Mid-Carolina upsets Saluda in a low scoring first round playoffs battle https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74712/mid-carolina-upsets-saluda-in-a-low-scoring-first-round-playoffs-battle 2025-02-18T03:25:00Z Greg Hollis ghollis@newberryobserver.com
Greg Hollis | ghollis@newberryobserver.com

SALUDA, S.C. — Mid-Carolina went on the road in the first round of the state playoffs and returned back home with a win. The lady Rebels(9-15, 4-6 region 3-AA) defeated Saluda(15-5, 8-1 region 2-AA) 29-23 on the road to advance in the AA state playoffs.

Saluda and Mid-Carolina met for the third time this season, but this time it was much more on the line. They split the previous two meetings with the lady Rebels barely winning the last matchup on Dec. 21st.

The third meeting between the two squads didn’t have much scoring. It was the second lowest scoring totals for both teams in a game this season. Mid-Carolina scored a total of 10 points in the first half and held the lady Tigers to just eight points in the entire first half.

The visiting Rebels led 10-8 at the half.

The third quarter wasn’t much better, but the scoring did pick up. Saluda pulled within one point as they scored 10 points in the period and Mid-Carolina scored a total of nine points. The lady Rebels still led 19-18 after three quarters.

Mid-Carolina did just enough to pull out the win in the fourth quarter. They held the home team to just five points in the final period and scored 10 points to pull away late in the ball game.

This is the third consecutive season the lady Rebels have advanced to the second round of the state playoffs. Hopefully, this season they can get over the hump. Mid-Carolina will have a few days off as they await for their next opponent.

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Lady Bulldogs dominate North Charleston in first round of state playoffs https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74708/lady-bulldogs-dominate-north-charleston-in-first-round-of-state-playoffs 2025-02-18T02:50:00Z Greg Hollis ghollis@newberryobserver.com
Greg Hollis | ghollis@newberryobserver.com

NEWBERRY — For the first time since the 2017-18 season, the lady Bulldogs are advancing to the second round of the state playoffs. Newberry(9-16, 4-4 region 4-AAA) defeated North Charleston(0-21, 0-7 region 6-AAA) 59-27 at home to advance in the state playoffs.

Both teams got off to a slow start in the first quarter and combined to score only eight points. Newberry still held a slim 6-2 lead at the end of first period.

The two squads picked things up in the second quarter and traded bucket-for-bucket throughout the period. Sophomore forward Cheyanne Anderson led the way for the lady Bulldogs with nine of her team-high 14 points in the second period. She asserted herself as a huge inside presence for the home team on both ends of the floor.

Newberry led 28-17 at halftime.

North Charleston fell apart in the second half. The Bulldogs outscored them 31-10 in the second half behind their full court defensive pressure. They held them to just four points in the third quarter and six points in the fourth quarter.

The home team led 45-21 after the third quarter and that was the game. Newberry cruised in the final period and a few young players got a chance to get some playoffs experience. Junior guard Daizee Williams also finished the game with 14 points. Tamaria Wadsworth had nine points, three assists and two steals.

Newberry won a state title the last time they made it to the second round of the playoffs. The lady Bulldogs will have a few days as they await their next opponent for the second round.

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Rebels suffer heart breaking loss at home https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74613/rebels-suffer-heart-breaking-loss-at-home 2025-02-14T03:14:00Z Greg Hollis ghollis@newberryobserver.com
Greg Hollis | ghollis@newberryobserver.com

PROSPERITY, S.C. — The Rebels lose a late season heart breaker at home. Mid-Carolina(4-16, 2-6 region 3-AA) fell 44-41 at home to Fairfield Central(12-6, 7-0 region 3-AA) on last Thursday.

The number one team in the region were put to test by the Rebels when the two faced off for the first time this season on Thursday, Feb. 6th.

It was a slow start for both teams with the game starting off scoreless in the opening two minutes, but Mid-Carolina were able to hold a slim lead, 11-9, after the first quarter.

Both teams continued to struggle scoring the basktball in the second quarter, but the visiting Griffins were able to put together a nice run to get their first lead of the game and carried the momentum into hafltime. Fairfield Central led Mid-Carolina 25-23 at halftime.

Believe it or not, the scoring totals for both teams didn’t approve after the half. The two teams combined to score 11 total points in the third quarter, but the Griffins held onto their slim lead after three quarters, 30-29.

The pace picked up tremendously for both teams in the fourth quarter and all of sudden nobody could miss. Fairfield Central started the quarter on a 7-2 run to take control of the game. Then, Mid-Carolina started to full court pressure the Griffins and created turnovers that lead to easy baskets.

The Rebels went on a 8-0 run to get back into the game behind the sharp shooting of Kaden Myers. The senior guard knocked down a deep three-point shot and made another tough mid-range basket to cut the deficit. Mid-Carolina found themselves trailing 40-38 with under one minute left in regulation after a spirited come back.

