boxTitleLeftTranSouth News
TranSouth - Thu, May 10, 2012
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HENDERSON, Tenn. - Life University, Marietta, Ga., has joined the TranSouth Athletic Conference, according to TranSouth Commissioner Charlie Smith. The addition of Life brings conference membership to six for the 2012-13 school year.

Visit Life University Here


Life is currently rebuilding its athletic program. Next year, the school will offer men's basketball, wrestling, and women's cross country. They have committed to offering additional sports, with a goal of 12 sports by 2015.

"We are very pleased Life has committed to join in the TranSouth," Smith said. "We look forward to competing with them on the court and field. We will work together to make the TranSouth a strong, viable conference."

While Life University is best known for its health science and chiropractic programs, the school also offers 12 undergraduate degrees and two master's degrees.

Other TranSouth schools for 2012-13 include Bethel University, McKenzie, Tenn.; Blue Mountain College, Blue Mountain, Miss.; Freed-Hardeman University, Henderson, Tenn.; Martin Methodist College, Pulaski, Tenn.; and Mid-Continent University, Mayfield, Ky.

#TRANSOUTH#

The TranSouth Athletic Conference (TSAC) is an NAIA conference of nine colleges and universities throughout Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Arkansas. Since 1996, the mission of the TSAC is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The conference offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 13 championships held annually.

Today, the TranSouth strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development through the NAIA's Champions of Character program. The NAIA's innovative flagship program is designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.

Women's Tennis - Tue, May 8, 2012
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LEBANON, Tenn. - Martin Methodist remained 21st in the seventh and final regular season NAIA Women's Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll announced Monday by the national office.


The RedHawks ended their season on April 28 with a 5-2 victory to Xavier [LA] University in the NAIA Qualifying Tournament in Norcross, Ga. MMC started the season ranked 20th nationally and remained between 17th and 21st in all seven regular season polls.

Martin Methodist was not among the 24 teams, including 10 at-large teams, selected for the NAIA National Championships announced late Monday by the national office. The RedHawks made their first-ever appearance at the national tournament in 2011 after winning the NAIA Qualifying Tournament in Chattanooga, Tenn.

TranSouth - Fri, May 4, 2012
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KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Martin Methodist College is very proud to announce that Jessy Christopher, a basketball student-athlete and accounting and sport management major, has been awarded the 2012 Emil S. Liston Award, as announced by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics today.

The award is named for Emil S. Liston, the founder of the National Association of Intercollegiate Basketball (NAIB), who also was the first executive secretary of the NAIA and a founder of the NAIA's basketball tournament. The award is presented to an outstanding NAIA junior basketball player who maintains an overall grade-point average of at least a 3.5 (on a 4-point scale). The NAIA Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives selects the two winners, one male and one female.
 
The TranSouth Athletic Conference submitted the name Jessy Christopher , MMC's junior 5-2 point guard from Lebanon, Tennessee, as it's conference nominee for the prestigious most valued NAIA women's basketball player in the nation; The Emil S. Liston Award.
 
Each of the 24 NAIA conferences across America submit their nominee. The award solidifies an individual for their academic achievement, basketball accomplishments, character leadership, and community involvment.
 
Director of Athletics Jeff Bain states, "When our institution submitted Jessy's name for the award several months ago I concluded my nomination ballot by saying that when you package the identifying traits of this award Jessy Christopher is simply the best representative of these values that I have seen in my 19 years at Martin Methodist. I'm very proud to know that she now recognized as the best in the nation for 2012. An outstanding choice by the NAIA, and we are very thankful to our TranSouth Athletic Committee for their selection in forwarding Jessy's name to represent our outstanding female student/athlete basketball player"
 
Christopher is a perennial dean's list and president's list member, and she also participated in the college's honor's program research initiative. A point guard, she was second in the NAIA last season in assists while averaging more than 10 points a game and scoring more than 40 percent from the three-point line. Christopher is noted for her dedication to her church and her leadership of the RedHawks, on and off the floor.
 

"Her drive to succeed in the classroom is evident by the fact that she is willing to give up time this summer to work with me on research in her field of study," said Tim Wilson, assistant professor of sport management and faculty athletics representative at Martin Methodist. "Her leadership skills are second to none, and they are exhibited daily in my classes as well as on the basketball court."

Softball - Fri, May 4, 2012
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PULASKI, Tenn. -- The 2012 TranSouth Conference Softball Championships will be held at a neutral site this year in Jackson, Tennessee, at the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportplex. The tournament will begin Wednesday, May 2, and conclude Friday, May 4.
 
The neutral site will allow the double elimination tournament to hold two games at a time through the first games on Friday. Following those games, the tournament will return to a single-game schedule for the semi-final and final games.
HELPFUL LINKS

Directions to Sportplex | Jackson Weather | City of Jackson
Bracket | Live Stats | Live Audio (Friday games only)
National Tournament Information | Rankings

2012 POST SEASON AWARDS

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Shelby Lamb, Union (photo)
PITCHER OF THE YEAR: Brooke Thomas, Union (photo)
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR: Veronika Fukunishi, Martin Methodist (photo)
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR: Kelly Robey, Union (photo)
COACH OF THE YEAR:  Heather Hall, Union (photo)
Regular Season Champion: Union University (photo)
All-Conference Teams (1st team photo) (2nd team photo)
Scholar Athlete Teams

SCHEDULE/RESULTS

Wednesday, May 2
GAME 1 - 5:00 p.m. - #6 Mid-Continent  def.  #3 Martin Methodist (box)
GAME 2 - 5:00 p.m. - #2 Freed-Hardeman def. #7 Bethel (box)
AWARDS CEREMONY HELD 15 MIN. FOLLOWING CONCLUSION OF BOTH 5:00 P.M. GAMES
GAME 3 - 8:40 p.m. - #1 Union def. #8 Lyon (box)
GAME 4 - 8:40 p.m. - #4 Cumberland def. #5 Blue Mountain (box)
*Games 3 and 4 delayed for weather

Thursday, May 3
GAME 5 - 4:00 p.m. - #3 Martin Methodist def.  #7 Bethel - (box)
Bethel eliminated
GAME 6 - 4:00 p.m. -#5 Blue Mountain def.  #8 Lyon (box)
Lyon eliminated
GAME 7 - 6:00 p.m. - #2 Freed-Hardeman def. #6 Mid-Continent - (box)
GAME 8 - 6:00 p.m. - #1 Union def. #4 Cumberland (box)
GAME 9 - 8:00 p.m. - #3 Martin Methodist def.  #4 Cumberland   (box)
Cumberland eliminated
GAME 10 - 8:00 p.m. - #5 Blue Mountain  def.  #6 Mid-Continent (box)
Mid-Continent eliminated 

Friday, May 4
GAME 11 - 2:00 p.m. - #1 Union def. #2 Freed-Hardeman (box)
GAME 12 - 2:00 p.m. - #3 Martin Methodist  def. #5 Blue Mountain (box)
Blue Mountain eliminated
GAME 13 - 4:00 p.m. #2 Freed-Hardeman def. #3 Martin Methodist - (box)
Martin Methodist eliminated
GAME 14 - 6:00 p.m. - #1 Union def. #2 Freed-Hardeman 4-3 (box)
GAME 15 (if necessary) - 8:00 p.m. - (box)

Union University claims the automatic bid to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round.

2012 FINAL STANDINGS

1. Union (25-3)
2. Freed-Hardeman (18-10)
2. Martin Methodist (18-10)
4. Cumberland (15-13)
5. Blue Mountain (12-16)
6. Mid-Continent (10-18)
7. Bethel (9-19)
8. Lyon (5-23)

*FHU is the 2 seed by virtue tiebreaker, MMC and FHU split. Against TSAC teams in order 1-8, both MMC and FHU went 1-3 with Union, but FHU went 3-1 with CU to MMC's split with CU.

 

CONTACT INFO

Media Contacts: Claire Cook - email: ccook@martinmethodist.edu - (cell) 931-309-3023
John Armstrong - email: jarmstrong@fhu.edu - (cell)
West Tennessee Sportsplex: Ricky Yates, Operations Dir./Softball - 800-941-2415




Baseball - Thu, May 3, 2012
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JACKSON, Tenn. - The 2012 TranSouth Conference Baseball Championship Tournament will be played at Fesmire Field on the campus of Union University. The tournament will begin Monday, April 20 and extend through Thursday, May 3. This is the second straight year for Union to serve as the host.
 
The top six teams in the final TranSouth standings will participate in the tournament with three games being played each of the first three days at noon, 3:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The championship game(s) Thursday will be played at noon and the if necessary game will be played at 3:30 p.m.
 
