University of Massachusets Athletics

blog 2015 02

February 2015 Archives

PREVIEW: Men's Lacrosse vs. Brown

UMass men's lacrosse hosts Brown at McGurik Stadium in Amherst, Massachusetts, for a Saturday afternoon game on Feb 28. First faceoff is set for 1 p.m., and ways to follow along are provided below:

University of Massachusetts Men's Lacrosse Game Notes
Game Four Massachusetts (0-3 overall) vs. [RV/-] Brown (1-0)
Date | Time Saturday, February 28, 2015 | 1:00 p.m.
Location Warren P. McGuirk Alumni Stadium (17,000) | Amherst, Mass.
Live Statistics
Watch UMass All-Access
Listen WMUA 91.1 FM
Series History Brown leads, 27-25-1. Last meeting: #13 Massachusetts 15, Brown 2; March 1, 2014
Game Notes Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | Brown
Team Records Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | Brown
Social Media @UMassAthletics   | @UMassMLacrosse  
Buy Tickets Available through the UMass Athletics Ticket Office

Scouting Brown Men's Lacrosse
Brown men's lacrosse had an up-and-down 2014 season that ended with an 8-6 overall record and stands at 1-0 in 2015 ahead of its Feb. 28 contest at Massachusetts. In 2014, Brown used a midseason three-game winning streak to improve 6-3 overall, but lost three of its last five to fall out of competition for the Ivy League title as the squad dropped consecutive games to Penn, Yale and Cornell before the Bears bounded back to cap the campaign with victories over Bryant and Dartmouth.

Lars Tiffany is in his ninth season leading his alma mater. The 1990 graduate of Brown started on defense for Dom Starsia, now the head coach at Virginia, and is 86-61 overall as a collegiate head coach, including two seasons at Stony Brook.

Dylan Molloy, who had 39 points as a freshman in 2014, scored five goals in Brown's lone game so far in 2015, a 17-6 drubbing of Quinnipiac. Molloy's points and goals (29) totals a year ago led the Bears ahead of the graduated Sam Hurster (34 points, 26 goals) and now-junior Kylor Bellistri (20, 30).

Last Meeting: #13 Massachusetts 15, Brown 2; March 1, 2014
UMass held Brown to just a pair of goals while 11 Minutemen notched at least one point in a 15-2 victory over the Bears at Stevenson Field in Providence, R.I. The game marks the first since the 2001 season that the Minutemen limited an opponent to just two goals. UMass last accomplished the feat against Boston College on March 21, 2001 in a 23-2 win.

Massachusetts scored four consecutive goals in the first quarter and led 4-0 into the final minute of the frame before Kylor Bellistri got one back for Brown with 47 seconds left in the opening stanza. However, Bellistri's goal would be the only one for the Bears until less than seven minutes remained in play.

Grant Whiteway pushed it back to a four-goal advantage in the fifth minute of second quarter and started a streak of 11 consecutive goals by the Minutemen - including 10 scored during even-strength competition. Nick Mariano scored each of his game-leading five goals during the decisive run, which was capped by now-senior Chas Robino's first collegiate score.

More on the Minutemen is available through UMassAthletics.com.

Coverage Of @UMassFootball 2015 Schedule Announcement

The Mid-American Conference announced yesterday the conference dates for the 2015 football season including eight games for the Minutemen. The biggest news of the release was that UMass would have no bye weeks during the season with an official start of Sept. 12. That means all games will be played in a 12 week span and will be on Saturday's with the exception of the season-finale at Buffalo on Black Friday.


GAME DAY INFO: @UMassLacrosse Heads To Holy Cross For Morning Tilt

Coming off Wednesday's 7-2 win at Boston University, the women's lacrosse team concludes its non-conference slate against Bay State teams on Saturday morning at Holy Cross. Live stats and twitter updates via @UMassAthletics will be available to keep up with the action if you can't be there in person. 

Massachusetts (4-0) at Holy Cross (0-3)
 Date  Saturday, February 28 - 11:00 AM (ET) 
 Location  Holy Cross Field  | Worcester, Mass.
 Watch Online  None
 Live Stats   Live Stats
 Twitter Updates   @UMassAthletics



MBB Gameday Preview: Fordham, 2/28/15

In a Saturday afternoon (4 pm) contest at the Mullins Center, UMass will look to snap a 3-game losing streak when Fordham pays a visit to western Mass. The Minutemen are currently tied for fifth in the A-10 standings.

UMass (16-12, 9-6 A-10) vs. Fordham (11-15, 5-9 A-10)
GameInfo Saturday, Feb. 28, 4:00 p.m. ET
Location Amherst, Mass. (Mullins Center)
Tickets   Buy tickets here
Television watch  None
Online Video watch   Atlantic 10 Digital Network ($)
Listen  UMass Sports Network |  Affiliates |  DesktopStream |  MobileTuneIn App
Live Stats gametracker 
Game Notes UMass Game Notes Get Acrobat Reader |  Fordham Game Notes Get Acrobat Reader
Social Media   Game Day Blog  @MassAthletics  @UMassBasketball


On this week's Inside Hockey East podcast, Bernie Corbett spoke with UMass senior goaltender Steve Mastalerz, who was named the Hockey East Co-Defensive Player of the Week earlier this week. The interview with Mastalerz begins around the 8:45 mark in the podcast.

Listen: Inside Hockey East podcast 2/27

PREVIEW: Women's Basketball at Dayton

One more regular season road trip for UMass women's basketball - the Minutewomen are at Dayton for a Thursday, Feb. 26 game set to tip off at 7 p.m.

University of Massachusetts Women's Basketball Game Notes
Game 27 Massachusetts (10-16 Overall, 4-10 Atlantic 10) at Dayton (21-5, 12-2)
Date | Time Thursday, February 26, 2015 | 7:00 p.m.
Location UD Arena (13,435) | Dayton, Ohio
Live Statistics Sidearm Sports (provided by Dayton)
Watch Atlantic 10 Digital Network (provided by Dayton)
Radio Broadcast WMUA 91.1 FM | Available on mobile devices through TuneIn Radio app
Series History Dayton leads, 11-10. Last meeting: Dayton 81, Massachusetts 67; Jan. 22, 2014
Game Notes Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | Dayton Get Acrobat Reader
Team Records Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | Dayton Get Acrobat Reader
Social Media @UMassAthletics   | @UMassWBB  
Buy Tickets Available through Dayton Ticket Office

Scouting Dayton Women's Basketball
Dayton holds a 21-5 record and 12-2 mark in A-10 games entering competition against UMass after the Flyers rebounded from a slow start to win 18 of the last 20. The two losses in that frame came against league-leader George Washington.

Jim Jabir, who is in his 12th season at Dayton and 28th as a collegiate head coach overall, has turned Dayton women's basketball into a mid-major powerhouse during the last eight seasons. The squad went a combined 44-72 in his first four years with the program from 2003-04 through 2006-07, a .379 win percentage. Since then, the Flyers are 216-66 overall (.766 win percentage) with at least 20 victories in each season, five NCAA Tournament appearances and two berths into the WNIT.

Andrea Hoover leads the squad in scoring for the third consecutive season and is tied with Kim Pierre-Louis for second in the A-10 with 18.2 points per game. Ally Malott provides 15.6 points per game while Amber Deane chips in 9.8 more as the Flyers score 75.7 on average against only 63.7 points given up. The squad's +12.1 scoring margin is the second-best in the Atlantic 10. Dayton also holds a sizable advantage on the boards, spearheaded by Malott (7.8 rebounds per game) and Hoover (7.0). Overall, Jabir's program wins the rebounding battle, 43.2-to-37.2 on average, with more assists, 381-310; steals, 178-153 and blocks, 124-68.

More information on the Minutewomen can be found through UMassAthletics.com.

Philip Sanzo of the Daily Collegian has a preview of Thursday's women's tennis match at No. 22 Dartmouth and then a home match at the Bay Road Tennis Center on Sunday against Atlantic 10 foe Fordham. Head coach Judy Dixon says the key to the weekend will be for the players to focus on what they do and to be aggressive.
The UMass hockey team will wrap up the regular season this weekend as it heads south to Hartford to take on Connecticut in a 7 p.m. matchup on Friday night. In today's Daily Collegian, Jason Kates has a preview of the Hockey East contest against the Huskies.

Read: UMass set for season finale in Connecticut

MBB Recaps From Wednesday's 82-71 Loss To Saint Joseph's

The Massachusetts men's basketball team suffered a disappointing 82-71 loss to Saint Joseph's on Wednesday. The Minutemen remain in fifth place in the Atlantic 10 standings.

Game Highlights

Post Game Press Conference


UAB Defensive Back Kelton Brackett Signs With @UMassFootball

Andrew Cyr of the Daily Collegian and Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican both have stories covering the addition of rising senior transfer Kelton Brackett to the UMass football program. Brackett, a defensive back from UAB, will be able to play immediately because the school chose to disband its football program last December.

Attleboro Sun Chronicle: Locals lead @UMassMSwimDive team to A-10 title

Peter Gobis of the Attleboro Sun Chronicle has a story on local natives who helped the UMass men's swimming and diving team capture the Atlantic 10 Conference Championship last weekend. Head coach Russ Yarworth is highlighted as a native of Attleboro and the amount of success he has been able to bring to the program during his long tenure with the Minutemen.
Matthew Zackman of the Daily Collegian has a preview of Wednesday's women's lacrosse game at Boston University which begins at 3 PM. The Minutewomen are off to a 3-0 start this year after last weekend's win at New Hampshire.

Andrew Cyr of the Daily Collegian has a recap of last Saturday's 12-7 win for the UMass women's lacrosse team at New Hampshire. Head coach Angela McMahon says she was pleased with the number of players who were able to score goals along with the continued presence of the team's defense.

Kevin Duffy of the Springfield Republican has a feature story from last week's NFL Combine on Jean Sifrin and his intriguing possibility as a future NFL player. Sifrin's story has been well-documented during his one-year with the Minutemen, but he gained national attention by competing in this year's combine.

In today's Daily Collegian, Anthony Chiusano has a sidebar on the contributions of Maddison Smiley for UMass hockey. Smiley, a defenseman, has played his last five games at forward for the Minutemen and scored his first collegiate goal last Saturday vs. #12 Providence.

Read: Maddison Smiley making an impact in new role for UMass hockey

If you missed it live, listen to the podcast of the February 23, 2015 Bud Light UMass Basketball Show from Tavern Restaurant in Westfield featuring head coach Derek Kellogg and junior center Tyler Bergantino prior to this week's home games vs. Saint Joseph's and Fordham.

UMass women's track and field senior Courtney Kromko received a nod in her hometown paper today following her performance at the Atlantic 10 Championship where she was named Most Outstanding Field Performer over the weekend.

Read: LOCAL CONNECTIONS: Kromko shines for UMass at A-10 Championships

In the Daily Collegian today, Nick Souza has a recap from the Atlantic 10 Track and Field Championships that took place this past weekend in Kingston, R.I., where the Minutewomen finished fourth and the Minutemen took sixth.

Read: UMass women place fourth at Atlantic 10s, men finish in the middle of the pack

Join us tonight from 7-8 p.m. at Tavern Restaurant (2 Broad St. in Westfield) for the Bud Light UMass Basketball Show. Head coach Derek Kellogg and host Josh Maurer will be joined by player guest Tyler Bergantino.

Listen live on 105.5 FM (Springfield) and 1440 AM (Worcester). Fans can also access the broadcast at WEEI.com/UMass or on mobile devices by downloading the TuneIn Radio app. A podcast of the show will be available on UMassAthletics.com following the show.

Submit a question for Coach Kellogg by tweeting @UMassSportsNet or by clicking here. Selected questions will be used during tonight's show.

Listen Live | TuneIn Radio App | Show Schedule and Information | UMass Podcasts

Collegian: UMass softball splits four-game Cougar Classic

Jamie Cushman of the Daily Collegian has a recap of the softball team's recent 2-2 weekend at the Cougar Classic, hosted by Charleston ate Patriot's Point Softball Field.


Coverage of A-10 Swimming & Diving Championships

The UMass men's and women's swimming & diving programs collected a pair of top 2 finishes, led by the Minutemen's come-from-behind effort on the final day to capture their 15th team title in league history. Alessandro Bomprezzi was named the Men's Performer of the Meet, while Russ Yarworth and Mandy Hixon collected the Men's Coach of the Year and Men's & Women's Diving Coach of the Year, respectively.


MBB Recaps From Saturday's 78-72 Loss At #25 VCU

Here are some recaps and notebook items from Saturday's tough 78-72 loss at #25 VCU.


Today on the Daily Collegian website, Ross Gienieczko has a sidebar on Oleg Yevenko's play on Senior Night and what the future holds for the defenseman.

Read: Oleg Yevenko's unsung performance crucial in a win over Providence

On the Daily Collegian site today, Anthony Chiusano had a recap of UMass hockey's 2-1 overtime victory over #12 Providence last night on Senior Night at the Mullins Center.

Read: UMass avoids deja vu in emotional overtime victory on Senior Night

The UMass hockey team closed out its 2014-15 home slate last night with a thrilling 2-1 overtime win over #12 Providence on Senior Night at the Mullins Center.

Jeff Cox had this recap of the game for SB Nation College Hockey

Also check out the highlights (below) and the photo gallery from the senior ceremony

PREVIEW: Women's Basketball at VCU

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The University of Massachusetts women's basketball team is winding down its regular season slate and takes to the road for the next-to-last time with a trip to VCU's Verizon Wireless Arena for a Sunday, Feb. 22 contest at 1 p.m. Ways to follow along with the action follow below:

University of Massachusetts Women's Basketball Game Notes
Game 26 Massachusetts (10-15 Overall, 4-9 Atlantic 10) at VCU (14-12, 5-8)
Date | Time Sunday, February 22, 2015 | 1:00 p.m.
Location Verizon Wireless Arena (7,500) | Richmond, Va.
Live Statistics GameTracker (provided by VCU)
Watch Atlantic 10 Digital Network (provided by VCU)
Radio Broadcast WMUA 91.1 FM | Available on mobile devices through TuneIn Radio app
Series History VCU leads, 2-1. Last meeting: VCU 81, Massachusetts 51; Jan. 18, 2014
Game Notes Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader
Team Records Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | VCU
Social Media @UMassAthletics   | @UMassWBB  
Buy Tickets Available through VCU Ticket Office

Scouting VCU Women's Basketball
Virginia Commonwealth University sits at 14-12 overall and 5-8 in Atlantic 10 Conference play ahead of hosting UMass women's basketball for a Sunday, Feb. 22 contest in Richmond, Va. VCU is guided by first-year head coach Beth O'Boyle, who brought six years of experience as a program leader with her to the Rams, including three seasons at NCAA Division-I Stony Brook (2011-14) and three more at D-III Montclair State (2004-07).

Balanced offense, with seven from VCU averaging at least five points per game, helps the Rams in 2014-15. Isis Thorpe spearheads the team effort with 11.8 points per game and Adaeze Alaeze scores 10.9 more. Alaeze also provides a squad-best 6.7 rebounds on average. VCU only outscored opponents by a combined five points, 1,629-1,624, through 26 games. Foes put up more points in the first half, 801-778, but the Rams rebound in the second stanza for a 851-823 margin.

VCU started the season 12-5 and won three of their opening four league contests, but the Rams have struggled since their 62-53 win over Davidson. After that victory, Virginia Commonwealth University dropped seven of the following nine contests, including five consecutive entering play against UMass.

More on the Minutewomen can be found through UMassAthletics.com.

MBB Gameday Preview: at VCU, 2/21/15

UMass will try to rebound from the disappointment of Wednesday's loss at Rhode Island with one of the other Rams in the league - 25th-ranked VCU. The Rams are tied for first with Dayton and URI, while UMass is a game back and tied for fourth with Davidson.

UMass (16-10, 9-4 A-10) at #25 VCU (20-6, 10-3 A-10)
Game Info Saturday, Feb. 21, 12:00 p.m. ET
Location Richmond, Va. (Seigel Center)
Tickets  SOLD OUT
Television watch  ESPN 2
Online Video watch   Watch ESPN
Listen  UMass Sports Network |  Affiliates |  Desktop Stream |  Mobile TuneIn App
Live Stats gametracker  GameTracker
Game Notes UMass Game Notes  Get Acrobat Reader  | VCU Game Notes  Get Acrobat Reader
Social Media   Game Day Blog   @MassAthletics |   @UMassBasketball


PREVIEW: Men's Lacrosse at No. 12 Harvard

The University of Massachusetts men's lacrosse program faces No. 12 nationally ranked Harvard for the 46th time in as many consecutive seasons with a Saturday, Feb. 21 contest at the Crimson's Soldiers Field Soccer & Lacrosse Stadium. If you can't make it to Cambridge, Massachusetts, for the 3 p.m. game you can use the following means to keep track of the game:

University of Massachusetts Men's Lacrosse Game Notes
Game Three Massachusetts (0-2 overall) at #12/13 Harvard (0-0)
Date | Time Saturday, February 21, 2015 | 3:00 p.m.
Location Soldiers Field Soccer & Lacrosse Stadium (2,500) | Cambridge, Mass.
Live Statistics PrestoSports (provided by Harvard)
Watch Ivy League Digital Network (provided by Harvard)
Listen WMUA 91.1 FM
Series History Massachusetts leads, 32-13. Last meeting: #14 UMass 8, Harvard 4; Feb. 22, 2014
Game Notes Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | Harvard Get Acrobat Reader
Team Records Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | Harvard Get Acrobat Reader
Social Media @UMassAthletics   | @UMassMLacrosse  
Buy Tickets Available through the Harvard Ticket Office

Scouting Harvard Men's Lacrosse
Harvard, the No. 12 team in the nation according to the USILA Coaches Top-20 Poll, begins its 2015 season with a Feb. 21 contest at Soldiers Field Soccer & Lacrosse Stadium in Cambridge, Mass., against the University of Massachusetts. The Crimson are coming off of a 10-7 finish to the 2014 campaign, when the squad reached the Ivy League Championship Game and earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament.

The squad returns three of its top four scorers from a season ago, including leading points producer Devin Dwyer (47 on 12 goals, 35 assists). Back alongside Dwyer are Will Walker (39 points on 35 goals, four assists) and Deke Burns (24-18-6) after the Crimson put up 298 points in 17 games last year, an average of 17.5 per game.

Jake Gambitsky served as the starting goalkeeper one season ago and helped the Crimson defense with a 9.87 goals-against average and .506 save percentage in nearly 1,009 minutes in the cage. Gambitsky played all but 12 minutes in goal last year and had 170 of the team's 174 stops and all 17 decisions.

Head coach Chris Wojcik, a 1996 graduate of Harvard, is in his fifth season leading the team and 10th as a member of the coaching staff overall as he was also an assistant with the Crimson from 2002-07. Wojcik is 32-29 overall as the head coach at Harvard with one win over the Minutemen in four chances, an 11-9 Crimson victory on March 29, 2011.

Last Meeting: #14 UMass 8, Harvard 4; Feb. 22, 2014
Spurred on by second-half offense and a stifling defensive performance, No. 14/15 Massachusetts defeated Harvard in the 2014 home-opener for the Minutemen, 8-4. Nick Mariano earned his second consecutive hat trick as the freshman led both sides with three goals against the Crimson.

Tied at the half, 3-3, after Harvard scored back-to-back to close the second quarter, the Minutemen tallied the next four goals to secure the win. Mariano had his second of the game to put the team in front for good, 4-3 with two minutes, nine second left in the third. Grant Consoletti added his second strike of the year on a feed from Vincent Travaglini with four ticks left on the scoreboard to push the lead to 5-3.

Andrew Sokol and Grant Whiteway notched goals five seconds apart from one another during the second minute of play in the fourth to push the lead to 7-3. Zach Oliveri made 14 saves for the win while the Minutemen caused 12 Harvard turnovers, led by two apiece from James Fahey, Dylan Gruder, Connor Mooney and Austin Spencer.

More from the Minutemen is available on UMassAthletics.com.

On the Daily Collegian site today Ross Gienieczko has a preview of UMass hockey's home-and-home with #12 Providence. The Minutemen play at Providence tonight before hosting the Friars on Senior Night on Saturday at the Mullins Center.

Minutemen prepare for deep, talented Providence team

VIDEO: @UMassSportsNet Update On Champions Center Construction

The UMass Sports Network put together a video for the UMass Sports Insider and a photo gallery for facebook.com/umassathletics to show fans the progress being made inside the John Francis Kennedy Champions Center for UMass Basketball.



Post by UMass Athletics.


Continued Media Coverage of @UMassFootball Jean Sifrin at @NFL Combine

There is continuing media coverage of Jean Sifrin taking part in the NFL Combine this week. On Thursday, measurements were released with Sifrin having the largest hands (11 inches) of the group and the second longest arm length (33 3/8").

Herald: At 27, @UMassFootball Jean Sifrin going on NFL draft ride

UMass alum Jeff Howe has a story on Jean Sifrin from Thursday's media day for offensive linemen and tight ends at the 2015 NFL Combine. Howe writes that despite Sifrin's age and relative rawness, teams will give him a serious look due to his athletic ability and size.

In today's special spring sports issue of the Daily Collegian, Adam Aucoin has a feature on standout women's track and field sophomore Heather MacLean.

Read: Inspired by a family connection, Heather MacLean continues to thrive on the track

MBB Recaps From Wednesday's 75-59 Loss At Rhode Island

The Massachusetts men's basketball team was unable to overcome too many mistakes in Wednesday's 75-59 loss at Rhode Island. Jabarie Hinds was strong off the bench with 17 points (his most at UMass) but the inside game never got going and URI was very successful in transition, capitalizing on 18 UMass turnovers, manufacturing a 21-8 margin in points off turnovers.


For the Daily Collegian spring sports edition, staff reporter Anthony Chiusano spoke with head coach Greg Cannella, sophomore Nick Mariano and Tom Mariano, Nick's older brother, for a story on the attackman from Yorktown, New York, covering his decision to attend UMass, his freshman year success with the Minutemen and how the squad is working to rebound from a tough finish to the 2014 season.

One telling quote from Nick about how the team is approaching 2015:

"All the work you put in is what you get in return."

Playing to the max: Nick Mariano brings strong work ethic, offensive reliability to UMass lacrosse | Anthony Chuisano, Daily Collegian

Collegian: UMass lacrosse forges on with youthful roster

UMass men's lacrosse sports a roster heavy on youth in 2015, with 24 student-athletes in their first of second seasons and only 13 in at least their third year with the program. Jason Kates spoke to head coach Greg Cannella and freshmen Buddy Carr and Peter Lindley for a story on the youthful look to the roster this season.

UMass lacrosse forges on with youthful roster | Jason Kates, Daily Collegian

Kaitlin Inglesby is in her first season at UMass as the softball program's pitching coach and has already made a difference in the pitching staff. Tom Mulherin of the Daily Collegian spent some time at a recent workout and saw firsthand what the former All-American has brought to the team.


Collegian: @UMassSoftball enters 2015 brimming with high expectations

Tom Mulherin of the Daily Collegian has a season preview on the 2015 softball campaign and what second-year head coach Kristi Stefanoni has in store for the squad.


Redshirt-senior short-stick defensive midfielder Ryan Izzo is one of two captains leading the UMass men's lacrosse team in 2015. The Daily Collegian spoke to Izzo, a 2014 USILA All-American, for a short feature on his approach to serving as a captain in his second consecutive season holding the responsibility.

Ryan Izzo bears significant responsibility as UMass lacrosse captain | Nicolas Casale, Daily Collegian

Collegian: @UMassLacrosse edge UConn in double overtime, 7-6

Nicholas Casale of the Daily Collegian has a recap of the UMass women's lacrosse team's dramatic double-overtime 7-6 win against UConn yesterday at McGuirk Stadium. Freshman Holly Turner notched the game-winning goal just 54 seconds into the sudden-death second overtime period improving UMass to 2-0 on the season.

Philip Sanzo of the Daily Collegian has a feature story on UMass tennis newcomers Ana Yrazusta and Carol Benito who have made an instant impact on the Minutewomen's line-up. The duo entered the spring season ranked as the No. 10 doubles pair in the Northeast according to the ITA.

Andrew Cyr of the Daily Collegian has a feature story on UMass women's lacrosse twins Anne and Kate Farnham. Cyr looks at the special relationship between the sisters and how they are impacting the team this year as starting defenders.

Tyler Fiedler has the UMass baseball season preview in the Daily Collegian's Spring Sports Special Issue. The Minutemen are slated to open their 2015 campaign on March 3 at Central Connecticut.

Read: UMass baseball team ready to shake off snow, start 2015 season

Returning this season after redshirting 2014 with an injury, 2013 All-Atlantic 10 selection Rob McLam is profiled in the Daily Collegian's Spring Sports Special Issue by Victor Pusateri

Read: Rob McLam anxiously awaits his chance to lead UMass baseball's offense again in his return from an ACL injury

With the Daily Collegian's Spring Sports Special Issue out today, Ross Gienieczko has a feature on UMass baseball senior captains Andrew Grant and Conor LeBlanc.

Read: UMass baseball to rely on the moxie of Grant, LeBlanc

The Daily Collegian has a preview of the Atlantic 10 Swimming & Diving Championships, which begins Wednesday at the Spire Center in Geneva, Ohio.



The UMass women's lacrosse team returns to action today at 3 PM as the Minutewomen host UConn at McGuirk Stadium. UMass is coming off an 18-4 win over UMass Lowell last Saturday, while the Huskies lost their season-opener at James Madison on Sunday. The game is free to attend, but if you can't make it, it will be streamed live online.

Massachusetts (1-0) vs. Connecticut (0-1)
 Date  Wednesday, February 18 - 3:00 PM (ET) 
 Location  McGuirk Stadium Amherst, Mass.
 Watch Online   UMass/Atlantic 10 Digital Network
 Live Stats  
 Twitter Updates   @UMassAthletics

Jessica Kennedy of HigherEdTechDecisions.com has a story about the Digital Kiosk in the new UMass Football Performance Center. The Kiosk holds a wealth of team history and information on the program including current players and game-related events. Kennedy looks at how the concept of the kiosk was formed and what sort of technology drives it.

Andrew Cyr of the Daily Collegian has a preview of today's women's lacrosse game as the Minutewomen host UConn at 3 PM at McGuirk Stadium. The preview looks at adjustments UMass has made since the season-opener last Saturday against UMass Lowell and coach McMahon's experience during her time as the head coach at UConn before coming back to UMass.

Collegian: Snow and ice can't stop @UMassTennis hot streak

Arthur Hayden of the Daily Collegian has a recap of the UMass tennis team's wins over Army and Marist last week. The Minutewomen have a three-game win streak in hand as they get a break between their next Match on Feb. 26. Head coach Judy Dixon says she's been pleased with the team's performance despite several players having the flu during the stretch.

Coverage Of @UMassFootball Jean Sifrin As @NFL Combine Begins Today

Lots of Jean Sifrin mentions in the news today as the NFL Combine is officially underway. Today in Indianapolis, the kickers, special teamers, offensive linemen and tight ends will undergo measurements and medical exams followed by a media session and interviews. The NFL Network will carry Friday's on-the-field workouts live.

For the official schedule, click below:




PREVIEW: Women's Basketball vs. Davidson

University of Massachusetts Women's Basketball Game Notes
Game 25 Massachusetts (9-15 Overall, 3-9 Atlantic 10) vs. Davidson (5-20, 1-11)
Date | Time Wednesday, February 18, 2015 | 7:00 p.m.
Location Mullins Center (9,493) | Amherst, Mass.
Live Statistics
Watch Atlantic 10 Digital Network
Radio Broadcast WMUA 91.1 FM | Available on mobile devices through TuneIn Radio app
Series History This is the first meeting between the teams.
Game Notes Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | Davidson (available shortly)
Team Records Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | Davidson Get Acrobat Reader
Social Media @UMassAthletics   | @UMassWBB  
Buy Tickets Available through UMass Athletics Ticket Central

Scouting Davidson Women's Basketball
Davidson women's basketball has struggled in its first season as a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference as the Wildcats are 5-20 overall and 1-11 in league play ahead of a Wednesday, Feb. 18 game at the Mullins Center. Davidson previously competed in the Southern Conference, where the squad reached the league's 2014 championship game under now-fifth-year head coach Michele Savage. Last season, the Wildcats went 16-16 overall and 11-7 in Southern Conference games while Savage is 79-76 overall as the program leader.

Hannah Early's 14.2 points per game paces the program, but the squad is outscored on average, 68.5-to-56.6 for a -11.9 scoring margin, the worst in the Atlantic 10. Mackenzie Latt, a freshman, has made an immediate impact alongside Early, who is junior. Latt chips in 11.3 points and a team-high 8.4 rebounds per game.

Turnovers have hurt the Wildcats in 2014-15, as the squad has coughed up possession 483 times - the most in the Atlantic 10 and 26 more than the next league team. Davidson also sports the worst turnover margin at -4.48 per game with 14.8 forced versus 19.3 given up.

Davidson's lone A-10 win came at Saint Louis, 53-50 on Jan. 18 while the side is 2-18 since a three-game win streak in November. The Wildcats have shown flashes of success despite the difficult stretch, as Davidson won at Virginia, 67-57 on Dec. 28 while eight of the losses were by nine or fewer points.

More on the Minutewomen can be found through UMassAthletics.com.

MBB Gameday Preview: at Rhode Island, 2/18/15

Today is game day at Rhode Island. UMass opens a crucial stretch against the Rams in the Ryan Center tonight at 7 p.m. The Minutemen and Rams are among four teams tied for first in the Atlantic 10 standings.

There is also a UMass Amherst Alumni Association event at Gillian's Ale House, beginning at 4 p.m. Gillian's is located at 7835 Post Road in North Kingstown, R.I.

UMass (16-9, 9-3 A-10) at Rhode Island (17-6, 9-3 A-10)
Game Info Wednesday, Feb. 18, 7:00 p.m. ET
Location Kingston, R.I. (Ryan Center)
Tickets   Click Here
Television watch  Comcast New England, Comcast Philly, SNY and Cox Cable in RI
Online Video watch   Atlantic 10 Digital Network (free)
Listen  UMass Sports Network |  Affiliates |  Desktop Stream |  Mobile TuneIn App
Live Stats gametracker  GameTracker
Game Notes UMass Game Notes  Get Acrobat Reader  |  Rhode Island Game Notes  Get Acrobat Reader
Social Media   Game Day Blog   @MassAthletics |   @UMassBasketball


'Pick and Pop' Podcast by Providence Journal writers Kevin McNamara and Bill Koch.

In today's Daily Collegian, Jason Kates has a sidebar on UMass hockey freshman Dennis Kravchenko. With three games remaining in the regular season, plus postseason play, Kravchenko is just two points shy of becoming the fifth Minuteman freshman to reach the 30-point plateau in the program's Hockey East era.

Dennis Kravchenko nearing impressive milestone for UMass hockey

Collegian: Tara Klee evolves as a hitter for @UMassSoftball

Tom Mulherin of the Daily Collegian has a story on the transition sophomore Tara Klee has made in the offseason to the outfield, and he learns about her potential at the plate with a big bat. 


Join head coach John Micheletto tonight at 7 p.m. the Hangar Pub & Grill in Amherst for the Bud Light UMass Hockey Show. Coach Micheletto and hosts Brock Hines and Adam Frenier preview this weekend's games against Providence. Senior forwards Zack LaRue and Troy Power are the player guests as they look ahead to Saturday's senior night.

The live radio show airs from 7-8 p.m. on WHMP (AM 1400/1240, FM 96.9) in the Pioneer Valley. Additionally, fans can listen online at WHMP.com or by downloading the TuneIn Radio app on their mobile devices.

To interact with the broadcast team, tweet your questions for Coach Micheletto @UMassSportsNet or click here to "Ask the Coach". For additional information and a complete show schedule, visit our hockey radio information page.
In the Boston Globe Magazine this week, Shira Springer has a "First Person" account from UMass women's track and field alum Lisa Wilson and her upcoming participation in the U.S. Indoor Track & Field Championships in Boston at the end of February.

Read: Weight thrower Lisa Wilson looks forward to hometown support

In today's Daily Collegian, Nick Souza has a recap of women's track and field sophomore Heather MacLean's trip to the Tyson Invitational and her pursuit to make the cut for the NCAA meet.

Heather MacLean finishes fifth at Tyson Invitational

Listen to the podcast of the February 16, 2015 edition of the Bud Light UMass Basketball Show from Fathers & Sons Audi in West Springfield featuring head coach Derek Kellogg and player guest Trey Davis prior to the Minutemen's games at Rhode Island and VCU.

Join us tonight from 7-8 p.m. at Fathers & Sons in West Springfield for the Bud Light UMass Basketball Show. Head coach Derek Kellogg and hosts Josh Maurer and Tim Kenney will be joined by player guest Trey Davis.

Listen live on 105.5 FM (Springfield) and 1440 AM (Worcester). Fans can also access the broadcast at WEEI.com/UMass or on mobile devices by downloading the TuneIn Radio app. A podcast of the show will be available on UMassAthletics.com following the show.

Submit a question for Coach Kellogg by tweeting @UMassSportsNet or by clicking here. Selected questions will be used during tonight's show.

Listen Live | TuneIn Radio App | Show Schedule and Information | UMass Podcasts

MBB Recaps From Saturday's 82-74 Win Over Duquesne

The UMass basketball team continued to roll on Saturday with a 82-74 win over Duquesne at the Mullins Center. Trey Davis has continued his strong play, scoring 26 points for his second 20-point effort in the last four games. The Minutemen made a season-high nine 3-pointers, were dominant on the glass once again and committed a season-low nine turnovers. 

The was the recipe for success to keep pace with the other three teams who all won and are in a 9-3 log jam atop the Atlantic 10 standings.

HIGHLIGHTS


In Friday's Sachem and Glanbrook Gazette, Shawn Smith had a feature on UMass hockey freshman defenseman Brandon Montour. Montour has 16 points in 14 games played on the year for the Minutemen.

Read: Anaheim Ducks' Brandon Montour shining in college hockey

MBB Gameday Preview: Duquesne, 2/14/15

UMass returns home for a game with Duquesne today, hosting the Dukes at 4 p.m. at the Mullins Center. The Minutemen are looking to build upon their current 5-game win streak.  

UMass (15-9, 8-3 A-10) vs. Duquesne (8-14, 3-8 A-10)
Game Info Saturday, Feb. 14, 4:00 p.m. ET
Location Amherst, Mass. (Mullins  Center)
Tickets   Click Here
Television watch  None
Online Video watch   Atlantic 10 Digital Network ($ subscription required)
Listen  UMass Sports Network |  Affiliates |  Desktop Stream |  Mobile TuneIn App
Live Stats gametracker 
Game Notes UMass Game Notes  Get Acrobat Reader  |  Duquesne Game Notes  Get Acrobat Reader
Social Media   Game Day Blog   @MassAthletics |   @UMassBasketball


PREVIEW: Men's Lacrosse at No. 6/5 North Carolina

UMass men's lacrosse takes its first road trip of the season South for a Saturday, Feb. 14 matchup against No. 6 nationally-ranked North Carolina at Fetzer Field in Chapel Hill, N.C. Check out how to follow along with the Minutemen in the post below:

University of Massachusetts Men's Lacrosse Game Notes
Game Two Massachusetts (0-1 Overall) at #6/5 North Carolina (2-0)
Date | Time Saturday, February 14, 2015 | Noon
Location Fetzer Field (5,700) | Chapel Hill, N.C.
Live Statistics NeuLion (provided by North Carolina)
Watch GoHeels TV (provided by North Carolina)
Series History N. Carolina leads, 2-1. Last meeting: #12 UMass 12, #5 N. Carolina 11; Feb. 16, 2013
Game Notes Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader
Team Records Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | North Carolina Get Acrobat Reader
Social Media @UMassAthletics   | @UMassMLacrosse  
Buy Tickets Available through the North Carolina Ticket Office

Scouting North Carolina Men's Lacrosse
North Carolina men's lacrosse is ranked No. 6 in the nation by the USILA and No. 5 according to the Inside Lacrosse media poll ahead of its Saturday, Feb. 14 meeting with UMass. UNC sports a 2-0 record currently, with a 19-4 win over Furman and 15-9 victory against High Point.

The Tar Heels sport two of the longest point-scoring streaks in the nation currently in 2015 leading scorer Jimmy Bitter (11 points; seven goals, four assists) and Joey Sankey (eight points; five goals, three assists). Bitter has at least one point in each of the previous 43 games, a total of 130 via 87 goals and 43 assists. Sankey owns more points - 134 on 78 goals and 56 assists - but his streak is shorter than Bitter's (38 games). Bitter's streak is the second-longest to Shayne Adams' 47 for Detroit while Sankey's is tied for the third-longest with Jesse King at Ohio State.

Brian Balkam and Duncan Saunders split time in the cage, with 60 minutes apiece. Saunders owns a lower goals-against average (6.00) but has a lower save percentage (.455). Balkam lets in 7.00 goals-against with 13 stops for a .650 save percentage.

Joe Breschi is two games into his seventh season coaching North Carolina men's lacrosse. A 1990 UNC graduate who was a two-time USILA All-America selection, Breschi is back at his alma mater after a 11-year tenure as the head coach of Ohio State. Breschi went 92-63 with the Buckeyes (.594 win percentage) and is 71-30 at North Carolina (.703) for a .634 career win percentage (161-93 overall record).

Last Meeting: #12 UMass 12, #4 North Carolina 11; Feb. 16, 2013
Kyle Smith and Connor Mooney paced the offense with four points each on three goals and one assist a piece and goalie Zach Oliveri stopped 18 shots in net, including four during the final quarter when the Minutemen outscored the Tar Heels, 4-0 to secure the come-from-behind win over North Carolina, 12-11.

The final goal of the game went on to become the decisive tally at KSU Stadium in Kennesaw, Ga., with Mooney recording his third mark of the day on the play. Mooney rolled around the left side of the goal from the back of the cage and stopped at the crease, jumping into the air while placing a shot into the lower-right corner of the goal for the 12-11 lead with 3:18 to play in the contest.

After North Carolina had a pair of tying attempts go wide of the net in the span of 13 seconds, beginning with 2:35 left to play, the Minutemen kept possession away from its defensive zone until the final seconds of the contest. Following a UMass turnover near midfield, North Carolina's Greg McBride scooped up the loose ball and sprinted toward the UMass goal. McBride sent a last-second game-tying attempt on-frame, with Oliveri adjusting to the shot to record his final save of the day and secure the win.

More on the Minutemen is available through UMassAthletics.com.

PREVIEW: Women's Basketball vs. Duquesne

UMass women's basketball hosts its annual "Pink Game" at the Mullins Center in support of breast cancer awareness with its Saturday, Feb. 14 contest against Duquesne at 1 p.m. Information on how to attend the contest or follow along from home can be found below:

University of Massachusetts Women's Basketball Game Notes
Game 24 Massachusetts (9-14 Overall, 3-8 Atlantic 10) vs. Duquesne (16-8, 8-3)
Date | Time Saturday, February 14, 2015 | 1:00 p.m.
Location Mullins Center (9,493) | Amherst, Mass.
Live Statistics
Watch Atlantic 10 Digital Network
Radio Broadcast WMUA 91.1 FM | Available on mobile devices through TuneIn Radio app
Series History Duquesne leads, 26-21. Last meeting: Duquesne 67, UMass 52; Jan. 15, 2014
Game Notes Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | Duquesne Get Acrobat Reader
Team Records Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | Duquesne Get Acrobat Reader
Social Media @UMassAthletics   | @UMassWBB  
Buy Tickets Available through UMass Athletics Ticket Central

Scouting Duquesne Women's Basketball
Dan Burt is in his second season guiding the Duquesne Dukes women's basketball program and has continued the success of his predecessor, current Pittsburgh head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio, as the squad is 16-8 overall and 8-3 in A-10 games ahead of a meeting with the Minutewomen. With four more victories, the 2014-15 Dukes team will become the seventh consecutive Duquesne squad to earn at least 20 on the season.

Three from Duquesne score in double-figures on average, led by April Robinson's 15.2 points per game. Amadea Szamosi adds 12.3 while Deva'Nyer Workman chips in 10.3 to help the Dukes own a +8.1 scoring margin, the third-best in the A-10.

Duquesne used its shooting accuracy and assist-to-turnover ratio to win 16 games so far. The Dukes, who are on the longest winning streak in the league at five games, are second in the conference in three-point field goal percentage (.359) and fourth in overall percentage (.412) while they rank second in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.0) with 383 assists dished out against 380 turnovers committed.

More on the Minutewomen is available through UMassAthletics.com.

Collegian: @UMassSoftball eyes conference tournament

Jamie Cushman of the Daily Collegian has a season preview on the 2015 UMass softball squad. The Minutewomen open the season this weekend at the Houston Invitational, with games against Stephen F. Austin, McNeese State, Houston, DePaul and Northern Iowa.


MBB Recaps From Wednesday's 55-53 Win At St. Bonaventure

Jabarie Hinds made a 3-pointer with 8.6 seconds left to cap an improbable 8-0 run over the final 2:22 to lift UMass to a 55-53 come-from-behind win at St. Bonaventure on Wednesday night.

The win extended the Minutemen's win streak to five games, the longest active stretch in the A-10, and moved them into a 4-way tie for first place.


Baseball America recently had its Atlantic 10 baseball preview and included UMass baseball senior co-captain Andrew Grant on its list of the conference's top prospects. Grant, a right-handed pitcher, is listed at No. 4 on the top-10 list.

Read: 2015 College Conference Preview: Atlantic 10

In today's Daily Collegian, Anthony Chiusano has a preview of UMass hockey's weekend home-and-home with UMass Lowell. In the first of three against the River Hawks, the Minutemen defeated UMass Lowell, 5-2 last Saturday.

UMass hockey strives for repeat performance against UMass Lowell this weekend

MBB Gameday Preview: at St. Bonaventure, 2/11/15

It's game day in western New York as UMass takes on St. Bonaventure tonight at 7 p.m. The Minutemen have won four-straight and five of their last six, while the Bonnies are riding high after back-to-back buzzer-beating wins over Davidson and VCU. Add in the fact that the Reilly Center has one of the more intense atmosphere's in the league and this game will be an exciting one for sure.
The game is televised by Time Warner SportsChannel in parts of New York State and is also available for free on the Atlantic 10 Digital Network.

UMass (14-9, 7-3 A-10) at St. Bonaventure (13-8, 6-4 A-10)
Game Info Wednesday, Feb. 11, 7:00 p.m. ET
Location St. Bonaventure, N.Y. (Reilly Center)
Tickets   Click Here
Television watch  Time Warner Cable SportsChannel
Online Video watch   Atlantic 10 Digital Network (free)
Listen  UMass Sports Network |  Affiliates |  Desktop Stream |  Mobile TuneIn App
Live Stats gametracker  GameTracker
Game Notes UMass Game Notes  Get Acrobat Reader  |  St. Bonaventure Game Notes  Get Acrobat Reader
Social Media   Game Day Blog   @MassAthletics |   @UMassBasketball


In today's Daily Collegian, Ross Gienieczko has a sidebar on senior goaltender Steve Mastalerz's role in UMass hockey's recent success. Since the beginning of the second half, Mastalerz is 2-2 in his last four starts with a save percentage of .921.

Gienieczko: Steve Mastalerz gives UMass best chance to win

PREVIEW: Women's Basketball vs. George Mason (Field Trip Day)

The Minutewomen host George Mason for Field Trip Day on Wednesday, Feb. 11. The squads will tip off at the Mullins Center at 11:45 a.m. More information on the game is below:

University of Massachusetts Women's Basketball Game Notes
Game 23 Massachusetts (8-14 Overall, 2-8 Atlantic 10) vs. George Mason (12-11, 4-6)
Date | Time Wednesday, February 11, 2015 | 11:45 a.m.
Location Mullins Center (9,493) | Amherst, Mass.
Live Statistics
Watch Atlantic 10 Digital Network
Radio Broadcast WMUA 91.1 FM | Available on mobile devices through TuneIn Radio app
Series History George Mason leads, 4-0. Last meeting: George Mason 85, UMass 75; March 5, 2014
Game Notes Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | George Mason Get Acrobat Reader
Team Records Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | George Mason Get Acrobat Reader
Social Media @UMassAthletics   | @UMassWBB  
Buy Tickets Available through UMass Athletics Ticket Central

Scouting George Mason Women's Basketball
Taylor Brown's Atlantic 10-leading 22.3 points per game has helped George Mason women's basketball to a 12-11 overall record and 4-6 mark in league play entering competition at the Mullins Center. Brown has taken the most field goal attempts in the conference (420) and owns the most makes (163). She is also tops in total points (492), free throws attempted (166) and converted (135).

Two additional Patriots earn at least 10 points per game on average in Jasmine Jackson (11.5) and Sandra Ngoie (10.5), but the opposition outscores George Mason, 71.5-to-70.3, through 23 games.

Nyla Milleson is in her second season as the head coach of the women's basketball program at George Mason. She previously led the Missouri State team from 2007-13, where she reached three WNIT tournaments in six seasons. Prior to that, Milleson started up the NCAA Division II Drury women's basketball team in 2000-01 and coached the side to NCAA Tournament appearances before she departed for Missouri State after the 2006-07 season.

Read the rest of the preview through UMassAthletics.com.

Tyler Fiedler of the Daily Collegian spent some time with UMass senior swimmer Michael Glenn last week and talked about his career, his coach and teammates.


Anthony Chiusano of the Daily Collegian has an extensive feature story on UMass women's lacrosse head coach Angela McMahon who was announced last year as the head coach for the Italian National Team which will compete at the 2017 FIL World Cup. McMahon and her husband, Amherst men's soccer coach Justin Serpone, will be tasked with creating a roster of players for the first-year Italian national team leading up to the World Cup.


Republican: Behind the scenes of @UMassFootball signing day 2015

Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a story feature the UMass Sports Network's video showcasing the behind-the-scenes elements of signing day for the football program. Included are interviews with several coaches who explain what goes into the day and all that leads up to it.

Gazette: @UMassAthletics department to welcome interim AD Bob Goodhue

Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story on the introduction of Bob Goodhue to the Athletic Department staff as he begins to take over as the interim athletic director following the departure of John McCutcheon to UC Santa Barbara.

Goodhue tells Vautour he wants to be a good leader during the transition period and support the coaches and student-athletes in every way possible.

Due to winter weather, tonight's Bud Light UMass Basketball Show - which was originally slated to take place at Fathers & Sons in West Springfield - has been cancelled. The show next Monday, February 16, will air at Fathers & Sons from 7-8 p.m.

Submit a question for Coach Kellogg by tweeting @UMassSportsNet or by clicking here. Selected questions will be used during next week's show.

Listen Live | TuneIn Radio App | Show Schedule and Information | UMass Podcasts

PODCAST: Bob Goodhue Interview

University of Massachusetts interim athletic director Bob Goodhue stopped by the UMass Sports Network radio booth during halftime of the men's basketball win over La Salle on Sunday, February 8 at the Mullins Center to discuss the AD search process and his time at UMass.

MBB Recaps From Sunday's 66-59 Win Over La Salle

The UMass men's basketball team continued to get contributions from a variety of players and Sunday was no different. Donte Clark sparked the offense in the first half, making all six of his field goals, including four 3-pointers before finishing with 23 points and a career-high seven rebounds, while the front court tandem of Cady Lalanne and Maxie Esho had 11 points each in the team's 66-59 win over La Salle. That's four-straight W's for the squad as they get ready to make a trip the western NY and face St. Bonaventure Wednesday night.

Highlights:

Post Game Interview:


Collegian: @UMassTennis earns first win of 2015 against Quinnipiac

Philip Sanzo of the Daily Collegian has a recap of UMass tennis' win over Quinnipiac on Saturday and the loss at Boston College on Friday. Head coach Judy Dixon says she was impressed with the team's turn-around from Friday to Saturday as several members of the team could not compete due to having the flu.

Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a Q&A with UMass football recruiting coordinator and tight ends coach Spencer Whipple. The pair discuss the workings of recruiting for UMass along with what recruits are looking for when choosing to sign with the Minutemen.


Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a story today where he get the thoughts of men's basketball coach Derek Kellogg and football coach Mark Whipple on the departure of athletic director John McCutcheon. McCutcheon's 11-year tenure will come to an end on Feb. 20 at UMass as he takes over at UC Santa Barbara.


The UMass hockey team built a 4-0 lead and rolled to a 5-2 win over nationally-ranked UMass Lowell last night at the Mullins Center.

Several news outlets had coverage of the win:

Collegian: UMass hockey silences UMass Lowell in 5-2 victory
Collegian: Youth at the forefront of UMass hockey's recent surge
Boston Herald: Frank Vatrano, UMass dismantle UML

Also check out the highlights and postgame press conference from UMass Sports Network:

MBB Gameday Preview: La Salle, 2/8/15

It's game day in Western Massachusetts as the UMass Minutemen host to La Salle Explorers on Sunday afternoon.

UMass (13-9, 6-3 A-10) vs. La Salle (13-9, 5-4 A-10)
Game Info Sunday, Feb. 8, 4:00 p.m. ET
Location Amherst, Mass. (Mullins Center)
Tickets   Click Here
Television watch  CBS Sports Network |  CBS Sports Network Channel Finder
Online Video watch  None
Listen  UMass Sports Network |  Affiliates |  Desktop Stream |  Mobile TuneIn App
Live Stats gametracker 
Game Notes UMass Game Notes  Get Acrobat Reader  |  La Salle Game Notes  Get Acrobat Reader
Social Media   Game Day Blog   @MassAthletics |   @UMassBasketball


Philip Sanzo of the Daily Collegian has a look at the UMass tennis team's path to the Atlantic 10 Championship this year and what head coach Judy Dixon thinks it will take for her team to reach the championship match again in 2015.

Arthur Hayden of the Daily Collegian has a preview of the spring schedule for the UMass tennis team after what head coach Judy Dixon called a strong fall campaign. The Minutewomen are looking to keep their status as one of the elite programs in the Atlantic 10 after reaching the semifinals of the championship tournament in each of the last three seasons.

Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette has a story focusing on what the University is looking for in its next Athletic Director to replace outgoing John McCutcheon. Bob Goodhue has been named the interim Athletic Director as the search takes place. Search committee chairman and Vice Chancellor for University Relations John Kennedy says the next permanent A.D. will need to be the face of the program with a vision for the future.



The Springfield Republican had an editorial commenting on the role Bob Goodhue will play in the transition of John McCutcheon to a new permanent Athletic Director. McCutcheon has been named the new A.D. at UC Santa Barbara after serving 11 years at UMass. Goodhue was named last week as interim A.D. during the search for McCutcheon's replacement.

Matt Vines of the Shreveport Times in Louisiana has a story on Parkway High School's six football signees last week - a record for the school. Part of that group was tight end Artayvious Lynn who signed with UMass.

"I prefer the cold, and if I could up there now, I would," Lynn said. "The snow was lovely to me on my visit. The snowball fights -- it was all lovely to me.  "I was trying to start something new, far from home. They asked me to play basketball, too, and that's really my favorite sport."




Coverage Of Mike Caggiano Signing With @UMassFootball

Brian Deakyne of NJ.com and Tim Morris of the News Transcript each have stories on local kicker Michael Caggiano signing with UMass football last week. Both stories highlight his career at Manalapan High School and he relates what he looked for in a college and how his relationship with the UMass coaching staff took hold.



Mike Huguenin of NFL.com has a number of under-the-radar story lines on players entering this year's NFL Draft including former UMass football tight end Jean Sifrin. Huguenin relates Sifrin's path to the Minutemen and now, potentially, to the NFL.

Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican has a story on incoming football kicker Michael Caggiano and his potential impact on the program. Head coach Mark Whipple said finding a "good, solid kicker (was a) priority" in this year's recruiting class.

"He's been consistent," Whipple said. "He's a 4-year guy and he's the all-time leading PAT kicker in New Jersey (195 makes). He's kicked three (field goals) over 40 (yards) and he's made some under pressure. He can punt and he's an athlete. He played baseball."

Matt Vautour of the Daily Hampshire Gazette and Dan Malone of the Springfield Republican both have stories on former UMass football tight end Jean Sifrin who has been invited to the NFL Scouting Combine.



The UMass men's lacrosse team stats its 2015 season with a 1 p.m. game at McGuirk Stadium against No. 20/20 Army on Saturday, Feb. 7. Daily Hampshire Gazette reporter Matt Vautour spoke with head coach Greg Cannella ahead of the contest to preview the season.

UMass men's lacrosse opens 2015 with No. 20 Army at McGuirk Stadium | Matt Vautour, Daily Hampshire Gazette

UMass Sports Network: 2015 Men's Lacrosse Season Preview

The UMass Sports Network (@UMassSportsNet) put together a 2015 season preview for the men's lacrosse program, which starts it campaign at McGuirk Stadium at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7. Take a look below to get caught up on the Minutemen ahead of their first game of the year:

More on the men's lacrosse program can be found on UMassAthletics.com.

PREVIEW: Men's Lacrosse vs. Army

The University of Massachusetts men's lacrosse program begins its 2015 season with a 1 p.m. game at McGuirk Stadium in Amherst, Mass., on Saturday, Feb. 7. It'll mark the fifth straight year the Minutemen face the Army Black Knights to start the campaign. Find out more about how to keep track of the contest if you can't make it to McGuirk Stadium below:

University of Massachusetts Men's Lacrosse Game Notes
Game One Massachusetts (0-0 Overall) vs. #20/20 Army (0-0)
Date | Time Saturday, February 7, 2015 | 1:00 p.m.
Location McGuirk Stadium (17,000) | Amherst, Mass.
Live Statistics
Watch UMass All-Access
Series History Massachusetts leads, 14-9. Last meeting: Massachusetts 6, Army 5; Feb. 8, 2014
Game Notes Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | Army Get Acrobat Reader
Team Records Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | Army Get Acrobat Reader
Social Media @UMassAthletics   | @UMassWBB  
Buy Tickets Available through UMass Athletics Ticket Central

Additional information, including a complete schedule, statistics and photo galleries, is available on UMassAthletics.com.

PREVIEW: Women's Basketball at La Salle

UMass women's basketball closes out a two-game roadtrip with a stop through Philadelphia, Pa., to face Atlantic 10 foe La Salle at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6. Find out how to keep track of the game below:

University of Massachusetts Women's Basketball Game Notes
Game 22 Massachusetts (8-13 Overall, 2-7 Atlantic 10) at La Salle (11-11, 2-7)
Date | Time Saturday, February 7, 2015 | 1:00 p.m.
Location Tom Gola Arena (3,400) | Philadelphia, Pa.
Live Statistics Sidearm Stats (provided by La Salle)
Watch Atlantic 10 Digital Network (provided by La Salle)
Radio Broadcast WMUA 91.1 FM
Series History Massachusetts leads, 15-9. Last meeting: Massachusetts 71, La Salle 68; Jan. 15, 2015
Game Notes Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | La Salle
Team Records Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | La Salle Get Acrobat Reader
Social Media @UMassAthletics   | @UMassWBB  
Buy Tickets Available through the La Salle Athletics Ticket Office

More on the Minutewomen is available through UMassAthletics.com.

The Daily Collegian, Daily Hampshire Gazette and Springfield Republican all have stories on Bob Goodhue being announced as the interim athletic director for UMass. Also announced on Thursday was the creation of a 13-member search committee to find the next permanent A.D. to replace John McCutcheon who is leaving for the top job at UC Santa Barbara.



VIDEO: Behind The Scenes Of @UMassFootball Signing Day

The UMass Sports Network takes you behind the scenes of UMass football's signing day and brings you insight from the coaching staff about how this year's group will add to the program.




Extensive Coverage Of @UMassFootball Signing Day

Wednesday's national signing day brought 20 new players to the UMass football program while seven mid-year enrollees were also announced by head coach Mark Whipple. The group is considered one of the best in program history and will add depth to what will be a highly competitive program in 2015.

MBB Recaps From Wednesday's 78-72 Win At Fordham

The Massachusetts men's basketball team rebounded from a tough first half to take control of the second half and erase a 9-point deficit for a 78-72 road victory over Fordham.

Trey Davis caught fire from outside, making five 3-pointers, Derrick Gordon had his first double-double as a Minutemen and Jabarie Hinds took over the game for a couple of stretches as he has done at times this season. Cady Lalanne also joined the 1,000-point club at UMass, becoming the 47th player in school history to achieve the feat.

UMass has now won three straight and four of its last five overall. The team also is 4-1 in A-10 road play.


In today's Daily Collegian, Ross Gienieczko has a preview of UMass hockey's weekend matchups against Northeastern and #12/11 UMass Lowell. The Minutemen host the Huskies on Friday and the River Hawks on Saturday in the Mullins Center.

Read: UMass hockey prepares for pair of weekend clash against pair of Hockey East opponents

PREVIEW: Women's Basketball at Rhode Island

UMass women's basketball plays at regional rival Rhode Island in its next game, a Wednesday, Feb. 4 contest at the Ryan Center in Kingston, R.I. More on the game and ways to follow the action are listed below:

University of Massachusetts Women's Basketball Game Notes
Game 21 Massachusetts (8-12 Overall, 2-6 Atlantic 10) at Rhode Island (12-8, 4-4)
Date | Time Wednesday, February 4, 2015 | 7:00 p.m.
Location Ryan Center (7,800) | Kingston, R.I.
Live Statistics PrestoSports Stats (provided by Rhode Island)
Watch Atlantic 10 Digital Network
Radio Broadcast WMUA 91.1 FM | Available on mobile devices through TuneIn Radio app
Series History Massachusetts leads, 41-32. Last meeting: UMass 69, Rhode Island 56; Feb. 23, 2014
Game Notes Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | Rhode Island Get Acrobat Reader
Team Records Massachusetts Get Acrobat Reader | Rhode Island Get Acrobat Reader
Social Media @UMassAthletics   | @UMassWBB  
Buy Tickets Available through Rhode Island's Ticket Central

More on the Minutewomen can be found through UMassAthletics.com.

MBB Gameday Preview: at Fordham, 2/4/15

The UMass basketball team continues its road stretch of five of the seven away from home, heading to Fordham Wednesday night. Tip-off at Rose Hill Gym, the nation's oldest regularly-used basketball arena, is at 7 p.m. and the game will be televised regionally on SNY. That is available primarily in Western Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. It is also available on AT&T U-Verse Channel 704 and DirecTV on their Sports Pack Channel 639. Use the link below to access their coverage map and see if your cable provider is on their list. It will also be available for free on the A-10 Digital Network.

UMass (12-9, 5-3 A-10) at Fordham (5-14, 0-8 A-10)
Game Info Wednesday, Feb. 4, 7:00 p.m. ET
Location Bronx, N.Y. (Rose Hill Gym)
Tickets   Click Here
Television watch  SNY |  Conn. NY, NJ and Pa. Coverage Map
AT&T U-Verse 704 | DirecTV 639 (must have the DirecTV Sports Pack)
Online Video watch   A-10 Digital Network (Free)
Listen  UMass Sports Network |  Affiliates |  Desktop Stream |  Mobile TuneIn App
Live Stats gametracker  GameTracker
Game Notes UMass Game Notes  Get Acrobat Reader  |  Fordham Game Notes  Get Acrobat Reader
Social Media   Game Day Blog   @MassAthletics |   @UMassBasketball


In today's Daily Collegian, Jason Kates has a sidebar on UMass hockey freshman forward Dominic Trento. Trento, who missed time due to injury in November and December, has three points over the past two games for the Minutemen.

Read: Trento becoming a valuable asset for UMass hockey

The Bud Light UMass Hockey Show heads to The Student Prince Cafe in Springfield (8 Fort Street) tonight - Tuesday, February 3 - at 7 p.m. Join head coach John Micheletto and host Brock Hines as they recap last Friday's contest at BU and preview a pair of home games this weekend vs. Northeastern and UMass-Lowell. Player interviews include freshmen forwards Patrick Lee and Dennis Kravchenko.

The live radio show airs from 7-8 p.m. on WHMP (AM 1400/1240, FM 96.9) in the Pioneer Valley. Additionally, fans can listen online at WHMP.com or by downloading the TuneIn Radio app on their mobile devices.

To interact with the broadcast team, tweet your questions for Coach Micheletto @UMassSportsNet or click here to "Ask the Coach". For additional information and a complete show schedule, visit our hockey radio information page.
UMass women's track and field sophomore Heather MacLean received some attention for her outstanding start to the indoor track and field season in the Salem News last week. MacLean has set both program records in the 1000m and the 800m thus far this season.

Read: Peabody native MacLean sets more records at UMass

PODCAST: Kumble Subbaswamy Interview

UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy joined Josh Maurer at halftime of the UMass men's basketball game at Saint Louis on Saturday to discuss the search process for a new athletic director.

MBB Recaps From Saturday's 60-56 Win At Saint Louis

The UMass basketball team got a very solid 60-56 road win over Saint Louis on Saturday, marking the program's first-ever win over the Billikens on their home floor.


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