FIU Panthers Prowl

After Stetson at home, where? When?...Mike Martinez: he's very good

Should FIU knock off Stetson Thursday in the first round of the Women's NIT, the second round game will be...well, either Saturday, Sunday or Monday, at South Florida, FIU, maybe FAU.

The NITs are the Second City of tournaments in that way -- very big on the improvisation.

FIU's got some experience with adjusting on the fly. Team X at the start of the season, unknown quantities even to themselves because of no many new players, they produced the school's best season in at least six years.

"I think this team is peaking at the right time," head coach Cindy Russo said. "They're starting to peak. I think some teams in our conference have already peaked. I enjoy watching them practice. They do some nice things out there. We went to the Sun Belt Conference (tournament) and played three good games. We didn't just get through. We played really nice basketball."

They lost to Middle Tennessee as Jerica Coley got held under double figures in scoring for the first time all season. Two key stats: Coley went 1 for 10 from three-point range and 0 free throws by FIU. That's right, Middle played 40 minutes of defense against a driving guard and somehow never sent FIU to the line. 0 free throws by FIU. Yeah.

In the last five of her school-record number of games with FIU, senior swingwoman Fanni Hutlassa's averaged 16.8 points per game, well over her season average of 13.1.

"This is the first time since I've been here that we've gone to the postseason or anything," Hutlassa said. "I don't want to be done yet."

Russo said, "She went to another level and that helped us a lot. She really wanted to make this tournament. She realized she had some unfinished business she had to take care of before she left here and certainly, she's doing that."

 BASEBALL

Third baseman Mike Martinez, after 11 games, has a .487 batting average with a .615 slugging percentage and .577 on-base percentage.  And he's playing very good defense at third base

 

GAMEDAY UPDATES: Western Kentucky 10, FIU 9 FINAL

Hey there, FIU fans.

Andre Fernandez here live at Houchens Industries - L.T. Smith Stadium at Western Kentucky Univrsity. I'll be filling in for David J. Neal for today's pivotal game between FIU and the Hilltoppers.

I'll be posting some scoring updates and key plays here. Feel free to comment if you wish. But I will mainly be tweeting so if you wanna follow me @AndreMHSports, that's where I'll be posting most of my updates.

FIU (5-3, 2-2 SBC) needs this one to stay near the top of the Sun Belt Standings and in realistic contention for a bowl berth. Western Kentucky (4-4, 4-1) comes in riding a 4-game winning streak.

Louisiana-Lafayette and Arkansas State, the other two Sun Belt teams FIU is chasing are also in action this afternoon. I'll keep you posted on those games.

Enjoy!

FIRST QUARTER

FIU drives into WKU territory, but settles for a Jack Griffin 40-yard FG. 3-0 FIU 11:36 left. Drive: 9 plays, 72 yards, 3:12.

FIU's Sam Miller recovers a fumble, but Panthers turn it back when Wesley Carecroll throws an INT. His fourth consecutive game with an INT.

WKU Kadeem Jones 2 yard run for TD. WKU 7-3. 5:08 left.

 FIU Jack Griffin 34 yard FG. 7-6 WKU 0:38 left.

Teams have gone scoreless through second and third quarters.

WKU missed a field goal and FIU saw a promising drive come up short.

FIU driving as third quarter ends.

FOURTH QUARTER

Jack Griffin 43 yard FG. 9-7 FIU 14:56 left.

Casey Tinius wins it for WKU with a 34-yard Field goal 10-9 WKU

Live blog FIU-UNT

Media day video blog

I teamed up with Miami Herald video reporter GiGi Diaz for some media day interviews. GiGi was able to speak with WR T.Y. Hilton, QB Wes Carroll, LT Caylin Hauptmann and S Jonathan Cyprien.

Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton

Quarterback Wesley Carroll

Offensive tackle Caylin Hauptmann

Defensive back Jonathan Cyprien

Justin Azpiazu

Friday practice report

Day 3 of fall camp kicked off at 9:15 am Friday morning. The players went through their usual stretching and individual work before coming together for some team practice. According to Panthers coach Mario Cristobal, the team continued splitting half the field and using two units at a time to get some early looks a number of the players both on offense and defense. Day 3 marked the first day the players were in shoulder pads so far in fall camp. 