HELPFUL LINKS
2012 POST SEASON AWARDS
Player of the Year:  Mike Mandarino, Cumberland University  (photo)
Coach of the Year:  Jonathan Estes, Freed-Hardeman University  (photo)
Regular Season Champion:  Freed-Hardeman University (photo)
Postseason honors release |  Printable PDF  (photos linked on postseason release page) 
Scholar Athlete Teams  |  Printable PDF  (photos linked on scholar athlete release page)
TranSouth Baseball Awards Page
FINAL COUNTABLE STANDINGS (top 6 advance to tourney)
1.  Freed-Hardeman 15-6
2.  Union 14-7
3.  Martin Methodist 12-9*
4.  Bethel 12-9*
5.  Cumberland 12-9*
6.  Blue Mountain 7-14**
7.  Mid-Continent 7-14**
8.  Lyon 5-16
*As a group tied at 12-9, Martin Methodist is 4-2 vs. BU and CU, Bethel is 4-2 vs. MMC and CU, Cumberland is 1-5 vs. MMC and BU. Martin Methodist wins tie-breaker over Bethel by winning head-to-head series 2-1. Bethel wins tie-breaker over Cumberland by winning head-to-head series 3-0.
**Blue Mountain wins tie-breaker over Mid-Continent by winning head-to-head series 3-0
SCHEDULE/RESULTS
Monday, April 30 (Bracket)
  GAME 1 - 12:00 p.m. - #6 Blue Mountain def. #1 Freed-Hardeman 8-7 (box)
  GAME 2 - 4:05 p.m. - #2 Union def. #5 Cumberland 4-2 (box) 
  GAME 3 - 7:00 p.m. - #3 Martin Methodist def. #4 Bethel 8-5 (box)

Tuesday, May 1 (Bracket)
  GAME 4 - 12:00 p.m. - #5 Cumberland def. #1 Freed-Hardeman 12-7 (box)
FHU eliminated
  GAME 5 - 3:30 p.m. - #6 Blue Mountain def. #4 Bethel 11-4 (box)
BU eliminated
  GAME 6 - 7:00 p.m. - #2 Union def. #3 Martin Methodist 11-5 (box)

Wednesday, May 2 (Bracket)
  GAME 7 - 12:00 p.m. - #2 Union def. #6 Blue Mountain 11-10 (box)
  GAME 8 - 3:30 p.m. - #5 Cumberland def. #3 Martin Methodist 8-7 (box)
MMC eliminated
  GAME 9 - 9:10 p.m. - #6 Blue Mountain def. #5 Cumberland 11-10 (box)
CU eliminated

Thursday, May 3 - Championship Day (Bracket) **NEW START TIMES**
  GAME 10 - 1:00 p.m. - #2 Union def. #6 Blue Mountain 2-1 (box)
  GAME 11 (if necessary)- 4:30 p.m. - Winner Game 10 vs. Loser Game 10 (box)



Union University claims the automatic bid to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round.
CONTACT INFO
Media Contact: Steven Aldridge (saldridge@uu.edu) (cell phone) 731-217-6515
Fesmire Field Press Box:  731-661-5511
Union University Main Switchboard:  731-668-1818
Union University Safety and Security: 731-394-2922
Champions of Character - Thu, May 3, 2012
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Originally Published in the Wednesday, May 2, 2012 Nashville City Paper
http://nashvillecitypaper.com

As Brett Barry and Joey Bradley wrapped up the final hole of the TranSouth Athletic Conference golf tournament last week, the rivals and good friends realized their day wasn't over.

But it could have been.

Both carded a three-round total of 213 for a three-under par and were 11 strokes ahead of the next golfer. A sudden-death playoff would determine the champion.

Companion Article on tnutrojans.com

So after playing the previous 54 holes together, the two trotted back out to the 18th hole at Canebrake Country Club in Athens, Ala. Bradley, a senior at Trevecca Nazarene, saved par to finish one stroke ahead of Barry, a junior at Union University, and atop the 42-golfer field with the best two-day score.

The championship, however, belonged to Barry. Bradley was ineligible to hoist the trophy.

When Trevecca applied for membership into NCAA Division II for the second time last June - it was accepted shortly thereafter - the Trojans were declared ineligible for NAIA postseason play and athletic awards for the 2011-12 season. The TranSouth Conference followed suit, backing the decision on the league level.

The conference's golf coaches allowed Trevecca compete in the postseason tournament but the Trojans were not eligible for individual medalist honors or team championships.

"Obviously we didn't have to play that off but both us being the competitors we are and being the guy that Brett is, neither one of us wanted to leave there not knowing who the winner was," Bradley said. "He walked up to me after they gave out the awards and he handed it to me and told me, ‘It was mine. I deserved it.' That meant a lot to me."

Full Online Version at nashvillecitypaper.com

In the TranSouth women's golf record books, Cumberland freshman Katie Legge is the 2012 tournament champion. She finished 36 holes in 158 strokes, better than the 24 other golfers.

Trevecca senior Ashley Scism finished with a 157, which would have been her third TranSouth tournament championship. But when the all-tournament awards were handed out and Legge received the plaque for low medalist, she wanted company. She asked Scism to join her for the all-tournament team photo and attempted to hand the plaque over to Scism.

"I teared up," said Scism, who declined to take the award away from Legge. "It was a really special moment for me to go up there and actually hold the trophy. ... She is just an incredible person and it was a really special moment for me to get to spend that time and moment with her."

Legge, a native of Portland, Tenn., remembers playing her first U.S. Junior Golf tournament at the age of 12 and being paired up with the older Scism, who provided a calming and reassuring presence.

"She was so sweet to me," Legge said. "I've known her since then and we've always been good friends. I knew this was her last [college] tournament ever. I knew this was big for her. For her to actually shoot the low score I knew that was the right thing to do. I didn't feel right taking the award and not having her come up there with me. I knew that would be special to her."

The moments of sportsmanship were special for Bradley and Scism and resonated with the coaches around them, especially Trevecca women's coach Michael Johnson.

"It is what you would hope in your wildest dreams that would occur that student-athletes would recognize the efforts of one another," Johnson said. "It was a very selfless thing that both of those young people did. It touches me deeply."

During Bradley's four-year career, the Hickman County product and Austin Peay State transfer won a handful of tournaments - but never with his father on hand.

That was until last week.

"For Brett to do that and my dad to see me - me and my dad got pictures afterwards with the trophy - that meant a lot to me," Bradley said. "And Brett knew that and I made sure to thank him. It was a great experience. I don't think it could have happened any better."

While Bradley hopes to pursue a professional career and attend the PGA Tour's Q-School, Scism's competitive golfing days most likely are behind her. 
The Donelson Christian Academy product graduates on Saturday after spending the last two years in nursing school through Belmont. Trevecca is a member of the Partners in Nursing Consortium at Belmont.

In addition to pursuing a nursing degree, Scism also got married two years ago to former Trevecca golfer and current assistant coach Will Scism.

Even with a heavy workload, she put together one of the most decorated careers in Trevecca history. She holds several school records, including total wins, and was named the TranSouth freshman of the year in 2009 in addition to player of the year. She also earned player of the year accolades in 2011 and Johnson said she would have won it again this year if she was eligible.

Instead, Legge was named the freshman and player of the year, which pleased Scism.

Trevecca plans to present Scism with a special plaque commemorating her 2012 TranSouth win.

"If not, that's OK," she said. "I don't need necessarily a trophy to remember that moment."
Men's Basketball - Wed, May 2, 2012
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PULASKI, Tenn. -- Martin Methodist College, Director of Athletics, Jeff Bain is enthusiastic to announce his new men's basketball coach, Scott Combs. Coach Combs will assume the position immediately with the RedHawks once he gets clearance from Austin Peay State University where he has served as a men's basketball assistant coach for the past 12 years. During his tenure at APSU he has helped lead the Governors to two NCAA and two NIT tournament appearances, in addition to four OVC Conference Championships.


Prior to Combs employment at APSU he played two-years for the Governors' OVC Championship team and was an All-Academic team member. Prior to coming to APSU he was a two-year member of the University of Missouri Tigers' NCAA and NIT tournament teams, after having been an All-State high school basketball player and a Mr. Basketball finalist in the state of Indiana.


Combs brings to the RedHawks a strong background in Recruiting from the Governor's staff, along with Compliance and Academic responsibilities and understanding. He is looking forward to this opportunity in his career where he can polish off his fundamentals, and X's and O's skills.


Coach Combs states: "My family and I are honored and proud to accept the head coach position at Martin Methodist. We feel this is an excellent time to join the RedHawk family. Not only are we thrilled to get involved with the team, we are also excited to get to know the Giles County community. Our goal is to build, past and recent successes, a lasting foundation for the team to grow both on and off the court. We are very thankful for this opportunity."


Bain reflects: "Coach Combs revealed to me in the interview process a sense of creative ideas, along with a sincere desire to build team chemistry. I believe that he is the perfect person to come in to re-structure and re-organized our RedHawk team that lost five seniors this past season. It will take a lot of work, but I'm convinced that he will be successful and I look forward to seeing Scott's signature on his team in the near future with diplomas in their hands and championship rings on their fingers."


Scott brings with him to Pulaski his wife Casey and their three-year old daughter Chandler. Coach Combs will be on campus this Friday at 2:00 PM in the lobby of the gym.

Softball - Tue, May 1, 2012
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PULASKI, Tenn. - The 2012 TranSouth Conference softball postseason honors have been released. Union University standout Shelby Lamb was voted as the TranSouth Player of the Year, as Union also claimed Pitcher and Freshman of the Year awards in hurling duo Brooke Thomas and Kelly Robey, and the Coach of the Year nod with Heather Hall. Martin Methodist's Veronika Fukunishi was named Newcomer of the Year, as the first and second team all-conference awards were also announced. These awards will be presented during a ceremony following Wednesday's 5:00 pm games in the conference tournament, which starts Wednesday, May 2 at the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex in Jackson, Tennessee.

Lamb, a sophomore outfielder from Shelbyville, Tennessee, sat atop the TranSouth as the league's best hitter with a .477 batting average, 11th in the NAIA, and 73 hits during the regular season. With 19 doubles as a sophomore which ranked her 12th nationally, Lamb drove in 44 runs.
 
Thomas, a junior from Huntingdon, Tennessee, was the only 20-win pitcher in the TranSouth this season, and was a 2012 Player of the Week. Thomas struck out a conference-high 194 batters on the season in 171.2 innings pitched, and held opposing batters to a .186, boasting a 2.16 ERA.
 
Robey, a pitcher from New Madrid, Missouri, was a three-time TranSouth Pitcher of the Week and once an NAIA Player of the Week during her freshman campaign at Union. Robey's 1.96 ERA was Union's best, as she compiled an 18-4 record, and led the league with 10.68 strikeouts per game.
 
Fukunishi, a junior catcher from Brazil, led the TSAC with 46 RBI during the regular season, and was third in batting average with a .395. In her first season as a RedHawk, Fukunishi was a two-time TSAC Player of the Week, tallying a .619 slugging percentage with 58 hits, 13 doubles and six homeruns.
 
