The Lady Lions are five-time AAC Champions of Character / Photo courtesy of Dave Houghton

Josiah Newport
Triangle Reporter

When Charles Barkley coined the famous phrase, “I am not paid to be a role model. I am paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court,” he echoed the thoughts and actions of other athletes, professional and collegiate. However, Karl Malone, another NBA great, scolded Barkley in a Sports Illustrated column, “Charles . . . I don’t think it’s your decision to make. We don’t choose to be role models, we are chosen. Our only choice is whether to be a good role model or a bad one.”

At Bryan College, a two time NAIA Champions of Character Institution, Athletic Director Dr. Sandy Zensen believes that strong character on and off the field makes for a winning program. More importantly he is looking for coaches of character who buy into the mission and motto of Bryan College: “Christ Above All.”

In his 22 years as head men’s soccer coach and even now as athletic director, Zensen has never stopped striving for excellence, good sportsmanship and winning programs. For that reason, the coaches of the AAC decided in November 2011 (after Zensen’s last season as head coach) to create an award given annually in Zensen’s honor. The award will be presented to the AAC male soccer player who best represents the five core values of the NAIA’s Champions of Character program- integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership – principles Coach Zensen has exemplified throughout his coaching career.

The award was named the Dr. Sandy Zensen Champion of Character Award and was presented to Coach Zensen as the first recipient of the award.

Other Bryan coaches and teams seem to follow in Zensen’s steps. In their most recent season, the Lady Lions soccer team brought home the AAC Champions of Character award for the fourth year in a row, making it five years overall–first in 2006, again in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Head Coach of women’s soccer Mark Sauve believes that as Christians, and representatives of Bryan College, athletes are called to compete for the glory of God.

“The way we play the game is a byproduct of who we are,” Sauve said when speaking of his team. “Are we soccer players that happen to be Christians? Or are we Christians that happen to be soccer players?”

Baseball Head Coach Taylor Hasty weighed in on the issue saying, “I like to place winning above Christ far too often, but then I think, ‘what is bigger than the gospel?’ The answer is nothing; nothing is bigger than Christ. I am constantly reminding my players of that.”

"The guys have worked purposely," said Coach Hast, describing his teams preparations for Thursday / Triangle phot by Josiah Newport

Brittany Gurley
Triangle Reporter

This season’s baseball team may prove to be promising with seven returning starters and some of the best talent in years.

Expectations are high as the team prepares to kick off its season against Toccoa Falls (Ga.) College on Thursday, at 4 p.m. The general consensus of all those involved can be summed up in one word: excitement.

“I’m excited,” said Head Coach Taylor Hasty. “Not only have the guys worked hard, they’ve worked purposely.”

The players have not only improved individually, the team as a whole has progressed.

“I feel like this is the most talented team that we’ve had in years,” said senior middle infielder Steven Brown.

Hasty added, “On paper, we should be ahead of where we were last season.”

While the team mainly focuses on building up today for a better tomorrow, Hasty said that he is ready to see the team grow to a nationally competitive level. With top-notch players like seniors catcher Dewayne Boyd, outfielder Shane Clawson, pitcher Jason Ridenhour and sophomore second baseman Tyler Latham, this could very well be the season where that growth happens.

After a 31-25 (9-12 in AAC) record last season that meant the first winning record since the program restarted in 2002, the team is ready to become nationally known.

“We have a very good shot taking this program to the next level…our bats are the best they have ever been in my four years at Bryan,” Clawson said.

“Everyone is excited, but at the same time, I’m a little sad that it’s my last year,” senior catcher Jordan Day explained.

But, not to worry, that minute feeling of sorrow among the seniors won’t affect the way the team plays.

“If we stick together as a team and stay healthy and trust in the Lord,” continued Clawson, “we can go a long way and bring success back to Bryan.”

Freshman point guard Dion Fair had 13 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in Wednesday night's game / Triangle photo by Jessica Slade

Sebastian Fischer
Sports Editor

Wednesday night was one to remember at Summers Gymnasium. In a highly entertaining, breakneck match, the men’s basketball team (10-13, 5-4 in AAC) lost to conference rival Tennessee Wesleyan College (Athens), 107-104.

