Five-Star Matchups

Perhaps we should have called this "The Final Countdown." It's the final day of the basketball season, while the swimmers begin their second season this weekend at Gettysburg at the Conference championships. The track and field athletes prepare for next weekend's championship meet at Haverford, while the wrestlers gear up for next Saturday's Centennial tournament at Washington and Lee.

Let's talk hoops on this blog entry ... and the scenarios surrounding the final berths for the playoffs.

Women's Basketball
Four teams are in the field - Johns Hopkins (1), Muhlenberg (2), Gettysburg (3) and Ursinus. A Bear win over the Mules will give Ursinus the No. 4 seed and home court for Wednesday's first-round game against either Franklin & Marshall or Swarthmore. A loss combined with a Diplomat win vs. Dickinson would enable F&M to slip into the four-spot and host UC on Wednesday. A F&M loss combined with a Swarthmore win vs. Haverford would allow the Garnet to grab the No. 5 position and oust the Diplomats.

Swarthmore at Haverford, 1:00
Ursinus at Muhlenberg, 2:00
Dickinson at Franklin & Marshall, 2:00
Muhlenberg has clinched the No. 2 seed and will face Gettysburg in the CC semifinals next weekend at Johns Hopkins. Ursinus (11-8 CC, 15-9) can secure the No. 4 seed with a win or with a loss by F&M. The Bears have dropped five straight to the Mules since a 2008 win at Memorial Hall. The Diplomats (10-9, 12-12) have lost four consecutive contests and 10 of the last 11 to the Red Devils and need a victory to lock down a playoff berth. A loss opens the door for the Garnet (10-9, 14-10) who has won 23 of the last 26 games with Haverford. But the Fords defeated Swat by 21 in the year's first meeting at Tarble. F&M holds the tie-breaker with the Garnet due to its season sweep of Swarthmore.

Men's Basketball
We know that three teams are in the field - Franklin & Marshall (1), Dickinson (2) and McDaniel. The Green Terror and Gettysburg meet at Bream with the winner receiving the third first-round bye. A Bullet win would make McDaniel the No. 4 seed and the Terror would host the first-round game on Wednesday. A Gettysburg victory would also mean Ursinus can secure the final spot in the tournament with a win at Muhlenberg. A Bear loss in this scenario opens the door for Haverford to get in the field with a win over Swarthmore. Losses by the Fords and UC gets the Mules in as the No. 5 seed.

But if McDaniel wins ... Ursinus can get the #4 spot with a victory, while Haverford gets to host the first-round game with a win and a Bear loss. Gettysburg slides in at #4 with losses by the Fords and the Bears. An Ursinus win means that Haverford can qualify with a win, while a loss puts the Bullets in at No. 5. Follow all that?

McDaniel at Gettysburg, 2:00
Swarthmore at Haverford, 3:00
Ursinus at Muhlenberg, 4:00
The Green Terror (10-7, 13-11) looks for its first season sweep of the Bullets (10-7, 13-11) since 2007. The Bears (9-8, 12-12) and the Mules (8-9, 12-12) meet for the 100th time with UC looking for its sixth win in eight games vs. 'Berg. Watch the battle of the big guys - Ursinus' Jon Ward and Muhlenberg's Kevin Hargrove. The Fords (9-8, 12-11) have won seven in a row vs. the Garnet who has not won at Gooding Arena since 2006.

Last Night's aCCtion

Jeffrey Kauffman of The Sentinel writes that although Dickinson will not make the Conference playoffs, the Red Devil women have not quit as shown by their comeback win against Gettysburg.

Kevin Freeman of the Lancaster Newspapers notes that although the Franklin & Marshall women lost to first-place Johns Hopkins, the Diplomats showed they are a team that you don't want to face in the postseason.

Gordie Jones of the Lancaster Newspapers writes that despite an uneven performance, the Franklin & Marshall men were able to dispatch Johns Hopkins.

Five-Star Matchups

It's the weekend prior to Valentine's Day and (pardon the upcoming pun) we have some Sweetheart matchups as the basketball regular season enters its penultimate Saturday, the wrestling dual-meet title is on the line and the indoor track and field season enters the home stretch.

Women's Basketball
Franklin & Marshall at Swarthmore
Johns Hopkins at Ursinus
Two huge games dot the Conference landscape on Saturday as the Diplomats (9-8 CC, 11-11) travel to take on the Garnet (9-8, 13-9) and the Blue Jays (15-3, 18-4) visit Collegeville and the Bears (10-7, 14-8). F&M and Swarthmore are tied in the loss column with Washington College for the fifth and final CC playoff berth. The Diplomats won the first meeting of the season by 20 and look for their ninth win in the last 11 games vs. the Garnet. Hopkins can clinch the top seed and home court for the Centennial tournament by avenging its overtime home loss to Ursinus on Jan. 8. The Bears can take a huge step toward the playoffs and hosting a first-round contest with a victory.

STANDINGS
Hopkins ..... 15-3
Muhlenberg .. 13-4
Gettysburg .. 12-5
Ursinus ..... 10-7
Swarthmore ..  9-8
F&M .........  9-8
Washington ..  8-8

Men's Basketball
Muhlenberg at McDaniel
Haverford at Dickinson
Four of the six teams fighting for the four remaining playoff spots meet in games in Westminster and Carlisle. The Mules (8-7, 12-10) and the Green Terror (8-7, 11-11) square off in a contest that will go a long way in determining one of those slots. Muhlenberg has won seven of the last nine at the Gill Center and captured an 80-66 decision in Allentown in the year's first meeting. The Red Devils (10-5, 12-10) can clinch a playoff berth with a victory over the Fords (8-7, 11-10). Haverford, who has qualified for the CC tournament in each of the last three odd-numbered years, can solidly improve its chances to continue that streak with a win.

