Hofstra Men's Lacrosse Has High Hopes For 5th Straight NCAA Appearance and More Next Year

Hofstra men’s lacrosse head coach Seth Tierney will be taking in the Final Four in Baltimore Saturday and after guiding the Pride to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances he hopes to soon to be coaching on Memorial Day weekend. 

This season Tierney became the first Hofstra men’s lacrosse coach to lead the program to the NCAAs four straight years. Like the previous three attempts Hofstra, fell in the first round to a tough opponent on the road and Tierney is hopeful that going forward the Pride can continue its tourney streak and position themselves with a better opening draw perhaps in the comforts of Shuart Stadium. 

“With one milestone becomes another goal that we would like to start to reach but one thing that has been a little bit difficult at times is the draw when we get in the tournament,” said Tierney. “Part of the formula to see if you can get to the next round is to get the highest possible seed going into the tournament itself.”

Hofstra’s four straight opening round tournament loss this year was a 12-5 setback at Johns Hopkins on May 14. The previous three NCAA Tournament losses were on the road to Maryland, Cornell and Johns Hopkins, all storied programs. 

Coaches Laud Hofstra For Operations of NCAA Men's Lacrosse Quarterfinals

 Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications

 ShuartStadium was packed for the 2011 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Quarterfinals.

Hofstra’s Shuart Stadium was showcased before a national audience Saturday during ESPN2’s coverage of the NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Quarterfinals and the coaches involved raved about the atmosphere and how well the event was run.

The quarterfinal doubleheader, which featured Virginia defeating Cornell and Denver topping Johns Hopkins, drew a Shuart Stadium record 13,447 fans. The previous record was 12,292 in the 1999 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Quarterfinals when Johns Hopkins topped Hofstra and Georgetown downed Loyola.

Saturday was Denver head coach Bill Tierney’s sixth appearance at Hofstra in the quarterfinals going back to his days when he coached at Princeton.

“I’ve run [quarterfinals] at Princeton, I’ve been to them all over the country, when you come here you are treated special,” said Tierney, who had previously appeared with Princeton at Hofstra for the quarterfinals in 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002 and 2009. “The people at Hofstra are unbelievable.”

Plenty of Optimism for Another Successful Lacrosse Quarterfinals at Hofstra

 Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications

Shuart Stadium during the 2009 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Quarterfinals.

While there is disappointment that Hofstra will not be taking part in this Saturday’s NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Quarterfinals at Shuart Stadium after dropping its first round game at third-seeded Johns Hopkins, there is still great optimism for the event and the exposure it will bring the university. 

“We certainly wanted to play in it but once that wasn’t the case we  continued to put every effort into making sure it is a great event,” said Hofstra Director of Athletics Jack Hayes. “We want to get it back as often as we can so we have done everything we can to promote it and we certainly have quality teams coming in with two great matchups.”

Both games of Saturday’s quarterfinal doubleheader featuring Cornell against Virginia and Johns Hopkins versus Denver will be televised nationally on ESPN2. As of the end of Thursday nearly 10,000 tickets had been sold and Hayes is hopeful that attendance will exceed two years ago when 11,259 packed Shuart Stadium to see a quarterfinal doubleheader featuring Syracuse against Maryland and Cornell versus Princeton.

Hofstra Softball's NCAA Chances Slim After Dropping CAA Championship to Georgia State

The Hofstra softball team entered this afternoon’s Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Tournament finals needing only one win over Georgia State to clinch its eighth trip to the NCAAs in nine years. Unfortunately for the Pride the CAA title hopes came crashing down with two close defeats to the Bulldogs and now their 2011 season is more than likely over as well.

Despite being 40-13, Hofstra head coach Bill Edwards said following the Pride’s 2-0 CAA title game loss to Georgia State that they likely don’t have the resume to receive an NCAA at-large bid due to not picking up enough quality non-conference wins. Hofstra entered the CAA Tournament ranked 54 in the RPI.

“I’d be very shocked,” said Coach Edwards of his team’s at-large chances following the CAA title game loss where Georgia State scored two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to earn the league's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. “We had some games early that we had to win that we very competitive in but didn’t win.”

Hofstra Men's Lacrosse Looks To Make History at Johns Hopkins

For the Hofstra men’s lacrosse team to reach its first Final Four in program history the Pride will need to start by doing something it has never done before; win at Homewood Field.

After a stressful few days following Hofstra’s 10-9 Colonial Athletic Association semifinal loss to Delaware last Wednesday finding out if they would receive an at-large bid to the 16-team NCAA Tournament, the Pride (13-2) drew third-seed Johns Hopkins when the selections were announced Sunday night. Hofstra has had some recent success with Johns Hopkins winning three of its last six meetings but has never won at the Blue Jays' home field in Baltimore. One of those losses at Johns Hopkins was a 10-4 setback in the first round of the 2008 NCAA Tournament when key Hofstra seniors such as Jay Card, Mike Skudin and Steven DeNapoli were freshmen.

“It’s less about the field and more about the tradition and what Hopkins has done in the past,” said Hofstra men’s lacrosse head coach Seth Tierney of the challenge opposing teams face at Homewood Field. “They have a lot of great traditions there.”

A Signature Win For Hofstra Baseball

The Hofstra baseball team’s 5-0 upset of 14th-ranked Miami Sunday was a signature win for the program and one that head coach Patrick Anderson expects to carry some confidence into next season.

Hofstra’s shutout of the Hurricanes, a program that has captured four national titles, represented the highest ranked opponent the Pride had ever beaten, eclipsing a victory over 15th-ranked Old Dominion on April 7, 2006. Anderson, who has been Hofstra’s head baseball coach since 2009 and served as an assistant in Hempstead from 1998 to 2001, said the only other win he has experienced with the program that compares to the Miami triumph was a victory at Virginia Tech on April 8, 1999.

Hofstra Men's Lacrosse Has NCAA Fate Out Of Its Hands

After falling to Delaware 10-9 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) semifinals Wednesday evening, the Hofstra men’ lacrosse team has left its NCAA Tournament hopes in the hands of others and will be crossing fingers for results in some key games this weekend to break their way leading into Selection Sunday.

Despite being 13-2, the Pride will be on the bubble in its bid to be apart of the NCAA Tournament for the fourth straight year. On the positive side Hofstra is ranked 12th in the current RPI rankings compiled by laxpower.com, ahead of potential competing bubble teams such as North Carolina (13), Penn (14) and Loyola (15). Hofstra also currently has four wins over the RPI top 20 including UMass (16), Colgate  (17), Princeton (18) and Penn State (20), according to laxpower. However one negative that could hurt Hofstra’s chances is having being rated 38th in  strength of schedule, which one of the criteria the Selection Committee uses when determining who receives bids.

