Sports (769)
Appalachian State Track and Field Send Five Athletes to NCAA East Region Preliminaries
Written by Jason Savage
Appalachian State women’s track and field’s Taylor Drummonds, Darlene Girardeau, and Tristin Van Ord all competed in the NCAA East Region preliminaries on Thursday.
Drummonds finished 34th in the pole vault with a height of 12-5.50 feet and ends her career as the all-time outdoor season record holder in the vault with a jump of 13-2.25.
Girardeau ran one of her two events on Thursday in the 100-meter dash. She finished 40th with a time of 11.94 and did not advance. Girardeau will compete Friday night in the 200-meter dash.
Van Ord also competed in one of her two events on Thursday with a 36th-place finish in the 10,000-meter run with a time of 35:33.28. Earlier this season, Van Ord topped her own program record in the event at the Raleigh Relays.
She will run the 5,000-meters at 8:05 p.m. on Saturday. Chelsea Hargrave will also compete on Saturday in the triple jump which starts at 6 p.m.
Appalachian State men’s track and field’s Elliott Graves and Ryan Hastings also both competed in the NCAA East Region preliminaries on Thursday.
Graves competed in the 400-meter hurdles and finished with a time of 54.37 and took seventh place in his heat and did not advance to the next round. He finishes the season fourth on the all-time program list in the 400 hurdles.
Later in the evening Hastings competed in the 800-meter run and ran a time of 1:50.52 and finished 29th overall - not advancing the next round. He finishes the season with the program record in the 800-meter run and ran two sub 1:50.00 races this season.
Lenoir-Rhyne's Kenley, Boone Earns Another Softball All-American Honor
Written by Jason Savage
The Lenoir-Rhyne University Softball Team had two of its members – Sarah Kenley and Erin Boone – garner 2017 NFCA NCAA Division II All-American accolades. NFCA is the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.
Both players were named to the NFCA All-American Third Team while Kenley earned All-American accolades for the second straight day (third-team honors by the Conference Commissioner’s Association on Wednesday).
Kenley, a senior catcher from Charlotte, N.C., had one of the best seasons in school history in 2017 as she was named both the South Atlantic Conference and CCA NCAA Division II Southeast Region Player Of The Year.
Kenley batted .429 with a team-leading 12 home runs and 55 runs batted in this spring. In addition, Kenley also ranked first on the squad in total bases (137) and slugging percentage (.753) and leaves the Bears as the program’s all-time leader in runs batted in (195).
Boone, a sophomore outfielder from Creedmoor, N.C., was an honorable mention All-American by the Conference Commissioner’s Association (CCA) and a two-time First-Team All-SAC and All-Southeast Region selection.
Boone started all 59 games for the Bears this year and ranked at the top of the conference in the following categories: batting average (.440), hits (88), runs scored (66) and on-base percentage (.507). Boone also finished with seven home runs, 49 runs batted in and 17 stolen bases this spring and was on the NFCA’s Top 25 Watch List for Player Of The Year.
Kenley and Boone led the Bears to another strong season in 2017 as Lenoir-Rhyne finished with a 46-13 overall record (16-4 in league play) and claimed a share of the SAC Regular Season Championship. LR also earned a berth in the NCAA Division II Southeast Region Tournament.
2017 NFCA NCAA Division II
Softball All-Americans
FIRST TEAM
Pitcher – Coley Ries, Senior, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Pitcher - Brandy Marlett, Junior, Angelo State University
Pitcher - Kylee Smith, Freshman, University of North Georgia
Catcher - Marisa Monasseri, Junior, Caldwell University
First Base - Maddie Dow, Senior, Southern Arkansas University
Second Base - Nicki Sprague, Senior, Azusa Pacific University
Third Base - Kaitlyn Bannister, Senior, University of Alabama in Huntsville
Shortstop - Sarah Kennedy, Senior, Augustana University
Outfield - Christa Reisinger, Sophomore, Truman State University
Outfield - Stephanie Hartness, Senior, University of North Georgia
Outfield - Nicole Nordie, Senior, Texas Woman's University
Designated Player - Haley Simonds, Freshman, Newberry College
Utility-Pitcher - Lyndsay Butler, Graduate, Wayne State University
Utility-Non-Pitcher - Brianne O'Dell, Junior, Cedarville University
At-Large-Third Base - Brenna Martini, Junior, Adelphi University
At-Large-Pitcher - Amanda Houck, Junior, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
At-Large-Third Base - Julia Garcia, Junior, California State University, Monterey Bay
SECOND TEAM
Pitcher - Hannah Vet, Junior, West Virginia Wesleyan College
Pitcher - Jennifer Leonhardt, Freshman, University of Southern Indiana
Pitcher – Emmie Robertson, Junior, Pittsburg State University
Catcher - Mariah Jameyson, Junior, Texas A&M University-Commerce
First Base - Kailyn Campbell, Senior, Central Washington University
Second Base - Jenna Lenza, Senior, Grand Valley State University
Third Base - Shea Ibrahim, Senior, West Texas A&M University
Shortstop - Sydney Sprague, Junio, University of North Georgia
Outfield - Meghan Luebbert, Senior, Concordia University-Portland
Outfield – Jess Meidl, Junior, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Outfield - Rosa'Lynn Burton, Freshman, Wilmington University
Designated Player - Alli Smith, Junior, West Texas A&M University
Utility-Pitcher - Kenedy Urbany, Senior, Angelo State University
Utility-Non-Pitcher - Angelique Elemen, Sophomore, Fort Lewis College
At-Large-Pitcher - Autumn Humes, Freshman, Harding University
At-Large-Utility-Pitcher - Lacie Rinus, Freshman, Carson-Newman University
At-Large-Outfield - Brooke Hodgson, Junior, Colorado Mesa University
THIRD TEAM
Pitcher - Stephanie Adkins, Senior, Saint Leo University
Pitcher – Haley Gilham, Junior, California State University, Chico
Pitcher - Sydney Ponto, Senior, Caldwell University
Catcher – Sarah Kenley, Senior, Lenoir-Rhyne University
First Base - AnnMarie Torres, Freshman, Colorado Mesa University
Second Base - Kacie Kelly, Freshman, Saint Leo University
Third Base - Jamie Johnson, Junior, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Shortstop - Emily Price, Junior, California University of Pennsylvania
Outfield - Ashley Hardin, Junior, West Texas A&M University
Outfield – Erin Boone, Sophomore, Lenoir-Rhyne University
Outfield - Janessa Bassett, Junior, Dixie State University
Designated Player - Jill Roye, Junior, Southern Arkansas University
Utility-Pitcher – Kalyn Paque, Senior, Humboldt State University
Utility-Non-Pitcher - Kala Holder, Freshman, Pittsburg State University
At-Large-Outfield - Tori Pogue, Senior, West Virginia Wesleyan College
At-Large-Catcher - Haley Hodges, Senior, University of Southern Indiana
At-Large-Utility-Pitcher - Jane Trzaska, Senior, Armstrong State University
Diamond Catcher - Marisa Monasseri, Caldwell University, Junior
Golden Shoe - Cailin Garmon, California State University, Chico, Senior
Appalachian State Football Season Opener at Georgia Set for 6:15pm Kickoff
Written by Jason Savage
Kickoff for Appalachian State’s 2017 football season opener on Sept. 2 at Georgia has been set for 6:15 p.m. at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga. The game will be televised on ESPN, as the SEC announced its opening weekend TV schedule on Thursday afternoon.
App State begins its fifth season under Head Coach Scott Satterfield, who is 32-18 at his alma mater and 27-5 over the last 32 games. The Mountaineers are coming off a 10-3 season in which they claimed their first Sun Belt Conference championship and topped Toledo to win the Camellia Bowl for a second consecutive year.
App State also appeared on national TV a program best eight times during the 2016 season, including twice on ESPN. The Mountaineers currently have one additional TV game on the schedule, a Nov. 9 visit to Kidd Brewer Stadium from rival Georgia Southern on ESPNU.
App State fell in overtime of their 2016 opener at Tennessee, 20-13. The Mountaineers led 13-3 in the second half in Neyland Stadium, only to see Tennessee recover a fumble in the end zone in overtime to survive.
The Apps and Georgia have met only once, playing in Athens in 2013 during the Mountaineers’ final year at the FCS level. Georgia was 8-5 in 2016. The Bulldogs won the Liberty Bowl against TCU under then first-year head coach Kirby Smart.
Appalachian State University women’s track and field standout runner Tristin Van Ord has been named to the CoSIDA Academic all-District III first team for her performance on the track and in the classroom.
