Alabama State faces daunting road with head coach Donald Hill-Eley

MONTGOMERY, Alabama -- FOUR-DOWN TERRITORY
1. Eley era begins: Alabama State head coach Donald Hill-Eley begins his first full season as the head coach, as has 21 returning starters from a team he led to a 5-1 record in his interim role last season. "Our biggest improvement from last year is that we're throwing the ball with more consistency," Hill-Eley said. "Guys are making plays catching the ball and our quarterbacks are more confident with the offense. Defensively, guys are containing everything well, but we have some things to correct." The Hornets finished 5-6, posting their second straight losing season.

2. Championship football: The Hornets may be experienced, but they'll be tested early and often. Alabama State's first five games are all against teams that won a conference or division title last season. Tuskegee (Sept. 1) won the SIAC championship, Auburn (Sept. 8) won the SEC West title and Kennesaw State (Sept. 15) won the Big South crown. Grambling State (Sept. 22) took the SWAC West title, then defeated SWAC East champion Alcorn State (Oct. 6) in the conference championship game.

3. Coach "O" is back: After an eight-month battle with throat cancer, Alabama State offensive coordinator Mark Orlando returns to the sidelines. "(Cancer) is not a fun word, and so many things run through your mind," Orlando said. "You pray every day for the Lord to give you the strength to fight through it, and I was very unfortunate." The Hornets struggled offensively last season, finishing with the SWAC's second-worst scoring offense (14 points per game) and total offense (239.4 yards per game).

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Albany State’s quarterback battle down to Stephon Masha and Kelias Williams

ALBANY, Georgia — With a year of application in the books, Albany State head coach Gabe Giardina now has higher expectations of his offense, particularly his starting quarterback. While he hasn’t officially named who that will be, it’s down to two candidates Giardina is very high on.

Sophomore Kelias Williams is ready to take snaps under center if called upon. Williams made his collegiate debut in one of the biggest games of the season and made the most of it as he was named an MVP of the Fountain City Classic where ASU defeated Fort Valley State 34-9. In that game, Williams finished 12-of-22 for 141 yards, one passing touchdown and two rushing TDs.

Williams is a former Thomas County Central standout.

“All season long I was trying to learn the offense and when I got my chance, I had been soaking it all in and just did what I was taught, basically,” Williams said about his performance.

Graduate transfer Stephon Masha is healthy and also ready to suit up under center for the Rams. Masha transferred from Liberty University and is a graduate of South Cobb in Austell.

Giardina said both bring exactly what the team needs to the table, and he’s confident that no matter who he ultimately decides to go with they will put the team in a position to win.

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Lincoln looks to force turnovers this season

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri -- The Lincoln Blue Tigers have been keying in on their defense this preseason.

One of the areas of improvement coach Steven Smith is zeroing in on is turnovers. The Lincoln defense recorded just six takeaways in 10 games in 2017, tied for second-to-last in NCAA Division II.

CLICK ON PHOTO TO ENLARGE

As an incentive, Smith is bringing something to the team that several other programs have gone to, hoping to promote more takeaways: the turnover belt.

"We want to get the turnovers," Smith said.

While big hits on defense can lead to those desired turnovers, Smith said the defense has been showing progress in its tackling and focusing on making the big play, not the big hit.

"The big hit will come when it comes, but if we make the play, we don't bounce off a guy or give a guy another chance," he said. "We just have to make the play."

Lincoln's strength on defense will be at linebacker, where the Blue Tigers return a handful of contributors.

Senior Edwin Durassaint is the team's returning leader in tackles with 54 in 2017.

"He had a 'lights out' year last year, and hopefully he can have a 'lights out' year this year," Smith said.

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Division II: It's Another CIAA Season!

Kris Ferguson - D2Football.com

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Welcome to another year of CIAA football. I am humbled to be here for yet another year as your guide. The 2018 season is shaping up to be a real arms race in both divisions. Here’s what you need to know to start the season:

The CIAA has three new Head Coaches among its schools, and all three schools reside in the North Division. The South Division features two new Offensive Coordinators and a plethora of new quarterbacks. The arms race I mentioned? John Dell of the Winston-Salem Journal put out a nice article that uncovered what CIAA schools are spending in scholarships in 2018. Surprisingly, Shaw took the top spot with 28. The reminder: Fayetteville State with 26, Winston-Salem State, Livingstone, and Virginia Union with 25, Johnson C Smith, Chowan, and Virginia State with 24, Saint Augustine’s with 17, and Lincoln and Bowie State with 12. Elizabeth City State didn’t release a number, though last I remembered in 2015 that number was 17. Despite the scholarship dollars that tilt in the South’s favor, the CIAA North remains the football power center. Last year was the 2nd time in 3 years that the CIAA had two playoff representatives, and both times those playoff teams came from the North Division.

At media day, the coaches voted the following predicted order of finish: 12 Lincoln; 11 Livingstone; 10 Johnson C Smith; 9 Shaw; 8 Elizabeth City State; 7 Chowan; 6 Saint Augustine's ; 5 Virginia Union; 4 Winston-Salem State; 3 Virginia State; Predicted Runner-Up Fayetteville State; Predicted Champion Bowie State

I will say that I do think the top three teams in each division have little margin of effort. Last year’s championship game participants were decided on the divisions’ last regular season game. If that isn’t nerve wracking, I don’t know what is. Fasten your seatbelts, for I think this year will be just as thrilling.

Without further ado, here is my predicted order of finish:

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Bowie State's offense looking dominant once again to start 2018

COURTESY: BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

BOWIE, Maryland -- The Bowie State Bulldogs football team returns several key players from the 2017 squad that rewrote many of the school’s record and produced the third berth into the NCAA Division II playoffs in school history.

The Bulldogs were 9-2 and averaged 54.5 points a game last year, thanks in large part to senior quarterback Amir Hall, whose season earned him a multitude of accolades, including All-CIAA First Team honors, HBCU Athlete of the Year and Black College Football Player of the Year.

The backfield will feature a fresh face in redshirt junior Brandon Abrams, who will get the nod to step in the shoes of graduated running back Robert Chesson. Chesson rushed for 1,350 yards and 21 touchdowns, in addition to three touchdowns and 262 yards receiving, last year.

“Offensively we had quite a few guys graduate on the offensive line, but for the most part our skills guys are back,” Wilson said. “We did lose Chesson and (wide receiver) Brandon Britton to graduation, but all in all, to date, we’re doing well offensively.”

Hall will look to build on his 41 touchdown passes to four interceptions last year with a receiving corps led by senior Lansana Sesay, who hauled in nine touchdowns on 792 yards in 2017.

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Fort Valley State, Virginia Union and Winston-Salem State Football Slated for ESPN3 Showcase

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana -- Division II announced today 19 regular-season football games that will be showcased on ESPN3 or NCAA social media as part of a new media agreement intended to promote the division on several platforms throughout the academic year.

The first 19 games of the football showcase are predetermined games, 17 of which are conference matchups. An additional three flex games — intended to highlight crucial matchups — will be finalized later in the season and played in November.

The new media agreement features two distribution models for football and basketball. For football, 11 games will be streamed on ESPN3, available on the ESPN app. The remaining 11 football games are part of the hybrid model, and they have the flexibility to be distributed on TV and online. The division will work with the TV partners of participating conferences and schools on the opportunity to air games on TV. These games also will be distributed online through NCAA social media accounts — specifically, Division II Facebook (facebook.com/ncaadivisionii) and Twitter (@NCAADII) — and could be distributed through conference or school digital networks.

 “Division II student-athletes will continue to see their successes highlighted on a national stage in the new broadcast agreement,” said Terri Steeb Gronau, vice president of Division II. “We are excited to continue to collaborate with ESPN to promote regular-season games. We are also excited to offer a hybrid model that could include linear and online distribution. Fans will have the chance to watch student-athletes who achieve success both on and off the field and participate in Division II’s Life in the Balance collegiate experience.”

Games included in the scheduled were broadcasts were selected from a pool of conference nominations. Of the 16 football-sponsoring conferences in Division II, 15 will be featured in at least one game. One conference declined to participate due to an existing media rights agreement.

Of the teams competing in the slate of games, 14 appeared in the 2017 Division II playoffs, and 15 begin the 2018 season ranked in the top 25 of the American Football Coaches Association Division II poll.

“The football showcase has an outstanding slate of games,” said Reid Amos, chair of the Division II Football Committee and commissioner of the Mountain East Conference. “We have the opportunity to continue to highlight our exciting brand of football in NCAA Division II, culminating with the championship in December.” 

