The Peach Belt Conference now has 11 schools, with the departures of Kennesaw State and North Florida, plus the addition of North Georgia. On Aug. 16, 2005, it was erroneously reported that the PBC had 10 schools total.
Also, the addition of a volleyball program at Arkansas-Monticello wasn't mentioned in the fall sports preview, as well as the aforementioned mistake regarding the number of PBC schools. D-II South Sports regrets both errors.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
D-II SOUTH SPORTS FALL PREVIEW--PEACH BELT MEN'S SOCCER
NOTE: Our fall previews wrap-up with a look at the men's soccer teams in the Peach Belt Conference. Predicted order of finish is courtesy of the PBC.
1. Clayton State
2. USC Upstate
3. UNC Pembroke
4. Lander
5. Francis Marion
6. USC Aiken
7. North Georgia
Analysis: Clayton State starts the 2005 season not only as the favorite to win the PBC regular-season title, the Lakers will also begin the year ranked 14th in the nation, according to the Adidas/NSCAA Division II poll. USC Upstate also hopes to make a serious run for the title, although the Spartans missed the NCAA tournament last year despite a 15-4 record. Surprisingly, UNCP was picked to finish third in the PBC poll despite being ranked fourth in the nation. Of course, the Braves swept both the PBC regular season and tournament titles in 2004, not to mention a trip to the Final Four. That fact alone proves just tough the PBC will be in men's soccer this season, despite having just seven of its 11 member schools sponsoring the sport.
1. Clayton State
2. USC Upstate
3. UNC Pembroke
4. Lander
5. Francis Marion
6. USC Aiken
7. North Georgia
Analysis: Clayton State starts the 2005 season not only as the favorite to win the PBC regular-season title, the Lakers will also begin the year ranked 14th in the nation, according to the Adidas/NSCAA Division II poll. USC Upstate also hopes to make a serious run for the title, although the Spartans missed the NCAA tournament last year despite a 15-4 record. Surprisingly, UNCP was picked to finish third in the PBC poll despite being ranked fourth in the nation. Of course, the Braves swept both the PBC regular season and tournament titles in 2004, not to mention a trip to the Final Four. That fact alone proves just tough the PBC will be in men's soccer this season, despite having just seven of its 11 member schools sponsoring the sport.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
D-II SOUTH SPORTS FALL PREVIEW--SIAC VOLLEYBALL
NOTE: Predicted order of finish courtesy of the SIAC.
EASTERN DIVISION
1. Albany State
2. Clark Atlanta
3. Paine
4. Benedict
5. Fort Valley State
WESTERN DIVISION
1. Kentucky State
2. Miles
3. LeMoyne-Owen
4. Tuskegee
5. Lane
6. Stillman
Analysis: Can the Lady Rams win an unprecedented fifth straight SIAC title, and earn yet another trip to the NCAA Divsion II tournament in the process? They very well could, but first ASU must go through a tough non-conference schedule, which opens with the University of North Alabama Invitational this weekend.
EASTERN DIVISION
1. Albany State
2. Clark Atlanta
3. Paine
4. Benedict
5. Fort Valley State
WESTERN DIVISION
1. Kentucky State
2. Miles
3. LeMoyne-Owen
4. Tuskegee
5. Lane
6. Stillman
Analysis: Can the Lady Rams win an unprecedented fifth straight SIAC title, and earn yet another trip to the NCAA Divsion II tournament in the process? They very well could, but first ASU must go through a tough non-conference schedule, which opens with the University of North Alabama Invitational this weekend.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
D-II SOUTH SPORTS FALL PREVIEW--GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE MEN'S SOCCER
NOTE: Predicted order of finish courtesy of the Gulf South Conference.
1. West Florida
2. Central Arkansas
3. Lincoln Memorial
4. Montevallo
5. Christian Brothers
6. Alabama-Huntsville
7. Ouachita Baptist
8. Harding
9. Delta State
Analysis: It appears to be a tight race in GSC men's soccer, as UWF beat NCAA tournament quarterfinalist UCA for first place in the pre-season voting. LMU and defending GSC champion Montevallo also figure to make strong challenges for the title in 2005.
1. West Florida
2. Central Arkansas
3. Lincoln Memorial
4. Montevallo
5. Christian Brothers
6. Alabama-Huntsville
7. Ouachita Baptist
8. Harding
9. Delta State
Analysis: It appears to be a tight race in GSC men's soccer, as UWF beat NCAA tournament quarterfinalist UCA for first place in the pre-season voting. LMU and defending GSC champion Montevallo also figure to make strong challenges for the title in 2005.
Monday, August 22, 2005
D-II SOUTH SPORTS FALL PREVIEW--PEACH BELT WOMEN'S SOCCER
NOTE: Predicted order of finish is courtesy of the Peach Belt Conference.
1. USC Upstate
2. Clayton State
3. Columbus State
4. UNC Pembroke
5. Lander
6. Armstrong Atlantic State
7. GC&SU
8. North Georgia
9. USC Aiken
Analysis: The PBC has a new look in women's soccer for 2005, as both the University of North Florida and Francis Marion University have left for the NCAA Division I ranks. On the other hand, AASU begins its first season of play, while North Georgia makes the move up from the NAIA. Still, expect USC Upstate and Clayton State to battle for the regular season title.
1. USC Upstate
2. Clayton State
3. Columbus State
4. UNC Pembroke
5. Lander
6. Armstrong Atlantic State
7. GC&SU
8. North Georgia
9. USC Aiken
Analysis: The PBC has a new look in women's soccer for 2005, as both the University of North Florida and Francis Marion University have left for the NCAA Division I ranks. On the other hand, AASU begins its first season of play, while North Georgia makes the move up from the NAIA. Still, expect USC Upstate and Clayton State to battle for the regular season title.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
D-II SOUTH SPORTS FALL PREVIEW--GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE WOMEN'S SOCCER
NOTE: The D-II South Sports Fall Preview continues with an outlook on the women's soccer programs in the Gulf South Conference. Predicted order of finish is courtesy of the GSC.
1. West Florida
2. Lincoln Memorial
3. Harding
4. West Georgia
5. Christian Brothers
6. Central Arkansas
7. Montevallo
8. Alabama-Huntsville
9. North Alabama
10. Ouachita Baptist
11. Delta State
Analysis: Despite having its season prematurely cut short due to Hurricane Ivan last year, UWF is the team to beat in GSC women's soccer this year, as the Argonauts received seven of 10 first place votes in the preseason coaches poll. Defending regular season co-champions Lincoln Memorial and Harding, both of whom earned NCAA tournament bids a year ago, should be serious contenders for the title, while first-year program West Georgia surprised many by being picked to finish fourth.
1. West Florida
2. Lincoln Memorial
3. Harding
4. West Georgia
5. Christian Brothers
6. Central Arkansas
7. Montevallo
8. Alabama-Huntsville
9. North Alabama
10. Ouachita Baptist
11. Delta State
Analysis: Despite having its season prematurely cut short due to Hurricane Ivan last year, UWF is the team to beat in GSC women's soccer this year, as the Argonauts received seven of 10 first place votes in the preseason coaches poll. Defending regular season co-champions Lincoln Memorial and Harding, both of whom earned NCAA tournament bids a year ago, should be serious contenders for the title, while first-year program West Georgia surprised many by being picked to finish fourth.
Friday, August 19, 2005
D-II SOUTH SPORTS FALL PREVIEW--PEACH BELT VOLLEYBALL
NOTE: Our fall sports preview continues with a look at Peach Belt Conference volleyball.
Predicted order of finish courtesy of the Peach Belt Conference.
1. Armstrong Atlantic State--With the departure of perennial power North Florida to the NCAA Division I ranks, AASU now has the team to beat in the PBC. Head Coach Alan Segal welcomes back three starters and eight letterwinners to a Pirates that finished the 2004 season 29-8, and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the fifth year in a row. AASU has yet another tough schedule to start 2005, as the Pirates will participate in tournaments in Illinois and Texas in successive weekends.
2. Francis Marion--The Patriots return six starters from last year's 21-14 squad, as three other letterwinners and three newcomers. Head Coach Sonny Kirkpatrick hopes that combination will help FMU contend for a PBC title in 2005.
3. USC Aiken--After posting one of the biggest turnarounds at the NCAA Division II level in 2004, the Pacers look to take the next step, and improve on last year's 21-13. USCA returns all but one starter from a year ago. In addition, head coach Will Condon has added six new players to the roster, including two junior college transfers.
4. USC Upstate--Head Coach Jennifer Calloway welcomes back seven starters from last year's 16-15 team.
5. UNC Pembroke--Despite finishing 9-22 last season, the Braves hope for significant improvement this season.
6. Lander--Former softball head coach Doug Spears will assume the reins of the volleyball program on an interim basis in 2005. He has his work cut out for him, as the Bearcats struggled to a 13-21 record in 2004.
7. Augusta State--The Jaguars welcome Amber Glass as their new head coach. After a dismal 2-29 campaign last season, there's only one way ASU can go, and that's up.
Predicted order of finish courtesy of the Peach Belt Conference.
