Athletics

Athletics

Walsh University is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and competes in the American Mideast Conference and the Mid-States Football Association.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

"MEN'S BASKETBALL: Cavs Roll to Sixth Straight Win"

BOX

(North Canton, OH) NAIA No. 6 Walsh (6-0) rolled to its sixth straight win with a wire to wire 124-46 thrashing of visiting Penn State Fayette (0-6) today. The Cavs open American Mideast Conference play on Tuesday at home against Cedarville University at 8 pm. The game will be broadcast live on AM 900 WCER (www.wcer.us).

Walsh shot 72% (23-36) in the first half and led 68-17 at the break. Walsh led 8-5 when they went on a 20-0 run to put the game out of reach. Ricky Jackson (6-7, Sr., Canton, OH/McKinley/West Virginia State) scored 12 of his game-high 22 points in the first half and Brandon Speck (6-0, Sr., Mansfield, OH/St. Peter's) added 14 of his 21 points in the first half.

The Cavs stayed hot from the field in the second half connecting on 21-32 (66%) to finish at 47-68 (69%) for the game. Eric Schiele (6-0, Sr., Atwater, OH/Waterloo/Cleveland State) added 19 points, Lamar Skeeter (6-0, Jr., Dayton, OH/Kettering Fairmont) 15 and L.J. Sutton (6-5, So., Youngstown, OH/Cardinal Mooney) 10. The Cavs outrebounded the Roaring Lions 43-28, with Jackson, Kyelce Cescato (6-10, Sr., Barra Bonita, Brazil/Colmeia Entec) and Kenny Kornowski (Fr., 6-9, Marshallville, OH/Smithville) each having six. Jeremy Shardo (6-3, Jr., Yorkshire, OH/Versailles) handed out a game-high 10 assists.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

WOMEN'S BAKSETBALL: "Walsh Falls Short of Upset in Overtime"

BOX

(North Canton, OH) The NAIA No. 23-ranked Taylor University edged one out against Walsh here Saturday afternoon in an overtime thriller by a score of 82-81. The Trojans (5-2) had to overcome an early second-half barrage by the Cavaliers (5-2, RV) that had the hosts up 17 points with 14:14 to play in regulation.

Walsh went on a 12-0 run to start the second half, with eight points coming from Cara Bedard (Jr., 6-0, Randolph, OH/Waterloo), before Taylor could end the short slump with a jumper by Tess Rudolph (Fr., 5-7, Evansville, IN/Memorial). With momentum still on their side, the Cavs pushed the lead to 17 thanks to a trio of jumpers by Jessie Miller (Sr., 5-10, Strasburg, OH/HS). However, the momentum tide would turn as the Trojans reeled off 20-straight points to take a three-point lead at 53-50 with 8:15 to play.

The Cavaliers would retake the lead at 57-56 on a basket by Katie Berry (Jr., 5-11, Cleveland, OH/St. Joseph’s) with just over six minutes remaining. They would hold the lead down the stretch until a turnover by Miller with five seconds left gave the Trojans one last chance. Taking advantage of the last opportunity, Bethany Ballard (Sr., 5-11, Indianapolis, IN/Warren Central) nailed a basket near the top of the key to send it into overtime at 70-70.

In the extra period, Taylor struck first with a baseline basket by Nellie Eskew (So., 6-2, Anderson, IN/HS). Scores by Kristi Yoder (So., 6-1, Millersburg, OH/Hiland), Miller and Berry seemed to give the Cavs’ control, but the Ballard caught fire and scored seven points down the stretch to give her team a two-point lead with 55 seconds remaining. Bedard tied it up at the 37-second mark on the assist from Berry, but a Walsh foul sent Taylor to the foul line where Erin Guarneri (Fr., 5-10, Marion, IN/HS) made one of two to provide the difference.

Miller had a game-high 30 points to lead the Cavalier attack, including five 3-pointers. Bedard (16), Berry (12) and Yoder (10) also scored in double-figures for Walsh. Berry was one assist and three rebounds shy of a triple-double.

The Trojan offense was led by Rudolph and Ballard with 26 and 24 points, respectively. Rudolph shot 9-13 from the field including six 3-pointers.

