SPORTS
- Inside the Huddle
- Ospreys break record with 50 homers Holli Welch
- Golf continues A-Sun Championship Lori Bero
- Ospreys win 2 of 3 against Hatters Brett Morgan
- Gators look forward to draft Joseph Goodman
- Spring sports review Sarah Diener
Inside the Huddle
 Matt Coleman Editor in Chief |
 Josh Salman Assistant News Editor |
 Brett Morgan Assistant Sports Editor |
 Maple Campus Goose |
| Question 1: With a thrilling double overtime victory April 19 against the Phoenix Suns, the San Antonio Spurs took a 1-0 lead in their best of seven NBA series. What will be the deciding factor in this pivotal showdown? | |||
| Whether Shaq applied enough Icy Hot to make it up and down the court. The Suns can't operate if the Big Cactus is pulling down the team like a ten-ton anchor. | Can Shaq stop cursing at the media and start playing defense? Shaq looks like Tim Duncan's grandpa out there. | It looks like whoever bitches more about calls will win the series. It's embarrassing the Spurs get a free pass because no other team spends more time flopping and arguing with the officials. | Honk. (Bored.) |
| Question 2: What would be the most entertaining match-up in the NBA Finals? | |||
| Atlanta vs. Denver - the series no one wanted to see. | Orlando and the Lakers. The NBA needs a star like Kobe to be there for the ratings, and if Orlando can beat Detroit and/or Boston to get there, it'll make for a great storyline. | Orlando vs. Phoenix. The Suns are overdue, especially after the debacle of last year's Spurs series, and no franchise has endured more than the Magic, starting with the departure of Shaquille O'Neal. | Honk. (Can we talk about the NFL?) |
| Question 3: The annual NFL Draft is April 26-27, and draft eligible college football players will find out their professional destinations. What is it about the draft that makes it so insanely popular amongst the fans? | |||
| Mel Kiper Jr.'s pompadour. | It's the future. I'm a little biased on this question because I'm a Dolphins fan, but for me, it's bigger than the Super Bowl. | It's an opportunity for every fan to play GM. Projecting talent gives fans' hope and promise for the new season. | Honk. (I don't know. When I feel a draft, I fly south.) |
| Question 4: The Florida Marlins are tied for first place in the NL East with the lowest payroll in the Major Leagues. How are they getting it done? | |||
| Obscurity helps. The Marlins don't have to deal with preconceived notions. All the team has to do is impress the 12 people that show up to home games. | The Marlins' fat-boy dance team gave them the inspiration they've been longing for. | With a solid lineup featuring the best shortstop in baseball in Hanley Ramirez. The bullpen is solid, but it will be difficult to continue to mask that starting rotation. | Honk. (Someone must be throwing them bread.) |
Compiled by Brett Morgan PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE
Ospreys break record with 50 homers
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Sophomore outfielder Kara Rutenbar throws a quick pass to third base stopping a Stetson runner from stealing April 18. |
Two seniors on the UNF softball team head into the last double header of the season with the same goal in mind: hit just one more home run.
Shortstop Ashley Parenteau and second baseman Gwen Williams sit tied for the career home-run record, both recording 28 home runs during their four years at UNF. The team's latest season record is 50 homreuns.
Williams joined Parenteau April 18, when she hit her 13th home run of the season against Florida Gulf Coast University. Setting the team record for home runs in a single season.
Despite the record-breaking performances by the seniors, the Ospreys shone brighter out in the field than up at bat. UNF (38-23, 12-8 A-Sun) finished with two split double headers against FGCU (46-16, 14-4 A-Sun) and Stetson University (37-20, 11-8 A-Sun).
Williams joined sophomore outfielder Kara Rutenbar in leading the team defensively. The senior saved the Ospreys from a bases-loaded threat by the Stetson Hatters in the bottom of the sixth inning of the second game. With the bases loaded and two outs, Williams caught a foul bowl in right field and sent the Ospreys back to the plate.
An _inning before that, Rutenbar threw out one of Stetson's players stealing third base. Stetson's Amy Joyce hit a double in the bottom of the fifth inning, but Rutenbar caught her stealing third with a throw from the fence.
"Those are the types of plays our defenders make all the time," head coach Sonya Wilmoth said. "I get to see those plays
everyday."
UNF won 2-1 in the second game but lost 1-0 in the opener against Stetson.
The loss resulted from just three hits for the Ospreys, two of which happened in the
seventh inning. Sophomore pitcher Devyn Findley had the only hit for the Ospreys before the final inning, but Parenteau and junior catcher Lauren Pulling joined her in the final minutes of the game.
Findley proved strong on the mound against FGCU as well, Wilmoth said.
"We were able to keep them out of their comfort zone offensively," she said. "Both of our pitchers did a good job with that. We have to be proud of the way we played."
Findley kept the Eagles hitless for the first 5.2 innings.
The teams were tied 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning, but an error by FGCU led to UNF's sophomore outfielder Laura Williams the winning run. The sophomore was the lead hitter for the Ospreys against the Eagles with a pair of hits and a run in the game.
The Ospreys won the opener 3-2 but lost the second game 6-5.
The team travels to Campbell University May 3 to play its last double header of the season. The game is a makeup for the rained out double header two weeks ago.
Contact Holli Welch at managing@unfspinnaker.com -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE
Golf continues A-Sun Championship
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Freshman Chris Kennedy leads UNF in round one with a score of 72. |
After the second day at the Atlantic Sun Championships, the UNF golf team stands in
second place.
The Ospreys moved from third place, after shooting a total of 293 in their first round of play
April 21.
UNF trailed first place Gardner-Webb University on the first day by nine strokes and second place East Tennessee State University by one stroke.
"We didn't putt as well as we could have today," UNF head coach Scott Schroeder said. "The reality of it is we are nine strokes back, and only one behind ETSU, so we are not out of the
tournament."
Freshman Chris Kennedy led UNF in round one with a score of 72. Kennedy is in a five-way tie for fourth place. Gardner-Webb's Blake Palmer is in first with 65.
"We didn't play our best today, so there's definitely room for improvement," Kennedy said. "I think we have a great chance to win. If we get out and play like we know we can, we'll be
right there."
Sophomore Jordan Gibb is one stroke behind Kennedy in a three-way tie for ninth place with a score of 73.
"Right now we are in pretty good position with two days left," said junior Jeff Dennis. "The season's gone really well. We're expecting to lock up a spot in regionals and UNF hasn't been to regionals in five or six years."
After scoring 287 in the second round of play, UNF moved to one stroke behind first place ETSU.
Round three results will be posted on unfspinnaker.com.
Contact Lori Bero at staff2@unfspinnaker.com -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE
Ospreys win 2 of 3 against Hatters
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Sophomore left fielder Andrew Hannon recorded a career high four hits April 19 and hit a game-winning double April 18. The Ospreys take on Bethune-Cookman April 24. |
After giving up eight runs in the first inning April 20, the UNF baseball team fell 13-4 to Stetson University and failed in its bid for the first sweep of the season.
UNF (23-18, 13-11 A-Sun) won the first two games against Stetson (16-24, 7-14 A-Sun) 5-2 and 17-10 but continued to be victimized by suspect starting pitching, head coach Dusty Rhodes said.
"It was clear in this series that these were two programs short on pitching right now," Rhodes said.
Sophomore left-hander John Atteo gave up six earned runs on five hits before being pulled with one out in the first inning on April 20. This followed junior starter Spencer Jones lasting 2.1 innings in his April 19 start, giving up three earned runs on eight hits in 51 pitches.
After lauding his bullpen throughout the season, the Stetson series caused concern for Rhodes, who felt the long inning-burden put on his relievers may be taking its toll.
"When your starters can't eat up innings, it can wear down your bullpen," Rhodes said. "We just have to get better pitching overall."
One pitcher Rhodes is not concerned about is junior closer Tyler Stohr, who pitched two hitless innings of no hit, shutout ball April 18 in the Ospreys win. Stohr is averaging more than 12 strikeouts every nine innings.
"Tyler is one of the best relievers in the country, we just have to get the ball to him," Rhodes said.
Rhodes is also encouraged by the improvement of junior right hander Ty Pryor.
Pryor, a transfer who hadn't pitched in nearly two years, is rounding into form, Rhodes said. Pryor got the win April 18 after going seven innings and giving up one earned run on five hits with nine strikeouts. Rhodes said Pryor could help solidify the rotation.
"After working him in relief, we got Ty back in the rotation, and he responded," Rhodes said.
Also responding are the Ospreys' bats, who Rhodes said the team has depended on all year.
In its victory April 19, UNF had a season-high 23 hits while matching its season high runs scored with 17.
"We've hit all year, and it is the reason why we are still in the Atlantic Sun race," Rhodes said.
Senior centerfielder T.J. Gaudy hit two home runs and a career high four RBIs April 19 while going 6-11 in the series.
Sophomore left fielder Andrew Hannon added four hits April 19, and hit a game-winning double April 18.
UNF returns home 7 p.m. April 24 against Bethune -Cookman in a non-conference match-up.
Contact Brett Morgan at sports@unfspinnaker.com -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE
Gators look forward to draft
There could not be two more opposite personalities than the ones stitched into the internal fabrics of Andre Caldwell and Derrick Harvey.
Caldwell, the all-time receptions leader at the University of Florida, and Harvey, the most outstanding defender of the 2006 national championship game, are the only Gators expected to be drafted April 26. And that's just about all they have in common.
Caldwell catches passes from quarterbacks, and Harvey just catches quarterbacks. Caldwell never met a reporter or a microphone he didn't want to speak to. Harvey just doesn't like to speak. Fellow Gators defensive lineman Clint McMillan once said that if Harvey spoke five words in a day, he had said a lot.
In a way, the duo are an end of an era for Florida football.
Several NFL Draft analysts believe that Harvey will be selected in the first round.
"I'm hearing top-15 pick," Harvey said. "But I'm just trying to get picked up."
Carolina Panthers coach John Fox visited Florida's pro day last month, a solid indication that at least one program was considering drafting Harvey early. Last year, Jacksonville Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio attended the Gators' pro day and later chose free safety Reggie Nelson in the first round.
The Panthers have the 13th pick in the first round and could use that pick to replace free-agent defensive end Mike Rucker. Harvey had 19.5 sacks in two seasons for the Gators and stood out in the 2006 national championship game when he sacked Ohio State quarterback Troy Smith three times.
Caldwell, considered one of the best receivers in the nation out of high school, was the most celebrated recruit in a class that included current NFL players Chad Jackson, Jarvis Moss, Reggie Nelson and Marcus Thomas.
Caldwell was already a familiar name long before Andre Caldwell graduated from Tampa Jefferson High. His older brother, Reche Caldwell, was a receiver at Florida from 1998 to 2002. Reche was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2002.
Andre admits that he never intended to be at Florida for five years, but he finished his career as the Gators' all-time receptions leader (185 for 2,349 yards). He used those years to bulk up (6-1, 205 pounds) and still ran a blazing 4.35 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. He also impressed NFL scouts at the Senior Bowl when he returned a reverse for the game's winning score.
"I think I have a big advantage on a lot of other players," Caldwell said. "I know what they look for, what they expect."
He'll fit in just fine. NFL receivers do like to talk.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services -- PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE
Spring sports review
A look back at the past season
During this last week of classes, graduating seniors are getting their caps and gowns and taking their last finals. Spring sports are winding down as well, and coaches and players are thinking back on the season and getting ready for the next. Here are a few highlights the coaches from various spring sports chose to share.
SONYA WILMOTH SOFTBALL HEAD COACH
Wilmoth said instead of one special moment from the season, she has 50.
"Watching our team hit 50 home runs this year - shattering the previous mark of 38 - was the best," she said. The 50th hit the scoreboard at Florida Gulf Coast University.
In addition to the 50 home runs, UNF beat several nationally ranked teams including South Carolina, University of Massachusetts and Louisville. Wilmoth said she looks forward to having a great Division I record.
MATT KILCULLEN MEN'S BASKETBALL HEAD COACH
After what Kilcullen described as a tough year for the Ospreys, a much-needed win against Mercer University at the homecoming game Feb. 23 was the highlight of the entire season.
KIlcullen said the women's team's parallel victory made it that much more special.
"It was a success for everyone, and after such a tough season it was very special," he said.
DUSTY RHODES BASEBALL HEAD COACH
For Rhodes, the season started great when the Ospreys played Mississippi State and beat them two out of three games. But the standout in Rhodes' mind is that UNF has beat every state school in Florida except Florida State University. Beating the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida, both highly ranked, is something he said he is truly
proud of.
"We're really moving forward in Division I, and teams are actually getting worried when they have to play us," Rhodes said.
The baseball season ends May 16 at Gardner-Webb University, and although the team is ineligible for post-season play, Rhodes hopes they will qualify anyway.
Compiled by Sarah Diener
Contact Sarah Diener at sports@unfspinnaker.com --
PERMALINK -- TOP OF PAGE