Five-Star Matchups

Lancaster is the place to be on Wednesday as five of our nine featured games take place on the Franklin & Marshall campus. The women's lacrosse game between the Diplomats and Gettysburg will determine the top seed for next week's championship tournament, while the other eight games have playoff implications.

Gettysburg at Franklin & Marshall (Women's Lacrosse)
The Conference's best rivalry takes center stage on Wednesday night as the sixth-ranked Bullets (7-0 CC, 12-2) and seventh-ranked Diplomats (7-0, 13-2) meet with first place on the line. This is the 49th meeting between the two schools with F&M holding a 25-22-1 advantage, including wins in eight of the last nine contests. Gettysburg's last win in Lancaster was in the 2005 Centennial title game (11-9). This will be the 13th consecutive game in the series in which both the Bullets and Diplomats are ranked in the national top 10. The top two goalkeepers in the CC will play a major role tonight as Gettysburg's Maddie Coleman has a 58.6 save percentage, while F&M's Kelsey Hoffman has a 6.72 goals-against average.

Ursinus at Haverford (Women's Lacrosse)
While first place is on the line in Lancaster, a first-round tournament bye could be up for grabs when the Bears (4-3, 6-8) and the Fords (5-2, 9-5) square off on the Main Line. Ursinus has a 16-1 advantage in the series since 1994, but Haverford's only win came in the last meeting at Swan Field in 2009 (18-16). The Fords' Josie Ferri is the third-leading scorer in the Conference with 45-20-65, while the Bears' Alyssa Thren is one of five 40-goal scorers in the CC (40-5-45).

Gettysburg at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Lacrosse)
Two teams fighting for their playoff lives meet in Lancaster as the 20th ranked Bullets (4-2, 8-5) visit the Diplomats (3-3, 8-4). A victory would clinch a playoff berth for Gettysburg, while a win would bolster F&M's hopes for its first CC playoff bid since 2005. It is the 54th time that the two schools have met with Gettysburg holding a 33-20 advantage, including victories in seven of the last eight games. The Diplomats' last win was an 11-9 home win in 2008. Gettysburg leads the Centennial in scoring defense (6.73), led by GK J.T. McCook. F&M is second in scoring offense (9.92), led by Billy Kempner (23-15-38).

Haverford at Ursinus (Men's Lacrosse)
Another tussle for playoff positioning takes place in Collegeville as the 12th ranked Fords (4-2, 9-3) take on the Bears (3-3, 8-4). Haverford has won six straight in the series and holds an 8-1 all-time lead. Ursinus' only win was a 10-9 triumph on the Main Line in 2004. The teams have two of the stingiest defenses in the Conference, as the Fords and Bears allow just 6.91 and 6.92 goals-against per game, respectively. Ursinus M Jeff Ocampo leads the Centennial with 32 goals, while Haverford GK Joe Banno has turned away a CC-best 66.8 percent of shots on net.

Gettysburg at Franklin & Marshall (Softball)
It could almost be described as a playoff doubleheader as the Bullets (6-6, 16-14) travel to Amish Country to take on the Diplomats (6-5, 20-10-1). Neither team can really afford a loss and a sweep could be devastating to tournament hopes. The teams are 1-2 in the CC in batting average with F&M hitting .350 and Gettysburg .326. The Diplomats' Malorie Sassaman leads the Conference at .477, while the Bullets' Maggie Maguire has a Centennial-best seven round-trippers.

Haverford at Franklin & Marshall (Baseball)
The first-place Fords (11-3, 26-5) travel to take on the third-place Diplomats (10-4, 18-13) in the first of a two-game weekday set. It is the 70th time that the teams have met on the diamond with F&M holding a 46-22-1 advantage in the series. Haverford has taken the last two tilts at Kaplan Field, winning 12-10 in 2009 and 5-4 a year ago. The Fords lead the Centennial with a 3.29 team ERA, while SS Charlie Carluccio tops the circuit with a .411 batting average. Diplomat counterpart Matt Will leads his club with a .386 average. Probables: Dan Hochberg (3-0, 3.71) for the Fords and Mike Duranti (4-2, 3.35) for the Diplomats.

Washington College at Johns Hopkins (Baseball)
The Blue Jays (11-3, 18-11), tied for first place with Haverford, will have a major say on the playoff picture over the next week and begin today against the Shoremen (7-7, 16-14). Not only will Hopkins battle the Fords and F&M for the top seed in next weekend's tournament, JHU also closes the season with a single game against Washington and a twinbill vs. Muhlenberg - two teams battling Swarthmore for the final playoff spot. The Jays have won 12 straight against the Shoremen and hold a 75-32 all-time edge in the series that started in 1887. Washington's last win was a 15-5 triumph in 2005 in Chestertown, while the Chestertown nine has not returned home victorious from Baltimore since 1997 (9-5). Hopkins C Joe Borrelli is the reigning CC Player of the Week. Probables: Joe Kearney-Argow (3-3, 5.74) for the Shoremen and Kevin Gillen (3-0, 4.67) for the Jays.

Washington College at Swarthmore (Men's Tennis)
It's a critical match for playoff seeding when the Shoremen (5-2, 9-5) visit the banks of Crum Creek to take on the Garnet (6-1, 10-6). A Swarthmore victory could lock up a first-round tournament bye, while a Washington win would secure a playoff berth. The Shoremen's Adam Cranford is fourth in the CC with 13 singles wins (13-4) on the year, while the Garnet's No. 3 doubles team of Anthony Collard and Seth Udelson is fourth among all CC tandems with a 77.8 winning percentage (7-2).

Gettysburg at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Tennis)
Simply put, this is a playoff match for the Bullets (3-4, 10-4) who must win to keep their flickering tournament hopes alive. A Gettysburg loss and the five CC playoff teams are set and the Diplomats (5-2, 9-5) remain in the hunt for a first-round bye. The match at No. 1 singles between the Bullets' Chris Curran (9-8) and the Dips' Ross Silverberg (13-4) could go a long way to determining the outcome of the match.

