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Water polo heads west for first-ever national tourney

The Middlebury women's water polo team will travel to Oregon this weekend to compete in the National Collegiate Club Championships at Mt. Hood Community College. At the championships, Middlebury will compete with schools from across the nation.

The team earned the berth in the tournament by virtue of their victory at the New England Division Championship. After besting Yale University's 'A' and 'B' squads, Middlebury smothered Williams College 9-3 to reach the finals.

There, they faced traditional New England power Dartmouth, whom they had already beaten once earlier in the year. The Panthers squeaked by the Big Green 5-4 to send the team to their first ever national tournament.

Middlebury opens play Friday, May 2 against Boston College. The winner will proceed to the winner's bracket, guaranteeing no worse than an eighth-place finish.
- Peter Baumann, Assistant Sports Editor


Ruggers take one against UVM, fall to Wellesley

The women's rugby team headed to Burlington on April 26 to take part in the annual Ruggers Against Rape Tournament, which is held in support of the Burlington Women's Rape Crisis Center.

The team opened up the day by facing off against the University of Vermont (UVM), which had beaten the Panthers last year. Middlebury emerged victorious from the game, claiming an 11-0 win. Dana Isaac '08 and Emily Coles '09 scored the tries for the Panthers, but the game was more of a testament to the offense's combined efforts.

"The first game was an especially strong game for the forward pack, who's scrums really helped us solidify the win against UVM," said co-captain Liza Murray '08.

The Panthers only had 10 minutes to rest before taking on Wellesley in the second game of the tournament. This time, Middlebury could not get on the scoreboard, falling 5-0 to Wellesley. Despite the setback, Murray was impressed by the Panthers' tough defense against Wellesley's talented forwards.

"The highlight of this game was our strong defensive line, warding off Wellesley's strong offense," said Murray.
-Zamir Ahmed, Managing Editor


Enns honored as NESCAC POTW after stellar week

The Middlebury men's baseball team's Erich Enns '10 was named the NESCAC Player of the Week on April 28, becoming the second Panther to earn the award this season.

The outfielder went on a tear at the plate during Middlebury's five games this past week, going 9-for-18 with 14 RBIs to help guide the team to a 3-2 record in its past five games. Enns set single-game school records in home runs and RBIs during the week, belting three homers and knocking in eight runs during the Panthers' 22-7 win over Hamilton on April 26. Enns finished the game by going 5-for-6, coming within one hit of tying the single-game school record for hits.

Enns, who also scored nine runs and stole three bases over the five games, is batting .309 for the season and is second on the team in RBIs and slugging percentage. He is tied for the team lead with 19 walks and leads the Panthers in steals with nine stolen bases in 11 attempts.

The Panthers, who have a record of 13-14 on the year and a 4-8 conference mark, finish up their season this upcoming weekend. They visit Bates on May 2 before traveling to Bowdoin for a doubleheader on May 3.
-Zamir Ahmed, Managing Editor