Sports Wrap

“We were a little unlucky, but Messiah definitely [is] worthy of the National Championship. I am very proud of the way the guys competed all year and am most pleased with the numerous comments from observers about what a classy group of young men they are.”

—Men’s soccer coach Mike Russo, on the Ephs’ conduct in San Antonio at the Final Four in December. The team reached its first NCAA semifinal since 1998 and lost to Messiah 2-1 in a hard-fought match.

“My first year we finished 8-3-3 and lost in the first round of NESCACs. Now we have been national contenders for a couple years, and that’s any captain’s dream.”

—Women’s soccer tri-captain and 2009 NESCAC Player of the Year Brianna Wolfson ’10, after Williams was eliminated by The College of New Jersey, 1-0, in the national quarterfinals.

“The bar is set very high for our program … but I’m proud of the effort our men put forth today, and I’m proud of the leadership the seniors displayed on the field this afternoon and all year long.”

—Football head coach Mike Whalen, after the Ephs came up one yard short on a late fourth-down conversion attempt and lost to Amherst, 26-21, during homecoming.