Hofstra men's lacrosse vs. Delaware in-game blog

The eighth-ranked Hofstra men’s lacrosse team will try and move a step closer to a Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) title when it battles Delaware in the conference semifinals Wednesday evening.

Hofstra (13-1) suffered its only loss of the regular season at Delaware on March 19 7-6. The Pride are coming off a 9-4 win over Penn State Saturday night that clinched the top seed in the CAA Tournament. If Hofstra wins Wednesday it will host the winner of the other CAA semifinal between Penn State and UMass on Saturday.

Hofstra is looking for its first CAA title since 2008 when the Pride rallied from a two-goal deficit in the final two minutes to beat Drexel in double overtime. Delaware is the defending CAA champions as the Blue Hens upset top-seeded Towson 12-9 in last year’s league title game.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of Hofstra’s quest to reach the CAA title game 15 minutes before faceoff Wednesay at 6:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Future Looks Bright for Hofstra Women's Lacrosse

After finishing an overall disappointing 2011 season on a positive note with a come-from-behind 9-8 win over Drexel Thursday afternoon, Hofstra women’s lacrosse head coach Abby Morgan expressed optimism for 2012.

A major reason for Morgan’s positive outlook is the solid production of many of her younger players late in the season. During the win over Drexel in which Hofstra rallied from a 8-5 deficit to score the final four goals, 11 of the Pride’s 13 points came from freshmen and sophomores. The win over Drexel ended Hofstra’s season at 6-10 overall and 2-5 in the Colonial Athletic Association.

“Obviously we would have loved to have seen a couple more wins on the board but the future is bright for our program in these young players,” said Morgan. "I think we have a lot to look forward to."

Hofstra men's lacrosse vs. Penn State in-game blog

The eighth-ranked Hofstra men’s lacrosse team closes its 2011 regular season with a Saturday night home game against Penn State that could go a long way toward deciding the Pride’s postseason fate.

Hofstra (12-1) and 20th-ranked Penn State (7-5) enter Saturday’s regular season finale tied for second place in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) at 4-1. The winner of Saturday’s game will earn the number one seed and have home field advantage during the upcoming CAA Tournament. The Penn State game is also critical for Hofstra’s at-large NCAA Tournament chances as the Pride enter the weekend ranked 10th in the NCAA RPI.

Hofstra is riding a seven-game winning streak including a convincing 14-5 win over arch-rival UMass last Saturday in the ESPNU Warrior Classic at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn. Penn State arrives at Shuart Stadium following an impressive 13-3 win at Delaware last Saturday. In last year’s meeting between Hofstra and Penn State the Nittany Lions rallies from a 7-2 deficit to post an 11-10 overtime win.

Saturday’s Hofstra-Penn State will be Senior Night. The Pride nine seniors who will be honored before the game include Stephen Bentz, Jay Card, Steven DeNapoli, Tim Holman, Jamie Lincoln, Adam Mojica, Steve Serling and Mike Skudin.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-Penn State game 15 minutes before faceoff Saturday at 6:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra women's lacrosse vs. Drexel in-game blog

The Hofstra women’s lacrosse team will look to end the 2011 season on a high note when the Pride battles Drexel in the season finale Thursday afternoon at Shuart Stadium.

In addition to trying to head into the offseason with smiles on their faces, the Pride will also be looking to spoil Drexel’s Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) playoff aspirations. The Dragons (9-6, 3-3 in CAA) are still alive in the hunt to receive one of the conference’s four playoff spots and are coming off a 9-3 win over George Mason this past Sunday. Hofstra (5-10, 1-5 in CAA) nearly pulled off an upset of 12th ranked James Mason on Saturday before falling 9-8.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra women’s lacrosse team’s final 2011 game 15 minutes before the opening draw Thursday at 3:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra Softball Fielding Among Tops In the Nation

Hofstra softball head coach Bill Edwards always places a major emphasis on defense during pre-season practices and that sharp focus on the fundamentals of fielding is paying off to near perfection.

According to the latest NCAA statistics, Hofstra (31-10) is tied with Texas for first in the nation with a .984 fielding percentage. For the season Hofstra has only made 19 errors. Last year Hofstra was also tops in the country for fielding percentage before making two errors in a season-ending NCAA Tournament extra-inning loss to Arizona.

Edwards attributes the Pride’s fielding success to a combination of hard work and having a “constant repetition of fundamentals.” In addition concentrating heavily to the physical aspect of fielding, Edwards also institutes a system that enables each player to constantly be prepared mentally during each at bat of how to position themselves for a variety of situations.

Hofstra women's lacrosse vs. James Madison in-game blog

The Hofstra women’s lacrosse team will look to knock off the Colonial Athletic Association’s (CAA) leading team when it hosts 12th-ranked James Madison on Sunday afternoon.

Hofstra (5-9, 1-4 in CAA) snapped a four-game losing streak to start league play Friday night with a 16-7 win over George Mason. James Madison (11-3, 5-1 in CAA) is coming off a dramatic 9-8 win at Drexel in which Casey Ancarrow scored the winning goal with just seven seconds remaining. The Dukes are coached by Shelley Klaes-Bawcombe, who was the head coach at Hofstra from 2002-2006.

Sunday’s game against James Madison will Senior Day. The six Pride seniors who will be honored before the game are Alexandra Hannon, Maddie Hannon, Katie Hertsch, Bettina Mianulli, Stephanie Rice and Jennalee Trombley.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-James Madison game 15 minutes before the opening draw Sunday at 12:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra men's lacrosse vs. UMass in-game blog

The eighth-ranked Hofstra men’s lacrosse team faces a critical test in its quest to make the NCAA Tournament for a fourth straight year when it faces 15th-ranked UMass Saturday as part of the ESPNU Warrior Classic at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn.

Hofstra (11-1) and UMass (8-3) are in a three way tie for second place in the Colonial Athletic Association at 3-1 and the winner of Saturday’s game will take a key step toward potentially having at least one home game in next month’s conference tournament. A victory over the Minutemen would also keep very much alive Hofstra’s chances at receiving an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament should the Pride not capture the CAA’s automatic qualifier.

Hofstra and UMass have had an intense rivalry over the years with the Minutemen leading the all-time series 19-16. The most important game in the series that dates back to 1974 was UMass handing Hofstra a heartbreaking 11-10 overtime defeat in the 2006 NCAA Quarterfinals with the Minutemen rallying from a five goal deficit in the final eight minutes.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-UMass game 15 minutes before faceoff Saturday at 2:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

A Q & A With ESPN Lacrosse analyst Quint Kessenich on upcoming Hofstra-UMass men's lacrosse game

The eighth-ranked Hofstra men’s lacrosse team has a crucial game against 15th-ranked UMass (8-3) Saturday at 3 p.m. in the ESPNU Warrior Classic at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Conn. that could decide he Pride’s postseason fate. ESPN lacrosse analyst Quint Kessenich, who will be providing color commentary for the game on ESPNU, spent some time with “Inside the Pride” to break down what to expect in this key Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) matchup and what it will mean in the bigger picture as the Pride (11-1) aim for its fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance. Kessenich was a standout goalie at Johns Hopkins University in the late 80’s and was a teammate of Hofstra men’s lacrosse head coach Seth Tierney while playing for the Blue Jays.

Inside the Pride: With Rentschler Field being so close to the UMass campus do you expect Hofstra to be facing a hostile environment Saturday?

Quint Kessenich: Not really. What I find in these big stadiums is because they are so big it tends to kind of mute out the fans who are there. It makes 5,000 fans look small and it’s just not as overwhelming as when you are on a campus and there is maybe 2,000 fans there but it feels like you are at a college basketball game.

Inside the Pride: What stands out to you when looking at this Hofstra-UMass matchup?

Quint Kessenich: Faceoffs are big because both teams are really good in that department….. UMass is a terrific team with faceoffs and groundballs. They generate a lot of shots but if you look at their shooting percentage in their three losses that’s where they lost. They shot the ball horrifically. They have a pretty low shooting percentage in comparison to Hofstra. When I look at Hofstra I see a team that has great numbers across the board, good shooting percentage, good special teams, excellent goals against average, high faceoff percentage. I don’t know how much of that comes from playing against some lesser-tiered schools.

Hofstra women's lacrosse vs. George Mason in-game blog

The Hofstra women’s lacrosse team will be looking for it first Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) win Friday night at home against George Mason.

Hofstra (4-9, 0-4 in CAA) is coming off a tough 6-4 loss at Old Dominion Sunday that likely ended any hopes of the Pride reaching the four-team conference playoffs next month. Friday night’s game against George Mason is the first of three straight home games Hofstra has to close the season. George Mason enters Shuart Stadium also looking for its first CAA victory at 0-5 in the conference and 3-12 overall.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-George Mason game 15 minutes before the opening draw Friday at 6:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Steven DeNapoli Honored To Play Senior Season For Nick Colleluori

Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications 

The determination displayed by Steven DeNapoli throughout his Pride men’s lacrosse career earned him a jersey number for his senior season that gives him a constant reminder of someone who showed major relentlessness in and out of his Hofstra uniform.

DeNapoli wore number 7 for the first three years of his Pride career and was honored when this past summer he was asked by the Hofstra coaching staff to change to number 27 for his senior year. Twenty seven was the number worn by former Hofstra men’s lacrosse defenseman Nick Colleluori, whose life was cut short at the young age of 21 when he died after a courageous 14-month battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma on Nov. 28, 2006.

Hofstra Women's Lacrosse Finds Itself in Unfamiliar Territory

After dropping two tough Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) games to Delaware and Towson this past weekend to open the conference slate, the Hofstra women’s lacrosse team finds itself in some unchartered waters and will need to dig deep in order to be apart of postseason play come May.

Not since Hofstra’s first season of CAA play in 2002 have the Pride began conference play 0-2. In that year Hofstra actually began 0-3 in the conference but still managed to qualify for the then six-team CAA Tournament, where it fell to James Madison 13-4 in the quarterfinals. The CAA women’s lacrosse tournament now only consists of four teams however and at 0-2 the Pride will have very little room for error in its final five conference games.

David D'Errico Shining as Hofstra Baseball's Number One Starter

 Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications

With his first season of collegiate baseball under his belt as well as a summer competing in the Western Major Baseball League in Canada, Hofstra sophomore pitcher David D'Errico has been riding high with confidence in 2011 in his second year as the ace of the Pride pitching staff.

In his first five Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) starts this year D'Errico has allowed only five earned runs with Hofstra going 4-1 in those key conference games. Thanks in large part to D'Errico Hofstra is very much alive midway through the CAA season to reach the four-team conference tournament in May.

“One year of experience pitching in college and a whole season of summer ball gives you a lot more confidence,” said D'Errico of the extra comfort level he feels in his second season taking the mound for the Pride. “I definitely feel a lot more comfortable this year than last year.”

Hofstra baseball head coach Patrick Anderson has also noticed a difference in D'Errico command as a sophomore going all the way back to the fall season. “He’s been more consistent in the strike zone and is just feeling confident about himself,” said Anderson. “He believes in his stuff and he believes in the guys behind him.”

D'Errico arrived at Hofstra after a distinguished baseball career at North Kingstown High School in Rhode Island where he was a First team All-Rhode Island selection as a junior and senior. He got thrown into the fire right away as a freshman at Hofstra becoming the Pride’s number one starter during the CAA schedule and earned a key win at Northeastern where he allowed just two runs in eight innings of work.

D’Errico arrived on Long Island with some familiarity thanks to his high school baseball and football teammate and “best friend” Cody Normand also deciding to select Hofstra for his collegiate career on the diamond. “Cody has actually been my best friend since like fourth grade so it was so ironic that we ended up going to the same college,” said D’Errico.

In his eight appearances this season D'Errico has recorded 26 strikeouts and given up only 14 walks. Prior to Friday’s game at Northeastern where he suffered a hard-luck 3-0 loss after giving up just two earned runs in eight innings of work, D'Errico was 3-0 with a 1.82 earned run average in his previous three starts. He tosses his first complete game in a 6-2 Hofstra win at William & Mary on April 1.

“He’s a hard worker and very humble,” said Anderson of D'Errico, who was also a star football player in high school earning Gatorade Rhode Island Football Player of the Year honors his senior season. “He’s a great teammate and the guys love him.”

Hofstra women's lacrosse vs. Towson in-game blog

After a heartbreaking 7-6 loss at Delaware Friday night in its Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) opener, the Hofstra women’s lacrosse team will be looking to even its conference record when it faces Towson in a critical game for both teams on Sunday afternoon at Shuart Stadium.

