COLUMBUS STATE WOMEN'S SOCCER WINS PBC TITLE IN SHOOTOUT

Photo Caption: Columbus State wins 2006 Peach Belt Conference Women's Soccer Tournament

Courtesy of the Peach Belt Conference

Columbus, GA - It took 110 minutes of play and eight extra kicks before the 2006 Peach Belt Conference Women's Soccer Tournament title was decided here Sunday. Columbus State and Armstrong Atlantic State battled to a 1-1 tie after two overtime periods before Columbus State won the title in a penalty kick shootout. CSU converted four of its attempts in the shootout while AASU made good on only two.

AASU (18-3-1) came out in the first half and took the game to the top-seeded Lady Cougars, basically beating CSU at its own game. The Pirates dominated in shots, getting off 12 in the half to just six for CSU and forced most of the action to take place on their offensive end.

Jamie Craine tallied the first goal of the game firing a shot inside the left post and past a diving Monica Sanchez for a 1-0 lead. The goal came in the 24th minute of play. Sanchez would record five saves during the remainder of the half, helping to keep her team in the game.

Krystin Mills, the lone senior for CSU, got the equalizer for the Lady Cougars at the 38-minute mark. She took a feed from Gina Goforth which had caromed off a defender and hammered it off the lower body of Pirate keeper Tarra Kohler and into the left side of the net to make it 1-1. Kohler finished the first half with two saves.

CSU took command of the pace of play in the second half and quickly erased the deficit in shots, peppering Kohler and the AASU defense with shots. The Lady Cougars had several opportunities to score, even having three shots hit the post. CSU posted 10 shots in the second half and Kohler came up with two more saves to preserve the tie. Sanchez was also equal to the task, collecting two saves in regulation and two more in the first overtime.

CSU got off three shots in overtime, one of which hit the post off the foot of Goforth, while AASU took a pair of shots. Each team had a shot in the second extra frame.

AASU won the toss and kicked first in the shootout. CSU coach Jay Entlich inserted freshman Kelly Nimmo in goal for the shootout and she was beaten on the first shot by Shana Neves. Kellie Myles then tied the score with the first CSU shot. Craine was next up for AASU and Nimmo came up big for CSU, stuffing the shot with a diving save. Lindsey Morgan then gave CSU a 2-1 advantage with her kick.

Jessica Chipple's shot then struck the crossbar for AASU, and CSU was able to take a 3-1 advantage as Goforth made her shot for the Lady Cougars. Ashley Elam pulled the Pirates to within one as she converted her shot, but Sarah Hawkins ended it with a low shot past Kohler into the right side of the net for the win.

Goforth was named the PBC Tournament MVP for CSU as she scored a goal and had two assists in the two games. CSU placed four players on the All-Tournament squad in addition to Goforth, while AASU placed three players on the squad. *(See full listing of All-Tournament team below)*Both squads will now await word on possible berths into the NCAA Southeast Regional next week.

Carson-Newman won the South Atlantic Conference tournament on Sunday and appears in the driver's seat with the other three spots to be determined by the region committee on Monday.

2006 PBC All-Tournament Team

Ali Caton - GC & SU

Melanie Cobb - UNC Pembroke

Kelly Curran - North Georgia

Annie Whitley - USC Aiken

Santana DeFreitas - USC Upstate

Jamie Young - USC Upstate

Loretta Ashu - Clayton State

Lairin King - Clayton State

Lyndsi Stricklen - Armstrong Atlantic State

Jamie Craine - Armstrong Atlantic State

Ginny Child - Armstrong Atlantic State

Hillary Holder - Columbus State

Megan Honig - Columbus State

Kellie Myles - Columbus State

Gina Goforth (MVP) - Columbus State

Source: Columbus State University Sports Information and Peach Belt Conference

SOCCER POSTSEASON UPDATE

It's the last weekend of October, which means only one thing! Post-season play has arrived for a mere handful of soccer teams in D-II South Nation. So, without further ado, let's do a quick recap of what happened so far in both the Gulf South Conference and Peach Belt Conference tournaments, respectively.

Starting with the Gulf South Conference tourney, the University of West Florida women's soccer team advanced to Sunday's championship match with a 5-0 win over West Georgia. The top-seeded Argonauts (14-2-2) will face second-seeded Ouachita Baptist (12-4). The Tigers advanced to the title game with a 1-0 shutout win over Harding.

On the men's side, fourth-seeded Alabama-Huntsville gave top-seeded UWF all it could handle, but the Argonauts still managed to pull out a hard-fought 1-0 win over the Chargers Friday night. The Argos (17-1-1) will face third-seeded Montevallo (14-4) in Sunday's title game. The Falcons stunned second-seeded Christian Brothers 2-1 in overtime.

In the Peach Belt Conference women's tournament at Columbus, Ga., the top-seeded Lady Cougars from Columbus State University had a relatively easy time against fifth-seeded USC Upstate, as they rolled past the Spartans 4-0 in one semifinal match. In the other semifinal game, second-seeded Armstrong Atlantic State needed 81 minutes to score, but that lone goal would prove to be enough, as the Pirates eliminated third-seeded Clayton State 1-0. That sets up a showdown be the top two seeds in Sunday's final match, as CSU battles AASU in a battle of 18-3 teams.

In PBC men's tournament action at Greenwood, S.C., both teams advanced to Sunday's championship game by identical 2-1 scores, as top-seeded Lander (15-3) got by fourth-seeded USC Upstate, while third seed USC Aiken upended second seed Clayton State. The match was originally scheduled to be played Saturday, but poor field conditions forced it to be moved to Sunday.

GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE SOCCER TOURNAMENT

It only seemed like yesterday, or more like late August, that the 2006 soccer season got underway for squads in the Gulf South Conference. Now for at least eight teams still playing, their season comes down to at least one match, as the Gulf South Conference soccer championships will start Friday in Pensacola, Fla. The nationally ranked teams from the University of West Florida both enter the GSC tourney as top seeds in their respective brackets.

Here are the pairings as follows. All times are Central.

WOMEN'S BRACKET

Friday, October 27

#3 Harding vs. #2 Ouachita Baptist--11 a.m.
#4 West Georgia vs. #1 West Florida--1:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 29

Championship Match

Semifinal winners--11 a.m.

For tournament information, please click here.

MEN'S BRACKET

Friday, October 27

#3 Montevallo vs. #2 Christian Brothers--4:30 p.m.
#4 Alabama-Huntsville vs. #1 West Florida--7 p.m.

Sunday, October 29

Championship Match

Semifinal winners--1:30 p.m.

Click here for previews, live stats, and more.

PBC WOMEN'S SOCCER TOURNAMENT RECAP

The top two seeds in the Peach Belt Conference women's soccer tournament advanced, but not without major struggles. Both top-seeded Columbus State and second-seeded Armstrong Atlantic State advanced to the semi-final round with respective 1-0 wins over eighth-seeded GC&SU and seventh-seeded UNC Pembroke. The other two first-round matches also ended in shutouts, as fifth-seeded USC Upstate also did the 1-0 thing, as the Spartans eliminated fourth-seeded, while third-seeded Clayton State was the only team to win going away, routing sixth-seeded North Georgia 4-0.

PEACH BELT CONFERENCE WOMEN'S SOCCER TOURNAMENT

The Peach Belt Conference women's soccer tournament starts Wednesday with four first round matches at four separate on-campus sites. All start times are Eastern Daylight Time (EDT).

#8 Georgia College & State University at #1 Columbus State--4 p.m.

#7 UNC Pembroke at #2 Armstrong Atlantic State--3 p.m.

#6 North Georgia at #3 Clayton State--4 p.m.

