Bobcats continue to struggle, edge American Intl. 3-2

Bobcats continue to struggle, edge American Intl. 3-2
By Jamie Palatini
October 31, 2007

HAMDEN — For a team picked to finish second in the ECAC this year, Quinnipiac certainly didn’t play like it Tuesday night.

A game which many thought would be a blowout turned into a nail-biter as the Bobcats edged out American International College 3-2.

Last year Quinnipiac trounced AIC 8-1, and with 15 of 16 returning forwards from last year, this looked like another game where Quinnipiac would score at will. But the Bobcats struggled from the start, managing only six shots in the first period of what was a very sloppy game. Coach Rand Pecknold seemed frustrated by his team’s sub-par performance Tuesday night.

“I think we’re struggling in some areas…in terms of 5 on 5 hockey, we’re just not doing the little things well. We’re really struggling in the neutral zone defensively,” Pecknold said. “We have a lot of guys, especially our forwards, that aren’t committing to play defense.”

The Bobcats scored only one even strength goal in the game. David Marshall and Ben Nelson scored the other two goals on the power play, one of few bright spots for Pecknold’s club. Quinnipiac had been 1-18 on the power play in their first three games this year.

Quinnipiac needed a confidence booster heading into ECAC play after two bad losses at Air Force, but Pecknold said that it just isn’t there right now.

“I think from a confidence perspective, it’s pretty poor. We don’t seem to have that confidence that we had last year. I think we all understand that we’re not playing well,” Pecknold said.

Meanwhile, Pecknold was impressed with AIC’s play.

“American International played really well. I was impressed with their goaltender, and they looked very good,” Pecknold said. “I think we were fortunate to get a win.”

Goaltender Peter Vetri was one of the few positives for Quinnipiac. Vetri made 15 saves in the game, including some big saves down the stretch to preserve the win.

“I thought Peter was pretty good,” Pecknold said. “We didn’t have our best game, and he won the hockey game for us.”

Quinnipiac now faces a tough stretch of their schedule as they head into ECAC play. They travel to New York this weekend to face-off against Colgate and Cornell before coming home next weekend to play Clarkson, last year’s ECAC champs, and St. Lawrence. And if they continue to play this way, it could be another long weekend for Rand Pecknold’s club.

Scoring Woes Still Plague Bobcats

Scoring Woes Still Plague Bobcats
By TJ Buzzeo

The women’s soccer team at Quinnipiac University came into their games last weekend without scoring a goal in their last three games; the great offense from the beginning of the season has been nowhere to be seen. Entering this weekend, Coach Clarke’s crew was hoping that a couple of home games would be what the doctor ordered. However, home just added to the illness. They played through a scoreless battle with Wagner, and were shutout 1-0 against Long Island.

A struggling Wagner team came to Quinnipiac on Friday the 26th of October looking to kick the Bobcats while they were down. Quinnipiac’s offense, led by Kate Lissfelt and Amber Sidoti, did almost everything it could to not allow this to happen as they out-shot the Seahawks 28-6 (8-1 shots on goal), and had a 9-0 corner kick advantage. However, Wagner netminder Sam Schueschner prevented the Bobcats from putting any of those shots in the back of the net. Bobcats goaltender Chloe Beizer did her part as she blanked Wagner for her seventh shutout of the season. Although the Bobcats did not score a goal or win the game, they did end their losing skid at two, and with their last home game of the season coming up, things were not looking too bad in the Bobcats world.

On Sunday the 28th, the Bobcats welcomed Long Island University to Hamden for the team’s final home game of the season. Before the game the Bobcats honored the seven seniors on the team who were playing in their final game at Bobcat Field. The scoring drought of the Bobcats continued as they played their fifth straight game without a goal. Unfortunately for the Bobcats, they would not be able to escape this game with a tie when Caitlin Meadows of the Blackbirds was able to beat Beizer to the right corner of the goal. The Blackbirds out-shot the Bobcats 11-5 (4-2 shots on goal), and the teams tied with three corner kicks apiece.

