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SoCon Announces Men’s Golfer of the Week

Unknown — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, SC – Chattanooga freshman Evan Rogers was named Southern Conference Men’s Golfer of the Week for tournaments played between April 1 and April 7.

Rogers (Duluth, GA / Hebron Christian Academy) shot 70-69-70 (209) to capture medalist honors at the 2026 Racer Intercollegiate at the Country Club of Paducah in Kentucky. Rogers finished each round at least four strokes better than the tournament average, using 12 birdies and 37 pars to edge Austin Peay’s Patton Samuels (210) and teammate Camden Braidech(211). He finished with a 4.42 stroke average on Par 5 holes, which led the tournament. His 69.67 stroke average over 54 holes was more than five strokes better than the tournament average (74.87). Rogers was at his best in cool and windy conditions, with only 10 other golfers finishing under par for the tournament. It was Rogers' third top-10 finish of the season, and his highest since finishing fifth at the 2025 Visit Knoxville Collegiate in early September. He leads all SoCon freshmen this season with a 72.75 stroke average over 24 rounds.

Rogers’ individual excellence lifted the Mocs to a team title on the 6,924-yard course, beating second-place North Dakota State by 20 strokes. Chattanooga posted a season-best 19-under par (845), which is tied for the sixth lowest team score vs. par in program history. Coach Blaine Woodruff’s squad is 35 strokes under par over its last eight rounds of golf.

Also nominated: Harris Barth (Furman), Josemaria Gutierrez (Mercer), Keenan Royalty (UNC Greensboro).

2025-26 SoCon Men’s Golfer of the Week

Sep. 10 – Tyler Jones, R-So., Western Carolina (Jacksonville, NC)

Sep. 17 – Harris Barth, Sr., Furman (Atlanta, GA)

Oct. 1 – Andrew Korytoski, Jr., Western Carolina (Cataula, GA)

Oct. 8 – Harris Barth, Sr., Furman (Atlanta, GA)

Oct. 15 – Gavin Isbell, So., Samford (Trussville, AL)

Oct. 22 – Ward Harris, So., Chattanooga (Birmingham, AL)

Nov. 5 – Yannick Malik, Sr., ETSU (Munich, Germany)

Feb. 4 – Tyler Jones, R-So., Western Carolina (Jacksonville, NC)

Feb. 11 – Kelvin Hernandez, Jr., UNC Greensboro (Caguas, Puerto Rico)

Feb. 18 – Tyler Jones, R-So., Western Carolina (Jacksonville, NC)

Feb. 25 – Kelvin Hernandez, Jr., UNC Greensboro (Caguas, Puerto Rico)

Mar. 4 – Camden Braidech, Jr., Chattanooga (Scottsdale, AZ)

Mar. 11 – Oli Blackadder, Fr., ETSU (Aberdeen, Scotland)

Mar. 18 – Jace Butcher, Jr., Western Carolina (Kennesaw, GA)

Mar. 25 – Henry Robards, So., Mercer (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)

Apr. 1 – Dax Isbell, Sr., UNC Greensboro (Cumming, GA)

Apr. 8 – Evan Rogers, Fr., Chattanooga (Duluth, GA)

SoCon announces Outdoor Track & Field Athletes of the Week

Unknown — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Western Carolina’s Christian Roberts, Austin Cline, and Toria Roundtree have been named the Southern Conference men’s track, men’s field, and women’s field outdoor athletes of the week, respectively. Wofford’s Taylor Jennings‑Ward has been selected as the women’s outdoor track athlete of the week, the conference office announced Wednesday.

This week’s honorees competed at the VertKlasse Meeting hosted by High Point University.

Jennings‑Ward ran a personal‑best 54.91 in the 400‑meter dash. She finished third at the meet, and her time now leads all Southern Conference performances.

Roundtree recorded a conference‑leading 45.98m in the discus. The mark also ranks as the third‑best performance in Western Carolina program history.

Roberts ran 52.71 in the 400‑meter hurdles to place second and set the conference‑leading mark. He also clocked 14.35 in the 110‑meter hurdles, another conference‑leading performance, finishing fifth overall.

Cline placed third in the hammer throw with a mark of 55.38m, improving his No. 5 all‑time performance in program history. The junior now leads the league by just under two meters.

Wofford and Western Carolina are set to compete next at the Duke Invitational.

Also nominated
Garner Ezell, Samford	Men’s Field
McCrary Beaty, WCU	Women’s Track
Jayla Simmons, Mercer	Women’s Field
Laurel Phelps, Samford	Women’s Field

2025-26 Southern Conference Outdoor Track and Field Athletes of the Week

March 18	Men’s Track – Trevor Williams, WCU Men’s Field – Austin Cline, WCU Women’s Track – Shaneil Lysight, WCU Women’s Field – Ellison Chadwick, Samford
March 25	Men’s Track – Trevor Williams, WCU Men’s Field – Austin Cline, WCU Women’s Track – Naturale Faison, VMI Women’s Field – Sadler Miller, WCU
April 1	Men's Track - Albert Velikonja, Furman Men's Field - Bryce Davis, Samford Women's Track - Aaliyah Mbenda, Samford Women's Field - JT Shaw, Samford
April 8	Men's Track - Christian Roberts, WCU Men's Field - Austin Cline, WCU Women's Track - Taylor Jennings-Ward, Wofford Women's Field - Toria Roundtree, WCU

Furman’s Lillie Murphy named SoCon player of the week

Unknown — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Furman’s Lillie Murphy has been named the Southern Conference women’s tennis player of the week for all matches played from March 31-April 6, the conference announced on Tuesday. The award is selected by the league office.

Murphy, who won the honor for the fourth time this season, went 4-0 over singles and doubles play last week as Furman topped Wofford and Chattanooga. In a 7-0 win over Wofford on March 31, the freshman combined with Elle Warren for a 6-2 win in doubles, before winning, 6-1, 6-1, in singles. Three days later, the native of Knoxville, Tennessee, won, 7-6 (7-2), 7-5, in her topflight singles match, and teamed up with Warren once again for a 6-2 victory in doubles.

Furman concludes its regular season at ETSU on April 11. The winner of that match will be the outright SoCon regular season champion and the top seed in the SoCon Tennis Championships.

Also nominated: Alessandra Caceres (ETSU) and Marina de Diego Quinones (Mercer)

2026 SoCon Women’s Tennis Players of the Week
Jan. 20 Lillie Murphy, Fr., Furman

Jan. 27 Elle Warren, Fr., Furman

Feb. 3 Eleni Liakonis, So., Samford

Feb. 10 Addison Iacono, Fr., Chattanooga

Feb. 17 Mariya Dobreva, So., Western Carolina

Feb. 24 Savannah Presson, So., Chattanooga

March 3 Ksenija Rage, So., ETSU

March 10 Lillie Murphy, Fr., Furman

March 17 Rufaro Magarira, So., Chattanooga

March 24 Lillie Murphy, Fr., Furman

March 31 Elle Warren, Fr., Furman

April 7 Lillie Murphy, Fr., Furman

ETSU’s Oscar Martinez named SoCon player of the week

Unknown — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – ETSU’s Oscar Martinez has been named the Southern Conference Men’s Tennis Player of the Week for all competition from March 31-April 6. The selection is made by the league office.

Martinez, who won the award for the sixth time this season, led ETSU to wins over Chattanooga and Furman, clinching at least a share of the SoCon regular season crown. On April 2, the junior topped the Mocs’ Jakub Jupa, (6-2, 6-7(5-7), 10-7), ending Jupa’s 13-match singles winning streak as ETSU won, 7-0. Against Furman on April 6, the native of La Guaira, Venezuela, picked up a 6-3, 6-3, win over Nico Snyder in singles en route to leading Chattanooga to a 5-2 victory. In doubles play, Martinez teamed up with Martin Vergara for a 6-3 win versus Chattanooga, and a 6-1 victory at Furman. Martinez, who has been the Bucs’ No. 1 player all season, currently holds a 17-1 record in singles play.

ETSU concludes its regular season at The Citadel on April 8.

