Yo Huskies!
Butler bulldogs
@MYOS1634 Butler really have underwhelmed so far. It would be a huge failure if they don’t beat Monmouth, in all honesty.
Well, there’s gotta be a limit somewhere. Unless their players have broken noses and twisted ankles, I don’t see how Monmouth could beat Butler in the LBad96Cup.
@MYOS1634 right? I’m still struggling to see how Monmouth even LED Northeastern at halftime!
Northeastern obviously saved their energy for better games and their players wanted to have a little fun, not crush them. I mean, what’s to watch when it’s 100-6?
@MYOS1634 true, although they did have to put on a late show to advance with a game to spare.
You managed to get your name changed to LBad finally!!! congrats…
@1203southview Thanks! 
My primary purpose for coming on CC now that my own kid’s college plans are finalized is to learn @LBad96’s final decision. Oh, I mean, winner of the LBad Cup. I checked Vegas, which has UNC-Wilmington at 2-1 with Quinnipiac at 3-1; but in London, which is more familiar with betting on LBad’s version of ‘football/college picking,’ Quinnipiac is 2-1 with UNC-Wilmington at 5-2. The Field is 5-1 in both betting locales. Will LBad96 keep us waiting until May 1?
@brucemag haha, well thank you for your eagerness in learning my final decision! I’m quite a bit behind and haven’t even posted the final group games, but I’ll try to get to them today. I unfortunately had to cancel my reservations for Seahawk Preview Day, which is tomorrow. Once again, we couldn’t be able to make it. This means that whatever school I end up choosing, I’ll have to commit without visiting. However, there is always orientation.
I am sorry you had to cancel Seahawk Preview Day.
I’m still rooting for UNC-W, because I think it’d be a great fit for you 
I’ve been skimming through your post in here (though 16 pages proved too long for me to read), and I just wanted to wish your luck on your decision! I was hoping to hear what you thought of Seahawk Preview Day and your thoughts about UNCW. I’m a student here, and I’d love to see someone else become a Seahawk!
@SandyScrubs, would you be willing to answer questions?
if so, my first three would be:
1° What were your choices and why did you pick UNC W?
2° What do you do on Wednesday after class (or students in general…)?
3° What are the worst things about UNCW? Does anything “make up for it”?
I wouldn’t mind at all! Ask away - I joined the site because I wish there had been people from UNCW on here answering questions when I was applying.
- I knew I was limited to in-state due to financial restrictions. I could have gone out of state if I really loved the school, but I didn’t want to put my parents in that situation, and I didn’t want to have to take out loans. I was also limited because I knew I wanted nursing. So I could apply to App, UNCC, UNCG, ECU, UNC, or UNC -W. I never wanted to go to UNCC or UNCG, App just didn’t seem like the right atmosphere for me. I’m not a party-er, so I didn’t think I would like it there, even with a great nursing program. I’m from the chapel hill area, and to be honest I don’t like it. I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone for undergrad unless they’re dying to go there. Grad school is GREAT there, undergrad so overrated in my opinion. Plus, I wanted to venture out.
I basically applied to UNC and UNC-W, but only UNC out of a need I felt for applying somewhere other than wilimington. I applied to UNCW early action and got in, so I knew I didn’t need to apply to any safety schools. Plus, my brother went there for his freshman year of college and I toured it when he did, and I fell in love. I was born at the beach, and I always wanted to go back. - Out of curiosity, why Wednesday? This semester I’ve got a busy Wednesday so I mostly do work, but that’s a lot because of my major. Back before I sold away my social life, I would hang out in the dorm with my friends, lie outside in hammocks, go to the beach some days if we wanted to get off campus, or just explore town. Then do work at night. Now I’m mostly in my apartment working, or in a study room somewhere else.
- Well, I hate that everyone underestimates the school, but that’s another topic. I’d probably say the worst thing is that it’s true a lot of people go home for the weekends, but it’s easy to make up for that by just finding people who don’t. Most freshman I know stayed on campus a lot, it’s mostly the transfers who go back and forth home. The campus feels so empty on the weekends, but that’s because so many people live off campus. You just have to remind yourself of that, and actively look for things to do with people. I have game nights all the time on the weekends.
The final group stage matches of the 2015 LBad Cup began on Tuesday, April 7th with four games. All the games were played in neutral venues. First, we head to Group A, where the Fairfield Stags faced the Massachusetts Minutemen in Baltimore. UMass were already through no matter what, and experimented with a few new players. Fairfield, meanwhile, were in a must-win situation in order to advance to the Sweet Sixteen.
Fairfield in red, UMass in black. Fairfield were desperate to advance and certainly played like it in the first few minutes. Captain Audrey C. and midfielder Ellie S. both had great chances to open the scoring, but neither could beat UMass keeper Davy D. UMass had decent chances of their own through Trish B. and Nick B., but Stags keeper Robert P. held firm and the first half ended scoreless.
UMass started the second half very well and took the lead eight minutes after the break through Moises P.'s header. Fairfield searched for an equalizer soon after, with Audrey and Alexandra F. seeing efforts unfortunately go wide. Fairfield continued mounting attack after attack, hoping to find some way to salvage their tournament. However, it would all be for naught, and Trish clinched all nine points for UMass near the end. Stags players wept at the final whistle, as the loss meant that they were going home from the LBad Cup with only a single point. UMass, meanwhile, impressively finished the group stage without conceding a single goal.
FINAL SCORE: Fairfield 0-2 UMass
GOALS: Moises P. 53’, Trish B. 81’
At the same time as that match, the Stony Brook Seawolves were in their own do-or-die situation against the hosting Rutgers Scarlet Knights in Cleveland. Stony Brook needed a win to go through, Rutgers could advance with a draw if other results went their way.
Stony Brook in red, Rutgers in white. Stony Brook attacked very ruthlessly from the opening whistle, and were 1-0 up within the first six minutes. Striker Misha B., seen as a massive disappointment in the Seawolves’ opening two games, made up for it with a beautiful header from a Winnie G. cross. SBU very nearly scored a second in the sixteenth, but Misha’s shot was fired wide. Rutgers were absolutely fruitless in attack and failed to test Danny L. before halftime.
Rutgers began to make their presence more felt in the second period. Jeremie D. and Zach S., Rutgers’ power duo, each had attempts to equalize that were saved by Danny. Midfielder Anna R. had a header saved, Leah I. saw a drive go wide. The Scarlet Knights became increasingly frustrated with each missed shot, and one would not have blamed them if they were to let their emotions get the best of them. But to their credit, they didn’t. They kept on plugging away, and finally found an equalizer ten minutes from time through Anna. The draw saw Rutgers go through with UMass at the expense of Stony Brook, who will only be kicking themselves for failing to hold onto a 74-minute lead.
FINAL SCORE: Stony Brook 1-1 Rutgers
GOALS: Misha B. 6’; Anna 80’
Final Group A standings
- Massachusetts Minutemen 3-0-0, 7 GS/0 GA, +7 GD, 9 Pts
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights 1-1-1, 3 GS/4 GA, -1 GD, 4 Pts
- Stony Brook Seawolves 0-2-1, 2 GS/5 GA, -3 GD, 2 Pts
- Fairfield Stags 0-1-2, 2 GS/5 GA, -3 GD, 1 Pt
Later, in Group B, the Rider Broncs took on the already-qualified Binghamton Bearcats in the peculiar setting of Orono, Maine. While Bing were already secured of winning the group and could therefore afford to rest some players, Rider’s mission was simple: win or go home.
Rider in white, Binghamton in green. The Bearcats started this game in the same style that was akin to their success in the first two games: a high-pressure style that causes turnovers in key areas. It was no surprise when forward Samantha P. opened the scoring on nine minutes. Binghamton continued to control possession throughout the opening half, and were unlucky to not be up 2-0 at halftime when captain Mike R. sliced a shot wide.
Binghamton began the second period looking to kill the game off, and they very nearly did when midfielder Glenni R. saw her header saved by Rider keeper Joey A. Rider then found an equalizer through captain Kristian G. on 56 minutes. Bing retook the lead fourteen minutes later through substitute Adeola, and looked set to wrap up the group with nine points. However, the Broncs scored a second equalizer in the 87th minute through Chris C. The expected climate of the group changed in the final minute. Broncs substitute Mike V. controlled a cross from Allison D. before firing the ball into the back of the net. Rider came back from being twice down to win in dramatic fashion, and they deservedly advanced to the Sweet Sixteen with their opponents. Rider have set up a date with UMass, while Binghamton will go on to face the hosts, Rutgers.
FINAL SCORE: Rider 3-2 Binghamton
GOALS: Kristian G. 56’, Chris C. 87’, Mike V. 90’ +3; Samantha P. 9’, Adeola 70’
Simultaneously, the Arizona State Sun Devils faced the Central Florida Knights in Auburn, Alabama. Both teams got only a single point from their opening two games, and both needed a win to advance while hoping that Rider would not find a way to defeat Binghamton.
ASU in red, UCF in black. Although both teams needed a victory, ASU came out of the gates rather sluggishly. Their passes were off, their few attempts tepid. UCF had very nice chances, but could not find a way past Sun Devils keeper Farooq before halftime.
