[caption id="attachment_48114" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Senior defender Molly Menchel sits fifth on the team with 12 points.
The Virginia women's basketball team opens its season at home tonight against Appalachian State in a game which will offer both a snapshot of where it is and a glimpse of what it wants to become. Many pundits have labeled 2011-12 a "transition" or "rebuilding" year for the Cavaliers as coach Joanne Boyle replaces the legendary Debbie Ryan, who led the program for the past 34 years. Although it will take time for a new coaching staff to install its system, Boyle plans to "tweak" her game plan to cater to Virginia's experienced core. The team returns its top four scorers from last season in senior guard Ariana Moorer, sophomore forward Ataira Franklin, senior forward Chelsea Shine and junior guard China Crosby, who alongside leading rebounder junior center Simone Egwu, form a balanced and veteran Cavalier starting lineup. The team's potential is apparent, but so are its shortcomings as it seems to lack a true go-to scorer and depth off the bench.
[caption id="attachment_48040" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="Redshirt senior Nick Nelson, who ranks No.
Free tattoos, lucrative deals with agents and free luxury SUV rentals are one thing. What's happening at Penn State is a completely different animal. In a year in which program-rocking "improper benefit" scandals at Ohio State, North Carolina and Miami have shaken fans' faith in college football, Saturday's arrest of long-time Penn State assistant Jerry Sandusky for the sexual assault of eight young boys and of two high-ranking school officials for failing to properly report the transgressions has raised far more troubling questions about Penn State's program - and about its iconic coach, 84-year-old Joe Paterno. For as much as we have opined about the hypocrisy of big-time programs or the NCAA's pettiness, these travesties pale in comparison to the dehumanizing act of sexually terrorizing young boys or the equally sickening act of knowing about it and covering for the perpetrator.
[caption id="attachment_48037" align="alignleft" width="255" caption="Junior setter Beth Wildermuth currently ranks No.
[caption id="attachment_48035" align="alignleft" width="142" caption="Senior Chase Minnfield nabbed a spot as a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy yesterday afternoon.
[caption id="attachment_47970" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Sophomore forward Brian Span netted a header in the 74th minute and then drilled a shot with 20 seconds left in double overtime to give Virginia a 4-3 win.
[caption id="attachment_47968" align="alignleft" width="175" caption="New coach Joanne Boyle spent six successful years revamping California's program and was named the Pac 10's Coach of the Year in 2007.
[caption id="attachment_47966" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Sophomore tackle Morgan Mose, sophomore guard Luke Bowanko, senior center Anthony Mihota, senior guard Austin Pasztor and senior center Anthony Mihota form an offensive line which has allowed the 13th fewest sacks nationwide.
Last week, after the Giants had just rallied back to beat the woeful Dolphins, I strongly considered writing a column dedicated solely to Eli Manning.
[caption id="attachment_47912" align="alignleft" width="199" caption="Despite falling victim to injury earlier this season, senior forward Brian Ownby has hit his stride recently and currently ranks second on the team in scoring.
Like most other responsible college students, I found something other than my studies to occupy my time this past weekend.
[caption id="attachment_47909" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Redshirt senior Matt Nelson, who remained sidelined with concussion symptoms during his first three seasons at Virginia, victoriously pinned both of his opponents during his return to the mat.
[caption id="attachment_47907" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Freshman right side hitter Tori Janowski registered a team-high 12 kills and 10 digs during the her squad's 3-1 loss against the Blue Devils Friday night.
[caption id="attachment_47872" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Virginia coach Mike London joins players in celebrating their bowl-clinching victory with a contingent of Cavalier fans at Byrd Stadium.
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Have you heard the story of the tortoise and the 'Hoo? It's remarkably similar to Aesop's fable about the tortoise and the hare - so similar, in fact, that the Honor Committee might have a few choice words for me on poor Aesop's account.
[caption id="attachment_47869" align="alignleft" width="199" caption="Senior forward Lauren Alwine tallied her team's lone goal during a 2-1 loss to Florida State in the ACC semifinals.
[caption id="attachment_47867" align="alignleft" width="209" caption="Senior Emily Fraser won in straight sets during the first round of the National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships but fell to Washington senior Denise Dy in her subsequent match.
Sophomore quarterback Michael Rocco more than justified coach Mike London’s decision to name him the Cavaliers’ primary signal caller.
[caption id="attachment_47803" align="alignleft" width="159" caption="Freshman forward Morgan Brian was named ACC Freshman of the Year and joins teammate junior forward Caroline Miller on the All-ACC first team.