Five-Star Matchups

Dickinson at Gettysburg (Men's Lacrosse)
The Route 34 rivalry takes on even greater importance this afternoon as the ninth-ranked Red Devils (3-0 CC, 9-1) look to strengthen their hold on first place in the CC against the Bullets (2-1, 6-4). It is the 50th meeting between the two schools that are separated by just 28 miles with Gettysburg holding a 43-6 all-time lead. Dickinson's last win in the series was at the Battlefield in 1975 (10-5) - a stretch of 36 games. It's a battle between the highest-scoring team in the CC - Dickinson (11.5) - and the stingiest defense - Gettysburg (6.75).

Ursinus at Franklin & Marshall (Women's Lacrosse)
Two of the three unbeatens in the Conference square off in Lancaster with a share of first place in the CC on the line. The four-time defending champion Diplomats (4-0, 10-1) are ranked seventh nationally, while the Bears (4-0, 6-4) are unbeaten in their first four Centennial games for the first time since 2002. F&M has won nine straight games vs. Ursinus but still trails in the all-time series, 26-13-1. The Bears' last win was a 13-7 triumph in the 2002 Centennial semifinals. Ironically, the two current head coaches - F&M's Lauren Paul '03 and Ursinus' Erin Stroble '02 - squared off in that 2002 game in the uniforms of their alma maters on their way to first-team All-Centennial honors that spring.

Johns Hopkins at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Tennis)
The 12th ranked Blue Jays (4-0, 9-3) bring their 42-match Centennial unbeaten streak to Lancaster to take on the Diplomats (2-0, 6-3). JHU has not lost a Conference match since a 5-2 defeat at Washington College on April 20, 2006. Hopkins has won six straight in the series that began in 1927 but F&M holds a 28-14 all-time advantage. The tone of the match could be set at #1 doubles, as Hopkins' Jacob Barnaby and Casey Blythe (9-0) meet F&M's William MacArthur and Ross Silverberg (5-1).

Five-Star Matchups

No kidding around as we enter the first weekend of April with games that will impact the playoff chase at the end of the month.

Haverford at Dickinson (Men's Lacrosse)
One of the most anticipated games of the season takes place in Carlisle between the ninth ranked Fords (2-1 CC, 7-2) and the 11th ranked Red Devils (2-0, 8-1). It is the 40th time that the two schools have met with Haverford holding a 24-15 series advantage, including wins in the last two meetings. Expect a close game, as five of the last seven contests have been decided by two or fewer goals, including a 12-11 overtime win by the Fords in the 2010 CC semifinals. Devil first-year Brian Cannon leads the Centennial in scoring (22-21-43), while Haverford netminder Joe Banno tops the Conference in save percentage (.650).

Haverford at Dickinson (Men's Tennis)
The Fords (3-0, 3-5) bring their unbeaten Conference record to Carlisle to take on the Red Devils (2-1, 6-3), whose lone loss came at the hands of nationally-ranked Johns Hopkins. The match could be determined at No. 1 singles, as Haverford's Kevin Caulfield (7-2), ranked 12th regionally, takes on Dickinson's Ross Anstaett (11-3)

Johns Hopkins at Franklin & Marshall (Baseball)
The Blue Jays (3-0, 10-6), the lone unbeaten in the Conference entering Friday's play, travel to Lancaster to take on the second-place Diplomats (2-1, 10-10). Hopkins is second in the Centennial with a 3.78 team ERA and are slated to throw Sam Eagleson and Alex Eliopoulos (4-1, 1.35). F&M's Eric Bornstein is 10th in the CC with a .393 batting average. This is the 82nd and 83rd times that the schools have met since 1889 with JHU holding a 51-29-1 series lead, including wins in the last eight games.

New Jersey at Gettysburg
Gettysburg at Swarthmore (Women's Lacrosse)
The Bullets (3-0, 6-1) face two major challenges on back-to-back days this weekend, taking on the top-ranked Lions on Friday and the resurgent Garnet (2-1, 6-2) on Saturday. Gettysburg has played the #1 team in the country six times since 2004 but has yet to come away with a victory. The Bullets have won 16 straight games against Swarthmore since a 12-7 defeat in 1994 at the Battlefield and hold a 21-3 all-time series advantage. The Garnet's Annalise Penikis leads all Centennial players with 34 goals, 18 assists, 52 points and 29 draw controls, while Gettysburg's Lindsey Robinson has 16-15-31 to place sixth in the CC in scoring. 'Burg's Becky Lutz, who leads the Conference in caused turnovers (25), should draw the defensive assignment on Penikis.

Muhlenberg at Washington College (Softball)
Two of the top teams in the Conference square off in Chestertown in a twinbill. The Mules (2-0, 11-8) are the lone remaining CC unbeaten, while the Shorewomen (3-1, 11-9) are a game off the pace in the Centennial standings. Ashley Brewer is a dual threat for 'Berg with a .433 average at the dish and a 5-3 record with a 2.50 ERA on the mound. Lauren Dockrill leads Washington with a .468 average - good for fourth in the Conference.

Muhlenberg at Washington College (Women's Tennis)
The unbeaten Shorewomen (4-0, 9-0) face a major challenge to their unblemished record when the Mules (3-1, 5-2) come calling on Saturday. Washington's lineup has a powerful 1-2-3 at the top of the ladder in Amanda Bercovici (12-1), Jordan Finnegan (10-1) and Brittany Marshall (10-1), while Muhlenberg's counters with Caitie Druker (5-2) and Sara Sutker (6-1) at the top two spots.

Five-Star Matchups

The first weekend of spring certainly is colder than most of us would like ... but it is here and with it comes the first weekend of Conference play in baseball and softball. Can Johns Hopkins and Dickinson repeat? They both face big challenges on Saturday, while key lacrosse and tennis matches are also on the docket. Bundle up and we hope to see you at a Centennial game this weekend.

BASEBALL
Johns Hopkins at Haverford (2)
Dickinson at Swarthmore (2)
The defending CC champs and the three teams with the best non-conference records in the Centennial meet in doubleheaders to open the 2011 season. Hopkins (7-5) travels to the Main Line to take on Haverford (13-2) in a rematch of last spring's CC title game. OF Jesse Sikorski leads the Jays with a .372 average and 12 RBI, while SS Charlie Carluccio has a .396 average and 16 ribbies for the Fords. Pitching will be the order of the day as JHU throws (probable) Alex Eliopoulos (3-1, 1.02) and Sam Eagleson (1-0, 2.41), while Haverford counters with Colin Sarafin (3-1, 3.38) and Jonny Williams (3-0, 1.29).