UCF stormed the pitch ready to do battle in the second half, and they tormented their opponents with waves of attacking flair. Captain **Jessy G. ** opened the scoring in the 68th minute after receiving a fine through ball from Monica W. Jessy made it 2-0 merely minutes later with a wonderful solo effort. ASU seemed to know that they were going out, and just stopped trying after central defender Joey D. saw a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Monica. In fact, it was indeed Monica who scored UCF’s third in the 77th. UCF were all ready to start celebrating advancement to the Sweet Sixteen after the final whistle. However, five minutes later, news broke out that Rider, who were 2-1 down to Binghamton in the last update, managed to score two goals in the final three minutes. UCF were eliminated, their win ultimately rendered painfully irrelevant. The tears of the Knights players, would go on to be one of the memorable sights of the group stage. ASU were eliminated without a single goal to their tally, their invitation to this tournament utterly fruitless.
FINAL SCORE: Arizona State 0-3 Central Florida
GOALS: Jessy G. 68’, 71’, Monica W. 77’
Final Group B standings
- Binghamton Bearcats 2-0-1, 6 GS/4 GA, +2 GD, 6 Pts
- Rider Broncs 1-2-0, 5 GS/4 GA, +1 GD, 5 Pts
- Central Florida Knights 1-1-1, 6 GS/4 GA, +2 GD, 4 Pts
- Arizona State Sun Devils 0-1-2, 0 GS/5 GA, 1 Pt
Real-Life Outcomes: UMass was my first choice in April of last year, and I had just fallen in love with it despite not being able to visit. I began senior year considering Rutgers as my dad would try to force me to apply. I would also apply to Binghamton, and Rider would become my safety. The eliminated teams did not make my final application list. SBU was too much of a commuter school, and I was turned off by their rather low 4-year grad rate (45%) despite having a low acceptance rate (about 38% or so). Fairfield are a very good school, but I lost interest in them rather quickly. UCF and ASU were both too large for my comfort level.
Also would like to add that ASU were too far, and the fact that they’re a haven for STDs didn’t endear to me either.
Love the writing style, LBad! … “However, it would all be for naught, and Trish clinched all nine points for UMass near the end. Stags players wept at the final whistle”
btw, “a haven for STDs”?! Really? Did you read that somewhere?
Wednesday, April 8th: The final group stage matches continued with another four games on the slate. In Group C, the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights played against the Clark Cougars in Morgantown, West Virginia. FDU were already eliminated and were only playing for pride at this stage. Clark, meanwhile, had to win and hope there’d be a winner in the other game to go through.
FDU in white, Clark in black. Clark came out of the gates with expected and needed urgency, and had a few early shots that tested FDU goalie Max P. The Cougars controlled possession against a very weak Knights team, and got the opener on 26 minutes through midfielder Jacob C. They nearly added a second immediately, but Jordan J.'s header was just over the crossbar. Clark took the lead into the break.
The second 45 minutes saw more of the same from the Clarkies. Joe R. had a turnaround shot that cannoned off the post, and Gerrit H. had a header turned away by Max. Clark’s persistence paid off, and they eventually added a clinching goal through substitute midfielder Ariel M.K. FDU midfielder Vickie T. nearly marked her return from suspension with a spectacular effort that was saved by Cougars keeper Dylan M. The Knights eventually scored a consolation goal through striker Christian M.B., but not much more could be done. Fairleigh Dickinson ended their tournament without a single point, and only scored once. Clark celebrated the win, and would find out in a few moments about whether or not they’d progress…
FINAL SCORE: Fairleigh Dickinson 1-2 Clark
GOALS: Christian M.B. 88’;Jacob C. 26’, Ariel M.K. 74’
Because the other game in this group saw the TCNJ Lions face the Syracuse Orange in Newark, Delaware. Winner would go through, loser would go home, both would go through with a tie (TCNJ had a greater GD than Clark going in).
TCNJ in yellow, 'Cuse in navy blue. Both teams began with an equal amount of chances, and both keepers came up big to deny their opponents. TCNJ keeper Danny H. had a few saves from Bobby J. and Julia M., and Syracuse keeper Gerald B. stopped early attempts from Justin F. and Ron I. Despite the relative parity, it was Syracuse who went into the break with the lead when captain Kenny F.'s long-range drive bamboozled Danny.
TCNJ, seeing that Clark were leading in their game, began the second half with even more urgency and even began to dominate possession. Striker Tara R. saw a close-range header saved by Gerald, and bulldozing d-mid Jim H. saw a shot go just wide. As news reverberated around the stadium that Clark had scored a second goal, Lions fans were feeling more and more helpless. Substitute Maria L. had two great chances to equalize, but both were barely saved by Gerald. Although FDU would later get one back in their game, the Orange would put this one away minutes from full-time through a Bobby sweaty goal. Syracuse, as expected, topped the group without conceding a goal, and TCNJ were punished for their failure to score in cruel fashion.
FINAL SCORE: TCNJ 0-2 Syracuse
GOALS: Kenny F. 41’, Bobby J. 86’
Final Group C standings
- Syracuse Orange 2-1-0, 6 GS/0 GA, +6 GD, 7 Pts
- Clark Cougars 1-2-0, 3 GS/2 GA, +1 GD, 5 Pts
- TCNJ Lions 1-1-1, 4 GS/3 GA, +1 GD, 4 Pts
- Fairleigh Dickinson Knights 0-0-3, 1 GS/9 GA, -8 GD, 0 Pts
Later, two pivotal games were played in Group D. The Colorado Buffaloes faced the Michigan State Spartans in New Orleans. Colorado needed a draw to be assured of advancement, while Michigan State’s terrible campaign was coming to an end no matter what.
Saying that, MSU came out of the gates roaring and scored twice in the first five minutes. Striker Kevin S. scored a very quick double past an unlucky Alex K., first one-timing it, then heading the ball into the back of the net. Colorado very quickly got a goal back when Jack L. collected a pass from the back before ripping one from just outside the box. It stayed that way into the break.
Colorado began to attack more in the second half, not wanting to slump to a defeat. Lindsey P. and Jackson B. both saw efforts saved by Spartans keeper Charley H., and Jack very nearly scored an equalizer. However, MSU would take advantage of those missed chances, and midfielder Caroline M. made it 3-1 in the 66th. Buffs striker Andrew G.‘s late goal kept their GD even, but that is how the game ended. Michigan State salvaged something from their dismal LBC campaign. However, the only way this result would have any significant bearing…
FINAL SCORE: Colorado 2-3 Michigan State
GOALS: Jack L. 9’, Andrew G. 83’;Kevin S. 3’, 5’, Caroline M. 66’
…would be if the Bentley Falcons failed to defeat the Penn State Nittany Lions in Saint Louis. Bentley would go through with a draw, but so would Penn State if MSU could get a result against Colorado.
Bentley, in white, began the match continuing to give a very good account of themselves at the tournament with nice strings of passes and good attacking moves. Navy-wearing Penn State, however, complained that the Falcons were rough housing, the refs overlooking perceived fouls every time. Midfielder Jesse F. was among those who had foul appeals waved away, and he decided to demonstrate just how he felt with a tackle of his own. However, his dangerous tackle on Brad M. left the referee no choice but to brandish a straight red after 32 minutes. The match was scoreless after the first 45.
Penn State began the second half relentlessly attacking Bentley. Midfielder Jon F. saw a very nice chance rattle the crossbar, and both Emily H. and Amy R. both had attempts saved by the Luigi. However, the Nittany Lions were reduced to nine men when defender Samantha R. was shown a second yellow card for a mistimed challenge on Dave S. Bentley finally got the lead that they deserved with twenty minutes remaining. Brad chested down a cross from Ian J., juggled it past a bewildered Jon, and volleyed it past PSU keeper Andrew M. Penn State had opportunities to spoil the party near the end, but Alex M. and **Meghan S. ** both saw shots painfully come back out from the inside of the crossbar. Bentley, a Division 2 side, deservedly topped the group and will meet Clark in the Sweet Sixteen. Penn State, once group favorites, crashed out, and the other result was ultimately irrelevant. Colorado will meet Group C winners Syracuse in the next round.
FINAL SCORE: Bentley 1-0 Penn State
GOALS: Brad M. 70’
Final Group D standings
- Bentley Falcons 2-1-0, 4 GS/1 GA, +3 GD, 7 Pts
- Colorado Buffaloes 1-1-1, 5 GS/GA, 0 GD, 4 Pts
- Penn State Nittany Lions 1-0-2, 4 GS/3 GA, +1 GD, 3 Pts
- Michigan State Spartans 1-0-2, 3 GS/7 GA, -4 GD, 3 Pts
Real Life: Bentley and Syracuse were schools I always held in a high regard. Clark were a bit on-and-off due to concerns about social life and size, but did eventually make the final list. Colorado was always an intriguing prospect, having a beautiful campus in the Rockies. I respect TCNJ as a school, even more so than Rutgers, but I didn’t like how they’d have been an in-state reach for me. Penn State once showed interest in me on Cappex, but I later learned it was a marketing tool. Besides, I was disgusted by the Sandusky-Paterno scandal. MSU was my original first choice in November of junior year, but I soon realized that it was too big for me. FDU were on my list for a bit as well, but were knocked off as soon as I got my SAT scores and would have been too much of a safety.
@1203southview whoops, turned out that was false. My apologies
LOL! No worries, I wasn’t taking it personally!