So far this season, the typical programs are doing well and will certainly be representing their respective conferences and regions in the post-season.  You know I’m talking about Trinity (yes, in Texas), York, Messiah, the UAA crowd and hopefully Williams.  But there are also some programs that have recently started to trend up, as well as some rather new looks in the NSCAA Top 25.

Look at Carleton at No. 8.  After today’s 5-0 thumping of Bethel, the Knights stand at 10-0-1.  This is their best start since 1977.  They also haven’t lost a regular season conference match in two years: not since a 2-0 loss at Hamline on Oct. 7, 2006.  They have Luther, Wartburg and North Park coming up in the coming weeks, so whether or not they can go undefeated on the season really remains to be seen.  But the Knights are definitely moving on up.

No. 7 Baldwin-Wallace is perfect at 11-0-0 after today’s 2-0 win over Mount Union.  This is the best start in program’s 39 year history.  The Yellowjacket’s best win was over Calvin and will have to play former No. 8 Capital later in the season, so their strength of schedule is a question.  But either way, Baldwin-Wallace is certainly going to enjoy a great result this year and should push themselves into the OAC conference match.

No. 11 Wittenberg is looking for their first conference title since 1993 and is feeling good about that prospect at 11-0-0.  While one can never count out Ohio Wesleyan, Wittenberg is playing well for the second straight season and might be looking at post-season play if they can keep winning.  They have quality wins over Centre and Capital, and will face Ohio Wesleyan late in the month.  Based on strength of schedule, I might put Wittenberg at a higher spot than Baldwin-Wallace, but either way, the Tigers are a good team.

A couple of great matches coming up this week: as was mentioned on the front page, York travels to Messiah for a 7:00 pm match at Shoemaker Field.  Messiah radio will be broadcasting this match so tune in and listen to perhaps the best two teams in the country go at it.

If you ‘re in Michigan, the ever-popular Hope/Calvin rivalry is on stage again as No. 17 Hope plays the Knights of Calvin College. That match will be at Calvin at 4:00 pm.  

Let me know if there are any other key mid-week matches I’ve overlooked.

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