NSU-Norfolk Tides Exhibition Game is Tuesday, April 7

NORFOLK, Virginia -- For the fifth time in the last six years, the Norfolk State University baseball program will play an exhibition game against the Norfolk Tides, the Triple-A minor league affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. This year's game will take place on Tuesday, April 7 at 5:45 p.m. at Harbor Park in downtown Norfolk. Gates will open at 5 p.m. for the seven-inning game.

Tickets are on sale now, but all advance tickets must be purchased through NSU. Tickets are available at the NSU Ticket Center on campus or through the athletics business office in Joseph Echols Hall, Monday through Friday. Tickets will also be on sale at the remaining home NSU baseball games prior to April 7. All seats are general admission, with prices of $7 for adults and $5 for children, with all ticket proceeds from the contest benefit the NSU baseball program.

Fans can purchase tickets the day of the game at the Harbor Park ticket office.

Norfolk City Manager Marcus D. Jones and Deputy City Manager Wynter Benda will be honored guests at the game. Benda will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. As part of its ongoing celebration of 51 years of Spartan baseball, NSU will also recognize members of the first-ever NSU baseball team during the evening.

The previous four contests between NSU and the Tides drew 31,379 fans to Harbor Park, an average of 7,845 per game.

The Tides open their regular season with a nine-game road trip beginning on Thursday, April 9, before opening the home portion of the schedule on Saturday, April 18. Individual tickets, season tickets, group tickets, picnics and patios are currently available for the 2015 season. For pricing and additional information, stop by the Harbor Park Box Office, visit norfolktides.com or call (757) 622-2222.

Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Defensive improvement a priority for HU in spring practice

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

HAMPTON, Virginia — Though much buzz around Hampton University spring football relates to transfer quarterback David Watford and his impact on the offense, the heavy lifting and crash-course teaching occurs on defense.

The Pirates’ 3-9 record last season was due to multiple shortcomings, but the defensive issues were comprehensive.

“We weren’t very good in the run game, we weren’t very good in the pass game,” head coach Connell Maynor said. “We’ve got to do a better job of tackling. Most importantly, we’ve got to get off the field on third down. We might have been the worst third-down team in the nation, in FCS football.”

Hampton wasn’t even the worst third-down defense in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference — the Pirates were ninth of 11 teams — but Maynor’s point is well-taken. HU’s opponents converted 46.7 percent of third-down chances.

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2015 HAMPTON PIRATES FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

Date		Opponent	Location	Time/Result
Alumni Day
9/5/2015		Kentucky State	Hampton, VA	6 pm
9/12/2015		Richmond	Hampton, VA	6 pm
Nation’s Football Classic/Battle of the REAL HU
9/18/2015	*	Howard	Washington, DC	TBA
Battle of the Bay
9/26/2015	*	Norfolk State	Norfolk, VA	TBA
Parents' Weekend
10/3/2015	*	North Carolina A&T	Hampton, VA	1 pm
Homecoming
10/10/2015	*	Delaware State	Hampton, VA	2 pm
10/17/2015	*	Morgan State	Baltimore, MD	TBA
10/24/2015		William & Mary	Williamsburg, VA	TBA
10/31/2015	*	South Carolina State	Orangeburg, SC	TBA
11/7/2015	*	Florida A&M	Hampton, VA	1 pm
11/14/2015	*	Savannah State	Savannah, GA	TBA

*MEAC Game
Dates and times are subject to change.

South Carolina State Bulldogs Complete Day 9, Spring Practice

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina — The South Carolina State football team held its ninth (9th) spring workout Wednesday (April 1), in the morning session at 6:15 a.m. at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

The two-hour session in full gear, was spent on correcting and reviewing offensive and defensive schemes in preparation for the Bulldogs second scrimmage on Friday (April 3) at 10 a.m.

"Another practice in the books and we identified some things that can help us moving forward," said Bulldog head coach Buddy Pough. "We s till have a lot work today in a short period of time. Its import that we not get too many players hurt and come out healthy after spring drills end."

Pough stated, "The Bulldogs got a start with special teams meetings and drills. I stressed to some of the new guys that's important that you find a place on this team, because before you know spring practice is over and then you are heading into fall camp."

SC State also conducted their annual Pro Day during the afternoon session at Dawson Stadium. Ten (10) former Bulldogs participated in workouts for pro scouts from National Football League teams.

The Bulldogs return to the practice fields Friday at 6:15 a.m., for the tenth (10th) spring workout. SC State will hold its annual Garnet & Blue Spring game Saturday, April 11 at 1 p.m. in Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

LIFT-A-BULLDOG KICKOFF RALLY
The Bulldogs will hold their annual Lift-A-Bulldog Scholarship Fundraiser Seafood Extravaganza Friday, April 10 at the I.P. Stan back Museum, beginning from 6:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m. Tickets is on sale for $65 per person. For more information or to R.S.V.P call (803) 536-3579. All proceeds and donations will go to sponsor summer school and the football scholarship program.

2015 Bulldog Pro Timing Day Photo Gallery



COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Alcorn State BraveFest Set for April 18th

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Alcorn State Athletics announces "BravesFest 2015." Several events will take place on and off the campus beginning Saturday, April 11th with the Bravelife 5K Run/Walk in Vicksburg, Miss. promoting ASU women's sports.

The festivities will continue Thursday, April 16th with the BraveFest Golf Tournament at the Whisper Lake Country Club in Jackson, MS. The tournament will begin that morning at 8:30 a.m.

The Lady Braves softball team will host rival Jackson State in a key SWAC Eastern Division contest at the Alcorn State Softball Complex on Friday, April 17th.

On Saturday, April 18ththe first "King of the Grill Barbeque Cook Off" will take place in the VIP parking lot of Spinks-Casem Stadium. The Lady Braves softball team will wrap up the weekend series with a doubleheader against Jackson State. The first pitch is set for noon.

The annual Purple and Gold Spring Football game is the final event of the day as Coach Hopson and the Braves prepare to ignite the Brave faithful with what to expect this fall. Game time is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Spinks-Casem Stadium.

For more information, visit the Alcorn State athletic website at www.alcornsports.com and click on Bravefest for a list of the festivities taking place during that weekend.

GO BRAVES!!!

COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Former Alcorn Men's Basketball Player Jonathan Boyd Passes

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Alcorn Athletics grieves the loss of former basketball player Jonathan Boyd who passed away March 30, 2015 of leukemia. Jonathan played for the Braves from 2008-2010 and finished his career with an average of 10.2 points per game. He was coached by former Alcorn standout Larry Smith.

Boyd was recruited from Holmes Community College (Goodman, MS) class of 2008. He committed to Alcorn State on February 8, 2008.

Our hearts and prayers go out to Jonathan's family!

COURTESY ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Gold Rush 21st in NAIA postseason poll

NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana preserved its streak Wednesday when it received a No. 21 ranking in the NAIA Division I Men's Basketball Coaches' Postseason Top 25 Poll.

The Gold Rush (24-10) are in the top 25 for the 50th consecutive time -- the longest active streak in the division -- and the 63rd time in the last 64 polls. The XU men began their poll streak Dec. 12, 2011.

Xavier was 19th entering the national tournament, where it lost 84-70 to Mid-America Christian in the opening round March 19. MACU ranked 10th in the postseason.

Since the NAIA revived its postseason polls in 2012, Xavier, Columbia (Mo.) and Georgetown (Ky.) are the only schools to appear in all four. The Gold Rush tied for 16th a year ago.

National champion Dalton State, a 71-53 winner against Westmont in the title game March 24, was unanimously chosen No. 1. Gulf Coast Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament champion Talladega held on to No. 2 despite losing to Dalton State in the national semifinals.

Talladega defeated Xavier in the GCAC Tournament final.

The Gold Rush reached the national tournament and 20 victories for the fifth consecutive season. Xavier shot 39.3 percent from 3-point range, breaking the school season record of 38.2 set in 2007-08. The five consecutive trips to nationals also are a school record.

The postseason top 25:

1. Dalton State
2. Talladega
3. Westmont
4. Hope International
5. Cal State San Marcos
6. Pikeville
7. Martin Methodist
8. Campbellsville
9. Freed-Hardeman
10. Mid-America Christian
11. Concordia (Calif.)
12. Evangel
13. Wayland Baptist
14. Montana Western
15. Arizona Christian
16. Our Lady of the Lake
17. LSU-Alexandria
18. Columbia (Mo.)
19. Georgetown (Ky.)
20. Missouri Valley
21. Xavier
22. Benedictine (Kan.)
23. Lewis-Clark State
24. Oklahoma City
25. Cumberlands


Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
https://twitter.com/xulagold
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Pro Day at FAMU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Scouts representing the Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Oakland Raiders, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers came to Florida A&M to review potential football prospects.

Devonte Terry Johnson, Shaun Ward and Damien Fleming were at the center of the scouts’ attention.

The talent showcase was in Tookes Center. The players were assessed by their vertical jumps and bench press, followed by outdoor testing which included the shuttle run and the 40-yard dash.

Terry Johnson, Defensive Back for FAMU, and recent graduate said he was pleased with his overall pro day results.

“There definitely was a good crowd today, and I would like to thank my teammates and everyone who came to support,” said Johnson.

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S.C. State hosts NFL Pro Day

ORANGEBURG, South Carolina -- Ten South Carolina State seniors took the field on Wednesday for the university's Pro Day, hoping to show NFL scouts their abilities to earn a spot on a team's roster.

Inside Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, Kory Brown, Andrew Carter, Devin Flowers, Curtis Hill, Justin Hughes, Dennis Rowe, Austin Smith, Alex Glover, Cephas Wilson and Domanic Wilson each got a chance try to impress scouts, who represented the NFL's San Diego Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals.

"I feel good about my performance, I ran a good 40 and ran a good 60 drill," Hughes, a linebacker, said.

Hughes, who stepped up to replace the former MEAC and SBN Defensive Player of the Year, Joe Thomas, was an third-team All-MEAC preseason selection.

He said that he hopes to impress scouts with his explosiveness and speed.

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FAMU interim AD: Rattlers’ game at Fenway a chance at ‘history’

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M’s April 25 baseball game at Fenway Park in Boston is what interim athletic director D’Wayne Robinson hopes will be the start of something big for all historically black colleges and universities.

The Rattlers will play a 10 a.m. game against Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Southern Division foe North Carolina Central in the first HBCU Showcase played on Boston’s historic field.

Robinson revealed Wednesday the game will be a part of the Fenway Park Open House, meaning it will be free to attend. He added last year, about 40,000 people came to the Open House.

“It’ll be one of the biggest marketing opportunities we’ve ever had,” Robinson said.

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Jackson State hires former Central coach Woodrow Lowe

COLUMBUS, Georgia -- Former Central High coach Woodrow Lowe has joined the coaching staff at Jackson State, the school confirmed Tuesday.

Lowe will be coaching the linebackers.

The Tigers went 5-7 last season and 3-6 in the SWAC.

Harold Jackson is the head coach. Alonzo Lee was hired in February as the team's new defensive coordinator.

Lowe was fired by Central last year after four seasons as head coach with a 33-14 record and one region championship.




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FAMU's Award Winning Journalism Students Debut Short Films at Artists In Bloom Festival

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Award-winning broadcast journalism students will showcase their short films during the revival of the Florida A&M University’s “Artists in Bloom” festival in April. Four documentaries will be presented as part of the university’s exhibit of creative works by members of the campus community, including students.

This year’s lineup of the short films is as follows:

The Redzone: State of HBCU Sports
By: Quintin Gee and Jason Joseph.
The Redzone displays the continuing struggle of HBCU sports programs.


WATCH ALL FILMS IN 720HD, WIDE SCREEN


Return to Sender
By: Donovan Long and Majorie Pierre.
Return to Sender, deals with letters from fathers to their African American sons.



Trapped: The Restricted American Dream
By: Brittany Collins and LaCrai Mitchell.
Trapped, exhibits citizens trapped in communities as a result of education, income and other challenges.



Stage 5
By: Jordan Kinsey and Toya Womack.
Stage 5, takes an in depth look on the impact that cancer has on patients and love ones.



“J-school Journals showcases great narrative features that deals with topics that are often times overlooked. The conversations and themes that we deal with in our narrative features pushes envelop and really challenges society to examine ourselves through a different lens,” says LaCrai Mitchell, producer of Trapped: The Restricted American Dream.

Kenneth Jones, professor of broadcast journalism, at the FAMU School of Journalism & Graphic Communication, is the major professor who has supervised the student work. Prior to this year’s debut of the student documentaries, the FAMU SJGC had hosted annual short film screenings.

“We are excited to have the School of Journalism continue its collaboration with the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities in this year’s Artist in Bloom Festival. I believe the Narrative Features Showcase and the ensuing dialogue that is inspired will not only add to the wonderful festival lineup, but demonstrate the vision and quality of FAMU students and speak to what the university has to offer its constituency.” say, Luther D. Wells, Professor of Theatre and Artist in Bloom Festival Chair.

J-school Journals will be held at the Lee Hall Auditorium on April 4th from 4pm-6pm. The event is free to the public. For more information on events and performances visit www.famu.edu/ABF. 

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

Six transfers help WSSU in spring practice

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- It’s not an exact science welcoming football transfers during the spring but Winston-Salem State has made it work in recent seasons.

There were six transfers this semester, and Coach Kienus Boulware said to compete in the Division II playoffs signing players from junior colleges or transfers from Division I is a must.

“It’s something we look to do but you can’t just take everybody who wants to come who may have played at a D-I,” Boulware said. “You have to kind of be selective.”

The Rams, who are have gone 54-8 in the last five seasons, have been the most successful program in the state of North Carolina during those five seasons, according to Boulware.

“Winning helps you attract those guys that want to play and want to win,” Boulware said.

The Rams held their first organized scrimmage of spring practice on Monday and running back Malik Mosley, who started his career at Old Dominion, had the most impressive runs.

“He was very good and had some good yardage,” Boulware said.



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Ram Ramblings: Spring practice going well for young team

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- From all indications Coach Kienus Boulware has firm control of everything surrounding spring football practice except one aspect.

“The weather has kind of messed us up this week,” Boulware said on Friday afternoon after a controlled scrimmage was moved to next week because of heavy rain.

Because the Rams use grass practice fields they have turned into mostly mud because so to save those fields the Rams will stay off them until early next week.

Overall, Boulware has been pleased with the progress his young team has made.

“We lost a lot of starters from defense last season so we’ve got a lot of spots to fill,” Boulware said.

One player who has stood out on defense is redshirt freshman Kyrell Williamson, a linebacker who sat out last season. Boulware likes the way Williamson has picked up the system.

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Maryland Colleges rely more on part-time professors, while Morgan State is at the other end of the scale

BALTIMORE — Maryland’'s 29 public colleges and universities have increased their reliance on part-time help when it comes to teaching students, according to recently released statistics from the Maryland Higher Education Commission. Of the 20,428 professors counted overall, more than half — 59.4 percent — are classified as part-time workers.

The higher education commission is charged with compiling statistics relating to the 16 community and 13 public, four-year institutions of higher learning. The agency recently released its Data Book 2015, that includes the latest breakdown of the numbers of full-and part-time professors.

The larger concentration of part-time faculty characterizes the community colleges with about 70 percent, or 5,989 of the 8,562 total statewide, shown on the table as part time. Since their founding period a half-century or so ago, community college officials have generally considered it a positive approach to hire and use part-time faculty.

The conventional wisdom is part-timers can be hired for less money and generally do not receive benefits, which eliminates health and retirement entitlements ordinarily awarded to regular professors. Also, part-time employees can draw on their other work experience. A downside indicated is that they too often do not spend much time on campus, making them less accessible to students.

The highest percentage of part-time faculty in the 2015 book is at the University of Maryland University College, at 91.8 percent. It is the state'’s largest facility, with 48,183 students attending for credit. It primarily enrolls part-time students taking courses online, both in and out of state, plus overseas, which leads to more reliance on the lower-paid part time professors.

Morgan State University is on the other end of the scale, with 16.3 percent (72) of its 443 faculty members overall listed as part time. Salisbury University, on the Eastern Shore, has a 38.1 percent rate among 661 faculty. For the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, it is 41.1 percent of 365.

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XU caps California trip with victories vs. No. 19 Lewis-Clark

LA MIRADA, California -- Xavier University of Louisiana concluded its tennis trip to the Golden State with victories Tuesday against Lewis-Clark State. The Gold Nuggets won 7-2, and the Gold Rush won 9-0.

The Gold Nuggets (15-8) were 4-0 on the trip, all against NAIA top-25 opponents. The Gold Rush (12-6) were 3-1, including two victories against top-10 teams.

Four XU doubles teams -- Nour Abbes-Carmen Nelson and Brion Flowers-Brandi Nelson for the Nuggets, Tushar Mandlekar-Manav Chakma and Kevin Chaout-Adam Albrecht for the Rush -- were 4-0 on the trip. Including singles, Abbes was 7-0, Brandi Nelson was 6-0, and Carmen Nelson, Albrecht and Mandlekar were 7-1 apiece. Flowers and Chakma were 6-1 apiece.

Abbes clinched the Nuggets' dual with a 6-1, 6-1 victory against Putri Dwinta. Kyle Montrel beat Yonas Woldetsadik 6-2, 6-2 to clinch for the Rush.

The NAIA's coaches polls were announced after the duals were decided. Xavier's men remained No. 6 -- their 34th consecutive top-10 appearance -- and Lewis-Clark State (3-6) dropped from 19th to 20th. Xavier's women remained seventh -- their 21st consecutive time in the top 10 -- and Lewis-Clark State (3-11) fell from 19th to 21st.

Next for Xavier will be duals against Auburn Montgomery's second-ranked women and third-ranked men at 2:30 p.m. April 10 -- one week from Friday -- at XU Tennis Center.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
https://twitter.com/xulagold
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TSU Tiger Camp Update: Special Teams

NASHVILLE, Tennessee – The Tennessee State football team kicked off the third week of spring drills, Monday, with an afternoon practice session.

All three units showed marked improvements including the squad’s special teams.

The unit welcomes back sophomore kicker Lane Clark who will look to improve upon last year’s true freshman campaign and become a weapon for the team. Clark spent a lot of time in the weight room in the offseason, adding to his 45+ yard kicking range.

Clark will have to overcome the loss of holder Leon Holderhead, leaving the position in flux. Quarterback Ronald Butler has done most of the holding in spring, but he may have more pressing duties come fall.

Holderhead was also the team’s punter in 2014 and fellow Butte College standout Geordie Bunn will not arrive on campus until the summer. Therefore, the Tigers have been trying out different punters this spring including Clark.

TSU had the luxury of two returners last season, but De’Ante Saunders and Darion Hall both exhausted their eligibilities. Big Blue has tried a bevy of players at the spots this spring to find the best suited players for the jobs.

All three units will next take the field on Wednesday at 4 p.m.



COURTESY TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Former DSU All-American Dan Candeloro takes football reins for Caesar Rodney High School

CAMDEN, Delaware -- Dan Candeloro remained patient and continued to gain experience as an assistant coach. Then, on Monday, he landed one of the premier high school football coaching jobs in Delaware.

The Caesar Rodney football team was assembled in the gym, and a loud cheer went up as Candeloro was announced as the Riders' new coach. He replaces Mike Schonewolf, who announced his retirement following last season but remains as CR's athletic director through the end of the school year.

"It's something I've been looking forward to, if given the opportunity," Candeloro said. "There are some big shoes to fill, a lot of questions to answer, a lot of work to be done. But I think we're ready to go."

The 50-year-old graduated from Dickinson High, then became one of the most decorated players in Delaware State's football history.



CONTINUE READING 

Morgan State Football Pro Day Set for April 1

BALTIMORE, Maryland – Darren Pinnock, the 2014 MEAC Offensive Lineman of the Year, will be among 13 Bears who will work out for pro scouts tomorrow morning.

The reigning MEAC co-champion Morgan State football program will hold its annual Pro Day on Wednesday, April 1 beginning at approximately 8 a.m. in Hill Field House.

"Pro days are about proving yourself, and I plan on doing my best and having fun," said Pinnock. "I have been training at Morgan while finishing up school. It's been challenging, but I feel ready."

Pro scouts will be on hand to evaluate a selection of MSU football seniors and former Bears as they go through a series of drills and workouts. The Bears will begin with leaping and bench evaluations in Hill Field House before moving into Hughes Stadium for speed and agility evaluations.

For more information, please stay tuned to MorganStateBears.com.



COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Nuggets Tame Lions, but Unbeaten Vanguard Men Defeat XU

WATCH IN 1080p HD, WIDE SCREEN

COSTA MESA, California — Xavier University of Louisiana defeated Vanguard 8-1 in women's tennis Monday, but the XU men lost 6-3 to the Lions.

The Gold Nuggets (14-8), ranked seventh in the NAIA, are 3-0 against top-25 opponents during their trip to the Golden State. The Gold Rush (11-6) lost to fourth-ranked Vanguard (19-0) after beating top-10 teams Saturday and Sunday.

The XU women swept the doubles for the second consecutive day. They got doubles and singles victories from Caroline Vernet, Carmen Nelson and Simone-Alyse Ewell, all of whom defeated regionally ranked singles players.

Nelson clinched the dual and stretched her singles win streak to a season-best four matches with her 6-0, 7-6 (7-3) victory against Ashley Wao-Udin. Sha'Nel Bruins won her sixth in a row, 7-5, 6-1 against Brooke Ferslov-Jensen.

At the top flight, Vernet and Ewell defeated Sarah Edwards and Nataliya Yamkova 8-3. Vernet earned consecutive doubles victories for the first time since Feb. 7-8.

Vanguard's women are 5-12 and ranked 15th.

In the men's dual, Vanguard opted to start with singles matches — and won 5-of-6. Manav Chakma earned the lone Gold Rush victory, a 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 decision against Michael Rjazanov, who was 12-1 this semester.

Xavier's Nikita Soifer and Tushar Mandlekar won first singles sets. Mandlekar had a match point at 5-4 in the second set before losing 3-6, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 to Filip Burnac. Adam Albrecht led 4-3 in his first set and was serving for the second set at 5-4 before losing 6-4, 7-6 (7-4) to Daymon Johnson.

Nour Abbes

Vanguard's top three singles players, Stefan Kilchhofer, Fabio Silva and Roger Muri, improved their spring records to a combined 53-0 by beating Kyle Montrel, Soifer and Jordan Harrell.

Silva (19-0) beat Soifer 3-6, 6-1, 6-2. Kilchhofer, ranked third in the NAIA, is 16-0 after beating Montrel 6-3, 6-3. Muri is 18-0 after defeating Harrell 6-1, 6-1.

Then the Gold Rush won 2-of-3 doubles matches, and not all the Vanguard streaks survived. Mandlekar and Chakma beat Silva and Burnac 8-3, the Lions' first loss of the season at No. 2. Burnac entered 17-0.

Kevin Chaouat and Albrecht defeated Johnson and Rjazanov 8-3 at the third flight. But Montrel and Soifer, the NAIA's sixth-ranked doubles team, lost for the third consecutive day, this time 8-6 to third-ranked Kilchhofer and Muri.

"A very close match on the men's side," XU coach Alan Green said. "We had chances to win the thing, but it wasn't to be."