STANDINGS
F&M ......... 13-2
Dickinson ... 10-5
Muhlenberg ..  8-7
Haverford ...  8-7
Gettysburg ..  8-7
McDaniel ....  8-7
Ursinus .....  7-8

Wrestling
Johns Hopkins, Merchant Marine at Stevens
The Blue Jays (4-1, 8-9) and the Mariners (5-0, 11-2) visit Hoboken to meet the Ducks (4-1, 11-10-1) and Gettysburg in the regular-season Conference quad finale. A Hopkins sweep would give JHU its first-ever Centennial dual title, while one win would give USMMA its fourth consecutive dual-meet crown. Stevens can also grab a share of its first crown, while Ursinus can still sneak in as dual champs with two losses by the Mariners and a split by Hop and the Ducks. The 174-pound weight class could be crucial as Kings Point's Justin Diesel (19-2), Stevens' Ryan Dormann (28-3) and JHU's Pat Stanley (18-4) do battle.

STANDINGS
USMMA ....... 5-0
Hopkins ..... 4-1
Stevens ..... 4-1
Ursinus ..... 4-2

Five-Star Matchups

It could be a history-making night in Gettysburg as F&M men's basketball coach Glenn Robinson is on the verge of winning his 800th career game. Only 12 men's basketball coaches all-time have reached the 800-win plateau and a victory in one of his next two games will get Robinson to the plateau faster than such coaches as Bob Knight. But that is not the only milestone that is within reach tonight at Bream Gym, as the Bullets' Andrew Powers is 12 points away from breaking Ron Warner's career scoring record at the school that has stood for nearly a half-century.

Read more about Robinson's career in articles by Adam Himmelsbach of the New York Times and Mike Jensen of the Philadelphia Inquirer. More on Robinson from WGAL-8 and WHP-21 can be found below. Read more about Powers' run to the record in this Gettysburg Times story.

Franklin & Marshall at Gettysburg (Men's Basketball)
This is the 204th time that the Diplomats (12-2, 17-4) and the Bullets (8-6, 11-10) have met on the hardwood since 1902 with Gettysburg holding a 108-95 advantage. Franklin & Marshall has won four straight in the series, but have only won once in its last four trips to Bream Gym. The storylines for tonight's game not only involve Robinson and Powers, but also the playoff hopes for both teams. F&M can clinch the top seed for the Centennial tournament with a win and a Dickinson loss, while Gettysburg needs a win to keep pace with the Devils and three other teams in chase for a tourney berth.

Dickinson at Muhlenberg (Men's Basketball)
The Red Devils (9-5, 11-10) can make some history of their own tonight in Allentown against the Mules (8-6, 12-9). Dickinson has never won more than nine Centennial games in a season and has not swept 'Berg in a season series since its MAC days. But Memorial Hall has not been kind to the Red and White, who has not won there since 2003 (0-7). It is the 80th meeting in the series and Muhlenberg holds a slender 41-39 edge.

Swarthmore at Washington College (Women's Basketball)
Speaking of uncharted waters, the Shorewomen (8-7, 10-10) have won four straight Conference games for the first time since 1999 and find themselves in the hunt for their first playoff berth since that same season. The Garnet (8-8, 12-9) have taken 18 of the last 21 games from Washington and needs a win to avoid falling two games back of WAC in the playoff chase. Watch the inside battle between the Shorewomen's Latisha Pledger and Swarthmore's Kathryn Stockbower.

Franklin & Marshall at Gettysburg (Women's Basketball)
The Diplomats (9-7, 11-10) and the Bullets (11-5, 16-5) renew acquaintances for the 65th time since 1975 with F&M looking for its second season sweep in three seasons. Gettysburg is 8-2 in its last 10 games and can move one step closer to a first-round tourney bye with a victory. Franklin & Marshall needs a win to keep pace with its three rivals - Ursinus, Swarthmore and Washington - for one of the final two playoff spots.

VIDEO LINKS
WGAL
WHP

Five-Star Matchups

Groundhog Day 2011 has brought the entire gamut of weather to our region - snow, ice, rain - but the hearty Centennial folk are still in action tonight with a host of key matchups.

Dickinson at Gettysburg (Men's Swimming)
It's a battle for first place in the dual-meet standings tonight at the site of the 2011 Centennial championship as the Red Devils (4-0, 8-1) meet the Bullets (4-0, 6-1). The top races may take place in the freestyle sprints between Dickinson's Jason Adams and Gettysburg's Matt Libby. Adams has the top time in the 50 (21.51) and is second in the 100 (47.26), while Libby is tops in the 100 (46.29) and second in the 50 (21.55).

McDaniel at Dickinson (Men's Basketball)
Two of the surprise teams in the Conference meet in Carlisle with hopes of improving their playoff chances. The Green Terror (8-4 CC, 11-8) was picked to finish eighth in the Centennial's preseason poll, while the Red Devils (9-10, 7-5) were slotted at number nine. Dickinson won the first meeting, 54-50, coming back from an eight-point halftime deficit and looks for its first season sweep of McDaniel since 2002.

Gettysburg at Johns Hopkins
Muhlenberg at Swarthmore (Women's Basketball)
The playoff race on the women's side may become a little clearer when the dust settles tonight in Baltimore and Swarthmore. The Blue Jays (13-2, 16-3) can clinch a berth in the five-team field with a win tonight and losses by Swarthmore and Ursinus, while the Bullets (9-5, 14-5) can improve their chances for a first-round tourney bye with a win. Hopkins captured a 59-52 decision on Dec. 2 and is 13-3 vs. the Bullets at Goldfarb Gym since 1994. The Mules (9-4, 13-5) have won eight straight from the Garnet (8-6, 12-7), following an 86-67 victory in the year's first meeting, and hold a 45-7 all-time series lead. Swarthmore has not defeated 'Berg at Tarble since 2005. Garnet senior Kathryn Stockbower needs one more double-double to tie the Conference and NCAA Division III record of 79, held by Julie Anderson of Johns Hopkins '98.

Five-Star Matchups

It's "Rivalry Night" in the Conference, as the schedule-maker set up showdowns between some of the fiercest rivals in the Centennial. We'll keep an eye on the fiercest - Haverford at Swarthmore - but here are the three biggest games of the night.

Muhlenberg at Ursinus (Women's Basketball)
It's the 63rd time that the Mules (6-3, 10-4) and the Bears (7-3, 10-4) have met on the hardwood with Muhlenberg holding a 35-27 overall lead, including four straight wins. Ursinus has not won at Helfferich since a 67-65 overtime win in 2007. Both teams are a game behind front-running Johns Hopkins in the loss column and would keep their hold on second place with a victory. Alexandra Chili of the Mules leads the CC in scoring (21.3), while the Bears' Lindsay Teuber averages a double-double with 12.8 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.

