Campus News – The Rhynean

Bears Sports Spotlight: The Grahm Smith Interview

By Hamilton Neill

(Photo Credit of Grahm Smith: Lenoir-Rhyne University)

(Photo Credit: Lenoir-Rhyne University)

Following years of inconsistent, uneven play on the hardwood, the 2022-2023 Lenoir-Rhyne women’s basketball team has rewritten the narrative. They have won 18 of their first 23 games this season, while positioning themselves well for a berth in the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 2013-2014 campaign.

Recently, I caught up with head coach Grahm Smith for a quick Q&A session to discuss the team’s success to this point and what lies ahead for them the rest of the season. He also shared his thoughts on the play of junior guard Emily Harman, two underrated contributors, and the squad’s strengths and weaknesses.

Q: What has been the biggest catalyst for this program’s major turnaround, from 17 wins the past two years combined, to 18 already this season?

A: It starts with our recruiting efforts. We had to add the right talent and people to the program and we were able to do that with the additions of a couple grad transfers and incoming freshmen as well, so that mix of incoming leadership, experience and talent is a major addition. We also returned the core group from the 2021-22 season returning 7 players who all started at some point during the 2021-22 season and who all averaged double digit minutes throughout the year.

Q: What are your impressions of junior Emily Harman’s play this season?

A: Emily has yet again taken her game to another level in her third season at LR. The last two seasons she was more of a ball dominant guard. This year her role has changed a bit where she has been playing more so as an off ball guard. She has been able to buy into and accept her role this year, where she may not get as many touches or shots as she has in the past but she is all about winning and sacrificing to do whatever she can to help this program win games and have consistent success.

Q: Who are some players falling under the radar for your team right now that we should be talking about more?

A: The two players I want to mention are Hannah Stull and Jalen Gathers. Hannah has started every single game for us so far this year. She has been playing out of position as a forward when she has been a guard her entire career. Due to some health and injury issues at the beginning of the year, this was a role that Hannah was forced to step into. She graciously accepted that role and has excelled in it every step of the way.

Jalen Gathers has also played a major and very significant role for us this year. Initially Jalen was coming off the bench to provide a spark and energy and to bring some scoring and bench production. She has somewhat of a slow start due to an ankle injury and then just working her way into the rotation. But her minutes have gradually increased along with her production and it has been a necessary ingredient to our success. Jalen is a proven player and has really stepped up big time, especially in the month of January, and is now averaging nearly 9 points per game in only about 20 minutes of action. She is super-efficient and plays both sides of the ball.

Q: What is the biggest strength this group has?

A: I believe I have mentioned it a couple times already, but the biggest strength this group has is our depth! I have been at LR now as the head coach for 3 years, and I can say without a doubt that this is the deepest team I have had since I have been here. Our depth, along with the grit and dedication, commitment and determination that this group has, is something that is very special. Their relentlessness, resiliency and perseverance has been on display all season so far and hopefully we can continue it down the stretch.

Q: What is your biggest area of improvement as a team heading into the final five games of the season?

A: The biggest area of improvement that we need to make as a team is staying locked in, staying hungry and staying focused on one game at a time. We need to focus on the things that we can control on both sides of the ball, which is execution and the minor details. Obviously health is a major concern as well, but if we can stay healthy, stay locked in, stay hungry and approach each practice and game with the mentality as if it is our last and focus on the details as far as execution offensively and defensively, then we have a wonderful opportunity to finish the season on a very high note.

Helen and Leonard Moretz Stadium set to undergo $15 million renovation

By: Hamilton Neill

In August, Lenoir-Rhyne University announced plans for an unprecedented $15 million renovation of historic Helen and Leonard Moretz Stadium, home to the football and lacrosse teams.

This process started back in the summer of 2019 when Lenoir-Rhyne contracted with Taylor and Viola Structural Engineers of Hickory to conduct a comprehensive engineering study and review of the stadium. The study found issues of structural integrity on the home side seating area that needed to be addressed immediately and recommended that the University demolish the home stands and use temporary seating.

During the 2019 football season, aluminum temporary bleachers were installed. Following the season, the university board of trustees began reviewing plans and details for a more permanent solution to the home seating, along with additional improvements.

Lenoir-Rhyne University Director of Athletics Kim Pate explains how the demolition of the stands that summer and the pending renovation will help shape the future of Bears Athletics.

“We kind of looked at it more strategically tied into the university’s strategic plan, certainly our athletic strategic plan is, how do we position this renovation? From a strategic standpoint for the next 100 years. We just finished our 100-year anniversary, so we started to look at it more strategically.”

The first artist renderings and concepts were developed during the fall of 2019. Just months later in March of 2020, those renderings were released by the university, and the project was starting to kick into high gear. Then the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and all facets of the project were shut down.

Throughout 2020, things remained quiet as the school was unable to secure donations due to the COVID driven economic crisis. In addition, meetings with donors in-person were not possible. As the new year began, things slowly but surely began to turn a corner.

To date, Lenoir-Rhyne has secured over $10 million in donations, including a lead gift from John and Marilyn Moretz. In honor of their gift, the university will name the entire athletic campus, which will comprise of six key sporting venues, the Moretz Sports Athletic Campus.

As the winter nears closer, everything is beginning to take shape regarding construction and continued planning, as Pate explains.

“We’ve already raised over half the proceeds, and our plan is to start it in December of 2021. So, this December after the football season, we would break around, and we would start the demo, and then we would complete by August 2022.”

The general contractor selected to complete the project is McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture. The Charlotte based firm also has locations in Asheville, Spartanburg, and Charleston to name a few.

They have been given the timetable for when the project must be completed. With the complex needed prior to the 2022 football season, the crew will have just under a calendar year to make it happen. Andy Anderson, the senior executive director for the project, is confident they will get the job done in time.

“They’re going to do things and components so that they know we have to have that field. Our worst-case scenario is that we do those things we have to do in order to get in and get ready to play. So, I am confident that we’ll be able to use that as for lacrosse and for football and for all other things, so I think we’ll be in good shape.”

This renovation will enhance every aspect of this historic stadium and the gameday experience for players and fans alike. New grandstands, entrances on the east and west sides, concession stands and restrooms, video boards and a new press box are just some of the things the renovation will include.

Other features will consist of brand new locker rooms for both lacrosse teams, ADA-accessible seating, as well as VIP suites and viewing areas. Suite amenities will include VIP parking passes, high-definition television, and seating for optimal spectator sightlines with luxury suites.

Regarding all the new features, Pate says, “I really think that when our fans walk into our stadium, it will feel like a big-time college game day environment, it will feel like a Division I FCS fan experience, in all facets. We’ll have a large video board, we’ll have a club seating area, we’ll have suites, we’ll have two video boards, one on either side of the field. Spacious seating, dynamic sound and everything. It’ll feel like a big- time college game day experience, all those things coming together.”

Construction is expected to start in December 2021, with the project expected to be finished before the 2022 football season.

These renovations are a part of Lenoir-Rhyne’s five-year strategic plan, Pivoting to a New Level of Excellence, to enhance the campus and athletic community.

To find more information on the Centennial Campaign for Moretz Stadium, visit www.lr.edu/moretzstadium or contact Andy Anderson, senior executive director of development at andy.anderson@lr.edu or at 828-328-7167.

LR Sports Update 11/25/21

As the fall semester comes to a close, many teams find themselves in the playoffs, and a few seasons come to an end.

Volleyball claimed the 2021 SAC Championship on the 20th, with their 3-2 victory over Anderson, in a match that went 5 sets. Colette Romp led Kills with 21. Taylor Prall had the most aces, with 2. Emma Clark had the most Blocks, with 11. MacKenzie Hulsey led assists, with 54. Rachel Bewick led Digs, with 23. The Bears now set their sights on the NCAA Division 2 national tournament. Their first match in the tournament will be on December 2nd against Francis Marion.

The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears 2021 Football season came to an end on November 20th, after a first round playoff loss to the 10th ranked Bowie State Bulldogs. Grayson Willngham completed a 39 yard pass to Jordan Payne, and Chase Allbaugh made a 40 yard field goal in the 31-10 loss. The Bears finish the season with a record of 8-3.

Men’s Basketball continued their season with a pair of close games. In the first, they fell at home on the 20th against Lees-McRae 84-81. They were able to bounce back from the loss and win on the road against Coker 67-64 on the 23rd. In the win against Coker, scoring was led by Nas Tyson. Tyson came off the bench to play for 29 minutes, in which he made 7 field goals, 4 of them for three, for a total of 18 points.

Women’s Basketball continued their season by also winning on the road against Coker, on the same night as the men. In the 68-53 win, scoring was led by Maddie Dillinger. Dillinger made 7 field goals, one of them for three, and added 9 free throws, for a total of 24 points in 35 minutes played. Both Basketball teams will be in action next on the road against Limestone on the 27th. The women will tip-off at 2pm, followed by the Men at 4pm.

