Positives:
- The University of Rhode Island football team had a solid first scrimmage of the spring and seems to be more improved heading into coach Jim Fleming’s third year. The offensive line, which was a problem at times last year, looked very mobile and moved people to facilitate an average yard per carry mark of 5.4 yards per rush. The Rams also had a solid day from redshirt freshman Jordan Vazzano, who was nine of 14 for 79 yards and a touchdown. Vazzano has a big arm and looks like he could usurp senior Paul Mroz for the starting job.
- Both track teams had good showings on Saturday against top level competition as both teams placed fourth out of six teams. The two teams look to be in good shape as the outdoor season is winding down incredibly fast. Seniors Sam Snyder for the men and Janel Conley for the women have been key cogs in both in the indoor and now the outdoor season.
- Congratulations to senior Adam Parker for being honored by the Providence Gridiron Club. Parker has had a solid career and is still ascending, despite the fact he was a 2015 CAA Football All-Second team selection. The best is yet to come with Parker though, who has a lot on his plate leading the defense with the recently-departed senior leader Tim Wienclaw from the secondary.
Negatives:
- A tough weekend for the men’s baseball team who lost two of three to Fordham. Although, all in all it wasn’t a terrible week as the team was able to defeat Brown on Thursday before they traveled to Fordham, allowing them to essentially break even for the week. What is concerning though is that the Rhody offense, which in April has been the deciding factor in their wins and losses. In April, the team has been scoring 6.25 runs per game in their wins but just 2.6 runs per game in their losses, thus leading to their 4-5 April record.
Players of the Week:
Tyler Wilson (@ Fordham) – Wilson seems to do unbelievable things every week and thus gets a spot here again for his latest performance; spinning a complete game gem in which he had 10 strikeouts, didn’t walk anyone, surrendered just four hits and allowed one unearned run.
Janel Conley (UConn Northeast Challenge) – Conley once again raised the bar by grabbing second in the 110-meter hurdles and third in the long jump with a new personal best for the outdoor season.
Team of the Week: URI men’s baseball (@ Brown, @ Fordham) – The men’s team had four road games in as many days, and a split of those games is not a bad week, despite how the weekend ended.
Off the Record: Â The Hawks and Celtics finished second and sixth respectively in defensive rating during the regular season. The Celtics also gave up the sixth fewest points off turnovers, while coincidentally the Hawks were fourth in the NBA in points off turnovers. The Celtics were also third in points off turnovers.