In their season opening doubleheader, the Wesleyan College softball team swept Andrew College, invoking the run rule in an 8-0 win and pulling out a 7-6 win in nine innings.
In the first game of the day, Wesleyan senior DaLin Gillis (1-0) made quick work of the Lady Tigers, pitching a two-hitter over five innings to get the team’s first win of the season. In addition to her six strikeouts on the mound, Gillis helped herself out offensively by picking up three of Wesleyan’s 10 hits for the game. Also leading the Pioneers’ offensive explosion was sophomore Belle Thomas, who went 3-for-4 from the plate and set the tone early by leading off the game with a double.
In the nightcap, Andrew College began to find its offensive rhythm, but Wesleyan’s persistence at the plate paid off after nine hard-fought innings. After the seventh inning, the game was tied at five runs a piece and both teams scored a run in the eighth inning using the international tie-breaker rule.
To start the ninth inning, senior shortstop Lacie King reached base on a Lady Tiger error. Freshman Brittany Jones was then able to move King to second on a sacrifice, and junior Lindsey Ambegia’s game-winning RBI allowed King to cross the plate to lift the Pioneers to their second victory of the day.
Junior Cheyanne Siebenaler (1-0) picked up the win for the Pioneers, throwing a three-hitter while striking out four. Gillis once again led the Pioneers offensively, going 3-for-5 from the plate with 2 RBIs, one of which tied the game to send it into extra innings.
Following a season in which the Pioneers won only five games, these victories proved to not only boost the young team’s confidence but also to set the tone for the season from the start.
“I could not be prouder of our girls,” stated first year Wesleyan head coach Shannon Fevella. “We were all over the spectrum as far as how we won our games, but we proved a lot to ourselves this afternoon and are really excited for what’s in store for our team this season.”
Wesleyan returns to action next Friday and Saturday, February 6-7, when they play in the Georgia Southwestern Tournament in Americus, Ga. The Pioneers will play Armstrong Atlantic and Georgia Southwestern Friday evening.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
SLOW START DERAILS WESLEYAN BASKETBALL at AGNES SCOTT
Despite playing even with Agnes Scott College in the second half, another first half lapse derailed Wesleyan College in their 73-48 loss in Great South Athletic Conference action on Saturday afternoon.
The Pioneers (4-13, 0-5 GSAC) trailed just 7-6 after a Brandy McDowell bucket five minutes into the game, but the second place Scotties (8-8, 5-2 GSAC) responded by picking up the tempo. Nikki Maples scored six of her game-high 19 points to spark a 21-4 run by the Scotties that put the game out of reach.
McDowell finished with 14 points and three steals while Kassandra Epps added 13 points and five rebounds for the Pioneers. Maples dished out nine assists to go with her 19 points, leading three Scotties in double figures.
Wesleyan continues their GSAC tour against league-leader Maryville on Monday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00pm at Porter Gym and admission is free.
The Pioneers (4-13, 0-5 GSAC) trailed just 7-6 after a Brandy McDowell bucket five minutes into the game, but the second place Scotties (8-8, 5-2 GSAC) responded by picking up the tempo. Nikki Maples scored six of her game-high 19 points to spark a 21-4 run by the Scotties that put the game out of reach.
McDowell finished with 14 points and three steals while Kassandra Epps added 13 points and five rebounds for the Pioneers. Maples dished out nine assists to go with her 19 points, leading three Scotties in double figures.
Wesleyan continues their GSAC tour against league-leader Maryville on Monday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00pm at Porter Gym and admission is free.
Friday, January 30, 2009
WESLEYAN SOFTBALL KICKS OFF 2009 SEASON
The Wesleyan College softball team will begin its 2009 campaign this Saturday when they travel to Andrew College for a doubleheader. This will be the first ever meeting between the two teams.
The Pioneers will be led this season by the Great South Athletic Conference’s reigning Freshman of the Year, centerfielder Belle Thomas, as well as pitchers DaLin Gillis and Cheyanne Siebenaler. Thomas led the team last year in batting average, on base percentage and stolen bases and was ranked among the top five in the GSAC in nine different statistical categories. Gillis, one of three seniors on the team, and Siebenaler will share the pitching duties for the Pioneers and are looking to set the pace for this year’s team from the mound.
In addition to these key returning players, the Pioneers are excited about the new talent that will be joining the team this season. There are high expectations for the incoming players to contribute immediately, and Wesleyan will be looking to transfer Denise Ramey to help them out with her raw athletic ability and great speed. Ramey will play third base and is expected to give the Pioneers a spark offensively as well.
“I have very high expectations for this year’s team,” stated first-year head coach Shannon Fevella. “They are a great group of athletes who have a tremendous amount of talent. Although we are still a very young team that doesn’t have much playing experience as a unit, we are continuing to grow and develop together daily.”
Wesleyan’s season opener against the Lady Tigers will begin at 1:00pm in Cuthbert, Ga.
The Pioneers will be led this season by the Great South Athletic Conference’s reigning Freshman of the Year, centerfielder Belle Thomas, as well as pitchers DaLin Gillis and Cheyanne Siebenaler. Thomas led the team last year in batting average, on base percentage and stolen bases and was ranked among the top five in the GSAC in nine different statistical categories. Gillis, one of three seniors on the team, and Siebenaler will share the pitching duties for the Pioneers and are looking to set the pace for this year’s team from the mound.
In addition to these key returning players, the Pioneers are excited about the new talent that will be joining the team this season. There are high expectations for the incoming players to contribute immediately, and Wesleyan will be looking to transfer Denise Ramey to help them out with her raw athletic ability and great speed. Ramey will play third base and is expected to give the Pioneers a spark offensively as well.
“I have very high expectations for this year’s team,” stated first-year head coach Shannon Fevella. “They are a great group of athletes who have a tremendous amount of talent. Although we are still a very young team that doesn’t have much playing experience as a unit, we are continuing to grow and develop together daily.”
Wesleyan’s season opener against the Lady Tigers will begin at 1:00pm in Cuthbert, Ga.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Three-Point Barrage Overwhelms Wesleyan
A barrage of first half three-pointers overwhelmed Wesleyan College in their 90-56 loss to Piedmont College at Porter Gym on Tuesday night.
The Lady Lions (5-12, 3-2 GSAC) buried their first six three-pointers and built a 22-point advantage halfway through the opening period. By halftime, the Pioneers (4-12, 0-5 GSAC) trailed 51-27 as PC shot nearly 60% from the floor while finishing 7-of-11 from beyond arc in the first 20 minutes.
Jazzmine Favors and Shmyra Hopkins provided some of the few highlights for the Pioneers with each posting career-high point totals. Favors finished with 13 points and Hopkins added 10 points. Bre' Solmone posted her sixth double-double of the season with a game-high 14 points and 12 rebounds. Lisa Jennings led four Lady Lions in double figures with 14 points including a 4-of-5 showing from the three-point line.
Piedmont snapped a 10-game losing streak on the road and finished with 13 three-pointers, matching their own mark for the most in the GSAC this season.
Wesleyan returns to the court on Saturday afternoon at Agnes Scott. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00pm.
The Lady Lions (5-12, 3-2 GSAC) buried their first six three-pointers and built a 22-point advantage halfway through the opening period. By halftime, the Pioneers (4-12, 0-5 GSAC) trailed 51-27 as PC shot nearly 60% from the floor while finishing 7-of-11 from beyond arc in the first 20 minutes.
Jazzmine Favors and Shmyra Hopkins provided some of the few highlights for the Pioneers with each posting career-high point totals. Favors finished with 13 points and Hopkins added 10 points. Bre' Solmone posted her sixth double-double of the season with a game-high 14 points and 12 rebounds. Lisa Jennings led four Lady Lions in double figures with 14 points including a 4-of-5 showing from the three-point line.
Piedmont snapped a 10-game losing streak on the road and finished with 13 three-pointers, matching their own mark for the most in the GSAC this season.
Wesleyan returns to the court on Saturday afternoon at Agnes Scott. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00pm.
Friday, January 23, 2009
LATE SCORING SURGE LIFTS WESLEYAN
Wesleyan College scored seven of the game's final nine points to thwart a late Judson College rally in the Pioneers' 83-79 victory at Porter Gymnasium on Friday night.
Picking up their fourth win of the season, the Pioneers eclipsed the program's win total from the previous four seasons combined.
An entertaining game from the opening tip, the contest featured nine ties and 15 lead changes between the Pioneers (4-11) and the Lady Falcons (0-12). Judson scored the first five points of the game and lead by as many as four points in the second half.
Wesleyan seemed to put the game out of reach late in the second half after Kassandra Epps capped a 13-3 run with a steal and transition lay-up that put the Pioneers ahead 76-67 with less than three-and-a-half minutes to play. However, the Lady Falcons answered by scoring 10 straight points in less than two minutes to regain a 77-76 advantage following Sarah Fowler's third three-pointer of the night. On the next possession, Brandy McDowell buried a clutch three-pointer to hand the lead back to Wesleyan and Erin Williams would nail four straight free throws in the final 25 seconds to seal the victory.
"This is probably one of the first games we have won on free throw shooting," commented second-year Wesleyan head coach Jason Henry. "We showed a lot of heart to pull that game out at the end."
McDowell and Epps each scored a game-high 22 points while Williams finished with 16 points highlighted by a 12-of-14 effort from the line. The Pioneers scored a season-high 83 points despite not denting the scoreboard until three minutes into the game. Simone Paige finished with 19 points to pace five Lady Falcons in double figures.
Wesleyan returns to Great South Athletic Conference action when they host Piedmont College on Tuesday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00pm and admission is free.
Picking up their fourth win of the season, the Pioneers eclipsed the program's win total from the previous four seasons combined.
An entertaining game from the opening tip, the contest featured nine ties and 15 lead changes between the Pioneers (4-11) and the Lady Falcons (0-12). Judson scored the first five points of the game and lead by as many as four points in the second half.
Wesleyan seemed to put the game out of reach late in the second half after Kassandra Epps capped a 13-3 run with a steal and transition lay-up that put the Pioneers ahead 76-67 with less than three-and-a-half minutes to play. However, the Lady Falcons answered by scoring 10 straight points in less than two minutes to regain a 77-76 advantage following Sarah Fowler's third three-pointer of the night. On the next possession, Brandy McDowell buried a clutch three-pointer to hand the lead back to Wesleyan and Erin Williams would nail four straight free throws in the final 25 seconds to seal the victory.
"This is probably one of the first games we have won on free throw shooting," commented second-year Wesleyan head coach Jason Henry. "We showed a lot of heart to pull that game out at the end."
McDowell and Epps each scored a game-high 22 points while Williams finished with 16 points highlighted by a 12-of-14 effort from the line. The Pioneers scored a season-high 83 points despite not denting the scoreboard until three minutes into the game. Simone Paige finished with 19 points to pace five Lady Falcons in double figures.
Wesleyan returns to Great South Athletic Conference action when they host Piedmont College on Tuesday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00pm and admission is free.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
PIONEERS DROP HOMESTAND OPENER TO HUNTINGDON COLLEGE
A strong second half by Wesleyan College proved not enough to overcome the Lady Hawks of Huntingdon College, who downed the Pioneers 74-58 on Wednesday evening.
A slow start to the ball game once again hampered the Pioneers (3-11, 0-4 GSAC), who did not score their first field goal of the game until 12:33 remaining in the first half. By that point, the Lady Hawks (8-7, 4-1GSAC) had built a 15-point lead and ultimately went into the intermission leading 42-21.
Wesleyan outscored Huntingdon 37-32 in the second half, holding the Lady Hawks to just 32% shooting from the floor. The Pioneers were led by Brandi McDowell, who scored all 10 of her points during the second half.
The second half result gives Wesleyan something to build on heading into the final month of the season.
“The second half is the way we should play all the time,” stated Wesleyan Head Coach Jason Henry. “This team seems to just have a tough time getting started. Even though we lost, I still feel like we’ve improved, even since our last game.”
The Hawks were paced by three players in double digits, led by Meagan Jackson who finished the night with 19 points and nine rebounds. Kassie Epps pitched in 12 points to lead the Pioneers.
The Pioneers return to the court on Friday when they take on Judson College at Porter Gymnasium. Tip off is at 7:00pm and admission is free.
A slow start to the ball game once again hampered the Pioneers (3-11, 0-4 GSAC), who did not score their first field goal of the game until 12:33 remaining in the first half. By that point, the Lady Hawks (8-7, 4-1GSAC) had built a 15-point lead and ultimately went into the intermission leading 42-21.
Wesleyan outscored Huntingdon 37-32 in the second half, holding the Lady Hawks to just 32% shooting from the floor. The Pioneers were led by Brandi McDowell, who scored all 10 of her points during the second half.
The second half result gives Wesleyan something to build on heading into the final month of the season.
“The second half is the way we should play all the time,” stated Wesleyan Head Coach Jason Henry. “This team seems to just have a tough time getting started. Even though we lost, I still feel like we’ve improved, even since our last game.”
The Hawks were paced by three players in double digits, led by Meagan Jackson who finished the night with 19 points and nine rebounds. Kassie Epps pitched in 12 points to lead the Pioneers.
The Pioneers return to the court on Friday when they take on Judson College at Porter Gymnasium. Tip off is at 7:00pm and admission is free.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Weekend Update: Wesleyan Picks Up Win to End Road Swing
Monday, January 19
Wesleyan 78, Piedmont Baptist 60
Saturday, January 17
Bennett 58, Wesleyan 49
A full recap of the weekend's action plus stats will be available by the end of the week.
Wesleyan 78, Piedmont Baptist 60
Saturday, January 17
Bennett 58, Wesleyan 49
A full recap of the weekend's action plus stats will be available by the end of the week.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
LAGRANGE 3-POINT BARRAGE OVERWHELMS WESLEYAN
Impressive three point shooting and quick guard play by LaGrange College proved to be too much for Wesleyan on Thursday evening when they dropped the Great South Athletic Conference match-up, 75-49.
LaGrange jumped out to a quick 16-4 lead just five minutes into the game to put the Pioneers in an early hole that proved too deep to overcome. The Panthers shot a blistering 41% from three point range for the game on 9-of-22 shooting, hitting five in the first half.
“They came out shooting hot from the tip and we could just never dig out from it,” stated Wesleyan Head Coach Jason Henry. “It seemed like every person on their team could shoot the three and that was the difference in the game early.”
The Panthers carried a 41-23 advantage into the intermission and began the second half with another 16-4 run that ended the Pioneers hope of making a come back.
Cameren Farr’s double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds led the Panthers attack. Three other LaGrange players tallied double digits, while Wesleyan was led by Rachel Hornbostel and Kassandra Epps, who scored 11 and 9 points respectively.
The Pioneers return to action Saturday afternoon when they travel to Greensboro, North Carolina to take on Bennett College. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00pm.
LaGrange jumped out to a quick 16-4 lead just five minutes into the game to put the Pioneers in an early hole that proved too deep to overcome. The Panthers shot a blistering 41% from three point range for the game on 9-of-22 shooting, hitting five in the first half.
“They came out shooting hot from the tip and we could just never dig out from it,” stated Wesleyan Head Coach Jason Henry. “It seemed like every person on their team could shoot the three and that was the difference in the game early.”
The Panthers carried a 41-23 advantage into the intermission and began the second half with another 16-4 run that ended the Pioneers hope of making a come back.
Cameren Farr’s double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds led the Panthers attack. Three other LaGrange players tallied double digits, while Wesleyan was led by Rachel Hornbostel and Kassandra Epps, who scored 11 and 9 points respectively.
The Pioneers return to action Saturday afternoon when they travel to Greensboro, North Carolina to take on Bennett College. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00pm.
Monday, January 12, 2009
WESLEYAN RALLY COMES UP SHORT VERSUS SPELMAN
Brandy McDowell scored all 14 of her points in the second half as Wesleyan College erased a double-digit lead before the rally ran out of steam in a 65-55 loss to Spelman College at Porter Gymnasium on Monday evening.
The Jaguars put Wesleyan in an early hole by limiting the Pioneers to just 18% shooting from the floor in the first half. Spelman (3-8, 1-2 GSAC) carried a 27-21 advantage into the intermission.
McDowell drilled a three-pointer just over two minutes into the half as Wesleyan (2-8, 0-2 GSAC) scored the first five points of the period to close within one point. However, behind Kristin Kelly, Spelman answered with an 11-0 run and seemed to regain control of the game. The Pioneers had one last surge left in them and tied the game at 48-48 on a Kassandra Epps three-pointer with 5:31 remaining in the contest. The Jaguars buckled down a second time, scoring seven straight points on their way to securing a 65-55 victory.
Wesleyan displayed their defense again, holding Spelman to just over 36% shooting from the floor and forcing 20 turnovers while holding a slim advantage on the boards.
“Our defense kept us in the game and gave us a chance, because when you shoot 25% from the floor, it is tough,” said head coach Jason Henry. “We are happy that we improved more from the last game.”
Epps scored 13 points while Rachel Hornbostel added 11 points to join McDowell in double-figure scoring for the Pioneers. Shanda Kennedy posted a huge double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds to pace Spelman.
The Pioneers begin a three-game road swing at GSAC rival LaGrange College on Thursday night.
The Jaguars put Wesleyan in an early hole by limiting the Pioneers to just 18% shooting from the floor in the first half. Spelman (3-8, 1-2 GSAC) carried a 27-21 advantage into the intermission.
McDowell drilled a three-pointer just over two minutes into the half as Wesleyan (2-8, 0-2 GSAC) scored the first five points of the period to close within one point. However, behind Kristin Kelly, Spelman answered with an 11-0 run and seemed to regain control of the game. The Pioneers had one last surge left in them and tied the game at 48-48 on a Kassandra Epps three-pointer with 5:31 remaining in the contest. The Jaguars buckled down a second time, scoring seven straight points on their way to securing a 65-55 victory.
Wesleyan displayed their defense again, holding Spelman to just over 36% shooting from the floor and forcing 20 turnovers while holding a slim advantage on the boards.
“Our defense kept us in the game and gave us a chance, because when you shoot 25% from the floor, it is tough,” said head coach Jason Henry. “We are happy that we improved more from the last game.”
Epps scored 13 points while Rachel Hornbostel added 11 points to join McDowell in double-figure scoring for the Pioneers. Shanda Kennedy posted a huge double-double with 22 points and 11 rebounds to pace Spelman.
The Pioneers begin a three-game road swing at GSAC rival LaGrange College on Thursday night.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
WESLEYAN HALFTIME LEAD NOT ENOUGH AGAINST ACC
Wesleyan College held a one-point advantage at the intermission, but Atlanta Christian College scorched the nets in the second half on their way to a 70-58 victory at Porter Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.
A back-and-forth start to the first half saw ACC grab an early 12-11 lead after Farrah Lewis made one-of-two free throws. Shmyra Hopkins’ jumper with just under four minutes left in the half capped an 11-1 spurt by the Pioneers. Erica Darden came off the bench to score all seven of her points during the run, which left Wesleyan (2-7) leading 22-13. However, the Chargers scored the final eight points of the first half including six straight by Amanda Lampley to head into the locker room trailing 22-21.
The hot hand followed Atlanta Christian (8-6) out of the break as the Chargers shot 62% from the floor in the second half, highlighted by a 4-of-6 effort from beyond the three-point line. Wesleyan trailed by as many as 14 in the second half but had their chances to close the gap.
“(ACC) is much improved and we played well with them,” commented head coach Jason Henry. “Without those couple of minutes worth of lapses, we would have been right there at the end. If we continue to improve, we’ll be good to go in conference play.”
Despite the hot shooting by ACC, Wesleyan’s defense forced 28 turnovers, and the Pioneers once again out-rebounded their opponent.
“We hit the boards and played tough defense which have become our trademarks,” stated Henry. “Once we start putting it in the basket, we’ll be fine.”
Chauntel Herrod led four Chargers in double figures, filling the box score up to the tune of 16 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and five steals in only 23 minutes. Wesleyan’s Kassandra Epps finished with a double-double of her own with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Brandi McDowell added 13 points and five steals. The Pioneers Bre’ Solmone just missed a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.
The Pioneers return to action Monday night when they host GSAC rival Spelman at Porter Gymnasium. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00pm and admission is free.
A back-and-forth start to the first half saw ACC grab an early 12-11 lead after Farrah Lewis made one-of-two free throws. Shmyra Hopkins’ jumper with just under four minutes left in the half capped an 11-1 spurt by the Pioneers. Erica Darden came off the bench to score all seven of her points during the run, which left Wesleyan (2-7) leading 22-13. However, the Chargers scored the final eight points of the first half including six straight by Amanda Lampley to head into the locker room trailing 22-21.
The hot hand followed Atlanta Christian (8-6) out of the break as the Chargers shot 62% from the floor in the second half, highlighted by a 4-of-6 effort from beyond the three-point line. Wesleyan trailed by as many as 14 in the second half but had their chances to close the gap.
“(ACC) is much improved and we played well with them,” commented head coach Jason Henry. “Without those couple of minutes worth of lapses, we would have been right there at the end. If we continue to improve, we’ll be good to go in conference play.”
Despite the hot shooting by ACC, Wesleyan’s defense forced 28 turnovers, and the Pioneers once again out-rebounded their opponent.
“We hit the boards and played tough defense which have become our trademarks,” stated Henry. “Once we start putting it in the basket, we’ll be fine.”
Chauntel Herrod led four Chargers in double figures, filling the box score up to the tune of 16 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and five steals in only 23 minutes. Wesleyan’s Kassandra Epps finished with a double-double of her own with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Brandi McDowell added 13 points and five steals. The Pioneers Bre’ Solmone just missed a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.
The Pioneers return to action Monday night when they host GSAC rival Spelman at Porter Gymnasium. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00pm and admission is free.
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