Fall Classics

WHEN THE FROST IS ON THE PUMPKIN, IT'S TIME FOR THE NCAA POSTSEASON, A FALL FEST OF SPORTS AS DIVERSE AS WOMEN'S FIELD HOCKEY AND MEN'S WATER POLO. GLADIATORS GET THEIR KICKS ON GRIDIRONS AND SOCCER PITCHES, AND RUNNERS STRAIN FOR FINISH LINES, ALL IN SEARCH OF GLORY—FOR SELF AND ALMA MATER.

Women's Soccer
North Carolina forward Meredith Florance (28) battled UCLA defender Krista Boling and scored the Tar Heels' first goal in the 2-1 victory that secured Carolina's 16th national title.

Men's Cross Country
It was not balmy in Ames, Iowa, where Adam Wallace's frost-laden 30th-place finish helped Wisconsin reach fifth place. Perennial power Arkansas won its third championship in a row and its 11th overall.

Water Polo
Darin Smith of USC rose in defense to help scuttle Navy 15-9 for third place, while the Trojans' crosstown rivals, the UCLA Bruins, took home their fourth title in six years with an 11-2 defeat of UC San Diego.

Field Hockey
In the final against North Carolina, Old Dominion midfielder Marina DiGiacomo (left) took a full cut, and the Lady Monarchs won 3-1 for their ninth national crown. Bentley College and Ann Marie Sheridan (shooting below) beat St. Michael's in the Division II semis but fell to Lock Haven in the championship game.

Men's Soccer
Creighton's Peter Henning loses his header because of pressure from Connecticut goalie Bryheem Hancock (right) and back Max Zieky in the title match, which UConn won 2-0.

Division II Football
Delta State was the alpha and the omega in the championship game against Bloomsburg, prevailing 63-34, thanks in part to the play of free safety Gary Bell (16, above) and quarterback Josh Bright.