D2SS NEWS AND NOTES--WEEK OF OCTOBER 2, 2005

NOTE: The notes that were supposed to be published the previous week (Sept. 25) were not published because of an error. So, let's try it again, shall we?

VOLLEYBALL WIN STREAK ENDS: The Harding University volleyball team saw its 17-match winning streak end at the hands of the University of Central Arkansas in a five-game upset loss on the road Saturday night (Oct. 1). UCA (13-8, 2-2) trailed 2-1 after three games, but won games four and five to pull of the upset. Two other teams in the Gulf South Conference West Division, Arkansas Tech and Henderson State, quickly took advantage of the Bisons misfortune, as the Golden Suns swept the Sugar Bears in three games Thursday, Sept. 29, while Henderson State downed Christian Brothers in another five-game thriller Saturday night. ATU, HU, and HSU are now in a three-way tie for first place in the GSC West.

SOCCER UPDATE: The National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) released its most recent regional poll on Sept. 27, and "D2South Nation" is very well represented, as both the Gulf South and Peach Belt Conference placed at least two teams in the rankings.

In the South Region, the University of West Florida (11-0-1) has the top ranking in the women's poll, with Lincoln Memorial ranked fourth, upstart West Georgia ranked fifth, Central Arkansas and Harding tied for sixth, and Ouachita Baptist and Montevallo tied for tenth.

In the Southeast Region women's rankings, Clayton State (7-1) currently holds the top spot, and will likely keep it after shutting out Peach Belt Conference newcomer Armstrong Atlantic State 2-0 at home Saturday night. The win allowed the Lakers to gain sole possession of first place in the PBC at 3-0. On the other hand, UNC Pembroke was the only other PBC team to crack the regional top ten, as the Braves (9-2) were tied for fifth with Catawba.

In the men's rankings, Central Arkansas was one of only two GSC schools to make the South Region poll, as the Bears came in second behind top-ranked Lynn University (Fla.), while Lincoln Memorial came in third. In the Southeast Region, the PBC proved why it's one of the toughest NCAA Division II conferences in the nation, with Clayton State, Lander, USC Upstate, and UNC Pembroke tying for the #2 ranking behind Mount Olive. A fifth team, Francis Marion (6-5), came in ninth.

PBC SOCCER SURPRISES: As strong as the Clayton State women's soccer team has been this season, the Lakers might have some company in the race for the Peach Belt Conference regular season title, as several other teams have made breakthroughs so far.

Georgia College & State University is one case in point, as the Bobcats have reeled off six straight wins after starting the season 1-2. The most recent win came Friday, Sept. 30 when GC&SU knocked off PBC favorite USC Upstate 2-1. That victory gave the Bobcats a perfect 2-0 record in league action, and 7-2 overall. The record itself is very amazing considering GC&SU is only in its second varsity season.

Meanwhile, in Savannah, Ga., Armstrong Atlantic State has managed to fight its way to a 2-1 record in PBC action in its first season of play, although its lone loss came Saturday against Clayton State. In other words, don't expect the Pirates to be an easy out for PBC foes the rest of this season.

And another second year program, Columbus State, is also holding its own, as the Cougars are also 2-1 in the PBC, and 6-4 overall after routing USC Aiken 5-0. CSU, though, will face a stiff test on Wednesday, Oct. 5, when the Cougars travel to Clayton State for a critical conference match.

Questions? Comments? Send e-mail to d2southsports@yahoo.com.