Sunday, April 17, 2011

Bethune Cookman: QBs 'need work in every area,' but there is hope

ORMOND BEACH, FL -- After Saturday's Maroon and Gold scrimmage, Bethune-Cookman football coach Brian Jenkins still seemed unsure about the Wildcats' quarterback situation. "Both of them need work in every area," Jenkins said of sophomore QBs Jackie Wilson and David Blackwell after Maroon defeated Gold 14-7 at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex.

With spring drills now complete and preseason practice less than four months away, you'd think this would be a major concern. Until you realize that last year, Jenkins and his staff felt the same way.

The coaches weren't sure if Matt Johnson could handle the quarterback job in the Wildcats' new no-huddle spread system. But the senior worked hard after the spring and looked like a different quarterback when summer drills got underway.



B-CU's spring game had different feel

ORMOND BEACH -- That Ormond Beach dateline leading off a local football story might seem a bit different, but it was a different type of spring football outing for Bethune-Cookman.

Moving the annual Maroon-and-Gold game to the Ormond Beach Sports Complex seemed as pleasant was it was different. It was more of a neighborly affair, complete with barbecue, music, some baseball diamonds across the way and a couple of youth-soccer games within a decent punt to the east.

The other differences involved the events at hand. Normally, the spring game is designed to give the football-starved fan base a little look-see at what's coming four months down the road.

BCU Spring Football 2011 - Photo Gallery

Pros, B-CU, charity all win

DAYTONA BEACH -- What does Bethune-Cookman football alum Nick Collins do to follow up his 37-yard pick-six in this year's Super Bowl? The NFL lockout and another season with his Green Bay Packers will have to wait.

Friday night, Collins and fellow former-Wildcat great Eric Weems of the Atlanta Falcons hosted a "Pros vs. Joes" basketball game at Moore Gymnasium. With D.J. turntables spinning live at courtside, color commentary from emcee Harold Ford and some 700 fans on hand, the Pros eventually prevailed 102-89 after a close first three quarters.

Ticket proceeds benefited Wildcats football, which plays its spring game at 4 p.m. today at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex, as well as Collins' Jump Start Foundation. The foundation works with single parents and youth and awards scholarships to students Collins' old high school in Cross City.

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VISIT: BETHUNE COOKMAN UNIVERSITY
VISIT: BCUATHLETICS

S.C. State: Defense adds to offensive ‘darkness'

Aside from a brief rain shower and occasional hovering dark clouds, the weather was virtually a non-factor at South Carolina State's Garnet and Blue game Saturday at Willie Jeffries Field in Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

The Bulldog defense was non-relenting against the offense, with three touchdowns in the Garnet's 32-23 victory over the Blue. Defensive backs Courtney Ingram and Mason Harris each scored off turnovers in the second quarter when the Garnet posted 18 unanswered points to take control of the scrimmage.

Garnet 32, Blue 23 final

A forced fumble by Courtney Ingram on quarterback Derrick Wiley was the final play in the nine-point win by the defense Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium at Willie Jeffries Field.

Ingram had one of two defensive touchdowns for the Garnet, returning a forced fumble by Dominique Ellis 43 yards for a touchdown in the first half. The other score came on a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown by Mason Harris.

Defense Outscores Offense 32-23 in Garnet & Blue Game

Orangeburg, SC – The South Carolina State defense matched the offense with three touchdowns scored and got several other defensive stops to outscore the offense 32-23 Saturday in the Bulldogs' annual Garnet and Blue game. Bulldog head coach Buddy Pough said he was not surprised at the outcome, as the defense is typically ahead of the offense during the spring.

“The defense played very well, I thought,” Pough said. “But that's not so unusual as our defense has a knack for creating turnovers and touchdown-scoring opportunities, especially during the spring.


Videographer: ncaaoncampus; Looking Back - 2010 - MEAC Career Rushing Leader, William Ford

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VISIT: SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: SCSUBULLDOGS

ASU notebook: Offensive linemen sport golden look

Alabama State's Black & Gold Game had a different look this year as head coach Reggie Barlow divided the squad into two teams for the fans.

NCAA sanctions against the program left it short of scholarship players the last two years, and the 14 offensive linemen were allowed to wear gold jerseys and mingle among the teams wearing black or white jerseys, but Barlow said the players wanted to try a game format.

"These guys were really excited about it," Barlow said. "The last couple of years...

ASU Black and Gold Game: Price was right for Hornets

Greg Jenkins has had the upper hand throughout much of spring practice, but Demetric Price won Saturday's Black & Gold Game before the first snap was taken.

The two Alabama State quarterbacks continued their duel on Saturday in the annual spring game at Hornet Stadium with Price's team pulling out a 19-12 victory.

Price and his Gold squad (which was actually wearing white jerseys) trailed for virtually the entire 71-play contest before the offense scored on its final two possessions, with Price clinching the victory on a 2-yard run on the final play of the game.



ASU football: Long uses his speed to get results

Charlie Long has never been the biggest defensive lineman on the foot­ball field, but he has
always been one of the fastest. The Alabama State sophomore hopes speed can translate into a bigger role for the Horn­ets this fall.

"I just play as fast as I can," he said. "Because I'm undersized, I have to use my quickness. By playing fast, plays just open up for me."

So far, the 5-foot-11, 240-pounder has made a favorable impression on his coaches.

Alabama State football: Coaches to look at younger players

Alabama State coaches wanted to divide the team into two squads for today's Black and Gold Game but couldn't find enough offensive linemen to have two teams.

"I thought about just putting the O-line in another color," Alabama State coach Reggie Barlow said. "Have a Black (team) and a White (team) and put the offensive linemen in gold and that way we would have an offensive line for both teams."

Barlow decided to keep the squad divided into offensive and defensive teams, but the assistant coaches haven't given up on the idea.

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VISIT: ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: BAMASTATESPORTS

Stillman sweeps LeMoyne-Owen

TUSCALOOSA, AL | The Stillman College baseball team set three school and one NCAA record in a 38-2 win over LeMoyne-Owen in the second game of doubleheader at Stillman Park on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers won the opener 5-0 as junior left-hander Josh Cagle flirted with a perfect game.

With the doubleheader sweep, Stillman improves to 21-16 overall and 15-2 in Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play. The Tigers has won all 11 games in the SIAC Western Division this season. LeMoyne-Owen falls to 3-23, 2-19 in SIAC play with the two losses. The Magicians have lost 13 straight games.



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VISIT: STILLMAN COLLEGE
VISIT: STILLMANATHLETICS

CIAA athletes train with the U.S. Navy SEALs

If you know how to swim, raise your hand. Most of the 36 black college football players gathered around the indoor pool at Little Creek on Saturday lifted their hands in response to the SEAL's directive.

"When we say 'swim,' " Master Chief Shawn Johnson added, "we mean, 'If we put you in that pool right now, could you tread water for five minutes?' " The young men looked at one another. All but four hands dropped. "That's OK," Johnson said. "We can work with that."

Minutes later, the Chowan University athletes were in the water, practicing the sidestroke, navigating obstacles and learning how to use their clothes as flotation devices.

They were among hundreds of athletes from a dozen colleges in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association who have signed on to train with the SEALs this month at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.

Photo Gallary: View all 4 photos 

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OT David Mims has worked out for Chiefs, Lions, Ravens

David Mims is expected to be drafted in
the 5th or 6th Round of the 2011 NFL Draft
Virginia Union offensive tackle David Mims has worked out for the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions and the Baltimore Ravens, according to a league source with knowledge of the situation.
He has also visited the Ravens this month.