ESPN3 is ESPN’s live multiscreen sports network, a destination that delivers thousands of exclusive sports events annually. It is accessible on computers via ESPN.com and on smartphones, tablets and streaming devices through the ESPN app. The network currently is available nationwide at no additional cost to fans who receive their high-speed internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider. It also is available at no cost to U.S. college students and U.S.-based military personnel via computers, smartphones and tablets connected to on-campus educational and on-base military broadband and Wi-Fi networks.

The Division II football showcase kicks off with two games Aug. 30. Texas A&M-Commerce, the defending national champion, will host Texas A&M-Kingsville in the first game at 8:05 p.m. Eastern time, which will be distributed on ESPN3. The second game will feature West Florida, the 2017 Division II runner-up, hosting Carson-Newman, also at 8:05 p.m. Eastern time, which will be distributed as part of the hybrid model.

Full schedule (all times Eastern)

8:05 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30
Texas A&M-Kingsville at Texas A&M-Commerce (ESPN3)

8:05 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 30
Carson-Newman at West Florida (Hybrid)

7:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8
Valdosta State vs. Fort Valley State (ESPN3)
7:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8
Southern Arkansas at Harding (ESPN3)

1:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15
Southern Connecticut State at New Haven (Hybrid)

7:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15
Wingate at Carson-Newman (ESPN3)

6:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22
Virginia Union at Winston-Salem State (ESPN3)
7:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22
Ohio Dominican at Findlay (Hybrid)

3:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29
Ashland at Ferris State (ESPN3)

7:05 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4
Notre Dame (Ohio) at Fairmont State (Hybrid)

9:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6
Central Washington at Azusa Pacific (ESPN3)

4:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13
Colorado State-Pueblo at Colorado Mesa (Hybrid)

7:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 13
West Georgia at West Florida (ESPN3)

3:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20
Central Missouri at Pittsburg State (Hybrid)

3:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20
Truman at Southwest Baptist (Hybrid)

12:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27
West Chester at Kutztown (Hybrid)

1:05 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27
LIU Post at Assumption (ESPN3)

1:05 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3
Saginaw Valley State at Northwood (ESPN3)

2:35 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3
Fort Hays State at Northwest Missouri State (Hybrid)

Saturday, Nov. 3
To be determined

Saturday, Nov. 10
To be determined

Saturday, Nov. 10
To be determined

COURTESY: NCAA.COM

Spring Hill Badger volleyball takes down Division I Alcorn State

BOX SCORE

HATTIESBURG, Mississippi – Spring Hill College (SHC) picked up its first victory as a full member of NCAA Division II with a 3-0 (25-22, 25-17, 25-21) win over Division I opponent Alcorn State University on Saturday evening at Reed Green Coliseum at the 2018 University of Southern Mississippi Volleyball Classic.

Freshman middle hitter Kassandra Fairly of Fort Walton Beach, Fla., was named to the All-Tournament Team following her 12-kill (12-1-20) performance versus the Lady Braves (0-3) along with a .423 (26-4-52) attack percentage on the three-game weekend.

Junior setter Emmarose Neibert racked up 24 assists and 12 digs while junior libero Cassidi Sterrett served up two aces with 17 receptions and five digs.

Defensively, the Badgers held the Braves to a .170 (35-18-100) attack percentage with six aces and 43 digs.

The Badgers (1-2) will next travel to New Orleans, La., on Tuesday night to face non-conference foe the Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO) Lady Knights at The Castle beginning at 6 p.m.

SPRING HILL COLLEGE BADGERS SPORTS INFORMATION

Central State travels to Elizabeth City State to kick off 2018 season

Game Details
Date: Saturday, September 1
Kickoff: 1 pm 
Venue: Roebuck Stadium - Elizabeth City, NC
 
Home Team: Central State Marauders
Conference: SIAC
2017 Overall Record: 1-9
2017 Conference Record: 0-7
Roster
2017 Statistics

Visiting Team: Elizabeth City State Vikings
Conference: CIAA
2017 Overall Record: 4-6
2017 Conference Record: 3-6
Roster

Coverage
Listen - http://www.ecsu.edu/about/communications-and-marketing/radio-and-tv-service/listen-live.html
Live Stats - http://www.sidearmstats.com/ecsu/football/
 
Admission
To purchase tickets, visit - https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/3176

CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Prairie View Soccer Captures First Season and Overtime Win Against Nicholls

THIBODAUX, Louisiana – Sophomore Jojo Bernal scored the first season goal in overtime period that lifted the Prairie View A&M University soccer team past Nicholls, 1-0, on Sunday at the Nicholls Soccer Complex.

This is the first victory for first year head coach Sonia Curvelo.

In the 94th minute, Bernal to advantage of the Colonel's players miscue and sent the shot toward the back of the net. The goal marked her second collegiate and first career game-winner.

Seven different players paced the Lady Panthers with one shot each. Junior Gina Zavala De Rojas, senior Reina Cruz, freshman Kalia Brown, junior Mila Bustos, freshmen's Kaelyn Carnahan and Sonia Feuntes all had shots. Bernal and Bustos had shots on goal.

Quinn Josiah made nine saves to earn her first career clean shut-out of the season.

Prairie View A&M soccer team will return to action on Friday, August 31 against Houston Baptist at 7 p.m. at the PVAMU Soccer Field, and then host Texas State on Sunday, Sept. 2 for a 1 p.m. first kick.

BOX SCORE

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

Langston Women's Basketball Adds Six for 2018-19 Season

LANGSTON. Oklahoma -- Langston University head women's basketball coach Elaine Powell is pleased to announce the six signees for the upcoming 2018 -19 season as they embark in their new conference affiliation in the Sooner Athletic Conference.

The class is comprised of three transfers in Alicia Castleberry, Alexia Levenston, Orionna Shirley with three freshmen Khayjah Jack, Kaylie Mitchell and Aujunnae Smith. The Lady Lions are looking forward to capitalizing on last season's late win streak as well as meld team chemistry for a successful inaugural season in a new conference.

"All of these young ladies are solid student athletes who have high aspirations on and off the court," Powell noted. "They come from successful programs, exhibit quiet confidence, and understand that gaudy stats or numbers by any one or two players will make us a winner but a hearty dose of camaraderie and togetherness will be a definite necessity in our goals."

Alaisha Castleberry | 5-6 | Combo Guard | Midwest City, Okla. | Seminole State CC

"Alicia is a very resourceful and competitive guard who can play on or off the ball. She has good quickness on the defensive end, consistent range on the perimeter, as well as the ability to create offense for herself. "




Alexia Levenston | 5-11 | Forward | Madisonville, Texas | Hill College

"Alexia is a very talented and athletic forward that is comfortable on the perimeter as well as in the paint. She is very multidimensional with range from 3 pt line or facing up attacking the basket or posting up. Her athleticism will help bolster our rebounding and defensive switches."




Orionna Shirley - 5'7 - Combo Guard - Los Angeles, Calif. - LA Trade Tech

"Ori is a dynamic and athletic guard who can fill a stat sheet in various ways both offensively and defensively. Very crafty at creating offense for self and unselfish to finish with a pass to an open teammate. For her size Ori is a very good rebounder and aggressive on the defensive side of the ball."

Khayjah Jack - 5'10 - Forward - Lake Charles, La. - Jack Barbe HS

"Khay is a very disciplined player on both sides of ball who picks up concepts very quickly. A natural rebounder who gets to the ball early and often she will be a welcome addition to our young frontcourt. On Offense she is capable of making the midrange shot,  and solid with post ups as well as putbacks. Defensively she is aggressive and vocal which will help her adjustment period."


Kaylie Mitchell - 5'11 - Forward - Shreveport, La. - Southwood HS

"Kaylie is a very aggressive and physical post player that doesn't mind mixing it up in the paint areas. Strong, with a soft touch Kaylie has the ability to be a contributor on both ends of the floor. She has nice shooting range but is very effective at the basket. Her ability to rebound her area on the floor will be paramount for our success."




Aujunnae Smith - 5'10 - Forward - Killeen, Texas - Ellison HS

"Aujunnae is very versatile offensive player that can shoot from 3pt line, make short aggressive, drives to the basket, as well as post up defenders for baskets. Defensively she has the potential to be able guard various positions but will need to maintain her aggressiveness on both sides of the ball to maximize her abilities."

LANGSTON UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

UAPB football holds mock scrimmage game Friday, off Saturday

PINE BLUFF, Arkansas -- Before getting the day off on Saturday, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff Golden Lions football team held a closed mock-game scrimmage on Friday at Simmons Bank Field.

UAPB Head Coach Cedric Thomas understands that time is winding down until kickoff for the first game, so he decided to have a scrimmage that was as game-like as possible.

According to Thomas, he was OK with how things went overall. Having the day off Saturday gave the team an ample amount of opportunity to be fresh and ready to lock in on their upcoming first game against Morehouse on Sept. 1 at home.