Fairfield Central took a lot of time of the clock following the timeout and it forced the Rebels to foul after not being able to get a turnover. They split the free throw attempts and the Rebels were quickly able to tie the game on a huge made three-point shot from Ryan Crooks.

After a clutch shot from the visitors, Mid-Carolina put themselves in position to send the game into overtime with about 12 seconds left in regulation. The Rebels called a timeout and drew up a beautiful out of bounds play to get junior guard Jay Gallman open. Gallman caught the ball in the right corner, but slipped as he began to make his move and lost the ball. Fairfield Central snatched the loose ball and dribbled out the remaining seconds left on the clock.

Myers finished with a team high of 14 points and Gallman had eight points along with four assists. The two teams will meet again on Monday, Feb. 10th at Fairfield Central. Then, Mid-Carolina closes their regular season on Tuesday, Feb. 11th at Clinton.

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Lady Rebels pull away in the fourth https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74609/lady-rebels-pull-away-in-the-fourth 2025-02-14T02:41:00Z Greg Hollis ghollis@newberryobserver.com
Greg Hollis | ghollis@newberryobserver.com

PROSPERITY, S.C. — The lady Rebels are moving in the right direction as the 2024-25 basketball regular season is coming to an end. Mid-Carolina(8-13, 4-4 region 3-AA) defeated Fairfield Central(7-10, 3-3 region 3-AA) 65-52 at home in a crucial late season region matchup.

The two region opponents met up on the campus of Mid-Carolina on Thrusday, Feb. 6th. As the temperatures slowly start to rise with the seasons changing soon, the intensity on the court is doing the same as well. The lady Rebels and lady Griffins were both battling it out for playoffs spots and every game is crucial in these late regular season matchups.

Mid-Carolina got off to a great start in the first quarter and junior guard Brea Boyd was locked in. She was aggressive early on both ends of the floor to give the lady Rebels an early lead. They led 15-6 after the first quarter.

Fairfield Central’s top player Jazzlyn McMillan began to show her dominance in the second quarter. The sophomore guard helped her team storm back into this game as they went on a 15-6 run in the early parts of the second period to tie the game.

The lady Rebels were able to bounce back after calling a timeout to regroup and closed out the first half very strong. Jalynn Gallman had two big baskets in the quater including a buzzer beater right before the half. Mid-Carolina took a 27-21 lead into halftime.

The visiting lady Griffins regained the momentum in the early minutes of the third quarter and was able to tie the game yet again. They were able to outscore Mid-Carolina 37-26 in the second and third quarters to keep them hanging around in a tight ball game.

Both teams were all tied up going into the final quarter, but the fourth quarter belong to the Rebels and Boyd. The junior guard scored eight of her team-high 18 points in the fourth quarter. Starting point guard Brayden Brooks played well in the fourth quarter too and in the game. She had 13 points and scored to huge back-to-back buckets in the midst of a 12-0 Rebels-run.

Addie Bowers entered the chat and picked her game up in the final period too. She scored seven of her 11 total points in the fourth. Mid-Carolina are now winners in four of their last five games and are starting to put it altogether at the right time of the year.

The two teams will get together for part two on Monday, Feb. 10th at Fairfield Central. Then, Mid-Carolina will close out their regular season on the road at Clinton on Tuesday, Feb. 11th.

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Men’s Wrestling place 26th at Newberry Open https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74607/mens-wrestling-place-26th-at-newberry-open 2025-02-14T02:06:00Z Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics
Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics

NEWBERRY — The Newberry Wolves put forth a strong effort at the Newberry Open placing 26th out of 93 teams, showcasing resilience and determination across multiple weight classes. The meet featured standout performances and valuable experience for the Wolves as they continue to sharpen their skills in the competitive wrestling season.

A big highlight of the day was Bashir Rostami (149), racking up five wins and securing 11 team points. After an opening-round pin over Drevon Wallace (Allen) in 2:12, he battled back in the consolation rounds with multiple dominant wins, including two technical falls and a major decision. His run ended in the consolation semifinals after a close 10-7 decision against Joabe Araujo (Reinhardt), but his performance proved his toughness on the mat.

Des Marshall (174) delivered a solid performance, earning 6.5 team points. Following an early setback, Marshall went on a three-match win streak, including a 1:08 fall over Luke Porterfield (Clarksburg Coyotes) and a 13-5 major decision over Hunter Macklin (UNC Pembroke Unattached). He eventually fell in the consolation fifth round, but his ability to battle back showed his grit and skill.

Other Notable Performances

  • Benjamin Guilliam (133) posted a strong showing with a major decision win (19-6) and a tech fall (21-5), collecting 5.0 team points.
  • Nathan Gates (133) secured a pin (1:51) in the consolations and earned 3.0 team points.
  • Elijah Copeland (197) and Malaikyi McKenna (197) each earned pins in their respective brackets.
  • Benjamin Valdes (197) picked up a big fall win in 1:39 before exiting due to injury.

The wolves will compete next on February 6th at the University of Mount Olive at 7:00pm.

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Wolves shine at Carolina Challenge with record-breaking performances https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74605/wolves-shine-at-carolina-challenge-with-record-breaking-performances 2025-02-14T01:54:00Z Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics
Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Newberry Wolves made their mark at the Carolina Challenge, shattering personal bests, setting new school records, and making waves in the Division II rankings.

Tyler Shumate highlighted the meet with a historic performance in the men’s 600m, clocking in at 1:55.6 to not only break his personal record but also set a Newberry College record. His impressive run earned him a 6th place finish and placed him 96th in the nation in Division II indoor rankings.

Rahyme Christian was dominant in the men’s 60m hurdles, taking first place in both the prelims (8.10) and finals (8.02), setting a season best in the process.

Tavarian Thompson added to the Wolves’ success in the men’s 600m, breaking his PR with a time of 1:24.14, securing 3rd place.

In the field events, Isabel Fraup soared to a 3rd place finish in the women’s high jump, clearing 1.58m.

The Wolves’ men’s 4x400m relay team, composed of Shamar Brown, Tavarian Thompson, Ja Narris Hillman, and Justin Canty, clocked a season best 3:23.26, a performance that placed them 64th in the national Division II rankings.

Meah Jackson continued the PR-breaking trend, recording a 5.34m jump in the women’s long jump, securing 7th place.

Meanwhile, Irma Watson-Perez delivered another podium finish, taking 3rd place in the women’s weight throw with a mark of 15.21m.

The Wolves will hit the road again on February 13th, traveling to Winston-Salem, NC to compete in the JDL College Team Challenge.

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Newberry College women’s basketball shows fight but falls to Carson-Newman https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74603/newberry-college-womens-basketball-shows-fight-but-falls-to-carson-newman 2025-02-14T01:47:00Z Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics
Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics

JEFFERSON CITY, TN – The Newberry Wolves put up a strong effort but fell to Carson-Newman, 88-51, on Saturday afternoon at Holt Fieldhouse. Newberry (5-18, 4-14 SAC) started strong, keeping pace with Carson-Newman in the first quarter as both teams were tied at 18. At halftime, the Wolves trailed by just three points, 34-31, before Carson-Newman pulled away in the second half.

Jess Tomkins led the way for Newberry with 12 points, six rebounds, and three blocks. Shemaiyah Earle provided a spark off the bench, scoring 10 points while shooting an efficient 80% (4-for-5) from the field. Rickell Brown also added eight points, shooting 50% from the floor. As a team, the Wolves showed strong ball movement, finishing with 16 assists, while also recording five blocks and five steals.

Newberry shot 36.4% (20-of-55) from the field and 57.1% (8-of-14) from the free-throw line. The Wolves pulled down 28 total rebounds, including 11 on the offensive glass.

Newberry will return to action at home on February 15th against UVA Wise at 2 PM.

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Newberry College men’s basketball comes up short in Tennessee road trip https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74601/newberry-college-mens-basketball-comes-up-short-in-tennessee-road-trip 2025-02-14T01:42:00Z Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics
Greg Hollis | ghollis@newberryobserver.com

NEWBERRY – Newberry College men’s basketball team comes up short in their two game road trip in the volunteer state of Tennessee.

Saturday, Feb. 8th

Despite a strong offensive showing, Newberry came up short against the Eagles of Carson-Newman in a 111-104 shootout on Saturday night.

The Wolves (10-12, 7-11 SAC) showcased an efficient and balanced attack, with four players scoring in double figures. Devario Sheppard delivered a career night, leading all scorers with 32 points while adding 11 rebounds for a double-double. Sheppard was highly efficient, shooting 12-of-20 from the field, including three three-pointers, while also contributing three assists and a block.

Drake Downs provided a dominant inside presence, tallying 27 points on 12-of-20 shooting to go along with seven rebounds. James Lovorn gave Newberry a boost from long range, knocking down four three-pointers en route to a 16-point performance. Drew Robinson filled up the stat sheet with 18 points, seven assists, and two steals, consistently facilitating the Wolves’ up-tempo offense.

Newberry trailed 42-37 at halftime but found its rhythm after the break, erupting for 67 second-half points. The Wolves excelled in transition, racking up 34 fast-break points while out-rebounding their opponent on the offensive glass, 15-7. The team’s efficiency was on display as they totaled 20 assists while committing just four turnovers.

At the free-throw line, Newberry converted 16 of 21 attempts, finishing at a solid 76.2% clip. The Wolves will continue their Tennessee road trip as they face the Railsplitters of Lincoln Memorial on February 9 at 2 PM.

Sunday, Feb. 9th

The Wolves attempted to split the two-game Tennessee road trip as they traveled to Harrogate, TN. Despite a strong second-half effort, Newberry came up short in a 75-54 road contest on Saturday afternoon. The Wolves now hold a 10-13 overall record and a 7-12 mark in South Atlantic Conference play.

After a tough first half that saw them trailing 38-17 at the break, Newberry responded with an improved offensive performance in the second half, putting up 37 points. Malakhi Stremlow led the charge with a double-double, recording 14 points and 10 rebounds. Devario Sheppard was aggressive on both ends, scoring 13 points while adding three steals. Drew Robinson chipped in seven points and four rebounds.

Newberry showed its strength in the paint, scoring 24 points inside while also capitalizing on turnovers for eight points. The team shot an efficient 72.7% from the free-throw line (8-of-11) and made six three-pointers in the game. Defensively, they forced 11 turnovers and recorded six steals.

The Wolves will return home on February 15 for a 4 p.m. tipoff against UVA Wise.

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Newberry College softball ends rough weekend with a loss at Embry-Riddle Tournament https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74599/newberry-college-softball-ends-rough-weekend-with-a-loss-at-embry-riddle-tournament 2025-02-14T01:35:00Z Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics
Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics

DAYTONA BEACH, FL – Newberry closed out day two of the Embry-Riddle Tournament with a pair of competitive games but fell short in both, losing 6-3 to Auburn Montgomery and 2-1 to Florida Tech. Taylor Palfrey and Samantha Clark led the offensive efforts, while Lex Glemaker delivered a solid start in both game 1 and game 2. Despite the losses, the Wolves showed resilience against strong competition.

Game One vs. Auburn University Montgomery (6-3)

Palfrey went 2-for-4, scoring a run and adding a stolen base. Bethany Pigg drove in a run with a key hit in the fourth inning. Newberry recorded two of their three RBIs with two outs, keeping pressure on Auburn Montgomery’s pitching staff.

Despite the loss, Glemaker pitched 4.0 innings with no earned runs and three strikeouts. The Wolves plated three runs between the third and fourth innings but couldn’t complete the comeback.

Game Two vs. Florida Tech (2-1)

Glemaker pitched 5.1 strong innings, allowing just two earned runs on six hits with a strikeout.

The Wolves struck first with a run in the opening inning, but Florida Tech answered back in the second.

Newberry managed just four hits, with Palfrey, Maddy Staples, Leah Evans, and Mady Brown reaching base.

The Panthers took the lead in the sixth inning, holding off Newberry’s final push.

Lindsey Foster pitches 1.2 great relief innings, holding Florida Tech to no hits.

With the losses, Newberry falls to 1-8 on the season and will look to regroup in the last day of the tournament where they will face host Embry-Riddle once again at 12pm on Sunday, February 8th.

Game Three

Newberry put up a strong fight in its final game of the Embry-Riddle Tournament, but a big fourth inning from the Embry-Riddle proved to be the difference in a 7-4 loss. Brooke Hodges and Samantha Clark led the offense with key hits, while Lindsey Foster battled through four innings in the circle.

Taylor Palfrey went 1-for-3 with a walk, scoring a run and sparking Newberry’s offense early.

Hodges had a game-tying RBI single in the 3rd to drive in Maddy Staples, 2-2.

Foster pitched four innings, allowing four earned runs on seven hits, while Natalie Wescott pitched two solid innings of relief, only letting up two hits.

A RBI walk from Ella Stone and a SAC fly from Staples gave the Wolves a 2-run rally late in the game, but it wasn’t enough as Embry-Riddle added on two more runs, winning the game, 7-4.

The Wolves will face off in their next game in a double header vs. UNC Pembroke on Thursday, February 14th, at 1pm and 3pm.

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Newberry College Tennis splits matches against Francis Marion https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74597/newberry-college-tennis-splits-matches-against-francis-marion 2025-02-14T01:27:00Z Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics
Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics

FLORENCE, S.C. - The Newberry Wolves tennis teams hit the road to take on Francis Marion, with the women’s team delivering a dominant 6-1 victory, while the men’s team battled hard but fell short in a 5-2 defeat.

Women’s Team Shines with Commanding 6-1 Victory

The Wolves women’s team set the tone early in doubles play, sweeping all three matches. The duo of Renee Dorval and Emma Arnal led the charge with a convincing 6-2 win, followed by Alexa Gamborino-Suarez and Margarita Roshka securing a 6-3 victory. Lina Sarhan and Hazel Vernon capped off the sweep with a dominant 6-1 performance.

In singles, Newberry continued their impressive form. Emma Arnal put on a masterclass, winning in straight sets 6-1, 6-0. Lina Sarhan followed up with a strong 6-2, 6-1 victory, while Alexa Gamborino-Suarez fought through a tough match to win 6-4, 6-3. Renee Dorval delivered a steady performance with a 6-3, 6-3 win, and Aina Miralles wrapped up the day with a 6-4, 6-1 victory.

