ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Club Sports Updates: October 9th-11th
Women’s Basketball and Softball Triumph in Weekend Games
Women’s Basketball
ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ vs. UNCW, 52-34 (Win)
In a three game tournament at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Women’s Basketball had a strong start as they defeated UNCW in the first match-up of the day. Demonstrating a strong effort and maintaining a solid lead over the opposing team was key in securing the ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ win. ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ maintained team composure and executed many important plays, which forced UNCW to play zone and take away ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s strong man offenses. The strong ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ defense led to a 26-15 lead at halftime and also gave the girls enough confidence to put the score out of reach for UNCW. With eleven minutes left to play in the game, UNCW caused seven fouls, which allowed ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ to go eighteen for twenty-one from the free throw line. This impressive performance ultimately helped the lead and secured ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s 52-34 win over UNCW. Leading statistics for the game were Hannah McHugh with seventeen points, Raven Manigault with ten points, Jasmine Jackson with nine points, and Jenna Temple who shined with five points.
ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ vs. NCCU, 54-35 (Loss)
In the second game of the day, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Women’s Club Basketball played a hard fought match against opposing team NCCU. With an even score throughout the first half, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s defense prevailed to allow a 20-17 lead at the end of the first half. However, slow progression up the court at the start of the second half allowed NCCU to score and take the lead. As the game became increasingly more physical, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ suffered from fatigue, which unfortunately caused the team to only make ten out of twenty-one free throws. As a result of this, NCCU secured a 54-35 win over ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Women’s Club Basketball. Leading statistics for ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ included Hannah McHugh with five points, Jasmine Jackson with nine points, and Michelle Pebole who also scored nine points.
ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ vs. Campbell University, 51-37 (Win)
In the final game of the day, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Women’s Club Basketball faced Campbell University in a hard fought but triumphant match. With both teams lacking intensity throughout the first half, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ ultimately persevered to take the lead 24-15 at the end of the first half. With blatant fouls not being called, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ grew frustrated yet also regained the team composure to continue to secure the lead at the team finished the second half. ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ went three for twelve from the free throw line and demonstrated a strong defense with twenty-three rebounds and seven steals. With a final score of 51-37, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Women’s Club Basketball was able to end the day in good spirits. Leading statistics included Jamie Feldman with nine points, Jasmine Jackson with nine points and one steal, Michelle Pebole with eight points and two rebounds, as well as Hannah McHugh who triumphed with seven points, one rebound, and two steals. The team will practice this week to prepare for the game against Wake Forest on October 24, 2009.
Softball
ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ vs. Wake Forest, 11-4 (Win)
Despite a low turnout of participants, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Club Softball played an enjoyable game against Wake Forest on Sunday, October 11, at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s Firehouse Fields. With great pitching from starter Alanna Vagianos, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ played strong in order to secure an 11-4 win over opposing Wake Forest. ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s strong offense and teamwork were greatly demonstrated, despite a few fielding errors that resulted in Wake Forest runners on base. Leading statistics included Alanna Vagianos who pitched an impressive one hit game. The girl’s were prepared to play a second game; however, Wake Forest forfeited causing ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ to secure two wins. The team will practice over the next few weeks to prepare for their Round Robin Tournament at Duke on November 7 and 8.
Women’s Soccer
ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ vs. Appalachian State University, 3-1 (Loss)
Despite only travelling with fourteen players and no goalkeeper, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Women’s Soccer demonstrated great fortitude as the team fought a hard match against Appalachian State University. Though down by two goals at halftime, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ did not give up and continued to play strong. At the start of the second half, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ began to increase the pressure against Appalachian State through a key goal by Mabry Williams, who scored outside the 18, right past a solid effort by the Appalachian State goalkeeper. ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s worthy and valiant effort however was not enough to uphold a win, as one more goal was surrendered by the Phoenix. With an admirable performance however by Bri and Gabby in goal, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ reflected equally great skill through impressive give and go’s during the intense match-up. ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Women’s Soccer will now practice over the next few weeks to prepare for their November 7 game against Campbell University at ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s South Campus fields.
Women’s Rugby
ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ vs. UNC Chapel Hill, 98-7 (Loss)
In a tough yet hard fought game against UNC Chapel Hill, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Women’s Rugby played an impressive performance with ten new players and only five returning players participating. Demonstrating admirable determination, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Women’s Rugby persevered against difficult odds and though they were not able to secure a win, the girls triumphed in terms of teamwork and resilience. Leading scorers for the game were Rhi Clark with one try and Laura Winkler with an extra point. ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ will practice hard over the next few weeks to prepare for their next game on October 31, 2009, against William and Mary.
Triathlon
In the Tour De Pig Bike Ride, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Club Triathlon participated with six club members as all proceeds from the event went to support the Mental Health Association in Davidson County. With riders having the choice of biking the twelve mile, eighteen mile, thirty-one mile, or sixty-two mile course, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ demonstrated great spirits as all club members challenged themselves to ride the sixty-two mile course. Sticking together for the whole ride in two groups, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s great teamwork helped make the course an enjoyable one. Though deciding to take the ride a bit easier than usual, many of the participants strength was challenged as many had never road over forty miles at one time. Club members Laura Brentrup showed strong spirit throughout the course and demonstrated gratitude to the other club members for their support throughout the race. The entire team finished safely and happily as they met many riders along the way who dressed up and supported the race by wearing pig apparel. At the end of the ride, the race participants enjoyed a Lexington Style BBQ lunch before heading back to ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ to rest. Club Triathlon will prepare this week to compete in the Emerald Isle Triathlon in Emerald Isle, NC on October 17.
Baseball
ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ vs. Duke University, 9-8 (Loss)
In game one of a two day series against Duke University, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Club Baseball lost a heartbreaking game to the home team at Erwin Park in Durham, North Carolina. ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ junior Nolan Elingburg earned the start on the hill and struggled in the first inning by giving up four runs, in which two of them were earned. Elingburg was able to however, regain his composure and pitch a commanding seven solid innings. Elingburg was able to finish his day after pitching eight innings and only giving up six runs, four of which were earned, and striking out an impressive three batters. ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ stayed strong throughout the entire game and continued to fervently chip away at Duke’s early lead. ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ was able to score a run in the third inning, which inspired the team to score two more runs in the following inning. In the sixth inning, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ tied the game 6-6 after junior second baseman Frank Hurd hit a sacrifice fly ball to score junior centerfielder Brett Annese. ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ took the lead in the 9th inning after a two run inning, which included a RBI from junior first baseman Jason Tessari and a sacrifice fly by sophomore outfielder Chase Gottwald. In the end however, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ was able not able to pull away with a win, causing the final score to be a Duke 9-8 win. Leading statistics for the game included Brett Annese who went four for five with 2 R, SB, 2 RBI and Jake Shoenfield who went three for four with 1 R, 1 RBI, and a sacrifice fly. Other standouts included Jason Tessari who went 2 for 4 with 2 R, 2 B, 1 RBI, and Sean Fitze who went 2 for 3 with 1 R, 2 B, and 1 RBI.
ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ vs. Duke University, 10-2 (Loss)
In game two of the series against Duke, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ was able to put many players on base, yet the team struggled to generate key hits with runners in scoring position. In an eventual 10-2 loss against Duke, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ fought hard despite the misleading score. Freshman left fielder Sean Fitze paced the offense with a single and three walks in four of his at plate appearances. Senior designated hitter Andy Sturm went 2 for 3 with a pair of walks and senior right fielder Kevin “Lunchbox” Monahan along with freshman catcher Chris Esser caused two of ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s runs with RBI singles in both the third and eighth innings. Sophomore Aaron Moger was the starting pitcher on the mound and threw five solid innings, which included only three earned runs and five strike-outs. ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ scored the teams first run in the third inning after freshman centerfielder Craig Jackson circled the bases after hits by Sturm and Monahan. The second run was achieved later in the top of the eighth inning as Sturm scored on a single by Esser. With fourteen men left on base which included two instances of the bases being loaded, ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ’s offense did not provide the effort needed to pull away with a win. ÂÒÂ×ÊÓƵ Club Baseball will practice over the next few weeks to prepare for a home series game against Wake Forest University on the weekend of November 7 and 8.
– Michael O’Brien
Club Sports Staff