Sunday’s Hofstra-Towson game will be a rematch of last year’s CAA semifinals where the Pride came away with a 9-8 win. Towson dropped its last CAA game to Drexel 7-5 and is 7-3 on the season and 1-1 in conference play. The game will be crucial for both team’s chances of making the four-team CAA Tournament in May.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-Towson game 15 minutes before the opening draw Sunday at 12:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra men's lacrosse vs. Manhattan College live in-game blog

The seventh-ranked Hofstra men’s lacrosse team is aiming to keep its momentum following a crucial Colonial Athletic Association  (CAA) win at Towson this past Saturday when the Pride battle local opponent Manhattan College Tuesday night.

Since suffering its only loss of the season in its CAA opener at Delaware, Hofstra (8-1) has put together a three-game winning steak with victories over St. John’s, Drexel and Towson. Manhattan (3-8) is coming off a 10-8 win over Jacksonville Saturday.

Last year in the first meeting between the schools, Hofstra crushed the Jaspers 18-2 with attackman Jaime Lincoln leading the Pride with four goals. Just 30 miles separate the two schools.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-Manhattan game 15 minutes before faceoff Tuesday at 6:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra Men's Lacrosse Inspired By Youngest Member of Team

 Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications

In the midst of the Hofstra men’s lacrosse team’s successful 8-1 season, the Pride are finding inspiration from the newest and youngest members of the program.

Hofstra formerly adopted four-year old Dylan Beach as part of the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation (FOJ) prior to its March 26 game against Drexel. Beach battled a brain tumor and is currently in remission. The Pride sticklers decided to get involved with trying to add some joy into his life through the FOJ, an organization based in Quincy, Mass. that matches children in need of love, support and friendship with a college or high school sports team.

“He’s tougher than any guy we’ve got in the locker room,” said Hofstra men’s lacrosse head coach Seth Tierney.

Freshman Attacker Already Stepping Up Big For Hofstra Women's Lacrosse

 Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications

Hofstra freshman woman’s lacrosse attacker Lindsay McKinnon has not been playing like someone who is still adjusting to the collegiate level.

The Fairport, N.Y native, who is only a year removed from earning high school All-American honors, has registered seven points in the Hofstra’s last two victories over Notre Dame and Fairfield to help give the Pride (4-5) momentum heading into Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play. None of McKinnon’s points was any bigger than her free position goal with 7.8 seconds left against the 17th-ranked Fighting Irish that propelled Hofstra to a come-from-behind 9-8 win over a team the Pride had lost three games to by a combined four goals from 2008-2010. McKinnon’s heroics against Notre Dame earned her CAA Rookie of the Week accolades.

Olivia Galati Following Up Stellar Freshman Campaign With More Dominance in Circle

 Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications

After a stellar freshman season that saw her garner Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Rookie of the Year Honors, Hofstra softball pitcher Olivia Galati has certainly not had a sophomore slump and instead has become an even more dominant force in the circle.

Galati earned her third CAA Softball Pitcher of Week honor this past Monday after recording two complete-game victories over Connecticut to help the Pride capture the Hyatt Place Invitational at Hofstra Softball Stadium last weekend. In her last six appearances Galati has been on fire with 56 strikeouts and no walks while helping to lead the Pride to wins over Michigan State, Purdue, Buffalo and Connecticut. Scoring has been hard to come by against Galati all season with the sophomore boasting a 1.36 earned run average (ERA) in 15 appearances on the mound.

Hofstra women's lacrosse vs. Notre Dame in-game blog

After three straight years of close heartbreaking defeats to Notre Dame, the Hofstra women’s lacrosse team will have another chance to finally break through the Fighting Irish hex this Sunday at Noon.

Hofstra (3-5) is seeking its second straight win after defeating Fairfield 15-6 last Saturday. Seventeenth-ranked Notre Dame  (3-4) enters Shuart Stadium  after dropping a tough 6-5 double overtime game to Cornell.  In three games against Notre Dame from 2008-2010, the Pride lost each of them by a combined four goals.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-Notre Dame game 15 minutes before the opening draw Sunday at 11:45 a.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra men's lacrosse vs. Drexel in-game blog

The Hofstra men’s lacrosse team hosts Drexel Saturday afternoon in a critical Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) game for both teams.

Hofstra (6-1, 0-1 in CAA)  will look to even up its conference record after falling at Delaware 7-6 in the league opener last Saturday. Last year Hofstra fell at Drexel in a game that dropped it to 0-2 in the CAA and eventually led to the Pride missing the conference playoffs. Hofstra rebounded from its loss at Delaware with an 8-5 home win over St. John’s Tuesday night.

 Drexel  (5-3, 1-0 in CAA) arrives at Shuart Stadium  winners of four straight including  a 18-5 romp over Lafayette on Tuesday. Early in the season Drexel lost close games to nationally-ranked Virginia, Notre Dame and Villanova., The Dragons boast one of the top goalies in the nation in Mark Manos.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-Drexel game 15 minutes before faceoff Saturday at 12:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra men's lacrosse vs. St. John's in-game blog

The eighth-ranked Hofstra men’s lacrosse team will try and rebound from its first loss of the season this past Saturday against local Big East foe St. John’s Tuesday night.

The Pride (5-1) lost a narrow 7-6 game at Delaware in its Colonial Athletic Association opener. It will be only the second meeting between Hofstra and St. John’s, which are located just 20 miles from each other, since the Red Storm reinstated their program in 2004 and the first at Shuart Stadium. St. John's has lost five in a row since a season-opening 16-7 win at Holy Cross.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-St. John’s game 15 minutes before faceoff Tuesday evening at 6:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Saturday's Hofstra-Columbia Game To Feature Pride Softball Reunion

When the Hofstra softball team takes the field against Columbia Saturday morning for its home opener in the Hyatt Place Invitational, there will be two familiar faces in the opposing dugout.

The Columbia head coach is former Hofstra softball player Kayla Noonan, who was a four-year catcher for the then Flying Dutchwomen in the late 90’s. The Lion’s assistant coach Adrienne Clark is also familiar to Pride fans, as she was a key pitcher for Hofstra during its run to three straight NCAA Tournaments from 2003-2005.

Hofstra women's lacrosse vs. Fairfield in-game blog

The Hofstra women’s lacrosse team will try and get back on the winning track in a home game against Fairfield Saturday afternoon.

