LSC Roundup 11-3

ACU climbs to fourth in Super Regional Four poll
The Abilene Christian University Wildcats jumped three spots to No. 4 in the NCAA Super Regional Four poll, which was released Monday. The Wildcats (8-2) kept their playoff hopes alive with a 47-28 victory over Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday at Shotwell Stadium, snapping a two-game losing streak. Now, ACU can clinch its fourth-straight trip to the Division II playoffs and perhaps a first-round home game with a victory over Midwestern State on Saturday in Wichita Falls.

Midwestern State (8-2) traded places with ACU, dropping to No. 7, despite a 50-17 victory over Eastern New Mexico on Saturday. So the Mustangs face a must-win game, too. Kingsville (8-2) dropped from No. 5 to No. 8 and will probably have to beat Angelo State on Saturday in Kingsville to get into the playoffs.

Javelinas needing win, help for a playoff spot
With a week remaining in the regular season, Texas A&M-Kingsville is on the outside looking in at the NCAA Division II Super Regional Four playoff picture. The Javelinas dropped three spots to No. 8 in the regional rankings on Monday and will need a win over Angelo State in Saturday’s Lone Star Conference finale and, likely, some help.

A&M-Kingsville’s 47-35 loss at Abilene Christian placed the 8-2 Javelinas two slots from qualifying for the postseason, as only the top six ballclubs advance. The same 10 teams from last week remain in the regional poll, although there were some curious movements.

A&M-Commerce defense steps up in win
A&M-Commerce Sports
DURANT, Okla. — Texas A&M University-Commerce’s defense recorded seven sacks, including one that set up a clinching touchdown in the Lions’ 27-17 victory over Southeastern Oklahoma State on Saturday at Paul Laird Field.

Senior Stephen DeGrate sacked Southeastern Oklahoma quarterback Justin Pitrucha, forcing a fumble that DeGrate returned 55 yards with 1:29 left to seal the victory. A&M-Commerce, now 4-5 for the season, stayed undefeated in Lone Star Conference North Division play at 4-0 while the Savage Storm dropped to 6-4 overall and 3-1 in the LSC North.

Homecoming doesn't go East Central's way
By BRIAN JOHNSON ECU Sports Information
ADA — East Central quarterback Josh Phillips threw for 305 yards and three touchdowns, but the University of Central Oklahoma limited the Tigers to three total yards on the ground as the Bronchos spoiled ECU’s homecoming with a 42-25 Lone Star Conference North football decision Saturday night at Norris Field.

UCO tailback Jason Palmer ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns while Brandon Noohi threw for 230 more and a pair of scores as the Bronchos amassed 440 yards of total offense.

The Short List
The West Texas A&M Buffs may not make the Division II football playoffs, but there's an outside shot they could play in a bowl game.

The Lone Star Conference announced in July an agreement with the Kanza Bowl in Topeka, Kan. The game, scheduled for Dec. 5, pits non-playoff teams from the LSC and Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. The teams will be picked after the D-II playoff field is set and will be selected by a bowl committee.

Lady Buffs up to No. 5
West Texas A&M moved up one spot to No. 5 in this week's American Volleyball Coaches Association Division II poll released Monday. WT (29-3, 12-0 Lone Star Conference) won three matches last week, including LSC matches against Tarleton State and Texas A&M-Kingsville.