TIFTON — Bulloch Academy singles and doubles players won their first-round matches in the GISA Class AA tennis tournament at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Tuesday but fell in the second round to end the Gators’ 2008 tennis season.
“I was really proud of the whole group,” said head coach Joe Blankenbaker. “As far as team depth, we put in a good performance. This has been one of the best seasons of BA tennis in a couple of years. We had a lot of parent support, good school support and the kids supported each other well. A lot of credit for that goes to Judy Butler (BA high-school English teacher and assistant coach).
In the boys’ singles tournament Tuesday, Paul Son beat Brentwood’s Steven Boatright (6-0, 6-1)in the opening round but lost to Heritage’s Michael Browder (6-0, 6-0). Brandon Walker battled hard to overcome Monroe Academy’s Hunter Davis (6-7, 7-6, 6-3) but lost to Valwood’s Ben Peeples (6-1, 6-3).
“Paul played the defending state champion in the second round and the score reflected it,” said Blakenbaker. “Brandon’s first match was a little over three hours long and he had to play again 45 minutes later. He cramped up really bad and we had to stop the match a couple of times. I thought about having him withdraw but he showed a lot of guts to finish.”
In boys’ doubles, Matt Williamson and Rob Mallard were victorious against Briarwood’s Weldon Gardner and David Daniel (6-2, 6-3) but fell to Heritage’s Govind Chhina and Brian Jordan (6-0, 6-0). Taylor Lanier and Casey Webb won in three sets against Briarwood’s Hughlon Mays and Andrew Johnson (6-4, 6-7, 6-2) but then lost in three sets to Brookwood’s William Lee and Ben Jones (4-6, 6-4, 6-4).
“Taylor and Casey played very well,” said Blankenbaker. “In the second game, they lost 6-4 in a third set that could have gone either way. Their match was the last one of the day and drew a lot of attention. They made us proud. Matt and Rob played good also but they had a tough draw in the second round.”
In girls’ doubles, Kate Anna Akins and Mary Catherine Spigener downed Briarwood’s Taylor Stitcher and Emily Henderson (6-0, 6-2) but fell in three sets to Heritage’s Mollie Crosby and Lindsey Romero (4-6, 6-0, 6-4). Betsy Woodrum and Morgan Anderson beat Brentwood’s Laurie Jones and Caroline Jones (6-3, 6-1) but lost to Valwood’s Heather Hathcock and Maggie Karras (6-3, 6-2).
“The wheels just came off in Kate Anna and Mary Catherine’s second match,” said Blankenbaker. “They lost confidence while playing a very good team. Betsy and Morgan upset a number two seed in their opening match.”
In girls’ singles, McKenzie Webb lost her first-round match to Kinsley Black of Young Americans Christian (6-4, 6-0).
“All of the kids played hard,” said Blakenbaker. “We had a great season.”
Region 3-A track and field standings
BROOKLET — Both Claxton track and field teams lead after Day One of the Region 3-A track and field tournament, held Wednesday at Southeast Bulloch.
The Lady Tigers (59.5 points) lead Calvary Day (53), Jenkins County (35), Portal (27.5), Bryan County (19) and Savannah Country Day (10).
The Claxton boys’ team (82 points) is out in front, ahead of Jenkins County (72), Bryan County (43), Portal (43), Savannah Country Day (1) and Calvary Day (0).
In the girls’ pole vault, Kris Johnson (CHS) took first and Desi Holland (CHS) took second.
Lacreasha Brewton (CHS) won the triple jump with a 33-2 and Johnson (CHS) was second 31-6. Zandra Lake of Jenkins County was third with a 30-4.
In the long jump, Ayana Cole (JCHS) was second with a jump of 14 feet. Sharessa Williams (CHS) was third (13-8).
In the girls’ discus, Portal’s Megan Anderson won with a throw of 85 feet. Jasmine Brewton (CHS) was second with a 79-7.
In shot put, Deondra Lewis (JCHS) threw a 29-10 for first. Anderson (PHS) was second at 27-6.
In the 3200m, Andrea Pittman (JCHS) ran a 14:32 for third.
In boys’ events, Oscar Morano (CHS) was first and Antoine Freeman (CHS) was second in the pole vault.
In the high jump. Justin Raymond (PHS) was first, Dorondell Jenkins (CHS) was second and Akeem Young (JCHS) was third.
Tim Patterson (JCHS) won the triple jump at 41 feet. Steven Cox (PHS) was second (40-4) and Jeremy Brewton (CHS) was third (39-10).
Raymond (PHS) also won the long jump (20-6) and Corey Greene was third (18-10).
In the discus, Quentin Jenkins (JCHS) was second (102-10). Chris Bellamy (CHS) was second in the shot put and Portal’s Nick Prescott was third.
In the 3200m race, James Bramblett (JCHS) was first with an 11:08, Brandon Mosley (CHS) was second with a 11:16 and Remigio Gomez (JCHS) was third at 11:45.
The finals of the competition will be Friday at 5 p.m at SEB.
Eagles tennis preps for tourney
With the Southern Conference Tournament scheduled to begin today, the Georgia Southern women’s tennis team is excited to continue their steady climb and is ready to make a run at their first SoCon title since 1998.
The Eagles have continued to improve under fourth-year coach Amy Bonner. This year, GSU finished out the regular season with a .500 record and improved their conference mark to 3-6, heading into today’s matchup with Western Carolina. Equally as impressive, the Eagles have amassed 10 victories, which are the most by a GSU squad since the 2004 season, when they recorded a 10-13 record in Bonner’s first year at the helm.
Georgia Southern had a stretch beginning Feb. 9 that ended March 5, where they were victorious in seven out of eight matches.
Expectations remain high as the Georgia Southern men’s tennis team heads to Charleston, S.C., for their first round matchup against UNC Greensboro in today’s opening round of play at the Southern Conference Tournament.
The Eagles are seeded seventh, while the Spartans of UNC Greensboro earned the 10th-seed.
This year, GSU has compiled an 8-11 record, which includes a 4-5 conference mark. The eight victories are the most by a men’s team since the 2004 season when they collected 10 victories. The Eagles believe that with the experience and depth of this year’s squad anything is possible.
The match is scheduled to begin at noon.
Eagle softball swept by Tech
Georgia Southern’s six-game winning streak came to an end Wednesday thanks to a sweep by the Georgia Tech softball team.
The Yellow Jackets (23-27) blanked the Eagles (28-24) 5-0 in game one and took game two 10-3.
Georgia Tech pounded out 24 hits in the doubleheader, led by Whitney Haller, who went 6-for-7 with five RBI, and Aileen Morales who had four hits including two home runs.
The Eagles had six hits in game one and had a runner reach base in every inning except the seventh, but only two reached third and none scored.
GSU sophomore Lindsey Hopkins (McDonough, Ga.) went 2-for-2 with a triple.
Georgia Tech jumped on GSU starter Melissa Laliberte (Cobourg, Ontario, Canada) early, opening the game with three straight singles and a walk. Haller drove home two with a double.
Laliberte (14-8) settled down after that and permitted just a solo homer by Morales in the sixth.
Whitney Humphreys (12-13) scattered six hits and fanned eight to get the complete-game victory.
Morales wasted little time in getting the Yellow Jackets on the scoreboard in game two, leading off with a roundtripper off the left-field foul pole, the first of three first-inning runs.
The Eagles answered with two in the first and one in the second to tie the game at 3-3, but Georgia Tech broke it open with a six-spot in the third, including a two-run shot by Haller.
Georgia Southern junior Amanda Hall (Haddock, Ga.) recorded half of the team’s hits with a 3-for-4 performance and a RBI.
Humphreys (13-13) earned the win in relief in game two while freshman Megen Smith (Springfield, Ga.) took the loss (10-8).
Georgia Southern returns to Southern Conference play this weekend hosting Western Carolina in a three-game series.
Screven tennis moves on
AUGUSTA — The Screven County tennis teams advanced in the first round of the Region 3-AA playoffs on Wednesday.
The Lady Gamecocks (15-4) got singles wins from Kate Blackburn, Evan Sheppard and Kathryn Wells. Carter Mills and Missy Zeagler and Sydnee Weaver and Kelsey Forehand won in doubles play. All scores were 6-0, 6-0.
The boys’ team (13-6) won 2-0 with singles wins from Eric Boddiford and Jim Freeman.
Both Boddiford and Wells won their matches without losing a single point.
Screven returns to Augusta today for the second round against a yet-to-be-determined opponent.
BA girls’ lose soccer DH
The Bulloch Academy girls’ soccer program dropped a pair to Region 2-AA foe Trinity Christian School Tuesday at Gator Alley.
The junior varsity squad lost 4-0 while the varsity squad lost 5-0.
“In the varsity game, it was 2-0 at the half against a very strong Lady Crusader squad,” said BA head coach Will Avera. “I was real pleased with that. Also, in my seven years of coaching, it was the best game I’ve ever seen from any team, boys or girls, coming off a Spring Break. We actually had about a 15-day break between games.
According to Coach Avera, outstanding performances were turned in by keeper Heaven Hinton, Kate Martin and Kaitlin Ellis.
Both Bulloch squads travel to Lyons Friday. The JV girls (1-3) take on the Lady Crusaders at 4 p.m. while the varsity girls (1-9, 1-3) take the field at 5:30 p.m.
SCHS ends season on win
AUGUSTA — The Screven County girls’ soccer team ended its season with a 2-0 win over Westside on Wednesday.
Ava True and Rochelle Shuman both scored while entry Becton had an assist. Christi Boston had four saves.
Screven finished at 10-7.
Free picnic Saturday at 2 p.m
Former Statesboro graduate Jeremy Mincey will host a free picnic/barbecue on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Luetta Moore Park.
The event will include a celebrity basketball game and will end around 8 p.m.
Mincey is currently playing with the NFL’S Jacksonville Jaguars.
Splash to host Youth Triathlon
Splash in the Boro Family Waterpark and Aquatic Center will host the first Splashy’s Youth Triathlon on Sunday, April 27 beginning at 2 p.m. inside Mill Creek Regional Park in Statesboro.
Boys and girls, ages 7 to 17, can compete in this triathlon. It is broken down into four age divisions to equalize the field while distances are adjusted to create a more safe and fun-filled experience.
Ages 7 to 9 will swim 50 yards, bike two miles and run1⁄2 mile. Ages 10 to 12 will swim 100 yards, bike two miles and run one mile. Ages 13 to 15 will swim 150 yards, bike 3.5 miles and run 11⁄2 miles. Ages 16 to 17 will Swim 200 yards, bike five miles and run 21⁄2 miles.
Triathlon’s incorporate swimming, biking, and running for a fun and exciting endurance race for all ages and skill levels. The swim portion will be held in the competition pool at Splash in the Boro, while the biking and running portions will be held inside Mill Creek Regional Park. The younger age group will start at 2 p.m. with each older age group going in order once the group before them are finished.
Registration for Splashy’s Youth Triathlon is being held at the Honey Bowen Building on Fair Road (M-F 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.), or online at www.splashintheboro.com. If there are still openings, race day registration will also be available between the hours of Noon and 1 p.m. only. Cost is $25 per athlete if registered by April 18. After this deadline, cost is $35 per athlete. There is a $5 discount for additional siblings. Participants will receive a gift bag, T-shirt, and be eligible for door prizes during the event.
For more information on Splashy’s Youth Triathlon, please call Steve Brown at (912) 489-9047 or visit www.splashintheboro.com.
SEB Hall of Fame ceremony
The Southeast Bulloch Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be Saturday at Southeast Bulloch Middle.
Call (912) 842-2131 for details and ticket information.
If you have a score to report, please call the Herald Sports Desk at (912) 489-9408.
“I was really proud of the whole group,” said head coach Joe Blankenbaker. “As far as team depth, we put in a good performance. This has been one of the best seasons of BA tennis in a couple of years. We had a lot of parent support, good school support and the kids supported each other well. A lot of credit for that goes to Judy Butler (BA high-school English teacher and assistant coach).
In the boys’ singles tournament Tuesday, Paul Son beat Brentwood’s Steven Boatright (6-0, 6-1)in the opening round but lost to Heritage’s Michael Browder (6-0, 6-0). Brandon Walker battled hard to overcome Monroe Academy’s Hunter Davis (6-7, 7-6, 6-3) but lost to Valwood’s Ben Peeples (6-1, 6-3).
“Paul played the defending state champion in the second round and the score reflected it,” said Blakenbaker. “Brandon’s first match was a little over three hours long and he had to play again 45 minutes later. He cramped up really bad and we had to stop the match a couple of times. I thought about having him withdraw but he showed a lot of guts to finish.”
In boys’ doubles, Matt Williamson and Rob Mallard were victorious against Briarwood’s Weldon Gardner and David Daniel (6-2, 6-3) but fell to Heritage’s Govind Chhina and Brian Jordan (6-0, 6-0). Taylor Lanier and Casey Webb won in three sets against Briarwood’s Hughlon Mays and Andrew Johnson (6-4, 6-7, 6-2) but then lost in three sets to Brookwood’s William Lee and Ben Jones (4-6, 6-4, 6-4).
“Taylor and Casey played very well,” said Blankenbaker. “In the second game, they lost 6-4 in a third set that could have gone either way. Their match was the last one of the day and drew a lot of attention. They made us proud. Matt and Rob played good also but they had a tough draw in the second round.”
In girls’ doubles, Kate Anna Akins and Mary Catherine Spigener downed Briarwood’s Taylor Stitcher and Emily Henderson (6-0, 6-2) but fell in three sets to Heritage’s Mollie Crosby and Lindsey Romero (4-6, 6-0, 6-4). Betsy Woodrum and Morgan Anderson beat Brentwood’s Laurie Jones and Caroline Jones (6-3, 6-1) but lost to Valwood’s Heather Hathcock and Maggie Karras (6-3, 6-2).
“The wheels just came off in Kate Anna and Mary Catherine’s second match,” said Blankenbaker. “They lost confidence while playing a very good team. Betsy and Morgan upset a number two seed in their opening match.”
In girls’ singles, McKenzie Webb lost her first-round match to Kinsley Black of Young Americans Christian (6-4, 6-0).
“All of the kids played hard,” said Blakenbaker. “We had a great season.”
Region 3-A track and field standings
BROOKLET — Both Claxton track and field teams lead after Day One of the Region 3-A track and field tournament, held Wednesday at Southeast Bulloch.
The Lady Tigers (59.5 points) lead Calvary Day (53), Jenkins County (35), Portal (27.5), Bryan County (19) and Savannah Country Day (10).
The Claxton boys’ team (82 points) is out in front, ahead of Jenkins County (72), Bryan County (43), Portal (43), Savannah Country Day (1) and Calvary Day (0).
In the girls’ pole vault, Kris Johnson (CHS) took first and Desi Holland (CHS) took second.
Lacreasha Brewton (CHS) won the triple jump with a 33-2 and Johnson (CHS) was second 31-6. Zandra Lake of Jenkins County was third with a 30-4.
In the long jump, Ayana Cole (JCHS) was second with a jump of 14 feet. Sharessa Williams (CHS) was third (13-8).
In the girls’ discus, Portal’s Megan Anderson won with a throw of 85 feet. Jasmine Brewton (CHS) was second with a 79-7.
In shot put, Deondra Lewis (JCHS) threw a 29-10 for first. Anderson (PHS) was second at 27-6.
In the 3200m, Andrea Pittman (JCHS) ran a 14:32 for third.
In boys’ events, Oscar Morano (CHS) was first and Antoine Freeman (CHS) was second in the pole vault.
In the high jump. Justin Raymond (PHS) was first, Dorondell Jenkins (CHS) was second and Akeem Young (JCHS) was third.
Tim Patterson (JCHS) won the triple jump at 41 feet. Steven Cox (PHS) was second (40-4) and Jeremy Brewton (CHS) was third (39-10).
Raymond (PHS) also won the long jump (20-6) and Corey Greene was third (18-10).
In the discus, Quentin Jenkins (JCHS) was second (102-10). Chris Bellamy (CHS) was second in the shot put and Portal’s Nick Prescott was third.
In the 3200m race, James Bramblett (JCHS) was first with an 11:08, Brandon Mosley (CHS) was second with a 11:16 and Remigio Gomez (JCHS) was third at 11:45.
The finals of the competition will be Friday at 5 p.m at SEB.
Eagles tennis preps for tourney
With the Southern Conference Tournament scheduled to begin today, the Georgia Southern women’s tennis team is excited to continue their steady climb and is ready to make a run at their first SoCon title since 1998.
The Eagles have continued to improve under fourth-year coach Amy Bonner. This year, GSU finished out the regular season with a .500 record and improved their conference mark to 3-6, heading into today’s matchup with Western Carolina. Equally as impressive, the Eagles have amassed 10 victories, which are the most by a GSU squad since the 2004 season, when they recorded a 10-13 record in Bonner’s first year at the helm.
Georgia Southern had a stretch beginning Feb. 9 that ended March 5, where they were victorious in seven out of eight matches.
Expectations remain high as the Georgia Southern men’s tennis team heads to Charleston, S.C., for their first round matchup against UNC Greensboro in today’s opening round of play at the Southern Conference Tournament.
The Eagles are seeded seventh, while the Spartans of UNC Greensboro earned the 10th-seed.
This year, GSU has compiled an 8-11 record, which includes a 4-5 conference mark. The eight victories are the most by a men’s team since the 2004 season when they collected 10 victories. The Eagles believe that with the experience and depth of this year’s squad anything is possible.
The match is scheduled to begin at noon.
Eagle softball swept by Tech
Georgia Southern’s six-game winning streak came to an end Wednesday thanks to a sweep by the Georgia Tech softball team.
The Yellow Jackets (23-27) blanked the Eagles (28-24) 5-0 in game one and took game two 10-3.
Georgia Tech pounded out 24 hits in the doubleheader, led by Whitney Haller, who went 6-for-7 with five RBI, and Aileen Morales who had four hits including two home runs.
The Eagles had six hits in game one and had a runner reach base in every inning except the seventh, but only two reached third and none scored.
GSU sophomore Lindsey Hopkins (McDonough, Ga.) went 2-for-2 with a triple.
Georgia Tech jumped on GSU starter Melissa Laliberte (Cobourg, Ontario, Canada) early, opening the game with three straight singles and a walk. Haller drove home two with a double.
Laliberte (14-8) settled down after that and permitted just a solo homer by Morales in the sixth.
Whitney Humphreys (12-13) scattered six hits and fanned eight to get the complete-game victory.
Morales wasted little time in getting the Yellow Jackets on the scoreboard in game two, leading off with a roundtripper off the left-field foul pole, the first of three first-inning runs.
The Eagles answered with two in the first and one in the second to tie the game at 3-3, but Georgia Tech broke it open with a six-spot in the third, including a two-run shot by Haller.
Georgia Southern junior Amanda Hall (Haddock, Ga.) recorded half of the team’s hits with a 3-for-4 performance and a RBI.
Humphreys (13-13) earned the win in relief in game two while freshman Megen Smith (Springfield, Ga.) took the loss (10-8).
Georgia Southern returns to Southern Conference play this weekend hosting Western Carolina in a three-game series.
Screven tennis moves on
AUGUSTA — The Screven County tennis teams advanced in the first round of the Region 3-AA playoffs on Wednesday.
The Lady Gamecocks (15-4) got singles wins from Kate Blackburn, Evan Sheppard and Kathryn Wells. Carter Mills and Missy Zeagler and Sydnee Weaver and Kelsey Forehand won in doubles play. All scores were 6-0, 6-0.
The boys’ team (13-6) won 2-0 with singles wins from Eric Boddiford and Jim Freeman.
Both Boddiford and Wells won their matches without losing a single point.
Screven returns to Augusta today for the second round against a yet-to-be-determined opponent.
BA girls’ lose soccer DH
The Bulloch Academy girls’ soccer program dropped a pair to Region 2-AA foe Trinity Christian School Tuesday at Gator Alley.
The junior varsity squad lost 4-0 while the varsity squad lost 5-0.
“In the varsity game, it was 2-0 at the half against a very strong Lady Crusader squad,” said BA head coach Will Avera. “I was real pleased with that. Also, in my seven years of coaching, it was the best game I’ve ever seen from any team, boys or girls, coming off a Spring Break. We actually had about a 15-day break between games.
According to Coach Avera, outstanding performances were turned in by keeper Heaven Hinton, Kate Martin and Kaitlin Ellis.
Both Bulloch squads travel to Lyons Friday. The JV girls (1-3) take on the Lady Crusaders at 4 p.m. while the varsity girls (1-9, 1-3) take the field at 5:30 p.m.
SCHS ends season on win
AUGUSTA — The Screven County girls’ soccer team ended its season with a 2-0 win over Westside on Wednesday.
Ava True and Rochelle Shuman both scored while entry Becton had an assist. Christi Boston had four saves.
Screven finished at 10-7.
Free picnic Saturday at 2 p.m
Former Statesboro graduate Jeremy Mincey will host a free picnic/barbecue on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Luetta Moore Park.
The event will include a celebrity basketball game and will end around 8 p.m.
Mincey is currently playing with the NFL’S Jacksonville Jaguars.
Splash to host Youth Triathlon
Splash in the Boro Family Waterpark and Aquatic Center will host the first Splashy’s Youth Triathlon on Sunday, April 27 beginning at 2 p.m. inside Mill Creek Regional Park in Statesboro.
Boys and girls, ages 7 to 17, can compete in this triathlon. It is broken down into four age divisions to equalize the field while distances are adjusted to create a more safe and fun-filled experience.
Ages 7 to 9 will swim 50 yards, bike two miles and run1⁄2 mile. Ages 10 to 12 will swim 100 yards, bike two miles and run one mile. Ages 13 to 15 will swim 150 yards, bike 3.5 miles and run 11⁄2 miles. Ages 16 to 17 will Swim 200 yards, bike five miles and run 21⁄2 miles.
Triathlon’s incorporate swimming, biking, and running for a fun and exciting endurance race for all ages and skill levels. The swim portion will be held in the competition pool at Splash in the Boro, while the biking and running portions will be held inside Mill Creek Regional Park. The younger age group will start at 2 p.m. with each older age group going in order once the group before them are finished.
Registration for Splashy’s Youth Triathlon is being held at the Honey Bowen Building on Fair Road (M-F 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.), or online at www.splashintheboro.com. If there are still openings, race day registration will also be available between the hours of Noon and 1 p.m. only. Cost is $25 per athlete if registered by April 18. After this deadline, cost is $35 per athlete. There is a $5 discount for additional siblings. Participants will receive a gift bag, T-shirt, and be eligible for door prizes during the event.
For more information on Splashy’s Youth Triathlon, please call Steve Brown at (912) 489-9047 or visit www.splashintheboro.com.
SEB Hall of Fame ceremony
The Southeast Bulloch Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be Saturday at Southeast Bulloch Middle.
Call (912) 842-2131 for details and ticket information.
If you have a score to report, please call the Herald Sports Desk at (912) 489-9408.
