Spartans, Rattlers Meet up in Key MEAC Showdown Saturday

NORFOLK, Virginia – The Norfolk State football team (3-1, 1-0 MEAC) plays its first true road MEAC game this Saturday as the Spartans visit Florida A&M (3-2, 2-0 MEAC) in a MEAC matchup of teams atop the league standings. Kickoff from Bragg Memorial Stadium is 4 p.m. in Tallahassee, Florida.

GAME NOTES

MEDIA COVERAGE
• Live Video: ESPN3
• Radio: WNSB 91.1 FM (Play-by-Play: Ross Gordon / Color: Matt Michalec)
• Twitter Updates: @NSUSpartans / @NSU_FB

THE SERIES
• Record: FAMU leads 13-3
• Last Meeting: 10-7-17 (NSU 35-28)
• First Meeting: 9-13-97 (FAMU 41-26)

OPENING KICKOFF
• NSU looks to extend its best start since 2011 when the Spartans play a key MEAC game at Florida A&M.
• Both teams are off to fast starts in MEAC play, with FAMU at 2-0 and NSU 1-0.
• Both teams are coming off explosive performances, with NSU topping Delaware State 54-28 and FAMU rolling to a 55-14 win at N.C. Central last week.
• This marks the first of three straight road games where the Spartans play on their opponents' Homecoming.



LAST MEETING
• Larry Bishop's 2-yard touchdown run with 56 seconds left was the game-winner as Norfolk State topped Florida A&M 35-28 on Oct. 7, 2017 at Dick Price Stadium.
• Bishop's first TD of the year came after the Spartans recorded their season-high fifth takeaway of the game. NSU linebacker Kyle Archie forced a fumble which De'Shaan Dixon recovered.
• The Rattlers held a sizeable edge in total offense (485-243).
• NSU scored two defensive touchdowns, a 31-yard fumble return by Archie in the second quarter and a 96-yard fumble return by J.T. Wahee in the fourth.

NSU BY THE NUMBERS
2 - Number of defensive touchdowns NSU scored last week, an 80-yard interception return from Brandon Savage and a 23-yard fumble return by Nigel Chavis.
4 - Number of takeaways last week by the Spartan defense.
15 - Number of catches the last two games by Isaiah Winstead (7 at SCSU, 8 vs. DSU).
233 - Career-high all-purpose yardage last week by Marcus Taylor.
355 - Total offensive yards for NSU quarterback Juwan Carter last week, also a career high.
2005 - The last time the Spartans scored at least 54 points in a game prior to last week.

A WIN OVER FAMU WOULD...
A win this week over FAMU would...
• Give NSU its first 4-1 start since the 2011 season, which culminated in NSU's first MEAC title (since vacated).
• Give the Spartans a 2-0 MEAC start for the third time in the last four years under coach Latrell Scott.
• Be the second straight win for NSU over FAMU, and second straight Spartan win in Tallahassee (with the last coming in 2014.

SPARTANS EARN 2 MORE WEEKLY HONORS
Spartan QB Juwan Carter was named the MEAC Offensive Player of the Week and DB Brandon Savage was selected Rookie of the Week following their performances against Delaware State.
• Carter completed 22-of-31 passes for a career-high 318 yards and three TDs. He also ran for 37 yards and another score.
• Savage returned his first career interception 80 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter of the win over DSU. He also had three tackles.

SCOUTING THE RATTLERS
Florida A&M enters this week's game on a two-game winning streak following impressive MEAC wins over Savannah State (31-13 on Sept. 22) and N.C. Central (55-14 last week). Those wins came on the heels of back-to-back losses to Troy and Jackson State.

The Rattlers rolled up a season-high 509 yards of total offense last week at NCCU and were balanced in doing so. Quarterback Ryan Stanley passed for 255 yards and four touchdowns, and the FAMU ground game racked for 254 yards. Chad Hunter caught three touchdown passes last week and Hans Supre rushed for 152 yards.

Stanley has a MEAC-high 1,083 passing yards this season. Hunter (21-290) and Xavier Smith (20-261) have been Stanley's favorite targets. Defensively, FAMU has recorded a MEAC-high 15 sacks.

By: Matt Michalec, Asst. AD/Communications
NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPARTANS ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

2018 CIAA Football Championship Gridiron Showdown Returns to Salem Football Stadium November 10

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina  - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the nation’s first African American athletic conference, will host its 2018 CIAA Football Championship on Saturday, Nov. 10 at Salem Stadium in Salem-Roanoke, Virginia.   Kick-off is scheduled for 1:00 pm ET. 

Tickets On Sale October 1 at Ticketmaster 

In addition to the exciting gridiron action between the Northern and Southern Division Champions, this year’s championship finale will feature many family-friendly activities to engage attendees – a free Fan Zone including giveaways, interactive events, the Coca-Cola/Food Lion Tailgate Cook Off, and appearances from the always popular cheerleading squads and drumlines from rival schools. 

Tickets for the annual competition between the best collegiate football teams go on sale Monday, October 1. Advance general admission tickets to the Football Championship are $15, advance reserved tickets are $25, both can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com when the site goes live. Special rates for students with school IDs and youth will be available the day of the event for $10. Admission for children ages 7 and under is free. 

Parking is free and fans are encouraged to begin their tailgating festivities at 9:00 am on Saturday, November 10. For more information about the 2018 CIAA Football Championship please visit, TheCIAA.com.

About the CIAA 
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first African American athletic conference and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 13 member-institutions: Bowie State University, Chowan University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine's University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com. For more information on the CIAA Basketball Tournament, visit CIAATournament.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. 

CIAA MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

2018 CIAA Basketball Media Day – BASKETBALL CLINIC, Today

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- On Thursday, October 4, a special Youth Basketball Clinic for children ages 7-13 will be hosted by CIAA coaches and student-athletes on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University.  

On Friday, October 5, the CIAA's inaugural Virtual Media Day invites members of the press, sports fans and the general public an opportunity to submit questions via Twitter for CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams and the assembled basketball coaches and student-athletes representing the 13 CIAA member schools. Questions can be submitted through Thursday on Twitter by tagging @CIAAForLife and using the hashtag #CIAAHoops. All interviews, hosted by Stan Lewter, will air live on the conference's new CIAA Sports Network.

WHEN:              Thursday, Oct. 4, 5:30pm – 8pm ET

WHAT: Youth Basketball Clinic for 7-13 Years-Old Boys and Girls Hosted by CIAA Member      Coaches and Student-Athletes

WHERE: Johnson C. Smith University, Brayboy Gymnasium | N Summit Ave., Charlotte, NC 28216

WHY:     Media is invited to cover the basketball clinic to interview CIAA coaches and select student-athletes about the upcoming 2018-2019 basketball season.

RSVP: For Questions and To Confirm Your Attendance, Please RSVP To:  Bri Funte, CIAA -  BFunte@theciaa.com   704.910.2133

WHO:  See list of Men’s and Women’s Head Coaches and Women’s and Men’s Athletes participating in the basketball clinic.

2018 CIAA Virtual Basketball Media Day On CIAA Sports Network

WHEN:  Friday, Oct. 5, 9am – 1pm ET

WHAT: 2018 CIAA Virtual Basketball Media Day

WHERE: CIAA Sports Network

WHY: Media is invited to submit questions in advance for Commissioner McWilliams and coaches and athletes from the 13-member CIAA schools via Twitter, by tagging @CIAAForLife and using the hashtag #CIAAHoops. Preseason rankings and teams will also be announced.

Schedule of Interviews on Oct. 5

9:00 a.m.              Preseason rankings & teams announcement

9:15 a.m.              Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams

9:30 a.m.              Lincoln University

9:45 a.m.              Bowie State University

10:00 a.m.           Elizabeth City State University

10:15 a.m.           Chowan University

10:30 a.m.           Virginia Union University

10:45 a.m.           Virginia State University

11:00 a.m.           Fayetteville State University

11:15 a.m.           Shaw University

11:30 a.m.           St. Augustine’s University

11:45 a.m.           Claflin University

12:00 p.m.           Winston-Salem State University

12:15 p.m.           Livingstone University

12:30 p.m.           Johnson C. Smith University

List of Coaches and Athletes Participating in the Youth Basketball Clinic on Oct. 4

