D-II South Sports begins its third season of "Must See Games", with previews of at least one women's game and/or one men's game. So, what are we waiting for? Let's get started!
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TOP MEN'S GAME
Clayton State (1-0) at North Alabama (2-2)
Monday 7 p.m. CST
The Peach Belt Conference pre-season favorite Lakers travel to Florence, Ala. for their first real test this season, as they face the Gulf South Conference Lions. Clayton State opened its season with an 83-53 rout of Southeastern Tuesday, November 21, while UNA dropped a pair of close games in South Florida over the Thanksgiving weekend, losing 108-107 to Nova Southeastern Friday, and 71-69 to Barry on Saturday.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
2006-07 BASKETBALL PREVIEW--MEN'S PREDICTIONS
Our 2006-2007 basketball previews at D-II South Sports wrap up with a quick preview and analysis of the men's teams.
GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE
Click here for the preseason predictions.
Analysis: The GSC will play with two fewer schools this season, as Central Arkansas has left for the NCAA Division I ranks, while Lincoln Memorial has moved to the South Atlantic Conference. Still, many of the so-called "experts" think Montevallo could win their third conference title in the last four seasons. In the West Division, Harding was the surprise favorite to finish on top there, followed by Arkansas-Monticello and Delta State.
PEACH BELT CONFERENCE
Click here for the preseason predictions.
Analysis: Clayton State earned the nod as the preseason favorite to win the PBC regular season crown for the second straight season, as the Lakers received seven of 10 first place votes. The only problem is, the Clayton State men haven't been able to get over the hump, and into the NCAA Division II tournament, despite having one of the winningest active coaches in the nation in Gordon Gibbons, who enters his sixth season as the Lakers head coach. Also, don't count out Armstrong Atlantic State, Columbus State, or outgoing USC Upstate either. The Spartans will depart for the D-I ranks after this season. Also, Georgia Southwestern State joins former NAIA rival North Georgia for its inaugural PBC season.
SIAC
Click here for the preseason predictions.
Analysis: Expect the SIAC to be very competitive from top to bottom, as Paine College was picked as the favorite to win the title. But teams like Benedict, Morehouse, and Albany State also could give the Lions a run for their money.
GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE
Click here for the preseason predictions.
Analysis: The GSC will play with two fewer schools this season, as Central Arkansas has left for the NCAA Division I ranks, while Lincoln Memorial has moved to the South Atlantic Conference. Still, many of the so-called "experts" think Montevallo could win their third conference title in the last four seasons. In the West Division, Harding was the surprise favorite to finish on top there, followed by Arkansas-Monticello and Delta State.
PEACH BELT CONFERENCE
Click here for the preseason predictions.
Analysis: Clayton State earned the nod as the preseason favorite to win the PBC regular season crown for the second straight season, as the Lakers received seven of 10 first place votes. The only problem is, the Clayton State men haven't been able to get over the hump, and into the NCAA Division II tournament, despite having one of the winningest active coaches in the nation in Gordon Gibbons, who enters his sixth season as the Lakers head coach. Also, don't count out Armstrong Atlantic State, Columbus State, or outgoing USC Upstate either. The Spartans will depart for the D-I ranks after this season. Also, Georgia Southwestern State joins former NAIA rival North Georgia for its inaugural PBC season.
SIAC
Click here for the preseason predictions.
Analysis: Expect the SIAC to be very competitive from top to bottom, as Paine College was picked as the favorite to win the title. But teams like Benedict, Morehouse, and Albany State also could give the Lions a run for their money.
Friday, November 17, 2006
FALL SPORTS POSTSEASON UPDATE
After winning both the Gulf South Conference and NCAA Division II South Central Regional titles, the University of North Alabama volleyball team moved to one step closer to playing a national championship Friday, as the nationally sixth-ranked Lions downed tenth-ranked Ashland (Ohio) 3-0 to advance to Saturday's national semifinal. UNA will play the winner of the Lock Haven-West Texas A&M match this weekend at Pensacola, Fla.
Gulf South Conference Press Release
Meanwhile, just across town at Brosnaham Park, the University of West Florida men's soccer team's hopes of winning a national title in front of the home crowd disappeared in heartbreaking fashion, as top-ranked Dowling rallied from a two-goal deficit in two minutes to eliminate in Argonauts in overtime Thursday night. The match was tied 3-3 at the end of regulation and overtime, but Dowling outscored UWF 5-4 on penalty kicks to advance to Saturday's title match. With the loss, the Argonauts season ended with a 20-1-3 record.
Gulf South Conference Press Release
Gulf South Conference Press Release
Meanwhile, just across town at Brosnaham Park, the University of West Florida men's soccer team's hopes of winning a national title in front of the home crowd disappeared in heartbreaking fashion, as top-ranked Dowling rallied from a two-goal deficit in two minutes to eliminate in Argonauts in overtime Thursday night. The match was tied 3-3 at the end of regulation and overtime, but Dowling outscored UWF 5-4 on penalty kicks to advance to Saturday's title match. With the loss, the Argonauts season ended with a 20-1-3 record.
Gulf South Conference Press Release
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
2006-2007 BASKETBALL PREVIEW--GSC WEST, PEACH BELT, SIAC WOMEN
Predicted orders of finish are courtesy of the respective conferences.
GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE WEST DIVISION
1. Delta State
2. Henderson State
3. Arkansas Tech
4. Harding
5. Ouachita Baptist
6. Southern Arkansas
7. Christian Brothers
8. Arkansas-Monticello
Analysis: After sharing the division title with each other last season, both Delta State and Henderson State expect to make the GSC West a two-team race again this year. The Lady Reddies, though, have the edge in the national preseason rankings as the season begins, as they are ranked seventh in the WBCA Division II poll, while the Lady Statesmen are ranked 13th.
PEACH BELT CONFERENCE
Click here for the preseason predictions.
Analysis: With back-to-back trips to the NCAA tournament under its belt, Clayton State hopes to turn a postseason hat trick in 2007. But the Laker women will have plenty of suitors that want to put up a challenge for the PBC regular season title, including defending tournament champion Georgia College & State University.
SIAC
Click here for the preseason predictions.
Analysis: After finishing conference play a perfect 20-0 last season, Fort Valley State is expected to win the regular season title again this year. The Lady Wildcats come into the season ranked 22nd in the WBCA D-II poll.
GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE WEST DIVISION
1. Delta State
2. Henderson State
3. Arkansas Tech
4. Harding
5. Ouachita Baptist
6. Southern Arkansas
7. Christian Brothers
8. Arkansas-Monticello
Analysis: After sharing the division title with each other last season, both Delta State and Henderson State expect to make the GSC West a two-team race again this year. The Lady Reddies, though, have the edge in the national preseason rankings as the season begins, as they are ranked seventh in the WBCA Division II poll, while the Lady Statesmen are ranked 13th.
PEACH BELT CONFERENCE
Click here for the preseason predictions.
Analysis: With back-to-back trips to the NCAA tournament under its belt, Clayton State hopes to turn a postseason hat trick in 2007. But the Laker women will have plenty of suitors that want to put up a challenge for the PBC regular season title, including defending tournament champion Georgia College & State University.
SIAC
Click here for the preseason predictions.
Analysis: After finishing conference play a perfect 20-0 last season, Fort Valley State is expected to win the regular season title again this year. The Lady Wildcats come into the season ranked 22nd in the WBCA D-II poll.
Monday, November 13, 2006
2006-2007 BASKETBALL PREVIEW--GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE EAST DIVISION WOMEN
Like the old saying goes, it might be late, but better late than never, as D-II South Sports has the first of multiple installments of its 2006-2007 basketball preview. Leading things off are the women's teams in the Gulf South Conference.
Predicted order of finish is courtesy of the Gulf South Conference
Valdosta State: After finishing 18-10 last season, and falling to Henderson State in the quarterfinals of the Gulf South Conference tournament, the Lady Blazers hope to return to the top of the GSC East this year. The VSU women will be tested early and often, as they face squads such as Nova Southeastern, Florida Gulf Coast, Clayton State, and Bowie State in the pre-conference schedule.
Alabama-Huntsville: The Lady Chargers hope to take another step towards being one of the conference's elite programs after a 14-13 overall, and 9-5 finish in GSC East action last season. UAH saw its season end with an embarassing 52-28 loss to Delta State in the GSC tournament.
West Florida: The Lady Argonauts look to make a return trip to the NCAA Division II tournament after finishing 23-7 last season, falling to Henderson State in the South regional semifinal. But they'll have to do it with the multitude of seniors that got them there now having graduated.
West Georgia: After finishing 19-10 in their final season as the Braves, the UWG women will begin their first season as the Wolves.
West Alabama: The Lady Tigers hope to improve on a disappointing 13-16 record, which included a 7-7 mark in GSC East games.
North Alabama: The Lady Lions have nowhere to go but up after a dismal 5-22 finish last season.
Montevallo: The Falcons also find themselves fighting an uphill battle after finishing 7-20 a year ago, tied with UNA, and former GSC member Lincoln Memorial for last place in the East Division at 3-11.
Predicted order of finish is courtesy of the Gulf South Conference
Valdosta State: After finishing 18-10 last season, and falling to Henderson State in the quarterfinals of the Gulf South Conference tournament, the Lady Blazers hope to return to the top of the GSC East this year. The VSU women will be tested early and often, as they face squads such as Nova Southeastern, Florida Gulf Coast, Clayton State, and Bowie State in the pre-conference schedule.
Alabama-Huntsville: The Lady Chargers hope to take another step towards being one of the conference's elite programs after a 14-13 overall, and 9-5 finish in GSC East action last season. UAH saw its season end with an embarassing 52-28 loss to Delta State in the GSC tournament.
West Florida: The Lady Argonauts look to make a return trip to the NCAA Division II tournament after finishing 23-7 last season, falling to Henderson State in the South regional semifinal. But they'll have to do it with the multitude of seniors that got them there now having graduated.
West Georgia: After finishing 19-10 in their final season as the Braves, the UWG women will begin their first season as the Wolves.
West Alabama: The Lady Tigers hope to improve on a disappointing 13-16 record, which included a 7-7 mark in GSC East games.
North Alabama: The Lady Lions have nowhere to go but up after a dismal 5-22 finish last season.
Montevallo: The Falcons also find themselves fighting an uphill battle after finishing 7-20 a year ago, tied with UNA, and former GSC member Lincoln Memorial for last place in the East Division at 3-11.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
FALL SPORTS POSTSEASON UPDATE
In case you missed it, here's how some of the postseason action turned out for some of the fall sports teams in D-II South Nation.
Getting things underway on the soccer field, both University of West Florida squads played for the opportunity to advance to the national quarterfinals, with the men's team playing in the NCAA Division II soccer version of the "Elite Eight" for the first time ever, as the Argonauts downed Lynn University 2-1 in the South Regional final last Sunday. The Argos (19-1-2) will host Queens University (N.C.) in Saturday's quarterfinal round match at 4 p.m. CST. As for the UWF women, however, it was anything but a happy ending, as the Argonauts fell to nationally fifth-ranked Tampa 2-0. The loss snapped an 11-match unbeaten streak for West Florida, ending its season with 15-3-3 mark.
The news wasn't all bad for UWF athletics, though, as the volleyball team, in its first-ever NCAA
tournament appearance, upset second-seeded Washburn in a three-game sweep (30-25, 30-27, 30-25) in the South Central Regional Thursday. The seventh-seeded Argos will face third-seeded Central Missouri State in Friday's second round action at Kirksville, Mo. Friday.
In other volleyball postseason action, the Lady Pacers of USC Aiken won the Peach Belt Conference tournament over Armstrong Atlantic State last Saturday, but saw their run in the NCAA tournament come to an abrupt end at 28-7, as Florida Gulf Coast swept USCA 3-0. FGCU is in its final season of NCAA Division II action, and will join former PBC members Kennesaw State, North Florida, and USC Upstate in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Sun Conference in 2007.
Log on to www.ncaasports.com for recaps on other action involving teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports.
Getting things underway on the soccer field, both University of West Florida squads played for the opportunity to advance to the national quarterfinals, with the men's team playing in the NCAA Division II soccer version of the "Elite Eight" for the first time ever, as the Argonauts downed Lynn University 2-1 in the South Regional final last Sunday. The Argos (19-1-2) will host Queens University (N.C.) in Saturday's quarterfinal round match at 4 p.m. CST. As for the UWF women, however, it was anything but a happy ending, as the Argonauts fell to nationally fifth-ranked Tampa 2-0. The loss snapped an 11-match unbeaten streak for West Florida, ending its season with 15-3-3 mark.
The news wasn't all bad for UWF athletics, though, as the volleyball team, in its first-ever NCAA
tournament appearance, upset second-seeded Washburn in a three-game sweep (30-25, 30-27, 30-25) in the South Central Regional Thursday. The seventh-seeded Argos will face third-seeded Central Missouri State in Friday's second round action at Kirksville, Mo. Friday.
In other volleyball postseason action, the Lady Pacers of USC Aiken won the Peach Belt Conference tournament over Armstrong Atlantic State last Saturday, but saw their run in the NCAA tournament come to an abrupt end at 28-7, as Florida Gulf Coast swept USCA 3-0. FGCU is in its final season of NCAA Division II action, and will join former PBC members Kennesaw State, North Florida, and USC Upstate in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Sun Conference in 2007.
Log on to www.ncaasports.com for recaps on other action involving teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
FALL SPORTS POSTSEASON UPDATE
AASU VOLLEYBALL ADVANCES TO CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH
Pirates to face USC Aiken in Peach Belt Conference tournament final
FULL STORY
PBC WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAMS ELIMINATED FROM NCAA TOURNAMENT
Armstrong Atlantic State and Columbus State both see their squads respective seasons end on a sour note in the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at Jefferson City, Tenn. Friday. AASU was shutout by Tusculum 1-0, while CSU fell to Carson-Newman 2-1.
BEARCATS FALL IN SHOOTOUT
It was a rough day for the Peach Belt Conference men's teams as well, as both Lander and USC Upstate were eliminated from the NCAA tournament Friday at Greenwood, S.C. The Bearcats battled Queens to a scoreless tie after regulation, only to lose 2-1 in the shootout. As for the Spartans, their run as an NCAA Division II member ended in overtime, as they lost to Limestone 3-2, also on penalty kicks after going scoreless through regulation. USC Upstate begins the transition to NCAA Division I status in 2007.
WEST FLORIDA SOCCER MARCHES ON
Both University of West Florida soccer teams advanced to the finals of the NCAA Division II South Region tournament with wins on Friday. In Tampa, the UWF women needed a goal by Summer Savage with 30 seconds left in regulation to force overtime at 1-1. The Argonauts carried the momentum from that tying goal into the shootout, as they outscore St. Leo 7-6 to advance.
On the men's side, the Argos also had to go to a shootout in their match against fellow Gulf South Conference rival Montevallo at Pensacola, Fla. Friday. The contest was tied 2-2 after regulation, as well as two overtime periods before UWF outscored the Falcons 4-1 in the shootout to advance to Sunday's final match (second round).
The UWF women face top-seeded Tampa in one second round match, while the West Florida men will take on second-seeded and nationally 12th ranked Lynn in a similar contest.
Pirates to face USC Aiken in Peach Belt Conference tournament final
FULL STORY
PBC WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAMS ELIMINATED FROM NCAA TOURNAMENT
Armstrong Atlantic State and Columbus State both see their squads respective seasons end on a sour note in the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at Jefferson City, Tenn. Friday. AASU was shutout by Tusculum 1-0, while CSU fell to Carson-Newman 2-1.
BEARCATS FALL IN SHOOTOUT
It was a rough day for the Peach Belt Conference men's teams as well, as both Lander and USC Upstate were eliminated from the NCAA tournament Friday at Greenwood, S.C. The Bearcats battled Queens to a scoreless tie after regulation, only to lose 2-1 in the shootout. As for the Spartans, their run as an NCAA Division II member ended in overtime, as they lost to Limestone 3-2, also on penalty kicks after going scoreless through regulation. USC Upstate begins the transition to NCAA Division I status in 2007.
WEST FLORIDA SOCCER MARCHES ON
Both University of West Florida soccer teams advanced to the finals of the NCAA Division II South Region tournament with wins on Friday. In Tampa, the UWF women needed a goal by Summer Savage with 30 seconds left in regulation to force overtime at 1-1. The Argonauts carried the momentum from that tying goal into the shootout, as they outscore St. Leo 7-6 to advance.
On the men's side, the Argos also had to go to a shootout in their match against fellow Gulf South Conference rival Montevallo at Pensacola, Fla. Friday. The contest was tied 2-2 after regulation, as well as two overtime periods before UWF outscored the Falcons 4-1 in the shootout to advance to Sunday's final match (second round).
The UWF women face top-seeded Tampa in one second round match, while the West Florida men will take on second-seeded and nationally 12th ranked Lynn in a similar contest.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
2006-07 BASKETBALL PREVIEW--OPENING TIP
NOTE: D-II South Sports starts its third season of basketball coverage with a brief look at the Disney Division II Tip-Off classic this weekend. A preview of the Gulf South and Peach Belt Conferences, as well as the SIAC, will soon follow. So, sit back, and enjoy!
LADY SAINTS TO PARTICIPATE IN DISNEY CLASSIC
After going 23-4 overall, 19-1 in Peach Belt Conference play, and winning the regular season title in your inaugural season of the league, what do the Lady Saints of North Georgia College & State University do for an encore? Play a tougher schedule. That's what head coach Buffie Burson and her squad will do this weekend, as the Lady Saints travel to Orlando, Fla. for the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic.
The North Georgia women will open the classic against preseason #1 North Dakota Friday, followed by Texas A&M-Commerce Saturday, and wrapping up with a game against Lock Haven (Pa.) Sunday. The Lady Saints return six letterwinners from last season, but have no seniors.
Official NGCSU Women's Basketball Website
LADY SAINTS TO PARTICIPATE IN DISNEY CLASSIC
After going 23-4 overall, 19-1 in Peach Belt Conference play, and winning the regular season title in your inaugural season of the league, what do the Lady Saints of North Georgia College & State University do for an encore? Play a tougher schedule. That's what head coach Buffie Burson and her squad will do this weekend, as the Lady Saints travel to Orlando, Fla. for the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic.
The North Georgia women will open the classic against preseason #1 North Dakota Friday, followed by Texas A&M-Commerce Saturday, and wrapping up with a game against Lock Haven (Pa.) Sunday. The Lady Saints return six letterwinners from last season, but have no seniors.
Official NGCSU Women's Basketball Website
NCAA SOCCER TOURNAMENT SELECTIONS ANNOUNCED
The selections for the 2006 NCAA Division II soccer championships have been announced, and once again, D-II South Nation is well represented, as both the Gulf South and Peach Belt Conferences sent a combined seven teams to regional competition starting Friday.
In the women's bracket, the PBC sent tournament champion Columbus State and runner-up Armstrong Atlantic State to the Southeast Regional, while West Florida was the lone GSC squad to advance to the South Regional. CSU and AASU are both making their first-ever appearances in the NCAA tournament.
On the men's side, PBC regular-season and tournament champion Lander joins soon to be former PBC foe USC Upstate in the Southeast Regional, which the Bearcats will host, while UWF will battle fellow GSC rival Montevallo in a first round match in the South Regional at Pensacola, Fla.
Here are the pairings for the Southeast and South Regionals as follows. Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.
SOUTHEAST REGIONAL WOMEN--at Jefferson City, Tenn. (Carson-Newman)
Friday, Nov. 3
FIRST ROUND
Carson-Newman (13-1-1) vs. Columbus State (18-3-1)
Tusculum (12-2-3) vs. Armstrong Atlantic State (18-3-1)
Sunday, Nov. 5
SECOND ROUND
First round winners
SOUTH REGIONAL WOMEN--at Tampa, Fla. (University of Tampa)
Friday, Nov. 3
FIRST ROUND
Tampa (15-2-1) vs. Nova Southeastern (11-3-2)
West Florida (15-2-2) vs. St. Leo (14-3-1)
Sunday, Nov. 5
SECOND ROUND
First round winners
SOUTHEAST REGIONAL MEN--at Greenwood, S.C. (Lander University)
FIRST ROUND
Friday, Nov. 3
Lander (16-3) vs. Queens (N.C.)--(11-4-2)
USC Upstate (12-3-2) vs. Limestone (13-2-5)
SECOND ROUND
Sunday, Nov. 5
First round winners
SOUTH REGIONAL MEN--at Pensacola, Fla.
FIRST ROUND
Friday, Nov. 3
West Florida (18-1-1) vs. Montevallo (14-5)
Rollins (13-5) vs. Lynn (14-1)
SECOND ROUND
Sunday, Nov. 5
First round winners
Complete women's bracket
Complete men's bracket
In the women's bracket, the PBC sent tournament champion Columbus State and runner-up Armstrong Atlantic State to the Southeast Regional, while West Florida was the lone GSC squad to advance to the South Regional. CSU and AASU are both making their first-ever appearances in the NCAA tournament.
On the men's side, PBC regular-season and tournament champion Lander joins soon to be former PBC foe USC Upstate in the Southeast Regional, which the Bearcats will host, while UWF will battle fellow GSC rival Montevallo in a first round match in the South Regional at Pensacola, Fla.
Here are the pairings for the Southeast and South Regionals as follows. Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.
SOUTHEAST REGIONAL WOMEN--at Jefferson City, Tenn. (Carson-Newman)
Friday, Nov. 3
FIRST ROUND
Carson-Newman (13-1-1) vs. Columbus State (18-3-1)
Tusculum (12-2-3) vs. Armstrong Atlantic State (18-3-1)
Sunday, Nov. 5
SECOND ROUND
First round winners
SOUTH REGIONAL WOMEN--at Tampa, Fla. (University of Tampa)
Friday, Nov. 3
FIRST ROUND
Tampa (15-2-1) vs. Nova Southeastern (11-3-2)
West Florida (15-2-2) vs. St. Leo (14-3-1)
Sunday, Nov. 5
SECOND ROUND
First round winners
SOUTHEAST REGIONAL MEN--at Greenwood, S.C. (Lander University)
FIRST ROUND
Friday, Nov. 3
Lander (16-3) vs. Queens (N.C.)--(11-4-2)
USC Upstate (12-3-2) vs. Limestone (13-2-5)
SECOND ROUND
Sunday, Nov. 5
First round winners
SOUTH REGIONAL MEN--at Pensacola, Fla.
FIRST ROUND
Friday, Nov. 3
West Florida (18-1-1) vs. Montevallo (14-5)
Rollins (13-5) vs. Lynn (14-1)
SECOND ROUND
Sunday, Nov. 5
First round winners
Complete women's bracket
Complete men's bracket
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