With a sure victory in sight for the Lions, the referees counted a Wesleyan three-pointer that was released just after the buzzer sounded to end regulation (Click here to view video or look below). The Bulldogs went on to win the game in overtime.

“It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but you’ve got to swallow it,” said Bryan Head Coach Don Rekoske after the game. “We have to accept it and move on.”

Lions start strong amid great atmosphere

Before tip-off, one could already sense that it was going to be no ordinary game. The stands filled to the last seat, cheerleaders lined up on both ends, Rhea County High School’s pep band amidst the numerous Bryan fans, and supporters of the visiting Bulldogs on the other end—the scene was set for a perfect night of college basketball on the hill.

The Lions, who were coming off five wins in the past six games, started the game roaring, leading by as much as 15 points after seven minutes. The Bulldogs seemed to have no answer to a Bryan offense hitting on all cylinders.

Freshman point guard Dion Fair especially was too skillful and fast for Wesleyan. In the first half, Fair recorded four assists. Even more than the numbers show, his love for playing basketball infected the crowd and left his opponents watching in awe.

“It was an up-tempo game and we controlled the tempo the way we wanted to play,” said junior forward Tim Fortenberry, explaining his team’s energetic start, also praising his team’s running game.

But Tennessee Wesleyan (13-9, 7-2 in AAC) entered the match as the second AAC-seed for a reason. The Bulldogs fought their way back into the game, living off a decent 35.7 three-point percentage in the first half.

Fortenberry said that the Lions played good defense as a team, but that just wasn’t enough. “[Wesleyan] was just hitting every shot,” he said

At the end of the half, however, the lead for Bryan was still comfortable as the teams went into the locker room at 40-33.

In the second period, the Lions continued where they had left off. Tennessee Wesleyan was now pressuring deep in Bryan’s half, but that left room for Bryan’s shooters. Guards senior Lavonte Henderson and junior Rob Riley displayed some great combination play and found themselves with lots of space to drive to the basket. At the end of the game, they would have a combined score of 55, Henderson leading the Lions with 31 and adding 10 rebounds for a double-double.

Career night for Wesleyan’s Shannon Smith

But Tennessee Wesleyan had answers again, especially in the person of freshman Shannon Smith. The guard had a career night, recording 42 points for the game.

“You have to have players make big plays in those kinds of situations,” said Wesleyan head coach Mike Poe, commenting on his player’s performance. “[Smith] certainly had a great game.”

Combined, the Bulldogs hit 69.4% of their shots and 61.5% of their three-point attempts, and the Lions margin, which had grown to as much as 11 points, was melting significantly toward the end of the game.

With less than six minutes to play and the Wesleyan supporters for the first time drowning out the Bryan fans, a layup by junior wing Desmond Crisp meant the first lead of the game for the Bulldogs—75-74.

Buzzer-beater pries victory out of Lions’ hands

Officials ruled that the ball had left Wesleyan senior wing Jesse Booher's hands before the buzzer. This photo suggests otherwise / Photo courtesy of Jon Slater

Again it was Henderson and Riley who brought the Lions back on the winning track. The fans stood to their feet and started celebrating what seemed to be a secure victory as “Philly” Riley drove to the basket with 2:10 to go, got fouled and converted the free throw to make it a three-point play and push the Lions’ lead to five. Little did they know that the climax of the evening was still to come.

Wesleyan came back one more time and, trailing by three points, had possession of the ball with five seconds on the clock. The Bulldogs gave the ball to their shooter, senior wing Jesse Booher, who hit six out of seven three-pointers that night. Booher hit a long three at the buzzer, but the ball had left his hands a blink after the buzzer had gone off. The referees, however, deemed it good and under protest from the fans, the game went into overtime.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Bulldogs take home the win in overtime

In overtime the Bulldogs had the momentum. They answered two points by Riley with a three-pointer by Wesleyan junior point guard E’Jay Ward to take the lead that they would hold to the end. Trailing 107-104, Bryan had one more possession, but couldn’t find its shooters, so Fair ended up taking a shot that bounced off the rim.

“I told the team after the match that there is bad pain and good pain, and we’re experiencing the latter. We played at an exceptionally high level,” said Rekoske. “In 25 years of coaching, this was one of the best games.”

