WGNS IS ALWAYS AT THE GAME
February 28, 2010
Monday: Boy’s Sectional
7:00pm Ooltewah at Siegel (on WGNS)
LISTEN TO THE LIVE STREAM FROM WGNS
Tuesday: Sun Belt Tournament Finals
1:00pm Lady Raiders vs. UALR (on WGNS)
LISTEN TO THE LIVE STREAM FROM WGNS
Thursday: AAA Girls State
2:30pm Riverdale vs. Mt. Juliet (on WGNS)
STATE TOURNAMENT BRACKET
LISTEN TO THE LIVE STREAM FROM WGNS
Friday: AAA Girls State
4:00pm Riverdale/Mt. Juliet vs. Mem. Overton/Oak Ridge (winners advance)
Saturday: AAA Girls State Finals
6:00pm (TBA)
Prep Tournaments Continue
February 28, 2010
The first round of the region tournaments for our high schools girls teams was especially good, with four out of the five winning to continue their seasons. The Blackman, Riverdale, La Vergne and Middle Tennessee Christian girls will play tonight (Monday) for a place in the region tournament finals and a sectional berth. MTCS will play Forrest, a district opponent they’ve played three times already. They haven’t beaten the Lady Rockets this year, but all it takes is one to continue their season. On WGNS, Blackman will play Shelbyville at 6 and Riverdale versus La Vergne at 7:30pm Monday night. With two local teams playing each other in the semi-finals, it guarantees Rutherford County a sectional berth and a region championship game. If Blackman can beat Shelbyville, it would be an all Rutherford County title game. Hear the coverage with Bryan Barrett and Jon Dinkins “LIVE” tonight.
The Siegel and Oakland boys won their first round region games on Saturday. On Tuesday, the Stars will entertain Lawrence County and the Patriots will play Columbia. A win by the local teams will put them in the championship game and in the boy’s sectional. “LIVE” coverage begins on WGNS at 6 Tuesday night as well.
DOWNLOAD THE REGION 4AAA TOURNAMENT BRACKET
MTSU Men First Regular Conference Season Title in 21-years
February 28, 2010
The MTSU men’s basketball team has gone where they haven’t been in more than two decades…
Chip Walters with the play-by-play on WGNS Saturday after the Big Blue’s win over F-A-U. The Blue Raiders, Troy and North Texas ended the 2009-10 conference season in a three-way tie for first. Since Troy had the best head-to-head-record of the three it received the one seed in the tournament. North Texas received the two seed since it was the winner of the West Division with Middle Tennessee taking the three seed and the final first-round bye in the tournament. Coach Kermit Davis says they won’t have long to savor the regular season title with the tournament beginning for them, this Sunday night…
The men will play Sunday night at 9pm versus the Denver / F-I-U winner. The MTSU women will also receive a first-round bye with the second overall seeding in the tournament. Their first game will be at 2:15 next Sunday afternoon. The Lady Raiders will take on the F-I-U / North Texas winner. Be sure to stay with your Blue Raider Station for the latest on the Sun Belt Tournament run by our teams. Complete daily coverage on All Sports Talk begins at 4pm each day and the “LIVE” play-by-play right here.
MTSU Tennis: Blue Raider women fall to Rebels Sunday
February 28, 2010
OXFORD, Miss. - The No. 75-ranked Middle Tennessee women’s tennis team fought hard but could not come away with any points in dropping a 7-0 decision at No. 26 Mississippi Sunday afternoon in Oxford, Mississippi.
Photo ID: Alex Dachos played at the No. 6 singles position Sunday against No. 26 Mississippi.
The Blue Raiders were swept in all three doubles matches and each of the six singles contests in falling to the higher-ranked Rebels.
The most games won by a doubles pairing came at the No. 1 spot, where Natalie Araya and Marietta Bigus of Middle Tennessee (5-2) fell to Gabby Rangel and Connor Vogel, 8-4.
Mississippi (5-1) continued to roll throughout the singles matches, clinching each in straight sets. Taylor Coffey managed to win four games in her matchup at the No. 5 spot against Rangel.
The Blue Raiders will look to bounce back when they travel to Miami, Fla., to face FIU at 11 a.m. Saturday.
#26 Mississippi 7, #75 Middle Tennessee 0
Singles
No. 1 Karen Njiseen (MISS) def. Carla Nava (MT) 6-1, 6-2
No. 2 Abby Guthrie (MISS) def. Natalie Araya (MT) 6-1, 6-1
No. 3 Connor Vogel (MISS) def. Yuiri Nomoto (MT) 6-2, 6-1
No. 4 Laura van de Stroet (MISS) def. Marietta Bigus (MT) 6-1, 6-0
No. 5 Gabby Rangel (MISS) def. Taylor Coffey (MT) 6-3, 6-1
No. 6 Soledad Poplipnik (MISS) def. Alex Dachos (MT) 6-0, 6-3
Doubles
No. 1 Rangel/Vogel (MISS) def. Araya/Bigus (MT) 8-4
No. 2 Guthrie/van de Stroet (MISS) def. Nava/Nomoto (MT) 8-3
No. 3 Pippa Reakes/Njissen (MISS) def. Coffey/Dachos (MT) 8-1
MTSU: Women’s track runner up at SBC Indoor
February 28, 2010
It was a weekend of individual highs for the Middle Tennessee track and field teams as five athletes won single events at the Sun Belt Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships at Murphy Center. However, in the end the women’s team finished second overall with the men’s team placing fourth.
Photo ID: Festus Chemaoi won the 800 meters, mile run and 3,00 meters and the Sun Belt Indoor Track and Field Championships this weekend at the Murphy Center. He was honored as the Top Meet Scorer for his accomplishment this weekend.
Thin Blue Raider rosters could not compete with the Western Kentucky depth in the men’s and women’s championships. As head coach Dean Hayes and Blue Raiders have had to battle through injury all throughout the season that would prove costly when it mattered the most. The Lady Toppers would defeat the Blue Raiders 179.33 to 110 while the Middle Tennessee men placed fourth with 87 team points behind Louisiana, North Texas and Western Kentucky.
Hayes commented, "It was just one of those screwy things where you have athletes win a lot of individual championships, but our lack of depth from injury hurt us in the end."
In Sunday’s action, Senior Brittany completed the sweep of the women’s throwing events taking gold in today’s weight throw competition. Yesterday, she stole victory in shot put contest giving her the sweep. Her throw of 61-11 (18.78m) in the weight throw breaks a Sun Belt championships record in the event and earned the Antioch native Most Outstanding Field Athlete for the weekend.
"When I got hurt two weeks ago, I was nervous if I was going to be able to compete to the level in which I did this weekend," said Cox. "I told myself I would just have to man up and take care of my business. I did and I am proud."
Cox will compete in two weeks at the NCAA Indoor Championships in Fayetteville, Ark. in the shot put and weight throw.
In the triple jump, Nyeisha Wright took third place, leaping 39-8.5 (12.10m) with teammate Cherice Robertson placing sixth with a jump of 38-6.25 (11.74m). Kortney Thurman placed eighth recording a mark of 38-4.75 (11.7m). Wright would go down to injury in the event and not compete in the 55 and 200 meter dash finals which she was qualified.
Robertson also placed second in today’s 55 meter hurdles, running a spectacular time of 7.77 setting a personal best and earning an NCAA Provisional time. The 11 points she scored today combined with the 16 scored yesterday made the Memphis native Top Meet Scorer for the championships.
In the distance events, Marla Bailey finished third in the 5,000 meters taking the bronze medal in a time of 17:52.10 with teammate Jackie Serem placing sixth in 18:09.48. Zamzam Sangau finished sixth in the mile run in 5:03.47. Sangau would not compete beyond the mile going down to injury in race. She was qualified in the finals of the 400 and 800 meters. Stephanie Smith placed ninth in the mile run with Alissa Ruggle coming in 12th winning the second heat of the event.
The men’s mile run highlighted the team’s track events on the second day of competition. Festus Chemaoi took the event, defending his 2008 and 2009 crown, clocking a time of 4:10.18. David Emery took the bronze medal in the race, finishing third in a time of 4:12.45. Isaac Biwott placed fifth in 4:14.89. Chemaoi would complete his trifecta later in the evening winning the 800 meters in 1:52.08, scoring 30 total points for the men’s team and earning Men’s Top Meet Scorer.
Hurdler DeRay Sloss placed third in the 55 meter hurdles. The senior competed in a lightning quick race winning the first finals heat in 7.46 to take third overall in the event. Roscoe Payne, the 2009 Sun Belt Indoor Champion 55 meter hurdles champion, would not repeat placing fourth.
The men’s mile relay took six points placing third. Payne, running the second leg, brought the team back from almost ten meters behind evening the race with leader North Texas at the halfway point. Justin Chambers kept the team in the race, but a botched handoff between Chambers and Curtis King made victory unattainable. King sprinted hard and took the bronze for the team.
"We had athletes compete very hard for us. Festus and Brittany won five events between the two of them, and help us tremendously. Going into the outdoor season we will get some athletes back that can help us in the outdoor championships.
Adams Place Did Its Own “Antique Road Show” Sunday
February 28, 2010
Adams Place presented its own version of “Antique Road Show” at 2:00 o’clock Sunday afternoon (2/28/10). Approximately 100 persons packed the meeting room at 1927 Memorial Boulevard and listened as well-known antique and personal property appraiser Connie Sue Davenport gave her estimate of the value of some sixty-plus treasures. Sadly, there was only one “ooooh” item. It was a mint condition wax doll valued in the $800 range. Most items were around $50 with a few in the $400 range. Davenport noted, “Treasures should live with you and not in the attic or basement.” She also found many of the belongings presented were being gradually destroyed by acid from plastics and papers. It was a fun and free afternoon with plenty of delicious food offered by sponsors Adams Place, MidSouth Bank and Family Staffing Solutions.
MTSU Tennis on Sunday: Vanderbilt 5 – MTSU 2
February 28, 2010
The Blue Raiders fell to No. 39 Vanderbilt 5-2 on Sunday with a number of Blue Raiders performing well in the match.
The Blue Raiders opened play with doubles with Vanderbilt taking the point after sweeping the matches. Middle Tennessee’s doubles teams played well overall with juniors John Peers and Kyle Wishing facing Adam Baker and Alex Zotov falling 8-6. Vijay Paul and Alex DiValerio faced a battle with sophomore Richard Cowden and freshman Shaun Waters but pulled out the win 8-7 (10).
“The message to the team for the remainder of the season is we have to keep competing and fighting both as a team and individually. We are showing this and continuing to get better but it will take everyone doing it individually,” head coach David McNamara said. “It was there to be won today and in two other matches against teams in the top 40 and all because of a point here and there that went the other way. We have to use the opportunities when they come up and not let them get away.”
Vanderbilt extended its lead to two after No. 94 Zotov defeated senior Alex McCann 6-2, 6-4.
Peers continued his impressive string of wins as he defeated No. 39 Ryan Lipman 6-2, 6-3 to cut the lead to one, 2-1.
Cowden won his first set 6-3 over Paul but lost the next two, 6-4, 6-0 as the Commodores closed to within one for the win. Baker then clinched the match for Vanderbilt with his 6-3, 6-2 win over Waters.
Melo and sophomore Matthew Langley rounded out play for the Blue Raiders. Melo won his first set 6-4 over Bryant Salcedo but lost the match after falling 6-4, 6-2 in the final two sets. Langley defeated DiValerio 6-1, 7-6 (4) to add another point for the Blue Raiders.
“We are very close and I feel positive and optimistic about where the team is headed. We have to keep believing, fighting and gutting it out,” McNamara said. “We have a big weekend coming up at Corpus Christi in the HEB Invitational. In the last seven matches, the team has won the doubles point in five so things are going in right direction and we just have to keep putting in the effort and working hard.”
The Blue Raiders will be back in action Friday and Saturday March 5-6 when it participates in the HEB Invitational in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Baseball: MTSU 14 – Ohio Bobcats 6
February 28, 2010
After only knocking out one home run in the first four games of the season, the Middle Tennessee baseball team put three out of the park in a 14-6 victory over the Ohio Bobcats.
The win sealed a three game sweep on the weekend and the first series win of the season for the Blue Raiders.
Tyler Burnett (left photo) and Justin Guidry once again starred for Middle Tennessee in an offensive showcase. Burnett went 2-5 at the plate with a walk and a pair of RBIs, but he slugged out the first home run of the season at Reese Smith Jr. Field with a two-run blast in the fifth. Guidry, who went 3-5 at the plate, followed up with a homer in the very next at bat.
Robert Lawrence, who sat out last season with a redshirt, also knocked out a homer in his second career at bat for the Blue Raiders. The outburst saw contributions from both the starting line-up and the bench as ten players recorded hits on the day and five drove in at least two runs.
Junior Eric Gilley made his first career start as a Blue Raider and despite allowing four walks and seven hits, showed a penchant for getting out of jams. He only gave up one earned run on the day in five innings.
Joey McClung and Brandon Hall each made their first career appearance for the Blue Raiders while both Jud Stoltz and Marshall Mears made their first appearance of the season.
"In a game like this, you get to play a lot of people," said Coach Steve Peterson. "It’s good to get those guys in because they’ll be needed later in the season."
For the first time in the series, the Bobcats struck first. Bryan Barnes doubled down the right field line to open up the game. An error by Ford allowed Barnes to advance to third, and a Jerod Yakubik single scored the run.
Middle Tennessee took the lead in the third. Burnett started off the frame with a walk. The Murfreesboro native stole second, and Guidry singled to bring him home for the tying score. Brentz followed up with a double. McDade singled to right field to score Guidry with what would prove to be the game-winning RBI, and when the Ohio right fielder Robert Maddox overthrew the cut-off man it allowed Brentz to score and McDade to advance to second. A Jones single moved McDade to third, and a Skinner fly ball plated McDade. Miller doubled to left field to chase Ohio pitcher Bores. Acker grounded out to score Jones. Miller moved to third on a wild pitch, and Ford drew a walk. A second wild pitch allowed Miller to score the sixth run of the inning.
Ohio tacked on another run in the top of the fourth, but the inning was defined more by the inability to score. The Bobcats earned three walks and recorded a hit in the frame, but after Gauntlett Eldemire earned a two-out bases loaded walk, Gilley managed to get out of the inning allowing only a single run.
Middle Tennessee would put up another pair of runs in the bottom half of the fourth. Guidry dropped down a bunt for a single, and Brentz earned a walk to open up the frame. McDade doubled to center to score Guidry. Skinner would fly out later in the inning to score Brentz and put the Blue Raiders up 8-2.
The Blue Raiders started off the fifth inning with a bang. After a Ford walk, Tyler Burnett slugged his first home run of the season over the right field wall. Not to be outdone, Guidry homered in the next at bat to increase the deficit to 11-2.
Joey McClung came in for Gilley at the start of the sixth inning. Back-to-back singles and a walk loaded the bases for Eldemire, who hit into a double play but plated a run for the Bobcats.
Ohio struck again in the top of the eighth for three runs. A Seth Streich triple opened up the inning, followed by C.J. Maszal earning a walk and Barnes getting hit by a pitch. Eldemire once again faced a bases-loaded situation and singled through the right side to score Streich. Following a pitching change, Yakubik singled and Maddox hit into a double play, each knocking in a run.
Middle Tennessee answered with a three-run inning in the bottom half. Dalton Henzman earned his first career hit with a double to left field and advanced to third on a wild pitch. A Skinner single brought Henzman home, and Zach Hudson came in to pinch run. After were recorded by Miller and Acker, Robert Lawrence unleashed a powerful two-run shot over the left field wall.
The Blue Raiders outhit the Bobcats 17-12 on the day. Both teams combined to leave 21 runners stranded on the base paths. Middle Tennessee also converted on four double plays.
Middle Tennessee will look to extend their three-game win streak on Tuesday when they travel to Carbondale, Ill. for a two game series vs. Southern Illinois.
Men’s Basketball: Blue Raiders earn first round bye in SBC Championships
February 28, 2010
NEW ORLEANS – Middle Tennessee clinched a share of the Sun Belt East Division title on Saturday night after defeating Florida Atlantic and will be the three seed in the Sun Belt Championships when play begins next weekend.
The Blue Raiders, Troy and North Texas ended the 2009-10 conference season in a three-way tie for first. Since Troy had the best head-to-head-record of the three it received the one seed in the tournament. North Texas received the two seed since it was the winner of the West Division with Middle Tennessee taking the three seed and the final bye in the tournament.
Middle Tennessee and North Texas are on the same side of the bracket but if both were to advance would not meet until the semi-finals on Monday, March 8.
With a first round bye, the Blue Raiders will not play until Sunday, March 7 when they will face the winner of Denver (6) and Florida International (11) in the quarterfinals at 9 p.m. The last time Middle Tennessee played Denver or FIU in the conference tournament was in 2005-06 when it lost in the first round to the Pioneers.
If Middle Tennessee were to play North Texas, it would be the second time in three years the two teams have met in the tournament. The Mean Green put Middle Tennessee out of the tournament last season in the quarterfinals.
Sex Offenders in Murfreesboro, Beware – You May Get Arrested!
February 28, 2010
The Murfreesboro Police Department is working hard to crack down on local sex offenders who
fail to follow the laws they are expected to live by. The police department recently went door to
door in search of those who are registered on the Sex Offender Registry and who are violating laws
they are expected to follow.
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE MPD:
On February 25, 2010 Murfreesboro Police Department Criminal Investigators, along with the
Crime Suppression Unit, conducted a surprise inspection of ten registered sex offenders within the
city limits. The officers verified registration information such as address, proximity to schools, and
made sure they were in compliance with any other requirements of their release conditions.
Three violations were discovered during the inspections and will be presented to the March, 2010
Rutherford County Grand Jury and/or criminal warrants taken out. As required by state law, CID
will be conducting more verification checks of registered sex offenders in the coming weeks.
MTSU Victories At SunBelt Indoor Shot Put
February 28, 2010
It was a day of early highs for the Middle Tennessee track and field teams as team opened competition hosting the 2010 Sun Belt Indoor Championships. Five of teams’ athletes finish with first place in their respective events.Three first place finishes on the women’s side have put the team second behind the Western Kentucky while the two men’s victories have the team in third position.
Senior Brittany Cox (left photo) scored first for the Blue Raiders taking gold in the morning’s shot put competition. The Antioch, Tennessee native won the event throwing 48-11.5 (14.92m) on her second toss of the preliminary round. This is the second time in which she has won the event, taking the crown at the 2007 meet. Teammate MeLyn Thompson took fourth in the competition with a throw of 46-6 (14.17m).
In the women’s long jump, Nyeisha Wright took first with a leap of 20-6.5 (6.26m) with teammate Cherice Robertson placing third jumping 19-4.75 (5.91m). Wright becomes the first woman since Kim Freeman in 2003 to take the Sun Belt Indoor Long Jump title. Kortney Thurman finished sixth with a mark of 18-11.75 (5.78m).
Robertson would continue to perform well taking the women’s high jump competition jumping 5-6 (1.68m).
Robertson commented, "I just wanted to score in the long jump, but I ended up getting a good one and placing third. I felt confident going into the high jump as I held the top conference seed. I went out and competed well."
Robertson also finished with the a top time in the 55 meter hurdles this evening as well qualifying for tomorrow’s final with a time of 7.91.
The women’s distance medley relay team scored took second play. Run by Stephanie Smith, Amber Jackson, Alissa Ruggle and Zamzam Sangau, the team was just beaten by leaders Western Kentucky.
Marla Bailey and Jackie Serem were the other Blue Raider scorers taking sixth and seventh in the 3,000 meters for five total points.
The lone Middle Tennessee men’s field competitor was Stanley Gbagbeke in the long jump. The Nigeria native won the long jump with a leap of 25-4.25 (7.73). This marks the 17th time a Blue Raider athlete has won a conference indoor long jump crown. His jump was a Sun Belt Conference Championship record.
Festus Chemaoi won the men’s 3,000 meter crown in dramatic fashion continuing to prove himself as the top distance runner in the Sun Belt Conference. His time of 8:15.54 is a personal best.
"I felt confident with the pace we were running in the early portion of the race," said Chemaoi. "When we hit the second to last lap I knew I was going to win."
Teammate William Songock scored three points for the team placing sixth in the race.
Many of the other Blue Raider athletes competed in the preliminary track races of the competition. Overall the teams did well and many of the athletes will run in final race tomorrow.
Head coach Dean Hayes commented on the day’s performance, "The women have a shot to win tomorrow. We have most of our athletes who should be in the finals, qualify. Now they have to go get a place."
The teams’ will resume competition Sunday (2/28/19) morning at 9:30 with the men’s triple jump competition.
Men’s Basketball: Blue Raiders clinch share of East Division
February 28, 2010
BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Blue Raiders, led by seniors Calvin O’Neil and Desmond Yates, clinched a share of the Sun Belt East Division title with a 66-57 win over Florida Atlantic on Saturday night.
O’Neil guided the team throughout the night ending with 13 points and came through at the charity stripe going 7-8. Yates, who missed most of the first half due to foul trouble, led the team with 14 points after going on a big run in the second half and ended the game 7-10 from the field.
Photo ID: Senior Desmond Yates, who missed most of the first half due to foul trouble, led the team with 14 points after going on a big run in the second half and ended the game 7-10 from the field.
It is the first time the Blue Raiders have won a share of the Sun Belt title and the last time a Blue Raider team won a share of any league title was in 1988-89.
Middle Tennessee is now 19-12 on the season which is the first 19 win season since 2004-05, head coach Kermit Davis’ third season. In Sun Belt action, the Blue Raiders end the season 13-5, its best record since joining the league in 2000-01.
“I am tickled to death for our players to be regular season Sun Belt Champions. To go win seven games on the road in league play. It’s a tough swing to go on a road trip and have to sweep to win your league. The assistant coaches did a fantastic job, I am proud of our players and excited for our fans. We still have a lot to do but it will be a fun celebration this week,” Davis said.
The Blue Raiders shot 50 percent from the field in the second half and 43.1 percent in the game. Junior Rod Emanuel guided the bench with 11 points after going 3-4 from behind the arc and the field as the bench outscored FAU to 18-4.
Defensively, the Blue Raiders pulled down 36 rebounds led by junior Trevor Ottley who had eight while senior Montarrio Haddock and freshman J.T. Sulton added seven rebounds each. Ottley also blocked a career high six blocks a number of which came at key points in the game.
The Blue Raiders began play with a 6-2 run and never looked back. FAU’s Hugley hit a layup cutting the lead to one, 6-5, with 15:42 but that was as close as the Owls would come to the lead.
Two three-pointers by Haddock made it a six point lead and started a huge run for the Blue Raiders. The Blue Raiders pulled ahead by 15 points, 30-15, with four minutes to play after a 24-9 run. FAU ended the half on a 7-0 run to cut the Middle Tennessee lead to 10, 32-22.
O’Neil led all scorers with eight points while Haddock added six and Gallman and Emanuel each posted five. Defensively, the team had 24 rebounds, led by Sulton and Ottley with five and three blocks all by Ottley.
Middle Tennessee began the second half on a 14-9 run, led by Yates who scored eight, for a 46-31 lead at the first media timeout. The Owls tried to come back but the Blue Raiders maintained a 15-point lead, 60-45, after a jumper by Washington with less than three minutes remaining.
Middle Tennessee will find out its seed and when it will play the Sun Belt Conference Championships on Sunday, Feb. 28 when it is officially released by the league office. Once the seeds and brackets have been announced by the Sun Belt all tournament information will be broadcast on WGNS, your BLUE RAIDER CONNECTION (FM 100.5, FM 101.9, AM 1450, over the air TV 11, worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com).
Sir Pizza Prep Podcast: Region 4AAA Boys First Round (Franklin Co. at Oakland)
February 27, 2010
Bryan Barrett had the play-by-play in the Oakland win over Franklin County…
Women’s Tennis: MTSU Fell 5 - 1 To Marshall
February 27, 2010
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The No. 75-ranked Middle Tennessee women’s tennis team fell 5-1 Saturday to visiting Marshall, ranked No. 34 in the latest Campbell’s/Intercollegiate Tennis Association poll, at the Nashboro Village Indoor Courts in Nashville, Tenn.
The Blue Raiders captured the doubles point by winning two of the three contests but could not muster a victory in singles action in losing their first of six matches this season.
Photo ID: Senior Anna Djananova combined with sophomore Taylor Coffey to win the No. 3 doubles match and clinch the point for the Blue Raiders.
Middle Tennessee (5-1) earned its first doubles win at No. 2, as Carla Nava and Yuiri Nomoto combined for an 8-2 triumph over the Thundering Herd’s Kara Kucin and Isabell Raich.
The point would be decided during the No. 3 match and the see-saw affair would land in the Blue Raiders’ favor after going to a tiebreaker. Anna Djananova and Taylor Coffey knocked off Deanna Bailey and Thaddea Lock 9-8 (8-6) to clinch the point.
“Our girls fought their tails off for the doubles point and we beat them,” head coach Alison Ojeda said. “I thought going in that if we would win the doubles point, we could win the match, and unfortunately it did not turn out that way.”
Singles action saw Marshall (11-0) earn victories in all five matches which were finished, as it sealed the win.
At the No. 2 spot, Natalie Araya went to a tiebreaker against Dominika Zaprazna before falling 6-2, 7-6 (8-6). The other four matchups were decided in straight sets.
Coffey’s singles match at No. 6 versus Kristina Koprcina did not finish with the Thundering Herd sophomore ahead 7-6 in the first set.
Marshall’s squad featured nationally-ranked foes, including Michaela Kissell at No. 42 in singles playing at the No. 1 position. Kissell and Zaprazna paired to form the top doubles tandem and entered the match ranked No. 23.
“We believe in each other, so doubles is always possible. We do not yet believe in ourselves individually to win singles matches.
“Give credit to Marshall, though, as they are a very good team. I would not be surprised if they go on to finish in the Top 15 or 20 in the country at the end of the season.”
The Blue Raiders will look to regroup when they travel to Oxford, Miss., Sunday to face No. 26 Mississippi at 1 p.m.
#34 Marshall 5, #75 Middle Tennessee 1
Singles
No. 1 #42 Michaela Kissell (MARS) def. Carla Nava (MT) 6-0, 6-0
No. 2 Dominika Zaprazna (MARS) def. Natalie Araya (MT) 6-2, 7-6 (8-6)
No. 3 Isabell Raich (MARS) def. Yuiri Nomoto (MT) 6-2, 6-2
No. 4 Catherine Kellner (MARS) def. Anna Djananova (MT) 6-2, 6-2
No. 5 Deanna Bailey (MARS) def. Marietta Bigus (MT) 6-2, 6-2
No. 6 Taylor Coffey (MT) vs. Kristina Koprcina (MARS) 6-7, unfinished
Doubles
No. 1 #23 Michaela Kissell/Dominika Zaprazna (MARS) def. Natalie Araya/Marietta Bigus (MT) 8-2
No. 2 Carla Nava/Yuiri Nomoto (MT) def. Kara Kucin/Isabell Raich (MARS) 8-2
No. 3 Taylor Coffey/Anna Djananova (MT) def. Deanna Bailey/Thaddea Lock (MARS) 9-8 (8-6)
Free Gardening Series Offered By Master Gardeners Stating April 1st
February 27, 2010
Everybody is ready for springtime! And the Rutherford County Master Gardeners will offer a free class every month at one of the Linebaugh Libraries here in the county. The session begins at noon on April 1st at the Myrtle Glanton Lord Library in the Patterson Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.). For more information, phone 615-904-3429. WGNS will list these gardening classes on the air and in our website under Good Neighbor Events. It will also be discussed on this coming Thursday’s WGNS Action Line radio broadcast (8:10-9:00AM).
Baseball: MTSU 5 - Ohio 4
February 27, 2010
Tyler Burnett (left photo) followed up a career day on Friday with another outstanding performance as the Middle Tennessee baseball team notched its second straight win over Ohio, 5-4. Justin Guidry showed off his skill at the plate and on the mound, earning his first win of the season in relief.
“I enjoyed it,” said Coach Steve Peterson. “Our club needs to win close games, and I go into every game thinking that we need to win a one run game.”
Daniel Palo put together four innings without allowing a hit for the Blue Raiders before giving up two runs in the fifth. Guidry entered the game with two outs remaining in the fifth and didn’t allow a run until the ninth. Kevin Whittaker took over in the ninth, recording his second save of the season.
Aside from Burnett, Guidry and Bryce Brentz also put together nice days offensively. Guidry went 2-5 at the plate with a run scored, and Brentz also went 2-5 with a two runs scored and a run batted in. Justin Jones knocked in two runs while going 1-3 at the plate.
The Blue Raiders struck in the first inning for the second straight day with two runs. Burnett led off the inning by reaching on a fielding error by Ohio shortstop Wesley O’Neill. After a Guidry strikeout, back-to-back singles by Brentz and Blake McDade loaded the bases. Following a Drew Robertson out, Jones singled through the left side to score both Burnett and Brentz.
Ohio got on the board in the fifth with a pair of runs. Matt Keller opened up the inning by drawing a walk, and Seth Streich doubled down the right field line to advance Keller to third. O’Neill grounded out, but allowed Keller to score the first Bobcat run of the day. Bryan Barnes dropped down a bunt single and moved Streich to third. A Gauntlett Eldemire single scored Striech and chased Palo from the game. Guidry, who started as the designated hitter, took over relief duties on the mound. The sophomore from Mount Juliet, Tenn. didn’t allow another hit in the inning.
Middle Tennessee took the lead for good in the seventh inning. Burnett opened up the frame with his career-best third double of the game. Guidry followed it up with a single, and Brentz doubled to knock in Burnett for the go-ahead run. Following a walk and a couple pitching changes, the Blue Raiders scored on a passed ball by McDonough. A wild pitch scored Brentz for the final run of the inning to put Middle Tennessee up 5-2.
Kevin Whittaker’s second save of the season wouldn’t come easily. A single and an error by Guidry put two on before Whittaker was called to the mound. Eldemire recorded his second RBI of the game with a single up the middle to bring the deficit to two. Robert Maddox hit into a double play to score the final run of the game for Ohio.
The Blue Raiders will look to complete their home stand with a sweep of Ohio tomorrow. First pitch at Reese Smith Jr. Field is set for 1 p.m. Eric Gilley is expected to make the start for Middle Tennessee.
Submerged Car Spotted In The Lake At Smith Spring Recreation Area
February 27, 2010
The water rescue team rushed to the Smith Springs Recreation Area on Saturday (2/27/10). They were responding to the roof of a car being spotted in the water. A vehicle was totally submerged just off the shoreline in Percy Priest Lake. No one was in the car, and deputies have determined that the vehicle was stolen.
Saturday Morning Fire At Westbrook Towers…No Injuries!
February 27, 2010
A fire call from Westbrook Towers at 515 North Walnut Street was received by 911 telecommunicators around 10:00 o’clock Saturday morning 2/27/10). A mattress and sheets in room 615 were on fire when firefighters evacuated the sixth and seventh floors of the mostly elderly high rise complex. No one was injured and residents were allowed back in after about two and a half hours. The occupant of the damaged apartment went to stay with relatives. Officials report that special fans pulled the thick smoke from the sixth floor, but a strong smell of fire will remain in the air for days.
Basketball: Lady Raiders 88 - FAU 71
February 27, 2010
BOCA RATON, Fla. - Defense wrecked havoc for home-standing Florida Atlantic, as the Middle Tennessee women’s basketball team forced 25 turnovers in an 88-71 victory over the Owls Saturday afternoon inside FAU Arena in Boca Raton, Fla. The Blue Raiders converted the 25 miscues into 27 points, including 19 in the second half, as they clinched at least a share of the Sun Belt regular-season championship and at least the No. 2 seed in the upcoming conference tournament.
All-American Alysha Clark (left photo) led all players with her 71st career double-double, 16th of the season and 33rd as a Blue Raider with 36 points and 13 rebounds. Brandi Brown and Jackie Pickel each contributed 16 points, while Anne Marie Lanning added 13 on a perfect night (3-of-3 from the field, 4-of-4 at the foul line).
Lanning dished eight assists with Chelsia Lymon handing out seven on a day on which Middle Tennessee had 23 assists on its 33 field goals. Lymon also led all players with eight steals, doubling the team total for Florida Atlantic.
Carla Stubbs pulled the Owls within four, 48-44, with 16:20 to play, but Middle Tennessee turned around the tight game by netting the next 15 points during a near-six minute stretch to clinch the win. Florida Atlantic missed two shots and coughed up five ball-changes during the spurt, allowing the Blue Raiders to pull away with a 63-44 lead on a Pickel layup.
The margin remained in the mid-teens despite MT holding FAU to just four field goals in a three-and-a-half minute period until Brown hit a top-of-the-key 3-pointer at 8:27 for a 70-51 lead. Both teams traded baskets with Brittany Bowe connecting on a pair of layups with just under seven minutes to go to slice the deficit to 10, 76-66.
Middle Tennessee then unleashed a 12-0 spurt, as Lanning posted the first five points, Pickel nailed a trey and Brown finished the run with five points to open an 88-66 advantage with 1:42 remaining.
Teri Stamps put the Owls ahead early, netting eight of the team’s opening 10 points, as Florida Atlantic raced out to a 10-4 lead with just over five minutes elapsed. A 3-poiner by Andrea Taylor helped FAU continue its momentum, increasing its advantage to as high as 11, 15-4, on a Breana Turner running layup at 12:56.
The Blue Raiders then kick started their offense on consecutive triples from Clark and Pickel to pull within five, 15-10, in the next minute. Bowe converted an old-fashioned three-point play at 11:38, but Clark answered with one of her own to keep MT down five, 18-13. Pickel chipped in the next five points, featuring her second trey, to trim the deficit to two, 20-18. Clark then spun free for a layup at 8:34 to force the first tie, 20-20.
Bowe countered with a jumper before Pickel gave Middle Tennessee (22-5, 17-1 Sun Belt) its first lead, 23-22, on her third 3-pointer of the half with 7:09 to play. The Blue Raider defense enabled its offense to claim the lead towards the end of the half, forcing 16 first-half turnovers by the Owls, including a pair of backcourt miscues, a shot clock violation and a three-seconds call.
Brown and Clark lit up the scoreboard with 3-pointers, pushing the Middle Tennessee edge to 36-28 with 3:40 remaining. Florida Atlantic (14-14, 10-8 Sun Belt) closed the half on a 4-2 run, including a triple by Andrea Taylor with 1:41 left, to pull within six at the intermission, 38-32.
The Owls were led by 17 points from Stamps, including five 3-pointers. Stubbs added a dozen, Bowe poured in 11 and Lyrell Barfield registered 10 points. Bowe paced all players with nine assists among the 13 FAU handouts.
The Blue Raiders will return to action Sunday March 7 in the quarterfinal round of the Sun Belt Tournament in Hot Springs, Ark. Middle Tennessee’s first opponent is yet-to-be-determined, depending on the outcome of the rest of the league games Saturday.
Tennis: Blue Raiders To Face Vandy On Sunday
February 27, 2010
The Blue Raider men’s tennis team will play No. 39 Vanderbilt at noon on Sunday, Feb. 28.
Middle Tennessee, currently ranked 64th, is coming off two wins earlier this week and will look to use the momentum from those against the Commodores on Sunday.
“We are looking forward to heading up to Nashville to take on Vanderbilt. It’s a great opportunity for us go out there and compete,” head coach David McNamara said. “The message for this team is that if we can compete and everybody show’s up to play then we will continue to have opportunities against all the teams we play, it is going to take a few of these guys to show me what they are made of when they have the match to be won.”
Vanderbilt’s Ryan Lipman is ranked 39th in the country and will be guiding the team against Middle Tennessee.
Junior John Peers will be the Blue Raiders’ leading force on Sunday. Earlier in the week, Peers was named Sun Belt Player of the Week after posting a 7-1 record, which included singles and doubles wins as well as two singles wins over nationally ranked opponents.
“The schedule we have played thus far has been brutal, extremely strong and we have a traveled a lot. But it has been a great opportunity for us to play the best teams in the country. This will only help us as a team and help each player to get better individually,” McNamara said.
The match will be played at Brownlee O. Currey Jr. Tennis Center on the campus of Vanderbilt University and is set to begin at noon.
Prentice Alsup Heating & Air Coaches Corner Podcasts for Saturday, February 27th, 2010
February 27, 2010
From the S. Church Street Shoney’s
Oakland boys basketball coach Mike Wright…
DOWNLOAD THE AUDIO
Riverdale girls basketball coach Hilleary Hodges…
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La Vergne girls basketball coach Keith Dean…
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Riverdale boys basketball coach Brandon Burks…
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Siegel assistant boys basketball coach Brad Decker…
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When your electricity is "out", do you wonder who else is powerless?
February 27, 2010
When your electricity goes “out”, do you ever wonder if you are the only home that’s powerless? Are other areas “dark” too? Now, there’s an easy way to learn how many are in the same fix that you’re in. A map that shows existing Middle Tennessee Electric power outages can now be viewed by anyone logging on to MTEMC’s web site — www.mtemc.com. And yes, you obviously have to have a battery operated computer to do this, because your electricity is out.
Middle Tennessee Electric’s Vice President of Communications and Member Services Chris Jones said, “The map shows our entire service area. Outages are displayed through highlighted blocks that users can zoom in on and click for additional information.”
The website is easy to use and the map is refreshed at least every 15 minutes. It provides internet visitors with a look at the streets and communities being affected and displaying how many members are without power.
Middle Tennessee Electric serves approximately 180,000 members in Rutherford, Williamson, Wilson, Cannon and surrounding counties.
Three easy steps to access MTEMC’s outage map on the web site
1. Go to www.mtemc.com
2. Go to the top of the home page and click on the tab that says “Outages.”
3. Once there, you will see an icon replica of the outage map. Click on the image’s link to see a larger version displayed on your screen.
5th Year Reunion For MTMC Bariatric Patients
February 27, 2010
The Bariatric Services program at Middle Tennessee Medical Center recently celebrated its five year anniversary with a patient reunion at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center. Guests in all stages of post-surgery weight loss attended the ceremony, encouraging each other and offering support for those considering surgery.
“I couldn’t climb a set of stairs without my knees killing me or getting short of breath,” said Christie Allison, a gastric bypass patient who has lost more than 135 pounds since her procedure in November 2008. “Prior to surgery I was borderline diabetic, my blood pressure was at stroke level and I was on five different medications. Now my blood pressure is normal and I’m on zero medications. I feel like I have been released from morbid obesity prison.” Photo: before and after picture of Christie Allison.
Allison’s story is similar to the hundreds of other stories from patients who have experienced outstanding results after bariatric surgery. Since opening in January 2005, more than 500 patients have received weight loss surgery through the Bariatric Center at MTMC, and commonly see other weight-related health issues, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, disappear along with their weight.
In addition to celebrating five years of service, the Bariatric Center also celebrated its recent designation as a bariatric surgery Center of Excellence by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. MTMC Bariatric Surgeons, Wayne Westmoreland and George Eckles have been designated as Bariatric Center of Excellence Surgeons.
“We’re continuing to develop new techniques and improve the services, as well as the nutrition, we have available,” said Dr. Eckles. “We’re inspired by the successes we see in our patients.”
The MTMC Bariatric Center offers comprehensive weight loss surgery programs such as Lap-Band, an inflatable prosthetic device that is placed around the top portion of the stomach to decrease stomach size, gastric bypass, a procedure that divides the stomach into a small upper pouch separating it from the larger portion of the stomach and sleeve gastrectomy, a surgical procedure that reduces the size of the stomach to a third of its original capacity, creating a feeling of fullness.
For more information about weight loss surgery procedures and MTMC’s Bariatric Center call 615-396-4965 or visit www.mtmcweightloss.org.
(L-R photo ID: MTMC Bariatric Surgeons George Eckles and Wayne Westmoreland, MD’s)
NAACP-Delta Sigma Theta Hosting Meet The Candidate 6:30PM March 11th
February 27, 2010
The Murfreesboro NAACP and the Rutherford County Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are co-hosting a Meet The Candidate program at 6:30 Thursday night, March 11th. NAACP President Goldy Wade (left photo) said, “Our goal is two fold. We want voters to know how each candidate stands on important issues, and secondly to increase awareness about the importance of voting.” WGNS’ Man On The Street Reporter Zack Troutman will emcee this two-hour community event. Zack will have a special report about the event on WGNS (FM 100.5, FM 101.9, AM 1450, over-the-air TV 11, worldwide at www.WGNSradio.com ).
Early Voting
Early voting will be March 31st through April 15th at SportsCom (2310 Memorial Blvd.), Election Annex (426 E. Vine St.), and Blackman Elementary School (586 Fortress Blvd.). These locations are open weekdays from 10:00AM to 5:00PM and Saturdays AM-Noon. Early votes can also be cast at the Rutherford County Election Commission Office (#1 Public Square South) on weekdays 8:00AM-7:00PM and Saturdays 8:00AM-Noon. (Note: office closed on Friday, April 2nd…NO early voting that day)
Election Day
The election will begin at 7:00 o’clock Tuesday morning (April 20, 2010) and continue until 7:00 that evening.
Candidates In The Murfreesboro Elections
Mayor: Tommy Bragg (incumbent) and Tim Davis
City Council (top 3 vote recipients): David Boyce, David Edwards (incumbent), Madelyn Scales Harris, Shane McFarland (incumbent), Thomas Connor Moss, Mark Nobles, Bill Shacklett, Brian A. Vaughan, and Doug Young (incumbent).
Murfreesboro School Board (top 3 vote recipients): Ray Butrum, Kevin Fisher, Patrick McCarthy (incumbent), Eric Newell, Dennis L. Rainier, and Mary McKnight Wade (incumbent).
Friday Night Drug Raid In LaVergne…3 Arrested!
February 26, 2010
Around 10:00 o’clock Friday night (2/26/10) undercover LaVergne Police purchased ecstasy and marijuana from persons inside made a home in the Lake Forest Estates subdivision. During the sting operation, a male aimed a shotgun and pulled a pistol on the officers. Police convinced the suspect into putting down the weapons. Three arrests were made, and criminal files show that one suspect had a lengthy record of violent crimes.
Sir Pizza Prep Podcast: Region 4AAA Girls First Round (Lincoln County at Blackman)
February 26, 2010
Jon Dinkins had the play-by-play as Blackman defeated Lincoln County…
Blue Raider bats spark comeback: MTSU 11 - Ohio 6
February 26, 2010
Nick Montgomery picked up his second win of the season and Tyler Burnett collected four hits to propel Middle Tennessee past Ohio 11-6 in the home opener at Reese Smith Jr. Field on Friday.
Tyler Burnett set a new career high for hits, going 4-5 at the plate. His three runs scored tied his career high. Also contributing for Middle Tennessee (2-1) was Justin Guidry who recorded three hits and two runs scored. Stuart Meinhart and Justin Jones also notched three hits. Bryce Brentz went 2-4 and drew a walk. Several Blue Raiders delivered in the offensive outburst as all nine batters in the starting lineup recorded at least one run batted in. Six Blue Raiders turned in multi-hit games and eight scored.
Kenneth Roberts strung together three scoreless innings prior to a five-run outburst by the Ohio offense in the fourth. Nick Montgomery entered the game in the fifth, and pitched four and one-third near flawless innings, allowing only one hit.
“It was a great job by Nick,” said Coach Steve Peterson. “Ohio had their bats going, and it was important for Nick to come in and finish the game.”
The Blue Raiders struck early with three runs in the bottom of the first. Burnett and Guidry opened the inning with back-to-back hits and Brentz drew a walk to load the bases. Blake McDade and Drew Robertson grounded out to the shortstop on consecutive plays to score Burnett and Guidry. A Jones single brought home Brentz for the final run of the inning.
Middle Tennessee got back on the board in the following inning after an infield single by Burnett. Guidry reached on an error, allowing Burnett to advance to third. Brentz doubled off the right field wall to score Burnett and send Guidry to third. Guidry scored on a groundout by McDade to put the Blue Raiders up 5-0 after two.
Ohio (1-3) made their comeback thanks to a five-run top of the fourth. With one out already recorded, Trace Voshell doubled through the left side for the Bobcats. A Robert Maddox single in the following at bat scored Voshell. After a C.J. Maszal single, Kris McDonough doubled down the line to score Maddox. Seth Streich tripled down the left field line to plate both Maszal and McDonough. Streich ended up scoring the last run of the inning on a Wesley O’Neill groundout.
Ohio took their first lead of the game in the top portion of the fifth, 6-5. After Jerod Yakubik and Voshell strung together a pair of hits, a throwing error by Ryan Ford allowed Yakubik to score.
Middle Tennessee regained the lead in the bottom of the fifth. Jones and Stuart Meinhart recorded back-to-back one-out singles. Justin Miller recorded his fifth RBI of the season with a double to left field to score Jones. The Blue Raiders regained the lead on a Ford groundout in the next at bat, scoring Meinhart. A Burnett single up the middle plated Miller for the final run of the inning to put Middle Tennessee up 8-6 and the Blue Raiders would never look back.
The Blue Raiders tacked on another run in the seventh after a trio of consecutive two-out singles by Robertson, Jones and Meinhart.
Two more Blue Raider runs in the seventh provided for the final tally. A Ford walk chased Ohio pitcher Rex Ingham for Marck Paliotto. Tyler Burnett doubled to right field, and a wild pitch allowed Ford to score while Burnett advanced to third. Guidry singled to bring home Burnett for the final Middle Tennessee run of the game.
Middle Tennessee will look for its first series win Saturday afternoon when they face Ohio in game two of the series at Reese Smith Jr. Field at 2 p.m. Freshman Daniel Palo is slated to start for the Blue Raiders.
State Budgets Woes Bad, “Train Wreck” Next Year
February 26, 2010
Tax money trickling down from the state to local governments may be hard to come by in this budget year. Senator Bill Ketron (KET-trun) tells WGNS News…
Over 20-months of declining state revenue is to blame and the next governor and the new General Assembly will have quite a budget mess on their hands.
More Federal $$ for Tennessee?
February 26, 2010
There could be some additional federal stimulus dollars headed to Tennessee. State Senator Jim Tracy tells WGNS News the feds are asking states that did not use their federal stimulus dollars to return that money and it will be re-directed to other states…
Tracy says Tennessee has all of their federal stimulus road projects already underway and we won’t lose any dollars.
Basketball: Lady Raiders Wrap-Up Saturday at Florida Atlantic
February 26, 2010
BOCA RATON, Fla. - The Middle Tennessee women’s basketball team will close the 2009-10 regular season at 11 a.m. (Central) Saturday when it faces Florida Atlantic inside FAU Gymnasium in Boca Raton, Florida.
Photo ID: Senior Chelsia Lymon hit five 3-pointers Wednesday at FIU Wednesday and will play her final regular-season game at Florida Atlantic Saturday.
The Blue Raiders enter the game with a chance to claim the Sun Belt Conference’s No. 1 seed in the upcoming league tournament. Middle Tennessee is currently tied with West Division champion UALR in the league standings, as both schools own 16-1 conference records.
The two-game road swing through south Florida began with a 101-58 victory at FIU Wednesday. Middle Tennessee has topped the 100-point plateau in each of their last three games and five times in the last seven outings overall entering Saturday’s contest. The Blue Raiders have won their last 12 games, improving their overall mark to 21-5.
The Owls bring a 14-13 overall and 10-7 Sun Belt ledger into the game. Florida Atlantic began the month by winning three straight; however, it has dropped two of its last three, including an 80-74 setback to Western Kentucky Wednesday.
Middle Tennessee owns a 7-1 all-time series lead against the Owls, including a 92-76 triumph in the earlier meeting this season, January 16 in Murfreesboro.
The game will be televised live on the Sun Belt Network, shown locally in Tennessee on Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast (CSS). Lyn Rollins will handle the play-by-play, while Debbie Leonard will serve as the color analyst.
Women’s Tennis: Lady Raiders at Marshall Saturday…Mississippi on Sunday!
February 26, 2010
The No. 75-ranked Middle Tennessee women’s tennis team will play a pair of matches this weekend, including a home match Saturday against Marshall. The Blue Raiders will conclude the two-match set with a trip to Oxford, Miss., to face Mississippi Sunday.
Middle Tennessee entered the Campbell’s/Intercollegiate Tennis Association rankings this week after starting the season 5-0. The Blue Raiders garnered a 5-2 victory in their last outing, at UALR Sunday, when they won five out of six singles matches to rally for the win after dropping the doubles point.
Photo ID: Taylor Coffey is 4-0 in singles action entering this weekend’s action against Marshall and Mississippi.
Marietta Bigus and Taylor Coffey are the only MT individuals with undefeated singles marks through the first five matches. Bigus currently is 5-0, including four wins at the No. 5 position. Coffey boasts a 4-0 record, featuring three wins at the No. 6 slot.
Three other players (Natalie Araya, Carla Nava and Yuiri Nomoto) hold a 4-1 ledger in singles play.
In doubles action, the tandem of Anna Djananova and Nomoto has registered a 5-0 record-to-date. Bigus and Araya have combined for a 4-1 mark as the No. 1 pairing.
Saturday’s match against Marshall will be at 1 p.m. and be played at the Nashboro Village Indoor Courts in Nashville. The Thundering Herd enter the contest with their highest ranking in school history at No. 34 and bring a 10-0 record to town.
Catherine Kellner paces Marshall with a 10-0 mark on the singles side, while Deanna Bailey is also unbeaten at 9-0 for head coach John Mercer.
Sunday’s contest against SEC foe and No. 26-ranked Mississippi also will begin at 1 p.m. The Rebels bring a 4-1 record into the tilt with Kristi Boxx owning a No. 30 national ranking at the No. 1 singles position for head coach Mark Beyers’ squad.
Ole Miss’ top doubles duo of Boxx and Karen Nijssen also is listed high in the national rankings, at No. 18, entering Sunday’s match.
1,000+ Guardsmen Here Thru Sunday For Tennessee’s Annual Conference…WELCOME!
February 26, 2010
A thousand-plus guardsmen are in Murfreesboro through Sunday for the 81st Annual State Conference of the Tennessee National Guard. The group is attending special training sessions and learning new technology in exhibits and seminars at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center.
Military shelter manufacturer DHS Systems LLC is displaying a small command post. It is a 109 square foot command post, and is part of the Deployable Rapid Assembly Shelter line that has been used extensively by U.S. troops serving in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Part of the U.S. Army’s Standard Integrated Command Post System, this unique shelter is mobile and quick to erect as well as strike. It’s fascinating to see some of the exhibits at the Murfreesboro hotel, and makes you realize that each business has its own needs and there are those who provide services and products. That’s proven with these shelters that are available in 45 models and range in size from 109-1,250 square feet. All shelter models quickly interconnect to increase or decrease the structure’s overall footprint based on operational changes.
With more than 17,000 shelters and 7,500 trailers in service today, DHS’ shelters and support equipment have been used by all branches of the U.S. Military and NATO forces stationed around the globe.
That’s just one view of this unique gathering. In the meantime, WGNS welcomes all of you to Murfreesboro. We hope your stay here is enjoyable and that you visit us again soon.
MTSU Baseball at Home Today (Friday)…first pitch 3:00PM
February 26, 2010
The Middle Tennessee baseball team is looking to open their home season on a winning note this weekend when they face the Ohio Bobcats at Reese Smith Jr. Field. The Blue Raiders plan to duplicate the home successes of the 2009 season, which saw them win a school record 27 games.
This weekend will mark the first ever meeting between Ohio and Middle Tennessee, and it will be only the third time that the Blue Raiders have matched up against a Mid-American Conference opponent since Coach Steve Peterson took over. Peterson boasts of an overall record of 3-2 against MAC opponents.
Photo ID: Senior Kenneth Roberts will start Friday vs. the Ohio Bobcats at Reese Smith Jr. Field at 3 p.m.
The Blue Raiders (1-1) began their season last Friday with a dramatic come-from-behind victory at Memphis, scoring four runs in the final two innings to win 4-3. On Saturday, Memphis rebounded with a bases-loaded single to break a 6-6 tie in the bottom of the ninth to hand Middle Tennessee its first loss on the young season. Ohio (1-2) is coming off a 13-6 win over Towson after dropping games to North Carolina A&T and Elon in the Elon Classic.
Offensively, Middle Tennessee is led by consensus First Team All-American Bryce Brentz and Blake McDade. Brentz, who was also named the Preseason Sun Belt Player of the Year, had a solid start to the season with a pair of hits and three walks over two games. However, it was McDade who led the Blue Raiders, going a blistering 6-10 at the plate on the weekend and extending his team-leading hit streak to 18 consecutive games. Justin Miller also had a great showing last Saturday, compiling a pair of hits, including a home run, and four runs batted in.
The Blue Raider defense has been headed up by freshman shortstop Ryan Ford, who made his fair share of spectacular plays last weekend to keep Memphis runners off the base paths. Pitcher Kenneth Roberts, named a Third Team All-American by three different publications, turned in a solid five innings in his first start of the year on Friday and is slated to start again in Friday’s game against Ohio.
Ohio has a Third Team All-American of its own in outfielder Gauntlett Eldemire, who collected three hits, including a solo home run last weekend. Jerod Yakubik and Robert Maddox III combined to notch 12 hits and 8 RBI for the Bobcats, who were picked to finish third in the MAC’s East division.
Opening pitch for Friday’s game is set for 3 p.m. at Reese Smith Jr. Field. First pitch for Saturday is at 2 p.m., and the game on Sunday is set to start at 1 p.m.
Basketball: MTSU 74 – FIU 71
February 26, 2010
MIAMI – Middle Tennessee played solid defense in the final seconds against Florida International on Thursday night for a 74-71 win.
FIU’s J.C. Otero hit a three-pointer with 16.9 seconds on the clock to cut the Blue Raider lead to three but free throws by senior Montarrio Haddock at 13.7 proved to be the winning points.
Photo ID: Senior Calvin O’Neil pulled down a team high eight rebounds and two steals while holding the Golden Panthers’ Marvin Roberts to just three field goals.
FIU made a free throw with 4.8 seconds to play but senior Calvin O’Neil stole a ball on the inbound with two seconds for the Blue Raider win.
O’Neil pulled down a team high eight rebounds and two steals while holding the Golden Panthers’ Marvin Roberts to just three field goals. Offensively, he ended the game with 19 points after going 6-13 from the field and 7-10 at the charity stripe.
Haddock aided the Blue Raider offense with 14 points and grabbed four rebounds and blocked a shot on defense.
All total five Blue Raiders were in double figures as senior Desmond Yates (11), junior James Washington (12) and freshman James Gallman (13) also helped guide the offense throughout the night.
Middle Tennessee shot 46 percent from the field, pulled down 33 rebounds, two blocks and seven steals. FIU shot 41.5 percent from the field but had 34 rebounds, two blocks and five steals. The two teams were very even overall but free throws made the difference in the end as Middle Tennessee made 21 to FIU’s 19.
“You just win and advance. Florida International is playing really well and have lost their last five games on last possession games. Calvin O’Neil came up big again for our team. In the end we faced some adversity and came up with some 50/50 balls. Our 1-3-1 zone was aggressive tonight and helped us. We have to bounce back and play for the championship on Saturday which will be fun,” head coach Kermit Davis said.
The Blue Raiders are now 12-5 in Sun Belt play which is the most wins since joining the league in 2000-01. It is also the 35th road win by the Blue Raiders since 2002-03 which is the most road wins by a Sun Belt team during the span.
The Blue Raiders recorded their 18th win of the season which is the most in the regular season since 2004-05 when the Blue Raiders posted a 18-12 mark prior to the Sun Belt Tournament.
Middle Tennessee remains tied for first place in the East Division of the Sun Belt Conference headed into the final game of the season on Saturday.
FIU began the second half strong outscoring the Blue Raiders 12-5 to take a 47-43 lead with 16:09 to play.
Three-point play by O’Neil gave Middle Tennessee a one-point advantage 53-52 with 13:13 on the clock. As the minutes ticked down, the Blue Raiders used key rebounds and free throws to maintain a 57-53 lead with eight minutes to play.
Gallman hit back-to-back treys to pad the lead for Middle Tennessee 65-57 with 6:11 on the clock. Neither team had a field goal after the 5:20 mark until Russell hit a three-pointer with 1:05 left in the game to cut the Blue Raider lead to three, 68-65.
O’Neil hit a jumper at 37.3 extending the lead to five as FIU began to foul to try and get the ball back. The two teams traded fouls and with 16.9 seconds on the clock FIU’s Otero hit a three-pointer to make it a two-point game, 72-70.
The two teams traded points to begin play with neither taking more than a two point lead. The Blue Raiders stopped FIU on two straight possessions while taking a three-point lead, 29-26.
FIU closed the gap to one but then Washington hits two free throws and a three-pointer making it a six-point lead, 34-28 with three minutes to play. The two teams continued to trade points at the end of the half. FIU’s Russell hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to cut the Blue Raider lead to three, 38-35 at the half.
O’Neil guided the Blue Raiders throughout the first half scoring 10 points and pulling down five rebounds. Washington added eight of his own after going 2-3 from behind the arc. As a team, Middle Tennessee shot 48.1 percent from the field while pulling down 13 rebounds and three steals.
The Blue Raiders will round out the regular season on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. when they play Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton, Fla.
Home Was Stuck on Railroad Tracks in LaVergne
February 26, 2010
In LaVergne, a crew hired to move a home got hung up. The crew got stuck when moving the home over railroad tracks at Stones River Road near Murfreesboro Road. The sticky situation unfolded at 4:30, Friday morning. A train nearing the home that was stuck on the tracks was able to stop before striking the structure. The house was eventually pushed off the tracks and into a nearby field. It took almost 3-hours to free the home. No one was injured and the house even survived the ordeal.
Friday Swap’n Shop
February 26, 2010
For Sale: entertainment center made of real cherry (6 x 6-feet) $75 895-2037
For Sale: auto car seat (infant to 3-year old) blue, $30 890-6250
Service: laid off electrician will do work for you 853-4883
Wants: 12 x 12 foot linoleum; post hole digger 848-7197
For Sale: DVD player (runs in car); Matchbox series guitar; ammo 663-3077
For Sale: wheel barrow (like new); leaf blower; whistling tea kettle 893-3964
For Sale: 2006 31-foot camper trailer, sleeps 8 578-7991
For Sale: new paint brushes, drop cloths and other new paint accessories 578-1400
For Sale: 2000 Nissan Maxima, 1-owner, loaded, $4,700; 4-foot glass display case; Wants: pocket knives 512-3412
For Sale: upright and chest freezer; Wants: portable basketball goal 464-7110
For Sale: Gibson J-50 guitar with hardshell case $950 895-9834
Sale: $10 and less…everything in her mini-barn 895-4235
Wants: tame turkey rooster 896-8141
For Sale: 50 acres on King Road 893-4393
For Sale: 5HP air compressor $125; 2 generators; antique bowl and pitcher $150 848-6840
For Sale: antique cash register $100 893-4393
Man Arrested for Harassing Phone Calls to Police
February 26, 2010
A man who was allegedly intoxicated has been arrested for dialing the non-emergency Murfreesboro Police Dispatch number multiple times. 47-Year old Lawrence Cumbess dialed the dispatch phone number 14-times this month, according to the arrest report. The mans wife allegedly called the number 9-additional times. The culprit told dispatch that he was calling because he was worried about going to jail over a civil matter. The civil matter he was inquiring about involved him harassing the police.
The arrest report also shows that Cumbess has been warned in the past not to call dispatch unless it is an emergency. Cumbess will appear in court on April 6th. Once in court, he will also face public intoxication charges and trespassing charges as well.
Chamber Welcomes Lanes Trains and Automobiles Entertainment Depot
February 26, 2010
The Chamber of Commerce continues to see business growth. During a time of economic challenge, the Nashville-Murfreesboro Metro Statistical Area is the fifth strongest MSA in the nation.
Lanes Trains and Automobiles Entertainment Depot had a Chamber ribbon cutting on Friday (2/25/2010). This unique business is located at 450 Butler Drive here in Murfreesboro, and is owned by Jimmy Patrick.
MTMC Donates Defibrillator To Providence Christian Academy
February 26, 2010
Middle Tennessee Medical Center recently donated an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to Providence Christian Academy in memory of Hallee Cartwright, a sixth-grade student at PCA who passed away last October after what was believed to be complications from the H1N1 flu and a bacterial infection.
Providence Christian Academy Development Director Terri Parker said, “We are so very grateful to MTMC for the donation of the AED machine in honor of Hallee Cartwright.”
L-R photo ID: MTMC Public Relations Director Angie Boyd-Chambers, PCA Director of Development Terri Parker, MTMC President and CEO Gordon B. Ferguson and PCA Headmaster Butch Vaughn.
An AED is a portable electronic device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life threatening cardiac arrhythmia of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia in a patient, and is able to treat them through defibrillation, the application of electrical therapy which stops the arrhythmia, allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.
Women’s Basketball: Clark selected as Naismith Midseason Candidate
February 26, 2010
ATLANTA - Middle Tennessee senior forward Alysha Clark (left photo) has been named as one of 30 midseason candidates for the Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T it was announced Thursday by the Atlanta Tipoff Club. It marks the second-straight season the Mt. Juliet, Tenn., native has garnered a spot on the prestigious list.
The list was voted on by the Atlanta Tipoff Club’s Board of Selectors, comprised of leading basketball journalists from around the country. The board based its criteria on player performances this season.
The Naismith Trophy presented by AT&T is the most prestigious national basketball award and is given annually to the women’s college basketball player of the year. This year, the award will be presented at the NCAA Women’s Final Four in San Antonio, Texas.
Clark is the lone Sun Belt Conference representative among the 30 players. She currently ranks second nationally with 26.5 points per game, tops in the league, to go along with 11.1 rebounds per game. She scored a game-high 25 points and hauled in a game-best tying eight rebounds in Wednesday’s 101-58 win at FIU.
In her career, Clark ranks seventh among the all-time NCAA leaders with 70 career double-doubles and her 2,667 points currently place her 21st on the all-time scoring list.
As a presenting sponsor since 2005, AT&T has set the standard in fan participation in determining this year’s winner. Through the power and ease of text messaging, fan voting will account for an unprecedented 25 percent of the final results - more than any other national college basketball award.
Beginning March 22, AT&T wireless customers - and sports fans on other wireless networks - will be able to text their votes for the player of their choice. Fans will be eligible to cast their vote for the winner until 11:59 p.m. EDT on Saturday, April 3, 2010. AT&T is making the voting open to other wireless carriers, allowing even more fans to participate. Other wireless carriers must opt-in for their subscribers to participate. Standard messaging rates apply.
Clark will join the rest of her Blue Raider teammates as they close the regular season at 11 a.m. (Central) Saturday against Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton, Fla. The contest will be broadcast live on the Sun Belt Network, shown locally on Comcast/Charter Sports Southeast (CSS) with Lyn Rollins handling the play-by-play and Debbie Leonard serving as the color analyst.
2010 Naismith Trophy Midseason Candidates:
Alysha Clark, Forward, Middle Tennessee, Sr.
Jayne Appel, Center, Stanford, Sr.
Ashley Barlow, Guard, Notre Dame, Sr.
Tina Charles, Center, Connecticut, Sr.
Elena Delle Donne, Forward/Guard, Delaware, Fr.
Dawn Evans, Guard, James Madison, Jr.
Tyra Grant, Guard, Penn State, Sr.
Alexis Gray-Lawson, Guard, California, Sr.
Kelsey Griffin, Forward, Nebraska, Sr.
Brittney Griner, Post, Baylor, Fr.
Amber Harris, Forward, Xavier, Jr.
Allison Hightower, Guard, LSU, Sr.
Ashley Houts, Guard, Georgia, Sr.
Shenise Johnson, Forward, Miami (Fla.), So.
Jantel Lavender, Center, Ohio State, Jr.
Gabriela Marginean, Forward, Drexel, Sr.
Danielle McCray, Forward/Guard, Kansas, Sr.
Maya Moore, Forward, Connecticut, Jr.
Kayla Pedersen, Forward, Stanford, Jr.
Ta’Shia Phillips, Center, Xavier, Jr.
Samantha Prahalis, Guard, Ohio State, So.
Andrea Riley, Guard, Oklahoma State, Sr.
Danielle Robinson, Guard, Oklahoma, Jr.
Jenna Smith, Center, Illinois, Sr.
Da’Shena Stevens, Forward, St. John’s, So.
Shekinna Stricklen, Forward/Guard, Tennessee, So.
Jasmine Thomas, Guard, Duke, Jr.
Bianca Thomas, Guard, Mississippi, Sr.
Courtney Vanderslott, Guard, Gonzaga, Jr.
Monica Wright, Guard, Virginia, Sr.
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