Last Night's aCCtion

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes about McDaniel's disappointment in its 70-64 home loss to 10th ranked Muhlenberg.

Jeffrey Kauffman of the Carlisle Sentinel notes that Juniata got the better of the battle of Allegheny College alumni in the Eagles' 54-52 win at Dickinson.

Ed Gruver of the Lancaster Intelligencer Journal writes that it was another F&M-Lebanon Valley classic that went down to the last shot.

Pat Huggins of the Lebanon Daily News notes that if there's one thing the Lebanon Valley College men's basketball faithful love, it's a guy who kills F&M.

Kimberly Ruth of the York Daily Record writes that Kevin Whaley was not ready to take the last shot in the Spartans' win over Gettysburg, but had no choice.

Jeffrey Johnson of the York Dispatch says that the turkey will taste better for York after the Spartans' win over Gettysburg.

The Harrisburg Patriot-News has a complete list of area players at Division I, II and III colleges.

Sunday Morning QB

Dave Byrne of the Lancaster Sunday News writes about Franklin & Marshall's thrilling 19-point fourth-quarter rally to topple Wilkes, 29-24.

The Baltimore Sun has a staff report on Johns Hopkins' 23-7 win at Hampden-Sydney, while the Times Leader also files a staff report on Franklin & Marshall's 29-24 win over Wilkes.

The Philadelphia Inquirer has an area roundup that includes Ursinus' ECAC loss to Kean.

Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches Chat

On Wednesday, Nov. 18, beginning at 1 p.m. EST, the Centennial Conference women's basketball coaches will hold an interactive chat to talk about the upcoming season. Each coach will be available for a 10-minute block to answer questions from the moderator and take a question or two, if time permits, from our audience.

1:00-1:10 Deb Charamella, Bryn Mawr
1:10-1:20 Dina Henry, Dickinson
1:20-1:30 Ashlee Courter, Franklin & Marshall
1:30-1:40 Mike Kirkpatrick, Gettysburg
1:40-1:50 Bobbi Morgan, Haverford
1:50-2:00 Nancy Funk, Johns Hopkins
2:00-2:10 Becky Martin, McDaniel
2:10-2:20 Ron Rohn, Muhlenberg
2:20-2:30 Renee DeVarney, Swarthmore
2:30-2:40 Jim Buckley, Ursinus
2:40-2:50 Megan Duran, Washington

If you would like to ask a question, please submit it in the comment box below prior to 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, or join us live.

Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches Chat

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, beginning at 1 p.m. EST, the Centennial Conference men's basketball coaches will hold an interactive chat to talk about the upcoming season. Each coach will be available for a 10-minute block to answer questions from the moderator and take a question or two, if time permits, from our audience.

1:00-1:10 Alan Seretti, Dickinson
1:10-1:20 Glenn Robinson, Franklin & Marshall
1:20-1:30 George Petrie, Gettysburg
1:30-1:40 Michael Mucci, Haverford
1:40-1:50 Bill Nelson, Johns Hopkins
1:50-2:00 Kevin Curley, McDaniel
2:00-2:10 Scott McClary, Muhlenberg
2:10-2:20 Lee Wimberly, Swarthmore
2:20-2:30 Kevin Small, Ursinus
2:30-2:40 Rob Nugent, Washington

If you would like to ask a question, please submit it in the comment box below prior to 12:45 p.m., or join us live.

Sunday Morning QB

photo by Justin Graybill, Lancaster Newspapers

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that despite inspired play, McDaniel's missteps proved too much to overcome in a 38-14 loss to Johns Hopkins. He also adds a post-game notebook.

Dave Byrne of the Lancaster Sunday News notes that records toppled like sand castles swarmed by the incoming tide in Franklin & Marshall's 33-23 win over Gettysburg.

Jamie Raub of the Morning Call notes that Muhlenberg ended a dreary year on a high note with a 7-0 shutout of rival Moravian.