“We hit on every situation,” Thomas said. “It was really more of a dress rehearsal. We wanted to go over every practical situation in football so the kids can have a general idea. We had the scout team give us looks from Morehouse and what they’ve done in the past. We had coaches on headsets and in the press box.

“Now, when the situation arises again, the kids can remember that particular scenario. I think we got everything done we needed to do. We got about 140 plays in. Now it’s about using the next couple hours to get our legs under us and get refreshed. We’ll come back with Morehouse on our minds.”

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UDC Men’s Soccer Tops East Coast Conference Preseason Poll

Head Coach Matt Thompson enters his 7th season as head coach at UDC.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- After earning the program's first-ever East Coast Conference and NCAA Division II Championship berths a season ago, the University of the District of Columbia men's soccer team starts 2018 atop the ECC Preseason Coaches' Poll.

UDC received six of 10 first-place votes to top the coaches' survey with 93 points. The Firebirds posted the most successful season in program history in 2017 with a 15-7 record, a runner-up finish in the ECC Championship, and a first-ever NCAA Championship berth and victory.

Expectations are high for UDC due in part to the return of six All-Conference honorees, including the ECC Offensive Player of the Year, Gabriel Torres.

With four first-place votes and 88 points, LIU Post comes in at No. 2 in the poll, marking the first time since 2011 the Pioneers have not started the season as the favorite to capture the league's championship. The Pioneers, who won their 5th ECC title in six years and 3rd NCAA East Region Championship in four years last season, will take to the pitch under new head coach, Michael Mordocco. LIU Post lost five All-Conference honorees from last year's roster, but ECC Goalkeeper of the Year, Oliver Hessner Hansen, and Rookie of the Year, Lukas Ostermann, return for the Pioneers.

Mercy College and New York Institute of Technology come in at No. 3 and No. 4 with 75 and 74 points, respectively, to round out the teams expected to make the ECC's postseason tournament.

2018 ECC Men's Soccer Preseason Poll

School	Pts.	2017 Record
1. Dist. Columbia (6)	93	15-7-0 (6-3-0 ECC)
2. LIU Post (4)	88	18-1-2 (8-0-1 ECC)
3. Mercy	75	13-5-0 (7-2-0 ECC)
4. NYIT	74	9-9-1 (5-4-0 ECC)
5. Queens	50	8-6-2 (4-3-2 ECC)
6. Bridgeport	43	4-10-1 (3-5-1 ECC)
7. Molloy	42	5-12-0 (3-6-0 ECC)
8. St. Thomas Aquinas	38	5-9-1 (3-6-0 ECC)
9. Daemen	34	7-11-0 (3-6-0 ECC)
10. Roberts Wesleyan	13	4-13-0 (1-8-0 ECC)

( ) - first place votes

UNIVERSITY OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Chicago State Volleyball Closes Opening Weekend with 3-0 Win Over Rutgers

BERKELEY, California – Senior Lauryn Dela Cruz(Provo, Utah/Timpview) recorded a double-double for the Chicago State volleyball team as it made history here today at Haas Pavilion with a 3-0 (25-16, 33-31, 25-18) win over Big Ten Conference member Rutgers in the finale for both teams at the Cal Molten Classic.
 
Dela Cruz tallied a match-high 20 kills and added 12 digs for CSU (1-2) as it captured its first-ever win against a Big Ten opponent in program history. She also finished with a .357 hitting percentage (20-5-42) and contributed three block assists.
 
CSU kicked off the match with a 10-3 advantage thanks to a Scarlet Knight hitting error, but RU pulled within two points (14-12) after producing a quick 9-4 scoring drive that concluded on block from Beka Kojadinovic and Jasmine Stackhouse. A kill by junior Alexandria Cliff (Manitowoc, Wis./Roncalli) jumpstarted an 11-4 run which helped the Cougars close out the set and take a 1-0 lead.

 
The second set started with Rutgers earning a 2-0 leading margin via a kill from Nastya Kudryashova. The Green and White responded by scoring eight of the next 10 points to capture the lead at 8-6 on a Dela Cruz kill. Both teams then battled through 15 lead changes and 14 ties before Dela Cruz finished off the set with a kill and teamed up on a block with sophomore Summer Farris (Farmington Hills, Mich./North Farmington) in the final two points sending CSU into intermission with a two-set advantage.