"The upper pads were on today. We call it thud tempo. It is live, we just aren't going to the ground," Cristobal said. "Years of recruiting have allowed us to obtain the types of athletes that can practice at a very high tempo but can stay off the ground to prevent injuries."

"We continue to go two sets of teams, meaning two sets of offense and two sets of defense going at the same time to increase the amount of reps we can get," he added.

New and Notes

Quarterbacks

Early in practice, all five quarterbacks worked on passing drills simultaneously. The five stood shoulder to shoulder, throwing passes to five receivers that were each running a different route. Of the three freshmen QBs, Akil Dan-Fodio showed he has the speed to run the ball of the pocket. Dan-Fodio, from Stone Mountain, Ga., was able to run past the defense during one of the drills.

"They are all doing a good job. Every single one is a student of the game," Cristobal said after practice on Thursday. "They are getting significant reps as well which they have to take advantage of. There is going to be a point in camp where we'll have to trim it down to who are those two or three guys that are going to get the bulk of the reps. With the first two getting 80 percent of the reps."

Barring some unforeseen development, it is a good bet that Wesley Carroll (right) will start again. Carroll, who is a senior this year, should take a step forward this season with an added season of experience in Cristobal's spread offense. Jake Medlock, a red-shirt freshman, will most likely be the back up.

"We are looking at guys that are either going help us win this year or can develop into good players to help us be a better program in the future," Cristobal added.

Secondary

Cristobal spoke little about losing Anthony Gaitor and what he brought to the team.

"It's football. Everyone has to do it every year. You have good players and they move on. A guy like that was here for four years so he knew us inside and out. He represented and epitomized what the program was about. Hard work and becoming a champion. What you do is throughout the course of Anthony's career he's constantly grooming those kids behind him. He's constantly teaching them. He still texts and calls these guys all the time to let them understand what they have to uphold," Cristobal said. 

Cristobal feels there is enough depth in the secondary to help cushion the effect of losing Gaitor.

"There are enough guys back there that collectively we will and must come up with a solution," he added.

Jonathan Cyprien, who led the team with 113 tackles last season, is wearing Gaitor's #7 this season.

Injuries

Offensive linemen Ceedrick Davis and James Wiggins wore the orange injury jersey on Friday.

Practice

Saturday's practice will be at 8:30 a.m.

Justin Azpiazu

Follow me on twitter @JustinAzpiazu

Defensive position battles Day 2

Line backer

There is still no word on who will replace former line backer Toronto Smith. 

“It’s tough. Obliviously not only what [Smith] does as a football player but also his leadership qualities,” Cristobal said.

Cristobal mentioned he expects junior line backer Markeith Russell “to take a step up.”

“There is a lot of good young talent that was sitting behind [Smith] waiting for their turn and learning,” Cristobal said.

Safety

In the defensive back field, new defensive coordinator Todd Orlando has several options to replace safety Ash Parker. Orlando mentioned he is pleased with the way senior Chuck Grace has progressed.

 “Chuck has done a real solid job for us. He’s a guy that knows our packages,” Orlando said. “We have the flexibility to move Cyp [Jonathan Cyprien] if we need to. We have the flexibility to move a couple other defensive backs that have some skill sets at safety.”

Orlando went on to say that it is still early in camp to decide on starters and that the coaching staff needs to see the players in pads to get a clearer picture. 

Justin Azpiazu

Follow me on twitter @JustinAzpiazu

Line backer

 

There is still no word on who will replace former line backer Toronto Smith. 

 

“It’s tough. Obliviously not only what [Smith] does as a football player but also his leadership qualities,” Cristobal said.

 

Cristobal mentioned he expects junior line backer Markeith Russell “to take a step up.”

 

“There is a lot of good young talent that was sitting behind [Smith] waiting for their turn and learning,” Cristobal said.

 

Safety

 

In the defensive back field, new defensive coordinator Todd Orlando has several options to replace safety Ash Parker. Orlando mentioned he is pleased with the way senior Chuck Grace has progressed.

 

“Chuck has done a real solid job for us. He’s a guy that knows our packages,” Orlando said. “We have the flexibility to move Cyp [Jonathan Cyprien] if we need to. We have the flexibility to move a couple other defensive backs that have some skill sets at safety.”

 

Orlando went on to say that it is still early in camp to decide on starters and that the coaching staff needs to see the players in pads to get a clearer picture. 

Fall camp day 2 quick blast

Going to keep this morning's post relatively short. I spoke with Panthers' coach Mario Cristobal about Pooh Bear Mars and recruit Corey Tindal.

Pooh Bear is listed on the roster but has not participated in practice yet. Freshman defensive back Richard Leonard is currently wearing  #3 on the field, which was Mars' number last season.

"[Pooh Bear is] doing OK. He has some things he has to take care of. He has to take care of some academic work as well. It's a work in progress. His injury was obviously very significant. Pooh Bear is a great kid," Cristobal said.

On the Corey Tindal front

I was surprised when I was looking over the roster last night that Corey Tindal's name was missing. I asked the FIU information staff if he had been over looked but they assured me the roster was accurate. I spoke with Cristobal about Tindal this morning and learning that he is having some issues with eligibility.

"Still waiting [for Tindal]. Cristobal said. "NCAA eligibility center issues, which is typical this time of year with some of the signees. We are waiting, hopefully things will get worked out."

Crisotbal could not comment further on the matter and there is no time table for Tindal joining the team.

Check back later tonight for a full camp report.

Justin Azpiazu

Follow me on Twitter @JustinAzpiazu

First day of fall camp report

Practice began a little bit earlier then the scheduled 3:30 p.m. start time due to some nasty looking clouds that were hovering over FIU Stadium. Players started their warm ups around 2:40 Wednesday, but practice was cut short when the lightning alarms sounded. The coaches took the players off the field and under the bleachers for cover. For obvious reasons, the players and coaches have to clear the field for at least 30 minutes when an alarm sounds.

Practice continued under the bleachers for nearly an hour until the all clear was given. The Panthers briefly made it back to the field when a second lightning alarm sent the team back under the bleachers. It looked like practice would be cancelled but the weather cleared enough for a short hour-long practice after the delay. Due to the shortened day, practice will started tomorrow at 6:00 a.m. at FIU Stadium (Practice is not open to the public.)

News and notes from day 1

Injuries

Panthers coach Mario Cirstobal (right) feels the team injury wise is starting fall camp "pretty good." 

Senior offensive lineman James Wiggins is recovering from offseason surgery.

Senior offensive lineman Kevin Van Kirk has healed well from knee surgery and was not limited in practice.

Sophomore line backer Larvez "Pooh Bear" Mars participated in practice and was not limited.

I need to double check the Pooh Bear item, I was almost positive I saw him out on the field but I might be wrong.

Checked up on Pooh Bear this morning, seems he did in fact miss yesterday's practice. No word yet on why Pooh has been out. Both Pooh Bear and Richard Leonard are sharing number #3 on defense.

"There are some guys that are nicked up that we'll have to ease back into camp but I don't see anything really holding anybody back for more than a week or two," Cristobal said.

Incoming freshmen class

"They're talented. Even today, we went two groups at a time just to get double the reps to make sure we get on film and can identify the guys that currently possess the skill set, the body and the maturity to compete right now," Cristobal said. "We feel very good about the majority of the class being able to contribute right now.  Tomorrow again we'll really crank it up on them."

One guy who stood out to me was former Northwestern receiver Dominique Rhymes (left, preparing to catch a pass against Central at FIU Stadium). Rhymes is a big kid - listed at 6-4 on the roster - that can move quick down field. Rhymes is stepping into big shoes, wearing Greg Ellingson's #82.

Offensive line

I spoke with offensive line coach Alex Mirabal for a little while this afternoon. The Panthers have two spots to fill up front with the departures of center Brad Serini and left guard Cedric Mack.

Mirabal expects RT Rupert Bryan Jr., LT Caylin Hauptmann left tackle, RG Curtis Bryant to start.