1. Armstrong Atlantic State--With the departure of perennial power North Florida to the NCAA Division I ranks, AASU now has the team to beat in the PBC. Head Coach Alan Segal welcomes back three starters and eight letterwinners to a Pirates that finished the 2004 season 29-8, and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the fifth year in a row. AASU has yet another tough schedule to start 2005, as the Pirates will participate in tournaments in Illinois and Texas in successive weekends.
2. Francis Marion--The Patriots return six starters from last year's 21-14 squad, as three other letterwinners and three newcomers. Head Coach Sonny Kirkpatrick hopes that combination will help FMU contend for a PBC title in 2005.
3. USC Aiken--After posting one of the biggest turnarounds at the NCAA Division II level in 2004, the Pacers look to take the next step, and improve on last year's 21-13. USCA returns all but one starter from a year ago. In addition, head coach Will Condon has added six new players to the roster, including two junior college transfers.
4. USC Upstate--Head Coach Jennifer Calloway welcomes back seven starters from last year's 16-15 team.
5. UNC Pembroke--Despite finishing 9-22 last season, the Braves hope for significant improvement this season.
6. Lander--Former softball head coach Doug Spears will assume the reins of the volleyball program on an interim basis in 2005. He has his work cut out for him, as the Bearcats struggled to a 13-21 record in 2004.
7. Augusta State--The Jaguars welcome Amber Glass as their new head coach. After a dismal 2-29 campaign last season, there's only one way ASU can go, and that's up.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
D-II SOUTH SPORTS FALL PREVIEW--GSC WEST VOLLEYBALL
Our preseason previews continue with a brief outlook on Gulf South Conference West Division volleyball.
NOTE: Predicted order of finish is courtesy of the Gulf South Conference.
1. Harding--After going unbeaten in GSC West play, and winning the division title last year, the Bisons are the unaminous favorite to repeat this year. And three starters and six letterwinners hoping to lead HU to such a feat.
2. Henderson State--Should the Bisons falter, the Reddies are ready and willing to contend for the top spot in the GSC West, as three starters return from a squad that finished 16-14 in 2004.
3. Christian Brothers--The Buccaneers bring back six starters and six letterwinners to help them contend for a return trip to the GSC tournament after going 18-11 last season, and finishing third in the GSC West.
4. Arkansas Tech--The Golden Suns look to move up in the standings after a 13-17 finish last season.
5. Central Arkansas--The Sugar Bears have a new head coach in Steven McRoberts, as they hope to return to the GSC tournament after just missing out on a berth last season, finishing 14-16.
6. Southern Arkansas--The Riderettes will return five starters, plus a libero in hopes of improving on last season's dismal 6-21 record.
7. Ouachita Baptist--The Tigers lost four straight matches to end the 2004 season, resulting in a final record of 10-17. OBU must learn how to finish strong if it has any hopes of reaching the GSC tournament in 2005.
8. Arkansas-Monticello--Nicole Smith will coach UAM in its inaugural season of volleyball.
NOTE: Predicted order of finish is courtesy of the Gulf South Conference.
1. Harding--After going unbeaten in GSC West play, and winning the division title last year, the Bisons are the unaminous favorite to repeat this year. And three starters and six letterwinners hoping to lead HU to such a feat.
2. Henderson State--Should the Bisons falter, the Reddies are ready and willing to contend for the top spot in the GSC West, as three starters return from a squad that finished 16-14 in 2004.
3. Christian Brothers--The Buccaneers bring back six starters and six letterwinners to help them contend for a return trip to the GSC tournament after going 18-11 last season, and finishing third in the GSC West.
4. Arkansas Tech--The Golden Suns look to move up in the standings after a 13-17 finish last season.
5. Central Arkansas--The Sugar Bears have a new head coach in Steven McRoberts, as they hope to return to the GSC tournament after just missing out on a berth last season, finishing 14-16.
6. Southern Arkansas--The Riderettes will return five starters, plus a libero in hopes of improving on last season's dismal 6-21 record.
7. Ouachita Baptist--The Tigers lost four straight matches to end the 2004 season, resulting in a final record of 10-17. OBU must learn how to finish strong if it has any hopes of reaching the GSC tournament in 2005.
8. Arkansas-Monticello--Nicole Smith will coach UAM in its inaugural season of volleyball.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
D-II SOUTH SPORTS FALL PREVIEW--GSC EAST VOLLEYBALL
NOTE: Our fall sports outlook begins in earnest with a preview of women's volleyball action. First up, a look at the Gulf South Conference East Division.