Also nominated: Nemanja Stefanovic (Mercer) and Darcy Nicholls (Samford)

2026 SoCon Men’s Tennis Players of the Week
Jan. 20 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

Jan. 27 Martin Vergara, R-So., ETSU

Feb. 3 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

Feb. 10 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

Feb. 17 Nico Snyder, So., Furman

Feb. 24 Jakub Jupa, Jr., Chattanooga

March 3 Kai Cowcher, Jr., ETSU

March 10 Santiago Arredondo, Sr., Samford

March 17 Tymofiy Khrystyuk, Sr., UNCG

March 24 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

March 31 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

April 7 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

SoCon Softball Player, Pitcher of the Week announced

Unknown — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Chattanooga infielder Baileigh Pitts and Furman right-hander Kristyn Embler have been named the Southern Conference softball player and pitcher of the week, respectively, for their efforts from March 30-April 5. The awards are selected by the league office.

Pitts hit .615 over four games as Chattanooga went 3-1 last week. In an 8-7 win over Georgia State on March 31, the senior sparked a seventh-inning rally with a sac fly as the Mocs scored five runs in the frame, sending the game to extras before hitting a walk-off two-run double in the eighth inning. The native of Ringgold, Georgia, had a home run and a RBI single in the team’s 8-0 win over Mercer in the first game of their series against the Bears on April 3. Later that day, Pitts was 2-for-4 with a run scored in a 6-5 10-inning triumph. In the series finale on April 4, Pitts had two hits and a pair of walks in a 5-2 setback versus Mercer.

Embler threw a complete-game shutout, striking out two batters and surrendering zero extra base hits in a 3-0 win at UNCG on April 4. The freshman’s performance inside the circle fueled the Paladins’ first conference win of the season and gave the Spartans their first conference defeat of 2026. Along with her strong performance as a pitcher, the native of Harrisburg, North Carolina, drove in the first run of the game on an RBI single in the first inning.

Chattanooga (15-21-1, 3-6 SoCon) welcomes ETSU for a weekend series on April 11-12. Furman (6-30, 1-8) hosts a doubleheader against Presbyterian on April 7, before going to Mercer for a series on April 11-12.

Other nominees for player of the week: Macy Michael (UNCG), Maya McPherson (Western Carolina), and Brianna Stanley (Wofford)

Other nominees for pitcher of the week: Taylor Long (Chattanooga), Amanda Fulton (Western Carolina), and Margaret Axelson (Wofford)

2026 SoCon Softball Players of the Week
Feb. 9 Brianna Stanley, So., INF, Wofford

Feb. 16 Olivia Shaw, Jr., SS, Samford

Feb. 23 Brianna Stanley, So., INF, Wofford

March 2 Riley Croley, Fr., 3B, ETSU

March 9 Maya McPherson, Jr., 3B, Western Carolina

March 16 Avery Barton, Sr., SS, Mercer

March 23 Maya McPherson, Jr., 3B, Western Carolina

March 30 Katie Campbell, Jr., C/1B, Samford

April 6 Baileigh Pitts, Sr., 1B, Chattanooga

2026 SoCon Softball Pitchers of the Week

Feb. 9 Madison Starr, Jr., Mercer

Feb. 16 Abby Greenwood, Jr., Wofford

Feb. 23 Brooklyn Shroyer, Jr., UNCG

March 2 Gabrielle Fowler, Jr., ETSU

March 9 Brooklyn Shroyer, Jr., UNCG

March 16 Amanda Fulton, So., Western Carolina

March 23 Brooklyn Shroyer, Jr., UNCG

March 30 Reese Hickey, Fr., Samford

April 6 Kristyn Embler, Fr., Furman

SoCon Announces Weekly Baseball Awards

Unknown — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, SC – Wofford sophomore outfielder Ben Timblin was named SoCon Baseball Player of the Week, and Western Carolina junior reliever Mason Snyder was named SoCon Pitcher of the Week following games played from March 31 through April 5.

Timblin (Signal Mountain, TN / Signal Mountain HS) batted .467 (7-for-15) with five runs scored, two doubles, three home runs and 12 RBI to lead the Terriers in four games last week. In the weekend SoCon series at VMI, Timblin homered in all three games and finished 7-for-12 (.583) with two doubles, three home runs, and all 12 RBI. He drove in five runs in each of the final two games of the series. In the 16-5 win over VMI in the series opener, Timblin went 2-for-3 with a home run and a double. He went 2-for-4 with a home run and five RBI in Friday’s 9-2 win and finished by going 3-for-5 with a double, home run, and five RBI in the series finale. He posted a 1.200 slugging percentage and 1.700 OPS for the week, powered by 18 total bases.

Timblin is batting .336 with six home runs and 40 RBI so far this season for the first-place Terriers (21-11, 5-1 SoCon).

Snyder (Ocilla, GA / Irwin County HS) earned his second SoCon Pitcher of the Week honor after picking up a pair of saves in 4.1 innings of work for the Catamounts this past week. He worked a scoreless frame at Presbyterian on Tuesday night, before closing out the series opener vs. Winthrop with 3.0 innings of scoreless relief work on Thursday. Snyder came on for the final two outs in the series clincher Saturday, stranding the tying run at third base in a 7-6 win over the Eagles.

Snyder is 3-0 this season with a 1.20 ERA and two saves in 13 appearances this season.

Also Nominated for Player of the Week: Jacob Budzik (UNC Greensboro), Tristan Curless (ETSU), Grayson Fitzwater (VMI), Garrett Fulmer (The Citadel), Michael Graziano (Mercer), Jake Souders (Samford), Trent Turner (Western Carolina).

Also Nominated for Pitcher of the Week: Alec Bouchard (Wofford), Noah Chapman (UNC Greensboro), Michael Gibson (The Citadel), Garrett Lambert (Mercer).

2025-26 SoCon Player of the Week

Feb. 16 – Andrew Quarless, R-So., Western Carolina (C, Winston-Salem, NC)

Feb. 23 – Braydon Kersey, Jr., Mercer (DH/INF, Alpharetta, GA)

Mar. 2 – Titan Kamaka, Sr., Mercer (SS, Orlando, FL)

Mar. 9 – Grayson Fitzwater, Sr., VMI (1B, Suffolk, VA)

Mar. 16 – Grayson Fitzwater, Sr., VMI (1B, Suffolk, VA)

Mar. 23 – Tristan Curless, Sr., ETSU (1B/P, Amarillo, TX)

Mar. 30 – Parker McDonald, Sr., Samford (3B, Tallahassee, FL)

Apr. 6 – Ben Timblin, So., Wofford (Signal Mountain, TN)

2025-26 SoCon Pitcher of the Week

Feb. 16 – Andrew Marble, Jr., Samford (RHP, Hurley, MS)

Feb. 23 – Michael Harpster, Jr., ETSU (RHP, Lynchburg, VA)

Mar. 2 – Bryce Coulter, Jr., The Citadel (RHP, Sumter, SC)

Mar. 9 – Mason Snyder, Jr., Western Carolina (RHP, Ocilla, GA)

Mar. 16 – Carter Burnette, So., Western Carolina (RHP, Asheville, NC)

Mar. 23 – Joseph Lee, Sr., Samford (RHP, San Jose, CA)

Mar. 30 – Michael Harpster, Jr., ETSU (RHP, Lynchburg, VA)

Apr. 6 – Mason Snyder, Jr., Western Carolina (RHP, Ocilla, GA)

Wofford's Brandon Maina Named FCS ADA Scholar-Athlete of the Year

The Southern Conference — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Samford’s Nicastro named SoCon Golfer of the Week

Unknown — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Samford's Gabi Nicastro has been named the Southern Conference Women’s Golfer of the Week for all competitions held March 25–April 1, the league office announced Wednesday.

This marks Nicastro’s fourth Golfer of the Week honor this season.

The Bulldogs competed at the ULM Invitational on March 30–31, where Nicastro claimed individual medalist honors with a 13-under-par final score. Her third-round performance of 10-under 62 set a school record for the lowest single-round score in program history.

The Huntsville, Alabama, native’s performance included the following statistical rankings: first in par 3 scoring (-3), second in par 4 scoring (-7), tied for sixth in par 5 scoring (-3), tied for first in eagles (1), and second in birdies (18).

Previously named SoCon Freshman of the Year (2024) and SoCon Golfer of the Year (2025), Nicastro is currently ranked first among SoCon golfers this season, according to Scoreboard by Clippd. She also holds the highest national ranking among SoCon competitors at No. 192.

Samford will conclude its regular-season schedule April 6–8 at the Golfweek/Stifel Spring Challenge in Pawley’s Island, South Carolina.

Also nominated: Bella Kent - Wofford, Sophia Gambini - ETSU, Lulu Leetham - UNCG, Eva Ringwald - Furman
2025-26 SoCon Women’s Golfer of the Week

Sept. 10	Audrey Ryu, Furman
Sept. 17	Bella Kent, Wofford
Sept. 24	Audrey Ryu, Furman
Oct. 1	Katie Scheck, Mercer
Oct. 8	Katie Scheck, Mercer
Oct. 15	Sophia Gambini, ETSU
Oct. 22	Julia Baeumken, UNCG
Oct. 29	Riley Kim, Mercer
Nov. 5	Katie Scheck, Mercer
Jan. 28	Gabi Nicastro, Samford
Feb. 4	Audrey Ryu, Furman
Feb. 11	Anika Richards, Samford
Feb. 18	Gabi Nicastro, Samford
Feb. 25	Erin Wells, Chattanooga
March 4	Jenna Madden, Furman
March 11	Gabi Nicastro, Samford
March 18	Olivia Hasselbach, Furman
March 25	Katie Scheck, Mercer
April 1	Gabi Nicastro, Samford

SoCon Announces Men's Golfer of the Week

Unknown — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, SC – UNC Greensboro senior Dax Isbell was named Southern Conference Men’s Golfer of the Week for events played between March 25-March 31.

Isbell (Cumming, GA / North Forsyth HS) paced the Spartans against a formidable field at the 2026 Maridoe Collegiate, hosted by North Texas at the Maridoe Golf Club in Carrolton, TX. The Spartans finished one stroke out of the top 10 in a tournament that included four top 20 teams and two teams ranked inside the top 10 nationally.

The 7,569-yard course (Par 72) proved challenging, with wind gusts between 31-35 miles per hour and a high temperature of 84 contributing to an average score of 77.28 over 225 individual rounds and an average of 78.01 over the final 18 holes Tuesday. Isbell finished in a tie for 25^th overall, rising four spots on the final day to finish one stroke back of No. 58 Gaven Lane of Oklahoma State. He earned 38.48 NCAA points after shooting 76-76-77 for the event, beating the field average by more than a stroke in each of the last two rounds. Only two golfers finished the tournament below par, with No. 7 Oklahoma State winning the team title by 18 strokes over No. 9 Arizona State.

Also nominated: Charles Warren (Wofford).

2025-26 SoCon Men’s Golfer of the Week

Sep. 10 – Tyler Jones, R-So., Western Carolina (Jacksonville, NC)

Sep. 17 – Harris Barth, Sr., Furman (Atlanta, GA)

Oct. 1 – Andrew Korytoski, Jr., Western Carolina (Cataula, GA)

Oct. 8 – Harris Barth, Sr., Furman (Atlanta, GA)

Oct. 15 – Gavin Isbell, So., Samford (Trussville, AL)

Oct. 22 – Ward Harris, So., Chattanooga (Birmingham, AL)

Nov. 5 – Yannick Malik, Sr., ETSU (Munich, Germany)

Feb. 4 – Tyler Jones, R-So., Western Carolina (Jacksonville, NC)

Feb. 11 – Kelvin Hernandez, Jr., UNC Greensboro (Caguas, Puerto Rico)

Feb. 18 – Tyler Jones, R-So., Western Carolina (Jacksonville, NC)

Feb. 25 – Kelvin Hernandez, Jr., UNC Greensboro (Caguas, Puerto Rico)

Mar. 4 – Camden Braidech, Jr., Chattanooga (Scottsdale, AZ)

Mar. 11 – Oli Blackadder, Fr., ETSU (Aberdeen, Scotland)

Mar. 18 – Jace Butcher, Jr., Western Carolina (Kennesaw, GA)

Mar. 25 – Henry Robards, So., Mercer (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)

Apr. 1 – Dax Isbell, Sr., UNC Greensboro (Cumming, GA)

SoCon announces Outdoor Track Athletes of the Week

Unknown — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Samford’s Bryce Davis, Aaliyah Mbenda, and JT Shaw have been named the Southern Conference men’s field, women’s track, and women’s field outdoor athletes of the week, respectively. Furman’s Albert Velikonja has been selected as the men’s outdoor track athlete of the week, the conference office announced Wednesday.

Velikonja set the conference-leading time in the 5,000 meters at the Raleigh Relays. He placed 17th out of more than 166 runners, finishing in 13:51.71. His performance also ranks 15th in the NCAA East region.

Davis won both the shot put (16.22m) and hammer throw (53.52m) at the UAB Invite. He now leads the SoCon in the shot put and ranks third in the hammer.

Mbenda ran a conference-leading 64.80 in the 400-meter hurdles to win the event in her first-ever appearance at the distance. She also posted a 13.52 in the 100-meter hurdles, another conference-leading mark.

Shaw claimed the women’s shot put and hammer throw titles at the UAB Invite, recording marks of 13.56m and 50.06m, respectively. Both performances currently lead the conference.

Samford will compete next at the Troy Invite on April 3-4, and Furman travels to the Duke Invitational on April 9-11.

Also nominated: Naomi Pierce, Mercer – Women's Field, Camryn Wennersten, Furman – Women's Track, Micailah Cook, ETSU – Women's Track, Cole Grande, Samford – Men’s Track

2025-26 Southern Conference Outdoor Track and Field Athletes of the Week

March 18

Men’s Track – Trevor Williams, WCU

Men’s Field – Austin Cline, WCU

Women’s Track – Shaneil Lysight, WCU

Women’s Field – Ellison Chadwick, Samford

March 25

Men’s Track – Trevor Williams, WCU

Men’s Field – Austin Cline, WCU

Women’s Track – Naturale Faison, VMI

Women’s Field – Sadler Miller, WCU

April 1

Men's Track - Albert Velikonja, Furman

Men's Field - Bryce Davis, Samford

Women's Track - Aaliyah Mbenda, Samford

Women's Field - JT Shaw, Samford

Furman’s Elle Warren named SoCon player of the week

Unknown — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Furman’s Elle Warren has been named the Southern Conference women’s tennis player of the week for all matches played from March 24-30, the conference announced on Tuesday. The award is selected by the league office.

Warren, who also won the honor on Jan. 27, got four wins over two matches for Furman last week. On March 24, the freshman from Canton, Ohio, combined with Lillie Murphy for a 6-2 doubles win, before capturing a 6-1, 6-0, singles victory as the Paladins defeated Mercer, 7-0. Against Samford on March 29, Warren and Murphy, who are the 31st-ranked tandem in the country, won, 6-1, in doubles, and Warren was victorious, 6-2, 7-5, in singles as Furman got a 5-2 win over the Bulldogs.

Furman hosts Wofford on March 31, and Chattanooga on April 3.

Also nominated: Audelie Lesauvage (ETSU), Marina de Diego Quinones (Mercer), and Grace Agster (Wofford)

2026 SoCon Women’s Tennis Players of the Week
Jan. 20 Lillie Murphy, Fr., Furman

Jan. 27 Elle Warren, Fr., Furman

Feb. 3 Eleni Liakonis, So., Samford

Feb. 10 Addison Iacono, Fr., Chattanooga

Feb. 17 Mariya Dobreva, So., Western Carolina

Feb. 24 Savannah Presson, So., Chattanooga

March 3 Ksenija Rage, So., ETSU

March 10 Lillie Murphy, Fr., Furman

March 17 Rufaro Magarira, So., Chattanooga

March 24 Lillie Murphy, Fr., Furman

March 31 Elle Warren, Fr., Furman

ETSU’s Oscar Martinez named SoCon player of the week

Unknown — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – ETSU’s Oscar Martinez has been named the Southern Conference Men’s Tennis Player of the Week for all competition from March 24-30. The selection is made by the league office.

Martinez, who won the honor for the fifth time this season including the last two weeks, led ETSU to wins over Wofford and 70th-ranked Samford last week. In a 7-0 win versus Wofford on March 27, the junior got a 6-2, 6-3, win in singles over Parker Mariencheck. Two days later, the native of La Guaira, Venezuela, combined with Martin Vergara for a 7-6 win in doubles, before logging a 6-4, 6-4, victory in singles, helping the Buccaneers top the Bulldogs, 4-3, in a matchup of ranked squads. Martinez is now 15-1 in singles and 12-2 in doubles this season.

