Goldsboro News-Argus | Sports: May 2008 Archives

No. 1 Trojans knock off Central Missouri

SAUGET, Ill. -- It's title time. No. 1-ranked Mount Olive College defeated Central Missouri 5-3 and punched its ticket to the championship game of the 2008 NCAA Division II College World Series on Thursday evening. The Trojans (57-6 overall) oppose...

Published: May 30, 2008 1:57 PM Full Story

K-Tribe sweeps home twinbill

Kinston extended its win streak to a season-high five games with a doubleheader sweep against Frederick on Thursday. The K-Tribe dealt the Keys 5-0 and 3-2 losses on the historic Grainger Stadium diamond. Steven Wright threw a complete-game, seven-hitter in...

Published: May 30, 2008 1:57 PM Full Story

Neal has good outing for S. Wayne Junior Legion

From staff reports DUDLEY -- Matt Neal pitched seven strong innings and Wayne County South's Junior American Legion team picked up a 6-2 win over D.H. Conley on Thursday evening. Neal allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits with...

Published: May 30, 2008 1:57 PM Full Story

Mount Olive awaits opponent

SAUGET, Ill. -- The Mount Olive College baseball team is making its first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II College World Series championship contest. But who will be in the opposing dugout? Ouachita (Ark.) Baptist refused to go quietly and...

Published: May 30, 2008 1:57 PM Full Story

Jones throws seven efficient innings

SAUGET, Ill. -- Kyle Jones is no longer a project. After a three-year hiatus from the diamond, Jones made his way into the Mount Olive bullpen this season without a defined role and carrying few performance expectations. "Jones has really...

Published: May 30, 2008 1:56 PM Full Story

Trojans take time away from World Series

ST. LOUIS -- Winning certainly has its advantages. By defeating Ashland University in the second round of the NCAA Division II College World Series, Mount Olive College earned a day away from the diamond at GCS Ballpark in nearby Sauget,...

Published: May 29, 2008 4:05 PM Full Story

Injured Williams becomes MOC's bench coach

SAUGET, Ill. -- Athletics often defines a person's character. Anthony Williams is no exception. Sidelined with an elbow injury for the NCAA Division II College World Series, the Mount Olive College second baseman is focusing on the positive events during...

Published: May 29, 2008 4:01 PM Full Story

Trojans oppose CMU in semifinals

SAUGET, Ill. -- Back to business. After enjoying a day off in St. Louis at a major league baseball game, the Mount Olive Trojans will put their collective nose to the grindstone today at 2:30 CDT when they take on...

Published: May 29, 2008 3:57 PM Full Story

Former SW standouts pace Lancers

MILLINGTON, Tenn. -- The Lenoir Community College baseball team is within sight of its first national championship. The No. 1-ranked Lancers overcame a poor showing in a completion of a rain-delayed game to down Monroe (N.Y.) Community College, 5-4, in...

Published: May 29, 2008 3:54 PM Full Story

K-Tribe, Keys will play two

Mother Nature threw a shutout on the historic Grainger Stadium diamond Wednesday evening. Day-long rain postponed the K-Tribe's home contest against Frederick until today. The teams will play two seven-inning games beginning at 5 p.m....

Published: May 29, 2008 3:51 PM Full Story

Mudcats snuff out Smokies

Daniel Barone pitched six shutout innings and Chris Coghlan provided three RBI as Carolina hammered Tennessee 8-1 on Wednesday evening. Barone, who allowed a first-inning, lead-off single, retired 16 consecutive batters until the sixth inning. Andy Jenkins' sacrifice fly and...

Published: May 29, 2008 3:42 PM Full Story

Mount Olive wins again

News-Argus/Ryan Hanchett Mount Olive right-hander Ryan Schlecht allowed seven earned runs on nine hits in three-plus innings during the Trojans’ second-round game against Ashland. Schlecht eventually earned a no-decision and remained unbeaten in 13 outings this season. For more...

Published: May 28, 2008 1:51 PM Full Story

2 down, 2 to go: Lovett's home run arouses MOC offense

SAUGET, Ill. -- The Trojans' offensive power is back. No. 1-ranked Mount Olive College used a seven-run, fifth-inning outburst to defeat Ashland University 18-7 in their second-round, NCAA Division II College World Series contest. It was the Trojans' 28th come-from-behind...

Published: May 28, 2008 1:51 PM Full Story

Mount Olive's Harrison enjoying memorable trip

SAUGET, Ill. - Josh Harrison is enjoying a week that he will never forget. On Monday afternoon, the Mount Olive center fielder popped the game-winning hit in the Trojans' 6-5 win over Ouatchita Baptist. On Monday night, he popped the...

Published: May 28, 2008 1:51 PM Full Story

Rain washes out LCC game

Rain suspended Lenoir Community College's winners' bracket contest against No. 2-ranked LSU-Eunice in the NJCAA Division II College World Series on Tuesday. Play resumes at 3 p.m. (CDT) today with the No. 1-ranked Lancers trailing 7-3 in the fourth inning....

Published: May 28, 2008 1:51 PM Full Story

Wayne County North Junior Legion drops one-run decision

The Wayne County North Junior American Legion squad dropped to 1-2 with a 5-4 loss to visiting Kinston on Tuesday night. Robert Faucet contributed a pair of hits for Wayne County and Josh Frederick took the loss on the mound....

Published: May 28, 2008 1:50 PM Full Story

K-Tribe rallies past Frederick

Brian Juhl's two-run, sixth-inning triple helped Kinston knock off Frederick 8-6 during a rare day game on the historic Grainger Stadium diamond Tuesday. Juhl finished the contest 2-for-3. Carlos Rivero (3-for-3) collected his third RBI in the seventh inning. Cirilo...

Published: May 28, 2008 1:50 PM Full Story

Tennessee offense erupts past Mudcats

Tennessee erased a six-run deficit in the eighth inning and defeated Carolina 8-7 on Tuesday evening. The Mudcats built a 7-1 lead, but witnessed a bullpen meltdown by two pitchers who issued six walks. Kyle Reynolds' game-tying grand slam highlighted...

Published: May 28, 2008 1:50 PM Full Story

Another comeback: Harrison's ninth-inning single caps four-run rally

SAUGET, Ill. -- The self-proclaimed comeback kids strike again. No. 1-ranked Mount Olive College, down to its final three outs, turned in another stirring ninth-inning rally Monday afternoon. Josh Harrison's walk-off single capped a four-run uprising as the Trojans rallied...

Published: May 27, 2008 3:46 PM Full Story

Trojan's pitching staff used against Ouachita

SAUGET, Ill. -- Pitching does not always have to be pretty in order to be effective. Mount Olive used seven different hurlers, due to weather and necessity, in its opening-round game of the NCAA Division II College World Series. Patrick...

Published: May 27, 2008 3:44 PM Full Story

Ashland pulls off big upset

SAUGET, Ill. -- It will be a clash of come-from-behind victors when Mount Olive steps onto the field against Ashland University today. Each team trailed in the latter stages of their respective first-round contests in the NCAA Division II College...

Published: May 27, 2008 3:43 PM Full Story

Inexperienced Legion pitching staff must mature

DUDLEY -- Win in a different way. Hope a young pitching staff grows up fast. That's the approach sixth-year Wayne County Post 11 baseball coach Brad Reaves is taking for this summer. Four of the team's top seven hitters return,...

Published: May 27, 2008 3:42 PM Full Story

Perdomo saves K-Tribe

Luis Perdomo earned his 10th save of the season and Kinston turned back Frederick 5-4 at historic Grainger Stadium on Monday evening. Jared Goedert's eighth-inning, RBI groundout put Kinston up 5-3. Frederick pulled within 5-4 on a solo home run...

Published: May 27, 2008 3:41 PM Full Story

Camp gets big hit for Smokies

Former N.C. State standout Matt Camp drove in the game-winning run as Tennessee edged Carolina 6-5 in 10 innings on Monday evening. Camp's game-winning hit capped a two-run rally. Cameron Maybin's solo home run gave the Mudcats (29-22 overall) a...

Published: May 27, 2008 3:39 PM Full Story

Mount Olive game suspended

SAUGET, Ill. -- Rain, rain go away. Mother Nature held a decisive advantage for much of Sunday and in the end, she nearly pitched a shutout. No. 1-ranked Mount Olive College endured three weather delays and eventually returned to its...

Published: May 26, 2008 1:50 PM Full Story

K-Tribe crushes Winston-Salem

Kinston pounded out 15 hits and crushed Winston-Salem 11-0 at historic Grainger Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Niuman Romero batted 4-for-4, while Cirilo Cumberbatch added three hits and two RBI. Chris De La Cruz contributed two hits and three RBI. K-Tribe...

Published: May 26, 2008 1:50 PM Full Story

Burford's hit keeps LCC unbeaten

MILLINGTON, Tenn. -- Kent Burford already had three hits and two fantastic defensive plays in Sunday afternoon's NJCAA Division II World Series contest against a five-time national champion. But it wasn't enough. The Lenoir Community College second baseman delivered a...

Published: May 26, 2008 1:49 PM Full Story

Mount Olive's title quest starts today

SAUGET, Ill. -- When the Mount Olive College baseball team looks into the opposing dugout during today's opening round of the NCAA Division II College World Series, they might see their own reflection in real life. Ouachita (Ark.) Baptist embodies...

Published: May 25, 2008 2:02 AM Full Story

Lancers win World Series opener

By BRYAN C. HANKS Special to the News-Argus MILLINGTON, Tenn. -- Lenoir Community College pitcher T.J. Hinson proved an old baseball adage -- "Good pitching beats good hitting" -- correct in the first game of the 2008 National Junior College...

Published: May 25, 2008 2:02 AM Full Story

UNC Wilmington recruit Jones fans 15, surrenders just one hit

PRINCETON -- Thomas Jones did his job. The Topsail ace tossed a complete-game, one-hitter and logged 15 strikeouts as the Pirates stopped Princeton 6-0 in game one of their best-of-three, Class 1-A eastern regional championship series Thursday evening. Game two...

Published: May 23, 2008 4:31 PM Full Story

N.C. fishing report

Northern District Dare, Hyde, Currituck & Beaufort Counties Ocean: Offshore anglers continue to catch plenty of yellow and blackfin tuna. Dolphin, cobia, Atlantic bonito, little tunny, and wahoo have been caught with increased regularity. A few billfish have been caught....

Published: May 23, 2008 4:29 PM Full Story

Boat safety important as holiday looms

Memorial Day weekend will mark the opening of boating season for many North Carolina sportsmen. With that in mind, the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is asking boaters to remember the laws in order to stay safe on the water. "Because...

Published: May 23, 2008 4:26 PM Full Story

Sims cards 8-under, shares lead

Former University of Rhode Island standout Michael Sims fired a sizzling 8-under-par 64 on Thursday to grab a share of the 36-hole lead during the Tarheel Tour's Walnut Creek Classic. A 2007 Nationwide Tour member, Sims made six birdies and...

Published: May 23, 2008 4:21 PM Full Story

Pelicans edge K-Tribe, 6-5

Myrtle Beach avoided a series sweep with a 6-5 victory over Kinston on Thursday evening. Willie Cabrera delivered the game-winning hit in the seventh inning for the Pelicans, who lost the series 2-1....

Published: May 23, 2008 4:20 PM Full Story

ECU boils Rice, 4-3

Senior T.J. Hose pitched four-plus innings of scoreless relief as No. 28-ranked East Carolina slipped past top-seeded Rice 4-3 in the CUSA baseball tournament on Thursday. The fifth-seeded Pirates (40-18 overall) oppose either Houston or UAB today. Rice (42-13) finished...

Published: May 23, 2008 4:18 PM Full Story

Area players help Lenoir CC reach Series

KINSTON -- Summer is more than a month away, but Lenoir Community College baseball coach Stony Wine isn't booking a vacation any time soon. He is taking his team to the National Junior College Athletic Association Division II World Series....

Published: May 23, 2008 4:17 PM Full Story

Post 11 opens season with road victory

DURHAM -- Zach Wright mashed a ninth-inning home run as Wayne County Post 11 opened its 2008 American Legion baseball campaign with an 11-8 victory over Durham on Thursday evening. John Wooten, who pounded out three hits, started the Post...

Published: May 23, 2008 4:16 PM Full Story

Firebirds end Golden Falcons' playoff run

PIKEVILLE -- It's hard to stop a team of destiny. But Charles B. Aycock nearly derailed No. 1-ranked Southern Nash in the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A dual-team eastern regional final on Thursday afternoon. The Firebirds prevailed in...

Published: May 23, 2008 4:14 PM Full Story

Falcons drop Southern Wayne

WINTERVILLE -- The scouting report said "make the pitcher work." But Southern Wayne hardly forced South Central hurler Caitlin Wainwright to break a sweat Wednesday evening. The senior right-hander threw a perfect game as the Falcons blanked the Saints 4-0...

Published: May 22, 2008 4:13 PM Full Story

Post 11 opens play tonight

Wayne County Post 11 opens its 2008 American Senior Legion baseball campaign today at Durham. First pitch is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wayne County logged 27 wins last season and emerged the state runner-up to perennial power Caldwell County. Directed...

Published: May 22, 2008 4:10 PM Full Story

K-Tribe blasts Myrtle Beach

Kinston sent 13 batters to the plate in the eighth inning and rolled past Myrtle Beach 13-2 on Wednesday evening. Chris De La Cruz provided two hits and two RBI during the K-Tribe's eighth-inning uprising. Pelican pitchers allowed five hits,...

Published: May 22, 2008 4:06 PM Full Story

Trojans view "OnCampus" showing

MOUNT OLIVE -- To the victor goes the spoils. Two days after clinching the NCAA Division II South Atlantic Regional championship, the Mount Olive College baseball team was the center of attention again Wednesday afternoon. The players packed a workout...

Published: May 22, 2008 4:02 PM Full Story

Golden Falcons move into eastern finals

PIKEVILLE -- Fighting muscle cramps and blurry vision on a sneakily-hot afternoon, Blake Cooper wiped his brow as he listened to Charles B. Aycock head tennis coach Kevin Coghill. "Do you really want this Blake?" asked Coghill. Cooper didn't respond....

Published: May 21, 2008 4:06 PM Full Story

K-Tribe benefits from error

Carlos Rivero scampered home on a ninth-inning throwing error and Kinston turned back Myrtle Beach 4-3 on Wednesday evening. Tied at 3-3, Rivero drew a two-out walk to start the game-clinching rally. Jared Head doubled down the third-base line and...

Published: May 21, 2008 4:03 PM Full Story

Three Pirates earn conference honors

NEW ORLEANS -- East Carolina headlined the league's top individual awards, winning three of the five major awards announced Tuesday at the 2008 Conference USA Baseball Championships. Senior catcher Corey Kemp was named player of the year, right-handed pitcher Seth...

Published: May 21, 2008 3:56 PM Full Story

Trojans top USCA

MOUNT OLIVE -- The nation's "best kept secret" is officially out of the bag. Wearing its lucky yellow jerseys, Mount Olive defeated USC Aiken twice over the course of Sunday and Monday to win the NCAA Division II South Atlantic...

Published: May 20, 2008 2:03 PM Full Story

Mudcats win 7-5

Carolina clubbed a season-high four home runs and defeated first-place Huntsville 7-5 in Southern League action on Monday afternoon. The Mudcats (26-19 overall) pulled within four games of the Stars. Cameron Maybin, Brett Hayes and John Raynor each slugged a...

Published: May 20, 2008 2:02 PM Full Story

Barnes called to umpire World Series

Quintin Barnes checked his mail and gazed at the white envelope. A blue "NCAA" symbol dotted one corner. "What is this?" said Barnes to himself. He opened the envelope, unfolded the letter and starting reading it. "You have been selected...

Published: May 20, 2008 2:02 PM Full Story

Watt-Akin lead by example

MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive head baseball coach Carl Lancaster refuses to accept sole credit for his 700-plus victories. He never swung a bat, fielded a ground ball or threw a pitch. Lancaster attributes his success to former players, assistant...

Published: May 20, 2008 2:01 PM Full Story

Regional notebook

MOUNT OLIVE -- Three Mount Olive pitchers threw complete games during the NCAA Division II South Atlantic Regional. None proved more impressive than Kyle Jones' four-hitter as the Trojans faced elimination against USC-Aiken on Sunday afternoon. The East Carolina transfer,...

Published: May 20, 2008 2:01 PM Full Story

Racobaldo swings big bat at Regional

MOUNT OLIVE -- Graduation depleted several key positions for Mount Olive College's baseball team last season, but none was more pivotal than third base. Who would -- and could -- fill the void left by two-time, all-conference performer Stephen Nordan?...

Published: May 20, 2008 2:00 PM Full Story

MOC wins South Atlantic Regional, will go to College World Series

MOUNT OLIVE -- The Mount Olive College Trojan baseball team won eight to three against the Pacers today, earning their first-ever trip to the Division II College World Series. Gusty winds and heavy rains this weekend had suspended the NCAA...

Published: May 19, 2008 2:02 PM Full Story

Mudcats win 8-3

Chris Coghlan pounded out three hits, including his second home run of the season, during Carolina's 8-3 victory over first-place Huntsville on Sunday. Coghlan collected a first-inning RBI single and capped his afternoon with a ninth-inning homer. The Mudcats (25-19...

Published: May 19, 2008 2:02 PM Full Story

K-Tribe suspended by rain

Mother Nature intervened ... again. For the fourth time in his two-year career, Steven Wright had a great outing suspended because of inclement weather. Wright threw four no-hit innings and Kinston led 1-0 when rain suspended play. Wright also had...

Published: May 19, 2008 2:01 PM Full Story

Repeat Offenders: Wayne Christian claims second straight 1-A softball title

NASHVILLE -- Roger Longwell might want to write the following memo to himself: Remind athletic director to clear out spot in trophy case. The Eagles are state champions again. Wayne Christian used two sixth-inning runs to grab its final lead...

Published: May 18, 2008 2:03 AM Full Story

NCISAA 1-A soccer semifinals: Chargers drop 2-1 decision

WILSON -- Sweat- and grass-stained tape dotted the Wayne Country Day sideline as heart-broken players gathered their bags. It was the lone remnant of a frustrating afternoon on the Gillette Soccer Complex pitch. The second-seeded Chargers couldn't find that second-half...

Published: May 18, 2008 2:03 AM Full Story

A new role: Season on bench fuels Lancaster's desire to play

Each day the hunger grew as Jesse Lancaster sat and watched his teammates practice on the Scarborough Field diamond. He listened to the ping of aluminum bats connecting with dirt-stained baseballs. Every so often, a popping sound occurred behind him...

Published: May 18, 2008 2:03 AM Full Story

Playoff heartbreaker: Warriors eliminated in 10 innings

Josh Worthington saved his best plate appearance for last. The catcher ripped a game-winning, 10th-inning single as South Central edged Eastern Wayne 4-3 on a wet Friday evening in New Hope. The Falcons (12-14 overall) face county archrival D.H. Conley...

Published: May 18, 2008 2:03 AM Full Story

Preps digest: Southern Wayne advances in 3-A softball playoffs

SHALLOTTE -- Alyssa Bradshaw's two-run home run highlighted a five-run, fifth-inning uprising as Southern Wayne topped West Brunswick 5-2 in their second-round, N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A softball playoff contest Friday. Locked in a scoreless tie, Lauren Darden...

Published: May 18, 2008 2:03 AM Full Story

Area netters have tough outings in state tournament

The small contingent of area players participating in the N.C. High School Athletic Association men's individual tennis championships emerged the victim of first-round losses on Friday morning. At Burlington, Lake Norman's Trey McKee turned back two-time eastern regional singles champion...

Published: May 18, 2008 2:02 AM Full Story

George, Bogle, Wilson have record-setting days

GREENSBORO -- Charles B. Aycock pole vaulter Cameron George ended his prep career in record-setting fashion Friday afternoon. George recorded a personal-best and school-record vault of 13 feet in the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A track and field...

Published: May 18, 2008 2:02 AM Full Story

Golden Trojans: MOC collects program-best 50th win of season

MOUNT OLIVE -- The school record almost seemed an afterthought. No. 1-ranked Mount Olive defeated Erskine 11-3 for its 50th victory of the season in the NCAA Division II South Atlantic Regional on a soggy Thursday evening. The mark broke...

Published: May 16, 2008 4:06 PM Full Story

Cougars, Pacers victorious in Day 1 of regional

MOUNT OLIVE -- USC Aiken pushed across a third-inning, unearned run and nipped North Georgia 1-0 during opening-round play of the 2008 NCAA Division II South Atlantic Regional. Lead-off batter Cody McMorris started the Pacers' rally by reaching safely on...

Published: May 16, 2008 4:03 PM Full Story

Northern Snakehead causing havoc

The North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission is asking sportsmen in the Tar Heel state to be on the lookout for a problematic aquatic species. On inland rivers, fishermen are being asked to report the catch of any Northern Snakehead fish....

Published: May 16, 2008 4:00 PM Full Story

Raynor lifts Cats in 12th

John Raynor delivered a run-scoring sacrifice fly in the 12th inning as Carolina edged division-leading Huntsville 3-2 on Thursday evening. The Mudcats snapped the Stars' six-game win streak. Carolina tied the game at 2-2 on Gaby Sanchez's eighth-inning, two-RBI double....

Published: May 16, 2008 3:57 PM Full Story

Blue Rocks edge K-Tribe

Starting pitcher Carlton Smith retired the final 16 Wilmington batters he faced Thursday evening, but Kinston suffered a 1-0 defeat on the historic Grainger Stadium diamond. Mike Pontius retired all six batters in relief of Smith. Jeff Howell's two-out, first-inning...

Published: May 16, 2008 3:53 PM Full Story

One infield bobble gives Pam Pack late break

PIKEVILLE -- One unfortunate error. A 14th-inning infield bobble proved costly as Washington upended Charles B. Aycock 3-0 in the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A softball playoffs Thursday evening. Locked in a scoreless stalemate, pitcher Charity Watson started...

Published: May 16, 2008 3:47 PM Full Story

Eagles take second as team, but Williams emerges individual state champion

PINEHURST -- Senior Eric Williams emerged the individual state champion and Wayne Christian ended up second overall during team competition in the 2008 N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Class 1-A men's golf championships. Williams used a second-day, 18-hole total of...

Published: May 15, 2008 3:54 PM Full Story

Younger Grantham takes over Greene Central football program

SNOW HILL -- The opportunity to go home again was more than Ken Grantham could pass up. Grantham was formally introduced as the new head football coach at Greene Central High School on Wednesday afternoon. He replaced Jim Bob Bryant...

Published: May 15, 2008 3:49 PM Full Story

Trojans' backbone: MOC pitching staff been hard to crack this season

MOUNT OLIVE -- Talented, deep, experienced and confident. Finding a weakness in Mount Olive's pitching staff has been a perpetual tall order for opposing offenses this season. The Trojans (49-5 overall) have compiled a 3.05 ERA this season and while...

Published: May 15, 2008 3:43 PM Full Story

Coach says 'it's time' to relinquish reins

MOUNT OLIVE -- Bill Clingan ushered the Mount Olive College men's basketball program into the Division II era and turned the Trojans into a perennial power. Tuesday afternoon, Clingan said farewell. Choking back tears on occasion, Clingan delivered an emotional...

Published: May 14, 2008 2:57 PM Full Story

Local digest

LaGRANGE -- Eastern Plains champion North Lenoir continued its N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 2-A playoff run with a 12-2 thumping of Pittsboro Northwood. Mike Wetherington belted two home runs and finished 3-for-3 with four RBI and three runs...

Published: May 14, 2008 2:56 PM Full Story

Pate scores game-winning run on seventh-inning error

DUDLEY -- A missed sign. An aggressive base-running play. It's a matter of perspective. Southern Wayne pinch-runner Brittany Pate ran through a stop sign at third base and beat out the throw at the plate. The seventh-inning run was all...

Published: May 14, 2008 2:55 PM Full Story

Defending state champs pound Gaston Day, 12-0

Even with a five-hour bus ride home, Gaston Day didn't have to worry about sticking around for very long. Wayne Christian erupted for seven fourth-inning runs and cruised to a 12-0 victory in 41/2 innings on Tuesday in the first...

Published: May 14, 2008 2:54 PM Full Story

Lancaster hopes CWS trip is in Trojan's future

MOUNT OLIVE -- Carl Lancaster knows exactly what he is getting into this week when his Mount Olive baseball team takes the field for the NCAA Division II South Atlantic Regional. He's been there, done that. "I don't know that...

Published: May 14, 2008 2:53 PM Full Story

Chargers produce three goals in second half

Maybe Baron Heinemann should forget pre-game speeches. His halftime talks seem to work much better these days. After receiving a not-so-pleasing analysis of their first-half performance, the Wayne Country Day girls' soccer team returned to the pitch in determined fashion...

Published: May 14, 2008 2:52 PM Full Story

Warriors rally again, reach third round

Another three-run deficit erased. Another playoff comeback complete. Colton Fulghum's fourth-inning, go-ahead single catapulted state-ranked Eastern Wayne past West Craven 5-3 in their second-round, N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A postseason contest Tuesday evening. Ranked fifth in the latest...

Published: May 14, 2008 2:51 PM Full Story

Decision surprises former Trojans

MOUNT OLIVE -- Shock. Surprise. Appreciation. All those emotions flowed freely as Mount Olive men's basketball coach Bill Clingan officially called it a career with the Division II school. The announcement drew mixed reactions from the coach's former players, who...

Published: May 14, 2008 2:50 PM Full Story

Higginbotham takes over solid program

MOUNT OLIVE -- A seasoned apprentice and well-trained understudy, Joey Higginbotham has finally earned the leading role. The former Trojans' point guard was introduced as the new head men's basketball coach at Mount Olive College on Tuesday afternoon. Higginbotham succeeds...

Published: May 14, 2008 2:48 PM Full Story

Faith Christian wins third straight title

CHARLOTTE -- One timely hit. One untimely miscue. And it all occurred on the same play. Brook Anderson delivered a fifth-inning double and scored on an outfield error to give Faith Christian Academy its third consecutive state softball championship Saturday...

Published: May 13, 2008 3:37 PM Full Story

Mudcats come from behind

Carolina spotted Chattanooga a six-run lead before taking a come-from-behind, 9-7 victory at Five County Stadium on Monday evening. Kris Harvey ignited the comeback with a seventh-inning homer, his first in Double A this season. The Mudcats eventually tallied eight...

Published: May 13, 2008 3:33 PM Full Story

Trojans taking new approach

MOUNT OLIVE -- One can never have too much of a good thing. Unless that one thing is time. Mount Olive has been enjoying nearly a three-week break before the NCAA Division II South Atlantic Regional begins Thursday at Scarborough...

Published: May 13, 2008 3:30 PM Full Story

Sanders ready to lead Spring Creek

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Aaron Sanders understands the daunting task he faces. The new Spring Creek varsity football coach must revive a program that finished winless in 2007. Energetic and eager, Sanders has devised a plan to improve the Gators in...

Published: May 13, 2008 3:26 PM Full Story

Saints' Bradshaw signs with MOC

DUDLEY -- Eastern North Carolina athletes are beginning to infiltrate the Mount Olive College softball program. Alyssa Bradshaw is the latest addition. The Southern Wayne senior thought about attending Barton or maybe venturing to East Carolina. But she chose to...

Published: May 13, 2008 3:22 PM Full Story

WCDS -- NCISAA soccer

At first glance, Wayne Country Day didn't resemble a championship-caliber team on the soccer pitch. Six games later, however, first-year girls soccer coach Baron Heinemann had second thoughts. The Chargers were 4-1-1 with five shutouts and had permitted just three...

Published: May 12, 2008 1:49 PM Full Story

NCHSAA golf

Trevor Worrell gets a second chance. After missing two years of competition for personal reasons, the Rosewood senior will spend today and Tuesday battling for a state title. Worrell teed off this morning in the N.C. High School Athletic Association...

Published: May 12, 2008 1:49 PM Full Story

Mudcats

Brett Hayes smacked a ninth-inning home run as Carolina edged Chattanooga 4-3 at Five County Stadium on Mother's Day. Hitless in his previous three at-bats, Hayes swatted a two-strike pitch over the left field wall. It was the Mudcats' third...

Published: May 12, 2008 1:49 PM Full Story

MOC gets regional

MOC Sports Information MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive doesn't need to make any travel plans or surf the internet for the best hotel deals this week. The Trojans are staying home. The nation's No.-1 ranked baseball team will play host...

Published: May 12, 2008 1:49 PM Full Story

K-Tribe

Once the rain stopped Sunday afternoon, Potomac's batters poured out a series-high 13 hits in an 8-2 victory over Kinston at historic Grainger Stadium. The Cannons delivered two-home run bombs in the second and third innings. Potomac collected five earned...

Published: May 12, 2008 1:49 PM Full Story

FC softball

From staff reports CHARLOTTE -- Three-peat complete. Faith Christian claimed its third consecutive N.C. Christian Schools Association Class 2-A softball championship with a 4-3 victory over Trinity Christian-Greenville on Saturday. All-State selection Jennifer Christopher slugged a home run and earned...

Published: May 12, 2008 1:49 PM Full Story

ECU

Drew Allian's eighth-inning home run broke an 8-8 tie and lifted No. 28-ranked Tulane past East Carolina 10-8 on Sunday afternoon at Clark-LeClair Stadium. It was Allian's lone hit of the game. The Green Wave (36-15-1 overall) completed its three-game,...

Published: May 12, 2008 1:49 PM Full Story

East tennis regional

From staff reports WILSON -- Two-for-two. Charles B. Aycock sophomore Blake Vail successfully defended his Class 3-A eastern regional singles championship with a 6-0, 6-1 decision over Eastern Wayne's Drew Jackson on Saturday. Vail (29-0 overall) advanced to the title...

Published: May 12, 2008 1:48 PM Full Story

Trojans' duo more than just teammates

The heart of Mount Olive shortstop David Cooper's friendship with second baseman Anthony Williams can be defined by one glance at their baseball caps. Underneath the bill of the cap, you'll find a tally for double plays turned by the...

Published: May 11, 2008 2:02 AM Full Story

Nation's top-ranked team responds to coach's challenging schedule

MOUNT OLIVE -- Carl Lancaster has never shied away from scheduling strong competition on the baseball diamond. His Mount Olive College teams haven't been too timid, either. The first three weekends in February, Lancaster rolled the Trojans out against three...

Published: May 11, 2008 2:02 AM Full Story

MOC teammates keep track of each other's success

Baseball is a game of numbers. There's wins and losses. There's individual and team statistics. Not only do the Mount Olive College baseball players crunch numbers about opposing teams, they keep a watchful eye on their teammates. And it's caused...

Published: May 11, 2008 2:02 AM Full Story

Davis' single lifts Saints to playoff victory

From staff reports BARCO -- Cody Davis supplied a game-winning, seventh-inning single as Southern Wayne downed Currituck 1-0 in their first-round, N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A baseball game Friday evening. The Saints (15-10 overall) visit South Central on...

Published: May 11, 2008 2:01 AM Full Story

Wayne Christian teams rule CCC 1-A

From staff reports RALEIGH -- Sophomore Taylor Gray seized Most Outstanding Player accolades as Wayne Christian claimed the Class 1-A Carolina Christian Conference boys' tennis tournament championship Friday afternoon. Kenneth Giordano secured a tiebreaker and emerged the CCC champion at...

Published: May 11, 2008 2:01 AM Full Story

Eagles give Chargers suprising wake-up call

A near-disastrous start turned into a quick -- and favorable -- ending for the Wayne Country Day baseball team Friday afternoon. The Chargers obliged Northwood Temple with first-inning mistakes and fell behind 3-0 before their first at-bat. But once the...

Published: May 11, 2008 2:01 AM Full Story

Golden Falcons repeat as champs

PIKEVILLE -- Momentum cannot be truly appreciated until it's gone. Southern Wayne learned that in a matter of minutes Friday evening. Archrival Charles B. Aycock benefited from a second-inning rule interpretation and claimed a 5-1 victory in the Class 3-A...

Published: May 11, 2008 2:01 AM Full Story

C.B. Aycock clubs three home runs

PIKEVILLE -- Charles B. Aycock opened defense of its Class 3-A state baseball championship in explosive fashion Friday evening. J.H. Webb wishes it could have hidden the Golden Falcons' bats. Connor Narron, Jordan Carr and Zach Wright each mashed a...

Published: May 11, 2008 2:01 AM Full Story

Warriors get first playoff win in more than a decade

Eastern Wayne showed some grit and ended more than a decade of frustrating, postseason futility on the baseball diamond Thursday evening. The Warriors clubbed three home runs in come-from-behind fashion and dumped Western Alamance 10-6 in their first-round, N.C. High...

Published: May 9, 2008 2:52 PM Full Story

Eastern Wayne-W. Alamance baseball box

2008 N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A playoffs Eastern Wayne 10 Western Alamance 6 W. Alamance 130 000 2 -- 6 11 2 Eastern Wayne 101 215 x -- 10 10 3 Leading hitters -- Western Alamance -- Colt...

Published: May 9, 2008 2:52 PM Full Story

Local digest

BUIES CREEK -- Wayne Christian advanced to today's Class 1-A Carolina Christian Conference softball tournament final with a 7-0 win over Crossroads Christian on Thursday afternoon. Cynthia Burroughs and Traci Davis combined for the Eagles' second no-hitter in tournament play....

Published: May 9, 2008 2:51 PM Full Story

Gonzalez's HR sparks Suns

Juan Gonzalez slugged a pinch-hit, fifth-inning grand slam as Jacksonville eased past Carolina 9-7 at the Baseball Grounds. Lucas May added a sixth-inning, solo home run for the Suns. Carolina plated two seventh-inning runs, but couldn't overcome leaving the bases...

Published: May 9, 2008 2:50 PM Full Story

K-Tribe rallies past Potomac

Kinston returned from a weary road swing and dumped Potomac 6-4 on the historic Grainger Stadium diamond Thursday evening. Steven Wright allowed four hits and threw six scoreless innings for his first win of the season. Luis Perdomo earned his...

Published: May 9, 2008 2:49 PM Full Story

Saints advance to tournament final

DUDLEY -- For once this season, Michael Wiggs was nearly speechless. And after two weeks of shaky play, the Southern Wayne softball team finally posted a near-flawless effort -- offensively and defensively -- against Wilson Hunt on Wednesday evening. The...

Published: May 8, 2008 3:27 PM Full Story

K-Tribe loses 12-6

Kinston and Frederick traded first-inning, three-run homers, but the Keys ended up with a 12-6 victory in Carolina League play Wednesday evening. Both teams collected 11 hits, but the K-Tribe stranded 15 runners on base. Jared Goedert batted 4-for-5 and...

Published: May 8, 2008 3:24 PM Full Story

MOC golf ends fourth in region

MOORESVILLE -- Freshman Ryan Campbell birdied the final three holes and finished eighth overall in individual play as the 2008 NCAA Division II Atlantic/Southeast Super Regional men's golf tournament concluded Wednesday afternoon. Campbell compiled a 54-hole round of 224, the...

Published: May 8, 2008 3:20 PM Full Story

Local digest

PIKEVILLE -- One night after pulling off an upset of fourth-seeded Wilson Beddingfield, the Eastern Wayne softball team couldn't make it two in a row. Top-seeded Charles B. Aycock eliminated the Warriors 11-0 from the Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference...

Published: May 8, 2008 3:17 PM Full Story

Rosewood fall to NCSSM

Rosewood's seniors didn't envision this ending. Not this soon. Just days after clinching their third consecutive Class 1-A Carolina Conference women's soccer title, the Eagles' season ended with a 4-1 loss to N.C. School of Science and Math on Wednesday...

Published: May 8, 2008 3:15 PM Full Story

Warriors fall in opening round

Eastern Wayne knocked on the door several times Wednesday evening. Nobody answered. The Warriors couldn't finish several attacks on goal and dropped a 1-0 decision to Southern Alamance in their N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A women's soccer playoff...

Published: May 8, 2008 3:13 PM Full Story

Lake adjusts attitude after rough start, helps EW's historic run

One short conversation reversed Ryan Lake's misfortune Tuesday afternoon in the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A men's east regional at Lane Tree Golf Club. The Eastern Wayne sophomore toiled through a disastrous eight holes and stopped momentarily to...

Published: May 7, 2008 4:10 PM Full Story

CBA-Webb tennis box

C.B. Aycock 5 J.H. Webb 0 Singles: No. 1 Blake Vail (CBA) d. Sumeet Jindal 6-2, 6-2; No. 2 Addison Westbrook (CBA) d. Michael Reisch 6-1, 6-2; No. 3 Blake Cooper (CBA) d. Tim Seitzer 6-0, 7-5; No. 4 Ben...

Published: May 7, 2008 4:08 PM Full Story

East regional golf scores

2008 N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A East Regional (at Lane Tree GC) Team scores x-Wilson Fike 296 x-Wilson Hunt 312 x-Eastern Wayne 313 D.H. Conley 323 C.B. Aycock 327 Northern Nash 329 West Brunswick 339 Havelock 344 South...

Published: May 7, 2008 4:05 PM Full Story

Local Sports Digest

SMITHFIELD -- Wayne Christian claimed its third consecutive Class 1-A Carolina Christian Conference baseball tournament championship with an 8-0 victory over Trinity of Durham on Tuesday afternoon. The Eagles (13-2 overall) have now won three consecutive CCC regular-season and tournament...

Published: May 7, 2008 4:02 PM Full Story

Jacksonville shuts out Cats

Lucas May delivered the game-winning hit in the eighth inning as Jacksonville blanked Carolina 2-0 at the Baseball Grounds on Tuesday evening. May's single broke a scoreless tie and spoiled Chris Volstad's shutout bid. However, Volstad couldn't overcome seven walks...

Published: May 7, 2008 3:57 PM Full Story

Kinston rallies past Frederick

Kinston capitalized on two eighth-inning errors and pounded out 13 hits in a come-from-behind, 7-5 win over Frederick on Wednesday evening. The Keys led 3-0, only to see Kinston tie it in the fifth. Adam Davis (2-for-5, three RBI) broke...

Published: May 7, 2008 3:54 PM Full Story

Trojans make second-day run on course

MOORESVILLE -- Johan Hagsund birdied four consecutive holes and carded a 2-under par 70 during second-day competition in the 2008 NCAA Division II Men's Atlantic/Southeast Super Regional golf tournament. Hagsund's strong round helped Mount Olive match its lowest 18-hole team...

Published: May 7, 2008 3:51 PM Full Story

Davis tosses no-hitter

Wayne Christian's pitching staff keeps logging no-hitters on the Class 1-A Carolina Christian Conference softball scene these days. Traci Davis recorded the latest "no-no" -- a 16-0, 21/2-inning decision over Durham Cresset Christian in their opening-round, CCC tournament contest Tuesday...

Published: May 7, 2008 3:48 PM Full Story

Focused Golden Falcons move on

PIKEVILLE -- Focused and confident, the Charles B. Aycock men's tennis team had little trouble with J.H. Webb on Tuesday afternoon. The Golden Falcons posted first-set shutouts on two singles courts and dropped just one game on two other courts....

Published: May 7, 2008 3:44 PM Full Story

C.B. Aycock wins round three

Charles B. Aycock grabbed some much-needed momentum for the state playoffs, while Eastern Wayne finds itself in a regrouping mode. The second-seeded Golden Falcons erupted for seven, third-inning runs and rallied for a 13-4 victory in the Class 3-A Eastern...

Published: May 6, 2008 1:50 PM Full Story

MOC opens golf regional

MOORESVILLE -- Mick Moberg birdied two of the final three holes and Mount Olive finished tied for fifth out of eight Atlantic Region teams after opening-round play in the NCAA Division II Atlantic/Southeast Super Regional on Monday. The Trojans were...

Published: May 6, 2008 1:50 PM Full Story

Local digest

SMITHFIELD -- Jeremy Jefferson provided three innings of solid relief on the mound and top-seeded Wayne Christian outlasted Cape Fear Christian 8-5 on the Smithfield Community Park diamond Monday afternoon. The Eagles oppose Trinity-Durham for the Class 1-A Carolina Christian...

Published: May 6, 2008 1:49 PM Full Story

Cardinal Gibbons dominates 2-A Regional

Ryan Lavelle seized medalist honors with a 3-under par 69 and led Cardinal Gibbons to a dominating performance in the 2008 N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 2-A men's east golf regional on Monday. The Crusaders claimed their third consecutive...

Published: May 6, 2008 1:49 PM Full Story

Harker earns trip to JO Nationals

Ben Harker couldn't believe his ears. Was he the regional champion on the high bar? Was he a member of the Southeast Region team which will compete in the Junior Olympic National Championships? The 16-year-old gymnast felt he had no...

Published: May 5, 2008 1:48 PM Full Story

Local digest

HILLSBOROUGH -- Taylor Gardner carded a nine-hole round of 36 and Wayne Christian finished regular-season play unbeaten in the Class 1-A Carolina Christian Conference ranks. The Eagles (42-0 overall) posted a four-player total of 151, seven strokes lower than runner-up...

Published: May 5, 2008 1:48 PM Full Story

Golden Falcons' Jordan headed to Methodist

PIKEVILLE -- Emily Jordan likes winning. Who can blame her? She's been an integral part in runs to three straight Eastern Carolina 3-A Conference regular-season titles. She's participated on four playoff teams and added her name to numerous categories in...

Published: May 5, 2008 1:48 PM Full Story

Cornman boots crucial penalty kick

PRINCETON -- "Gabby! You take it." An astonished Gabby Cornman looked toward coach Eddie Maldonado. Cornman pointed to herself. "Me?" she asked. Maldonado shook his head, "yes." Cornman slowly stepped to the penalty kick line, took a deep breath and...

Published: May 4, 2008 2:01 AM Full Story

Local Preps Digest

From staff reports Wayne Country Day is peaking at the right time. Cameron Ford smashed the game-winning home run in the sixth inning as the Chargers stunned No. 2-ranked Kerr-Vance Academy 11-10 in their Class 1-A Coastal Plains Independent Conference...

Published: May 4, 2008 2:01 AM Full Story

Mount Olive men's golf starts regional play Monday

MOC Sports Information MOUNT OLIVE -- Mount Olive College begins play Monday in the NCAA Division II Atlantic/Southeast Super Regional men's golf tournament at The Point Lake and Golf Club in Mooresville. The Trojans are making their third consecutive postseason...

Published: May 4, 2008 2:01 AM Full Story

Daughtry tosses two-hit six-inning gem for PHS

PRINCETON -- Princeton needed little motivation in its regular-season baseball finale Friday evening. The opponent was archrival Rosewood. Four seniors were honored. And second place in the Class 1-A Carolina Conference, not to mention a home playoff game, was on...

Published: May 4, 2008 2:01 AM Full Story

Keene delivers key hit in Bulldogs' victory

PRINCETON -- April Keene had a senior night to remember. The lone fourth-year player on Princeton's softball team, Keene threw a shutout and cranked out the game-winning hit in a 3-0 victory over archrival Rosewood. But Keene had another incentive....

Published: May 4, 2008 2:01 AM Full Story

Eastern Wayne can't catch Hunt

One by one, Jerry Pelt checked each scorecard. He added the stroke totals in his head, scribbled on a tally sheet and eyed the final numbers. Eastern Wayne won its third Class 3-A Eastern Carolina Conference men's golf meet of...

Published: May 2, 2008 1:49 PM Full Story

Prep baseball boxes

Eastern Wayne 10, Southern Wayne 0 At New Hope Southern Wayne -- 000 00 -- 0 2 1 Eastern Wayne -- 521 2X -- 10 9 0 Leading Hitters -- Southern Wayne -- Jordan Williams 2-3. Eastern Wayne -- John...

Published: May 2, 2008 1:49 PM Full Story

Mudcats continue slide

Prentice Redman hit a two-run homer, while Adam Moore drove in three runs as West Tenn beat Carolina 9-4 at Five County Stadium on Thursday evening. It was the Diamond Jaxx's second straight win in the series. The Mudcats (17-11...

Published: May 2, 2008 1:49 PM Full Story

Hillcats take series opener from K-Tribe

Kinston erased three-run deficits twice, but Lynchburg held on for an 8-7 victory Thursday evening. The Hillcats posted two eighth-inning runs and improved to 4-1 against the K-Tribe this season. Alex Castillo and Nick Weglarz ripped homers for Kinston....