Lead Slips Away in Wesleyan Loss to Huntingdon

Macon, Ga. - Depth and foul trouble were two key factors that haunted Wesleyan College in their 69-55 loss to Huntingdon College on Tuesday evening.

After an impressive first half that saw the Pioneers take a 33-26 lead into intermission, Wesleyan gave up 43 second half points to the Hawks as they visibly began to run out of steam.  With only six Wesleyan players seeing minutes on the court, Huntingdon's fast paced tempo and ball pressure began to wear on the Pioneers, who lost their lead for good with 8:30 minutes remaining in the game.

Lindsay Haggerty led the way for the Pioneers once again, scoring 19 points to go along with six rebounds, while Bre Solmone tallied her second double-double of the season with 12 points and 13 rebounds.  Nivea Lewis also pitched in 12 points for Wesleyan.

Huntingdon, who saw 10 players tally double digit minutesduring the game, was led in scoring by Chelsea Graham's 14 points off the bench.

Wesleyan travels to Piedmont College on Thursday before returning home to take on Great South Athletic Conference rival Agnes Scott on Saturday afternoon.

Mayfield Named Student-Athlete of the Week (Jan. 29)

STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (JAN. 29)

Name: Christina Mayfield
Age: 18
Year: Freshman
Sport: Cross Country, Soccer and Softball
Position: Defense (Soccer), Outfield (Softball)
Major: Neuroscience and Psychology
Minor: Studio Art

A native of Macon, Ga., Wesleyan freshman Christina Mayfield has been very familiar with the college for many years. A graduate of Howard High School, which is a mere four miles down the road from Wesleyan, Mayfield ran cross country and played soccer for the Huskies. Upon stepping foot on campus, she joined the Pioneer cross country and soccer teams last fall and will be a member of the softball team this spring.

Mayfield made quite a name for herself this fall, finishing 17th overall at the 2011 Great South Athletic Conference Cross Country Championship with a time of 28:42, which was good enough to earn a spot on the GSAC All-Freshman team. She was Wesleyan’s top finisher in each race she competed in, and she earned four top-25 finishes over the course of the season.

Outside of school and athletics, Mayfield has been involved in a number of other activities. She is a competitive dancer, having danced for the past 17 years. She is currently teaching youth dance classes at Dance Dynamics in Macon. She also attends Christ Episcopal Church and is involved in the Episcopal Youth Community there.

1. Why did you choose to attend Wesleyan College?
I am from Macon so I have been able to attend events at Wesleyan all my life, including various dance recitals, STUNT, and more recently soccer camps. Being exposed to Wesleyan for so long helped me to determine that this was the college I truly wanted to attend. I decided to attend Wesleyan because I knew I could receive an amazing education, while at the same time having the ability to play sports.

2. You have decided to participate in three sports this year. How has your participation in athletics helped enhance your collegiate experience thus far?
Participating in athletics has helped me transition into my first year here at Wesleyan. Being on three teams, I have been able to become close to many older students who have been able to help me with this major transition. All three teams I have been on here at Wesleyan have been so close knit, and I have really enjoyed that.

3. What are your plans for the future?
I hope to graduate from Wesleyan with a double major in Neuroscience and Psychology and a minor in Studio Art. I would like to pursue my Masters in Industrial Design, and eventually be able to design products for the neurologically impaired.

Wesleyan Hot Streak Continues with Win at Trinity Baptist

Jacksonville, Fla. - Another solid defensive effort resulted in Wesleyan picking up their fourth win in five games on Saturday afternoon.  The Pioneers defeated Trinity Baptist College by a score of 52-49, holding the Eagles to just 21% shooting from the field.

The Pioneers took a 30-14 lead into halftime and fought off a furious second half comeback by Trinity Baptist to hold on for the win.

"Today our ladies did a great job of hanging on and finding a way to win," remarked head coach Mike Walton.  "We shot the ball well in the first half and executed well offensively.  Defensively, we did a pretty good job in the first half of not allowing TBC to get into a rhythm.  Unfortunately, much like Thursday night against Toccoa, our intensity dropped off in the second half and we let them back in the game.  But all in all, I'm proud of how we battled until the end and found a way to win."

Senior Bre Solmone led the way for the Pioneers with 14 points and nine rebounds, while Nivea Lewis pitched in 10.  Evgenia Korun (9 points/9 rebounds) and Lindsay Haggerty (9 points/5 rebounds) continued their consistent play over the last five games to help the Pioneers find the win column once agian.

Wesleyan returns to Great South Athletic Conference play on Tuesday when they take on Huntingdon College.  Tip off is set for 6:00pm at Porter Gymnasium.

Quick Start Sparks Wesleyan to Third Win in Four Outings

MACON, Ga. - Lindsay Haggerty scored the first nine points of the game to spark Wesleyan College to its third victory in four games, winning by a score of 50-48 over visiting Toccoa Falls College.

Box Score | Season Stats | Postgame Video (coming soon)

The Pioneers (3-9) led wire-to-wire after opening the game on an 11-0 run and carrying a 10-point advantage into the intermission. However, the Lady Eagles (5-10) put together a late charge and had three chances to either tie or take the lead in the final two minutes of the game. Wesleyan got some clutch rebounds from Bre' Solmone and a timely steal from Haggerty to escape with the victory.

Haggerty finished with a career-high 25 points to go with nine rebounds and five steals while Solmone added 10 boards and six steals in the win. Rebecca Weatherbee scored a team-high 10 points for TFC.
Wesleyan continues their short break from Great South Athletic Conference by facing Trinity Baptist College on Saturday afternoon. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00pm in Jacksonville, Fla.

Wesleyan's Haggerty Named Great South Athletic Conference Player of the Week

Macon, Ga. - Wesleyan College's Lindsay Haggerty was named Great South Athletic Conference women's basketball Player of the Week for her performances in games played the week of Jan. 16-22.

The junior guard from Battle Creek, Mich., averaged 16 points, 9 rebounds and 2.3 steals in 38 minutes per game. She is currently ranked third in the conference in points per game (14.5), seventh in rebounds  (6.9) and ninth in free throw percentage (70 %).

Haggerty helped Wesleyan to a 2-1 week, picking up both wins against Salem College. The wins snapped a 52-game conference losing streak and marks the school's first GSAC win streak since joining the league. She is the first recipient of the basketball Player of the Week award for Wesleyan since Carisa Mitchell received the honor during the 2006-07 season.

"Lindsay does a great job of playing hard and competing," states Wesleyan head coach Mike Walton.  "Her toughness is contagious, and she leads through her play. She's close to a double-double every time she steps on the court, and we need her to continue to play well for us as we try to turn the corner."

Haggerty and the Pioneers return to the court tomorrow evening when they take on Toccoa Falls College.  The last time these two teams met, Wesleyan came up just short, losing 57-53. Tip off is at 6:00pm in Porter Gymnasium.

Wesleyan Win Streak Snapped by Spelman

MACON, Ga. - Wesleyan College saw their two-game winning streak snapped by a hot shooting Spelman College 67-54 in Great South Athletic Conference action at Porter Gym.

Box Score | Season Stats | Postgame Video

Defense fueled the Pioneers' win streak, but the Jaguars found an answer, shooting over 44% from the floor for the game. Wesleyan led by as many as seven points in the first half before Spelman (3-10, 2-6 GSAC) finished the half strong to carry a four-point advantage into the intermission.

Wesleyan (2-9, 2-8 GSAC) closed to within two points on Erinn Williams' jumper mid-way through the second half, but could not capture the lead.

Spelman's Andrea Kinzer finished with a game-high 17 points while Lindsay Haggerty scored 16 points to pace Wesleyan.

Wesleyan concludes a three-game homestand when they host Toccoa Falls College on Thursday night. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00pm at Porter Gymnasium and admission is free.

Lumley Named Student-Athlete of the Week (Jan. 22)

STUDENT-ATHLETE OF THE WEEK (JAN. 22)

Name: Kayla Lumley
Age: 21
Year: Senior

Sport: Softball

Position: Pitcher/Shortstop
Major: Early Childhood Education
Minor: Reading

Senior Kayla Lumley, who transferred to Wesleyan from Andrew College prior to the start of her junior year, has been playing softball for as long as she can remember. Her mother tells her that her first word was ‘ball,’ and she has always had a passion for playing and has never slowed down since her childhood.

Strongly influenced by her grandfather, Kayla wears a necklace with a #7 charm on it that he gave her in the ninth grade in his memory. “My Papa always told me to never let anyone stop me from being all I could be. He told me to be great at what I did and to work very hard. This has never left my mind. He was my biggest fan and having that necklace to wear is a constant reminder to do my best.”

The 2011 season marked Lumley’s first with the Pioneers. She will open 2012 as the team’s top returner in nearly every statistical category including batting average (.325), slugging percentage, on base percentage, runs scored, hits, total bases and stolen bases. Furthermore, when the team needed someone to step up as a relief pitcher last year, the shortstop took it upon herself to work on that aspect of her game. She pitched 52 innings and finished the season with 10 complete games.


1. What drew you to Wesleyan College?

I came to Wesleyan College because of the Education program. I had also met the softball coach during my years at Andrew College because we scrimmaged a few times, and I knew I wanted to help build the softball program while I was here.

2. How has your experience at Wesleyan differed from your time at Andrew College?

My time at Wesleyan differs from when I was at Andrew because I am more focused on my academics and less on athletics. I have grown up a lot since I have come to Wesleyan and I’ve started working harder towards my future goals. I have also matured on the field and I have embraced the idea of furthering our athletic program.

3. How has your participation in athletics helped enhance your collegiate experience?

Being a leader on the athletic field has given me more confidence in the classroom. Playing sports has also taught me how to manage my time so that I get all the work done both on the field and in the classroom. I have had to give my best in both areas, and I think those two things go hand in hand.

4. What are your plans for the future?

My plan is to teach either in Bibb County or one of the surrounding counties so that I can pursue my Masters of Education from the wonderful professors here at Wesleyan.

Three Score Double-Digits in Wesleyan's Second Consecutive GSAC Victory

Macon, Ga. - Wesleyan College used both solid defense and its best offensive performance of the season to defeat Salem College for the second time in four days, winning by a score of 59-44.

Box Score | Season Stats | Postgame Video

The Pioneers (2-8, 2-7 GSAC) never trailed in the contest and took an overwhelming 28-7 lead into halftime. Wesleyan's defense held the Spirits to 10.3% shooting in the opening period, allowing them only three baskets.

Towards the end of the first half, play was suspended for more than an hour with strong storms in the area resulting in a roof leak on the playing surface. Once play resumed, Salem's shooting percentage improved over the remainder of the game, but Wesleyan continued to shoot the ball well and never allowed the Spirits to gain momentum.

The Pioneers shot a season best 40.7% from the floor and were once again led in scoring by junior Lindsay Haggerty. Haggerty recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while seniors Erinn Williams and Bre Solmone chipped in 15 and 11 points, respectively.

"We are really starting to understand our offense and we've been shooting the ball a lot better lately, which is making a big difference in our play," remarked first year Wesleyan head coach Mike Walton. "We've built some confidence over these last few games, and I hope to see it carry over into the remaining games of the season as we turn the corner and continue to improve our program."

Wesleyan returns to the court on Monday evening to face off against GSAC rival Spelman College (2-10, 1-6 GSAC). Tip off is set for 6:00pm at Porter Gymnasium on the campus of Wesleyan College.

Suffocating Defense Carries Wesleyan to GSAC Victory

WINSTON-SALEM, NC - Wesleyan College put on a defensive clinic on their way to defeating Great South Athletic Conference rival Salem College 47-32.

The Pioneers (1-8, 1-7 GSAC) limited the Spirits to just 14% shooting from the floor while blocking 11 shots. The game marked Wesleyan's best defensive effort since throttling Agnes Scott 68-28 in the 2002-03 season. After Stephanie Hubbard drained a couple of free throws to open the game for Salem, Wesleyan answered with a 10-0 run and never trailed again.

"It was a great team effort," stated first-year head coach Mike Walton. "We played like we thought we could win which resulted in us being victorious. The girls shot it a little bit better and got into a good rhythm. It feels good to get the monkey of waiting on our first win off our backs."

All six Pioneers who played contributed in a significant way. Nivea Lewis scored a season-high 14 points off the bench while Lindsay Haggerty added 10. Bre Solmone personified the defensive effort with 11 rebounds, eight blocks and six steals. Eveginia Korum finished with nine points and nine rebounds and Erinn Williams and Sha'Vonda Jones each grabbed seven boards.

The win snapped a 15-game losing streak for the Pioneers and the team notched its first GSAC win since 2006-07.

Wesleyan makes a quick turn around and faces Salem once again on Saturday in Macon. Tip is scheduled for 2:00pm at Porter Gymnasium.

LaGrange 3-Point Shooting Overwhelms Wesleyan

MACON, Ga. - Great South Athletic Conference leader LaGrange College drilled 13 three-pointers on their way to a 76-49 victory at Wesleyan College.

Box Score | Season Stats | Postgame Video

The Panthers (11-4, 7-0 GSAC) came in fresh off an upset of previously unbeaten and 18th-ranked Piedmont College. Nine first half three's took the wind out of the Pioneers' efforts to score an upset of their own.

Lindsay Haggerty continued her solid offensive play for Wesleyan (0-8, 0-7), finishing with a team-high 20 points while senior Bre Solmone added 12 points and 12 boards. Heather Miller scored 22 points for LaGrange to lead four double-digit scorers.

Wesleyan returns to action on Wednesday when they travel to North Carolina for a GSAC contest with Salem College.

Lindsay Haggerty Named Student-Athlete of the Week (Jan. 15)

Name: Lindsay Haggerty

Age: 24

Year: Junior

Sport: Basketball

Position: Guard/Forward

Major: Early Childhood Education

Minor: Undeclared

Lindsay Haggerty, a junior transfer from Georgia College and State University, is originally from Battle Creek, Mich., but now makes her home in Danville, Ga. She is a welcome addition to the Pioneer basketball team this season, bringing with her a great deal of experience from her playing days at the NCAA Division II level.

Through seven games played thus far this season, she leads the team in a number of statistical categories. She currently ranks first in total points scored (99), points per game (14.1), free throw attempts (54), free throws made (39), free throw percentage (72.2%), offensive rebounds (27), total rebounds (50), rebounds per game (7.1) and steals (20). She has been the team’s leading scorer in six out of seven games and has accumulated three double-doubles to date.

When she is not in the gym or studying for her classes, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Benji, who is a 10-year veteran of the Macon Bibb Fire Department. With their wedding planned for this May, this city girl is learning how to live life on the farm with their three dogs, 10 goats, and countless chickens, turkeys, guineas, and geese. “I love the country girl life, and although it is somewhat new, I would not trade it for anything. One of my favorite things to do on the weekends now is attend the Middle Georgia chicken and goat sale!”

1. What drew you to Wesleyan College?

The reputation of Wesleyan's academic achievement was what really drew me to the college. After becoming interested in the college, I talked to numerous alumni who were also education majors and they all told me that if they could, they would do it over again. I felt like I needed a change and Wesleyan was at the top of my list for bettering my education.

2. How has your experience at Wesleyan been different than the one you had at GCSU?

My experience has been dramatically different at Wesleyan versus GCSU. After only being at Wesleyan for one semester, I would say my experience is far better than the two years I attended GCSU. It was a great school, but it was not for me. The large classrooms were extremely intimidating to me and I was never able to develop a healthy student-teacher relationship with my professors. As for the school work and effort I have put into my studies, I think that Wesleyan is a bit more challenging, but all of my professors have been there to help me along the way if I had any questions or problems with the material. I feel as if the professors really do want me to succeed.

3. What has your experience on the court been like thus far this season?

This year has been a struggle, but those of us on the team have really stuck together and bonded through these past couple months. I know we are giving it 110%, and although it is not seen on the score board, we can really only continue to get better. The team has really learned to show no fear and that is something anyone should admire. The coaching staff has really been there for us, and I believe with time, Coach Walton can change the reputation of Wesleyan basketball and develop it into an extremely successful program. Our team has heart, and I really do enjoy playing basketball with this group of girls.

4. What are your plans for the future?

My plans are to graduate with a major in Early Childhood Education and go on to pursue a Masters in Education. I would love to teach first grade but will teach in any grade K-5 in Houston, Jones, or Bleckley County since they are all closer to my home in Twiggs County. I also would really like to coach basketball and track and field.

Pioneers Fall to GSAC Rival Agnes Scott

Decatur, Ga. - Offensive woes continued to plague the Wesleyan College basketball team on Saturday afternoon in a 56-34 loss to Great South Athletic Conference rival Agnes Scott College.

The Pioneers could only manage 15 first half points and shot 31% from the floor for the game.

"We have to do a better job of focusing from the start of the game," states Wesleyan head coach Mike Walton.  "Agnes Scott came out playing to win and we didn't.  We have to start games better and do a better job of battling.  Hats off to Agnes.  They played well today."

Wesleyan was led in scoring by Lindsay Haggerty (13 points) and Bre Solmone (10 points), while Arielle Register paced the Scotties with 13.

Wesleyan returns to Porter Gymnasium on Monday evening when they take on LaGrange College.  Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00pm.

Second Half Shooting Drought Allows Pioneer Lead to Slip Away

Lookout Mountain, Ga. - The Wesleyan College basketball team let a double-digit second half lead over Covenant College slip away in the final minutes of the contest to lose to the Scots, 42-38.

The Pioneers took a 12-11 lead with just under 10:00 minutes remaining in the first half and carried it into the lockerroom at intermission, having extended their advantage to six points.  They came out very strong to start the second half, leading by as many as 14 points.  However, Wesleyan went ice cold from the floor over the game's remaining 13:00 minutes, scoring only two points on 1-14 shooting.  Covenant used a 22-4 run to end the game, taking advantage of the Pioneers drought to seal their victory.

Lindsay Haggerty recorded her third double-double of the season to lead the way for the Pioneers with 18 points, 10 rebounds and seven steals.  Erinn Williams also pitched in 10 points while picking up four steals.

The Pioneers return to action on Saturday, Jan. 14 when they host Great South rival Agnes Scott College.  Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00pm at Porter Gymnasium and admission is free.

Sluggish Shooting Downs Pioneer Basketball in Return to Court

Montgomery, Ala. - The long holiday layoff led to a sluggish performance in Wesleyan basketball's return to the court on Wednesday night.  The Pioneers shot only 14% from the floor in their 64-31 loss to Huntingdon College.

With only five players making the trip to Montgomery, Wesleyan played hard for all 40 minutes but could not overcome its poor shooting performance.  Lindsay Haggerty led the way for the Pioneers with 15 points, five rebounds and four steals, while Bre Solmone pitched in six points and pulled down 10 boards.

Twenty different players saw time on the court for the Hawks, who were led by Chelsea Graham's 17 points on 5-of-11 shooting from the 3-point line.

The Pioneers return to action on Saturday afternoon when they travel to Covenant College.  Tip-off is set for 4:00pm.