How list is organized:

1.    Head Women’s Coach

2.    Women’s Athlete

3.    Head Men’s Coach

4.    Men’s Athlete

Chowan Univeresity

·         LaToya Jones

·         Danielle Weldon

·         Brett Vincent

·         Demetrius Sanders

Winston-Salem State University

·         L’Tona Lamonte

·         Teara Johnson

·         Cleo Hill

·         William Crandell

Bowie State University

·         Shadae Swann

·         Kyaja Williams

·         Darrell Brooks

·         David Belle

Claflin University

·         Revonda Whitley

·         Ashley Fields

·         Ricky Jackson

·         Triston Thompson

Elizabeth City State University

·         Antonio Davis

·         Jalyn Brown

·         Shawn Walker

·         Zach Hobbs

Fayetteville State University

·         Serena King-Coleman

·         Yakima Clifton

·         Ken Spencer

·         Javen McNeill

LC

·         Tiffany Silver

·         Kyala Searcy

·         James Stinson

·         Roger Ray

LUPA

·         Darrell Mosley

·         McKenzie Spencer

·         Doug Overton

·         Deaquan Williams

Shaw University

·         Women’s Coach: TBD

·         Women’s Athlete: TBD

·         Joel Hopkins

·         DaVaughn Kelsie

Virginia Union University

·         AnnMarie Gilbert

·         Shareka McNeill

·         Jay Butler

·         Men’s Athlete: None

Johnson C. Smith University

·         Stephen Joyner, Jr.

·         Lezarea Bowens

·         Stephen Joyner, Sr.

·         Roddric Ross

St. Augustine University

·         Montel Jones

·         Quiera Gilmore

·         MarQus Johnson

·         Tyre Gathright

Virginia State University

·         James Hill, Jr.

·         Chrisanna Green

·         Lonnie Blow, Jr.

·         Walter Williams

CIAA MEDIA COMMUICATIONS

Shippy Emerges As Alcorn's Defensive Captain After Career Was In Jeopardy

LORMAN, Mississippi -- Historically, the Alcorn State University football program selects different team captains each week for the pregame coin toss.

Though, for the last four weeks it's been senior Sterling Shippy representing the defense. The Braves have won all four games during that stretch.

"I always select guys who earn it during the week of practice. Needless to say, Shippy has taken ownership of being captain. He's really the guy who helps me when I'm not around and holds everyone accountable," said Alcorn defensive coordinator Cedric Thornton. "When I was named defensive coordinator, Shippy was the first guy to come to me and ask what he can do to help us be successful. From that very first conversation, he's been able to do every single thing that I've asked him to do."

Shippy, a 6-1, 300-pound defensive lineman, sat out his first season in 2014 and the plan was to redshirt him. Though, during that fall he suffered a pectoral injury from over-lifting and the doctors told him he couldn't play football anymore or else he wouldn't heal properly.

Thus, Shippy left Alcorn after his freshman year and returned home to Miami, Florida to re-evaluate his career and took time off from football. He transferred to Miami-Dade Community College where he continued his education and earned college credits.

"My goal was always to come back to Alcorn, but I didn't know if I was going to be able to play," Shippy said. "I didn't want to give up on my dream of being a football player so I kept getting checked out by the doctors and did everything they told me to do."

During the 2015-16 year, Shippy lived at home and worked at a furniture store while taking classes. He helped his mother Patricia Shippy pay the bills, but did not participate in any football related activities.

Heading into the 2016 football season, Shippy received the good news he had waited for from the doctors when they informed him that he was cleared to play. Former Alcorn defensive coordinator Tony Pecoraro drove out to Miami, told him he still looked like he was in good shape and told him to report to fall camp.

Pecoraro left that summer for a position at Southern Miss, and Cedric Thomas was named Alcorn's defensive coordinator.

"Coach Thomas and Coach [Fred] McNair both welcomed me back with open arms. It felt great just being back with the guys. We are all brothers on defense," Shippy said.

Even though Shippy was on the 2016 roster, playing time did not come easy. Originally listed as No. 99 that summer, Shippy had to earn his spot in the rotation. Before the first game, his number was changed to No. 55 but he did not see action in the season-opener against Alabama State.

