Men's and Women's BBall Going In Different Directions

The men lost last night, and the women won, bringing both their winning percentages to .500 on the year.

The men (3-3) started the year off strong, but after last night's blow out loss to James Madison, they look like they need a spark. There's word that Carlos Monroe will be eligible soon. That could be just what the team needs to jolt them back into the winning spirits.

The women (2-2) looked good for the second strait game, stomping Bethune Cookman College.

The lady Owls host the Thanksgiving Tournament in the Burrow starting Saturday, Nov. 29 at 3 pm against Tennessee Tech, which doesn't bode well for the amount of fans that will be there since Saturday is also the FAU vs. FIU game at Dolphins Stadium at 4pm.

The men play next on Friday, Nov. 28 at 8 pm at Mcnesse State.

Hopefully the teams can digest their turkey and come out of the games with a winning record.

Improved Owls Lose to Davidson

We're not quite there yet (and when I say there I mean one of the better teams in the country), but the men's basketball team sure showed how much Mike Jarvis has improved the Owls in last night's loss to nationally ranked Davidson.

The team has gone from mediocre to all of a sudden putting up fights against some of the best teams in the nation, and all without All-American Carlos Monroe.

The only losses this year have been to Davidson, who has arguably the best player in the country in Stephen Curry (check out some highlights of him), and to Arizona, who has the nation's longest current NCAA tournament appearance streak. And we made both contests interesting, especially for it being FAU.

Anyone we are supposed to beat we have beat. Now it's time to face James Madison tonight. I expect them to come out with a vengeance after losing their chance at national recognition.

Other news:

-Jarvis and Co. signed four outstanding recruits over this past week.

-Women's basketball plays in the Burrow tonight against Bethune Cookman College at seven.

Quick Summary of this Past Week in FAU Athletics

I'm going to make this as short as possible considering I've taken about a week off from blogging.

First let's get into what nearly every American puts first in their lives... football. The Owls' (5-6, 3-3) 4 game winning streak was snapped against Arkansas State (5-5, 3-2) as FAU's inconsistency throughout the season came to a head. Passes were being dropped like they were playing hot potatoes once again. Maybe it was because it was freezing for the South Floridians, but they've been doing that all season so probably not. The defense looked pretty good again and have steadily improved the whole year. The game looked promising because they say good teams know how to score at the end of halves, and that's just what the Owls did, tying it up at 14 to end the first half. Too bad they couldn't do anything offensively in the second half. Although the Owls have played inconsistent, their wins and losses from week to week are showing a pattern. They lost their first, won their second, lost four, won four, then lost one last week. If the pattern continues, FAU looks to beat up on its rival FIU this weekend to stay bowl eligible.

Now, let's switch sports. Baseball made news this past week, even though their season doesn't start for another couple of months. They signed 10 prospects for next years team. New head coach John McCormack is already making an impact, and as sophomore pitcher Glen Troyanowski said, "He's more hand on, he's more organized, he has us feeling more together as a team."

The women's tennis team also made a new addition. They signed Marcella Hora-Cava , who brings in 26 years of experience, to lead the Lady Owls in their upcoming season that begins in early January.

More lady Owls news, the women's basketball team (1-2) got their first win of the season, defeating UCF 68-63. After looking sluggish in their first two match-ups, they came out playing hard. Maybe it was because it was an in state rivalry, but no matter what the difference maker was, look for them to play more of the same style in their next game, which is against another in state school Bethune Cookman College in the Burrow Tuesday night at 7pm.

Now, onto men's basketball (3-1), who are off to their best start in 20 years. Still no Carlos Monroe, but the guys have been looking like they're ready for an NCAA tournament birth without him. I know it's early to say it, but they barely lost to Arizona in the Wildcats own backyard, and they have won the rest of their games, and that's without their team leader. They won a close thriller against Santa Clara, and a blow out against UMKC since their only loss. Tonight the team will face it's biggest test yet at the Stephen Curry led #21 Davidson Wildcats. Tomorrow we should know just how good the team really is, well, without Monroe.

I promise to check in sooner next time. Until then, let's root on our Owls to get recognized nationally by beating one of the best basketball teams, and players, in the nation.

Men's Basketball Looks Promising, Women's...Not So Much

Even with their first loss of the season, the men's basketball team still has to feel confident in their abilities.

Last night, FAU (1-1) played Pac-10 powerhouse Arizona (1-0), who has the longest active streak in the nation with 24 consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.

FAU lost 75-62 and were leading by eight points in the first half. Keeping their lead, even though the Owls had not lost yet on the season, has been a problem so far on the year.

