Asides

UCA Finishes Eighth, Jolly Places 17th at Scenic City Collegiate Tournament

STAFF REPORTS

OOLTEWAH, Tenn. – Nate Jolly led the Central Arkansas men’s golf team in the final round of the 2020 Scenic City Collegiate at The Honors Course on Tuesday, where he posted a three-round total of 228 (+12). The Bears finished the tournament in eighth place with a combined effort of 919 (+55).

Jolly started his day with a birdie on the par-4 10th and finished his round with a birdie on the par-4 ninth. Jolly jumped up three spots into 17th and wrapped up the tournament with a 228 (+12). He produced a total of seven birdies over the course of three rounds.

Miles Smith rocketed up seven spots on the leaderboard on the final day of competition into a tie for 26th. He shot a 76 (+4) for the last round and finished with a combined mark of 233 (+17). He tallied two birdies on the final day and finished the tournament with seven.

Josh Turnock posted a final-round score of 84 (+12) and finished the tournament tied for 30th with a combined tally of 235 (+19). He collected three birdies for the tournament.

Blaine Calhoon and Palmer McSpadden tied for 33rd with a 236 (+20).

Calhoon moved up six spots after he scored a 78 (+6) on the final day with two birdies. He finished with five birdies over the three rounds.

With the addition of two birdies in the final round, McSpadden finished the tournament tied with the second-most birdies with 13. He notched a final round score of 82 (+10).

Davis Irving closed out his three rounds with a 78 (+6) and two birdies. He climbed six spots into a tie for 41st with a three-round total of 240 (+24). He had six birdies over the three rounds.

CENTRAL ARKANSAS ADDS THIRD HOME FOOTBALL GAME

STAFF REPORTS

Conway – The University of Central Arkansas will be on “The Stripes” one more time this fall, it was announced Monday.

The Bears will host the Missouri Western Griffons on Saturday, Oct. 31 at First Security Field at Estes Stadium.

The UCA-MWSU matchup gives the Bears 10 scheduled football games, with three home contests. 

“We are excited to be able to host another team in Estes Stadium on First Security Field,’ said Dr. Brad Teague, UCA’s director of athletics. “The more we can play on this beautiful Central Arkansas campus is important for our student-athletes and fans.  

“I am happy about this opportunity especially since the Eastern Kentucky game moved to November 14. It’s nice to still have a game on October 31 to maintain our Homecoming date.’ 

Missouri Western is an NCAA Division II team that competes in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. The Bears and Griffons have never met in football.

The Bears, who will host Missouri State in their home opener at 7 p.m. Saturday, will now play three home games.

UCA is currently scheduled to face Eastern Kentucky on Nov. 14.

College Volleyball: UALR swept in competitive opener against Missouri State

Little Rock – UALR combined for ten blocks and limited Missouri State to just a .200 hitting mark but still dropped a 3-0 decision in the competitive season opener for both teams at the Jack Stephens Center on Sunday afternoon.
 
It would be the defensive adjustments from Saturday’s exhibition that were most notable for the host Trojans (0-1), forcing 20 hitting errors by the visiting Bears (1-0).

But Missouri State was able to finish late, withstanding a Little Rock run in a tense second set that ended 27-25.
 
Freshmen Nicole Medlin and Zanobia Willis each registered five blocks for the Trojans while Laura Jansen slammed home a team-high 12 kills.

Brooklyn Cink paced Missouri State with 20 kills.

High School Football: Vilonia survives late comeback to nip Russellville on Eagles’ Senior Night 28-23

by Mark Rico
Sports Editor

Vilonia — Although a late Russellville rally nearly spoiled senior night, the Vilonia Eagles defense turned away the Cyclones twice over the final eight minutes to help secure a 28-23 victory at Phillip Weaver Stadium behind a two touchdown night from junior tailback Seth Kirk.

The Eagles dominated play early, scoring on all four of their first half possessions – including an opening drive that chewed more than eight minutes off the clock – with senior quarterback Austin Meyers capping the 18-play, 85-yard drive with a short 4-yard scamper for a touchdown.

Noah Newman’s extra point made it 7-0.

After Jamison Hinsley picked off a pass by Cyclone quarterback Brayden Whitford on Russellville’s third play from scrimmage, Kirk would cash in the turnover with a 3-yard TD run and a 14-0 advantage.

Russellville would answer on their next drive with Damon Donoho scoring from a yard out to pull the Cyclones within 14-7 – catching two passes for 40 yards and carrying the ball for another 30 on the scoring drive – early in the second quarter.

It took the Eagles just under four minutes to respond.

On fourth-and-14 from the Cyclones’ 35, Vilonia elected to roll the dice and Myers would find Jamison Hinsley for a 35-yard scoring strike. Newman’s extra point helped Vilonia extend their lead to 21-7 with eight minutes remaining in the first half.

Trenton Stokes brought Russellville closer on a 5-yard TD slant from Brayden Whitford with 2:35 left in the second quarter but the extra point was blocked, leaving the score at 21-13.

But Vilonia wasn’t done yet as they managed to add another touchdown just before halftime after executing a fake punt 32-yard run on a fake punt on fourth down just before Kirk scored a 2-yard touchdown run with two seconds left to make it 28-13.

Russellville would score on their first possession of the second half with Whitford connecting with Gavin Graham on a 43-yard pass down to the Vilonia 15.

From there, a false start forced the Cyclones back five yards and Tristan Wheelus connected on a 30-yard field goal that cut the Vilonia lead to 28-16.

Then – after the Russellville defense forced the Eagles into their first of the game – Whitford broke free for a 22-yard run down to the Eagles 22-yard line.

After an additional 15 yards were added on to the end of the Whiford’s run for an unsportsmanlike conduct against Vilonia, the Golden Eagles were inside the 10-yard line.

A few plays later, Whitford tossed an 11-yard touchdown strike to Brady Burnett to cut the lead to 28-23 with just under three minutes left in the contest.

The Eagles got a couple of first downs on its next drive before attempting a punt which was blocked by the Cyclones near the end of the quarter.

Vilonia’s defense would eventually turn in a couple of big plays over the final ten minutes of the contest – a pass breakup on 4th-and-5 as Whitford overshot Burnett in the back of the end zone with 10:50 left and then Carter Archer would sack Whitford on another crucial fourth down play with 48 seconds remaining – to help the Eagles finally salt away the victory.

Vilonia (2-1) will travel to Clarksville on Friday.

PERRYVILLE THUMPS CONWAY CHRISTIAN 45-18

by Jason Ybarra

Conway – Senior Colten Wright’s 78-yard kick return for a TD highlighted a night of big plays for Perryville in their 45-18 pasting of Conway Christian at Eagle Field.

Easton Walker recovered a forced fumble and returned it five yards for another score as the Mustangs improved to 2-1 in non-conference play.

Conway Christian’s Tyler Cossey passed for 290 yards and three touchdowns in the loss.

Jeramya Brock caught a pair of touchdowns and Jace Kramer also had a touchdown catch for Conway Christian (0-3).

Sophomore quarterback Tyler Givens went 16-for-22 for 256 yards for Perryville while tailback Ethan Weaver scored three touchdowns and rushed for 48 yards on nine carries.

Mason Roland caught six passes for 198 yards for the Mustangs who will host Danville on Friday.

Conway Christian who will travel to Quitman on Friday.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ROUNDUP

WEEK 3 SCORES
Bentonville 35, Shawnee (Kan.) Mill Valley 28
Bryant 44, Trinity Christian, Texas 40
FS Northside 28, Moore, Okla.21
LR Catholic 35, Benton 28
North LR 35, West Memphis 0
Rogers 43, Springfield (Mo.) Central 14

CLASS 6A
Greenwood 23, Choctaw, Okla. 12
Lake Hamilton 38, Hot Springs 28
LR Parkview 28, Pine Bluff 6
Magnolia 27, El Dorado 23
Mountain Home 49, Batesville 45
Sheridan 36, Jacksonville 18
Vilonia 28, Russellville 23

CLASS 5A
Centerpoint 42, De Queen 7
Clarksville 37, Pottsville 14
Forrest City 24, Helena 20
HS Lakeside 21, Malvern 14
Pulaski Academy 31, Virginia Life Christian 20
Rivercrest 40, Brookland 23
Texarkana 35, Warren 21
Trumann 35, Paragould 0
Watson Chapel 22, Camden Fairview 17
Valley View 56, Bald Knob 24
Hope at Prescott canceled

CLASS 4A
Booneville 43, Mena 12
Dardanelle 34, Clinton 14
Fordyce 23, Monticello 22
Glen Rose 42, H.G. Haskell 20
Greenland 50, Berryville 28
Hamburg 41, Drew Central 6
Heber Springs 42, Dover 6
Lamar 54, Carlisle 18
McGehee 28, Blytheville 0
Newport 47, Lonoke 19
Ozark 54, Charleston 21

COLLEGE SOCCER: LADY BEARS ROLL TO 2-0 SHUTOUT WIN OVER TEXAS STATE ON THE ROAD

San Marcos, Texas – The University of Central Arkansas Bears rolled to a 2-0 non-conference victory over the Texas State Bobcats on Friday night at the Bobcat Soccer Complex.

UCA (2-1) scored both of its goals in the second half after outshooting Texas State (0-4-1) 8-3 in the first half.

The Bears made the most of their chances in the second half as sophomore Abby Gibson (Magnolia, Texas) scored in the 46th minute off assists from Gracie Hair and Hadley Dickinson.

UCA then made it 2-0 in the 71st minute when junior Taylor Webb (Lindale, Texas) found the net, assisted by Kirsten Rumbold and Zoe Van de Cloot.

Gibson and Webb each scored their first goals of the season as UCA outshot Texas State 15-9 with seven shots on goal.

UCA junior Reagan McCombs (Aurora, Colo.) finished with three saves for the Bears.

UCA returns to the pitch at 1 p.m. Sunday in non-conference action against fellow Southland Conference foe Stephen F. Austin in Nacogdoches, Texas.

The Bears are back at home next Thursday when they host ULM at 7 p.m. at the Bill Stephens Complex.

Thursday’s Scores
St. Joseph’s defeated Riverview 3-0 (25-22, 25-13, 25-22)
Kills: Presli Webb 9
Assists: Maggie Mooney 8
Blocks: Olivia Williams, Webb both with 1
Aces: Williams, Webb both with 4
Digs: Amy Lambe, Mooney both with 1
Records: St. Joseph’s (6-1, 2-0)

Conway defeated Central 3-0 (25-20, 25-20, 25-12)
Kills: Kennedi Wyrick, Naomi Young each with 10
Assists: Abby Masters 22
Blocks: Kaylon Neal 3
Aces: Wyrick 4
Digs: Karis Scott 10
Records: Conway (5-4, 4-1)

UCA FOOTBALL GAMES SET TO AIR ON ESPN

Conway – The University of Central Arkansas’ two home football games on Sept. 26 against Missouri State and a Nov. 14 match-up versus Eastern Kentucky will both be carried nationally on ESPN3.

The Bears will host the MSU Bears next Saturday in their home opener at 7 p.m. on “The Stripes” at First Security Field at Estes Stadium.

After some schedule shifts, the Bears will then host the EKU Colonels in Conway in November.

“We are happy to have our home games broadcast nationally on the ESPN platform,’ said Dr. Brad Teague, UCA’s Director of Athletics. “It is great recognition of this football program and our fan base. We knew there was a great opportunity for all of our games to be carried nationally this year. It’s nice to see that come to fruition.

“And since we are forced to have attendance restrictions this season at Estes Stadium due to Arkansas Health Department regulations, it’s even better to be able to offer our outstanding fans another avenue to watch the Bears.’

UCA’s game with Arkansas State scheduled for this Saturday in Jonesboro was postponed until Oct. 10, making the MSU game next Saturday on “The Stripes” as the Bears’ next competition.

The Southland Conference production will feature John Liddle with play-by-play, Shea Walker providing color commentary and Taylor Verrico as the sideline reporter. 

Central Arkansas-Arkansas State postpone non-conference football match-up until Oct. 10

STAFF REPORTS

Conway – Because of player unavailability among the Arkansas State University football program, the game between the University of Central Arkansas Bears and the ASU Red Wolves scheduled for Saturday in Jonesboro has been postponed.

The Bears and Red Wolves will now meet on Saturday, Oct. 10 at Centennial Bank Stadium.

UCA was scheduled to play Eastern Kentucky on that date but has moved that game to Saturday, Oct. 24 in Richmond, Ky.

“During these unique times, these situations are bound to occur,’ said Dr. Brad Teague, UCA’s Director of Athletics. “We have seen it across the nation. We were definitely ready and looking forward to competing against the Red Wolves, but we absolutely understand that the health and wellness of our student-athletes has to guide all our decisions. We certainly wish the best for ASU’s football team and look forward to traveling to Jonesboro on Oct. 10 for an outstanding in-state matchup.’

In a statement issued by ASU Athletics, the game was postponed “due to Arkansas State being unable to assemble a full two-deep depth chart at a specific position group due to player unavailability.’

Central Arkansas (1-1) is coming off an open date and will now host Missouri State on Saturday, Sept. 26 on “The Stripes” at First Security Field at Estes Stadium.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m for the Bears’ home opener.

Maumelle VB looking to shake rebuilding tag in strong conference

By Mark Rico
Sports Editor

Maumelle – It may possibly be another rebuilding year for Maumelle this season, but if everything goes according to plan, the Lady Hornets should be able to find themselves in a stronger position down the road.

The Lady Hornets lost six starters to graduation from a year ago, but there are plenty of reasons to believe that they can exceed expectations and be successful this season.

“When Covid-19 halted practice it was tough.” Maumelle second year head coach James Pearson said. “Workouts for my players were going great but after March 16 I utilized google meet to interact with the players at least two times a week. I might have given them a reading assignment and ask for a reply or just meet for a few minutes just so I could see their faces and ask if everyone was okay. The main reason was to keep them connected.”

Maumelle returns a junior laden squad that features dual All-State/All-Conference selection outside hitter Taylor Ammons from a competitive team under Pearson.

Along with Ammons, the Lady Hornets will have a slew of experience returning to the court in fellow juniors middle blocker Nicole Barr, defensive specialist Jana Bracken, right side hitter Lillian Hill, libero Jaden Newman, middle blocker Taryn Smith and outside hitter Miriam Strecker.

“Our last season did not go as planned, it was my first year as head coach and the girls took a long time buying into my philosophy.” Pearson said. “We started 1-5 and then I guess the light bulb went off with many of them because they finished 3-1 and earned a berth in the 5A State Tournament. I expect this team to be a lot better this season because they know what I expect and they have really put in the work.”

Although the Lady Hornets will certainly have a tough conference schedule to navigate, there is plenty of talent that could blossom over the season.

Sophomores Alyssa Diaz, Trista Dillard. Shiann Dollarhide. Haylie England, Gabriel Robinson and AiYanna Tombs will all gain another year of battle scars in Pearson’s system and will also be counted on heavily to contribute.

The rest of the team will be underclassmen who will have to gain experience quickly in order for the Lady Eagles to be competitive.

“We have experience returning as there are six juniors who contributed last year and three sophomores who all played at the end of last year.” said Pearson.

While old conference foes White Hall, Pine Bluff and Watson Chapel have exited the league, they have been replaced by three volleyball powerhouses in Little Rock Christian Academy, Benton (2019 5-A state runner-up) and Beebe.

“The conference is a beast because Benton is the state-runne rup and LRCA and Beebe are no slouches.” Pearson said. “It will be a tough year.”

Although they will be young, nearly every one saw plenty of varsity action last season for the Lady Hornets and that experience should pay off.

The 6A Central Conference is loaded with heavy hitters including defending conference champion Sylvan Hills, in addition to Jacksonville, Little Rock Parkview and Little Rock Hall.

“The entire conference will be exciting this season.” said Pearson. “If we play like I know we can we will have a winning record.”

Maumelle (2-0) will open conference play at unbeaten Little Rock Christian Academy on Tuesday night.

CENTRAL BAPTIST COLLEGE SPORTS BRIEFS

STAFF REPORTS

GARZA EARNS AMC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK HONORS IN VOLLEYBALL

St. Louis, Mo. – The American Midwest Conference announced their first player of the week awards for volleyball earlier today. Alizea Garza was recognized for her performance this week, earning AMC defensive player of the week honors.

Garza helped the Mustangs go 1-2 on the weekend at the Evangel Classic in Springfield, Mo. At the tournament, Garza was all over the floor, making 39 digs and also notching a pair of service aces. Garza and the Mustangs will be back on the floor at Reddin Fieldhouse this week and on the road this weekend.

MONTOYA, DUBE SWEEP AMC MEN’S SOCCER ATHLETES OF THE WEEK

St. Louis, Mo. – The American Midwest Conference released their first fall athlete of the week awards for men’s soccer today and a pair of Central Baptist College Mustangs were recognized. Andrew Montoya was selected as the defensive player of the week and Nyasha Dube was named offensive player of the week.

Montoya tallied 10 saves in a 1-1 week for the Mustangs. He made five stops in both matches this week, including a pivotal stop in the 81st minute against Evangel on Saturday that kept the score tied and setup the winning goal. Dube scored both goals in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Evangel. His late goal proved to be the game winner for the Mustangs to give them win number one and give Dube six goals in his career as a Mustang.

Bears Collect Four Points in the I-40 Governor’s Showdown in Cross Country

STAFF REPORTS

Conway – The University of Central Arkansas men’s and women’s cross country teams opened the 2020 campaign at Beaverfork Lake Park for the 2020 UCA XC Challenge on Saturday.

The men were led by Alex Hanson with a second-place finish, while Casey Gore placed fifth to lead the women.

The men won the race with a team score of 27, followed by Arkansas State (42), Little Rock (63), and Philander Smith (105).

On the women’s side, Arkansas State won with a group effort of 19, followed by UCA (37), Little Rock (80), and Philander Smith (120).

Hanson recorded a career-best time of 15:30.5 and placed second. Max Nores produced a personal-best effort of 15:33.3 and came in third. With the best time of his career, Simon Schneider finished sixth with a 15:57.0. Parker Jackson came in ninth with a career-best run of 16:12.4. Hunter Henderson finished just outside the top-10 in 11th with a personal-best mark of 16:15.0. TJ Robinson collected a career-best effort of 16:16.0 and finished in 12th. Thomas Cain produced a run of 16:18.5 and came in 13th. Jared Touart (16:30.9) and Jared Hamilton (16:34.9) came in 15th and 16th, respectively with the best marks in their careers. Brayden Ortiz placed 18th with a career-best run of 16:39.1. Tate Whaley finished right behind in 19th with a personal-best time of 16:39.7. Dagen Ward and Braeden Hindley placed 20th and 21st, respectively, as they both posted career-best marks of 16:40.2. With the best time of his career, Lenin Blanco came in 26th with a run of 17:13.9. Sam Fischer finished 28th with a personal-best effort of 17:26.6. James Kees added another career-best time for the Bears with his 30th-place mark of 17:27.9. Connor Mayfield placed 33rd with a personal-best effort of 18:36.4.

Gore led the women with a fifth-place finish with a career-best time of 19:03.1. Kennedy Timmerman produced a personal-best mark of 19:17.0 and came in eighth. Marie Møller Schmidt clocked a career-best time of 19:33.8 and came in 10th. Anna Jeffcoat posted an 11th-place run of 19:39.6 and set a career best in the process. Bekah Bostian notched a 13th-place mark of 19:46.4. Anna Bommes finished right behind in 14th with a personal-best effort of 19:49.2. With a run of 20:03.5, Emily Newberry placed 15th. Sarah Grace Meek produced a 22nd-place effort of 20:36.9. Sara Holman recorded a career-best mark of 21:04.8 and came in 26th.

Central Arkansas returns to competition for the OSU Cowboy Jamboree in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on Saturday, October 3.