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Regional Championship game delayed until 4:00 pm.·
COMMERCE– Due to heavy rain and thunderstorms in Commerce this morning, the NCAA Softball Committee has announced the South Central Regional 2 Championship game between A&M-Commerce and Cameron will now be played at 4:00 pm.
The No. 8 Lions advanced to the Regional Championship game after earning shutout wins over Dixie State and No. 19 Tarleton in the first two rounds of the tournament. Cameron advanced through the loser’s bracket of the double-elimination tournament with two wins Friday.
Further schedule updates will be found on LionAthletics.com and the Lion Softball twitter page (@Lion_Softball).
Fifty Lions to participate in May 2019 Commencement Ceremonies.
COMMERCE – The Texas A&M University-Commerce athletics department celebrated the graduation of its student-athletes this weekend, as 50 Lions will participate in May Commencement ceremonies in the Field House on Friday and Saturday.
Fifty Student-Athletes and Student Athletic Trainers are participating in graduation, with 45 earning bachelors’ degrees and five earning their Masters degree.
The May graduates were honored with a reception on Friday night following the graduate program’s commencement ceremony. Ceremonies for bachelor’s degrees are held Saturday. The softball team had a special commencement ceremony held on the field at the John Cain Family Softball Field following the Lions’ first-round win in the NCAA Division II South Central Regional on Thursday night.
| Athletic Training | ||
| Pedro Mondragon-Lopez | Bachelor of Science | Kinesiology & Sports Studies |
| Jessica Moreno | Bachelor of Science | Human Performance |
| Bianca Savage | Bachelor of Science | Kinesiology & Sports Studies |
| Ai Ogata | Master of Science | Health, Kinesiology, & Sports Studies |
| Cheer | ||
| Chy-Anne Rose | Bachelor of Arts | English |
| Emily Saldivar | BS – Interdisciplinary Studies | Interdisciplinary Studies |
| Dlayne Sears | Bachelor of General Studies | General Studies |
| Dance | ||
| Kaylea Long | BS – Interdisciplinary Studies | Interdisciplinary Studies |
| Karria Thurmon | Bachelor of Science | Psychology |
| Men’s Basketball | ||
| Trey Conrod | Bachelor of General Studies | General Studies |
| Reggie Reid | Bachelor of Science | Learning & Technology |
| Tyree Robinson | Bachelor of General Studies | General Studies |
| Willie Rooks | Bachelor of General Studies | General Studies |
| Women’s Basketball | ||
| Princess Davis | Master of Education | Counseling |
| Ekaterina Zhibareva | Bachelor of Science | Learning & Technology |
| Football | ||
| Garrett Blubaugh | Bachelor of Science | Biological Science |
| Michael Coley | Bachelor of Science | Learning & Technology |
| Deionte Haywood | Bachelor of Science | Psychology |
| Vincent Hobbs | Bachelor of Science | Learning & Technology |
| Kendall Holmes | Bachelor of Science | Kinesiology & Sports Studies |
| Reggie Kincade | Bachelor of General Studies | General Studies |
| Kristov Martinez Garcia | Master of Science | Secondary Education |
| Ryan Peschka | Bachelor of Science | Mathematics |
| Abdul Shammaa | Bachelor of Science | Biological Science |
| Preston Wheeler | Bachelor of Science | Business Administration |
| Women’s Golf | ||
| Lauren Leslie | Bachelor of Business Admin | Management |
| Caitlin Duty | Bachelor of Science | Human Performance |
| Michelle Kotlik | Bachelor of Science | Sociology |
| Sabrina Munguia | Bachelor of Science | Kinesiology & Sports Studies |
| Volleyball | ||
| Jaryn Wacker | Bachelor of Business Admin | Finance |
| Jaslyn Wacker | Bachelor of Business Admin | Accounting |
| Chasiddy Hill | Bachelor of Business Admin | Accounting |
| Karli Thornton | Bachelor of Science | Industrial Engineering |
| Men’s Track and Field/Cross Country | ||
| Joseph Brown | Master of Business Admin | Business Administration |
| Hudson Hall | Bachelor of Science | Psychology |
| Reggie Kincade | Bachelor of General Studies | General Studies |
| Trevor Montgomery | Bachelor of Science | Human Performance |
| Devon Sanders | BS – Criminal Justice | Criminal Justice |
| D’Lance Sharp | Bachelor of General Studies | General Studies |
| Deantre Spencer | Bachelor of Science | Industrial Engineering |
| Austin Yaeger | Master of Science | Curriculum and Instruction |
| Women’s Track and Field/Cross Country | ||
| Shanecia Baker | BS – Interdisciplinary Studies | Interdisciplinary Studies |
| Mackenzie Clark | Bachelor of Science | Business Administration |
| Brandi Stalder | Bachelor of Science | Environmental Science |
| Maggie Waites | Bachelor of Science | Biological Science |
| Softball | ||
| Katie Dean | Bachelor of Business Admin | Marketing |
| Kayla Kilcrease | Bachelor of Science | Human Performance |
| Ciera Nunez | Bachelor of Science | Human Performance |
| Bri Sims | Bachelor of Science | Kinesiology & Sports Studies |
| Men’s Golf | ||
| Garrett Landers | Bachelor of General Studies | General Studies |
| Lucas McCubbin | Bachelor of Science | Learning & Technology |
Bogey-free second round moves McCubbin into contention for Nationals in the second round at South Central/West Regional.
ST. GEORGE, Utah – Texas A&M University-Commerce senior Lucas McCubbin moved into contention for a berth to the national tournament with a solid round in the second round of the NCAA Division II South Central/West Super Regional on Friday
McCubbin (Midland) is representing the Lions as an individual at the tournament, attempting to qualify for the nations’ as one of the top two individuals on a non-qualifying team. He shot a bogey-free 2-under par 70 in Friday’s round. His 36 hole subtotal of 143 (73-70, -1) has him in 15th place individually.
McCubbin started his round on the 10th hole and carded a birdie on the opening hole, then notched nine straight pars. He then birdied his 12th hole – the par five 3rd – before closing out with five consecutive pars.
“Lucas played a very steady and consistent round today. He fired a bogey-free 70 by hitting nearly every green in regulation,” said Lion head golf coach Matt Ward. “I’m proud of how well he thought his way around the course and executed his shots exactly how he wanted to.
“I’m also very impressed with his maturity. He could have shot 7-to-10 under today, but we just couldn’t get the reads on the greens quite right. He had a lot of birdie opportunities but was only able to cash in on two. It could easily have frustrated him, but he kept his cool and kept giving himself looks. It’s a true sign of his maturity on the course.
“He’ll have to play the same tee-to-green tomorrow, and we’ll just have to get some reads right. If we can find a way to do that, he’ll have a real shot to climb into position to advance to Nationals.”
McCubbin plays his final round Saturday, beginning at 12:50 pm Central time.
Walk-off homer propels No. 8 Lions to South Central Regional Championship game.·
COMMERCE– The No. 8 Texas A&M University-Commerce softball team defeated No. 19 Tarleton 2-0 on Friday afternoon. The Lions won the game on a walk-off two-run home run from Avery Boley.
The win brings the Lions to 40-12 on the season, and they advance to the South Central Regional Championship game for the second consecutive season. The TexAnns fall to 40-14 and they move into the loser’s bracket.
The Lions await their opponent in Saturday’s championship game when they face the winner of the Cameron and Tarleton game. The championship game will be played at noon on Saturday at the John Cain Family Softball Field. Tickets to the South Central Regional Championship game are available at WeAreLionTix.com or by purchase at the gates of the field.
QUOTES AFTER THE GAME
Head Coach Richie Bruister: “That was an outstanding ball game. For Otto to keep her composure like that in a back-and-forth game was outstanding. We had a lot of runners get on, a lot of opportunities. We just wanted to get that one big hit. And it finally came. Boley just crushed it, there was no doubt about it. The wind was blowing in 15 miles per hour from center field, and there was no doubt it would leave the park. It was great for the fans and was a heart attack for the coaches. But we are still standing. I’m really proud of the team with how they kept their composure, and the will to win was awesome.”
Freshman Avery Boley
The walk-off homer: “Before the inning, Coach Bruister told us to imagine ourselves winning the game. And I did that. Tarleton had been throwing at me in all season, and I took a couple steps off and saw the ball, and it was down the middle. And I hit the ball far.”
Freshman Madison Schaefer
On the defensive effort from the team: “Overall, it was a great game played by both teams and was a pitcher’s duel. On defense, we just want to get the girl out. I don’t want to see base runners on. We just want to get the ball and throw the girl out.”
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
– Avery Boley (Fort Worth – Nolan Catholic) hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the seventh inning.
– Emily Otto (Richmond – Lamar Consolidated) – pitched her second consecutive shutout of the tournament. She allowed just two hits with six strikeouts, earning her 28th win of the season.
– Chealsea Slider (Texarkana – Texas HS) also had a hit. Ta’Lyn Moody (Mansfield – Legacy) also scored a run.
– The Lions drew seven walks in the game, leaving nine runners on base in the game.
– The Lions advance to the South Central Regional Championship game for the second year in a row.
HOW IT HAPPENED
It was an old-fashioned pitcher’s duel until the very end as both teams had quality pitching performances throughout the day in windy conditions.
The TexAnns had two players reach base in the first inning via walk before the Lion defense was able to get the outs it needed. Otto had strikeouts in the first and second innings as she held TSU hitless through four innings.
The Lions had the bases loaded in the second inning and threatened to score. Slider gave the Lions the first hit of the day, and two other players walked. However, a strikeout ended the inning, and the teams were tied at zero after two complete innings.
The Lions again loaded the bases with two outs in the fourth inning. Madison Schaefer (Frisco – Independence) lined a shot at the third baseman, and the catch was made to keep a run from coming across.
The TexAnns were able to get their first hit of the game in the fifth inning before the Lions turned a double play. A strikeout from Otto ended the inning. Otto again struck out a batter in the sixth inning and another in the seventh inning to keep the game scoreless.
After finding multiple ways to get on base in the game, the Lions were able to get the hit they needed in the seventh. After Kinsie Hebler (Cypress – Cy Fair) drew a walk, Boley hit a mammoth shot to right center to walk off the game.
Kinsie Hebler named CoSIDA Academic All-District.·
COMMERCE– Texas A&M University-Commerce softball player Kinsie Hebler has been named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District team. The CoSIDA Academic All-District teams were announced this week.
Hebler– a junior from Cypress (Cy–Fair), earns the second consecutive Academic All-District award of her career. Hebler is a two-time member of the President’s list, a three-time member of the Dean’s List, a two-time member of the Best In Class honor roll, a three-time member of the AD’s List honor roll and a five-time member of the LSC Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
Hebler is a three-time All-American, a four-time All-Region selection and a three-time All-Conference honoree with a .365 batting average, 164 career hits, 162 RBIs, 39 homers and 101 runs scored. She is the program’s all-time leader in doubles, RBIs, and walks. In the circle, Hebler has an ERA of 3.58 with 13 wins and 103 career strikeouts.
Hebler and the Lions are the second seed in the South Central Region and are in the winner’s bracket of the tournament. They will face Tarleton on Friday at noon as they continue tournament play. Tickets to the remaining days of the South Central Regional Tournament are available at WeAreLionTix.com, by calling (903) 468-8756, by visiting the Lion Sales & Service Box Office in the Field House or by purchase at the gates of the field.
NCAA DIVISION II CoSIDA ACADEMIC ALL-DISTRICT 6
P: Madison Hagood, Oklahoma Christian
P: Sydney Marchando, Colorado School of Mines
P: McKenzie Surface, Colorado Mesa
C: Michaela Burpee, Colorado State-Pueblo
IF: Bailey Gaffin, Dixie State
IF: Kellie Mrofcza, Colorado Mesa
IF: Raynelle Nash, St. Mary’s
IF: Carli Woolsey, MSU Texas
OF: Georgia Capell, Tarleton
OF: Hailey Hinson, Colorado Mesa
OF: Lauren Lindgren, MSU Texas
DP: Kinsie Hebler, Texas A&M-Commerce
McCubbin in 23rd after opening round at South Central/West Super Regional.
ST. GEORGE, Utah – Texas A&M University-Commerce senior Lucas McCubbin is in 23rd place after the first 18 holes of action at the NCAA Division II South Central/West Men’s Golf Super Regional on Thursday.
McCubbin (Midland) is representing the Lions as an individual at the tournament, attempting to qualify for the national. He shot a 1-over par 73 in the opening round.
After a bogey on the second hole, he birdied the third to get back to even par but dropped two strokes on the fifth hole. From there, he finished the final 13 holes with 12 pars and a birdie on the par five 11th. McCubbin was 2-under par on par five holes.
“Lucas played a solid round today. He had a small hiccup on an early hole and made a double bogey, but he managed to keep his cool and play solid the rest of the way,” said Lion head golf coach Matt Ward. “He’ll definitely have to play a bit better the next two days, but based on what I watched today, with a couple of small adjustments, he should be right there at the end on Saturday. I’m pleased with his attitude and determination after a bit of a tough start.”
McCubbin plays his second round Friday, beginning at 1:50 p.m. Central time.
No. 8 Lions advance to winner’s bracket after 3-0 shutout win over Dixie State.·
COMMERCE– The No. 8 Texas A&M University-Commerce softball team defeated Dixie State 3-0 on Thursday in the first round of the South Central Regional Tournament. The Lions used defense and timely hitting to pick up the win.
The win brings the Lions to 39-12 on the season, and they advance to the winner’s bracket in the region. The Trailblazers fall to 42-12 on the year, and they will play in the loser’s bracket.
The Lions return to action on Friday with a matchup against No. 19 Tarleton, who advanced to the winner’s bracket after a 2-1 win over Cameron earlier in the day. The game will begin at Noon at the John Cain Family Softball Field.
Tickets to the remaining days of the South Central Regional Tournament are available at WeAreLionTix.com, by calling (903) 468-8756, by visiting the Lion Sales & Service Box Office in the Field House or by purchase at the gates of the field.
QUOTES AFTER THE GAME
Head Coach Richie Bruister
Thoughts on the game: “We knew going in that it was going to be two great teams with two great pitchers. Looking at the scouting reports, you knew it was going to be a pitcher’s duel. That’s certainly what we got. We are certainly pleased with how Otto kept her composure and how she matched their pitcher pitch for pitch. It was great. It gave our offense a chance to get some good swings on it. We made some adjustments at the plate and started to see the ball better and got on base. And we got that huge hit from Bri Sims. That’s what got us the win today. Any time you can get a win at this stage is wonderful. I’m very proud of the team.
On getting base runners on even without hits: “You get on however you can. Whether that’s hit by pitch, a walk or some timely hitting. Schaefer had that sacrifice fly, and that’s good team execution. It doesn’t show up in the box score as a hit, but it gave us an opportunity to drive a run in. Nunez didn’t get credit for a hit, but she put pressure on the defense and caused an error.”
On facing Tarleton in the next round: “It is going to be a battle. I preach to my kids about the little things. That’s what we have to do. We just have to go out there and play our game. We know it is going to be a Lone Star battle.
We are looking forward to the opportunity. We are looking forward to the crowd. I wish I could be a spectator because it is going to be some awesome softball.”
Senior Bri Sims
– On getting the home run in the harsh conditions: “The conditions were tough. My first at-bat, I thought I got a hold of that ball. Then the next at-bat felt good.”
– On playing defense in high winds: “Defensively, we had to make sure we followed the ball. Everybody needed to be aware of where the ball was going because it could end up anywhere with the way the wind was blowing.”
Sophomore Emily Otto
Her thoughts on the game: “I felt good going into the game. I fed off of my team’s effort to have my back both on offense and defense. They made great plays today. The plays they were making pumps me up. I just throw it and let them shine.”
Her thought process during the game: “My thought process was to just put it where they will swing the bat. I have so much faith and trust in my defense behind me that if I throw it wrong and they put it in play that we are going to get out of it. And we did.”
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
– Bri Sims (Rowlett) hit a home run in the fourth inning against heavy winds. It was her 15th home run of the year. It was the Lions’ lone hit of the game.
– Emily Otto (Richmond – Lamar Consolidated) pitched her 23rd complete game of the year and earned her 27th win. She tied her season-high with nine strikeouts and gave up just three hits.
– Madison Schaefer (Frisco – Independence) and Avery Boley (Fort Worth – Nolan Catholic) had sacrifice flies. Ciera Nunez (Amarillo – Randall) and Jodie Hill (Heavener, Okla.) scored runs.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Both teams came out swinging, and both pitchers took advantage early. Otto had four strikeouts in the first two innings.
The Trailblazers loaded the bases with one out in the third inning but Otto forced a lineout to center, and Kayla Kilcrease (Kerens) made the grab to end the inning. The Lions then scored in the bottom of the third. Three Lions reached via walk in a row, and Schaefer then hit a deep fly ball to the left, which allowed Hill to score on the sacrifice. The Lions led 1-0 after three.
Sims added to the Lion lead in the fourth inning with a home run. She hit a ball hard to the left, and it fought the wind to clear the fence, banging off of the foul pole. The Lions then added a run in the fifth. Nunez reached on an error that allowed her to get to third. She scored on a sacrifice fly from Boley.
The Lion defense took the team the rest of the way, making all the plays they needed to pick up the win.
Eboni Coby wins Wes Kittley Award to lead track and field All-LSC selections for Lions.
RICHARDSON – Texas A&M University-Commerce senior sprinter Eboni Coby has won the Lone Star Conference’s Wes Kittley Award as Outstanding Female Track Athlete, as announced by the LSC office Thursday.
Coby – a senior from Lancaster – accounted for 24 points at last weekend’s Lone Star Conference Championships. Her time of 11.35 seconds in the 100-meter dash is the school and LSC Championships meet record, and her time of 23.03 in the 200-meter dash set the school record.
She was also the anchor leg on the 4×100 meter dash with Mackenzie Clark (Garland – Naaman Forest), Markaaisha Richardson (Amarillo – Tascosa), and Ro’Nisha Simpson (Tatum) that set the school record with a gold medal time of 45.42 seconds, as well as the bronze medal 4×400 meter relay team.
“Eboni had one of the best track meets I’ve ever seen,” said Lion head track and field coach George Pincock. “She has worked hard the past five months, was absolutely ready for the moment and capitalized. Her 4×100 leg set the tone for the team last weekend, and I’m extremely proud of her.”
The senior is one of seven women who earned first-team all-LSC honors. Coby was followed in point total by Richardson’s 22 points with two event wins. Clark accounted for 16.5 points, and Minna Svaerd (Karlstad, Sweden) had 16 points, and Brandi Stalder (Sanger) had 13 points. Two Lion women earned second-team All-LSC.
Nine Lion men were first-team all-LSC honorees led by 19 points apiece from Joseph Brown (Mansfield) and Devon Sanders (Clarksville). Josh Boateng (St. George’s, Grenada) scored 18 points, Rashard Clark (Los Angeles, Calif.) scored 17.5 points, Stadrian Taylor (Lancaster) scored 15 points, and Dorian Andrews (Dallas – Skyline) scored 10 points. The Lion men had a one-second team and one third team selection.
2019 LSC OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD ALL-CONFERENCE AWARDS
NOTE: The all-conference first team shall consist of event winners, including all members of the winning relay teams, and athletes scoring 14 or more points at the Conference Championships Meet. The all-conference second team shall consist of athletes scoring 8-13.9 points. The all-conference third team shall consist of athletes scoring 6-7.9 points.
MEN’S ALL-CONFERENCE PERFORMERS
SPECIAL AWARDS
Outstanding Male Track Athlete (Cap Shelton Award): Z’Antyler Foster-Hooks, Angelo State
Outstanding Male Field Athlete (Oscar Strahan Award): Trpimir Siroki, Angelo State
Men’s Track and Field Coach of the Year: Tom Dibbern, Angelo State
| First Team | |||
| Athlete | School | Points | Event winner |
| Trpimir Siroki | Angelo State | 27 | High Jump |
| Z’Antyler Foster-Hooks | Angelo State | 22 | 100 meters, 200 meters |
| Richard Cervantes | Texas A&M-Kingsville | 21 | Shot Put |
| Joseph Brown | Texas A&M-Commerce | 19 | |
| Devon Sanders | Texas A&M-Commerce | 19 | 4×100 meter relay, 4×400 Relay |
| Quinton Sansing | West Texas A&M | 18.5 | |
| Josh Boateng | Texas A&M-Commerce | 18 | Discus |
| James Majenge | Cameron | 18 | 1,500 meters |
| Rashard Clark | Texas A&M-Commerce | 17.5 | 400 meters, 4×400 Relay |
| Jorge Rios | Texas A&M-Kingsville | 16 | |
| Stetson Rayas | DBU | 16 | 5,000 meters |
| Stadrian Taylor | Texas A&M-Commerce | 15 | 4×100 meter relay, 4×400 Relay |
| Keynan Abdi | Lubbock Christian | 15 | 10,000 meters |
| Dragan Pesic | Angelo State | 14 | |
| Alexandros Spyridonidis | Angelo State | 14 | |
| Ezekiel Kipchirchir | West Texas A&M | 12 | 3,000-steeplechase |
| Ayman Zahafi | Texas A&M-Kingsville | 11.5 | 800 meters |
| Nicolai Hartling | West Texas A&M | 11 | 400 hurdles |
| Dyshon Vaughn | Texas A&M-Kingsville | 10 | Long Jump |
| Trivett Jones | Angelo State | 10 | Pole Vault |
| Nils Fischer | Angelo State | 10 | Javelin |
| Dorian Andrews | Texas A&M-Commerce | 10 | 110 hurdles |
| Decio Andrade | Angelo State | 10 | Hammer Throw |
| Abraham Seaneke | West Texas A&M | 10 | Triple Jump |
| Johnathon Harper | Texas A&M-Kingsville | 10 | Decathlon |
| D’Lance Sharp | Texas A&M-Commerce | 4.5 | 4×400 Relay |
| DeQuan Dudley | Texas A&M-Commerce | 2.5 | 4×100 meter relay |
| Reggie Kincade | Texas A&M-Commerce | 2.5 | 4×100 meter relay |
| Second Team | |||
| Michael Simcho | Tarleton State | 12 | |
| Emmanuel Too | West Texas A&M | 12 | |
| Matthew Walsh | Angelo State | 12 | |
| Briggs Wittlake | West Texas A&M | 11 | |
| Tyrin Lewis | West Texas A&M | 10.5 | |
| Harry Maslen | Angelo State | 10 | |
| Michael Rodriguez | Angelo State | 9.5 | |
| William Watson | Texas A&M-Kingsville | 9.25 | |
| William Frobe | West Texas A&M | 9 | |
| Ivar Moinat | Eastern New Mexico | 8.5 | |
| Demontravous Jones | Angelo State | 8 | |
| Wesley Culbertson | Texas A&M-Commerce | 8 | |
| Nathan Blackwell | Angelo State | 8 | |
| Paolo Lazaric | West Texas A&M | 8 | |
| Maxime Lapeyrie | Angelo State | 8 | |
| Vitaly Zhgun | Texas A&M-Kingsville | 8 | |
| Third Team | |||
| Ja’Micah Polk | Angelo State | 7 | |
| Trent Phelps | DBU | 7 | |
| Butare Rugenerwa | West Texas A&M | 7 | |
| Dillen Littles | Angelo State | 7 | |
| Robert Wood | Texas A&M-Commerce | 7 | |
| Daniel Haymes | West Texas A&M | 7 | |
| Anterius Brown | Tarleton State | 6.25 | |
| Dean Wallace | Texas A&M-Kingsville | 6 | |
| Tyler Pickens | West Texas A&M | 6 | |
| Nicholas Ellisor | Angelo State | 6 | |
| Noah Metzger | DBU | 6 | |
| Lorenzo Johnson | West Texas A&M | 6 | |
| Ezekiel Vaughan | Angelo State | 6 | |
| Alan Palmer | Tarleton State | 6 | |
| Niles Obar | DBU | 6 | |
| Jaylen Tryon | Lubbock Christian | 6 | |
| William Calvert | Angelo State | 6 |
WOMEN’S ALL-CONFERENCE PERFORMERS
SPECIAL AWARDS
Outstanding Female Track Athlete (Wes Kittley Award): Eboni Coby, Texas A&M-Commerce
Outstanding Female Field Athlete (David Noble Award): Norma Cunigan, West Texas A&M
Women’s Track and Field Coach of the Year: Tom Dibbern, Angelo State
First Team
| First Team | |||
| Athlete | School | Points | Event winner |
| Kaitlyn Matthews | Angelo State | 25.25 | |
| Eboni Coby | Texas A&M-Commerce | 24 | 100 meters, 200 meters, 4×100 meter relay |
| Karlea Duhon | Angelo State | 22 | Heptathlon |
| Markaaisha Richardson | Texas A&M-Commerce | 22 | 100 hurdles, 4×100 meter relay |
| Norma Cunigan | West Texas A&M | 21 | Discus, Shot Put |
| Fatim Affessi | West Texas A&M | 20 | Long Jump, Triple Jump |
| Kandace Miles | Eastern New Mexico | 18.75 | |
| Tianna McKinney | West Texas A&M | 18.5 | 400 meters, 4×400 Relay |
| Jordan Nash | Angelo State | 17 | |
| Chelsea Cheek | Texas A&M-Commerce | 17 | |
| Mackenzie Clark | Texas A&M-Commerce | 16.5 | 4×100 meter relay |
| Daisy Osakue | Angelo State | 16 | |
| Minna Sveard | Texas A&M-Commerce | 16 | Pole Vault |
| Jazmin Hernandez | Angelo State | 16 | 5,000 meters |
| Amira Cunningham | Lubbock Christian | 16 | 3,000-steeplechase |
| Madison Thetford | West Texas A&M | 15.5 | 4×400 Relay |
| LaGae Brigance | Texas A&M-Kingsville | 14 | High Jump |
| Brandi Stalder | Texas A&M-Commerce | 13 | 10,000 meters |
| Faith Roberson | Angelo State | 13 | 400 hurdles |
| Shania Ford | Angelo State | 12 | 800 meters |
| Rachael Somoye | Texas A&M-Kingsville | 11 | Hammer Throw |
| Kayla Wilson | West Texas A&M | 10.5 | 4×400 Relay |
| Micaela Lamb | DBU | 10 | 1,500 meters |
| Talena Murray | Angelo State | 10 | Javelin |
| Nele Heinrich | West Texas A&M | 8.5 | 4×400 Relay |
| Ro’Nisha Simpson | Texas A&M-Commerce | 4 | 4×100 Relay |
| Second Team | |||
| Maijah Mathis | Eastern New Mexico | 13.75 | |
| Mercy Rotich | Eastern New Mexico | 13 | |
| Trenadey Scott | Angelo State | 13 | |
| Zada Swoopes | West Texas A&M | 11 | |
| Mia Van Oudsthoorn | Angelo State | 11 | |
| Raeana Mayo | Angelo State | 10 | |
| Cheyenne Williams | West Texas A&M | 10 | |
| Kayla Gilbert | Angelo State | 10 | |
| Ophelie De Oliveira | Angelo State | 10 | |
| Poro Gahekave | Lubbock Christian | 10 | |
| Kendra Mims | Texas A&M-Commerce | 9 | |
| Sara Ramos | Angelo State | 8 | |
| Kelly McCaskill | West Texas A&M | 8 | |
| Sophie Morrow | Texas A&M-Kingsville | 8 | |
| Analynne Klotz | DBU | 8 | |
| Tamara Susa | Texas A&M-Commerce | 8 |
Otto named First Team All-South Central Region, Schaefer is Second Team by NFCA.
LOUISVILLE, Ky.– The National Fastpitch Coaches Association named Texas A&M University-Commerce softball players Emily Otto and Madison Schaefer to the All-South Central Region teams. Otto was named First Team All-Region while Schaefer earned Second Team honors.
Otto– a sophomore from Richmond (Lamar Consolidated)– earns her second All-Region nod after being named the D2CCA South Central Region Pitcher of the Year. She became the first pitcher in program history to be honored with the Lone Star Conference Pitcher of the Year. Otto leads the South Central Region with 26 wins and also leads the region with 11 shutouts. She is holding hitters to a .190 average, has an ERA of 1.84 and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.7-to-1.
Otto set numerous single-season records, including wins, strikeouts, shutouts, and complete games and is a four-time Lone Star Conference Pitcher of the Week and a two-time National Pitcher of the Week. She is also a top-25 finalist for NFCA National Player of the Year.
Schaefer – a freshman from Frisco (Independence) – also earns the second All-Region award of her freshman season. Schaefer had an impressive debut season for the Lions, earning First Team All-LSC honors as well as the gold glove at third base. She is hitting .339 on the season with nine home runs, 38 runs scored, and 28 RBIs, while slugging .687. Also a force on defense, Schaefer has a .969 fielding percentage with 36 putouts and 58 assists and has helped turn four double plays.
Otto, Schaefer and the No. 7 Lions are the second seed in the NCAA South Central Region and will host a four-team double elimination tournament, which begins Thursday. They host third-seed Tarleton, sixth-seed Cameron, and seventh-seed Dixie State. The Lions will open up tournament play on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. against Dixie State. All tournament games will be at the John Cain Family Softball Field.
You can purchase tickets to the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament 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 of the field.
2019 NFCA ALL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION TEAMS
First Team
| Pos. | Name | School |
| Pitcher | Emily Otto | Texas A&M-Commerce |
| Pitcher | Saidi Castillo | Texas A&M-Kingsville |
| Catcher | Jessica Gonzalez | Dixie State |
| First Base | AnnMarie Torres | Colorado Mesa |
| Second Base | Khmari Edwards | Cameron |
| Third Base | Stephanie Day | Colorado Christian |
| Shortstop | Brenna Busby | Cameron |
| Outfield q | Courtney Barnhill | Angelo State |
| Outfield | Georgia Capell | Tarleton State |
| Outfield | Tanna Huie | Tarleton State |
| Designated Player | Kayla Eichler | Oklahoma Christian |
| Utility-Pitcher | Darby McGhee | Metro State |
| Utility-Non-Pitcher | Charlotte Romero | Colorado Christian |
Second Team
| Pos. | Name | School |
| Pitcher | Cambrie Hazel | Dixie State |
| Pitcher | Breanna Smith | Texas A&M-Kingsville |
| Catcher | Taegan Kirk | Angelo State |
| First Base | Kylee Moore | West Texas A&M |
| Second Base | Haleigh Hoefs | Chadron State |
| Third Base | Madison Schaefer | Texas A&M-Commerce |
| Shortstop | Anastasia Leibas | Texas A&M-Kingsville |
| Outfield | Hanna Farmer | Colorado Christian |
| Outfield | Ruby Salzman | West Texas A&M |
| Outfield | Brooke Doumer | Colorado Mesa |
| Utility-Pitcher | Staci Johns | St. Mary’s |
| Utility | Danelle Day | Rogers State |
Lions ranked No. 8 in NFCA poll heading into NCAA Tournament.·
LOUISVILLE, Ky.– The Texas A&M University-Commerce softball team is the eighth-ranked team in the country in this week’s National Fastpitch Coaches Association coaches poll. It is the sixth consecutive week the Lions are in the top 10 and their 26th successive poll as a nationally ranked team.
The Lions are coming off of a trip to the Lone Star Conference Tournament Championship game, their first appearance in the championship game in program history.
A&M-Commerce is one of four teams from the LSC in this week’s rankings. Texas A&M-Kingsville is ranked third, followed by A&M-Commerce in the eighth, West Texas A&M in 10th, and Tarleton in 19th.
The No. 8 Lions are the second seed in the South Central Region and will host half of the South Central Region tournament field. The Lions host No. 19 Tarleton as well as Cameron and Dixie State in a double-elimination tournament. The winner will advance to the Super Regional Tournament.
The Lions will face Dixie State on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. to begin tournament play. All games in the regional tournament will be at the John Cain Family Softball Field.
You can purchase tickets to the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament 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 of the field.
2019 NFCA Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll – May 8 (Week 12)
| Rank | School | Totals | 2019 Record | Previous Week |
| 1 | Central Oklahoma (15) | 399 | 45-5 | 1 |
| 2 | West Florida (1) | 385 | 47-8 | 2 |
| 3 | Texas A&M Kingsville | 369 | 43-8 | 3 |
| 4 | Florida Tech | 348 | 39-10 | 4 |
| 5 | North Georgia | 338 | 42-11 | 5 |
| 6 | Winona State | 307 | 50-7 | 6 |
| 7 | Grand Valley State | 302 | 44-8 | 8 |
| 8 | A&M-COMMERCE | 300 | 38-12 | 7 |
| 9 | Concordia Irvine | 269 | 44-6 | 10 |
| 10 | West Texas A&M | 250 | 31-13 | 9 |
| 11 | Colorado Mesa | 222 | 45-9 | 11 |
| 12 | Arkansas Tech | 215 | 44-13 | 14 |
| 13 | Indianapolis | 212 | 45-14 | 12 |
| 14 | UC San Diego | 181 | 31-14 | 13 |
| 15 | Augustana | 177 | 51-9 | 16 |
| 16 | UAH | 171 | 38-15 | 15 |
| 17 | Valdosta State | 130 | 35-16 | 18 |
| 18 | Southern Arkansas | 120 | 45-11 | 17 |
| 19 | Tarleton | 113 | 39-13 | 19 |
| 20 | Saint Anselm | 88 | 37-8 | 24 |
| 21 | Carson-Newman | 75 | 28-10 | 23 |
| 22 | Chico State | 62 | 29-15 | 21 |
| 23 | LIU Post | 52 | 46-10 | 20 |
| 24 | UMSL | 50 | 35-17 | RV |
| 25 | Mississippi College | 19 | 38-14 | 25 |
Lion women wrap up West Regional in 11th place to complete season.
AMARILLO – The Texas A&M University-Commerce women’s golf team wrapped up its first trip to the NCAA postseason on Wednesday, finishing in 11th place at the Division II West Regional at Amarillo Country Club.
Lightning on Tuesday forced most of the field to complete the second round on Wednesday morning. The Lions wrapped that round at 310, marking their best round of the tournament. The team then shot a 313 to complete the 54-hole event at 946 (323-310-313, +94).
“This week was a great learning experience, the girls definitely know what they need to do to come back stronger for next year because this is a team that can make the National Championship,” said Lion assistant coach Lauren Mason after the tournament’s completion. “For it being the first time ever that the women made a postseason appearance, I’d say that this season was a huge success, and a big step in the right direction, especially with all five being returners next season.”
Sarah Wongsinth (Udon Thani, Thailand) was the Lions top finisher at 235 (79-76-80, +22) to finish in 39th place on the individual leaderboard, carding four birdies throughout the tournament.
Paige-Lee Garris (West Palm Beach, Fla.) moved up to 41st on the individual leaderboard at 236 (82-77-77, +23) with the Lions’ low round in the third round.
Makena Thomas (San Antonio – Reagan) placed 47th at 237, Sophie-Charlott Hempel (Pirmasens, Germany) placed 49th at 238, and Lauren Bentley (League City – Clear Creek) came in 61st at 248.
The tournament marks the completion of the most successful season for the Lion women’s golf program, with top-five finishes in the first ten events of the year and a runner-up finish in the Lone Star Conference.
| Rank | Team | Scores | Total | Par | ||
| 1. | Dallas Baptist | 303 | 290 | 293 | 886 | +34 |
| 2. | West Texas A&M | 305 | 291 | 294 | 890 | +38 |
| 3. | Cal State San Marcos | 310 | 295 | 289 | 894 | +42 |
| 4. | Oklahoma Christian | 301 | 294 | 300 | 895 | +43 |
| 5. | Academy of Art | 305 | 300 | 294 | 899 | +47 |
| 6. | Simon Fraser | 309 | 300 | 301 | 910 | +58 |
| 7. | St. Mary’s | 316 | 304 | 302 | 922 | +70 |
| 8. | Sonoma State | 317 | 306 | 300 | 923 | +71 |
| 9. | St. Edward’s | 320 | 310 | 303 | 933 | +81 |
| 10. | Cal State Monterey Bay | 327 | 307 | 309 | 943 | +91 |
| 11. | A&M-COMMERCE | 323 | 310 | 313 | 946 | +94 |
| 12. | Colorado State-Pueblo | 326 | 311 | 315 | 952 | +100 |
| Tex. A&M-Commerce | 323 | 310 | 313 | 946 | +94 | 11th |
| Sarah Wongsinth | 79 | 76 | 80 | 235 | +22 | t-39th |
| Paige-Lee Garris | 82 | 77 | 77 | 236 | +23 | t-41st |
| Makena Thomas | 82 | 77 | 78 | 237 | +24 | t-47th |
| Sophie-Charlott Hempel | 80 | 80 | 78 | 238 | +25 | t-49th |
| Lauren Bentley | 84 | 82 | 82 | 248 | +35 | t-61st |
Otto named D2CCA South Central Pitcher of the Year, Schaefer named to Second Tea.
COMMERCE– Texas A&M University-Commerce pitcher Emily Otto has been named the Division II Conference Commissioner’s Association South Central Region Pitcher of the Year. Also, Otto was named First Team All-Region, and Madison Schaefer was named Second Team All-Region at third base.
The D2CCA All-Region awards, voted upon by the region’s sports information directors, were released Wednesday.
Otto becomes the first pitcher in program history to be named regional pitcher of the year and is also the first pitcher to earn All-Region status. It is the second year in a row the Lions have had a student-athlete receive a regional player of the year award.
Otto– a sophomore from Richmond (Lamar Consolidated)– became the first pitcher in program history to be named the Lone Star Conference Pitcher of the Year. She leads the South Central Region with 26 wins and also leads the region with 11 shutouts. She is holding hitters to a .190 average, has an ERA of 1.84 and a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.7-to-1.
Otto set numerous single-season records, including wins, strikeouts, shutouts, and complete games. She is a four-time Lone Star Conference Pitcher of the Week and a two-time National Pitcher of the Week. She is also a top-25 finalist for NFCA National Player of the Year and is now eligible for D2CCA National Pitcher of the Year and D2CCA All-America status.
Schaefer – a freshman from Frisco (Independence) – had an impressive debut season for the Lions, earning First Team All-LSC honors as well as the gold glove at third base. She is hitting .339 on the season with nine home runs, 38 runs scored, and 28 RBIs, while slugging .687. Also a force on defense, Schaefer has a .969 fielding percentage with 36 putouts and 58 assists and has helped turn four double plays.
Otto, Schaefer and the No. 7 Lions are the second seed in the NCAA South Central Region and will host a four-team double elimination tournament, which begins Thursday. They host third-seed Tarleton, sixth-seed Cameron, and seventh-seed Dixie State. The Lions will open up tournament play on Thursday at 5:30 p.m. against Dixie State. All tournament games will be played at the John Cain Family Softball Field.
Tickets to the NCAA South Central Regional Tournament can be purchased 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 of the field.
D2CCA 2019 ALL-SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Special Awards
Pitcher of the Year: Emily Otto, Texas A&M-Commerce
Player of the Year: AnnMarie Torres, Colorado Mesa
1st Team
Pitcher: Emily Otto, Texas A&M-Commerce
Pitcher: Andrea Morales, Rogers State
Pitcher: Jordan Withrow, Tarleton
Catcher: Danelle Day, Rogers State
1st Base: AnnMarie Torres, Colorado Mesa
2nd Base: Haleigh Hoefs, Chadron State
Shortstop: Brenna Busby, Cameron
3rd Base: Stephanie Day, Colorado Christian
Outfield: Georgia Capell, Tarleton
Outfield: Courtney Barnhill, Angelo State
Outfield: Tanna Huie, Tarleton
Utility: Kaila Jacobi, Colorado Mesa
Utility/Pitcher: Shayne Starkey, West Texas A&M
Designated Player: Alexa Samuels, Colorado Mesa
2nd Team
Pitcher: Breanna Smith, Texas A&M-Kingsville
Pitcher: Saidi Castillo, Texas A&M-Kingsville
Pitcher: Kimbri Herring, Colorado Mesa
Catcher: Jessica Gonzalez, Dixie State
1st Base: Kylee Moore, West Texas A&M
2nd Base: Khmari Edwards, Cameron
Shortstop: Kellie Mrofcza, Colorado Mesa
3rd Base: Madison Schaefer, Texas A&M-Commerce
Outfield: Ruby Salzman, West Texas A&M
Outfield: Brooke Doumer, Colorado Mesa
Outfield: Kendall Yasui, Colorado Christian
Utility: Alivia Villarreal, Lubbock Christian
Utility/Pitcher: Darby McGhee, MSU Denver
Designated Player: Kayla Eichler, Oklahoma Christian
Lightning halts Lion surge, as A&M-Commerce moves up to eighth at West Regional.
AMARILLO – The Texas A&M University-Commerce women’s golf team moved up two spots on the team leaderboard before lightning halted play in the latter stages of the second round of the NCAA Division II West Regional tournament at Amarillo Country Club on Tuesday.
The Lion contingent completed 12 to 15 holes of action before the second extended lightning delay of the day ended play. Players who did not complete rounds Tuesday will resume play at 9:00 am, then start their third round of action shortly after that. The top four teams and individuals not on those teams at the end of work Wednesday will qualify for the NCAA Division II National Championships tournament.
“I’m very happy with how the team played today. We were much more comfortable and relaxed, and it showed, and all of the players played better today,” said Lion head golf coach Matt Ward. “It’s unfortunate that we didn’t get to finish today as we were playing well enough to gain a couple of spots on the leaderboard. I hope it continues tomorrow as they finish round two and play round three Wednesday. I’m looking forward to seeing if they can continue the climb, and I’m confident that they can.”
Sarah Wongsinth (Udon Thani, Thailand) leads the Lions in 23rd place at +11 and is 3-over through 12 holes of action Tuesday, with a birdie on the fourth hole. Sophie-Charlott Hempel (Pirmasens, Germany) was also 3-over through 12 holes and is in 27th place at +12, with a birdie on the third hole of the day.
Paige-Lee Garris (West Palm Beach, Fla.) and Makena Thomas (San Antonio – Reagan) are tied for 37th at +25 and were 4-over for the day, and Lauren Bentley (League City – Clear Creek) is in 60th at +22.
| Rank | Team | 1st | 2nd | To Par |
| 1. | Oklahoma Christian | 301 | +9 | +26 |
| Dallas Baptist | 303 | +7 | +26 | |
| 3. | West Texas A&M | 305 | +8 | +29 |
| 4. | Cal State San Marcos | 310 | +11 | +37 |
| 5. | Academy of Art | 305 | +17 | +38 |
| Simon Fraser | 309 | +13 | +38 | |
| 7. | St. Mary’s | 316 | +15 | +47 |
| 8. | A&M-COMMERCE | 323 | +14 | +53 |
| 9. | Sonoma State | 317 | +21 | +54 |
| 10. | St. Edward’s | 320 | +24 | +60 |
| 11. | Cal State Monterey Bay | 327 | +22 | +65 |
| 11. | Colorado State-Pueblo | 326 | +27 | +69 |
| A&M-Commerce | ||
| Sarah Wongsinth | +11 | t-23rd |
| Sophie-Charlott Hempel | +12 | t-27th |
| Paige-Lee Garris | +15 | t-44th |
| Makena Thomas | +15 | t-44th |
| Lauren Bentley | +22 | 60th |
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
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Marcus Jensen
Director of Athletic Communications | Texas A&M University-Commerce
Office: 903.468.3027 | Mobile: 801.624.8529
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Committed to a “Best in Class” student-athlete experience.