“It was a hard -fought game between two outstanding programs, a great game to be part of,” said Poe.

Rekoske content with team’s development

While the Bulldogs left the field celebrating, a memorable and exciting night of basketball for the Lions and their fans had come to a bitter end. Instead of being tied for second place, the Lions are now fourth in the AAC.

Nevertheless, Rekoske found encouraging words for his team. He said that there’s a dramatic improvement in the way the team plays now compared to the beginning of the season.

“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made,” he said. “We play better on both ends of the court and rebound much better. The margin for this team to be at the top of the league is razor thin. That is painful but encouraging at the same time.”

With seven games remaining in the regular season, Bryan travels to Montreat (N.C.) College on Tuesday and returns to Summers Gymnasium on Thursday, facing Virginia Intermont College (Bristol, Va.).

Players from both Montreat and Bryan react to a corner kick at Saturday night's championship game / Photo courtesy of Dave Houghton

Catherine Rogers
Editor-In-Chief

Appearing at the final round of the AAC conference tournament (Milligan, Tenn.) for the third year in a row, Bryan men’s soccer ended their season on Saturday night, losing a game, 4-2, that was the last many players on the team would play as Bryan Lions.

Competing against the Cavaliers of Montreat College (N.C.), who faced the Lions in the final round of the 2009 conference championship, the Lions played valiantly, willing a win.

“We out-played and out-possessed them,” said senior Garrett Lemons, who has been an avid Lions spectator all his four years at Bryan. “Montreat was completely out-classed by our boys, we just couldn’t finish.”

After the standard 90 minutes of play and two 10 minute overtimes, neither team was able to break the 0-0 tie sending the game into a shootout.

After both teams took six shots on goal, the Lions tallied three on frame to the Cavaliers one. However, Montreat won the shootout, 4-2.

“Bryan was by far the better team,” said Senior and women’s soccer forward Liz Ponto. “We just didn’t finish our opportunities [on goal.]”

Winning the conference tournament just wasn’t meant to be, according to senior team captain Harry Sherwood.

“We did everything, but score,” said Sherwood. “Montreat didn’t beat us, we just didn’t win.”

The Lions end their season with a season record of 12-7-2.

Women’s varsity soccer traveled to Walesk, Ga. yesterday to compete against Columbia College in the semifinal  game of the AAC Conference Tournament and lost, 1-0, ending their season with a record of 4-14-2

[Photos courtesy of Dave Houghton]

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Bryan varsity volleyball players celebrate after winning a point in their match against Reinhardt last week / Triangle photo by Maddie K. Doucet

Sebastian Fischer
Sports Reporter

The Bryan College volleyball team (19-17, 13-3 in AAC) remains a force on its home court. The Lions took down conference powerhouse Union College (Barbourville, Kent.) 3-1 (25-18, 15-25, 25-21, 25-17) Saturday night and are now unbeaten for eight consecutive games in Summers Gymnasium. The win ended Bryan’s regular season and solidified second place in the conference standings.

In front of packed stands, the Lions came out of the locker room on fire and dominated the first set against the favored Bulldogs, who came to Dayton with a 13-1 conference record (16-14 overall). But while Union seemed lethargic and uptight, the Lions displayed pure joy at playing.

“We all understood the importance of a win [over Union] and played with a desire that hadn’t been there the last games,” said senior Chelsie Blackburn, explaining the extraordinary amount of energy on the part of the Lions.

Bryan won the first set by seven points, led offensively by freshman Kerrie Reinhardt who eventually recorded eleven kills for the whole match.

In the second set however, the Bulldogs stepped up their game and proved why they are the AAC table-toppers. Union took care of the ball on defense and executed with precision, beating the Lions by ten.

What followed was a contested third set. Especially in the beginning, the lead switched back and forth, never exceeding a one-point margin. After the intermediate result of 9-9, the Lions then pulled clear as they dominated the game at the net. The Union offense couldn’t handle the Bryan block, anchored by junior Kaylan Dilts and freshman Makenzie Sindelar, and in return had no answer to the Lions’ offensive fire power.

“Bryan played better on defense today and created better opportunities,” said Union coach Chuck Amshoff after the game.

