by The Cowl Editor on September 15, 2017

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Professional Sports

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By Meaghan Cahill ’20

Sports Staff

At this point in the season, it is almost impossible for the Boston Red Sox not to win the American League East. They have five wins on the New York Yankees with 81 wins this season, which puts them in first place in the AL East and gives them one of the top records in the MLB. The Sox’s record allows them to be almost assured in knowing that they will have home-field advantage in the first round of playoffs.

   Red Sox pitcher, Chris Sale, is regarded as a top pitcher in the league. Not only is he a standout, but the depth of the pitching staff is undeniable. Aside from their excellent pitchers, the Red Sox are also able to put together an outstanding defensive outfield, which consists of Andrew Benintendi, Mookie Betts, and Jackie Bradley Jr., who display just as much skill during the game as they do in their post-game win dances.

   And yes, in terms of run production in runs scored, the Sox may be lacking, but that is made up for in their pitching and defensive core. This year, the team has been more aggressive than they ever have been over the past couple of years with their running and stealing of the bases, which also contributes to making up for lack of run production. Their aggressiveness has been helping with positioning players in better scoring positions. It is because of these reasons that the Red Sox will win the AL East.

   The competitive mentality of the Red Sox franchise coupled with their outstanding pitching and aggressive offensive will take them to the top of the AL East.

by The Cowl Editor on September 15, 2017

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Friar Sports

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By Eileen Flynn ’20

Sports Staff

For the first time in Providence College Women’s Soccer history, the Lady Friars were scheduled to face the Razorbacks of the University of Arkansas on Sunday, September 10, 2017. Both teams stormed the field ready to meet their unfamiliar opponents.

The Razorbacks made their way cross country to Providence, Rhode Island with a winning record of 4-3. They have racked up wins against North Texas, Abilene Christian, James Madison, and Mississippi Valley State. The Razorbacks lost two overtime matches to Southern Methodist University and UConn. Their third loss was against No. 1 Penn State in a close (4-2) match-up. Arkansas’ team has been recognized in the South Eastern Conference with the second-most goals over a series of just seven games and fifth in the nation as of Sept. 8.

Providence’s Women’s Soccer team came off of a powerful win against Brown University on Thursday, September 7.  Katie Day ’19 got her team rolling after she netted a penalty shot in the first half. The Friars continued to own the first half by scoring two more times. Hailee Duserick ’19 and Alessandra Arace ’20 are credited with the goals and pushing the Friars ahead to a three goal lead. Brown secured one goal in the final minutes. Shelby Hogan ’20 had six saves, helping the Friars beat their rival neighbors.

Back on their home turf, the Friars greeted the Arkansas Razorbacks. With a quick start, the Razorbacks pushed two goals past Hogan in the fifth and ninth minutes. Arkansas was controlling the game and leading in shots (12-5) and in corners (5-1). Hogan was seeing a lot of action and stopped six saves to Arkansas’ Harris’ two.

The first half concluded with a whistle and the teams separated for half time. Providence’s head coach Sam Lopes sparked the team during half time and supplied the Friars with a new-found energy. Kayla Steeves ’19 placed the ball ahead and after deflecting off of an Arkansas defender, mid-fielder Juliana Pellegrini ’18 kicked the ball into the net. Next, Steeves tied the game by scoring off of a penalty kick in the 36th minute of play.

Arkansas fought back and Stefani Doyle pushed her team ahead once more with a header goal. The Friars had around 40 minutes left to eliminate the one goal lead Arkansas had just secured. Freshman Ann McConnon ’21 picked a good time to score her first collegiate goal.

Around 80 minutes into the game McConnon’s rebound goal tied the Friars and the Razorbacks once more. Continuing with this momentum, Christina Klaum ’18 headed a kicked ball into the net. The fans, no longer sitting in the bleachers of Anderson Stadium, cheered for the Friars comeback win. The game ended and the Providence College’s Women’s Soccer team improved their record to 3-4-0.

The Friars will stay on home territory to face next competitor, St. Joseph’s, on Thursday September 14.

 

 

by The Cowl Editor on September 15, 2017

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Friar Sports

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By Sam Scanlon ’19

Sports Staff

One month until the puck drops in Ohio for the Friars’ 2017-2018 season opener against the Miami (OH) Redhawks. Two seasons removed from a National Championship, the once gritty, tough, and rugged Providence Friars have now evolved into a squad full of skillful offensive weapons and elusive skaters. Veteran leadership on defense was the story for the Friars last season, now they must rely on a younger, quicker group of players to get the job done. This year’s roster includes a rather young team bolstered by key returners and upperclassmen, potential breakout players, and a slew of new talent.

Senior captain Brian Pinho ’18 is one of those key returning players. Last year’s Lou Lamoriello award winner as the team’s Most Valuable Player led the Friars in both assists (28) and points (40). His offensive prowess is going to be heavily relied on as the Friars go up against great defenses and goaltenders this year. Erik Foley ’19 had 15 goals last year; good enough for the team lead. He and Josh Wilkins ’20, who had an explosive rookie season last year, are also key offensive players returning in the lineup who will aim to compliment Pinho and generate plenty offensive opportunities.

 

A veteran goaltender is one of the most coveted pieces to a college hockey lineup. The Friars have exactly that in Hayden Hawkey ’19. As a junior, Hawkey has a full season as a starter under his belt, as well as a year backing up Nick Ellis ’17, who had a record-breaking 2015-2016 season. Hawkey’s experience is extremely beneficial for the success of this team. His confidence and poise will be higher this season, which will prove to be dangerous for opponents.

This year could very well be the year of the Sophomore. Along with Wilkins, Kasper Björkqvist ’20, Brandon Duhaime ’20 and Jacob Bryson ’20 are expected to step into larger roles this season. Björkqvist and Duhaime, 2016 NHL Draft 2^nd and 4^th round picks respectively, experienced limited offensive roles last season. Known for their goal scoring ability, they should find themselves more comfortable and put together breakout seasons.

Bryson definitely impressed last season, earning himself a 4^th round selection in the 2017 NHL Draft, but was unable to get out of the shadow cast by the veteran defensemen. The smooth skating, puck moving defensemen is going to see a huge increase in ice time this season. His playmaking ability is a great accent to the talented offense. However, he also has goal scoring ability with an extremely powerful slap shot.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the new season is welcoming the new faces to Friartown. Four defensemen, three forwards, and a goalie step in to replace the class of 2017 who graduated in the spring. Led by defensemen Ben Mirageas ’21, the 2017 3^rd round NHL Draft pick is a talented two-way defenseman who will fill the void left by the departure of Jake Walman. Jake Ryczek ’21, a 2016 7^th round draft pick, and Jeff Baum ’21 add to the depth of young, two-way defensemen. The Friars also acquired a 5^th year transfer student from Princeton in Tommy Davis ’18. Davis is a great addition to add veteran experience to the young defensive group. Up front, Bailey Conger ’21, Jason O’Neill ’21, and Greg Printz ’21 add some size and skill to an offensive unit that could potentially be a top scoring offense in the country.

The Friars have an exciting year ahead, including a trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland for the Friendship Four Tournament and a visit to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the Three Rivers Classic. Is it October yet?

 

by The Cowl Editor on September 12, 2017

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Friar Sports

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by Sam Scanlon ’19

Sports Staff

With the 2017-2018 season just around the corner, Men’s Basketball Head Coach Ed Cooley has reeled in a new wave of talented recruits looking to make a splash here in Friartown. Four new faces have been added to the roster to complement the skillful group of upperclassmen. The Friars are returning Kyron Cartwright ’18, Emmitt Holt ’18, Jalen Lindsey ’18, and Rodney Bullock ’18, who have proven to be extremely vital to the success of this team. However, the focus this year will turn to the Class of 2021, and what their role will be in giving the Friars the final push into being a top Big East Championship contender.

The highly touted point guard, Makai Ashton-Langford ’21, will be a pivotal piece to the puzzle by adding depth to Cartwright and Maliek White ’20 at the guard position. Ashton-Langford has been extremely anticipated as he is a four-star recruit, ranking 38th on the 2017 ESPN 100 recruiting list and capturing an overall scouting grade of 89. Look for him to have a sizable offensive role for an underclassman, as he will be a great accent to Cartwright.

The Friars also added two big men from Virginia who bring some serious size to the Friars’ roster. Standing at 6’10″ and 260 lbs., Nate Watson ’21 will look to be the starting center in this year’s lineup. His size will greatly benefit and add some much needed depth to the big men up front. His counterpart and fellow center, Dajour Dickens ’21, is a 7’0″ 220-pounder who is an outstanding rebounder, something that this squad is desperately looking for. Rebounding has been an issue for the Friars, as they finished sixth in the Big East for rebounds last season. In addition to the rebound problem being addressed, the Friars have lacked a true center for the last two seasons, but now Holt will be able to return to his position at forward, where he is more comfortable and effective.

Another guard has been added to the roster as well. Andrew Fonts ’21, a local kid hailing from Portsmouth, Rhode Island, will look to be a threat from beyond the arc and add depth for three-point shooting, another area that could use improvement.

This season is one that the Friar Fanatics should be excited about. The Class of 2021 additions are the perfect pieces that were missing from this team. With everyone remaining healthy, our size up front to go along with the speed and scoring ability in the back court is going to be tough for any opponent to stop. As returning players gain another year of experience, and with most of the talent lying in the senior class, Ashton-Langford, Alpha Diallo ’20, and Kalif Young ’20 should slide into their roles and complement the senior class perfectly. With everyone performing to their potential, the Friars will certainly be in the Big East Championship conversation once the postseason comes around.

by The Cowl Editor on August 31, 2017

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Friar Sports

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By Eileen Flynn ’20

Sports Staff

All eyes will be on the Providence College Men’s Soccer Team as they begin their 2017 season. Last year, the Friars fell to Creighton, 2-1, in a tight semifinal match on their home turf in the Big East Tournament. The team regrouped and made an exciting run in the NCAA tournament. They defeated No. 1 Maryland in the second round with a fairy-tale comeback. The team was honored with the Big East Coaching Staff of the Year with Craig Stewart as head coach. With an impressive 2016 season under their belt, the Friars are ready to continue their success this year. The hard work the Friars put into the preseason was acknowledged by the Big East. Mac Steeves, RS’18 was named the Big East Preseason Offensive Player of the Year and an All-Big East First Team Selection. Mark Jecewiz, ’18, was also placed on the Preseason All-Big East Team. As a team, the Friars were selected to place first in the Big East for the 2017 season.

After a long summer of preseason workouts and scrimmages, the Friars finally faced their first opponent of the year in North Carolina on Friday, August 25. The No. 4 Tar Heels were just as excited to start their season, and unfortunately out-scored the Friars at the end of two halves.

The Tar Heels struck first after 15 minutes of play; John Nelson’s shot passed Providence keeper Ben Seguljic ’18. The Tar Heels followed with another goal from Cam Lindley in the 33rd minute of play. Brendan Constantine ’19 was able to respond for the Friars and get the first goal of the season. Constantine inspired Joao Serrano ’19’s goal that came six minutes later. Serrano scored on a free kick placed just outside of the box, tying the score. It wasn’t until the 63rd minute that the Tar Heels’ Jelani Pieters distinguished a one goal lead for his team. Pieters made connection with a crossed ball from his teammate Zach Wright. The final goal of the game was granted to the Tar Heels from a penalty kick in the 86th minute, finalizing the score at 4-2.

The Friars played one more game on the road in North Carolina before heading back to Providence. On Aug. 27 the Wake Forest Demon Deacons hosted the Friars in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Holding the No. 2 seed, Wake Forest defeated PC in a final score of 4-1. A quick goal from Wake Forest forward Luis Argudo set the pace for the game. Tony Billeri RS’21 was in net for the Friars and Wake Forest kept the red-shirted freshman busy. After a diving save from Billeri, the Deacons capitalized on the corner kick that followed. In a similar fashion later in the game, Liam Wilson ’20 was able to find the back of the net to put the Friars on the board. On a corner kick from Serrano ’19, Wilson was in the right spot to complete the goal. Although the Friars had several other chances, Wake Forest increased the final score to 4-1.

Despite the two losses, the Friars are expected to have a winning season. In the New England Soccer Journal Division 1 Preseason Poll, the team was listed at the top. On Sept. 4, the Friars will have their first home game, hosting their neighbors, the Bryant Bulldogs. Some familiar faces in the stands at Chapey Field is just what the team needs to claim its first victory of the season.