Hofstra (2-5) has dropped four in a row including a heartbreaking 10-9 double-overtime loss at Rutgers last Saturday. The Pride have been led offensively by sophomore midfielder Jill Maier with 18 goals. A bright spot on defense has been sophomore goalie Jackie Pandolf, who has 83 saves in the Pride’s first seven games.

Fairfield (5-2) is coming off a come-from-behind 13-12 win at Lehigh in which the Stags rallied from an 11-6 second half deficit. Fairfield also gave 10th-ranked and future Hofstra opponent James Madison quite the scare in a narrow 13-10 loss on March 5.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-Fairfield game 15 minutes before the opening draw Saturday at 11:45 a.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra Softball Battle Tested for Start of Its Home and Conference Schedule

After a challenging first month of the season playing 18 games down south against some of the nation’s top softball programs, Hofstra head coach Bill Edwards said his team is very well prepared for a run at a Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) title and the start of its home schedule this weekend.

In addition to playing many top-notch teams, Hofstra was met with further challenges off the field to start the year including many flights and weather delays. Hofstra (10-8) capped its grueling first month of the season on the road winning four of five games at the Florida Atlantic Invitational over Middle Tennessee State, Michigan State, Purdue and Buffalo. The Pride’s early season non-conference slate also included impressive wins over Virginia and Florida State at the Seminole Kickoff Classic from Feb. 11-13.

“It was an exhausting tournament schedule to start the year off,” said Edwards, whose teams have traditionally opened the beginning of the season in warmer weather before starting the home schedule in late March. “They were very tiring and exhausting trips.”

Hofstra men's lacrosse vs. Air Force live in-game blog

The Hofstra men’s lacrosse team will look to stay high atop the national rankings when it takes the field against Air Force Sunday afternoon.

The fourth-ranked Pride enter Sunday’s game at 4-0 with a chance to match its best start since 1997. Hofstra is coming off two wins against Ivy League opponents Princeton and Harvard.

Hofstra has a 7-0 record against Air Force but the programs have not met since 2000. Air Force lands on Long Island at 1-4 and coming off a 6-4 loss at Fairfield Friday night.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-Air Force men’s lacrosse game 15 minutes before faceoff Sunday at 11:45 a.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

UNC Transfer Ian Braddish Finding Role in Hofstra Lacrosse Offense

 Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications

Four games into his Hofstra lacrosse career after transferring from the University of North Carolina (UNC), midfielder Ian Braddish is starting to find his role in the fourth-ranked Pride’s explosive offense.

Braddish had a breakout game during a 15-9 win against Harvard last Saturday scoring two goals in his only two shots of the contest. The 6’2 185 pound sophomore lefty midfielder said after his performance against Harvard that he feels very comfortable with his new scenery at Hofstra just 22 miles from his West Islip, N.Y. home.

“It has just been great since I got here,” said Braddish, who was a standout player at Long Island power West Islip High School prior to his collegiate career. “Everyone has welcomed me with open arms.”

Hofstra women's lacrosse vs. Penn in-game blog

The Hofstra women’s lacrosse team has a chance for a major signature win Wednesday afternoon when it takes on fourth-ranked Penn.

Last season when Penn was ranked fourth in the nation the Pride gave the Quakers quite the scare in Philadelphia rallying from a 6-1 deficit before falling 6-5. Penn (2-0) enters Shuart Stadium hot to start the season after wins over Drexel and third-ranked North Carolina.

Hofstra (2-2) will try and rebound from a 13-8 loss at Albany Saturday. The Pride have been led offensively this season thus far by senior attacker Stephanie Rice’s 12 points on nine goals and three assists.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of Hofstra’s quest to upset one of the top women’s college programs in the nation 15 minutes before the opening draw Wednesday at 2:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra men's lacrosse vs. Harvard in-game blog

The fifth-ranked Hofstra men’s lacrosse team is off to its first 3-0 start in 14 years and will look to continue the early-season momentum at home against Harvard Saturday afternoon.

Hofstra is coning off a 11-9 win over then eighth-ranked Princeton last Saturday. The Pride had five different goal scorers led by four tallies from senior attackman Jaime Lincoln, who garnered Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Week honors. Harvard (1-0) enters Saturday’s game with Hofstra coming off a 9-7 home win over Canisius last week and is in the receiving votes section of the top 20 rankings.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-Harvard men’s lacrosse game 15 minutes before faceoff Saturday at 12:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

New Hofstra Sports Fan Connection Facebook Page Making Waves

 Credit: Facebook.com

A new Hofstra sports fan facebook page has created an interactive platform for Pride supporters to interact, and less than a half a year into its launch is already making major waves.

The Hofstra Sports Fan Connection facebook page was created in the fall and in a short time has gained more than 700 followers and growing. The page, which was founded in September and started to become active in early November, is designed as a hub for Hofstra sports supporters to share their experiences with friends and other Pride fans. The page’s wall features numerous photos and commentary either provided by the group’s founder Chuck Steveskey or other Hofstra fans.

Hofstra faceoff specialist a major "X factor" to Pride men's lacrosse 3-0 start

Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications

Faceoffs are a crucial part of the sport of lacrosse and the dominance displayed in the X early this season by sophomore John Antoniades is a major reason why Hofstra is off to a 3-0 start and on the cusp of being ranked among the top five teams in the nation.

Antoniades has won 69 percent (31-45) of his face-offs in the Pride’s first three games including going 16-22 during an 11-9 win over eighth-ranked Princeton yesterday afternoon. The 5’9 165 pound sophomore midfielder was especially clutch in the first quarter against Princeton game when he won 8 of 9 faceoffs to keep the Pride in the game after falling behind 5-2.

“John is a warrior,” said Hofstra men’s lacrosse head coach Seth Tierney in the post game press conference following the seventh-ranked Pride's huge victory over Princeton. “He will do whatever it takes to get the ball.”

Antoniades has become a formidable faceoff specialist early in his sophomore campaign despite missing the entire pre-season with an injury. As a freshman last year he was thrust into the spotlight in the Pride’s season opening game at Princeton when senior Mike Vaccaro tore his ACL, and he proceeded to win 55 percent (180-329) in the faceoff X and was second on the team in ground balls with 47. The Hauppauge, N.Y. native won 83 percent of his faceoffs as a senior at St. Anthony’s High School and then spent one year playing at Loomis Chaffee Prep School in Windsor, Conn. before arriving at Hofstra.

