Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Trinity Men's Tennis Defeats DePauw to Win SCAC Title


It’s been a while, but the Trinity Tigers men’s tennis team is once again the champion of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference.

The top-seeded Tigers beat the No. 2 DePauw Tigers 5-3 Sunday in the championship match at Burns Park Tennis Center.

Trinity (16-9), ranked 14th in the NCAA Division III, last won the title in 2006, with a 4-1 victory over DePauw. Since that time, DePauw, ranked 16th nationally, had beaten the Tigers three straight years in the final, including a 6-3 win in 2009. The Trinity Tigers played in their 19th consecutive SCAC Championship match, and won their 15th conference crown.

Sunday’s Trinity victory - the 12th in a row - also means the Tigers have qualified for the NCAA regional tournament, to be held May 14-16, at a site to be determined. A total of 42 squads will compete in regionals throughout the nation, leading to the NCAA Team Championship Tournament May 25-27 at Oberlin, Ohio. The singles and doubles tournaments are slated for May 28-30. Trinity is ranked No. 7 in the West Region, and is 12-4 against Division III opponents. Bids for the team tournament will be announced May 10, and individuals May 12.

After the match SCAC Commissioner Dwayne Hanberry caught up with the winning head coach.

To listen to Trinity head coach Russell McMindes, click here.

Ninth-ranked DePauw Wins Third Straight SCAC Women's Tennis Title


The ninth-ranked DePauw University Tigers captured their third straight Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference title after a 9-0 win over 30th-ranked Sewanee in the SCAC title match. DePauw improved to 20-4 with the win, while Sewanee dropped to 13-10.

DePauw swept the doubles competition before taking all six singles matches including five in straight sets. The match marked the sixth straight year the Tigers battled in the championship match.

After the match SCAC Commissioner Dwayne Hanberry caught up with winning head coach Scott Riggle.

To listen to DePauw head coach Scott Riggle, click here.

Southwestern claims first SCAC Softball Title


The Southwestern softball team had a daunting task ahead of them on the final day of SCAC Conference Tournament action, needing to defeat Millsaps College twice to earn their first conference title. The program, just in its second year, stepped up to the challenge in a big way, winning 3-2 and 8-5 to be named 2010 SCAC Champions.

After a thrilling day of softball Russell Kramer of the SCAC had the chance to catch up with Southwestern head coach Angela Froboese along with teammates Katelyn Gola, Lyndsy Maus and Haley Hughes.

To listen to Southwestern head coach Angela Froboese, click here.

To listen to Southwestern third baseman Katelyn Gola, click here.

To listen to Southwestern pitcher Lyndsy Maus, click here.

To listen to Southwestern first baseman Haley Hughes, click here.

Trinity claims Sixth SCAC Baseball Title

Trailing 1-0 for most of the game, the Trinity University Tigers tied the DePauw University Tigers 1-1 in the bottom of the sixth and from there used a two run eighth inning rally to top the Indiana Tigers 3-1 and win the 2010 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship.

Trinity (32-7) claimed its second SCAC title in the last three years and the program's sixth since 1992 with a dominant performance from starter Ryan Lucero. Lucero lasted eight innings, scattered nine hits while allowing just one earned run and struck out seven in earning the win. With the win Lucero improved to 5-1 this season. Trinity earned the league's automatic bid to the 2010 NCAA Division III Baseball Championship.

Sophomore left-hander Elliott Ross suffered a tough defeat in dropping to 8-2 this year. Ross limited a Trinity offense that was ranked sixth in the nation in batting average (.379) and second in the nation in scoring (11.7 runs/game) heading into the SCAC tournamnent, to just three runs on eight hits and struck out six in 7.1 innings of work.

"Ross was phenomenal," Trinity head coach Tim Scannell said. "He throws three pitches for strikes. He pitches backwards and he pitches both sides of the plate. He's a tough type of pitcher to face."

"He (Ross) has been outstanding in any role we put him in." said DePauw head coach Jake Martin. "We put him in tough spots throughout the year and has just been lights out for us."

Trinity was in DePauw's shoes a year ago. It was the Tigers of Trinity who were trying to win two games on championship Sunday to win the SCAC title last season. Trinity dropped an 11-1 run rule contest to Hendrix in the championship and today's win hit home for Scannell.

"We've been on the DePauw side of it before," he said. "We've been real fortunate to be able to get to the finals and I think our players just kind of willed themselves to win today."

