ATHLETICS - Main

Men's Golf Maintains Lead at NCAA Championships

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:46:00 GMT

HERSHEY, Pa. – As mundane as it seems, Barry is just trying to play it stroke by stroke. So far, it’s working for the No. 2-ranked Buccaneers men’s golf team, who hold a 10-stroke lead over Nova Southeastern after two rounds at the NCAA Division II National Championships.

“All we’re trying to do is hit one shot at a time,” Barry coach Jimmy Stobs said. “That’s what we’ve been trying to do all year.”

Barry shot the low round (288) for the second straight day of the stroke play competition on the par-71, 6,984-yard Hershey Country Club course. The Buccaneers’ two-round total of 4-over 572 topped that of Nova’s 582 on a day where course demands increased. Florida Southern is third at 19-over 587 entering Wednesday’s final round of stroke play. South Carolina-Aiken is fourth, 18 strokes behind the Bucs, and Lynn is fifth at 591.

The top eight teams advance to match play Thursday in a bracket-style playoff featuring a player-vs.-player format. The quarterfinals and semifinals will be played Thursday with the match play finals set for Friday.

“The golf course played real hard,” Stobs said. “We had some silly bogeys and double bogeys. As the scores are indicating, it’s a tough golf course.”

Barry senior Marcus Segerstrom was ready for the challenge, responding with a 1-under 70 in the second round. Segerstrom had three birdies and two bogeys in a steady round that moved him six spots up the leaderboard into a tie for third place with teammate Adam Svensson and Grand Canyon’s Jimmy Kozikowski at 1-under 141.

“Marcus played real solid,” Stobs said.

Svensson, a freshman, shot 2-over 73, and along with Segerstrom, is three strokes behind leader Rob Damschen of California State University-Stanislaus. Damschen shot a 3-under 68 Tuesday, and stands at 4-under 138. He has a one-stroke lead over South Carolina Aiken’s Matt Atkins, who shot 69. Svensson had four birdies and six bogeys in the second round.

Both Segerstrom and Svensson have eight birdies, which trail Kozikowski and Nova's Hunter O'Mahoney's nine for the tournament lead.

Barry junior Scott Smyers ripped off four birdies in a five-hole stretch on the front nine before settling for four bogeys and another birdie on the back nine to finish even for the day. Smyers, who has seven birdies in the two rounds, is tied with Nova’s Ricardo Celia for ninth at 2-over 144.

Bucs junior Jared Dalga was 3-over in a round he paired three birdies with four bogeys and a double-bogey for a 74. He is tied for 15^thwith six others. The top 15 golfers following Wednesday’s final round of stroke play earn All-American honors.

Barry senior Simon Forsslund shot 77 behind four birdies, five bogeys, a double- and a triple-bogey. He is the only Buccaneer with an eagle thus far in the tournament. He sits in an eight-way tie for 39^th at 151.

“We’re trying to get better every day,” Stobs said.

Barry will tee off at 12:50 p.m. Wednesday from the first hole.

RESULTS

Baseball Adds Three To ABCA-Rawlings All-South Region Team

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:37:00 GMT

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- A trio of Buccaneers were named to the ABCA/Rawlings All-South Region Team as Adrian English earned first-team honors while Sheehan Planas-Arteaga and Tyler Kellmann each earned second-team selections.

The honor is English’s fourth first-team selection this season after being named All-Sunshine State Conference as well as All-Region by Daktronics and the NCBWA earlier this month.

English burst onto the scene hitting .330 as a freshman. After struggling at times during his sophomore campaign, English returned stronger and determined as a junior this spring in route to a .392 batting average this season making him one of the most efficient hitters in all of Division II.

Kellmann also made his presence felt after coming to Barry from Lake Sumter Community College. The lefty hitter played both corner positions and finished with 23 RBI in 24 Sunshine State Conference games.

After moving into the leadoff spot in the lineup a third of the way into the season, Planas-Arteaga’s excellent pitch selection combined with a mix of power helped him develop into one of the most dangerous leadoff hitters in the South Region. Planas-Arteaga’s .367 batting average was second on the team behind English while his .477 on-base-percentage led the Buccaneers.

2013 ABCA/Rawlings NCAA Division II All-South Region Teams

FIRST TEAM
Position	First	Last	Year	School	State
1B	Jason	Matusik	Sr.	Lynn University	FL
2B	Adrian	English	Jr.	Barry University	FL
3B	Tyler	Aldrige	Sr.	Delta State University	MS
SS	Lydell	Moseby	Sr.	Benedict Colege	SC
INF	Keith	Curcio	Jr.	Florida Southern College	FL
C	Bryant	Hayman	So.	Valdosta State University	GA
OF	Chandler	Brock	So.	University of Alabama Huntsville	AL
OF	Jake	Ward	Jr.	Unversity of North Alabama	AL
OF	Tad	Moses	Jr.	Saint Leo University	FL
OF	Michael	Danner	Jr.	University of Tampa	FL
DH	Ben	Kingsley	Sr.	Delta State University	MS
P	Jake	Stephens	Sr.	University of West Florida	FL
P	Josh	Brandstetter	Sr.	Delta State University	MS
P	Jamie	Sexton	So.	University of West Georgia	GA
P	Andrew	Busby	Sr.	University of Alabama Huntsville	AL
RP	Mike	Adams	Jr.	University of Tampa	FL

SECOND TEAM
Position	First	Last	Year	School	State
1B	Michael	Revell	Sr.	Saint Leo University	FL
2B	Tyler	Ding	Jr.	University of Tampa	FL
2B	Kaleb	Barlow	Jr.	University of West Florida	FL
3B	Vincent	Kortbawi	Sr.	University of Alabama Huntsville	AL
3B	Cash	Oliver	Jr.	Tuskeegee University	AL
SS	Jacob	Tillitson	Jr.	University of Tampa	FL
INF	Tyler	Kellman	Jr.	Barry University	FL
C	Austin	Allen	Fr.	Florida Institute of Technology	FL
OF	Sheehan	Planas-Arteaga	So.	Barry University	FL
OF	Jose	Rodriguez	Sr.	Nova Southeastern University	FL
OF	Jordan	Chovanec	Jr.	Delta State University	MS
OF	Jocquese	Brunson	So.	Benedict Colege	SC
OF	Drew	Prichard	Sr.	University of West Florida	FL
DH	Dylan	Boston	So.	Unversity of North Alabama	AL
P	Nic	Kovacs	Sr.	Palm Beach Atlantic University	FL
P	Michael	Manley	Jr.	Delta State University	MS
P	Joey	Falletta	Jr.	Stillman College	AL
P	Matt	Abramson	Sr.	University of Tampa	FL
P	Jed	Vandernaald	Jr.	Lynn University	FL
RP	Benjamin	Weil	Sr.	Valdosta State University	GA


Player of the Year
OF	Chandler	Brock	So.	University of Alabama Huntsville	AL


Pitcher of the Year
RP	Mike	Adams	Jr.	University of Tampa	FL


Coach of the Year
	Joe	Urso		University of Tampa	FL

Rowing NCAA Championships Field Announced

Mon, 20 May 2013 19:06:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS -- Barry University will field both a 4 and 8 at the NCAA Division II Rowing National Championships May 31-June 2 at Eagle Creek Park.

This marks the first time in four years the Bucs will field both boats at the national regatta.

The Buccaneers, ranked No. 1 in the nation in the USRowing/College Rowing Coaches Association poll, will race against the University of California-San Diego and Central Oklahoma in the first 8 heat. Mercyhurst, Nova Southeastern and Western Washington will race in the second heat.

In the 4, Barry is pitted against Nova in one heat, while Mercyhurst and Western Washington race in the other.

UC San Diego and Central Oklahoma are at-large 8 selections, and will not compete for the team title.

Men's Golf Leads After First Round of NCAA Championships

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:05:00 GMT

HERSHEY, Pa. – Barry University men’s golf team is in first place at the NCAA Division II Championships after Day 1 of a potential five-day, 108-hole event.

The No. 2-ranked Buccaneers shot even par 284 in the opening round at the par-71, 6,984-yard Hershey Country Club course Monday in a 20-team tournament that utilizes a three-day stroke play and two-day 54-hole match play format to decide a champion. On this, the first day, a morning mist and slightly overcast skies turned to sunshine with no wind as the morning faded into early afternoon.

The Bucs hold a six-stroke lead over fellow Sunshine State Conference member Lynn, while California State University-Monterey Bay is third, following a 7-over 291. Western Washington and Nova Southeastern are tied for fourth, a stroke behind the Otters.

“The main thing today is we’re still learning the golf course,” Bucs coach Jimmy Stobs said. “I think they found out, for sure, today to keep it in the fairway. We got off to a great start, but didn’t finish well. It’s a very demanding golf course off the tee. But yeah, even par, I’ll take it.”

Barry freshman Adam Svensson shot a 3-under 68, firing four birdies with one bogey in his first nine holes – the back nine – before paring out the rest of the way. He was 4-under after eight holes, and played steady golf the rest of the round. Svensson has a one-stroke lead over Lynn’s Roberto Francioni, Florida Southern’s Case Gard and Grand Canyon’s Jimmy Kozikowski. South Carolina-Aiken's Matt Atkins, Cal State-Stanisalaus’ Rob Damschen, Wilmington’s Nick Mafale and Nova’s Hunter O’Mahony are tied for fifth at 1-under.

“Adam played pretty solid,” Stobs said of the No. 3-ranked golfer in Division II.

Bucs senior Marcus Segerstrom had five birdies and five bogeys to shoot par. He birdied the first two holes, Nos. 1 and 2, after the turn to drop to 3-under, but bogeyed three par-4 holes the rest of the way on his way to a 71. Segerstrom is in a six-way tie for ninth.

“To be 3-under after 12 holes, he was grinding,” Stobs said.

Barry junior Jared Dalga shot 1-over in a steady round in which he birdied back-to-back holes on the back nine before he made the turn with a pair of consecutive bogeys. He is in an eight-way tie for 15^th.

Buccaneer junior teammate Scott Smyers, the eighth-ranked golfer in Division II, shot 2-over 73. He had two birdies on the back nine before finishing with four bogeys over his last 11 holes. Smyers is in a 12-player logjam for 23^rd.

Barry senior Simon Forsslund eagled the par-4, 414-yard 12^th, and birdied the 522-yard par-5 sixth, but had six bogeys in his opening-round 3-over 74. He is tied for 35^th with five other players. Forsslund was one of four players to record an eagle on the opening day.

The Buccaneers, who will tee off at noon Tuesday, were 2-over on par-5 holes, a bit of a disappointment to a team that seizes scoring opportunities.

“The par fives were reachable in two,” Stobs said. “If they hit it in the fairway, they have a chance to put up some good scores.”

RESULTS

TUESDAY'S TEE TIMES

Men's Golf Shooting for NCAA Championship

Sun, 19 May 2013 21:23:00 GMT

MEN'S LIVE STATS

HERSHEY, Pa. -- This is sweet indeed. But there will be no trips to the chocolate factory for the No. 2-ranked Buccaneer men's golf team.

Barry will be making its NCAA Division II record fifth straight appearance in the national championships when it tees off Monday at Hershey Country Club. Last year the Buccaneers finished tied for fifth after advancing to the match play portion of a gruelling tournament format. Barry will play three rounds of stroke play in a 20-team field before the beginning of a two-day match-play format begins Thursday. The top eight teams after the 54-hole stroke play tournament advance to match play in a seeded bracket-style 54-hole finish over two days.

Follow the men's golf championships HERE.

The Buccaneers men's team won it all in 2007.

"I feel good about the team and the progress we've made through the spring on the golf course, and the mental and physical preparation," Bucs longtime coach Jimmy Stobs said. "All we're going to try to do is control our own emotions."

Three men's players are back for another run at a national title. Seniors Simon Forsslund and Marcus Segerstrom, both of Swedish descent, and junior Scott Smyers, a Lakeland, Fla., native, each have NCAA Championship experience. Junior transfer Jared Dalga, a transfer from Eastern Michigan and Grand Rapids, Mich.-raised product, and freshman Adam Svensson, a Surrey Vancouver, British Columbia prodigy, will make their first trip to nationals.

"They're very focused about what's in front of them," Stobs said. "We can't control the other teams. That's the most important thing in sports, no matter what sport it is. They know what it's all about. It's all about championships.

"I want these guys to experience it. I want these guys to experience victory in national championships."

Baseball Standout Adds To Postseason Accolades

Sun, 19 May 2013 10:30:00 GMT

MIAMI SHROES, Fla. -- Barry University baseball standout Adrian English has earned his third postseason accolade so far in 2013 after being named First-Team All-South Region by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

The junior infielder continues to collect the hardware after posting career-highs in batting average, hits, RBI and several other categories this season. English was a constant force in the Buccaneers’ lineup all season and helped guide Barry to a 31-19 overall mark.

The Miami native began the season with a 15 game hitting streak and hit safely in 44 of the Bucs’ 50 games. English also amassed 26 multi-hit games and 16 multi-RBI games this spring, finishing with a .392 average, 80 hits, 50 RBI and his 20 doubles were good for 14^th in the nation.

So far English has earned First-Team All-SSC, Daktronics First-Team All-Region and now First-Team All-South Region from the NCBWA.

2013 NCBWA Division II All-South Region Team

Player of the Year
Chandler Brock, Alabama-Huntsville

Pitcher of the Year
Jake Stephens, West Florida

Coach of the Year
Mike Kinnison, Delta State

First Team
SP Josh Branstetter, Delta State
SP Michael Manley, Delta State
SP Jamie Sexton, West Georgia
SP Jake Stephens, West Florida
RP Mike Adams, Tampa
C Bryant Hayman, Valdosta State
1B Jason Matusick, Lynn
2B Adrian English, Barry
3B Tyler Aldridge, Delta State
SS Lydell Moseby, Benedict
SS Jacob Tillotson, Tampa
OF Chandler Brock, Alabama-Huntsville
OF Michael Danner, Tampa
OF Taed Moses, Saint Leo
DH Ben Kingsley, Delta State

Second Team
SP Matt Abramson, Tampa
SP Andrew Busby, Alabama-Huntsville
SP Nic Kovacs, Palm Beach Atlantic
SP Jed Vandernaald, Lynn
RP James Mannara, Florida Tech
C Austin Allen, Florida Tech
1B David Weber, Benedict
2B Kaleb Barlow, West Florida
2B Tyler Ding, Tampa
3B Cash Oliver, Tuskegee
SS Carlos Asuaje, Nova Southeastern
OF Jocquese Brunson, Benedict
OF Drew Prichard, West Florida
OF Jake Ward, North Alabama
DH Dylan Boston, North Alabama

Honorable Mention
SP Jason Boyer, Florida Tech
SP Pete Whittingslow, Valdosta State
RP Benjamin Weil, Valdosta State
1B Michael Revell, Saint Leo
OF Jordan Chovanec, Delta State
OF Connor Obrochta, Tampa

Vergara Women's Golf NCAA Champion

Sat, 18 May 2013 17:03:00 GMT

NCAA VIDEO & COVERAGE

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Barry University sophomore women's golfer Nancy Vergara won the NCAA Division II National Championship Saturday, winning the individual title with a four-round 3-over 291.

