Keeping up with the ever-evolving technology the Internet constantly provides, D-II South Sports presents the "D-II South Sports Newsbar". Here, fans in D-II South Nation can keep up with the latest headlines and news--not only from within the Gulf South Conference, Peach Belt Conference, and the SIAC--but also headlines from select sporting events throughout NCAA Division II and elsewhere. Simply click the keywords listed below the "D-II South Sports Newsbar" column, and find the news that interests you. Otherwise, sit back, and enjoy searching for the news you can't get anywhere else, only on D-II South Sports.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Remembering the 2008 Fall Sports Season
As Christmas approaches, let's take one last look at the fall sports season in D-II South Nation for 2008...
Volleyball: Armstrong Atlantic State made history, as the Lady Pirates advanced to the Elite Eight for the first-time ever this season. But their run was cut short in the national quarterfinals by Grand Valley State in a three-game sweep. West Florida also had a historic run in the South Regional, reaching the Sweet 16 before falling to Nova Southeastern in five games. As for eight-time SIAC champion Albany State, the Lady Rams were swept by the University of Tampa despite winning a school record 31 matches.
Women's Soccer: Despite being the lone Gulf South Conference team in the dance, the University of West Florida Lady Argonauts reached the national finals, but lost to Seattle Pacific in double overtime, 1-0. One of the teams the Lady Argonauts defeated en route to the title match was Columbus State, which was one of three teams (Georgia College & State University and UNC Pembroke were the others) from the Peach Belt Conference to advance to the NCAA Division II tournament. UWF edged CSU 1-0 in the national quarterfinals on Nov. 23.
Men's Soccer: It was a disappointing run for the three teams that represented D-II South Nation in that sport's NCAA tournament in 2008. In the South Regional bracket, West Florida and Montevallo both suffered bitter season-ending to Sunshine State Conference foes Lynn and Tampa, respectively. The Argos lost to the Knights 5-2, while the Falcons fell to the Spartans, 1-0. It wasn't much better for the Peach Belt Conference, either, as that league's only representative, the Lander Bearcats, were eliminated by Limestone, 2-1.
Volleyball: Armstrong Atlantic State made history, as the Lady Pirates advanced to the Elite Eight for the first-time ever this season. But their run was cut short in the national quarterfinals by Grand Valley State in a three-game sweep. West Florida also had a historic run in the South Regional, reaching the Sweet 16 before falling to Nova Southeastern in five games. As for eight-time SIAC champion Albany State, the Lady Rams were swept by the University of Tampa despite winning a school record 31 matches.
Women's Soccer: Despite being the lone Gulf South Conference team in the dance, the University of West Florida Lady Argonauts reached the national finals, but lost to Seattle Pacific in double overtime, 1-0. One of the teams the Lady Argonauts defeated en route to the title match was Columbus State, which was one of three teams (Georgia College & State University and UNC Pembroke were the others) from the Peach Belt Conference to advance to the NCAA Division II tournament. UWF edged CSU 1-0 in the national quarterfinals on Nov. 23.
Men's Soccer: It was a disappointing run for the three teams that represented D-II South Nation in that sport's NCAA tournament in 2008. In the South Regional bracket, West Florida and Montevallo both suffered bitter season-ending to Sunshine State Conference foes Lynn and Tampa, respectively. The Argos lost to the Knights 5-2, while the Falcons fell to the Spartans, 1-0. It wasn't much better for the Peach Belt Conference, either, as that league's only representative, the Lander Bearcats, were eliminated by Limestone, 2-1.
Friday, December 19, 2008
More reaction to Montevallo, Flagler joining Peach Belt Conference, plus an analysis
As reported on Thursday, the Peach Belt Conference has accepted the University of Montevallo (Ala.), and Flagler College of St. Augustine, Fla. for membership in the current 11-school NCAA Division II conference, effective with the 2009-10 season. Here's some reaction from select local media outlets throughout D-II South Nation.
Flagler going to Peach Belt
St. Augustine (Fla.) Record (via staugustine.com)
Peach Belt Conference adds two new teams
Albany (Ga.) Herald
Flagler, Montevallo to join Peach Belt next season
Americus (Ga.) Times-Recorder
Peach Belt accepts Montevallo
Shelby County (Ala.) Reporter
Analysis: Adding both Montevallo and Flagler to the PBC mix makes good sense not only for both institutions, but for the league as a whole. The league's decision to admit both schools fits both the academic and athletic missions well--as it seeks to admit institutions that are neither too big nor too small in terms of enrollment.
Also, the fact the Gulf South Conference sponsors football--a sport that UM doesn't have--no doubt proved to be a factor in the Falcons decision to join the PBC. As for Flagler, the Florida-based school not only made history by becoming the first private school to join the league, it's also a welcome replacement for the departed University of North Florida, a former Peach Belt member that's still completing its transition to the NCAA Division I ranks, and the Atlantic Sun Conference.
In terms of what this expansion means for the PBC as a whole, it could turn out to be just the beginning, not the end, for the continued transformation of the 18-year old league, whose history dates back to 1991. In fact, don't be surprised if other current non-football members of the GSC; specifically Alabama-Huntsville and West Florida, decide to join Montevallo in the PBC down the road.
Perhaps the best part of this expansion might be that both institutions have already completed the transition process from the NAIA to the NCAA Division II ranks, and will immediately become eligible to compete for championships in what's becoming one of the toughest D-II conferences in the nation. As for disadvantages, the addition of two new schools will surely creates some scheduling headaches, not to mention travel issues, as Montevallo will become the first Alabama--as well as Central Time Zone--institution to compete in the PBC. Imagine what it would be like for teams at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke, for example, to make the long trip to Alabama for PBC contests. Or vice versa. Or even all the way to northern Florida, for that matter. It'll be interesting to see what happens in terms of scheduling both teams.
Flagler going to Peach Belt
St. Augustine (Fla.) Record (via staugustine.com)
Peach Belt Conference adds two new teams
Albany (Ga.) Herald
Flagler, Montevallo to join Peach Belt next season
Americus (Ga.) Times-Recorder
Peach Belt accepts Montevallo
Shelby County (Ala.) Reporter
Analysis: Adding both Montevallo and Flagler to the PBC mix makes good sense not only for both institutions, but for the league as a whole. The league's decision to admit both schools fits both the academic and athletic missions well--as it seeks to admit institutions that are neither too big nor too small in terms of enrollment.
Also, the fact the Gulf South Conference sponsors football--a sport that UM doesn't have--no doubt proved to be a factor in the Falcons decision to join the PBC. As for Flagler, the Florida-based school not only made history by becoming the first private school to join the league, it's also a welcome replacement for the departed University of North Florida, a former Peach Belt member that's still completing its transition to the NCAA Division I ranks, and the Atlantic Sun Conference.
In terms of what this expansion means for the PBC as a whole, it could turn out to be just the beginning, not the end, for the continued transformation of the 18-year old league, whose history dates back to 1991. In fact, don't be surprised if other current non-football members of the GSC; specifically Alabama-Huntsville and West Florida, decide to join Montevallo in the PBC down the road.
Perhaps the best part of this expansion might be that both institutions have already completed the transition process from the NAIA to the NCAA Division II ranks, and will immediately become eligible to compete for championships in what's becoming one of the toughest D-II conferences in the nation. As for disadvantages, the addition of two new schools will surely creates some scheduling headaches, not to mention travel issues, as Montevallo will become the first Alabama--as well as Central Time Zone--institution to compete in the PBC. Imagine what it would be like for teams at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke, for example, to make the long trip to Alabama for PBC contests. Or vice versa. Or even all the way to northern Florida, for that matter. It'll be interesting to see what happens in terms of scheduling both teams.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Montevallo, Flagler join Peach Belt Conference
Perhaps one of the worst kept secrets in NCAA Division II athletics became a reality Thursday, as the University of Montevallo (Ala.), as well as Flagler College of St. Augustine, Fla., joined the Peach Belt Conference. UM is currently a member of the Gulf South Conference, while Flagler currently competes as an independent. Both schools will join the PBC effective with the 2009-10 season.
Article courtesy of the Peach Belt Conference.
Article courtesy of the Peach Belt Conference.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Valdosta State men win at buzzer
The Valdosta State University men's basketball team finished an 11-game homestand with a bang--and a buzzer beater--as the Blazers downed the University of Tampa, 80-79 Tuesday night.
Article courtesy of Valdosta State University Sports Information
Article courtesy of Valdosta State University Sports Information
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Column: Blazers fun to watch
At 6-1, the Valdosta State University men's basketball team is winning with a fast-paced style of play thus far in 2008-09.
Article courtesy of Valdosta (Ga.) Daily Times
Article courtesy of Valdosta (Ga.) Daily Times
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