Southern making the most of its red zone opportunities in SWAC play

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Here is a statistic that should explain, in part, Southern’s offensive outburst in its first two games against SWAC teams.

While averaging 61.5 points per game against Alabama State and Alabama A&M, Southern had 10 drives that penetrated the opponent’s 20-yard line, an area defined as the red zone.

Eight of those drives resulted in touchdowns. The other two ended in field goals, though those drives came toward the end of the game when the outcome was already well in hand.



“We need to get down there some more,” Southern coach Dawson Odums said. “That’s not bad.”

Beyond being not bad, it’s a big improvement from early in the season, when Southern showed an ability to drive the ball on both UL-Monroe and Tulane but an inability to finish the drives.

The Jaguars managed to punch in only three of their six red-zone opportunities for touchdowns in the first two weeks of the season, settling for momentum-killing field goals twice and turning it over one other time.

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GCAC-leading Nuggets earn third victory in four days

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana concluded a three-match volleyball home stand against Gulf Coast Athletic Conference opponents with a 25-14, 25-15, 25-20 victory Sunday against Edward Waters.
     
Nine players had multiple kills for the Gold Nuggets (10-13, 7-0), and setter Ralitsa Slanchev posted career highs of 35 assists and two blocks.
     
XULA closed the first set with an 11-1 run, seized momentum early in the second set with a 10-2 run, then ended the match after a late 6-1 surge.
     
Leading the Gold Nuggets' attackers were Adili Rikondja and Juliana Tomasoni with seven kills apiece. Rikondja hit a career-best .500 in 12 attacks, and Tomasoni, who sat out the final two sets, hit .545 in 11 attempts.
     
Brittanie Cockrell had a career-best six kills, and Kaelan Temple had a career-high-tying five kills for the second consecutive match. Temple also had 12 digs, reaching double figures for the seventh time this season and the third time in her last four matches.
     
Slanchev, a senior filling in for freshman starter Tiffany Phillips, also had seven digs and season highs of three aces and three kills.
     
Larissa Pereira had eight kills for Edward Waters (7-7, 2-6), and Kayla Morales had 19 digs.
    
 XULA outhit the Lady Tigers .192 to minus-.018 — the lowest percentage by a XULA opponent this season — and had advantages of 42-19 in kills, 5-3 in aces and 66-50 in digs. Pereira entered as the NAIA leader in aces per set, but she produced no aces and two errors in 10 serves. Amanda Perry led XULA with 16 digs and reached double figures for the 21st time in 23 matches this season.
     
Edward Waters finished with a negative hitting percentage for the third time in as many Convocation Center appearances. All seven of the Gold Nuggets' conference opponents this season have hit less than 100.
    
It was the 150th victory in XULA's nine seasons of intercollegiate volleyball and the 75th for fourth-year coach Hannah Lawing.
     
The Gold Nuggets also defeated SUNO BOTalladega in the home stand. After a 1 p.m. Saturday match at Philander Smith, XULA's next home match will start at 6 p.m. Oct. 13 against city and GCAC rival Dillard.

BOX SCORE

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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2016-17 Rush schedule: 13 games vs. postseason teams

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana men's basketball soon will embark on one of its most ambitious schedules ever.
     
Thirteen-of-30 regular-season games in 2016-17 will be against teams that qualified for national postseason tournaments the previous year. Of those 13 games, 10 will be against teams that won in the first round. During a five-game stretch between semesters, XULA will play three times against 2016 national quarterfinalists.
     
"This is probably one of the toughest schedules in the country," said first-year head coach Alfred Williams, who announced the schedule Monday. "If you want to be the best you've got to play the best. 

This schedule will test us to see where we are going into conference. Our guys want to play tough competition. It will bring the best out of our players. It will test their focus and attention to detail."
     
XULA was 21-13 in 2015-16 and finished second in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament for the second consecutive year.
     
The postseason teams on the schedule are Wayland Baptist, LSU-Alexandria, William Carey, Carroll (Mont.), Barry, Keiser, Dillard and Talladega. XULA will play two games apiece against LSUA, William Carey, Dillard and Talladega. All but Wayland Baptist and William Carey advanced in the postseason.
     
After opening the season Oct. 25 at home against Carver, the Gold Rush will play home games against NAIA national tourney qualifiers Wayland Baptist Nov. 4 and LSU-Alexandria Nov. 9. LSUA was No. 1 in the national coaches poll for five consecutive weeks last season.
     
The quarterfinalists XULA will play are Carroll (Mont.) (NAIA) Dec. 19 at home, at Barry (NCAA DII) Dec. 31 and at Keiser (NAIA) Jan. 3. Visiting XULA Feb. 9 will be Concordia (Ala.), the USCAA runner-up last season.
     
Dillard and Talladega compete in the NAIA's GCAC with XULA, and both opponents reached the second round of nationals last season. Dillard will visit XULA Jan. 28 in the Crosstown Classic, and Talladega will visit Feb. 20 in the next-to-last game of the regular season.
     
LeMoyne-Owen of NCAA DII will be XULA's homecoming opponent for the third consecutive year. The Magicians and Gold Rush will tip off at 1 p.m. Nov. 19.
     
Also on the schedule will be road exhibitions against NCAA Division I members Jackson State Nov. 11 and Southeastern Louisiana Nov. 21. XULA will play Jackson State for the first time since December 1977.
     