#5 USC Upstate at #4 USC Aiken--7 p.m.

For more information, click here.

CLAYTON STATE ELIMINATES FRANCIS MARION, ADVANCES IN PBC TOURNAMENT

MORROW, Ga. --- OCTOBER 24, 2006 --- Not even a broken hand was going to keep Hailab Habtom from stepping to the forefront for the Clayton State Laker men’s soccer team on Tuesday.

Playing host to Francis Marion in the quarterfinals of the 2006 Peach Belt Conference Tournament, Habtom recorded a hat trick and the Lakers cruised to a convincing 5-1 victory over Francis Marion at Laker Field. With his three goals, Habtom is now tied with senior forward Kevin Crooks for the team lead in goals scored with nine.

The victory advances Clayton State (10-8) to the Peach Belt Tournament semifinals on Friday at 2:30 p.m. against USC-Aiken at Lander. The victory also gives the Lakers their ninth season of 10 or more victories, including the last eight straight.

Habtom scored twice in the first half to give Clayton State a 2-0 lead. He intercepted a clearing pass from Francis Marion goalkeeper Jeremy Crooks just outside the penalty box, split three defenders and hammered home the goal from 12 yards out in the 20th minute. Six minutes later, the junior midfielder recorded another steal in the penalty box and maneuvered himself for a 10-yard scoring strike from the left side of the goal.

Habtom finished off his hat trick in the 48th minute on a flicker off a cross pass from Mattias Faublas. However, the Lakers were far from finished.

Freshman Ryan Townson scored his first collegiate goal in the 74th minute, taking a pass from Daniel English down the left flank and penetrating for a 10-yard scoring strike. Then in the 87th minute, Faublas scored off a deflection from Patriot goalkeeper Nick Krywyi.

Jonathan Bartomioli scored the lone goal in the 86th minute for Francis Marion (4-12-1). Laker goalkeepers Heath Padgett and Chris Cantrell combined for one save in the victory.

Source: Clayton State University Sports Information

Click on the following links for recaps of other first round action from the Peach Belt Conference men's soccer tournament Tuesday night.

Lander 2, Georgia Southwestern 1

USC Aiken 2, North Georgia 1 (2 OT)

USC Upstate 3, UNC Pembroke 0

PBC MEN'S SOCCER TOURNEY STARTS TUESDAY

After an amazingly competitive regular season which saw all eight teams suffer at least two losses in conference play, as well as earn at least one draw, the Peach Belt Conference men's soccer tournament will get underway at four on-campus sites Tuesday. Lander (13-3) earned the #1 seed for the tournament after shutting out North Georgia 5-0, while Clayton State (9-8) fell to USC Upstate 1-0 to settle for the #2 seed. Both matches were played on Saturday. Both the Lakers and Bearcats shared the PBC regular season title with identical 5-2 league records.

Here are the pairings for the PBC men's soccer tournament as follows, with the semifinals and finals to be held at the site of the highest remaining seed. All first round matches will start at 7 p.m. EDT Tuesday. All matches are listed in bracket order.

#8 Georgia Southwestern at #1 Lander

#7 Francis Marion at #2 Clayton State

#6 North Georgia at #3 USC Aiken

#5 UNC Pembroke at #4 USC Upstate

CLAYTON STATE MEN'S SOCCER NIPS USC-AIKEN

MORROW, Ga. --- OCTOBER 18, 2006 --- Lightning struck twice for the Clayton State Laker men’s soccer team and forward Kevin Crooks.

Last week, the senior scored the game-winner in overtime as Clayton State knocked off Georgia Southwestern. Fast forward one week later on Wednesday night and the scenario was the same – Crooks scored the game-winning goal in the 105th minute of the second overtime, giving Clayton State a thrilling 2-1 victory over 25th-ranked USC-Aiken at Laker Field.

The victory, coupled with USC-Upstate’s shocking 1-0 double-overtime defeat against North Georgia, assured Clayton State (9-7, 5-1) of at least a tie for the Peach Belt Conference regular season championship.

It was an exclamation point for Crooks on Senior Night as he and fellow Laker seniors Andre Rall, Heath Padgett, Todd Denson, Steve Weston and Junior Smith played their final regular season games at Laker Field.

After a 1-1 tie at the end of regulation and a scoreless first overtime period, Clayton State got the break it needed in the second overtime. Johnny Lara ran down a loose ball and fed a pass to Hailab Habtom at midfield. Habtom then found Crooks on a breakaway pass down the right sideline for a 12-yard strike past Pacer goalkeeper Harold Tate for the game-winner.

Clayton State took a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute as Habtom scored on a header off a cross pass from Rall. However, USC-Aiken (9-5-2, 3-1-2) converted the equalizer on a goal by Adam Lambert in the 68th minute.

Clayton State 16 shots to 11 for USC-Aiken.

Clayton State can wrap up its second straight outright Peach Belt championship on Saturday at 7 p.m. at USC-Upstate.

Source: Clayton State University Sports Information

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Wednesday, October 18, 2006

USC Aiken (9-4-2, 3-0-2) at Clayton State (8-7, 4-1)--5 p.m. EDT

(It's the Lakers playing host to the Pacers in this crucial Peach Belt Conference men's soccer match)

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Saturday, October 14, 2006

UNC Pembroke (7-5-1, 4-1) at Lander (10-3, 3-2)--3:30 p.m. EDT

USC Upstate (5-6-2, 4-2) at USC Aiken (6-8-2, 3-2-1)--5 p.m. EDT

USC Upstate (10-1-1, 3-1) at USC Aiken (9-4-1, 3-0-1)--7 p.m. EDT

UNCP MEN'S SOCCER WINS LAST SECOND THRILLER!

From UNCP Sports Information

Late Goal ends FMU upset bid at UNCP

PEMBROKE, N.C. – UNC Pembroke peppered the Francis Marion University goal 38 times through the first 89 minutes of the game to no avail, but Dominik Rometsch made number 39 count with five seconds remaining as the Braves vaulted back into first place in the Peach Belt Conference standings with a 1-0 win over the Patriots, Wednesday evening (Oct. 11) at the Belk Complex.

Rometsch fired off a team-high 10 shots, including six on goal, and punched in his fourth goal of the season to highlight the offense for the Braves (7-5-1, 4-1-0 PBC), with Florian Eissen and Thomas Schwer both registering assists. Francis Marion ( 3-9-1 , 1-4-1 ) got two shots apiece from three different players, but suffered its sixth consecutive loss.

Goalkeeper Rich Sallin stopped all three shots on goal he faced to record his second clean sheet of the season for UNCP. FMU netminder Jeremy Crooks turned in a career-high 16-save night for the Patriots, with two other saves credited to the FMU roster.

The Braves took five of the game’s first six shots, but a couple dazzling saves by Crooks kept the hosts off the scoreboard. The Braves' Thomas Morrow had a pair of late first-half chances, but the junior’s shots sailed just wide of the far post. FMU got a pair of quality chances as well, both times seeing a ray of light in the UNCP defense, but both times the shots sailed wide.

UNCP had several chances to blow the game wide open in the second stanza, but Crooks, with a little help from the woodwork, kept the Black and Gold wanting. Rometsch’s shots in the 69th and 75th minutes both caught a piece of the woodwork, while his 85th minute breakaway was played perfectly by Crooks who came charging out to challenge. In the 89th minute, UNCP, again felt a taste of bad luck when Schwer’s rebound shot was deflected out of danger by Morrow who was standing near the FMU end line.

Francis Marion plays at Clayton State University, Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in Morrow, Ga. The Braves also return to action on Saturday when they play at 21st-ranked Lander University at 3:30 p.m.


