‘Yote Notes – Mar. 16, 2006

Mike Safford Jr. – Sports Info. Director

msafford@collegeofidaho.edu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BASEBALL (13-6): Coyotes take three-game win streak into weekend series vs. Corban College

 

LAST WEEK: at Concordia (L 6-3, W 2-0, W 8-6), at Eastern Oregon (W 7-3, Game 2 suspended 0-0 after four innings, to be resumed April 25)

 

COMING UP: vs. Corban, Friday, 3 p.m.; vs. Corban (DH), Saturday, 11 a.m., at Northwest Nazarene, Tuesday, 5 p.m.

 

NATIONAL RANKING?: Albertson moved up the charts in the first NAIA national poll of the 2006 season, earning the No. 27 position in the nation.  It is the first time that the Coyotes have received 50-or-more points in the national poll since April 2, 2003 – when ACI was ranked No. 25.  LC-State is ranked No. 1 in the NAIA, with British Columbia ranked No. 21.  The next national poll will be released on March 22.

 

COYOTES BREAK HEX IN PORTLAND: After five years of futility and 12-consecutive losses at the small baseball field known as “The Yard” in Portland, the Albertson College baseball team finally broke through on the road against Concordia.  The Coyotes won the final two games of their three-game series with the Cavaliers, ending an 0-4 start to the NAIA Region I season and giving them momentum heading into six consecutive home regional counters.

 

ROACH THROWS A GEM: The key to the ‘Yotes success started with transfer Jason Roach (Sacramento, Calif. / Sacramento City CC), who tossed a two-hit shutout in Game 2 on Saturday.  It marked the first complete game and complete game shutout for an ACI pitcher since May 14, 2004 – and came in the most difficult pitching environment in the league.  In fact, it was the first time that Concordia had been shutout at home in a Region I game since 2003.    The junior allowed just three baserunners all afternoon – a walk and two singles, while striking out eight.  He has not allowed an earned run in his last ten innings of work, dropping his ERA to 2.13.

 

CHAMP COMES THROUGH IN CLUTCH: After spending all winter playing basketball for the Coyotes, freshman Bryan Champ (Boise, Idaho / Borah HS) has made the transition to the diamond – and found early success.  The youngster recorded the game-winning RBI single, capping a late-inning comeback in the 8-6 win over Concordia on Saturday, then broke a 3-3 tie with a pinch-hit RBI single on Tuesday in the 7-3 win at Eastern Oregon.

 

DEFENSE WAS THE KEY: Head coach Shawn Humberger has been really pleased with the defensive efforts of the 2006 squad.  “I have been involved with the Coyote baseball program for the last 17 years and this is one of the top defensive clubs we have had.  Outside of the 2002 team that placed third at the NAIA World Series, I feel that this is the best defensive team we have put on the field.”  The play of the outfield was the difference in two wins at Concordia, as centerfielder Greg Stalling (Boise, Idaho / Borah HS) tracked down a pair of deep fly-balls in the gap, and Ren Lombardo (Boise, Idaho / Oregon State U.) made an outstanding catch to thwart a CU rally.

 

MORE ON THE OUTFIELD: The combination of everyday outfielders for the ‘Yotes – Stalling, Lombardo, Jake McGrady (Boise, Idaho / Borah HS), and Nic Florence (Boise, Idaho / Cochise CC) have recorded 98 chances this season in the 19 games played – with four outfield assists and no errors.

 

BASEBALL WEATHER?: Tuesday’s doubleheader in La Grande against Eastern Oregon turned into an icebox marathon – with bizarre weather conditions.  Game 1 opened with sunny skies that deteriorated into a full-fledged snowstorm that stopped the game in the bottom of the second inning.  After a two hour delay (in which Eastern players dragged the outfield grass to remove the inch of snow on the ground), the game was completed, with the ‘Yotes rallying from a 3-0 deficit to win, 7-3.  Game 2 moved quickly, however, hail covered the field at the conclusion of the fourth inning, prompting another delay – that ended up suspending the game.  It will resume on April 25 when EOU travels to Simplot Stadium to meet the Coyotes.

 

ALSAGER HAS CAREER OUTING: A big key in the win at Eastern was the relief work of Lars Alsager (Nampa, Idaho / Skyview HS).  The senior entered the game down 3-0 with the bases loaded, but promptly struck out Casey Held to get out of the jam.  He then retired 15 of the 16 batters he faced to notch his first win of the season – in his longest outing of his collegiate career.

 

‘YOTES AMONG THE CAREER RECORD BOOK: Four Coyotes have joined the top-ten career list so far this season.  Greg Stalling ranks among the top-ten all-time in seven categories – holding the record for career walks (126), is second in stolen bases (78), is third in hits (231) runs (189), at bats (653), and hit by pitches (38), and is eighth in doubles (38).  Jake McGrady ranks fourth all-time in stolen bases (56), is sixth in sacrifice bunts (16), is seventh in at bats (585), and eighth in all-time hits (183).  Nate Freese (Vancouver, Wash. / Skyview HS) sits in fourth-place in all-time saves (9) and in doubles (42), and is seventh-place all-time in hit-by-pitches (25), while Lars Alsager ranks third all-time in appearances by a pitcher (68).

 

FIRST LOOK AT CORBAN COLLEGE: Friday marks the first meeting between ACI and Corban College since the school changed its name last May from Western Baptist.  The Warriors (4-7, 1-3 Region I) have faced primarily NCAA Division III competition this season – gaining wins over Willamette, Whitman, and Pacific Lutheran, but lost 3-of-4 games to open up regional play at Concordia.  Pitching has been a problem at times for Corban, as the staff has a 7.83 ERA and nearly has more walks (52) than strikeouts (55).  Brian Nelson (.413 4 HR 17 RBI) has been the hitting star thus far, having hit safely in eight straight games, with Jeremy Frantz (.385 3 HR 8 RBI) also swinging a hot stick.  Friday’s series opener will be the 66th meeting between the teams since 1990, with the ‘Yotes holding a commanding 57-8 all-time series edge.  ACI won four of the six meetings last season, including 2-of-3 in Caldwell.

 

GAME 2 VS. NORTHWEST NAZARENE: Albertson travels to Northwest Nazarene next Tuesday afternoon for the second of six games with the Crusaders (6-7).  NNU has not played a game since ACI handed them a 18-6 loss on March 7 – but will travel to Montana State-Billings for a four-game series this weekend.  Tuesday’s game will be the 189th all-time game between the rivals since 1952, with the ‘Yotes holding a 136-51-1 edge.

 

MORE INFORMATION ON THE COYOTES: For game stories, statistics, and information regarding the Albertson baseball program, head to the official site Coyote baseball: www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/baseball.htm.  Up to date regional scores and standings can also be found online at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/baseball/stats/standings.htm.

 

SOFTBALL (6-7): Coyote softball returns to action this Saturday, hosting Northwest Christian

 

LAST WEEK: Idle

 

COMING UP: vs. Northwest Christian (DH), Saturday, 11 a.m.

 

LADY ‘YOTES HOST SUCCESSFUL DINNER-AUCTION: The Albertson College softball team would like to say thanks to all of the parents, boosters, and businesses that donated to or attended Saturday night’s Dinner-Auction.  Although the final totals have not be calculated, it looks like the event was a major success in helping the Lady ‘Yotes fundraising for travel and equipment.

 

DATE CHANGED FOR NORTHWEST NAZARENE GAME: The date has been changed for the next Albertson-Northwest Nazarene game in Caldwell.  Originally scheduled for April 18, the game has been moved to April 26 so that NNU will be able to use the earlier date for a conference make-up doubleheader.  Game time is still scheduled for 4 p.m.  The two teams will meet next on March 29 in Nampa at 2 p.m.  ACI took the first two games of the six-game series, 4-3 and 7-3 on Feb. 16.

 

THE NEXT CASCADE CONFERENCE SCHOOL?: The Lady ‘Yotes final tune-up for Cascade Conference play is Saturday, as Northwest Christian rides into town.  The Beacons (4-4) could be the next school to join the CCC circuit, as the Eugene, Ore. school has applied for membership into the league.  NW Christian opened the season with a sweep of Lewis & Clark and has wins against Concordia and Corban from the CCC.  The two teams have not met since the 2002 season, when the Beacons took 3-of-4 games from the ‘Yotes.

 

INSIDE THE LEAGUE NUMBERS: As a team, the Lady ‘Yotes rank No. 3 in team ERA (3.68), and rank No. 4 in batting average (.271) and fielding percentage (.952).  Individually, Anna Schroeder (Eagle, Idaho / Eagle HS) leads the league in stolen bases (8), is second in doubles (4), is third in hits (15), and fourth in runs scored (8).  Katie Zillner (Emmett, Idaho / Emmett HS) leads the league in strikeouts per game (9.53) and is second in overall strikeouts (55).  A.J. Cavanaugh (Covington, Wash. / Kentwood HS) is fourth in total bases (22), Heather Kirtley (Eagle, Idaho / Eagle HS) is third in stolen bases (5), and Nicole Illias (Beaverton, Ore. / Valley Catholic HS) is eighth in batting average (.406).

 

CCC PLAY STARTS NEXT WEEK: Next weekend, Cascade Conference play will begin, as Southern Oregon and Oregon Tech host Corban and Concordia, while ACI heads to Eastern Oregon.  Each team will play a home-and-home doubleheader, with a CCC tournament to follow at the end of the season.

 

MORE INFORMATION: Updated information and statistics on the 2006 softball team can be found on Albertson softball official website at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/fastpitch.htm.  Up-to-date NAIA Region I standings can be found online at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/softball/stats/standings.htm.

 

SKIING: Williams wins national title, ‘Yotes alpine teams each finish eighth

 

LAST WEEK: at USCSA national championships

 

WILLIAMS WINS SECOND USCSA CHAMPIONSHIP: Competing in his second USCSA national championships in the snowboard events, Albertson College student-athlete Evan Williams joined a select group by winning his second national title (the 29th all-time title by the Coyote ski program) – this year in the halfpipe.  The sophomore needed a big second-run to take the lead and scored the best mark of the day to claim the championship – joining the title last season in the slopestyle event.  Williams also earned All-America honors in the snowboardcross, where he was joined in the Top-10 by fellow Coyote, Dustin Wanders.

 

WOMEN PLACE EIGHTH: Racing on a World Cup quality course (thick ice covered with snow), the Lady ‘Yotes were a bit intimidated by the surroundings, but worked hard through the week to place eighth overall.  Albertson finished seventh in the giant slalom and eighth in the slalom races, with senior Cassie Marcial earning All-America honors.

 

MEN ALSO EIGHTH: Trying to get down the hill in one piece was the name of the day for the Coyotes, who placed eighth overall in the combined events.  Matt Sylvester capped his collegiate career with a 15th-place finish in the slalom, the best finish of the championships by the ACI men.

 

MORE INFORMATION: Updated information and statistics on the 2006 ski team can be found on Albertson ski official website at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/skiing.htm.

 

TRACK: ‘Yotes finish 38th at NAIA Indoor Championships, Fluckiger named All-American

 

LAST WEEK: at NAIA Indoor national championships

 

COMING UP: at Eastern Oregon Open #1, March 25.

 

FLUCKIGER REPEAT ALL-AMERICAN: For the second consecutive season, Coyote middle-distance runner David Fluckiger earned All-America status at the NAIA Indoor national championships, placing sixth in the men’s mile.  Fluckiger, who finished third in the event last season, was bunched in a slow pack of ten runners and was able to kick his way onto the podium.  In doing so, the senior earned ACI a team point, helping he ‘Yotes to a 38th-place team finish.

 

OTHERS NOT SO LUCKY: Three other individuals competed at the national meet in Johnson City, Tenn. – all in the 5,000 meters.  On the men’s side, Jesse Chlebeck finished 17th and Jacob Haas 22nd, while women’s runner Shannon Edwards finished 13th, just one spot out of the final heat.  The men’s distance medley relay also failed to qualify for the final, placing 19th out of 24 teams.

 

DASH FOR CASH: Wednesday afternoon, the entire ACI track team spent 30 minutes running around the Caldwell High School track as part of their “Dash For Cash” event to raise money for the outdoor season.  Head coach Pat McCurry nearly completed 24 laps during the event, which hopes to raise $4,000 for the program.

 

MORE INFORMATION: Updated information and statistics on the 2006 track team can be found on Albertson track official website at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/track.htm.

 

WOMEN’S TENNIS: Lady ‘Yotes head to Willamette Valley for trio of weekend matches

 

LAST WEEK: vs. No. 11 Lewis-Clark State (L 9-0)

 

COMING UP: at Willamette, Friday, 2 p.m. (PST); at George Fox, Saturday, 10 a.m. (PST); vs. Southern Oregon (at Willamette), Saturday, 3 p.m. (PST)

 

COYOTE LOSE SEASON OPENER TO LC-STATE: The Albertson College women's tennis team opened the 2006 spring season with a 9-0 loss to No. 11 ranked Lewis-Clark State College Friday night at the Boas Tennis Center on the Boise State campus.

The Lady 'Yotes played well, despite winning just 12 games in singles play, and just four games on the doubles side.  "Scores are what they are, just scores," said head coach Cisco Limbago.  "Our team went out and played their first match of the season against a nationally-ranked program that is ten matches into theirs.  If you watched the matches and didn't know the scores, you would have thought they were a lot closer.  We have some things to correct, but all in all, I am as happy as you can be about a loss."  Kyla Westerberg had the closest match in singles play, dropping a 6-4, 6-4 decision to Rachel Moorhead, while Westerberg and Anna Moylan dropped an 8-4 decision to Maria Resende and Sonam Yangchen at No. 1 doubles.

 

BIG TRIP TO THE VALLEY: The Coyotes head to the Westside this weekend, hoping to win their first match of the season.  ACI meets Willamette on Friday afternoon in Salem.  The Bearcats (3-6) have had a tough-luck start to their season, dropping three matches by a score of 5-4.  Albertson then meets George Fox in the Saturday opener.  The Bruins (2-6) have knocked off Lewis & Clark and Pacific this season, while dropping matches 9-0 matches to Whitman, Pacific Lutheran, Willamette, Linfield and Puget Sound.  The weekend ends with a big match-up against Southern Oregon, the only meeting between the regional rivals this season.  The Raiders (6-1) have gotten off to an outstanding start, thanks to the play of No. 1 singles star, Annie Chaney, who is 7-0 in singles this season.  ACI swept both matches with the Raiders last season, including a 7-2 trouncing of Southern at the NAIA Region I Tournament.

 

MORE INFORMATION: Updated information and statistics on the 2006 women’s tennis team can be found on Albertson women’s tennis official website at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/wtennis.htm.

 

GOLF: ‘Yotes drop spring opener vs. Northwest Nazarene

 

LAST WEEK: vs. Northwest Nazarene (L 326-327)

 

COMING UP: Idle until April 10-11 at the Lewis-Clark State Invitational

 

COYOTES DROP DUAL AT BROADMORE: Northwest Nazarene spoiled the Albertson College spring golf opener, winning today's dual match by one stroke at Broadmore Country Club.  The Coyotes Cris Tietsort earned medalist honors by shooting a two-over 74 in the cold and windy conditions, but only one other teammate was able to shoot 80-or-below.  Matt Salem was the top NNU golfer at a six-over 78.

 

MORE INFORMATION: Updated information and statistics on the 2006 golf team can be found on Albertson golf official website at www.collegeofidaho.edu/athlete/golf.htm.