Just caught up with the preseason rankings for women's basketball, and this just in: the USF women's basketball team is receiving four — count them — four votes in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll which was released Tuesday evening.
Other Big East teams in the top 25:
No. 8 Connecticut
No. 11 Rutgers
No. 19 DePaul
While Louisville (33), St. John's (20) and Pittsburgh (16) are receiving votes as well.
It seems not just Big East men's basketball will make splashes this season, but there are a few other teams of note to USF in top 25.
USC, the team USF lost to in its first ever NCAA Tournament game, is ranked 22nd.
Michigan St., which the Bulls face on Dec. 3, is ranked 17th.
LSU, which the Bulls face Jan. 3 and which lost Simone Augustus to the WNBA, is ranked 10th.
Vanderbilt, which USF faces Dec. 7, is ranked 15th.
There are no women's basketball RPI out just yet, but looks like another tough non-conference set up by coach Jose Fernandez and a equally tough conference schedule. If this season proves just as successful as last season (18-22), it could, and should, mean another trip to the NCAA tourney.
— Mike Camunas
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Saturday, September 23, 2006
64 minutes and counting
LAWRENCE, Kan. — Been at the stadium for a few hours now, and I got the pleasure to watch the Bulls arrive by their charter buses. It went without incident, though. No jeering, no hecking, no chucking of beers at the players. Filed in and are now warming up.
Couple of late scratches: Richard Clebert did not travel with the team. He has a terrible groin injury according to SID John Gerdes, and safety Danny Verpaele will not start, looks like Carlton Williams will be taking his place. As for Clerbert, looks like Woody George will get the start just like last week at UCF. Depth chart-wise the Bulls are looking at Chris Robinson and Julian Riley for tackles off the bench. Coach Jim Leavitt said they would be rotating a lot on the line, and tonight looks no different.
To wrap up this quick note, Thed Watson will start at guard today.
That’s it for now. More later, hopefully before halftime.
— Mike Camunas
Couple of late scratches: Richard Clebert did not travel with the team. He has a terrible groin injury according to SID John Gerdes, and safety Danny Verpaele will not start, looks like Carlton Williams will be taking his place. As for Clerbert, looks like Woody George will get the start just like last week at UCF. Depth chart-wise the Bulls are looking at Chris Robinson and Julian Riley for tackles off the bench. Coach Jim Leavitt said they would be rotating a lot on the line, and tonight looks no different.
To wrap up this quick note, Thed Watson will start at guard today.
That’s it for now. More later, hopefully before halftime.
— Mike Camunas
Bulls bring rain with them
KANAS CITY — It’s raining. Well, at least it’s only in Kansas City — the Missouri side that is. I just checked over on Lawrence, Kan., and it’s clear, but chilly. Game time looks to be in the somewhere in the 50’s. Yikes.
Anyways, just a few things.
Kansas is dead. I think these mid Westerns are in bed by 10:30 p.m. at the latest. It was just odd to me. My photog, Josh Corban, Times writer Greg Auman and I all went out to a bar-b-que place last night, and they were shutting down at 9:30 CST. Heck, we didn’t get in until 7 p.m. Just plain odd, in my opinion.
Should be fun tonight to meet Kawika Mitchell at the game. The Kansas City linebacker had mentioned this week, with the Chiefs bye week, that he might attend the game. At the Oracle, I’ve been meaning to do a feature story on him since I took over as Sports Editor. Hasn’t gone over as well as I hoped. Last year, I was going to go down to Miami to get him at a Dolphins game, but Hurricane Wilma changed the game time on me, and I couldn’t make it. I’ll talk to him a the game and get a story in later this week. Now if I could just talk to his former defensive coordinator.
There are two Big East/Big 12 games today. USF and Kansas, and Louisville and Kansas State. K-State should get destroyed by Louisville. I think most feel that’s a given, even with K-State‘s No.14-ranked defense, since they are facing the nation’s best offense. Louisville is too deep a team, even Michael Bush and Brian Brohm-less. USF and Kansas, on the other hand, looks to be a good game. I love this story about the two freshman quarterback, both of whom beat out seniors (if you want to call Pat Julmiste’s “thigh bruise” getting beat out), to get the starting positions. The Bulls’ have the No. 27-ranked defense, and I have been impressed with the way the defensive line — all nine different lineman they have been using — swapping in and out numerous times in the game and still coming up with the big late play, or containing their opponent’s offense. Two big forced fumbles have basically won the games for them the past two weeks.
Okay, enough for now. I expect Thed Watson to play with the loss of Jake Griffin, and I expect the punting game to have a different feel to it. Even though I reported Leavitt was sticking with Delbert Alvarado, I also think he doesn’t have much confidence in either Alvarado, nor Ilia Petrov.
More to come from Lawrence. Oh yeah, at that's central time I'm posting at.
— Mike Camunas
Anyways, just a few things.
Kansas is dead. I think these mid Westerns are in bed by 10:30 p.m. at the latest. It was just odd to me. My photog, Josh Corban, Times writer Greg Auman and I all went out to a bar-b-que place last night, and they were shutting down at 9:30 CST. Heck, we didn’t get in until 7 p.m. Just plain odd, in my opinion.
Should be fun tonight to meet Kawika Mitchell at the game. The Kansas City linebacker had mentioned this week, with the Chiefs bye week, that he might attend the game. At the Oracle, I’ve been meaning to do a feature story on him since I took over as Sports Editor. Hasn’t gone over as well as I hoped. Last year, I was going to go down to Miami to get him at a Dolphins game, but Hurricane Wilma changed the game time on me, and I couldn’t make it. I’ll talk to him a the game and get a story in later this week. Now if I could just talk to his former defensive coordinator.
There are two Big East/Big 12 games today. USF and Kansas, and Louisville and Kansas State. K-State should get destroyed by Louisville. I think most feel that’s a given, even with K-State‘s No.14-ranked defense, since they are facing the nation’s best offense. Louisville is too deep a team, even Michael Bush and Brian Brohm-less. USF and Kansas, on the other hand, looks to be a good game. I love this story about the two freshman quarterback, both of whom beat out seniors (if you want to call Pat Julmiste’s “thigh bruise” getting beat out), to get the starting positions. The Bulls’ have the No. 27-ranked defense, and I have been impressed with the way the defensive line — all nine different lineman they have been using — swapping in and out numerous times in the game and still coming up with the big late play, or containing their opponent’s offense. Two big forced fumbles have basically won the games for them the past two weeks.
Okay, enough for now. I expect Thed Watson to play with the loss of Jake Griffin, and I expect the punting game to have a different feel to it. Even though I reported Leavitt was sticking with Delbert Alvarado, I also think he doesn’t have much confidence in either Alvarado, nor Ilia Petrov.
More to come from Lawrence. Oh yeah, at that's central time I'm posting at.
— Mike Camunas
Saturday, September 09, 2006
So far not so good
TAMPA — Well, for those not subscribing to ESPN 360, it hasn’t really been that pretty at Raymond James stadium. The Bulls have found enough flags on punt returns to last them the entire season, and dug themselves into a 20-7 deficit.
Three on one play. One before, one during and one after a punt return by Ean Randolph. The Webber International transfer had three punt returns, and the only one that wasn’t taken back was a 76-yard scamp for the score.
Strange things. The offense looks a little weak, while the play calling seems very uncreative, even by Rod Smith standards.
Quarterback Matt Grothe is the team’s leading rusher at 41 yards, then add that to his 58 he had last week, that gives him a huge lead above senior running back Walt Smith at 99 yards.
The Bulls botched their first series after halftime, and walk on punter Delbert Alverado had to punt it away, and by the way, Alverado has looked very solid in his replacement of scholarship punter Ilia Petrov.
That’s about it for now. I’ll try to add some left over notes I have after the game. On the other hand, the crowd size — especially in the student section — is quite large for the second week in a row. My prediction, probably about a thousand over last week’s 26 K and change.
— Mike Camunas
Three on one play. One before, one during and one after a punt return by Ean Randolph. The Webber International transfer had three punt returns, and the only one that wasn’t taken back was a 76-yard scamp for the score.
Strange things. The offense looks a little weak, while the play calling seems very uncreative, even by Rod Smith standards.
Quarterback Matt Grothe is the team’s leading rusher at 41 yards, then add that to his 58 he had last week, that gives him a huge lead above senior running back Walt Smith at 99 yards.
The Bulls botched their first series after halftime, and walk on punter Delbert Alverado had to punt it away, and by the way, Alverado has looked very solid in his replacement of scholarship punter Ilia Petrov.
That’s about it for now. I’ll try to add some left over notes I have after the game. On the other hand, the crowd size — especially in the student section — is quite large for the second week in a row. My prediction, probably about a thousand over last week’s 26 K and change.
— Mike Camunas
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Time slots filling up
Two more game times for the football team's schedules were released today, and not shockingly, they are both at 7 p.m. The Oct. 7 game vs. Connecticut and the Nov. 11 game vs. Syracuse were posted on gousfbulls.com, meaning just two games are left without start times: the Oct. 13 game at UNC and Nov. 14 game at Louisville.
All that's next is getting some of those games on TV.
Mike Camunas
All that's next is getting some of those games on TV.
Mike Camunas
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Game day: 5:15 p.m.
TAMPA — Just arrived at Raymond James and it’s still pretty dead, at least inside the stadium. A handful of McNeese players are warming up and the band is quietly filing into their section.
Just a few things. Of course it has been reported that Pat Julmiste will start at quarterback. No shock there. He would have been my choice, but for those watching the game at home on ABC 28, redshirt freshman Matt Grothe should see some playing time.
Should be interesting to see how Grothe does, and who the quarterback’s new favorite receiver turns out to be, especially on the four wide sets with a single back in the back field. That will be Moise Plancher, who was one of the few players to show up at the media conference Tuesday.
Plancher was fun to talk to on the side. I usually like to talk to the players on what it’s like to be a student. Sometimes it’s funny because these players have just as good war stories about the first day of classes, parking and other college clichés.
Turns out Plancher doesn’t own a car. He did at one point, but last year it got towed and he just led the DMV auction it off. Now, he claims, he gets rides from a few players here and there, but walks to most things, including to the athletic facility, on campus.
That’s all I got for now. Sorry its not much, but it is game day, and just walking up through the parking lot to the stadium, I could feel electricity in the air.
There are fans who really enjoy this: Bulls’ games. They are die hard USFers and will do anything for their green and gold. Then there are the fans who just like college football, The raised beer can cheers made me laugh, which then made me realize college football will always be college football.
Just a few things. Of course it has been reported that Pat Julmiste will start at quarterback. No shock there. He would have been my choice, but for those watching the game at home on ABC 28, redshirt freshman Matt Grothe should see some playing time.
Should be interesting to see how Grothe does, and who the quarterback’s new favorite receiver turns out to be, especially on the four wide sets with a single back in the back field. That will be Moise Plancher, who was one of the few players to show up at the media conference Tuesday.
Plancher was fun to talk to on the side. I usually like to talk to the players on what it’s like to be a student. Sometimes it’s funny because these players have just as good war stories about the first day of classes, parking and other college clichés.
Turns out Plancher doesn’t own a car. He did at one point, but last year it got towed and he just led the DMV auction it off. Now, he claims, he gets rides from a few players here and there, but walks to most things, including to the athletic facility, on campus.
That’s all I got for now. Sorry its not much, but it is game day, and just walking up through the parking lot to the stadium, I could feel electricity in the air.
There are fans who really enjoy this: Bulls’ games. They are die hard USFers and will do anything for their green and gold. Then there are the fans who just like college football, The raised beer can cheers made me laugh, which then made me realize college football will always be college football.
Mike Camunas
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Back to work
So it’s been nearly two months exactly since our last post, and I guess I should apologize. But at the same time, this summer was pretty slow, meaning I was busy concerning myself with making sure I graduate before I can apply for an AARP card.
Now with August here and everything heating up faster than the asphalt, it’s back to business, and for those not paying attention to Bullspen.com, it’s only 31 days until the home opener against McNeese State.
All of that means lots of work from us media folk. Media days, the beginning of practices for all fall sports and special sections that preview the seasons for those sports.
Lots of info and news; I’ll try to get as much in as I can. If I don’t, it’s just 28 days until the next issue of the Oracle — as well as the first day of classes.
— So Carlton Hill is gone. His short-lived career at USF (and he has said he will strongly consider coming back to USF in 2007) was basically uneventful — well, at least on the field. From a couple arrests to Facebook controversy to grade problems, Hill probably feels more like a bust than the most highly touted recruit USF has ever landed.
With the USF Football Media Day on Tuesday, the media will probably mob senior quarterback Pat Julmiste or coach Jim Leavitt and ask just who will be the Bulls’ scoring threat. Will Julmiste say it will be him? Probably not, but Julmiste, with redshirt freshman Matt Grothe just a step behind him, will need to get the ball to either wide receivers Amarri Jackson or LSU transfer Amp Hill, or running backs Moise Plancher or Ricky Ponton will have to take the next step to fill the enormous shoes left behind by Andre Hall.
If Hill can keep that surgically repaired knee healthily, he has a good chance of leading the team at least in receiving touchdowns.
— The men’s soccer team, with nearly the exact same roster from the 2005 season that saw them to the second round of the NCAA tournament, was given a preseason ranking of No. 11 in the country.
I like this team. I’ve liked the players since I was the just the men’s soccer beat writer in 2004. Coach George Kiefer has built a team of great talent quietly, and knowing him, he wouldn’t want it any other way.
I talked to SID Paul Dodson about the ranking, which I thought could have been even higher, like No. 8 or 9 — the players, as always, are stoked with the props. But Dodson said Kiefer, as always, is downplaying it.
What will be interesting is when the Big East preseason rankings come out, and if USF is not picked to repeat atop the Red Division, it would be nothing short of an insult.
— And finally, Monday was the USF Football Media Golf Outing, where four-member teams comprised of coaches and local media compete for bragging rights for the coming year. My team consisted of Asst. Sports Editor Kevin Smetana, graduate assistant for defensive ends Mike Simmonds and SID intern Adam Hollen. We shot an 81 — a last-place finish. That’s right: last place. I don’t care. It was enjoyable, and as coach Jim Leavitt said, “If you’re going to cheat, go ahead. I’ve already given myself a five-stroke lead.”
Monday was still a great day to mingle with a bunch of good guys on the USF staff, who play golf just about every time Haley’s comet comes around. Simmonds, the former Buccaneers player and Jefferson coach, was very admirable and nice, as the duo of Mike & Mike were paired up in one cart.
Simmonds, I do believe, is about a foot taller than I am, and of course, he outdrove me many times, though he claims he’s no PGA Tour member. Neither am I. I did, however, get to talk to him about Jefferson senior quarterback Stephen Garcia and just where the highly ranked recruit will be headed next fall.
Many of you know that Garica has already made a visit with his family to USF and its athletic facilities, leaving extremely impressed. Simmonds said he’d been telling Garcia that USF had the means, but as you all know as well, many of the bigger schools are throwing their respective hats at the No. 15-ranked quarterback in the nation, who in the past two seasons has thrown for more than 5,500 yards and 55 touchdowns.
Simmonds mentioned Garcia came out of the Elite 11 camp, where the top 11 quarterbacks are invited to show off their skills, as the No. 3 quarterback. Simmonds said through the camp Garcia made more than 1,000 passes.
Simmonds also doesn’t expect his presence on the team to affect Garcia’s decision.
So Garcia was surprised by what USF had to offer. Not to mention Chris Simms and his father, Phil, really like Leavitt and his program, which could possibly pave the way for brother, Matt, to commit to USF.
Chris has a one-year contract with the Bucs this season, and how Chris’ future pans out has to have the most affect, even though Matt, the star of his New Jersey Prep High School, is only ranked three stars by Rivals.com.
With Hill taking leave, Julmiste out the door after this season, and Grant Gregory and Grothe still unproven, you figure USF has the resources to land one of these guys before this upcoming February.
As you can see, this should be a very eventful fall, meaning many more notes and fact-filled entries. Keep checking as I find myself dead tired watching two-a-day practices in the August heat.
Now with August here and everything heating up faster than the asphalt, it’s back to business, and for those not paying attention to Bullspen.com, it’s only 31 days until the home opener against McNeese State.
All of that means lots of work from us media folk. Media days, the beginning of practices for all fall sports and special sections that preview the seasons for those sports.
Lots of info and news; I’ll try to get as much in as I can. If I don’t, it’s just 28 days until the next issue of the Oracle — as well as the first day of classes.
— So Carlton Hill is gone. His short-lived career at USF (and he has said he will strongly consider coming back to USF in 2007) was basically uneventful — well, at least on the field. From a couple arrests to Facebook controversy to grade problems, Hill probably feels more like a bust than the most highly touted recruit USF has ever landed.
With the USF Football Media Day on Tuesday, the media will probably mob senior quarterback Pat Julmiste or coach Jim Leavitt and ask just who will be the Bulls’ scoring threat. Will Julmiste say it will be him? Probably not, but Julmiste, with redshirt freshman Matt Grothe just a step behind him, will need to get the ball to either wide receivers Amarri Jackson or LSU transfer Amp Hill, or running backs Moise Plancher or Ricky Ponton will have to take the next step to fill the enormous shoes left behind by Andre Hall.
If Hill can keep that surgically repaired knee healthily, he has a good chance of leading the team at least in receiving touchdowns.
— The men’s soccer team, with nearly the exact same roster from the 2005 season that saw them to the second round of the NCAA tournament, was given a preseason ranking of No. 11 in the country.
I like this team. I’ve liked the players since I was the just the men’s soccer beat writer in 2004. Coach George Kiefer has built a team of great talent quietly, and knowing him, he wouldn’t want it any other way.
I talked to SID Paul Dodson about the ranking, which I thought could have been even higher, like No. 8 or 9 — the players, as always, are stoked with the props. But Dodson said Kiefer, as always, is downplaying it.
What will be interesting is when the Big East preseason rankings come out, and if USF is not picked to repeat atop the Red Division, it would be nothing short of an insult.
— And finally, Monday was the USF Football Media Golf Outing, where four-member teams comprised of coaches and local media compete for bragging rights for the coming year. My team consisted of Asst. Sports Editor Kevin Smetana, graduate assistant for defensive ends Mike Simmonds and SID intern Adam Hollen. We shot an 81 — a last-place finish. That’s right: last place. I don’t care. It was enjoyable, and as coach Jim Leavitt said, “If you’re going to cheat, go ahead. I’ve already given myself a five-stroke lead.”
Monday was still a great day to mingle with a bunch of good guys on the USF staff, who play golf just about every time Haley’s comet comes around. Simmonds, the former Buccaneers player and Jefferson coach, was very admirable and nice, as the duo of Mike & Mike were paired up in one cart.
Simmonds, I do believe, is about a foot taller than I am, and of course, he outdrove me many times, though he claims he’s no PGA Tour member. Neither am I. I did, however, get to talk to him about Jefferson senior quarterback Stephen Garcia and just where the highly ranked recruit will be headed next fall.
Many of you know that Garica has already made a visit with his family to USF and its athletic facilities, leaving extremely impressed. Simmonds said he’d been telling Garcia that USF had the means, but as you all know as well, many of the bigger schools are throwing their respective hats at the No. 15-ranked quarterback in the nation, who in the past two seasons has thrown for more than 5,500 yards and 55 touchdowns.
Simmonds mentioned Garcia came out of the Elite 11 camp, where the top 11 quarterbacks are invited to show off their skills, as the No. 3 quarterback. Simmonds said through the camp Garcia made more than 1,000 passes.
Simmonds also doesn’t expect his presence on the team to affect Garcia’s decision.
So Garcia was surprised by what USF had to offer. Not to mention Chris Simms and his father, Phil, really like Leavitt and his program, which could possibly pave the way for brother, Matt, to commit to USF.
Chris has a one-year contract with the Bucs this season, and how Chris’ future pans out has to have the most affect, even though Matt, the star of his New Jersey Prep High School, is only ranked three stars by Rivals.com.
With Hill taking leave, Julmiste out the door after this season, and Grant Gregory and Grothe still unproven, you figure USF has the resources to land one of these guys before this upcoming February.
As you can see, this should be a very eventful fall, meaning many more notes and fact-filled entries. Keep checking as I find myself dead tired watching two-a-day practices in the August heat.
Mike Camunas
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Three USF baseball players drafted
The USF baseball team had its biggest two days of the year today and Tuesday as three of its top players were drafted in the First-Year Player Draft.
Junior pitchers Casey Hudspeth and Chase Lirette were drafted Tuesday, with USF graduate Brian Baisley being picked up today.
Hudspeth, who finished his senior season with a record of 7-7 and struck out 275 batters in three years as a Bull, was drafted in the fifth round by the Houston Astros.
Nelson North, who was Hudspeth’s pitching coach the last three seasons, wasn’t surprised with where Hudspeth was drafted. North said he expected him to go somewhere in the first five rounds.