Van Ord, a Chapel Hill, N.C. native, carries a 3.91 cumulative grade-point-average in the major of sustainable development. With her nomination to the first team, Van Ord is now eligible for CoSIDA Academic All-American status.
Currently, Van Ord is preparing to run the 10,000-meters and 5,000-meters at the NCAA East Region Preliminaries in Lexington, Ky.
Van Ord snatched the silver medal in the 10,000-meter race at the Sun Belt Championships with a time of 36:41.96. In the 5,000-meter race, Van Ord picked up her third-consecutive title with a time of 16:55.29.
During the season, Van Ord topped her own program record in the 10,000-meters with a time of 34:04.64 at the Raleigh Relays.
Van Ord also earned Sun Belt Track Athlete of the Week during the season. As it stands, Van Ord sits 52nd in the 5,000-meters and 24th in the 10,000 in the NCAA’s East Region.
The Hickory Crawdads fell in both games to Lexington Tuesday, losing the completion of Tuesday's suspended game 1-0 and losing the scheduled contest 9-4.
In the completion of Tuesday's game, Lexington's Emmanuel Rivera had hit a solo home run in the second inning before the game was halted due to the weather on Tuesday, and it was enough to give the Lexington Legends a 1-0 win over the Hickory Crawdads.
Grant Gavin got Anderson Tejeda to fly out with a runner on first to end the game for his fourth save of the season.
Geoffrey Bramblett (2-0) got the win with 4 2/3 innings of scoreless, three-hit relief while Hickory starter Kyle Cody (1-5) took the loss in the South Atlantic League game. Despite the loss, Hickory held the Legends to only two hits.
For the Crawdads, Carlos Garay singled three times. Hickory was held off the scoreboard for the second time this season, while the Lexington staff recorded its third shutout of the year.
In the regular scheduled game, Angelo Castellano scored on a balk in the fifth inning, leading the Lexington Legends to a 9-4 win over the Hickory Crawdads on Wednesday. With the victory, the Legends swept the three-game series.
Castellano scored on the play to give the Legends a 5-4 lead after he led off the inning with a single, advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt and then went to third on a flyout.
Starter Jace Vines (4-2) got the win while C.D. Pelham (2-1) took the loss in relief in the South Atlantic League game.
Alex Kowalczyk homered and singled, scoring a couple of runs while also driving home two for the Crawdads.
Hickory falls to 18-28 on the first half of the season. They will host the Asheville Tourists Thursday through Sunday.
Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Abbey Hartsell has been named to the 2017 WGCA NCAA Division II All-American Second Team. WGCA is the Women’s Golf Coaches Association.
Hartsell, a sophomore from Taylorsville, N.C., is the first Lenoir-Rhyne player to garner All-American accolades since Meghan Jolly in 2002.
Hartsell was named the 2017 South Atlantic Conference Women’s Golfer Of The Year and led the Bears to their first league championship in 13 seasons with their first-place finish in Greeneville, Tenn. Hartsell finished runner-up in the SAC Championship Tournament as well.
Hartsell is a two-time all-league first-team honoree (2016-17) who played in the NCAA Division II South Super Region Tournament two weeks ago in Elgin, S.C., where she finished tied for seventh. Hartsell led the SAC in scoring average (75.8) and her four-under 68 on Tuesday, October 11, at the Patsy Rendleman Invitational was the lowest round for the conference this year.
The Women’s Golf Coaches Association, founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization representing women’s collegiate golf coaches. The WGCA was formed to encourage the playing of college golf for women in correlation with a general objective of education and in accordance with the highest tradition of intercollegiate competition. Today, the WGCA represents over 600 coaches throughout the U.S. and is dedicated to educating, promoting and recognizing both its members and the student-athletes they represent.
2017 WGCA NCAA Division II
All-American Teams
FIRST TEAM
Franziska Bremm, Sophomore, University of West Georgia
Marie Coors, Senior, Saint Leo University
Pilar Echeverria, Freshman, University of Indianapolis
Sarah Kim, Senior, Dallas Baptist University
Tilda Larsson, Sophomore, Barry University
Brittany LaPadula, Senior, Florida Institute of Technology
Ann Parmerter, Sophomore, Dallas Baptist University
Charlotte Puts, Freshman, Barry University
Casey Wild, Junior, Tarleton State University
Elaine Wood, Senior, University of Montevallo
SECOND TEAM
Arin Eddy, Senior, University of Montevallo
Hanna Harrison, Freshman, Dallas Baptist University
Abbey Hartsell, Sophomore, Lenoir Rhyne University
Katharina Keilich, Sophomore, University of Indianapolis
Lauren Lamm, Senior, University of West Florida
Paola Ortiz, Sophomore, Florida Institute of Technology
Guro Rambjoer, Senior, Florida Institute of Technology
Kiira Riihijarvi, Freshman, University of Tampa
Michelle Ruiz, Junior, Nova Southeastern University
Paloma Vaccaro, Junior, University of West Florida
HONORABLE MENTION
Seher Atwal, Freshman, Rollins College
Gloria Choi, Sophomore, Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Annika Haynes, Junior, University of Indianapolis
Amanda Jakobsson, Junior, Saint Leo University
Caroline Moore, Junior, Lee University
Marvi Monsalve, Senior, California Baptist University
Noemie Pare, Freshman, Barry University
Maria Regina Gonzalez, Sophomore, St. Mary’s University (Texas)
Johany Rivera, Junior, St. Edward’s University
Emma Thorngren, Freshman, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Lexie Toth, Junior, Rollins College
Shelby Warner, Senior, University of Findlay
Mary Weinstein, Freshman, Regis University
Holly Winter, Freshman, West Texas A&M University
PING WGCA Division II Player of the Year
Marie Coors, Saint Leo University
WGCA Division II Freshman of the Year
Charlotte Puts, Barry University
WGCA Division II Kim Moore Spirit Award
Mikayla Johnson, Malone University
Division II Golf Pride WGCA National Coach of the Year
Shannon Sykora, Barry University
Division II Golf Pride Regional Coaches of the Year
South Region: Shannon Sykora, Barry University
Central Region: Amy Anderson, Arkansas Tech University
East Region: Brent Nicoson, University of Indianapolis
West Region: Kenny Trapp, Dallas Baptist University
Banks Named Director of Student-Athlete Development at App State
Written by Jason Savage
Appalachian State has named football alum Pierre Banks the Director of Student-Athlete Development, Senior Associate Athletic Director Brittney Whiteside announced on Wednesday.
Banks will directly oversee the development and implementation of The Mountaineer R.I.S.E programs designed to enhance the academic, athletic, social, personal, and professional development of Appalachian student-athletes. In addition to these duties Banks will continue as the color commentator for football broadcasts on the Appalachian Sports Network, and will take on an expanded role within Strategic Communications.
“We are excited to welcome Pierre and Melody back to Appalachian State University,” Whiteside said Wednesday. Pierre will play an important role in the development of our student-athletes on and off the playing fields. He brings a wealth experience in both collegiate athletics and sports media to our department. In addition, as a former student-athlete, Pierre understands what it means to be a Mountaineer.”
Banks comes to Appalachian State with more than eight years of experience in collegiate athletics. He began his career at Appalachian State working as an academic advisor for athletes in the learning assistance program. He then went on to work at The Ohio State University in various roles as an Assistant Learning Specialist, Assistant Counselor for Student-Athlete Support Services, and an Academic Advisor. Most recently Banks has served as the Assistant Director of the Academic Enrichment Center at The University of South Carolina where he oversaw the academic support for the football program. In addition to his experience in athletics, Banks also has diverse experience working in broadcast operations and sports media.
Banks holds both a bachelor’s degree in communication and a master’s in educational media from Appalachian, where he also worked as an adjunct professor after graduating.
A former Mountaineer standout on the gridiron for the Mountaineers, Banks is a three-time National Champion, four-time Southern Conference Champion, two-time All-American, and three-time All-Southern Conference selection. He played in an NCAA all-divisions record 62 games from 2004-08. He played in three games as a true freshman before suffering an injury and receiving a medical redshirt. He went on to play in each of the Mountaineers’ 59 games from 2005-08. In 2006, Banks led the team with 110 total tackles and ranks eighth in program history with 373 total tackles for his career. He was also a National Academic All-Star and Draddy Award semifinalist.
Banks is married to Mrs. Melody Banks who received her master’s degree in Political Science from Appalachian in 2011.
Lenoir-Rhyne Men's Lacrosse Place Two on All-American List
Written by Jason Savage
Two members of the Lenoir-Rhyne Men’s Lacrosse Team – Collin Lett and Mike Hanlon – garnered 2017 USILA/Nike NCAA Division II All-American accolades. USILA is the United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association. Lett was named to the second team while Hanlon earned third-team honors.
Lett, a junior long pole midfielder from Greensboro, N.C., was a first-team All-SAC honoree in April. Lett totaled five goals, four assists and nine points in addition to 60 ground balls. Lett also scored twice in the Bears’ first-ever playoff game against Tampa on Saturday, May 13.
Hanlon, a senior attacker from Haymarket, Va., leaves Lenoir-Rhyne as the school’s all-time leading scorer at 194 points. Hanlon was named the 2017 South Atlantic Conference Player Of The Year and finished second in the conference in assists (33) and total points (67) to go along with 34 goals and 32 ground balls.
Hanlon is also playing in the 2017 NCAA Division I and II North/South game on Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium on the campus of Providence College in Providence, R.I., on Friday, May 26, 2017, at 5:30 p.m.
Lett and Hanlon are the first two All-Americans in program history. Sam Ashton garnered All-American honorable mention accolades in 2014.
Both players led Lenoir-Rhyne to one of its best seasons ever in 2017. Lenoir-Rhyne finished with a 12-3 record on the year including a perfect 8-0 mark in South Atlantic Conference play. LR also won its second straight league regular season title this spring and advanced to the NCAA Division II Playoffs for the first time since the program’s inception in 2011.
The United States Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association (USILA) is an organization comprised of member colleges and universities which sponsor intercollegiate lacrosse for men.
The Association is entrusted to enhance and develop intercollegiate lacrosse by providing leadership, management, and services to its membership so that student-athletes, coaches, and other constituent groups will realize the maximum benefit from the sport of lacrosse.
2017 USILA/Nike NCAA Division II
All-Americans
FIRST TEAM
Attack - University of Tampa, Conor Whipple
Attack - Limestone College, Charlie Sheehan
Attack - University of Tampa, Andrew Kew
Midfield - Limestone College, Colton Watkinson
Midfield - Merrimack College, Tim Towler
Midfield - New York Institute of Technology, Will Kistinger
Long Pole Midfield - New York Institute of Technology, Ian Prate
Short Stick Middie - Adelphi University, Nicholas Reisig
Face-off - Limestone College, Kevin Reisman
Defense - Le Moyne College, Brendan Entenmann
Defense - Merrimack College, James Bassett
Goalie - Adelphi University, Brendan McDougal
SECOND TEAM
Attack - Le Moyne College, Justin Kesselring
Attack - New York Institute of Technology, Matthew Chanenchuk
Attack - Merrimack College, Charlie Bertrand
Midfield - Le Moyne College, Brian Rogers
Midfield - Belmont Abbey College, Kyle McGinley
Midfield - Adelphi University, Shane DeBoer
Long Pole Midfield - Lenoir-Rhyne University, Collin Lett
Short Stick Middie - Merrimack College, Hunter Schmell
Short Stick Middie - Mercyhurst University, Ben Brooks
Face-off - Bentley University, Max Adler
Defense - Mercyhurst University, Greg Weyl
Defense - Limestone College, Tyler Gaulton
Defense - Adelphi University, Joseph Catalanotti
Goalie - Wingate University, Will Sheridan
THIRD TEAM
Attack - Belmont Abbey College, Adam Wiedemann
Attack - Lenoir-Rhyne University, Mike Hanlon
Midfield - University of Tampa, Christopher Vetter
Midfield - Mercyhurst University, James Crowe
Long Pole Midfield - Florida Southern College, Austen Lison
Long Pole Midfield - Seton Hill University, Brett Craig
Long Pole Midfield - Florida Institute of Technology, Addison Abramson
Short Stick Middie - LIU Post, Kris Alvarado
Face-off - LIU Post, Anthony Galeotafiore
Face-off - Adelphi University, Mark Andrejack
Defense - Merrimack College, Brennen Morin
Defense - New York Institute of Technology, Joe Morhardt
Defense - University of Tampa, Marty Heyn
Goalie - University of Mount Olive, William Urban
Goalie - Chestnut Hill College, Tom McDermott
Goalie - University of Indianapolis, Jarod Kimble
App State Women's Basketball Signs Florida Product Stanley
Written by Jason Savage
Appalachian State University women’s basketball continues to land highly-talented recruits, as the Mountaineers and head coach Angel Elderkin added the seventh signee to the 2017-18 class in LaPresha Stanley.
Stanley, a native of Rockledge, Fla., is the fourth guard that has signed with the class for next season, further adding more depth to the position for coach Elderkin’s high-paced system. The 5’9" guard enjoyed a decorated high school career where she helped Rockledge to three-straight district titles and appearances in the regional finals. In addition, Stanley improved her numbers every season from her sophomore to senior year while earning a number of awards along the way.
In her first season at Rockledge, Stanley stuffed the stat sheet where she turned in 12.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.3 steals and 2.8 assists per game en route to earning the team’s Most Valuable Player award. Stanley followed her debut campaign with averages of 15 points, 8.7 rebounds, 5.2 steals and 3.4 assists per contest after being selected as the team captain, and was nominated to the Class 6A All-State team. She posted career highs in her final season where she topped 21.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, six steals and 3.7 assists per contest. She was nominated to the all-state team once again as well as the McDonald’s All-America team. She was also selected to participate in the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) All-Star game, being named the FACA North Team MVP.
“It is with great excitement that we welcome LaPresha Stanley to our women’s basketball family,” mentioned Elderkin. “LaPresha is a dynamic player who can score the basketball in a variety of ways. She is a competitor that loves the game and will bring a winning mentality to our program.”
Lenoir-Rhyne's Kenley Named to All-American Softball Third Team
Written by Jason Savage
Lenoir-Rhyne University's Sarah Kenley has been named to the 2017 NCAA Division II CCA All-American Softball Third Team. CCA is the Conference Commissioner's Association. In addition, Erin Boone was an honorable mention selection for the Bears.
Kenley, a senior catcher from Charlotte, N.C., is the 2017 South Atlantic Conference and Southeast Region Player Of The Year.
Kenley finished second in the league in batting average this year (.429) while leading the squad in home runs (12), runs batted in (55), total bases (137) and slugging percentage (.753). Kenley is the Bears’ first All-American since Kat Rivers and Sarah Atkins in 2010 and is now the school’s all-time leader in runs batted in (195).
Boone, a sophomore outfielder from Creedmoor, N.C., led the conference in several offensive categories this year including batting average (.440), hits (88), runs scored (66) and on-base percentage (.507). Boone, who started all 59 games in 2017, is a two-time first-team all-region honoree (2016-17) who also hit seven home runs in addition to 49 RBI.
Both players led Lenoir-Rhyne to a 46-13 overall mark and a 16-4 record in the South Atlantic Conference. This year, the Bears also earned their 12th berth to the NCAA Division II National Tournament and captured their 11th conference regular season championship.
This is the 11th season of the All-America program which is selected by CoSIDA members from schools playing in NCAA Division II and second in which the program was solely sponsored by the Division II Collegiate Commissioners Association.
2017 NCAA Division II
CCA All-America Softball Teams
FIRST TEAM
PITCHER: AMANDA HOUCK, Jr., West Chester University (Gap, Pa.)
PITCHER: AUTUMN HUMES, Fr., Harding University (Bald Knob, Ark.)
PITCHER: COLEY RIES, Sr., Minnesota State University (Eagle Lake, Minn.)
CATCHER: MARISA MONASSERI, Jr., Caldwell University (Monroe, N.J.)
FIRST BASE: MADDIE DOW, Sr., Southern Arkansas University (Bonham, Texas)
SECOND BASE: JENNA LENZA, Sr., Grand Valley State University (Orland Hills, Ill.)
THIRD BASE: KAITLYN BANNISTER, Sr., University of Alabama Huntsville (Albertville, Ala.)
SHORTSTOP: SARAH KENNEDY, Sr., Augustana University (Bettendorf, Iowa)
OUTFIELD: ASHLEY HARDIN, Sr., West Texas A&M University (Flower Mound, Texas)
OUTFIELD: BROOKE HODGSON, Jr., Colorado Mesa University (Rio Rancho, N.M.)
OUTFIELD: CHRISTA REISINGER, So., Truman State University (Winfield, Mo.)
DESIGNATED PLAYER: ALLIE SMITH, Sr., West Texas A&M University (Flower Mound, Texas)
UTILITY: BRIANNE O’DELL, Jr., Cedarville University (Goshen, Ind.)
UTILITY (PITCHER): LYNDSAY BUTLER, Sr., Wayne State University (Cambridge, Ont.)
SECOND TEAM
PITCHER: JALISSA GUM, Sr., Arkansas Tech University (Red Rock, Okla.)
PITCHER: BRANDY MARLETT, Jr., Angelo State University (Henderson, Nevada)
PITCHER: KYLEE SMITH, Fr., University of North Georgia (Suwanee, Ga.)
CATCHER: MARIAH JAMEYSON, Jr., Texas A&M University-Commerce (Seattle, Wash.)
FIRST BASE: KAILYN CAMPBELL, Sr., Central Washington University (Duvall, Wash.)
SECOND BASE: KACIE KELLY, Fr.., Saint Leo University (Jacksonville, Fla.)
THIRD BASE: BRENNA MARTINI, Jr., Adelphi University (Fairfield, Conn.)
SHORTSTOP: SYDNEY SPRAGUE, Jr., University of North Georgia (Columbus, Ga.)
OUTFIELD: STEPHANIE HARTNESS, Sr., University of North Georgia (Niceville, Fla.)
OUTFIELD: PEYTON MILLS, So., Harding University (Rockwall, Texas)
OUTFIELD: NICOLE NORDIE, Sr., Texas Woman’s University (Sanger, Texas)
DESIGNATED PLAYER: JILL ROYE, Jr., Southern Arkansas University (McAlester, Okla.)
UTILITY: TAYLOR BARCOMB, Sr., Coker College (St. George, S.C.)
UTILITY (PITCHER): KENEDY URBANY, Sr., Angelo State University (Helotes, Texas)
THIRD TEAM
PITCHER: JENNIFER LEONHARDT, Fr., University of Southern Indiana (Louisville, Ky.)
PITCHER: SYDNEY PONTO, Sr., Caldwell University (West Deptford, N.J.)
PITCHER: KAYLA ROBINS, Sr., Chowan University (Mathews County, Va.)
CATCHER: SARAH KENLEY, Sr., Lenoir-Rhyne University (Charlotte, N.C.)
FIRST BASE: KYLEE MOORE, Jr., West Texas A&M University (Van, Texas)
SECOND BASE: NICKI SPRAGUE, Sr., Azusa Pacific University (Glendora, Calif.)
THIRD BASE: JULIA GARCIA, Jr., California State University, Monterey Bay (Oxnard, Calif.)
SHORTSTOP: ALEX STUPEK, Sr., University of Missouri-St. Louis (Oreana, Ill.)
OUTFIELD: MEREDITH DAUNHAUER, So., Kentucky Wesleyan College (Evansville, Ind.)
OUTFIELD: BROOKE GOAD, Jr., Southern Arkansas University (Waxahachie, Texas)
OUTFIELD: CAITLYN LLOYD, Fr., California Baptist University (Las Vegas, Nevada)
DESIGNATED PLAYER: HAYLEY SIMONDS, Newberry College (Pasadena, Md.)
UTILITY: JACEY CASTRO, Sr., University of West Florida (Chuluota, Fla.)
UTILITY (PITCHER): LACIE RINUS, Fr., Carson-Newman University (Murfreesboro, Tenn.)
HONORABLE MENTION:
P: Taylor Brandts, UVa-Wise
P: Haley Gilham, Chico State
P: Carly Kingery, Missouri-St. Louis
P: Bridgette Sappington, Rockhurst
P: McKenzie Surface, Colorado Mesa
C: Haleigh Christopher, Charleston
C: Lex Van Nostrand, Truman State
1B: Hayley Cruthers, Valdosta State
1B: Marleah Fossett, Southern Indiana
2B: Sara Ercolani, West Chester
2B: Abby Flessinger, Carson-Newman
3B: Haley Acrey, Northeastern State
3B: Shea Ibrahim, West Texas A&M
SS: Courtney Case, Le Moyne
SS: Emily Price, California (Pa.)
OF: Carrie Abrams, Central Oklahoma
OF: Janessa Bassett, Dixie State
OF: Erin Boone, Lenoir-Rhyne
OF: Tori Pogue, West Virginia Wesleyan
OF: Magnolia West, Palm Beach Atlantic
DP: Courtney Reeves, Saginaw Valley State
DP: Shelby Woodard, North Alabama
UTIL: Kala Holder, Pittsburg State
UTIL: Kellie Mrofcza, Colorado Mesa
UTIL (P): Tyler Harrison, Alabama-Huntsville
UTIL (P): McKenna Larsen, Winona State
UTIL (P): Kalyn Paque, Humboldt State
More...
The game between the Lexington Legends and the Hickory Crawdads at Whitaker Bank Ballpark Tuesday night was suspended due to inclement weather and field conditions.
The Legends were leading 1-0 after two innings. A home run by Emmanuel Rivera in the bottom of the second accounted for the only run.
The game will be resumed at the start of the third inning at 12:35 p.m. Wednesday, and will be completed as a nine-inning game. Then after a 30-minute break, there will be a seven-inning game.
Lenoir-Rhyne's Bailey Named SAC Men’s Golf Scholar-Athlete Of The Year
Written by Jason Savage
Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Jackson Bailey has been named the 2017 South Atlantic Conference Men’s Golf Scholar-Athlete Of The Year, league officials announced earlier today.
The South Atlantic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year award is presented annually to one student-athlete in each of the league's championship sports and is voted on by the SAC's Faculty Athletic Representatives Committee.
Bailey, a junior from Matthews, N.C., has been one of the Bears’ top golfers the past three seasons and led the squad at the 2017 South Atlantic Conference Championships in April and had a pair of top-10 finishes this year.
Bailey earned All-Tournament honors at the State Farm Intercollegiate on October 10-11 in Tazewell, Tenn., where he tied for fourth with a three-under 213.
Bailey is also a two-time Team Captain (2016-17) who won the 2017 South Atlantic Conference Bob Dibble Spirit Of The Game Award.
"I am extremely proud of Jackson (Bailey) for being selected as the SAC Men's Golf Scholar Athlete of the Year,” said Lenoir-Rhyne Head Men's Golf Coach Elliot Gealy. "He has worked extremely hard on and off the golf course and done an excellent job representing Lenoir-Rhyne University."
Bailey, a finance major with a 3.68 grade point average, is a five-time Lenoir-Rhyne Dean’s List honoree and a two-time member of the South Atlantic Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
Bailey has served on the Lenoir-Rhyne University Student-Athlete Advisory Council and has served as a Resident Assistant in Morgan Dormitory. In addition, Bailey is the men’s golf representative for the Rotary Club and serves as a tennis instructor and maintenance assistant at the Weddington Swim and Racquet Club.
Hickory Crawdads Open Series at Lexington With Loss
Written by Jason Savage
Manny Olloque had two hits and two RBI as the Lexington Legends defeated the Hickory Crawdads 7-1 on Monday.
Lexington started the scoring with a big second inning, when it scored four runs, including a two-run triple by Olloque.
Following the big inning, the Crawdads cut into the deficit in the fourth inning when Ti'Quan Forbes hit an RBI single, scoring Anderson Tejeda.
The Legends later added two runs in the fourth and one in the seventh. In the fourth, Joe Dudek hit a two-run home run, while Olloque scored on a forceout in the seventh.
Lexington right-hander Travis Eckert (2-2) picked up a quality start and the win after allowing one run on just four hits over six innings. Opposing starter Jonathan Hernandez (2-4) took the loss in the South Atlantic League game after allowing six runs and eight hits over six innings.
The Crawdads are 18-26 on the first half of the season. They play Lexington through Wednesday.
App State Volleyball Earns Rankings in Online Publication
Written by Jason Savage
Appalachian State University volleyball’s 2017 freshmen recruiting class was named “Highest Honorable Mention” for the third consecutive season on Monday by PrepVolleyball.com.
The website is leading up to announcing its top 30 collegiate recruiting classes of 2017 and gave Appalachian the “Highest Honorable Mention” honor along with 24 other programs. No other Sun Belt Conference program cracked the prestigious list, however, Arkansas State was slotted into the “High Honorable Mention” category with 46 other programs.
The website will later reveal its top 30 recruiting classes over the next few days.
“We worked extremely hard on this recruiting class and I think it will really pay off for us when they get in our gym,” said head coach Matt Ginipro. “Kara, Lexi, Emma, Jenna and Grace are exceptional additions to our roster and we can’t wait to start working with them in August.”
The Mountaineers’ 2017 recruiting class consists of Lexi Kohut (Grosse Pointe, Michigan/Grosse Pointe South), Grace Morrison (Phoenix, Ariz./Xavier College Prep), Jenna Pitzer (Creedmoor, N.C./South Granville), Emma Reilly (Chicago, Ill./Mother McAuley) and Kara Spicer (Peoria, Ariz./Centennial).
The highly regarded freshmen class will join 2017 newcomer and UAB transfer Sydney Hinds (Wake Forest, N.C./Heritage).
