Hampton Pirates Sailing Qualifies for Nationals for First Time Ever

BRONX, New York -- The Hampton University sailing team has qualified for the College Sailing Nationals for the first time in program history. The Pirates finished a program-best ninth in the America Trophy this past Saturday and Sunday. 
 
The top nine teams qualified for the national regatta, which will be held in San Diego, Calif., hosted by the San Diego Yacht Club May 24-June 4.
 
The Gill Co-Ed Championships are scheduled for May 31-June 3.
 
"It's like a dream come true," head coach Alessandro Ambrosi said. "We finally made it after all these years that I've been here… we made it. It was very tough, because like always we were the underdog. But I'm incredibly proud of my team."
 
"The Hampton University sailing team is a true testament that hard work pays off," said HU President Dr. William R. Harvey. "I want to congratulate Coach Ambrosi and these fine young men and women on this historic accomplishment."  
 

The Pirates finished with 300 points, finishing ahead of such schools as Cornell (11th, 317), NY Maritime (12th, 370), Virginia (13th, 388), Christopher Newport (15th, 450), Maryland (16th, 474), and Syracuse (18th, 539).

 
St. Mary's College (Md.) won the regatta – and the MAISA championship – with 192 points.
 
Maximilian Kuester, Giuditta Di Laghi, and Joshua Williams sailed in the A Division, racking up 170 points while recording a second-place finish and two third-place efforts.
 
The B Division – Luca Taglialegne and Elisabeth Kuester – tallied 130 points. The duo recorded one second-place finish, two third-place finishes, and a pair of fifth-place efforts.
 
Hampton is the nation's only HBCU co-ed sailing program, and the Pirates compete in MAISA (Mid-Atlantic Intercollegiate Sailing Association). MAISA is one of four conferences within the Intercollegiate Sailing Association (ICSA), the sport's governing body, and each conference sends nine teams to nationals.
 
The program is in its seventh season under Ambrosi, and the team has won 18 regattas over that span – including seven this season. Prior to the America Trophy, the Pirates had won three straight regattas and four out of five.
 
"This isn't the regatta you want to win," Ambrosi said with a chuckle. "This is the regatta where you want to qualify onto the national stage, then you want to win."
 
Though this will be Hampton's first time competing in the College Sailing Nationals, it is not the program's first time experiencing the event; in 2013, Hampton and Old Dominion co-hosted the regatta at Strawberry Banks.
 
For more information on Hampton University sailing, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.

COURTESY HAMPTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

UDC's Simone Grant Repeats as ECC Outdoor Track & Field Athlete of the Year; Host of Firebirds Earn All-Conference Honors

Firebirds Put on a Show at ECC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, Finish Runners-Up

• Photos
 
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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The University of the District of Columbia's Simone Grant was selected as the East Coast Conference Outdoor Track & Field Athlete of the Year as voted on by the conference's coaches.

Grant makes it a sweep of the ECC major awards on the year (she shared the Indoor honor with Chelsea Hayward of Roberts Wesleyan) and also repeats as the ECC Outdoor Athlete of the Year. She ranks in the top-five in the East Region in three individual events and in the top three as part of two relay teams. Her best event is the long jump, which she paces the region in with a mark of 5.76M. She's also 4th in the 400M dash with a time of 56.74s and 5th in the 200M dash with a time of 25.00s.

The Bronx, NY native was at her best during the ECC Championship, earning All-Conference honors in five different events to also claim the Most Outstanding Athlete of the ECC Women's Championship Meet. She won the Long Jump (5.72M), and 4x400M Relay (3:59.61), came in 2nd in the 4x100M Relay (48.43) and 200M dash (25.18s), and finished 4th in the 100M dash (12.45s).

In the four years the ECC has sponsored Outdoor Track & Field as a championship sport, UDC has claimed all four Athlete of the Year honors (Kaydian Jones 2013 & 2014; Grant 2015 & 2016), and at least a share of the Athlete of the ECC Championship Meet award in three of the four years (Jones 2013 & 2014; Grant 2016).

In addition, the ECC also announces the All-Conference finishers from the championship meet. The top two finishers in each event were named First Team All-Conference, while the third and fourth place finishers earned Second Team All-Conference distinction. A list of all winners can be found below.



2016 ECC Outdoor Track and Field All-Conference

Women's First Team
100 meter dash - Chelsea Hayward, Roberts Wesleyan & Terrilyn Britton, Queens
200 meter dash - Chelsea Hayward, Roberts Wesleyan & Simone Grant, Dist. Columbia
400 meter dash - Jerily Benjamin, Dist. Columbia & Kristina Button, Roberts Wesleyan
800 meter run - Gabriela Sloezen, St. Thomas Aquinas & Kristen Borriello, St. Thomas Aquinas
1,500 meter run - Rachel Hutchinson, Roberts Wesleyan & Kristen Borriello, St. Thomas Aquinas
5,000 meter run - Elizabeth Stirling, LIU Post & April Sablan, Roberts Wesleyan
10,000 meter run - Amy Trabert, Daemen & Kaitlin O'Grady, St. Thomas Aquinas
100 meter hurdles - Stacy-Ann Rowe, Dist. Columbia & Damira Banks, Queens
400 meter hurdles - Brianna Calderon, Roberts Wesleyan & Damira Banks, Queens
3,000 meter steeplechase - Cecelia Pfleging, St. Thomas Aquinas & Addison Sgroi,, Roberts Wesleyan
4 x 100 meter relay - Roberts Wesleyan (Danielle Budd, Kathleen Amstad, Kristina Button, Chelsea Hayward)
4 x 400 meter relay - Dist. Columbia (Marlena Wright, Jerily Benjamin, Jasmine Walker, Simone Grant)
4 x 800 meter relay - St. Thomas Aquinas (Kristen Borriello, Gabriela Sloezen, Meaghan Ventarola, Patricia Nersten)
High Jump - Saida Burns-Moore, Dist. Columbia & Myla Somerville, Dist. Columbia
Pole Vault - Kyra Kress, Daemen & Molly Luger, Roberts Wesleyan
Long Jump - Simone Grant, Dist. Columbia & Brittany Okon, Dist. Columbia
Triple Jump - Saida Burns-Moore, Dist. Columbia & Saralee Martelly, Queens
Shot Put - Katherine Mollahan, St. Thomas Aquinas & Brittany Sepe, Molloy
Discus - Brittany Sepe, Molloy & Emily Johnson, Daemen
Hammer - Brittany Sepe, Molloy & Danely Rodriguez, Queens
Javelin - Kristina Button, Roberts Wesleyan & Tiara Goode, Dist. Columbia