Down the road a piece in Delaware County, the Red Devils (13-4) and the Garnet (9-5) meet in a twinbill. OF Mike Schuster is hitting .443 and has seven steals for Dickinson, while C Mike Waterhouse has a .449 average with 16 RBI and a .653 slugging percentage for Swarthmore. Probable pitchers: D-Sean White (3-1, 1.67) and Evan Fitzpatrick (3-1, 2.03); S-Ignacio Rodriguez (2-1, 2.89) and Neil Mejia (1-0, 3.29) or Kyle Crawford (0-1, 9.00).

SOFTBALL
Ursinus at Dickinson
The Red Devils (5-9) open defense of their 2010 Centennial title by taking on the new-look Bears (6-5). 1B Madison Gerish is hitting at a .350 clip for Dickinson with 11 RBI, while OF Amy Gentile has a .440 average for UC. Allison Jordan (2-3, 2.57) has fanned 52 in 32 2/3 innings of mound work, while rookie Chelsea Homa (2-3, 0.24) has 43 K's in 29 1/3 innings for the Devils. Jennilyn Weber (4-2, 1.02) may see double-duty on the mound for Ursinus.

WOMEN'S LACROSSE
Ursinus at Dickinson
The Bears (1-0, 3-4) travel to Carlisle to take on the Red Devils (1-0, 4-5) in a late March contest to could have playoff implications in late April. Ursinus leads the series, 13-4, and snapped a four-game skid to Dickinson with a 9-3 triumph last season in Collegeville. Allison Furman (9-11-20) and Alyssa Thren (20-1-21) are a potent 1-2 offensive combo for the Bears, but will be challenged by Devil 'keeper Jessie Clark who leads the CC with a .507 save percentage.

MEN'S LACROSSE
Ursinus at Dickinson
Are you noticing a trend that Carlisle is the "place to be" for big Conference games on Saturday? The men's lax contest between the first-place Bears (2-0, 6-1) and the 12th ranked Red Devils (0-0, 6-1) should be no exception. Dickinson has a 6-2 all-time lead in the series, but Ursinus has won two of the last three games by two-goal margins in 2008 and 2009. The top two scorers in the Centennial will be on display in the Devils' Brian Cannon (18-16-34) and the Bears' Jeff Ocampo (24-6-30).

MEN'S and WOMEN'S TENNIS
Johns Hopkins at Swarthmore
It's a rematch of the 2010 Centennial team finals as the Blue Jays and the Garnet meet in a net doubleheader at the Mullen Tennis Center. The 11th ranked Hopkins women (1-0, 3-0) defeated the Garnet (2-0, 3-5) a year ago for their fourth straight Conference title. Four of the top 25 ranked women in the Atlantic South region will play on Saturday in JHU's Carolyn Warren (4), Nandita Krishnan (10) and Hailey Hogan (11), along with Swarthmore's Lia Carlson (24).

The Blue Jay men (1-0, 4-3), ranked 13th nationally, downed the Garnet (1-0, 4-5) for their fourth consecutive Centennial championship last spring. JHU has three players ranked in the Atlantic South region - Andrew Wang (8), Andy Hersh (9) and Warren Elgort (11), while the doubles team of Casey Blythe and Jacob Barnaby are fifth.

MEN'S GOLF
McDaniel Invitational at The Bridges GC
All seven of the Conference's teams will participate in the 36-hole McDaniel Invitational this weekend. The Invitational will also serve as the Conference's qualifying tournament for the NCAA championship, should the Centennial tournament be unable to be played on April 30-May 1. McDaniel posted the lowest team stroke average in the fall (311.08), led by senior Paul Kovalcheck who carded the low individual average (74.50). Also watch Gettysburg's Peter Ruymann (75.33) and F&M's Cameron Warner (75.50).

Five-Star Matchups

It's the first edition of Five-Star Matchups for the spring season as men's and women's lacrosse heads into the Conference schedule.

Haverford at Gettysburg (Men's Lacrosse)
It's a rematch of last spring's championship game as the eighth-ranked Fords (5-1) and the 18th ranked Bullets (4-3) open the Centennial schedule. Haverford captured its first-ever CC crown with a 11-8 victory over Gettysburg at the Battlefield - a place that the Black Squirrels had not defeated the Bullets since the inception of the Conference in 1994. Gettysburg leads the all-time series, 27-3. Haverford has a balanced scoring attack with five players with seven or more goals, while the Bullets have a quartet of players with eight or more tallies. The third period will be crucial, as the Fords have outscored their opponents, 14-6, while Gettysburg has a 19-9 advantage in the third period.

Haverford at Gettysburg (Women's Lacrosse)
The Conference schedules kicks off with a whale of a matchup between the perennial power Bullets (3-1) and the upstart Fords (4-1). Gettysburg has won 17 straight games in the series since a 13-6 loss at Haverford in 1994. The Fords' only win at the Battlefield was in 1986 (9-7). The Bullets are led in scoring by Lindsey Robinson (11-11-22) and Hannah Church (14-4-18), while Haverford turns to Josie Ferri (25-9-34).

Muhlenberg at Franklin & Marshall (Women's Lacrosse)
The new-look Diplomats (4-1) take on the fast-starting Mules (4-1) who look to reverse history Saturday in Lancaster. Muhlenberg is 0-26 against F&M and has only come within four goals of the Blue once since 1994. Lauren Selawski leads the Dips in scoring (10-6-16), while the Mules are led by the one-two combo of Danielle Rosen and Angela Napoletano who each have 19 goals.

Preseason Men's Lacrosse Chat

On Tuesday, Feb. 22, beginning at 1 p.m. EST, the Centennial Conference men's lacrosse 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.