After striking out 45 batters last season and earning seven saves, Lirette was drafted in the 16th round by the Toronto Blue Jays.
While Hudspeth is all but done playing at USF, Lirette’s decision to go pro will likely come down to how much money Toronto offers him.
Baisley, who finished his senior campaign with a .299 batting average, was drafted in the 24th round by a team he followed while growing up — the New York Yankees.
Baisley said he would like to have been drafted higher, but he also said he’s just happy to be given the opportunity.
Despite having to wait a day longer than Hudspeth and Lirette to find out what organization he’ll be playing for, Baisley didn’t sit around worrying about what would happen.
He spent Tuesday night learning how not to play baseball, by going to see the Devil Rays get beaten by the Angels 12-2, and he went to the gym this morning, only to find out right when he got home that the Yankees had picked him up.
“Right when I got back from lifting I turned on the draft,” Baisley said. “And my name was the next one to pop up.”
Baisley said it was seconds later that he received a phone call from a Yankees’ scout telling him the good news.
Junior pitchers Casey Hudspeth and Chase Lirette were drafted Tuesday, with USF graduate Brian Baisley being picked up today.
Hudspeth, who finished his senior season with a record of 7-7 and struck out 275 batters in three years as a Bull, was drafted in the fifth round by the Houston Astros.
Nelson North, who was Hudspeth’s pitching coach the last three seasons, wasn’t surprised with where Hudspeth was drafted. North said he expected him to go somewhere in the first five rounds.
After striking out 45 batters last season and earning seven saves, Lirette was drafted in the 16th round by the Toronto Blue Jays.
While Hudspeth is all but done playing at USF, Lirette’s decision to go pro will likely come down to how much money Toronto offers him.
Baisley, who finished his senior campaign with a .299 batting average, was drafted in the 24th round by a team he followed while growing up — the New York Yankees.
Baisley said he would like to have been drafted higher, but he also said he’s just happy to be given the opportunity.
Despite having to wait a day longer than Hudspeth and Lirette to find out what organization he’ll be playing for, Baisley didn’t sit around worrying about what would happen.
He spent Tuesday night learning how not to play baseball, by going to see the Devil Rays get beaten by the Angels 12-2, and he went to the gym this morning, only to find out right when he got home that the Yankees had picked him up.
“Right when I got back from lifting I turned on the draft,” Baisley said. “And my name was the next one to pop up.”
Baisley said it was seconds later that he received a phone call from a Yankees’ scout telling him the good news.
Kevin Smetana
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Cardieri resigns
It was just announced that after two days of talking with Athletic Director Doug Woolard and Barbaba Spark-McGlinchy, baseball coach Eddie Cardieri has decided to resign immediately from the position he has held for 21 years.
Just got off the phone with Cardieri, and he's in a little shock — probably where it hasn't sunk in yet. There'll be more in Thursday's Oracle on his decision and what his plans are now.
Mike Camunas
Just got off the phone with Cardieri, and he's in a little shock — probably where it hasn't sunk in yet. There'll be more in Thursday's Oracle on his decision and what his plans are now.
Mike Camunas
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
A quickie
CLEARWATER — The game is on a 43-minute post game delay from the Cincinnati/Rutgers 13-7 marathon, so here’s a quick side note that’s non-baseball related. Checking out CNNSI.com’s mock NBA Draft following Toronto winning the lottery last night, and the experts have Solomon Jones being picked up 50th overall by the Orlando Magic.
So I ran this by men’s basketball SID Scott Kuykendall, who informs me that Jones has 14 scheduled workouts with NBA teams before the Pre Draft camp at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex next month.
Should be interesting in the coming weeks how Jones performs, but imagine if he could continue to play basketball in the state of Florida? My guess is he would have no problem with that.
So I ran this by men’s basketball SID Scott Kuykendall, who informs me that Jones has 14 scheduled workouts with NBA teams before the Pre Draft camp at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex next month.
Should be interesting in the coming weeks how Jones performs, but imagine if he could continue to play basketball in the state of Florida? My guess is he would have no problem with that.
Mike Camunas
Day 2: St. John's vs. USF
CLEARWATER — A day after a hard-fought 3-1 loss to Notre Dame, USF is less than an hour away from possibly playing its final game of the season. The Bulls will go up against St. John’s, which lost its first game of the Big East Tournament to West Virginia.
The winner of the second-round match up between the eighth-seeded Bulls and the fourth-seeded Red Storm will go on to play the loser of the West Virginia, Notre Dame game, while the loser will be eliminated from the tournament.
If USF fails to advance to a third game, it would be the last game for several Bulls. Coach Eddie Cardieri’s Bulls have three regulars, who are seniors — left fielder Kris Howell, catcher Brian Baisley and designated hitter Matt McHargue. Baisley has the best chance of the three seniors to be drafted in the Majors.
There are also a few other possible exits that may take place once the Bulls’ season ends. There is a good chance that junior pitchers Casey Hudspeth and Chase Lirette may leave school early to enter the draft.
Hudspeth had already been drafted out of high school by the Devil Rays, offered extensive money to sign, but by some strange turn of events, missed the phone call from the front office. Don’t expect him to pass up money a second time.
And then there’s the possibility of Cardieri not returning. The 21-year coach has not received an extension on his contract, which runs out after this season.
But the Bulls will try to avoid thinking about all of the changes that may occur by beating St. John’s today. Sophomore Davis Bilardello will take the mound for USF. Bilardello is 1-7 with a 4.52 ERA. Bilardello suffered a loss on May 14 in a 4-3 loss to St. John’s.
The winner of the second-round match up between the eighth-seeded Bulls and the fourth-seeded Red Storm will go on to play the loser of the West Virginia, Notre Dame game, while the loser will be eliminated from the tournament.
If USF fails to advance to a third game, it would be the last game for several Bulls. Coach Eddie Cardieri’s Bulls have three regulars, who are seniors — left fielder Kris Howell, catcher Brian Baisley and designated hitter Matt McHargue. Baisley has the best chance of the three seniors to be drafted in the Majors.
There are also a few other possible exits that may take place once the Bulls’ season ends. There is a good chance that junior pitchers Casey Hudspeth and Chase Lirette may leave school early to enter the draft.
Hudspeth had already been drafted out of high school by the Devil Rays, offered extensive money to sign, but by some strange turn of events, missed the phone call from the front office. Don’t expect him to pass up money a second time.
And then there’s the possibility of Cardieri not returning. The 21-year coach has not received an extension on his contract, which runs out after this season.
But the Bulls will try to avoid thinking about all of the changes that may occur by beating St. John’s today. Sophomore Davis Bilardello will take the mound for USF. Bilardello is 1-7 with a 4.52 ERA. Bilardello suffered a loss on May 14 in a 4-3 loss to St. John’s.
Kevin Smetana and Mike Camunas
Bulls fall to Notre Dame 3-1
CLEARWATER — The Bulls dropped their first game of the Big East Tournament: a 3-1 loss to Notre Dame, in which a pitching duel formed between Korpi and Hudspeth.
