ECHL: Icemen Take 3-2 Lead in Kelly Cup Series; Everblades Bounce Back Against Stingrays

By Mike Bonts

(www.jaxsportsday.com)  A four-goal second period was too much for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits to overcome, as they fell 5-4 to the Jacksonville Icemen in Game 5 of the South Division Semifinals on Saturday night at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

Greenville started the game with the opening goal of the game just 4:03 into the first period, as Miles Gendron fed the puck to Nikita Pavlychev who scored his second of the series. 

At 8:33, Ben Freeman shot the puck from the wing and beat Jacksonville's Charles Williams for the 2-0 lead. Williams would leave the game after allowing two goals on six shots and was replace with Olof Lindbom. Jacksonville stopped the Swamp Rabbits momentum with a Luke Lynch goal at 15:14.

In the second, Craig Martin scored on a breakaway, tying the game for Jacksonville at 4:34. At 6:49, Jacksonville captured the lead as Ara Nazarian scored, before Matt Iacopelli scored 60 second later to extend the Jacksonville lead. Brandon Fortunato scored a goal at 17:59 to give Jacksonville the 5-2 advantage. 

Greenville's offense responded in the third period, as Freeman sniped his second of the game into the Jacksonville net at 9:39. The Swamp Rabbits pulled within a goal as Carter Souch scored at 12:57. Despite a late 6-on-5 scenario, the Swamp Rabbits failed to find the tying goal at the final horn.

Greenville's loss see the Swamp Rabbits fall behind in the best-of-seven, South Division Semifinal 3-2 to the Icemen. 

The Swamp Rabbits and the Icemen meet again at the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville on Tuesday, May 2, for a 7 p.m. meeting in Game 6.

STINGRAYS FALL IN GAME 5; SETS UP MUST-WIN ON MONDAY

 The South Carolina Stingrays fell to the Florida Everblades by a final score of 4-0 on Saturday night at Hertz Arena. With the loss, the Stingrays now trail the series 3-2 and return home on Monday in a must-win scenario.

The Everblades kicked off the scoring midway through the opening stanza as Blake Winiecki netted his first goal of the postseason. Winiecki received a pass between the circles and flung a shot past the glove of Clay Stevenson for the 1-0 lead on the lone goal of the first frame.

Joe Pendenza doubled the Florida advantage late in the second period as he lifted a shot over the glove of Stevenson while on the power play.

Florida took a 3-0 lead at the 8:24 mark of the final frame as Logan Lambdin redirected a shot past Stevenson for the deflection tally on the man advantage.

Winiecki iced the game on his second marker of the contest with 2:22 remaining in regulation as the Everblades concluded a 4-0 shutout behind 35 saves from Cam Johnson between the pipes.

The Stingrays return to the North Charleston Coliseum for a do-or-die Game 6 of the 2023 Kelly Cup Playoffs against the Florida Everblades on Monday, May 1st at 7:05 p.m.

Lindgren, Leblanc power Jacksonville over Lehigh Valley

File Sportsday Photo by Jim Brady, Florida Sports Wire

JACKSONVILLE (www.sportsdayjax.com) - Jeff Lindgren worked six scoreless innings and Charles Leblanc hit a grand slam to help lift the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp over the Lehigh Valley IronPigs 8-1 in front of 5,598 fans from 121 Financial Ballpark.

Jacksonville (12-12)  put up a pair of runs in the opening frame against Lehigh Valley (12-13) starter T.J. Zeuch (1-2)  to take an early 2-0 lead. Xavier Edwards and Brian Miller notched back-to-back base hits. Then, a double steal, throwing error and a ground out brought home Edwards and Miller for the game’s first runs.

 

In the fifth inning, Peyton Burdick walked, swiped second and then moved up to third on a throwing error. Jerar Encarnacion sliced a line drive single to bring in Burdick, extending the Jumbo Shrimp lead to 3-0. 

 

Jacksonville blew the game wide open with a five-spot in the sixth inning. Austin Allen led off the sixth with a single and advanced to second on a wild pitch. A flyout by Jake Mangum allowed Allen to advance to third. A wild pitch allowed Allen to score, extending the lead to 4-0. Edwards then worked a walk and went to third on a single from Miller. After stealing second, Burdick walked two batters later to load the bases. Leblanc (3) walloped a grand slam, widening the Jumbo Shrimp lead to 8-0.

 

The IronPigs tallied their lone run in the ninth. Jhalin Ortiz started the inning with a single and went to third on a single from Scott Kingery. Weston Wilson walked, loading the bases. Dustin Peterson knocked a sac fly, scoring Ortiz to give Lehigh Valley their first tally of the game. Dylan Bice was able to bear down and get the final two hitters out, securing Jacksonville’s 8-1 win.

 

Lindgren had another fantastic outing at home, allowing just two hits in six innings of work.  

 

Jacksonville and Lehigh Valley conclude their series Sunday at 3:05 p.m. LHP Sean Nolin (0-0, 6.75 ERA) starts for Jacksonville. 

NFL Draft: FSU's Robinson Chosen By Carolina Panthers

TALLAHASSEE – Florida State defensive back Jammie Robinson was selected in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers with the 145th overall pick on Saturday.

Robinson’s selection extends Florida State’s streak to 40 consecutive NFL Drafts with at least one player picked. 

That streak, which began in 1984, is the eighth-longest active streak in the nation. Florida State now has 294 NFL Draft picks in its history, including 203 during the 40-year streak, and Robinson is the 35th FSU defensive back drafted in the last 36 years.

 

Robinson was a back-to-back first-team All-ACC selection, Florida State’s first defender to earn consecutive first-team All-ACC honors since Jalen Ramsey in 2014-15, in both of his seasons after transferring into the program for the 2021 season. He started 24 of 25 games played at FSU, totaling 183 tackles, including 12.0 for loss with 1.0 sack, five interceptions, eight pass breakups, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. He led the team in tackles in both 2021 and 2022, registering 84 stops in 2021 and 99 in 2022.

 

In 2022, Robinson was named a first-team All-American by the Senior Bowl and second-team All-American by The Athletic. The Cordele, Georgia, native made a season-high 13 tackles and one pass breakup against No. 22 Wake Forest and matched his season high of 13 tackles, including his first collegiate sack, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup in FSU’s 35-32 Cheez-It Bowl win over Oklahoma. He also recorded double-digit tackles in the 45-38 victory over Florida and the 41-16 win over Georgia Tech. In the 2021 season finale, he recorded a career-high 18 tackles, including a career-best 1.5 for loss, and one interception at UF to become the only player in America with at least 16 tackles and one interception in a game in 2021.

 

Robinson is the fifth Seminole drafted by the Panthers and joins 2019 first-round pick Brian Burns in Charlotte. Live coverage of the 2023 NFL Draft continues on ESPN, ABC and NFL Network.

 

NFL Draft: Cam Smith, Devon Achane Selected by Miami Dolphins

Cam Smith

By Mike Bonts

MIAMI (Florida Sports Wire)  - The Miami .Dolphins selected South Carolina cornerback Cam Smith in the second round with the 51st overall pick.

Smith is the earliest defensive back drafted by the Dolphins since S Jevon Holland was picked 36th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The last two defensive backs Miami has selected in the second round of the draft are Holland and Xavien Howard, who was picked 38th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Smith is the sixth Gamecock selected by Miami in the draft and the first since 2003. The last three South Carolina draft picks by the Dolphins are all defensive backs.

The Dolphins selected Texas A&M  running back von Achane in the third round with the 84th overall pick.

Achane is the first Dolphins running back selected in the third round or earlier since RB Kenyan Drake was a third-round selection (73rd overall) in the 2016 NFL Draft.

This marks the first time the Dolphins have drafted a running back from Texas A&M.

Achane becomes the 11th Aggie to be drafted by Miami and first since QB Ryan Tannehill was taken eighth overall in the 2012 NFL Draft.

DOLPHINS DRAFT NOTES: It’s the eighth consecutive draft Miami has selected a player from an SEC school. The last year Miami didn’t draft an SEC player was 2015...it marked the 102nd time Miami had selected a defensive back and the 86th time the team had drafted a running back...this is the seventh time Miami has spent its top pick on a defensive back and the first time that’s happened since 2018, when Miami drafted S Minkah Fitzpatrick at No. 11 overall.

Jumbo Shrimp Take 6-1 Rain-Shortened Contest Over IronPigs

 JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Peyton Burdick blasted his ninth homer of the season as the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp defeated the Lehigh Valley IronPigs 6-1 in their rain-shortened contest Thursday night at 121 Financial Ballpark. 

The Jumbo Shrimp (11-11) saw their offensive scoreless inning streak come to an end at 15 when they plated three runs in the bottom of the second. 

Down 1-0, Jerar Encarnacion led off with a walk and went to second two batters later when Charles Leblanc worked another free pass against IronPigs (11-12) starter Michael Plassmeyer (L, 0-2). In the ensuing at-bat, Jacob Amaya knocked a single, scoring Encarnacion to tie the game at one. 

Leblanc advanced to second and then scored the go-ahead run when Jake Mangum reached on an error. With runners on second and third, Santiago Chavez walked to load the bases and Xavier Edwards then walked with the bases loaded, bringing in the third run of the inning.

Jacksonville padded their lead in the bottom of the third. Encarnacion doubled with one out and scored two batters later as Leblanc reached on Lehigh Valley’s second fielding error of the game, increasing the lead to 4-1.

Burdick put the nail in the coffin in the bottom of the seventh inning with a two-run homer, his ninth of the season, to give Jacksonville a five-run lead, 6-1.

Lehigh Valley drew first blood for the third game in a row with one run in the second inning. Scott Kingery led off with a walk and went to second as Vito Friscia drew a walk three batters later. With two outs, Simon Muzziotti knocked a base hit, plating Kingery for a 1-0 lead.

Jacksonville got a tremendous performance from their bullpen. Jackson Rose and Will Stewart combined for five scoreless innings, allowing six hits with one walk and five strikeouts.

The Jumbo Shrimp continue their series with the IronPigs Friday at 7:05 p.m. Jacksonville will hand the ball to RHP Chi Chi González (2-1, 4.40) while Lehigh Valley will counter with LHP Cristopher Sanchez (0-0, 1.04). 

UCF's Dagenais Pursues Professional Volleyball Opportunity

Todd Dagenais the winningest all-time UCF volleyball coach over the past 15 seasons and architect of five consecutive American Athletic Conference volleyball titles from 2018-22 as well as consistently strong academic performances by his teams, announced his resignation at the end of the spring season to pursue a professional sports opportunity. 

UCF associate head coach Jenny Maurer will serve as acting head coach.

“These past 15 years have been an indescribable privilege to work with so many special women that have come through our program,” said Dagenais. “An entire group of highly successful and decorated former volleyball players is making a difference in the world. I’m grateful to have been supported by Jenny Maurer and Brian Doyon over the past several years--each providing the continuity necessary to compete on the national stage. There will never be enough words to thank all the former coaches, managers and support staff that allowed our program to be the best it can be. Thank you for helping us write history.

His 227 overall wins over 10 seasons in the AAC and 142 conference victories over that same span make him the all-time winningest volleyball coach in AAC history in both categories.

“My opportunity at UCF has given me the experience and confidence to go and help start a professional league, manage and coach a franchise--and provide opportunities for women’s volleyball players that are not available to them right now.”

Dagenais ranks first in UCF program history with 308 career victories as head coach. 

Academics proved one of the major focuses once Dagenais set foot on campus in 2008. The Knights kept at least a 3.0 grade-point average for every semester since May 2008. 

“Todd has done a fabulous job of building UCF volleyball into a national program,” said UCF vice president and director of athletics Terry Mohajir. “We thank him for all he has done and wish him all the best in his next professional endeavor. He leaves our program well-positioned for additional future successes.

During that span, 62 Knights earned spots on conference academic teams. The Knight volleyball team currently boasts the highest combined GPA of any UCF program at 3.68.

“We’re pleased to have Jenny Maurer serve as the acting head coach. This was strongly recommended by Todd during his transition.”

 

Richardson Drafted Fourth Overall in 2023 NFL Draft by Indianapolis

 KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson was drafted fourth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night. 

The pick tied for the second-highest Gator to be drafted, joining Kyle Pitts in 2021.

Richardson was a three-year member of the Gators and started all 12 regular-season games last year. He played in 24 career games with 13 starts and totaled 3,105 passing yards with 24 passing touchdowns on 215 completions. 

An All-SEC Freshman Team selection in 2021, he ran for a career 1,116 yards and 12 scores on the ground.

He started off the season opener last season leading the Gators to a victory over No. 7 Utah with a career-high three rushing touchdowns and earned SEC Offensive Player of the Week and Davey O'Brien Award Quarterback of the Week accolades.

Of his 36 career scores, he had seven scores of 70-plus, 14 scores of 40-plus and 16 of 25-plus yards. 

Richardson ran for three touchdowns of 70-plus, four of 60-plus and five of 45 yards. In the air, he completed four 70-plus-yard, nine 40-yard, 10 30-yard and 11 25-yard TDs.

Flagler Golf Receives Special Donation from the Ringhaver Family

 ST. AUGUSTINE – The Flagler College golf teams received a special donation from the Ringhaver family. Flagler College Trustee Emeritus Randy Ringhaver was on hand, along with the entire women's golf team and coaches, for the unveiling of a set of beautifully framed clubs that were used by the late Elaine Ringhaver Riddle. 

The clubs are now prominently displayed in the new Flagler College Golf room.

"We are very fortunate to have the Ringhaver family as long-time supporters of the Flagler golf program," said Santiago Cavanagh, the College's director of golf.

In 2013, Mr. Ringhaver endowed a scholarship for the women's golf program in the name of his mother Elaine Ringhaver Riggle, who played golf in St. Augustine for many years and the

family lived in a residence adjacent the grounds of Flagler College. Ringhaver recently retired from his position on the College's Board of Trustees after many years of service as a member and

former chairman of the Board. His father, L.C. Ringhaver, also served on the Board in the College's earlier years, and his daughter, Bree Alban, was recently appointed to the Board.

"We are happy to support the Flagler golf teams and I'm very proud of the great work that the coach has done leading the program to many championships and doing it with integrity and class," said Ringhaver at the unveiling ceremony. 

The Ringhaver family continues to be active in supporting the College. The student center on campus is named in their honor. 

The generosity and support of the Ringhaver family played a key role in the establishment of Flagler College in its early days. Ringhaver is the Chairman and CEO of the Ring Power Corporation, which is the Southeast's largest Caterpillar dealer.

Gators Duo Garners Weekly AAC Lacrosse Honors

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - After topping Vanderbilt 22-6 on Saturday, two Gators earned American Athletic Conference honors, the league announced Monday.

Emma LoPinto and Danielle Pavinelli were each tabbed to the AAC Honor Roll heading into the final week of the regular season. That is LoPinto's 10th weekly honor this season, while Pavinelli picked up her first accolade of the 2023 campaign.

LoPinto - the sophomore attacker - posted six points against Vanderbilt, registering three goals and three assists in the victory. She went 3-of-5 from the field, along with causing one turnover and picking up one groundball.

The Manhasset, N.Y. native currently ranks in the Top-10 in the AAC in the following categories: points per game (2nd | 4.47), goals per game (3rd | 3.07), assists per game (4th | 1.40), shots per game (6th | 5.40).

Pavinelli - the junior attacker - tallied a season-high six points against the Commodores, coming from four goals and two assists. Her four goals tied her season-high mark and she finished the day with a .571 save percentage.

The Northpoint, N.Y. native currently sits in the Top-15 in the AAC in the following categories: points per game (8th | 3.13), goals per game (8th | 2.20), assists per game (13th | 0.93), shots per game (7th | 5.07).

The Gators are back in action on Wednesday for the final nonconference game of the regular season against RV Jacksonville. Opening draw is slated for 7 p.m. at Rock Stadium and fans not in attendance can catch the game on ESPN+.

Attack Player of the Week: Tai Jankowski, James Madison

Midfielder of the Week: Belle Mastropietro, Temple

Defensive Player of the Week: Katie Shallow, Temple

Goalkeeper of the Week: Taylor Grollman, Temple

Freshman of the Week: Camryn Callaghan, Cincinnati

Honor Roll: Emma LoPinto, A, Florida | Danielle Pavinelli, A, Florida | Dani Mlkvy, M Cincinnati | Kat Buchanan, G, James Madison | Mairead Durkin, D, James Madison

JU Golfer Vandermoten Receives All-Conference Honors

ATLANTA - Jacksonville University men's golf redshirt junior Alexandre Vandermoten was named to the ASUN All-Conference Third Team on Monday, as announced by the league office.

The native of Baillargues, France made an all-conference team for the second-straight year, one of five players on the team this year to have made multiple all-conference squads.

He led the team in multiple statistical scoring categories this season. His 72.20 stroke average was the best amongst JU players, and he also recorded the most rounds in the 60s, with seven total. His compiled 14 rounds of par-or-better and 30 of his rounds have counted towards the total team score.

His best finish of the season was a T5 at The Southern Invitational, helping the Dolphins capture the team championship that week. His low 18-hole score was a 64, which he shot in the final round of the Streamsong Invitational to open the season.

He was an All-Conference Second Team member last season, and made the All-Freshman Team in 2021.

Gator Bowl Sports Elects Volunteer Leadership

The Gator Bowl Sports Board of Trustees recently elected its 2023-24 volunteer leadership including Chairman, Officers and Advisory Board during its March quarterly meeting.

Alan Worley, President & CEO of Money Pages and 3D Digital, was elected as Chairman for the 2023-24 season. He is a local entrepreneur who founded Money Pages, a multimedia company, in 2001 and has grown it into a multi-milliondollar company. The company, through franchising, is now published in six states. Additionally, Worley began 3D 

Digital in 2014, a full-service digital agency that provides cutting edge digital marketing and technology to both customers and franchisees.

Chairman Worley joins the impressive ranks of the Gator Bowl Board of Trustees after serving in a variety of volunteer roles with Gator Bowl Sports since 2009. 

Through his tenure with Gator Bowl Sports, Worley has worked diligently to grow Gator Bowl Charities impact and awareness while leveraging his company’s resources to help expand the Gator Bowl Sports Brand.

Passionate about Jacksonville, Worley serves his city in many ways. In addition to his service with Gator Bowl Sports, he also serves on the Chamber Board of Directors, the Mayor-appointed Advisory Commission on Television, Film & Commercial Production, and sits on numerous advisory boards including for the Better Business Bureau Board and Synovus Bank. 

The Money Pages Foundation, led by his wife Kristin, is a way for them to give back to many non-profits in Jacksonville. Giving back to the community plays a large role in the Worley family. He is also dad to Megan, Madison and Braxton.

The Gator Bowl Sports Board of Trustees also appointed the following to select advisory boards to serve in the coming year:

- Secretary (Trustee): John Duce, Senior Vice President Middle Market Banking, Wells Fargo

- Co-Treasurers (Trustees): Scott Keith, CEO Creek Rise Ventures (Trustee) & Greg Smith, Retired (Trustee)

- Team Selection Committee Chairman: Nelson Bradshaw, Managing Director of Banking Strategies, Farther Financial

- Chairman-Elect: Andy King, Vice President Business Development, GFL Environmental

- Gator Bowl Charites Advisory Board Chair: Kevin Craig, Regional Director – External Affairs, AT&T

- Vice Chair, Operations and Hospitality: Mark Bennett, President, Jacksonville \ Southeast Region Executive, Business Banking, Bank of America

- Vice Chair, Marketing: Bill Dixon, Senior Vice President, Wealth Advisor Senior Portfolio Management Director, The Lighthouse Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley

- Vice Chair, Volunteers: Paul Jones, President & CEO, W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor, Inc.

- Vice Chair, Membership: Sara Pomposo, Market President & Publisher, Jacksonville Business Journal

- Vice Chair, Business Development: Pat McManamon, Senior Partner, Sandler | The Ruby Group

- Vice Chair, Brand Strategy: Kate Strickland, Founder | CEO, Wander Media Company

This leadership team is joined by a group of members more than 250 strong that represent business leaders across Florida’s First Coast

Jacksonville Sharks Corral Fayetteville Mustangs on the Road

The Jacksonville Sharks defeated the Fayetteville Mustangs on the road 73-53.

The Sharks offense was led by the duo of QB Conor Blount and WR Kamrin Solomon racking up 36 of the Sharks 73 points. 

Newly signed Sharks kicker Kevin Didio-Weber made quite the first impression hitting one deuce and two rouge points. Defensively, the Sharks put a stop to Fayetteville’s high power offense, holding Mustang QB Rakeem Cato to only five touchdown passes and 175 yards. 

Anthony Johnson started the game off with a bang scoring the first of two rushing touchdowns less than three minutes into the first quarter. Fayetteville responded back quickly putting up their first touchdown in three possessions.The score went back and forth for the remainder of the quarter and ended with the Sharks up 20 to 19. 

The second quarter started with a Sharks touchdown and ended with a Mustang touchdown in the last second of the half, tying the game at 34.

The Chess match continued into the third quarter. However, the Sharks scored twice and got a rouge point to take a 49-41 lead. 

Mustang QB Rakeem Cato suffered an ankle injury early in the fourth quarter and was taken out of the game. The Mustangs were unable to respond to the injury and the Sharks ran away with a 73 to 53 victory.

The Sharks return home to the Shark Tank this Sunday, April 30 for Movie Night to take on in-state rivals the Orlando Predators. Kickoff is at 4 p.m

Golf: Gators Win 2023 SEC Championship

ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. - A drama-filled finals rematch resulted in the Florida men's golf team being crowned the 2023 SEC Champions on Sunday at Sea Island Golf Club.

The match came all the way down to the 18th hole. It was last year's hero that had another memorable moment on 18-green. 

After John DuBois fired his approach shot right of the green and on the fringe, his opponent Reid Davenport landed in front of the green. Both were exactly 26 feet from the hole. DuBois added to the intensity of the finals as he brought the match all tied up on 16 after being down as many as 3-up on three occasions, including being three behind with seven holes left.

He knocked his third shot 15 feet of the cup. Last year's SEC Individual Champion, was clutch in the moment again and nailed the par putt for the eventual match clinching point as his opponent missed his to force extra holes.

Florida grabbed two early points with 5&4 wins from Matthew Kress and Ricky Castillo. Kress, who was a name to know this week, finished undefeated in his postseason debut and placed T19 in stroke play with final two rounds of 67 (-3) and 69 (-1).

Vandy followed with a quick 5&3 victory to make it 2-1. The remaining two matches were tied and the Commodores were 1-up. As DuBois and Davenport walked to their third shots, the attention turned to 17. Fred Biondi who was paired up against last year's National Champion, Gordon Sargent, tied his match with a crucial birdie on the par-3 after he was 1 down with two holes left. The two were in the fairway as Biondi watched his fellow senior clinch it.

The victory marks the first conference title for head coach J.C. Deacon and 16th all-time with the last being in 2011. UF has won a total of 260 SEC Championships across all sports and fifth this academic year; gymnastics, men's and women's swimming and volleyball. It is the fifth win this season, marking the 20th under Deacon and the ninth in the last three seasons. This is the sixth season with multiple wins with him at the helm as the most under him was six in 2016-17. Since 1965, Florida has won 165 team tournament titles.

With the win, Florida has earned an automatic qualification to the NCAA Regionals scheduled for May 15-17. The location where the Gators are headed to will be announced on May 3rd with the selection show airing live on Golf Channel.

SEC: No. 3 Florida Drops Finale at No. 6 South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C– No. 3 Florida battled for nine innings but ultimately dropped game three to No. 6 South Carolina by a score of 7-5 at Founders Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Gamecocks (34-6, 13-4 SEC) jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first on a two-run homer to left field by Braylen Wimmer. Cade Kurland quickly got one back for the Gators (31-10, 11-7 SEC), blasting a long home run to right-center field to cut the deficit to one run.

South Carolina regained a two-run lead in the second. Wimmer produced an RBI groundout to shortstop to bring home Will Tippett. Ethan Petry later added a two-run double in the fourth to make it 5-1.

In the top of the fifth, Kurland gave the Orange & Blue another boost. Hitting it to nearly the same location as his first, the freshman uncorked a solo shot to right-center field for his second homer of the game and 12th of the campaign.

The Gamecocks quickly got the run back, using a Jonathan French RBI single to center to push the score to 6-2 in the bottom of the fifth.

Florida did not go quietly, plating a pair of runs in the eighth to draw within two. With two outs in the frame, Jac Caglianone drove in Michael Robertson with an RBI double down the right-field line. One batter later, Josh Rivera came through with an RBI single off the left-field wall to plate Caglianone.

South Carolina added a late insurance run in the bottom of the eighth. With the bases loaded and no outs, Cole Messina grounded into a six-three double play as Brewer crossed home to bring the score to 7-4.

The Gators made it interesting in the ninth, beginning with a one-out single by Robertson. Tyler Shelnut then reached on a fielding error by USC pitcher Chris Veach, allowing Robertson to race home and cut the score to 7-5 – but that proved to be all for the Orange & Blue.

Caglianone dropped to 4-2, allowing four earned runs in three-plus innings. The southpaw surrendered three hits and six walks while striking out four. 

South Carolina starting pitcher Matthew Becker improved to 4-0 with five innings of two-run ball on two hits and one walk. He struck out six. Veach earned the save, throwing one inning with one unearned run allowed on one hit while striking out one.

Strong Defensive Effort Lifts Blue to 43-19 Win Over White Squad

STATESBORO - Four interceptions, including an 80-yard "Pick 7" on the final play of the game, lifted Team Blue to a 43-19 victory over Team White Saturday in the Georgia Southern Spring Football Game, presented by Morris Bank, Southern Exchange, and Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport.

In a format where both the offense and defense could score based on a point system, Team White scored the first points on a 22-yard field goal from Michael Lantz. Davis Brin connected with tight end Keaton Upshaw on a 9-yard scoring pass. 

In the second quarter, Colton FitzGerald hit DeAndre Buchannon in the back of the end zone for a 26-yard scoring play. The first half ended on a 34-yard field from Brendan Franke.

Team Blue scored points in the first half with three three-and-outs (3 points each), an interception from Kevin Speed (5 points), two sacks (1 point each), a failed PAT (1 point) and two stops with no scores (2 points each).

In the second half, Team Blue scored all of the points to pull away. The first points came on a fumble recovery by Cam Williams (5 points) thanks to a forced fumble at the goal line by Kierron Smith, and another stop (2 points) before Jack Ferguson picked off a pass (5 points) to make it 33-19. 

A sack (1 point) and a stop (2 points) gave the defense a two-score lead late and then Andrew Douglas stepped in front of a Beau Allen pass on the final of the game, returning the interception 80 yards for a seven-point play.

Brin led the passing game, connecting on 13 of 23 passes for 179 yards and a score. On the ground, OJ Arnold carried the ball 11 times for 127 yards with a long of 56 yards. Terron Dixon II had 56 yards while Tyler Jordan added 31. 

Khaleb Hood had three catches for 65 yards while Derwin Burgess Jr. had three catches for 59 yards in his return from a broken leg he sustained late last season. Jaylon Barden (5-35), Parker Self (2-32), Buchannon (2-31, TD), Dalen Cobb (2-27), Joshua Thompson (2-23), Anthony Queeley (3-22), Upshaw (2-24) and Brooks Pangle (2-14) all had two or more catches.

Defensively, Khadry Jackson, Justin Meyers, Davon Gilmore and Chase Dial-Watson (2 PBU) all had six tackles to lead the way.

The Eagles will open the 2023 season at home against The Citadel on Sept. 2.

NFL: Players Suspened for Violating Gambling Policy

 The NFL confirmed today that three players have been indefinitely suspended for violating the league's gambling policy. Two other players were each suspended six games.

Quintez Cephus and C.J. Moore of the Detroit Lions, and Shaka Toney of the Washington Commanders, are suspended indefinitely through at least the conclusion of the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in the 2022 season. These players may petition for reinstatement at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Stanley Berryhill and Jameson Williams of the Lions are suspended for the team's first six regular season games of the 2023 season. These players are eligible to participate in all offseason and preseason activities, including preseason games. The suspensions will take effect at the roster reduction to 53 players.

The gambling policy, which is annually reviewed with all NFL personnel, including players, prohibits anyone in the NFL from engaging in any form of gambling in any club or league facility or venue, including the practice facility.

A league review uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way.

Flagler Women’s Soccer to Host ID Camp Aug. 4-5

 ST. AUGUSTINE – Flagler College women's soccer will host an ID camp this summer, Aug. 4-5, at Saints Field at the Flagler Field Athletics Complex.

The camp is open to high school players ranging from freshman (grade 9) and up.

A goalkeeper session will get things started at 5 p.m. on Aug. 4. There will be 11 vs. 11 scrimmages from 6-8 p.m. following that session. On Aug. 5, there is a technical session from 9:30-11:30 a.m. followed by a lunch break. After lunch, small-sided games will take place from 1-2 p.m. To wrap up the camp, a question and answer session with the Flagler team will be from 2-2:30 p.m.

Limited spots are available. The camp fee is $260, which includes both days and a Flagler T-shirt. Meals and lodging ARE NOT provided.

Please click here for more information and the registration form or contact Conchi Sanchez Recuero at (904) 827-3941 or email her at CSanchezrecuero952@flagler.edu.

Start Times Set for 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round Games on April 25 and April 26

 NEW YORK (April 21, 2023) – The National Hockey League today announced the following updates to the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs First Round schedule:

Tuesday, April 25

 

• The start time of the potential Game 5 of the First Round series between the New York Islanders and Carolina Hurricanes is set for 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, April 25, in Raleigh. The game would be televised on ESPN in the U.S. Canadian national broadcast information will be announced when it is finalized.

 

• The start time and national broadcast information for Game 5 of the First Round series between the Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars, scheduled for Tuesday, April 25, in Dallas, and for Game 5 of the First Round series between the Los Angeles Kings and Edmonton Oilers, scheduled for Tuesday, April 25, in Edmonton, will be announced when available.

 

Wednesday, April 26

• The start time of Game 5 of the First Round series between the Florida Panthers and Boston Bruins is set for 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 26, in Boston. The game will be televised on ESPN in the U.S. In Canada, the game will be on Sportsnet, CBC and TVA Sports.

 

• The start time of Game 5 of the First Round series between the Seattle Kraken and Colorado Avalanche is set for 9:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 26, in Denver. The game will be televised on ESPN in the U.S..  In Canada, the game will be on Sportsnet, SN360 and TVA Sports.

Jacksonville's Hoeing Throws Five Scoreless Innings in 3-1 Loss to Nashville

JACKSONVILLE - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp starter Bryan Hoeing tossed five scoreless frames, but the Nashville Sounds rallied back in the ninth Thursday to take game three of the series in front of 5,025 fans at 121 Financial Ballpark, 3-1.  

Nashville (9-9) rallied in the ninth inning against Jacksonville (9-8) reliever Dylan Bice (0-1). Keston Hiura reached first on a fielding error to begin the inning. Two batters later, Abraham Toro singled, putting runners on the corners with one out. Alex Jackson (4) then demolished a home run to left, giving Nashville a 3-1 advantage. 

Bennett Sousa (1-0) worked a 1-2-3 ninth to seal the win for the Sounds.

Jacksonville picked up the game’s first run in the sixth inning after Xavier Edwards tripled with one out and C.J. Hinojosa sharply singled to score Edwards and give the Jumbo Shrimp a 1-0 lead.

Hoeing fanned seven against one walk in 5.0 innings, scattering a pair of hits. Jake Walters pitched 1.2 scoreless innings and then Anthony Maldonado fanned three in 1.1 scoreless innings.

Jacksonville and Nashville continue their series Friday at 7:05 p.m. RHP Ronald Bolaños (0-0, 0.00) starts for the Jumbo Shrimp against Nashville’s RHP Janson Junk (1-0, 0.90). 

No. 17 Miami Comes Up Short at FAU in Extra Innings

 BOCA RATON, Fla. — The 17^th-ranked University of Miami baseball team was walked off by FAU in the 11^th inning, falling to the Owls, 7-6, Wednesday evening.

“I can’t recall too many great at-bats with runners on base and runners in scoring position,” Miami head coach Gino DiMare said. “We didn’t get the at-bats we needed to be successful. We have to bear down and give great at-bats in those situations.”

 

Despite outhitting FAU (23-15), Miami (23-14) couldn’t come through with the crucial knock in the late innings. 

 

With the bases loaded in the top of the 11^th, Miami first baseman CJ Kayfus darted home on a ball in the dirt to push the visitors in front, 6-5.

 

But FAU reliever Nicholas Del Prado (4-1) held the Hurricanes right there, stranding a pair of runners.

 

In the bottom half, the first four Owls reached safely to tie the game, 6-6.

 

Following a full-count strikeout, FAU drew a free pass to complete its extra-inning win.

 

“We’re pretty shorthanded,” DiMare said. “We only had one available pitcher left. That was it. I can’t ever recall being in this position before, but we were so thin with so many guys scratched that couldn’t throw today. It’s a five-game week, which is a perfect storm.”

 

After besting Bethune-Cookman Tuesday night, Miami’s pitching staff was limited one day later.

 

The Hurricanes used seven arms to navigate the Owls’ lineup.

 

Fourth-year junior righty Ronaldo Gallo tossed the first four frames and exited the contest with Miami ahead, 5-3.

 

Rookie southpaw Chris Scinta pitched 2 2/3 scoreless, retiring the first seven batters he faced.

 

Right-hander Alejandro Torres and lefty Rafe Schlesinger generated two big outs before giving way to closer Andrew Walters in the back-and-forth affair.

 

Freshmen Gunther Braendel (0-1) and Alex Walsh were leaned on in extras.

“I thought those guys did a pretty good job and battled,” DiMare said. “It was the offense that didn’t get it done when it mattered. We had enough hits, but we should’ve scored more runs, that’s the bottom line.”

 

Juniors Zach Levenson and Yohandy Morales both homered in the defeat, as the Hurricanes finished with 12 hits.

 

Lee Smith Named Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship

 PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Florida – The PGA TOUR announced today that Lee Smith has been named Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship and replaces Jared Rice, who has taken a new role leading business development for the TOUR’s Championship Management portfolio of events.

 

Smith comes to THE PLAYERS Championship after spending the last five years as General Manager at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey, where he was instrumental in helping the PGA TOUR contest THE NORTHERN TRUST in 2019 and 2021. While overseeing an onsite staff of nearly 150 team members at the club, he secured the LPGA Tour’s Mizuho Americas Open, which will debut at Liberty National in June. Since 2008, Smith has been a key member of the TPC Network, serving as Head Golf Professional at TPC Sugarloaf outside Atlanta; General Manager of TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas; and Regional Director of Operations for TPC Networks, a role he held concurrently with his position at Liberty National. He has been a Class A member of the PGA of America for more than 20 years.

 

“My time with the TPC Network and Liberty National Golf Club has been a wonderful chapter of my career, and I cannot thank those teams enough for their unwavering support of this opportunity,” said Smith. “I’m excited to transition to Ponte Vedra Beach to help build on the tremendous momentum THE PLAYERS Championship has established in recent years. We will continue to elevate the experience for our players, partners and fans, while ensuring the Northeast Florida community benefits immensely from those efforts.”

 

Originally from Illinois, Smith received a B.S. degree in Sport Management from Southeast Missouri State University (where he was a four-year letter winner on the men’s golf team) before later attending the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where he earned a Masters in Sports Law & Business. He will relocate to Florida from New Jersey in the coming months.

 

“We are delighted for Lee to transition into his new role as Executive Director of THE PLAYERS Championship, where he will be a tremendous leader for our tournament team as well as the Northeast Florida community,” said Matt Rapp, Senior Vice President of Championship Management. “His vast years of experience leading TPC properties through championship events, while initiating future growth opportunities, made him a perfect selection for this vital role at the PGA TOUR.”

 

Rice, who has served as Executive Director of THE PLAYERS and Senior Vice President, Tournament Revenue for Championship Management since November of 2016, will focus exclusively on the latter in his new role as Senior Vice President, Sales & Market Development for Championship Management. That portfolio of events currently includes the Sentry Tournament of Champions, PLAYERS Championship, FedEx St. Jude Championship, TOUR Championship and the Presidents Cup.

 

“Jared’s tenure leading THE PLAYERS has allowed the PGA TOUR’s premier championship to grow into one of the elite global events in sports. Under his leadership, THE PLAYERS produced a first-class experience for our players and fans, and we’re looking forward to his next chapter in growing the Championship Management part of our business,” said Rapp.

 

Under his guidance, Rice orchestrated the tournament transition from May back to March in 2019; guided THE PLAYERS through the 2020 cancellation due to Covid-19 and the PGA TOUR’s first event to host fans at scale in 2021; doubled the number of national partners; and furthered the event’s long-standing charitable impact, including a $2 million gift last fall to fund the complete redesign and expansion of the Nemours Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders in Jacksonville.

 

“It is a bittersweet moment for me, as it has been an honor to lead THE PLAYERS Championship in our efforts to give this community and our players an event they can feel pride and ownership in,” said Rice. “I’m excited to focus my efforts on bringing new partners to our Championship Management events and building premium fan experiences in what are without doubt the premier tournaments on the PGA TOUR.”

 

THE PLAYERS Championship is set to return to TPC Sawgrass, March 12-17, 2024, as the strongest field in golf competes for the richest purse on the PGA TOUR.