Men’s Team Fights Hard in 5-2 Loss

The Wolves men’s team showed grit in a tough matchup, picking up two singles victories. James Vincent delivered the first win of the day, mounting an incredible comeback after dropping the first set 0-6, 6-4, 6-4. Daniel Watson also went the distance, pulling off a thrilling three-set victory 7-5, 2-6, 7-5.

David Negzaoui put up a fierce fight, taking his match to a third set after forcing a tiebreaker in the second, but ultimately fell 6-2, 6-7 (7-3), 3-6.

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Wolves add five area student-athletes on National Signing Day https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74595/wolves-add-five-area-student-athletes-on-national-signing-day 2025-02-14T01:26:00Z Greg Hollis ghollis@newberryobserver.com
Greg Hollis | ghollis@newberryobserver.com

NEWBERRY — National Signing Day was on Wednesday, Feb. 5th and as always, Newberry College football program loaded up on local talent. The Wolves signed five local products in the class of 2025 out of the 56 players they got from the college transfer portal and high school players.

Cole Hutchinson, Jared Acosta and CJ Earl of Newberry High School were three of the five Newberry County student-athletes to sign with the Wolves on last week. Hutchinson was apart of the 2024 graduation class. He spent a year at Erskine College, but was red-shirted.

Acosta announced on social media that he is committed to the Wolves, but won’t join the squad until the fall of 2027 because he will be serving a two-year mission assignment. He is a three-year starter at middle linebacker for the Bulldogs’ defense and apart of the 2025 class. He has recorded three consecutive 90-plus tackles’ seasons, three-time all-region selection, two-time all-state selection, 2024 region 4-AAA Defensive Player of the Year and the 2023 Newberry Observer Defensive Player of the Year.

Earl, defensive back in the 2025 class, announced his commitment to Newberry College on social media as well. The speedster made an impact on offense, defense and special teams for the Bulldogs in his senior season. He also took home the 2024 Newberry Observer Returner of the Year award.

Jaxson Moody and Heyward Fellars of Mid-Carolina High School round out the five local products to sign with the Wolves. Both players will graduate high school in the spring of 2025. Moody started at defensive end for the Rebels and recorded 73 tackles, four sacks and 13 tackles for loss in his senior campaign.

The Wolves also went outside of the state to get talent as well. They received a commitment from Andrew ‘Boom Boom’ Bishop of Hewitt Trussville High School in Trussville, Alabama. The six-foot-three, 210-pound pass rusher help lead his high school to become the number ranked defense in the state of Alabama this past season as a senior.

Congratulations to all of these student-athletes and go Wolves!

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Wolves Women’s Lacrosse picked third in SAC Preseason Poll https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74593/wolves-womens-lacrosse-picked-third-in-sac-preseason-poll 2025-02-14T01:10:00Z Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics

NEWBERRY — The Newberry College women’s lacrosse team opens the season Saturday at home at 1:00 p.m. against Emory & Henry and will enter the season ranked #3 in the South Atlantic Conference Preseason poll.

Last year marked the third consecutive that the Wolves posted a winning season (10-8, 7-3), won a SAC Postseason Tournament and advanced to at least the SAC Postseason Tournament semifinals.

Head coach Tommy Kelly enters his fourth season as the engineer of the programs’ turnaround after posting 10 consecutive losing season prior to his arrival.

Leading the charge for the Wolves this year are a trio of senior second team preseason all-conference picks in attacker Serena Elias (Myrtle Beach), defender Morgan Parsons (Charlottesville, Va.) and goalkeeper Mackenzie Dorr (Riverhead, NY).

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Nationally ranked Wolves head into 2025 season with high expectations https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74585/nationally-ranked-wolves-head-into-2025-season-with-high-expectations 2025-02-14T12:51:00Z Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics
Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics

NEWBERRY — Nick Cotter and his Newberry College Wolves men’s lacrosse team heads into the 2025 season with their usual high expectations.The men’s lacrosse team begins the 2025 campaign ranked #4 in the South Atlantic Conference preseason poll. They also open the season ranked #14 in the country in the United State Intercollegiate Lacrosse Association preseason poll.

“Our goal is to compete for a conference championship and secure an NCAA Tournament bid. We aim to rank in the top 10 for both goals scored and goals against average while maintaining a 95% clearing rate.”

Cotter, the only head coach in program history, is no stranger to success, having led the Wolves to a combined mark of 40-21 including 24-14 in SAC play the last four seasons.

Last season the Wolves advanced to the SAC Postseason Tournament semifinals for a second consecutive season, posted a school record 12 victories and defeated #6 ranked Indianapolis with their four losses coming to schools ranked in the top-10 in the country.

“We are most excited about the blend of experienced leaders and talented newcomers, as well as the potential of our new systems to elevate team performance,” said Cotter. “This combination gives us confidence in our ability to achieve success this season.”

The Wolves will be tested by a challenging non-conference schedule as well as playing in the toughest Division 2 conference in the country, the South Atlantic Conference.

“The SAC race presents several tough matchups, and our schedule features highly competitive opponents,” said Cotter. “Staying focused and adaptable will be key to overcoming these challenges.”

The Wolves must replace some key pieces this season, but Cotter is confident in his offense.

“Our offensive unit will feature many new faces in 2025, along with new systems,” said Cotter. “Freshman Liam Vollans and sophomore Ace Nichols (a Division I transfer from Lindenwood) have stood out and will lead this group with their dynamic play.”

A mixture of talented transfers and returning players look to lead the midfield.

“Senior Shane Halliwell, graduate student Jonny Maclean and transfer Ayden Snow (Detroit Mercy) will lead our midfield,” said Cotter. “Additional key contributors include Division I transfers Andrew Marks and Kai Talley and junior college All American Sam Barrett.”

Cotter is also high on his midfield depth.

“Sophomores Logan Yost, Jack Bucknell, Cooper Gay, and Will Fitzsimmons have shown significant growth and will play pivotal roles. Freshman Trey Weinstein and Scott Willams have also shown they are ready to make an impact.”

A group of experienced players will lead the Wolves’ defense in 2025.

“Our defense will be anchored by captain Jack Travasso, a highly skilled, versatile player poised to compete for Defensive Player of the Year and a potential first-round NLL draft pick,” said Cotter. “Supporting him are defenders Brian Lake, Hudson Chivers, Kaleb Maylon, and Will Wozniak, all of whom are ready to strengthen the defensive unit. Tristan Nicholason, Nathan Pouliot, Connor Dodd and Trey Goins will lead the short stick defensive midfield position.”

The goaltending position is a battle between three returning veterans seeking their first extended playing time at Newberry - Nolan Downey, Tyler LeBlanc and Ethan Wiech.

Senior Captain Colby Rogers will be controlling the faceoff for the Wolves this season.

“To achieve our goals, we need consistency in execution, disciplined play, and a strong team culture,” said Cotter. “Maintaining high performance in key areas such as scoring efficiency, defensive stops, and clearing percentage will be crucial.”

Newberry hosts #13 Lewis (Ill.) at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8th and #10 Indianapolis Sunday, Feb. 9th at 1:00 p.m. with both games at Setzler Field.

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Aiden Vicars wins region 1-A wrestling title https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74583/aiden-vicars-wins-region-1-a-wrestling-title 2025-02-14T12:39:00Z Greg Hollis ghollis@newberryobserver.com

WHITMIRE, S.C. — Whitmire’s Aiden Vicars is a champion! The senior brings home the region title in the 126-pound wrestling weight class for region 1-A.

The multi-sport student athlete has been outstanding this season for the Wolverines and will look to keep up his great year during the Upper State wrestling playoffs. Vicars recorded 58 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and recovered three fumbles during his senior season for the Wolverines’ football program as a full-time starter on defense.

In addition, Vicars was also named the Exchange Club Student of the Month for January. Congratulations to Vicars and good luck in the Upper State wrestling playoffs.

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Newberry College Acrobatics & Tumbling competes in program’s first meet https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74581/newberry-college-acrobatics-s-first-meet 2025-02-14T12:32:00Z Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics

NEWBERRY — In the debut of Acrobatics & Tumbling at Newberry College, the Wolves dropped a 218.740 to 74.775 to King (Tenn.).

Newberry’s best marks came in the Pyramid portion of the meet scoring 19.75 points out of a possible 30. The Wolves scored 23.125 out of 60 points in the Tumbling, 11.05 out of 30 in the Acro and 10.60 in the Toss.

The Wolves top two performers were StellaGrace Allen and Hannah Ghaly.

Allen competed in compulsory acro, pyramid and toss along with six-element acro, inversion pyramid, pyramid heat 2, open pyramid and all three heats of toss. Ghaly competed in compulsory acro, five-element acro, pyramid heat 3, trio tumbling and all aerial pass.

The program debut for Wolves Acrobatics & Tumbling was a celebration of 2025 National Girls & Women in Sports Day. Newberry returns to action Friday, February 14 at Limestone.

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Nine Rebels sign on National Signing Day https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74579/nine-rebels-sign-on-national-signing-day 2025-02-14T12:18:00Z Greg Hollis ghollis@newberryobserver.com
Greg Hollis | ghollis@newberryobserver.com

PROSPERITY, S.C. — Nine seniors from Mid-Carolina High School made their decision on where they will attending college and continuing their athletic careers. The National Signing Day event took place on Wednesday, Feb. 5th in the gymnasium on the campus of Mid-Carolina High School.

The gym was packed with families, friends and staff to support the student-athletes as they signed their national letters of intent.

Football

Jaxson Moody and Heyward Fellers both committed to play football at Newberry College. Moody had a stellar senior season with 13 tackles for loss, four sacks and had 73 total tackles. Moody has been playing football since he was six-years-old and stated that he chose Newberry College because they made him ‘feel like family’ during his recruiting process.

Fellers is a multi-talented player that filled a lot of holes for the Rebels. He played offense, defense and special teams this past season. He also chose the Wolves because they ‘made him feel like family’ during his recruiting process and plans to major in business while in college.

Baseball

Kaden Myers signed his letter of intent with the College of Charleston. He is a two-sport athlete for the Rebels, basketball and baseball, and chose his school simply because ‘it was the best place in the world.’ He can shoot it from long-distance on the basketball court as the team’s leading scorer or he can strike you out and turn a double play for the Rebels’ successful baseball program. Last season, he helped lead the Rebels to a state championship appearance.

Caleb Black will not be going far to play his college baseball as he committed to Newberry College and that is part of the reason he chose the Wolves. He stated, “It’s a great program with a lot of great coaches. It’s also close to him.”

He was also part of the Rebels’ state runner-up team in 2024 and looks to help lead them back to the championship and win it all this season. He will be starting catcher this season in his final year for the Rebels.

Softball

Savannah Moore chose to finish her athletic and academic career at USC Union. The senior softball player help led the Rebels to a good year on last season. They made a playoffs appearance and battled for a region title but came up just short after a three-way tie heading into the final week of the regular season last year. She plans to major in nursing while in college.

Nora Cutler will be attending Belmont Abby to continue her softball and academic career.

“Belmont Abby feels like home. They have a small Christian campus surrounded by supportive faculty and students/athletes in a tight nit community that feels like family,” said Cutler.

She plans to major in biology and pre-medicine while attending Belmont Abby.

Cheerleading

Ashlyn Marchant will continue her competitive cheerleading and academic career at Erskine College. She chose Erksine because she liked the small community and campus felt as well as it feeling like home during her visit. She will study early childhood education while in college.

Soccer

Daniela Vazquez-Diaz will also be attending USC Union and playing for their women’s soccer team. She has been playing soccer for 13 years and plans on majoring in early childhood education too.

“Coach Mills gave me the opportunity and I took it,” wrote Vazquez-Diaz when asked about her college choice.

She helped the lady Rebels to a region title in 2024 as a junior and an impressive 13-3 record in the regular season. The striker scored three goals and had four assists as a junior.

Track/Volleyball

Callie Wilbanks is probably the most decorated student-athlete in the Rebels senior class. She will continuing her track and volleyball career at Mount Olive. The senior won region 3-AA player of the year in volleyball as a senior and help lead the lady Rebels to the second round of the state playoffs. She also was a all-state selection in volleyball as well along with her three-region titles in track and field.

Wilbanks is a member of the the girls’ varsity basketball team. She plans on studying sports communications while in college and chose Mt. Olive because she believes they will make her ‘the best version’ of herself.

Congratulations to all of these nine wonderful student-athletes and good luck at the next level.

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Top of their game https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74578/top-of-their-game 2025-02-14T12:17:00Z Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics NEWBERRY — The Newberry College Athletics Department once again topped the 3.0 grade point average for the fall semester as 803 student-athletes combined for a 3.03 GPA.

A total of 135 student-athletes achieved a perfect 4.0 grade point average for the fall semester and 375 achieved at least a 3.5 grade point average.

Fourteen of the department’s teams achieved at least a 3.0 team grade point average with eight teams – women’s triathlon (3.8), women’s tennis (3.7), baseball (3.6), softball (3.6), men’s tennis (3.6), women’s field hockey (3.5), women’s golf (3.5) and women’s volleyball (3.5) – all achieving at least a 3.5 team grade point average for the fall semester.

Teams With At Least A 3.0 GPA Fall Semester 2024

Women’s Triathlon- 3.8

Women’s Tennis- 3.7

Softball- 3.6

Baseball- 3.6

Men’s Tennis- 3.6

Field Hockey- 3.5

Women’s Golf- 3.5

Volleyball- 3.5

Women’s Soccer- 3.4

Women’s Basketball- 3.4

Women’s Lacrosse- 3.4

Men’s Golf- 3.4

Men’s Soccer- 3.4

Men’s Lacrosse- 3.2

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Wolves close out home opening series with a 2-2 split https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74576/wolves-close-out-home-opening-series-with-a-2-2-split 2025-02-14T10:48:00Z Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics
Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics

NEWBERRY, S.C. – Newberry College baseball wrapped up its four-game series against Wayne State with a 6-3 loss, as the Warriors used key run-scoring innings in the first, fifth, and seventh to take control. Kade Faircloth and Johnathan Velez led the Wolves offensively, while Jacob Clark battled through 4.2 innings on the mound.

Faircloth went 2-for-4 with a run scored, leading Newberry’s offense.

The Warriors jumped ahead with two runs in the first inning, setting the tone early.

