Stillman Defeats Morehouse, Claims Second Consecutive SIAC Men's Tennis Championship

2014 SIAC MEN'S TENNIS CHAMPIONS
STILLMAN COLLEGE TIGERS
PHOTO COURTESY: STILLMAN ATHLETICS

ATLANTA, Georgia -- The Tigers of Stillman College defeated the Maroon Tigers of Morehouse College, 5-0, to capture its second consecutive SIAC Men's Tennis Championship. Stillman's David Torres earned tournament MVP honors, while Tigers head coach William Riley was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Coach. 

The championship contest was a rematch from a March 27th contest, won by the Stillman Tigers 7-2 during the SIAC West Round-up in Memphis.  This time, the Tigers from Tuscaloosa wasted little time taking command of the match and earning their second title in as many years.

In double competition, the number one team of Jang-eun Lee and David Torres earned an 8-4 win over Kahai Hall and Phillipian Stamps.  Yonwaba Pupuma and Jose Pojasi won the number two singles match 9-7 before Fernando Garcia and Aleksandar Zobec pulled off the doubles sweep with a 8-3 win.

Singles play saw Torres win a 6-1, 6-0 match over Everette Reese and Zobec defeat Jabez Beazer 6-0, 6-2.  Torres and his doubles partner Lee were the two Stillman representatives on the all-tournament team.

The win pushed the Stillman Tigers record to 27-4.  Stillman now looks forward to playing in the NCAA South Regional during the first weekend in May.
 

MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP: Stillman 5, Morehouse 0

Doubles Competition:

1. Jang-eun Lee / David Torres (SC) def. Kahai Hall / Phillipian Stamps (MHC) - 8-4 

2. Yonwaba Pupuma / Jose Pojasi (SC) def. Noah Terry / Everette Reese (MHC) - 9-7

3. Fernando Garcia / Aleksandar Zobec (SC) def. Chris Hawthorne / Brandon Sanders (MHC) - 8-3

Singles Competition:

1. Kahai Hall (MHC) vs. Jang-eun Lee (SC) - no result 

2. David Torres (SC) def. Everette Reese (MHC) - 6-1, 6-0

3. Aleksandar Zobec (SC) def. Jabez Beazer (MHC) - 6-0, 6-2

4. Chris Hawthorne (MHC) vs. Yonwaba Pupuma (SC) - no result

5. Noah Terry (MHC) vs. Jose Pojasi (SC) - no result

6. Brandon Sanders (MHC) vs. Edward Symmonett (SC) - no result

Men's SIAC All-Tournament team:

Singles:

1. Jang-eun Lee - Stillman College

2. David Torres - Stillman College

3. Noah Terry - Morehouse College

4. Kahai Hall - Morehouse College

5. Takudswa Muswere - Benedict College

6. Giovanni Plater - Benedict College

Doubles:

1. Jang-eun Lee & David Torres - Stillman College

2. Brandon Sanders & Chris Hawthorne - Morehouse College

3. Justin Payton & Takudswa Muswere - Benedict College

Tournament MVP: David Torres - Stillman College

Most Outstanding Coach: William Riley - Stillman College

Third Place: Benedict College

Runner-Up: Morehouse College

2014 SIAC Men's Champions: Stillman College

 

COURTESY STILLMAN COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

Stillman Defeats Clark Atlanta, Captures Second Consecutive SIAC Women's Tennis Title

2014 SIAC WOMEN'S TENNIS CHAMPIONS
STILLMAN COLLEGE LADY TIGERS
PHOTO COURTESY: STILLMAN COLLEGE ATHLETICS

ATLANTA, Georgia -- The Lady Tigers of Stillman College defeated the Lady Panthers of Clark Atlanta University 5-3 to win its second consecutive SIAC Women's Tennis title. Stillman's Litia Godinet, the 2013 and 2014 SIAC Women's Tennis Player of the Year, was named the women's tournament MVP while Lady Tigers head coach Will Riley earned Most Outstanding Coach honors.

The championship match was the third installment of the season series between the Lady Tigers and Lady Panthers, with Stillman picking up both wins by similar 5-4 team scores.

The match began with tough doubles competition with the Lady Tigers (31-4) taking two of the three doubles points.  The number one team of Godinet and Carolina Barabas defeated Vonnick Boyogueno and Brionne Bachus 8-4.  Nair Tolomeo and Angela Corredor then defeated Asia Boyd and Ivory Conley 8-3 while the number three team of Rosana Medeiros and Veronika Kalugina fell 8-4.

In singles play, Stillman took a 3-1 team lead when Godinet downed Vanessa Jean Baptiste 6-0, 6-1.  The Lady Panthers won the number two singles point with a straight-set win, closing the gap to 3-2.  Stillman surged ahead 4-2 when Tolomeo won the number three singles match 6-2, 6-7, 6-4.  CAU earned another team point winning the number four match in straight sets 6-3, 6-3.  In the number five singles match, Kalugina earned the deciding team point by defeating Conley 4-6, 6-2, 6-2.

While Godinet was named tournament MVP, Tolomeo (singles) and Barabas (doubles) joined her on the all-tournament team.

WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP: Stillman 5, Clark Atlanta 3

 

Doubles Competition:

1. Carolina Barabas / Litia Godinet (SC) def. Vonnick Boyogueno / Brionne Bachus (CAU) - 8-4

2. Nair Tolomeo / Angela Corredor (SC) def. Asia Boyd / Ivory Conley (CAU) - 8-3

3. Avern Gumbs / Tori Pradier (CAU) def. Rosana Medeiros / Veronika Kalugina (SC) - 8-4

Singles Competition:

1. Litia Godinet (SC) def. Vanessa Jean-Baptiste (CAU) - 6-0, 6-1 

2. Tori Pradier (CAU) def. Carolina Barabas (SC) - 6-3, 6-4

3. Nair Tolomeo (SC) def. Vonnick Boyogueno (CAW) - 6-2, 6-7, 6-4

4. Brionne Bachus (CAU) def. Angela Corredor (SC) - 6-3, 6-3

5. Veronika Kalugina (SC) def. Ivory Conley (CAU) - 4-6, 6-2, 6-2

6. Asia Boyd (CAU) def. Rosana Medeiros (SC) - no result

Women's SIAC All-Tournament team:

Singles:

1. Litia Godinet - Stillman College

2. Nair Tolomeo - Stillman College

3. Tori Pradier - Clark Atlanta University

4. Brionne Bachus - Clark Atlanta University

5. Gabriella Louis - Fort Valley State University

6. Yonelle Arimon - Fort Valley State University

Doubles:

1. Carolina Barabas & Litia Godinet - Stillman College

2. Avern Gumbs & Tori Pradier - Clark Atlanta University

3. Gabriella Louis & Yonelle Arimon - Fort Valley State University

Tournament MVP: Litia Godinet - Stillman College

Most Outstanding Coach: William Riley - Stillman College

2014 SIAC Women's Champions: Stillman College

COURTESY STILLMAN COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

WSSU Rams Clinch CIAA Regular Season With Sweep Of Lincoln University Lions

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina  -- The Winston-Salem State University swept the Lincoln University on Sunday afternoon, 5-4 and 11-3, to clinch the CIAA Baseball Regular Season Crown heading into Spring Championship Week in Petersburg, VA.

In game one, The Rams used a big third inning to hold off the Lions 5-4.

Leland Clemmons walked to lead off eh game and advanced on an Anthony Nutall ground out. Ray Crawford would bring home Clemmons on a single to give WSSU the early 1-0 advantage.

Lincoln University would bounce back to tie the game in the bottom half of the second inning, as they were able to take advantage of a WSSU fielding error to plate a run and make the score 1-1.

In the top of the third inning, Levi Grassley singled to start the inning, followed by an Eddie Araujo walk. Leland Clemmons would advance the runners on a sacrifice to the pitcher before Anthony Nutall would send a deep fly ball to center field to bring home Grassley on a sacrifice fly. After a Ray Crawford walk, Conner Andrus singled to bring home Araujo, and Colby Keene would single to bring in Crawford to give the Rams a 4-1 lead.

The lions continued to fight and would once again take advantage of a WSSU fielding error and would bring home two runs in the bottom of the third, and would score again in the bottom half of the fifth inning to tie the game at 4-4 heading into the late innings.

But the Rams would put the game away in the top of the sixth inning when Conner Andrus led off with a single and would move over on a Colby Keene ground out. Rafael Gonzalez would single home Andrus to give WSSU the 5-4 lead, that they would hold on to, to take the win.

Conner Andrus went two for four at the plate for the Rams, scoring one run and also picking up a run batted in. Ray Crawford finished one for three with one run scored and one run batted in, while Levi Grassley also finished one for three with a run scored. Colby Keene went one for two with a run batted in and Rafael Gonzalez went one for three with a run batted in. Anthony Nutall also finished with a run batted in and Leland Clemmons and Eddie Araujo each scored a run.

Aaron Hatch picked up the complete game win for the Rams, going the full 7.0 innings, scattering seven hits and four runs, just two earned however. He walked one and struck out four in the outing.

In game two, Winston-Salem State scored early and often and put the game away by the second inning as the Rams rolled to an 11-3 win over The Lincoln University.

In the top of the first, Ray Crawford walked to start the game before he would eventually be brought home on a Leland Clemmons sacrifice fly to center field. Conner Andrus followed that at-bat with a solo home run to left field.

WSSU broke the game wide open in the top of the second as they would score five runs on three hits. After a Levi Grassley single, Rashad Webster and Anthony Nutall would draw a walks, before Leland Clemmons would come to the plate with two outs. Leland Clemmons would clear the bases with a grand slam home run, followed by a Conner Andrus double to give the Rams a 7-0 lead.

Ray Crawford would pick up two RBI's in the third inning and Levi Grassley one in the fourth to take a commanding 10-0 lead.

The Lincoln Lions would finally get on the board in the sixth inning when they scored three runs on three hits with one WSSU error.

The final nail in the coffin would be supplied by Rafael Gonzalez whose single to center field scored Eddie Araujo to give the Rams the victory with a final of 11-3.

Leland Clemmons led the Rams hitting attack, gong a perfect two for two at the plate, with two runs scored and a game high five runs batted in. He also homered in the game. Levin Grassley went three for five with a run batted in and Conner Andrus went two for the with a run scored and a home run.

Rafael Gonzalez finished two for five with a run batted in and Ray Crawford scored three runs and also finished with two runs batted in. Anthony Nutall went one for three with a runs cored and Rashad Webster went one for two with two runs scored. Alex Grubb picked up a hit and Aaron Hatch scored a run and also had a run batted in.

Jordan Carlton picked up the win for WSSU, going 5.1 innings, while allowing six hits and two earned runs, while striking out a season high 11 batters and walking three. Devin McLemore pitched the final 1.2 innings, striking out three batters.

The Rams will now head to Petersburg, VA for the CIAA Baseball Championships this week, which are a part of the CIAA Spring Sports Festival.

Box Score

COURTESY WINSTON-SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

FAMU Lady Rattlers Race To Top Finishes At FSU Invite

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  --  The Florida A&M Lady Rattler track team posted several Top 10 finishes, including personal and school records at the FSU Seminole Invitational at the Mike Long Track.

2013 All-American sprinter, Nakia Linson, took th
e top honor in the 100m, finishing in 11.62.  Linson would add the top spot in the long jump to her weekend, as she leaped 5.72m, to finish first.

Thrower SashaAnn Lebert finished second in the discus throw, but in the process, achieved a personal best performance as well as a FAMU record.  Her toss of 50.08m (164-04) is the best ever recorded at FAMU as well.

Distance runner Effiey Kosgei paced herself to the front of the 5,000m run and finished in a personal best time of 17:51.24, winning the event.