Hall earned her first Coach of the Year award 41-10 overall record, including a 25-3 TranSouth mark. Hall's Bulldogs are currently ranked No. 13 in the latest poll, and were this season's regular season conference champions.
 
PLAYER OF THE YEAR (photo): Shelby Lamb, Union
PITCHER OF THE YEAR (photo): Brooke Thomas, Union
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR (photo): Veronika Fukunishi, Martin Methodist
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR (photo): Kelly Robey, Union
COACH OF THE YEAR (photo): Heather Hall, Union
 
FIRST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE (photo)
Shelby Lamb, Union
Veronika Fukunishi, Martin Methodist
Sarah Elizabeth Cousar, Freed-Hardeman
Brooklyn Jenkins, Bethel
Chrissy Darnell, Martin Methodist
Brooke Thomas, Union
Amber VanSandt, Freed-Hardeman
Kelly Robey, Union
Katlin White, Martin Methodist
Stephanie Saunders, Union
Molly Hargrove, Mid-Continent
Katie Davis, Union
Courtney Maynard, Cumberland
Amanda Renfroe, Bethel
Alex Williams, Union
Kimmy Nicholson, Blue Mountain
Allison Blackwood, Cumberland
Cynthia Takahashi, Martin Methodist
 

SECOND TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE (photo)
Sydney Broderick, Cumberland
Kandace Christopher, Martin Methodist
Chrissy Worth, Martin Methodist
Kaitlyn Patterson, Lyon College
Bry Navarro, Mid-Continent
Sydney McMillian, Bethel
Emily Nicholson, Cumberland
Haylei Plummer, Blue Mountain
Erica Whitaker, Lyon
Brittany Yates, Freed-Hardeman
Shelby Cummings, Freed-Hardeman
Mercedes Norfolk, Freed-Hardeman
Anna Maziarka, Mid-Continent
Brooke Jones, Blue Mountain

Tennis - Tue, May 1, 2012
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LEBANON, Tenn. - Cumberland's men remained 16th and Martin Methodist's women dropped four spots to 21st in the sixth edition of the NAIA Tennis Coaches' Top 25 Poll released Tuesday by the national office.



The Bulldogs (17-2) defeated Reinhardt University and SCAD-Atlanta before falling to eighth-ranked Xavier [LA] University in the finals of the NAIA Qualifying Tournament this past weekend at The Racquet Club of the South in Norcross, Ga. Cumberland's two losses this season have come against Xavier and 12th-ranked Lindsey Wilson.

The RedHawks (11-4) also won twice at the Qualifying Tournament, over Columbia [SC] College and Cumberland before dropping a 5-2 decision against Xavier in the finals. MMC's other losses this season have come against William Carey, Auburn Montgomery and Lindsey Wilson, teams all ranked in the Top 15.

Both teams will find out by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8 if their will receive at-large bids into the NAIA Championships set for May 15-19 at the Mobile Tennis Center in Mobile, Ala.

TranSouth - Mon, Apr 30, 2012
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PULASKI, Tenn. -- The TranSouth Conference's Player of the Week awards for the week ending April 29, 2012 have been released.

SOFTBALL: CU's Broderick, TNU's Baker and FHU's Cousar earn final weekly honors
 
PULASKI, Tenn. - The final installment of the TranSouth weekly awards for softball include Player and Pitcher of the Week selections of Sydney Broderick of Cumberland University, and co-pitchers Lauren Baker of Trevecca Nazarene University and Sarah Elizabeth Cousar of Freed-Hardeman University for the week ending April 29, 2012.
 
Broderick, a 5-6 freshman catcher from Knoxville, Tennessee, was 5-for-7 with two homers and five RBIs at Mid-Continent in CU's only games of the week. She posted a career-high four hits, scored twice and hit a two-run homer in the first game. She added a three-run shot in the second contest. The freshman missed two weeks in April with a concussion and has played in six games since returning. She leads the Bulldogs with a .339 batting average and has five doubles, five homers and 26 RBIs in 41 contests.
 
Baker, a 5-5 senior from Hendersonville, Tennessee, combined with Natalie Papini on a no-hitter and was a walk shy of a perfect game. She added a complete game shutout of Martin Methodist to 2-0 week. Baker also helped the team at the plate this week with four hits, two runs, a home run, and an RBI.
 
Cousar, a 5-7 sophomore from Covington, Tennessee, went 4-0 on the week to improve to 19-5 on the season, allowing no earned runs in three starts with two shutouts over Lyon (Ark.) and Bethel (Tenn.). Cousar also picked up a win in relief in game two of the Lyon double-header. With the week, she lowered her season ERA to 1.16, and tied season and career high with 11 strikeouts against Lyon with 31 strikeouts in 23 innings pitched.
BASEBALL: MMC's Gobbell,  TNU's Fennell, UU's Fesmire earn weekly honors
 
JACKSON, Tenn. - Luke Fennell of Trevecca Nazarene University and Clint Gobbell of Martin Methodist College were named TranSouth Conference Baseball Co-Players of the Week. Union University's Benjie Fesmire was named the pitcher of the week. This is the first such honor for Fennell and Fesmire this season, and second on the year for Gobbell.
 
Gobbell, a 6-foot sophomore from Lawrenceburg, Tenn., helped his RedHawks to a 2-1 series win over Trevecca Nazarene. He hit .700, going 7-for-10 at the plate. He recorded three hits each in games two and three of the series, both wins for Martin Methodist. Gobbell added five runs, a double, two home runs, five RBI and a walk. He posted a 1.400 slugging percentage. Martin Methodist is 31-22 on the season and finished the regular season in third place.
 
Fennell, a 5-foot-10 junior from Franklin, Tenn., hit .727 on the week in a three game series with Martin Methodist. Fennel was 8-for-11 in the three games, recorded three hits in a game twice and two hits once. Fennel hit a grand slam in a 15-13 loss to the RedHawks in game three of the series. He added five runs, two doubles, one home run and seven RBI. He walked once and posted a 1.182 slugging percentage. The Trojans finished the regular season 19-22-1.
 
Fesmire a 6-foot junior pitcher from Jackson, Tenn., earned a win for Union as a perfect game slipped away in the late innings. Fesmire tossed six innings in a 4-1 win over Blue Mountain (Miss.), allowing one run on two hits with two strikeouts. He had a perfect game through 5.2 innings when a Blue Mountain runner reached base on an error. Fesmire did not allow his first hit until the lead-off batter in the seventh and final inning. Fesmire improved to 5-3 on the season as he helped Union complete a sweep over Blue Mountain, assuring the Bulldogs of a No. 2 seed in this week's tournament. Union is 34-17-1 overall.
 
Date - Player of the Week; Pitcher of the Week
February 5 - Clint Gobbell, Martin Methodist; Josh Brown, Martin Methodist
February 13 - Jordan Manney, Mid-Continent; Tomas Rodriguez, Mid-Continent
February 20 - Robert Prieto, Freed-Hardeman; Chipper Smith, Cumberland
February 27 - Matt Tidwell, Trevecca Nazarene; Chipper Smith, Cumberland
March 5 - Roger Glaude, Lyon; Hunter Burge, Mid-Continent
March 12 - Mike Mandarino, Cumberland; Andy Southard, Freed-Hardeman
March 19 - Kirkland Wheeler, Freed-Hardeman; Brenden Camp, Lyon/Gary Ward, Bethel
March 26 - Justin Mackey, Freed-Hardeman/Mark Rayburn, Trevecca; Gary Ward, Bethel
April 2 - Roger Glauge, Lyon; Will Irvin, Union
April 9 - Trevor Buford, Mid-Continent; Gary Ward, Bethel
April 16 - Chris Cain, Bethel; Devin Stovall, Cumberland
April 23 - Robert Prieto, Freed-Hardeman; Gary Ward, Bethel
Apri  30 - Luke Fennell, Trevecca/Clint Gobbell, Martin Methodist; Benjie Fesmire, Union
Softball - Mon, Apr 30, 2012
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PULASKI, Tenn. - The TranSouth Scholar Athletes list for softball has been released and 59 players have earned the academic award. To be considered for the TranSouth Scholar Athlete award, a student-athlete must have a 3.0 GPA and must be at least a sophomore academically. To earn the NAIA Scholar Athlete award*, a student athlete must have a 3.5 GPA, be at least a junior academically, and must have completed one full year at their institution. Union University and Blue Mountain College led the league, each boasting nine scholar athletes.

Bethel University (photo): (8) Morgan Berry, Ashton Carnahan*, Brooke Cary*, Molly Frey, Colby Prosser*, Amanda Renfroe, Emily Roper*, Alex Weatherly
 
Blue Mountain College (photo): (9) Halley Beckham, Brooke Denton, Anna Hamilton, Shelby Jackson, Kelsey Nelson, Meggin Nelson, Heather Noe, Lizzie Sherard*, Kaleigh Tackitt
 
Cumberland University (photo): (8) Victoria Bennett*, Allison Blackwood*, Autumn Collins, Caity Gray*, Megan Lavery, Sarah Murray, Emily Nicholson, Courtney White
 
Freed Hardeman University (photo): (3) Savannah Cole*, Summer Cole*, Sarah Elizabeth Cousar
 
Lyon College (photo): (2) Kaitlyn Patterson*, Valerie Howell
 
Martin Methodist College (photo): (5) Chrissy Darnell, Caroline Ezell, Sam Queen, Cynthia Takahashi, Beth Wilson*
 
Mid-Continent University (photo): (8) Kaylee Blankenship*, Nicki Dewitt, Randi Eveans, Molly Hargrove, Anna Maziarka, Bry Navarro, Lindsey Niemeyer, Lacee Underwood
 
Trevecca Nazarene University: (7) Caitlyn Bailey, Lauren Baker*, Natalie Papini, Allison Gaddis, Kari Mason, Heather Shuler, Riley Mashburn
 

Union University (photo): (9) Ali Bozza, Katie Davis, Katie Beth Fesmire*, Sam Geisler*, Caroline George*, Toby Joy*, Keaton Kirk*, Stephanie Saunders*, Brooke Thomas*

Baseball - Sun, Apr 29, 2012
Viewed 713 times
JACKSON, Tenn. - The 2012 TranSouth Conference Baseball postseason honors have been released. Cumberland University standout Mike Mandarino was voted as the TranSouth Player of the Year. Jonathan Estes of Freed-Hardeman University was voted as the TranSouth Coach of the Year. The first and second team all-conference awards were also announced, along with the TranSouth Conference Rawlings Gold Glove team. These awards will be presented during a ceremony prior to game three in the conference tournament, which starts Monday, April 30 at Union University's Fesmire Field.
 
Mandarino, 6-foot-1 pitcher/first baseman from Massapequa, N.Y., was named TranSouth All-Conference at two positions this season. He did his best work from the mound where he was named first team all-conference pitcher. Mandarino was 9-2 this season with 11 starts and 13 appearances with eight complete games. In 80.0 innings, he allowed just 22 earned runs, posting a 2.48 ERA with 63 strikeouts and just 28 walks. Mandarino was named to the second team as a first baseman. In 51 games, he hit .333 with a TranSouth best 15 home runs while finishing second in the TranSouth with 45 RBI. In his 171 at bats, he recorded 31 runs, 57 hits and nine doulbes.
 
Estes is in his third season as the head baseball coach at his alma mater, Freed-Hardeman. This season, Estes led the Lions to a 36-19 overall record and a league best 15-6 conference record. Estes led Freed-Hardeman to their first TranSouth Conference regular season title in 15 years, while also pushing the Lions into the NAIA National Polls. The Lions are ranked No. 19 in the latest rankings.
 
2012 TranSouth Conference Baseball Postseason Honors (Printable PDF)
 
Player of the Year:  Mike Mandarino, Cumberland University (photo)
Coach of the Year:  Jonathan Estes, Freed-Hardeman University (photo)
 
First Team All-Conference (photo)
Catcher - Doug Joyce, Union University
Catcher - Keith Tidwell, Martin Methodist College
First Base - Nick Flanagan, Martin Methodist College
Second Base - Robert Prieto, Freed-Hardeman University
Third Base - Evan Mansell, Freed-Hardeman University
Shortstop - Danny Grimm, Union University
Extra Fielder - Nate Bell, Blue Mountain College
Outfield - Gardner Richey, Blue Mountain College
Outfield - Brett Pawlan, Union University
Outfield - Justin Mackey, Freed-Hardeman University
Outfield - Clint Gobbell, Martin Methodist College
Designated Hitter - Chris Cain, Bethel University 
Starting Pitcher - Roberto Ferguson, Freed-Hardeman University
Starting Pitcher - Gary Ward, Bethel University
Starting Pitcher - Mike Mandarino, Cumberland University
Starting Pitcher - Will Irvin, Union University
Relief Pitcher - Cody Dew, Union University

Second Team All-Conference (photo)
Catcher - Tyler Roberson, Bethel University
Catcher - Jake Todd, Freed-Hardeman University
First Base - Mike Mandarino, Cumberland University
Second Base - Sam Lind, Cumberland University
Third Base - Ben Wallis, Blue Mountain College
Shortstop - Cory Urquhart, Cumberland University
Extra Fielder - Cody Ferrell, Cumberland University
Outfield - Lance Jarreld, Bethel University
Outfield - Brian Ferrell, Bethel University
Outfield - Rob Holley, Martin Methodist College
Outfield - Henry Castaigne, Lyon College 
Outfield - Seth Kennedy, Blue Mountain College
Designated Hitter - Jesse Hykes, Freed-Hardeman University
Starting Pitcher - Andy Southard, Freed-Hardeman University
Starting Pitcher - Chipper Smith, Cumberland University
Starting Pitcher - Tomas Rodriguez, Mid-Continent University
Starting Pitcher - Talan Roepcke, Lyon College
Relief Pitcher - Brock Glass, Martin Methodist College
Relief Pitcher - Hunter Burge, Mid-Continent University
 
Rawlings Gold Glove Team (photo)
Catcher - Keith Tidwell, Martin Methodist College
First Base - Nate Bell, Blue Mountain College
Second Base - Sam Lind, Cumberland University
Third Base - Justin McQueen, Martin Methodist College
Shortstop - Danny Grimm, Union University
Outfield - Justin Mackey, Freed-Hardeman University
Outfield - Hunter Mize, Blue Mountain College
Outfield - Antonio Butler, Cumberland University
Pitcher - Roberto Ferguson, Freed-Hardeman University
Baseball - Thu, Apr 26, 2012
Viewed 661 times
JACKSON, Tenn. - The TranSouth Scholar Athletes list for baseball has been released and 107 players have earned the academic award. To be considered for the TranSouth Scholar Athlete award, a student-athlete must have a 3.0 GPA and must be at least a sophomore academically. To earn the NAIA Scholar Athlete award*, a student athlete must have a 3.5 GPA, be at least a junior academically, and must have completed one full year at their institution.

TranSouth Baseball Scholar Athletes (NAIA Scholar Athletes*) (Printable PDF)
Bethel University (photo): Kevin Smothers*, Caleb Crocker*, Logan Hays*, Jordan Stack*, Brian Ferrell, Cade Chambers, JD Newsom, Brett Adams, Brook Oursler, Chris Cain, Joey Wilder, Glenn Smith, Jason Overton, Jason Foley, JP Glover
 
Blue Mountain College (photo): Nate Bell*, Blake Jolly, Seth Kennedy*, Sam Summerford, Zane Treadaway*, Channing Walker*, Ben Wallis, Brent Townsend
 
Cumberland University (photo): Matt Burke, Jesse Coe, Chris Del Bianco, Justin Fann*, Cody Ferrell, Brandon Goodman, Heath Holliday, Brandon King, Keith Kirby, Sam Lind, Logan Neal, Mitch Rainer, Brodie Ross, Richie Seaton*, Matt Sedgwick*, Leo Sierra, Devin Stovall, Nick Sydnor, Tyler Wheeler, Dylan Boyd
 
Freed-Hardeman University (photo):  Mark Malone, Drew Suttles, Eric Tompkins, Corbin Clark, Justin Mackey, Ryan Wood, Evan Mansell*, Hunter Newby, Charlie Overturf *, Jonathan Soto, Tyler Anderson, Joe Creasy, Kyle Dearing, Dustin Speight
 
Lyon College:  Gary Sudol, Matthew Coyle, Kyle Matthews, Colby Rogers, Michael Cherry*, Josh McNatt*, Michael Sepanek
 
Martin Methodist College (photo):  Zack Bailey, Clint Gobbell, Dillon Sands*, James Woody, Rob Holley*, Jake Ray
 
Mid-Continent University:  Cale Bastien, Trevor Buford, Hunter Burge*, Daniel Edwards*, Tyler Hall, Caleb Luttrell, Jordan Manney, Cable McMinn, Nick Pierski, Bill Schroeder
 
Trevecca Nazarene University: Jackson Nichols*, Trae Weiss*, Chad McDaniel*, Scott Lynn*, Matt Dobbins, Caleb Knox, Justin Dailey, Rob Rowland, Justin Holland, Mark Rayburn, Luke Fennell, Codi Webb, Blake Rogers, Tyler Wallin, Michael Donaldson, Link Lovins
 

Union University (photo): Jim Martin, Wacey Russell, Hunter Smith, Jared Davis, Benjie Fesmire*, David Leisey*, Cole McAdams, Danny Grimm*, Kian Jost, Jeremey Stack, Derek Roof

Tennis - Thu, Apr 26, 2012
Viewed 324 times
The 2012 NAIA Qualifying Tournament for the TranSouth Conference takes place April 27-28 in Norcross, Ga., at The Racquet Club of the South. Nine men's teams and 10 men's teams are in the field, including Xavier [LA] University, Martin Methodist, Cumberland University, Bethel University, Milligan College, Tennessee Wesleyan, Reinhardt University, Columbia [SC] College, Bluefield College and SCAD-Atlanta.


Teams from the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference, Appalachian Athletic Conference, Association of Independent Institutions and TranSouth Conference will take part, with the winner of the tournament earning an automatic berth into the NAIA Championships set for May 15-19 in Mobile, Ala. The Racquet Club of the South is a 16-court facility in northeast Atlanta.
Tournament Director: Brad Iftner - Head Coach, SCAD-Atlanta
NAIA Championships: May 15-19, 2012; Mobile, Ala. - Mobile Tennis Center
Women's 2011-12 All-TranSouth (release)
SINGLES
1. Paloma Cortina, Martin Methodist
2. Alena Gizdić, Cumberland University
3. Maria Charrys, Martin Methodist
4. Viktoria Ryjak, Martin Methodist
5. Jeanna Stanford, Martin Methodist
6. Rachel Wolfe, Martin Methodist

DOUBLES
1. Paloma Cortina-Anastasia Alescheva, Martin Methodist
2. Alena Gizdić-Tais Lacerda Bezerra, Cumberland University
3. Viktoria Ryjak-Rachel Wolfe, Martin Methodist

Player of the Year: Paloma Cortina, Martin Methodist
Coach of the Year: Melinda Sevier, Martin Methodist

Men's 2011-12 All-TranSouth (release)
SINGLES
1. Antonio Manuel Marcelo, Cumberland University
2. Na'im Azhar, Cumberland University
3. Evan Sanna, Cumberland University
4. Pedro Rodrigues, Cumberland University
5. Andres Burgos, Cumberland University
6. Alvaro Morcillo, Martin Methodist

DOUBLES
1. Vinicius Santos-Ramiro Vargas, Martin Methodist
2. Fabio Santos-Alejandro Yanes, Martin Methodist
3. Pedro Rodrigues-Andres Burgos, Cumberland University