Walsh will return to action on Tuesday, Dec. 1 at home against Cedarville.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

MEN'S BASKETBALL: "Cavs Hammer Malone to Retire Mayors' Cup"

BOX

NAIA No. 6 Walsh (5-0) retired the coveted Mayors' Cup for the fifth time with a 88-47 thrashing of Malone University before 1500 fans at Alumni Arena tonight. Walsh now leads the Cup series 27-19 and the all-time series 61-39. The Cavs have won 12 of the last 13 games with Malone and the last six straight. The two teams will meet at Malone's Osborne Hall on February 9 in an American Mideast Conference game.

Malone led 9-8 at the13:49 mark when the Cavs began to pull away. Walsh would score seven straight points and never look back. Malone would cut the lead to 15-11 when the Cavs went on a 17-0 run to settle the issue in the first half. The Cavs shot 58% (22-38) in the half and led 52-25 at halftime. Eric Schiele (6-0, Sr., Atwater, OH/Waterloo/Cleveland State) scored 11 first half points off the bench and Ricky Jackson (6-7, Sr., Canton, OH/McKinley/West Virginia State) 10.

Walsh continued to cruise in the second half, outscoring Malone 36-22. The Cavs led by as many as 45 points (88-43) with 1:34 to play. The 41-point margin of victory is the largest ever against Malone. In the last meeting of 2008-09, the Cavs beat the Pioneers by 38 points (85-47).

Ricky Jackson paced the Cavs with 17 points. Brandon Speck (6-0, Sr., Mansfield, OH/St. Peter's) added 16 points and Eric Schiele 13 points and six assists. Kyelce Cescato (6-10, Sr., Barra Bonita, Brazil/Colmeia Entec) grabbed a game-high 17 rebounds. Walsh outrebounded Malone 58-27. Jackson added eight rebounds and Kenny Kornowski (Fr., 6-9, Marshallville, OH/Smithville) seven.

Saturday, November 21, 2009

"VOLLEYBALL Cavs Eliminated From NAIA Tourney"

Walsh's (28-9) season came to a close as they were defeated in four sets by Indiana Tech (33-9) in a first round NAIA National Tournament match in Fort Wayne, Indiana today. The NAIA 17th ranked Warriors downed the Cavs 25-22, 28-26, 14-25 and 25-17. The second set was the key to the match, as Walsh led throughout and led 26-25 before falling 26-28.

Each team was making their second straight trip to the National Tournament. Indiana Tech will now advance to Sioux City, Iowa.

Natalie Phillips (5-10, So., Wooster, OH/HS) led the Cavs attack with 18 kills. She also added 12 digs. Natalie Borland (MB, 6-0, Sr., Kent, OH/HS) added 13 kills and a team-high three blocks. Brittany Morris (MB, 5-11, Fr., North Royalton, OH/Padua) chipped in 10 kills and three aces and Hannah Duran (Fr., 5-9, Grafton, OH/Midview) handed out 45 assists and had 11 digs. Kristen Rohlfs (5-8, So., Loveland, OH/Mount Notre Dame) led the Cavs with 35 digs.

Friday, November 20, 2009

“FOOTBALL: Cavs Fill 15 Places on All-Mid-States Mideast Team”

Walsh (8-3, 5-2) filled 15 spots on the Mid-States Football Association All-Mideast Team. The Cavs had five players received first-team recognition, six received second-team and three honorable mention.

Despite missing the final two games due to injury tailback Clinton Blossomgame (Jr., 6-0, 220, Columbus, OH/Beechcroft) received first-team honors for the second time. Blossomgame rushed for 1315 yards and led the MSFA with a 146.1 per game average on 228 attempts. He reached the end zone 14 times on the ground and caught one TD pass for a league leading 90 points and 10.0 point per game average. He caught eight passes for 38 yards. Joining Blossomgame on the offensive team are left tackle Chris Stiel (Sr., 6-6, 280, Sr., Reynoldsburg, OH/HS) and tight end Brad Schrecengost (6-7, 255, Jr., Cortland, OH/Lakeview). Stiel, after transferring to Walsh from Ashland University after his freshman season, is making his second appearance on the all-league team. He was an honorable mention selection last year. Schrecengost, a first time selection, proved to be one of the finest blocking tight ends in the MSFA. Stiel and Schrecengost paced an offensive line that allowed only seven quarterback sacks, rushed for 228.1 yards per game and scored 48 touchdowns.

