Womens’ Lacrosse
byTyler Watkins 08
Staff Writer
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The Randolph-Macon Women’s lacrosse team is off to a great start in the ODAC this year with a 4-1 conference record. The Jackets got their first conference win with a close battle with Roanoke, and then blew Sweet Briar away to move to 2-0 in the conference.
The Jackets hit a small road bump at home against Buffalo State College. The Jackets were off to a great start leading after the first half 9-2. After the half, the Buffalo State Bengals took control scoring 10 unanswered goals that lead them to a win with a final score of 17-11.
The Jackets did not let that game get them down, as they came back strong with a dominating 18-9 win at Lynchburg. The Jackets offensive attack was led by Freshman Katie Green who had six goals and Senior leader Alex Wright who had four goals on the night. Defensively the Jackets were led by goalie Lindsay Schabert who saw 19 shots and had seven saves.
In a huge ODAC match-up that would determine home field advantage for the ODAC tournament, the Yellow Jackets played visiting Washington and Lee. The might of the visiting Generals proved to be too much for the Jackets, who lost in a hard fought battle 13-7. The Jackets were led in scoring by Lacy Phelps, who had two goals in the game. The Jackets also found some offensive help from Freshman Erin Clare Cassidy who posted one goal and two assists.
Bouncing back from this tough loss, the Jackets went on to play ODAC foe Bridgewater. The Jackets crushed Bridgewater 18-3, showing no mercy as they will hope to take this momentum into the final ODAC games and into the ODAC playoffs.
Come out and see the Jackets continue to dominate the ODAC as they face Guilford on Saturday, April 5 at 1:00 at home.
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Mens’ Lacrosse has Four Straight Wins
by Brendan Kerrigan ‘09
Sports Editor
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The Randolph-Macon men’s lacrosse team has won four straight games, including a victory as they began ODAC play. The men’s team now stands at 5-2 overall with a 1-0 record in conference play. We last left the Jackets as they defeated Catholic University by a score of 11-2. Looking to continue on their “hot” play, the Jackets hosted Curry College, from Milton, Massachusetts.
Hosting Curry on March 15, the Jackets played a physical and hard fought game, prevailing over the Colonials 7-5. The Jackets saw goals from senior Peter LaPaglia with 4, sophomore Billy Rowe with 2, and senior Paul Johnsen netting a sole goal. Senior attackman Tyler Watkins dished out 5 assists, while freshman attackman Zach Craft handed out a pair. Freshman face-off specialist John Ryan Sander controlled the center X going 11-15 in the draws. Freshman goalie Adam Liberto held strong in between the pipes totaling 8 saves. In the contest Rowe scooped up 5 ground balls, while Craft and senior defenseman Jason Dimarcantonio each picked up 4.
Next up for the Jackets were the Lions of the College of Mount St. Joseph, from Cincinnati, Ohio. The Jackets wasted no time in showing the Lions they were in for a long game as they jumped out 5-1 at the end of the first quarter, and 8-2 at halftime. The Jackets doubled their score in the second half, finishing the game with a 16-4 victory. Goals were scored by Watkins (4), Johnsen (4), Rowe (3), LaPaglia, Craft, Rich Wilkens, Chris Lamb, and Connor Barnes. Assists were dished out by Watkins with 4 (leaving him with an 8-point game), LaPaglia (2), Craft, Johnsen, Rowe and Wilkens. Splitting time at the face-off X, junior Casey Sheck went 7-17 on faceoffs after taking over for an injured Sander. In goal for the Jackets, freshman keeper Patrick Nugent kept the Lions quiet, while tallying 8 saves. Fellow freshman goalie Ray Wodarski closed out the game, totaling 3 saves.
On March 29, the Jackets traveled to Greensboro, North Carolina to play the Quakers of Guilford College for their first ODAC game of the 2008 season. On a cold night, the Jackets capped an exciting finish as Zach Craft netted a goal in overtime to help the Jackets take share of first place in the ODAC. The Jackets jumped off to a quick start, but the Quakers never let it get away from them, eventually taking the lead late in the game. With the Jackets up by a goal with under two-minutes left to play, they answered to tie the game as they found the net with 10 seconds left in regulation. In overtime, Sander won the face-off and the Jackets never relinquished possession as Craft found the opportunity for a time and room shot to beat the keeper high and secure a victory for the Jackets. Fellow freshman Connor Barnes had a breakout game for R-MC netting 3 goals in the contest. Other goals were scored by Johnsen (3), Rowe (2), and LaPaglia. Assists were handed out by Watkins (3), Craft and Wilkens. Sander went 13-23 at the face-off, while capping game and career high 8 ground balls. In goal, Liberto made stellar saves to keep the Jackets in the game, totaling 12 by end of the contest.
The Jackets are currently 1-0 in ODAC play and will look to continue that streak this Saturday as they travel down to Salem, Virginia to play the Maroons of Roanoke College.
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Tennis Stays Strong
by Ben Middleton
Staff Writer
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While most of us students were out enjoying our spring break, our men and woman tennis teams were out practicing and winning games. The men’s team is led by hard servers John Best (4-4) and Sam Varner (4-3), who was recently named ODAC player of the week by leading the Jackets to defeat Virginia Wesleyan. The Men’s Jackets are 2-6 overall and 1-4 in the ODAC, claiming 5-4 wins over both Virginia Wesleyan and Ferrum. The lady Jackets are 4-4 overall and 2-3 in the ODAC. Led by sophomore Windsor Tyler, also recently named ODAC player of the year, and junior Karren-Anne McEwen, they are 4-1 at home. The Lady Jackets have won recent matches over Ferrum, St. Mary’s, Lynchburg, and Guilford. Both men and women Yellow Jackets will travel down to Roanoke on April 4th for an ODAC conference match.
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Golf Clubs Blazing
by Tyler Watkins 08
Staff Writer
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The Randolph-Macon Golf Team started this season out with their clubs blazing, as they took second overall at the Marlin Invitational held at Virginia Beach National golf course. The team shot a 634 over the two day tournament which had them nipping at the heels of the eventual winner and regional rival, Christopher Newport University.
The team was led by Junior Ralston King who shot a combined two-day 155 (80-75) to finish in second place overall. Close behind King was Sophomore Jamie Webb who shot a 158 (80-78).
The Jackets then took a trip down south to play in the Jekyll Island Collegiate Invitational held in Jekyll Island, GA. The Jackets did not have as much success in this tournament as they had in their opening one, but the best teams in the nation were playing at Jekyll Island, so it gave them some great competition.
“Playing those teams can only make us a better,” said Senior Tim Wehner. “It is not an easy thing, but nothing great in life really is,” philosophized Wehner. The very next weekend, Randolph-Macon finished 11th in the Marine Corps Intercollegiate Invitational. The team was lead individually by Wehner and Michael Shrader who both tied for 24th and shot a 228.
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R-MC Baseball Wins 7, Loses 3
by Brendan Kerrigan ‘09
Sports Editor
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When we last left the Jackets they had just completed a sweep of Hampden Sydney College, improving their record to 8-7. Since then the Jackets have went 7-3 and are looking to continue that trend.
After H-SC, the Jackets took the diamond against Averett University. In this contest, the Jackets won a close game 4-3. Sophomore Matt Tiller started on the mound for R-MC and went seven complete innings, striking out one, and allowing one-earned run. Tiller was followed by Mike Gerdes and Kyle Hicks who helped him close out the game. In the contest, junior JC Conway belted a homerun, while junior Jeff Beck and sophomore Mike Wallace both hit doubles.
Next for the Jackets was the Maroons of Roanoke College. Playing a double-header, the Jackets were able to pull out victories in both contests to improve to 11-7. In the first game, R-MC beat the Maroons 11-4, which saw Charlie Hartt pitch 5.2 innings recording 3 strikeouts. Ellwood and Sheads closed out the deal, each recording a strikeout. The Jackets saw two players hit homeruns in the contest as Wallace and junior Bruno Gora each hit one over the fence. RBI’s were recorded by Conway (3) and Davis and Meleski each tallying 2. In the second game, a much closer contest, the Jackets prevailed under the stellar pitching of Byron Mendenhall, who went 7.0 innings. This game saw a homerun by Carpenter and two doubles hit by Davis and Conway. Four different Jackets, Meleski, Carpenter, Wallace and Conway, all recorded a pair of RBI’s.
On March 19, the Jackets played Eastern Mennonite and won a decisive game, 15-2. Kurt Breitmeyer led the Jackets on the mound going 5.0 innings, allowing one earned run, and striking out 4. Breitmeyer was followed by Craun, Harlow, and Simons respectively. This game saw Wallace record 4-RBI’s while also belting a homerun. Junior, Meleski also added to the hit parade by pounding out two doubles himself.
March 22 was a tough day for the Jackets as they traveled down to Lynchburg to play the Hornets in a double header. The Jackets suffered defeats in contests, 17-1 and 6-4 respectively. The first game saw Hartt on the mound but couldn’t find his groove. Simons relieved Hartt and pitched the remaining 6.1 innings. Not much offense was provided in this game as Carpenter notched the sole RBI, while sophomore Bryan Hannum hit a double. In the second game, a much closer one, Mendenhall went 7.1 innings and struck out 4. Ellwood, Sheads (L), and Hicks also saw time on the mound. In a more exciting offensive game for the Jackets, Meleski responded with a homerun and a double. Wallace also hit a double in the contest. Meleski and Wallace both accounted for all the RBI’s of the game.
Next for the Jackets was Tufts University. The Jackets lost a tough one to the Jumbos, increasing their losing skid to three games. Tiller started the game for the Jackets and was relieved by Harlow, who was credited with the loss. Leaders in RBI’s in this contest were recorded by sophomore James Moore with 3, and Cory Jackson with 2. Doubles were hit by Carpenter, Davis, and Hannum.
Looking to get back on the right track, R-MC once again took on Eastern Mennonite, this time on their field. Still a similar outcome emerged as the Jackets recorded a victory by a final score of 14-4. Tiller recorded the “W” as he went 6.0 strong innings without a run and 8 strikeouts. Hicks and Craun closed out the game for Tiller to secure the win. Team leaders in RBI’s were Conway (4), Carpenter (3), and Hartt (3). Two Jackets took the ball deep in the contest as Conway belted his fourth of the season, while Hartt hit his team leading fifth. Doubles were hit by Meleski and Carpenter in the trouncing.
The Jackets continued ODAC play by traveling to Bridgewater to play a double-header. The Jackets completed a two-game sweep of the Eagles, improving their record to 15-10, and 8-2 in the ODAC. In the first contest, Hartt pitched 7.0 innings, allowing only 3 runs and recording 3 strikeouts to lead the team to a 4-3 victory. Leading the team in RBI’s were Wallace with 2, and Hartt and Lichter each tallying one each. Two-baggers were recorded by Gora (2) and Hartt. Wallace put the Jackets on top of the Eagles in the top of the fifth as he homered with Gora on second. The Eagles were never able to come back from the deficit.
The second game saw somewhat of a similar outcome as the game was tied 5-5 and Wallace pounded out a grand slam in the top of the ninth to make the score 9-5. An insurance run was added as Conway crossed the plate on an errant throw. Mendenhall, who started the game on the mound, went 6.0 solid innings and recorded 5 strikeouts. Other insurance was offered by Carpenter who also hit a homerun in the contest. Team leaders in RBI’s of the game were Wallace with 4, and freshman Ryan Dickerson with 2.
The Jackets play Virginia Wesleyan on April 2 on Hugh Stephens Field, and then again on Saturday, April 5, as they take on Emory and Henry for a double-header in front of a home crowd.
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Sixteen Game Winning Streak for Softball
by Ben Middleton
Staff Writer
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It certainly has been an exciting spring season for the Yellow Jacket Softball team so far. Their record has increased to 17-4 overall, 2-2 in the ODAC. The winning streak extended as far as 16 straight, before two tough losses to Roanoke. When we last left the Lady Jackets, they had just swept Shenandoah and were looking to continue the streak to 10 against Randolph.
On March 15th, our softball team traveled to Randolph University and swept the Wildcats 15-5 and 8-0. In the first game, 3rd base Paige Smith led the Jackets with four runs and RBI’s. Katie Raulerson was in the circle with four strike outs. In the second game, RM-C held the Wildcat’s scoreless, with Courtney Brooks hurling in five strike outs. Smith again led with both 2 runs and RBI’s.
After the victories on the road, our Jackets came back home the following day to sweep Wesley College. The first game resulted with eight runs for the Jackets, two of them coming from Shannon Long. The score was close, with RM-C only up 3-2 at the bottom of the 5th, however our Jackets were able to produce another 5 runs to cap off the game. Christi Wise started off in the circle, only allowing 2 runs off three hits. Katie Raulerson finished out the game, allowing only 1 run and striking out six. In the second game, Becky Clark produced a no-hitter for the Jackets, winning 13-0. The highlight of the game was Katie McCauley smashed a grand slam in the 4th, to close out the game and produce her first collegiate hit.
On March 20th, our Lady Jackets hosted Mary Baldwin College, defeating them in both match-ups. The first game led to a Jacket 8-0 victory, five of those runs coming in the 2nd inning. Ashley Crouch drove home Megan Mauck with a triple. Smith and Brooke Snyder each provided RBI singles and Carrie Barchick capped off the inning with a run. Courtney Brooks won the game with four strike outs, improving her record to 6-1. In the second game, our Jackets produced 17 runs and RBI’s. Brooke Snyder started off the game with a grand slam in the first, she also had four runs and 7 RBI’s. Christi Wise closed off the match 17-4, having only 3 hits against her.
RM-C continued the streak to 16 straight wins, after hosting Maine-Presque Island on the 29th. The first game saw the Jackets victorious 8-0, six of those runs being first at bat. After going up 1-0, Ashley Crouch doubled home Smith and Snyder while Mauck singled Crouch and Newton scored a double to plate in Mauck. Christi Wise got the win for RM-C, hurling in 3 strike outs and improving her record to 3-1. In the second game Raulerson, Clark, and Brooks split the 13-1 win. The highlight of the game was Smith blasting a home run in the third inning.
On March 30th, RM-C hosted fellow ODAC contender Roanoke. The streak ended with a sweep for the Maroons, however it was a hard-fought battle. The first game Morgan Greene scored the only run of the game in the 1st. Raulerson and Clark split the innings, each giving up 3 runs. The second game was closer, as our lady Jackets were defeated only 9-12. Shannon Long led hitting, with 2 runs and three RBI’s respectfully. Brooks and Wiser split the game up, with Wise striking out six.
The next game for our Lady Jackets is on April 5th at home against Lynchburg at 1:30. Come out and support our Jackets!
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