MARION, Ind. – One half of an inch (.01 meters) proved to be a big difference Friday in women's triple at the 33rd annual NAIA Women's Outdoor Track and Field Championships. That is all that separated freshman Keisha Chiles from claiming Campbellsville University's first-ever NAIA track championship and also the difference between third and fourth place for senior Tiosha Beasley.

Chiles, a Louisville, Ky., native, shattered the school record in her second jump of 12.16 meters (39 feet, 10.75 inches) but finished runner-up in event. Her record-setting jump was .33 meters better than her previous personal record and bested Beasley's 2012 CU record of 11.92 meters by 9.45 inches.

Chiles led 20-woman field of competitors until Carroll College sophomore Kathleen Mulligan tied the mark in her fourth jump. Mulligan went on to edge Chiles in her fifth of six jumps at 12.17 meters (39 feet, 11.25 inches) to win the national title.

Beasley, a senior from Bowling Green, Ky., also finished with a personal record, hitting 11.99 meters (39 feet, 4 inches) in her third jump, a mark .07 meters better than the previous school record. Beasley was also a half inch behind her closest opponent, Hastings College's Courtney Mills, who placed third at 12 meters (39 feet, 4.5 inches).

The pair of All-American performances gave CU 13 team points, boosting the Lady Tigers to 14^th in the team standings among 38 schools scoring points.

Christiana Harris made her first NAIA appearance, finishing 19^th among 23 individuals in the women's 100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.26 seconds.

Chiles gained two points Thursday with a seventh-place finish and PR in the women's long jump.

Lindsey Wilson College remains the only other Mid-South Conference team to receive points at the championship, scoring five points Thursday with a fourth-place finish by Sharon Ronoh.

The championships will continue Saturday with Myra Rose representing Campbellsville University in the women's high jump beginning at 1:30 p.m. EDT.

IWU will stream the championships live on WIWU TV-51. The free vide stream is available here.

Live Results

MARION, Ind. -- Keisha Chiles claimed her second NAIA All-American status of her freshman campaign Thursday, placing seventh in the women's long jump at the 33rd annual NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championships.
 

Chiles, a former Kentucky state champion in long jump at Southern High School, advanced to the finals after breaking her personal record twice in the second flight of preliminaries, jumping 5.74 and 5.75 meters in her first and third leaps. The mark was the third best entering the finals after entering the meet with a qualifying mark of 5.67 meters. In the finals, Chiles' top jump was 5.23 meters, leaving her best jump at 5.75 meters (18 feet, 10.5 inches).

Tiosha Beasley narrowly missed the finals, finishing 10th with a mark of 5.66 meters.

Chiles finished runner-up in the long jump at the 2013 NAIA Indoor Track & Field Championships.

CU has two team points and is currently tied for 22nd among 27 teams to score points in the meet. Lindsey Wilson College is tied for 19th with three points after a sixth-place finish in the 10,000-meter run by Sharon Ronoh (36:53.10). Eastern Oregon University leads the team standings with 16 points.

The NAIA Championships will continue Friday at Indiana Wesleyan University's with Campbellsville freshman Christiana Harris competing in the 100-meter hurdles at 1:30 p.m. EDT, while Beasley and Chiles will compete in the women's triple jump at 5:30 p.m. EDT. Beasley finished third in the event in 2012.

Myra Rose will compete in the women's high jump Saturday at 1:30 p.m. EDT.

IWU will stream the championships live on WIWU TV-51. The free vide stream is available here.

Live Results

 

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. – Campbellsville University senior shortstop Emma Napier has been chosen as the Capitol One Academic-All American of the Year for the College Division Softball Team. The honor, selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), is given to one student-athlete per Academic All-America Team for their exceptional play and performance in the classroom.

"Again, we are just so excited for her," said head coach Shannon Wathen about Napier's most recent honor. "I feel like I keep saying over and over how excited we are for her, but we truly are. She has put in a lot of hard work and has meant a great amount to our program. Obviously, she works just as hard in the classroom and this award recognizes that."

Napier graduated summa cum laude in May with a bachelor's of arts in business after maintaining a 3.93 GPA. She also stood out on the field with a monumental season which concluded with the Mid-South Conference Player of the Year honor as well as the NCCAA Mid-East Region Co-Player of the Year award. She led the Tigers to a 43-17 record and their first MSC regular-season title since 2009.

The Scottsville, Ky. native was also named to the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) All-America team a couple weeks back.

Napier led Campbellsville to a fourth place finish at the NCCAA Tournament while leading the Tigers in hitting with a .435 batting average, batting a remarkable .513 in March. She also led the team with 84 base hits, 65 runs scored, 18 doubles, three triples, 14 home runs and 22 stolen bases. She was second on her team with 43 runs batted in.

A three-time all-conference performer, Napier ranks eighth in the NAIA in runs scored and base hits. She was also 15th in home runs.

She was named a Second Team Academic All-American last year and a First Team selection this year. She is one of five repeat selections on the 2013 Capital One Academic All-America® College Division Softball Team.

"Softball is important to me," said Napier, "but school is just as important. My secret to success in both is simply hard work."

The Lady Tigers learned that success pays off early, receiving her first regular season trophy at a local ballpark at only 5 years old and first "A" in math in the fourth grade.

Math soon became Napier's favorite subject at a young age, today her favorite being Marketing.

The athlete also understands that success doesn't always come easy.