The Owls played once again without ineligible All-American candidate Carlos Monroe. There is still no news as to why he is unable to play.

Without him, and in front of over 13,000 fans in Tucson, Arizona, the men's team proved how far and quickly new head coach Mike Jarvis had brought them along after it's history of being a mediocre team.

The team is playing with confidence and are believing in Jarvis' coaching style. We could have a new front runner as the best sports team FAU has to offer if the team keeps playing like this, especially once Monroe returns.

On another note, the women's basketball team (0-2) lost to Georgia Southern (2-0) in the Burrow last night 83-67. It was never close, and the Lady Owls look like they have the last couple of seasons, where they managed just 6-22 records each year.

Freshman guard Breana Turner, who has led the team in scoring in both games, is proving to be a great recruitment and could be just what the team needs to get out of this rut they have been in the last couple of seasons.

The men play tonight against Santa Clara for their second NIT Tournament Tip-Off game at 8:30pm in Tuscon, Arizona. The women play next in Orlando against the University of Central Florida at 5pm on Saturday, Nov. 22.

Owls Stay in Contention For Bowl Game and SBC Championship

What a day for FAU football! The Owls manhandled the Sun-Belt's best team in the conference on Saturday at the beach-like field of Lockhart stadium. The final score: FAU- 40, ULL-29.

The score doesn't represent the whooping the Owls (5-5, 3-2) layed on the Rajin' Cajuns (5-5, 4-1). FAU was up by 33 until they put their back-ups in the game to close it out.

Rusty looked like him self again, throwing four touchdowns, no interceptions, and going 17-26 with 290 yards.

He and Corey Small, right, were named the Sun Belt Conference players of the week in their win. Small intercepted his 12th career pass, three behind the school record, and 3rd on the season, tied for the team lead with Ed Alexander, who also had an INT on the day.


During the game, Rusty became the school's all time leader in completions, 572, and touchdown passes, 53. Senior linebacker Frantz Joseph had 14 tackles in the game and became the all time leader in tackles, 306. Senior running back Charles Pierre ran in his 22nd career rushing TD, which ties the school record.

The Owls defense stepped up, keeping ULL's Doak Walker Award Semi-finalist Tyrell Fenroy to under a hundred yards. Fenroy, who came into the game in the top five in rushing in the country, has never gained over a hundred yards on the Owls defense.

With one more win, the Owls become bowl eligible. Two more wins, they have a shot at a share of the Sun-Belt Title, pending some help.

With all this on the line, there still weren't many supporters out at Lockhart Saturday.

There's only one game left that the non traveling Owl fan can see, and that's at Dolphin Stadium against FIU. Get out and support your team against those hated Golden Panthers.

Next week, FAU tries to keep their title hopes alive at conference opponent Arkansas State (4-5, 2-2). The game will be aired on the College Sunshine Sports network at 3pm Saturday Nov. 22nd.

Improved Volleyball Team Concludes Season Against FIU

The Lady Owls volleyball ended it's season this past weekend with a loss to rival FIU.

Although they finished under .500, the year wasn't all bad for the team, as their 12-17 record on the season, doubles the amount of wins from last year.

Next year they return their top 5 players in kills. FAU looks poised to keep improving.

Owls Win Regular Season Opener Without Monroe

Something is up in Owl Country and no one is giving any information.

Preseason All-American senior Carlos Monroe was all of a sudden announced as ineligible before Mike Jarvis' debut game with the Owls in their regular season opener against Monmouth University.

After the game, Jarvis would not give any information as to why Monroe was ineligible and how it didn't get resolved before the season started. This is something that has happened to Monroe in the past.

The Owls won the opener 72-69 with five players scoring in double figures.

Senior Paul Graham III stepped up for the Owls, getting team highs with 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists. Other role players helped to overcome playing without FAU's all time leading re-bounder and the team's leading scorer on Jarvis' debut night in front of the largest non-conference crowd in the Burrow, 1,404, since December 2002.

It's yet to be seen if Monroe will travel with the team to Arizona for Monday's match up.

Owls Fight for SBC Title Hopes Against ULL

FAU (4-5, 2-2) looks to keep their conference title and bowl hopes alive today at Lockhart with a win against the University of Louisiana Lafayette (5-4, 4-0), who is undefeated and number one in the Sun-Belt Conference.

ULL comes in ranked fifth in rushing offense in the nation. They play a spread offense with their running attack led by quarterback Michael Desormeaux and running back Tyrell Fenroy.

Desormeaux is playing with a bum knee, which could slow him down just enough for the Owls injury filled defense to contain ULL's rushing attack.

FAU is coming into the game with a three game winning streak. A loss would mean the Owls will need to win their last two games to become bowl eligible.

Kickoff is at 4pm. My pregame, halftime, and post game shows can be heard on FAU Owl Radio's live web stream starting at 3:30pm.

Not an Easy Start for Women's Basketball

FAU women's basketball opened up their regular season playing at Baylor, who is one of the toughest teams in the nation.

The Lady Owls were dominated on the boards, bringing down just 33 rebounds, compared to Baylor's 70. The final score: Baylor-90 FAU-45.

Owls Freshman guard Breana Turner scored a team high 14 points.

FAU plays next against Georgia Southern at 7pm on Monday night in the Burrow.

Mens Soccer Finished, Forward Shire Stadnes Receives 2nd Team Honors

The Owls men's soccer team (5-13-1, 1-4-1) lost to Buffalo (12-3-4, 4-1-2) in it's first ever Mid-Atlantic Conference game, ending FAU's season and five senior's collegiate careers.

Senior forward Shire Stadnes (above right) was the only Owl to receive post season honors, making the Mid-Atlantic conference second team.

He finishes his career in the top 10 for shots (4th, 122 shots), goals (tied-6th, 18 goals), game winning goals (2nd, 9 GW goals), and points (10th, 40 points) in FAU's history.

The Owls were coming off an Atlantic Soccer Conference title in 2007, but struggled at times in it's transfer to the more challenging Mid-Atlantic Conference. The experience should help the Owls keep building towards becoming a nationally recognized team in years to come.

The Owls gave the home fans a show they could enjoy on homecoming night at Lockhart stadium. FAU defeated North Texas 46-13.

It had everything an Owl supporter could hope for. Rusty Smith threw four touchdown passes and even got to sit out the second half so back up Jeff VanCamp could play.

Even when Mean Green (1-9, 0-5) scored on FAU (4-5, 2-2) one time the Owls blocked the extra point and took it all the way back for two points.

Fifth year senior Vinnie Henderson even got his first start of his collegiate career.

Things won't be as easy when Louisiana Lafayette (5-4, 4-0) comes to town Saturday, Nov. 15 to play at 4pm.

The Owls have won three strait after losing four in a row. A win this weekend would put them back in the hunt for a Sun Belt Championship.

Some help is needed to win out the conference, but help won't matter if they don't come out of Lockhart with a W against the ULL Ragin Cajuns.

FAU Finishes Undefeated in Preseason Play

Another close battle was fought in the burrow Monday night, with FAU defeating the Rollins College Tars 61-56.

There were some improvements from FAU's preseason opener against Lynn University.

The zone defense was implemented, something they didn't play at all in their first game. It worked well, with center/forward Brett Royster coming up with a couple of big time blocks while coming over to help out down low.

The biggest change from game one come was from the free throw line. Jarvis called game one's performance "awful" and "something to work on."

Well, they must have worked hard at it because FAU went 32-40 against the Tars after going just 16-31 against Lynn. The Owls held RCT to 13-19 from the stripe, with all the attempts coming in the second half.

Being patient and cutting down on timely turnovers are something the team needs to focus on. Also, All America Carlos Monroe had only five points against the Tars, so he needs some more touches.

Sophomore Xavier Perkins looks poised for a break out year, but he needs to stay out of foul trouble. He fouled out against the Tars after scoring 12 points.

All in all a win is a win, and the Owls finished the preseason undefeated and you can't be mad at that.

The regular season begins Friday, Nov. 14 in the Burrow against Monmouth University at 7pm.

Note: FAU women's basketball team begins regular season play also Friday Nov. 14, but will be away against nationally ranked Baylor.

Three Women's Soccer Players Receive All Sun-Belt Conference Honors

Sophomore forward Laura Hyvonen, a transfer from Vantaa, Finland, was named this years Sun-Belt Conference "Newcomer of the year." She was the only Owl to score in their 4-2 loss in the Sun-Belt Conference semifinal match up against Denver University.

The same award went to senior middle fielder Jannica Tjeder last season. This year Tjeder was named to the All-Sun Belt Conference Second Team along with teammate Ashley Mannarino.

It's just another reason to be proud of Lady Owls soccer.

Women's Soccer Ends Season With Loss to Top Seeded Denver University

The Lady Owls (7-10-2) had lost just once in their last eight games coming into their semifinals match up with the best team in the Sun Belt Conference, Denver University.

FAU ended their regular season with a scoreless tie against rival FIU in Boca. The Owls haven't lost to the Panthers since 2000.

FAU, the tournaments #5 seed, played Middle Tennesse State, the tournaments #4 seed, in the first round, defeating them in overtime 2-1.

That lead them to play Denver (18-2-2). With a win FAU would have played for the conference championship.

The Lady Owls were down 4-0 in the second half, when sophomore Laura Hyvonen answered with two goals in a span of five minutes.

FAU, who was 1-8 at one point in the season, couldn't muster up another miracle comeback.

A hard fought battle ended a hard fought season, and the girls should keep their heads held high.

Mens Soccer Begins Its First Ever MAC Tournament

The men's soccer team (5-12-1) will play Buffalo (11-3-4) on Thursday Nov. 13 in Akron, Ohio to being their first ever Mid-American Conference Tournament.

FAU lost to Buffalo 3-0 earlier in the season.

The Owls were the Atlantic Sun Conference Champions last season and made the transition to the MAC conference this year. They have struggled on the season, but have had some strong outings and close defeats.

The tournament takes place at the #1 team in the conference's home field. Akron is also ranked #4 nationally. Doesn't seem to fair...FAU has their work cut out for them.

Volleyball Team Faces Rival FIU Before Sun Belt Conference Tournament

Women's volleyball are 13-16 on the season. Although they won't have over a .500 record for the year, they still have a shot at bragging rights when they play at rival FIU on Saturday, Nov. 15th.

After the cross town rivalry game is played, it's on to the Sun Belt Conference Tournament that's being played from November 20-22 in Miami.

Take a drive down 95 and go support our Lady Owls.

Jarvis Era Begins in the Burrow

It was great to watch from my center court seat the Owls give their new head coach Mike Jarvis a winning return to the court in their preseason opener with a 73-69 win over cross town school Lynn University.

Fans showed up, 1,292 of them, to watch the coaching icon, who taught Patrick Ewing the game of basketball. The crowd was bigger than at any regular season game last year in the Burrow, which underwent about $10 million in renovations this summer. Good thing those extra seats were added to the east side of the gym or there might not have been enough room for everyone last game. FAU supporter's presence was felt, especially by referees with chants such as, "Hey ref, you suck," being cheered throughout the game.

Lynn University came back from being down 15 with 4:59 left in the first half to being ahead by three with just 3:13 left in the game. Good thing for the team's confidence they were able to pull out the victory in the end because most were expecting FAU to blow out the Division II opponent.

The main reason for the victory was the intense play of sophomore forward Xavier Perkins. "We wanted to come out and play harder then them," he says.

His 18 points along with senior Carlos Monroe's 21 points lead the Owls to the victory. Perkins first half dunk on a perfectly executed pass from Monroe was the top play of the night, getting all the fans off their seats.

Something to keep an eye on is the health of Perkins, who has a banged up knee, and Monroe, who has an ailing foot problem. Both said they are fine, with Monroe saying, "It's just a little foot cramp, nothing major."

A major problem throughout the game was FAU's ability to stop Lynn from scoring. They purposely played man to man defense during the entire game, but did not purposely leave open lanes all night.

Another issue was free throw shooting. Jarvis said, "It was awful. It gives us something to work on."

We'll see if their work paid off tonight at 7pm against Rollins College in the Burrow.

2008 Cross Country Sun Belt Championships

The women's finished sixth and the men's finished seventh in the 2008 Cross Country Sun Belt Championships last week in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

The high scorers were women's junior Patricia Gumps (above), who finished 17th, and men's junior Taylor Reeves, who finished 23rd.

The women dropped a spot while the men improved two spots from last year's championships.

Their last time competing for the 2008 season will be at the NCAA South Regional Tournaments on Saturday, Nov. 15 in Maryville, Tennessee.

Golf Teams Take Final Competitive Strokes Until Spring

Men's and women's golf finished second and fourth, respectively, completing their fall schedule for the 08-09 year in Deland, Florida this past week. Their spring tournaments start in February.

All five of the men's competitors ended in the top 20, the top half of the field. Sophomore Kelly McHugh (top left) had the low score for the Owls ending in fifth place. The winner of the tournament was host school Stetson.

Stetson also won the women's tournament. FAU overcame Bethune Cookman's two stroke lead going into the second and final day of the event, advancing to fourth overall.

Both coaches are happy with the play of the teams, with women's head coach Joan Joyce saying the need for an improved putting game is a weakness that begs for attention, but the overall play has been great.

Hopefully the winter break won't make the golfers swings too cold once Spring play comes around in a couple of months.