1. North Alabama--It's hard not to pick to against the Lions as the top team in the GSC East. In fact, UNA has won eight of the last nine GSC titles, not to mention a national championship in 2003. Like it or not, this is the team to beat until another squad proves otherwise.
2. Alabama-Huntsville--One of the more consistent programs in the league year-in and year-out, the Lady Chargers hope to break UNA's strangehold on the GSC East.
3. West Georgia--After going 24-9 last season, and advancing to the GSC tournament for the first time since 1998, the Braves look to take the next step, and advance to the NCAA tournament. But they must do it with a new head coach in Regan Adams.
4. West Florida--The Argonauts hope to bounce back after having its season cancelled due to Hurricane Ivan. UWF had a 5-7 record when the 2004 campaign was called due to severe weather damage.
5. Lincoln Memorial--The Railsplitters hope to improve on last year's 23-8 record, which also included a 7-5 mark in GSC East play, as well as a trip to the conference tournament.
6. West Alabama--The Tigers hope to bounce back after a disappointing 7-24 season.
7. Montevallo--The Falcons also struggled last season, going 9-17 overall.
8. Valdosta State--While the football program is trying to defend a national championship, new head coach Sia Poyer looks to rebuild a Lady Blazer volleyball program that has managed just four wins over the last two years, none in GSC play.
Source: Predicted order of finish is courtesy of the Gulf South Conference.
1. North Alabama--It's hard not to pick to against the Lions as the top team in the GSC East. In fact, UNA has won eight of the last nine GSC titles, not to mention a national championship in 2003. Like it or not, this is the team to beat until another squad proves otherwise.
2. Alabama-Huntsville--One of the more consistent programs in the league year-in and year-out, the Lady Chargers hope to break UNA's strangehold on the GSC East.
3. West Georgia--After going 24-9 last season, and advancing to the GSC tournament for the first time since 1998, the Braves look to take the next step, and advance to the NCAA tournament. But they must do it with a new head coach in Regan Adams.
4. West Florida--The Argonauts hope to bounce back after having its season cancelled due to Hurricane Ivan. UWF had a 5-7 record when the 2004 campaign was called due to severe weather damage.
5. Lincoln Memorial--The Railsplitters hope to improve on last year's 23-8 record, which also included a 7-5 mark in GSC East play, as well as a trip to the conference tournament.
6. West Alabama--The Tigers hope to bounce back after a disappointing 7-24 season.
7. Montevallo--The Falcons also struggled last season, going 9-17 overall.
8. Valdosta State--While the football program is trying to defend a national championship, new head coach Sia Poyer looks to rebuild a Lady Blazer volleyball program that has managed just four wins over the last two years, none in GSC play.
Source: Predicted order of finish is courtesy of the Gulf South Conference.
D-II SOUTH SPORTS FALL PREVIEW--CONFERENCE CHANGES
NOTE: This is a first in a series of previews leading up to the beginning of fall sports coverage at D-II South Sports. Check back throughout the rest of August for more previews as they become available.
CONFERENCE CHANGES:
Gulf South Conference: While the GSC has no new members, the University of West Georgia will debut its new women's soccer program this season. However, the possibility exists that the University of Central Arkansas, as well as UWG, may join former Peach Belt Conference members Kennesaw State University and the University of North Florida in the NCAA Division I ranks.
Peach Belt Conference: With the departure of Kennesaw State and North Florida, as well as the addition of North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega, Ga., the PBC now has 10 schools in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Francis Marion University could become the third school to leave the league within the last two seasons, as its men's golf and women's soccer programs recently earned NCAA approval to move to the NCAA Division I level.
SIAC: The historically black league adds four schools this season, as it welcomes Claflin University (Orangeburg, S.C.), Stillman College (Tuscaloosa, Ala.), Lincoln University (Mo.), and Langston University (Okla.).
CONFERENCE CHANGES:
Gulf South Conference: While the GSC has no new members, the University of West Georgia will debut its new women's soccer program this season. However, the possibility exists that the University of Central Arkansas, as well as UWG, may join former Peach Belt Conference members Kennesaw State University and the University of North Florida in the NCAA Division I ranks.
Peach Belt Conference: With the departure of Kennesaw State and North Florida, as well as the addition of North Georgia College & State University in Dahlonega, Ga., the PBC now has 10 schools in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Francis Marion University could become the third school to leave the league within the last two seasons, as its men's golf and women's soccer programs recently earned NCAA approval to move to the NCAA Division I level.
SIAC: The historically black league adds four schools this season, as it welcomes Claflin University (Orangeburg, S.C.), Stillman College (Tuscaloosa, Ala.), Lincoln University (Mo.), and Langston University (Okla.).
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