Owl softball team goes for an ECAC three-peat
KEENE, N.H. 5/9/11 – Disappointed at not earning an NCAA tournament berth, the Keene State College softball team will now set its sights on a third consecutive ECAC New England Championship.
For the second straight season, Keene State (27-12-1) will be the top seed in the seven-team tournament. KSC will receive a first-round bye and host the semifinal and final rounds of the tournament at Owl Athletic Complex on Saturday and Sunday.
Quarterfinals games are scheduled for Wednesday with second seed Brandeis (18-17) hosting seventh seed Elms (22-14), third seed University of New England (27-17) hosting sixth seed Rivier College (26-14) and fourth seed Western New England (27-17) hosting fifth seed Simmons College (24-15).
Keene State will play the winner of the game between fourth seed Western New England and Simmons College on Saturday. Saturday games are tentatively scheduled for 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Games on Sunday will be played at 10 a.m. and noon and 2 p.m. (if necessary).
KSC Coach Charlie Beach said his team is looking forward to playing in the ECAC tournament. "It's disappointing not making the NCAAs, but this team has earned an opportunity to play in a post-season tournament," he said.
"I would do anything to play with my teammates for the whole summer," said junior Haley Chandler. "I can't wait to go to the ECACs and have the opportunity to continue to play."
Keene State will be making its 12th overall trip to the ECACs. KSC won the 1990 and 1993 softball titles as a Division II member. In Division III, the Owls have made six appearances. They defeated Brandies 11-1 in the 2009 championship and last season claimed the crown with a 12-2 victory against Bridgewater State.
Schedule:
First Round – Wednesday, May 11
No. 7 Elms (22-14) at No. 2 Brandeis (18-17), 4:30 p.m.
No. 6 Rivier (26-14) at No. 3 University of New England (27-17), 4:00 p.m.
No. 5 Simmons (24-15) at No. 4 Western New England (27-17), 4:00 p.m.
Double Elimination (Day 1) – Saturday, May 14 at Keene State College
Game 1: No. 1 Keene State (27-12-1) vs. No. 4/No. 5 winner, 10:00 a.m.
Game 2: No. 2/No. 7 winner vs. No. 3/No. 6 winner, Noon
Game 3: Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 2:00 p.m.
Game 4: Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner, 4:00 p.m.
Double Elimination (Day 2) – Sunday, May 15 at Keene State College
Game 5: Game 4 loser vs. Game 3 winner, 10:00 a.m.
Game 6: Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner, Noon
Game 7: Game 6 winner vs. Game 6 loser, 2:00 p.m. (if necessary)