John Brown defeats Bethel, 2-0

August 30, 2019

By JOHN BROWN SPORTS INFORMATION

SILOAM SPRINGS – After redshirting last season and missing the first two matches of 2019, senior striker Kelvin Omondi returned in determined fashion as he scored the game-winner, powering the John Brown University men’s soccer team past Bethel (Kan.), 2-0, on Friday (Aug. 30) evening at Alumni Field.

The match was never in doubt, as the Golden Eagles (3-0-0) continued to ask questions of the Bethel defense and keeper Albert Bratthammar all night long.

Bratthammar recorded nine saves in the first half, including point-blank chances on rebounds that could have given the hosts a lopsided advantage at the bathroom break. JBU out-shot the Threshers (0-2-0) by a 13-1 margin over the first 45 minutes of play.

Finally, shortly after the intermission in the 48th minute, Omondi’s much-anticipated return culminated in a dramatic rush up the field that saw the former Sooner Athletic Player of the Year pot his first goal since Oct. 24, 2017.

Freshman Jacob Zamarron kept the ball in play up the right sidelines and fed freshman Dalton Georgopulos up the field – allowing Georgopulos to flick a pass across the 18 to Omondi on the left wing. In typical fashion, Omondi danced around his defender and delivered a shot to the short side, breaking Bratthammar’s shutout bid and handing John Brown a 1-0 advantage.

Freshman Oscar Carballo nearly netted his second of the season in the 55th off a corner kick, but the Thresher defense was somehow able to keep the header off the goal line to maintain the slim 1-0 score.

En route to posting 15 shot attempts in the second half as a team, Zamarron again struck for his third goal in as many games in the 73rd. Sophomore Jack Bos earned his first collegiate point when his boot into space sprung loose Zamarron past his defender and in on Bratthammar all alone. As the Bethel keeper came out to challenge, Zamarron chipped a lovely ball over the leaping keeper and to the far left post and in – giving John Brown the insurance goal it was seeking.

Despite essentially no offense to speak of to help relieve him of pressure, Bratthammar continued to answer the call and keep the visitors competitive through the second half. The Golden Eagles also missed a few glorious chances, however, none bigger than junior Samuel Estrada’s effort to dance through the back line and deposit a shot to the far right post that just missed wide.

Senior Britt Wisener collected a pair of saves to post the squad’s first clean sheet of the season. Bos, sophomore Adrian Immel, freshman Matej Urbanija and junior Marcelo Mendes all turned in a full 90 minutes and limited Bethel to just four shot attempts.

Bratthammar finished the match with 13 saves, but was dinged with the loss despite the Herculean effort.

Up Next
The Golden Eagles will take an eight-day break before returning to Alumni Field to welcome No. 20 Columbia for a 5 p.m. kickoff on Saturday (Sept. 7).

Williams Baptist repeats at Lyon College

News Photo
WIlliams Baptist University Sports Information

August 30, 2019

By WILLIAMS BAPTIST SPORTS INFORMATION

BATESVILLE – A year ago the Williams Baptist University men’s cross country team won a meet for the first time in school history. Today, the Eagles repeated that feat at the same course and race. WBU won the Lyon Invitational, hosted by Lyon College in Batesville.

The team won with 36 points. They finished one point ahead of Lyon (37) and 13 points ahead of Crowley’s Ridge College (49). It was head coach Tim Shepard‘s first race as the head Eagle.

“Today was only a 5km race, but I think my guys have gained some confidence. They showed their competitive nature. We are not where we want to be just yet, but if we build on this we can surprise some people,” said Shepard.

The Eagles took home the individual places of fourth, fifth, sixth and ninth. Lucas Goodrich (SO/Dexter, Mo.) led the way with a 5km time of 19:10, followed by Ruben Whitney (FR/Fayetteville) and Jack Wafler (SR/Memphis, Tenn.). Whitney finished in fifth with a time of 19:25, while Wafler ran the race in 20:04, good enough for sixth place. Joey Colvert (SR/Bryant)’s time of 21:10 placed him in ninth place for the race.

Karlis Smith (FR/West Memphis) was the fifth finisher for Williams after coming in 12th place with a time of 22:20. Meanwhile, Isaiah Cook (FR/Hoxie) finished in 14th place with a time of 23:44.

This was the first time Whitney, Smith and Cook represented WBU at the collegiate level.

Williams Baptist wins in Batesville

News Photo
Photo by Williams Baptist University SID

August 30, 3019

By WILLIAMS BAPTIST SPORTS INFORMATION

BATESVILLE – The Williams Baptist University women’s cross country team opened its season in style, coming in first place at the 2019 Lyon College Invitational. The 5km race was the opening meet of the season and was hosted by Lyon in Batesville.

The team placed six runners in the race, including five of the top 10. Emily Weiss (FR/Gosnell) led the team with a time of 24:40. She finished in third place overall. It was her first collegiate race. The team finished with 18 points, 21 points ahead of second place Crowley’s Ridge College.

“We are not where we want to be yet, but I have high expectations for these ladies. I have some newcomers with some grit and some returners that know how to lead. It is just the first meet, but my goal is for them to build on this for the rest of the season,” said Head Coach Tim Shepard.

Kyla Downes (JR/Cleveland, Tenn.) finished fourth overall with a time of  25:42. In seventh place overall and third on the team was Kelcey Cooper (JR/Yoakum, Texas) with a time of 27:52. Meanwhile, Ka’lee Daniel (FR/Mountain Home) ran the race in 28:03, good enough for ninth place overall.

Following them was Rachel McKuin (SO/Blytheville) in 10th place and Amy McMorris (FR/Atoka, Okla.) in 13th place. McKuin ran the race in 28:59 and McMorris in 29:32. 

Ozarks looking to Repeat History

August 30, 2019

By OZARKS SPORTS INFORMATION

Michael Harris leads the Eagles into the 2019 season.
Photo by Ozarks Sports Information

CLARKSVILLE – The men’s cross country team made history last season and hope for more succes in 2019. 

The program had its first-ever NCAA III national qualifier. Junior Nathan Rankin qualified for nationals after receiving an at-large bid following his performance at the NCAA III regional race. 

Rankin, who’s fastest 8K time of the season was 25:28.5, is one of a number of standout runners on the team.

Senior Michael Harris is a two-time All-Conference runner and senior Jonathon Wood has made his mark on the program.

A large junior class fuels even higher expectations for the program, according to head coach Heidi Pinkerton. 

“The men’s team is looking strong and they are ready to accomplish big goals this season. We want to win conference and finish among the top-10 at Regionals. We are hoping both Nathan and Michael qualify for Nationals. Jacob and Kenny are strong freshman who can help us achieve our goals. The guys are pushing each other in training.”

Head Coach Video Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRz4bTHtSFY

Returners:
 Dakota Fritts (Jr.), Michael Harris (Sr.), Jaeden Miller (Jr.), Nathan Rankin (Jr.), Edwin Rivera (Jr.), Jonathon Wood (Sr.), Aaron Capehart (Sr.), Misael Perez (So.), Petron Brown (So.)                                                                             

Newcomers: Kenny Fernandez (Fr.), Jacob Mills (Fr.), Francisco Pina (Fr.), Keeshon Towles (Fr.)

Fastest 8K time in 2018: Nathan Rankin (25:28.5)

Individual Championships in 2018: Michael Harris (Arkansas D-III Championship), Michael Harris (U of O Invitational)

Highest Team Finish in 2018: 1st (Arkansas D-III Championships) and 1st (U of O Invitational)

Coach Pinkerton Quote:
“We want to win conference and finish among the top-10 at Regionals.”

2018 Post-Season: NCAA III Nationals, NCAA III Regionals, American Southwest Conference Championships

2018 National Qualifier: Nathan Rankin (So.)

2018 NCAA III Regional Finish: 19 of 33

2018 ASC Championship Finish: 4th of 12

2018 NCAA III Regional Participants: Nathan Rankin, Michael Harris, Juan Sanchez, Dakota FrittsLuis GarciaJaeden MillerEdwin Rivera

2018 Conference Awards: Nathan Rankin (All-Conference First Team), Michael Harris (All-Conference First Team)

2018 National Awards: Nathan Rankin (All-Region), Michael Harris (All-Region)

2018 ASC Runner of the Week: Nathan Rankin (twice)

2019 Schedule
August
31 Early Bird Eagles Opener (Arkansas D-III Championships)

SEPTEMBER
14 University of the Ozarks Invitational
21 at Rhodes College Invitational @ Memphis, Tenn.

OCTOBER
5 at NCAA III Pre-Nationals @ Louisville, Ky.
19 at Little Rock Invitational @ Little Rock

NOVEMBER
2 at ASC Championships @ Abilene, Texas 
16 at NCAA III Regionals @ Memphis, Tenn. 
23 at NCAA III Nationals @ Louisville, Ky.

Ozarks Women looking to make Strides

August 30, 2019

By OZARKS SPORTS INFORMATION

CLARKSVILLE – The women’s cross country team at the University of Ozarks continues to make strides as a program and aims for sustained success in 2019.

The 2018 team won one home race and finished second in the other. Head Coach Heidi Pinkerton brought in a crop of four talented freshmen to add to the current team. 

Overall, Pinkeron is excited to see how the season will play out. “I am excited to see what we will accomplish this season. We don’t have one girl that is minutes ahead of everyone else. We have a young group. We have a good pack. I think if they work together, they can do some bigger things than last year. The girls are on board and want to improve. They are doing the small things and are holding one another accountable.” Silvia Chavez returns for her sophomore campaign. “I think Silvia will do some great things for the team. Sydney will be  right there with Silvia.”

Head Coach Video Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eUMfwxh_k8&t=8s

Returners: 
Areli Moreno (Sr.), Silvia Chavez (So.)                                                                      

Newcomers: Andrea Garcia (Fr.), Leslie Hernandez (Jr.), Sydney Pyle (Fr.), Anya Sifuentes (Fr.), Stephanie Trevino (Fr.)

Fastest 5K time in 2018: 19:16.5 (Hannah Smith at Little Rock Invitational)

Individual Championships in 2018: 
Hannah Smith (Arkansas D-III Championships)

Highest Team Finish in 2018: 
1st (Arkansas D-III Championships)

Coach Pinkerton Quote:“I think if they work together, they can do some bigger things than last year.” 

2018 Post-Season: NCAA III Regionals, American Southwest Conference Championships

2018 NCAA III Regional Finish: Individual

2018 ASC Championship Finish: 8th of 12

2018 NCAA III Regional Participants: Hannah SmithSilvia Chavez, Chauzney Hooks

2018 Conference Awards: Hannah Smith (All-Conference First Team)

2018 Schedule
August
31 Early Bird Eagles Opener (Arkansas D-III Championships)

SEPTEMBER
14 University of the Ozarks Invitational
21 at Rhodes College Invitational @ Memphis, Tenn.

OCTOBER
5 at Chile Pepper Festival @ Fayetteville
19 at Little Rock Invitational @ Little Rock

NOVEMBER
2 at ASC Championships @ Abilene, Texas 
16 at NCAA III Regionals @ Memphis, Tenn. 
23 at NCAA III Nationals @ Louisville, Ky.

Ozarks ties Fontbonne

August 30, 2019

By OZARKS SPORTS INFORMATION

GAME DETAILS
University of the Ozarks 0, Fontbonne University 0
Records: University of the Ozarks (0-0-1), Fontbonne University (0-0-1)
Friday, Aug. 30, 2019
Memphis, Tenn. | Rhodes Soccer Field

THE BASICS
The Eagles opened the 2019 season with a shutout against Fontbonne University Friday in Memphis. The Eagles created seven shots in the second half, but couldn’t find the back of the net. The Eagles’ defense held strong through 110 minutes and limited Fontbonne to four shots on goal. Rebecca Peterson led the Eagles with five shots. Three of her shots were on frame. The Eagles’ defense did not allow a shot in either overtime. The Eagles accounted for two shots in overtime.

SCORING SUMMARY None

KEY STATISTICS
Kiara Henry fought off 12 Fontbonne shots, with four saves, to record a shutout.

OZARKS STARTERS Kiara HenryJoey LongMadison ChaneyBreanna AguilarRebecca PetersonChristina WaddleJordan PhillippiSkylar BrownKailey BarnesBreezie Davis

OZARKS SUBSTITUTES Micaela WintersRebecca McCarronBrittany HoltMakayla DavisKaitlyn SlingsbyTerri BrownCamyren AntuAngelica NajeraGracie MillarLara WadleBre ConstableFaith NewgentHannah SmithVicky Villatoro

EAGLES’ NEXT MATCH
The Eagles will take on Rhodes College Saturday. Live coverage: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/rhodes/

Ozarks opens Season with Tie

August 30, 2019

By OZARKS SPORTS INFORMATION

GAME DETAILS
University of the Ozarks 3, Nebraska Wesleyan 3 (OT2)
Records: University of the Ozarks (0-0-1), Nebraska Wesleyan (0-0-1)
Friday, Aug. 30, 2019
Pella, Iowa | Kuyper Athletic Complex

THE BASICS
The Eagles battled back from a 3-1 first half deficit to end the match with a 3-3 tie against Nebraska Wesleylan in their season-opener. Drew Mott struck first as he netted a goal early to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead. Mott’s goal came in the 2nd minute. But Nebraska Wesleyan scored back-to-back goals in the 28th minute and then added another just before the half to hold a 3-1 advantage. Mott scored again in the 58th minute to trim the deficit to 3-2. The Eagles final goal came in the 64th minute. After a scoreless first overtime, the Eagles produced four shots in the second overtime. A header by Charleus Ritch and a shot later by Jackson Rogers were just off to keep the match alive. The Eagles ended with a slight 12-11 shots advantage. 

SCORING SUMMARY1:33 – Drew Mott (Jackson Rogers assist)
27:08 – Nebraska Wesleyan (TEAM)
27:52 -Nebraska Wesleyan (Royce Austen)
42:19 – Nebraska Wesleyan (Luke Livingston)
57:23 – Drew Mott (assist Charleus Ritch)
63:47 – Ozarks (TEAM)

KEY STATISTICS
The Eagles battled back from a 3-1 first half deficit to end the match with a 3-3 tie. The Eagles scored first in the match as Drew Mott netted a goal within the first two minutes.

OZARKS STARTERS
Logan Valestin (GK), Jonathan JulmisteRichard SouffrantPeter Ralph SevereTruman HensleyDrew MottCharleus Emmanuel RitchAlain ClaudeTanner YoungJackson RogersSebastien Bathard

OZARKS SUBSTITUTES
Pedro GallagaJuan CanoGaetan Jean LouisChris Reyes

EAGLES’ NEXT MATCH
The Eagles will take on Central College Sunday at 1 p.m. Live Coverage at: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/central/#

Lyon takes second in Home Meet

August 30, 2019

By LYON COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

BATESVILLE – The Lyon College men’s and women’s cross country teams got their respective 2019 seasons off to a strong start as the Scots placed in the top two individually in both the men’s and women’s divisions at the 2019 Lyon College Invitational on Friday evening. Freshmen Cade Davis and Haeley Pines took home first-place honors for the men’s and women’s team, respectively.

In her first collegiate race, Pines cruised to the finish line of the women’s 5k race with the best time at 23:07. Teammate, Alex Nagle, finished just behind Pines in second at 23:27. Daisy Connor and Amber McClurg both finished within the top 10 as well. Connor placed sixth with a time of 26:54, while McClurg ended in eighth at 27:58.

In the men’s 5k division, Davis and Chris Lemp finished in first and second for the Scots, respectively, in the first collegiate race for both runners. Davis coasted his way around the course and finished with a time of 17:57, while Lemp posted a time of 18:17. Addison Causey placed eighth with a time of 20:21. Wyatt Frerichs crossed the finish line in 11th for the Scots with a time of 22:08. Patrick Mitchell (24:13), Payton Dunn (26:00) and Zachary Nohr (29:04) also competed for the Scots.

As a whole, the men’s team placed second in the event. Williams Baptist edged the Scots by a single point, while Crowley’s Ridge College came in third.

The Scots will return to action on Sept. 7 at the UCA Cross Country Challenge in Conway.

Lyon takes Pair in Little Rock

August 30, 2019

By LYON COLLEGE SPORTS INFORMATION

LITTLE ROCK – The Lyon College volleyball team cruised to a pair of nonconference victories today in the Philander Smith Panther Volleyball Tournament. The Scots started the afternoon by sweeping Tabor College and kept up their terrific play with a dominating performance over Texas College this evening.

Lyon improves to 2-3 on the young season. Tabor College falls to 2-5, while Texas College’s record dips to 1-1.   

GAME FLOW 
Tabor College 
The Scots and Bluejays exchanged leads in the first set of the match. Tabor extended their lead at 18-15, but Lyon would quickly respond. The Scots regained the momentum, surging to a 10-4 run to win the first set on one of Kendra Kelly’s 10 kills in the contest.

Now leading by a set, the Scots picked up right where they left off, winning the first six points of the second stanza. Lyon continued their excellent setting and finishing at the net to take a 22-12 advantage following a kill by Michayla ShanksKaitlyn Jackson would eventually close out the set with a service ace to give the Scots a two-set advantage.

The third set featured five ties and two lead changes. With the score tied at 10 apiece, the visitors from Batesville got in a rhythm as they won nine of the next 11 points, taking a 19-12 lead. The Bluejays, however, cut Lyon’s lead to one at 24-23. The Scots took a timeout to regain their composure in hopes of ending the match on the next point. That is exactly what the Scots did, winning the next point to complete the sweep and close out the match, 25-23.

Texas College
With the Scots leading 11-9 midway through the first set, Gracen Ratliff recorded one of her six kills in the contest to give the visitors from Batesville a three-point cushion. Lyon would continue to extend their advantage the rest of the first stanza, en route to a 25-18 first-set victory.

The second set was the most competitive frame of the night. While Texas College cut Lyon’s lead to only two at 12-10, the Scots were ready for everything the Lady Steers tried to throw at them. Lyon dominated the rest of the set, cruising to a 25-13 second-set win.

Lyon continued their stellar play in the third stanza. TC tied the score four times during the set, but the Scots never relinquished the lead as they overpowered the Lady Steers, 25-12, and won the match in three sets.

KEY STATISTICS
Tabor College 
– Kendra Kelley and Michayla Shanks put together all-around performances today as Kelley tallied 10 kills and 8 digs, while Shanks registered 12 digs, 8 kills, and 4 service aces.
– Gracen Ratliff recorded a game-high 11 kills. 
– Kaitlyn Jackson etched 20 assists to go along with 3 service aces.   
– Lyon overpowered Tabor in kills, 41-28, and service aces, 13-3.

Texas College 
– Alley Edwards tallied a game-high 12 kills in the contest, while Kendra KelleyGracen Ratliff, and Michayla Shanks added 7, 6, and 6 kills, respectively.
– The Scots setters were terrific today as Kaitlyn JacksonEllie EmbryKendra Davidson, and Elizabeth Bairett combined for 41 assists this evening.
– Lyon held a huge advantage in kills, 51-16, and assists, 46-16.

WHAT’S AHEAD FOR THE SCOTS
Lyon continues play in the Panther Volleyball Tournament tomorrow with matches against Rust College and Philander Smith College. The matchup between the Scots and Rust College will begin at noon tomorrow, while the contest between Lyon and Philander Smith College will start 45 minutes following the conclusion of the Lyon-Rust match.

Warriors fall in Season Opener

August 30, 2019

By HENDRIX SPORTS INFORMATION

CONWAY – Hendrix men’s soccer opened up the 2019 season Friday evening with an evening showdown against the Huntingdon Hawks in the 2019 Hendrix Invitational from Warrior Field. After trailing 1-0 at the intermission, the Warriors conceded three second half goals as Hendrix fell to the Hawks, 4-1.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP
Final: Huntingdon 4 , Hendrix 1
Records: Hawks 1-0, Warriors 0-1
Location: Warrior Soccer Field | Conway
Get Social: Twitter | @HendrixWarriors | @HCscoreboard

HOW IT HAPPENED
– After giving up one goal in the first 45 minutes, the Warriors gave up two more goals in the first 25 minutes of the second half before sophomore Ricky Barrientos got the home team on the scoreboard.
– The Hawks scored one more goal in the 89th minute to hold the 4-1 advantage.
– Sophomore Arron Sahlman recorded a pair of saves against Huntingdon.
– Freshman Luis Lara recorded a team-best four shots in the loss.
– Five other Warrior players tallied one shot each while Barrientos and sophomore Jackson Goodwin landed the lone shots on goal for Hendrix.

WHAT WAS SAID
“I thought we played well for large portions of the game but we gave the ball away cheaply in the middle third which led to three goals,” stated head coach Matt Kern. “Our team shape in defensive transition moments, was simply not good enough tonight. Huntingdon were very organized an punished us on the counter attack. We will learn from this and look to be more organized.”

UP NEXT
The Warriors remain in Conway for its next contest; facing Hardin-Simmons Sunday from Warrior Field at 2 p.m. in the final game of the 2019 Hendrix Invitational.