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.

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.