Women's Second Team
100 meter dash - Kathleen Amstad, Roberts Wesleyan & Simone Grant, Dist. Columbia
200 meter dash - Kathleen Amstad, Roberts Wesleyan & Terrilyn Britton, Queens
400 meter dash - Danielle Budd, Roberts Wesleyan & Ronsheica Trotman, Queens
800 meter run - Patricia Nersten, St. Thomas Aquinas & Emilee Durso, Roberts Wesleyan
1,500 meter run - Rachel Prutsman, Roberts Wesleyan & Mackenzie Donahue, Daemen
5,000 meter run - Ashley Cheff, Daemen & Brittany Ward, Roberts Wesleyan
10,000 meter run - Veronica Stauffer, Roberts Wesleyan & Kellie Lawton, Roberts Wesleyan
100 meter hurdles - Saralee Martelly, Queens & Brianna Calderon, Roberts Wesleyan
400 meter hurdles - Saralee Martelly, Queens & Meaghan Ventarola, St. Thomas Aquinas
3,000 meter steeplechase - Hannah Putman, Roberts Wesleyan & Kymberly Johnson, Queens
4 x 100 meter relay - Dist. Columbia (Stacy-Ann Rowe, Jerily Benjamin, Jasmine Walker, Simone Grant)
4 x 400 meter relay - Roberts Wesleyan (Danielle Budd, Brianna Calderon, Chelsea Hayward, Kristina Button)
4 x 800 meter relay - LIU Post (Elizabeth Stirling, Kaitie Schillaci, Cllara Fischer, Talya Williams)
High Jump - Kristina Button, Roberts Wesleyan & Saralee Martelly, Queens
Pole Vault - Nicole Hein, Molloy
Long Jump - Katherine Dovi, Roberts Wesleyan & Saida Burns-Moore, Dist. Columbia
Triple Jump - Kristina Button, Roberts Wesleyan & Breanna Lyn, St. Thomas Aquinas
Shot Put - Tajah Franklin, Dist. Columbia & Ellory Roberts, Daemen
Discus - Kelsey Barnes, St. Thomas Aquinas & Ellory Roberts, Daemen
Hammer - Renee Lustin, Queens & Ellory Roberts, Daemen
Javelin - Brittany Sepe, Molloy & Aaliyah Holt, Roberts Wesleyan

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

New York Knicks: Kyle O’Quinn Earns College Degree from Norfolk State University

New York Knicks big man Kyle O’Quinn has fulfilled a promise to his family to earn his college degree from Norfolk State University.



NEW YORK, New York -- Over the course of his four-year college career, Kyle O’Quinn became the face of the Norfolk State Spartans men’s basketball program. He was named the 2012 MEAC Player of the Year and Lou Henson Award winner, and earned back-to-back MEAC Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Four years later, O’Quinn has finished what he started.

During his remarkable 2012 season, O’Quinn led Norfolk State to one of the most shocking upsets in NCAA Tournament history. He recorded 26 points and 14 rebounds as the Spartans upset the No. 2 seed Missouri Tigers, thus becoming just the fifth 15-seed to win a game in March Madness.

Four years removed from that incredible run, Ian Begley of ESPN New York reports that O’Quinn has done something else to make his parents proud: he’s earned his college degree.

“It took me a little time,” O’Quinn says. “But just holding that promise to actually complete it, it feels good.”

“I did a heavy load in the summer, obviously, and I’d take one or two classes during the year, but everything’s so mobile nowadays that it makes it a little easier,” said O’Quinn, who will receive a degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on education.

CONTINUE READING

Charles Oakley, fifth VUU inductee into Virginia Sports Hall of Fame

PORTSMOUTH, Virginia -- Charles Oakley has completed the journey.

A native of Cleveland, Oakley arrived in Virginia in 1981 as an 18-year-old freshman basketball player at Virginia Union University.

It was the start of great things.

Last Saturday, the powerful 6-foot-8 athlete known as “Oak” was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in Portsmouth.

“It’s a great moment,” he said in his induction speech.

“Family, friends, people who cheered me on, people who watched me play … they get a chance to see me in person, to come to the Virginia Hall of Fame. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Playing under former VUU Coach Dave Robbins, Oakley accumulated 2,273 points and grabbed 1,664 rebounds in four brilliant, All-CIAA seasons.

As a VUU senior in 1984-85, Oakley led the NCAA Division II in rebounding and was named National Player of the Year while helping VUU to a 30-1 record.

CONTINUE READING

FAMU Men’s Basketball Signs PG Nasir Core

TALLAHASSEE, Florida  – The FAMU Men’s Basketball Program continued its’ offseason recruiting haul Friday, announcing the signing of Tampa (Fla.) Freedom High point guard Nasir Core to a National Letter of Intent.

Core, a gifted 6-1, 195-pound athletic performer, was a three-time team captain of the Freedom High basketball team, for which he averaged 10.8 points, 4,0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.5 steals per game in his career, helping led his team to three District 7-A championships.

A two-time Defensive Player of the Year, who was MVP of the Hillsborough vs. Pinellas County All-Star Game, Core was also an All-Western Conference selection.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Core also starred on the Freedom High football team, as quarterback and team captain.

He was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletics (FCA), President of the African American Studies group, and a Student Representative for the Positive Coaches Alliance at Freedom HS.

FAMU COACH BYRON SAMUELS ON CORE: “Nasir Core is a difference making point guard who is the ultimate competitor. I am delighted to announce that he has joined our basketball program and family.

“He has a drive and a will that makes him a winner, I can’t describe it, but I know that he will help move our program forward with his work ethic, his infectious attitude and spirit. To say it bluntly, this kid is a winner.

