Eagles “Three-peat” as NCCAA World Series Champions
The Toccoa Falls Eagles (32-15) defeated Dallas Christian College (27-39) in the national championship game of the NCCAA Division II baseball World Series on May 11, 4-3. The 2013 national title is the third consecutive championship won by Toccoa Falls.
TFC entered the World Series as the top seed and advanced to the title game through the winner’s brackets with wins over Cairn University (11-0), Clearwater Christian (16-2), and Dallas Christian (4-0). The #3 Dallas Christian Crusaders defeated Ohio Christian (4-1) and Florida Christian (4-0 and 3-1). DCC earned a rematch with TFC in the championship game by defeating Florida Christian 3-1 on Friday night.
As they had done in each of the previous three World Series games, TFC scored early to take a lead that they would not relinquish. Throughout the World Series, TFC never trailed their opponent, and that would hold true against the Crusaders. Freshman Will Patrick put the Eagles on the board 2-0 in the top of the first inning with a two out, bases loaded single to right that scored Jordan Couillard and Corey Warner. TFC added another two out run in the second inning as Justin Key reached on an infield single and would later score on a wild pitch from DCC’s starting pitcher Ruben Salinas to increase their lead to 3-0.
DCC would answer as All-American catcher Jonathan Perea walked to lead off the bottom of the second inning. Perea advanced to second base on a ground out and would tag to third on a spectacular diving catch from TFC’s Josh Hill. With two hits and Perea on third base, TFC’s Jordan Couillard was unable to cleanly field a hard hit groundball and Perea scored on the error to close TFC’s lead to 3-1.
In the fourth inning, both teams stranded runners on second and third base and missed scoring opportunities. TFC would add a crucial insurance run in the top of the 6th inning; an insurance run that would prove to be the difference in the game. Again with two outs in the 6th inning, senior catcher Adam Reynolds walked and was replaced by courtesy runner AJ Mussler. Mussler advanced to second base on a Josh Ward walk, and would score the Eagles fourth run on Ronnie Stewart’s single to center for a 4-1 lead.
The Crusaders would not go down without a fight. In the bottom of the 7th and final inning, Trevor Lynn started a rally with a leadoff walk off TFC’s starting pitcher Micah Ellington. DCC’s Taylor Peddicord doubled down the left field line and placed runners at second and third with no outs. Tyler Hubbard singled to center and scored Lynn and Peddicord for a 4-3 game. Hubbard also took second on Justin Key’s fielding error. Clinging to a one run lead with no outs and a runner in scoring position, TFC’s coach Justin Pollock called on game one starter Zack Breeden to finish the game. Breeden retired Corey Lee on a pop out to third baseman Corey Warner. Hubbard advanced to third base as National Player of the Year Kale McQuillen grounded out to second. With two outs and the tying run 90 feet from home, Jonathan Perea grounded out to the shortstop Jordan Couillard to end the Crusaders comeback attempt and gave TFC their third consecutive national championship.
Senior Micah Ellington earned the win for TFC with 6 innings, five hits, three runs, two earned runs, four walks, and a strikeout. Zack Breeden earned the save, coming on in the 7th inning with the tying run on base. Ronnie Stewart was 2-3 from the plate with an RBI. Justin Key was also 2-3 and scored a run.
This is the fourth national championship in five seasons for TFC. The Eagles previously won the title in 2009, 2011, 2012. In the four national championships TFC has claimed, this is the second time in which TFC advanced through the bracket without dropping a game in the double elimination tournament. The Eagles also accomplished this feat in 2011. In the 2013 World Series, TFC outscored their opposition 35-5 and increased their record versus NCCAA DII opponents to 16-2 on the season.
Senior third baseman Corey Warner was named the Most Valuable Player for the 2013 World Series. Warner finished the tournament with four runs batted in and a .884 slugging percentage. Coach Justin Pollock was awarded the National Coach of the Year. This is the third consecutive season and the fourth time during his career that Coach Pollock has been given that award. Senior pitcher Micah Ellington and first baseman Ronnie Stewart were recognized as members of the All-Tournament team.
TFC Defeats Familiar Foe to Advance in the World Series
TFC faced a familiar opponent on Wednesday night in the second round of the NCCAA Division II World Series. Toccoa Falls and region foe Clearwater Christian College have previously faced off 6 times this season before Wednesday’s matchup. The #1 Eagles have won five of the previous contests over #4 Clearwater. The Eagles advanced to the second round with an 11-0 win over #8 Cairn University earlier on Wednesday, while Clearwater advanced with a 2-0 victory over #5 Arlington Baptist College. The Eagles plated at least one run in all but one inning against the Clearwater Cougars and cruised to a 16-2 victory.
Toccoa Falls scored four runs in the top of the first inning to jump to a very quick 4-0 lead. TFC would add a run in the second, three in the third, four in the fourth, and three more runs in the 7th to plate 16 runs in the game. TFC’s total of 16 runs was their largest offensive outburst at the World Series in their history, besting the 15 runs scored against Philadelphia Bible College in 2011’s World Series. Clearwater would score two runs in the bottom of the 7th inning but the large deficit was too much to overcome.
NCCAA Division 2’s Pitcher of the Year Justin Key started the game for the Eagles and threw four innings without allowing a run. Relievers Brady McMichael and Jackson Warnock finished the final three innings for TFC in the win.
Freshman utility man Will Patrick went a perfect 4-4 at the plate with two RBI’s. Corey Warner, who homered in the opening game of the World Series, added three hits in four plate appearances with two doubles and two runs batted in. Josh Hill and Adam Reynolds added two RBI’s apiece. Zack Warner, Matt Alligood, AJ Mussler, and Hayden Tuggle each drove in a run for the Eagles. Ronnie Stewart (1-3) and Matt Alligood (1-1) each had a triple for TFC.
With their sixth win over Clearwater this season, the Eagles advance to the third round of the World Series and will play the winner of Dallas Christian and Florida Christian, Thursday night at 8:00 PM at Prasco Park Stadium. Streaming information and live scoring game be found below.
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Eagles Open World Series with Blowout Win
The top ranked Eagles faced the #8 seeded Cairn University in the opening round of the NCCAA Division II World Series in Mason, Ohio. The Eagles jumped to an early lead and used a 7 run fourth inning to defeat Cairn 11 – 0 to advance to the second round.
TFC’s Josh Ward led off the game with a walk and a stolen base and would score on Jordan Couillard’s sacrifice fly to give the Eagles an early 1 – 0 advantage. TFC would add another run third before blowing the game open with 7 runs in the fourth to take a 9 – 0 lead. The game would end after just five innings when senior Corey Warner crushed a two-run homer to put the Eagles over the run rule limit.
While the offense was doing their part, starting pitcher Zach Breeden was just as sharp for the Eagles. Breeden earned the win for the Eagles and pitched a complete game shutout. Breeden threw five innings, allowed two hits, no runs, and struck out 6.
Several Eagles contributed offensively in the victory. Shortstop Jordan Couillard drove in three runs and Zack Warner and Corey Warner each drove in two runs for the Eagles. Will Patrick and Ronnie Stewart had an RBI, respectively. Zack Warner, Adam Reynolds, and Couillard had two hits apiece. Josh Ward stole two bases as the Eagles leadoff man.
The Eagles will face Clearwater Christian College Wednesday at 7:45 PM for a spot in the next round of the World Series. TFC and CCC have faced off 6 times already this season with the Eagles winning five of those contests.
TFC Wins Second Consecutive Banner
The Toccoa Falls College baseball team (28 – 14) claimed their second consecutive South Region championship in Kissimmee, Florida, on April 25 – 26 by defeating Clearwater Christian College 4 – 3 and Florida Christian College 4 – 2. TFC entered the tournament as the #1 seed, Florida Christian was the #2 seed, and Clearwater was the #3 seed. Nationally, the teams were ranked #1, #2, and #4 respectively, making the South Region the nation’s stiffest competition. The Eagles won the double elimination tournament without losing a game and earned an automatic bid to the national tournament.
After Clearwater (12 – 34) defeated Florida Christian (22 – 22) 5 – 2 in the opening game of the tournament, TFC faced the Clearwater Cougars with a place in the championship game on the line. The Eagles jumped to an early 4 – 0 lead in their half of the first inning, and would hold the lead throughout the game. The Cougars attempted to make a comeback and scored three runs on TFC’s starting pitcher Dylan Charles. Charles gave way to reliever Zach Breeden after 6 innings, 6 hits, three runs, three earned, four walks, and three strikeouts. Breeden closed the door on the Cougars comeback attempt and earned the save with one inning pitched, one hit, and a walk. The game ended with two Cougars on base as Eagles right fielder Josh Hill made a diving catch that would have at least tied the game had he not converted the diving effort. Hill also threw a base runner out at the plate in the 5th inning. The save was Breeden‘s first of the year while Charles earned his 8th win.
Offensively, Ronnie Stewart was 1 – 3 with a walk and run. Corey Warner was also 1 – 3 with a run scored and a run batted in. Justin Key contributed a hit in two official at-bats with a walk, a run, and a RBI. Will Patrick was a perfect 2 – 2 with two RBI’s.
With Florida Christian and Clearwater each having one loss in the tournament, they met again on Friday for the right to join TFC in the championship game. FCC exacted their revenge on the Cougars with a 5 – 0 victory. With TFC advancing through the winners bracket, the Eagles needed to win one more game to claim the South Region championship while the Suns would have had to claim two victories to upset the Eagles.
The Eagles again jumped to an early 2 – 0 lead over the Suns, but FCC would force extra innings with a run in each the 4th and 6th innings to tie the game at 2 – 2. With two outs in the top of the 9th, Ronnie Stewart drew a walk for the Eagles and subsequently stole second. Facing a 2 – 2 pitch count, TFC’s Jordan Couillard singled to center, and Stewart was waved around third base. The throw to the plate was late giving TFC a 3 – 2 lead. Couillard advanced to second base on the throw, and would score when FCC’s catcher attempted to throw out Couillard’s advance but threw the ball back into center field. Couillard would come all the way around and score on the two-base error to bring the game to 4 – 2. Starting pitcher Justin Key finished the Suns off in the bottom of the 9th for the complete game victory, his 8th win of the year.
Justin Key, the South’s Pitcher of the Year, threw just 107 pitches in 9 innings and allowed 6 hits, two earned runs, a walk, and four strikeouts. First baseman Ronnie Stewart finished a perfect 4 -4 with a run, a triple, two walks, and two stolen bases. Game one’s defensive hero Josh Hill was 3 – 4 at the plate with a double and a run scored against the Suns. Will Patrick reached base three times with 2 – 3, a RBI, and was hit by a pitch.
Several Eagles received postseason recognition for their performances. Pitcher Dylan Charles, second baseman Josh Ward and third baseman Corey Warner were named to the All-Conference team. Justin Key was named region Pitcher of the Year, designated hitter Zack Warner was voted as region Player of the Year, and Coach Pollock was named region Coach of the Year.
With the South Region championship, the Eagles earned a return trip to Mason, Ohio, and the NCCAA World Series. The Eagles have won three of the last four national tournaments (2009, 2011, and 2012). The national tournament is hosted by Prasco Park and will be held on May 8 – 11. Online streaming, seedings, and game times will be released as soon as they are made available.
Eagles Advance in Region Tournament
TFC defeated the Clearwater Christian College Cougars in game two of the south region tournament on Thursday, 4 – 3. Clearwater had beaten hosts Florida Christian in game one, 5 – 2 and earned the right to advance in the tournament to face the Eagles.
The top seeded Eagles jumped to an early 4 – 0 lead in their half of the first inning, and would hold the lead through out the game. The #3 seeded Cougars attempted to make a comeback and scored three runs on TFC’s starting pitcher Dylan Charles. Reliever Zack Breeden closed the Cougars comeback and earned his first save of the season. Charles was credited with his 8th win of the year.
Clearwater and Florida Christian will meet again Friday in an elimination game. The winner of that elimination game will face TFC at 3:30 on Friday. TFC can claim their second straight region championship with a win in Friday’s game. Saturday’s championship game, if needed, will be played at 1:00. The winner of the south region tournament will be awarded an automatic bid to the NCCAA World Series while the tournament runner up may qualify for an at-large bid to the tournament. The TFC Eagles have won three of the last four World Series (2009, 2011, 2012).
TFC Takes Two of Three Games in Season Finale
The top ranked TFC Eagles (26 – 14) hosted Hiwassee College (NCCAA Division I) on April 20 – 21 for the final home games of the season. After TFC took Saturday’s game in a dramatic 6 – 5 victory, the visiting Tigers took game one of Sunday’s doubleheader 1 – 2. TFC evened the day with a 4 – 2 victory in the rubber match. TFC was 3 – 2 in the 5 games with Hiwassee College this season.
AJ Mussler’s walk-off single in the 9th inning clinched a 6 – 5, come from behind victory for the Eagles in game one. Dylan Charles started Saturday’s game for the Eagles and pitched 5.2 innings, 6 hits, 5 runs, one earned run, four walks, and three strikeouts. Zach Breeden earned the win in relief and threw three and a third innings and allowed one hit, no runs, one walk, and no strikeouts.
Offensively, Jordan Couillard was 2 – 4, scored three runs and homered. Josh Hill was also 2 – 4 with two runs scored, two RBI’s and a home run. Zack Warner, AJ Mussler, and Adam Reynolds each drove in a run for the Eagles. Reynolds also threw out three would-be base stealers from behind the plate.
In game two of the series, the Eagles bats were stiffened in a 2 – 1 loss to Hiwassee. Senior pitcher Micah Ellington was credited with the loss despite allowing one earned run, 5 hits, one walk, and two strike outs in a complete game 7 innings. Ellington was matched in the pitcher’s duel by Hiwassee’s Chris Large. Large earned the win and threw 7 innings, four hits, one run, zero earned runs, a walk, and two strike outs.
The Eagles collected just four hits off Large but left 9 runners on base in the loss. Ronnie Stewart finished 2 – 4 and Zack Warner and AJ Mussler each had a hit for the Eagles. Hiwassee’s Cody Armstrong was 2- 3 with a run. Alex Huddleston also scored for the Tigers.
The Eagles won the rubber match of the series 4 – 2. TFC’s Justin Key earned the win with a complete game, 7 innings, 7 hits, two earned runs, no walks, and four strike outs. Andrew Hyatt took the loss for Hiwassee College with three innings, three hits, four earned runs, four walks, and two strikeouts.
Josh Ward walked twice, scored a run, and had two stolen bases for the Eagles, who only collected three hits in the win. Ronnie Stewart was 1 – 2 with a run and a RBI. Senior Corey Warner, in his last home game, was 1 – 3 with a run and RBI. Alex Huddleston and BJ Kennedy each scored for the visiting Tigers.
The series with Hiwassee College completed the regular season for TFC. The Eagles finished with a 26 – 14 record, TFC honored departing seniors Adam Reynolds, Corey Warner, and Micah Ellington before Saturday’s 6 – 5 victory.
On April 26 – 27 the Eagles will travel to Kissimmee, Florida, for the south region tournament. TFC will be the top seed and will play the winner of #2 Florida Christian and #3 Clearwater Christian College. The winner of the south region tournament will earn an automatic bid to the NCCAA national tournament in Mason, Ohio.
Eagles Top Piedmont College (JV)
TFC Eagles (24 – 13) hosted the junior varsity squad from NCAA Division III Piedmont College on Wednesday. The Eagles took game one 8 – 2 behind solid pitching from Josh Hill and two runs batted in from Josh Ward, Zack Warner, and Jordan Couillard, respectively. The weather would not cooperate for game two and it was abandoned after the first inning.
The Eagles jumped on top of the Lions and led 5 – 0 after scoring two in the first inning and three more in the second inning. After Piedmont brought the game to 5 – 1 in their half of the third, the Eagles plated three additional runs in the fourth to take the 8 – 1 lead. The Lions would tack on an additional run in the seventh for a final score of 8 – 2.
TFC collected just six hits in the win, including a two run home run from Jordan Couillard. Josh Ward finished 1 – 4 with two runs scored, a stolen base, and two RBI’s. Matt Alligood walked twice and scored two runs. Justin Key was 1 – 2 with a run and a stolen base. AJ Mussler and Adam Reynolds also scored for the Eagles. Chris White led the Lions at the plate; 2 – 2 with a run and walk. Daniel Lindsey scored a run for the Lions as well.
Starting pitcher Josh Hill earned the victory and threw five innings, allowed three hits, an earned run, walked three and struck out four. Jackson Warnock finished the game for the Eagles with two innings, two hits, an earned run, three walks, and two strikeouts.
The regular season will come to an end for the Eagles this weekend as TFC hosts Hiwassee College in a three game series. Friday’s game will begin at 3:00 and Saturday’s doubleheader will be at 1:00 and 3:00. Senior Day activities will precede the start of game one on Saturday. Seniors Corey Warner, Adam Reynolds, and Micah Ellington will be honored on Senior Day for their contributions to the TFC program.
4/18 Update: Due to impending weather, this weekend’s games with Hiwassee College have been moved to Saturday at 4:00 and Sunday at 2:00 and 5:00. Senior Day activities will still be held prior to Saturday’s 4:00 game.
TFC and Cleawater Split Saturday Doubleheader
After a 13 – 1 TFC win yesterday, the season series between TFC and Clearwater Christian was completed on Saturday in a doubleheader played at TFC. The visiting Cougars (10 – 30) took game one 3 – 5 but Toccoa Falls (23 – 13) answered in game two of the doubleheader, 1 – 0. The five game season series between the region rivals finished in Toccoa’s favor four games to one.
Clearwater’s Jake Reidy powered the Cougars to victory in game one with two home runs to deep left. Reidy finished 3 – 3 with two runs scored and all five of CCC’s runs batted in. The fireworks provided by Reidy were too much for TFC to overcome as the Eagles left 10 runners on base in the loss. AJ Mussler and Ronnie Stewart each had two hits for the Eagles. Stewart finished 2 – 4 with a run and an RBI. Also scoring for TFC were Jordan Couillard and Josh Hill. Corey Warner and Zack Warner drove in a run each.
Zach Breedan took the loss for the Eagles. Breedan threw four innings and allowed five hits, five runs, four earned, two walks, and two strike outs. Micah Ellington pitched three innings of relief with one hit, no runs, two walks, and two strikeouts. Wade Irwin allowed 8 hits, four walks, three runs, two earned, and three strikeouts in a complete game for the Cougars.
TFC’s Justin Key and Clearwater’s Stephen Martin squared off in a pitcher’s dual in the second game of the doubleheader. Both pitchers silenced the offenses without allowing a run through the first 5 innings of the game. Each team had runners on base throughout the game, but the score remained deadlocked at 0 – 0 until TFC’s Zack Warner took Martin’s first pitch of the sixth inning to straight away center for his second home run of the season. Key finished the Cougars in the 7th inning for the complete game, 1 – 0 win.
Justin Key pitched 7 innings, allowed 5 hits, no runs, three walks, and 6 strikeouts in the shutout. Martin took the loss and pitched 6 innings, allowed 5 hits, one walk, four strikeouts, and an earned run.
The Eagles will return to action on Wednesday as they host NCAA Division III Piedmont College’s JV squad for a double header starting at 2:00. TFC will conclude their regular season with a three game series at home with Hiawassee College on April 19 – 20. Friday’s game will begin at 3:00 and Saturday’s double header is slated to begin at 1:00.
Eagles Take Game 1 over Clearwater
The TFC Eagles (22 – 12) hosted the Clearwater Christian Cougars (9 – 29) on Friday afternoon in game one of a three game series. The Eagles used an explosive offensive and shutdown pitching to top the Cougars 13 – 1 and lock up first place in the region standings.
TFC jumped to an early 4 – 0 lead in the bottom of the first and added five runs in third to take a 9 – 0 lead through three innings. Clearwater’s lead off man David Edwards would score CCC’s only run with a Jake Reidy RBI single in the top of the fifth. TFC answered with three runs in the fifth and one run in the sixth. After TFC reliever Brady McMichael shut down the Cougars in the top 7th, the game ended by run rule, 13 – 1.
Eagles starting pitcher Dylan Charles earned his seventh win of the season with five innings of work, allowing just three hits and an earned run. Charles walked six and struck out four. McMichael finished with two innings, no hits, no runs, one walk, and one strike out. Clearwater starting pitcher Will Kirby and reliever Taylor Hill combined to allow 13 hits, 12 runs, 10 earned runs, and two strikeouts in four innings of work.
At the plate, TFC totaled 17 hits led by Josh Ward’s 3 – 5 performance. Ward drove in two runs, stole a base, and scored a run as well. Adam Reynolds, Justin Key, Zach Warner, Ronnie Stewart, Corey Warner and Josh Hill each had two hits for the Eagles. Reynolds and Hill had two RBI’s each and Stewart added three runs batted in. Zach Warner, Key, and Reynolds each scored two runs in the win.
With the win, TFC improved their conference record to 7 – 1 and will be the top seed in the south’s regional tournament to be held in Kissimmee, Florida on April 25 – 27. Toccoa Falls and Clearwater will conclude their five game season series with a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 1:00.
TFC Wins Season Series over Georgia Gwinnett College
TFC baseball (21 – 12) hosted Georgia Gwinnett (25 – 17) on April 9th for the final game of a three game, non-conference season series. The Eagles topped the visiting Grizzlies 19 – 7 in a late inning offensive explosion and won the season series two games to one.
The Georgia Gwinnett Grizzlies (NAIA) jumped to an early 3 – 0 by scoring one run in the first and two more in the second off starting pitcher Brenton Ruark. The Eagles answered with three runs of their own in the bottom of the second to tie the game at 3 – 3. The game was tied at 4 – 4 after each team added a run in the third inning. After a scoreless fourth inning, the Eagles took a 7 – 4 lead in the fifth, only to have Georgia Gwinnett re-tie the game at 7 – 7 with three runs in the top of the sixth. The Eagles would hold the Grizzlies scoreless over the final three innings and add 6 runs in the 6th and three runs in both the 7th and 8th innings to take the game 19 – 7.
The Eagles pounded out 23 hits with each starter getting at least one hit. Josh Hill lead the Eagles with four hits in 6 plate appearances, four runs, three runs batted in, a double, and his second home run of the season. Justin Key went 3 – 4 with four runs, three RBI’s, a stolen base, a double, and his third home run of the season. Josh Ward was 2 – 6 with a double, two runs scored and two RBI’s. Corey Warner, Jordan Couillard, and Ronnie Stewart each had three hits for the Eagles. Georgia Gwinnett’s Robbie Payne led the Grizzlies with 3 – 5, two runs, two RBI’s, a double, and a home run.
After Brenton Ruark started the game for the Eagles, Jacob Martin enter in relief and threw four and a third innings and allowed 9 hits, four runs, and three walks. Jackson Warnock earned his first win for the Eagles. Warnock pitched the last three and a third innings and allowed three hits, two walks, three strikeouts, and no runs allowed.
The Eagles will host conference rivals Clearwater Christian College in a three game series starting on Friday, April 12 at 3:00. Saturday’s doubleheader against the Cougars will begin at 1:00.
Eagles Split with Covenant College
The baseball team at Toccoa Falls College (20 – 12) hosted the Covenant College Scots (22 – 6) for a doubleheader on Saturday. The Eagles took game one 6 – 3 but dropped game two 2 – 4 to their NCAA Division III opponent.
Covenant opened the scoring in the second inning of game one with a solo home run from Perry Rigby and a two run shot from Chris Rollins off TFC’s pitcher Dylan Charles. The Eagles would answer with one run in their half of the second inning and five more runs in the third to take a 6 – 3 lead. Though both offenses continued to scatter hits and place runners on base, neither side could push across additional runs.
Charles threw 6 innings, allowed 7 hits, three earned runs, two walks, and three strikeouts in the win. Charles’ win was his nation-leading 6th win of the season. Jacob Martin pitched a scoreless 7th inning for his second save of the year. Garrett Kriston took the loss for Covenant.
As part of the five run third inning, designated hitter Zach Warner hit a two run home run for the Eagles, his first of the season. TFC’s Justin Key scored twice and stole a base. Also scoring for the Eagles were Ronnie Stewart, Corey Warner, and AJ Mussler. Mussler and Adam Reynolds each had two RBI’s.
In game two, Justin Key put the Eagles ahead 1 – 0 with a solo home run to right field in the fourth inning. The Eagles lead would be short lived as the Scots answered with four runs, two earned, in the top of the fifth. The Eagles closed the gap to 4 – 2 in the bottom of the fifth, but were unable to close the deficit any further.
Starting pitcher Zach Breeden took the loss for the Eagles, but pitched well in four innings, allowed two hits, three runs, one earned run, no walks, and three strikeouts. Reliever Micah Ellington threw three innings with two hits allowed, one earned run, and a walk. Covenant’s Keith Rice earned the win and reliever Sterling Witt pitched a scoreless 7th inning for the save.
At the plate, TFC’s Ronnie Stewart was 2 – 4 with a double and a RBI. Adam Reynolds was 1 – 3 with a run scored. Key finished 1 -3 with a home run, his second of the season.
The Eagles will host Georgia Gwinnett College Tuesday at 3:00 before hosting rivals Clearwater Christian College for a three game weekend series. Friday’s game with Clearwater will begin at 3:00, and Saturday’s doubleheader will start at 1:00.
TFC Falls in Extra Innings
The Toccoa Falls College Eagles (19 – 10) hosted nearby rivals Emmanuel College Lions (18 – 14) in a midweek, out of conference match up on Tuesday, April 2. The top ranked Eagles (NCCAA Div. II) took an early lead over #5 Emmanuel (NCCAA Div. I), but would fall 3 – 4 in 10 innings to the Lions.
The Eagles and the Lions remained scoreless through the first four and a half innings until the Eagles jumped ahead 1 – 0 with a Corey Warner RBI single. The visiting Lions would tie the game with a run of their own in the top of the 5th inning. With the score tied at 1 – 1, Josh Ward and Corey Warner each scored in the bottom of the fifth for a 3 – 1 Eagles lead. TFC’s two run advantage would hold until the Lions scored two unearned runs with two outs in the top of the 7th inning to re-tie the game, 3 – 3. Emmanuel would score the eventual winning run in the top of the 10th inning and retire the Eagles in the bottom of the 10th to steal the 4 – 3 win.
TFC’s starting pitcher Zach Breeden was unfortunate to be given a no-decision with 5 innings, 7 hits, no walks, three strikeouts, and one earned run. Micah Ellington relieved Breeden in the 6th inning and took the loss despite 5 innings, allowed 5 hits, one walk, one strikeout, three runs, and one earned run. Offensively, Corey Warner was 3 – 5 with a run batted in. Josh Ward had two hits in four at-bats, a walk, three stolen bases, and a run scored. Jordan Couillard had a RBI and scored a run for the Eagles, and Josh Hill was 1 – 4 with a run batted in.
The Eagles will travel to NCAA Division II opponent Georgia College on Wednesday before returning home to host Covenant College on Saturday. Saturday’s doubleheader with Covenant will begin at 1:00 and 3:00.
Eagles Split Home Doubleheader with Florida Christian
NCCAA Division 2’s top ranked Toccoa Falls College Eagles (19 – 9) hosted the second ranked Florida Christian College Suns for a doubleheader on March 30. TFC topped FCC in game one 12 – 2, but the Eagles were defeated 6 – 9 in game two. With the doubleheader split, the Eagles took four of the five regular season games against FCC.
In game one Toccoa Falls plated three runs in the first, two in the second, and three more in the third to jump to an 8 – 2 lead. The Eagles would add three more runs in the fifth and one in the sixth for a 12 – 2 win. Starting pitcher Dylan Charles earned the win for the Eagles with 6 innings, 6 hits, two earned runs, a walk, and 6 strikeouts. FCC’s two runs in the game were Charles’ first earned runs allowed in his previous 27 innings. Reliever Jacob Martin pitched a scoreless seventh to finish the game for the Eagles.
Offensively, the Eagles’ 31 official at-bats combined for 16 hits with zero strikeouts. The one through six hitters in the Eagles’ lineup combined to go 14 – 24 with 11 runs scored. The Eagles offensive outburst was led by leadoff man Justin Key’s 3 – 5, a double, two stolen bases, and three runs scored. Jordan Couillard and Corey Warner also had three hits apiece. Josh Ward, Zack Warner, and Couillard each scored two runs in the win. Zack Warner drove in three runs and Will Patrick added two RBI’s.
In game two of the doubleheader, Florida Christian jumped to a 4 – 0 in the first and plated two more in the second to take a 6 – 0 lead. TFC battled back with 6 runs in the bottom of the second inning. Both pitching staffs settled in, and the game remained tied at 6 – 6 until the Suns pushed three runners home in the sixth inning. The Eagles were unable to answer and fell 9 – 6. Josh Ward went 2 – 4 with an RBI and a run scored. Justin Key drove in two runs and scored a run. Starting pitcher Brenton Ruark lasted an inning and a third and allowed four hits, 6 earned runs, two walks, and a strikeout. Reliever Justin Martin took the loss with four innings, two earned runs, and two walks.
TFC will host Emmanuel College on April 2 at 3:00, and travel to Georgia College on April 3. The Eagles will return home to host Covenant College on April 6 for a doubleheader, beginning at 1:00.
TFC’s Offense Explodes in Doubleheader Sweep
Toccoa Falls College’s baseball team traveled to nearby Cleveland, Georgia, on March 22 to face the Truett – McConnell College Bears. The nation’s top ranked TFC Eagles swept the doubleheader 10 – 0 and 15 – 3.
The Eagles were nearly perfect in every facet in the first game of the doubleheader. Offensively, TFC had a team batting average of.500, and starting pitcher Dylan Charles continued his scoreless innings streak. Leading 2 – 0 with two outs in the top of the fourth inning, TFC’s Adam Reynolds broke the game open with a two run homer to left; his first of the season. The Eagles would add one run in the fifth, and put the game out of reach with a four run sixth inning. After adding one run in the seventh, the Eagles took the opening game 10 – 0.
Game one starting pitching Dylan Charles last allowed an earned run to be scored on February 21 in a 6 – 5 loss to Point University. Since that loss, Charles has thrown a no-hitter and two consecutive complete game shutouts. Charles extended his scoreless inning streak to 27 innings with a shutdown performance against the Bears. Charles earned his fourth win of the season and threw 6 innings, allowed four hits, no runs, four walks, and struck out 8.
Offensively, Reynolds finished game one 2- 4 with a home run and two runs batted in. Jordan Couillard was also 2 – 4 and drove in three runs. Zack Warner was 3 – 4 with 2 doubles, and Will Patrick had three hits, a double and two runs scored.
In the second game, TFC used big offensive innings to pull away from the Bears, 15 – 3. The Eagles would score five runs in the third, four in the fifth inning, one in the sixth, and five in the seventh inning. First baseman Ronnie Stewart led the Eagles with a perfect 4 -4 effort with a run scored and three RBI’s. After homering in game one, Adam Reynolds went 3 – 3 with two RBI’s in game two. Jordan Couillard was again 2 – 4 with two doubles, three RBI’s, and a stolen base. Josh Ward also had three RBI’s for the Eagles.
Pitcher Micah Ellington earned the win in game two. Ellington threw four innings, allowed three hits, three earned runs, four walks, and a strike out. Ellington improved to 2 – 0 on the year. Brady McMichael and Josh Ward finished the game for the Eagles and combined to allow zero runs over the final three innings.
The two wins over Truett – McConnell improved the Eagles season record to 17 – 7. TFC has now won 15 of their last 17 games. TFC will travel to Georgia Gwinnett College on Wednesday, March 27 for a doubleheader. On Saturday, March 30 the top ranked Eagles will welcome #2 Florida Christian College to town for a crucial conference doubleheader. Saturday’s doubleheader will begin at 1:00 and 3:00.
Eagles Use Pitching to Sweep Reinhardt University
The TFC baseball team (15 – 7) hosted Reinhardt University (14 – 13) for a doubleheader on Wednesday, March 13. Behind two solid pitching performances, the Eagles swept the doubleheader 1 – 0 and 2 – 1, and took the season series with Reinhardt three games to two.
In his previous start, TFC’s starting pitcher Dylan Charles threw his second career no-hitter in a victory over Clearwater Christian and earned NCCAA Student-Athlete of the Week honors. In game one against Reinhardt, Charles picked up right where he left off and allowed just four hits and no runs. The performance against Reinhardt was Charles’ second straight shutout victory. Charles walked two and struck out five Reinhardt batters in the complete game shutout. The Eagles lone run of the game would come in the fifth inning when TFC’s Jonah Crenshaw walked, stole second, and was driven in by Adam Reynolds for the eventual winning run. Crenshaw’s run would give the Eagles the 1 – 0 win in game one.
In game two, Reinhardt scored first in the top of the fourth inning. Reinhardt’s Jerome Jones singled home Stuart Young for a 1 – 0 lead. Reinhardt’s lead would hold until the bottom of the sixth. TFC’s Zack Warner singled home Josh Ward for the tying run. The game would go into extra innings tied at 1 – 1. With runners on first and second and one out in the bottom of the ninth, Corey Warner ended the game with a walk off single to center that scored shortstop Jordan Couillard from second. Warner’s single gave TFC the 2 – 1 win. Pitchers Justin Key, Micah Ellington, Jacob Martin, and AJ Mussler combined to allow three hits and a lone earned run. Fresham AJ Mussler, TFC’s leader in saves, earned his first career win in two innings of relief. Zack Warner was 2 – 4 with a RBI in game two, and first baseman Ronnie Stewart went 4 – 5 on the day.
TFC will travel to Truett McConnell on March 22 for an away doubleheader. The following day, the two teams will return to TFC for a Saturday doubleheader that will start at 1:00 and 3:00.
Charles’ No Hitter Propels Eagles to Perfect Road Trip
TFC’s baseball team traveled to Florida for a five game road trip on March 6-9. The trip included two games at Clearwater Christian College and three games at #2 Florida Christian College. Propelled by Dylan Charles’ no hitter in the opening game, the top ranked Eagles completed the weekend with a perfect 5-0 record against the two conference opponents.
The road trip began with two games at Clearwater Christian College. TFC won both games, winning 5 – 0 and 10 – 5. In the first game at CCC, TFC’s Dylan Charles threw his second collegiate no hitter and first complete game shut out. Charles silenced the Cougars bats, and threw 7 innings with 6 strikeouts, a walk, no runs, and no hits allowed. Offensively, Jonah Crenshaw went 2-3 with a triple, a run batted in, and a run scored. Adam Reynolds went 1-3 with two RBI’s in the 5-0 win.
TFC won the second game against Clearwater, 10 – 5 in extra innings. Leading 4-2 in the final inning, TFC allowed Clearwater to tie the game at 4-4. With one out in the bottom of the 7th inning, Clearwater had the winning run at third base and attempted a suicide squeeze. The Eagles executed a perfectly timed pitch-out, and sent the game into extra innings by tagging the would-be winning run. In the top of the 8th inning the Eagles plated five runs and won, 10-5. Micah Ellington started the game on the mound for the Eagles, and threw 6 solid innings with four strikeouts, and two earned runs allowed. Jacob Martin pitched the last two innings in relief and earned the win for the Eagles. At the plate TFC’s Josh Ward, Corey Warner, and Zack Warner had three hits apiece. Will Patrick and Jordan Couillard both drove in two runs for the Eagles.
In a battle of the nation’s number one and number two ranked teams, the #1 Eagles traveled to the #2 Florida Christian College for a three game series. TFC took the opening game 10-1 behind a dominating pitching performance from Brenton Ruark. Ruark went 6.2 innings and allowed one run, two hits, and 7 strikeouts with 6 walks. Zack Warner went 1-2 at the plate with a double, a RBI, and a run scored. Corey Warner was 2-3 with three runs batted in.
The Eagles won game two at FCC, 7-4. Josh Hill started for TFC and handed the ball to Zach Breedan in relief. Breedan earned the win for the Eagles by going two and two-thirds innings without allowing a run. Freshman AJ Mussler earned his second career save with two innings, three strikeouts, no hits, no runs, and a walk. Justin Key led the Eagles offensively and went 3-4 with a run and a RBI. Corey Warner had two hits and two RBI’s, and catcher Adam Reynolds had a double and two RBI’s.
The Eagles completed the sweep of FCC with a 14-5 victory in the final game of the series. The Eagles had a team average over .500 with 16 hits and 28 runners on base. Zack Warner went 4-5 with three runs, four RBI’s, a triple, and a double. Jonah Crenshaw was a perfect 3-3 with two runs, two RBI’s, and a double. Freshman Josh Frye was 2-2 with an RBI. Justin Key started the game on the mound for TFC and went four innings and allowed two hits and a run with a strikeout and no walks. Brady McMichael earned a three inning save in relief.
TFC is now 13-7 on the year and have won 11 of their last 13 games. The Eagles will host Reinhardt College on Wednesday, March 13 for a doubleheader starting at 1:00.
Eagles Win with Walk Off Home Run
The TFC Eagles (7 – 6) hosted the Bethel College Pilots (1 – 3) in a doubleheader on Friday. The Eagles took an early lead over Bethel in game one for a 4 – 1 victory, and won by a walk off home run in game two, 6 – 5.
Starting pitcher Dylan Charles was given the ball in the opening game as he sought his first win of the season. Charles was given all the run support he needed when TFC scored four times in the bottom of the second inning. The 4 – 0 lead stood until the Pilots pushed an unearned run across in the sixth to close the gap to 4 – 1. Charles finished the Pilots off in the 7th and earned his first win of the season. In total, Charles threw a complete game and allowed 6 hits, no earned runs, and a walk with 6 strike outs. Offensively for the Eagles, Josh Ward went 2 – 3 with an RBI and Ronnie Stewart went 2 – 2 with a double, a run and a stolen base. Justin Key, Corey Warner, and Adam Reynolds also scored for the Eagles.
In game two it was the Pilots who jumped out to a 4 – 0 lead in the second inning. The Eagles would pull a run back in the third for a 4 – 1 deficit. The Pilots increased their lead with a run in the top of the 6th and a 5 – 1 lead. In their half of the 6th, TFC;s Josh Ward drove in two of the Eagles three runs in the inning to bring it to a 5 – 4 game. After the Pilots were set down in order in the top of the 7th, TFC would tie the game on Justin Key’s sacrifice fly that scored Ronnie Stewart. The game would remain tied at 5 – 5 into extra innings through a scoreless 8th inning and the Pilot’s half of the 9th. With one out in the bottom of the 9th, TFC’s Josh Hill ended the game with a solo home run to left field. The walk-off home run was Hill’s first home run of his TFC career. In all, Hill went 2 – 3 with 2 runs scored and an RBI. Josh Ward and Justin Key also had two hits apiece for the Eagles. Ward added two RBI’s, and Key scored twice. Jacob Martin threw three scoreless innings in relief to earn the win for the Eagles.
Coach Justin Pollock said of the victories, “In the first game we won the way we want to win, with good pitching and solid defense. In game two, we didn’t play as well as we are able to, but it was nice to show some resiliency and bounce back for the win.”
TFC was scheduled to travel to Hiwassee College in Tennessee for a doubleheader on Saturday. However, with the threat of inclement weather the games have been moved to Sunday, March 3. The Eagles will also travel to region foes Clearwater Christian College and Florida Christian College on March 7 – 9. The next home games will be a doubleheader on March 13 at 1:00 and 3:00 against Reinhardt College.
Eagles Split Doubleheader at Point
TFC’s baseball team split a two game series at Point University on February 20. The Eagles lost in game one 6 – 5, but took game two 14 – 5.
In the opening game, the Eagles scored two runs in both the first and second innings to jump to a 4 – 0 lead. With two outs in the bottom of the fifth, the Eagles struggled to get the final out and saw their lead erased. Despite the early lead, the Eagles fell 6 -5. Pitcher Dylan Charles took the loss for the Eagles. Offensively, Corey Warner went 2- 3 at the plate with a run batted in, a run scored, and a stolen base.
The Eagles again jumped to an early lead in game two and lead 10 – 0 in the third. Unlike the first game, the Eagles would not allow the Point Skyhawks to make a comeback. The Eagles compiled 17 hits and defeated Point 14 – 5. Brenton Ruark started the game on the mound for the Eagles and threw three innings. Micah Ellington pitched the final four innings and earned the win. Ellington allowed four hits, two earned runs, a walk, and two strike outs and earned his first win of the season. Jordan Couillard led the Eagles at the plate with a 4 – 5 hitting effort. Couillard scored three runs and had an RBI in the win. Freshman Will Patrick also went 4 – 5 and scored three runs and drove in two. Corey Warner continued his hot hitting by going 3 – 5 with two runs scored, two RBI’s, and a stolen base.
TFC will host Bethel College in the season’s first home games on Friday, March 1. The doubleheader will begin at 1:00 pm. The following day, TFC will travel to Hiwassee College for a double header that is set to start at 12:00 pm.
TFC Rebounds to Take Game 3 at Reinhardt
The TFC baseball team (3 – 5) traveled to Reinhardt University (3 – 4) for a three game series on February 15 – 16. The Eagles dropped the first two games 12- 0 and 9 – 0, but rebounded to take the final game of the series, 3 – 0.
In the losses TFC head coach Justin Pollock blamed a lack of fundamentals. “To beat good teams like Reinhardt, you have to play good defensive and not make base running mistakes. We couldn’t avoid those mistakes, so we were outplayed by a good team.”
In the third and final game of the series, Coach Pollock gave the starting nod to pitcher Justin Key. Key (2 – 0, 0.83 ERA) answered the call and threw four shutout innings for the Eagles. Freshman AJ Mussler earned his first career save and added three shutout innings. Key and Mussler combined for 5 strikeouts and allowed 6 hits. Offensively for the Eagles, Jordan Couillard went 3 – 4 and scored two runs. Zack Warner also went 3 – 4 with a double and a run. Corey Warner added two RBI’s on 2 – 4 hitting. “It was nice to bounce back in game three after being outscored 21 – 0 in the first two games,” said Coach Pollock. “It just goes to show that we could be a good team if we do the little things properly.”
TFC will travel to nearby Emmanuel College on February 19 and to Point University for a three game set on February 22 – 23. The first baseball home games of the year will be on March 1 as the Eagles host Bethel College for a double header beginning at 1:00 pm.
Eagles Sweep Double Header at Southern Wesleyan
TFC baseball traveled to Bryan College on February 4 and Southern Wesleyan for three games on February 8 – 9. Against the two N.A.I.A. teams TFC went 2 – 2, capped by sweeping Saturday’s double header at Southern Wesleyan University. First, the Eagles traveled to Bryan College to make up the previously postponed double header. In the one-game make up, TFC fell 8 – 6. The Eagles finished the week with a three game series at South Wesleyan University. After dropping the opening game 13 – 3, TFC rebounded on Saturday to sweep the double header 7 – 2 and 4 – 1.
In the wins against Southern Wesleyan, TFC got quality pitching from starters Brenton Ruark and Justin Key. In game one of Saturday’s double header, Ruark (1 – 1, 4.50 ERA) earned the win by pitching five innings with four strikeouts and two earned runs. After Ruark allowed two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, Jacob Martin came on in relief for the final six outs. Game two starter Justin Key played centerfield in the opening game and went 2 – 4 from the plate with an RBI triple, his first home run of the year, and three total RBI’s. 1B Ronnie Stewart went 2 -4 and scored two runs for the Eagles.
Justin Key (1 – 0, 1.29 ERA) got the start from the mound in game two and threw a complete game, 7 innings with 7 strikeouts, five hits, and a single earned run. Offensively, TFC’s designated hitter Zack Warner went 2 – 3 with a double and two RBI’s. Jonah Crenshaw also went 2 – 3 and a run scored for the Eagles.
The Eagles will travel to Truett McConnell College on Tuesday, February 12 before visiting Reinhardt College for a three game series on February 15 – 16.
Back to Back National Champions Release 2013 Schedule
With a solid group of returning starters and a highly skilled group of new players, the TFC Eagles baseball team will be seeking their third consecutive national championship in the 2013 season. The new season will begin on February 1 with a three game series at Bryan College in Dayton, Tennessee. After fourteen consecutive road games to open the season, the Eagles’ home opener will be on March 1 in a double header against Bethel College at 1:00 pm. The region tournament will be played in Kissimmee, Florida, on April 25-27. The national tournament will again be hosted by Prasco Park in Mason, Ohio, on May 8-11. To view the entire 2013 Eagles schedule, visit the schedule page here:
NCCAA World Series — TFC game summary by Jason Mehl, director of TFC Sports Information
In game one, TFC’s Micah Ellington allowed only one hit in a six-inning shutout of Lancaster Bible College in game one of the NCCAA Div II World Series at Prasco Park in Cincinnati.
Both teams were scoreless through two innings, but the Eagles got on the board with three runs in the bottom of the 3rd with a series of base hits from Cam Fulcher (2b), Adam Reynolds, Josh Ward and Tyrone Dawson. In the bottom of the 5th Jordan Couillard, Cory Klassen and Fulcher each drove in runs as part of a six-run inning that put TFC ahead 9-0. In the bottom of the 6th Klassen singled in Zach Warner to give TFC the 10-0 victory.
Eagles Win 2012 South Regional Championship!
The Toccoa Falls College baseball team (28-15-1) won its first conference championship since 1995, by defeating Florida Christian College 8-3 on April 28 in the final game of the conference tournament held at Toccoa Falls. TFC lost to Florida Christian earlier in the day, 7-5, forcing a second game to decide the champion of the double-elimination tournament. The loss put an end to the Eagles’ 12-game winning streak.
For the 11th win in the streak, TFC closed out their regular season with a 7-6 win over Truett McConnell College on April 24. TFC’s Zach Breeden started the game on the mound and went seven innings and gave up only two runs on five hits. With the score 7-2, Breeden was relieved by Justin Key in the 8th inning. In the 9th, Key got into trouble due to two fielding errors and Truett had the bases loaded with no outs and the tying run at the plate. TFC closer Nate Bowen came in and struck out the first two batters he faced, but then gave up two ground-ball base hits that scored four runs for Truett before TFC recorded the third out to seal the win. Breeden got the pitching win and Bowen got the save.
TFC received a first-game bye in the double-elimination conference tournament which began with Florida Christian playing Clearwater Christian College on April 26. Florida Christian won that game which put them in the winner’s bracket against TFC, the game the Eagles won 7-3. Key pitched a complete game, giving up three hits with four walks and four strike-outs. Senior captain Cory Klassen drove in three runs in the game, one in the 2nd inning and two more as part of a four-run 5th inning. Corey Warner was 3-3 with three doubles, including one in the 3rd inning that scored his brother Zach.
Florida Christian was then forced to play Clearwater out of the loser’s bracket and won that game for another shot at TFC on April 28. This was the first game of the day that Florida Christian won 7-5. The game was tied 2-2 until Florida Christian put together a five-run 3rd inning that included back-to-back home runs, one off starter Dylan Charles and one off Breeden who came on in relief. Breeden kept Florida Christian of the board the rest of the way and the Eagles rallied in the fifth when Cam Fulcher walked with the bases loaded and Jordan Couillard hit a two-run double, but the scoring ended there.
The loss set up the championship game which TFC won 8-3. Micah Ellington started for TFC and gave up a two-run homer the second inning, but Zach Warner tied things up at 2-2 with a two-run double in the bottom of the 3rd. Bowen relieved Ellington with one out in the fourth and got Florida Christian’s heaviest hitter, who homered in the 2nd, to ground into a double-play. In the bottom of the inning, with two out, Zach Warner lined a two-run double right over third base scoring Wesley Warren and Josh Ward, and Fulcher came up and drove in Warner with a single and the Eagles led 5-2. Florida Christian threatened in the top of the 5th when they had runners at first and second with no outs, but heads-up defense kept them off the board. A perfectly-defended bunt got the lead runner at third base, Bowen struck out the next batter, then right fielder Andrew Thorne gunned down a runner at home after a line-drive single to end the inning. Bowen gave up a solo homerun in the top of the 6th (his first earned run since Feb. 25), but TFC scored three runs in the bottom of the 6th when Thorne and Klassen both doubled off the wall in left.
Following the game, the championship banner was presented to the Eagles and All-Conference honors were announced. Thorne received All-Conference Honorable Mention. Charles, Couillard, Bowen and Zach Warner were all named to the All-Conference first team. Warner was named Freshman of the Year and Bowen was named Pitcher of the Year. TFC Head Coach Justin Pollock was named Coach of the Year for the third season.
TFC will travel to Prasco Park in Cincinnati, Ohio for its sixth NCCAA Div. II World Series under Pollock. In all but one of those years the Eagles played in the championship game, winning the National Championship twice (2009 and 2011).
TFC Wins Homecoming Match
TFC’s volleyball team hosted Piedmont International University as their homecoming opponent, and was victorious in a shutout win on October 13. The win for TFC was a true team effort. Every player who entered the game for TFC contributed with at least one kill, dig, or assist. The home team gave the alumni plenty to cheer for as they won 25-21, 25-19, and 25-13.
Despite trailing for a brief time in the opening set, TFC took the first set 25-21 with 18 earned points. The Lady Eagles doubled their lead in the match with 16 digs and 14 kills in set two. Senior Angela Tran had a total of 7 digs in the first two sets, and Mary Willis had 24 combined assists. The Lady Eagles would complete the shutout win in the third set behind solid team defense in the last set. Libero Rachel Morris had 6 of the team’s 21 digs in the winning set.
In the match, TFC would total 61 digs and 41 kills. Defensively, senior Bethany Slate led the Lady Eagles with 25 digs in her last homecoming. Rachel Morris added 12 digs. Angela Tran and Liz Hynson combined for 11 digs on the night. Hannah Cleek, Courtney Bechtold, and Britney Eitutis combined for 23 kills in the Lady Eagles’ attack. Slate added 16 kills in her own right. Mary Willis totaled 33 assists in her final homecoming.
TFC has now won four of their last 6 matches, and is 12-13 on the season. Looking to continue their good play, the Lady Eagles will travel to Talladega College on Tuesday. The next home game for the Lady Eagles will be October 19 against Spelman College. Tip off is set for 5:00.
Lady Eagles Defeated by LaGrange
TFC’s volleyball team traveled to LaGrange College on Wednesday for their third match in three days. The visiting Lady Eagles left the NCAA Division III school with a 3-0 loss.
TFC entered the match having won three of their last four matches, but had begun to feel the pain of playing three games in successive days. TFC fell behind in the first set after a 12-0 run by LaGrange, and dropped the first game, 9-25. The Lady Eagles attempted to regroup in the second set, and held a 16-13 lead. However, the Lady Eagles were unable to sustain the Panthers’ rally, and dropped the second set, 23-25. Down 0-2 and facing defeat, the Lady Eagles dropped the third set, 10-25.
The Lady Eagles totaled 44 digs on the night, and were led by Bethany Slates’ 10 digs. Rachel Morris and Courtney Bechtold each added 9, and Sarah Schaeffer contributed 7 digs. Hannah Cleek and Bechtold lead the Lady Eagles’ attack and combined for 11 kills in the match.
The Homecoming match will be Saturday when the Lady Eagles host region opponent Piedmont International University for a 2:00 match.
TFC Defeats Rival Point University
The TFC Lady Eagles hosted rivals Point University on October 9, and came away with the shutout win, 3-0. TFC has now won three of their last four matches. Point University, formerly known as Atlanta Christian College, has struggled in their new conference, and came into the match with TFC on a three game losing streak.
The Lady Eagles (11-12) began the first set with enthusiasm and excitement, and jumped to an early 11-7 lead. The Lady Skyhawks closed the gap to 14-13, but the Lady Eagles proved to be too much to handle, and took the first set 25-20.
The second set was also won by the home side after several intense rallies and sprawling defensive efforts from both sides. The Lady Eagles once again jumped to an early set lead, but had to fight off the comeback attempt from the Lady Skyhawks. TFC and the energetic student section would take the second set, 28-26.
Needing one more set to claim victory, the Lady Eagles fell behind in the third game, and trailed 7-9 before taking 10 of the next 12 points. Up 17-11, the Lady Eagles once again had to sustain the attack of Point University, and held on for a 25-23 win.
In the shutout victory, the Lady Eagles combined for 73 digs and 44 kills. The Lady Eagles averaged 16 digs a set coming into the match, but averaged 24 digs per set in the win. The Lady Eagles also outperformed their season kill average. Though the team averages 9 kills a game, the Lady Eagles buried almost 15 kills a set against Point. Libero Rachel Morris and setter Mary Willis combined for 30 digs on the night, and Bethany Slate added 22. Offensively, Slate led the Lady Eagles with 21 kills. Courtney Bechtold contributed with 7 kills. Willis also had 7 kills, but added 31 set assists.
The Lady Eagles will travel to LaGrange College on Wednesday for a non-region match, and will return home for a Saturday match against Piedmont International University. The homecoming match against PIU will begin at 2:00 pm.
Southern Wesleyan Too Much for TFC
The volleyball team was defeated at home by Southern Wesleyan University on October 8. TFC was beaten in three sets by Southern Wesleyan. SWU, a NAIA team from Anderson, South Carolina, came into the match having won 9 of their last 12 matches. TFC (11-12) fell 19-25, 11-25, and 13-25.
The Lady Eagles fought hard in the first set and won the first rotation. However, the Lady Eagles could not keep the early lead, and fell behind in the match 0-1. In game one, Bethany Slate and Rachel Morris combined for 10 digs. Slate led the Lady Eagles in the set with five kills. Mary Willis contributed five assists in the set.
The visiting Lady Warriors established their power in sets two and three. The Lady Eagles were unable to combat the size and speed advantage of the Lady Warriors, and fell 11-25 and 13-25 in the respective sets.
For the match, Slate and Morris combined for 25 digs defensively. Slate also led the Lady Eagles attack in the loss, and finished with 11 kills.
The Lady Eagles will travel to LaGrange College on Wednesday for a non-region match, and will return home for a Saturday match against Piedmont International University. The homecoming match against PIU will begin at 2:00 pm.
TFC Wins Home Game
The volleyball team has won back to back games as they defeated Truett-McConnell on Wednesday. The Lady Eagles traveled to nearby Cleveland, Georgia, and left with a victory in straight sets; 25-12, 25-13, and 25-14.The victory was TFC’s second this week, and the Lady Eagles have won 6 of their last 7 sets.
The Lady Eagles jumped to a quick 1-0 lead as they capitalized on 10 Truett-McConnell errors. In set one, TFC tallied 11 digs and 10 kills. In the second set, Truett-McConnell placed more kill attempts in bounds, but the Lady Eagles’ defense was up to the task. On their way to a comfortable 2-0 lead, TFC’s defense accounted for 23 digs in the set. Setter Mary Willis was credited with 20 assists in the first two sets. In the third and final set, the Lady Eagles had a match-high 14 kills to go along with their 23 digs. By finishing point opportunities and playing aggressive defense, the Lady Eagles cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win.
TFC’s defense had 57 digs in the victory, and were led by Bethany Slate’s 21 digs. Rachel Morris contributed 14, Courtney Bechtold and Rachel Morris added 10 and 8 digs, respectively. In the attack, Morris led the Lady Eagles with 29 assists. Slate also tallied 19 kills, Bechtold added 8, and Britney Eitutis killed 7 chances.
The Lady Eagles will have two home games next week. On Monday, October 8, Southern Wesleyan visits TFC at 7:00. The following day, Point University (formerly called Atlanta Christian College) will face the Lady Eagles at 6:30.
Lady Eagles Win in Straight Sets
TFC Lady Eagles hosted Tennessee Temple University in volleyball on Monday. The home side was victorious in four sets, winning 25-18, 25-16, 25-27, 25-22.
Monday’s match was the Lady Eagles’ fourth in 6 days; however, the Lady Eagles showed no fatigue. They continued to play hard throughout the match, especially on the defensive side of the ball. In the first set the Lady Eagles record 21 team digs and 11 team kills, and took the first set 25-18. Angela Tran and Bethany Slate combined for 12 digs in the first set. The Lady Eagles doubled their advantage in the second set and increased their lead to 2-0. In sets one and two, Mary Willis had 21 combined assists, and the Lady Eagles attack buried 21 team kills. Needing just one more set to win the match, TFC would find the winner in the fourth set. After a tough third set loss, the Lady Eagles rebounded in the fourth to take the match, 3-1. In the fourth and final set, TFC’s Courtney Bechtold served four aces to help the Lady Eagles close out the match and earn a much needed win.
On the night, the Lady Eagles combined for a 72 digs. Slate led the way with 30 digs and Rachel Morris contributed with an additional 20 digs. Slate also led TFC on the attack with 30 kills. Mary Willis finished the match with 38 assists for the winning side. After Monday’s 30/30 performance, Slate leads the nation in kills and is ranked second in number of digs.
The Lady Eagles (9-11) will travel on Wednesday, October 3, to nearby Truett-McConnell in Cleveland, Georgia, for a 7:00 pm match. The next home matches will be played on October 8and 9 when Southern Wesleyan then Point University come to TFC.
TFC Bests Tennessee Temple
TFC Lady Eagles hosted Tennessee Temple University in volleyball on Monday. The home side was victorious in four sets, winning 25-18, 25-16, 25-27, 25-22.
Monday’s match was the Lady Eagles’ fourth in 6 days; however, the Lady Eagles showed no fatigue. They continued to play hard throughout the match, especially on the defensive side of the ball. In the first set the Lady Eagles record 21 team digs and 11 team kills, and took the first set 25-18. Angela Tran and Bethany Slate combined for 12 digs in the first set. The Lady Eagles doubled their advantage in the second set and increased their lead to 2-0. In sets one and two, Mary Willis had 21 combined assists, and the Lady Eagles attack buried 21 team kills. Needing just one more set to win the match, TFC would find the winner in the fourth set. After a tough third set loss, the Lady Eagles rebounded in the fourth to take the match, 3-1. In the fourth and final set, TFC’s Courtney Bechtold served four aces to help the Lady Eagles close out the match and earn a much needed win.
On the night, the Lady Eagles combined for a 72 digs. Slate led the way with 30 digs and Rachel Morris contributed with an additional 20 digs. Slate also led TFC on the attack with 30 kills. Mary Willis finished the match with 38 assists for the winning side. After Monday’s 30/30 performance, Slate leads the nation in kills and is ranked second in number of digs.
The Lady Eagles (9-11) will travel on Wednesday, October 3, to nearby Truett-McConnell in Cleveland, Georgia, for a 7:00 pm match. The next home matches will be played on October 8and 9 when Southern Wesleyan then Point University come to TFC.
Lady Eagles Compete in Johnson University Tri-match
TFC’s volleyball team attended a tri-match in Knoxville, Tennessee, on September 29. Facing Ohio Christian and host Johnson University, the Lady Eagles returned home winless in the tri-match.
The Lady Eagles traveled to the Johnson University tri-match having faced just one N.C.C.A.A. Division II school in their last 8 matches. The grueling competition had taken its toll on the Lady Eagles, as they tried to return to their winning ways.
First facing the Ohio Christian Trailblazers (7-4), the Lady Eagles were downed in five matches; 18 – 25, 25 – 20, 25 – 18, 17 – 25, 4 – 15. After dropping the first set, the Lady Eagles rebounded to win games two and three as they focused on team defense and ensuring they capitalized on their scoring chances. In game two, Angela Tran, Bethany Slate, Rachel Morris, and Courtney Bechtold accounted for three digs each. Slate also had 10 kills in the set. Game three’s win had a similar blueprint as Tran, Slate and Morris tallied 16 of the team’s 18 digs. Setter Mary Willis had 20 total assists in the two wins.
After taking a 2-1 lead, the Lady Eagles would drop the final two sets as the defense struggled to stop the Trailblazers’ attack. In the match, Slate finished with 20 digs, Morris had 17, and Tran and Bechtold contributed with 8 and 7, respectively. Slate also led the way offensively with 25 kills. Britney Eitutis added 9, and Bechtold tallied 8. Mary Willis finished with 40 assists.
Having dropped a tough match to Ohio Christian, the Lady Eagles faced Johnson University in game two of the tri-match on September 29. Johnson entered the match winning 8 of their last 9 matches. The home side extended their good run after beating TFC in three sets; 22 – 25, 21 – 25, 24 – 26.
The Lady Eagles appeared to shake off the earlier loss to OCU as they began the match playing their trademark defense. Despite recording 24 digs in the first game and 57 total digs in the loss, the Lady Eagles were unable to convert defense into offense, and fell in straight sets.
The Lady Eagles will host Tennessee Temple on Monday, October 1 at 6:30 pm, and will travel to nearby Cleveland, Georgia, to face Truett-McConnell on October 3 for a 7:00 pm start.
TFC Downed by Catawba Valley
TFC’s volleyball team welcomed Catawba Valley Community College to Lois Delaney Gym for a match on Thursday, September 27. The Lady Eagles fought hard against the undefeated junior college, but fell in four games; 19-25, 15-25, 25-22, and 15-25.
The Lady Eagles’ picked up where they left off defensively, and forced the attack to execute in spite of the Lady Eagles swarming defense. Despite dropping the first set 19-25, the Lady Eagles were able to keep the match competitive by totaling 20 digs. The strong defensive effort did not lead to any wins in games one and two, but Lady Eagles rebounded in the third set and won 25-22. Facing defeat, Lady Eagles Bethany Slate, Courtney Bechtold, and Britney Eitutius combined for 10 kills in the set, and Rachel Morris lead the team defensively with nearly half of the team’s digs in the set. The Lady Eagles were unable to send enough kills to the floor in game four, and fell to the visiting Lady Buccaneers in the fourth and final set. For the match, the Lady Eagles totaled 65 digs and 41 kills. Mary Willis had 30 set assists in the attack.
The volleyball team will continue their loaded schedule this Saturday in a tri-match against Ohio Christian and hosts Johnson University. The Lady Eagles return home on Monday, October 1 to face Tennessee Temple at 6:30 pm.
Lady Eagles Fall to 8-8
The volleyball team was defeated at home in five sets to Talladega College on Monday, 3-2. The home squad showed tremendous fight against the NAIA school from Alabama, but were unable to earn the win. The match was the Lady Eagles’ third in five days, and evened their season record to 8-8 on the year.
The Lady Eagles took the first set behind Courtney Bechtold’s three service aces. With 12 digs and 8 kills, TFC took the first set, 25-16. Talladega evened the match by taking the second game 23-25. The visiting Tornadoes took the third set as well, 24-26. Down 2-1, the Lady Eagles refused to concede and won the fourth set, 25-22. Defensive specialist Rachel Morris led the Lady Eagles in the fourth with five digs. In the game-deciding fifth set, the Lady Eagles were unable to keep the momentum and fell, 9-15.
In the intense match where every point was critical, the Lady Eagles’ attack was led by Senior Bethany Slate, who tallied 19 kills. Bechtold scored 6 kills and five aces. Hannah Cleek and Mary Willis had 5 kills apiece, and Britney Eitutis added four. Mary Willis also had 28 set assists. Slate also led the defense with 23 digs on the night, and Morris contributed with 16.
The Lady Eagles host Catawba Valley Community College on Thursday at 7:00 pm, and travel to Johnson University this weekend. At Johnson, they will face the home team and Ohio Christian University.
Lady Eagles Earn Crucial Conference Win on the Road
The Lady Eagles volleyball team was victorious on the road against region opponent Piedmont International University on Saturday. The Lady Eagles took the match in five sets; 21-25, 22-25, 25-17, 25-15, 15-9.
The Lady Eagles (8-7) dropped the first two sets to the home side in tight, back and forth action. Facing defeat going into the third game, the Lady Eagles were able to regroup and win the set, 25-17. In the important third set, Britney Eitutis and Courtney Bechtold combined for four kills. Rachel Morris led the way defensively with 6 digs in the set.
Down 2-1, the Lady Eagles used the momentum of the third game to capture the fourth set, 25-15. Angela Tran led the Lady Eagles in the fourth game with five digs. Bethany Slate, Eitutis, and and Bechtold combined for 11 kills. Behind tight defense, four set aces, and 12 team kills, the Lady Eagles evened the match at two sets a piece.
With momentum and confidence on their side, the Lady Eagles took the decisive fifth set, 15-9. Defense was the story of the final set. In the shortened set to 15, the Lady Eagles recorded 14 crucial digs.
Offensively, the Lady Eagles were led by NCCAA Student/Athlete of the Week Bethany Slate. Slate recorded 22 kills. Eitutis and Bechtold finished with 12 and 11 kills, respectively. Mary Willis added 41 set assists in the attack. On the other side of the ball, libero Rachel Morris led the Lady Eagles defense with 27 digs. Slate added 15 digs, and Tran had 14.
The Lady Eagles will play two home matches this week. On September 24, they’ll host Talladega University at 7:00 pm. Catawaba Valley Community College comes to Lois Delaney Gym on September 27 for a 7:00 pm match. To complete the week, TFC will travel to Knoxville, Tennessee, to face host Johnson University and Ohio Christian University in a tri-match.
TFC Drops Match to Piedmont
TFC’s volleyball team fell in three sets on the road to Piedmont College on September 13. The nearby rivals topped the Eagles 8-25, 23-25, and 20-25.
After dropping the first set, the Lady Eagles (6-5) fought hard in the second set, but were unable to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The third set was a similar story. The Eagles played with defensive intensity and tallied 27 digs in the final set. Unfortunately for the Lady Eagles, the defensive efforts did not result in enough points to take the final set, as they fell to the Piedmont Lions (7-2). Piedmont College, a NCAA Division III school, has now won 6 of their last 7 matches, including winning 18 of their last 20 games.
Bethany Slate led the Eagles against the Lions. Slate totaled 20 digs and 16 kills. Slate is second in NCCAA with 162 kills. In the Piedmont match, libero Rachel Morris and Angela Tran also contributed with 14 and 7 digs, respectively. Mary Willis recorded 20 set assists in the loss. Willis is third in the south region, averaging over 6 assists a game. Freshman Courtney Bechtold is also nationally ranked. Bechtold is eighth in NCCAA with nearly one serving ace per set.
The Lady Eagles will travel to Clark Atlanta University on Friday, September 14 to face Clark Atlanta at 5:00 pm. Following the conclusion of that match, TFC will face Emmanuel College at 7:00 pm.
Lady Eagles Fall in Five Sets
TFC’s volleyball team suffered a heart-breaking loss on Wednesday, September 12. Hosting LaGrange College, the Eagles lost in five sets; 25-14, 21-25, 31-29, 18-25, and 12-15.
The Lady Eagles started the match by taking the first set behind good defensive play and by capitalizing on their opportunities for points. The first set went to the Lady Eagles, 25-14. LaGrange evened the match, taking the second set 21-25. Being tied at one set apiece, the match was filled with drama and tension in the third set. With each hit of the ball being critical, the set went beyond the 25 points needed to claim the set. Needing a two point advantage to win, the Lady Eagles finally claimed the third set at 31-29, after an intense battle between the two sides. Up two sets to one, the Lady Eagles needed just one more set to be match winners. Unfortunately for the Lady Eagles, they were unable to find the elusive winner. Down 2-1, LaGrange rallied and won the fourth set 18-25. With the match tied again the fifth set, played to 15, would determine the winner. LaGrange used that momentum to take the fifth and final set, 12-15.
TFC was led defensively by Bethany Slate, Rachel Morris, and Mary Willis. Slate recorded 34 digs, while Morris and Willis added 15 and 11, respectively. Morris also played an important role on offensive as well, assisting on 43 points. Slate tallied 26 kills, and Courtney Bechtold notched 14.
The Lady Eagles will play three road matches to finish the week. First, the Lady Eagles will travel to nearby Demorest for a 7:00 match against Piedmont College on Thursday, September 13. Clark Atlanta University will host TFC on September 14 at 5:00. Following that match, TFC will face Emmanuel College at Clark Atlanta University.
North – South Invitational
TFC’s volleyball team participated in the North- South Invitational in Tampa, Florida on September 7-8. The team was victorious against Florida Christian, Piedmont International University, and Trinity Baptist College, but fell in straight sets to Clearwater Christian and tournament host Trinity College.
In the tournament, several players contributed to the Lady Eagles’ success. Rachel Morris lead the team in digs, averaging 16 per game. Bethany Slate averaged 13, and Courtney Bechtold averaged 8. Offensively, Slate led the way with 10 kills a game, and Bechtold averaged 7. Mary Willis averaged 27 set assists per match in the tournament. Over the five match tournament, the Eagles averaged 26 kills and 55 digs a game.
The Lady Eagles will continue their challenging schedule this week. LaGrange College will travel to TFC on September 13 for a 7:00 pm match. The Eagles will also visit Piedmont College, Clark Atlanta University, and Emmanuel College.
TFC Volleyball Opens Season 2-0
TFC volleyball began their 2012 campaign with two home wins this past weekend, defeating both Truett-McConnell and Johnson Bible University.
In Friday’s match against the Truett-McConnell Bears, the Eagles were victorious in straight sets, winning 25-15, 25-8, and 25-14. Truett-McConnell is a NAIA program, and is relatively new to intercollegiate volleyball. The Eagles were led by Stephens County native Bethany Slate. Slate led the Eagles recording 17 digs and 17 kills. Senior Mary Willis contributed with 22 set assists. Hannah Cleek and Britney Eitutis added six and five kills, respectively. In total the Eagles were credited with 32 kills and 44 digs. Coach Selena Slate had this to say about their opening win: “Entering this game with very little preseason training, I’m very pleased with the win over an improving program. We played very good defensively, which is a major focus for us this year.”
TFC also hosted Johnson University and were victorious for the second time on the weekend. TFC defeated Johnson in four sets; 25-20, 23-25, 25-11, and 27-25. Willis and Slate once again led the Eagles statistically. Willis had 33 set assists and five kills, and Slate added 30 digs and 19 kills. Hadley Harris also played a vital role in the tense win with 9 kills. The defensive specialist for the Eagles is Rachel Morris. Playing the role of libero, Morris had 17 digs. “Johnson is a very good defensive team,” said Coach Slate. “We did a good job of matching up against their strong hitter. I’m really encouraged that we responded well in the second set after coming out flat. Our late rally in the second set, set the tone for us to win in the third and fourth sets.”
The Eagles have a busy week scheduled. The Eagles will travel to Spelman University on Tuesday, host North Greenville University at home on Wednesday, and will end the week playing in the North/South Tournament at Trinity Baptist University in Florida.