BOX SCORE
 
Both teams picked up where they left off in a challenging third set with 12 ties and 12 lead changes which led to a 16-16 deadlock following another Dela Cruz kill. The Cougars closed the match with a 9-2 scoring run which included Dela Cruz posting kills on their last three points.
 
Sophomore Lacee Adams (Muncie, Ind./Muncie Central) contributed her second double-double of the weekend as she tallied 24 assists and 14 digs for Chicago State, while junior Megan Klavitter (Fenton, Mich./Linden) recorded a match-high 16 digs and two service aces to earn all-tournament team honors. 
Rutgers (0-3) were paced double-doubles from Inna Balyko (38 assists, 13 digs) and Kojadinovic (12 digs, 11 kills) with Kojadinovic claiming all-tournament accolades.
 
CSU returns to action on Tuesday, Aug. 28 in Kalamazoo, Mich. with its first non-conference road match of the season at Western Michigan that begins at 6 p.m.

CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS

TSU "Ocean of Soul" at Freshmen Orientation 2018

Alabama State Volleyball sweeps doubleheader

EMERSON, Georgia -- Two matches. Two wins. The Alabama State women's volleyball team performed in dominant fashion on the second day at the SWAC/MEAC Challenge, easily dispatching Gardner-Webb (3-1) and South Carolina State (3-0).

The win over Gardner-Webb was the first in series history for the Lady Hornets (3-1), with the meeting marking the first since 2003.

BOX SCORE 1         

BOX SCORE 2

Alabama State 3 Gardner-Webb 1
The Lady Hornets used an efficient offensive attack (.216 attack percentage) -- nine Alabama State players recorded a kill -- en route to a 3-1 victory over Gardner-Webb (25-18, 19-25, 25-18, 25-19). Outside hitters Bayle' Bennett (16 kills, nine digs) and Krysta Medearis (11 kills, .429 attack percentage) paced the offense for the second day in a row, while Kori Kutsch continues to facilitate the attack. The Torrance, Calif. Native dished out 31 assists.

The defensive output also jumped over the opening day, as the Lady Hornets posted 14 blocks, including five by Candace Martin, compared to a combined 10 in the two Friday contests. Gardner-Webb (1-1) was paced by Hannah Lancaster's 12 kills.

Alabama State 3 South Carolina State 0
The Bulldogs (0-3) battled in the opening set before Alabama State cruised in the final two frames (26-24, 25-12, 25-15). Down 24-22, the Lady Hornets clawed back to take the opening frame, capped by a set-point kill by Medearis. Freshman Taryn King highlighted the second set, as the middle blocker led Alabama State to four consecutive points while serving. King finished with three blocks, five kills and one ace. Alexus Holt led South Carolina State with eight kills.

The Lady Hornets ­­­­next match involves a return to the Peach State next Thursday, August 30, for a tilt versus Georgia Tech at 12 pm.

Follow the Hornets
For complete coverage of Alabama State volleyball, please follow the Lady Hornets on social media at @BamaStateVB (Twitter), /BamaStateSports (Facebook) and @BamaStateSports (Instagram) or visit the official home of Alabama State Athletics at BamaStateSports.com.

K.C. Culler Steps Down as JCSU Sports Information Director

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina -- Johnson C. Smith University's K.C. Culler has resigned his position as Sports Information Director.

Culler has served as the athletic communications liaison for JCSU's 15 sports since October of 2014.

"I cannot thank University Communications Director Sherri Belfield and Athletics Director Stephen Joyner, Sr. enough for their support over the past four years," said Culler.

"JCSU will always be a special place for me. I have developed long lasting friendships and have enjoyed my experiences in working with the athletics staff, university staff and more importantly, the student-athletes.  I wish JCSU and the Golden Bull student-athletes nothing but the best in the future."

While at JCSU, he has served as secretary of the CIAA Sports Information Directors Association and over the past two years, has acted as the organization's vice president.  He also has served on the CIAA golf championship committee and the CIAA softball championship committee. He also was a voting representative for the CIAA in the NCAA Atlantic Regional Women's Basketball Poll.

This past spring, Culler acted as the host media relations coordinator for the 2018 NCAA Division II Track and Field Championships which were held on the JCSU campus and was also named the
John Holley-CIAA Sports Information Director of the Year.