Andy Loigu of the Express-Times writes that Muhlenberg did the "Curley Shuffle" on Moravian in its 7-0 victory.

Mark Singelais of the Albany Times Union writes that Union head coach John Audino helped Susquehanna join the Liberty League three years ago. Now, the Crusaders are leaving the LL for the Centennial as champions following a 28-17 win over the Dutchmen.

A state roundup is provided by the Baltimore Sun. The Harrisburg Patriot-News provides an area roundup, as does the Philadelphia Inquirer. Staff reports are provided by the Carlisle Sentinel.

Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches Chat

On Wednesday, Nov. 18, beginning at 1 p.m. EST, the Centennial Conference women's basketball coaches will hold an interactive chat to talk about the upcoming season. Each coach will be available for a 10-minute block to answer questions from the moderator and take a question or two, if time permits, from our audience.

1:00-1:10 Deb Charamella, Bryn Mawr
1:10-1:20 Dina Henry, Dickinson
1:20-1:30 Ashlee Courter, Franklin & Marshall
1:30-1:40 Mike Kirkpatrick, Gettysburg
1:40-1:50 Bobbi Morgan, Haverford
1:50-2:00 Nancy Funk, Johns Hopkins
2:00-2:10 Becky Martin, McDaniel
2:10-2:20 Ron Rohn, Muhlenberg
2:20-2:30 Renee DeVarney, Swarthmore
2:30-2:40 Jim Buckley, Ursinus
2:40-2:50 Megan Duran, Washington

If you would like to ask a question, please submit it in the comment box below prior to 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, or join us live.

Men's Basketball Preseason Coaches Chat

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, beginning at 1 p.m. EST, the Centennial Conference men's basketball coaches will hold an interactive chat to talk about the upcoming season. Each coach will be available for a 10-minute block to answer questions from the moderator and take a question or two, if time permits, from our audience.

1:00-1:10 Alan Seretti, Dickinson
1:10-1:20 Glenn Robinson, Franklin & Marshall
1:20-1:30 George Petrie, Gettysburg
1:30-1:40 Michael Mucci, Haverford
1:40-1:50 Bill Nelson, Johns Hopkins
1:50-2:00 Kevin Curley, McDaniel
2:00-2:10 Scott McClary, Muhlenberg
2:10-2:20 Lee Wimberly, Swarthmore
2:20-2:30 Kevin Small, Ursinus
2:30-2:40 Rob Nugent, Washington

If you would like to ask a question, please submit it in the comment box below prior to 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, or join us live.

The Friday Tailgate

It's a milestone weekend for the Centennial Conference, as we post for the 500th time and we crown a football champion for 2009. The gridiron champion thing is a bit more important, but we didn't want to fail to pat ourselves on the back.

Johns Hopkins is in the driver's seat. A Blue Jay win at McDaniel gives Hopkins at least a share of the Centennial title and the Conference's automatic berth to the Division III championship tournament that begins next weekend. Dickinson can get at least a piece of the crown with a home win vs. Ursinus and can also get the outright championship and the AQ with a victory and a Hopkins loss.

Ursinus still has hopes of both a Centennial title and NCAA berth. A Hopkins loss, combined by a Bears win over the Red Devils, makes UC the tri-champions and the recipient of the automatic spot in the NCAA field. Franklin & Marshall can force a four-way tie at the top with a win over Gettysburg and losses by Hopkins and Dickinson. It will be a day filled with scoreboard watching, as we bring the curtain down on the 2009 regular season.

