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Saturday, October 10 – 2:00 PM EST

Denver (15-2-4, 6-0-2, 2nd WAC) vs Colorado College (14-3-5, 8-2-1, 1st C-USA)

The euphoria of making it into the NCAA Tournament was likely no greater on Monday afternoon than in the state of Colorado, where these two sides felt the ecstasy instead of the agony for once. Both were likely among the last handful of teams selected for at-large bids, and both likely faced nervous waits up to that point given postseason disappointment, a picture both clubs have become all too familiar with in recent seasons. But here now, each side will be cognizant of the fact that one will be celebrating a trip to the second weekend of the tournament and a chance at a real giant killing. On paper, it would appear to be a matchup of offense vs defense, as Denver’s attack of Bast, Hamilton, and DiGiacomo try to find a way through a defense headed up by former Notre Dame star Kecia Morway. In that respect, one might wonder if the visitors have the advantage, having stifled Denver’s attack in 1-0 win in the regular season, in which they limited Bast and Hamilton to a combined one shot on goal. That was nearly three months ago though, and the past doesn’t necessarily equal the present in what should be one of the first round’s most competitive matches. The Pioneers have since shot down Portland on the road, and it’s hard to look past Denver to hold serve and protect their turf, albeit by the slimmest of margins.

Prediction: Denver 1 – 0 Colorado College

(Team Capsules after the jump.)

Denver

How They Got Here – With an at-large bid despite another postseason disappointment. The Pioneers didn’t really inspire much confidence early, going 1-1-1 in their first three, though all were in games away from CIBER Field. The Pioneers would begin to put it together after, not losing again until the WAC Tournament final. Along the way, Denver would top Colorado, UC Irvine, Kansas, and most impressively, Portland at Merlo, in a 3-1 victory. Much of WAC play would be a breeze in Denver’s first season in the league after moving from the Sun Belt, but two consecutive draws to Utah State and Louisiana Tech forced them to share the league title with the former. They’d meet USU in the WAC Tournament title game again, but the Pioneers would come up short, losing a close one to the Aggies and raising worries that Denver would be left at the altar again after heartbreak the past few seasons. The Portland win would prove to be a life saver though, and the Pioneers grabbed an at-large bid to return to the Big Dance.

Best Result – The 3-1 win at Portland was one of the club’s best results in recent memory and ended up as a safety valve in case they needed an at-large bid.

Worst Result – A 1-1 draw at a middling Louisiana Tech team ended up costing the club an undisputed WAC title.

Who’s The Boss – At the helm in Denver for over two decades, Jeff Hooker took the Pioneers to the WAC in 2012 after no shortage of silverware in the trophy cabinet from the club’s run in the Sun Belt for over a decade. Though they were frequent NCAA Tournament participants over the course of the last decade, Denver would have to wait until 2006 to win their first NCAA Tournament game, topping Kentucky in the opening round of the competition. After four straight Sun Belt Tournament titles, Denver suffered postseason heartbreak for two straight seasons in 2010 and 2011 and saw themselves left out of the field of sixty-four on both occasions. The change of scenery proved to be an immediate boon this season, with Denver meriting an at-large bid at long last despite not walking away with an auto bid for the third season running.

Players To Watch

Kristen Hamilton (F) – The younger of Denver’s two-headed monster up front, Hamilton took home WAC Offensive Player of the Year honors a season after being named the Sun Belt Player of the Year. Netted sixteen goals and nine assists as a sophomore in 2011, setting a pretty high bar for herself, which she’s mostly met this year, with thirteen goals, including six in the league, and four winners overall. Littleton native isn’t the biggest, but has plenty of skill to make up for that lack of size.

Kaitlin Bast (F) – The thunder to Hamilton’s lightning up front, giving Denver a deadly duo in attack. Looked to be on track to becoming one of the club’s best players ever after twenty-six goals and eleven assists through two seasons. Was in blinding form against as a junior last year but ended up missing most of the season through injury, hurting Denver’s postseason hopes in the process. Return to health has been a godsend for Pioneers, as has her ten goals and seven assists. Great partnership with Hamilton and has plenty of experience for Pioneers.

Nicholette DiGiacomo (M) – The orchestrator in midfield of Denver’s explosive offense. Tabled a stunning freshman season in 2010 by logging second most assists in the nation, with fifteen. More of a goalscorer last year with eight, compared to seven assists, but has settled back into a distributor role this year with eight assists, compared to four goals. Production dropped off a bit in the league, but her passing and vision will be key in this competition.

Jessy Battelli (D) – Junior defender sometimes overlooked, as with most Denver defenders, thanks to club’s electric offense, but still a key part of making DU a winner. Starter from day one has promptly rounded into one of the WAC’s best defenders as a junior. Great size and is an occasional threat in front of goal, though she hasn’t been as free with her shots this season. Will be front and center in trying to stop opposing physical forwards.

Strengths – If you can’t tell from the above, Denver can score goals. Forty-five in all competitions and twenty in eight league games. Bast and Hamilton are as fine a duo as any mid-major features in this tournament, while DiGiacomo does a pretty good job of pulling the strings. The Pioneers also do a pretty good job defensively and gave up just four goals in the WAC while also showing they could keep more powerful clubs like Kansas and Portland in line as well.

Weaknesses – The offense is usually spot on, but they do have their rare outages. They were oddly shut down by Utah State twice in the league, though the Aggies have a great defense themselves. Defensively, the club is pretty good but still prone to the odd clanger, conceding three to Texas and two to UTSA. Experience in this competition is a bit lacking too, with just the senior class having played in the Big Dance before.

Will Lose When – A club with an organized and talented defense can shut down all those scoring options while taking advantage of their chances going the other way.

Upside – Sweet Sixteen

Downside – First Round

Famous Last Words – Denver could have done far worse with their opening round draw compared to their past tournament forays, but Colorado College has beaten them this season, so they obviously aren’t free and clear by any means. The offense made many of their mid-major opponents look silly, and even some of their bigger named foes as well. If the occasion doesn’t overwhelm the majority of the players who haven’t been to the Big Dance, and the club plays with a degree of consistency, they could be a surprise winner of multiple games in this tournament.

Colorado College

How They Got Here – Barely. The Tigers were almost assuredly one of the last few teams into the Dance after a shocking shootout exit in the semi-finals of the Conference USA Tournament. Form early on in the season was a bit erratic, with one win in their first five, though that run included a win over Denver and draws against Colorado and Utah. Easier opposition down the stretch in non-conference play helped the club get its winning groove back, though early league form was sketchy at 2-2-1 in their first five. A 2-1 win over UCF changed everything though, and CC came out of nowhere with six straight wins down the stretch to win the league title. On the bubble coming into the postseason, the Tigers caught a break despite their early exit and earned their spot in the field as an at-large team.

Best Result – The 2-1 against UCF likely made the difference on their resume for the Big Dance.

Worst Result – A 1-0 loss to East Carolina early in the league put the club in an early hole that they just managed to dig out of.

Who’s The Boss – Few will be happier with 2012 than Tiger boss Geoff Bennett, who was likely beginning to feel a little pressure before this season as the club’s NCAA Tournament appearance drought had lasted since 2006. Short stints at Saint Bonaventure and Rhode Island near the turn of the century had proven moderately successful, but Bennett was inheriting a tough job, trying to restore the Tigers to their previous glories when he took over in 2004. The success of 2006 showed that CC appeared to be on the right track, but it was so often a case of close but no cigar since then, despite a pair of runner-up finishes in the years since. All of that changed this year, with the club’s first major trophy in ages and a well deserved return to the Big Dance.

Players To Watch

Jessie Ayers (M) – It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that CC’s rise has coincided in large part with Ayers’ arrival and establishment as one of the league’s top players. Probably more of a scorer than a playmaker at this point in her career, Ayers led the Tigers in goals (7) and league goals (4) and is the starring offensive personality on this club. Reputation could be boosted in a big way if she performs well on a national stage.

Britney Lyman (F) – Scrappy senior forward not supremely prolific in front of goal but epitomizes Tigers’ drive and tenacity. Five goals in a half as a rookie raised expectations, but Arvada native scored just ten goals combined the next two seasons despite earning many plaudits. Has netted six so far this year but has been aces in the league, with three goals and five assists in eleven Conference USA matches. Needs to take her chances for CC to have a chance at a run.

Madison Whitehead (M) – Playmaking Texan has had a breakthrough year in the midfield for CC this season. Coming to the club as a U15 international, Whitehead had only posted modest numbers through two years and missed much of last season through injury. 2012 brought a breakthrough in front of goal though, with six goals, though two were from the penalty spot. Tied for the team lead with three game winners, and the club likely needs her offense again in this competition.

Kecia Morway (D) – Few additions across the nation have been bigger than Morway’s move to Colorado College. A national title winner at Notre Dame who had been a starter on the Irish for two seasons, Morway has, unsurprisingly, taken to Conference USA well with the Tigers. Has been a valuable anchor for the CC defense, and her postseason experience could be absolutely vital for a club completely lacking in it coming into this tournament.

Strengths – Defense and confidence. The Tigers gave up just eight goals in eleven league games this year while also conceding less than a goal in all competitions. They’ve got a battling ethos and Morway as a tremendous leader of the backline. Additionally, Ayers is a phenomenal midfielder and should be in for a great battle with Denver’s unit. As a bonus, the Tigers have already played and beaten the Pioneers this year, meaning they should be familiar and confident against Saturday’s rivals.

Weaknesses – Size. The vast, vast majority of the Tigers’ roster is 5’7″ or under. This won’t be a problem against Denver probably, but if CC advances, bigger, more physical teams lay in wait. Scoring hasn’t exactly come in spades for the Tigers either. While Bennett’s side has generally done just enough to get it done, there aren’t any elite strikers here, with nobody netting more than Ayers’ seven on the season.

Will Lose When – The offense dries up, and opposing attacks are able to fight their way through for goals.

Upside – Second Round

Downside – First Round

Famous Last Words – Solid is probably the first word that comes to mind when discussing these Tigers. They don’t appear to have any glaring weaknesses all over the pitch and have some great talents in the likes of Ayers, Lyman, and Morway. They don’t figure to be blown out by anyone and are scrappy enough to give almost anyone fits. At the same time though, they probably don’t have enough to put them over the top against the best teams, meaning their upside this year in their return to the Big Dance is likely limited.

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