The tie and loss over the weekend dropped Quinnipiac’s record to 9-5-2 (2-3-2). The Bobcats are currently 7th in the NEC standings, which means if the 4 team NEC Tournament started tomorrow they would not make it. However, the tournament does not start tomorrow and the Bobcats still have a fighting shot to qualify. In order for the Bobcats to make it they need to win both of their games this weekend and receive a bunch of help to jump past at least three other teams. The Bobcats will play their final two games against Sacred Heart in Fairfield, CT on Friday, November 2nd and Farleigh Dickinson in Teaneck, New Jersey on Sunday, November 4th.

Quinnipiac falls to SLU 6-1

Quinnipiac falls to SLU 6-1
By Thomas Butto

The Quinnipiac Bobcats had a tough task on Friday, Saint Lawerence University, the #5 team in the country and it was evident from the beginning moments of the game that they were overmatched.

From the opening minutes of the game, Quinnipiac was the slower team and did not have the crisp passing and puck handling of the Saint Lawerence team. As a result the Bobcats were playing from behind right from the beginning when SLU scored only 2:30 minutes into the game. The Bobcats continued the trend of playing from behind and starting off slow and rusty on the ice. Throughout the 1st period they had to play in their zone and play defense because of the three penalties that they committed. The Bobcats have had problems in the past with committing penalties early in games that have forced them to play a lot of defense.

“We had to play on our heels the whole game… we played a lot of defense throughout the game” head coach Michael Barrett said.

The only bright spot in the whole game was Freshman goaltender Tia Wishart from Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The Bobcats were asking a lot from Wishart in this game because it was the first start of her collegiate career, but she stepped up and had a decent game. Even though she did give up six goals in the game, she was bombarded with Saint Lawerence’s offense throughout the game, stopping 37 of 43 shots.

“She (Tia Wishart) kept us in the 1st two periods of the game. The shots on goal were lopsided… she didn’t deserve to be put in that situation… the goal at the buzzer hurt us. I give her tremendous credit” Barrett said.

The goal at the buzzer that Coach Barrett was talking about was at the end of the second period when Saint Lawerence scored a goal with less than a second left in the game to make it 3-0. That goal really took the wind out of Quinnipiac’s sails because the Bobcats were only down 2-0 at that point and was hanging in there even though they were outshot 43 to 17 in the game.

The 3rd period was Quinnipiac’s best period as a team, with them scoring their only goal of the game by Kallie Flor. However, this period resulted in three goals for Saint Lawerence.

“We have an angry locker room. This team won’t accept a loss” said Coach Barrett after the game.

And that is the kind of attitude they will need if they want to carry on and win games this year.

“Groundhog Day”: Quinnipiac has just 5 shots through 2, fall 3-1 to Clarkson

“Groundhog Day”: Quinnipiac has just 5 shots through 2, fall 3-1 to Clarkson
By Sam Friedman
October 28, 2007

HAMDEN — The Quinnipiac Bobcats, trying to recuperate from a 6-2 drubbing Friday night against St. Lawrence, did nothing to alleviate their problems, losing 3-1 at home to Clarkson on Saturday.

Brandice Moniz scored the lone goal for Quinnipiac, who dropped both games of the home-stand and fell to 0-2-1 in conference play.

It came with 6:33 left in the 3rd period. A scramble in front of the net saw Elyse Cole flip the puck to Moniz, who shot it through the traffic past Clarkson goalie Lauren Dahm on her left side, which brought Quinnipiac to within a goal before Clarkson sealed the deal a few minutes later.

However, despite the score, for most of the game it seemed like the Bobcats were asleep. The Bobcats registered just 5 shots on goal through 2 period of play for the second straight night. In fact, Quinnipiac went 24:20 between the first and only shot on goal in the first period, and the second shot on goal midway through the second period. At one point, Clarkson had more goals than Quinnipiac had shots.

“We didn’t play the full 60,” coach Michael Barrett said. “This was like Groundhog Day. We’re living the same game over and over again.”

However, that was not even the worst part of the game.

Junior Nicolette Leone injured herself with 3:23 left in the 3rd when she dumped the puck in and apparently twisted her back. She remained on the ice for over 10 minutes, but fortunately was able to get up and skate off the ice on her own power after a stretcher was brought out onto the ice. Her status was not known at press time, but she did go to the hospital after the game.

Similar to Friday night, Coach Barret was none too pleased with his team’s effort.

“We sound like a broken record in the locker room,” he said. “I couldn’t pick which performance (Friday’s or Saturday’s) was better. We aren’t committed to winning.”

Even Moniz was not happy about the team’s effort.

“About half the people are trying out there, and the other half don’t seem to be focused,” she said. “We’re just not playing good hockey.”

The Bobcats next game is Friday, November 2nd at Harvard. They conclude their three game road trip Wednesday, November 7th at Boston University. Their next home game is Friday, November 16th vs. Colgate at 7 PM.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

The Numbers Don’t Lie
By Jamie Palatini

It has been said by many that a sportswriter should only use stats when he has nothing else to say.

It is a statement usually gleaned through much fact. But in the case of the Quinnipiac Men’s Soccer team, statistics are glaring examples of why this team is one of the best in the northeast.

First is the Bobcats’ outstanding record. Quinnipiac stands at 9-0-3 overall, 6-0 on the road, undefeated through 12 games. The only other undefeated team in NCAA Division I soccer? The No. 1 Wake Forest Demon Deacons. The Bobcats also boast a 3-0-2 conference record, good enough for third in the NEC.

You can’t win without scoring goals, and no one knows that better than star forward Graciano Brito. Brito leads the nation in goals per game (1.00), and second in the nation in points per game (2.25). Furthermore, he has been scoring goals at clutch moments for the Bobcats; four of Brito’s 12 goals are game winners.

Not to be outdone is Quinnipiac’s outstanding goalkeeper Freddy Hall. Hall is the NCAA Division I leader in saves per game (7.45) as well as save percentage (.921). Who knew the small nation of Bermuda produced such great goalies?

Quinnipiac was ranked 15th in the first RPI poll of 2007. RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) is used to determine at-large bids for the NCAA tournament. The Bobcats also have a quality win against Boston College, who is ranked 12th in the nation and 3rd in RPI.

Of course, these are all just numbers. But they tell the story of one of the most improved teams in all of college soccer. And if players like Brito and Hall continue their dominant play, the Bobcats will find themselves poised for not only their first NEC Championship, but their first NCAA Tournament birth as well.

NOTES: Quinnipiac’s 9-0-3 overall record has earned them the number one spot in the NSCAA/adidas North Atlantic Regional Rankings. The Bobcats moved to the top spot after two 1-1 ties this past weekend against Robert Morris and St. Francis (PA).

The Bobcats were also ranked 15th in the first NCAA RPI poll of 2007. RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) is one of many tools used by the NCAA in determining at-large bids for the NCAA tournament. Quinnipiac also received votes in this week’s NSCAA/adidas National Rankings.

New Blue Rugby Hit Bumpy Road, but Finishes Strong

New Blue Rugby Hit Bumpy Road, but Finishes Strong
October 24, 2007
New Haven

New Blue Rugby Football Club has made great strides within the past month of the season. New Blue went from being a virtually unknown team in NERFU Division III, to a top competitor in the Cup Playoffs. Although their rise to the top seems natural, the road to success was anything but.

Fresh off a victory against CCSU, New Blue continued their wining ways against Southern Connecticut State University. “The Battle for New Haven” plaque was at stake for the first time in both team’s history. The plaque has become part of the cross town rivalry as New Blue and SCSU were both founded through the New Haven Men’s Club. Sophomore Rory Smith, recently off the injured reserve list, lived up to the hype of great speed and athleticism. Taking over the game when the ball was in his hands, Smith had three 30-yard runs all resulting in points. Smith set up Junior Ryan Brady for a pick-and-go inside the 22-meter line to give New Blue the early 7-0 advantage. Then on the ensuing kickoff New Blue’s pack demonstrated great rucking abilities lead by Seniors Brian Frank and Kyle Dandrow which set up kicker John McHugh for his first of three converted field goals. With an early 12-0 lead, New Blue looked to put out SCSU early in the second half, but failed to convert deep inside enemy territory. SCSU got on the board converting a field goal of their own late in the second half, but that would not be enough. Senior Captain’s Jesse Ferraro and Dave Motisi set up Rory Smith for his break out run to finish SCSU for good, final 19-3.

After getting off to a great 2-0 start, New Blue would have a gut check as they lost their next two games to Trinity College and Wesleyan University, 33-12 and 20-16 respectively. Trinity College had all the breaks on the 95 degree October day according to Captain Gerald Loehr. “We played hard the first half, we played with them, it was a 9-7 ball-game at the end of the first half, and then we came out flat and couldn’t put anything together offensively.”

Wesleyan University would be a different story. Playing on a Thursday Night, this game had all the makings for a great battle; both teams were high in playoff contention and looking to prove their worth. New Blue would strike first as Loehr dove into the try zone early in the first half. But Wesleyan would go on the offensive on the ensuing kickoff, as 8-man Ben Nissum scored off a scrum deep inside New Blue territory. The first half was a back and forth game with little advantage by both offenses, until injuries halted the game. Two great players, flanker Anthony D’Eramo and Brian Frank would suffer injuries, a torn ACL and a broken Tibia respectively. With two top players out, reserves Sheldon Dobson and Greg Watcher stepped in without missing a beat. Watcher would score early in the second half to put New Blue up 16-3, while Dobson used his size to control “rucks” and “malls” But that would be the last time New Blue held the lead as Wesleyan would go onto score 17 points and win the game 20-16.

The Ruggers had their backs to the wall going into the last game of the season 2-2 and looking to make the Cup Playoffs. Needing help and having to win by more than 30 points to qualify for the Championship side of the Playoffs, New Blue responded by scoring double the amount needed; 68. Gerald Loehr, Ryan Brady, Rory Smith, Dave Motisi, Sean Meehan, Lincoln DeMoura, Andrew Gau, again Gerald Loehr and Lincoln DeMoura, followed by the kicking of John McHugh led to the overwhelming victory. Everything clicked on the Sunday game, Captain Jesse Ferraro added, “If this was going to be our last home game, I wanted to leave it all on the field, and we did.”

This weekend New Blue plays Plymouth State University in New Hampshire in the first round of the NERFU Playoffs. The #4/5 match up should be interesting this coming Saturday as the winner advances to the Division III Final Four. Coach Ben Boutaugh said, “Win or go home, it’s that simple.” and New Blue players agree, going home is not an option.

The Dream Season Continues

The Dream Season Continues
Bobcats Remain Undefeated With 2 Ties Over the Weekend
By Jamie Palatini

The Bobcats are still undefeated after 1-1 ties against both Robert Morris and St. Francis (PA) over this past weekend. Quinnipiac’s overall record is now 9-0-3 and 3-0-2 in the conference, putting them in 3rd in the NEC standings. Quinnipiac remains one of two undefeated teams in NCAA Division I soccer, alongside #1 nationally ranked Wake Forest.

Friday’s contest against Robert Morris, which was broadcasted on the Bobcats Sports Network presented by WQAQ, was played during what can only be described as a monsoon. Heavy rains fell all afternoon making for difficult playing conditions and lots of fouls. It was a downright sloppy game due to the rain, as shown by the seven yellow cards. Robert Morris got on the board first with a PK by Jacek Przednowek in the 26th minute. The score remained that way until Dwayne Mars scored his first collegiate goal in the 66th minute off of a missed header by Graciano Brito. Quinnipiac played a man down for the last 35 minutes of the game after defenseman Pierre Soubrier received his second yellow of the game. Freddy Hall loomed large in net for the Bobcats with twelve saves on the day. All things considered, the Bobcats were fortunate to walk away with a 1-1 draw.

Sunday’s game saw much favorable conditions with 80 degree temperatures and sunny skies. However, the results weren’t much different. Senior Danilo Schiavon put the Bobcats on the board with his 5th goal of the year in the 23rd minute off a pass from Fabricio Silva. Quinnipiac seemed poised to get the win until St. Francis (PA) senior Jarron Brooks snuck one past Freddy Hall in the 85th minute to tie the game at one. Neither team scored in overtime and the game ended in a 1-1 tie.

The Bobcats will head on the road where they are 6-0 this coming weekend with games at Mount St. Mary’s and the NEC leading Monmouth Hawks. If Quinnipiac takes care of business against Mount St. Mary’s, Sunday’s game at Monmouth could be very pivotal in determining the NEC crown.

Scoring troubles plague Bobcats

Scoring troubles plague Bobcats
By TJ Buzzeo

After going ten straight games scoring at least one goal, the Quinnipiac Women’s Soccer team has failed to score a goal in its last three games. In those three games the Bobcats are 0-2-1, and head coach Dave Clarke has only one place to look, his usually potent offense.

The Bobcats scoring woes could not have come at a worse time for the team as they are now in NEC play. Dropping both of their games this past weekend dropped the Bobcats from second in the conference down to sixth.

The one bright spot over the past three games has been the excellent play of goal-tender Chloe Beizer. Beizer has allowed only two goals in the past three games, each coming in the Bobcats losses. Beizer has nine saves in the three games, four against St.Francis (PA), one against Mount St. Mary’s, and four in the defeat to Monmouth. Beizer’s great play has kept the game within reach for the Bobcats, but the offense has not been able to live up to its part of the bargain.

Last Friday, the Bobcats traveled down to Emmitsburg, Maryland to play Mount St. Mary’s. The Bobcats seemed to be in control of the game out shooting their opponents 8-6 and had a 4-1 corner kick advantage. However The Mount led in the one category that counts the most, goals, outscoring the Bobcats 1-0. The only goal of the game came in the 22nd minute when Colleen Regan, put one in the back of the net.

The Bobcats looked to turn the page when they went to West Long Beach, New Jersey to take on the Hawks from Monmouth, the first place team in the conference. Unfortunately for Quinnipiac the Hawks played like the team leading the conference. They out shot the Bobcats 13-3, had four more shots on goal (5-1), and had the advantage on corner kicks 5-1.

The one offensive bright spot for the Bobcats over this past weekend has been Amber Sidoti. Sidoti had six shots in the two games, including all three in the game against Monmouth.

Despite the offensive slump the Bobcats have been in the past several games, they still sit a top the NEC in many offensive categories including points, goals and assists. They are second in the NEC in shots and corner kicks (Monmouth leads both categories). So, the Bobcats fortunes should be turning soon.

The Bobcats return home this week with two NEC games this weekend with the Wagner Seahawks on Friday the 26th, and the Long Island Blackbirds on Sunday the 28th.

Ex-NBA Player Burrell Brings Experience To Bobcats

Ex-NBA Player Burrell Brings Experience To Bobcats
By Zach Smart

Scott Burrell sported an Eddie Murphy permasmile, coupled with the occasional outburst of laughter while fielding a barrage of questions at his new office at the TD Banknorth Sports Center in his hometown of Hamden.

Prior to the interview, he invited a Quinnipiac PR man in for the fun. Ken Sweeten, the newly appointed Sports Information Director, took Burrell—the first American born athlete to be selected in the first round of both the NBA and MLB drafts—up on his offer.

“Yeah, I guess I’ll stick around and hear the Scott Burrell story,” said Sweeten, who’s also a Hamden native.

“I’m going to warn you though,” responded Burrell, “it’s a boring one.”

In a world where the egos of athletes and coaches can only be measured in whale-size units, Burrell is down to earth like a crawling insect.

There’s nothing, however, that’s boring or mediocre about the only Northeast Conference assistant coach with a fan-constructed Youtube clip. Enter his name on Youtube and the video pops right up, with footage of Burrell burying a three from the right corner, throwing down an emphatic two-handed jam, and sending an opponents’ shot to the eighth row during his days with the then-Charlotte Hornets.

While sitting desk-side at his office, a glistening chunk of metal on Burrell’s index finger makes its presence felt. The ring—which could probably register Donald Trump-like numbers on EBay— signifies his role on the 1998 Chicago Bulls NBA championship team.

“I think that was really the pinnacle of my NBA career,” said Burrell, reflecting on his experiences playing under Phil Jackson and alongside Michael Jordan.

Burrell was hired over the summer, as part of a rejuvenated coaching staff that replaces Joe Desantis—who was ash-canned in March after going a meager 108-145 on the Division-I level—and company.

Though he’s not a card-shop name like Ray Allen, Richard Hamilton, or Rudy Gay, Burrell remains one of the finest players ever to play at UConn.

During his stay at Storrs, the 6-foot-7 Burrell emerged as the first NCAA player to score 1,500 points, register 750 rebounds, 300 steals and 275 assists. A dominant three-sport athlete at Hamden High, Burrell opted to play basketball at UConn, rather than reporting to camp with the Seattle Mariners—who selected Burrell after his senior year of high school.

