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

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

Swarthmore at Ursinus (Women's Basketball)
The Garnet (6-5 CC, 10-6) looks for a season sweep against the Bears (7-4, 10-5) in a showdown between teams headed the wrong way in the Conference standings. Both Swarthmore and Ursinus have dropped two in a row and look for a win to right the ship. The Garnet defeated the Bears, 70-62, back on Dec. 4 as Ceylan Bodur tossed in 17 points. Swarthmore has not swept Ursinus in a season set since 2005, but leads the all-time series 64-22.

Johns Hopkins at Ursinus (Wrestling)
The Blue Jays (1-0, 4-8) and the Bears (0-0, 4-0) meet in Collegeville in an early-season test. Ursinus is undefeated against Hopkins since the inception of the Conference in 1994. Nate Murren leads the Bears with a 17-6 record at 184. Pat Stanley has a 14-3 record at 174 for the Jays.

McDaniel at Franklin & Marshall (Men's Basketball)
The Green Terror (6-3, 9-7) and the Diplomats (7-2, 12-4) meet in a first-place showdown in Lancaster. The home team has won each of the last six meetings between the teams and McDaniel, fresh from a 61-53 win vs. F&M on Jan. 11, looks for its first season sweep since 2008. Keep an eye on the guards - F&M's Georgio Milligan (17.1) and McDaniel's Devon Lesniak (15.3).

Haverford at Gettysburg (Men's Basketball)
The Fords (6-3, 9-6) look for their first-ever season sweep of the Bullets (6-3, 9-7) when they visit the Battlefield. Haverford defeated Gettysburg 65-55 back on Dec. 4 but has never beaten the Orange and Blue at Bream Gym. Two of the CC's most dynamic scorers take the floor in Haverford's Cam Baker (18.1) and Gettysburg's Andrew Powers (20.4).

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

Josh Land of the Carroll County Times writes that there is a noticeable change in attitude around the locker room after McDaniel won its third straight game with a 54-45 win over Ursinus.

Land also writes that the Green Terror women shook off an historic loss with a 62-54 win against Washington College.

Roundups
Annapolis Capital, Philadelphia Inquirer.

Five-Star Matchups

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

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

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

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

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

Last Night's aCCtion

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

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

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

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

Five-Star Matchups

It's Tournament Time! Today's the day that most folks describe as the "play-in" game. They would be mistaken. Today is the first-round game and I would venture to guess that most of the athletes playing in the matches would agree. So nomenclature aside, here is what to watch for on First-Round Wednesday. Can't make it to a site ... watch LIVE via streaming video! Or get up-to-the-minute updates via Twitter.

Washington College at Gettysburg (Field Hockey)
The Shorewomen (8-9) travel to the Battlefield to take on the Bullets (9-8) in a first-round game for the right to move into the semifinals opposite top-seeded Ursinus on Saturday. Washington won the regular-season meeting on Oct. 16 by a 3-1 count, defeating the Orange and Blue for the first time since 2003. GK Shannon Davis made a career-high 12 saves, while D Brittany Palasik scored a goal and set a Conference record with her 15th defensive save of the season. The Shorewomen, who trail in the overall series, 14-5, have not won at Gettysburg since the 2000 season. Emily Trees (9-4-22) and Gussie Reilly (8-7-23) make a potent 1-2 combo for Washington, while the Bullets look to Sarah Cole (7-3-17) who also has three game-winning goals on the season. Watch LIVE.

Ursinus at Gettysburg (Women's Soccer)
The Battlefield is the place to be on Wednesday with two first-round Conference playoff games. The nightcap pits the Bears (10-6) and the Bullets (12-6) in a rematch of the Oct. 2 match won by Gettysburg, 1-0. Freshman Rachel West scored the match's lone goal in the 62nd minute and GK Allie Rivera made it stand up, making two saves for the shutout. The Orange and Blue is 11-3-3 overall in the series, but the teams have split their two playoff meetings - 2004 (Gettysburg, 1-0) and 2005 (Ursinus, 1-1, 2-0). Ursinus looks to Jess Porcelan (7-3-17) on offense, while the Bullets are led by Casey Attanasio (8-4-20). Watch LIVE.

Gettysburg at Johns Hopkins (Men's Soccer)
The Bullets (5-9-2) and the Blue Jays (12-3-3) meet for the 76th time in their long-standing series and the seventh time in Centennial playoff action. Hopkins holds a 45-21-9 series lead, after a 1-0 victory on Oct. 27 on a goal by Scott Bukoski. JHU outshot Gettysburg, 23-10, in that contest. Gettysburg's last playoff triumph was in 2005, downing the Jays in penalties. Eric Hynes leads the Bullets in scoring (5-1-11) and has three game-winning goals. Sean Coleman leads Hopkins with 10 goals and an assist for 21 points. Watch LIVE.

Gettysburg at Swarthmore (Volleyball)
The Bullets (16-13) and the Garnet (17-10) square off for the right to take on top-seeded Haverford in the semifinals this weekend on the Main Line. Gettysburg is one of the perennial powers in the Conference with seven titles and 13 appearances in 13 years of the Conference tournament. Swarthmore makes its third trip to the Centennial playoffs. The Garnet won its first-ever match against the Bullets in 29 tries back on Oct. 23, winning in straight sets, as Kathryn Montemurro had 15 kills. Montemurro is second in the CC in hitting percentage (.315), while Gettysburg's Nicole Burns is third at .312. Watch LIVE.

Five-Star Matchups

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Five-Star Matchups

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

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

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

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

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

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.

The Friday Tailgate

The Friday Tailgate returns for its third season here on the Centennial Conference Today blog. We hope you'll enjoy our weekly look at the weekend's gridiron games.

This year, we welcome Susquehanna University to the Conference as an associate football member, bringing the Centennial to 10 teams. The Crusaders won the Liberty League title last fall, advancing to the NCAA tournament.

Washington & Lee at Franklin & Marshall
Audio: WLUR-FM 91.5. Video: Yes. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 11th time that the Generals and the Diplomats have met on the gridiron with the series tied at 5-5. F&M is 67-52-3 in season openers and 3-1 under head coach John Troxell. The Diplomats are also 87-34-1 in their home opener. W&L was picked to finish fifth in the seven-team Old Dominion Athletic Conference, while F&M was slotted in the #2 spot in the Centennial preseason poll. The Generals are 57-52-1 in season lidlifters and has not won a road opener since a 14-13 win at Towson on Sept. 20, 1969 - a string of 19 straight losses away from Lexington.

Gettysburg at Lebanon Valley
Audio: WMSS-FM 91.1. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 37th time that the Bullets have lined up opposite the Flying Dutchmen since 1898. Gettysburg holds a 30-6-1 lead but LVC has won four of the last six matchups, including the last three in Annville. Bullet head coach Barry Streeter ranks 11th among active Division III coaches with 155 victories. He is 6-2 in games at Lebanon Valley - his alma mater. LVC was picked second in the Middle Atlantic Conference preseason poll.

McDaniel at Juniata
Audio: WTTR-AM 1470. Live Stats: Yes.
It is the 23rd time that the Green Terror and the Eagles meet on the gridiron in a series that dates to 1923. Juniata holds a slim 11-9-1 lead, but McDaniel captured a 30-3 decision last year in Westminster. The Terror is 61-48-6 on opening day and coach Tim Keating is 8-9 in season lidlifters. This is the first time since 1985 that McDaniel has opened with a league foe and the September 4 date is the earliest ever for the Green and Gold to play a Conference opponent. McDaniel was picked seventh in the 10-team preseason Centennial poll, while Juniata was slotted at No. 10. The Eagles are opening with a Conference opponent for the first time since 2001.

Susquehanna at Moravian
Audio: WQSU-FM 88.9; WSAN-AM 1470.
Saturday's game is the 37th in the series between the Crusaders and the Greyhounds - who are back in the same conference for the first time since 2006. Moravian holds a 20-15-1 series lead with three straight wins over SU in Bethlehem. Susquehanna's last win at Moravian was a 41-14 triumph in 2001. The 'Hounds are 7-2 in their last nine season openers. Susquehanna - the newest member of the Centennial - won the Liberty League championship last season. SU head coach Steve Briggs (110-93) and Moravian mentor Scot Dapp (137-99-1) are the winningest coaches in their respective school's histories.

Delaware Valley at Muhlenberg
Audio: DVC Sports Network. Video: Yes. Live Stats: Yes.
The Mules and the Aggies - separated by just 33 miles - will meet for the first time since 1972. Delaware Valley captured that contest, 35-14, while Muhlenberg avenged that defeat the following year, aqlso by a 35-14 count. After a season in which five of their 10 opponents continued onto postseason play, the Mules open with an Aggie squad ranked 10th in the preseason by D3football.com. Muhlenberg is 8-2 in its last 10 season lidlifters.

Ursinus at Albright
Audio: WXAC-FM 91.3; Ursinus Sports Network. Live Stats: Yes.
This is the 18th meeting between the Bears and the Lions with Albright holding a 10-6-1 series lead. UC head coach Peter Gallagher (40-52) needs just one more win to tie Steve Gilbert for the most victories in school history with 41. This is the Bears' first night game since a 2007 tilt with LaSalle. Both teams were picked to finish third in their respective conference preseason polls. Albright was won nine straight games at Shirk Stadium since a loss in the 2008 season opener to Salisbury. The Lions will be sporting brand-new red uniforms for the contest.

Track and Field Championship Preview

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

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

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

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

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

Men's Top Performances
Women's Top Performances

Playoff Scenarios

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golf Championship Preview

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

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

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

Five-Star Matchups

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

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

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

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

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