Player of the Year: Antonio Manuel Marcelo, Cumberland University
Coach of the Year: Bill McCormick, Cumberland University
2011-12 WOMEN'S TRANSOUTH SCHOLAR-ATHLETES (release)
Bethel University: Darya Klyuyenko
Cumberland University: Tais Lacerda Bezerra, Anita Rácz
Martin Methodist: Rachel Wolfe, Jeanna Stanford

2011-12 MEN'S TRANSOUTH SCHOLAR-ATHLETES (release)
Bethel University: None
Cumberland University: Devin Crotzer, Jeremy Fleming, Cristhian Hernandez, Pedro Rodrigues, Evan Sanna
Martin Methodist: Alejandro Yanes, Fabio Santos
NAIA QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT
Women's Seedings
1. Martin Methodist
2. Xavier [LA] University
3. Milligan College
4. SCAD-Atlanta
5. Cumberland University
6. Tennessee Wesleyan
7. Bethel University
8. Columbia [SC] College
9. Bluefield College
10. Reinhardt University

Women's Matches
Friday, April 27
Columbia [SC] College 5, Bluefield [VA] College 0
SINGLES
1. Danielle Cupid (COL) vs. Casey Germain (BLUE), DNF
2. Raven Fair (COL) def. Leslie Williams (BLUE), 6-0, 6-1
3. Abbagayle Stevenson (COL) vs. Erika Creger (BLUE), DNF
4. Lydia Royals (COL) def. Kalyn Dolan (BLUE), 6-2, 6-3
5. Haley Mathias (COL) vs. Julie Austin (BLUE), DNS
6. Mara Reiss (COL) vs. Caitlin Allen (BLUE), DNS

DOUBLES
1. Fair-Cupid (COL) def. Germain-Williams (BLUE), 8-2
2. Reiss-Stevenson (COL) def. Dolan-Creger (BLUE), 8-0
3. Mathias-Royals (COL) def. Austin-Allen (BLUE), 8-1
Order of Finish - Doubles (2,3,1); Singles (2,4)

Bethel University 6, Reinhardt University 3
SINGLES
1. Dasha Klyuyenko (BU) def. Maria Alejandra Bejarano (RU), 6-3, 6-0
2. Cassie Quast (RU) def. Michella Douglas (BU), 6-1, 6-4
3. Allison Adcock (BU) def. Tara Mathis (RU), 6-2, 6-3
4. Connie Oliver (BU) def. Taylor Jordan, 6-2, 6-0
5. Selina Williams (BU) def. Lauren Smith (RU), 3-0, retired
6. Krysani Hogg Boyd (BU) def. Kayla Spivey (RU), default

DOUBLES
1. Mathis-Quast (RU) def. Klyuyenko-Adcock (BU), 8-5
2. Jordan-Bejarano (RU) def. Douglas-Boyd (BU), 8-4
3. Oliver-Williams (BU) def. Smith-Spivey (RU), default
Order of Finish - Doubles (3,2,1), Singles (6,5,3,4,2*1)

QUARTERFINALS
Milligan College 5, Tennessee Wesleyan 0
SINGLES
1. Kayla Kelly (MILL) def. Beatriz Signori (TWC), 6-2, 6-0
2. Sarah Rainwater (MILL) vs. Zola Enhkbat (TWC), 6-4, 2-1, DNF
3. Albany Kelly (MILL) vs. Laura Spellacy (TWC), 4-6, 0-4, DNF
4. Celeste Carpenter (MILL) def. Kristin Camp (TWC), 6-0, 6-1
5. Halie Winfrey (MILL) vs. Britten Friedrich (TWC), DNS
6. Ahmee Kelly (MILL) vs. Spencer Creekmore (TWC), DNS

DOUBLES
1. Kayla Kelly-Rainwater (MILL) def. Signori-Enhkbat (TWC), 8-6
2. Albany Kelly-Carpenter (MILL) def. Camp-Friedrich (TWC), 8-0
3. Ahmee Kelly-Winfrey (MILL) def. Spellacy-Creekmore (TWC), 8-6
Order of Finish - Doubles (2,3,1); Singles (4,1*)

Cumberland University 6, SCAD-Atlanta 0
SINGLES
1. Courtney Schaub (CU) vs. Alina Tseplukhova (SCAD), 6-4, 1-2, DNF
2. Alena Gizdić (CU) vs. Carolyn Kernodle (SCAD), 6-3, 4-3, DNF
3. Anita Rácz (CU) def. Katya Kiseleva (SCAD), 6-2, 6-0
4. Tais Lacerda Bezerra (CU) def. Maggie Russell (SCAD), 6-0, 6-0
5. Abby Wilson (CU) vs. Elisa Freitas (SCAD), DNP
6. Lindsey Gaither (CU) won by default

DOUBLES
1. Schaub-Rácz (CU) def. Tseplukhova-Kernodle (SCAD), 8-5
2. Gizdić-Lacerda Bezerra (CU) def. Kiseleva-Freitas (SCAD), 8-3
3. Wilson-Gaither (CU) won by default
Order of Finish - Doubles (3,2,1), Singles (4,3*)

#17 Martin Methodist 6, Columbia [SC] College 0
SINGLES
1. (47) Paloma Cortina (MMC) def. Danielle Cupid (COL), 6-0, 6-0
2. Anastasia Alescheva (MMC) def. Raven Fair (COL), 6-2, 6-1
3. Maria Charrys (MMC) vs. Abbagayle Stevenson (COL), 6-0, 4-3, DNF
4. Viktoria Ryjak (MMC) def. Lydia Royals (COL), 6-1, 6-0
5. Jeanna Stanford (MMC) vs. Haley Mathias (COL), 6-2, 4-0, DNF
6. Rachel Wolfe (MMC) vs. Mara Reiss (COL), 5-4, DNF

DOUBLES
1. (25) Cortina-Alescheva (MMC) def. Fair-Cupid (COL), 8-1
2. Stanford-Charrys (MMC) def. Reiss-Stevenson (COL), 8-2
3. Ryjak-Wolfe (MMC) def. Mathias-Royals (COL), 8-1
Order of Finish - Doubles (1,3,2); Singles (1,4*,2)

Xavier [LA] University 5, Bethel University 0
SINGLES
1. (27) Kourtney Howell (XU) def. Dasha Klyuyenko (BU), 6-0, 6-1
2. (38) Amanda Materre (XU) vs. Michella Douglas (BU), 6-1, 2-1, DNF
3. Amber Brown (XU) def. Allison Adcock (BU), 6-0, 6-0
4. Nicole DeLoach (XU) vs. Connie Oliver (BU), 6-1, DNF
5. Jordyn Goody (XU) vs. Selina Williams (BU), 3-4, DNF
6. Ashley McGill (XU) vs. Krysani Hogg Boyd (BU), DNS

DOUBLES
1. Brown-Materre (XU) def. Klyuyenko-Adcock (BU), 8-0
2. Howell-DeLoach (XU) def. Douglas-Boyd (BU), 8-0
3. Goody-McGill (XU) def. Oliver-Williams (BU), 8-6
Order of Finish - Doubles (1,2,3); Singles (3,1*)

SEMIFINALS
#17 Martin Methodist 5, Cumberland University 0
SINGLES
1. (47) Paloma Cortina (MMC) def. Courtney Schaub (CU), 6-1, 6-4
2. Maria Charrys (MMC) vs. Alena Gizdić (CU), 6-4, 1-6, 2-3, DNF
3. Anastasia Alescheva (MMC) vs. Anita Rácz (CU), 6-3, 4-5, DNF
4. Viktoria Ryjak (MMC) vs. Abby Wilson (CU), 6-0, 6-0
5. Jeanna Stanford (MMC) vs. Tais Lacerda Bezerra (CU), 3-2, DNF 
6. Rachel Wolfe (MMC) vs. Lindsey Gaither (CU) , DNS

DOUBLES
1. (25) Cortina-Alescheva (MMC) def. Schaub-Rácz (CU), 8-2
2. Charrys-Stanford (MMC) def. Gizdić-Lacerda Bezerra (CU), 9-7
3. Wolfe-Ryjak (MMC) def. Wilson-Gaither (CU), 8-1
Order of Finish - Doubles (3,1,2); Singles (4,1*)

Xavier [LA] University 5, Milligan College 2
SINGLES
1. (27) Kourtney Howell (XU) def. Kayla Kelly (MILL), 6-1, 6-3
2. (38) Amanda Materre (XU) def. Sarah Rainwater (MILL), 6-1, 6-2
3. Amber Brown (XU) def. Albany Kelly (MILL), 6-0, 6-1
4. Nicole DeLoach (XU) def. Celester Carpenter (MILL), 6-1, 6-0
5. Jordyn Goody (XU) vs. Halie Winfrey (MILL), 4-3, DNF
6. Ashley McGill (XU) vs. Ahmee Kelly (MILL), 2-3, DNF

DOUBLES
1. Kayla Kelly-Rainwater (MILL) def. Brown-Materre (XU), 8-5
2. Howell-DeLoach (XU) def. Albany Kelly-Carpenter (MILL), 8-6
3. Ahmee Kelly-Winfrey (MILL) def. Goody-McGill (XU), 8-4
Order of Finish - Doubles (3,1,2); Singles (3,4,2,1*)

FINALS - 12:15 pm
Xavier [LA] University 5, #17 Martin Methodist 2
SINGLES
1. (27) Kourtney Howell (XU) def. (47) Paloma Cortina (MMC), 6-4, 6-1
2. (38) Amanda Materre (XU) def. Anastasia Alescheva (MMC), 6-1, 6-2
3. Amber Brown (XU) def. Maria Charrys(MMC), 6-3, 6-1
4. Nicole DeLoach (XU) vs. Viktoria Ryjak (MMC), 4-6, 6-2, DNF
5. Jordyn Goody (XU) def. Jeanna Stanford (MMC), 6-3, 6-2
6. Ashley McGill (XU) vs. Rachel Wolfe (MMC), 6-2, 3-4, DNF

DOUBLES
1. (25) Cortina-Alescheva (MMC) def. Brown-Materre (XU), 8-3
2. Howell-DeLoach (XU) def. Charrys-Stanford (MMC), 8-5
3. Wolfe-Ryjak (MMC) def. Goody-McGill (XU), 8-2
Order of Finish - Doubles (3,1,2); Singles (2,1,5,3*)

All match times are Central Time

NAIA QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT
Men's Seedings
1. Xavier [LA] University
2. Cumberland University
3. Martin Methodist
4. Bethel University
5. Tennessee Wesleyan
6. SCAD-Atlanta
7. Reinhardt University
8. Milligan College
9. Bluefield College

Men's Matches
Friday, April 27
Milligan College 5, Bluefield [VA] College 0
SINGLES
1. Ricky Jones (MILL) vs. Jordan Owens (BLUE), 5-4, DNF
2. Sebastian Jonsson (MILL) vs. Chaz Stonestreet (BLUE), 6-0, 2-1, DNF
3. Wesley Rice (MILL) vs. James Gunn (BLUE), 6-0, 1-0, DNF
4. Mickey Brown (MILL) vs. Matthew Moore (BLUE), 6-1, DNF
5. Kody Horne (MILL) def. Tyler Estep (BLUE), 6-1, 6-0
6. Wade Tugman (MILL) won by default

DOUBLES
1. Jones-Brown (MILL) def. Owens-Stonestreet (BLUE), 8-1
2. Jonsson-Rice (MILL) def. Estep-Moore (BLUE), 8-0
3. Tugman-Horne (MILL) won by default
Order of Finish - Doubles (3,1,2); Singles (6,5*)

QUARTERFINALS
#8 Xavier [LA] University 6, Milligan College 0
SINGLES
1. (8) Loic Didavi (XU) vs. Ricky Jones (MILL), 6-2, 2-0, DNF
2. (19) Zach Taylor (XU) def. Sebastian Jonsson (MILL), 6-0, 6-0
3. (41) Viktor Svoboda (XU) def. Wesley Rice (MILL), 6-0, 6-1
4. (47) Steffan Giles-Osborn (XU) def. Mickey Brown (MILL), 6-0, 6-0
5. Amir Rahbar (XU) vs. Kody Horne (MILL), 5-2, DNF
6. Sean Richardson (XU) vs. Wade Tugman (MILL), DNS

DOUBLES
1. Didavi-Taylor (XU) def. Jones-Brown (MILL), 8-0
2. Giles-Osborn-Richardson (XU) def. Rice-Jonsson (MILL), 8-2
3. Corey Huggins-Svoboda (XU) def. Horne-Tugman (MILL), 8-1
Order of Finish - Doubles (1,3,2); Singles (2,3*4)

Bethel University 5, Tennessee Wesleyan 3
SINGLES
1. (37) Peter Baca (BU) def. Bartos Micher (TWC), 6-0, 6-2
2. Tanner Stancil (TWC) def. Paolo Vecchi (BU), 2-6, 6-0, 6-4
3. David Escobosa (TWC) def. Kristian Takac (BU), 6-1, 7-6 (7)
4. Travis Hyman (BU) def. Rodney Pineros (TWC), 6-1, 6-1
5. Eduardo Espinar (BU) def. Neal Baldwin (TWC), 6-1, 6-1
6. Raphael Sousa (BU) vs. Nathan Storms (TWC), 6-1, 5-0, DNF

DOUBLES
1. Micher-Escobosa (TWC) def. Baca-Takac (BU), 8-6
2. Vecchi-Espinar (BU) def. Stancil-Pineros (TWC), 8-2
3. Sousa-Hyman (BU) def. Baldwin-Storms (TWC), 8-0
Order of Finish - Doubles (3,2,1), Singles (1,4,3,2,5*)

SCAD-Atlanta 5, #19 Martin Methodist 2
SINGLES
1. Ramiro Vargas (MMC) def. Jack Anton (SCAD), 4-6, 6-3, 6-3
2. Richard Brej (SCAD) def. Fabio Santos (MMC), 4-6, 6-0, 6-3
3. Mikaiah Vea (SCAD) def. Cristian Arias (MMC), 4-6, 6-2, 6-3
4. Julian Guzman (SCAD) def. Alvaro Morcillo (MMC), 6-2, 6-1
5. Alejandro Yanes (MMC) def. David Paull (SCAD), 6-4, 6-1
6. No Player (MMC) vs. No Player (SCAD), DNP

DOUBLES
1. Anton-Brej (SCAD) def. F. Santos-Vargas (MMC), 8-6
2. Vea-Guzman (SCAD) def. Arias-Yanes (MMC), 8-6
3. Paull-No Player (SCAD) vs. Morcillo-No Player (MMC), DNP
Order of Finish - Doubles (2,1); Singles (4,1,3*,5,2)

#16 Cumberland University 5, Reinhardt University 0
SINGLES
1. Na'im Azhar (CU) def. Justin Wagner (RU), 6-0, 6-1
2. Evan Sanna (CU) vs. Nick Draghiceanu (RU), 6-2, 2-0, DNF
3. Pedro Rodrigues (CU) def. Andrew Cobb (RU), 6-1, 6-0
4. Andres Burgos (CU) vs. Matt Porter (RU), 6-2, DNF
5. Cristhian Hernandez (CU) vs. Garrick Sanford (RU), 6-0, 2-0, DNF
6. Jeremy Fleming (CU) vs. Nahum Vigo-Fas (RU), 4-2, DNF

DOUBLES
1. Sanna-Fleming (CU) def. Wagner-Draghiceanu (RU), 8-0
2. Devin Crotzer-Azhar (CU) def. Cobb-Porter (RU), 8-2
3. Burgos-Rodrigues (CU) def. Sanford-Vigo-Fas (RU), 8-2
Order of Finish - Doubles (3,1,2); Singles (1,4*)

SEMIFINALS
#16 Cumberland University 5, SCAD-Atlanta 0
SINGLES
1. Na'im Azhar (CU) def. Jack Anton (SCAD), 6-2, 6-0
2. Evan Sanna (CU) vs. Richard Brej (SCAD), 1-6, 6-0, 0-1, DNF
3. Pedro Rodrigues (CU) vs. Mikaiah Vea (SCAD), 7-6 (2), 1-0 DNF
4. Andres Burgos (CU) vs. Julian Guzman (SCAD), 3-6, 2-5, DNF
5. Cristhian Hernandez (CU) vs. David Paull (SCAD), DNS
6. Jeremy Fleming (CU) won by default

DOUBLES
1. Rodrigues-Sanna (CU) def. Anton-Brej (SCAD), 9-7
2. Devin Crotzer-Azhar (CU) def. Vea-Guzman (SCAD), 8-3
3. Fleming-Burgos (CU) won by default
Order of Finish - Doubles (3,2,1); Singles (6,1*)

#8 Xavier [LA] University 5, Bethel University 0
SINGLES
1. (8) Loic Didavi (XU) def. (37) Peter Baca (BU), 6-2, 6-3
2. (19) Zach Taylor (XU) def. Paolo Vecchi (BU), 6-0, 6-0
3. (41) Viktor Svoboda (XU) vs. Kristian Takac (BU), 2-6, 6-1, DNF
4. (47) Steffan Giles-Osborn (XU) def. Travis Hyman (BU), 6-3, 3-1, DNF
5. Amir Rahbar (XU) vs. Eduardo Espinar (BU), 1-2, DNF
6. Sean Richardson (XU) vs. Raphael Sousa (BU), DNS

DOUBLES
1. (4) Didavi-Taylor (XU) def. Baca-Takac (BU), 8-0
2. Giles-Osborn-Richardson (XU) def. Vecchi-Espinar (BU), 8-6
3. Corey Huggins-Svoboda (XU) def. Sousa-Hyman (BU), 8-1
Order of Finish - Doubles (1,3,2); Singles (2,1*)

FINALS - Noon CT
#8 Xavier [LA] University 5, #16 Cumberland University 0
SINGLES
1. (8) Loic Didavi (XU) def. Na'im Azhar (CU), 6-3, 6-3
2. (19) Zach Taylor (XU) def. Evan Sanna (CU), 6-1, 6-2
3. (41) Viktor Svoboda (XU) vs. Pedro Rodrigues (CU), 6-2, 4-5, DNF
4. Amir Rahbar (XU) vs. Andres Burgos (CU), 7-6 (3), 1-5, DNF
5. Sean Richardson (XU) vs. Cristhian Hernandez (CU), 6-1, 4-3, DNF
6. Corey Huggins (XU) vs. Jeremy Fleming (CU), 6-4, 6-6, DNF

DOUBLES
1. (4) Didavi-Taylor (XU) def. Sanna-Fleming (CU), 8-3
2. Steffan Giles-Osborn-Richarson (XU) def. Devin Crotzer-Azhar (CU), 8-6
3. Svoboda-Huggins (XU) def. Burgos-Rodrigues (CU), 8-6
Order of Finish - Doubles (3,2,1); Singles (2,1*)

All match times are Central Time


Men's Golf - Thu, Apr 26, 2012
Viewed 225 times
ATHENS, Ala. - The Union University men's golf team saved their best golf for the final round as they led wire-to-wire to claim their third straight TranSouth Conference Men's Golf Championship. Union's Brett Barry won medalist honors and was voted as conference player of the year for the second straight season. Blue Mountain coach Danny McKenzie was named the TranSouth Coach of the Year, while Joel Conway of Martin Methodist was named the TranSouth Freshman of the Year.

Championship Home Page

2012 Championship Photos

The Canebrake Golf Club in Athens, Ala. hosted the 54-hole championship for the first time. The course played to a par of 72 over 6774 yards. There were 42 golfers and eight teams competing for the 2012 Championship.


Union dominated play in the third round on Tuesday. The team posted a tournament best 298. Trevecca also turned in a 298 during Monday's second round. For the tournament the Bulldogs totaled a team score of 302-301-298=901. Second place Blue Mountain turned in a 313-306-304=923. The rest of the field included: Cumberland University (316-306-310=932), Bethel University (318-323-312=953), Martin Methodist (325-318-318=961), Freed-Hardeman (334-335-345=1014), and Lyon College (357-350-347=1054).


The rest of the all-tournament team are: Kyle Long of Union (75-75-74=224), Austin Garrett of Cumberland (77-76-73=226), Adam Hall of Blue Mountain (77-74-77=228), Michael Collie of Blue Mountain (75-75-78=228), Reece Miller of Bethel (77-75-81=233), Dustin Thomas of Cumberland (75-78-80=233), and Austin Bynum of Blue Mountain (79-77-77=233).


| Combo | Individual | Team | Stats |


Trevecca was allowed to play, but weren't eligible for the championship or awards. Trevecca recorded a team score of 306-298-313=917. TNU senior Joey Bradley tied Individual Medalist Brett Barry with a 70-68-75=213. Barry and Bradley went to an unofficial playoff, which Bradley won on the first hole.


TranSouth Tournament and Season Awards

Player of the Year - Brett Barry - Union

Coach of the Year - Danny McKenzie - Blue Mountain

Freshman of the Year - Joel Conway - Martin Methodist


Team Champion -  Union University 
TranSouth Championship Medalist - Brett Barry

All-Tournament/Conference Team

Brett Barry - Union
Kyle Long - Union

Austin Garrett - Cumberland

Adam Hall - Blue Mountain

Michael Collie - Blue Mountain

Reece Miller - Bethel

Dustin Thomas - Cumberland

Austin Bynum - Blue Mountain

TranSouth Men's Golf Scholar-Athletes 

  Blue Mountain (2)  Rob Goodson*, Adam Hall
   Bethel University (2)  Justin Rea, Chris Yeater
   Cumberland University (4)  Austin Garrett, Dustin Thomas, Paul Vaughan, Austin Whitmer
   Freed-Hardeman (2)  Bryant Cashion*, Grant James
   Martin Methodist (2)  Will Walker*, Blake Moore
   Trevecca Nazarene (3)  Skip Jones, David Saldana, Stephen Williams
   Union University (5)  Charlie Pittman, Brett Barry, Kyle Long, Ryan Mantooth*, Ben Waits
*NAIA Scholar Athlete

Women's Golf - Thu, Apr 26, 2012
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ATHENS, Ala. - Cumberland University walked away with the 2012 TranSouth Women's Golf Championships. NAIA No. 25 Bulldogs had never won the team championship before, but did so in impressive fashion. After dealing with difficult conditions on Monday, the weather was nearly perfect on Tuesday when the Bulldogs improved their team score by 21 strokes. Bulldog freshman Katie Legge led the way with a one-over par 73 on Tuesday. Legge brought home several awards including the Individual Medalist plaque.

Championship Home Page

2012 Championship Photos

The Canebrake Golf Club in Athens, Ala. hosted the 36-hole championship for the first time. The course played to a par of 72 over 5807 yards. There were 26 golfers and four teams competing for the 2012 Championship.


Cumberland University shot an opening round 340 for a 10-stroke lead over Bethel. The Bulldogs added 19 strokes to their margin of victory with a 319 team score on Tuesday for a 340-319=659. Bethel was second at 350-338=688. Martin Methodist was third with a 378-356=734.


Legge recorded a tournament best 85-73=158 besting teammate Allyson Agee who finished second with an 83-79=162. The rest of the all-conference team members are: Kayla Smith of Cumberland (87-81=168), Erica Yarbro of Bethel (84-87=171), Lindsey Taylor of Cumberland (85-87=172), and Baillie Johnson of Bethel (91-82=173).


| Combo | Individual | Team | Stats |

 

Trevecca was allowed to play, but weren't eligible for the championship or awards. Trevecca recorded a 357-337=694. TNU senior Ashley Scism, the two-time and defending champion, turned in the best score of the event with a 81-76=157.


TranSouth Tournament and Season Awards

Team Champion - Cumberland University 

TranSouth Individual Medalist - Katie Legge, Cumberland


All-Tournament/All-TranSouth

Katie Legge, Cumberland
Allyson Agee, Cumberland
Kayla Smith, Cumberland
Erica Yarbro, Bethel
Lindsey Taylor, Cumberland
Baillie Johnson, Bethel

Player of the Year - Katie Legge, Cumberland 
Freshman of the Year - Katie Legge, Cumberland 
Coach of the Year - Scott Wilkerson, Cumberland 

TranSouth Women's Golf Scholar-Athletes 
   Bethel University (3)  Baillie Johnson, Jessica Maness, Erica Yarbro
   Cumberland University (5)  Allyson Agee*, K.C. McGinley*, Sarah Beth Foote, Kayla Smith, Lindsey Taylor
   Martin Methodist (2)  Brittany Kriz, Teri-Beth Thompson
   Trevecca Nazarene (4)  Sarah Jo Dixon, Whitney Phillips*, Maddie Privott*, Ashley Scism*
*NAIA Scholar Athlete

Tennis - Thu, Apr 26, 2012
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LEBANON, Tenn. - Twelve men's and women's tennis players, including five women and seven men, from three institutions were named TranSouth Scholar-Athletes  this week by the conference office in advance of the NAIA Qualifying Tournament that begins Friday in Norcross, Ga. Student-athletes must be a sophomore, junior or senior academically and maintain a 3.00 grade-point-average to be eligible.


Five women's student-athletes - Bethel University's Darya Klyuyenko, Cumberland University's Tais Lacerda Bezerra and Anita Rácz and Martin Methodist's Rachel Wolfe and Jeanna Stanford - received the honor, while seven men's student-athletes - Cumberland's Devin Crotzer, Jeremy Fleming, Cristhian Hernandez, Pedro Rodrigues and Evan Sanna and Martin Methodist's Alejandro Yanes and Fabio Santos - garnered the accolade.

All three men's and women's teams will take part in the NAIA Qualifying Tournament. More information on the tournament with seedings and matchups as well as All-TranSouth Conference and Scholar-Athlete information may be found at http://www.transouth.org/article/1352.php.

TranSouth - Wed, Apr 25, 2012
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The TranSouth Conference's Player of the Week awards for the week ending April 23, 2012, have been released for baseball, softball and men's and women's tennis.








BASEBALL: Freed-Hardeman's Prieto, Bethel's Ward earn weekly honors
 

JACKSON, Tenn. - Robert Prieto of Freed-Hardeman University and Gary Ward of Bethel University have been named the TranSouth Conference Player and Pitcher of the Week for the week ending April 22, 2012. This is Prieto's second weekly honor this season and the fourth for Ward.

 
Prieto, a 5-foot-11 junior second baseman from Caracas, Venezuela, helped Freed-Hardeman to a 4-0 week, including a conference title clinching sweep over Lyon (Ark.) and a win over NCAA DII North Alabama. Prieto hit .615 on the week, going 8-for-13. He recorded at least one hit in all four games, including three hits in a game twice. He recorded five runs, one double, five RBI and stole four of five bases on the week. Freed-Hardeman (35-17, 15-6) is ranked No. 21 in the NAIA and have clinched their first regular season conference championship in 15 seasons.
 
Ward, a 6-foot junior from Chesapuake, Va., was 1-0 on the week. He tossed a complete game, two-hit shutout in a 3-0 win over Blue Mountain (Miss.). Ward racked up 12 strikeouts and walked just one in his seven innings of work. Ward currently ranks No. 1 in the NAIA with 13.2 strikeouts per nine innings. He has 107 total strikeouts on the year and has a record of 8-0. Bethel is 29-18 overall and 14-7 in league play.
 
This coming Thursday and Friday, April 26-27 will be the final regular season games of the year for the TranSouth. The 2012 TranSouth Championships will begin Monday, April 30 and will be played at Fesmire Field on the campus of Union University. The tournament will run through Thursday, May 3.
 
Date - Player of the Week; Pitcher of the Week
February 5 - Clint Gobbell, Martin Methodist; Josh Brown, Martin Methodist
February 13 - Jordan Manney, Mid-Continent; Tomas Rodriguez, Mid-Continent
February 20 - Robert Prieto, Freed-Hardeman; Chipper Smith, Cumberland
February 27 - Matt Tidwell, Trevecca Nazarene; Chipper Smith, Cumberland
March 5 - Roger Glaude, Lyon; Hunter Burge, Mid-Continent
March 12 - Mike Mandarino, Cumberland; Andy Southard, Freed-Hardeman
March 19 - Kirkland Wheeler, Freed-Hardeman; Brenden Camp, Lyon/Gary Ward, Bethel
March 26 - Justin Mackey, Freed-Hardeman/Mark Rayburn, Trevecca; Gary Ward, Bethel
April 2 - Roger Glauge, Lyon; Will Irvin, Union
April 9 - Trevor Buford, Mid-Continent; Gary Ward, Bethel
April 16 - Chris Cain, Bethel; Devin Stovall, Cumberland
Apill 23 - Robert Prieto, Freed-Hardeman; Gary Ward, Bethel
 
SOFTBALL: FHU's Cousar, MMC's Ellis Weekly Award Winners
PULASKI, Tenn. - Freed Hardeman's Sarah Elizabeth Cousar and Martin Methodist College's Chae Ellis have been named this week's TranSouth Pitcher and Player of the Week for the week ending April 22, 2012.

Cousar, a 5-7 sophomore from Covington, Tennessee, earned her third pitcher of the week selection with two wins, a 5-3, 10-inning victory over Cumberland University, and a 7-2 defeat of No. 12 Union University. The hurler allowed just two earned runs in 17.00 innings of work for an 0.82 ERA, and struck out 13 as she improved her season to 15-5. Cousar leads the TranSouth with a 1.25 ERA, and strikes out 9.37 batters per game this season.

Ellis, a 5-8 junior outfielder from Fayetteville, Tennessee, used her hot bat to lead MMC to a 6-0 week in TranSouth play. Ellis turned in a .529 batting average this week, with nine hits, as she hit safely in all six games that extended her current hit streak to 12 games, dating back to April 12. Ellis drove in eight runs on the week, including a walk-off single in the ninth inning of a 5-4 win over Mid-Continent in her 3-for-5 performance with three RBI. The award mark's Ellis's first this season.
M TENNIS: CU's Marcelo garners POW honors
LEBANON, Tenn. - Cumberland University's Antonio Manuel Marcelo was named the TranSouth Conference Men's Tennis Player of the Week on Tuesday after helping the Bulldogs to conference victories over Bethel University and 19th-ranked Martin Methodist.

Marcelo upped his mark to 14-0 this year in dual matches with a pair of singles wins, the first a 6-2, 6-0, victory over Bethel's 37th-ranked Peter Baca as well as a 6-2, 2-0, default triumph against MMC's Vinicius Santos. He is 13-0 at No. 1 singles for the Bulldogs this academic year. The Cascais, Portugal, native dropped both of his doubles matches 8-5, but still stands 17-6 this year in doubles for CU.

The Bulldogs finish the regular season on Tuesday with a home match against Campbellsville University at 2 p.m. before taking part in the NAIA Qualifying Tournament on Friday and Saturday in Norcross, Ga. CU will play Reinhardt University in the quarterfinals not before 11:30 a.m. CT Friday at the Racquet Club of the South.
W TENNIS: CU's Gizdić named TSAC POW
LEBANON, Tenn. - Cumberland University's Alena Gizdić was named the TranSouth Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Week on Tuesday after winning both singles and one doubles match last week against Bethel University and 17th-ranked Martin Methodist.

Gizdić continued her impressive spring with a 6-0, 6-0, win over Bethel's Michella Douglas and then posted a 6-2, 1-2, default, win against MMC's Anastasia Alescheva, both at No. 2 singles. It was the second victory this season for Gizdić over Alescheva.

In doubles she and Lindsey Gaither won 8-2 over Douglas and Connie Oliver before falling 8-3 to MMC's 25th-ranked Alescheva and Paloma Cortina.

The Bulldogs finish the regular season on Tuesday with a home match against Campbellsville University at 2 p.m. before taking part in the NAIA Qualifying Tournament on Friday and Saturday in Norcross, Ga. CU will play SCAD-Atlanta in the quarterfinals not before 9 a.m. CT Friday at the Racquet Club of the South.

MEN'S GOLF: Trevecca's Bradley, Lyon's Long Share Golfer of the Week

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Trevecca's Joey Bradley and Lyon's Justin Long have been named the TranSouth Athletic Conference Co-Men's Golfer of the Week for the week ending Sunday, April 22, 2012. This is the second time this season that Bradley has earned the weekly award.

Bradley, a senior from Dickson, Tenn., finished seventh at the NCAA Division l Tennessee State University Big Blue Classic. Bradley carded a 70-75-68=213 to finish in the top 10 of the 62 member field. There were 10 teams completing and all but Trevecca were NCAA Division l teams. The event was played at the par-72 6822 yard Hermitage Golf Course in Old Hickory, Tenn.

Long, a sophomore from Allen, Texas, was fifth at the Hannibal LaGrange Spring Invitational with a 78-77=155. There were 36 golfers and six teams competing. The tournament was played at the par-72 6629 yard Norwoods Golf Course.

WOMEN'S GOLF: Lyon's Cooper Named Golfer of the Week

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Bobie Jo Cooper has been named the TranSouth Athletic Conference Women's Golfer of the Week for the week ending Sunday, April 22, 2012. This is the third time this season that Cooper has earned the weekly award.

Cooper, a freshman from Highland, Ark., was ninth at the Hannibal LaGrange Spring Invitational with a 96-84=180. There were 21 golfers and six teams competing. The tournament was played at the par-72 5829 yard Norwoods Golf Course.



Women's Tennis - Wed, Apr 25, 2012
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LEBANON, Tenn. - Martin Methodist's Paloma Cortina was voted the TranSouth Conference Women's Tennis Player of the Year for the second straight season and Melinda Sevier earned Coach of the Year honors as well for the RedHawks in a vote of league coaches this week before the NAIA Qualifying Tournament.


Cortina, an Azuqueca de Henares, Spain, native posted a 7-4 mark in dual matches this season at No. 1 singles for the RedHawks, who are ranked 17th nationally in the latest NAIA rankings. The sophomore is 1-3 this spring against ranked opponents, defeating SCAD-Atlanta's Alina Tseplukhova in three sets and falling to Lindsey Wilson's Trina Slapeka, Auburn Montgomery's Ana Veselinovic and William Carey's Maja Vuzem. Cortina has won her last five singles outings and is currently ranked 47th nationally in singles.

Cumberland Alena Gizdić was named All-TranSouth at No. 2 singles. The freshman from Split, Croatia, enrolled in January and has posted a 10-3 singles mark, 9-3 at No. 2, including a pair of victories over MMC's Anastasia Alescheva.

Martin Methodist swept the final four singles positions in the lineup, with Maria Charrys, Viktoria Ryjak, Jeanna Stanford and Rachel Wolfe at positions 3-6.

Charrys has registered a 7-5 mark in singles, splitting matches against Cumberland's Anita Rácz, while Ryjak has the most singles wins for the RedHawks, posting a 9-3 record at No. 4. Stanford is 5-6 at No. 5 and Wolfe has collected a 6-4 mark at No. 6 for MMC.

In doubles MMC's Cortina and Alescheva were voted All-TSAC at No. 1 after compiling an 8-4 mark in dual matches. The duo is currently ranked 25th in the country in doubles.

CU's Gizdić and Tais Lacerda Bezerra earned the honor at No. 2 doubles, posting a 5-4 record, including five straight wins before a defeat against 12th-ranked Lindsey Wilson. The duo won Tuesday against Campbellsville University, but the match was not completed because of rain.

MMC's Ryjak and Wolfe garnered the accolade at No. 3 doubles, registering a 5-0 mark. Ryjak is 8-4 this spring in double and Wolfe owns a 9-2 record in dual matches.

Martin Methodist, Cumberland and Bethel University all begin play in the NAIA Qualifying Tournament on Friday in Norcross, Ga. MMC plays in the afternoon against the winner of Columbia [SC] College and Bluefield College while Cumberland takes on SCAD-Atlanta and Bethel faces Reinhardt University. More information on the tournament and TranSouth Conference tennis may be found at http://www.transouth.org/article/1352.php.

Antonio Manuel Marcelo was voted the TranSouth Conference Player of the Year. (Credit Chuck Thompson)
Antonio Manuel Marcelo was voted the TranSouth Conference Player of the Year. (Credit Chuck Thompson)
Men's Tennis - Wed, Apr 25, 2012
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LEBANON, Tenn. - Cumberland University's Antonio Manuel Marcelo was named the TranSouth Conference Men's Player of the Week and CU's Bill McCormick earned Coach of the Year honors in a vote of league coaches this week before the NAIA Qualifying Tournament.


Marcelo, a freshman from Cascais, Portugal, upped his mark to 15-0 in dual match singles with a victory Tuesday against Campbellville University. He is 17-3 overall this academic year in singles and is currently ranked 29th nationally by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA).

Marcelo and Evan Sanna have compiled a 12-2 mark in dual match doubles and an 18-5 mark this year, winning the ITA Southeast Regional title in the fall and advancing to the ITA Small College Championships. Marcelo is 12-3 overall in dual match doubles and 18-6 in all doubles matches in 2011-12.

Four other Cumberland players - Na'im Azhar, Sanna, Pedro Rodrigues and Andres Burgos - were named All-TranSouth Conference at Nos. 2-5, while Martin Methodist's Alvaro Morcillo completed the six-person singles team.

Azhar improved to 13-2 in dual match singles with a win Tuesday against Campbellsville, clinching the Bulldogs 15th victory of the season. The Pembroke, Bermuda, native has posted a 15-3 mark overall this year, playing all but one match at No. 2 in the lineup. Sanna has recorded an 11-2 mark in dual match singles, 9-1 at No. 3 in the lineup, and 16-4 overall this year for the Bulldogs. The Kew, Australia, native also has an 18-6 mark this season in doubles.

Rodrigues is undefeated at No. 4 singles for the Bulldogs, 11-0, and owns a 15-1 record in dual matches along with a 17-3 mark overall in singles in 2011-12. Burgos has registered a 13-2 record in dual match singles, 11-1 at No. 5, while posting a 15-4 overall mark in singles.

Morcillo has posted a 7-4 mark in dual match singles at No. 6, the most singles wins of any RedHawks player.

In doubles MMC's Vinicius Santos and Ramiro Vargas and Fabio Santos and Alejandro Yanes garnered All-Conference accolades at Nos. 1 and 2 doubles, while Rodrigues and Burgos earned the honor at No. 3.

Vinicius Santos and Vargas own a 9-2 mark in dual matches at No. 1 with two victories over the Bulldogs, while Fabio Santos and Yanes have posted a 7-4 record at No. 2 doubles, splitting matches with CU. Rodrigues and Burgos have compiled an 11-2 record in dual matches, 13-3 overall this academic year.

Cumberland, Martin Methodist and Bethel University all begin play in the NAIA Qualifying Tournament in Norcross, Ga., on Friday. Bethel faces Tennessee Wesleyan, MMC takes on SCAD-Atlanta and Cumberland plays Reinhardt University in the quarterfinals. More information on the tournament and TranSouth Conference tennis may be found at http://www.transouth.org/article/1352.php.