1:00-1:08 Matt Hatton, McDaniel
1:08-1:16 Dave Webster, Dickinson
1:16-1:24 Colin Bathory, Haverford
1:24-1:32 Pat Gress, Swarthmore
1:32-1:40 Todd Cavallaro, Franklin & Marshall
1:40-1:48 Hank Janczyk, Gettysburg
1:48-1:56 Jeff Shirk, Washington College
1:56-2:04 Jamie Steele, Ursinus
2:04-2:12 Chris Bissinger, Muhlenberg

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.

Championship Weekend

It's the culmination of the spring season in the Centennial Conference with eight championships and six automatic berths to NCAA tournaments on the line this weekend. We'll be in Baltimore (baseball, m/w tennis), Collegeville (softball), Gettysburg (m/w lacrosse) and Swarthmore (m/w track and field) over the next three days and we hope to see you out at one of the venues. Here's what to watch for ...

Baseball
The #1 ranked team in Division III - Johns Hopkins - opens defense of its Centennial title against fourth-seeded Washington College this afternoon. The Shoremen are making their first CC playoff appearance and first conference tournament appearance, period, since 1984. The other game pits third-seeded Swarthmore at second-seeded Haverford in a contest that will raise their long-time rivalry to a new level. The losers meet Saturday morning at 9 a.m. in Baltimore for an elimination game, while the winners square off at 12:30. Game 5 is slated for a first pitch around 4 p.m. with action continuing Sunday at noon. You can listen to game 3-7 online with Conference-produced coverage from Hopkins. Championship Website

Men's Lacrosse
The #2 ranked team in Division III - Gettysburg - looks for its 14th Centennial title in 17 seasons this weekend. The Bullets play host to fourth-seeded McDaniel in today's first semifinal at 1:30, while #5 ranked Dickinson takes on third-seeded Haverford in the nightcap. The winners meet in Sunday's noon final. You can watch all three games in the tournament LIVE on your computer. Follow the championship website links.

Women's Lacrosse
The #5 ranked team in Division III - Gettysburg - looks for its unprecedented seventh Centennial title and first since 2006 this weekend. The Bullets take on fourth-seeded Haverford in Saturday's first semifinal at 1 p.m., while seventh-ranked Franklin & Marshall goes for its fourth straight CC championship this weekend and takes on Ursinus in the other semifinal. The winners meet in Sunday's final at 2 p.m. You can watch all three games in the tournament LIVE on your computer. Follow the championship website links.

Softball
Top-seeded Ursinus looks for an unprecedented sixth Centennial title when the Bears welcome Gettysburg, Swarthmore and Dickinson to Collegeville for the double-elimination tournament. The Bullets are looking for their fourth title, while the Garnet and Red Devils are trying to win their first Centennial championship. Action begins Saturday at 10 a.m. with the first of four games. Sunday's play begins at 10 a.m. as well. Championship Website

Men's Tennis
The 10th ranked team in Division III - Johns Hopkins - looks for its fourth consecutive Centennial title this weekend. The Blue Jays host fourth-seeded Washington College on Saturday at 3 p.m. Swarthmore plays host to Franklin & Marshall at 3 p.m. in the other semifinal. The winners will square off in Baltimore on Sunday at 3 p.m. for the championship. Championship Website

Women's Tennis
The 15th ranked team in Division III - Johns Hopkins - goes for its fourth Conference championship in a row this weekend. The Blue Jays take on fourth-seeded Haverford in the semifinals on Saturday at 11 a.m. in Baltimore, whle second-seeded Swarthmore entertains Dickinson at the same hour. The semifinal winners meet at Hopkins on Sunday at 11 a.m. for the Centennial championship. Championship Website

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

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.

Five-Star Matchups

It's the penultimate weekend for spring sports in the Conference and the next-to-last Saturday of Centennial play features numerous key matchups.

Franklin & Marshall at Swarthmore (Baseball)
With five teams competing for three remaining playoff spots, the chase is on over the next nine days. The Diplomats (7-6, 12-14-1) have reached the Centennial tournament every year since 2004, while the Garnet (8-5, 16-11) is looking to reach the Conference final four for the first time. F&M has won 11 of the last 12 games with Swarthmore, but the Garnet's lone win was a 3-1 triumph during the Diplomats' last twinbill visit to Clothier Field in 2008.

Ursinus at Dickinson (Men's Lacrosse)
The fifth-ranked Red Devils (5-1, 12-1) look to wrap up a playoff berth against the Bears (3-3, 8-3). Dickinson has won its five Centennial games by a total of nine goals, while Ursinus' three CC losses have been by a combined four goals. In fact, 13 of the 28 Conference games have been decided by a single goal this season. The Devils' Chris Dodson leads the Centennial with 25 assists, while the Bears' Eric Farris is fourth in goals per game (2.27).

McDaniel at Haverford (Men's Lacrosse)
The Green Terror (4-2, 7-5) also looks to secure a playoff berth for the second straight season ... and looks for a little revenge when it visits the Main Line to take on the Fords (3-3, 7-5). Haverford won a pair of one-goal overtime decisions last year, including a 9-8 triumph in the CC semifinals at Swan Field. McDaniel A D.J. Rickels leads the Centennial with 37 goals, while Haverford's Max Hjelm is second with 29.

Dickinson at Ursinus (Women's Lacrosse)
The final three playoff spots are up for grabs on the women's lax side and this one will go a long way in determining who's in, and who's out. The Red Devils (3-3, 6-4) trail the Bears (4-2, 9-4) and Haverford by a game in the CC standings, while Ursinus can put some room between itself and the rest of the contenders with a win. UC's Lindsay Urban and Emily Diehl have combined for 54 goals on the season, but will be tested by Dickinson GK Jessie Clark and her 52.0 save percentage.

Haverford at McDaniel (Women's Lacrosse)
Three teams in the Conference have 10 or more wins. Two are obvious and ranked in the national top 10. The other ... Haverford (4-2, 11-2). The Fords look to move one step closer to their first-ever Centennial playoff berth when they visit the Green Terror (2-4, 8-5). Two of the CC's top goal scorers - McDaniel's Brittany Baer (44) and Haverford's Josie Ferri (38) - will lead their offenses.

Ursinus at Gettysburg (Softball)
The top two teams in the Conference square off in a twinbill that could decide the top seed for the Centennial tournament. The Bears (10-0, 20-2) can lock up homefield for the final four with a sweep and a loss by either Dickinson or Haverford. The Bullets (8-4, 16-11-1) can keep their #1 seed hopes alive by taking two. The game within the game will feature the Conference's top pitcher - Ursinus' Lauren Davis-Macedonia (15-1, 164k 109.2ip) and Gettysburg's Megan Lott (.433-3hr-17rbi).

Swarthmore at Dickinson (Women's Tennis)
The Garnet (6-1, 8-4) and the Red Devils (5-1, 9-4) meet in an important match in the quest for tournament seeding. All eyes will be on Swarthmore's Rachel Wallwork at #1 singles as she goes for her 24th consecutive Centennial singles win.

Five-Star Matchups

Franklin & Marshall at Johns Hopkins (Baseball)
The Diplomats (6-3 CC, 11-10-1) and the Blue Jays (8-0, 21-3) have one of the most spirited diamond rivalries in the Conference. The two teams have combined to win every Centennial championship since 2001 - Hopkins capturing crowns in 2001-04 and 2007-09 and F&M taking the title in 2005-06. Last season, the clubs' anticipated showdown for the crown in the CC tournament was rained out, giving the Jays the trophy. Although the pitching matchups have not been announced, look for the Diplomats to throw Nick Markel (2-0, 4.37) and Mike Duranti (2-2, 4.10), while Hopkins counters with Sam Eagleson (6-0, 1.97) and Greg Harbeck (3-0, 2.48).

Ursinus at Gettysburg (Men's Lacrosse)
The Bears (3-2, 8-2) continue their nine-day stretch through the heart of the Conference when they travel to the Battlefield to take on the #2 ranked Bullets (5-0, 11-1). Ursinus is coming off a disappointing OT loss to Haverford, squandering a three-goal lead in the final minutes. Gettysburg has won all seven previous meetings with UC. Two of the top middies in the Centennial square off in the Bullets' Kyle McGrath (24-12-36) and the Bears' Eric Farris (19-6-25).

Dickinson at Franklin & Marshall (Women's Lacrosse)
The Red Devils (3-1, 6-2) look to break a 32-game losing streak to the Diplomats (4-0, 8-1) in this rematch of the 2009 Conference semifinals. Dickinson's lone win in the series came in game #1 in 1976, taking a 10-5 decision in Carlisle. F&M's Blake Hargest became the fifth player in Centennial history to amass 300 career points last week and has 30-27-57 on the season. Dickinson GK Jessie Clark has a 53.7 save percentage and an 8.86 goals-against mark.

Gettysburg at Haverford (Women's Lacrosse)
The seventh-ranked Bullets (4-0, 10-2) look to remain perfect in the Conference when they travel to the Main Line to take on the Fords (3-1, 10-1). Gettysburg leads the series, 15-2, and has won each of the last five contests by 10 or more goals. Haverford's last win over the Bullets was at home in 1994 (13-7). A pair of talented tandems take the turf at Swan Field Saturday in the Bullets' Nina Emala (35-13-48) and Hollis Stahl (33-10-43), while the Fords counter with Josie Ferri (35-16-51) and Jen Schmidt (26-1-27).

Dickinson at Ursinus (Softball)
It is a showdown between the top two teams in the Conference when the Red Devils (11-12, 4-2) visit Collegeville to take on the Bears (6-0, 16-2) in a twinbill. Keep an eye on the pitching matchup between Dickinson's Allison Jordan (5-2, 1.91) and Ursinus' Lauren Davis-Macedonia (13-1, 0.24). How will a pair of .400 hitters - Alesha Sisco of the Devils (.441) and Allison Pfrommer of the Bears (.423) - fare against the fire-balling pair?

Franklin & Marshall at Johns Hopkins (Men's Tennis)
It's one of the biggest matches that the Diplomats (4-0, 7-3) have played in some time when they visit Baltimore to take on the eighth-ranked Blue Jays (4-0, 10-4). F&M ended a 22-match losing streak to perennial CC power Washington last weekend and now looks to make more noise. Hopkins has won 33 consecutive Centennial matches.

Haverford at Gettysburg (Women's Tennis)
The Fords (3-1, 4-4) and the Bullets (3-2, 9-3) meet in a crucial Conference match that could have playoff implications. Six CC teams have two or fewer losses and only four of those will make the Centennial tournament. The #1 singles match could set the tone between Haverford's Katie Wettick (5-3) and Gettysburg's Katie Taylor (7-4).

Five-Star Matchups

This may be the hottest day of the entire spring for Centennial athletes and teams, as temperatures in the region could reach 90! Stay hydrated and come out to watch these key games.

Swarthmore at Washington (Women's Tennis)
The Garnet (4-0 CC, 6-3) tries to stay unbeaten in Conference play when it travels to Chestertown to take on the Shorewomen (3-1, 7-2). Keep an eye on the #1 singles match as two of the Centennial's best square off - Swarthmore's Rachel Wallwork (10-4) and Washington's Jordan Finnegan (9-3) - while the #1 doubles match between Wallwork/Emily Rosenblum and Finnegan/Brittany Marshall could also set the tone for the match.

Haverford at Ursinus (Men's Lacrosse)
How good are the Bears? Ursinus (3-1, 8-1) begins a three-game stretch that will answer that question tonight against the Fords (1-3, 5-5). Next up for UC - #2 Gettysburg and #5 Dickinson. Haverford is 7-1 all-time against the Bears with five straight wins since a 10-9 Ursinus win in 2004. Ursinus GK T.J. Magnani leads the Centennial in goals-against average (5.97) and save percentage (61.1), but will be tested by the Fords' Max Hjelm (23) and Myles Monaghan (20) who have combined for 43 goals.

Five-Star Matchups

McDaniel Invitational (Men's Golf)
Six of the Conference's seven teams get together at the site of last year's Centennial championship (The Bridges GC) for the two-day tournament. Players to watch include Dickinson's Joey Goldstein, F&M's Brendan Mohler, McDaniel's Keith Mazurek (pictured) and Muhlenberg's Zachary Oyer.

Washington at Haverford (Men's Lacrosse)
This clash between two of the preseason Conference favorites on the Main Line has a different flavor to it. Instead of battling for one of the top spots in the Conference, the Shoremen (1-2 CC, 3-4) and the Fords (0-2, 4-4) will fight to avoid a third CC loss before the end of March. Haverford broke an 0-19 history against Washington with an 8-5 victory in Chestertown last spring.

Washington at Dickinson (Women's Lacrosse)
Two teams with Conference playoff aspirations meet as the Shorewomen (1-1, 4-2) travel to Carlisle to take on the Red Devils (1-0, 4-1). Dickinson holds a slim 13-12 all-time series lead following five straight victories. Washington's last triumph was a 17-9 road win in 2004. Both teams have received strong play in goal - Dickinson's Jessie Clark and Washington's Stephanie Seibert have 54.7 and 54.5 save percentages, respectively.

Gettysburg at Haverford (Softball)
Two teams that qualified for the Centennial championship tournament in 2009 meet on the Main Line. The Bullets (2-0, 9-6-1) opened the CC season last weekend with a sweep of defending champ Muhlenberg, while the Fords (0-0, 6-6) open their CC schedule on Saturday. Gettysburg's Megan Lott is one of the top hitters in the Conference with three HR and 13 RBI to go with a .442 average.

Five-Star Matchups

It's always a special game when a pair of nationally-ranked undefeated teams square off with first place in the Conference on the line. Add to the mix a rivalry that goes back to 1957 and the fact that just 28 miles separate the campuses makes even more special. That game, and the matchup between the most surprising team in the Conference and a perennial powerhouse, means that you should go see a lacrosse game today.



Gettysburg at Dickinson (Men's Lacrosse)
The Bullets (2-0 CC, 8-0) and the Red Devils (1-0 CC, 8-0) meet for the 51st time in a series that has been dominated by the Orange and Blue. Gettysburg, ranked #1 in the country, has won 35 straight games from #8 Dickinson since a 10-5 triumph by the Red and White in 1975. The Red Devils have not defeated the Bullets in Carlisle since 1970 (7-5). Defense has been the name of the game for teams and could be the difference today. Gettysburg GK John LeClerc has a 5.87 goals-against average, while Dickinson's Tyler Magann (pictured) is at 6.20.

Ursinus at Washington (Men's Lacrosse)
The Bears (2-0, 6-0) are off to the best start in program history and look to keep the streak alive and make a splash on the national scene against the Shoremen (1-1, 3-3). Washington has won six of the previous seven meetings between the teams with Ursinus' lone triumph coming during the 2007 season in Collegeville (7-6). Each of the last three contests have been decided by no more than two goals.

Five-Star Matchups

It's the first weekend of spring ... the weather should be outstanding here in the Mid-Atlantic ... and we have big games dotting the Conference schedules.

Franklin & Marshall at Salisbury (Women's Lacrosse)
Sure it's not a Conference game ... but when #1 meets #2 in a rematch of last spring's national championship contest ... it's worth noting. F&M (4-0) is 58-1 since 2007 against teams not named Salisbury (8-0). The Gulls are 69-2 in that same stretch against teams not named F&M. The Diplomats are led by Blake Hargest and Meredith Lussier, who each have 15 goals through four games. But it will be the play of GK Lidia Sanza (5.50 GAA, 59.3 save pct) that will be the difference.

Gettysburg at Muhlenberg (Women's Lacrosse)
Not to be overlooked by the matchup on the Eastern Shore is a rematch of the 2009 CC semifinals between the undefeated Bullets (1-0 CC, 5-0) and the undefeated Mules (0-0, 4-0). Gettysburg, ranked third nationally, has outscored its opposition, 106-46, led by Nina Emala who has 20 goals. Muhlenberg has a 76-25 goal-scoring margin on its four opponents, led by the tandem of Danielle Rosen (20-13-33) and Amanda McGovern (18-12-30). The Bullets are 23-0 all-time against the Mules. You can watch the game LIVE on your computer at muhlenberg.edu/main/athletics

Ursinus at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Lacrosse)
This game could go a long way to determining the playoff future for both teams in the ultra-competitive Conference. The Bears (1-0 CC, 5-0) are off to their best start in program history. The Diplomats (0-0, 2-2) are riding a two-game win streak, including a 7-5 triumph over #8 Washington & Lee last weekend. Ursinus is led by senior M Eric Farris (12-6-18), while F&M counters with sophomore A Colin McKew (4-9-13). Three of the last four meetings between the teams have been decided by one goal, including the Diplomats' 7-6 triumph last year in Collegeville. You can watch the game LIVE on your computer at godiplomats.com.

Preseason Men's Lacrosse Interactive Coaches Chat

On Tuesday, Feb. 16, beginning at 1:30 p.m. EST, the Centennial Conference men's lacrosse 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.

1:30-1:40 Dave Webster, Dickinson
1:40-1:50 Todd Cavallaro, Franklin & Marshall
1:50-2:00 Hank Janczyk, Gettysburg
2:00-2:10 Colin Bathory, Haverford
2:10-2:20 Matt Hatton, McDaniel
2:20-2:30 Chris Bissinger, Muhlenberg
2:30-2:40 Pat Gress, Swarthmore
2:40-2:50 Jamie Steele, Ursinus
2:50-3:00 J.B. Clarke, Washington

If you would like to ask a question, please submit it in the comment box below prior to 1:15 p.m., or join us live.

Trophy Time

Last weekend, the Centennial Conference crowned three champions in women's lacrosse and men's and women's golf. This weekend, we'll present championship trophies to seven more teams in baseball, softball, tennis, track and field and men's lacrosse. How can you keep up-to-date with all the latest results? The fastest way is to follow us on Twitter, as we'll be posting updates to our feed throughout the weekend. Don't have a Twitter account? It's easy to join and receive updates via web or cell. You can also get live stats from our championship websites.