Mike Welce (Jr., 5-8, 186, Columbiana, OH/HS) and Brian Williams (Sr., 5-9, 160, Canton, OH/McKinley) were named to the first-team defense. Welce sparked the Cavs blitzing defense with a team-leading nine sacks and 16.5 tackles for a loss at outside linebacker. Welce is a first-time selection. Welce recorded 50 tackles and broke-up three passes. Williams makes his second appearance on the defensive team at corner back. He was a second team selection last season. He finished with 44 tackles, with 3.5 for a loss with two interceptions and eight pass break-ups. He was also named as one the MSFA’s two return specialist. He led the MSFA with a 29.2 kick return average with a long return of 87 yards. He also averaged 13.4 per punt return (2nd MSFA) with one touchdown and long return of 61 yards (TD).

The Cavs placed three players on the second-team offense. Tim Goodman (So., 6-6, 270, Norton, OH/Copley) was selected a right tackle, Joe Morgan (Jr., 6-1, 185, Canton, OH/McKinley/Illinois) at wide receiver and Derrick Showell (So., 6-5, 260, Columbus, Oh/Briggs) at left guard. All three are making their first appearance on the all-league team. Goodman and Showell started every game at their respective positions. Morgan, a transfer from the University of Illinois, made an immediate impact on the offense despite missing two of the last three games with a separated shoulder. He led the Cavs in catches with 38 for 664 yards and a 17.5 per catch average. He caught four touchdown passes. He also returned a punt for a touchdown and five kicks for a 31.6 average.

Walsh placed three players on the second-team defense. Sian Cotton (Sr., 6-4, 330, Akron, OH/St. Vincent-St. Mary) was selected on the defensive interior, Jason Stiel (Jr., 6-2, 220, Reynoldsburg, OH/HS) at linebacker and Sterling Tatum (Sr., 5-8, 174, Cleveland, OH/Maple Heights) and cornerback. Cotton stabilized the line against the run and recorded 22 tackles, with two sacks. Stiel led the team in tackles with 78. He recorded 4.5 tackles for a loss with 1.5 sacks, one interception, three pass break-up and one fumble recovery. Tatum had 38 tackles with an interception and seven pass break-ups.

Walsh placed three players on the honorable mention team. Aaron Donze (So., 6-2, 205, Stow, OH/Tallmadge) was selected at linebacker, Pat Kane (R-Fr., 6-1, 184, Bolivar, OH/Tusky Valley) at strong safety and Rodd Story (So., 6-2, 224, Cape Coral, FL/Mariner) at outside linebacker. Donze finished second on the team in tackles with 70, with 5.0 for a loss and 4.5 sacks. He also picked off two passes and had three pass break-ups. Kane tied for team lead with three interceptions to go with a team-best 14 pass break-ups. He finished fourth with 61 tackles, 5.5 tackles for a loss and one sack. Story was third on the team with 63 tackles and second with 10.0 for a loss. He also recorded 3.5 sacks and two pass break-ups.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

"VOLLEYBALL: Borland, O'Donnell Earn First Team All-AMC, O'Donnell Top Freshmen"

The accolades were handed out for the NAIA tournament bound Walsh Cavaliers today(28-8). Natalie Borland (MB, 6-0, Sr., Kent, OH/HS) and Julianne O'Donnell (OH, 5-10, Fr., Willowick, OH/Lake Catholic) pictured left were named to the American Mideast Conference First-Team, with O'Donnell also receiving Freshmen of the Year honors.

Setter Hannah Duran (Fr., 5-9, Grafton, OH/Midview) was named second-team All-AMC and to the freshmen team and Brittany Morris (MB, 5-11, Fr., North Royalton, OH/Padua) was named honorable mention.

Borland finished in the AMC with a .373 attack percentage. She has 353 kills and a 2.7 kill per game average. O'Donnell led Walsh with 449 kills (8th AMC) for a 3.5 per game average (7th AMC) and .268 attack percentage.

Morris is third in the AMC with a .371 attack percentage and averages 2.6 kills. She totaled 336 kills on the season. Duran led the AMC with an 11.5 assist average and is third with 1484 total assists.

Walsh opens NAIA tournament action on Saturday at Indiana Tech University (32-6).

Monday, November 16, 2009

"Welce Named MSFA Special Teams Player of the Week"

Walsh outside linebacker Mike Welce (Jr., Columbiana, OH/HS) pictured right was named Mid-States Football Association Mideast Special Teams Player of the Week. Welce picked-up a blocked field goal and raced 83 yards for a touchdown with 10 seconds to play in the first half to give the Cavs a 21-7 halftime lead in their 41-7 win over Marian on Saturday.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

"VOLLEYBALL: Cavs Win AMC Tournament, Advance to NAIA Nationals for Second Straight Season"

(Mt. Vernon, OH) For the second straight season the Walsh University Cavaliers (28-8) will take part in the NAIA National Championships. The Cavs advanced by winning the American Mideast Conference Tournament today at Mt. Vernon Nazarene University. The third-seeded Cavs won the championship match in five sets over fourth-seeded Point Park University (32-8) by the scores of 25-22, 20-25, 25-15, 23-25, 15-10.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

"WOMEN'S SOCCER: Cavs Place Six on All-AMC Team, Martin Second Team"

Walsh (6-8-3) placed six players on the All-American Mideast Conference Team. First-year Head Coach Sara Renard placed one player on the second-team, three on the third-team and two were selected honorable mention.

Freshman midfielder Molly Martin (5-7, Canfield, OH/HS) was tabbed second-team. Martin tied for the team lead with five goals and 12 points.

Sophomore goalie Jillian Zanney (5-11, Brunswick, OH/HS) earned third-team recognition, along with Erin Naumann (Fr., 5-11, Hinckley, OH/HIghland) and Amanda Patrick (Sr., 5-7, Medina, OH/Cloverleaf) . Zanney, a second-team selection last season, posted a 1.36 goals average in 17 games with four shutouts. She allowed 23 goals, while stopping 83 shots in over 1500 minutes. Naumann was part of a stellar defense that allowed only 26 goals, while starting all 17 games. She also dished out three assists. Patrick, a third-team selection last year, was second on the team with four goals and nine points.

Rachel Naumann (Jr., 5-3, Hinckley, OH/Highland) and Kelly Sklenar (Fr., 5-3, Canfield, OH/Cardinal Mooney) were named honorable mention. Naumann started and played in all 17 games and scored three goals and handed out an assist. Sklenar, a defender, was also a mainstay of the Cavs' stingy defense.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

"MEN'S SOCCER: Cavs Place Six on All-AMC Team, McCreary, Truax First-Team'

Walsh (11-6) placed six players on the All-American Mideast Conference Team. The Cavs placed two players on the first-team, one on the second-team and three were selected honorable mention. The Cavs are back in action on Saturday when they travel to Mount Vernon Nazarene University for an AMC Playoff game at 2 pm.

Camden McCreary (Sr., 6-5, Massillon, OH/Jackson) pictured left and Ben Truax (So., 6-0, Mansfield, OH/St. Peters) were each selected first-team. McCreary, a mainstay at midfield, has scored two goals and is tied for the team assist lead with four. Truax has put together a breakthrough year at forward with 10 goals and four assists for 24 points. He is second on the team in goals and total points. He earned honorable mention honors last season.

Nathaniel Milhoan (So., 5-11, Hartville, OH/Lake) earned second-team honors at defender. Milhoan played a key role in a defense that allowed only 24 goals in 17 games.

Matt Bly (5-10, Bellbrook, OH/HS), Derrick Gullen (5-10, So., Steubenville, OH/Catholic Central) and Ben Latimer (R-So., 5-11, Sunbury, OH/Big Walnut) were named honorable mention. Bly leads the team in scoring with 11 goals and four assists for 26 points. Gullen and Latimer have both been key components on the Cavs' playoff team. Latimer also earned honorable mention accolades last year.

Friday, October 16, 2009

"Innes Brothers Split Final Matches at ITA Regional Doubles Championship"

COMPLETE RESULTS

Brothers Gary Innes (Jr., Randburg, South Africa/Kings School Robin Hills) and Mark Innes (So., Randburg, South Africa/Kings School Robin Hills) split their final two matches at the National Small College ITA Championships today at the Copeland-Cox Tennis Complex in Mobile, Alabama. In their first match, Gary and Mark won 7-6 (8), 7-6 over Caio Claudino and Rodrigo Traldi of Lindenwood University. In the match for fifth place, the brothers fell 2-6, 1-6 to Melvin Prade and Vincius Santos of Martin Methodist.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

"Jeff Young Inducted into Summit County Sports Hall of Fame"

(Akron, OH) Walsh University men's basketball coach Jeff Young joined 11 others as the newest members of the Summit Sports County Hall of Fame tonight. The induction ceremonies were held at Tangiers Restaurant. Young joins his father, Dave, who was inducted in 1977, along with Walsh's Al Campbell (Cross Country/Track, 1989) and Jim Dennison (Football, 1983).

Young, Walsh's Head Basketball Coach since 2004, has led the program to a NAIA National Championship (2004-05) and to five straight conference championships and NAIA National Tournament appearances.

Saturday, October 3, 2009

"Dennison Wins 100th Game at Walsh/Cavs Rout Olivet Nazarene 63-12"

Head Coach Jim Dennison (100-57 15th yr., 180-119-2 28th yr.) earned his 100th career win at Walsh, as the NAIA 24th ranked Cavs (4-1, 1-0) bounced Olivet Nazarene University (1-4, 0-2) 63-12 in an Mid-States Football Association Mideast game at Fawcett Stadium. Walsh set record for points in a single game (63) and total yards on offense (683). Walsh also won its fourth straight game, their longest win streak since the 2006 season. Walsh is home (Fawcett Stadium) to NAIA No. 4 University of Saint Francis (IN) next Saturday night at 6 pm. The game will be broadcast live on AM 900 WCER (www.wcer.us) and on NewsTalk 640 WHLO (www.640whlo.com). Tickets are available at the Giant Eagle at Washington Square, Dumont’s Sporting Goods on Cleveland Avenue, Graphic Enterprises in North Canton and Cain Toyota in North Canton.

Walsh scored on the first play from scrimmage, as Clinton Blossomgame (Jr., Columbus, OH/Beechcroft) scored the first of his four first-quarter touchdowns on a 45-yard romp. Blossomgame would then score on runs of five, 41 and three-yards. Blossomgame played only the first half, and finished with 181 yards rushing on 17 carries. He leads the MSFA and NAIA with 786 yards (5.9 ypg) and is averaging 157.2 yards per game with 11 touchdowns. Walsh led 28-0 after the first quarter.

The Cavs added two second quarter scores, one on a 70-yard strike from Jim Shiplett (So., Canal Fulton, OH/Northwest) to Joe Morgan (Jr., Canton, OH/McKinley/Illinois). The last first half score came on a 14-yard run from Toba Olarewaju (R-Fr., Youngstown, OH/Christian). Olarewaju would also score on runs of 36 and four yards, and finished with 131 yards on 13 carries. Walsh's final score came on Kevin Beichler's (Jr., Orrville, OH/Smithville) 71-yard romp in the fourth quarter. The Cavs rolled-up 468 yards on the ground and totaled 29 first downs, one shy of a team record.

Jim Shiplett passed for 184 yards on 10-16, with Joe Morgan making five catches for 114 yards.

The Cavs defense limited Olivet Nazarene to 14 first downs and 258 yards total offense. The defense also recorded interceptions from Brian Williams (Sr., Canton, OH/McKinley) and Aaron Donze (So., Stow, OH/Tallmadge).

"I'm extremely proud for our football team," exclaimed head Coach Jim Dennison. Dennison who was doused with water following game, went on to say, it's been a honor to start a football program from scratch, as we did here at Walsh in 1995. And to reach 100 wins, and compile 12 straight winnings season to start the program is something to be proud of. It's a moment we share with our present team and coaching staff, administration and every Cavalier football player dating back to 1995."