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.

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.

Five-Star Matchups

Although Saturday will certainly determine the final seeds for next weekend's basketball championship tournaments, tonight may be even more important for the teams involved in the chase.

Can't make it out to a game tonight? Enjoy all the action on your computer at the Conference's "C-Zone" - our one-stop channel. We'll have cameras at all five venues and you can also join in the conversation on our live blog or on Twitter. Be part of the action!

Washington College at Ursinus (Women's Basketball)
Two of the four teams competing for the two remaining berths in the playoff field square off in Collegeville tonight. The Shorewomen (9-9 CC, 11-12) won the first meeting in Chestertown by a 49-41 count and have won four of the last five from the Bears (10-8, 14-9). The last time Ursinus won as many as 14 games in a season was 2007 (19-10), also the last time UC won the Centennial title. Washington has not qualified for the Conference tournament since 1999.

Johns Hopkins at Franklin & Marshall (Women's Basketball)
The Blue Jays (16-3, 19-4) bring down the curtain on their regular-season schedule with a trip to Lancaster to face the Diplomats (10-8, 12-11). Hopkins won the year's first tilt (57-49) and look to improve their 13-5 record at Mayser since 1994. In fact, F&M has won just once in the last seven games vs. Hop at home (2008, 73-71). The Diplomats are tied with Ursinus for fourth place in the CC and hold a one-game lead over Swarthmore and Washington in the playoff chase.

Haverford at Muhlenberg (Men's Basketball)
Two of the three teams tied for fifth place in the Centennial meet tonight in what could be a playoff game for both. The Fords (8-8, 11-11) and the Mules (8-8, 12-11), along with Ursinus, are a game behind Gettysburg and McDaniel as the race for the final three tourney berths nears its conclusion. Muhlenberg won on the Main Line, 77-69, back in January and has won six of the last seven with Haverford. The Fords have lost six straight at Memorial Hall since a 71-62 triumph in 2005.

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

There's a new way to watch Centennial Conference sports - the "C Zone" Channel. We have created a web page that has all the video screens from our member schools. It's not quite NFL "Red Zone" style, but does provide you with a window into all the day's action on one screen. Hope you enjoy!

Haverford at McDaniel
Muhlenberg at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Basketball)
The Diplomats (11-2 CC, 15-5) hold a three-game lead in the chase for the top seed and home court for the Conference tournament, while the other three are trying to land one of the remaining four spots. The Mules (8-5, 12-8) ended a seven-game losing streak against F&M with a 71-67 victory in Allentown. But 'Berg has not won at Mayser since the 2001 Centennial semifinals. The Green Terror (8-5, 11-9) downed the Fords (7-6, 10-9) in the year's first meeting and look for the second season sweep in four seasons. Haverford has dropped three straight games at the Gill Center.

STANDINGS

F&M .......... 11-2
Muhlenberg ...  8-5
Gettysburg ...  8-5
McDaniel .....  8-5
Dickinson ....  8-5
Haverford ....  7-6

Ursinus at Gettysburg
Muhlenberg at Franklin & Marshall (Women's Basketball)
Four of the team chasing front-running Johns Hopkins in the women's basketball standings square off on Saturday. The Bullets (10-5 CC, 15-5), fresh from an overtime win at Hopkins, entertain the Bears (9-6, 13-7), while the Diplomats (9-6, 11-9) welcome the Mules (10-4, 14-5) to Mayser Center. Ursinus looks for its first two-game season sweep of Gettysburg since 1995. A Bear win would give UC 14 for the season - just the second time since 1997 that Ursinus has won 14 or more games. Gettysburg has won five straight from the Bears at Bream Gym. Muhlenberg has won five in a row from F&M and eight of the last nine.

STANDINGS

Hopkins ...... 13-3
Muhlenberg ... 10-4
Gettysburg ... 10-5
Ursinus ......  9-6
F&M ..........  9-6
Swarthmore ...  8-7
Washington ...  7-7

Dickinson at Swarthmore (Men's Swimming)
The Red Devils (4-1, 8-2) and the Garnet (3-1, 4-1) square off in a meet that could determine first place in the Conference. Dickinson would share the dual-meet title with Gettysburg, should the Bullets drop their season finale at Franklin & Marshall. Swarthmore would also need a win vs. Washington next Wednesday to share the crown.

Gettysburg at Franklin & Marshall (Women's Swimming)
The best swimming rivalry in the Conference is renewed Saturday at the Kunkel Aquatic Center as the Bullets (6-0, 7-2) and Diplomats (6-0, 7-4) meet for the dual-meet title. Gettysburg's Maggie Mulderrig will need a big meet in the freestyle sprints to offset F&M's Olivia Hill in the freestyle distances.

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.

Last Night's aCCtion

Mandy Housenick of The Morning Call writes that Katie Brooks needed just six minutes to make an impact in Johns Hopkins' 67-57 victory at Muhlenberg. She also notes that the Mule men's victory over the Blue Jays was eerily familiar.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that the McDaniel women capped an uplifting week with a 73-35 win over Bryn Mawr.

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

On this Martin Luther King day, we pause to reflect on the message of a great American and how we can better ourselves. This evening, the Conference's top six women's basketball teams will square off in an attempt to better improve their Centennial standing. Can't make it to the gym tonight? Join us online for a live blog beginning at 6:45. We'll provide "live look-ins," take your questions and add our comments at the window below.

Muhlenberg at Johns Hopkins
The Mules (6-2 CC, 10-3) travel to the Charm City to meet the Blue Jays (8-2, 11-3) in one of the top rivalries in the Conference. Hopkins holds an 18-15 all-time lead in the series and snapped a 10-game losing streak to 'Berg with a 73-66 win at Goldfarb last season. The two teams have met nine times in the postseason since 1996 with the Jays winning five. The Blue Jays have held consecutive opponents under 40 points for the first time since 2005-06. The first 20 minutes could tell the story - Hopkins is 11-1 when leading at the half, while Swarthmore is 9-1.

Ursinus at Franklin & Marshall
The Bears (7-2, 10-3) head to Lancaster to take on the Diplomats (6-3, 8-6), looking for a season sweep of F&M after a 60-55 victory on Nov. 30. Sarah Martin led Ursinus with 16 points, while Lindsay Teuber had a double-double with 10 points and 13 boards. Megan Pauley led the Diplomats with 20 markers. Since the formation of the Centennial in 1994, this series is tied at 12 wins apiece. A close game favors the Bears, who are 5-1 this season in games decided by five points or less.

Swarthmore at Gettysburg
The Garnet (6-3, 10-4) is on the road to the Battlefield to square off against the Bullets (5-4, 10-4). Gettysburg has won 10 in a row from Swarthmore and has not lost at home to the Garnet since 2004 (6-0). Garnet senior Kathryn Stockbower has 75 career double-doubles and is four shy of the Conference and NCAA Division III record of 79, set by Johns Hopkins' Julie Anderson. Stockbower and Gettysburg's Caitlin Moser are 1-2 among active CC players in career scoring and rebounding.

Last Night's aCCtion

Tom Housenick of the Morning Call writes that DeSales was not supposed to beat nationally-ranked Muhlenberg in their showdown on Monday night ... but they did.

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that the timing for tonight's McDaniel-Franklin & Marshall men's basketball game is quite intriguing.

Last Night's aCCtion

Tom Housenick of the Morning Call writes that although the large leads dwindled in size, the Muhlenberg men and women held on for wins versus McDaniel.

Mike Gross of the Lancaster Sunday News writes that the more important number in Franklin & Marshall's 85-46 win over Swarthmore was the smaller one.

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

If you could be in two places at one time ... tonight would be a great night to be at Varsity Field in Allentown and Tarble Pavilion in Swarthmore. The top two teams in men's soccer and volleyball square off tonight in these locales with first place and the top seed for the upcoming playoff tournaments on the line.

Swarthmore at Muhlenberg (Men's Soccer)
"It's the biggest game of my career, the biggest game of every senior's career." - Eric Williams, Muhlenberg (pictured in grey)

How big is this game ... the last time two unbeaten Conference teams met this late in the season was in 1998 when Johns Hopkins (7-0) defeated Gettysburg (7-0), 2-0, at Homewood. The #19th ranked Mules (4-0-3, 9-0-6) are one of two unbeaten teams (Wisconsin-Oshkosh) in Division III, while the ninth-ranked Garnet (12-1-2, 5-0-2) can secure the top seed and home field advantage for next weekend's final four with a victory. Muhlenberg holds a 28-24-3 series lead and has a win and a tie in its last two trips to Clothier Field. Two of the top candidates for CC Player of the Year will be on display in the Mules' Cody Antonini (15-4-34) and Swarthmore's Morgan Langley (11-13-35). Antonini leads the Centennial and is third in Division III in goals, while Langley leads the Conference and is sixth nationally in points. 'Berg has a school record 15-game unbeaten streak. Watch LIVE.

Haverford at Swarthmore (Volleyball)
Do you prefer volleyball to soccer ... then we have a match for you! The four-time defending Centennial champion Fords (8-0, 15-12) can lock up the top seed for next weekend's Conference tournament with a victory over the Garnet (7-1, 17-8). A Swat victory, combined with a triumph at F&M on Friday night, would give the Garnet the top seed and homecourt next Saturday. The Fords have won seven straight in the series to take a 20-7 lead since the inception of the CC in 1993. Swarthmore's last triumph was a four-set win at home in 2003. The stars will be out in force tonight at Tarble, as Haverford's Kelsey Cantwell is third in the Conference in kills (3.08), while the Garnet's Genny Pezzola is sixth (2.99). The Fords' Kate Comey leads all CC setters in assists (9.85), while Swat's Brone Lobichusky is among the Conference leaders in blocks (0.75). Watch LIVE.

Johns Hopkins at Gettysburg (Men's Soccer)
Not to be lost in the lights of the showdown at Swarthmore is the critical match between the Blue Jays (3-2-2, 10-3-3) and the Bullets (3-2-2, 4-8-2) at the Battlefield. It was 12 years ago when the squads battled for the Centennial championship as Conference unbeatens. Tonight, they meet as two teams tied for the fifth and final playoff spot, looking for three points to solidify their tournament hopes. This is the 75th meeting between the schools with Hopkins holding a 44-21-9 advantage. Gettysburg has captured the last two regular season matches, but JHU won the 2008 semifinal contest at Swarthmore. Hopkins' Sean Coleman (9-1-19) trails only Swarthmore's Morgan Langley (11-13-35) and Muhlenberg's Cody Antonini (15-4-34) in the Conference scoring chase. Watch out for Gettysburg's Eric Hynes. Two of his three goals in CC play have been game-winners. Watch LIVE.

Johns Hopkins at McDaniel (Field Hockey)
The Blue Jays (7-1 CC, 10-5) and the Green Terror (4-4, 7-8) meet in a game that has critical implications for both teams' playoff hopes. Hopkins needs a win to keep its hopes alive for the top seed and homefield for next weekend's final four. McDaniel is tied with Washington College for the fifth and final playoff spot and needs a win to improve its chances of making the field. It is the 36th meeting between the long-time rivals with JHU holding a 23-10-2 lead, including wins in the last five encounters. The Terror's last triumph was a 4-0 blanking of the Blue Jays at home in 2005. Hopkins' Carly Bianco (11-5-27) is one of seven CC players with 10+ goals, while McDaniel's Sarah Meszler has three game-winning goals among her seven on the season.

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

Haverford at Johns Hopkins (Field Hockey)
The Fords (2-1 CC, 6-2) and the Blue Jays (2-1, 4-4) meet in a game that could have playoff implications down the line. Hopkins leads the all-time series, 25-4-1, and has won all 15 previous contests at Homewood Field. Haverford broke a 10-game losing streak to JHU last season, winning 3-2 on Swan Field. The Fords' Alex Waleko is sixth in the country in goals (1.57) and points (3.71) per game. Carly Bianco leads the Jays with five goals.

Muhlenberg at Johns Hopkins (Men's Soccer)
A battle of nationally-ranked clubs takes place under the lights at Homewood Field as the Mules (1-0-2, 5-0-3) take on the Blue Jays (1-1-1, 7-2-2). Muhlenberg, ranked 19th by D3soccer.com and 22nd by the NSCAA, is looking for its first win in the Charm City since the series' first meeting in 1946 (4-2). Hopkins, ranked 13th and 25th, respectively, holds a 14-10-2 series lead. 'Berg junior Cody Antonini leads the Conference with 11 goals and 25 points. JHU goalkeeper Ravi Gill has a CC-leading 0.,57 goals-against average.

Ursinus at Gettysburg (Women's Soccer)
The Bears (2-1, 5-3) and the Bullets (2-1, 6-3) meet for the 17th time since 1996 with Gettysburg holding a 10-3-3 series lead. Ursinus is 3-1-2 in its last six matches with the Bullets. Jess Porcelan of the Bears shares the Conference lead with six goals and GK Kara DiJoseph has the Centennial-best 87.2 save percentage. Gettysburg has a balanced scoring attack, led by Rachel West with 4-4-12.

Haverford at Johns Hopkins (Volleyball)
Two of the three unbeaten teams in Conference play meet in Baltimore with their share of first place on the line. The Fords (2-0, 8-9) are battle-tested with four of their losses coming at the hands of top-20 teams, including three against Nos. 1 and 2. Laura Ramos is fourth in the Conference in kills at 3.02 per set. JHU's Melissa Cole leads the Centennial in that category at 3.28 per set. Hopkins (3-0, 10-9) is 16-9 all-time against Haverford but has dropped five straight since a 2005 win in five sets on the Main Line.