UTB-TSC Capsules: Scorpions visit Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Tuesday
The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College faces perhaps its stiffest challenge by an NCAA opponent Tuesday when the Scorpions visit Division I Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, which defeated the University of Texas a month ago.
The Scorpions and Islanders meet at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Chapman Field.
The Scorpions (25-6) are 1-2 against NCAA opponents this season. UTB-TSC defeated Division III opponent Texas Lutheran but lost to Division I member University of Texas-Pan American and Division II Texas A&M-Kingsville.
TAMUCC is ranked No. 49 in the latest Ratings Percentage Index released Monday. The Islanders are 15-8 this year, including a 9-2 start in road games, for its best start since 2003, when they finished 33-17.
TAMUCC has played eight teams ranked in the RPI top 50 and has posted three wins. The most impressive was an 8-7 win over the Longhorns, who were ranked No. 6 in the nation at the time. Texas is No. 20 in the latest RPI top 50.
The Islanders also have defeated Oregon State 8-7 in Corpus Christi. The Beavers are ranked No. 23 in the latest RPI. TAMUCC also won one of three games against Texas Tech, which is ranked No. 47.
UTB-TSC is 3-9 against NCAA opponents all-time. In the only previous meeting between the Scorpions and Islanders, TAMUCC won 14-5 in Corpus Christi one year ago.
The Scorpions have three other NCAA opponents remaining on their schedule, all on the road. They face Division II TAMUK on March 29, Division III Concordia (Texas) April 5, and UTPA on April 26.
UTB-TSC resumes Red River Athletic Conference play with an important series against Northwood on Friday and Saturday at Scorpion Field. The Scorpions are 15-3 in RRAC play, one game behind the second-place Knights.
Fanaselle earns conference player of week award
University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College shortstop Felix Fanaselle earned a share of the Red River Athletic Conference baseball player of the week award with Kevin Smith of Louisiana State University-Shreveport.
Fanaselle, a senior shortstop from Houston, collected 12 hits - including three doubles, two triples and a home run - in a 7-1 week for the Scorpions. He accounted for at least one hit and one RBI in all eight games.
Fanaselle went 5 for 11 in a five-game sweep of Fisher College (Mass.), including a solo home run in a 10-0 victory in Game 4. He added three multiple-hit games as UTB-TSC won two games out of three against RRAC opponent Wiley College. Fanaselle drove in two runs in the first game of the series and three in the final game, both of which were won by UTB-TSC.
For the week, he was 12 of 22 hitting with eight runs scored and 12 RBIs. UTB-TSC is 15-3 in conference play and 25-6 on the season. Fanaselle has an active 14-game hitting streak, and has also driven in a run in 11 straight games.
Golf
Scorpions in fourth place after first day of OLLU Classic
SAN ANTONIO - University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College shot 304 and is in fourth place after the first day of the Our Lady of the Lake University Classic on Monday at the Golf Club of San Antonio.
The second round of the six-team tournament will be held Tuesday.
Matt Cadriel led the Scorpions' No. 1 team with a 2-over round of 74. Marcus Cavazos shot 76, while Vince Cavazos and Anthony Milligan each shot rounds of 77. Eric Cavazos' 85 score did not count toward the team total.
The UTB-TSC No. 2 team shot a round of 314, led by Adam Haley's 72 score. Joseph Lucio and Matthew Mah each shot rounds of 77, while Jeff Hoover shot a round of 88.
Western Texas Community College leads after the first round with a 287 score.
