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WJU's Houston Named Daktronics Atlantic Region Soccer Player of the Year; Four WVIAC Standouts Earn First Team All-Region Honors
11/17/2009

Box Score

(Clarion, PA) --- The 19th ranked Gannon Golden Knights would use a 19-4 run to open the game and sieze control, never looking back on their way to a 81-42 victory over Alderson-Broaddus on the 2nd day of the Clarion Classic.

GU (5-0) shot a scorching 59% in the opening frame as they raced out to a 45-13 lead at intermission. The Lady Battlers hit on just 5 of 23 (21.7%) attempts from the field in the 1st half.

The Knights were paced by Brittany Tabron's game high 16 points and seven rebounds in just 19 minutes of action.

A-B, who struggled all night to get anything going offensively, would be led by Tori Charley's 10 points. Ciara Riggleman and Amanda Peoples each added seven points each.

The Battlers shot just 29.2% from the field, and had a minus 25 rebound deficit (48-23)

Alderson-Broaddus will return to action this weekend as they will travel to Montgomery, WV for the WVU-Tech Golden Bear Classic. A-B will take on Pikeville Friday at 8pm. Read more on this article...

Box Score
(Clarion, PA)--- The A-B Women's Basketball Team fell on the road this evening to the host Clarion University, 71-63, in the2nd game of the Clarion Classic.

The Golden Eagles were paced by Bethany Koch's 19 points, as she fueled a 12-5 run over the final 4:27 of the game to break open a one point contest. Clarion would see their 1o point 2nd half lead cut to a mere point, 59-58, as A-B's Ciara Riggleman knocked down a jumper in the paint. Koch would then go to work as she hit a pair of layups and a jumper to help close the door on the Lady Battlers.

Alderson-Broaddus (0-1) were led by Tori Charley's game high 23 points and nine rebounds. Senior Amanda Smith stuffed the stat sheet as she added 18 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Freshman Amanda Peoples chipped in 13 points and seven rebounds in her collegiate debut.

For the game A-B shot 41.7% (25-60) from the field and 8 of 19 (42.1%) from behind the arc. They held a 41-38 advantage on the boards but turned the ball over 16 times compared to only 11 for Clarion.

A-B returns to action on Monday evening as they take on 19th ranked Gannon University Golden Knights. Tip off for game four of the Clarion Classic is at 6pm. Read more on this article...

Allison, Ware, Smith Selected For Major '09 WVIAC Volleyball Awards
11/12/2009

(PRINCETON, W.Va.)---WVIAC regular season champion Wheeling Jesuit has claimed both of the league's top player honors for the 2009 volleyball season. Junior Keysha Allison has been named WVIAC Player of the Year, while teammate Allissa Ware is the league's Freshman of the Year. Shepherd's Sarah Smith garners the award for WVIAC Coach of the Year after the Rams have nearly doubled their win total in 2009.

Allison has been a dominant performer on the right side for the 32-5 Cardinals. The 5-10 junior ranks sixth in the WVIAC with a .296 hitting percentage and also stands among the league leaders with 261 kills. She also provides WJU with nearly five assists per set as a part-time setter. The Millersburg, Ohio native provides solid net play and ranks second on the squad with 0.62 blocks per set.

Ware has made an immediate splash in her first college season. The Jackson Center, OH outside hitter leads the regular season champion Cardinals with 326 kills. She also boasts a .275 hitting percentage for a squad that has won 22 contests in succession entering this week's WVIAC Tournament. Ware also is among the league's top twenty in digs with 3.05 per set.

Wheeling Jesuit head coach Christy Benner praised her honorees. "Having the Player and Freshman of the Year is amazing and I feel that both Keysha and Allissa are very deserving of their awards. Not only are they outstanding volleyball players, but incredible young ladies."

"Keysha is a fierce competitor who always plays as if it's the last point of her career. She has worked very hard to be where she is and sets a good example for her teammates."

"Allissa came in to a situation where we had an experienced team and was a nice complement to Catie Halberstadt right away. We knew that she would be a very nice player for us, but to lead our team in kills her freshman year has far exceeded our expectations."

Smith has engineered a turnaround at Shepherd as this year's squad has bounced back from last season's 11-22 mark to stand 20-11 at the conclusion of the regular season. The Rams went 12-2 in WVIAC play to grab the second seed in the WVIAC Tournament after being forecast for eleventh place during the pre-season. The 2003 graduate of Bryant University owns a 69-90 career mark after five seasons at the Shepherd helm.

Half of the 10-player All-WVIAC first team are repeat selections from the 2008 squad. Amanda Check (Alderson-Broaddus), Amanda Luedtke (WV State), Jennifer Paswaters (WV State), and Christina Wichrowski (WV State) are two-time first team all-conference honorees. Catie Halberstadt, the 2008 WVIAC Player of the Year, is making her third straight first team All-WVIAC appearance. Allison, Annie Federoff (Alderson-Broaddus), Missy Gossett (Wheeling Jesuit), Amanda Hall (Shepherd), and Lauren Saelens (Glenville State) round out the All-WVIAC first string.

A pair of Shepherd players, Lauren Gardner and Kasey Mercier, join Ware on the six-player WVIAC All-Freshman aggregation. Meagan Gibson (Fairmont State), Malleri Hardison (Charleston), and Alyssa Graboski (WV State) comprise the remainder of the all-rookie squad.

The complete 2009 All-WVIAC volleyball team, as selected by the league's 15 head coaches, follows:

First Team All-WVIAC
Keysha Allison (Wheeling Jesuit, 5-10, Jr., S/RS, Millersburg, OH)
Amanda Check (Alderson-Broaddus, 5-9, Jr., OH, New Carlisle, OH)
Annie Federoff (Alderson-Broaddus, 5-6, Sr., L, Aliquippa, PA)
Missy Gossett (Wheeling Jesuit, 5-10, Sr., MB, Bannock, OH)
Catie Halberstadt (Wheeling Jesuit, 5-10, Sr., OH, Jackson Center, OH)
Amanda Hall (Shepherd, 5-10, Soph., MH, Virginia Beach, VA)
Amanda Luedtke (WV State, 6-0, Sr., MB, Overland Park, KS)
Jennifer Paswaters (WV State, 5-7, Sr., S, Rancho Cucamonga, CA)
Lauren Saelens (Glenville State, 5-11, Sr., OH/MH, Grand Rapids, MI)
Christina Wichrowski (WV State, 5-9, Sr., RS, Virginia Beach, VA)

Second Team All-WVIAC
Micah Bell (Fairmont State, 5-9, Sr., MB, New Martinsville, WV)
Meagan Gibson (Fairmont State, 5-10, Fr., OH/RS, Lordstown, OH)
Emily McCoy (Shepherd, 5-11, Sr., MH, Berkeley Springs, WV)
Erica Hale (Glenville State, 5-4, Jr., S/DS, St. Louis, MI)
Chantal Hebron (Charleston, 5-9, Jr., OH, Lexington Park, MD)
Laura O'Reilly (Wheeling Jesuit, 5-7, Jr., L, San Francisco, CA)
Jess Pattyn (WV Wesleyan, 5-10, Soph., OH, Moon Township, PA)
Haley Snyder (Davis & Elkins, 5-10, Sr., OH, Frankfort, IL)
Allissa Ware (Wheeling Jesuit, 6-0, Fr., OH, Jackson Center, OH)
Katie Williams (Charleston, 5-5, Soph., S, Gettysburg, PA)

Honorable Mention All-WVIAC
Hayley Barhorst (WV Wesleyan, 5-10, Jr., S, Fort Loramie, OH)
Aushia Beavers (Fairmont State, 5-10, Jr., RS, Keyser, WV)
Emily Borchers (Wheeling Jesuit, 5-10, Jr., MB, Dayton, OH)
Abby Gearhart (Pitt Johnstown, 5-8, Sr., OH/DS, Elton, PA)
Lindsay Hadley (Alderson-Broaddus, 5-7, Soph., OH, Falling Waters, WV)
Kristin Irwin (Pitt Johnstown, 5-11, Sr., MH, Bellefonte, PA)
Megan Kehlert (Seton Hill, 5-9, Jr., S, Plum, PA)
Jana Lowe (Davis & Elkins, 6-1, Soph., S/RS, Port Republic, MD)
Jess Raffa (Davis & Elkins, 5-8, Jr., L, Beavercreek, OH)
Julie Robertson (Shepherd, 5-8, Jr., L, Richmond, VA)
Jane Thompson (Shepherd, 5-7, Sr., S, Cincinnati, OH)

All-Freshman
Lauren Gardner (Shepherd, 5-8, OH, Clarkston, MI)
Meagan Gibson (Fairmont State, 5-10, OH/RS, Lordstown, OH)
Alyssa Graboski (WV State, 6-1, MB, Upper Sandusky, OH)
Malleri Hardison (Charleston, 5-11, OH, Uniontown, PA)
Kasey Mercier (Shepherd, 5-8, OH, Baltimore, MD)
Allissa Ware (Wheeling Jesuit, 6-0, OH, Jackson Center, OH)

WVIAC Player of the Year: Keysha Allison (Wheeling Jesuit)
WVIAC Freshman of the Year: Allissa Ware (Wheeling Jesuit)
WVIAC Coach of the Year: Sarah Smith (Shepherd)

WVIAC Players of the Year:
1985: Michelle Miles (Alderson-Broaddus)
1986: Patty Curtis (Alderson-Broaddus)
1987: Georgia Dawson (West Liberty)
1988: Jackie Burks (Fairmont State)
1989: Tracey Rowe (Fairmont State)
1990: Nikki Peck (Alderson-Broaddus)
1991: Sue Reiff (West Virginia Wesleyan)
1992: Sue Reiff (West Virginia Wesleyan)
1993: Kate Markovich (West Virginia Wesleyan)
1994: Cynthia Aviles (Wheeling Jesuit)/Courtney Fochtman (Fairmont State)
1995: Cynthia Aviles (Wheeling Jesuit)
1996: Kelly Sabol (West Virginia Wesleyan)
1997: Susan Wren (West Virginia Wesleyan)
1998: Carrie Whalen (Alderson-Broaddus)
1999: Summer Paynter (Alderson-Broaddus)
2000: Gretchen Krumdieck (Wheeling Jesuit)
2001: Nicole Lafollette (Charleston)
2002: Brandi Dicke (Alderson-Broaddus)
2003: Kirstin Hearn (Wheeling Jesuit)
2004: Latonia Petersheim (Alderson-Broaddus)
2005: Taryn Haas (West Virginia State)
2006: Sam Meyer (Charleston)
2007: Katy Skelley (Charleston)
2008: Catie Halberstadt (Wheeling Jesuit)
2009: Keysha Allison (Wheeling Jesuit)

WVIAC Coaches of the Year:
1985: Larry Hill (Fairmont State)
1986: Gloria Stewart (Alderson-Broaddus)
1987: Rhonda Noble (West Liberty)
1988: Larry Hill (Fairmont State)
1989: Georgia Kelly (Concord)
1990: Larry Hill (Fairmont State)
1991: Rhonda Noble (West Liberty)
1992: Nancy Myers (Wheeling Jesuit)
1993: Tia Brandel (West Virginia Wesleyan)
1994: Carolyn Mair (Alderson-Broaddus)
1995: Brenda Stevens (Charleston)
1996: Jamie Gordon (West Virginia Wesleyan)
1997: Brenda Stevens (Charleston)
1998: Larry Hill (Fairmont State)
1999: Chad Esposito (Wheeling Jesuit)
2000: Chad Esposito (Wheeling Jesuit)
2001: Brenda Stevens (Charleston)
2002: J.D. Long (Alderson-Broaddus)
2003: Christy Benner (Wheeling Jesuit)
2004: Christy Benner (Wheeling Jesuit)
2005: Shannon Gerencir (West Virginia State)
2006: Shannon Gerencir (West Virginia State)
2007: April DeCoste (West Virginia Wesleyan)
2008: Carrie Bodkins (Alderson-Broaddus)
2009: Sarah Smith (Shepherd)

WVIAC Freshman of the Year:
2000: Brandi Dicke (Alderson-Broaddus)
2001: Latonia Petersheim (Alderson-Broaddus)
2002: Kaitlyn Shumate (West Virginia Wesleyan)
2003: Susanna Hill (Shepherd)
2004: Katy Skelley (Charleston)
2005: Stephanie Harwood (West Virginia State)
2006: Catie Halberstadt (Wheeling Jesuit)
2007: Jami Turrill (Charleston)
2008: Katie Williams (Charleston)
2009: Allissa Ware (Wheeling Jesuit) Read more on this article...

Three WVIAC Volleyball Squads In D-II Regional Rankings
11/12/2009

INDIANAPOLIS---The NCAA Division II Women's Volleyball Committee has released this week's regional rankings. The rankings include the top 10 teams in the Atlantic Region, with Division II and in-region records through November 8.

1. California (Pennsylvania) 29-4 26-4
2. Clarion 23-7 23-7
3. Lock Haven 29-4 28-3
4. Gannon 22-8 22-8
5. Wheeling Jesuit 29-5 27-4
6. Edinboro 21-11 21-9
7. Mercyhurst 18-11 18-11
8. Indiana (Pennsylvania) 17-16 17-16
9. Alderson-Broaddus 19-14 18-11
10. West Virginia State 15-11 13-8 Read more on this article...

Top Four Seeds Advance To WVIAC Volleyball Tournament Semfinals
11/12/2009

(CHARLESTON, W.Va.)---The top four seeds survived and advanced to semi-final play after day one of the WVIAC Volleyball Tournament.

Top-seeded Wheeling Jesuit (33-5) disposed of Davis & Elkins (20-17) in three sets. The Cardinals claimed a 25-12, 25-11, 25-19 victory in less than an hour. WVIAC Player of the Year Keysha Allison had 10 kills, 14 digs, and seven assists. Allissa Ware added nine kills and ten digs for the Cardinals.

Shepherd (21-11) rallied from a 2-1 deficit to edge Charleston (22-13) in five sets. The Rams jumped out to a 7-1 lead in the decisive fifth set and cruised to a 15-5 win in the clincher. Amanda Hall led the Rams with 15 kills, while Lauren Gardner and Kasey Mercier had ten each. Julie Robertson added 25 digs for the Rams.

West Virginia State (16-11) downed West Liberty (8-23) 25-17, 25-20, 25-14 and Alderson-Broaddus (21-15) got by Glenville State (15-22) 25-21, 26-24, 25-22 in the evening's late matches.

Underdogs showed their teeth in the morning's opening round contests. #12 West Liberty shocked #5 WV Wesleyan 3-2 (25-22, 25-18, 12-25, 16-25, 15-9) for only the second #12 over #5 upset in tournament history. #6 Glenville State held off #11 Pitt Johnstown in another five-set thriller (20-25, 26-24, 25-18, 19-25, 15-11).

Charleston and Davis & Elkins won their early morning matches in straight sets. The Golden Eagles swept Seton Hill 25-13, 25-15, 25-20, while D&E got past Fairmont State 25-13, 25-18, 26-24.

Friday's semifinals will see Alderson-Broaddus battle Shepherd at 5:30 p.m. SU won a five-set thriller during the regular season meeting. The nightcap features top-seed Wheeling Jesuit versus West Virginia State in a rematch of last season's title tilt. WJU prevailed in four sets in their lone meeting of 2009.

WVIAC Volleyball Tournament
November 12-14
Charleston, W.Va. (Charleston Catholic Sports Complex)

Thursday, 11/12
First Round
G1: #7 Charleston d. #10 Seton Hill 3-0 (25-13, 25-15, 25-20)
G2: #8 Davis & Elkins d. #9 Fairmont State 3-0 (25-13, 25-18, 26-24)
G3: #12 West Liberty d. #5 WV Wesleyan 3-2 (25-22, 25-18, 12-25, 16-25, 15-9)
G4: #6 Glenville State d. #11 Pitt Johnstown 3-2 (20-25, 26-24, 25-18, 19-25, 15-11)
Quarterfinals
G5: #1 Wheeling Jesuit d. Davis & Elkins 3-0 (25-12, 25-11, 25-19)
G6: #2 Shepherd d. Charleston 3-2 (25-11, 21-25, 25-20, 20-25, 15-5)
G7: #3 Alderson-Broaddus d. Glenville State 3-0 (25-21, 26-24, 25-22)
G8: #4 West Virginia State d. West Liberty 3-0 (25-17, 25-20, 25-14)
Friday, 11/13
Semifinals
G9: Shepherd (21-11) vs. Alderson-Broaddus (21-15) 5:30 p.m.
G10: Wheeling Jesuit (33-5) vs. West Virginia State (16-11) 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, 11/14
G11: Championship match 2:00 p.m. Read more on this article...

Zayas, Shoemaker, McGinnis Take Top '09 WVIAC Women's Soccer Awards
11/10/2009

(PRINCETON, W.Va.)---West Virginia Wesleyan's Meghan Zayas and Alderson-Broaddus's Kasie Shoemaker have been awarded top 2009 WVIAC women's soccer player honors as voted upon by league head coaches. Zayas helped lead Wesleyan to the WVIAC Tournament championsip and was named Player of the Year, while Shoemaker played a key role in Alderson-Broaddus' rapid climb in the league standings to grab Freshman of the Year accolades. A-B's Pat McGinnis was honored by his peers as the WVIAC Coach of the Year.

Zayas, a Ponchatoula, LA junior, stands second on the Wesleyan squad with 16 points on five goals and a team-high six assists. The midfielder also contributed mightily to a Bobcat defense that has only allowed 15 goals in 20 contests en route to a third straight trip to the NCAA Tournament.

Shoemaker's 33 points led A-B and ranks third in the WVIAC. The Hyndman, PA native's 15 goals also rank third in the league as the youthful Battlers spent time in the NCAA Division II regional rankings.

McGinnis' Alderson-Broaddus squad quadrupled their victory total from 3 to 12 in only the program's second season of play. The Battlers posted a 6-3-1 league record and qualified for the WVIAC Tournament despite a roster that included no juniors or seniors. The Columbus, Ohio native owns a 15-17-1 record during his tenure at A-B.

WVIAC regular season champion Davis & Elkins placed a league-high six players on the first team all-conference squad. The Senators were represented by goalkeeper Jacqueline Krum, forwards Cole Dant and Kim Brown, midfielders Megan Beal and Alexa McCartney, and defender Allison Dant.

Wheeling Jesuit had three selections in forward Kara Houston, midfielder Hannah Walker, and defender Stephanie Marazza. Zayas and defender Alanna Torrey are the honorees for tournament champion Wesleyan.

Forward Gemma Nortcliffe and midfielder Katie Cuviello are from Concord. Shoemaker and defender Megan Johnson are the Alderson-Broaddus selections. Charleston defender Fallon Nicholas rounds out the 2009 All-WVIAC first team.

Cole Dant, Cuviello, Nortcliffe, Zayas, and Torrey are repeat selections from the 2008 All-WVIAC first squad. Dant and Torrey are three-time first team honorees. Both were selected to the 2007 first team as freshmen.

The complete 2009 All-WVIAC women's soccer squad, as voted upon by league coaches, follows:

First Team:
GK-Jacqueline Krum (Davis & Elkins, Sr., Centreville, VA, 1.23 GAA, .825 sv %)
F-Kasie Shoemaker (Alderson-Broaddus, Fr., Hyndman, PA, 15 goals, 33 pts)
F-Gemma Nortcliffe (Concord, Jr., Wakefield, ENG, 21 goals, 45 pts)
F-Cole Dant (Davis & Elkins, Jr., Elkton, MD, 9 goals, 7 assists)
F-Kim Brown (Davis & Elkins, Fr., Scarborough, ONT, 12 goals, 5 assists)
F-Kara Houston (Wheeling Jesuit, Jr., Washington, PA, 24 goals, 52 pts)
M-Katie Cuviello (Concord, Sr., Niagara Falls, ONT, 6 goals, 10 assists)
M-Megan Beal (Davis & Elkins, Sr., Pilesgrove, NJ, 10 goals, 4 assists)
M-Alexa McCartney (Davis & Elkins, Soph., Pickering, ONT, 4 goals)
M-Meghan Zayas (WV Wesleyan, Jr., Ponchatoula, LA, 5 goals, 6 assists)
M-Hannah Walker (Wheeling Jesuit, Jr., Silver Lake, OH, 12 assists, 16 pts)
D-Megan Johnson (Alderson-Broaddus, Fr., Charleston, WV)
D-Allison Dant (Davis & Elkins, Fr., Elkton, MD)
D-Fallon Nicholas (Charleston, Jr., Sacramento, CA)
D-Alanna Torrey (WV Wesleyan, Jr., Mandeville, LA)
D-Stephanie Marazza (Wheeling Jesuit, Jr., Greensburg, PA)

Second Team:
GK-Whitney Sharp (Charleston, Sr., Charleston, WV)
GK-Caroline Lalley (WV Wesleyan, Soph., Silver Spring, MD)
F-Kelsey Ballard (Concord, Jr., Roanoke, VA)
F-Bonnie Little (Davis & Elkins, Jr., Franklinville, NJ)
F-Ashley Dragos (WV Wesleyan, Sr., Falmouth, ME)
F-Amy Stiltner (Wheeling Jesuit, Fr., Chandlersville, OH)
M-Kate Armentrout (Concord, Soph., Beckley, WV)
M-Holli Dalton (Charleston, Jr., Ledyard, CT)
M-Hannah Macormic (WV Wesleyan, Jr., Mandeville, LA)
M-Katie Roberts (WV Wesleyan, Soph., Vienna, WV)
M-Ashley McGinnis (Wheeling Jesuit, Fr., Washington, PA)
D-Terri Donnelly (Concord, Soph., Glasgow, Scotland)
D-Emily Babik (Pitt Johnstown, Sr., St. Mary's, PA)
D-Emma Levin-Nielsen (WV Wesleyan, Fr., Parkersburg, WV)
D-Monica Prieur (Wheeling Jesuit, Sr., Grimsby, ONT)
D-Amanda Belsito (Wheeling Jesuit, Sr., Oakville, ONT)

Honorable Mention:
GK-Kate Laird (Alderson-Broaddus, Fr., Morgantown, WV)
GK-Jessica Park (Wheeling Jesuit, Sr., Blue Ash, OH)
F-Lindsey DeVaughn (Concord, Jr., Parkersburg, WV)
F-Mackiesh Taylor (Seton Hill, Fr., St. Croix, VI)
F-Lindsey Roessler (Pitt Johnstown, Fr., Chalfont, PA)
F-Jill Morrison (WV Wesleyan, Sr., Alliston, ONT)
M-Brooke Logston (Alderson-Broaddus, Fr., Parkersburg, WV)
M-Gwen Brand (Alderson-Broaddus, Fr., Kingwood, WV)
M-Kristin Kelly (Pitt Johnstown, Sr., Bethel Park, PA)
M-Ashley Rees (WV Wesleyan, Sr., Cranberry Township, PA)
M-Megan Newrones (Wheeling Jesuit, Fr., Medina, OH)
D-Cassandra Fortino (Concord, Jr., Hamilton, ONT)
D-Vicoria Gustitus (Davis & Elkins, Fr., Fallston, MD)
D-Erica Page-Jarvis (Ohio Valley, Sr., Hollywood, MD)
D-Aleisha Rees (WV Wesleyan, Fr., Cranberry Township, PA)
D-Katrina Kennedy (Wheeling Jesuit, Jr., Aurora, OH)

WVIAC Women's Soccer Players of the Year:
1997: Diana Davoli (Wheeling Jesuit)/Jen Newkirk (WV Wesleyan)
1998: Juli Hanrath (WV Wesleyan)
1999: Stephanie Petterson (Wheeling Jesuit)
2000: Lesley Kohlmyer (Wheeling Jesuit)
2001: Kristene Martinsen (WV Wesleyan)
2002: Annette Laursen (Concord)
2003: Shellie Cotton (WV Wesleyan)
2004: Lauren Deschamps (Wheeling Jesuit)
2005: Megan Graham (Wheeling Jesuit)
2006: Leanna Neuner (Concord)/Megan Davies (Concord)
2007: Katie Schubert (WV Wesleyan)
2008: Katie Schubert (WV Wesleyan)
2009: Meghan Zayas (WV Wesleyan)

WVIAC Women's Soccer Coaches of the Year:
1997: Linda Bauer (WV Wesleyan)
1998: Linda Bauer (WV Wesleyan)
1999: Linda Bauer-John (WV Wesleyan)
2000: Jim Regan (Wheeling Jesuit)
2001: Anthony James (WV Wesleyan)
2002: Steve Barrett (Concord)
2003: Anthony James (WV Wesleyan)
2004: Marcus Guimaraes (Salem International)
2005: Carrie Hanna (Wheeling Jesuit)
2006: Steve Barrett (Concord)
2007: Glenn Francis (WV Wesleyan)
2008: Glenn Francis (WV Wesleyan)
2009: Pat McGinnis (Alderson-Broaddus)

WVIAC Women's Soccer Freshmen of the Year:
2000: Joana DaSilva (Wheeling Jesuit)
2001: Shellie Cotton (WV Wesleyan)/Renea Moody (Wheeling Jesuit)
2002: Ashley Suarez (WV Wesleyan)
2003: Erin Wilkinson (Shepherd)
2004: Lisa Strollo (Wheeling Jesuit)
2005: Katie McArthur (Davis & Elkins)
2006: Ashley Rees (WV Wesleyan)
2007: Cole Dant (Davis & Elkins)
2008: Caroline Lalley (WV Wesleyan)
2009: Kasie Shoemaker (Alderson-Broaddus) Read more on this article...

(PRINCETON, W.Va.)---2008-09 WVIAC regular season and tournament runner-up West Liberty is a solid favorite to capture this season's conference women's basketball title by a vote of league head coaches.

The Toppers earned nine first-place votes to edge defending champion Charleston, Fairmont State, and Seton Hill in the voting. Pitt Johnstown, West Virginia Wesleyan, Concord, and West Virginia State hold down the fifth through the eighth spots in the poll.

Shepherd, Wheeling Jesuit, Alderson-Broaddus, and Glenville State are in the ninth through twelveth positions. Davis & Elkins, Ohio Valley, and Bluefield State round out the voting. Salem International is not eligible for the 2009-10 WVIAC women's basketball title.

West Liberty (24-7, 17-3) should have one of the Atlantic Region's top backcourts with Tori Hansen (5-8, Jr.) and Laura Malernee (5-11, Jr., 15.6 ppg). Hansen was the 2008-09 WVIAC Player of the Year after averaging 18.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. Malernee established an NCAA Division II single-season record with 146 made three-pointers last season. Lincoln Memorial transfer Andi Winney (6-0, Sr., 10.0 ppg) should help head coach Lynn Ullom plug a graduation induced hole in the middle for the Lady Toppers.

Charleston (26-7, 17-3) must replace the inside-outside combination of Jihan Williams and Veronica Carman, but the Golden Eagles have seldom been out of contention during head coach Sherry Winn's stay at her alma mater. Lindsay Kentner (5-8, Jr., G, 10.2 ppg), Kaitlyn Arick (6-0, Sr., F, 9.0 ppg), and Ali Tobias (5-7, Jr., G, 6.9 ppg, 2.8 apg) are returning starters for UC. Look for junior forward Tarenna Dixon (5-10, 6.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg) to shoulder a larger role on the interior.

Fairmont State (18-11, 14-6) must find reinforcements after losing four of their top five scorers. However, first team All-WVIAC guard Ashley Vavrek (5-8, Sr., G, 17.8 ppg) is back for her final campaign as a Falcon. Samantha Guell (5-10, Sr., F, 3.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg) started 28 of 29 contests last season for FSU. Head coach Steve McDonald brought in a talented group of eight newcomers that will play an immediate role.

Seton Hill (18-11, 14-6) could field Division II's most-experienced squad as Ferne Labati's Griffins return their top ten players from last season. Senior forward Katie Lintner (6-0, 15.4 ppg, 9.4 rpg) is a consistent double-double threat. Junior Jordan Burkes (5-10, Jr., F, 11.5 ppg) earned second team All-WVIAC accolades in 2008-09, while senior point guard Orit Farchi (5-6, Sr., G, 7.0 ppg, 4.0 apg) ranked among the conference leaders in assists.

Pitt Johnstown (18-12, 14-6) vaulted into contention during head coach Sasha Palmer's second season. Juniors Sheena Aden (5-7, G, 14.3 ppg, 3.2 apg) and Andrea Dalton (5-10, G/F, 11.7 ppg) are expected to be standouts for the Lady Cats. Monae Baker (6-1, Soph., F/C, 9.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg) was a force in the middle at times during her rookie season. A crop of eight newcomers, including five transfers, should bolster UPJ's depth in 2009-10.

West Virginia Wesleyan (20-10, 15-5) has to replace do-it-all star Sarah Van Horn, but the cupboard is not bare for head coach Steve Tierney's Bobcats. Guard Lydia Bridenbaugh (5-10, Soph., 9.6 ppg) made the WVIAC All-Freshman squad last season. Senior Angela Tassari (6-2, C, 7.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.5 bpg) brings plenty of experience to the interior. WVWC also adds Akron transfer Sarah Tokodi, a 5-9 senior guard.

Concord (13-15, 11-9) head coach Kenny Osborne may not be a fan of the 1992 hit movie Sister Act, but he certainly likes the sibling production that he puts on the court in Athens. Former Summers County standouts Sierra (5-10, Sr., F, 12.5 ppg) and Jolysa (6-0, Soph., C, 6.4 ppg) Brown should pair to give CU a formidable inside game. Junior forward Meghan Cole (5-10) gave the Lady Lions 8.9 points per game in only 17 minutes per outing last season.

West Virginia State (15-14, 12-8) showed marked improvement during Renee Bostic's first year as the Jackets' head coach. WVSU must replace the league's leading scorer from 2008-09 in Brittany Mingo, but seven newcomers are expected to help keep the Jackets competitive. Sandrea Coleman (5-8, Sr., F) produced 10.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game last year. Tiffany Finkton (6-0, Sr., F, 6.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg) anchors the interior.

Former Charleston standout Melanie Ford takes over a Shepherd (15-14, 11-9) program that has to replace their top three scorers from a year ago. Carrie Saunders (5-8, Jr., G, 6.7 ppg) and Jerica Hewitt (5-7, Jr., G, 6.4 ppg, 4.1 apg) are returning starters for SU.

Wheeling Jesuit (12-15, 8-12) also has a new head coach as Katie Hine assumes the top spot. Kim Mueller (5-9, Sr., F, 8.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg) is the program's lone senior. Bridget Buskirk (5-7, Jr., G, 3.9 ppg, 3.5 apg) made 19 starts in 2008-09. Eleven new faces are on the Cardinal roster.

Alderson-Broaddus (14-14, 11-9) enjoyed their best season of recent vintage for 2008-09 WVIAC Coach of the Year Josh Allen. Senior forward Tori Charley (5-10, 10.9 ppg is one of three returning regulars at A-B. Lauren Reed (5-5, Sr., G, 7.8 ppg) and Amanda Harris (5-5, Sr., G, 5.9 ppg, 5.1 apg) comprise a seasoned backcourt.

New Glenville State (9-19, 7-13) head coach Bunky Harkleroad brings a fast-paced style to the Lady Pioneers from Berea (KY) College. Seven letterwinners are on hand and expect the scoreboard operator at Lilly Gymnasium to be busy. Senior guard Donita Adams (5-7) contributed 15.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game last year.

Jason Asbell is in year two of his makeover of the Davis & Elkins (5-22, 3-17) program. Lindsay Holliday (5-8, Sr., G, 13.0 ppg) and Teonna Jewell (5-6, Sr., G, 12.1 ppg, 4.0 apg) form a solid guard combo. The Senators return all five starters from 2008-09 and could be poised for a rise in the standings.

Ohio Valley (8-20, 4-16) is another program with new leadership as David Wadlington takes over. The Lady Scots could have one of the tallest teams in the WVIAC with five players that measure 6-0 or taller. Kendra Benedict (6-3, Jr., C, 10.6 ppg, 6.6 rpg) and Alana Auld (5-8, Sr., G, 10.1 ppg) averaged in double figures in 2008-09.

Bluefield State (4-23, 2-18) head coach Gary Brown has seven new names on his 2009-10 roster. Sophomore Kelly Pawlowski (5-9, F, 8.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg) led the Lady Blues in scoring and rebounding last season. Tamika Jefferies (5-6, Sr., G, 7.7 ppg) started 19 contests for BSC.

Salem International (0-28, 0-20) hopes to bounce back from a nightmarish 2008-09 campaign that saw the Tigers average losing by an average 94-43 count during league play.

The 2009-10 WVIAC women's basketball regular season tips off November 15. The 31st edition of the league's post-season tournament is slated for March 1-6. Opening round games are played on campus sites with all other games contested in the Charleston Civic Center.

The complete 2009-10 WVIAC women's basketball coaches' poll follows:

# School (1st place votes) 2008-09 W-L Pts.
1. West Liberty (9) 24-7, 17-3 216
2. Charleston (3) 26-7, 17-3 198
3. Fairmont State (1) 18-11, 14-6 174
4. Seton Hill (2) 18-11, 14-6 172
5. Pitt Johnstown 18-12, 14-6 171
6. West Virginia Wesleyan 20-10, 15-5 151
7. Concord 13-15, 11-9 142
8. West Virginia State 15-14, 12-8 127
9. Shepherd 15-14, 11-9 102
10. Wheeling Jesuit 12-15, 8-12 88
11. Alderson-Broaddus 14-14, 11-9 86
12. Glenville State 9-19, 7-13 64
13. Davis & Elkins 5-22, 3-17 51
14. Ohio Valley 8-20, 4-16 31
15. Bluefield State 4-23, 2-18 25
Note: Salem International is not eligible for the 2009-10 WVIAC women's basketball title. Read more on this article...

Check Garners 11/2 WVIAC Volleyball Weekly Honors
11/2/2009

WVIAC Volleyball Player of the Week:
---Amanda Check, Alderson-Broaddus, Jr., OH, New Carlisle, OH: Check had 49 kills and 41 digs in three Alderson-Broaddus victories last week...The junior notched double-doubles in wins over Fairmont State and Seton Hill, highlighted by a 26-kill, 18-dig effort in the five-set triumph versus FSU...For the week, Check had a hitting percentage of .308 and added four block assists.

Other nominees: Fairmont State's Meagan Gibson (43 kills in 0-2 week), Wheeling Jesuit's Allissa Ware (37 kills, 25 digs in four victories), Davis & Elkins' Jana Lowe (19 kills, 45 assists, 12 digs in 2-1 week), Shepherd's Kasey Mercier (26 kills, 27 digs, two double-doubles in 2-0 week), West Virginia Wesleyan's Hayley Barhorst (13 assists, 7 digs in sweep of Ohio Valley), and Pitt Johnstown's Kristin Irwin (30 kills, 9 blocks in three matches).

2009 winners: 8/31-Haley Snyder (Davis & Elkins), 9/7-Meagan Gibson (Fairmont State)/Keysha Allison (Wheeling Jesuit), 9/14-Keysha Allison (Wheeling Jesuit), 9/21-Amanda Hall (Shepherd), 9/28-Amanda Hall (Shepherd), 10/5-Catie Halberstadt (Wheeling Jesuit)/Jana Lowe (Davis & Elkins), 10/12-Malleri Hardison (Charleston), 10/19-Jana Lowe (Davis & Elkins)/Allissa Ware (Wheeling Jesuit), 10/26-Ashley Hogan (Pitt Johnstown), 11/2-Amanda Check (Alderson-Broaddus). Read more on this article...

West Virginia State Picked Atop WVIAC Men's Basketball Coaches' Poll
11/3/2009

(PRINCETON, W.Va.)---Despite a bevy of new faces dotting league rosters in the 2009-10 season, WVIAC men's basketball coaches are calling for more of the same by making defending regular season champion West Virginia State the overwhelming favorite to repeat.

All nine players from last season's first team All-WVIAC squad have departed, including four of the top five scorers in the NCAA Division II ranks. However, traditional powers dot the top of the pre-season prognostications with West Liberty, Alderson-Broaddus, and 2009 WVIAC Tournament winner Pitt Johnstown comprising the top four.

Charleston, Fairmont State, Wheeling Jesuit, West Virginia Wesleyan, Concord, and Seton Hill occupy the fifth through tenth spots in the poll. The ratings are completed by Shepherd, Davis & Elkins, Glenville State, Bluefield State, and Ohio Valley. Salem International is not eligible for the 2009-10 WVIAC men's basketball championship.

West Virginia State (24-6, 19-1) loses four starters from last season's NCAA Tournament squad, but senior guard Darren Jones (5-9, 16.3 ppg, 6.2 apg) is back on hand to direct the Jacket attack. Head coach Bryan Poore will reload with Division I transfers Will Thomas (6-5, G, West Virginia University), Bo King (6-1, Soph., Presbyterian), and Josh "Cookie" Miller (5-7, G, Nebraska). Junior college transfers Justin Banks (6-6, F) and Fred Harris (6-6, F) will need to contribute on the boards for an athletic, but undersized squad.

West Liberty (23-7, 16-4) returns six lettermen from Division II's highest scoring team in 2008-09 at over 98 points per game. The inside-outside junior duo of Corey Pelle (6-0, G, 17.4 ppg, 5.6 apg, 2.9 spg) and John Wolosinczuk (13.1 ppg, 7.5 rpg) hope to lead head coach Jim Crutchfield's Toppers to their first WVIAC crown since 1971. Senior guard Mike Mathey (6-1, 9.0 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 5.0 apg) started all 30 games a year ago.

Alderson-Broaddus (27-6, 17-3) has won 22 or more games during all eight seasons that head coach Greg Zimmerman has been at the helm, but the Battlers must replace six key contributors from last season. Senior guard Terrell Eargle (6-4, 11.4 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 5.7 apg) is one of the most versatile players in the Atlantic Region. Juniors Mark Summerfield (6-2, G, 4.2 ppg) and Jordan Morrison (6-2, G, 3.0 ppg) will look to handle expanded roles in 2009-10.

Pitt Johnstown (24-8, 15-5) head coach Bob Rukavina describes this season's Mountain Cats as the youngest squad of his 21-year tenure. Sophomore center Patrick Grubbs (6-7, 10.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 62% FG) proved to be imposing at times during his rookie campaign and is the lone returning starter. Guards Danny Branch (6-4, Jr., 8.0 ppg) and Andy Byer (6-1, Sr., G, 5.0 ppg) are seasoned, but a crop of eight newcomers could see plenty of playing time for UPJ.

Charleston (13-15, 8-12) should benefit from the return of senior forward John White (6-5, 14.0 ppg in '07-08). Brandon Ross (6-4, Soph., G/F, 11.4 ppg) and Ronald Kinney (6-6, Soph., F, 11.4 ppg) were double digit scorers for head coach Greg White last season as freshmen.

Fairmont State (20-9, 12-8) has eight players back from a 20-win squad, including senior forward Dan Bruner (6-8, 11.4 ppg). Sophomore guard Steve Custis (6-0, 10.3 ppg) made a splash during his first collegiate season. Junior Michael Lopez (6-2, G, 9.0 ppg) should contribute to a solid Falcon backcourt.

Wheeling Jesuit's (14-16, 10-10) freshman-dominated squad began to make noise late in the 2008-09 campaign, capped by their WVIAC Tournament upset over West Virginia State. Danny Sancomb's Cardinals will remain one of the WVIAC's youngest teams, but big things are expected from sophomores Obi Ukwuoma (6-5, F, 8.1 ppg, 8.0 rpg) and Steve Catich (6-5, G/F, 9.2 ppg). An 11-player freshman class should also pay quick dividends for WJU.

West Virginia Wesleyan (10-18, 10-10) looks to contend behind a trio of returning starters that scored 13 or more points per game last year. Justin Caldwell (6-2, Jr., G, 14.7 ppg), Ryan Hoehner (6-5, Sr., F, 13.1 ppg), and Neven Zeravica (6-9, Jr., C, 13.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg) give head coach Bill Lilly a solid foundation to build on.

Concord (10-18, 8-12) hopes to climb back into the league's upper half with three returnees that averaged in double figures last season. Cory Willard (5-11, Soph., G, 12.1 ppg) and Matt Parker (6-3, Sr., G, 11.8 ppg) are prolific three-point shooting threats. Rafee Smith (6-2, G, 11.2 ppg) also returns to the Mountain Lion backcourt.

Seton Hill (10-18, 7-13) must replace standout guard Jordan Thomas, but the Griffins should receive a boost from the return of Emmanuel Jackson (6-2, Sr., G, 14.3 ppg in '07-08) from an injury. Cody Boone (6-9, Sr., F, 9.9 ppg, 8.3 rpg) has been one of the league's top defenders during his career. Chris Giles (6-5, Jr., G, 12.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg) is the team's leading returning scorer.

Shepherd (13-16, 11-9) suffered heavy frontcourt losses, but the Rams have a pair of returning starters at guard. Jonathan Motichka (6-0, Jr., 12.7 ppg) and Tyrone Roach (5-11, Sr., 11.9 ppg) pace the talent back on hand for SU. Seven different states or countries are represented in the Rams' ten-player recruiting class.

Explosive guard Tim Turner (6-1, Jr., 22.3 ppg) ranked ninth nationally in scoring last season and will be a key for Davis & Elkins (7-21, 5-15). First-year head coach Bruce Martin also welcomes back another double figures scorer in senior Danny Manuel (5-10, G, 12.8 ppg).

Glenville State (20-9, 13-7) will have a completely new look as the top five scorers from last season's 20-win campaign have departed. Former Alderson-Broaddus standout Stephen Dye takes over as the program's head coach and only has one senior on an inexperienced roster.

Bluefield State (3-25, 3-17) welcomes back high-scoring guard Raylon Almon (6-1, Sr., G, 20.6 ppg). Fellow seniors Brian Tingle (6-5, F, 13.5 ppg, 8.1 rpg) and Shannon Thomas (6-4, F, 8.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg) will help the Big Blues field one of the league's most-experienced squads in 2009-10.

Ohio Valley (5-23, 3-17) looks to increase their win total in year two for head coach Mike Snell. Potomac State transfer Donavin Vinson tallied 22 points in a recent exhibition contest versus NAIA power Mountain State.

Salem International (3-25, 3-17) head coach Andy Sorine hopes to return the Tiger program to brighter days, but must replace four seniors from last year's club.

The WVIAC basketball regular season opens on November 15. The league's 73rd annual post-season tournament is slated for March 2-6.

The complete WVIAC men's basketball pre-season coaches' poll follows:

# School (1st place votes) '08-'09 W-L Pts.
1. West Virginia State (12) 24-6, 19-1 216
2. West Liberty (1) 23-7, 16-4 190
3. Alderson-Broaddus (1) 27-6, 17-3 183
4. Pitt Johnstown (1) 24-8, 15-5 168
5. Charleston 13-15, 8-12 163
6. Fairmont State 20-9, 12-8 151
7. Wheeling Jesuit 14-16, 10-10 132
8. West Virginia Wesleyan 10-18, 10-10 119
9. Concord 10-18, 8-12 102
10. Seton Hill 10-18, 7-13 95
11. Shepherd 13-16, 11-9 79
12. Davis & Elkins 7-21, 5-15 72
13. Glenville State 20-9, 13-7 59
14. Bluefield State 3-25, 3-17 33
15. Ohio Valley 5-23, 3-17 28
Note: Salem International is not eligible for the 2009-10 WVIAC men's basketball title. Read more on this article...