Antoniades, who made the Colonial Athletic Association All-Rookie team as a freshman, said the competition he faces everyday in practice from other capable faceoff specialists has made a huge difference in his sophomore progression. Other faceoff specialists Hofstra can deploy in addition to Antoniades include Quinnipiac transfer Zachary Pall, who was 58 percent from the X last year, Cullen Cassidy and Vaccaro.

“We have four or five guys that can all come in everyday, every game and do a great job,” said Antoniades, who was also recruited by Army, Navy and Virginia. “Going at it everyday with all the faceoff guys on the team just really helps me be prepared for games.”

Antoniades will try and continue his hot play to the season this Saturday when Hofstra hosts Harvard with a 1 p.m. first faceoff.

Hofstra men's lacrosse vs. Princeton in-game blog

The seventh-ranked Hofstra men’s lacrosse team will take on eighth-ranked Princeton Saturday in a game that could have major postseason implications come May.

Princeton is the highest pre-season ranked team on the Pride’s schedule and a win over the Tigers Saturday would create a solid resume for Hofstra when NCAA Tournament selections and seedings are determined in May. Hofstra (2-0) enters Saturday’s game coming off wins over Colgate and Sacred Heart. It will be the opening game for Princeton, who returns six starters from last year’s Ivy League title team that fell to Notre Dame in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Hofstra leads the all-time series with Princeton 12-11. In last year’s meeting the Tigers won an offensive shootout 17-14. The last time Hofstra and Princeton met at Shuart Stadium the Pride came away with a 9-7 upset of the then third-ranked Tigers.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra men’s lacrosse team’s quest to earn a key signature win early in the season 15 minutes before faceoff Saturday at 11:15 a.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra women's basketball vs. George Mason in-game blog

No matter what the sport a Hofstra-George Mason game is always intense and on Thursday afternoon the Pride women’s basketball team faces the rival Patriots in a key Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) tilt.

Hofstra (15-11, 7-8 in the CAA) is coming off a heartbreaking 79-77 loss to Old Dominion Sunday. The Pride come into Thursday’s matinee one game ahead of the Patriots (12-14, 6-9 in the CAA) for sixth place in the conference standings. In the team’s first meeting this season in Fairfax, Va., George Mason came away with a 76-70 win on Super Bowl Sunday.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra- George Mason game 15 minutes before tip-off Thursday at 1:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Jackie Pandolf stepping up to the cage as Hofstra women's lacrosse starting goalie

Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications

The healthy competition Hofstra women’s lacrosse goalie Jackie Pandolf faced for playing time last year with senior Mary Cuddidy is paying major dividends so far in 2011 for the junior netminder.

Pandolf stepped up huge for the Pride in Sunday’s dramatic 11-10 overtime win at Oregon with a career high 13 saves including two key stops in the extra session. The Sachem North High School product was also stellar in Hofstra’s season-opening 14-9 loss to 19th-ranked Boston College with 11 saves on 39 shots along with recording a team-high six ground balls.

After sharing playing time last year with Cuddihy, Hofstra women’s lacrosse head coach Abby Morgan was impressed with how Pandolf worked extra hard in the offseason to improve all facets of her play including clears and being a more vocal leader on defense. “Pandolf has fortified herself as a starter,” said Morgan just prior to the start of the 2011 season. “She really solidified her game.”

Last season while Cuddihy started 12 of the Pride’s 15 games, Pandolf still received plenty of time in the cage and posted a 8.26 goals against average with 56 saves. The Holbrook, N.Y. native also received solid preparation for her current starting role as a freshman in 2009 when she recorded 16 saves in 10 games.

Pandolf will try and continue her hot play to open the 2011 season when the Pride next take the field at home against Denver on Friday at 4 p.m.

Hofstra wrestling vs. Army in-match blog

The Hofstra wrestling team hits the mats for the final time at home Tuesday evening against Army.

The Pride enter the Army match winners of nine of 10 including a 33-11 triumph at Princeton on Saturday to improve to 13-4-1 on the season. Army (7-8) is coming off a 24-9 loss to arch rival Navy this past Saturday.

Tuesday’s match against Army is a makeup from a Jan. 26 contest that was postponed because of snow. It will mark the final home match for Hofstra senior grapplers Lou Ruggirello, Ryan Patrovich and Jeff Rotella.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-Rider match 15 minutes before the first bout Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-match blog.

Hofstra women's basketball vs. Old Dominion in-game blog

The Hofstra women’s basketball team kicks off a three-game homestand Sunday afternoon against longtime Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) power Old Dominion.

Old Dominion enters Sunday’s game at 17-8 and 11-3 in the CAA. Hofstra is 15-10 overall and 7-7 in the conference.

There should be a large crowd on hand at the Mack Sports Complex Sunday thanks to the Hofstra-Old Dominion game serving as the Pride’s annual “Pink Zone” contest as well as Girl Scout Day. Everyone in attendance is asked to wear pink to help raise awareness for breast cancer.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-Old Dominion game 15 minutes before tip-off Sunday at 12:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra wrestling vs. Rider in-match blog

The 23rd-ranked Hofstra wrestling team will hit the mats with conference rival Rider Wednesday night in a match that could decide the seedlings for next month’s Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Championships.

Hofstra (11-4-1, 4-1 in CAA) has won seven of eight matches and is coming off a 39-8 win at Harvard this past Saturday. Rider arrives on Long Island at 8-10 and 2-2 in the CAA.

The Hofstra-Rider match will help decide many of the seedlings in the CAA Championships scheduled for March 4 and 5. Six of the 10 weight classes for Wednesday’s match will feature the number one and two ranked wrestlers going head to head. The headliner bout will be at 174 pounds between number one conference-ranked Ryan Patrovich against number two-ranked
Rob Morrison of Rider.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-Rider match 15 minutes before the first bout Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-match blog.

Hofstra women's lacrosse vs. Boston College in-game blog

The 20th-ranked Hofstra women’s lacrosse team opens a challenging 2011 schedule in its season opener late Wednesday afternoon against 19th-ranked Boston College.

Wednesday’s opener with the Eagles is one of 10 games Hofstra has scheduled this season against teams either ranked or receiving votes in the preseason top 20 poll.

The Pride lost six of its top nine scorers, including two-time All-American Corrine Gandolfi, from last year’s team that went 12-6 and fell in the Colonial Athletic Association title game to James Madison. Hofstra still returns plenty of senior talent however on the defensive end led by Kate Hertsch, who was selected to play on the U.S. Senior National Team, and on offense with Stephanie Rice, who scored 23 goals last year. Sophomore midfielder Jill Maier also showed she has the capability to be an offensive force scoring 22 goals during her freshman campaign.