The Lions went ahead as far as 21-12 and it looked like an assured set-win for Bryan, but Union scored seven points in a row as Bryan was sitting on 24 and made it a three-point game. Then, however, Lion’s Coach David Shumaker took a strategic timeout to break up the Bulldog’s streak and no other than the outstanding Dilts secured the set for Bryan with a block.

The fourth set was another display of Bryan’s defensive composure and offensive execution. The game stayed on even terms until midway through the set; when Bryan pulled clear again with a 4-0 streak. While Bryan was up 13-11, Union had the chance to retaliate but a dive by senior Caroline Aldridge prevented the Bulldogs from scoring. In the same play, Blackburn hammered down the ball for one of her nine kills that night – the Bulldogs never rebounded.

It was up to Blackburn, one of six graduating seniors in their final home appearance for the Lions, to end the game. Off a set from freshman Taylor Fink, who recorded an outstanding 38 assists and was named the AAC Setter of the Week, Blackburn spiked the ball for a kill.

To “this is our house” cheers from the Bryan fans, the Lions celebrated their deserved victory. They look ahead to the conference tournament with a great amount of confidence.

“We want to play like we know how to, and come out on top,” said Dilts.

Blackburn added that she feels confident in her team’s abilities: “If we play our game, we can take the conference championship.”

As the second seed, Bryan will face seventh seeded Reinhardt University in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. The site of the tournament is Bristol, Tenn.

[Triangle photos by Maddie K. Doucet]

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Junior shooting guard Rober "Philly" Riley (# 10) attempts to knock the ball from a Tennessee Temple player's grasp / Triangle photo by Cat Rogers

Shane Vicry
Triangle Reporter

The Bryan College men’s basketball team opened up its season Monday night, playing host to the Crusaders of Tennessee Temple University (Chattanooga). The Lions trailed throughout, and lost by a final score of 66-56.

Freshman point guard Dion Fair and junior shooting guard Rob “Philly” Riley led the Lions with 13 points apiece.

Despite the loss, the team is taking away several positives from the game, and the coaches are very optimistic about the upcoming season.

The Lions will have a much different look this season as Bryan saw 11 players depart from last year’s squad that finished the regular season as No. 2 seed of the AAC, including eight graduating seniors. As a result, outside expectations are tempered, with the Lions picked to finished seventh out of nine teams in the AAC.

Assistant Coach Samuel Gilbertson says he feels the lowered expectations really play to the team’s advantage.

“Last year we were picked to win the conference, and it was just a lot of pressure night in and night out,” Gilbertson said.

This year’s team will welcome a season where they aren’t playing every game with a target on their back.

Against Temple, the team suffered from a lack of efficiency on offense and responsibility on defense, but Gilbertson thinks that those are both things that should rapidly improve, as the team has time to buy into and familiarize themselves with the system.

“We played hard, but not hard enough,” said Riley about the loss against Temple. He added that the team needs to build chemistry as the players are just starting to gel as a unit. “We have done good for a team that has never played with each other.”

“Philly”, as the Philadelphia native is called by his teammates, however is very optimistic about the team’s future. He said that once everybody gets Coach Don Rekoske’s concept nothing stands in the way of a successful season. The biggest strength of the 2011 Lions is pace, according to the Shooting Guard.

“We get up and down the court real quick,” Riley said.

Despite returning no starters from last year’s team, the Lions seem to have already solidified this year’s starting five which the coaches believe is as talented as any in the conference. The situation on down the depth chart will likely be much more fluid. Bryan is likely to go ten deep this season and the bench minutes are still very much up for grabs with so many new players being broken in.

The coaches are high on several potential reserves, noting they have a lot of guys who can be plugged in to serve a very specific role. Sophomore guard T.J. Smith and senior guard Josh Decker can come in and provide shooting while junior forward Carrin Nash can be counted on to provide a boost on the offensive glass.

Freshman Fair, a highly recruited point guard is expected to be leaned on heavily. He possesses a great all-around skill set and is a real threat as a scorer, but the coaching staff is looking for him to become more of a facilitator as the season wears on.

Reilly, who premiers on the court for the Lions this year due to redshirting in his junior year, aspires to be a mainstay of the team’s offense. His strength is a hardly stoppable drive to the basket, a foretaste of that was visible against the Crusaders.

A big key for the season will be whether or not the Lions can hold their own on the glass. They are hoping that while they are somewhat undersized, they can make up for it with their toughness. The team was out rebounded by eleven on Monday night, but did collect more offensive boards than Temple.

Bryan will be putting a lot of talent and promise on the floor in 2011-2012. It remains to be seen how that will translate into wins and losses.

“The beauty of this season,” Giblertson said,” is that the guys who perform in practice will get playing time. No one is entitled.”

Hopefully this sort of competition in practice will help prepare the Lions for another winning season under Rekoske.

The Lions travel Thursday to Cumberland University for a non-conference game. They will start their march towards an AAC crown on November 30 in the conference opener at Tennessee Wesleyan College.

[Triangle photos by Cat Rogers]

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Fans greet Sherwood after the Lions won the opening round of the National Tournament against Columbia College / Triangle photo by Cat Rogers

Sebastian Fischer
Sports Writer

Bryan soccer team’s skipper Harry Sherwood approaches the end of his outstanding college career

As the late October cold sets in, fans watching the match between the Bryan Lions and the Bluefield Rams on Saturday night are obstinate and few. This game depicts the end of a disappointing regular season for Bryan’s soccer team, and only a win by four goals will allow the Lions to host the opening round of the conference tournament.

Recovered from a torn hamstring just enough to play in what could be his last home game for Bryan, senior skipper Harry Sherwood is back on the field with his team after watching from the sidelines for four weeks. The injury isn’t healed completely, but it will be well enough for two 15-minute periods. His left leg is bandaged so heavily Sherwood looks like a warrior suited in armor.

The announcer raises his voice to introduce “number five from Bristol, England” and the few Bryan fans sound like a crowd. Sherwood is the fan-favorite, no doubt, and his comeback sparks hope in the hearts of supporters. Usually he is the anchor of Bryan’s defense at center half, but today he will play up front—Bryan needs goals.

Ten minutes into the game, junior winger Tom Hemmings sends a corner kick in the box to his captain, who controls it with his right foot and blasts it into the roof of the net with his left. Eight minutes into the second half, Sherwood scores his second of the night. The Lions win 4-0. Sherwood gets the job done.

During his four seasons at Bryan, Sherwood’s ability to decide games on his own, his untamable desire to win and to fight for his teammates is what made him indispensable for the soccer program.

Four years ago, however, the thought of being a college soccer hero had not crossed Sherwood’s mind. He was just a teenager from Bristol in Southwest England, not really knowing what to do next. He had just finished college, the British version of a college preparatory school, and had played successfully for the youth system of English professional side Yeovil Town F.C. The club, however, wouldn’t offer him a contract and without continuing his soccer career, attending a university seemed unlikely for the 18-year old.

After being told about soccer scholarships in America by a friend at his club, and without ever seriously considering the possibility, Sherwood began browsing the Internet one evening. When he came across the website of a player agency that offered the service of placing young soccer players at American colleges, he typed in his information. That same night he received a phone call from an agent and agreed to attend an assessment game.

“I didn’t necessarily want to leave home,” Sherwood said in retrospect. “But this America-thing was working out.”

During his time in America, Sherwood, son of a government worker and a florist and brother of two younger sisters, still has kept close relationship with his family. At least once a year, they make the trip across the pond to visit him.

“It lifts me significantly,” Sherwood said about seeing his family. “I love being with them and it really has helped me with living in another country, far away from home, for four years.”

Succeeding a year-long process of applications, Sherwood was picked by Bryan College. Former Assistant Coach Joey Johnson wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“That impressed me,” Sherwood said.

Johnson was determined to sign Sherwood after evaluating video footage of the 6’1’’ Briton.

“I saw right away that he possessed natural attributes such as size but also possessed intelligence in his movements and a soft technical touch that is difficult to find in a player his size,” said Johnson. He added that what he couldn’t see on tape was Sherwood’s heart for people and his sincerity as a person.

“[Sherwood] is a class act on and off the field and no one was happier than me the day he signed with BC soccer,” Johnson said.

When Sherwood arrived at Bryan in the summer of 2008, his first impression of the campus and the facilities was positive, and once soccer training began, he was perfectly happy.

