Friday, April 29, 2005

MUST SEE GAMES--BASEBALL--WEEKEND OF APRIL 29-MAY 1, 2005--PART TWO

NOTE: In our last installment, we talked about this weekend's key games in the Peach Belt Conference. In this installment, we'll preview the key games in the Gulf South Conference.


Montevallo (33-19, 9-9) at Lincoln Memorial (15-33, 3-15)
North Alabama (32-17, 14-4) at Alabama-Huntsville (16-24, 8-10)
West Florida (32-18) at Valdosta State (24-24, 9-9)
West Georgia (27-22, 7-11) at West Alabama (37-16, 9-9)

Why list all of the games involving GSC East teams? Because a lot is at stake. Although both UNA and UWF have clinched spots in the Gulf South Conference tournament, they still have a lot to play for this weekend, as both the Lions and Argonauts hope to solidify their NCAA tournament hopes with strong showings in their final regular season games. As for UM, UWA, and VSU, they need wins this weekend, plus some help to make the GSC tourney. Even UAH has an outside shot of extending its season should they sweep UNA, and get some much-needed help along the way.

Henderson State (29-21, 10-10) at Central Arkansas (26-21, 10-10)

This is a must-win situation for both the Bears and Reddies, as one team must sweep the other to have any shot of advancing to next week's GSC tournament. Even then, this series could be rendered meaningless if Southern Arkansas (31-22, 13-8) wins at least one game against Christian Brothers this weekend.


MUST SEE GAMES--BASEBALL--WEEKEND OF APRIL 29-MAY 1, 2005--PART ONE

With April coming to an end, and May arriving on Sunday, every game is critical for the teams that want to play in the upcoming NCAA Division II tournament. With that in mind, let's take a look at the key games that will have the most bearing either on Peach Belt Conference championship or postseason implications.

Erskine (38-16) at Kennesaw State (28-18)

Game time:

Friday 6 p.m. EDT

Yes, it's a non-conference game. But, for the Fighting Owls, this might be one of the most important games of the season, as they host the Flying Fleet in a game that could solidify either teams hopes for an NCAA tournament bid. Erskine is currently tied with fellow Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference foe Limestone for the #6 ranking in this week's South Atlantic regional poll, while is KSU ranked second.

Information:

http://www.ksuowls.com

Augusta State (28-22-1, 12-14-1) at North Florida (36-11, 20-7)

Game times:

Saturday (Doubleheader) 1 p.m. EDT

Sunday 1 p.m. EDT

It's that simple for the Ospreys this weekend. Win at least one games, and they get at least a share of the Peach Belt Conference title. Win at least two out of three games, though, and UNF has the PBC championship outright.

Audio/Live Stats:

http://www.unfospreys.com

Georgia College & State University (30-19, 13-14) at Columbus State (21-28, 9-18)

Game times:

Friday 7 p.m. EDT

Saturday (Doubleheader) 1 p.m. EDT

Despite currently being under .500 in PBC action, the Bobcats have a golden opportunity to boost their postseason chances, as they face the struggling Cougars. A three game sweep over CSU not only assure GC&SU of a winning record in conference play, but more importantly, it could improve the Bobcats chances of earning their first trip to the NCAA tournament since 2002.

Information:

GC&SU

Columbus State

Armstrong Atlantic State (29-12, 9-11) at UNC Pembroke (30-21, 11-16)

Friday 7 p.m. EDT

Saturday (Doubleheader) 1 p.m. EDT

At first glance, this may look like a three game series between two teams playing for pride. However, the Pirates have a lot more to play for this weekend, as they face the Braves in North Carolina. A sweep over UNCP, as well as three game sweeps over USC Aiken and Kennesaw State within the next two weeks not only will assure AASU of a winning PBC record, but also could give the Pirates an outside chance of reaching the NCAA tournament. But with just a 1-8 record on the road, all in PBC games, AASU would need a lot of help.

Live Stats:

http://www.uncp.edu/athletics





Thursday, April 28, 2005

COUNTDOWN TO MAY MADNESS

NOTE: With the release of the first regional rankings for NCAA Division II baseball for 2005, D-II South Sports presents "Countdown To May Madness". Over the next several weeks, we'll break down the rankings in each region where teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports (i.e., Gulf South, Peach Belt, and SIAC) compete. So, without any further ado, let's go.

For a listing of the rankings in all eight regions nationwide, visit http://www.ncaasports.com.

Teams in conferences in covered by D-II South Sports are listed in BOLD type.

SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION

1. North Florida

2. USC Aiken

3. Kennesaw State

4. Francis Marion

5. GC&SU

6. Limestone

Erskine

8. USC Upstate

ANALYSIS: The Peach Belt Conference consistently ranks among the toughest conferences in all of NCAA Division II. And the PBC has met those expectations again this season, as six of the eight teams ranked in this week's poll are current PBC members.

UNF can clinch at least a share of the PBC title with at least one win over Augusta State. However, the Ospreys can win the title outright if they win two out of three games over the Jaguars this weekend.

As for the rest of the postseason hopefuls in the Peach Belt Conference, second ranked USC Aiken has the weekend off before traveling to Armstrong Atlantic State on May 6-7, and finishing the regular season at home against Lander May 11-12.

Meanwhile, third ranked Kennesaw State has a key regional game against Erskine on Friday before finishing PBC play against Lander on May 6-7, and AASU the following weekend. Fifth-ranked GC&SU wraps up PBC action at Columbus State in a three-game series that could decide if the Bobcats earn their first NCAA tournament berth since 2002, or if they end up sitting at home for the third straight year.

Finally, fourth ranked Francis Marion and eighth ranked USC Upstate have already completed their seasons, with the Patriots finishing PBC play at 17-12-1, while the Spartans finished conference play with a 14-16 record. While the other PBC teams are still finishing their seasons, all the FMU and USCU faithful can do now is wait and see if their respective teams will play deep into May, and possibly June.

SOUTH CENTRAL REGION

1. Delta State

2. Abilene Christian

3. Central Oklahoma

4. West Florida

5. North Alabama

6. Texas A&M-Kingsville

7. West Alabama

8. Incarnate Word

ANALYSIS: Defending national champion Delta State appears to be a lock for an NCAA tournament berth, regardless of what happens in the Gulf South Conference tournament. As for the trio of teams in the GSC East Division, West Florida, North Alabama, and West Alabama may have to at least reach the finals of the GSC tourney to have any consideration for postseason play.



Monday, April 25, 2005

USC UPSTATE COACH TIMMONS STEPS DOWN

Laura Timmons has resigned as head women's basketball coach to USC Upstate to enter private business. Timmons led the Spartans to a 14-14 record in 2004-05, the first non-losing record for the program since the 1997-98 season. For more information, visit http://www.peachbelt.com.

Friday, April 22, 2005

MUST SEE GAMES--BASEBALL--WEEKEND OF 04/23-25/2005

With the regular season starting to wind down, the stakes are getting higher for the teams that want to participate in postseason play. Here's what's happening this weekend.

NOTE: All national rankings are courtesy of Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.

#8 USC Aiken (36-11, 13-8) at # 3 North Florida (33-11, 17-7)

Game times:

Saturday (Doubleheader) 1 p.m. EDT

Sunday 1 p.m. EDT

The Ospreys play host to the Pacers in yet another battle for at least a share of first place in the Peach Belt Conference. UNF swept USC Upstate in three games last weekend, while USCA took two of three games from Kennesaw State.

Audio:

http://unfospreys.collegesports.com

#20 West Alabama (36-12, 9-6) at #13 North Alabama (29-16, 11-4)

Game times:

Saturday (Doubleheader) 1 p.m. CDT

Sunday 1 p.m. CDT

The Tigers take on the Lions in a Gulf South Conference East Division "catfight" in Florence, Ala. this weekend. UNA enters the weekend sharing the GSC East lead with West Florida, while UWA will look to extend its six-game winning streak.

Information:

UNA: http://www.roarlions.com

UWA: http://www.athletics.uwa.edu





The Ospreys

Friday, April 15, 2005

MUST SEE GAMES--BASEBALL--WEEKEND OF APRIL 15-17, 2005

Another April weekend, another weekend of key conference games. Here's a look at several key games that will have an impact on the races in both the Gulf South and Peach Belt Conferences.

#12 Kennesaw State (25-16, 14-7) at #13 USC Aiken (32-10, 11-7)

Game times:

Friday 7 p.m. EDT

Saturday (Doubleheader) 1 p.m. EDT

The Fighting Owls travel to South Carolina to take on the Pacers in a battle of nationally ranked teams. KSU hopes to keep at least a share of first place in the PBC, while USCA looks to make an already tight conference race even tighter.

Live Stats:

http://www.pacersports.com

#3 North Florida (29-11, 14-7) at #18 USC Upstate (31-15, 13-11)

Game times:

Saturday (Doubleheader) 1 p.m. EDT

Sunday 1 p.m. EDT

The Ospreys head north to the Upstate of South Carolina to face the Spartans in another battle of top 30 teams. The Spartans will put a ten game winning streak on the line, while UNF looks to hang on to its share of the PBC lead.

Audio:

http://www.unfospreys.com

Live Stats:

http://www.uscupstate.edu/athletics/athletics.asp

#19 Montevallo (28-15, 5-7) at West Georgia (25-16, 6-6)

Game times:

Saturday (Doubleheader) 1 p.m. EDT

Sunday 1 p.m. EDT

The Braves host the Falcons in a must-win Gulf South Conference East Division series for both teams. With only four spots from the GSC East available for next month's Gulf South Conference tournament, the potential winner of this series will likely have to win out, and get some help to earn a bid. Montevallo dropped a 9-4 decision to Columbus State in non-conference Wednesday, while West Georgia picked up a hard-fought 12-11 win over Kennesaw State in 10 innings a day earlier.

Audio:

http://www.montevallo.edu/athletics

#21 North Alabama (25-15, 8-4) at Valdosta State (22-16, 7-5)

Game times:

Saturday (Doubleheader) 1 p.m. EDT

Sunday 1:30 p.m. EDT

The Lions and the Blazers will square off in a battle for second place in the GSC East. UNA swept a three game series from Lincoln Memorial last weekend, while VSU took two of three from West Georgia.

Audio:

http://www.valdosta.edu/athletics

Friday, April 08, 2005

MUST SEE GAMES--BASEBALL--WEEKEND OF APRIL 8-10, 2005

As the 2005 baseball season heads into the home stretch, several key conference match-ups highlight the weekend, including a pair of series pitting four top 30 teams. Here's a quick look at four of those series.

NOTE: All times local for host team. National rankings are courtesy of Collegiate Baseball Newspaper.

#13 West Alabama (30-8, 6-3) at #19 West Florida (25-16, 6-3)

Game times:

Saturday (Doubleheader) 4 p.m. CDT

Sunday 1 p.m. CDT

The Tigers will pay a visit to Pensacola to face the Argonauts in a three-game showdown for first place in the Gulf South Conference East Division. UWA has won its last three games, and swept Valdosta State in three games last weekend, while UWF lost two of three games at West Georgia, also last weekend.

Live Stats:

http://www.uwf.edu/athletics

#26 Georgia College & State University at #18 Kennesaw State

Saturday (Doubleheader) 1 p.m. EDT

Sunday 1 p.m. EDT

The Bobcats and the Fighting Owls will square off for what will likely be the final time, as KSU will move up to the NCAA Division I ranks after this season. Kennesaw State hopes to bounce back after losing 8-7 to Montevallo on Tuesday. On the same day, GC&SU has reeled off six straight wins, the latest a 10-innning win over Presbyterian, also by an 8-7 score.

Information:

GC&SU: http://www.gcsu.edu/bobcats

Kennesaw State: http://www.ksuowls.com

West Georgia (23-14, 5-4) at Valdosta State (19-15, 5-4)

Game times:

Saturday (Doubleheader) 1 p.m. EDT

Sunday 1 p.m. EDT

The Blazers host the Braves in an all-important battle for the GSC East's other two spots in next month's Gulf South Conference tournament. VSU completed a two game sweep of Augusta State in a mid week non-conference series, while West Georgia swept current GSC East co-leader West Florida in three games last weekend.

Audio:

http://www.valdosta.edu/athletics

#2 Delta State (32-4, 9-2) at Arkansas Tech (20-15, 9-3)

Game times:

Saturday (Doubleheader) 2 p.m. CDT

Sunday 2 p.m. CDT

The defending NCAA Division II national champion Statesmen will look to extend their 11 game winning streak this weekend, as they take on the Wonder Boys in a battle of the top two teams in the Gulf South Conference West Division.

Audio:

http://www.gostatesmen.com





Friday, April 01, 2005

MUST SEE GAMES--BASEBALL--WEEKEND OF APRIL 1-3, 2005

With spring now in full swing, the stakes get higher for teams wishing to play well into May, and beyond. Also, with daylight saving time starting Sunday, don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed Saturday night. With that in mind, here are several key series that could impact conference races for this weekend.

Lander (21-12, 8-6) at North Florida (24-9, 9-6)

Game times:

Saturday (Doubleheader) 1 p.m. EST

Sunday 1 p.m. EDT

The Bearcats head south to Jacksonville, Fla. to face the Ospreys in a battle of nationally ranked top 30 teams. UNF enters the series ranked third in the nation in Division II, according to Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, while Lander is ranked 24th.

Audio: http://www.unfospreys.com

Valdosta State (17-12, 5-1) at West Alabama (3-3)

Game times:

Saturday (Doubleheader) 4 p.m. CST

Sunday 1 p.m. CDT

The Blazers travel to Livingston, Ala. to take on the 27th ranked Tigers in a key Gulf South Conference East Division series. Last weekend, VSU won two out of three games at Alabama-Huntsville, but blew an 8-0 lead at Georgia College & State University, and lost 9-8 on Wednesday. As for UWA, the Tigers hope to move back into second place or higher in the GSC East after losing two out of three games to 25th ranked Montevallo last weekend.

Audio: http://www.valdosta.edu/athletics

West Florida (24-14, 5-1) at West Georgia (21-13, 3-3)

Game times:

Saturday (Doubleheader) 1 p.m. EST

Sunday 1 p.m. EDT

The 16th ranked Argonauts go to Carrollton, Ga. to face the Braves in another key GSC East series this weekend. UWF won two out of three games at North Alabama last weekend, while West Georgia enters this weekend's set having lost three straight games. That skid included a 10-0 rout by Columbus State on Wednesday.

Audio: http://www.uwf.edu/athletics