Shippy got his first opportunity to play against Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Week 2, and by Week 4 he was a starter.

"When I first got back, it was really tough. Nothing was ever handed to me and I had to earn every single rep, every minute, every second that I saw on the field. That actually motivated me because I knew I could be a big help to the team. I just wanted to work hard and get better after each practice and each game," Shippy said. "I have to thank the coaches for making me earn it."

Shippy ended the 2016 campaign with 39 tackles which was sixth on the team. He continued his steady play as a redshirt-junior in 2017 and was a staple to the defensive line.

Heading into 2018, Shippy was named to the Preseason All-Conference Second-Team. He currently has 13 tackles this year including 1.5 sacks and 4.0 tackles for a loss. Shippy has started in all five games.

"Shippy is a really good young man and a pleasure to have on the team. He does all of the right things and leads by example by working hard, being where he's supposed to be, not being selfish and doing all the right things," said Alcorn head coach Fred McNair. "He's a tremendously hard-worker and puts in extra hours both in the weight room and in the classroom. Shippy is one of those guys you never have to worry about because you know he's always doing what he's supposed to both on and off the field. He gives it his all every day and that's all we can ask for as coaches."

Shippy captain's an Alcorn defense that currently ranks top-five in the FCS in total yards, allowing just 242.4 per game. The defense also leads the SWAC in fewest points allowed (15.8 ppg), rushing yards allowed (99.6 ypg), passing yards allowed (142.8 ypg) and fewest first downs allowed per game (14.8).

"Shippy is a great example to our younger players on how we're going to work every day and on every snap so we can be the best that we can be. He does a great job of providing leadership and I'm proud of him for stepping up and being a positive influence for the group," said defensive line coach Damon Frenchers.

Shippy said the goal for the Braves this year is nothing short of winning a SWAC Championship.

"It really would be a blessing. My brothers and I are going to fight 'til the end, and I just feel like this is our year. We've worked so hard and it would be special to do it my senior year," Shippy said. "I know I still have a lot to improve upon in my game personally, but I try to get better each week as the season goes along."

Shippy is on pace to graduate in May 2019 with a degree in criminal justice.

"After I graduate, I would like to pursue a career as a professional football player and play at the next level. Though, if that's not in God's plan for me, I'd really like to be a firefighter," Shippy said.

ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY BRAVES ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Christion Abercrombie vigil brings together Tennessee State family,community

NASHVILLE, Temmessee -- Student leaders at Tennessee State held a vigil for Christion Abercrombie, a TSU football player injured in the game against Vanderbilt.

COURTESY: THE TENNESSEAN

ASU Eley meets with media in preparation for Alcorn State

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Alabama State head coach Donald Hill-Eley met with the media during weekly press conference Wednesday morning as the Hornets prepare for an East Division contest against Alcorn State Saturday afternoon.

Alcorn State (4-1, 2-0 SWAC) has won the last four division titles, defeating Alabama State 24-10 last season in Montgomery. Meanwhile, Alabama State (1-3, 0-1 SWAC) comes into the contest off a bye week following a loss to Grambling State.



The game is slated for a 2 pm (cst) kickoff, and the game can be heard on the Hornet Sports Network beginning at 1:30 pm (cst) with the pregame show.

Follow the Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State University football, please follow the Hornets on social media @BamaStateFB (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State athletics at BamaStateSports.com.

ALABAMA STATE UNIVERSITY HORNETS ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Grambling State Tigers look to bounce back against Aggies

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- The Grambling State University football team will look to bounce back after last week's heartbreaking loss against Prairie View A&M on Saturday as the Tigers play host to Oklahoma Panhandle State during Business and Industry Day. Kickoff from Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium on Saturday is scheduled for 6 p.m.

The Tigers' broadcast crew of Santoria Black, Ossie Clark, Nick Harrison and Leon Thomas will call all the action on Grambling State Sports Radio Network. The game will broadcasted in Ruston (KPCH 99.3 FM) and Monroe (KJMG – 97.3 FM) and streamed online at www.gsutigers.com.

Grambling State (1-3) will look to keep a 13-game home winning streak alive this weekend against Oklahoma Panhandle State. The Tigers saw their 26-game Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) win streak snapped last week with the 22-16 loss to Prairie View A&M. Grambling State hasn't started a season 1-3 since the 2014 season and will look to bounce back against an Oklahoma Panhandle State team that enters the contest off a loss.



"I thought our kids fought hard last weekend in Dallas," Grambling State head coach Broderick Fobbs said. "Coach (Eric) Dooley does a really good job and has a well-coached football team. When you dig a hole for yourself like we did, it's kind of hard to come out of that hole. We didn't play well at all for three quarters and I thought defensively we played well enough for us to win. The thing I was very pleased with was that our kids continued to fight and kept believing. They gave themselves a chance to win in the end, but we just fell short."

Oklahoma Panhandle State (2-3) comes into the game off a 29-16 loss last weekend against Lyon College. The Aggies jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the opening quarter, but the Scots scored 23-unanswered points to cruise to the win.

About the Game
> This is the first-ever meeting between Grambling State and Oklahoma Panhandle State
> Saturday's game will be Business and Industry Day at Eddie G. Robinson Memorial Stadium
> The last time Grambling State played a non-Division I opponent was last season when the Tigers defeated Clark Atlanta, 31-20
> Grambling State has outscored its non-Division I opponents 103-32 over the past two seasons (Clark Atlanta and Virginia-Lynchburg)
> The two teams were not originally scheduled to face each other. Due to Bacone College closing its doors, both teams had a gap in their schedule, thanks in part to Bacone and Oklahoma Panhandle State playing in the Sooner Athletic Conference
 
Last Time Out
> The Tigers enter the game off a 22-16 loss last Saturday in the State Fair Classic against Prairie View A&M
> The loss snapped a 26-game SWAC winning streak and also handed head coach Broderick Fobbs his first loss in the State Fair Classic and his first loss against Prairie View A&M
> For the first time since 2014, the Tigers begin the season 1-3
> Grambling State blocked three kicks in the loss to the Panthers - two blocked PATs and one field goal
> The Tigers trailed 22-2 after three quarters, but nearly rallied all the way back in the final minutes
> Aldon Clark started at quarterback, but split time with Geremy Hickbottom
> Quintin Guice scored on an 18-yard touchdown pass from Hickbottom with 3:34 remaining, which was just the second touchdown reception from a wide receiver this season
> Defensively, Percy Cargo and Malcolm Williams each recorded nine tackles to pace the Tigers
> De'Arius Christmas tallied eight tackles, one sack and one quarterback hurry
> Marc Orozco missed three field goals for the first time in his collegiate career, but did connect on two PATs and recovered his own onsides kick, which gave the Tigers a chance to potential win the game in the final minutes
 
Inside the Numbers
> Broderick Fobbs and his Grambling State teams have won 13 straight home games
> Senior kicker Marc Orozco is just 32 points shy of becoming the all-time GSU leader by a kicker. Orozco recorded two points (two extra points) against Prairie View A&M
> Grambling State is averaging 18.5 points and 306.0 total yards per game
> Oklahoma Panhandle State is averaging 19.6 points and 320.8 total yards per contest
 
Up Next
Grambling State takes to the road for its next two SWAC games, beginning Oct. 13 at Texas Southern and concluding the two-game road swing on Oct. 20 against Alcorn State.
 
Home Games - Tickets Still Available
Season tickets and single-game tickets are on sale at the GSU Ticket office and fan are encouraged to visit www.gsutigers.com or call the ticket office to purchase tickets. For more information on purchasing season tickets, call (318) 274-2625 or (318) 274-2629.
 
In addition, if you have purchased a ticket for the Sept. 15 game, that ticket will be honored at the gate for the Oct. 6 home game against Oklahoma Panhandle State.
 
Follow Grambling State Athletics
For complete coverage of Grambling State athletics, please follow the Tigers on social media at @GSU_Tigers (Twitter), /gramblingstateathletics (Facebook), @gramblingathletics01 (Instagram) or visit the official home of Grambling State Athletics at gsutigers.com.



By: Deja Harrison, Sports Information Staff
GRAMBLING STATE UNIVERSITY TIGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

TSU Press Conference: Update on Injured Football Student-Athlete Christion Abercrobmie

NASHVILLE, Tennessee -- Press Conference - Dr. Reid Thompson (Professor and Chair of Neurological Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center) - and Staci Abercrombie, Derrick Abercrombie (Parents of Christion Abercrobmie).



TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

NCAA approved GoFundMe set up by Tennessee State University to assist with the support of Christion Abercrombie & his family

Here is the only NCAA approved GoFundMe set up to assist with the support of Christion Abercrombie & his family. Per @NCAA legislation, Tennessee St is the only entity permitted to solicit funds for the student-athlete & his family.https://t.co/VrQGxlvxxx #StandWithChristion

— TennesseeSt Football (@tsu_football) October 1, 2018

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Listen to Morgan Sports Live on Thursday from 16 On The Park

BALTIMORE, Maryland -- Morgan State University interim head football coach Ernest T. Jones and junior outside linebacker Rico Kennedy will be guests on Thursday's Morgan Sports Live from 6-7pm ET on October 4th from the 16 On The Park restaurant...Located on the roof of the Residence Inn at 800 North Wolfe Street in Baltimore, MD.

Lamont Germany, The Voice of Morgan will host the show, and we invite you to join us as we celebrate Homecoming Week and will talk about Morgan State Athletics. MORGAN SPORTS LIVE will be held on Thursdays before each Morgan State home football game, and will air on Morgan State University radio WEAA 88.9FM.

The Morgan State Bears will host MEAC rival South Carolina State at home on Saturday, October 6, 2018.  Kickoff at Hughes Stadium is set for 1pm.



MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

TSU Volleyball Falls to MTSU in Hard-Fought Five-Set Match

NASHVILLE, Tennessee --- The Tennessee State volleyball team fell in a hard-fought five-set match to the Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders, 17-25, 25-23, 25-18, 19-25, 15-11.

The Tigers drop to 6-9 on the season, while the Blue Raiders improve to 5-11 overall.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS

• Senior Rachel Henderson registered a career-high blocks with a match-high eight, surpassing 50 blocks on the season.
• Pierson posted her fifth double-double of the season with 12 kills and 10 digs.
• Three Tigers recorded double-digit kills – Khalia Jordan, 14; Johanna Kruize , 13; Pierson, 12.
• Three Tigers recorded double-digit digs – Pierson, 10; Gina Rivera Ortiz, 13; Destiny Washington, 13.
• TSU finished with 55 kills on 164 attempts with 22 errors, outpacing the Blue Raiders’ 54 kills and .144 attack percentage.

HOW IT HAPPENED

TSU went up seven points before the Blue Raiders could muster up a kill. Rachel Henderson answered their one point with a kill in front of the ten-foot line. MTSU picked up a few points to push the Tigers to go on a six-point run. TSU finished off the set hitting a .361 with 16 kills and only 3 errors. Big Blue’s strong start helped them to finish 25-17 over the Blue Raiders in set one.

Set two started with an offensive push by the Tigers, once again, creating a large lead over MTSU. Soon after, Middle Tennessee found some energy to power through the next two sets, leaving the Tigers behind as they won out 25-23 and 25-18, respectively.  

Henderson and Pierson paced the fourth set with a block. Although TSU did not kick off the set with a large point advantage, the Tigers kept the pace and repeated the efforts of set one with a .233 hitting percentage, 13 digs, three blocks and a service ace. Big Blue forced a fifth set with a great comeback in the fourth set, taking it 25-19.

The scoreboard read 8-7, Tigers up, at the switch of the final set. The one-point lead didn’t last long as the Blue Raiders pushed for a six-point run before TSU could answer with a kill. An error by the Tigers closed the match, MTSU winning 15-11.

MATCH NOTES

• In the all-time series versus Middle Tennessee the Tigers are now 2-34.
• The Tigers drop to 6-9 on the season as the Blue Raiders improve to 5-11.

UP NEXT

The Tigers re-enter conference play this weekend in Kean Hall as it host Eastern Kentucky, Friday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m., followed by a Saturday match at noon versus Morehead State.

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

Jackson State Mumme Resigns Offensive Coordinator Role; McCall Named Interim Offensive Coordinator

JACKSON, Mississippi — Jackson State Head Football Coach Tony Hughes announced today that JSU Offensive Coordinator Hal Mumme has resigned to pursue other professional opportunities. Derrick McCall will assume offensive coordinator responsibilities on an interim basis.

“I would like to thank Hal Mumme for his contributions to the Jackson State football program,” Hughes said. “We wish Hal nothing but success going forward.”

McCall served as JSU offensive coordinator in 2012 and 2013, when his spread offense averaged more than 400 yards a game. The former JSU quarterback also served as Co-Offensive Coordinator at the end of the 2017 season and has been on the staff for eight years.

“Derrick McCall is an experienced play-caller,” Hughes said. “He has a great offensive mind and I’m excited to see our offense continue to grow under his guidance.”

JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

UDC Women’s Tennis Shuts Out Millersville, 7-0

MILLERSVILLE, Pennsylvania -- The University of the District of Columbia women's tennis team earned a dominant, 7-0 road win vs. Millersville University on Wed. afternoon in NCAA Division II non-regional play.

The Firebirds have now won four straight matches as they improved to 5-1 overall. Millersville, an Atlantic Region team from the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) lost its 2nd straight match and fell to 2-3 overall.

UDC, as it has done in every match this season, captured the doubles point by winning two of the three matches. Sophomore transfer and reigning East Coast Conference Player of the Week, Simoné Pärn and junior transfer Marija Milic improved to 6-0 in dual match No. 1 doubles play this season with a 6-2 victory. The Firebirds' No. 2 doubles team also improved to 6-0 in dual matches as sophomore Anastasiia Danylova and reigning ECC Rookie of the Week Joanna Skrzypczynska earned a 6-1 win.

Skrzypczynska and Pärn each won, 6-0, 6-0, respectively, at No. 3 and No. 1 in the first two completed singles matches of the day. Pärn improved to 6-0 at No. 1 singles on the year, and Skrzypczynska is now 5-1 at No. 3.

Danylova then sealed the match victory with a 6-1, 6-2 win at No. 5. She has now won two straight to improve to 4-2 in dual matches.

Milic, junior Estefania Castrillon and senior Paula Avellan closed out the match with successive singles wins and completed the shutout victory. Milic won her No. 2 match, 6-0, 6-2, Castrillon won at No. 6, 6-3, 6-2, and Avellan earned a 6-1, 6-3 win at No. 4.

After three straight non-conference wins, the Firebirds enter back into ECC play on Sat., Oct. 6 when they host Daemen College at 2 p.m.

UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS

A Day in the Life of the BGMM: Jarvis Hough, Asst/BGMM Media Team

GREENSBORO, North Carolina -- SEASON 3!! A weekly series giving you insight into the daily lives of members within the Blue and Gold Marching Machine at North Carolina A&T State University.

Jarvis Hough, Asst. Sousaphone Section Leader/BGMM Media Team
Sophomore, Journalism and Mass Communication Student
High Point, NC/

NORTH CAROLINA A&T STATE UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELATIONS

UDC Diversity Week Day 1 - More Than Just an Athlete

WASHINGTON, D.C. --  Sophomore Josh Sequira is a sophomore midfielder on the UDC men's lacrosse team, but he is also a Private First Class Infantry Rifleman in the United States Marine Corps Reserves.  Here, he talks about why his identity as a Marine is important to him.

By Josh Sequira

I am more than a student-athlete, I am a Marine.

I see myself as a leader - humble, honest, and trustworthy. I earned my title, and I conduct myself as a Marine on a daily basis. "You are a Marine 24/7," is a quote I follow when making decisions. This is important to me, because I took that oath, and I stick to my word.

Honor, Courage, Commitment are the three core values of the Marine Corps that translate into my personal life. I honor the people that have had a heavy impact on my life, I have the courage to face my fears and grow as an individual, and I commit to things bigger than me to learn and grow from each experience.

I use my identity as a Marine to motivate myself and others to aspire, accomplish, and take on the world.

Once a Marine, always a Marine. I will always have the traits of a Marine once my contract is over, and once I'm no longer a student-athlete.

I am more than a student-athlete, I am a Marine.

UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS