Conference play kicks off this week, so the race for the title starts Thursday. Send us pictures from you and your friends rooting on your favorite A-Sun soccer team this weekend! If you haven’t started following our social media sites (Twitter.com/AtlanticSun & Facebook.com/AtlanticSunConference), now is a good time to start.
Race for the Title Starts
The A-Sun covered the gambit in non-conference play with some teams starting out just as expected, others providing early surprises and a few slow starts. A rematch of last year’s title match between Kennesaw State and Belmont headlines Saturday’s play. Others to keep an eye on will be Lipscomb’s stingy defense hosting Kennesaw State and Mercer while JU welcomes Stetson and FGCU to campus. Like Jacksonville, UNF hosts the Hatters and Eagles this weekend. Tune into ASun.TV for the latest schedule of events airing on the conference’s webstreaming channel.
National Stats Debut
The NCAA released its first set of national statistics this week. Through September 12, the highlight is Stetson’s combo of Katie Bitetto and Tessa Gavilsky ranking 20th nationally with four assists.
Special Side Trip
The FGCU Eagles found themselves in New York City on September 11 and visited Ground Zero as a part of their trip to West Point for the Black Knights Classic. The FGCU Media Relations staff featured the visit on their website this week - Women's Soccer Gets Full New York City Experience [FGCUAthletics.com] .
Feast or Famine for Hatters
Senior Tessa Gavilsky leads the A-Sun in points (10) and assists (4) while ranking third in goals (3). However, her season has been a microcosm of the feast or famine situation for the Hatters on a whole. In Stetson’s three wins, they are averaging 3.0 goals per game but in their five losses, the team managed just two goals while surrendering five per game. Gavilsky has done the bulk of her damage in the wins (2 goals and 4 assists) but has been limited to just a single goal in the remaining contests.
Belmont Living on the Edge
One of the league’s preseason favorites, Belmont, started 1-6-0. Five of the team’s six losses have been by one goal including three in overtime. Last year, the Bruins went 4-4-0 in one-goal matches and recorded a 1-0-4 mark in overtime games.
Border Battle Success
USC Upstate picked up its first win of the season behind a stellar defensive effort, blanking Morehead State 1-0 despite being out-shot 27-2. Rachel Collins and Sarah Plantz combined in goal for the shutout. The Spartans lost their tournament finale, 1-0, to Chattanooga. Catherine Nolff, Courtney Mack and Ashleigh Barkley received All-Tournament honors at the Border Classic.
Worth Quoting
“What really hit home was when we went to the museum. It had amazing photographs and revealed to us how many people actually died, how many children lost a parent, and how many people risked their lives trying to help and save others. In all, the trip to New York was an amazing experience and one that I will never forget. Going to the spot where the twin towers once stood is a lot different in person then just seeing images on the television at home. It was incredibly sad and hard to see the people around the site putting down flowers and balloons in memory of who they lost.”
Olivia Elias – FGCU Junior Midfielder on visit to Ground Zero
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Men's Soccer Free Kicks Week Two
Two weeks of Atlantic Sun Men’s Soccer is in the books and we are only 34 games away from the beginning of the conference schedule on September 30th. Week two saw Mercer and Belmont claim non-conference tournament titles, while Jacksonville trumped UNC Greensboro and ETSU bested Bradley.
*We are still searching for a name for the men’s and women’s soccer blog so please send in your suggestions on Facebook and you can win an A-Sun Apparel Package.*
They are the Champions
Mercer travelled up to High Point, N.C. for the Flash Gordon Motors Invitational and came back to the Peach State with the tournament title after blanking Radford 3-0 and tying host school, High Point, 2-2. The Bears claimed the tournament by goal differential over High Point. Belmont hosted the Mafiaoza’s Invitational and defeated Cenetenary, 5-2, and Gardner-Webb, 2-1, to claim a tournament title of their own. Lipscomb also had a 2-0 record in the tournament as well, but the Bruins owned the higher goals scored total to give Belmont the tournament crown ahead of its Boulevard rivals.
Darko Strikes Again
Jacksonville’s Darko Karamatic continued his success in winning games as he registered a game-winner against UNC-Greensboro to increase his season total to three. Karamatic’s goal in the 27th minute was the decisive one in the game and gave the Dolphins a win over the regionally-ranked Spartans.
A-Sun Receiving Regional Recognition
After going 2-0-1 on the week, the Dolphins jumped into the NSCAA South Region rankings debuting in the eighth spot. Jacksonville sits at 3-1-1 on the season with four non-conference games remaining before the start of A-Sun play. In the previous poll, FGCU saw their name in fifth in the same poll after defeating South Florida on the road to open the season. The Eagles also received votes in the national poll that same week.
Living Up to Expectations
Sophomores Brandon Tarr and Brett Petricek earned A-Sun Player of the Week awards after impressive showings for their week of play. Both players were named to the Preseason A-Sun All-Conference team and were two of four sophomores named to the team. Tarr tallied three goals and an assist on the week, which included scoring both goals against Gardner-Webb to help Belmont to the Mafiaoza’s Invitational title. Petricek recorded his second shutout of the season in a win against Radford en route to the Flash Gordon Motors Invitational title.
A-Sun Players and Teams on the National Scene
Six players in the Atlantic Sun rank in the top ten of the NCAA in several statistics, while Stetson as a team ranks nationally in two categories. The Hatters are tops in the NCAA in average goals per game as they have scored 12 goals in the first three games, while taking 7th nationally for total goals with 12. On the individual level, USC Upstate’s Timo Foerster and Hakeem King are tied for eighth in points per game at 1.33, while Foerster also ranks second in assists per game at 1.33 and fourth in total assists.
Stetson’s Niels De Jonck and Jacksonville’s Darko Karamatic are tied for ninth with goals per game with 1.0, while Karamatic is also seventh in total goals with four. Along with Foerster, Stetson’s Jonathan Mendoza also averages 1.33 assists per game to rank second in the nation, while Lipscomb’s Joey Chiappetta is sixth with one assist per game.
Looking Ahead to this Week
Campbell has arguably the toughest test this week as they face two 2009 NCAA Tournament Participants in UNC Wilmington and Charlotte, both at home. The Camels takes on the Seahawks on Wednesday at 7 p.m. before taking on the 49ers, Saturday at the same time. FGCU continues with their tough non-conference slate by battling No. 9 Ohio State, who are 4-0 on the season, on Saturday at 7:30 p.m., but before facing the Buckeyes the Eagles square off with Drexel, who is ranked No. 5 in the South Atlantic Region on Friday in the Embassy Suites Kick-Off Classic. Also on Friday, USC Upstate plays crosstown rival, Wofford, who reached the NCAA Tournament last season.
Two other teams, Stetson and Lipscomb, host tournaments this weekend as the Hatters face Manhattan and FIU, No. 10 in the South Region, in the Stetson Soccer Classic, while the Bisons square off against UAB and UNC Asheville in the Hyatt Place Select Lipscomb Invitational.
*We are still searching for a name for the men’s and women’s soccer blog so please send in your suggestions on Facebook and you can win an A-Sun Apparel Package.*
They are the Champions
Mercer travelled up to High Point, N.C. for the Flash Gordon Motors Invitational and came back to the Peach State with the tournament title after blanking Radford 3-0 and tying host school, High Point, 2-2. The Bears claimed the tournament by goal differential over High Point. Belmont hosted the Mafiaoza’s Invitational and defeated Cenetenary, 5-2, and Gardner-Webb, 2-1, to claim a tournament title of their own. Lipscomb also had a 2-0 record in the tournament as well, but the Bruins owned the higher goals scored total to give Belmont the tournament crown ahead of its Boulevard rivals.
Darko Strikes Again
Jacksonville’s Darko Karamatic continued his success in winning games as he registered a game-winner against UNC-Greensboro to increase his season total to three. Karamatic’s goal in the 27th minute was the decisive one in the game and gave the Dolphins a win over the regionally-ranked Spartans.
A-Sun Receiving Regional Recognition
After going 2-0-1 on the week, the Dolphins jumped into the NSCAA South Region rankings debuting in the eighth spot. Jacksonville sits at 3-1-1 on the season with four non-conference games remaining before the start of A-Sun play. In the previous poll, FGCU saw their name in fifth in the same poll after defeating South Florida on the road to open the season. The Eagles also received votes in the national poll that same week.
Living Up to Expectations
Sophomores Brandon Tarr and Brett Petricek earned A-Sun Player of the Week awards after impressive showings for their week of play. Both players were named to the Preseason A-Sun All-Conference team and were two of four sophomores named to the team. Tarr tallied three goals and an assist on the week, which included scoring both goals against Gardner-Webb to help Belmont to the Mafiaoza’s Invitational title. Petricek recorded his second shutout of the season in a win against Radford en route to the Flash Gordon Motors Invitational title.
A-Sun Players and Teams on the National Scene
Six players in the Atlantic Sun rank in the top ten of the NCAA in several statistics, while Stetson as a team ranks nationally in two categories. The Hatters are tops in the NCAA in average goals per game as they have scored 12 goals in the first three games, while taking 7th nationally for total goals with 12. On the individual level, USC Upstate’s Timo Foerster and Hakeem King are tied for eighth in points per game at 1.33, while Foerster also ranks second in assists per game at 1.33 and fourth in total assists.
Stetson’s Niels De Jonck and Jacksonville’s Darko Karamatic are tied for ninth with goals per game with 1.0, while Karamatic is also seventh in total goals with four. Along with Foerster, Stetson’s Jonathan Mendoza also averages 1.33 assists per game to rank second in the nation, while Lipscomb’s Joey Chiappetta is sixth with one assist per game.
Looking Ahead to this Week
Campbell has arguably the toughest test this week as they face two 2009 NCAA Tournament Participants in UNC Wilmington and Charlotte, both at home. The Camels takes on the Seahawks on Wednesday at 7 p.m. before taking on the 49ers, Saturday at the same time. FGCU continues with their tough non-conference slate by battling No. 9 Ohio State, who are 4-0 on the season, on Saturday at 7:30 p.m., but before facing the Buckeyes the Eagles square off with Drexel, who is ranked No. 5 in the South Atlantic Region on Friday in the Embassy Suites Kick-Off Classic. Also on Friday, USC Upstate plays crosstown rival, Wofford, who reached the NCAA Tournament last season.
Two other teams, Stetson and Lipscomb, host tournaments this weekend as the Hatters face Manhattan and FIU, No. 10 in the South Region, in the Stetson Soccer Classic, while the Bisons square off against UAB and UNC Asheville in the Hyatt Place Select Lipscomb Invitational.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Welcome to the VolleyBlog!
After calling for new names for our fall sports blogs, we got several good suggestions, but we here in Macon at the conference office have decided on renaming Digs & Kills to VolleyBlog. Congratulations are in order for Kirt Barnes who submitted the name. He will receive an A-Sun apparel prize package. Now onto the week that was and what's upcoming in A-Sun volleyball.
Battle of the Boulevard in the Non-conference??
Strange as it may sound, Belmont and Lipscomb will meet in a non-conference contest at 5:00 p.m. local time (on ASun.TV). The Bruins and Lady Bisons have traded the A-Sun Championship title over the past four seasons with Belmont owning the even years, 2006 & 2008 and Lipscomb winning claiming crowns in 2007 and last year. These two Nashville programs, along with FGCU have dominated the conference combining to go 122-15 against the rest of the conference since the start of 2006 (FGCU joined in 2007).
More A-Sun Foes Meeting Outside League Play
At this weekend's Wofford College Invitational, USC Upstate and Stetson will meet outside of league play. Later this month, FGCU will travel to Nashville to face both Belmont and Lipscomb in non-conference play and Jacksonville will head south to DeLand to oppose Stetson. On October 19, River City Rivals Jacksonville and UNF will meet at Swisher Gymnasium.
A-Sun on the National Scene
The NCAA released its first set of statistics on Tuesday with several A-Sun teams and individuals appearing among the nation's best. Three individuals, Lipscomb's Alex Kelly, Kennesaw State's Sabrita Gulley and UNF's Paige Pridgeon, rank among the top 40 in kills per set with Kelly pacing the A-Sun representation at 16th. She ranks 12th in kills per set, the highest A-Sun individual ranking in any statistic. Preseason Player of the Year Stefine "Jake" Pease ranks 17th in assists per set; ETSU's Alysa Long places 38th in blocks per set and Belmont's Kayla Albritton stands 50th in assists per set. Among teams, the Lady Bisons rank in the top 50 in digs per set (31st), assists per set (37th), win percentage (tied for 46th) and kills per set (47th). Belmont ranks 31st in aces per set and if they were included in the stats, USC Upstate would find itself 42nd in digs per set.
Dolphins Embark on Tour de Florida
Beginning this past Friday, Jacksonville began a stretch of its schedule where it will face nine in-state opponents among its next 10 days. The Dolphins started its run towards "the state title" with wins against FAU and UCF at the Courtyard by Marriott/UCF Classic. This weekend they have a rematch with FAU then face the hosting USF Bulls to conclude the Hilton Garden Inn Tournament. Games against Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M, FGCU and two with Stetson make the remainder of the Florida Swing.
All-Tournament Honors
The following A-Sun student-athletes earned All-Tournament honors over the weekend:
Kayla Albritton, Belmont, Active Ankle Challenge
Allyson Goldbach, Campbell, Black and Gold Invitational
Megan Devine, ETSU, Buccaneer Classic presented by Holiday Inn
Kendall Courtney, Jacksonville, Courtyard by Marriott/UCF Classic
Kathryn Kane, Jacksonville, Courtyard by Marriott/UCF Classic
Sabrita Gulley, Kennesaw State, Runnin' Bulldog Classic
Baylee Strachan, Kennesaw State, Runnin' Bulldog Classic
Kaycee Green, Lipscomb, Gamecock Invitational
*Alex Kelly, Lipscomb, Gamecock Invitational
Stefine "Jake" Pease, Lipscomb, Gamecock Invitational
Nicole Baran, UNF, Best Western Invitational
Paige Pridgeon, UNF, Best Western Invitational
Katie Downey, USC Upstate, Myrtle Beach Comfort Suites Invitational
Ellen Hawks, Stetson, Elon Volleyball Classic
* MVP
On the Horizon
Kennesaw State will be the only A-Sun school at home during this, the fourth weekend of non-conference tournament action. The Owls face Presbyterian, Coastal Carolina, Troy and Ohio State over two days in the Owl Invitational. Although not at home, USC Upstate stays in Spartanburg participating in the Wofford College Invitational. The Spartans face Stetson, Wofford and SIU Edwardsville.
Battle of the Boulevard in the Non-conference??
Strange as it may sound, Belmont and Lipscomb will meet in a non-conference contest at 5:00 p.m. local time (on ASun.TV). The Bruins and Lady Bisons have traded the A-Sun Championship title over the past four seasons with Belmont owning the even years, 2006 & 2008 and Lipscomb winning claiming crowns in 2007 and last year. These two Nashville programs, along with FGCU have dominated the conference combining to go 122-15 against the rest of the conference since the start of 2006 (FGCU joined in 2007).
More A-Sun Foes Meeting Outside League Play
At this weekend's Wofford College Invitational, USC Upstate and Stetson will meet outside of league play. Later this month, FGCU will travel to Nashville to face both Belmont and Lipscomb in non-conference play and Jacksonville will head south to DeLand to oppose Stetson. On October 19, River City Rivals Jacksonville and UNF will meet at Swisher Gymnasium.
A-Sun on the National Scene
The NCAA released its first set of statistics on Tuesday with several A-Sun teams and individuals appearing among the nation's best. Three individuals, Lipscomb's Alex Kelly, Kennesaw State's Sabrita Gulley and UNF's Paige Pridgeon, rank among the top 40 in kills per set with Kelly pacing the A-Sun representation at 16th. She ranks 12th in kills per set, the highest A-Sun individual ranking in any statistic. Preseason Player of the Year Stefine "Jake" Pease ranks 17th in assists per set; ETSU's Alysa Long places 38th in blocks per set and Belmont's Kayla Albritton stands 50th in assists per set. Among teams, the Lady Bisons rank in the top 50 in digs per set (31st), assists per set (37th), win percentage (tied for 46th) and kills per set (47th). Belmont ranks 31st in aces per set and if they were included in the stats, USC Upstate would find itself 42nd in digs per set.
Dolphins Embark on Tour de Florida
Beginning this past Friday, Jacksonville began a stretch of its schedule where it will face nine in-state opponents among its next 10 days. The Dolphins started its run towards "the state title" with wins against FAU and UCF at the Courtyard by Marriott/UCF Classic. This weekend they have a rematch with FAU then face the hosting USF Bulls to conclude the Hilton Garden Inn Tournament. Games against Bethune-Cookman, Florida A&M, FGCU and two with Stetson make the remainder of the Florida Swing.
All-Tournament Honors
The following A-Sun student-athletes earned All-Tournament honors over the weekend:
Kayla Albritton, Belmont, Active Ankle Challenge
Allyson Goldbach, Campbell, Black and Gold Invitational
Megan Devine, ETSU, Buccaneer Classic presented by Holiday Inn
Kendall Courtney, Jacksonville, Courtyard by Marriott/UCF Classic
Kathryn Kane, Jacksonville, Courtyard by Marriott/UCF Classic
Sabrita Gulley, Kennesaw State, Runnin' Bulldog Classic
Baylee Strachan, Kennesaw State, Runnin' Bulldog Classic
Kaycee Green, Lipscomb, Gamecock Invitational
*Alex Kelly, Lipscomb, Gamecock Invitational
Stefine "Jake" Pease, Lipscomb, Gamecock Invitational
Nicole Baran, UNF, Best Western Invitational
Paige Pridgeon, UNF, Best Western Invitational
Katie Downey, USC Upstate, Myrtle Beach Comfort Suites Invitational
Ellen Hawks, Stetson, Elon Volleyball Classic
* MVP
On the Horizon
Kennesaw State will be the only A-Sun school at home during this, the fourth weekend of non-conference tournament action. The Owls face Presbyterian, Coastal Carolina, Troy and Ohio State over two days in the Owl Invitational. Although not at home, USC Upstate stays in Spartanburg participating in the Wofford College Invitational. The Spartans face Stetson, Wofford and SIU Edwardsville.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Free Kicks - Women's Edition
We put another week of non-conference matches in the book at the A-Sun. Several teams secured big wins for their programs and the highly anticipated start to conference play looms just one week away. If you haven’t started following our social media sites (Twitter.com/AtlanticSun & Facebook.com/AtlanticSunConference), now is a good time to start. We are hoping you can help us pick a new name for our weekly sports blogs. Until we find a winner, it’s “Free Kicks” for at least another week. Here’s a quick tour around the league …
Video Tour
FGCU Arkansas Post-Game - Watch
JU-Winthrop Highlights - Watch
ETSU and Belmont have highlights available on their main athletics pages as well.
Bucs Breeze Through Non-Conference Slate
ETSU breezed through the opening three weeks of the season and carry a 3-1-1 mark into the ETSU Invitational presented by DoubleTree Hotel. The Bucs beat up on a pair of non-Division I foes by a combined 6-0 score while handling UNC Asheville 4-0 for their other win. While freshman Ramey Kerns (3 goals/1 assist) paces a potent offense, the defense may be the star after allowing just two goals all season. All four matches of the tournament will be available on ASun.TV.
Thriller Hands FGCU Benchmark Win
Senior Michelle Kuhnen converted a corner kick into a game-winning goal in the 90th minute to lift FGCU past Arkansas, 1-0. The Razorbacks rank 10th in the most recent NSCAA South Region Poll. The third-year program notched its first win against an opponent from a BCS conference.
.500 Sounds Fine to Lady Bisons
While a 3-3-0 record may not be reason to get excited some places, at Lipscomb it may signify the turning of a corner. After blanking Central Arkansas 1-0, the Lady Bisons moved to .500 for the season and recorded a third non-conference victory for the first time since joining the A-Sun. Lipscomb deploys a high-pressure approach that they hope disrupts the flow of the opponent. So far so good. Through six games, the team surrendered just five goals.
Excitement … Then Disappointment
Mercer built a 2-0 halftime lead on No. 25 Georgia in front of a sell-out crowd at Bear Field. However, the Bulldogs stormed back to score twice in the second half before netting the game-winner in overtime. It marked the second-straight year that Mercer led their in-state rival late in the second half before allowing the Bulldogs to come back.
Campbell Sweep
Olga Ekblom was named Atlantic Sun player of the week, while Kaili Terry received A-Sun defensive player of the week recognition. They are just the third pair of Campbell teammates to sweep the conference weekly awards, a feat last accomplished in 2004.
Right on the Cusp
A quick glance at the record may be a bit misleading for UNF. The Ospreys fell to 0-5-0 with a 2-1 loss at Clemson. The reason it may be deceptive … the loss was UNF’s fourth straight by one goal. Head coach Linda Hamilton put together one of the most ambitious schedules in the conference as UNF’s five opponents are 17-6-1 so far this year.
Worth Quoting
“We are probably going to struggle offensively. But we have been in every game this year because of our defense. I really feel like if we can find a goal or two we are going to win a game based on how our defense is playing. We are trying to play a high pressure system with very little depth because that gives us our best chance. We won the Central Arkansas game because of our pressure, because of our defending the way we defend and because of our work ethic. With the exception of Friday night we have outworked every team we have played this year. I tell them the only thing we have control over is our work ethic. We don’t have subs. We have injuries. We can’t control those things, but we can control how hard we fight. That’s what I have been most proud of is the way they keep fighting and fighting.”
Jon Ireland – Lipscomb Head Coach
Video Tour
FGCU Arkansas Post-Game - Watch
JU-Winthrop Highlights - Watch
ETSU and Belmont have highlights available on their main athletics pages as well.
Bucs Breeze Through Non-Conference Slate
ETSU breezed through the opening three weeks of the season and carry a 3-1-1 mark into the ETSU Invitational presented by DoubleTree Hotel. The Bucs beat up on a pair of non-Division I foes by a combined 6-0 score while handling UNC Asheville 4-0 for their other win. While freshman Ramey Kerns (3 goals/1 assist) paces a potent offense, the defense may be the star after allowing just two goals all season. All four matches of the tournament will be available on ASun.TV.
Thriller Hands FGCU Benchmark Win
Senior Michelle Kuhnen converted a corner kick into a game-winning goal in the 90th minute to lift FGCU past Arkansas, 1-0. The Razorbacks rank 10th in the most recent NSCAA South Region Poll. The third-year program notched its first win against an opponent from a BCS conference.
.500 Sounds Fine to Lady Bisons
While a 3-3-0 record may not be reason to get excited some places, at Lipscomb it may signify the turning of a corner. After blanking Central Arkansas 1-0, the Lady Bisons moved to .500 for the season and recorded a third non-conference victory for the first time since joining the A-Sun. Lipscomb deploys a high-pressure approach that they hope disrupts the flow of the opponent. So far so good. Through six games, the team surrendered just five goals.
Excitement … Then Disappointment
Mercer built a 2-0 halftime lead on No. 25 Georgia in front of a sell-out crowd at Bear Field. However, the Bulldogs stormed back to score twice in the second half before netting the game-winner in overtime. It marked the second-straight year that Mercer led their in-state rival late in the second half before allowing the Bulldogs to come back.
Campbell Sweep
Olga Ekblom was named Atlantic Sun player of the week, while Kaili Terry received A-Sun defensive player of the week recognition. They are just the third pair of Campbell teammates to sweep the conference weekly awards, a feat last accomplished in 2004.
Right on the Cusp
A quick glance at the record may be a bit misleading for UNF. The Ospreys fell to 0-5-0 with a 2-1 loss at Clemson. The reason it may be deceptive … the loss was UNF’s fourth straight by one goal. Head coach Linda Hamilton put together one of the most ambitious schedules in the conference as UNF’s five opponents are 17-6-1 so far this year.
Worth Quoting
“We are probably going to struggle offensively. But we have been in every game this year because of our defense. I really feel like if we can find a goal or two we are going to win a game based on how our defense is playing. We are trying to play a high pressure system with very little depth because that gives us our best chance. We won the Central Arkansas game because of our pressure, because of our defending the way we defend and because of our work ethic. With the exception of Friday night we have outworked every team we have played this year. I tell them the only thing we have control over is our work ethic. We don’t have subs. We have injuries. We can’t control those things, but we can control how hard we fight. That’s what I have been most proud of is the way they keep fighting and fighting.”
Jon Ireland – Lipscomb Head Coach
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Free Kicks - Men's Edition
The opening week of the 2010 men’s soccer season was quite the beginning to a new season as Stetson kicked off with a 10-0 blowout of Johnson & Wales, while FGCU followed with a 2-1 victory at No. 13 South Florida that ended the Bulls’ 30-match home unbeaten streak. Then ETSU capped the week with a 1-0 road win against two-time National Champion, Clemson. Remember, if you attend a match this week, send us a photo of you and your friends … we’ll get it posted here and on our Facebook page!
Also don’t forget about our contest to all fans to name our volleyball and soccer blogs. If we pick your suggestion, we'll send an A-Sun apparel prize package. Send your suggestions into our facebook page.
Eagles Obtain National Recognition
Riding the wave of their victory over South Florida, FGCU appeared in national polls as the Eagles are ranked 5th in the NSCAA South Region and 33rd in the NSCAA National Poll. Deion Jones, who scored the game-winner against No. 13 USF, was named to TopDrawerSoccer.com’s National Team of the Week for his two goals and assist on the week.
Darko Finishes Two Overtime Games
Jacksonville’s Darko Karamatic, the A-Sun Player of the Week for the opening weekend, justified his award by scoring his second overtime game-winner in a 2-1 victory against Georgia Southern on Tuesday night. Karamatic, a junior, lifted the Dolphins to a 2-1 overtime victory over Florida Atlantic on the previous Friday and finished the opening week with three goals in three games.
Bucs Trump Tigers on the Road
ETSU’s senior defender, Guilherme Reis, stepped to the penalty mark in the 116th minute of the game against Clemson and gave the Bucs a 1-0 double-overtime victory. The goal, along with his efforts earlier in the week against Furman, earned Reis the Defensive A-Sun Player of the Week honors. Reis and the rest of Bucs travel to Evansville, Ind., to face Bradley and Evansville this weekend.
Timo Foerster -- Assisting Machine
Through three games on the season, USC Upstate’s junior midfielder has assisted on four of the Spartans five goals, which leads the A-Sun. Last season, Foerster totaled five assists for the Spartans, which topped his team and ranked fourth in the A-Sun.
Stout Defenses in A-Sun
Three teams in the A-Sun (ETSU, Campbell and Stetson) have a sub-1.00 GAA through the first week of play in the 2010 season. Stetson, which has played one game, leads the A-Sun after posting a shutout in their lone game, while the Bucs and Camels are allowing 0.44 and 0.58 GAA, respectively.
What’s Ahead
Eight teams take the field on Friday, including UNF opening the season against Memphis, while Belmont welcomes Lipscomb, Gardner-Webb and Centenary for the Belmont Invitational.
Quoting the Coach
“That was a great college soccer game,” said ETSU head coach Scott Calabrese. “Being at Clemson, which is a big school with a great atmosphere and a historic program. I can’t be more proud of the way our team came out and competed. Clemson is a well-coached team that is very organized. I think we showed tremendous mental strength. We had a goal taken away and had a lot of chances that didn’t fall for us, but we continued to press the issue.”
“I felt like for the first time this was a team that truly believed throughout the game that we were going to win,” Calabrese said. “That is a mentality that I want to see continue.”
Also don’t forget about our contest to all fans to name our volleyball and soccer blogs. If we pick your suggestion, we'll send an A-Sun apparel prize package. Send your suggestions into our facebook page.
Eagles Obtain National Recognition
Riding the wave of their victory over South Florida, FGCU appeared in national polls as the Eagles are ranked 5th in the NSCAA South Region and 33rd in the NSCAA National Poll. Deion Jones, who scored the game-winner against No. 13 USF, was named to TopDrawerSoccer.com’s National Team of the Week for his two goals and assist on the week.
Darko Finishes Two Overtime Games
Jacksonville’s Darko Karamatic, the A-Sun Player of the Week for the opening weekend, justified his award by scoring his second overtime game-winner in a 2-1 victory against Georgia Southern on Tuesday night. Karamatic, a junior, lifted the Dolphins to a 2-1 overtime victory over Florida Atlantic on the previous Friday and finished the opening week with three goals in three games.
Bucs Trump Tigers on the Road
ETSU’s senior defender, Guilherme Reis, stepped to the penalty mark in the 116th minute of the game against Clemson and gave the Bucs a 1-0 double-overtime victory. The goal, along with his efforts earlier in the week against Furman, earned Reis the Defensive A-Sun Player of the Week honors. Reis and the rest of Bucs travel to Evansville, Ind., to face Bradley and Evansville this weekend.
Timo Foerster -- Assisting Machine
Through three games on the season, USC Upstate’s junior midfielder has assisted on four of the Spartans five goals, which leads the A-Sun. Last season, Foerster totaled five assists for the Spartans, which topped his team and ranked fourth in the A-Sun.
Stout Defenses in A-Sun
Three teams in the A-Sun (ETSU, Campbell and Stetson) have a sub-1.00 GAA through the first week of play in the 2010 season. Stetson, which has played one game, leads the A-Sun after posting a shutout in their lone game, while the Bucs and Camels are allowing 0.44 and 0.58 GAA, respectively.
What’s Ahead
Eight teams take the field on Friday, including UNF opening the season against Memphis, while Belmont welcomes Lipscomb, Gardner-Webb and Centenary for the Belmont Invitational.
Quoting the Coach
“That was a great college soccer game,” said ETSU head coach Scott Calabrese. “Being at Clemson, which is a big school with a great atmosphere and a historic program. I can’t be more proud of the way our team came out and competed. Clemson is a well-coached team that is very organized. I think we showed tremendous mental strength. We had a goal taken away and had a lot of chances that didn’t fall for us, but we continued to press the issue.”
“I felt like for the first time this was a team that truly believed throughout the game that we were going to win,” Calabrese said. “That is a mentality that I want to see continue.”
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Digs and Kills - Week 2
Labor Day weekend featured the second weekend of non-conference tournaments in Atlantic Sun volleyball. ETSU won the Radford Invitational topping Canisius, Davidson and Norfolk State. Remember, if you attend a match, this week send us a photo of you and your friends … we’ll get it posted here and on our Facebook page!
Webb Reaches 300-Win Plateau
Belmont's Deane Webb, already the program's winningest head coach secured the 300th win of his coaching career when the Bruins outlasted Weber State in five sets. The win represented the 138th for Webb at Belmont. Previously, he picked up 28 wins at ETSU and started his career by posting a 134-51 record at Indiana Wesleyan.
Stancliff Stands Tall
In winning the first Player of the Week award of her career, ETSU's Jamie Stancliff becomes the first Buccaneer to earn an A-Sun weekly honor since Amanda Youell earned the honor for her play from September 17-23, 2007.
Precursor to Successful Year in Johnson City
The Buccaneers' three-game sweep of the Radford Invitational represented the first time since the 2001 Winthrop Tournament that ETSU went undefeated at a non-conference tournament. The Buccaneers topped Georgia State, Georgia Southern and Winthrop kicking off a year that finished in a 20-6 campaign.
All-Tournament Honors
The following A-Sun volleyballers earned All-Tournament honors at respective events over the weekend:
Kayla Albritton, Belmont, Nevada Invitational
Annie Kobeski, Campbell, Colonial Challenge
Whitney Cogburn, ETSU, Radford Invitational
*Jamie Stancliff, ETSU, Radford Invitational
Camil Dominguez, FGCU, Active Ankle Challenge
Alyssa Lang, Kennesaw State, UIC Invitational
Kaycee Green, Lipscomb, Pittsburgh Invitational
Alex Kelly, Lipscomb, Pittsburgh Invitational
Anna Coursey, Mercer, Bear Brawl
Amiee Frutchey, Mercer, Bear Brawl
Paige Pridgeon, UNF, Holiday Inn Jefferson Cup
Mindy Quimby, USC Upstate, Appalachian Invitational
Monique Russell, Stetson, Clarion Volleyball Invitational
* MVP
Coming Up
Two Atlantic Sun schools host tournaments this weekend as ETSU looks to build off its success at the Radford Invitational welcoming Austin Peay, UNC Greensboro and UNC Asheville for the Buccaneer Classic presented by Holiday Inn. Fans can catch all the action from Brooks Gym on ASun.TV.
UNF plays in front of the home crowd for the first time in 2010 hosting the Best Western Invitational. The Ospreys open with Chattanooga and Troy on Friday with contests against Charleston Southern and UIC slated for Saturday.
From the Quote Sheet
"There's a coaching saying that I agree with that says 'Good players make good coaches', and seeing a 300th win as a college coach reminds me how fortunate I've been to coach all the wonderful players that earned all of these victories," Belmont head coach Deane Webb said. "Along with the players, I'm thankful for the assistant coaches that have coached our teams to these victories. Whether it's Jeff Wismer, who just started here and has coached our team to three wins, to Embrey Brannon who has been here four years and is doing a great job with our players, to Tony Howell and Ken Carver, coaches that worked alongside me for years and each coached teams to over a hundred wins, they're as much responsible for those successes as anyone." - Courtesy BelmontBruins.com
Webb Reaches 300-Win Plateau
Belmont's Deane Webb, already the program's winningest head coach secured the 300th win of his coaching career when the Bruins outlasted Weber State in five sets. The win represented the 138th for Webb at Belmont. Previously, he picked up 28 wins at ETSU and started his career by posting a 134-51 record at Indiana Wesleyan.
Stancliff Stands Tall
In winning the first Player of the Week award of her career, ETSU's Jamie Stancliff becomes the first Buccaneer to earn an A-Sun weekly honor since Amanda Youell earned the honor for her play from September 17-23, 2007.
Precursor to Successful Year in Johnson City
The Buccaneers' three-game sweep of the Radford Invitational represented the first time since the 2001 Winthrop Tournament that ETSU went undefeated at a non-conference tournament. The Buccaneers topped Georgia State, Georgia Southern and Winthrop kicking off a year that finished in a 20-6 campaign.
All-Tournament Honors
The following A-Sun volleyballers earned All-Tournament honors at respective events over the weekend:
Kayla Albritton, Belmont, Nevada Invitational
Annie Kobeski, Campbell, Colonial Challenge
Whitney Cogburn, ETSU, Radford Invitational
*Jamie Stancliff, ETSU, Radford Invitational
Camil Dominguez, FGCU, Active Ankle Challenge
Alyssa Lang, Kennesaw State, UIC Invitational
Kaycee Green, Lipscomb, Pittsburgh Invitational
Alex Kelly, Lipscomb, Pittsburgh Invitational
Anna Coursey, Mercer, Bear Brawl
Amiee Frutchey, Mercer, Bear Brawl
Paige Pridgeon, UNF, Holiday Inn Jefferson Cup
Mindy Quimby, USC Upstate, Appalachian Invitational
Monique Russell, Stetson, Clarion Volleyball Invitational
* MVP
Coming Up
Two Atlantic Sun schools host tournaments this weekend as ETSU looks to build off its success at the Radford Invitational welcoming Austin Peay, UNC Greensboro and UNC Asheville for the Buccaneer Classic presented by Holiday Inn. Fans can catch all the action from Brooks Gym on ASun.TV.
UNF plays in front of the home crowd for the first time in 2010 hosting the Best Western Invitational. The Ospreys open with Chattanooga and Troy on Friday with contests against Charleston Southern and UIC slated for Saturday.
From the Quote Sheet
"There's a coaching saying that I agree with that says 'Good players make good coaches', and seeing a 300th win as a college coach reminds me how fortunate I've been to coach all the wonderful players that earned all of these victories," Belmont head coach Deane Webb said. "Along with the players, I'm thankful for the assistant coaches that have coached our teams to these victories. Whether it's Jeff Wismer, who just started here and has coached our team to three wins, to Embrey Brannon who has been here four years and is doing a great job with our players, to Tony Howell and Ken Carver, coaches that worked alongside me for years and each coached teams to over a hundred wins, they're as much responsible for those successes as anyone." - Courtesy BelmontBruins.com
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Free Kicks - Women's Edition
We didn’t have a lot of comments from our first edition of FREE KICK. We’ll work a little harder on our end to solicit some. Remember, if you attend a match, this week send us a photo of you and your friends … we’ll get it posted here and on our Facebook page! Thanks to the folks at FGCU and USC Upstate that sent stuff to us.
College Cup Comes to Kennesaw
More news related to the KSU Soccer Stadium. The NCAA announced that the facility will serve as host to the 2011 Women’s College Cup. That’s a great honor for Kennesaw State and the A-Sun. Our staff in Macon is looking forward to helping the Owls out that weekend.
JU Near Miss
Jacksonville stood less than 20 minutes away from claiming The Citadel/Nike Invitational title before falling to Charleston Southern in overtime. The Dolphins dispatched the host Bulldogs in dominate fashion, 3-0. A goal in the 73rd minute and the game-winner five minutes into overtime drowned the team’s opportunity to take home the trophy. Lisa Hensley and Jelena Vrcelj each scored two goals on the weekend.
Blog Me
The A-Sun clearly was not the only person that saw the value of a blog. If you want another inside view into A-Sun women’s soccer, Belmont coach Lisa Howe (http://bruinsider.blogspot.com/), ETSU teammates Tori Head and Samantha Kron (http://www.etsubucs.com/sports/wsoccer/default.aspx), JU senior Devin Dowell (http://www.judolphins.com/multimedia/blogs/215/) and Mercer senior Sara Elliot (http://www.mercerbears.com/sports/wsoc/2010-11/files/Bloggin_With_Sara) provide regular blog posts throughout the season as well.
Big Weekend at Bear Field
Mercer will host “Orange Out Weekend” as two of the most recognized non-conference foes on the schedule come to Macon. Every fan wearing orange to Bear Field will receive complimentary admission as Mercer takes on in-state rival Georgia at 7:00pm on Friday and Florida State at 1:00pm on Sunday. Those unable to make it to Bear Field can watch all the action on the conference's webstreaming channel, ASun.TV.
Lady Bisons Defense Making the Difference
Lipscomb may have been picked to finish near the bottom of the standings in the preseason poll, but a stout defense through the season’s first two weeks may turn some heads. The Lady Bisons surrendered just three goals in four matches and have yet to allow an opponent to find the back of the net twice in a single match. Goalkeeper Erin Zerio boasts a 0.73 goals against average but owes a lot to her defense since she only averages 4.5 saves per match. While the defense is the good news for the Lady Bisons, the offense will have to try to catch up to make a big move in the conference. Lipscomb scored just three goals of their own through four matches.
By the Numbers
Four A-Sun goalies carry sub-1.00 goals against averages into the weekend: Megan Masch, ETSU (0.37), Erin Zerio, Lipscomb (0.73), Cristina Guilarte, Mercer (0.90) and Jamie Panfil, Campbell (0.95). Impressive numbers, no doubt, but who has needed to make more saves to reach that mark? Zerio and Panfil have each made 18 saves while Masch has recorded only six saves and faced just 22 shots.
Looking Ahead
In addition to the Orange Out Weekend at Mercer, FGCU plays host to a formidable group of teams in its Embassy Suites Hotel Kickoff Classic. Arkansas, Kent State and Miami all descend upon Fort Myers for what should be a competitive classic.
Worth Quoting
“The committee is thrilled with the selection of Kennesaw State as host of the 2011 NCAA Women’s Soccer College Cup. The committee’s priority is to select a championship site that will continue to elevate the championship experience, meanwhile enhancing the student-athlete experience. We are confident Kennesaw State is committed to these goals and will conduct a first-class championship.”
Dr. Lisa Campos – NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Chairperson
What would you like to see us write about in FREE KICKS?
College Cup Comes to Kennesaw
More news related to the KSU Soccer Stadium. The NCAA announced that the facility will serve as host to the 2011 Women’s College Cup. That’s a great honor for Kennesaw State and the A-Sun. Our staff in Macon is looking forward to helping the Owls out that weekend.
JU Near Miss
Jacksonville stood less than 20 minutes away from claiming The Citadel/Nike Invitational title before falling to Charleston Southern in overtime. The Dolphins dispatched the host Bulldogs in dominate fashion, 3-0. A goal in the 73rd minute and the game-winner five minutes into overtime drowned the team’s opportunity to take home the trophy. Lisa Hensley and Jelena Vrcelj each scored two goals on the weekend.
Blog Me
The A-Sun clearly was not the only person that saw the value of a blog. If you want another inside view into A-Sun women’s soccer, Belmont coach Lisa Howe (http://bruinsider.blogspot.com/), ETSU teammates Tori Head and Samantha Kron (http://www.etsubucs.com/sports/wsoccer/default.aspx), JU senior Devin Dowell (http://www.judolphins.com/multimedia/blogs/215/) and Mercer senior Sara Elliot (http://www.mercerbears.com/sports/wsoc/2010-11/files/Bloggin_With_Sara) provide regular blog posts throughout the season as well.
Big Weekend at Bear Field
Mercer will host “Orange Out Weekend” as two of the most recognized non-conference foes on the schedule come to Macon. Every fan wearing orange to Bear Field will receive complimentary admission as Mercer takes on in-state rival Georgia at 7:00pm on Friday and Florida State at 1:00pm on Sunday. Those unable to make it to Bear Field can watch all the action on the conference's webstreaming channel, ASun.TV.
Lady Bisons Defense Making the Difference
Lipscomb may have been picked to finish near the bottom of the standings in the preseason poll, but a stout defense through the season’s first two weeks may turn some heads. The Lady Bisons surrendered just three goals in four matches and have yet to allow an opponent to find the back of the net twice in a single match. Goalkeeper Erin Zerio boasts a 0.73 goals against average but owes a lot to her defense since she only averages 4.5 saves per match. While the defense is the good news for the Lady Bisons, the offense will have to try to catch up to make a big move in the conference. Lipscomb scored just three goals of their own through four matches.
By the Numbers
Four A-Sun goalies carry sub-1.00 goals against averages into the weekend: Megan Masch, ETSU (0.37), Erin Zerio, Lipscomb (0.73), Cristina Guilarte, Mercer (0.90) and Jamie Panfil, Campbell (0.95). Impressive numbers, no doubt, but who has needed to make more saves to reach that mark? Zerio and Panfil have each made 18 saves while Masch has recorded only six saves and faced just 22 shots.
Looking Ahead
In addition to the Orange Out Weekend at Mercer, FGCU plays host to a formidable group of teams in its Embassy Suites Hotel Kickoff Classic. Arkansas, Kent State and Miami all descend upon Fort Myers for what should be a competitive classic.
Worth Quoting
“The committee is thrilled with the selection of Kennesaw State as host of the 2011 NCAA Women’s Soccer College Cup. The committee’s priority is to select a championship site that will continue to elevate the championship experience, meanwhile enhancing the student-athlete experience. We are confident Kennesaw State is committed to these goals and will conduct a first-class championship.”
Dr. Lisa Campos – NCAA Division I Women’s Soccer Chairperson
What would you like to see us write about in FREE KICKS?
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