Orange Women’s Soccer

Alumni Update: Chnupa plays in Elon football win

Adam Chnupa: On Saturday, the Elon football team came from behind to defeat Rhode Island 38-13 in Meade Stadium in Kingston, RI. Chnupa, a former Cedar Ridge All-Big 8 football and baseball player, played on special teams as the Phoenix won its second straight game. This season, Chnupa has played in four games for Elon, who are now 4-4 overall, 3-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association. The Phoenix host William & Mary for Homecoming next Saturday at Rhodes Stadium.

Keshawn Thompson: Among the wild games throughout the country on Saturday was Campbell’s 49-47 triple overtime win over Gardner-Webb at Spangler Stadium in Boiling Springs. Thompson, a redshirt sophomore who graduated from Orange in 2017, assisted on two tackles for the Camels. He also had a tackle for loss. Campbell is 6-1, 3-0 in the Big South. They travel to North Alabama next Saturday for a nonconference game.

Rodney Brooks: In the CIAA on Saturday, Winston-Salem State shutout Livingston 21-0 at Alumni Memorial Stadium in Salisbury. Brooks entered the game as a safety, made one tackle and assisted on two others. The Blue Bears fell to 4-4, 1-4 in the CIAA. They host Fayetteville State next Saturday.

Kevin Wright: In Rocky Mount, Division III Brevard defeated North Carolina Wesleyan 26-20 at Rocky Mount Stadium. Wright had one solo tackle and assisted on two others as the Battling Bishops fell to 3-4, 2-2 in the USA South Athletic Conference. Wright has played in four games for Wesleyan this season. The Bishops travel to Methodist next Saturday.

Lionel Reid-Shaw: On senior day for the Division III Dickinson men’s soccer team on Saturday, Reid-Shaw started at centerback as the Red Devils defeated Haverford 2-1 in Carlisle, PA. Reid-Shaw fired a shot on goal as Dickinson improved to 9-6, 5-2 in the Centennial Conference. On Wednesday, Reid-Shaw will play his final home game for Dickinson, who will host Muhlenberg on Wednesday night. Dickinson is in 3rd place in the Centennial Conference, one game in the loss column behind Franklin & Marshall.

Kayla Hodges: The Elon women’s soccer team suffered a tough loss on Thursday. Delaware defeated the Phoenix 2-0 at Grant Stadium in Newark, DE. Hodges, who had goals in three consecutive games coming into the game, started at midfield and fired a shot on net. The Phoenix had only three shots on net in the game. Elon is 11-4-2 overall, 5-2-1 in the Colonial Athletic Association. Elon is now tied with Delaware for third in the loss column in the CAA.

Taylin Jean: The Division II Limestone women’s soccer team defeated Southern Wesleyan University 2-0 at Saints Field in Gaffney, SC on Saturday. Jean posted her seven shutout of the season. She started and played 52 minutes before being replaced by Paige Renkosik, who was among eight seniors who played their final home game. Jean is 8-6 as the goalkeeper of the Saints this season. Limestone is 7-2 in Conference Carolinas. They’re in 3rd place in the league, two games behind Mount Olive for 1st place.

Brittany Daley: On Senior Day for the Division III Greensboro College women’s soccer team defeated North Carolina Wesleyan 2-0 at Pride Field on Saturday. Daley started again at centerback. She has started all 17 games for Greensboro. The Pride ended the regular season 12-4-1, 6-1-1 in the USA South Athletic Conference. They will be the top seed for the USA South Athletic Conference Tournament, which starts later this week.

Jordan Rogers: The William Peace women’s soccer team defeated Averett University 3-0 at Campbell Stadium in Danville, VA on Saturday. With the victory, the Pacers set the program record for most wins in a season. Rogers, who graduated from Orange in 2018, started her 18th game of the season for Peace. The Pacers are now 7-10-1, 3-5 in the USA South. The Pacers will also start play in the USA South Conference Tournament this week.

Lili Henry: On Friday night, two former Hillsborough volleyball players squared off against each other again. Lili Henry, who graduated from Cedar Ridge in 2018, suited up for Division III Methodist against Meredith. The Avenging Angels defeated the Monarchs 3-1 on scores of 21-25, 25-13, 25-22 and 25-7. Henry had 15 assists, one ace, one kill and two digs. Methodist is 6-16, 5-9 in the USA South.

Bailey Lucas: Lucas played all four sets for Meredith against Methodist. She finished with 16 assists and five digs. The Avenging Angels are 16-7 overall, 10-2 in the USA South. Meredith is tied in the loss column with Averett for 1st place in the conference.