The GCAC Tournament will be March 3-5, followed by the Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship March 15-21 at Kansas City, Mo. XULA seeks to extend a school record by qualifying for nationals a seventh consecutive time.
     
Williams — a XULA player for three seasons (2004-05, 2006-08) and assistant coach for six (2009-15) — said he is confident his team will succeed.
    
"With the roster we have, I like our chances," Williams said.

Xavier University of Louisiana
2016-17 Men's Basketball Schedule

Oct. 25 (Tue.):  CARVER, 7 p.m.
Nov. 4 (Fri.):  WAYLAND BAPTIST (DH), 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 9 (Wed.):  LSU-ALEXANDRIA, 7 p.m.
Nov. 11 (Fri.):  at Jackson State, noon (exhibition)
Nov. 12 (Sat.):  at William Carey, 6 p.m.
Nov. 15 (Tue.):  LOYOLA (N.O.) (DH), 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 19 (Sat.):  LeMOYNE-OWEN (DH), 1 p.m. (Homecoming)
Nov. 21 (Mon.):  at Southeastern Louisiana, 7 p.m. (exhibition)
Nov. 29 (Tue.):  at LSU-Alexandria, 7 p.m.
Dec. 1 (Thu.):  PAUL QUINN, 7 p.m.
Dec. 16 (Fri.):  at Loyola (N.O.), 7 p.m.
Dec. 19 (Mon.):  CARROLL (MONT.), 7 p.m.
Dec. 29 (Thu.):  at Paul Quinn, 2 p.m.
Dec. 31 (Sat.):  at Barry, 4 p.m. EST
Jan. 2 (Mon.):  Concordia (Canada), 7 p.m. EST (Chuck Daly Classic, West Palm Beach, Fla.)
Jan. 3 (Tue.):  at Keiser, 7 p.m. EST (Chuck Daly Classic, West Palm Beach, Fla.)
Jan. 7 (Sat.):  •  TOUGALOO (DH), 5 p.m.
Jan. 13 (Fri.):  RUST, 7 p.m.
Jan. 16 (Mon.):  •  SUNO (DH), 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 21 (Sat.):  •  EDWARD WATERS (DH), 5 p.m.
Jan. 23 (Mon.):  •  at Philander Smith (DH), 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 28 (Sat.):  •  DILLARD (DH), 5 p.m. (Crosstown Classic)
Jan. 30 (Mon.):  •  at Talladega (DH), 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 1 (Wed.):  WILLIAM CAREY (DH), 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 4 (Sat.):  •  at Edward Waters (DH), 5 p.m. EST
Feb. 6 (Mon.):  •  PHILANDER SMITH (DH), 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 9 (Thu.):  CONCORDIA (ALA.), 7 p.m.
Feb. 13 (Mon.):  •  at SUNO (DH), 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 15 (Wed.):  STILLMAN (DH), 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 18 (Sat.):  •  at Dillard (DH), 5 p.m.
Feb. 20 (Mon.):  •  TALLADEGA (DH), 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 25 (Sat.):  •  at Tougaloo (DH), 5 p.m.
March 3-5 (Fri.-Sun.):  Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Tournament
March 15-21 (Wed.-Tue.):  Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I National Championship, Kansas City, Mo.

Home games in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS
•  Gulf Coast Athletic Conference game
(DH) Doubleheader with Xavier's women
All times are Central except where noted
Schedule is subject to change

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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www.facebook.com/xulagold  

Golden Rams negate Miles comeback to win thriller

ALBANY, Georgia -- In a game filled with big time plays, Albany State generated a huge lead and was able to hold off a late rally by Miles College to win 35-33. With the victory, ASU improves to 2-3 overall, while the Golden Bears fall to 3-2.

Miles College opened the scoring in the opening minutes of the first quarter. Nick Christianson made a 30-yard field goal at the 11:43 mark for an early 3-0 lead. With 7:24 left in the period, quarterback David Whipple found wide receiver Jonathan Clark for an 11-yard touchdown pass, and the Golden Bears held a 10-0 advantage.

Albany State would erase the deficit with two quick drives. Quarterback Caleb Edmonds connected with Quadrey Simmons for a 25-yard touchdown to create a 10-7 score after Emilio Maldonado's successful PAT. The drive only used five plays and 78 yards in 46 seconds.

The Golden Rams took the lead for good with only 20 seconds left in the stanza. Mack Green rushed four yards for his first career touchdown to give Albany State a 14-10 edge heading into the second quarter. Maldonado's PAT capped a 9-play, 60-yard drive that used 4:25.

ASU used the second quarter to extend its lead. Dalviness Green scored on a 5-yard scamper to give Albany State a 21-10 advantage with 12:40 left. The drive went four plays for 55 yards in 51 seconds. A little over four minutes later, a Miles fumble turned into more points for the Golden Rams. Jarvis Small dashed 17 yards for the end zone, and ASU took a 28-10, which lasted until halftime.

Green opened the second half with an exciting play for Albany State. He returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. The Golden Rams led 35-10 after the PAT.

However, with its other possessions in the second half, the Albany State offense started to sputter, and Miles' opportunities began to increase. With 1:24 left in the third, Whipple scored on a 1-yard run to cut the Golden Bears' deficit to 35-17. At the 14:17 mark of the fourth, running back Jamarcus Nance rushed 25 yards for another touchdown, and ASU only held a 35-24 edge.

On the ensuing kickoff, the Golden Rams were called for a safety when Green was tackled in the end zone, and Miles was within nine at 35-26. The Golden Bears didn't take advantage until the 2:10 mark when Nance scored another touchdown from 15 yards out to make the score 35-33.

After Albany State failed to keep the ball on its next possession, the Golden Bears had a chance to construct a game winning drive. Miles was in ASU territory with Whipple rushing, but he fumbled the ball in the final seconds, which was recovered by Albany State. The Golden Rams were able to run the clock out and preserve the win.

Michael Green recorded four receptions for 82 yards. Small finished with 14 rushes for 60 yards. Miles outgained the Golden Rams in yardage 382-276.

Defensively, Zavondric Shingleton led the way with 11 tackles (eight solos) and Emmauel Brown added nine.

Albany State returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 8 when it travels to Charleston, S.C. to face Charleston Southern University. Game time is set for 11:45 a.m.

BOX SCORE

ALBANY STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONSHIP

CIAA will keep basketball tournaments in Charlotte, but move other sports events over HB2

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Chalk up another sports conference moving events out of North Carolina in response to House Bill 2: The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association said Friday that it will relocate eight out of 10 sports championships from the state.

The signature event next year – the 2017 women’s and men’s basketball championship tournaments – will remain in Charlotte, however.

“Relocation would not be in the best interest of the membership and its student-athletes at this time,” the CIAA said in a statement, also citing time constraints and contractual obligations.

The events being moved are men’s and women’s cross country, football, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track and women’s tennis.

“The CIAA’s transition, beginning with the relocation of eight championships, is the first step in demonstrating that the conference does not support laws which prevent communities from effectively protecting student-athletes and fans,” the conference said. “The Board will continue its discussion on hosting future championships in North Carolina and whether the tournament will remain after 2017.”

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WSSU steamrolls its way past Lincoln (Pa.)

LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pennsylvania — Winston-Salem State ran over, around and through Lincoln University on Saturday night in a 51-10 win at Lincoln University Stadium.

The Rams took command in the third quarter when they went on a 92-yard drive that ended with Te’Vaughn Hurse scoring from 6 yards out. Will Johnson’s extra point made it 30-10 with less than five minutes left in the third quarter and the blowout was almost complete.

Coach Kienus Boulware of the Rams said he was proud of the way the Rams battled back after a slow start.

“We didn’t get off to a good start in the first quarter and with Lincoln being at home they had something to do with that,” Boulware said by phone after the game. “But we got our running game going and really took the pressure off (quarterback) A.J. (Nocciolo), but the offensive line was really on point tonight.”

Running back Xavier Quick scored from 1 yard out later in the third quarter to make it 37-10 after Johnson’s point-after attempt was good.

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Tuskegee Makes Fourth quarter comeback for the ages to drop UNC-Pembroke

TUSKEGEE, Alabama -- Facing what many would seem an insurmountable deficit in the fourth quarter, the 11th-ranked Tuskegee University Golden Tigers pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in school history.

Trailing by 16 with just over nine minutes to play, Tuskegee scored 21 unanswered points in a span of 4:23 to pull out a 21-16 victory over 21st-ranked UNC-Pembroke at Cleve L. Abbott Memorial Alumni Stadium Saturday afternoon.

Tuskegee (5-0) for the first time 2008, when the team reeled off 10 consecutive victories to start the year, trimmed the lead eight when Jayjerien Craig capped off a 12-play, 84-yard drive with an eight yard run down the right sideline with 8:32 to play in the contest. The two-point conversion was good when Craig took the pitch left and ran into the end zone to cut the deficit to 16-8.

Needing a stop and another score, the Golden Tigers turned to the defense as Kalil Gray and Osband Thompson converged on UNC Pembroke (4-1) quarterback Patrick O'Brien. The ball was stripped from O'Brien on the sack, and Thompson ripped away from him on the bottom of the pile with 8:20 to play in the quarter to set up Tuskegee on the 18-yard line.

Kevin Lacey hit Desmond Reece on the very next play on an 18-yard pass in the corner of the end zone to trim the 16-14 with 8:13 to play. The two-point conversion was no good as the pass was dropped at the one-yard line, but the Golden Tigers trimmed the deficit to two in a matter of 19 seconds.

TUSKEGEE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Return to normalcy: Arkansas shakes Little Rock doldrums and Alcorn State

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas -- Arkansas' recent slide in Little Rock came to an end Saturday.

Austin Allen threw three touchdown passes and No. 20 Arkansas unleashed a big-play attack to smack Alcorn State 52-10 before a crowd of 46,988 at War Memorial Stadium.

Arkansas (4-1) ended a three-game losing streak in Little Rock by starting fast and pushing through a sluggish second quarter to win its first game against a SWAC opponent.



Rawleigh Williams and Devwah Whaley ran for more than 100 yards each and receiver Jared Cornelius had his second consecutive 100-yard game with four catches for 106 yards, including scoring grabs of 29 and 35 yards as part of the Razorbacks' 24-point first-quarter onslaught.

The victory improved Arkansas' record at War Memorial Stadium to 150-60-4.

"It was great ending our losing streak in Little Rock," Cornelius said. "The fans deserve

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TSU kicker earns OVC award for record-setting performance

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Tennessee State kicker Lane Clark's record-setting performance Saturday, which helped the Tigers rally for a 34-30 win over UT Martin, earned him the Ohio Valley Conference Specialist of the Week.

Clark, a junior from Hays, Kan., broke the TSU record for field goal distance twice during the game.

His 54-yarder midway through the second quarter erased the previous record set in 1999 by Seth Goodowens against Jackson State and trimmed the UT Martin lead to 16-10.

Clark then added a 57-yard field goal with 7:27 left in the game, which put TSU up 27-23.

“I was nervous; It was my first time making a big kick like that," Clark said. "We practice it every day..I can’t say that it felt just like practice because it was in a game, but I knew I had it in me. I knew the big guys up front were going to protect me and protect the holder and it just worked out.”



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True freshman turning around Jackson State's rush offense

JACKSON, Mississippi -- Jackson State may have found an answer for one of its biggest weaknesses.

The Tigers didn’t receive much production from their running backs over the first three games, but true freshman Jordan Johnson has broken out the previous two weeks. He scored Jackson State’s first rushing touchdown of the season on Sept. 24 and had 18 carries for 114 yards in Saturday’s 16-14 home win against Mississippi Valley State.

“He’s playing with a great deal of confidence,” coach Tony Hughes said. “(His 6.3 yards per carry against MVSU is) an outstanding effort. He runs hard, he finds a hole, and he shows a lot of maturity. I’m glad he’s here, and I’m glad he’s on our football team.”

Johnson rushed for 1,905 yards and 25 touchdowns during his senior season at Terry and signed with Jackson State despite receiving late interest from Alabama-Birmingham. He finished with at least 100 rushing yards in nine of his 12 games last year.

The production impressed Hughes throughout his recruitment of Johnson.



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HBCU Football Judgment Day Scoreboard Week 5

Saturday, October 1, 2016

SIAC
Tuskegee 21, UNC-Pembroke 16
Albany State 35, Miles 33
Clark Atlanta 37, Morehouse 36
Lincoln (Mo.)12, Lane 9
Alderson-Broaddus 33, Fort Valley State 9
Gardner-Webb 45, Benedict 0
Valdosta State 48, Kentucky State 10

OTHER HBCUs
Arizona Christian 34, Langston 10
Bacone 35, Texas College 26
East Stroudsburg 54, Cheyney 12
Virginia-Wise 39, West Virginia State 37

CIAA
Chowan 47, Johnson C. Smith 14
Elizabeth City State 28, Shaw 21
Bowie State 37, Fayetteville State 3
Kentucky Wesleyan 21, Central State (Ohio) 7
Virginia Union 50, Saint Augustine's 21
Virginia State 47, Livingstone 0
Winston-Salem State 51, Lincoln (Pa.) 10

SWAC
Alabama State 41, Arkansas Pine Bluff 21
Arkansas 52, Alcorn State 10
Texas Southern 34, Alabama A&M 31
Grambling State 36, Prairie View A&M 16
Jackson State 16, Mississippi Valley 14

MEAC
Florida A&M 19, Savannah State 14
North Carolina Central 31, Bethune-Cookman 14
Morgan State 20, Delaware State 17
Howard 33, Norfolk State 28
North Carolina A&T 31, Hampton 9

OVC
Tennessee State 34, Tennessee-Martin 30

State Fair Classic - Grambling State World Famed vs. Prairie View A&M Marching Storm

Former Skyline star DeVante Kincade leads Grambling State to win over Prairie View at State Fair Classic

DALLAS, Texas --Grambling State scored 36 unanswered points to take a 36-16 win over rival Prairie View A&M at the 2016 State Fair Classic Saturday.

The win at the Cotton Bowl extends Grambling's winning streak in the series to three games and gave the Tigers (3-1, 3-0) an edge over Prairie View (3-2, 3-1) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference's West Division.

Prairie View A&M came out of the gates with a lot of energy after admitting to bitter disappointment after last year's 70-54 loss to Grambling at the Cotton Bowl. Will Skinner sacked Grambling QB DeVante Kincade in the end zone for a safety on the second play from scrimmage. The Panthers scored touchdowns on both their ensuing possessions.

"We had to adjust to their speed," Grambling head coach Broderick Fobbs said afterwards.
And adjust they did. Prairie View failed to score after Dawonya Tucker's 33-yard touchdown run with 5:08 left in the first quarter.

Kincade, a Dallas Skyline product, helped calm Grambling State down and get back into rhythm. He hit receiver Chad Williams for a 13-yard touchdown pass to get the Tigers on the scoreboard with 2:42 remaining in the first quarter. Soon after, Kincade scrambled 11 yards into the end zone himself to draw Grambling within two points.

CONTINUE READING

Culver: Win over SSU, celebration needed after rough start for FAMU

TALLAHASSEE, Florida -- I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Florida A&M postgame celebration quite like what I saw Saturday night.

The Rattlers defeated Savannah State – a team that has never won a MEAC road game – 19-14 at home in front of a crowd of 16,789 (according to FAMU sports info). The game was sloppy at times, and FAMU’s defense was saved late by an interception from Tallahassee native Jacques Bryant.

That interception came in the end zone and put an end to a 12-play drive that had the Rattlers reeling.

The circumstances of the win didn’t matter. The Rattlers won. Head coach Alex Wood was drenched in Gatorade. The team rushed the field. The band played “S.O.S” like it was homecoming. Players danced.

And for the first time since… probably last year after homecoming, head coach Wood was smiling during a postgame press conference.



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B-CU continues skid with 31-14 loss to North Carolina Central

DAYTONA BEACH, Florida — For the second time this season, the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats found themselves in a significant weather delay at Municipal Stadium.

Unfortunately for the Wildcats, this one didn't end in cancellation.

Malcolm Bell threw for 295 yards and two scores, and Ramone Simpson ran for 120 yards and a touchdown as North Carolina Central cruised to a 31-14 win over Bethune-Cookman (0-4) in a game that was delayed nearly three hours because of lightning.

"We have to learn to finish," B_CU head coach Terry Sims said. "We had plenty of opportunities to finish the football game and we just didn't get it done.

Malcolm Bell threw for 295 yards and two scores, and Ramone Simpson ran for 120 yards and a touchdown as North Carolina Central cruised to a 31-14 win over Bethune-Cookman (0-4) in a game that was delayed nearly three hours because of lightning.

"We have to learn to finish," B_CU head coach Terry Sims said. "We had plenty of opportunities to finish the football game and we just didn't get it done.



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Temple, Gold Nuggets celebrate by beating Talladega

NEW ORLEANS — Birthday celebrant Kaelan Temple and her Xavier University of Louisiana volleyball teammates blew out the candles on Talladega Saturday.

With five kills on five swings, Temple scored all but one of the Gold Nuggets' final six points in a 25-19, 25-18, 25-22 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference victory against the Lady Tornadoes at the Convocation Center.

XULA (9-13, 6-0) won against a GCAC opponent for the 78th time in the last 79 matches (including tournaments) and snapped the five-match win streak — the longest in the GCAC this season — of Talladega (7-11, 3-3).

The Gold Nuggets will try to extend their overall win streak to three in a GCAC home match against Edward Waters at 1 p.m. Sunday.

Temple's late surge seemed out of the blue. Prior to the final nine rallies, the two-year letterwoman had four kills and 12 errors in 42 attacks this season. In the second set Temple produced two errors in three attacks.

"It was unexpected," Temple said. "I had been having issues with my shoulder. But I've been working really hard in rehab, and it was my birthday, so there was a little extra enthusiasm. I was able to pull through."

Talladega led 22-21 in the third after J'Lynn Jefferson and Carla Novaes combined for a block, but Temple responded with three kills, including the match clincher.

"Kaelan did not surprise me," XULA coach Hannah Lawing said. "When she's confident, she's capable of being successful at the net. She's really explosive. Some people see her as a defensive specialist, but I recruited her as an outside hitter. I saw her whale on balls in high school."

Temple's five kills equaled her career best, and she produced 10 digs to reach double figures for the sixth time this season.

No XULA player reached double-figure kills, but seven had four or more, led by Hasani Salaam with nine and Monet Fontaine and Taylor Ducros with six apiece. Three starters — Juliana Tomasoni (five kills, four digs), Tiffany Phillips (11 assists) and Kayla Jones (three digs) — did not play after the first set.

"We wanted to get people some playing time," Lawing said. "We've got depth, so why not use it?"

Phillips' replacement at setter, Terri Drake, responded with her first collegiate double-double: 20 assists and a career-high 12 digs. Brittanie Cockrell, playing for the first time in six matches, had a career-high-tying four kills. Ducros' six kills were one fewer than her career best.

XULA's Amanda Perry had a match-high 16 digs and reached double figures for the 20th time this season. The Gold Nuggets had a 73-61 advantage in digs.

Novaes, the GCAC Preseason Player of the Year, had 13 kills, 14 digs and four blocks. But she hit .182 in 44 attacks and finished below .200 for the fifth straight time against XULA. Novaes is hitting .135 (62 kills, 35 errors, 200 attacks) in six career matches against the Gold Nuggets — .234 against everyone else.

The Gold Nuggets hit .130 — their lowest ever in 24 matches against GCAC opponents at the Convocation Center — but limited Talladega to .065 and had a 44-26 advantage in kills. The Lady Tornadoes entered the match as a top-10 NAIA team in aces per set but served four, their second-fewest this season.

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

Kelly leads Virginia Union to 50-21 win over St. Augustine's

RICHMOND, Virginia -- William Stanback had scored three touchdowns in the Panthers two wins prior to facing St. Augustine’s.

On Saturday, it was Lavatiae Kelly’s turn.

Kelly caught three of Shawheem Dowdy’s five touchdown throws, Stanback rushed for over 100 yards for the fourth time this year while scoring twice, and Virginia Union moved to 2-0 in the CIAA with a 50-21 win over the Falcons in their second game at Hovey Field this season.

It was the Panthers third win in a row after playing three straight games on the road.

Kelly’s touchdown catches came from 16, 20 and 46 yards. He finished with eight catches and 100 receiving yards.

The 6-2 190-pound junior transfer from Tennessee State chuckled when asked if he has caught three touchdowns before.

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Home Cooking: Neal's late TD leads Vikings past Bears

ELIZABETH CITY, North Carolina -- Elizabeth City State quarterback Daquan Neal scored the eventual game-winning touchdown as the Vikings defeated Shaw 28-21 on Saturday at Roebuck Stadium.

The quarterback scampered into the end zone from 15 yards out with 6:43 remaining to give the Vikings the seven-point advantage.

Neal completed 21-of-27 passes for 201 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions.

The junior quarterback added 45 rushing yards to give ECSU its first Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association victory on the season.

“I thought that he did a better job of managing the football game,” ECSU coach Earnest Wilson said.
With the Vikings (2-3, 1-1 CIAA) up 21-14 early in the fourth quarter, Shaw (0-5, 0-2 CIAA) tied the game on a Darron Downing 16-yard touchdown pass to Rahim Winston with 10:19 to go.

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TSU Honors Coach Ed Temple with Memorial Service

NASHVILLE, Tennessee --- Tennessee State University family from across the country traveled to Kean Hall Gymnasium to honor the late Edward Stanley Temple with a memorial service on Friday. Coach Temple, who passed away on Sept. 22 at the age of 89, coached the TSU women’s track and field team for over 40 years.

In addition to his duties with the Tigerbelles, Coach Temple served as the Head Coach of the United States Women’s Olympic Track and Field Team in the 1960 and 1964 games. He also led the U.S. at the Pan-American Games in 1959 and 1975. Coach Temple guided 40 TSU athletes to the Olympics, winning 27 Olympic medals. The Tigerbelles won 34 national titles (16 Indoor, 13 Outdoor, and 5 Junior Championships) during his time in Nashville.

Former TSU men’s track and field star Ralph Boston, who won a gold medal at the 1960 Olympics, presided over the service. Dr. Madeline Manning Mims, a Tigerbelle and Olympic gold medalist provided a powerful rendition of "How Great Thou Art".

PHOTO GALLERY

LIVE STREAM ARCHIVE

A number of individuals paid tribute to Coach Temple with speeches during the ceremony. Among the speakers were:

- Dr. Glenda Glover, Tennessee State University President
- The Honorable Bill Haslam, Tennessee Governor
- The Honorable Megan Barry, Nashville Mayor
- Mr. Tracy Sundlun, Representing the United States Olympic Committee
- Ms. Terry Crawford, United States of America Track and Field Association Director of Coaching
- Mr. Christie Hauck, New Hope Academy
- Ms. Lucinda Williams Adams, Tigerbelle and Olympic Gold Medalist
- Ms. Edith McGuire Duvall, Tigerbelle and Olympic Gold Medalist
- Ms. Wyomia Tyus, Tigerbelle and Olympic Gold Medalist
- Ms. Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice, Tigerbelle and Olympic Gold Medalist

The memorial service also included musical selections by the tHope Academy Choir and Ms. Paula Chavis. Coach Temple’s daughter, Dr. Edwina R. Temple, gave a family appreciation on behalf of the Temple family.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Late-Game Heroics Lift TSU to 34-30 Win Over UT Martin

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Senior quarterback Ronald Butler (Tallahassee, Fla.) orchestrated the two-minute drill to perfection, delivering a nine-yard touchdown pass to Patrick Smith (Memphis, Tenn.) with 18 seconds left to give the Tennessee State football team a 34-30 victory over UT Martin at Hale Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

TSU (4-0, 1-0 OVC) trailed UT Martin (2-3, 1-1 OVC) by a 30-27 margin when Butler and the offense got the ball back with 1:54 on the clock. Butler went 4-for-4 on the final drive capped by Smith’s second touchdown catch of the day. Butler finished 17-for-24 for 223 yards and three touchdowns in his first start of the season.

In UT Martin’s final drive, Terrell Bonds (Miami, Fla.) came up with his third interception of the season to seal the win. On the defensive side of the ball, Trevion Duncan (Houston, Texas) and Gabe Scott (Memphis, Tenn.) also had interceptions on the day.



Junior kicker Lane Clark (Hays, Kan.) hit the two longest field goals in TSU history. He nailed a 57-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, which was the longest in Division I this season. He also hit a 54-yard field goal in the second quarter. The previous school record was 53 yards set by Seth Goodowens versus Jackson State in 1999.

TSU will return to action on Oct. 8 with a road test at Eastern Illinois in Charleston, Ill.

GAME NOTES: Official start time was 2:06 p.m…. Official attendance for the game was 10,001… Captains for TSU were Ronald Butler, Lane Clark, Chris Collins, Ebo Ogundeko, Thomas Burton… TSU won the coin toss and deferred to the second half… During the game, Lane Clark had the two longest field goals in TSU history. He hit a 57-yard field goal in the fourth quarter, which was the longest in Division I this season. He also hit a 54-yard field goal in the second quarter. The previous school record was 53 yards set by Seth Goodowens versus Jackson State in 1999… Gabe Scott and Trevion Duncan both secured interceptions in the game, marking the second game in a row TSU has had multiple picks… TSU held UT Martin scoreless during the second and third quarters. TSU has shut out its opponent in eight quarters through four games this season… TSU has scored 30 in more points in all four games this season… TSU leads the all-time series with UT Martin, 16-10.

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TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Keep building: Southern men's, women's basketball teams seeking more as practices arrives for 2016-17 season

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana -- Southern men's basketball coach Roman Banks is starting his sixth year as coach of the Jaguars when the team begins preseason practice Monday, but this will likely be the first, true “Year 2” he has had in Baton Rouge.

Three of Banks’ five years have been spent under NCAA sanctions, with the only exceptions being 2012-13 and 2015-16. It’s no coincidence Southern reached the NCAA tournament both of those years.

Banks thought the 2013-14 season could build on the previous year’s success, but a postseason ban handed down in January of that season negated whatever momentum the Jaguars had built.



As far as Banks can tell, Southern may finally get the season it missed out on.

“Our expectations now are where we were at in 2014,” he said. “(In 2014) we felt like we won and we had all the right guys and were starting to shape up and these guys are talented guys and nothing could happen. Now, we’re back to where we hope we can be in a good shape and be consistent.”

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Norfolk State Spartans lose tough one to Howard Bison

NORFOLK, Virginia --Trailing by 15 points early after one quarter, Howard scored 27 unanswered points and held off a late Norfolk State charge in a 33-28 Bison victory on Saturday afternoon at Dick Price Stadium. The loss was the fourth in a row for the Spartans (1-4, 0-2 MEAC), while Howard (1-4, 1-2) broke a seven-game losing streak dating to last October.

The Spartans jumped out to a 21-6 lead after the first quarter thanks to an impressive offensive display. Greg Hankerson accounted for all three NSU scores in the period, throwing touchdown passes of 64 yards to Marcus Taylor and 59 to George Wahee and also scoring on a 9-yard TD run in the opening period. Howard's only score came courtesy of an 8-yard blocked punt return for touchdown by Ibrahim Conte. NSU outgained the Bison 200-27 in the quarter.

But Howard controlled the middle quarters. Kyle Anthony scored on an 11-yard TD pass from Kalen Johnson to cut Howard's lead to 21-12 entering the half. In the third quarter, Anthony Philyaw and Da'Vaun Johnson both scored on 1-yard TD runs, capping drives of 71 and 72 yards, respectively, to give the Bison a 25-21 lead entering the fourth quarter.

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Cohen Shows Off Again On National TV, N.C. A&T Aggies Win

GREENSBORO, North Carolina – There was a play in North Carolina A&T’s 31-9 MEAC football win over Hampton Thursday night at Aggie Stadium that explained Aggies senior running back Tarik Cohen’s rise to collegiate stardom while at the same time it was the catalyst that helped the Aggies pull away.

In front of a national television audience watching live on ESPNU, Tarik went for 256 yards and three touchdowns on 26 carries. In the process, he added his name to two more N.C. A&T records. He broke Stoney Polite’s career rushing touchdown record of 41 and now stands alone with 44 rushing TDs. His third touchdown of the night went for 94 yards, breaking James White’s nearly 25-year record (89 yards) for longest run from scrimmage.

Cohen recorded his fifth 200-yard game and his sixth three-touchdown game. In fact, Cohen rushed for 204 yards and three touchdowns in the second half.

His second-half dominance started on the Aggies first drive of the second half with the Aggies leading 10-3. The Aggies (3-1, 1-0 MEAC) obtained possession thanks to a Jeremy Taylor interception that gave the Aggies the ball at their own 2-yard line. On 3rd-and-3 from the N.C. A&T 9, Tarik took the handoff, appeared to be headed for a loss thanks to the Pirates penetrating into the backfield. Yet, Cohen bounced his way off the initial defenders and slipped his way through a few more before finally breaking free for a 37-yard run that flipped the Aggies field position.

The run pretty much defines Cohen.

“I’d like to say that I was running kind of like how my personality is,” Cohen said about the play. “Even when everything is against me, I like to fight through and make things right. I told my whole team at the half that we were not really clicking as an offense, but we were going to just keep pushing and eventually things are going to happen.”

They certainly did after Cohen’s run. A pass interference call on the Pirates and a 12-yard reception by freshman Elijah Bell moved the Aggies closer to scoring. On 2nd-and-3 from the Pirates 15, Cohen again made one of his shifty moves to avoid a tackle before sprinting into the end zone for a touchdown and a 17-3 Aggies lead.



Cohen put more separation between the Aggies and Pirates to open the fourth quarter. After the Pirates (1-3, 1-1 MEAC) decided to go for it on a 4th-and-2 from their own 31. It didn’t work. Redshirt sophomore linebacker Kiaundric Richardson buried Hampton running back Yahkee Johnson for a 1-yard loss. On the next play, Cohen went off-tackle and raced down the sidelines for a 30-yard TD to put the Aggies ahead three touchdowns.

“I kind of felt like I wasn’t running to my full capability in the first half,” said Cohen. “I was tipping. I told my (offensive line) that I was trying to look for the big play too much and was being too patient. I told them at halftime that I was going to start hitting the first hole I see and run harder.”

Cohen ended his night by running through a big hole. Hampton drove the ball to the Aggies 3, but could not convert on a 4th-and-goal. The Aggies took over and two plays later Cohen was sprinting down the field toward a record-breaking 94-yard touchdown with a defender hopelessly trying to catch him. Cohen’s big run gave the Aggies a 31-3 advantage.

“I think Hampton is a football team that has made tremendous progress over the last couple of years, so it was a good win for our football team,” said N.C. A&T head coach Rod Broadway.

Hampton’s other problem besides Cohen was their inability to score touchdowns in the red zone. The Pirates made five trips inside the Aggies 20, but only came away with three points. It also didn’t help that the Pirates muffed the first punt of the game, giving the Aggies a 1st-and-goal at the 3 that led to a Lamar Raynard to Denzel Keyes touchdown reception.

Quarterback Jaylian Williamson did have a good night, completing 32 passes on 54 attempts for 388 yards and a touchdown. Williamson, however, did throw two interceptions including one in the red zone. His favorite target was Rashawn Proctor who had 12 grabs for 188 yards.

“We've been playing pretty good defense for a long time,” said Broadway. “Our number one principle is to stop the run. I don't care if you pass for 1,000 yards, if you can't run the ball on us, you're not going to beat us. It's going to be hard for a straight passing team to beat us. We gave up quite a few yards passing, but we kept the run contained and that made it hard on them inside the 10.”

Cohen was not the only player tampering with the record books. Keyes’ first-quarter touchdown reception was his 19th career TD catch, tying Craig Thompson. Raynard also a had a good night, throwing for 143 yards on 15-for-24 passing, one touchdown and no interceptions. The Aggies have another Thursday night game on ESPNU next week at Aggie Stadium as they host Norfolk State at 7:30 p.m.

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NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Phillips earns her 4th GCAC weekly award this season

NEW ORLEANS — Tiffany Phillips has done it again.
     
For the fourth time in six opportunities this volleyball season, the Xavier University of Louisiana freshman has been chosen Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Setter of the Week.
     
Phillips — from Gardena, Calif., and a graduate of Bishop Montgomery High School — averaged 9.13 assists and 2.38 digs per set in three XULA matches Sept. 19-25. She tied a XULA season record in a victory at Dillard with her 10th assist-dig double-double of the season — 34 assists and 11 digs. The 34 assists are her most in a three-set match. At Mobile she had a career-high six kills.
     
Also at Dillard, Phillips was part of a defensive effort that limited Corneisja Harrison, who collected 52 kills in two matches the previous week, to five kills and minus-.057 hitting in 35 attacks.
     
Phillips leads the GCAC through Tuesday's matches with 8.19 assists per set and is 40th in the NAIA in total assists with 549. Phillips leads XULA with 17 aces and is third on her team with 169 digs.
     
Phillips is the seventh XULA freshman and the first in volleyball to win four GCAC weekly awards. Nour Abbes (women's tennis) won the most, six, in 2014.
     
XULA (7-13, 4-0) will begin a three-match GCAC home stand Thursday against SUNO (4-8, 3-0) at 6 p.m. in the Convocation Center. The Gold Nuggets will play host to Talladega at 1 p.m. Saturday and Edward Waters at 1 p.m. Sunday.

XULA Freshmen With the Most GCAC Weekly Awards
Awards	Name	Sport	Season
6	Nour Abbes	Women's Tennis	2014
5	Zahri Jackson	Women's Cross Country	2011
5	Mark Dotson	Men's Cross Country	2009
4	Tiffany Phillips	Women's Volleyball	2016
4	Thomas Setodji	Men's Tennis	2016
4	Caroline Vernet	Women's Tennis	2015
4	Kyle Montrel	Men's Tennis	2013

Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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Gold Nuggets sweep SUNO, improve to 5-0 in conference

NEW ORLEANS — Monet Fontaine had nine kills and hit a season-high-tying .500 Thursday to help Xavier University of Louisiana defeat SUNO 27-25, 25-19, 25-11 at the Convocation Center and maintain its lead in Gulf Coast Athletic Conference volleyball.

The Gold Nuggets (8-13, 5-0) are the only unbeaten team in the GCAC. SUNO (4-9, 3-1) is in second place.

Fontaine produced kills on eight consecutive attacks — her final three of the first set and all five of the second set. The sophomore scored XULA's next-to-last point of the first set — Cara Ford then clinched with an ace — and scored four of XULA's final five points of the second set on three kills and a shared block with Sarah Pitts-Groce.

Juliana Tomasoni had seven kills and a match-high three aces for the Gold Nuggets. Bria Moore had six kills and hit .455 — she raised her team-leading hitting percentage to .347 — and Terri Drake had five kills. Amanda Perry produced 10 digs to reach double figures for the 19th time in 21 matches, and Tiffany Phillips and Ralitsa Slanchev had nine digs apiece.

Moore, Pitts-Groce, Phillips and Fontaine had two blocks apiece. Phillips had 29 assists.
Sonja Backovic had 11 kills and nine digs for SUNO, Tyjah Greenup had 10 digs, and Ana Bobovic had three blocks.

The Gold Nuggets led 18-15 in the opening set, but three SUNO kills and three XULA attack errors gave SUNO a 22-21 lead. XULA led 16-8 in the second set before SUNO cut the deficit to 18-17. The third set never was in doubt after XULA scored the first four points and cruised to leads of 9-2 and 18-8. Tomasoni ended the match with a kill.

XULA outhit SUNO .212 to .096 and had advantages of 37-31 in kills and 7-2 in aces.

The Gold Nuggets will continue their GCAC home stand with 1 p.m. matches against Talladega on Saturday and Edward Waters on Sunday. Including conference tournaments, XULA has won 14 straight and 77 of its last 78 matches against the GCAC.

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Ed Cassiere, Sports Information Director
XULAgold.com
XAVIER UNIVERSITY OF LOUISIANA 
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