The imposing lineman is 6-foot-8 and 331 pounds after playing at nearly 350 pounds for the majority of his career. Mims bench pressed 225 pounds 29 times at his Pro Day workout, running the 40-yard dash in 5.32 seconds. He registered a 4.8 20-yard shuttle, an 8.1 on the three-cone drill, an 8-6 broad jump and a 27-inch vertical leap. Mims' workout numbers are superior or equal to many of the top tackle prospects.

The Division II All-American and All-CIAA selection is an imposing blocker who displays a mean streak. Although he played left tackle in college, Mims is regarded as a classic right tackle for the next level.

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VISIT: VIRIGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY
VISIT: VUUSPORTS

Howard University Gospel Choir - Spring Break 2011 Tour

The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Don't Wait til the Battle is Over" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA]. This song was incorporated in a medley of songs that was a special tribute to the late Bishop Walter Hawkins.

Soloist: Clifton Ross, III



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Going up Yonder" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA]. This song was incorporated in a medley of songs that was a special tribute to the late Bishop Walter Hawkins.

Soloist: Kristen Taylor



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Jesus Christ is the Way" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA]. This song was incorporated in a medley of songs that was a special tribute to the late Bishop Walter Hawkins.

Soloist: LaJoyce Denson



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Expect the Great" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA].

Soloist: Clifton Ross, III



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Be Grateful" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA].

Soloist: Jazzmen Johnson



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Be Transformed" during the Release Tour (Spring Break 2011 Tour) at the Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church [Atlanta, GA].



The Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University sings "Changed" during our Spring 2011 Concert at Cramton Auditorium [Howard University Main Campus]. This song was incorporated in a medley of songs that was a special tribute to the late Bishop Walter Hawkins.

Guest Soloist: Christina Miles

Lincoln University (Pa.) Kern named ninth head women's basketball coach

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. (April 14, 2011) — Lincoln University is pleased to announce Jessica Kern as the new head coach of the women's basketball program. She becomes the ninth head coach in the history of the program and the first full-time female coach.

Kern comes to Lincoln University as a highly decorated professional women's basketball player and collegiate standout. This past season, she served as the assistant women's coach and media specialist at NCAA Division I University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

LU Head Basketball Coach Jessica Kern
“It is a pleasure to welcome Jessica to our team and introduce her as our new head women's basketball coach,” said Director of Athletics Dianthia Ford-Kee. “Jessica's athletic background and experiences will bring a wealth of knowledge to our women's basketball program. Her career path exemplifies a commitment to excellence and she is a role model for our young women.”

At the University of UW-M, which is a member of the Horizon League, she assisted in scouting, aided in recruiting and broke down film. The Lady Panthers finished 12-18 and advanced to the league's quarterfinals in the postseason tournament.

“I am extremely grateful to President Nelson, Mrs. Ford-Kee and the selection committee for considering and choosing me as the new head women's basketball coach,” Kern said. “Education, hard work and discipline have played a substantial influence in my success thus far in my career. I look forward to instilling these qualities into such a special group of young women and am excited to begin this new chapter in my career.”

Prior to her time in Milwaukee, Kern assisted for two seasons at the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluffs, a Division I school and member of the Southwest Athletic Conference (SWAC). Her personalized individual-approach served the Lady Lions well. Posting a 12-19 record, she helped propel them to their most victories and highest conference tournament finish in 12 years. As the conditioning coordinator and individual skill developer, she assisted Lady Lion standouts Ciara Shields and Arica Green to All-SWAC recognitions as well as Shay Holmes to Newcomer of the Year status.

Kern's career path toward collegiate basketball coaching was unconventional to say the least. After earning a roster spot on the Penn State women's basketball program, she participated in track and field where she was a two-time All-Academic and All-Big Ten performer. A two-time captain and a 2002 graduate with degrees in communications and sociology, Kern returned to basketball and played professionally in Germany, Switzerland, Romania, and Poland from 2003-2010. While in Switzerland, she led her team with a 25.1 scoring average. A crowd favorite in Poland, Kern ran basketball clinics and gave motivational speeches at the local “University” school.

In the off-seasons from 2002-2007 she taught at various Milwaukee High Schools and aided the girls' basketball and track & field teams. Her 2007 Vincent High School junior varsity squad posted a 20-0 record, and her conditioning program and individualized skill development was a catalyst in Vincent achieving a State Championship. Spare time saw her establishing various basketball camps for girls in underserviced neighborhoods. Continuing her history with running camps, Kern successfully orchestrated the “Lady Lions” First Team Basketball Camp in the summer of 2009.

During the summer of 2007, her coaching career took a huge leap forward as she was appointed the head coach of the Arkansas Lady Ballers in the Women's Blue Chip Basketball League, a 20-team national semi-pro women's league. Kern's up tempo style, infectious enthusiasm and motivation propelled the Ballers to a victory over the Canadian national team, a regional championship and the national championship in held in Memphis, Tenn.

A native of Milwaukee, Wisc., Kern was one of the most decorated scholar/athletes in Milwaukee City Conference history. She received 11 Varsity Letters (3-Basketball, 4-Volleyball, 4-Track & Field) and Captained in each sport for multiple years. Her basketball teams played in the State Finals four times, winning the State Title in both her freshmen and sophomore years. In addition, she was an 11-time Individual Conference Champion in Track & Field, a 3-Time All Conference performer in Volleyball and a finalist for the State's Scholar/Athlete Award.

Kisha Middleton remains on staff as the program's top assistant.

By Chris Weeden, Lincoln University Director of Sports Information and Marketing
VISIT: LINCOLN UNIVERSITY (Pa.)
VISIT: LULIONS

Howard Lady Bison Split Doubleheader with Hampton

HAMPTON, VA. – The Lady Bison softball team faced off against MEAC rival Hampton and traded wins in the doubleheader on Sunday afternoon. Howard (13-22, 4-4 MEAC) dropped a close game to Hampton (11-26, 4-4 MEAC) in game one, 9-7, but stole the second game, to beat the Lady Pirates, 6-1.

In the first game Howard got off to a 2-0 lead in the first inning and scored another duo of runs in the third. Hampton caught up with the Lady Bison and grossed four runs in the bottom of the third to tie the game.

Howard bolted three runs in the fifth courtesy of Samantha Gatson who ignited a 3-run homer. The Lady Pirates matched Howard again with a home run of their own that brought in two runs and scored their third run of the inning on a wild pitch.

Gatson took over the pitching reigns following the Pirate homer from Carly Martin. Martin – the reigning MEAC Pitcher of the Week – struck out four batters, walked two and allowed ten hits before leaving the game.

Howard remained scoreless the remainder of the game, helping Hampton to secure the win following their two runs scored in the bottom of the sixth.

Gatson struck out two batters, walked one and kept the Pirates hitless. Meanwhile at the plate, Rebecca Kirshner led the Bison with three hits.

Game two proved to hold a different atmosphere as Emily Johnson set the tone of the game with a leadoff home run. The Lady Bison went on to outhit Hampton 11-2.

Johnson finished the game with the most hits (3) while Marissa Coats and Christine Sborz added two hits each. Coats led the team with four RBI.

Gatson made her second appearance of the day, striking out three batters and allowed one walk.
The Howard softball team will resume play on April 30 and will play host to MEAC opponent Morgan State. Visit www.howard-bison.com for more updates on the Lady Bison softball team.

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

Howard's Cox, Lackey Split 10 Goals in Final Road Game

DETROIT, MICH. – The Howard lacrosse team dropped to Detroit Mercy 20-14 in their final road game of the regular season. The Lady Bison (3-10, 0-7 NLC) was led by their top-two leading scorers – Desiree Cox andCourtland Lackey – who grossed 10 of HU's 14 goals, splitting five scores a piece.

Lackey was first to score for the Bison after the Titans (3-10, 2-5 NLC) jumped off to a 4-0 lead in the first ten minutes of play. Detroit would score two back-to-back goals before the Lady Bison rallied a trio of goals byChastity Dailey, Lackey and Cox, shortening Detroit's lead, 6-4.

Cox led another offensive attack in the final six minutes, giving HU it's first two goals in a late 4-0 run and put Howard within one goal of tying Detroit, who at this point led 9-8. Both NLC opponents traded goals until the final seconds of the half and HU trailed two goals as Detroit held the 11-9 advantage.


Videographer: HUReaction; Drew Hall Step Team - HU RestFest 2011

Although Detroit outshot the Bison 26-12 and doubled HU in groundballs (20-10), solid defensive play by Howard goalkeeperAmber Meeks helped to keep the game close as she finished the half with eight saves compared to the Titans who were held to zero.

Howard nearly matched Detroit in draw controls in the first period with 10 while the Titans finished with 11. Ashley Footesacked five draw controls in the game to lead the team. She also finished first on the team in groundballs with four and was one of five Bison to cause a turnover.

In the second half, the scoring frenzy slowed on both sides, HU was outscored by Detroit however, 5-9.

Detroit got off to another 4-0 lead before Cox chimed in with a Bison goal. Cox would score again and Lackey also scored twice in the final half. Ashley Lawrence scored Howard's 14th and final goal of the game before Detroit went on to score three more before time expired.

The Lady Bison lacrosse team will return to Greene Stadium for their season finale on Wednesday, April 20 against Fresno State at 7 p.m. For more information on the Howard lacrosse team, visit www.howard-bison.com.

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

South Alabama Jaguars dominate XU Gold Nuggets in 9-0 victory

NEW ORLEANS -- South Alabama ended its losing streak and extended Xavier University of Louisiana's with a 9-0 women's tennis decision Saturday at Tulane's Goldring Stadium. The match was scored under NAIA rules.

The Jaguars (2-11) had lost eight consecutive duals. The Gold Nuggets (3-16) have lost five straight and 14 of their last 15. It was Xavier's eighth loss of the season against an NCAA Division I opponent.

South Alabama picked up default victories at No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles and dropped just eight games in seven completed matches. The closest match was at No. 2 doubles, where Alina Volman and Jess Courtnell defeated sisters Melissa and Nicole DeLoach 8-4.

Chané Hines teamed with Katie Welch for an 8-0 doubles victory over Amber Brown and Carmen Nelson at No. 1, then Hines beat Nicole DeLoach 6-0, 6-0 at No. 3 singles. Welch defeated Brown 6-1, 6-0 at No 1 singles.

Bridgette Gale clinched the dual with her 6-1, 6-0 victory over Ashley McGill at No. 5 singles.

South Alabama will remain in the city and play at Tulane at 1 p.m. Sunday. Xavier will close its regular season with a 4 p.m. Tuesday dual against Southeastern Louisiana at City Park Tennis Center, then travel to Chattanooga, Tenn., for an NAIA National Championship qualifying tournament April 29-30.

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

Saturday, April 16, 2011

UMES Takes Home 2011 Crown; Lady Hawks Win Second National Title, Top Vandy

Coach Sharon Brummell wins second NCAA
National Bowling Championship (2011, 2008)
with a talented roster with FIVE 2011 All-Americans,
Paula Vilas, Martha Perez, Anggie Ramirez,
Kristina Frahm and Maria Rodriguez.
TAYLOR, Mich. -- Maryland-Eastern Shore took home the crown at the 2011 NCAA Women's Bowling Championships, defeating Vanderbilt, 4-2 at Skore Lanes in Taylor, Mich. Saturday. The Lady Hawks rebounded from a two-games-to-one deficit to win three consecutive games and the match.

UMES grabbed the early lead with a 215-197 win in the opening game but Vanderbilt answered with a 193-164 win in game two. The Commodores struck in each of the first six frames en route to a 248-201 win in game three. The Lady Hawks roared back with a 30-pin win for the equalizer in game four and it became a best-of-three for the national title.

The Lady Hawks re-gained the lead with a commanding 235-166 victory in the fifth game, inching UMES closer to its second national championship. The sixth game was a back-and-forth affair all the way to the final frame when a Vanderbilt open frame opened the door for UMES. Lady Hawk anchor Maria Rodriguez marked 29 in the 10th to put it away.

To qualify for the championship match, both teams needed to win a pair of matches against undefeated and higher-seeded teams earlier in the bracket. Each did.

UMES knocked-out top seed Fairleigh Dickinson with a 4-2 win Saturday morning, following-up a 4-1 win in Friday's final round in the double-elimination bracket. VU duplicated its Friday afternoon win over second-seeded Nebraska with 4-1 victories on each occasion to advance to the championship.

Saturday's championship will air on ESPN Sunday afternoon beginning at 2:30 p.m. Eastern time.

Courtesy Detroit Athletics

Championship Bracket

2010/11 UMES Lady Hawks National Champions Roster

NONAMEYearHandedHometownLast School
04Buja, MeganFRRightRockford, Ill.Thomas Jefferson H.S.
23Falbo, T'niaSORightGreensburg, Pa.Hempfield Senior H.S.
14Frahm, KristinaSRLeftOswego Ill.Oswego East H.S.
21Perez, MarthaSRRightBogota, ColombiaEnglish School
02Ramirez, AnggieSOLeftBogota, ColombiaSaint George School
01Rodriguez, MariaSRRightIbague Tolima, ColombiaLa Presentacion
05Vilas, PaulaJRRightSanto Domingo, Dominican RepubUniv. of APEC
Sharon Brummell - Head Coach
Doug Dukes - Assistant Coach
Vince Brummell - Assistant Coach
Maurice Lee - Manager

VISIT: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND EASTERN SHORE
VISIT: UMESHAWKS

2011 NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: UMES HEADS BACK TO THE TITLE MATCH WITH 4-2 WIN OVER FDU

TAYLOR, Mich. - Three times is a charm, all three, as the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) defeated Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) 4-2 and will advance to the National Championship match against Vanderbilt.

The Commodores defeated Nebraska 4-1 to earn their second trip to the finals. FDU only had three losses in the entire tournament, all three were to the Hawks who defeated them yesterday to force today's match and then again today to eliminate them from the event.

The quintet of Paula Vilas, Martha Perez, Anggie Ramirez, Kristina Frahm and Maria Rodriguez, all All-Americans, dominated on right lane, winning games one, three and five before overcoming the left lane to win game six and handing the Knights a 4-2 loss.

In game one UMES rolled six strikes and took advantage of three FDU opens to post a 50 pin spread, 217-167.

Photo Gallery

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2011 NCAA BOWLING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: MARYLAND - EASTERN SHORE MAKES FINAL FOUR; IN TITLE HUNT

Past four NCAA championship teams remain in title hunt.  UMES to face Fairleigh Dickinson (2010 NCAA National Champs) today.



The top four seeded teams all remain alive with one loss heading into the final day of the 2011 NCAA Women's Bowling Championship at Skore Lanes in Taylor, Mich. The four teams represent the last four NCAA champions in the sport and are the only schools to win the crown since the tournament began in 2004.

Top-seeded Fairleigh Dickinson and second-seeded Nebraska advanced through the winner's bracket in their first two matches while Maryland Eastern Shore and Vanderbilt had to fight back through elimination matches.

The day wasn't without its drama, as FDU had to fend off Vanderbilt in an epic second-round match that went to a tiebreaker. The 192-192 tie in the first game set the tone for this match. After the Commodores posted wins in each of the next two games, defending NCAA-champ FDU answered with three consecutive wins. VU's 199-184 win in the seventh game left the teams each with 3.5 games through seventh forcing a tiebreaker. In the five-frame roll-off, FDU squeaked by with a 107-105 win to advance.

Saturday's matches include FDU (2010 NCAA champ) against UMES (2008) with the other semifinal pitting Nebraska (2009) against Vanderbilt (2007). Nebraska won it all the last time the championships were held in the Detroit area.



Semifinals begin at 10:40 a.m. on Saturday with the championship set for 3:40 p.m. A tape-delayed broadcast of the final round can be seen on ESPN on Sun., April 17 at 2:30 p.m.

Courtesy NCAA.com

SATURDAY: 10:40 AM CT, WATCH LIVE --UMES VS. FDU, CLICK HERE

HOW THEY GOT THERE:  Printable Bracket

Grambling climbs back into SWAC hunt

(CLICK ON FLYER TO ENLARGE)
In 2010, the Grambling State baseball team seemingly came out of nowhere when it caught fire late in the season, captured the Southwestern Athletic Conference Tournament championship, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

This season, the Tigers have been in the thick of the SWAC race all along.

Grambling (16-15 overall, 10-5 SWAC) now sits in second place in the SWAC Western Division standings, one game behind first-place Southern (19-12, 11-4). The Tigers visit Alabama State today for a doubleheader starting at noon in Montgomery, Ala.

ASU Black and Gold game, other athletic events set for Saturday

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- Alabama State University has a busy Saturday of athletic events planned, which will include the annual Black and Gold football game set for 2 p.m. at Hornet Stadium.

The Hornets held their final of 14 spring practices prior to the game, which will feature a defensive unit returning several key players and a defensive coordinator back for another year. The defense ranked second in the SWAC in fewest points allowed and third in total defense.

The offense is learning a new scheme, which is being installed by first-year offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss.

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VISIT: GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY
VISIT: GSUTIGERS

What to look for at B-CU's spring football game today

ABOUT THE GAME
WHERE: Ormond Beach Sports Complex
WHEN: Today, 4 p.m.
ADMISSION: $5 ($1 students with ID); parking

1. Quarterbacks
This could be the last chance for Jackie Wilson or David Blackwell to get a leg up heading into summer drills in the battle to replace 2010 MEAC player of the year Matt Johnson. Head coach Brian Jenkins calls the two QBs mirror images of each other. Will Wilson have an advantage playing with the maroon squad and the first-team O-line?  In the summer, the position battle could heat up even more when freshman Quentin Williams, Florida's Mr. Football winner, arrives.

2. Running backs
This could be a chance for someone to break out of a crowded pack. Three of last season's top four rushers (excluding quarterbacks) return: Isidore Jackson (514 yards, 4.4 yards per carry, eight TDs), Johnathan Moment (257 yards, 4.4 ypc, three TDs) and Andronicus Lovette (261 yards, 6.7 ypc, six TDs). Throw into the mix...


Videographer: madie1898; BCU Symphonic Band, Spring Concert 2011, "Someone"

Will Spirited Spring Game Draft Add To Saturday's Show?

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –- What was the difference between the Bethune-Cookman University football team’s spring game player draft and those drafts you’re accustomed to watching on television? Well, Mel Kiper Jr. would have been completely clueless for one thing.

Part actual draft, part brokering session and part deal-making that you expect to find in smoke-filled rooms – in this case, without the smoke – as the evening progressed, the Wildcats gathered Thursday night in the football coaches office and labored until the wee hours of the morning hammering out the line-ups for Saturday’s game at Ormond Beach Sports Complex.

There were players practicing to be agents and the ever-looming threat of a “blockbuster trade” at the 11th hour, but the most important thing for B-CU Head Coach Brian Jenkins was seeing a lot of enthusiasm and camaraderie among the coaching staff and players.

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VISIT: BETHUNE COOKMAN UNIVERSITY
VISIT: BCUATHLETICS