DePauw put the game's first run across in the top of the first. After a Rob McPike double to left advanced Taylor Hoffman to third, Hoffman came around to score on Jason Cohen's sacrifice fly.

The game remained scoreless until Trinity batted in the bottom of the sixth. After a Dylan Early strikeout, second baseman Jonathan Hall tied the game with a solo homerun just over the left field foul pole. Trinity then tacked on the championship runs in the eight. A run scoring single from Hall, and Nick Papas' bases loaded walk were the difference for the 19th-ranked Tigers, as they held on for the win.

"I'm proud of our guys," Martin said. "We fought hard all year long and overcame some adversity."

Hall finished the game batting 2-for-4 with two RBI, a home run and run scored out of the lead off spot in the batting order. Papas finished 1-for-3 with one RBI. First baseman Evan Jones, who came into the championship game hitting .818 (9-for-11) during the tournament was 0-for-4 with two strike outs.

DePauw (24-17) was led by Hoffman (2-for-4, one run) and Cohen (2-for-3, one RBI). The duo were the only two DePauw Tigers to post multi-hit games on the afternoon.

After the game Jeff Debaldo of the SCAC had a chance to speak with both head coaches.

To listen to DePauw head coach Jake Martin, click here.

To listen to Trinity head coach Tim Scannell, click here.

SCAC Baseball Touranment - DePauw vs. Rhodes


For the first time since it won the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference baseball title in 2001, DePauw is in the championship game after eliminating Rhodes by a 5-3 score early this morning at USA Stadium.

DePauw scored three runs in the bottom of the fourth to break a 2-2 tie and Andy Manson (pictured) pitched a complete game with 13 strikeouts as the Tigers lifted their overall record to 24-16. The Lynx dropped to 26-16 with the loss.

Ben Gardner led off the DePauw first with a walk and moved to third on Taylor Hoffman's single. Gardner scored when Rob McPike hit into a double play. The Tigers made it 2-0 in the second when Jon Newman led off with a triple and scored on Drew Holy's sacrifice fly.

The Lynx knotted the contest at 2-2 in the fourth as Travis Perkins reached on a walk before Brett Lindsey reached on a fielder's choice and advanced to second on a DePauw error. Perkins scored on Chris Conkell's single before Lindsey was picked off. Lynden Pindling followed with a single that scored Conkell and evened the score at 2-2.

Jason Cohen doubled with one out in the DePauw half of the fourth and moved to third on Newman's single. Cohen scored on Alex Wright's sacrifice fly. Holy singled Newman to third and stole second. After Sam Linette walked to load the bases, Alex Jacques delivered a two-run double which gave DePauw a 5-2 lead.

Rhodes added one more in the fifth as Brooks Royer singled and moved to second on Brandon Valentine's grounder. Royer advanced to third on an error and scored on Perkins' single.

Newman and Jacques each had two of DePauw's seven hits, while Perkins collected two of Rhodes' seven. Manson improved to 3-0 with the win and his 13 strikeouts were a career high. Andy Meier dropped to 0-1 with the defeat.

After the game Jeff DeBaldo of the SCAC had the chance to catch up with both head coaches.

To listen to Rhodes head coach Jeff Cleanthes, click here.

To listen to DePauw head coach Jake Martin, click here.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

SCAC Softball Tournament - Southwestern vs. DePauw

Southwestern and DePauw squared off for the right to advance to the finals as the two teams met for the second time this tournament after Millsaps upset DePauw earlier in the day. The Pirates maintained constant pressure on the Tigers, scoring one run in the third, fourth and fifth innings, and took a 3-0 lead through five and a half innings.

DePauw would not be shutout and came roaring back in the sixth, scoring two runs and pulling within one, 3-2. SU was unable to add insurance runs to their lead and had to play sensational defense in the final inning just as the Tigers were mounting a comeback.

Sensational defense is exactly what the Pirates gave, starting with Lyndsy Maus on the mound. After five foul balls Maus got Hallett to ground out to Gola for the first out and then quickly got Anton to do the same. After one last foul ball by Buchanan Maus got the final batter to pop up to the right side infield, ending the game and thrusting Southwestern into the Championship game.

After the game Russell Kramer caught up with Southwestern head coach Angela Froboese and sophomore pitcher Lyndsy Maus.

To listen to Southwestern head coach Angela Froboese, click here.

To listen to sophomore pitcher Lyndsy Maus, click here.

SCAC Baseball Tournament - Rhodes vs. Millsaps

Tournament host Rhodes College used a five run fifth inning to break open a tight 1-1 pitcher's duel enroute to an 11-1 seven inning victory over Millsaps College and continued its quest for a Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship.

Rhodes did its damage thanks to Chris Conkell three run double down the left field line. Conkell's double was part of a four hit, five run inning that effectively did in the Millsaps Majors in an elimination game from USA Stadium.

Conkell finished the game 3-for-4 with two runs scored and his three run double. Other Lynx that contributed to the offensive outburst were Travis Perkins (3-for-4, one RBI), Brooks Royer (1-for-3, three RBI, one run) and Brandon Valentine (1-for-3, two runs).

Rhodes was paced by freshman starting pitcher Jackson Baker. Baker pitched a complete game in the win. He allowed just one earned run, scattered three hits and struck out four to earn the win and improve to 4-2 in 2010. With the win, the Lynx (26-15) earned the right to play DePauw (23-16) in the night cap of day three of the SCAC tournament.

After the game Jeff DeBaldo of the SCAC caught up with both head coaches.

To listen to Millsaps head coach Jim Page, click here.

To listen to Rhodes head coach Jeff Cleanthes, click here.

SCAC Baseball Tournament - Trinity vs. Depauw


Trinity University advanced to its third consecutive Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference championship game, with an 8-0 win over the DePauw University Tigers Saturday afternoon at USA Stadium.

Trinity, (31-7) will make its 15th appearance in 19 season in the SCAC championship. The Tigers of Trinity received a solid outing from starter Ben Klimesh. Klimesh threw a complete game shutout while scattering seven hits and striking out 11 DePauw Tigers. He faced just seven batters over the minimum during his nine innings.

The Texas Tigers jumped out to a 3-0 lead after four innings and then tacked on three in the sixth and two in the eight for the win. Trinity was once again led by SCAC Offensive Player-of-the-Year Evan Jones.

Jones continued his torrid hitting pace as he went 3-for-4 with two RBI and three runs scored. He upped his tournament average to an astounding .818 (9-for-11) with six RBI, three doubles and one homerun. Through three tournament games, Jones has posted a 1.364 slugging percentage to go along with an .800 on base percentage.

DePauw struggled against Klimesh. The Indiana Tigers were able to seriously threaten the Texas Tigers twice. Both instances came late in the game. DePauw had runners on first and third with two outs only to see the rally end. Their best chance came in the bottom of the ninth. DePauw was able to load the bases with two outs. However, Klimesh buckled down and got Drew Holy to strike out to end the game.

Mike Peterson, DePauw's starter, took the loss to drop to 1-8 on the year. He pitched 5.1 innings, yielding six earned runs, nine hits and struck out three. Taylor Hoffman, Jon Newman and Alex Wright posted multi-hit games for DePauw.

After the game Jeff DeBaldo of the SCAC had the chance to speak with both head coaches.

To listen to DePauw head coach Jake Martin, click here.

To listen to Trinity head coach Tim Scannell, click here.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

SCAC Softball Tournament - DePauw vs. Millsaps


In Saturday's winner's bracket semi-final match-up Millsaps defeated #12 DePauw 8-2 to advance to tomorrow's SCAC Softball Championship match. The Majors victory marked the first over the Tigers since 2006. BOX SCORE

DePauw opened up the scoring after a Brianne Weeks double, she advanced to third on a passed ball and later scored off an error by the Majors third baseman.

Millsaps however responded in the bottom of the first scoring a run in thanks to an RBI single from Josie Matthews after Emily Spicer had singled to lead off the inning.

After a scoreless second Millsaps strung together runs in three straight innings including a four run bottom of the fifth. Spicer, a freshman in just her first SCAC Tournament, produced a three RBI double in the fifth to cap off a 3-for-4 performance with three RBIs and two runs scored.

DePauw was able to score one run in the top of the sixth off an Amy Hallett single however the Tigers were unable to score again coming up short of any comeback.

Megan Soultz was credited with the loss pitching five innings giving up 10 hits allowing eight runs (seven earned) and walking two majors.

Senior Kasey Thibodeaux picked up her second win of the tournament pitching seven strong innings scattering just six hits and striking out four tigers.

With the win Millsaps snaps DePauw's 19 game winning streak including their seven game SCAC Tournament winning streak that dates back to 2008. The Majors advance to the SCAC Tournament game for the second time in three years.

After the game Russell Kramer of the SCAC had the chance to talk with both head coaches along with Millsaps senior Kasey Thibodeaux.

To listen to DePauw head coach Bonnie Skrenta, click here.

To listen to Millsaps head coach Roland Rodriguez, click here.

To listen to senior pitcher Kasey Thibodeaux of Millsaps, click here.

SCAC Baseball Tournament - Trinity vs. Austin College

The Trinity University Tigers jumped out to an 11-3 lead after three innings and survived numerous Austin College rallies, to eliminate the Kangaroos from the SCAC Baseball championship with an 18-12 win at USA Stadium Friday afternoon.

Trinity, the 19th-ranked team in the nation, received solid offensive production throughout the entire lineup. Seven of the nine players in the lineup recorded multi-hits for the Tigers (30-7) led by left fielder Nick Papas' four RBI (3-for-6, two doubles) and third baseman Dominick Robusto's three RBI (3-for-5, three runs, one double).

Other Tigers that recorded tallied multi-hit performances included Jonathan Hall (two), Kevin Jackson (two), Evan Jones (two), Chris Walden (two), Kevin Calbrik (two) and Dylan Early (three).

Trinity's Michael Bentz, in relief of starter Noah Soloman, picked up the win by tossing 3.2 innings of relief and scattered four hits, struck out two and allowed four earned runs. Christian Curtis picked up the loss for the 'Roos (19-21) by pitching two innings while allowing six hits and five earned runs.

The game was an offensive outburst from the beginning. In fact, the only pitcher from either team to pitch four or more innings was Austin College's Scooter Merritt. Merritt allowed just one run in pitching the eighth and ninth innings.

Though Trinity jumped to an 11-3 lead after three innings, the 'Roos refused to go quietly. By the end of the fifth inning, Austin College had cut Trinity's lead to 11-7 thanks in large part to a four run Kangaroo fourth inning. Shortstop Andy White paced the Austin College offense as he was 4-for-6 with one run scored and drove in four more. Jordan Robison was 3-for-4 with a run scored and Philip Gonzales was 2-for-4 with three runs scored.

Trinity will take on DePauw (who beat Millsaps earlier in the afternoon at Rhodes), Saturday at Noon for the right to advance through the winner's bracket and into the championship game.

After the game Jeff DeBaldo of the SCAC caught up with both head coaches.

To listen to Austin College head coach Carl Iwasaki, click here.

To listen to Trinity head coach Tim Scannell, click here.

2010 SCAC Softball Tournament - Millsaps vs. Trinity


The Millsaps Majors, the top seed in the West Division, shut out the No. 3 Trinity Tigers 6-0 Friday at the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Softball Championship Tournament at Warrior Field.

The Tigers managed only one hit in the game with Millsaps - a single to center field by Ana Garcia in the fifth inning. Trinity did draw two walks in the game. Millsaps hit two home runs in the game, two-run shots in the third and fifth innings in thanks to Emily Spicer and Jennifer McKinley.

McKinley, a senior, has now tied the SCAC career record for home runs with 28 along with Rhodes' senior Rebekah Moore. This season McKinley has blasted 13 home runs good enough to tie for the best in the nation.

Sarah Rabaey was Trinity’s starting pitcher and took the loss. Rabaey (3-6) allowed five earned runs, seven hits, and no walks, in 4 1/3 innings of work. Helen Thompson pitched the final 1 2/3 innings, and did not yield a run, hit or walk.

Senior Kasey Thibodeaux picked up the win for Millsaps in brilliant fashion with a complete game one hit shutout. Thibodeaux also struck out five Tigers in route the victory.

Trinity falls to losers bracket of the 2010 SCAC Softball Championships and will face Rhodes tomorrow at 1 PM CST from Conway High School.

Millsaps advances to the winners bracket semi-final match-up against DePauw. First pitch is scheduled for 3 PM CST at Warrior Field on the campus of Hendrix College.

After the game Russell Kramer of the SCAC had a chance to catch up with both head coaches along with freshman outfielder Emily Spicer of Millsaps.

To listen to Trinity head coach Nicole Smith, click here.

To listen to Millsaps head coach Roland Rodriguez, click here.

To listen to freshman outfielder Emily Spicer of Millsaps, click here.

Friday, April 23, 2010

Images from the 2010 SCAC Softball Tournament - DePauw vs. Southwestern

Game three from the 2010 SCAC Softball Tournament from Conway, Ark. wrapped up with DePauw defeating Southwestern 3-0 behind a three hit shutout performance from Megan Soultz. Below are a number of images from the contest.

SCAC Softball Tournament - DePauw vs. Southwestern


The two time defending SCAC champion DePauw Tigers opened up its quest for a third title with a 3-0 win over Southwestern University from Warrior Field on the campus of Hendrix College.

Megan Soultz was sparkling for the Tigers scattering just three hits and surrendering no walks while striking out five in a complete game seven inning performance.

Lyndsy Maus took the loss for the Pirates tonight giving up seven hits, three walks and three earned runs.

Amy Hallet of DePauw broke a scoreless game in the fourth inning after a one out triple scored off an Ashlee Anton double to put the Tigers on top 1-0.

DePauw was able to scratch to more insurance runs across in the bottom of the fifth innings in route to a 3-0 win.

With the loss Southwestern falls to 26-11 on the year and will face Rhodes tomorrow at 1 PM CST in the losers bracket from Conway High School.

DePauw improves to 31-3 on the season and extends their win streak to 19 straight. The Tigers advance to the winners bracket semi-finals and will face the winner of Millsaps and Trinity.

After the game Russell Kramer of the SCAC had a chance to catch up with both head coaches as well as DePauw senior pitcher Megan Soultz.

To listen to Southwestern head coach Angela Froboese, click here.

To listen to DePauw head coach Bonnie Skrenta, click here.

To listen to DePauw senior Megan Soultz, click here.

Images from the SCAC Spftball Tournament - Rhodes vs. Trinity

Trinity defeated Rhodes in the second game of the SCAC Softball Tournament 6-4. Below are a number of images from the contest

2010 SCAC Softball Tournament - Rhodes vs. Trinity


In the second contest of the 2010 SCAC Softball Tournament #3 West seeded Trinity Tigers defeated the #2 East seeded Rhodes Lynx 6-4. Once again the weather was a factor as heavy rains and lightning hit the area leading to a delay in the second inning.

Sara Bowen of Rhodes accounted for the first run of the contest on a solo home run to left center field, it was Bowen's tenth of the season and the first of the 2010 SCAC Softball Tournament.

After the delay, the TU Tigers responded tying the game on a bases loaded walk. It would be one of seven walks the Lynx allowed.

Trinity linked back to back multi run innings after a scorless fourth when the Tigers scored two in the top of the fifth and three in the top of the sixth. Rhodes responded in the bottom of the sixth scratching one run across to cut the lead to four headed into the final inning.

Trinity was held scoreless in the seventh and Rhodes' was able score two in the final half inning in thanks to a two run homer from Kelli Zomer, however the Lynx could not score another run falling short in their comeback effort.

Sara Bowen takes the loss for Rhodes who allowed nine hits and seven walks. Bowen however did add ten strikeouts to her league leading 176 headed into the SCAC Tournament.

Sydney Friday picks up her seventh win of the season for Trinity allowing six hits in seven innings of work. Friday struck out seven batters and allowed just three walks. Alexa Calderon led thee Tigers from the plate with a 2-for-2 performance scoring two runs and driving in three.

Rhodes will fall into the losers half of the bracket and will face the loser of Southwestern, DePauw contest set for later this evening.

Trinity advances to face the #1 West seeded Millsaps Majors in the winners bracket immediately following the DePauw, Southwestern game.

After the game Russell Kramer of the SCAC had a chance to catch up with both head coaches as well as junior Alexa Calderon of Trinity.

To listen to Rhodes head coach David Hicks, click here.

To listen to Trinity head coach Nicole Smith, click here.

To listen to junior second baseman Alexa Calderon, click here.

SCAC Baseball Tournament - Oglethorpe vs. Rhodes


Rhodes starting pitcher Tony Pikos had a no-hitter through six full innings before allowing a triple in the top of the seventh and led the Rhodes College Lynx to a 9-4 win over the Oglethorpe University Stormy Petrels Friday afternoon at USA Stadium.

Pikos pitched six plus innings while scattering just two hits, allowed three earned runs and struck out three as the Lynx advanced through the first eliminiation game of the 2010 SCAC Baseball tournament.

After spotting the Stormy Petrels a run in the top of the first, the Lynx responded with five runs in the bottom of the third high lighted by Matthew Burnick's three run homerun. Burnick finished the day 2-for-4 with three RBI and one run scored.

Both teams were held off the scoreboard in the middle innings. Oglethorpe then scored two runs in the top of the seventh to cut the Rhodes lead to 5-3. Jeff Pope broke up Pikos' no-hit bid with a lead-off triple and then scored on Matthew Cornwell's single up the middle. Cornwell later scored on right fielder Stephen Archer's sacrifice fly to right field.

Rhodes responded with a four run eighth inning. Matthew Gilbert singled and then stole second. Gilbert came home on Brent Lindsey's run scoring double to right. The Lynx picked up run scoring doubles from Lynden Pindling and Austin Marcum. Chris Conkell tallied an RBI single to round out the eighth inning scoring.

Oglethorpe tacked on a run in the top of the ninth but that was all the damage it did in the last frame. The Stormy Petrels (19-23) were led by Cornwell's 2-for-3, three run performance. Cornwell was the only Petrel to post a multi-hit game.

Rhodes was led by the middle of its lineup. The No. 3-4-5 hitters were a combined 6-for-12 with four runs and six RBI. Lindsey, Burnick and Conkell each went 2-for-4. Burnick led the Lynx with a team-high three RBI.

Rhodes (25-15) will play the loser of the DePauw vs. Millsaps game on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. CT.

After the game Jeff DeBaldo of the SCAC caught up with both head coaches.

To listen to Oglethorpe head coach Dan Giordano, click here.

To listen to Rhodes head coach Jeff Cleanthes, click here.

SCAC Softball Tournament - Southwestern vs. Centre


Southwestern and Centre opened up the 2010 SCAC Softball Tournament from Conway, Arkansas this morning as the Pirates defeated the Colonels 8-2. Weather was a story as the game was suspended for just over two hours at the start of the sixth inning with a lightning and rain delay. BOX SCORE

The Pirates started off strong scratching across three runs in the bottom half of the first inning. Centre however responded in the top half of the second after a two out walk, first-year infielder Chelsea Collard slapped an RBI double in the gap to bring the score to 3-1.

After a scoreless second for the Pirates, Southwestern was able to score a run in each of the next three innings including a two run sixth. The Pirates took advantage of three Colonel errors and five walks to keep runners on the base paths all afternoon long leaving 11 stranded. Sophomore Kaitlyn Pavilcek went 2-for-4 today and two RBIs to lead the Pirates.

In their final three outs Centre was able to load the bases however only scored one run as the game ended with an 8-2 final score.

Emily Mendor took the loos for Centre who pitched 2.1 innings surrendering five hits, four runs (three earned) and three walks.

First-year pitcher Kara Solomon of Southwestern picked up the win going the distance pitching all seven innings scattering just four hits, giving up two runs and striking out five.

Centre falls to 16-25 on the year and will face the loser of this afternoons second game of the tournament between Trinity and Rhodes.

Southwestern improves to 26-10 on the season and advances in the winners bracket to face the #1 seed from the East DePauw University this afternoon.

After the game Russell Kramer of the SCAC had the chance to catch up with both head coaches.

To listen to Centre head coach Chris Mason, click here.

To listen to Southwestern head coach Angela Froboese, click here.

Images from the SCAC Softball Tournament - Centre vs. Southwestern

The first game of the 2010 SCAC Softball Tournament is underway from Conway, Arkansas on the campus of Hendrix College. Here are a few images from the first contest between Centre and Southwestern.

SCAC Baseball Tournament - DePauw vs. Austin College

The game of the night during the first day of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament was the nightcap between the DePauw University Tigers and the Austin College Kangaroos. After two slugfests preceded the game, DePauw and Austin College played a classic pitchers duel with the Tigers hanging on for a 3-2 win at USA Stadium.

DePauw, the East's #1 seed, scored all three of their runs in the bottom of the first inning and survived a furious Austin College rally in the top of the ninth. The #3 West seeded Kangaroos had runners on first and second with two outs in the top of the ninth when a wild pitch advanced Scooter Merritt and Jamie Garcia to second and third respectively. That was as close as the 'Roos got as Andy White flew out to center field to end the game.

Tigers starting pitcher Brad Gerlach tossed wonderful 7.1 innings, scattering eight hits while yielding two earned runs and striking out seven. Any Manson relieved Gerlach to pick up the last two outs in the eighth before freshman T.J. Witham closed the door in the ninth for the save. Gerlach improved to 3-2 on the year.

Kanaroo starting pitcher Tyler Steed was the tough luck losing pitcher. He pitched a solid eight innings scattering six hits, three earned runs and struck out four. He dropped to 5-6 this season.

DePauw got on the board thanks to a Jon Newman two-out RBI single. The next batter, Alex Wright, then doubled to right center scoring Newman and Rob McPike.

Austin College got on the board in the fourth. After Jordon Robison doubled to right center he was sacrificed to third. Robison then scored on Bennett Herrick's single to center field. The 'Roos then cut the lead in half in the top of the eighth when Tyler Appelquist doubled home Andy White.

DePauw will play Millsaps at 7 p.m. Friday while Austin College will take on West Division rival Trinity at 3:30 p.m. Friday.

After the game Jeff Debaldo of the SCAC caught up with both managers.

To listen to Austin College head coach Carl Iwasaki, click here.

To listen to DePauw head coach Jake Martin, click here.

SCAC Baseball Tournament - Rhodes vs. Millsaps


Millsaps College used a big six run fourth inning in helping to break open a 2-1 Majors lead over the Rhodes College Lynx enroute to a 13-5 Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament victory.

The Majors, the West's #2 seed, tacked on three runs in each of the seventh and eighth innings in beating the Lynx for the second time in three tries this season.

Millsaps was able to get to Rhodes staring pitcher Hunter Chandler in the fourth inning. Taylor Rountree doubled to right center to bring in two runs. Two batters later Jeremy Aliff's single up the middle brought two more runs and Millsaps took control.

Chandler was tagged for eight runs and 13 hits over six innings in falling to 3-1 on the year.

Millsaps starter Aaron Williams scattered five hits in five innings while giving up just two earned runs and struck out one in earning the victory and improving to 6-1 this season.

The Majors received solid contributions from Will Hawkins (3-for-4, four RBI), Rountree (4-for-5, five RBI and three runs scored) and Jake Mills (3-for-4, three runs, two RBI).

The Lynx were led offensively by Lynden Pindling (4-for-5, two runs, three RBI and a double), Matt Gilbert (2-for-4, one RBI) and Matthew Burnick (2-for-5, one RBI).

Millsaps will play the winner of the DePauw vs. Austin College game on Friday. Rhodes will play Oglethorpe in an elimination game Friday afternoon.

After the game Jeff DeBaldo of the SCAC caught up with both skippers.

To listen to Rhodes head coach Jeff Cleanthes, click here.

To listen to Millsaps head coach Jim Page, click here.

2010 SCAC Baseball Tournament - Trinity vs. Oglethorpe

Trinity University, the West Division's #1 seed, rode the heels of Nick Papas, Evan Jones and Dominick Robusto to an 11-7 opening round win over Oglethore University in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament.

The Trinity trio combined to hit .692 (9-for-13) with five runs score, and drove in seven. Jones was 4-for-5 with a run and two RBI, Robusto was 3-for-4 with two RBI and Papas scored three runs and drove in three others.

Pitching was at a premium as neither teams' starter made it through the fourth inning. Trinity starter Joshua Fink lasted just .2 innings after walking two, hitting a batter, committing a balk and allowing two earned runs. Oglethorpe's Mark Hoban pitched 3.2 innings while allowing 13 hits and eight earned runs.

The two teams both scored in each of their first three innings before the Tigers took a 9-6 lead after five innings. The Oglethorpe Stormy Petrels kept it close but just weren't able to get much going after the fifth. Trinity's Tanner Barron picked up a save after throwing 3.2 effective innings while allowing just one run and struck out three.

Oglethorpe cut the lead to 9-7 with a run in the top of the seventh before Trinity answered with two in the bottom half of the inning for the winning margin.

Michael Hunter picked up the win for the Tigers pitching 1.1 innings while allowing a run and two hits. Hoban was tabbed with the loss for the Stormy Petrels.

Trinity will play the winner of the #2E Rhodes vs. #2W Millsaps game on Friday at 3:30 p.m. Oglethorpe will await the loser of the Rhodes vs. Millsaps game and play at Noon Friday in an elimination game.

After the game Jeff Debaldo of the SCAC caught up with both head coaches.

To listen to Oglethorpe head coach Dan Giordano, click here.

To listen to Trinity head coach Tim Scannell, click here.

Friday, April 16, 2010

SCAC Softball Podcast - Week Four


This weeks SCAC Softball podcast will feature the full length interview with POTW senior pitcher Amy Hallett of DePauw.

Soultz went a perfect 4-0 on the week in five starts with four complete games in 35 innings of work. Soultz tossed one shutout while striking out 26 batters posting a 1.40 ERA and allowing opponents to hit just .217 against her on the week.

Soultz also improved to 101-20 for her career and her win total ranks sixth in Division III history. Her 130 starts rank fifth, while her 43 shutouts are 10th.

For the entire interview with Soultz, click here.

Friday, April 9, 2010

SCAC Baseball Podcast - Week Three


This weeks SCAC Baseball podcast will feature two full length interviews with POTW freshman first baseman Bruce Maxwell of Birmingham-Southern and sophomore pitcher Elliott Ross of DePauw.

In five games, Maxwell hit a blistering 10-for-19 at the plate for a.526 batting average while driving in 12 runs, hitting five homeruns and scoring eight runs on the week. He also hit two doubles during the week.

Ross tossed 9.1 innings in two appearances (one start) during the week. He scattered three hits in his 9.1 innings while yielding just two earned runs (1.93 ERA) and struck out seven batters on the week. In his lone start, Ross tossed six innings against Wabash while striking out four while scattering three hits in picking up the win.

To listen to the entire interview with Maxwell, click here.

To listen to the entire interview with Ross, click here.

SCAC Softball Podcast - Week Three


This weeks SCAC Softball podcast will feature two full length interviews with POTW freshman catcher Amy Hallett of DePauw and sophomore pitcher Lyndsy Maus of Southwestern.

Hallett hit .500 on the week batting 8-for-16 with seven runs scored and 12 RBIs on three homeruns. Hallett posted a 1.063 slugging percentage while hitting two HR in Friday's second game at Sewanee and one in the series finale on Saturday.

Maus went 3-0 this weekend, starting one contest and coming in relief in two. In 14 innings she allowed 12 hits, one run (unearned) while striking out 10 and walking just one batter. She held Hendrix to a .214 batting average.

To listen to the entire interview with Hallett, click here.

To listen to the entire interview with Maus, click here.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Jump to the Centre; Chrys Jones Captures Second NCAA Division III Individual National Title


Centre College junior Chrys Jones won the triple jump competition at the 2010 NCAA Division III Indoor Track & Field National Championships at DePauw University.

Jones won the triple jump to earn his second career individual national championship and 21st individual title for a SCAC student-athlete. Jones also won the event at the 2009 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

He competed in the event on Saturday, March 13 along with 11 other participants. The top nine from the first round qualified for the final round. In the first round, Jones jumped 48-3 1/2, which was the third best jump going into the final round. Jones made a huge improvement in the final round as he recorded a 49-3 1/2 jump, which was barely good enough to beat senior Stephen Morton from Massachusetts Institute of Technology who jumped 49-3.

SCAC Director of Communications Russell Kramer had the chance to catch up with Jones and talk with him about his second National Title.

To listen to the entire interview with Jones, click here.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Trinity's Elite: Three Champions, One Week, Three Interviews


In the course of a week, Todd Wildman repeated as the NCAA Division III Men's Indoor Track & Field pentathlon champion, and Lindsay Martin and Hayley Emerick captured the NCAA Women's 1-meter and 3-meter Diving titles, respectively.

With the three recent titles, Trinity raised its count of NCAA Division III national championships to 12.

Earlier in the week, the conference office had the chance to catch up with all three national champions in exclusive interviews.

To listen to the entire interview with Todd Wildman, click here.

To listen to the entire interview with Lindsay Martin, click here.

To listen to the entire interview with Hayley Emerick, click here.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

SCAC Baseball Podcast - Week Two


On this weeks podcast we will bring you up to speed on the latest SCAC standings after a full slate of conference games – announce this weeks POTW, troll the Polls looking inside the top 25 plus take a look ahead to all the SCAC Baseball action this weekend.

The Conference office also had a chance to catch up with sophomore pitcher Ben Lause of Centre.

To listen to this week's SCAC Baseball Podcast, click here.

SCAC Softball Podcast - Week Two


On this weeks podcast we will bring you up to speed on the latest SCAC standings after a full slate of conference games – announce this weeks POTW, troll the Polls looking inside the top 25 plus take a look ahead to all the SCAC Softball action this weekend.

The Conference office also had a chance to catch up with Birmingham-Southern pitcher Ronni Ferris and Centre sophomore Elizabeth Fenwick.

To listen to this week's SCAC Softball Podcast, click here.