by Aaron Schmelzer | Feb 17, 2014 | News Slider, Sports
While there were plenty of pitches thrown at Dugan Field this past weekend, one of the most special was thrown by Lipscomb baseball’s most recent addition to the roster. Brooks Russell, the five-year-old recruit who was signed to the team by baseball coach Jeff Forehand on Feb. 5., was given the honor of throwing the season-opening pitch for the Bisons on Saturday in their season opener against Evansville. Standing halfway between the pitcher’s mound and home plate, Brooks delivered a toss that received a round of applause. Kari Russell, Brooks’ mother, said that Brooks is very excited for the upcoming season. “He’s been super excited, asking about coming to the games,” Kari Russell said. “He really feels like he’s a part of the team.” “It’s totally boosted his confidence; some of it’s gone to his head a little,” she joked. While the team battled Evansville, Brooks sat right above Lipscomb’s dugout for much of the game. The Bisons, however, fell to the Purple Aces 8-2 on Saturday and also lost in their double-header on Sunday, 10-7 and 3-2. Despite the losses, Kari Russell says that Brooks will forever hold on to the memory of getting to be a part of the Bisons’ team. “I’m very sure that he’ll remember this for the rest of his life,” Kari Russell said. The Bisons begin their season 0-3 at Dugan Field, a downgrade from last season’s series opener when the team won two games out of three against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Lipscomb started the game off well on Saturday, but the team could not keep pace with Evansville, which scored four runs...
by Logan Butts | Feb 16, 2014 | News Slider, Sports
Originally posted at LipscombSports.com In a close game that saw multiple lead changes throughout, the Lipscomb women’s basketball came out on top Saturday afternoon against Atlantic Sun Conference foe North Florida 84-76 in Allen Arena. The victory gave Lipscomb their first back-to-back victories since wins over North Florida and Jacksonville in the 2011-12 season. The Lady Bisons (5-19, 2-11 A-Sun), who saw four out of five starters reach double digits in scoring, were led by Ashley Southern’s career high 29 points off of 12-of-17 shooting from the field. Southern also notched 12 rebounds and four assists in a prolific game for the sophomore. The Ospreys (5-17, 1-11 A-Sun) came out strong, starting off the game on a 14-3 run. Junior Destinee Smith, the Ospreys’ leading scorer, scored 11 points in the first five minutes of the game. North Florida held the lead for most of the first half, with the Lady Bisons pulling ahead for the first time with less than two minutes to go until halftime. After trading baskets for the final minutes of the first half, North Florida went into the locker room with a 43-42 lead. “Smith came out ready to go, and then we started doing what we were supposed to do in the first place,” said Lipscomb head coach Greg Brown, “We made a couple of adjustments, just making sure we were there with her coming off the screens. We were a little quicker getting to her. And then law of averages sometimes kicks in. They came out hitting everything, but we were able to slow them down.” Southern scored the first bucket of...
by Cory Woodroof | Feb 14, 2014 | News Slider, Sports
By Erin Turner and Carter Sanderson Lipscomb’s alma mater, Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” and various other songs have filled Allen Arena during basketball season for several years. But for a brief stint in January, this wasn’t the case. Fans may have missed the music for a short time as atmospheric changes were being tossed around by the athletic department. Garner Goode, director of sales and marketing for the athletic department, said he had plans to revamp the in-game atmosphere after winter break and decided to leave the pep band out temporarily this semester. “We were just trying to create the best possible experience for the game, trying out different things,” Goode said. While the band missed a few games, it was back in action for the men’s last two games, against USC Upstate and ETSU. Band members said they have enjoyed playing at the games and wished they never had to take a break. “I was confused at first,” freshman Robert Glenn said. “I thought there was a need for the band.” Another concern was that the hiatus prevented band members from getting paid. “I was really upset because I needed the money,” freshman Tiffany Best said. Freshman Hannah Fleming said she was concerned because the band seemed to be adding to game-time atmosphere. “I just didn’t like the way it went down,” she said. “I felt like we were doing everything right. We were playing when they wanted us to and what they wanted us to.” A Bisons cheerleader said she and her squad missed the band when it was absent. “It was really hard for us to adjust...
by Sydney Poe | Feb 13, 2014 | News Slider, Sports
Three point shots were falling all over the court for the Lady Bisons as the team secured its first conference win of the season against Jacksonville University. Sophomore guard Kelli Smith had a career high 18 points for Lipscomb in the 94-79 win. She was four for six from the 3-point line and five for seven from the field. Her previous career high was also against Jacksonville. Thursday’s win was also the first home win of the season for Lipscomb. Before tonight, their last win was on Dec. 21 against Gardner-Webb. Chandler Cooper led the Lady Bisons with 22 points. She scored 12 points in the first eight minutes, including a trio of 3-pointers. Lipscomb made nine 3-pointers in the first half, which allowed them to lead the Dolphins 46-37 at the half. The Lady Bisons have struggled to put together two complete halves this season, but that wasn’t the case tonight. Jacksonville made 50 of their points in the paint and they only took four 3-point shots the whole night. The Dolphins made three quick baskets driving right through Lipscomb’s defense to tie the game at 61 with 11:11 left in the game. Smith countered Jacksonville’s run with a 3-pointer that would start the Lady Bisons on a 15-2 run to build the lead again. Lipscomb had stretched the lead to 12 with 3:57 to go and, with four Jacksonville players in foul trouble, the game was all but over. “I feel great. It’s a huge relief,” Smith said. “Its one of those things where we’ve been close a lot, and it’s just time for it to happen. Now, we can take this...
by Chad Johnson | Feb 12, 2014 | Sports
For many freshmen, getting acclimated to college is quite an adjustment. For freshman athletes, the learning curve often is even bigger. Freshman basketball player Josh Williams has hit the ground running and hasn’t looked back. The freshman guard has taken the conference by storm with his play and has been a big lift for the Bisons. He credits the coaches and teammates for much of his success. “I have to give a lot credit to the coaching staff for putting me in positions to succeed, and my teammates,” Williams said. “They’re always trying to make me better.” The Jackson, Miss., native has received the Atlantic Sun Newcomer of the Week award twice this season. “It’s nice to be recognized by the conference for my play,” Williams said. “I’m just trying to get better each day.” Williams has elevated his play since returning to school from the Christmas break, posting 12.2 points per game and grabbing 4.7 rebounds per game so far this season. He says that he is playing with a lot more confidence and feels comfortable in his role. “Coming into the season, I really didn’t know what to expect, but when my opportunity came, I just tried to make the most of it,” Williams said. “I just try to let the game come to me, and take what the defense gives me.” Note: The author is a member of the men’s basketball team. Photo courtesy of Lipscomb...
by Travis Byrd | Feb 11, 2014 | Sports
Baseball is a game of consistency. Every game comes down to being able to execute the fundamentals that will win or lose a game. The Lipscomb Bisons baseball team is ready to prove that they have what it takes to compete in 2014. “Consistency is huge,” said Lipscomb baseball head coach Jeff Forehand. “A team that is built that way through pitching, hitting and defense is going to be successful. Everybody being consistent in every phase of the game is going to be huge for us.” Opening day is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 14 (Valentine’s Day), and this group of Bisons are itching to finally get the games started. “Every year when the first game comes around, everybody is excited,” Forehand said. “We have practiced and prepared so much without being able to play games. It’s a thrill to finally get out there and play.” This team’s identity is rooted in consistency, and Forehand believes that these players are ready for the grind of a new season. “We recognize who were are,” Forehand said. “They know that through consistency we will be good.” Baseball is also an individual sport at times. A lot of focus is put on the individual performance of players, but for this group to be successful, they are going to have to take on a selfless quality. “Others will want to hear about their batting average or pitching stats, but this team has to be willing to sell out for their team,” Forehand said. The road to success will not be easy. The Bisons will play schools such as Connecticut, Western Kentucky and Vanderbilt during the season. To Forehand,...