ETSU welcomes Chattanooga on April 2, before traveling to Furman on April 6.

Also nominated: Evan Duggal (Furman) and Amen Prince Gandonou (Mercer)

2026 SoCon Men’s Tennis Players of the Week
Jan. 20 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

Jan. 27 Martin Vergara, R-So., ETSU

Feb. 3 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

Feb. 10 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

Feb. 17 Nico Snyder, So., Furman

Feb. 24 Jakub Jupa, Jr., Chattanooga

March 3 Kai Cowcher, Jr., ETSU

March 10 Santiago Arredondo, Sr., Samford

March 17 Tymofiy Khrystyuk, Sr., UNCG

March 24 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

March 31 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

SoCon Softball Player, Pitcher of the Week announced

Unknown — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Samford infielder Katie Campbell and Bulldogs right-hander Reese Hickey have been named the Southern Conference softball player and pitcher of the week, respectively, for their efforts from March 23-29. The awards are selected by the league office.

Campbell hit .615 at the plate, leading Samford to a 4-0 record last week. In a 13-0 win at Alabama State on March 24, the junior went 2-for-2 with a double, two walks and two runs scored. Campbell’s best game of the weekend came in the first game of the team’s weekend series against Chattanooga on March 28, when she hit three solo home runs in a 9-4 victory. In the second game of the day, the native of Cape Coral, Florida, had a hit, a walk and an RBI in a 6-5 win. In the series finale, Campbell had two hits, including a three-run home run, as Samford defeated Chattanooga, 10-4, on March 29.

Hickey made three appearances inside the circle last week, going 2-0 in those outings while allowing zero runs. The freshman tossed a complete-game shutout versus Alabama State, striking out six batters in the contest. In the team’s 9-4 win against Chattanooga, the product of Atlanta, Georgia, pitch 1.2 innings of relief work, allowing zero hits and striking out one batter. Hickey picked up her second win of the week in the team’s 6-5 win on March 28, entering the game in the second inning with the squad down, 5-0, and logging four strikeouts in the comeback victory.

Samford (15-21, 5-1 SoCon) plays at UAB on March 31, before going to Wofford for a weekend series on April 3-4.

Other nominees for player of the week: Leinani Lutu (ETSU), Olivia Lenzen (Mercer), Nya South (UNCG), Maya McPherson (Western Carolina), and Brianna Stanley (Wofford)

Other nominees for pitcher of the week: Eden Muncy (ETSU), Grace Roark (Mercer), Brooklyn Shroyer (UNCG), and Abby Greenwood (Wofford)

2026 SoCon Softball Players of the Week
Feb. 9 Brianna Stanley, So., INF, Wofford

Feb. 16 Olivia Shaw, Jr., SS, Samford

Feb. 23 Brianna Stanley, So., INF, Wofford

March 2 Riley Croley, Fr., 3B, ETSU

March 9 Maya McPherson, Jr., 3B, Western Carolina

March 16 Avery Barton, Sr., SS, Mercer

March 23 Maya McPherson, Jr., 3B, Western Carolina

March 30 Katie Campbell, Jr., C/1B, Samford

2026 SoCon Softball Pitchers of the Week

Feb. 9 Madison Starr, Jr., Mercer

Feb. 16 Abby Greenwood, Jr., Wofford

Feb. 23 Brooklyn Shroyer, Jr., UNCG

March 2 Gabrielle Fowler, Jr., ETSU

March 9 Brooklyn Shroyer, Jr., UNCG

March 16 Amanda Fulton, So., Western Carolina

March 23 Brooklyn Shroyer, Jr., UNCG

March 30 Reese Hickey, Fr., Samford

SoCon Announces Weekly Baseball Awards

Unknown — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Tickets Available for 2026 Holston Gases SoCon Baseball Championship

SPARTANBURG, SC – Samford senior Parker McDonald was named SoCon Baseball Player of the Week, and ETSU junior Michael Harpster was named SoCon Baseball Pitcher of the Week following games played from March 23 through March 29.

McDonald (Tallahassee, FL / Lawton Chiles HS) led the Bulldogs to a 3-1 week and a non-conference series win over Presbyterian. He batted .615 (8-for-13) with four doubles, four runs scored, one home run, and four RBI. The Bulldogs’ third baseman coaxed three walks, posted a .688 on-base percentage, and produced a league-best 1.841 OPS with 15 total bases. He started the week with an RBI double in a 7-2 win at Troy, then followed by going 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles and a walk in a 7-5 loss to the Blue Hose in Friday’s series opener. McDonald came through with a pair of hits and an RBI double in Saturday’s 7-4 win over Presbyterian, then closed his week with a 2-for-3 effort and an inside-the-park, two-run home run to close out Sunday’s 5-0 series clincher.

A first-team All-SoCon choice at third base in 2025, McDonald is batting .244 this season with three home runs, nine doubles, and 15 RBI. He has reached base safely in seven consecutive games and is in the midst of a four-game hitting streak.

Harpster (Lynchburg, VA / E.C. Glass HS) earned his second SoCon Pitcher of the Week honor of the season after hurling a season-best 7.0 innings without allowing an earned run in a 4-3, series-clinching win over VMI Saturday. The righty fanned seven Keydets, walked just one, and scattered three hits in the win.

Harpster improved to 4-1 this season with a strong 3.19 ERA in seven starts for the Bucs. Harpster has forged a 19-5 career record in his three seasons on the mound at ETSU.

Samford (12-15, 1-2 SoCon) will travel to West Georgia on March 31 for a 4:00 pm first pitch, before returning to SoCon action at home this weekend with a visit from ETSU.

ETSU (19-4, 4-1 SoCon) will not play a midweek game this week, traveling to face Samford on April 2 in the opener of a three-game SoCon series.

Also Nominated for Player of the Week: Christian Stratis (The Citadel), Ian Guanzon (ETSU), Luke Jenkins (UNC Greensboro), Logan Shepherd (Mercer), Cole Raile (VMI), Walker Fox (Western Carolina), Marc Quarrie (Wofford).

Also Nominated for Pitcher of the Week: Andrew Buffkin (The Citadel), Cannon Lee (UNC Greensboro), Jeb Johnson (Mercer), Noah Berry (Samford), Andrew Jones (VMI), Carter Burnette (Western Carolina), Cullen Condon (Wofford).

2025-26 SoCon Player of the Week

Feb. 16 – Andrew Quarless, R-So., Western Carolina (C, Winston-Salem, NC)

Feb. 23 – Braydon Kersey, Jr., Mercer (DH/INF, Alpharetta, GA)

Mar 2 – Titan Kamaka, Sr., Mercer (SS, Orlando, FL)

Mar 9 – Grayson Fitzwater, Sr., VMI (1B, Suffolk, VA)

Mar 16 – Grayson Fitzwater, Sr., VMI (1B, Suffolk, VA)

Mar 23 – Tristan Curless, Sr., ETSU (1B/P, Amarillo, TX)

Mar 30 – Parker McDonald, Sr., Samford (3B, Tallahassee, FL)

2025-26 SoCon Pitcher of the Week

Feb. 16 – Andrew Marble, Jr., Samford (RHP, Hurley, MS)

Feb. 23 – Michael Harpster, Jr., ETSU (RHP, Lynchburg, VA)

Mar 2 – Bryce Coulter, Jr., The Citadel (RHP, Sumter, SC)

Mar 9 – Mason Snyder, Jr., Western Carolina (RHP, Ocilla, GA)

Mar 16 – Carter Burnette, So., Western Carolina (RHP, Asheville, NC)

Mar 23 – Joseph Lee, Sr., Samford (RHP, San Jose, CA)

Mar 30 – Michael Harpster, Jr., ETSU (RHP, Lynchburg, VA)

SoCon Baseball Tournament '26

The Southern Conference — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Tickets are now available for the SoCon 2026 Baseball Championship presented by Holston Gases!

Mercer's Scheck named SoCon Golfer of the Week

Unknown — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Mercer’s Katie Scheck has been named the Southern Conference Women’s Golfer of the Week for all competitions held March 18–24, the league office announced Wednesday.

The Bears competed at the Florida State Matchup on March 20-22.

Scheck finished tied for 16^th after posting rounds of 73, 73 and 75. Her performance featured the carding of 36 pars over 54 holes, which was tied for fifth most in the field.

With this week's selection, the Mercer grad student has earned her fourth weekly honor of the season.

The native of Ooltewah, Tennessee, is the number one ranked golfer in the league, according to Scoreboard by Clippd. Scheck also has the highest national rank among SoCon golfers (#183).

Mercer will conclude its regular season schedule on March 29-30, when the Bears host the Houston Lake Invitational from Houston Lakes Country Club in Perry, Georgia.

2025-26 SoCon Women’s Golfer of the Week

Sept. 10	Audrey Ryu, Furman
Sept. 17	Bella Kent, Wofford
Sept. 24	Audrey Ryu, Furman
Oct. 1	Katie Scheck, Mercer
Oct. 8	Katie Scheck, Mercer
Oct. 15	Sophia Gambini, ETSU
Oct. 22	Julia Baeumken, UNCG
Oct. 29	Riley Kim, Mercer
Nov. 5	Katie Scheck, Mercer
Jan. 28	Gabi Nicastro, Samford
Feb. 4	Audrey Ryu, Furman
Feb. 11	Anika Richards, Samford
Feb. 18	Gabi Nicastro, Samford
Feb. 25	Erin Wells, Chattanooga
March 4	Jenna Madden, Furman
March 11	Gabi Nicastro, Samford
March 18	Olivia Hasselbach, Furman
March 25	Katie Scheck, Mercer

SoCon Announces Men’s Golfer of the Week

Unknown — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, SC – Mercer sophomore Henry Robards was named Southern Conference Men’s Golfer of the Week for events played between March 18 and March 24.

Robards (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL / Episcopal School) finished in a tie for 16^th at the 2026 Linger Longer Invitational, played on the Great Waters Course at Reynolds Oconee in Georgia. He sank 15 birdie putts over three rounds, including nine over the first 18 holes to finish his first day with a 67 (-5). Robards carded a 30 over the back nine that day, recording six birdies and three pars. He followed with a 72 in the second round and closed with a 73 to finish 4-under par for the tournament. He was credited with a league-best 58.98 NCAA points, with seven of the golfers who finished ahead of him ranked in the national top 150. Robards shot below the tournament average each day and helped Mercer to a ninth-place team finish against a field that featured six schools ranked in the national top 50.

Also nominated: Ethan Whitaker (Chattanooga), Oli Blackadder (ETSU), Kelvin Hernandez (UNC Greensboro).

2025-26 SoCon Men’s Golfer of the Week

Sep. 10 – Tyler Jones, R-So., Western Carolina (Jacksonville, NC)

Sep. 17 – Harris Barth, Sr., Furman (Atlanta, GA)

Oct. 1 – Andrew Korytoski, Jr., Western Carolina (Cataula, GA)

Oct. 8 – Harris Barth, Sr., Furman (Atlanta, GA)

Oct. 15 – Gavin Isbell, So., Samford (Trussville, AL)

Oct. 22 – Ward Harris, So., Chattanooga (Birmingham, AL)

Nov. 5 – Yannick Malik, Sr., ETSU (Munich, Germany)

Feb. 4 – Tyler Jones, R-So., Western Carolina (Jacksonville, NC)

Feb. 11 – Kelvin Hernandez, Jr., UNC Greensboro (Caguas, Puerto Rico)

Feb. 18 – Tyler Jones, R-So., Western Carolina (Jacksonville, NC)

Feb. 25 – Kelvin Hernandez, Jr., UNC Greensboro (Caguas, Puerto Rico)

Mar. 4 – Camden Braidech, Jr., Chattanooga (Scottsdale, AZ)

Mar. 11 – Oli Blackadder, Fr., ETSU (Aberdeen, Scotland)

Mar. 18 – Jace Butcher, Jr., Western Carolina (Kennesaw, GA)

Mar. 25 – Henry Robards, So., Mercer (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL)

SoCon announces Outdoor Track Athletes of the Week

Unknown — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Western Carolina’s Trevor Williams, Austin Cline, and Sadler Miller have been named the Southern Conference men’s track, men’s field, and women’s outdoor field athletes of the week, respectively. VMI’s Naturale Faison has been selected as the women’s outdoor track athlete of the week, the conference office announced Wednesday.

All four honorees competed at the Big South vs. SoCon Challenge hosted by UNC Asheville on March 20–21.

Williams earned an individual title and personal best in the 400 meters, winning the event in 48.52. The Catamounts sophomore now leads the conference in the event.

Cline won the hammer throw with a personal-best mark of 54.91 meters, a performance that ranks fifth all-time in Western Carolina history and leads the SoCon.

Miller, a senior, captured the high jump title with a conference-leading clearance of 1.68 meters.

Faison claimed individual titles in both the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes. The VMI sophomore set personal bests in each event, running 11.85 in the 100, and 24.44 in the 200.

Western Carolina will return to action in Hogh Point, North Carolina, at the Vertklasse Meeting on April 2-3, while VMI competes next at the Electric City Invitational on April 3-4 in Anderson, South Carolina.

2025-26 Southern Conference Outdoor Track and Field Athletes of the Week

March 18

Men’s Track – Trevor Williams, WCU

Men’s Field – Austin Cline, WCU

Women’s Track – Shaneil Lysight, WCU

Women’s Field – Ellison Chadwick, Samford

March 25

Men’s Track – Trevor Williams, WCU

Men’s Field – Austin Cline, WCU

Women’s Track – Naturale Faison, VMI

Women’s Field – Sadler Miller, WCU

Furman’s Lillie Murphy named SoCon player of the week

Unknown — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Furman’s Lillie Murphy has been named the Southern Conference women’s tennis player of the week for all matches played from March 17-23, the conference announced on Tuesday. The award is selected by the league office.

Murphy, who also won the honor on Jan. 20 and March 10, went 2-0 in singles and 2-0 in doubles for Furman last week. In a 6-0 in at Western Carolina on March 19, the freshman competed at the No. 1 spot in singles and doubles, winning 6-2, 6-1, over Mariya Dobreva, and joining teammate Elle Warren for a 6-2 victory. The product of Knoxville, Tennessee, got a 6-0, 6-1, win at the No. 2 spot as Furman defeated UNCG, 7-0, on March 21. Murphy and Warren, who are ranked 31st nationally in doubles, combined for a 6-3 win in doubles against the Spartans.

Furman travels to Mercer on March 24, before returning home to face Samford on March 29.

Also nominated: Mariangel Estrella (ETSU), Sofiya Tsitavets (Mercer), Lauren Thomson (UNCG), and Jordan Fenton (Chattanooga)

2026 SoCon Women’s Tennis Players of the Week
Jan. 20 Lillie Murphy, Fr., Furman

Jan. 27 Elle Warren, Fr., Furman

Feb. 3 Eleni Liakonis, So., Samford

Feb. 10 Addison Iacono, Fr., Chattanooga

Feb. 17 Mariya Dobreva, So., Western Carolina

Feb. 24 Savannah Presson, So., Chattanooga

March 3 Ksenija Rage, So., ETSU

March 10 Lillie Murphy, Fr., Furman

March 17 Rufaro Magarira, So., Chattanooga

March 24 Lillie Murphy, Fr., Furman

ETSU’s Oscar Martinez named SoCon player of the week

Unknown — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – ETSU’s Oscar Martinez has been named the Southern Conference Men’s Tennis Player of the Week for all competition from March 17-23. The selection is made by the league office.

Martinez, who won the honor for the fourth time this season, led ETSU to a pair of wins in Florida last week playing in the No. 1 spot in singles and doubles. In a 6-1 win over Florida Gulf Coast on March 17, the junior won, 7-5, 6-4, over Tanner Povey in singles, and teamed up with Martin Vergara for a 6-3 victory in doubles. The next day against Florida Atlantic, Martinez won, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4, over Mark Havlicek, and combined with Vergara for a 6-4 win in doubles, as the Bucs defeated the 71^st-ranked Owls, 4-1. The native of La Guaira, Venezuela, is currently 13-1 in singles play this spring.

ETSU hosts Wofford on March 27, before traveling to Samford on March 29.

Also nominated: Jakub Jupa (Chattanooga)

2026 SoCon Men’s Tennis Players of the Week
Jan. 20 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

Jan. 27 Martin Vergara, R-So., ETSU

Feb. 3 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

Feb. 10 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

Feb. 17 Nico Snyder, So., Furman

Feb. 24 Jakub Jupa, Jr., Chattanooga

March 3 Kai Cowcher, Jr., ETSU

March 10 Santiago Arredondo, Sr., Samford

March 17 Tymofiy Khrystyuk, Sr., UNCG

March 24 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

The Southern Conference and Ingles Extend Longtime Partnership

Unknown — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, SC – The Southern Conference (SoCon) and Ingles Markets announced today a multi-year extension to one of the longest running corporate partnerships in the league’s history.

The extension reinforces a shared commitment to supporting student-athletes, enhancing championship experiences and growing the visibility of Southern Conference athletics across the region.

“We are proud to extend our partnership with Ingles Markets, a brand that is synonymous with many SoCon Championships,” said SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross. “The vision and dedication of Melissa Leavell make this collaboration exceptionally strong, and we truly appreciate the continued willingness to invest in our student-athletes and institutions. We love working with Ingles because their commitment to this region is as genuine as their "low prices, love the savings" promise. ‘It's all here!’ in the Southern Conference and the support Ingles provides continues to advance the SoCon as an exceptional mid-major conference.”

The Southern Conference’s partnership with Ingles Markets originated in 2014. With the extension in place, Ingles will remain an Official Corporate Partner of the SoCon with category exclusivity in grocery, gas, and pharmacy – while also maintaining Ingles’ role as the title sponsor of the annual Ingles Southern Conference Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships in Asheville, NC. Ingles has been the title sponsor of the league’s premier event since 2018.

Ingles’ branding and storytelling will continue to be featured across broadcast, digital, in-venue, and community activations connected to SoCon events, along with marketing initiatives and fan engagement programs throughout the conference footprint.

The collaboration will further support student-athlete recognition programs, conference awards, and special initiatives tied to SoCon basketball and championship events.

“Our partnership with The Southern Conference is the centerpiece for our commitment to community through college athletics,” said Ingles Markets Advertising Director Melissa Leavell. “The Ingles Southern Conference Basketball Championship is one of Asheville’s premier events, bringing the top athletic ability to the court and highlighting our incredible hometown. We are so happy to extend our relationship well into the future with the Southern Conference.”

About The Southern Conference

The Southern Conference, headquartered in Spartanburg, S.C., includes ten member institutions across six states: The Citadel, East Tennessee State University, Furman University, Mercer University, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Samford University, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Virginia Military Institute, Western Carolina University, and Wofford College. Tennessee Tech University will join the SoCon as a full member for the 2026-27 season.

About Ingles Markets, Incorporated

Ingles Markets, Incorporated is a leading grocer with operations in six southeastern states. Headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, the Company operates 197 supermarkets. At December 27, 2025, three of the four stores temporarily closed due to damage sustained in Hurricane Helene remained closed, but are expected to reopen during 2026 and 2027. In conjunction with its supermarket operations, the Company operates neighborhood shopping centers, most of which contain an Ingles supermarket. The Company also owns a fluid dairy facility that supplies Ingles supermarkets and unaffiliated customers. To learn more about Ingles Markets visit ingles-markets.com

Georgia Southern Rifle Trio Named to CRCA All-America Team

The Southern Conference — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SoCon Softball Player, Pitcher of the Week announced

Unknown — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Western Carolina third baseman Maya McPherson and UNCG right-hander Brooklyn Shroyer have been named the Southern Conference softball player and pitcher of the week, respectively, for their efforts from March 16-22. The awards are selected by the league office.

McPherson, who also won the honor on March 9, led Western Carolina to a SoCon-opening sweep over Furman this past weekend. On March 21, the junior went 2-for-3 with a walk, stolen base, one RBI and a run scored in the team’s 11-7 win in the first game of the series. Later that day, McPherson had a double and a home run as the Catamounts defeated the Paladins, 7-4, in the second game of the day. The native of Lancaster, California, capped the weekend with a 3-for-3 performance, which included two home runs and a stolen base in a 12-2 victory on March 22. McPherson is currently second in the SoCon in batting average (.474).

Shroyer, who also won the honor on Feb. 23 and March 9, had two appearances inside the circle, hurling 11 innings for the week. The product of San Dimas, California, threw four innings, striking out four batters in a 8-1 win over Southern Miss on March 18. Three days later, the junior tossed a complete-game shutout in team’s SoCon opener, which was a 4-0 win at ETSU. She finished the game with a season-high 10 strikeouts and walked just one batter. Shroyer currently leads the league in ERA (1.43), innings pitched (93.0) and shutouts (7).

Western Carolina (19-9, 3-0 SoCon) hosts USC Upstate for a doubleheader on March 24, before welcoming UNCG (22-12, 3-0) for a weekend series on March 28-29.

Other nominees for player of the week: Nya South (UNCG), Joi Hubbard (Samford), Anna Dovey (Chattanooga) and Desirae Devine (Wofford)

Other nominees for pitcher of the week: Taylor Long (Chattanooga), Amanda Fulton (Western Carolina) and Abby Greenwood (Wofford)

2026 SoCon Softball Players of the Week
Feb. 9 Brianna Stanley, So., INF, Wofford

Feb. 16 Olivia Shaw, Jr., SS, Samford

Feb. 23 Brianna Stanley, So., INF, Wofford

March 2 Riley Croley, Fr., 3B, ETSU

March 9 Maya McPherson, Jr., 3B, Western Carolina

March 16 Avery Barton, Sr., SS, Mercer

March 23 Maya McPherson, Jr., 3B, Western Carolina

2026 SoCon Softball Pitchers of the Week

Feb. 9 Madison Starr, Jr., Mercer

Feb. 16 Abby Greenwood, Jr., Wofford

Feb. 23 Brooklyn Shroyer, Jr., UNCG

March 2 Gabrielle Fowler, Jr., ETSU

March 9 Brooklyn Shroyer, Jr., UNCG

March 16 Amanda Fulton, So., Western Carolina

March 23 Brooklyn Shroyer, Jr., UNCG

SoCon Announces Weekly Baseball Awards

Unknown — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, SC – ETSU senior Tristan Curless was named SoCon Player of the Week and Samford senior Joseph Lee was named SoCon Pitcher of the week following games played from March 16 through March 22.

Curless (Amarillo, TX / Amarillo HS) helped the Bucs to a pair of SoCon wins against UNC Greensboro over the weekend, batting a sizzling .615 (8-of-13) with six runs scored, two home runs, seven RBI and a 1.821 OPS over three games. He added a save and did not allow a run in 2.0 innings of relief work on the mound. In the series finale at UNC Greensboro, Curless was a monster, going 3-for-4 at the plate with a home run and three RBI in a 15-8 win. He roped a single into left in the fourth inning for a 6-2 lead, then belted a solo home run in the top of the eighth to put ETSU up 11-8. He moved to the mound in the bottom of the eighth and tossed two shutout frames to close out the win. In the top of the ninth, his RBI single was part of a five-run burst for the visitors. Curless went 2-for-4 in the Bucs’ 8-2 win that evened the series and was 3-for4 with a home run and three RBI in the opener.

Curless has been strong in his second season with the Bucs, batting .373 with 10 home runs and 15 RBI through 22 games played. He has made two consecutive scoreless appearances out of the bullpen.

Lee (San Jose, CA / Kings Academy) tossed 7.0 shutout innings in Samford’s series opener at Western Carolina, helping the Bulldogs to an 11-0 win. He fanned seven, walked two, and allowed only one hit in the complete-game gem – which marked his first decision of the season in seven appearances. Lee threw 109 pitches and faced only two batters over the minimum with the help of a double play.

Lee is 1-0 with a 3.45 ERA and 26 strikeouts this season in 28.2 innings of work.

ETSU hosts Virginia Tech on Tuesday (March 24) at 5:00 pm before welcoming VMI for a SoCon series on Friday. Samford steps out of conference for a midweek trip to Troy, before hosting Presbyterian College in a weekend series beginning Friday.

