Cal's Andrews gets extra year of eligibility

The California University women’s basketball team, which is ranked No. 3 in the NCAA Division II USA Today/ESPN preseason poll, got a little stronger Tuesday.
California received word from the NCAA that point guard Crystal Andrews (pictured) has been granted another season of eligibility. Andrews received the extra season because she sat out a year at Pitt-Johnstown because of injury before transferring to California, where she played the two years.
Andrews averaged 10.1 points per game last season and started 30 of the Vulcans’ 34 games. She also led California in assists. Andrews joins Brooque Williams (18.0 ppg) and Kayla Smith (15.2 ppg) as returning starters.

Cal women's soccer gets first NCAA berth

The California University women’s soccer team received an at-large bid Monday to the NCAA Division II Championships. It is the first NCAA tournament berth for the Vulcans.

California will play West Virginia Wesleyan in a first-round game Friday in Kutztown. The starting time has not been determined. Kutztown earned an opening-round bye and will host the winner of the Cal-WVW game on Sunday.

Under third-year head coach Al Alvine, Cal established a program record with 16 wins, earned its first PSAC West title and made its first-ever appearance in the PSAC tournament.

West Virginia Wesleyan (12-6-1) earned an automatic berth to the 48-team tournament by winning the West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament. The Bobcats won their third third-straight WVIAC title.

California Hall of Fame inductees

California University inducted its 2009 class for the sports hall of fame this month. This group included front row, from left: J. Patrick Hobart 1968; Becky Siembak 2004; Joe Sarra 1960; and Chad Scott 1993. Back row from left: Bryan Hartung 2003; President Angelo Armenti, Jr.; Marty Uher; and Sameera Philyaw 2004.

College pregame notes

Washington & Jefferson

The Presidents had two weeks to prepare for last week's game against Saint Vincent, but it was obvious their hearts and minds were somewhere else, most likely thinking about a showdown against Thomas More Oct. 31 W&J did not play well on a mud-soaked Chuck Noll Field, needing a defensive score to put the Bearcats away in the fourth quarter. It's the first time this season the Presidents appeared vulnerable.

But we can cut them some slack. It's difficult to be emotionally stoked for a winless team. Westminster is more talented and can turn another poor performance by W&J into a devastating loss. The Presidents' defense played well and the muddy field conditions hurt the offense. Look for the Presidents to play better against the Titans, even if Thomas More is still in their thoughts.

Opponent: Westminster
When: 1:30 p.m., Saturday
Where: Burry Stadium in New Wilmington
Records: W&J is 6-0, 2-0 in the PAC. Westminster is 3-4, 2-2 in the PAC.
On the air: WJPA-AM 1450
Television: None
Games remaining: at Westminster, Thomas More, at Bethany, Waynesburg

California

The Vulcans are coming off their most impressive showing of the season, a 38-14 victory over Edinboro. Tailback Windell Brown (ankle sprain) returned to the form he showed last season by rushing for a career-best 148 yards and scoring two touchdowns against the Fighting Scots. Quarterback Josh Portis continues his strong showing, and seems to be understanding his role in the offense better each week.

But the best part about the win over Edinboro was the strong play of the defense, which gave up a combined 59 points against Clarion and Indiana. Slippery Rock doesn't present the type of problems Edinboro does. The Rock's quarterback Rocco Colavecchio has passed for a lot of yards but has more interceptions than touchdowns. Slippery Rock's defense has given up 78 points over the last two games, both losses.

Cal has a chance to right the ship after opening the season with two losses and playing a poor first half before rallying to beat West Chester.

Opponent: Slippery Rock
When: 1 p.m., Saturday
Where: Thompson Stadium in Slippery Rock
Records: Cal is 6-2, 5-0 in the PSAC. Slippery Rock is 5-3, 2-3 in the PSAC.
On the air: WCAL-FM 91.9
Television: None
Games remaining: at Slippery Rock, Mercyhurst, PSAC game

Waynesburg

Unfortunately for the Yellow Jackets, the defense is as bad as the offense is good. That's why they are a .500 team heading into a game against Bethany. The defense is giving up a whopping 416 yards per game, which is why the Yellow Jackets have lost two of the last three games. Injuries have been a problem, but every team has injuries at this point.

The frustrating part for Waynesburg is that the defensive failures leave little room for error from the offense. Quarterback Brad Dawson is having a strong year but even though he is helping the Yellow Jackets score 36 points per game, the defense is allowing 31.

Opponent: Bethany
When: 1:30 p.m., Saturday
Where: Wiley Stadium in Waynesburg
Records: Waynesburg is 3-3, 0-2 in the PAC. Bethany is 2-4, 1-3 in the PAC.
On the air: WCYJ-FM 88.9
Television: None
Games remaining: Bethany, at Grove City, Thiel, at W&J

Mid-season analysis

With the football season at the midway point, it's time to take a look at the three area football teams, how they've done and where they're going:

California

What most fans remember about this season is the opening two losses, the first to Saginaw Valley State and the following week against Bloomsburg. In those games, quarterback Josh Portis did not play well and tailback Windell Brown was lost with a sprained ankle.
Since the loss to Bloomsburg, Portis has played great, he has not thrown an interception in his last 120 attempts, a span covering 19 quarters. He has 19 touchdowns, four interceptions and 1,425 yards. Cal has won five in a row and appears to be headed back to the playoffs, except . . .
The West Division of the PSAC appears to be weak this year. Indiana is down and even Edinboro, with a 6-1 record, has not really dominated.
Somewhat lost with the offensive problems is the defense not playing up to expectations. The loss of nose tackle Sam Fikaris a few weeks ago hurt but the secondary has beem scorched for 184 yards per game and opposing quarterbacks are completing nearly 60 percent of the passes.
Brown needs to stay healthy because backup Freddy Bacco is a good complementary runner but not effective enough to carry the running game.
Cal will get a chance to play Bloomsburg again.

Opponent: Edinboro
When: 3:30 p.m., Saturday
Where: Adamson Stadium in California
Records: California is 5-2, 4-0 in the PSAC. Edinboro is 6-1, 4-0 in the PSAC.
On the air: WCAL-FM 91.9
Television: FSN
Games remaining: Edinboro, at Slippery Rock, Mercyhurst, PSAC game.


Washington & Jefferson

One might think that a team that has a rotation system at tailback and quarterback would struggle on offense. But that hasn't been the case for the Presidents. Gino Rometo and Steven Shumaker have made a very good 1-2 punch at quarterback. The Presidents are only fourth in the PAC in passing at 247 yards per game. But that stat is misleading because W&J is tied with Thomas More for the rushing lead at 184 per game.
Terrence McAllister, Derek Taylor and Brian Baldrige have combined for 791 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Almost lost in those numbers is how well the defense has played. Maybe the best game came two weeks ago when Grove City record-setting quarterback Dave DiDonato was held without a touchdown and intercepted twice. Defensive end Jacob Bloomhuff is having an outstanding season with nine quarterback sacks and seven tackles for losses. The secondary has produced seven interceptions.
Everything comes down to an Oct. 31 home game against Thomas More, which beat W&J last year to win the PAC title.
The Presidents can get into the NCAA Division III playoffs with one loss, as they did last season. The PAC is not especially strong and an emotional home game against Waynesburg is probably all that stands in the way of the Presidents and an undefeated season if they beat Thomas More.


Opponent: Saint Vincent
When: 1 p.m., Saturday
Where: Saint Vincent
Records: W&J is 5-0, 2-0 in the PAC. Saint Vincent is 0-6.
On the air: WJPA-AM 1450
Television: None
Games remaining: at Saint Vincent, at Westminster, Thomas More, at Bethany, Waynesburg


Waynesburg University

Just when you thought Waynesburg was ready to make a big move up in the PAC, a game like last week's loss to Westminster popped up. The kickoff was pushed back 30 minutes because Waynesburg arrived late because of construction on the interstate.
It went downhill from there.
The Yellow Jackets' defense gave up 562 yards against the Titans, 220 more than Westminster had averaged through the season. Waynesburg's pass defense is last in the conference, scoring defense is eighth out of nine, and run defense is sixth. Opponents are gaining an average of nearly six yards per play.
Quarterback Brad Dawson is having an outstanding season, completing 57 percent of his passes for 1,529 yards and 14 touchdowns. He's been intercepted just three times. If it weren't for him, Waynesburg would be a sub-.500 team.
The backfield rotation of Jamelle Bowers, Justin Falcon and Billy Becker gives different looks but none is averaging more than 49 yards per game.
Josh Fisher is having a great year at wide receiver with six touchdown catches and Ray Hightower is one of the most underrated receivers in the conference.
Offense isn't the problem. The defense is. And if it continues to allow yardage at this rate, more games such as Westminster might be ahead.


Opponent: Geneva
When: 1:30 p.m., Saturday
Where: Wiley Stadium in Waynesburg
Records: Waynesburg is 3-2, 0-2 in the PAC. Geneva is 4-1.
On the air: WCYJ-FM 88.9
Television: None
Games remaining: Geneva, Bethany, at Grove City, Thiel, at W&J

Remember, it's only an exhibition...

Most NCAA Division II schools tip-off their basketball seasons with a series of exhibition games against Division I opponents. These games do not count on the official records for either team.

In recent years, the California men have played exhibitions against Maryland, Dayton and Southern Illinois, among others. Next month, the Vulcans will play Miami (Ohio) and Purdue. The California women will play James Madison.

This most interesting/challenging exhibition game for PSAC teams this year involves the IUP women, who will play defending national champion Connecticut on Nov. 10. Connecticut went 39-0 last year.

"It is certainly a tremendous honor for our program to have the chance to play the UConn Huskies," IUP coach Jeff Dow said. "Over the past 15 years, they have been as dominant as any program in the country. It will be a special opportunity for our players to compete against a program the magnitude and national stature of the University of Connecticut.''

The Huskies are led by the reigning national player of the year in Maya Moore.

College pregame notes

Opponent: Clarion
When: 3 p.m., Saturday
Where: Adamson Stadium in California
Records: California is 2-2, 1-0 in PSAC; Clarion is 2-2, 1-0 in PSAC.
Television: None
On the air: WCAL-FM 91.9
Noteworthy: The Vulcans’ offense finally played to preseason expectations in last week’s 52-10 victory over Gannon. Quarterback Josh Portis completed 17 of 26 passes for 262 yards and five touchdowns and wide receiver A.J. Jackson caught eight passes for 119 yards and three TDs. Jackson leads all PSAC receivers with five touchdowns. … Cal punter Derek Fiorenza is 13th in the nation with a 41.07-yard average. … The Vulcans have won 14 consecutive games against PSAC West opponents and have not lost a home divisional game since November of 2006. … Clarion is led by quarterback Tyler Huether, who has thrown for 935 yards and five touchdowns in four games. Jacques Robinson, who has 28 receptions for 289 yards, is his favorite receiver. … Alfonso Haggard and John Fuhrer have combined for 348 rushing yards and three touchdowns.

California University

Opponent: Gannon
When: Noon, Saturday
Where: Adamson Stadium in California
Records: Cal is 1-2 overall and Gannon is 2-1. This is the PSAC West opener for both teams.
Television: FSN
On the air: WCAl-FM 91.9
Noteworthy: If California is to have a successful season, then the offense must improve. Josh Portis has struggled throwing the ball and the Vulcans have not effectively run the ball this season. Portis has completed just 39 of 83 passes (47 percent), thrown three touchdowns and been intercepted four times. Windell Brown returned from an ankle injury but lasted just one play before apparently reinjuring his ankle. Freddie Bacco, who has gained 181 yards on 42 carries this season – will start. … Cal has won 13 straight games against PSAC West opponents. … Cal head coach John Luckhardt is just five victories away from 200 in his career. … Gannon beat Cheyney, 30-19, last week. … The Golden Knights rely on the run and Jon Richardson (63 att., 351 yds., 5.6 ave., 7 TDs) is the main threat.… Cal has not had running back or wide receiver gain more than 100 yards in a game this season.

Wooooooo! Pig sooey! Pucci to Hall of Fame

California University athletic director Tom Pucci, pictured, will be inducted Friday into the University of Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

Pucci is the second-winningest tennis coach in Razorbacks history with an amazing overall record of 218-60 in eight seasons, from 1976-84. Pucci coached the Arkansas men to Southwest Conference championships in 1980 and ‘81. In the 1980 season, the Razorbacks finished 31-4 and ranked No. 7 in the country. The next year, Arkansas was ranked No. 6.

He guided the Hogs to three appearances in both the NCAA Sweet 16 and NCAA quarterfinals, with each of the teams finishing ranked in the top 10 nationally.

“This is one of the greatest honors I’ve ever received,” Pucci said. “I was very fortunate to have a great group of young men who achieved great heights and bought into the belief of building the Arkansas tennis program into one of the best in the nation.”

Among those joining Pucci in the induction class are Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Shawn Andrews; Ron Calcagni, the winningest quarterback in school history; and Veronica Campbell-Brown, a two-time Olympic gold medalist.

Former Arkansas basketball coach Eddie Sutton, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, NBA great Sidney Moncrief and former athletic director Frank Broyles are expected to attend the banquet.

California University

Opponent: West Chester
When: Noon, Saturday
Where: Farrell Stadium in West Chester
Records: California is 0-2; West Chester is 1-1
Television: None
On the air: WCAL-FM 91.9
Noteworthy: This is the fourth meeting between the two teams in the past two seasons. Cal won the last one, 47-36, in the PSAC Championship game. … West Chester’s 34-0 loss to Delaware last week was a bit misleading as the Blue hens are a Division I program. … Cal quarterback Josh Portis is completing 50 percent of his passes for 289 yards but he only has one touchdowns and three interceptions. … In two games, Cal has scored 27 points, 17 fewer than the Vulcans scored in a 44-32 victory over West Chester in last year’s season-opener. … Last week’s loss to Bloomsburg dropped Cal out of the AFCA Top 25 poll for the first time since the 2007 preseason poll. … Saginaw Valley, which beat Cal in the opener, is ranked 13th. SVS was not ranked in the preseason. … Cal expects to have tailback Windell Brown (ankle) back after missing last week.

College football
California University
Opponent: Bloomsburg
When: 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 5
Where: Hepner-Bailey Field in California
Records: California is 0-1 overall; Bloomsburg is 1-0
Television: FSN
On the air: WCAL-FM 91.9
Noteworthy: The Vulcans are coming off a stinging 23-17 loss to Saginaw Valley State in the season-opener last Thursday. The game marked the start of Josh Portis at quarterback for the Vulcans. Portis, cousing of Washington Redskins running back Clinton Portis, completed 14 of 31 passes for 140 yards. He was intercepted twice on deflections. ... Cal running back Windell Brown injured his ankle in the first quarter against Saginaw Valley and is not expected to play against Bloomsburg. But he is expected back for the Sept. 12 game at West Chester. Freddie Bacco will start and Dane Conwell will spell Bacco in the backfield. ... Cal's first three non-conference opponents - Saginaw Valley, Bloomsburg and West Chester - are ranked in the AFCA Top 25 poll. Cal is 18th, Saginaw Valley is 24th, Bloomsburg is sixth and West Chester 14... California defensive nose tackle Sam Fikaris started his 28th straight game since winning the position as a freshman. He had a career-best 10 tackles against Saginaw Valley. ... Counting last season's loss to Minnesota-Duluth in the NCAA Division II national semifinals, Cal has lost two straight games for the first time since October of 2004.