TAMUC – Sports

 

No. 2 Lions split series against St. Edward’s, take game one 4-3.

COMMERCE– The No. 2 Texas A&M University-Commerce softball team split its doubleheader against St. Edward’s on Wednesday evening. The Lions won the first game 4-3 before falling in the second game 11-0.

The decisions bring the Lions to 17-3 for the season. St. Edward’s improves to 3-7 on the year.

The Lions return to action on Friday as they play game one of a three-game series against A&M-Kingsville. The game will begin at 6 p.m. at Vernie and Blanche Hubert Field in Kingsville. The teams will then meet in a doubleheader on Saturday.

HEAD COACH RICHIE BRUISTER AFTER THE GAMES

“We have to have some leadership step up. We’ve been talking about it all year. We’ve been getting by with good offense and good pitching, but today we just weren’t clicking. Leaders need to step up. We have to do a better job of that. People have to hold each other accountable and go out there and get the job done.”

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE (Game 1)

– Bri Sims (Rowlett) hit a three-run homer in the first inning.
– Madison Schaefer (Frisco – Independence) had an RBI double in the first inning and scored a run. Kayla Kilcrease (Kerens) also had a double in the first inning and scored a run.
– Jodie Hill (Heavener, Okla.) also had hit. Ta’Lyn Moody (Mansfield – Legacy) scored a run.
– Emily Otto (Richmond – Lamar Consolidated) pitched a complete game, picking up her 10th win of the season. She struck out three batters.

HOW IT HAPPENED (Game 1)

After a quick top of the first inning, the Lions did all of their damage in the bottom of the frame. Kilcrease led off with a double. After Moody drew a walk, Kilcrease scored on the double from Schaefer. Both runners scored on a home run from Sims. The Lions took a 4-0 lead after one complete inning.

SEU got a run in the second inning after a leadoff double put a runner in scoring position and a groundout brought a run across. The Lions led 4-1 after two innings. SEU also had a two-run homer in the fourth inning.

The Lion bats went cold in the final innings, but the defense was able to hold onto the lead in the final innings to pull out the win.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE (Game 2)

– Ciera Nunez (Amarillo – Randall) had both hits for the Lions in the game.
– Six runs scored via walk in the game.
– It was the first shutout of the season against the Lions.

HOW IT HAPPENED (Game 2)

The first two innings were defensive affairs for both teams as neither squad could get much going. SEU then capitalized in the third inning. The Hilltoppers drew four walks, two of which scored runs. Another run came across on a fielder’s choice. The Lions threatened with two runners in scoring position in the bottom of the third but could not bring the runners around. SEU led 3-0 after three complete.

The Lions again threatened in the fifth inning as Nunez singled to put two runners on base. However, the Lions still could not get the runners around, and the Lions were held off the board.

SEU broke the game open in the sixth inning, scoring eight. Four walks brought in runs with the bases loaded, and then a grand slam put four more runs across. The Lions could not rally in the sixth, and the game was called.

 

 

Lion women move up to eighth in South Central Region.

INDIANAPOLIS– The Texas A&M University-Commerce women’s basketball team is ranked eighth in the second edition of the 2018-19 NCAA South Central Regional rankings. The South Central Region consists of the Lone Star, Heartland, and Rocky Mountain Athletic conferences. The rankings were released on Wednesday by the NCAA.

A&M-Commerce is one of five teams from the Lone Star Conference in the rankings. West Texas A&M is ranked first, followed by Angelo State in fourth, Tarleton in fifth, and Eastern New Mexico in seventh. The tournament champions of the LSC, HC, and RMAC, as well as five at-large teams, will advance to the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament, hosted by the team that finishes the season in the No. 1 spot. The regional tournament is set to begin on March 15.

The Lions are currently 17-9 overall with a Division II record of 16-9 and a Lone Star Conference record of 12-6. Of the Lions’ losses, all but one have come to teams ranked above them in the regional rankings. A&M-Commerce also has wins over two teams who are ranked ahead of them – Tarleton and Eastern New Mexico.

The Lions close out the regular season with two LSC road games this week. A&M-Commerce plays at UT Permian Basin on Thursday, and at Western New Mexico on Saturday.

NCAA DII South Central Region Rankings as of February 27, 2019

Pl.	School	DII Record	In-Region
1	West Texas A&M	23-3	21-3
2	Colorado Mesa	21-3	21-3
3	Lubbock Christian	21-5	18-4
4	Angelo State	20-4	17-4
5	Tarleton	18-7	17-6
6	Westminster	19-6	18-5
7	Eastern New Mexico	17-7	17-7
8	A&M-COMMERCE	16-9	16-9
9	St. Mary’s	16-9	14-9
10	Black Hills State	16-9	15-9

 

 

Lion men hold at fourth in South Central Region rankings.

INDIANAPOLIS – The Texas A&M University-Commerce men’s basketball team remains ranked fourth in the second edition of the 2018-19 NCAA South Central Regional rankings. The South Central Region consists of the Lone Star, Heartland, and Rocky Mountain Athletic conferences. The rankings were released on Wednesday by the NCAA.

A&M-Commerce is one of three teams from the Lone Star Conference in the rankings. West Texas A&M is ranked second, followed by the Lions in fourth, and Angelo State in fifth. The tournament champions of the LSC, HC, and RMAC, as well as five at-large teams, will advance to the NCAA Division II Regional Tournament, hosted by the team that finishes the season in the No. 1 spot. The regional tournament is set to begin on March 15.

The Lions are currently 20-6 overall with an 18-6 Division II mark, and a Lone Star Conference record of 12-4. A&M-Commerce has three wins against teams ranked in the top 10 in the region.

The Lions close out the regular season with two LSC road games this week. A&M-Commerce plays at UT Permian Basin on Thursday, and at Western New Mexico on Saturday.

NCAA DII South Central Region Rankings
as of February 27, 2019

Pl.	School	DII Record	In-Region
1	St. Edward’s	20-2	19-2
2	West Texas A&M	25-3	22-3
3	Colorado School of Mines	21-4	21-4
4	A&M-COMMERCE	18-6	18-6
5	Angelo State	15-7	14-6
6	Dallas Baptist	16-8	16-6
7	Lubbock Christian	16-8	16-8
8	Dixie State	17-8	17-8
9	Colorado Mesa	15-9	15-9
10	Newman	14-8	14-8

 

 

Lions achieve the highest rank ever as No. 2 ranked team in NFCA Coaches Poll.

LOUISVILLE, Ky.– The Texas A&M University-Commerce softball team is now the No. 2 ranked team in the country in this week’s National Fastpitch Coaches Association coaches poll. The rankings were released on Wednesday by the NFCA. This is the highest ranking ever achieved by the Lions, after jumping from the No. 5 spot last week. It is also the first time the Lions have received first-place votes. The Lions have been nationally ranked in 16 consecutive NFCA polls.

The Lions were coming off of four wins last week, and the team split its series against A&M-International and then swept UT-Permian Basin on the road. The Lions hit .336 collectively as a team while its pitchers and defense held opponents to a .195 average. The Lions outscored opponents 35-10 last week.

The Lions are now 16-2 on the season and remain unbeaten to start LSC action. They are one of four teams from the LSC in the top 25 rankings and are the highest ranked LSC team. Angelo State ranks sixth, Tarleton ranks 12th, and West Texas A&M ranks 21st.

The Lions return to action today as they host St. Edward’s in a doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at the John Cain Family Softball Field. Tickets are available at WeAreLionsTix.com, by calling (903) 468-8756, by visiting the Lion Sales & Service Box Office in the Field House or by purchase at the gates.

2019 NFCA Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll – Feb. 27 (Week 2)

Rank	School	Totals	2019 Record	Previous Week
1	Saint Anselm (6)	379	5-0	2
2	TEXAS A&M-COMMERCE (4)	376	16-2	5
3	Southern Arkansas (2)	372	10-3	4
4	Valdosta State (3)	338	10-2	7
5	Concordia Irvine (1)	334	11-1	9
6	Angelo State	314	14-5	1
7	North Georgia	308	15-5	3
8	Chico State	289	12-3	6
9	Florida Tech	281	15-2	14
10	West Florida	249	16-1	10
11	Carson-Newman	245	9-0	11
12	Tarleton State	231	12-3	8
13	UC San Diego	186	13-2	17
14	Grand Valley State	185	3-1	16
15	Central Oklahoma	181	13-1	19
16	UAH	139	11-5	20
17	Colorado Mesa	129	9-3	22
18	Young Harris	122	8-4	18
19	Indianapolis	90	9-3	NR
20	Cal State San Bernardino	84	7-0	21
21	West Texas A&M	69	11-4	NR
22	Dixie State	49	7-2	13
23	Southern New Hampshire	45	5-1	23
24	Augustana	44	5-3	25
25	Gannon	37	0-0	24

 

Lions qualify 12 entries for 2019 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships.

Full Entries and Schedule

INDIANAPOLIS – The Texas A&M University-Commerce, track and field teams, will be represented by seven men’s entries and five women’s entries at the 2019 NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championships.

The National Championships meet will be held next Friday and Saturday, March 8 and 9, at the Robert W. Plaster Center at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan.

The Lion contingent is highlighted by Minna Svaerd (Karlstad, Sweden) and Rashard Clark (Los Angeles, Calif.), who are each slated to compete in three events.

Svaerd is one of 12 women set to compete in three events at nationals, and Clark is one of 15 men in three games.

Svaerd is set to run in the 400-meter dash and the 4×400 meter relay, as well as a jump in the pole vault. Clark is slated to run in the 200-meter dash, 400-meter dash, and 4×400 meter relay. This is the second straight year for both of these Lions to compete in the three-event schedule at the Indoor Championships.

Two other Lions are set to compete in multiple events. Eboni Coby (Lancaster) is scheduled to run in the women’s 60-meter dash and 4×400 meter relay, while D’Lance Sharp (Commerce) is expected to run in the 200-meter dash and 4×400 meter relay.

On the women’s team, Markaaisha Richardson (Amarillo – Tascosa) will run in the 60-meter hurdles, and Atiana Alexander (San Antonio – Northside Taft) and Ro’Nisha Simpson (Tatum) are slated to run on the 4×400 meter relay team with Coby and Svaerd.

On the men’s side, Clark and Sharp will be joined on the 4×400 meter relay team by Gabriel Peterson (Lancaster) and Stadrian Taylor (Lancaster). LSC champion Josh Boateng (St. George’s, Grenada) will compete in the shot put, Hudson Hall (Gregory-Portland) will jump in the pole vault for the second straight indoor national meet, and Sir Morgan Loudd (Waco – La Vega) is slated to jump in the triple jump, marking the fifth consecutive year the Lions have had a national qualifier in that event.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, MARCH 8
2:30 p.m. – Women’s 60m Hurdles Prelims (Markaaisha Richardson)
3 p.m. – Women’s 60m Dash Prelims (Eboni Coby)
3:25 p.m. – Men’s Pole Vault (Hudson Hall)
4 p.m. – Women’s 400m Dash Prelims (Minna Svaerd)
4:20 p.m. – Men’s 400m Dash Prelims (Rashard Clark)
5:35 p.m. – Men’s 200m Dash Prelims (Clark, D’Lance Sharp)

SATURDAY, MARCH 9
3:05 p.m. – Men’s Triple Jump (Sir Morgan Loudd)
4 p.m. – Women’s Pole Vault (Svaerd)
5 p.m. – Women’s 60m Hurdles Finals (Richardson)
5:05 p.m. – Men’s Shot Put (Josh Boateng)
5:20 p.m. – Women’s 60m Dash Finals (Coby)
6 p.m. – Women’s 400m Dash Finals (Svaerd)
6:10 p.m. – Men’s 400m Dash Finals (Clark)
6:55 p.m. – Men’s 200m Dash Finals (Clark, Sharp)
7:45 p.m. – Women’s 4x400m Relay
8 p.m. – Men’s 4x400m Relay

 

 

Lions finish Rattler Invitational in 13th place.

SAN ANTONIO – The Texas A&M University-Commerce men’s golf team completed the St. Mary’s Rattler Invitational in 13th place on Tuesday. The event was the first of five regular-season in the spring for the Lions.

The Lions shot 913 (314-298-301, +49) on the par 72, 6,906-yard layout. Host institution St. Mary’s won the event.

“Today was disappointing,” said head coach Matt Ward. “We had things going pretty well about halfway through the round. We were a couple under as a team, and then we hit a four-group backup on a tee.

“I think we lost our rhythm and momentum and it really hurt us on some holes coming in. We gave back a lot of strokes coming in and ended up losing a couple of positions in the field. Now, it’s time to get back to work and get ready for Lubbock next week. ”

Lucas McCubbin (Midland) was the Lions’ top finisher, placing 16th at 220 (73-72-75, +4). He carded three birdies in Tuesday’s final round.

Zach Burch (Lubbock – Cooper) had the Lions’ best score in the final round at 74. He finished in 44th at 228 (80-74-74, +12) with three birdies in Tuesday’s action.

Blake Hartford (Spring – Klein Collins) placed 55th place at 231, Garrett Landers (Sulphur Springs) placed 71st at 238, and Joe Wolcik (Cleveland – Tarkington) placed 75th at 240.

The Lions are next in action on March 4-5 in Lubbock at the Arbor Hotels Classic, hosted by Lubbock Christian.

Rank	Team	Scores			Total	Par
1.	St. Mary’s	293	288	275	856	-8
2.	Oklahoma Christian	296	295	293	884	+20
3.	Southeastern Oklahoma St.	296	294	297	887	+23
4.	Western N.M.	294	297	299	890	+26
5.	MSU Texas	301	298	293	892	+28
	Southwestern Oklahoma St.	309	290	293	892	+28
7.	Arkansas-Fort Smith	295	306	292	893	+29
	Dallas Baptist	298	306	289	893	+29
9.	Lubbock Christian	302	303	299	904	+40
10.	Northeastern State	305	305	300	910	+46
11.	Texas A&M International	297	312	302	911	+47
12.	St. Edward’s	305	312	295	912	+48
13.	A&M-COMMERCE	314	298	301	913	+49
	Cameron	296	317	300	913	+49
15.	Indianapolis	304	316	294	914	+50
16.	West Texas A&M	300	319	300	919	+55
17.	Regis	315	315	314	944	+80

A&M-Commerce	314	298	301	913	+49	t-13th
Lucas McCubbin	73	72	75	220	+4	t-16th
Zach Burch	80	74	74	228	+12	t-44th
Blake Hartford	79	77	75	231	+15	t-55th
Garrett Landers	85	75	78	238	+22	t-71st
Joe Wolcik	82	81	77	240	+24	t-75th

 

Josh Manck
Associate Athletics Director for Marketing and Communications | Texas A&M University-Commerce
Committed to a “Best In Class” student-athlete experience.
Office: 903.886.5131 | Mobile: 817.487.5136 |
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3011 | Commerce, TX 75429
Physical Address: 2600 Neal Street | Commerce, TX 75429
Connect with us on our Lions’ Den Social Stream.

 

Josh Manck
Associate Athletics Director for Marketing and Communications | Texas A&M University-Commerce
Committed to a “Best In Class” student-athlete experience.
Office: 903.886.5131  | Mobile: 817.487.5136 |
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3011 | Commerce, TX 75429
Physical Address: 2600 Neal Street | Commerce, TX 75429
Connect with us on our Lions’ Den Social Stream.