Also nominated for Player of the Week: Luke Holland (UNCG), Braydon Kersey (Mercer), Jake Souders (Samford), Cole Raile (VMI), Trent Turner (Western Carolina), Logan Tribble (Wofford)

Also nominated for Pitcher of the Week: Evan Rolison (ETSU), Noah Chapman (UNCG), Garrett Lambert (Mercer), Hunter Sipe (VMI), Bryant Kimbrell (Western Carolina), Branton Little (Wofford)

2025-26 SoCon Player of the Week

Feb. 16 – Andrew Quarless, R-So., Western Carolina (C, Winston-Salem, NC)

Feb. 23 – Braydon Kersey, Jr., Mercer (DH/INF, Alpharetta, GA)

Mar 2 – Titan Kamaka, Sr., Mercer (SS, Orlando, FL)

Mar 9 – Grayson Fitzwater, Sr., VMI (1B, Suffolk, VA)

Mar 16 – Grayson Fitzwater, Sr., VMI (1B, Suffolk, VA)

Mar 23 – Tristan Curless, Sr., ETSU (1B/P, Amarillo, TX)

2025-26 SoCon Pitcher of the Week

Feb. 16 – Andrew Marble, Jr., Samford (RHP, Hurley, MS)

Feb. 23 – Michael Harpster, Jr., ETSU (RHP, Lynchburg, VA)

Mar 2 – Bryce Coulter, Jr., The Citadel (RHP, Sumter, SC)

Mar 9 – Mason Snyder, Jr., Western Carolina (RHP, Ocilla, GA)

Mar 16 – Carter Burnette, So., Western Carolina (RHP, Asheville, NC)

Mar 23 – Joseph Lee, Sr., Samford (RHP, San Jose, CA)

No. 2 Seed UConn Survives Against No. 15 Seed Furman In NCAA Tournament First Round, 82-71

The Southern Conference — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Samford Falls to Southern in NCAA Tournament

The Southern Conference — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Chattanooga Women's Basketball's Season Ends at NDSU in WBIT First Round

The Southern Conference — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Furman's Hasselbach named SoCon Golfer of the Week

Unknown — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Furman’s Olivia Hasselbach has been named the Southern Conference Women’s Golfer of the Week for all competitions held March 11–17, the league office announced Wednesday.

The Paladins competed at the Valspar Augusta Invitational on March 14–15.

Hasselbach finished tied for third after posting rounds of 69, 72, and 72 for an individual score of 3‑under-par. The performance marked the freshman’s second top‑three finish of the spring.

The Paladins completed the event in second place as a team. Furman was the only non‑Power Four program among the top five teams.

The Tampa, Florida, native ranked first in par‑4 scoring (3.87, –4) and tied for fourth in total birdies (11).

According to Scoreboard by Clippd, Hasselbach ranks seventh among all SoCon golfers this season.

Furman will host the Coach Mo Classic on March 30–31 in St. Augustine, Florida, to close out the regular season ahead of the conference championship.

Also nominated: Kera Healey – Chattanooga

2025-26 SoCon Women’s Golfer of the Week

Sept. 10	Audrey Ryu, Furman
Sept. 17	Bella Kent, Wofford
Sept. 24	Audrey Ryu, Furman
Oct. 1	Katie Scheck, Mercer
Oct. 8	Katie Scheck, Mercer
Oct. 15	Sophia Gambini, ETSU
Oct. 22	Julia Baeumken, UNCG
Oct. 29	Riley Kim, Mercer
Nov. 5	Katie Scheck, Mercer
Jan. 28	Gabi Nicastro, Samford
Feb. 4	Audrey Ryu, Furman
Feb. 11	Anika Richards, Samford
Feb. 18	Gabi Nicastro, Samford
Feb. 25	Erin Wells, Chattanooga
March 4	Jenna Madden, Furman
March 11	Gabi Nicastro, Samford
March 18	Olivia Hasselbach, Furman

SoCon Announces Men’s Golfer of the Week

Unknown — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, SC – Western Carolina junior Jace Butcher was named Southern Conference Men’s Golfer of the Week for events played between March 11 and March 17.

Butcher (Kennesaw, GA / Mount Paran Christian School) won the 2026 Southern Intercollegiate in Athens, GA, finishing two shots under par for the event. He shot even par over the first 18 holes, then closed the tournament with a 70 to edge Georgia’s Matt Moloney by two strokes. Butcher’s individual effort lifted Western Carolina into second place behind host and 34^th ranked Georgia, just three strokes off the team lead.

Butcher also played well at the People’s Championship at Sea Palms, finishing in a tie for 7^th at five shots under par. He turned in rounds of 68, 69, and 71 to help the Catamounts to a second-place finish in that event as well. Over his five rounds of golf for the week, Butcher’s average score was 70 and he sank 24 birdie putts.

2025-26 SoCon Men’s Golfer of the Week

Sep. 10 – Tyler Jones, R-So., Western Carolina (Jacksonville, NC)

Sep. 17 – Harris Barth, Sr., Furman (Atlanta, GA)

Oct. 1 – Andrew Korytoski, Jr., Western Carolina (Cataula, GA)

Oct. 8 – Harris Barth, Sr., Furman (Atlanta, GA)

Oct. 15 – Gavin Isbell, So., Samford (Trussville, AL)

Oct. 22 – Ward Harris, So., Chattanooga (Birmingham, AL)

Nov. 5 – Yannick Malik, Sr., ETSU (Munich, Germany)

Feb. 4 – Tyler Jones, R-So., Western Carolina (Jacksonville, NC)

Feb. 11 – Kelvin Hernandez, Jr., UNC Greensboro (Caguas, Puerto Rico)

Feb. 18 – Tyler Jones, R-So., Western Carolina (Jacksonville, NC)

Feb. 25 – Kelvin Hernandez, Jr., UNC Greensboro (Caguas, Puerto Rico)

Mar. 4 – Camden Braidech, Jr., Chattanooga (Scottsdale, AZ)

Mar. 11 – Oli Blackadder, Fr., ETSU (Aberdeen, Scotland)

Mar. 18 – Jace Butcher, Jr., Western Carolina (Kennesaw, GA)

SoCon announces Outdoor Track Athlete of the Week

Unknown — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Western Carolina’s Trevor Williams, Austin Cline, and Shaneil Lysight have been named the Southern Conference men’s track, men’s field, and women’s outdoor track athletes of the week, respectively. Additionally, Samford’s Ellison Chadwick has been selected as the women’s outdoor field athlete of the week, the conference office announced on Wednesday.

Williams ran a 1:55.68 in the 800m to win the event at the South Alabama Invitational on March 14. The Chesterfield, Virginia, native opened the season less than half a second off his personal best of 1:55.17, which he set during the 2025 season.

Cline recorded a personal‑best throw of 54.50m in the hammer throw at the South Alabama meet, moving him to fifth all‑time in Western Carolina history. The Catawba, North Carolina, native also won the shot put with a mark of 15.79m.

Lysight raced to a win in the 100m hurdles with a personal‑best time of 13.79. The Western Carolina senior now ranks second all‑time in Catamounts history.

Chadwick won the women’s long jump with a personal‑best leap of 6.09m at the Montevallo Falcon Classic last weekend. The Stone Mountain, Georgia, native now ranks second all‑time at Samford in the event.

Western Carolina will return to action at the Big South/SoCon Challenge on March 20–21, while Samford competes next at the UAB Open on March 27–28.

2025-26 Southern Conference Outdoor Track and Field Athletes of the Week

March 18

Men’s Track – Trevor Williams, WCU

Men’s Field – Austin Cline, WCU

Women’s Track – Shaneil Lysight, WCU

Women’s Field – Ellison Chadwick, Samford

Jerod Haase Named UNCG Head Men’s Basketball Coach

The Southern Conference — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Chattanooga’s Rufaro Magarira named SoCon player of the week

Unknown — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Chattanooga’s Rufaro Magarira has been named the Southern Conference women’s tennis player of the week for all matches played from March 10-16, the conference announced on Tuesday. The award is selected by the league office.

Magarira went a combined 4-0 over the singles and doubles matches last week, playing on court one each time out. On March 13, the sophomore posted a 6-1, 6-3, victory over Tennessee Wesleyan’s Ruslana Kovalenko, and combined with teammate Savannah Presson for a 6-2 win in doubles. In the team’s conference opener at UNCG on March 15, the product of Harare, Zimbabwe, joined Presson once again to win a point-clinching 7-6 decision in doubles, before winning her ninth straight singles match, 6-2, 7-5, over Sophia Cedeno.

Chattanooga plays at North Alabama on March 18, before welcoming Wofford for its SoCon dual of the season on March 21. The Mocs end the week at Alabama A&M on March 22.

Also nominated: Ksenija Rage (ETSU)

2026 SoCon Women’s Tennis Players of the Week
Jan. 20 Lillie Murphy, Fr., Furman

Jan. 27 Elle Warren, Fr., Furman

Feb. 3 Eleni Liakonis, So., Samford

Feb. 10 Addison Iacono, Fr., Chattanooga

Feb. 17 Mariya Dobreva, So., Western Carolina

Feb. 24 Savannah Presson, So., Chattanooga

March 3 Ksenija Rage, So., ETSU

March 10 Lillie Murphy, Fr., Furman

March 17 Rufaro Magarira, So., Chattanooga

UNCG’s Tymofiy Khrystyuk named SoCon player of the week

Unknown — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – UNCG’s Tymofiy Khrystyuk has been named the Southern Conference Men’s Tennis Player of the Week for all competition from March 10-16. The selection is made by the league office.

Khrystyuk went 2-0 in singles at the No. 1 spot last week for UNCG. The native of Poltava, Ukraine, got his first win (4-6, 6-3, 6-2) over ETSU’s Oscar Matinez on March 11, giving Martinez, who has won SoCon Player of the Week three times, his first loss of the season. Two days later, the senior won, 6-4, 7-6, over Wofford’s Parker Mariencheck, helping the Spartans top the Terriers, 4-3.

UNCG plays its next match at Campbell on March 24.

Also nominated: Peter Kalocsai (ETSU)

2026 SoCon Men’s Tennis Players of the Week
Jan. 20 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

Jan. 27 Martin Vergara, R-So., ETSU

Feb. 3 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

Feb. 10 Oscar Martinez, Jr., ETSU

Feb. 17 Nico Snyder, So., Furman

Feb. 24 Jakub Jupa, Jr., Chattanooga

March 3 Kai Cowcher, Jr., ETSU

March 10 Santiago Arredondo, Sr., Samford

March 17 Tymofiy Khrystyuk, Sr., UNCG

SoCon Softball Player, Pitcher of the Week announced

Unknown — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Mercer shortstop Avery Barton and Western Carolina right-hander Amanda Fulton have been named the Southern Conference softball player and pitcher of the week, respectively, for their efforts from March 9-15. The awards are selected by the league office.

Barton hit .778 over the weekend for Mercer as the Bears won two of three games played against Bryant. In the series opener on March 13, the senior went 3-for-4 with a home run, a double and three RBIs as Mercer won, 8-6. The next day, the native of Monticello, Georgia, had two hits in the first game of the day’s doubleheader, which was a 6-2 setback for the Bears. In the series finale, Barton hit two solo home runs and drew a bases loaded walk as Mercer won, 8-0, in five innings.

Fulton threw 9.1 innings over two appearances inside the circle, logging a win and a save for Western Carolina last week. On March 10, the product of Woodstock, Georgia, tossed a complete game, striking out eight batters and allowing zero earned runs in a 4-1 win over Presbyterian. The sophomore came on in relief the next day in a victory at Queens, throwing the final 2.1 innings to get a save after allowing zero runs and striking out one batter. Fulton is currently third in the SoCon in ERA (2.26).

Mercer (12-13) opens its conference slate of games with a series versus Samford on March 21-22. Western Carolina (16-8) hosts 15th-ranked Clemson on March 18, before welcoming Furman on March 21-22.

Other nominees for player of the week: Macy Michael (UNCG), Maya McPherson (Western Carolina) and Desirae Devine (Wofford)

Other nominees for pitcher of the week: Grace McKillop (Mercer), Brooklyn Shroyer (UNCG) and Abby Greenwood (Wofford)

2026 SoCon Softball Players of the Week
Feb. 9 Brianna Stanley, So., INF, Wofford

Feb. 16 Olivia Shaw, Jr., SS, Samford

Feb. 23 Brianna Stanley, So., INF, Wofford

March 2 Riley Croley, Fr., 3B, ETSU

March 9 Maya McPherson, Jr., 3B, Western Carolina

March 16 Avery Barton, Sr., SS, Mercer

2026 SoCon Softball Pitchers of the Week

Feb. 9 Madison Starr, Jr., Mercer

Feb. 16 Abby Greenwood, Jr., Wofford

Feb. 23 Brooklyn Shroyer, Jr., UNCG

March 2 Gabrielle Fowler, Jr., ETSU

March 9 Brooklyn Shroyer, Jr., UNCG

March 16 Amanda Fulton, So., Western Carolina

SoCon Announces Weekly Baseball Awards

Unknown — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

SPARTANBURG, SC – VMI senior Grayson Fitzwater was named SoCon Player of the Week and Western Carolina sophomore Carter Burnette was named SoCon Pitcher of the Week following games played from March 10 through March 15.

Fitzwater (Suffolk, VA / Nansemond River HS) extended his active hit streak to nine games last week, batting .583 (7-for-12) with a pair of home runs, three doubles, six RBI and five runs scored. The Keydets’ first baseman also swiped three bags and forged a robust .700 on base percentage – earning seven more walks over four games. Fitzwater walked three times in a midweek win at Norfolk State and took advantage of the strikes he saw to finish 2-for-3 with a pair of RBI. He followed with a 3-for-3 effort and a solo home run in the series opener vs. Cornell and closed out the series with a home run and three RBI in a 7-4 win. Fitzwater fielded a clean 1.000 over 32 chances at first base and powered his way to a 2.033 OPS for the week – his second week in a row in that stratosphere. He has hit safely in every game this month to date and has earned 14 walks over the past eight games.

Fitzwater is batting .409 so far this season with eight home runs, eight doubles, 28 RBI, and 23 runs scored in 20 games. He has struck out only 11 times and leads the SoCon with an .894 slugging percentage.

Burnette (Asheville, NC / Asheville HS) was terrific in a complete-game shutout of Morehead State. The righty fanned 10 batters, scattered three hits and did not issue a walk over a career-high 7.0 innings of work. He allowed only one extra base hit and needed only 78 pitches to complete the game.

Burnette is now 2-2 on the season with 33 strikeouts in 27.0 innings.

VMI (17-3) will play Radford in a three-game series this weekend, with the Saturday contest hosted in Lexington, VA. Radford will host the series’ Friday and Sunday games. Western Carolina (14-7) hosts Gardner-Webb on Wednesday afternoon before welcoming Samford to town on March 20-22 for both teams’ SoCon opening series.

Also nominated for Player of the Week: Jamie Palmese (ETSU), Aryan Patel (The Citadel), Brant Baughcum (Mercer), Tanner Berry (UNCG), Jake Souders (Samford), Wyatt Stanley (Western Carolina).

Also nominated for Pitcher of the Week: Cooper Jones (ETSU), Michael Gibson (The Citadel), Miguel Hugas (Mercer), Joseph Lee (Samford), Hunter Sipe (VMI).

2025-26 SoCon Player of the Week

Feb. 16 – Andrew Quarless, R-So., Western Carolina (C, Winston-Salem, NC)

Feb. 23 – Braydon Kersey, Jr., Mercer (DH/INF, Alpharetta, GA)

Mar 2 – Titan Kamaka, Sr., Mercer (SS, Orlando, FL)

Mar 9 – Grayson Fitzwater, Sr., VMI (1B, Suffolk, VA)

Mar 16 – Grayson Fitzwater, Sr., VMI (1B, Suffolk, VA)

2025-26 SoCon Pitcher of the Week

Feb. 16 – Andrew Marble, Jr., Samford (RHP, Hurley, MS)

Feb. 23 – Michael Harpster, Jr., ETSU (RHP, Lynchburg, VA)

Mar 2 – Bryce Coulter, Jr., The Citadel (RHP, Sumter, SC)

Mar 9 – Mason Snyder, Jr., Western Carolina (RHP, Ocilla, GA)

Mar 16 – Carter Burnette, So., Western Carolina (RHP, Asheville, NC)

Samford Selected To Play In One of The First Four Games of The 2026 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Championship

The Southern Conference — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT