SIAC crowns Spring champions
by Eric Moore
The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) held its Spring Sports Championships in Tuscaloosa, Al. crowning champions in baseball, softball, tennis and outdoor track. Hosted by Stillman College, the events ran for five days under nearly perfect weather conditions.
Track & Field
Despite a 78-point individual performance by Fort Valley State sprinter Lynnsey Dailey, Albany State held off the Lady Wildcats to take the women's team title in outdoor track, 293 to 205.5.
Dailey won seven of eight events, setting a new SIAC record in the 100 meter hurdles. After taking the heptathlon title on Friday, the meet's top overall performer and women's track event MVP took first place in the 100 meters, 100 meter hurdles, 200 meters, 400 meters, 400 hurdles and long jump. Her only defeat was a second-place finish in the triple jump.
Albany State countered Dailey's effort with strong performances by field event MVP Shannon Armbrister and teammate Niki Giles. They combined for 48 points in the shot put, discus and hammer throw. ASU finished 1-2-6 in the pole vault and 2-3-4 in the high jump to pick up another 40 points. Llonisha Lee's wins in the 800 and 1500 meters coupled with victories in the 4 x 100 and 4 x 400 relays and scoring finishes in the events that Dailey won gave the Lady Golden Rams their winning margin,
The Albany State men were not able to knock off defending champion Morehouse in men's track, falling to the Maroon Tigers 236.5 to 194.5. ASU's Marcus Jackson earned track MVP honors and teammate Brandon Roulhac took field MVP recognition but it wasn't enough to counter the depth of the Maroon Tigers who scored in every event except the javelin.
Baseball
Albany State picked up the baseball title going undefeated for the tournament and knocking off Stillman, 6-4 in the championship game. The Golden Rams scored 48 runs in their four victories, including a 13-8 win over regionally-ranked Miles. ASU was led by tourney MVP Eric Love who batted .333 for the tournament with 9 RBIs and a home run in the championship game. As a team, Albany State batted .355 for the tournament. Morehouse finished third.
Softball
Kentucky State breezed through the tournament with wins over Stillman (14-7), Fort Valley State (7-3) and two close victories over Benedict (2-1, 6-4). The Thorobrettes had 55 hits over four games for a team batting average of .444. Tournament MVP Laura Stokes led KSU, batting .583 with 15 total bases in 12 plate appearances. She also picked up two victories and a save as a relief pitcher.
Tennis
Tuskegee won SIAC titles in both men's and women's tennis. The Golden Tiger men defeated Morehouse with LeMoyne-Owen finishing third. Tuskegee upset top-seeded Clark Atlanta to take the women's title. Benedict finished third.
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