“Nasir will represent our program and Florida A&M University well. We are pleased to welcome him and his family to FAMU,” Samuels said.

CORE’S H.S. COACH: Core was coached by Cedric Smith, a former player
at USF.

FLORIDA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

ASU's Warren Gatewood Signs With Green Bay Packers

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Football has taken Warren Gatewood from Baltimore, Maryland to Alcorn State University and now to Green Bay, Wisconsin. The former Alcorn defensive back has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Packers.

Gatewood had a huge game against Grambling in the SWAC Championship Game, picking off three passes and returning one for a touchdown as Alcorn came up with a 49-21 win.

At 6'0, 190 pounds, Gatewood has the size that the NFL likes in defensive backs.

Check out Gatewood talking about how Alcorn State "saved my life."



ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY DIVISION OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Alcorn State to Construct Largest Video Scoreboard in an HBCU Owned Football Stadium

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Defending Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Football Champions Alcorn State University Braves will soon boast the nation's largest Historically Black College and University owned video scoreboard when they kick off the 2016 season at Spinks-Casem Stadium this fall.

The LED display is expected to measure 65 feet by 25 feet, will feature an impressive 10 mm pixel pitch and a high quality 1952x736 resolution. It will be capable of variable content zoning allowing it to show one large image or it can be divided into multiple smaller windows to show any combination of live video, instant replays, up-to-the-minute statistics, graphics and animations, and sponsorship messages.

University president Alfred Rankins Jr. announced plans and unveiled the design to a packed assembly of alumni gathered on the Lorman campus for commencement weekend activities.

"We are excited to announce this new addition to the Braves football experience and extremely grateful to the Alcorn State University Foundation for its historic investment because it is going to significantly impact the entire Alcorn family from our students to our fans to our valued student athletes," Rankins said.

ASU Foundation Executive Director and Manager of the Foundation's Development LLC, Marcus Ward said, "The ASU Foundation is proud to be a part of this project that supports the university, because it's the foundation for which long-term athletic and business success can be built. Alcorn and its fans will enjoy and benefit from the new experience on football Saturdays in Lorman. This will be a great enhancement and very beneficial for the best school, best team, best fans and best game day atmosphere in all of HBCU football."

The Foundation's Development, LLC has contracted with Laurel, Mississippi based Capturion Network, LLC, a division of Busby Companies, a leading multi-format LED display company to construct and operate the new scoreboard.

Athletics Director Derek Horne said, "Alcorn's fans deserve the biggest and the best. The new video scoreboard will directly impact the performance of our student athletes on the field of play and will enhance our recruiting abilities to prospective student athletes."

Businesses and organizations interested in advertising opportunities on the new video board should contact the Busby Sales team at 800-268-3260 or email sales@busbycompanies.com.

ALCORN STATE DIVISION OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Howard Bison Announces 2016 Football Schedule

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Howard University kicks off its 2016 season with a game at the University of Maryland on September 3 in College Park, MD. It will mark the first time that the two schools, who are 20 minutes apart, have meet on the football field.

The Bison face another Big 10 opponent in Rutgers on September 10 in Piscataway, NJ. It will mark the fourth time that the two have met.

Howard then opens MEAC play on September 17 when it takes on Hampton University in the AT&T Football Classic at RFK Stadium at 3:30 pm.

Next up for the Bison is a showdown with longtime rival, Morgan State on September 24 at the NY Urban League Classic at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

Howard continues conference play with a game at Norfolk State on October 1 at 2 pm in Dick Price Stadium.

The Bison will the step out of conference for their home opener against first time opponent, Monmouth on October 8. It is slated for a 1 pm kickoff.

It will be the first of three-straight home games as the Bison next host South Carolina State on October 15 at 1 pm. The three-game home stand concludes with an October 22 tilt against the Aggies of North Carolina A&T in Greene Stadium. That game will be homecoming and gets underway at 1 pm.

Howard then travels to Savannah, GA to take on the Tigers of Savannah State on October 29 at 2 pm before getting a break with a bye on November 5.

The Bison close out the season with a road game at North Carolina Central on November 12 before closing out the season in the home finale against Delaware State on November 19 at 1 pm. That will be Senior Day for Howard.

Listed below is the 2016 schedule with date, locations and times:
:

DATE	OPPONENT	LOCATOIN	TIME
9/03/16	at University of Maryland	College Park, MD	TBA
9/10/16	at Rutgers	Piscataway, NJ	TBA
9/17/16	vs Hampton at RFK Stadium	Wash., DC	3:30 pm
9/24/16	at Morgan State	Meadowlands, NJ	TBA
10/01/16	at Norfolk State	Norfolk, VA	2 pm
10/08/16	vs MONMOUTH	Wash., DC	1 pm
10/15/16	vs SOUTH CAROLINA STATE	Wash., DC	1 pm
10/22/16	vs NORTH CAROLINA A&T	Wash., DC	1 pm
10/29/16	at Savannah State	Savannah, GA	2 pm
11/5/16	BYE
11/12/16	at North Carolina Central	Durham, NC	2 pm
11/19/16	vs DELAWARE STATE	Wash., DC	1 pm

All MEAC GAMES in bold

Home Games in ALL CAPS

COURTESY HOWARD UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

NFL, HBCU conferences partner to grow minority opportunities

NEW YORK, New York  --  The NFL is partnering with two preeminent Historically Black College & Universities (HBCU) athletic conferences -- the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) -- to increase opportunities for ethnic minorities -- both professionals and students -- interested in pursuing careers in football administration, the league announced today.

The goal is to provide qualified individuals with the preparation and skills needed to secure employment in professional football administration.

"Our partnership with the MEAC and SWAC is not only important for our pipeline of qualified individuals at all levels of football, but also to improve the NFL's goals for diversity and inclusion," said NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent. "With this partnership, we are making steady progress in developing future coaches, officials, scouts, managers, front office personnel and others through effective football resources, educational programs and internships."

In addition to the NFL providing much-needed support to academic and athletic endeavors, MEAC and SWAC personnel will benefit from programs that include internships at the club and league level, integration of their football operations staff -- including athletic trainers, video directors and equipment managers -- into existing NFL platforms such as the Regional Combines, and networking and mentorship opportunities.

