Hope you're a good holiday season so far. Here's how your favorite basketball teams are doing in "D-II South Nation" going into the Christmas break. But first...
Here's one last (belated) look at the fall sports...on D-II South Sports...
Flagler volleyball, just having finished its first season in the Peach Belt Conference, reached the Final Four of the NCAA Division II tournament, only to lose to West Texas A&M 3-1. The Saints finished the 2009 season at 36-9. Thanks to the strong performances from its men's soccer, as well as its volleyball program, Flagler currently sits in the top 40 of the first Learfield Director's Cup standings for D-II schools at No. 36.
The University of West Florida women's soccer team falls on penalty kicks to Cal State Dominguez Hills. Click here for the details.
And now, turning to basketball...
Women
Gulf South Conference: The West Division clearly holds the balance of power here, as all eight teams currently have an overall record of .500 or better going into the holiday break. Delta State (No. 3 in the WBCA D-II poll) and Arkansas Tech (No. 24) both share identical 10-0 marks as of Christmas Eve. On the other hand, West Florida is the lone team in the East Division to have a winning record, as the Lady Argonauts sport a 7-4 overall mark.
Peach Belt Conference: Two-time defending tournament champion Lander goes into the Christmas break as the lone unbeaten team in the PBC at 7-0. Preseason favorite--and defending Southeast Region champion Clayton State is off to yet another solid start at 7-1, as is Francis Marion at 9-1. The Laker women are undefeated in PBC play at 2-0. That's good for first place in the West Division. The surprise team thus far is newcomer Montevallo, whose Lady Falcons sport a 7-2 mark.
SIAC: To no one's surprise so far, Fort Valley State (5-0, 3-0) currently rules the roost in this league, as the Lady Wildcats have racked up wins over Miles, Stillman, and Claflin, as West Georgia and Florida Tech in non-conference play. But Benedict (4-2, 2-0) and LeMoyne-Owen (3-2, 2-0) may have a say as to who'll come out on top between now and the end of the regular season.
Men
Gulf South: The two teams that played each other in last season's GSC tournament title game have 22 wins between them going into Christmas. Defending tourney champion Arkansas Tech (11-0) is off to its best start as a GSC member, as the Wonder Boys are ranked fifth in the latest NABC Division II poll. Runner-up Valdosta State (11-2) started the season at 8-0 before losing back-to-back games to Columbus State and Tampa, respectively. The No. 15 (NABC) Blazers have since won three in a row.
Peach Belt: While Augusta State (9-0 and No. 3 in the NABC poll) has surprised no one in getting off to a fast start so far, the biggest surprise has to come from the state of Alabama. Montevallo has very quietly gotten off to a 10-0 start in its inaugural PBC season. The Falcons are currently ranked No. 19 nationally. UM, though, will get its first real test on Jan. 2, as they play host to the Lander Bearcats in their first-ever PBC game. Francis Marion (8-1) and Georgia College & State University (6-1) have also gotten off to impressive starts.
SIAC: Stillman (5-0, 4-0) has been the surprise team in the SIAC so far, as one of the Tigers wins have come against NCAA Division I Alabama A&M, among other teams. As an added bonus, the Stillman are ranked No. 23 in the NABC poll. It's the first time the Tigers from Tuscaloosa, Ala. are nationally ranked. Benedict (3-2, 2-0) is the only other unbeaten team in SIAC play going into the Christmas break.
Have a very Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year, from D-II South Sports!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Fall Sports Postseason Update
Wonder what happened to your favorite fall sports teams in postseason play? Well, you're about to find out, right here, right now, on D2SS.
Women's Soccer: West Florida advances to NCAA Final Four (Press release courtesy of the Gulf South Conference)
NCAA Division II Tournament Bracket
Volleyball: Peach Belt Conference newcomer Flagler punches ticket to Elite Eight (Press release courtesy of the PBC)
Updated NCAA Tournament Bracket
Men's Soccer: PBC teams bow out early. The updated bracket is here.
Women's Soccer: West Florida advances to NCAA Final Four (Press release courtesy of the Gulf South Conference)
NCAA Division II Tournament Bracket
Volleyball: Peach Belt Conference newcomer Flagler punches ticket to Elite Eight (Press release courtesy of the PBC)
Updated NCAA Tournament Bracket
Men's Soccer: PBC teams bow out early. The updated bracket is here.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
2009-2010 Basketball Previews--SIAC Men
Our preseason hoops previews wrap up with a brief outlook on SIAC men's basketball.
Predicted order of finish
1. Benedict (24-6 in 2008-09): After a tough loss to Arkansas Tech in the first round of last year's NCAA Division II tournament, the Tigers hope to have a deeper postseason run this year.
2. Claflin (25-4): The defending SIAC regular season champion Panthers will look to finish at or near the top of the league again this season.
3. Lane (22-8): An upset loss to LeMoyne-Owen in the finals of last season's SIAC tournament cost the Dragons in the NCAA tourney. It'll be interesting to see if they can sustain that momentum this season.
4. LeMoyne-Owen (17-14): Can the Magicians pull another magical run that put them in the NCAA's a season ago?
5. Albany State (13-15): The middle-of-the-pack Golden Rams hope to make a move up to the top of the SIAC standings after a 12-12 conference finish in 2008-09.
6. Clark Atlanta (15-14): The Panthers also finished at .500 in the SIAC at 12-12.
7. Fort Valley State (13-16): The Wildcats season ended in "one-and-done" fashion after losing to eventual SIAC tournament champion LeMoyne-Owen last season.
8. Miles (12-16): The Golden Bears are another one of those "middle-of-the-pack" teams in the SIAC, as they finished conference play, at yes, 12-12.
9. Morehouse (9-19): The Maroon Tigers hope to rebound after a disappointing 7-17 finish in the SIAC.
10. Tuskegee (8-20): All eight of the Golden Tigers wins last season came in SIAC play.
11. Kentucky State (9-20): The Thorobreds finished 7-17 in SIAC play in 2008-09.
12. Stillman (7-20): The Tigers hope to go up after finishing 6-18 in the conference.
13. Paine (8-21): The Lions also finished 6-18 in SIAC action last season.
Predicted order of finish
1. Benedict (24-6 in 2008-09): After a tough loss to Arkansas Tech in the first round of last year's NCAA Division II tournament, the Tigers hope to have a deeper postseason run this year.
2. Claflin (25-4): The defending SIAC regular season champion Panthers will look to finish at or near the top of the league again this season.
3. Lane (22-8): An upset loss to LeMoyne-Owen in the finals of last season's SIAC tournament cost the Dragons in the NCAA tourney. It'll be interesting to see if they can sustain that momentum this season.
4. LeMoyne-Owen (17-14): Can the Magicians pull another magical run that put them in the NCAA's a season ago?
5. Albany State (13-15): The middle-of-the-pack Golden Rams hope to make a move up to the top of the SIAC standings after a 12-12 conference finish in 2008-09.
6. Clark Atlanta (15-14): The Panthers also finished at .500 in the SIAC at 12-12.
7. Fort Valley State (13-16): The Wildcats season ended in "one-and-done" fashion after losing to eventual SIAC tournament champion LeMoyne-Owen last season.
8. Miles (12-16): The Golden Bears are another one of those "middle-of-the-pack" teams in the SIAC, as they finished conference play, at yes, 12-12.
9. Morehouse (9-19): The Maroon Tigers hope to rebound after a disappointing 7-17 finish in the SIAC.
10. Tuskegee (8-20): All eight of the Golden Tigers wins last season came in SIAC play.
11. Kentucky State (9-20): The Thorobreds finished 7-17 in SIAC play in 2008-09.
12. Stillman (7-20): The Tigers hope to go up after finishing 6-18 in the conference.
13. Paine (8-21): The Lions also finished 6-18 in SIAC action last season.
2009-2010 Basketball Previews--SIAC Women
Here's another installment of our 2009-10 basketball previews, exclusively on D2SS. Next up: the SIAC women.
Predicted order of finish
1. Fort Valley State (26-5 in 2008-09): The Lady Wildcats finished a perfect 22-0 in SIAC play last season, but fell to Ouachita Baptist in the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament.
2. Clark-Atlanta (26-5): The Lady Panthers hope to give FVSU all it can handle this season. Three of CAU's five losses came to the Lady Wildcats.
3. Kentucky State (18-11): The Thorobrettes hope to improve on last year's 15-7 finish in conference play.
4. Albany State (12-17): The Lady Rams look to shoot for a winning record after finishing 11-11 in the SIAC.
5. Claflin (14-12): The Pantherettes hope to take the next step entering their second season in the SIAC after a 12-10 finish in their inaugural season.
6. Tuskegee (13-17): The Tigerettes were another middle of the pack team in the SIAC, as they finished league play at .500 (11-11)
7. Miles (14-15): The Lady Bears took Clark Atlanta to limit before losing 68-62 in overtime at last season's SIAC tournament.
8. LeMoyne-Owen (12-17): The Lady Magicians will look improve on last season 8-14 conference finish.
9. Benedict (10-17): The Lady Tigers also finished SIAC play at 8-14, losing to Miles in round one of the SIAC tournament.
10. Stillman (9-16): The Lady Tigers look ahead to 2009-2010 after a heartbreaking loss to LeMoyne-Owen in the SIAC tourney ended the 2008-2009 campaign.
11. Paine (6-21): The Lions lost eight of their last nine games to end last season.
12. Lane (3-24): The Lady Dragons go into this season with 24 straight losses. That's after they started last season 3-0.
Predicted order of finish
1. Fort Valley State (26-5 in 2008-09): The Lady Wildcats finished a perfect 22-0 in SIAC play last season, but fell to Ouachita Baptist in the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament.
2. Clark-Atlanta (26-5): The Lady Panthers hope to give FVSU all it can handle this season. Three of CAU's five losses came to the Lady Wildcats.
3. Kentucky State (18-11): The Thorobrettes hope to improve on last year's 15-7 finish in conference play.
4. Albany State (12-17): The Lady Rams look to shoot for a winning record after finishing 11-11 in the SIAC.
5. Claflin (14-12): The Pantherettes hope to take the next step entering their second season in the SIAC after a 12-10 finish in their inaugural season.
6. Tuskegee (13-17): The Tigerettes were another middle of the pack team in the SIAC, as they finished league play at .500 (11-11)
7. Miles (14-15): The Lady Bears took Clark Atlanta to limit before losing 68-62 in overtime at last season's SIAC tournament.
8. LeMoyne-Owen (12-17): The Lady Magicians will look improve on last season 8-14 conference finish.
9. Benedict (10-17): The Lady Tigers also finished SIAC play at 8-14, losing to Miles in round one of the SIAC tournament.
10. Stillman (9-16): The Lady Tigers look ahead to 2009-2010 after a heartbreaking loss to LeMoyne-Owen in the SIAC tourney ended the 2008-2009 campaign.
11. Paine (6-21): The Lions lost eight of their last nine games to end last season.
12. Lane (3-24): The Lady Dragons go into this season with 24 straight losses. That's after they started last season 3-0.
Friday, November 13, 2009
2009-2010 Basketball Preview--Peach Belt Conference Men
Our preseason hoops previews continue with an outlook on the men's teams in the Peach Belt Conference.
The coaches weigh in on who will finish on top in the PBC.
Click here for the preseason notes, courtesy of the PBC.
Now, here's how the race in the "Belt" will turn out, according to D2SS.
East Division
1. Augusta State (30-5 in 2008-09): Garrett Siler may have graduated, but the Jaguars are still the team to beat in the PBC. In fact, guard Ben Madgen returns along with two other starters in hopes of leading ASU to a third straight Elite Eight.
2. USC Aiken (25-8): The Pacers must replace all of their starters from the team that reached the Sweet 16 a year ago.
3. Francis Marion (16-12): The Patriots return four letterwinners from last year's squad.
4. Lander (12-16): The Bearcats look to start over under first-year head coach Jeff Burkhamer.
5. Armstrong Atlantic State (23-7): Jeremy Luther replaces Burkhamer at the Pirates helm, as he must replace all-conference stars Brian Moultrie and Dwight Tolbert from last year's NCAA tournament team.
6. UNC Pembroke (6-21): The Braves face an uphill battle after a 3-17 finish in PBC play last season.
7. Flagler (12-15): Head Coach Bo Clark begins his 24th season as the Saints head coach. But it's the team's inaugural season in the "Belt".
West Division
1. Georgia College & State University (22-7 in 2008-09): The Bobcats hope to reload after their third 20-win campaign in the last four seasons. They return three starters from last season.
2. Clayton State (15-14): The Lakers look to put themselves back into the PBC title conversation after a disappointing 7-13 finish in league play a year ago.
3. North Georgia (16-12): The Saints return only four players from last season.
4. Georgia Southwestern (10-18): The Hurricanes hope to improve upon last season's 6-14 PBC mark.
5. Columbus State (8-19): The Cougars welcome multiple newcomers into the mix, as they look to become a force in the PBC again.
6. Montevallo (15-16): After 14 seasons in the Gulf South Conference, it's a whole new ball game for the Falcons, as they begin their inaugural season in the PBC.
The coaches weigh in on who will finish on top in the PBC.
Click here for the preseason notes, courtesy of the PBC.
Now, here's how the race in the "Belt" will turn out, according to D2SS.
East Division
1. Augusta State (30-5 in 2008-09): Garrett Siler may have graduated, but the Jaguars are still the team to beat in the PBC. In fact, guard Ben Madgen returns along with two other starters in hopes of leading ASU to a third straight Elite Eight.
2. USC Aiken (25-8): The Pacers must replace all of their starters from the team that reached the Sweet 16 a year ago.
3. Francis Marion (16-12): The Patriots return four letterwinners from last year's squad.
4. Lander (12-16): The Bearcats look to start over under first-year head coach Jeff Burkhamer.
5. Armstrong Atlantic State (23-7): Jeremy Luther replaces Burkhamer at the Pirates helm, as he must replace all-conference stars Brian Moultrie and Dwight Tolbert from last year's NCAA tournament team.
6. UNC Pembroke (6-21): The Braves face an uphill battle after a 3-17 finish in PBC play last season.
7. Flagler (12-15): Head Coach Bo Clark begins his 24th season as the Saints head coach. But it's the team's inaugural season in the "Belt".
West Division
1. Georgia College & State University (22-7 in 2008-09): The Bobcats hope to reload after their third 20-win campaign in the last four seasons. They return three starters from last season.
2. Clayton State (15-14): The Lakers look to put themselves back into the PBC title conversation after a disappointing 7-13 finish in league play a year ago.
3. North Georgia (16-12): The Saints return only four players from last season.
4. Georgia Southwestern (10-18): The Hurricanes hope to improve upon last season's 6-14 PBC mark.
5. Columbus State (8-19): The Cougars welcome multiple newcomers into the mix, as they look to become a force in the PBC again.
6. Montevallo (15-16): After 14 seasons in the Gulf South Conference, it's a whole new ball game for the Falcons, as they begin their inaugural season in the PBC.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
2009-2010 Basketball Previews--Peach Belt Conference Women
The latest installlment of the D2SS hoops previews features the women's squads in the Peach Belt Conference.
Here's how the PBC coaches see the outcome of the upcoming season, including preseason notes.
Now, here's how D-II South Sports sees things in the "Belt", broken down into the newly formed East and West Divisions.
East Division
1. Francis Marion (27-5 in 2008-09): All-American Shannon Singleton-Bates is one of four returning starters for the Patriots, who reached the Sweet 16 of last season's NCAA Division II tournament. FMU hopes to capture a third straight PBC regular season title.
2. Lander (20-11): The two-time defending PBC tournament champs hope to have a "three-peat" of their own come March, as 11 players--including juniors Shannon McKever and Tasheba Butler--return for yet another defense of their postseason.
3. USC Aiken (22-12): The Lady Pacers are shooting for a fourth straight 20-win season.
4. Armstrong Atlantic State (17-11): All-PBC standout Lacey Willis has graduated, but the Lady Pirates still have six returnees to help them remain a serious contender for the PBC title again this season.
5. UNC Pembroke (12-16): The Lady Braves return 13 players from last season, but face an uphill battle in trying to move up in the standings.
6. Augusta State (5-21): The Lady Jaguars hope to improve on last season's 3-17 mark in PBC play under second year head coach Tes Sobomehin.
7. Flagler (5-24): The Lady Saints enter their inaugural season in the PBC under a new head coach: Erika Lang-Montgomery.
West Division
1. Clayton State (26-7 in 2008-09): The Lakers hope to advance to their third NCAA Division II Women's Elite Eight in four seasons under the leadership of senior guard Lesheria Stevens.
2. Georgia College & State (17-11): Shandrea Moore hopes her final season in a Lady Bobcats uniform will lead to an appearance in the NCAA tournament.
3. Columbus State (18-14): The Lady Cougars have a new head coach in Jonathan Norton, who was an assistant under former head coach Jay Sparks.
4. Georgia Southwestern (8-19): With four starters coming back under third-year head coach Kelly Britsky, this could be the season the Lady Hurricanes could at least advance to the PBC tournament.
5. North Georgia (9-20): With only two returning starters--and the loss of All-American Syretha Marble--the Lady Saints could struggle just to get to the conference tournament, never mind the double-digit win mark.
6. Montevallo (8-20): After 14 seasons in the Gulf South Conference, the Lady Falcons face a new challenge in their first season as a member of the Peach Belt Conference.
Here's how the PBC coaches see the outcome of the upcoming season, including preseason notes.
Now, here's how D-II South Sports sees things in the "Belt", broken down into the newly formed East and West Divisions.
East Division
1. Francis Marion (27-5 in 2008-09): All-American Shannon Singleton-Bates is one of four returning starters for the Patriots, who reached the Sweet 16 of last season's NCAA Division II tournament. FMU hopes to capture a third straight PBC regular season title.
2. Lander (20-11): The two-time defending PBC tournament champs hope to have a "three-peat" of their own come March, as 11 players--including juniors Shannon McKever and Tasheba Butler--return for yet another defense of their postseason.
3. USC Aiken (22-12): The Lady Pacers are shooting for a fourth straight 20-win season.
4. Armstrong Atlantic State (17-11): All-PBC standout Lacey Willis has graduated, but the Lady Pirates still have six returnees to help them remain a serious contender for the PBC title again this season.
5. UNC Pembroke (12-16): The Lady Braves return 13 players from last season, but face an uphill battle in trying to move up in the standings.
6. Augusta State (5-21): The Lady Jaguars hope to improve on last season's 3-17 mark in PBC play under second year head coach Tes Sobomehin.
7. Flagler (5-24): The Lady Saints enter their inaugural season in the PBC under a new head coach: Erika Lang-Montgomery.
West Division
1. Clayton State (26-7 in 2008-09): The Lakers hope to advance to their third NCAA Division II Women's Elite Eight in four seasons under the leadership of senior guard Lesheria Stevens.
2. Georgia College & State (17-11): Shandrea Moore hopes her final season in a Lady Bobcats uniform will lead to an appearance in the NCAA tournament.
3. Columbus State (18-14): The Lady Cougars have a new head coach in Jonathan Norton, who was an assistant under former head coach Jay Sparks.
4. Georgia Southwestern (8-19): With four starters coming back under third-year head coach Kelly Britsky, this could be the season the Lady Hurricanes could at least advance to the PBC tournament.
5. North Georgia (9-20): With only two returning starters--and the loss of All-American Syretha Marble--the Lady Saints could struggle just to get to the conference tournament, never mind the double-digit win mark.
6. Montevallo (8-20): After 14 seasons in the Gulf South Conference, the Lady Falcons face a new challenge in their first season as a member of the Peach Belt Conference.
2009-2010 Basketball Preview--Gulf South Conference Men
The preseason hoops previews roll on with a look on the men's teams in the Gulf South Conference.
First, the coaches weigh in on how their teams will do this season.
Now, here are D-II South Sports' thoughts on GSC men's basketball in 2009-2010.
East Division
Valdosta State (24-7 in 2008-09): The defending East Division champs have their sights set on winning the outright title after losing to Arkansas Tech in last season's GSC tournament title game. The return of seniors Tyrone Curnell (forward) and Ricardo Lewis (guard)--as well as the addition of JUCO transfers Billy McShepherd (forward) and Josh Williams (center)--could be the keys to whether or not the Blazers will finally hoist that elusive championship trophy come March.
North Alabama (18-10): The Lions hope to make a return trip to the NCAA Division II tournament after not making the field last season. Early season tests against GSC West powers Christian Brothers could set the tone for this season.
West Alabama (13-15): The Tigers look to take another leap forward after reaching the Gulf South Conference tournament in 2008-09.