Men’s and Women’s Swimming both competed at the Fall Frenzy event, hosted by Queens over the weekend. The men finished in 6th place, out of the field of 7. Jacob Greene had the highest individual finish, with a 5th place in the 200 Back. The women placed 8th out of the field of 10. Kimberly Scheiber had the best individual finish, placing 10th in the 200 Breast. Both teams will next head to Tampa, for an event hosted by the University of Tampa from December 17-20.

Men’s Soccer season came to an end on the 19th, after a 3-2 loss to Limestone. Goals were scored by Carles Montoliu Lobo, and Jaime Poza. The Bears end the season with a record of 10-6-1.

Women’s Soccer will be moving on to the sweet 16 in the NCAA Division 2 tournament, after a pair of wins over the weekend against Catawba, and Queens. The Friday night match against Catawba, ended in a 0-0 tie after two scoreless overtime periods, the second of which Lenoir-Rhyne had to play a woman down after a red card was given to Leonie Proessl. The Bears were able to move on after winning the Penalty Kick shootout 3-1. Sunday’s match was much less dramatic, as the Bears won 2-0 thanks to a pair of goals from Kara Cavaghan. The next game in the tournament will be on the road in Florida against Flagler on December 3rd at 11am.

LR Sports Update 11/11/21

Grayson Cameron makes the saves in LRs win over Limestone. Photo by Daten Wilz

After beating Coker 3-0 at home, volleyball extended their win streak to 7 in a row on the 5th. This was followed by two road losses at Wingate on the 6th, and Mars Hill on the 9th. Despite the losses, the Bears are still in good standing with a SAC record of 13 wins and 4 losses, and an overall record of 18 wins and 7 losses. Volleyball will return home for a match against Newberry on the 12th at 7pm. Fans are being encouraged to wear all white for the event.

Mens and Women’s swimming both had their first events of 2021 on the 6th in Greensboro. The women finished in 3rd place, out of the seven teams competing. The Bears finished in 3rd in the 200 Free Relay, with a team time of 1:41.98. Kayana Taylor finished in third place individually in the 100 Relay, with a time of 1:00.48. Lisa Boernigen had top three finishes in three events. Including 1st in the 200 IM, 2nd in the 100 Breast, and 3rd in the 100 free. The Men finished in 2nd. Micah McRea led the bears by winning three events. McRae won the 100 Breast, 50 Free, and 200 IM. McRea also finished 2nd in the 100 Fly and 100 Free events. Jacob Greene, Nathan McCormick, and Spencer Ashby both also had top three finishes. The Bears next swimming event for both teams will be at Catawba over the weekend, with the Men competing on the 12th, and the women on the 13th.

Mens and Women’s Cross Country both competed in the NCAA Regionals on the 6th. The Women finished 4th, and the Men finished 13th. The women were led by a 5th place overall finish from Janet Kwabai, who had a final time of 21:24. Kwambais time will guarantee her a spot in the National in Tampa, Florida on November 20th. The Men were led by Sean Incardona, who finished in 61st place with a final time of 34:05. While the Bears did not receive an automatic bid to the finals, they will find out on Monday if they will have a spot.

The Bears football run of offensive dominance continued on the 6th, with a 56-20 victory over Barton. Grayson Willingham connected with three different receivers on three touchdown passes. Willingham connected with a 4 yard pass to Deondre Lester in the first quarter. He then found Dwayne McGee for a 9 yard touchdown in the 2nd quarter. He finished with a 7 yarder to Kellin Parsons in the 3rd Quarter. The running game added 4 touchdowns, 3 of which came from Jadus Davis. Davis ran the ball into the endzone in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters. The last rushing Touchdown came from Zyheir Dillard in the 4th quarter. The Bears again scored on both sides of the ball, as Percy King ran in an interception back 80 yards for a Touchdown in the 4th. Chase Allbaugh remained perfect, scoring 8 extra points.

Mens and Women’s Soccer both hosted home playoffs games on the 6th. The Men’s season came to a bitter end, thanks to a heartbreaking 2-1 overtime loss to Mars-Hill. The Lenoir-Rhyne goal in the match came in the 23rd minute, as Carlos Montoliu Lobo scored on a penalty kick.

The women kept their season alive with a 2-0 win over Limestone. The Bears scored in both halves in the shutout win. Kate Casey had a goal in the 37th minute, with an assist from Stephanie Figueiredo. Leonie Prossel then sealed the deal with her 11th goal of the season in the 82nd minute. The Women will play in the SAC semi finals on the 12th, in Mathews at 2pm against Queens.

LR Sports Update 11/2/21

Mens soccer celebrated senior night on November 3rd. Photo by Daren Wilz

Volleyball continued their hot streak by winning at home twice in two days. First against Catawba on the 29th, and then against Queens on the 30th. Both matches were won three sets to zero. The Bears will look to keep the momentum going as they head to Coker for a match on the 5th at 7pm.

The Bears football team enjoyed another lopsided win on the 30th, when they beat fierce rival Wingate 31-6. Touchdowns were scored on the ground, in the air, and by the recently dominant defense, who have allowed just 9 points in the last 3 combined games. Dwayne McGee provided two rushing touchdowns, a four-yard run and a 12-yard run, both in the 1st quarter. Deondre Lester received a 47-yard touchdown pass from Grayson Willingham in the third quarter. Jon Ross scored for the defense, intercepting a pass and running it back 50 yards into the endzone. Chase Allbaugh provided a late 22 field goal and was once again perfect on extra points.

Mens and Women’s soccer both had a pair of home games over the week, and both teams also celebrated Senior night, with tributes to the graduating classes of players. Mens soccer began the action by beating Wingate 2-0 on October 30th. Both Lenoir-Rhyne goals were scored in the first half. The first by Nicolas Bohigues in the 14th minute, with an assist from Jaime Poza. The second in the 26th minute by Victor Cascon, with an assist from Carles Montoliu Lobo. The Men followed the 2-0 win with another 2-0 win on November 3rd, this time against Carson-Newman. The first goal was scored in the 23rd minute by Dani Fernandez, with an assist from Jaime Poza. Poza then found the back of the net himself, with a goal in the 56th minute and an assist from Jaun Basabe.

The Women began their homestand with a 1-0 loss on a cold and rainy October 30th. They bounced back to get back in the win column on November 3rd, beating Carson-Newman 3-2. Leonie Proessl got the bears on the board early, with a goal in the 8th minute. Kara Cavaghan then scored a pair of first half goals. First in the 25th minute, with an assist from Neve Duston. Then in the 36th minute, with an assist from Scarlett Kelley. Both Soccer teams begin their playoffs on Saturday the 6th. The Bears will be hosting the first round of the SAC Conference championship, with the Women kicking off at 5, followed by the men at 7:30.

LR Sports Update 10/28/21

Shot of LR's homecoming football game — A sold out crowd watches the Bears dominate on Homecoming weekend

The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears football team continued their run of dominance on the 23rd, beating limestone 45-3 on homecoming weekend. The offense continues to put up huge numbers, while the defense continues to be lights out, only allowing 3 points in the last two games combined. The running game once again put up the biggest share of the points, as four of the six touchdowns were scored on the ground. Unlike previous matchups in which Dwayne McGee was the main rusher, multiple Bears scored on the ground Saturday. McGee had the first two rushing touchdowns, while Jadus Davis and Caine Crews also ran the ball into the endzone. Grayson Willingham threw for one touchdown, a 10 yard pass to Deondre Lester in the third quarter. The defense also found a way to add 6, as Preston Joseph ran a fumble recovery 15 yard into the endzone. Chase Allbaugh added a 28 yard field goal, and continues to be perfect on point after attempts, going 6 for 6.

Volleyball had a busy week, as they played 5 games in 4 days. After losing the first match, the Bears went on a 4 match winning streak to bring there record up to 15-5, and 10-2 in conference play.

Both Cross Country teams competed in the SAC Championship on Saturday morning. The men finished in 6th place, and the women finished in third. Individually, the men were led by Jacob Parkinson, whose final time of 25:43 was good for 27th. The women were once again led by Janet Kwambai, who finished in the top 5 overall with a final time 21:29, good for 4th. Next up for Cross Country is the NCAA Southeast Regional final in Spartanburg, South Carolina on November 6th.

Womens golf finished their fall season on the 26th at the Flagler Fall Slam. The Bears finished in third place out of the 16 schools that competed at the tournament in St. Augustine, Florida. They were led by Katie Sibley, whose final total score of 149(+5) gave her a 4th place finish individually.

Mens and Women’s soccer both lost on the road in Newberry on Saturday. The women lost 1-0 and the Men followed with 2-1 loss. The lone score for the Bears on the trip was a goal in the 43rd minute of the Men’s game by Diego Delgado, with an assist to Jaime Poza. The men bounced back with a 2-1 overtime win against Chowan on the 27th. After being down 1 goal at halftime, Dani Fernandez tied the game in the 49th minute, with an assist from Harri Rowe. The game was tied at the end of regulation, and in the 99th minute, Jaime De Manuel scored the game winner. Both teams will face Wingate on the 30th. The Men take the field at 5pm, followed by the women at 7:30.

Lenoir-Rhyne Sports Update 10/21/21

Women’s Triathlon was at Smith Mountain Lake, in Huddleston, Virginia on the 17. This was their last competition before the upcoming national championship. The Bears finished in 5th place of the 11 Division 2 teams at the competition and were led by Kayla Ribbink who finished in 5th place overall. Ribbink finished with a final time of 1:04:45. The National Championship will be in Tempe, Arizona on November 13, 2021.

The Bears football team dominated Carson-Newman on the 16th, winning by a final score of 59-0. This was the largest margin of victory the Bears have scored in any game all time against Carson-Newman. The running game was most impressive on this road trip to Tennessee, as 6 of the 8 touchdowns were on the ground. Dwayne McGee had a huge game, running the ball into the end zone 5 times and totaling 201 rushing yards. Gunnar Anderson provided the other rushing touchdown, with a 12-yard run in the 4th Quarter. The two passing touchdowns in the game were from quarterback Grayson Willingham, throwing to receivers Kelin Parsons and Deondre Lester. Chase Allbaugh added a late field goal, and continues to be perfect on extra points, going 8 for 8. The Bears next Football game will be the annual Homecoming game, which will be held on the 23rd at 2pm against Limestone.

Volleyball won on the road against Queens on the 16th, winning the 1st, 3rd, and 4th sets. The win gave the Bears their ninth conference win. This was followed by an unsuccessful trip to Carson-Newman, losing 3-0. The Bears will return home for their next match on the 22nd against Anderson at 2pm.

Men’s Golf competed in their final event of the season at the Donald Ross Intercollegiate on the 18th. In a field of 18 teams, the Bears finished in fourth place. Individually, Lenoir-Rhyne was led by Matthew Raybould, who finished in fifth with a final score of 211 (+1). This was the Bears highest finishing position of the season.

Men’s and Women’s soccer both competed on the road against Tusculum on the 17. The women took the field first and had another big victory, winning by a score of 5-1. Two goals were scored by the Bears in the first half. First by Ria Acton in the 20th minute by Ria Acton, with an assist from Evan O’Leary. Then just before the half, in the 44th minute, Leonie Proessl scored with an assist from Acton. 3 more goals were added on in the 2nd half. Evan O’Leary scored in the 47th minute, with an assist from Proessl. Proessl would find the back of the net again in the 68th minute, this time being assisted by Kara Cavaghan and Madi Kyle. Acton would score again in the 69th minute.

The Men’s team followed and tied with Tusculum 1-1. The Bears scored early with a goal from Victor Cascon in the 2nd minute. Tusculum scored the equalizer in the 33rd minute. Both teams will travel to Newberry on the 23rd. The Women will take the field at 1pm, followed by the Men at 3:30.

LR Sports Update 10/14/2021

The fall sports season is in full swing, as the Bears close out another busy week, and look forward to another busy weekend of action at home, and on the road.

The Lenoir-Rhyne Cross Country team made their first trip to Illinois over the weekend, competing at the Lewis Crossover on the 9th. The women’s team finished in 9th place out of the 25 teams competing. They were led once again by Janet Kwambai, who finished 7th out of 258 runners, with a time of 22:22. The Men finished in 24th place, and were led by Sean Incardona, who finished with a time of 27:26. Cross Country will compete next at the SAC Championship, in Charlotte on the 22nd.

Lenoir-Rhyne Football beat Tusculum 38-31 on the 9th, to improve to 2-2 in the conference, and 3-2 overall. Most of the offense was on the ground in this game, as 4 of the 5 touchdowns scored by the Bears were on Running plays. Dwayne McGee ran the ball into the end zone 3 times, including a 28 yard run in the 1st quarter, a 52 yard run in the 3rd, and a 25 yard run in the 4th. The other rushing touchdown was a 1 yard run from QB Grayson Willingham in the 3rd quarter. Willingham threw the game’s 1 passing touchdown 35 yards to Jordan Payne in the 2nd quarter. Chase Allbaugh added a field goal in the 4th, and was 5 for 5 on field goals. The Bears take the gridiron next at 1pm on the 16, on the road against Carson-Newman.

Mens and Women’s Soccer both continued their success as both teams beat Queens at home on 9th, and both teams beat Mars Hill on the road on the 13th. The Women took the field first on the 9th, and beat Queens 1-0. The lone goal in the match was scored by Scarlett Kelley in the 68th minute, with an assist by Ria Acton. On a higher scoring road trip to Mars Hill on the 13th, the women won in dominating fashion, by a score of 5-1. Evan O’Leary scored a pair of goals in the first half. First in the 5th minute, assisted by Stephanie Figuerido, and again in the 16th minute, assisted by Allie Zueger. Zueger then scored a goal of her own in the 19th minute, sending the Bears into half time with a 3-0 lead. 2 more goals were added in the 2nd half, both by Leonie Proessl. First in the 63rd minute, and second in the 68th minute, assisted by O’Leary.

The Men also had a dominant win, as they beat Queens 5-1 on the 9th. Miguel Montano scored first for the Bears in the 12th minute, assisted by Jaime Poza. Noah Tiefel then had a pair of first half goals. First in the 16th minute, with an assist from Harri Rowe, and then in the 28th minute, with an assist from Poza. Both men who were credited with first half assists found the back of the net themselves in the second half. Harri Rowe scored in the 54th minute. Jaime Poza scored in the 75th minute, with an assist from Tiefel. The Men followed this performance with a hard fought 1-0 win over Mars Hill on the road on the 13th. A late goal in the 80th minute from Oliver Gardner gave the Bears the win. Both teams will play their next game on the road against Tusculum on the 17th. The Women take the field at 2pm, followed by the Men at 4:30.

Both Mens and Women’s Tennis began their fall seasons on the 10th. The women beat Johnson C Smith 7-0, and then lost to Charleston 2-5. The men were narrowly defeated by Charleston 4-3. This was the only action for the Tennis teams in the fall, as the full Tennis season is played in the spring. The Women will begin on the road against Western Carolina on January 17th. The Men will begin their season against Gardner-Webb on February 1st.

Mens and Womens golf both competed over the week. The Men competed in the Queens Invitational on the 11th, and finished tied for 14th out of the 18 teams competing. The Bears were led by Liam Waldron, who finished with a final score of 206 (-7) to finish 10th overall. The Men will be at home for the only time this season next week, hosting the Donald Ross Intercollegiate on the 18th and 19th. The women competed in the LeAnn Noble Memorial in Dahlonega Georgia. They were led by Megan Robb, whose final score of 219 (+3) was tied for 22nd overall.

Volleyball beat Catawba on the road on the 13th, the Bears are now 8-1 in conference play. After losing the first set, LR came back winning the next 3. Taylor Prall had 13 Kills, and 24 Digs, leading both categories. Ashley Hawkins had the most Aces, with 2. Braelyn Faust had the most blocks, with 6. Helen Hamilton led in Assists, with 27. The Bears next match will be on the road against Queens, at 2pm on the 16th.

LR Sports Update 10/7/21

The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears hope to put an up and down beginning to October behind them, as they head into another busy weekend and upcoming week of action, with a couple of big conference home games slated for the weekend.

Volleyball’s impressive run in the conference continues as they have won 2 of their last 3 matches. At home on the third, they beat Tusculum 3 sets to 0 to give Tusculum their first conference loss of the season. This win gave the Bears their first 5-0 record in the conference since 2004. Taylor Prall had an impressive showing, leading the team in Kills with 8, Aces with3, and Digs with 14. Braelyn Faust led in Blocks with 7, and MacKenzie Hulsey had the most Assists with 19. This win was followed by yet another 3 set victory against UVA-Wise the next day. Prall once again had the most Kills, this time with 10. The Bears would go on to suffer their first conference loss on the 5th, losing 3 sets to 0 against Anderson on the 5th. Volleyball will be back in action at Newberry on the 7th at 6pm.

Harri Rowe takes a touch during the Soccer match against Lincoln Memorial. Photo by Daren Wilz

Men’s and Women’s soccer both had up and down weeks, as both teams would beat Lincoln Memorial on the 2nd, and then be beaten by Catawba on the 6th. The men faced Catawba at home on the 2nd and won 4-1.The first two goals were both scored by Noah Tiefel. The first was scored in just the 2nd minute of the match, with an assist credited to Harri Rowe. The second was scored in the 51st minute, with assists credited to Benjamin Gnieser and Victor Cascon. Cascon and Gnieser would both go on to have goals of their own. Cascon scored in the 67th minute, with an assist from Tiefel. Gnieser scored in the 77th minute, with an assist from Jaime Poza. The men would then go on to lose to Catawba 3-2 on a wet field, in a game that was delayed due to weather. After two first half goals from Gnieser and Jaheim Smith, Catawba came back with 3 goals in the second half to win.

The Women began October in dominating fashion, beating Lincoln Memorial 4-0, in a game where Ria Acton scored a hat trick. Acton’s first and second goals were on penalty kicks, first in the 41st minute, and second in the 55th minute. She completed the trio in the 62nd minute, with a goal that was assisted by Evan O’Leary. O’Leary added to the total with a goal of her own, as the freshman standout scored at the start of the second half, with an assist from Acton. After starting the game late due to the weather delay in the Men’s game, the Women were also beaten by Catawba, losing 2-0 on Wednesday night. Both teams will be at home this Saturday, the 9th, against Queens. The women will play at 5, and the Men at 7:30.

Men’s Golf competed in the Camden Collegiate, which concluded on October 5th. The Bears shot 288 overall on the final day, and finished the tournament with a final team score of 881, to finish in 13th out of the 16 teams that competed. The team event was won by fellow SAC school Lincoln Memorial. Lenoir-Rhyne was led by Liam Waldron, who finished with a final total score of 219 (+9) which was good for 38th overall individually. The Men will compete next at the Queens Invitational on October 11th.

Women’s Golf competed in the Patsy Randleman Invitational, which concluded on October 4th. Out of the 13 teams competing, Lenoir-Rhyne finished with a total score of 599 (+23) to tie for 2nd place with SAC rival Wingate. The Bears were led by Beatriz Espelosin, whose final score of 147 (+2) tied for 11th place individually. The Women will be in action next on October 11th, at the Noble Memorial Tournament in Dahlonega, Georgia.

Football traveled to UVA Wise on Saturday the 2nd, where they would lose to Wise 35-28. Despite the loss, the Bears offense still put up points in all 4 quarters. Grayson Willingham through for 2 Touchdowns. The first a 4 yard pass to Dareke Young in the 1st quarter. The second another 4 yard pass, this time to Kelin Parsons in the 4th quarter. One rushing touchdown was scored on a 4 yard run from Dwayne McGee in the 3rd quarter. Chase Allbaugh scored two field goals. A 43 yarder in the 2nd Quarter, and a 26 yarder in the 4th quarter. Allbaugh was also 3 for 3 on extra points. The Bears next football action will be at home, this Saturday against Tusculum at 1pm.Women’s Golf competed in the Patsy Randleman Invitational, which concluded on October 4th. Out of the 13 teams competing, Lenoir-Rhyne finished with a total score of 599 (+23) to tie for 2nd place with SAC rival Wingate. The Bears were led by Beatriz Espelosin, whose final score of 147 (+2) tied for 11th place individually. The Women will be in action next on October 11th, at the Noble Memorial Tournament in Dahlonega, Georgia. Football traveled to UVA Wise on Saturday the 2nd, where they would lose to Wise 35-28. Despite the loss, the Bears offense still put up points in all 4 quarters. Grayson Willingham through for 2 Touchdowns. The first a 4 yard pass to Dareke Young in the 1st quarter. The second another 4 yard pass, this time to Kelin Parsons in the 4th quarter. One rushing touchdown was scored on a 4 yard run from Dwayne McGee in the 3rd quarter. Chase Allbaugh scored two field goals. A 43 yarder in the 2nd Quarter, and a 26 yarder in the 4th quarter. Allbaugh was also 3 for 3 on extra points. The Bears next football action will be at home, this Saturday against Tusculum at 1pm.

LR Sports Update 9/30/21

The Lenoir-Rhyne Bears had a successful week all around, and look to keep the momentum going as they charge ahead through their Fall seasons.

Fans were finally welcomed back between the bricks on Saturday night as football hosted conference rivals Mars Hill for their home opener. A packed crowd of over 5,000 was treated to a 31-16 victory over the Lions. Quarterback Grayson Willingham threw 3 touchdown passes, all to Derek Young. The three passes combined for 65, contributing to Young’s 160 yard receiving total. Willingham threw for 287 yards total. Dwayne McGee added another touchdown with a 2 yard run. McGee led the team in rushing, gaining 122 yards total. Chase Allbaugh was a perfect 4 for 4 on extra points, and also added to the scoring with a 40 yard field goal in the 2nd quarter. The Bears next game will be on the road, competing against UVA Wise on October 2nd.

Cross Country was in action at the Queen City Invite on Friday, as the Men placed 14th overall, and the women placed 4th overall. The men were led by Jacob Parkinson, with a time of 25:44. The women were led by Janet Kwambai, with a time of 17:38. This gives Kwambai her third straight top 5 overall finish. Caroline Hilliard also placed in the top 10, with a time of 17:56, which was good for 9th. Both teams will be in competition again on October 9th, at Lewis Crossover in Romeoville, Illinois.

Two women and one from the new men’s squad competed in an aquathon, hosted by Newberry on the 26th. This event takes biking out of triathlon and replaces it with two alternating swims and runs. Asher Lauderdale finished in 10th with a time of 17:33, becoming the first male to compete in the sport for Lenoir-Rhyne. Paige Ewald was the top finisher on the women’s side, finishing in 17th with a time of 20:36.

Mens and Womens soccer both had successful weeks on the road against Anderson on the 25th, and Coker on the 29th. The women beat Anderson 2-1 on the 25th, with both goals being scored in the first half. The first by Neve Duston in the 3rd minute, and the 2nd by Ria Acton in the 26th minute. They followed that win on the 25th with a dominating one on the 29th, as they beat Coker 5-1. Leonie Proessel scored early, with a goal in the 4th minute, and the Bears headed to halftime tied at 1. In the 2nd half, Evan O’Leary scored two quick goals in the 52nd and 55th minute, with assists credited to Madi Kyle on the first, and Neve Duston on the 2nd. Proessel then scored another pair to complete the hat trick. First in the 68th minute, with an assist from O’Leary, and then again in the 76th minute, assisted by Rosie Weaver.

The men took the field after the women on the 25th, and beat Anderson 4-1. The first goal was scored early, as Noah Tiefel found the back of the net in the first minute, with an assist given to Harri Rowe. Tiefel scored again in the 27th minute, with an assist from Victor Cascon. Carles Montoliu Lobo scored in the 29th minute, and the Bears went into the half with a 3 goal lead. In the 77th minute, Tiefel took away any doubt by completing a hat trick of his own. On the 29th, the men had the late game once again, this time beating Coker 2-1. The Bears were able to beat the #4 ranked team in the country, in a game that went to 2 overtime periods. After being down 1-0 at the start of the 2nd half, Nicholas Bohigues tied the game with a goal in the 60th minute. The game would remain tied through regulation, and through the entire first overtime period. The Bears were able to break the tie and win the game with a goal from Victor Cascon in the 100th minute. Both Men’s and Women’s teams will be back in action against Lincoln Memorial at home on Saturday, October 2nd. The women will play first at 5, followed by the men at 7:30.

Volleyball won again on the 25th, to remain undefeated in the Conference. They traveled to South Carolina to defeat Limestone, winning the 1st, 3rd, and 4th sets. The Bears were led in Kills by Taylor Prall, with 12. Rachel Bewick had the most Aces, with 2, and the most Digs, with 27. Bewick won AVCA National Player of the week honors, becoming only the 2nd Lenoir-Rhyne Player to do so. Emma Clark had the most blocks, with 4. MacKenzie Hulsey led the team in assists, with 32. The Bears next Volleyball action will be friday night at home against Tusculum at 7 pm.

Womens Golf traveled to McCormick, South Carolina on Monday to compete in the Savannah Lakes Invitational, where they would finish tied for 7th overall. Individually, the Bears were led by Beatriz Espelosin, who finished with a total score of 147 (+3) to tie for 8th overall. The women will compete next on Monday and Tuesday of next week at the Patsy Rendlemen Invitational hosted by Catawba.beat the #4 ranked team in the country, in a game that went to 2 overtime periods. After being down 1-0 at the start of the 2nd half, Nicholas Bohigues tied the game with a goal in the 60th minute. The game would remain tied through regulation, and through the entire first overtime period. The Bears were able to break the tie and win the game with a goal from Victor Cascon in the 100th minute. Both Men’s and Women’s teams will be back in action against Lincoln Memorial at home on Saturday, October 2nd. The women will play first at 5, followed by the men at 7:30.Volleyball won again on the 25th, to remain undefeated in the Conference. They traveled to South Carolina to defeat Limestone, winning the 1st, 3rd, and 4th sets. The Bears were led in Kills by Taylor Prall, with 12. Rachel Bewick had the most Aces, with 2, and the most Digs, with 27. Bewick won AVCA National Player of the week honors, becoming only the 2nd Lenoir-Rhyne Player to do so. Emma Clark had the most blocks, with 4. MacKenzie Hulsey led the team in assists, with 32. The Bears next Volleyball action will be friday night at home against Tusculum at 7 pm.Womens Golf traveled to McCormick, South Carolina on Monday to compete in the Savannah Lakes Invitational, where they would finish tied for 7th overall. Individually, the Bears were led by Beatriz Espelosin, who finished with a total score of 147 (+3) to tie for 8th overall. The women will compete next on Monday and Tuesday of next week at the Patsy Rendlemen Invitational hosted by Catawba.