Scoring Summary
At Pembroke , N.C. (Belk Complex)

Francis Marion 0 0 - 0
UNCP 0 1 - 1

UNCP 89:55 Dominik Rometsch (assists Florian Eissen ; Thomas Schwer)

Records – Francis Marion: 3-9-1 , 1-4-1 PBC; UNCP – 7-5-1 , 4-1-0 PBC

COLUMBUS STATE SOCCER WIN STREAK SNAPPED

**Story Courtesy Catawba Sports Information**

SALISBURY, NC -- Senior McKenzie Burman scored the lone goal as the host Catawba Indians knocked off 10th-ranked Columbus State 1-0 in women’s soccer action on Wednesday night at Frock Field. Catawba improve to 10-2-2, while the Lady Cougars fall to 14-2 and see a 12-match winning streak come to an end.

Columbus State had the best opportunity of the first half, but Gina Goforth had a shot from 10 yards out saved by Kathleen Blake at the near post. The match remained scoreless until just past the hour when Burman headed home a cross from freshman Tasha Wilhelm.

Blake made five saves in goal for Catawba to notch her fifth shutout. Monica Sanchez (Riverview, FL) also had five saves for Columbus State.

The loss was the first for CSU since falling 1-0 to West Georgia on September 3. The Lady Cougars had put together a school-record 12-game win streak, besting the previous record of 10 straight set last season. CSU has still not allowed more than one goal in a game this season.

The Lady Cougars will play their final regular-season home game on Friday at the CSU complex, as they host another tough region opponent in Mars Hill College. Opening kick is set for 5 PM.

#10 COLUMBUS ST. (14-2) 0 0 - 0
CATAWBA (10-2-2) 0 1 - 1

SCORING SUMMARY
C - 61:24 – McKenzie Burman (4) (Tasha Wilhelm)

Shots at Goal: Columbus St. 11, Catawba 9
Corner Kicks: Catawba 4, Columbus St. 2
Goalkeeper Saves: Columbus St. – Monica Sanchez 5 Catawba – Kathleen Blake 5
Offsides: Catawba 1, Columbus St. 0
Fouls: Catawba 18, Columbus St. 11
Cautions: None.

COLUMBUS STATE SOCCER MAKES NATIONAL TOP TEN

Columbus, GA - The Columbus State women's soccer team continued its rise through the Division II rankings on Tuesday, entering the top 10 for the first time in the program's short history. CSU jumped three spots from 13th a week ago to 10th in the nation this week in the NSCAA/Adidas Division II National Rankings.

CSU is currently riding a 12-game unbeaten streak as it prepares for a region contest at Catawba on Wednesday. The Lady Cougars won a pair of close games last week, defeating North Georgia on the road and then USC Upstate at home. CSU did allow goals in consecutive games for the first time this year, but rebounded on Monday with the team's 11th shutout in 15 games in a 4-0 win at Erskine.

In the NSCAA region poll, CSU remains second behind Tusculum. Carson-Newman is third, followed by Armstrong Atlantic State and Catawba - Wednesday's opponent. In the first NCAA regional poll released last week, CSU is in the top spot with Tusculum second. The NCAA poll is the one from which participants in post-season play are selected.

After its game at Catawba on Wednesday, CSU will host its final regular-season home game on Friday as another region opponent comes to Columbus. Mars Hill (eighth in the NSCAA region poll) will come in for a 5 PM game at the CSU Complex.

Source: Columbus State University Sports Information

AASU SOCCER FALLS TO TUSCULUM

Pirates Edged By No. 4 Tusculum

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. - Heather Craft's goal off of a Tusculum corner kick byAshley Moreira in the 24th minute was enough as No. 4-ranked Tusculumedged Armstrong Atlantic, 1-0, in collegiate women's soccer action inGreeneville, Tenn., on Monday.

The Pioneers (10-0-2) handed the Pirates (11-3) their first shutout lossin 16 matches, dating back to last season, and snapped AASU's five-match win streak. AASU falls to 1-3 this season against teams ranked in theNSCAA's Top 25 as well.

PBC Player of the Week Kristin Burton led the Pirates statistically with five shots, while junior goalkeeper Tarra Kohler registered nine saves onthe afternoon. Tusculum outshot the Pirates, 25-16, and enjoyed an 8-5 edge in corner kicks.

AASU returns to action on Friday, October 13, as the Pirates host Anderson in a non-conference clash at 4:00 p.m. at Cingular Field.

Source: Armstrong Atlantic State University Sports Information

Analysis: In just its second year of competition, the Armstrong Atlantic State University women's soccer has quickly established as one of the top programs in the Peach Belt Conference, if not the nation. Still, the fact that the Pirates have struggled against nationally-ranked opponents is a good sign that AASU may not be quite ready for prime time just yet. Fortunately for Armstrong, there's still a lot of soccer left to be played.

INAUGURAL CBI TOURNAMENT DATE SET

Click here for more details!

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KEY: Volleyball--RED Women's Soccer--BLUE Men's Soccer--GREEN

Most important match-ups are in BOLD type.

Wednesday, October 4, 2006

Columbus State (11-1, 6-0) at North Georgia (7-4-1, 2-2)--4 p.m. EDT

GC&SU (4-4-2, 1-2-2) at Clayton State (3-7, 2-2)--7 p.m. EDT

Lander (9-1, 2-1) at USC Aiken (6-4-1, 1-0-1)--7 p.m. EDT

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Most important matches are in BOLD type.

Tuesday, October 3, 2006

USC Upstate (5-4-2, 4-0) at Armstrong Atlantic State (9-2, 4-1)--4 p.m. EDT

(Battle for second place in Peach Belt Conference women's soccer)

Alabama-Huntsville (5-15, 2-4) at Montevallo (13-9, 2-4)--7 p.m. CDT

Ouachita Baptist (11-8, 3-2) at Harding (14-4, 5-0)--7 p.m. CDT

(Key showdown in Gulf South Conference West Division action)

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KEY: Volleyball--RED Women's Soccer--BLUE Men's Soccer--GREEN

Most important match-ups are in BOLD type.

Thursday, September 28, 2006

USC Upstate (15-5, 3-2) at USC Aiken (16-3, 3-1)--7 p.m. EDT

(Big match-up with conference tournament implications in the Peach Belt Conference)

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KEY: Volleyball--RED Women's Soccer--BLUE Men's Soccer--GREEN

Most important matchups are marked in BOLD type.

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Columbus State (9-1, 5-0) at Georgia College & State University (3-2-2, 1-1-2)--7 p.m. EDT

FRANCIS MARION VOLLEYBALL DOWNS USC AIKEN IN FIVE GAMES

Francis Marion rallies past Pacers in five games

FLORENCE, SC – Senior Lezlie Logan pounded out a season-high 24 kills and Francis Marion University rallied from a two-games-to-one deficit to claim a 26-30, 30-28, 28-30, 32-30, 15-12 victory over USC Aiken, Saturday afternoon (Sept. 23) in a battle for the top spot in the Peach Belt Conference volleyball standings.

FMU wins its sixth consecutive match and improves to 15-4 overall and 5-0 in the PBC, while USCA falls to 15-3 and 3-1.

Logan hit .356 for the match and also had four blocks. Jessica Lombardi posted her third straight double-double with 17 kills and 10 digs, while Allison Good recorded 14 kills. Sophomore setter Jenna Kaiser dished out 52 assists and dug out 10 balls, while libero Jessica Strader had a match-high 29 digs and three service aces.

Junior Amanda Timm paced five Pacers with double-figure kills as she registered 18. Sophomore Stefanie Durham tallied 15 kills, 17 digs, and five blocks, and Missy Deardorff had 12 kills and 18 digs. Setter Cheryl Barcas handed out 64 assists and totaled 16 digs, while libero Hayden Johnson had 22 digs and three service aces.

The Pacers hit a robust .409 in the opening game, only to have FMU rally in the second game to knot the match at one game apiece. Francis Marion owned a 28-26 lead in game three, but the Pacers scored the final four points to take the 30-28 win. Game four was almost a repeat of game three, as the Patriots lost a 29-25 lead and USCA tied the game at 29-29. FMU eventually pulled out a 32-30 victory. In the final game, Francis Marion led only 13-12, but scored the final two points to end the match.

FMU plays host to Presbyterian College , Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the second of the university’s Red Zone contests.


Francis Marion Univ. def. USC Aiken 26-30,30-28,28-30,32-30,15-12

USC Aiken (15-3 , 3-1 PBC) (Kills-aces-blocks) - Timm, Amanda 18-0-0;
Durham , Stefanie 15-1-5; Deardorff, Missy 12-0-3; Williams, Laura
11-0-4; Gerolstein, Mandy 10-1-5; Barcas, Cheryl 4-0-1; Seidle,
Veronica 2-0-0; Johnson, Hayden 1-3-0; Totals 73-5-9.0. (Assists) -
Barcas, Cheryl 64. (Dig leaders) - Johnson, Hayden 22; Deardorff,
Missy 18; Durham , Stefanie 17; Barcas, Cheryl 16; Seidle, Veronica 12

Francis Marion Univ. (15-4 , 5-0 PBC) (Kills-aces-blocks) - Logan ,
Lezlie 24-2-4; Lombardi, Jessica 17-0-1; Good, Allison 14-2-2; Phiel,
Jackie 4-2-1; Settergren, Michelle 4-0-3; Kaiser, Jenna 1-1-0;
Strader, Jessica 0-3-0; Totals 64-10-7.0. (Assists) - Kaiser, Jenna
52. (Dig leaders) - Strader, Jessica 29; Phiel, Jackie 16; Lombardi,
Jessica 10; Kaiser, Jenna 10

Site: Florence , SC ( Smith Univ. Center )
Date: Sep 23, 2006 Attend: 88 Time: 2:08 Referees: Scott Duncan, Kaye Moody

Source: Francis Marion University Sports Information

SPARTANS DOWN BOBCATS IN PBC SOCCER TILT

Trawick Lifts Spartans Over Bobcats

Spartanburg, S.C. - Nicole Trawick was in the right place at the right time, sliding a shot by the Georgia College & State University keeper in the 83rd minute to lift USC Upstate to a 1-0 victory in Peach Belt Conference women’s soccer action Friday night at County University Soccer Stadium.

The win keeps USC Upstate undefeated in league play at 3-0-0 and improves the Spartans’ record to 4-4-1 on the year. GCSU falls to 3-2-2 overall and 1-1-2 in the conference. USC Upstate next plays on Tuesday when Mars Hill comes to County University Soccer Stadium for a 7:00 p.m. match. GCSU hosts league foe Columbus State Wednesday night at 7:00.

Both teams battled back and forth throughout the physical match until GCSU put together a run of shots late in the match. The Bobcats pressured the USC Upstate defense for seven shots in the final 20 minutes of play. However, USC Upstate goalkeeper Diana Wabnitz kept GCSU off the board, finishing with six saves on the night, four coming in the final 20 minutes of play.

While USC Upstate was being pressured, the Spartans came up huge when it counted. After a foul was called on GCSU 35 yards out near the left sideline, USC Upstate was awarded a free kick. Britnney Briones took the free kick and sent a high cross to the center of the box. The ball was knocked around a couple of times before Trawick took control and slid a shot into the net to give USC Upstate the 1-0 lead with less than eight minutes left to play.

The goal was all that USC Upstate needed as Wabnitz took the win and the shutout, her third of the season. GCSU goalkeeper Kristen Moore made four saves on the night.

GCSU outshot USC Upstate 12-8 for the match and held a slim 3-2 lead in corner kicks. The physical match finished with 37 combined fouls and eight yellow cards.

Source: University of South Carolina-Upstate Sports Information

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Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Lander (13-4, 0-2) at USC Upstate (13-4, 1-1)--7 p.m. EDT

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KEY: Volleyball--RED Women's Soccer--BLUE Men's Soccer--GREEN

NOTE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, there was no edition of "Must See Match-ups" last week. D-II South Sports apologizes for any inconvenience. As always, the most important contests are highlighted in BOLD type.

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Columbus State (7-1, 3-0) at Armstrong Atlantic State (6-1, 2-0)--4 p.m. EDT

(Sole possession of first place at stake in Peach Belt Conference women's soccer)

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MUST SEE MATCH-UPS

Welcome to a second season of "Must-See Match-ups". Each week, D-II South Sports will feature key conference matches, as well as select in-season non-conference tournaments, and non-conference matches in volleyball, women's soccer, and men's soccer. So, what are we waiting for? Let's go!

KEY: Volleyball--RED Women's Soccer--BLUE Men's Soccer--GREEN

Most important matches are listed in BOLD type.

Sept. 8-9, 2006

Armstrong Atlantic State/Chatham Orthopaedics Classic @ Savannah, Ga. (AASU, Francis Marion, UNC Pembroke, and USC Aiken)

For a complete schedule, click HERE.

North Alabama @ Washburn Classic (Topeka, Kan.)

UAH/Country Inn & Suites Tournament @ Huntsville, Ala. (Alabama-Huntsville, Arkansas Tech, Christian Brothers, Harding, Henderson State, Valdosta State, West Alabama, and West Georgia)

Friday, September 8, 2006

Rollins at West Florida--7:30 p.m. CDT

(UWF is ranked 18th in latest NSCAA poll, Rollins is ranked 7th)

Saturday, September 9, 2006

UNC Pembroke (4-1, 0-0) at Columbus State (3-1, 1-0)--1 p.m. EDT

(Peach Belt Conference opener for UNCP)

CSU SOCCER ROUTS GEORGIA SOUTHWESTERN 5-0

Columbus, GA - CSU and Georgia Southwestern battled to a scoreless tie for 29 minutes before CSU erupted for five unanswered goals in a 5-0 shutout on Wednesday at the CSU Soccer complex. CSU set a new school mark with 42 shot attempts, breaking the old record of 31 set last season against North Georgia. The mark also broke the PBC record for most shots in a PBC match. The previous record was 37 shots by USC Spartanburg against North Florida in 2004.

CSU had countless opportunities to score in the first 20 minutes, but numerous shots either hit the post or were wide. Sam Freedman finally dented the scoring column were her first goal of the season at the 29:04 mark. Freedman was on the spot as Megan Honig's free kick rebounded off the Hurricane keeper. Sarah Hawkins gave CSU a 2-0 lead two minutes later with an unassisted goal. The Lady Cougars took the 2-0 lead into the locker room at the half.

The second half was much of the same with three CSU goals - one each by Toni Phillips (assist by Hawkins), Hannah Ospina, and Rachel Walthall.

GSW (0-2, 0-1 PBC), held without a shot for most of the contest, was able to put up just three shot attempts in the second half.

CSU held an 11-0 advantage on corner kicks. CSU (3-1, 1-0 PBC) will next host UNC Pembroke in a PBC match on Saturday at 1:00 PM at the CSU Soccer Complex.

Source: Columbus State University Sports Information

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS UPSETS 18TH RANKED BARRY

Photo caption: Rachael Valenzuela

Courtesy: Christian Brothers University

The Christian Brothers University women's soccer team struck a positive blow for the Gulf South Conference this past Sunday, as the squad knocked off 18th ranked Barry University (Fla.) 3-1. Rachael Valenzuela broke a 1-1 tie in the 84th minute, via an assist from Francesca De Ranzo to put CBU ahead to stay. De Ranzo added an insurance goal late in the match to seal the victory. The Lady Buccaneers improved to 2-1-0 with the win.