Javelin thrower Jaymee Smith took second place with a toss of 41.39 meters, while thrower Andrea Aaron scored a second place finish as well, with a throw of 13.54m.

Triple jumper Ashley Giacomucci leaped 11.68m, good for a second place finish in the field event.

The Lady Rattlers will next compete in the Tom Jones Invitational in Gainesville, Apr.19, on the campus of the University of Florida.  The MEAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships are May 1-3 in Greensboro, NC.

FULL RESULTS

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

XU Announces Tennis Rainout, Track Schedule Revisions

COACH JOSEPH MOSES
 

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana's women's tennis home dual match against Southern on Monday was postponed because of rain. It was rescheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday at XU Tennis Center.

Xavier is 12-6 and ranked second in the NAIA.

Track and field coach Joseph Moses announced changes to his schedule Monday. Dropped were the Southeastern Invitational at Hammond, La., on Friday and the Seminole Twilight Invitational at Tallahassee, Fla., on May 9. Moses will bring some of his women to the Georgia Tech Invitational in Atlanta on May 16-17.

The Gold Nuggets on Saturday won their second consecutive Gulf Coast Athletic Conference outdoor team championship and their third in four years.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
https://twitter.com/xulagold
https://www.facebook.com/xulagold 

Jackson gives glimpse of future for Jackson State football

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Harold Jackson didn't show everything on Saturday.

But Jackson State's new head coach did give fans a glimpse of what the Tigers will look like under him this season, even if it was a vanilla version of it.

"We didn't mix up a whole lot of things and we didn't show a lot of stuff because we don't know who's out there on this field filming," Jackson said, adding that he held back both in aggressiveness and with play calling to try and keep fans guessing until the season opener against Florida A&M on Aug. 30.

Fans should expect pass-heavy formations under new offensive coordinator Timmy Chang, a former player and graduate assistant under run-and-shoot guru June Jones.

In Saturday's hour-long scrimmage, the white team threw for 186 yards and ran for 91 more.

"You'll see a little bit faster, a little bit quicker on the football field," Jackson said.

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Dillard and Xavier take Outdoor Track & Field Championships

NEW ORLEANS -- It was a great day for the host Dillard Bleu Devils and the Xavier Gold Nuggets as the teams celebrated winning the 2014 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships at Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans' City Park. This was the second title in four years for the Bleu Devils on the men's side and the Xavier women earned their second consecutive championship.

The Dillard Men finished with 178 total points in the meet. Edward Waters College followed with 153 points and Voorhees College earned 106 points in their first appearance at the GCAC Championships. Southern University at New Orleans came in fourth place with 101 points as Xavier (34 points) and Talladega College (8 points) rounded out the field.

Dillard athletes earned first place finishes in six events including the 3000 Meter Steeplechase (Jevonte Ezzard), the 4x100 Meter Relay (Wendell Collins, Kermit Buggage, Tobyus Simmons, James Odiboh), 110 Meter Hurdles (Sean Wilson), 400 Meter Dash (Matthew Jones), 800 Meter Run (Emory Nash) and the Triple Jump (Nate Barnett). The Bleu Devils were able to rack up points with their overall consistency across events, as they placed at least two of the top four finishers in two events (100 Meters and Long Jump), three of five in two more (110 Meter Hurdles and 400 Meter Dash) and three of six in two more (200 Meter Dash and 5000 Meter Run) and an impressive four out of the top five in the 3000 Meter Steeplechase.

Voorhees College had an impressive debut at the Championships, claiming four event titles. Stanley Johnson took the 100 Meters while William Suggs earned the Shot Put crown with a GCAC record distance of 13.99 meters. Zaunce Simmons took home a pair of victories in the Long Jump and the High Jump breaking the conference record in the High Jump with a height of 1.96 meters.

Edward Waters tied for second in overall wins with four as well, with Hieden Cummings winning the 200 Meter Dash, Kendal Thompson set a new conference mark in the Hammer Throw with 31.72 meters, and Alonzo Cunningham and Anthony Hannah claiming the Javelin and Discus respectively. Hannah set a new GCAC record with a throw of 44.95 meters.

Southern University at New Orleans won three events. The team of Sanj Powell, Rushain Murray, Sheldon Williams and Alex Saunders set a new GCAC record with a winning time of 8:05.00 in the 4x800 Meter Relay. Powell and Saunders along with Chad Thomas and Bruce McLean claimed the 4x400 Meter Relay championship as well with Thomas scoring and individual title in the 400 Meter Hurdles.

Xavier University finished with two event championships. Brent Kitto made history with his conference record time of 4:13.58 in the 1500 Meter Run and Kwame Jackson won the 5000 Meter Run for the Gold Rush.

The Xavier Women were dominant on their way to back to back Outdoor Championships. Xavier finished the day with 213 points, outpacing runner up Dillard who finished with 168. Edward Waters came in third with 143 points as SUNO (26 points) and Voorhess (19 points) rounded out the standings.

Xavier claimed nine event wins with Catherine Fakler winning three individual titles in impressive fashion. Fakler broke her own record in the 3000 Meter Steeplechase with a time of 12:01.53, set a new mark in the 5000 Meter Run at 19:50.14 and took the 1500 Meter crown as well. Fakler, along with Briana Sims, Ashley Flournoy and Zahri Jackson won the 4x800 Meter Relay title, giving the Xavier standout four total wins. Teammate Devinn Rolland impressed also, breaking her own GCAC record in the 100 Meter Dash, winning with a time of 11.66 and claiming the 200 Meter and Long Jump championships as well. Angelica Alexander broke the conference record in the high jump with a height of 1.53 meters and Terri Cunningham won the 400 Meter Hurdles.

