In the News
CU
Athletic Department Announces All Seasons Ticket Packages AvailabilityAllie Kolezynski 7/19/2010 3:26:00 PM
MURFREESBORO - Chowan University's Director of Athletics, Dennis Helsel,
announced today the release of the 2012-13 All Seasons Ticket packages
through the Hawks Haven. Hawks fans who join the Hawks Haven at it's
lowest level will receive one season pass that is worth general
admission to every home charged event.
The "Hawk" membership level ($100-$249) entitles the recipient to one
season pass to all home athletic contests and access to the half-time
hospitality area. With the purchase of a "White" membership level
($250-$499), members will receive two season passes and access to
halftime hospitality.
The "Blue" membership ($500-$999) increases season passes to three for
the year, admission to the Hall of Fame Banquet, and halftime
hospitality.
Membership levels go to Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Lifetime memberships
are also available. To purchase a membership to Hawks Haven or for more
information, please contact Felicia Hollingsworth, Coordinator of
Membership Services, @ (252) 398-1239 or hollif@chowan.edu.
Hawks Haven exists to encourage support for athletics through your
participation and promotion of Chowan University. It is through Hawks
Haven that alumni, parents, family, and friends have the opportunity to
contribute and ensure the quality of our programs, our facilities, and
most importantly, the athletic experience of our student-athletes at
Chowan University.
Allie Kolezynski
Cross Country Track
Football
UNC-Pembroke
Braves @ Winston-Salem State University Rams (Game of the Week) -
Shera L. WhiteWinston-Salem, NC
There was a lot of eye rolling and whispers of disbelief at last season’s CIAA preseason press luncheon when Winston-Salem State coach Connell Maynor stepped to the microphone and boldly predicted that his team would go 15-0 and win the Division II national championship. By the end of the season, Maynor’s prediction had him looking more like Nostradamus than a football coach. The high-octane Rams made believers out of the naysayers as they rolled to an undefeated regular season, a CIAA title, an historic run through the Division II playoffs, and the school’s first ever SBN Black College National Championship. The Rams’ dream season ended with a heartbreaking 21-14 loss to Wayne State in the national semifinals, but they still finished with a remarkable 13-1 record- the most wins by an HBCU in a single season. Despite coming up short of Maynor’s lofty predictions, the Rams posted, arguably, one of the best seasons in the history of Black College football and enter the 2012 campaign firmly entrenched as the team to beat in the CIAA. Back to lead the way for the Rams is All-CIAA quarterback Kameron Smith. Smith, a redshirt senior, passed for a school record 2,706 yards and 33 touchdowns and ably guided an offense that averaged 420 yards and nearly 40 points a game. Also back is one of Smith’s primary targets in Tehvyn Brantley, who led a balanced receiving corps with 43 receptions and seven touchdowns. The biggest question mark for the Rams in 2012 will be who will replace workhorse tailback Nicholas Cooper. Cooper rushed for over 1,800 yards and a conference-high 22 touchdowns last season. Look for Maurice Lewis to step in as the Rams’ feature back. Lewis, a sophomore, rushed for 528 yards as Cooper’s primary backup last season. Defensively, the Rams must replace rover back Alton Keaton. Keaton, last year’s CIAA Defensive Player of the Year, led the team with 104 tackles. Back to anchor the defense are junior Carlos Fields, a second team All-CIAA performer, who racked up 81 tackles and 4.5 sacks from his linebacker position last season and safety Malcolm Rowe, who logged 66 total tackles, four interceptions, and six pass breakups. Up first for their shot at taking down the Rams will be UNC-Pembroke. UNC-P will likely have revenge on their minds after the Rams traveled to Pembroke’s Johnson Stadium last November and thoroughly outclassed the Braves 34-7- knocking them out of playoff contention. Offensively, UNC-Pembroke is led by quarterback Luke Charles, who passed for 2,978 yards and 25 touchdowns last season. Preseason All-American linebacker Fred Williams, who racked up 113 tackles and 3 sacks in 2011, leads the Braves’ defense. WSSU kicks off the 2012 season at 6:00 pm at Bowman Gray Stadium. Live Stream: www.Livestream.com/wssu
Bowie, MD
The Bulldogs began with an encouraging 3-0 start last season, but went 1-6 the rest way for a disappointing 4-6 finish. The 2012 squad returns 15 starters so there is reason for optimism. On offense, nine starters return, but Coach Damon Wilson must find an able replacement for versatile dual-threat quarterback Clifton Budd, who accounted for nearly 1,400 yards of total offense and 12 touchdowns. Budd was all over the field for BSU. He was the Bulldogs’ leading passer, second leading rusher, and fourth leading receiver. While the passing game searches for its identity, look for Wilson to rely on running backs Ramono Flowers and Keith Brown, who combined for over 600 rushing yards last season, to be key cogs in his offense. Defensively, BSU must replace six starters, but returns leading linebacker Bekewele Amadi. Amadi led the Bulldogs with 89 tackles in 2011. Also back is Delante White, who registered 49 tackles and four interceptions. Assumption, from the Northeast-10 Conference, is coming off a 4-6 season in 2011. The Greyhounds return six first team All-Northeast-10 Conference players including free safety Sonny Dillinger (51 tackles, 3.5 sacks), defensive end Nick Haag (45 tackles, 7.5 sacks), and junior running back Matt Pedone (1,449 all-purpose yards). Bowie State won last year’s matchup 28-7. Kickoff is 1:00 pm at Bulldogs Stadium. Live Stats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/bowie/football/scoreboard.aspx
Richmond, VA
The Panthers look to take the first step to improving on last season’s 5-5 record when they play host to the Benedict Tigers. Leading rusher Jerrell Washington returns as the focal point of the Panthers’ ground game. Washington put together a solid freshman season, rushing for 610 yards and six touchdowns. Sophomore defensive end Kentrell Harris leads an experienced defensive unit. Harris was fifth in the league with 8.5 sacks as a freshman. Also back is Obi Ezemma who was second on the team with 68 tackles and defensive back Brian Smith who had 46 tackles and two interceptions in 2011. Benedict is coming off a 2-8 season in 2011. They are led by preseason All-SIAC defensive lineman Dyrell Porcha (35 tackles, 2.5 TFL; 2012). Kickoff is 7:00 pm at VUU’s Hovey Field.
Lincoln University, PA
Even though the Lions are coming off a 2-8 season, optimism abounds on LUP’s campus. On offense, the Lions return sophomore quarterback Doug Cook, a CIAA All-Rookie selection in 2011. As a freshman, Cook displayed talent and poise beyond his years, passing for 2,054 yards and 12 touchdowns. Despite Cook’s stellar passing numbers, the lack of an effective running game hindered the Lions’ offensive production. Gerald Swain, the team’s leading rusher last season with 215 yards and three touchdowns, returns but the Lions will need more production from the position to keep the load off Cook. While the ground game searches for its identity, Cook will have the luxury of having his two favorite receiving targets back for another season in Matthew Coston (54 receptions, 821 yard, 7 touchdowns) and Phillip Jean-Juste (57 receptions for 526). Lincoln’s defensive unit is built around All-America defensive end Tim Green, who led NCAA Division II with 17 sacks and was fourth on the team with 56 tackles in 2011. Green should get plenty of support from linebacker Kenny Johnson (38 tackles, 8 sacks) and defensive back Tyhir Mitchell (31 tackles, 1 sack). Cheyney University was 1-10 last season with their lone victory coming in a 21-19 home win over Lincoln. The Lions will do battle with Cheyney in their brand new on-campus stadium in the “Battle of the First” Classic, a matchup of the nation’s two oldest HBCUs on Saturday, September 1 at 1:00 pm.
Salisbury, NC
The Chowan Hawks travel to Salisbury for a cross-divisional match-up with the Livingstone Blue Bears.
The Hawks, 3-7 in 2011, are led by All-CIAA wide receiver Robert Holland. Holland led the conference with 67 receptions for 914 yards and 13 touchdowns. Throwing passes to Holland again this year will be quarterback Cameron Stover. Stover led the CIAA in passing yards per game (235.1) and threw for 1,881 yards and 19 touchdowns. On defense, linebackers Jason Ampy (90 tackles and 5 sacks last year) and T.J. Batchelor (five sacks) return for the 2012 campaign. Livingstone, 1-9 last season, will look to preseason All-CIAA selections Tyheim Pitt and Terry Anderson for leadership. Pitt, a junior linebacker, was a tackling machine last season for the Blue Bears registering 105 tackles. Anderson provides Livingstone with big play potential on special teams. He led the CIAA with 528 return yards and averaged 27.8 yards a return. He returned two kickoffs for touchdowns including a 100-yarder against Virginia University of Lynchburg. Kickoff is 6:00 pm at Livingstone’s Alumni Memorial Stadium. Live Stats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/livingstone/football/index.htm
Newberry, SC
The defending Northern Division champions travel to South Carolina to take on the Newberry Indians in their season opener. Last season, after dropping their first two games to nationally ranked Delta State and Winston-Salem State, the Vikings reeled off eight consecutive wins to clinch a berth in the CIAA Championship Game and an at-large bid to the Division II playoffs. The Vikings finished the season with losses in the CIAA title game and the first round of the playoffs, but expectations are high in Elizabeth City. One reason for the optimism is the return of tailback Daronte McNeill. McNeill, the CIAA Offensive Player of the Year and All-America selection, rushed for a school-record 1,647 yards and 22 touchdowns as the focal point of the Vikings’ offense. Joining McNeill in the backfield will be Kevin Swain who rushed for 659 yards in 2011. The defense will be built around a trio of All-CIAA performers, defensive back Nigel Rios (43 tackles, 5 interceptions), defensive end Brad Davis (42 tackles, 11 sacks), and cornerback Josh Brooks (37 tackles, 2 interceptions). Newberry was 4-6 last season and will return 15 starters. Indians to watch include four preseason All-South Atlantic Conference picks in running back John Gadson, offensive lineman Lequawn James, linebacker Apollo Stretch and defensive back David Davis. Kickoff is 6:30 pm at Newberry’s Setzler Field.
Durham, NC
Fayetteville State, an uncharacteristic 4-6 in 2011, travels to Durham to take on former CIAA rival North Carolina Central. Last year, the Broncos opened the season with a brutal stretch of games against UNC-Pembroke, Carson-Newman, Elizabeth City State, and Winston-Salem State…a murderers’ row of playoff caliber teams. When the smoked cleared, the Broncos were 0-4 and never really recovered- even though they finished the season winning four of their last six games. The 2012 schedule is again frontloaded with tough teams, but with 17 returning starters, including nine on defense, the Broncos should be better equipped for the tough early season skirmishes. Among the returnees are quarterback Chauncey Concepcion (799 yards passing, 336 yards rushing, 6 touchdowns), safety Joshua Scales (31 tackles, 7 interceptions) and linebackers Bryce Williams (49 tackles) and Joseph McLean (38 tackles). The Eagles, now members of the FCS Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, are coming off a 2-9 season and return 14 starters (8 offensive/ 6 defensive) including a dangerous corps of receivers led by preseason All-MEAC pick Geovonie Irvine (47 receptions, 580 yards). The teams last met in 2008 with the Broncos picking up a 33-22 win in Durham. The Broncos and the Eagles kick off the 2012 season at 6:00 pm at NCCU’s O’Kelly-Riddick Stadium. Live Stats: http://www.fsubroncos.com/gametracker/launch/gt_mfootbl.html?event=1088147&school=fast&sport=mfootbl&camefrom=&startschool=&
Institute, WV
The surprising turnaround of the Johnson C. Smith Golden Bulls was one of the biggest stories of the 2011 season. After a 2-8 finish in 2010, the Golden Bulls went 6-5 and won the Pioneer Bowl last season. With freshman quarterback Keahn Wallace running the offense, the Golden Bulls averaged 352 yards of offense and 27 points per game. Wallace finished with 2,005 passing, 473 rushing yards, accounted for 24 touchdowns, and was named game MVP after leading his team to a 35-33 win over Miles in the Pioneer Bowl. Wallace returns for his sophomore campaign, but gone are his top three receivers. If he wants to duplicate his 2011 numbers, he will need big contributions from wide out Matt Jefferies and tailback Dedrick Anderson. Jefferies is the Golden Bulls’ top returning receiver with 20 receptions for 345 yards and five touchdowns last season. Anderson was the team’s top rusher with 558 yards, but he was also one of Wallace’s most reliable pass catchers out of the backfield with 26 receptions. A veteran line led by All-CIAA selection Derrick Johnson, who logged 58 tackles and 11.5 sacks in 2011, will anchor Coach Steve Aycock’s defense. Also manning the defensive front are Darius Robinson (38 tackles) and Justin Smith (37 tackles). The linebackers should also be a strength led by All-CIAA selection Michael Coats. Coats led the team with 76 tackles and four interceptions. West Virginia State is coming off a 1-9 season, including a 64-27 loss to the Golden Bulls in last year’s season opener. Kickoff is 1:00 pm at Lakin Field on the campus of West Virginia State. Listen Live: http://www.wgnc.net/
Norfolk, VA
The Trojans followed up an appearance in the 2010 CIAA Championship game with a disappointing 5-5 campaign in 2011. Hopes of a return to the upper echelon of the Northern Division will rely heavily on the Trojans’ ability to improve their offensive production which saw them finish 11th in the 12-team league in total offense last season. Leading what coach Andrew Faison hopes will be a vastly improved offense will be junior quarterback Jarred Battle. Battle, a three-year starter, passed for 1,744 yards in 2011. He tossed eight touchdowns, but only completed 56 percent of his passes and threw 13 interceptions, so ball protection will be crucial to improved offensive production for the Men of Troy. One luxury Battle will have is the return of three of his top four receivers from a year ago in Dion Futch, Cory Young, and Alan Anderson who combined for 92 receptions, 1,016 yards, and five touchdowns. The Trojans lost several key defensive contributors, including All-CIAA linebacker Jeremy Pruitt, but return several multi-year starters including second leading tackler linebacker Bryce Willoughby and veteran linemen Rashad Vesprey and Darrell Young. The Trojans once again open the season against their longstanding in-state rival the Norfolk State Spartans in the Virginia Lottery Labor Day Classic. The highly touted Spartans, 9-3 a year ago, are the defending MEAC champions and are ranked in the Top 25 in several FCS preseason polls. The Spartans won last year’s game 37-3. This is the 50th meeting between the Trojans and the Spartans. VSU holds a 26-22-1 edge in the series, but the Spartans have won the last six. Kickoff is 6:00 pm at NSU’s Dick Price Stadium. Listen Live: http://www.mainstreamnetwork.com/listen/player.asp?station=wvst-fm&
Durham, NC (Durham County Stadium)
The Falcons open the 2012 season hosting the Wingate Bulldogs of the South Atlantic Conference. The Falcons are coming off a 4-6 season, but return several experienced players on both sides of the ball.
Leading the way is quarterback Teddy Bacote, a 2,200-yard passer in 2011. Bacote completed 58 percent of his passes for 22 touchdowns. Bacote will again have his top two receivers at his disposal this season. Brian Richards caught 63 balls for 758 yards and eight touchdowns while the explosive Tyron Laughinghouse averaged 20.6 yards per reception on his 27 catches. All-CIAA linebacker Chaz Robinson, who tallied 101 tackles last season, will lead SAU’s defense. Antonio Stewart added 60 tackles from his linebacker position. Also back is lineman Shonquez Nelson who was second on the team with 66 tackles and added seven sacks and three interceptions. The Bulldogs were 5-6 last season and return receiver Chris Bowden, a Lindy’s Magazine pre-season first team All-American. Bowden caught 76 passes for 1,064 yards and nine touchdowns in 2011. Kickoff is set for 1:30 pm at Durham County Stadium. Live stats: http://www.sidearmstats.com/staug/football%20
CHARLESTON, W.Va. - James Langford rushed for three touchdowns for Shaw, but it wasn't enough as the Bears fell to Charleston 44-26 in a game played Thursday night at the University
of Charleston Stadium.
Langford, who collected only 50 yards on his way to the three scores, was outdone by Charleston's All-American Jordan Roberts who rushed for 238 yards and scored a touchdown.
"We lost in all three aspects of the game," said Shaw head coach Robert Massey of his team's effort in their first game under his tutelage. "The defense gave up almost 500 yards, including
350 on the ground. You can't win when you're giving up yardage like that."
He continued, "And the special teams gave up long kickoff returns and had botched punts. But we will continue to improve."
The Bears earned that assessment early in the game. With 8:06 left in the first quarter, Vinny Pacifico's punt was blocked, giving the Golden Eagles the ball on the Shaw 14. Two plays later,
Roberts got his touchdown with a 13-yard rush to give UC a 7-0 lead with 7:24 left in the first.
On their next possession, two Bears dropped passes from James Stallons and Shaw was forced to punt. The kick traveled only 24 yards before going out of bounds, giving UC another short
field. Six plays and 39 yards later, Charleston's quarterback, Maurice Leak, punched the ball in from two yards out giving UC a 14-0 lead.
After a 20-yard return by Langford on the ensuing kickoff, the Bears began what would be a 75-yard drive that ended in the opening seconds of the second quarter when Langford barreled
through the line for a one-yard touchdown run, trimming the lead to only seven, 14-7.
Charleston responded with a long drive of their own, going 72 yards in eight plays, ending with a 14-yard strike from Leak to Shaq Williams to give the Golden Eagles a 21-7 advantage.
Midway through the second quarter, the Bears got the ball on their 34-yard line and Langford and Stallons combined to move the ball down the field. Stallons connected on two critical passes
to keep the drive alive, and Langford amassed 26 yards - including a 13-yard run to score his second touchdown of the evening. Stephen Guelff missed the extra point, leaving the Bears trailing
21-13 with 5:21 left in the half.
The Shaw defense then let down, allowing the Golden Eagles to score 13 unanswered points to close out the second quarter.
Another special teams miscue - a kickoff that went out of bounds - left UC with good field position, bettered when Roberts opened the drive with a 52-yard run. Two plays later, Leak rushed
five yards for a touchdown, giving UC a 28-13 lead. Puma Nuredini knocked in two more field goals to give the Golden Eagle a 34-13 halftime advantage.
The Bear passing offense, which managed only 53 yards in the first half, came alive in the second and earned some praise from Massey.
"Stallons showed some poise in the pocket and De'Angelo Ruffin and Derek Grant really stepped it up in the second," Massey said. "Our offensive line is a work in progress though. We will
get better."
In the second, Stallons was eight for 15 for 142 yards, and he collected his lone touchdown on the evening when he connected with Marcus Hickson for a two-yard strike to make the score 37-
20.
After giving up a 33-yard kickoff return, the Bears found themselves trying to defend another short field. Leak connected with Dustin Phelps for a 30-yard pass that closed out UC's scoring and
gave them a 44-20 lead with 4:29 left in the third.
After Bryce McClain recovered a fumble for the Bears with 10:24 left in the game, Stallons engineered a drive that went 60 yards in nine plays, including five completed passes for a total of 58
yards - five more yards than Shaw had gained through the air in the entire first half. Langford punctuated the drive with a one-yard run into the end zone, making the score 44-26 after a
Stallons' two-point attempt failed.
Charleston then ran out the final 7:10 on the clock, giving the ball to a variety of running backs, including Roberts, who finished the game with a school record 238 yards on 23 carries.
In addition to his 50 yards rushing, Langford amassed 90 yards in kickoff return yardage, giving him 140 all-purpose yards. Marquise Grizzle added 44 rushing yards of his own to the total.
Stallons finished the game 18 for 28 for 195 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Ruffin was the leading receiver with four catches for 93 yards.
Defensively, two defensive backs were the leading tacklers for the Bears. Keith Lomon had 12 tackles, while Derrick Washington had 11. McClain not only had the fumble recovery, but had a
sack for a 13-yard loss.
For the Golden Eagles, Leak finished the game with an 11 for 20 performance, good for 141 yards and no interceptions. Ryan Foster was the leading receiver with four catches for 48 yards.
Matt Kelly was UC's leading tackler with nine.
The Bears return home to face Miles College Saturday, September 8 at 1:00 p.m. The game is Kids Day and all children under 14 will be admitted for $5. For more information on Shaw athletics, visit www.shawbears.com.
Soccer
| Men's Soccer Team Clipped by Bluefield Rams - Allie Kolezynski | ||
 |
 |
 |
|
Antonio Carrabotta |
Jose Oteze |
Adam Smith |
| BLUEFIELD, WV- The Hawks were defeated by a
score of 3-2 in this afternoon's contest against the Bluefield
College Rams. The Rams scored first in the contest today, scoring almost immediately after the game began, and then again in the 13th minute. Adam Smith and Jose Oteze scored for the Hawks in the 46th and 51st minute of play, respectively. The game remained tied 2-2 until Erik Albarran scored the winning goal for the Rams with under two minutes remaining in the contest. After today's game, the Rams improve to 1-1, and the Hawks fall 0-1 on the 2012 season. The Hawks will seek their first win this weekend in their home opener against St. Andrew's College at 4:00pm. Allie Kolezynski |
||
Erica Jefferson was the first to score in the game, scoring within the first twelve minutes of the game. She was the only Hawk to score in the contest. Goal keeper Jennifer Harvell made eight
saves today in her debut between the posts.
The Rams went on to score five times throughout the remainder of this afternoon's contest. Bluefield's Cortney Pattison scored three of the five goals.
After today's win, Bluefield improves to 2-0, while the Hawks are 0-1.
The Hawks return to Murfreesboro for their home opener on Saturday. Game time is set for 2:00pm against St. Andrew's College.
Allie Kolezynski
Head Cross Country Coach/Assistant Director of Athletic Communications
Volleyball
XU's
Echebelem is GCAC Player of the WeekEd Cassiere August 30, 2012
NEW ORLEANS — For the second consecutive year, Xavier University of Louisiana has the season's first Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Player of the Week in women's volleyball. Chinedu
Echebelem won the award for Aug. 20-26, the conference announced Thursday.
Echebelem — a 5-foot-6 outside hitter from Dallas and a graduate of Duncanville High School — earned the award after recording 30 kills and 29 digs in three matches during the Lee
Invitational at Cleveland, Tenn. Echebelem had a pair of kill-dig double-doubles,
including 12 kills and 14 digs Saturday against Union (Ky.) in the Gold Nuggets' 25-20, 25-23, 18-25, 25-16 victory. Echebelem had two double-doubles in 29 matches in 2011.
Xavier's home opener, scheduled for Tuesday against city rival Loyola at The Barn, has been postponed. Xavier has been closed since late Monday afternoon due to Hurricane Isaac, and the
university will reopen Tuesday. No makeup date for the match has been determined.
WSSU to begin season against tough competition on opening weekend
WINGATE, NC – The Winston-Salem State University Lady Rams volleyball team will begin the 2012 season against some tough competition when the team takes on the UNC-Pembroke
Braves, Friday afternoon at the Wingate Classic. Friday’s match should be a battle of teams with something to prove when the Lady Rams and Braves face off in their 5:00 p.m. match.
After finishing last season with a 19-11 overall record and tying for the best record in the CIAA Southern Division at 9-1, the Lady Rams will look to take their next step this season. The team’s
quest will begin on Friday when they take on a UNC-Pembroke team that was predicted to finish seventh in the Peach Belt Conference in the preseason. Last season, the Braves went 16-16 with
a 7-7 record in Peach Belt Conference play.
Leading the way for the Lady Rams will be the preseason All-CIAA tandem of senior outside hitter Francesca Edgerton and junior outside hitter Avoni Seymour. Edgerton earned the honor
after leading the Lady Rams with 199 kills last season while Seymour added 186. The team will also welcome back sophomore libero Brittany Rich, who earned CIAA All-Rookie honors last
season. She led the team with 251 digs and 44 service aces.
The Lady Rams and the Braves are scheduled to meet tomorrow at 5:00 p.m. at the Cannon Complex in Wingate, North Carolina. The Lady Rams will play just one match, Friday and will
return for a pair of Saturday matches against host Wingate and Lenoir-Rhyne. For more information on Lady Rams volleyball, log on to www.WSSURams.com.
Undefeated Hawks will play five matches in tournament hosted by Savannah State
SAVANNAH, Ga. - The Hawks volleyball team will migrate south to defend its
undefeated start, playing a five-match weekend in Georgia. They will compete in the
Tiger Invitational starting on Friday, hosted by MEAC foe Savannah State. On day one,
UMES will face Southern Utah at 1 p.m. at the Tiger Arena, followed by New Mexico at
7 p.m. The next day, the Hawks take on UNC Asheville at 11 a.m., then Kennesaw State
at 5 p.m. UMES will finish up with a Sunday 10 a.m. match against Savannah State.
IOSIA NAMED AVCA DIVISION I PLAYER OF THE WEEK
For the second time in her career, Saitaua Iosia was honored as the American Volleyball
Coaches Association Division I Player of the Week. She is the only player in MEAC
history to earn this honor. The reigning MEAC Player of the Week earned three double
doubles in the SFC Terrier Invitational, finishing with 64 kills with a .357 hitting
percentage and 47 digs.
HAWKS WIN THE SFC TERRIER INVITATIONAL
UMES is the champion of the SFC Terrier Invitational after the Hawks swept the
competition in the Big Apple, defeating NJIT, tournament host St. Francis (NY) and
Radford, all in four sets, to begin the season at 3-0. Iosia led the Hawks with 64 kills and
47 digs, earning double doubles in all three matches. Ndidi Ibe and Kaveinga Lea'Aetoa
each hit over .420 with at least 25 kills and 12 blocks each.
IOSIA NAMED PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Saitaua Iosia, the 2011 MEAC Rookie of the Year, was voted the MEAC Preseason
Player of the Year by the conference in July. The sophomore led the MEAC with 472
kills and 4.77 points per set last season, finishing in the top 50 in Division I in 2011 in
points, aces and kills per set. Iosia added 49 aces, 268 digs and 54 total blocks.
HAWKS PICKED TO FINISH FIRST IN MEAC NORTH
UMES has been picked to finish first in the MEAC Northern Division in the conference
preseason poll, receiving 24 out of a possible 26 first-place votes. The Hawks have won
the MEAC North all five years of Don Metil's tenure, going a combined 50-2 in MEAC
regular season matches. Hampton was picked to finish second, while Florida A&M was
predicted to take first in the MEAC South.
IOSIA, VICIC NAMED TO MEAC PRESEASON TEAM
UMES had two players, sophomores Saitaua Iosia and Jessie Vicic, selected to the 2012
MEAC Volleyball Preseason Team, more than any other school. Iosia led the conference
in 2011 with 472 kills, adding 49 aces and 268 digs. Vicic led the MEAC in assists with
1,209, being the only player in the conference to average double digit assists with 10.42
per set. UMES has had at least two players named to the MEAC Volleyball Preseason
Team the last three years.
IOSIA - RUSSELL HBCU FEMALE MVP OF THE YEAR
Saitaua Iosia was voted as the first-ever Russell HBCU Female MVP of the Year,
selected by fans over Whiquitta Tobar of Alabama A&M, LaQwesha Gamble of Johnson
C. Smith, Victoria Lewis of Chowan and Jamila McKinnis of Stillman. The awards,
started for the 2011-12 season, showcase all HBCUs in the country and are sponsored by
Russell Athletic, the official apparel provider of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and
the Southwestern Athletic Conference.
2011 IN REVIEW
UMES had its best year in school history, earning its first-ever MEAC Championship and
berth in the NCAA Tournament with a 24-7 record. After earning a share of the
championship in the Bryant and Brown Invitationals, following up with being the
outright champion of the UMES Hawk Invitational, the Maroon and Gray won all 12
matches in the conference regular season to win MEAC Northern Division for the fifth-
consecutive year. After victories over North Carolina Central and Hampton in the first
two rounds of the MEAC Tournament, the Hawks defeated Florida A&M in the
championship for the title. UMES earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament, falling to 9-
seed and eventual national champion UCLA in Los Angeles in the first round.
HEAVY HITTERS
UMES returns its five top players in kills from last season. Saitaua Iosia led the Hawks
with 472 kills, Maline Vaitai was second with 317, Kaveinga Lea'Aetoa followed with
203, Ndidi Ibe notched 171, and Victoria Williams earned 133. The returning Hawks
make up 91% (1314 out of 1447) of the team's kills from 2011.
SCOUTING THE OPPONENTS:
Southern Utah, from the Big Sky Conference, has started the season 0-3 after a trio of
defeats in the Utah State Tournament last weekend. The Thunderbirds are led by senior
outside hitter Analaine Mailoto, who has 33 kills and 28 digs after earning over 500 kills
last season. 6-2 junior Kyle Schofield has a team-high eight blocks, adding 17 kills.
Mountain West conference member New Mexico comes into the tournament at 3-1 after
winning the Lobo Classic at home. The MVP of that tournament, redshirt sophomore
hitter Chantelle Riddle, led the Lobos with 56 kills and 13 blocks over the weekend. 6-2
junior middle blocker Lexi Ross currently sports 28 kills, nine blocks and a team-high
five aces.
UNC Asheville got swept at the Gamecock Invitational last weekend and currently stands
at 0-4. The leader in kills for the Big South affiliate is senior outside hitter Holly
Shelton, who has 44, also having nine blocks. Junior Anna Moore, a middle blocker that
transferred from North Carolina State, sports a team-best 15 blocks with 29 kills.
Kennesaw State, from the Atlantic Sun Conference, is the other undefeated team in the
tournament, going 3-0 to win the Mississippi State Tournament. Redshirt senior outside
hitter Turea Jones has 49 kills and 62 digs for the Owls, while junior setter Sara Metroka,
member of the Atlantic Sun All-Preseason Team has 137 assists and 14 kills.
Tournament host Savannah State comes into its home opener at 0-3 after playing in the
UTA Hilton Invitational last weekend. Junior outside hitter Bryana Gadis sports a squad-
best 13 kills and 27 digs. Freshman middle blocker Jasmine Waite and senior right side
hitter Chikia Jones each high five blocks for the Tigers, with the former having nine kills.
STILL MIGHTY IN THE MIDDLE
At middle blocker, UMES returns two of the top four blockers in the MEAC last season
who also were in the top four in hitting percentage. Senior Ndidi Ibe was just one of two
MEAC players, the other being Shabree Roberson of South Carolina State, to earn triple
digit kills and blocks last year, finishing with 171 kills with a .308 hitting percentage and
113 blocks. Despite missing a few matches due to injury, All-MEAC Second Team
junior Kaveinga Lea'Aetoa racked up 206 kills, hitting .296 with 88 total blocks.
NO KANGAROOS IN AUSTRIA
Two players from Austria join the Hawks this season, outside hitter Bridget Ebster-
Schwarzenberger and setter Elli Steiner, both bringing national team experience to the
Maroon and Gray. Since the 2005 season, UMES volleyball has included European
players from France, Serbia, Sweden and Switzerland. In addition, UMES has two other
international players: Jingqiao Li from China and Jessie Vicic from Canada.
METIL EARNS 200TH CAREER WIN
Don Metil won his 100th match at UMES on September 30th, 2011 with a shutout
victory over Alabama State. He also earned his 200th victory as a head coach on
November 18th, 2011 after a five-set win over North Carolina Central. With the Hawks,
Metil sports a 120-39 record. Metil's first win in Division I came at Coppin State against
UMES 3-2 on Sept. 25, 2005, while his first UMES win came against Coppin State 3-0
on Aug. 24, 2007. He has earned over 200 victories including stops at Notre Dame
(MD), Lees-McRae and Coppin State.
VAITAI APPROACHING 1,000-KILL CLUB
Maline Vaitai stands at 758 kills in her career, just 242 away from becoming a member of
the 1,000-kill club. The 2010 MEAC Rookie of the Year had 407 kills as a freshman and
317 in 2011, currently standing with 34. The UMES 1,000-kill club in the 25-point era
includes Whitney Johnson (1,225) and Caylin Woodward (1,132).
UMES 2ND LONGEST ACTIVE HOME WINNING STREAK
Winning their last 24 matches in Princess Anne, the Hawks have the second-longest
home winning streak in Division I, trailing only Texas. Their last loss in the Hytche
Athletic Center came on Sept. 26, 2009 with a 3-0 defeat from Sacred Heart.
Team Current Home Win Streak (as of 8/29)
1- Texas 33
2- UMES 24
3- Furman 15
UMES MATCHES TO AIR ON WGOP
WGOP 540 AM and 100.7 FM returns as the flagship station of Hawks volleyball
and will air all matches live on the radio this year. Dave Vatz returns for his
third season with UMES and will provide play-by-play for each match, with
WGOP producers Suzy Rummel and Steve Pettit operating from the Pocomoke
City studio. Fans can listen online on umeshawks.com.
TIGER INVITATIONAL SCHEDULEFriday, August 31st
Kennesaw State @ Savannah State 9:00 a.m.
New Mexico vs. UNC Asheville 11:00 a.m.
UMES vs. Southern Utah 1:00 p.m.
UNC Asheville @ Savannah State 3:00 p.m.
Kennesaw State vs. Southern Utah 5:00 p.m.
UMES vs. New Mexico 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 1st
Southern Utah @ Savannah State 9:00 a.m.
UMES vs. UNC Asheville 11:00 a.m.
Kennesaw State vs. New Mexico 1:00 p.m.
Southern Utah vs. UNC Asheville 3:00 p.m.
UMES vs. Kennesaw State 5:00 p.m.
New Mexico @ Savannah State 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 2nd
UMES @ Savannah State 10:00 a.m.
Antonio Carrabotta: Adam Smith Jose Oteze