For more coverage, click here.

UNCP SOCCER COACH EARNS 200TH CAREER WIN!

Photo caption: Mike Schaeffer
Courtesy of University of North Carolina-Pembroke

UNC Pembroke men's soccer head coach Mike Schaeffer reached a milestone most coaches only dream of; to win at least 100 games or matches in their career. On Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2006, Schaeffer earned career win #200 at the Braves helm with a 3-0 win over Coker. Click here for the complete story.

Additional coverage: UNCP Sports Information

SMITH NAMED GC&SU ASSISTANT COACH

Photo caption: Maurice Smith

Courtesy of Georgia College & State University

MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia – Maurice Smith has been named the assistant coach for the Georgia College & State University women’s basketball program. Smith, a former graduate assistant with the GCSU men’s basketball program, takes over for Tabitha Vasilas, who left the school recently after two years to pursue other interests.

“I’m very excited,” Smith said. “This is a great opportunity for me, and I look forward to working with Coach (John) Carrick to help the team continue its success.

”Smith is not a stranger to GCSU basketball. The Americus native played two seasons for the Bobcats from 1999-2001, helping the GCSU men’s team win a conference title and reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament in 2000. “Moe”, as he is known around campus, earned his undergraduate degree in 2001 and recently completed his master’s degree at the school as well last spring.

Smith served as a student-assistant under GCSU men’s basketball head coach Terry Sellers in 2003-04 before spending the last two seasons as a graduate assistant coach with the Bobcats.“Maurice has been around our programs for the last six years, and we already know so much about his character,” Lady Bobcats Coach John Carrick said. “His high school coach (Darren Wilkins, formerly of Sumter County HS) was a former assistant for me, so I knew Moe when he was being recruited to play here. He knows how our program works, and he knows the state of Georgia as far as recruiting. The only adjustment for him is working with females instead of males, but I think he’s already hit the ground running, and the girls like and respect him. So it’s a win-win situation.

”The Lady Bobcats went 17-14 overall last year and got hot at the right time, winning the 2006 Peach Belt Conference Tournament to receive an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in the last five years.

Source: Georgia College & State University Sports Information

WEST GEORGIA SOCCER STUNS COLUMBUS STATE

Columbus, GA - Columbus State dominated play against West Georgia on Sunday in all but one category - the score. West Georgia stole a 1-0 win from the Lady Cougars in the final game of the Cougar Invitational Soccer Classic. The Wolves move to 1-2 on the season, while CSU falls to 2-1.

Neither team could get on the scoreboard in the opening half. CSU out-shot the visitors 6-2 in the period, missing several point-blank opportunities. Wolves keeper Jennifer Ross made a pair of solid saves in the six shots she faced as the half ended in a 0-0 tie.

CSU got the first real scoring opportunity of the second half, but Hillary Holder's punch shot caught the crossbar in the 48th minute. West Georgia then cashed in on its first real scoring threat of the day in the 50th minute. The CSU defense sloppily handled a loose ball and West Georgia was able to dump it into the zone where Brittany Carr found the loose ball streaking down the left side and slid a crossing shot past Monica Sanchez for a 1-0 lead. Carr, ironically, was injured on the shot as she apparently suffered an ankle injury and would leave the game.

CSU then took control of the pace of play again, spending most of the half in the offensive end of the field. The Lady Cougars would go on to out-shoot the Wolves 11-4 in the half, but Ross collected three saves and CSU had a couple of shots blocked by defenders. The Lady Cougars' best chance to tie the game came with just 23 seconds to play as Gina Goforth apparently had Ross beaten but her shot rolled just wide of the left post to preserve the win for the Wolves.

Sanchez posted three saves in goal for CSU, facing only six shots on the day. CSU peppered Ross with 17 shots and she responded with five saves. CSU held a 3-1 advantage in corner kicks while West Georgia held the edge in fouls 10-9. There were no cards or cautions issued in the game.

CSU will host Peach Belt Conference newcomer Georgia Southwestern on Wednesday at 4 PM at the CSU Complex, while West Georgia will next be in action on Friday as they host Eckerd College in Carrollton.

Source: Columbus State University Sports Information

Analysis: Yes, it's only the second year of competition for this program, but the University of West Georgia women's soccer team earned perhaps its biggest win in its brief history by knocking off CSU. Surely, a win like this could set the tone for the rest of the season. It'll be interesting to see how things will unfold for the Wolves from this point on.

FRANCIS MARION MEN'S SOCCER PITCHES SHUTOUT

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Junior forward Jonathan Bartomioli scored one goal and assisted on another as Francis Marion University blanked Brevard College 3-0 in non-conference men's soccer action on Saturday afternoon (Sept. 2).

The Patriots even their record at 1-1, while the Tornados fall to 0-4 and have been outscored 23-0 on the young season.

Sophomore goalkeeper Jeremy Crooks, a product of South Florence High School, made his first career start and recorded the shutout. He posted two saves as FMU outshot Brevard 10-5.

Freshman Kyle Clinton gave FMU a 1-0 lead in the 21st minute when he scored off a David Lyman assist. Following halftime, freshman Eric Ellender took a Bartomioli feed and scored in the 65th minute to up the margin to 2-0. Bartomioli finished the scoring with an unassisted tally in the 80th minute.

Francis Marion also held a 6-4 advantage in corner kicks.

The Patriots return to action on Tuesday at Belmont Abbey College. The match will kick-off at 4 p.m.

Source: Francis Marion University Sports Information

AASU VOLLEYBALL ENDS ROAD TRIP ON SOUR NOTE

Pirates End West Coast Trip With Two Five-Game Losses

PHOENIX, Ariz. - The Armstrong Atlantic volleyball squad wrapped up its season-opening 11-game road swing with two heartbreaking five-game losses to Colorado - Colorado Springs and Northwest Nazarene on Saturday in the Grand Canyon Classic in Phoenix, Ariz.

The Pirates (4-7) have now dropped five matches in a row for only thesecond time in head coach Alan Segal's tenure at AASU. Against Colorado -Colorado Springs, AASU rallied from a 2-1 deficit to force game five, but the Mountain Lions exacted revenge for an earlier loss handed to them by the Pirates in Colorado by taking the win, 26-30, 30-19, 30-27, 26-30,15-13. Senior Adriana Miller led the Pirates with 12 kills and 19 digs in the game.

In the second match of the day, the Pirates had a 2-1 lead on Northwest Nazarene, but could not hold it as the Crusaders rallied for a 30-22, 22-30, 27-30, 30-20, 17-15. Traci Knuth tallied 17 kills to lead AASU offensively, while Miller again led the Pirates defensively with 21 digs. Margaret Thornton tallied 30 assists in both of Saturday's matches.

AASU flies home on Labor Day to prepare for the 2006 AASU Chatham Orthopaedics Volleyball Classic, which begins on Friday, September 8. AASU faces Presbyterian at 1:00 p.m. in its home opener.

Source: Armstrong Atlantic State University Sports Information

AASU SOCCER RALLIES FOR WIN,VOLLEYBALL LOSES TWO

Pirates Storm Back For 4-3 Win Over PC

SAVANNAH, Ga. (September 1) – The Pirates scored three goals in sixminutes to give Armstrong Atlantic State University a home-opening 4-3 winover Presbyterian College Friday afternoon at Cingular Field.

With the Pirates trailing in the second half, 3-1, sophomore Lyndsi Stricklen buried a pass from sophomore Jamie Craine early in the 54th minute. Just 20 seconds later, freshman Amaka Ofuani charted a goal late in the 54th minute off a through ball by senior Donna Cheyne to tie the match. Freshman Kristin Burton buried her second goal of the afternoon into the back of the net off a long ball, sent in by freshman Kayley Ralton in 60th minute to put the Pirates ahead for good.

Burton started the scoring by breaking in on a one-on-one to tally a goalin the 21st minute. Presbyterian’s Christy Howard answered back in the 33rd minute to tie the score, 1-1, then the Blue Hose - opening their 2006 season against the Pirates - added goals by Claire Joyce and Millie Greene to take a 3-1 lead in the 51st minute.

The Pirates outshot the Blue Hose, 25-14, and freshman Samantha Held made four saves in net to pick up the win for AASU. Presbyterian opens their home stand on September 3, against East Stroudsburg. AASU is next on theroad at Erskine on Monday, September 4.

--

Pirates Drop Two At Catcus Classic

PHOENIX, Ariz. (September 1) – The Armstrong Atlantic State volleyballsquad slipped below .500 by dropping two matches on Friday at the Grand Canyon Cactus Classic in Phoenix, Ariz., hosted by Grand Canyon.

The Pirates (4-5) lost to the home-standing Antelopes of Grand Canyon, 30-28, 30-26, 30-24) in the day's last match on Friday. AASU hit just .100 in the match and allowed Grand Canyon nine service aces to go with eight service errors of their own. Traci Knuth led the Pirates with nine kills, while Margaret Thornton tallied 15 assists and Stacy Yates notched 10 digs.

In the first match, AASU fell in four games to Western Washington, 30-20, 28-30, 30-23, 30-21. Knuth again led the Pirates with eight kills, while Margaret Thornton tallied 15 assists for a second straight match and Adriana Miller notched 15 digs. The Pirates hit just .114 for the match but did record nine blocks, led by Leah Schmiedge's six.

The Pirates wrap up action in the Grand Canyon Cactus Classic on Saturday as AASU faces Colorado - Colorado Springs and Northwest Nazarene.

Source: Armstrong Atlantic State University Sports Information

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?--GC&SU'S JULIUS JOSEPH

Photo caption of Julius Joseph

Courtesy of Georgia College & State University

GLASGOW, Scotland – Former Georgia College & State University basketball player Julius Joseph continues to shine in the British Basketball League. Joseph, a native of London, England, has agreed to return to the Scottish Rocks of the BBL after leading the team in scoring last season.

Joseph graduated form GCSU in 2000 after playing three years for the Bobcats. Despite being under-sized for a college center, the 6’4” Joseph helped guide GCSU to back-to-back Peach Belt Conference Championships in 1999 and 2000, as well as two straight NCAA Tournament appearances, including the Elite Eight in 2000. He was a two-time All-Peach Belt Conference and All-Region selection, and he was the first GCSU men’s basketball player to earn NCAA All-American honors in 2000.

Joseph has been playing in the BBL since graduation and is regarded as one of the top three-point shooters in the league after hitting 43.7% from beyond the arc last season. He also led the Rocks in scoring with 18.7 points per game. He has signed a one year deal to return to the Rocks.“

Bringing back last season's top scorer is a very important step for our club,” Rocks Coach Thorsten Leibenath said in a release on the BBL’s web site. “He is a great shooter, but he can also get out and run on the break. He can pull up and shoot or take it strong to the hoop. Julius will be one of the keys to our game plan in all areas. Julius works hard and comes to play every day. His experience and committed attitude are aspects that I hope will rub off on our younger players. I am really excited to have a current British National Team player on our roster.”

Joseph is currently on tour with the Great Britain national side for the European Championships.

Source: Georgia College & State University Sports Information

GC&SU SOCCER FALLS AT BELMONT ABBEY

BELMONT, North Carolina – The Georgia College & State University women’s soccer team had a tough time in its season opener Saturday, falling 4-0 at Belmont-Abbey College. Belmont-Abbey (1-0), the defending Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference Champion, scored three of its goals in the second half to blow the match open.

The Crusaders got on the scoreboard in the fifth minute as Kristin Voirin found the back of the net on a header off a corner kick for a 1-0 advantage. That would be the only score of the first half as GCSU was out-shot 8-2 in the first frame.

Belmont-Abbey scored early in the second half as Diana Stainback scored from the top of the box following a corner kick in the 49th minute for a 2-0 lead. The Bobcats found themselves down 3-0 in the 76th minute after Stephanie Leotti buried a penalty kick, and Lakesha Bell wrapped up the scoring with a goal in the 82nd minute for the final 4-0 margin.

GCSU goalkeeper Meghan Rothenberg was kept busy most of the day, earning 10 saves in 90 minutes. Belmont-Abbey’s starting keeper, Laisha Lentz, tallied two saves in 85 minutes, while Anna Donaldson earned one save in the final five minutes.

Belmont-Abbey out-shot GCSU 18-3, and held a 7-1 advantage in corner kicks. The Bobcats will be on the road again Sunday at Saint Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinbrug, NC.

Source: Georgia College & State University Sports Information

AASU VOLLEYBALL SPLITS IN COLORADO

Pirates Split Matches In Final Day Of Mountain Lion Invitational

Senior Traci Knuth sets AASU all-time block record

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 26) – Senior Traci Knuth set Armstrong Atlantic State's all-time blocking record in the Pirates' 3-1 win over Montana State-Billings on Saturday morning at the AmeriSuites Mountain Lion Invitational in Colorado Springs, Colo. The Pirates ended the Invitational with a 3-2 mark after falling to Southeastern Oklahoma in four games on Saturday evening.

Knuth passed former teammate and current AASU soccer player Candice Modlinski with her first block of game four in AASU's 30-27, 17-30, 30-21, 30-21 win. Modlinski recorded 425 blocks from 2001-04, and with nine blocks against Montana State-Billings, Knuth now has 427 career blocks in her four years as a Pirate.

The Columbus, Neb., native finished one block shy of a triple-double, recording a team-high 18 kills and 12 digs to go with her nine blocks. Leah Schmiedge added 14 kills and Stacy Yates added 27 assists. Against Southeastern Oklahoma, the Pirates won the first game, 30-23, but dropped the next three, 27-30, 19-30 and 26-30. Knuth again led the Pirates with 16 kills on the evening. AASU next travels to California where the Pirates will take on Cal State Monterey Bay on Monday, August 28, at 7:00 p.m.

Source: Armstrong Atlantic State University Sports Information

AASU VOLLEYBALL WINS TWO IN COLORADO, SOCCER LOSES OPENER

AASU Wins Two At Mountain Lion Invitational

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 25) – The Armstrong Atlantic State volleyball squad knocked off host Colorado - Colorado Springs in four games, 22-30, 30-27, 30-26, 30-18, to cap a successful day's action in theAmeriSuites Mountain Lion Invitational on Friday.

The Pirates (2-1) dropped the first game to the Mountain Lions by hitting-.045, but rallied back to win three straight to take the match. Traci Knuth again led the Pirates with 13 kills and a .357 hitting percentage,while Rachel Falco chipped in 10 kills. Margaret Thornton notched 22assists and Christina Flores collected a match-high 20 digs for AASU, while Colorado - Colorado Springs was led by Diane Sheldon's 13 kills andJessica Stewart's 47 assists.

Earlier in the day, the Pirates picked up a 30-24, 30-23, 30-21 victory over Georgian Court. The Pirates held Georgian Court to just an .018 hitting percentageon the morning in winning in three games. Every playeron the Pirates' roster saw action against the Lions and Traci Knuth led the Pirates with seven kills, while Stacy Yates tallied 16 assists and Christina Flores notched eight digs. Georgian Court was led by Ann Casado's 13 kills and 10 digs.

AASU wraps up action in the Invitational on Saturday with matches againstMontana State-Billings and Southeastern Oklahoma.

Pirates Fall To No. 9 Tampa In Season Opener

TAMPA, Fla. (August 25) – The ninth-ranked University of Tampa women’ssoccer team won its first game of the 2006 season with a 5-1 victory overvisiting Armstrong Atlantic. The Spartans are now 1-0 on the season whilethe Pirates drop to 0-1.

Shelby Kuni scored the first goal for Tampa at 24:53, but freshman Kristin Burton equalized with her first collegiate goal just six seconds later after a nifty exchange from Lyndsi Stricklen and Omaka Ofuani. Kuni scored just a minute and a half later to give the Spartans the lead, which they would not relinquish.

The Spartans outshot the Pirates, 15-8, and two AASU goalkeepers -freshman Samantha Held and junior Tarra Kohler - played a half and each gave up two goals. Ofuani led the Pirate field players with three shots ongoal on the evening. AASU returns to action on Sunday, August 27, as the Pirates face Florida Southern at Noon in Tampa.

Source: Armstrong Atlantic State University Sports Information

CSU SOCCER WINS IN DOUBLE OVERTIME

Tampa, FL - Heralded freshman Gina Goforth got her collegiate career off to a great start here Friday, banging home her first goal in the 107th minute to give Columbus State a 1-0 double-overtime win over Florida Southern. The season-opening victory is the third straight in the short history of the CSU program. Sophomore Kassy Boivin got the assist on the game-winner.

The game was delayed over an hour by downpours. The heavy rains left the field a quagmire with both teams struggling to find a rhythm."

It was not pretty all the time, but I am proud of the girls for playing well as a team and getting a win," said head coach Jay Entlich. "The field was pretty much a mud pit after all the rain it took and we played extremely well as a team and were able to get a win."

The Lady Cougars dominated the flow of the game for much of the contest, out-shooting the Mocs. The back line of defenders Judith Ospina, Cortney Norris, Sarah Hawkins, and Megan Honig kept the pressure off Monica Sanchez in goal. Sanchez recorded five saves with only two being serious scoring threats.

Entlich also cited the surprising play of newcomers Hillary Holder, Rachel Walthall, and Sam Freedman in the game. "Holder played the entire game in her debut with CSU and Freedman and Walthall both gave us quality minutes. That is always a pleasant surprise when freshmen contribute right away like that," said Entlich.

CSU returns to action here Sunday as they will face Tampa in a 1 PM kickoff.

Source: Columbus State University Sports Information

AASU VOLLEYBALL LOSES SEASON OPENER

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (August 24) – The Armstrong Atlantic Statevolleyball squad opened up the 2006 season with a 3-1 loss to Fort Lewisin the first match of the AmeriSuites Mountain Lion Invitational, hostedby Colorado - Colorado Springs, on Thursday evening. Game scores were30-21, 24-30, 15-30, 31-33.

Despite a long travel day that began at 1:00 a.m. Eastern time inSavannah, the Pirates opened up the match strong against the Skyhawks,hitting .303 in game one to take a 30-21 win. Fort Lewis then turned totheir blocking to win the next two games easily, then AASU had two chancesto send it to a game five as the Pirates served up 29-28 and 31-30, but could not close out the contest.

Fort Lewis recorded 13 blocks on the night as a team and was ledoffensively by Nicole Schwab's 17 kills. Armstrong Atlantic got 13 killsapiece from seniors Traci Knuth and Christine Flores. Carly Lacey notched44 assists to pace Fort Lewis, while Margaret Thornton tallied 27 to leadAASU. The Pirates will play two matches on Friday in the AmeriSuitesMountain Lion Invitational, facing Georgian Court at 9:00 a.m. and thentaking on host Colorado - Colorado Springs at 8:15 p.m.

Source: Armstrong Atlantic State University Sports Information

D-II SOUTH SPORTS FALL PREVIEW 2006--MEN'S SOCCER

Our 2006 pre-season fall sports previews wrap-up with an installment on men's soccer. Predicted orders of finish are courtesy of both the GSC and PBC.

GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE

1. West Florida

2. Montevallo

3. Christian Brothers

4. Alabama-Huntsville

5. Ouachita Baptist

6. Harding

7. Delta State

Analysis: With the departures of Central Arkansas and Lincoln Memorial, the GSC is down to just seven schools for men's soccer as the 2006 season gets underway. Just two points separated the teams that were picked to finish first and second, respectively; UWF and UM. Montevallo begins the year ranked 18th in the nation, while West Florida hopes to bounce back after missing the GSC tournament last season.

PEACH BELT CONFERENCE

1. Clayton State

2. USC Upstate

3. UNC Pembroke

4. Lander

5. North Georgia

6. Francis Marion

7. USC Aiken

8. Georgia Southwestern

Analysis: With three squads (Clayton State #8, Lander #14, UNC Pembroke #22) nationally ranked to open this season, and a fourth (USC Upstate) finishing last season with a top 15 national ranking, the PBC once again should be among the most competitive NCAA Division II conferences in the nation. The PBC does add one team to the mix in 2006, as Georgia Southwestern State University of Americus, Ga. begins its first year of competition.

NOTE: National rankings are courtesy of the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

D-II SOUTH SPORTS FALL PREVIEW 2006--WOMEN'S SOCCER

Our pre-season fall sports previews continue with a brief outlook on women's soccer. Predicted order of finish is courtesy of both the GSC and PBC, respectively.

GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE

1. West Florida

2. Montevallo

3. Harding

4. West Georgia

5. Alabama-Huntsville

6. Christian Brothers

7. North Alabama

8. Ouachita Baptist

9. Delta State

Analysis: Despite an upset loss to former GSC member Lincoln Memorial in the finals of last year's conference tournament, the Argonauts did manage to avenge that defeat in the NCAA tournament, as UWF won 3-1 to advance to the national quarterfinals. UWF once again will have the target on its back in 2006, as the Argonauts were the unanimous favorite to finish on top in the GSC. As for Lincoln Memorial, the Railsplitters are now in the South Atlantic Conference.

PEACH BELT CONFERENCE

1. Columbus State

2. Clayton State

3. Armstrong Atlantic State

4. UNC Pembroke

5. USC Upstate

6. Lander

7. GC&SU

8. North Georgia

9. USC Aiken

10. Georgia Southwestern

Analysis: Clayton State may be the defending regular season and tournament champions in the PBC, but Columbus State is the team to beat in the conference entering 2006. At least that's what the coaches say. It appears the only real race in the PBC just might be for third place, as both the Lady Cougars and Lakers might find themselves in a two-way battle for the top seed in the conference tournament in late October. After all, both Columbus State and Clayton State shared the PBC regular season title last season, with the Lakers eventually advancing to the NCAA Division II tournament. It'll be interesting to see how things unfold this fall.

FORMER GC&SU PLAYER GOES OVERSEAS

Photo caption of Jeremy Mayweather
Courtesy: Georgia College & State University



MILLEDGEVILLE, Georgia –Former Georgia College & State University basketball player Jeremy Mayweather is getting a chance to continue his playing career at the professional level. Mayweather, the 2006 Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year during his senior season, will play for the Spoon River Bears of the Finnish Basketball Association.

“I’m very excited,” Mayweather said. “I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to play professional ball somewhere. I’m a little nervous because I’m not too crazy about flying, but this is a chance that is too good to pass up.”

Mayweather, a 6’6” forward form Statham, Ga., helped the Bobcats win the 2006 Peach Belt Conference Championship while advancing to the “Sweet Sixteen” of the NCAA Division II Tournament. He was named the Peach Belt Conference Player of the Year after averaging 14.6 points and a league-leading 8.8 rebounds per game during the regular season. Despite some injuries in the postseason, he finished averaging 13.6 points and 8.8 rebounds per game for the year. He earned Honorable Mention All-American honors and was also selected to play in the first NCAA Division II All-Star game.

“We’re extremely proud of Jeremy,” GCSU Coach Terry Sellers said. “He has created a great opportunity for himself by setting some lofty goals and dedicating himself to achieving those goals. The team is Finland is getting a good player and fine young man.”

Source: Georgia College & State University Sports Information

D-II SOUTH SPORTS FALL PREVIEW 2006--VOLLEYBALL

Our fall sports preview for the 2006 season starts in earnest with a look at each of the three sports D-II South Sports covers. We start with a look at volleyball.

All predicted orders of finish are courtesy of the respective conferences.

GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE

EAST DIVISION

1. North Alabama

2. West Florida

3. Alabama-Huntsville

4. West Georgia

5. Montevallo

6. Valdosta State

7. West Alabama

WEST DIVISION

1. Harding

2. Arkansas Tech

3. Christian Brothers

4. Henderson State

5. Ouachita Baptist

6. Arkansas-Monticello

7. Southern Arkansas

Analysis: The GSC may have lost two schools, Central Arkansas and Lincoln Memorial, but one thing that hasn't changed is that North Alabama is still the team to beat. Even so, other GSC programs have gotten better in recent years, including West Florida, which is beginning its seventh season of play. Don't count out Alabama-Huntsville in the GSC East either.

In the GSC West, Harding earned all six first place to get the nod for the favorites role in that division. Don't be surprised if the Lady Lions and Bisons find themselves playing for the GSC tournament title in November.

PEACH BELT CONFERENCE

1. Armstrong Atlantic State

2. USC Upstate

3. USC Aiken

4. Francis Marion

5. Lander

6. UNC Pembroke

7. Augusta State

Analysis: After missing the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1999, the Pirates hope to make a return trip to post-season play in 2006, as AASU returns its entire starting lineup from a squad that finished 22-12 a year ago. However, the Pirates will have plenty of challengers, with USC Upstate and USCA looking to mount a serious challenge for the PBC regular season title. Defending PBC tournament champion FMU has a new head coach in Paul MacDonald, who replaces Sonny Kirkpatrick.

SIAC

EAST DIVISION

1. Albany State

2. Clark Atlanta

3. Benedict

4. Paine

5. Fort Valley State

WEST DIVISION

1. Kentucky State

2. Miles

3. LeMoyne-Owen

4. Tuskegee

5. Lane

6. Stillman

Analysis: Albany State will look to win its sixth straight SIAC title, as well as advance to its sixth straight NCAA Division II tournament in 2006.

STATE OF THE CONFERENCES--PART 3

NOTE: A little late, but like the old saying goes, "better late than never". Anyway, here is the third and final installment on the "state of the conferences" with a look at the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, or the SIAC.

SOUTHERN INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE--http://www.thesiac.com

2006-07 MEMBERSHIP

Albany State University (Ga.)

Benedict College (S.C.)

Clark-Atlanta University (Ga.)

Claflin University (S.C.)*

Fort Valley State University (Ga.)

Kentucky State University

Lane College (Tenn.)

LeMoyne-Owen College (Tenn.)

Miles College (Ala.)

Morehouse College (Ga.)

Paine College (Ga.)

Stillman College (Ala.)

Tuskegee University (Ala.)

*--First year in SIAC/NCAA Division II

Analysis: The SIAC will grow by at least one school this academic year, well, sort of. Claflin University of Orangeburg, S.C. will enter their first season in the conference as a provisional member, with just eight sports. With just three women's sports (basketball, softball, and volleyball), Claflin must add at least three more sports to comply with NCAA and Title IX requirements.

On the other hand, Albany State (Ga.) has shown tremenous strength athletically, as the men's teams share the All-Sports trophy, while the Lady Rams won the women's title outright.

STATE OF THE CONFERENCES--PART 2

Our pre-season look at the state of each of the three conferences D-II South Sports covers continues with a look at the Peach Belt Conference.

PEACH BELT CONFERENCE--http://www.peachbelt.com

2006-07 MEMBERSHIP

Armstrong Atlantic State University (Ga.)

Augusta State University (Ga.)

Clayton State University (Ga.)

Columbus State University

Francis Marion University (S.C)--(1)

Georgia College & State University

Georgia Southwestern State University (2)

Lander University (S.C.)

North Georgia College & State University (3)

University of North Carolina-Pembroke

University of South Carolina-Aiken

University of South Carolina-Upstate (4)

KEY:

(1)--PBC member in all sports except women's soccer and men's golf. Both sports currently compete at the NCAA Division I level.

(2)--Beginning first season at the NCAA Division II level. Not eligible for NCAA post-season play.

(3)--Beginning second season at the NCAA Division II level. Not eligible for NCAA post-season play.

(4)--Final season in PBC and NCAA Division II. Will upgrade to NCAA Division I, and join the Atlantic Sun Conference in 2007-08.

Analysis: For 10 years, the Peach Belt Conference was probably one of the most stable NCAA Division II conferences in the nation. But the departures of Kennesaw State and North Florida to the NCAA Division I ranks at the end of the 2004-05 academic year changed that. Now the league must brace for more change, as USC Upstate plans to join its former PBC rivals in the Atlantic Sun Conference after the 2006-07 academic year.

But the upheaval may not end there. With its women's soccer and men's golf programs already competing at the D-I level, the rest of the sports at Francis Marion could soon follow suit. Also, with football set to return to the UNCP campus in 2007, the Braves may also find themselves seeking D-I status in the years to come. With Georgia Southwestern and North Georgia being ineligible for post-season play for at least three more years, it's only a matter of time before the quality of competition starts to suffer. Should these moves occur, sports such as volleyball and men's soccer could be hurt the most, as there would only be four current members playing volleyball (AASU, ASU, LU, USCA), and five with men's soccer (Clayton State, GSW, LU, North Georgia, USCA). If this happens, don't be surprised if the PBC expands west into Alabama to replace those departed schools.

STATE OF THE CONFERENCES--PART 1

D-II South Sports begins its fall sports preview with the state of the three conferences the website covers. First up: the Gulf South Conference.

GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE--http://www.gulfsouthconference.org

2006-07 MEMBERSHIP (15 Schools)

EAST DIVISION

University of Alabama-Huntsville

University of Montevallo (Ala.)

University of North Alabama

Valdosta State University (Ga.)

University of West Alabama

University of West Florida

University of West Georgia

WEST DIVISION

University of Arkansas at Monticello

Arkansas Tech University

Christian Brothers University (Tenn.)

Delta State University (Miss.)

Harding University (Ark.)

Henderson State University (Ark.)

Ouachita Baptist University (Ark.)

Southern Arkansas University

Analysis: The fact that the University of Central Arkansas has left for the NCAA Division I ranks during the off-season came as no surprise to anyone who follows the GSC. But the sudden departure of Lincoln Memorial University (Tenn.) for the South Atlantic Conference did surprise many people. Then again, though, the long trips to far-flung places such as Valdosta, Ga., Pensacola, Fla., and Livingston, Ala. no doubt proved to be a factor in LMU's decision to switch conferences. Could the defection of Central Arkansas and Lincoln Memorial create a domino effect in terms in other schools, most notably North Alabama, West Florida, and West Georgia, possibly looking elsewhere? We'll wait and see.