Read: UMass hockey coach John Micheletto talks Brandon Montour getting drafted, recruiting progress
University of Massachusets Athletics
blog 2014 06
June 2014 Archives
Dan Malone spoke with UMass head coach John Micheletto following the NHL Draft, on the heels of incoming freshman Brandon Montour being selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round.
USHL Interactive has posted an interview with incoming UMass hockey freshman Brandon Montour from this weekend's NHL Draft. Montour was selected 55th overall by the Anaheim Ducks, becoming the highest draft pick in UMass history.
Two UMass men's lacrosse alumni were active in Major League Lacrosse during the previous weekend as Kevin Leveille (2000-03) helped Rochester to an important win and Will Manny (2010-13) provided another five-point game on attack for Boston. Check out more on how each did below:
Leveille did not record a point but was able to scoop up four groundballs as Rochester defeated Denver, 19-14 at Sahlen's Stadium in Rochester, N.Y.
Prior to the game, Leveille was recognized by Rattlers COO Brad Ford and Rochester Head Coach Tim Soudan, also a University of Massachusetts graduate, for his MLL record-break career goals total, which is up to 275 through 116 games played in the league.
This game for Leveille came after his two-goal performance for Team USA during the Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game on Thursday evening.
Manny earned five points via a hat trick plus two assists, but the Boston Cannons dropped a 15-12 game to Charlotte. Manny pushed Boston in front with the first two goals of the second quarter to put the Cannons ahead, 5-3. He added his third to pull Boston within 11-10 of Charlotte and assisted on the final Cannons goal that dropped their deficit to 15-12 with 4:18 to play.
Manny now has 34 points on 20 goals and 14 assists over nine games played in his second year playing professionally. Manny's goals and assists totals also rank second among Cannons.
Stay up-to-date with Major League Lacrosse through the organization's website. More on the Minutemen can be found through UMassAthletics.com.
University of Massachusetts women's basketball alumna Tamara Tatham sparked the Canadian Senior Women's National Team to a 66-63 victory over Brazil to cap a three-game sweep at the Edmonton Grads International Classic. Tatham was given the 'Player of the Game' nod for Team Canada after she provided 11 points and eight rebounds in the win. Read more on it through Canada Basketball's release:
"A crowd of almost 1,800 at the Saville Community Sports Centre was treated to a great start from Team Canada as they shot out to a 12-5 lead at the five-minute mark of the first quarter and would push the lead to 10 with a 19-9 spread that would force Brazil to take an early timeout. Canada would continue to take the play to Brazil and hold 27-14 advantage as the first quarter ended..."
The conclusion of the article and more on Team Canada can be found here. Keep informed on UMass women's basketball through UMassAthletics.com.
Congratulations to incoming freshman defenseman Brandon Montour, who became the highest draft pick in UMass history when the Anaheim Ducks selected him 55th overall in the second round.
When interviewed following his selection, Montour talked about why he chose to come to UMass:
"I think the biggest thing was the coaches. I love the coaches there. It's a great organization both school-wise and hockey-wise and it's not too far down the road from my house, meaning my family can come down whenever. It's just unbelievable there, in Hockey East, one of the best leagues in college hockey."
Several news outlets had coverage of Montour's selection:
Daily Hampshire Gazette: UMass incoming defenseman Brandon Montour picked in the second round of NHL draft Saturday
MassLive: Anaheim Ducks select incoming UMass hockey freshman Brandon Montour in NHL draft 2nd round
Chatham-Kent Sports Network: Brandon Montour Selected In NHL Draft By The Anaheim Ducks
Waterloo Cedar Falls Courier: Black Hawks' Montour, Friedman go in NHL draft
Fox Sports West: Kings, Ducks fill needs in NHL Draft
Anaheimcalling.com: Ducks Pick Brandon Montour 55th Overall
"He's a real dynamic defenseman. You're talking about a guy who can run the power-play and put up points." -- @CraigJButton on Montour.
-- Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) June 28, 2014 On @Montour93, Madden said he felt the team went for "that home run pick." Impressed with his ability to move to defense and produce.
-- Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) June 28, 2014 The Rochester Rattlers will honor UMass men's lacrosse alum Kevin Leveille's Major League Lacrosse career goals record on Sunday, June 29, when the Rattlers face the Denver Outlaws. More information on the event, courtesy of the Rattlers, is below:
ROCHESTER, NY (June 28, 2014) - This Sunday, June 29th the Rochester Rattlers will be hosting an eventful day of summer fun at Sahlen's Stadium. In addition to the much publicized "Rattlers Carnival Day" and the home debut of rising rookie sensation Jordan Wolf, the franchise will honor one of their very own for accomplishing a career milestone, Kevin Leveille's record breaking feat of 271 career goals to become the All-Time Goals Leader in MLL history.
Following the carnival festivities, which will run from noon through game time (1 pm), the Rattlers COO Brad Ford and Head Coach Tim Soudan will host an award ceremony honoring team captain Leveille. Don't miss all the fun, excitement and honors as the Rattlers take on visiting Denver Outlaws and try to keep their home unbeaten streak alive.
Gates open at Noon, game time is approximately 1 pm. For more information on tickets you can log onto ticketmaster.com, visit the Sahlens Stadium box office or call (585) 340-6905.
Keep up-to-date with everything related to Major League Lacrosse through the organization's website. More on UMass men's lacrosse can be found on UMassAthletics.com.
Good luck to former UMass women's track & field standout thrower Lisa Wilson as she competes at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships today. Her event, the hammer throw, begins at 2 p.m. ET/11 a.m. PT
A live video stream is available here and live results here.
Albany Times Union reporter Ben Sanders wrote a story covering UMass men's lacrosse alum Kevin Leveille and his current pursuit of a spot on the Team USA 23-man active roster for the upcoming FIL Men's Lacrosse World Championship. Check it out:
"In 2010, Kevin Leveille was an alternate for the United States at the Federation of International Lacrosse Men's World Championship in Manchester, England. He had the pleasure of watching his younger brother, Mike, who was on the field for the team.
'He's a major player, and it was great to have a great seat to watch him do his thing,' Leveille said.
Four years later, Kevin, a Delmar native, wants to further his own legacy by making the team's 23-man roster for next month's World Championship. It would be the final touch to his brilliant career..."
Read the conclusion of Sanders' story through the Albany Times Union website here. More on the Minutemen can be found on UMassAthletics.com.
Tom Fargo of Wicked Local Walpole has a feature on incoming offensive lineman Dan DiNicola who played last week in the 36th Annual Aleppo Shriners High School Football All-Star Classic. The story focus' on DiNicola's life-long relationship with Noah Kung as they played against each other one final time.
Dan Graziano of ESPN New York has a feature on Victor Cruz which profiles the former UMass standout as one of the key, veteran leaders on the team this season. Despite playing a position known for players wanting to make highlight plays, Graziano says Cruz told his coaches at training camp that he wanted to improve his blocking to be able to help the team this year.
"He's that way," Giants receivers coach Sean Ryan said last week. "For the kind of quick ascent he's had, none of that has ever gone to his head or to his work ethic. He's the same guy he was the day he walked in here in terms of working hard and being down to earth and wanting to be a complete football player. You've got to respect that."
Dan Benton of Giants101.com has a story on New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz who has been nominated for a Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Award. Benton writes that Cruz has become an international phenomenon and has established himself as a universal brand thanks in part to his touchdown celebrating salsa dance.
Cruz's post-TD salsa is now so famous that it has even been nominated for a Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Award in the category "Party Like A Sports Star," which honors the best celebrations across the sports world.
But the salsa isn't just a meaningless celebration for Cruz. Rather, it's to honor his late Grandmother and something that has become very meaningful for Cruz and his family.
University of Massachusetts women's basketball alumna Tamara Tatham (2003-07) helped the Canadian Senior Women's National Basketball Team to 64-43 victory over Brazil, the No. 7 internationally-ranked squad by FIBA. Check out how the squad performed in the opener of the three-game series via the recaps below:
SWNT Opens EGIC With Win | Canada Basketball
Auspicious debut for Canadian hoopsters | Edmonton Journal
Former UMass hoops standouts Luke Bonner and Anthony Gurley both participated in The Basketball Tournament earlier this month, making strong runs in the inaugural $500,000 bracketed event before falling short in the quarterfinals and semifinals. Luke authored the following on his experience.
I felt like I had been hit by a truck. My left calf twitched, an unrelenting ache lived somewhere within my right ankle, and the thought of stairs made me quiver. I fidgeted on my barstool unable to escape the discomfort.
We were driving back to New Hampshire following an overtime loss in the semi-finals of The Basketball Tournament (TBT), a startup 32-team, single-elimination, $500,000 winner-takes-all tournament in Philadelphia. The first of its kind. And the finals are Saturday.
We exited 95 in New Haven, Connecticut and stopped at the first sports bar we could find. Game Two of the Spurs vs. Heat series was on -- my brother (Matt Bonner) was playing on the biggest stage basketball has to offer, the NBA Finals. Meanwhile, I tried to make sense of the past month: temporarily escaping my sedentary office lifestyle to play in one of the most unique, bizarre and mind-boggling basketball tournaments few but hardcore basketball fans even knew about.
But I'm getting ahead of myself -- the story of how I got there is a trip itself.
Read the entire article here...
Former University of Massachusetts men's lacrosse all-American Kevin Leveille (2000-03) provided a veteran presence on attack to help put Team USA by Team MLL, 10-9 during the Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game on Thursday night. Leveille tallied twice for Team USA and scooped up a pair of groundballs in the win. Check out more coverage of the contest below:
="">Team USA edges Team MLL 10-9 in electrifying All-Star Game | Major League Lacrosse
Team USA Hopefuls Edge MLL All-Stars, 10-9 | Inside Lacrosse
Team USA Edges MLL Stars, 10-9 | Lacrosse Magazine
Photo Gallery: Team USA 10, MLL 9 | Lacrosse Magazine
Box Score: Team USA 10, Team MLL 9
More on the Minutemen can be found through UMassAthletics.com.
UMass baseball rising sophomore, 2014 Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Year Mike Geannelis continued his success in summer ball yesterday, turning in another strong start on the mound for the Nashua Silver Knights.
To date, he is 2-1 over four appearances, three starts, with a 3.50 ERA in 18 innings and 18 strikeouts to just two walks. Geannelis is also hitting .294 in limited plate appearances (5-for-17) with a home run and five RBI. Fellow Minuteman Brandon Walsh is batting .350 (7-for-20) with a 0.00 ERA over 1.2 hitless innings of relief.
With the 2014 NHL Draft taking place tonight and tomorrow in Philadelphia, Pa., Matt Vautour takes a look at the potential for a pair of UMass hockey players to get selected:
A pair of rising-sophomore UMass field hockey student-athletes competed at the United States Under-21 National Championship during the previous week. Nicole Miller and Shauna Rankin-Byrne were members of Team USA during the four-squad tournament. TeamUSA.org has more information on the event:
Results: U21 & Futures Elite Championships
Teams: U21 Championship
Keep up-to-date with everything UMass field hockey through UMassAthletics.com.
Former UMass women's basketball star Tamara Tatham (2003-07) was selected by Canada Senior Women's National Team head coach Lisa Thomaidis to compete in a three-game series against Brazil at the Edmonton International Grads Classic from June 26-28. Frank Juzenas of the Brampton Guardian spoke with Tatham and Thomaidis ahead of the tournament to discuss Tatham's role and importance on the team.
"BRAMPTON-- Lisa Thomaidis can't help but rave about the play of Tamara Tatham.
The coach of Canada's senior women's basketball team is counting on Brampton's Tatham to once again play a big role as Canada continues its preparations for the women's world championship in Turkey later this year. Those preparations include a three-game exhibition series with Brazil this week in Edmonton..."
The conclusion of Juzenas' story is available through the Brampton Guardian website. More on UMass women's basketball can be found through UMassAthletics.com.
Soon-to-be UMass men's lacrosse freshman Peter Lindley was a key component in Darien High School Varsity Boy's Lacrosse recording a 23-0 season and Connecticut State Championship in 2014. For the team's success, Inside Lacrosse recently ranked Darien No. 5 in the final national poll of the 2014 season.
Lindley provided four goals and an assist in the 2014 FCIAC Boys Lacrosse Championship en route to being named the championship game MVP as Darien won its 13th title in program history. He has also been awarded All-FCIAC First Team in 2014 after he provided 63 goals and 19 assists to earn all-America honors.
Read more on the Inside Lacrosse Top-25 Power Rankings through IL's website here. Keep up-to-date with the Minutemen through UMassAthletics.com.
University of Massachusetts graduate and former Minutewomen standout Hannah Prince (2010-13) was selected as one of 30 athletes for the United States Field Hockey National Team on Wednesday. Mike Lowe with the Portland Press Herald caught up with Prince to talk about her reaction to the selection and what she expects from the experience.
"Hannah Prince, a 2010 graduate of Gorham High School, has been selected to the U.S. women's national field hockey team.
Prince, who graduated from the University of Massachusetts this spring, will report to the national training center in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to begin workouts. The national team represents the U.S. in the Olympics, but Prince said the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro are far from her mind right now..."
Read the conclusion of Lowe's story through the Portland Press Herald website here. More on UMass field hockey is available on UMassAthletics.com.
Recent UMass baseball graduate and 2014 draft pick of the Washington Nationals, DJ Jauss,was assigned to the Gulf Coast League Nationals late last week and made his professional debut for the GCL Nationals over the weekend.
Congratulations again to former UMass hockey netminder Jonathan Quick, who was officially presented with the William M. Jennings Trophy on Tuesday evening at the 2014 NHL Awards, though he was not in attendance to receive it after recently undergoing wrist surgery.
Quick and the Los Angeles Kings were announced as the winners of the Jennings Trophy back in mid-April upon the conclusion of the NHL's regular season schedule. The William M. Jennings Trophy is presented annually to the goalkeeper(s) having played a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against it. Quick is the first in franchise history for the L.A. Kings to win the trophy.
The UMass Sports Network was on hand this past Monday as the first load of new equipment for the weight room was delivered to the UMass Football Performance Center.
Much of the building is now complete with shipments of equipment, furniture and graphics expected to be delivered and installed within the next week.
The team is expected to begin moving in to use the lower part of the building during the first week of July.
Best wishes to former UMass hockey goaltender, recent Stanley Cup winner Jonathan Quick as he recovers from surgery on an injured wrist. After the news broke yesterday afternoon, ESPN and NHL.com had coverage:
NHL.com: Kings goalie Quick has surgery on injured wrist
ESPN: Jonathan Quick has surgery
UMass basketball head coach Derek Kellogg will be the featured guest at Thursday's Valley Blue Sox game when he throws out the first pitch. The Blue Sox will be hosting the Plymouth Pilgrims with a 6:30 p.m. start at Mackenzie Stadium (500 Beech Street, Holyoke, Mass.).
This will be the first-ever first pitch opportunity for the right hander from Springfield.
After a pair of strong seasons with Greek power Panathinaikos, former UMass basketball star Stephane Lasme (@Slasme) will take his talents to Turkey, where he has signed a 2-year contract with Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfes) in Istanbul. The link on the team site wasn't working this morning so here's what was written on the EuroBasket site.
A big welcome to our new player Stephane Lasme!
-- Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfes) June 22, 2014 Basarili oyuncu Stephane Lasme artik Anadolu Efes'te! Takimimiza hos geldin Stephane! http://t.co/ZiBqBkxnPu pic.twitter.com/43CNC9HUgw
-- Anadolu Efes SK (@AnadoluEfes) June 22, 2014 Four UMass men's lacrosse alumni were in action again this weekend during a pair of Major League Lacrosse contests. Big performances on attack by two of them helped Rochester earn sole possession of second place and Boston push back to .500 entering the all-star break. Check out more below:
Kevin Leveille (2000-03) got the weekend going for former Minutemen in Major League Lacrosse with five points as the Rochester Rattlers defeated the Florida Launch to claim sole ownership of second place in MLL. Leveille scored his first goal of the evening to put the Rattlers ahead, 9-8 in the second before he added three points (1 G, 2 A) during the third quarter to give Rochester a 14-11 advantage entering the fourth.
Three Minutemen faced off as Ohio challenged Boston and forced overtime before 2012 UMass graduate Will Manny (2010-13) ended the game in overtime with one of his five goals. Manny, who finished with six points in total, scored twice in the first quarter before he added two more points on a goal and assist in the second. He added another goal in the fourth quarter to extend the Cannons lead to 13-9, but a late Ohio rally forced his overtime heroics.
Jack Reid (2003-06), who recently joined the fight against childhood cancer with the St. Baldrick's Foundation, was on defense for Boston during the win but did not record statistics. Another UMass grad, Jim Connolly (2006-07, '09) saw time on attack for Ohio without recording statistics.
All the latest news on MLL is available through MajorLeagueLacrosse.com. More on the Minutemen can be found on UMassAthletics.com.
Play was completed at the 2014 Field Hockey Women's National Championship Saturday, with USA-Eagle securing the title over USA-Freedom with a 2-1 shootout decision following a 1-1 tie through regulation. The U21 squad also defeated USA-Blue in a shootout, 3-1 after tying 4-4 in regulation action to earn third. USA-Red outpaced USA-Patriots, 3-2 for fifth while USA-White defeated USA-Courage, 4-3 for seventh. More on each Minutewoman who competed is below.
Renee Suter started in the midfield for USA-Eagle to help the squad earn the right to celebrate as the top finishers at the 2014 Women's National Championship. She helped lead her team against former teammate Alexa Sikalis, who started in the midfield for USA-Freedom.
Izzie Delario scored another goal for the U21 team, pushing the early lead to 2-0 with her strike in the 26th minute. Her tally helped the U21 side edge USA-Blue, who was led at the tournament by UMass head coach Carla Tagliente.
USA-Red, which featured former Minutewoman Kim Young and rising-junior Sam Carlino edged USA-Patriots and rising-sophomore Hailey Cockrum. Young and Cockrum both earned starts in the finale for both sides.
Hannah Prince and Brooke Sabia appeared in the starting lineup for USA-White and spurred the squad on to its one-goal win over USA-Courage, the only squad in the eight-team tournament that did not feature a connection to UMass field hockey.
More on UMass field hockey is available on UMassAthletics.com. Additional information on the 2014 Women's National Championship as well as updated on the U.S. National Team are available through TeamUSA.org.
Erika Lambert of the blog www.CoachMomInc.com has a feature story on UMass Athletics Associate AD of Student-Athlete Services Joan Hopkins who talks about working in the college profession as a mother who has been a coach and now an administrator.
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican looks at the final attendance results of NCAA basketball from this past season. With an increase of 1,289 fans per home game at the Mullins Center, UMass had the 10th best increase in attendance nationally. With an average of 6,544 fans per home game, UMass ranked 77th nationally in home attendance, 4th in the Atlantic 10, and posted its best figure since the 1998-99 season.
Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com has a feature story on Victor Cruz who is now the longest tenured wide receiver for the New York Giants. The fan-favorite Cruz says he still has a lot of improvement possible and that is his goal each year. Stapleton also writes that Cruz is now one of the players that the Giants are looking to for leadership among players.
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a story on Trey Duley-Giles and Tajae Sharpe being named to the Athlon Sports All-MAC preseason teams last Thursday. Dudley-Giles was named the second-team punt and kick returner, while Sharpe was named to the third-team offense as a wide receiver.
UMass men's lacrosse alumni Jack Reid and five of his fellow Boston Cannons have joined the fight against childhood cancer as they will go head-to-head to see who can raise the most money for the St. Baldrick's Foundation.
Reid, alongside teammates Matt Smalley, Jordan Burke, Brodie Merrill and Eric Hagarty and Cannons head coach John Tucker, are asking friends, family and fans to support the volunteer-driven charity dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research by making a donation on their personal fundraising pages.
Become involved in the fundraiser through Reid's page on the St. Baldrick's website here.
Below is a quote from Reid on why he joined with the St. Baldrick's Foundation and its fight against childhood cancer:
"My teammates and I are excited to officially kick off this head-to-head challenge. All of us have been impacted by cancer in some way, and Matt is a cancer survivor himself. We believe no child should have to endure the painful treatments that come with a cancer diagnosis, and hope this challenge will not only raise funds for St. Baldrick's, but will call attention to the critical need for funding childhood cancer research and encourage others to get involved."
The complete release is available on the Boston Cannons website. More on UMass men's lacrosse can be found on UMassAthletics.com.
After a day off to give the players rest, competition at the 2014 Women's National Championship continued on Friday, with all eight current or former Minutewomen in action again.
NFHCA All-Region and A-10 All-Conference standout Kim Young had the only goal as USA-Red defeated USA-Courage, 1-0. Rising-junior Sam Carlino, who has nine shutouts among her 33 wins at UMass, was the starting goalie responsible for blanks USA-Courage.
Renee Suter, who will start her senior year in 2014, started in the midfield and helped USA-Eagle to a 1-0 victory over the U21 squad and rising-sophomore Izzie Delario.
Alexa Sikalis, who graduated with the fourth-most assists in UMass history (31), started in the midfield for USA-Freedom against her former coach and the current leader of Massachusetts field hockey and the USA-Blue squad Carla Tagliente. USA-Freedom won the contest, 4-0.
USA-Patriots defeated USA-white, 2-1 with the help of rising-sophomore Hailey Cockrum, who rotated into the lineup in the fourth minute of play. Cockrum's squad outmatched a pair of Minutewomen in rising-junior Brooke Sabia and 2014 graduate Hannah Prince.
Saturday, June 21 is the final day of games at the 2014 Women's National Championship. USA-Freedom and USA-Eagle play for the top spot while the U21 team and USA-Blue battle in the bronze medal game. USA-Red and USA-Patriots face off in the 5th-6th place game while USA-White and USA-Courage will battle it out for the seven and eight spots.
More on the Women's National Championship is available on TeamUSA.org. Check out the latest news on UMass field hockey through UMassAthletics.com.
The 2014 edition of the U.S. Women's National Championship continued with its third day of action on Wednesday, June 18. Again, eight current and former Minutewomen competed as hopefuls for the 2014-15 United States Women's National Team.
Izzie Delario tallied her second goal of the tournament to help the U21 Team get by the USA-Red squad, 3-1. With U21 up one goal late, Delario iced the contest with her tally in the 60th minute to seal the win over USA-Red, which includes former UMass standout Kim Young and rising-junior Sam Carlino on its roster. The win improved the U21 team to 2-0-1 overall - good for second place with seven points through three days of competition.
USA-Blue and USA-White fought to a 1-1 tie through regulation. Former Minutewoman standout Hannah Prince and rising-junior Brooke Sabia compete for USA-White (1-1-1 overall, 4 points) while current UMass head coach Carla Tagliente guides USA-Blue (1-0-2, 5 points) on the sidelines.
Hailey Cockrum and the USA-Patriots squad cut a two-goal, second half deficit to one in the 41st minute, but was unable to complete the comeback against USA-Courage. The loss dropped USA-Patriots to 0-3-0 while USA-Courage improved to 1-2-0.
Alexa Sikalis and the USA-Freedom team blanked Renee Suter and USA-Eagle, 2-0 to run the squad's record to 3-0-0 while Sikalis' side has yet to allow a goal during competition at the Women's National Championship. USA-Freedom owns nine points to hold down first place in the eight-team tournament while the USA-Eagle squad is 2-1-0, good for third with six points.
Schedules, team rosters and results from the Women's National Championship are available on TeamUSA.org. More from UMass field hockey can be found through UMassAthletics.com.
Dan Malone has a second story on UMass football head coach Mark Whipple from his guest appearance on the SiriusXM show College Football Playbook on Wednesday afternoon. Whipple talks about the excitement in the Western Mass community and among the players and staff as games will return to McGuirk Stadium this season as construction of the new press box and football performance center will be complete.
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a feature today on Mark Whipple who was a guest on SiriusXM's College Football Playbook on Wednesday afternoon. Malone writes about some of the major improvements around the UMass campus, not just in athletics, that made returning as head coach very appealing to him.
USA Today has compiled a list of the top 20 point guards available for the upcoming NBA Draft with UMass' Chaz Williams being among the group. Williams has been working out for several teams over the last few weeks in hopes of improving his draft stock or earning a spot on a team as a free agent.
20. Chaz Williams, Massachusetts
- Overall rank: 99.
- Height: 5-9. Weight: 175.
- Year: Senior
- 2013-14 statistics: 15.8 ppg, 7.0 apg, 1.5 spg
- Comments: Williams is speedy and crafty and averaged more than six assists in three seasons at Massachusetts after starting his college career at Hofstra. He can score from all three levels. But at 5-9 he probably will have to take the longer approach and make a team as a free agent.
- Projection: Undrafted.
Former UMass football standout tight end Rob Blanchflower is mentioned in a story on Steelers.com about the programming provided for Pittsburgh's rookies which helps acclimate them to the franchise as well as the NFL. Part of the programming includes guest speakers on finance and professionalism as an NFL employee. Rookies also do work in the community, learn other life lessons and are given advice and guidance on how to make the most of their opportunities outside of football.
"Anyone that leaves college and has to go to the real world to a job has to deal with a lot of things they didn't have to deal with growing up," said tight end Robert Blanchflower, the team's seventh-round draft pick. "It's like taking Finance 101 and Life Skills 101. I think the biggest thing to all of us were taxes. When you are a student you aren't dealing with that. I don't think anyone realized how serious that was. But setting up for the future, a 401K and financial advisors, most things 22-years old right out of college don't always have to deal with.
"There is a great support system here. We learn a lot about finances and being responsible so there is no negative feedback on the program, ourselves or our families. Being aware of things that are out there and getting educated helps with the learning curve and the process of maturing and getting into the professional workplace."
"Talking to other friends on other teams, they aren't as thorough as they are here," said Blanchflower. "It's a blessing they take the time out to get the resources to help us."
It was announced on Wednesday that UMass women's lacrosse head coach Angela McMahon will serve as the head coach of the Italian National Team which will take part in the FIL World Cup in 2017. McMahon and her husband, Justin Serpone, will serve as co-head coaches of the first-ever Italian national squad.
Republican: Young, but promising @UMassFootball offensive line looks to continue improvement in 2014
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a story looking at the UMass football offensive line which lost several key components to graduation last year in Anthony Dima, David Osei and Vincent Westcarr - each of whom started nearly every game in 2013. UMass improved its rushing average and sacks allowed total last season compared to 2012 which was the Minutemen's first season at the FBS level.
Recent UMass guard Chaz Williams was invited to workout for the Golden State Warriors on Saturday. Following the practice, the Brooklyn native sat down with Warriors TV where he discussed his game and his busy schedule.
He followed the Golden State event with tryouts in Milwaukee on Sunday and Cleveland on Wednesday. The NBA Draft is Thursday, June 26. Some of those not selected will be invited to participate in the Samsung NBA Summer League, July 11-21 in Las Vegas.
Action continued at the U.S. Field Hockey Women's National Championship on Tuesday with day No. 2 of competition for the eight current and former Minutewomen playing. Check out how each did:
The USA-White Team, including Hannah Prince and Brooke Sabia, defeated Sam Carlino and Kim Young, who compete for USA-Red, 2-1. Carlino, Prince and Sabia all started for their respective teams while Young entered the fray off the bench in the ninth minute of competition.
Carla Tagliente's USA-Blue Team and Pam Bustin's U21 squad played through full time tied at 1-1. The U21 group, which includes Izzie Delario, scored first in the 39th minute before USA-Blue answered in the 58th.
Alexa Sikalis and the USA-Freedom Team shut out USA-Courage, 3-0. Sikalis earned the start in the midfield for USA-Freedom and is wearing jersey No. 4 for the tournament.
The USA-Patriots Team featuring Hailey Cockrum dropped a 3-0 decision to Renee Suter and the USA-Eagles. Cockrum rotated into the lineup during the fifth minute while Suter was tabbed a starter.
More on the Women's National Championship can be found on TeamUSA.org. The most up-to-date information on UMass field hockey is available through UMassAthletics.com.
Eight current or former UMass field hockey student-athletes began competition at the 2014 U.S. Women's National Championship on Monday. The event serves as a proving-ground for potential members of the 2014-15 United States Women's National Team, with U.S. head coach Craig Parnham and the Women's National Team High Performance Staff on-site to evaluate competitors.
Izzie Delario and the U21 Team defeated USA-White, 6-1, as Delario tallied once to support her team and help the U21 Team out-match a pair of Delario's UMass teammates in Hannah Prince and Brooke Sabia.
Four-year standout and 2013 NFHCA All-American Alexa Sikalis helped lead Team Freedom to an 8-0 victory over Team Patriots and rising-sophomore Hailey Cockrum.
Current UMass head coach Carla Tagliente guided USA-Blue to a 6-2 win over USA-Red, which featured rising-junior Sam Carlino and former Minutewoman Kim Young.
Renee Suter, a 2014 team captain for Massachusetts, helped lead Team Eagles to a shutout of Team Courage, 3-0.
Additional ties to UMass field hockey abound at the event as Pam Bustin, a star on the pitch at UMass from 1985-88, serves as the head coach of the U21 team and former head coach Justine Sowry leads Team Patriots.
More information on the 2014 Women's National Championship is available through TeamUSA.org. Keep up-to-date with everything UMass field hockey through UMassAthletics.com.
The Massachusetts men's and women's basketball programs spent a couple of hours conducting a youth clinic at Belchertown High School to benefit Jessica's Boundless Playground.
More than 100 area children from across western Mass. participated in various individual drill stations and overall camp games during the event, before enjoying a pizza party to wrap up the night's activities.
Having a great time at our clinic in belchertown #givingback #community pic.twitter.com/vcX30AuHz6
-- UMass Women's Hoops (@UMassWBB) June 16, 2014 Post clinic & pizza autograph session. pic.twitter.com/I4iZpVHPuX
-- UMass Basketball (@UMassBasketball) June 17, 2014 University of Massachusetts men's lacrosse incoming freshman Peter Lindley helped the Darien (CT) High School boys lacrosse team secure a perfect season (23-0 overall) with its 10-8 victory over New Canaan in the Connecticut Class M Championship on Saturday.
Andrew Callahan with the Stamford Advocate has a recap of the day's action, during which Lindley assisted on two Darien goals, for fans:
NORWALK -- For all the superlatives that have been aptly used to describe the Darien boys lacrosse team this spring-- deep, talented, explosive and well-coached-- there is now only one that can define the Blue Wave.
Perfect.
Following a 10-8 victory over rival New Canaan in the Class M championship Saturday, Darien placed itself among the all-time great teams by registering an undefeated season at 23-0. Seven different Blue Wave players scored in the title game, including Ian Burgoyne and Jack Kniffin, who combined for five goals. Rams attack Michael Kraus notched the game's lone hat trick via a fourth-quarter score that helped spur a late comeback, which fell short.
With the win, Darien topped New Canaan (17-5) for the third time in as many meetings this season and clinched the tenth state title in program history...
Read the conclusion of Callahan's story through the Stamford Advocate's website here. More on UMass men's lacrosse can be foun through UMassAthletics.com.
Former UMass softball player Davina Hernandez (2006-09) led Southington (Conn.) High School to the Class LL State Championship over the weekend. The top-seeded Blue Knights finished 24-0 in Hernandez's first season as the head coach.
Carolos Monarrez of the Detroit Free Press has a story featuring James Ihedibgo who talks about the new attitude of the Detroit Lions' defense. Ihedigbo joined the Lions in the offseason with his former defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.
On the heels of the Los Angeles Kings winning their second Stanley Cup in the past three seasons over the weekend, Chris Foster of the Los Angeles Times takes a look at what has made former UMass netminder, current King, Jonathan Quick so successful.
Read: Los Angeles Times: Kings' Jonathan Quick sets new standard in goal
A trio of soon-to-be Minutemen in Buddy Carr, Jake Lisauskas and Dom St. Laurent were picked to the New Hampshire Division I Boys Lacrosse All-State First Team. In addition to the trio being picked for all-state, Carr and St. Laurent shared the Co-Offensive Player of the Year Award.
St. Laurent competed for Bishop Guertin, which won the Division I New Hampshire Boys Lacrosse Championship over Lisauskas' Pinkerton squad. Carr played scholastically at Exeter, which fell to Pinkerton in the semifinals of the state tournament despite two tallies from the UMass signee.
The UMass incoming freahmen 2014 New Hampshire Division I Boys Lacrosse All-State Players of the Year and First Team are listed below:
Co-Offensive Players of the Year
Dom St. Laurent, Bishop Guertin
Buddy Carr, Exeter
First Team
Buddy Carr, A, Exeter
Jake Lisauskas, M, Pinkerton
Dom St. Laurent, M, Bishop Guertin
You can also view the complete list of New Hampshire Boys Lacrosse All-State honorees through the Concord Monitor website here. More on UMass men's lacrosse can be found on UMassAthletics.com.
Three former University of Massachusetts men's lacrosse standouts were active during the seventh week of the Major League Lacrosse season as Jim Connolly (2006-07, '09), Kevin Leveille (2000-03) and Will Manny (2010-13) combined to earn four points for the Ohio Machine, Rochester Rattlers and Boston Cannons, respectively. Check out how each did individually below:
Connolly did not record statistics but rotated into the lineup for Ohio's attack as the Machine earned a comeback win over Leveille's Rattlers, 18-13 on Saturday. The appearance marked Connolly's second of the year for Ohio and first since a win at Charlotte on April 26 as the squad is 2-0 with Connolly in the lineup.
Leveille scored one goal as Rochester battled with Ohio in a 18-13 loss to the Machine. Leveille scored career tally No. 272, adding to his league record, to make it 5-2 in favor of Rochester, but a seven goal third quarter for Ohio erased the Rattlers lead and led the Machine to victory.
Photos: Rochester vs. Ohio
Manny assisted on three Boston goals, but the Cannons suffered a 16-15 loss on the road at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial to the Chesapeake Bayhawks on Saturday. Manny helped get the offense rolling with an assist on Boston's first goal before he added helpers to tie the game at 7-7 and 13-13; however, Chesapeake scored three of the final four goals to earn the win.
Photos: Boston vs. Chesapeake
More coverage of MLL is available on MajorLeagueLacrosse.com. More on UMass men's lacrosse can be found on UMassAthletics.com.
Congratulations to former UMass hockey goaltender Jonathan Quick who backstopped the Los Angeles Kings to their second Stanley Cup with a 3-2 double overtime win in Game Five to clinch the series against the New York Rangers.
A sampling of the coverage:
CBS Connecticut: Hamden's Quick, Kings Beat Rangers In 2OT, Win Stanley Cup
Orange County Register: Quick closes uneven season on a high for Kings
AP: Kings win Stanley Cup on goal in second overtime
Toronto Sun: Kings edge Rangers in unforgettable Cup finale
USRowing announced its selections for a multitude of summer national program camps recently, with UMass rowing incoming freshman Kelsey Anderson named to the U.S. Junior National Team Sweeps Camp. Anderson was one of only 33 invited to the camp.
Check out more on the announcement and all the summer camp selections through USRowing.com. Information on the UMass rowing program is available through UMassAthletics.com.
Eagle-Tribune reporter Christopher Smith covered the New Hampshire Boy's Lacrosse Division I Title Game featuring Bishop Guertin's Dom St. Laurent and Pinkerton's Jake Lisauskas, both of which will be competing for the Minutemen in 2014-15.
Bishop Guertin and St. Laurent earned its fifth straight title with a 10-6 win over Lisauskas and Pinkerton. Both UMass signees had a goal and assist in the contest.
Read more on the game courtesy of Smith and the Eagle-Tribune below:
BEDFORD, N.H. -- Pinkerton senior Jake Lisauskas will play lacrosse at UMass Amherst next year with Bishop Guertin senior Dom St. Laurent.
But the two certainly were not teammates yesterday.
"We played a lot in the summer (for the New Hampshire Tomahawks) so we're pretty close," Lisauskas said. "I text him occasionally but definitely not before this one."
The Division 1 title game last night at Bedford High was the "this one" Lisauskas is referencing.
Lisauskas and second-seeded Pinkerton gave their best effort, but it was St. Laurent and top-seeded Bishop Guertin prevailing yet again...
The completion of the article is available on the Eagle-Tribune website here. News on the Minutemen can be found through UMassAthletics.com.
ESPN Boston reporter Scott Barboza announced the Eastern Massachusetts Boys Lacrosse All-Americans during the previous week, with a pair of UMass men's lacrosse signees included in Mike Elcock and Luc Valenza.
Elcock is a long-stick midfielder and defenseman from Needham High School and Valenza played close defense for Foxborough.
Here is the complete list courtesy of the UMass Boston High School Sports Blog:
The Eastern Mass. Lacrosse Coaches Association announced its All-Americans on Sunday.
Here's a look at the honorees, courtesy of Andover head coach Wayne Puglisi:
First Team
Grant Gregory, A, Dover-Sherborn
Hunter Arnold, A, Acton-Boxborough
Jay Drapeau, A, Westford Academy
Ryan Hesseltine, A, Westford Academy
Jack Wheeler, M, Xaverian
Mike Panepinto, M, Needham
Matt Dziama, M, Wellesley
Greg Roder, M, Lincoln-Sudbury
J.T. Kelly, M, Acton-Boxborough
John MacLean, M, Medfield
Cody Mosgrove, D, Needham
Liam Stauss, D, Duxbury
Jack Ulrich, D, Hingham
John Sexton, D/LSM, Lincoln-Sudbury
Nick Marrocco, G, Duxbury
Robert Treiber, G, Medfield
Brian Bissell, M-FO, Medfield
Second Team
Colin Whelan, A, Cohasset
Bailey Laidman, A, Dover-Sherborn
Travis Reid, A, Bridgewater-Raynham
Danny Farrell, A, Norwood
Matt Crowell, M, Medfield
Trevor O'Brien, M, Duxbury
Caleb Brodie, M, Hingham
Jeff Trainor, M, Billerica
Blake Frasca, LSM, Medfield
Tim Gillis, D, Cohasset
Rogers Boylan, D, Dover-Sherborn
Chris Ciolfi, D, Xaverian
Austin Wolfe, D, Acton-Boxborough
Luc Valenza, D, Foxborough
Mike Elcock, D, Needham
Matt Barker, D, Lincoln-Sudbury
Alex Surette, G, Melrose
The article is also available through ESPN.com. More on UMass men's lacrosse is available through UMassAthletics.com.
One win away from his second title, former UMass hockey All-American Jonathan Quick and the Los Angeles Kings will be looking to raise the Stanley Cup on home ice tonight (8 p.m., Eastern - NBC).
In 2012 Quick was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP and Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun makes a case for Quick being one of five Kings worthy of the honor this season:
Josh Katzenztein of the Detroit News has a story on the Detroit Lions as the prepare for a month off during the off-season. In the story, he mentions the leadership role UMass' James Ihedigbo has taken as a veteran member of the defense.
"Be smart, take care of your bodies, take care of your family and come back ready to win a championship," safety James Ihedigbo said. "The work doesn't stop because you leave. It only progresses, so that's what we're doing."
The 30-year-old Ihedigbo has already assumed a leadership role with his new team after spending the past two years with the Baltimore Ravens. And even though he's one of the vocal leaders of the defense, he didn't feel much need to remind younger players how to behave during their break.
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a story on UMass' announcement on the changing of sidelines at McGuirk Stadium starting this fall. UMass will now use the East side of the stadium as the Home Side, while the West side (press box) will become the visiting sideline.
A letter was sent last week to season ticket holders explaining the move and giving them the option to switch or keep their longtime seats if desired.
Two members of the UMass baseball squad had a stellar evening last night playing summer ball for the Nashua Silver Knights of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL). A-10 Rookie of the Year Mike Geannelis pitched seven no-hit innings and struck out nine to carry the Nashua Silver Knights to an 11-0 victory over the Wachusett Dirt Dawgs. At the plate for Nashua, fellow Minuteman Brandon Walsh went 3-4, drove in one and scored two runs. He singled in the second innings and homered in the fifth inning.
Over the last several days, UMass Director of Athletics John McCutcheon has spoken to several reporters on the conference search for UMass football, how the transition has been progressing over the last several years, and his overall assessment of the program.
In a lengthy interview with Ron Chimelis of the Springfield Republican on Wednesday, McCutcheon said he sees many aspects of growth to remain positive about including attendance growth and having games back at McGuirk Stadium this year.
Congratulations to former UMass hockey captain Matt Anderson who has signed with KHL Medvescak Zagreb for the 2014-15 season. Anderson played his first season in KHL in 2013-14 and totaled 20 points (11 goals, nine assists) in 54 games with Moscow Spartak.
Click here to read the full release on Anderson from KHL Medvescak Zagreb's site
College Hockey Inc., has pointed out that, with another win, former Minuteman Jonathan Quick will join an elite group of former college hockey players:
With a win, Greene, Martinez, Mitchell & Quick would join 39 NCAA alums who have won the Stanley Cup multiple times http://t.co/aAmKdQQWV3
-- College Hockey, Inc. (@collegehockey) June 11, 2014 Click here for the full list of NCAA alums who have won the Stanley Cup from College Hockey Inc.
University of Massachusetts men's lacrosse alum Kevin Leveille (2000-03) was awarded the Major League Lacrosse Warrior Offensive Player of the Week Award on Tuesday after the Rochester Rattlers veteran broke the MLL record for career goals scored against Chesapeake during an 8-7 double-overtime victory.
"Major League Lacrosse, the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, announced Week 6's Warrior Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week and the Cascade Rookie of the Week today. This week, Kevin Leveille was awarded honors for his offensive efforts in helping the Rochester Rattlers defeat the Chesapeake Bayhawks in double overtime.
Leveille did more than merely help his team defeat the reigning Steinfeld Trophy champions; he led the Rochester Rattlers to an 8-7 victory over the Bayhawks with a hat trick in a game that went into double overtime--the first ever extra-extra time game in Major League Lacrosse history. That's not the only fashion in which the Thursday game was historical, though. Leveille not only earned a hat trick that evening, he also netted the game winning goal on the man-advantage for his second power play goal on the game. In doing so, he was able to earn the number one spot in all-time goals, overtaking predecessor Tim Goettleman now with 271. The two top-shooters are now tied for career game winning goals at 14..."
Read the rest of the release through the Rochester Rattlers website. More on UMass men's lacrosse is available on UMassAthletics.com.
UMass Hall of Famer, former Minutewoman, World Cup and U.S. Olympic goalkeeper Briana Scurry, now retired from soccer spends much of her time as a motivational speaker. She recently visited St. Mary's County in Maryland to share her story at the 21st century end of the school year picnic at Lexington Park Elementary School. AJ Mason had coverage of the visit for SoMdNews.com:
Read: Former World Cup, Olympic goalkeeper Scurry inspires area youth
The NHL posted this cool video as the Net Cam caught one of Jonathan Quick's saves against Mats Zuccarello of the Rangers during the Stanley Cup Finals.
Today we have tons more coverage of former UMass All-American Jonathan Quick as he has helped put the L.A. Kings on the verge of a second Stanley Cup championships during his career out west. Quick was nothing short of spectacular on Monday in a 3-0 win over the New York Rangers giving the Kings a 3-0 lead in the series which resumes tonight at 8 PM in Madison Square Garden.
Former UMass netminder Jonathan Quick is now just one win away from his second Stanley Cup ring after shutting out the New York Rangers, 3-0 in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final last night at Madison Square Garden. Here is a sampling of the news coverage:
ESPN: Quick Makes Greatness Look Ordinary
YahooSports.com: Kings goalie Jonathan Quick makes memorable debut at MSG in Stanley Cup Final
USA Today: Jonathan Quick comes up big for Kings
FoxSports.com: Quick Goes Beast Mode As Kings Inch Towards Crown
The staff at Inside Lacrosse gave UMass men's lacrosse alum and current Rochester Rattlers attackman Kevin Leveille (2000-03) a nod in their weekly "Winners & Losers" piece. Check it out:
John Jiloty (@jjiloty)
Kevin Leveille -- Congrats to arguably the game's most humble player for breaking MLL's all-time goals record. The UMass grad and 10-year MLL veteran scored his 271st career pro outdoor goal in dramatic fashion over the weekend, giving the Rattlers a double-overtime win over Chesapeake. Few in the game are as effective getting the ball in the goal as Leveille. He was snubbed from the last U.S. Team in 2010, and is back in the mix for this year's squad for Denver. Here's to him giving Team USA a dangerous inside finishing threat at the World Championships.
Matt Kinnear (@MattKinnear)
MLL Records -- The vets just can't be stopped in Major League Lacrosse. Kevin Leveille broke the all-time goals record in a double-overtime win late last week. Casey Powell and Ryan Boyle are one-upping each other with the all-time points record, and then the Outlaws' regular-season winning streak came to an end this weekend. Earlier in the year, Jesse Schwartzman set the wins record. With Leveille, Powell, Boyle and other vets like John Grant Jr. still tearing up the league, let's enjoy it and appreciate all these guys have done for the league.
Read all of this week's winners & losers through the Inside Lacrosse website. More on the Minutemen can be found on UMassAthletics.com.
It was a successful weekend for University of Massachusetts men's lacrosse alumni competing in Major League Lacrosse as all three Minutemen active in their respective team's games helped earn a win!
Kevin Leveille (2000-03) led Rochester to an 8-7 win in double-overtime while simultaneously setting the MLL record for most career goals scored. Will Manny (2010-13) had a career-high seven points via four goals and three assists in a 17-16 Boston Cannons victory over the Ohio Machine. Jake Smith (2010-13) was on close defense for Charlotte as the Hounds took down Denver, 18-15 to snap the Outlaw's MLL-record regular season winning streak.
Check out more on each Minuteman in MLL below:
Leveille's hat trick against Chesapeake pushed him in front of Tim Goettelman for most career goals in Major League Lacrosse as Leveille now owns 271. He tied the game at 2-2 before the UMass grad added the final Rochester tally to force overtime and capped the game with a double-overtime strike from close range to seal the win and secure the record. His record-setting performance received additional coverage from MLL and garnered him Player of the Game laurels:
Feature Story: Breaking Records - Leveille's 271 Goals | Molly Shunney, Major League Lacrosse
Postgame Interview: Leveille On 2OT Win And Breaking MLL Goals Record | Major League Lacrosse
Feature Story: USA Hopeful Kevin Leveille More Than Just a Finisher | Sean Burns, Lacrosse Magazine
Recap: Leveille Becomes MLL's All-Time Leading Scorer in OT Win | Lacrosse Magazine
Manny provided timely offense for the Boston Cannons during their 17-16 victory over Ohio with seven points via four goals and three assists. Manny assisted on the first and second tallies of the game for the Cannons before he scored to make it 5-4 at the beginning of the second quarter. He also notched one to push Boston back in front, 6-5 before he later tied it at 14-14 and assisted on the goal that evened play at 16-16 with less than four minutes left in the game.
Smith was on close defense to help Charlotte earned their second victory of the year and snap Denver's 25-game regular season winning streak with an 18-15 decision. During the game, Smith picked up one groundball for the Hounds.
The most up-to-date information on MLL can be found through MajorLeagueLacrosse.com. More on UMass men's lacrosse is available on UMassAthletics.com.
UMass senior right-hander D.J. Jauss was selected in the 29th round of the Major League Baseball Draft on Saturday by the Washington Nationals. Matt Vautour had coverage in today's Daily Hampshire Gazette.
Read: Washington Nationals draft UMass pitcher D.J. Jauss, son of former Red Sox coach Dave Jauss
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a look at the kick-off times and tv assignments which were released by the MAC last week. The Boston College and Colorado games are both set for 3 PM opening kickoffs on ESPN3, while the Bowling Green game at McGuirk Stadium will also kick-off at 3 PM.
Additionally, single-game tickets for Gillette games are on sale from June 6-12 for season ticket holders, while the general public can buy these tickets starting June 13.
Herb Zurkowsky of the Montreal Gazette has a feature on Brandon London as he works this year to bounce back from a disappointing 2013 campaign with the Montreal Alouettes. London finished the year with just 22 receptions for 299 yards in 15 games. That came after a 2012 season where he had 43 catches for 843 yards in 12 games.
Through the opening week of camp, London has been one of the team's best receivers, literally catching everything. Rather than setting goals, he wants to be himself; be consistent. If he takes care of that, London's convinced the numbers will come.
"My teammates know I'm out here, working," he said. "As long as I'm open when that ball comes, make that catch when it comes, everything will take care of itself."
Saba Aziz of the Boston Herald has a profile of Joe Previte who will be a walk-on lineman this fall after having a standout career at Brockton High School before doing a postgraduate year at Northfield Mount Hermon last fall.
University of Massachusetts men's lacrosse alum Kevin Leveille (2000-03) broke the Major League Lacrosse all-time goals record with a hat trick, including the game-winner in double-overtime, as Rochester defeated Chesapeake on Friday, 8-7. Molly Shunney with Major League Lacrosse caught up with Leveille to talk about his 271 goals, being a veteran leader on the Rattlers and his chance to make the Team USA travel roster for the upcoming World Championship.
"The first double overtime in Major League Lacrosse history took place Thursday night in a matchup between the charged Rochester Rattlers and the buckled down Chesapeake Bayhawks. As if the back-and-forth momentum wasn't exciting enough, Rattlers attackman Kevin Leveille earned yet another hat trick, scoring six goals in the last two games.
Let's keep in mind that this was no ordinary hat trick. In a tenacious battle to the finish, Leveille's third goal of the game solidified the Rattlers win and rewrote the record books. Leveille earned the top spot for the MLL All-Time goal scoring record, previously held by Tim Goettelman. With that, he was able to tie Goettelman for All-Time game-winning goals. Currently in his 10th season, Leveille sits at the top of a couple of extremely accomplished lists. In a phone Q&A, we were able to hear a few thoughts from the noteworthy veteran..."
Read the conclusion of Shunney's story through Major League Lacrosse's website. More on UMass men's lacrosse is available on UMassAthletics.com.
Nick Mariano of the UMass men's lacrosse team was named among the top rookie in NCAA Division I by Inside Lacrosse on Friday, taking the No. 14 spot in the final freshman rankings. The first-year attackman led all NCAA Division I rookies in goals per game with 2.23 as he scored 29 during 13 games. Mariano also paced the Minutemen in points with 39 while he also provided 25 groundballs and five caused turnovers.
Check out the entire list through InsideLacrosse.com. More on the Minutemen can be found on UMassAthletics.com.
Rich Hammond and Eric Stephens had a piece on former UMass goaltender Jonathan Quick and his timely saves for the Kings in Wednesday's 3-2 win in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Game 2 is tomorrow night at 7 p.m.
University of Massachusetts men's lacrosse alum Kevin Leveille (2000-03) scored three goals for Major League Lacrosse's Rochester Rattlers, including the game-winner in double-overtime, as the squad defeated the Chesapeake Bayhawks, 8-7 on Friday night. Check out more on Leveille's performance and Rochester's victory through the Major League Lacrosse write-up following the game:
"Rochester Rattlers attackman Kevin Leveille scored the game-winner in the first ever double-overtime game in MLL History, to give the Rattlers (4-2) an 8-7 win over the Chesapeake Bayhawks (1-5) on Thursday night. With the tally, Leveille broke the MLL All-Time Goal scoring record, previously held by Tim Goettelman. The MLL veteran also tied Goettelman for All-Time game-winning-goals with his 14th career game winner..."
Read the conclusion of the release through Major League Lacrosse's website. More on the UMass men's lacrosse program is available on UMassAthletics.com.
Jason Kates of the Daily Collegian spoke with a pair of former UMass basketball players who will participate in The Basketball Tournament, which begins today in Philadelphia.
Two former Massachusetts basketball players will soon return to the court to compete with various former professional and collegiate players for a significant grand prize.
Luke Bonner and Anthony Gurley will both participate in The Basketball Tournament, a 32-team basketball tournament based out of Philadelphia. The tournament, which stretches from June 6-8 with the championship game being held on June 28, is comprised of 32 different teams competing in a single-elimination setup for a $500,000 grand prize.
Read the full article here...
Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story on Chaz Williams and Raphiael Putney as they continue to work out for NBA teams in hopes of being drafted or signing as free agents. The duo have each had several team workouts and say the feedback they have received has been encouraging.
James Crepea of the Montgomery Advertiser has a story on former UMass basketball great and Auburn head coach Tony Barbee who is reportedly in discussions with John Calipari about rejoining his mentor at Kentucky.
"He and I are talking about coming with us, so that's an option for him," Calipari said during last week's SEC Spring Meetings in Destin, Florida. "I know there's some NBA opportunities he may go after and he may take a year. He's got three years to figure out what he wants to do. He'll be a head coach again but I think he'll have options."
Chad Garner of the Fitchburg Sentinel & Enterprise has a profile of all-time UMass great Milt Morin as one of the area's top 25 local athletes.
Deanne Morin says her brother Milt was "outgoing, friendly and funny" off the football field, but on the gridiron, "he was an animal."
Leominster native Milt Morin, who starred at St. Bernard's, was certainly a household name in the area and his burning desire to dominate led him to become a first-round draft pick by the National Football League's Cleveland Browns, where he enjoyed a fantastic, 10-year professional career.
"He was quite an athlete," said Deanne Morin, 67, who resides in Leominster and is one of eight siblings in the Morin family. "He was a busy boy. He played all the sports and he played all the time."
With the announcement of eight walk-on players yesterday, including five from the Bay State, several news outlets carried stories highlighting the newest additions to the football program.
There has been a change to the 2014 UMass women's soccer schedule, which was announced last month. The Minutewomen's home game against Yale, originally scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 14, was canceled due to a scheduling conflict.
UMass has replaced the game with a 1 p.m. road match on that date at Connecticut. It will mark first time the squads have met since 2006.
Former UMass women's soccer coach and UMass Hall of Famer Kalekeni Banda is partnering with the New England Mutiny for a fundraiser for his Banda Bola Sports Foundation. On Saturday, June 7th when the Mutiny will host the Boston Breakers Academy, the team will collect school & sports supplies for the Chituka Village Project located in Nkhata Bay South District, Northern Malawi, Central Africa.
For more information on the event, read the full release on the New England Mutiny's website
The returning members of the UMass women's soccer team put together this welcome video for the squad's incoming freshmen. Check it out:
Matt Vautour caught up with former UMass defenseman Conor Allen for a piece for today's Daily Hampshire Gazette. Allen is currently with the New York Rangers as one of the club's "Black Aces" during their playoff run.
Read: Former UMass hockey player Conor Allen on call for Rangers during Stanley Cup run
The Los Angeles Kings, backstopped by former UMass goaltender Jonathan Quick, begin their quest for a second Stanley Cup in the past three seasons with Game 1 of the final tonight. Lance Pugmire has this piece on Quick in today's Los Angeles Times:
With the Stanley Cup final beginning tonight, Justin Breen of DNAinfo Chicago caught up with former UMass defenseman, Chicago native, Conor Allen. Allen has not dressed, but has been with the New York Rangers during their playoff run as one of the team's "Black Aces".
Read: Conor Allen Soaks in Stanley Cup Atmosphere with Rangers
CSNWashington.com Capitals Insider Chuck Gormley has been evaluating the 2013-14 performance of each player on the Caps roster and today has his evaluation of former Minuteman Casey Wellman:
Former UMass big man Stephane Lasme (@Slasme) scored a game-high 17 points, grabbed nine rebounds and made the game-winning free throws with two seconds left to lift Panathinaikos to a 67-65 win over Olympiakos Sunday and force a decisive game five in the Greek League finals. That game will be played on Wednesday night.
EuroBasket Highlights from game 4 - Lasme is No. 11 in green...
Lasme was also named to the All-Euroleague Second Team last month. He has averaged 10.8 points and 4.9 rebounds this season. Here is the highlight video from Panathinaikos, along with one from Euroleague Basketball below.
@slasme is among the best in @Euroleague 2013-14... And this is why... http://t.co/bW0B84DUe6
-- Panathinaikos BC (@paobcgr) May 17, 2014 All-Euroleague Second Team: @rhsmooth03, @Slasme, @NikolaMirotic12, Viktor Khryapa, Vassilis Spanoulis http://t.co/mJNFVTPyGP
-- EuroleagueBasketball (@Euroleague) May 8, 2014 UMass alum James Ihedigbo is quoted in the Detroit News and NBC Sports on stories focusing on the revamped defense for the Detroit Lions this upcoming season. Ihedigbo played for new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin in Baltimore and says the game plan will focus on being "hard-hitting" and "physical".
Dan Malone of MassLive wrote the following article on what folks took away from Chaz Williams' pre-draft workout with the Boston Celtics on Monday.
In advance of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, several media outlets had coverage of former Minuteman, current Los Angeles Kings' netminder Jonathan Quick:
New York Post: The kid from Connecticut who'll try to shut down the Rangers
Chaz Williams was among a number of guards invited to the Boston Celtics' practice facility in Wharham on Monday. A host of Boston-area media were on hand to watch the group, which also included Semaj Christon (Xavier), Bryce Cotton (Providence), Nick Johnson (Arizona), Russ Smith (Louisville) and Xavier Thames (San Diego State), among others.
NESN's Ben Watanabe (@BenjeeBallgame) posted a brief synopsis of the invitees - his words on Chaz are below...
Chaz Williams, UMass (PG, 5-9, 175) -- His intangibles are off the charts, but so is his stature -- as in, it doesn't reach high enough to make it onto the chart. In a workout filled with undersized players who will have difficulty breaking into the two-round draft, Williams was the smallest in attendance. But the diminutive Minuteman possesses point guard skills many of his competitors lack, averaging better than six assists per game in each of his three seasons in Amherst.
Watanabe also wrote a piece that shows Williams' drive to turn NBA doubters into believers.
Chaz Williams is in the midst of a whirlwind trek back and forth across the country, working out for any NBA teams that will allow him onto their court. And he cherishes every minute.
Whereas many of the top prospects in the 2014 NBA draft can't yank their names out of workouts fast enough, Williams would try out at the local playground if a professional scout were watching. The 5-foot-9 point guard out of UMass knows the odds are stacked against him, which is why he is doing everything he can to be seen.
"As much as possible," Williams said Monday after his latest workout, with the Boston Celtics. "It's 'Chaz Williams, the little guy,' so here's my opportunity to prove to everybody, well, I'm little, but I can compete with the best of them. I just want to get out here and show everybody as much as I can."
No player in college basketball last season was more tenacious than Williams, who averaged 15.6 points and 6.9 assists per game for the Minutemen, the first-round NCAA tournament victim of the Tennessee Volunteers.
Former UMass basketball star Chaz Williams had a workout with the Boston Celtics on Monday. A. Sherrod Blakely (@SherrodbCSN) of Comcast SportsNet New England spoke with Chaz after his recent workout and wrote how the 5-foot-9 guard knows his role at the next level and will embrace any opportunity he is afforded.
The Celtics' Director of Player Personnel Austin Ainge had the following to say about the Brooklyn native...
"Chaz is a special player. He is exciting and great ball handler and had a very good career. The good thing for Chaz is, he is short but he is pretty strong. And he gets into guys and fights."
You can read the entire story here...
Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a story featuring UMass football's selections to the Phil Steele preseason All-MAC squad with Trey Dudley-Giles, Randall Jette, Stanley Andre and Tajae Sharpe all receiving recognition.
CBS Sports.com writer Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) posted a conference catchup piece on the Atlantic 10 for men's basketball.
He mention's Derrick Gordon announcing he was gay as one of the top offseason story lines...
1. Derrick Gordon becomes first active men's D-I player to announce his homosexuality
It's one of the three or four biggest headlines of the offseason, and how often can we say the A-10 contributes that? Big news. Positive news. And you can't help but wonder how this story plays out once the games begin in November (hopefully in the best way). This headline of course reverberated beyond college hoops. And maybe it speaks to the news cycle, how long this offseason can feel, or how accepting -- generally speaking -- society has grown with the subject, but doesn't Gordon's story feel four of five months old? In fact the news broke less than two months ago. Gordon, who averaged 9.4 points and 3.5 rebounds last season, followed in the footsteps of Michael Sam. And his decision to announce he's gay will likely encourage others in the sport to eventually do the same. Gordon will be a junior next season. He'll also likely start and be a key factor in getting UMass back to the NCAA Tournament.
He also summarizes each team in 140 characters or less. Here's what he posted about the Minutemen...
UMass: Gone is the team's best player, Chaz Williams. Minutemen fans got a taste of real success. Next season's team has questions galore but burgeoning talent.
Three former Minutemen made impacts for their respective Major League Lacrosse teams during this weekend's slate of games. Check out how Kevin Leveille (2000-03), Will Manny (2010-13) and Jake Smith (2010-13) performed below:
Leveille provided five points on three goals and two assists as Rochester defeated Florida, 18-11 for the team's third win of the season. Leveille earned his hat trick on only three shots while he also scooped up two groundballs during the win. Leveille is only three goals away from breaking the all-time MLL record for the category as he now owns 262 in 107 career games.
Leveille's game earned his a starring role in the highlight tape from the game. Check it out:
Manny had a multi-goal game with two tallies for Boston, but the Cannons faltered against the New York Lizards, 11-10. Manny tied the game at 6-6 in the third quarter and pushed Boston in front, 9-8 during the fourth, but NY added three of the final four goals to pull off the comeback. It was his second consecutive multi-goal game and third overall during the 2014 season.
Smith earned a pair of groundballs as a member of the Charlotte close defense unit, but the Hounds dropped a close battle with league-leading Denver, 13-11. Smith has at least two groundballs in three of the previous four games in his first full MLL season.
More on Major League Lacrosse is available through the organization's website. MinuteFans can keep up with the men's lacrosse program on UMassAthletics.com.
Andrew Cyr with the Daily Collegian spoke to UMass rowing head coach Jim Dietz about the team's performance at the NCAA Championships, where the Minutewomen competed from Friday, May 30 through Sunday, June 1.
"The Massachusetts rowing team didn't know what to expect when it traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana for the 2014 NCAA Championships.
Although the streets of the city may not have been as crowded as it was when Indianapolis hosted the Super Bowl a few years ago, the sights and sounds were nothing like the Minutewomen had even seen before.
'With the young squad we had, I think it was a lot like a case of taking a little kid to the circus for the first time,' UMass coach Jim Dietz said.
'(Our) eyes were bugged open and they were living the dream,' he added..."
Continue reading Cyr's recap on the Daily Collegian website. More on the rowing program is available on UMassAthletics.com.