The SCF softball team (16-8) claimed another doubleheader as they swept Oakland CC (0-2) 8-0 and 13-5 via mercy rule. With the sweep, the Manatees are now 15-1 against the Raiders.
"I think anytime you win ball games, it's a good thing," said head coach Mandy Schuerman. "We are excited to have two quality wins and look forward to building on it."
Game One:
For game one, Schuerman went with her ace in freshman Ally Hulme, while Oakland head coach Jamie Corona went with sophomore Lanie Ellinger.
After Hulme struck out the side at the top of the first, the Manatees would get on the board first starting with back-to-back singles by freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lilly Salazar. After freshman Maddie Koczersut laid down a sacrifice bunt to move Lightbody and Salazar in scoring position for sophomore Madi LoCastro. On a 2-1 count, the Lakewood Ranch product sent a sacrifice fly to center to bring in Lightbody and Salazar for a 2-0 SCF lead.
Play stopped for 10 minutes due to freshman Lindsey Michol getting injured.
Personal Note: I did say a prayer for her when she left the field as a way of showing respect to the fans that came to support their team. No one likes to see anyone get hurt, especially for their first game of the season.
Resuming back to the game, the bats went quiet on both ends of the field with Hulme backed up on the field by the defense and getting a couple more strikeouts until the bottom of the fifth when the Manatees decided to finish where they left off. After Koczersut and LoCastro drew back-to-back walks, freshman Lauren Hutcherson would start the onslaught with an RBI single to send Koczersut home. Sophomore Ashlee Zientek would then send LoCastro home after reaching on fielding error before Hutcherson scored on the same error for a 5-0 SCF lead. This signaled the end for Ellinger as Corona would send freshman Amber Shayler to the mound.
After sophomore Madelyn Graham hit a single to right, freshman Kristin Kopp would draw a walk to load the bases for classmate Madi Schaefer, who would bring Zientek home with a bases-loaded walk before classmate Emily Hughes came in to pinch run. Lightbody would follow with a bases-loaded walk of her own to bring in Graham for a 7-0 SCF lead. After Corona sent freshman Olivia Katich to the mound, Salazar reached on a fielder's choice before Kopp was out at home. Freshman Kelsi Jeffries would be the hero of the game as she drew a bases loaded walk to bring in Hughes to seal the deal. It was Jeffries' first collegiate RBI.
Hulme would get her sixth win of the season after throwing a two-hit five inning shutout walking one batter and striking out five. Hulme is now 6-3 on the year.
"I attacked the zone early and I had a really good defense behind to get the win," said Hulme on the shutout.
Ellinger would be hit with the loss after giving up five runs on six hits with four walks and one strikeout in four innings.
Lightbody and Hutcherson would each get two hits, an RBI, a run and a walk. Lightbody added a stolen base to her mix.
LoCastro would go 1-for-1 with two RBI and two walks. LoCastro was the only Manatee with a multi RBI game.
Salazar and Graham had the Manatees' final two hits and added a run each. Graham also drew a walk.
Sophomores Olivia Marasco and Maria McCollom had the Raiders lone two hits.
Game Two:
For game two, Schuerman sent LoCastro to the mound to cover some ground while Corona sent Katich to counter.
After a scoreless, the Raiders would get on the board first after Katich hit a solo shot to left for her first collegiate home run of the year, but the Manatees would answer back with a strong bat off of Hughes to bring in LoCastro and Jefferies, who drew walks for a 3-1 SCF lead. It was Hughes' third home run of the season.
At the top of the Raiders would then cut the Manatees lead to one after an RBI single by Ellinger. After being unable to score in the bottom of the third, the Manatees would answer back with vengeance in the bottom of the fourth. Beginning with leadoff walk by Jeffries and a double by Hughes, Zientek would show her sign of power as the Winter Springs native sent a double to left to bring in Jeffries for a 4-2 SCF lead.
After a two-RBI double by Graham to bring in Hughes and Zientek before sophomore Makayla Benavidez, Corona would pull Katich and send Shayler to the mound. After a bunt single by Lightbody before Salazar grounded out to move Lightbody and hold Benavidez at third. This gave Hutcherson to extend the Manatees' lead further with a two-RBI single to send Benavidez and Lightbody home for a 8-2 SCF lead.
After Kopp popped out, Koczersut, who came in to pinch hit, would have power come her way on deuces wild as the local product of Bradenton shot a home run to left center to give the Manatees a 10-2 lead and try to apply the mercy rule. This was Koczersut's fourth home run of the season.
Kopp would then make her firshe Raiders would answer back at the top of the fifth to buy some time and stop the mercy rule from happening as Ellinger sent a three-run shot to left to make it 10-5 SCF, but the Manatees would not stand for that and decided to end the game needing only three runs. After the first two batters grounded out, Benavidez would reach first after being hit by a pitch. After Lightbody drew a walk and Salazar singled to load the bases, Hutcherson would reach on an error and send Benavidez and Lightbody home for a 12-5 SCF lead leaving Kopp to be the hero of the second game. On a 3-1 count, Kopp would send a single to right and bring in Hutcherson to seal the deal.
LoCastro would earn a no-decision after giving up two runs (one earned) on four hits with four strikeouts in three innings, while going 1-for-1 with a run scored and walk. LoCastro would finish the series at the plate 2-for-2 with two RBI, two runs scored and three walks.
Kopp would get her first collegiate win on the mound after throwing two innings, giving up three runs on two hits with two walks and three strikeouts and going 1-for-2 at the plate with an RBI. Kopp finished 1-for-4 with an RBI in the series.
Katich would be hit with the loss after giving up seven runs on nine hits with three walks in three innings. Katich was also 2-for-2 with a home run.
Hughes was the leader offensively as she went 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI. Hughes finished 2-for-4 on the series.
Aside from Salazar, Hutcherson, and Zientek each had two hits. Salazar (2-for-4) added a run, while Hutcherson (2-for-4) added two RBI, a run and a stolen base and Zientek (2-for-3) added an RBI and a run. Salazar finished the series 3-for-8 with two runs, while Hutcherson finished 4-for-6 with three RBI, two runs and two stolen bases and Zientek finished 2-for-6 with two RBI and two runs.
"It feels really good," said Hutcherson on her game. "I don't know what I was eating or doing, but it's working and I'm hitting the ball really nice right now and I hope that my teammates are hitting the ball too. I'm looking forward to more wins this season."
Koczersut and Graham each had one hit and two RBI, while Lightbody was 1-for-3 with two runs. Koczersut finished 1-for-2 with two RBI and two runs scored, while Graham finished 2-for-3 with two RBI and a run and Lightbody finished 3-for-6 with one RBI and three runs.
"I think really what our goal was to have a good offensive approach, but also not really have missed opportunities," said Schuerman on the team's offense. "We had too many baserunners stranded in game one, so we were working on buttoning up a little bit going towards game two. I think we can still get better at it."
"As far as pitching and defense, we just got to pound the zone and try not to make any defensive mistakes to get the shutout in game one and to really build off that and to get some more shutouts."
Ellinger was the main offensive player for the Raiders as she finished 2-for-3 with a home run and four RBI.
Freshman Ashley Lagodzinski joined Katich and Ellinger with a multi-hit game as she finished 2-for-2 with a run.
"It felt really good to get the sweep," said Hutcherson. "Our team hit the ball really and we're now focusing on hitting the ball hard on the ground and we really got our goal with two great wins and our team is really coming together and making sure we have a plan up to bat and it really showed today that we are getting ready to get back on track for Kalamazoo Valley."
Notes:
With the two wins, Schuerman now has 194 wins in her career and needs six more to reach 200 wins as head coach for the Manatees.
Up Next:
The Manatees are halfway done with their eight-game homestead as they welcome Kalamazoo Valley (0-4) to the SCF Softball Complex Monday afternoon, March 2 at 4 and 6 pm. The Cougars fell to Pasco-Hernando State 12-4 and 9-7.
About Me
SCF Baseball Blows Out UTJV
On a cold and windy day, the SCF baseball team (11-9) were able to pull together a complete blowout as they defeated the University of Tampa JV Team (4-4) 16-3. With the win, the Manatees are now 24-1-1 against the Spartans.
"I thought we had some really good at-bats in the beginning tonight," said head coach Tim Hill II. "It was nice to get off to a good start where we had so many close games with some really tough competition and to have one where we jumped out early was nice to have that happen."
For the game, Hill II sent sophomore Jake Smith to the mound, while UT JV head coach Mark Johnson sent sophomore Aidan Brown.
Smith didn't take long on the mound and made short work with three strikeouts at the top of the first before the Manatees began their onslaught in the bottom half.
The bottom half began with a leadoff walk by freshman Cameron Lee before stealing second and being in scoring position. This would then be followed by a single by sophomore Rook Ellington bringing in Lee for the first run of the game. Sophomore Jamarcus Lyons would then reach base on a fielding error before classmate Aaron McKeithan singled to load the bases for sophomore John Malcom, who would draw a walk and send Ellington home. Freshman Owen Ayers would then hit a single to left to bring in Lyons for a 3-0 SCF lead and keep the bases loaded.
Two batters later, sophomore Remy Patry would clear the bases with a double as the Quebecer would give the Manatees a 6-0 lead.
"It felt amazing facing something like with two strikes," said Patry on his double. "I was trying to shorten up my swing and the fastball came down the middle and didn't miss it, so it felt good.
This would then follow a big moment for Lee with the Manatees batting around as the native of Frankfurt, Illinois hit his first collegiate home run of the year before the end of the inning.
"It felt good after being in a slump for a while," said Lee on hitting his first collegiate home run. "And hitting that ball really felt good, hoping help me to bust me back to a breakout game."
"When the winds blowing strong straight in on a cold night, that ball shot off like a rocket," said Hill on Lee's first home run. "He turned the wind around. Cameron is a strong kid and that home run that he hit was impressive."
Smith would then strike out the side in the second inning before Hill decided to send freshman Austen Kessler to the mound for relief at the top of the third while getting out of a jam. Meanwhile in the bottom half of the inning, the Manatees would add another run to the board as Lyons would reach base on a error, while Lee scored after being hit by a pitch for a 9-0 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Manatees would reach double digits runs off of a two-RBI double by sophomore Justin Wrobleski to make it 11-0 SCF.
The Manatees would make another pitching change at the top of the fourth as sophomore Grady Martin came in to relief Kessler getting out of a bases loaded jam. This would then follow with freshman Matt Gelorme make a relief appearance at the top of the sixth.
At the top of the seventh, freshman Michael Dorso would come in to relief but the Spartans would finally get on the board after an RBI single by sophomore Tanner Spinks and a sacrifice fly by junior Trevor Roberson made it 11-2 SCF.
In response to the top of the seventh, the Manatees would begin with three straight walks drawn by McKeithan, freshman Zac Graham and Ayers. After Wrobleski flew out, Steinberg would send a single to right and bring in McKeithan and Graham before Patry drove in Ayers on a fielder's choice.
After sophomore Jake Mattos threw a scoreless eighth, the Manatees would add two finals run to their scoreboard after Lyons and Graham drew walks and McKeithan was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Wrobleski would hit a fielder's choice and send Lyons home for a run. For their final run, Steinberg would send a single to center and bring in McKeithan to make it 16-2 SCF.
At the top of the ninth, the Manatees would make one final pitching change as Steinberg would come in to finish the inning. After giving up an RBI double by junior Thomas Bencivenga for a 16-3 SCF lead, Steinberg would still be able to seal the deal with one final strikeout for the game.
"We were ready to put some runs on the board early on with eight runs in the first inning," said Patry. "I think we kind of sat on that for a couple of innings with a run here and there with a good offensive showing for our team today."
"I think with the Tampa JV team, our coaches told us not to take them lightly," said Steinberg. "They've had some really good teams before and brought guys down, so it basically the day-to-day approach to treat every team the same that are coaches have been talking about and I think it was good for us to go put out a eight-spot in the first inning and kind of carry it from there.
Smith would earn a no-decision after two scoreless innings giving up one hit with six strikeouts.
"I thought Jake (Smith) was electric tonight," said Hill on Smith.
Kessler would earn the win after throwing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts and one walk. Kessler is now 1-1 on the year.
Martin, Gelorme and Mattos threw three combined scoreless innings with four combined strikeouts and three walks. Mattos missed a few games due to a leg injury.
"To get Jake (Mattos) back was nice," said Hill on Mattos. "He's a guy we definitely count on and just to see him back out on the field playing again along with other guys being hit from the injury bug and getting healthy again is important for us."
Dorso and Steinberg gave up the three runs on four hits with four strikeouts in two innings. Steinberg was also 3-for-6 with three RBI and was the only Manatee with a multi-hit game.
"Baseball is a mental game," said Steinberg on his game. "And just keeping my same approach that are coaches have been preaching to us every day and just seeing the ball deep and keep my approach that we talked about every day and it worked out well."
Brown would be dubbed with his second loss of the season after giving up eight runs (two earned) on five hits with four walks and two strikeouts. Brown is now 1-2 on the year.
Patry finished 1-for-4 with a career-high four RBI, while Wrobleski was 1-for-6 with three RBI.
Lee finished 1-for-2 with the home run, two RBI, three runs scored, three walks and one stolen base, while Malcom was 1-for-1 with an RBI, two runs and two walks.
Ellington (1-for-3, one RBI and one run), McKeithan (1-for-4, three runs) and Ayers (1-for-3, one RBI, three runs, three walks) also had one hit each.
Spinks and Bencivenga were both 2-for-3 with an RBI each.
Up Next:
The Manatees will conclude most of their non-conference schedule tomorrow as they welcome back Pasco-Hernando (9-9) to Wynn Field Saturday afternoon, February 29 at 1 pm.
"I thought we had some really good at-bats in the beginning tonight," said head coach Tim Hill II. "It was nice to get off to a good start where we had so many close games with some really tough competition and to have one where we jumped out early was nice to have that happen."
For the game, Hill II sent sophomore Jake Smith to the mound, while UT JV head coach Mark Johnson sent sophomore Aidan Brown.
Smith didn't take long on the mound and made short work with three strikeouts at the top of the first before the Manatees began their onslaught in the bottom half.
The bottom half began with a leadoff walk by freshman Cameron Lee before stealing second and being in scoring position. This would then be followed by a single by sophomore Rook Ellington bringing in Lee for the first run of the game. Sophomore Jamarcus Lyons would then reach base on a fielding error before classmate Aaron McKeithan singled to load the bases for sophomore John Malcom, who would draw a walk and send Ellington home. Freshman Owen Ayers would then hit a single to left to bring in Lyons for a 3-0 SCF lead and keep the bases loaded.
Two batters later, sophomore Remy Patry would clear the bases with a double as the Quebecer would give the Manatees a 6-0 lead.
"It felt amazing facing something like with two strikes," said Patry on his double. "I was trying to shorten up my swing and the fastball came down the middle and didn't miss it, so it felt good.
This would then follow a big moment for Lee with the Manatees batting around as the native of Frankfurt, Illinois hit his first collegiate home run of the year before the end of the inning.
"It felt good after being in a slump for a while," said Lee on hitting his first collegiate home run. "And hitting that ball really felt good, hoping help me to bust me back to a breakout game."
"When the winds blowing strong straight in on a cold night, that ball shot off like a rocket," said Hill on Lee's first home run. "He turned the wind around. Cameron is a strong kid and that home run that he hit was impressive."
Smith would then strike out the side in the second inning before Hill decided to send freshman Austen Kessler to the mound for relief at the top of the third while getting out of a jam. Meanwhile in the bottom half of the inning, the Manatees would add another run to the board as Lyons would reach base on a error, while Lee scored after being hit by a pitch for a 9-0 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Manatees would reach double digits runs off of a two-RBI double by sophomore Justin Wrobleski to make it 11-0 SCF.
The Manatees would make another pitching change at the top of the fourth as sophomore Grady Martin came in to relief Kessler getting out of a bases loaded jam. This would then follow with freshman Matt Gelorme make a relief appearance at the top of the sixth.
At the top of the seventh, freshman Michael Dorso would come in to relief but the Spartans would finally get on the board after an RBI single by sophomore Tanner Spinks and a sacrifice fly by junior Trevor Roberson made it 11-2 SCF.
In response to the top of the seventh, the Manatees would begin with three straight walks drawn by McKeithan, freshman Zac Graham and Ayers. After Wrobleski flew out, Steinberg would send a single to right and bring in McKeithan and Graham before Patry drove in Ayers on a fielder's choice.
After sophomore Jake Mattos threw a scoreless eighth, the Manatees would add two finals run to their scoreboard after Lyons and Graham drew walks and McKeithan was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Wrobleski would hit a fielder's choice and send Lyons home for a run. For their final run, Steinberg would send a single to center and bring in McKeithan to make it 16-2 SCF.
At the top of the ninth, the Manatees would make one final pitching change as Steinberg would come in to finish the inning. After giving up an RBI double by junior Thomas Bencivenga for a 16-3 SCF lead, Steinberg would still be able to seal the deal with one final strikeout for the game.
"We were ready to put some runs on the board early on with eight runs in the first inning," said Patry. "I think we kind of sat on that for a couple of innings with a run here and there with a good offensive showing for our team today."
"I think with the Tampa JV team, our coaches told us not to take them lightly," said Steinberg. "They've had some really good teams before and brought guys down, so it basically the day-to-day approach to treat every team the same that are coaches have been talking about and I think it was good for us to go put out a eight-spot in the first inning and kind of carry it from there.
Smith would earn a no-decision after two scoreless innings giving up one hit with six strikeouts.
"I thought Jake (Smith) was electric tonight," said Hill on Smith.
Kessler would earn the win after throwing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts and one walk. Kessler is now 1-1 on the year.
Martin, Gelorme and Mattos threw three combined scoreless innings with four combined strikeouts and three walks. Mattos missed a few games due to a leg injury.
"To get Jake (Mattos) back was nice," said Hill on Mattos. "He's a guy we definitely count on and just to see him back out on the field playing again along with other guys being hit from the injury bug and getting healthy again is important for us."
Dorso and Steinberg gave up the three runs on four hits with four strikeouts in two innings. Steinberg was also 3-for-6 with three RBI and was the only Manatee with a multi-hit game.
"Baseball is a mental game," said Steinberg on his game. "And just keeping my same approach that are coaches have been preaching to us every day and just seeing the ball deep and keep my approach that we talked about every day and it worked out well."
Brown would be dubbed with his second loss of the season after giving up eight runs (two earned) on five hits with four walks and two strikeouts. Brown is now 1-2 on the year.
Patry finished 1-for-4 with a career-high four RBI, while Wrobleski was 1-for-6 with three RBI.
Lee finished 1-for-2 with the home run, two RBI, three runs scored, three walks and one stolen base, while Malcom was 1-for-1 with an RBI, two runs and two walks.
Ellington (1-for-3, one RBI and one run), McKeithan (1-for-4, three runs) and Ayers (1-for-3, one RBI, three runs, three walks) also had one hit each.
Spinks and Bencivenga were both 2-for-3 with an RBI each.
Up Next:
The Manatees will conclude most of their non-conference schedule tomorrow as they welcome back Pasco-Hernando (9-9) to Wynn Field Saturday afternoon, February 29 at 1 pm.