Dickinson at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Basketball)
The Red Devils (5-3, 7-8) play host to the Diplomats (6-2, 11-4) in the 167th edition of their rivalry. F&M swept the season set a year ago to stop a Dickinson run of four wins in five games and take a 102-64 all-time advantage. The Diplomats are tied for first place with Gettysburg, while Dickinson is in a three-way tie for third with Haverford and McDaniel. F&M senior James McNally needs two points tonight to become the program's all-time leading scorer. Matt Dolan leads the Devils in scoring (14.1) and rebounding (8.1).

Gettysburg at McDaniel (Men's Basketball)
It's the Route 97 rivalry tonight in Westminster as the first-place Bullets (6-2, 9-6) travel to take non the third-place Green Terror (5-3, 8-7). Just over 20 miles separate these two rivals who meet for the 102nd time since 1917. Gettysburg has won four consecutive meetings and holds a 73-28 advantage. McDaniel's last win was a 56-53 triumph at home in 2009. The Bullets' Andrew Powers is having his best season as a collegian, ranking fourth in the CC in scoring (19.8), seventh in rebounding (6.7) and sixth in assists (2.9). Devon Lesniak leads the Terror in scoring (14.3).

Get links to live video, audio and stats at www.centennial.org

Five-Star Matchups

Welcome to the first edition of "Five-Star Matchups" for 2011. Conference play resumes in full force on Saturday and here are the games to watch.

Dickinson at Haverford (Men's Basketball)
The surprising Red Devils (4-1 CC, 6-6) look to tighten their hold on second place in the CC when they visit the Main Line to play the Fords (3-2, 6-5). Haverford has won four straight in the series and 15 of 24 since the inception of the Conference. Dickinson's last win at Gooding Arena was in 2008 (51-50). The Devils' Matt Dolan ranks in the CC top 10 in scoring (14.4) and rebounding (8.3), as does the Fords' Sam Permutt (15.8, 9.2).

Ursinus at Johns Hopkins (Women's Basketball)
The first-place Blue Jays (6-0, 9-1) welcome the Bears (5-2, 8-3) to Goldfarb Gym, looking to extend their nine-game winning streak. Hopkins has not lost since its opening game and has won five in a row versus Ursinus. The Bears have not won in Baltimore since 1995 (74-70) - a stretch of 15 games. Although JHU is second in the Conference in scoring offense (68.3), expect a low-scoring contest, as the Jays (46.0) and Bears (48.7) are 1-2 in the Centennial in scoring defense.

Swarthmore at Franklin & Marshall (Women's Basketball)
The Garnet (4-1, 8-2) finds itself tied for second place in the Conference but faces a road challenge against the Diplomats (4-2, 6-5). Swarthmore registered its first-ever season sweep of F&M last winter, including an 88-83 overtime win that snapped a seven-game losing streak at Mayser Center. Kathryn Stockbower is second in the CC in scoring (17.4) and first in rebounding (13.6) for the Garnet, while the Diplomats are second in the Conference in field goal percentage defense (.328). Watch LIVE!

Gettysburg vs. Washington and Lee (Wrestling)
The Conference dual-meet schedule gets underway as the Bullets (0-0, 1-1) tangle with the Generals (0-0, 1-0). The day's best match could come at 165 between Gettysburg's Dan Grabfelder (13-8, 8 falls) and W&L's David Dennis (8-5). Freshman 174 Jared Leon has the Bullets' top record at 16-7, while rookie 197-pounder Jordan Yost leads W&L with a 7-2 mark.

Last Night's aCCtion

Jeffrey Kauffman of The Sentinel writes that Thanksgiving Week games can be a coach's nightmare, as shown by Dickinson's loss to the Swarthmore women in Carlisle last night.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that the McDaniel women's basketball team is not taking comfort in small incremental improvements after last night's loss to Ursinus.

Bad news for Centennial men's basketball teams. Ed Gruver of the Lancaster Newspapers writes that Franklin & Marshall has a long memory and exacted some revenge against Washington College last night.

Roundup: Harrisburg Patriot-News, Carroll County Times, Gettysburg Times 1, Gettysburg Times 2, Baltimore Sun,

Five-Star Matchups

Here it is - the first of two fall Championship Weekends. We kick things off Saturday with the annual Cross Country championship, hosted by Johns Hopkins in Elkridge, Md. Then we turn our focus to the final day of the regular season in field hockey, soccer and volleyball. One final four site is up for grabs, while spots in three of the four sports are still available with one game remaining. Sets the stage for a great weekend ... follow the latest news by following us on Twitter. Our feed also posts directly to the Conference website home page.

Ursinus at Johns Hopkins (Women's Soccer), Friday, 7 p.m.
The Bears (6-3, 10-5) need a win over the 13th ranked Blue Jays (7-2, 14-3) to clinch a playoff berth. Simple really, just beat Hopkins for the first time ever (0-13-2), while also defeating your first-ever ranked opponent. That said, Ursinus is one of the hottest teams in the Conference, riding a six-match win streak.

Dickinson at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Soccer), Friday, 7:30 p.m.
There are seven teams battling for four playoff berths with one game remaining, so each weekend match takes on a playoff atmosphere. The Red Devils (4-2-2, 10-3-3) and the Diplomats (4-1-3, 8-3-3) meet for the 60th time in their long-running series (1931) with F&M holding a 33-19-7 advantage. Dickinson is 3-0-2 in the last five contests since a 2-1 Diplomat win at home in 2005. That was the last year that the Blue and White scored a goal against the Devils. Winner is in the tournament. Watch LIVE.

Swarthmore at Franklin & Marshall (Volleyball), 12 p.m.
Although both teams are in the five-team postseason field, the winner of the match secures a first-round bye for the tourney. The Diplomats (7-2, 19-6) hold a 33-4 all-time advantage in the series against the Garnet (7-2, 17-9), including 21 straight matches. Swarthmore's last victory came in 1989.

Muhlenberg at Gettysburg (Women's Soccer), 1 p.m.
This match looks and feels like a first-round playoff match, as the winner is in the field, while the loser is most likely out. The Bullets (6-3, 11-6) lead the all-time series, 12-7-2, but the Mules (6-3, 7-7-2) are 3-0-1 in the last four. Watch LIVE.

Dickinson at Washington (Field Hockey), 1 p.m.
The Shorewomen (5-4, 7-9) can clinch the last remaining playoff berth with a win at home against the Red Devils (2-7, 3-13). A Washington loss opens the door for McDaniel (4-5, 7-9) to take the final spot with a win at Haverford (7-2, 12-4). Dickinson has not won in Chestertown since 1995 - a streak of seven games.

Ursinus at Johns Hopkins (Field Hockey), 5 p.m.
The last remaining final four site is up for grabs Saturday evening in Baltimore as the third-ranked Bears (9-0 CC, 15-1) visit the Blue Jays (8-1, 11-5). The winner hosts the final four next weekend ... pretty simple. Ursinus is 13-1 all-time against Hopkins, but that one time was memorable, as JHU knocked off the Bears in Collegeville in the 2003 CC semifinals. Ursinus has won 34 consecutive Centennial regular-season games since a 3-2 loss at F&M on Oct. 6, 2007.

Haverford at Swarthmore (Men's Soccer), 7 p.m.
At kick-off, we'll know the playoff situation. The Garnet (6-0-2, 13-1-2) already know its fate and will host the final four next weekend. The Fords (4-3-1, 8-5-2) need a victory to have a chance for its first-ever CC tourney appearance ... a tie will leave Haverford on the outside looking in. This match is one of the oldest rivalries in all of collegiate soccer, meeting for the 88th time since 1921. Swarthmore has won six in a row to narrow its series deficit to 43-36-8. The Fords' last win along Crum Creek - 2002 (1-0). Watch LIVE.

Five-Star Matchups

The games of the day take place in women's soccer, as three contests will have a direct bearing on which five teams qualify for the Conference tournament that begins next Wednesday.

Gettysburg at Dickinson (Women's Soccer)
The Bullets (6-2 CC, 11-5) and the Red Devils (7-1, 12-2-1) meet in a Route 34 battle that could determine the site for next weekend's final four. This is the 27th meeting between the two rivals in a series that dates to 1988. Gettysburg holds a 15-9-2 all-time advantage but has not won in Carlisle since 2001 (5-4). Two of the top scorers in the Conference will be on display in the Bullets' Casey Attanasio (8-4-20) and the Red Devils' Genevieve Olson (8-5-21). With Washington College (0-8, 4-9-1) waiting on the weekend, a Dickinson victory today puts the Red and White in position to lock up the top seed for the Centennial championship tournament.

Haverford at Swarthmore (Women's Soccer)
Whenever these two rivals meet, it's a good game. Put a Conference playoff berth into the mix and it should be a great game. The Fords (5-3, 10-5) and the Garnet (5-3, 7-6-2) are part of a three-way tie for fourth place in the Conference with Ursinus. Three points today will go a long way to helping secure a berth in the tourney. Haverford holds a 16-8-2 all-time advantage in the series and captured a 3-0 decision last season at Walton Field. Swarthmore is 0-1-2 against its rival since a 1-0 win at home in 2006. Megan Colombo, the all-time leading goal scorer at Swat, has 9-2-20 to lead the Garnet in scoring, while 'keeper Kayleigh Herrick-Reynolds (pictured) is third in the CC with an 0.81 goals-against average.

Muhlenberg at Ursinus (Women's Soccer)
Two other clubs that need a victory meet in Collegeville as the Mules (6-2, 7-6-2) and the Bears (5-3, 9-5) square off. Muhlenberg leads the all-time series, 12-4, and has four wins in the last five matches. Ursinus has not won at Wilkes Field since a 3-2 triumph in 2004. The Mules can clinch a playoff berth with a victory, while the Bears need points to keep their playoff hopes afloat. Nicolette Miller leads 'Berg and the Conference with 11 goals, while Ursinus GK Kara DiJoseph is second in the CC in save percentage (84.3).

Five-Star Matchups

It's the penultimate weekend in the Conference regular season for field hockey, soccer and volleyball, while cross country prepares for next weekend's Centennial championship in Elkridge, Md. It's crunch time in the Conference and we take a look at the weekend's big games.



Men's Soccer
Might be easier to list the game that won't have an impact on the Centennial playoff chase on Saturday in the nation's toughest DIII conference (see poll if you don't believe us!). Five points separate the top seven teams in the CC with only five playoff spots available. Swarthmore (4-0-2 CC, 11-1-2), ranked first nationally by the NSCAA, has a two-point edge on Muhlenberg for first place and hosts McDaniel (2-4, 5-9). The #19 Mules (3-0-3, 8-0-6) - one of three unbeaten teams in the country along with Dominican and Wisconsin-Oshkosh - play host to Haverford (3-2-1, 7-4-2) who is tied with Dickinson and Gettysburg for fourth place. The Fords have not won in Allentown since 1969. The Red Devils (3-2-1, 9-3-2) and the Bullets (3-2-1, 4-8-1) square off in Carlisle for the 70th time in their series, while third-place Johns Hopkins (3-1-2, 10-2-3) welcomes Franklin & Marshall (2-1-3, 6-3-3) to the Charm City.

Washington at McDaniel (Field Hockey)
The Shorewomen (4-3, 6-8) and the Green Terror (3-4, 6-8) meet in a game for Free State bragging rights that could also determine both teams' playoff chances. McDaniel holds a 10-7 all-time lead, but Washington has taken two of the last three in Westminster, including a 3-2 decision in 2008. The Shorewomen are just 1-5 over their last six contests. Emily Trees leads WC in scoring with 7-3-17. Sarah Meszler tops the Terror scoring list with 7-1-15.

Gettysburg at Swarthmore (Field Hockey)
The Bullets (4-3, 6-8) and the Garnet (3-4, 6-9) are two of seven teams still in the hunt for the final two playoff berths and a win Saturday would go a long way to helping the cause. Gettysburg has won nine straight in the series to forge a 15-5 all-time advantage. Swarthmore's last win was a 4-2 triumph at home in 2000. Sarah Cole leads the Orange and Blue in scoring (6-2-14), while Katie Teleky (8-2-18) and Nia Jones (8-1-17) share the goal-scoring lead for the Garnet.

Gettysburg at Swarthmore (Volleyball)
Two-for-the-price-of-one as the Bullets (5-2, 14-12) and the Garnet (6-1, 16-8) also meet in a critical volleyball match at Tarble Pavilion on Saturday. The winner secures a Conference playoff berth and improves its chances for a first-round bye in the Centennial tournament in two weeks. History favors Gettysburg, as the Bullets have won all 28 previous meetings with Swarthmore. In fact, the Garnet has taken just one set in 17 matches (2006) since the formation of the Centennial in 1993. But this isn't your mother's Swat squad. Swarthmore leads the CC in hitting percentage (.210), led by Kathryn Montemurro (.330) and Genny Pezzola (2.95 kpg). Gettysburg's Nicole Burns in third in the Conference in hitting (.306).

Haverford at Dickinson (Women's Soccer)
All eyes in the Conference women's soccer world will be on Carlisle, as the Fords (5-2, 10-4) tangle with the Red Devils (6-1, 11-2-1). Dickinson sits alone in first place in the CC with 18 points, while six teams - including Haverford - are tied for second with 15. The home team has won this match-up in each of the last four years and the Fords hold a 13-8-4 series advantage that includes a 5-2 win at Dickinson in 2004. The Devil defense has been superb and has not surrendered a goal since Sept. 25 - a streak of seven games and 723:06. Genevieve Olson leads Dickinson in scoring with 7-5-19. Haverford's defense has recorded four consecutive shutouts. Meg Boyer leads the Fords in scoring (4-4-12).

Sunday Morning Quarterback

Dennis Weller of the Pottstown Mercury writes that there cannot be too many disbelievers anymore after Ursinus' 26-17 win over defending Conference champ Johns Hopkins.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that nothing went right for McDaniel in its 29-0 home loss to Muhlenberg. Terror Notebook

Bob Blubaugh of the Carroll County Times writes that Saturday was a referendum on McDaniel football and a chance for the Green Terror to insert itself in the Conference race.

Tim Shoemaker of the Allentown Morning Call notes that although Matt Johnson played well, it was Joe Tegan that made the biggest play of all in Moravian's 24-17 upset of Franklin & Marshall.

Tom Hinkel of the Express-Times writes that the stage was set for a collapse for Moravian but the Greyhounds would have none of it in their 24-17 victory vs. the Diplomats.

Todd Hummel of the Danville Daily Item writes that words are hard to come by to describe the feelings in the Susquehanna locker room after the Crusaders fell to Dickinson, 28-24.

Jeff Gill of the Altoona Mirror writes that Juniata's return home after six weeks away was not what the Eagles hoped for in a 56-21 loss to Gettysburg.

Roundups: Philadelphia Inquirer, Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Baltimore Sun, Lancaster Sunday News, Annapolis Capital

Five-Star Matchups

Just three weekends left in the fall regular season in the Conference and the games just keep getting bigger and bigger. That's why we're here - to highlight the key contests. Hope to see you at a Centennial venue on this windy weekend.

Franklin & Marshall at Haverford (Volleyball)
The Diplomats (5-1 CC, 16-5) and the Fords (4-0, 11-12) meet in a match that could decide homecourt for the upcoming Conference tournament in three weeks. F&M holds a 20-7 all-time lead in the series, but Haverford - the four-time defending Centennial champ - has won four of the last six, including two in a row. Four of the CC's top hitters - F&M's Sydney Seydel (.348) and Candice Tussing (.244) and Haverford's Olivia Coburn-Flynn (.247) and Jenine Abbassi (.236) will be on display. Setting them will be the Conference's top two assisters - Kate Comey of the Fords (9.94) and Pam Horner of the Diplomats (9.48).

Gettysburg at Washington (Field Hockey)
The Bullets (3-2, 5-7) and the Shorewomen (3-2, 5-7) are two of the four teams tied for third place in a Conference that sends five to the playoffs. Gettysburg has taken six straight in the series and holds a 14-4 overall lead. Washington's last win was a home victory in 2003 (2-1). The Bullets are fourth in the CC in scoring offense (2.49), while the Shorewomen are third in goals-against average (1.94). Emily Trees leads Washington with seven goals, while Sarah Cole has six for Gettysburg.

Dickinson at Haverford (Men's Soccer)
There are eight teams fighting for five playoff spots in the Conference and the Red Devils (2-2-1, 8-3-2) and the Fords (3-1-1, 7-3-2) are two of them. It is the 36th time that the two schools will meet on the pitch with Haverford holding a slim 16-15-4 series advantage. Dickinson has won six straight since a 3-1 loss in Carlisle in 2003. The Fords have not defeated the Devils at Walton Field since 2000 (3-0). Dickinson GK Cody Hickok is third in the CC in save percentage (.841) and fourth in goals-against average (0.59). Alejandro Rettig y Martinez is fifth in the Conference in scoring, leading the Fords with 6-3-15.

Johns Hopkins at Muhlenberg (Women's Soccer)
The Blue Jays (5-1, 11-2) and the Mules (3-2, 4-6-2) have been two of the most successful programs in Centennial history, combining for 11 Conference championships (JHU-8, MUH-3). Hopkins has won seven of the last eight matches and holds a 13-7-1 all-time lead. Muhlenberg broke a seven-game losing skid to Hop with a victory last season in Baltimore, but has not won at home since 2003 (2-0). The Mules' Meghan O'Grady leads the Conference in scoring (9-2-20). Four JHU players share the team lead in goals with six - Paulina Goodman, Allie Zazzali, Christina Convey and Erica Suter.

The Friday Tailgate

We are officially at the halfway mark of the Conference football season and the time to determine whether your team is a contender or pretender is here. Johns Hopkins (2-1 CC, 2-2) kicks off the weekend under the lights on Friday night against Dickinson (1-2, 1-3). The Jays are a game behind league-leading Ursinus (4-0, 5-0) and Muhlenberg (3-0, 3-1) and may not be able to afford another loss. The Red Devils' Conference title hopes rest in the balance each week with two CC defeats on their record. The Mules look to close that half-game gap with the Bears when it welcomes Juniata (0-4, 0-4) to the Lehigh Valley. McDaniel (2-1, 3-1) also cannot afford another CC defeat when it entertains Susquehanna (1-4, 1-4) on Saturday. Moravian (2-2, 2-3), fresh off last week's upset at Dickinson, takes on the top offense in the Conference in Gettysburg (0-3, 1-3) at the Battlefield. F&M (3-1, 4-1) and Ursinus are idle this Saturday.

Dickinson at Johns Hopkins
Video: Yes. Audio: WDCV-FM 88.3. Live Stats: Yes.
The Red Devils and the Blue Jays meet for the 64th time in a series that began in 1891 with Hopkins holding a 32-27-4 lead. JHU is 19-11-2 in games in the Charm City and has won three straight from Dickinson since a 21-13 loss at home in 2006. Hopkins is 27-13-1 (.671) in Friday night games at Homewood Field. Dickinson is 1-1 vs. the Jays in night games, winning in 2004 (17-7) and losing in 2008 (36-34). The winner of this game has claimed at least a share of six of the last eight Conference titles (2002-03-04-05-06-09). This is the first time in school history JHU has opened a season scoring 27 or more points in four straight games. Hopkins has intercepted at least one pass in 18 straight games dating back to the final game of the 2008 season vs. Catholic. Dickinson QB Ricky Martz is second in the CC in completion percentage (63.8) and efficiency (136.6) in his first season as a starter. WR Craig Helfer has 22 receptions for 342 yards with four of those catches going for scores.

Juniata at Muhlenberg
Video: Yes. Audio: WMUH-FM 91.7. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the sixth meeting between the Eagles and the Mules since 1929 with the previous five decisions going to 'Berg. Juniata has only scored 17 points in the five games and no more than seven in any contest. Muhlenberg RBs Terrence Dandridge and J.T. Merklinger are 3-5 in the Conference in rushing with 78.2 and 75.0 yards per game, respectively. KR Chase Nadell leads the Centennial in kickoff return average with eight returns for 32.89 yards per. LB Patrick McDonough shares the CC lead in tackles with 46. Juniata RB Derek Kramer is 10th in the Conference with 208 rushing yards. PK Scott Andrews has made 3-of-4 field goal attempts with a long of 35 yards. Freshman LB Kevin Gorman is eighth in the CC with 34 tackles with 6.5 leading to loss of yardage.

Susquehanna at McDaniel
Audio: WTTR-AM 1470, WQSU-FM 88.9. Live Stats: Yes.
The Crusaders and the Terror meet for the 11th time in a series that is deadlocked at five wins apiece. On closer inspection, the series is even closer, as both teams have won twice in Westminster and three times in Selinsgrove. McDaniel has won each of the last two meetings in 2001 (63-27) and 2002 (27-7). Susquehanna's last triumph was a 21-14 win at home in 1995 and has not won in Westminster in 1969 (28-8). The Terror can match its Centennial win total from last season with a victory. WR Matt Cahill is third on the all-time Terror reception list (130) and needs five more to tie Alan Pietkiewicz '95 for second place. QB Tom Massucci has thrown for over 200 yards in seven games in his career. McDaniel is 13-3 under coach Tim Keating in games after a bye. Susquehanna RB Greg Tellish is second in the CC in rushing (78.6 ypg). QB Rich Palazzi has thrown nine TD passes, including five to WR Mike Ritter. Ritter is second in the Conference in all-purpose yards (585). PK Bobby Eppleman has not missed a kick this season, converting all 11 PATs and five field goals. He is also averaging 38.3 yards per punt. Susquehanna is last in the Conference in time of possession (23:18).

Moravian at Gettysburg
Video: Yes. Audio: WSAN-AM 1470. Live Stats: Yes.
It is the ninth time that the Greyhounds and the Bullets have met on the gridiron with Gettysburg holding a 7-1 series advantage. The Orange and Blue has won the last seven meetings since a 17-7 win by Moravian in Bethlehem in the teams' first game in 1978. Gettysburg has started fast this season, outscoring its opponents, 42-14, in the first 15 minutes. The Bullets lead the CC in rushing offense (204.5) and are second in total offense (389.8). The problem is that the defense is 10th in total defense (415.8). RB Jamel Mutunga is fourth in the Conference with 76.5 yards rushing per game. QB Kyle Whitmoyer has completed 58.1 percent of his passes for 739 yards, while rushing for an additional 223 yards. RB Anthony DeSalva is third among Centennial players in all-purpose yards (570). SS Joe Delaney shares the CC lead in tackles with 46. Moravian went on the road and came away with a 24-16 win at Dickinson last weekend behind reserve QB Matt Johnson. Johnson, the team's starting strong safety for the first four games, ran for 61 yards and a score while also throwing for 174 yards. The 'Hounds amassed 320 total yards - their best offensive output of the season. WR Shawn Sylvainus is fifth in the CC in receiving yards (71.6). Moravian's defense is third in the Conference against the run (100.0) and in total defense (260.8).

Five-Star Matchups

Washington College at Johns Hopkins (Field Hockey)
Two of the top challengers for six-time defending champ Ursinus square off at Homewood Field this afternoon as the Shorewomen (3-0 CC, 5-5) take on the Blue Jays (3-1, 5-4). This is the 27th time that the two teams have met since 1985 with Hopkins winning four straight to take a 17-9 advantage. Washington's last win was a 2-0 shutout victory in Baltimore in 2005. The Shorewomen are led by the 1-2 combo of Emily Trees (6-2-14) and Gussie Reilly (5-4-14), while defender Brittany Palasik has a CC-leading 12 defensive saves. Hopkins GK Kim Stein leads all Centennial 'keepers with a 78.2 save percentage, while Carly Bianco leads the offense (7-1-15).

Johns Hopkins at Dickinson (Men's Soccer)
The soccer season reaches its halfway mark on Saturday and the Conference matches begin to take on even more importance. The Blue Jays (1-1-2, 7-2-3), ranked 16th nationally by D3soccer.com, travel to Carlisle to take on the Red Devils (2-1-1, 7-2-2) in a match between teams ranked 5-6 in the Mid-Atlantic region. Hopkins has won 16 of the last 17 matches between the schools and holds a 31-12-3 series lead. Dickinson's only win in the stretch was a 2-1 triumph in Baltimore in 2007 and the Devils have not won at home since 1993 (4-1). Dale Rodman leads the Red and White with 4-5-13, while Sean Coleman has 6-1-13 for JHU.

Johns Hopkins at Gettysburg (Women's Soccer)
Two of the teams tied for first place in the Conference meet on the Battlefield as the Blue Jays (3-1, 9-2) take on the Bullets (3-1, 7-4). Hopkins is ranked ninth by D3soccer.com and 10th by the NSCAA in the most recent poll. The series cannot be any closer than this - 11-11-1 - but the Jays have won five straight since a 2-0 win by Gettysburg in Baltimore in 2005. Hopkins has five players in the top 10 in the Conference in scoring, led by Paulina Goodman's 6-2-14. Bullet netminder Allie Rivera is second in the CC in goals-against average (0.88), trailing only JHU's Kristen Redsun (0.75).

Five-Star Matchups

Welcome back to another season of Five-Star Matchups. For our newcomers ... Five-Star Matchups is our look at the day's key games. These games could have importance on the Conference and/or national level and deserve your attention. As we close out the summer, it's time for Centennial play to begin in most sports and Saturday features some early-season showdowns.

Franklin & Marshall at Washington (Field Hockey)
The Diplomats (1-0 CC, 5-1) and the Shorewomen (1-0, 3-3) meet for the 18th time since 1993 with Washington holding a two-game winning streak and a 10-7 all-time lead in the series. F&M, ranked 17th nationally in the most recent poll, is led by Eileen O'Reilly who has 6-4-16 through six games. Washington GK Shannon Davis is third in the CC with a 1.27 goals-against average. The last time both F&M and Washington made the playoffs in the same season - 2004.

Dickinson at Swarthmore (Men's Soccer)
This is the 22nd time that the Red Devils (1-0, 5-1-1) and Garnet (1-0, 7-0) have met on the pitch since 1993 with Dickinson holding a 13-5-3 advantage. However, the Devils are 0-3-2 in their last six trips to Clothier Field and the two draws ended as postseason defeats in penalties. Swarthmore is ranked fourth in the country by D3soccer.com and fifth by the NSCAA. It is the highest ranking for a Centennial team since Johns Hopkins was second in 2004. The Garnet is also first in the Mid-Atlantic region for the first time in program history. Morgan Langley leads the nation in total assists (7) and assists per game (1.17). Dickinson suffered its first defeat in seven matches with an overtime defeat at #10 Messiah on Wednesday. Javier Mena leads the Devils with five goals.

Gettysburg at Haverford (Women's Soccer)
The Bullets (1-0, 5-2) and the Fords (1-0, 4-2) do battle for the 19th time since 1993 with Gettysburg holding an 11-7 all-time series lead. Haverford has won two straight and three of the last four meetings. Gettysburg's Rachel West leads the Conference with 12 points on four goals and four assists. The stingy Ford defense has surrendered only four goals this season in front of GK Kayleigh Herrick-Reynolds.

Track and Field Championship Preview

The 17th annual Centennial Conference Track and Field championship begins today at Swarthmore College with the multi-events and the 10K. And all eyes are on the Haverford men's and women's squads, as the Fords look to extend their championship streaks.

The Haverford men have won all 16 titles in the Conference's existence, but the Fords were defeated by Dickinson at the 2010 indoor championships. The Haverford women won their fourth consecutive Centennial championship last spring. The Fords will face challenges from Johns Hopkins, who finished second indoors, and Muhlenberg.

Some individuals to keep an eye on ... can Ursinus' Al Desiderio become the first male to repeat in the 100/200 since UC's Brandon Evans in 2005-06 ... can Muhlenberg's Alexandra Faust become the first four-time winner of the women's pole vault?

Defending Champions (Men)
100: Al Desiderio, Ursinus
200: Al Desiderio, Ursinus
800: Tim Schoch, Haverford
400 Hurdles; Brendan Kirk, Muhlenberg
3000 Steeplechase: Kent Pecora, Dickinson
Shot Put: Ryan Lino, Johns Hopkins
High Jump: Travis Youngs, Ursinus
Discus: Anthony Abbate, Dickinson

Defending Champions (Women)
200: Christina Neilson, Haverford
400: Alex Faust, Muhlenberg
1500: Laura Paulsen, Johns Hopkins
10,000: Laura Paulsen, Johns Hopkins
100 Hurdles: Eliza Reiss, Haverford
Pole Vault: Alex Faust, Muhlenberg
Discus: Jackie Freund, Haverford
High Jump: Nicole Cox, Swarthmore

Men's Top Performances
Women's Top Performances

Playoff Scenarios

Playoffs! Allen Iverson will always be known for his rant on practice ... Jim Mora will always be known for his rant on the playoffs!

Here are the scenarios for Saturday's Centennial Conference action as it relates to playoff consideration:

BASEBALL
Hopkins is #1 seed; Haverford and Swarthmore are in the tourney.
Muhlenberg is IN with a sweep of Washington; Shoremen are IN with one win vs. Mules.

MEN'S LACROSSE
Gettysburg is #1 seed, Dickinson is #2 seed
Haverford is IN with win vs. Swarthmore and is #3 seed.
McDaniel is IN with win vs. Dickinson.
Loser of Muhlenberg-Ursinus is OUT.

a 4-4 tie between Haverford and Muhlenberg --> Muhlenberg
a 4-4 tie between Haverford and Ursinus --> Haverford
a 4-4 tie between McDaniel, Muhlenberg and/or Ursinus --> McDaniel
a 4-4 tie among Haverford, McDaniel and Ursinus --> Haverford, McDaniel
a 4-4 tie among Haverford, McDaniel and Muhlenberg
* teams are 1-1 vs. each other
* if F&M wins vs. Gettysburg and gains 6th place --> Haverford, McDaniel
* if F&M loses and three teams are tied at 2-6 --> Haverford, McDaniel on goal differential in games between Haverford, McDaniel and Muhlenberg

WOMEN'S LACROSSE
Gettysburg is #1 seed and plays winner of Haverford-Dickinson in semis
Franklin & Marshall is #2 seed and plays #3 seed Ursinus in semis
Haverford is #4 seed and plays host to #5 Dickinson in 1st round

SOFTBALL
Ursinus is #1 seed
Gettysburg, Swarthmore and Dickinson are IN
Dickinson wins all tie-breakers in an 8-8 tie.

MEN'S TENNIS
Johns Hopkins is #1 seed, Swarthmore is IN.
Franklin & Marshall is IN with a win vs. either Muhlenberg or Swarthmore
F&M wins 6-3/5-4 ties with Haverford and Washington
Washington wins 6-3/5-4 ties with Haverford
a 5-4 tie among Dickinson, F&M, Haverford and Washington --> Dickinson, F&M
a 5-4 tie among Dickinson, Haverford and Washington --> depends on final score of Dickinson-Washington match.
Individual matches won in dual-meets between tied teams:
--> Washington 6, Haverford 3
--> Haverford 5, Dickinson 4
--> TOTAL: Haverford 8, Washington 6, Dickinson 4.
--> A Dickinson 5-4 win means Washington is IN. A Dickinson win of 6-3 or greater gives spot to Devils.

WOMEN'S TENNIS
Johns Hopkins is #1 seed, Swarthmore is #2 seed
Dickinson is IN with a win vs. Washington. Haverford is IN and Washington OUT.
Washington is IN with wins vs. Dickinson and McDaniel.
a 7-3 tie between Dickinson and Haverford --> Dickinson
a 7-3 tie between Haverford and Washington --> Haverford
a 7-3 tie among Dickinson, Haverford and Washington --> Washington, Dickinson

Golf Championship Preview

The Centennial Conference men's and women's golf championships are set to tee off on Saturday with Franklin & Marshall and McDaniel looking to defend their respective titles. The 54-hole men's event will be held at Stonewall Golf Club in Elverson, Pa., hosted by Ursinus, while the 36-hole women's tourney is hosted by McDaniel at Piney Branch GC in Hampstead, Md. Here is what to watch for this weekend.

MEN
The defending champion Diplomats have the Conference's low stroke average (312.75) and have a 26-2 record against Centennial competition this season. Senior Andrew Woods has the low individual stroke average at 76.67 and has six top-10 performances in nine events. Cameron Warner (78.00), Danny Liebowitz (78.38) and Brendon Mohler (78.77) are also ranked in the top 10. McDaniel (314.30), shooting for an unprecedented sixth Centennial title, is led by Keith Mazurek (77.78) and Paul Kovalcheck (77.95). Dickinson (323.83) returns the No. 2 player in stroke average - Joey Goldstein (77.33) - and the defending individual champion - Tucker Joyce (81.40). Also keep an eye on Swarthmore's Paul Weston (78.23), Muhlenberg's Zachary Oyer (78.55) and Gettysburg's Reid Sessa (79.86). The champion qualifies for the NCAA Division III championship. Championship website / Men's Golf Release

WOMEN
The Green Terror goes for a second straight and unprecedented seventh Conference title this weekend. McDaniel has the low team stroke average (364.4) and is 6-1 against Centennial competition. The Terror's lone loss - Gettysburg. The Bullets (369.0) are 11-2 against CC foes. Defending individual champion Caroline Nathan (89.0) leads the Bullets and her stroke average tops all Conference players. McDaniel is led by Morgan Koopman (90.0) and Val Saucier (92.2). Also keep an eye on Dickinson's Ann Gibala (90.3), Franklin & Marshall's Meghan Maloney (89.1) and Grace Gallagher (90.4), and Susquehanna's Rachel Villano (91.7). Championship website / Women's Golf Release

Five-Star Matchups

We have arrived! It's the final weekend of regular season play in the Conference and the Centennial championships in eight sports begin next Wednesday. Only softball and women's lacrosse has determined their playoff fields ... so important games are the order of the day on Saturday.

Washington at Muhlenberg (Baseball)
It's playoff baseball at Cedarcreek Field in Allentown on Saturday, as the Shoremen (9-7 CC, 15-12) and the Mules (8-8, 15-17) meet in a twinbill that will determine the fourth and final tournament berth. Washington needs one win to secure its first conference playoff spot since earning a berth in the 1984 Middle Atlantic Conference tournament. Muhlenberg needs a sweep to advance to the Centennial tourney for the fourth time. It's all hands on deck for the pitching staffs. The Shoremen will most likely turn to Shane Mattingly (5-1, 2.11) and Chris Smith (4-2, 2.84), while the Mules may look to Phil Cresta (4-3, 5.40), Chris Harper (1-4, 6.41) or Jason Daniels (4-2, 7.61).

Muhlenberg at Ursinus (Men's Lacrosse)
Although neither team could make the tournament at the end of the day, the loser of this match certainly will not. Wins by Haverford and McDaniel will eliminate the winner, but a loss by either brings tie-breakers into the equation. The Mules (3-4, 5-7) look to return to the Conference playoffs for a second straight season, while the Bears (3-4, 8-4) hope to make their first appearance in the CC final four. The teams have met seven times since 2003 and five of those contests have been decided by a single goal and none by more than three tallies.

Dickinson at Washington (Men's Tennis)
The Red Devils (4-4, 10-8) and the Shoremen (5-3, 11-5) play an elimination match Saturday in Chestertown. Both teams need victories to keep their playoff hopes alive with two spots still remaining. The day's top match comes at No. 1 singles as Dickinson's Ross Anstaett (14-6) meets Washington's Adam Cranford (12-4).

Dickinson at Washington (Women's Tennis)
The Devils (6-2, 11-5) and the Shorewomen (5-3, 10-4) meet in a critical match as three teams remain for two playoff spots. Dickinson clinches a spot for itself and Haverford with a victory. Washington can bring tie-breakers into the equation with a win and a victory against McDaniel. The Shorewomen #1 doubles team of Jordan Finnegan and Brittany Marshall are 17-1 overall this season.