"Our left guard and our center spots are the two spots that are open," Mirabal said. "A lot of people forget that Kevin Van Kirk (right, #67) was really our starting left guard prior to him getting injured. That opened the door for Cedric Mack to come in. I really believe we have a chance to be more athletic at both spots and nastier."

About Van Kirk, Mirabal spoke highly about his potential.

"We got great news yesterday when [Van Kirk] was granted that extra year of eligibility," Mirabal said. "He's the toughness of the group. He's a true leader. He's not afraid to tell these guys what they need to hear and not what they want to hear."

During spring practice, Giancarlo Revilla and Ceedrick Davis split time at center.

Junior college transfer Shae Smith, a junior, could also see some playing time along the line. 

Justin Azpiazu

Follow me on Twitter @JustinAzpiazu

Ellingson signs with Jacksonville

Missed this a few days ago. The Jacksonville Jaguars came to terms with former FIU wide receiver Greg Ellingson on Thursday. I'm going to try to track down Greg on Monday and put together an interview for the blog.

Justin

FIU hires new softball coach

FIU announced the hiring of Jake Schumann to head to it's softball program on Friday. Formerly of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Schumann brings a 120-104 career record to the Golden Panthers.

“First, I want to thank Pete Garcia and Julie Berg for this opportunity,” Schumann said in a statement released by FIU. “I’m very excited to continue to develop the program that Coach [Beth] Torina has built, and I feel as if I’m in a position to have success immediately. I’m very excited to be in South Florida and I’m looking forward to a new season of Panther softball.”

FIU women's basketball associate coach named to Hall of Fame

Longtime FIU women's associate coach Inge Nissen (right, photo courtesy FIUsports.com) will be inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, the WNBA announced on Saturday.

An Old Dominion graduate, Nissen was part of a six member Class of 2012 that includes coach Nancy Fahey, players Nikki McCray, Pan McGee, Dawn Staley and contributor Robin Roberts. The class was introduced during Saturday's WNBA All-Star game in San Antonio, Texas.

Nissen and FIU head coach Cindy Russo have a long relationship on the court, dating back when Russo recruited Nissen to Old Dominion. Russo was an assistant coach for the Monarchs at the time, recruiting Nissen, who was one of the top European amateurs. A native of Denmark, Nissen was part of five national championships in Europe before joining Old Dominion in 1976.

Nissen finished her career with the Monarchs as the All-Time leader in points (2,647) and rebounds (1,459), both marks have since been eclipsed.

Nissen has been with FIU for 22 years (20 as associate coach) and has been an integral part of recruiting.

Report: OL Delmar Taylor commits to FIU

According to ESPN, former University of Miami signee Delmar Taylor committed to FIU. Taylor, listed as 6 foot 4, 295 LB, signed with UM in 2010 but decided on going to Navarro Junior College in Texas to gain more experience. Taylor, a native of the Bahamas, had limited high school experience, playing in only a handful of games at Miami Beach High School before signing with Miami.

I was on hand at Beach in 2010 when Taylor signed in front of a standing room only crowd. NFLers Chad Ochocinco and Samari Rolle, both Beach high grads, were on hand to watch Taylor commit.

Taylor moved from defensive end to the offensive line. Taylor is FIU's second commitment of the 2012 recruiting class.

Video below was done on Feb. 3, 2010. Excuse Taylor being decked out in UM gear. He's committed to being a Golden Panther now. I've been having trouble with the video playing. Click here for direct link.

Justin

News and notes: Interview with AD Pete Garcia

I had a chance to catch up with FIU athletic director Pete Garcia Friday afternoon. We touched a on  number of different subjects during our chat. I posted a few notes below.

Football

What are a few things FIU fans can look forward to this coming athletic year?

"We are very excited No. 1 with what’s happened with the foundation built by our coaches and our student athletes. Going into this year we are excited about our football program. First time we are playing six games at home. With teams like UCF and Duke coming in it should be an exciting season."

What are some of the plans to continue increasing attendance at football games?

"Attendance went up dramatically last year. We are bringing in higher quality teams. A UCF team that won the conference and an ACC team in Duke. Our student body is getting more involved in the program. ESPN networks are carrying 6 out of our first 8 games. That’s unheard of for our conference."