Baseball Championship website
The biggest challenge facing the four teams in the tournament could be the weather, as rain will be a persistent factor. Top-seed Ursinus opens play at home today against #4 Haverford, while #2 Johns Hopkins plays host to #3 Franklin & Marshall. The losers meet in Collegeville on Saturday at 9 a.m., while the winners square off at 12:30 p.m. The Bears have one of the trump cards in the deck in Conference Pitcher of the Year Zeb Engle. Johns Hopkins counters with the Centennial Player of the Year in Todd Emr.

Men's Lacrosse Championship website
There's something different about this year's tournament ... oh yes, we're not in Gettysburg or Chestertown. For the first time in the tourney's nine-year history, the four teams will meet at Swan Field in Haverford. The top-seeded Fords take on #4 McDaniel in the opening game today at 1:30, while six-time defending champion Gettysburg and Washington tangle in the nightcap. Something has to give today ... neither Haverford nor the Terror has ever won a CC playoff game, while the Bullets and Shoremen are a perfect 8-0 in Centennial semifinal contests. The winners meet Sunday at 1 p.m. in Haverford for the title.

Men's Tennis Championship website
For the third straight season, Johns Hopkins welcomes the CC's top tennis teams to Baltimore for the Conference championship. The two-time defending champion Blue Jays open play this morning at 11 a.m. against #4 Washington in a matchup of the only two teams to win the Centennial title. #2 Swarthmore entertains #3 Haverford at 3 p.m. Hopkins features CC Player of the Year David Maldow at #1 singles.

Track and Field Championship websites - Men / Women
The 16th annual Conference championship gets underway today in Lancaster with the multi-events and the 10,000 meters. Haverford has won 15 consecutive men's crowns and the last three women's titles. For the men, the most competitive event could be the triple jump between Haverford's Chaz Thomas (47-0 1/2) and Ursinus' Travis Youngs (46-9). For the women, we'll be watching the 1,500 as Muhlenberg's Jenn Lynch (4:41.95) will battle Ursinus' Christa Johnson (4:43.41), Hopkins' Laura Paulsen (4:43.96) and Swarthmore's Cait Mullarkey (4:44.02) to the wire.

Women's Tennis Championship website
The best netters in the Conference meet in the Charm City as Hopkins meets Haverford and Washington takes on Muhlenberg beginning Saturday at 11 a.m. The Jays, ranked ninth nationally, will look to the 1-2 combo of Carolyn Warren and Anita Bhamidipati to carry them to their third straight title.

Softball Championship website
The annual double-elimination softball tournament will once again be held at Ursinus beginning at 10 a.m. on Saturday morning. Gettysburg, led by Conference Player of the Year Erin Ober, and Muhlenberg get things started, while UC and Haverford plays in the day's second game. The top-seeded Bears will hand the ball over to Centennial Pitcher of the Year Lauren Davis and a 0.75 ERA as UC looks to defend its title.

There's a Chance

It's the final weekend of regular-season play in the Conference - in addition to being "Championship Weekend" for golf and women's lacrosse. When it comes to baseball, softball, tennis and men's lacrosse ... it's "white-knuckle" time. A time when a win and a timely loss by an opponent can lead to a playoff berth. A time when a defeat leads to sweaty palms and knots in the gut as you wait to find out your playoff future. But one thing is for certain as we enter the final stretch ... "There's A Chance."

Baseball
Ursinus (12-4 CC) can clinch the top seed for next weekend's tournament with a sweep of Gettysburg. A split or a Bullet sweep creates all sorts of possibilities. The Bears take the No. 1 slot in a 13-5 tie with F&M (11-5 CC). Haverford (11-5 CC) is the top seed in a 13-5 deadlock with Ursinus and/or the Diplomats. Johns Hopkins (11-5 CC) gets the #1 spot in a 13-5 tie with Ursinus and F&M or a 12-6 tie with all three teams. Franklin & Marshall's lone hope for the top spot is a sweep of McDaniel, two wins from Gettysburg and a Haverford/Hopkins split. McDaniel can still slip into the tournament with a win vs. Hopkins, a sweep of F&M and a Haverford sweep of JHU ... that is, if the Fords finish ahead of the Bears in the standings.

Softball
The Ursinus-Muhlenberg doubleheader will determine the top seed for next weekend's tourney. The Bears (12-2 CC) need one win to secure homefield advantage, while the Mules (11-3 CC) must sweep UC for the #1 slot. Haverford (10-4 CC) and Gettysburg (9-4-1 CC) have locked up the other spots.

Men's Lacrosse
Did you know that the possibility of a six-way tie exists for fourth place? We did ... and here's how it shakes out. Three teams are 3-4 in the CC - Swarthmore, McDaniel and Muhlenberg. The Garnet is in the playoffs with a win vs. Haverford and a Muhlenberg loss to Ursinus. The Green Terror is in with a win tonight vs. Dickinson and a Swarthmore loss. The Mules get the #4 position with a win over the Bears and a McDaniel loss. If those three teams all win, Swarthmore wins a goal-differential tie-breaker. If they all lose ... and Franklin & Marshall defeats Gettysburg ... there is a six-way tie at 3-5. In that scenario, McDaniel is the #4 seed. If the Bullets defeat the Diplomats and we are left with a five-way deadlock, Ursinus is the #4 seed.

Men's Tennis
Johns Hopkins (8-0 CC) can clinch the #1 seed with a win against Haverford (7-1 CC) on Saturday. A Ford victory and a Swarthmore (7-1 CC) loss to Franklin & Marshall (5-3 CC) gives Haverford the top spot. A Garnet victory would create a three-way tie at 8-1. If Haverford scores at least seven points vs. Hopkins, the Fords are #1. Five or six points gives the Jays the #1 seed. Washington (5-3 CC) secures the #4 seed with a win vs. Dickinson. A Shoremen loss and an F&M win gives the Diplomats the final berth. Losses by WC and F&M creates a three-way tie for fourth place. In that scenario, if Dickinson scores seven or more points, the Red Devils get the final seed.