Alumni Update: Wilson named to All-American Watch List

Payton Wilson: On Wednesday, the Football Writers Association of America named Wilson to its Freshman All-American watch list. As mentioned in Sunday’s edition, Wilson is third on N.C. State’s football team with 36 tackles this season. He has three-and-a-half tackles for loss through six games. He’s also tied for second the team with three special teams tackles. Wilson is a 2018 Orange graduate who won the 2017 3A state championship in wrestling at 220 pounds. He was also a midfielder in lacrosse before leaving Orange in January 2018 to enroll early in Raleigh.

Chandler Compton: The 2016 Orange graduate played on senior night for the Wofford men’s soccer team in Spartanburg, SC on Wednesday night. Compton played eight minutes as the Terriers defeated VMI 3-0 at Snyder Field. It was Compton’s first game of the season for the Terriers. Wofford named John Tyson, a former assistant with Charlotte Independence of the United Soccer League, as its new head coach last December. The Terriers are 4-9-1 overall, 2-1-1 in the Southern Conference.

Lionel Reid-Shaw: Division III Gettysburg defeated Dickinson 4-2 at Clark Field in Gettysburg, PA on Sunday night. Reid-Shaw started for Dickinson at center back. The Red Devils are now 8-6, 4-2 in the Centennial Conference. Reid-Shaw has played in 13 games for Dickinson this year and started nine.

Kayla Hodges: Another goal for Hodges as Elon defeated James Madison 3-2 at Rudd Field in Elon on Sunday. Hodges tallied her fourth goal of the season in the 40th minute off a corner kick sent in by Hannah Doherty. Hodges has scored goals in three consecutive games. After a three-win season in 2018, the Phoenix is in the hunt for the Colonial Athletic Association Championship. Elon is tied with UNC Wilmington for second. Hofstra leads the CAA with a 5-0-2 mark with two games remaining in the regular season. Elon travels to Delaware Thursday night.

Taylin Jean: On Sunday, Jean claimed her seventh win of the season in net for the Division II Limestone women’s soccer team. The Saints defeated Emmanuel 3-1 in Stephen Athletic Complex in Franklin Spring, GA. Jean made eight saves for the win. On Wednesday night, Carson-Newman defeated Limestone 2-1, the Saints’ first home loss of the season. Jean started at goalkeeper for Limestone and made three saves. Limestone is 7-6 overall, 6-2 in Conference Carolinas. They fall one game behind Carson-Newman for 1st place in the league.

Brittany Daley: Pfeiffer defeated the Division III Greensboro College women’s soccer team 1-0 on Wednesday night at Pride Field in Greensboro in a battle for first place in the USA South Athletic Conference. Daley started her 16th game of the season for the Pride. Greensboro’s seven-game undefeated streak came to an end. The Pride are 11-4-1 overall, 5-1-1 in the USA South. They are tied with Pfeiffer in the loss column for first place. The Falcons are 7-1. However, Pfeiffer is ineligible for the USA South Tournament because they have reclassified as a Division III program (they were previously Division II).

Jordan Rogers: Division III Meredith defeated the William Peace women’s soccer team 2-1 at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary on Tuesday. Rogers started her 16th game of the year for the Pacers. Peace is 6-10, 2-5 in the USA South.

Lili Henry: Division III Methodist volleyball team swept Pfeiffer in Merner Gym in Misenheimer on Wednesday night. The Monarchs never trailed in winning 25-20, 25-19, and 25-15. Henry popped up 20 assists for the Monarchs. Methodist improves to 5-15, 4-8 in the USA South.

Bailey Lucas: The Division III Meredith volleyball team swept North Carolina Wesleyan at Weatherspoon Gymnasium in Raleigh on Tuesday night. Lucas played in all three sets, finishing with 12 assists, six digs and two aces. Meredith is 16-7 overall, 10-2 in the USA South.

Alumni Update: Guentensberger suits up for Appalachian



Colin Guentensberger: On Saturday, #24 Appalachian State defeated Louisiana-Monroe 52-7 at Kidd Brewer Stadium in Boone. The Mountaineers improved to 6-0, 3-0 in the Sun Belt Conference. It was the first time that former Orange Panther Colin Guentensberger suited up for the Mountaineers. Guentensberger is a freshman walk-on. He didn’t see action on Saturday. Guentensberger was the Hillsboroughsports.com Player of the Year in 2018. He was second on the team with 100 tackles and also had 23 receptions, behind only Zyon Pettiford.

Payton Wilson: On a dismal day for N.C. State, Wilson had a career-high nine tackles for the Wolfpack in a 45-24 loss to Boston College in Chestnut Hill, MA. Wilson had one-half tackle for loss. He was tied with Louis Acceus for 2nd on the team in tackles. Through seven games, Wilson third on the team with 35 tackles, including three-and-a-half for loss.