Velez and Jack Coletti contributed with a hit and an RBI, helping the Wolves’ offense.

Clark pitched 4.2 innings, allowing four runs on six hits with one strikeout.

Blake Morrison had two strong relief innings, allowing no hits and tallying two strikeouts.

Newberry finishes the series at 2-2 and looks to bounce back in its next matchup vs. Tusculum University in a 3-game series on Friday, February 14th, and Saturday, February 15th.

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Newberry College men’s lacrosse falls to Indianapolis despite strong defensive effort https://www.newberryobserver.com/top-stories/74574/newberry-college-mens-lacrosse-falls-to-indianapolis-despite-strong-defensive-effort 2025-02-14T10:31:00Z Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics
Courtesy of Newberry College Athletics

NEWBERRY — The Newberry College men’s lacrosse team battled hard against University of Indianapolis but ultimately fell 14-6 at Setzler Field on Saturday afternoon.

Despite a strong showing in goal from Nolan Downey, who recorded 18 saves, the Wolves (0-3) couldn’t overcome the high-powered Greyhounds’ attack.

Newberry opened the scoring late in the first quarter when Liam Vollans found the back of the net off an assist from Ace Nichols, cutting Indianapolis’ early lead to 2-1. The Wolves stayed within striking distance throughout the first half, thanks to goals from Gage Vigar and Nichols, entering the break trailing 6-3.

The Greyhounds (3-1) pulled away in the second half, outscoring Newberry 8-3 behind a balanced offensive attack that saw seven different players register goals. Newberry’s second-half goals came from Vigar, Nichols, and Matthew Duarte, with Vollans adding two assists to his stat line.

Defensively, Newberry forced 14 turnovers and executed a perfect 14-for-14 on clears, but Indianapolis’ 58-shot barrage proved too much to handle. The Wolves will look to bounce back as they continue their early-season slate next weekend.

Newberry returns to action on February 22nd when they take on the Trojans at The University of Mount Olive.

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Dropping the ball https://www.newberryobserver.com/opinion/columns/74558/dropping-the-ball 2025-02-12T02:01:00Z Alexandra Paskhaver Contributing columnist

I’ve never managed to get into football, a fact I attribute to being short, and a girl.

But just because I lack the shoulder heft necessary to dent the turf when I’m tackled doesn’t mean I can’t play football.

I can play it. Just badly. Anyway, I avoid it for sensible medical reasons.

If I knock out any more brain cells, I’m scientifically guaranteed to go into television. I can’t take the risk.

When I say football, I mean American football. Not the European stuff, which requires actual coordination and strategy.

European football — the correct spelling is soccer — is popular pretty much everywhere but the United States.

Forget the idea that everyone else thinks it’s weird for young guys built like brick walls to bounce off each other like popcorn kernels.

It is not weird. There is a simpler explanation for why the rest of the world prefers soccer.

According to a number I made up five minutes ago and reluctantly checked on Google, the United States is inhabited by approximately 335 million people.

About half of these people are female.

The world, or as some people spell it, Earth, is inhabited by approximately 8 billion people, and ditto.

Math is hard, but stick with me for a minute. You can trust me because my cousin’s a statistician.

What this means is that on Earth, there are about 3.8 billion more females outside the U.S. than inside the U.S.

Plus, it is an incontrovertible fact that women are attracted to soccer players. Even if they (not the women) are short.

Putting these ideas together, we conclude that more people outside the U.S. prefer soccer because more people outside the U.S. are female.

I don’t commit logical fallacies. I don’t even know what they are.

The obvious way to spread interest in football is to use our shoulder heft and expand the boundaries of the United States to include more people.

The Western Hemisphere is a promising start.

But here I must stop. If I go any further, I might be forced onto television.

Let’s dive more minutely into the differences between these two sports.

There is no namby-pamby in football. An American athlete doesn’t roll all over the field when he stubs his toe against his other foot.

No, sir. The only thing we roll over is the opposing side, plus their cheerleaders.

Regardless, football is a good sport.

It kindles your blood, stirs your heart, and reddens your face as you yell at the TV for those slobs to stop fumbling when a baby could have caught that throw, for goodness’ sake.

It’s healthy, too. Thudding into other people and the ground hasn’t had any impact on my… uh… you know what I mean. The thing that makes thoughts.

Whatever. I don’t need it, anyway. Not if I go into television. Does sportscasting count?

I confess I’m not so hot on the finer details of either football or soccer. I guess I spent too much time running around the track in high school instead of flattening the grass inside it with my face.

Whichever sport it is, players just can’t seem to stay on their feet. Maybe the ground is slippery. That, or it’s a guy thing.

At least football teams have straightforward names. Whatever Basildon United is, you’re not going to see it in the NFL.

In the U.S., team names have patterns, as they should. A city and a mascot are easy to remember.

My favorites are the Los Angeles Rams, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Buffalo Wild Wings.

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