“During [pre-season] camp there was nothing not to like,” he said. “Making new friends and playing soccer was all I needed and all I wanted.”

One of the many friends he made was senior midfielder Jonathan Houghton, who roomed with Sherwood during their freshman, sophomore and junior years.

“When I first saw Harry I thought he was really intimidating, but once I met him I realized that he is just a massive teddy bear,” said the Londoner. “He is lovable, massively creative and very smart.”

Off the field, Sherwood took his time getting used to an unfamiliar environment and to rules and restrictions that seemed absurd. Just to rebel against the rule that forbade guys on campus to wear earrings, Sherwood and Houghton got their ears pierced at Wal-Mart.

“I remember RAs hunting us down and giving us points,” Sherwood said with a smile.

Adjustments had to be made on the field as well—to the American game. Instead of playing at his usual position at center half, Sherwood was a substitute forward, scoring four goals in his first season, but not starting a single game. This, however, was no reason for his spirit to break.

“I loved the atmosphere and the family feeling among the teammates,” he said. “Once the season was over, I couldn’t wait to prove everybody wrong in my sophomore year.”

Sherwood suited the action to the word. In his sophomore year, he was nominated for the All-Conference team, scored six goals, got three assists and—most importantly—held the Lions’ defense together at center back, leading them to a first round appearance at the national tournament.

“Harry is a fantastic athlete, who can put his mind to anything he wants and be good at it,” said Houghton, describing some of Sherwood’s qualities. “He’s tall, fast and strong and brings a great source of energy and power to the team.”

Escalating his performances in his third season, Sherwood recorded five goals and five assists, received NAIA All-American honors and was named AAC Player of the Year. The Bryan defense, anchored by Sherwood, was ranked fourth in the nation. With Sherwood as its team captain, Bryan made it to the sweet sixteen games of the national tournament, the farthest the program has ever been. Needless to say, Sherwood names the trip to Orange Beach (Ala.) and the atmosphere of the tournament as the highlight of his career.

Throughout his time at Bryan, Sherwood has become the face of Bryan College soccer. Because of his performance on the field and his friendly demeanor off the field, he is a popular face on campus. The latest evidence of this was his being crowned Homecoming King of the Class of 2012.

Sherwood, however, isn’t the type of guy that enjoys the spotlight.

“When I make an announcement in chapel, my heart goes through the roof,” he said.

Even on the field he doesn’t see himself as the typical alpha leader.

“I’m not a dictator,” he said. Instead he aims to use his position to help his teammates individually and lead by example instead of words.

“When I step on the field, I want to do everything I can for the team, I want to give 100 percent to win,” he said. “Talking would be the easiest thing to do.”

Up to the game against Bluefield, however, it hadn’t been a great year for the Englishman. He admitted that he had “fallen short” in meeting his personal standard more than once. Instead of having a season full of game-winning goals, pin point passes and crunching tackles, 2011 was coined by Sherwood being injured and out of shape.

“My mind was set on making this my best season, because it is my last one,” Sherwood said. “But I came to camp in August not feeling prepared.”

Because of health problems in the summer, Sherwood couldn’t do the necessary fitness work. As a result, he never got on top of his game during the season, was subbed out early in some games, and only scored twice, one goal being a penalty.

Then, in early October came the match against Union College. In a hard fought match that ended 2-2 after two periods of overtime, Sherwood went down in full sprint without being touched and tore his hamstring.

For the past four weeks, he has been in rehabilitation, working on his comeback.

“Those were the longest four weeks of my life,” he said.

Seeing the joy in his eyes after his first goal against Bluefield, when he ran, arms open wide to celebrate with the team, one knew that his hard work had paid off. Sherwood is back, and he won’t leave just yet.

“Until I’m done, I’m not done,” he said when asked about the end of his college career.

Sherwood refuses to label this year as a disappointment because the Lions still have everything to play for with the conference tournament kicking off next weekend. Although the season hasn’t been a success story so far, Sherwood and his team are still in control of writing the end to that story.

The final chapter will begin Saturday at the first round of the conference tournament with the Lions’ home game against Union. Kick-off for the rematch with the Bulldogs, who finished the regular season fifth, right behind the Lions, is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Bryan College’s women soccer team (4-13-1, 1-6, in AAC) goes into post-season play with a boost of confidence. In their last home game of the season on Saturday, the Lions swept away Bluefield (Va.) College (2-15-1, 0-6-1 in AAC) with a 5-0 win, ending their 11-game losing streak.

“We played well, with a lot of emotion and energy,” said Coach Mark Sauve, explaining his team’s comeback. “We wanted to send the seniors off with a win.”

The 7th rank in AAC standings was on the line in the match-up between the two bottom clubs of the conference, so both teams played for avoiding No.1 seed Reinhardt University in the opening round of the playoffs. Originally scheduled for Friday night, the match got delayed to noon on Saturday due to wet field conditions.

The Lions showed a lot of improvement after Tuesday’s 4-0 home loss against Maryville (Tenn.) University. In the beginning phase of the match, however, the game was played on even terms, but with one major difference: while Bluefield’s chances were foiled by Bryan keeper Stephanie Gagnon between Bryan’s sticks, the Lions were very effective in front of Bluefield’s goal. Although forward Liz Ponto’s shot from the edge of the six yard box 12 minutes into the game only rattled the crossbar, the rebound by freshman striker Ashley Sisk found the back of the net and Bryan had the early lead.

With fresh confidence the Lions took over control of the game and possessed the ball with composure and purpose. Nine minutes after the first goal, senior midfielder Carli Brown scored Bryan’s second off an assist from fellow senior Ponto. The Lions went into halftime with a comfortable advantage.

Coach Sauve had made some adjustments to his system prior to the game in order to “maximize each players potential,” he said. It worked out well.

Bryan continued its dominant play in the second period. Sisk scored again twelve minutes into the half, and Brown, one of three seniors in Bryan’s line-up who had their last home appearance for the Lions, added another goal in the 70th minute to make it 4-0. Nine minutes before the final whistle, Sisk completed her hat trick as she scored off an assist from freshman Lindsey Kostner.

With the victory, the Lions overtake Bluefield in the table and will travel to Chattanooga (Tenn.), taking on rival Tennessee Wesleyan in the quarterfinals of the conference tournament. During the regular season Bryan lost to the Bulldogs with 3-1 but Sauve is optimistic nevertheless.

“I believe we have good chance to go over there and beat them,” he said.

The coach said that he believes his team has the best keeper in the conference and the necessary speed and potential up front to score goals.

“Combining those two areas […] we have a good chance,” he said.

Kickoff for the match is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Saturday.

The Bryan Men’s soccer team dropped a conference match 1-0 to Reinhardt University (Waleska, Ga.) Wednesday night, Oct. 12, but managed to out-shoot their opponent 16-7 and hold the majority of possession.

With a season plagued by injuries it’s been hard for the Lions to pick up steam and find their rhythm, but over the last few games the team has looked like the team of last year’s Nationals glory.

With a dominating performance by the Lions on Wednesday, it came as a shock when Reinhardt took the lead with a headed effort at goal off a corner kick in the 60^th minute.

Freshmen goalkeeper, Josh Oldroyd said that he was tracking with the ball as it curled towards the goal but felt a Reinhardt player obstructing him as he back peddled towards the goal to deflect the shot.

“I could see that the ball was going into the top of the net and I batted it down just as I heard the net jingle [making contact with the net].  And I swear that it bounced in front of the line and I just jumped on it and tried to smother it.  Didn’t look like it was a goal to me,” Oldroyd said.

After going down 1-0 the Lions set fire and pressured Reinhardt’s goal, challenging the keeper and putting twelve shots on frame.  The Lions created a myriad of chances, but couldn’t find a player to put it away into the back of the net.

“In my opinion, one of our best opportunities was when my roommate and best friend, [junior] Richard Kirk, had a headed effort at goal.  Unfortunately, he headed it right at the keeper, but since Kirk plays centerback it was quite impressive regardless,” said junior defender Jordan Devlin.

The Lions ended the game with a loss, 1-0, as the scoreboard buzzed in regulation time and are now 2-2-1 in the AAC and 7-5-1 overall.  They play again on Saturday at Freed-Hardeman University at 8:00 pm EST.