By Chelsea Stockdale
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian Eagles head off to the 2A 5-North District Baseball Tournament this weekend at Poyen as the No. 1 seed.
The tournament begins Thursday, and the Eagles (17-6, 5-0) await the winner of the game between the fourth and fifth seeds, Abundant Life and England, in Saturday's semifinals.
WIth the top seed, CCS earned a bye to the semis and an automatic berth in next week's regional.
“We want to keep up the momentum,” CCS coach Shane Davis said. “We are in survive-and-advance mode right now.”
The Eagles took the district title after going through conference play unbeaten.
“We know Abundant Life is good offensively and they’re a team that does not quit,” Davis said. “If they win on Friday, which they should, they’ll have momentum going into the game on Saturday.”
The Eagles were scheduled to play last week in non-conference play; however, all their games were cancelled due to rain.
“It’ll have been 11 days since we’ve played, so we’re just hoping to get some good practice in on Thursday and Friday to get set for Saturday’s game,” Davis said.
Conway Christian’s first game in the tournament will be Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
CHS softball rained out again
By Zach Hayes
UCA sportswriting
The Conway softball game with Cabot set for Monday was postponed because of weather.
That game had originally been scheduled for last Thursday at Cabot but was washed out then as well. No make-up date has been set.
CHS is scheduled to travel to North Little Rock today
UCA sportswriting
The Conway softball game with Cabot set for Monday was postponed because of weather.
That game had originally been scheduled for last Thursday at Cabot but was washed out then as well. No make-up date has been set.
CHS is scheduled to travel to North Little Rock today
Monday, April 25, 2011
Lady Eagle soccer team knocks off Mountain View
By Katie Davis
UCA sportswriting
It was another victory for the Conway Christian soccer Lady Eagles (4-2) Thursday against Mountain View, 6-1.
This win moves the Lady Eagles one win away from qualifying for a state tournament berth.
Sumerlin Criswell and Caysie Williams led the scoring with two goals each, followed by Anna Cain and Christina DenHartog with one apiece.
“We have come a long way this season, and we just have some really great athletes," Conway Christian coach Ancil Lea said. "This season we have some of the best athletes we have ever had. I’m really proud of the effort they put forth.
“One of the things remarkable is that we only have 12 girls, so we only have one sub. Most of them play the entire game. I have never had such a small team, but they have the most heart. We are going to make state with just 12 girls.”
The Lady Eagles will play again Thursday, May 5 against St. Joseph.
UCA sportswriting
It was another victory for the Conway Christian soccer Lady Eagles (4-2) Thursday against Mountain View, 6-1.
This win moves the Lady Eagles one win away from qualifying for a state tournament berth.
Sumerlin Criswell and Caysie Williams led the scoring with two goals each, followed by Anna Cain and Christina DenHartog with one apiece.
“We have come a long way this season, and we just have some really great athletes," Conway Christian coach Ancil Lea said. "This season we have some of the best athletes we have ever had. I’m really proud of the effort they put forth.
“One of the things remarkable is that we only have 12 girls, so we only have one sub. Most of them play the entire game. I have never had such a small team, but they have the most heart. We are going to make state with just 12 girls.”
The Lady Eagles will play again Thursday, May 5 against St. Joseph.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Wampus Cat soccer team beats Cabot
By Zach Hayes
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Wampus Cats traveled to Cabot on Thursday and got a dramatic 7A-Central victory over the Panthers, 5-3.
The Panthers struck first in the 23rd minute to take a 1-0 lead, but the Wampus Cats responded with a penalty kick, due to a hand ball in the box, in the 30th minute by Sam Codemo to tie the score, 1-1.
In the 47th minute, Cabot was awarded a PK, which they successfully completed to one-up the Wampus Cats 2-1. In the 73rd minute, Garrett Todd, off an assist from Logan Hampton, scored to even things, 2-2. The game ended with a tie and immediately went to PKs to decide the outcome.
That’s where things got interesting.
Each team is awarded five kicks, the winner being the team that makes the most out of the five. The Panthers netted their first kick and Conway followed with a miss.
Conway goal keeper Cody Brooks impressively blocked two of the Panthers' next shots, and a third sailed high. Conway would go on to hit three of its next four with shots by Garrett Todd, Denis Kalinin and Stuart Ripely to ice the game.
Wampus Cat coach Robert Irons praised Brooks for his tremendous effort.
“Usually if your keeper can make one of the PK saves, it puts you in a really good position," he said. "For Cody to make two out of the five was huge.”
Irons said he couldn't be happier with his team overall in recent play.
“As a team this our third or fourth game we’ve taken up individual pieces and really started playing together as team, and as a coach I commend them for that," he said. "The seniors on the team, especially Sam Codemo and Stuart Ripley, have really stepped up. (Codemo) has really improved, and his leadership has grown steadily.”
Conway improved its conference record to 4-4 and is riding a three-game win streak. Overall, the Wampus Cats are 5-8 for the year.
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Wampus Cats traveled to Cabot on Thursday and got a dramatic 7A-Central victory over the Panthers, 5-3.
The Panthers struck first in the 23rd minute to take a 1-0 lead, but the Wampus Cats responded with a penalty kick, due to a hand ball in the box, in the 30th minute by Sam Codemo to tie the score, 1-1.
In the 47th minute, Cabot was awarded a PK, which they successfully completed to one-up the Wampus Cats 2-1. In the 73rd minute, Garrett Todd, off an assist from Logan Hampton, scored to even things, 2-2. The game ended with a tie and immediately went to PKs to decide the outcome.
That’s where things got interesting.
Each team is awarded five kicks, the winner being the team that makes the most out of the five. The Panthers netted their first kick and Conway followed with a miss.
Conway goal keeper Cody Brooks impressively blocked two of the Panthers' next shots, and a third sailed high. Conway would go on to hit three of its next four with shots by Garrett Todd, Denis Kalinin and Stuart Ripely to ice the game.
Wampus Cat coach Robert Irons praised Brooks for his tremendous effort.
“Usually if your keeper can make one of the PK saves, it puts you in a really good position," he said. "For Cody to make two out of the five was huge.”
Irons said he couldn't be happier with his team overall in recent play.
“As a team this our third or fourth game we’ve taken up individual pieces and really started playing together as team, and as a coach I commend them for that," he said. "The seniors on the team, especially Sam Codemo and Stuart Ripley, have really stepped up. (Codemo) has really improved, and his leadership has grown steadily.”
Conway improved its conference record to 4-4 and is riding a three-game win streak. Overall, the Wampus Cats are 5-8 for the year.
Lady Cat soccer moves to 14-0
By Zach Hayes
UCA sportswriting
The Conway High Lady Cats remained undefeated on the year after Thursday night's 4-0 7A-Central victory against Cabot.
Weather was once again a factor as the Lady Cats played in the rain, but they showed no signs of that holding them back. Four Lady Cats scored goals on their way to their second 4-0 victory of the week. The Lady Cats improved to 14-0 overall and 9-0 in conference, wrapping up an impressive week of soccer.
The first goal was scored by forward Ashley Johnson on a “brilliant shot that had great power,” as described by CHS coach Whitney Allison. The first half ended at 1-0, and the game was almost called due to lightning strikes, but it was allowed to continue after they passed.
CHS came out of the break with even more momentum in the last half with goals by Brooke Ballard, Kara Blackwell and Kayleigh Little. Ballard contributed an impressive goal with good teamwork between herself and Johnson.
“Blackwell volleyed hers right over the keeper's head," Allison said. "It was awesome.”
Little punched hers through the keeper’s legs, making every goal scored by the Lady Cats unique.
Johnson had a great game contributing her goal and the assist on Ballard’s.
“She scores goals for us but she also does a lot of work off the ball as well and that what it takes to be a great forward,” Allison said.
Julia Pettit and Sydney Meyer contributed throughout the game with give-and-goes and moving the ball up the field, helping the Lady Cats get on the attack.
“It was a great team effort," Allison said. "We’ll finish the week up, get a nice light practice tomorrow, get rest this weekend and we’ll be ready to go next Tuesday against North Little Rock.”
UCA sportswriting
The Conway High Lady Cats remained undefeated on the year after Thursday night's 4-0 7A-Central victory against Cabot.
Weather was once again a factor as the Lady Cats played in the rain, but they showed no signs of that holding them back. Four Lady Cats scored goals on their way to their second 4-0 victory of the week. The Lady Cats improved to 14-0 overall and 9-0 in conference, wrapping up an impressive week of soccer.
The first goal was scored by forward Ashley Johnson on a “brilliant shot that had great power,” as described by CHS coach Whitney Allison. The first half ended at 1-0, and the game was almost called due to lightning strikes, but it was allowed to continue after they passed.
CHS came out of the break with even more momentum in the last half with goals by Brooke Ballard, Kara Blackwell and Kayleigh Little. Ballard contributed an impressive goal with good teamwork between herself and Johnson.
“Blackwell volleyed hers right over the keeper's head," Allison said. "It was awesome.”
Little punched hers through the keeper’s legs, making every goal scored by the Lady Cats unique.
Johnson had a great game contributing her goal and the assist on Ballard’s.
“She scores goals for us but she also does a lot of work off the ball as well and that what it takes to be a great forward,” Allison said.
Julia Pettit and Sydney Meyer contributed throughout the game with give-and-goes and moving the ball up the field, helping the Lady Cats get on the attack.
“It was a great team effort," Allison said. "We’ll finish the week up, get a nice light practice tomorrow, get rest this weekend and we’ll be ready to go next Tuesday against North Little Rock.”
CHS-Central baseball postponed
By Hunter Brooks
UCA sportswriting
Because of the inclement weather, Conway's baseball doubleheader scheduled for Thursday against 7A-Central rival Little Rock Central has been rescheduled for Friday in Little Rock.
UCA sportswriting
Because of the inclement weather, Conway's baseball doubleheader scheduled for Thursday against 7A-Central rival Little Rock Central has been rescheduled for Friday in Little Rock.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Wampus Cat soccer rained out again
By Zach Hayes
UCA sportswriting
Because of weather threats, the Conway Wampus Cat soccer game against Little Rock Catholic was called Wednesday night, and rescheduled for Thursday and then cancelled again.
The game was to be picked up from where it left off Wednesday evening, with 19 minutes remaining in the first half, but again because of possible severe weather, it was cancelled.
The score was 0-0 when the action was stopped. No makeup date has been set.
UCA sportswriting
Because of weather threats, the Conway Wampus Cat soccer game against Little Rock Catholic was called Wednesday night, and rescheduled for Thursday and then cancelled again.
The game was to be picked up from where it left off Wednesday evening, with 19 minutes remaining in the first half, but again because of possible severe weather, it was cancelled.
The score was 0-0 when the action was stopped. No makeup date has been set.
Weather halts St. Joe-Episcopal soccer
By Clark Johnson
UCA sportswriting
Tuesday's storms kept the St. Joseph Bulldogs from cashing in their 1-0 advantage against Episcopal Collegiate.
The Bulldogs claimed a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute at Centennial Park in Conway, but the game was called later because of inclement weather. St. Joseph coach Kevin Rittman said the game wouldn't be made up because conference games take precedence over non-conference games. The game also won’t count toward the team’s record.
The Bulldogs (7-2, 4-1) controlled the pace of the game early in the first half, tallying five shots on goal before one found its way to the back of the net. In the 16th minute, sophomore Drew Hambuchen sent the ball past the Episcopal Collegiate keeper. Following a cross into the goal box, numerous Bulldogs tried to claim the ball in a trench fight for possession, but Hambuchen came up with it and gave St. Joseph the early lead.
During the first half, St. Joseph dominated possession as the Wildcats barely took the ball on St. Joseph’s side of the field.
Rittman said the Wildcats were just looking to keep the ball out of harm’s way.
“It was a game of kickball,” he said.
St. Joseph will look to get a full game in when it takes on Conway Christian on Tuesday at Centennial Park.
UCA sportswriting
Tuesday's storms kept the St. Joseph Bulldogs from cashing in their 1-0 advantage against Episcopal Collegiate.
The Bulldogs claimed a 1-0 lead in the 16th minute at Centennial Park in Conway, but the game was called later because of inclement weather. St. Joseph coach Kevin Rittman said the game wouldn't be made up because conference games take precedence over non-conference games. The game also won’t count toward the team’s record.
The Bulldogs (7-2, 4-1) controlled the pace of the game early in the first half, tallying five shots on goal before one found its way to the back of the net. In the 16th minute, sophomore Drew Hambuchen sent the ball past the Episcopal Collegiate keeper. Following a cross into the goal box, numerous Bulldogs tried to claim the ball in a trench fight for possession, but Hambuchen came up with it and gave St. Joseph the early lead.
During the first half, St. Joseph dominated possession as the Wildcats barely took the ball on St. Joseph’s side of the field.
Rittman said the Wildcats were just looking to keep the ball out of harm’s way.
“It was a game of kickball,” he said.
St. Joseph will look to get a full game in when it takes on Conway Christian on Tuesday at Centennial Park.
Lady Bulldogs manage draw against Episcopal
By Clark Johnson
UCA sportswriting
After a bizarre goal on the opening kickoff, the St. Joseph Lady Bulldogs clawed back to claim a 1-1 draw against Episcopal Collegiate Tuesday at Centennial Park in Conway in a 4A-North conference match.
St. Joseph (7-2-1, 4-1-1) opened the game defending the north goal. With winds exceeding 20 mph blowing south, the Lady Wildcats took advantage of their favorable position. On the kickoff, junior Hayden Knabe received the mandatory initial pass, then sent a shot from beyond midfield to Lady Bulldog’s senior goalkeeper Taylor Ross. The lob-shot took an awkward bounce, springing just over Ross’ extended hands to give Episcopal Collegiate a 1-0 lead with only four seconds gone in the game.
Lady Bulldogs coach Kevin Rittman didn’t find the goal too bizarre.
“It’s a typical strategy when the wind is over 20 mph,” Rittman said. “If the keeper mishandles it, the ball goes in. She (Ross) just misjudged it.”
Both teams had scoring chances following the opening goal. In the fourth minute, Lady Bulldogs sophomore Brooke Rittman received a well-placed pass near midfield, resulting in a fast break with a sole defender to beat. Rittman beat her defender, but her final dribble came too close to the Episcopal Collegiate goalkeeper as the ball was snagged from Rittman’s feet.
In the 25th minute, the Lady Bulldogs almost went two goals down from a similar shot to the opening goal. After a St. Joseph player fouled a Lady Wildcat, Episcopal Collegiate was awarded a free kick from 30 yards out. Knabe stepped up to take the kick, but this time, the bounce wasn’t as friendly as it sailed just over the crossbar. St. Joseph saw no more chances as the first half ended, 1-0.
St. Joseph equalized just ten minutes into the second half. On a cross from junior Taylor Rittman, junior Jennifer Hegeman tucked the ball into the bottom left corner of the net to give the Lady Bulldogs their only goal of the game. A few goal-scoring chances came for Episcopal Collegiate, but nothing was produced, ending the game 1-1.
The Lady Wildcats ended the game with eight shots on goal compared to St. Joseph’s two. The Lady Bulldogs committed four fouls compared to Episcopal Collegiate’s one. St. Joseph took six corner kicks in the game.
Kevin Rittman praised his team’s defensive effort.
“We defended really well,” he said. “We played with four backs, and they did a great job in the first half. (Episcopal) only had a few opportunities in the first. Playing against the wind, we did a great job.”
The two shots for the Lady Bulldogs gave little opportunity for chances to claim a win, Rittman said.
“We did OK," he said. "We talked about keeping possession of the ball. We had some poor moments when we got into playing kickball. I was happy; we had a good effort. Episcopal is a great team and we went toe to toe with them.”
St. Joseph will look to claim a victory when it takes on in-town rival Conway Christian on Tuesday at Centennial Field.
UCA sportswriting
After a bizarre goal on the opening kickoff, the St. Joseph Lady Bulldogs clawed back to claim a 1-1 draw against Episcopal Collegiate Tuesday at Centennial Park in Conway in a 4A-North conference match.
St. Joseph (7-2-1, 4-1-1) opened the game defending the north goal. With winds exceeding 20 mph blowing south, the Lady Wildcats took advantage of their favorable position. On the kickoff, junior Hayden Knabe received the mandatory initial pass, then sent a shot from beyond midfield to Lady Bulldog’s senior goalkeeper Taylor Ross. The lob-shot took an awkward bounce, springing just over Ross’ extended hands to give Episcopal Collegiate a 1-0 lead with only four seconds gone in the game.
Lady Bulldogs coach Kevin Rittman didn’t find the goal too bizarre.
“It’s a typical strategy when the wind is over 20 mph,” Rittman said. “If the keeper mishandles it, the ball goes in. She (Ross) just misjudged it.”
Both teams had scoring chances following the opening goal. In the fourth minute, Lady Bulldogs sophomore Brooke Rittman received a well-placed pass near midfield, resulting in a fast break with a sole defender to beat. Rittman beat her defender, but her final dribble came too close to the Episcopal Collegiate goalkeeper as the ball was snagged from Rittman’s feet.
In the 25th minute, the Lady Bulldogs almost went two goals down from a similar shot to the opening goal. After a St. Joseph player fouled a Lady Wildcat, Episcopal Collegiate was awarded a free kick from 30 yards out. Knabe stepped up to take the kick, but this time, the bounce wasn’t as friendly as it sailed just over the crossbar. St. Joseph saw no more chances as the first half ended, 1-0.
St. Joseph equalized just ten minutes into the second half. On a cross from junior Taylor Rittman, junior Jennifer Hegeman tucked the ball into the bottom left corner of the net to give the Lady Bulldogs their only goal of the game. A few goal-scoring chances came for Episcopal Collegiate, but nothing was produced, ending the game 1-1.
The Lady Wildcats ended the game with eight shots on goal compared to St. Joseph’s two. The Lady Bulldogs committed four fouls compared to Episcopal Collegiate’s one. St. Joseph took six corner kicks in the game.
Kevin Rittman praised his team’s defensive effort.
“We defended really well,” he said. “We played with four backs, and they did a great job in the first half. (Episcopal) only had a few opportunities in the first. Playing against the wind, we did a great job.”
The two shots for the Lady Bulldogs gave little opportunity for chances to claim a win, Rittman said.
“We did OK," he said. "We talked about keeping possession of the ball. We had some poor moments when we got into playing kickball. I was happy; we had a good effort. Episcopal is a great team and we went toe to toe with them.”
St. Joseph will look to claim a victory when it takes on in-town rival Conway Christian on Tuesday at Centennial Field.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Baseball Eagles clinch conference title
By Chelsea Stockdale
UCA sportswriting
Conway Christian continued its 10-game winning streak Tuesday with a 14-2 victory over host England to clinch the 2A 5-North conference championship.
The Eagles (17-6, 5-0) took home the win in the sixth inning after the game was called because of the sportsmanship rule.
Offensively, CCS dominated at home plate getting 15 hits. Going into the fifth inning leading 5-2, they continued to gain momentum, scoring two runs in the fifth followed by seven more in the sixth to close out the game.
“We busted it in late there in the sixth," CCS coach Shane Davis said.
Senior Lance Nail held strong on the mound, striking out nine and allowing two runs in the complete game. He was also 2-for-5 at the plate with three RBIs.
Junior Jake Fitts was on fire, going 3-for-4 at bat with two home runs and four RBIs. Senior Kirby Powell was 2-for-4 and scored three runs, while senior Jackson Hogue was 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs. Junior Jacob Callaway was 2-for-5 and also had two RBIs. Senior Ezra Wiley recorded two hits.
The Eagles clinched the conference title with one more conference game next Monday before the district tournament begins on Thursday.
“We’re peaking at the right time," Davis said. "We look to keep it going into the post-season. We’re hot right now; we just have to work on staying hot, and we’re just trying to preach to the kids to be happy but stay hungry."
The Eagles will host play host to Wonderview in non-conference play on Thursday at 4 p.m.
UCA sportswriting
Conway Christian continued its 10-game winning streak Tuesday with a 14-2 victory over host England to clinch the 2A 5-North conference championship.
The Eagles (17-6, 5-0) took home the win in the sixth inning after the game was called because of the sportsmanship rule.
Offensively, CCS dominated at home plate getting 15 hits. Going into the fifth inning leading 5-2, they continued to gain momentum, scoring two runs in the fifth followed by seven more in the sixth to close out the game.
“We busted it in late there in the sixth," CCS coach Shane Davis said.
Senior Lance Nail held strong on the mound, striking out nine and allowing two runs in the complete game. He was also 2-for-5 at the plate with three RBIs.
Junior Jake Fitts was on fire, going 3-for-4 at bat with two home runs and four RBIs. Senior Kirby Powell was 2-for-4 and scored three runs, while senior Jackson Hogue was 3-for-4 with a pair of RBIs. Junior Jacob Callaway was 2-for-5 and also had two RBIs. Senior Ezra Wiley recorded two hits.
The Eagles clinched the conference title with one more conference game next Monday before the district tournament begins on Thursday.
“We’re peaking at the right time," Davis said. "We look to keep it going into the post-season. We’re hot right now; we just have to work on staying hot, and we’re just trying to preach to the kids to be happy but stay hungry."
The Eagles will host play host to Wonderview in non-conference play on Thursday at 4 p.m.
CHS softball blasts MSM
By Zach Hayes and Zack O'Neal
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Lady Cats got another 7A-Central conference win at home last night against Mount St. Mary in a 12-2 shortened six-inning game.
The run-rule victory moves the Lady Cats to even in the conference at 4-4 and 6-14 overall. They’re now just one conference win away from clinching the third spot in the standings, CHS coach Chad Longing said. It was their second win over MSM after a 6-5 victory earlier in the season.
The Lady Cats took advantage of the Belles' pitching struggles by scoring four runs in the first inning and six in the fourth and closed the game in the sixth with two runs. Through five innings, 18 Lady Cats reached base off walks and one reached on a hit batsman. They had totaled just two hits before ending the game in the sixth, one by Morgan Setzler in the first and one by Hannah Cooper in the fourth. Cooper was also the winning pitcher for the Lady Cats.
“They struggled with control,” Longing said “And we really benefited from that early. A lot of times when the other team is not in the zone, it’s hard to dig in there and really have a feel at the plate. So we hung in there, did what we could do offensively, great pitching from Hannah Cooper. She just sticks it in there and let her defense work. That’s exactly what our game plan is.”
Longing praised Cooper’s performance.
"She’s really stepped up and said she wants the ball in her hands,” he said.
Lady Cat Cheyenne Kuhn also praised the pitching.
"That's where we’ve really been struggling” she said.
After being down 4-0 through three innings, the Belles fought their way back in the third, scoring two runs by Annie Quick and Cheyanne Harper to cut into the lead. The Lady Cats responded by batting around in the next inning and scoring six runs, earning half of them.
Brooks started the Lady Cat inning with a walk. After a fly-out, first baseman Taylor Kuhn also walked. Cooper managed to load the bases on an error by the shortstop. Two more walks led to another two runs for the Lady Cats. Center fielder Jordan Yandell batted in two runs with a line drive to right field.
With two runners remaining on base, Belles walked two more batters, giving the Lady Cats another run.
At Brooks’ second at-bat of the inning, the Belles made a pitcher change back to pitcher Nicki Sanders, their starter. Brooks drove in the last run of the inning as she was thrown out from her hit.
“With this wind blowing today, we hit several fly balls that might have had the chance to leave the yard if the wind wasn’t blowing too hard, but perfect,” Longing said. “It worked out for fly balls and we come away with a big win.”
The Belles outnumbered the Lady Cats in hits, 3-2. Brooks and Yandell split the hits.
“I think our hitting was better in the last game,” Cooper said. “We could’ve approached the plate better this game, but we still got it done. I think if we stay calm, we would handle it better,” Cooper said. “I think it’s mainly nerves because want to strive to be no errors and stuff, but I think we did good anyway.”
CHS loaded the bases through the first five innings, helping achieve that run total. The Lady Cats were unable to capitalize in every situation, however, leaving runners stranded in every inning, including the second, third and fifth innings when they left them loaded.
Longing said he was glad to get the victory but added, “It’s been a tough year besides wins and losses.”
With this conference victory, the Lady Cats are now 6-14 and 4-4 in the 7A Central conference. They play in Cabot Thursday.
What would it take for the Lady Cats to advance to the Class 7A State Tournament?
"Just hit, have good pitching and make sure our defense is there," Kuhn said.
MSM 002 000 – 2 3 2
CHS 400 602 – 12 2 1
Sanders, Quick (1), Sanders (4) and Harper; Cooper and Gould.
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Lady Cats got another 7A-Central conference win at home last night against Mount St. Mary in a 12-2 shortened six-inning game.
The run-rule victory moves the Lady Cats to even in the conference at 4-4 and 6-14 overall. They’re now just one conference win away from clinching the third spot in the standings, CHS coach Chad Longing said. It was their second win over MSM after a 6-5 victory earlier in the season.
The Lady Cats took advantage of the Belles' pitching struggles by scoring four runs in the first inning and six in the fourth and closed the game in the sixth with two runs. Through five innings, 18 Lady Cats reached base off walks and one reached on a hit batsman. They had totaled just two hits before ending the game in the sixth, one by Morgan Setzler in the first and one by Hannah Cooper in the fourth. Cooper was also the winning pitcher for the Lady Cats.
“They struggled with control,” Longing said “And we really benefited from that early. A lot of times when the other team is not in the zone, it’s hard to dig in there and really have a feel at the plate. So we hung in there, did what we could do offensively, great pitching from Hannah Cooper. She just sticks it in there and let her defense work. That’s exactly what our game plan is.”
Longing praised Cooper’s performance.
"She’s really stepped up and said she wants the ball in her hands,” he said.
Lady Cat Cheyenne Kuhn also praised the pitching.
"That's where we’ve really been struggling” she said.
After being down 4-0 through three innings, the Belles fought their way back in the third, scoring two runs by Annie Quick and Cheyanne Harper to cut into the lead. The Lady Cats responded by batting around in the next inning and scoring six runs, earning half of them.
Brooks started the Lady Cat inning with a walk. After a fly-out, first baseman Taylor Kuhn also walked. Cooper managed to load the bases on an error by the shortstop. Two more walks led to another two runs for the Lady Cats. Center fielder Jordan Yandell batted in two runs with a line drive to right field.
With two runners remaining on base, Belles walked two more batters, giving the Lady Cats another run.
At Brooks’ second at-bat of the inning, the Belles made a pitcher change back to pitcher Nicki Sanders, their starter. Brooks drove in the last run of the inning as she was thrown out from her hit.
“With this wind blowing today, we hit several fly balls that might have had the chance to leave the yard if the wind wasn’t blowing too hard, but perfect,” Longing said. “It worked out for fly balls and we come away with a big win.”
The Belles outnumbered the Lady Cats in hits, 3-2. Brooks and Yandell split the hits.
“I think our hitting was better in the last game,” Cooper said. “We could’ve approached the plate better this game, but we still got it done. I think if we stay calm, we would handle it better,” Cooper said. “I think it’s mainly nerves because want to strive to be no errors and stuff, but I think we did good anyway.”
CHS loaded the bases through the first five innings, helping achieve that run total. The Lady Cats were unable to capitalize in every situation, however, leaving runners stranded in every inning, including the second, third and fifth innings when they left them loaded.
Longing said he was glad to get the victory but added, “It’s been a tough year besides wins and losses.”
With this conference victory, the Lady Cats are now 6-14 and 4-4 in the 7A Central conference. They play in Cabot Thursday.
What would it take for the Lady Cats to advance to the Class 7A State Tournament?
"Just hit, have good pitching and make sure our defense is there," Kuhn said.
MSM 002 000 – 2 3 2
CHS 400 602 – 12 2 1
Sanders, Quick (1), Sanders (4) and Harper; Cooper and Gould.
Soccer Bulldogs beat Mountain View
By Clark Johnson
UCA sportswriting
After scoring all six of their goals in the first 18 minutes, the St. Joseph Bulldogs topped the Mountain View Yellowjackets in a non-conference game Thursday at Centennial Field in Conway.
The Bulldogs (7-2, 4-1) wasted no time showing the first-year program from Mountain View they were planning to attack. Led by junior forward Harrison Hambuchen’s two goals, the Bulldogs put Mountain View down early in the game.
St. Joseph coach Kevin Rittman said his team’s midfield play helped create chances for goals.
“The middle of the field was dominated by Will Moix and Drew Hambuchen, mainly with pinpoint passing and movement,” Rittman said.
St. Joseph’s defending also proved too much for the Yellowjackets, as the Bulldog shutout also included no shots on goal from Mountain View.
In addition to Harrison Hambuchen’s goals, seniors Grant Smith and Ryan Lawrence claimed one each. Sophomores Drew Hambuchen and Jake Thielke also tallied goals for the Bulldogs. The second half was reduced from the standard 30 minutes to 20 because of the sportsmanship rule.
The Lady Bulldogs also claimed a 6-0 over the Lady Yellowjackets at Centennial Field.
The St. Joseph teams take on Episcopal Collegiate on Tuesday at Centennial Field.
UCA sportswriting
After scoring all six of their goals in the first 18 minutes, the St. Joseph Bulldogs topped the Mountain View Yellowjackets in a non-conference game Thursday at Centennial Field in Conway.
The Bulldogs (7-2, 4-1) wasted no time showing the first-year program from Mountain View they were planning to attack. Led by junior forward Harrison Hambuchen’s two goals, the Bulldogs put Mountain View down early in the game.
St. Joseph coach Kevin Rittman said his team’s midfield play helped create chances for goals.
“The middle of the field was dominated by Will Moix and Drew Hambuchen, mainly with pinpoint passing and movement,” Rittman said.
St. Joseph’s defending also proved too much for the Yellowjackets, as the Bulldog shutout also included no shots on goal from Mountain View.
In addition to Harrison Hambuchen’s goals, seniors Grant Smith and Ryan Lawrence claimed one each. Sophomores Drew Hambuchen and Jake Thielke also tallied goals for the Bulldogs. The second half was reduced from the standard 30 minutes to 20 because of the sportsmanship rule.
The Lady Bulldogs also claimed a 6-0 over the Lady Yellowjackets at Centennial Field.
The St. Joseph teams take on Episcopal Collegiate on Tuesday at Centennial Field.
Lady Cat soccer knocks off MSM to remain perfect
By Zach Hayes
UCA sportswriting
The winning streak continued for the Conway Lady Cat softball team Tuesday with a 4-0 7A-Central conference victory against Mount St. Mary.
The undefeated streak extends to 13-0 overall for the Lady Cats with an 8-0 conference mark.
The wind was a definite factor all day for all sports, including this game.
"“The first half we played the wind and tried to use it to our advantage, but it almost hurt us because there was so much that it really carried the ball too much," CHS coach Whitney Allison said. "The second half hurt playing against it.”
Despite the wind, Allison said it was a well-played game. There were some fouls toward the end that led to defender Kyndal Leffert receiving a yellow card.
Three Lady Cats scored goals. Ashley Johnson netted two while Brooke Ballard and Caitlyn Carroll contributed one apiece.
Even with the shut-out victory, Conway has plenty to work on, Allison said, including keeping a conscious effort on defense, offensive throw-ins and avoiding getting split, which she said happened a lot against the Belles.
“State will be here before we turn around," she said. "There’s always something to learn from.”
Allison tells her team before every game to “sharpen”. She used a Vince Lombardi quote, telling them “Inches make champions,” adding, “Every game we take a little step forward and get a little bit sharper.”
UCA sportswriting
The winning streak continued for the Conway Lady Cat softball team Tuesday with a 4-0 7A-Central conference victory against Mount St. Mary.
The undefeated streak extends to 13-0 overall for the Lady Cats with an 8-0 conference mark.
The wind was a definite factor all day for all sports, including this game.
"“The first half we played the wind and tried to use it to our advantage, but it almost hurt us because there was so much that it really carried the ball too much," CHS coach Whitney Allison said. "The second half hurt playing against it.”
Despite the wind, Allison said it was a well-played game. There were some fouls toward the end that led to defender Kyndal Leffert receiving a yellow card.
Three Lady Cats scored goals. Ashley Johnson netted two while Brooke Ballard and Caitlyn Carroll contributed one apiece.
Even with the shut-out victory, Conway has plenty to work on, Allison said, including keeping a conscious effort on defense, offensive throw-ins and avoiding getting split, which she said happened a lot against the Belles.
“State will be here before we turn around," she said. "There’s always something to learn from.”
Allison tells her team before every game to “sharpen”. She used a Vince Lombardi quote, telling them “Inches make champions,” adding, “Every game we take a little step forward and get a little bit sharper.”
Magnet Cove blanks CCS softball
By Katie Davis
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian Lady Eagles fell short at Magnet Cove, the 2A 5-North district champs, 18-0, Monday.
The Lady Eagles dropped to 1-3 in conference play after the game was called in the third inning for the sportsmanship rule.
“"Magnet Cove has really good pitching and catching, and that really makes all the difference,"” Conway Christian coach Jeremy Carson said.
Although the Lady Eagles were able to connect with the ball, Magnet Cove was able to catch it and get the players out.
“"We really faced the best catcher in the district," Carson said. "She was able to keep an eye on the players that were on base and tag them out while the girls tried to steal. Good pitching and catching really make all the difference."”
The Lady Eagles play again Thursday at England to make up the cancelled game from last Friday.
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian Lady Eagles fell short at Magnet Cove, the 2A 5-North district champs, 18-0, Monday.
The Lady Eagles dropped to 1-3 in conference play after the game was called in the third inning for the sportsmanship rule.
“"Magnet Cove has really good pitching and catching, and that really makes all the difference,"” Conway Christian coach Jeremy Carson said.
Although the Lady Eagles were able to connect with the ball, Magnet Cove was able to catch it and get the players out.
“"We really faced the best catcher in the district," Carson said. "She was able to keep an eye on the players that were on base and tag them out while the girls tried to steal. Good pitching and catching really make all the difference."”
The Lady Eagles play again Thursday at England to make up the cancelled game from last Friday.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
CCS clinches top seed for baseball district tourney
By Chelsea Stockdale
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian Eagles will head to the 2A 5-North District Tournament as the No. 1 seed while sharing the conference title after defeating the Magnet Cove Panthers Monday night at home, 7-3.
“That was the win we’ve been looking for all year,” CCS coach Shane Davis said. “That was the biggest win we’ve had here in three years.”
Senior Night started slowly for the Eagles (16-6, 4-0 in 2A 5-North play) in the first three innings with the Panthers up 3-1. This lead didn’t last long, though, as CCS gained momentum in the bottom of the third by taking the lead with Jacob Callaway, Kirby Powell and Jake Fitts all contributing hits making it to make it 4-3 Eagles.
The offense didn’t stop there for Conway Christian as the Eagles went on to gain three more unanswered runs for the win against Magnet Cove.
On the mound for the Eagles was senior Ezra Wiley, who took home the win, making his record 5-2 for the season. Pitching all seven innings, he left the Panthers with five strikeouts, two walks and three runs scored.
“We got down early, but we never lost faith," he said. "We have a good team. We didn’t give them anything, and everything they got is what they earned.”
The Eagles continued their nine-game winning streak and will take home the conference title if they win one out of their next two conference games.
Offensively for the Eagles, the leadership came through with Wiley scoring two RBIs and junior Jake Fitts with three. Sophomore Brandon Helms stepped up and brought in one run. The last run for the Eagles was scored on an error.
The Eagles continue conference play today against England after a rainout last Friday.
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian Eagles will head to the 2A 5-North District Tournament as the No. 1 seed while sharing the conference title after defeating the Magnet Cove Panthers Monday night at home, 7-3.
“That was the win we’ve been looking for all year,” CCS coach Shane Davis said. “That was the biggest win we’ve had here in three years.”
Senior Night started slowly for the Eagles (16-6, 4-0 in 2A 5-North play) in the first three innings with the Panthers up 3-1. This lead didn’t last long, though, as CCS gained momentum in the bottom of the third by taking the lead with Jacob Callaway, Kirby Powell and Jake Fitts all contributing hits making it to make it 4-3 Eagles.
The offense didn’t stop there for Conway Christian as the Eagles went on to gain three more unanswered runs for the win against Magnet Cove.
On the mound for the Eagles was senior Ezra Wiley, who took home the win, making his record 5-2 for the season. Pitching all seven innings, he left the Panthers with five strikeouts, two walks and three runs scored.
“We got down early, but we never lost faith," he said. "We have a good team. We didn’t give them anything, and everything they got is what they earned.”
The Eagles continued their nine-game winning streak and will take home the conference title if they win one out of their next two conference games.
Offensively for the Eagles, the leadership came through with Wiley scoring two RBIs and junior Jake Fitts with three. Sophomore Brandon Helms stepped up and brought in one run. The last run for the Eagles was scored on an error.
The Eagles continue conference play today against England after a rainout last Friday.
Greenbrier softball knocks off Conway, 8-0
By Zach Hayes
UCA sportswriting
The tough season continued Monday for the Conway Lady Cats as they traveled to Greenbrier and lost 8-0 to the defending 5A-West champion Panthers.
The loss dropped the Lady Cats to 5-14 on the year and 3-4 in the 7A-Central conference. The Lady Panthers are continuing their roll at 15-3 on the year and 8-0 in conference play.
“They’re the best team in the state,” CHS coach Chad Longing said.
The Panthers may also have one of the best players in the state as well, pitcher Cicely New. She has recently signed to play for the University of Central Arkansas and had scouts there last night clocking her pitches. She consistently clocked 62 or 63 mph and one of her pitches hit an astounding 65 mph on the radar gun, according to Greenbrier Athletic Director Stephen Wood.
Longing said those 62 mph pitches were about equivalent to 90 mph for men.
The recent offense and pitching success the Lady Cats found didn’t hold up. They scattered three hits over the seven innings, partly because of New's pitching ability. Hannah Cooper and Paige Liles pitched, but Longing said “they (as a team) were just overmatched.”
The Lady Cats play again today against Mount St. Mary.
UCA sportswriting
The tough season continued Monday for the Conway Lady Cats as they traveled to Greenbrier and lost 8-0 to the defending 5A-West champion Panthers.
The loss dropped the Lady Cats to 5-14 on the year and 3-4 in the 7A-Central conference. The Lady Panthers are continuing their roll at 15-3 on the year and 8-0 in conference play.
“They’re the best team in the state,” CHS coach Chad Longing said.
The Panthers may also have one of the best players in the state as well, pitcher Cicely New. She has recently signed to play for the University of Central Arkansas and had scouts there last night clocking her pitches. She consistently clocked 62 or 63 mph and one of her pitches hit an astounding 65 mph on the radar gun, according to Greenbrier Athletic Director Stephen Wood.
Longing said those 62 mph pitches were about equivalent to 90 mph for men.
The recent offense and pitching success the Lady Cats found didn’t hold up. They scattered three hits over the seven innings, partly because of New's pitching ability. Hannah Cooper and Paige Liles pitched, but Longing said “they (as a team) were just overmatched.”
The Lady Cats play again today against Mount St. Mary.
Lady Eagle soccer team shuts down Lisa Academy
By Chelsea Stockdale
UCA sportswriting
Conway Christian’s girl’s soccer team took home advantage, dominating Lisa Academy on Monday with a 6-0 conference victory.
CCS continued its winning streak as it hopes to make the state soccer tournament for the third straight year.
The girls came out strong in the first half scoring two goals followed by four more goals in the second.
“We started off playing at our competitor’s level, but in the second half we gained intensity and played at our own level,” CCS coach Shelly Medlock said. “It was a total shutout.”
Lisa Academy had no chance to score against the Conway Christian girls with Christina DenHartog and Kaliegh Cockron on the field scoring two goals each. Not far behind them were Kimmy Hayes and Sumerlin Criswell, who each scored one goal for the conference win.
CCS improved to 3-2 overall as it heads to Mountain Home on Thursday to continue conference play.
UCA sportswriting
Conway Christian’s girl’s soccer team took home advantage, dominating Lisa Academy on Monday with a 6-0 conference victory.
CCS continued its winning streak as it hopes to make the state soccer tournament for the third straight year.
The girls came out strong in the first half scoring two goals followed by four more goals in the second.
“We started off playing at our competitor’s level, but in the second half we gained intensity and played at our own level,” CCS coach Shelly Medlock said. “It was a total shutout.”
Lisa Academy had no chance to score against the Conway Christian girls with Christina DenHartog and Kaliegh Cockron on the field scoring two goals each. Not far behind them were Kimmy Hayes and Sumerlin Criswell, who each scored one goal for the conference win.
CCS improved to 3-2 overall as it heads to Mountain Home on Thursday to continue conference play.
Baseball Wampus Cats slam Greenbrier
By Hunter Brooks and Courtney Howard
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Wampus Cats beat the Greenbrier Panthers, 19-7, in a topsy-turvy non-conference game Monday night at Wampus Cat Field in Conway.
The game ended after the fifth inning because of the Arkansas Activities Association's mercy rule — a team being up by 10 runs after five innings. Shortstop Aaron Boucher hit a three-run home run, giving Conway an 11-run lead, thus ending the game.
The Wampus Cats scored 19 consecutive runs to end the game after a seven-run first inning by the Panthers. Conway scored in every inning, including a seven-run first, helped by pitching mistakes, and a six-run fourth.
“You think you’ve seen everything, then stuff like this happens,” Conway coach Noel Boucher said. “I’ve never coached a game where we were down seven runs, only to win by 12. I told the kids we have the rest of the game to make up the deficit. They stayed poised and then we were tied after the bottom half. I was very happy with our hitting today. Hopefully it can continue against Central.”
The Wampus Cats scored 19 runs on 14 hits. Aaron Boucher, J.T. Blackwell, and Tyler Langley all hit home runs. Right fielder Wesley Hoover went 2-for-3, including a double and a triple, and recorded three RBIs. Ryan Lazo, Ricky Puloma, Colin Fluesmeier and Kipley Powell each had hits that helped the Wampus Cats get six runs in the fourth.
“We just got outplayed,” Greenbrier coach Terry May said. “We got a break in the first inning with all the walks and batters hit, but only five hits isn’t going to cut it against a team like Conway. They were just better than us today.”
The Panthers, who play in the 5A-West conference, scored seven runs on five hits but committed four errors. Right fielder Colt Harmon went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Greenbrier used four different pitchers.
The Wampus Cats improved to 13-6 overall on the year. Conway will continue conference play Thursday against 7A-Central foe Little Rock Central. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Wampus Cats beat the Greenbrier Panthers, 19-7, in a topsy-turvy non-conference game Monday night at Wampus Cat Field in Conway.
The game ended after the fifth inning because of the Arkansas Activities Association's mercy rule — a team being up by 10 runs after five innings. Shortstop Aaron Boucher hit a three-run home run, giving Conway an 11-run lead, thus ending the game.
The Wampus Cats scored 19 consecutive runs to end the game after a seven-run first inning by the Panthers. Conway scored in every inning, including a seven-run first, helped by pitching mistakes, and a six-run fourth.
“You think you’ve seen everything, then stuff like this happens,” Conway coach Noel Boucher said. “I’ve never coached a game where we were down seven runs, only to win by 12. I told the kids we have the rest of the game to make up the deficit. They stayed poised and then we were tied after the bottom half. I was very happy with our hitting today. Hopefully it can continue against Central.”
The Wampus Cats scored 19 runs on 14 hits. Aaron Boucher, J.T. Blackwell, and Tyler Langley all hit home runs. Right fielder Wesley Hoover went 2-for-3, including a double and a triple, and recorded three RBIs. Ryan Lazo, Ricky Puloma, Colin Fluesmeier and Kipley Powell each had hits that helped the Wampus Cats get six runs in the fourth.
“We just got outplayed,” Greenbrier coach Terry May said. “We got a break in the first inning with all the walks and batters hit, but only five hits isn’t going to cut it against a team like Conway. They were just better than us today.”
The Panthers, who play in the 5A-West conference, scored seven runs on five hits but committed four errors. Right fielder Colt Harmon went 2-for-3 with an RBI. Greenbrier used four different pitchers.
The Wampus Cats improved to 13-6 overall on the year. Conway will continue conference play Thursday against 7A-Central foe Little Rock Central. First pitch is set for 4 p.m.
Lady Bulldog softball team moves to 9-3
By Bridget Thomas
UCA sportswriting
The St. Joseph Lady Bulldogs have proven to be nearly unstoppable force in the 2A 5-North Conference with a 9-3 record.
St. Joe trumped Bauxite, 10-6, Thursday, and Abundant Life, 19-2, on Monday. These wins have kept the Lady Bulldogs second in their conference.
“We are peaking at the right time,” coach Lisa Bates said, adding that pitcher Jordan Justice had been exceptionally strong for the team this year.
Morgan Kordsmeier, Rachel Briggler, and Justice all had a big game Monday against Abundant Life. Kordsmeier went 4-for-4, Briggler went 3-for-4 and Justice 2-for-4.
St. Joseph finished with 12 hits, 19 runs and no errors. Justice went the complete game on the mound.
“We played a strong game defensively,” Bates said.
This was the last conference game for the Lady Bulldogs. They will resume games after the Easter holiday, giving them a break to prepare for the post-season.
UCA sportswriting
The St. Joseph Lady Bulldogs have proven to be nearly unstoppable force in the 2A 5-North Conference with a 9-3 record.
St. Joe trumped Bauxite, 10-6, Thursday, and Abundant Life, 19-2, on Monday. These wins have kept the Lady Bulldogs second in their conference.
“We are peaking at the right time,” coach Lisa Bates said, adding that pitcher Jordan Justice had been exceptionally strong for the team this year.
Morgan Kordsmeier, Rachel Briggler, and Justice all had a big game Monday against Abundant Life. Kordsmeier went 4-for-4, Briggler went 3-for-4 and Justice 2-for-4.
St. Joseph finished with 12 hits, 19 runs and no errors. Justice went the complete game on the mound.
“We played a strong game defensively,” Bates said.
This was the last conference game for the Lady Bulldogs. They will resume games after the Easter holiday, giving them a break to prepare for the post-season.
Wampus Cats win, Lady Cats 2nd in home track meet
By Ben Keller
UCA sportswriting
Conway's boys took first place overall at the Conway Wampus Cat Relays on Thursday, April 14, with the Lady Hornets from Bryant winning the girls competition.
Conway dominated with 158 points; the closest competitor was Cabot with 79.
Wampus Cat coach Johnny Kennedy said this was close to his team’s best performance all season long.
“Looking at it overall, we didn’t have a lot of first-place finishes, but we placed high in a lot of events, and that is how you win,” he said. “Our best performance this year though was at Russellville.”
The Wampus Cats had 18 top-three finishes.
Conway junior Elvis Stewart won the long jump with a leap of 22 feet, 1.5 inches. Conway won the 4x400 relay in 3 minutes, 25.46 seconds and the pole vault by default with a height of 13-0. Russellville senior Braden Henderson was disqualified because he was competing without wearing his school's jersey, giving CHS senior Hunter Moix the win.
Kennedy said he felt like his team was hitting its high point toward the end of the season and that he hoped this would bode well for the Wampus Cats heading into the Class 7A State Meet in Conway.
“We do feel like we have a legitimate chance to win it here at home,” he said.
While Conway was the top cat at the meet, several other schools from across the state brought out their best. Cabot had a large showing at the meet, bringing along the top female pole vaulter in the state, senior Ariel Voskamp.
Voskamp was the only competitor going over 11 feet. Mount St. Mary senior Claire Buckman came in second with a vault of 10-8. Voskamp continued to vault, using all of her scratches to try to hit a personal record. Voskamp said her personal best at a meet was 12-4 but had hit 12-7 during practice.
Voskamp said she trained hard to do her best during meets and that vaulting was just like anything else, you have to work hard for it.
“If you do what you’re supposed to do, you’ll be fine when you get up there,” she said. “But just like anything else, if you half-ass it, you’re going to fall on your face.”
Other than Conway, other schools from the central Arkansas area also had athletes trying for personal bests on Thursday. Senior April Terry from Central Arkansas Christian entered the meet having posted the best shot put in the state this spring at 38-4.5. She was hoping to pass 40 feet but settled for 37-9 to win.
“I was disappointed I couldn’t hit the 40 mark at this meet,” she said. “Even though it didn’t happen I just have to remember we praise God when we win and we praise God when we lose.”
Terry said her knee had been bothering her during the day. She said she dislocated her knee on her landing leg a few years ago but did not require surgery.
Lady Cat senior Quay Allen-Smith finished second with a throw of 36-11.5.
Conway will host the Class 7A State Track and Field Championships on Thursday, May 5.
UCA sportswriting
Conway's boys took first place overall at the Conway Wampus Cat Relays on Thursday, April 14, with the Lady Hornets from Bryant winning the girls competition.
Conway dominated with 158 points; the closest competitor was Cabot with 79.
Wampus Cat coach Johnny Kennedy said this was close to his team’s best performance all season long.
“Looking at it overall, we didn’t have a lot of first-place finishes, but we placed high in a lot of events, and that is how you win,” he said. “Our best performance this year though was at Russellville.”
The Wampus Cats had 18 top-three finishes.
Conway junior Elvis Stewart won the long jump with a leap of 22 feet, 1.5 inches. Conway won the 4x400 relay in 3 minutes, 25.46 seconds and the pole vault by default with a height of 13-0. Russellville senior Braden Henderson was disqualified because he was competing without wearing his school's jersey, giving CHS senior Hunter Moix the win.
Kennedy said he felt like his team was hitting its high point toward the end of the season and that he hoped this would bode well for the Wampus Cats heading into the Class 7A State Meet in Conway.
“We do feel like we have a legitimate chance to win it here at home,” he said.
While Conway was the top cat at the meet, several other schools from across the state brought out their best. Cabot had a large showing at the meet, bringing along the top female pole vaulter in the state, senior Ariel Voskamp.
Voskamp was the only competitor going over 11 feet. Mount St. Mary senior Claire Buckman came in second with a vault of 10-8. Voskamp continued to vault, using all of her scratches to try to hit a personal record. Voskamp said her personal best at a meet was 12-4 but had hit 12-7 during practice.
Voskamp said she trained hard to do her best during meets and that vaulting was just like anything else, you have to work hard for it.
“If you do what you’re supposed to do, you’ll be fine when you get up there,” she said. “But just like anything else, if you half-ass it, you’re going to fall on your face.”
Other than Conway, other schools from the central Arkansas area also had athletes trying for personal bests on Thursday. Senior April Terry from Central Arkansas Christian entered the meet having posted the best shot put in the state this spring at 38-4.5. She was hoping to pass 40 feet but settled for 37-9 to win.
“I was disappointed I couldn’t hit the 40 mark at this meet,” she said. “Even though it didn’t happen I just have to remember we praise God when we win and we praise God when we lose.”
Terry said her knee had been bothering her during the day. She said she dislocated her knee on her landing leg a few years ago but did not require surgery.
Lady Cat senior Quay Allen-Smith finished second with a throw of 36-11.5.
Conway will host the Class 7A State Track and Field Championships on Thursday, May 5.
Friday, April 15, 2011
CHS softball gets big win at Russellville
By Zach Hayes
UCA sportswriting
The Conway High Lady Cats got a much-needed win at Russellville on Thursday, 7-3, in a 7A/6A-Central conference matchup.
The Lady Cats improved to 5-13 overall and 3-4 in conference play and are currently fourth in the conference, with the top six being chosen for the Class 7A State Tournament next month.
Official standings will be released today.
CHS coach Chad Longing praised his team, saying, "Tonight was really the first game we've played all aspects of the game. Tonight it all came together in a big conference win.”
The Lady Cats pumped 11 hits for the game with four players — Hannah Cooper, Maddie Shaw, Deonna Howard and Morgan Setzler — each recording two hits to lead the offense. That didn’t surprise Longing, who said, “We typically swing it pretty good.”
Senior Hannah Cooper solved the Lady Cats' recent pitching troubles. She went the distance, allowing just six hits and three walks, which was key for the Lady Cats, according to Longing.
“We work hard and we haven’t been rewarded very often this year so it feels good to go into a weekend and enjoy it and really see that our hard work pays off," he said. "I’m proud for the girls."
UCA sportswriting
The Conway High Lady Cats got a much-needed win at Russellville on Thursday, 7-3, in a 7A/6A-Central conference matchup.
The Lady Cats improved to 5-13 overall and 3-4 in conference play and are currently fourth in the conference, with the top six being chosen for the Class 7A State Tournament next month.
Official standings will be released today.
CHS coach Chad Longing praised his team, saying, "Tonight was really the first game we've played all aspects of the game. Tonight it all came together in a big conference win.”
The Lady Cats pumped 11 hits for the game with four players — Hannah Cooper, Maddie Shaw, Deonna Howard and Morgan Setzler — each recording two hits to lead the offense. That didn’t surprise Longing, who said, “We typically swing it pretty good.”
Senior Hannah Cooper solved the Lady Cats' recent pitching troubles. She went the distance, allowing just six hits and three walks, which was key for the Lady Cats, according to Longing.
“We work hard and we haven’t been rewarded very often this year so it feels good to go into a weekend and enjoy it and really see that our hard work pays off," he said. "I’m proud for the girls."
Lady Cat soccer remains unbeaten
By Clark Johnson
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Lady Cat soccer team kept its unbeaten streak alive as they blew past the Russellville Cyclones, 6-1, Thursday at Russellville High School Stadium.
The Lady Cats (12-0) came into the game after back-to-back home victories against Van Buren and Pulaski Academy, looking to keep their unbeaten streak alive. Junior midfielder Kara Blackwell said the team was full of confidence when taking on the Cyclones.
“We’ve had some really close games so far this year and have found ways to get it done every time,” Blackwell said. “Our game plan was to come out and attack as early as possible to avoid having another close game.”
The Lady Cats had no problem attacking as two forwards both netted two goals in the contest. Senior forward Brooke Ballard claimed two goals in the first half, while freshman forward Avery Taylor tallied one in each half. Juniors Ashley Johnson and Alex Fahr also scored to bring the Lady Cats' total to six.
Blackwell said when the team performs offensively, the defense steps up, too.
“We were actually upset we gave up a goal,” Blackwell said. “We played a really smart game all-around tonight.”
The Wampus Cats also came out victors at Russellville, shutting out the Cyclones, 2-0. Senior Reese Shaffer and sophomore Logan Hampton claimed goals in the shutout.
The Lady Cats will take on Mount Saint Mary and the Wampus Cats will face Little Rock Catholic on Thursday at Centennial Field at John McConnell Stadium.
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Lady Cat soccer team kept its unbeaten streak alive as they blew past the Russellville Cyclones, 6-1, Thursday at Russellville High School Stadium.
The Lady Cats (12-0) came into the game after back-to-back home victories against Van Buren and Pulaski Academy, looking to keep their unbeaten streak alive. Junior midfielder Kara Blackwell said the team was full of confidence when taking on the Cyclones.
“We’ve had some really close games so far this year and have found ways to get it done every time,” Blackwell said. “Our game plan was to come out and attack as early as possible to avoid having another close game.”
The Lady Cats had no problem attacking as two forwards both netted two goals in the contest. Senior forward Brooke Ballard claimed two goals in the first half, while freshman forward Avery Taylor tallied one in each half. Juniors Ashley Johnson and Alex Fahr also scored to bring the Lady Cats' total to six.
Blackwell said when the team performs offensively, the defense steps up, too.
“We were actually upset we gave up a goal,” Blackwell said. “We played a really smart game all-around tonight.”
The Wampus Cats also came out victors at Russellville, shutting out the Cyclones, 2-0. Senior Reese Shaffer and sophomore Logan Hampton claimed goals in the shutout.
The Lady Cats will take on Mount Saint Mary and the Wampus Cats will face Little Rock Catholic on Thursday at Centennial Field at John McConnell Stadium.
Conway Christian baseball dominates LR Episcopal
By Katie Davis
UCA sportswriting
Conway Christian brought home another win over Little Rock Episcopal at Lamar Porter Field on Thursday, 14-4. The game was called after five innings for the sportsmanship rule.
“We have had eight wins in a row, and that ties the record from last year,” said coach Shane Davis of his Eagles (8-6, 3-0 in 2A 5-North play). “We set a tone in that first inning. We had a perfect hit and run scoring five runs. We had what we like to call an ‘SDI’ or a shut-down inning, followed up with an ‘AOI’ or an add-on-inning.”
The Eagles had an 8-2 lead at the end of the second inning, but things started to even out during the third when Episcopal pulled within 8-4.
The Eagles answered the call with another “SDI," allowing no runs.
“We told the kids to come out and be aggressive early and to hit early in the count,” Davis said.
Lance Nail scored four runs and stole five bases. Jacob Callaway went 1-for-2 with a double and three runs. Kirby Powell had a 2-for-3 performance with three runs, three RBIs and his seventh home run of the season. Jake Fitts finished 3-for-4 with six RBIs and a home run.
The Eagles are expected to play at England on Friday, but it may be rescheduled due to Thursday night's storms.
UCA sportswriting
Conway Christian brought home another win over Little Rock Episcopal at Lamar Porter Field on Thursday, 14-4. The game was called after five innings for the sportsmanship rule.
“We have had eight wins in a row, and that ties the record from last year,” said coach Shane Davis of his Eagles (8-6, 3-0 in 2A 5-North play). “We set a tone in that first inning. We had a perfect hit and run scoring five runs. We had what we like to call an ‘SDI’ or a shut-down inning, followed up with an ‘AOI’ or an add-on-inning.”
The Eagles had an 8-2 lead at the end of the second inning, but things started to even out during the third when Episcopal pulled within 8-4.
The Eagles answered the call with another “SDI," allowing no runs.
“We told the kids to come out and be aggressive early and to hit early in the count,” Davis said.
Lance Nail scored four runs and stole five bases. Jacob Callaway went 1-for-2 with a double and three runs. Kirby Powell had a 2-for-3 performance with three runs, three RBIs and his seventh home run of the season. Jake Fitts finished 3-for-4 with six RBIs and a home run.
The Eagles are expected to play at England on Friday, but it may be rescheduled due to Thursday night's storms.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Lady Cat struggles continue in loss to Van Buren
By Zack O'Neal
UCA sportswriting
Pitching woes and a lack of loaded bases opportunities led to a 12-10 loss Tuesday for Conway's Lady Cats against the Van Buren Lady Pointers at the Conway High School Softball Complex.
The Lady Cats gave up an early lead with seven runs by walks during the first inning. The Lady Pointers also managed to bat around.
But Conway didn't give up.
“We had an opportunity to quit, but we competed and that’s all the coach asked for,” CHS coach Chad Longing said. “I’m tickled to death at how they came back.”
Van Buren coach Andy Williams said: “Those are the innings we usually have on defense. We were not on to the pitcher, get a couple of errors, they flare to balls in, hit a ground ball off the handle and then the next thing you know, we never hit the ball home. We could’ve broken the windows with any ball we hit. But they fell in, they were placed in the right spot and we ended up with seven runs.”
Conway right fielder Hannah Cooper was substituted in to pitch in the middle of the first inning, striking out her first batter. She pitched for the remainder of the game.
“I was proud. I did the best I could,” Cooper said. “A lot of it had to do with the defense. They were really good and backed me up really well.”
The offense even started off rough for the Lady Cats as they went two innings without scoring a run.
The Lady Pointers managed to score two runs in the second by stealing home on wild pitches.
The Lady Cats scored their first run as left fielder Maddie Shaw got an RBI bunt. They managed to get the hits they needed to load the bases, setting up a scoring opportunity for their clean-up batter. This was the first of the few times where the Lady Cats loaded the bases.
“My 4-hole hitter comes up with bases loaded and gets a big strikeout,” CHS coach Chad Longing said. “So no, I don’t think we took advantage. We even had to chop the order up at bases loaded sometimes.”
After the strikeout, Cooper hit a line drive to right field for an RBI. Following that run, center fielder Jordan Yandell hit a sacrifice fly and batted in a run, pulling Conway within 9-3.
After the Lady Cats only allowed one run in the fourth inning, they rallied for five runs to bring the game back in their favor.
Longing said they had a chance to shut it down, after the 7-0 early deficit, could’ve gotten run-ruled and gone to the house, but instead they chose to fight all the way back for a chance to win. Longing said he was very proud of the way they competed.
The fourth inning started with catcher Emily Gould getting walked. Gould was forced out at second after third baseman Mallory Brooks hit to shortstop.
There was an error on the Lady Pointers near center field as they had three defenders closing in on a pop fly hit by short stop Deonna Howard. Following the error, two walks gave the Lady Cats a run and loaded bases, setting up another opportunity for designated player Cheyenne Kuhn. This time at bat, Kuhn got a hit flying to the fence, batting in two runs. Copper followed up Kuhn with a hit past third to drive in another run.
“It put a lot of pressure on me because if I pitch it like right down the middle and they score, that’s my fault,” Van Buren pitcher Hunter Ruttan said. “I feel my team should have my back so I don’t worry too much.”
The Lady Cats walked to score another run in the inning.
“They hit the ball hard on us all night long,” Williams said, “But our players fell in and we got some opportunistic walks; we capitalized on a couple of line drives, but they scored enough runs right before then.”
After the Lady Cats scored one more run in the fifth inning, they were able to hold the Lady Pointers from increasing their from 10-9 until the seventh inning.
“We had another opportunity and didn’t take advantage of it at first," Longing said. “I don’t know if we threw a strike in the first inning. Couldn’t get Paige Liles out of the first and then we had to go with our senior, Hannah Cooper. I cannot say enough about how she competed on the mound.”
Things got started in the last inning for the Lady Pointers with a walk and a stolen base followed by a sacrifice fly to advance second baseman Kinsey Williams another base.
After a Kelcie Atwell’s hit that batted in a run, Ashlee Deffenbaugh substituted in as pinch runner. The Lady Pointers got three back-to-back hits to drive in two more runs.
In answer, the Lady Cats managed to score one run, but unfortunately for them, the one run was not enough.
Cooper said a few things that the team could work on would be to get its offense going in the beginning so the team can build off it, fix little mistakes and work on technique and being more consistent.
Both teams recorded seven hits. For the Lady Cats, Brooks was 3-for-4; Cooper was 2-for-4.
The Lady Pointers struck out five to CHS's two. Cooper got both strikeouts for the Lady Cats.
Ruttan said she could have improved on her mechanics as she tried to dive off the mound. She said there were a few times where she was struggling and she snapped the ball during her release.
With a 4-13 record, 2-4 in the 7A Central conference, the Lady Cats head to Russellville on Thursday.
Lady Pointers 702 100 3 — 12 7 2
Lady Cats 003 510 0 — 10 7 3
Deere, Ruttan (5) and Tipton; Liles, Cooper (1) and Gould.
UCA sportswriting
Pitching woes and a lack of loaded bases opportunities led to a 12-10 loss Tuesday for Conway's Lady Cats against the Van Buren Lady Pointers at the Conway High School Softball Complex.
The Lady Cats gave up an early lead with seven runs by walks during the first inning. The Lady Pointers also managed to bat around.
But Conway didn't give up.
“We had an opportunity to quit, but we competed and that’s all the coach asked for,” CHS coach Chad Longing said. “I’m tickled to death at how they came back.”
Van Buren coach Andy Williams said: “Those are the innings we usually have on defense. We were not on to the pitcher, get a couple of errors, they flare to balls in, hit a ground ball off the handle and then the next thing you know, we never hit the ball home. We could’ve broken the windows with any ball we hit. But they fell in, they were placed in the right spot and we ended up with seven runs.”
Conway right fielder Hannah Cooper was substituted in to pitch in the middle of the first inning, striking out her first batter. She pitched for the remainder of the game.
“I was proud. I did the best I could,” Cooper said. “A lot of it had to do with the defense. They were really good and backed me up really well.”
The offense even started off rough for the Lady Cats as they went two innings without scoring a run.
The Lady Pointers managed to score two runs in the second by stealing home on wild pitches.
The Lady Cats scored their first run as left fielder Maddie Shaw got an RBI bunt. They managed to get the hits they needed to load the bases, setting up a scoring opportunity for their clean-up batter. This was the first of the few times where the Lady Cats loaded the bases.
“My 4-hole hitter comes up with bases loaded and gets a big strikeout,” CHS coach Chad Longing said. “So no, I don’t think we took advantage. We even had to chop the order up at bases loaded sometimes.”
After the strikeout, Cooper hit a line drive to right field for an RBI. Following that run, center fielder Jordan Yandell hit a sacrifice fly and batted in a run, pulling Conway within 9-3.
After the Lady Cats only allowed one run in the fourth inning, they rallied for five runs to bring the game back in their favor.
Longing said they had a chance to shut it down, after the 7-0 early deficit, could’ve gotten run-ruled and gone to the house, but instead they chose to fight all the way back for a chance to win. Longing said he was very proud of the way they competed.
The fourth inning started with catcher Emily Gould getting walked. Gould was forced out at second after third baseman Mallory Brooks hit to shortstop.
There was an error on the Lady Pointers near center field as they had three defenders closing in on a pop fly hit by short stop Deonna Howard. Following the error, two walks gave the Lady Cats a run and loaded bases, setting up another opportunity for designated player Cheyenne Kuhn. This time at bat, Kuhn got a hit flying to the fence, batting in two runs. Copper followed up Kuhn with a hit past third to drive in another run.
“It put a lot of pressure on me because if I pitch it like right down the middle and they score, that’s my fault,” Van Buren pitcher Hunter Ruttan said. “I feel my team should have my back so I don’t worry too much.”
The Lady Cats walked to score another run in the inning.
“They hit the ball hard on us all night long,” Williams said, “But our players fell in and we got some opportunistic walks; we capitalized on a couple of line drives, but they scored enough runs right before then.”
After the Lady Cats scored one more run in the fifth inning, they were able to hold the Lady Pointers from increasing their from 10-9 until the seventh inning.
“We had another opportunity and didn’t take advantage of it at first," Longing said. “I don’t know if we threw a strike in the first inning. Couldn’t get Paige Liles out of the first and then we had to go with our senior, Hannah Cooper. I cannot say enough about how she competed on the mound.”
Things got started in the last inning for the Lady Pointers with a walk and a stolen base followed by a sacrifice fly to advance second baseman Kinsey Williams another base.
After a Kelcie Atwell’s hit that batted in a run, Ashlee Deffenbaugh substituted in as pinch runner. The Lady Pointers got three back-to-back hits to drive in two more runs.
In answer, the Lady Cats managed to score one run, but unfortunately for them, the one run was not enough.
Cooper said a few things that the team could work on would be to get its offense going in the beginning so the team can build off it, fix little mistakes and work on technique and being more consistent.
Both teams recorded seven hits. For the Lady Cats, Brooks was 3-for-4; Cooper was 2-for-4.
The Lady Pointers struck out five to CHS's two. Cooper got both strikeouts for the Lady Cats.
Ruttan said she could have improved on her mechanics as she tried to dive off the mound. She said there were a few times where she was struggling and she snapped the ball during her release.
With a 4-13 record, 2-4 in the 7A Central conference, the Lady Cats head to Russellville on Thursday.
Lady Pointers 702 100 3 — 12 7 2
Lady Cats 003 510 0 — 10 7 3
Deere, Ruttan (5) and Tipton; Liles, Cooper (1) and Gould.
Lady Bulldogs escape Harding Academy
By Bridget Thomas
UCA sportswriting
St. Joseph's softball team earned a 5-4 victory against Harding Academy on Tuesday to avenge an earlier thumping.
The Lady Bulldogs lost to the Lady Wildcats early in the season by 15 runs.
“It was a big win," St. Joseph coach Lisa Bates said. "We played them the first game in the season and they run-ruled us.”
Bates described Harding as a “strong team with good athletes.”
Good defense and hitting sealed the deal for St. Joe. Sam Hoelzman went 2-for-5 with a double and a single. Amy Schichtl went 2-for-4 with a double and a triple. She was also the winning pitcher.
The Lady Bulldogs improved to 7-3 overall, second in the 2A 5-North conference.
St. Joseph will play Bauxite Thursday.
UCA sportswriting
St. Joseph's softball team earned a 5-4 victory against Harding Academy on Tuesday to avenge an earlier thumping.
The Lady Bulldogs lost to the Lady Wildcats early in the season by 15 runs.
“It was a big win," St. Joseph coach Lisa Bates said. "We played them the first game in the season and they run-ruled us.”
Bates described Harding as a “strong team with good athletes.”
Good defense and hitting sealed the deal for St. Joe. Sam Hoelzman went 2-for-5 with a double and a single. Amy Schichtl went 2-for-4 with a double and a triple. She was also the winning pitcher.
The Lady Bulldogs improved to 7-3 overall, second in the 2A 5-North conference.
St. Joseph will play Bauxite Thursday.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
CCS takes advantage against St. Joe
By Clark Johnson and Barry Bartoszek
UCA sportswriting
After scoring two runs on errors, the Conway Christian Eagles soared past the St. Joseph Bulldogs, 4-3, in a 2A 5-North conference game Monday in Conway.
The visiting Bulldogs (5-3) came into the top of the seventh down 4-2, needing runs to keep their hopes alive. After Conway Christian pitcher Ezra Wiley walked his first three batters, St. Joseph pitcher Andrew Beck stepped to the plate with no outs and the bases loaded.
Conway Christian coach Shane Davis decided to pull Wiley from the game after a 10-strikeout performance.
“Ezra had a good off-speed today, and his slider was dynamite,” Davis said. “It was nasty.”
The coach pulled Lance Nail from right field to come to the mound and close out the game for the Eagles (13-6.) Nail walked Beck to bring second baseman Sam Massey home, pulling the Bulldogs within 4-3. With the bases still loaded and no outs, Nail took control of the game, striking out Bulldog first baseman Chris Rega and left fielder Cole Schichtl.
St. Joseph center fielder Nash Nichols stepped up with the bases loaded and his team trailing by one. Nichols grounded out to third baseman Jackson Hogue to lift the Eagles to their 13th win of the season.
Shane Davis said the last three outs were reflective of his team’s performance in the game.
“Pitching and defense won us that game,” he said. “That’s where it all starts. (Nail) just bared down, bowed his neck and got out the next three, and we don't win that game unless he does that."
The Eagles' baserunning helped them claim their first run of the game in the first inning. After shortstop Jacob Callaway singled past Bulldogs short stop Austin Harrell, Conway Christian first baseman Kirby Powell grounded another hit to Harrell. Harrell bobbled the catch, allowing both runners to claim their base. After a Tyler Ratliff groundout to first, Callaway and Powell were in scoring position. During center fielder Jake Fitts’ at-bat, Beck threw a wild pitch, scoring Callaway. Catcher Tanner Stevenson grounded out to end the inning.
St. Joseph answered in the top of the second. A lead-off blooper to right field from Schichtl gave the Bulldogs a base runner to start the inning. After Wiley walked Nichols, third baseman Andrew Kordsmeier struck out, leaving Schichtl and Nichols on base. With a runner in scoring position, Harrell sent a line drive double to deep center field to score Schichtl and advance Nichols to third. Wiley threw Massey out on a ground ball to give the Eagles two outs. Wiley then walked right fielder Taylor Shreck to load the bases. St. Joseph catcher Cole Breeding struck out looking on a full count to end the inning.
Bulldog coach Luke Davis said that inning could have furthered his team’s chances.
“When you’ve got two strikes and a bat in your hand, you’ve got to use it,” Davis said. “You can’t let the umpire take it out of your hands.”
Conway Christian got the lead back in the bottom of the second. After Beck struck out his pitching counterpart, Wiley, to lead off the inning, Hogue sent a home run soaring over the left field fence, reclaiming a 2-1 lead for the Eagles. Two consecutive groundouts ended the inning.
Wiley sent all three Eagles back to the bench in the top of the third, as Beck, Rega and Schichtl went three up, three down.
Conway Christian added to its total in the bottom of the third. Beck forced groundouts from Callaway and Powell to lead off the inning but then walked Ratliff on four pitches. On the next at bat, Beck hit Fitts with a pitch, putting Ratliff in scoring position. Stevenson’s line-drive double to deep center field scored Ratliff. Powell advanced to third on a fielding error. Beck struck out Wiley for the second time in the game to end the inning.
Neither team was able to produce a run in the fourth, keeping Conway Christian up, 3-1.
The Bulldogs claimed a run in the top of the fifth. After Wiley walked Breeding, a passed ball during Beck’s at bat resulted in Breeding advancing to second. Beck singled to center field to bring Breeding to third. In Rega’s at bat, Beck strategically led Wiley into a run down between second and first. The Eagles neglected the runner at third as Breeding trotted home to give St. Joseph its second run. Rega and Schichtl struck out to end the inning.
Errors were again the difference for the Bulldog defense in the bottom of the fifth. After a fly-out from Callaway, Beck walked Powell. Ratliff sent Powell to second on a sacrifice. Fitts then was hit by a pitch for the second time, putting runners on first and second. Beck attempted to pick off Fitts at first, but the throw went over Rega to bring Powell home and move Ratliff to third. Stevenson grounded out to end the inning.
St. Joseph again went three up, three down in the top of the sixth but held the Eagles in the bottom of the inning to keep the lead at 4-2.
After the Bulldogs couldn’t produce in the seventh, Luke Davis said his team could have done more.
“I was disappointed," he said. "We had a lot of chances and didn’t come through.”
Conway Christian will take on Episcopal Collegiate on Thursday. St. Joseph will look to bounce back when it travels to Bauxite on Thursday.
UCA sportswriting
After scoring two runs on errors, the Conway Christian Eagles soared past the St. Joseph Bulldogs, 4-3, in a 2A 5-North conference game Monday in Conway.
The visiting Bulldogs (5-3) came into the top of the seventh down 4-2, needing runs to keep their hopes alive. After Conway Christian pitcher Ezra Wiley walked his first three batters, St. Joseph pitcher Andrew Beck stepped to the plate with no outs and the bases loaded.
Conway Christian coach Shane Davis decided to pull Wiley from the game after a 10-strikeout performance.
“Ezra had a good off-speed today, and his slider was dynamite,” Davis said. “It was nasty.”
The coach pulled Lance Nail from right field to come to the mound and close out the game for the Eagles (13-6.) Nail walked Beck to bring second baseman Sam Massey home, pulling the Bulldogs within 4-3. With the bases still loaded and no outs, Nail took control of the game, striking out Bulldog first baseman Chris Rega and left fielder Cole Schichtl.
St. Joseph center fielder Nash Nichols stepped up with the bases loaded and his team trailing by one. Nichols grounded out to third baseman Jackson Hogue to lift the Eagles to their 13th win of the season.
Shane Davis said the last three outs were reflective of his team’s performance in the game.
“Pitching and defense won us that game,” he said. “That’s where it all starts. (Nail) just bared down, bowed his neck and got out the next three, and we don't win that game unless he does that."
The Eagles' baserunning helped them claim their first run of the game in the first inning. After shortstop Jacob Callaway singled past Bulldogs short stop Austin Harrell, Conway Christian first baseman Kirby Powell grounded another hit to Harrell. Harrell bobbled the catch, allowing both runners to claim their base. After a Tyler Ratliff groundout to first, Callaway and Powell were in scoring position. During center fielder Jake Fitts’ at-bat, Beck threw a wild pitch, scoring Callaway. Catcher Tanner Stevenson grounded out to end the inning.
St. Joseph answered in the top of the second. A lead-off blooper to right field from Schichtl gave the Bulldogs a base runner to start the inning. After Wiley walked Nichols, third baseman Andrew Kordsmeier struck out, leaving Schichtl and Nichols on base. With a runner in scoring position, Harrell sent a line drive double to deep center field to score Schichtl and advance Nichols to third. Wiley threw Massey out on a ground ball to give the Eagles two outs. Wiley then walked right fielder Taylor Shreck to load the bases. St. Joseph catcher Cole Breeding struck out looking on a full count to end the inning.
Bulldog coach Luke Davis said that inning could have furthered his team’s chances.
“When you’ve got two strikes and a bat in your hand, you’ve got to use it,” Davis said. “You can’t let the umpire take it out of your hands.”
Conway Christian got the lead back in the bottom of the second. After Beck struck out his pitching counterpart, Wiley, to lead off the inning, Hogue sent a home run soaring over the left field fence, reclaiming a 2-1 lead for the Eagles. Two consecutive groundouts ended the inning.
Wiley sent all three Eagles back to the bench in the top of the third, as Beck, Rega and Schichtl went three up, three down.
Conway Christian added to its total in the bottom of the third. Beck forced groundouts from Callaway and Powell to lead off the inning but then walked Ratliff on four pitches. On the next at bat, Beck hit Fitts with a pitch, putting Ratliff in scoring position. Stevenson’s line-drive double to deep center field scored Ratliff. Powell advanced to third on a fielding error. Beck struck out Wiley for the second time in the game to end the inning.
Neither team was able to produce a run in the fourth, keeping Conway Christian up, 3-1.
The Bulldogs claimed a run in the top of the fifth. After Wiley walked Breeding, a passed ball during Beck’s at bat resulted in Breeding advancing to second. Beck singled to center field to bring Breeding to third. In Rega’s at bat, Beck strategically led Wiley into a run down between second and first. The Eagles neglected the runner at third as Breeding trotted home to give St. Joseph its second run. Rega and Schichtl struck out to end the inning.
Errors were again the difference for the Bulldog defense in the bottom of the fifth. After a fly-out from Callaway, Beck walked Powell. Ratliff sent Powell to second on a sacrifice. Fitts then was hit by a pitch for the second time, putting runners on first and second. Beck attempted to pick off Fitts at first, but the throw went over Rega to bring Powell home and move Ratliff to third. Stevenson grounded out to end the inning.
St. Joseph again went three up, three down in the top of the sixth but held the Eagles in the bottom of the inning to keep the lead at 4-2.
After the Bulldogs couldn’t produce in the seventh, Luke Davis said his team could have done more.
“I was disappointed," he said. "We had a lot of chances and didn’t come through.”
Conway Christian will take on Episcopal Collegiate on Thursday. St. Joseph will look to bounce back when it travels to Bauxite on Thursday.
St. Joseph dominates Conway Christian softball
By Bridget Thomas and Katie Davis
UCA sportswriting
Despite the windy conditions Monday afternoon, the St. Joseph Lady Bulldogs dominated Conway Christian, 15-0.
St. Joseph pitcher Jordyn Hess started off hot with three back-to-back strikeouts. Once up to bat, the Lady Bulldogs found it easy to rack up runs. Sam Hoelzman was first to bat for St. Joe. A bunt advanced her to first base where she then stole second. Jordan Justice received her first RBI of the game with another stolen base from Hoelzman.
The Lady Bulldogs scored five runs in the first inning.
The game was called for the sportsmanship rule at the bottom of the third, 15-0. Conway Christian only batted through once before the game was called.
“St. Joseph was able to put pressure on our team for the first time,” said coach Jeremy Carson, whose team had notched the first win in program history last week against Abundant Life. “St. Joseph was able to bunt and hit the fences, so we couldn’t really key in because they could do it all. They are a very talented team.”
Strong winds proved not to be an obstacle for Hess, a freshman, who added two more back-to-back strikeouts for the Lady Bulldogs.
“She’s pretty steady and calm," St. Joseph coach Lisa Bates said. "I asked her if she would have any trouble but she just said no.”
The Lady Eagles ended the second inning with Karalee Duker left on base and no runs. She had the Lady Eagles' only hit, a double.
Up 5-0, the Lady Bulldogs got a big hit to left field from Rachel Briggler, who eventually stole home. Duker, the CCS pitcher, struggled to keep control of the ball, resulting in two walks in the second inning. St. Joe increased its lead to 9-0 after two innings.
Briggler and Jessica Justice each scored three runs for St. Joe while Hoelzman, Jordan Justice, and Katie Halter each scored twice.
The Lady Bulldogs will play again Tuesday against Harding Academy. Conway Christian will play again Friday at England.
UCA sportswriting
Despite the windy conditions Monday afternoon, the St. Joseph Lady Bulldogs dominated Conway Christian, 15-0.
St. Joseph pitcher Jordyn Hess started off hot with three back-to-back strikeouts. Once up to bat, the Lady Bulldogs found it easy to rack up runs. Sam Hoelzman was first to bat for St. Joe. A bunt advanced her to first base where she then stole second. Jordan Justice received her first RBI of the game with another stolen base from Hoelzman.
The Lady Bulldogs scored five runs in the first inning.
The game was called for the sportsmanship rule at the bottom of the third, 15-0. Conway Christian only batted through once before the game was called.
“St. Joseph was able to put pressure on our team for the first time,” said coach Jeremy Carson, whose team had notched the first win in program history last week against Abundant Life. “St. Joseph was able to bunt and hit the fences, so we couldn’t really key in because they could do it all. They are a very talented team.”
Strong winds proved not to be an obstacle for Hess, a freshman, who added two more back-to-back strikeouts for the Lady Bulldogs.
“She’s pretty steady and calm," St. Joseph coach Lisa Bates said. "I asked her if she would have any trouble but she just said no.”
The Lady Eagles ended the second inning with Karalee Duker left on base and no runs. She had the Lady Eagles' only hit, a double.
Up 5-0, the Lady Bulldogs got a big hit to left field from Rachel Briggler, who eventually stole home. Duker, the CCS pitcher, struggled to keep control of the ball, resulting in two walks in the second inning. St. Joe increased its lead to 9-0 after two innings.
Briggler and Jessica Justice each scored three runs for St. Joe while Hoelzman, Jordan Justice, and Katie Halter each scored twice.
The Lady Bulldogs will play again Tuesday against Harding Academy. Conway Christian will play again Friday at England.
Perryville shuts out Lady Cats
By Zack O'Neal
UCA sportswriting
Perryville's Lady Mustangs blanked the Conway Lady Cats on Friday, 10-0, in a nonconference softball game at the Conway High School Softball Complex.
“It was good for about five innings, and then it got ugly,” Lady Cat coach Chad Longing said.
The teams went neck-and-neck through four scoreless innings as both sides played with high energy.
The biggest difference was the pitching. Erin Stidham pitched the whole game for the Lady Mustang, striking out 15.
“She’s a senior, and she’s been going a really good job,” Perryville coach Kevin Campbell said. “Her arm’s been a little sore, but she’s getting tougher and getting through. I think she did a good job today fighting through some of the soreness.”
Paige Liles pitched for the Lady Cats up to the fifth inning, striking out three. Right fielder Hannah Cooper finished the game, getting two strikeouts.
“We’re struggling right now to try to find a pitcher,” Longing said. “(Liles) threw extremely well in about the first four innings and then she just gave out. When she gave out we couldn’t find any control. By the time we went with another one, it was a little too late.”
The rally started when Liles walked the first batter in the fifth inning. After an out came four consecutive walks. The Lady Cats managed to get the second out after the fifth walk of the inning. Left fielder Lakyn Kendrick got a hit past third base to earn an RBI.
Stopping the Lady Cats from scoring a run at their bat, the Lady Mustangs’ walk around the bases continued as three consecutive batters walked. Right fielder Tori Taylor batted in a run with a line drive to left field.
“We needed to start, but I think we caught up to it,” Stidham said.
In the two innings, the Lady Mustangs had 14 stolen bases on wild pitches and missed balls. On four of the stolen bases, the runners stole home.
“I think we did a pretty good job about being patient at the plate,” Campbell said. “Then they started walking us and we got some base runners in. It was their misfortune on that we were able to make bases on that. One we got a few runs, I felt like we got more patient at the plate.”
The Lady Cats gave up another run in the last inning.
“Opportunities happened in the first inning, and in the third we leave one on second so we had a lot of opportunities out there early,” Longing said. “And if we get one hit right there early, the outcome could’ve been different. It changes everything.”
The Lady Mustangs outnumbered the Lady Cat in hits, 6-5 in hits. Brooks went 2-for-3.
With this defeat, the Lady Cats are now 4-12 overall.
UCA sportswriting
Perryville's Lady Mustangs blanked the Conway Lady Cats on Friday, 10-0, in a nonconference softball game at the Conway High School Softball Complex.
“It was good for about five innings, and then it got ugly,” Lady Cat coach Chad Longing said.
The teams went neck-and-neck through four scoreless innings as both sides played with high energy.
The biggest difference was the pitching. Erin Stidham pitched the whole game for the Lady Mustang, striking out 15.
“She’s a senior, and she’s been going a really good job,” Perryville coach Kevin Campbell said. “Her arm’s been a little sore, but she’s getting tougher and getting through. I think she did a good job today fighting through some of the soreness.”
Paige Liles pitched for the Lady Cats up to the fifth inning, striking out three. Right fielder Hannah Cooper finished the game, getting two strikeouts.
“We’re struggling right now to try to find a pitcher,” Longing said. “(Liles) threw extremely well in about the first four innings and then she just gave out. When she gave out we couldn’t find any control. By the time we went with another one, it was a little too late.”
The rally started when Liles walked the first batter in the fifth inning. After an out came four consecutive walks. The Lady Cats managed to get the second out after the fifth walk of the inning. Left fielder Lakyn Kendrick got a hit past third base to earn an RBI.
Stopping the Lady Cats from scoring a run at their bat, the Lady Mustangs’ walk around the bases continued as three consecutive batters walked. Right fielder Tori Taylor batted in a run with a line drive to left field.
“We needed to start, but I think we caught up to it,” Stidham said.
In the two innings, the Lady Mustangs had 14 stolen bases on wild pitches and missed balls. On four of the stolen bases, the runners stole home.
“I think we did a pretty good job about being patient at the plate,” Campbell said. “Then they started walking us and we got some base runners in. It was their misfortune on that we were able to make bases on that. One we got a few runs, I felt like we got more patient at the plate.”
The Lady Cats gave up another run in the last inning.
“Opportunities happened in the first inning, and in the third we leave one on second so we had a lot of opportunities out there early,” Longing said. “And if we get one hit right there early, the outcome could’ve been different. It changes everything.”
The Lady Mustangs outnumbered the Lady Cat in hits, 6-5 in hits. Brooks went 2-for-3.
With this defeat, the Lady Cats are now 4-12 overall.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Conway Christian baseball wins South Nemo Classic
By Chelsea Stockdale
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian Eagles took home the trophy for the second year in a row at the South Nemo Classic over the weekend, improving them to 12-6 for the year.
The Eagles beat Class 4A Berryville, 14-5; Southside Bee Branch, 4-3; and Nemo Vista, 18-2.
Against Berryville, senior Lance Nail took the win, pitching four innings with five strikeouts, no runs and one hit. His pitching record stands at 4-2 for the season.
“We came out on a mission,” CCS coach Shane Davis said.
Offensively, Nail was 1-for-2 with three runs scored. Junior Jacob Callaway was 3-for-5 with three runs; senior Kirby Powell was 3-for-3 with his sixth home run of the year. Senior Ezra Wiley was 1-for-3 with four RBIs, and Junior Jake Fitts was 2-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored.
CCS knocked off Southside Bee Branch in the semifinals, 4-3.
Senior Jackson Hogue was the star of the game, pitching the entire seven innings. He struck out five and gave up three runs
This win sent the Eagles to the final game of the tournament where they showed no mercy and took home the trophy, winning 18-2 over Nemo Vista
Sophomore Andrew Dather added a win to his 2-0 pitching record for the Eagles, striking out three and allowing one run in three innings. Junior Jacob Callaway was 3-for-4 with three runs, while senior Kirby Powell stood strong with two RBIs and four runs. Senior Ezra Wiley was 2-for-3 with five RBIs, and junior Jake Fitts was 3-for-5 with five RBIs. Sophomore Tanner Stevenson was 1-for-2 with two runs, and sophomore Brandon Helms was 1-for-3 with two runs for the Eagles.
The Eagles face off with local rival St. Joseph at home today at 4 p.m.
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian Eagles took home the trophy for the second year in a row at the South Nemo Classic over the weekend, improving them to 12-6 for the year.
The Eagles beat Class 4A Berryville, 14-5; Southside Bee Branch, 4-3; and Nemo Vista, 18-2.
Against Berryville, senior Lance Nail took the win, pitching four innings with five strikeouts, no runs and one hit. His pitching record stands at 4-2 for the season.
“We came out on a mission,” CCS coach Shane Davis said.
Offensively, Nail was 1-for-2 with three runs scored. Junior Jacob Callaway was 3-for-5 with three runs; senior Kirby Powell was 3-for-3 with his sixth home run of the year. Senior Ezra Wiley was 1-for-3 with four RBIs, and Junior Jake Fitts was 2-for-5 with two RBIs and two runs scored.
CCS knocked off Southside Bee Branch in the semifinals, 4-3.
Senior Jackson Hogue was the star of the game, pitching the entire seven innings. He struck out five and gave up three runs
This win sent the Eagles to the final game of the tournament where they showed no mercy and took home the trophy, winning 18-2 over Nemo Vista
Sophomore Andrew Dather added a win to his 2-0 pitching record for the Eagles, striking out three and allowing one run in three innings. Junior Jacob Callaway was 3-for-4 with three runs, while senior Kirby Powell stood strong with two RBIs and four runs. Senior Ezra Wiley was 2-for-3 with five RBIs, and junior Jake Fitts was 3-for-5 with five RBIs. Sophomore Tanner Stevenson was 1-for-2 with two runs, and sophomore Brandon Helms was 1-for-3 with two runs for the Eagles.
The Eagles face off with local rival St. Joseph at home today at 4 p.m.
Friday, April 8, 2011
CCS wins first-ever softball game
By Katie Davis
UCA sportswriting
In their second-ever game, the Conway Christian Lady Eagles (1-1) brought home a spectacular win against Abundant Life, 33-4, Thursday night at Abundant Life.
After a slow start, the Lady Eagles dominated the second inning with 28 runs, sending 34 batters to the plate. The game was called after the third inning because of the sportsmanship rule.
"The biggest difference was the confidence level, especially on the mound," Conway Christian coach Jeremy Carson said. "It really shows the of the team."
For CCS, Kara Lee Duker pitched two innings and struck out five of six, giving up only one hit. Tayton Cope struck out two in the third inning.
Duker delivered 11 hits, three of which were doubles, scoring five runs. Morgan May had four hits, including a double, and four RBIs.
UCA sportswriting
In their second-ever game, the Conway Christian Lady Eagles (1-1) brought home a spectacular win against Abundant Life, 33-4, Thursday night at Abundant Life.
After a slow start, the Lady Eagles dominated the second inning with 28 runs, sending 34 batters to the plate. The game was called after the third inning because of the sportsmanship rule.
"The biggest difference was the confidence level, especially on the mound," Conway Christian coach Jeremy Carson said. "It really shows the of the team."
For CCS, Kara Lee Duker pitched two innings and struck out five of six, giving up only one hit. Tayton Cope struck out two in the third inning.
Duker delivered 11 hits, three of which were doubles, scoring five runs. Morgan May had four hits, including a double, and four RBIs.
Bryant blows out Lady Cats
By Zach Hayes
UCA sportswriting
The taste of winning didn’t last very long for the Conway High Lady Cats as they were blown out Thursday at Bryant by the Lady Hornets, 14-0.
The 7A-Central game ended after five innings because of the run-rule, putting CHS at 4-11 overall and 2-3 for the conference. The defending state champion Lady Hornets are now 17-2 on the season.
“There wasn’t a highlight to talk about," Conway coach Chad Longing said, referring to his offense and pitching.
He added: "Defensively,we didn’t play very well. We committed six errors, and that’s not our normal self.”
Despite the Lady Cats' play, Longing gave Bryant all the credit, saying "everything would’ve had to have gone right for us to pull the upset.”
The Lady Cats play again today at home today at 5 p.m. against Perryville.
UCA sportswriting
The taste of winning didn’t last very long for the Conway High Lady Cats as they were blown out Thursday at Bryant by the Lady Hornets, 14-0.
The 7A-Central game ended after five innings because of the run-rule, putting CHS at 4-11 overall and 2-3 for the conference. The defending state champion Lady Hornets are now 17-2 on the season.
“There wasn’t a highlight to talk about," Conway coach Chad Longing said, referring to his offense and pitching.
He added: "Defensively,we didn’t play very well. We committed six errors, and that’s not our normal self.”
Despite the Lady Cats' play, Longing gave Bryant all the credit, saying "everything would’ve had to have gone right for us to pull the upset.”
The Lady Cats play again today at home today at 5 p.m. against Perryville.
CCS baseball hangs on to beat Abundant Life
By Chelsea Stockdale
UCA sportswriting
CONWAY — Conway Christian survived a 2A-5 North battle with rival Abundant Life Thursday night for a 16-13 conference win.
The Eagles improved to 9-6 overall and 2-0 in league play.
The Owls started with sophomore catcher Gunner Allen getting kicked out of the game for language behind home plate. However, senior Cody Ward stepped up to the plate and slapped two home runs for five RBIs.
The Eagles held on strongly, though, tying the game at 6-6 in the fourth inning after taking four walks and junior Jacob Ratcliff's RBI double. They continued to dominate offensively with four more runs in the fifth. This meant the Eagles had to hold onto their lead while Abundant Life battled, but CCS remained on top.
“In the fifth inning we did a good job at taking what the pitcher gave us," CCS coach Shane Davis said. "We took our walks and had some timely hitting. We did a good job at getting runners in.”
Senior Ezra Wiley took the win, going six innings with five strikeouts and three walks. Senior Lance Nail came in for relief, striking out the last two batters with the bases loaded for the victory and the save.
“This is a big rival game," Davis said. "These guys ended our basketball season for us by two points, so that was added motivation to beat them this year. We know these guys have a big-time tradition of baseball, and we knew coming in they could hit it, but their area of concern is pitching and that really showed today.”
Junior Tyler Ratcliff was on top of his hitting game, going 2-for-2 at bat with two doubles and two RBIs. Junior Jacob Callaway scored two runs, and senior Kirby Powell added two RBIs and two runs scored. Seniors Lance Nail and Ashton Robinson each scored three times.
The Eagles are scheduled to play in the South Nemo Classic over the weekend.
UCA sportswriting
CONWAY — Conway Christian survived a 2A-5 North battle with rival Abundant Life Thursday night for a 16-13 conference win.
The Eagles improved to 9-6 overall and 2-0 in league play.
The Owls started with sophomore catcher Gunner Allen getting kicked out of the game for language behind home plate. However, senior Cody Ward stepped up to the plate and slapped two home runs for five RBIs.
The Eagles held on strongly, though, tying the game at 6-6 in the fourth inning after taking four walks and junior Jacob Ratcliff's RBI double. They continued to dominate offensively with four more runs in the fifth. This meant the Eagles had to hold onto their lead while Abundant Life battled, but CCS remained on top.
“In the fifth inning we did a good job at taking what the pitcher gave us," CCS coach Shane Davis said. "We took our walks and had some timely hitting. We did a good job at getting runners in.”
Senior Ezra Wiley took the win, going six innings with five strikeouts and three walks. Senior Lance Nail came in for relief, striking out the last two batters with the bases loaded for the victory and the save.
“This is a big rival game," Davis said. "These guys ended our basketball season for us by two points, so that was added motivation to beat them this year. We know these guys have a big-time tradition of baseball, and we knew coming in they could hit it, but their area of concern is pitching and that really showed today.”
Junior Tyler Ratcliff was on top of his hitting game, going 2-for-2 at bat with two doubles and two RBIs. Junior Jacob Callaway scored two runs, and senior Kirby Powell added two RBIs and two runs scored. Seniors Lance Nail and Ashton Robinson each scored three times.
The Eagles are scheduled to play in the South Nemo Classic over the weekend.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Lady Cats thump Central, 12-1
By Zach Hayes
UCA sportswriting
The Conway High Lady Cats found their offense in a 12-1 shortened six-inning game against Little Rock Central Tuesday at Interstate Park in Little Park.
The shortened victory, because of the run rule, puts the Lady Cats at 4-10 overall and 2-2 in the 7A-Central conference and drops the Tigers to 0-4 on the season.
Conway's offense was led by Hannah Cooper, a senior, who went 4-for-5 with six RBIs. Her most impressive at bat was an inside-the-park-grand slam. Interstate park isn’t a regulation softball field and has a length of 300 feet instead of the normal 200, making the Lady Cat offense that much more impressive.
CHS coach Chad Longing praised Cooper and the team's hitting and described the game as a “huge victory for Conway” as far as getting his team back on track.
The rest of the offense and scoring was rounded out by Maddie Shaw, who went 3-for-4 at the plate with a walk and two RBIs, and Cheyenne Kuhn, who went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run. Deonna Howard also contributed an RBI and went 3-for-4.
Kayla Hickey was the winning pitcher for the Lady Cats. In six innings, she allowed one earned run and struck out four.
The Lady Cats' next game is Thursday, April 7 against Bryant.
UCA sportswriting
The Conway High Lady Cats found their offense in a 12-1 shortened six-inning game against Little Rock Central Tuesday at Interstate Park in Little Park.
The shortened victory, because of the run rule, puts the Lady Cats at 4-10 overall and 2-2 in the 7A-Central conference and drops the Tigers to 0-4 on the season.
Conway's offense was led by Hannah Cooper, a senior, who went 4-for-5 with six RBIs. Her most impressive at bat was an inside-the-park-grand slam. Interstate park isn’t a regulation softball field and has a length of 300 feet instead of the normal 200, making the Lady Cat offense that much more impressive.
CHS coach Chad Longing praised Cooper and the team's hitting and described the game as a “huge victory for Conway” as far as getting his team back on track.
The rest of the offense and scoring was rounded out by Maddie Shaw, who went 3-for-4 at the plate with a walk and two RBIs, and Cheyenne Kuhn, who went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run. Deonna Howard also contributed an RBI and went 3-for-4.
Kayla Hickey was the winning pitcher for the Lady Cats. In six innings, she allowed one earned run and struck out four.
The Lady Cats' next game is Thursday, April 7 against Bryant.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Conway Christian's baseball game canceled
By Barry Bartoszek
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian baseball game against the West Side High School Eagles was canceled Monday because of inclement weather. The game will not be rescheduled.
The Eagles' next game will be Thursday, April 7 at 4 p.m. at home against the old rival Abundant Life School Owls.
The game against Abundant Life is a 2A conference game.
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian baseball game against the West Side High School Eagles was canceled Monday because of inclement weather. The game will not be rescheduled.
The Eagles' next game will be Thursday, April 7 at 4 p.m. at home against the old rival Abundant Life School Owls.
The game against Abundant Life is a 2A conference game.
Lady Bulldog softball team falls to Magnet Cove
By Ben Keller
UCA Sportswriting
The St. Joseph softball Lady Bulldogs could not hold up to the Magnet Cove Lady Panthers’ pitching Friday in a 12-6 loss in Conway.
Lady Panther pitcher Erin Pankey pitched all seven innings and allowed four hits with 10 strikeouts. The Lady Bulldogs started with Jordan Hess on the mound but brought in third baseman/pitcher Amy Schichtl in the third inning to finish the game.
Despite the loss, Schichtl said she was still proud of the way she and the team played.
“I didn’t feel like my pitching was the best, but I could hear my team in the background cheering me on and that always helps me on the mound,” she said.
Schichtl had two strikeouts and allowed six hits.
The Lady Panthers came out swinging in the top of the first and scored four runs to start the game. Their first four batters got on base, one because of the first error of the game. Lady Bulldogs shortstop Morgan Kordsmeier committed a fielding error that allowed Lady Panthers shortstop Jessica Tuggle to score. The Lady Bulldogs were plagued by errors throughout the game, committing seven.
Coach Lisa Bates said it was a rough day defensively for her team and that recent weather had put a damper on the team’s practice schedule.
“We were kind of rusty out there,” she said. “We have lost a lot of practice time because of the rain and most of the girls were gone because of spring break. You have to hand it to Magnet Cove, though. We knew they were a strong team and they were going to be coming in strong. They are by far the best team in our district and in our conference. We boggled it a little out in the field and our hitting wasn’t what it could have been, but the girls didn’t get down and they pushed through when they could’ve given up.”
The Lady Bulldogs were finally able to put a stop to the inning after catching two routine fly balls and forcing a runner out at third.
The Lady Panthers went scoreless in the bottom of the first and allowed the Lady Panthers to score two more runs in the top of the second, but during the bottom of the second, the Lady Bulldogs rallied and pulled within one.
The Lady Bulldogs batted around during the inning, but Schichtl started things off for her team with a hard line-drive single over the left side. Kordsmeier hit a pop-up to the pitcher for the first out of the inning, but during Katie Halter’s at bat, the Lady Panthers committed their first error of the game that could have gotten them out of the inning. Halter hit a hard grounder to Tuggle, who was prepared to make the throw to second and force an out, but second baseman Shelby Stone was not at second to make the catch. The Lady Panthers missed an opportunity for a double play, allowed Halter to reach safely and advanced the runners.
First baseman Megan Briggler recorded the first RBI for the Lady Bulldogs with a hard grounder that made it through the left side to bring in Schitchtl. The Lady Panthers walked several of the Lady Bulldogs and even walked in a run. The Lady Panthers put a stop to the Bulldog rally by striking out Schichtl for a third out during her second at bat for the inning.
Bates said that inning was huge for her team and showed just how contagious hitting can be in softball.
“They kind of feed off each other when they get going," she said. "That is probably our biggest strength in our team. “When we can get our bats going, get our short game up and the girls running, we are pretty aggressive. We have a lot of speed and if we can get that going, they will feed off of it.”
The Lady Bulldogs only scored one more run during the remainder of the game, while the Lady Panthers kept finding gaps in the St. Joe defense and kept scoring runs. Lady Panthers third baseman Laney Gibson and left fielder Ashton Wilburn led their team in hits with three each. Schichtl led the Lady Bulldogs with two hits over four at bats.
The Lady Bulldogs are now 3-2 for the season.
Lady Panthers 4 2 1 2 0 1 2 – 12 13 2
Lady Bulldogs 0 5 0 0 0 0 1 – 6 4 7
Pankey and Gibson; Jo. Hess, Schichtl (3) and Ja. Hess.
UCA Sportswriting
The St. Joseph softball Lady Bulldogs could not hold up to the Magnet Cove Lady Panthers’ pitching Friday in a 12-6 loss in Conway.
Lady Panther pitcher Erin Pankey pitched all seven innings and allowed four hits with 10 strikeouts. The Lady Bulldogs started with Jordan Hess on the mound but brought in third baseman/pitcher Amy Schichtl in the third inning to finish the game.
Despite the loss, Schichtl said she was still proud of the way she and the team played.
“I didn’t feel like my pitching was the best, but I could hear my team in the background cheering me on and that always helps me on the mound,” she said.
Schichtl had two strikeouts and allowed six hits.
The Lady Panthers came out swinging in the top of the first and scored four runs to start the game. Their first four batters got on base, one because of the first error of the game. Lady Bulldogs shortstop Morgan Kordsmeier committed a fielding error that allowed Lady Panthers shortstop Jessica Tuggle to score. The Lady Bulldogs were plagued by errors throughout the game, committing seven.
Coach Lisa Bates said it was a rough day defensively for her team and that recent weather had put a damper on the team’s practice schedule.
“We were kind of rusty out there,” she said. “We have lost a lot of practice time because of the rain and most of the girls were gone because of spring break. You have to hand it to Magnet Cove, though. We knew they were a strong team and they were going to be coming in strong. They are by far the best team in our district and in our conference. We boggled it a little out in the field and our hitting wasn’t what it could have been, but the girls didn’t get down and they pushed through when they could’ve given up.”
The Lady Bulldogs were finally able to put a stop to the inning after catching two routine fly balls and forcing a runner out at third.
The Lady Panthers went scoreless in the bottom of the first and allowed the Lady Panthers to score two more runs in the top of the second, but during the bottom of the second, the Lady Bulldogs rallied and pulled within one.
The Lady Bulldogs batted around during the inning, but Schichtl started things off for her team with a hard line-drive single over the left side. Kordsmeier hit a pop-up to the pitcher for the first out of the inning, but during Katie Halter’s at bat, the Lady Panthers committed their first error of the game that could have gotten them out of the inning. Halter hit a hard grounder to Tuggle, who was prepared to make the throw to second and force an out, but second baseman Shelby Stone was not at second to make the catch. The Lady Panthers missed an opportunity for a double play, allowed Halter to reach safely and advanced the runners.
First baseman Megan Briggler recorded the first RBI for the Lady Bulldogs with a hard grounder that made it through the left side to bring in Schitchtl. The Lady Panthers walked several of the Lady Bulldogs and even walked in a run. The Lady Panthers put a stop to the Bulldog rally by striking out Schichtl for a third out during her second at bat for the inning.
Bates said that inning was huge for her team and showed just how contagious hitting can be in softball.
“They kind of feed off each other when they get going," she said. "That is probably our biggest strength in our team. “When we can get our bats going, get our short game up and the girls running, we are pretty aggressive. We have a lot of speed and if we can get that going, they will feed off of it.”
The Lady Bulldogs only scored one more run during the remainder of the game, while the Lady Panthers kept finding gaps in the St. Joe defense and kept scoring runs. Lady Panthers third baseman Laney Gibson and left fielder Ashton Wilburn led their team in hits with three each. Schichtl led the Lady Bulldogs with two hits over four at bats.
The Lady Bulldogs are now 3-2 for the season.
Lady Panthers 4 2 1 2 0 1 2 – 12 13 2
Lady Bulldogs 0 5 0 0 0 0 1 – 6 4 7
Pankey and Gibson; Jo. Hess, Schichtl (3) and Ja. Hess.
Magnet Cove shuts out baseball Bulldogs
By Clark Johnson
UCA sportswriting
After scoring a run in the first and second innings, the Magnet Cove Panthers held their lead, shutting out the St. Joseph Bulldogs, 2-0, in a 2A-5 North conference game Friday at Curtis Walker Park in Conway.
After a Blake Dodson lead-off single to center field in the first, the Panthers (7-6) got first baseman Hunter Linam to advance Dodson to second on a sacrifice bunt. St. Joseph pitcher Andrew Beck struck out his next batter but walked left fielder Josh Scott. On the following pitch, Beck’s pick-off attempt at first went past first baseman Chris Rega, scoring Dodson. Magnet Cove catcher Colton Ross grounded out to short stop to end the inning.
The Bulldogs (3-2) started the bottom of the first with a runner on base after Magnet Cove pitcher Connor Wells hit right fielder Taylor Shrek with a pitch. After catcher Cory Breeding struck out checking, Beck grounded into a 5-3 double play to end the inning.
In the top of the second, Magnet Cove started out with two runners on base after a Bill Watson single, followed by Beck walking Andrew Pierce. Wells grounded to the mound, and Beck threw Watson out at third. After third baseman Britten McDaniel flew out to third, Dodson sent a line-drive single to center field to bring Pierce in for the Panther’s second run.
The Bulldogs had a chance to gain some ground on Magnet Cove in the bottom of the second. After Nash Nichols’ blooper to right field and Andrew Kordsmeier advanced to first off a passed ball on a strikeout, St. Joseph shortstop Austin Harrell hit a ground ball directly at McDaniel, who deflected the ball off his glove, loading the bases. The No. 9 hitter in the Bulldogs’ lineup, designated hitter Joe Downey, stepped to the plate with one out and a chance to bring in some runs for the Bulldogs, but he struck out swinging, bringing Shrek back to the plate. Shrek grounded out to first to end the inning, leaving the bases loaded.
Magnet Cove coach Robert Webb was relieved his team made it out unscathed.
“Once we made it out of that inning, we knew we just had to hold on,” Webb said. “It was only a matter of time before Beck started controlling the game. I’d heard about him, and we knew those two runs could save us.”
Webb’s theory was proven true as Beck singlehandedly retired the Panthers’ side in the top of the third. Beck struck out the first two batters, then threw out Colton Ross on a sharp ground ball straight to the mound.
The Bulldogs had defensive momentum going into the bottom of the inning, and had a 2-3-4 batting lineup coming to the plate. However, Breeding, Beck, and Rega all flew out to leave St. Joseph scoreless going into the fourth.
Beck contained the Panthers again in the top of the fourth, leaving his team to once again try to put a run on the board. In the bottom of the inning, Nichols sent a line drive to center field after left fielder Cole Schichtl flew out. Wells walked Kordsmeier on four pitches, putting Nichols to second and Kordsmeier on first. St. Joseph coach Luke Davis saw an opportunity and sent both his runners to steal their bases during Harrell’s at bat. With two runners in scoring position, Harrell was at bat with a full count but struck out swinging. Downey then struck out swinging also to leave Nichols and Kordsmeier stranded.
Webb said his team had escaped death twice.
“I couldn’t believe we made it out again,” Webb said. “We were fortunate they weren’t closer towards the top of the lineup, and (Connor) Wells did his job.”
Beck continued to dominate the Magnet Cove offense as the Panthers went three up-three down in both the fifth and sixth. However, St. Joseph, too, went three up-three down in the bottom of the sixth, going into the seventh inning still trailing 2-0.
After allowing only one hit in the top of the inning, Beck gave his team one last chance to gain some ground. Kordsmeier led his team off in the bottom of the seventh with a blooper to shallow center field. Harrell then sent a ball mere feet away from the left field fence, but the Panthers' defense was up to the task. Downey struck out again, bringing the top of the lineup back to the plate with two outs and Kordsmeier on base. Shrek sent a sharp grounder past McDaniel down the third baseline, bringing Kordsmeier to second. With a runner in scoring position, Breeding hit a ground ball to second base where the Panthers tagged the base to secure hand St. Joseph its first conference loss of the year.
Beck finished the game with eight strikeouts and allowed just five hits.
Davis hailed Beck’s effort.
“Andrew pitched a great game today," he said. "I don’t know what more he could have done. When you leave four runners in scoring position and don’t capitalize on one of them, it’s hard to come back from that.”
The Bulldogs will look to bounce back against conference opponent England Monday at Curtis Walker Park.
UCA sportswriting
After scoring a run in the first and second innings, the Magnet Cove Panthers held their lead, shutting out the St. Joseph Bulldogs, 2-0, in a 2A-5 North conference game Friday at Curtis Walker Park in Conway.
After a Blake Dodson lead-off single to center field in the first, the Panthers (7-6) got first baseman Hunter Linam to advance Dodson to second on a sacrifice bunt. St. Joseph pitcher Andrew Beck struck out his next batter but walked left fielder Josh Scott. On the following pitch, Beck’s pick-off attempt at first went past first baseman Chris Rega, scoring Dodson. Magnet Cove catcher Colton Ross grounded out to short stop to end the inning.
The Bulldogs (3-2) started the bottom of the first with a runner on base after Magnet Cove pitcher Connor Wells hit right fielder Taylor Shrek with a pitch. After catcher Cory Breeding struck out checking, Beck grounded into a 5-3 double play to end the inning.
In the top of the second, Magnet Cove started out with two runners on base after a Bill Watson single, followed by Beck walking Andrew Pierce. Wells grounded to the mound, and Beck threw Watson out at third. After third baseman Britten McDaniel flew out to third, Dodson sent a line-drive single to center field to bring Pierce in for the Panther’s second run.
The Bulldogs had a chance to gain some ground on Magnet Cove in the bottom of the second. After Nash Nichols’ blooper to right field and Andrew Kordsmeier advanced to first off a passed ball on a strikeout, St. Joseph shortstop Austin Harrell hit a ground ball directly at McDaniel, who deflected the ball off his glove, loading the bases. The No. 9 hitter in the Bulldogs’ lineup, designated hitter Joe Downey, stepped to the plate with one out and a chance to bring in some runs for the Bulldogs, but he struck out swinging, bringing Shrek back to the plate. Shrek grounded out to first to end the inning, leaving the bases loaded.
Magnet Cove coach Robert Webb was relieved his team made it out unscathed.
“Once we made it out of that inning, we knew we just had to hold on,” Webb said. “It was only a matter of time before Beck started controlling the game. I’d heard about him, and we knew those two runs could save us.”
Webb’s theory was proven true as Beck singlehandedly retired the Panthers’ side in the top of the third. Beck struck out the first two batters, then threw out Colton Ross on a sharp ground ball straight to the mound.
The Bulldogs had defensive momentum going into the bottom of the inning, and had a 2-3-4 batting lineup coming to the plate. However, Breeding, Beck, and Rega all flew out to leave St. Joseph scoreless going into the fourth.
Beck contained the Panthers again in the top of the fourth, leaving his team to once again try to put a run on the board. In the bottom of the inning, Nichols sent a line drive to center field after left fielder Cole Schichtl flew out. Wells walked Kordsmeier on four pitches, putting Nichols to second and Kordsmeier on first. St. Joseph coach Luke Davis saw an opportunity and sent both his runners to steal their bases during Harrell’s at bat. With two runners in scoring position, Harrell was at bat with a full count but struck out swinging. Downey then struck out swinging also to leave Nichols and Kordsmeier stranded.
Webb said his team had escaped death twice.
“I couldn’t believe we made it out again,” Webb said. “We were fortunate they weren’t closer towards the top of the lineup, and (Connor) Wells did his job.”
Beck continued to dominate the Magnet Cove offense as the Panthers went three up-three down in both the fifth and sixth. However, St. Joseph, too, went three up-three down in the bottom of the sixth, going into the seventh inning still trailing 2-0.
After allowing only one hit in the top of the inning, Beck gave his team one last chance to gain some ground. Kordsmeier led his team off in the bottom of the seventh with a blooper to shallow center field. Harrell then sent a ball mere feet away from the left field fence, but the Panthers' defense was up to the task. Downey struck out again, bringing the top of the lineup back to the plate with two outs and Kordsmeier on base. Shrek sent a sharp grounder past McDaniel down the third baseline, bringing Kordsmeier to second. With a runner in scoring position, Breeding hit a ground ball to second base where the Panthers tagged the base to secure hand St. Joseph its first conference loss of the year.
Beck finished the game with eight strikeouts and allowed just five hits.
Davis hailed Beck’s effort.
“Andrew pitched a great game today," he said. "I don’t know what more he could have done. When you leave four runners in scoring position and don’t capitalize on one of them, it’s hard to come back from that.”
The Bulldogs will look to bounce back against conference opponent England Monday at Curtis Walker Park.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Conway Christian's game with MVE canceled
By Barry Bartoszek
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian baseball game against the Mount Vernon-Enola Warhawks was canceled Thursday because of inclement weather. The game will not be rescheduled. The Eagles' next game will be Monday, April 4 at 5 p.m. at home against the West Side High School Eagles.
UCA sportswriting
The Conway Christian baseball game against the Mount Vernon-Enola Warhawks was canceled Thursday because of inclement weather. The game will not be rescheduled. The Eagles' next game will be Monday, April 4 at 5 p.m. at home against the West Side High School Eagles.
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