Boise State freshman Alexi Morton has won the long jump at the WAC Track Championships in the Heptathlon, and by a wide margin. Once again, this blog was first in the Boise Valley to tell you this news--6:28 p.m. Wednesay night:
Finals
1 Morton, Alexi FR Boise State 5.72m 1.3 18-09.25 765
5.71m(1.5) 5.62m(2.4) 5.72m(1.3)
2 Meade, Zoe FR New Mexico St. 5.40m 0.8 17-08.75 671
5.20m(0.7) 5.38m(1.7) 5.40m(0.8)
3 Morrison, Kaleigh FR Hawaii 5.37m 0.9 17-07.50 663
5.20m(1.4) 5.37m(0.9) 5.18m(1.1)
4 Hawkins, Chari FR Utah State 5.33m +0.0 17-06.00 651
5.12m(2.2) 5.26m(+0.0) 5.33m(+0.0)
5 Jackson, Taylor FR Fresno State 5.32m 1.6 17-05.50 648
5.15m(+0.0) 5.32m(1.6) 5.25m(0.3)
6 Anderson, Alexa JR Nevada 5.25m 0.9 17-02.75 628
FOUL 5.25m(0.9) 5.19m(0.9)
7 Balentine, Samantha SO Hawaii 5.17m 1.0 16-11.50 606
4.92m(0.9) 5.17m(1.0) 4.87m(0.2)
8 Nichols, Sarah JR Nevada 5.05m 1.0 16-07.00 573
FOUL 5.05m(1.0) FOUL
9 Jones, Jesseka JR Louisiana Tech 4.99m -0.1 16-04.50 557
4.62m(1.4) 4.99m(-0.1) 4.73m(1.3)
10 Pate, April JR Nevada 4.95m 1.1 16-03.00 546
FOUL 4.95m(1.1) FOUL
11 Una'Dia, Sarah FR Fresno State 4.80m 2.4 15-09.00 506
4.80m(2.4) FOUL FOUL
12 Schiess, Jennifer JR Utah State 4.64m 2.4 15-02.75 464
4.44m(0.3) 4.64m(2.4) FOUL
Morton moves temporarily into first place with two events left, although this event and the high jump are her best.
1. Alexi Morton, Boise State (3,880)
2. April Pate, Nevada (3,823)
3. Jesseka Jones,Louisiana Tech (3,807)
4. Chari Hawkins, Utah State (3,774)
5. Zoe Meade, New Mexico State (3,702)
6. Samantha Balentine, Hawai'i (3,591)
7. Taylor Jackson, Fresno State (3,560)
8. Sarah Nichols, Nevada (3,516)
9. Kaleigh Morrison, Hawai'i (3,388)
10. Alexa Anderson, Nevada (3,227)
11. Jennifer Schiess, Utah State (3,124)
12. Sarah Una'dia (2,994)
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
WAC Track Championships--Decathlon
Standings after 7 events now:
1. Andrew Blaser, Idaho (5,179)
2. Philip Noble, Utah State (4,836)
3. David Deal, Fresno State (4,811)
4. Jon Goble, Utah State (4,705)
5. Matt Bushnell, Fresno State (4,190)
6. John Johnson, Utah State (4,097)
1. Andrew Blaser, Idaho (5,179)
2. Philip Noble, Utah State (4,836)
3. David Deal, Fresno State (4,811)
4. Jon Goble, Utah State (4,705)
5. Matt Bushnell, Fresno State (4,190)
6. John Johnson, Utah State (4,097)
WAC Softball Tournament: Hawai'i beats Utah State 6-1
Game One is underway in Fresno between #4 Hawai'i and #5 Utah State. Hawai'i leads it 6-1 in the top of the sixth. The winner gets #1 seed New Mexico State tomorrow at 12:30 Mountain Time, 11:30 Pacific.
Makani Duhaylonsod had two hits to pace the Hawai'i hitting attack and catcher Shara Kliebenstein blasted a two-run homer in the fourth for insurance. Ace pitcher Stephanie Ricketts allowed eight hits, including three to load the bases in the seventh, for the victory.
Makani Duhaylonsod had two hits to pace the Hawai'i hitting attack and catcher Shara Kliebenstein blasted a two-run homer in the fourth for insurance. Ace pitcher Stephanie Ricketts allowed eight hits, including three to load the bases in the seventh, for the victory.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
WAC Track Championships--Morton Takes 5th in 200-Meter Dash
Alexi Morton is seeded fourth in this event. Hawkins, Nichols and Pate are seeded ahead of her. Finals
1 Jones, Jesseka JR Louisiana Tech 24.79 0.9 906
2 Pate, April JR Nevada 24.93 +0.0 893
3 Meade, Zoe FR New Mexico St. 25.11 +0.0 877
4 Jackson, Taylor FR Fresno State 25.44 +0.0 847
5 Morton, Alexi FR Boise State 25.92 +0.0 804
6 Nichols, Sarah JR Nevada 25.93 0.9 803
7 Hawkins, Chari FR Utah State 26.16 +0.0 783
8 Anderson, Alexa JR Nevada 27.01 0.9 711
9 Balentine, Samantha SO Hawaii 27.41 0.9 678
10 Una'Dia, Sarah FR Fresno State 27.78 0.9 648
11 Morrison, Kaleigh FR Hawaii 27.91 0.9 638
12 Schiess, Jennifer JR Utah State 28.37 +0.0 602
Here are the standings after the first day of competition:
1. April Pate, Nevada (3,277)2. Jesseka Jones, Louisian Tech (3,250)3. Chari Hawkins, Utah State (3,123 points)4. Alexi Morton, Boise State (3,115 points)5. Zoe Meade, New Mexico State (3,031)6. Samantha Balentine, Hawai'i (2,985)7. Sarah Nichols, Nevada (2,943)8. Taylor Jackson, Nevada (2,912)9. Kaleigh Morrison, Hawai'i (2,725)10. Jennifer Schiess, Utah State (2,660)11. Alexa Anderson, Nevada (2,599)12. Sarah Una'Dia, Fresno State (2,488)
Morton 6th in Shot Put
=================================================================================
Finals
1 Pate, April JR Nevada 12.72m 41-08.75 709
12.20m 12.72m 12.30m
2 Nichols, Sarah JR Nevada 12.14m 39-10.00 670
11.77m 11.50m 12.14m
3 Jones, Jesseka JR Louisiana Tech 11.70m 38-04.75 641
11.11m 11.70m 11.59m
4 Meade, Zoe FR New Mexico St. 11.03m 36-02.25 597
11.03m 11.01m FOUL
5 Anderson, Alexa JR Nevada 10.80m 35-05.25 582
10.22m 10.16m 10.80m
6 Morton, Alexi FR Boise State 10.54m 34-07.00 565
10.47m 10.54m 10.23m
7 Balentine, Samantha SO Hawaii 10.50m 34-05.50 562
10.12m 10.50m FOUL
8 Hawkins, Chari FR Utah State 9.95m 32-07.75 526
9.39m 9.95m 9.21m
9 Schiess, Jennifer JR Utah State 9.93m 32-07.00 525
9.93m 9.90m 9.64m
10 Morrison, Kaleigh FR Hawaii 9.77m 32-00.75 514
9.27m 9.54m 9.77m
11 Jackson, Taylor FR Fresno State 9.36m 30-08.50 488
9.36m 8.04m 9.04m
12 Una'Dia, Sarah FR Fresno State 7.85m 25-09.25 390One more event today, the 200 meter dash. Here are the standings after three events:
1. April Pate, Nevada (2,384)2. Jesseka Jones, Louisian Tech (2,344)3. Chari Hawkins, Utah State (2,340 points)4. Alexi Morton, Boise State (2,311 points)5. Samantha Balentine, Hawai'i (2,307)6. Zoe Meade, New Mexico State (2,154)7. Sarah Nichols, Nevada (2,140)8. Kaleigh Morrison, Hawai'i (2,087)9. Taylor Jackson, Nevada (2,065)10. Jennifer Schiess, Utah State (2,058)11. Alexa Anderson, Nevada (1,888)12. Sarah Una'Dia, Fresno State (1,840)
WAC Track Championships--Men's Decathlon Standings After 5 Events
This would be a big plus for Boise State if Blaser can hold off Deal and Noble (the favorites). That would be two less points for Fresno State and Utah State, respectively.
1. Andrew Blaser, Idaho (3,732 points)
2. Philip Noble, Utah State (3,476 points)
3. David Deal, Fresno State (3,469)
4. Jon Goble, Utah State (3,277)
5. John Johnson, Utah State (3,095 points)
6. Matt Bushnell, Fresno State (3,050)
1. Andrew Blaser, Idaho (3,732 points)
2. Philip Noble, Utah State (3,476 points)
3. David Deal, Fresno State (3,469)
4. Jon Goble, Utah State (3,277)
5. John Johnson, Utah State (3,095 points)
6. Matt Bushnell, Fresno State (3,050)
Morton Second in High Jump
This is one of Alexi's best events. Good finish for her--
Finals
1 Balentine, Samantha SO Hawaii 1.76m 5-09.25 928
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67 1.70 1.73 1.76 1.79
P P P P P P P P O P O O XO XO XXX
2 Morton, Alexi FR Boise State 1.70m 5-07.00 855
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67 1.70 1.73
P P P P P O O O O XXO XXO O XXX
2 Hawkins, Chari FR Utah State 1.70m 5-07.00 855
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67 1.70 1.73
P P P P P P P O O O O O XXX
4 Meade, Zoe FR New Mexico St. 1.67m 5-05.75 818
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67 1.70
P P P P P P P O O O O XXX
4 Morrison, Kaleigh FR Hawaii 1.67m 5-05.75 818
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67 1.70
P P P P O XO O O O O XO XXX
6 Schiess, Jennifer JR Utah State 1.64m 5-04.50 783
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67
P P P P P O O O XO XO XXX
7 Pate, April JR Nevada 1.58m 5-02.25 712
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61
P P P O O O XO O XXX
7 Jones, Jesseka JR Louisiana Tech 1.58m 5-02.25 712
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61
P P P XO O O XO XO XXX
9 Una'Dia, Sarah FR Fresno State 1.55m 5-01.00 678
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58
P P P P P P XXO XXX
9 Nichols, Sarah JR Nevada 1.55m 5-01.00 678
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58
P P P P O O XO XXX
9 Jackson, Taylor FR Fresno State 1.55m 5-01.00 678
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58
P O P O XO XO O XXX
12 Anderson, Alexa JR Nevada 1.46m 4-09.50 577
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49
O O O XXO XXX
After two events:
1. Chari Hawkins, Utah State (1,814 points)
2. Alexi Morton, Boise State (1,746 points)
3. Samantha Balentine, Hawai'i (1,745)
4. Jesseka Jones, Louisian Tech (1,703)
5. April Pate, Nevada (1,675)
6. Taylor Jackson, Fresno State (1,577)
7. Kaleigh Morrison, Hawai'i (1,573)
8. Zoe Meade, New Mexico State (1,557
9. Jennifer Schiess, Utah State (1,533)
10. Sarah Nichols, Nevada (1,470)
11. Sarah Una'Dia, Fresno State (1,450)
12. Alexa Anderson, Nevada (1,306)
Finals
1 Balentine, Samantha SO Hawaii 1.76m 5-09.25 928
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67 1.70 1.73 1.76 1.79
P P P P P P P P O P O O XO XO XXX
2 Morton, Alexi FR Boise State 1.70m 5-07.00 855
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67 1.70 1.73
P P P P P O O O O XXO XXO O XXX
2 Hawkins, Chari FR Utah State 1.70m 5-07.00 855
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67 1.70 1.73
P P P P P P P O O O O O XXX
4 Meade, Zoe FR New Mexico St. 1.67m 5-05.75 818
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67 1.70
P P P P P P P O O O O XXX
4 Morrison, Kaleigh FR Hawaii 1.67m 5-05.75 818
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67 1.70
P P P P O XO O O O O XO XXX
6 Schiess, Jennifer JR Utah State 1.64m 5-04.50 783
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61 1.64 1.67
P P P P P O O O XO XO XXX
7 Pate, April JR Nevada 1.58m 5-02.25 712
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61
P P P O O O XO O XXX
7 Jones, Jesseka JR Louisiana Tech 1.58m 5-02.25 712
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58 1.61
P P P XO O O XO XO XXX
9 Una'Dia, Sarah FR Fresno State 1.55m 5-01.00 678
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58
P P P P P P XXO XXX
9 Nichols, Sarah JR Nevada 1.55m 5-01.00 678
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58
P P P P O O XO XXX
9 Jackson, Taylor FR Fresno State 1.55m 5-01.00 678
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49 1.52 1.55 1.58
P O P O XO XO O XXX
12 Anderson, Alexa JR Nevada 1.46m 4-09.50 577
1.37 1.40 1.43 1.46 1.49
O O O XXO XXX
After two events:
1. Chari Hawkins, Utah State (1,814 points)
2. Alexi Morton, Boise State (1,746 points)
3. Samantha Balentine, Hawai'i (1,745)
4. Jesseka Jones, Louisian Tech (1,703)
5. April Pate, Nevada (1,675)
6. Taylor Jackson, Fresno State (1,577)
7. Kaleigh Morrison, Hawai'i (1,573)
8. Zoe Meade, New Mexico State (1,557
9. Jennifer Schiess, Utah State (1,533)
10. Sarah Nichols, Nevada (1,470)
11. Sarah Una'Dia, Fresno State (1,450)
12. Alexa Anderson, Nevada (1,306)
Morton Finishes Fifth in 100-Meter Hurdles
The Heptathlon is underway at the WAC Track Championships in Honolulu. Boise State's Alexi Morton finished fifth in 100-meter hurdles. She ran it in 14.63. Not to worry, this event is not her specialty.
Finals
1 Jones, Jesseka JR Louisiana Tech 13.91 0.8 991
2 Pate, April JR Nevada 14.11 2.0 963
3 Hawkins, Chari FR Utah State 14.14 1.0 959
4 Jackson, Taylor FR Fresno State 14.57 2.0 899
5 Morton, Alexi FR Boise State 14.63 2.0 891
6 Balentine, Samantha SO Hawaii 15.19 0.8 817
7 Nichols, Sarah JR Nevada 15.38 0.8 792
8 Una'Dia, Sarah FR Fresno State 15.54 1.0 772
9 Morrison, Kaleigh FR Hawaii 15.67 1.0 755
10 Schiess, Jennifer JR Utah State 15.71 2.0 750
11 Meade, Zoe FR New Mexico St. 15.80 0.8 739
12 Anderson, Alexa JR Nevada 15.88 1.0 729
Finals
1 Jones, Jesseka JR Louisiana Tech 13.91 0.8 991
2 Pate, April JR Nevada 14.11 2.0 963
3 Hawkins, Chari FR Utah State 14.14 1.0 959
4 Jackson, Taylor FR Fresno State 14.57 2.0 899
5 Morton, Alexi FR Boise State 14.63 2.0 891
6 Balentine, Samantha SO Hawaii 15.19 0.8 817
7 Nichols, Sarah JR Nevada 15.38 0.8 792
8 Una'Dia, Sarah FR Fresno State 15.54 1.0 772
9 Morrison, Kaleigh FR Hawaii 15.67 1.0 755
10 Schiess, Jennifer JR Utah State 15.71 2.0 750
11 Meade, Zoe FR New Mexico St. 15.80 0.8 739
12 Anderson, Alexa JR Nevada 15.88 1.0 729
Slight Change to WAC Commissioner's Cup Projections
I have changed the baseball projections to reflect the new standings in the WAC. The other projections for softball and track are unchanged, but you may want to take a look at the new Cup Projections by clicking here.
WAC Track Championships--Boise State Not Entering a Decathlete
Remember last week, I gave you the projections for the WAC Track Championships which start today in Honolulu. I also mentioned that if Boise State had an entry in the men's decathlon, they had a shot at the men's title.
The Heat Sheets are out for the Championships and the Broncos do not have anyone in the decathlon. Often, what can happen is if an athlete is entered in the decathlon (especially if he isn't used to competing in it), it will wear him out so that he is unable to compete at the same level in his regular events. That likely is why Boise State is not entering anyone. Kurt Felix, Boise State's multi-event star, is being redshirted this outdoor season so he can compete next year. So the logic is that any points gained from the decathlon would probably be lost in the specialty events that the decathlete competes in.
Hardy hopes Boise State's training pays off
That said, it will now be extremely tough for Boise State to win the WAC title. There are no other events in which there are "surprise" entries. The ones competing for the Broncos will be the same ones that have done so all year. Thus, the projection for third place still holds. Boise State could easily finish first, but they'll need Utah State to slip in order to take the title.
The Heat Sheets are out for the Championships and the Broncos do not have anyone in the decathlon. Often, what can happen is if an athlete is entered in the decathlon (especially if he isn't used to competing in it), it will wear him out so that he is unable to compete at the same level in his regular events. That likely is why Boise State is not entering anyone. Kurt Felix, Boise State's multi-event star, is being redshirted this outdoor season so he can compete next year. So the logic is that any points gained from the decathlon would probably be lost in the specialty events that the decathlete competes in.
That said, it will now be extremely tough for Boise State to win the WAC title. There are no other events in which there are "surprise" entries. The ones competing for the Broncos will be the same ones that have done so all year. Thus, the projection for third place still holds. Boise State could easily finish first, but they'll need Utah State to slip in order to take the title.
Boise State's Softball Time Announced
Saturday, we were the first source to tell you that Boise State would be playing the winner of the Fresno State-Louisiana Tech game Thursday as well as announcing the other pairings in the WAC Softball Tournament. We now know the time--it will be at 3 p.m. Mountain Time.
Here then are the times for those games we told you about Saturday.
Wednesday:
Game One: 5:30 p.m.--#4 Hawai'i vs. #5 Utah State
Game Two: 8 p.m.--#3 Fresno State vs. #6 Louisiana Tech
Thursday:
Game Three: 12:30 p.m.--#1 New Mexico State vs. Winner of Game One
Game Four: 3 p.m.--#2 Boise State vs. Winner of Game Two
Game Five: 5:30 p.m.--Loser of Game Two vs. Loser of Game Three
Game Six: 8 p.m.--Lose of Game One vs. Loser of Game Four
Friday:
Game Seven: 3 p.m.--Winner of Game Three vs. Winner of Game Four
Game Eight: 5:30 p.m.--Winner of Game Five vs. Winner of Game Six
Game Nine: 8 p.m.--Loser of Game Seven vs. Winner of Game Eight
Saturday:
Game Ten: 3 p.m.--Winner of Game Seven vs. Winner of Game Nine
Game Eleven (if necessary): 6 p.m.--Winner of Game Ten vs. Loser of Game 10 (if loss is first one of the tournament for the loser)
Here then are the times for those games we told you about Saturday.
Wednesday:
Game One: 5:30 p.m.--#4 Hawai'i vs. #5 Utah State
Game Two: 8 p.m.--#3 Fresno State vs. #6 Louisiana Tech
Thursday:
Game Three: 12:30 p.m.--#1 New Mexico State vs. Winner of Game One
Game Four: 3 p.m.--#2 Boise State vs. Winner of Game Two
Game Five: 5:30 p.m.--Loser of Game Two vs. Loser of Game Three
Game Six: 8 p.m.--Lose of Game One vs. Loser of Game Four
Friday:
Game Seven: 3 p.m.--Winner of Game Three vs. Winner of Game Four
Game Eight: 5:30 p.m.--Winner of Game Five vs. Winner of Game Six
Game Nine: 8 p.m.--Loser of Game Seven vs. Winner of Game Eight
Saturday:
Game Ten: 3 p.m.--Winner of Game Seven vs. Winner of Game Nine
Game Eleven (if necessary): 6 p.m.--Winner of Game Ten vs. Loser of Game 10 (if loss is first one of the tournament for the loser)
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Up-To-the-Minute WAC Commissioner's Cup Standings (May 7)
New Mexico State has won the regular season in WAC softball. Congrats to the Aggies on an incredible season! Thus, we can now update our WAC Commissioner's Cup Standings. Next week, the softball and men's and women's track championships will decide the post-season champions in those three sports and all that will remain after that is baseball. In other words, we will know by at least next Sunday if Boise State has clinched the Cup or if Fresno State still has a chance. Because Boise State was not able to win a game in Las Cruces, New Mexico State's and Fresno State's projected points are adjusted upward. It does not affect Boise State's projected points--they are still projected to finish third.
The maximum points that Fresno State can score is 95.75. That is right now the number that will clinch the Cup.) The maximum that New Mexico State can score is 90.50. If New Mexico State beats Fresno in either softball or baseball, it will drive down Fresno's maximum. Thus, Boise State's magic number is now down to 9.25 points.
Here are the current standings following the conclusion of the regular season in softball:
Here are the Projections for the remaining sports:
Softball: (May 11-14)
1. Fresno State (7.25 points)--Fresno State has already been awarded 3.25 points in the regular season.
1. Boise State (6.25 points)--Boise State was awarded 3.25 points in the regular season.
1. New Mexico State (7.00)--New Mexico State was awarded 4 points in the regular season.
4. Hawai'i (5)--Hawai'i was awarded 2.5 points in the regular season.
5. Utah State (4)--Utah State was awarded 2 points in the regular season.
6. San Jose State (2)--San Jose State has been awarded the full 2 points.
7. Louisiana Tech (3)--Tech has been awarded 1.5 points in the regular season.
8. Nevada (1)--Nevada has been awarded the full point.
Men's Track (May 10-13)
1. Utah State (5 points)
2. Fresno State (4)
3. Boise State (3)
4. Louisiana Tech (2)
5. Idaho (1)
Women's Track (May 10-13)
1. Nevada (8)
2. Louisiana Tech (7 points)
3. Utah State (6)
4. Fresno State (5)
5. New Mexico State (4)
6. Idaho (3)
7. Hawai'i (2)
8. Boise State (1)
Baseball: (May 25-29)
1. Fresno State (6.5 points)
2. Hawai'i (6.5 points)
3. San Jose State (5)
4. New Mexico State (4.0)
5. Nevada (3)
6. Louisiana Tech (2.5)
I will continue to do these projections on a semi-weekly basis. As the teams get close to the championships in their respective sports, the data will get more accurate as being able to project the championship results. As of right now, here are the projections for the final Commissioner's Cup point totals:
1. Boise State 93.50
With tennis expected to provide the majority of the spring points for Boise State, the Broncos are nearing the finish line but about out of gas. Softball is the only sport that will provide significant points. Boise State is expected to pick up 7 more points the rest of the spring but they have some upside built in.
2. Fresno State 91.75
The Bulldogs traditionally are the strongest team in the spring sports and this year should be no exception. Fresno State was forecast to score 45 points this spring and they are right on target. Even after golf, there is another 19.5 points in reserve. They are still projected to win the baseball and softball tournaments. If they do well in women's track, the Cup is too close to call.
Fresno State will once again provide the closest challenge to Boise State
3. New Mexico State 84.50
The Aggies out dual Boise State for having the second best spring sports program to Fresno State, scoring 11 more points in the four remaining sports. The Aggies' best hope is to finish strong in their strengths and hope that their women's track team can finish high. Still, the odds of NM State winning are not good.
4. Utah State 79.25
USU does fairly well in the spring but they aren't able to field a team in baseball, men's golf or women's golf. Until they are able to fund those programs, Utah State will never have a serious chance of winning an overall competition. Utah State is projected to score just 13 more points this spring. They could possibly finish third if everything goes right. Meanwhile, they are 3.25 points away from clinching at least fourth.
5. Nevada 65.25
Nevada has been a challenger nearly every year in the Commissioner's Cup. However, poor fall programs hurt their chances severely. They finished near the bottom in women's cross country, soccer and volleyball. The only reason they are this high is because of their football, basketball and swimming programs. They have passed Idaho, but that could be as high as they get this year. Nevada is projected to score 11 more points in the spring.
6. Idaho 60.50
The Vandals have been in the middle of the pack for the last several years. Idaho should get about 4 more points this spring. They will fight for positions 6-8.
7. Hawai'i 59.75
Hawai'i has solid teams in both softball and baseball. UH should score in the neighborhood of 11 more points this spring. That's a good total, but they are too far down to climb all the way to the top.
8. Louisiana Tech 56.50
Louisiana Tech has climbed out of the cellar in the Cup race and will score around 13 more points this spring. They probably won't get higher than #7, but they have a shot at that.
9. San Jose State 55.00
The Spartans should also do well in baseball. San Jose State is projected to score 5 more points this spring.
The maximum points that Fresno State can score is 95.75. That is right now the number that will clinch the Cup.) The maximum that New Mexico State can score is 90.50. If New Mexico State beats Fresno in either softball or baseball, it will drive down Fresno's maximum. Thus, Boise State's magic number is now down to 9.25 points.
Here are the current standings following the conclusion of the regular season in softball:
1. Boise State 86.50
2. New Mexico State 73.50
3. Fresno State 72.25
4. Utah State 66.25
4. Utah State 66.25
5. Idaho 56.50
6. Nevada 54.25
7. San Jose State 50.00
7. San Jose State 50.00
8. Hawai'i 48.75
9. Louisiana Tech 43.50
Note: Since San Jose State and Nevada finished 7th and 8th in softball, respectively, and will not play in the tournament, they are awarded the full points for their positions, 2 and 1 respectively.
Note: Since San Jose State and Nevada finished 7th and 8th in softball, respectively, and will not play in the tournament, they are awarded the full points for their positions, 2 and 1 respectively.
Here are the Projections for the remaining sports:
Softball: (May 11-14)
1. Fresno State (7.25 points)--Fresno State has already been awarded 3.25 points in the regular season.
1. Boise State (6.25 points)--Boise State was awarded 3.25 points in the regular season.
1. New Mexico State (7.00)--New Mexico State was awarded 4 points in the regular season.
4. Hawai'i (5)--Hawai'i was awarded 2.5 points in the regular season.
5. Utah State (4)--Utah State was awarded 2 points in the regular season.
6. San Jose State (2)--San Jose State has been awarded the full 2 points.
7. Louisiana Tech (3)--Tech has been awarded 1.5 points in the regular season.
8. Nevada (1)--Nevada has been awarded the full point.
Men's Track (May 10-13)
1. Utah State (5 points)
2. Fresno State (4)
3. Boise State (3)
4. Louisiana Tech (2)
5. Idaho (1)
Women's Track (May 10-13)
1. Nevada (8)
2. Louisiana Tech (7 points)
3. Utah State (6)
4. Fresno State (5)
5. New Mexico State (4)
6. Idaho (3)
7. Hawai'i (2)
8. Boise State (1)
Baseball: (May 25-29)
1. Fresno State (6.5 points)
2. Hawai'i (6.5 points)
3. San Jose State (5)
4. New Mexico State (4.0)
5. Nevada (3)
6. Louisiana Tech (2.5)
I will continue to do these projections on a semi-weekly basis. As the teams get close to the championships in their respective sports, the data will get more accurate as being able to project the championship results. As of right now, here are the projections for the final Commissioner's Cup point totals:
1. Boise State 93.50
With tennis expected to provide the majority of the spring points for Boise State, the Broncos are nearing the finish line but about out of gas. Softball is the only sport that will provide significant points. Boise State is expected to pick up 7 more points the rest of the spring but they have some upside built in.
2. Fresno State 91.75
The Bulldogs traditionally are the strongest team in the spring sports and this year should be no exception. Fresno State was forecast to score 45 points this spring and they are right on target. Even after golf, there is another 19.5 points in reserve. They are still projected to win the baseball and softball tournaments. If they do well in women's track, the Cup is too close to call.
Fresno State will once again provide the closest challenge to Boise State
3. New Mexico State 84.50
The Aggies out dual Boise State for having the second best spring sports program to Fresno State, scoring 11 more points in the four remaining sports. The Aggies' best hope is to finish strong in their strengths and hope that their women's track team can finish high. Still, the odds of NM State winning are not good.
4. Utah State 79.25
USU does fairly well in the spring but they aren't able to field a team in baseball, men's golf or women's golf. Until they are able to fund those programs, Utah State will never have a serious chance of winning an overall competition. Utah State is projected to score just 13 more points this spring. They could possibly finish third if everything goes right. Meanwhile, they are 3.25 points away from clinching at least fourth.
5. Nevada 65.25
Nevada has been a challenger nearly every year in the Commissioner's Cup. However, poor fall programs hurt their chances severely. They finished near the bottom in women's cross country, soccer and volleyball. The only reason they are this high is because of their football, basketball and swimming programs. They have passed Idaho, but that could be as high as they get this year. Nevada is projected to score 11 more points in the spring.
6. Idaho 60.50
The Vandals have been in the middle of the pack for the last several years. Idaho should get about 4 more points this spring. They will fight for positions 6-8.
7. Hawai'i 59.75
Hawai'i has solid teams in both softball and baseball. UH should score in the neighborhood of 11 more points this spring. That's a good total, but they are too far down to climb all the way to the top.
8. Louisiana Tech 56.50
Louisiana Tech has climbed out of the cellar in the Cup race and will score around 13 more points this spring. They probably won't get higher than #7, but they have a shot at that.
9. San Jose State 55.00
The Spartans should also do well in baseball. San Jose State is projected to score 5 more points this spring.
Lady Broncos Earn Bye in WAC Softball Tournament
Boise State will have a first-round bye and will take on the winner of the Fresno State-Louisiana Tech game in the WAC Softball Tournament in Fresno, California. The Broncos will play that game Thursday--time to be announced.
Here is the schedule of games that we know so far (times to be announced):
Wednesday:
Game One: #4 Hawai'i plays #5 Utah State
Game Two: #3 Fresno State plays #6 Louisiana Tech
Thursday:
Game Three: #1 New Mexico State vs. winner of Game One
Game Four: #2 Boise State vs. winner of Game Two
Game Five: loser of Game Two vs. Loser of Game Three (loser eliminated)
Game Six: Loser of Game Four vs. Loser of Game One (loser eliminated)
Friday:
Game Seven: Winner of Game Three vs. Winner of Game Four
Game Eight: Winner of Game Five vs. Winner of Game Six (loser eliminated)
Game Nine: Loser of Game Seven vs. Winner of Game Eight (loser eliminated)
Saturday:
Game 10: Winner of Game Seven vs. Winner of Game Nine
Game 11: (if necessary)--If Loser of Game 10 is first loss of tournament, the two teams play again for the championship
Here is the schedule of games that we know so far (times to be announced):
Wednesday:
Game One: #4 Hawai'i plays #5 Utah State
Game Two: #3 Fresno State plays #6 Louisiana Tech
Thursday:
Game Three: #1 New Mexico State vs. winner of Game One
Game Four: #2 Boise State vs. winner of Game Two
Game Five: loser of Game Two vs. Loser of Game Three (loser eliminated)
Game Six: Loser of Game Four vs. Loser of Game One (loser eliminated)
Friday:
Game Seven: Winner of Game Three vs. Winner of Game Four
Game Eight: Winner of Game Five vs. Winner of Game Six (loser eliminated)
Game Nine: Loser of Game Seven vs. Winner of Game Eight (loser eliminated)
Saturday:
Game 10: Winner of Game Seven vs. Winner of Game Nine
Game 11: (if necessary)--If Loser of Game 10 is first loss of tournament, the two teams play again for the championship
Final WAC Softball Standings
With Boise State going down in three straight, here are the final Standings for WAC Softball:
1. New Mexico State 17-4
2. Boise State 15-6 (The teams will split points for Commissioner's Cup; Boise State will be seeded second in the upcoming tournament because they defeated Fresno State 3 games to none.)
2. Fresno State 15-6
4. Hawai'i 14-7
5. Utah State 8-13
6. Louisiana Tech 6-15
7. San Jose State 5-16
8. Nevada 4-17
1. New Mexico State 17-4
2. Boise State 15-6 (The teams will split points for Commissioner's Cup; Boise State will be seeded second in the upcoming tournament because they defeated Fresno State 3 games to none.)
2. Fresno State 15-6
4. Hawai'i 14-7
5. Utah State 8-13
6. Louisiana Tech 6-15
7. San Jose State 5-16
8. Nevada 4-17
Fresno State Loses to Nevada 8-4, Wins Second Game 5-0
Fresno State is playing for second right now. If Boise State loses, those two teams will tie for second place and New Mexico State will win the regular season. If Boise State wins, the Broncos and Aggies will tie for the regular season title and Fresno will finish third.
New Mexico State Completes 3-Game Sweep of Broncos
Not enough bats this weekend. It is apparent that the Aggies are going to score a lot of runs against Boise State. The Broncos hit well, but not enough; they were simply overmatched by the aggressive play of the Aggies. New Mexico State won the nightcap 7-6. Boise State will finish in a tie with Fresno State for second place.
Here is how it unfolded:
Boise State leads 4-3, but since they haven't scored five runs in each inning, their prospects look bleak. I'm kidding (I think.).
After getting embarrassed 16-3, Boise State is trying to get one game out of the three-game series. They went into New Mexico leading the WAC, but the Broncos need to win to leave Las Cruces tied for the conference lead. Meanwhile, Fresno State has lost to Nevada 8-4 in the opener of a doubleheader. The best the Dawg women can finish is second. If Boise State can win, Fresno State will finish third.
Devon Bridges went deep for a two-run blast and Christina Capobianco followed with a solo homer in a four-run Bronco third. Boise State leads 4-3 after three innings. (But they'd better come out with bats a-blazing in the fourth or they will soon trail by 6.)
Update: They didn't, Allie Crump's sacrifice fly was the only RBI of the inning. It's only 5-3 with the run-scoring machine of the New Mexico State Aggies coming to the plate in the fourth.
New Mexico State only got one, so Boise State should consider themselves lucky. They're playing with fire though by not scoring. It's 5-4 in the bottom of the fifth.
And, I was right. Here we go again--two runs for the Aggies with only one out and runners on first and third. They already have the lead 6-5. Add in a wild pitch and it's 7-5 with two runners in scoring position. Lots of those this series, which tells me that the Aggie crowd is getting to the Bronco hurlers.
Boise State got one run back, but that was all.
Here is how it unfolded:
Boise State leads 4-3, but since they haven't scored five runs in each inning, their prospects look bleak. I'm kidding (I think.).
After getting embarrassed 16-3, Boise State is trying to get one game out of the three-game series. They went into New Mexico leading the WAC, but the Broncos need to win to leave Las Cruces tied for the conference lead. Meanwhile, Fresno State has lost to Nevada 8-4 in the opener of a doubleheader. The best the Dawg women can finish is second. If Boise State can win, Fresno State will finish third.
Devon Bridges went deep for a two-run blast and Christina Capobianco followed with a solo homer in a four-run Bronco third. Boise State leads 4-3 after three innings. (But they'd better come out with bats a-blazing in the fourth or they will soon trail by 6.)
Update: They didn't, Allie Crump's sacrifice fly was the only RBI of the inning. It's only 5-3 with the run-scoring machine of the New Mexico State Aggies coming to the plate in the fourth.
New Mexico State only got one, so Boise State should consider themselves lucky. They're playing with fire though by not scoring. It's 5-4 in the bottom of the fifth.
And, I was right. Here we go again--two runs for the Aggies with only one out and runners on first and third. They already have the lead 6-5. Add in a wild pitch and it's 7-5 with two runners in scoring position. Lots of those this series, which tells me that the Aggie crowd is getting to the Bronco hurlers.
Boise State got one run back, but that was all.
Boise State Throws in the Towel Against New Mexico State
Boise State has essentially given up in game two against New Mexico State. After tying the game at 3, New Mexico State exploded for 7 runs in the third, leading to the departure of starter Allie Crump. Reliever Lela Work too has been bounced from the game and the rout is on. Boise State has lost 16-3.
Boise State struck first to grab its first lead of the series against New Mexico State in Las Cruces.
Christina Capobianco ignited the rally with a single. Vanessa Alvarez walked, Kelly Sweeney reached on an error by the Aggie shortstop and Tazz Weatherly was hit by a pitch to force in Capobianco. Another error allowed Alvarez to score and that is where we stand--Boise State 2, New Mexico State coming to bat in the second.
The Aggies continue to be aggressive, getting runners at second and third with No-body out. New Mexico State went on to score three in the inning. Boise State tied it up again 3-3 only to see the home team score seven runs in the bottom of the third. A three-run homer has made it 10-3.
New Mexico State is definitely for real. They can't field worth a darn (8 errors in less than two games) but they sure can hit. Since the Bronco pitchers cannot hold them, it's incumbent upon the Boise State hitters to get double-digit runs in every game against them.
Boise State struck first to grab its first lead of the series against New Mexico State in Las Cruces.
Christina Capobianco ignited the rally with a single. Vanessa Alvarez walked, Kelly Sweeney reached on an error by the Aggie shortstop and Tazz Weatherly was hit by a pitch to force in Capobianco. Another error allowed Alvarez to score and that is where we stand--Boise State 2, New Mexico State coming to bat in the second.
The Aggies continue to be aggressive, getting runners at second and third with No-body out. New Mexico State went on to score three in the inning. Boise State tied it up again 3-3 only to see the home team score seven runs in the bottom of the third. A three-run homer has made it 10-3.
New Mexico State is definitely for real. They can't field worth a darn (8 errors in less than two games) but they sure can hit. Since the Bronco pitchers cannot hold them, it's incumbent upon the Boise State hitters to get double-digit runs in every game against them.
Current Projections For WAC Women's Track Championships
There are some slight changes here; I'll do one more after Utah State's meet this week. I will also build these into the current WAC Commissioner's Cup Projections.
1. Nevada 138
2. Louisiana Tech 131
3. Utah State 122
4. Fresno State 105
5. New Mexico State 103
6. Idaho 92
7. Hawai'i 68
8. Boise State 64
1. Nevada 138
2. Louisiana Tech 131
3. Utah State 122
4. Fresno State 105
5. New Mexico State 103
6. Idaho 92
7. Hawai'i 68
8. Boise State 64
Who Wants To Be the Next Star Tackle at Boise State?
With the great tradition established by tackles Daryn Colledge, Ryan Clady and now Nate Potter, it is obvious that a starting tackle for Boise State is going to get noticed by the pros.
Colledge set a record for consecutive starts at Boise State, was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, and now has a consecutive games streak there as well. Colledge won the 2007 Special Achievement Award at the Lee Remmel Awards in Wisconsin and his blocking of Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu was a major reason that the Packers were able to come away with the trophy in the most recent Super Bowl.
Clady was placed on several All-America lists at Boise State, was a first-round choice by the Denver Broncos in the 2008 NFL Draft and became an All-Pro in only his second season.
Potter is now following in the footsteps of those two great offensive linemen by being named to the GoDaddy.com preseason All-America team.
So it should come as no surprise that given that track record, the nation's top tackles are vying for a place in the 2012 Boise State recruiting Class. Zach Banner, Max Tuerk, Travis Averill, Gavin Andrews and Arthur Flores have all attracted the attention of Bronco head man Chris Peterson and his staff.
It will be interesting to see which of the above will earn the right to get a ticket to the NFL.
Colledge set a record for consecutive starts at Boise State, was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, and now has a consecutive games streak there as well. Colledge won the 2007 Special Achievement Award at the Lee Remmel Awards in Wisconsin and his blocking of Pittsburgh's Troy Polamalu was a major reason that the Packers were able to come away with the trophy in the most recent Super Bowl.
Clady was placed on several All-America lists at Boise State, was a first-round choice by the Denver Broncos in the 2008 NFL Draft and became an All-Pro in only his second season.
Potter is now following in the footsteps of those two great offensive linemen by being named to the GoDaddy.com preseason All-America team.
So it should come as no surprise that given that track record, the nation's top tackles are vying for a place in the 2012 Boise State recruiting Class. Zach Banner, Max Tuerk, Travis Averill, Gavin Andrews and Arthur Flores have all attracted the attention of Bronco head man Chris Peterson and his staff.
It will be interesting to see which of the above will earn the right to get a ticket to the NFL.
Friday, May 6, 2011
New Mexico State Beats Lady Broncos On Homer in the Eighth
Boise State didn't have this one at all tonight. The Broncos fell behind several times, battled back but never took the lead. In the bottom of the eighth inning, New Mexico State won it with a home run.
Here's how it unfolded:
The Aggies had the bases loaded with one out in the first inning. Zell uncharacteristically had walked two and the Broncos allowed two stolen bases in the inning. Zell pitched her way out of the jam, striking out Maroda and Conrad to end the inning.
Zell may have gotten through that unscathed, but the second inning is another story. New Mexico State exploded for four runs. Nerves may be getting to Zell--a wild pitch and a hit batter allowed another run--5 to 0 Aggies.
Holly Bourke smashed a homer in the top of the third, Boise State's first hit. No one was on base so it's just a solo shot for a 5-1 deficit after two and a half.
The down side to that is that Swedberg equaled that with a solo blast of her own, leading to an early shower for Zell. Lela Work has come in to pitch for the Broncos. 6-1 NM State.
The baseballs are flying out tonight--Christina Capobianco homered, this time good for two runs, and the score stood at 6-3. Looks like the winning team may have to score 9 or 10 tonight. Kelly Sweeney followed that with a homer of her own to make it 6-4. Three consecutive errors by New Mexico State led to another run and Boise State closed within one at 6-5. Mackenzie Whyte then came through with a single to score Caplan and tie the game up.
A single and a double have led to another Aggie run in the bottom half of the inning. Boise State has had to fight uphill the whole game and looks like they'll have to battle back again. Aggies 7, Boise State 6.
New Mexico State scored three in the sixth to make it a 10-6 game. Boise State came back for two runs (Sweeney doubled in two) and Tazz Weatherly came through in the clutch with a single that scored two more when the Aggies were charged with their fifth error of the game. The game is tied at 10.
Ashley Maroda sent a rocket into the seats in the bottom of the eighth to win the game for New Mexico State. The Aggies are now in first place in the WAC, tied with Boise State. First pitch tomorrow is at 2 p.m.
Here's how it unfolded:
The Aggies had the bases loaded with one out in the first inning. Zell uncharacteristically had walked two and the Broncos allowed two stolen bases in the inning. Zell pitched her way out of the jam, striking out Maroda and Conrad to end the inning.
Zell may have gotten through that unscathed, but the second inning is another story. New Mexico State exploded for four runs. Nerves may be getting to Zell--a wild pitch and a hit batter allowed another run--5 to 0 Aggies.
Holly Bourke smashed a homer in the top of the third, Boise State's first hit. No one was on base so it's just a solo shot for a 5-1 deficit after two and a half.
The down side to that is that Swedberg equaled that with a solo blast of her own, leading to an early shower for Zell. Lela Work has come in to pitch for the Broncos. 6-1 NM State.
The baseballs are flying out tonight--Christina Capobianco homered, this time good for two runs, and the score stood at 6-3. Looks like the winning team may have to score 9 or 10 tonight. Kelly Sweeney followed that with a homer of her own to make it 6-4. Three consecutive errors by New Mexico State led to another run and Boise State closed within one at 6-5. Mackenzie Whyte then came through with a single to score Caplan and tie the game up.
A single and a double have led to another Aggie run in the bottom half of the inning. Boise State has had to fight uphill the whole game and looks like they'll have to battle back again. Aggies 7, Boise State 6.
New Mexico State scored three in the sixth to make it a 10-6 game. Boise State came back for two runs (Sweeney doubled in two) and Tazz Weatherly came through in the clutch with a single that scored two more when the Aggies were charged with their fifth error of the game. The game is tied at 10.
Ashley Maroda sent a rocket into the seats in the bottom of the eighth to win the game for New Mexico State. The Aggies are now in first place in the WAC, tied with Boise State. First pitch tomorrow is at 2 p.m.
Boise State Needs 14 Points to Clinch Commissioner's Cup
The magic number is 97 to clinch the Commissioner's Cup in the WAC. Boise State currently has 83.25 points. The maximum that Fresno State can get is 97, a total that can be attained if they win the regular season and postseason championship in both softball and baseball, win the WAC in men's track and win the title in women's track.
Boise State will likely get anywhere from 5-7 points in softball. That is one of the sports that splits awarded points based on the regular season and postseason. In other words, the regular season champion gets 3.5 points, second place gets you 3 points, third is worth 2.5, etc. The same is true for the postseason except there will be several ties for position. If two teams tie for fifth, for example, in the posteason, they will share the postseason points for fifth and sixth. In this example, each team will get 1.25 points (2.5 divided by 2). There are seven teams that participate in softball so 7 is the maximum that can be earned. The Broncos have clinched at least a tie for third in the regular season but obviously they want more than that. If they can capture the regular season championship, they get some byes and advantageous postseason scheduling that would make it hard to not score at least 2 points in the softball championship.
Currently, I am projecting a tie for the regular season title with New Mexico State (worth 3.25 points) and a second-place finish in the tournament, worth 3 points. This is because their series with NM State is away from home and I am giving the benefit of the doubt to the home team to win 2 of 3. Similarly, the postseason championship is hosted by Fresno State and I am giving the advantage to the Bulldogs until someone topples them. Thus, the total of 6.25 for Boise State in softball. If this scenario occurs, Fresno State would get third in the regular season and first in the postseason for a total of 6 points, one less than the maximum.
If this hypothetical proves correct, Fresno State would lose one point from their maximum and the new magic number would be 96. Boise State would be up to 89.50 and need 5.5 points from its track teams to clinch the Cup. The Bronco men's team is currently seeded third but has some upside. I don't see them finishing worse than third and, as my article earlier in the week showed, they are one decathlete away from winning the title. The women's team is currently seeded last so they have nowhere to go but up. What these projections show is that Boise State must do better than projected to clinch the Cup outright. If they are unable to do so, they must rely on Fresno State not winning all four remaining championships. I show that to be the case, but Fresno knows what it has to do as well, and you can bet the message has been passed on to its coaches and student-athletes.
The outdoor track championships get started next Tuesday in Honolulu with the softball tournament getting underway next Wednesday in Fresno. As you have come to see, you can get up-to-the-minute results on both of those events first on this blog.
Boise State will likely get anywhere from 5-7 points in softball. That is one of the sports that splits awarded points based on the regular season and postseason. In other words, the regular season champion gets 3.5 points, second place gets you 3 points, third is worth 2.5, etc. The same is true for the postseason except there will be several ties for position. If two teams tie for fifth, for example, in the posteason, they will share the postseason points for fifth and sixth. In this example, each team will get 1.25 points (2.5 divided by 2). There are seven teams that participate in softball so 7 is the maximum that can be earned. The Broncos have clinched at least a tie for third in the regular season but obviously they want more than that. If they can capture the regular season championship, they get some byes and advantageous postseason scheduling that would make it hard to not score at least 2 points in the softball championship.
Currently, I am projecting a tie for the regular season title with New Mexico State (worth 3.25 points) and a second-place finish in the tournament, worth 3 points. This is because their series with NM State is away from home and I am giving the benefit of the doubt to the home team to win 2 of 3. Similarly, the postseason championship is hosted by Fresno State and I am giving the advantage to the Bulldogs until someone topples them. Thus, the total of 6.25 for Boise State in softball. If this scenario occurs, Fresno State would get third in the regular season and first in the postseason for a total of 6 points, one less than the maximum.
If this hypothetical proves correct, Fresno State would lose one point from their maximum and the new magic number would be 96. Boise State would be up to 89.50 and need 5.5 points from its track teams to clinch the Cup. The Bronco men's team is currently seeded third but has some upside. I don't see them finishing worse than third and, as my article earlier in the week showed, they are one decathlete away from winning the title. The women's team is currently seeded last so they have nowhere to go but up. What these projections show is that Boise State must do better than projected to clinch the Cup outright. If they are unable to do so, they must rely on Fresno State not winning all four remaining championships. I show that to be the case, but Fresno knows what it has to do as well, and you can bet the message has been passed on to its coaches and student-athletes.
The outdoor track championships get started next Tuesday in Honolulu with the softball tournament getting underway next Wednesday in Fresno. As you have come to see, you can get up-to-the-minute results on both of those events first on this blog.
Boise State Softball Team Goes for Title This Weekend
The Bronco softball team has a chance to clinch the WAC title this weekend in Las Cruces, New Mexico in a three-game set with New Mexico State.
The Aggies have led the conference for much of the season, except for four short times when Boise State had the upper hand. Here is the situation--the Lady Broncos currently lead the WAC by one game over New Mexico State and two games over Fresno State. If Boise State wins one of the three games, they will clinch a tie for the title; if they win two or more, the Broncos win the regular season championship outright. Of course, they would then have to prove it in the conference championship but it would still be a major achievement.
Tonight's game gets underway at 6 Mountain Time with a doubleheader scheduled for tomorrow beginning at 2 p.m.
The Aggies have led the conference for much of the season, except for four short times when Boise State had the upper hand. Here is the situation--the Lady Broncos currently lead the WAC by one game over New Mexico State and two games over Fresno State. If Boise State wins one of the three games, they will clinch a tie for the title; if they win two or more, the Broncos win the regular season championship outright. Of course, they would then have to prove it in the conference championship but it would still be a major achievement.
Tonight's game gets underway at 6 Mountain Time with a doubleheader scheduled for tomorrow beginning at 2 p.m.
Destination Distinction Goes Over the Top
A few short years ago, Boise State launched its Destination Distinction program with the goal of becoming a metropolitan research university of distinction. Under the goals of the campaign, new buildings would be built, new professors hired, new programs started, attention would be focused on research in all disciplines, the university would attract higher quality students and new masters and doctorate programs would be added. The university announced yesterday that it has not only reached the $175 million goal but that $189 million had been raised.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Current Projections for WAC Women's Track Championships
I will do one more after Utah State's meet this weekend. I will also update the WAC Commissioner's Cup Projections to reflect these changes.
1. Nevada 138
2. Louisiana Tech 131
3. Utah State 122
4. Fresno State 105
5. New Mexico State 103
6. Idaho 92
7. Hawai'i 74
8. Boise State 64
1. Nevada 138
2. Louisiana Tech 131
3. Utah State 122
4. Fresno State 105
5. New Mexico State 103
6. Idaho 92
7. Hawai'i 74
8. Boise State 64
Boise State Is One Decathlete Away From Winning WAC Track
I have done the latest projections heading into the WAC Men's Outdoor Track Championships, which are a week and a half away.
I came across an interesting statistic--The team race is nearly dead even looking at every event except the decathlon. No one from Boise State has participated in the grueling 10-event competion this year, so consequently the lion's share of the projected points go to Utah State and Fresno State. If Boise State had a student-athlete finish third or fourth in the decathlon, the team race would be a virtual tie between Utah State, Boise State and Fresno State.
As it is, Utah State is projected to get 168 points with no Boise State entry in the decathlon, while Fresno State is projected to score 161 and Boise State 156. Louisiana Tech is on track to get 91 points and Idaho 72.
I came across an interesting statistic--The team race is nearly dead even looking at every event except the decathlon. No one from Boise State has participated in the grueling 10-event competion this year, so consequently the lion's share of the projected points go to Utah State and Fresno State. If Boise State had a student-athlete finish third or fourth in the decathlon, the team race would be a virtual tie between Utah State, Boise State and Fresno State.
As it is, Utah State is projected to get 168 points with no Boise State entry in the decathlon, while Fresno State is projected to score 161 and Boise State 156. Louisiana Tech is on track to get 91 points and Idaho 72.
Up-to-the-Minute WAC Commissioner's Cup Standings & Projections
Another sport has been decided in the WAC Commissioner's Cup race (men's golf) and here is the update giving you current standings and projections. (Note: I have changed the baseball and women's track projections slightly. The maximum points that Fresno State can score is 96. That is right now the number that will clinch the Cup.)
Just four sports remain in the school year (softball, men's and women's track and baseball). The men's golf championship this week went almost exactly as seeded so there is little change in the projections.There are five WAC schools that are able to field men's indoor track, so the winner gets five points, #2 gets four points and so on. Some sports, such as gymnastics, have auxiliary members (schools that are not officially in the WAC but participate in the conference in that sport). In those cases, the auxiliary teams do not get points for the Commissioner's Cup but their places count in the point configuration. If there are five schools that compete in a sport and Sacramento State, for example, is third, the league champion still gets five points, second gets four points, and the next WAC school, the fourth-place team, gets two points. Men's and women's tennis, baseball and softball all split awarded points with half going to the regular season and half to the postseason championships.
Here are the current standings following men's golf:
Here are the Projections for the remaining sports:
Softball: (May 11-14)
1. Fresno State (6 points)
1. Boise State (6.25 points)
1. New Mexico State (5.75)
4. Hawai'i (5)
5. Utah State (4)
6. San Jose State (3)
7. Louisiana Tech (2)
8. Nevada (1)
Men's Track (May 10-13)
1. Utah State (5 points)
2. Fresno State (4)
3. Boise State (3)
4. Louisiana Tech (2)
5. Idaho (1)
Women's Track (May 10-13)
1. Nevada (8)
2. Louisiana Tech (7 points)
3. Utah State (6)
4. Fresno State (5)
5. New Mexico State (4)
6. Idaho (3)
7. Hawai'i (2)
8. Boise State (1)
Baseball: (May 25-29)
1. Fresno State (6.5 points)
2. Hawai'i (6.5 points)
3. San Jose State (5)
4. Nevada (3)
5. Louisiana Tech (3.5)
6. New Mexico State (2.5)
I will continue to do these projections on a semi-weekly basis. As the teams get close to the championships in their respective sports, the data will get more accurate as being able to project the championship results. As of right now, here are the projections for the final Commissioner's Cup point totals:
1. Boise State 93.50
With tennis expected to provide the majority of the spring points for Boise State, the Broncos are nearing the finish line but about out of gas. Softball is the only sport that will provide significant points. Boise State is expected to pick up 10.25 more points the rest of the spring but they have some upside built in.
2. Fresno State 90.50
The Bulldogs traditionally are the strongest team in the spring sports and this year should be no exception. Fresno State was forecast to score 45 points this spring and they are right on target. Even after golf, there is another 21.5 points in reserve. They are still projected to win the baseball and softball tournaments. If they do well in women's track, the Cup is too close to call.
Fresno State will once again provide the closest challenge to Boise State
3. New Mexico State 81.50
The Aggies out dual Boise State for having the second best spring sports program to Fresno State, scoring 12 more points in the four remaining sports. The Aggies' best hope is to finish strong in their strengths and hope that their women's track team can finish high. Still, the odds of NM State winning are not good.
4. Utah State 79.25
USU does fairly well in the spring but they aren't able to field a team in baseball, men's golf or women's golf. Until they are able to fund those programs, Utah State will never have a serious chance of winning an overall competition. Utah State is projected to score just 15 more points this spring. They could possibly finish third if everything goes right.
5. Nevada 66.25
Nevada has been a challenger nearly every year in the Commissioner's Cup. However, poor fall programs hurt their chances severely. They finished near the bottom in women's cross country, soccer and volleyball. The only reason they are this high is because of their football, basketball and swimming programs. They have passed Idaho, but that could be as high as they get this year. Nevada is projected to score 17 more points in the spring.
6. Idaho 60.50
The Vandals have been in the middle of the pack for the last several years. Idaho should get about 4 more points this spring. They will fight for positions 6-8.
7. Hawai'i 59.75
Hawai'i has solid teams in both softball and baseball. UH should score in the neighborhood of 13.5 more points this spring. That's a good total, but they are too far down to climb all the way to the top.
8. Louisiana Tech 56.50
Louisiana Tech has climbed out of the cellar in the Cup race and will score around 14.5 more points this spring. They probably won't get higher than #7, but they have a shot at that.
9. San Jose State 56.00
The Spartans should also do well in baseball. San Jose State is projected to score 8 more points this spring.
Just four sports remain in the school year (softball, men's and women's track and baseball). The men's golf championship this week went almost exactly as seeded so there is little change in the projections.There are five WAC schools that are able to field men's indoor track, so the winner gets five points, #2 gets four points and so on. Some sports, such as gymnastics, have auxiliary members (schools that are not officially in the WAC but participate in the conference in that sport). In those cases, the auxiliary teams do not get points for the Commissioner's Cup but their places count in the point configuration. If there are five schools that compete in a sport and Sacramento State, for example, is third, the league champion still gets five points, second gets four points, and the next WAC school, the fourth-place team, gets two points. Men's and women's tennis, baseball and softball all split awarded points with half going to the regular season and half to the postseason championships.
Here are the current standings following men's golf:
1. Boise State 83.25
2. New Mexico State 69.50
3. Fresno State 69.00
4. Utah State 64.25
4. Utah State 64.25
5. Idaho 56.50
6. Nevada 53.25
7. San Jose State 48.00
7. San Jose State 48.00
8. Hawai'i 46.25
9. Louisiana Tech 42.00
Here are the Projections for the remaining sports:
Softball: (May 11-14)
1. Fresno State (6 points)
1. Boise State (6.25 points)
1. New Mexico State (5.75)
4. Hawai'i (5)
5. Utah State (4)
6. San Jose State (3)
7. Louisiana Tech (2)
8. Nevada (1)
Men's Track (May 10-13)
1. Utah State (5 points)
2. Fresno State (4)
3. Boise State (3)
4. Louisiana Tech (2)
5. Idaho (1)
Women's Track (May 10-13)
1. Nevada (8)
2. Louisiana Tech (7 points)
3. Utah State (6)
4. Fresno State (5)
5. New Mexico State (4)
6. Idaho (3)
7. Hawai'i (2)
8. Boise State (1)
Baseball: (May 25-29)
1. Fresno State (6.5 points)
2. Hawai'i (6.5 points)
3. San Jose State (5)
4. Nevada (3)
5. Louisiana Tech (3.5)
6. New Mexico State (2.5)
I will continue to do these projections on a semi-weekly basis. As the teams get close to the championships in their respective sports, the data will get more accurate as being able to project the championship results. As of right now, here are the projections for the final Commissioner's Cup point totals:
1. Boise State 93.50
With tennis expected to provide the majority of the spring points for Boise State, the Broncos are nearing the finish line but about out of gas. Softball is the only sport that will provide significant points. Boise State is expected to pick up 10.25 more points the rest of the spring but they have some upside built in.
2. Fresno State 90.50
The Bulldogs traditionally are the strongest team in the spring sports and this year should be no exception. Fresno State was forecast to score 45 points this spring and they are right on target. Even after golf, there is another 21.5 points in reserve. They are still projected to win the baseball and softball tournaments. If they do well in women's track, the Cup is too close to call.
Fresno State will once again provide the closest challenge to Boise State
3. New Mexico State 81.50
The Aggies out dual Boise State for having the second best spring sports program to Fresno State, scoring 12 more points in the four remaining sports. The Aggies' best hope is to finish strong in their strengths and hope that their women's track team can finish high. Still, the odds of NM State winning are not good.
4. Utah State 79.25
USU does fairly well in the spring but they aren't able to field a team in baseball, men's golf or women's golf. Until they are able to fund those programs, Utah State will never have a serious chance of winning an overall competition. Utah State is projected to score just 15 more points this spring. They could possibly finish third if everything goes right.
5. Nevada 66.25
Nevada has been a challenger nearly every year in the Commissioner's Cup. However, poor fall programs hurt their chances severely. They finished near the bottom in women's cross country, soccer and volleyball. The only reason they are this high is because of their football, basketball and swimming programs. They have passed Idaho, but that could be as high as they get this year. Nevada is projected to score 17 more points in the spring.
6. Idaho 60.50
The Vandals have been in the middle of the pack for the last several years. Idaho should get about 4 more points this spring. They will fight for positions 6-8.
7. Hawai'i 59.75
Hawai'i has solid teams in both softball and baseball. UH should score in the neighborhood of 13.5 more points this spring. That's a good total, but they are too far down to climb all the way to the top.
8. Louisiana Tech 56.50
Louisiana Tech has climbed out of the cellar in the Cup race and will score around 14.5 more points this spring. They probably won't get higher than #7, but they have a shot at that.
9. San Jose State 56.00
The Spartans should also do well in baseball. San Jose State is projected to score 8 more points this spring.
Justice Department Sends Antitrust Inquiry to NCAA
The Justice Department has launched an inquiry into anti-trust allgations against the Bowl Championship Series, a department spokesman has just announced.
Following a meeting with Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, Attorney General Eric Holdern disclosed that his department has written a letter to Mark Emmert, president of the NCAA asking, among other things, if there are aspects of the BCS system that are unfair and do not serve the interests of fans, universities and players.
The NCAA does not have to respond to the questions, but their answers will form the basis as to whether a full investigation should occur.
Following a meeting with Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah, Attorney General Eric Holdern disclosed that his department has written a letter to Mark Emmert, president of the NCAA asking, among other things, if there are aspects of the BCS system that are unfair and do not serve the interests of fans, universities and players.
The NCAA does not have to respond to the questions, but their answers will form the basis as to whether a full investigation should occur.
Boise State Men Finish Tied for 7th at WAC Golf Tournament
Boise State closed strong with 3 under on the last hole to tie Hawai'i for 7th place in their final WAC men's golf tournament. While it would have been better of course to pass Hawai'i, even the tied points are better than finishing next to last. Fresno State, the team that is neck-and-neck with the Broncos in the race to win the WAC Commissioner's Cup, finished third. Both finishes are exactly as projected, meaning there is no change in the Cup race--it will go down to the wire.
1. New Mexico State +11 Final
2. San Jose State + 24 Final
3. Fresno State + 25 Final
4. Louisiana Tech +37 Final
4. Idaho +37 Final
5. Nevada +49 Final
7. Hawai'i +57 Final
7. Boise State +57 Final
9. Utah State +86 Final
1. New Mexico State +11 Final
2. San Jose State + 24 Final
3. Fresno State + 25 Final
4. Louisiana Tech +37 Final
4. Idaho +37 Final
5. Nevada +49 Final
7. Hawai'i +57 Final
7. Boise State +57 Final
9. Utah State +86 Final
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
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