Alabama-Huntsville (17-11): The Chargers look to rebound after a first round GSC tourney loss to Delta State.
West Florida (13-12): New head coach Bob Stinnett hopes the lead the Argonauts to their first conference tournament since 2004.
West Georgia (7-20): After a last place finish a year ago, the Wolves hope to move up in the GSC standings this year.
West Division
1. Arkansas Tech (23-9): After winning their first-ever Gulf South Conference tournament title last season, the Wonder Boys look to doing even more this season. Senior guard Brandon Fiedel looks to lead the way for ATU.
2. Delta State (21-9): Chad Akins and Joe McCray return for their respective seniors in the backcourt, as the Statesmen hope to finish on top in the GSC West.
3. Arkansas-Monticello (21-8): The Boll Weevils hope to put themselves in the NCAA tournament conversation after being snubbed last season.
4. Harding (18-12): The Bisons will aim for a 20-win season after making the GSC tournament field last season.
5. Christian Brothers (25-7): With just two seniors and three juniors on their roster, the Buccaneers face a tough task in making a return trip to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.
6. Southern Arkansas (12-14): The Muleriders fell just short of reaching the conference tournament.
7. Ouachita Baptist (13-14): The Tigers lost four straight games to close out the 2008-09 campaign.
8. Henderson State (5-21): The Reddies are looking to be rebound after a last place finish.
First, the coaches weigh in on how their teams will do this season.
Now, here are D-II South Sports' thoughts on GSC men's basketball in 2009-2010.
East Division
Valdosta State (24-7 in 2008-09): The defending East Division champs have their sights set on winning the outright title after losing to Arkansas Tech in last season's GSC tournament title game. The return of seniors Tyrone Curnell (forward) and Ricardo Lewis (guard)--as well as the addition of JUCO transfers Billy McShepherd (forward) and Josh Williams (center)--could be the keys to whether or not the Blazers will finally hoist that elusive championship trophy come March.
North Alabama (18-10): The Lions hope to make a return trip to the NCAA Division II tournament after not making the field last season. Early season tests against GSC West powers Christian Brothers could set the tone for this season.
West Alabama (13-15): The Tigers look to take another leap forward after reaching the Gulf South Conference tournament in 2008-09.
Alabama-Huntsville (17-11): The Chargers look to rebound after a first round GSC tourney loss to Delta State.
West Florida (13-12): New head coach Bob Stinnett hopes the lead the Argonauts to their first conference tournament since 2004.
West Georgia (7-20): After a last place finish a year ago, the Wolves hope to move up in the GSC standings this year.
West Division
1. Arkansas Tech (23-9): After winning their first-ever Gulf South Conference tournament title last season, the Wonder Boys look to doing even more this season. Senior guard Brandon Fiedel looks to lead the way for ATU.
2. Delta State (21-9): Chad Akins and Joe McCray return for their respective seniors in the backcourt, as the Statesmen hope to finish on top in the GSC West.
3. Arkansas-Monticello (21-8): The Boll Weevils hope to put themselves in the NCAA tournament conversation after being snubbed last season.
4. Harding (18-12): The Bisons will aim for a 20-win season after making the GSC tournament field last season.
5. Christian Brothers (25-7): With just two seniors and three juniors on their roster, the Buccaneers face a tough task in making a return trip to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.
6. Southern Arkansas (12-14): The Muleriders fell just short of reaching the conference tournament.
7. Ouachita Baptist (13-14): The Tigers lost four straight games to close out the 2008-09 campaign.
8. Henderson State (5-21): The Reddies are looking to be rebound after a last place finish.
Monday, November 09, 2009
Soccer Championships Review...
One school sweeps the GSC championships, while another title match comes down to penalty kicks. Click one of the links below to find out what happened.
Gulf South Conference Women
Gulf South Conference Men
Peach Belt Conference Women
Peach Belt Conference Men
Gulf South Conference Women
Gulf South Conference Men
Peach Belt Conference Women
Peach Belt Conference Men
Sunday, November 08, 2009
Fall Sports Update--Shocker at Peach Belt Soccer Tournament
The Peach Belt Conference soccer champions will be decided at Evans, Ga. later today (Sunday), but one of those team is making an unlikely run at the women's title. Click here to find out who that team is.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
2009-2010 Basketball Preview--Gulf South Conference Women
Editor's Note: This is the first of multiple preseason basketball previews at D-II South Sports. First up are the women's teams in the Gulf South Conference.
Here's how the coaches see things turning out in the GSC...
Now...here's how D-II South Sports sees it...
East Division
1. Valdosta State (21-9 in 2008-09): After reaching the NCAA tournament last season, the Lady Blazers hope to take step, and make a deeper postseason run this season. Leschelle Matthews is expected to lead way in the backcourt for VSU.
2. West Georgia (22-7): The Wolves will look to provide the Lady Blazers with a stiff challenge, as they defend their GSC East title.
3. West Alabama (11-17): Can the Lady Tigers rebound from a below-average season?
4. North Alabama (15-13): Sophomore forward Dana Jackson and senior guard Jameica York are among the returning players for the Lady Lions.
5. West Florida (8-19): The Lady Argonauts will try a snap a six-game skid dating back to late last season.
6. Alabama-Huntsville (7-20): Juniors Marissa Carter (guard) and Jasmine Young (forward) must step up for the Lady Chargers to be a serious contender for a berth in the GSC tournament.
West Division
1. Delta State (30-7 in 2008-09): After reaching the NCAA Division II Final Four last season, the Lady Statesmen look to take the next step, and win it all this season. Junior guard Sarita Cooper and sophomore forward Veronica Walker could be the key to the DSU women's national championship hopes.
2. Ouachita Baptist (23-9): The Lady Tigers hope to build on last season's NCAA tournament appearance. They gave the Lady Statesmen all they could handle before losing in last season's South Regional final.
3. Arkansas-Monticello (21-9): The Cotton Blossoms hope to put themselves back in the postseason conversation after advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament a season ago, losing to DSU.
4. Harding (20-10): The Lady Bisons barely reached the GSC tournament despite finishing 5-9 in West Division play. It'll be interesting to see if they can finish with a .500 or better record in conference games this season.
5. Arkansas Tech (19-9): The Golden Suns also hope to shine at or near the top of the GSC West this season.
6. Christian Brothers (11-16): A season-ending three-game winning streak provides some hope for the Lady Buccaneers in 2009-10.
7. Henderson State (10-16): The Lady Reddies ended their season with four straight losses.
8. Southern Arkansas (8-19): But the Riderettes hope to snap an eight-game skide to begin this season.
Here's how the coaches see things turning out in the GSC...
Now...here's how D-II South Sports sees it...
East Division
1. Valdosta State (21-9 in 2008-09): After reaching the NCAA tournament last season, the Lady Blazers hope to take step, and make a deeper postseason run this season. Leschelle Matthews is expected to lead way in the backcourt for VSU.
2. West Georgia (22-7): The Wolves will look to provide the Lady Blazers with a stiff challenge, as they defend their GSC East title.
3. West Alabama (11-17): Can the Lady Tigers rebound from a below-average season?
4. North Alabama (15-13): Sophomore forward Dana Jackson and senior guard Jameica York are among the returning players for the Lady Lions.
5. West Florida (8-19): The Lady Argonauts will try a snap a six-game skid dating back to late last season.
6. Alabama-Huntsville (7-20): Juniors Marissa Carter (guard) and Jasmine Young (forward) must step up for the Lady Chargers to be a serious contender for a berth in the GSC tournament.
West Division
1. Delta State (30-7 in 2008-09): After reaching the NCAA Division II Final Four last season, the Lady Statesmen look to take the next step, and win it all this season. Junior guard Sarita Cooper and sophomore forward Veronica Walker could be the key to the DSU women's national championship hopes.
2. Ouachita Baptist (23-9): The Lady Tigers hope to build on last season's NCAA tournament appearance. They gave the Lady Statesmen all they could handle before losing in last season's South Regional final.
3. Arkansas-Monticello (21-9): The Cotton Blossoms hope to put themselves back in the postseason conversation after advancing to the second round of the NCAA tournament a season ago, losing to DSU.
4. Harding (20-10): The Lady Bisons barely reached the GSC tournament despite finishing 5-9 in West Division play. It'll be interesting to see if they can finish with a .500 or better record in conference games this season.
5. Arkansas Tech (19-9): The Golden Suns also hope to shine at or near the top of the GSC West this season.
6. Christian Brothers (11-16): A season-ending three-game winning streak provides some hope for the Lady Buccaneers in 2009-10.
7. Henderson State (10-16): The Lady Reddies ended their season with four straight losses.
8. Southern Arkansas (8-19): But the Riderettes hope to snap an eight-game skide to begin this season.
Monday, November 02, 2009
Fall Sports Update--Peach Belt Conference
Editor's Note: Our fall sports postseason outlook continues at D-II South Sports. This installment features the sports in the Peach Belt Conference.
Men's Soccer: The men's soccer tournament gets underway Tuesday, with four first round match-ups at the venues of the higher-seeded teams. Flagler enters the conference tourney as the No. 1 seed in its inaugural PBC season. The final two rounds will be played this weekend in Evans, Ga., which is located just west of Augusta.
Volleyball: With one full week left in the regular season, Wednesday's matchup between Armstrong Atlantic State and Flagler in St. Augustine, Fla. could decide who the top seed is going into the conference tournament at USC Aiken, starting on Nov. 13.
Women's Soccer: Columbus State comes into this bracket as the top seed for the fifth straight year, as the Lady Cougars have won their fifth straight regular season title. However, a win over No. 8 seed Montevallo--who, along with Flagler--is finishing its inaugural season in the PBC, could set up a semi-final re-match against No. 5 seed North Georgia, who faces No. 4 seed Georgia College & State University on the road in the first round Tuesday. The Lady Saints handed the Lady Cougars their lone loss so far this season.
Men's Soccer: The men's soccer tournament gets underway Tuesday, with four first round match-ups at the venues of the higher-seeded teams. Flagler enters the conference tourney as the No. 1 seed in its inaugural PBC season. The final two rounds will be played this weekend in Evans, Ga., which is located just west of Augusta.
Volleyball: With one full week left in the regular season, Wednesday's matchup between Armstrong Atlantic State and Flagler in St. Augustine, Fla. could decide who the top seed is going into the conference tournament at USC Aiken, starting on Nov. 13.