Johns Hopkins at McDaniel
Audio: WTTR-AM 1470. Video: No. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 88th all-time meeting between the two Maryland football representatives in the Conference with the Blue Jays holding a 47-35-5 lead after eight straight wins. The Terror's last win was a 41-7 triumph in 2000. It is the first time in the history of college football in the Free State that two coaches with more than 100 wins at their respective in-state schools will face each other - Jim Margraff (126-74-3) and Tim Keating (103-69-3). Hopkins has posted back-to-back 50-point performances for the first time since 1967 and the 109 points over the last two games is the second-most by a JHU team in school history. JHU amassed over 200 yards rushing and passing vs. F&M and is 23-2 in the 25 games since 1955 when that has happened. RB Andrew Kase (4,132 yards) is 48 yards away from becoming the No. 2 rusher in state history. The leader - McDaniel's Eric Frees who totaled 5,281 from 1988-91. This is the 1,000th game in McDaniel program history. The Terror is 507-443-49 (.532) in its 115th gridiron season. A Green and Gold win would give McDaniel its first winning season since finishing 6-4 in 2004. QB Tom Massucci has five 200-yard passing games to his credit this season - the most since three-time CC Offensive Player of the Year Ron Sermarini did it in 1999. The offensive line has allowed just 11 sacks this season - the fewest since the 1992 unit surrendered just four. WR Matt Cahill has 699 receiving yards which is the most since Teron Powell gathered in balls for 771 yards in 2001.

Ursinus at Dickinson
Audio: WDCV-FM 88.3. Video: No. Live Stats: No.
It's the 81st matchup between the Bears and the Red Devils with Dickinson riding a three-game home win streak in the series. Dickinson holds a 44-30-6 series lead. Ursinus mustered just seven first downs last week vs. Muhlenberg but turned four turnovers into 24 points and a 24-10 win. QB Justin Decristofaro needs 112 passing yards to become the first Bear to throw for 2,000 in a season since Frank Vecchio in 1999. The Bears are looking for things to break their way and secure a piece of the Centennial title for the first time since 1996. QB Ian Mitchell tied the Centennial record for career rushing TDs by a quarterback (27) and raised his Conference single-season mark to 14. He also needs 125 passing yards to reach 5,000 for his career. The Red Devils are 15th in D-III in rushing offense (245.3), while the defense leads the CC in pass efficiency defense and is 10th in the country in turnover margin.

Gettysburg at Franklin & Marshall
Audio: No. Video: godiplomats.com. Live Stats: Yes.
The Bullets and the Diplomats square off for the 95th time with F&M holding a slim 44-43-7 advantage. The home team has won the last four games. Gettysburg has not won in Lancaster since 2001 (24-16). The game features the top two passing offenses in the Conference, as the Dips are averaging 302.1 yards per game while the Bullets are next at 275.4. Gettysburg is ranked third in D-III in total offense (498.3). Although QB Matt Flynn already has a truckload of records to his credit, there are still some within reach on Saturday, including school marks for single-season TD passes (needs one) and the Conference single-season record for total offense (needs 149). Flynn is 259 yards away from the Centennial season standard for passing yards, but F&M counterpart John Harrison is closer, needing just 58 yards to surpass the old mark. Harrison has already set most Diplomat single-season passing marks, including completions (224), yards (2,652) and TDs (28). WR George Eager is 15th in D3 in receptions (69), 32nd in yards (881) and 37th in all-purpose yards (1,294).

Moravian at Muhlenberg
Audio: WSAN-AM 1470, WMUH-FM 91.7. Video: muhlenberg.edu/sports. Live Stats: Yes.
It is the 58th time that the 'Hounds and the Mules have met on the gridiron with Moravian holding a 32-23-2 advantage, including a 17-12-1 lead in Allentown. Both teams are 2-7, the fewest combined win total for the two teams since the Mules (2-6) and Greyhounds (0-7-1) met in 1981. Moravian RB Ryan Rempe is one of the top backs in the CC with 716 rushing yards. DL Allen Petros leads the defensive line with 37 tackles and four sacks. KR Travis King needs one kickoff return and 97 yards to set single-season school marks in both categories. Muhlenberg WR Phil Cresta needs 12 receptions and 144 yards to become the school's career leader in those categories. The Mules have dropped four straight games, despite allowing an average of just 258 yards to the opposition. The 29 turnovers by 'Berg is the most by the team since 2001.

Sunday Morning QB

photo by Dave Munch, Carroll County Times

Todd Karpovich of the Baltimore Sun writes that Johns Hopkins dominated every facet of the game in its 51-13 victory over Franklin & Marshall.

Dave Byrne of the Lancaster Sunday News notes that Johns Hopkins found the best way to stop Franklin & Marshall's prolific offense in the Jays' win in Baltimore.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that McDaniel freshman Nick DeLuca made his dream come true in the Green Terror's 22-20 win at Gettysburg. Land also adds a post-game notebook.

Travis Johnson of the Hanover Evening Sun writes that it was a McDaniel freshman that spoiled Gettysburg's Senior Day in the Terror's nail-biting win at the Battlefield.

Diana Fishlock of the Harrisburg Patriot-News writes that Dickinson QB Ian Mitchell uses his arm and legs to help families of kids with terminal illnesses.

Area roundups, courtesy of the Philadelphia Inquirer and Baltimore Sun.

Championship Weekend

It's the weekend that Centennial fall athletes have been working for all season ... championship weekend. We'll be in Allentown (soccer), Collegeville (field hockey) and Haverford (volleyball) all weekend to bring you all the updates from what promises to be an exciting climax to the Conference season.

Men's Soccer at Muhlenberg
Semifinals (Friday, 4:00)
#15 Johns Hopkins vs. #7 Swarthmore
Dickinson vs. #18 Muhlenberg.
Final (Saturday, 7:00).
The men's soccer championship kicks off the weekend on Friday afternoon and the four remaining teams may provide the most competitive tournament in Division III. Muhlenberg, Swarthmore, Johns Hopkins and Dickinson have a combined record of 51-10-8 and have all received votes in the national poll this season. Close games have been a hallmark of the CC playoffs of late: Of the 12 games played since 2005, seven were decided by one goal (four in overtime), and four went to penalty kicks. Muhlenberg is the fifth different school to host the CC men’s soccer tournament in the last five years. The top seed has won the title five of eight times, including Muhlenberg when it last hosted in 2003 and Swarthmore last year. Johns Hopkins and Muhlenberg are the only schools who have participated in all eight CC tournaments, with the Blue Jays advancing to the final six times. Hopkins has won a league-high seven championships, two more than Muhlenberg. The Blue Jays are 10-4 all-time in CC tourney play, including a 6-1 mark in the semifinals. Swarthmore, the defending champ, is 1-3 in the round, while Muhlenberg is 2-4. Dickinson lost its only semifinal appearance last season. Cody Antonini, Muhlenberg (pictured)

Field Hockey at Ursinus
Semifinals (Saturday, 11:00)
Haverford vs. #3 Ursinus
#14 Gettysburg vs. #17 Johns Hopkins.
Final (Sunday, 1:00).
The championship tournament returns to the Eleanor Frost Snell Alumnae Field for the seventh straight year with the host Bears (16-2) looking for a sixth title in a row. Ursinus is ranked third nationally and has outscored its Centennial opposition, 85-7, this season. The Bears defeated Haverford (9-9), 8-1, back on Oct. 13 and also defeated Gettysburg (6-1) and Johns Hopkins (8-3) during the regular season. The Blue Jays edged the Bullets in penalty strokes on Sept. 19. Ursinus is 5-1 in semifinal matches, while Haverford is making its inaugural appearance in the CC final four. Hopkins (7-1) and Gettysburg (3-2) have made multiple appearances in the semis but have only met each other once before in the round - last season, a 2-0 JHU victory. Alyssa Thren, Ursinus (pictured)

Women's Soccer at Muhlenberg
Semifinals (Saturday, 1:00)
Dickinson vs. Muhlenberg
#10 Johns Hopkins vs. Haverford.
Final (Sunday, 2:00).
The women's tournament continues on Saturday with a Sunday final with four teams that combined for a 52-13-4 record. The top seed took advantage of playing on its home field in six of the first eight tournaments, including Muhlenberg in 2001 and 2003. Last year, all four tournament games were decided by one goal or went into penalty kicks. Johns Hopkins has won four consecutive CC crowns (seven overall) and a 12-3 all-time in the Centennial tournament, including a 7-1 mark in the semifinals. Haverford, the 1995 champion, has not won a CC tournament game in three tries, including two semifinal trips. Muhlenberg has won three championships, while Dickinson is 3-2 overall in the tourney and is 2-0 in the semifinals, but winless in the final. Jenn Paulucci, Johns Hopkins (pictured)

Volleyball at Haverford
Semifinals (Saturday, 1:00)
Swarthmore vs. #25 Haverford
Franklin & Marshall vs. Gettysburg.
Final (Sunday, 1:00).
The Class of 2010 at Haverford goes for four in a row as the Centennial volleyball tourney continues Saturday at Gooding Arena. The #25 Fords went 10-0 in the Conference this season, dropping only three sets in CC play. Haverford had dropped six straight semifinal games before beginning their winning three-year run in 2006. Franklin & Marshall is making its 10th appearance in the tourney and looks for its fourth Centennial championship and first since 2000. Gettysburg is the winningest program in the Centennial with 11 titles to its credit. The Bullets' last title came in 2005. F&M and Gettysburg are used to meeting in the final (four times), but have only met in the semis once (2008). Swarthmore is making its first trip to the CC final four. Rebecca Salvo, Haverford (pictured)

The Friday Tailgate

At the end of the day on Saturday, the Centennial Conference football championship race will have either (1) one team atop the standings at 6-1 and three others at 5-2; (2) two teams with 6-1 CC marks and two more at 5-2; (3) two at 6-1 and one at 5-2. It is possible that we will have an outright champion for the fifth straight season. It is plausible that we could have a four-way tie for the title, reminiscent of the infamous 2004 five-way deadlock for the championship. It also harkens back to 1995, when Dickinson, F&M and Hopkins all entered the penultimate weekend of the season with 4-1 CC marks.

Franklin & Marshall at Johns Hopkins
Audio: godiplomats.com. Video: hopkinssports.com. Live Stats: Yes.
It is the 61st meeting between the Diplomats (5-1 CC, 7-1) and the Blue Jays (5-1, 6-2) in a series that began in 1912. F&M holds a 34-24-2 lead in the series and has an 18-11-2 mark at Homewood Field. Last season, Hopkins picked off a potential game-winning two-point conversion pass in the waning moments of the final period to secure a 26-25 win in Lancaster. The Diplomats, Blue Jays and Dickinson are tied for first place in the CC. Dickinson edged F&M with a last-second field goal, while Johns Hopkins knocked off Dickinson. F&M needs to win out with a Dickinson loss to either Juniata or Ursinus to get the automatic NCAA bid. A Hopkins win would leave the Jays in charge of their own fate heading into the season’s final game at McDaniel. The last time that these two teams when tied for first place was 1995. In that contest Diplomat RB Matt Eisenberg capped a long drive with a 1-yard plunge with :17 left for a 27-22 F&M win. Last week, Diplomat QB John Harrison threw for a school-record 404 yards vs. McDaniel, setting program marks for completions, yards and TDs in a season. Hopkins RB Andrew Kase ran for 146 yards and four touchdowns in the first half of the win at Juniata. Both shared the Centennial Offensive Player of the Week award. Franklin & Marshall is 31-27-2 all-time when playing in the Free State and 10-10 in its last 20 trips across the Mason-Dixon line. The Johns Hopkins SAAC is running a program called "Reuse a Shoe" at this week's game. Fans are encouraged to bring their old sneakers and running shoes to donate. The recycled shoes will be used to build basketball courts, tennis courts and tracks around the country.

Juniata at Dickinson
Audio: WDCV-FM 88.3. Video: No. Live Stats: No.
The Red Devils (5-1, 7-1) and the Eagles (1-6, 1-8) meet for the 21st time with Dickinson holding a 12-8 series advantage, including six straight victories. Juniata's last win was a 26-9 triumph at Biddle Field in 2002. This is the second night game for Dickinson at Biddle Field. Last year, the Red Devils defeated Franklin & Marshall, 34-20, in Dickinson's 1,000th all-time game and 100th meeting with the Dips. Last week, Dickinson was held to its lowest offensive output of the season (326 yards) but rallied for 17 fourth-quarter points to defeat Muhlenberg. PK Gordon Craig booted a 41-yard FG with :07 left for the game-winning points. It was the third game-winning kick of his career. Dickinson ranks 22nd nationally in turnover margin (+10). Juniata brings down the curtain on its season on Friday night. RB Derek Kramer leads the Eagles with 419 rushing yards. The Eagles are looking for their second road win of the season, something they have not done since 2003.

Muhlenberg at Ursinus
Audio: Ursinus Sports Network. Video: No. Live Stats: Yes.
The Mules (1-5, 2-6) and the Bears (4-2, 4-4) meet for the 73rd time in a series that began in 1900. Muhlenberg has won nine straight in the series to forge a 42-23-7 advantage. Ursinus' last victory was a 35-23 triumph in Allentown in 1999, while its last win in Collegeville came in 1996 (13-7, OT). Mule RB J.T. Merklinger had its first 100-yard game of his career last week vs. Dickinson, running for 101 yards. The defense held the Devils to their lowest offensive production of the season (326 yards). PK Michael Katz booted three FGs (29, 32 and 37 yards). He shares the CC lead with eight three-pointers. Ursinus is still in the CC championship chase, but needs wins against Muhlenberg and Dickinson, along with a little help, to get a share of its first title since 1996. QB Justin Decristofaro has thrown for 1,773 yards this year and needs 227 to become the first Bear to reach 2,000 for a season since Frank Vecchio in 1999. For the second straight week, KR Al Desiderio returned a kick for a touchdown, scampering 90 yards with a punt for a score vs. Moravian. He leads the Centennial in all-purpose yards (1,200). PK Keith Baker booted a career-long 42-yard field goal vs. the 'Hounds.

McDaniel at Gettysburg
Audio: WTTR-AM 1470. Video: gettysburgsports.com. Live Stats: Yes.
The Route 97 rivalry began in 1891 and is renewed for the 63rd time on Saturday. Gettysburg has won the last two meetings and holds a 45-16-1 series advantage. McDaniel has not won at the Battlefield since 2001 (55-7). Gettysburg ranks third in Division III in total offense, 17th in scoring offense, 23rd in passing offense and 25th in rushing offense. RB Jamel Mutunga has rushed for 822 yards and 12 TDs and needs 178 yards to become Gettysburg's 17th 1,000-yard back. QB Matt Flynn can become the Centennial's all-time leader in total offense with 70 yards in his final two games. McDaniel QB Tom Massucci became just the fifth different Terror passer to throw for over 1,500 yards in a season. Freshman C.J. Billera shares the team lead in all-purpose yards with 829. He had a career-best 110 receiving yards last week vs. F&M. The defense is sixth in Division III with 29 sacks. The Terror is 1-13 over its last 14 Centennial road games.

Five-Star Matchups

Welcome to our Five-Star Matchups for a 1st round Wednesday. The winners of today's matches get the privilege of moving on to face the top seed on its home field on the weekend. The losers will most likely pack up the gear for the year.

Franklin & Marshall at Dickinson (Men's Soccer)
110 minutes of soccer did not determine a winner between these two in Saturday's regular-season finale, so they'll meet again today ... and someone will advance. The Red Devils (12-3-2) and the Diplomats (9-5-3) have met 59 times previously on the pitch - but never in the Centennial playoffs - with F&M holding a 33-18-7 advantage. But the series has been tight since 1993, tied at 7-7-4. The Diplomats are 0-2-1 in Carlisle since their last win in 2004 (4-0). Dickinson is led by the 1-2 combination of Tom Parkinson and Nicolas Tierno, who each have scored 10 goals. F&M looks to Matt Melino who leads the team in scoring with 4-6-14.

Franklin & Marshall at Haverford (Field Hockey)
The Diplomats (10-7) and the Fords (8-9) will meet in the Conference playoffs for the first time tonight under the lights at Swan Field. Haverford captured the regular-season match in Lancaster by a 3-1 count, rallying for three unanswered goals after spotting F&M an early 1-0 lead. It was the second straight win for the Fords vs. the Diplomats, who hold a 19-5-1 all-time advantage. Haverford's Mary Hobbs (10) is one of eight players in the Conference who has double figures in goals on the year. F&M's offense runs through Eileen O'Reilly who has 6-9-21 on the season.

Dickinson at Swarthmore (Women's Soccer)
The 2009 Centennial women's soccer tournament promises to be one of the most competitive in the country, as all five teams have at least 12 wins. The Red Devils (14-3) have only lost three matches this season - all at the hands of CC foes. The Garnet (13-4) also dropped three Conference matches, but defeated Dickinson, 1-0, back on Sept. 19 on a goal by Hannah Deming in the 17th minute. The Red Devils lead the Centennial in scoring offense, averaging 3.35 goals per game. First-year Hannah Richardson leads all Conference players with 13 goals. The Garnet has surrendered only 13 goals all season and GK Marie Mutryn is tied for second in the CC with seven shutouts. Dickinson leads the all-time series, 16-8-3, but Swat has won four of the last five meetings. The only loss in that stretch - last year's Conference semifinal (2-1).

Muhlenberg at Swarthmore (Volleyball)
The Mules (11-12) and the Garnet (18-9) square off in the Centennial playoffs for the first time tonight at Tarble Pavilion. Muhlenberg is back in the tournament after an eight-year absence, while Swarthmore returns after missing the tourney for the past three seasons. 'Berg's Phylicia Lee is ranked seventh in the CC in kills (2.72), while Swat's Genny Pezzola is tops in that category at 3.73 per set. The Garnet defeated the Mules in four sets back on Oct. 13, but Muhlenberg still holds a 13-6 series advantage since 1993.

Football Press Conference

The game of the day is Franklin & Marshall at Johns Hopkins - a pair of 5-1 CC teams with Centennial championship and NCAA playoff hopes. What do John Troxell and Jim Margraff think about the game? Is Dickinson's Darwin Breaux concerned about a letdown? What does Ursinus need to do to bounce back from last week's upset loss to Moravian? All this and more in this week's chat with the head coaches.

Sunday Morning QB

Here's a quick review of Saturday's games through the eyes, words and lens of our local and regional newspaper correspondents.

Jamie A. Raub of The Morning Call writes that "if only" could have been the quote of the day in Muhlenberg's 17-16 loss to Dickinson.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times notes that mistakes and more mistakes doomed McDaniel in its 41-20 loss to Franklin & Marshall. He also adds a post-game notebook.

Jeff Gill of the Altoona Mirror writes that on Senior Day, there was not a lot to celebrate in Juniata's loss to Johns Hopkins.

Darryl Grumling of the Pottstown Mercury writes that breakdowns on special teams and in other areas led to Ursinus' 20-19 home loss to Moravian.

Staff reports are provided by the Lancaster Sunday News, Allentown Morning Call and Carlisle Sentinel.

The Baltimore Sun and Philadelphia Inquirer provides area roundups, while the Harrisburg Patriot-News provides a Dickinson-Muhlenberg wrap.

Denise Sanchez of the Allentown Morning Call has a photo gallery of the Dickinson-Muhlenberg game.