"The most important thing I ever learned about softball is that it is a game of failure," Napier said. "The game isn't always going to treat you fairly, but it is important to fake it until you make it and get in a mindset that is ready for the next at bat or play. Even professional athletes fail seven out of 10 times at the plate and are still considered the all-stars."

According to Napier, her good luck charm is her father. When he isn't at the park, a rare occasion, he is the first person she calls after a victory.

The graduate may be done with her softball career, but she isn't close to being through with the game. She will be returning to CU to pursue her MBA in the fall of 2013 while remaining a part of the Lady Tiger squad as an assistant coach.

"One day I plan to educate young kids about the love for the game. I think it is very important for athletes to give back to a sport that has given them so much over the years," she said.

KETTERING, Ohio - Campbellsville University's top Lady Tiger bowler, Chelsey Stephens, continues to shine during her summer break, winning the Junior Masters Bowling Championship at Capri Lanes this past week. The freshman attributes to her success to her year-round efforts.

"I think I've been so successful this year because of the great coaching I have as well as the practice," said Stephens. "I keep a good attitude and always strive for the best."

Her best certainly pays off as her Junior Masters Champion title awarded the student-athlete $800 in scholarship for this upcoming school year.

CU head bowling coach John Rausch thinks Stephens has a great amount of potential.

"Chelsey finished her freshman year as a top bowler," said Rausch. "Her father, Kenny Stephens, is an extremely good bowler as well and is actually in the Hall of Fame. His help with the team and Chelsey's talent both bring a lot to our program. Chelsey loves to bowl and is going to be a powerhouse for us. I wouldn't be surprised to see her at nationals next season."

Stephens has four more tournaments this summer, two of which she has qualified for. The next tournament, the Kentucky Youth Open, will be held in Louisville, Ky. on June 11.

"I like to compete against girls that are on my level or even better than I am. It is how I'm going to get better," said Stephens. 

To follow the bowler this upcoming CU season, go to www.campbellsvilletigers.com.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Three CU Tigers have been honored for their play this season with 2013 NAIA All-America recognitions. Freshman Alejandro Soriano was named a Second Team All-American while Lady Tigers Megan Charity and Anna Tumanyan are both honorable mentions.
 

Soriano was also honored as a National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Second Team All-American and an All-Tournament team member last week after completing the NCCAA National Tournament.

The Spaniard finished the season 12-11 in singles, defeating No. 17 Emin Alpan of the University of Northwestern Ohio on March 23.

The postseason honors also aren't the first for Charity and Tumanyan who were both recognized by the NCCAA.

Tumanyan was awarded as a NCCAA First Team All-American, Charity a Second Team All-American.

Charity finished 13-5 in singles, defeating No. 31 in the nation Brion Flowers on March 31. Flowers was a member of the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, Xavier University of Louisiana.

Players were selected by the NAIA All-America committee. The list of honorees includes 16 student-athletes on each of the first and second teams, plus 16 honorable mentions.

DAWSONVILLE, Ga. -- Ten scholarships have been signed this year at Dawson County High School, but out of the list of soccer, baseball and football scholarships, one stands out.

The school had its first ever bowling scholarship signing on May 8 when Jake Hafermalz agreed to play with the Campbellsville University Tigers of Campbellsville, Ky.

"This is the first time in school history. We don't have many days like today," said Grady Turner, Dawson County High School athletic director. "This just goes to show you - if you find something that is your passion, work hard enough then you can make it pay."

Hafermalz has been bowling since he was 5 years old.

"My dad bowled when he was a child," he said. "He passed that on to us and out of my siblings, I kept doing it."

"He's always loved bowling. It's always been his passion," his mother Joanne said. "When he told me about this opportunity, I told him you should always go with your passion."

Currently, Hafermalz has an average of 209 out of 300 total pins.

"Any time a coach comes on this campus to recruit any athlete they always want to check out the academic record first and then the athletic record," Dawson County Principal Jute Wilson said. "Campbellsville is getting a great student and a fine young man."

Hafermalz said that, initially, he hadn't even considered college-level bowling.

"I hadn't thought about bowling on the college level until this summer. Three of my friends I bowled with on a regular basis told me I should check out this new team in Kentucky," he said. "I went to a national tournament and had to pass through Campbellsville to get there so I toured the campus and tried out. I liked it and decided to apply."

It was there that he spoke with Campbellsville University bowling coach John Rausch.

"Jake is a good student. He's also got good bowling experience and his numbers are good," Rausch said. "He's also got a good rapport with other players we have."

Currently, there are 16 bowlers on Campbellsville's team. The program started in 2008 and had its first season in 2009.

Hafermalz has been to two national tournaments during his bowling league career, one in Reno, Nev. and another in Indianapolis, Ind. He has also bowled on an all-star league team for the past two years.

Photo and Story By David Renner / Daswon Community News

 

MT. WASHINGTON, Ky. — Campbellsville Junior Varsity Volleyball picked up a second 2013-14 commitment when 5-foot-8 Bullitt East outside hitter Hannah Fisher signed on to be a Lady Tiger.

"As much as I hate to see my senior year at Bullitt East coming to an end, I can't help but to be excited about attending Campbellsville and being a part of the Lady Tigers' volleyball team this fall," said Fisher. "People have always told me when one door closes, another door opens and I can't wait to see what's waiting for me behind this door."

Fisher was coached by her dad, Ed, at Bullitt East where the Lady Chargers compiled a 20-15 record in 2013.

She was the recipient of her team's Most Valuable Player Award, was a member of the Leadership Club, Honor Roll, All 24^th District and was a four-year varsity player.

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — The Campbellsville University Lady Tiger bowling squad has added another member for the 2013-2014 season. Keysha Martin of La Vergne High School in Rutherford County, Tenn., should be a great asset, according to head coach John Rausch.

"Keysha will bring in a lot of great scores to our team," said Rausch. "She is a very serious bowler and should shine pretty quickly at CU, even as a freshman."

Martin won the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) state bowling title in 2012, the first Rutherford County bowler to ever do so.

The athlete is known for her calm demeanor on the lanes, rarely ever taking a rattled approach.

She owes much of her success to her younger sister, Kylah Martin, who gives her a great amount of competition.

To follow Martin in her career at Campbellsville, go to www.campbellsvilletigers.com.

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Four Lady Tiger Outdoor Track and Field members will participate in the NAIA National Tournament beginning Thursday, May 23. The events will be held at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Ind.

Keisha Chiles, Tiosha Beasley, Myra Rose, and Christiana Harris will be representing CU in various events.

Both Chiles and Beasley will be competing in the long jump and triple jump.

Chiles earned the Mid-South Conference (MSC) Track and Field Athlete of the Year and MSC Freshman of the Year after scoring the most individual points (40) at the MSC Championship earlier this month.

The freshman captured the long jump title with a leap of 5.44 meters (17-10.25 feet) while winning the triple jump with a distance of 11.09 meters (36-4.75 feet).

Beasley finished just behind Chiles with a 5.38 meter long jump and a 10.95 meter triple.

Rose, a sophomore, will be competing in the high jump after also grabbing a first-place title for CU in the MSC tournament, with a 1.62 meter jump.

Representing CU in the 100 meter hurdles will be Harris, who finished first in the meet after a 16.29 seconds performance.

To continue following the Lady Tigers in their pursuits of a championship title, go to www.campbellsvilletigers.com.

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GREENVILLE, S.C. — Tiger tennis player Sebastian Marot was honored for more than just his play this past week, receiving the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) Men's Sportsmanship Award. The award was given to the player that represents the highest degree of conduct on the court.

"Marot is a great example of an elite athlete who gives everything to the team," said head coach Kyle Cavin. "He is a team first kind of guy. His respect for his surroundings and opponents is incredible to watch. This award was voted on by the other coaches at the tournament after all play was concluded. He proved he has a great attitude on the court and I couldn't be happier for him. This is a big-time award."

The South African native, who serves as a Residential Assistant outside of tennis as well as offers tennis lessons to children, attributes his character to his spirituality.

"I am really happy to get this," said Marot. "One thing that really pushes me on the court is the fact that I see myself as a spiritual being and I listen to that spirit, not my physical limitations."

Marot also was honored as a Second Team All-American for his exceptional play.

MASON, Ohio — The last game is never easy. When the final out was made Friday night, there was a brief moment where every face in the dugout stared at the field, rally caps on, stunned.
 

Three months ago, this was a team picked fourth in the Mid-South Conference, but shot out of the gate and gained a commanding lead. Sitting at 19-4 on the year, CU was 6-0 in the MSC and had just swept Georgetown in three games.

This was a team that bought into everything the program was teaching off the field — integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. To see a head-turning start was icing on the cake.

But then the storm hit.

With a missed hit here and error there, Campbellsville dropped five of its next six conference games, starting a 5-10 downward spiral. Frustrations and tensions grew within the program as loses began to add up. The Tigers leveled off a bit in the final week of the regular season, going 3-3, to enter the MSC Tournament with a 28-17 record.

The season was completely on the line when CU took the field at Hunter Wright Stadium in Kingsport, Tenn., April 25. Matt Robertson pitched his first complete game shutout in maroon and gray to beat Rio Grande, 5-0, to open the conference tournament. The Tigers then improvised and overcame to down Cumberland in extra innings, appearing from the back like a horse with one lap to go.

While CU fell three runs shy of the MSC title and NAIA Opening Round, its race continued in Nashville. Carlos Torres stole the show in the NCCAA Mid-East Region with eight RBIs in three wins, sending CU to its first NCCAA World Series.

The darkhorse that saw its odds increase just out of the gate in February was back, going 11-3 in the postseason and finishing the year a crowd favorite, two wins away from its first national crown.

That's what made Friday night hard. By the time the rain thinned and 8:15 p.m. rolled around, this was a team that believed it could win a national title, not just appear in a national semifinal. With its ace pitcher rested and ready for the championship game, CU played well enough to win, but unable to slip much past a pitcher that was lights out on one day's rest.

The race is over with a 39-20 record.

Following the game, Coach Beauford Sanders talked to the team during the postgame meal at Prasco Park.

"You won the race," said Sanders, as he went on to breakdown the season and encourage his team for its purpose in life.

The night ended, as the season does every year, with a seniors meeting.

Nine seniors were left with a final group message and then a personal one-on-one time and bear hug from Sanders as they depart for their future.

Here's a look back and forward at the seniors.

Sean Bouthilette — a senior from Elizabethtown, Ky., transferred to CU from the University of Kentucky. Despite missing a year due to surgery in 2012, Bouthilette returned to the starting rotation in 2013, finishing the year 5-5, but only walking nine through 56 innings pitched. Bouthilette now plans to return to E-Town and find a physical therapy tech job this summer. He says he will commute to Campbellsville in the fall to finish his degree, and then begin applying for physical therapy school.