Wednesday’s opener against Boston College will be Hofstra’s first against the Eagles since suffering an 8-7 double overtime loss in 2005. Boston College finished last year 3-12 but is expected to be much stronger in 2011 as evidenced by their preseason ranking of 19.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra women’s lacrosse season opener 15 minutes before the first draw Wednesday at 3:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra men's lacrosse vs. Colgate in-game blog

The ninth-ranked Hofstra men’s lacrosse team opens its 2011 campaign late Tuesday afternoon against Colgate in what will be the earliest start to a season in program history.

The Pride return 31 players, including eight starters, from last year's 9-5 team that reached the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year. Among the returning starters are all three starting attackman in the Canadian duo of Jay Card and Jaime Lincoln along with Stephen Bentz, who all earned All-Colonial Athletic Association accolade in 2010. The Pride also boast a very deep midfield led by graduate student Steve Serling, who comes to Hofstra after a standout career at Lafayette College where he was Patriot League's Offensive Player of the Year last season. Hofstra also boasts a veteran defensive unit led by senior captains Steven DeNapoli and Mike Skudin that should provide plenty of support for junior goalie Andrew Gvozden.

Colgate, which is coming off a 3-10 season last year, was picked to finish fourth in the Patriot League behind Army, Navy and Bucknell. Tuesday's matinee against the Red Raiders will be just the third overall between Hofstra and Colgate and the first in 50 years.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra men’s lacrosse season opener 15 minutes before faceoff Tuesday at 3:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra women's lacrosse uses last year's disappointment as fuel for 2011 season

 Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications

As the Hofstra women’s lacrosse teams gears up for a new season, last year's disappointment of several close losses to ranked teams that all made the NCAA Tournament, which the Pride missed out on, still lingers and is serving as a key motivator for the 2011 campaign.

The 2010 NCAA Tournament bracket is plastered on the Pride’a locker room as a reminder of the team’s ultimate goal. Circled on the paper are all the tournament teams Hofstra lost close games to including (Penn, Notre Dame, Stanford and Towson). Hofstra finished 2010 12-6 with a 10-6 loss to James Madison in the Colonial Athletic Association title game and head coach Abby Morgan believes a win in any of the Pride’ many heart-breaking losses to ranked teams could have made the difference in her team reaching the NCAA Tournament as an at-large selection.

“They don’t forget it,” said Morgan, whose team returns four starters and is ranked 20th to open the season “We talk about it giving us fuel.”

Hofstra will have plenty of opportunities register signature wins against quality teams starting with this Wednesday’s opener against 19th ranked Boston College. In all Hofstra has 10 games scheduled against teams either ranked or receiving votes in the preseason top 20 poll including home contests versus Notre Dame, Penn, James Madison and Towson. 

Shemiye McLendon has clutch touch for Hofstra men's basketball

 Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications

Hofstra men’s basketball freshman guard Shemiye McLendon has turned into quite the clutch player early in his collegiate career.

The Vero Beach, Fla. native played a crucial role in Saturday’s 78-75 comeback win over Northeastern in which the Pride scored the game’s final 10 points. McLendon calmly hit two free throws to put Hofstra up 76-76 with 1:56 left. The Vero Beach Academy graduate then helped the Pride seal the huge Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) victory when he connected on two additional free throws with six seconds left to give the Pride a 78-75 lead.

McLendon's clutch performance at the end of the Northeastern game was the fourth time he had knocked down pivotal free throws down the stretch to help the Pride win key conference games. In a 75-69 win at Drexel on Jan. 3 McLendon hit two free throws with 1:55 left to gave the Pride the lead to stay and on Jan. 22 the freshman guard connected on two foul shots with less than two seconds left to put Hofstra ahead by three in a victory at William & Mary on Jan. 22. On Jan. 24 in a dramatic 92-90 overtime win against James Madison, McLendon sank two foul shots with 17.2 seconds remaining in regulation to send the game to the extra session.

Hofstra men's basketball vs. Northeastern in-game blog

The Hofstra men’s basketball team will look to snap a three-game losing streak in a pivotal Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) game against Notheastern.

Despite dropping its last three games, Hofstra (14-9, 8-4 in CAA) is still very much in the mix to finish in the top four in the league in order to receive a crucial first round bye in the conference tournament next month. The Pride enter Saturday’s game in fourth place in the CAA one game up on James Madison and Drexel. Northeastern began the season 4-15 but has won four in a row including a shocking upset over first place Virginia Commonwealth on Thursday.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-Northeastern game 15 minutes before tip-off Saturday at 3:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-match blog.

Hofstra wrestling vs. Cornell in-match blog

The Hofstra wresting team will have the rare chance to knock off the number one team in the nation when it hits the mats with top-ranked Cornell Saturday afternoon in the Physical Education Building.

Saturday’s match against number-one ranked Cornell (7-1) will be the Hofstra’s first against the nation’s top team since November of 2006 when the Pride knocked off number-one ranked Minnesota at the Northeast Duals. Hofstra (9-3-1, 4-1 in Colonial Athletic Association) comes into Saturday’s bout winners of five dual matches in a row and has six wrestlers in the nation’s top 25 led by fourth ranked Lou Ruggirello at 133 pounds.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra’s attempt to knock off its second top-ranked team in program history 15 minutes before the first match Saturday at 12:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-match blog.

Hofstra men's lacrosse gearing up for Spring success in height of winter

In the two weeks since the Hofstra men’s lacrosse team began preseason practice on Jan. 20, the Shuart Stadium turf has been ice cold amidst the frigid winter temperatures that have hit the northeast. The Pride are hard at work preparing for the 2011 season that head coach Seth Tierney hopes will see Hofstra playing in a much warmer climate on May 21 at Shuart Stadium in the NCAA Quarterfinals.

While the long term goal is to see Hofstra men’s lacrosse playing in front of the home fans for a chance to reach the program’s first Final Four, Coach Tierney is not looking that far ahead as his team gears up for the 2011 season in the height of winter. “What takes place in April and May are way back of the burner of the stove deep in the kitchen,” said Tierney. “We can’t just say we want to play in the quarterfinal game. We would sign up for that right now if that was the case but you’ve got to go out and you’ve got to earn it.”

Jenkins credits man he broke for scoring mark to guiding his career

 Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications

In Saturday's 65-60 loss to Drexel Charles Jenkins became the all-time leading scorer in Hofstra men's basketball history and senior guard credits the man he passed for this milestone Antoine Agudio for helping to guide his heralded Pride career.