Trent Gill: The former Cedar Ridge kicker had six punts for N.C. State against the Eagles. Gill had an average of 45.5 yards. His longest was 62 yards, one of three punts over 50 yards for Gill. Three punts were downed inside the 20. Gill also had three kickoffs that totaled 173 yards. N.C. State will take this week off and travel to Wake Forest on November 2.

Keshawn Thompson: The FCS Campbell Camels defeated Hampton 31-16 at Barker-Lane Stadium in Buies Creek on Saturday. Thompson returned to action after missing the Presbyterian game on October 5. Thompson assisted on two tackles. After losing the season opener at Troy, Campbell has won five in a row and is 2-0 in the Big South Conference. The Camels travel to Gardner-Webb next Saturday.

Rodney Brooks: Shaw defeated Livingston 27-20 in CIAA action at G. Williams Complex in Raleigh on Saturday. Brooks had three tackles for the Blue Bears. Livingstone falls to 4-3, 2-3 in the CIAA. The Blue Bears will return to Salisbury and take on Winston-Salem State on Saturday.

Kevin Wright: The 2018 Cedar Ridge graduate had five tackle as Division III North Carolina Wesleyan lost to Averett 41-24 at Frank Campbell Stadium in Danville, VA on Saturday. The Battling Bishops are 3-3. They will host Brevard next week in Rocky Mount.

Brittany Daley: Two former Hillsborough products played against each other as Division III Greensboro College defeated William Peace University 3-0 at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. Daley, who played at Cedar Ridge, started her 15th game of the season for Greensboro. The Pride sit atop the USA South Conference with a 5-0-1 record. They are 11-3-1 overall.

Jordan Rogers: Rogers started at wingback for Peace against Greensboro. Peace falls to 6-9-1, 2-4 in the USA South.

Lili Henry: The Division III Methodist volleyball team split in their tri-match at North Carolina Wesleyan in Rocky Mount on Saturday. The Monarchs defeated Wesleyan in five sets on scores of 14-25, 26-24, 21-25, 25-9 and 15-5. Henry had a season-high 25 assists for Methodist. She also had nine digs and one ace as Methodist improved to 4-15, 3-8 in the USA South. Earlier in the day, Averett defeated Methodist 3-1 on scores of 25-17, 18-25, 25-15 and 25-19. Against the Cougars, Henry had 12 assists, one ace and seven digs. Methodist returns home to face Pfeiffer at the Riddle Center in Fayetteville on Tuesday.

Bailey Lucas: The Division III Meredith volleyball team won both its matches inside Weatherspoon Gymnasium in Raleigh on Saturday. The Avenging Angels swept Pfeiffer 25-9, 25-22 and 25-22. They also defeated Greensboro in five sets on scores of 15-25, 25-20, 25-15, 23-25 and 15-8. Lucas played in both matches for Meredith. Against Greensboro, Lucas had two kills, 18 assists, 13 digs and 3 aces. In the sweep of Pfeiffer, Lucas had one kill, 12 assists and one dig. Meredith is 15-7, 9-2 in the USA South. The Angels travel to North Carolina Wesleyan on Tuesday.



Green Eggs and Hamlin: A night in Football Purgatory

Doing play-by-play for football requires a lot of preparation. There’s a lot of names and numbers to memorize. Plenty of facts to pour over and write down. Football tends to draw the biggest listening audience to the website (though there have been baseball and softball games that have drawn more listeners, except for the 2016 Orange-Havelock football game), so no announcer worth their salt wants to sound uneducated to a listener.

When you try to fool the viewer at home, chances are the broadcaster is the one who will get fooled.

If you do enough games, a broadcaster will see some memorable ones, to one degree or another. The 2014 Orange-Chapel Hill football game stands out for me, when Orange came back from a 21-7 deficit to win 38-37. After Bryse Wilson recovered an onside kick, Tay Jones scored on a long touchdown run, then cashed in on a 2-point conversion with 37 seconds remaining.

I was lucky to do seven years of play-by-play for Northern Durham, where all of the teams had a goal to win the state championship every August. None of the squads I covered ever did, but there were some amazing games. The 2001 Northern Nash-Northern game stands out, where Fred Williams scored on a slant from 65-yards with 1:31 remaining to tie the game, only to have Northern Nash run the subsequent kickoff back 91 yards for a touchdown to win.

Every broadcaster will have forgettable games if they do it for a long time.

Then there are the games that are unforgettable for perverse reasons.

For me and some of my friends, that game is the 2006 Cedar Ridge-East Chapel Hill game.

The game was played on Labor Day, which was fitting, because both offenses sure did labor. Cedar Ridge won 3-0 in what was merely the worst football game ever played. How bad? The longest play from scrimmage was 14 yards. Cedar Ridge had 97 yards total offense—and won.

In the 2nd quarter, Cedar Ridge recovered a fumble deep in East territory and proceeded to go minus-three yards on the subsequent three plays.

And this was the game-winning drive.

Cedar Ridge’s kicker a 29-yard field goal and the two teams spent the rest of the night slogging across a muddy field with one punt piled on top of another.

Which leads us to the officiating, not a subject I look to insult because it’s a hard job and high school sports needs as many bodies as they can nowadays.

But they need people who know the rules.

Any casual football viewer understands what happens when a block in the back is called on the receiving team during a punt. It has to happen once a game, at least.

The receiving team is penalized ten years from the spot of the foul, but they keep possession of the ball.

This simple fact eluded the officiating crew on this night, who called the block in the back penalty against East. But instead of correctly switching possession to East, they gave Cedar Ridge the ball back like it was a roughing the kicker penalty.

And the crew did this TWICE.

After the second time, I completely lost it on the air. I ripped the officials, saying if they didn’t know the rules, they didn’t need to be out there. I threw it to a break at one point with the words “We go to the 4th quarter, and not a moment too soon.”

My colorman, Walter Storholt, couldn’t contain his laughter.

Did I mention there was a rain delay at halftime? Play-by-play men HATE rain delays in football because we have to kill time. We’re talking about anything. By the time the delay started in a slog of a game, I felt like I was sitting beside John Matuzak and Woody Hayes in football purgatory (O.J. Simpson’s seat is warm and waiting, by the way)

Ah, but one bright memory remains.

East’s coach was David Thompson, who spoke with a high-pitched lisp that Avery Johnson would have found exaggerated. His tenure at East was, at best, difficult. But it did lead to the greatest halftime interview in recorded broadcasting history, one that has remained in my Dropbox folder for some 13 years.

I’m not sure how my friend Johnny Jones maintained a straight face through this, but it’s a true tribute to his immense talent that he did.

Enjoy.

For my money, on the list of the greatest coaching rants, you can have your Dennis Greens. You can have your Jim Moras. You can have your Mike Singletarys.

“There’s my foot, I’m going to shoot it” lives on forever, as much as airing over a 5,000 watt AM station possibly can. When I see some of my former WCHL friends to this day, we blurt out “there’s my foot” just to crack each other up.

In 1995, Cowboy Junkies released a song called “A Common Disaster,” which is about people growing closer based off of troubling stories from their past.

Cedar Ridge-East from 2006 will always be my Common Disaster. Aside from most of my first dates, of course.

Alumni Update: Brooks leads Bears in tackles in loss to St. Aug’s.

Rodney Brooks: St. Augustine’s defeated Livingstone 20-12 at George Williams Comp Stadium in Raleigh on Saturday. Rodney Brooks, who graduated from Orange in 2017, tied for the Livingstone team lead with six tackles. He also had a pass breakup. Brooks has now played six games since arriving in Salisbury last summer. The Blue Bears have dropped two in a row and are 3-2, 2-1 in the CIAA. They return to Raleigh next weekend to face Shaw, led by former Southern Durham head coach Adrian Jones.

Payton Wilson: On Thursday night, N.C. State earned its first ACC win of the season with a 16-10 victory over Syracuse. Wilson finished with three tackles. After six games, Wilson has 26 tackles, including three tackles for loss.

Trent Gill: As State found itself in a rugged defensive battle with the Orange, Gill found himself busy as a punter. He had six punts for an average of 48.8 yards per boot. His longest punt was 55 yards, and he had two over 50 yards. Gill had two punts downed inside the 20-yard line. N.C. State faces Boston College next Saturday at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, MA.

Adam Chnupa: A rousing day for the Elon football team on Saturday. The Phoenix defeated Delaware, ranked #15 in FCS, 42-7 at Rhodes Stadium in Elon. Chnupa, a redshirt freshman who graduated from Cedar Ridge in 2017, saw action in his third game of the season. Elon travels to Rhode Island next weekend. The Phoenix are 3-4, 2-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association.

Kevin Wright: It was a memorable day for the Division III North Carolina Wesleyan football team on Saturday. The Battling Bishops played its first game on its own campus. Wesleyan defeated Greensboro College 44-7 at the Vernon T. Bradley Complex. The Bishops are 3-2, 2-0 in the USA South Athletic Conference. They face Averett in Danville, VA next weekend.

Jackson Schmid: Though Schmid hasn’t played for Division III Wheaton College since September 21st, the Thunder is now ranked #5 in Division III. The Thunder defeated North Park University 63-0 in Chicago on Saturday to improve to 5-0, 1-0 in the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin. Schmid graduated from Orange in 2017.

Taylin Jean: The Division II Limestone women’s soccer team defeated Converse College 2-0 at Saints Field in Gaffney, SC on Saturday. Jean posted her fifth shutout of the season starting as goalkeeper for Limestone. She made one save to earn her fifth win of the year. Limestone is 5-5, 4-2 in Conference Carolinas.

Jordan Rogers: Division III Methodist defeated William Peace University 2-0 at Monarch SoccerPlex in Fayetteville on Saturday. Rogers started at wingback for the Pacers. She has started all 14 of the Pacers’ games this season. Peace falls to 6-6-1, 2-2 in the USA South Conference.

Lionel Reid-Shaw: Th Division III Dickinson men’s soccer team defeated Washington College 2-1 for its third straight win on Saturday at Miller Memorial Field in Carlisle, PA. Reid-Shaw started for the Red Devils at center back. He has started nine games this year. Dickinson is 8-5, 4-1 in the Centennial Conference.

Lili Henry: The Division III Methodist volleyball team dropped both of its tilts in a tri-match at Greensboro College on Saturday. Greensboro swept the Monarchs to open the day at Hanes Gymnasium. Henry had eleven assists and five digs against the Pride. William Peace upended Methodist in four sets. Against the Pacers, Henry had 17 assists, six digs and two aces. Methodist falls to 3-13, 2-6 in the USA South Conference. They travel to Salem College in Winston-Salem on Wednesday.

Alumni Update: Hodges scores goal in Elon draw

Kayla Hodges: The Elon women’s soccer team played to a 1-1 tie with Drexel at Rudd Field in Elon on Sunday. The Phoenix remain undefeated at home. Hodges, a 2018 Orange graduate, scored Elon’s only goal in the 15th minute off a header from six yards out. Hannah Doherty assisted on the goal. Hodges now had three goals for the Phoenix this season. Elon is 8-3-2 overall, 2-1-1 in the Colonial Athletic Association. They travel to Maryland to play Towson on Sunday.

Taylin Jean: The Division II Limestone women’s soccer team fell to Queen’s College 2-1 at Dickson Field in Charlotte on Wednesday night. Jean, a 2018 Cedar Ridge graduate, made seven saves starting as the Saints’ goalkeeper. After not playing in her freshman year, Jean has started nine games this season. She has made 36 saves. Limestone is 4-5, 3-2 in Conference Carolians. They host Converse College at Saints Field in Gaffney, S.C. on Saturday.

Brittany Daley: Division III Greensboro College defeated Meredith College 1-0 at Pride Field on Wednesday night. Daley started her 13th game of the season at center back. Greensboro improved to 9-3-1 overall, 3-0-1 in the USA South Conference. They host Mary Baldwin University on Tuesday.

Jordan Rogers: For the first time in women’s soccer, Division III William Peace defeated North Carolina Wesleyan 2-0 at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary on Wednesday night. Rogers made her 13th start of the season at wingback. Peace improved to 6-6-1 overall, 2-1 in the USA South Conference. They face Methodist in Fayetteville on Saturday.

Alfredo Rodriguez: The 2017 Orange High graduate is now a forward for NAIA Montreat men’s soccer team in Black Mountain. Rodriguez has yet to play varsity this season and has shuttled between varsity and junior varsity with the Cavaliers. Montreat has won five in a row and has an overall record of 9-3-1.

Lionel Reid-Shaw: Reid-Shaw was back in the lineup for Division III Dickinson men’s soccer on Tuesday night. It was another down-to-the-wire win for the Red Devils, who defeated Misericordia 3-2 in overtime at Mangelsdorf Field in Dallas, PA. Dickinson’s Kevin Gilbert scored the game-winning goal in the 98th minute. Reid-Shaw has stared seven games this season for Dickinson. The Red Devils improved to 7-5 overall.

Lili Henry: The Division III Pfeiffer volleyball team defeated Methodist in a sweep at the Riddle Center in Fayetteville on Tuesday night. Henry had 15 assists, six digs and two aces for the Monarchs. She played all three sets. Methodist falls to 3-11, 2-4 in the USA South Conference. The Monarchs will travel to Greensboro on Saturday for a tri-match-match against Greensboro College and William Peace at Hanes Gymnasium.

Lauren Cates: The leading scorer from Orange’s women’s basketball team unofficially started her college career last weekend. The Wake Tech women’s basketball team had an exhibition during the Southeast JUCO Jamboree in Albany, GA. The Eagles will officially starts its season against Meredith at Wake Tech on October 22.

Alumni Update: Wright makes season debut for Wesleyan

Kevin Wright: The 2018 Cedar Ridge graduate made his season debut for Division III North Carolina Wesleyan on Saturday. Wright, a sophomore safety, made five tackles as the Battling Bishops defeated LaGrange 52-35 in LaGrange, GA. It was Wesleyan’s USA South Conference opener. Wesleyan is 2-2. Next week, they face Greensboro College in its first-ever on campus game in Rocky Mount.

Adam Chnupa: For the second week in a row, Chnupa saw action for FCS Elon University. Chnupa, another 2018 Cedar Ridge graduate, entered as a reserve as the Phoenix lost to New Hampshire 26-10 at Wildcat Stadium in Durham, NH. Elon falls to 2-4, 0-2 in the Colonial Athletic Association. They host Delaware at Rhodes Stadium in Elon next Saturday.

Rodney Brooks: The Division II Livingstone football team lost to Virginia Union 44-0 at Alumni Stadium in Salisbury on Saturday. Brooks recorded a tackle for the Blue Bears, who suffered its first loss of the season. Livingstone is 4-1, 2-1 in the CIAA. They travel to St. Augustine’s next weekend.

Taylin Jean: Jean recorded her third clean sheet of the season as goalkeeper for the Division II Limestone women’s soccer team on Saturday. The Saints defeated Erskine 2-0 at Huggins Field in Due West, SC on Saturday. Jean, a 2018 Cedar Ridge graduate, made two saves for her fourth win of the season. Limestone is 4-4, 3-2 in Conference Carolinas. The Saints travel to Queens University in Charlotte on Wednesday.

Brittany Daley: The Division III Greensboro College women’s soccer team played to a 1-1 tie with Methodist University at Pride Field in Greensboro on Saturday. Daley started her eleventh game of the season at centerback. Greensboro is 8-3-1 overall, 2-0-1 in the USA South Conference. The Pride host Meredith on Wednesday.

Jordan Rogers: Marymount (VA) University defeated Division III William Peace University 3-0 in Arlington, VA on Saturday. Rogers started her eleventh game of the season for the Pacers at wingback. Peace falls to 4-4-1 overall, 1-1 in the USA South Conference.

Lili Henry: The Division III Methodist volleyball team split two matches in a tri-match at Meredith College at Weatherspoon Gymnasium in Raleigh on Saturday. The Monarchs ended the day with a sweep of Mary Baldwin. Against the Fighting Squirrels, Henry registered 22 assists and five digs. In the first match of the day, Meredith swept Methodist 3-0. Henry had 18 assists and eleven digs against the Avenging Angels. Methodist is now 3-11, 2-4 in the USA South Conference.

Bailey Lucas: In the aforementioned tri-match at Meredith, Lucas saw action for the Avenging Angels. Meredith won both of its matches against Mary Baldwin and Methodist. In the opening match against the Fighting Squirrels, Lucas played two sets. She had one kill, 14 assists and three digs. Against Methodist, Lucas played one set and had two assists. With the two sweeps, Meredith is 10-6 overall, 4-1 in the USA South.

Mia Davidson: The Mississippi State softball team started its fall schedule on Friday against East Mississippi Community College in Starkville, MS. Mia Davidson had a two run homer in the second inning, plus a RBI single in the first as the Bulldogs won 7-0. On Saturday, the Bulldogs swept a doubleheader. They defeated Meridian 14-1, a game where Davidson had an RBI double. Mississippi State completed the day with a 17-0 win over Meridian. Davidson had a pinch-hit, RBI double in the fourth. Mississippi State is under a new head coach in Samantha Ricketts.

Alumni Update: Hodges scores 2nd goal for Elon

Kayla Hodges: The Elon women’s soccer team had a thrilling 3-2 win over William & Mary at Rudd Field in Elon on Thursday night. Former Orange High star Kayla Hodges opened the scoring with a goal in the 47th minute. It was the 2nd goal of her career. Hodges headed in a cross from the five yard box on a cross sent in by Beky Myers. Elon scored the game-winning goal in extra time from Jessica Carrieri in the 101st minute. Hodges, a sophomore, finished with three shots, two of them on net. She has started in all 12 of the Phoenix’s games this year. Elon is 8-3-1 overall, 2-1 in the Colonial Athletic Association. Hodges also started in Sunday’s 5-0 loss at Hofstra in Hempstead, N.Y. on Sunday. Elon hosts Drexel at Rudd Field on Sunday.

Brittany Daley: The Division III Greensboro College women’s soccer team defeated Averett University 4-1 on Tuesday at Campbell Stadium in Danville, VA. Daley, a sophomore who graduated from Cedar Ridge in 2018, started her eleventh game of the season at center back. Greensboro is 8-3, 2-0 in the USA South Conference. The Pride will hosts Methodist University on Saturday in Greensboro.

Jordan Rogers: On Tuesday, the Pfeiffer women’s soccer team shut out William Peace University 5-0 at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. Jordan Rogers started at wingback for the Pacers, who are now 4-5-1, 1-1 in the USA South Conference. Rogers, a sophomore who graduated from Orange in 2018, has started in all ten of Peace’s games this season. Peace hosts Trinity Washington University on Friday night in Cary.

Lionel Reid-Shaw: On Wednesday night, Franklin & Marsh defeated the Division III Dickinson men’s soccer team 2-1 in Lancaster, PA. Franklin & Marsh came into the match ranked #4 nationally in Division III. Former Orange star Lionel Reid-Shaw started for the Red Devils. Dickinson is now 5-5, 2-1 in the Centennial Conference. Reid-Shaw has played in all ten of the Red Devils’ games this year, starting five. Dickinson host Ursinus on Saturday in Carlisle, PA.

Bryse Wilson: As the Atlanta Braves started its National League Divisional Series against the St. Louis Cardinals at SunTrust Park on Thursday night, Wilson’s season officially came to an end earlier this week. Wilson was left off Atlanta’s 25-man playoff roster. It marks the second year in a row that Wilson finished the regular season with Atlanta as they wrapped up a National League East Division Championship. Wilson ends the year with a 10-7 record with the AAA Gwinnett Braces of the International League. He had a 3.42 ERA in 21 starts and 121 innings. He had 118 strikeouts and 26 walks. Wilson started the season with Atlanta and was recalled from Gwinnett five times during the course of the season. In Atlanta, Wilson made four starts and six overall appearances. He had a 1-1 record with a 7.20 ERA in 20 innings.

Lili Henry: The 2018 Cedar Ridge graduate started for the Division III Methodist volleyball team on Tuesday night. Pfeiffer swept the Monarchs at the Riddle Center in Fayetteville. Henry had 15 assists, six digs and two aces. The Falcons won on scores of 28-26, 25-14 and 25-23. Methodist falls to 2-10, 1-3 in the USA South Conference. The Monarchs travel to Methodist College on Saturday for a tri-match with Meredith and Mary Baldwin University.

Alumni Update; Wilson records sack at Florida State; full weekend review

Payton Wilson: Florida State defeated N.C. State 31-13 at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee, FL on Saturday night. In his fifth college game, Wilson had a career-high with seven tackles, including a sack of Seminoles quarterback Alex Hornibrook. Wilson also had a pass breakup. As Florida State pulled away in the second half, Wilson’s impact wasn’t lost on longtime Raleigh News and Observer sportswriter Joe Giglio.

As a redshirt freshman, Wilson is 3rd on the team with 23 tackles. He has three tackles for losses, tied for third on the Wolfpack.

Trent Gill: The former Cedar Ridge star had six punts for N.C. State against Florida State. Gill averaged 47.5 yards per punt. Two of the punts landed inside the 20-yard line. Two more went over 50 yards. Gill also had four kickoff, three of which went for touchbacks. Gill, who instructs current Orange kicker Nigel Slanker, is averaging 47.2 yards per punt on 20 punts this season. N.C. State is off next weekend. They return to action on October 10 against Syracuse in Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh.

Keyshawn Thompson: The FCS Campbell Camels defeated Mercer 34-27 at Five Star Stadium in Macon, GA on Saturday night. Thompson, who was put on scholarship over the summer, played defense put didn’t record a tackle. Campbell is 3-1. They host Presbyterian in its Big South Conference opener next Saturday at Barker-Lane Stadium in Buies Creek.

Adam Chnupa: The 2018 Cedar Ridge graduate made his debut for FCS Elon on Saturday. #2 James Madison defeated the #24 Phoenix 45-10 at Rhodes Stadium at Elon. Chnupa, a redshirt freshman who was an All-Big 8 Conference football and baseball player at Cedar Ridge, entered the game in the fourth quarter. Elon, now 2-3, will travel to New Hampshire next Saturday.

Rodney Brooks: The Livingstone Blue Bears defeated Lincoln University (PA) 35-19 at Lions Stadium in Pennsylvania on Saturday. Brooks registered two tackles. Livingston is 4-0, 1-0 in the CIAA. They host Virginia Union next Saturday in Salisbury.

Kayla Hodges: The Elon women’s soccer team defeated UNC Wilmington 3-1 at Rudd Field in Elon in its Colonial Athletic Association opener on Thursday night. Hodges, who was featured on the front of the team’s program that night, assisted on the final Phoenix goal scored by Jessica Carrieri. Hodges, a sophomore, has started all ten of Elon’s games this year. Elon is 7-2-1 going into Sunday’s game against Hofstra in Hempstead, N.Y.

Taylin Jean: Division II Barton College defeated Limestone 2-0 at Bulldogs Athletic Complex in Wilson on Saturday. Jean started in net for Limestone. She made five saves in the loss.

Jordan Rogers: The Division III William Peace University women’s soccer team defeated Mary Baldwin 6-2 in its USA South Athletic Conference opener on Saturday at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary. Rogers made her ninth start of the season, this time as a wingback. Peace is 4-4-1 overall, 1-0 in the USA South Conference.

Brittany Daley: The Division III Greensboro College women’s soccer team defeated Salem 2-1 in its USA South Athletic Conference opener at Varsity Field in Winston-Salem on Saturday. Daley started at centerback for the Pride, her tenth start of the year. Greensboro is 7-3.

Lilli Henry: The Methodist volleyball team had a tri-match in USA South Athletic Conference action on Saturday at the Riddle Center in Fayetteville. The Monarchs defeated North Carolina Wesleyan 3-1 to end the day. Averett started the afternoon by beating Methodist 3-1. In the Monarchs’ win over Wesleyan, Henry had 22 assists, seven digs and an ace. In Averett’s victory against Methodist, Henry finished with 12 assists, seven digs and an ace. Methodist is 2-9, 1-2 in the USA South.

Alumni update: Jean posts shutout for Limestone

Taylin Jean: The former Cedar Ridge goalkeeper posted her 3rd shutout of the season for the Limestone women’s soccer team on Wednesday night. Division II Limestone defeated North Greenville 3-0 at Saints Field in Gaffney, SC on Wednesday night. Jean made four saves in her sixth start of the season. She is now 3-3. After not playing last season, Jean also had clean sheets against Chowan and Lander earlier this month. Limestone improved to 2-1 in Conference Carolinas. On Saturday, Limestone will face Barton College in Wilson. 

Jordan Rogers: Division III William Peace University scored a resounding 7-0 win over Sweet Briar in Sweet Briar, VA on Wednesday night. Former Orange star Jordan Rogers made her eighth start of the season as a wingback. Rogers has started every game for the Pacers this year. With Wednesday night‘s win, Peace has already exceeded its win total from 2018. They’re now 3-4-1 overall. They will open play in the USA South Athletic Conference against Mary Baldwin College at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary on Saturday. 

Brittany Daley: On Sunday, Division III Greensboro College fell to Eastern Mennonite 1-0 at EMU Turf Field in Harrisonburg, VA. Daley, a 2018 Cedar Ridge graduate, made her eighth start of the season at centerback. Daley had played 642 minutes for the Pride this season after making 15 starts in her freshman season. Greensboro is 5-3. They host Ferrum College on Thursday night at Pride Field in Greensboro.

Lionel Reid-Shaw: The Division III Dickinson men’s soccer team shutout Neumann University 3-0 on Tuesday night in Aston, PA. The Red Devils are now 4-4. Reid-Shaw started the game at centerback and was credited with one shot off a corner kick. Reid-Shaw has played in all eight of Dickinson’s games this year. The Red Devils return to action in the Centennial Conference on Saturday against McDaniel College.

Bryse Wilson: Though he hasn’t pitched since Game 4 of the Governor’s Cup Semifinal series for the Gwinnett Stripers of the International League, Wilson is still on the 40-man roster for the Atlanta Braves. For the second year in a row, the Braves clinched the National League Eastern Division Championship on Friday, beating San Francisco 6-0 in SunTrust Park. The Braves will wrap up the regular season this weekend with a three-game series against the New York Mets at Citi Field in New York. Last season, Wilson finished the regular season with Atlanta but wasn’t on the 25-man postseason roster.

Rodney Brooks: As mentioned in Sunday’s update, the Division II Livingstone Blue Bears defeated Allen University 21-7 at Alumni Memorial Football Stadium in Salisbury on Saturday. Brooks, who spent last season with Fort Union Military Academy, had a fumble recovery for Livingstone, one of two turnovers forced by the Blue Bears’ defense. Brooks has played in all three games this season. Livingstone is 2-1 and will face Lincoln University in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

Lili Henry: Division III Salem College defeated Methodist University in volleyball 3-1 on Wednesday night at the Riddle Center in Fayetteville. The Spirits defeated the Monarchs on scores of 25-21, 25-21, 24-26 and 25-21. It was the USA South Athletic Conference opener for Methodist. Monarchs junior Lili Henry, who graduated from Cedar Ridge in 2017, finished with 15 assists and one ace. Henry leads the team 167 assists this season. The Monarchs are 1-8 overall and will host Averett University in Fayetteville on Saturday.