Prior coming to JCSU, Culler was the Sports and Aquatics Manager with PH Pool Management in Charlotte. His other experiences include serving as a gameday worker and freelancer in the Wake Forest University Athletics Communications Office. He also has worked numerous ACC, Southern Conference, Big XII and NCAA Tournaments and has gained experience working at Appalachian State University, East Tennessee State University and his alma mater, Western Carolina University.

A search for his replacement will begin immediately.

JOHNSON C. SMITH UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF SPORTS INFORMATION

Answers vary if GSU has anything to prove against Ragin' Cajuns

GRAMBLING, Louisiana -- It's officially game week for several college programs across the country and that includes Grambling State. The Tigers are coming off two straight SWAC championships and want to make it a third.

Head coach Broderick Fobbs has a tough choice ahead of him as he has to select a starting quarterback for the opening matchup against Louisiana.

The Ragin' Cajuns are the lone FBS program on the slate in 2018 and some G-Men were asked if there's anything to prove against an in-state opponent and prevent something like last season against Tulane.

"Nah, nah ain't nothing to prove at all. They got the best of us that day. On my birthday, it happens," senior defensive back Dedrick Shy said. "They got the best of us, but nothing to prove. We coming back. Short memories like I said. Don't even think about Tulane no more. We're worrying about UL September 1."

CONTINUE READING

Wiley Lady Wildcats Open Season With a Sweep

MARSHALL, Texas -- The Wiley College volleyball team put on an impressive performance in its 2018 season opener, as it swept Philander Smith College (Ark.) (25-10, 25-14, 25-10) in front of its home fans Friday in Alumni Gymnasium.

This is the first time the Lady Wildcats have won their season opener since 2015 – which was also at home against Philander Smith College. The Lady Panthers had no answer for Wiley College's relentless attack – which tallied 37 kills in 62 attempts. The Lady Wildcats held Philander Smith to 12 kills in 54 attempts for a hitting percentage of (-).111.

"We came out to play," head coach Mike MacNeill said. "I saw a lot of good things from us. We accomplished most of our goals for tonight. We gave up a three-point run from one of their servers, who got a couple of aces on us. Other than that, I liked what I saw."

Wiley College never trailed in the match and was only briefly tied at the beginning of the second set. In the first and third set, the Lady Wildcats held their largest lead at 15. The Lady Wildcats recorded nine serving aces to Philander Smith's three. Wiley College had more digs with 24 to the Lady Panthers 13.

WILEY COLLEGE WILDCATS ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS

Lincoln Men's Basketball Releases 2018-19 Schedule

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri -- A home-and-home with the defending MIAA champions and 14 home games highlight the 2018-19 Lincoln men's basketball schedule.

The Blue Tigers will play in three classics this fall, beginning on Nov. 9, when LU opens its season at the SBU Classic against East Central. The Blue Tigers will remain in Bolivar, Mo. to take on Minot State on Nov. 10 before hosting the Lincoln Classic on Nov. 16-17, which will feature home games vs. Lane and LeMoyne-Owen. LU will then participate in the MIAA Challenge on Nov. 19, as the Blue Tigers play Missouri S&T in Kansas City, Mo. at Municipal Auditorium, the site of the MIAA Men's Basketball Championship tournament.

After closing the month with a home game against Ecclesia (Nov. 30), Lincoln will open league play with road games against Northwest Missouri (Dec. 6), the defending MIAA champions, and Missouri Western (Dec. 8). The Blue Tigers next travel to Quincy, Ill. to play Quincy and McKendree in the QU Subway Holiday Classic on Dec. 15-16, and then close conference play on Dec. 30 by hosting Culver-Stockton.


2018-19 Men's Basketball Schedule

Lincoln opens January at home by resuming conference play with games against Pittsburg State (Jan. 3) and Missouri Southern (Jan. 5) before starting a season-long three-game road trip with contests at Lindenwood (Jan. 12), Central Missouri and Southwest Baptist (Jan. 19). The Blue Tigers will return to Jason Gym to take on Northeastern State (Jan. 24) and Central Oklahoma (Jan. 26) before closing January with a road game at Washburn (Jan. 31).

The Blue Tigers will travel to Emporia State on Feb. 2 before playing six of their final eight games of the regular season within the friendly confines of Jason Gym. LU hosts Missouri Western and Northwest Missouri on Feb. 7 and Feb. 9, respectively, before closing its road slate with games at Nebraska Kearney (Feb. 14) and Fort Hays State (Feb. 16). Lincoln will end the year with four-straight home games, as the Blue Tigers play rematches with Lindenwood (Feb. 19), Washburn (Feb. 23), Southwest Baptist (Feb. 27) and Central Missouri (March 2).

