D2 Softball – 4/10

4/9 Preview

Atlantic Region

(#2) Kutztown @ (#5) Shippensburg – PSAC GOTW – Game of the Day – Shippensburg wins 2-1, loses 1-3 (More info here)

Shippensburg with a big win in game 1 meaning they are still in the running for the East Divisional Title.  It’s the first loss for Kutztown in conference, and their first loss since losing to West Virginia State on March 20th.

East Region

(#2) C.W. Post @ Merrimack – C.W. Post wins 7-0, 10-0 (More info here)

Merrimack was only down 1-0 entering the 7th in game 1 and 5-0 in game 2.  Disappointing loss for Merrimack though who was hoping to make a statement today.  Now to get back to trying to win the NE-10 for Merrimack.

Southern New Hampshire @ (#10) Bentley – Bentley wins 3-1, 7-1 (More info here)

Bentley really had to have these games, and got them both to stay around in the NE-10 race.  They are now 8-6. Southern New Hampshire missed a chance here and fell to 8-4.

South Region

(#8) Tampa @ (#6) Rollins – Rollins wins 3-0 (More info here)

Big win for Rollins who moves within 2.5 games of Tampa in the SSC.  They get 2 more chances to close the gap tomorrow.

(#5) Nova Southeastern @ (#10) Barry – Barry wins 2-1 (More info here)

Barry gets a great win here with 2 runs in the 5th.  Barry needs to get another win tomorrow and would love two as they try to get into the playoffs.

South Central Region

Incarnate Word @ (#8) West Texas A&M – HC GOTW – West Texas A&M wins 17-9 (5), 10-2 (5) (More info here and here)

Big sweep for West Texas A&M who gets two wins that might help their profile and raise their Regional Ranking… well probably not but they help more than 2 losses!

West Region

(#8) Cal State Dominguez Hills @ (#9) San Francisco State – Postponed

4/10 Review

Atlantic Region

Virginia State @ Fayetteville State –  CIAA GOTW

Two of the best teams in the Conference, Virginia State has started things off 6-0, Fayetteville State 11-1.  Both team lead their divisions.

(#6) West Chester @ (#7) East Stroudsburg

These two are both out of contention for the East Division Title of PSAC, but are battling for the 3rd spot. East Stroudbsurg has a 1 game lead right now, and can double that lead with a win today.  Both teams also are fighting for the last playoff spot as only the top 7 will likely be able to get a regional at-large bid.

East Region

Pace @ (#6) Southern Connecticut State

Pace is sitting 3 games out already, but Southern Connecticut State is only 1 game out.  Southern Connecticut State has to have these games if they want to challenge Merrimack for the title.

American International @ Southern New Hampshire

American International is probably out at 4 games back, but if not they will need this pair. Southern New Hampshire is only 2 games back and this is a must win for them, they should have them if they want to contend.

Midwest Region

(#3) Ashland @ (#2) Wayne State (Mich.)

Wayne State (Mich.) is 2nd in conference by 2 games, and Ashland only trails them by 1 game.  Big time series for conference title implications as well as a big time series at the top of the Regional Rankings.  The #2 team will get to host a 4-team regional while the #3 team will have to go to that regional.  Big time implications here.

(#9) Northern Kentucky @ (#4) Missouri-St. Louis –  GLVC GOTW

Missouri-St. Louis is alone at the top. Northern Kentucky is a surprise regionaly ranked team to me who doesn’t seem to have much going on.  If they do want to make the tourney they need to move up and this would be a good chance for a big win.

South Region

(#1) Alabama Huntsville @ (#4) West Florida – Game of the Day

It’s a great chance for West Florida to knock off the #1 team in the country as they host Alabama-Huntsville.  They are 4 games back, so this is their last chance to really cut into that lead as well.

(#8) Tampa @ (#6) Rollins –  SSC GOTW

Tampa is tied for the conference lead and can’t afford to lose more games here at a Rollins team which has underacheived so far in conference.

(#5) Nova Southeastern @ (#10) Barry

Nova Southeastern is only 1.5 games out in conference, Barry 2 games out.  Both could really use the sweep today, Barry probably more so.

South Central Region

Tarleton State @ (#3) Abilene Christian

Abilene Christian has a chance to really seperate themselves and Angelo State from Tarleton State by sweeping them today.  The lead is currently 2 games.

Southeast Region

(#5) Newberry @ (#10) Carson Newman

Newberry is right in the thick of things as far as the conference title goes, but Carson-Newman is middling at 5-5.  They really need to get some big wins to try and move into the top 8, and this is a great chance for them here today.

West Region

(#3) Cal State Stanislaus @ (#1) Humboldt State – CCAA GOTW

Humboldt State has a 2 game lead at the top of the conference but after a shaky last week they are under some pressure against a Cal State Stanislaus team who has a great regional ranking but is sitting 5th in conference.  They would get a huge boost out of a couple wins today.

Western Oregon @ (#7) Montana State-Billings

Montana State-Billings is up 3.5 games on Western Oregon going into this 4 game series and could either fall from the lead or get a 7.5 game lead on Western Oregon depending on how things go. Central Washington (who is 2 games out) will be watching this one with great interest.

D2 Softball – Conference Title Watch – 4/9

Well there are several conferences which are getting very close to wrapping up Conference or Divisional Titles… so it’s time to start covering the big games down the stretch.

Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference’s Eastern Division

In the PSAC East, Kutztown is currently up 3 games on Shippensburg.  These are the only two teams left in contention.  Kutztown has 6 games to go, but the first two are a series at Shippensburg today (Thursday April 9th).  If they sweep this series, they will eliminate Shippensburg from contention and clinch the Eastern Division Title.  If they split or get swept, we’ll have to see what happens on April 14th, 17th, and 18th to determine which team gets the Title.

Conference Carolinas

Conference Carolinas has provided a delightful 4 team race for the title.  Mount Olive is your clubhouse leader having finished the season at 11-5.  Three teams are left on the course, and all need to reach 14-6 to win the title over Mount Olive.  All 3 will have 2 games on Thursday.  We’ll go through all 3 teams, and see what they need to do.

Pfeiffer is hosting Belmont Abbey.  Pfeiffer needs to win all 4 of their remaining games as they are currently 10-6, but the good news is all 4 games are at home and are very winnable (the two worst teams in the conference).  Belmont Abbey is 3-15 in conference.  Tomorrow they will host Anderson (S.C.) (3-9 in conference).  If they win all 4 games, they will knock Mount Olive off the top spot and become the new clubhouse leader.

Queens (N.C.) is travleing to Barton on Thursday.  Queens is 7-5 currently, but has 8 games left.  If they win all 8, they’ll eliminate Pfeiffer.  They can afford one loss to get to 14-6, but 2 losses will mean they have no chance to pass Mount Olive.

Limestone is hosting Anderson (S.C.) on Thursday. As mentioned previously, Anderson is 3-9, and this looks like the easiest of the remaining games for Limestone.  Limestone is sitting at 9-3 and controls their own destiny.  If they go 6-2 in their final 8, they’ll win the conference title outright.  If they go 5-3, they at worst will share the conference title. This looks very doable as they won’t face any of the other 3 top teams, and are home for 4 of the 8 games.

Mount Olive needs to see the following happen to stay in the lead and win the conference:

• See Pfeiffer go 3-1 or worse
• See Queens (N.C.) go 6-2 or worse
• See Limestone go 4-4 or worse

If any of those don’t happen, they will be eliminated.

We’ll update the picture tomorrow, and we’ll cover two more conferences which will have big games tomorrow (the Lone Star Conference and the Peach Belt Conference).

D2 Softball – 4/9

4/8 Review

Atlantic Region

Bowie State @ (#4) Bloomsburg – Postponed

(#10) East Stroudsburg @ (#1) Lock Haven – Lock Haven wins 8-0 (5), 4-1 (More info here)

Lock Haven gets the sweep as they were favored to do, but East Stroudsburg does move into the regional rankings this week.

Central Region

(#4) Minnesota State @ (#9) Concordia St. Paul – Concordia St. Paul wins 3-1, loses 4-5 (More info here)

Basically a wash for both teams who remain in conference contention.

East Region

(#10) Bentley @ Merrimack – Merrimack wins 4-1, 5-4 (More info here)

Merrimack continues to look great in conference.  Bentley is a good team, but they are fairly low in the standings.

South Central Region

(#10) Texas A&M-Kingsville @ Texas A&M International – Texas A&M-Kingsville wins 10-1 (5), 7-2 (More info here)

Texas A&M International didn’t get the momentum they wanted, but Kingsville did get a nice sweep heading back to Lone Star play.

Incarnate Word @ (#4) Midwestern State – Midwestern State wins 6-3, 10-1 (More info here, and here)

Midwestern State gets the great momentum they need heading into the final weeks of Lone Star Conference play.

Southeast Region

Queens (N.C.) @ Mount Olive – CC GOTW – Mount Olive wins 1-0, 3-2 (8) (More info here)

Had no idea how big this one was.  Mount Olive finished the regular season with this game.  They go to 11-5 and now will wait to see how the rest of the teams finish to see if they will get the conference title.  I’ll be keeping close tabs on this and several other close conference races.

(#3) Lenoir-Rhyne @ (#5) Newberry –  SAC GOTW – Game of the Day – Lenoir-Rhyne wins 7-4, loses 1-3 (More info here)

Good series between the two, both remain just behind Wingate in SAC play.

(#9) Catawba @ Mars Hill – Catawba wins 6-1, loses 2-4 (More info here)

Catawba got a big win in game 1 as they could not afford to be swept.  Mars Hill is still right behind Wingate as well, this race is far from over.

4/9 Preview

Atlantic Region

(#2) Kutztown @ (#5) Shippensburg – PSAC GOTW – Game of the Day

Kutztown leads Shippensburg by 3 games right now, they could put it away today.  Great matchup.

East Region

(#2) C.W. Post @ Merrimack

It’s an out of conference matchup, but a great chance for a Merrimack team that has been fantastic in NE-10 play to compare themselves to a top team in the region.

Southern New Hampshire @ (#10) Bentley

After losing a touch series to Merrimack yesterday, Bentley really has to have these today at home.

South Region

(#8) Tampa @ (#6) Rollins

It’s game 1 of a 3 game series where Tampa can put Rollins away.  Tampa is currently 3.5 games ahead of Rollins.  They would also love some good wins here to try and solidify their regional ranking as the 8th spot will get bumped for the SIAC winner.

(#5) Nova Southeastern @ (#10) Barry

It’s game 1 of a 3 game series here as well, and in this one Barry has to be looking for a chance to get a big win and try to move up in the regional rankings.

South Central Region

Incarnate Word @ (#8) West Texas A&M – HC GOTW

It’s another non-conference series for Incarnate Word who really needs to pick up some wins.  West Texas A&M has not played well in conference and really can’t afford to lose here as they are slipping in the regional rankings and the 8th spot will go to the Heartland winner.

West Region

(#8) Cal State Dominguez Hills @ (#9) San Francisco State

Cal State Dominguez Hills is in 2nd place currently, and San Francisco State is way back at 6-14.  That said, they entered the regional rankings this week.  While moving up seems unlikely due to the strength of teams ahead of them, they would be well advised to win this one.

D2 Softball Update – 4/8

Atlantic Region

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
As of April 8th
Eastern Division
Bowie State – 12-4 (11-1)
Virginia State – 6-4 (6-0)
Elizabeth City State – 6-8 (6-2)

Western Division
Fayetteville State – 15-23 (9-1)

Big Games:
Virginia State @ Fayetteville State – April 10th – CIAA GOTW
Bowie State @ Elizabeth City State – April 11th
Elizabeth City State @ Virginia State – April 13th

Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
As of April 8th
East
(#2) Kutztown – 35-6-1 (10-0)
(#5) Shippensburg – 19-13 (7-3)
(#7) East Stroudsburg – 16-13 (3-5)
(#6) West Chester – 23-15 (3-7)

Central
(#1) Lock Haven – 31-5 (7-1)
(#3) Bloomsburg – 22-4 (7-1)
(#10) Indiana (Pa.) – 16-14 (3-5)

West
(#4) California (Pa.) – 24-4 (6-0)

Big Games:
(#2) Kutztown @ (#5) Shippensburg – April 9th – PSAC GOTW
(#6) West Chester @ (#7) East Stroudsburg – April 10th (ONE GAME)
(#7) East Stroudsburg @ (#4) California (Pa.) – April 11th (NON CONFERENCE)
(#1) Lock Haven @ (#10) Indiana (Pa.) – April 11th
(#2) Kutztown @ (#7) East Stroudsburg – April 14th

West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
As of April 8th
(#8) West Virginia Wesleyan – 24-11 (12-0)
Fairmont State – 17-10 (9-3)
(#9) West Virginia State – 17-12 (6-4)

Big Games:

Central Region

Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
As of April 8th
Southwest Minnesota State – 14-14 (6-0)
(#6) Wayne State (Neb.) – 21-12 (6-1)
Augustana – 15-17 (6-1)
(#2) Winona State – 27-8 (7-3)
(#9) Concordia St. Paul – 21-15 (5-3)
(#4) Minnesota State Mankato – 23-7 (4-2)
(#10) Upper Iowa – 14-14 (5-5)

Big Games:
(#6) Wayne State (Neb.) @ (#4) Minnesota State Mankato – April 15th
(#10) Upper Iowa @ (#9) Concordia St. Paul – April 15th
Augustana @ Southwest Minnesota State – April 15th – NSIC GOTW

Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
As of April 8th
East
(#1) Metro State – 28-6 (21-3)
(#7) Regis – 25-16 (17-9)
(#3) Colorado School of Mines – 23-14 (15-7)

West
(#5) Colorado State-Pueblo – 20-12 (14-8)
(#8) Adams State – 14-11 (13-7)

Big Games:

East Region

Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference
As of April 8th
Caldwell – 18-9-2 (11-0)
(#7) Bloomfield – 19-6 (9-1)
(#9) Dominican (N.Y.) – 19-23 (7-2)
(#3) Georgian Court – 20-9 (6-2)

Big Games:
(#7) Bloomfield @ (#5) New York Institute of Technology – April 13th – CACC GOTW
(#9) Dominican (N.Y.) @ (#8) Queens (N.Y.) – April 13th

East Coast Conference
As of April 8th
(#2) C.W. Post – 17-11 (7-1)
(#5) New York Institute of Technology – 26-15-1 (6-0)
(#4) Dowling – 19-13 (6-1)
Molloy – 13-15 (4-2)
(#8) Queens (N.Y.) – 15-12 (5-4)

Big Games:
(#7) Bloomfield @ (#5) New York Institute of Technology – April 13th
(#9) Dominican (N.Y.) @ (#8) Queens (N.Y.) – April 13th
Molloy @ (#4) Dowling – April 15th – ECC GOTW

Northeast-10 Conference
As of April 8th
Merrimack – 19-9 (12-4)
(#6) Southern Connecticut State – 20-6 (9-3)
Southern New Hampshire – 10-12 (8-2)
(#1) Le Moyne – 19-7 (7-1)
New Haven – 16-10 (8-4)
Pace – 11-12 (5-3)
American International – 15-13 (7-7)
(#10) Bentley – 13-11 (6-6)
Assumption – 12-16 (6-6)
Stonehill – 4-16 (4-4)

Big Games:
(#2) C.W. Post @ Merrimack– April 9th
Southern New Hampshire @ (#10) Bentley – April 9th
Pace @ (#6) Southern Connecticut State – April 10th
American International @ Southern New Hampshire – April 10th
New Haven @ Merrimack – April 11th
(#2) C.W. Post @ Southern New Hampshire – April 11th
(#6) Southern Connecticut State @ Assumption – April 14th
(#6) Southern Connecticut State @ (#1) Le Moyne – April 15th – NE-10 GOTW
New Haven @ (#10) Bentley – April 15th

Midwest Region

Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
As of April 8th
(#7) Saginaw Valley State – 24-6 (11-1)
(#2) Wayne State (Mich.) – 22-8 (9-1)
(#1) Ferris State – 22-4 (8-2)
(#3) Ashland – 20-8 (8-2)
(#8) Grand Valley State – 27-8 (7-3)

Big Games:
(#3) Ashland @ (#2) Wayne State (Mich.) – April 10th
(#3) Ashland @ (#7) Saginaw Valley State – April 11th – GLIAC GOTW
(#1) Ferris State @ (#8) Grand Valley State – April 14th

Great Lakes Valley Conference
As of April 8th
(#4) Missouri-St. Louis – 26-13 (10-2)
(#6) Indianapolis – 18-12 (10-4)
Quincy – 17-19 (8-2)
Wisconsin-Parkside – 14-14 (8-6)
(#5) Lewis – 25-12 (7-5)
(#9) Northern Kentucky – 16-16 (6-6)
(#10) Kentucky Wesleyan – 16-18 (4-8)

Big Games:
(#9) Northern Kentucky @ (#4) Missouri-St. Louis – April 10th – GLVC GOTW
Quincy @ (#10) Kentucky Wesleyan – April 11th
(#5) Lewis @ Wisconsin-Parkside – April 15th

South Region

Gulf South Conference
As of April 8th
East
(#1) Alabama Huntsville – 35-2 (14-1)
(#3) Valdosta State – 36-5 (12-1)
(#7) West Alabama – 37-8 (11-6)
(#4) West Florida – 35-9 (10-5)

West
Arkansas Tech – 29-19 (12-8)
(#9) Arkansas-Monticello 27-6 (6-4)
Delta State – 18-15 (7-7)

Big Games:
(#1) Alabama Huntsville @ (#4) West Florida – April 10th
(#1) Alabama Huntsville @ (#3) Valdosta State – April 11th – GSC GOTW
(#3) Valdosta State @ (#4) West Florida – April 14th
Delta State @ (#9) Arkansas-Monticello – April 14th
Delta State @ (#9) Arkansas-Monticello – April 15th

Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
East
As of April 7th
Albany State – 19-22 (9-1)
Fort Valley State – 18-15 (6-2)

West
Miles – 9-6 (5-2)
Kentucky State – 13-13 (6-4)
LeMoyne-Owen – 3-9 (3-3)

Big Games:

Sunshine State Conference
As of April 8th
(#8) Tampa – 24-6 (11-2)
(#2) Florida Southern – 33-11 (11-4)
(#5) Nova Southeastern – 39-11 (12-6)
(#10) Barry – 24-13 (8-4)
(#6) Rollins – 34-6 (7-5)

Big Games:
(#8) Tampa @ (#6) Rollins – April 9th (ONE GAME)
(#5) Nova Southeastern @ (#10) Barry – April 9th (ONE GAME)
(#8) Tampa @ (#6) Rollins – April 10th – SSC GOTW
(#5) Nova Southeastern @ (#10) Barry – April 10th

South Central Region

Heartland Conference
As of April 8th
St. Edwards – 30-17 (17-3)
St. Mary’s – 23-26 (14-4)
Incarnate Word – 20-23 (13-7)

Big Games:
Incarnate Word @ (#8) West Texas A&M – April 9th – HC GOTW

Lone Star Conference
As of April 8th
North
(#2) Southeastern Oklahoma State – 43-8 (14-2)
(#10) Cameron – 28-16 (13-5)
Central Oklahoma – 19-11 (12-4)
(#6) Midwestern State – 26-14 (10-8)

South
(#1) Angelo State – 33-7 (9-3)
(#3) Abilene Christian – 31-11 (9-3)
Tarleton State – 24-16 (7-5)
(#8) West Texas A&M – 28-17 (7-8)

Big Games:
Tarleton State @ (#3) Abilene Christian – April 10th
Tarleton State @ (#3) Abilene Christian – April 10th (ONE GAME ONLY)
(#6) Midwestern State @ (#2) Southeastern Oklahoma State – April 11th – LSC GOTW
(#10) Cameron @ Central Oklahoma – April 14th

Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
As of April 8th
(#7) Central Missouri – 24-8 (8-0)
(#5) Missouri Western – 34-4 (6-0)
(#9) Emporia State – 24-9 (5-1)
(#4) Nebraska-Omaha – 30-7 (4-2)

Big Games:
(#7) Central Missouri @ (#5) Missouri Western – April 11th – MIAA GOTW

Southeast Region

Conference Carolinas
As of April 8th
Mount Olive – 23-16-1 (11-5)
Limestone – 24-23 (9-3)
Pfeiffer – 23-15 (10-6)
Queens (N.C.) – 16-21 (7-5)

Big Games:

Peach Belt Conference
As of April 8th
(#1) North Georgia – 35-3 (13-1)
(#4) Georgia College – 25-17 (12-4)
(#2) South Carolina Aiken – 29-12 (11-7)
(#8) Augusta State – 26-17 (7-7)
(#7) Francis Marion – 25-16 (7-11)

Big Games:
(#1) North Georgia @ (#4) Georgia College – April 11th – PBC GOTW

South Atlantic Conference
As of April 8th
(#6) Wingate – 23-10-1 (8-2)
Mars Hill – 21-15 (7-3)
(#5) Newberry – 25-10 (6-2)
(#3) Lenoir-Rhyne – 28-7 (6-4)
(#10) Carson Newman – 21-13 (5-5)
(#9) Catawba – 18-16 (5-5)

Big Games:
(#5) Newberry @ (#10) Carson Newman – April 10th
(#3) Lenoir-Rhyne @ Mars Hill – April 13th
(#6) Wingate @ (#5) Newberry – April 15th – SAC GOTW
(#9) Catawba @ Lenoir-Rhyne – April 15th

West Region

California Collegiate Athletic Association
As of April 8th
(#1) Humboldt State – 29-12 (17-7)
(#8) Cal State Dominguez Hills – 31-15 (13-7)
(#5) UC San Diego – 22-14 (12-7)
Cal State Monterey Bay – 25-21-1 (12-8)
(#3) Cal State Stanislaus – 24-12 (11-9)
(#6) Sonoma State – 26-19 (11-12)
(#9) San Francisco State – 22-19 (6-14)

Big Games:
(#8) Cal State Dominguez Hills @ (#9) San Francisco State – April 9th
(#3) Cal State Stanislaus @ (#1) Humboldt State – April 10th – CCAA GOTW
(#8) Cal State Dominguez Hills @ (#9) San Francisco State – April 10th
(#3) Cal State Stanislaus @ (#1) Humboldt State – April 11th

Great Northwest Athletic Conference
As of April 8th
(#7) Montana State-Billings – 26-10 (17-5)
Central Washington – 18-15 (14-6)
Western Oregon – 15-15 (13-8)

Big Games:
Western Oregon @ (#7) Montana State-Billings – April 10th – GNAC GOTW
Western Oregon @ (#7) Montana State-Billings – April 11th

Pacific West Conference
As of April 8th
(#4) Dixie State – 34-10 (17-5)
(#2) Hawaii Pacific – 33-9 (15-3)
(#10) Grand Canyon – 34-22 (12-7)

Big Games:

D2 Softball – 4/8

4/8 Review

Atlantic Region

Shaw @ Bowie State
(#3) California (Pa.) @ (#8) Edinboro –  PSAC GOTW – Postponed

(#10) East Stroudsburg @ (#1) Lock Haven – It’s tomorrow….

Central Region

(#5) Wayne State @ Upper Iowa – Wayne State wins 3-0, 4-0

Big loss for Upper Iowa who failed to take advantage of another opportunity.

Mary @ (#10) Minnesota Duluth – Postponed until April 23rd

Augustana @ (#1) Winona State – Winona State wins 7-0, loses 2-7 (More info here)

I think Augustana will be thrilled with this result.  They maintain their .5 game lead on Winona State and get a fantastic road win.  They have to be ranked this next week right?

East Region

(#8) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#7) Bloomington – CACC GOTW – Postponed

(#9) Dowling @ (#5) Queens (N.Y.) – ECC GOTW – Dowling wins 5-4 (10) (More info here)

Dowling gets a big win here.  They’ve been impressive and might be able to move into the Top 8.

South Central Region

(#1) Angelo State @ St. Edward’s – April 7th – St. Edward’s wins 4-3, 4-2 (More info here)

What a massive sweep for St. Edward’s.  Pretty strong argument that they atleast deserve a regional ranking.

(#2) Southeastern Oklahoma State @ (#4) Midwestern State – Southeastern Oklahoma State wins 5-2, loses 3-4 (More info here and here)

Good matchup provides two great games.  Midwestern State was fortunate to come back in the 2nd one and get a split.

(#8) Central Missouri @ Southwest Baptist – MIAA GOTW – Central Missouri wins 7-0, 1-0 (More info here)

Easy sweep for Central Missouri as expected.

Southeast Region

Limestone @ Less-McRae – Postponed until April 14th

Pfeiffer @ Barton – Pfeiffer wins 10-7, 7-6

Big sweep for Pfeiffer who will pick up a game on Limestone with that result.

St. Andrews @ Anderson (S.C.) – St. Andrews wins 3-2, 7-2

Well if either team had a shot it was St. Andrews… and I guess they still do.

Erksine @ Coker – Coker wins 3-2, 10-2 (More info here)

Ouch.  Erksine could not afford to get swept here.  This one will cost them.

(#2) South Carolina Aiken @ (#6) Augusta State –  PBC GOTW – Game of the Day – Augusta State wins 2-1, loses 3-4 (More info here)

Both teams stay close together in the standings and the same distance behind Georgia College (who also split)… but atleast we got 2 great games out of the game of the day!

Columbus State @ (#4) Georgia College – Columbus State wins 3-1, loses 3-7 (More info here)

Columbus State stays 2.5 games back, but Georgia College isn’t able to increase their lead over South Carolina Aiken or Augusta State.

(#9) Catawba @ Mars Hill – Postponed until April 8th

4/9 Preview

Atlantic Region

Bowie State @ (#4) Bloomsburg

It’s a non conference matchup, but Bowie State gets a chance here to try and beat a ranked team.

(#10) East Stroudsburg @ (#1) Lock Haven

In an intra-division matchup, East Stroudsburg gets a chance to upset Lock Haven and shake up the Central Division a bit.  They could also use this win to fight off challengers for  a regional ranking, and to try to get into the top 8.

Central Region

(#4) Minnesota State @ (#9) Concordia St. Paul

Both these teams are still in great contention for the conference title, but a sweep either way would be damaging.

East Region

(#10) Bentley @ Merrimack

Merrimack is 2 games up on Bentley and could really put them out of contention with a sweep.

South Central Region

(#10) Texas A&M-Kingsville @ Texas A&M International

Texas A&M International is falling away in the Heartland Conference and really needs this series to boost them back up and get something going.

Incarnate Word @ (#4) Midwestern State

Incarnate Word is kinda falling away in the Heartland Conference and goes to a Midwestern State team that looks in good position regionally but is falling behind in the Lone Star Conference

Southeast Region

Queens (N.C.) @ Mount Olive – CC GOTW

Both teams tied a game back of Limestone.  This is a pretty big one….

(#3) Lenoir-Rhyne @ (#5) Newberry –  SAC GOTW – Game of the Day.

Newberry is 1 game out, Lenoir-Rhyne 2 games out.   Newberry with a great chance to put Lenoir-Rhyne in a load of trouble.  This matchup of 2 top 5 teams in the region gets the Game of the Day nod.

(#9) Catawba @ Mars Hill

Catawba is already 3 games out, Mars Hill only 1.  Catawba could fall way down the standings and lose their regional ranking after this week.

D2 Softball – 4/7

4/6 Review

Central Region

(#6) Regis vs. (#8) Adams State (@ Metro State) – Regis State wins 8-7 (8), loses 5-6 (9) (More info here)

Sounds like an absolutely fantastic doubleheader.  Adam’s State is tied with Colrado St.-Pueblo now in the West division. The two teams will play a double header in a few weeks, so they will be able to settle things (to a certain extent) amongst themselves.

East Region

(#8) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. Caldwell – Postponed until April 24th

Caldwell led the CACC entering the week, Dominican was 2 games back.  Caldwell could use the wins as well to help push for a regional ranking.

South Region

(#5) Valdosta State vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – Valdosta State wins 4-1
(#7) West Alabama vs. Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament) – Arkansas-Monticello wins 10-2 (5)
(#2) West Florida vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament) – West Florida wins 16-2 (5)

Arkansas-Monticello had a great tourney defeating West Alabama and West Florida.

