Bethune-Cookman Picked as MEAC Favorites,Three Earn Accolades

COURTESY: BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS
JASMINE ALSTON

NORFOLK, Virginia --The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) has announced its 2018 preseason men's basketball all-conference teams and predicted order of finish. For the first time in program history, Bethune-Cookman has been tabbed as the preseason favorite; in addition, senior forwards Shawntrez Davis and Soufiyane Diakite were named to the First Team, and senior guard/forward Isaiah Bailey to the Second Team.
 
All awards are voted on by the conference's head coaches and sports information directors.
 
Bethune-Cookman captured a share of the MEAC Championship last season under then first-year head coach Ryan Ridder. The Wildcats finished 12-4 in MEAC play and 18-14 overall. They return nine players and four starters from last year's squad. Back-to-back MEAC Tournament Champion North Carolina Central was picked second followed by Norfolk State.
 
Diakite was named BCU's second-ever Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year last spring after he pulled in a conference-best 313 rebounds (28th nationally) and averaged 9.8 per-game. He led the MEAC with a 6.59 defensive rebounding average and a 3.19 offensive board average. In the regular season finale at FAMU (3/1) led BCU to a share of its second ever MEAC regular season title with 27 points on 13-13 shooting and became the only player in the 2018 season to go 13-13 from the floor in the NCAA. Diakite finished third in the MEAC with 11 double-doubles, and shot 57.3% from the floor to set a new BCU single-season record.
 
Davis was named to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Second Team and First Team NABC District 15 after finishing second in the MEAC with 1.22 blocks per-game. The Atlanta native was second on the team in offensive, defense, and total rebounding, as well as field goal percentage. His 8.7 rebounding average was third in the conference, and his 277 total boards placed him fourth in the MEAC. The forward was dependable as the only Wildcat to start all 32 games, and he averaged 27 minutes per-game. Davis led the team with a 37.7% success rate from three and was second in the MEAC with 13 double-doubles.


 
Bailey was named Third Team All-MEAC after leading team with 4.8 assists-per-game, which also ranked fifth in the MEAC. He posted BCU's first-ever triple-double against D1 competition, and third overall, when he went off for 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists vs. SSU (Feb. 24). Bailey broke the 20-point mark seven times in 2018, and reached double-figures in 22 consecutive outings until the season finale tournament loss to Morgan State. The senior also scored 10+ and in 28 of his 31 games played. His 172 made free throws was third in Wildcat single-season records, and  his 219 free throw attempts finished tied for third with C.J. Reed (2011).


 
Howard's sophomore R.J. Cole was chosen as the Player of the Year.
 
BCU opens its season on Wednesday, Nov. 6 at DePaul in a game televised on FS1.
 
Follow Bethune-Cookman Men's Basketball on Twitter (@BCUHoops) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUathletics), Instagram (@BCUathletics), Snapchat (@BCUathletics) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/BCUathletics).

BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Tennessee State Tia Wooten Named a Candidate for the 2019 Cheryl Miller Award

SPRINGFIELD, Massachusetts — The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association announced today the 20 watch list candidates for the 2019 Cheryl Miller Award.

Named after the three-time Naismith Player of the Year and Class of 1995 Hall of Famer, the annual award in its second year recognizes the top small forwards in women’s NCAA Division I college basketball. 

Tennessee State redshirt senior Tia Wooten was named to the list.

Wooten finished last season ranked 15th in the nation in points per game and 20th in made free-throws. She was the second leading scorer in the Ohio Valley Conference with 21.2 ppg while averaging 8.9 rebounds per outing. She was named to the 2017-18 All-OVC First Team while ranking 2nd in the conference in offensive rebounds and 3rd in defensive rebounds. She was recently named to the 2018-19 Preseason All-OVC Team.

The Selection Committee for the Cheryl Miller Award is composed of top women’s college basketball personnel including media members, head coaches, sports information directors and Hall of Famers. By mid-February, the watch list of 20 players for the 2019 Cheryl Miller Award will be narrowed to just 10. In March, five finalists will be presented to Ms. Miller and the Hall of Fame’s selection committee. Fans will also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalist at www.hoophallawards.com. 

The winner of the 2019 Cheryl Miller Small Forward Award will be revealed on an ESPN platform during the 2019 Women’s Final Four in Tampa, Florida. Additional awards being presented and recognized at the WBCA Convention include the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard Award, the Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard Award, the Katrina McClain Power Forward Award, and the Lisa Leslie Center Award. Also being awarded is the Wade Trophy, the sport’s oldest and most prestigious national player of the year award which is presented annually by the WBCA’s community of coaches to the best player in college women’s basketball. 

Last season, Gabby Williams of Connecticut was named the inaugural winner of the Cheryl Miller Small Forward of the Year Award. 

For more information and the latest updates on the 2019 Cheryl Miller Award, log onto www.hoophallawards.com and follow @hoophall and #MillerAward on Twitter and Instagram.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

2018-19 TSU Men's Basketball Preview - Post Players

PHOTO GALLERY

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- First-year Head Coach Brian “Penny” Collins will have multiple options for post players during the 2018-19 season.

Stokley Chaffee Jr., who appeared in 28 games last season, returns for his senior season with another year of experience. Starting the last two games of the season in 2017-18, Chaffee put up nine points in both the regular season finale and the first round of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament.

Among the post players, DaJion Henderson and Demarcus Mitchell attended TSU last year but did not play in a game. Henderson earned All-Conference honors at El Camino College Compton Center, a junior college in California, during the 2016-17 season. Mitchell secured All-Metro honors from The Commercial Appeal as a senior in high school.

The newcomer to the group is Emmanuel Egbuta, who starred at Navarro College in Texas for the last two seasons. Egbuta brings length and athleticism to the frontcourt after earning NJCAA Region XIV Second Team All-North Zone accolades a year ago for Navarro.  

Jy’lan Washington, a Smyrna, Tenn. native, will sit out the 2018-19 season after transferring from Louisiana Tech. Washington played in 97 games in three seasons for the Bulldogs. He will have one year of eligibility left in 2019-20.

POST PLAYER BREAKDOWN

NAME	CL	HT	WT	NOTE
Stokley Chaffee Jr.	Sr.	6'8	215	Played in 28 games with two starts; Averaged 2.7 ppg and 3.1 rpg
DaJion Henderson	R-Jr.	6'7	275	Missed 2017-18 season with injury; All-Conference at El Camino College Compton Center
Demarcus Mitchell	R-Fr.	6'7	220	Redshirted in 2017-18; AAA All-Metro from Commercial Appeal as a senior
Emmanuel Egbuta	Jr.	6'7	230	NJCAA Region XIV 2nd Team All-North Zone at Navarro College (Texas)
Jy'lan Washington	Sr.	6'9	195	Will sit out the 2018-19 season after transferring from Louisiana Tech

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

TSU Heads to the OVC Cross Country Championship

MEET INFORMATION

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP

Date: Saturday, Oct. 27
Location: Osage Center – Cape Girardeau, Mo. 
Time: WOMEN – 9 a.m. / MEN – 10 a.m. 
Distance: WOMEN – 5K / MEN – 8K
Live Results:  CFPI Timing
Course Map:  WOMEN / MEN

STARTING LINE: With three weeks in between competitions, the Tennessee State men’s and women’s cross country teams head to Cape Girardeau, Mo. for the Ohio Valley Conference Cross Country Championship. The event, held at the Osage Center, will kick off with the women’s 5K at 9 a.m. followed by the men’s 8K at 10 a.m.

THE FIELD: Austin Peay, Belmont, Eastern Illinois, Eastern Kentucky, Jacksonville State, Morehead State, Murray State, Southeast Missouri, SIUE, TSU, Tennessee Tech, UT Martin

LAST TIME OUT: At the Fast Cats Classic on Oct. 6 in Owensboro, Ky., sophomore Larry McNary paced the men’s team with an 8K time of 30:34 to help TSU place 15th. On the women’s side, sophomore Rebekah Wynn clocked in at 22:06 in the 5K put the Tigerbelles 14th overall.

LAST YEAR’S EVENT: Larry McNary and Rebekah Wynn were TSU’s top finishers a year ago at the OVC Cross Country Championship in Charleston, Ill. Both the men’s and women’s team earned 12th place.

OVC CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY: The Tigerbelles have had one top-10 individual finisher at the OVC Cross Country Championship – Candice Simon (9th in 2000). TSU had placed 12th at the OVC Cross Country Championship in each of the last six seasons.

UP NEXT: TSU heads into the indoor track and field season with the Blue and White Meet at the Gentry Center on Nov. 12 to unofficially kick off the season. The first official meet of the indoor season is Dec. 1 – the Vanderbilt Opener in Nashville.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Xavier's Horn promoted to Assistant VP for Student Affairs

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana has promoted Jason Horn to assistant vice president for student affairs, effective immediately.
     
Horn, hired in 2014 as XULA's director of athletics and recreation, will continue to have primary oversight of those departments. He has been given additional responsibilities which include exploration of the addition of new sports and programs, the management of XULA's trademarking and licensing endeavors as well as other strategic university initiatives.
     
XULA also announced that Dr. Ashley Baker, the department's associate athletics director and senior woman administrator, will assume additional responsibilities that include direct oversight of some sports programs.
    
Horn's and Baker's new responsibilities were part of nearly a dozen changes within the Office of Student Affairs announced Wednesday by Vice President Curtis Wright.
     
"Jason Horn is an innovative, student-centered athletics director," Wright said. "Jason's leadership and ingenuity have positioned Xavier University as a standard-bearer in our conference and among HBCUs athletic programs. I'm looking forward to the great, good work that he'll produce as assistant vice president as we grow our sports programs and create services which continue to support our brilliantly talented student-athletes."
     
During Horn's XULA tenure, he has successfully negotiated several multi-year partnerships — with Ochsner Health System's sports medicine division, apparel provider adidas, website provider SIDEARM Sports, UniversityTickets to provide online ticketing for athletics competitions, concerts and other events, and Follett Advanced-Online to provide an official athletics online store featuring XULA products.
     
Said Horn, "I feel very privileged and honored to continue to lead Xavier's athletics and recreation teams. This promotion would not be possible if it weren't for the dedicated staff we have in both areas. I enjoy being at Xavier and look forward to continue implementing innovative methods that support the university's service excellence initiatives."
     
Horn is a Detroit native and a graduate of the University of Michigan. He is on the board of directors of the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association (MOAA) and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. Horn is a member of the NAIA's National Administrative Council (NAC) and the Competitive Experience Committee, and he serves the NAIA's Gulf Coast Athletic Conference as chair of the athletic directors and as vice president of the league.
     
XULA is a longtime member of the NAIA and the GCAC. XULA sponsors intercollegiate teams in women's volleyball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's tennis and men's and women's outdoor track and field.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications
Department of Athletics & Recreation
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
XULAgold.com
twitter.com/xulagold
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XULA promotes Mitchell to associate head coach

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana has promoted Tyrone Mitchell to associate head coach of men's basketball, effective immediately.
     
Mitchell is in his fourth season on the staff. Since his hiring at XULA as assistant coach in August 2015, the Gold Rush qualified for the NAIA Division I National Championship tournament 2-of-3 times: 2016 and 2018. Last season the Gold Rush earned a share of the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season championship and ranked 25th in the final national coaches poll.
     
"Tyrone Mitchell has continued to grow and develop as he begins his fourth season," head coach Alfred Williams said. "Every year, we've had a better recruiting class since our first year together. Tyrone's relationships in the state of Louisiana have helped Xavier to recruit and keep local talent home. He has been a great addition to our program."
     
A native of New Iberia, La., Mitchell was an assistant coach at Baton Rouge (La.) Community College during the 2014-15 season. He was a standout point guard at Northwestern State University from 2002-06 and played seven years professionally in Europe.
     
"I'm extremely grateful for this vote of confidence from Xavier's athletic administration and coach Williams," Mitchell said. "It's really a testament to the awesome student-athletes and coaching staff who are building a culture of success and excellence. I'm humbled to play a role in helping build a first-class, winning team, and I am looking forward to what's ahead."
     
The XULA men will open their 81st season with games at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, against Keiser Friday (7 p.m. AST/6 p.m. New Orleans time) and Virgin Islands Sunday (2 p.m. AST/1 p.m. New Orleans time). The home opener will tip off at 7 p.m. next Thursday against Carver in the Convocation Center.

Ed Cassiere, Assistant Athletics Director for Communications
Department of Athletics & Recreation
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
XULAgold.com
twitter.com/xulagold
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Hampton Pirates Tabbed Third in Big South Conference Men's Basketball Poll -- Marrow First Team

PIRATES TABBED THIRD IN MEN'S POLL - MARROW FIRST TEAM https://t.co/iD64cODhi3

— Hampton Athletics (@HUAthletics1868) October 23, 2018

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The 2018-19 Big South Conference Preseason Polls and All-Conference teams were announced on Tuesday at Media Day and the men's basketball team was selected third in the poll and junior Jermaine Marrow was selected to the first team.

Defending champion Radford earned 28 of the 33 first-place votes to lead the preseason poll with 357 points. Winthrop had two first-place votes and picked second with 280 points while Hampton was third with 253 points and two first place votes.
 

Marrow earned Preseason All-Conference honors along with Chris Clemons (Campbell), Ed Polite (Radford), Christian Keeling (Charleston Southern) and David Efianayi (Gardner-Webb). Clemons was selected as the Preseason Player of the Year.
 

After a season where he averaged 19.1 points, 5.4 assists and 5.0 rebounds, Marrow nearly recorded a triple-double against Bethune-Cookman with 35 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists. He had a career high 11 assists against Mid-Atlantic Christian.

2018-19 Big South Conference Men’s Basketball Preseason All-Conference Team

First-Team
Chris Clemons, Campbell, Sr., G (Raleigh, N.C.)
Ed Polite Jr., Radford, Sr., F (Lanham, Md.)
Christian Keeling, Charleston Southern, Jr., G (Augusta, Ga.)
David Efianayi, Gardner-Webb, R-Sr., G (Orlando, Fla.)
Jermaine Marrow, Hampton, Jr., G (Newport News, Va.)

Second-Team
Carlik Jones, Radford, R-So., G (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Jahaad Proctor, High Point, R-Jr., G (Harrisburg, Pa.)
Josh Ferguson, Winthrop, Jr., F (Miami, Fla.)
Isaiah Walton, Longwood, R-Sr., G (Oberlin, Ohio)
Deion Holmes, USC Upstate, Sr., G (Chesnee, S.C.)

For more information on Hampton University men's basketball please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

Showtime #BSCMediaDay pic.twitter.com/JxGbpGsJt3

— Hampton Athletics (@HUAthletics1868) October 23, 2018

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS STRATEGIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Hampton University Athletics: Respect the "H" Show EP9 - 7

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Big South Selects K'Lynn Willis Preseason First Team All-Conference, Hampton Lady Pirates Picked Fourth

PHOTO COURTESY: CODY CLIFTON/HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- The 2018-19 Big South Conference Preseason Polls and All-Conference teams were announced on Tuesday at Media Day and Hampton was picked fourth along with earning a first team selection in K'lynn Willis.

Radford earned nine of the 11 first place votes to take the top spot with 116 points, followed by High Point with the other two first place votes and 102 points. UNC Asheville was third with 100 points and Hampton was selected fourth with 89 points.

Willis joins the first team after averaging 9.1 points, 3.7 assists and had a team high 50 steals. She had a season-high 20 points against Florida A&M and dished out a season high seven assists in the same game. Against nationally-ranked Oregon she had a season-best six steals.

Emma Bockrath of High Point was the Preseason Player of the Year and joined on the team by Destinee Walker (Radford), Jessica Wall (UNC Asheville) and Kacie Hall (Presbyterian).

For more information on Hampton University women's basketball please contact the Office of Sports Information at 757-727-5757 or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

One of the goals for @Hampton_MBB and @Hampton_WBB #BSCMediaDay pic.twitter.com/P51erPaN3s

— Hampton Athletics (@HUAthletics1868) October 23, 2018

HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Everything Husker fans need to know about the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats

Bethune-Cookman at Nebraska, 12 PM EDT, TV: Big Ten Network (BTN)

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Bethune-Cookman is already a winner considering the $800,000 payout it’s receiving to come to Lincoln, but Nebraska represents perhaps the biggest challenge Sims has faced in his fourth year as coach.

The Wildcats lost 49-28 to FBS foe Florida Atlantic last month and had a pair of defeats to Miami in recent seasons. The Huskers are the first Big Ten foe to face Bethune-Cookman in the 93-year history of the program, which is 2-9 against FBS teams — both wins against Florida International. Once a player at Knoxville in the early 1990s, Sims has been with the school in Daytona Beach, Florida, for nine years.

Coach Terry Sims (24-16 at Bethune-Cookman)



CONTINUE READING

Bethune-Cookman has one of nation's best marching bands, but it won't make trip to Nebraska

Bethune-Cookman at Nebraska, 12 PM EDT, TV: Big Ten Network (BTN)

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Bethune-Cookman’s football team is visiting Nebraska for the first time this weekend. The school’s famous marching band — which has its own Netflix series — will not be coming, though.

A Nebraska official said Monday that BCU’s band — known as “The Pride” — is not accompanying the football team to Lincoln. An administrative assistant for the BCU band said it was “not financially able” to make the trip.

BCU was a bye-week replacement opponent for the Huskers after thunderstorms canceled the season-opening game against Akron.

CONTINUE READING

HBCU Play Ep. 12 - Willie Simmons, Head Coach Florida A&M Rattlers Football

ATLANTA, Georgia -- HBCU PLAY is a prime source for the latest information on historically black colleges and university athletics. The weekly program breaks down impact games throughout the various conferences, includes feature stories, interviews, and recognizes student-athletes for their work within the community.

Episode 12 = Willie Simmons - the head coach of the Florida A&M Rattlers football team - joins HBCU PLAY.

SHC Badgers Sweep University of Mobile

MOBILE, Alabama -- The Spring Hill College (SHC) volleyball team completed the season sweep of arch rival the University of Mobile on the road Wednesday night. The Badgers claimed the victory by scores of 25-14, 25-17, and 26-24. The win runs SHC's current winning streak to 15 games.

Spring Hill controlled play in the first two sets by dominating at the net against a much taller Ram front row. The Badgers outhit Mobile .139 to -.045 in the first set and followed up with a .367 to .111 advantage in set number two. Mobile would regroup at the second intermission and played SHC to a tight third set that was back and forth. However, the Badgers would not be outdone as they closed out the win 26-24.

The Badger offensive attack was led by Allison Weimer and Kassandra Fairly who each knocked down 10 kills. Taylor Hurst had 9 kills and Sarah Senft and Bentley Odom 4 apiece. As a team, the Badgers produced a workman like .231 attack percentage to outpace Mobile which could manage only a .072 overall. The Badger offense was keyed by another solid setting performance Emmarose Neibert who dished out 34 assists.

Cassidi Sterrett led the way in thwarting the Ram attack with 21 digs from the back line. The Badger front line also out blocked Mobile 7-4 led by Bentley Odem's 1 solo block and 4 block assists.

"Great effort from whole squad, played really well in first two sets," said Head Coach Peggy Martin. "Mobile played much better in Set 3 and we made some unforced errors we hadn't made all night. We were able to come from behind in the closely contested last set. Cassidi Sterrett played great in the backcourt in all phases, serve, pass and digging. Emmarose Neibert ran the offense very well. Looking forward to a few days off to re-energize for a strong finish."

The Badgers (25-3, 16-0 SIAC) will host Jesuit rival Loyola University on October 31 at 6:00 PM and close out the regular season at home against SIAC foe Tuskegee for senior night on November 2 at 6:00 PM.

By Jim Stennett
SPRING HILL COLLEGE BADGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Spring Hill Volleyball Debuts at No. 10 South Region Rankings

ATLANTA, Georgia – With only two weeks remaining until their first opportunity to debut in the 2018 SIAC Volleyball Championship Tournament, Spring Hill has debuted in the NCAA Volleyball Regional Rankings at number 10.

The Spring Hill Badgers are excelling on the court as they are 25-3, 16-0 SIAC. In last week's matchups, the Lady Badgers finished the South Region Crossover Classic 3-0 after defeating regional teams including Union University (Tenn.), Mississippi College, and Auburn University Montgomery.

Under the direction of head coach, Peggy Martin, the Badgers are currently on a 21-game winning streak and remain undefeated in conference after sweeping both Western Division Clusters and the SIAC Crossover Tournament.

Leading the Badgers are Kassandra Fairly who leads the conference in hitting percentage (.401), Emmarose Neibert who leads in assists (10.55/set), Randi De'Armitt who leads in service aces (0.55/set), and Cassidi Sterrett who leads in digs (5.17/set).

The Badgers will travel to face University of Mobile before returning home to finish the regular season facing Loyola University and Tuskegee.

For more information on the 2018 SIAC Volleyball Tournament, click here.

By Jim Stennett
SPRING HILL COLLEGE BADGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Virginia Union Golf Wins Virginia State Fall Classic

PETERSBURG, Virginia -- The 2018 Virginia State University Trojan Fall Classic was contested at the Dogwood Trace Golf Club on October 22nd & 23rd in Petersburg, Va. Dogwood Trace Golf Course is a Par 72, 6, 605 yards layout proved to be a great test over the two-day tournament with windy and sunny days.

There were a total of 10 teams competing. Two D1 Schools, Longwood University and University Maryland Eastern Shore. Eight D2 Schools which consisted of Chowan University, Elizabeth City State University, Livingstone College, Fayetteville State University, Saint Augustine's University, Shepherd University, Virginia State University and Virginia Union University.

VUU GOLF ROSTER AND COACHING STAFF

VUU led all team scoring both days with a team score of 603 (306/297) and was the overall tournament winner as well as the D2 Division Winner. VUU team scoring was led by Senior- Paul Meints with a with two day total of 151 (76/75), followed by Senior-Allan Day 152 (79/73), Freshman-Travon Willis 152 (79/73), Freshman-Alkin Barkley 153 (77/76) and Senior-Sergio Escalante 155 (74/81). Freshman-Sherwood Baskerville played as an Individual with a score of 185 (92/93). Paul, Allan, Travon and Alkin were also members of the D2 All-Tournament Team.

This was the team's final Fall Season tournament and could easily be considered a prelude to the 2018 CIAA Championship with the seven of the eight CIAA Teams competing in the VSU Fall Trojan Classic Tournament.

The VUU golf team had a great Fall Season with two first place finishes and a couple of Top 10 finishes in NCAA Regional Tournaments.

"The team finished with a team scoring average of 76.05," said VUU Head Golf Coach E. Lee Coble. "This is a continuing process of continued improvement as we get ready for our 2019 Spring Season. I have never been prouder of this team along with the assistance of our Assistant Coach and Team Photographer Ricardo Andrews."

2018 VSU Trojan Fall Classic Golf Tournament
Final Tournament Results Team
Team Finishes Day 1 Day 2 Total
1st Place - Virginia Union University 306 297 603
2nd Place - Shepherd University 320 309 629
3rd Place - Chowan University 324 312 636
4th Place - Livingstone College 316 325 641
5th Place - Virginia State University 329 329 658
6th Place - Fayetteville State University 336 324 660
7th Place - Saint Augustine's University 336 333 669
8th Place - University of Md. Eastern Shore 347 343 690
9th Place - Elizabeth City State University 406 410 816

VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY PANTHERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Alabama State Women's Soccer Team Hosts Final Regular Season Match Against Alabama A&M

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- The Alabama State University women's soccer team closes out the regular season Thursday afternoon against rival Alabama A&M.

With a victory, Alabama State (5-10, 5-4 SWAC) has a chance to earn the fifth seed in the upcoming SWAC Championship Tournament, held November 1-4 in Houston (Texas). The Lady Hornets currently sit in fifth place by percentage points behind Prairie View A&M and need a win over the Lady Bulldogs to clinch the top five seed.

However, a loss by the Lady Hornets to Alabama A&M could precipitate a fall as low as the sixth seed behind Howard, Grambling State and Texas Southern, among others.

Alabama State put itself in position to capture the fifth seed by splitting a pair of matches last week, defeating Arkansas Pine-Bluff 3-0 before falling to Grambling State 1-0. Birgit Rijnders continues to lead the Lady Hornets with eight goals and 17 points. Meanwhile, Teaggan Ilela and Kayla Tillman have added three goals each, respectively.

Gianna Guyot has played and started in 15 games for the Lady Hornets this season and has a 2.35 goals against average.

The match kicks off at 6 pm Thursday night.

Follow the Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State University women's soccer, please follow the Hornets on social media @BamaStateWSC (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State athletics at BamaStateSports.com.
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ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

GSU returns home to face UAPB

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- The Grambling State University football team will look to bounce back from a road loss to Alcorn State on Saturday when Arkansas-Pine Bluff comes to town for a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) game. Saturday's game is Military Appreciation and Breast Cancer Awareness Day as kickoff from Eddie G Robinson Stadium is set for 2 p.m.

Grambling State will broadcast the game on the Grambling State Sports Radio Network. The game can be heard in Ruston (KPCH 99.3 FM) and in Monroe (KJMG 97.3 FM). The Tigers broadcast crew of Santoria Black, Ossie Clark, Nick Harrison and Leon Thomas will call all of the action.

Grambling State (3-4 overall, 2-2 SWAC) comes into Saturday's tilt having won two of their last three games. The Tigers suffered a 33-26 loss to Alcorn State last Saturday in Lorman, Miss., which hadn't happened in 21 years (1997). Marc Orozco enters the game against the Golden Lions needing just one point to break Brian Morgan's all-time SWAC and GSU career record for scoring points.

"It's kind of hard not to know, because people keep talking about it," Orozco said about the record. "I can't wait to get it off my chest and get it out of the way, so I can focus more on the season."

Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1-6, 0-3) is still searching for its first SWAC victory after being edged last week, 48-47, in double-overtime to Mississippi Valley State. The Golden Lions' lone win came in Week 2 (55-0 over Cumberland University).

"Watching them (Arkansas-Pine Bluff) on film, they play extremely hard and you can tell that they are well-coached," Grambling State head coach Broderick Fobbs said. "They're going to be tough. Right now we are the reigning champ in our league, and everyone is taking their shots at us, so we have to make sure we are prepared to compete."

About The Game
> This will be the 43rd meeting, with Grambling State leading the series, 29-11-2
> The series began in 1951 with Arkansas-Pine Bluff capturing a 25-13 victory
> The most points Grambling State scored in the series was 70 in 2016, while Arkansas-Pine Bluff scored 54 points in 1998
> Grambling State holds the longest win streak in the series at 11 games and is currently on a four-game win streak against the Golden Lions

Grambling State - Last Time Out
> Grambling State enters the game off a 33-26 SWAC loss against Alcorn State
> For the first time in the Broderick Fobbs era, the Tigers suffered a defeat in the month of October
> The loss at Alcorn State was the first for Grambling State in 21 years (1997), which was also the final season Eddie Robinson roamed the sideline
> Grambling State recorded 19 first downs finished with 376 total yards (nearly 100 yards more than Alcorn State), including 292 through the air
> Marc Orozco booted four fields for the first time in his collegiate career, including a career-long 52-yard field goal in the third quarter
> With either a field goal or an extra point on Saturday against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Marc Orozco will break Brian Morgan's SWAC and GSU career record for points. Both are sitting on 325 career points
> Geremy Hickbottom was 20 of 36 passing for 279 yards and one interception
> Geremy Hickbottom led the ground game with 17 touches for 115 yards, but gained only 54 net yards

Arkansas-Pine Bluff - Last Time Out
> Arkansas-Pine Bluff is still searching for its first SWAC win as the Golden Lions were edged in double-overtime by Mississippi Valley State, 48-47
> The Golden Lions had 25 first downs and 503 total yards of offense against the Delta Devils
> Skyler Perry was 18-of-33 passing for 257 yards and three scores, while Taeyler Porter rushed 37 times for 173 yards and two touchdowns.

• GRAMBLING STATE NOTES (PDF)
• INSIDE THE GAME
• BRODERICK FOBBS WEEKLY INTERVIEW
• LIVE STATS
• LISTEN LIVE

Last Time Against Arkansas-Pine Bluff
> Grambling State held off a late charge by Arkansas-Pine Bluff to capture a 31-26 victory last season in Pine Bluff, Ark.
> The Tigers racked up 365 total yards, including 254 through the air, and 21 first downs
> Devante Kincade was 28 of 42 passing for 254 yards and three touchdowns, while carrying the ball six times for 36 yards
> Darrell Clark and Calief Samon each caught five passes
> Ja'Terious Pouncy registered seven tackles and one interception

Inside The Numbers
> Grambling State has won 27 out of its last 29 SWAC games, dating back to the beginning of the 2015 season
> The Tigers are 15-1 in the month of October under head coach Broderick Fobbs
> Grambling State has won its last 11 home games and has not lost at home since Sept. 19, 2015 (56-53 loss to Bethune-Cookman)
> The Tigers look to remain perfect (4-0) against Arkansas-Pine Bluff during the Broderick Fobbs era
> Marc Orozco needs just one (1) point to become the all-time career GSU and SWAC leader in points scored
> Alcorn State is averaging 26.7 points and 442.0 total yards per game
> Grambing State is averaging 28.0 points and 382.7 total yards per game

Accolades
> Marc Orozco was named the SWAC Specialist of the Week
> De'Arius Christmas is a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation William V. Campbell Trophy

SWAC Scenarios
> In order for Grambling State to reach the SWAC Championship, the Tigers will need help and it all starts this weekend when Alcorn State and Prairie View A&M meet. A win for Alcorn State keeps the Tigers' chances alive. However, a loss would more than likely knock Grambling State out of the hunt

Up Next
The Tigers wrap up their home campaign on Saturday, Nov. 3 with Homecoming and Senior Day as Mississippi Valley State visits Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium. Kickoff against the Delta Devils is set for 2 p.m.

Remaining Home Game Tickets Still Available
Remaining home game tickets are on still sale at the GSU Ticket office and fan are encouraged to visit www.gsutigers.com or call the ticket office to purchase tickets. For more information on purchasing season tickets, call (318) 274-2625 or (318) 274-2629.

Follow Grambling State Athletics
For complete coverage of Grambling State athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter), /gramblingstateathletics (Facebook), @gramblingathletics01 (Instagram) or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.

By: Deja Harrison, Sports Information Staff
GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Grambling State avenges loss to Centenary

GRAMBLING, Louisiana| Chasity Nicks and Kevreion Ward each had 14 kills as the Grambling State University volleyball team avenged an earlier loss to Centenary (La.) with a 3-1 non-conference victory on Wednesday evening at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center.
 
Grambling State (9-21) took the opening set, 25-22, and had set point twice in the second, but fell, 26-24, to even the match at 1. The Lady Tigers had four set points in the third and came away with a 25-17 win, before rallying in the fourth set, 25-19, to take the match.
 
Ward led the offensive attack with 14 kills, seven errors and 37 total attacks for a .189 hitting percentage, while Nicks added 14 kills, eight errors and 34 total attacks for a .176 hitting percentage. L'Muriell Thrower registered a double-double of a match-high 32 assists and 13 digs, while Sheila Borders dished out 18 assists. Erineka Mollere tallied a match-high 31 digs to lead the defense.
 
Lauren Kelly paced Centenary (14-15) with 10 kills and hit .156 for the match. Rachel Demerjian handed out 22 assists and 10 digs, while Marissa Sandoval chipped in with a team-high 14 digs.

BOX SCORE
 
Inside the Numbers
> Grambling State finished with a .183 hitting percentage (56 kills, 28 errors, 153 total attacks)
> Centenary registered 40 kills, 25 errors, 155 total attacks (.097 hitting percentage)
> The Lady Tigers tallied 69 digs, 54 assists, 13.5 total team blocks and eight service aces
> The Ladies finished with 58 digs, 37 assists, five service aces and five total team blocks
 
Up Next
Grambling State steps back into Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) play on Monday, Oct. 29 with a home contest against Texas Southern. The match is set to begin at 6 p.m. at the Men's Gymnasium on the campus of Grambling State University.
 
Follow Grambling State Athletics
For complete coverage of Grambling State athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter), /gramblingstateathletics (Facebook), @gramblingathletics01 (Instagram) or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.

GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

MEAC Football Teleconference Week 9

2018 Week 9 MEAC Football Teleconference Willie Simmons (Florida A&M) 00:04 Terry Sims (Bethune-Cookman) 9:39 Rod Milstead (Delaware State) 25:06 Mike London (Howard) 30:58 Latrell Scott (Norfolk State) 41:50 Erik Raeburn (Savannah State) 48:30 Buddy Pough (SC State) 57:58 Sam Washington (North Carolina A&T State) 1:11:15 Granville Eastman (N.C. Central) 1:23:46 Ernest Jones (Morgan State) 1:32:10

MEAC MEDIA RELATIONS

MEAC Announces First Fans' Play and Players of the Week

NORFOLK, Virginia -- After more than a thousand combined votes were cast both on MEACSports.com and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's (MEAC) Twitter account, the conference has announced its first winners of the Fans' Play and Fans' Players of the Week awards.



Howard's Dedrick Parson was the overwhelming fan favorite for Play of the Week, thanks to his 31-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter of the Bison's 35-26 win over Morgan State on Saturday. North Carolina A&T State swept the Fans' Player of the Week honors, with quarterback Lamar Raynard the fans' choice for Offensive Player of the Week and defensive lineman Justin Cates the fans' pick for Defensive Player of the Week.

Parson, a sophomore running back from Philadelphia, Pa., needed just one play to help the Bison complete the comeback. After Howard, trailing 26-20, forced a Bears' three-and-out, Parson took the handoff from Caylin Newton, spun out of a tackle at the line of scrimmage, and ran 31 yards to paydirt.

That play gave the Bison a 27-26 lead with 7:07 left in the contest.

Raynard went 11-for-14 in the air in the Aggies' 35-10 win over Bethune-Cookman this past Saturday, throwing for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Both scores came in the second quarter, including a 55-yarder to Ron Hunt that put the Aggies up 26-3 at the half.

Cates led the Aggies with 3.5 tackles for loss against the Wildcats, accounting for 10 yards, while also recording a sack and a quarterback hurry. Of his six total tackles on the afternoon, three were solo stops.

The fans will again have their say next week, beginning on Monday afternoon when the Fans' Play of the Week poll goes live on the front page of MEACSports.com. On Tuesday, the polls for Fans' Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week will go live on the conference's Twitter page (@MEACSports).

MEAC MEDIA RELATIONS