Women's Soccer: Columbus State comes into this bracket as the top seed for the fifth straight year, as the Lady Cougars have won their fifth straight regular season title. However, a win over No. 8 seed Montevallo--who, along with Flagler--is finishing its inaugural season in the PBC, could set up a semi-final re-match against No. 5 seed North Georgia, who faces No. 4 seed Georgia College & State University on the road in the first round Tuesday. The Lady Saints handed the Lady Cougars their lone loss so far this season.
Sunday, November 01, 2009
Fall Sports Update--Gulf South Conference
As the regular season winds down, and the conference tournaments start up, here's a quick look at how the fall sports shape up in the Gulf South Conference.
Men's Soccer: The pairings for the GSC tournament are set. West Florida (9-6-2, 4-0-1) will be the No. 1 seed, followed by Alabama-Huntsville, Christian Brothers, and Ouachita Baptist.
Volleyball: The eight teams that qualified in this bracket have been determined as well. West Florida, West Alabama, North Alabama, and Valdosta State will advance from the East Division, while Harding, Arkansas Tech, Henderson State, and Arkansas-Monticello are the qualifiers in the West. A final week of regular season matches, though, will decide the final seedings.
Women's Soccer: The bracket for this tournament is now set, with undefeated, untied, and top-ranked West Florida (17-0, 7-0 GSC) getting the top seed, followed by North Alabama (17-2-1, 6-1), Alabama-Huntsville, and Christian Brothers.
Men's Soccer: The pairings for the GSC tournament are set. West Florida (9-6-2, 4-0-1) will be the No. 1 seed, followed by Alabama-Huntsville, Christian Brothers, and Ouachita Baptist.
Volleyball: The eight teams that qualified in this bracket have been determined as well. West Florida, West Alabama, North Alabama, and Valdosta State will advance from the East Division, while Harding, Arkansas Tech, Henderson State, and Arkansas-Monticello are the qualifiers in the West. A final week of regular season matches, though, will decide the final seedings.
Women's Soccer: The bracket for this tournament is now set, with undefeated, untied, and top-ranked West Florida (17-0, 7-0 GSC) getting the top seed, followed by North Alabama (17-2-1, 6-1), Alabama-Huntsville, and Christian Brothers.
Friday, October 16, 2009
A mid/late season look at the fall sports races (Peach Belt Conference)
Editor's Note: All standings are of Friday, October 16.
Men's Soccer: It's been a tight race for the regular-season title in the PBC, as the top three teams are separated by at least two points. Newcomer Flagler (8-4-1) has been the biggest surprise of the season so far, as the Saints sport a 4-1 league mark going into weekend's matches. Clayton State (8-4-1) sits not far behind at 3-1, while Lander (6-4-1) is the lone unbeaten team at 3-0-1 thus far.
Women's Soccer: As expected, Columbus State (12-0-1, 5-0) is cruising past the competition in PBC play, as the Lady Cougars are the only undefeated and untied team in that conference through this weekend's matches. But Armstrong Atlantic State (10-2-2, 6-1) leads in the point standings with 18 points. Still, CSU edged AASU 1-0 in the lone meeting between the two teams this season. That gives the Lady Cougars the inside track towards the top seed in the PBC tourney next month.
Volleyball: Just as with the men's soccer team, Flagler volleyball (16-8, 7-1) has surprised many observers in the PBC so far in its inaugural season. But Armstrong Atlantic State (15-7, 6-2) sits ready to overtake the Saints in the battle for the regular season title, as the Lady Pirates hope to avenge a four-set loss to Flagler on Sept. 30. The re-match between these two teams is on Nov. 4.
Men's Soccer: It's been a tight race for the regular-season title in the PBC, as the top three teams are separated by at least two points. Newcomer Flagler (8-4-1) has been the biggest surprise of the season so far, as the Saints sport a 4-1 league mark going into weekend's matches. Clayton State (8-4-1) sits not far behind at 3-1, while Lander (6-4-1) is the lone unbeaten team at 3-0-1 thus far.
Women's Soccer: As expected, Columbus State (12-0-1, 5-0) is cruising past the competition in PBC play, as the Lady Cougars are the only undefeated and untied team in that conference through this weekend's matches. But Armstrong Atlantic State (10-2-2, 6-1) leads in the point standings with 18 points. Still, CSU edged AASU 1-0 in the lone meeting between the two teams this season. That gives the Lady Cougars the inside track towards the top seed in the PBC tourney next month.
Volleyball: Just as with the men's soccer team, Flagler volleyball (16-8, 7-1) has surprised many observers in the PBC so far in its inaugural season. But Armstrong Atlantic State (15-7, 6-2) sits ready to overtake the Saints in the battle for the regular season title, as the Lady Pirates hope to avenge a four-set loss to Flagler on Sept. 30. The re-match between these two teams is on Nov. 4.
A mid/late season look at fall sports--Gulf South Conference
It may be hard to believe, but it's mid-October, and the races for fall sports such as soccer and volleyball are heating up. Here's a brief look at the current leaders, and what to expect down the stretch.
Editor's Note: All standings are as of Friday, October 16.
Gulf South Conference:
Men's Soccer: West Florida (7-4-1, 3-0) and Alabama-Huntsville (4-5-2, 2-0) square off in a battle of the only undefeated/untied teams in the GSC tonight (10/16/2009). The winner not only gets at least of first place, but also the inside track on the top seed for the conference tournament.
Women's Soccer: Top-ranked (NSCAA) West Florida (12-0) and No. 24 North Alabama (13-1-1) are the lone unbeaten and untied teams in this division, as both squads are 3-0, and 4-0, respectively in GSC play. Meanwhile, at least five other teams have at least two GSC losses. But only two of those will join UWF and UNA in the GSC tournament at the end of this month. For those fans marking their calendars, the showdown between West Florida and North Alabama will be played in Pensacola on Oct. 23.
Volleyball: West Florida (13-8, 4-1) may be nationally ranked at No. 24 (AVCA), but it's West Alabama (21-5, 5-0) that's currently on top in the East Division. In the West, Harding (19-3, 6-1) and Arkansas Tech (17-9, 5-2) are separated by one match for top billing on that side of the GSC. UWA downed UWF in five sets in an earlier meeting this season, with the re-match to be scheduled at West Florida on Oct. 27. Harding defeated ATU in four games on Sept. 29, with the two teams meeting again on Oct. 23.
Editor's Note: All standings are as of Friday, October 16.
Gulf South Conference:
Men's Soccer: West Florida (7-4-1, 3-0) and Alabama-Huntsville (4-5-2, 2-0) square off in a battle of the only undefeated/untied teams in the GSC tonight (10/16/2009). The winner not only gets at least of first place, but also the inside track on the top seed for the conference tournament.
Women's Soccer: Top-ranked (NSCAA) West Florida (12-0) and No. 24 North Alabama (13-1-1) are the lone unbeaten and untied teams in this division, as both squads are 3-0, and 4-0, respectively in GSC play. Meanwhile, at least five other teams have at least two GSC losses. But only two of those will join UWF and UNA in the GSC tournament at the end of this month. For those fans marking their calendars, the showdown between West Florida and North Alabama will be played in Pensacola on Oct. 23.
Volleyball: West Florida (13-8, 4-1) may be nationally ranked at No. 24 (AVCA), but it's West Alabama (21-5, 5-0) that's currently on top in the East Division. In the West, Harding (19-3, 6-1) and Arkansas Tech (17-9, 5-2) are separated by one match for top billing on that side of the GSC. UWA downed UWF in five sets in an earlier meeting this season, with the re-match to be scheduled at West Florida on Oct. 27. Harding defeated ATU in four games on Sept. 29, with the two teams meeting again on Oct. 23.
Friday, September 04, 2009
2009 Fall Sports Schedules--Part 13
Our fall sports schedules series wraps up with more schedules for select volleyball teams in the SIAC.
Kentucky State
Volleyball
LeMoyne Owen
Volleyball
Paine
Volleyball
Tuskegee
Volleyball
Kentucky State
Volleyball
LeMoyne Owen
Volleyball
Paine
Volleyball
Tuskegee
Volleyball
Monday, August 24, 2009
2009 Fall Sports Schedules--Part 12
Here are more fall sports schedules on D2SS. The Henderson State volleyball team will spend the first several weekends on the road before facing Christian Brothers in its home opener on September 22, while Southern Arkansas has multiple trips to Texas en route to hosting perennial Gulf South Conference West Division power Harding in its league home opener that same night.
Henderson State
Volleyball
Southern Arkansas
Volleyball
Henderson State
Volleyball
Southern Arkansas
Volleyball
2009 Fall Sports Schedules--Part 11
We've finally reached the SIAC in our latest installment of fall sports schedules here at D2SS. The league's two South Carolina members are getting late starts to their respective volleyball schedules. The Clafin University Pantherettes from Orangeburg don't start until September 10, while their rivals to the north along Interstate 26--the Benedict College Tigers from Columbia--get their season underway four nights later.
Benedict
Volleyball
Claflin
Volleyball
Benedict
Volleyball
Claflin
Volleyball
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
2009 Fall Sports Schedules--Part 10
Editor's Note: Our round-up of preseason fall sports schedules continues on D2SS. The Georgia College & State University women's soccer team hopes to make a run at back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances, while the Arkansas Tech volleyball team missed out on a postseason berth despite a 31-5 record in 2008.
Arkansas Tech
Volleyball
Georgia College & State University
Women's Soccer
Arkansas Tech
Volleyball
Georgia College & State University
Women's Soccer
Saturday, August 15, 2009
2009 Fall Sports Schedules--Part 9
The 2009 women's soccer schedule for North Alabama is finally available, plus the schedule for Augusta State University volleyball, which has a new head coach in Sharon Bonaventure.
Augusta State
Volleyball
North Alabama
Women's Soccer
Augusta State
Volleyball
North Alabama
Women's Soccer
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
2009 Fall Sports Schedules--Part 8
Editor's Note: The fall sports previews continue, with more schedules, lots of them.
Christian Brothers
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
Delta State
Men's Soccer
Women's Soccer
Francis Marion*
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
*--Women's soccer schedule not included. Team competes as an NCAA Division I independent.
Harding
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
Christian Brothers
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
Delta State
Men's Soccer
Women's Soccer
Francis Marion*
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
*--Women's soccer schedule not included. Team competes as an NCAA Division I independent.
Harding
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
Friday, July 31, 2009
2009 Fall Sports Schedules--Part 7
Can the men's soccer team at UNC Pembroke overcome an early exit from the Peach Belt Conference tournament last year? What about West Alabama volleyball? Can the Tigers take that all-important next step after going 22-11 in 2008, only to fall in the opening round of the Gulf South Conference tournament?
UNC Pembroke
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
West Alabama
Volleyball
UNC Pembroke
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
West Alabama
Volleyball
Saturday, July 25, 2009
2009 Fall Sports Schedules--Part 6
The road to the new fall sports season rolls on, with schedules for the teams at Georgia Southwestern State University, and the University of North Alabama. GSW welcomes a new head women's soccer coach in Tony Economopoulos, while the UNA volleyball program hopes to return to its place among the Gulf South Conference, and national elite.
Georgia Southwestern
Men's Soccer
Women's Soccer
North Alabama
Volleyball
Women's Soccer (schedule unavailable)
Georgia Southwestern
Men's Soccer
Women's Soccer
North Alabama
Volleyball
Women's Soccer (schedule unavailable)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
2009 Fall Sports Schedules--Part 5
The preseason profiles keep rolling along, as we feature a longtime Peach Belt Conference member in USC Aiken, as well as one of the newest members of the PBC in Flagler College from St. Augustine, Fla.
Flagler
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
USC Aiken
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
Flagler
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
USC Aiken
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
2009 Fall Sports Schedules--Part 4
Our 2009 fall sports season outlook rolls on with the release of the fall sports schedules for one former-and one current-member of the Gulf South Conference. After 14 years in the GSC, Montevallo's teams are looking for a fresh start in the Peach Belt Conference, while West Georgia's squads continue to move forward in the GSC.
Montevallo
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
West Georgia
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
Montevallo
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
West Georgia
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
Friday, July 17, 2009
2009 Fall Sports Schedules--Part 3
Our fall sports season previews continue with more schedules. Can Lander volleyball (22-12) build on its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance from 2008? Speaking of which, Valdosta State (18-19) is trying to just do that in 2009, after falling just short of advancing to the Gulf South Conference tournament last year.
Lander
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
Valdosta State
Volleyball
Lander
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
Valdosta State
Volleyball
Monday, July 06, 2009
2009 Fall Sports Schedules--Part 2
More fall sports schedules are here. Perhaps the biggest question in Alabama-Huntsville Charger country has to be: can the volleyball team bounce back from a dismal one-win season? UAH volleyball's not alone, though, as the Clayton State women's soccer also is coming off a one-win campaign?
Alabama-Huntsville
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
Clayton State
Men's Soccer
Women's Soccer
Alabama-Huntsville
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
Clayton State
Men's Soccer
Women's Soccer
Saturday, July 04, 2009
2009 Fall Sports Schedules--Part 1
It might be summer (and hot outside), but the 2009 fall sports season is just around the corner. Here's a select list of sports schedules from around D-II South Nation.
Armstrong Atlantic State
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
West Florida
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
Armstrong Atlantic State
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
West Florida
Men's Soccer
Volleyball
Women's Soccer
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
D-II Baseball Regional Preview
NOTE: Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.
The selections have been made. Now, the road to an NCAA Division II baseball national championship begins in earnest. Here's a quick preview and analysis of the regional fields in both the South and Southeast Regions, respectively. Team won-lost records are marked in parentheses.
South--at Magnolia, Arkansas (May 14-18, 2009)
Tournament Website
Bracket
TEAMS
1. Southern Arkansas (49-9)
2. Barry (44-9)
3. West Alabama (37-14)
4. Tampa (38-15)
5. Lynn (38-16)
6. Florida Southern (38-14)
7. Valdosta State (41-19)
8. Stillman (35-20)
Analysis: While there's no surprise as to who's in the South Regional bracket, the big surprise has to be in who isn't: No. 15 (Collegiate Baseball) Delta State. Despite being nationally ranked several national polls for most of the season, and earning the West Division's top seed for the Gulf South Conference tournament, the Statesmen found themselves outside looking in after being snubbed for a regional bid. Still, this regional tournament has a star-studded cast in terms of teams, with six of the top 20 squads in this week's Collegiate Baseball poll playing this weekend: No. 1 Southern Arkansas, No. 3 Barry, co-No. 7 West Alabama, No. 10 Tampa, No. 14 Florida Southern, and No. 19 Valdosta State. It's too bad only one of these eight teams listed above can move on to Cary, N.C., the site of this year's national tournament.
Southeast--at Aiken, South Carolina (May 14-17, 2009)
Tournament Website
Bracket
TEAMS
1. USC Aiken (39-17)
2. Francis Marion (36-13-1)
3. Georgia College & State University (37-17)
4. Catawba (35-16)
5. Tusculum (36-16)
6. Belmont Abbey (34-24)
Analysis: Although they grabbed the top three seeds for this regional, the Peach Belt Conference only managed to get three teams there. No. 5 USC Aiken still managed to earn the host's role for the Southeast bracket despite being bounced early as the No. 1 seed by No. 8 seed Augusta State in the PBC tournament. Like the South bracket, the Southeast Regional also has its share of nationally ranked teams playing for the right to go to North Carolina. In addition to the Pacers, there's also the other co-No. 7 team in the Collegiate Baseball poll, Francis Marion, as well as No. 20 GC&SU, No.21 Catawba, and Tusculum--which, ironically--finished in a three-way tie for the No. 30 ranking with UNC Pembroke, another good team from D-II South Nation on the outside looking in, and New Mexico Highlands. Also, No. 23 Armstrong Atlantic State was left out of the Southeast field despite a decent 38-18 record.
The selections have been made. Now, the road to an NCAA Division II baseball national championship begins in earnest. Here's a quick preview and analysis of the regional fields in both the South and Southeast Regions, respectively. Team won-lost records are marked in parentheses.
South--at Magnolia, Arkansas (May 14-18, 2009)
Tournament Website
Bracket
TEAMS
1. Southern Arkansas (49-9)
2. Barry (44-9)
3. West Alabama (37-14)
4. Tampa (38-15)
5. Lynn (38-16)
6. Florida Southern (38-14)
7. Valdosta State (41-19)
8. Stillman (35-20)
Analysis: While there's no surprise as to who's in the South Regional bracket, the big surprise has to be in who isn't: No. 15 (Collegiate Baseball) Delta State. Despite being nationally ranked several national polls for most of the season, and earning the West Division's top seed for the Gulf South Conference tournament, the Statesmen found themselves outside looking in after being snubbed for a regional bid. Still, this regional tournament has a star-studded cast in terms of teams, with six of the top 20 squads in this week's Collegiate Baseball poll playing this weekend: No. 1 Southern Arkansas, No. 3 Barry, co-No. 7 West Alabama, No. 10 Tampa, No. 14 Florida Southern, and No. 19 Valdosta State. It's too bad only one of these eight teams listed above can move on to Cary, N.C., the site of this year's national tournament.
Southeast--at Aiken, South Carolina (May 14-17, 2009)
Tournament Website
Bracket
TEAMS
1. USC Aiken (39-17)
2. Francis Marion (36-13-1)
3. Georgia College & State University (37-17)
4. Catawba (35-16)
5. Tusculum (36-16)
6. Belmont Abbey (34-24)
Analysis: Although they grabbed the top three seeds for this regional, the Peach Belt Conference only managed to get three teams there. No. 5 USC Aiken still managed to earn the host's role for the Southeast bracket despite being bounced early as the No. 1 seed by No. 8 seed Augusta State in the PBC tournament. Like the South bracket, the Southeast Regional also has its share of nationally ranked teams playing for the right to go to North Carolina. In addition to the Pacers, there's also the other co-No. 7 team in the Collegiate Baseball poll, Francis Marion, as well as No. 20 GC&SU, No.21 Catawba, and Tusculum--which, ironically--finished in a three-way tie for the No. 30 ranking with UNC Pembroke, another good team from D-II South Nation on the outside looking in, and New Mexico Highlands. Also, No. 23 Armstrong Atlantic State was left out of the Southeast field despite a decent 38-18 record.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Who's in?
The start of the NCAA Division II baseball tournament is just around the corner, with regionals starting later this week. Following are the teams in both the South and Southeast Regions, respectively, that have clinched automatic bids to the regionals. Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.
South Region
Gulf South: Southern Arkansas
SIAC: Stillman
Sunshine State: Barry
Southeast Region
Conference Carolinas: Belmont Abbey
Peach Belt: Francis Marion
South Atlantic: Catawba
Click here, or on the title of the post above, for a list of all automatic qualifiers to the NCAA Division II baseball championships.
South Region
Gulf South: Southern Arkansas
SIAC: Stillman
Sunshine State: Barry
Southeast Region
Conference Carolinas: Belmont Abbey
Peach Belt: Francis Marion
South Atlantic: Catawba
Click here, or on the title of the post above, for a list of all automatic qualifiers to the NCAA Division II baseball championships.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
UNC Pembroke baseball routs USC Aiken 17-3
The University of South Carolina-Aiken baseball team saw its 16-game winning streak snapped with a 17-3 rout by UNC Pembroke Friday night. Click here to see how UNCP's win impacts the Peach Belt Conference regular season title race.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Big baseball weekend...and more...
The next to last weekend in April has multiple games with conference tournament implications. Speaking of which, there's a very important conference softball tournament being played in South Carolina. So, without further ado, here goes. All series listed are played Saturday and Sunday unless otherwise indicated.
Baseball
Ouachita Baptist at Southern Arkansas: The top-ranked (Collegiate Baseball D-II) Muleriders play host to the No. 25 Tigers in an unlikely match-up of top teams in the Gulf South Conference West Division. Having already clinched a berth in the GSC tournament, SAU (38-7, 14-1) is riding a season-high 17-game winning streak, and hopes to continue that amazing run against OBU (33-14, 8-7).
West Alabama at North Alabama: The No. 10 (and current GSC East leader) Tigers (31-10, 10-1) have already clinched a berth in the GSC tournament, and will look to build on its eight-game winning streak against a Lions team (30-17, 4-5) that's in a must-win situation in this critical series. It's one that UNA must have to stay in postseason contention.
Columbus State at Armstrong Atlantic State: The three-game tilt between the Cougars (24-17, 10-10) and the Pirates (29-16, 7-11) is just one of many critical series in the always tough Peach Belt Conference. Remember, only the top eight teams (out of 10) advance to the two-day, single-elimination tournament next month.