Southeast Region

Coker @ Limestone – Limestone wins 9-1, 3-0 (More info here)

Coker is now 5 games out, and will battle for a postseason tourney berth.  Limestone now leads the Conference Carolinas all alone at 9-3.

West Region

(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#6) Grand Canyon – CCAA GOTW, PCC GOTW – Game of the Day – Grand Canyon wins 4-1, 6-5 (More info here)

Grand Canyon did a great job rebounding from a poor Tournament of Champions start.  Humboldt State has now lost 3 straight including the surprising loss to Saint Martin’s in the Tournament of Champions, where they failed to advance out of the first round of the Silver Bracket.

4/7 Preview

Atlantic Region

Shaw @ Bowie State
(#3) California (Pa.) @ (#8) Edinboro –  PSAC GOTW

This matchup has the top team in the West going on the road to Edinboro who is already 4 games out.  Great chance for Edinboro to cut into that lead, and to pick up a big regional win.

(#10) East Stroudsburg @ (#1) Lock Haven

In an intra-division matchup, East Stroudsburg gets a chance to upset Lock Haven and shake up the Central Division a bit.  They could also use this win to fight off challengers for  a regional ranking, and to try to get into the top 8.

Central Region

(#5) Wayne State @ Upper Iowa

Upper Iowa is sitting 1.5 games out, and this chance to play a ranked team and a team ahead of them at home is a big chance they need to take advantage of.

Mary @ (#10) Minnesota Duluth

Mary is now 3.5 games out, but it’s still a big matchup for Duluth who is 2.5 games back already and needs to pick up some momentum.

Augustana @ (#1) Winona State

Augustana is the surprise conference leaders at 5-0.  This will be a major test at Winnona, who is only .5 games back and will overtake them with a sweep.

East Region

(#8) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#7) Bloomington – CACC GOTW

Great matchup between #2 and #3 in conference.  Bloomfield is ahead of Dominican (N.Y.) by 1.5 games, so they could put a nice gap between them with a home sweep.

(#9) Dowling @ (#5) Queens (N.Y.) – ECC GOTW

Both teams within 2 games, Dowling a bit closer 1 game back.  Good matchup here to help sort out the conference a bit. Queens would be in big trouble if they got swept, really need to get this one at home.

South Central Region

(#1) Angelo State @ St. Edward’s – April 7th

St. Edward’s, the top team in the Heartland Conference hosts the top team in the Lonestar South.  Great chance to show they deserve a regional ranking and a shot at the postseaon that doesn’t come from an automatic berth from winning the conference tournament.

(#2) Southeastern Oklahoma State @ (#4) Midwestern State

Midwestern State is already too far back in conference, but they could use this to try and help propel them past Abilene Christian in the regional rankings.

(#8) Central Missouri @ Southwest Baptist – MIAA GOTW

Okay this really isn’t big any more as SW Baptist lost 4 straight over the weekend to fall 5 games back of Central Missouri, but still it’s a road trip for the co-conference leaders.

Southeast Region

Limestone @ Less-McRae

Conference leaders now have to go on a road trip.  Lees-McRae needs this one already down 3 games.

Pfeiffer @ Barton

A fight in the middle, neither team can afford to lose much ground on Limestone, both 2 games back.

St. Andrews @ Anderson (S.C.)

Anderson is toast, and St. Andrews probably is too… this looked a lot bigger earlier in the week.

Erksine @ Coker

Erksine is only 2 games back, Coker… toast.  Erksine needs a sweep to keep pace considering this one is winnable.

(#2) South Carolina Aiken @ (#6) Augusta State –  PBC GOTW – Game of the Day

Great matchup here, Augusta State is .5 games back of South Carolina aiken, and both are just behind Georgia College.  A sweep would make either team the favorite to give Georgia College a run.  I’m giving it the Game of the Day!

Columbus State @ (#4) Georgia College

Georgia College, who leads the conference, leads Columbus State by 2.5 games… so this one is big for Columbus State who can’t fall any further behind.

(#9) Catawba @ Mars Hill

Catawba is already 3 games out, Mars Hill only 1.  Catawba could fall way down the standings and lose their regional ranking after this week.

D2 Softball – 4/6

4/5 Review

Atlantic Region

Shippensburg @ (#4) West Chester – Shippensburg wins 9-6, 7-4 (More info here)

Shippensburg sweep is huge for 2 reasons.  1.) They stay alive in the conference race and 2.) they get a great set of wins for the regional rankins.

(#1) Lock Haven @ (#5) Bloomsburg – Game of the Day – Lock Haven wins 1-0, loses 1-2 (8) (More info here)

Lock haven remains a game up on Bloomsburg.  Bloomsburg can probably jump West Chester after this win and West Chester’s struggles.

Central Region

(#9) Concordia St. Paul @ Minnesota State Moorhead – Postponed

(#6) Regis vs. (#7) Colorado State-Pubelo (@ Metro State) – Postponed

(#8) Adams State @ (#2) Metro State – RMAC GOTW – Postponed

East Region

(#2) Georgian Court vs. (#5) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – Georgian Court wins 9-3 (More info here)

(#8) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#9) Dowling (Georgian Court Invitational) – Dowling wins 12-2 (More info here)

(#6) New York Institute of Technology vs. (#9) Dowling (Georgian Court Invitational) – Downling wins 4-2 (More info here)

Dowling with 2 great wins, I expect to see them in the top 8 next week.

Merrimack @ (#4) Le Moyne – Le Moyne wins 7-2, 7-0 (More info here)

Le Myone moves into a tie with Merrimack in the conference standings.

Midwest Region

(#7) Indianapolis @ Quincy – Quincy wins 4-1, loses 2-3 (More info here)

Two no hitters in two days for Torie Bunzell of Quincy.  This team is playing great ball and almost swept this series.  I think they should provide a fight for the conference.

(#5) Missouri-St. Louis @ (#10) Wisconsin-Parkside – Postponed until April 22nd

South Region

(#1) Alabama Huntsville vs. Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament) – Alabama Huntsville wins 9-0 (6)

(#7) West Alabama vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – West Alabama wins 9-8

Tech came close to getting another upset here.

(#8) Tampa @ (#9) Saint Leo – Tamapa wins 3-1 (9), 7-3 (More info here)

Saint Leo is well out of the conference title race now, and might lose their regional ranking spot.

Southeast Region

Pfeiffer @ (#3) Lenoir-Rhyne – Lenoir-Rhyne wins 8-1, 6-1

It would appear there’s a reason why the top teams in Conference Carolinas aren’t ranked in the regional rankings.

Coker @ Less-McRae – Lees-McRae wins 5-4, 4-1 (More info here)

Lees-McRae’s sweep moves them one game ahead of Coker, but both teams have a lot of work to do.

Anderson (S.C.) @ Barton – Barton wins 4-3 (8), 3-1 (More info here and here)

Anderson was probably done anyways, Barton stays alive in the conference race.

West Region

Tournament of Champions:

Will happen:

(#4) Sonoma State vs. (#9) Central Washington – Central Washington wins 2-1 (8)

Cal State Monterey Bay vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific – Hawaii Pacific wins 8-4

(#7) Cal State Stanislaus vs. Western Oregon – Western Oregon wins 4-3

(#3) Dixie State vs. (#10) Cal State Dominguez Hills – Cal State Dominguez Hills wins 1-0

Could happen:

(#6) Grand Canyon vs. (#9) Central Washington – Grand Canyon wins 5-2

(#2) Hawaii Pacific vs. Western Oregon – Hawaii Pacific wins 6-4

(#2) Hawaii Pacific vs. (#10) Cal State Dominguez Hills – Hawaii Pacifc wins 5-3

Well Sonoma had a dreadful tournament, Central Washington and Western Oregon got some nice wins, Hawaii Pacific will be happy with a sweep.  Humboldt State got bounced by Saint Martin’s in a shocker today, and Cal State Dominguez Hills had a great Sunday showing.

4/6 Preview

Central Region

(#6) Regis vs. (#8) Adams State (@ Metro State)

These two teams both got snowed out on Sunday in other matchups, Regis is fighting for 2nd place in the East, Adams State might still have a shot at 1st in the West.

East Region

(#8) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. Caldwell

Caldwell led the CACC entering the week, Dominican was 2 games back.  Caldwell could use the wins as well to help push for a regional ranking.

South Region

(#5) Valdosta State vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament)
(#7) West Alabama vs. Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament)
(#2) West Florida vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament)

Final day of the GSC Crossover Tournament as East plays West.  All 3 teams that are competing for the West title have a chance to get a final big win here.

Southeast Region

Coker @ Limestone

Coker is basically toast, but Limestone isleading the conference.  This was a big game heading into the week, but now it’s for Coker to have any chance left.

West Region

(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#6) Grand Canyon – CCAA GOTW, PCC GOTW – Game of the Day

Both teams had disappointing Tournaments of Champions, though Grand Canyon ended on a positive note winning the Silver Bracket. They’ll stick around in town and play a doubleheader in the morning.  Humboldt State needs to rebound from their poor finish, but a hot Grand Canyon team is going to make that hard.  Great matchup and the Game of the Day.

D2 Softball – 4/5

4/4 Review

Atlantic Region

Virginia State @ Bowie State – CIAA GOTW – Bowie State wins 8-0, 5-2 (More info here)

Bowie State’s sweept moves them 2 games up on Virginia State in conference. Bowie State now has the best chance of winning the Eastern division.

(NON CONF) (#6) Indiana (Pa.) @ (#10) East Stroudsburg – East Stroudsburg wins 2-1, 1-0 (More info here)

GREAT sweep for East Stroudsburg.  This was a big one to try and push for a top 8 spot.

(NON CONF) (#1) Lock Haven @ (#5) West Chester – Lock Haven wins 2-0, 6-2 (More info here)

Good sweep for Lock Haven, they should hold onto that #1 spot.  Now they have to go to Bloomsburg on Sunday.

(NON CONF) (#4) Bloomsburg @ (#2) Kutztown – Postponed until April 16th

Central Region

Augustana @ (#5) Wayne State (Neb.) – Augustana wins 6-1 (More info here)

Well Augustana is your conference leaders ladies and gentleman… at 5-0 in conference and 14-16 overall!  2nd game was rained out.

Upper Iowa @ Bemidji State (in Fayette, Iowa) – Upper Iowa wins 8-3, 3-0 (More info here)

Bemidji is now 4.5 games out in conference… this sweep was a tough one for them.  Upper Iowa is hanging around still at 5-3.

(#1) Winona State @ (#10) Minnesota Duluth –  NSIC GOTW – Winona State wins 4-2 (9), 9-5 (More info here)

Great showing by Winona State in a major road test.  They are only a .5 game behind Augustana, and with the Wayne loss are probably in good shape.

(#6) Regis vs. (#7) Colorado State-Pubelo (@ Metro State) – Postponed until Sunday… or maybe Monday.

(#8) Adams State @ (#2) Metro State – RMAC GOTW Postponed until Sunday… or maybe Monday.

East Region

(#8) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#5) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – Dominican (N.Y.) wins 11-10
(#8) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#6) New York Institute of Technology (Georgian Court Invitational) – New York Institute of Technology wins 10-1 (5)
(#6) New York Institute of Technology vs. Bridgeport (Georgian Court Invitational) – New York Institute of Technology wins 3-0
(#9) Dowling vs. (#5) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – Dowling wins 9-1
Molloy vs. (#8) Dominican (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – Dominican (N.Y.) wins 11-8
(#9) Dowling vs. (#2) Georgian Court (Georgian Court Invitational) – Georgian Court wins 11-3 (5)

Several upsets here, but NYIT had a great day.

(#10) Bentley @ (#4) Le Moyne –  NE-10 GOTW – Postponed until… ?

Le Moyne has a huge game with Merrimack (current conference leaders) tomorrow.

Southern New Hampshire @ (#3) Southern Connecticut State – Southern New Hampshire wins 12-1 (6), 8-6 (More info here)

Well maybe Southern New Hampshire is for real…  After going 2-10 in the non conference season, they are now 6-0 and the only undefeated team left in conference.

Midwest Region

(#5) Missouri-St. Louis @ (#2) Lewis  – GLVC GOTW – Missouri-St. Louis wins 3-2 (10), 4-1 (More info here)

Lewis now down 3 games to Missouri-St. Louis in conference.  That’s a big lead. Missouri-St. Louis has another tough road test @ Wisconsin-Parkside tomorrow, who is currently #4 in conference.

Saint Joseph’s @ Quincy – Quincy wins 2-0, 5-2 (More info here)

Quincy is 7-1 and tied for the conference lead.  Indianapolis comes in tomorrow, at 9-3… this is a big one!!! Quincy was 9-17 in non-conference play! What a start to the conference season!

South Region

(#7) West Alabama vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament) – West Alabama wins 6-3
(#2) West Florida vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – Arkansas Tech wins 3-1
(#7) West Alabama vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – Will be Played Sunday morning

Great win for Arkansas Tech!!!  West Florida has now gone down to defeat twice in this crossover.

(#8) Tampa @ (#9) Saint Leo – Tampa wins 2-0 (More info here)

Doubleheader tomorrow, do or die for Saint Leo, but at 5 games back, is it already too late?  Now they need to worry about staying in the top 8.  Tampa is looking great.

(#3) Florida Southern @ (#10) Barry – Florida Southern wins 5-0, loses 1-6 (More info here)

Well Barry basically HAD to get a win, and they did.  Only 1.5 games out now because of it…

South Central Region

St. Edward’s @ Incarnate Word – HC GOTW – St. Edward’s wins 4-0, 11-3 (6) (More info here)

St.Edward’s delivers the death blow to Incarnate Word this weekend via the 4 game sweep. St. Mary’s might still be a contender.

(#3) Abilene Christian @ (#1) Angelo State – LSC GOTW – Game of the Day – Angelo State wins 11-5, 7-6 (8) (More info here)

Angelo State came through in the clutch here.  They were in danger of losing a shot at a conference title, but with the sweep they tie things right back up and make things very interesting in the weeks to come!

(#5) West Texas A&M @ Tarleton State – Tarleton State wins 4-3 (More info here)

Tarleton State probably stays alive, as thanks to Angelo State they are only 2 games out.  West Texas A&M on the other hand is now 3.5 games out, probably too many to make a run now as Angelo State and Abilene Christian can’t be expected to drop many.

Cameron @ (#4) Midwestern State – Cameron wins 7-5, 2-1 (More info here and here)

Midwestern gets a very tough outcome this weekend losing 3 of 4 in this series.  It’ll be interesting to see if they fall in the regional rankings and the MIAA teams can crack the top 5. Midwestern trails Southestern Oklahoma by 5 games… game over.  Cameron is only 3 back, they might have a chance.

Missouri Southern @ (#8) Central Missouri – Central Missouri wins 2-0, 12-5 (More info here and here)

Central Missouri is 6-0 in league, tied for first place! They should move up in the regional rankings if this keeps up.

Pittsburg State @ Southwest Baptist – Pittsburg State wins 11-1, 6-2 (More info here)

Pittsburg State gets to 4-2 in conference, and Southwest Baptist has falled out of contention already at 1-5.

Southeast Region

Pfeiffer @ Limestone – Limestone wins 7-5, 3-1 (More info here)

Limestone is now ahead of Pfeiffer by one game. Pfeiffer doesn’t get to stay down with a tough non-conference road trip tomorrow at  Lenoir-Rhyne.

Barton @ Less-McRae – Less-McRae wins 4-0, loses 11-4 (More info here)

Barton is only 2 games out still… Less-McRae is now 3 out.  Barton hosts Anderson (S.C.), Less-McRae hosts Coker.  Both probably need to sweep given who they are playing.

Queens (N.C.) @ Coker – Coker wins 3-1, 2-1 (More info here)

Coker stays alive in conference, Queens drops a bit down the pecking order.  Coker is at Less-McRae tomorrow, probably needs to get a sweep there.

Anderson (S.C.) @ Mount Olive – Mount Olive wins 8-0 (5), 5-2 (More info here)

Anderson is toast (or not… they are still 3 games out… just behind a ton of teams), Mount Olive is a very strong contender and in first place now.

(#4) Georgia College @ St. Andrews  – Georgia College wins 10-0 (5), 11-2 (More info here)

Well that was another missed opportunity… but really St. Andrews wasn’t going anywhere anyways.

(#1) North Georgia @ (#8) Francis Marion – North Georgia wins 4-2 (10), 1-0 (More info here)

Francis Marrion put up a great fight, but lost two tough tough games.  Unfortunately they are now 5 games out in conference.  They need to win some games from here on out to try and keep a playoff spot.

(#10) Carson Newman @ (#3) Lenoir-Rhyne – Carson Newman wins 10-4, loses 0-3 (More info here)

A good road win for Carson Newman.  But the loss means they are 4 games out already…  Lenoir-Rhyne is 2 games back in conference now as well.

(#5) Newberry @ (#9) Catawba – Catawba wins 7-5, loses 0-8 (More info here)

Catawba hands Newberry their first conference loss, but trails Wingate by 3 games right now. Might be enough to jump them over Francis Marion in the regional rankins.

West Region

(#8) UC San Diego vs. (#6) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions) – UC San Diego wins 6-4
(#7) Cal State Stanislaus vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – Cal State Stanislaus wins 4-2
(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#6) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions) – Humboldt State wins 8-5
(#8) UC San Diego vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – Hawaii Pacific wins 12-3
(#4) Sonoma State vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions) – Dixie State wins 2-1
(#9) Central Washington vs. (#10) Cal State Dominguez Hills (Tournament of Champions) –  GNAC GOTW – Cal State Dominguez Hills wins 9-1 (8)

Tournament of Champions info HERE

4/5 Preview

Atlantic Region

Shippensburg @ (#4) West Chester

West Chester is probably done in the East Division thanks to Kutztown’s start, and Shippensburg will be too if they get swept here.  They could really use this one though for the regional ranking implications.

(#1) Lock Haven @ (#5) Bloomsburg – Game of the Day

Top two teams in the Central Division, Lock Haven at 6-0, Bloomsburg at 4-0.  Should be a fantastic matchup to determine who has the inside shot at the Divisional Title.  It’s my Game of the Day!

Central Region

(#9) Concordia St. Paul @ Minnesota State Moorhead

Moorhead is now 0-2, but they could still be a bit of a challenge for Concordia St.Paul, who is 1.5 games out of 1st.

(#6) Regis vs. (#7) Colorado State-Pubelo (@ Metro State)

After getting swept by Metro State, CSU-Pueblo would love a win here.

(#8) Adams State @ (#2) Metro State – RMAC GOTW

Adams State could really help fight off any NSIC challengers with a win here.

East Region

(#2) Georgian Court vs. (#5) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational)

(#8) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#9) Dowling (Georgian Court Invitational)

(#6) New York Institute of Technology vs. (#9) Dowling (Georgian Court Invitational)

Well Dowling has a great two chances to pick up big wins here tomorrow.

Merrimack @ (#4) Le Moyne

Merrimack leads the conference, LeMoyne is 2 games back.  This is a huge series for both teams, and could help get Merrimack a regional ranking.

Midwest Region

(#7) Indianapolis @ Quincy

Two teams tied for the lead battle it out.  Is Quincy for real?  I’ll believe it if they win this one.

(#5) Missouri-St. Louis @ (#10) Wisconsin-Parkside

Another team tied for first battles the team hanging just behind by 2 games in 4th.  Wisconsin-Parkside needs to get this one if they want to stay in the 4 way race for the title.

South Region

(#1) Alabama Huntsville vs. Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament)

(#7) West Alabama vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament)

The GSC Crossover Tournament will be taking place the next 2 days as the West teams play the East teams.

Great chances for both Arkansas teams here.

(#8) Tampa @ (#9) Saint Leo

Saint Leo is done if they lose a game, maybe even if they sweep.

Southeast Region

Pfeiffer @ (#3) Lenoir-Rhyne

This is a non-conference matchup, but a great chance for Pfeiffer to get a huge win for the regional rankings.

Coker @ Less-McRae

Neither team can afford to lose this one.

Anderson (S.C.) @ Barton

Once again, neither team can afford to lose this one.

West Region

Tournament of Champions:

Will happen:

(#4) Sonoma State vs. (#9) Central Washington

Cal State Monterey Bay vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific

(#7) Cal State Stanislaus vs. Western Oregon

(#3) Dixie State vs. (#10) Cal State Dominguez Hills

Could happen:

(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#4) Sonoma State/(#9) Central Washington

Cal State Monterey Bay/(#2) Hawaii Pacific vs. (#7) Cal State Stanislaus/Western Oregon

Cal State Monterey Bay/(#2) Hawaii Pacific/(#7) Cal State Stanislaus/Western Oregon vs. (#3) Dixie State/(#10) Cal State Dominguez Hills

Cal State Stanislaus has played FANTASTIC at home so far in this tourney.  They might see a big bump in their regional ranking.

D2 Softball – 4/4

4/3 Review

Atlantic Region

Shaw @ Fayetteville State – Fayetteville State wins 16-0 (5), 7-1 – (More info here)

Fayetteville looks to be the run away favorite to win this Division of the CIAA.  They now lead Shaw by 3 games.

Shippensburg @ (#4) West Chester

This matchup has been postponed until Sunday afternoon.

(#1) Lock Haven @ (#5) Bloomsburg

This matchup has also been postponed until Sunday afternoon.

(#3) California (Pa.) @ (#7) Edinboro

This matchup has also been postponed.  No date has been anounced yet.

Central Region

(#7) Colorado State-Pueblo @ (#2) Metro State – RMAC GOTW – Metro State wins 9-6, 4-2 – (More info here)

This was a great set of wins for Metro State, in a matchup of the best in the East and the best in the West.  Both teams have big games tomorrow taking on the #2 team from the opposite division (Metro State vs. Adams State and CSU-Pueblo vs. Regis).  We’ll see if the weather allows it.

South Region

(#2) West Florida vs. (#10) Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament) – Arkansas-Monticello wins 2-1

(#5) Valdosta State vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament) – Valdosta State wins 9-0 (5)

(#1) Alabama Huntsville vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament) – Alabama Huntsville wins 4-0

(#1) Alabama Huntsville vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – Alabama Huntsville wins 6-0

(#5) Valdosta State vs. (#10) Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament) – Valdosta State wins 10-0 (5)

Arkansas-Monticello starts off the day with a very helpful win over West Florida.   They get another chance for big wins playing Alabama Huntsville and West Alabama still.

(#3) Florida Southern @ Barry – Florida Southern wins 3-2 (More info here)

Good start for Florida Southern who rode a 2 run first and a homer in the 5th to a series opening win.  The two teams will play a doubleheader tomorrow.  Barry is hanging on to the tail end of the regional rankings, they might need a win tomorrow.

South Central Region

St. Mary’s @ Texas A&M International – St. Mary’s wins 10-0 (5), 11-0 (5)  (More info here)

St. Mary’s might be for real in this conference race.  Texas A&M International… not so much.

St. Edward’s @ Incarnate Word – Hertland Conference (HC) GOTW – St. Edward’s wins 2-1, 11-7 (More info here)

Coming in tied at 13-3, this sweept leaves St. Edward’s two games clear of Incarnate Word, but still only one game clear of St. Mary’s.  These two teams rematch on Saturday at St. Edward’s.  This might be it for Incarnate Word, a 4 game lead would be almost impossible to overcome.

(#4) West Texas A&M @ Tarleton State – Tarleton State wins 3-2, loses 4-7 (More info here and here)

This split won’t help either team stay with Abilene Christian in the South.  The loser of the 3rd game on Saturday is probably eliminated from conference title hopes.

(#3) Abilene Christian @ (#2) Angelo State – Lone Star Conference (LSC) GOTW – Abilene Christian wins 7-3 (More info here)

Abilene now up 2 games on Angelo State and are assured of coming out of this series with at least a share of the lead.  Doubleheader tomorrow.  Teams below them (such as West Texas A&M and Tarleton) are probably rooting for Angelo to win both tomorrow.

(#8) Emporia State @ (#7) Nebraska-Omaha – Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Associate (MIAA) GOTW – Nebraska-Omaha wins 8-6, loses 4-2 (More info here)

Great set of games and a very even matchup. UNO got down 4-0 in the first game, then stormed back for 6 straight to take a 6-4 lead.  The teams went back and forth from there but UNO always had enough and won 8-6.  Game 2 was also exciting.  Nebraska-Omaha scored 1 in the 2nd, but left the bases loaded and weren’t able to add any runs after loading them with one out.  Emporia immediately answered with a homer, and scored one in the sixth and two in the seventh.  UNO threatened in the bottom of the 7th, plating one run and leaving runners at 2nd and 3rd when the final out was recorded.  I think these two might meet again for the tournament title.  And apparently the regular season title won’t come down to who swept who in this series.

Southeast Region

Erksine @ Queens (N.C.) – Erksine wins 1-0, loses 2-3 (More info here)

Queens won game two on a single while down 2-1 in the bottom of the 7th.  That comeback gave them a one game advantage over Erskine in conference, but both teams are still in a large group of teams with strong records.  I have Queens tied for the lead with Pfeiffer and Erksine tied with Limestone and Mount Olive one game back.

West Region

Tournament of Champions info HERE

(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions) – Dixie State wins 4-3

(#6) Cal State Stanislaus vs. (#7) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions) – Cal State Stanislaus wins 12-2 (5)

(#8) UC San Diego vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions) – Dixie State wins 5-0

(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) GOTW, Pacific West Conference (PWC) GOTW – Game of the Day – Humboldt State wins 8-3 (9)

(#5) Sonoma State vs. (#7) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions) – Sonoma State wins 2-1

(#6) Cal State Stanislaus vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions) – Cal State Stanislaus wins 6-0

Cal State Monterey Bay vs. (#9) Central Washington (Tournament of Champions) – Cal State Monterey Bay wins 4-0

(#5) Sonoma State vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – Sonoma State wins 7-1

Western Oregon vs. (#10) Cal State Dominguez Hills (Tournament of Champions) – Cal State Dominguez hills wins 6-2

Winners: Dixie State got a great win, had a good win, but had a tough loss to end things. Still they lead Pool D at 2-1 and are a pretty good bet to win the group and make the Gold Bracket.

Sonoma State got a great win to end the day, and went 2-1 to be in 2nd in Pool C.  Still they need to win both tomorrow probably to hold onto that spot.  The final game is vs. Dixie State… going to be tough.

Cal State Stanislaus – Fantastic start, a great win over Dixie State, and the leaders in Pool C and a great bet to make the Gold Bracket. They get a shot at Hawaii Pacific tomorrow, but even with a loss they should be okay.

Cal State Monterey Bay and Cal State Dominguez Hill – Both went 3-0 on Friday, but will have to complete the sweet on Saturday to get to 5-0 to have a good chance at the Gold Bracket… the opposition isn’t strong.

Western Oregon – Went 1-1 on Friday, but even 1 win might be enough to get them into the Gold Bracket.

Neutral: Humboldt State got a great win, but had a tough loss.  Have to play well tomorrow to try and get the 2nd spot in Pool C. Stiff competition from CSU San Bernardino, Sonoma State, and UC San Diego.  They should win all 3 games tomorrow though.

UC San Diego had a good loss vs. Dixie State and an easy win.  Tomorrow they probably need to go 3-0 though to get the final spot. Have to play Hawaii Pacific.

Central Washington – Went 0-2 on Friday, but a win tomorrow probably gets them into the Gold Bracket.

Losers: Hawaii Pacific: Lost both big games today, but even an average day tomorrow should get them back into spot 2 in Pool D and make the Gold Bracket.  Have to face Cal State Stanislaus and UC San Diego though, and two losses would not cut it.

Grand Canyone dropped two games to ranked teams, and lost to Cal State San Bernardino to go 0-3. It would take an upset win of Humboldt State and a win over UC San Diego to have a shot at the Gold Bracket.

4/4 Preview

Atlantic Region

Virginia State @ Bowie State – CIAA GOTW

Virginia State and Bowie State are 1-2 in the CIAA East.  Bowie State could deliver a big blow here and go up 3 games.

(NON CONF) (#6) Indiana (Pa.) @ (#10) East Stroudsburg
(NON CONF) (#1) Lock Haven @ (#5) West Chester
(NON CONF) (#4) Bloomsburg @ (#2) Kutztown

Apparently all 3 games are being played as non-conference series.  Still, great matchups among some good teams.  East Stroudsburg has the most to gain here.

Central Region

Augustana @ (#5) Wayne State (Neb.)

Augusta is 4-0, Wayne State (Neb.) is also 4-0.  This is for the conference lead.  It might not happen (snow).

Upper Iowa @ Bemidji State (in Fayette, Iowa)

Two teams tied at 2-2, getting swept sweep might be the end of conference title aspirations for either team.

(#1) Winona State @ (#10) Minnesota Duluth –  NSIC GOTW

Winona already got swept by Wayne State… a sweep here by Duluth and Winona could be 4 games back already.  Huge series for them.  Duluth is only a game back of Wayne State.

(#6) Regis vs. (#7) Colorado State-Pubelo (@ Metro State)

After getting swept by Metro State, CSU-Pueblo would love a win here.

(#8) Adams State @ (#2) Metro State – RMAC GOTW

Adams State could really help fight off any NSIC challengers with a win here.

East Region

(#8) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#5) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational)
(#8) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#6) New York Institute of Technology Georgian Court Invitational)
(#5) Queens (N.Y.) vs. (#8) Dominican (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational)
(#6) New York Institute of Technology vs. Bridgeport (Georgian Court Invitational)
(#9) Dowling vs. (#5) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational)
Molloy vs. (#8) Dominican (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational)
(#6) New York Institute of Technology vs. (#8) Dominican (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational)
(#9) Dowling vs. (#2) Georgian Court (Georgian Court Invitational)

This tournament should provide some interesting matchups. Most matchups are non-conference, but there are a few between conference teams (that won’t count in the standings). Will get to see several of the top teams in the region and Dowling and Dominican (N.Y.) should both have good tests to see who should get the final spot.

(#10) Bentley @ (#4) Le Moyne –  NE-10 GOTW

Merimack is 1 game up on Le Moyne, 3 games up on Bentley.  A LeMoyne sweep would be a big blow to Bentley.

Southern New Hampshire @ (#3) Southern Connecticut State

Both of these teams are undefeated in conference. Southern Connecticut State looks to be for real and should be a challenger for the title.  Southern New Hampshire is 6-10 on the year.  This should be a dose of reality for them, but who knows…

Midwest Region

(#5) Missouri-St. Louis @ (#2) Lewis  – GLVC GOTW

Missouri-St. Louis is tied for first, Lewis is one game back, Lewis.  A sweep b Missouri-St. Louis would hurt Lewis a lot, putting them 3 games down.

Saint Joseph’s @ Quincy

Is Quiny for real?  This may not be the best test, but Saint Joseph’s is capable, they are only a game out.

South Region

(#7) West Alabama vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament)
(#2) West Florida vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament)
(#7) West Alabama vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament)

The GSC Crossover Tournament will be taking place the next 3 days as the West teams play the East teams.

Arkansas Tech gets two good chances today.  We’ll see if they can take advantage

(#8) Tampa @ (#9) Saint Leo

Saint Leo can not afford to lose in this situation, already 4 games back of Florida Southern entering the week.

(#3) Florida Southern @ (#10) Barry

After a Florida Southern win in game 1, Barry can’t afford to get swept today.

South Central Region

St. Edward’s @ Incarnate Word – HC GOTW

St. Edward’s would go up 4 games on Incarnate Word with a sweep.

(#3) Abilene Christian @ (#1) Angelo State – LSC GOTW – Game of the Day

Angelo State needs to win today.  A sweep by Abilene would put them 4 games up.  A sweep by Angelo would tie things back up.  Important or what?  Game of the Day!

(#5) West Texas A&M @ Tarleton State

Loser of this game is probably out.  Winner might be too if Abilene sweeps.

Cameron @ (#4) Midwestern State

Like the above game, the loser of this series is probably out…

Missouri Southern @ (#8) Central Missouri

Central Missouri has had a good start, Missouri Southern shouldn’t be a tough challenge but did start conference play 1-1.

Pittsburg State @ Southwest Baptist

Pittsburg State started conference play 2-0, but this game at Southwest Baptist could be a challenge.

Southeast Region

Pfeiffer @ Limestone

Pfeiffer led Limestone by one game entering the week. There is a 5 team race for the conference lead here.

Barton @ Less-McRae

These two teams are within reach still, but the loser of this series is probably toast.

Queens (N.C.) @ Coker

Queens (N.C.) looks like they are a title contender, but they can’t afford to stumble at Coker, who should be out with two losses.

Anderson (S.C.) @ Mount Olive

Mount Olive looks like they are a title contender, and should knock out Anderson tomorrow.

(#4) Georgia College @ St. Andrews

St. Andrews is a middling team in the Conference Carolinas, but any chance to beat a ranked team doesn’t come around often here.  They need to take advantage.
(#1) North Georgia @ (#8) Francis Marion

Francis Marrion would probably be toast if they get swept here.  Need a good showing to fight off Catawba and Carson Newman for the 8th playoff spot.

(#10) Carson Newman @ (#3) Lenoir-Rhyne

If Carson Newman wants to make a move into the top 8, this would be a good start.

(#5) Newberry @ (#9) Catawba

Catawba has a golden chance here to get a huge regional win and to pull closer in the conference race.

West Region

(#10) Cal State Dominquez Hills vs. (#9) Central Washington (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#8) UC San Diego vs. (#6) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#7) Cal State Stanislaus vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#6) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#8) UC San Diego vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#4) Sonoma State vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#9) Central Washington vs. (#10) Cal State Dominguez Hills (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th – GNAC GOTW
(#6) Grand Canyon vs. (#8) UC San Diego (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#2) Hawaii Pacific vs. (#7) Cal State Stanislaus (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#6) Grand Canyon vs. (#1) Humboldt State (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#2) Hawaii Pacific vs. (#8) UC San Diego (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#3) Dixie State vs. (#4) Sonoma State (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th

Lots of great games continue in Day 2 of the Tournament of Champions.

4/2 – D2 Softball Update

Atlantic Region

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
As of April 2nd
Eastern Division
Virginia State – 6-4 (6-0)
Bowie State – 10-4 (9-1)
Elizabeth City State – 6-9 (6-2)

Western Division
Fayetteville State – 11-22 (7-1)
Shaw University – 7-9 (7-3)

Big Games:
Virginia State @ Bowie State – April 4th- CIAA GOTW
Shaw @ Bowie State – April 7th
Bowie State @ (#4) Bloomsburg – April 8th

Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
As of April 2nd
East
(#2) Kutztown – 32-6 (8-0)
(#9) Shippensburg – 17-13 (5-3)
(#5) West Chester – 21-11 (3-5)
(#10) East Stroudsburg – 14-11 (3-5)

Central
(#1) Lock Haven – 26-4 (6-0)
(#4) Bloomsburg – 19-3 (4-0)
(#6) Indiana (Pa.) – 14-12 (1-5)

West
(#3) California (Pa.) – 24-4 (6-0)
(#8) Edinboro – 19-14 (2-4)

Big Games:
(NON CONF) (#6) Indiana (Pa.) @ (#10) East Stroudsburg – April 4th
(NON CONF) (#1) Lock Haven @ (#5) West Chester – April 4th
(NON CONF) (#4) Bloomsburg @ (#2) Kutztown – April 4th
(#3) California (Pa.) @ (#8) Edinboro – April 7th – PSAC GOTW
(#10) East Stroudsburg @ (#1) Lock Haven – April 7th

West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
As of April 2nd
(#7) West Virginia Wesleyan – 20-11 (8-0)
Seton Hill – 14-9 (6-2)
Shepherd – 12-9 (8-2)

Big Games:

Central Region

Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
As of April 2nd
(#6) Wayne State (Neb.) – 19-11 (4-0)
Augustana – 11-16 (4-0)
Southwest Minnesota State – 10-14 (2-0)
(#10) Minnesota Duluth – 12-12 (3-1)
(#1) Winona State – 22-7 (2-2)
(#9) Concordia St. Paul – 18-14 (2-2)
(#4) Minnesota State Mankato – 20-6 (1-1)
Upper Iowa – 11-9 (2-2)
Bemidji State – 7-9 (2-2)
Mary – 6-19 (1-1)
Minnesota State Moorhead – 4-8 (0-0)

Big Games:
Augustana @ (#5) Wayne State (Neb.) – April 4th
Upper Iowa @ Bemidji State (in Fayette, Iowa) – April 4th
(#1) Winona State @ (#10) Minnesota Duluth – April 4th – NSIC GOTW
(#9) Concordia St. Paul @ Minnesota State Moorhead – April 5th
(#5) Wayne State @ Upper Iowa – April 7th
Mary @ (#10) Minnesota Duluth – April 7th
Augustana @ (#1) Winona State – April 7th
(#4) Minnesota State @ (#9) Concordia St. Paul – April 8th

Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
East
(#2) Metro State – 26-6 (19-3)
(#7) Regis – 24-15 (16-8)
(#3) Colorado School of Mines – 21-14 (13-7)

West
(#5) Colorado State-Pueblo – 20-10 (14-6)
(#8) Adams State – 13-10 (12-6)

Big Games:
(#7) Colorado State-Pueblo @ (#2) Metro State – April 3rd – RMAC GOTW
(#6) Regis vs. (#7) Colorado State-Pubelo (@ Metro State) – April 4th
(#8) Adams State @ (#2) Metro State – April 4th
(#6) Regis vs. (#8) Adams State (@ Metro State) – April 5th

East Region

Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference
As of April 2nd
Caldwell – 12-8-1 (9-0)
(#7) Bloomfield – 16-5 (7-1)
(#8) Dominican (N.Y.) – 17-7 (7-2)
(#2) Georgian Court – 18-8 (6-2)

Big Games:
(#8) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#5) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#8) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#6) New York Institute of Technology Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#2) Georgian Court vs. (#5) Queens (N.Y. (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 5th
(#8) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#9) Dowling – April 5th
(#8) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. Caldwell – April 6th
(#8) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#7) Bloomington – April 7th – CACC GOTW

East Coast Conference
As of April 2nd
(#6) New York Institute of Technology – 22-13-1 (6-0)
(#1) C.W. Post – 13-9 (5-1)
(#9) Dowling – 12-12 (3-1)
Molloy – 12-12 (4-2)
(#5) Queens (N.Y.) – 15-7 (5-3)

Big Games:
(#5) Queens (N.Y.) vs. (#8) Dominican (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#6) New York Institute of Technology vs. Bridgeport (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#9) Dowling vs. (#5) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
Molloy vs. (#8) Dominican (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#6) New York Institute of Technology vs. (#8) Dominican (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#9) Dowling vs. (#2) Georgian Court (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#5) Queens (N.Y.) vs. (#2) Georgian Court (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 5th
(#9) Dowling vs. (#8) Dominican (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 5th
(#6) New York Institute of Technology vs. Dowling (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 5th
(#9) Dowling @ (#5) Queens (N.Y.) – April 7th – ECC GOTW

Northeast-10 Conference
As of April 2nd
Merrimack – 15-7 (8-2)
(#3) Southern Connecticut State – 17-3 (6-0)
Southern New Hampshire – 6-10 (4-0)
(#4) Le Moyne – 17-7 (5-1)
(#10) Bentley – 10-8 (3-3)

Big Games:
(#10) Bentley @ (#4) Le Moyne – April 4th – NE-10 GOTW
Southern New Hampshire @ (#3) Southern Connecticut State – April 4th
Merrimack @ (#4) Le Moyne – April 5th
(#10) Bentley @ Merrimack – April 8th

Midwest Region

Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
As of April 2nd
(#8) Saginaw Valley State – 20-6 (7-1)
(#4) Wayne State (Mich.) – 17-7 (4-0)
(#3) Ashland – 18-8 (6-2)
(#1) Ferris State – 17-3 (3-1)
(#6) Grand Valley State – 22-7 (2-2)

Big Games:

Great Lakes Valley Conference
As of April 2nd
Quincy – 14-18 (5-1)
(#7) Indianapolis – 18-12 (9-3)
(#5) Missouri-St. Louis – 22-13 (6-2)
(#2) Lewis – 23-10 (5-3)
Saint Joseph’s – 18-12 (6-4)
(#10) Wisconsin-Parkside – 13-13 (7-5)
Bellarmine – 13-21 (5-5)
Rockhurst – 11-10 (4-4)
(#9) Northern Kentucky – 13-15 (3-5)

Big Games:
(#5) Missouri-St. Louis @ (#2) Lewis – April 4th – GLVC GOTW
Saint Joseph’s @ Quincy – April 4th
(#7) Indianapolis @ Quincy – April 5th
(#5) Missouri-St. Louis @ (#10) Wisconsin-Parkside – April 5th

South Region

Gulf South Conference
As of April 2nd
East
(#1) Alabama Huntsville – 28-2 (7-1)
(#5) Valdosta State – 29-5 (5-1)
(#2) West Florida – 30-7 (5-3)
(#7) West Alabama – 29-7 (3-5)

West
Arkansas Tech – 28-14 (11-3)
Delta State – 17-10 (6-2)
Arkansas-Monticello 24-3 (3-1)

Big Games:
(#2) West Florida vs. Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 3rd
(#5) Valdosta State vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 3rd
(#1) Alabama Huntsville vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 3rd
(#1) Alabama Huntsville vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 3rd
(#5) Valdosta State vs. Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 3rd
(#7) West Alabama vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 4th
(#2) West Florida vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 4th
(#7) West Alabama vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 4th
(#1) Alabama Huntsville vs. Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 5th
(#5) Valdosta State vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 6th
(#7) West Alabama vs. Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 6th
(#2) West Florida vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 6th

Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
As of March 24th/April 2nd
East
Fort Valley State – 15-13 (5-1)
Albany State – 11-15 (5-1)
Benedict – 9-9 (1-1)

West
Kentucky State – 9-11 (4-2)
Miles – 5-4 (1-0)
Tuskegee – 10-10 (3-5)

Big Games:

Sunshine State Conference
As of April 2nd
(#3) Florida Southern – 31-10 (9-3)
(#6) Nova Southeastern – 37-10 (10-5)
(#8) Tampa – 21-6 (8-2)
(#10) Barry – 22-10 (7-2)
(#4) Rollins – 31-6 (4-5)
(#9) Saint Leo – 26-17 (5-7)

Big Games:
(#8) Tampa @ (#9) Saint Leo – April 4th
(#3) Florida Southern @ (#10) Barry – April 4th
(#8) Tampa @ (#9) Saint Leo – April 5th

South Central Region

Heartland Conference
As of April 2nd
St. Edwards – 24-17 (13-3)
Incarnate Word – 20-19 (13-3)
St. Mary’s – 20-23 (12-4)
Texas A&M International – 22-16 (11-5)

Big Games:
St. Edward’s @ Incarnate Word – April 4th – HC GOTW
(#1) Angelo State @ St. Edward’s – April 7th
(#10) Texas A&M-Kingsville @ Texas A&M International – April 8th
Incarnate Word @ (#4) Midwestern State – April 8th

Lone Star Conference
As of April 2nd
North
(#2) Southeastern Oklahoma State – 40-7 (11-1)
(#9) Central Oklahoma – 18-10 (11-3)
(#4) Midwestern State – 23-11 (9-5)
Cameron – 24-16 (9-5)

South
(#3) Abilene Christian – 30-9 (8-1)
(#1) Angelo State – 31-4 (7-2)
Tarleton State – 20-15 (5-4)
(#5) West Texas A&M – 27-15 (6-6)
(#10) Texas A&M-Kingsville – 23-16 (5-7)

Big Games:
(#3) Abilene Christian @ (#1) Angelo State – April 4tth – LSC GOTW
(#5) West Texas A&M @ Tarleton State – April 4th
Cameron @ (#4) Midwestern State – April 4th
(#2) Southeastern Oklahoma State @ (#4) Midwestern State – April 7th

Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
As of April 2nd
(#7) Missouri Western – 29-4 (4-0)
(#8) Central Missouri – 18-8 (2-0)
Pittsburg State – 20-13 (2-0)
Southwest Baptist – 16-20 (1-1)
Missouri Southern – 11-22 (1-1)
(#6) Nebraska-Omaha – 24-5 (0-0)
(#9) Emporia State – 19-8 (0-0)

Big Games:
Missouri Southern @ (#8) Central Missouri – April 4th
Pittsburg State @ Southwest Baptist – April 4th
(#8) Central Missouri @ Southwest Baptist – April 7th – MIAA GOTW

Southeast Region

Conference Carolinas
As of April 2nd
Pfeiffer – 21-11 (8-4)
Queens (N.C.) – 13-16 (4-0)
Mount Olive – 17-16-1 (6-4)
Limestone – 16-23 (5-3)
Erksine – 16-12 (3-1)
Barton – 9-15 (4-4)
Anderson (S.C.) – 17-16 (3-3)
Less-McRae – 16-14 (4-6)
St. Andrews – 14-19 (4-6)
Coker – 12-13 (3-5)

Big Games:
Pfeiffer @ Limestone – April 4th
Barton @ Less-McRae – April 4th
Queens (N.C.) @ Coker – April 4th
Anderson (S.C.) @ Mount Olive – April 4th
Georgia College @ St. Andrews – April 4th
Pfeiffer @ (#3) Lenoir-Rhyne – April 5th
Coker @ Less-McRae – April 5th
Anderson (S.C.) @ Barton – April 5th
Coker @ Limestone – April 6th
Limestone @ Less-McRae – April 7th
Pfeiffer @ Barton – April 7th
St. Andrews @ Anderson (S.C.) – April 7th
Erksine @ Coker – April 7th
Queens (N.C.) @ Mount Olive – April 8th – CC GOTW

Peach Belt Conference
As of April 2nd
(#4) Georgia College – 25-17 (11-3)
(#1) North Georgia – 29-3 (7-1)
(#2) South Carolina Aiken – 26-11 (8-6)
Columbus State -24-23 (8-6)
(#8) Francis Marion – 25-12 (7-7)
(#6) Augusta State – 24-15 (5-5)

Big Games:
(#1) North Georgia @ (#8) Francis Marion – April 4th
(#2) South Carolina Aiken @ (#6) Augusta State – April 7th – PBC GOTW
Columbus State @ (#4) Georgia College – April 7th

South Atlantic Conference
As of April 2nd
(#7) Wingate – 21-10-1 (6-2)
(#5) Newberry – 23-8 (4-0)
(#3) Lenoir-Rhyne – 24-5 (4-2)
Mars Hill – 17-13 (4-2)
(#9) Catawba – 16-14 (3-3)
(#10) Carson Newman – 18-12 (2-4)

Big Games:
(#10) Carson Newman @ (#3) Lenoir-Rhyne – April 4th
(#5) Newberry @ (#9) Catawba – April 4th
(#9) Catawba @ Mars Hill – April 7th
(#3) Lenoir-Rhyne @ (#5) Newberry – April 8th – SAC GOTW

West Region

California Collegiate Athletic Association
As of April 2nd
(#1) Humboldt State – 25-8 (17-7)
(#10) Cal State Dominguez Hills – 23-13 (13-7)
(#8) UC San Diego – 18-12 (12-7)
Cal State Monterey Bay – 20-20-1 (12-8)
(#7) Cal State Stanislaus – 19-11 (11-9)
(#4) Sonoma State – 22-16 (11-12)

Big Games:
(#10) Cal State Dominquez Hills vs. (#9) Central Washington (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#8) UC San Diego vs. (#6) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#7) Cal State Stanislaus vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#6) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#8) UC San Diego vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#4) Sonoma State vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#6) Grand Canyon – April 6th – CCAA GOTW

Great Northwest Athletic Conference
As of March 30th
(#5) Montana State-Billings – 26-10 (17-5)
(#9) Central Washington – 16-9 (14-6)
Western Oregon – 13-8 (13-8)

Big Games:
(#9) Central Washington vs. (#10) Cal State Dominguez Hills (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th – GNAC GOTW

Pacific West Conference
As of April 2nd
(#3) Dixie State – 31-7 (17-5)
(#2) Hawaii Pacific – 28-6 (15-3)
(#6) Grand Canyon – 29-17 (12-7)

Big Games:
(#6) Grand Canyon vs. (#8) UC San Diego (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#2) Hawaii Pacific vs. (#7) Cal State Stanislaus (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#6) Grand Canyon vs. (#1) Humboldt State (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#2) Hawaii Pacific vs. (#8) UC San Diego (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#3) Dixie State vs. (#4) Sonoma State (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#6) Grand Canyon vs. (#1) Humboldt State – April 6th – PWC GOTW

D2 Softball – 4/3

4/2 Review

Atlantic Region

(#4) West Chester @ Shippensburg – Shippensburg wins 1-0, 3-2 (More info here)

Huge sweep by Shippensburg.  West Chester has now dropped 4 straight and trails Kutztown by 5 full games.  Now they have to go rematch in West Chester.  I can\’t stress how important it is that West Chester wins this time if they have any hope of keeping touch with Kutztown.

(#6) Indiana (Pa.) @ (#1) Lock Haven – Lock Haven wins 5-0, 5-0 (More Info Here)

Indiana falls to 1-5 on the year now in conference, major setback early on for them.  Lock Haven looks great and is 6-0 on conference.  Lock Haven pitcher Krisin Erb won both games and now has the most wins ever by a DII pitcher with 141!  Lock Haven has another big series at Bloomsburg tomorrow.

Elizabeth City State @ Shaw – Shaw wins 9-0 (5), loses 10-11 (More Info Here and Here)

Shaw goes to 7-3 in the East, Elizabeth City State to 6-2 in the West. Both of these teams are threats to win the conference and got the autobid.

Central Region

(#5) Wayne State (Neb.) @ (#1) Winona State – Northern Sun Intercollegiate Coneference (NSIC) GOTW – Wayne State (Neb.) wins 5-0, 3-0 (More Info Here)

Great sweep for a young Wayne State (Neb.) team.  I saw them play a week ago and was impressed. Wayne State might be able to win the NSIC this year, and this sweept will be a big step in that direction.

East Region

Caldwell @ (#5) New York Institute of Technology – NYIT wins 4-1, ties 2-2 (More Info Here)

Caldwell would have liked to get a win today, good results for NYIT.  Ran out of daylight to finish and thus the tie. Both teams now head to the Georgian Court Invitational.

Bridgeport @ Dowling – Dowling wins 11-1, 7-1 (More Info Here)

Dowling with an impressive sweept to go to 5-1 in conference. Both teams now head to the Georgian Court Invitational.

(#1) Le Moyne @ Assumption – Assumption wins 3-2, loses 4-0

Assumption will be happy with this result becoming the first team in the NE-10 to knock off Le Moyne.  Le Moyne is now 4-1 in conference with Assumption only a half game back at 5-3.

South Region

(#5) Valdosta State vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament)

(#6) West Alabama vs. (#10) Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament)

(#2) West Florida vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament)

All the Thursday games in the Crossover got postponed until Monday… including these 3.

4/3 Preview

These are the big games across the country tomorrow…

Atlantic Region

Shaw @ Fayetteville State

Fayetteville State has looked great so far in the league, but Shaw has started 7-3 and has a chance here to cut the gap.

Shippensburg @ (#4) West Chester

West Chester is in major trouble and can\’t afford to lose here if they want to stay alive for the divisional title.

(#1) Lock Haven @ (#5) Bloomsburg

Two of the top teams in the Eastern division face off. Lock Haven has been solid and is the favorite in the Central.  Great chance for Bloomsburg to make some noise and knock off the top team.

(#3) California (Pa.) @ (#7) Edinboro

This is a Western division matchup.  California (Pa.) is the favorite in thsi division and Edinboro has a big chance for an upset here.

Central Region

(#7) Colorado State-Pueblo @ (#2) Metro State – Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) GOTW

Matchup of the top team in the East and the top team in the West.

South Region

(#2) West Florida vs. (#10) Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament)

(#5) Valdosta State vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament)

(#1) Alabama Huntsville vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament)

(#1) Alabama Huntsville vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament)

(#5) Valdosta State vs. (#10) Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament)

The GSC Crossover Tournament will be taking place the next 4 days as the West teams play the East teams.

This could most benefit Arkansas-Monticello, the only ranked team in the West, who will get some games against the ranked Eastern teams.  Arkansas Tech is 9-3 in conference and Delta State 3-1 (both in the West) so this also gives them some games to stake claims to regional spots.

(#3) Florida Southern @ Barry

Barry is a surprise factor in the Sunshine State Conference Title Race.  Floridao Southern is coming off a sweep of Saint Leo but will be teststed in this series on the road.

South Central Region

St. Mary’s @ Texas A&M International

St. Mary\’s entered the week a game ahead of Texas A&M International for 3rd place and just 1 game back of first.  Great matchup here.

St. Edward’s @ Incarnate Word – Hertland Conference (HC) GOTW

St. Edward\’s & Incarnate Word entered the week tied for the lead in the Heartland Conference.  This matchup will be big in deciding who has the inside track towards that title.

(#4) West Texas A&M @ Tarleton State

This is a Lonestar Conference South matchup between two teams fighting to stay in the hunt.  West Texas A&M was 3 games back of Abilene Christian enetering the week and can\’t afford to slip much farther.

(#3) Abilene Christian @ (#2) Angelo State – Lone Star Conference (LSC) GOTW

And in the Lonestar South we see a matchup of the top 2 teams.  Abilene Christian entered the week 1.5 games up on Angelo State, but Angelo State can erase all of that with a home sweep.

(#8) Emporia State @ (#7) Nebraska-Omaha – Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Associate (MIAA) GOTW

A game I get to watch!!  The MIAA FINALLY will have had all their schools play a conference game after this series.  It also features two of the 4 ranked teams in the region, and the two preseason favorites to win the conference.

Southeast Region

(#4) Georgia College @ Queens (N.C.)

Queens (N.C.) missed a chance to get a big win earlier in the week vs. Augusta State, they get another crack vs. Georgia College.

West Region

(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions)

(#6) Cal State Stanislaus vs. (#7) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions)

(#8) UC San Diego vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions)

(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) GOTW, Pacific West Conference (PWC) GOTW – Game of the Day

(#5) Sonoma State vs. (#7) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions)

(#6) Cal State Stanislaus vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions)

Cal State Monterey Bay vs. (#9) Central Washington (Tournament of Champions)

(#5) Sonoma State vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions)

Western Oregon vs. (#10) Cal State Dominguez Hills (Tournament of Champions)

For the next 2 days, The Tournament of Champions will feature teams from the CCAA, the PWC, and the GNAC.  Some teams got better draws than others. On Friday the best chances are for Humboldt State, who will get chances to beat #2 Hawaii Pacific (in the game of the day) and #3 Dixie State.  Cal State Stanislaus and UC San Diego get upset bids vs. Dixie State, while Sonoma State gets one vs. Hawaii Pacific.  Grand Canyon, Central Washington, and Cal State Domingquez will be wishing they had gotten marquee matchups.

D2 Softball – 4/1

3/31 Review

Atlantic Region

(#2) Kutztown @ (#4) West Chester – Game of the Day – Kutztown wins 3-1, 3-1

Kutztown picks up two more huge wins.  They go to 8-0 in the conference and extend their lead over West Chester to 4 games.  Game two was a tight one, decided when Kutztown scored 2 runs to take the lead in the top of the 7th, and held on in the bottom of the 7th.

(#3) California (Pa.) @ (#8) Gannon – California (Pa.) wins 7-0, 6-1

California (Pa.) really needed these games, and they got them in dominant fashion.  California is now 6-2 in conference, and Gannon already trails them by 5 games in the West division.

Mansfield @ (#6) Indiana (Pa.) – Indiana (Pa.) wins 2-1, loses 2-3

Pitchers were in strong form here. Erin Holloway had 24 strike outs in 10 2/3 innings for Indiana (Pa.).  Mansfield is still up 1 game on Indian (Pa.) however both are looking up at Bloomsburg and Lock Haven.  Mansfield may start to get some looks in the rankings.

East Region

Bridgeport @ (#5) New York Institute of Technology – New York Institute of Technology wins 6-5, 10-0 (5)

Bridgeport was doing everything right for the first 6.5 innings of the game.  They led 5-0 going into the bottom of the 7th. Two singles, an error, a walk, another single and a grand slam later… they had lost 6-5.  In the nightcap things weren’t even close as New York Institute of Technology won 10-0 in a 5 inning mercy-ruled game.  Big comeback for New York Insitute of Technology who leads the conference at 6-0.

Dowling @ (#10) Adelphi – Adelphi wins 8-0, loses 1-4

Adelphi would have liked to get both games today, but only got one. It will be interesting to see how long they can hang on to the rankings.

(#8) American International @ New Haven – New Haven wins 1-0, 8-1

Great sweep for New Haven.  New Haven picks up too crucial wins to go to 4-0 in the NE-10, while AIC is 1-5.  A 4 game lead early on is huge.  AIC is also 9-11 overall now, and might fall out of the playoff picture soon.  New Haven at 11-5 has a pretty good argument to get into them.

South Region

(#9) Saint Leo @ (#3) Florida Southern – Florida Southern wins 12-4 (6)

Florida Southern is now two games up on Saint Leo in the conference, while only trailing Tampa at the top by 1 game.  These two teams will meet again tomorrow for a doubleheader.  Saint Leo would love to get even one win out of this series.

Southeast Region

(#8) Augusta State @ Queens (N.C.) – Augusta State wins 5-4 (11), 6-4 (8)

Queens suffers two very tough losses to Augusta State.  Queens still has a very good shot at the Conference Carolinas title, but this was a big chance to try and stake a claim toward a regional ranking.

West Region

Hawaii Hilo @ (#6) Cal State Stanislaus – Cal State Stanislaus wins 10-0 (5), 4-1

Hilo misses a big chance here for some quality wins.  Cal State Stanislaus gets two fairly easy wins, which is important as they have a huge series with the #2 team in the region, Hawaii Pacific on Wednesday.

4/1 Preview

These are the big games around the country tomorrow

Atlantic Region

St. Augustine’s @ Fayetteville State

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) will get someone in the tournament via the autobid.  Both of these teams are in the running.  Entering the week Fayetteville State is 5-1, while St. Augustine’s is 2-0, so this game is a good chance for Fayetteville to distance themselves in the standings.

(#4) West Chester @ Shippensburg

West Chester was just swept by Kutztown at home and now faces a tough road trip to Shippensburg. Like California (Pa.) yesterday, this is a series where West Chester does not have much room for error. Two straight sweeps would be tough to recover from already trailing Kutztown by 4 games.

(#6) Indiana (Pa.) @ (#1) Lock Haven

After a split vs. Mansfield, Indiana (Pa.) must now travel to Lock Haven to take on the #1 team in the region.  They could fall to 1-5 on the year and see their divisional title hopes take a major blow here if they get swept.

Central Region

(#5) Wayne State (Neb.) @ (#1) Winona State – Northern Sun Intercollegiate Coneference (NSIC) GOTW

Wayne State (Neb.) and Winona State both were tied at 2-0 entering the week.  This is a big time matchup between possibly the top 2 teams in the conference.

Augustana @ (#10) Upper Iowa

Augustana started off the conference season 2-0, and this is a big test on the road at 11-7 (2-0) Upper Iowa.

East Region

(#9) Dominican (N.Y.) @ Caldwell

Top 2 teams in the CACC entering the week sqaure off.  Caldwell currently has a 1 game lead on Dominican.  Caldwell conspicuosuly absent from the region rankings despite starting the conference season 8-0.

(#1) Le Moyne @ New Haven – Northeastern-10 (NE-10) GOTW

Two NE-10 teams that entered the week 2-0 square off.  New Haven was 9-5 entering the week, but not ranked in the region.  A sweep over Le Moyne would obviously be huge for them.

Midwest Region

(#4) Wayne State (Mich.) @ (#5) Ashland

Ashland was leading the GLIAC coming into the week at 6-0, while Wayne State (Mich.) was only 2 games back at 2-0.  There are 5 really good teams in this conference and they all could get into the playoffs, but I wouldn’t want to be the 5th choice.

(#1) Ferris State @ (#9) Saginaw Valley State

Ferris State opened conference season with a sweep of Grand Valley State.  Now a tough road trip to Saignaw Valley State who is currently the 5th team from the GLIAC and looking to pick up a huge sweep and move into the top 8.

South Region

Fort Valley State @ Albany State – Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) GOTW

The SIAC will be getting a team into the tourney, and probably only the tournament winner.  In this big game the top two East teams, who are both 4-0, will be facing off.  The winner might have the inside track to the East title.

(#9) Saint Leo @ (#3) Florida Southern

After winning game 1, Florida Southern looks to get the 3 game sweep of Saint Leo.

South Central Region

(#5) Midwestern State @ Cameron

Cameron and Midwestern State entered the week both at 8-4 in conference, and Cameron could use a couple wins here to try and jump into the regional rankings.

Southeast Region

(#1) North Georgia @ (#4) Georgia College – Peach Belt Conference (PBC) GOTW – Game of the Day

Georgia College leads North Georgia by 1 game (10-2 to 7-1).  They now get a chance to extend that lead to 3 games with a home sweep.  Great matchup.  I’m giving this one my Game of the Day!  North Georgia was #3 in last weeks national rankings.

(#2) Lenoir-Rhyne @ Mars Hill

Mars Hill is hanging around in the SAC standings, tied with Lenoir-Rhyne at 4-2.  If they want to make a serious run at the conference title or a regional ranking, this is a huge chance to make a move.

(#9) Catawba @ (#5) Wingate – South Atlantic Conference (SAC) GOTW

Catawab started off conference play 2-0, but this is a tough road test at a Wingate team who is ranked 5th in the region, but started 4-2 in conference. Good chance to move up in the region though.

West Region

(#2) Hawaii Pacific @ (#6) Cal State Stanislaus

After sweeping Hawaii Hilo, Cal State Stanislaus gets a big chance to improve their regional ranking with this home series with Hawaii Pacific.

D2 Softball – 3/31

3/30 Review

Atlantic Region

(#1) Lock Haven @ (#3) California (Pa.) – PSAC GOTW & GOTD – Lock Haven wins 1-0 (8), 3-0

This lived up to it’s billing as the game of the day.  7 scoreless innings between the teams before Lock Haven scored in the top of the 8th on a wild pitch.  California (Pa.) loses their first two conference games of the year.

Shippensburg @ (#2) Kutztown – Kutztown wins 4-1, 9-1.

Kutztown continues their hot play, now winners of 20 of 21, and now has a 3 game lead on Shippensburg. The first game was tied 1-1 heading to the bottom of the 7th, but Kutztown’s Ashley Fitzferald hit a 3-run walkoff homerun to win the game.

East Region

(#3) C.W. Post @ (#4) Queens (N.Y.) – ECC GOTW – Queens wins 4-3, loses 11-2

Queens won game one in dramatic fashion.  Down 3-2 entering the bottom of the 7th, Queens used 2 HRs, one from Katie Miracco and a walk-off shot from Christina Colon, to win the game 4-3.  C.W. Post responded nicely though in the second game, winning 11-2 to get the split.

Midwest Region

(#6) Grand Valley State @ (#1) Ferris State – GLIAC GOTW – Ferris State wins 3-2, 6-1

The first game lived up to all the billing. Ferris took the lead in the 1st, but was tied in the 4th.  The pitchers took over after that and the game was 1-1 going to the 10th. Starting in the 10th inning, each team starts the inning with a runner at 2nd base. Grand Valley scored in the top of the 10th, and Ferris tied it with 2 outs in the 10th.  In the 11th Ferris won it on a double by Rachel Wade.  Great start to GLIAC play for Ferris State.

South Region

(#1) Alabama Huntsville @ (#6) West Alabama – Gulf South Conference (GSC) GOTW – Alabama Huntsville wins 16-4, 4-1.

I forgot to mention this one yesterday. Big game for West Alabama who is behind in the standings, but could move into a tie with Alabama Huntsville with a sweep.  Unfortunately it was not meant to be and Alabama Huntsville showed why they are the #1 team in the region (and #2) nationally with a dominant sweep.

Southeast Region

(#6) Francis Marion @ Columbus State – Francis Marrion wins 2-0, loses 5-6

Game 2 proved quite exciting as Columbus State broke open a 3-3 game in the bottom of the 6th with 3 runs.  Then in the top of the 7th Francis Marion came storming back to get within 1, but saw the tieing run thrown out at the plate after a wild throw in from the outfield got the runner at 3rd to go for home.  The split means the teams stay tied in the league standings, but both teams trail 1st place North Georgia by a large margin (3 games).

3/31 Preview

These are the big games around the country tomorrow..

Atlantic Region

(#2) Kutztown @ (#4) West Chester – Game of the Day

Coming off a home sweep of Shippensburg, Kutztown will be challenged at West Chester. This is another intradivision game.  Kutztown would take a strong lead in the division if they can get to 8-0 with a sweep.  Game of the Day here with

(#3) California (Pa.) @ (#8) Gannon

After getting swept by the top team in the region California (Pa.) has no margin for error on the road at Gannon.  Gannon is looking to move up the standings as they entered the week at 4th in the division.

Mansfield @ (#6) Indiana (Pa.)

Indiana (Pa.) started off the conference season 0-2 and are currently looking up at Mansfield.  A sweep here would be a good way to start moving up the standings.

East Region

Bridgeport @ (#5) New York Institute of Technology

Bridgeport started off the conference schedule at 2-0, but will be tested here in a tough matchup with NYIT.

Dowling @ (#10) Adelphi

Dowling also started off 2-0, but they will travel to an Adelphi team that is looking to move up the regional rankings into the playoffs.

(#8) American International @ New Haven

Despite being ranked #8 in the region, American International started off the conference season 1-3.  New Haven is 2-0, so this is a chance for American International to pick up some ground.  A sweep here by New Haven would be a major blow to American International’s Northeast-10 Title chances early on.

South Region

(#9) Saint Leo @ (#3) Florida Southern

A matchup of two teams in the middle of the Sunshine State standings.  Saint Leo is 5-4 and Florida Southern is 6-3.  Saint Leo has a chance here to pick ups ome wins to try ot jump into the top 8.

Southeast Region

(#8) Augusta State @ Queens (N.C.)

In a non-conference matchup, Queens (N.C.), the top team in the Conference Carolinas has a chance to pick up a win over a ranked team from the Peach Belt Conference.  The Conference Carolinas tournament winner will make the postseason, and Queens (N.C.) stands almost no chance of getting an at-large build, but if they are going to keep any hope alive this is a must sweep in my mind.

West Region

Hawaii Hilo @ (#6) Cal State Stanislaus

In a non-conference tilt, Hawaii Hilo, who has a respectable 17-14 record has a chance to pick up some nice wins at Cal State Stanislaus.  Most of the top teams in the region will be facing off this weekend in the Tournament of Champions. Hilo is invited but will only get to face one ranked opponent, so this is a big chance for them on Tuesday.

D2 Softball – 3/30 Preview

These are the big games around the country tomorrow..

Atlantic Region

• (#1) Lock Haven @ (#3) California (Pa.) – March 30^th – Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Game of the Week (GOTW)
• Shippensburg @ (#2) Kutztown – March 30^th

In the PSAC Game of the Week, the #1 team in the Atlantic Region will travel to the #3 California (Pa.).  California is 4-0 in conference and atop the West division, while Lock Haven is 2-0 in conference and in 2nd in the Central Division.  This is a big time matchup, the teams are a combined 42-6 on the year.  Game of the Day nationally (#9 and #15 in the National Rankings).

In another big game, Shippensburg, who despite a 15-11 record, including 3-1 in conference, isn’t ranked in the region, heads to Kutztown to take on the #2 team in the region.  Kutztown leads the East Division at 4-0, while Shippensburg is 3-1.  This is a great chance for Shippensburg to try and build a resume for the postseason.

East Region

• (#3) C.W. Post @ (#4) Queens (N.Y.) – March 30^th – East Coast Conference GOTW

In the ECC Game of the Week, the #3 team in the East Region, C.W. Post, will travel to take on the #4 team in the Midwest Region, Queens (N.Y.). This matchup also has conference implications.  Queens is 2-2 in confernce, while C.W. Post is 2-0.  Post would love to extend the margin between these two early on.

Midwest Region

• (#6) Grand Valley State @ (#1) Ferris State – March 30^th – Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) GOTW

In the GLIAC Game of the Week, the #6 team in the Midwest region, Grand Valley State, will travle to the #1 team in the Midwest Region, Ferris State.  This will be Ferris’ first conference series, while Grand Valley State is off to a 2-0 start.  Ferris has started well, but they’ll be faced with tough competition for the rest of the season, starting today.

Southeast Region

• (#6) Francis Marion @ Columbus State – March 30^th

In a Peach Belt Conference game, Columbus State hosts Southest Region #6 Francis Marrion.  Columbus State is hanging around at 21-22 (5-5) and would love to move up a few spots to try and sneak into the rankings.  This is a big chance for them to pick up a win as Francis Marion is 24-11 (6-6).

2009 D2 Softball Update – 3/29

Atlantic Region

Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association
Eastern Division
Virginia State – 2-4 (2-0)
Bowie State – 6-4 (5-1)
Elizabeth City State – 3-7 (3-1)

Western Division
Shaw University – 2-6 (2-0)
St. Augustine’s – 2-6 (2-0)
Fayetteville State – 11-22 (5-1)

Big Games:
St. Augustine’s @ Fayetteville State – April 1st
Elizabeth City State @ Shaw – April 2nd
Shaw @ Fayetteville State – April 3rd
Virginia State @ Bowie State – April 4th- GOTW

Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference
East
(#2) Kutztown – 28-6 (4-0)
Shippensburg – 15-11 (3-1)
(#4) West Chester – 19-7 (1-1)
(#9) East Stroudsburg – 12-11 (1-5)

Central
(#5) Bloomsburg – 17-3 (4-0)
(#1) Lock Haven – 20-4 (2-0)
Mansfield – 10-10 (2-2)
(#6) Indiana (Pa.) – 13-9 (0-2)

West
(#3) California (Pa.) – 22-2 (4-0)
(#7) Edinboro – 18-11 (2-2)
Slippery Rock – 13-13 (2-2)
(#8) Gannon – 13-10 (0-2)

Big Games:
(#1) Lock Haven @ (#3) California (Pa.) – March 30th – GOTW
Shippensburg @ (#2) Kutztown – March 30th
(#2) Kutztown @ (#4) West Chester – March 31st
(#3) California (Pa.) @ (#8) Gannon – March 31st
Mansfield @ (#6) Indiana (Pa.) – March 31st
(#4) West Chester @ Shippensburg – April 1st
(#6) Indiana (Pa.) @ (#1) Lock Haven – April 1st
Shippensburg @ (#4) West Chester – April 3rd
(#1) Lock Haven @ (#5) Bloomsburg – April 3rd
(#3) California (Pa.) @ (#7) Edinboro – April 3rd
(#6) Indiana (Pa.) @ (#9) East Stroudsburg – April 4th
(#1) Lock Haven @ (#4) West Chester – April 4th
Mansfield @ Shippensburg – April 4th
(#5) Bloomsburg @ (#2) Kutztown – April 4th
Slippery Rock @ (#7) Edinboro – April 4th

West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
(#10) West Virginia Wesleyan – 18-11 (6-0)
Seton Hill – 14-9 (6-2)
Shepherd – 10-9 (6-2)
Wheeling Jesuit – 9-12 (3-1)
Alderson-Broaddus – 8-15 (3-1)

Big Games:
Wheeling Jesuit @ Alderson-Broaddus – April 5th – GOTW

Central Region

Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference
(#1) Winona State – 22-5 (2-0)
(#10) Upper Iowa – 11-7 (2-0)
(#5) Wayne State (Neb.) – 17-11 (2-0)
Augustana – 7-16 (2-0)
(#9) Concordia St. Paul – 18-14 (2-2)
(#4) Minnesota State Mankato – 19-5 (0-0)

Big Games:
(#5) Wayne State (Neb.) @ (#1) Winona State – April 1st – GOTW
Augustana @ (#10) Upper Iowa – April 1st
Augustana @ (#5) Wayne State (Neb.) – April 5th

Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference
East
(#2) Metro State – 26-6 (19-3)
(#6) Regis – 24-15 (16-8)
(#3) Colorado School of Mines – 21-14 (13-7)

West
(#7) Colorado State-Pueblo – 20-10 (14-6)
(#8) Adams State – 13-10 (12-6)

Big Games:
(#7) Colorado State-Pueblo @ (#2) Metro State – April 3rd – GOTW
(#6) Regis vs. (#7) Colorado State-Pubelo (@ Metro State) – April 4th
(#8) Adams State @ (#2) Metro State – April 4th
(#6) Regis vs. (#8) Adams State (@ Metro State) – April 5th

East Region

Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference
Caldwell – 11-7 (8-0)
(#9) Dominican (N.Y.) – 15-6 (7-1)
(#7) Bloomfield – 14-5 (5-1)
(#2) Georgian Court – 17-7 (5-1)

Big Games:
(#9) Dominican (N.Y.) @ Caldwell – April 1st
Caldwell @ (#5) New York Institute of Technology – April 2nd
(#9) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#4) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#9) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#5) New York Institute of Technology Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#2) Georgian Court vs. (#4) Queens (N.Y. (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 5th – GOTW

East Coast Conference
(#5) New York Institute of Technology – 19-13 (4-0)
(#3) C.W. Post – 10-8 (2-0)
Dowling – 11-11 (2-0)
Bridgeport – 5-11 (2-0)
(#4) Queens (N.Y.) – 11-5 (2-2)
(#10) Adelphi – 10-6 (0-0)

Big Games:
(#3) C.W. Post @ (#4) Queens (N.Y.) – March 30th – GOTW
Bridgeport @ (#5) New York Institute of Technology – March 31st
Dowling @ (#10) Adelphi – March 31st
Bridgeport @ Dowling – April 2nd
(#9) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#4) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
Dowling vs. (#9) Dominican (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#5) New York Institute of Technology vs. Bridgeport (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
Dowling vs. (#4) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#9) Dominican (N.Y.) vs. (#5) New York Institute of Technology (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
Bridgeport vs. (#2) Georgian Court (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
Dowling vs. (#2) Georgian Court (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 4th
(#2) Georgian Court vs. (#4) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 5th
Dowling vs. (#9) Dominican (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 5th
Bridgeport vs. (#9) Dominican (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 5th
(#5) New York Institute of Technology vs. Dowling (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 5th
Bridgeport vs. (#4) Queens (N.Y.) (Georgian Court Invitational) – April 5th

Northeast-10 Conference
(#6) Southern Connecticut State – 15-3 (4-0)
Merrimack – 11-5 (4-0)
(#1) Le Moyne – 14-6 (2-0)
New Haven – 9-5 (2-0)
Assumption – 8-10 (2-0)
(#8) American International – 9-9 (1-3)

Big Games:
(#8) American International @ New Haven – March 31st
(#1) Le Moyne @ New Haven – April 1st – GOTW
(#1) Le Moyne @ Assumption – April 2nd
(#8) American International @ Assumption – April 4th
Merrimack @ (#1) Le Moyne – April 5th

Midwest Region

Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
(#5) Ashland – 18-6 (6-0)
(#9) Saginaw Valley State – 17-5 (4-0)
(#6) Grand Valley State – 22-5 (2-0)
(#4) Wayne State (Mich.) – 15-7 (2-0)
(#1) Ferris State – 14-2 (0-0)

Big Games:
(#6) Grand Valley State @ (#1) Ferris State – March 30th – GOTW
(#4) Wayne State (Mich.) @ (#5) Ashland – April 1st
(#1) Ferris State @ (#9) Saginaw Valley State – April 1st

Great Lakes Valley Conference
(#7) Indianapolis – 17-11 (9-3)
(#3) Missouri-St. Louis – 20-13 (6-2)
Quincy – 12-18 (3-1)
(#2) Lewis – 23-10 (5-3)
(#10) Wisconsin-Parkside – 11-13 (5-5)
(#8) Northern Kentucky – 13-15 (3-5)

Big Games:
(#3) Missouri-St. Louis @ (#2) Lewis – April 4th – GOTW
(#7) Indianapolis @ Quincy – April 5th
(#3) Missouri-St. Louis @ (#10) Wisconsin-Parkside – April 5th

South Region

Gulf South Conference
East
(#5) Valdosta State – 29-5 (5-1)
(#1) Alabama Huntsville – 24-2 (3-1)
(#2) West Florida – 30-7 (5-3)
(#6) West Alabama – 29-5 (3-3)

West
Arkansas Tech – 24-14 (9-3)
Delta State – 17-10 (6-2)
(#10) – Arkansas-Monticello 24-3 (3-1)

Big Games:
(#1) Alabama Huntsville @ (#6) West Alabama – March 30th – GOTW
(#5) Valdosta State vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 2nd
(#6) West Alabama vs. (#10) Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 2nd
(#2) West Florida vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 2nd
(#2) West Florida vs. (#10) Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 3rd
(#5) Valdosta State vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 3rd
(#1) Alabama Huntsville vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 3rd
(#1) Alabama Huntsville vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 3rd
(#5) Valdosta State vs. (#10) Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 3rd
(#6) West Alabama vs. Delta State (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 4th
(#2) West Florida vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 4th
(#6) West Alabama vs. Arkansas Tech (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 4th
(#1) Alabama Huntsville vs. (#10) Arkansas-Monticello (GSC Crossover Tournament) – April 5th

Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
East
Fort Valley State – 15-13 (4-0)
Albany State – 11-15 (4-0)

West
Miles – 5-4 (1-0)
Kentucky State – 9-11 (4-2)

Big Games:
Fort Valley State @ Albany State – April 1st – GOTW
Miles @ Kentucky State – April 5th

Sunshine State Conference
(#8) Tampa – 21-6 (8-2)
Barry – 22-10 (7-2)
(#7) Nova Southeastern – 36-9 (9-4)
(#3) Florida Southern – 28-10 (6-3)
(#9) Saint Leo – 26-14 (5-4)
(#4) Rollins – 30-5 (3-4)

Big Games:
(#4) Rollins @ (#7) Nova Southeastern – March 30th – GOTW
(#9) Saint Leo @ (#3) Florida Southern – March 31st
(#9) Saint Leo @ (#3) Florida Southern – April 1st
(#3) Florida Southern @ Barry – April 3rd
(#8) Tampa @ (#9) Saint Leo – April 4th
(#3) Florida Southern @ Barry – April 4th
(#8) Tampa @ (#9) Saint Leo – April 5th

South Central Region

Heartland Conference
St. Edwards – 24-17 (13-3)
Incarnate Word – 20-19 (13-3)
St. Mary’s – 20-23 (12-4)
Texas A&M International – 22-16 (11-5)

Big Games:
St. Mary’s @ Texas A&M International – April 3rd
St. Edward’s @ Incarnate Word – April 3rd – GOTW
St. Edward’s @ Incarnate Word – April 4th

Lone Star Conference
North
(#1) Southeastern Oklahoma State – 38-7 (9-1)
(#9) Central Oklahoma – 18-10 (11-3)
(#5) Midwestern State – 22-10 (8-4)
Cameron – 23-15 (8-4)

South
(#3) Abilene Christian – 30-9 (8-1)
(#2) Angelo State – 30-4 (6-2)
Tarleton State – 20-15 (5-4)
(#4) West Texas A&M – 27-14 (6-5)

Big Games:
(#5) Midwestern State @ Cameron – April 1st
(#4) West Texas A&M @ Tarleton State – April 3rd
(#3) Abilene Christian @ (#2) Angelo State – April 3rd -GOTW
(#3) Abilene Christian @ (#2) Angelo State – April 4tth
(#4) West Texas A&M @ Tarleton State – April 4th
Cameron @ (#5) Midwestern State – April 4th

Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association
(#6) Missouri Western – 25-4 (0-0)
(#7) Nebraska-Omaha – 22-5 (0-0)
(#8) Emporia State – 17-8 (0-0)
(#10) Central Missouri – 15-7 (0-0)

Big Games:
(#8) Emporia State @ (#7) Nebraska-Omaha – April 3rd – GOTW

Southeast Region

Conference Carolinas
Queens (N.C.) – 13-14 (4-0)
Erksine – 16-12 (3-1)
Pfeiffer – 19-11 (6-4)
Mount Olive – 17-16-1 (6-4)

Big Games:
(#8) Augusta State @ Queens (N.C.) – March 31st
(#4) Georgia College @ Queens (N.C.) – April 3rd
Pfeiffer @ (#2) Lenoir-Rhyne – April 5th – GOTW

Peach Belt Conference
(#1) North Georgia – 29-3 (7-1)
(#4) Georgia College – 20-14 (10-2)
(#3) South Carolina Aiken – 26-11 (8-6)
(#6) Francis Marion – 24-11 (6-6)
(#8) Augusta State – 22-15 (5-5)
Columbus State -21-22 (5-5)

Big Games:
(#6) Francis Marion @ Columbus State – March 30th
(#1) North Georgia @ (#4) Georgia College – April 1st – GOTW
(#1) North Georgia @ (#6) Francis Marion – April 4th

South Atlantic Conference
(#7) Newberry – 23-6 (4-0)
(#9) Catawba – 15-11 (2-0)
(#2) Lenoir-Rhyne – 24-5 (4-2)
(#5) Wingate – 19-10-1 (4-2)
Mars Hill – 15-13 (4-2)
(#10) Lincoln Memorial – 14-12 (1-3)

Big Games:
(#2) Lenoir-Rhyne @ Mars Hill – April 1st
(#9) Catawba @ (#5) Wingate – April 1st – GOTW
(#5) Wingate @ (#10) Lincoln Memorial – April 4th
(#7) Newberry @ (#9) Catawba – April 4th

West Region

California Collegiate Athletic Association
(#1) Humboldt State – 25-8 (17-7)
(#10) Cal State Dominguez Hills – 23-13 (13-7)
(#8) UC San Diego – 18-12 (12-7)
Cal State Monterey Bay – 18-20-1 (12-8)
(#6) Cal State Stanislaus – 16-10 (11-9)
(#5) Sonoma State – 20-16 (11-12)

Big Games:
(#2) Hawaii Pacific @ (#6) Cal State Stanislaus – April 1st
(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#6) Cal State Stanislaus vs. (#7) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#8) UC San Diego vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd – GOTW
(#5) Sonoma State vs. (#7) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#6) Cal State Stanislaus vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
Cal State Monterey Bay vs. (#9) Central Washington (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#5) Sonoma State vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#10) Cal State Dominquez Hills vs. (#9) Central Washington (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#8) UC San Diego vs. (#7) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#6) Cal State Stanislaus vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#1) Humboldt State vs. (#7) Grand Canyon (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#8) UC San Diego vs. (#2) Hawaii Pacific (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#5) Sonoma State vs. (#3) Dixie State (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th

Great Northwest Athletic Conference
(#4) Montana State-Billings – 24-10 (15-5)
(#9) Central Washington – 13-8 (11-5)
Western Oregon – 12-8 (12-8)

Big Games:
Western Oregon vs. (#10) Cal State Dominguez Hills (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#9) Central Washington vs. (#10) Cal State Dominguez Hills (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th – GOTW

Pacific West Conference
(#2) Hawaii Pacific – 25-5 (13-3)
(#3) Dixie State – 28-6 (17-5)
(#7) Grand Canyon – 27-17 (10-7)
Hawaii Hilo – 17-14 (10-7)

Big Games:
Hawaii Hilo @ (#6) Cal State Stanislaus – March 31st
(#2) Hawaii Pacific @ (#6) Cal State Stanislaus – April 1st
(#3) Dixie State vs. (#1) Humboldt State (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#7) Grand Canyon vs. (#6) Cal State Stanislaus (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#3) Dixie State vs. (#8) UC San Diego (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#2) Hawaii Pacific vs. (#1) Humboldt State (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd – GOTW
(#7) Grand Canyon vs. (#5) Sonoma State (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#3) Dixie State vs. (#6) Cal State Stanislaus (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#2) Hawaii Pacific vs. (#5) Sonoma State (Tournament of Champions) – April 3rd
(#7) Grand Canyon vs. (#8) UC San Diego (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#2) Hawaii Pacific vs. (#6) Cal State Stanislaus (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#7) Grand Canyon vs. (#1) Humboldt State (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#2) Hawaii Pacific vs. (#8) UC San Diego (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
Hawaii Hilo vs. (#9) Central Washington (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th
(#3) Dixie State vs. (#5) Sonoma State (Tournament of Champions) – April 4th