‘Expect the unexpected.’
Based on what we have seen over the past eight months, that may be the only credo that aptly describes Fairfield Athletics. Women’s basketball underwent a seamless transition, despite losing 517-game-winner and Fairfield legend Dianne Nolan. Men’s lacrosse went from a national powerhouse to a team in rebuilding mode, while women’s lacrosse gained national prominence following a 17-game-winning streak.
Then again, maybe the more things change, the more they stay the same. Men’s basketball struggled early, only to rebound in conference play, and then lost to Loyola in the postseason, and volleyball lost its fourth consecutive MAAC Championship game.
Regardless, it is never too early to look ahead. Here are a few bold prediction for next season:
‘It’s Official: Loffredo named head coach!’ – June 1, 2008.
The Info: Following a 17-win season that was highlighted by a MAAC Championship appearance, women’s lacrosse Head Coach Beth Loffredo loses her interim status.
The Scoop: A no-brainer. (And, for the record, how is she still an interim coach?)
Odds: 2 to 1
‘Finally! Stags’ secure MAAC Volleyball Championship’ – November 27, 2008
The Info: Fairfield defeats Siena in MAAC Finals, ending a streak of four consecutive losses in the MAAC tournament championship game.
The Scoop: I have a feeling that 2008 is finally the year that volleyball takes the next step. Lindsay Lee ’08, Lauren Campbell ’08, and Kelly Oliver ’08 are devastating senior losses, but sophomore Katie Mann ’10 might be the best player in the conference, and new Head Coach Alija Pittenger may bring the added intangible element this team has been looking for.
Odds: 12 to 1
‘The ‘Red Sea’ Renaissance’ – February 5, 2009
The Info: Fairfield fans show their pride by overcoming the loss of FUSA President and fearless leader Hutchinson Williams by turning out to games in record numbers
The Scoop: This one may be a reach, but how about a little more support next year?
Odds: 1,000,000 to 1
‘MAAC Attack in Trenton’ – March 12?, 2009
The Info: Men’s basketball and women’s basketball reach the MAAC championship game.
The Scoop: Next year could potentially bring big things for Fairfield basketball. Head Coach Joe Frager loses Sabra Wrice ’08, but maintains a strong core of players led by forward Baendu Lowenthal ’09. As for the men, Head Coach Ed Cooley does not lose a starter and has addressed the team’s need for size by adding highly touted recruit Brandon Davis ’12, who was once ranked by ESPN as one of the top fifty centers in the nation. However, with Marist’s women’s team looking like a dynasty and the Siena Saints fresh off of a NCAA tournament upset, whether or not the Stags can win a trip to the Big Dance is still in question.
Odds: 21 to 1
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