Both Xavier teams will conclude their trip by playing Lewis-Clark State at 10 a.m. PDT Tuesday at Biola University in La Mirada. Both LC State teams are ranked 19th in the NAIA. The Rush and Nuggets will fly home Tuesday evening.

NOTES: The Nuggets are 4-2 this season against ranked NAIA opponents, and the Rush are 6-2 . . . The Nuggets have won 10 of their last 13 duals . . . New NAIA coaches polls will be announced Tuesday afternoon . . . Vanguard announced March 5 that it will discontinue men's and women's tennis after the 2014-15 academic year.

Caroline Vernet

Women's Tennis Results
Xavier 8, Vanguard 1

Monday, March 30, 2015
Costa Mesa Tennis Center, Costa Mesa, Calif.

Doubles
No. 1 — Caroline Vernet - Simone-Alyse Ewell (XU) d. Sarah Edwards-Nataliya Yamkova (VU) 8-3.
No. 2 — Nour Abbes-Carmen Nelson (XU) d. Gabrielle Alford - Brooke Ferslov-Jensen (VU) 8-6.
No. 3 — Brion Flowers-Brandi Nelson (XU) d. Ashley Wao-Udin-Michaele Sullivan (VU) 8-2.

Singles
No. 1 — Caroline Vernet (XU) d. Sarah Edwards (VU) 6-1, 6-0.
No. 2 — Carmen Nelson (XU) d. Ashley Wao-Udin (VU) 6-0, 7-6 (7-3).
No. 3 — Simone-Alyse Ewell (XU) d. Gabrielle Alford (VU) 6-1, 6-3.
No. 4 — Sha'Nel Bruins (XU) d. Brooke Ferslov-Jensen (VU) 7-5, 6-1.
No. 5 — Jana van der Walt (XU) d. Michaele Sullivan (VU) 3-6, 6-0, 1-0 (10-8).
No. 6 — Nataliya Yamkova (VU) d. Dasia Harris (XU) 6-4, 6-4.

Order of Finish: Doubles — 3, 1, 2. Singles — 1, 2, 6, 4, 3, 5.
Records: Xavier 14-8, Vanguard 5-12.

Men's Tennis Results
Vanguard 6, Xavier 3

Monday, March 30, 2015
Costa Mesa Tennis Center, Costa Mesa, Calif.

Singles
No. 1 — Stefan Kilchhofer (VU) d. Kyle Montrel (XU) 6-3, 6-3.
No. 2 — Fabio Silva (VU) d. Nikita Soifer (XU) 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.
No. 3 — Roger Muri (VU) d. Jordan Harrell (XU) 6-1, 6-1.
No. 4 — Filip Burnac (VU) d. Tushar Mandlekar (XU) 3-6, 7-6 (8-6), 7-5.
No. 5 — Daymon Johnson (VU) d. Adam Albrecht (XU) 6-4, 7-6 (7-4).
No. 6 — Manav Chakma (XU) d. Michael Rjazanov (VU) 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Doubles
No. 1 — Stefan Kilchhofer-Roger Muri (VU) d. Kyle Montrel-Nikita Soifer (XU) 8-6.
No. 2 — Tushar Mandlekar-Manav Chakma (XU) d. Fabio Silva-Filip Burnac (VU) 8-3.
No. 3 — Kevin Chaouat-Adam Albrecht (XU) d. Daymon Johnson-Michael Rjazanov (VU) 8-3.

Order of Finish: Singles — 3, 1, 2, 6, 5, 4. Doubles — 2, 3, 1.
Records: Xavier 11-6, Vanguard 19-0.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
https://twitter.com/xulagold
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FAMU Rattlers Making Progress

 

COURTESY FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION

Bryant's dream of playing Division 1 football comes true at MVSU

ITTA BENA, Mississippi -- When thinking about playing college football, Lucas Bryant’s approach followed the adage ‘go big or go home.’

The Jefferson County High School senior offensive lineman decided if he couldn’t play Division 1 football, he wouldn’t play at all.

When D1-AA Mississippi Valley State University came calling this spring, Bryant’s lofty goal began to unfold in front of his eyes.

“It just all seems like its going to work out for me,” Bryant said at a signing last Wednesday. “I was planning on not playing if it wasn’t division one.”

The 6’4” 360-pound lineman was recruited by a senior player of the MSVU squad and then received his only Division 1 offer from the Delta Devils.

Bryant has been a force on the Jefferson County offensive line for the past two seasons, and he hopes to continue that level of play in MSVU’s Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) this fall.

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History made: FAMU Wind Symphony becomes first HBCU ensemble to play Carnegie Hall

FAMU Wind Symphony has been invited to perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. in 2016.

NEW YORK, New York -- It’s official. Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Wind Symphony makes history Sunday becoming the first classical ensemble from a historically Black college or university (HBCU) to perform at Carnegie Hall and is on its way to the Kennedy Center in 2016.

The ensemble performed to a mostly full house Sunday at Carnegie Hall under the direction of Dr. Shelby Chipman, associate professor and director of symphonic bands at FAMU.

“This is an opportunity for us to perform on a main stage that’s incomparable to any stage in the world,” Chipman said. “The students have been working very diligently the last couple of months.

Performing a 40-minute set featuring five pieces, the nearly 60-member wind symphony played Donald Hunberger’s arrangement of John Williams' "Star Wars Trilogy," the powerful composition "Cloudburst" and Bob Lowden’s rousing "Dixieland Jam" which featured several soloists in the band and audience participation.

A highlight of the concert was the wind symphony’s finale, David Maslanka’s "Symphony No. 7, Mvt. III." To prepare for the performance, Maslanka Skyped in during rehearsals to help the band with the intricate piece.

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3 storylines to watch as Bethune-Cookman’s football team opens spring practice

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida -- There will be plenty to keep an eye on when the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats step on the field today for their first spring practice.

It will be Terry Sims’ first practice after replacing Brian Jenkins, who left for Alabama State in December, as the team’s head coach.

And it’s the beginning of a trek that could lead, provided B-CU can win the MEAC, to the newly created Celebration Bowl on Dec. 19 in Atlanta.

Here are a few story lines to watch as practice begins:

1. Eyes on the QBs
It will be interesting to see how Sims handles the quarterback position. Quentin Williams returns for his final season after passing for 1,426 yards and seven touchdowns last season, but Larry Brihm, an athletic player who will be a redshirt sophomore, came on late last year and passed for 491 yards and four touchdowns.

2. The top target

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Florida A&M Rattlers to play at Fenway Park next month

The Red Sox and sponsors will pay the expenses, including air travel and hotel for the Rattlers and NCCU Eagles.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- The Florida A&M baseball team will make a historic road trip next month.

Courtesy of the Boston Red Sox.

The Rattlers and North Carolina Central will play at Fenway Park – home to the Boston Red Sox – on Saturday, April 25, at 10 a.m.

The game was scheduled by the organization to showcase HBCU (historically black colleges and universities) teams to Boston and surrounding areas.

Fenway Park has been home of the Red Sox since it opened in 1912 and is the oldest ballpark in the major leagues.

"It should be exciting, and I am happy for the kids to get this opportunity, " FAMU coach Jamey Shouppe said Sunday night.

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With 4-3 victory over Grambling, Southern completes first SWAC sweep since April 2013

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- The Southern baseball team entered its weekend series against Grambling having lost five consecutive games to drop to 3-15 overall and 2-6 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Three games and three victories later, the Jaguars’ season looks like it might be changing course.

Coach Roger Cador cautioned afterward that he wants to see the improvement sustained for longer than one series, but the weekend was a good start.

Tyler Kirksey and Jose de la Torre homered, and Tyler Robinson rebounded from a poor outing Tuesday to pitch 8.2 solid innings as Southern completed the series sweep with a 4-3 victory at Lee-Hines Field.

Sunday’s victory in Southern’s first one-run game this season came on the heels of 10-1 and 9-6 victories Saturday and gave the Jaguars their first SWAC series sweep in two years. The last one came when Grambling visited April 20-21, 2013.

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