‘Yote Notes – Oct. 19, 2005

Mike Safford Jr. – Sports Info. Director

msafford@collegeofidaho.edu

 

 

 

 

 

ATHLETIC NEWS: CAA Dinner, Basketball Tickets, Golf

FIRST COYOTE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION DINNER: The inaugural 2005-06 Coyote Athletic Association kickoff dinner is scheduled for Monday night at 6:30 p.m.  The dinner will be held at the new John and Wayne’s Steakhouse, located at 711 Main Street in downtown Caldwell (additional parking is located behind the building).  Nine dollars will get you prime rib sandwiches and all the trimmings – RSVP’s would be most appreciated, please contact Dave Hahn at 459-5835 to reserve your spot.

 

SEASON TICKETS / NNU GAME TICKETS: Season ticket and United Heritage Tip-Off ticket forms were mailed out over a week ago to all on the Albertson College athletic mailing list.  To purchase season tickets for the upcoming 2005-06 basketball season, or to purchase tickets for the United Heritage Tip-Off on Nov. 9 between the Coyotes and Northwest Nazarene, contact Dave Hahn at 459-5835.

 

TAILGATE PARTY: The Albertson College Alumni department will be hosting a tailgate party prior to the United Heritage Tip-Off at the Idaho Center between the Coyotes and Northwest Nazarene.  To RSVP, contact Mary Bitner at 459-5300.

 

GOLFERS KNOCK OFF TREASURE VALLEY: The Albertson College golf team completed its fall schedule last week with a dual match in Ontario against Treasure Valley Community College.  The men’s team defeated TVCC by 14 strokes, led by 76’s by Paul Giardina and John Pasley.  On the women’s side, Sarah Gallant shot an 84 to lead the way, followed by an 88 from Sarah Huston.

 

CROSS COUNTRY: Harriers set to host Coyote Invitational on Saturday, men ranked No. 8 in NAIA

 

LAST WEEK: Idle

 

COMING UP: host Coyote Invitational, Saturday – Women’s Race at 11:30 a.m., Men’s Race at 12:15 p.m.

 

COYOTE MEN CLIMB TO NO. 8 IN NAIA: Thanks to a second-place finish at the Idaho State Open, the Albertson College men's cross country team jumped one spot in the latest NAIA national poll, moving to No. 8 in the rankings released last Thursday.   The Coyotes, competing for the just their second season since a nearly 30-year layoff, have been ranked in the poll in throughout the season – beginning at No. 24 and rising steadily.  Albertson was defeated by host Idaho State on Saturday in Pocatello, but soundly defeated NCAA Division II foe Montana State-Billings and NAIA rival Westminster.   Three other NAIA Region I teams are in the Top-25 - led by No. 6 ranked Southern Oregon. Simon Fraser is ranked No. 10, with Lewis-Clark State coming in at No. 23.  Both Concordia and British Columbia received votes.

 

FIRST HOME MEET IN THREE DECADES: Saturday, the Albertson harriers host the first home cross country race in nearly 30 years, as the squad will entertain multiple teams at the Coyote Invitational on the college’s campus.  The meet will begin at 11:30 a.m. with the women’s 5,000-meter race, followed at 12:15 by the men’s 8,000-meter race.

 

WHERE TO WATCH?: The course will be a two-kilometer loop through campus – with a pair of very good vantage points.  One is at the start-finish line at the Village Apartments (between Oak and Ash streets), the other would be at the heart of campus in the Morrison Quadrangle.

 

THE MEN’S COMPETITION: Albertson should get its stiffest competition from a hungry Eastern Oregon squad.  The Mountaineers have been steadily improving after beginning the season ranked No. 17 in the national poll.  The ‘Yotes defeated Eastern at both the Hampton Inn Invite and the Willamette Invite – by a four-minute margin in the latter race.  Also sending a full squad to Caldwell is Evergreen State, which returns Josh Klimek, who advanced to the 2004 NAIA championships.  The Coyotes defeated the Geoducks by over eight minutes at the Willamette Invite.  Also in the race will be runners from Northwest Nazarene, Boise State, Treasure Valley C.C. and the Greater Boise Running Club.

 

THE WOMEN’S COMPETITION: Eastern Oregon will be the class of the field on Saturday, as the Mountaineers come into the race ranked No. 15 in the NAIA poll.  No. 1 racer Stephanie Colkitt is among the elite runners in the entire NAIA Region I.  Eastern defeated the Lady ‘Yotes in both the Hampton Inn Invite and the Willamette Invite, but Albertson shaved four minutes off the margin in the second race.  Evergreen State will also compete on Saturday, with the Coyotes already posting a five-minute victory over the Geoducks at Willamette.  Northwest Nazarene, Boise State, Treasure Valley C.C. and the Greater Boise Running Club.

 

‘YOTES SOLID AT IDAHO STATE: Albertson College men's and women's cross country teams each placed second at the Idaho State Open on October 8, hosted by Idaho State University.  The Coyote men  ran solid over the six-kilometer course, but ran into a very talented ISU team, which swept the top-five spots.  Jacob Haas (Portland, Ore. / Eastern Oregon Univ.) was the top Albertson finisher (20:26), part of a pack that included David Fluckiger (Herisou, Switzerland / Va. Commonwealth Univ.) (20:38), Tyler Hopper (Caldwell, Idaho / Caldwell HS) (20:41), and Jesse Chlebeck (Eagan, Minn. / Eagan HS) (20:58).  The 'Yotes did soundly defeat NCAA Division II Montana State-Billings and NAIA Westminster.  The women had their best finish in program history - just behind the host Bengals, thanks to a third-place finish from Shannon Edwards (Sherwood, Ore. / Eastern Oregon Univ.) (16:41).  Natalie Hatch (Emmett, Idaho / Willamette Univ.) (17:38) and Amy Coulter (Boise, Idaho / Willamette Univ.) (17:43) also ran sound tactical races for the Coyotes over the four-kilometer course.

 

MORE INFORMATION: Updated information on the 2005 cross country team, including meet-by-meet results and top times, can be found on the Albertson cross country official website at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/xc.htm. 

 

MEN’S SOCCER (7-7, 6-2 CCC): Coyotes take five-game win streak on the road at Corban and Warner Pacific

 

LAST WEEK: vs. Northwest (W 2-0), vs. No. 18 Evergreen State (W 1-0 OT)

 

COMING UP: at No. 18 Concordia, Saturday, 1 p.m. (PDT); at Cascade, Sunday, 2:30 p.m.

 

NEXT WEEK: at Corban, Friday, 1 p.m. (PDT); at Warner Pacific, Saturday, Noon (PDT).

 

COYOTES BACK TO .500 MARK: With weekend wins over Northwest and Evergreen State, the Albertson men’s soccer team has reached the .500 mark for the first time this season.  “When we began the season 0-6, I told the players that our focus was conference play,” said head coach Brian Smith.  “They never lost hope, came to practice with a passion and vigor each day, and we have progressed as a team.”

 

FIVE WINS IN A ROW: A long win streak is nothing new to the Coyotes, as the season-long five-game run keeps the team in close company with their predecessors.  Since 1999, every Albertson club has recorded at least a five-game winning streak – in fact, each of the last six years has seen a streak of at least six games.  The 2002 and 2003 teams each had seven-game streaks, the 2000 team had an eight-game streak, and the 2001 club won 11 in a row.

 

PUTTING UP GOOSE EGGS: Early in the season, it was the Coyotes who were having trouble putting the ball in the net – being shutout in five of their first six games – all losses.  The defense has been the key lately, as Albertson has recorded three consecutive shutouts and blanked opponents in four of the last five matches.  The ‘Yotes have not allowed a goal in 353 minutes and allowed just one goal scored in the last 472 minutes played.  “Three weeks ago we decided to tweak our make-up on the field,” said Smith, after a 3-0 loss to Corban.  “We did not want to get into offensive shootouts – we felt that if we could limit a team to a goal or less, our chances were much better.  So far, it has worked.”

 

MORE ON THE “D”: “I am really pleased with the collective effort of our defense,” said Smith.  “Sam Reed (Eagle, Idaho / Eagle HS) and Stephen Reinschmidt (Mountain Home, Idaho / Mountain Home HS) have been rocks in the middle for us.  Brandon Koomler (Boise, Idaho / Bishop Kelly HS) has played well since moving to the back, and it has been great having Scott Fuller (Boise, Idaho / Cal State-Fullerton) healthy in the back.  Rob Erichson (Boise, Idaho / Walla Walla CC) has improved in goal and has really organized the club.”

 

A TALE OF TWO SEASONS: The numbers speak for themselves in looking at the first six matches of the season, compared to the past eight.  During the first six games, the ‘Yotes were outscored 17-2, outshot 118-49, and saw opponents hold a 38-16 edge in corner kicks.  Since then, the tide has turned toward the Purple and Gold, as Albertson holds a 142-77 edge in shots, a 47-20 edge in corners, and has outscored opponents 15-6 (including three goals allowed in a loss to Corban).  The record in the first six games – 0-6, the record in the last eight games, 7-1.

 

REGIONAL RANKINGS AND PLAYOFF PICTURE: The Coyotes are on the cusp of cracking the NAIA Region I weekly rankings for the first time this season.  This week, Simon Fraser holds the top spot, followed by Concordia, Evergreen State, and Westminster.  SFU is ranked No. 5 in the national poll, Concordia is ranked No. 22, while Evergreen is listed among the teams receiving votes.  The top-two finishers in the Cascade Conference regular-season standings, plus the top-two Longo point teams among the other seven regional teams (remaining five CCC clubs, plus SFU and Westminster) advance to the NAIA Region I tournament.

 

DELGADO DEL-GOT-IT: Probably the hottest player on the Albertson squad at the present time is striker Michael Delgado (Caldwell, Idaho / Vallivue HS).  Despite coming off the bench for the ‘Yotes, the sophomore has scored a goal in each of the last four matches – including game-winners against Cascade and Evergreen State.  He currently leads the team in scoring with five goals and in points with 13.

 

GOLDEN GO-OOOOO-AL: Michael Delgado found the open net two minutes into the first overtime session, as the Albertson College men’s soccer team won their fifth-consecutive match with a 1-0 upset of No. 18 ranked Evergreen State at Symms Field on Saturday afternoon.   After playing a scoreless 90 minutes that saw just five shots on goal, the Coyotes took advantage of the first opportunity in overtime.  Alex Penrod (Las Vegas, Nev. / Cimarron-Memorial HS) hit a long ball upfield where Scott Ward (Rexburg, Idaho / Madison HS) and Geoduck keeper Sean Oliver battled for control.  Ward touched the ball to the streaking Delgado, who touched the ball into the open net, setting a frenzied crowd into a celebration.   Evergreen, which held a 13-9 shot advantage, was stymied by the Albertson defense all afternoon, as Rob Erichson notched four saves to record his third-straight shutout.

 

NO PROBLEM WITH NORTHWEST: Playing possibly their most complete game of the 2005 season, the Albertson College men’s soccer team dominated Northwest University, taking a key 2-0 Cascade Conference victory at Symms Field on Friday.  Playing on a balmy 85-degree day, the Coyotes, who started the season with six-consecutive losses, extended a winning streak to four and a streak against the Eagles to 13-games.  Freshman Brandon Koomler got Albertson on the board midway through the first half, cracking a 40-yard blast past Eagles keeper J.J. Geise.  The ‘Yotes would tack on another goal in the 53rd minute, as Michael Delgado volleyed home a Ryan Huber (Eagle, Idaho / Eagle HS) pass in the box.  A bullish defense allowed Northwest only three shots all afternoon, as Rob Erichson notched his third shutout in four matches.

 

STOPPING RANKED TEAMS: The wins over then No. 18 ranked Concordia and then No. 18 ranked Evergreen State were the first time that the Coyotes had knocked off a nationally ranked opponent since September of 2002, when Albertson defeated No. 25 ranked Alliant International.  It is also the first time that the ‘Yotes have defeated two nationally ranked team in one season since 2000, when Albertson topped No. 10 Concordia and No. 17 Simon Fraser.

 

ONE MORE TRIP TO THE VALLEY: The final road trip of the regular-season could make or break the Coyotes chances at a playoff berth.  Albertson looks to redeem themselves against Corban, who defeated the ‘Yotes 3-0 in Caldwell three weeks ago.  The Warriors (7-7-1, 4-5 CCC) have lost two of their last three matches and are allowing nearly three goals a contest.  However, Albertson must stop the potent attack of Scott Marshall (11 goals) and Caleb Louvier (eight goals, four assists).  It is the 34th meeting between the teams, with the ‘Yotes holding a 17-16 edge.  Saturday, it’s a rematch with Warner Pacific, whom Albertson topped 2-1 on Sept. 30.  The Knights (7-8-1, 4-5) have been the tough-luck team in the conference, losing five matches by one goal – including a pair of overtime games with Concordia.  J.B. Cunha (11 goals, five assists) has been the go-to player for Bernie Fagan’s crew.  It is the 22nd meeting all-time between the teams, with the ‘Yotes holding an 11-8-2 edge.

 

MORE INFORMATION: Updated information and statistics on the 2005 men’s soccer team can be found on Albertson men’s soccer official website at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/menssoccer.htm.  Up-to-date Cascade Conference standings can be found online at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/msoccer/stats/standings.htm.

 

VOLLEYBALL (14-4, 10-3 CCC): Lady ‘Yotes set to host Cascade and Warner, sit alone in third with five matches left

 

LAST WEEK: at No. 13 Northwest (L 3-1), at Evergreen State (W 3-1)

 

COMING UP: vs. Cascade, Friday, 7 p.m.; vs. Warner Pacific, Saturday, 7 p.m.

 

COYOTES WIN STREAK HALTED: The Albertson College volleyball team had a seven-match win streak ended on Friday night by No. 13 ranked Northwest University in four games.  It was the first loss for the Lady ‘Yotes in the month of October and ended a string of five-straight road victories in Cascade Conference play.

 

WIN STREAKS: With the seven-match win streak, the Lady ‘Yotes have registered a five-game or more winning streak in each of the last seven seasons.  Both the 2003 and 2004 teams share the school record with nine-consecutive wins, while the second-longest streaks belong to the 1999 and 2005 clubs with seven.

 

PLAYOFF HUNT: No team in the Cascade Conference has locked up a playoff spot through last weekend, however, a bevy of teams can do so this week with a win.  Albertson would clinch a playoff berth for the seventh-consecutive season with a victory and a loss by either Eastern Oregon or Concordia.  Two wins this weekend also locks up a Lady ‘Yote playoff date.  Southern Oregon, Oregon Tech, and Northwest can also guarantee playoff games with a win.

 

REGIONAL RANKINGS: Despite the loss to Northwest, the Lady ‘Yotes remained at No. 3 in the NAIA Region I regional rankings.  Southern Oregon maintained the top spot with Northwest sitting at No. 2. After the Coyotes in the poll are Oregon Tech, Westminster, Great Falls, Montana-Western, Montana State-Northern, Carroll, and Concordia.  Southern is ranked No. 11 in the latest NAIA poll, with Northwest now at No. 13.  Both Albertson and Oregon Tech received votes.

 

LADY ‘YOTES RECEIVE VOTES: For the fifth time this season and for the fourth consecutive week, the Albertson volleyballers received votes in the NAIA national poll, good enough to be the No. 31 ranked team in the nation.  The Coyotes received three votes in this week’s poll – the sxith team listed in the “others receiving votes” category.  The last time Albertson was ranked in the NAIA Top-25 was during the 2001 season – a year after making their lone National Tournament appearance.  The ‘Yotes began 2001 ranked No. 15 in the preseason poll, dropped to No. 19 in the first regular-season poll, and have not been ranked since.

 

CHERRINGTON, GASTON EARN HONORS: For the week of October 3-9, a pair of Lady ‘Yote players earned honors from the Cascade Conference.  Erin Cherrington (Granby, Colo. / Middle Park HS) was named Setter of the Week for the CCC and the NAIA Region I for the third time this season and for the eighth time in her career.  The junior averaged 13.5 assists per game in the Albertson wins over Corban and Concordia.  Charity Gaston (Harrisonberg, Va. / James Madison Univ.) was named CCC Libero of the Week for the first time in her career after averaging nearly six digs per game in the wins over Corban and Concordia.

 

TOUGH LOSS AT NORTHWEST: Freshman Sara Bendorf racked up a game-high 25 kills as then No. 14 ranked Northwest University ended an Albertson College seven-match win streak with a 30-21, 28-30, 30-24, 30-22 victory before a loud crowd Friday night in the Northwest Pavilion.  Bendorf had 25 of the Eagles 74 kills in the match, while Lisa Langmade added 17.  Libero Kara Van Zanten added 28 digs in the win.  After losing Game 1, the Coyotes won a see-saw Game 2, as Fran Hartman (Lakeview, Ore. / Lakeview HS) spiked the winner after the Eagles had closed to 29-28.  Game 3 saw Northwest jump to a 11-2 edge, but Albertson would not quit, closing the gap to 24-22.  However, a pair of hitting errors and a Jessie Buck kill ended the ‘Yotes hopes, as Northwest took Game 4 easily.  Kathryn Ely (La Grande, Ore. / La Grande HS) led the way for Albertson with 17 kills and 13 digs, while Hartman added 13 kills and three blocks.  Charity Gaston led the ‘Yotes with 20 digs, while Erin Cherrington added 42 assists and 13 digs.

 

MYSTERY WIN AT EVERGREEN: Although the game was played on Saturday night, the outcome of the Albertson College-Evergreen State volleyball match was unknown until Monday morning due to reporting problems from the hosts in Olympia, Wash.  Once the cloud of fog was lifted, fans were pleased that the Lady ‘Yotes rebounded from the four-game loss at Northwest to defeat the Geoducks in four games - 30-20, 30-24, 23-30, 30-12 at the CRC Gymnasium.  "It was a tough match for us tonight," said head coach Liz Mendiola.  "We struggled at times getting into a rhythm, but finally was able to play solid in Game 4 – I can’t tell you much more, we didn’t get any stats."  Fran Hartman led the way with 17 kills and four blocks, while Kathryn Ely registered 15 kills and 14 digs.  Tiffany Sower (Eagle, Idaho / Eagle HS) had nine of her 14 kills in the Game 4 win - including six consecutive points, as the Coyotes (14-4, 9-3 CCC) had 21 kills and just one error.  Erin Cherrington recorded 62 assists, while Charity Gaston amassed 22 digs in only three games played.  The Coyotes recorded 16 aces and seven blocks as a team.

 

RECORD BOOK: Three players are climbing on the career record list heading into this weekends action.  Erin Cherrington reached the 2,700 career assist mark last week (third-most in school history), while moving into fourth-place on the all-time ace list with 133.  Fran Hartman now has 832 kills, sixth-best in Coyote history, while she also moved into sixth-place all-time with 227 blocks.  In less than two seasons, Katie Hogue now has 201 blocks, 11th-place all-time, and just seven blocks away from the top-ten.

 

HOME COOKING AS CASCADE, WARNER PACIFIC INVADE CALDWELL: The Lady ‘Yotes begin their final stretch of three home games this weekend, as Albertson hosts Cascade on Friday night, and Warner Pacific on Saturday.  The Thunderbirds (4-15, 1-12) are led by Jennifer Braceros (3.00 k/g, 3.33 d/g) and Danielle Selvidge (2.98 k/g, 0.82 b/g) – but have dropped seven consecutive matches.  Albertson swept the T-Birds in three games three weeks ago and holds an 18-4 all-time series edge.  The Knights (2-17, 1-12) have been playing much better as of late than their record indicates, taking both Concordia and Corban to five games.  Warner is led by outside hitter Michelle Allen (3.52 k/g, 3.84 d/g), but struggle at the net, averaging just 1.16 blocks per game.  Albertson has never lost to WPC, winning all 16 previous meetings.

 

MORE INFORMATION: Updated information and statistics on the 2005 volleyball team can be found on Albertson volleyball official website at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/vball.htm.  Up-to-date Cascade Conference standings can be found online at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/vball/stats/standings.htm.

 

WOMEN’S SOCCER (7-7-1, 5-4-1 CCC): Lady ‘Yotes to meet Eastern with first winning season in 16 years on the line

 

LAST WEEK: vs. No. 9 Concordia (L 3-0), vs. Evergreen State (L 1-0)

 

THIS WEEK: at Eastern Oregon, Friday, 3 p.m. (PDT)

 

ELIMINATED FROM THE PLAYOFF RACE: A record-setting season for the Albertson College women’s soccer team will end this week, as the Coyotes were eliminated from the postseason picture with losses to Concordia and Evergreen State.  Since the Cascade Conference was split into two divisions in 2003, only the top-two finishers in each division earn a spot in the playoffs.

 

REGIONAL RANKINGS: No. 6 ranked Simon Fraser continues to hold the top-spot in the NAIA Region I weekly poll, followed by No. 9 ranked Concordia and No. 21 ranked Carroll.  Rounding out the top-five are Evergreen State and Rocky Mountain.

 

COMPARING THE NORTH AND SOUTH: If the Cascade Conference had played a double round-robin schedule this season – instead of divisional play, the playoff chase may have been a bit different.  The balance of power in the league was definitely in the North Division – as teams racked up a 17-2-1 record against the South, including sweeping all games from Cascade, Warner Pacific, and Oregon Tech.  Southern Oregon managed only a tie against Evergreen State, while Corban split their four matches with their northern neighbors.

 

CAN THE ‘YOTES BREAK THE .500 MARK?: Having already established a new school-record with a 5-1 start to the season, the Lady ‘Yotes have a shot to put 16-year drought to rest.  Only once in program history has an Albertson women’s soccer team finished above the .500 mark – John Calpin’s first-ever women’s team in 1989, a club that registered an 8-3 mark.  Since then, only one team has won more than eight games (the 2002 team finished 10-11) – and no team has finished with a record above the .500 mark.  A tie this weekend against Eastern Oregon would leave Albertson at the .500 mark – joining the 1992 team (5-5-2) and 1993 team (6-6-1) with that distinction.

 

SURVEYING EASTERN OREGON: Friday’s match in La Grande will be the third time that the Lady ‘Yotes have met Eastern Oregon this season.  The Mountaineers (4-10-2, 4-5-1 CCC) were also eliminated from the playoff chase last weekend, but have posted a 3-3-2 record at home – including the tie of Evergreen State on Friday.  Kristen Rice (nine goals, five assists) leads Eastern in scoring – as both Albertson and the Mounties each have scored 24 goals this season.  It is the 16th meeting between the teams, with Albertson holding a 12-3-1 advantage – including a 3-0 win at the Les Schwab Invitational in August and a 2-0 win at Symms Field in September.

 

RECORD BOOK HUNT: With one game remaining in the season, the Lady ‘Yotes have a trio of players who will leave their mark on the Albertson women’s soccer program.  Sophomore striker Leah Roach (Boise, Idaho / Timberline HS) has scored ten goals in her career, good enough for No. 7 on the all-time list.  Joining her in the career book is junior Allison Rupert (Boise, Idaho / Capital HS), who ranks tied for fourth all-time with nine assists.  Also making a statement this season is keeper Candice Frank (Boise, Idaho / Rocky Mountain Coll.), who tied a school-record with four shutouts this season – while posting the lowest goals against average in the last ten years.  As a team, the Lady ‘Yotes are one shutout away from tying the school record of six, set in 1993.

 

FINAL GAME FOR SENIORS: Friday’s match will mark the final collegiate soccer contest for three Albertson seniors.  Candice Frank has been the starting keeper for the past two seasons, while Lindsay Russell (Idaho Falls, Idaho / Idaho State Univ.) has been a two-year starter as a midfielder, scoring three goals and six assists in her career.  The final senior is Danielle Dorsch (Boise, Idaho / Capital HS), who is the lone four-year member of the program – who spent her first two seasons as the starting keeper.  The Coyotes will return 20 players and two redshirts, including ten full-time starters for the 2006 campaign.

 

TOUGH LUCK VS. CONCORDIA: A stellar defensive performance helped No. 9 ranked Concordia University knock off Albertson College, 3-0, in a Cascade Conference women’s soccer match Friday afternoon at Symms Field.  Justine Pronovost got Concordia on the board in the 15th minute following a free kick from her sister, Jackie Pronovost, flicking home the would-be game-winner.  CU would tack on a goal just 25 seconds into the second stanza, as Caitlin Verhofstadt launched a through-ball to Stephanie Solarek, who found the bottom corner of the net.  The Cavs would make it 3-0 on the final play of the game, as Noel Cameron bent a corner kick into the net in stoppage time.  Concordia held a 10-3 edge in shots against Albertson, while Coyote keeper Candice Frank made seven saves.

 

CONCORDIA HAS ‘YOTES NUMBER: The victory by the Cavaliers extended their win streak against Albertson to 16.  The Lady ‘Yotes have not defeated Concordia since Sept. 28, 1996, when Albertson topped the Cavs, 4-2.

 

EVERGREEN CLAMS UP THE COYOTES: A goal by Kate Green was all that Evergreen State needed on Saturday, as the Geoducks kept their unbeaten season alive with a 1-0 women’s soccer victory over Albertson College at Symms Field.   Evergreen avenged a 1-1 tie to Albertson with the victory, as Green tagged a shot from 40-yards out that escaped the reach of Coyote keeper Candice Frank.  The Coyotes made a spirited run in the second half, holding a 6-2 edge in shots.  However, Albertson managed to just have one shot on goal, with it being turned away by keeper Carly Stewart. 

 

MORE INFORMATION: Updated information and statistics on the 2005 women’s soccer team can be found on Albertson women’s soccer official website at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/wmenssoccer.htm.  Up-to-date Cascade Conference standings can be found online at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/wsoccer/stats/standings.htm.