"He took me under his wing when I first got here," said Jenkins of Agudio, who he played with as a freshman during the 2007/08 season. "It means a lot me just to be mentioned in the same breath as him because I remember how much buzz he had when he was here."

After red-shirting during the 2006/07 season Jenkins began his Hofstra career the next year and saw Agudio break the 43-year old program scoring record that had been held by Steve Nisenson. The one year Jenkins and Aguido were teammates Hofstra endured a disappointing 12-18 season after having made three straight trips to the NIT, but three years later the Pride are in prime position to finish in the top four in the Colonial Athletic Association and make a run at a conference title. As much of an accomplishment as breaking the Hofstra scoring mark is Jenkins is only concerned with winning and getting the Pride to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in a decade.

"The season is what is most important to me," said Jenkins. "When I leave Hofstra and I come back then this record will mean a lot to me but right now I've just got to worry about winning."

Hofstra women's basketball vs. Delaware in-game blog

The Hofstra women’s basketball team will try to get back on the winning track against Delaware on Sunday afternoon at the Mack Spots Complex.

The Pride (11-8, 3-5 in Colonial Athletic Association), enter Sunday’s matinee with the Blue Hens on a two-game losing streak including a 65-42 defeat at UNC Wilmington Thursday. Delaware (11-8, 4-4 in CAA) is coming off a 52-48 home loss to George Mason on Thursday evening. The Blue Hens feature All-American Elena Delle Donne, who last played on Dec.19 against Penn State, but is expected to return to action on Sunday versus the Pride.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-Delaware game starting 15 minutes before tip-off Sunday at 1:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra men's basketball vs. Drexel in-game blog

History is poised to be made during Saturday’s Hofstra-Drexel men’s basketball game at the Mack Sports Complex with Pride senior guard Charles Jenkins just 16 points away from becoming the program’s all-time scoring leader.

Jenkins enters Saturday’s game with 2,261 career points, the highest total for any active player in the nation. Jenkins is set to break the Hofstra record currently held by his former Pride teammate Antoine Agudio, who played from 2004-08.

The Hofstra-Drexel game is of crucial significance in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Hofstra (14-7, 8-2 ) enter the game coming off an 82-67 loss at Virginia Commonwealth Thursday that dropped the Pride a game behind the Rams for first place in the conference standings. Drexel (13-7, 5-5 in CAA) enters the Mack Sports Complex coming off a 60-52 loss to James Madison Wednesday.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-Drexel game starting 15 minutes before tip-off Saturday at 3:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra men's basketball vs. James Madison in-game blog

The Hofstra men’s basketball team will look to keep its hold on first place in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) on Monday night at home against James Madison.

Hofstra (13-6, 7-1 in the CAA) enters Monday’s game coming off a hard-fought 67-64 road win at William & Mary Saturday and are tied with Virginia Commonwealth atop the CAA standings. James Madison (15-5,. 5-3 in the CAA) is coming off two straight losses including a defeat to George Mason on Saturday.

James Madison will present quite the challenge for Hofstra in the paint with its 6’10 offensive force Denzel Bowles coming into Monday averaging 17.3 points per game and 9.3 rebounds per game. As a team James Madison is averaging 73 points per game and is shooting 46.5 percent from the floor.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of this crucial CAA game starting 15 minutes before tip-off Monday at 6:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra men's basketball vs. UNC Wilmington in-game blog

The Hofstra men's basketball team will try and rebound from its first Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) loss to Old Dominion this past Saturday and stay atop the conference standings in a home game against UNC Wilmington on Wednesday night.

Hofstra enters the UNC Wilmington game at 5-1 in the CAA and in a three-way tie for first place with James Madison and Virginia Commonwealth. UNC Wilmington enters play Wednesday 9-8 overall and 3-3 in the CAA.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of the Hofstra-UNC Wilmington game 15 minutes before tip-off Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Annie Payton emerging as key contributor for Hofstra women's basketball

 Courtesy Hofstra Athletic Communications

A bright spot during the Hofstra women’s basketball team’s heartbreaking 70-66 loss to UNC Wilmington Sunday was the continued emergence of freshman guard Annie Payton.

The Camden, N.J. native scored 13 points on 5-10 shooting in just 21 minutes of action. Payton also showed her ability to hit from beyond the arc going 3-5 from three-point range. Payton’s performance against UNC Wilmington came on the heels of scoring 15 points in a 71-66 loss at Delaware on Jan. 2 and registering 13 points in a 65-63 defeat to Cincinnati on Dec. 30 in the Maggie Dixon Surf 'N Slam Classic.

Hofstra women's basketball vs. UNC-Wilmington in-game blog

The Hofstra women's basketball team will try and move above .500 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) when it takes on UNC-Wilmington on Sunday at Noon.

Hofstra (10-5, 2-2 in CAA) is coming off a 77-63 win over Northeastern on Thursday afternoon. The Pride's offense has been in high gear scoring 65 points or more all but once this season so far.

UNC-Wilmington (11-4, 3-1 in CAA) arrives on Long Island coming off a 67-51 triumph at George Mason Thursday. The Seahawks are guided by first-year coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, a former WNBA MVP who will be inducted into the James Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. on Aug. 13.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of this key CAA tilt for Hofstra starting 15 minutes before tip-off Sunday at 11:45 a.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.

Hofstra men's basketball vs. Old Dominion in-game blog

The first place Hofstra men's basketball team has a huge opportunity Saturday before its home fans to put some distance between itself and the defending Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) champions and pre-season conference favorites Old Dominion.

Hofstra (11-5, 5-0 in CAA) has a two game edge on Old Dominion (12-4, 3-2 in CAA) in the conference standings and is looking for its first ever 6-0 start to conference play. A major reason for Hofstra's hot start to conference play is the play of guards Charles Jenkins and Mike Moore, who combined for 40 points in a 74-60 win at Towson on Wednesday.

Old Dominion is arriving on Long Island hungry after a 62-57 loss at Drexel on Thursday. The Monarchs are a veteran-laiden team with its top six scorers comprised of four seniors and two juniors. Leading the balanced scoring effort is senior forward Frank Hassell with 12.6 points per game.

Check in with "Inside the Pride" for live updates of Hofstra's quest to take a three game lead on Old Dominion in the CAA standings 15 minutes before tip-off Saturday at 3:45 p.m. Comments and questions are also welcome and encouraged during the live in-game blog.