Lipscomb to host Atlantic Sun volleyball tournament in 2011, 2012

by | Oct 12, 2010 | News Slider, Sports

MACON, Ga. – The Atlantic Sun Conference recently concluded its annual fall meetings of athletics directors, senior woman administrators and faculty athletic representatives on the campus of Mercer University. Among the issues the membership approved were sites for future cross country and volleyball championships and format changes for the softball, soccer and tennis championships. The membership awarded future championships to Belmont, for cross country in 2011 and to Lipscomb, for volleyball, in 2011 and 2012. Belmont served as host of the 2004 Cross Country Championship and the meet returns to Nashville for the first time since Lipscomb hosted in 2007. Lipscomb will host volleyball for the first time but the event will return to Nashville for the third time since 2005. Belmont hosted in 2005 and 2006. Three tournaments will undergo changes to their respective formats. In softball, byes will be awarded to the top two seeds, beginning with the 2011 event at USC Upstate. Men’s soccer will return to a single-weekend event, to be played on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at a pre-determined location – beginning in 2011. Starting in 2012, the tennis championships will move to a Friday through Sunday format instead of the current Thursday-Saturday style. The conference announced new initiatives that will launch throughout the year, including an online store that will debut later this month, a renewed agreement with ASunPhotos.com, the creation of a new in-house marketing position, fresh championship marks and a monthly newsletter. The conference will conduct its spring meetings in Daytona Beach, Fla., from June 6-9. This release was taken...
McLaughlin scores twice, Bisons shutout UNC Asheville

McLaughlin scores twice, Bisons shutout UNC Asheville

by | Sep 18, 2010 | News Slider, Sports

It was all about revenge tonight for Lipscomb as they shutout UNC Aseville 2-0 in the opening round of the Hyatt Place Select Tournament.Last year, UNC Asheville took home the trophy after beating the Bisons 2-1. “Last year it was a game where we started to see cracks in the armor, then it was a downhill slide from there,” Lipscomb coach Charles Morrow said.  “So, to have a tight game and have to battle through and keep the shutout and get a couple of goals in the process was very good.” The game was scoreless until the 70-minute mark when senior Garrett McLaughlin scored from 20 yards out to give the Bisons a 1-0 lead. “I just saw an opening and took the shot,” McLaughlin said.  “I guess it moved a little bit, so the goalie had a hard time.” The win tonight gave the team its third consecutive win, after winning the Belmont Invitational last weekend.  With the consistent play, it looks as if the team is improving in each game. “There were a few times in the first half where we were playing as good as I had seen,” Morrow said.  “Not only as good as I have seen this year, but throughout my four or five year tenure here. “ Lipscomb moved the ball very well in the first half, generating a lot of chances, but came up short until McLaughlin’s goal in the second. “The challenge is doing that for a complete game,” Morrow said.  “Asheville is a very tough team that can present some challenges that sort of gets us out of our style...

Lady Bisons defeat Belmont in four sets

by | Sep 14, 2010 | Sports

It was just like a rivalry win is supposed to be: tough, focused and full of hard work. The Lady Bisons won the first match against the “Battle of the Boulevard” rival Belmont in four sets. “Belmont is going to be one of the top three or four teams [in the conference],” said Lady Bisons coach Brandon Rosenthal. “Winning the way we did where we had to fight through [sets] three and four just adds a bit more confidence.” The Lady Bisons won the first two sets 25-19 and 25-18. Belmont fired back in the third set winning 25-23. “It was about execution,” said Rosenthal. “Whether we win the point or not we have to execute”. The Lady Bisons rallied behind seniors Alex Kelly, and Jake Pease to win the final match 25-15. “Alex and Jake are players and people who just want to win,” said Rosenthal.  “They’re willing to do whatever it takes.” “During the fourth set the girls really settled down and served tough,” Rosenthal said. “The substitution of Claire Peterson was key there at the end of the match.” A win against Belmont is always extra special to the Lady Bisons. “I don’t take this for granted, and I don’t think the girls do,” coach Rosenthal said. “This is a rivalry.  It runs deep for us.” The Lady Bisons travel to St. Louis this weekend for the Billiken...
Volleyball Draws Top Preseason Honors

Volleyball Draws Top Preseason Honors

by | Aug 19, 2010 | News Slider, Sports

Stefine “Jake” Pease Voted Preseason Player of the Year Lipscomb Draws Top Preseason Honors All-Conference Photo Gallery Pease Highlights MACON, Ga. – Lipscomb, the defending Atlantic Sun Conference champions, will enter the fall as the overwhelming favorite to win its third conference crown in the past four seasons, the conference office announced on Thursday. The Lady Bisons received ten first-place votes from the league coaches in the preseason poll, while senior setter Stefine “Jake” Pease earned Preseason Player of the Year honors. Buoyed a perfect 20-0 conference record, Lipscomb cruised to a 28-4 mark and claimed the conference tournament title by defeating host school FGCU in the final. Pease ranked tenth in the country after averaging nearly 12 assists as a junior last season. She added 284 digs and 104 kills on her way to Tournament MVP and First Team All-Atlantic Sun honors. A pair of Pease’s Lipscomb teammates, Meghan Hinemeyer and Alex Kelly, joins the setter on the preseason squad. Hinemeyer, a senior outside hitter, totaled 353 kills, 257 digs and 27 service aces last season, while Kelly, last season’s Player of the Year and unanimous selection to the preseason team, led the conference in kills per set and points per set. FGCU took the second spot in the poll after finishing as the conference tournament runner-up in 2009. Jelena Simic, a senior outside hitter, joined Kelly as a unanimous selection to the team alongside teammate Holly Youngquist, a junior libero. The Bruins of Belmont came in third in the poll with junior outside hitter Maggie Johnson earning a nod to the preseason All-Atlantic Sun team. Johnson led...