Wednesday, February 28, 2007

MARCH MADNESS IS HERE!

It may be the waning moments of February, but March Madness has already arrived! Click on one of the following links to follow the conference tournament action throughout D-II South Nation.

Gulf South Conference

Peach Belt Conference

SIAC

Sunday, February 25, 2007

FVSU HOOPS, GC&SU BASEBALL SWEEP

The Fort Valley State University basketball teams swept Clark-Atlanta, with the women's squad clinching the top seed for the SIAC tournament, while the Georgia College & State University baseball team took a doubleheader from UNC Pembroke in Peach Belt Conference action, both on Saturday.

Article courtesy of the Macon (Ga.) Telegraph


PBC MEN'S TOURNAMENT SET

The pairings have been set for the 2007 Peach Belt Conference men's basketball tournament, which starts Wednesday on the campus of Lander University in Greenwood, S.C.

Click here for the full brackets, courtesy of the Peach Belt Conference.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

PEACH BELT CONFERENCE WOMEN'S TOURNAMENT BRACKET RELEASED

The pairings for the women's bracket of the Peach Belt Conference have been released. With its 85-69 win over Georgia College & State University Saturday, Clayton State has earned the regular season title in the PBC, and will be the top seed from the South Division.

Click here for the full press release, courtesy of the Peach Belt Conference

MUST SEE GAMES--THE FINAL WEEKEND

Normally in this space, D-II South Sports has some of the key games involving teams in the Gulf South and Peach Belt Conferences, as well as the SIAC. But with the final weekend of the regular season on the way as this column is being written, how do the races in each league shape up? Read on below to find the answers to these questions?

NOTE: Only conference records are listed for most teams.

GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE

East Division Women: While Valdosta State (21-5, 10-1) is already assured of the top seed for next week's Gulf South Conference tournament, the real race here is for second place, as four teams; Montevallo, North Alabama, West Alabama, and West Florida, all have identical 6-5 records in GSC play heading into Saturday's action. All four of those squads will join VSU in the conference tourney, but any of them could be seeded as low as fifth depending upon the outcome of the contests listed below.

Key games: Montevallo at West Alabama, West Florida at Valdosta State, Alabama-Huntsville at North Alabama

West Division Women: Delta State (22-3, 12-1) has clinched first place on this side of the GSC. Arkansas Tech (10-3), Southern Arkansas (8-5), Harding (7-6), and Henderson State (6-7), are locked into the other four spots for next week's GSC tournament at Southaven, Miss.

Key games: None

East Division Men: Montevallo (21-5, 10-1) has won 12 straight games to take home the division title. A win over West Florida could clinch second place outright for Valdosta State (7-4), although the winner of the Alabama-Huntsville/North Alabama game could finish in a tie with VSU should the Blazers lose to the Argonauts.

Key games: Alabama-Huntsville at North Alabama

West Division Men: Despite back-to-back losses in their last two games, it's just that simple for the Henderson State Reddies (19-7, 10-3); beat Delta State Saturday, and they'll win the GSC West. A third straight loss by HSU, however, would open the door for Christian Brothers and Harding (9-4) to split the division title three ways.

Key games: Delta State at Henderson State, Christian Brothers at Harding

PEACH BELT CONFERENCE

Women: With all 12 teams beating up on each other, as all of them have at least four losses in PBC play going into this weekend, the race for the regular season title could come down to the last minute. Clayton State (22-5, 11-4) can win that crown outright with a win over GC&SU (10-5), plus a loss by USC Aiken to Lander.

Key games: GC&SU at Clayton State, USC Aiken at Lander

Men: Augusta State (22-4, 14-1) has already clinched the regular season title, and will be seeded first in the South Division for next week's Peach Belt Conference tournament at Greenwood, S.C. next week. But the following games could have an impact on how the rest of the bracket will look.

Armstrong Atlantic State (10-5) at Columbus State (9-6)

GC&SU (7-8) at Clayton State (10-5)

SIAC

Women: Benedict (15-4), Fort Valley State (14-4), Kentucky State (14-5), and Tuskegee (14-5), all find themselves locked in a tight race for the regular season title as the final weekend approaches.

Key games: Fort Valley State at Benedict (Thursday)

Tuskegee at Kentucky State

Clark-Atlanta at Fort Valley State

Men: Benedict (24-2, 20-1) has been the among the best kept secrets in the nation, as the Tigers have won nine straight games since losing to Paine Jan. 30. It will be a shock if Benedict doesn't earn the top seed for the NCAA Division II South Regional.

Key games: None

Friday, February 23, 2007

GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN UPSETS ARMSTRONG ATLANTIC

The Georgia Southwestern State University men's basketball team may not be able to compete in this year's Peach Belt Conference tournament because of its "rookie" status at the NCAA Division II level, but the Hurricanes did manage to send their seniors out a winner in their final home game, as they knocked off Armstrong Atlantic State University 76-64 in Americus, Ga. Thursday night.

Article courtesy of the Albany (Ga.) Herald

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

MUST SEE GAMES

NOTE: Click on the highlighted link (s) to listen to live audio, or to view live stats.

KEY: (L)--Live Stats (V)--Video

TOP WOMEN'S GAMES

Augusta State (17-7, 9-5) at Clayton State (20-5, 10-4)--Wednesday 5:30 p.m. EST

Columbus State (17-8, 9-5) at GC&SU (18-7, 9-5)--Wednesday 5:30 p.m. EST

While Augusta State has already clinched the Peach Belt Conference men's regular season title (14-0 in PBC), the women's crown is still up for going into the final week of action. The Laker women had a chance to pull away from their pursuers, but let it slip away with a 76-71 loss to North Georgia last Saturday. Both of those games could either make this race clearer, or make it much tighter, depending upon the outcome.

TOP MEN'S GAME

#8 Augusta State (22-3, 14-0) at # 22 Clayton State (20-5, 9-5)--Wednesday 7:30 p.m. EDT

The Lakers host the Jaguars in a game where both teams are going in different directions. Augusta has 14 straight games to take home the PBC regular season crown, while Clayton hopes to snap a two-game losing streak. The Jaguars continued their tune-up for the Peach Belt Conference tournament by clobbering UNC Pembroke 80-57 last Saturday, while the Lakers were knocked off a struggling North Georgia squad 61-59 the same day.

VSU SPLITS WITH MONTEVALLO

The newly-crowned Gulf South Conference East Division champion Valdosta State University Lady Blazers continued their towards the GSC tournament with an easy 72-49 rout at Montevallo Monday night.

Article courtesy of Valdosta State University Sports Information

On the same night, the UM Falcons won their 12th straight game by downing the VSU Blazers 89-77 in the men's game. The victory gives Montevallo the GSC East title for 2007.

Article courtesy of University of Montevallo Sports Information

Monday, February 19, 2007

ALBANY STATE BASKETBALL PEAKING

With the regular season winding down, the Albany State University men's and women's basketball teams hope to play their game heading into the SIAC tournament.

Article courtesy of the Albany (Ga.) Herald


Sunday, February 18, 2007

MUST SEE GAMES

NOTE: Click on the highlighted link (s) to listen to live audio, or view live stats.

National rankings courtesy of NABC/Division II Bulletin poll.

TOP MEN'S GAME

Valdosta State (19-6, 7-3) at Montevallo (20-5, 9-1)--Monday 7:30 p.m. CDT

With Gulf South Conference tournament berths already in hand, the Blazers and Falcons clash to see who will win the GSC East. A win over VSU gives UM the division title outright, while a win over the Falcons moves the Blazers to within one game of sharing first place with one game to play in the regular season.

Monday, February 12, 2007

COLUMBUS STATE SOCCER SIGNS EIGHT PLAYERS

Columbus, GA - Columbus State women's soccer coach Jay Entlich has announced the signing of eight players for the 2007 season. The players completed the signing of National Letters of Intent on Wednesday, the national signing day for fall sports. Seven of the eight are from Georgia, while the eighth is from nearby Auburn, AL. Entlich is entering his fourth season as CSU coach and will have his first class of seniors in 2007 after starting the program from scratch four years ago.

"I am very pleased with the young ladies we have signed," said Entlich. "We have addressed our needs for the team and have brought in a group of players that are not only strong on the field, but in the classroom as well. We are definitely looking for these young ladies to step in right away and have an impact on our team in 2007.

Here is a list of the eight signees with a capsule of information on each:

KC MacEachern- (Fr., Augusta, GA., Aquinas HS) KC comes to CSU from Aquinas High School and the Augusta Arsenal Gunners soccer club. She is a very talented forward and attacking midfielder. KC has been a 4 year starter for her high school team and she has also lettered in volleyball, swimming, and basketball. She participated in the GA ODP program playing for Coach Entlich before suffering a season ending ACL injury in the spring of 2005.

Jessica Woodson- (Fr., Conyers, GA., Rockdale HS) Jessica’s ability to score goals in the box and play with her back to goal will make her a valuable addition to the Lady Cougars in 2007. She comes to CSU after a very successful career on the field playing at Rockdale County High School, high school teammate of current CSU midfielder Lindsey Morgan, and playing her club soccer at AFC Lightning.

Jill Walthall- (Fr., Clarkston, GA., Chamblee HS) Jill comes to CSU and is expected to provide an immediate impact in the midfield for the Lady Cougars. She is the younger sister of current standout forward Rachel Walthall. Jill is an outstanding student from the Chamblee High School Magnet program. Jill played her club soccer for Atlanta Fire United Elite.

Leslie Mathews- (Fr., Stone Mountain, GA., Columbia HS) Leslie has a very rich playing background coming to CSU from the highly successful GSA Phoenix Red 90. Her club team has participated in the US Youth Soccer Southern Regional Tournament for three straight years. Coach Entlich looks for Leslie to contribute either as a forward or outside midfielder.

Melinda Bush- (Fr., Columbus, GA., Hardaway HS) Melinda looks to be one of the most talented and most athletic recruits that Coach Entlich has signed from the Columbus area. She has had a very successful career playing locally at Hardaway High School and for CFC Redstar. She has helped lead her team to numerous region titles and state playoff appearances. Coach Entlich expects Melinda to contribute in a variety of roles.

Sarah Schwartz- (Fr., Auburn, AL., Auburn HS) Sarah is CSU’s lone out of state signee for the 2007 signing class. She comes over to Columbus from Auburn High School in Auburn, Alabama and has played club soccer for American Lady Jets out of Birmingham. Sarah can play as an outside midfielder or forward within the current system Coach Entlich employs with his team.

Kim Gaughan- (Fr., Marietta, GA., McEachern HS) Much like some of CSU’s other recruits, Kim also has connections to the current team. She was high school teammates with current standout midfielder Hilary Holder. Kim will provide depth to the Lady Cougars backline or as a defensive midfielder. Kim is an excellent defender who will bring a strong physical presence to the back. Kim plays her club soccer for the nationally recognized Concorde Fire Soccer Club in Atlanta.

Stephanie Parrish- (Fr., Grayson, GA., Grayson HS) Stephanie is CSU’s second signee of the 2007 class from GSA in Lilburn, GA. Stephanie plays for the GSA 89 Phoenix Red and at Grayson High School. Stephanie will bring tremendous speed and athleticism and could potentially step into a variety of valuable roles in Coach Entlich’s system of play.

Source: Columbus State University Sports Information

Sunday, February 11, 2007

MUST SEE GAMES

NOTE: Click on the highlighted team name (s) to listen to live audio, or to view live stats.

TOP WOMEN'S GAME:

Montevallo (13-10, 5-3) at North Alabama (12-12, 5-4)--Monday 6 p.m. CST

While their male counterparts have been getting a lot of the attention lately, winners of nine straight games, the Lady Falcons have quietly vaulted themselves into Gulf South Conference tournament contention with four games left to play. UM downed Alabama-Huntsville 60-46 on Saturday, while UNA knocked off West Alabama 78-61 that same night.

TOP MEN'S GAME

NOTE: National rankings courtesy of NABC poll.

#25 Montevallo (18-5, 7-1) at North Alabama (13-11, 6-3)--Monday 8 p.m. CST

The Falcons hope to extend their winning streak to 10 games when they face the Lions in a game with GSC tournament implications. UM clinched a spot in the conference tournament with a 74-67 win over Alabama-Huntsville on Saturday, while UNA pulled into a tie for second place in the Gulf South Conference East Division with a 109-85 rout of West Alabama. The Lions pulled even with Valdosta State, who fell 91-69 at West Georgia, also on Saturday.

Friday, February 09, 2007

MUST SEE GAMES

NOTE: Click on the highlighted link (s) to listen to live audio, or to view live stats.

TOP WOMEN'S GAME

Arkansas Tech (15-7, 7-2) at Southern Arkansas (10-10, 7-2)--Saturday 5:30 p.m. CST

The Lady Muleriders host the Golden Suns in a battle for sole possession of second place in the Gulf South Conference West Division. Game will be shown in broadband video on NCAA Sports.com.

NCAA Sports.com Video Webcast Link

TOP MEN'S GAME

KEY: (L)--Live Stats (V)--Video

Columbus State (14-8, 7-4) at Armstrong Atlantic State (L)(V)--(16-6, 7-4)--Saturday 4 p.m. EST

The Pirates do battle against the Cougars in a showdown for sole possession of third place in the Peach Belt Conference South Division. CSU moved into a tie for that position after winning a 104-103 double overtime at home over GC&SU Wednesday night. On that same night, the Pirates rallied from a 19-point halftime deficit to defeat Georgia Southwestern State 59-56.

AASU Video Webcast Link

Thursday, February 08, 2007

MUST SEE GAMES

NOTE: Click on the highlighted link (s) to listen to live audio, or to view live stats.

TOP MEN'S GAME

Harding (12-9, 5-3) at Delta State (15-6, 5-3)--Thursday 7:30 p.m. CST

A battle of two teams going in opposite directions, as the Statesmen host the Bisons. HU is on a three-game winning streak, while DSU has lost three straight games. The winner of this game will keep at least a share of second place in the Gulf South Conference West Division, as both the Bisons and Statesmen are tied with Christian Brothers and Ouachita Baptist. All four teams trail first place Henderson State (16-5, 7-1) by two games coming into last weekend's action.

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

MUST SEE GAMES

TOP MEN'S GAME

Click on the link (s) of the highlighted team (s) to listen to live audio, or to view live stats.

(V)--Video

#10 Clayton State (19-2, 8-2) at #16 Augusta State (V)--(18-3, 10-0)--Wednesday 7:30 p.m. EST

While Duke and North Carolina square off during "Rivalry Week", the Jaguars will host the Lakers in a big Peach Belt Conference showdown. Augusta will look to stay undefeated in PBC play, while Clayton State hopes to move within one game of first place in the South Division should it pick up a road win.

Augusta State Video Webcast Link





Monday, February 05, 2007

BASEBALL PREVIEWS

For many teams in D-II South Nation, the 2007 college baseball season started this past Super Bowl weekend. Here are a few quick previews on each of the three conferences covered by D-II South Sports. Find out how your favorite team will fare this year by clicking on one of the following links.

Gulf South Conference

Peach Belt Conference

Black College Baseball Preseason Rankings (Benedict #2, Miles #3)

MONTEVALLO BASEBALL WINS SEASON OPENER

No. 5 UM defeats Southern Arkansas, 13-8

UM 19 hits 3 each by Daniel Tankersley, Travis Fultz and Chris Cooper

Zach Andrews earns victory

Nate Russ earns save

UM 2-1 overall

Next: at Stillman (2/6) 2 p.m.

Source: University of Montevallo (Ala.) Sports Information