Detroit Lions Takes South Carolina State's OT Johnny Culbreath in 7th Round

Detroit Lions Johnny Culbreath

ALLEN PARK, Mich.— The Detroit Lions took offensive lineman Johnny Culbreath with what's likely their final pick of this year's NFL draft, No. 209 overall. Culbreath, 6-foot-5, 322 pounds and a four-year starter, is from Robert Porcher's alma matter South Carolina State.

"A little bit of a developmental project but he has all the tools," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said.

The Lions have made five picks in the draft and don't have any selections remaining as the seventh round ticks down to its conclusion.

2011 NFL Draft: Jim Schwartz Discusses Johnny Culbreath Pick

Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz met with the media to discuss Johnny Culbreath, the team's seventh-round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft. Via the Lions, here is a transcript of the media session:

On T Johnny Culbreath
"Johnny, four-year starter at South Carolina State, big man, good athlete, lower-level competition, but I spent a lot of time with him. Myself, Dave Sears our area scout, and Jeremiah Washburn our assistant o-line coach went down to South Carolina's workout. We happened to be able to see South Carolina State's also. It was raining so they came over to the indoor facility. They had a really, really good workout and his tape was good so we brought him in here to spend some time with our coaches. We like his size, we like his athletic ability, he's a little bit of a developmental project, but he has the tools. He's a guy that our coaches are very anxious to work with."

On whether he'll be an inside or outside player
"It's probably too early to say. He's played tackle, could play left and right; but there's a possibility to move him to guard. He's a good athlete, bends really well, again, four-year starter. I don't know if this is the gospel truth, but he committed to Florida State out of High School and didn't have the grades, so he ended up at South Carolina State. He's got a pretty good lineage. We didn't pick him because he supposedly committed to Florida State, we picked him based on his tape from South Carolina State, based on his size and based on the workout that he had and also for when we brought him in for a physical. He wasn't at the combine, so we needed to bring him here to get a physical."

NFL Draft 2011: Johnny Culbreath Speaks About Being Picked By Detroit Lions

Shortly after becoming the Detroit Lions' seventh-round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft, South Carolina State offensive lineman Johnny Culbreath had a conference call with the media. Via the Lions, you can check some quotes from that call below.

On his journey to the NFL
"I had committed to Florida State and ended up going to South Carolina State due to grades and GPA and test scores and stuff. I had a great career there; we were three-time MEAC Championships behind me and my great offensive linemen and great running back corps. and great guys we had there. I had a lot of great achievements there. I was two-time All American; I was also player of the year in our conference my junior year. I had a really great season there. This has all worked out for the better, I guess."

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VISIT: SCSU BULLDOGS

Stillman faces Albany State for SIAC title

ASU Coach Kenyon Conner

ALBANY, Ga. - The Stillman College baseball team's quest for a fourth Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament championship was put on hold Saturday afternoon at the Paul Eames Complex.

The Tigers were scheduled to play in the championship game at 5 p.m. but the game has been rescheduled for today at 11 a.m. after the Albany State University Rams won both elimination games against Tuskegee and Claflin to reach the championship game.

NCAA and SIAC rules prohibit a team from playing three games in the same calendar day, so the championship game was rescheduled for today.

Stillman (24-17) is the only undefeated team remaining in the SIAC Tournament and needs just one win to claim the school's fourth conference title in the last five years. The Tigers won tournament crowns in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

ASU arms keep Rams alive

ALBANY — An Albany State baseball team that entered the 2011 season with uncertainty and inexperience is now two wins away from winning its second straight SIAC Tournament championship.

“Everybody doubted us because we had a bunch of freshmen,” ASU interim coach Kenyon Conner said about a Rams squad that doesn’t have a single senior. “They didn’t think we would win 20 games, but we did. They didn’t think we would make it to the championship game.”

On Saturday, they did that, too. The sixth-seeded Rams (29-24) capitalized on a pair of strong pitching performances to beat Tuskegee University and Claflin University in back-to-back loser’s bracket games at Paul Eames Park, advancing to today’s championship series with Stillman College.

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VISIT: ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY
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Cox, Foote and Baker Earn NLC Honors

DAVIDSON, N.C. – After leaving Howard University with one of the most decorated lacrosse careers in the history of the program, senior Desiree Cox was named to the National Lacrosse Conference Second-Team All-Conference.

Last year Cox was name the NLC Attacker of the Year and compiled an astounding 68 goals, ranking her No. 7 in the nation. Her four goals per game average made her second-best in the country. She also posted 77 points, 26 draw controls and averaged 4.53 points per game in the 2009-10 season.

By the conclusion of the 2011 season Cox finished first on the team in goals (55), shots (126), draw controls (46) and points (57) and fourth in groundballs with 28.

Cox was also named to the 2011 NLC All-Academic Team alongside teammates Ashley Foote and Janae Baker.

To be eligible for recognition on the Academic All-League team, a student-athlete must be a sophomore in class standing, carry a GPA of 3.40 or above on a 4.0 scale, and have been a starter or key reserve. Cox, Foote and Baker earned grade point averages of 3.61, 3.57 and 3.42, respectively.

 Desiree Cox

First Team All-Conference
Goalie:
Juli Liebig – Longwood
Kristen Masullo - Liberty


Defense:
Lily Graham - Davidson
Rachel Hannon - Jacksonville
Hannah Riggs - Longwood

Midfield:
Alanna Parker - Davidson
Sara Kuhlman - High Point
Ellyn Spangenberg - Jacksonville
Cara O’Brian - Longwood

Attack:

Janae  Baker

Ann Fucigna - Davidson
Grace Gaeng - High Point
Morgan Derner – Jacksonville

Second Team All-Conference
Goalie:
Karli Tobin - Jacksonville

Defense:
Erin McGuire - Davidson
Jasmine Jordan - High Point
Courtney McLaughlin - High Point

Midfield:
Emily Bossonneault – Detroit
Kaitlin Stewart – Jacksonville
Jennifer Freymond – Liberty
Jamie Beamish – Presbyterian

Ashley Foote 

Attack:
Chelsea Thompson – High Point
Desiree Cox – Howard
Kelsey Dean – Longwood
Shannon Hartford - Presbyterian

Player of the Year
Goalie: Juli Liebig – Longwood
Defense: Lily Graham – Davidson
Midfield: Cara O'Brian – Longwood
Attack: Grace Gaeng – High Point
Coach of the Year: Lyndsey Boswell – High Point

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant

VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

Howard Softball Taken Down by Morgan State, 15-9

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After sacking two wins in Saturday’s doubleheader over Morgan State, the Lady Bison looked to sweep their MEAC opponent in order to increase their chances of gaining a birth to the MEAC Championship Tournament, but fell short as the Bears took game three 15-9 at Banneker Field on Sunday afternoon.

In the first inning the Lady Bison surrendered seven runs to the Bears before responding with three runs when their turn at the plate arrived. Emily Johnson led off the game with a double and Lorae Robinson singled, pushing Johnson to third. Marisa Coats scored Johnson on a RBI groundout to second base and Rebecca Kirshner homered to bring home the remaining two runs.

After shutting out the Lady Bears in the second, Robinson tied the game at 7-7 with a grand slam. Prior to Robinson’s blast out of the park, Trina Kindred singled to left, Andascha Moore doubled and Johnson walked to fill the bases.

Ciera Gordon scored to give the Bison their first lead of the game on a sacrifice fly by Kindred.

Two errors and back-to-back doubles helped the Lady Bears regained the lead after scoring five runs. Responding first for the Lady Bison was Robinson who reached base on a bunt. Marisa Coats scored Robinson on a double to right field.

In the fifth Carly Martin entered the game to relieve Emily Johnson who gave up five unearned runs on six hits. Before leaving the circle she struck out two batters and relieved starting pitcher Samantha Gatson who gave up four hits and the first four runs of the game.
The Bears scored three times increasing their lead, 15-9.

Howard attempted to take the game in the bottom of the seventh, but fell short as Johnson grounded out to the short stop for the third out of the frame – leaving Moore on second base and Martin at third.

Johnson took the loss on the mound – giving up eight runs in four innings of work. Robinson lead the Lady Bison at the plate, going 3-for-4 with four runs scored and four RBI.

The Lady Bison will take on Maryland Eastern Shore for their regular-season finale and senior day on May 7.

Boxscore

By Jamilah Corbitt, Assistant Director of Sports Information
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VISIT: MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
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Xavier Gold Rush qualify for nationals for third straight season

Xavier Tennis Coach Alan Green

"Our guys came out like men who had families to feed. We trusted each other out there and kept our composure throughout the match. When we play like that, we are very tough to beat." — XU Coach Alan Green.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Xavier University of Louisiana men's tennis team followed the clearly defined path Saturday.

The Gold Rush, ranked 11th in the NAIA, defeated 23rd-ranked Martin Methodist 5-2 to earn an automatic bid to the national tournament for the third consecutive year. The qualifying event was for teams whose conferences did not meet requirements for automatic bids.

A loss would've left Xavier (13-9) waiting for an at-large bid to the 24-team event — a strong possibility, considering the Gold Rush's ranking — but after beating Martin Methodist (14-6) for the second time in as many tries this season, Xavier won't be involved with that suspense.

"Our guys came out like men who had families to feed," Coach Alan Green said. "We trusted each other out there and kept our composure throughout the match. When we play like that, we are very tough to beat."

Juniors Zach Taylor, Steffen Giles-Osborn and Sean Richardson won in doubles and singles for the Gold Rush. Taylor, winning for the first time in his last seven singles matches, put Xavier ahead to stay at 3-2 when he beat Renato Castro 6-1, 6-3 at No. 2. Giles-Osborn beat Alvaro Morcillo 6-3, 6-4 at No. 3 to give the Rush a 4-2 lead, and Richardson clinched with his fifth victory in six matches, a 6-3, 6-3 decision against Juan Suarez at No. 5.

Giles-Osborn and Richardson were the only Gold Rush players who were 2-0 in doubles and 2-0 in singles in the two-day, four-team qualifier.

Because of only five available players, Xavier defaulted at No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles. But the Rush did not drop a set in any of the five completed matches. Taylor and Hassan Abbas, ranked 15th among NAIA doubles teams, improved to 15-7 with an 8-0 victory against Vinicius Santos and Suarez. Giles-Osborn and Richardson teamed for an 8-6 decision against Castro and Fabio Santos. Vinicius Santos was the TranSouth Conference Player of the Year this season, and Fabio Santos and Suarez were all-conference in singles and doubles.

It was the second loss in the last 13 duals for Martin Methodist, which opened its season with a 6-3 loss to Xavier on Feb. 18 in Nashville, Tenn.

"This match seemed a bit easier," Green said. "Martin Methodist played a different doubles lineup, and I think the matchups were favorable to us."

It was Xavier's third victory of the season against a ranked NAIA opponent. The XU men have two additional victories against NAIA teams which were unranked at the time of those matches but were ranked in the most recent poll. Xavier is 7-1 at neutral sites and 4-0 in Tennessee.

Xavier's men never qualified for nationals before 2009, and they won first-round matches in both previous appearances. The NAIA National Championship will start May 17 in Mobile, Ala. Pairings will be announced by 5 p.m. on May 10.

"We look forward to playing the nation's best teams in 95-degree Gulf Coast heat," Green said.

Results



By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

Six Howard Bison Homer in Wins Over Morgan State

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Howard softball team took down Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference opponent Morgan State on Saturday’s doubleheader winning game one, 7-4, and game two, 13-5. Six members of the Lady Bison (15-22, 6-5 MEAC) blasted a home run in the doubleheader giving HU a pair of wins.

Christine Sborz was the first HU player to knock one out of the park, as she brought in three runs in the first inning, following an RBI single by Marisa Coats earlier in the inning, pushing Howard to a 4-0 lead.

Shortstop Rebecca Kirshner blasted the Bison’s second homer in the sixth inning. Kirshner went 2-for-4 in the opening game, scored three times and recorded two RBI.

MSU (14-23, 7-4 MEAC) got back on the board with three runs, courtesy of a single and a home run of their own at the top of the third, leaving them one run behind Howard. The Lady Bison however, never surrendered their lead, and immediately responded to the Bears in the bottom of the third with a run.

Samantha Gatson and Emily Johnson split the mound as Gatson recorded the win while Johnson garnered the save. Gatson pitched the first three innings and allowed four hits, three runs and struck out one. Johnson pitched the remaining four innings, allowed three hits, one run and struck out six batters. Neither pitcher surrendered a walk.

In game two, Howard posted four homers and doubled the Bears in hits, 12-6. The Lady Bison got off to another big lead with four runs in the bottom of the first on four hits. Center fielder Lorae Robinson got on base first with a bunt single and went on to steal second. Coats doubled to bring Robinson home, and scored herself following a single by Kirshner. Immediately following Kirshner was Ciera Gordon who posted Howard’s third homer of the day.


Videographer: Howardgospelchoir; The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Thank You, Lord" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church (Atlanta, GA). Soloist: LaJoyce Denson

In the second inning, Morgan State responded with three runs along with their first homer of the game. Howard was silenced in the second when it was their turn at the plate, but went on to score runs in each of the remaining four frames.

In the third inning both Trina Kindred and Johnson blasted home runs and Coats followed suit in the bottom of the sixth to end the game and give HU their second win of the day.

Martin was given the win as she struck out two, allowed two runs and two hits. Johnson who started off the game, also struck out two and gave up three runs and four hits.

The Lady Bison softball team will look to sweep Morgan State tomorrow when the teams face off at noon in hopes of securing a spot to the MEAC Championship tournament in Daytona, Fla. Visit www.howard-bison.com for more updates on the Howard softball team.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
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VISIT: MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY
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NFL 49ers Draft Florida A&M's Cornerback Curtis Holcomb -- Confident He Is A Complete Player!

Excerpt:

In looking over the newest 49ers conference call transcript (posted after the jump), it is safe to say Curtis Holcomb does not lack that confidence. Holcomb was the 49ers last pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, coming off the board at 250th overall. You could argue he finds himself in a similar situation to that of  Phillip Adams (South Carolina State University) who was also a seventh round defensive back selection. While Holcomb and Adams are different players, Holcomb will follow him in the sense of trying to battle for what could be one of the final roster spots.

In fact, Holcomb and Adams likely will be battling each other for that spot. Adams has the advantage of a year under his belt in the NFL, but he also is dealing with recovery from his season-ending ankle injury. It's never too early to start considering roster and positional battles, and it is safe to say this will be one of those battles whenever football starts back up.

CB Curtis Holcomb April 30, 2011 San Franciso 49ers Conference Call: Listen to Audio


Videographer: rockmanthething; CB Curtis Holcomb FAMU Pro Day 2011.

VISIT: FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY
VISIT: FAMUATHLETICS

Xavier Gold Nuggets' season ends with semifinal loss to Milligan

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Just call it a pause in the recent success of the Xavier University of Louisiana women's tennis program.

Milligan defeated the Gold Nuggets 5-0 Saturday in the semifinals of an NAIA National Championship qualifying tournament. That ended Xavier's bid for a fourth consecutive appearance at next month's national tournament, and it ended the Nuggets' season at 4-18 — a sharp contrast to Coach Alan Green's first seven teams, which won nearly 70 percent of their dual matches.

"We'll be back," Green said. "Recruiting for next season is going well. We have some young talent coming back next season, and they're going to improve. I expect us to return to form."

Xavier dropped out of the top 25 on March 22 after 44 consecutive appearances dating to 2004, and the Nuggets won't appear the final top 25 for the first time since 2003. But Green said one important component never disappeared this season.

"Our women played hard this entire year," Green said. "I'm proud of each of them. The fight they showed will carry them in life, further than any amount of wins could ever do."

The 2010-11 Xavier University of Louisiana women's tennis team.
Amber Brown, Melissa DeLoach, Nicole DeLoach, Yazmin Hooper,
Courtney Martin, Ashley McGill, Carmen Nelson and Coach Alan Green

Milligan (12-6) swept the three doubles matches — the closest was Albany Kelly and Caitlin Conley's 8-6 victory over Carmen Nelson and Melissa DeLoach at the first flight — and the Buffaloes clinched when Halie Winfrey beat freshman walk-on Courtney Martin 6-2, 6-0 at No. 5 singles.

Two Xavier freshmen led their singles matches when the dual ended. Amber Brown led Kelly 6-4, 2-2 at No. 2, and Nicole DeLoach, Melissa's sister, led Celeste Carpenter 6-1, 4-3 at No. 4.

It was the final collegiate competition for Melissa DeLoach, a four-year letterwoman and this year's team MVP, and Ashley McGill. DeLoach trailed 6-4, 1-0 against Caitlin Conley at No. 3 singles when the dual ended. McGill and Martin lost 8-4 to Jessie Rose Remegi and JoLynne Heidt at No. 3 doubles, and Heidt beat McGill 6-1, 6-1 at No. 6 singles to give Milligan a 4-0 lead.

The Nuggets played the entire regular season with five players, resulting in automatic defaults at No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles against opponents at full strength. The schedule was difficult too — half of the Nuggets' losses were to NCAA Division I opponents, and there were four more defeats against ranked NAIA opponents.

"We're not looking for any sympathy," Green said. "Like I said, our women battled all year. We hope to be much better on the court next season, and we'll try again to play as hard a schedule as we can. We'll look forward to those challenges."

Results

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

Howard University Lacrosse Falls Short in NLC Consolation Game to Liberty, 16-13

DAVIDSON, N.C. – After dropping to Jacksonville in the National Lacrosse Conference quarterfinals, the Howard lacrosse team was awarded a consolation game where they faced the Liberty Flames. Despite fighting back from a seven-point deficit, the Lady Bison (4-13) were unable to score enough before time expired, officially ending their season with a 16-3 loss. Ironically just one year ago, the tables were turned as the Lady Bison defeated Liberty (7-11) in their final game of the 2010 season with a 17-11 victory.

Liberty got off to a 3-0 start before Cynithia Smalls got on board for the Lady Bison with 22:57 on the clock. Senior Desiree Cox added a goal while freshmanCourtland Lackey tacked on two scores in the first half.

The score was 10-4 by halftime and Howard began their offensive attack to attempt to get back in the game and went on a 5-2 run until the clock hit 10:51.

2011 Howard University LAX ROSTER

Smalls, Cox and Lackey scored in the run before Liberty scattered the third goal of the half, pushing the game to a 13-9 score. Cox scored two back-to-back goals to inch Howard within two goals, the closest that the Bison had been to Liberty's lead all game. Liberty, however, slowly pulled away with two additional goals and another in the final minutes of the game.

Lackey and senior Ashley Lawrence also scored late in the game, but it was not enough to overcome the Flames' then-15-13 lead.

Both Lackey and Cox finished with five goals a piece to led the Bison while Smalls finished with two goals and the Bison's lone assist. Lackey also led the team in groundballs with five while Cox recorded four draw controls. Both Smalls and Lackey tallied a pair of caused turnovers.

For more information on the Lady Bison lacrosse team, visit www.howard-bison.com.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
VISIT: HOWARD UNIVERSITY
VISIT: HOWARDBISON

OFFICIAL HD Let's Move! "Move Your Body" Music Video with Beyoncé - NABEF

This week, Beyoncé worked her magic and did the impossible. She made Michelle Obama's fight against childhood obesity look cooler and more fashionable than ever before. The pop chart diva revamped her 2007 hit "Get Me Bodied," and dubbed the new version "Move Your Body" in support of the first lady's "Let's Move!" healthy eating campaign.



"Move Your Body" exploded when released online Tuesday, racking up nearly 1.5 million YouTube video plays in less than a week. In the video, the "Halo" singer, dressed in short shorts, knee high socks, and heels, storms into a junior high school cafeteria and leads a group of students through eight missions that involve various dance moves.



Without any special effects, costume changes, or celebrity guests, Beyoncé manages to create one of her most compelling videos to date.  In a behind-the-scenes clip, students discuss their struggles to make better eating choices, and Beyoncé explains her desire to help spread Michelle Obama's encouraging message.



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Early outburst leads SU by UAPB, 15-10

PINE BLUFF, Ark. — The Southern baseball team didn’t get a sparkling effort from its pitching staff Friday. But the Jaguars got enough of what they needed — from reliever Daniel Garcia, from its solid defense and from its suddenly potent offense.

In the opener of a three-game Southwestern Athletic Conference Western Division series, Southern erupted for 14 runs in the first four innings and held off Arkansas-Pine Bluff for a 15-10 victory. It was the first time the Jaguars scored 15 or more runs since March 12, when they opened a three-game road series at Prairie View with a 17-5 win.

It was also Southern’s first game with 10 or more runs since March 27, when the team defeated UAPB 10-7 to complete a three-game sweep in Baton Rouge. Frazier Hall, Wilmy Marrero and B.J. Rowry, the Nos. 3-5 hitters, combined to go 8-for-15 with seven RBIs.

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XU Nuggets beat Union to reach semifinals of NAIA qualifier

Xavier freshman Nicole DeLoach won doubles and singles matches.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Freshman Nicole DeLoach earned doubles and singles victories Friday to help Xavier University of Louisiana's women's tennis team earn a 5-0 decision against Union (Ky.) in the opening round of an NAIA National Championship qualifying tournment.

The Gold Nuggets (4-17), seeded second, snapped a six-dual losing streak and advanced to a 10 a.m. EDT Saturday semifinal against third-seeded Milligan, a 5-0 winner against Bethel (Tenn.). Cumberland defeated Tennessee Wesleyan 5-2, and top-seeded Martin Methodist beat Reinhardt 6-1 in th other quarterfinals.

DeLoach, paired for the first time this season with freshman Amber Brown, defeated Marah Rice and Meredith Dambrus 8-0 at No. 2 doubles. DeLoach clinched the dual with her 6-0, 6-1 victory over Dambrus at No. 4 singles.

Melissa DeLoach, a senior and Nicole's sister, teamed with Carmen Nelson for an 8-5 victory over Diane Proteau and Ximena Aguilar at No. 1. The Gold Nuggets also earned default victories at No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles.

XU's women won for just the second time in their last 17 duals and won on the road for the first time since Feb. 11. It was the first time this season the Gold Nuggets won without dropping a match.

Xavier defeated Union (2-9) in the postseason for the second time in three years. The first time was in the opening round of the 2009 NAIA National Championship.

Results

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

XU Gold Rush advance to title match by beating Bethel (Tenn.)

Sean Richardson, left, and Steffen Giles-Osborn
 won doubles and singles matches.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The Xavier University of Louisiana men's tennis team defeated Bethel (Tenn.) 6-0 Friday to reach the championship round of an NAIA National Championship qualifying tournament.

The Gold Rush (12-9), ranked 11th in the NAIA and seeded first in the tournament, will play 23rd-ranked and second-seeded Martin Methodist for the championship at 12:30 p.m. EDT Saturday. The winner will receive an automatic berth in next month's national tourney.

Steffen Giles-Osborn, Sean Richardson and Hassan Abbas won in doubles and singles to help the Gold Rush snap a four-dual losing streak.

Giles-Osborn and Sean Richardson scored the first point of the dual with their 8-2 victory over Paolo Vecchi and Eduardo Espinar at No. 2 doubles. It was the first victory in five matches for the XU juniors.

Abbas and Zach Taylor beat Ryan Weatherly and Kristian Takac 8-3, and freshmen Amir Rahbar and Jonathan Aubrey completed the doubles sweep with an 8-6 decision against Joao Souza and Raphael Sousa.

Abbas clinched the dual with his 6-0, 6-2 victory over Souza at No. 1 singles. Giles-Osborn beat Espinar, an All-TranSouth Conference singles selection, 6-2, 6-1 at No. 3, and Richardson topped Weatherly 6-0, 6-2 at No. 5.

Bethel finished 5-14 and lost 11 of its last 12 duals.

Martin Methodist was a 6-1 winner against Cumberland in the other semifinal. Xavier beat Martin Methodist 6-3 on Feb. 18 at Nashville, Tenn.

Results

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
VISIT: XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
VISIT: XULAATHLETICS

Howard Lacrosse Drops to Jacksonville in NLC Quarterfinals

Saturday, Apr. 30
Howard  vs. Liberty, 9 a.m. —  Live Stats •Live Video
Jacksonville vs. Davidson, 11:30 a.m. —  Live Stats •Live Video
High Point vs. Longwood, 2 p.m. —  Live Stats •Live Video
Presbyterian vs. Detroit Mercy, 4:30 p.m. — Live Stats •Live Video

DAVIDSON, N.C. – The Howard lacrosse team fell in the quarterfinals of the National Lacrosse Conference Tournament on Friday at Richardson Stadium at the hands of the Jacksonville Dolphins. Senior Desiree Cox and freshman Courtland Lackey led the Bison with three goals a piece in the 22-7 loss.

Lackey got Howard (4-12) on the board quickly with 28:55 on the clock, responding to JU’s Morgan Derner who scored in the opening seconds of the match. Jacksonville (13-4) went on to take a 13-0 run in the first half before Cox and Chastity Dailey recorded late goals. Lackey was the only member of the Bison to record an assist, giving her four points in the game to lead Howard.

Howard’s leading scorers – Lackey and Cox – each dispersed two goals in the second half helping the Lady Bison to hold their NLC opponents 7-4 after halftime. Goalkeeper Amber Meeks recorded 15 saves in the match while Dolphin’s Elizabeth Gatch recorded four.

Overall HU was outshot 46-15 and Jacksonville maintained the draw control advantage 21-10. Cox was credited with four draw controls on behalf of HU. The Lady Bison were narrowly edged in groundballs 28-19. Leading the Bison in groundballs was Sydney Satchell with five. Five members of the Lady Bison recorded a caused turnover.

The loss marked the second time the Lady Bison dropped to the Dolphins this season. The Lady Bison will face Liberty University at 9:00 a.m. Saturday in the double elimination tournament.

For more updates on the Howard lacrosse team during the offseason, visit www.howard-bison.com.

By Tiffany White, Sports Information Assistant
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VISIT: NATIONALLACROSSECONFERENCE
VISIT: Howard- Website •Stats •Roster •Schedule

Hampton's Ellis Selected in NFL Draft Third-Round

Ellis a Jet

Hampton University defensive tackle Kenrick Ellis was taken in the third round of Friday's NFL Draft by the New York Jets. Ellis, 6-foot-5 and 346 pounds, was the 30th pick of the third round and the 94th pick overall.

"God is good," Ellis said from his home in Florida on Friday night. "I feel blessed and highly favored."

Ellis is the first Pirate to be drafted since Kendall Langford was selected in the third round by the Miami Dolphins in 2008. Langford, a defensive end, was the 66th overall selection that season. Ellis had 94 tackles and eight sacks in his senior season at HU. Earlier this week, he said he had some things to work on, like his footwork, to succeed in the NFL, but was looking forward to getting the chance.

Hampton NT Kenrick Ellis has lots of talent.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Rex Ryan and Mike Tannenbaum made a cameo appearance as themselves Friday night on a taped episode of "CSI: NY." Turns out the New York Jets have been conducting their own crime-scene investigation. Kenrick Ellis represents a big risk for Rex Ryan and the Jets.

About 30 minutes after the TV show aired on CBS, the Jets used their third-round draft pick on massive nose tackle Kenrick Ellis, who is facing up to 20 years in prison on a felony assault charge. Ellis, who allegedly broke the jaw and nose of a man last April in an altercation on the Hampton (Va.) University campus, is scheduled to stand trial on July 12, according to an April 27 story in the Daily Press of Newport News, Va.

Most players are worried about a lockout keeping them from training camp. Ellis could be doomed by a lock-in.

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VISIT: HAMPTONPIRATES

Albany State University survives long, long day

ALBANY, GA — Albany State interim baseball coach Kenyan Conner was momentarily speechless following Friday night’s SIAC Tournament game against Miles. Then he aptly described his team’s 18-12 win. “Long,” he said about the four-hour game where his team nearly blew a 15-0 lead.

The sixth-seeded Rams hung on and are still alive in the SIAC Tournament, but now they have no room for error entering the final two days of the event.

After committing five errors in a 5-3 quarterfinal loss to the No. 2 seed Stillman College Tigers, the Rams avoided bowing out of the double elimination tournament Friday at Paul Eames Sports Complex by knocking off Miles.

'Bama athletes think about home

ALBANY, GA - Some people who survived those storms in Alabama are in Albany this week at the SIAC Baseball Tournament. While they're playing ball or rooting for their teams, all of them said their hearts are back home.

The Stillman College baseball Tigers from Tuscaloosa had a former teammate killed in the tornadoes that flattened their town. Three members of the Miles College baseball Bears from Birmingham lost their rental homes at school, while two players' families lost their homes.

Many of the fans at today's games lived through the killer storms. Katie Watkins' fiance is one of the coaches for Stillman College's baseball team. She was in her apartment in Northport during the tornadoes. "He had gone to be with a girl, to protect her...

Defending champion Rams open 2011 SIAC tourney today at home

ALBANY, GA — When Albany State junior shortstop William Smalls talks, interim baseball coach Kenyon Conner said his team listens. That was clear during Wednesday afternoon’s practice when Smalls spoke about preparing for this week’s SIAC baseball tournament, which starts today at Paul Eames Park.

“We are ready to play, man,” the SIAC Player of the Year candidate said. “Just like in the military, get your soldiers up and get ready to go to war.” “War” starts today at 10 a.m. when the No. 6 Rams (25-23 overall, 10-5 SIAC) host No. 3 Tuskegee (16-15, 11-4) in the opener of the eight-team, double-elimination tournament.

The Rams, who have won 11 of their last 18 games, hosted and won last year’s SIAC Tournament. Conner said pressure to repeat lingers in the back of his players’ minds.

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XU Rush, Nuggets seek automatic bids at NAIA qualifier

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — The postseason begins Friday for the Xavier University of Louisiana tennis teams in a qualifying tournament for the NAIA National Championship at Champions Club.

The event is for conferences which did not qualify for automatic bids to the national tournament. But automatic bids will be awarded to the men's and women's champions of this two-day tourney.

Coach Alan Green, middle, hopes to take his women
 to the NAIA National Championship for the fourth
 consecutive year and his men for the third straight year.

The Gold Rush (11-9), ranked 11th in the NAIA coaches poll, are seeded first in the four-team men's bracket and will play fourth-seeded Bethel (Tenn.) (5-13) at 1:30 p.m. EDT. XU's women (3-17), still receiving votes in the national poll, are seeded second out of eight teams and will play seventh-seeded Union (Ky.) (2-8) at 10 a.m. EDT.

XU seeks its fourth consecutive berth in the women's draw of the NAIA National Championship and its third consecutive berth in the men's field. The national tournament will start May 17 in Mobile, Ala.

"That's a primary goal every year — to get our teams to nationals and then see how far they can go," eighth-year XU Coach Alan Green said. "There are automatic bids on the line. We want to get those bids this weekend and, in the case of our men, not have to depend on an at-large selection."

XU's men reached the top 10 for the first time in the program's history on March 8 and stayed there for two additional polls. A 6-3 victory at Vanguard on March 4 was the Gold Rush's first against an NAIA top-10 opponent.

NAIA National Championship Qualifying Tournament (seedings in parentheses) MEN Semifinals — Friday Xavier (1) vs. Bethel (Tenn.) (4) Martin Methodist (2) vs. Cumberland (3) WOMEN Quarterfinals — Friday Xavier (2) vs. Union (Ky.) (7) Milligan (3) vs. Bethel (Tenn.) (6) Martin Methodist (1) vs. Reinhardt (8) Cumberland (4) vs. Tennessee Wesleyan (5)

The Gold Nuggets have dropped six straight and 15 of their last 16 duals. But after playing the entire regular season with just five players, walk-on freshman Courtney Martin was added to the postseason roster to help the Nuggets avoid forfeits at No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles.

Seniors Hassan Abbas (13-6 singles, 13-7 doubles) of the Rush and Melissa DeLoach (7-15 singles, 11-11 doubles) of the Nuggets lead their respective teams in combined victories.

Martin Methodist, ranked 23rd in the men's poll, is seeded second in the qualifier. XU beat Martin Methodist 6-3 in Nashville, Tenn., on Feb. 18.

Martin Methodist's 18th-ranked women are seeded first. The Gold Nuggets are seeded one spot higher than Milligan, even though Milligan received 39 more points than XU in the most recent national poll.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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Arizona distance runner Fakler signs with Xavier Gold Nuggets

NEW ORLEANS — Catherine Fakler of Phoenix, Ariz., and Xavier College Preparatory Roman Catholic High School has signed a women's cross country scholarship with Xavier University of Louisiana.

Fakler (pronounced FOCK-ler) has best times of 19 minutes, 22.68 seconds for three miles and 20:44.70 for 5,000 meters. She recorded her 5K best at the Nike Cross Nationals Southwest Regional at Gilbert, Ariz., in November.

Catherine Fakler

Other best times for Fakler include 5:24.98 for 1,600 meters and 11:55.52 for 3,200 meters — both recorded during the current outdoor track season — and 2:28.38 in the 800.

As a sophomore in 2008, Fakler finished 33rd out of 154 runners in Arizona's Class 5A Division I state meet. She was the Gators' fourth fastest finisher and helped XCP win the team championship.

Fakler has a 4.0 grade-point average at XCP and a composite ACT score of 30.

"I am very excited to have Catherine join our women's cross country program," XU Coach Joseph Moses said. "I expect her to be one of our top three runners this fall."

Xavier's other female signee for 2011 is Zahri Jackson of Kingwood, Texas.

Xavier University competes in the NAIA's Gulf Coast Athletic Conference and won the last five GCAC women's and men's team championships.

By Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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Two NC High School standouts sign with Johnson C. Smith

Charlotte, NC – The Johnson C. Smith University men's basketball program has announced the signing of Reginald LaTrez Shuford and Marcus Walker for the 2011-12 season.

Reginald LaTrez Shuford also known as Trez Shuford is a 6'3, 170 lbs, point guard from nearby Hickory, North Carolina. Shuford played for Shawn Johnson at Hickory High School. In his senior year, Shuford led the Red Tornadoes to a 26-4 overall and 11-1 league record. He received all-conference and all-district honors for performance on the hardwood.


Videographer: tw56059

Shuford has been described as an athletic-slasher with great ball handling ability. He has a solid inside jumper, but like most young player could use more work. Shuford will have a familiar face in the backcourt; he and sophomore guard Trevin Parks (Hickory, NC) were teammates at Hickory High.

“We're excited to have this young man come abroad; because of the versatility and rotation options he may provide,” said head men's basketball coach Stephen Joyner, Sr. “Shuford is a good rebounder at his position, he gets up and down the floor well, and make good decisions with the basketball. He should immediately challenge our current guards for playing time and may allow us to move Trevin to the two-guard position in some situations.”

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Videographer: tueforumclt; JC Smith spearheads corridor renewal. Torrey Feimster and Malcolm Graham from Johnson C. Smith University address the Tuesday Morning Breakfast Forum April 19, 2011. In this segment, Graham describes five J.C. Smith initiatives in the Beatties Ford Corridor all running concurrently, some with near-term completion dates. 

Pierce leads Saint Augustine's Falcon in CIAA finale

Joe Pierce is putting the finishing touches on a career that began with shoulder pads, but ended with spikes aluminum. “I was recruited for football,” said Pierce, a graduate of Wetumpka High (near Montgomery, AL). “It didn’t work out, so I tried out for baseball. Ever since then, that’s all I’ve been playing.”

Pierce capped his senior season at Division II Saint Augustine College with commanding performance during the 2011 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association baseball tournament. The senior Falcon was one of five chosen as part of the All-Tournament team.

“This was a pretty good year for us,” said Pierce. “We started off slow, but got everything together.” The No. 2 seeded Falcons (36-18) dropped back-to-back games (7-6, 3-0) to conference newcomer Winston-Salem.

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