Lincoln, in its fifth season under head coach John Moseley, have posted winning records and made trips to the postseason in each of the past three years, and is coming off a 15-14 season in 2017-18. All home games are scheduled to be played in Jason Gym.

Dan Carr, Assistant AD for Media Relations
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI ATHLETICS MEDIA RELATIONS

Howard Volleyball Dominates in Away Win Over George Mason

FAIRFAX, Virginia -- Howard University rallied from behind a first set loss to knock off host George Mason in a four-set showdown this afternoon.

In the first set the Bison started the match with a 6-1 deficit before fighting their way back to a 7-7 tie. Although the Bison were able to close the gap, they were unable to keep a lead, losing the set 22-25.

The Bison opened set two with the first point, capitalizing off of an attack error by George Mason's Peyton Ehmke. The Bison lost momentum quickly after the Patriots went up 4-1 due to multiple errors by the Bison.

"Today's game was a tough battle. With a young group out on the court we made a lot of errors but were able to make up for it by being aggressive," said head coach Shaun Kupferberg.

Continuing in the second set, Jurnee Tipton broke the ice with a kill that improved the score 4-2. The Bison trailed George Mason for most of the set before picking up velocity in the middle of the set with repeat kills that gave the Bison a 17-16 lead. The match saw additional lead changes before the Bison pulled away with a 25-22 win.

The Bison dominated the Patriots in the third set with plenty of team kill action. Contributions from Kira Porter, Marcelle Butler, Olubunmi Okunade, Tamia Dockery, Kailyn Williams and Jurnee Tipton helped Howard lead most of the set. Howard took a commanding 25-16 win.

Looking to win the game in the fourth set, the Bison delivered handily. An attack error by Ehmke opened the set and the Bison never looked back, eventually going on an 8-0 run. The Patriots began to fight back and came within 3 near the end of set. The Bison did not relinquish control, holding on to their lead and finishing the match, 25-21.

Marcelle Butler had a team high 17 kills. Jurnee Tipton and Kailyn Williams posted 12 kills. Tipton added 16 digs and 3 assists. Tamia Dockery put up an impressive 44 assists, 10 digs, 5 blocks and 4 kills. Freshmen Antonia Kearney and Busisiwe Banda both recorded two aces.

"There are a lot of areas we need to work on but I'm happy with where we are right now," concluded Kupferberg.

The Bison face the Wichita State Shockers in Burr Gym on Sunday. First serve is scheduled for 3 p.m. General admission tickets are $8. There is no cost to Howard students with valid HU identification. Live stats of the game can be viewed by visiting https://hubison.com/sidearmstats/wvball/summary.

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About Howard University Athletics
The Howard University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics sponsors 19 NCAA Division I men and women varsity sports. The programs represent six conferences: the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association (CCSA), Sun Belt Conference, Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) and Atlantic Sun (ASUN) Conference. Visit www.hubison.com to learn more.

Championship or Bust for Bowie State This Year

COURTESY: BOWIE STATE UNIVERSITY ATHLETICS

BOWIE, Maryland -- All that Bowie State has done over the last three years is win everything except a CIAA championship. The Bulldogs won the north division and played in consecutive title games in 2015 and 2016 but couldn’t get past Winston Salem State. They won nine games and hosted a national playoff game last season for the first time but didn’t play in the conference championship and will take the field this year with the reigning national HBCU Player of the Year. Yet this golden era of the Black and Gold remains incomplete minus finally winning the conference crown.

This is a championship or bust season for Bowie State and everyone knows it. The Bulldogs were selected by the CIAA coaches and sports information directors as the team to beat in the conference. However, this year will not be a cakewalk for them. Virginia State, the reigning CIAA champion, is in their division and they meet on homecoming at Bowie in the first televised nationally televised game on this year’s Aspire TV network schedule. That will be followed by a showdown at Virginia Union, which figures to be their toughest regular season matchups this year.

It is a program that is revered and respected and has gained more national attention since 2015 after being the butt of jokes for years. Over the past three seasons the Bulldogs are 25-9 and they have become the offensive standard bearer in the CIAA. They led the nation in total offense and obliterated the Division II statistics in 2018 despite not winning the CIAA North Division. Bowie State has become an attraction as their passing game has become as prolific – under multiple quarterbacks – in Black College Football history.

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