Dillard University finished with six event titles. The Lady Bleu Devils were led by the record breaking performance of Kaitlyn Fortuna, Destinee Showell, India Ware and Courtney Henry in the 4x100 Meter Relay. The quartet finished with a time of 47.15. Henry and Ware, along with Dominique Hardin and Tamara Hundley were also able to win the 4x400 Meter Relay title. Henry picked up her third win of the day in the Women's Triple Jump while Fortuna earned her second victory by taking the 400 Meter Dash. Danielle Glover set the GCAC record with a distance of 28.72 meters in the Hammer Throw and Aaliyah Cumming winning the 100 Meter Hurdle championship.

Edward Waters showed its dominance in the Field in winning three of the seven events there. Lynetta Cook broke the conference record in the Discus with a distance of 44.17 meters. Anissa Martin won two events, capturing titles in the Shot Put and the Javelin Throw.

Mackola Joseph of Southern University at New Orleans won the Women's 800 Meter Run for the Lady Knights only victory.

For all results, click on the following link: Results

COURTESY GULF COAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (GCAC) MEDIA RELATIONS

Both WSSU QBs lead scoring drives in spring finale

KERNERSVILLE, North Carolina  — After battling for the starting quarterback’s position throughout spring practice, Rudy Johnson and Phillip Sims made strong cases to win the job Saturday in Winston-Salem State’s spring football game at Glenn High School.

Johnson, last season’s starter, shook off a slow start and completed 7 of 13 passes for 86 yards and led the Rams to points on three of his five drives. Sims, who transferred from Virginia before last season, completed 7 of his 8 passes and led scoring drives on two of his three possessions.
                   
Both led drives that ended with touchdowns — Johnson connected with Chase Powell for a 10-yard score, and Sims connected with Rashan Williams on a 54-yard bomb.

The game matched the first-team...

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Alabama State baseball: ASU junior Amion leads nation in runs scored

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- Alabama State center fielder Richard Amion scored twice on Sunday to give Alabama State the series’ victory over Alcorn State after splitting a doubleheader on Saturday.

The two runs give Amion 53 for the year, tops among all Division I baseball players in America.

“It feels great to be at the top of the list,” he said. “Hopefully, I’ll stay at the top of the list. When I get on base, I don’t have to steal as many bases as last year because I know the big dogs behind me are going to drive me in.”

Amion didn’t get here by accident. The leadoff hitter for the Hornets has worked hard off the field and studied his opposing pitchers to become a well-rounded hitter.

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Lincoln's Lewis Breaks Meet Record In 100m At Missouri Relays

COLUMBIA, Missouri  --  Romel Lewis broke the meet record in 100m, highlighting the Lincoln men's outdoor track & field team's performance at the Missouri Relays on Saturday (April 12). The Blue Tigers won five events at the meet, which was hosted by the University of Missouri.

Lewis won the 100m in 10.28, an automatic qualifying time for the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field National Championships that breaks the previous Missouri Relays mark of 10.39. That previous record was also set by a Blue Tiger, Lerone Clark, back in 2004. Romone Hill finished one second behind Lewis, taking second in 10.29, also an automatic qualifier. Wesley Best placed fifth in the 100m (21.21) while Khorey Spalding finished seventh (10.72).

Hill and Lewis also helped Lincoln take first place in the 4x100m relay, teaming with Best and Spalding to win in 40.24, another Missouri Relays meet record. The foursome beat the previous record of 40.48, also set by Lincoln back in 2004. The Blue Tigers also won the 4x400m relay, with the grouping of Winston Edwards, Michael Ashley, Jermaine Blake and Roger Blake finishing in 3:12.41. Both of those winning times are provisional qualifiers.

Jermaine Blake took the crown in the 800m, winning in 1:54.97, and also placed 13th in the 1,500m (4:18.60). Edwards had Lincoln's other individual victory of the day, taking the 400m hurdles in 53.01. Ashley, meanwhile, was the runner-up in the 400m, finishing second in 48.41, while Roger Blake placed seventh (49.30) and Neville Daley took 10th (50.51).

The Blue Tigers had four athletes finish among the top-12 in the 200m, led by Hill, who took third in 21.21. Best finished fifth in that event, coming in at 21.46, and Spalding placed seventh (21.65) while Stallone Watson came in 12th (22.28). Watson was Lincoln's top finisher in both the 110m hurdles, where he took fourth (14.81), and the long jump, where he placed third at 7.11m. Orneldo Thomas took fourth in the long jump with a distance of 7.06m while Owen Smith took 10th (6.24m).

Hampton Mayson had two nice finishes for LU in the field events, including taking seventh in the shot put at 13.28m. In the javelin throw, Mayson claimed 10th with a distance of 35.46. Darran Hunter placed eighth in the latter event, finishing with a distance of 41.63m.

Next week, Lincoln is scheduled to compete in two meets, including the Kansas Relays in Lawrence, Kan. from April 17-19. LU is also slated to compete in the Dewey Allgood Invitational, which will be hosted by Missouri S&T University in Rolla, Mo. on April 19.

Complete Results

Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
COURTESY LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Texas Southern Women's Track Head Coach Pauline Banks Inducted into MVSU Hall of Fame

COURTESY MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

ITTA BENA, Mississippi -- Seven former Mississippi Valley State University standouts were inducted into the MVSU Athletic Hall of Fame on Saturday during a banquet at the H.M. Ivy Cafeteria on the MVSU campus.

The inductees include: Pauline Banks, Stephanie Gardner, Robin Williams, Roy Hazzle, Rufus Williams, Albert Jo Williams and Larry Harmon.

Pauline Banks was named the Most Valuable Player at Greenwood High School in track and field for a three-year span from 1983-86. She was also a Big 8 champion in the 100, 200 and 400 meters in 1986. She continued her success at MVSU in 1987 by being selected All-SWAC in the 200 and 400 meter dash. She was also selected in 1987, 1989 and 1990 as the MVSU Most Valuable Player for Outdoor Track & Field. Banks was selected All-SWAC in the 400 meters in 1988-1990. She was All-SWAC in the 4x400 relay in 1990. During her employment at Jackson State University, she became the first woman selected as head coach for the track and field team in 2003. The JSU 4x400 relay team was selected NCAA Division I Mid-East All-Region Team. The 2008 and 2009 JSU indoor and outdoor track and field teams earned SWAC titles. Banks moved on with her trail blazing, becoming the first woman selected as head women's track and field coach at Texas Southern in 2009.

COURTESY MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION   

Lincoln Blue Tigers Win Seven Events At The Missouri Relays

COLUMBIA, Missouri  -- Yanique Ellington broke the meet record in 100m, posting one the Lincoln women's outdoor track & field team's seven victories at the Missouri Relays on Saturday (April 12). The Blue Tigers turned in 33 overall top-10 finishes at the meet, which was hosted by the University of Missouri.

Ellington was one of six Blue Tigers to finish among the top-15 in the 100m, winning the race in 11.52. That time, an automatic qualifier for the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track & Field National Championships, beat the previous Missouri Relays meet record of 11.58, set in 2007 by another Blue Tiger, Nandelle Cameron. Janae Johnson was the runner-up in the 100m, taking second in 11.60, while Judith Riley (11.98) and Kimberly Bailey (12.01) finished sixth and seventh, respectively. Nickeisha Beaumont, meanwhile, finished 12th (12.42) while Erika Spencer placed 15th (12.81).

Lincoln also had tremendous success in the 200m, with Johnson emerging as the winner with a time of 23.65. Ellington was the runner-up, clocking in at 23.86, and Riley finished seventh in 24.63. Bailey came in ninth (24.80) and Marcia Harrison placed 11th (25.12), tying fellow teammate Shakeisha Miller.

Tamara Keane
5'-8" Senior Sprinter
Hometown: Jefferson City, Missouri
Photo Courtesy: Lincoln University Athletics

The Blue Tigers also dominated the hurdle events, including the 400m race, where Tamara Keane won with a provisional time of 1:00.19. Ladonna Richards also had a provisional mark in the 400m hurdles, finishing second in 1:01.04, and Harrison rounded out the top-three with a time of 1:02.93. Juneille Barker finished fifth in both the 400m hurdles (1:03.52) and the 100m hurdles (13.94), with Richards winning the latter event in 13.44. Miller took seventh in the 100m hurdles (14.26) while Nadia Harriott finished 10th (14.74).

Monique Thompson led four Blue Tigers in the 800m, winning the race in 2:11.34. Jhevere Hall came in third (2:14.90) and Willomena Williams placed fourth (2:16.14) while Ebony Rose came in sixth (2:20.42). Hall, meanwhile, won the 1,500m, clocking in at 4:41.26, while Williams finished 10th (5:01.46).

The other win of the day for Lincoln came in the 4x400m relay. LU entered three foursomes into that event, with all three finishing among the top five. The group of Lovan Palmer, Donna-Lee Hylton, Hall and Keane won with a provisional time of 3:42.24. The group of Thompson, Barker, Harrison and Williams finished second, coming in at 3:46.00, and the unit of Rose, Richards, Bailey and Cynthia Halbert came in fifth with a time of 3:56.73.

The Blue Tigers also turned in a pair of second place results, including finishing as the runners-up in the 4x100m relay. In that event, it was the foursome of Bailey, Ellington, Richards and Johnson taking second in 45.78, a provisional-qualifying mark. Hylton finished as the runner-up in the 400m dash, clocking in at 55.17. Palmer finished seventh in the latter event, timing in at 57.13.

In the field events, Beaumont led LU with a third-place result in the long jump (5.79m). Miller placed eighth in that event, posting a top distance of 5.39m, and Jonelle Campbell took 12th (5.04m). Daniele Newman, meanwhile, turned in a pair of fourth-place finishes, including in the high jump (1.64m) and the triple jump (12.36m). Campbell placed sixth in the triple jump, posting a top mark of 11.97m.

Next week, Lincoln is scheduled to compete in two meets, including the Kansas Relays in Lawrence, Kan. from April 17-19. LU is also slated to compete in the Dewey Allgood Invitational, which will be hosted by Missouri S&T University in Rolla, Mo. on April 19.

Complete Results

Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
COURTESY LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Lincoln's 2014 Spring Game: Photo Gallery and Video

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri  -- The Lincoln football team held its annual spring game on Saturday (April 12), with LU's offensive players running drills against the defense as a culmination of the Blue Tigers' spring practices. In addition to running unit drills, the players lined up for some 7-on-7 plays and showed off the current offense and defense to Blue Tiger fans at Dwight T. Reed Stadium.

In the above video, head coach Mike Jones discusses what he liked from his defense, identifies some stand-out offensive players and talks about how much Julio Segura and Andrew Fishel have improved after their impressive play during the fall.

The below photo gallery, meanwhile, features 47 pictures from the day, covering everything from the pre-game drills to some of the in-game highlights.

Photo Gallery: Lincoln's 2014 Spring Game

By Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
COURTESY LINCOLN UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Dillard Bleu Devils dominate competition and claim men's GCAC Track and Field Championship

Dillard University's men's track and field team is crowned 2014 GCAC champions.
Photo Courtesy By R. Costanza

NEW ORLEANS -- The Dillard Bleu Devils track and field team scored 178 points en route to a 2014 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Track and Field Championship at Tad Gormley Stadium. The win marked the second GCAC Track and Field Championship in the last four years for the men's team.

Junior runner Jevonte Ezzard (JR/College Park, GA) kicked things off with a first place finish in the Men's 3000 Meter Steeplechase with a time of 11:02.78, a personal best, as Dillard proceeded to have runners finish third, fourth and fifth respectively in the same event. The men's 4x100 meter relay team also earned a first place finish, posting a time of 42.06. Seniors Matthew Jones, Wendell Collins (SR/New Orleans, LA), and juniors Tobyus Simmons (JR/Chattanooga, TN) and Kermit Buggage rounded out Dillard's relay team.

Jones also finished first place overall in the Men's 400 Meter Dash with a time of 49.32 while Simmons finished second in the men's 100 Meter Dash, posting a time of 10.66, virtually tying the first place finisher (Stanley Johnson-Voorhees) who also produced a time of 10.66.

Edward Waters College finished second overall with 153 points while GCAC newcomer Voorhees College finished in third with 106 points. In the previous two seasons, the Bleu Devils ended up on the short end of the stick with two second place finishes as Edward Waters earned back to back championships.

For Dillard, senior Sean Wilson (JR/New Orleans, LA) finished first in the Men's 110 Meter Hurdles with a time of 16.41 while junior Rudy Garza (JR/Rosenberg, TX) placed second with a time of 17.32. Senior Emory Nash (SR/Ft. Worth, TX) finished first place overall in the Men's 800 Meter Run, posting a time of 2:01.00.

The Bleu Devils will now participate in Friday's track meet at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond as they prepare for NAIA Nationals in Gulf Shores, AL, which begin on May 22.

COURTESY THE GULF COAST ATHLETIC CONFERENCE (GCAC)

Florida A&M Defeats Savannah State 9-8, Wins Series

RYAN KENNEDY

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  – Florida A&M (15-20, 10-7 MEAC) scored eight of nine runs with two outs en route to a 9-8 weekend series clinching victory over Savannah State (13-24, 4-11 MEAC) Sunday afternoon at Moore-Kittles Field. Ryan Kennedy’s three-run home run in the sixth gave the Rattlers the lead for good while William Carrasco earned his first save of the season.

The win marks the fifth win of the season for FAMU over the defending MEAC Champions.

Marlon Gibbs and Logan Seymour both went 3-for-4 with two runs scored to help pace the Rattler offense. Brandon Fleming (2-3) earned the win while pitching 4.1 innings of middle relief. Fleming gave up two runs on four hits while striking out two Tiger batters. Carrasco worked the final scoreless inning and a third for the save.

Following a two-out single by Zachary Brigham, Brian Miller came in as a pinch runner in the bottom of the ninth for Savannah State representing the tying run at first base. Lee Moore roped a single deep into left field and Miller was going to attempt to score from first. Miller had rounded third base but changed his mind and was thrown out at third as he tried to get back to the base.

Savannah State jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Todd Hagen and Hector Benitez recorded back-to-back hits to start the inning and David Richards drew a walk to load the bases with no outs. Charles Sikes then grounded into a double play that scored Hagen from third. Benitez later came home on a wild pitch from Montague for the second Tiger run of the inning.

The Tigers added an unearned run, to make the score 3-0, in the third inning on a misplayed ball by Devin Perry at third base that would have ended the inning for the Rattlers.

FAMU took the lead 4-3 as the bats came alive with four hits in the home half of the third inning. Seymour singled to left and Gibbs bunt single put runners on first and second with one out. Both runners advanced a base after a balk from Savannah State starter Zach McCormack and Ryan Kennedy drew a five-pitch walk to load the bases. Michael Birdsong’s hard hit single to left brought home Seymour and Gibbs , but the ball got past Tiger left fielder Parker Nix allowing Kennedy to score all the way from first. Perry’s RBI single plated Birdsong for the go-ahead run.

Savannah State answered back with three runs in the fourth to regain the lead by a score of 6-4. Nix had the only hit of the inning for the Tigers, an RBI single, that tied the game at 4-4. SSU scored two more unearned runs, courtesy of a pair of Rattler errors, to take the lead.

The Rattlers wouldn’t be denied, scoring four runs with two outs in the bottom of the sixth, for an 8-6 advantage. The sixth inning was highlighted by Kennedy’s three-run home run, his sixth of the season. FAMU had four hits in the inning as Birdsong, Jeremy Barlow and Taylor Strauss each had singles for the Rattler offense.

Florida A&M added what proved to be an important insurance run in the seventh as Bennie Robinson grounded into a double play, but still scored Seymour for the score of 9-6.

SSU got within one, at 9-8, as they added two more runs in the eighth. Devin McHugh’s RBI groundout plated Lee Moore and Hagen’s RBI single back up the middle scored Nix.

Savannah State’s starter Zach McCormack (2-2) took the loss after giving up eight runs on nine hits in 5.2 innings of work. McCormack struck out two with four walks.

Florida A&M continues its six games in six day stretch as it travels to face Central Florida (22-15, 10-2 AAC) on Tuesday, April 15. First pitch is scheduled for 5:00 pm at Jay Bergman Field.

BOX SCORE

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Rush, Nuggets earn 5-2 victories at Jackson State

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Kyle Montrel and Amber Brown delivered clinching singles victories Sunday in Xavier University of Louisiana's 5-2 men's and women's tennis decisions over Jackson State.

It was the first victory of the season for the Gold Rush (8-9), ranked 10th in the NAIA, against an NCAA Division I opponent, and the second such victory for the Gold Nuggets (12-6), who are ranked second.

Montrel's 6-1, 6-3 victory against Hernan Geria at the top flight gave Xavier a 5-0 lead. Jordan Harrell, Tushar Mandlekar and Kevin Chaouat earned straight-set singles victories for the Rush.

The Rush swept all three double matches and clinched that point when Montrel and Nikita Soifer beat Ryan Swanier and Geria 8-2.

Brown gave the Gold Nuggets a 4-2 lead in their dual when she defeated Rebekah Adewumi 7-6 (7-5), 1-6, 6-1. It was Brown's seventh consecutive singles victory and the second straight time she won in three sets.

Also extending XU streaks were Nour Abbes and Simone-Alyse Ewell. Abbes is 12-0 in singles this season after her 6-0, 6-0 victory against Angela Condorelli at the top flight. Ewell teamed with Abbes for an 8-3 victory against Anastasia Zviahintseva and Julie Angermann which clinched the doubles point. It was Ewell's 13th consecutive doubles victory and her sixth in a row with Abbes. 

Kourtney Howell and Brion Flowers won in doubles and singles for the Nuggets.

It was the second consecutive year that both XU teams won at Jackson State. JSU's men are 3-13, and the women are 4-14.

Next for the Nuggets will be a 3 p.m. Monday dual against Southern at the XU Tennis Center. The Rush will visit the University of New Orleans at 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
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ASU Black Team Wins Black and Gold Game

MONTGOMERY, Alabama  -- Alabama State brought its spring football campaign to a close today with the annual Black and Gold Game.  It was a game which pitted the defense (Black) against the offense (White) with the black team taking advantage of several point gaining plays to defeat the white team 82-18.

"For us this spring this was our finale, the spring game," Head Coach Reggie Barlow said.  "It's an opportunity for our fans to see where the team is and see where these guys have done and accomplished over the spring."

"For us it was more about letting these kids get out there and playing without the coaches actually being on the field and ultimately trying to keep everybody healthy.  All-in-all it was a pretty good spring and we have some things to evaluate on and go from here."



ASU's defense returns nine starters from last year's team and it showed all spring as the defense turned in big play after big play.  In the 81-play game ASU's offense only managed 222 yards and scored two touchdowns, while also getting a field goal.

The scoring system which heavily favored the defense awarded five points for an interception and three points for any three-and-out, sacks and fumble recoveries.  Tackles for lost yardage awarded the defense with two points.

The defense recorded eight sacks led by Chris Terry and Marcus Owens who had two each.  There was a total of 18 tackles for lost yardage as Owens led the way with four and Terry and Roderick Henderson recording three each.



Kourtney Berry picked up a fumble which he returned 27 yards for a score and Justin Mitchell also fell on a loose ball.  JaQuez Bowser had a first half interception for the Black team and Henderson finished off an outstanding spring game when he picked off the game's final pass for the defense's fourth turnover of the game.

"Obviously I went and discussed the scoring system with the defensive coaches because I wanted to make sure I was fair to them and of course they were all like yea, yea a sack should be three points and a loss of yardage should be this and it kind of got out of hand," Barlow said jokingly.

The White team did manage a touchdown pass from Quinteris Toppings to Earl Lucas which covered 35 yards in the opening half.  In the second half Andre Kincey ran in from 10 yards out for the White team's second score and the final three points came off the foot of kicker Alex Louthan who booted a 21 yard field goal in the final quarter of play.



Toppings completed 11 of 19 passes for 82 yards and the scoring toss to Lucas who had 40 yards on two receptions.  The game's leading rusher was Kincey who finished the game with 37 yards on 11 carries including his 10 yard sprint to the end zone.

"Obviously, I was a bit disappointed in the (offensive) performance today," Barlow said. "The game of football has to be played with emotion and energy and excitement and when you don't have that, it shows. Even if you don't have all the ability, if you play with energy and effort you'll make some plays. I just didn't think our guys displayed that from an offensive standpoint."

"Yeah, we know our defense is good but our offense is good. We've got the same guys who averaged 30 points except for Crowell and Edmond. You've still got Damian, you've still got Bell, you've still got Cyrus. There's no reason for us not to be able to put on a better show. They lacked energy and it showed on the field."



The coaching staff handed out their spring awards following the game which were;
"Peter Rabbit" Award: JaQuez Bowzer
Rico Wells Award:  Marcus Owens
Most Improved Defensive Player:  Antonio Humphreys
Most Improved Offensive Player:  Andre Hammond
Most Valuable Defensive Player:  Trey Jenkins
Most Valuable Offensive Player:  Damian Love

The Hornets will begin preparations for the 2014 season in August with the team's first game against Football Championship Series (FCS) power Sam Houston State, Saturday August 30 in Huntsville, Texas.



COURTESY ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

MVSU Delta Devils showcase skills at Green & White Game

ITTA BENA, Mississippi  --   The White team, consisting of the Mississippi Valley State offense, came away with a 51-25 win Saturday over the Green squad (MVSU defense) at the Green and White scrimmage game at Rice-Totten.

One of the largest spring game crowds in school history flocked to campus to witness what the Delta Devils would be like under new head coach Rick Comegy. 

"I was very pleased with the crowd," said Comegy. "I want to thank the crowd for coming…..They came out and supported these guys and I'm happy about that."

The first-year head coach said he saw some positive things Saturday, especially on the defensive side of the ball. 

"I saw some good things from a defensive stand point of view," said Comegy," and I saw us score some points. And I saw some running backs that could run the football pretty good."

MVSU alternated running backs throughout the game, with John Johnson, Jeremy Dobson, Cody Gilchrist and Dwayne Springs sharing carries. Dobson, a sophomore from Byram, exploded for a 21-yard gain midway through the game. 

Patrick Ivy, Carl Davis, Marcus Reed and Rashad Jones all split time at quarterback. Davis, a senior Mobile, Ala. native, connected with Trey Ford on a 50-yard TD to give the White team a 21-6 lead. Ivy threw a late TD pass to Joshua Rice to give the White squad a 44-19 advantage. 

Defensive linemen Byron Scott, Sean Fugate and Jeremiah Russell along with linebacker Brandon Powe all played well and did a great job of getting to the quarterback. 

Although the spring game is over, the Delta Devils will continue spring practice this upcoming week.

 

COURTESY MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Pharrell Williams has key to being "happy" but not one to city?

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VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia -- Gymnast Gabby Douglas has one. So does Super Bowl champ Plaxico Burress. (That was before he did a stint in prison on gun charges.)

But homegrown singer, songwriter and superstar Pharrell Williams?

No key. Not even a key ring.

While the whole world is dancing to Pharrell's infectious hit "Happy," Virginia Beach City Hall is barely tapping its feet.

"We're very proud of Pharrell and we look forward to honoring him when the opportunity is right," a city spokesman replied by email Friday after I inquired about honors - past or present - for the Princess Anne High School grad. "In fact, we would be very HAPPY to do so!"


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Rolland, Fakler lead XU Nuggets to repeat as GCAC champ

NEW ORLEANS -- Led again by juniors Devinn Rolland and Catherine Fakler, Xavier University of Louisiana repeated as women's team champion at the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Tad Gormley Stadium on Saturday.

Rolland won three individual events -- the long jump and the 100- and 200-meter dashes -- for the third consecutive year. Fakler won the 1,500, 3,000 steeplechase and 5,000 and anchored the Gold Nuggets to victory in the 3,200 relay by nearly 46 seconds.

Fakler won the 1,500 for the third consecutive year, repeated as steeplechase and 5,000 champion and finished second in the 800. She won the 5,000 by nearly 90 seconds.

The Gold Nuggets, No. 14 in the NAIA National Team Computer Rankings, scored 213 points and won the conference team championship for the third time in four years. Dillard was second with 168 points, followed by Edward Waters with 143, SUNO with 26 and Voorhees with 19.

In the men's division, Xavier's Kwame Jackson won the 5,000 for the third consecutive year, and Brent Kitto won the 1,500. The Gold Rush were fifth of six teams with 34 points; Dillard outscored Edward Waters 178-153 for the title.

Xavier got meet records from Fakler in the steeplechase (12:01.53) and 5,000 (19:50.14) and Rolland in the 100 (11.66). Rolland's 100 time was a personal best.

The Gold Nuggets scored 30 more points than they did in their 2013 title run. They scored in 16-of-19 events, and 18 individuals scored. Xavier took the top four places in the 1,500 and 5,000.

Also winning for Xavier were Angelica Alexander, a repeat champion in the high jump, and freshman Terri Cunningham in the 400 hurdles. Cunningham scored in four events and was the Nuggets' No. 3 scorer with 21 1/2 points. Fakler scored 40 1/2 points, and Rolland scored 32.

Joining Fakler on the champion 3,200 relay were Briana Simms, Ashley Flournoy and Zahri Jackson.

Also finishing second for the Nuggets were Hannah Finnegan in the 5,000, Simms in the steeplechase, Tramaine Shannon in the 400, Flournoy in the 1,500 and the 400 relay team of Kaylee Moore, Rolland, Shannon and Chelsea James.

The women's team championship is the 19th on the conference level in coach Joseph Moses' nine seasons at Xavier. Moses led the Rush and Nuggets to eight GCAC cross country titles apiece from 2006-13.

Xavier's next event will be the Southeastern Invitational at Hammond, La., on Friday.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAATHLETICS
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
https://twitter.com/xulagold
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With choices to sort out at QB, Spartans add an option

COURTESY NSU ATHLETICS

NORFOLK, Virginia  -- Norfolk State coach Pete Adrian is weighing his options in more ways than one.

As he spends a good chunk of the spring identifying a frontrunner at quarterback, he's installing a modified offense that includes an option wrinkle as a second read.

But don't confuse the Spartans for Navy; the option is in the playbook, but it's not anywhere near the front page.

"We might go three weeks and not run an option," Adrian said Saturday morning at Dick Price Stadium, after NSU's seventh practice of the spring and its first with full contact. "It all depends what the defense is going to give you."

The scheme, which will operate under new offensive coordinator Donald Hill-Eley, sends a man in motion through a one-back backfield and gives the quarterback the true option of pitching the ball if necessary.

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Curtis High School's Mohamed Bah accepts track and field scholarship to Howard University (video)

STATEN ISLAND, New York  --  Curtis High School assistant track and field coach Donald Pierce has a vision of senior Mohamed Bah returning to the school years down the road with a new title.

"I definitely can see myself calling him ‘Dr. Bah,’ ” Pierce said. “These sort of student-athletes just don’t come along very often.”

Bah signed a national-letter-of-intent this week to attend Howard University in Washington, D.C., on a full athletic scholarship, but that significant news was almost a backdrop to the West Brighton resident’s impressive overall resume.

Bah said he plans on entering the pre-med program at Howard with an eye on ...



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New athletic director Jason Horn couldn't be happier at Xavier

JASON HORN
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA
Photo Courtesy: XU Athletics

NEW ORLEANS  --  New Xavier athletic director Jason Horn has bounced around the college world at schools both large and small.

Horn, who started on Monday, said he enjoys smaller athletic departments. Xavier is his smallest college athletic department yet and he couldn’t be happier.

 

“I remember talking to the last athletic director at Arizona State and he had about 225 employees,” Horn said. “How do you get to know 225 employees? It’s just a big moving machine.” 

 

And how many employees does Xavier have in its athletic department? Horn pulled out a small piece of paper with names and telephone numbers and quickly counted them up.

 

“About 20,” he said.

 

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Tennessee State Dominates Boston/Moon Relays

NASHVILLE, Tennessee  --  The Tennessee State track and field teams recorded 13 first-place finishes during the two-day Boston/Moon Relays in the sole home outdoor meet of the season.

Amber Hughes started the day with a win in the 100 meter hurdles with a time of 13.92 and Oetia Prince continued the trend by clocking a 13:44.83 in the 3000 meter steeplechase.

In the field events, Brittani Logan recorded the longest throw in the shot put with a toss of 13.59 while Angel Davis placed first in the discus (39.90).

 Hughes, Ashontae Jackson, Quanisha Sales and Clairwin Dameus came in first in both the 4x100 (45.75) and 4x400 (3:52.30) in two of the final relays of the day.

Jerome Henderson took home titles in the 100 (10.73) and 200 meters (21.20) and Quamel Prince followed suit in the 800 meter (1:53.64).

The Flying Tigers were tops in the 400-meter events, too, as Michael Johnson won the dash (48.43) and Jaleel Michael bested everyone in the hurdles (53.48).

Prince, Johnson, Michael and Emmanuel Thornton easily won the 4x400 meter relay with a time of 3:15.31 and Tyler Anderson rounded out the winners with a leap of 7.39 meters in the long jump.

TSU will next travel to Lexington for the Kentucky Relays on April 18 as a final preparation before the OVC Outdoor Championship on May 2.

Results (,pdf)

COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION