Lady Cougars Post Shutout in Season Opener at Barry

Source: Columbus State University Sports Information

Miami Shores, FL - Columbus State scratched out two first-half goals and then rode its customary strong defense the rest of the way Friday in a season-opening 2-0 win over Barry University. CSU, ranked #5 in the NFCA Division II preseason poll, will conclude its Florida road trip with a game at Rollins College on Sunday.

Host Barry controlled possession early in the contest, but CSU mounted a run in the ninth minute and a crossing pass from Kellie Myles found the head of Jill Walthall in the box and the sophomore poked the shot past Buccaneer keeper Sami Cromartie for a 1-0 lead.

The Lady Cougars got a second goal in the 16th minute when Cromartie could not control a ball in the box. Stephanie Parris was there to collect the loose ball and booted into the empty net for a 2-0 lead. That score would stand the rest of the way as CSU relied on its defense to post the shutout.

The best scoring opportunity for Barry came in the 18th minute as Michelle Tarasiuk slipped a shot past Monica Sanchez, but defender Sarah Hawkins was on the spot to sweep the shot away near the goal for an empty net save. Sanchez played the first half in goal and posted two saves, while Kelly Nimmo took over in the second half and collected four saves to preserve the shutout win.

"It was not that pretty, but a win is good any way you get it," said CSU coach Jay Entlich. "It hurt us to not have had a preseason scrimmage to get game experience. It was sort of like a football team practicing in shorts and then putting on the pads to play a game - that first hit gives you a jolt. We were fortunate enough to get a couple of goals and come away with a win."

CSU committed 15 fouls in the game, including one yellow card issued to Hawkins in the 74th minute. Barry had eight fouls and picked up two yellow cards in the first half. CSU led in corner kicks by a 6-5 count.

CSU (1-0) returns to action on Sunday as they stop over in Winter Park, FL, to face Rollins College at noon.

2008 Fall Sports Preview--Peach Belt Conference

Our 2008 fall sports previews continues with the outlook on the Peach Belt Conference. So, what are waiting for? Let's get started!

Volleyball: Despite a second place finish (6-4 in 2007) in PBC play last year, Lander was selected to finish first out of six teams in this year's regular season race. Armstrong Atlantic State and two-time defending regular season and tournament champion USC Aiken also figure to find themselves in the mix for the top spot in PBC volleyball in 2008.

BONUS COVERAGE: PBC Preseason All-Conference Team 2008

Women's Soccer: Columbus State (20-3-2 overall in 2007) is coming off the best season in the program's four-year history, reaching the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II tournament, and bring back seven starters that look to go even further this season. Armstrong Atlantic State (14-5-1) looks to be a strong challenger to the Lady Cougars supremacy, as the Lady Pirates lose only three starters from the squad that has finished in the PBC standings two years in a row.

BONUS COVERAGE: PBC Preseason All-Conference Team 2008

Men's Soccer: If the vote in the preseason coaches poll is any indication, expect a tight two-way for first place between Clayton State and Lander, as both teams were separated by only one vote. The Lakers lose 10 starters from last year's team, while the Bearcats bring back all league players Aaron Brittain and Jamie Ramm for 2008. Oh, and Lander begins the season ranked 18th nationally.

BONUS COVERAGE: PBC Preseason All-Conference Team 2008

2008 Fall Sports Preview--Gulf South Conference

D-II South Sports begins its look at the 2008 fall sports season with an inside look at the volleyball, men's and women's soccer programs in the Gulf South Conference.

Volleyball: For the first time in least the last 12 years, the University of North Alabama isn't a favorite to win the GSC title. Instead, that nod goes to the University of West Florida, whose Argonauts are coming off a successful 26-4 campaign, and was picked to win the East Division in 2008. In the West, Harding is team to beat, as the Lady Bisons hope to win their seventh straight division crown.

Women's Soccer: The UWF women's soccer team is also a favorite to finish on top in the GSC, as the Argonauts return three starters from last year's squad. But defending league champion Montevallo returns eight starters from a year ago, which will make for a very tight race.

Men's Soccer: The preseason pick to win the regular season title in this sport is, you guessed it, the University of West Florida! The Argonauts hope to win their third straight GSC title. But just like on the women's side, the University of Montevallo Falcons expect to give the Argos all they can handle.

UWF volleyball ranked 23rd in AVCA poll

Entering its ninth season of play, the University of West Florida volleyball program begins the 2008 season nationally ranked at No. 23 in the CBS College Sports/American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) NCAA Division II preseason poll.

Click here for the complete rankings (Gulf South Conference via the AVCA).

CSU signs eight

Summer might be winding down, but Columbus State University's recruiting season is wrapping up, as the Cougars signed eight men's basketball players this week.

Article courtesy of Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer