FRESHMEN DUO COMBINE FOR 27 in WESLEYAN SEASON FINALE

DEMOREST, Ga. – Wesleyan College freshmen sensations Ashley Harris and Ciara Walker combined for 27 points in the team’s season-ending loss to Great South Athletic Conference rival Piedmont College 75-46.

After the Pioneers (2-18, 0-14 GSAC) hit the first basket of the game the Lady Lions went on a 17-2 run capitalizing on five turnovers. The Pioneers answered right back behind a pair of Harris buckets and a three-pointer by Bre’ Solmone to cut the margin to five. However, Piedmont (12-12, 10-3 GSAC) ended the period on a 16-5 run with six points coming in the paint and did not look back.

Harris finished with 14 points and Walker added 13 more to pace Wesleyan. All 13 Lady Lions dented the scoring column in the victory.

ICY FIELD GOAL SHOOTING HAMPERS WESLEYAN BASKETBALL

DECATUR, Ga. – Shooting only 3-of-25 (12.0%) from the floor in the first half, the Wesleyan College (2-17, 0-13 GSAC) basketball team could not overcome their icy start, falling to Agnes Scott 76-29 on Monday night.

Ciara Walker stretched her double-digit scoring streak to 11 of her last 13 games, pacing the Pioneers with 16 of the team’s 29 points. The freshman also pulled down seven rebounds. Sophomore Bre’ Solmone grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds as well.

Agnes Scott (7-15, 5-8 GSAC) shot 45% from the field for the game and saw everyone on the team score at least four points. The Scotties were paced by Tiffany Jones (17 points, 6 rebounds) and Genefine Sapateh (16 points, 8 rebounds).

The Pioneers play their final regular season game of the year against Piedmont College on Wednesday afternoon. Tip-off is at 5:00pm.

WALKER’S 29 POINTS NOT ENOUGH TO OVERCOME POWERFUL LAGRANGE COLLEGE

LAGRANGE, Ga. – Wesleyan freshman Ciara Walker scored a career high 29 points on 9-of-15 shooting from the floor to go along with a game-high 10 rebounds, but her efforts were not enough for the Pioneers to overcome LaGrange College.

The Panters took advantage of Wesleyan’s 26% field goal shooting in the first half to jump out to a lead that was too great to overcome, ultimately defeating the Pioneers 97-66.

Trading baskets over the course of the first four minutes of the game, the Pioneers then saw their shooting go cold and witnessed the Panthers take off on a 41-9 run over the next 12 minutes of play. LaGrange was led in scoring by Heather Miller, who dished in 23 points off the bench, as well as Stefanie Schuck’s 21 points.

Walker’s performance marks the most points scored by a freshman in the Great South Athletic Conference this year and the most scored by a Wesleyan College player in the last three seasons. She has recorded double figure points in 10 of her last 12 games and is now averaging 11.7 points per game and 10.4 rebounds per game for the season.

The Pioneers play their final home game of the season on Saturday afternoon against Atlanta Christian College. Tip-off is at 2:00pm and admission is free.

LAST SECOND SHOT JUST SHORT to SILENCE WESLEYAN RALLY

MACON, Ga. – A furious rally gave Wesleyan College a shot at the win, but Bre’ Solmone’s jumper from the top of the key just missed as Toccoa Falls College held on for the 65-63 victory at Porter Gymnasium.

Director of Athletics Patti Gibbs and Student Assistant Coach Crystal Church guided the Pioneers spirited effort while filling in for Head Coach Jason Henry who missed the game with an illness. A victory would have made the night even sweeter for Church who was honored at halftime during Senior Night activities.

A competitive game throughout really heated up in the second half. A 9-2 run out of the intermission gave the Eagles (11-11) their largest lead of the game at 40-33 following a three-pointer by Bonnie McGee. The Pioneers (2-15) answered by scoring the next seven points of the game to knot it at 40 including five from Ashley Harris. Toccoa Falls regained control and led by as many as 11 points with seven minutes remaining and six with just over two minutes left. However, Wesleyan rallied back before Solmone’s attempt in the closing seconds to tie rimmed out to end the comeback.

Four Pioneers finished in double figures with Erinn Williams and Harris each contributing 16 points while Solmone finished with 15 points, six blocks and five steals. Ciara Walker posted another double-double with 12 points and 11 boards. Four Eagles reached double digit scoring as well, paced by Amanda Ferrell’s 16 points.

Wesleyan heads to LaGrange College on Thursday night in search of its first Great South Athletic Conference victory.

WESLEYAN STUDENT-ATHLETES GARNER ACADEMIC HONORS

MACON, Ga. – Wesleyan College student-athletes garnered numerous academic honors from the institution and the Great South Athletic Conference during the first half of the 2009-10 competition year.

Twenty-one total student-athletes earned either GSAC All-Academic honors or Wesleyan College Dean’s List or President’s Scholar recognition. The Cross Country and Tennis teams set the standard for the entire program with half their team members claiming one of the three honors.

“At Wesleyan, we pride ourselves on developing the scholar-athlete,” said Vice President for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics Patty M. Gibbs. “It is clear that our athletes have the ability to balance the demands of a rigorous academic program with the demands of our athletic program. The athletic department is proud of all their accomplishments.”

Ten student-athletes earned the institution’s top academic honor for the semester. Cecelia Batt, Aditi Dey, Huyen Nguyen, Noelle Webster, Emily Epperson, Azea Mustafa, Hannah Rawcliffe, She-Marie Steadman, Daria Gorbunova, Katie McIntosh and Anna Plue were tabbed President’s Scholars for recording perfect 4.0 grade point averages in the fall semester.

The Soccer program had seven total student-athletes earn an honor with standouts Epperson and Mustafa receiving both President’s Scholar recognition and GSAC All-Academic accolades.

Wesleyan College places a high priority on academics and strives to represent the ideals of NCAA Division III athletics. Division III athletics features student-athletes who receive no financial aid related to their athletic ability and athletic departments are staffed and funded like any other department in the university. Division III athletics departments place special importance on the impact of athletics on the participants rather than on the spectators. The student-athlete's experience is of paramount concern. Division III athletics encourages participation by maximizing the number and variety of athletics opportunities available to students, placing primary emphasis on regional in-season and conference competition.

The Pioneers sponsor six NCAA Division III sports (Cross Country, Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Tennis, Softball) and also competes in intercollegiate equestrian competitions.

Sport-by-Sport Breakdown
(DL = Dean’s List; PS = President’s Scholar; GSAC = GSAC All-Academic Team)

Cross Country:
Dana Amihere (DL) - Senior
Adrianne Warlick (DL) - Senior
Cecelia Batt (PS & GSAC) - Senior
Aditi Dey (PS) – Freshman
Belle Thomas (GSAC) - Junior

Soccer:
Emily Epperson (PS & GSAC) - Junior
Azea Mustafa (PS & GSAC) - Sophomore
Hannah Rawcliffe (PS) - Freshman
She-Marie Steadman (PS) – Freshman
Carissa Brogdon (GSAC) – Senior
Jessica Brogdon (GSAC) – Senior
Amber Campbell (GSAC) - Junior

Volleyball:
Alaina Avera (DL & GSAC) - Sophomore
Huyen Nguyen (PS) - Freshman
Noelle Webster (PS) – Freshman
Lauren Elser (GSAC) - Senior

Tennis:
Soshawn Blair (DL) - Freshman
Jemima Suwa (DL) - Freshman
Yi Wang (DL) - Senior
Daria Gorbunova (PS) - Freshman
Katie McIntosh (PS) - Freshman

Equestrian:
Anna Plue (PS) – Sophomore

SECOND HALF RALLY CARRIES HUNTINGDON PAST WESLEYAN

MACON, Ga. – Trailing by only three points at halftime to Huntingdon College (3-15, 2-6 GSAC), the Wesleyan Pioneers were not able to find an offensive rhythm at the start of the second half, ultimately losing the contest 66-55 on Thursday evening at Porter Gym.

The Lady Hawks went on a 27-10 run over the first 12 minutest of the second half to seal their victory. Huntingdon senior Lori Bonds, who finished the evening with a double-double, scored 11 of her game-high 23 points and pulled down seven of her 11 rebounds during that run.

Wesleyan (2-13, 0-10 GSAC) made a late 17-8 run at the end of the half to tighten the score but ran out of time as the game’s momentum began to swing in their favor. Paced once again by freshman Ciara Walker (19 points/9 rebounds), the Pioneers also received significant contributions from Bre’ Solmone (12 points/13 rebounds) and Ashley Harris (14 points).

The Pioneers return to the court on Saturday against Great South Athletic Conference rival Spelman College on the campus of Wesleyan College. Tip-off is at 2:00pm and admission is free.

FRIGID CONDITIONS FOLLOW WESLEYAN in LOSS at MARYVILLE

MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Wesleyan College saw a lot of wintry conditions on its trip to mountainous East Tennessee and the cold stayed with the Pioneers in an 89-36 loss to Great South Athletic Conference leader Maryville College.

Another huge first-half run by the opposition put the game on its head. Bre’ Solmone drained a jump shot to tie the game at 5-5 just over four minutes into the contest. The Lady Scots (15-5, 9-1 GSAC) showed why they are the top team in the conference by closing the first half with a 33-2 run.

Solmone finished with 13 points to pace the Pioneers (2-12, 0-9) while freshmen Ashley Harris (9 points) and Ciara Walker (8 points) saw their double-digit scoring streaks snapped. Alexis Rouvelas paced Maryville with 13 points of her own.

Wesleyan opens a three-game home stand against GSAC rival Huntingdon College. Tipoff is scheduled for 6:00pm at Porter Gymnasium and admission is free.

SECOND HALF RALLY NEARLY ENOUGH FOR WESLEYAN

MACON, Ga. – Wesleyan College stormed back from an eight-point second half deficit to take a late lead, but Agnes Scott College recovered to secure a 63-54 Great South Athletic Conference victory at Porter Gymnasium.

Wesleyan’s fantastic freshmen Ashley Harris (21 points/7 rebounds) and Ciara Walker (11 points/8 rebounds) helped put the Pioneers in position to score their first GSAC win of the year.

The Scotties (5-12, 3-5 GSAC) led by as many as 13 points in the first half before freshman Ashley Harris led the Pioneers on a 10-2 run to claw back into the game. The Pioneers (2-11, 0-8 GSAC) took their first lead since the 13:05 mark of the first half on a Harris jumper with just over seven minutes left in the game. However, after Arielle Register tied the game at 46-46 with one-of-two shots from the charity stripe, the Scotties turned three straight steals into buckets to regain control.

Sammy Lint chipped in 10 points while Bre’ Solmone added 12 rebounds for Wesleyan. Register finished with 17 points, six assists, five boards and four steals to pace ASC. In the last seven games, Harris is averaging 17.0 points per game while her running mate Walker checks in at 15.7 points per game with six double-doubles.

Wesleyan hits the road on Monday to face league leading Maryville College.

“SPIRIT”-ED EFFORT PUSHES SALEM PAST WESLEYAN

MACON, Ga. – In Great South Athletic Conference action, Salem College rode a huge first-half run to sweep the season series from Wesleyan College 93-57

Freshman Ciara Walker led the Pioneers with 16 points and 16 rebounds. Bre’ Solmone matched Walker with 16 and Ashley Harris added 15. As a team, Wesleyan drained 16-of-19 shots from the charity stripe.

In the previous game, 12 Salem 3-pointers fueled a 16-point victory, In the rematch, a 29-4 run by Salem closed the opening period to put the game out of reach by intermission. Sarah Smith and Michala Michaux each hit a pair of three-pointers during the spurt.

For the game, the Spirits hit on 14 3-point field goals, a team and GSAC single-game high. Smith, who entered the contest having made four 3-point tries, hit on five in the first half, part of a team-leading 19-point effort.

Wesleyan hosts Agnes Scott College at 2:00pm in Porter Gymnasium. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00pm and admission is free.

HARRIS LEADS WESLEYAN TO SEASON SWEEP OVER TRINITY BAPTIST

A season-high 24 point performance by freshman Ashley Harris carried Wesleyan to its second win of the season when the Pioneers outlasted Trinity Baptist College 62-56 on Monday afternoon.

Penetration into the lane proved to be key for Harris as she was able to draw a number of fouls and shoot 17 of 22 from the free throw line for the game. Also stepping up big for the Pioneers once again was freshman forward Ciara Walker, who pitched in an additional 18 points in the victory.

The Pioneers play five of their next six games at Porter Gymnasium, beginning this Friday, January 29 against Great South Athletic Conference opponent Salem College. Tip-off is at 7:00pm and admission is free.

SLOW START HAMPERS WESLEYAN IN LOSS TO PIEDMONT BAPTIST

A hot start from behind the arc for Piedmont Baptist College proved to be too much for Wesleyan’s basketball team to overcome in a 75-64 loss on Saturday afternoon. The Conquerors hit five of their eight three-point baskets in the opening half with four coming from junior Erica Buffaloe.

Wesleyan went into the locker room at half time down 40-29, which proved to be the difference at game’s end. Wesleyan played even with Piedmont Baptist in the second half, with both teams tallying 35 points.

Wesleyan was led in scoring by freshmen Ciara Walker (21 points) and Ashley Harris (16 points), who have each averaged 15.5 points per game over the last four games. Bre Solmone also pitched in a season-high 17 points. Piedmont Baptist was paced by a 23-point game by Buffaloe.

The Pioneers wrap up a four-game road trip on Tuesday afternoon when they travel to Trinity Baptist College, whom they defeated 69-54 earlier this week. Tip-off is at 2:00pm.

FIRST HALF LEAD EVAPORATES as WESLEYAN FALLS at SALEM 

A late surge by Salem College heading into halftime put Wesleyan College behind for good in a 68-52 road loss.

The first half featured some of the most competitive, back-and-forth basketball of the season for the Pioneers (1-8, 0-6 GSAC). Thirteen lead changes and five ties highlighted the opening period as neither team led by more than six points. Two Ashley Harris free throws gave the Pioneers a 28-27 lead with just 53 seconds remaining before the intermission.

However, the Spirits (6-7, 3-4 GSAC) used a 17-2 run that covered the final seconds of the first half and the first three-and-a-half minutes of the second half to grab a lead they would not relinquish. Lauren Redman scored seven of her 10 points during the game-changing spurt.

Harris scored a game-high 21 points in the loss while Ciara Walker added 15 points and 12 rebounds. Harris is averaging 15.3 points per game in her last three contests. Four Salem players reached double figures, led by Sarah Smith’s double-double (15 points/11 rebounds).

Wesleyan faces Piedmont Baptist College on Saturday at 2:00pm before finishing its North Carolina road swing.

PIONEERS EARN WIN BEHIND SECOND HALF SURGE

MACON, Ga. – Wesleyan College nailed four of its first five shots in the second half to surge past Trinity Baptist College on the way to a 69-54 victory at Porter Gymnasium.

A crowd of over 100 crammed into Porter Gymnasium including The Westfield School “C” team to create a rowdy atmosphere during the matinee.

With the game tied at the intermission, head coach Jason Henry helped the Pioneers find a game plan to take advantage of their edge in athleticism. Wesleyan (1-6) began to turn up the defensive pressure and attack the offensive glass from the beginning of the half. A 13-0 run sparked by five points from Ashley Harris helped Wesleyan gain a lead they would not surrender the rest of the game.

Harris finished the game with a career-best 20 points to lead four Pioneers in double figures. Ciara Walker (15 points) and Sammy Lint (14 points) each established new career-highs in the victory while Bre’ Solmone added 12 points and 18 rebounds. Point guard Erinn Williams directed the offense with near perfection, dishing out 13 assists while only committing two turnovers. Her 13 assists are the most by a GSAC player this season.

Laura Carter scored a game-high 23 points for the Lady Lions (0-8).

The Pioneers snapped a 10-game losing streak and look to win back-to-back games for the first time since February 2003 when they travel to Huntingdon College (1-12, 0-4 GSAC) on Wednesday.