 

 

MEN’S BASKETBALL: Season Preview

 

A total of 16 national tournament appearances, including three consecutive trips to the NAIA Division II championships in Branson, Mo., have helped Mark Owen and his staff in the recruiting game.  This year was no exception – as the Albertson College men’s basketball team has lost ten players since the season-ending 82-70 loss to Flagler (Fla.).  However a deep and talented group of new players are committed to keep the Coyotes where they want to be – at the top.

 

Owen lost the nucleus of his club to graduation – including four players who spent time in the starting line-up.  That group was led by two-time All-America point-guard Joe Green, who left Albertson as the all-time leader in steals and second all-time in assists.  Also absent is E.J. Costello, who hit 173 three-pointers in his career, and both big-men from 2004-05 – Steve Humphreys and Richard Fried, who combined to average 23 points and ten rebounds.  “This is the challenge of recruiting, we all lose players,” said the ‘Yotes head coach.  “Our seniors were key last season, but hopefully the new class will fill the void.”  In his six seasons at Albertson, Owen has faced the “reloading” challenge twice before.  During the 2000-01 season, his first year as head coach, the Coyotes got off to a 1-5 start before running off 12-straight wins at the end of the season to advance to the national quarterfinals.  His 2002-03 team returned only one full-time starter – then won three straight road games in the Cascade Conference tournament to advance to nationals.  ”Each year we have always tried to recruit players to keep Albertson atop the Cascade Conference – this year is no different,” remarked Owen.

 

The upside of the new Coyotes looks to be the play from the guard position, as Owen has changed his recruiting philosophy coming into the 2005-06 campaign.  ” We as a coaching staff made a concentrated effort to get bigger guards, so we can rebound better. In doing so, we will still shoot the ball well, but now, we will compete on the boards,” said Owen.  The elder statesman of the guards is Derek Brown, who is on pace to shatter the career games played record at the college.  Brown, in his fourth-year in the program, averaged ten points, four rebounds, and three assists last year, including a 29-point explosion at the Idaho Center against Northwest Nazarene.  Sophomore guard Josh Owen spent most of last his rookie season as the first guard off the bench, averaging eight points, while shooting 40-percent from outside the arc.  After spending last year learning from Joe Green, Owen will make the transition to point-guard.  Also returning is Justin Fried, who received a medical redshirt last season after severely injuring his ankle during the Westminster Tournament.  Fried, at six-foot four, is exactly what Coach Owen is looking for – a guard that can score and rebound.  ”Derek should be steady, he knows our system and it is his senior year,” said Owen. “Derek’s athletic ability to get up and down the court will help in our transition game.  Josh is a natural point guard, who can also shoot the ball. His ability to get the ball up the court should benefit the rest of the guard line.  I think Justin should feel more comfortable this year – he has had a year in our system. Justin will bring that added height we have been looking for.”  The ‘Yotes are excited about their recruits in the backcourt.  Leading the group is Brandon Nielsen out of Big Bend Community College.  The junior transfer led the NWAACC in scoring last season, pumping in 27 points a night, including a 53-point explosion against Yakima Valley.  Another junior transfer, Ike Stafford, played at Salt Lake Community College and is a pure shooter.  “Brandon and Ike are two of the better guards we have had here in our six years,” said Owen.  Brandon brings the ability to score and rebound, with Ike fitting right into our system – as he brings the ability to get to the rim and finish. Both guards are exactly what we needed.”  Also in the mix is freshman two-sport athlete, Bryan Champ, who was the 5A Player of the Year at Borah High, along with Chad Ivie, a 24-year-old sophomore that can play inside and outside.

 

Having lost their top-two posts to graduation, the Coyotes will look to muscle and youth on the low block.  ” 6-9 is 6-9, we don’t have that this year.  Hopefully the bigger guards take up the slack in the rebounding department”  Dan McFaul has worked hard during the summer to prepare for an outstanding senior season.  After averaging nine points and five boards last year, McFaul bulked up to 230 pounds of muscle to contend with the big men in the Cascade Conference.  Another returner, J.R. Maggard, looks to make more of an impact this season.  The sophomore saw action in 11 games last year, making seven of his 11 field goal attempts – and is one of the more relentless rebounders on the squad.  The newcomers in the paint are very young, but have a ton of potential.  Former Madison High star Kurt Nielson can play a guard or a forward at six-foot five – but is rounding into playing shape after two years away on an LDS mission.  Freshman post Craig McGee led the Southern Idaho Conference in scoring last year at Centennial High and gives the ‘Yotes and at six-foot eight, gives the ‘Yotes a presence in the paint.  Another frosh, Ryan Sinfield, is a load under the bucket (6-8, 240 lbs).  “Our new bigs are all freshmen, so it will take some time for them to get used to our system. By mid season, Craig and Kurt should see a lot of playing time.”

 

Year in and year out, the Coyotes play one of the toughest schedules in all of small college basketball – and 2005-06 is no different.  Albertson will play only one preseason game against an NAIA Division II opponent, while squaring off against some of the top NAIA Division I teams in the land.  The ‘Yotes open up the season with a pair of exhibition games – at Boise State and vs. Northwest Nazarene.  The game at BSU may be a revenge game for the Broncos, as Albertson stunned the NCAA Division I stalwart, 87-66, last season.  The match-up with NNU, the United Heritage Tip Off at the Idaho Center, is the 183rd meeting between the two schools – the oldest collegiate rivalry in the state.  Albertson will then head out on the road for the Quinn Classic in La Grande, Ore., meeting Carroll College and Montana-Western.  Carroll advanced to the NAIA Division I national semifinals last season, while Western and head coach Mark Durham always are tough to handle.  The Coyotes then host the 19th Annual Golden Rule Shoot-Out in Caldwell – as Westminster, Corban, and Bethany of California head to town.  The club will head out on two more non-conference road trips – one to Salt Lake City for the Westminster Invite and the other to Southern California.  In Salt Lake, the Coyotes meet host Westminster and Lubbock Christian – both teams that advanced to the NAIA Division I tournament.  It doesn’t get easier in California, as Albertson meets Azusa Pacific, the defending NAIA Division I national runner-up, and Concordia-Irvine, the 2004 NAIA Division I champs.  Owen was optimistic about the tough schedule.  “Where we are located it is tough to get home games.  Our situation makes us travel, and we end up playing the NAIA I’s and the NCAA teams. Having six new players and a tough non-conference schedule should make for an interesting start to the year.”

 

Year in and year out, the Cascade Conference is one of the top leagues in all of the NAIA Division II.  Last season was no exception, as four teams advanced to the national tournament – with Southern Oregon reaching the national quarterfinals and Oregon Tech advancing to the national semifinals.  “In my opinion,” said Owen, “the Cascade Conference is one of the top-three conferences in the NAIA Division II.  Both Southern Oregon and Oregon Tech led the way in the preseason coaches’ poll, sharing all of the first and second-place votes.  Southern returns three starters, including first-team All-American Shea Washington, while OIT returns two starters and the ever-dangerous Levell Hesia.  The ‘Yotes were picked to finish third, followed by Warner Pacific, Corban, and Northwest.  Warner has the explosive Donny Woods and an outstanding recruiting class; Corban returns first-team All-American Eric Fiegi, while Northwest returns a very experienced club.  Eastern Oregon is expected to be much improved, while the coaches picked Concorida, Evergreen, and Cascade to round out their poll.  “There are no easy games in the CCC – we have to be ready to play each night.”

 

Excitement should fill the J.A. Albertson Activities Center this winter as the Coyotes look for another postseason run.  If the post players can develop and the guards can live up to their preseason hype, Albertson College should be a factor in the conference and national scene.

 

 

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Season Preview

 

After a successful rebuilding year – which ended as a 20-win season and a near-miss chance at the NAIA Division II national tournament, optimism is at an all-time high at Albertson College.  With three starters returning and an outstanding recruiting class, the Lady ‘Yotes are looking toward a chance to return to Sioux City, Iowa for the first time in six years.

 

Last year, the Lady ‘Yotes got off to a tough start, losing four of their first five games.  However, the season was jumpstarted with a 75-67 home victory over No. 6 ranked Dominican, and by the time Albertson knocked off rival Northwest Nazarene 72-63, the Coyotes had climbed back above .500.  The group would win their final four Cascade Conference games to earn a home playoff game, where they would knock off Evergreen.  Albertson would then pull off an improbable 37-36 victory at top-seeded Oregon Tech to play for a national tourney berth – but lose a heartbreaking 60-57 game at Western Baptist to end the season.

 

Head coach Reagan Rossi has the job this year of replacing a pair of starters.  Gone is Kasey Hooter, one of the top players in program history.  The post earned Third-Team All-America honors after averaging 13 points and 13 rebounds a game – setting school records for rebounds in a game and season, along with career field goal percentage and rebound average.  The ‘Yotes will also have to replace wing Valissa Sneck, who transferred to Carroll College to play volleyball.  Sneck averaged ten points a game and set a new school record with 100 steals.  “I don’t think you can ever replace a player the caliber of Kasey,” said Rossi, who begins her fifth-season at the helm.  “We feel with the loss of both players it presents an opportunity for returning players to step up and fill the void and also for newcomers to bring in their own abilities and create a new team chemistry.”

 

Rossi returns a pair of starters in the backcourt – something that she did not have the luxury in last year.  Angie Gribble was a pleasant surprise for the Lady ‘Yotes last year after spending the majority of her first two seasons on the bench.  The senior averaged ten points and five assists per game in her first year at point guard, while connecting on 35-percent of her three-point attempts.  Gribble also played solid defense, recording 86 steals – and played 1,336 of a possible 1,360 minutes during the season.  “Angie did a tremendous job last season and we expect her leadership to continue,” remarked Rossi.  ‘She is a true student of the game who loves to get out there and play.  I couldn’t ask for anything more.”  The Coyotes also return All-Cascade Conference guard Kim Strunk, who developed into a force down the stretch.  Strunk averaged 13 points and six rebounds in her first season as a starter, but averaged 15 points a game during the playoffs, including 20 points in the season finale at Western Baptist.  The senior also led the CCC with 142 made free throws and 172 free throw attempts.  “Kim has done great learning and adapting to our offense,” said the Coyote leader.  “We know as a senior, Kim will continue to be an impact player.  Three others return at the guard positions for the Lady ‘Yotes.  Sophomore Magen Duferrena is healthy after missing the majority of last season with a stress fracture in her foot.  Junior Annie Roeser saw minutes last year as a reserve, as did sophomore Libby Baker – who is a threat from outside the arc.  Joining the five returnees are three transfers and two freshmen who will definitely help out the team.  Junior Jori Grady joins the Lady ‘Yotes from Umpqua Community College, where she averaged 11 points and eight rebounds – earning All-NWAACC honors.  Sophomore Whitney Clark makes the six-mile trip from Northwest Nazarene, where she led the Crusaders in three-pointers made as a freshman.  Sophomore Merilee Caldwell looks to see the court for the first time since transferring from Boise State – after missing all of last season with a knee injury.  Freshmen Savannah Ames, from Alaska, and Hanna Prange, from Salmon, will also be in the mix – as Rossi likes her options.  “We are extremely excited about the immediate impact Jori and Whintey will make.  They will assist in our balanced attack from the perimeter, while Merilee will provide a constant spark on the floor for us.  Savannah and Hanna have a great opportunity to learn from the experienced players, while creating their own niche.”

 

Although Kasey Hooter is no longer roaming the paint, her cohort in crime is back.  Desiree Smoot (Boudreaux) returns in the post, a year after averaging eight points and six rebounds per night.  The Lady ‘Yotes will also get a full season out of Whitney Martin, who transferred to Albertson from Boise State last January.  Martin averaged six points and four rebounds coming off the bench last year and should provide key minutes in the paint.  “Both Des and Whitney were both great impact players for us last season,” said Rossi.  With a year of experience in our program, we expect them to continue in their comprehension and aggressiveness on both ends of the court.”  A pair of newcomers will join Smoot and Martin under the glass – one transfer and one freshman.  Krystn Patterson comes to Albertson after two seasons at the College of Southern Idaho, where her club lost in the NJCAA national championship game.  Patterson was a part-time starter for the Golden Eagles on a deep team, averaging four points and four rebounds.  Also helping out in the post is freshman Kara Myers.  Myers, a six-footer, was an All-Southern Idaho Conference selection at Nampa High.  “Krystn is an intense competitor, with strength to back it up,” Rossi said of her recruit.  “She is a versatile player with the ability on the block and from the outside.  Kara is one of the most talented young post players we have had in our program.  With a little added strength, she could be a major contributor – we expect for her to have a promising future.”

 

To prepare for the always difficult conference season, the Lady ‘Yotes will play a preseason schedule that has just one NAIA Division II team on the list.  Albertson with go toe-to-toe with five different NAIA Division I clubs, along with an NCAA Division I, II, and III school.  “I believe in scheduling tough opponents in the preseason to prepare ourselves for our conference foes.  Playing the variety of levels will provide us with a chance at learning and success,” said Rossi.  The Coyotes open up the season in Havre, Mont. with back-to-back games against Montana State-Northern.  The Lights have a new coach, but return three starters from a 23-10 team.  Albertson will then head to Salt Lake for a trio of games – meeting Great Falls, Montana-Western, and Westminster.  Great Falls lost their leading scorer and their top post from an 11-17 team, UM-Western looks to advance to their seventh-straight NAIA tournament, and Westminster returns All-America post, Shalee Fackrell.   After an exhibition game at Boise State, the Coyotes play three-straight at home.  Albertson meets Bethany of California – the lone NAIA Division II team on the schedule, followed by games vs. Whitman and Westminster as part of the Best Western Lady ‘Yote Classic.  The Lady ‘Yotes close out the non-conference schedule with their annual friendly against Northwest Nazarene, followed by games vs. UM-Western and Montana Tech at the Aramark Classic in La Grande.

 

In looking at the 2005-06 Cascade Conference, there is no Northwest Nazarene, Southern Oregon, or Western Oregon of the past as a clear-cut national tournament caliber favorite.  However, the majority of teams in the ten-team league have definite aspirations of locking up the regular-season title and automatic berth to the NAIA Division II national tournament.  “I think that every year, the Cascade Conference becomes more balanced,” Rossi replied.  “There is no trip that provides a sigh of relief.  Corban and Oregon Tech return the majority of their national tournament teams – with the edge of knowing what it takes to get to that level.”  The two teams that represented the conference in Sioux City, Iowa should be among the upper echelon.  Regular-season champion, Oregon Tech, returns four of their five starters from last year’s 22-9 team – however, they must replace two-time CCC Player of the Year, Nikki McElligott.  Corban (formally Western Baptist) has experience on their side this season – as the Warriors return all five starters, including All-CCC guard Tosha Wilson.  Also among the top-half of the league this year is Eastern Oregon, who returns All-CCC guards Christie Weaver and Heidi Horobioski, and Warner Pacific, who returns All-CCC guard Angie Sun and had a prolific recruiting class.  Both Concordia and Evergreen look to make return trips to the postseason, while a bit of the unknown surrounds Cascade, Northwest, and Southern Oregon – who finished in the bottom third of the league last year.

 

With a difficult preseason schedule, the Albertson women’s basketball team will be tested when conference play rolls around.  If the Lady ‘Yotes can mature as a team, the sky is the limit to where the 2005-06 could end.

 

 

- ALBERTSON -