last week for the MMA column in the Torch, I have decided to finish off the year strong with a top ten list of things to watch for this summer.

10. Chuck Liddell vs. “Shogun” Rua: Sure enough this light heavyweight bout was to be taking place this June but both fighters had to withdraw due to injuries sustained while training. Look to see this fight between two of the 205 lbs. leading contenders rescheduled for sometime this summer as a co-main event put together by the UFC.

9. Wanderlei Silva vs. Keith Jardine: This fight would have huge implications if Jardine were to win. It would solidify his position within the 205 lbs. weight class and would most likely put him in line to face the winner of the Griffin vs. Jackson title fight. Silva desperately needs a win after dropping his last three fights.

8. Jens Pulver vs. Urijah Faber: This WEC bout is bound to be a huge draw for the Versus network on June 1st. Faber seems to be unstoppable and Pulver has never lost a fight at 145 lbs. If Faber defeats Pulver, he will assuredly establish himself as a legend of the sport.

7. Elite XC primetime cable debut: Although this is listed in the seven spot, the implications of solid viewing could pave the way to more free MMA events on major networks. Also, “Kimbo” Slice looks to prove his legitimacy as he takes on the ever dangerous James Thompson.

6. Sean Sherk vs. BJ Penn: It has been over a year since Sherk was stripped of his title after testing positive for steroids and he is looking to stay with his winning ways. He intends to prove that he is the true king of the lightweight division, but the ever-popular and legendary mixed martial artist BJ Penn stands in his way.

5. Matt Hughes vs. Thiago Alves: This fight may not have huge implications, but it is Hughes’s first fight since being dominated by St. Pierre last year. Hughes looks to win the fight in fine fashion possibly setting up for the ever-anticipated fight with Matt Serra.

4. Forrest Griffin vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson: Jackson has been dominating the light heavyweight division since taking the crown from Liddell last year. Ultimate Fighter 1 winner Forrest Griffin, however, looks to match his unorthodox style with Jackson’s skill and take the belt. This indeed is a great fight for the fans, even if Griffin doesn’t deserve the title shot.

3. Tito Ortiz vs. Loyoto Machida: The ever-popular Tito Ortiz will most likely be leaving the UFC after this brawl, and hopefully it will be on a winning note. But don’t count Machida out because he is still undefeated and has taken down some big stars one being Rich Franklin.

2. Mark Coleman vs. Brock Lesnar: You may argue this fight doesn’t deserve to be number two, but it does. First, we get to see two amazing wrestlers match their skills in the octagon. Also, this is Coleman’s return to the Octagon after a long time away. Sure Coleman is old, but Couture made an amazing comeback, why can’t Coleman?

1. Tim Sylvia vs. Fedor Emelianenko: Without a question this June fight will be the fight of the summer. This will be Fedor’s first fight with real competition in over two years. Should Emelianenko defeat Sylvia he will solidify his standing as the number one heavyweight in the world. And should Sylvia win, it will show Fedor to be completely overrated and fans will still continue to hate the Maine-iac.

So, it ends like this and all I can say is thanks for a great year. Have a great time watching the fights this summer.