GC&SU at UNC Pembroke: The No. 8 Bobcats (29-11, 14-7) will look to hang on to first place in the PBC against the red-hot Braves (33-13, 10-10), who have won 11 straight games.
Lander at USC Aiken: The Pacers (30-14, 13-8) hope to keep pace with the Bobcats with a series win against the eighth-place Bearcats (25-17, 8-11).
Honorable mention: Augusta State at Francis Marion, Delta State at Arkansas Tech, Valdosta State at Montevallo.
Softball
Peach Belt Conference Tournament (at Florence, S.C.): Regular season champion and second-ranked (NFCA D-II) North Georgia enters this tourney as the obvious favorite. The Saints (40-3, 17-1 PBC) advanced to Saturday's winner's bracket with an easy 9-0 win over Georgia Southwestern, while No. 2 seed and defending tournament champion Georgia College & State University fell into the loser's bracket after being upset by host Francis Marion 2-1 on Friday.
Peach Belt Conference Softball Tournament Website
Valdosta State at West Alabama: The No. 7 Lady Blazers (43-6, 17-2) can move one step closer towards clinching the GSC East crown with a sweep over the Tigers (39-10, 11-8).
West Florida at West Georgia: The Wolves (29-20, 11-8) play host to the Argonauts (37-13, 12-9) in another critical GSC East twinbill.
Baseball
Ouachita Baptist at Southern Arkansas: The top-ranked (Collegiate Baseball D-II) Muleriders play host to the No. 25 Tigers in an unlikely match-up of top teams in the Gulf South Conference West Division. Having already clinched a berth in the GSC tournament, SAU (38-7, 14-1) is riding a season-high 17-game winning streak, and hopes to continue that amazing run against OBU (33-14, 8-7).
West Alabama at North Alabama: The No. 10 (and current GSC East leader) Tigers (31-10, 10-1) have already clinched a berth in the GSC tournament, and will look to build on its eight-game winning streak against a Lions team (30-17, 4-5) that's in a must-win situation in this critical series. It's one that UNA must have to stay in postseason contention.
Columbus State at Armstrong Atlantic State: The three-game tilt between the Cougars (24-17, 10-10) and the Pirates (29-16, 7-11) is just one of many critical series in the always tough Peach Belt Conference. Remember, only the top eight teams (out of 10) advance to the two-day, single-elimination tournament next month.
GC&SU at UNC Pembroke: The No. 8 Bobcats (29-11, 14-7) will look to hang on to first place in the PBC against the red-hot Braves (33-13, 10-10), who have won 11 straight games.
Lander at USC Aiken: The Pacers (30-14, 13-8) hope to keep pace with the Bobcats with a series win against the eighth-place Bearcats (25-17, 8-11).
Honorable mention: Augusta State at Francis Marion, Delta State at Arkansas Tech, Valdosta State at Montevallo.
Softball
Peach Belt Conference Tournament (at Florence, S.C.): Regular season champion and second-ranked (NFCA D-II) North Georgia enters this tourney as the obvious favorite. The Saints (40-3, 17-1 PBC) advanced to Saturday's winner's bracket with an easy 9-0 win over Georgia Southwestern, while No. 2 seed and defending tournament champion Georgia College & State University fell into the loser's bracket after being upset by host Francis Marion 2-1 on Friday.
Peach Belt Conference Softball Tournament Website
Valdosta State at West Alabama: The No. 7 Lady Blazers (43-6, 17-2) can move one step closer towards clinching the GSC East crown with a sweep over the Tigers (39-10, 11-8).
West Florida at West Georgia: The Wolves (29-20, 11-8) play host to the Argonauts (37-13, 12-9) in another critical GSC East twinbill.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Baseball on Easter Weekend
Easter is just around the corner...Here are the big baseball series being played in D-II South Nation this weekend...
NOTE: All series will be played Friday and Saturday, weather permitting.
Gulf South Conference
West Florida at Alabama-Huntsville: With No. 11 (Collegiate Baseball) West Alabama already having clinched a GSC tournament berth, not to mention playing Talladega (Ala.) in a non-conference series, the battle between the Argonauts (26-17 overall) and Chargers (21-9) takes center stage in the East Division this weekend. Both teams are in a virtual tie for second place, with UWF sitting at 6-6 in conference play, while UAH is 4-4.
North Alabama at Valdosta State: This series is critical too, as the Blazers play host to the Lions in a battle to stay in conference tournament contention. No. 28 UNA comes into this series at 3-3, while VSU takes a 4-5 league mark into this trio of games.
Henderson State at Harding: The Bisons (24-19) are riding a five-game winning streak into their series against the Reddies (28-12), who at 4-8 in the GSC West Division, find themselves in a must-win situation to keep themselves in the GSC tournament discussion.
Arkansas Tech at Ouachita Baptist: The Tigers (28-14) find themselves in the same boat as the Reddies, as they take a 5-7 GSC West record into their series against the 19-23 Wonder Boys. ATU, though, does have a winning record in conference play at 7-5.
Peach Belt Conference
Georgia College & State University at Columbus State: The No. 8 Bobcats (26-10, 12-6) hit the road to face the Cougars in one of many crucial series in the PBC this Easter weekend. GC&SU took two out of three games from Francis Marion last weekend, while CSU (21-15, 9-8) hopes to bounce back after losing two of three at Lander.
Augusta State at USC Aiken: If you thought the rivalry between the men's basketball teams was intense, the battle between the baseball squads will just as fierce. Both USCA (26-14, 10-8) and ASU (20-21, 8-7) are separated by mere percentage points in the battle for second place in the PBC. But depending upon what happens in this series, as well as the aforementioned between GC&SU and CSU, either team could be alone at the top by the end of the day on Saturday.
Honorable mention: UNC Pembroke at Lander, Georgia Southwestern at Francis Marion, Armstrong Atlantic State at North Georgia.
NOTE: All series will be played Friday and Saturday, weather permitting.
Gulf South Conference
West Florida at Alabama-Huntsville: With No. 11 (Collegiate Baseball) West Alabama already having clinched a GSC tournament berth, not to mention playing Talladega (Ala.) in a non-conference series, the battle between the Argonauts (26-17 overall) and Chargers (21-9) takes center stage in the East Division this weekend. Both teams are in a virtual tie for second place, with UWF sitting at 6-6 in conference play, while UAH is 4-4.
North Alabama at Valdosta State: This series is critical too, as the Blazers play host to the Lions in a battle to stay in conference tournament contention. No. 28 UNA comes into this series at 3-3, while VSU takes a 4-5 league mark into this trio of games.
Henderson State at Harding: The Bisons (24-19) are riding a five-game winning streak into their series against the Reddies (28-12), who at 4-8 in the GSC West Division, find themselves in a must-win situation to keep themselves in the GSC tournament discussion.
Arkansas Tech at Ouachita Baptist: The Tigers (28-14) find themselves in the same boat as the Reddies, as they take a 5-7 GSC West record into their series against the 19-23 Wonder Boys. ATU, though, does have a winning record in conference play at 7-5.
Peach Belt Conference
Georgia College & State University at Columbus State: The No. 8 Bobcats (26-10, 12-6) hit the road to face the Cougars in one of many crucial series in the PBC this Easter weekend. GC&SU took two out of three games from Francis Marion last weekend, while CSU (21-15, 9-8) hopes to bounce back after losing two of three at Lander.
Augusta State at USC Aiken: If you thought the rivalry between the men's basketball teams was intense, the battle between the baseball squads will just as fierce. Both USCA (26-14, 10-8) and ASU (20-21, 8-7) are separated by mere percentage points in the battle for second place in the PBC. But depending upon what happens in this series, as well as the aforementioned between GC&SU and CSU, either team could be alone at the top by the end of the day on Saturday.
Honorable mention: UNC Pembroke at Lander, Georgia Southwestern at Francis Marion, Armstrong Atlantic State at North Georgia.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
No such thing as an unimportant series
Now that basketball season is finally over, the focus can now fully shift to spring sports such as baseball. With just a handful of slots available for conference tournaments, there's no such things as a three-game series that can't be considered important. At least that's the case in terms of a team's hopes of advancing to that own aforementioned conference tournaments, and beyond. With that in mind, let's take a brief look at some select series to be played this weekend, weather permitting, that is.
Gulf South Conference
West Alabama at West Florida: The No. 11 (Collegiate Baseball) Tigers (23-9 overall) hope to stay unbeaten in GSC play against the Argonauts in a battle of the East Division's top two teams. UWF (25-15) holds second place in the division at 5-4 in conference play.
Alabama-Huntsville at Montevallo: After getting off to a fast start, the Chargers (18-8 overall) have struggled to 1-4 record in GSC East Division action, as they face a Falcons squad that's 3-6 in league games so far.
West Georgia at Valdosta State: The Blazers host the Wolves in this critical battle of Georgia rivals. VSU (25-13) is 2-4 in the GSC East, while UWG (10-20) comes in at 1-2.
Delta State at Henderson State: The No. 24 Statesmen (8-1 in GSC) hope to keep at least a share of first place in the West Division against the Reddies, who have struggled to 3-6 mark in league games despite an overall record of 25-10.
Arkansas Tech at Southern Arkansas: The fifth-ranked Muleriders (8-1) also will look to keep pace with the Statesmen against a Wonder Boys squad that sits just one game back of both teams at 7-2. That's despite the fact that ATU is only one game below .500 overall at 19-20.
Peach Belt Conference
With 10 teams vying for only eight spots in a two-day, single-elimination conference tournament, every series against a PBC opponent is critical in terms of who will stick around come May, and who won't. Let's quickly cut to the chase.
Francis Marion at GC&SU: The No. 8 Bobcats have already won one game in this three-game set, crushing the No. 23 Patriots 11-5 on Friday. The same two teams square off in a doubleheader later today. GC&SU currently is in its first place in the PBC with an 11-5 league record.
USC Aiken at Armstrong Atlantic State: After a sluggish start to the season, the Pirates have come on strong in recent weeks, fighting their way to a 6-6 mark in PBC action. They'll face a Pacers team that trails them by mere percentage points at 7-8.
Columbus State at Lander: The Cougars (18-13 overall) enter this weekend's critical series against the Bearcats in second place at 8-6. Speaking of the Bearcats, they're among the multiple teams jockeying for seeding position for the PBC tourney with a conference record of 6-7.
North Georgia at Augusta State: How's this series for being in the odd category? The Saints come into this series with an overall record of 19-18 (10-8 in the PBC). On the flip side, the Jaguars come in at 18-19 overall (6-6).
UNC Pembroke at Georgia Southwestern: The Hurricanes (14-22, 6-9) play host to the Braves (23-13, 4-10) in a critical PBC teams. With both squads sitting at the bottom of the league standings, neither team can afford a slip up if they hope to stay in contention for berths in the conference tournament.
Gulf South Conference
West Alabama at West Florida: The No. 11 (Collegiate Baseball) Tigers (23-9 overall) hope to stay unbeaten in GSC play against the Argonauts in a battle of the East Division's top two teams. UWF (25-15) holds second place in the division at 5-4 in conference play.
Alabama-Huntsville at Montevallo: After getting off to a fast start, the Chargers (18-8 overall) have struggled to 1-4 record in GSC East Division action, as they face a Falcons squad that's 3-6 in league games so far.
West Georgia at Valdosta State: The Blazers host the Wolves in this critical battle of Georgia rivals. VSU (25-13) is 2-4 in the GSC East, while UWG (10-20) comes in at 1-2.
Delta State at Henderson State: The No. 24 Statesmen (8-1 in GSC) hope to keep at least a share of first place in the West Division against the Reddies, who have struggled to 3-6 mark in league games despite an overall record of 25-10.
Arkansas Tech at Southern Arkansas: The fifth-ranked Muleriders (8-1) also will look to keep pace with the Statesmen against a Wonder Boys squad that sits just one game back of both teams at 7-2. That's despite the fact that ATU is only one game below .500 overall at 19-20.
Peach Belt Conference
With 10 teams vying for only eight spots in a two-day, single-elimination conference tournament, every series against a PBC opponent is critical in terms of who will stick around come May, and who won't. Let's quickly cut to the chase.
Francis Marion at GC&SU: The No. 8 Bobcats have already won one game in this three-game set, crushing the No. 23 Patriots 11-5 on Friday. The same two teams square off in a doubleheader later today. GC&SU currently is in its first place in the PBC with an 11-5 league record.
USC Aiken at Armstrong Atlantic State: After a sluggish start to the season, the Pirates have come on strong in recent weeks, fighting their way to a 6-6 mark in PBC action. They'll face a Pacers team that trails them by mere percentage points at 7-8.
Columbus State at Lander: The Cougars (18-13 overall) enter this weekend's critical series against the Bearcats in second place at 8-6. Speaking of the Bearcats, they're among the multiple teams jockeying for seeding position for the PBC tourney with a conference record of 6-7.
North Georgia at Augusta State: How's this series for being in the odd category? The Saints come into this series with an overall record of 19-18 (10-8 in the PBC). On the flip side, the Jaguars come in at 18-19 overall (6-6).
UNC Pembroke at Georgia Southwestern: The Hurricanes (14-22, 6-9) play host to the Braves (23-13, 4-10) in a critical PBC teams. With both squads sitting at the bottom of the league standings, neither team can afford a slip up if they hope to stay in contention for berths in the conference tournament.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Delta State women lose to Franklin Pierce, 58-39
It's all over for the Delta State University Lady Statesmen basketball team. Their quest for an NCAA Division II national championship ended late Wednesday night with a 58-39 loss to Franklin Pierce (N.H.).
Article courtesy of Delta State University Sports Information
Article courtesy of Delta State University Sports Information
Augusta State men's hoops in Final Four
In case you missed it Wednesday, the No. 4 (NABC) Augusta State men's basketball team advanced to the NCAA Division II Final Four with a 70-62 victory over No. 15 Christian Brothers in the Elite Eight at Springfield, Mass. The Jaguars rallied from a 14-point halftime deficit to spark the victory. They'll face Cal Poly Pomona in Thursday night's national semifinal game starting at 6 p.m. EDT, on the CBS College Sports Network.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
D-II Elite Eight Update--Delta State wins, Clayton State loses
The dream of an NCAA Division II women's basketball national championship continued for one team in D-II South Nation, while it ended for another squad Tuesday.
Delta State advanced to Wednesday's Final Four contest with a 55-47 win over West Texas A&M at San Antonio, Tex. The Lady Statesmen will face Franklin Pierce (N.H.) at 9:30 p.m. EDT. Catch the action on ESPNU if it's available in your area.
As for the Clayton State Lakers, however, their dream of taking home their first-ever national championship ended after just one round Tuesday afternoon, as No. 2 (NABC) Alaska-Anchorage handed them a season-ending 66-59 loss. The Lakers let a 13-point second half lead slip away down the stretch. Their season ends with a 26-7 record.
Delta State advanced to Wednesday's Final Four contest with a 55-47 win over West Texas A&M at San Antonio, Tex. The Lady Statesmen will face Franklin Pierce (N.H.) at 9:30 p.m. EDT. Catch the action on ESPNU if it's available in your area.
As for the Clayton State Lakers, however, their dream of taking home their first-ever national championship ended after just one round Tuesday afternoon, as No. 2 (NABC) Alaska-Anchorage handed them a season-ending 66-59 loss. The Lakers let a 13-point second half lead slip away down the stretch. Their season ends with a 26-7 record.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Road To The Elite Eight--A Quick Preview (Men)
In our last installment, we previewed the Clayton State Lakers and the Delta State University Lady Statesmen, as both squads advanced to the NCAA Division II women's basketball Elite Eight. Now, it's the men's turn to be profiled.
Augusta State vs. Christian Brothers (NCAA Division II Elite Eight at Springfield, Mass.)--Wednesday Noon EDT
For the Jaguars of Augusta State University (Ga.), and the Buccaneers of Christian Brothers University (Tenn.), the road to an NCAA Division II men's basketball national championship now goes through Springfield, Mass. But there's only one problem. Only one of these teams will get to continue that final journey towards winning it all after Wednesday afternoon.
Before getting to those game notes, though, let's look back at how both teams punched their ticket to Springfield.
Augusta State (Southeast Regional Champions--29-4, No. 4 NABC/Division II Bulletin poll)
The Jags came within inches of not even advancing to round two, let alone the Elite Eight, after holding off eighth-seeded Tusculum, 62-60, on March 14. One night later, though, the ASU men came on strong against fifth-seeded Barton, as they cruised to a 77-61 victory. That set up an all Peach Belt Conference match-up in the Southeast Regional finals on St. Patrick's Day (March 17) against second-seeded USC Aiken. The Jaguars led from start to finish in a 85-57 rout of the Pacers to advance to their second straight national quarterfinals appearance.
Christian Brothers (South Regional Champions--25-6, No. 15 NABC/Division II Bulletin poll)
Unlike Augusta State, Christian Brothers entered the NCAA Division II South Regional bracket as the No. 2 seed, not to mention being a slight underdog. The Bucs opened the tournament with a 63-54 win over Gulf South Conference West Division rival Delta State on March 14. They followed up that win with a 72-53 rout of No. 10 (NABC) Claflin. Then came what was probably their biggest win in school history, as they stunned top seed and host Florida Southern by a 10-point margin (82-72), to advance to the program's first-ever Elite Eight.
Game Notes
Augusta State
Christian Brothers
Webcast: Available at http://www.ncaa.com. Tip-off time is at approximately noon EDT Wednesday.
Augusta State vs. Christian Brothers (NCAA Division II Elite Eight at Springfield, Mass.)--Wednesday Noon EDT
For the Jaguars of Augusta State University (Ga.), and the Buccaneers of Christian Brothers University (Tenn.), the road to an NCAA Division II men's basketball national championship now goes through Springfield, Mass. But there's only one problem. Only one of these teams will get to continue that final journey towards winning it all after Wednesday afternoon.
Before getting to those game notes, though, let's look back at how both teams punched their ticket to Springfield.
Augusta State (Southeast Regional Champions--29-4, No. 4 NABC/Division II Bulletin poll)
The Jags came within inches of not even advancing to round two, let alone the Elite Eight, after holding off eighth-seeded Tusculum, 62-60, on March 14. One night later, though, the ASU men came on strong against fifth-seeded Barton, as they cruised to a 77-61 victory. That set up an all Peach Belt Conference match-up in the Southeast Regional finals on St. Patrick's Day (March 17) against second-seeded USC Aiken. The Jaguars led from start to finish in a 85-57 rout of the Pacers to advance to their second straight national quarterfinals appearance.
Christian Brothers (South Regional Champions--25-6, No. 15 NABC/Division II Bulletin poll)
Unlike Augusta State, Christian Brothers entered the NCAA Division II South Regional bracket as the No. 2 seed, not to mention being a slight underdog. The Bucs opened the tournament with a 63-54 win over Gulf South Conference West Division rival Delta State on March 14. They followed up that win with a 72-53 rout of No. 10 (NABC) Claflin. Then came what was probably their biggest win in school history, as they stunned top seed and host Florida Southern by a 10-point margin (82-72), to advance to the program's first-ever Elite Eight.
Game Notes
Augusta State
Christian Brothers
Webcast: Available at http://www.ncaa.com. Tip-off time is at approximately noon EDT Wednesday.
Monday, March 23, 2009
The Road To The Elite Eight--A Quick Preview (Women)
After almost a week to decompress, here's how the match-ups for the NCAA Division II women's basketball Elite Eight came to be for Southeast Regional champion Clayton State, and South Regional winner Delta State. First of two parts. The men's match-up between Augusta State and Christian Brothers will be featured in the next installment.
Southeast (at Hickory, N.C.)
After a second-place regular season finish in the Peach Belt Conference, followed by a semifinal exit from the PBC tournament, it seemed as if very few people, if any, gave the Clayton State University Lakers much of a chance to advance to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.
But the Lakers proved all of the experts wrong, as their women's basketball team advanced to the national quarterfinals for the second time in three years after being seeded third for the Southeast Regional bracket.
After holding off a scrappy squad from Carson-Newman, 68-66, in the first round on Mar. 13, the Lakers knocked off No. 2 seed Tusculum, 79-68, in the first regional semifinal contest the following night. No. 4 seed Francis Marion ensured an all-Peach Belt regional final later that evening by pulling off the 93-74 upset of top-seed and host Lenoir-Rhyne.
But in the end, it was Clayton State that pulled off the biggest "upset" of all, as the Lakers cruised past the PBC regular season champion Patriots in a 89-73 win that clinched the program's second regional crown in three seasons. They'll now face an Alaska-Anchorage program that won the West Region with a 54-43 win over Seattle Pacific. Oh, by the way, the Seawolves come into Wednesday's game as the nation's second-ranked team, according to the WBCA NCAA Division II poll. A very tall order for the Lakers indeed. But don't bet against them at this point.
South Regional (at Cleveland, Miss.)
Unlike Clayton State, the expectations were very high for the Delta State University Lady Statesmen going into the NCAA Division II women's basketball regionals (after all, they have won six national championships over the years, with the last coming in 1992). And they met those expectations with mostly flying colors.
The DSU women advanced to the regional finals with double-digit wins over eighth-seeded Valdosta State (58-48) and Arkansas-Monticello (80-56). Still, the Lady Statesmen have to stave off a strong challenge from Gulf South Conference West Division rival and seventh-seeded upstart Ouachita Baptist (50-49) to advance to their 13th Elite Eight, thanks to a tip-in by Courtney Wilson in the game's closing seconds. Next up for the Lady Statesmen is a battle with West Texas A&M, who won the South Central Regional title with a 65-52 victory over Central Oklahoma in the title game last week.
So, what will it take for Delta State and Clayton State to meet for the national title game. Both teams, Clayton State especially, must pass the first test come Wednesday: defeating West Texas A&M and Alaska-Anchorage, respectively, then win Final Four contests with other battle-tested teams and underdogs alike, to create perhaps one of the most unlikely match-ups in the history of championship games, regardless of the sport.
Southeast (at Hickory, N.C.)
After a second-place regular season finish in the Peach Belt Conference, followed by a semifinal exit from the PBC tournament, it seemed as if very few people, if any, gave the Clayton State University Lakers much of a chance to advance to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight.
But the Lakers proved all of the experts wrong, as their women's basketball team advanced to the national quarterfinals for the second time in three years after being seeded third for the Southeast Regional bracket.
After holding off a scrappy squad from Carson-Newman, 68-66, in the first round on Mar. 13, the Lakers knocked off No. 2 seed Tusculum, 79-68, in the first regional semifinal contest the following night. No. 4 seed Francis Marion ensured an all-Peach Belt regional final later that evening by pulling off the 93-74 upset of top-seed and host Lenoir-Rhyne.
But in the end, it was Clayton State that pulled off the biggest "upset" of all, as the Lakers cruised past the PBC regular season champion Patriots in a 89-73 win that clinched the program's second regional crown in three seasons. They'll now face an Alaska-Anchorage program that won the West Region with a 54-43 win over Seattle Pacific. Oh, by the way, the Seawolves come into Wednesday's game as the nation's second-ranked team, according to the WBCA NCAA Division II poll. A very tall order for the Lakers indeed. But don't bet against them at this point.
South Regional (at Cleveland, Miss.)
Unlike Clayton State, the expectations were very high for the Delta State University Lady Statesmen going into the NCAA Division II women's basketball regionals (after all, they have won six national championships over the years, with the last coming in 1992). And they met those expectations with mostly flying colors.
The DSU women advanced to the regional finals with double-digit wins over eighth-seeded Valdosta State (58-48) and Arkansas-Monticello (80-56). Still, the Lady Statesmen have to stave off a strong challenge from Gulf South Conference West Division rival and seventh-seeded upstart Ouachita Baptist (50-49) to advance to their 13th Elite Eight, thanks to a tip-in by Courtney Wilson in the game's closing seconds. Next up for the Lady Statesmen is a battle with West Texas A&M, who won the South Central Regional title with a 65-52 victory over Central Oklahoma in the title game last week.
So, what will it take for Delta State and Clayton State to meet for the national title game. Both teams, Clayton State especially, must pass the first test come Wednesday: defeating West Texas A&M and Alaska-Anchorage, respectively, then win Final Four contests with other battle-tested teams and underdogs alike, to create perhaps one of the most unlikely match-ups in the history of championship games, regardless of the sport.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
NCAA Division II Regional Finals Preview--Men
Monday night, it was the ladies decided which teams would go to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight (That starts Tuesday, March 24, in San Antonio, Tex.). Now, it's the men's turn to decide who'll punch a ticket to Springfield, Mass. for their national tournament. First, though, let's quickly recap the women's regional finals turned out. Just click the highlighted link (s) below.
Southeast Women (at Hickory, N.C.)
Clayton State 89, Francis Marion 73
A career-high 22 points from senior Lisa Jackson helps lift the Lakers to second their Elite Eight appearance in three years.
South Women (at Cleveland, Miss.)
Delta State 50, Ouachita Baptist 49
A basket from Courtney Wilson in the closing seconds sends the Lady Statesmen to San Antonio.
And now, let's preview tonight's men's regional finals...starting with the...
Southeast Men's Final (at Hickory, N.C.)--Tuesday 7 p.m. EDT
#1 Augusta State vs. #2 USC Aiken
It's the match-up that many fans in the Southeast Region (especially those in the Peach Belt Conference) have been waiting for: the top two seeds playing each other for the right to go to the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Elite Eight at Springfield, Mass. Obviously, most fans in the Central Savannah River Area, or CSRA (which includes Aiken, S.C., as well as Augusta, Ga.) for short, don't need any reminders as to how huge this game will be.
Article courtesy of the Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle
South Men's Final (at Lakeland, Fla.)--Tuesday 7 p.m. EDT
#1 Florida Southern vs. #2 Christian Brothers
As big as the Augusta State-USC Aiken contest is, there are also seven other regional titles that are to be decided tonight. One of those match-ups is on the campus of Florida Southern College. That's where the top-seeded (and host) Mocs from the Sunshine State Conference will do battle with the second-seeded Buccaneers from the Gulf South Conference. FSC rallied late to win a dramatic overtime thriller over Arkansas Tech, 95-92 to get to the Sweet 16, while CBU rolled past an outstanding Claflin, 72-53. It's one of those games where it's a shame that someone has to lose.
Southeast Women (at Hickory, N.C.)
Clayton State 89, Francis Marion 73
A career-high 22 points from senior Lisa Jackson helps lift the Lakers to second their Elite Eight appearance in three years.
South Women (at Cleveland, Miss.)
Delta State 50, Ouachita Baptist 49
A basket from Courtney Wilson in the closing seconds sends the Lady Statesmen to San Antonio.
And now, let's preview tonight's men's regional finals...starting with the...
Southeast Men's Final (at Hickory, N.C.)--Tuesday 7 p.m. EDT
#1 Augusta State vs. #2 USC Aiken
It's the match-up that many fans in the Southeast Region (especially those in the Peach Belt Conference) have been waiting for: the top two seeds playing each other for the right to go to the NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Elite Eight at Springfield, Mass. Obviously, most fans in the Central Savannah River Area, or CSRA (which includes Aiken, S.C., as well as Augusta, Ga.) for short, don't need any reminders as to how huge this game will be.
Article courtesy of the Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle
South Men's Final (at Lakeland, Fla.)--Tuesday 7 p.m. EDT
#1 Florida Southern vs. #2 Christian Brothers
As big as the Augusta State-USC Aiken contest is, there are also seven other regional titles that are to be decided tonight. One of those match-ups is on the campus of Florida Southern College. That's where the top-seeded (and host) Mocs from the Sunshine State Conference will do battle with the second-seeded Buccaneers from the Gulf South Conference. FSC rallied late to win a dramatic overtime thriller over Arkansas Tech, 95-92 to get to the Sweet 16, while CBU rolled past an outstanding Claflin, 72-53. It's one of those games where it's a shame that someone has to lose.
Monday, March 16, 2009
NCAA Division II Regional Finals Preview--Women
The stage has been set for Monday's regional finals in both the Southeast and South Regions, respectively, and both have a "D-II South Nation" flavor to them. Let's quickly preview both regions.
Southeast (at Hickory, N.C.)
#3 Clayton State (25-6) vs. #4 Francis Marion (27-4)--Monday 7 p.m. EDT
Both teams pulled off upsets over the top two seeds to set up this "all Peach Belt Conference" title game. The third-seeded Lakers downed second-seeded Tusculum, 79-68, while the fourth-seeded Pacers tripped up top-seeded Lenoir-Rhyne, 93-74, to advance to the Sweet 16. It's only fitting that the two best women's basketball teams in the PBC during the regular season (FMU won the regular season title, while Clayton State came in second) are meeting with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line. It's too bad only one of these teams can punch their ticket to San Antonio, Tex., where this year's national tournament will be played.
South (at Cleveland, Miss.)
#1 Delta State (28-6) vs. #7 Ouachita Baptist (23-8)--Monday 7 p.m. CDT
This match-up has a Gulf South Conference West Division flavor to it, as the Lady Statesmen play host to the upstart Lady Tigers. DSU earned its way into the Sweet 16 with wins over No. 8 seed Valdosta State, 58-48, on Friday, followed by an 80-56 rout of fellow GSC West rival Arkansas-Monticello on Saturday. As for OBU, the Lady Tigers have played the "Cinderella" role perfectly so far, as they upset No. 2 seed Fort Valley State, 69-55, and No. 3 seed Tampa, 77-74, to bring themselves to within one win of their first-ever Elite Eight.
Southeast (at Hickory, N.C.)
#3 Clayton State (25-6) vs. #4 Francis Marion (27-4)--Monday 7 p.m. EDT
Both teams pulled off upsets over the top two seeds to set up this "all Peach Belt Conference" title game. The third-seeded Lakers downed second-seeded Tusculum, 79-68, while the fourth-seeded Pacers tripped up top-seeded Lenoir-Rhyne, 93-74, to advance to the Sweet 16. It's only fitting that the two best women's basketball teams in the PBC during the regular season (FMU won the regular season title, while Clayton State came in second) are meeting with a trip to the Elite Eight on the line. It's too bad only one of these teams can punch their ticket to San Antonio, Tex., where this year's national tournament will be played.
South (at Cleveland, Miss.)
#1 Delta State (28-6) vs. #7 Ouachita Baptist (23-8)--Monday 7 p.m. CDT
This match-up has a Gulf South Conference West Division flavor to it, as the Lady Statesmen play host to the upstart Lady Tigers. DSU earned its way into the Sweet 16 with wins over No. 8 seed Valdosta State, 58-48, on Friday, followed by an 80-56 rout of fellow GSC West rival Arkansas-Monticello on Saturday. As for OBU, the Lady Tigers have played the "Cinderella" role perfectly so far, as they upset No. 2 seed Fort Valley State, 69-55, and No. 3 seed Tampa, 77-74, to bring themselves to within one win of their first-ever Elite Eight.
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