Big Day Including a Game 2 Walk-Off Home Run Lifts FAMU Over NC A&T 10-7 & 3-2

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Alec Wong recorded his first two home runs of the season including a game two walk-off home run to lift Florida A&M (10-15, 6-5 MEAC) to a doubleheader sweep over North Carolina A&T (3-20, 1-9 MEAC) by scores of 10-7 & 3-2 at Moore-Kittles Field on Saturday. Wong had a monster day at the plate as he went 6-for-8 with two home runs, a double, 13 total bases, four runs scored and three RBI in the two games. The Rattler pitching staff only allowed three runs on nine hits over the final 11 innings combined in the doubleheader.

Marlon Gibbs went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored in game one, while Ryan Kennedy went 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run scored in game to for FAMU.

Cleveland Westbrook (2-0) pitched the final two outs in the eighth inning with one strikeout to earn his second win of the season in game one and Kenny McDonald struck out the only batter he faced in the ninth inning for his fifth save. McDonald (2-0) also picked up the win in game two after recording the final out in the top of the seventh inning. Game one Rattler starter Chase Jarrell pitched five innings and allowed six runs (five earned) on nine hits with four strikeouts in the no decision. Ryan Anderson started game two for Florida A&M and pitched 5.1 innings with just one run on three hits with two strikeouts while also recording a no decision.

NC A&T grabbed a 3-0 lead with three runs on four hits in the top of the second inning. Brandon Wilkerson led off the inning with a single to right and Erik Montero followed with a double to left center to put runners on second and third with no outs. Wilkerson then scored the first run of the game as Adan Ordonez grounded out to short. Ryan Jantsch’s RBI single back up the middle plated Montero and Milton Rivera’s double to right center with two outs scored AJ Hunt, who had singled up the middle, from first for the third run of the inning.

FAMU answered with three runs in the bottom of the second inning to tie the game at 3-3. Jeremy Barlow and Logan Seymour drew back-to-back walks with two outs before Wong roped an RBI double into the right center gap that scored Barlow for the Rattlers first run of the game. With runners now on second and third, AJ Elkins’ then tied the game with a two-run double to left center that brought home both Wong and Seymour.

The Rattlers took their first lead of the day at 6-3 after a pair of home runs in the fourth and fifth innings. Wong blasted his first home run of the season, with one out, in the bottom of the fourth inning and Michael Birdsong crushed a two-run shot over the fence in left center in the fifth inning to give FAMU a 6-3 lead.

North Carolina A&T rallied to tie the game at 6-6 with three runs in the top of the sixth inning. Kyle Clary doubled to left center to lead off the sixth, moved to third on a wild pitch before scoring on Wilkerson’s RBI single to center. Montero then doubled down the left line to put runners on second on third. Alex Carrasco would come in to relieve starter Jarrell and balked home the runner from third that made the score 6-5. Jantsch tied the game on an RBI groundout to second.

Florida A&M regained the lead at 7-6 with a single run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Kennedy was walked for the third time in the game to start the inning and went to second as Brian Davis grounded out to first base. Kennedy went to third on a balk and Birdsong walked to place runners on the corners. Birdsong would steal second before Peter Jackson hit into a fielder’s choice and Kennedy was thrown out at the plate on the play by the shortstop. Birdsong took third base on the throw that went home and the catcher came up throwing to third trying to catch Birdsong. The throw went high into left field allowing Birdsong to come home and give FAMU the one run lead.

NC A&T again tied the game at 7-7 in the eighth with back-to-back one out doubles from Hunt and Jantsch.

The Rattlers would take the lead for good in what proved to be the game one final of 10-7 with three runs in the home half of the eighth inning. Seymour led off the eighth with a walk and took third on a perfectly executed hit-and-run as Wong singled back up the middle. Elkins sac fly to right scored Seymour for the go-ahead run. Gibbs’s then doubled down the right line to score Wong from second. With Gibbs on second and one out, Kennedy walked before Davis’s RBI single through the right side brought home Gibbs for the third run of the inning.

Aggie reliever Jason Gifford (0-1) suffered the loss after working the final 1.2 innings and allowing three runs on three hits with two walks and two strikeouts. Starter Mitchell McQueen also pitched a no decision after giving up six runs on five hits with six walks and two strikeouts in 4.1 innings.

In game two, NC A&T again scored first with a single run in the top of the second inning for an early 1-0 lead. Ordonez singled through the right side with two outs and scored all the way from first as Hunt doubled deep into center field.

FAMU grabbed the lead, at 2-1, in the bottom of the third inning as Kennedy blasted his third home run of the season, a two run shot to left field.

The Aggies tied the game at 2-2 with a run in the top of the seventh inning. Montero reached on an infield single with one out and Micah Carmony then came in to pinch run for him at first. Ordonez then doubled in Carmony for the tying run with a ball deep down the left field line. Hunt followed with a walk as runners were now on first and second. Each runner moved up a base on a wild pitch and after Jantsch walked to load the bases with one out, Rattler reliever McDonald came in to record two quick outs on a strikeout and groundout to end the A&T scoring threat.

With one out in the bottom of the seventh, Wong belted his second home run of the day, a walk-off over the fence in right, to give FAMU the 3-2 win.

NC A&T reliever Jerry Liang (0-4) came in to pitch the bottom of the seventh for the Aggies and gave up the home run to Wong for the game two loss.

Florida A&M and North Carolina A&T will conclude the three-game series on Sunday at Moore-Kittles Field. First pitch is scheduled for 1:00 PM.

As always, fans can follow Rattler Baseball on Twitter @FAMUAthletics and live stats will be available via www.FAMUAthletics.com.

BOX SCORE 1

BOX SCORE 2

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Privateers Fall on Saturday to Arkansas-Pine Bluff

NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Privateers baseball team (9-17, 2-7 Southland) committed four errors and gave up three two-out runs in the third inning of an 8-3 loss to the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions on Saturday afternoon at Maestri Field at First NBC Ballpark.

Leading 2-1 with two outs in the third, the Privateers gave up a two-run double to right off the bat of Andre Davis to give the Golden Lions a lead they would not relinquish. A single by Jerimiah Figeuroa followed by one of the four errors in the game allowed Davis to score to make it 4-2. Arkansas-Pine Bluff continued to build on their lead while getting a complete game on the mound by Blake Estep.

Estep retired the final 10 batters in order as the Privateers had five fly outs in the final three innings. Of Estep's three runs allowed, just one was earned while he struck out seven batters. "You've got four errors today and you can't give runs away. We didn't hit the ball that well today either," said Coach Ron Maestri.

The Privateers answered a first inning run by Arkansas-Pine Bluff with one of their own in the bottom of the first. Ryan Calloway led off with a single and then registered his sixth stolen base of the year. The throw that tried to nab Calloway went into center, moving him to third. Jonathan Coco followed with an RBI single.

In the third, New Orleans started with back-to-back singles by Matt Rykaczewski and Preston Marsh. A sacrifice bunt moved both runners over. With two outs, Ryan Calloway beat out a ground ball for an infield single that gave the Privateers what would be their only lead of the day.

Jordan Priddle went 4.1 innings and allowed seven runs (three earned) on nine hits. Jarred Taylor recorded his longest outing of the year, going the final 4.2 innings and allowing just one run on four hits. Calloway and Marsh each had two hits at the plate.

For Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Rashawn Tillman went 4-for-5 with two RBIs and a run. Davis, Figueroa, and Chris Burns each had two hits while Vladimir Gomez scored two runs. Estep threw 132 pitches in the contest.

The series will conclude tomorrow with a first pitch at 1 p.m.

For more information, follow the Privateers on Twitter @UNOPrivateers and @Privateers_BSB or like us on Facebook.

 BOX SCORE (PDF)

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Former ASU back Cyrus supporting Jenkins, Alabama State

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Malcolm Cyrus' loyalty to Alabama State hasn't wavered.

One of the best running backs to ever play for the Hornets, Cyrus continues to support the school despite the firing of his college coach, Reggie Barlow, allegations being made against new coach Brian Jenkins and ASU reporting potential rules violations under Barlow's watch to the NCAA.

"It doesn't bother me because, to be honest about it, there are a lot things going on at a lot of other schools that we don't know about," Cyrus said. "Ours have just made it to the media. I love Alabama State. There's nothing bad about Alabama State. I'd never put Alabama State down. Alabama State, that's my home. Alabama State comes before any other college, and I was an Auburn fan. Alabama State comes before Auburn."

Cyrus, who led the SWAC in rushing last season with 1,662 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns, said he'd "encourage anybody" to go to Alabama State.

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Former Northeast Guilford football coach has new job at SSU

McLEANSVILLE, North Carolina -- Former Northeast Guilford football coach Donovan Jackson has landed at Savannah State as the Tigers’ offensive line coach.

Jackson stepped down with two games to go in Northeast’s 2014 season after compiling a 4-16 record as the Rams’ coach. The Norfolk State alumnus takes over the offensive line for a Savannah State program that went 0-12 overall in 2014 and 0-8 in the MEAC.

After resigning as head coach at Northeast, he served as an assistant to Norfolk State coach Pete Adrian during the rest of the season, breaking down film and joining the Spartans for games to work with their offensive line.

“My work with Norfolk State allowed me to build a relationship with Coach (Earnest) Wilson at Savannah, and that, along with a recommendation from Coach Adrian, allowed me to get the interview,” Jackson said by phone today.

Jackson said he has to fulfill his obligations at Northeast, where his last day will be April 9, before starting at Savannah State on April 13. The Tigers do not have spring practice, so the emphasis now is on strength and conditioning to prepare for fall practice.

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Row, Rolland, Moses lead Xavier at Bobcat Invitational

SAN MARCOS, Texas -- A school record by Tylor Row and NAIA national B-qualifying marks by Devinn Rolland and Joseph Moses III were among Xavier University of Louisiana highlights Saturday on the final day of the Bobcat Invitational track and field meet.

Row, a freshman, ran the women’s 100-meter hurdles in 15.63 seconds and finished 15th. It was the second time this season that an XU athlete broke the school record in this event -- Terri Cunningham set the previous mark of 16.03 March 14 at the McNeese Cowboy Relays. The school record entering the season was Cunningham’s 16.13 from 2014.

Rolland finished 20th in the women’s 200 in 24.93 and qualified for the NAIA National Championships in that event for the fourth consecutive year. Moses, a freshman, placed seventh in the men’s 200 with a national qualifying time of 21.60.

Rolland and Row ran the first two legs in the 1,600 relay. Tramaine Shannon and Clarke Allen ran the final two legs in a ninth-place finish and a season-best 3:59.56. Ireyon Keith (16 feet, 1½ inches, 21st) and Vinnie Briggs (15-6¾, 23rd) had season bests in the women’s long jump, and Christopher August posted a career best (2:03.44, 29th) in the men’s 800.

The meet was Xavier's fourth of the outdoor season. Next for the Gold Rush and Gold Nuggets will be the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championships April 11 at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans. Xavier is the two-time defending GCAC women's team champion.

Here are all of Xavier's Saturday results from the Bobcat Invitational:

Women

200: Devinn Rolland, 20th in 24.93: Kailey Williams, 37th in 25.62; Destini Thomas, 54th in 27.26

400 Relay: Chelsea James, Vinnie Briggs, Clarke Allen, Devinn Rolland, 7th in 48.36

1,600 Relay: Devinn Rolland, Tylor Row, Tramaine Shannon, Clarke Allen, 9th in 3:59.56

100 Hurdles: Tylor Row, 15th in 15.63

Long Jump: Devinn Rolland, 20th in 5.08 meters (16 feet, 8 inches); Ireyon Keith, 21st in 4.91 meters (16-1 1/2); Vinnie Briggs, 23rd in 4.74 meters (15-6 3/4)

Men

200: Joseph Moses III, 7th in 21.60

800: Christopher August, 29th in 2:03.44

110 Hurdles: Chris Adams, 12th in 16.16


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Southern University’s Ronald Mason among 3 finalists for University of the District of Columbia job

The other finalists for the UDC job are Malcolm X College President Anthony Munroe and Bennet College President Emerita Julianne Malveaux.

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana -- Southern University System President Ronald Mason has been named a finalist in the search for the University of the District of Columbia’s next president.

Mason is slated to be on the UDC campus April 3 for interviews. Two other finalists for the job will interview this week and April 10,according to the university.

Mason’s pursuit of other opportunities doesn’t come as a surprise. His contract at Southern University will run through June 30, and the system Board of Supervisors has set out on a search for a new leader, after opting not to try to renew Mason’s contract.

“If selected I would be university president and head of the HBCU system of higher learning that serves the nation’s capital,” Mason said of being one of three finalists for the UDC job. “It has the usual challenges, but it also has the potential to be something special in higher education. Being part of a team that helps it reach that potential would be good work to do.”

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VIDEO: FAMU Wind Symphony holds dress rehearsal for Carnegie Hall debut

MANHATTAN, New York -- The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Wind Symphony makes final preparations for its Carnegie Hall performance at a dress rehearsal on Saturday at the New York Hilton Midtown Manhattan Hotel.

A ballroom on the third floor of the hotel was converted to a rehearsal hall for the nearly 60-piece band under the baton of band director Dr. Shelby Chipman.

John Williams’ “Star Wars Trilogy,” Eric Whitacre’s “Cloudburst” and David Maslanka's “Symphony No. 7, Mvt. III” are among the songs the ensemble rehearsed for its debut appearance scheduled for Sunday night.

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SCSU: Pough happy with progress after scrimmage

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- As the S.C. State Bulldogs neared the halfway point of spring drills with the conclusion of Saturday morning’s scrimmage at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, head coach Buddy Pough said he saw enough to remain upbeat.

“I think we have some guys that can make some plays, Pough said. “We have some guys that understand they can take a chance out there. When you have some experience, and some high-level quality guys returning they have a little bit better confidence level, so they’ll try some things you might not see with some younger guys, so I’m excited about the level of experience we have. We have some guys that should be able to make some plays.”



Saturday’s 90-minute scrimmage focused mostly on S.C. State’s underclassmen. Aside from rising junior quarterback Adrian Kollock Jr., who saw most of the snaps at quarterback, many of the Bulldogs’ regulars spent a significant amount of time off the field.

Rising junior Javon Hargrave, the reigning MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, did not dress, watching from the defensive sidelines in sweats.

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TSU Strength and Conditioning to Hold Clinic Apr. 18-19

Courtesy: Tennessee State University Athletics

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -The Tennessee State athletic strength and conditioning staff will host USA Weightlifting and conduct a Sports Performance Coach Certification Course on Apr. 18-19.

The course with involve hands on and lecture materials for coaching the "Olympic" style lifts of the snatch, clean, and jerk and will take place on the first floor of the Gentry Center.

The event is open for the public to attend by registering before Apr. 10. For more information please contact Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach TJ Greenstone at tgreenst@tnstate.edu.

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

TSU Tigers Cap Week Two With Scrimmage

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State football team concluded the second week of spring practices with a Saturday scrimmage at Hale Stadium.

The defense looked ahead of its counterpart on a sunny, yet brisk morning. Many of TSU’s attempted running plays were blown up in the backfield and Marvin Maddox provided multiple sacks for the unit. Dell Porter recovered a botched hand-off for a fumble and Javon Brandon supplied the other turnover of the day courtesy of an easy interception.

On offense, Marcus Deanes provided the most production from the running back position. The redshirt freshman had multiple medium-sized runs and even caught the day’s only touchdown out of the backfield.

Both quarterbacks looked equal on Saturday, but Oshay Ackermann-Carter led the only touchdown drive that was set up by a deep pass to Chris Sanders-McCollum. Other notables on offense included Patrick Smith who caught a couple of outside passes and Rodney Morriswho had big gains off of drag routes.

The team will return to the practice field on Monday at 4 p.m. and will end the week with a scrimmage under the lights of Hale Stadium on Thursday at 7 p.m.

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'Magic' Johnson mixes basketball with business during South Carolina State University visit

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- South Carolina State University’s Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center was configured for a speaking engagement on Thursday, but NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson stepped out to what might normally be center court as he fielded questions from an audience of students, faculty and alumni.

One of Johnson’s favorite inquiries came from a member of the South Carolina State basketball team. Senior forward Luka Radovic wanted to know what Johnson picked up on during his time in athletics that he has been able to translate into success in business.

“Discipline,” said Johnson, who said he still gets up every morning at 4 a.m. for an hour of cardiovascular training followed by an hour of weightlifting. “I’m probably the most disciplined person in the world. If there’s something, you want, it comes down to discipline and focus.”

The two-time NBA Hall of Famer, three-time league MVP and five-time NBA champion focused mostly on his life as an entrepreneur in delivering a speech as as part of the S.C. State School of Business Exectuive Speaker Series. But there was more than a little basketball woven into the visit.

WCBD-TV: News, Weather, and Sports for Charleston, SC

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SCSU Sports Hall of Famer, St. Lucie educator, politician Havert "Coach" Fenn dead at 87, but his legacy continues...

Coach Fenn photos (start video at 1:40 - 2:59).   Mr. Fenn played football
and ran track at South Carolina State University from 1946 to 1949. He was
inducted into the university’s Sports Hall of Fame in April 1998. Coach
Fenn is also inducted into the St. Lucie County Sports Hall of Fame.

FORT PIERCE, Florida — Fort Pierce and St. Lucie County officials Friday were mourning the death of St. Lucie educator and community leader Havert “Coach” Fenn.

Fenn died Thursday night at age 87, according to his son, Morgan Fenn.

“Everything about the man was truly gracious and committed to the community,” said St. Lucie County Commissioner Chris Dzadovsky.

In 2008, officials named the Havert L. Fenn Center on Virginia Avenue in Fort Pierce in his honor. The $14.7 million, 62,575-square-foot facility serves as a recreation center and storm shelter.

“The building that you’re in is the future of St. Lucie County, just as Coach Fenn has been our past,” said then-County Commission Chairman Joe Smith during the 2008 opening ceremony.

In 1979, Fenn was elected to the Fort Pierce City Commission before becoming the first African-American appointed to the St. Lucie County Commission in 1982 by then- Gov. Bob Graham.

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GCAC honors Montrel, Abbes, Moses and Chatters

NEW ORLEANS — For the fourth consecutive week and the seventh time in eight weeks, students from Xavier University of Louisiana received multiple Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Athlete/Player of the Week awards. Honored for March 16-22 were Kyle Montrel in men's tennis, Nour Abbes in women's tennis, Joseph Moses III in men's outdoor track and Drew Chatters in women's outdoor field.

Montrel is a junior from Atlanta and a graduate of Southwest Atlanta Christian Academy. Abbes is a sophomore from Tunis, Tunisia, and a graduate of Lycée Sportif d'El Menzah. Moses is a freshman from Baton Rouge, La., and a graduate of Christian Life Academy. Chatters is a freshman from Lake Charles, La., and a graduate of St. Louis Catholic High School.

Montrel set a GCAC men's tennis career record with his seventh player award. He won in singles and doubles (with Nikita Soifer) vs. NCAA Division I Nicholls State, NAIA No. 21 William Carey and NCAA Division II's sixth-ranked team, Columbus State — all on the road. Montrel defeated regionally ranked Theo Baudin of William Carey in three sets, then beat 16th-ranked Oussama Zoghlami of Columbus State 6-1, 6-1 and snapped Zoghlami's eight-match win streak. Montrel and Soifer defeated Columbus State's 11th-ranked Marco Almorin and Adi Malicbegovic 8-2.

Abbes was unbeaten during the week and extended to 10 her GCAC career record for women's tennis awards. Abbes defeated William Carey's 21st-ranked Audrey Leitz in three sets, and she also won in doubles in a 5-1 road victory against the NAIA's No. 20 team. Abbes teamed with Carmen Nelson for the Gold Nuggets' first doubles victory against Nicholls State since 2004.

Moses, a GCAC award recipient for the second consecutive week, was the only XU athlete to finish fifth or higher at the Louisiana Classics meet in Lafayette. He placed fourth in the 200-meter dash in 21.87 seconds — making him the No. 10 individual in the NAIA in that event this season — and he was fifth in the 100 in 10.89. He also ran anchor in a 43.00-second performance in the 400 relay which ranks Xavier 17th in the NAIA this season.

Chatters, a first-time GCAC weekly winner, placed 11th in the javelin at the Louisiana Classics with a best throw of 35.52 meters (116 feet, 6 inches). She is the NAIA's 12th-ranked woman this season.

Xavier's men's and women's tennis teams will fly to California early Friday for several dual matches against ranked NAIA opponents. The Gold Nuggets will play Westmont at 2 p.m. PDT Friday. The XU men's and women's track teams will compete Friday and Saturday in the Bobcat Invitational at San Marcos, Texas.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Xavier produces five season bests at Bobcat Invitational

SAN MARCOS, Texas — Five student-athletes from Xavier University of Louisiana produced season bests Friday in the Bobcat Invitational track and field meet. 
     
The Gold Rush got season bests from Chris Adams in the 400-meter hurdles (58.63 seconds, 18th place) and Christopher August in the 1,500 (4:11.93, 28th). The Gold Nuggets' season bests came from Kailey Williams (12.66, 35th) and Destini Thomas (12.96, 42nd) in the 100 and Clarke Allen (59.20, 36th) in the 400. 
     
Freshman Joseph Moses III had Xavier's highest finish, 13th in the men's 100 (11.10). Catherine Fakler was 17th in the women's 5,000 (18:54.34) and 20th in the 1,500 (4:58.78). 
     
The meet will conclude Saturday. Field events will begin at 9 a.m., and track events will start at 2 p.m. The final event, the men's 1,600 relay, is scheduled for 4:40 p.m. 
     
Here are all of Xavier's Friday results from the Bobcat Invitational: 

Women: 

100:  Devinn Rolland, 31st in 12.55; Kailey Williams, 35th in 12.66; Destini Thomas, 42nd in 12.96 
400:  Tramaine Shannon, 34th in 59.13; Clarke Allen, 36th in 59.20 
1,500:  Catherine Fakler, 20th in 4:58.78 
5,000:  Catherine Fakler, 17th in 18:54.34 
400 Hurdles:  Tylor Row, 19th in 1:10.09 

Men: 
     
100:  Joseph Moses III, 13th in 11.10     
1,500:  Christopher August, 28th in 4:11.93 
400 Hurdles:  Chris Adams, 18th in 58.63 

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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XU Nuggets beat No. 11 Westmont 7-2 in California opener

Coach Alan Green chatted with Wayne Bryan,
father of Bob and Mike Bryan, the world's
No. 1 men's doubles team,
before women’s tennis dual at Westmont.

SANTA BARBARA, California -- Xavier University of Louisiana ended its long women's tennis losing streak in the Golden State with a 7-2 victory Friday against Westmont.

The Gold Nuggets (12-8), ranked seventh in the NAIA, had dropped 12 in a row in California since a 5-2 victory against Concordia (Calif.) on Feb. 15, 2008. But they won 2-of-3 doubles matches and 5-of-6 in singles in the opener of their four-dual trip.

Nour Abbes, Carmen Nelson, Brion Flowers and Brandi Nelson won in doubles and singles for Xavier, which earned its second victory of the season against a ranked opponent.

Westmont, No. 11 in the NAIA, is 9-7.

Abbes and Carmen Nelson defeated Alyson Meyer and Haley Strandness, the NAIA's eighth-ranked doubles team in the West, 8-1. Flowers and Brandi Nelson (Carmen's younger sister) beat Grace Davis and Emily Keach 8-2.

Abbes, the NAIA's top-ranked singles player, defeated seventh-ranked Lauren Stratman 6-4, 6-3. Carmen Nelson, a senior in her first three-set match since her sophomore season, defeated Strandness, ranked 40th, 6-1, 4-6, 7-5.

Brandi Nelson defeated Keach 6-3, 6-2. Flowers clinched the dual with her 6-3, 7-5 victory against Meyer.

The Nuggets' other point came from Simone-Alyse Ewell, who beat Davis 6-2, 6-3 in her second singles victory of the season.

The XU women will be idle Saturday while the sixth-ranked Gold Rush visit eighth-ranked Westmont at 2:30 p.m. PDT. Both XU teams will play Northwestern Ohio -- whose men are No. 10 and whose women are No. 24 -- at noon PDT Sunday in Whittier, Calif. UNOH's women upset No. 15 Vanguard 5-4 Friday.

Women's Tennis Results 
Xavier 7, Westmont 2 

Friday, March 27, 2015 
Abbott Tennis Courts, Santa Barbara, Calif. 

Doubles 
No. 1 — Lauren Stratman-Ines Costamagna (WC) d. Caroline Vernet - Simone-Alyse Ewell (XU) 8-1. 
No. 2 — Nour Abbes-Carmen Nelson (XU) d. Alyson Meyer-Haley Strandness (WC) 8-1. 
No. 3 — Brandi Nelson-Brion Flowers (XU) d. Grace Davis-Emily Keach (WC) 8-2. 

Singles 
No. 1 — Nour Abbes (XU) d. Lauren Stratman (WC) 6-4, 6-3. 
No. 2 — Ines Costamagna (WC) d. Caroline Vernet (XU) 2-6, 7-6 (7-5), 1-0 (10-6). 
No. 3 — Carmen Nelson (XU) d. Haley Strandness (WC) 6-1, 4-6, 7-5. 
No. 4 — Simone-Alyse Ewell (XU) d. Grace Davis (WC) 6-2, 6-3. 
No. 5 — Brion Flowers (XU) d. Alyson Meyer (WC) 6-3, 7-5. 
No. 6 — Brandi Nelson (XU) d. Emily Keach (WC) 6-3, 6-2. 

Order of Finish: Doubles — 1, 2, 3. Singles — 6, 1, 5, 4, 3, 2. 
Records: Xavier 12-8, Westmont 9-7. 

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Tennessee State Tiger Camp Update: DL

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- The Tennessee State football team conducted its third spring practice of the week, Friday, in preparation of Saturday morning’s scrimmage.

The defensive line was one of the squad’s top units, ranking first in the conference in tackles for loss. The stellar play led to seniors Anthony Bass and Samquan Evans earning All-OVC Honors.

There are many new faces in the fold, and while the depth may be thin before freshman report in the fall, it is not short on talent.

This season, the group will welcome two new starters, but the line will include break-out stars Dinsdale Jackson, Roc-M Nesbitt and Gabe Terry.

The entire TSU D will look to shut down the team’s offense in tomorrow’s 9 a.m. scrimmage.



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Florida A&M Rattlers Looking To Lovejoy To Lead Defensive Line

HEAD COACH ALEX WOOD
FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  -- The Rattler football team went through morning practice under the lights of Bragg Stadium. The spirited practice was marked with rainfall about 20 minutes into practice, but as it cleared, apparently the team’s focus did as well. “We had better execution today for sure. For whatever reason the enthusiasm was good. I think the players are learning what to do and gaining more confidence, and I think that contributed to this morning,” head coach Alex Wood said.

One position that Wood has mentioned will be critical to the success of the FAMU defense is the defensive front. Changing philosophies from last year’s 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense will change players’ assignments. Central to that change is Michael Lovejoy. Lovejoy, a 6’4” 300 lb., senior defensive lineman from Pensacola, Fla., will be relied heavily upon to control the line of scrimmage.

“I’m looking forward to everyone learning the new defense and assignments and it all falling together. I think the coaches have come in with a good mindset to improve from last year. We have confidence that if we follow their lead, things will be better,” Lovejoy said.

In full team scrimmage, Lovejoy broke through the line and nailed a running back, drawing a roar from the team. That’s about as much noise as Lovejoy would make, as he is not a vocal leader, but one who leads by his actions.

“Mike has been a good leader for us, as he leads by example more than anything. He’s a solid player…a dominant player for us in the middle. With our change in defense he has a little less responsibility, as he won’t be responsible for two gaps anymore. Now he’s a single gap player getting help from the linebacker and the extra down lineman we’ve put at the line of scrimmage. I think this defense will fit him well and he has experience playing outside as well,” Wood said.

Last season, Lovejoy had 40 total tackles, with 22 of them being solos. He had seven tackles for loss, accumulating 28 yards for loss. He also had three and a half sacks for a total of 23 yards for loss. He also broke up one pass and defended another. With streamlined responsibility of the 4-3 defense, Lovejoy is poised to have a breakthrough season. Coupled with his physique, Lovejoy could be poised to make it to the next level with a solid 2015 football season.

Wood sees Lovejoy as a model student athlete. “He’s solid in everything he does. He’s a great guy in the classroom, he’s a great guy in the community and he also leads by his work ethic on the field,” Wood said.

The Rattlers will hold their second scrimmage, tomorrow at 10 a.m. at Bragg Stadium. Wood, has solicited the help of some referees to give the team a more accurate look at where they really are. “We’re going to get the referees involved to make sure we’re fundamentally sound in our alignments and we’ll implement some special teams to see how we transition on and off the field in situational football,” Wood said.

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Former FAMU QB Austin Trainor earns invite to NFL Raiders rookie minicamp

QB AUSTIN TRAINER
Courtesy: FAMU Athletics

CARROLLTON, Georgia  -- Earlier this week, Central Florida wide receiver Brashad Perriman made some headlines with his 4.25 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. He is projected as a mid-first to second round pick in the upcoming draft and needed to make his pro day count. Wide receiver's can't run drills alone. Someone has to throw them the ball. In this case it was former West Georgia quarterback, Austin Trainor.

Scouts may have been there to see Perriman, but Trainor opened some eyes as well. Among them was the Raiders, who according to the National Football Post, have invited Trainor to attend their rookie minicamp in May.

Trainor went underaft last year, which is why he can accept the invitation now. The invitation is a tryout for the team who will be looking for a camp arm behind Derek Carr, Matt McGloin and Christian Ponder. McGloin himself went undrafted and had to try out for NFL teams. He earned a spot on the Raiders ahead of drafted fourth round QB Tyler Wilson. So, anything is possible for Trainor.

The 6-3, 231-pounder played his first two seasons of college ball at Florida A&M and later transferred to West Georgia.

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VSU Multipurpose Center Walkthru Animation

PETERSBURG, Virginia -- Virginia State University Multipurpose Center  -- Presently under construction, the 167,000 gross sq. ft. event facility will have approximately 5,200 fixed seats and accommodate nearly 6,200 for events. The facility will be the home of Trojan basketball and volleyball, and will include food and retail services, media spaces, classrooms and faculty offices, a wellness center and conference/meeting spaces. The Center is scheduled for completion winter of 2015. Construction by S.B. Ballard Construction.   Estimated Construction Cost: $85 million.  Check out this link for a slide show preview:

Florida A&M musicians arrive in New York for historic performance at Carnegie Hall

FAMUNAA.ORG
RATTLERS, JOIN US NOW!!

MANHATTAN, New York - The 60-member wind symphony from Florida A&M University (FAMU) arrived to the city on Friday to prepare for their performance at Carnegie Hall on Sunday.

Students and staff flew in from the Sunshine State and are staying in Midtown Manhattan. Their time before the big performance will be spent in music rehearsals, sightseeing and meeting Tri-State area FAMU alumni.

Over $40,000 was raised from donors across the nation to pay for the trip and also for brand new instruments the students will play at the legendary venue.

Musicians will have a dress rehearsal on Saturday before performing on Sunday at Carnegie Hall. Several university officials are in the city for performance including FAMU president Dr. Elmira Magnum.

Making history, the FAMU Wind Symphony will be the first appearance of a classical ensemble from a historically Black college or university (HBCU) at Carnegie Hall.

The symphony’s invitation is part of the Ensemble Spotlight Series. The group will share the stage with the New England Symphonic Ensemble, the featured company for the evening.



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