Burrell, who coached the Colorado 14ers in the NBA Developmental league with former Hornet teammate Joe Wolfe, has helped bring in a revitalized recruiting class this season.

“I think we’ve got a great class coming in, especially given the little time we had to put it together,” he explained.

Among the key off-season acquisitions are a pair of brothers—Jeremy and Evann Baker.

The Baker boys, a pair of tough and electric guards from the Washington, D.C.-area, should make an immediate impact for the Bobcats this season.

Jeremy—a combo guard and lock-down defender—has played alongside and against teammate and reigning team MVP DeMario Anderson—a super-athletic wing who averaged 18 points in NEC play last season, during their time on the Maryland high school and AAU circuit.

Burrell expects big things from the team, but acknowledges that it might take time for them to develop chemistry.

Burrell’s detour back to Hamdencame unexpectedly, as he contacted head coach Tom Moore after learning of the vacant position.

After spending the last few years of his career overseas, the 36-year-old Burrell is home in Hamden and here to stay.

“I love teaching and I love teaching basketball,” said Burrell in an interview with the New Haven Register, right after jumping aboard the staff.

“I’m going to be able to help players both on and off the court. I can’t wait to get started.”

While there’s mounting anticipation for the 2007-2008 season, one game might hold more significance than any other for Burrell.

Quinnipiac meets UConn at the Hartford Civic Center on Dec. 16. Burrell will be reunited with his former coach, Jim Calhoun, who he still maintains a close relationship with.

“It should be fun,” said Burrell. “It’s almost going to be like a homecoming for me. I’m looking forward to it.”

Pecknold frustrated after Bobcats falter mentally against Air Force

Pecknold frustrated after Bobcats falter mentally against Air Force
by Seth Rothman
October 21, 2007

When the men’s ice hockey schedule came out this summer, groans could be heard to the farthest reaches of Hamden, Connecticut among the fans of the Quinnipiac Bobcats men’s ice hockey team. The big travel road trip, in previous years to North Dakota and Michigan, was scheduled for Air Force.

The groans, back then, were because fans thought coach Rand Pecknold had scheduled another pushover.

But this weekend, it was Quinnipiac that turned out to be the pushover as the Bobcats put forth two lackluster performances while getting swept by the Falcons.

Quinnipiac lost 4-1 on Friday night in a listless effort coach Rand Pecknold called “awful.”

“We have some really good hockey players that were just awful,” Pecknold said on Friday to WQUN. “They know it. Usually you have one kid that’s bad, we have some really big time players that probably just played the worst game of their career.”

It wasn’t much better on Saturday, when they lost 3-1.

“We just got beat in every aspect of the game this weekend,” Pecknold said on Saturday to WQUN. “They were just better than us in every single area.”

On Friday, Quinnipiac got out-hustled, out-manned, out-efforted, and overall out-classed in an effort that left Pecknold searching for the correct adjectives.

“We lack hunger, we lack intensity, and alot of it, guys are just reading our press clippings that we’re supposed to be this super team, and we’re not,” Pecknold said.

Saturday’s game was played with slightly more passion, but mostly the same result. Air Force took a 1st period lead halfway through the period, and never looked back.

“My top players are struggling, they’re not making plays; they’re not even coming close to making plays,” Pecknold said.

Pecknold plans on getting straight to work when the team flies back to the east coast on Sunday.

“We’re not in great shape. We need to practice,” Pecknold said. “We need to become a better hockey team.”

Meanwhile, Pecknold had complimentary things to say about the Academy.

“They’re a good hockey team,” Pecknold said. “You can see why they went to the NCAA’s last year and almost beat Minnesota. They wanted it more than us this weekend, and I give them alot of the credit.”

Meanwhile, the Bobcats are forced to circle the wagons and get back to business. They have 10 days before a contest against American International, a team widely regarded as one of the worst in the nation. The date most fans have circled, however is November 2. That’s the date of their first ECAC Hockey game of the season against Colgate in Hamilton, N.Y.

“We’re struggling right now. We struggled the other night against Bentley, and we really don’t have an identity yet,” Pecknold said. “We’ll go back to the drawing board.”