Women's Tennis
The four playoff teams are set - Johns Hopkins (8-0 CC), Haverford (7-2 CC), Washington (7-2 CC) and Muhlenberg (6-2 CC) - and the tournament will be played in Baltimore next weekend. The Shorewomen are the #2 seed with a win against Dickinson, while a Red Devil victory opens the door for the Mules to take the second spot with wins against Bryn Mawr and Gettysburg. Losses by Washington and Muhlenberg leave the door open for the Fords to take the #2 position with a win against Hopkins.

Spring, The Way It Should Be

Now this is what I'm talking about ... beautiful clear, sunny skies ... highs in the 70s ... and lots of important games around the Conference. It's promises to be a great weekend weather-wise, and a great weekend for the victors.

Franklin & Marshall at Haverford (Friday, Baseball)
The Fords (10-3 CC, 16-10-1) are fresh off a 10-2 win at F&M yesterday and look to move two games in front of the Diplomats (8-3, 15-10-1) with four remaining in their quest for a regular-season Centennial title. Can F&M pitching silence the big bats of Haverford's Dean Laganosky (.352), Charlie Carluccio (.351, 6 HR 38 RBI) and Jeff Butera (.361)?

McDaniel at Ursinus (Saturday, Baseball)
Two teams chasing Haverford and F&M for the top spot in the Conference meet in a key twinbill in Collegeville. The Bears (8-3, 17-8-1) may throw one of the CC's top pitchers in Zeb Engle (6-0, 1.75 ERA, 57 K, 56.2 IP), while the Terror (6-4, 13-8) counters with Tyler Persun (4-2, 4.96, 43 K in 45.1 IP).

Haverford at McDaniel (Men's Lacrosse)
The Fords (6-0, 10-2) look to make history on Saturday in Westminster against the Green Terror (3-3, 9-4). A victory gives Haverford at least a share of the regular-season Centennial title for the first time and secures homefield advantage for the Conference tournament on May 1-3. McDaniel is one of three teams tied for third place with three losses and could catapult itself right into the playoff field win a win.

Gettysburg at Swarthmore (Men's Lacrosse)
The Bullets (5-1, 9-3) have righted the ship after a 1-3 start and face the Garnet (3-3, 6-5) in a match that has playoff implications for both sides. Gettysburg needs a win to keep their hopes of hosting the Centennial tournament alive. Swarthmore, along with Washington and McDaniel, has three CC losses and is tied for third place in a Conference that puts four teams in its tournament. The Garnet looks to end Gettysburg's 15-game series win streak and beat the Bullets for the first time since 1985.

Women's Lacrosse - Four Games
Where do we begin? Four of the day's five games have a bearing on the five-team tournament field with only Franklin & Marshall (7-0, 12-1) and Gettysburg (7-0, 12-1) secured of a spot entering the day. Muhlenberg (5-3, 9-3) can lock down the No. 3 seed with a win at home against Washington. Dickinson (5-3, 9-6) gets back to the tournament with a win against visiting Swarthmore and can get a first-round bye with a victory and a Mule stumble. Of the three teams tied for fifth place - Haverford (4-4, 10-5), McDaniel (4-4, 8-7) and Ursinus (4-4, 5-10) - the Green Terror may have the advantage on the season's final day at home against Bryn Mawr. The Fords travel to #3 F&M while the Bears visit fifth-ranked Gettysburg. The Terror holds the tie-breaker edge on the other two with head-to-head wins, while Haverford has the advantage on Ursinus.

Gettysburg at Ursinus (Softball)
Two teams fighting for a Conference playoff berth meet in Collegeville. The defending champion Bears (7-2, 22-6) split a doubleheader with Haverford on Thursday to fall a half-game off the front-running pace of Muhlenberg. The Bullets (4-3-1, 19-8-1) currently sit in fourth position in the standings. Ursinus will throw standout pitcher Lauren Davis (20-6, 0.74 ERA) who has fanned 233 batters in 170 innings. Gettysburg will counter with the 1-2 combo of Kristy Rubino (9-5, 1.84) and Beth McCullough (9-3, 2.02) who have combined for 193 K's in 181.2 innings.

Dickinson at Swarthmore (Men's Tennis)
The Garnet (5-1, 7-6) welcome the Red Devils (3-2, 10-5) to Crum Creek looking to keep pace with first-place Johns Hopkins in the standings. Swarthmore #3 singles Zak Kelm is 9-1 in his last 10 matches and 12-5 overall. Dickinson #1 Ross Anstaett is 12-4 overall.

A Chance to Lock In

It's a chance to improve playoff positions today, as we're down to the final four days of the women's lacrosse regular season with five teams competing for the final three spots. While over on the men's side, seven of the nine teams have 3-4 CC losses, making this extremely competitive Conference playoff situation impossible to sort out.

Dickinson at McDaniel (Women's Lacrosse)
The Red Devils and the Green Terror put matching 8-6 overall and 4-3 Conference records on the line in a game that could decide the host in next Wednesday's first-round playoff game. McDaniel leads the all-time series, 25-8-1, but Dickinson has won two of the last three, including a 21-12 decision last year. How balanced are these two teams? Both teams average 12.71 goals per game. Dickinson has won 15.64 draws per game, while McDaniel has taken 14.50. The Devils have caused 8.07 turnovers per game ... the Terror 8.00. McDaniel's Brittany Baer leads the CC with 67 goals, while Dickinson's Amy Jennings is second in assists (38).

Muhlenberg at Ursinus (Women's Lacrosse)
The Mules (5-2 CC, 9-2) travel to Collegeville, looking to duplicate last season's first-ever win against the Bears 3-4, 4-10). A 'Berg victory secures a first-round bye for next week's tournament and probably eliminates UC. Amanda McGovern (37) and Danielle Rosen (31) have combined for 68 goals for the Mules, while Ursinus' Alyssa Thren leads all CC rookies with 33 tallies.

McDaniel at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Lacrosse)
The Green Terror (2-3, 8-4) and the Diplomats (1-4, 3-7) square off under the lights tonight in a game that probably eliminates the loser from playoff consideration. McDaniel is looking for its first win in Lancaster since 2003, while F&M is in search of its third straight win against its Maryland counterparts. The Terror's Gibbs Preston (27) and Mike Hatton (22) have combined for 49 goals on the year. Diplomat rookie Colin McKew is second among CC feeders with 17 assists.