2006-07 BASKETBALL PREVIEW--MEN'S PREDICTIONS

Our 2006-2007 basketball previews at D-II South Sports wrap up with a quick preview and analysis of the men's teams.

GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE

Click here for the preseason predictions.

Analysis: The GSC will play with two fewer schools this season, as Central Arkansas has left for the NCAA Division I ranks, while Lincoln Memorial has moved to the South Atlantic Conference. Still, many of the so-called "experts" think Montevallo could win their third conference title in the last four seasons. In the West Division, Harding was the surprise favorite to finish on top there, followed by Arkansas-Monticello and Delta State.

PEACH BELT CONFERENCE

Click here for the preseason predictions.

Analysis: Clayton State earned the nod as the preseason favorite to win the PBC regular season crown for the second straight season, as the Lakers received seven of 10 first place votes. The only problem is, the Clayton State men haven't been able to get over the hump, and into the NCAA Division II tournament, despite having one of the winningest active coaches in the nation in Gordon Gibbons, who enters his sixth season as the Lakers head coach. Also, don't count out Armstrong Atlantic State, Columbus State, or outgoing USC Upstate either. The Spartans will depart for the D-I ranks after this season. Also, Georgia Southwestern State joins former NAIA rival North Georgia for its inaugural PBC season.

SIAC

Click here for the preseason predictions.

Analysis: Expect the SIAC to be very competitive from top to bottom, as Paine College was picked as the favorite to win the title. But teams like Benedict, Morehouse, and Albany State also could give the Lions a run for their money.

FALL SPORTS POSTSEASON UPDATE

After winning both the Gulf South Conference and NCAA Division II South Central Regional titles, the University of North Alabama volleyball team moved to one step closer to playing a national championship Friday, as the nationally sixth-ranked Lions downed tenth-ranked Ashland (Ohio) 3-0 to advance to Saturday's national semifinal. UNA will play the winner of the Lock Haven-West Texas A&M match this weekend at Pensacola, Fla.

Gulf South Conference Press Release

Meanwhile, just across town at Brosnaham Park, the University of West Florida men's soccer team's hopes of winning a national title in front of the home crowd disappeared in heartbreaking fashion, as top-ranked Dowling rallied from a two-goal deficit in two minutes to eliminate in Argonauts in overtime Thursday night. The match was tied 3-3 at the end of regulation and overtime, but Dowling outscored UWF 5-4 on penalty kicks to advance to Saturday's title match. With the loss, the Argonauts season ended with a 20-1-3 record.

Gulf South Conference Press Release

2006-2007 BASKETBALL PREVIEW--GSC WEST, PEACH BELT, SIAC WOMEN

Predicted orders of finish are courtesy of the respective conferences.

GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE WEST DIVISION

1. Delta State

2. Henderson State

3. Arkansas Tech

4. Harding

5. Ouachita Baptist

6. Southern Arkansas

7. Christian Brothers

8. Arkansas-Monticello

Analysis: After sharing the division title with each other last season, both Delta State and Henderson State expect to make the GSC West a two-team race again this year. The Lady Reddies, though, have the edge in the national preseason rankings as the season begins, as they are ranked seventh in the WBCA Division II poll, while the Lady Statesmen are ranked 13th.

PEACH BELT CONFERENCE

Click here for the preseason predictions.

Analysis: With back-to-back trips to the NCAA tournament under its belt, Clayton State hopes to turn a postseason hat trick in 2007. But the Laker women will have plenty of suitors that want to put up a challenge for the PBC regular season title, including defending tournament champion Georgia College & State University.

SIAC

Click here for the preseason predictions.

Analysis: After finishing conference play a perfect 20-0 last season, Fort Valley State is expected to win the regular season title again this year. The Lady Wildcats come into the season ranked 22nd in the WBCA D-II poll.

2006-2007 BASKETBALL PREVIEW--GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE EAST DIVISION WOMEN

Like the old saying goes, it might be late, but better late than never, as D-II South Sports has the first of multiple installments of its 2006-2007 basketball preview. Leading things off are the women's teams in the Gulf South Conference.

Predicted order of finish is courtesy of the Gulf South Conference

Valdosta State: After finishing 18-10 last season, and falling to Henderson State in the quarterfinals of the Gulf South Conference tournament, the Lady Blazers hope to return to the top of the GSC East this year. The VSU women will be tested early and often, as they face squads such as Nova Southeastern, Florida Gulf Coast, Clayton State, and Bowie State in the pre-conference schedule.

Alabama-Huntsville: The Lady Chargers hope to take another step towards being one of the conference's elite programs after a 14-13 overall, and 9-5 finish in GSC East action last season. UAH saw its season end with an embarassing 52-28 loss to Delta State in the GSC tournament.

West Florida: The Lady Argonauts look to make a return trip to the NCAA Division II tournament after finishing 23-7 last season, falling to Henderson State in the South regional semifinal. But they'll have to do it with the multitude of seniors that got them there now having graduated.

West Georgia: After finishing 19-10 in their final season as the Braves, the UWG women will begin their first season as the Wolves.

West Alabama: The Lady Tigers hope to improve on a disappointing 13-16 record, which included a 7-7 mark in GSC East games.

North Alabama: The Lady Lions have nowhere to go but up after a dismal 5-22 finish last season.

Montevallo: The Falcons also find themselves fighting an uphill battle after finishing 7-20 a year ago, tied with UNA, and former GSC member Lincoln Memorial for last place in the East Division at 3-11.

FALL SPORTS POSTSEASON UPDATE

In case you missed it, here's how some of the postseason action turned out for some of the fall sports teams in D-II South Nation.

Getting things underway on the soccer field, both University of West Florida squads played for the opportunity to advance to the national quarterfinals, with the men's team playing in the NCAA Division II soccer version of the "Elite Eight" for the first time ever, as the Argonauts downed Lynn University 2-1 in the South Regional final last Sunday. The Argos (19-1-2) will host Queens University (N.C.) in Saturday's quarterfinal round match at 4 p.m. CST. As for the UWF women, however, it was anything but a happy ending, as the Argonauts fell to nationally fifth-ranked Tampa 2-0. The loss snapped an 11-match unbeaten streak for West Florida, ending its season with 15-3-3 mark.

The news wasn't all bad for UWF athletics, though, as the volleyball team, in its first-ever NCAA
tournament appearance, upset second-seeded Washburn in a three-game sweep (30-25, 30-27, 30-25) in the South Central Regional Thursday. The seventh-seeded Argos will face third-seeded Central Missouri State in Friday's second round action at Kirksville, Mo. Friday.

In other volleyball postseason action, the Lady Pacers of USC Aiken won the Peach Belt Conference tournament over Armstrong Atlantic State last Saturday, but saw their run in the NCAA tournament come to an abrupt end at 28-7, as Florida Gulf Coast swept USCA 3-0. FGCU is in its final season of NCAA Division II action, and will join former PBC members Kennesaw State, North Florida, and USC Upstate in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Sun Conference in 2007.

Log on to www.ncaasports.com for recaps on other action involving teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports.

FALL SPORTS POSTSEASON UPDATE

AASU VOLLEYBALL ADVANCES TO CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

Pirates to face USC Aiken in Peach Belt Conference tournament final

FULL STORY

PBC WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAMS ELIMINATED FROM NCAA TOURNAMENT

Armstrong Atlantic State and Columbus State both see their squads respective seasons end on a sour note in the first round of the NCAA Division II tournament at Jefferson City, Tenn. Friday. AASU was shutout by Tusculum 1-0, while CSU fell to Carson-Newman 2-1.

BEARCATS FALL IN SHOOTOUT

It was a rough day for the Peach Belt Conference men's teams as well, as both Lander and USC Upstate were eliminated from the NCAA tournament Friday at Greenwood, S.C. The Bearcats battled Queens to a scoreless tie after regulation, only to lose 2-1 in the shootout. As for the Spartans, their run as an NCAA Division II member ended in overtime, as they lost to Limestone 3-2, also on penalty kicks after going scoreless through regulation. USC Upstate begins the transition to NCAA Division I status in 2007.

WEST FLORIDA SOCCER MARCHES ON

Both University of West Florida soccer teams advanced to the finals of the NCAA Division II South Region tournament with wins on Friday. In Tampa, the UWF women needed a goal by Summer Savage with 30 seconds left in regulation to force overtime at 1-1. The Argonauts carried the momentum from that tying goal into the shootout, as they outscore St. Leo 7-6 to advance.

On the men's side, the Argos also had to go to a shootout in their match against fellow Gulf South Conference rival Montevallo at Pensacola, Fla. Friday. The contest was tied 2-2 after regulation, as well as two overtime periods before UWF outscored the Falcons 4-1 in the shootout to advance to Sunday's final match (second round).

The UWF women face top-seeded Tampa in one second round match, while the West Florida men will take on second-seeded and nationally 12th ranked Lynn in a similar contest.

2006-07 BASKETBALL PREVIEW--OPENING TIP

NOTE: D-II South Sports starts its third season of basketball coverage with a brief look at the Disney Division II Tip-Off classic this weekend. A preview of the Gulf South and Peach Belt Conferences, as well as the SIAC, will soon follow. So, sit back, and enjoy!

LADY SAINTS TO PARTICIPATE IN DISNEY CLASSIC

After going 23-4 overall, 19-1 in Peach Belt Conference play, and winning the regular season title in your inaugural season of the league, what do the Lady Saints of North Georgia College & State University do for an encore? Play a tougher schedule. That's what head coach Buffie Burson and her squad will do this weekend, as the Lady Saints travel to Orlando, Fla. for the Disney Division II Tip-Off Classic.

The North Georgia women will open the classic against preseason #1 North Dakota Friday, followed by Texas A&M-Commerce Saturday, and wrapping up with a game against Lock Haven (Pa.) Sunday. The Lady Saints return six letterwinners from last season, but have no seniors.

Official NGCSU Women's Basketball Website

NCAA SOCCER TOURNAMENT SELECTIONS ANNOUNCED

The selections for the 2006 NCAA Division II soccer championships have been announced, and once again, D-II South Nation is well represented, as both the Gulf South and Peach Belt Conferences sent a combined seven teams to regional competition starting Friday.

In the women's bracket, the PBC sent tournament champion Columbus State and runner-up Armstrong Atlantic State to the Southeast Regional, while West Florida was the lone GSC squad to advance to the South Regional. CSU and AASU are both making their first-ever appearances in the NCAA tournament.

On the men's side, PBC regular-season and tournament champion Lander joins soon to be former PBC foe USC Upstate in the Southeast Regional, which the Bearcats will host, while UWF will battle fellow GSC rival Montevallo in a first round match in the South Regional at Pensacola, Fla.

Here are the pairings for the Southeast and South Regionals as follows. Teams in conferences covered by D-II South Sports are marked in BOLD type.

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL WOMEN--at Jefferson City, Tenn. (Carson-Newman)

Friday, Nov. 3

FIRST ROUND

Carson-Newman (13-1-1) vs. Columbus State (18-3-1)

Tusculum (12-2-3) vs. Armstrong Atlantic State (18-3-1)

Sunday, Nov. 5

SECOND ROUND

First round winners

SOUTH REGIONAL WOMEN--at Tampa, Fla. (University of Tampa)

Friday, Nov. 3

FIRST ROUND

Tampa (15-2-1) vs. Nova Southeastern (11-3-2)

West Florida (15-2-2) vs. St. Leo (14-3-1)

Sunday, Nov. 5

SECOND ROUND

First round winners

SOUTHEAST REGIONAL MEN--at Greenwood, S.C. (Lander University)

FIRST ROUND

Friday, Nov. 3

Lander (16-3) vs. Queens (N.C.)--(11-4-2)

USC Upstate (12-3-2) vs. Limestone (13-2-5)

SECOND ROUND

Sunday, Nov. 5

First round winners

SOUTH REGIONAL MEN--at Pensacola, Fla.

FIRST ROUND

Friday, Nov. 3

West Florida (18-1-1) vs. Montevallo (14-5)

Rollins (13-5) vs. Lynn (14-1)

SECOND ROUND

Sunday, Nov. 5

First round winners

Complete women's bracket

Complete men's bracket

WEST FLORIDA SWEEPS GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE SOCCER TITLES

Photo captions: (TOP): Keith Savage had two goals to go with two assists in West Florida's 4-1 win over Montevallo in the Gulf South Conference men's soccer tournament championship game at Pensacola, Fla. on Sunday, October 29, 2006.

(BOTTOM): Brandi Adams scored her team's only goal in the second half, but that proved to be enough, as West Florida defeated Ouachita Baptist 1-0 in the title match of the Gulf South Conference women's soccer tournament at Pensacola, Fla. on Sunday, October 29, 2006.

Photos courtesy of University of West Florida Sports Information

Sunday was a very good day to be a University of West Florida Argonaut, at least on the soccer field, as both the men's and women's soccer teams swept the championship matches of the Gulf South Cofnerence tournament at Pensacola, Fla.

The top-seeded UWF women, who are currently ranked 11th in the nation, edged Ouachita Baptist 1-0, while the UWF men, also a top seed going into the GSC tournament, as well as the nation's fifth-ranked team at the NCAA Division II level, won its fourth straight tourney title with a 4-1 rout over third-seeded Montevallo in the men's title match.

Complete recaps courtesy of the University of West Florida

Women: UWF 1, OBU 0

Men: UWF 4, UM 1

HAT TRICK!--LANDER WINS THIRD STRAIGHT PBC MEN'S SOCCER TITLE

The Bearcats of Lander University reign supreme once again in the Peach Belt Conference men's soccer tournament, as they downed USC-Aiken 1-0 to win their straight tournament title.

Click here for a full recap, courtesy of the Peach Belt Conference.

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

MUST SEE MATCH-UPS

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

Most important matches are in BOLD type.

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)

MUST SEE MATCH-UPS

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

Most important match-ups in BOLD type.

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

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MUST SEE MATCH-UPS

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

MUST SEE MATCH-UPS

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

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)

MUST SEE MATCH-UPS

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)

MUST SEE MATCH-UPS

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

MUST SEE MATCH-UPS

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

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

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

MUST SEE MATCH-UPS

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