Saturday, February 28, 2009

LSC Roundup 2-28

Basketball News
Buffs know it's do-or-die time
It's simple math tonight for West Texas A&M coach Rick Cooper and his Buffs. Win and qualify for the Lone Star Conference tournament.

WT can secure fourth place in the South Division and a trip to the Lone Star Conference men's tournament next week with a win tonight at Abilene Christian University.

Lady Buffs seek top spot in region
West Texas A&M's Lady Buffs and Abilene Christian's Wildcats are looking for momentum as they conclude the women's basketball regular season today at Abilene's Moody Colisum and look toward next week's Lone Star Conference Postseason Tournament.

''We're trying to gain some momentum heading into postseason play,'' Lady Buffs head coach Krista Gerlich said. ''We want to take it one game at a time and win each time we play. ''We haven't focused too much on the regional rankings. If we take care of our business, we'll have done all that we can.''

MSU women finish season tonight against Javelinas
The Midwestern State women just missed creating a logjam in the Lone Star Conference South standings on Wednesday night when their upset bid against Angelo State fell short.

Tonight they can have a direct say in who will represent the South in next week’s LSC Basketball Championship as they play host to Texas A&M-Kingsville — one of two teams fighting for the fourth, and final, playoff spot.

MSU home to face Javelinas tonight
Even though Midwestern State has already clinched a No. 1 seed in next week’s Lone Star Conference Postseason Tournament, tonight’s final game of the regular season is still important to the Mustangs.

“If we win, it will really help us in the regional rankings,” said MSU coach Jeff Ray, looking on to life past the LSC tournament. “This is also the last home game for our four seniors, so it is important to us.”

Texas A&M-Kingsville definitely has something to play for when the two teams tip off in D.L Ligon Coliseum. With a win, the Javelinas (18-8; 8-3) can clinch the No. 2 seed in the LSC South Division.

“This may be the best team Kingsville has had since I have been coaching here,” Ray said. “They have a lot of guys between 6-2 and 6-6 who are extremely athletic. They are hard to guard and present some difficult matchups.”

ASU basketball update for Feb. 28
Of note: The Rams missed a chance to clinch a share of the LSC South title with a loss to Midwestern State on Wednesday but they cans till clinch a share of the crown with a win today and a loss by Midwestern to Texas A&M-Kingsville. That would create a three-way tie among ASU, MSU and Kingsville. The Rams also missed a chance to grab the No. 1 seed from the South Division in the LSC tournament next week. ASU can clinch the No. 2 seed with a win today. If the Rams lose, they could drop to the No. 3 seed behind MSU and Kingsville. ... The Rams are coming off a 90-77 loss to Midwestern State on Wednesday. Lionel Brown led ASU with 20 points. Ryan Bennett added 14 and Shavar Burch 10. ... TSU is coming off a 76-72 loss to Kingsville on Wednesday. ... The Rams won the earlier meeting between the two teams 85-80 in four overtimes on Jan. 17. ASU leads the all-time series 33-23. The Rams have won the last two meetings between the two teams but have not won in Stephenville since 2001. ... The Rams will be back in action Thursday in the first round of the LSC tournament.

Softball News
WT softball team splits pair
The West Texas A&M Lady Buffs softball team split a doubleheader Friday in a Lone Star Conference opener at Crutcher Scott Field in Abilene. ACU designated hitter Brooke Whittlesey went 2-for-2 with two RBI as the Lady Wildcats knocked off WT, 9-3, in the first game. Lady Buffs ace Lindsey Wright went 3 2/3 innings, giving up five hits and seven earned runs.

WT came back in the second game, erupting for 11 hits in a 6-1 win over ACU. Marci Womack went seven innings for the Lady Buffs, scattering six hits and allowing one earned run.

ACU deals West Texas third loss
In a battle of teams with impressive records, Abilene Christian and West Texas A&M split the first two games of their Lone Star Conference series play Friday.

MSU doubleheader canceled
Midwestern State’s softball doubleheader with Angelo State on Saturday afternoon at Mustangs Park has been canceled because of an expected wind chill of less than 40 degrees.

Baseball News
Buffs drop pair to SW Oklahoma
West Texas A&M will have to try a new style today to earn its third straight split in Lone Star Conference baseball action. The previous two weekends, the Buffs opened with a doubleheader sweep but lost their two final two games.

West Texas A&M will have to try a new style today to earn its third straight split in Lone Star Conference baseball action.
The previous two weekends, the Buffs opened with a doubleheader sweep but lost their two final two games.

Wildcats sweep Javs
Abilene Christian stayed hot, sweeping Texas A&M-Kingsville in a Lone Star Conference doubleheader Friday 5-0 and 9-5 at Crutcher Scott Field.

The teams continue their series today. ACU is 13-3 overall and already 9-1 in LSC play. Kingsville is 5-9 and 3-7 after two losses.

LSC Scoop Basketball Power Poll 2-23

Rankings (LW) and this week's games

1. Central Oklahoma (1 LW) - (#7 nationally, #3 in SC Region) TAMC 79-96, SWO 76-68
2. Angelo State (2) - (enters national poll at #23, #4 in SC Region) MSU 77-90, TSU 65-70
3. Midwestern State (3) - (#6 in SC region) ASU 90-77 , TAMK 80-59
4. Texas A&M-Kingsville (4) - (#9 in SC region) TSU 76-72, MSU 59-80
5. Texas A&M-Commerce (5) - UCO 96-79, NSU 68-71
6. Tarleton State (6) - TAMK 72-76, ASU 70-65
7. West Texas A&M (7) - Open, ACU 61-62
8. Southwestern Oklahoma (8) - NSU 57-42, UCO 68-76
9. Cameron (9) - SOSU 64-58, ECU 93-65
10. Abilene Christian (10) - ENMU 71-65, WTAM 62-61
11. Northeastern State (11) - SWO 42-57, TAMC 71-68
12. Southeastern Oklahoma (12) - CU 58-64, Open
13. East Central (13) - Open, CU 65-93
14. Eastern New Mexico (14) - ACU 65-71, Open

Women

1. West Texas A&M (1) - (drops to #11 nationally, stays #1 in SC region) Open, ACU 55-64
2. Central Oklahoma (2) - (#14 nationally, #3 in SC region) TAMC 88-82, SWO 65-46
3. Southeastern Oklahoma (3) - (#5 in SC region) CU 70-46, TWU 68-74
4. Texas A&M-Commerce (4) - UCO 82-88, NSU 80-88
5. Abilene Christian (5) - (#8 in SC region) ENMU 85-70, WTAM 64-55
6. Angelo State (6) - (#7 in SC region) MSU 54-52, TSU 52-73
7. Texas A&M-Kingsville (7) - (#9 in SC region) TSU 65-73, MSU 71-50
8. Texas Woman's (8) - ECU 70-55, SOSU 74-68
9. Tarleton State (9) - TAMK 73-65, ASU 73-52
10. Northeastern State (10) - SWO 55-53, TAMC 88-80
11. Midwestern State (11) - ASU 52-54, TAMK 50-71
12. Southwestern Oklahoma (15) - NSU 53-55, UCO 46-65
13. East Central (12) - TWU 55-70, CU 62-61
14. Cameron (13) - SOSU 46-70, ECU 61-62
15. Eastern New Mexico (14) - ACU 70-85, Open



LSC Weekly Release

Players of the Week
LSC North Women's
Lizzie Brenner, University of Central Oklahoma, Sr., Forward, Woodward, Okla./Woodward
Brenner led UCO to a pair of LSC North Division victories, averaging 21.5 points and 8.5 rebounds a game as the No. 17-ranked Bronchos beat Texas Woman's and Cameron. The senior star scored 26 of her career-high 33 points in the second half of a 103-84 rout of the Pioneers -- the third-best game in school history -- while adding seven rebounds, two steals, a block and an assist. She came back with a double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds in a 62-47 road win over the Aggies as UCO stayed atop the North standings.

LSC South Women's
LaKeisha Jones, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, Sr., Center, Winnsboro, La./Crowville
This past week, Jones put the team on her back as she led them to two important victories. First, she scored a game high 22 points while grabbing six rebounds in a home win over Eastern New Mexico. Then, she came through with her sixth double-double of the season in the team's win over #7 West Texas A&M. She scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds despite being limited to just 23 minutes of action due to foul trouble.

LSC North Men's
DeUndrae Spraggins, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Sr., Guard, East St. Louis, Ill.
Spraggins poured in a season-high 42 points, which is also the most in the LSC this season, and jumped to the top of the A&M-Commerce record books with 10 three pointers in the 108-86 win over East Central. In addition to his 10 3-point field goals made, he set the record for attempts with 21, eclipsing the previous marks of eight for made and 15 for attempts. To start the game, he scored the team's first 11 points of the game and tallied 33 points in the opening half as the Lions jumped out to a 60-37 advantage at halftime. He followed that up with 13 points against Southeastern Oklahoma State. For the week, he made 45.9% of his shots from the field and missed just one free throw as he was 11-for-12 and 91.7%. He was also part of a stifling defense that forced the Tigers and the Savage Storm to shoot just 19.4% from the 3-point line and forced 41 turnovers.

LSC South Men's
Malik Motnii, Angelo State University, Sr., Center, Moscow, Russia
Motnii was the only Ram to reach double figures in each of the Rams' wins last week. The 6-9 center from Moscow, Russia, via American University, led the Rams with 16 points against West Texas A&M and followed that up with a 17-point performance against Eastern New Mexico. Motnii connected on 82.4 percent of his shots from the field (6-of-8 vs. WTAMU and 8-of-9 vs. ENMU) and 83.3 percent of his free-throw attempts.

Friday, February 27, 2009

LSC Weekly Baseball Release 2-25

Weekend Matchups
NSU (6-8-1, 2-5-1) at SOSU (8-5, 5-3) SOSU 10-1, NSU 10-4
SWO (9-6, 4-4) at WTAM (8-6, 4-4) SWO 4-1, 14-5
CU (11-4, 5-3) at ENMU (7-7, 3-5) CU 9-1, 21-14
UCO (6-7, 3-5) at ECU (4-7, 3-5) ECU 5-1, 12-5
ASU (9-3, 5-3) at TSU (6-8-1, 3-4-1) - ASU #19 in the College Baseball Newspaper poll ASU 5-2, 12-4
TAMK (5-7, 3-5) at ACU (11-3, 7-1) - ACU #8 in the College Baseball Newspaper poll, #9 in Ping.com Poll ACU 5-0, 9-5


Link to complete release


Diamond Players of the Week
Co-LSC Hitter
Jordan Schmitt, Abilene Christian, Sr., Catcher, Dallas, Texas/Lake Highlands High School
Schmitt had one of the best weekends of his four-year Wildcat career as he pounded out eight hits, three home runs and 13 RBI as ACU took three of four games from Central Oklahoma. ... In the Wildcats' 14-12 win on Friday, Schmitt was 4 for 4 with six RBI, and he just missed hitting for the cycle, falling short by a double. ... He had at least one RBI in all four games of the series, and had four in the Wildcats' 12-8 in on Sunday, a two-run single in the first and a two-run home run in the seventh. ... Schmitt had 19 total bases and slugged at a 1.188 clip in the series.

Isaac Garcia, Angelo State, Jr., Outfielder, El Paso, Texas/Dell Valle
Garcia tied a school record for hits in a game with a 6-for-6 performance in the second game of the series against Cameron. He also set the school record for total bases with 14 in the same game. Garcia began the series with a single, a groundout and a strike out in his first three plate appearances then reeled off hits in nine straight at bats. During that stretch, he had five singles, one double, one triple and two home runs, three RBI and six runs scored. Garcia finished the weekend with 12 hits in 18 at bats (.667) with six runs scored, four extra-base hits, including two home runs, four RBI, an on-base percentage of .667 and a slugging percentage of 1.167.

LSC Pitcher
Kevin Hyde, Southwestern Oklahoma, Jr., P, Oklahoma City, Okla./Westmoore
Hyde pitched two scoreless innings in relief as Southwestern Oklahoma State University rallied for a 12-9 victory over Texas A&M-Kingsville in the second game of the series. He then started game three and pitched four innings where he allowed just three runs, none of which were earned. He was credited with the win in game two.

LSC Weekly Softball Release 2-25

Remaining Matchups
2/25 ACU at UIW (DH) ACU 14-2, 14-12
2/25 SEU at ASU (DH) ASU 9-1, SEU 7-6
2/26 ECU at SNU (DH) SNU 6-2, 8-7
2/26 SGU at CU (DH) CU 3-2, 1-0
2/27 ASU at UTPB (DH) ASU 17-0, 12-1
2/28 ASU at MSU (DH) Cancelled

Divisional Matchups
South teams playing 3 games
2/27 & 2/28 ENMU (11-5) at TWU (11-10) ENMU 5-4,
2/27 & 2/28 TSU (11-5) at TAMK (12-5) TAMK 3-2, TSU 7-2
2/27 & 2/28 WTAM (12-2) at ACU (11-6) ACU 9-3, WTAM 6-1

North teams continuing 4 game series started on Tuesday
2/28 NSU (5-13, 1-1) at SWO (6-8, 1-1) SWO 14-6, NSU 8-5
2/28 SOSU (22-3, 2-0) at UCO (5-7, 0-2) SOSU 8-3, 7-6
2/28 CU (8-8, 2-0) at ECU (7-4, 0-2) CU 6-5, 5-2

Link to Complete Release

Players of the Week
LSC North Hitter
Erika Bernal, Southeastern Oklahoma, Junior, OF, Arlington, Texas/Timberview HS
Bernal helped Southeastern to a 10-0 week last week, including a 6-0 performance at the South Central Shootout, earning tournament MVP honors. Bernal batted .485 for the week and slugged 1.030 for the week, while smashing six home runs and driving in 17 RBI while scoring 15 runs of her own. When averaged out, Bernal scored or was responsible for scoring 2.6 runs per contest. She reached base 54.1 percent of the time she stepped to the plate, collecting 16 total hits and drawing four walks. She reached base safely in every game last week, scoring a run or driving in a run in nine of the 10 contests.


LSC North Pitcher
Marjorie Johnson, Southeastern Oklahoma, Senior, P, Tulsa, Okla./Bishop Kelly HS
Johnson was dominant in the circle last week, helping Southeastern to a 10-0 record, including a 6-0 record at the South Central Shootout, earning her all-tournament honors. She finished the week with a 4-0 record, 0.81 ERA and allowed opponents a measly .025 batting average. She struck out 56 batters on the week, averaging out to 2.2 K's per inning. She tossed one shutout and a pair of one-hitters. She did all this while also holding her ground in the batting order with a .379 average last week, smashing five home runs and driving in 13 RBI.

LSC South Hitter
Megan Pumphrey, Angelo State, Jr., Outfield, Quinalt, Wash./Hoquiam H.S.
Pumphrey was named to the All-Tournament Team of the South Central Shootout after leading ASU to a 5-1 record in the event. Pumphrey hit .353 and boasted a 1.118 slugging percentage after collecting her first four home runs of the season. She went 6-for-17 from the plate and had eight RBI and seven runs scored. In Saturday's 6-4 win over Fort Hays State, Pumphrey became the fourth Rambelle this season to hit multiple home runs in a game.

LSC South Pitcher
Jacque Gregoire, Abilene Christian, So., P, New Braunfels, Texas/New Braunfels
Gregoire ranked third in the entire 15-team South Central Region Tournament in ERA at 0.77. In three starts, the sophomore hurler compiled a 2-1 record allowing just four runs (two earned) over 18 innings pitched. She tossed two complete game victories with ACU wins over Nebraska-Omaha and No. 19 Central Missouri where Gregoire tossed her first shutout of the season. She also just walked one hitter in three starts and in the game against Central Missouri, she struck out seven. For the season, Gregoire moved to 6-2 on the year and lowered her ERA to 1.86.

