UTB-TSC Capsules: Scorpions lose UMHB Invitational by one stroke

One shot was all that separated University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Fall Invitational champion Tyler Junior College and the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College in men’s golf Tuesday at Mill Creek Golf Club in Salado.

The Scorpions, who trailed Tyler JC by nine strokes after the first round Monday, fell one shot short of a comeback. UTB-TSC, which shot 296 on Monday, improved to 293 for a 589 total. TJC had a 287 on Monday and 301 for a 588 total.

"We came back strong,　and had a chance to win it on the last hole," Scorpions coach Bob Lucio said. "I like that we shot lower today than we did (Monday). It was a large, talented field, and I was really proud of how we did."

Individually, Brock Crosson shot even par 71 for a 143 total that was good for a second-place tie. Trevor Turnbow of Lubbock Christian shot 142 for individual medalist honors.

Other scores for the Scorpions were Vince Cavazos 147 (72-75), Chris Milligan 148 (74-74), and Markus Cavazos 151 (78-73). Victor Calzada’s 161 (80-81) did not count toward the team total. Joseph Lucio, playing as an individual, shot a 155 (79-76).

"We have a really strong well-balanced team," Lucio said. "This is a championship team and we will be able to compete with anybody."

After winning over a 13-team field and posting a 12-0 record during their first tournament, the Scorpions (28-1) posted a 16-1 record at UMHB. Records are calculated by how many teams a team defeated in a specific tournament.

The Scorpions came into the tournament ranked second in the nation among NAIA teams by GolfStat. Prior to the UMHB Tournament, their scoring average one tournament was 1.25 shots under par. Their total this week was 2.625 shots over par, giving them an average of 1.375 shots over par after two tournaments.

UTB-TSC women’s golf takes 10th

The University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College women’s golf team finished the final round of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Fall Invitational in 10th place, the exact position they were after the opening round Monday.

The Scorpions shot a 373 to go with an opening-round score of 362 for a 735. Lubbock Christian won with a 621 score.

Krystal Garza shot an 88 on Tuesday, the lowest score for any Scorpions player during the two-day tournament, to go with an opening 89 for a 177. Other scorers included Andrea Cadriel with 184 (89-95), Cat Lira with 185 (90-95), and Amanda Anzaldua with 189 (94-95). Larissa Loredo’s 208 score did not count toward the team total.

"We just struggled all the way through," Scorpions coach Bob Lucio said. "We have a lot more talent than what we are showing so far. We need to get back on the right track."

The next action for the Scorpions will be Oct. 12 and 13 at the Trinity University Invitational.

Scorpions volleyball readies for Trinity

Trinity University, perhaps the toughest opponent remaining on the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College’s regular-season volleyball schedule, will be out to snap the Scorpions’ 15-match winning streak at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Sams Gym.

The Tigers, traditionally one of NCAA Division III’s stronger teams, are 1-1 against the Scorpions. UTB-TSC won in 2007 and Trinity won in 2008. Both matches were held in San Antonio.

This year, the No. 16 Tigers are 15-5.

No. 11 UTB-TSC (18-1) is one of the hottest NAIA teams in the country, bringing a 15-match winning streak to San Antonio. The Scorpions’ only loss was to No. 5 Georgetown College (Ky.), and the Scorpions have swept eight of the past nine matches.

The Trinity match is the final non-NAIA opponent of the season for the Scorpions. UTB-TSC finishes the season with nine Red River Athletic Conference matches starting at 4 p.m. Friday at home against Texas Wesleyan.

Individually for the Scorpions, Arlene Ferreira leads in kills (3.8 per set) and digs (4.4 per set), while Judith Boel leads in aces (0.4). Daianarah Bracero leads in assists (10.1) and Valquiria Caboclo leads in blocks (0.9).

Volleyball climbs in rankings

UTB-TSC moved up one spot in volleyball to No. 11 and remained No. 17 in men’s soccer in the newest NAIA coaches top 25 rankings.

The volleyball team was ranked No. 12 for two consecutive weeks. Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho) was ranked No. 11 but dropped down after losing two matches last week.

UTB-TSC was 4-0 in matches last week. The Scorpions lead the Red River Athletic Conference with a 6-0 record.

Meanwhile, the UTB-TSC men’s soccer team (7-0-1, 1-0 RRAC) stayed at No. 17 after a 1-0 win over Our Lady of the Lake.

Three UTB-TSC players honored by RRAC

UTB-TSC volleyball senior Daianarah Bracero, men’s soccer sophomore Frederick Ekvall, and women’s soccer freshman Jodie Hunter were named RRAC　players of the week.

Bracero received the setter of the week Award. In a 3-1 victory on the road over The University of Texas of the Permian Basin, she had 49 assists and added five kills and six digs. In an important 3-0 win over conference rival Wiley College, she had 41 assists and added five kills and four digs.

Counting two matches against Jarvis Christian College and Texas College, she finished the week with 151 assists in 13 sets, an average of 11.62 per set. She leads the RRAC in assists with a 10.06 average. The Scorpions are 18-1 and ranked 12th in the nation.

Bracero shared the honor with Angelica Arroyo of Texas Wesleyan.

Ekvall, a sophomore midfielder from Boras, Sweden, scored the only goal of UTB-TSC’s match with Our Lady of the Lake when he knocked in a loose ball off a corner kick. It was Ekvall’s second goal of the season and it kept UTB-TSC unbeaten on the season.

Ekvall shared the award with Omar Dijba of Huston-Tillotson.

Hunter, a freshman defender from Batley, England, harassed OLLU all game long. Of the five shots allowed by UTB-TSC (3-3-2, 0-0-1), only two were on goal.

Hunter shared the award with OLLU goalkeeper Kat Kirsch.