SCF Softball Readies for a Michigan Welcome
The SCF softball team (14-8) readies for two more home series doubleheaders as part of their eight-game homestead as they welcome NJCAA Region 12 members Oakland CC (0-0) Saturday afternoon, February 28 at noon and 2 pm before facing Kalamazoo Valley (2-2) Monday later afternoon, March 2 at 4 and 6 pm.
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of a sweep over Lake Sumter as they won by scores of 6-4 and 5-2.
Freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lilly Salazar continue to lead the path with their speed. Lightbody is batting .411 with six RBI and nine stolen bases, while Salazar is batting .393 with four RBI and nine stolen bases. In the series against LSSC, Lightbody was 3-for-6 with two runs scored and an RBI while Salazar went 0-for-6 with two runs scored and a stolen base.
Classmate Maddie Koczersut continues her part as the power hitter of the team as she is batting .356 with three home runs and 19 RBI. Koczersut was 2-for-5 with two RBI against LSSC.
Freshman Kristin Kopp has also had a few big bats recently as she is batting .308 with a home run and 14 RBI. Kopp was 2-for-5 with a home run. In fact, it was her first collegiate home run.
Sophomore Ashlee Zientek is 3-2 with a 2.51 ERA, two saves and 40 strikeouts, while batting .409 with five RBI. Zientek was 3-for-3 with an RBI in both games against LSSC, while throwing three scoreless innings of relief with seven strikeouts.
Despite not pitching in the series against LSSC, freshman Ally Hulme is 5-3 with 3.33 ERA and 29 strikeouts.
Sophomore Madi LoCastro also got back into playing as a hybrid player batting .235 with a home run and 10 RBI, while going 3-2 with a 3.46 ERA and 19 strikeouts. LoCastro was 3-for-7 with a home run and two RBI in the series against LSSC, while pitching a complete game with five strikeouts.
Coach 200:
Head Coach Mandy Schuerman is on her way for another milestone as she looks to get 200 career wins with the Manatees as head coach. Schuerman has 192 so far and needs eight for the milestone.
Scouting Oakland CC:
Oakland CC, located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is led by Jamie Corona, who enters her 12th year as head coach and is the reigning MCCAA Eastern Conference Coach of the Year.
The Raiders finished last season 36-13 overall with a 25-3 record in conference. This will be their opening game to their 2020 season.
Six sophomores return to their alma mater, which includes their home run hitter in Ivy Velazquez. Velazquez batted .433 with 12 home runs and 39 RBI last season, while winning the MCCAA Eastern Conference Freshman of the Year and being named members of the MCCAA Eastern Conference All-Freshman Team, All-Eastern Conference First Team, MCCAA All-Softball Team, NJCAA Region 12 All-Region Team and NJCAA DII Softball All-American Second Team.
Lanie Ellinger was 18-6 overall with a 2.68 ERA and 149 strikeouts. Ellinger joined Velazquez on MCCAA Eastern Conference All-Freshman Team as well as being a member of the All-Eastern Conference Second Team.
Scouting Kalamazoo Valley CC:
Kalamazoo Valley CC, located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is led by head coach Morgan VanderBor. The Cougars finished last season 24-20 overall with a 20-8 record in the MCCAA Western Conference.
The Cougars actually opened their season with a doubleheader against Gordon State losing 8-0 via mercy rule/no hitter and 10-8. They will face Pasco-Hernando State in a doubleheader Saturday afternoon, February 29 at 1 and 3 pm
The Cougars bring back eight sophomores that include Amy Jo Tavernier, who hit .385 with four home runs and 24 RBI, and Ariana Rowe, who went 12-11 on the mound with a 3.25 ERA and 135 strikeouts.
Series History:
Overall, the Manatees hold a 13-1 record against OCC and a 2-0 record against KVCC. The Manatees split the last series with Oakland losing 7-5 in game one before winning 3-2 in game two, while the series with Kalamazoo Valley will be the second time. The first time both teams met was last season where the Manatees won by scores of 9-1 (5) and 7-3.
Fun Fact (2012-present):
The Manatees are 43-6 against non-Florida schools.
How to Keep Up:
Livestats are provided by GameChanger and fans can keep up to date with all three teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCF_Softball
KVCC: @KVCC_Softball
Oakland CC: @OCCollege
GameChanger Link: https://gc.com/t/spring-2020/state-college-of-florida-manatees-softball-5e19088f09b01f1f2300011a
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of a sweep over Lake Sumter as they won by scores of 6-4 and 5-2.
Freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lilly Salazar continue to lead the path with their speed. Lightbody is batting .411 with six RBI and nine stolen bases, while Salazar is batting .393 with four RBI and nine stolen bases. In the series against LSSC, Lightbody was 3-for-6 with two runs scored and an RBI while Salazar went 0-for-6 with two runs scored and a stolen base.
Classmate Maddie Koczersut continues her part as the power hitter of the team as she is batting .356 with three home runs and 19 RBI. Koczersut was 2-for-5 with two RBI against LSSC.
Freshman Kristin Kopp has also had a few big bats recently as she is batting .308 with a home run and 14 RBI. Kopp was 2-for-5 with a home run. In fact, it was her first collegiate home run.
Sophomore Ashlee Zientek is 3-2 with a 2.51 ERA, two saves and 40 strikeouts, while batting .409 with five RBI. Zientek was 3-for-3 with an RBI in both games against LSSC, while throwing three scoreless innings of relief with seven strikeouts.
Despite not pitching in the series against LSSC, freshman Ally Hulme is 5-3 with 3.33 ERA and 29 strikeouts.
Sophomore Madi LoCastro also got back into playing as a hybrid player batting .235 with a home run and 10 RBI, while going 3-2 with a 3.46 ERA and 19 strikeouts. LoCastro was 3-for-7 with a home run and two RBI in the series against LSSC, while pitching a complete game with five strikeouts.
Coach 200:
Head Coach Mandy Schuerman is on her way for another milestone as she looks to get 200 career wins with the Manatees as head coach. Schuerman has 192 so far and needs eight for the milestone.
Scouting Oakland CC:
Oakland CC, located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, is led by Jamie Corona, who enters her 12th year as head coach and is the reigning MCCAA Eastern Conference Coach of the Year.
The Raiders finished last season 36-13 overall with a 25-3 record in conference. This will be their opening game to their 2020 season.
Six sophomores return to their alma mater, which includes their home run hitter in Ivy Velazquez. Velazquez batted .433 with 12 home runs and 39 RBI last season, while winning the MCCAA Eastern Conference Freshman of the Year and being named members of the MCCAA Eastern Conference All-Freshman Team, All-Eastern Conference First Team, MCCAA All-Softball Team, NJCAA Region 12 All-Region Team and NJCAA DII Softball All-American Second Team.
Lanie Ellinger was 18-6 overall with a 2.68 ERA and 149 strikeouts. Ellinger joined Velazquez on MCCAA Eastern Conference All-Freshman Team as well as being a member of the All-Eastern Conference Second Team.
Scouting Kalamazoo Valley CC:
Kalamazoo Valley CC, located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is led by head coach Morgan VanderBor. The Cougars finished last season 24-20 overall with a 20-8 record in the MCCAA Western Conference.
The Cougars actually opened their season with a doubleheader against Gordon State losing 8-0 via mercy rule/no hitter and 10-8. They will face Pasco-Hernando State in a doubleheader Saturday afternoon, February 29 at 1 and 3 pm
The Cougars bring back eight sophomores that include Amy Jo Tavernier, who hit .385 with four home runs and 24 RBI, and Ariana Rowe, who went 12-11 on the mound with a 3.25 ERA and 135 strikeouts.
Series History:
Overall, the Manatees hold a 13-1 record against OCC and a 2-0 record against KVCC. The Manatees split the last series with Oakland losing 7-5 in game one before winning 3-2 in game two, while the series with Kalamazoo Valley will be the second time. The first time both teams met was last season where the Manatees won by scores of 9-1 (5) and 7-3.
Fun Fact (2012-present):
The Manatees are 43-6 against non-Florida schools.
How to Keep Up:
Livestats are provided by GameChanger and fans can keep up to date with all three teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCF_Softball
KVCC: @KVCC_Softball
Oakland CC: @OCCollege
GameChanger Link: https://gc.com/t/spring-2020/state-college-of-florida-manatees-softball-5e19088f09b01f1f2300011a
SCF Softball Claims Series Over Lake Sumter
The SCF softball team (14-8) claimed their second series this season as they swept Lake Sumter State (13-11) 6-4 and 5-2 to claim the overall series sweep as part of their eight-game homestead. With the wins, the Manatees are now 27-2 against the Lakehawks.
Game One:
Head coach Mandy Schuerman sent freshman Samantha Hampton to the mound to start game one, while Lake Sumter head coach Jay Miller sent sophomore Brandi Davis to counter.
After the first two innings went scoreless for both teams, the Manatees would get on the board first in the bottom of the third that began with freshman Kristin Kopp reaching base on a fielding error before moving to second on a sacrifice bunt by classmate Lauren Lightbody. After freshman Lilly Salazar reached on an error, classmate Maddie Koczersut would send a single to center to bring in Kopp for a 1-0 lead. Freshman Lauren Hutcherson would then go for a suicide squeeze play and send Salazar home for a 2-0 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Manatees would get some big flies from big bats off of sophomore Madi LoCastro and Kopp as they hit back-to-back solo home runs. It was LoCastro's first home run of the season, eighth in her career and Kopp's first collegiate home run. After a Lightbody double and Salazar reaching on a fielding error, Lightbody would score on the same fielding error. After Koczersut drew a walk, Hutcherson would send Salazar home with a single to third for a 6-0 SCF lead.
At the top of the fifth, the Lakehawks would try and mount a comeback after an RBI singles by freshman Bailee Sims sophomore Casey Allen and an RBI double by freshman Emily Kolwicz. This signaled the end for Hampton as sophomore Ashlee Zientek would come in for relief. After Kolwicz scored on a passed ball, Zientek was able to get out of a bases loaded situation to end the top half of the inning before clearing the rest of the game for the win.
Hampton would secure the win after giving up four runs (three earned) on eight hits in four innings. Hampton is now 3-2 on the year.
Zientek would get a save after giving up a hit with three walks and seven strikeouts in three innings. Zientek was also 1-for-1 at the plate.
Davis would get the loss after four innings giving up six runs (three earned) on seven hits with two walks.
Freshman Kayla Reichardt threw a scoreless inning with three strikeouts, while sophomore Sarah Grindrod threw a scoreless inning of her own.
Kopp and Koczersut would each have two hits, an RBI and a walk. Kopp (2-for-2) added two runs scored.
LoCastro ended up 1-for-4 with the home run.
Lightbody and Hutcherson had the final two hits for the Manatees.
Kolwicz and sophomore Jennifer Bryant each had two hits.
Game Two:
For game two, Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound, while Miller sent sophomore Cissy Doolittle to counter.
After a scoreless inning, the Manatees would once again get on the board first that began with back-to-back singles by Zientek and LoCastro, who entered in relief at the top of the second. After a sacrifice bunt by Hughes, Lightbody would send a single to left to send Zientek home for the first run. After Salazar was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Koczersut was hit by a pitch and brought in LoCastro to load the bases again. Hutcherson would then draw a bases loaded walk and bring in Lightbody for a 3-0 SCF lead.
The Lakehawks would get on the board at the top of the third after an RBI single by Allen. Two scoreless innings later, the Manatees would extend their 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth. After a leadoff double by Hutcherson, freshman Madi Schaefer would hit a single to center before Zientek sent a single to left to bring in Hutcherson before LoCastro sent a double to right for a 5-1 SCF lead.
The Lakehawks would bring in one more run after an RBI double by freshman Genesis Aviles to make it 5-2 SCF, but it was all that they could muster together as they pulled away with the win.
Hulme would end up with a no-decision after a scoreless inning with one strikeout.
LoCastro would end up 3-2 on the year after throwing six innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on seven hits with one walk and four strikeouts. LoCastro was also 2-for-3 with an RBI. LoCastro would end up finishing 3-for-7 with a home run and two RBI in the series.
Doolittle would fall two 0-2 after four and a third, giving up five runs on eight hits with five walks and one strikeout, while freshman Skyler Gill threw one and two-third scoreless innings.
Aside from LoCastro, Lightbody (2-for-4), Hutcherson (2-for-3) and Zientek (2-for-2) each two hits and an RBI. Lightbody added a stolen base, while Hutcherson and Zientek each added a walk. at the end of the series, Lightbody finished 3-for-6 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Hutcherson finished 3-for-6 with a run scored and an RBI and Zientek went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a walk.
Schafer (1-for-3, one run scored) had the team's final hit.
Bryant and Aviles would each go 2-for-3 each with Aviles adding one RBI. Bryant finished 4-for-6 on the series.
Notes:
Schuerman earned career wins 191 and 192 and needs eight to reach 200 wins in her career.
Up Next:
The Manatees remain at home for the next six games as they welcome a pair of Midwest teams to the SCF Softball Complex, Oakland CC and Kalamazoo Valley CC. The Manatees will play Oakland CC Saturday afternoon, February 29 at noon and 2 pm before playing Kalamazoo Valley CC Monday late afternoon, March 2 at 4 and 6 pm.
Game One:
Head coach Mandy Schuerman sent freshman Samantha Hampton to the mound to start game one, while Lake Sumter head coach Jay Miller sent sophomore Brandi Davis to counter.
After the first two innings went scoreless for both teams, the Manatees would get on the board first in the bottom of the third that began with freshman Kristin Kopp reaching base on a fielding error before moving to second on a sacrifice bunt by classmate Lauren Lightbody. After freshman Lilly Salazar reached on an error, classmate Maddie Koczersut would send a single to center to bring in Kopp for a 1-0 lead. Freshman Lauren Hutcherson would then go for a suicide squeeze play and send Salazar home for a 2-0 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Manatees would get some big flies from big bats off of sophomore Madi LoCastro and Kopp as they hit back-to-back solo home runs. It was LoCastro's first home run of the season, eighth in her career and Kopp's first collegiate home run. After a Lightbody double and Salazar reaching on a fielding error, Lightbody would score on the same fielding error. After Koczersut drew a walk, Hutcherson would send Salazar home with a single to third for a 6-0 SCF lead.
At the top of the fifth, the Lakehawks would try and mount a comeback after an RBI singles by freshman Bailee Sims sophomore Casey Allen and an RBI double by freshman Emily Kolwicz. This signaled the end for Hampton as sophomore Ashlee Zientek would come in for relief. After Kolwicz scored on a passed ball, Zientek was able to get out of a bases loaded situation to end the top half of the inning before clearing the rest of the game for the win.
Hampton would secure the win after giving up four runs (three earned) on eight hits in four innings. Hampton is now 3-2 on the year.
Zientek would get a save after giving up a hit with three walks and seven strikeouts in three innings. Zientek was also 1-for-1 at the plate.
Davis would get the loss after four innings giving up six runs (three earned) on seven hits with two walks.
Freshman Kayla Reichardt threw a scoreless inning with three strikeouts, while sophomore Sarah Grindrod threw a scoreless inning of her own.
Kopp and Koczersut would each have two hits, an RBI and a walk. Kopp (2-for-2) added two runs scored.
LoCastro ended up 1-for-4 with the home run.
Lightbody and Hutcherson had the final two hits for the Manatees.
Kolwicz and sophomore Jennifer Bryant each had two hits.
Game Two:
For game two, Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound, while Miller sent sophomore Cissy Doolittle to counter.
After a scoreless inning, the Manatees would once again get on the board first that began with back-to-back singles by Zientek and LoCastro, who entered in relief at the top of the second. After a sacrifice bunt by Hughes, Lightbody would send a single to left to send Zientek home for the first run. After Salazar was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Koczersut was hit by a pitch and brought in LoCastro to load the bases again. Hutcherson would then draw a bases loaded walk and bring in Lightbody for a 3-0 SCF lead.
The Lakehawks would get on the board at the top of the third after an RBI single by Allen. Two scoreless innings later, the Manatees would extend their 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth. After a leadoff double by Hutcherson, freshman Madi Schaefer would hit a single to center before Zientek sent a single to left to bring in Hutcherson before LoCastro sent a double to right for a 5-1 SCF lead.
The Lakehawks would bring in one more run after an RBI double by freshman Genesis Aviles to make it 5-2 SCF, but it was all that they could muster together as they pulled away with the win.
Hulme would end up with a no-decision after a scoreless inning with one strikeout.
LoCastro would end up 3-2 on the year after throwing six innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on seven hits with one walk and four strikeouts. LoCastro was also 2-for-3 with an RBI. LoCastro would end up finishing 3-for-7 with a home run and two RBI in the series.
Doolittle would fall two 0-2 after four and a third, giving up five runs on eight hits with five walks and one strikeout, while freshman Skyler Gill threw one and two-third scoreless innings.
Aside from LoCastro, Lightbody (2-for-4), Hutcherson (2-for-3) and Zientek (2-for-2) each two hits and an RBI. Lightbody added a stolen base, while Hutcherson and Zientek each added a walk. at the end of the series, Lightbody finished 3-for-6 with two runs scored and an RBI, while Hutcherson finished 3-for-6 with a run scored and an RBI and Zientek went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a walk.
Schafer (1-for-3, one run scored) had the team's final hit.
Bryant and Aviles would each go 2-for-3 each with Aviles adding one RBI. Bryant finished 4-for-6 on the series.
Notes:
Schuerman earned career wins 191 and 192 and needs eight to reach 200 wins in her career.
Up Next:
The Manatees remain at home for the next six games as they welcome a pair of Midwest teams to the SCF Softball Complex, Oakland CC and Kalamazoo Valley CC. The Manatees will play Oakland CC Saturday afternoon, February 29 at noon and 2 pm before playing Kalamazoo Valley CC Monday late afternoon, March 2 at 4 and 6 pm.
SCF Baseball Readies for UT JV and Pasco-Hernando
The SCF baseball team (10-9) remain at home for a weekend of games as they welcome the University of Tampa JV team (4-3, 1-0 SSC) Friday night, February 28 at 6 pm before facing Pasco-Hernando State (8-9) to Wynn Field Saturday afternoon, February 29 at 1 pm.
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of facing Pasco-Hernando earlier this week where they won 5-4.
Freshman Owen Ayers is batting a team-leading .365 with two home runs and 10 RBI. Ayers was 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.
Sophomore John Malcom is leading the team offensively overall as he is batting .319 with four home runs and 18 RBI. Malcom was 1-for-4 in the last game against PHSC.
Classmate Aaron McKeithan is batting .317 with two home runs and 11 RBI. The transfer from Kentucky was 1-for-4 with an RBI against PHSC.
On the mound, sophomore Jake Smith is 3-1 with a 2.86 ERA and 28 strikeouts. In his last start, the upcoming Miami transfer threw a complete game against Florence-Darlington Tech with 10 strikeouts.
Sophomore Tony Rossi has been adapting to his role in relief going 1-0 with a 1.86 ERA and 16 strikeouts. Rossi picked up the win against PHSC giving up one run on one hit with two strikeouts in two and a third innings.
Scouting UT JV:
The University of Tampa junior varsity team is a part of the NCAA DII University of Tampa. They are coming off of competing in a doubleheader against Florida Southern winning by scores of 7-3 and 6-0 in seven innings. They already started playing in Sunshine State Conference play where they defeated Inspiration Academy 17-5.
Junior Trevor Roberson has played in all seven games so far and is batting .304 with a home run and three RBI. Sophomore Eric Zimmerman has a home run and five RBI while batting .364.
Scouting Pasco-Hernando State:
As noted, the Manatees played PHSC and won by a score of 5-4.
Sophomore Stephen Wilmer leads the team batting .431 with a home run and 18 RBI. Wilmer was 1-for-5 with a run scored against SCF.
Sophomore Derek Rascher is 2-1 with a 2.95 ERA and 21 strikeouts. In his last game, Rascher threw three and a third innings of relief with three strikeouts against Polk State.
Sophomore Andres Diaz is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA, one save and 17 strikeouts. Diaz earned his second win against St. Pete College after giving up three runs on seven hits with four strikeouts in six and a third.
Series History:
Including the win on Monday, the Manatees are 8-2 against the Bobcats. Meanwhile against UTJV, the Manatees hold a 23-1-1 record.
How to Keep Up:
Livestats will be provided by GameChanger and fans can keep up with all three teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCFBaseball
PHSC: @phscbaseball
UTJV: UT_Baseball
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of facing Pasco-Hernando earlier this week where they won 5-4.
Freshman Owen Ayers is batting a team-leading .365 with two home runs and 10 RBI. Ayers was 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBI.
Sophomore John Malcom is leading the team offensively overall as he is batting .319 with four home runs and 18 RBI. Malcom was 1-for-4 in the last game against PHSC.
Classmate Aaron McKeithan is batting .317 with two home runs and 11 RBI. The transfer from Kentucky was 1-for-4 with an RBI against PHSC.
On the mound, sophomore Jake Smith is 3-1 with a 2.86 ERA and 28 strikeouts. In his last start, the upcoming Miami transfer threw a complete game against Florence-Darlington Tech with 10 strikeouts.
Sophomore Tony Rossi has been adapting to his role in relief going 1-0 with a 1.86 ERA and 16 strikeouts. Rossi picked up the win against PHSC giving up one run on one hit with two strikeouts in two and a third innings.
Scouting UT JV:
The University of Tampa junior varsity team is a part of the NCAA DII University of Tampa. They are coming off of competing in a doubleheader against Florida Southern winning by scores of 7-3 and 6-0 in seven innings. They already started playing in Sunshine State Conference play where they defeated Inspiration Academy 17-5.
Junior Trevor Roberson has played in all seven games so far and is batting .304 with a home run and three RBI. Sophomore Eric Zimmerman has a home run and five RBI while batting .364.
Scouting Pasco-Hernando State:
As noted, the Manatees played PHSC and won by a score of 5-4.
Sophomore Stephen Wilmer leads the team batting .431 with a home run and 18 RBI. Wilmer was 1-for-5 with a run scored against SCF.
Sophomore Derek Rascher is 2-1 with a 2.95 ERA and 21 strikeouts. In his last game, Rascher threw three and a third innings of relief with three strikeouts against Polk State.
Sophomore Andres Diaz is 2-0 with a 2.25 ERA, one save and 17 strikeouts. Diaz earned his second win against St. Pete College after giving up three runs on seven hits with four strikeouts in six and a third.
Series History:
Including the win on Monday, the Manatees are 8-2 against the Bobcats. Meanwhile against UTJV, the Manatees hold a 23-1-1 record.
How to Keep Up:
Livestats will be provided by GameChanger and fans can keep up with all three teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCFBaseball
PHSC: @phscbaseball
UTJV: UT_Baseball
SCF Softball Readies for LSSC
The SCF softball team (12-8) returns home to the SCF Softball Complex for a eight-game homestead as they start it off with a doubleheader against Lake Sumter State (13-9) Thursday night, February 27 at 5 and 7 pm.
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of a sweep over Palm Beach State where they won by scores of 3-0 and 9-6. It was officially the last time the Manatees will play PBSC as they are cutting their softball program for women's soccer. The Panthers softball program was around for 45 years.
Freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lilly Salazar continue to bring speed for the Manatees. Lightbody is currently batting .444 with eight RBI, while Salazar is batting .436 with four RBI. Both each have eight stolen bases. In the series against PBSC, Lightbody finished 4-for-7 with an RBI, four runs scored and a stolen base while Salazar finished the 6-for-8 with three runs scored and a stolen base.
Freshman Maddie Koczersut is their predominant main strong bat as she is batting .333 with three home runs and 17 RBI. Koczersut was 3-for-7 with five RBI in the series against PBSC. In fact, Koczersut has had an RBI in four straight games.
On the mound, freshman Ally Hulme is 5-3 with a 3.43 ERA and 28 strikeouts. Hulme pitched in the second game where she threw four innings and gave up six runs and struck out six batters.
Sophomore Ashlee Zientek is 3-2 with a 2.69 ERA and 30 strikeouts. Zientek pitched in the second game where she threw three scoreless innings of relief with one strikeout.
Sophomore Madi LoCastro is 2-2 with a 3.99 ERA and 15 strikeouts while batting .188 with eight RBI. LoCastro threw a two-hit shutout with three strikeouts in the first game against PBSC.
Scouting Lake Sumter:
The Lakehawks are coming off of a split against Polk State winning game one 9-1 via mercy rule before losing game two by a score of 5-0.
Sophomore Nicole Smith leads the team batting .328 with four home runs and 12 RBI, while classmate Casey Allen is batting .464 with 16 RBI and 14 stolen bases.
On the mound, sophomore Brandi Davis is 7-0 with a 2.94 ERA, one save and 14 strikeouts. Davis threw a five inning complete game against Polk State with two strikeouts.
Series History (2012-present):
The Manatees hold a 25-2 overall record against the Lakehawks, which includes the sweep earlier in the season for the Manatees (2/13) by a score of 7-5 and 5-2. The Lakehawks' last win was on February 16, 2017 where they defeated SCF 12-8.
How to Stay Up to Date:
Livestats will be available for the doubleheader on GameChanger.
Fans can also keep up on Twitter:
SCF: @SCFSoftball
Lake Sumter: @LSSCSoftball
Livestats Link: https://gc.com/t/spring-2020/state-college-of-florida-manatees-softball-5e19088f09b01f1f2300011a
Last Time Out:
The Manatees are coming off of a sweep over Palm Beach State where they won by scores of 3-0 and 9-6. It was officially the last time the Manatees will play PBSC as they are cutting their softball program for women's soccer. The Panthers softball program was around for 45 years.
Freshmen Lauren Lightbody and Lilly Salazar continue to bring speed for the Manatees. Lightbody is currently batting .444 with eight RBI, while Salazar is batting .436 with four RBI. Both each have eight stolen bases. In the series against PBSC, Lightbody finished 4-for-7 with an RBI, four runs scored and a stolen base while Salazar finished the 6-for-8 with three runs scored and a stolen base.
Freshman Maddie Koczersut is their predominant main strong bat as she is batting .333 with three home runs and 17 RBI. Koczersut was 3-for-7 with five RBI in the series against PBSC. In fact, Koczersut has had an RBI in four straight games.
On the mound, freshman Ally Hulme is 5-3 with a 3.43 ERA and 28 strikeouts. Hulme pitched in the second game where she threw four innings and gave up six runs and struck out six batters.
Sophomore Ashlee Zientek is 3-2 with a 2.69 ERA and 30 strikeouts. Zientek pitched in the second game where she threw three scoreless innings of relief with one strikeout.
Sophomore Madi LoCastro is 2-2 with a 3.99 ERA and 15 strikeouts while batting .188 with eight RBI. LoCastro threw a two-hit shutout with three strikeouts in the first game against PBSC.
Scouting Lake Sumter:
The Lakehawks are coming off of a split against Polk State winning game one 9-1 via mercy rule before losing game two by a score of 5-0.
Sophomore Nicole Smith leads the team batting .328 with four home runs and 12 RBI, while classmate Casey Allen is batting .464 with 16 RBI and 14 stolen bases.
On the mound, sophomore Brandi Davis is 7-0 with a 2.94 ERA, one save and 14 strikeouts. Davis threw a five inning complete game against Polk State with two strikeouts.
Series History (2012-present):
The Manatees hold a 25-2 overall record against the Lakehawks, which includes the sweep earlier in the season for the Manatees (2/13) by a score of 7-5 and 5-2. The Lakehawks' last win was on February 16, 2017 where they defeated SCF 12-8.
How to Stay Up to Date:
Livestats will be available for the doubleheader on GameChanger.
Fans can also keep up on Twitter:
SCF: @SCFSoftball
Lake Sumter: @LSSCSoftball
Livestats Link: https://gc.com/t/spring-2020/state-college-of-florida-manatees-softball-5e19088f09b01f1f2300011a
2nd Herd Dances to States
For the second straight year, the SCF basketball team (21-11) has punched their ticket to the FCSAA/NJCAA Region 8 Tournament as they defeated Polk State (21-10) 92-74 at the Winter Haven Health Center in Winter Haven. With the win, the Manatees are now 13-18 against the Eagles and will be joining #1 FSW (29-1) as a representative of the Suncoast Conference for the state tournament.
Personal Opinion: It did make sense to cut the net at our gym because if we cut the net at Polk State's gym, then chances are there would be a very heated hostility and someone could actually get hurt during the ceremony and could lead to possible consequences on Polk State and possibly on us despite us not antagonizing it.
"It feels really good and I'm extremely proud," said head coach Tom Parks. "I said in the locker room that there are a few moments in my life that I can remember where I was more proud and those were extremely significant moments of my life. It means a lot to look back on the year and to think about where we were three weeks ago and the fact that the guys could play without confidence with the stretch. I'm so proud of the team."
In the first half, both teams were neck and neck in single digits until the Manatees pulled ahead with big baskets by sophomores D'Moi Hodge and Isiah Dasher and freshman Marshall Kearing to give the Manatees a 20-8 lead until the Eagles started to cut the deficit to single digits nearing the end of the half and even took a single digit lead with 4:30 left on the clock before sophomore Max Bell-Ramos and Hodge brought the Manatees back up for a 42-38 lead at the end of the first half.
Heading into the second half, the Manatees started to push themselves hard to try and get ahead in double digits, but while the Manatees were barely holding their lead the Eagles continued to push and cut the deficit, but in the end the Manatees stood their ground and were able to pull away with the win.
"I'm lost for words on what we did," said Hodge on winning the championship. "It was a great feeling to know that we got hopes that this season knowing that we lost seven games in the conference and bounce back to win the championship. Today we handled business and we knew we were the better team. We just had to be confident to know that we could handle that for 40 minutes."
"It feels amazing," said Kearing on winning the championship. "Being that I'm a freshman and didn't expect to come out like this for conference and I'm really happy how we did tonight."
"We worked really hard to get this far for it," said freshman Jordan Clark on winning the championship. "A lot of people thought we were not going to have a good season, but we turned it around."
Three Manatees scored in double digits and it was Hodge that led the Manatees on pace as he finished with 36 points (12-for-23 FG, 5-for-12 3PT, 7-for-7 FT), seven rebounds, six assists, one block and five steals.
Kearing followed one rebound shy of a double-double as he finished with a season-high 25 points (9-for-10 FG, 1-for-1 3PT, 6-for-8 FT), nine rebounds, four assists, six blocks and a steal.
"I was starting off a bit slow," said Kearing on his performance. "Which was how I was going so far this season, but in the second half, I came out a lot stronger, helping with scoring and stuff to help push the lead up."
"That was the quietest game I've seen with Marshall," said Parks on Kearing's performance. "I didn't even know he scored in double digits. Marshall is so efficient and that kid is too good."
Dasher rounded out the lineup with 11 points (4-for-11 FG, 1-for-5 3PT, 2-for-4 FT), seven rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Clark added nine points (4-for-9 FG, 1-for-3 3PT), three rebounds and two assists.
Sophomores Christnoff Scarborough (three points), Remy Robert II (two points, two rebounds and a block) and Bell-Ramos (six points and five rebounds) all contributed in the game for the Manatees. Robert II and Bell-Ramos were the only players that came off the bench.
For the Eagles, four players scored in double figures. Sophomore Malcolm Stevenson led the way with 20 points and five rebounds, while freshman Clearance Jackson followed with 12 points and five rebounds.
Sophomore Tekorian "TK" Smith finished with 11 points, nine rebounds and three assists, while freshman Kameron Pauldo rounded out the order with 10 points and an assist. Smith was 2-for-22 on field goals.
Notes:
The five points in the first half for Hodge helped him as he now holds the record for most points in a single season, which was previously held by James Life (762, 2004-06). Hodge now has 794 points this season and 1,392 in his career.
"It's feels good to know I came here and did what I knew I could do," said Hodge on setting the single season record. "I knew I could come to this school and change the program around and I came and did it in a fashionably good way."
"It's pretty cool within my two seasons of the program and D'Moi first two year program that he was able to do that," said Parks on Hodge setting the season record. "I guess the coolest thing about D'Moi breaking those record is that when he was asked about it, he said it was 'really cool until someone else comes along to try and break it. That's just D'Moi and it's cool how his mind works. He's an incredible basketball player and extremely humble and that just shows his humility. Although I think he's wrong about it because it will take some time for that to happen. I don't know that there has been a better player I coached than D'Moi."
Dasher's 11 points put him at 979 and needs 21 to reach 1,000 career points and be the second active player to do so. Dasher still has a chance to reach 1,000 career points when they get to states.
After the game, the Manatees returned home to do the net cutting at Hal Chasey Gymnasium instead of at Polk State. I even got to be a part of the ceremony and cut a piece of the net for writing up all the stories that they did, which was pretty cool to say the least.
Personal Opinion: It did make sense to cut the net at our gym because if we cut the net at Polk State's gym, then chances are there would be a very heated hostility and someone could actually get hurt during the ceremony and could lead to possible consequences on Polk State and possibly on us despite us not antagonizing it.
Up Next:
The Manatees will be ready for the state tournament in Niceville, hosted by Northwest Florida State, March 4, 6-7. Their opponent will be #10 Tallahassee CC (25-5) Wednesday night, March 4 at 7 pm EST/6 CST. The Eagles were named the Panhandle Conference Regular Season Champions this season.
FGCU Baseball vs EMU Recap
In the bottom of the ninth, senior Cam Krzeminski drew a bases-loaded walk that brought in classmate Marc Coffers as the FGCU baseball team (2-6) walked off Eastern Michigan (1-6) with a 3-2 win on Tuesday night at Swanson Stadium.
Trailing by 2-1 as late as the eighth, the Eagles used a two-run comeback over the course of the final two innings to surpass the visiting Eagles of the north.
"I thought we played better tonight," head coach Dave Tollett said. "We'll take the win. But we still need to get the bottom of the order going. I'm concerned with what happens when we roll things around. The whole plan (for this season) was to play a tough schedule to get us better for conference play. We need to find opportunities to get better."
Up until Krzeminski's heroics, sophomore Joe Kinker had been pushing the Eagles along from the batter's box. He contributed two of the team's three RBI and finished the night 1-for-2 at the plate.
In the bottom of the second, he sent his first homerun of the year over the wall in left field to hand the home team an early 1-0 lead.
After going down in order for three-consecutive innings, EMU finally put its first baserunner on in the fourth. A two-out, RBI single plated their first run of the night and the remaining Eagles on the base paths threatened to do more damage, but FGCU's starter Ronaldo Gallo came back with a strikeout for out number three.
Junior Brandon Dorsey worked his way over to third base in the bottom half of the inning, but the home team was unable to regain its lead. The same was true for sophomore Hunter Fornari, who made it to third base in the bottom of the fifth but he was also stranded as the inning came to a close.
Gallo eventually handed the ball over to junior Gus Carter after tossing 4.1 innings in his first career start. He finished his outing with four strikeouts and allowed just one earned run on two hits.
Carter made it through his first frame unscathed, but EMU's second RBI single of the night handed the visitors their first lead of the game in the top of the sixth as they earned a 2-1 edge. While the southpaw settled back in and later notched the first two outs of the seventh, the Eagles called senior Hunter McGarry out from the bullpen to take over.
A sac fly off the bat of Kinker in the eighth tied the teams back up at two runs each. Krzeminski tagged up on the play and the team still had runners in scoring position as sophomore Jalen Townsend was on third, but EMU battled back to minimize the damage.
McGarry sat down all three batters in the top of the ninth, leaving the game in the hands of the Eagles' offense. Coffers and senior Alex Brait led things off with a single and a walk, and after recording the first out of the frame with a fly out, the visiting team intentionally walked Dorsey. That decision loaded up the bases for Krzeminski, who drew the full-count walk that ended the ballgame.
McGarry (1-0) earned his first win of the season and allowed no hits throughout his 2.1-inning stay on the mound.
Up Next:
The Eagles will hit the road this weekend for a three-game series at Bethune-Cookman (4-4). First pitch against the Wildcats will be at 7 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Friday. Games two and three will be played at 6 p.m. and 1 p.m., respectively.
Trailing by 2-1 as late as the eighth, the Eagles used a two-run comeback over the course of the final two innings to surpass the visiting Eagles of the north.
"I thought we played better tonight," head coach Dave Tollett said. "We'll take the win. But we still need to get the bottom of the order going. I'm concerned with what happens when we roll things around. The whole plan (for this season) was to play a tough schedule to get us better for conference play. We need to find opportunities to get better."
Up until Krzeminski's heroics, sophomore Joe Kinker had been pushing the Eagles along from the batter's box. He contributed two of the team's three RBI and finished the night 1-for-2 at the plate.
In the bottom of the second, he sent his first homerun of the year over the wall in left field to hand the home team an early 1-0 lead.
After going down in order for three-consecutive innings, EMU finally put its first baserunner on in the fourth. A two-out, RBI single plated their first run of the night and the remaining Eagles on the base paths threatened to do more damage, but FGCU's starter Ronaldo Gallo came back with a strikeout for out number three.
Junior Brandon Dorsey worked his way over to third base in the bottom half of the inning, but the home team was unable to regain its lead. The same was true for sophomore Hunter Fornari, who made it to third base in the bottom of the fifth but he was also stranded as the inning came to a close.
Gallo eventually handed the ball over to junior Gus Carter after tossing 4.1 innings in his first career start. He finished his outing with four strikeouts and allowed just one earned run on two hits.
Carter made it through his first frame unscathed, but EMU's second RBI single of the night handed the visitors their first lead of the game in the top of the sixth as they earned a 2-1 edge. While the southpaw settled back in and later notched the first two outs of the seventh, the Eagles called senior Hunter McGarry out from the bullpen to take over.
A sac fly off the bat of Kinker in the eighth tied the teams back up at two runs each. Krzeminski tagged up on the play and the team still had runners in scoring position as sophomore Jalen Townsend was on third, but EMU battled back to minimize the damage.
McGarry sat down all three batters in the top of the ninth, leaving the game in the hands of the Eagles' offense. Coffers and senior Alex Brait led things off with a single and a walk, and after recording the first out of the frame with a fly out, the visiting team intentionally walked Dorsey. That decision loaded up the bases for Krzeminski, who drew the full-count walk that ended the ballgame.
McGarry (1-0) earned his first win of the season and allowed no hits throughout his 2.1-inning stay on the mound.
Up Next:
The Eagles will hit the road this weekend for a three-game series at Bethune-Cookman (4-4). First pitch against the Wildcats will be at 7 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on Friday. Games two and three will be played at 6 p.m. and 1 p.m., respectively.
SCF Baseball Defeats PHSC
The SCF baseball team (10-9) pulled away with a close win at Wynn Field as they defeated Pasco-Hernando State (8-9) 5-4. With the win, the Manatees are now 8-2 against the Bobcats (2012-present).
Head coach Tim Hill II sent freshman Daniel Batcher to the mound, while PHSC head coach Lyndon Coleman sent sophomore Cameron Seiwert to counter.
The Panthers would get on the board first at the top of the second after an RBI single by redshirt freshman Mason Collins before the Manatees answered back from a two-run homer by freshman Owen Ayers for his second home run of the season. The Manatees would then add to their lead in the bottom of the third from an RBI double by sophomore Aaron McKeithan for a 3-1 SCF lead.
At the top of the fifth, the Bobcats would cut the Manatees' lead to one after an RBI single by sophomore Aaron Steinhart before classmate Milan Ellerson drew a bases-loaded walk to tie the game at 3-3 at the top of the seventh, but soon the Manatees would respond back with message in the bottom half of the seventh. After sophomore AJ Fritz lead off with a walk before Ayers reached base on a fielder's choice with Fritz out, freshman Jacob Steinberg would hit a pop single to right for sophomore Remi Patry. On the first pitch, the Quebecois native would line a sacrifice bunt and send Ayers home to give the Manatees back the lead. From there, freshman Steve Nitch would send a single to center and bring in Steinberg for a 5-3 SCF lead.
The Bobcats had one more crack at tying the game and even taking the lead for the first time after a sacrifice fly by Ellerson, but it was not enough as the Manatees were able to hold on to the lead.
Batcher would be dubbed with a no-decision after giving up two runs (one earned) on six hits with two walks and five strikeouts in five innings.
Sophomore Tony Rossi was the winner of the game after giving up one run on one hit with two walks and two strikeouts in two and a third innings. Rossi is now 1-0 on the year.
Stewart would be dubbed with the loss after he gave up three runs (two earned) on three hits with two strikeouts in three innings, putting hit at 0-1.
Freshman David Barrett gave up two one run on two hits with three walks and three strikeouts in one and two-thirds innings.
Sophomore Andrew Karch gave up two runs on three hits with one walk and one strikeout, while sophomore Angel Caba gave up one hit with one strikeout in one scoreless inning.
Sophomore Rook Ellington would finish 2-for-4 with a run. Ellington was the only Manatee with a multi-hit game.
Ayers would go 1-for-3 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored. Ayers was the only Manatee with a multi-RBI game.
McKeithan, Nitch, Steinberg and sophomore John Malcom had the Manatees' other lone hits.
Steinhart and Ellerson each had two hits for the Bobcats. Ellerson (2-for-3) added two RBI, a walk and a stolen base, while Steinhart (2-for-4) added one RBI. Ellerson was the only Bobcat with a multi-RBI game.
Up Next:
The Manatees will be ready for a weekend of more home games at Wynn Field as they welcome the junior varsity team from the University of Tampa (4-3) Friday night, February 28 at 6 pm and a rematch with Pasco-Hernando State Saturday afternoon, February 29 at 1 pm.
Head coach Tim Hill II sent freshman Daniel Batcher to the mound, while PHSC head coach Lyndon Coleman sent sophomore Cameron Seiwert to counter.
The Panthers would get on the board first at the top of the second after an RBI single by redshirt freshman Mason Collins before the Manatees answered back from a two-run homer by freshman Owen Ayers for his second home run of the season. The Manatees would then add to their lead in the bottom of the third from an RBI double by sophomore Aaron McKeithan for a 3-1 SCF lead.
At the top of the fifth, the Bobcats would cut the Manatees' lead to one after an RBI single by sophomore Aaron Steinhart before classmate Milan Ellerson drew a bases-loaded walk to tie the game at 3-3 at the top of the seventh, but soon the Manatees would respond back with message in the bottom half of the seventh. After sophomore AJ Fritz lead off with a walk before Ayers reached base on a fielder's choice with Fritz out, freshman Jacob Steinberg would hit a pop single to right for sophomore Remi Patry. On the first pitch, the Quebecois native would line a sacrifice bunt and send Ayers home to give the Manatees back the lead. From there, freshman Steve Nitch would send a single to center and bring in Steinberg for a 5-3 SCF lead.
The Bobcats had one more crack at tying the game and even taking the lead for the first time after a sacrifice fly by Ellerson, but it was not enough as the Manatees were able to hold on to the lead.
Batcher would be dubbed with a no-decision after giving up two runs (one earned) on six hits with two walks and five strikeouts in five innings.
Sophomore Tony Rossi was the winner of the game after giving up one run on one hit with two walks and two strikeouts in two and a third innings. Rossi is now 1-0 on the year.
Stewart would be dubbed with the loss after he gave up three runs (two earned) on three hits with two strikeouts in three innings, putting hit at 0-1.
Freshman David Barrett gave up two one run on two hits with three walks and three strikeouts in one and two-thirds innings.
Sophomore Andrew Karch gave up two runs on three hits with one walk and one strikeout, while sophomore Angel Caba gave up one hit with one strikeout in one scoreless inning.
Sophomore Rook Ellington would finish 2-for-4 with a run. Ellington was the only Manatee with a multi-hit game.
Ayers would go 1-for-3 with a home run, two RBI and two runs scored. Ayers was the only Manatee with a multi-RBI game.
McKeithan, Nitch, Steinberg and sophomore John Malcom had the Manatees' other lone hits.
Steinhart and Ellerson each had two hits for the Bobcats. Ellerson (2-for-3) added two RBI, a walk and a stolen base, while Steinhart (2-for-4) added one RBI. Ellerson was the only Bobcat with a multi-RBI game.
Up Next:
The Manatees will be ready for a weekend of more home games at Wynn Field as they welcome the junior varsity team from the University of Tampa (4-3) Friday night, February 28 at 6 pm and a rematch with Pasco-Hernando State Saturday afternoon, February 29 at 1 pm.
SCF SB Finalizes Series Over PBSC
The SCF softball team (12-8) claimed their final series with Palm Beach State (2-18) on the road as they swept both games winning 3-0 in the first game and 9-6 in the second. With the final sweep, the Manatees are now 22-1 against the Panthers.
Game One:
For game one, head coach Mandy Schuerman sent sophomore Madi LoCastro to the mound, while PBSC head coach Heather Horning sent freshman Haley Kadur to counter.
After going scoreless the first two innings, the Manatees would get on the board first at the top of the third after a two-out RBI single by freshman Maddie Koczersut brought in classmate Emily Hughes for a 1-0 SCF lead.
Meanwhile, LoCastro continued to fight and keep the Panthers from getting any form of offense with the exception of the bottom of the second and sixth inning being her toughest innings.
At the top of the seventh, the Manatees decided to add some insurance to their score beginning with a leadoff single by freshman Samantha Hampton. Two at-bats later, freshman Lilly Salazar would hit a single of her own before Koczersut would send a double to center and send Hampton and Salazar home for a 3-0 SCF lead before LoCastro closed the door for the win.
LoCastro would earn her second win of the season after the two-hit shutout while walking two batters and striking out three. LoCastro is now 2-2 on the season.
Kadur would be dubbed with eighth loss of the season after giving up all three runs on nine hits with three walks and two strikeouts and going 1-for-3 at the plate.
Salazar led the Manatees in hitting as she went 3-for-4 with a run scored, while Koczersut was 2-for-4 with all three RBI.
Hughes, Hampton and freshman Lauren Lightbody had the teams other lone hits.
Aside from Kadur's hit, freshman Shelby Williams had the Panther's other hit.
Game Two:
For game two, Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound while Horning sent redshirt freshman Emily Sheppard to counter.
Shockingly, the Panthers would take a four-run lead after an RBI single by freshman Kiersten Adams and a base clearing double by sophomore Destiny Cornelius.
After being unable to answer in the second inning, the third inning proved to be the calling card for the Manatees. After Hughes and LoCastro were both hit by pitch back-to-back, Hughes stole third before Horning decided to pull Sheppard and send Kadur to the mound to pitch. Freshman Madi Schaefer would then send Hughes home on a groundout. After Lightbody and Salazar hit back-to-back singles to load the bases, Koczersut would get hit by a pitch and send LoCastro home.
Sophomore Madelyn Graham would then draw a base-loaded walk to send Lightbody home to make it 4-3 still in favor of PBSC before freshman Lauren Hutcherson tied the game at 4-4 with a sacrifice fly to send Salazar home. Sophomore Ashlee Zientek would then send Graham home with a single to center to give the Manatees a 5-4 lead before ending the top half.
At the top of the fifth, the Manatees would add some insurance runs to their score beginning with back-to-back one-out singles by Lightbody and Salazar before Lightbody scored on a fielding error. Koczersut would then hit a single to center and send Salazar home for a 7-4 SCF lead.
At the top of the fifth, the Manatees would add two final runs to their score starting with leadoff double off the bat of Zientek. After Hughes laid a sacrifice bunt to send Zientek to third, LoCastro would send Zientek home with an RBI double before Lightbody sent LoCastro home with a single to center for a 9-4 SCF lead.
The Panthers would try to answer back with two-RBI double by freshman Gabby Renner, but Zientek, who came in relief for Hulme, would close the door for the final three innings for another SCF win.
Hulme would be credited with her fifth win of the season after giving up six runs (five earned) on five hits, walking five batters and striking out six in four innings. Hulme is now 5-2 on the year.
Zientek threw three scoreless innings of relief, giving up one hit, walking three batters and striking out one, while going 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Sheppard would be credited with a no-decision after giving up two runs in two hitless innings. Kadur was dubbed with the loss after giving up three runs on three hits with one walk in two-thirds of an inning. Kadur is now 1-9 on the season. Freshman Emily Smith gave up four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 4.1 innings.
Lightbody and Salazar were each 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base. Lightbody added an RBI. Salazar finished the 6-for-8 with three runs scored and a stolen base, while Lightbody finished 4-for-7 with an RBI, four runs scored and a stolen base.
Koczersut finished 1-for-3 with two RBI in game two and 3-for-7 with five RBI in the series.
LoCastro finished 1-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.
Adams would be the only Panther with a multi-hit game as she was 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Cornelius and Renner each had one hit and a multi-RBI game (Cornelius: three RBI; Renner: two RBI).
Notes:
Wins 11 and 12 were Schuerman's 188th and 189th career wins and needs 11 wins to reach 200 career wins as head coach for the Manatees.
This is officially the last time that SCF will play Palm Beach in a series as the Panthers are ending their softball program and replacing it with women's soccer following the 2020-21 school year.
Up Next:
The Manatees will have a eight-game homestead at the SCF Softball Complex as they open it with a doubleheader against Lake Sumter (13-9) Thursday night, February 27 at 5 and 7 pm
Game One:
For game one, head coach Mandy Schuerman sent sophomore Madi LoCastro to the mound, while PBSC head coach Heather Horning sent freshman Haley Kadur to counter.
After going scoreless the first two innings, the Manatees would get on the board first at the top of the third after a two-out RBI single by freshman Maddie Koczersut brought in classmate Emily Hughes for a 1-0 SCF lead.
Meanwhile, LoCastro continued to fight and keep the Panthers from getting any form of offense with the exception of the bottom of the second and sixth inning being her toughest innings.
At the top of the seventh, the Manatees decided to add some insurance to their score beginning with a leadoff single by freshman Samantha Hampton. Two at-bats later, freshman Lilly Salazar would hit a single of her own before Koczersut would send a double to center and send Hampton and Salazar home for a 3-0 SCF lead before LoCastro closed the door for the win.
LoCastro would earn her second win of the season after the two-hit shutout while walking two batters and striking out three. LoCastro is now 2-2 on the season.
Kadur would be dubbed with eighth loss of the season after giving up all three runs on nine hits with three walks and two strikeouts and going 1-for-3 at the plate.
Salazar led the Manatees in hitting as she went 3-for-4 with a run scored, while Koczersut was 2-for-4 with all three RBI.
Hughes, Hampton and freshman Lauren Lightbody had the teams other lone hits.
Aside from Kadur's hit, freshman Shelby Williams had the Panther's other hit.
Game Two:
For game two, Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound while Horning sent redshirt freshman Emily Sheppard to counter.
Shockingly, the Panthers would take a four-run lead after an RBI single by freshman Kiersten Adams and a base clearing double by sophomore Destiny Cornelius.
After being unable to answer in the second inning, the third inning proved to be the calling card for the Manatees. After Hughes and LoCastro were both hit by pitch back-to-back, Hughes stole third before Horning decided to pull Sheppard and send Kadur to the mound to pitch. Freshman Madi Schaefer would then send Hughes home on a groundout. After Lightbody and Salazar hit back-to-back singles to load the bases, Koczersut would get hit by a pitch and send LoCastro home.
Sophomore Madelyn Graham would then draw a base-loaded walk to send Lightbody home to make it 4-3 still in favor of PBSC before freshman Lauren Hutcherson tied the game at 4-4 with a sacrifice fly to send Salazar home. Sophomore Ashlee Zientek would then send Graham home with a single to center to give the Manatees a 5-4 lead before ending the top half.
At the top of the fifth, the Manatees would add some insurance runs to their score beginning with back-to-back one-out singles by Lightbody and Salazar before Lightbody scored on a fielding error. Koczersut would then hit a single to center and send Salazar home for a 7-4 SCF lead.
At the top of the fifth, the Manatees would add two final runs to their score starting with leadoff double off the bat of Zientek. After Hughes laid a sacrifice bunt to send Zientek to third, LoCastro would send Zientek home with an RBI double before Lightbody sent LoCastro home with a single to center for a 9-4 SCF lead.
The Panthers would try to answer back with two-RBI double by freshman Gabby Renner, but Zientek, who came in relief for Hulme, would close the door for the final three innings for another SCF win.
Hulme would be credited with her fifth win of the season after giving up six runs (five earned) on five hits, walking five batters and striking out six in four innings. Hulme is now 5-2 on the year.
Zientek threw three scoreless innings of relief, giving up one hit, walking three batters and striking out one, while going 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Sheppard would be credited with a no-decision after giving up two runs in two hitless innings. Kadur was dubbed with the loss after giving up three runs on three hits with one walk in two-thirds of an inning. Kadur is now 1-9 on the season. Freshman Emily Smith gave up four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 4.1 innings.
Lightbody and Salazar were each 3-for-4 with two runs scored and a stolen base. Lightbody added an RBI. Salazar finished the 6-for-8 with three runs scored and a stolen base, while Lightbody finished 4-for-7 with an RBI, four runs scored and a stolen base.
Koczersut finished 1-for-3 with two RBI in game two and 3-for-7 with five RBI in the series.
LoCastro finished 1-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI.
Adams would be the only Panther with a multi-hit game as she was 2-for-3 with an RBI and two runs scored. Cornelius and Renner each had one hit and a multi-RBI game (Cornelius: three RBI; Renner: two RBI).
Notes:
Wins 11 and 12 were Schuerman's 188th and 189th career wins and needs 11 wins to reach 200 career wins as head coach for the Manatees.
This is officially the last time that SCF will play Palm Beach in a series as the Panthers are ending their softball program and replacing it with women's soccer following the 2020-21 school year.
Up Next:
The Manatees will have a eight-game homestead at the SCF Softball Complex as they open it with a doubleheader against Lake Sumter (13-9) Thursday night, February 27 at 5 and 7 pm
2nd Herd Strikes Down SPC in Suncoast Semifinals
The #2 seed SCF basketball team (20-11) punched their way closer to states as they defeated #3 St. Pete (14-17) 90-75 in the Suncoast Conference Tournament Semifinals at Hal Chasey Gymnasium. With the win, the Manatees are now 9-21 against the Titans and will face #1 Polk State (21-9), who defeated #4 seed Hillsborough (10-18) 91-89 in double overtime.
"What I told the guys was anytime you beat an Earnest Crumbley coached St. Pete College basketball team, it is a great win," said head coach Tom Parks. "That man, who is a hall of famer for a reason, can coach. He's taken teams like that to the national tournament out of Florida and won state championships. He is a legend and the thing about St. Pete is they don't care how much time is on the clock or what the score is, they will battle every single possession and rebound harder than any team I played this year, probably even one of the hardest rebounding teams in the country in terms of their effort. They guard all the time, they attack the paint, drive, post up, pretty much everything they do is physical and intense."
"I felt really good today," said sophomore Isiah Dasher. "We had a bad six out of the last eight games we played, but we picked it up. I feel confident no matter if we play Polk State or Hillsborough that they're locked in ready to go."
"It a great feeling right now to know that my second year here we have achance to win it all again," said sophomore D'Moi Hodge. "Right now I feel good, but I don't feel accomplished right now until the game tomorrow."
"It was a tough game," said sophomore Max Bell-Ramos. "We were up by like 16 until St. Pete came out clutch and they came close to catching up to us. Good thing all the guys stepped up so we could get the 'W' tonight. Polk will be a tough opponent, but we can handle it."
Offensively, it was surprisingly Dasher that led the Manatees as he finished with 24 points (8-for-14 FG, 1-for-5 3PT, 6-for-6 FT), four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Hodge followed with his 12th career double-double as he finished with 21 points (8-for-18 FG, 4-for-11 3PT, 1-for-2 FT), 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
"I think it's pretty incredible that you have a kid that signed a national letter of intent in July before the August when he reports to campus in six weeks," said Parks on Hodge. "The fact that nobody wanted to sign him yet and was able to take a program that finished the previous two seasons before with 13 wins (2017-18) in one season and six (2016-17) in the other before we had 18 wins (2018-19) and led the team in scoring, rebounding, blocking and stealing before leading the state in scoring and to the first 20 win season, is quite remarkable."
Bell-Ramos rounded out the order with a tied career-high 14 points (4-for-7 FG, 6-for-8 FT), one rebound and three assists.
"It felt good to get that many points," said Bell-Ramos on his performance. "Some guys were hurt and I seized my opportunity for a way to help out the team."
"Max always has had what it takes," said Parks on Bell-Ramos. "He's an unbelievable kid with a very interesting story, he's so humble and really wants to do right and please you. Max is really talented and really skilled and there's no one more deserving than him to have him on my team."
Sophomore Christnoff Scarborough and freshman Marshall Kearing each had eight points, a steal and two blocks. Scarborough (4-for-7 FG) added 10 rebounds, while Kearing (4-for-6 FG) added seven rebounds.
Sophomore Remy Robert II (six points, one rebound, two assists and two steals), redshirt freshman Calvin McCutcheon (one rebound) and freshmen Jordan Clark (seven points, five rebounds and four assists), Michael Gavin (two points, two assists and one steal) and Sam Grayson (one rebound) also contributed in the game.
The first half was smooth sailing for the Manatees with a 15-6 lead. With 13 minutes left, Hodge with an open opportunity took a difficult 3-point shot in success at the right wing. Meanwhile, Dasher continued to play his strong role offensively in which he scored 13 points in the first half.
With nine minutes left in the first half, Hodge would secure his second 3-pointer, which would turn out to be the record-breaking point that Hodge needed. At the end of the first, the Manatees were ahead 45-29 at the end of the first half.
In the second half, the Manatees started to struggle and decreasing their lead by as much as eight points, but in the end they were able to recover and seal the deal for the win.
Notes:
With his 21 points, Hodge has now set the program record and has surpassed James Life (1,341, 2005-06) for most career points with 1,356. In addition, Hodge has 758 points this season and needs five more points to break Life's single season points record (762).
"It feels good to know that I came here to handle what I normally do," said Hodge on breaking the program career record. "It's a great milestone to know that I made to be a part of SCF history until someone comes along, but it feels great."
Dasher's 24 points put him at 968 in his career and needs 32 to reach 1,000 career points and the second active player to do so.
"Today I stopped thinking about the milestone of 1,000 points," said Dasher. "I just started to hoop. I sat out for two straight games and let it go because it's all about wins and to get to states and we don't just want to go to states, we want to win states so we got some games to handle."
"Zay is one of those players that when he gets hurt or when he's out, he's not the same player and it's even the same way when he doesn't have the rhythm and takes him a while to get him back into it," said Parks on Dasher. "He started struggling when we played against FSW and Polk on that stretch, but then he started playing better against SPC. He played ok against HCC, but that was to his strengths. Tonight, Zay had a lot more pep in his step because he needs to have his athleticism back so he can have that explosive step after he freezes somebody."
This was the Manatees' 20th win this season and the most for the team thus far.
Up Next:
The Manatees will travel to Winter Haven to face Polk State in the finals of the Suncoast Conference Tournament. The winner will punch their ticket join Suncoast Conference Regular Season Champion #1 FSW (29-1) in the FCSAA State Tournament in Niceville, hosted by Northwest Florida State.
"What I told the guys was anytime you beat an Earnest Crumbley coached St. Pete College basketball team, it is a great win," said head coach Tom Parks. "That man, who is a hall of famer for a reason, can coach. He's taken teams like that to the national tournament out of Florida and won state championships. He is a legend and the thing about St. Pete is they don't care how much time is on the clock or what the score is, they will battle every single possession and rebound harder than any team I played this year, probably even one of the hardest rebounding teams in the country in terms of their effort. They guard all the time, they attack the paint, drive, post up, pretty much everything they do is physical and intense."
"I felt really good today," said sophomore Isiah Dasher. "We had a bad six out of the last eight games we played, but we picked it up. I feel confident no matter if we play Polk State or Hillsborough that they're locked in ready to go."
"It a great feeling right now to know that my second year here we have achance to win it all again," said sophomore D'Moi Hodge. "Right now I feel good, but I don't feel accomplished right now until the game tomorrow."
"It was a tough game," said sophomore Max Bell-Ramos. "We were up by like 16 until St. Pete came out clutch and they came close to catching up to us. Good thing all the guys stepped up so we could get the 'W' tonight. Polk will be a tough opponent, but we can handle it."
Offensively, it was surprisingly Dasher that led the Manatees as he finished with 24 points (8-for-14 FG, 1-for-5 3PT, 6-for-6 FT), four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Hodge followed with his 12th career double-double as he finished with 21 points (8-for-18 FG, 4-for-11 3PT, 1-for-2 FT), 11 rebounds, five assists and two blocks.
"I think it's pretty incredible that you have a kid that signed a national letter of intent in July before the August when he reports to campus in six weeks," said Parks on Hodge. "The fact that nobody wanted to sign him yet and was able to take a program that finished the previous two seasons before with 13 wins (2017-18) in one season and six (2016-17) in the other before we had 18 wins (2018-19) and led the team in scoring, rebounding, blocking and stealing before leading the state in scoring and to the first 20 win season, is quite remarkable."
Bell-Ramos rounded out the order with a tied career-high 14 points (4-for-7 FG, 6-for-8 FT), one rebound and three assists.
"It felt good to get that many points," said Bell-Ramos on his performance. "Some guys were hurt and I seized my opportunity for a way to help out the team."
"Max always has had what it takes," said Parks on Bell-Ramos. "He's an unbelievable kid with a very interesting story, he's so humble and really wants to do right and please you. Max is really talented and really skilled and there's no one more deserving than him to have him on my team."
Sophomore Christnoff Scarborough and freshman Marshall Kearing each had eight points, a steal and two blocks. Scarborough (4-for-7 FG) added 10 rebounds, while Kearing (4-for-6 FG) added seven rebounds.
Sophomore Remy Robert II (six points, one rebound, two assists and two steals), redshirt freshman Calvin McCutcheon (one rebound) and freshmen Jordan Clark (seven points, five rebounds and four assists), Michael Gavin (two points, two assists and one steal) and Sam Grayson (one rebound) also contributed in the game.
The first half was smooth sailing for the Manatees with a 15-6 lead. With 13 minutes left, Hodge with an open opportunity took a difficult 3-point shot in success at the right wing. Meanwhile, Dasher continued to play his strong role offensively in which he scored 13 points in the first half.
With nine minutes left in the first half, Hodge would secure his second 3-pointer, which would turn out to be the record-breaking point that Hodge needed. At the end of the first, the Manatees were ahead 45-29 at the end of the first half.
In the second half, the Manatees started to struggle and decreasing their lead by as much as eight points, but in the end they were able to recover and seal the deal for the win.
Notes:
With his 21 points, Hodge has now set the program record and has surpassed James Life (1,341, 2005-06) for most career points with 1,356. In addition, Hodge has 758 points this season and needs five more points to break Life's single season points record (762).
"It feels good to know that I came here to handle what I normally do," said Hodge on breaking the program career record. "It's a great milestone to know that I made to be a part of SCF history until someone comes along, but it feels great."
Dasher's 24 points put him at 968 in his career and needs 32 to reach 1,000 career points and the second active player to do so.
"Today I stopped thinking about the milestone of 1,000 points," said Dasher. "I just started to hoop. I sat out for two straight games and let it go because it's all about wins and to get to states and we don't just want to go to states, we want to win states so we got some games to handle."
"Zay is one of those players that when he gets hurt or when he's out, he's not the same player and it's even the same way when he doesn't have the rhythm and takes him a while to get him back into it," said Parks on Dasher. "He started struggling when we played against FSW and Polk on that stretch, but then he started playing better against SPC. He played ok against HCC, but that was to his strengths. Tonight, Zay had a lot more pep in his step because he needs to have his athleticism back so he can have that explosive step after he freezes somebody."
This was the Manatees' 20th win this season and the most for the team thus far.
Up Next:
The Manatees will travel to Winter Haven to face Polk State in the finals of the Suncoast Conference Tournament. The winner will punch their ticket join Suncoast Conference Regular Season Champion #1 FSW (29-1) in the FCSAA State Tournament in Niceville, hosted by Northwest Florida State.
2nd Herd Readies for Suncoast Tournament
With the regular season at a close, the day is not yet over for the SCF basketball team (19-11) as they will be preparing themselves for the two-day Suncoast Conference Tournament. The Manatees will be hosting one of the two semifinal games for the tournament. Polk State will be hosting the other. In the tournament, the Manatees will face St. Pete (14-16) while Polk State (20-9) will welcome Hillsborough (10-17).
Last Time Out:
The Manatees wrapped up the regular season on the road where they fell to #1 FSW (29-1) by a score of 76-69. Yet despite the loss, it was the Manatees' closest score against the Buccaneers. Nevertheless, the Buccaneers would the Suncoast Regular Season Champions for the fifth straight season.
Final Suncoast Standings:
1. #2 FSW (29-1, 12-0 Suncoast)*^
2. Polk State (20-9, 7-5 Suncoast) #1
3. SCF (19-11, 5-7 Suncoast) #2
4. St. Pete College (14-16, 4-8 Suncoast) #3
5. Hillsborough (10-17, 2-10 Suncoast) #4
#1-4 Seed in the conference tournament.
^Clinched Playoff Berth
*Suncoast Regular Season Champions
What's at Stake:
The winner of the Suncoast Conference Tournament will join #1 FSW as one of two teams in the FCSAA/NJCAA District VIII Men's Basketball Championship Tournament.
If SCF defeat SPC, then they must await the result of the matchup between Polk State and HCC where if Polk State loses, then SCF would host the conference tournament and welcome HCC. If SCF wins and Polk State wins, then SCF will have to travel to Winter Haven for the conference tournament since Polk State is the highest seed.
FCSAA/NJCAA District VIII Men’s Basketball Championship:
The FCSAA/NJCAA District VIII Men’s Basketball Championship takes eight teams from the top two seeds in the Suncoast, Mid-Florida, Panhandle and Southern Conference. Those eight will then play in an eight-team single elimination tournament where the winner and runner-up will punch their tickets to be in the 73rd NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship - known as The Tournament. The Location of the tournament this season will be held at Raider Arena at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Florida.
#1 FSW (Suncoast) (29-1), #18 Central Florida (Mid-Florida) (24-6), #9 Tallahassee (Panhandle) (25-5) and RV Indian River State (Southern) (22-7) have won their respected conference regular season championships and an automatic spot in the state championship. Broward College (Southern) (17-9) and Gulf Coast State (Panhandle) (21-7) also earned a playoff berth for the state tournament as runner-ups in their conference due to the Panhandle and Southern Conference not having a conference tournament.
Next Season's New Bloods:
For the upcoming "3rd Herd", Parks confirmed on January 20 that he had signed five players to join SCF next season: Kwo Agwa, Michael Hatcher, DK Kelly, Javon Bell and Hunter Madden.
Kwo Agwa:
A 6-7 swing from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, by way of South Sudan, Agwa will come from the Edge School in Calgary. Agwa played in only four games with Edge due to an injury while averaging 17.5 points per game.
Michael Hatcher:
A 6-6 wing, Hatcher is a local product from Palmetto High School in Palmetto, Florida. As a senior, Hatcher averaged 18.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game with the Tigers while being named Florida Athletic Coaches Association District 16 Boys Basketball Player of the year and helping the Tigers to a 15-7 overall record and reach the regional quarterfinals of the FHSAA 6A State Tournament.
Javon Bell:
A 6-4 wing, Bell committed to SCF and will join upon finishing his senior year at Santa Fe Catholic School in Lakeland, Florida. Bell was a two-sport athlete playing both football and basketball. As a football player, Bell had 87 yards and a touchdown his junior year with the Hawks before primarily focusing on playing basketball. Bell is currently playing in the regional semifinals of the FHSAA 3A State Tournament on February 25 against Calvary Christian Academy.
Decorrian "DK" Kelly:
A 6-1 guard from Memphis, Kelly will join SCF upon his completion of his postgraduate year at Huntington Prep in West Virginia. Prior to that, Kelly graduated from Bolton High School in Arlington, Tennessee where he averaged 16.4 points, six rebounds and 3.3 steals per game.
Hunter Madden:
Madden is the most recent commit and second international player joining SCF. A native of Australia, Madden will join SCF after completing the 2019-20 season with the Sydney Kings of the National Basketball League (NBL). Madden was a part of the U16 and U17 Australian National Teams and competed in the U16 Asia Championship and U17 World Cup in 2018. Currently, Madden and the Kings are competing against the Melbourne United in the NBL Playoffs after finishing the season 20-8 overall and claiming the #1 seed and will be looking for their third fourth championship in franchise history.
*Side Note: Madden does play on the same NBL team as former NBA player Andrew Bogut.
Seven to 26 for Records:
For sophomore D'Moi Hodge, he has inched to the final edge of the two program records held by James Life: most points scored in a single season (Life: 762) and most points in program history (Life: 1,341). Hodge is currently averaging 25.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.7 steals and 2.2 blocks per game. The upcoming transfer to Cleveland State had 23 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks against FSW.
Hodge has 737 points this season and 1,335 in his career. He only needs seven for the all-time points record and 26 for the single season points record.
Dash to 1,000:
Sophomore Isiah Dasher is also on a path to reaching 1,000 career points. Dasher has 944 and needs 56 to do so. Dasher is currently averaging 15.5 points, five rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. Dasher had 14 points, one rebound and one assist against FSW.
Bigs on the Block:
For sophomore Christnoff Scarborough and freshman Marshall Kearing, they continue to do their job as the big men on the team.
Despite scoring only three points with four rebounds against FSW, Scarborough is still averaging 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.
Kearing is averaging 11.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. Kearing had 16 points, six rebounds and five blocks against FSW.
Scouting SPC:
The Titans enter the conference tournament as the #3 seed once again. They finished their last game with an 74-71 win over HCC.
Sophomore Kobie Johnson leads the team averaging 16.7 points and four rebounds per game. Johnson had 15 points and four rebounds against HCC.
Freshman Bryan Williams follows along averaging 15 points, 4.1 assists and 2.2 steals per game, while classmate Damon Davis averages 11.2 points and 3.6 assists per game. Against HCC, Williams had 19 points, four assists and five steals while Davis had 12 points and six assists.
As far as rebounding, freshman Teddy Bayi Ba Mandeng is averaging 7.3 rebounds per game to go alone with seven points per game. Against HCC, Bayi Ba Mandeng had five points with five rebounds.
Series History (2012-present):
The Manatees are 8-21 against the Titans where they claimed the series this season winning game one 79-72 (1/8) and game two 79-73 (1/25) before losing game three 71-68 (2/12).
How to Keep Up:
The game will be livestream on SCF Sports Network. Fans can also keep up on Twitter:
SCF: @SCF_Basketball
SPC: @SPCMBasketball
Link: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/scf/
Last Time Out:
The Manatees wrapped up the regular season on the road where they fell to #1 FSW (29-1) by a score of 76-69. Yet despite the loss, it was the Manatees' closest score against the Buccaneers. Nevertheless, the Buccaneers would the Suncoast Regular Season Champions for the fifth straight season.
Final Suncoast Standings:
1. #2 FSW (29-1, 12-0 Suncoast)*^
2. Polk State (20-9, 7-5 Suncoast) #1
3. SCF (19-11, 5-7 Suncoast) #2
4. St. Pete College (14-16, 4-8 Suncoast) #3
5. Hillsborough (10-17, 2-10 Suncoast) #4
#1-4 Seed in the conference tournament.
^Clinched Playoff Berth
*Suncoast Regular Season Champions
What's at Stake:
The winner of the Suncoast Conference Tournament will join #1 FSW as one of two teams in the FCSAA/NJCAA District VIII Men's Basketball Championship Tournament.
If SCF defeat SPC, then they must await the result of the matchup between Polk State and HCC where if Polk State loses, then SCF would host the conference tournament and welcome HCC. If SCF wins and Polk State wins, then SCF will have to travel to Winter Haven for the conference tournament since Polk State is the highest seed.
FCSAA/NJCAA District VIII Men’s Basketball Championship:
The FCSAA/NJCAA District VIII Men’s Basketball Championship takes eight teams from the top two seeds in the Suncoast, Mid-Florida, Panhandle and Southern Conference. Those eight will then play in an eight-team single elimination tournament where the winner and runner-up will punch their tickets to be in the 73rd NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Championship - known as The Tournament. The Location of the tournament this season will be held at Raider Arena at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville, Florida.
#1 FSW (Suncoast) (29-1), #18 Central Florida (Mid-Florida) (24-6), #9 Tallahassee (Panhandle) (25-5) and RV Indian River State (Southern) (22-7) have won their respected conference regular season championships and an automatic spot in the state championship. Broward College (Southern) (17-9) and Gulf Coast State (Panhandle) (21-7) also earned a playoff berth for the state tournament as runner-ups in their conference due to the Panhandle and Southern Conference not having a conference tournament.
Next Season's New Bloods:
For the upcoming "3rd Herd", Parks confirmed on January 20 that he had signed five players to join SCF next season: Kwo Agwa, Michael Hatcher, DK Kelly, Javon Bell and Hunter Madden.
Kwo Agwa:
A 6-7 swing from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, by way of South Sudan, Agwa will come from the Edge School in Calgary. Agwa played in only four games with Edge due to an injury while averaging 17.5 points per game.
Michael Hatcher:
A 6-6 wing, Hatcher is a local product from Palmetto High School in Palmetto, Florida. As a senior, Hatcher averaged 18.1 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game with the Tigers while being named Florida Athletic Coaches Association District 16 Boys Basketball Player of the year and helping the Tigers to a 15-7 overall record and reach the regional quarterfinals of the FHSAA 6A State Tournament.
Javon Bell:
A 6-4 wing, Bell committed to SCF and will join upon finishing his senior year at Santa Fe Catholic School in Lakeland, Florida. Bell was a two-sport athlete playing both football and basketball. As a football player, Bell had 87 yards and a touchdown his junior year with the Hawks before primarily focusing on playing basketball. Bell is currently playing in the regional semifinals of the FHSAA 3A State Tournament on February 25 against Calvary Christian Academy.
Decorrian "DK" Kelly:
A 6-1 guard from Memphis, Kelly will join SCF upon his completion of his postgraduate year at Huntington Prep in West Virginia. Prior to that, Kelly graduated from Bolton High School in Arlington, Tennessee where he averaged 16.4 points, six rebounds and 3.3 steals per game.
Hunter Madden:
Madden is the most recent commit and second international player joining SCF. A native of Australia, Madden will join SCF after completing the 2019-20 season with the Sydney Kings of the National Basketball League (NBL). Madden was a part of the U16 and U17 Australian National Teams and competed in the U16 Asia Championship and U17 World Cup in 2018. Currently, Madden and the Kings are competing against the Melbourne United in the NBL Playoffs after finishing the season 20-8 overall and claiming the #1 seed and will be looking for their third fourth championship in franchise history.
*Side Note: Madden does play on the same NBL team as former NBA player Andrew Bogut.
Seven to 26 for Records:
For sophomore D'Moi Hodge, he has inched to the final edge of the two program records held by James Life: most points scored in a single season (Life: 762) and most points in program history (Life: 1,341). Hodge is currently averaging 25.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, 2.7 steals and 2.2 blocks per game. The upcoming transfer to Cleveland State had 23 points, five rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks against FSW.
Hodge has 737 points this season and 1,335 in his career. He only needs seven for the all-time points record and 26 for the single season points record.
Dash to 1,000:
Sophomore Isiah Dasher is also on a path to reaching 1,000 career points. Dasher has 944 and needs 56 to do so. Dasher is currently averaging 15.5 points, five rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. Dasher had 14 points, one rebound and one assist against FSW.
Bigs on the Block:
For sophomore Christnoff Scarborough and freshman Marshall Kearing, they continue to do their job as the big men on the team.
Despite scoring only three points with four rebounds against FSW, Scarborough is still averaging 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds per game.
Kearing is averaging 11.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. Kearing had 16 points, six rebounds and five blocks against FSW.
Scouting SPC:
The Titans enter the conference tournament as the #3 seed once again. They finished their last game with an 74-71 win over HCC.
Sophomore Kobie Johnson leads the team averaging 16.7 points and four rebounds per game. Johnson had 15 points and four rebounds against HCC.
Freshman Bryan Williams follows along averaging 15 points, 4.1 assists and 2.2 steals per game, while classmate Damon Davis averages 11.2 points and 3.6 assists per game. Against HCC, Williams had 19 points, four assists and five steals while Davis had 12 points and six assists.
As far as rebounding, freshman Teddy Bayi Ba Mandeng is averaging 7.3 rebounds per game to go alone with seven points per game. Against HCC, Bayi Ba Mandeng had five points with five rebounds.
Series History (2012-present):
The Manatees are 8-21 against the Titans where they claimed the series this season winning game one 79-72 (1/8) and game two 79-73 (1/25) before losing game three 71-68 (2/12).
How to Keep Up:
The game will be livestream on SCF Sports Network. Fans can also keep up on Twitter:
SCF: @SCF_Basketball
SPC: @SPCMBasketball
Link: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/scf/
FGCU MBB @ NJIT Recap
A double-double by freshman Dakota Rivers alongside a hot-shooting first half paced the FGCU men's basketball team (9-20, 6-8 A-SUN) to a 55-39 road victory at NJIT (8-19, 5-9 A-SUN) on Saturday evening.
The win moved FGCU into a three-way tie for fifth-place in the ASUN standings. The Eagles are tied with both of next week's opponents - Jacksonville and North Alabama.
Rivers finished the game with 10 points and a career-high 13 rebounds – the most in a single-game this season for the Eagles and since RaySean Scott, Jr., had 14 against Florida International on Nov. 28, 2018. Rivers also added three blocked shots in his 23 minutes of playing time.
Sophomore Caleb Catto led the Eagles overall in scoring with 13 points, while junior Jalen Warren also notched 10 points alongside six rebounds and six assists. In just his second start of the year, freshman Cyrus Largie had eight points, six rebounds, two steals, an assist and a blocked shot.
"We fully believe if you keep working and give full effort, then good things will happen," said head coach Michael Fly. "I think all the work they've put in is starting to pay off and I'm happy to see Dakota and Cyrus get rewarded for the effort they gave tonight. We've had a lot of close games this year and had some good defensive performances, but have struggled shooting at points. We moved Tracy (Hector) into more of a play-maker spot because of his passing and that allowed us to keep more shooters in the game which I think really opened up the floor."
NJIT was led by Zach Cooks who scored 18 points and was the only Highlander to reach double figures.
The Eagles took a 35-24 lead into the intermission thanks to a 20-2 run spanning the latter half of the opening stanza. FGCU shot 14-of-28 from the field while holding the Highlanders to just 9-of-29 shooting. After NJIT scored 11 straight to go up 15-10, back-to-back triples from Rivers and Largie ignited the run for FGCU. Junior Sam Gagliardi's three-pointer at the 2:21 mark put the Eagles up 30-17 capping the 20-2 run which was the largest of the season. A quick five-point burst by NJIT after that closed the gap, but Catto added another triple with 16 seconds to go giving FGCU the 11 point lead at the break.
In the second half, FGCU was able to control a double-figure lead for most of the period. NJIT used a 5-to-2 spurt in the opening three minutes to cut its deficit to eight, 37-29, but back-to-back buckets by Rivers and Hardy put the Eagles back in control with the Highlanders unable to really push back down the stretch.
After a Hardy jumper with 4:16 left in the game, FGCU held NJIT scoreless for the balance while knocking down four straight free throws to give the final margin of victory.
Overall, FGCU held a 42-to-33 advantage in rebounding sparked by Rivers' performance. That limited the extra possessions for the Highlanders who scored their second fewest amount of points for a single game this season.
The first half shooting performance for the Eagles cooled in the second half to finish the game at 20-of-55 overall and 8-of-21 from deep, but defensively, FGCU held the Highlanders to just 25.5 percent (14-of-55) for the game including 5-of-26 after the intermission.
The win moved FGCU into a three-way tie for fifth-place in the ASUN standings. The Eagles are tied with both of next week's opponents - Jacksonville and North Alabama.
Rivers finished the game with 10 points and a career-high 13 rebounds – the most in a single-game this season for the Eagles and since RaySean Scott, Jr., had 14 against Florida International on Nov. 28, 2018. Rivers also added three blocked shots in his 23 minutes of playing time.
Sophomore Caleb Catto led the Eagles overall in scoring with 13 points, while junior Jalen Warren also notched 10 points alongside six rebounds and six assists. In just his second start of the year, freshman Cyrus Largie had eight points, six rebounds, two steals, an assist and a blocked shot.
"We fully believe if you keep working and give full effort, then good things will happen," said head coach Michael Fly. "I think all the work they've put in is starting to pay off and I'm happy to see Dakota and Cyrus get rewarded for the effort they gave tonight. We've had a lot of close games this year and had some good defensive performances, but have struggled shooting at points. We moved Tracy (Hector) into more of a play-maker spot because of his passing and that allowed us to keep more shooters in the game which I think really opened up the floor."
NJIT was led by Zach Cooks who scored 18 points and was the only Highlander to reach double figures.
The Eagles took a 35-24 lead into the intermission thanks to a 20-2 run spanning the latter half of the opening stanza. FGCU shot 14-of-28 from the field while holding the Highlanders to just 9-of-29 shooting. After NJIT scored 11 straight to go up 15-10, back-to-back triples from Rivers and Largie ignited the run for FGCU. Junior Sam Gagliardi's three-pointer at the 2:21 mark put the Eagles up 30-17 capping the 20-2 run which was the largest of the season. A quick five-point burst by NJIT after that closed the gap, but Catto added another triple with 16 seconds to go giving FGCU the 11 point lead at the break.
In the second half, FGCU was able to control a double-figure lead for most of the period. NJIT used a 5-to-2 spurt in the opening three minutes to cut its deficit to eight, 37-29, but back-to-back buckets by Rivers and Hardy put the Eagles back in control with the Highlanders unable to really push back down the stretch.
After a Hardy jumper with 4:16 left in the game, FGCU held NJIT scoreless for the balance while knocking down four straight free throws to give the final margin of victory.
Overall, FGCU held a 42-to-33 advantage in rebounding sparked by Rivers' performance. That limited the extra possessions for the Highlanders who scored their second fewest amount of points for a single game this season.
The first half shooting performance for the Eagles cooled in the second half to finish the game at 20-of-55 overall and 8-of-21 from deep, but defensively, FGCU held the Highlanders to just 25.5 percent (14-of-55) for the game including 5-of-26 after the intermission.
SCF Softball Splits at Seminole Tournament
The SCF softball team (10-8) were able to pull away with a split as they fell to Pensacola State (14-2) 6-2 before defeating Daytona State (5-11) 14-6 in six innings at Boombah Soldiers Creek in Seminole, Florida. With the split, the Manatees are now 1-3 against the Pirates and 7-2 against the Falcons (2012-present).
SCF vs Pensacola State:
Head coach Mandy Schuerman sent sophomore Ashlee Zientek to the mound, while Pensacola head coach Lyndsey Angus sent freshman Tori Fletcher to counter.
The Manatees would take a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second after freshman Maddie Koczersut sent classmate Kristin Kopp home with a triple before scoring on an RBI groundout by Zientek.
After that, the Pirates buckled Zientek after Fletcher had an RBI groundout at the top of the third and freshman Ellie Hansen hit an RBI triple to tie the game at 2-2. The top of the sixth, the Pirates would take advantage of an opportunity as they scored four runs to get the win.
Zientek would be dubbed with the loss after giving up six runs (three earned) on six hits with four walks and six strikeouts in a complete game. Zientek is now 3-3 on the year. Zientek was also 1-for-3 with a single.
Fletcher would end up with her fifth win of the season after throwing a complete game, giving up two runs (one earned) on six hits while walking three and striking out one. Fletcher was also 1-for-4 with an RBI.
Freshman Lilly Salazar would be the only Manatee against Pensacola with a multi-hit game as she went 2-for-4, while Koczersut, Kopp and classmate Lauren Lightbody had a hit each.
Freshman Monique Poitevin was 2-for-4 with a run scored. She was the only Pirate with a multi-hit game. Hansen and classmate Susanna Soldi were 1-for-3 with two RBI each.
SCF vs Daytona:
Hoping to bounce back, Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound while Daytona State head coach Keli Harrell sent sophomore Ashley Greene.
Hulme was starting to struggle in the first inning after giving up four runs after an RBI doubles by sophomore Giavonna Auricchio and freshman Kelly Montilla for a 4-0 Daytona lead. This would signal the end for Hulme as Schuerman would send freshman Samantha Hampton to the mound to get out of the inning in success.
In the bottom of the first, the Manatees were able to get on the board after an RBI single by Koczersut brought in Salazar to make it 4-1 DSC before freshman Lauren Hutcherson brought in Hampton to make it 4-2 DSC.
In the bottom of the second, the Manatees shook out the cobwebs and bring the sparks that they needed beginning with a leadoff single by freshman Madi Schaefer. After classmate Emily Hughes reached base on a sacrifice attempt and Lightbody singled to load the bases, Salazar would cut the Falcons lead to one after an RBI single to bring in Schaefer made it 4-3 Daytona State. After Hampton popped out, Koczersut would tie the game and bring in Hughes with an after being hit by a pitch to make it 4-4. With the bases still loaded, sophomore Madi LoCastro would spark the Manatees offense on a 2-2 count with a single to right to send Lightbody and Salazar home to make it 6-4 SCF. Hutcherson would then reach base on a fielding error to send Koczersut home for a 7-4 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Manatees would pull together a few runs to help their lead. After Hughes reached first on a fielding and Salazar and Hampton hit back-to-back one singles, Koczersut would show her offensive dominance and send Hughes and Salazar home to make it 9-4 SCF before Hampton was called out at third.
At the top of the fourth, the Falcons were able to get another run on the board after an RBI double by freshman ALeeah Ashmeal and an RBI single by sophomore Kialey Hogue, but the Manatees would answer back more aggressively. At the bottom of the fourth, after a leadoff triple by Hutcherson, Kopp would send a infield single to right to send Hutcherson home for a 10-6 SCF lead before Koczersut in the bottom of the fifth would send her third home run of the season to center for a 11-6 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Manatees decided to seal the deal for the mercy win. After a leadoff double by Hutcherson and a one-out single by Schaefer, sophomore Madelyn Graham, who was in a recent drought, came in to pinch hit for Hughes. On a 3-1 count, the Bartow native would send a single to right and bring in Hutcherson before Hughes reentered the game as a pinch runner. Lightbody would then hit a double to center and bring in Schaefer for Salazar. With a 1-2 count in her sight, the Wauchula native would send an infield single to short and bring in Hughes for the game.
Hulme would earn a no-decision after giving up four runs (three earned) on three hits with with one walk in a third of an inning.
Hampton would be credited with the win after giving up two runs on three hits with two strikeouts in three and two-thirds innings. Hampton was also 2-for-4 with a run scored. Hampton is now 2-2 on the season.
LoCastro threw two scoreless innings of relief with three strikeouts, while going 1-for-4 with two RBI.
Greene would be dubbed with the loss after giving up nine runs (five earned) on 11 hits with one walk and two strikeouts in two and two-thirds innings.
Ashmeal gave up five runs on eight hits in two and two-thirds innings. Ashmeal was also 1-for-2 with an RBI.
Koczersut was the hero offensively for the Manatees as she went 3-for-3 with a home run and five RBI.
Salazar and Schaefer also had three hits each. Salazar (3-for-5) added two RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base, while Schaefer added two runs scored.
Lightbody (2-for-4, one RBI and one run scored), Hutcherson (2-for-4, one RBI and two runs scored) and Kopp (2-for-4, one RBI) all had two hits and an RBI each.
Hogue was the only Falcon with a multi-hit game as she finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run. Montilla was 1-for-3 with three RBI and was the only Falcon with a multi-RBI game.
Up Next:
The Manatees remain on the road as they travel to Palm Beach to take on Palm Beach State (2-16) Tuesday afternoon, February 25 at 3 and 5 pm. The Manatees played the Panthers earlier in the season (2/17) winning by scores of 4-0 and 13-0.
SCF vs Pensacola State:
Head coach Mandy Schuerman sent sophomore Ashlee Zientek to the mound, while Pensacola head coach Lyndsey Angus sent freshman Tori Fletcher to counter.
The Manatees would take a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second after freshman Maddie Koczersut sent classmate Kristin Kopp home with a triple before scoring on an RBI groundout by Zientek.
After that, the Pirates buckled Zientek after Fletcher had an RBI groundout at the top of the third and freshman Ellie Hansen hit an RBI triple to tie the game at 2-2. The top of the sixth, the Pirates would take advantage of an opportunity as they scored four runs to get the win.
Zientek would be dubbed with the loss after giving up six runs (three earned) on six hits with four walks and six strikeouts in a complete game. Zientek is now 3-3 on the year. Zientek was also 1-for-3 with a single.
Fletcher would end up with her fifth win of the season after throwing a complete game, giving up two runs (one earned) on six hits while walking three and striking out one. Fletcher was also 1-for-4 with an RBI.
Freshman Lilly Salazar would be the only Manatee against Pensacola with a multi-hit game as she went 2-for-4, while Koczersut, Kopp and classmate Lauren Lightbody had a hit each.
Freshman Monique Poitevin was 2-for-4 with a run scored. She was the only Pirate with a multi-hit game. Hansen and classmate Susanna Soldi were 1-for-3 with two RBI each.
SCF vs Daytona:
Hoping to bounce back, Schuerman sent freshman Ally Hulme to the mound while Daytona State head coach Keli Harrell sent sophomore Ashley Greene.
Hulme was starting to struggle in the first inning after giving up four runs after an RBI doubles by sophomore Giavonna Auricchio and freshman Kelly Montilla for a 4-0 Daytona lead. This would signal the end for Hulme as Schuerman would send freshman Samantha Hampton to the mound to get out of the inning in success.
In the bottom of the first, the Manatees were able to get on the board after an RBI single by Koczersut brought in Salazar to make it 4-1 DSC before freshman Lauren Hutcherson brought in Hampton to make it 4-2 DSC.
In the bottom of the second, the Manatees shook out the cobwebs and bring the sparks that they needed beginning with a leadoff single by freshman Madi Schaefer. After classmate Emily Hughes reached base on a sacrifice attempt and Lightbody singled to load the bases, Salazar would cut the Falcons lead to one after an RBI single to bring in Schaefer made it 4-3 Daytona State. After Hampton popped out, Koczersut would tie the game and bring in Hughes with an after being hit by a pitch to make it 4-4. With the bases still loaded, sophomore Madi LoCastro would spark the Manatees offense on a 2-2 count with a single to right to send Lightbody and Salazar home to make it 6-4 SCF. Hutcherson would then reach base on a fielding error to send Koczersut home for a 7-4 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the fourth, the Manatees would pull together a few runs to help their lead. After Hughes reached first on a fielding and Salazar and Hampton hit back-to-back one singles, Koczersut would show her offensive dominance and send Hughes and Salazar home to make it 9-4 SCF before Hampton was called out at third.
At the top of the fourth, the Falcons were able to get another run on the board after an RBI double by freshman ALeeah Ashmeal and an RBI single by sophomore Kialey Hogue, but the Manatees would answer back more aggressively. At the bottom of the fourth, after a leadoff triple by Hutcherson, Kopp would send a infield single to right to send Hutcherson home for a 10-6 SCF lead before Koczersut in the bottom of the fifth would send her third home run of the season to center for a 11-6 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Manatees decided to seal the deal for the mercy win. After a leadoff double by Hutcherson and a one-out single by Schaefer, sophomore Madelyn Graham, who was in a recent drought, came in to pinch hit for Hughes. On a 3-1 count, the Bartow native would send a single to right and bring in Hutcherson before Hughes reentered the game as a pinch runner. Lightbody would then hit a double to center and bring in Schaefer for Salazar. With a 1-2 count in her sight, the Wauchula native would send an infield single to short and bring in Hughes for the game.
Hulme would earn a no-decision after giving up four runs (three earned) on three hits with with one walk in a third of an inning.
Hampton would be credited with the win after giving up two runs on three hits with two strikeouts in three and two-thirds innings. Hampton was also 2-for-4 with a run scored. Hampton is now 2-2 on the season.
LoCastro threw two scoreless innings of relief with three strikeouts, while going 1-for-4 with two RBI.
Greene would be dubbed with the loss after giving up nine runs (five earned) on 11 hits with one walk and two strikeouts in two and two-thirds innings.
Ashmeal gave up five runs on eight hits in two and two-thirds innings. Ashmeal was also 1-for-2 with an RBI.
Koczersut was the hero offensively for the Manatees as she went 3-for-3 with a home run and five RBI.
Salazar and Schaefer also had three hits each. Salazar (3-for-5) added two RBI, three runs scored and a stolen base, while Schaefer added two runs scored.
Lightbody (2-for-4, one RBI and one run scored), Hutcherson (2-for-4, one RBI and two runs scored) and Kopp (2-for-4, one RBI) all had two hits and an RBI each.
Hogue was the only Falcon with a multi-hit game as she finished 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run. Montilla was 1-for-3 with three RBI and was the only Falcon with a multi-RBI game.
Up Next:
The Manatees remain on the road as they travel to Palm Beach to take on Palm Beach State (2-16) Tuesday afternoon, February 25 at 3 and 5 pm. The Manatees played the Panthers earlier in the season (2/17) winning by scores of 4-0 and 13-0.
SCF Baseball Claims Doubleheader In Classic
After falling 3-2 to St. Johns River in close fashion, the SCF baseball team (9-9) moved back to even on neutral grounds as they defeated NJCAA Region Region 10 Florence–Darlington Tech (7-4) 8-4 and NJCAA Region 17 East Georgia (3-6) 8-1 at the John Tindall Classic in Palatka. Both games ended in seven innings. With the win over East Georgia, the Manatees are now 2-1 against the Bobcats.
SCF vs FDT:
For game one, head coach Tim Hill II sent sophomore Jake Smith to the mound, while FDT head coach Preston McDonald sent freshman Connor Campbell to counter.
The Manatees would get on the board after an RBI groundout by sophomore Jamarcus Lyons sent home freshman Cameron Lee for a 1-0 lead at the top of the first. The Manatees would then extend their lead at the top of the second beginning with a leadoff walk drawn by sophomore John Malcom and a single by freshman Owen Ayers before freshman Jacob Steinberg sent Malcom home with a single to short. After sophomore Remi Patry laid down a sacrifice bunt, Lee would groundout to send Ayers home for a 3-0 SCF lead.
The Stingers would then get on the board in the bottom of the second after an RBI double by freshman Charlie Corum. Two innings later, the Manatees would extend their lead again at the top of the fifth beginning with Lee getting hit by a pitch and steal second before advancing to third on a fly out by sophomore Rook Ellington. Lyons would then send a double to center and bring Lee home for a 4-1 SCF lead.
This would signal the end for Campbell as McDonald decided to send freshman Josh Patterson to the mound. After a single by sophomore Aaron McKeithan, Lyons would then score on a wild pitch before classmate AJ Fritz hit a single to left before McKeithan scored on a failed pickoff attempt for a 6-1 SCF lead.
At the top of the sixth, the Manatees would two more runs to their lead. After Steinberg began with a leadoff single, Lee would reach base on a drop third strike before Steinberg scored on a wild pitch. After a Ellington walk, McKeithan would hit a fly ball and reach on a fielding error to send Lee home for a 8-1 lead.
The Stingers would add three more runs after freshman Josearmando Diaz brought in a run on a fielder's choice in the bottom of the sixth and an RBI double by freshman DJ Sullivan and an RBI single by sophomore Cameron Dean, but it was all they could muster as the Manatees pulled away with the win.
Smith was the winning pitcher after throwing a complete game, giving up all four runs (two earned) on eight hits with 10 strikeouts. Smith is now 3-1 on the year.
Campbell would end up with the loss after giving up five runs on six hits with two walks and two strikeouts in four and a third innings.
Steinberg would be main offensive leader for the Manatees as he finished 4-for-4 with an RBI, while Lyons finished 1-for-4 with two RBI. Steinberg was the only Manatee with a multi-hit game, while Lyons was the only one with a multi-RBI game.
Lee finished 1-for-3 with an RBI, three runs scored and two stolen bases.
Dean was the only player for the Stingers with a multi-hit game as he went 2-for-4 with an RBI.
SCF vs East Georgia:
Hill II would send sophomore Justin Wrobleski to the mound, while East Georgia head coach Eric McCombie sent freshman Noah Coleman to counter.
The Bobcats would get on the board first at the top of the first after an RBI single by sophomore Conner Strickland. After being held scoreless in the bottom half of the first, the Manatees would answer back. After a two-out walk by Steinberg and single by Patry, the Manatees would tie the game at 1-1 after Steinberg scored on wild pitch. After Lee was hit by a pitch, Ellington would send a bunt single to bring in Patry for a 2-1 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the third, the Manatees would add another run after an RBI by Ayers sent McKeithan home for a 3-1 lead. The Manatees would then extend the lead in the bottom of the fourth beginning with back-to-back walks by Lee and Ellington and a single by Lyons to load the bases. McKeithan would into a double play leaving Ellington and Lyons in scoring position. After Fritz drew a walk to load the bases again, Malcom would send a single to left to bring in Ellington home. On a 2-0 count, Ayers would send Lyons and Malcom home with a two-RBI single for a 6-1 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Manatees would add the final two runs of the game beginning with a leadoff single by Lyons and a double by McKeithan. Fritz would then load the bases after a catcher interference for Malcom. On the first pitch, the Vanderbilt transfer would send a single to left and bring in Lyons and McKeithan for a 8-1 lead, which would end up being the decider for the Manatees.
Wrobleski would get the win after giving up one run on three hits with two walks and seven strikeouts in five innings. Wrobleski is now 1-1 on the year.
Sophomore Tony Rossi threw two scoreless innings, giving up two hits and striking out three batters.
Coleman would end up with the loss after giving up six runs on eight hits with six walks and one strikeout in three and two-thirds innings. Coleman is now 0-2 on the season.
Freshman Dawson Sorrells gave up two runs on three hits in two and a third innings.
McKeithan went 4-for-4 with two runs scored. Malcom and Ayers were both 2-for-4 with three RBI, while Lyons was 2-for-3 with two runs scored.
Strickland was the only Bobcat with a multi-hit game as he went 2-for-3 with the lone RBI.
Fun Facts (2012-present):
The Manatees are 13-4 against college teams that are not from Florida.
Up Next:
The Manatees will return home for the next three games as they welcome Pasco-Hernando State (8-8) on Monday, February 24 at 5 pm and February 29 at 1 pm and the University of Tampa JV team (2-3) Friday night, February 28 at 6 pm.
SCF vs FDT:
For game one, head coach Tim Hill II sent sophomore Jake Smith to the mound, while FDT head coach Preston McDonald sent freshman Connor Campbell to counter.
The Manatees would get on the board after an RBI groundout by sophomore Jamarcus Lyons sent home freshman Cameron Lee for a 1-0 lead at the top of the first. The Manatees would then extend their lead at the top of the second beginning with a leadoff walk drawn by sophomore John Malcom and a single by freshman Owen Ayers before freshman Jacob Steinberg sent Malcom home with a single to short. After sophomore Remi Patry laid down a sacrifice bunt, Lee would groundout to send Ayers home for a 3-0 SCF lead.
The Stingers would then get on the board in the bottom of the second after an RBI double by freshman Charlie Corum. Two innings later, the Manatees would extend their lead again at the top of the fifth beginning with Lee getting hit by a pitch and steal second before advancing to third on a fly out by sophomore Rook Ellington. Lyons would then send a double to center and bring Lee home for a 4-1 SCF lead.
This would signal the end for Campbell as McDonald decided to send freshman Josh Patterson to the mound. After a single by sophomore Aaron McKeithan, Lyons would then score on a wild pitch before classmate AJ Fritz hit a single to left before McKeithan scored on a failed pickoff attempt for a 6-1 SCF lead.
At the top of the sixth, the Manatees would two more runs to their lead. After Steinberg began with a leadoff single, Lee would reach base on a drop third strike before Steinberg scored on a wild pitch. After a Ellington walk, McKeithan would hit a fly ball and reach on a fielding error to send Lee home for a 8-1 lead.
The Stingers would add three more runs after freshman Josearmando Diaz brought in a run on a fielder's choice in the bottom of the sixth and an RBI double by freshman DJ Sullivan and an RBI single by sophomore Cameron Dean, but it was all they could muster as the Manatees pulled away with the win.
Smith was the winning pitcher after throwing a complete game, giving up all four runs (two earned) on eight hits with 10 strikeouts. Smith is now 3-1 on the year.
Campbell would end up with the loss after giving up five runs on six hits with two walks and two strikeouts in four and a third innings.
Steinberg would be main offensive leader for the Manatees as he finished 4-for-4 with an RBI, while Lyons finished 1-for-4 with two RBI. Steinberg was the only Manatee with a multi-hit game, while Lyons was the only one with a multi-RBI game.
Lee finished 1-for-3 with an RBI, three runs scored and two stolen bases.
Dean was the only player for the Stingers with a multi-hit game as he went 2-for-4 with an RBI.
SCF vs East Georgia:
Hill II would send sophomore Justin Wrobleski to the mound, while East Georgia head coach Eric McCombie sent freshman Noah Coleman to counter.
The Bobcats would get on the board first at the top of the first after an RBI single by sophomore Conner Strickland. After being held scoreless in the bottom half of the first, the Manatees would answer back. After a two-out walk by Steinberg and single by Patry, the Manatees would tie the game at 1-1 after Steinberg scored on wild pitch. After Lee was hit by a pitch, Ellington would send a bunt single to bring in Patry for a 2-1 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the third, the Manatees would add another run after an RBI by Ayers sent McKeithan home for a 3-1 lead. The Manatees would then extend the lead in the bottom of the fourth beginning with back-to-back walks by Lee and Ellington and a single by Lyons to load the bases. McKeithan would into a double play leaving Ellington and Lyons in scoring position. After Fritz drew a walk to load the bases again, Malcom would send a single to left to bring in Ellington home. On a 2-0 count, Ayers would send Lyons and Malcom home with a two-RBI single for a 6-1 SCF lead.
In the bottom of the sixth, the Manatees would add the final two runs of the game beginning with a leadoff single by Lyons and a double by McKeithan. Fritz would then load the bases after a catcher interference for Malcom. On the first pitch, the Vanderbilt transfer would send a single to left and bring in Lyons and McKeithan for a 8-1 lead, which would end up being the decider for the Manatees.
Wrobleski would get the win after giving up one run on three hits with two walks and seven strikeouts in five innings. Wrobleski is now 1-1 on the year.
Sophomore Tony Rossi threw two scoreless innings, giving up two hits and striking out three batters.
Coleman would end up with the loss after giving up six runs on eight hits with six walks and one strikeout in three and two-thirds innings. Coleman is now 0-2 on the season.
Freshman Dawson Sorrells gave up two runs on three hits in two and a third innings.
McKeithan went 4-for-4 with two runs scored. Malcom and Ayers were both 2-for-4 with three RBI, while Lyons was 2-for-3 with two runs scored.
Strickland was the only Bobcat with a multi-hit game as he went 2-for-3 with the lone RBI.
Fun Facts (2012-present):
The Manatees are 13-4 against college teams that are not from Florida.
Up Next:
The Manatees will return home for the next three games as they welcome Pasco-Hernando State (8-8) on Monday, February 24 at 5 pm and February 29 at 1 pm and the University of Tampa JV team (2-3) Friday night, February 28 at 6 pm.
SCF BVB Goes 3-0 In Tri-Match
Despite very windy and chilly conditions, the SCF beach volleyball team (3-0) put together a strong performance in their tri-match at Hickory Point Beach in Tavares as they defeated Bryant and Stratton (0-2) 3-2 before defeating Lake Sumter State (1-5) 4-1.
SCF vs B&S:
The matches started with pairs four and five. The freshmen duo of Gracee Carpino and Britzy Lucas fell in their match in two sets (14-21, 14-21) before the duo of sophomore Emily Sauceda and freshman Noelie Claude won their match in two straight sets (21-14, 21-19).
Heading into the last three matches, sophomore Lakeesha Esseboom and freshman Brooke Henry fell in three sets (21-15, 21-23, 18-20) before the freshmen duo of Lisa Jaunet and Baily Sikkema won in straight sets (21-16, 21-18). The duo of sophomore Sydney Jaco and freshman Leilani Wilcox-Nanai would seal the deal winning in straight sets (21-8, 21-18).
SCF vs LSSC:
The Manatees would gain the early lead as Carpino and Lucas would earn the win by forfeit putting them at 1-2. Sauceda and Claude would then win their match in straight sets (21-12, 25-23), putting them at 2-0 on the season, before Esseboom and Henry sealed the deal winning in three sets (21-18, 19-21, 15-3) to go 3-0 on the year.
The Manatees decided to continue with the final two matches as Jaunet and Sikkema won 21-19, 21-16 before Jaco and Wilcox-Nanai fell in a 12-21 pair decision. Jaunet and Sikkema are now 3-0 on the season, while Jaco and Wilcox-Nanai are 2-1.
Notes:
Claude replaced sophomore Barbora Tichackova, who was getting rest for the indoor teams match next week.
Up Next:
The Manatees will have another doubleheader as they head to St. Pete to take on Eckerd College (@ 1 pm) and St. Pete College (@ 3 pm) at the North Shore Courts at Eckerd, Tuesday March 17. The match against Eckerd will be ruled as an exhibition match.
*Side note: This was my first recap on the SCF beach volleyball team.
SCF vs B&S:
The matches started with pairs four and five. The freshmen duo of Gracee Carpino and Britzy Lucas fell in their match in two sets (14-21, 14-21) before the duo of sophomore Emily Sauceda and freshman Noelie Claude won their match in two straight sets (21-14, 21-19).
Heading into the last three matches, sophomore Lakeesha Esseboom and freshman Brooke Henry fell in three sets (21-15, 21-23, 18-20) before the freshmen duo of Lisa Jaunet and Baily Sikkema won in straight sets (21-16, 21-18). The duo of sophomore Sydney Jaco and freshman Leilani Wilcox-Nanai would seal the deal winning in straight sets (21-8, 21-18).
SCF vs LSSC:
The Manatees would gain the early lead as Carpino and Lucas would earn the win by forfeit putting them at 1-2. Sauceda and Claude would then win their match in straight sets (21-12, 25-23), putting them at 2-0 on the season, before Esseboom and Henry sealed the deal winning in three sets (21-18, 19-21, 15-3) to go 3-0 on the year.
The Manatees decided to continue with the final two matches as Jaunet and Sikkema won 21-19, 21-16 before Jaco and Wilcox-Nanai fell in a 12-21 pair decision. Jaunet and Sikkema are now 3-0 on the season, while Jaco and Wilcox-Nanai are 2-1.
Notes:
Claude replaced sophomore Barbora Tichackova, who was getting rest for the indoor teams match next week.
Up Next:
The Manatees will have another doubleheader as they head to St. Pete to take on Eckerd College (@ 1 pm) and St. Pete College (@ 3 pm) at the North Shore Courts at Eckerd, Tuesday March 17. The match against Eckerd will be ruled as an exhibition match.
*Side note: This was my first recap on the SCF beach volleyball team.
FGCU WBB @ NJIT Recap
The duo of redshirt senior Keri Jewett-Giles and redshirt junior Kerstie Phills led a balanced offensive attack as the No. 22 FGCU women's basketball team (27-2, 14-0) defeated NJIT 68-39 on the road in the Wellness and Events Center on Saturday for the program's 200th all-time regular season conference win.
"We had a lot of people contribute, which was nice," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "We got off to a good start and opened up a nice lead in the first quarter, which is how we want to come out and start the game. I thought a real bright spot today was Kerstie Phills, who got a number of steals and rebounded the ball. She was excellent."
Jewett-Giles led all players in scoring with 16 points while adding four rebounds, two assists and two steals. She tied redshirt junior Anja Marinkovic for the game-high in made 3-point field goals (4), as well. Marinkovic went 4-for-6 from long distance for 12 points to finish second on the team in scoring amidst a season-high 18 minutes off the bench. Phills chipped in 10 points, seven rebounds and a career-high six steals.
The victory represented FGCU's 200th all-time ASUN regular season victory in just its 216th game. They have won 16 straight overall as well as 42 in a row against conference competition, and they are 14-0 all-time against NJIT.
FGCU finished 18-for-51 from 3-point range, which was just one short of their season-high for makes as the Eagles produced 10 players with at least one make from long distance.
Senior Tytionia Adderly, who battled foul trouble against the Highlanders, had five rebounds to move into a tie for third place in ASUN history for career rebounds. The senior forward also passed Sarah Hansen (508, 2010-14) for the program's most career rebounds in A-SUN play.
For the second time this season, the fifth time against NJIT and the 21st time in program history, the Green and Blue held a conference opponent under 40 points.
With her 16-point performance, Jewett-Giles not only eclipsed 1,400 career points, but she moved within six points of becoming just the fourth player in the program's Division I era to produce a 500-point single-season, joining Kaneisha Atwater (569, 2015-16), Sarah Hansen (555, 2012-13) and Whitney Knight (504, 2014-15). She is also on pace to break the program's single-season scoring average record, and she eclipsed 900 points in her FGCU career alone, where she now sits at 903.
The Eagles have now made 350 3-pointers this season, which not only leads the nation, but allows them to become the 17th team in NCAA Division I history to reach that benchmark, which includes the fourth such instance from FGCU alone.
Up Next:
The Eagles, who have already clinched this year's regular season title and the top seed in the upcoming conference tournament, will conclude the regular season at home with games against North Alabama on Saturday and Jacksonville on Monday.
"We had a lot of people contribute, which was nice," FGCU head coach Karl Smesko said. "We got off to a good start and opened up a nice lead in the first quarter, which is how we want to come out and start the game. I thought a real bright spot today was Kerstie Phills, who got a number of steals and rebounded the ball. She was excellent."
Jewett-Giles led all players in scoring with 16 points while adding four rebounds, two assists and two steals. She tied redshirt junior Anja Marinkovic for the game-high in made 3-point field goals (4), as well. Marinkovic went 4-for-6 from long distance for 12 points to finish second on the team in scoring amidst a season-high 18 minutes off the bench. Phills chipped in 10 points, seven rebounds and a career-high six steals.
The victory represented FGCU's 200th all-time ASUN regular season victory in just its 216th game. They have won 16 straight overall as well as 42 in a row against conference competition, and they are 14-0 all-time against NJIT.
FGCU finished 18-for-51 from 3-point range, which was just one short of their season-high for makes as the Eagles produced 10 players with at least one make from long distance.
Senior Tytionia Adderly, who battled foul trouble against the Highlanders, had five rebounds to move into a tie for third place in ASUN history for career rebounds. The senior forward also passed Sarah Hansen (508, 2010-14) for the program's most career rebounds in A-SUN play.
For the second time this season, the fifth time against NJIT and the 21st time in program history, the Green and Blue held a conference opponent under 40 points.
With her 16-point performance, Jewett-Giles not only eclipsed 1,400 career points, but she moved within six points of becoming just the fourth player in the program's Division I era to produce a 500-point single-season, joining Kaneisha Atwater (569, 2015-16), Sarah Hansen (555, 2012-13) and Whitney Knight (504, 2014-15). She is also on pace to break the program's single-season scoring average record, and she eclipsed 900 points in her FGCU career alone, where she now sits at 903.
The Eagles have now made 350 3-pointers this season, which not only leads the nation, but allows them to become the 17th team in NCAA Division I history to reach that benchmark, which includes the fourth such instance from FGCU alone.
Up Next:
The Eagles, who have already clinched this year's regular season title and the top seed in the upcoming conference tournament, will conclude the regular season at home with games against North Alabama on Saturday and Jacksonville on Monday.
FGCU WTEN @ Georgia Southern Recap
The FGCU women's tennis team (3-4) handed Georgia Southern (4-2) its second loss of the year coming away with a 4-3 decision Friday afternoon.
The ladies faced a lot of adversity today and it was a good step forward," said head coach Courtney Vernon. "They are growing every match and learning how to battle through different exciting challenges."
Due to weather conditions, both teams went ahead and started singles action first. Down 2-0, Ida Ferding captured the first victory on court No. 5 in straight sets (6-3, 6-4). Soon after, FGCU reeled off two-straight wins to jump ahead 3-2. Sofia Perez captured a 6-4, 6-4 win on court No. 3, while Lourdes Ramalle came out on top on court No. 6, 6-0, 7-5.
GS would capture the final singles win on court No. 2 to send it to doubles for the deciding point. On court No. 3, the tandem of Ramalle and Alba Retortillo finished first, cruising to a 6-0 triumph. Moments later, Julia Fisch and Sara Kelly officially won it for the Green and Blue on court No.2 with a 6-1 win.
Singles competition
1. Boixader, Paula (GS) def. Maja Ornberg (FGCU) 7-6, 6-2
2. Meier, Nadja (GS) def. Sara Kelly (FGCU) 1-6, 7-5, 6-4
3. Sofia Perez (FGCU) def. de Winter, Arianne (GS) 6-4, 6-4
4. van Diemen,Charlotte (GS) def. Alba Retortillo (FGCU) 6-2, 6-3
5. Ida Ferding (FGCU) def. Hijos, Paula (GS) 6-3, 6-4
6. Lourdes Ramalle (FGCU) def. Goines, Elizabeth (GS) 6-0, 7-5
Doubles competition
1. Boixader, Paula/de Winter, Arianne (GS) vs. Maja Ornberg/Sofia Perez (FGCU) 3-4, unfinished
2. Julia Fisch/Sara Kelly (FGCU) def. Daniel, Hannah/Meier, Nadja (GS) 6-1
3. Lourdes Ramalle/Alba Retortillo (FGCU) def. Hijos, Paula/van Diemen,Charlotte (GS) 6-0
Order of finish: Doubles (3,2); Singles (4,1,5,3,6,2)
Up Next:
FGCU will take on Mercer Saturday morning at 11 a.m.
The ladies faced a lot of adversity today and it was a good step forward," said head coach Courtney Vernon. "They are growing every match and learning how to battle through different exciting challenges."
Due to weather conditions, both teams went ahead and started singles action first. Down 2-0, Ida Ferding captured the first victory on court No. 5 in straight sets (6-3, 6-4). Soon after, FGCU reeled off two-straight wins to jump ahead 3-2. Sofia Perez captured a 6-4, 6-4 win on court No. 3, while Lourdes Ramalle came out on top on court No. 6, 6-0, 7-5.
GS would capture the final singles win on court No. 2 to send it to doubles for the deciding point. On court No. 3, the tandem of Ramalle and Alba Retortillo finished first, cruising to a 6-0 triumph. Moments later, Julia Fisch and Sara Kelly officially won it for the Green and Blue on court No.2 with a 6-1 win.
Singles competition
1. Boixader, Paula (GS) def. Maja Ornberg (FGCU) 7-6, 6-2
2. Meier, Nadja (GS) def. Sara Kelly (FGCU) 1-6, 7-5, 6-4
3. Sofia Perez (FGCU) def. de Winter, Arianne (GS) 6-4, 6-4
4. van Diemen,Charlotte (GS) def. Alba Retortillo (FGCU) 6-2, 6-3
5. Ida Ferding (FGCU) def. Hijos, Paula (GS) 6-3, 6-4
6. Lourdes Ramalle (FGCU) def. Goines, Elizabeth (GS) 6-0, 7-5
Doubles competition
1. Boixader, Paula/de Winter, Arianne (GS) vs. Maja Ornberg/Sofia Perez (FGCU) 3-4, unfinished
2. Julia Fisch/Sara Kelly (FGCU) def. Daniel, Hannah/Meier, Nadja (GS) 6-1
3. Lourdes Ramalle/Alba Retortillo (FGCU) def. Hijos, Paula/van Diemen,Charlotte (GS) 6-0
Order of finish: Doubles (3,2); Singles (4,1,5,3,6,2)
Up Next:
FGCU will take on Mercer Saturday morning at 11 a.m.
FGCU Softball: FGCU Spring Break Invite Day One Recap
The FGCU softball team (9-3) opened the Spring Break Invite with a 3-1 win over Fordham (1-11) Friday night at the FGCU Softball Complex.
"Tonight was a great win over a very quality opponent – don't let their record fool you," said head coach David Deiros. We were able to battle back and get enough run support for our pitching staff who did a fantastic job tonight keeping them at bay. I'm very proud of our kids tonight and their effort."
The visitors scratched a run across the board in the first inning off an error to take the early 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the third, catcher Ahnie Jumper led the bottom half off with a double to dead center. Johneisha Rowe moved her over on a sac bunt as McKenna Batterton brought Jumper home hitting a ground ball to first.
FGCU took over the 2-1 lead thanks to a sac fly to left from Nicole Hayslip in the bottom of the fourth. Sammi Poehlman started the inning off with a walk, stole second and was moved to third on a sac bunt from Reedy Davenport. Hayslip then skied one to center to score Poehlman.
Starting pitcher Marissa Mesiemore exited after four frames scattering just three hits, fanned three batters while giving up one unearned run.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Green and Blue added some insurance scoring one run on three hits. With the bases loaded, Mikenzie Vaughn brought home pinch-runner Hannah Shemansky – running for Jumper who singled to lead off the inning.
Sarah Lawton faced 10 batters, striking out seven of them as she earned her first save of the year. Mesiemore moved to 5-2 overall in the circle.
At the dish, Vaughn finished 3-for-3 with one RBI as Jumper went 2-for-3 with a run scored.
Up Next:
FGCU faces UMass Lowell Saturday evening at 6 p.m. followed by Michigan State at 8 p.m.
"Tonight was a great win over a very quality opponent – don't let their record fool you," said head coach David Deiros. We were able to battle back and get enough run support for our pitching staff who did a fantastic job tonight keeping them at bay. I'm very proud of our kids tonight and their effort."
The visitors scratched a run across the board in the first inning off an error to take the early 1-0 lead. In the bottom of the third, catcher Ahnie Jumper led the bottom half off with a double to dead center. Johneisha Rowe moved her over on a sac bunt as McKenna Batterton brought Jumper home hitting a ground ball to first.
FGCU took over the 2-1 lead thanks to a sac fly to left from Nicole Hayslip in the bottom of the fourth. Sammi Poehlman started the inning off with a walk, stole second and was moved to third on a sac bunt from Reedy Davenport. Hayslip then skied one to center to score Poehlman.
Starting pitcher Marissa Mesiemore exited after four frames scattering just three hits, fanned three batters while giving up one unearned run.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Green and Blue added some insurance scoring one run on three hits. With the bases loaded, Mikenzie Vaughn brought home pinch-runner Hannah Shemansky – running for Jumper who singled to lead off the inning.
Sarah Lawton faced 10 batters, striking out seven of them as she earned her first save of the year. Mesiemore moved to 5-2 overall in the circle.
At the dish, Vaughn finished 3-for-3 with one RBI as Jumper went 2-for-3 with a run scored.
Up Next:
FGCU faces UMass Lowell Saturday evening at 6 p.m. followed by Michigan State at 8 p.m.
FGCU S&D: CCSA Championship Day Three Recap
Day three of the 2020 CCSA Championship proved to be one of the strongest for FGCU swimming & diving (8-8-1, 4-1 CCSA), as 21 Eagles qualified for scoring finals. The team finished the day still in second place with 889 points, behind first-place Liberty (1,023) and ahead of third-place UIW (664.5).
Due to a scoring issue, full results were not released upon completion of Friday's events at the Jones Aquatic Center. Further information, including FGCU's times and scoring finishes, will be released upon completion of the CCSA's review.
Both junior Petra Halmai and freshman Julia Rodriguez earned top finishes during the day's competition, as Halmai took home the 100 Breast and Rodriguez claimed the 100 Fly.
"What a fantastic day for our team," head coach Dave Rollins said. "Petra (Halmai) setting a CCSA and school record in the 100 Breast and Julia (Rodriguez) winning her first-ever CCSA title in the 100 Fly were both huge swims. Seven out of our 21 scoring opportunities today were done by athletes whom were on the scoring team a year ago. This is a young team that is coming into its own and it's been awesome to see. The energy can be felt all over the pool deck. It's contagious and I can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring."
Senior Elizabeth Zeiger also medaled during today's events, as she touched the wall second in the 400 IM with a season-best time of 4:20.21.
Additionally, the Eagles were represented on the podium by the 400-yard medley relay entry comprised of freshman Claire McAtee, Halmai, Rodriguez and sophomore Wiktoria Czarnecka. The quartet placed second, finshing behind Liberty.
The final day of the CCSA Championship will commence on Saturday, Feb. 22. Finals during the fourth day of competition will include the mile, the 200 Back, the 100 Free, the 200 Breast and the 200 Fly. The meet will close out with the 400 Free Relay. Like the first three days, prelims will begin at 10 a.m. and the final sessions is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start.
Standings, Day Three
1. Liberty – 1,023
2. FGCU – 889
3. Incarnate Word – 664.5
4. UNC Asheville – 517
5. Gardner-Webb – 483
6. North Florida – 452
7. Campbell – 413.5
8. Georgia Southern – 328
9. Howard – 223
Due to a scoring issue, full results were not released upon completion of Friday's events at the Jones Aquatic Center. Further information, including FGCU's times and scoring finishes, will be released upon completion of the CCSA's review.
Both junior Petra Halmai and freshman Julia Rodriguez earned top finishes during the day's competition, as Halmai took home the 100 Breast and Rodriguez claimed the 100 Fly.
"What a fantastic day for our team," head coach Dave Rollins said. "Petra (Halmai) setting a CCSA and school record in the 100 Breast and Julia (Rodriguez) winning her first-ever CCSA title in the 100 Fly were both huge swims. Seven out of our 21 scoring opportunities today were done by athletes whom were on the scoring team a year ago. This is a young team that is coming into its own and it's been awesome to see. The energy can be felt all over the pool deck. It's contagious and I can't wait to see what tomorrow will bring."
Senior Elizabeth Zeiger also medaled during today's events, as she touched the wall second in the 400 IM with a season-best time of 4:20.21.
Additionally, the Eagles were represented on the podium by the 400-yard medley relay entry comprised of freshman Claire McAtee, Halmai, Rodriguez and sophomore Wiktoria Czarnecka. The quartet placed second, finshing behind Liberty.
The final day of the CCSA Championship will commence on Saturday, Feb. 22. Finals during the fourth day of competition will include the mile, the 200 Back, the 100 Free, the 200 Breast and the 200 Fly. The meet will close out with the 400 Free Relay. Like the first three days, prelims will begin at 10 a.m. and the final sessions is scheduled for a 6 p.m. start.
Standings, Day Three
1. Liberty – 1,023
2. FGCU – 889
3. Incarnate Word – 664.5
4. UNC Asheville – 517
5. Gardner-Webb – 483
6. North Florida – 452
7. Campbell – 413.5
8. Georgia Southern – 328
9. Howard – 223
FGCU S&D: CCSA Championship Day Two Recap
After wrapping up day two of the 2020 CCSA Championship, the FGCU swimming & diving team (8-8-1, 4-1 CCSA) checks in at second place with 438 points. FGCU ranks between first-place Liberty (581 points) and third-place UIW (394 points).
Thursday's competition was highlighted by sophomore Wiktoria Czarnecka , whose NCAA B Cut time and personal best of 22.40 in the 50-yard freestyle won her a gold medal. In addition to becoming the eighth-straight Eagle to win the event, she is FGCU's second CCSA champion at this year's meet, as freshman Reese Wakefield took home yesterday's 3m dive title.
"In the team standings, this day is our weakest," head coach Dave Rollins said. "We will only get stronger as the meet continues. To see our freshmen step up today was amazing. Half our swims today were from our freshman class, swimming best times and scoring big points for the team was awesome. Congratulations to Liz (Zeiger) on placing third in the IM, setting a new best time and moving into ninth in school history. Tori (Czarnecka). Wow. Absolutely amazing. She continues an incredible 50 Free tradition for FGCU, not only taking the win but swimming the third-fastest time in school history. The energy can be felt all over the pool deck. This team is in a great spot heading into tomorrow and we will look to carry the momentum forward."
Day two's final sessions began with the 200 Free relay, which saw the team of freshman Hailey Jerew, Czarnecka, sophomore Meghan Schienvar and freshman Lucija Sulenta pick up a second-place finish. Their time of 1:32.96 was 0.71 seconds faster than the team's seed time, which was bolstered by Jerew's leadoff swim of 23.47, her new personal best.
The 500-yard freestyle was next on the docket following the opening relay. The freshman duo of Hannah VanDress and Michaela Sizemore each qualified for the B final, where they placed 11th and 13th, respectively. Classmate Kaja Reinhardt rounded out the Green and Blue scoring in the long-distance event by winning the C Final, good for 17th place overall.
Senior Elizabeth Zeiger represented FGCU as the team's first individual in an A Final during the second day of competition, as she qualified in the 200 IM. She laid down a personal record (2:01.77) en route to claiming a third place finish in the event. Freshman Anna Hogan also added points, finishing 12th overall.
The final event of the day was the 50 Free, where Czarnecka's performance earned her the top spot on the podium. The Eagles combined for 71 points in that event alone, as a total of four individuals earned spots in scoring finals. Both Jerew and Schienvar earned spots in the B Final, while Sulenta represented the Green and Blue in the C Final.
The CCSA Championship will continue on Friday, Feb. 21 with the 10 a.m. prelim session. Finals, which are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., will feature the 100 Fly, the 400 IM, the 200 Free, the 100 Breast, the 100 Back, 1 meter dive and the 400 medley relay.
Standings, Day Two
1. Liberty – 581
2. FGCU – 438
3. UIW – 394
4. Gardner-Webb – 280
5. UNC Asheville – 256.5
6. Campbell – 244.5
7. UNF – 218
8. Georgia Southern – 214
9. Howard - 1143
200 Medley Relay
FGCU – 1:32.96
500 Free
11th place – Hannah VanDress – 5:01.09
13th place – Michaela Sizemore – 5:01.34
17th place – Kaja Reinhardt – 5:00.88
200 IM
3rd place – Elizabeth Zeiger – 2:01.77
12th place – Anna Hogan – 2:06.21
50 Free
1st place – Wiktoria Czarnecka – 22.40 (B)
9th place – Hailey Jerew – 23.48
14th place – Meghan Schienvar – 23.84
19th place – Lucija Sulenta – 23.91
Thursday's competition was highlighted by sophomore Wiktoria Czarnecka , whose NCAA B Cut time and personal best of 22.40 in the 50-yard freestyle won her a gold medal. In addition to becoming the eighth-straight Eagle to win the event, she is FGCU's second CCSA champion at this year's meet, as freshman Reese Wakefield took home yesterday's 3m dive title.
"In the team standings, this day is our weakest," head coach Dave Rollins said. "We will only get stronger as the meet continues. To see our freshmen step up today was amazing. Half our swims today were from our freshman class, swimming best times and scoring big points for the team was awesome. Congratulations to Liz (Zeiger) on placing third in the IM, setting a new best time and moving into ninth in school history. Tori (Czarnecka). Wow. Absolutely amazing. She continues an incredible 50 Free tradition for FGCU, not only taking the win but swimming the third-fastest time in school history. The energy can be felt all over the pool deck. This team is in a great spot heading into tomorrow and we will look to carry the momentum forward."
Day two's final sessions began with the 200 Free relay, which saw the team of freshman Hailey Jerew, Czarnecka, sophomore Meghan Schienvar and freshman Lucija Sulenta pick up a second-place finish. Their time of 1:32.96 was 0.71 seconds faster than the team's seed time, which was bolstered by Jerew's leadoff swim of 23.47, her new personal best.
The 500-yard freestyle was next on the docket following the opening relay. The freshman duo of Hannah VanDress and Michaela Sizemore each qualified for the B final, where they placed 11th and 13th, respectively. Classmate Kaja Reinhardt rounded out the Green and Blue scoring in the long-distance event by winning the C Final, good for 17th place overall.
Senior Elizabeth Zeiger represented FGCU as the team's first individual in an A Final during the second day of competition, as she qualified in the 200 IM. She laid down a personal record (2:01.77) en route to claiming a third place finish in the event. Freshman Anna Hogan also added points, finishing 12th overall.
The final event of the day was the 50 Free, where Czarnecka's performance earned her the top spot on the podium. The Eagles combined for 71 points in that event alone, as a total of four individuals earned spots in scoring finals. Both Jerew and Schienvar earned spots in the B Final, while Sulenta represented the Green and Blue in the C Final.
The CCSA Championship will continue on Friday, Feb. 21 with the 10 a.m. prelim session. Finals, which are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m., will feature the 100 Fly, the 400 IM, the 200 Free, the 100 Breast, the 100 Back, 1 meter dive and the 400 medley relay.
Standings, Day Two
1. Liberty – 581
2. FGCU – 438
3. UIW – 394
4. Gardner-Webb – 280
5. UNC Asheville – 256.5
6. Campbell – 244.5
7. UNF – 218
8. Georgia Southern – 214
9. Howard - 1143
200 Medley Relay
FGCU – 1:32.96
500 Free
11th place – Hannah VanDress – 5:01.09
13th place – Michaela Sizemore – 5:01.34
17th place – Kaja Reinhardt – 5:00.88
200 IM
3rd place – Elizabeth Zeiger – 2:01.77
12th place – Anna Hogan – 2:06.21
50 Free
1st place – Wiktoria Czarnecka – 22.40 (B)
9th place – Hailey Jerew – 23.48
14th place – Meghan Schienvar – 23.84
19th place – Lucija Sulenta – 23.91
SCF BVB Sets for First Road Tri-Match
After a successful start to their official inaugural season, the SCF beach volleyball team (1-0) will now set for their first taste of the season on the road as they travel to Tavares, Florida to compete for a tri-match at the Hickory Point Beach Sand Volleyball Complex. The Manatees will take on Bryant & Stratton College (@ noon) and host Lake Sumter (0-4) (@ 2 pm).
Last Time Out:
Lead by head coach Lynn Burnett, the Manatees opened their inaugural season at home at Bee Ridge Park in Sarasota where they defeated Ave Maria University 3-2.
Eight of the team's players are from the indoor volleyball team: sophomores Sydney Jaco, Barbora Tichackova and Emily Sauceda and freshmen Lisa Jaunet, Bailey Sikkema, Leilani Wilcox-Nanai, Gracee Carpino and Brooke Henry. The remaining two newcomers are both freshmen: Noelie Claude and Britzny Lucas.
Claude, a native of Sion Valias, Switzerland, was originally enrolled to be a part of the indoor team fall '19, but was unable to due to document issues. Claude will also be playing indoor volleyball for SCF.
Lucas is a local product from Sarasota via Urapan, Mexico where she was enrolled at Colegio Casa del Nino (English: Casa del Niño Bilingual Montessori School) in Arizona.
Scouting Bryant and Stratton:
Bryant & Stratton College is located in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and represent NJCAA Region 4 (North Central Community College Conference or N4C). The tri-match for the Bobcats will be their inaugural season opener.
The Bobcats are led by Heather Curley, who also is head coach for the indoor volleyball team. Curley will guide 11 players for the inaugural season.
Scouting Lake Sumter:
The Lakehawks opened their first four matchups of their inaugural season at home where they fell in all four to NAIA Warner (3-2), NCAA DII St. Leo (5-0) and NCAA DII Palm Beach Atlantic (5-0, 5-0). Their match against Warner was the closest to trying to get a win.
The Lakehawks are led by Nate Camnitz, who is also the assistant coach for the indoor volleyball team.
Fans can keep up with all three teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCFVolleyball
B&S: @BSC_vballwi
LSSC: @LSSCVolleyball
Last Time Out:
Lead by head coach Lynn Burnett, the Manatees opened their inaugural season at home at Bee Ridge Park in Sarasota where they defeated Ave Maria University 3-2.
Eight of the team's players are from the indoor volleyball team: sophomores Sydney Jaco, Barbora Tichackova and Emily Sauceda and freshmen Lisa Jaunet, Bailey Sikkema, Leilani Wilcox-Nanai, Gracee Carpino and Brooke Henry. The remaining two newcomers are both freshmen: Noelie Claude and Britzny Lucas.
Claude, a native of Sion Valias, Switzerland, was originally enrolled to be a part of the indoor team fall '19, but was unable to due to document issues. Claude will also be playing indoor volleyball for SCF.
Lucas is a local product from Sarasota via Urapan, Mexico where she was enrolled at Colegio Casa del Nino (English: Casa del Niño Bilingual Montessori School) in Arizona.
Scouting Bryant and Stratton:
Bryant & Stratton College is located in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and represent NJCAA Region 4 (North Central Community College Conference or N4C). The tri-match for the Bobcats will be their inaugural season opener.
The Bobcats are led by Heather Curley, who also is head coach for the indoor volleyball team. Curley will guide 11 players for the inaugural season.
Scouting Lake Sumter:
The Lakehawks opened their first four matchups of their inaugural season at home where they fell in all four to NAIA Warner (3-2), NCAA DII St. Leo (5-0) and NCAA DII Palm Beach Atlantic (5-0, 5-0). Their match against Warner was the closest to trying to get a win.
The Lakehawks are led by Nate Camnitz, who is also the assistant coach for the indoor volleyball team.
Fans can keep up with all three teams on Twitter:
SCF: @SCFVolleyball
B&S: @BSC_vballwi
LSSC: @LSSCVolleyball
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