"We are elated to continue our partnership with the National Football League, which includes our current officiating involvement, to advancing the NFL's diversity and inclusion initiatives with a strategic plan to increase diversity in all areas of employment at the league office and the clubs," said Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Commissioner Dennis Thomas. "The MEAC is pleased to work collaboratively with the NFL to achieve its diversity and inclusion goals."

A summit at the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl -- the annual game between the champions of the MEAC and SWAC, won by North Carolina A&T last season -- will feature panel discussions for student athletes competing in the game featuring NFL and club personnel who have played college football introducing the players to non-playing opportunities in pro football.

Top sports management students from the competing universities along with entry-level athletic department administrators will attend a separate NFL-themed panel.

"The Southwestern Athletic Conference is excited to partner with the NFL and MEAC to ensure that our student-athletes and students have exposure to superior professional development and the different career contingencies that the NFL and professional sports have to offer." SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp said. "This partnership is cutting edge and will allow our stakeholders and respective organizations the opportunity to foster long term relationships that will ultimately increase our visibility from campuses to corner offices. We are grateful that the NFL has taken such a profound stance in recognizing the potential of our student athletes, administrators, coaches and officials."

The NFL has a long association with MEAC and SWAC institutions, which have developed some of the greats of the game, including Pro Football Hall of Famers Walter Payton (Jackson State), Jerry Rice (Mississippi Valley State), Bob Hayes (Florida A&M), Shannon Sharpe (Savannah State), Harry Carson (South Carolina State) and Aeneas Williams (Southern).

"The partnership between the NFL and these conferences will be outstanding," Williams said. "Many students, executives and other talented individuals, who may not have known about all of the avenues available to them in the NFL off the field, will have more of a chance to engage in activities and opportunities that will prepare them for a rewarding career in the game that we all love."

Here's a list of the colleges taking part:

Bethune-Cookman

Alabama A&M

Delaware State

Alabama State

Florida A&M

Alcorn State

Hampton

Arkansas-Pine Bluff

Howard

Grambling State

Morgan State

Jackson State

North Carolina A&T

Mississippi Valley State

North Carolina Central

Prairie View A&M

Norfolk State

Southern

Savannah State

Texas Southern

South Carolina State

Coppin State University

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

COURTESY NFL MEDIA RELATIONS

Reggie Barlow Named Virginia State Head Football Coach

ETTRICK, Virginia  --  The Virginia State University Athletics announced Reggie Barlow as the 25th Head Football Coach in the program's history.

Before arriving to VSU, Barlow coached at several secondary schools by way of his alma mater Alabama State University; where he was the quarterbacks coach from 2005-2006 and the head coach from 2007-2014.

Barlow joined the Alabama State University football staff as quarterbacks coach in 2005. In his first season, Barlow served as mentor and tutor to future NFL second-round draftee Tarvaris Jackson – currently a quarterback with the Seattle Seahawks.

In 2006, Barlow worked with a trio of quarterbacks without a single snap of college football experience between them. Under Barlow's guidance, Alex Engram would earn a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Newcomer of the Week award and finish eighth in the conference in total offense.

After that season, Barlow was named interim head coach. A few weeks later, the interim title was removed and he held the head position for 7 seasons.

In taking over as head coach in 2007, Barlow has compiled an overall record of 48-42. In 2010, the Hornets went 7-5, claimed their fourth outright SWAC Eastern Divisional title and made their third trip to the league's championship game in eight seasons. In 2011, the Hornets improved to 8-3 winning the Turkey Day Classic over Tuskegee.

His years in the league gave him an easy transition into coaching. Barlow spent eight years in the NFL five for the Jacksonville Jaguars, and two for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he won a World Championship in Super Bowl XXXVII and one offseason on the Oakland Raiders roster. He was used as a secondary wide receiver and punt returner. In 1997, he led the NFL in punt return yards with 555 yards on 43 returns.

Barlow is the father of three children — Erica, Reggie Jr. and Simone.

VSU wrapped up the 2015 season with a 6-4 overall record, 4-3 in the CIAA conference. During the spring 2016 conditioning, VSU displayed great talent that will help make the team great for the 2016 campaign.

The Trojan football program has won 11 CIAA Championships (1929, 1936, 1938, 1939, 1945, 1952, 1970, 1972, 1995, 1996 and 2014). In 2014, the Trojans not only advanced to the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Playoffs, but they hosted the first round of the playoffs in Rogers Stadium against Long Island University- Post. The Trojans went on to defeat LIU-Post and advance to round two.

"I am pleased with the selection that the search committee has made," said VSU Director of Athletics, Peggy Davis. "We are excited to welcome Coach Barlow to the Land of Troy as the football program continues to move in the right direction."

The 2016 football season will begin on the road on September 3 against Lenoir-Rhyne at 2 p.m.

For more information on VSU Trojans football, follow Trojans Athletics on Twitter @VSUsports, or call 804-524-5030.

COURTESY  VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

3-Run 6th Carries NSU Spartan Baseball Past Richmond, 7-4

NORFOLK, Virginia – Norfolk State manufactured three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to break open a tie game and pull away for a 7-4 win over Richmond on Wednesday night in the Spartans' final home game of the season at Marty L. Miller Field.

NSU (24-18), which trailed 3-1 in the fifth inning, tied the game with a pair of runs in the fifth and overtook the Spiders (23-19) in the sixth. The win was NSU's second in a row over Richmond.

The Spartans scored in the first inning as Denathan Dukes led off with a single, stole second and later scored on a groundout by Brian Beard.

Richmond took the lead with two runs in the top of the third. Michael Morman doubled in Trey Beckwith and scored on a two-out balk. The Spiders added another run in the fourth on Aaron Newman's RBI single, putting the Spiders in front 3-1.

But NSU rallied in the middle innings. In the fifth, Tony Leite's base hit scored Angel Rosario, who singled to lead off the frame. Roger Hall, who drew one of his four walks earlier in the inning, scored the tying run from third when Leite stole second base and the catcher's throw to second sailed into center field.

The Spartans pieced together a three-run rally in the sixth. The only hit was Dukes' lead-off bunt single. Dukes scored on a wild pitch by UR reliever Jacob Lamb. Hall, who drew another walk earlier in the inning, scored on a two-out catcher's interference miscue against UR. Ismael Herrera coaxed a bases-loaded walk from Spider reliever Peter Bovenzi to cap the rally and give the Spartans a 6-3 lead.

UR got a run back in the seventh on a two-out RBI single by Kyle Adams. But Spartan reliever Alex Mauricio struck out Kurtis Brown with two runners on to help the Spartans maintain a 6-4 lead.

NSU stretched its lead back to three, at 7-4, in the eighth. Mauricio walked, stole second and scored on a two-out RBI single by Chase Anderson.

Mauricio finished it off on the mound, working a scoreless ninth. With two runners on and two outs, Mauricio walked Brown. The fourth ball of the at-bat got away from Spartan catcher Herrera, but D.J. Lee was tagged out at home for the final out of the game trying to score on the wild pitch.

The save was the fourth of the year for Mauricio, who pitched the final 2.1 innings without allowing a run. He struck out two. Anderson (4-2), who began the game playing third base, got the win with 1.2 innings of relief and two strikeouts.

Spartan righty Michael Parmentier got the start and took a no-decision. He struck out seven batters, matching a career high, and allowed three runs over five innings.

Beard went 2-for-5 with an RBI for NSU. Both Dukes and Hall scored two runs apiece. Mauricio went 1-for-1, drew three of the Spartans' 10 walks and stole two bases in addition to his save on the mound.

Adams went 3-for-5 to pace the Spiders, who outhit NSU 12-7.

NSU hits the road for its final MEAC series of the season this Saturday and Sunday at Coppin State.

Box Score

Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Morgan State Men's Basketball Signs Two

BALTIMORE, Maryland – Chase Carlton and David Syfax have signed a national letters-of-intent to play college basketball at Morgan State University, Bears coach Todd Bozeman said Thursday.

Carlton, a 6-1 guard from Austin, Texas, played as a freshman and sophomore at Ranger College in Austin, Texas and will have two years of eligibility at Morgan State. Carlton averaged 8.5 points, 3.6 assists and 1.7 rebounds at Ranger and earned all-conference honorable mention by leading his team to a 31-7 record, 12-0 conference mark and capped a historic season by taking fourth at the 2016 NJCAA Division I Men's National Basketball Championships. It was the Ranger's first Final Four appearance in the institution's 90-year history. Carlton was also named the recipient of the 2016 Bud Obee Small Player Award.

As a senior at Austin Westlake High School in Austin, Carlton averaged over 20 points per game and earned all-district honors and was the catalyst behind the only loss that Converse Judson had prior to the Texas State Tournament. He originally committed to being a preferred walk-on at Texas A&M before playing two seasons at Ranger College.

"Chase is a tough, gritty point guard that plays extremely hard and has great range from 3-point distance," said Bozeman. "He will add quality depth to our backcourt."

This spring, Morgan State also signed 6-6 forward David Syfax of Detroit, Michigan.

"David is a tough versatile, high energy forward that can score and defend," Bozeman added. "He will add quality depth to our frontcourt."

Syfax was a standout at Detroit Pershing High School where he was selected Class C All-State, All-Detroit honorable mention and Detroit News All-Area honorable mention.

Morgan State head coach Todd Bozeman has led the Bears to NCAA appearances in 2009 and 2010. MSU has won three MEAC Tournaments (1977, 2009 & 2010) and has made six c
hampionship appearances in 10 seasons under Coach Bozeman.

COURTESY MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Gold Rush win NAIA Champions of Character team award

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana men's basketball is the recipient of the NAIA's Buffalo Funds Five-Star Champions of Character Team Award for the 2015-16 season.

The NAIA presents this award annually to a member school in each of its 23 championship sports. Winners demonstrate the NAIA's five core values — integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership — in everyday decisions. These institutions and athletic programs strive for excellence in and out of competition and are part of communities throughout the country dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics.

Gold Rush community service this past year included the collection of winter coats and toiletries for the homeless, plus volunteering for the Times-Picayune Doll & Toy Fund in the distribution of toys to thousands of needy New Orleans children.

"Building character is the primary reason that I do what I do," said Dannton Jackson, Gold Rush head coach the past 13 seasons and a recent hire by the University of Alabama at Birmingham as an assistant coach. "Basketball is just a pathway to helping young men develop into people that will help to change our world; some in small ways, some in large, but for the better.

"A team cannot work without character. Character defines how you practice, how you play, how you handle adversity and success. It takes character to deal with all of the daily challenges of being a student and to put those aside to give your best effort on the practice court. It takes character to walk out onto the court on game day and know that you represent thousands of students and alumni from your school. It takes character to endure the physical and mental challenges of a long season."

The Gold Rush presented the NAIA's five core values to approximately 350 students at Joseph A. Craig Charter School in New Orleans during the fall semester.

"I don't think that character is something that we have to talk about as a team on a regular basis because it really just seems to be a part of our program," XU senior guard Gary Smith said. "Our coach has never made basketball the most important thing in our lives. Since I was recruited, he's dealt with me as a person first and an athlete second. So I think that has helped us as a team because we're able to keep things in perspective.

"We all want to win. You don't come to Xavier if you're not thinking about playing for championships. What makes Xavier different and what makes our team so special is how much we care about the next man. We think beyond ourselves. It doesn't matter who scores or who gets the numbers, we're out here trying to win together. There are 31 other teams at this tournament, but we look at ourselves as a family. These are my brothers. That's Xavier character to me."

This is the first time an XU team has won this award.

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
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UMES Hawks Reach Historic Heights, Stun Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania — Today’s performance by the Maryland Eastern Shore baseball team may have been the most impressive comeback and could also be described as the biggest win in program history. That’s because the Hawks—facing a 6-2 deficit—rallied for seven runs in the eighth to stun the Pittsburgh Panthers by a final of 9-6 at Charles L. Cost Field.

The victory marks the second ever win for the program against a school competing out of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), and the first since 1995 when the Hawks beat the Maryland Terrapins. Maryland Eastern Shore is also the first program in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) to defeat an ACC school in 2016.

Also, today was the ninth non-conference victory for the Hawks, another new all-time high for the program. The 1994 squad won eight games outside the MEAC, but no one had ever won nine. The Hawks improved to 15-30 on the season and are one win away from tying last year’s total of 16 wins.

“Today was a great win for this team and for the UMES Baseball program.” Hawks coach John O’Neil said after the game. “The team just did their job and competed. Our guys showed a lot of character, especially after all the issues yesterday.”

The issues yesterday--a late arrival in Pittsburgh that pushed last night’s start time to 9:15p.m.—may have caused Maryland Eastern Shore to begin the day a little sluggish, falling behind as far as 6-2.

But that all changed in the eighth. Pitt’s starter had been relieved after a superb performance of seven innings and the Hawks quickly found their stride against the Panthers’ bullpen. After sophomores Jessey Valdez (Dorchester, Massachusetts) and Jamison Trower (Chesterfield, Virginia) reached base, freshman Tom Summers (West Decatur, Pennsylvania) doubled home Valdez and put two Hawks in scoring position. Two walks—one to load the bases and another to force home a run—cut the deficit to two.

Then sophomore Isaiah Chambers (Bowie, Maryland) stepped up with a chance to do some damage. Early in the count Chambers ripped a ball down the left field line, allowing all of his teammates to score, giving his team the lead. A pair of runs would come in afterwards as the Hawks scored seven runs and sent 11 men to the plate.

From there, sophomore Jordan Turner (Baltimore, Maryland) silenced the Panthers to close out the game. Turner earned his first collegiate win for his effort.

Overall, senior Mike Escanilla (Waldorf, Maryland) went 4-of-5 at the plate and knocked three Hawks while scoring once himself. His career hit total stands at 215, which puts him 10 behind the all-time leader Tre-von Johnson. Chambers’ double was part of a 2-for-2 day at the plate with a sacrifice bunt and a hit by pitch, and junior Justin Somerville (New Windsor, Maryland) scored three runs thanks to two walks.

Along with Turner, sophomores Toby Hoskins (North East, Maryland) and Scott Bean (Harveys Lake, Pennsylvania) combined to deliver one and two-thirds innings of scoreless relief.

The Hawks are hoping this win could act as a springboard to a crucial MEAC weekend with Delaware State. Maryland Eastern Shore must win three out of four over the next two weeks (there is a makeup date scheduled at home in two weeks) in order to keep the conference tournament dreams alive.

“This win should give us the confidence we need to go out and be successful this upcoming weekend.” O’Neil said.

The first game between the Hawks and Hornets is this Saturday at 3:00p.m. in Dover.

Box Score

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That time FAMU nearly made it in college football's top level, but the timing was all wrong

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- You don't really know what the high point was until after the fact. You don't really know where the peak was until you've begun to come down.

With 16 years of hindsight, we can pinpoint Florida A&M's modern peak. On December 11, 1999, the Rattlers led Jim Tressel's Youngstown State by 11 points with eight minutes to go in the Division I-AA (now FCS) semifinals. They had the ball at the Penguins' 4. In that moment, the future was green and orange.

Under Jake Gaither from the end of World War II until 1969, the Rattlers were one of the two anchors of Black college football alongside Eddie Robinson's Grambling. Nine years after Gaither's retirement, under former Woody Hayes assistant Rudy Hubbard, they won the inaugural Division I-AA national title in 1978. They were storied and celebrated.

As with most of the HBCU universe, FAMU saw its talent level slide in the post-segregation era. After going 23-1 in 1977-78, they wouldn't win more than seven games in a season for nearly two decades.

Then Billy Joe showed up.

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2016 Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl to Open Bowl Season on ABC

ATLANTA, Georgia -- The Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl will once again be televised live on ABC and open the bowl season. The postseason college football bowl game will kick off at noon ET on Saturday, Dec. 17, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

The Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl, which showcases the heritage, legacy, pageantry and tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), pits the conference champion from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) against the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). In 2015, MEAC champion North Carolina A&T State University defeated SWAC champion Alcorn State University 41-34 in front of over 35,000 fans.

“We are pleased to once again open the bowl season with the Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl on ABC,” said John Grant, Celebration Bowl Executive Director. “By presenting the champions of the MEAC and SWAC conferences in this bowl game we expose millions of fans to the excitement of championship football.”

“We are elated about today’s announcement that the 2016 Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl will be televised on ABC,” said Dennis Thomas, Commissioner, Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. “By all objective measures, the inaugural 2015 bowl was a huge success and I am confident that the 2016 Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl will be even better. I am even more excited about the bowl experience that the institutions, student-athletes and coaches will have on a national platform. We would like to commend ESPN for their commitment to the MEAC and SWAC Champions for this postseason bowl game.”

“The SWAC is thrilled to continue its relationship with the Air Force Reserved Celebration Bowl and ABC,” SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp said. “Two of the best teams in country, the MEAC champion versus the SWAC champion, in early December is a great way to kick off the bowl season. Playing on ABC, the pageantry of the game and the opportunity to play in a venue like the Georgia Dome and a city such as Atlanta, makes for a fantastic bowl experience for our student-athletes and football fans everywhere.”

Tickets for the game, a full ancillary event schedule and discounted rates at downtown Atlanta hotels will be available this summer. To stay up to date on Air Force Reserve Celebration Bowl announcements, sign up for updates on www.TheCelebrationBowl.com, and follow the event on Twitter and Facebook.

ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, also manages the season-opening MEAC/SWAC Challenge on Labor Day Weekend, another game that showcases these two conferences and highlights the traditions of HBCUs. The 2016 Challenge features defending SWAC champion Alcorn State against defending MEAC co-champion Bethune-Cookman, and will be played Sunday, Sept. 4 at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium, live on ESPN.

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Chris Hubert of Fayetteville State Signs With the Arizona Cardinals

FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina -- Fayetteville State University former wide receiver Chris Hubert (Apex, NC) is one of 10 undrafted free agents signed by the Arizona Cardinals for the 2016 season. Hubert reportedly reached an agreement with Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL) on Saturday, April 30th following the conclusion of the 2016 NFL Draft.

Hubert served as the Broncos’ standout receiver this season and started all 10 games. He finished the 2015 season with 71 catches for 862 yards and 13 touchdowns. Hubert set the single-season record for receptions and receiving touchdowns. He eclipsed the 2003 record of 70 catches and the 2008 record of 12 receiving TDs.

He earned All-CIAA Second Team honors. Hubert had the best season of his collegiate career and one of the best seasons in Fayetteville State history as a wide receiver.

Hubert capped his outstanding career ranked first all-time in receiving touchdowns (19), second all-time in receptions (129), and third all-time in receiving yards (1,784). Hubert played in 32 games in his four year career to include playing in all 20 games the last two seasons.

He also developed a reputation as a dangerous return specialist. During the 2015 season, Hubert returned five punts for 115 yards and one touchdown; he also had 11 kick returns for 192 yards.

In addition to Hubert, here is a short list of undrafted free agent signings by the Cardinals: Elie Bouka – DB, University of Calgary Matthias Farley – DB, Notre Dame Amir Carlisle – WR, Notre Dame Clay Debord – OT, Eastern Washington Chris King – WR, Duquesne Danny Dillon – LS, Campbell Garrett Swanson P, Fresno State Hakeeem Valles – TE, Monmouth Jake Coker – QB, Alabama Trevon Hartfield – DB, Southwestern Oklahoma State.

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McWilliams Named head Coach of Lincoln University Women's Basketball

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri – Ayana McWilliams has been named as the next head women's basketball coach at Lincoln University. A press conference was held on Monday (May 2) to announce the hiring.

"We were looking for an individual that could recruit a mixture of talent; would have a terrific work ethic, discipline and high character; as well as display passion for the opportunity to build a successful program here at Lincoln University," said John Moseley, Lincoln University Director of Athletics.

"We found all of that, and more, in Ayana McWilliams. After speaking with coaches that she had worked with in the past, it was clear that her experiences in Division I and Division II had prepared her to become a head coach. Her recruiting resume is impressive at both the D1 and D2 levels, and the success of the teams that she worked with has been tremendous."



McWilliams spent the past five years as an assistant coach at the University of South Carolina Upstate, an NCAA Division I program. This past season, McWilliams helped lead the Spartans to a program-record 22 victories as well as a berth in the Women's Basketball Invitational tournament, USC Upstate's second postseason trip in the past three years. The Spartans won their first postseason game as a Division I team this spring and advanced all the way to the WBI semifinals.

As a member of USC Upstate's coaching staff, McWilliams helped the Spartans lead the Atlantic Sun Conference in eight statistics, including scoring, rebounding and field goals made. USC Upstate also finished second in the league in steals and third in both blocks and assists.

"I appreciate all the support that I've had to get to this point," McWilliams said. "I'd like to thank (Lincoln University president) Dr. Rome for this opportunity, and for trusting me to help carry on the vision of this college. I'm extremely excited about being a part of the Lincoln University family and even more excited about its future."

Before joining the Spartans, McWilliams spent two years as an assistant coach at Elizabeth City, where she helped turn a team picked last in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association's preseason poll finish second and advance to the semifinals of the conference tournament. McWilliams helped the Vikings win the CIAA Northern Division title in 2010-11.

McWilliams, who has also coached at Livingstone and Winston-Salem State, has developed 10 players into all-conference honorees. That includes Tee'Ara Copney, USC Upstate's all-time leading scorer (1,635 points), and Brittany Starling, the first player in USC Upstate history to record 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds.

McWilliams played two seasons at East Carolina before transferring to Brevard College, where she is the program's all-time leader in assists (296) and steals (288). McWilliams averaged 16.5 points, the second-most in school history, and was a two-time all-league honoree. McWilliams graduated from Brevard in 2005 with a bachelor's degree in exercise science and received a master's degree in sports management and sports coaching from the United States Sports Academy in 2011.

Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
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WSSU stays within family to hire women’s coach

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina -- Winston-Salem State has stayed inside the family after hiring L’Tona Lamonte as its women’s basketball coach.

Lamonte, a former two-sport athlete at WSSU who is also a Winston-Salem native, was assistant coach last season at N.C. Central. Before that, she spent two seasons as an assistant at Belmont University and will bring nearly 14 years of experience into her first season as a head coach.

“She’s the perfect fit for what we wanted,” said WSSU athletics director Tonia Walker. “It came down to her belief in Winston-Salem State, her knowledge of the game and her overall personality stood out for us.”

Lamonte, who went by L’Tona Samuels when she was a student at WSSU, is a Reynolds High School graduate. She went to WSSU and played basketball and softball, where in her junior season in 1998 she led Division II in stolen bases. Because of injuries in basketball she went full-time with softball for her final two years at WSSU.



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Shouppe issues challenge to Rattlers after team swept by Miami

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- Florida A&M baseball coach Jamey Shouppe didn’t sleep much Sunday night.

Shouppe said he was perplexed by his team after the Rattlers were swept by No. 3 Miami in Coral Gables. FAMU had its chances to steal a game from one of top teams in the nation, but the Rattlers were repeatedly undone by their own mistakes.

The Rattlers (24-17, 14-4 MEAC) are still in the driver’s seat in the MEAC’s Southern Division, but Shoupe said he was disappointed in his group after a lackluster showing against an ACC title contender.



FAMU’s magic number to ensure the top spot in the Southern Division is four, meaning any combination of four Florida A&M wins and Bethune-Cookman losses (within the MEAC) will guarantee the Rattlers a No. 1 seed in the upcoming MEAC tournament.

“I was just disappointed,” Shouppe said about the team’s series against Miami.

“I think we’re better than that. I had planed on going down there and winning at least one if not more. Miami is a good team, and it’s always difficult to play on the road. I wasn’t pleased at the way we got after it and approached the game.”

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Howard University Bison and Under Armour Join Forces

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Howard University today announces partnership with Under Armour (NYSE: UA), the global leader in performance footwear, apparel and equipment. As part of the partnership, Under Armour will exclusively design and supply apparel and accessories for training and game-day uniforms for all 19 of the University's men's and women's varsity athletics teams.

"I am absolutely thrilled about our new partnership with Under Armour," Howard University Director of Athletics Kery Davis said. "Under Armour is a brand that fits perfectly with the Bison athletics story and culture. Our primary focus at Howard is, of course, our student-athletes, and Under Armour's passion and commitment to high quality and innovation will benefit our student-athletes for years to come. Our entire department is looking forward to a long and mutually productive relationship with the Under Armour team."

"Howard University is an institution built on the highest values of academic excellence, and we are extremely proud to be teaming up with one of the most vibrant, distinctive and historic programs in the country to help elevate the performance of all Bison student-athletes with innovative apparel," said Ryan Kuehl, Vice President, Sports Marketing, Under Armour.

This new affiliation further expands Under Armour's leadership in providing proven performance benefits to college athletes on all playing fields. Howard University is the brand's first HBCU partnership.

About Under Armour, Inc.
Under Armour (NYSE: UA), the originator of performance footwear, apparel and equipment, revolutionized how athletes across the world dress. Designed to make all athletes better, the brand's innovative products are sold worldwide to athletes at all levels. The Under Armour Connected Fitness™ platform powers the world's largest digital health and fitness community through a suite of applications: UA Record, MapMyFitness, Endomondo and MyFitnessPal. The Under Armour global headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland. For further information, please visit the Company's website at www.uabiz.com.

About Howard
Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. Since 1998, the University has produced two Rhodes Scholars, two Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, 30 Fulbright Scholars and 11 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other University in the United States. For more information on Howard University, call (202) 238-2330, or visit the University's Web site at www.howard.edu.

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TSU Men’s Basketball Adds Delano Spencer to Recruiting Class

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State men’s basketball Head Coach Dana Ford added to this year’s recruiting class with the signing of Delano Spencer (Atlanta, Ga.) to a financial aid agreement. Spencer will have two years of eligibility at TSU beginning in the 2016-17 season.

"We got better today," Ford said. "I think Delano will be an immediate impact guy for us. His ability to score and handle the ball gives us the opportunity to play different lineups.

"He has spent the last two years playing for coach Jay Herkelman at Coffeyville Community College, so we know he's coming to us well versed in relation to playing winning basketball."

Spencer played his first two collegiate seasons at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. The 6’3 guard was one of the top scorers in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference, earning Honorable Mention All-Conference accolades. As a sophomore, the Atlanta, Ga. native led Coffeyville and ranked fifth in the conference with 17.8 points per game. He shot 43.0 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from beyond the three-point arc.

During his freshman season, Spencer averaged 10.2 points to go with 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. Throughout his junior college career, he put up double-digit points on 37 occasions, including 27 as a sophomore. His best offensive performance came on a 33-point scoring effort in a win over Redlands Community College during his sophomore season.

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Tuskegee faces North Alabama in opening round of region play

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- The Tuskegee University softball team will be making their third consecutive regional appearance this week, facing a familiar opponent in the University of North Alabama in the opening round of the tournament.

Tuskegee (24-29), the eighth seed in the South Region, faces top-seeded North Alabama (49-5) in the opening round game. The two met earlier this season, in the opening tournament, with North Alabama winning that contest.

The three-time defending SIAC champion Lady Golden Tigers head in to the tournament winning their last six contests, and 14 of their last 16 games. Freshman Kaylin Finch, the SIAC Player of the Year, leads Tuskegee at the plate and on the mound. She is hitting .392 this season with nine homeruns and 40 runs batted in on the season, while also posting an 11-11 mark on the mound with a 3.42 earned run average.

Sharde Thomas, the SIAC Utility Player of the Year, continues to be one of the top hitters in the country posting a .507 batting average this season. She has 17 extra base hits on the season and leads the team with 14 stolen bases. Seniors Kenyah Smith and Chante Warner – a Second Team All-SIAC selection - are near the top of the team in hitting this season, hitting .320 and .316 respectively.

SIAC Tournament Most Valuable Player, Karisa Foye, is hitting .307 following the tournament and is 6-5 on the mound with a 3.07 earned run average – winning her last five outings.

North Alabama leads the country in homeruns and are slugging over .600 as a team; while also averaging 7.5 runs per game. They have nine players hitting over .300, and four players with double-digit homeruns on the year.

Brooklyn Clark, the Gulf South Conference Player of the Year, leads the team in hitting at .486 with 15 homeruns and 74 runs batted in. On the mound, North Alabama is led by Hillary Carpenter (23-3, 1.79 ERA) and Raven Cole (24-1, 2.01 ERA) this season.

The two teams will play the final game of the first session at 4:30 pm on Thursday in Florence (Ala.).

For more information on Tuskegee University athletics, follow us on Twitter/Snapchat/Instagram (@MyTUAthletics) and like us on Facebook.

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Auburn lands MEAC star LaRon Smith via transfer

AUBURN, Alabama -- Auburn has landed another transfer -- Bethune Cookman big man LaRon Smith. He told ESPN he just committed to the Tigers. Shot-blocker.

At first glance, this is a pretty big get for the Tigers and head coach Bruce Pearl. Smith is 6-foot-8, 215 pounds and hails from Palm Bay, Fla. He’s played three years of college basketball, last season playing for Bethune-Cookman.

He averaged 7.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and an incredible three blocks a game for the Wildcats, an output that won him MEAC defensive player of the year honors in 2015-16.

“I look forward to getting a guard’s shot, thinking he’s going to get to the lane easy and have an easy bucket, and then I swipe it,” Smith said via Chris Boyle of The Daytona Beach News Journal. “That’s better to me than dunking the ball.”

Auburn basketball is looking to make some noise under Pearl, and it’s a pickup like this that could go a long way. Pearl is undoubtedly one of the more recognizable coaches in college hoops, but even the big names need to have success on the recruiting trail in order to find success on the court.

For what it’s worth, this is Pearl’s second transfer commit in two days and third in just over a week, so the Tigers are on the right track. Yesterday, the Auburn landed Presbyterian transfer DeSean Murray. Purdue grad transfer Ronnie Johnson also recently committed to Auburn, according to Ryan Black of 247Sports.

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