Travis Hayes – a senior from Arvada, Colo., transferred to CU as a senior from Tarleton State. Even though he knew CU had a shortstop, the All-American shortstop came anyway. Starting the year at third, he finished at short and became one of the team's best executors of the hidden ball trick. Hayes will return home this summer and will likely remain in state to finish his marketing degree at Colorado State University. He also announced his candidacy for President during the postseason meeting.

Brandon Johnson – a senior from Tacoma, Wash., Johnson came to CU as the leading home run hitter in the California junior colleges after the 2011 season. While he only hit four this season, the one at Lindsey Wilson College in the MSC championship is his most memorable moment of the year. He will return home this summer to coach his brother's summer team and then plans to return to finish out his business administration degree in the fall, with hopes of one day being a regional sales manager making six figures.

Patrick McMeel – a senior from Lacey, Wash., came to CU from New Mexico State. After being told his pitching career was behind him and moved to catcher at NMSU, McMeel returned to the mound for the Tigers and quickly became Campbellsville's ace. He finished the season 6-2 with 93 strikeouts, nine shy of the single season school record. Now that his collegiate playing career is over, he will return to Washington, where he hopes to begin training as a firefighter this summer. He wants to one day be a fire investigator, and says he hopes to work in finishing his degree during his training.

Keaton Neeb – a senior from Front Royal, Va., leaves the program as an all-conference catcher, impressing those who watched him with his defensive and offensive ability, which placed him in the three-hole in the Tigers' lineup. Neeb hit .314 with a team lead in doubles (15), RBIs (29) and walks (24). His on base percentage of .405 was second only to Michael Bush (.419). Neeb will also return to CU in the fall to finish his degree and then hopes to pursue a master's degree in science and find a government environmental job.

Tanner Nielsen – a senior from Olympia, Wash., has served as a defensive mainstay in the Tigers' middle infield the past two seasons, while also being a presence as the leadoff hitter. He led CU with a .316 average this season, collecting 59 hits and 26 stolen bases. Coach Sanders told Nielsen following the meeting Friday that in his 36 years as a coach, he puts Nielsen in a class of top players with only two other players he's coached. Next up is surgery on his arm, and then hopefully some tryouts. He will continue to pursue his degree in physical education and health, and plans to one day be a coach.

Drew Pettit – a senior from Castle Rock, Wash., returned to CU's program this year after having to leave for personal reasons last spring. He was a lights-out closer for the Tigers in 2011 and worked as a reliever and sometimes starter this season. He graduated in May with a sports management degree at CU and plans to live in Elizabethtown with Bouthilette in the immediate future, while simply living life and claims he will train for the 2016 Summer Olympics for handball.

Tylar Schmunk – a senior from Parker, Colo., played only one season at CU after sitting out in 2012 and serving as a game operations assistant for the program. He began the year as a starter and then worked as a main reliever and sometimes closer for the Tigers, posting a 5-2 record and three saves. His 51 strikeouts in 47 2/3 innings are second on the team. Schmunk will return to Colorado to coach this summer, and then will return to CU this fall to complete his degree and hopes to remain as a coach in the Tigers program.

Mason Yates – a senior from Lacey, Wash., ended his career on the mound Friday. Despite seeing limited action, Yates finished his two-year career with a 4-0 record for Campbellsville. He graduated in May with a marketing degree and has some interviews already lined up. He plans to work in sales and marketing and become an entrepreneur, one day owning his own business. 

In addition to game day coverage, CU Sports Information Director, and Tiger Baseball travel companion, Chris Megginson, will keep fans updated from the NCCAA World Series with his World Series Notebook.

To follow all of the World Series action, click here.

MASON, Ohio – Campbellsville University's comeback season came to an end Friday night, one win away from playing for a national title. The Tigers managed to out-hit Southeastern University, but were unable to erase a third inning deficit in a 2-0 NCCAA World Series semifinal loss at Legacy Field.

Originally scheduled for an 8 p.m. EDT start at Prasco Park, the game was moved to the synthetic turf surface at Legacy Field and moved up to 6 p.m. in hopes to avoid the rain. Once the weather moved in, the start was delayed to 8:15 p.m., before the Tigers took the field as the home team.

Matt Robertson (4-1) shut down the Fire Storm in the first two innings in a pitchers dual with SEU's Johnnie Kirkland (10-3).

Campbellsville's Brandon Johnson was the first to collect a hit in the game in the bottom of the second, singling up the middle after two strike outs by Kirkland. Johnson stole second and Travis Hayes was hit by a pitch to give either team their first threat of the night. Kirkland, throwing on one day of rest, got a ground ball fielder's choice to get out of the jam.

Southeastern received similar offensive production in the top of the third. Robertson walked Carlos Guzman and then gave up a single to right by Josh Gordon. Guzman's courtesy runner, Cody Light, stretched for third as Shane Woodson delivered a strong throw to third. Light was called safe as he slid in as Michael Bush applied the tag at third. The call stood after a lengthy argument.

SEU suddenly had runners on the corners with no outs.

Phillip Kish pushed a bunt down the first base line for a near infield hit, but Johnson charged in and made a sweeping tag, which Kish was later called out on after a second questioned call, placing runners on first and second. Ryne Knuth followed with an RBI single to shallow centerfield to score Light. After a throw to the plate, CU catcher Keaton Neeb tried to get Knuth stretching at second, but the ball short hopped and was flicked into shallow center. Gordon scored from third on the play, giving Southeastern a 2-0 lead.

Campbellsville put a runner on with two outs in each of the next four innings, but ended up leaving seven on base in the game.

Tylar Schmunk took over on the mound for Campbellsville in the fourth. He allowed one base runner and struck out four in the fourth and fifth innings combined.

Meanwhile, Michael Bush was hit by a pitch and stole second in the third and Brandon Johnson reached on a two-base error in center with two outs in the fourth. Nielsen was hit with two outs in the fifth and stranded on first.

Allen Hewey inherited two base runners in the sixth with one out after Schmunk walked one and hit one. Hewey used a ground ball to get the second out and then got Gordon to strike out swinging on a 3-2 pitch to end the inning. The K was CU's 415^th of the season, tying the Tigers' single-season strikeouts record, previously set in 2010.

Campbellsville tried to get some momentum going in the bottom of the sixth, as Carlos Torres crushed a one-out double off the top of the left-centerfield fence. The hit closed the book on Kirkland, who pitched 5 1/3 innings, allowing only two hits and striking out three. Aaron Schwoebel followed with a single deep behind the second base bag off SEU reliever Corey Turner.

However, Kish moved in from short and struck out the next two batters to end the inning.

Brett DeRooy started the seventh for CU, hitting Kish as the leadoff hitter, and then got a fielder's choice bunt and fly ball to record the first two outs. Mason Yates also saw action, giving up a walk, before getting a ground ball to end the inning.

Kish shut down the Tigers in order in the bottom of the seventh for his 18^th save of the season.

Campbellsville closes its season at 39-20 after going 11-3 in postseason tournaments. The Tigers opened the season 19-4 and unbeaten in Mid-South Conference action entering the third weekend in March. Beginning with its first MSC series loss at home to UVA-Wise, March 22-23, Campbellsville struggled over the next four weeks, going 8-13 to close the regular season.

The Tigers rallied in the postseason though, finishing runner-up in the Mid-South Conference Tournament and winning the NCCAA Mid-East Region championship to qualify for the program's first NCCAA Division I World Series.

Southeastern (39-28) will face defending champion California Baptist University (42-18) in the NCCAA World Series championship game on Saturday at 11 a.m. EDT.
 

In addition to game day coverage, CU Sports Information Director, and Tiger Baseball travel companion, Chris Megginson, will keep fans updated from the NCCAA World Series with his World Series Notebook.

To follow all of the World Series action, click here.

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. — Angie Lawrence would be pulling your leg if she told you she was related to Jennifer Lawrence, star of the hit movie Hunger Games.

But that doesn't mean Lawrence (Angie that is) isn't hungry to get back on the hardwood and do whatever she can for her new team — the Campbellsville University Lady Tigers.

The 5-foot-5 Lawrence played for State Champion Rockcastle County in 2011 when she hit the game-winning shot in a 62-60 overtime win over Dupont Manual. She originally signed with Georgetown (Ky.) College out of high school before transferring to Coker (S.C) College this past season where she averaged 11 points a game while hitting 40 percent of her shots from the field — 2-pointers and 3-points alike.

"I chose Campbellsville because of its program," said Lawrence. "They have been very successful and Coach (Ginger) Colvin is experienced and knows what she is doing.

"The team has a lot of qualities that I'm looking for. They are family and they work hard, but they also have fun while they're doing it."

Lawrence started 20 of 29 games for the 18-11 Lady Cobras this past winter. She hit 68 percent of her free throws, collected four rebounds a game and 2.6 assists. She plans to major in Exercise Science.

"Angie is a winner. She has proven that in high school and college," said Colvin. "She is a very good guard that can help our team.

"I love the team we have assembled next year. Angie is our last piece and a very good one."

The Lady Tigers return eight players who logged significant minutes in 2012-13 and have added freshmen Madison Clement, 5-foot-8, Tompkinsville, Ky. (Monroe County High); 6-foot-1 Maci Spence, Mt. Sterling, Ky. (Montgomery County High); 5-foot-11 Amber Bell, Monticello, Ky. (Monticello High); and 5-foot-6 LeeAnn Grider, Russell Springs (Russell County High), Ky.

"I hope to bring a spark to the team," continued Lawrence, "and fulfill the role of my position … helping the team reach a successful year."

COLLEGE HONORS

NAIA All-Tournament Team

HIGH SCHOOL HONORS

2008 District Champion Mountain Warrior Player of the Game

2009 Max Performance Lady Rocket Invitational All Tournament Team

2009 Gateway Holiday All Tournament Team

2010 District Tournament All Tournament Team

2010 Regional Tournament All Tournament Team

2010 State Tournament All Tournament Team

2010 Cumberland Falls Classic Tournament MVP

2011 District Tournament Sportsmanship Award

2010 Mt. Warrior Player of the Game vs. Casey County

2011 Regional Tournament All Tournament Team and MVP of Tournament

2011 KHSAA State Tournament Player of the Game vs. Clay County and vs. Calloway County

2011 KHSAA Girls' Basketball State Champion

2011 Named to 12th Region First Team All Region

2011 WYMT All Mountain First Team

2011 Herald-Leader All State Second Team

2011 Courier Journal All State Third Team

CAMPBELLSVILLE, KY. — Amy Zink has rung in the 2013 recruiting year by signing 5-foot-8 junior college transfer Krista Mihelsone to a scholarship.

Mihelson played one season at Laramie (Wyoming) County Community College and then her sophomore year at Mineral Area College, Park Hills, Mo. She hails from Riga, Latvia and joins senior Rinata Aisena to complete a Latvian volleyball one-two punch for the Lady Tigers.

Though primarily a setter, Mihelsone has played on the right side, the left side and in the libero position in the past. Though born in Greece, Mihelsone lives in Latvia where she has played high school volleyball with Riga State Gymnasium No. 3.

"Krista is a high-energy player who is constantly in motion," said Zink. "She'll bring an edginess that I hope will be contageous among the entire team."

Her father, Valts Mihelsone, was an outside hitter for the Soviet Union national team in the 1980s and is regarded as one of the world's best beach players.

Mihelsone is described as a natural athlete who is both savvy and comfortable on the court, and she moves efficiently. She demonstrated efficient skills as a setter, blocker and defensive player, and she's known for her outstanding passing and digging skills.

"I spent most of my time in a gym watching my father play volleyball in different parts of the world," said Mihelsone. "I love the game.

Before starting to play volleyball Mihelsone tried different sports but eventually, at age 12, started to practice and play for Normunds Lusis in Riga Volleyball School. She graduated from Riga State Gymnasium No.3 in June of 2011.

She finished the 2012-13 season with All 16^th Region/ First Team honors.

"The past two years have been great experience, and I am very excited to continue this experience and be a part of Campbellsville University Tigers," Mihelsone continued. "I feel very honored and also very excited to be a part of this amazing program. I'm looking forward to this next season."

MASON, Ohio – If Shoeless Joe Jackson thought Iowa was Heaven, he'd love Prasco Park.

Day 3 of Campbellsville University's journey to a NCCAA World Series championship gave us all plenty more time to soak in the atmosphere and character of Prasco Park. All that is missing in the beautiful facility is an outfield fence of corn and farm house behind homeplate, however this is a Field of Dreams and then some.

The two-field baseball complex was built in 2008 on the property of Prasco Labrotories, a Christian values pharmaceutical company, in partnership with The Arington Foundation.

Numerous times in the past two days, I've heard "Why is this here?" I can't help but imagine that when people began talking about building this facility, some may have questioned the economic value or given the project visionaries cold looks like Ray Kinsella received at his local hardware store in Dyersburg, Iowa in the classic baseball film.

For Ray Kinsella it was because he heard a voice to build it and provided a place for baseball legends of the past to play the game once again.

Prasco Park provides the chance for legends of the future. Its website states it "aims to be one of the premier amateur baseball destinations in America … designed to provide a first-class baseball experience for those both on the field and in the stands."

Mission accomplished.

The Field of Dreams is a bucket list item for many baseball enthusiasts. Prasco Park could easily be one also.

If you know the film, James Earl Jones' character Terence Mann answered the why question at the end of the film in his famous monologue.

"Ray, people will come, Ray. They'll come to Iowa for reasons they can't even fathom. They'll turn up your driveway not knowing for sure why they're doing it. They'll arrive at your door as innocent as children, longing for the past. Of course, we won't mind if you look around, you'll say. It's only $20 per person. They'll pass over the money without even thinking about it: for it is money they have and peace they lack. And they'll walk out to the bleachers; sit in shirtsleeves on a perfect afternoon. They'll find they have reserved seats somewhere along one of the baselines, where they sat when they were children and cheered their heroes. And they'll watch the game and it'll be as if they dipped themselves in magic waters. The memories will be so thick they'll have to brush them away from their faces. People will come Ray. The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again. Oh... people will come Ray. People will most definitely come."

Mann's answer rings true for Prasco, with one exception. When people come to Prasco and ask to look around, they may pull out their wallet and ask "How much?" The answer is, "It's free."

That's right, free. No catch … unless you snag a foul ball.

Free parking, free admission, free baseball, free inflatables, free corn hole, free wiffle ball, free art time and free ice cream. Occasionally you may even see the Cincinnati Reds' mascots taking in the action. Again, the pictures of the blank looks and gossip in the Dyersburg local hardware store surface in my mind.

For this facility, tucked away near two of the largest amusement areas in the Greater Cincinnati area, the answer of "Why?" can be found in its code of conduct for both the pro-designed Prasco Park and the synthetic turf Legacy Field. It is also found in its music, grounds crew work ethic and staff hospitality.

"Love God, Love People."

For Ray Kinsella, the peace found was playing catch one last time with his dad. At Prasco, it is the peace of watching baseball as a free gift to the facility's patrons. Mainly it is the opportunity to share peace which can't be bought and the one true constant through all the years – the greatest gift of all, Jesus Christ.

Photo Gallery to be added later.

In addition to game day coverage, CU Sports Information Director, and Tiger Baseball travel companion, Chris Megginson, will keep fans updated from the NCCAA World Series with his World Series Notebook.

To follow all of the World Series action, click here.

MASON, Ohio – Four games down, two to go. That's the mantra of the Campbellsville University baseball team after sweeping Pool B in the NCCAA World Series with a pair of wins Thursday at Prasco Park. Campbellsville, the No. 2 seed, held off a seventh-inning rally by Covenant College for a 5-3 win mid-day and then seized an opportunity in the fifth inning of the night cap to push past No. 3 seed Arizona Christian University, 4-3.

Thursday's wins capped a 4-0 run through Pool B to clinch a spot in the 8 p.m. EDT semifinal on Friday against the runner-up of Pool A, which is still to be determined. Mount Vernon Nazarene University, Oklahoma Christian University and Southeastern University each still have a hope at the spot. The game will be preceded by a semifinal at 5 p.m. featuring No. 1 California Baptist University and No. 6 Olivet Nazarene University.

The winners of the two semifinal games will face off Saturday at 1 p.m. in the NCCAA World Series championship.

GAME 1 – Campbellsville 5, Covenant 3

In his first outing in two weeks due to injury, senior pitcher Sean Bouthilette went the distance for the Tigers in game one of the day. The Elizabethtown, Ky., native carried a no hitter into the fifth inning. He gave up two hits in the fifth and four in the seventh, which led to three late runs. He struck out five.

Campbellsville gave Bouthilette an early cushion with two runs in the top of the first innings. Michael Bush beat out an infield bunt single with one out before Keaton Neeb and Carlos Torres followed with back-to-back doubles to plate the first two runs.

In the third inning, CU added another run, 3-0, after Bush was hit by a pitch and scored on another Neeb double. It became a 5-0 game in the top of the fifth as Neeb drew a two-out walk, followed by singles from Torres and Aaron Schwoebel. Schwoebel's single scored courtesy runner Levi McCamish and then he scored on an error.

Perry Rigby busted up Bouthilette's no hitter and Paul Phillips followed with a two-out hit. Phillips struck again in the seventh. With one out, Sterling Witt doubled to right for Covenant, followed by a Rigby single and Phillips triple to score two. K.C. Simmons later drove in Phillips, but Bouthilette struck out pinch hitter Braeden Lane to end the game.

Torres and Neeb each had two hits for the Tigers, while Rigby and Phillips had two each for Covenant.


GAME 2 – Campbellsville 4, Arizona Christian 3

Campbellsville took advantage of miscues in the bottom of the fifth to string together four runs and erase a 3-0 deficit against Arizona Christian. The Tigers were being one-hit through 4 1/3 innings until ACU third baseman Paul Creecy committed back-to-back errors to put two on with a walk. ACU starter Jake Dziubczynski went on to hit Squires and committed a balk to score the Tigers' first run. Shane Woodson followed with a two-RBI single and moved to second on an error in left. Michael Bush later executed a squeeze bunt to score Woodson for the winning run.

ACU scored runs in the second, third and fifth inning. The Firestorm jumped on the board in the second when Drew Pettit served up an RBI single to Chris Russell.

Pettit walked two to start the third and Creecy drove in a run for a 2-0 lead. Pettit was pulled in the third, giving up two runs on three hits and three walks. Jacob Phillips took over for CU and recorded his first win as a Tiger after pitching 4 1/3 innings, allowing four hits and an earned run.

ACU built its lead to 3-0 in the fifth. Nathan Enriquez singled to start the inning and eventually ended up on third after another long season and then an injury this season. He scored on a Phillips' wild pitch.

Both teams had an inning end during the game with a great defensive stab as part of a double play.

Tylar Schmunk had the save for CU, his third of the season.

CU was held to four hits in the game, while giving up seven.

SALEM, Ore. -- Campbellsville University senior Tiger golf member Ryan Flanagan was honored for his exceptional academics Thursday by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes (NAIA). The Somerset, Ky. native has been named a 2013 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athlete.

In order to be nominated by an institution's head coach or sports information director, a student-athlete must maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and must have achieved junior academic status.

Flanagan was one among 111 honored throughout NAIA schools across the nation. The senior was the only to represent the CU squad.

Flannagan graduated magna cum laude on May 4 with a degree in sports management. His is spending his summer as an intern with the American Junior Golf Associatioin.

The NAIA Scholar Athletes were announced during the third round of the NAIA Men's Golf Championships.

GREENVILLE, S.C. - The Lady Tiger and Tiger tennis squads had six members honored this past week at the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Tournament. Michael Rjazanov and Anna Tumanyan were among the highest, both being awarded as NCCAA First Team All-Americans.

Rjazanov finished the regular season 10-8 in singles. Tumanyan finished 6-9, six defeats coming from ranked opponents.

Sebastian Marot and Alejandro Soriano were named Second Team NCCAA All-Americans for the men's team.  Marot finished 12-11 in singles while Soriano finished 10-7. Soriano's biggest single victory came on March 23 when he defeated No. 17 Emin Alpan of the University of Northwestern Ohio.

Soriano, along with teammate Pontus Blom, were also honored on the NCCAA National All-Tournament team.

Marot was recognized for more than his outstanding play on the court, but his character, being awarded the NCCAA Tennis Men's Sportsmanship Award.

Sophomore Megan Charity was also a Second Team All-American. The South African native finished 13-5 in singles, defeating No. 31 in the nation Brion Flowers on March 31. Flowers was a member of the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, Xavier University of Louisiana.

MASON, Ohio – Day 2 was Game Day. The routine went a little something like this – eat, warm-up, play, win, eat, rest, warm-up, play, win, eat, rest. Not a bad routine, if you ask me.

The first day of NCCAA World Series action is in the books and the Tigers are 2-0 and potentially only one win away from locking in a spot in the semifinals. This potential led to a round table discussion with the coaching staff about who to pitch in Thursday's games. Eventually, after about a 10 minute discussion everyone agreed on a decision which was actually the first scenario laid out. Expect it to be two seniors ready to give it their all for the team.

Since I've labeled this a notebook more so than a diary, here are a few Day 2 notes.
 

• Prasco Park is a top notch facility. When teams roll off the bus and enter through an inflatable batting helmet into the complex, you're flanked by beautiful ponds and fountains. With 30-mile per hour wind gusts, the fountains provided a cool mist on the hot day as you entered and left the park. It is obvious that the staff at Prasco, which has been wonderful to work with, not only takes pride in their facility, but loves to offer a family atmosphere. Admission is free, there are inflatables for the kids, at least three sets of cornhole boards, a concession trailer, an ice cream trailer, the Chick-fil-a kid cow was there and more. One of our players told Coach Beauford Sanders that the ice cream was free. I'm not sure if it really is or if it was an attempt to ask, "Hey coach, if we win, do we get ice cream?"
   
• Jacob Phillips kept the CU tradition of winning on your birthday. He got cake (at dinner) but no ice cream. I offered to find a candle for him to blow out. Phillips started at third in the first game and went 2-for-4 to help the Tigers to an 11-1 win over Emmanuel on his birthday. Kelsi Pardue (Lady Tiger Softball) was the most recent to see this work out as she collected  a game one win in the NCCAA Softball Championships on her birthday. Numerous coaches in the athletic department have also had the fortune of birthday wins in 2012-13.
   
• Campbellsville had good crowd support Wednesday with Darrick Brilz, Jr., Keaton Neeb and Tanner Nielsen each having family in attendance. There were also about a dozen current students or recent alumni there.
   
• Following the first game, CU returned to Kings Island Resort and Conference Center for a buffet meal presented by the Big Maroon Club. It was a good meal of green beans, carrots, potatoes, lasagna, chicken and salad with multiple cake options. Benji Kelly, CU vice president for development, and Chuck Vaughn, director of the Big Maroon Club, were in attendance as hosts.
   
• Fun in Serious Moments – Tuesday night, one player said it was time to get serious after a fun two days. While CU definitely took care of some serious business on Wednesday, the guys obviously did so while having a lot of fun.
   
• Coffee Break – I mentioned the Prasco Park staff was great to work with. At one point during the day, Coach Sanders mentioned to someone in the hospitality tent he couldn't find coffee anywhere. To his surprise, he was delivered a thermos full of House Blend to the third base dugout prior to the 8 p.m. game. This might be his highlight of the trip so far. It's not uncommon to see coach walking from dugout to dugout at home offering coffee to the opposing coach. I think everyone in the ballpark may have been offered a cup last night. Patrick McMeel was at least one person to accept the offer.
   
• 700 Wins Club – Earlier this year, Beauford Sanders joined the elite group of coaches too win 700 games in the state of Kentucky. The last one to do it before him was Keith Madison at the University of Kentucky. Madison threw out the ceremonial first pitch yesterday and the two had a chance to chat before the 8 p.m. game. Day 3 will begin with Madison giving a devotional to the Campbellsville Tigers.

MASON, Ohio - Campbellsville University hung on to a narrow 3-2 lead Wednesday night to down Olivet Nazarene University and improve to 2-0 in Pool B at the NCCAA World Series. The win closed out the first day of play, which also saw an 11-1 CU win over Emmanuel College.

The Tigers road the arm of transfer Bret DeRooy, who threw less than 110 pitches in the complete game win, allowing only one earned run off three hits and two walks.

Wednesday's NCCAA World Series nightcap had its share of oddities, seeing runs scored after an error started the game, one on a double steal, another on a balk and a controversial inning-ending double play late in the game.

Tanner Nielsen led off the game with a hard hit ball right at first baseman Ryan Kern, but the ball popped through his glove into right to put a runner on.

ONU catcher Alex Cavender was patient to gain a one-out free pass in the third, turning an 0-2 count into a walk. After giving up his first base runner of the game, DeRooy was called for a balk to put a runner in scoring position with an out. Justin Fahy singled with two outs deep behind second base, beating out Nielsen's throw by a step.

Kern and Matt Davenport delivered a pair of one-out singles in the fourth, putting ONU runners on the corners with one out. Behind in the count, 1-3, DeRooy got a check swing and then painted the plate for a strike out to retire Kevin Lasowski. With a 3-2 count against Josh Altmann, Davenport broke toward second, distracting the left-handed DeRooy allowing Kern to steal home.

The maroon and gray Tigers quickly added two runs to regain the lead, 3-1. Campbellsville put the leadoff man to start the fifth after Ben Heller hit Shane Woodson, his second of three hit batters in the game. Nielsen followed with a four-pitch walk. After the runners moved up a base with a wild pitch, Heller was called for a balk to score Woodson and regain CU's lead. Michael Bush drove in Nielsen with an insurance RBI groundout to second.

Olivet also scored in the fifth after Fahy reached on a wild throw by Bush and scored on a ball hit by Schneider through Travis Hayes' legs at short.

The close game grew more interesting in the seventh when Ryan Squires drew a leadoff walk and Woodson was hit by a pitch to put two on with no outs. McCamish pinch ran for Squires and both runners stole on a missed third strike by Nielsen for the first out. Bush attempted a squeeze play, which caught McCamish and Woodson in limbo. Woodson reached third as McCamish was being tagged out by the catcher. The umpires called Woodson out by rule that the bag belonged to McCamish, saying he returned to third before the tag, and then called McCamish out for leaving the bag after McCamish thought he'd already been called out on the tag.

After a lengthy protest, the Tigers took the field to close out the game. Nielsen booted a leadoff error but later made back-to-back ground ball outs to secure the win.

Heller (8-4) recorded the loss for Olivet Nazarene, allowing three runs (two earned) off four hits, two walks and three hit batters. Paul Griffin and Lasowski appeared in relief for ONU.

The World Series continues Thursday with Campbellsville (36-19) meeting Covenant College at 2 p.m. EDT and Arizona Christian at 8 p.m. EDT. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semifinals Friday evening.

BOX SCORE

Follow all of Campbellsville University's results, recaps, photos and more from the World Series, here.