LSC Roundup 2-27

Football: Dodge tweaks coaching staff before spring practice
Dodge also hired former Texas A&M-Commerce head coach Scotty Conley as his director of football operations. Conley will replace Mark Barrow, who left the school to join his family in California.

Conley was the linebackers coach at Texas when Dodge was playing for the Longhorns. He has also worked at several other Bowl Subdivision schools as an assistant coach, including Texas A&M and Rice.

“Scotty wants to step into the administrative side of things,” Dodge said. “What I like is that when we go into a staff meeting, he has been in every chair in the room. He has been a graduate assistant, a college assistant and a head coach. He was also a high school coach. He brings a wealth of experience, but what set him apart from the other people we interviewed was his knowledge of the state of Texas. Our operations guy deals with recruiting a lot. I don’t know if I could have found someone else who has recruited the state of Texas his whole career.”

An inside force for Tigers
GOLIAD - Josh Howe is a "sponge" with a lot to soak up on Friday.

The Goliad three-sport athlete's day will start with signing a letter of intent to play football and compete for the Texas A&M-Commerce track and field team. He will then go to classes before heading with his teammates to Luling for a Class 3A area basketball game against La Grange.

"It's going to be a fun day," said Howe before the Tigers started basketball practice on Thursday. "I've always tried to do what my coaches tell me to do, and I think that's why I'm here. I don't mess around, and I always try to learn as much as possible."

Basketball News
Rams can still clinch share of title
The good news for the Angelo State University men's basketball team following its 90-77 loss to Midwestern State on Wednesday is that it won't affect the Rams' appearance at the Lone Star Conference postseason tournament. The Rams had already secured a spot at the eight-team event, which will be held next week in Bartlesville, Okla.

The bad news is the Rams won't be the No. 1 seed and won't win the South Division outright. However, the Rams can still finish in a three-way tie for the title if things work out for them tonight.

Baseball News
Buffs, Bulldogs have similarities
When Southwestern Oklahoma State steps into the visitor's dugout at the Amarillo National Bank Dilla Villa today, West Texas A&M baseball fans may do a double take. If ever two teams have opened a season in similar fashion, it's the Bulldogs and the Buffs.

These Lone Star Conference teams open a four-game series at 1 p.m. today in the Dilla Villa - two games today, two games Saturday - with 4-4 league records.

ASU baseball update
Of note: The Rams continue LSC play this weekend at TSU with a pair of doubleheaders beginning at 3 p.m. today and noon on Saturday. ... The Rams are coming off a split of a four-game series with Cameron last weekend. The Rams lost 9-7 and won 21-11 on the first day and then won 5-3 and lost 15-7 the second day. Isaac Garcia led the Rams in the series with 12 hits in 18 at bats (.667) with six runs scored, four extra-base hits, including two home runs and four RBIs. ... The Texans went 2-1-1 against Northeastern State last weekend. The tied game was because of darkness. ... ASU is 14-2 all-time against TSU. The Rams swept the four-game series between the two teams last season. ... ASU will be back in action next weekend when the Rams host Northeastern State.

Softball News
St. Joseph grad stellar on the mound
Courtney Rigamonti has been busy. The former St. Joseph Lady Flyers pitcher has appeared in 15 of Texas A&M-Kingsville's 17 games this season. The senior has started nine games, came in for relief in six and has compiled a 9-3 record.

"Coming in with experience has really helped me," said Rigamonti who is one of three Javelina seniors. "I've just been trying to build on that experience to help me this year. My goal is to help my team out any way I can on the mound. I just try to learn something from every game that can make me better."

Rigamonti has struck out 59 batters and is maintaining a 2.43 ERA. She's also hitting .214 in 28 plate appearances.

Lady Buffs want to prove they're for real
The West Texas A&M softball team has proven it can beat nonconference opponents, going 12-2 to start the season. The Lady Buffs get their first crack at a Lone Star Conference opponent when they take on Abilene Christian in a three-game series beginning today in Abilene. Game 1 is set for 5 p.m., with Game 2 following. Game 3 will be at noon Saturday.

WT coach Kevin Blaskowski said the real challenge of the season begins today. "Everything we have done to this point has been done to prepare us for this weekend," he said. "We feel good about where we are. Three wins would be great, two wins would even be a good weekend for us."

ASU softball update
Of note: The Rambelles look to get back on the winning track after losing the second game of a doubleheader with St. Edward's on Wednesday. ... ASU split against SEU, winning 9-1 and losing 7-6 to the Hilltoppers. In the first game, Sandy James hit her ninth home run of the season to back winning pitcher Chelsea Nelson (12-1). In the second game, April Haywood hit her sixth home run of the season, but couldn't hold the Hilltoppers off the scoreboard and took her first loss this year. ... UTPB is coming off a split of a four-game series with the University of the Southwest last weekend. The Falcons won the first two games in Odessa last Friday before losing the last two games in Hobbs, N.M., on Saturday. ... ASU is 5-0 all-time against UTPB. The 'Belles defeated the Falcons 8-0 on Feb. 14 at the ASU Blue and Gold Classic. ... The 'Belles will be back in action Saturday when they travel to Wichita Falls for two games against Lone Star Conference North Division rival Midwestern State.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

LSC Roundup 2-26

ACU will appeal NCAA sanctions
Abilene Christian University announced Wednesday that it will appeal the NCAA's decision to strip the school's football team of all victories and statistics from those victories during the 2007 season.

"We were surprised by the penalty in football that asked us to vacate the 2007 wins and associated records there," said Jared Mosley, ACU's director of athletics. "We had a chance the last couple of weeks to look into that a little deeper and feel that it's going to be worth our time and effort to put in the work and then look at case precedent and file our own appeal of those penalties they outlined for us."

Basketball News
Javelinas clinch LSC tournament berth
KINGSVILLE — Earlier Wednesday, Texas A&M-Kingsville men’s basketball coach Pete Peterson saw the look and knew. It was going to be Clyde Johnson’s night. Chalk one up for gut feelings. Johnson’s searing night from the Steinke Physical Education Center floor accounted for a game-best 24 points as the Javelinas knocked off Tarleton State 76-72, clinching a spot in the Lone Star Conference postseason tournament out of the South Division.

“I never said it this year. But I said this is Clyde’s night. I can look in his eyes and I can tell,” Peterson said. “I know it’s weird. But find Clyde. It’s Clyde’s night. It’s just a feeling you have sometimes as a coach. Sometimes you get lucky and it pans out.”

It panned out very well for the Javelinas (8-3 South, 18-8 overall). Winners of seven of their last nine games, the Javelinas return to the postseason for the eighth time in the past 10 seasons. They also scored their first season sweep of the Texans since the 1999-2000 season.

“I wasn’t even thinking about that,” said Johnson, a senior who connected on 6 of 9 3-pointers. “I was just thinking about getting a win, taking our team to the playoffs.”

Richardson, Mustangs roll past No. 23 Angelo State
Two questions were emphatically answered Wednesday night at Junell Center/Stephens Arena.

One, Midwestern State proved its supremacy in the Lone Star Conference South Division by thumping No. 23 Angelo State 90-77 to earn the top seed in next week’s LSC Championships in Bartlesville, Okla.

The second? Senior guard Nolan Richardson tried to prove he’s the best player in the division by dropping a career-high 35 points to help the Mustangs to their 20th win of the season against six losses.

ASU men lose big at home against Midwestern
The No. 23 Angelo State University men's basketball team didn't have an answer for Midwestern State's Nolan Richardson Wednesday. The senior scored a career-high 35 points to lead the Mustangs to an 90-77 victory over the Rams at the Junell Center, denying the Rams a shot at the Lone Star Conference South Division championship.

Late baskets score win
On a night when baskets were hard to come by for the Angelo State University women's basketball team, the 'Belles got two big ones with less than a minute left in the game.

MSU women let 12-point lead slip away in loss to ASU
Midwestern State just can’t shake the curse of Junell Center/Stephens Arena. Angelo State erased a 12-point second half deficit as Paige Weishuhn and Christie Rasmussen bombed in treys in the final minute of the game to lift the Rambelles to a 54-52 win Wednesday night.

“We did exactly what we talked about. We executed and played hard,” MSU coach Noel Johnson said. “I’m very proud of them. The key thing is we have one more game. The mistakes we made in this game, we’ll have the opportunity to correct.”

ACU holds onto second with win over Zias
Five different Abilene Christian University players scored in double figures in a 85-70 victory over the Eastern New Mexico Zias in a Lone Star Conference South Division women's basketball game in Portales, N.M., on Wednesday.

ACU men snap six-game losing skid
Ean Wagner hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 50 seconds left in overtime, and Ben Warton grabbed two rebounds and hit two free throws in the final 90 seconds as ACU snapped a six-game losing streak with a 71-65 victory over Eastern New Mexico in an LSC South game Wednesday night in Portales, N.M.

Harper blossoms for Bronchos
From the moment Lance Harper steps out on the floor, there’s little doubt he’s the leader of the Central Oklahoma men’s squad. The 6-foot-6 senior plays with an unmatched level of intensity and has developed into one of the elite players in the Lone Star Conference.

But when the former Edmond Memorial standout stepped on campus three years ago, he wasn’t even sure he’d even crack the roster.

“I had no idea what to expect when I came here,” Harper said. “I had no idea I’d be having this much fun, especially down the stretch, when you see your goals in sight, it’s an unbelievable feeling.”

Lady Buffs retain region's top ranking

Hoggies Punch Ticket
Comeback comes up short in Kingsville
Rams Drop Home Finale to MSU
Lions Knock Off UCO
Five Lions Score in Double Digits as A&M-Commerce Knocks Off No. 7 Central Oklahoma, 96-79
Men Bounce Northeastern, 57-42
Aggies headed to postseason

Hoggies Can't Dig Out of Hole
Hearne gets No. 99 with win at TAMUK, 73-65
'Belles Keep Regional Hopes Alive
Tough Title Win
UCO downs A&M-Commerce on senior night, 88-82
Bartlesville Bound!!! RiverHawks Down Bulldogs
Women Lose to NSU, 55-53
Storm too much for Aggie women
ACU whips Zias, 85-70
Pioneers overpower Tigers on the road
Pioneers pop host Lady Tigers, 70-55

Softball News
Wildcats take sweep
Five different Abilene Christian players drove in two runs each, and Jacque Gregoire tossed a five-hitter as the Wildcats blasted Incarnate Word 14-4 in the first game of a nonconference softball doubleheader on Wednesday in San Antonio.

'Belles settle for split in doubleheader
The Angelo State University softball team was one good swing away from completing a doubleheader sweep Wednesday over St. Edward's. But that swing never came with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh, and the Rambelles had to settle for a split with a 7-6 loss.

Rambelles Split with St. Ed's

Other News
Girls golf promising in premiere season
Almost 15 months ago, Angelo State University announced its plans to add women's golf to its list of competitive sports. Since then, the team has recruited a talented first-year team and competed in five tournaments - two of which it won. It hasn't finished lower than fifth in a tournament yet.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

ACU to appeal NCAA sanctions

Courtesy: ACU
Release: 02/25/2009

ABILENE – Abilene Christian University has taken the first step to appeal a ruling by the NCAA that would strip the football team of all 10 of its 2007 victories.

In its infractions report delivered to ACU almost two weeks ago, the NCAA ordered the school to vacate all victories and subsequent records and statistics from those wins in a 10-3 season that ended in the second round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.

When the report was released to the public on Feb. 12, ACU president Dr. Royce Money said the NCAA’s sanctions against the football program had caught the school “by surprise” and that the university would strongly consider an appeal. The university – through its outside legal counsel – sent a letter to the NCAA late Tuesday afternoon to let it know that the university planned to appeal the ruling.

“We have taken the last couple of weeks to thoroughly review the final report from the NCAA Committee on Infractions and have decided to move forward with our appeal of the imposed penalty against the football program,” ACU director of athletics Jared Mosley said.

Once ACU receives notification from the NCAA Division II Management Council Subcommittee that it has received the university’s notice of its plan to appeal, it has 30 days to file the written appeal.

LSC Roundup 2-25

Basketball News
ESPN hoops honors WT star Brister
West Texas A&Ms Emily Brister has been selected as the ESPN The Magazine's Academic All-America player of the year, chosen by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA). Brister, who suffered a ruptured ACL a couple of weeks ago, is one of only two repeat selections on the first team.

A win and men, women advance to postseason
The situations facing Texas A&M-Kingsville’s basketball teams couldn’t be any clearer. With victories tonight over Tarleton State, both Javelinas ballclubs earn spots in the Lone Star Conference postseason tournament.

“It’s still up to us. I do like that,” A&M-Kingsville men’s coach Pete Peterson said. “I’ve been on the other side where sometimes you’re playing but you’re hoping something else happens somewhere else. This way, we control our own destiny and that’s what we want to do.”

Mustangs seek to clinch top seed in LSC
The Midwestern State men have already clinched a berth in the Lone Star Conference Postseason Tournament. Tonight, the Mustangs have a chance to claim the South Division title and a No. 1 seed.
Showdown for the South

ASU basketball update for Feb. 25
Of note: The Rams can clinch a share of the LSC South title with a win tonight against the team that handed them one of their two South Division losses this season. The Rams would then need to win their regular-season finale to clinch the title outright and go in to the postseason tournament as the No. 1 seed from the South. MSU can clinch that No. 1 seed with a win over the Rams. ... ASU is coming off a 73-63 victory over Eastern New Mexico on Friday. Malik Motnii led the Rams with 17 points. ... MSU is coming off an 88-66 win over Abilene Christian. Nolan Richardson led the Mustangs with 26 points. ... MSU won the earlier meeting between the two teams 95-82 on Jan. 14. Midwestern State leads the all-time series between the two teams 36-20. ASU has won the last to meetings at the Junell Center. ... The Rams will conclude the regular season Saturday on the road at Tarleton State.
Men Appear in NABC Poll

Hounds, Zias end frustrating seasons
As they prepare to wind down painful seasons tonight, both Eastern New Mexico University basketball teams can point to games that got away during 0-11 runs though the Lone Star Conference South Division. The Greyhounds and Zias get their final crack at division success when they host Abilene Christian at Greyhound Arena. Both ENMU teams have lost 13 in a row overall.

Game Day: Mustangs, Rams battle for South supremacy Wednesday in San Angelo
Game Day: MSU faces final road test of the season at Angelo State
Bronchos Move To 7th
UCO Cagers Climb To 14th
Javelinas Hope to Clinch
Texans looking to keep playoff hopes alive in Kingsville
TexAnns find themselves in must win mode this week

Baseball News
Home runs power ACU to win over St. Mary's
Abilene Christian hit three home runs to win its 10th game in the last 11, an 11-7 nonconference win over St. Mary's.

WBU tops Buffs, 4-3
On a rare perfect February day for baseball in the Texas Panhandle baseball - light breeze and temperatures in the 70s - West Texas A&M fell to Wayland Baptist University, 4-3, in non-conference college action Tuesday at the Amarillo National Bank Dilla Villa.

Wayland Baptist Tops Buffaloes, 4-3
Wildcats top Rattlers, 11-7
Lion Tamers
TAMK Baseball has offensive explosion
HSU Sweeps Savage Storm in Road Series
Baseball Rallies Past Cavs

Softball News
Mustangs gain split against TWU
Katie Petersen took a no-hitter into the sixth inning while Alyson Reynolds and Mallory Mooney supplied the offense by launching pair of homers to lead Midwestern State to its 10th straight, win taking a 3-1 decision over Texas Woman’s Tuesday night.

ASU softball update for Feb. 25
Of note: The Rambelles look to win their sixth straight game and second this season against the Hilltoppers when the teams meet for two today. ... ASU is coming off a 5-1 showing at the South Central Shootout over the weekend. The 'Belles opened the tournament with their first loss of the season, 1-0 to Nebraska-Omaha, before rebounding to win their final five games against Pittsburg State, Central Missouri, Fort Hays State, Northwest Missouri State and Washburn. ... St. Edward's is coming off a 1-5 showing at the South Central Shootout. ... ASU is 19-6 all-time against the Hilltoppers, including a 7-2 win earlier this season at the St. Mary's Invitational. ... ASU will be back in action Friday on the road at Texas-Permian Basin.

'Cats split with St. Mary's; Gregoire earns LSC honor
Reynolds, Mooney power Mustangs past TWU in Game 1, 3-1
Pioneers use big inning to take nightcap, 9-1
Big inning helps Pioneers split with Mustangs
Aggies win fourth, fifth straight
Softball Sweeps Twinbill from UCO
Bronchos Drop Twinbill
Cameron sweeps visiting Lady Tigers
Defensive Plays Lift Diamond Zias to Doubleheader Sweep of Mustangs

Softball Splits with NSU
RiverHawks and Bulldogs Spilt Double Header

Other News
ACU men finish ninth at St. Ed's golf tourney
Abilene Christian slipped from eighth to ninth to wind up play at the St. Edward's University golf tournament Tuesday at Grey Rock Club in Austin.

TexAnns win Lady Rattler Classic
ASU Women's Golf Fifth at Lady Rattler
Bronchos Overcome Seminole
Hartline paces A&M-Commerce to fourth place finish in first tourney of spring
Bird Captures Title\RiverHawks Finish Third at Rattler Roundup

Monday, February 23, 2009

LSC Roundup 2-23

ACU's growth chance
Many schools turn NCAA sanctions into a positive
When a program is hit with NCAA sanctions, as Abilene Christian University was earlier this month, it can often be an eye-opening experience for those within the program and those who follow it.

But with the ever-growing list of institutions guilty of major infractions now up to 280 schools, it's not an experience unique to ACU.

The road to recovery from such sanctions is rarely easy, but many have been through the process. And if the situation is addressed and handled correctly, a program actually can come back stronger, according to several athletic administrators nationwide.

Basketball News
Buffs beat Javelinas, remain in race
West Texas A&M was in need of a win worse than A-Rod is some positive press Saturday night. It teetered and tottered, but the Buffs got the job done down the stretch and received a much-needed career-night from post Bijan Dotson, avoiding what would have been only the second four-game losing streak in WT coach Rick Cooper's 16-year career.

Lady Buffs upended by Kingsville
Texas A&M-Kingsville played with a huge sense of urgency Saturday night against West Texas A&M's Lady Buffs. And it paid off big- time. A crowd of 1,697 at the First United Bank Center watched the Javelinas become the first team to defeat the Lady Buffs at home during the regular season in four years.

ACU women earn spot in LSC tourney
ASU senior proves it's his time to shine
Mustangs clinch LSC berth
MSU eliminated with 61-46 defeat

Baseball News
Rally gives ACU split
Davis Page's two-run home run in the top of the ninth inning Sunday keyed a five-run ACU rally as the Wildcats beat Central Oklahoma 12-8 to earn a split of a Lone Star Conference doubleheader at Broncho Field in Edmond, Okla.
Related: ACU baseball streak at 8

Buffs split two with East Central

Softball News
Rambelles topple two at shootout
The Angelo State University softball team won its final two games at the South Central Shootout in Durant, Okla., on Sunday. The Rambelles (18-1) defeated Northwest Missouri State 12-6 and Washburn 5-2 to finish the three-day tournament with a 5-1 record.

Yannetti leads MSU to softball title
Midwestern State junior second baseman Tabitha Yannetti garnered most valuable player honors for her part in leading the Mustangs to the MSU Invitational championship over the weekend.
ACU ends Shootout with split
ACU finished its six-game run through the South Central Shootout on Sunday with a split of a pair of games against Pittsburg State and Newman (Kan.) at the Durant (Okla.) Multi-Sports Complex.
Related: ACU cruises at tournament

WT softball team posts two more wins

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Basketball News
Zias put up fight, make Rambelles keep battling
The Angelo State University women's basketball team hung on for a 51-47 victory against Eastern New Mexico on Friday night at the Junell Center.

'Hounds push Rams throughout matchup
The Angelo State University men's basketball team is going back to the Lone Star Conference tournament.

For the second straight season, the Rams will appear in the league's postseason event after defeating Eastern New Mexico 73-63 Friday to clinch a spot.

ACU plays 'home' game at McM today
For the second time in the past three years, the Abilene Christian University basketball teams will travel across town to play a home game.

Lady Buffs can finish home slate unbeaten
West Texas A&M will try to complete its women's basketball regular season unbeaten at home today when the Lady Buffs meet Texas A&M-Kingsville on Senior Night at the First United Bank Center.

With three-time All-American Emily Brister sidelined because of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, three other seniors (Courtney Lee, Dixie Bell and Jamie Dreiling) will play their final regular-season home game.

Slumping Buffs cling to postseason hopes
The recent weather may have left the area dryer than a cotton shirt rolling for an hour at the highest temperature in a laundromat, but the West Texas A&M men's basketball team sees life differently these days.

These Buffs are drenched in the middle of a storm.

The Seniors: What They Mean To WT
West Texas A&M will honor its four men's and four women's basketball seniors during tonight's Lone Star Conference South doubleheader against Texas A&M-Kingsville. Here's what coaches Krista Gerlich of the Lady Buffs and Rick Cooper of the Buffs said of their seniors' importance to their programs.

Zias drop Heartbreaker at Angelo State, 51-47
Women Hold Off Pesky Zias
Hounds Lose 73-63 to Angelo State
Men Survive Scare from ENMU


Baseball News
Wildcats blast way to victory
After getting good pitching in a four-game sweep of Southwestern Oklahoma State last weekend, Abilene Christian needed its bats Friday to win the series opener with Central Oklahoma.

Javelinas baseball falls to Southwestern Oklahoma State
The Texas A&M-Kingsville baseball team dropped the first game of a Lone Star Conference doubleheader at Southwestern Oklahoma State on Friday, 9-7. The second game was called after seven innings due to darkness with the score tied 9-9.

Mann leads WT baseball to LSC sweep
The West Texas A&M baseball team continued its early success Friday at Ada, Okla., taking both ends of a Lone Star Conference doubleheader against East Central with the help of four homers and 10 RBIs by first baseman Rob Mann.

Mann's Grand Slam in the Ninth Gives Buffs 13-12 Win Over ECU
WT's Bats Overpower Tigers, 14-10
Buffs overpower Tigers for doubleheader sweep
Texans split Friday's doubleheader with NSU
RiverHawks/Texans Split Double Header
Baseball Wins Game One
Greyhounds Drop LSC Doubleheader at Southeastern Oklahoma
Bronchos Fall Short
Wildcats outscore UCO, 14-12
Big bats split Aggies and #14 Rams
Rams, Cameron Play Long Ball

Softball News
Softball: SE's 'South Central Shootout' Tournament Central

Javs softball: Rigamonti picks up ninth win of season
The Texas A&M-Kingsville softball team split a pair of games on Friday at the Henderson State Tournament. The Javelinas (11-3) won their first game of the day, 4-3 over Drury in eight innings. They lost their second game to the host, 4-0.

ACU takes pair of wins
Abilene Christian opened play at the South Central Shootout with two wins.

WT softball splits in tourney
The West Texas A&M softball team split two games Friday during the second day of the Midwestern State Invitational at Wichita Falls.

The Lady Buffs (10-2) beat Arkansas Tech, 2-1, then lost to host Midwestern State, 4-1.

Mustangs win twice in MSU tournament
Midwestern State took advantage of West Texas A&M's lone error Friday afternoon and that was more than enough for ace Katie Petersen as the Mustangs rolled to a 4-1 win in the MSU Invitational.

Midwestern State Defeats Lady Buffs 4-1
Lady Buffs Beat Arkansas Tech 2-1
Pioneers win one, lose one at MSU Invitational
Softball: Mustangs keep bats hot, rout Texas Woman's 14-6 in six innings
Zias Beat OPSU with a Double-Header Sweep, 9-6 and 13-3 (5)
UCO Drops Two
Softball Splits at Shootout
ACU takes wins over Washburn, No. 19 Jennies

Other News
Abilene players in semis
Local tennis players are represented in the semifinals of four of five divisions to be played today at the Mason Hill Country Classic tennis tournament in Mason.

Javelinas Adds More Talent To Their Team (with video)
KINGSVILLE - After bringing in quarterback Billy Garza from Illinois last season, the Javelina football team attracted a pair of big 12 talents this year.

Standing at 6'3", 225 pounds, Connell Davis can assure the Javelinas a beast in the backfield, but they almost didn't get him, because when he left Mizzou, he also had left behind football.

"To be honest, in the beginning when I left Missouri, I wasn't intending on continuing my career in football. However, it was kinda hard to wake up on Saturday mornings and watch the guys I had played with out there having fun," Davis said.

TexAnn tennis to host Mary-Hardin Baylor on Saturday
Tennis Moves Home Opener
Bronchos 4th In Golf Poll

Friday, February 20, 2009

LSC Scoop Basketball Power Poll 2-16

Rankings (LW) and this week's games

1. Central Oklahoma (1 LW) - Open, CU 85-62 (#9 in the NABC Coaches Poll, #2 in SC Region Poll)
2. Angelo State (2) - WTAM 65-63, ENMU 73-63 (Receiving Votes in the NABC Coaches Poll, #4 in SC Region Poll)
3. Midwestern State (3) - Open, ACU 88-66 (#8 in SC Region Poll)
4. Texas A&M-Kingsville (4) - ENMU 74-69, WTAM 55-64 (#6 in SC Region Poll)
5. Texas A&M-Commerce (7) - ECU 108-86, SOSU 69-56
6. Tarleton State (8) - ACU 80-64, Open
7. West Texas A&M (5) - ASU 63-65, TAMK 64-55
8. Southwestern Oklahoma (6) - SOSU 83-54, ECU 90-80
9. Cameron (10) - NSU 59-53, UCO 62-85
10. Abilene Christian (9) - TSU 64-80, MSU 66-88
11. Northeastern State (11) - CU 53-59, Open
12. Southeastern Oklahoma (12) - SWO 54-83, TAMC 56-69
13. East Central (13) - TAMC 86-108, SWO 80-90
14. Eastern New Mexico (14) - TAMK 69-74, ASU 63-73

Postseason Outlook - Eliminated - East Central, Eastern New Mexico, Abilene Christian, Southeastern Oklahoma. Clinched - Central Oklahoma, Angelo State, Midwestern State Almost in - Texas A&M-Kingsville, Southwestern Oklahoma, Texas A&M-Commerce. Dogfights - Northeastern State and Cameron - NSU(5-5) SWO and TAMC, while CU (5-5) has SOSU, and ECU. West Texas A&M and Tarleton State - WTAM(5-5) TAMK and ACU, while TSU(5-5) has TAMK and ASU.


1. West Texas A&M (1) - ASU 61-49, TAMK 66-70 (#7 in the USA Today/ESPN Division II Poll, #1 in SC Region)
2. Central Oklahoma (2) - TWU 103-84, CU 62-47 (#17 in the USA Today/ESPN Division II Poll, #3 in SC Region)
3. Southeastern Oklahoma (3) - SWO 70-62, TAMC 103-80 (#5 in SC Region)
4. Texas A&M-Commerce (4) - ECU 61-60, SOSU 80-103 (#10 in SC Region)
5. Abilene Christian (5) - TSU 59-73, MSU 61-46 (#9 in SC Region)
6. Angelo State (6) - WTAM 49-61, ENMU 51-47 (#8 in SC Region)
7. Texas A&M-Kingsville (7) - ENMU 82-66, WTAM 70-66
8. Texas Woman's (8) - UCO 84-103, NSU 72-57
9. Tarleton State (10) - ACU 73-59, Open
10. Northeastern State (9) - CU 93-49, TWU 57-72
11. Midwestern State (11) - Open, ACU 46-61
12. East Central (14) - TAMC 60-61, SWO 54-64
13. Cameron (15) - NSU 49-93, UCO 47-62
14. Eastern New Mexico (13) - TAMK 66-82, ASU 47-51
15. Southwestern Oklahoma (12) - SOSU 62-70, ECU 64-54

Game of the week - TAMC @ SOSU

Postseason Outlook - Eliminated - Eastern New Mexico, Cameron, East Central. On the brink - Southwestern Oklahoma, Midwestern State. In - West Texas A&M, Abilene Christian, Central Oklahoma, Southeastern Oklahoma, Texas A&M-Commerce. Almost in - Angelo State. Dogfights - Northeastern State and Texas Woman's - NSU(6-6) has SWO and TAMC while TWU(5-7) has ECU and SOSU. Tarleton State and Texas A&M-Kingsville - TSU(5-5) has TAMK and ASU, while TAMK (5-5) has TSU, and MSU.


LSC Weekly Release

Players of the Week

LSC North Women's
Destiny Brown, Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Jr., Forward, Stillwater, Okla./Stillwater HS

Brown averaged a double-double last week in leading Southeastern to wins over Northeastern State and No. 13 Central Oklahoma. Brown posted 21.0 ppg and 13.0 rpg for the week, turning in double-doubles in both contests, bringing her season total to 15. She poured in a career-high 32 points in SE's 83-78 win over NSU. She also added 13 rebounds in that contest. For the week she also dished out 2.5 assists per game and had a steal in each contest. She shot 48.3 percent from the field, including a 50.0 percent mark from behind the three-point line.

LSC South Women's
Camille Perkins, Angelo State University, So., Guard, Groesbeck, Texas/Groesbeck
Perkins scored a game-high 20 points as the ‘Belles stunned Abilene Christian, 64-59, in overtime Saturday night. Perkins hit 6-of-19 shots from the field an 8-of-12 from the free-throw while adding five rebounds in ASU third straight win over a regionally ranked opponent.

LSC North Men's
Lance Harper, University of Central Oklahoma, Sr., Forward, Edmond, Okla./Memorial
Harper led UCO to a pair of LSC North Division routs last week, averaging 16.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists a game while playing just 22.5 minutes a contest. He shot 70.0 percent (14-of-20) from the field and hit all four of his free throw attempts. The senior scored 12 points and had 10 rebounds in 20 minutes of action in a 125-64 romp over East Central, then added 20 points and 10 boards while hitting 9-of-13 shots in 25 minutes of a 90-54 win over Southeastern Oklahoma.

LSC South Men's
Nolan Richardson, Midwestern State University, Sr., Guard, Tulsa, Okla./Central HS
Richardson poured in 25 points a game while leading Midwestern State to a pair of divisional victories as the Mustangs claimed sole possession of first place in the LSC South. The senior guard from Tulsa hit four 3-pointers on his way to 24 points to pace MSU to an 85-75 win over West Texas A&M on Wednesday. Richardson went for 26 points to help the Mustangs to a 94-90 win over Eastern New Mexico Saturday in overtime. He has now scored at least 20 points in six-straight games. Richardson shot 48.4 percent from the field (15-of-31) and was 8-for-17 (47.1 percent) from the 3-point line.

LSC Roundup 2-20

Football News
UIW's dance card set for first college football season
The University of the Incarnate Word will play 10 games in its inaugural football season this fall, Cardinals coach Mike Santiago said Thursday.

Competing as an NCAA Division II independent, the Cardinals will open at home on Aug. 29 against Monterrey Tech from Mexico.

“I didn’t know they won the dang Mexican league like 10 years in a row when I did the schedule,” Santiago joked. “But, we’re ready to play a game and for the season to start."

Monterrey Tech — Aug. 29, 7 p.m.
@Arkansas Tech — Sept. 5, TBA
Midwestern State — Sept. 19, 7 p.m.
@Langston State — Sept. 26, 5 p.m.
@Okla. Panhandle — Oct. 3, 2 p.m.
East Central Okla. — Oct. 10, 2 p.m.
Texas Lutheran — Oct. 17, 2 p.m.
@SW Assemblies of God — Oct. 24, 2 p.m.
Southern Arkansas — Oct. 31, 2 p.m.
@Eastern New Mexico — Nov. 7, TBA

Basketball News
Big games loom for 'Belles, Rams
The Angelo State University men's and women's basketball teams came away from their contests Wednesday against West Texas A&M with different results, but their goal for tonight against Eastern New Mexico is the same.

With a win tonight, the Rams can clinch a berth in the Lone Star Conference postseason tournament for the second straight year.

With a win and losses by Texas A&M-Kingsville to West Texas A&M, and Midwestern State to Abilene Christian on Saturday, the Rambelles can clinch a spot in the tournament for the ninth consecutive season.

Coming to America
Playing basketball in America was always a dream for Rose Anderson. But shortly after high school, the Scotland native was beginning to think it was just that, a dream.

Anderson received some interest from Division I programs while playing in tournaments in Texas, but when nothing panned out she figured planned to attend a university in Scotland and continue playing club ball.


Baseball News
Buffs to play East Central
After opening eyes last weekend by splitting with a team picked to contend for the Lone Star Conference baseball crown, West Texas A&M hits the road today looking for more momentum during a four-game series against East Central in Ada, Okla.

WT (2-2 in LSC play) and East Central (1-3) meet at noon today in a doubleheader, then finish the series with a doubleheader at noon Saturday.

Diamond in the rough
After hitting his third home run of the young season last week, RIverHawks senior Blake Neighbors probably could not help but think of how far his career has come since he was the skinny, 150-pound sophomore who stepped on the field two seasons ago.

Neighbors, now in his third year with the NSU baseball team came out of Locust Grove high school where he thrived in basketball and baseball. After high school, Neighbor decided to take his game to Coffeyville Community College in Kansas.

ASU baseball update for Feb. 20
Of note: The Rams head to Oklahoma today to try to extend their winning streak to four games and beyond when they open a four-game series with Cameron with a doubleheader beginning at noon. The series will conclude Saturday with another doubleheader beginning at noon. ... ASU is coming off a 3-1 series win against Southeastern Oklahoma. The Rams lost the first game 3-2 but rebounded to win the final three games 8-4, 6-0 and 4-2. ... Cameron is coming off a 9-2 win against Missouri Southern on Tuesday. The Aggies opened LSC play last weekend by taking three of four from Tarleton State. ... The Rams are 8-5 all-time against Cameron. ASU won three of four games between the two teams last year. ... ASU will be back in action next weekend at Tarleton State.

Softball News
WT softball team improves to 9-1
The West Texas A&M softball team rebounded from its first loss with a 9-1 victory against Southwest Baptist on Thursday in the Midwestern State Invitational in Wichita Falls.

Lady Buffs pitcher Marci Womack (2-0) allowed one run and three hits while striking out two.

ASU softball update for Feb. 20
Of note: The Rambelles take their undefeated record on the road this weekend to get a look at some of their new regional rivals. ... ASU is coming off the tournament title at the ASU Blue and Gold Classic that saw the 'Belles win all six games they played

Big innings power MSU to 6th straight win
Mallory Mooney’s bases-loaded, base-clearing double in the third inning ignited a 10-hit explosion as Midwestern State rolled to a 10-3 win in the opener of the MSU Invitational Thursday afternoon at Mustangs Park.

Softball: Mustangs erupt for sixth-straight win, eclipse Golden Suns, 10-3
Diamond Zias Use Longball in Doubleheader Sweep of Falcons
Case strikes out 13 as Pioneers cruise to win at MSU Invitational
Lady Buffs Defeat Southwest Baptist 9-1

Other News
'Cats debut at No. 20 in GCAA poll, prep for St. Edward's tourney

Thursday, February 19, 2009

LSC Baseball Weekly Release

This weekends Matchups
Angelo State (7-4, 3-1) at Cameron (9-2, 3-1) - Teams split high scoring series
Abilene Christian (7-2, 4-0) at Central Oklahoma (4-4, 2-2) - ACU takes 3 of 4
Eastern New Mexico (7-3, 3-1) at Southeastern Oklahoma (4-3, 1-3) - Savage Storm sweeps
Tarleton State (4-7, 1-3) at Northeastern State (5-6, 1-3) - Series goes 2-1-1 for the Texans
West Texas A&M (6-3, 2-2) at East Central (2-5, 1-3) - WT and ECU split series
Texas A&M-Kingsville (4-3, 3-1) at Southwestern Oklahoma (4-6, 0-4) - Bulldogs sweep

Complete LSC Release

Diamond Players of the Week
LSC Hitter
Nate Arevalo, Cameron, Sr., Third Base, Tucson, Ariz./South Mountain Community College
Arevalo, the Lone Star Conference's reigning Diamond Hitter of the Week, had another great week as he led CU to 4-1 record last week. Arevalo led the team with an impressive 12 total RBI and extended his hitting streak to an outstanding 10 games. The only game Arevalo has not hit safely in was CU's season-opener versus Bacone College. Arevalo was a monumental reason the Aggies battled back from being down 8-5 against a strong Missouri Southern State squad, as he contributed 6 RBI and a pair of monster home runs in the come-from-behind, 18-8 blowout victory. Arevalo has also made a nearly seamless transition from second base to third base this season. He only committed 1 error last week, which was his first of the season. For the season, Arevalo currently leads the team with 19 RBI, a .512 batting average, a .878 slugging percentage, and 3 home runs. Last week Arevalo also contributed 4 putouts and 14 assists.

LSC Pitcher
Jeffrey Asby, Angelo State, Sr., Pitcher, Centerville, Texas/Centerville
Asby made two appearances in relief for the Rams helping them to a 3-1 series win over Southeastern Oklahoma to open LSC play. The 6-1 right hander from Centerville via Navarro JC pitched two innings of scoreless relief in Friday's nightcap, surrendering one hit while striking out four, to earn his first win of the season as ASU defeated SOSU, 8-4. Asby came back on Saturday and tossed two more innings of scoreless relief, retiring all six batters he faced with two strikeouts, helping preserve the win and setting up Joe Key for the save. For the week, Asby pitched four innings with six strikeouts while giving up just one hit with no walks and holding the opposition to a .077 batting average.

LSC Roundup 2-19

Basketball News
Rams rally past WT, 65-63
Kyle Shields played his 114th career game for the West Texas A&M Buffs on Wednesday night, and the senior guard from Palo Duro High never looked better.

Still, it wasn't enough.

Shields lit up Angelo State for a career-high 31 points, but the Buffs lost their third straight game, dropping a 65-63 heartbreaker to Angelo State in Lone Star Conference South Division action at the Junell Center in San Angelo.

Javelinas men still in the hunt
It took a while for Texas A&M-Kingsville’s men’s basketball team to assert itself against a team that had lost 11 consecutive games.

Once the Javelinas did, control of the game came with it.
Javelina Women Clinch Winning Season With 82-66 Win
Javelina Men 74 E. New Mexico 69

Kingsville hands Hounds 12th straight loss
Good board play and solid shooting weren’t enough for the Greyhounds to get their first win in more than a month as the Eastern New Mexico University men lost to Texas A&M-Kingsville 74-69 Wednesday night in a Lone Star Conference South game.

Zias fall at Kingsville
After a strong start, the Eastern New Mexico University Zias went 10 minutes without a field goal. The scoring drought was too much to overcome as Texas A&M-Kingsville secured its first winning season in eight years by beating the Zias 82-66 Wednesday in a Lone Star Conference South game in the Steinke Center.

Make it 4 straight
Joni Unruh scored a career-high 19 points and teammate Ceciley Johnson had a career-high 14 points in just 19 minutes as West Texas A&M's Lady Buffs clinched their fourth straight Lone Star Conference South Division title by defeating Angelo State, 61-49, Wednesday night at the Junell Center in San Angelo.

A crowd of 1,675 watched the Lady Buffs, No. 7 nationally and No. 1 in the South Central Region, win their 11th straight game while ending a four-game Rambelles' win streak.

'Cats out of LSC postseason
Wale Ogunoye scored 13 points to lead four Tarleton State players in double figures as the Texans blasted Abilene Christian, 80-64, in a key Lone Star Conference South Division men's basketball game in Stephenville.

The loss eliminated the Wildcats (8-15, 2-7) from contention for the LSC postseason tournament -- a year after going 20-9 and qualifying for the tournament for the first time in nine years.

Texans continue winning streak, defeat ACU 80-64
Rams Rally to Beat WTAMU
Buffs Lose Heartbreaker at Angelo State, 65-63
Hoggies Swat Away the Greyhounds
Hounds Lose 74-69 to Angelo State
Alexander, Aggies make history
Lions can 22 treys against Tigers
Spraggins' 3-point shooting helps A&M-Commerce down East Central, 108-86
M. Basketball: Southeastern Handed Lopsided Loss at SWOSU
Men Beat Southeastern, 83-54

TexAnns rip ACU, 73-59
TexAnns win crucial LSC game over Wildcats, 73-59
'Belles Fall to WTAMU, 61-49
Lady Buffs Put Away Angelo State, 61-49
Javelinas Secure Winning Season
Ortiz and Grant Combine for 21 Points at Kingsville, Zias Fall 82-66
Brenner leads #18 Bronchos past Pioneers 103-84
Bronchos Race Past TWU
Aggie women lose to 'Hawks
RiverHawk Rout
A&M-Commerce escapes Lady Tigers
Jordan nets game-winner to push A&M-Commerce past ECU, 61-60
W. Basketball: Southeastern Survives to Win Seventh-Straight
Women Lose to SOSU, 70-62

Baseball News
Shiner grad continues his pitching success
Texas A&M-Kingsville took three of four from East Central Oklahoma. At the plate, Adrian Williams (Memorial) went 4-for-12 with three RBIs and a double, while Chase Garcia (Memorial) scored a run. On the mound, Keith Kieschnick (Bay City) worked 1.1 innings allowing four runs on four hits and two walks.

Softball News
Shiner grad continues his pitching success
Texas A&M-Kingsville's Courtney Rigamonti (St. Joseph) got off to a 7-0 start on the mound this season before suffering her first loss, but bounced right back to get on the winning track again this week. Rigamonti went 3-1 on the week as she worked 24 innings allowing 10 runs on 17 hits and one walk, while striking out 14 in wins over St. Edward's, Southern Arkansas and Incarnate Word, along with a loss to Pittsburgh State. She was also 2-for-4 with an RBI against Incarnate Word.

Witte adds pop for fast-starting Lady Buffs
The West Texas A&M softball team is off to its best start since the program was revived in the 2006 season.

The Lady Buffs won their first eight games before losing 8-4 to Missouri Western on Sunday.
"It was one of those games where we felt in control most of the game," WT coach Kevin Blaskowski said. "It just got away from us."

While WT has had some solid pitching to count on, the offense has stepped it up as well. Kaitlyn Witte has gotten in a groove after getting off to a slow start, with 12 RBIs.

Track & Field News
ASU warms up for national meet
The Angelo State University track season gets under way next weekend, and the NCAA Divsion II national meet hosted by ASU is still three months from now, but preparations are in full swing - and have been for some time.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

LSC Scoop Signing Day Central

Angelo State is first out of the gate...

Angelo State - 2009 Football Signings - UPDATED again with transfers
Eastern New Mexico - 2009 Football Signings - UPDATED
Northeastern State - 2009 Football Signings - UPDATED
Southwestern Oklahoma - 2009 Football Signings - All high school, and almost all Oklahoma
Abilene Christian - 2009 Football Signings - Updated.... a lot
Texas A&M - Kingsville - 2009 Football Signings
Midwestern State - 2009 Football Signings - Updated to reflect QB addition
Central Oklahoma - 2009 Football Signings
East Central - 2009 Football Signings
Tarleton State - 2009 Football Signings
Southeastern Oklahoma - 2009 Football Signings
Texas A&M Commerce - 2009 Football Signings 7 signees
West Texas A&M - 2009 Football Signings - 78 signees
Incarnate Word - 2009 Football Signings

2 new additions for Texas A&M-Kingsville - Ath Jake Willingham (Van Alstyne HS) and WR Donovan Perry (Fort Bend BushHS)

Angelo State adds LB Caleb Carr (Arlington Bowie HS)

Tyler JC reports that DB James Spady signed with Northeastern State (along with previously reported RB Chris Davis) and that LB Bradley Bullitt signed with Tarleton State (along with previously announced Demarcus (JD) Perkins).

Eastern New Mexico adds WR Ross Williams (El Dorado HS)

LSC Roundup 2-18

Basketball
WT Buffs at Angelo State Rams Capsule
What Coach Rick Cooper says: On making the playoffs - "It's way to early to plant that tombstone on us." On getting out rebounded by an average of 14.5 the last two games, each losses - "Believe it or not, we do work on block-out drills and all kinds of rebounding drills. There is not a lot of strategy when it comes to rebounding. Sometimes it's just who wants the ball more."

WT Lady Buffs at Angelo State Rambelles Capsule
Coach Krista Gerlich's Comments: ''Something has gotten Angelo State's attention since we beat them, because they have been playing much better. Whenever we go against them it's about playing pressure defense and trying to win a tough road game. They always play us tough at home, and I don't expect anything different this time.

ASU basketball update for Feb. 18
Of note: The Rams can move closer to clinching a berth in the LSC postseason tournament and winning the LSC South with a win tonight against the Buffs. ... ASU is coming off an 82-77 victory against Abilene Christian on Saturday. Lionel Brown led five Rams in double figures with 17 points. ... WTAM is coming off a 64-58 loss to Tarleton State on Saturday. Demetrice Fuller led the Buffs with 15 points. ... ASU won the earlier meeting this season between the two teams 79-71. ... ASU is 17-32 all-time against the Buffs. ... The Rams will be back in action Friday when they host Eastern New Mexico.

Of note: The 'Belles look to win their fifth straight game and move closer to clinching a berth in the LSC postseason tournament tonight with a win against the LSC South-leading Lady Buffs. ... ASU is coming off a 64-59 overtime win over Abilene Christian. Camille Perkins led the 'Belles with 20 points. ... WTAM is coming off a 69-50 win over Tarleton State. Joni Unruh led the Lady Buffs with 18 points. ... WTAM won the previous meeting between the two teams 72-45. ... ASU is 16-42 all-time against the Lady Buffs. ... The 'Belles will be back in action Friday when they host Eastern New Mexico.

Javelinas hoops teams in big doubleheader
Incentives are aplenty for Texas A&M-Kingsville’s basketball teams when they host struggling Eastern New Mexico ballclubs in a Lone Star Conference South Division doubleheader tonight at the Steinke Physical Education Center.

With a victory over the Greyhounds, the Javelinas men move within a game of clinching their sixth playoff berth since coach Pete Peterson arrived prior to the 1997-98 season. A&M-Kingsville is 6-2 along with Angelo State in second place, a half-game behind 7-2 Midwestern State.

Baseball News
Aggies send Lions to circus
Hornets Sting UCO
ECU wins game one thriller, 7-6
Cardinals Topple Javelinas

Softball News
#7 Stars outshine Aggies in sweep
RiverHawks Split Double Header with Missouri Southern
Softball: Softball Snags Sweep in Home Opener
Pioneers drop two at #8 Southeastern Oklahoma State
TexAnns split with No. 3 Hilltoppers
Softball Takes Two from Incarnate Word

Lone Star Conference

Angelo State University

Cameron University

Eastern New Mexico University

MSUMustangs.com

Texas A&M-Commerce

Tarleton State University

Texas A&M-Kingsville

Texas Woman's College

University of Texas of the Permian Basin

West Texas A&M University

Western New Mexico