Spring sports cap record-setting athletic year

By Melina Savage
Staff Writer

Spring sports for the 2005 school year at UNCP are finishing strong.

This year in sports, many teams have broken school records, and have made regional and national polls. Results are showing that the athletic department is on the rise.

“UNCP Athletics experienced the finest season in school history as an NCAA Division II member,” UNCP athletic director Dan Kenney said. “I am so proud of our coaches and student athletes for their commitment, passion, and inspiration on wanting to be champions.”

Golf

The golf Braves finished in sixth place at the Peach Belt Golf Championships with scores of 308, 310 and 305, and in so doing qualified for the NCAA Tournament for the second team in the sport’s history.

The Braves were the first team in the history of UNCP to qualify for the NCAA Tournament back in 2000.

The Braves are seeded fifth at the NCAA Division II Southeast regional, which takes place May 2 through 4 in Columbus, Ga.

UNCP was ranked 23rd in national preseason polls.

At 12-over, Lee Nejberger led the Braves in the PBC Tournament.

Track and Field

For the first time since 1996, the Lady Braves garnered first place honors at the Carolinas Championship. Marquita Walters was a “beast” in the field events, grabbing first place in the hammer throw (39.52 meters), discus (41.39) and the shotput (12.98).

Several individuals obtained personal bests in their respective events this season.

Walters set a new school record in the shot put (42-2 ¾) and discus (12.87). On top of the record setting season, Walters was named the most valuable field events performer for 2005.

Adriana Yanez set a school record in the 800-meter dash with a time of just over 2 minutes, 25 seconds.

As for the men's team, they finished third at the Carolinas Championship.

The track and field teams have two more meets before nationals on May 26-28.

Baseball

The UNCP Braves baseball team started off the 2005 season with 11 straight wins, a much better start than the 2004 season.

The Braves were 28-21 overall and 11-16 in the Peach Belt Conference before press time.

Even though the Braves stumbled while they were on the road, they went 21-6 at home.

The club wraps up the season with a three-game home-stand on Aug. 29 and 30 against Armstrong Atlantic State.

The PBC did not hold a conference tournament this season.

Softball

The Lady Braves had a record setting season, going 31-20 overall and 8-12 in Peach Belt action. Wins were not the only high mark for the diamond dynamos.

This is the first time the Lady Braves were regionally ranked, gracing the polls at 8th.

Nicole McCorkle set a single season Peach Belt record with 364 strikeouts on her way to her second All-Conference selection.

Danielle Peters, one of the top base-stealers in the nation with 56-of-57 swipes, was also named All-Conference. She not only broke the Peach Belt record in steals, but also led the team at the plate with a .381 batting average.

Tennis

The UNCP tennis team finished the 2005 season 11-12. The Lady Braves came in 10th place at the PBC Tournament.

The season came to an end on a positive note, however, with Pembroke defeating Augusta State 5-1.

Senior Abi French tied a UNCP record with 17 wins in singles play.