Men's, women's track and field
Cougar thinclads compete well
CHAMPAIGN -- The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men's and women's track and field teams competed at the Illini Classic on Saturday, their second meet in as many days.
The meet completed a busy weekend for the Cougars after SIUE competed Friday at the Missouri Invitational in Columbia, Mo.
Despite some solid contributions from several athletes, coach Kareem Jackson felt his team could've accomplished more.
"When you sign up for SIUE track, the expectations are high," Jackson said. "Our tradition and history speak for itself, and we have to do a better job getting the job done."
On the women's side, freshman Jessica Oranika placed third in the 600 meters while setting a new personal best in the process (1:34).
Senior Colleen McDonough also set a personal record in the shot put, while fellow senior Michelle Higgins finished third in the triple jump.
"Our women's team faced some really tough competition today," Jackson added. "The heats were packed, and Illinois is one of the top teams in the country."
For the SIUE men, sophomore Thayer Harrison placed third in the triple jump.
"I know we're capable of more, and we'll get better going forward," Jackson said. "This weekend was tough in terms of travel and the level of competition, but it was needed."
Next up for the Cougars is the Redbird Invite at Illinois State on Saturday. The meet will be held at ISU's Horton Fieldhouse.
Men's basketball
Lynx score 116 points in victory
BROKEN ARROW, Okla. -- TheLindenwood University-Belleville Lynx picked up a record-setting win at the USCAA Classic with a 116-18 win over Nebraska Tech.
The usual Lynx starters sat out for the first time this season, with Lawson Warren, Larry Nussbaum, John Krodinger, Jaron Lusch and Andrew Pokryzwinski getting the start.
Seven Lynx saw double figures, with Warren's 24 points and 10 rebounds leading the way, Nussbaum recorded 16 points and 17 rebounds, with Pokryzwinski also adding 16 on the night. Lusch contributed 14, while Krodinger put up 10. Joel Reyna picked up his first-career double-figure performance, with 11 points.
Zach Lochhead, recently moved up from the JV squad, recorded a double-double with 21 points and 16 rebounds.
Coaches vs. Cancer set for Saturday
EDWARDSVILLE -- The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville men's basketball program will be promoting Coaches vs. Cancer, an awareness and fund-raising event in correlation with the Saturday game against Tennessee-Martin.
The SIUE coaching staff will wear tennis shoes in support of cancer research during the game which begins at 7 p.m. There also will be a SIUE College Students Against Cancer T-Shirt sale.
"This is a very important event," saidSIUE coach Lennox Forrester. "We're happy to be a small part of it. Hopefully our fans come out to support this worthy cause."
A silent auction to raise funds for the American Cancer Society will be run during the men's game.
Wrestling
Bearcat matmen compete At Ranger duals
SOMERS, Wis. -- The McKendree University wrestling team faced three of NCAA Division II's top teams on Saturday at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside Ranger Duals, but came up short and dropped all three matches.
The Bearcats fell to 3-5 overall this season in dual competition, and will return to campus to host University of Central Missouri for a dual match Friday at 7 p.m.
McKendree opened the day with a 30-13 loss to No. 8 University of Findlay, before dropping a close match to host No. 5 Wisconsin-Parkside, 19-13, in its second dual of the day. The Bearcats ended their day with a 29-12 loss to No. 1 St. Cloud State University.
Junior Brenden Murphy posted a perfect 3-0 record on the day at 133 pounds and improved to 25-5 overall on the season.
Cougars drop two dual meets
EDWARDSVILLE -- The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville wrestling team dropped a pair of home dual meets Sunday afternoon, falling to both Northern Iowa and Northwestern at the Vadalabene Center.
The Cougars were blanked 48-0 by UNI before suffering a 39-12 defeat at the hands of Northwestern. Northern Iowa also defeated Northwestern 21-13 in the day's other match.
Redshirt freshman Derek Nagel won the Cougars' lone match of the day, pinning Northwestern's Jacob Berkowitz in 5:25 at 184 pounds. Redshirt junior David Devine also claimed a victory against via forfeit.
"We weren't mentally prepared for that first match against UNI," coach David Ray said. "We wrestled a little bit better against Northwestern, but we have to learn to wrestle for seven minutes every match."
Both opponents provided some stiff competition for the Cougars. Northwestern came into the day ranked 21st in the country, while UNI was riding the momentum of a dual meet victory over 13th-ranked Oklahoma Friday night.
Next up for SIUE is another home dual meet at the Vadalabene Center, as the Cougars welcome NAIA foe Campbellsville University on Thursday night. The meet is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
Women's tennis
SIUE opens season with a victory
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. -- The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville women's tennis team opened its 2013 campaign with a victory, defeating IUPUI 4-3 at the West Indy Racquet Club.
The Cougars dropped two of three doubles matches but regrouped to win four of six singles matches en route to the win, taking their record to 1-0 on the season.
"We didn't get off to the start we wanted, but I'm happy with the way we bounced back in singles," coach Jason Coomer said. "We knew this match would come down to the wire, and I'm proud of our ability to pull out this win."
Earning singles victories were sophomore Kali Donner, freshman Monique Krutak, senior Amanda Miller, and freshman McKenzie Thomas. Sophomore Haley Ilcewicz and freshman Sierra Halverson also combined to pick up a win in doubles.
SIUE now returns home to face South Dakota State on Sunday. Competition is set to begin at 4:30 p.m. at the Edwardsville YMCA.
Lynx sign Granite City's Wendel
BELLEVILLE -- The Lindenwood University-Belleville women's tennis team has signed Claire Wendel for the 2013-14 season.
A four-year varsity player for Granite City High School, Wendel competed at the No. 1 singles and doubles position. As a three-sport athlete, she also played soccer and volleyball. Wendel earned the Guy Tyler Gifford Sportsmanship Award, helping her school host an "Ace for the Cure" tennis event which benefited breast cancer research and awareness. Wendel was also an active member in the Warrior Spirit Club.
"Claire is a superb all-around athlete who not only played tennis but also soccer and volleyball," said coach Adam Reeb. "She gained a ton of invaluable experience this past year playing No. 1 singles and doubles in the rugged Southwestern Conference. I'm excited for Claire to join our program as I feel her best tennis is ahead of her."