The two combined for 14 stikeouts and gave up only three runs. Defense highlighted the game as well, making coach Eddie Cardieri sorry to see this game end.
“When the score was 2-1,” Cardieri said, “all I could think about was it’s a shame someone has to win this game. I hoped it would be us.
“Tonight you saw two artists at work. Casey and Korpi, they were just artists out there, as well they could pitch out there.”
Josh LeRoy, who went 2-for-3 in the game with the only RBI for USF, said Korpi had a “changeup you couldn’t hit.”
The Bulls couldn’t finish on chances, espeically once Kyle Weiland came in to save the game.
“Weiland has 15 saves," Cardieri said, "so that says enough right there. When they give the game to him, they have a heck of a chance.
“Casey definitely gave a chance to win, and you can’t take anything away from Notre Dame. They’re a great club, and it’s obvious that their starting pitching is very good.”
The Bulls will now face St. John’s on Wednesday, with Davis Billardello ready to make the start. The sophomore has 53 stikeouts and a 4.52 ERA. Cardieri said he wasn’t sure of the starter for the Red Storm, but the lineup will be much the same, except if they face a right-hander, Matt McHargue and Ty Taborelli will make starts.
However, later it was announced that right-hander Rob Delaney would make the start with his 6-3 record, 75 strikeouts and 3.84 ERA.
In the regular season, St. John’s won two of three games over USF, including a 19-0 pounding on May 13.
The Bulls hung with the No. 19 team in the county Tuesday night, one looking to make the NCAA Tournament even without winning the automatic Big East big. Cardieri said he wouldn’t be surprised that this “stacked team” made it to Omaha next month.
Added Hudspeth, “It’s always frustrating, especially hanging in with a team like that and being a big underdog and having a chance to upset them.”
After the press conference, you could tell this game got to Cardieri. He was adamant throughout most of the game, especially on a double-play call at first. He was jawing through most of the arguable pitches, which may surprise some that the 21-year coach has not been tossed from a single game this season.
“It’s just one of those things where there’s no such thing as a moral victory,” Cardieri said. “To me, we played them great; we played them tough. They’re one of the best teams in the country, yet we still had chances to beat them.”
The two combined for 14 stikeouts and gave up only three runs. Defense highlighted the game as well, making coach Eddie Cardieri sorry to see this game end.
“When the score was 2-1,” Cardieri said, “all I could think about was it’s a shame someone has to win this game. I hoped it would be us.
“Tonight you saw two artists at work. Casey and Korpi, they were just artists out there, as well they could pitch out there.”
Josh LeRoy, who went 2-for-3 in the game with the only RBI for USF, said Korpi had a “changeup you couldn’t hit.”
The Bulls couldn’t finish on chances, espeically once Kyle Weiland came in to save the game.
“Weiland has 15 saves," Cardieri said, "so that says enough right there. When they give the game to him, they have a heck of a chance.
“Casey definitely gave a chance to win, and you can’t take anything away from Notre Dame. They’re a great club, and it’s obvious that their starting pitching is very good.”
The Bulls will now face St. John’s on Wednesday, with Davis Billardello ready to make the start. The sophomore has 53 stikeouts and a 4.52 ERA. Cardieri said he wasn’t sure of the starter for the Red Storm, but the lineup will be much the same, except if they face a right-hander, Matt McHargue and Ty Taborelli will make starts.
However, later it was announced that right-hander Rob Delaney would make the start with his 6-3 record, 75 strikeouts and 3.84 ERA.
In the regular season, St. John’s won two of three games over USF, including a 19-0 pounding on May 13.
The Bulls hung with the No. 19 team in the county Tuesday night, one looking to make the NCAA Tournament even without winning the automatic Big East big. Cardieri said he wouldn’t be surprised that this “stacked team” made it to Omaha next month.
Added Hudspeth, “It’s always frustrating, especially hanging in with a team like that and being a big underdog and having a chance to upset them.”
After the press conference, you could tell this game got to Cardieri. He was adamant throughout most of the game, especially on a double-play call at first. He was jawing through most of the arguable pitches, which may surprise some that the 21-year coach has not been tossed from a single game this season.
“It’s just one of those things where there’s no such thing as a moral victory,” Cardieri said. “To me, we played them great; we played them tough. They’re one of the best teams in the country, yet we still had chances to beat them.”
Kevin Smetana and Mike Camunas
Blowing a chance
CLEARWATER — The biggest chance Bulls had to tie or take the lead just blew by them in the top of the eighth. Dexter Butler was up with two men on. He struck out, however, on a 3-2 count to end the inning. The Bulls were having some success against relief pitcher Kyle Weiland, as he gave up three hits, but then pitched himself out of that jam.
Nick Manganaro replaced Hudspeth in the bottom of the eighth. The junior’s line: three strikeouts, six hits, two runs, no walks.
More to come after the game.
Nick Manganaro replaced Hudspeth in the bottom of the eighth. The junior’s line: three strikeouts, six hits, two runs, no walks.
More to come after the game.
Kevin Smetana and Mike Camunas
Top of the seventh
CLEARWATER — Irish are up 2-1 in the bottom of the sixth. A leadoff triple by Jeremy Barnes led to a great play at the plate, as Joey Angelberger came in on a fly ball by Ross Brezovsky, in which Angelberger threw a laser to Brian Baisley to tag Barnes for the third out.
Now, Korpi is out after six innings. His line: 11 strikeouts, four hits, one run, three walks. The sophomore had 11 strikeouts three times this season.
The Bulls leave two men stranded to end the inning.
More later.
Now, Korpi is out after six innings. His line: 11 strikeouts, four hits, one run, three walks. The sophomore had 11 strikeouts three times this season.
The Bulls leave two men stranded to end the inning.
More later.
Mike Camunas
Bottom of the fourth...
CLEARWATER — About a half an hour after its scheduled start, sophomore Jim Cassidy is stepping up to the plate to begin USF’s first-ever Big East Tournament game. For Cassidy, it’s just his 10th start of the season.
The top of the first inning didn’t go so well for the Bulls, as Notre Dame Pitcher Wade Korpi, who has a 2.20 ERA, quickly struck out the first two USF batters and the Bulls’ third-spot hitter grounded out.
Fighting Irish first baseman Craig Cooper is leading off the bottom of the first against USF’s Casey Huspeth. Cooper, who is batting a team-high .432, was recently named the Big East Player of the Year.
So far there’s more activity going on behind the centerfield wall, where a group of kids are throwing a ball around. The game was just delayed for a moment after the kids’ ball ended up on the field. There’s something you don’t usually see at a USF game.
With Notre Dame being so deep on the mound, it doesn’t even have one its top three starting pitchers in the game. In fact, this is just the second time in the Fighting Irish’s 11 years in the Big East Tournament they haven’t started one of their top three pitchers. But you wouldn’t know Korpi isn’t one of Notre Dame’s top starters — he struck out four of his first five opponents tonight. And after sophomore Dexter Butler got the first hit of the game, Korpi answered by striking out sophomore Brandin Daniel to earn his third strikeout of the inning.
After two innings it’s a scoreless game, and each team has a hit. Notre Dame catcher Sean Gaston just hit a line drive over the glove of shortstop Addison Maruszak, but Hudspeth earned his first strikeout one batter later to end the inning.
Korpi is starting to look like Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitcher Scott Kazmir and his 11-strikeout performance in Sunday's Rays victory over the Florida Marlins. After five innings pitched, the left-hander already has 10 strikeouts.
Notre Dame is on the scoreboard first, after a successful hit-and-run. Cooper scored from first with the help of a single by second baseman Jeremy Barnes. But after Cooper crossed the plate, Barnes was thrown out trying to make it to second base. Irish 1-0.
The Bulls tied it up though on an RBI double to centerfield by Josh LeRoy, scoring Kris Howell from first.
Just a side note for now: One of USF President Judy Genshaft’s sons caught a foul ball, but not directly. It bounced into the “upper deck” here at BHNF, landed in another fan’s hands who dropped it, only to be picked up by her oldest son and her husband. He’s a little small for his size, but Genshaft Jr. may have a future in a Bulls uniform.
Just kidding.
The top of the first inning didn’t go so well for the Bulls, as Notre Dame Pitcher Wade Korpi, who has a 2.20 ERA, quickly struck out the first two USF batters and the Bulls’ third-spot hitter grounded out.
Fighting Irish first baseman Craig Cooper is leading off the bottom of the first against USF’s Casey Huspeth. Cooper, who is batting a team-high .432, was recently named the Big East Player of the Year.
So far there’s more activity going on behind the centerfield wall, where a group of kids are throwing a ball around. The game was just delayed for a moment after the kids’ ball ended up on the field. There’s something you don’t usually see at a USF game.
With Notre Dame being so deep on the mound, it doesn’t even have one its top three starting pitchers in the game. In fact, this is just the second time in the Fighting Irish’s 11 years in the Big East Tournament they haven’t started one of their top three pitchers. But you wouldn’t know Korpi isn’t one of Notre Dame’s top starters — he struck out four of his first five opponents tonight. And after sophomore Dexter Butler got the first hit of the game, Korpi answered by striking out sophomore Brandin Daniel to earn his third strikeout of the inning.
After two innings it’s a scoreless game, and each team has a hit. Notre Dame catcher Sean Gaston just hit a line drive over the glove of shortstop Addison Maruszak, but Hudspeth earned his first strikeout one batter later to end the inning.
Korpi is starting to look like Tampa Bay Devil Rays pitcher Scott Kazmir and his 11-strikeout performance in Sunday's Rays victory over the Florida Marlins. After five innings pitched, the left-hander already has 10 strikeouts.
Notre Dame is on the scoreboard first, after a successful hit-and-run. Cooper scored from first with the help of a single by second baseman Jeremy Barnes. But after Cooper crossed the plate, Barnes was thrown out trying to make it to second base. Irish 1-0.
The Bulls tied it up though on an RBI double to centerfield by Josh LeRoy, scoring Kris Howell from first.
Just a side note for now: One of USF President Judy Genshaft’s sons caught a foul ball, but not directly. It bounced into the “upper deck” here at BHNF, landed in another fan’s hands who dropped it, only to be picked up by her oldest son and her husband. He’s a little small for his size, but Genshaft Jr. may have a future in a Bulls uniform.
Just kidding.
Kevin Smetana and Mike Camunas
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Live blogging from Big East Tournament
CLEARWATER — I arrived here at Bright House Networks Field just in time to see the tail end of the WVU and St. John’s game and warm-ups for the Bulls. The Red Storm is up 5-3 over the Mountaineers following a grand slam, while Louisville pulled a close 9-8 game over Rutgers and Connecticut took care of Cincinnati 6-2.
First and foremost, this stadium is amazing. Forget any other park in Tampa minor league or the other piece of crap in downtown St. Pete. This park is, hands down, built to please the eye and the average fan. Beautifully trimmed and laid out, the seats are the individual, non-bench type that allow the fan to spread out. In the outfield, kids can run and throw balls to each other while waiting to catch dingers that come their way. This place is just simply amazing.
Honestly, now that I think about it, I don’t see how the Big East could have the tournament anywhere else but in Clearwater. Sure, it’s a little overcast today, but on any other day the weather, the nearby beaches and the venue can’t be beat.
All right, moving on. For Saturday’s championship game, Tampa’s, and I guess USF’s as well, very own Hall of Famer Wade Boggs is color analyst for ESPNU. Of course, Wade’s son, Brett, is a freshman for the Bulls, while Wade himself attended every home game at the Red. Makes you wonder if USF makes the championship, can Wade take off his green-and-gold glasses for a few hours? After all, he is a professional, with his hair transplant infomercials.
As the Bulls were on the practice field, I ran into coach Eddie Cardieri — in high spirits, no less — watching a little of the Mountaineers/Red Storm game. Nice little chat we had. He said Casey Hudspeth, making the start, is ready and loose, as the junior is going through warm-ups, with his 7-6, 4.52 ERA and league-leading 103 strikeouts.
Cardieri also called tonight’s matchup “just another game” against a “very well-balanced team.” Anyways, Cardieri also said he thought Notre Dame’s starter, left-hander Wade Korpi, with his 2.20 ERA and 83 strikeouts, is the best pitcher on the staff. Even better than wide reciever/starter Jeff Samardzija, with his 7-2 record, 4.30 ERA and 52 strikeouts. Cardieri said he thinks Korpi has the best location of not just a left-hander, but on the Fighting Irish as well.
Well, that’s it for pregame stuff. There will be some live blogs from myself and Asst. Sports Editor Kevin Smetana throughout the game. Look for coverage in Thurday’s Oracle, including the game story from the Bulls’ second game Wednesday.
One last thought before I go: Can anyone explain to me why the USF baseball game from Bright House Networks Field is not being broadcasted on Catch 47, the official sports channel from Bright House and of USF sports? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
First and foremost, this stadium is amazing. Forget any other park in Tampa minor league or the other piece of crap in downtown St. Pete. This park is, hands down, built to please the eye and the average fan. Beautifully trimmed and laid out, the seats are the individual, non-bench type that allow the fan to spread out. In the outfield, kids can run and throw balls to each other while waiting to catch dingers that come their way. This place is just simply amazing.
Honestly, now that I think about it, I don’t see how the Big East could have the tournament anywhere else but in Clearwater. Sure, it’s a little overcast today, but on any other day the weather, the nearby beaches and the venue can’t be beat.
All right, moving on. For Saturday’s championship game, Tampa’s, and I guess USF’s as well, very own Hall of Famer Wade Boggs is color analyst for ESPNU. Of course, Wade’s son, Brett, is a freshman for the Bulls, while Wade himself attended every home game at the Red. Makes you wonder if USF makes the championship, can Wade take off his green-and-gold glasses for a few hours? After all, he is a professional, with his hair transplant infomercials.
As the Bulls were on the practice field, I ran into coach Eddie Cardieri — in high spirits, no less — watching a little of the Mountaineers/Red Storm game. Nice little chat we had. He said Casey Hudspeth, making the start, is ready and loose, as the junior is going through warm-ups, with his 7-6, 4.52 ERA and league-leading 103 strikeouts.
Cardieri also called tonight’s matchup “just another game” against a “very well-balanced team.” Anyways, Cardieri also said he thought Notre Dame’s starter, left-hander Wade Korpi, with his 2.20 ERA and 83 strikeouts, is the best pitcher on the staff. Even better than wide reciever/starter Jeff Samardzija, with his 7-2 record, 4.30 ERA and 52 strikeouts. Cardieri said he thinks Korpi has the best location of not just a left-hander, but on the Fighting Irish as well.
Well, that’s it for pregame stuff. There will be some live blogs from myself and Asst. Sports Editor Kevin Smetana throughout the game. Look for coverage in Thurday’s Oracle, including the game story from the Bulls’ second game Wednesday.
One last thought before I go: Can anyone explain to me why the USF baseball game from Bright House Networks Field is not being broadcasted on Catch 47, the official sports channel from Bright House and of USF sports? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?
Mike Camunas
Saturday, May 20, 2006
Baseball headed to Clearwater
More from another diamond, the baseball team won the game it needed to secure the eighth and final spot in the Big East Tournament. I spoke the the two heroes of the 9-4 win over WVU, Josh LeRoy and Jim Cassidy, who combined for two home runs, five hits and five RBI.
As the No. 8 seed, the Bulls face No. 1-seeded Notre Dame on Tuesday at 8 p.m at Bright House Networks Field.
Turns out, if the Bulls had lost, they would have been in anyways as Georgetown, without its senior class, pulled a win over Pittsburgh. Cassidy and LeRoy both spoke of the good feeling the win was and how it felt good to get one for coach Eddie Cardieri, which could very be his last for USF.
Cassidy and LeRoy both said Cardieri, however, never once mentioned any articles or talks of not renewing his contract as motivation for wins this weekend. Cardieri, as well as his two players, said they went against WVU to save their chances for the postseason, not to save the 21-year coach's career.
LeRoy and Cassidy, whose home runs were both the first of their careers, mentioned they did read the articles, but also said the atmosphere on the team the past three to four days has been very quiet and focused.
I spoke with Cardieri when some of the accusations were made public, and while I can't repeat many of the things we spoke about, he was in a very down mood. Now I'm not going to be a Cardieri apologist, defending his every action, but after speaking with him just an hour after the game, he spirits did seem a little higher. It sounds as though some of his optimism might be returning, something he claims he "needs in his life."
I asked Cardieri if he thought the tournament berth had secured his job for next season. While he claimed he didn't know “because it's still up to Doug (Woolard),” he also said Wednesday he doesn't know what it would take to keep his job. Not just one win in the tournament, or a regional berth — he just doesn't know for certain.
“I would like another chance,” Cardieri said. “If you don't want me, fine and dandy. Right now, though, I'm going to do my job, and the rest will be in God's hands.”
As the No. 8 seed, the Bulls face No. 1-seeded Notre Dame on Tuesday at 8 p.m at Bright House Networks Field.
Turns out, if the Bulls had lost, they would have been in anyways as Georgetown, without its senior class, pulled a win over Pittsburgh. Cassidy and LeRoy both spoke of the good feeling the win was and how it felt good to get one for coach Eddie Cardieri, which could very be his last for USF.
Cassidy and LeRoy both said Cardieri, however, never once mentioned any articles or talks of not renewing his contract as motivation for wins this weekend. Cardieri, as well as his two players, said they went against WVU to save their chances for the postseason, not to save the 21-year coach's career.
LeRoy and Cassidy, whose home runs were both the first of their careers, mentioned they did read the articles, but also said the atmosphere on the team the past three to four days has been very quiet and focused.
I spoke with Cardieri when some of the accusations were made public, and while I can't repeat many of the things we spoke about, he was in a very down mood. Now I'm not going to be a Cardieri apologist, defending his every action, but after speaking with him just an hour after the game, he spirits did seem a little higher. It sounds as though some of his optimism might be returning, something he claims he "needs in his life."
I asked Cardieri if he thought the tournament berth had secured his job for next season. While he claimed he didn't know “because it's still up to Doug (Woolard),” he also said Wednesday he doesn't know what it would take to keep his job. Not just one win in the tournament, or a regional berth — he just doesn't know for certain.
“I would like another chance,” Cardieri said. “If you don't want me, fine and dandy. Right now, though, I'm going to do my job, and the rest will be in God's hands.”
Mike Camunas
Notes from Gainesville
GAINESVILLE — The USF softball team is now just one win away from advancing to its first-ever super regional round of the NCAA Tournament.
The No. 25 Bulls opened up the Gainesville Regional of this year’s tournament with a 2-1 upset of No. 22 North Carolina on Friday. The underdog theme continued on Day One when unranked Florida Atlantic was able to knock off the favored University of Florida on its home field.
Both of Friday’s winning teams hit the field Saturday to battle for the opportunity to advance in the double-elimination tournament.
Junior Bree Spence got the start for the Bulls and allowed three hits in 3 1/3 innings before being relieved by freshman Cristi Ecks. Ecks finished the game and earned the win for the Bulls after pitching 3 2/3 hitless innings.
FAU pitcher Jen Musillo made her first back-to-back start of the season, as she pitched every inning for the Owls against USF after defeating Florida. The junior played valiantly against the Bulls, scattering only three hits in six innings but also allowed the only run of the game when senior Christie Chapman reached for an outside curve ball and sent it over the fence to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead.
“I thought both Musillo and our pitching staff threw a great game today,” USF coach Ken Eriksen said. “We got kind of fortunate that Christie (Chapman) stayed on a drop outside and sent it the whole way.”
Late in the game it looked like Chapman might have a multi-home run outing, but the shortstop’s deep fly ball dropped too early and was caught by the left fielder at the warning track. In the postgame press conference Chapman insisted it would have been another homer in a different setting.
“I thought it had a chance,” Chapman said. “If we were at home it would have been out. These 200-feet fences are killing me.”
Two-straight one-run games for the Bulls, who are in control of their regional, means they have to lose twice Sunday to not advance to the Super Regional. And if they win at least three after that, they'll be headed to the college World Series.
Essentially, the Bulls could be facing FAU again, which looks to be facing Florida in the late game that started at 5 p.m. If USF happens to make the Super Regionals, it could play the No. 1 team in the land, UCLA.
I'll be there for the game, which has the first pitch set for about noon. Look for more blogs Sunday and game stories in the Oracle on Monday
The No. 25 Bulls opened up the Gainesville Regional of this year’s tournament with a 2-1 upset of No. 22 North Carolina on Friday. The underdog theme continued on Day One when unranked Florida Atlantic was able to knock off the favored University of Florida on its home field.
Both of Friday’s winning teams hit the field Saturday to battle for the opportunity to advance in the double-elimination tournament.
Junior Bree Spence got the start for the Bulls and allowed three hits in 3 1/3 innings before being relieved by freshman Cristi Ecks. Ecks finished the game and earned the win for the Bulls after pitching 3 2/3 hitless innings.
FAU pitcher Jen Musillo made her first back-to-back start of the season, as she pitched every inning for the Owls against USF after defeating Florida. The junior played valiantly against the Bulls, scattering only three hits in six innings but also allowed the only run of the game when senior Christie Chapman reached for an outside curve ball and sent it over the fence to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead.
“I thought both Musillo and our pitching staff threw a great game today,” USF coach Ken Eriksen said. “We got kind of fortunate that Christie (Chapman) stayed on a drop outside and sent it the whole way.”
Late in the game it looked like Chapman might have a multi-home run outing, but the shortstop’s deep fly ball dropped too early and was caught by the left fielder at the warning track. In the postgame press conference Chapman insisted it would have been another homer in a different setting.
“I thought it had a chance,” Chapman said. “If we were at home it would have been out. These 200-feet fences are killing me.”
Two-straight one-run games for the Bulls, who are in control of their regional, means they have to lose twice Sunday to not advance to the Super Regional. And if they win at least three after that, they'll be headed to the college World Series.
Essentially, the Bulls could be facing FAU again, which looks to be facing Florida in the late game that started at 5 p.m. If USF happens to make the Super Regionals, it could play the No. 1 team in the land, UCLA.
I'll be there for the game, which has the first pitch set for about noon. Look for more blogs Sunday and game stories in the Oracle on Monday
Eric Moeller
Facing the right team?
Even though USF is playing West Virginia this weekend, it seems more like it is battling against Pittsburgh. With USF's 5-3 loss today and Pittsburgh eking out a 3-2 win in the 10th over Georgetown, the Bulls still need just one win to get into the Big East Tournament. Georgetown is out due to its two straight losses to the Panthers. So if Pittsburgh wins and USF loses, the Panthers head to Clearwater and coach Eddie Cardieri waits for word on his future from Doug Woolard's office.
It is interesting how the Hoyas actually can now be helpful to the Bulls if USF can't help itself to a win Saturday at noon. Just to show you the history, Georgetown was pummeled 14-0 by Pittsburgh on Thursday, as the Hoyas have just 23 wins (same as the Bulls) this season. On top of all that, Georgetown is now riding a six-game losing streak.
It is interesting how the Hoyas actually can now be helpful to the Bulls if USF can't help itself to a win Saturday at noon. Just to show you the history, Georgetown was pummeled 14-0 by Pittsburgh on Thursday, as the Hoyas have just 23 wins (same as the Bulls) this season. On top of all that, Georgetown is now riding a six-game losing streak.
Mike Camunas
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
A familiar face in town
With baseball and softball on home stretches, we’ll be a little light on the news side, but we’ll try our best to get some blogging in, especially once football starts warming up.
But tonight I have one live blog from a different location: Tropicana Field.
And I know what you are thinking: What the heck are you doing there when the USF baseball team’s last home game is tonight?
Well, honestly, I can’t do much with tonight’s game, from when I last checked, the Bulls were already losing in the fourth inning. I’m at the Rays game who are hosting the World Series Champs White Sox. And whenever the Sox come to town, they bring in a familiar face to those who have been following USF baseball about as long as Eddie Cardieri has been coach.
Ross Gload, Sox utility player, did earn himself a World Series ring and was kind enough to take time away from batting practice to talk to me.
He’s actually a pretty nice guy, who, unfortunately, does not see much playing time behind Jim Thome, Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye, since he usually plays first base and right field. I was able to ask Gload a burning question concerning the baseball team: What is Cardieri’s future?
Gload took advantage of his chance to sound off on that issue, of course, defending Cardieri. You wouldn’t expect less from a guy who says Cardieri “really went out of the way to help me play college ball, when no one else wanted me to play for them.” Gload also said he would be “disappointed” and “sad” if they let Cardieri go, not too mention it would severe all Gload’s ties to the team.
“I would be completely disappointed if he were let go,” Gload said. “He’s probably helped me out more than anyone else I’ve ever known in baseball. I still talk to him all the time.”
When I asked Gload if he thought it was fair that Cardieri be let go after just one dismal season in the Big East, being the first season in that conference, he pointed out the 1995 season, the Bulls’ last season in the Metro Conference, in which the team barely made the conference tournament. The Bulls turned around and ended up winning the entire tournament, giving them an automatic bid to the NCAA regionals only to loss to UNC and Miami in Coral Gables.
Gload knows how final series of a season can overshadow the disappointment throughout the season, and how team’s start finding wins once they reach the postseason.
“You know towards the end,” Gload said, “teams find a way to get hot and put some wins on the board. This season is the same situation we were in my freshman year. We needed to win that Metro tournament, we did and everything else was forgotten after that. No firings; not worried about extensions and we’re here over 10 years later talking about it again.”
There will be a larger article on Gload in Thursday’s Oracle, and for those interested the Rays are up 2-1 over the Sox in the top of the third.
But tonight I have one live blog from a different location: Tropicana Field.
And I know what you are thinking: What the heck are you doing there when the USF baseball team’s last home game is tonight?
Well, honestly, I can’t do much with tonight’s game, from when I last checked, the Bulls were already losing in the fourth inning. I’m at the Rays game who are hosting the World Series Champs White Sox. And whenever the Sox come to town, they bring in a familiar face to those who have been following USF baseball about as long as Eddie Cardieri has been coach.
Ross Gload, Sox utility player, did earn himself a World Series ring and was kind enough to take time away from batting practice to talk to me.
He’s actually a pretty nice guy, who, unfortunately, does not see much playing time behind Jim Thome, Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye, since he usually plays first base and right field. I was able to ask Gload a burning question concerning the baseball team: What is Cardieri’s future?
Gload took advantage of his chance to sound off on that issue, of course, defending Cardieri. You wouldn’t expect less from a guy who says Cardieri “really went out of the way to help me play college ball, when no one else wanted me to play for them.” Gload also said he would be “disappointed” and “sad” if they let Cardieri go, not too mention it would severe all Gload’s ties to the team.
“I would be completely disappointed if he were let go,” Gload said. “He’s probably helped me out more than anyone else I’ve ever known in baseball. I still talk to him all the time.”
When I asked Gload if he thought it was fair that Cardieri be let go after just one dismal season in the Big East, being the first season in that conference, he pointed out the 1995 season, the Bulls’ last season in the Metro Conference, in which the team barely made the conference tournament. The Bulls turned around and ended up winning the entire tournament, giving them an automatic bid to the NCAA regionals only to loss to UNC and Miami in Coral Gables.
Gload knows how final series of a season can overshadow the disappointment throughout the season, and how team’s start finding wins once they reach the postseason.
“You know towards the end,” Gload said, “teams find a way to get hot and put some wins on the board. This season is the same situation we were in my freshman year. We needed to win that Metro tournament, we did and everything else was forgotten after that. No firings; not worried about extensions and we’re here over 10 years later talking about it again.”
There will be a larger article on Gload in Thursday’s Oracle, and for those interested the Rays are up 2-1 over the Sox in the top of the third.
Mike Camunas
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