Ticket sales?

"It’s going to be safe to say we are going to have over 10,000 season tickets sold this year."

Any word on when the next phase of stadium construction will begin?

"We are stating to have discussions in regard about closing off the north side of the stadium," Garcia said.

Garcia was clear that the talks were just beginning and that plans should become more clear in about "six months."

Is the plan to continue using the arena and the stadium for outside events?

"The Arena is used about 95 percent of the time. A lot of it is outside events that bring in money for the athletic department. The Gold Cup is a perfect example. Those revenues also go into the athletic department.We keep increasing it every year. We could still use the stadium more. We have a number of high school games at the stadium including Belen and Columbus."

Men's basketball

Work on the 2011-12 basketball schedule is underway. According to Garcia, the Panthers will be traveling to Maryland and Dayton next season. Dates will be announced sometime this month.

With much speculation in the national media about the future of basketball coach Isiah Thomas, I figured I'd ask Garcia about the possibility of Thomas taking a head coaching job in the association next year.

"[Thomas] is here and he’s working and recruiting. He’s very excited about his upcoming year," Garcia said.

What are some the changes coming to the basketball arena?

 "New lockers. Brand new entrance with suits. Multipurpose rooms that will be used for suits on game day and other University functions when we are not playing."

 Softball

How is the search for a new softball coaching coming along?

"We are doing a national search for the softball coach. We are confident we can find someone that can build on what Beth did and take the program to the next level."

Justin Azpiazu

Follow me on twitter @JustinAzpiazu

Summer baseball update; softball coach Torina named head coach at LSU

I have been working on some projects in the office and have been away from the FIU sports world for a few weeks. A few updates on what's been going on in Panther land.

Summer baseball update

Cape Cod League

Cotuit Kettleers

Sophomore LHP Mason McVay is 1-1 with a 1.35 ERA in five game appearences. McVay has pitched 6.2 innings, giving up seven hits, four walks and a run.

Junior lefty R.J. Fondon is 1-0 in three games started. Fondon has pitched 18 innings, giving up 17 hits, six runs and recorded 13 strike outs.

 Brewster Whitecaps

Junior first baseman Mike Martinez is hitting .206 in 34 at bats with seven hits and three RBI.

Harwich Mariners

Sophomore outfielder Jabari Henry is hitting .267 in 45 at bats with 12 hits, 10 RBI and two home runs.

Orleans Firebirds

Sophomore Rudy Flores is hitting .250 in 32 at bats with eight hits, a home run and two RBI.

Coastal Plain League

Moorhead City Marlins

Junior RHP Christian Malbrough is 0-1 with a 11.05 ERA in 7.1 innings pitched.

Junior shortstop Garrett Wittells was signed to the Marlins on June 23 and is hitting .182 in 11 at bats with two RBI.

Alaskan Summer League

Sophomore infielder/outfielder T.J. Shantz is hitting .083 in 12 at bats.

Valley Baseball League

Luray Wranglers

FIU outfielder Pablo Bermudez, who was scheduled to play in the Cape Cod league this summer, was activated by the Luray Wranglers of the Valley Baseball League in Virginia on June 24. In two games started/played Bermudez is hitting .500, with five runs, two RBI and two home runs in six at bats.

Junior catcher Isomel Leon joins Bermudez on the Wranglers. Leon is hitting .250 in eight at bats.

Junior LHP D.J. Swatcheno is also on the Wranglers and has a 7.71 ERA in 4.2 innings or work. Swatcheno has had five game appearances, giving up five hits and four runs.

Haymarket Senators

Sophomore RHP Alberto Cardenas has a 2-0 record and a 3.60 ERA in five innings pitched. Cardenas has four game appearances, giving up five hits and two runs.

Freshman infielder/outfielder David Vazquez is hitting .273 in 33 at bats. Vazquez has started nine games and has nine hits, seven runs and four RBI.

Freshman catcher Jeff Kammer is hitting .209 in 43 at bats. Kammer has driving in 13 runs.

Covington Lumberjacks

Freshman RHP Eddy Pidermann is 0-0 in 0.1 innings pitched.

Staunton Braves

Junior RHP Logan Dodds is 1-0 with a 2.84 ERA. in 19 innings pitched. Dodds has started three games, giving up 19 hits and six earned runs, while striking out 13.

Softball update

Former FIU softball coach Beth Torina was introduced as the new head coach for LSU softball last week. Torina compilied a 129-111 record with the Panthers in four seasons. There is still no word on who will replace Torina, a two-time Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year recipient, next season. 

"Beth Torina has done a tremendous job building the FIU softball team into a top program," FIU athletic director Pete Garcia said in a statement. "We want to thank Beth for all that she has done for FIU and wish her the best of luck with LSU. Our goal is to now bring in the best possible candidate to continue the success of Coach Torina and take FIU softball to the next level."

Justin Azpiazu

Follow me on twitter @JustinAzpiazu

Breaking news: Report: Wittels' case to be dropped

Miami Herald writer Adam H. Beasley is reporting that the case against FIU baseball player Garrett Wittels will be dropped.

Excerpt below.

Prosecutors announced in Bahamian court Wednesday that rape charges filed against Wittels, FIU’s star shortstop, and friends Robert Rothschild and Jonathan Oberti will be dropped Monday, his lawyer Richard Sharpstein told The Miami Herald.

Full story here.

 

2011 womens' soccer schedule

Date                             Opponent                           Site                              Time (ET)

August 

19 (Fri.)                         at Stetson                           DeLand, Fla.                  7:00 p.m.

21 (Sun.)                      FLORIDA                            Miami, Fla.                  7:00 p.m.

27 (Sat.)                       AKRON                               Miami, Fla.                  7:00 p.m.

September

2 (Fri.)                          UMKC                                 Miami, Fla.                  7:00 p.m.

9 (Fri.)                          FLORIDA GULF COAST      Miami, Fla.                  6:30 p.m.

16 (Fri.)                         at Oregon State                   Corvallis, Ore.                10:00 p.m.

18 (Sun.)                       at Oregon                            Eugene, Ore.                 2:00 p.m.

23 (Fri.)                         at UALR*                             Little Rock, Ark.             8:00 p.m.

25 (Sun.)                       at Arkansas State*               Jonesboro, Ark.             2:00 p.m.

                                    Alumni Weekend

30 (Fri.)                        TROY*                                Miami, Fla.                  7:30 p.m.

October

2 (Sun.)                        SOUTH ALABAMA*             Miami, Fla.                  2:00 p.m.

7 (Fri.)                           at WKU*                             Bowling Green, Ky.        7:00 p.m.

9 (Sun.)                         at Middle Tennessee*           Murfreesboro, Tenn.       2:30 p.m.

                                    Parents Weekend

14 (Fri.)                        NORTH TEXAS*                  Miami, Fla.                  7:00 p.m.

16 (Sun.)                      DENVER*                            Miami, Fla.                  12:00 p.m.

20 (Thurs.)                     at ULM*                              Monroe. La.                   5:00 p.m.

23 (Sun.)                      LOUISIANA*                       Miami, Fla.                  12:00 p.m.

28 (Fri.)                        FLORIDA ATLANTIC*          Miami, Fla.                  7:30 p.m.   

November

2-5 (Wed.-Sat.)              at Sun Belt Conference Tournament                          

FIU heads to UNC as No. 2 seed, plays James Madison on Friday

FIU was selected as a No. 2 seed in the NCAA baseball tournament and will travel to the University of North Carolina to face James Madison on Friday at 1 p.m.

The Panthers are making their 10^th appearance in the tournament and their first back-to-back showing since 2002.

“We are excited about being in a regional again,” FIU shortstop Garrett Wittels said. “Hopefully we can keep playing good baseball. In my mind we have been one of the hottest teams in college baseball.”

The Panthers, who lost in the Sun Belt Conference final 7-6 to UALR on Sunday, are ranked No. 20 in the Baseball America top 25 and have won 21 of their last 25 24 games, including a tie.

FIU (40-18-1) will use junior lefty Phil Haig against James Madison. Haig is 9-3 this season, with a 3.27 ERA, 69 strikeouts in 93.2 innings pitched.

On the other side of the bracket, host North Carolina (No. 1 seed in the region and No. 3 overall) plays Maine.

Justin

NCAA baseball sites announced

The NCAA Division I Baseball Committee announced the 16 host sites for the baseball championship. The Panthers will have to wait till tomorrow to find out where they will be heading during the selection show on ESPN at 12:30 p.m.

Atlanta - Georgia Tech (40-19)

Austin, Texas - Texas (43-15)

Fullerton, Calif. - Cal State Fullerton (39-15)

Chapel Hill, N.C. - North Carolina (45-14)

Clemson, South Carolina - Clemson (41-18)

Charlottesville, Virginia - Virginia (48-9)

College Station, Texas - Texas A&M (41-18)

Columbia, South Carolina - South Carolina (45-14)

Corvallis, Oregon - Oregon State (38-16)

Fort Worth, Texas - TCU (42-17)

Gainesville, Fla. - Florida (44-16)

Houston - Rice (41-39)

Los Angeles - UCLA (33-21)

Nashville, Tenn. - Vanderbilt (47-9)

Tallahassee, Fla. - Florida State (42-16)

Tempe, Arizona - Arizona State (38-16)

·   

FIU to face UALR in SBC title game

The Panthers (39-17-1) advanced to the Sun Belt Conference championship game against UALR Sunday at 2 p.m. The game can be seen on CSS (channel 63 on Comcast). 

FIU made easy work of South Alabama on Friday, beating the Warhawks 11-0. Miami Herald special correspondent Tabby Soignier has the game report here.

FIU still has to face Louisiana tonight at 8 p.m. but regardless of the outcome FIU still plays in the title game.

Bermudez named conference co-player of the year

FIU outfielder Pablo Bermudez was name Sun Belt Conference Co-player of the Year Tuesday. Bermudez hit .380 in 208 at bats, with 32 RBI, 55 runs, 17 stolen bases, 16 doubles and a team-high 41 walks. Bermudez shares the award with Troy's Adam Bryant.

Bermudez and third baseman Jeremy Patton were named to the All-Sun Belt First Team. Pitcher Phil Haig and first baseman Mike Martinez were named to the second team.

News and notes

FIU sophomore Jabari Henry helped the East team defeat the West team at the Sun Belt's annual Family night home run derby. Henry hit 12 homers to lead the East 48-37. Video below

 

Video courtesy FIUsports.com

2011 Ron Maestri Coach of the Year

Bobby Pierce, Troy

2011 All-Sun Belt First Team

SP - Paul Davis, Florida Atlantic

SP - Tyler Ray, Troy

RP - Hugh Adams, Florida Atlantic

C - Matt Rice, WKU

1B - Joey Rapp, Louisiana-Monroe

2B - Raymond Church, Florida Atlantic

SS - Adam Bryant, Troy

3B - Tyler Hannah, Troy

3B - Jeremy Patton, FIU

OF - Todd Baumgartner, Arkansas State

OF - Pablo Bermudez, FIU

OF - Kes Carter, WKU

DH - Nick Rountree, UALR

UTIL - Tyson Workman, Troy

2011 All-Sun Belt Second Team

SP - Phil Haig, FIU

SP - Tanner Perkins, WKU

RP - Nate Hill, Troy

C - Brent Tanner, South Alabama

1B - Mike Martinez, FIU

2B - T.J. Rivera, Troy

SS - Nick DelGuidice, Florida Atlantic

3B - Hank LaRue, Middle Tennessee

OF - Jared Andreoli, WKU

OF - Alex Hudak, Florida Atlantic

OF - Will Skinner, Middle Tennessee

DH - Lance Marvel, Louisiana-Lafayette

UTIL - Brad Hook - South Alabama

2011 Co-Players of the Year

Pablo Bermudez, FIU

Adam Bryant, Troy

2011 Pitcher of the Year

Tyler Ray, Troy

2011 Freshman of the Year

Justin Hageman, WKU

2011 Ron Maestri Coach of the Year

Bobby Pierce, Troy

Justin

Follow me on twitter @JustinAzpiazu