"I still cannot believe it," Vergara said. "I'm still getting through the idea that I won."

Vergara, a sophomore from Caracas, Venezuela, shot 75 in the final round to beat Nova Southeastern's Linnea Johansson by a stroke for the national medalist honor. Johansson shot 77 in the final round. Nova's Daniela Ortiz finished third, three strokes behind Vergara, after shooting 77 in the last round.

"It was amazing," Vergara said. "I was hitting the ball pretty solid the four days. I was prepared to play with the leader today. In the last three holes, everything came together, and I won."

Vergara had three bogeys and no birdies in the final round, completing a steady 72-hole championship event in which she never wavered out of second place. With her mother, Nancy, watching after making the trip from Venezuela, she sank a four-foot par putt on the 340-yard 18th hole to win it.

"She just hung in there and hung there," said Buccaneers coach Shannon Sykora, who never left Vergara's side the entire final round.

Barry finished third as a team, putting up the low round Saturday with a 300. The Bucs shot 1,194 on the 6,228-yard, par 72 LPGA International Legends Course to fall seven strokes shy of champion Lynn, who ended Nova's four-year reign at the top. The Fighting Knights beat the Sharks by three strokes to win the title in a 12-team field dominated by the three Sunshine State Conference schools.

"We did something right," Sykora said. "I think they realized more and more that they can do it. I'm very proud of the way they just kept their heads down and just grinded."

Barry freshman Maria Paola Fiorio shot 75 Saturday, finishing in a four-way tie for 14th at 303. Fiorio had four birdies in the last round, including the par-3 15th. She birdied the 164-yard hole three times during the week, and finished with a team-high 11 in the tournament.

Bucs freshman Nicky Ferre tied with Tarleton State's Jessica Pickwick for 18th at 304, following her second straight 77. Ferre birdied the par-4 17th before parring out to cap a 5-over final round. Ferre solved the 17th after putting up three straight bogeys on the hole in the earlier rounds.

Barry senior Taylor Babcock and sophomore Daniela Murray tied for 20th with St. Edward's Ryanne Haddow at 305. Babcock, an honorable mention All-American as a junior, had two birdies in the final round to anchor a 3-over 75 in her final collegiate appearance. Murray also had two birdies to shoot 75. Both Murray and Babcock jumped four spots up the leaderboard on the final day.

Lynn's Ellen Chambers finished fourth at 7-over 295, and Grand Canyon's Charlotte Jaengkit fifth at 296. The Buccaneers were 32 strokes better than fourth-place St. Edward's. Grand Canyon, which is making the jump to Division I next year, was fifth, 41 strokes behind the Bucs.

"I think our game has improved a lot," Vergara said. "I think we have a really, really good opportunity (next year). We know we can beat the best."

On this day, Vergara was the best.

RESULTS

Women's Golf Stays in 3rd with 1 Round to Play

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:45:00 GMT

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Barry University women's golf team completed its third round of the NCAA Division II National Championships in the same spot they've finished the first two rounds: third place.

The Buccaneers trail leader Nova Southeastern, the four-time defending national champs, by 13 strokes entering Saturday's final round at LPGA International Legends Course. Lynn is a stroke behind Nova in the 12-team field where the three Sunshine State Conference members have distanced themselves from the pack.

Saturday's final round will be broadcast live at 12:30 p.m. from the 18th hole. To follow the action click HERE. LIVE STATS are also available for final round hole-by-hole coverage.

Barry shot 298 Friday on the 6,228-yard course as all five players were within six strokes of par in the third round. Sophomore Nancy Vergara is within a stroke of the overall lead held by Nova's Linnea Johansson. Nova's Daniela Ortiz, the first-round leader, carded a second consecutive 75, and is in third place, two strokes off the lead.

"We still hung in there," Buccaneers coach Shannon Sykora said. "We still got a chance tomorrow. Nova and Lynn played well, but we hung in there."

Vergara made three birdies and four bogeys to finish at 1-over 73 Friday. She has eight birdies in the tournament, and has never been more than 2-over during the championship event. Johansson had 18 straight pars in the third round.

"She's just playing one hole at a time," Sykora said of Vergara. "She knows she's got a chance tomorrow."

Lynn's Louise Manalo and Ellen Chambers are fourth and fifth, respectively, at 218 and 220.

Barry freshman Nicky Ferre is tied for 19th with Nova's Liliana Cammisa at 227. Ferre had two birdies for the third consecutive day in Friday's round to enter the clubhouse with a 5-over 77. Maria Paola Fiorio shot par, dropping in three back-nine birdie putts to vault 11 spots up the leaderboard into a three-way tie for 21st.

Senior Taylor Babcock shot 4-over 76, and is tied for 24th with teammate Daniela Murray, who carded a 78 Friday. Babcock had one birdie, while Murray finished with three on the day.

"As a team, we still feel good about our chances if we can play our best round of the year," Sykora said. "I think they were a little disappointed they couldn't make up some ground today, but they know they have a good opportunity tomorrow. We're looking forward to the opportunity to play this golf course and get back in it."

RESULTS

Women's Tennis' Maehama Named to Academic All-District Team

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:41:00 GMT

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- Barry women's tennis player Akemi Maehama was named to the College Sports Information Directors of America Academic At-Large All-District Team.

Maehama, a junior from Tokyo, Japan, has a 3.87 grade point average in physical education. She also received the same honor and Third-Team Academic All-America acclaim in 2012.

Through three years with the Buccaneers program, Maehama is 38-1 as a singles player. She went 19-1 this year, winning 16 matches without a defeat to end the season. She was 5-1 in doubles this year, and is 13-1 in pairs play in her career.

Maehama was also an Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar All-American in 2012.

NCAA Division II
Swimming	Alexandria Greenhill	TAMPA, UNIVERSITY OF	Sr.	Lakel Wales, Fla.	3.87	Allied Health
Crew (Women)	Melissa Ciesielski	TAMPA, UNIVERSITY OF	Sr.	Kansas City, Kan.	3.93	Marine Biology
Tennis	Sabine Goge	FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE	Jr.	Cesis, Latvia	3.97	Finance
Swimming	Kristine Kassl	TAMPA, UNIVERSITY OF	Sr.	Darien, Ill.	3.67	Allied Health
Golf	Camila Sevillano	WEST FLORIDA, UNIVERSITY OF	So.	Cali, Colombia	3.89	Marketing
Golf	Megan Kiley	FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE	Sr.	Leo, Ind.	3.75	Business
Tennis	Maria Benkirane	SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY	So.	Casablanca, Morocco	3.98	Political Science
Tennis	Akemi Maehama	BARRY UNIVERSITY	Jr.	Tokyo, Japan	3.87	Physical Education
Lacrosse	Katie Hammerer	FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE	Sr.	California, Md.	3.64	Graphic Design
Tennis	Jessica Carswell	BENEDICT COLLEGE	Jr.	Dublin, Ga.	3.91	Biology
Swimming	Rebecca Bergen	NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY	So.	Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada	4.0	Biology
Crew (Women)	Mary Lee Gibson	TAMPA, UNIVERSITY OF	So.	Chicago, Ill.	3.7	Sport Management
ALL POSITIONS/EVENTS	Kelsea Smith	NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY	Sr.	Edina, Minn.	3.82	Marketing

Men's Tennis' Mokrzycki Earns Academic All-District Honor

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:32:00 GMT

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- Barry senior men's tennis player Marco Mokrzycki was named to the College Sports Information Directors of America Academic At-Large All-District Team.

Mokrzycki, a senior from Hannover, Germany, had a 3.41 grade point average in finance. He graduated from Barry two weeks ago, prior to helping the No. 1 Buccaneers win the NCAA Division II National Championship last week.

A Third-Team Academic All-America and all-district selection in 2012, Mokrzycki went 12-3 with an 8-3 record against nationally-ranked opponents in singles this year, and earned a No. 4 nation-wide ranking. He was 23-3 in doubles, which included a 21-3 mark with partner Fabian Groetsch at the No. 1 flight. Mokrzycki was 7-2 when competing against nationally-ranked pairs opponents, and he and Groetsch beat the No. 1 doubles team in the nation twice this year.

Mokrzycki broke the school's all-time doubles victories record, collecting his record-setting 79th win in the NCAA Championship match when he and Groetsch beat No. 1 Georgi Rumenov and Daniel Regan, 9-8 (7-1) to help the Buccaneers win it all.

NCAA Division II
Tennis	Marco Mokrzycki	BARRY UNIVERSITY	Sr.	Hannover, Germany	3.41	Finance
Swimming	Robbie Swan	FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE	Jr.	Snellville, GA	4.00	Business
Tennis	Shane Latchman	BENEDICT COLLEGE	So.	St. Vincent, Grenadines	3.93	Computer Engineering
Tennis	Elio Latela	WEST FLORIDA, UNIVERSITY OF	So.	Sydney, Australia	3.58	Economics
Swimming	Elias Dammann	TAMPA, UNIVERSITY OF	Jr.	Nesoddtangen, Norway	3.94	Economics
Swimming	Michael Zislin	NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY	So.	Lighthouse Point, Fla.	3.90	Finance
Tennis	Zibusiso Ndimande	BENEDICT COLLEGE	So.	Mutare, Zimbawe	3.77	Computer Egineering
Tennis	Benoit Paradis	FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE	Jr.	Quebec City, Quebec	3.50	Mathematics
Lacrosse	Eric Dance	TAMPA, UNIVERSITY OF	Sr.	Tampa, Fla.	3.67	Exercise Science
Golf	Gary Buffington III	WEST FLORIDA, UNIVERSITY OF	So.	Tampa, Fla.	4.00	Accounting
Lacrosse	Matthew Obermeyer	SAINT LEO UNIVERSITY	Jr.	Winter Springs, Fla.	3.64	Marketing

High 5: Volleyball Signs Quintet for 2013

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:03:00 GMT

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- Barry University volleyball signed five players in its 2013 recruiting class.

"We are very excited to have these student-athletes join our program," third-year head coach Steve Hendricks said. "They will add depth, experience and competitiveness to our roster that will help us compete for the Sunshine State Conference championship and the NCAA Tournament."

Barry's new faces include three international recruits and two Floridians. Barry signed international standouts Ivana Didanovic (Belgrade, Serbia) and Jennyvette Trinidad (Caguas, Puerto Rico) to national letters of intent. They join 2013 spring arrival Eva-Lotta Raat (Parnumaa, Estonia). South Florida recruits Kristen Reid (Boynton Beach) and Amanda Brill (Lake Worth) complete the class.

Didanovic is a 6-3 middle from Belgrade Serbia, who will follow in departing Serbian setter Mima Hajdukavic’s path, and continue her country's tradition. She competes for the OK Radnicki Beograd club in Serbia, and will graduate from the Second Economic School of Belgrade. Didanovic is a versatile athlete who can swing on the middle or the right, and will add height to the current roster. Didanovic was part of a club team that placed second in district with AS, second in the junior league with VIZURA, advanced to the semifinals of the state championship with VIZURA, and was a silver medal finisher in Zagreb, Croatia, with the Belgrade representation.

Jennyvette Trinidad is a 5-11 setter from Caguas, Puerto Rico. She has a versatile skill set, and will bring athleticism and court IQ to the setting position. Trinidad played for the Criollas volleyball club, where she was team captain and led her team to a third-place finish in the prestigious Jeep Classic from 2009-11. Trinidad has been playing volleyball since she was eight years old, and was part of the Under-14 Puerto Rico National Team. She was named Most Valuable Player during three different tournament championship teams as well as for her high school team. She was a four-year honor student, a National Honor Society member, and treasurer for her senior class. Trinidad is expected to make an immediate impact in the setting position. She will graduate from Radians High School in June.

Eva-Lotta Raat, a 6-2 front row power player from Parnumaa, Estonia, joined the Bucs in the spring. Raat is a versatile front row player that can swing in any of the front row positions. She graduated from Audentese Spordigumnaasium a boarding school in Tallinn, Estonia, in June 2012 and joins the Buccaneer squad after her time with her club Parnu Vorkpalliklubi (2006-12). Eva was also part of the Estonian youth national team (2008-11). Eva’s mother was a long-time player as a middle blocker and outside hitter. Eva will add height and experience to Barry’s squad. Eva will be an add depth as offensive threat.

Kristen Reid,one of two Florida signees, comes to Barry from Boynton Beach, where she is completing her senior year at the Lake Worth Christian Academy. Reid brings an impressive five-year varsity high school resume to her collegiate career. She was a repeat Florida state champion in 2011 and 2012 at Lake Worth Christian. Her junior year she steered her team to the title, while leading in digs, kills and serve reception. Reid's racked up a slew of 2011 honors, including: Palm Beach All-County Small School Player of the Year, 2A Dairy Farmers of Florida Player of the Year, 2011 MaxPreps Florida Player of the Week (Sept. 25), Palm Beach Post Small School Player of the Year and Sun-Sentinel Small School Volleyball Player of the Year. She was selected to a 2012 all-area team. Reid will graduate in the top five percent of her class. She has been a National Honor Society member for the past three years. She was named to the school's Principal's List, and was a dual-enrolled college student during her junior and senior years. Reid plays club volleyball for Palm Beach Juniors. According to the Barry coaching staff, her experience playing every position, combined with her strong defensive abilities, give her the platform to play at the collegiate level.

Amanda Brill completes the class of signees. A local standout from Lake Worth, Brill played all four years for her varsity squad at Santaluces High School. Brill was a six-rotation player at Santaluces, where she led the team in digs, and was third overall for service points and aces. Brill played club for a talented UPPS 17U Titans squad as a libero in 2011-12. In 2012-13, she played for Palm Beach Elite 18s as an all around-player. Brill is also an active member of the National Art Honor Society and the Visual Arts Academy. She is expected to add depth to Barry's back line.

Baseball Places Three On Daktronics All-Region Team

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:22:00 GMT

PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Barry University’s baseball team continues to collect post season accolades as three members of the Buccaneer squad have been named to the Daktronics All-Region team.

After putting together one of the more memorable seasons in recent Buccaneer history, Adrian English adds another first-team selection to his list of honors. Joining English on the Daktronics First-Team All-Region is junior Tyler Kellmann.

The duo solidified the middle of the Bucs' lineup hitting third and fourth in the for the majority of the season. English was the Bucs’ primary second baseman while also seeing time at third base and shortstop. Kellmann was the ultimate utility man starting 26 games at first and 24 in the hot-corner playing outstanding defense at each position.

Junior Calvin Rayburn joins Kellmann and English on the Daktronics All-Region team as a second-team selection. Rayburn led the Sunshine State Conference with nine victories while tossing three complete games, one shutout and earning one save in 75 innings of work.

The D2SIDA All-Region softball teams are sponsored by Daktronics, Inc., an acknowledged world leader in scoring, timing and programmable display systems for virtually every sport at every level of competition. The teams are voted on by the members of D2SIDA, NCAA Division II Sports Information Directors Association.

The online nomination and voting processes are powered by Sidearm Sports. Headquartered in Syracuse, NY, Sidearm Sports is the official provider of college athletic websites for over 6000 sports organizations at all levels of competition. To receive more information on how your institution can partner with Sidearm Sports for a customized website solution, visit www.sidearmsports.com.

BASEBALL ALL-SOUTH REGION

FIRST TEAM

C – Austin Allen, Florida Tech

1B – Jason Matusik, Lynn

2B – Adrian English, Barry

SS – Jacob Tillotson, Tampa

3B – Tyler Aldridge, Delta State

OF – Chandler Brock, Alabama-Huntsville

OF – Michael Danner, Tampa

OF – Taed Moses, Saint Leo

DH – Dylan Boston, North Alabama

UT (Non-Pitcher) – Tyler Kellmann, Barry

SP - Josh Branstetter, Delta State

SP – Michael Manley, Delta State

SP – Jamie Sexton, West Georgia

SP – Jake Stephens, West Florida

RP – Mike Adams, Tampa

UT (Pitcher) – Ben Bridges, West Florida

SECOND TEAM

C – Joel Buchko, PBA

C – Carlos Leal, Delta State

1B – Josh Cyr, North Alabama

2B – Kaleb Barlow, West Florida

SS – Carlos Asuaje, Nova Southeastern

3B – Vincent Kortbawi, Alabama-Huntsville

OF – Jordan Chovanec, Delta State

OF – Drew Prichard, West Florida

OF – Jake Ward, North Alabama

DH – Ben Kingsley, Delta State

UT (Non-Pitcher) – Lydell Moseby, Benedict

SP – Andrew Busby, Alabama-Huntsville

SP – Joseph Falletta, Stillman

SP – Nic Kovacs, PBA

SP – Chase Medley, North Alabama

SP – Calvin Rayburn, Barry

SP – Jed Vandernaald, Lynn

RP – James Mannara, Florida Tech

UT (Pitcher) – Fernando Tanaka, Stillman

SOUTH REGION PITCHER OF THE YEAR – Jake Stephens, West Florida

SOUTH REGION PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Chandler Brock, Alabama-Huntsville

Barry Women's Golf Remains in Hunt

Thu, 16 May 2013 16:05:00 GMT

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Barry University women’s golf team remained in third place after Thursday’s second round of the NCAA Division II National Championships.

The Buccaneers shot 294 on the LPGA International Legends Course, cutting eight strokes from their first-round total to remain comfortably in third place at 596 in the 72-hole, four-day tournament. Barry remained 10 strokes behind leader Nova Southeastern, while second-place Lynn shot the low round of the day at 288 to draw within three strokes of the lead entering Friday’s third round.

St. Edward’s is fourth, 17 strokes behind the Bucs, and Grand Canyon is fifth at 614 in the 12-team championship event.

Barry will tee off at 9:40 a.m. Friday.

All four of the Buccaneers’ counting scores were no higher than 2-over for the day.

“We did what we had to do,” Buccaneers first-year head coach Shannon Sykora said. “We didn’t lose any ground to Nova, and we’re right in it. They’re all doing what they have to do, which is play each shot one shot at a time. It’s just going to take everybody playing our best the next two days for us to be right there.”

Barry sophomore Nancy Vergara remained second, this time in a three-way tie, after shooting par on the 6,228-yard course. Vergara is within a stroke of the lead, which Nova’s Daniela Ortiz occupies at 2-under 142. Sharks teammate Linnea Johansson and Lander’s Teresa Hernani are also tied with Vergara. Lynn’s Louise Manalo is fifth at 144 after matching teammate Samantha Smolen’s low round of the day at 69.

Buccaneers freshman Nicky Ferre shot 74, and is tied for 16^th with Smolen and Tarleton State’s Isabell JimenezPerea at 150. Barry sophomore Daniela Murray shot 74, and is tied for 22^nd at 152. Senior Taylor Babcock also shot 74, and is tied for 26^th with four other golfers. Freshman Maria Paola Fiorio shot 79, and is in a four-way tie for 33^rd.

Babcock had four birdies in the second round, capping her day with two in the last four holes, including one on her last, the 366-yard, par-4 ninth. Vergara had two birdies and two bogeys in another steady round that maintained her position near the top of the leaderboard. Murray birdied the par-5 14^th, while Ferre had birdies on Nos. 2 and 5, par-5 and par-4 holes, respectively. Fiorio had birdies on the par-5 eighth and par-3 12^th.

“The team’s attitude is positive, and they’re not getting ahead of themselves,” Sykora said. “They’re doing a good job of staying in the present moment, and that’s why they’re in the thick of things.”

RESULTS

Softball Adds Five To Daktronics All-Region Team

Thu, 16 May 2013 15:03:00 GMT

PENSACOLA, Fla.—The Barry Buccaneers placed five on the 2013 Daktronics All-South Region Softball Team. Senior third baseman Sarah Broeseker, sophomore second baseman Kelly Martinez and junior utility pitcher Britney Pugh made the first team, while senior pitcher Alexis Yohe and freshman outfielder Megan Copeland made the second team.

Broeseker led the Sunshine State Conference with a .415 batting average. She drove in 37 runs and scored 35 more. Her .610 slugging percentage was second in the league, as was her .484 on-base percentage. Broeseker tallied 66 total hits (1st SSC), including 14 doubles (T4th), four triples (T1st) and three homers. Broeseker was particularly effective in conference, hitting .500 with 18 runs and 17 RBI in 24 games to earn conference Player of the Year honors. She walked 13 times, against just six strikeouts, for a .583 on-base percentage and belted seven doubles, three triples and a homer to slug .729.

Martinez was one of the Bucs’ hottest hitters down the stretch, hitting .371 for the season and .523 in the month of April. She scored 25 runs and drove in 31. She was on the team with four homers and 12 stolen bases and was third with 12 doubles. Against conference teams, she hit .431 with three homers and 17 RBI.

Pugh posted a team-best 1.46 ERA, going 7-5 in the circle with two saves. She hit .265 with a pair of homers and 16 RBI in 87 at-bats. She had seven complete games, including an 11-inning marathon win over Tampa, and three shutouts.

Yohe was 20-8 overall with one save and a 1.60 ERA in 184 innings. She struck out 153 and held opponents to a .198 average. She was second in the conference in shutouts with nine and completed 21 of her 29 starts. In conference games, she led the league with a 14-1 record (a .933 winning percentage). She tossed six shutouts, including one-hit efforts against Rollins and Lynn and fired a five-inning perfect game against Florida Tech.

Copeland had an outstanding rookie campaign. She hit .384 with 34 runs scored and swiped 26 of 28 bases attempted. One of the best bunters in the country, she batted .700 on bunt attempts (21 hits in 30 at-bats) and ranked seventh in Division II in sacrifice bunts.

Women's Tennis Trio Named to All-SSC First Team

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:41:00 GMT

WINTER PARK, Fla. -- Barry University women's tennis team had three players named to the First-Team All-Sunshine State Conference after a tabulation error in the original team released last month was discovered.

Due to a tabulation error in the original All-SSC Women's Tennis Team release, the list below was amended. Barry's Linda Fritschken moved up to All-SSC First Team in singles, while Barry's Karina Goia was named All-SSC Second Team in singles. The remainder of the All-SSC Team remains unchanged from its original release on April 26.

Fritschken received the necessary outstanding point after she was the only singles player possible to be impacted by the recalculation.

Barry's Elisabeth Abanda and Emma Onila were named to the First Team in doubles. Named All-SSC Second Team in singles were: Abanda, Onila and Goia. Receiving second-team honors in doubles were Fritschken and Kimmy Twelker.

Voting for the All-SSC Women's Tennis Team was conducted among the league's women's tennis coaches.

In his fifth year at the helm of the Bucs' program, Kigel won his fourth consecutive Coach of the Year distinction after leading his Buccaneers to their fourth straight SSC title. Ranked No. 1 in Division II, Kigel's squad went 27-1 in 2013, bowing out in the NCAA quarterfinals, 5-3, to No. 2 and eventual champion Armstrong Atlantic.

2013 ALL-SUNSHINE STATE CONFERENCE WOMEN'S TENNIS TEAM

First Team
Singles
Valentine Confalonieri, Lynn (Fr)
Linda Fritschken, Barry (So)
Sabine Goge, Florida Southern (Jr)
Kristina Huba, Florida Tech (Jr)
Ioana Ivan, Lynn (Jr)
Magda Riutort, Florida Southern (So)
Ashley Rosenberg, Rollins (Jr)

Doubles
Elisabeth Abanda/Emma Onila, Barry (Fr/Fr)
Valentine Confalonieri/Ioana Ivan, Lynn (Fr/Jr)
Magda Riutort/Sabine Goge, Florida Southern (So/Jr)

Player of the Year - Kristina Huba, Florida Tech
Freshman of the Year - Valentine Confalonieri, Lynn
Coach of the Year - Avi Kigel, Barry

Second Team
Singles
Elisabeth Abanda, Barry (Fr)
Maria Benkirane, Saint Leo (So)
Adrianna Daskiewicz, Saint Leo (Jr)
Karina Goia, Barry (Fr)
Lauren Hewett, Tampa (Jr)
Emma Onila, Barry (Fr)

Doubles
Elissa DeCampli/Ashley Rosenberg, Rollins (Jr/Jr)
Stephanie Dohner/Kristina Huba, Florida Tech (Sr/Jr)
Linda Fritschken/Kimmy Twelker, Barry (So/Fr)
Lauren Hewett/Meg Wladimirski, Tampa (Jr/So)

Honorable Mention
Singles
Carli Davis, Rollins (Fr)

Barry's Anna Halbergson-Lewis Featured By NCAA

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:11:00 GMT

Former Barry women's tennis standout Anna Hallbergson-Lewis was recently featured in an article on the NCAA website.

Earlier this year, Hallbergson-Lewis was chosen to represent the Sunshine State Conference on the NCAA Division II 40th Anniversary Tribute Team. Developed through a partnership with the Division II Conference Commissioners Association, the 40th Anniversary Tribute Team highlights one male and one female from each of the division’s 23 current conferences, plus two at-large nominees.

In the recently-released article, she talks about her experiences as an international NCAA Division II student-athlete, as well as her career since her days at Barry.

Read the full text of the article here.

Back on Top: Rowing No. 1 in Nation

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:41:00 GMT

PRINCETON, N.J. -- Barry University rowing crew is ranked No. 1 in this week's USRowing/College Rowing Coaches Association poll presented by Pocock Racing Shells.

The Buccaneers received all five first-place votes, reclaiming the top spot they owned the majority of the season. Barry jumped ahead of Nova Southeastern, totalling 195 points. The Sharks are second with 143. Western Washington remained third with 141.

Barry won the 8 at the Dad Vail in Philadelphia last weekend, while the Bucs 4 took an impressive second.

The Buccaneers will row in the NCAA Championships in Indianapolis May 31-June 2.

USRowing/CRCA Poll

2013 All-SSC Baseball Team Announced

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:46:00 GMT

WINTER PARK, Fla. – A total of 36 student-athletes have been named to the 2013 All-Sunshine State Conference Baseball Team including six Buccaneers.

Lynn’s Jason Matusik was selected Player of the Year. Tampa’s Mike Adams was chosen Pitcher of the Year. Florida Tech’s Austin Allen was tabbed Freshman of the Year. Tampa’s Joe Urso was recognized as Coach of the Year.

Joining Matusik (1B), Adams (RP), and Austin (C) on the All-SSC First Team were: 1B Michael Revell (Saint Leo), 2B Adrian English (Barry), 3B Brandon Sedell (Nova Southeastern), SS Jacob Tillotson (Tampa), OF Michael Danner (Tampa), OF Taed Moses (Saint Leo), OF Connor Obrochta (Tampa), OF Zach Persky (Rollins), DH Kevin Reynolds (Nova Southeastern), UT Keith Curcio (Florida Southern), SP Matt Abramson (Tampa), SP Billy Atkins (Barry), SP Jason Boyer (Florida Tech), and SP Jed Vandernaald (Lynn).

Selected to the All-SSC Second Team were: 1B Scott Carcaise (Florida Tech), 2B Tyler Ding (Tampa), 3B Dillon Vitale (Saint Leo), SS Carlos Asuaje (Nova Southeastern), C Luis Arrizurieta (Barry), OF Alex Marrero (Nova Southeastern), OF Enrique Perez (Lynn), OF Sheehan Planas (Barry), OF Jose Rodriguez (Nova Southeastern), DH Cory Elasik (Lynn), UT Tyler Kellman (Barry), SP Michael Dunnigan (Saint Leo), SP Calvin Rayburn (Barry), SP Taylor Smith (Rollins), SP Scotty Ward (Florida Tech), and RP James Mannara (Florida Tech).

Saint Leo OF Bobby Twitty and SP Rick Teasley, as well as Rollins SP Anthony Figliolia, received honorable mention.

Voting for the All-SSC Baseball Team was conducted among the league’s head baseball coaches.

Junior Adrian English and freshman Billy Atkins headline the Buccaneers as First-Team All-SSC selections. A Miami native, English led the conference in batting average (.392) and doubles (20). Atkins developed a reputation as a big-game pitcher moving into the Friday night slot in the Bucs’ rotation and finished 4-1 with a 2.09 ERA in conference.

Arrizurieta posted career highs in several offensive categories and was a steady force behind the dish for a young pitching staff.

After a strong rookie campaign Planas-Arteaga delivered an even stronger sophomore season as one of the premiere leadoff hitters in the nation ranking in the top-ten in all of Division II in runs scored and walks.

Kellmann was a constant force in the middle of the Buccaneers’ lineup while playing solid defense at both infield corner positions earning him a spot as a utility player.

Rayburn finished with the most wins in the SSC with nine victories on the season after making the transition from a relief pitcher in 2012 into the starting rotation this spring, earning himself a spot on the all-conference squad.

Barry finished the season with a 31-19 overall mark including a 14-10 record in conference but did not earn a postseason bid in the always competitive South Region.

The Bucs return six starting position players including English, Planas-Arteaga, and Kellmann, while Atkins and Rayburn headline a strong pitching staff geared to make a run in 2014.

2013 ALL-SUNSHINE STATE CONFERENCE BASEBALL TEAM

FIRST TEAM
1B – Jason Matusik, Lynn (Sr)
1B – Michael Revell, Saint Leo (Sr)
2B – Adrian English, Barry (Jr)
3B – Brandon Sedell, Nova Southeastern (So)
SS – Jacob Tillotson, Tampa (So)
C – Austin Allen, Florida Tech (Fr)
OF – Michael Danner, Tampa (Jr)
OF – Taed Moses, Saint Leo (Sr)
OF – Connor Obrochta, Tampa (Jr)
OF – Zach Persky, Rollins (Jr)
DH – Kevin Reynolds, Nova Southeastern (Jr)
UT – Keith Curcio, Florida Southern (So)
SP – Matt Abramson, Tampa (Sr)
SP – Billy Atkins, Barry (Fr)
SP – Jason Boyer, Florida Tech (Sr)
SP – Jed Vandernaald, Lynn (Jr)
RP – Mike Adams, Tampa (Jr)

Player of the Year – Jason Matusik, Lynn
Pitcher of the Year – Mike Adams, Tampa
Freshman of the Year – Austin Allen, Florida Tech
Coach of the Year – Joe Urso, Tampa

SECOND TEAM
1B – Scott Carcaise, Florida Tech (Jr)
2B – Tyler Ding, Tampa (Jr)
3B – Dillon Vitale, Saint Leo (Sr)
SS – Carlos Asuaje, Nova Southeastern (Jr)
C – Luis Arrizurieta, Barry (Sr)
OF – Alex Marrero, Nova Southeastern (Sr)
OF – Enrique Perez, Lynn (Jr)
OF – Sheehan Planas, Barry (So)
OF – Jose Rodriguez, Nova Southeastern (Sr)
DH - Cory Elasik, Lynn (Sr)
UT – Tyler Kellman, Barry (Jr)
SP – Michael Dunnigan, Saint Leo (Fr)
SP – Calvin Rayburn, Barry (Jr)
SP – Taylor Smith, Rollins (Sr)
SP – Scotty Ward, Florida Tech (So)
RP – James Mannara, Florida Tech (Sr)

HONORABLE MENTION
OF – Bobby Twitty, Saint Leo (Jr)
SP – Anthony Figliolia, Rollins (Sr)
SP – Rick Teasley, Saint Leo (Sr)

Bucs Women's Golf 3rd After Day 1

Wed, 15 May 2013 17:13:00 GMT

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Barry University women’s golf team is in third place after the first round of the NCAA Division II National Championships at LPGA International Legends Course Wednesday.

The Buccaneers shot 302, and are 10 strokes behind leader Nova Southeastern and a stroke behind second-place Lynn. St. Edward’s is fourth at 304, and Grand Canyon fifth, five strokes behind the Hilltoppers.

Barry’s Nancy Vergara shot a 1-under 71, sinking three birdie putts in the opening round of the four-day tournament on the 6,228-yard course. She birdied the par-5 eighth hole, par-3 15^th and par-4 18^th, and is four strokes behind leader Daniela Ortiz of Nova, who had seven birdies.

Lander’s Teresa Hernani is third after shooting par, while three others are a stroke back.

Barry’s Nicky Ferre is sandwiched in a nine-way tie for 16^th after shooting 76. Ferre birdied the par-4 first and 13^th holes. Teammate Maria Paola Fiorio shot 77, anchored around birdies on Nos. 8 and the par-3 15^th. She is in a seven-way tie for 25^th.

Daniela Murray shot 78, and is tied for 32^nd. Murray birdied the par-3 12^th, which dropped her to 2-over at the time. Taylor Babcock shot 80. She birdied the par-5 second.

The tournament runs through Saturday. Follow the tournament via Live Stats.

RESULTS

Barry Golf Teams to Compete for NCAA Titles

Tue, 14 May 2013 18:54:00 GMT

WOMEN'S LIVE STATS

MEN'S LIVE STATS

Barry University women's golf team tees off at 9:40 a.m. Wednesday in the NCAA Division II National Championships at LPGA Legends International in Daytona Beach.

Yeah, so what's the rub? Well, coupled with the fact the Buccaneers are competing in their second straight national tournament, having finished fourth in the country in Louisville in 2012, this team is at home so to speak.

"They feel comfortable with the course because they've been here before," Barry coach Shannon Sykora said. "They just have to stay patient, and get themselves in position."

Follow the women's golf national championships HERE.

Barry's men's team will be making its NCAA Division II record fifth straight appearance in the championships. Last year the Buccaneers finished tied for fifth after advancing to the match play portion of a gruelling tournament format. Barry, ranked No. 2 in the country, will play three rounds of stroke play, beginning Monday, at Hershey Country Club in Hershey, Pa., before moving on to match play. The top eight teams after the 54-hole stroke play tournament advance to match play in a seeded bracket-style 54-hole finish over two days.

The Buccaneers men's team won it all in 2007.

"I feel good about the team and the progress we've made through the spring on the golf course, and the mental and physical preparation," Barry longtime coach Jimmy Stobs said. "All we're going to try to do is control our own emotions."

Follow the men's golf championships HERE.

Three of Barry's five women return to a national championship setting after helping the Buccaneers qualify a year ago. Senior Taylor Babcock and sophomores Daniela Murray and Nancy Vergara all competed in the 2012 NCAA Championships. Freshmen Nicky Ferre and Maria Paola Fiorio will be making their first appearance in a national championship setting.

"Honestly, at any time I feel like any one of them can step up," Sykora said. "I feel like they all can do it at the same time, and that's what it's going to take."

Like the women, three men's players are back for another run at a national title. Seniors Simon Forsslund and Marcus Segerstrom and junior Scott Smyers each have NCAA Championship experience. Junior transfer Jared Dalga and freshman Adam Svensson will make their first trip to nationals.

"They're going about their business the last 10 days practicing, and they're very focused about what's in front of them," Stobs said. "We can't control the other teams. That's the most important thing in sports, no matter what sport it is.

"They know what's in front of them. They know what it's all about. It's all about championships. You don't want to be known as the yeah-but coach."

Stobs will never be considered that after winning a title in 2007.

"I want these guys to experience it," Stobs said. "I want these guys to experience victory in national championships. We feel confident, we feel good, and that's it."

And no, just because they're headed to Hershey doesn't mean there will be any trips to the chocolate factory.

"We're not going on vacation," Stobs said.

No, they'd rather be chewing on a championship.

Campeones on CBS: NCAA Champion Men's Tennis on TV

Mon, 13 May 2013 19:47:00 GMT

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. -- Barry University's NCAA Champion men's tennis team was honored in a welcome back celebration ceremony Monday morning in the Landon Atrium at Health & Sports Center.

School president Sister Linda Bevilacqua and Barry athletic director Mike Covone spoke on behalf of the team, while coach George Samuel and point-clinching hero Leo Vivas also offered a few words as part of the ceremony. A highlight video of Vivas' final game to clinch the title was also shown. It can be seen by clicking HERE or visiting the Barry Multimedia Tab on the upper right side of the www.gobarrybucs.com home page, and clicking on the YouTube link.

The Bucs were also fitted for their championship rings, which they will receive in the fall when another ceremony is planned.

CBS4 (Channel 4) was on hand to air a piece, honoring the champion Buccaneers. Check out the Miami television station's website http://miami.cbslocal.com/category/sports/ and follow CBS4 Sports on Twitter at https://twitter.com/CBS4Sports. Watch Jim Berry's report by clicking HERE.

No. 1 Barry beat No. 2 Armstrong Atlantic, 5-4, in a dramatic finish to win it all.

The Buccaneers went 29-0, collecting the first unbeaten season in school history for any sport to capture the men's tennis program's second national title. It was Barry University athletic program's 10th NCAA Championship in all sports, and marked the Sunshine State Conference's 80th national title in league history. The 80 SSC titles are the most in NCAA Division II.

Bucs Varsity 8+ SSC Rowing's Boat of Week

Mon, 13 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

WINTER PARK, Fla. -- Barry University's Varsity 8 has once again been recognized as the Sunshine State Conference Boat of the Week presented by VALIC.

This marks the sixth time in as many opportunities Barry's 8 has won the league-wide honor. This is the final SSC Boat of the Week award of the season.

The Buccaneers won the Division II Eight title at the prestigious Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta in Philadelphia, Pa. Rowing in a field with six finalists, the Bucs posted a time of 6:44.192 to beat out second-place Nova Southeastern by nearly four seconds. With its regular season schedule completed, the Barry Eight has won 13 of its 14 races, including seven finals victories. Notching the win on Saturday were coxswain Gracie Horwitz (Chicago, Ill.), Kristina Boncheva (Sofia, Bulgaria), Anna Boada (Barcelona, Spain), Rosie Boncheva (Sofia, Bulgaria), Monika Kaminska (Walcz, Poland), Beth Desmond (Cape May, N.J.), Anais Foppoli (Thonon, France), Emma Howard (Newton Square, Pa.), and Kelly Harrison (Fairfax, Va.).

Barry will row in the NCAA Championships May 31-June 2 in Indianapolis.

For more than half a century, VALIC has served as a leading retirement plan provider for higher education, as well as for K-12 schools and school districts, healthcare, government and other not-for-profit institutions. VALIC has more than $65 billion in total assets under management and manages plans for nearly 25,000 groups serving nearly two million plan participants. VALIC represents The Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, VALIC Financial Advisors, Inc., and VALIC Retirement Services Company.

Softball Ends Run In Regional Final

Sun, 12 May 2013 21:26:00 GMT

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.—The Barry Buccaneers bowed out of the NCAA Division II South Region 2 Softball Tournament after falling 12-2 in six innings to the host Alabama-Huntsville Chargers at UAH Charger Park on Sunday.

The Chargers (42-15) scored early and kept on the pressure the whole game to end the Buccaneers’ season in the regional final. UAH pounded out 13 hits, including four doubles and scored 12 runs.

Megan Copeland went 2-for-2 with a pair of singles and a walk and scored one of the Bucccaneers’s two runs in the sixth inning.

Whitney Gilbert (15-7) worked into the sixth inning to earn the win for the Chargers. She allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks and struck out three. Alexis Yohe (20-8) closed out her Buccaneer career and was charged with the loss.

For the Buccaneers, they finished the season tied for 17^th in the country. It was their 17^th trip to the NCAA Tournament and their best showing at the regional since winning it in 2008.

(05/12/13 at Huntsville, AL)

Alabama-Huntsville 12, Barry 2

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama-Huntsville.. 102 306 - 12 13 1 (42-15)
Barry............................ 000 002 - 2 5 2 (34-20)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Pitchers: Alabama-Huntsville - Whitney Gilbert; Kimberly Jack(6) and Cortney McNett. Barry - Alexis Yohe; Britney Pugh(4); Camille Czarnecki(6) and Kayla Monroy.
Win-Whitney Gilbert(15-7) Loss-Alexis Yohe(20-9) T-2:07 A-388
Weather: Amazing
Gilbert faced 2 batters in the 6th.

Barry to Honor National Champion Men's Tennis Monday

Sun, 12 May 2013 17:25:00 GMT

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – Barry University will hold a celebration ceremony Monday at 11 a.m. in the Health & Sports Center Landon atrium to honor the 2013 NCAA Champion Buccaneer men’s tennis team.

The Bucs went 29-0, capturing the program’s second national title and the school’s 10^th overall. No. 1 Barry defeated No. 2 Armstrong Atlantic, 5-4, in dramatic fashion Saturday at Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex in Surprise, Ariz., to don the champions crown.

The Buccaneers went unbeaten for the first time in the school's entire athletic history.

8 is Enough 4 Bucs Rowing at Dad Vail

Sun, 12 May 2013 01:27:00 GMT

PHILADELPHIA -- Barry University's Varsity 8+ won the Aberdeen Dad Vail Regatta Division II Varsity Heavyweight Final race, and the Varsity 4+ took second in impressive fashion Saturday.

The Bucs 8 of coxswain Grace Horwitz, stroke Kristina Boncheva, Anna Boada, Rosita Boncheva, Monika Kaminska, Beth Desmond, Anais Foppoli, Emma Howard and bow Kelly Harrison won its event final in 6:44.192. Barry finished ahead of Nova Southeastern (6:47.896), UC-San Diego (6:57.430), Grand Valley State (7:01.578), Mercyhurst (7:05.272) and Philadelphia (7:25.946).

Barry and Nova remained pretty much neck-and-neck through the first 700 meters, both distancing themselves a little from the remaining four boats. Nova's 8 pushed hard around a slight turn nearing the midway point on the water before the Bucs made a charge over the last 1,000 meters to win a close race.

"Our 8 really responded with poise and power, and we were able to push ahead," Barry coach Dave Sanderson said. "It was a really strong, gutsy performance from the 8. It was a courageous row from the 8, and they came out with the win."

The Bucs 4 of cox Angela Dasch, stroke Kasia Walentynowicz, Mandy Carper, Helene Pierre and bow Rebekah Kilroy advanced to the final with a second-place finish in the Division II/III semifinal. Barry finished in 7:49.727 behind Bowdoin's 7:43.183. Florida State 40 was third in 7:54.875, and Nova fourth in 7:54.903.

After roughly a three-hour delay in the 4+ Final, the Bucs 4 put together another impressive piece, finishing second behind Bowdoin. Barry crossed the line in 7:39.521, while Bowdoin won it in 7:33.581. Rochester Institute of Technology was third in 7:42.639.

"They did a fantastic job with that race," Sanderson said. "They did it with a lot of poise in the semifinal. They put an even better piece together in the final. They rowed a smart, mature race. When they got to the moment when the race was really starting to happen, halfway through the race, they made a really strong move in the second 1,000 to move from a third to a strong second place.

"Bowdoin also rowed a great race. It's a great feeling for them to finish in a great placement in the race, and they did it with a fanstastic row."

It was a solid weekend of rowing through and through, and the contributions of the staff paid dividends.

"Our coaching staff of Boban Rankovic and Nick Goode, they each had a critical role in the success of our team today," Sanderson said. "Our trainer, Dani Glenn, also did a great job as she has in helping us all season."

Barry will compete in the NCAA Division II National Championships in Indianapolis May 31-June 2.

"It was a great weekend for Barry rowing," Sanderson said. "I couldn't be more proud of this team right now, and we're looking forward to the next three weekends of training before nationals."

VARSITY 8+ Heavyweight Final

VARSITY 4+ DII/III Semifinal

VARSITY 4+ DII/III Final

Softball Advances To Championship Sunday At South Regional

Sat, 11 May 2013 23:53:00 GMT

HUNSTVILLE, Ala.—The Barry Buccaneers advanced to Championship Sunday at the NCAA Division II South Region 2 Softball Tournament at Charger Park with a see-saw 10-4 win over the North Alabama Lions on Saturday. The Bucs dropped their first game of the day 1-0 to the host Alabama-Huntsville Chargers, but rebounded to beat the Lions in an elimination game.

Sarah Broeseker homered, doubled and drove in five runs against the Lions, leading Barry back from deficits in the third and fifth innings.

Alexis Yohe (20-8) soldiered through two games on Saturday. She lost the opener to the Chargers (41-15) despite allowing just four hits and one run, but came back in the second day to throw five strong innings and beat the Lions (40-16).

North Alabama took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI double from Callie Steadman down the left field line which knocked in Harlie Barkley.

The Bucs answered back in the second inning. Kelly Martinez walked, but was shaken up sliding into second base and Kate Hehre came in to run. After Hehre stole third, Britney Pugh dumped a single into left field to knot the game at 1-1.

The Lions came back with another run the third. Steadman again knocked in Barkley, this time with a single to left center.

Broeseker had the answer in the bottom of the inning. Natalia Ojeda doubled with one out and, after a sacrifice, Broeseker belted her third homer of the season to put Barry back on top 3-2.

In the fifth, it was Steadman’s turn again as she homered to right center, scoring Barkley, to give UNA a 4-3 lead.

Broeseker came back in the bottom of the frame. After Ojeda singled to left center and Megan Copeland followed with a bunt single, Broeseker drove a double into the right center field gap to score both runners and Barry led 5-4. One out later, Martinez dumped a single into right to make it 6-4.

The Bucs put the hammer down in the sixth inning. Paula Mackin ripped a pinch-hit single through the left side with one out and Christal Cruz came in to run. Ashley Fernandez reached on an error by Lions third baseman Nicki Whitten and Ojeda followed with a double to knock in Cruz. Copeland followed with an infield single to make it 8-4. Broeseker drove in Ojeda with a fly ball to left and Julie Brito closed out the scoring with a double down the left field line.

Taylor Sabol came on to shutout the Lions over the last two innings on three hits to earn her team-leading third save. Yohe got the win after working the first five. She gave up four runs on six hits and two walks and struck out four.

Breanna Riley, took the loss in relief of Haley Barnette. Riley, also working her second game of the day, gave up nine runs (six earned) on 11 hits and a walk in 4.2 innings.

In the first game, Megan Billingsley ripped a single to left to score Nicole Bobrowski from second with the only run of the game for the Chargers in the second inning.

The game was delayed for 1:06 in the top of the forth when a flash shower drenched the field.

Yohe took the loss in that one, allowing just the one run on four hits and three walks and struck out four. Whitney Gilbert (14-7) worked five shutout innings, scattering two hits and four walks, while striking out five. Kimberly Jack closed out the last two innings, coming in with runners at first and second after Copeland singled and Broeseker walked against Gilbert. After fielder’s choice by Brito erased Copeland and third and Martinez laid down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners, Jack got Alexis Kent to ground out to first base to end in the inning. She then set the Bucs down in order in the seventh.

Barry will not face the Chargers again on Sunday at 2:00 pm Eastern, needing a pair of wins to advance to the regional championship series next weekend. Livestats and an audio broadcast will be available on GoBarryBucs.com, through GameCentral powered by Stretch Internet.

(05/11/13 at Huntsville, AL)

Alabama-Huntsville 1, Barry 0

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Barry............................ 000 000 0 - 0 2 0 (33-19)
Alabama-Huntsville.. 010 000 X - 1 4 0 (41-15)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Pitchers: Barry - Alexis Yohe and Kayla Monroy. Alabama-Huntsville - Whitney Gilbert; Kimberly Jack(6) and Cortney McNett.
Win-Whitney Gilbert(14-7) Save-Kimberly Jack(8) Loss-Alexis Yohe(19-8) T-2:48
Weather: cinereal
Game notes:
1:06 rain delay
Gilbert faced 2 batters in the 6th.

Barry 10, North Alabama 4

----------------------------------------------------------------------
North Alabama....... 101 020 0 - 4 9 2 (40-16)
Barry......................... 012 034 X - 10 11 2 (34-19)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Pitchers: North Alabama - Haley Barnette; Breanna Riley(2) and Mallory Patterson; Katey Miller. Barry - Alexis Yohe; Taylor Sabol(6) and Kayla Monroy.
Win-Alexis Yohe(20-8) Save-Taylor Sabol(3) Loss-Breanna Riley(19-10) T-2:09 A-486
HR UNA - Callie Steadman (5).
HR BU - Sarah Broeseker (3).

NCAA Champs: Men's Tennis Nets National Title

Sat, 11 May 2013 22:50:00 GMT

NCAA Championship Match Full Replay

Coach George Samuel Intertview

Leo Vivas "El Presidente" & Romain Costamagna Interview

SURPRISE, Ariz. – El Presidente laid down the law once again, and Barry University men’s tennis team became a national champion Saturday.

“Honestly, I can’t believe what just happened,” said Leo Vivas, otherwise known as, “El Presidente,” after becoming the hero in a title match that shifted from excitement-on-the-brink to gloom-and-doom to outright euphoria.

In a match that was as dramatic as they come, No. 1 Barry outlasted No. 2 Armstrong Atlantic in a 5-4 thriller to secure the program’s second NCAA Division II National Championship. It marked the university athletic program’s 10^th national title in school history.

The Buccaneers (29-0) ran the table, becoming the first men’s tennis team to go unbeaten in school history. The Bucs are also the first team in any sport at Barry University to ever have an unblemished record.

“This is a Cinderella story as I thought of it in the beginning, and I was hoping it would come to an end this way. And it actually has,” longtime Bucs coach George Samuel said. “By far, this is the best year that I’ve ever had in my 23 years as far as the success went throughout the year.”

It didn’t come without its lion’s share of drama on the largest stage.

Barry’s Romain Costamagna and Vivas shredded Jaan Kononov and Matus Mydla, 8-1, at No. 3 doubles for the match’s first point. But the other two doubles matches were laced with razor-sharp intensity and wire-to-wire intrigue.

Despite trailing, 5-4, at the top doubles flight, No. 2-ranked Marco Mokrzycki and Fabian Groetsch beat No. 1-ranked Daniel Regan and Georgi Rumenov, 9-8 (7-1), in a back-and-forth match filled with its share of nerve-testing points. Tied 6-6 with Groetsch serving, the Bucs warded off five break points and held serve in a game that lasted roughly 10 minutes to take a 7-6 lead. Then with Regan serving and the Bucs sitting on match point, Rumenov’s play at the net tied the match at 7-7.

Mokrzycki held serve to bump the Buccaneers up, 8-7. But Rumenov responded again with his serve to send the No. 1 pairs match into a tiebreaker. That’s where the Bucs ran away with it, winning seven of the next eight points to put Barry ahead, 2-0.

Mokrzycki's doubles triumph broke assistant coach Thomas Hipp's seven-year school record for most pairs victories. Mokrzycki now is alone at the top with 79 doubles wins in his four-year Buccaneer career.

At No. 2 doubles, it was more of the same. Trailing 7-6, Barry’s No. 19-ranked Max Wimmer and Ollie Lemaitre responded with their backs to the wall against No. 5-ranked Sven Lalic and Pedro Scocuglia to win 9-8 (7-5). Down 6-3 in the tie breaker, the Bucs fought off three straight match points to tie it at 6-6 in the final game. After Lalic and Scocuglia nabbed the next point to move ahead, 7-6, for its fourth match point, Lemaitre and Wimmer won the next three points to secure the match and sweep the doubles.

Ahead 3-0 after doubles, Barry was in position to run away with this title against the nation’s toughest opponent on the other side of the net. But that’s when it got interesting, and the momentum changed in a hurry.

Eleventh-ranked Regan beat 23^rd-ranked Groetsch, who battled the flu for the past four days, 6-1, 6-3, at No. 3 singles, cutting the Bucs lead to 3-1. Meanwhile, Barry had dropped a set in four other singles matches.

Seeking his first postseason victory and the first in a month and five days, Costamagna was money in a 6-4, 6-3 win over the 16^th-ranked Lalic at No. 4 singles. But even that point didn’t come without a little adversity.

Costamagna led 3-0 in the first set before dropping the next three games to tie it at 3-3. But the outspoken junior Frenchmen lifted his game to another level to close out the first set by winning three of the last four. Costamagna led 3-2 in the second set before breaking Lalic’s serve to take a two-game cushion. After each held serve the next games, Costamagna served for the match, securing the Bucs’ fourth point.

“I told everyone, I want to finish in the finals,” said Costamagna, who endured seven straight unfinished matches before delivering a clutch victory when the Bucs needed it most. “I play to win. It’s unbelievable. Since we arrived in August, we wanted to win the national championship. It was a good day to play a good match.”

Leading 4-1, needing one more match to secure the title, Armstrong (27-2) turned up its tennis again. Pablo Gor defeated Lemaitre, 6-3, 6-4, at No. 6 singles, bringing the Pirates within two. Yet the Bucs had three more matches to secure one point.

Easier said than done.

Leading 3-0 in the first set at No. 1 singles, No. 4-ranked Mokrzycki had break point opportunities with a chance to take a 4-0 lead on No. 5-ranked Mydla, but the Pirates top player answered the challenge by winning the game. Up 5-2 with a chance to close out the first set, Mokrzycki was within two points of breaking Mydla, but the Bucs German senior couldn’t convert. Trailing 5-3, Mydla broke Mokrzycki before winning the ensuing game to tie the set at 5-5. Mokrzycki served his way back to a 6-5 lead, but Mydla held serve again to send it to a tiebreaker. Mokrzycki confessed he “played poorly” in the tiebreaker, falling 7-2, before eventually dropping the second set, 6-1. That pulled the Pirates within a point of the Buccaneers, 4-3.

At No. 2 singles, the 26^th-ranked Wimmer led No. 1-ranked Rumenov, 5-3, and had worked his way to set point, but squandered the opportunity and eventually dropped the set. Rumenov went on to win, 7-6 (8-6), 6-2, to tie the match at 4-4.

It all came down to No. 5 singles, where Vivas dropped the first set to 29^th-ranked Scocuglia, 6-3, before winning the second in comeback fashion, 6-4. Trailing 4-1 in the decisive set, as he did in the second, Vivas found his back against the wall, knowing the title rested on his shoulders.

“I was 4-1 down in the third, and things were looking bad,” Vivas said. “I was looking through a tunnel. It was all dark.”

But El Presidente battled, winning the next three games to tie it at 4-4.

“What we’ve seen is the support system that kicked in at that time off of just that one court that was in play,” Samuel said. “I mean, we had all of our coaches out there, every one of them out there, rooting and pushing and encouraging. The team was lined up there at the fence, and there wasn’t the slightest drop of momentum for the support there. It just felt good. It felt like it could happen.”

Scocuglia served his way to a 5-4 lead before Vivas matched it with a service win to tie it at 5-5. Vivas broke Scocuglia to take a 6-5 lead, and then served for the match without dropping a point to clinch the national title for the Buccaneers.

“I saw my team there, I saw everyone there,” Vivas said. “It was just like, ‘This is your last match. Just give it everything you have.’ Everything worked out well. I honestly didn’t even think about the score. I just played tennis.”

Now the Buccaneers have glossy hardware and can call themselves champions.

“It was a goal,” Costamagna said. “Now we did it. It’s a big step in history for Barry University.”

BOX SCORE

Softball Places Three On NFCA All-Region Team

Fri, 10 May 2013 23:03:00 GMT

LOUISVILLE, Ky.—The Barry Buccaneers put three on the 2013 NFCA All-South Region Softball team, as announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

Senior third baseman Sarah Broeseker and sophomore second baseman Kelly Martinez made the first team, while senior pitcher Alexis Yohe made the second team.

Broeseker led the Sunshine State Conference with a .423 batting average. She drove in 32 runs and scored 32 more. Her .604 slugging percentage was second in the league, as was her .491 on-base percentage. Broeseker tallied 63 total hits (2nd SSC), including 13 doubles (T4th) and four triples (T1st). Broeseker was particularly effective in conference, hitting .500 with 18 runs and 17 RBI in 24 games. She walked 13 times, against just six strikeouts, for a .583 on-base percentage and belted seven doubles, three triples and a homer to slug .729.

Martinez was one of the Bucs’ hottest hitters down the stretch, hitting .383 for the season and .523 in the month of April. She scored 24 runs and drove in 30. She tied for the team lead with four homers and was second with 12 doubles and 12 stolen bases. Against conference teams, she hit .431 with three homers and 17 RBI.

Yohe was 18-7 overall with one save and a 1.38 ERA in 162.2 innings. She struck out 136 and held opponents to a .193 average. She was second in the conference in shutouts with eight and completed 19 of her 25 starts. In conference games, she led the league with a 14-1 record (a .933 winning percentage). She tossed six shutouts, including one-hit efforts against Rollins and Lynn and fired a five-inning perfect game against Florida Tech.

All three players will now advance on to the All-America ballot.

Softball Rides Pitching And Defense To Win Over Lions

Fri, 10 May 2013 20:50:00 GMT

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.—The Barry Buccaneers rode a masterful performance by Alexis Yohe and some timely hitting and defense to a 2-0 win over the North Alabama Lions in the first round of the NCAA Division II South Region 2 Softball Tournament at UAH Charger Park on Friday.

Yohe (19-7) scattered two hits, two walks and a hit batter to toss her ninth shutout of the season. She struck out four. The Lions, who came into the game with 46 homers as a team, put the ball in play in the air repeatedly, but Yohe was able to keep the ball in the yard and her defense ran down the balls in the outfield.

The Bucs (33-18) struck for a run the second inning. Kelly Martinez continued her hot hitting with a single to right center. Britney Pugh laid down a sacrifice bunt, but Lion pitcher Breanna Riley (18-9), who struggled with fielding all season, threw the ball over the head of second baseman Harlie Barkley, allowing Pugh to advance to second and Martinez all the way to third. Alexis Kent delivered the run with a perfect squeeze bunt and Barry led 1-0.

In the bottom of the inning, UNA mounted its most serious threat. Dani Colwilll doubled to left to lead off and Shelby Goodman drew a four-pitch walk. But Yohe buckled down and struck out Mallory Patterson, got Nicki Whitten to fly out to center and struck out Nikki Hodges to end the threat.

In the third inning with two outs, Yohe clipped Summer Wilkerson with an inside fastball and Callie Steadman blooped a ball into shallow right field with Wilkerson on the move. But Kent raced in and slide under the ball to make a basket catch and preserve the 1-0 lead.

In the fifth, Ashley Fernandez lined a shot over the left-field wall for her fifth homer of the year to give the Bucs a little breathing room at 2-0.

Kent came up with another big catch in the seventh inning. After Goodman led off with a single, Patterson lined a shot into the right center gap, but Kent was there to track it down with an over-the-shoulder catch. Yohe got a ground out then another routine fly ball to Kent to seal the deal.

Riley took the loss for the Lions, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and two walks and struck out 10.

The Bucs face the host Alabama-Huntsville Chargers at 1:00 pm Eastern in the winner’s bracket game. The Chargers (40-15) defeated West Alabama 3-2 in the second game of the day.

Livestats and an audio broadcast will be available on GoBarryBucs.com, through GameCentral powered by Stretch Internet.

(05/10/13 at Huntsville, AL)

Barry 2, North Alabama 0

----------------------------------------------------------------------
Barry......................... 010 010 0 - 2 3 0 (39-19)
North Alabama....... 000 000 0 - 0 2 1 (33-18)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Pitchers: Barry - Alexis Yohe and Kayla Monroy. North Alabama - Breanna Riley and Mallory Patterson.
Win-Alexis Yohe(19-7) Loss-Breanna Riley(18-9) T-1:47 A-371
HR BU - Ashley Fernandez (5).
Weather: blustery

Rowing Wins Pair of Heat Races at Dad Vail

Fri, 10 May 2013 20:18:00 GMT

PHILADELPHIA -- Barry University's rowing crew picked up a couple heat victories at the Dad Vail Regatta Friday, sending both of the Buccaneers' boats on to Saturday's semifinals and finals.

Barry's 4+ of coxswain Angela Dasch, stroke Kasia Walentynowicz, Mandy Carper, Helene Pierre and bow Rebekah Kilroy won their heat race, beating the likes of Wheaton, New York, Brandeis and Franklin Pierce in the Division II/III event. The Buccaneers were the top qualifier of three from the heat to advance to the semifinals.

The Bucs 8+ of cox Gracie Horwitz, stroke Kristina Boncheva, Anna Boada, Rosita Boncheva, Monika Kaminska, Bethany Desmond, Anais Foppoli, Emma Howard and bow Kelly Harrison won their heat race by outstroking Mercyhurst, Philadelphia, Rollins and Florida Tech. Barry will advance to the finals.

"We had solid results today in the 4 and 8," Barry coach Dave Sanderson said. "Each boat rowed a good piece, and the athletes are looking forward to tomorrow."

VARSITY 4 RESULTS

VARSITY 8 RESULTS

DAD VAIL RESULTS

Chasing a Championship: Men's Tennis Advances to Title Match

Fri, 10 May 2013 19:10:00 GMT

MARCO MOKRZYCKI INTERVIEW

LEO VIVAS & ROMAIN COSTAMAGNA INTERVIEW

SURPRISE, Ariz. – Barry University men’s tennis team has carried a big racquet all season long. Now the Buccaneers will try to brandish their flashy net appeal in the NCAA Division II National Championship match after sweeping No. 6 Concordia (N.Y.), 5-0, in Friday’s semifinals.

No. 1 Barry (28-0) will meet No. 2 Armstrong Atlantic (27-1) in Saturday’s 12 p.m. EST national title match at Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex. The Bucs beat the Pirates, 5-4, earlier this season in Miami Shores. Armstrong is the defending NCAA champs.

Saturday's championship match can be watched live at www.ncaa.com by clicking HERE or followed via LIVE STATS.

“It feels great,” junior Leo Vivas said. “The win, and now knowing we are going to the finals, it’s great.”

Vivas delivered the clinching point Friday with his 6-3, 6-4 No. 5 singles victory over Benas Majauskas.

“It’s teamwork,” Vivas said. “If we need five points, I just gave two of them. The rest, the team gave ’em. I gave 110 percent when I went to the court, wanting to just get it over and done with. Because of the sun, the heat, I just wanted to finish as quick as we could so we can rest for tomorrow.”

Vivas and fellow junior Romain Costamagna spotted the Bucs a 2-0 lead over the Clippers (22-3) by winning their No. 3 doubles match over David Tisserand and Andreas Lindell, 8-5.

“We want to make our point count,” Vivas said. “Every time we get on the court, we give 110 percent.”

Outsiders have said Costamagna and Vivas deserve a national doubles ranking, what with their passion and energy, not to mention talent, they bring to the court match after match. Ranking or not, the Bucs No. 3 duo is never short on infusing energy into this team.

“It’s always important, first for me, because I like to be pumped on the court, and for the team also,” Costamagna said. “Today we played really good, and we are looking forward to tomorrow.”

Nineteenth-ranked Max Wimmer and Ollie Lemaitre defeated 20^th-ranked Majauskas and Tomasz Olfans, 8-5, at No. 2 doubles for Barry’s first point. No. 2-ranked Marco Mokrzycki and Fabian Groetsch weathered through an 8-6 victory over No. 6 Andrey Boldarev and Daniele Piludu at the top flight.

Mokrzycki’s doubles victory gave him 78 in his four-year Buccaneer career, matching him with assistant coach and former All-American Thomas Hipp for the most in school history.

“I’m extremely glad that we won our three doubles today, and that I could actually win and tie Thomas’ record, but it’s not the most important thing,” Mokrzycki said. “Thomas was an unbelievable tennis player. He made history for Barry University. Being able to tie his record means I have also done a lot of good things at Barry. I’m glad that I could contribute to a lot of wins, and hopefully I’ll be able to break his record tomorrow with another win.”

Lemaitre put the Buccaneers ahead 4-0 with his third NCAA Tournament singles victory this postseason in a dynamite 6-0, 6-1 win over Lindell at No. 6 singles. Then it became a race to determine whose singles point would clinch it for the Bucs.

The fourth-ranked Mokrzycki led 10^th-ranked Boldarev, 6-2, 4-1, at No. 1 singles in an unfinished match. In search of his first postseason singles victory of the year, Costamagna led Tisserand, 6-4, 5-4, at the No. 4 spot in another match that went unfinished. But Vivas, otherwise known as “El Presidente,” played the closer’s role to push Barry into the championship match.

“Now we are here,” Costamagna said. “We just have to come out strong from the beginning in doubles.”

Energy and intensity, included.

“All the work we’ve done this year has paid off,” Vivas said. “We have one more day in the season just to give it everything we have.”

BOX SCORE

NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS BRACKET

SATURDAY'S CHAMPIONSHIP LIVE STATS

Men's Tennis Bounce Sea Warriors in NCAA Quarterfinals

Fri, 10 May 2013 03:05:00 GMT

LEO VIVAS & OLLIE LEMAITRE INTERVIEW

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- SURPRISE, Ariz. – Barry University men’s tennis lived to see another day. The No. 1-ranked Buccaneers outlasted No. 5 Hawai’i Pacific, 5-1, Thursday in the NCAA quarterfinals at Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex.

Barry (27-0) advances to Friday’s noon semifinals against No. 6 Concordia (22-2). The match can be followed via LIVE STATS.

“This is a new experience for me – the first time at nationals,” Barry junior Venezuelan Leo Vivas said after delivering two key victories in Thursday’s win over the Sea Warriors. “Every point I win, every match, every game … it feels so good to give something back to the team. I think we have a great chance of doing great in this tournament.”

Vivas did a few things great in knocking the Sea Warriors (19-4) out. First, he and Romain Costamagna battled through an 8-6 No. 3 doubles victory over Max Hertl and Jaume Martinez-Vich to complete the Bucs’ pairs sweep. Vivas’ charging drop shot winner with both he and Costamagna at the net helped take the air out of HPU in a closely-contested match.

That put the Bucs ahead 3-0 entering singles play.

Vivas’ energy carried over in singles as he blistered past Yann Renault, 6-0, in the opening set before winning the second, 6-4, to secure Barry’s fourth point at the No. 4 flight.

“Everyone wants it,” Vivas said. “Everyone wants to be here. Everyone wants a ring.”

Barry’s No. 2-ranked Marco Mokrzycki and Fabian Groetsch battled back from an early hole to defeat No. 7 Petr Michnev and Gerald Moretti, 8-6, at No. 1 doubles. Nineteenth-ranked Max Wimmer and Ollie Lemaitre were impressive, playing with marked intensity compared to a day earlier, in an 8-4 No. 2 pairs win over Maxime Halflants and Renault.

After No. 26 Wimmer fell to 15^th-ranked Martinez-Vich, 6-2, 6-4, at No. 2 singles, Hawai’i Pacific drew within, 4-1. Wimmer remains tied with assistant coach Thomas Hipp with 67 career singles victories among Barry’s all-time leaders. Mokrzycki is one doubles victory shy of matching Hipp’s school record of 78 career pairs wins.

Leading by a game throughout most of the first set at No. 5 singles against Halflants, Lemaitre soon found himself down 6-5 and trailing 30-Love -- two points away from dropping the opening set. After hearing chatter from the other side, Lemaitre forced a first-set tiebreaker by winning four straight points and the ensuing game to draw even at 6-all. After winning the tiebreaker, 7-3, Lemaitre ran the table in the second set, 6-0, to seal the match for the Buccaneers.

“I started really fired up, but my opponent was as fired up as me, which made it really tough in the first set,” Lemaitre confessed. “I stepped up my game, and won the first set in the tiebreaker. In the second set, I really stepped it up again. I played with more margin, and made the guy run a little bit more.“

Now the Buccaneers will try to continue their run with Friday’s semifinal match against the New York school.

“Tomorrow’s another match,” Lemaitre said. “It’s probably going to be a tough opening again. But we’ve got to take matches by matches and hope for the best, and hope everybody comes out as pumped as today and do a great job.”

BOX SCORE

NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS BRACKET

Women's Tennis Bow Out in Quarterfinals

Fri, 10 May 2013 02:17:00 GMT

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Barry University women's tennis season came to a close Thursday in a 5-3 loss to defending champ Armstrong Atlantic in the NCAA Division II quarterfinals at Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex.

No. 1 Barry (27-1) beat No. 2 Armstrong (28-1) in the regular season, 5-4, ending the Pirates' 43-match win streak, but the luck of the draw wasn't on the Bucs' side in this one.

Trailing 3-1 into singles play, Barry's Linda Fritschken beat No. 13-ranked Barbara Krtickova, 6-0, 2-6, 6-2, at No. 3 singles to pull the Bucs within 3-2. Barry's Isabela Miro then delivered a 7-5, 3-6, 6-1 win over Natasa Vukovic at No. 6 singles after the Bucs dropped the No. 2 singles match to pull Barry within 4-3.

Trailing 5-1 in the third set, Barry's Karina Goia battled brilliantly in winning four straight games to draw even at 5-5, despite being assessed a carryover point penalty from another singles match. But Armstrong's No. 17 Marlen Hacke pulled out a 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 win in the No. 4 singles flight to wrap it up.

It marked the second straight year Barry fell to Armstrong in the NCAA Championships -- last year in the semifinals.

The Buccaneers lost at Nos. 1 and 2 doubles, but Goia and Miro handled their business in beating Clara Perez and Vukovic, 8-4, at No. 3 pairs.

Fritschken finished the season with a 20-1 record. She won 18 straight matches to close the season, and was 4-1 against nationally-ranked opponents.

Barry finished the season with its second straight undefeated regular season, a fourth straight Sunshine State Conference title, South Region championship and fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA Championships. The Bucs have advanced to the site of the NCAA Finals 18 times in the program's history, including four in a row under coach Avi Kigel.

BOX SCORE

Women's Tennis Moves on Past Midwestern St.

Wed, 08 May 2013 20:44:00 GMT

EMMA ONILA INTERVIEW

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Barry University women's tennis team accomplished what it set out to do Wednesday -- win efficiently. The No. 1 Buccaneers swept No. 19 Midwestern State, 5-0, in the NCAA Championships Round of 16 at Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex.

Efficiency was the name of the game on this day.

"Of course it helps a lot with your confidence, and it helps the team as well because you get off the quick," Barry freshman Emma Onila said after picking up a pair of victories. "It's a little strange to play here because the balls fly, so you have to adapt."

The Bucs (27-0) made all the necessary adjustments in this one, and now advance to the quarterfinals at 4 p.m. EST Thursday when they will meet No. 2 Armstrong Atlantic (27-1). Barry beat Armstrong, 5-4, in Miami Shores during the regular season.

Thursday's quarterfinal match can be seen live on the NCAA.com's Streaming Site.

"Tomorrow, I think the focus for us is going to be for us to win our doubles," Onila said. "We just have to play our best, try our best, and that's it."

Wednesday, the Bucs were on top of their game in pairs play. Elisabeth Abanda and Onila, the No. 8-ranked doubles team in the country, beat Sarita Adhikary and Lauren Pineda, 8-3, at the top flight. Linda Fritschken and Akemi Maehama were 8-2 winners over Kayla Casey and Madeline Schorlemmer at No. 2. Karina Goia and Isabela Miro beat Fatima Clementino and KynZee Watson, 3-0, at No. 3.

That put the Bucs ahead 3-0 entering singles play.

Fritschken made quick work of Casey, 6-1, 6-0, at No. 3 singles to move Barry within a point of clinching the match. Ranked 30th in the nation, Onila sealed the deal with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Taylor Coffman, at No. 2.

Barry was up a set in the remaining four singles matches with Abanda leading at No. 1, Goia ahead at No. 4, Maehama up at No. 5 and Miro in front at No. 6.

"It's a great feeling," Onila said. "I just hope to continue (playing well), and hopefully we'll come through with a win."

BOX SCORE

THURSDAY'S LIVE STATS

NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS BRACKET

Men's Golf Advances To NCAA Finals

Wed, 08 May 2013 18:48:00 GMT

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. — Barry University men’s golf team finished second at the NCAA South/Southeast Super Regional after shooting a final-round 291, which was 16 strokes behind Nova Southeastern University.

Jared Dalga shot a 2-under-par 70 in the final round to pace the Buccaneers.

Freshman Adam Svensson fired a 71, and finished in third place, four strokes behind medalist Ben Taylor of Nova.

After a final round of 73, Scott Smyeres finished seventh, while Marcus Segerstrom and Simon Forsslund shot 77 and 78, respectively, in their final rounds.

Columbus State, Florida Southern, Lynn, West Florida and South Carolina-Aiken will all join the Buccaneers and Sharks in the NCAA Division II national tournament at Hershey Country Club in Hershey, Pa., May 19-24.

“We are very excited about moving on and playing for the National Championship,” Barry coach Jimmy Stobs said. “We didn’t play our best, but got the job done. I am very proud of my team.”

This marks the seventh time in program history the Bucs will appear in the NCAA Finals. Barry will be making its fifth straight trip to the NCAA Championships.

RESULTS

Women's Golf No. 7 in Final Poll

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:47:00 GMT

NEW YORK -- Barry University women's golf team is ranked No. 7 in the final Golf World/Women's Golf Coaches Association Poll.

Nova Southeastern was a unanimous No. 1 choice, receiving 15 first-place votes and 375 points. St. Edward's is No. 2 with 331 points and Lynn third with 324 points.

The Buccaneers received 271 points.

Barry is one of five Sunshine State Conference schools in the top 7, and one of seven in the top 25. Rollins is fourth with 310 points, and Florida Southern fifth with 306. Tarleton State is sixth with 282 points.

The Bucs will compete in the NCAA Championships for the second straight year after qualifying with a third-place finish at the South/Southeast Regional Tuesday. The national championships will be held May 15-18 at LPGA Legends Course in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Golf World/WGCA Coaches’ Poll

May 13, 2013 Issue

NCAA Women’s Division II

Rank Team Points Last

1. Nova Southeastern (15) 375 1

2. St. Edward’s 331 2

3. Lynn 324 3

4. Rollins 310 4

5. Florida Southern 306 6

6. Tarleton State 282 7

7. Barry 271 5

8. Florida Tech 254 9

9. Grand Canyon 242 8

10. West Florida 201 12

11. UNC Pembroke 196 11

12. Dallas Baptist 195 13

13. Midwestern State 167 10

14. Central Oklahoma 165 17

15. Newberry 141 14

16. Armstrong Atlantic State 139 15

17. Flagler 121 16

18. Newman 105 19

19. Lander 89 18

20. California U. (Pa.) 84 21

21. Saint Leo 72 20

22. Indianapolis 70 25

23. Grand Valley State 66 NR

24. Augustana College 61 22

25. CSU-Monterey Bay 53 24

Also receiving votes: Northeastern State, 49; Academy of Art, 30; Mount Olive, 24; Arkansas Tech, 18; Converse College, 18; Carson-Newman, 16; S.W. Oklahoma State, 16; Sonoma State, 11; Chico State, 10; Northwest Missouri State, 10; Coker, 9; King College, 8; Ashland, 6; Belmont Abbey, 5; Drury, 5; Minnesota State, 5; Tusculum, 5; U. of the Incarnate Word, 4; Western New Mexico, 3; Cameron, 1; Ursuline, 1; West Texas A&M, 1.

First-place votes in parenthesis.

Polls conducted by the Women’s Golf Coaches Association.

Softball Lands Five On All-Conference Team

Wed, 08 May 2013 14:30:00 GMT

WINTER PARK, Fla.—The Barry Buccaneers, who finished tied for second in the Sunshine State Conference, placed five players on the all-conference softball team. Barry claimed two of the major awards announced as part of the 2013 All-Sunshine State Conference Softball Team on Wednesday. Senior third baseman Sarah Broeseker was named Player of the Year, while outfielder Megan Copeland was selected Freshman of the Year.

A senior from Palm Harbor, Fla., Broeseker led the SSC with a .423 batting average. She drove in 32 runs and scored 32 more. Her .604 slugging percentage was second in the league, as was her .491 on-base percentage. Broeseker tallied 63 total hits (2nd SSC), including 13 doubles (T4th) and four triples (T1st). Broeseker was particularly effective in conference, hitting .500 with 18 runs and 17 RBI in 24 games. She walked 13 times, against just six strikeouts, for a .583 on-base percentage and belted seven doubles, three triples and a homer to slug .729. Broeseker becomes just the third Buccaneer to earn conference player of the year honors, joining Stephanie Caldwell (1998, 1999) and Katie Clift (1994).

In her debut season out of Tarpon Springs, Fla., Copeland batted .377 with 31 runs and seven RBI. Starting all 50 of the Buccaneers’ games, she elevated her play even more in conference action, batting .443 against league opponents. Copeland was also a threat on the base paths, succeeding in 25 of her 27 steal attempts. Her 25 stolen bases ranked fifth in the SSC. In conference games, she was a perfect 13-of-13 in stealing bases and struck out just twice in 79 at-bats. Copeland is the sixth Buccaneer to be named freshman of the year. Previous winners include Caldwell (1997), Brittney Ledford (1999), Kim Fujimoto (2003), Shyla Rider (2006) and Amanda Goelz (2007).

Both Broeseker and Copeland were named to the first team, along with sophomore second baseman Kelly Martinez. Martinez was one of the Bucs’ hottest hitters down the stretch, hitting .383 for the season and .523 in the month of April. She scored 24 runs and drove in 30. She tied for the team lead with four homers and was second with 12 doubles and 12 stolen bases. Against conference teams, she hit .431 with three homers and 17 RBI.

Sophomore first baseman Julie Brito and senior pitcher Alexis Yohe were named to the second team.

Brito batted .350 with 16 runs scored, 12 doubles, and led the team with 33 RBI. She posted a .992 fielding percentage and ranked second in the league in putouts. In conference games, she hit .312 with eight doubles and 16 RBI.

The Bucs open play in the NCAA Division II South Region 2 Tournament in Huntsville, Ala., on Friday, May 10. They face off with North Alabama at 4:00 pm at UAH Charger Field. Livestats and audio broadcast from the event will be available on GoBarryBucs.com through the GameCentral portal powered by Stretch Internet.

2013 ALL-SUNSHINE STATE CONFERENCE SOFTBALL TEAM

FIRST TEAM
1B – Meagan Burke, Tampa (So)
2B – Kelly Martinez, Barry (So)
3B – Sarah Broeseker, Barry (Sr)
SS – Kayleen Boatwright, Tampa (So)
C – Kylee Hardesty, Saint Leo (Jr)
OF – McKenzie Burns, Saint Leo (So)
OF – Megan Copeland, Barry (Fr)
OF – Aimee Halpin, Rollins (Sr)
OF – Kristie Hoeffer, Rollins (Jr)
DP – Sarah Steiner, Saint Leo (Junior)
UT – Hannah Lovestrand, Rollins (Sr)
P – Kayla Cox, Tampa (Jr)
P – Niki Fogle, Rollins (Fr)
At-Large – Elaine Brown, Florida Tech (Fr)

Player of the Year – Sarah Broeseker, Barry
Pitcher of the Year – Kayla Cox, Tampa
Freshman of the Year – Megan Copeland, Barry
Coach of the Year – John Conway, Saint Leo

SECOND TEAM
1B – Julie Brito, Barry (So)
2B – Stacy Piagno, Tampa (Sr)
3B – Rachelle Gremo, Saint Leo (Sr)
SS – Samira Tanaka, Nova Southeastern (Jr)
C – Veronica Alred, Rollins (Jr)
OF – Katie Bannon, Tampa (Sr)
OF – Kaycie Duncan, Eckerd (Fr)
OF – Courtney Durbin, Rollins (Fr)
OF – Chelsey Steedley, Saint Leo (Jr)
UT – Kasey Murray, Lynn (Jr)
P – Alana Tabel, Saint Leo (Fr)
P – Alexis Yohe, Barry (Sr)
At-Large – Megan Still, Saint Leo (Sr)

Men's Tennis Ousts Northwood

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:41:00 GMT

KEVIN SIELMANN INTERVIEW

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Barry University men's tennis team blanked Northwood, 5-0, in the Round of 16 at the NCAA Division II Championships at Surprise Tennis & Racquet Complex Wednesday morning.

The No. 1 Buccaneers (26-0) advance to Thursday's 12 p.m. EST quarterfinals against No. 5 Hawai'i Pacific (20-3).

"We came out really strong in doubles," sophomore Kevin Sielmann said after clinching the victory for the Bucs with a straight-sets singles win. "Our opponents were a little bit down, so it was a little easier to beat them."

Sielmann defeated Konstantin Zhukov, 6-1, 6-2, at No. 6 singles for the deciding point to eliminate No. 32 Northwood (17-5). It marked Barry's second win over the Timberwolves this year, having beaten them in the regular season in Miami Shores.

"I was feeling really good," Sielmann said. "We woke up really early, but it didn't really affect us. I started really strong with my forehand and service. It was a smooth match. I feel really good being able to support my team with a point."

The Bucs led 3-0 after doubles play, despite a closely-contested No. 2 pairs match. Nineteenth-ranked Max Wimmer and Ollie Lemaitre overcame an early deficit during a sluggish match to beat Lorenzo Montegiorgi and Marcus Oliveira, 9-7, at the No. 2 spot. That completed the doubles sweep.

Barry's No. 2-ranked Marco Mokrzycki and Fabian Groetsch were 8-4 winners over Florian Boggia and Jean Menard at the No. 1 flight. Romain Costamagna and Leo Vivas cruised to an 8-2 win over Samual Walendowsky and Zhukov at No. 3 in the Buccaneers' first victory of the match.

Renato Lombardi delivered Barry's first singles victory, beating Victor Kasak, 6-0, 6-1, at No. 5. It was Lombardi's first collegiate postseason victory.

"Obviously, it feels really good to win today, but we are looking forward," Sielmann said. "Tomorrow we have an important match. We are only thinking about tomorrow."

BOX SCORE

THURSDAY'S LIVE STATS

NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS BRACKET

Samuel Named Men's Tennis National Coach of the Year

Wed, 08 May 2013 01:23:00 GMT

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Barry University's George Samuel was named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Men's Tennis National Coach of the Year Tuesday.

It is the second time in Samuel's 22-year coaching career he's received the honor. He also won the award in 1999.

"It's a good feeling of personal satisfaction that I was always hoping to achieve again," Samuel said. "There's a lot of good coaches out there. It's been quite a few years since I won the award the last time. So receiving this now, it's a good feather in my cap, so to speak."

Samuel won the 2010 National Championship. He's coached five teams to national runner-up finishes. This year, he also won South Region and Sunshine State Conference Coach of the Year honors. He's won the league coaching honor 13 times in his storied career.

Earlier this season, Samuel collected his 400th career victory as men's coach. He's guided the Buccaneers to their first undefeated regular season in school history and a No. 1 national ranking. Barry is 25-0 entering Wednesday's Round of 16 match against Northwood in the NCAA Championships.

"It was nice to be congratulated by all the other coaches at the national banquet," Samuel said. "This award is special because it's a national award, and it's great to be recognized by your peers on a national level."

Samuel, who's built the Buccaneers into a national power, has arguably the deepest team in the Barry program's history. He's also been the beneficiary of a talented assistant coaching staff, including Thomas Hipp, Kern Pedersen, Frederic Bonal and Francisco Sigaud.

"It's also a large part of my assistant coaches that this honor comes to be," Samuel said. "If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be as successful as I am."

Lopez Named Women's Tennis National Assistant Coach of Year

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:56:00 GMT

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Barry University's Maria Lopez was named the women's tennis National Assistant Coach of the Year Tuesday.

It marks the second straight year Lopez has won the award.

"I was very excited last year," Lopez said. "With this being my second year winning the award, I think I'm more shocked this time than the first time."

A former All-American player at Barry, Lopez was named a full-time assistant in November. She has been an assistant coach in some of the Buccaneers' most storied teams in school history. In 2011, she served on a coaching staff that won the national championship. Last year, she coached the Bucs to an undefeated regular season and trip to the NCAA semifinals.

This year, she's helped steer the Buccaneers to its first No. 1 national ranking prior to the national championships, following another unbeaten regular season under the guidance of head coach Avi Kigel.

"It's been great to have the support of the administration," Lopez said. "Avi has been a great mentor for me. There's been many people that have guided me to where I am as a coach, and I am truly grateful for them. The experiences that I've had with some of the former and current players have helped shape me to the coach I am today."

Lopez has helped Barry to a 26-0 season this year, entering Wednesday's Round of 16 match against Midwestern State at the NCAA Championships.

"Obviously, we've had a great season," she said. "Our goal is always to accomplish those small little obstacles that we encounter throughout the season, with the big picture in mind. Our main goal is to win the national championship. That's the ultimate goal that we strive to accomplish when we meet with the players on the first day of school.

"It's a great accomplishment for myself. In this job, sometimes we forget to reward ourselves a little bit. For me, it's kind of a pat on the back to say, 'You're doing an OK job.' There's plenty of great assistant coaches out there that are doing a great job to inspire players. That's what I strive to do every day. I want my own players to think that I am the best coach that they have. That's what's most important."

Men's Golf in 2nd at South/Southeast Super Regional

Tue, 07 May 2013 20:16:00 GMT

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. -- Barry University men's golf team rests in second place after two rounds of the South/Southeast Super Regional at Mission Inn Golf & Resort.

The No. 2-ranked Buccaneers shot 296 in Tuesday's second round on the 6,928-yard El Campeon course, and entered the clubhouse at 580 after 36 holes. Nova Southeastern matched Barry's opening-round 284 Tuesday to take a nine-stroke lead into Wednesday's final round. Georgia College & State is third, six strokes behind the Bucs, after shooting 295 in the second round.

Florida Southern is fourth at 588, Lynn fifth at 594, West Florida and Columbus State are tied for sixth at 596, South Carolina-Aiken eighth at 598 and Barton College ninth at 599. The top seven teams from the 20-team field and the top individual not on a qualifying team advance to the NCAA Championships May 19-24 in Hershey, Pa.

Barry freshman Adam Svensson shot 73 Tuesday, and is fourth on the individual leaderboard, two strokes behind co-leaders Ricardo Celia and Ben Taylor of Nova Southeastern at 1-under 143. Celia shot par Tuesday, and Taylor's 1-under 71 bumped him into a tie for the lead at 141. South Carolina-Aiken's J.P. Solis shot 2-under 70 to vault nine spots into third place.

Bucs junior Scott Smyers is in a three-way tie for fifth at 144, following his 2-over 74. Both Smyers and Svensson each had one birdie in the second round.

Barry senior Simon Forsslund shot his second straight 73, making three birdies Tuesday. He birdied back-to-back holes on the par-4 13th and par-5 14th. Forsslund is in a five-way tie for 13th. Senior Marcus Segerstrom shot 76 in the second round, and is tied for 18th with three other players. Segerstrom birdied the 515-yard first hole and the 340-yard 13th. Junior Jared Dalga shot 77 for the second straight day. He birdied the 364-yard 16th for the second consecutive day.

RESULTS

All for One: Women's Tennis Prepares for Nationals

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:27:00 GMT

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Barry University's No. 1-ranked women's tennis team will play No. 19 Midwestern State at 4 p.m. EST Wednesday in the NCAA Division II National Championships Round of 16 at Surprise Tennis & Racquet Center.

"I feel like as it gets closer to the tournament, we are getting focused and more excited," junior Akemi Maehama said. "And we get closer as a team to take care of each other."

Barry (26-0) took care of business to reach the site of the national finals for the 18th time in school history. Wednesday's match against Midwestern State (17-6) marks the first time the two schools will have met since the Bucs beat the Mustangs, 5-0, in the 2005 NCAA Championships Round of 16.

"Other teams need to know that we are willing to do whatever it takes to win," freshman Karina Goia said.

The Bucs won the 2011 national championship. They advanced to the national semifinals a year ago.

"Our record shows a really good side of us, but it doesn't mean everything," Maehama said. "We have to focus day by day. We have to focus on each match. I'm really excited, but I have to keep my feet on the earth so I can focus on my matches."

This is the first year Barry has been ranked No. 1 in the country prior to the national championships.

"It means a lot, and it's a really big accomplishment for all of us," Maehama said. "At the end of the day, though, it doesn't really matter what ranking you have. You just have to win."

Maehama is the lone returner from the 2011 NCAA Championship team, so she understands as well as anyone the magnitude of the remaining journey. On a team with just seven players, her words and leadership carry plenty of weight.

"I want them to know every single match counts, that everybody counts," Maehama said. "We have to give everything we have each day. This is it. This is the last tournament of the year. You don't get the opportunity to perform again this year.

"It's such a small team, but we have so much energy. The ceiling can't hold us. This is our moment. We will fight 'till it's over."

LIVE STATS

NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS BRACKET

Big Returns: Men's Tennis Ready for Nationals

Tue, 07 May 2013 18:42:00 GMT

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Barry University's No. 1-ranked men's tennis team begins play at the NCAA Division II National Championships in Wednesday's 10 a.m. EST match against No. 32 Northwood at Suprise Tennis & Racquet Center.

"This is what everybody's been working for since the fall," senior Max Wimmer said. "Now everybody's ready to compete, and do their best."

The Buccaneers (25-0) will meet Northwood (17-4) for the second time this year. Barry beat the Timberwolves, 8-1, in Miami Shores on March 15. But this is the grand stage, and with 16 teams in the country left, it's a new ball game.

"We're starting from scratch," Wimmer said.

"The season starts over," junior Leo Vivas said. "It doesn't matter what we've done during the season. We want to finish first at the end of the season."

The Bucs, who won the NCAA title in 2010, are making their 17th trip to the site of the finals.

"This is huge," Vivas said. "This is what we worked for the whole year. Of course, we're taking it seriously. All the work we've done, we can't just throw that away. But one of the things we did to get here is have fun."

Wimmer is one singles victory away from becoming the school's all-time career wins leader. He is tied with current assistant coach Thomas Hipp with 67 victories in Buccaneer Red and Black. Senior Marco Mokrzycki is three doubles wins shy of tying Hipp's career mark of 78.

"I honestly would prefer to win as a team, but it would be nice to get the record in this tournament," Wimmer said. "I really don't care, though. I want to win a title with my team. That's the most important thing."

Barry has put together a season to remember, going unbeaten during the regular season for the first time in school history and climbing to No. 1 in the national poll. Yet there is unfinished business left.

"Hard work has paid off so far," Vivas said. "All the sacrifices, everything we've done so far has been a result of our hard work. With the chemistry on this team, we can do anything. It doesn't matter if you win individually. You have to win as a team."

LIVE STATS

NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS BRACKET

Women's Golf Heading Back To Nationals

Tue, 07 May 2013 18:00:00 GMT

LAKELAND, Fla. — The Barry Buccaneers survived a scare on Tuesday to advance to the NCAA Division II National Championships at LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Fla., with a third-place finish in the South/Southeast Super Region 2 Tournament at Lone Palm Golf Club. The Bucs shot a final round 301 to finish behind only tournament winner Lynn and defending national champ Nova Southeastern.

Heading into the final day in third place, the Bucs had moved into a tie for second place heading down the home stretch in the final round. Barry held on, becoming one of three teams from the regional to qualify for the National Championships May 15-18.

It marks the second straight year the Buccaneers qualified for the championships.

“We’re proud of them. It was really windy all week, and we really fought through it well,” head coach Shannon Sykora said. “We realize now that we can compete with the best teams in the country, and we’re pumped to get a chance to go back to the national championship.”

Barry finished the tournament with a 312-294-301 — 907 (+43) score. Their second-round 294 was the low of the tournament for the entire nine-team field over the three rounds. Lynn captured the title, shooting 305-298-297 — 900 (+36), while Nova Southeastern ended up second at 298-306-300 — 904 (+40).

Nicky Ferre continued to lead the Bucs. She finished third individually with a three-round score of 76-72-75 — 223 (+7). Maria Paola Fiorio, who got better each day, finished tied for 13^th at 81-74-73 — 228. Nancy Vergara also had her best round on the last day, finishing tied for 19^th at 77-80-74 — 231. Taylor Babcock completed the Buccaneer entry, tied for 23^rd, after shooting 78-76-79 — 233.

Annie Dulman of Rollins took the individual medal. She shot 74-73-70 — 217. She will advance to the nationals site, along with Teresa Hernani of Lander, who finished sixth after shooting 77-73-75 — 225. The final individual to qualify was Kristen Sammarco of Armstrong Atlantic, who survived a two-hole, three-way playoff.

Barry will be making its third appearance in school history in the NCAA Championships.

RESULTS

Baseball Wins Third Straight To Finish Regular Season

Mon, 06 May 2013 21:59:00 GMT

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – For the second straight year the Buccaneers swept the final conference series of the regular season, this time defeating Eckerd 8-5 Monday night at the Turley Sports Complex.

Barry(31-19, 14-10 SSC) picked up where they had left off the night before, putting together four consecutive hits in route to a four run rally to start the game capped off by RBI singles from Tyler Kellmann, Adrian English and J.C. Cardenas.

Senior right-hander Kevin Youst allowed just four earned runs in five innings of work and finished with five K’s to earn the win.

Joeanthony Rivera was spectacular in relief as he allowed just two hits in four scoreless innings of work and struck out four.

The Tritons (15-35, 2-22 SSC) scored five runs on 13 hits but weren’t able to capitalize on opportunities in the middle of the game.

Offensively the Bucs were led by Sheehan Planas-Arteaga and Tyler Kellmann, both finishing with three hits on the night.

Adrian English finished 2-for-5 with a pair of runs scored and one RBI to raise his average to .392, highest in the Sunshine State Conference.

The Buccaneers finished the regular season on a strong note, winning their final three games and now await the possibility of earning an at-large bid to the South Regional NCAA tournament.

BOX SCORE

After One Round, Men's Golf Leads Regional

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:19:00 GMT

HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla.—The Barry Buccaneers picked up right where they left off after the first round of the NCAA South/Southeast Super Regional Men’s Golf Tournament. After winning their first-ever Sunshine State Conference tournament in April, the Bucs find themselves on top of the regional field after the first round, after firing a 284 (-4) on Monday.

“The guys played a good, solid round,” Buccaneer head coach Jimmy Stobs said. “There are some tricky holes where you have to be really focused and, except for a few mistakes, they did a good job with that today.”

The Bucs (-4) sit three strokes ahead of defending national champs, Nova Southeastern (-1). Fellow SSC member Lynn is in third place at even par. Georgia College (+3) and Florida Southern (+5) round out the top five.

Freshman Adam Svensson and junior Scott Smyers led the Bucs with two-under-par 70 rounds. The pair is currently tied for second. Senior Marcus Segerstrom is one stroke back at 71, while senior Simon Forslund shot 73 and junior Jared Dalga fired a 77.

NSU’s Richard Celia carded a 69 on the first round for the individual lead. Joining Smyers and Svensson in the logjam at second are Matt Atkins of South Carolina-Aiken and Ben Taylor of Nova Southeastern.

The tournament continues tomorrow and concludes on Wednesday. The top seven teams advance to the NCAA Division II National Tournament at Hershey Country Club in Hershey, Pa., May 19-24.

RESULTS

Women's Golf Vaults Into Third Place At Super Regional

Mon, 06 May 2013 15:57:00 GMT

LAKELAND, Fla.—The Barry Buccaneers made a surge up the leader board at the 2013 NCAA Division II Super Region 2 Tournament at Lone Pine Golf Club on Monday.

The Bucs (+30) fired a tournament-best 294 to vault from sixth to third on the second day of competition. Barry is only three strokes out of first.

The Lynn Knights (+27) jumped from fourth to first after a second-round 298. Nova Southeastern (+28), the first-round leader, dropped to second after shooting 306. Rollins (+33) sits in fourth, while host Florida Southern (+38) is in fifth.

Freshman Nicky Ferre and sophomore Daniela Murray both carded even par 72 to pace the Bucs. Freshman Maria Paola Fiorio carded birdies on the last two holes to finish two strokes back at 74. Taylor Babcock (76) and Nancy Vergara (80) completed the Barry entry.

Samantha Smolen (+2) of Lynn is the individual leader. She was one of four players, including the two Bucs, to shoot par for the day. Annie Dulman (+3) of Rollins and first-round leader Kristen Sammarco (+3) are tied for second. Ferre (+4) and Linnea Johansson (+4) of Nova Southeastern are tied for fourth.

The tournament concludes on Tuesday. The top three teams advance to the NCAA Division II National Tournament in Daytona Beach, Fla., at LPGA International.

RESULTS

Softball Earns Third Straight NCAA Tournament Bid

Mon, 06 May 2013 12:52:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS—The Barry softball lived to fight another day when the NCAA announced the bid for the 2013 Division II Softball Tournament on Monday. The Buccaneers, who sit at 32-18 and finished a game out of first place in the Sunshine State Conference, received their third straight regional bid, a sixth-seed in the South Region II.

The Bucs will travel to Huntsville, Ala., for the tournament and will face off against the third seed, the North Alabama Lions, at 4:00 pm Central Time on Friday, May 10. In the other first round game, the host UAH Chargers will face the West Alabama Tigers at 7:00 pm Central.

The Bucs went 5-7 against six other teams who made the field, including wins against three automatic qualifying schools.

Seniors Sarah Broeseker and Alexis Yohe lead the Bucs at the plate and in the circle respectively. Broeseker is batting .423 with 32 runs scored and 32 RBI. She leads the team in doubles (13), triples (4) and walks (20) as well. Yohe is 18-7 with a 1.38 ERA and 136 strikeouts in 162.2 innings. She tossed 19 complete games, including eight shutouts and held the opposition to a .193 average.

For the Bucs, it was their third straight bid and the sixth in eight years under head coach Danielle Penner. Overall, it is the 17^th trip to the championship in 28 years of the program.

The tournament website can be accessed at: http://www.uahchargers.com/sports/2013/5/6/SB_0506132544.aspx?id=140

Minutes To Midnight: Baseball Sweeps Eckerd

Sun, 05 May 2013 16:54:00 GMT

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Barry University’s baseball team swept a pair of games against Eckerd College Sunday night, winning a 13 inning marathon 12-9 before taking the nightcap 5-1.

GAME ONE

The Bucs trailed after the first inning but answered with a pair of runs in the third to tie the game at two. Both teams went back and forth with the Bucs scoring runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings but eventually trailed by two heading in to the ninth.

In the ninth inning, the Buccaneers took advantage of the Tritons bullpen scoring three runs on four walks, a hit-by-pitch and a sacrifice fly off the bat of Michael Slabach to take a one run lead.

The Tritons answered with a run in the bottom of the frame to tie the game at eight, sending it into extra innings.

Neither team scored in the tenth nor eleventh frame but both squads pushed a run across in the twelfth to stay knotted at nine.

In the 13^th Slabach doubled to left-center to spark a Bucs’ rally. JC Cardenas followed with a bunt single and Michael Diaz delivered a sacrifice fly to plate Slabach, breaking the 9-9 tie.

The Buccaneers added two more runs for insurance and Joe Iorio tossed a scoreless inning struck out a pair of batters to close out the game.

Tyler Petsch (2-3) allowed just one run in three innings of work and struck out four to earn the win.

Adrian Benitez allowed just one run in relief and finished with 6 K’s in four innings in relief while Bucs’ starter Tyler Kinley also struck out five batters in as many innings.

Sheehan Planas-Arteaga led the Buccaneer offense with a 4-for-8 performance in game one of the series.

Game Two

Right-hander Calvin Rayburn took the hill for the Bucs in the nightcap and delivered one of his strongest performances of the season.

Rayburn went the distance and finished with eight K’s, scattering five hits and allowing just one run.

Planas-Arteaga got things started with a solo-shot to deep right to start the game and Iorio belted his second homer in as many games to propel the Buccaneer offense.

Adrian English delivered a 3-for-4 one RBI game while also scoring a run. In the two games English finished with five hits combined.

The Bucs and Tritons wrap up their three game series with a single game on Monday beginning at 6 p.m. Live-stats and video broadcast will be available through the Barry University athletics website, GOBARRYBUCS.COM.

BOX SCORE GAME ONE

BOX SCORE GAME TWO

Women's Golf 6th After 1st Round of South Regional

Sun, 05 May 2013 16:53:00 GMT

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Barry University women's golf team is in sixth place after shooting 312 in the first round of the NCAA South/Southeast Regional at Lone Palm Golf Club.

Nova Southeastern leads the nine-team, three-day tournament that runs through Tuesday, following its opening-round 298. Host Florida Southern is second, two strokes behind the Sharks. Armstrong Atlantic shot 301, and is third. Lynn is fourth at 305, and Rollins fifth, three strokes ahead of the Buccaneers.

Bucs freshman Nicky Ferre shot 4-over 76 on the 6,149-yard course, and found herself in a four-way tie for 10th on the individual leaderboard. Ferre had three birdies in Sunday's first round, two of which came on par-5 holes.

Barry sophomore Nancy Vergara shot 77, and is in a 10-way tie for 14th. Senior Taylor Babcock shot 78, and is tied for 24th. Vergara had three straight birdies on the back nine, sinking putts on the par-5 11th, par-4 12th and par-3 13th in succession. Babcock birdied the par-4 10th and No. 11.

Sophomore Daniela Murray and freshman Maria Paola Fiorio are tied for 35th after each shot 81. Murray birdied No. 11.

Armstrong's Kristen Sammarco shot a 2-under 70 to take a one-stroke lead over Nova's Linnea Johansson. Florida Southern's Megan Kiley and Nova's Daniela Ortiz both shot 73, and are tied for third. Four players are tied for fifth after shooting 74.

RESULTS