FIRST HALF DEFICIT TOO MUCH FOR WESLEYAN

ATLANTA, Ga. – Spelman College limited Wesleyan College to just 21 percent shooting from the floor in the first half to build an insurmountable lead on its way to a 78-36 result.

Point guard Erinn Williams scored 11 points and tracked down nine rebounds while Sammy Lint added 10 points and eight caroms. Jessica Reagans scored 23 points to pace the Jaguars.

DELAY DOES NOT HELP PIONEERS DERAIL LADY LIONS

MACON, Ga. – After enduring a nearly 90 minute delay while awaiting officials, Wesleyan College stumbled in their final game of the calendar year in an 88-48 loss to Piedmont College.

Playing their second game in three days took its toll on the Pioneers as only six players logged double-digit minutes. The Lady Lions (1-4, 1-0 GSAC) never trailed and earned their 17th straight win against the Pioneers (0-4, 0-2 GSAC).

Ashley Harris scored a career-high 13 points off the bench for Wesleyan College while Ciara Walker finished with nine points and a game-high 13 rebounds. Seven Piedmont players scored at least eight points and were led by Lauren Anderson’s 18.

Wesleyan takes an extended holiday break after this game. The Pioneers return to action at home versus LaGrange College on January 14. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00pm at Porter Gymnasium and admission is free.

MARYVILLE SPRINTS PAST WESLEYAN in GSAC OPENER

MACON, Ga. – A dominating final 30 minutes led Maryville College past Wesleyan College 101-33 in the Great South Athletic Conference opener for both teams.

Despite the wide final margin of victory, the Pioneers (0-3, 0-1 GSAC) played their best basketball of the season for the game’s first 10 minutes. Wesleyan stunned the defending GSAC champs by sprinting out to an 8-2 lead early paced by five points from senior Shan Corbett. The Lady Scots (4-1, 1-0 GSAC) rallied past the home team, but another Corbett three-pointer drew the Pioneers within a point at 20-19 with less than 10 minutes to play in the game. The bucket would prove to be the Pioneers’ last surge as Maryville ended the first half on a 25-1 run.

The host could not turn the tide after halftime as Maryville cruised to their 20th consecutive victory over Wesleyan.

Corbett finished with 13 points and six boards while Ashley Harris chipped in nine points for the Pioneers. All 14 Lady Scots scored with Laura Whitehead scoring a team best 13 points in just 12 minutes.

Wesleyan concludes its pre-January slate on Wednesday when they host conference rival Piedmont College. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00pm at Porter Gymnasium and admission is free.

WESLEYAN COLLEGE PIONEERS - SEASON PREVIEW
GREAT SOUTH ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

Head Coach: Jason Henry (3rd year, 5-40 overall)
Last season: 5-20

Returners:
BreAna Solmone: 6’ guard
• Sophomore from Camden County, GA
• Finished last season on the conference All-Freshman team
• Only players in the conference to average a double/double
• Lead conference in rebounding and was second in block shots.
Erinn Williams: 5’6” point guard
• Sophomore from Milford, OH
• Started at the point guard position then missed time with an injury last season
Patricia Velasco: 5’7” shooting guard
• Sophomore from Lowndes County, GA
• Injured ACL in the fourth game of the season.
• Can be a knock down shooter and knows the game well.

Newcomers:
Shan Corbett: 5’7” combo guard
• Senior from Westside HS Macon, GA who has transferred from Georgia Southwestern
• Played at Cowley County Junior College in Kansas
• Very smart player who can score at any time.
Ashley Harris: 5’5” combo guard
• Freshman from Harris County, GA
• Quick on defense and offense and can score from anywhere.
Ciara Walker: 5’9” forward
• Freshman from Columbus HS in Columbus GA
• Physical player who can play with her back to the basket and step out and shoot the three.

Team strengths:
Wesleyan has scoring threats at every position this season. They can run an up-tempo game or slow the ball down, and their speed at all positions will make them a great defensive team.

They will have two freshmen, Ashley Harris and Ciara Walker, that will make an immediate impact and will most likely be in the starting line up from day one.

Team Weaknesses:
Wesleyan will be a young team with limited experience. They will be looking for our lone senior to lead the team with underclassmen expected to step up and play beyond their years.