Cade Morgan Named USA South Rookie of the Week
USA South Athletes of the Week - April 11, 2022
BASEBALL
Baseball Player of the Week
Austin Morton, Pfeiffer - The graduate student infielder from Jacksonville, Florida went a combined 11-for-16 (.688) with a .684 on-base percentage and a 1.313 slugging percentage to go along with six runs scored, 12 RBI, two doubles, one triple, two home runs, two walks, and one stolen base as the Falcons posted a 4-0 record last week. In a 7-6 win over Ferrum, Morton was 3-for-4 with one run batted in and one walk. In a three-game sweep of USA South foe Averett, Morton was a combined 8-for-12 with six runs scored, 11 RBI, two doubles, one triple, two home runs, and one walk. In game two of the sweep, Morton was a perfect 3-for-3 with seven RBI thanks to two home runs. Also Nominated: Tyler Cox, Covenant; Cullen Stafford, Huntingdon; Alex Morales, Greensboro; Gavin Wheeler, Methodist; Kyle Carlson, Piedmont; Preston Robbins, Averett; Blake Burchett, Brevard; Nelson Smith, Maryville; Drifton Padgett, N.C. Wesleyan; Jack Layrisson, LaGrange.
Baseball Pitcher of the Week
Dalton Brooks, LaGrange - The sophomore from Sharpsburg, Georgia tossed a complete-game one-hit shutout in a 1-0 win over USA South rival Brevard in his only appearance last week for the Panthers. He allowed just three walks and stuck out ten batters in the victory. Also Nominated: Austin Clark, Covenant; Ryan Hill, Methodist; Hall Billings, Huntingdon; McKinnon Martinelli, Greensboro; Chris Arbuthnot, Maryville; Ethan Stephens, Averett; Derrick Carter, N.C. Wesleyan; Nathan Sanders, Brevard; Dakota Caughey, Pfeiffer.
Baseball Rookie of the Week
Cade Morgan, Huntingdon - The freshman infielder from Hueytown, Alabama went a combined 6-for-11 (.545) with a .583 on-base percentage and a .818 slugging percentage to go along with five runs scored, four RBI, one double, one triple, and one walk as the Hawks swept a three-game series from Hampden-Sydney last week. Also Nominated: Sam Hayen, Greensboro; Kyle Carlson, Piedmont; Preston Robbins, Averett; Josh Turner, Pfeiffer.
Baseball Rookie Pitcher of the Week
Jacob Brown, LaGrange - The freshman from Duluth, Georgia earned a win and a safe in two relief appearances last week for the Panthers. In 6.1 total innings pitches, Brown did not allow a run or a walk on two hits with seven strikeouts. The victory came over Berry while the save was against USA South foe Brevard. Also Nominated: Chase Carroll, Methodist; Hayden Woods, Greensboro; Nic Mirabella, Maryville; Jake Braun, Averett; Jacob Thompson, Brevard.
SOFTBALL
Softball Player of the Week
Vanessa Davis, Covenant - The sophomore outfielder from St. Cloud, Florida was 3-for-3 (1.000), reaching base in all three plate appearances with a 3.000 slugging percentage to go along with two runs scored, three RBI, and two home runs in the only game she appeared in last week for the Scots due to injury. In the 9-8 win over USA South foe Brevard, Davis' second home run of the game broke an 8-8 tie in the sixth inning. Also Nominated: Madison Henry, Piedmont; Natalie Ritchey, Huntingdon; Bethany Junker, Methodist; Nadia Pittman, William Peace; Amaya Goodloe, Maryville; Lauren Johnston, Averett; Savanah Atkins, Salem; Alexis Walter, Pfeiffer; Alyssa Drake, Meredith; Emily White, Brevard.
Softball Pitcher of the Week
Anna Suggs, William Peace - The junior from Tabor City, North Carolina earned a 2-0 record in two appearances, both starts, last week for the Pacers. In wins over USA South foes N.C. Wesleyan and Southern Virginia, Suggs totaled 11.0 shutout innings pitched, allowing five hits and four walks with nine strikeouts. Also Nominated: Emma McBrayer, Piedmont; Katelyn Holcombe, Huntingdon; Brittany Jones, Methodist; Kennedy Henry, Maryville; Hannah Thompson, Averett; Emily Humphrey, N.C. Wesleyan; Katie Gerhardt, Salem; Ashlyn Kennedy, Pfeiffer; Sarah Gundlach, Meredith.
Softball Rookie of the Week
Adanya Day, William Peace - The freshman infielder from Lexington Park, Maryland was a combined 7-for-11 (.636) with a .583 on-base percentage and a 1.273 slugging percentage to go along with four runs scored, seven RBI, one double, two home runs, and two stolen bases as the Pacers posted a 4-0 record over USA South competition last week. In a doubleheader sweep of N.C. Wesleyan, Day was a combined 2-for-5 with one run scored, one run batted in, one double, and one home run. In a doubleheader sweep of Southern Virginia, Day was a combined 5-for-6 with three runs scored, six RBI, one home run, and two stolen bases. Also Nominated: Lauren Kay, Covenant; Jasmine Lowery, Piedmont; Miranda Treadway, Huntingdon; Kayleigh Raynor, Methodist; Hannah Jones, Averett; Arianna Ryan, Salem; Gracie Griffin, Pfeiffer; PresLee Hix, Agnes Scott; Alexis Whitfield, N.C. Wesleyan; Jessie Woller, Meredith.
Softball Rookie Pitcher of the Week
Madison McIntosh, Berea - The freshman from Mount Vernon, Kentucky earned a 1-0 record in two appearances, one start, last week for the Mountaineers in a doubleheader against USA South foe LaGrange. In 8.2 total innings, McIntosh did not allow a run on three hits with one walk and six strikeouts. In the first game, McIntosh tossed a complete-game shutout, allowing three hits and one walk with five strikeouts. Also Nominated: Maggie Harris, Covenant; Heidi Layne, Methodist; Emily Humphrey, N.C. Wesleyan; Katie Gerhardt, Salem; Alexa Daniel, Meredith.
MEN'S LACROSSE
Men's Lacrosse Player of the Week
Avery Jenks, Piedmont - The Peachtree City, Georgia senior attackman totaled nine points on six goals and three assists to go along with nine ground balls and two caused turnovers as the Lions posted a 2-0 record last week against USA South competition. In an 18-3 win over Huntingdon, Jenks scored four goals with two assists, five ground balls, and one caused turnover. In a 12-5 victory over William Peace, Jenks scored twice with one assist, four ground balls, and one caused turnover. Also Nominated: Ryan Comeau, LaGrange; Hunter Vaughan, Methodist; Nick Falso, William Peace; Connor Taff, Averett; Treven King, Pfeiffer; Tennison Schmidt, Southern Virginia; Will Beyer, Greensboro.
Men's Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week
Tucker Hill, Pfeiffer - The Victor, New York senior faceoff specialist was 21-for-24 (.875) on draws while also adding 15 ground balls as the Falcons defeated USA South rival Greensboro, 11-9, in the team's only contest last week. Also Nominated: Jake Bandler, Methodist; Johnny Matrona, Piedmont; Marques Fleming, Averett; Jack Hicks, Brevard; Michael Brown, Southern Virginia; Chris Stallings, Greensboro.
Men's Lacrosse Rookie of the Week
Ryan Comeau, LaGrange - The Canton, Georgia freshman attackman totaled seven points on three goals and four assists in a 21-6 win over USA South foe Brevard in the team's only contest last week. He also added two ground balls and one caused turnover in the victory. Also Nominated: Cy Horner, Methodist; Daniel Ando, William Peace; Andrew Pagano, Piedmont; Jay Etheridge, Averett; Nick Pekins, Pfeiffer; Gabe King, Southern Virginia; Leo Ringelberg, Greensboro.
WOMEN'S LACROSSE
Women's Lacrosse Player of the Week
Elizabeth Peasley, Averett - The Wilmington, North Carolina senior midfielder totaled 11 points on nine goals and two assists, to go along with 19 draw controls, 11 ground balls, and one caused turnover last week as the Cougars posted a 2-0 record against USA South competition. In an 18-4 win over N.C. Wesleyan, Peasley scored three times with one assist, eight draw controls, two ground balls, and one caused turnover. In a 17-8 victory over Pfeiffer, Peasley scored six goals with one assist, 11 draw controls, and nine ground balls. Also Nominated: Jordan Alvis, Huntingdon; Kayla Nee, Methodist; Lindley Ward, Piedmont; Parker Moore, Brevard; Tyler John, Southern Virginia.
Women's Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week
Meredith Sinkler, Meredith - The Greensboro, North Carolina junior defender totaled seven caused turnovers and five ground balls as the Avenging Angels posted a 3-0 record last week against USA South competition. In wins over Methodist and Southern Virginia, Sinkler totaled three caused turnovers and two ground balls in each contest. In a victory over Huntingdon, Sinkler caused one turnover and grabbed one ground ball. Also Nominated: Morgan Coppini, Huntingdon; Kaylee Moreland, Piedmont; Adriana Perez, Averett; Jordan Pendergraft, Pfeiffer; Aydriyan Upchurch, N.C. Wesleyan; Lexi Maclauchlin, Brevard.
Women's Lacrosse Rookie of the Week
Faith Bowlin, Averett - The Abingdon, Maryland freshman attacker totaled eight goals, 11 draw controls, ten ground balls, and two caused turnovers as the Cougars posted a 2-0 record last week against USA South competition. In an 18-4 win at N.C. Wesleyan, Bowlin posted five goals, six draw controls, two ground balls, and two caused turnovers. In a 17-8 victory over Pfeiffer, Bowlin scored three goals with eight ground balls and five draw controls. Also Nominated: Celina Owens-Campbell, Huntingdon; Erika Henry, Methodist; Kaylee Moreland, Piedmont; Analise Robinson, Pfeiffer; Emily Denaga, Brevard; Adelaide Smith, Southern Virginia.
MEN'S TENNIS
Men's Tennis Player of the Week
Jhonny Acosta, N.C. Wesleyan - The senior from Ita, Paraguay earned a 2-0 singles record with a 2-1 doubles mark, all at the number-one position, last week for the Battling Bishops. In singles, Acosta defeated the region's ninth-ranked player from Southern Virginia, as well as a victory against the top player from Virginia Wesleyan. In doubles, Acosta teamed with Juan Pablo Vallejo to gain wins over opposition from Methodist and Virginia Wesleyan. Also Nominated: Austin Dreslinski, Covenant; Jordan Theron, Methodist; Jorge Figueroa, Averett.
Men's Tennis Rookie of the Week
Luca Knese, N.C. Wesleyan - The freshman from Koln, Germany earned a 3-0 record, all at singles, for the Bishops last week. At the number-four position, he collected wins over opponents from Methodist and Virginia Wesleyan, while at the number-five spot, he grabbed a win over Southern Virginia. Also Nominated: Evan Kane, Methodist; Alberto Nunez, Piedmont; Jay Trip, Averett.
Men's Doubles Team of the Week
Gill Dunn and Ethan Gibson, Covenant - The Scot duo earned a 2-0 record last week versus USA South competition, splitting time at the number-one and two spots. The wins came over opposition from Huntingdon (number-one position) and Piedmont (number-two position). Also Nominated:Quinn McNamara and Jordan Theron, Methodist; Chris Bale and Patrick Dempsey, Piedmont; Stan Martherus and Jay Trip, Averett; John Falke and Thato Holmes, N.C. Wesleyan.
WOMEN'S TENNIS
Women's Tennis Player of the Week
Imani Vincent, Piedmont - The junior from Lawrenceville, Georgia earned 2-0 singles record at the number-one spot and a 2-0 doubles mark at the number-two position for the Lions last week over opposition from USA South foes Brevard and Covenant. In doubles, Vincent teamed with Melissa Gish and Alyssa McSpadden to earn the wins. Also Nominated: Madelyn Savage, Covenant; Valeria Matute, Methodist; Inka Zeilstra, Averett; Haley Gilley, Salem; Hannah Hersh, Brevard; Paula Snelson, Southern Virginia.
Women's Tennis Rookie of the Week
Maxence Lippens, Averett - The freshman from Gent, Belgium earned 2-0 singles and doubles records, all at the number-one position, for the Cougars last week with wins over opposition from USA South foes Mary Baldwin and Pfeiffer. In doubles, Lippens teamed with Linnea Sjostrom Krook for the wins. Also Nominated: Lauren Carr, Covenant; Alyssa McSpadden, Piedmont; Megan Rekieta, Pfeiffer; McKinley Rice, Salem; Hannah Hersh, Brevard; Paula Snelson, Southern Virginia.
Women's Doubles Team of the Week
Maxence Lippens and Linnea Sjostrom Krook, Averett - The Cougar duo earned a 2-0 record at the number-one doubles position last week against opposition from USA South foes Mary Baldwin and Pfeiffer. Also Nominated: Gillian Bosko and Madelyn Savage, Covenant; Valeria Matute and Veva Willocks, Methodist; Rachel Marsh and Abbey Grace Venham, Piedmont; Haley Gilley and McKinley Rice, Salem; Hamrick Perry and Sophie Trantham, Brevard.
MEN'S TRACK & FIELD
Men's Track Athlete of the Week
Christopher Kirksey, Mary Baldwin - The freshman from Richmond, Virginia competed at the Christopher Newport New Captains Classic last week winning the 400 meters in a time of 49.59. Also Nominated: Connor Moranos, Piedmont; Drew Topoly, Methodist; Keyshawn Campbell, Pfeiffer; George Wells, Brevard.
Men's Field Athlete of the Week
Jerome Bass, Brevard - The senior from Red Springs, North Carolina competed at the Lenoir-Rhyne Bear Invitational last week in two events. In the discus, Bass' best throw was 26.20 meters while in the Shot Put, his best effort was 14.91 meters. Also Nominated: Anthony Jordan, Piedmont; Kenneth Wilkes, William Peace.
Men's Track Rookie of the Week
Christopher Kirksey, Mary Baldwin - The freshman from Richmond, Virginia competed at the Christopher Newport New Captains Classic last week winning the 400 meters in a time of 49.59. Also Nominated: Zane Smith, Piedmont.
Men's Field Rookie of the Week
Justin Scott, William Peace - The freshman from Leasburg, North Carolina competed at the N.C. A&T Aggie Invitational last week in two events. In the javelin, Scott set a new program record with a throw of 34.82 while in the shot put, his best effort was 11.20 meters. Also Nominated: None.
WOMEN'S TRACK & FIELD
Women's Track Athlete of the Week
Val Angel, Piedmont - The senior from Duluth, Georgia competed at the Lee Univ. Flames Invitational last week and set a new program record in the 5,000 meters, completing the race in a time of 18:30.50. Also Nominated: Brina Bentley, Pfeiffer; Corrine Weaver, Meredith.
Women's Field Athlete of the Week
Aaliyah Thomas, Pfeiffer - The senior from Pawley's Island, South Carolina competed at the Randolph Wildcat Festival last week in four events. The highlight of Thomas' competition was setting a new personal best in the hammer with a throw of 41.23 meters. Thomas also took part in the discus and shot put. Also Nominated: Perryn Morgan, Piedmont; Myla Barnes, William Peace.
Women's Track Rookie of the Week
Ileyna Brooks, Piedmont - The freshman from Valdosta, Georgia competed at the Lee Univ. Flames Invitational last week at set personal bests in each of the two events she entered. In the 100 meters, Brooks finished in a time of 13.44 while clocking in at 27.66 in the 200 meters. Also Nominated: Alexus Boyd, Pfeiffer.
Women's Field Rookie of the Week
Allie Feltus, Piedmont - The freshman from Natchez, Mississippi competed at the Lee Univ. Flames Invitational last week in two events. In the discus, her best effort was 31.94 meters while in the hammer throw, Feltus set a mark of 31.76 meters. Also Nominated: Majesty Smith, William Peace; Elizabeth Jones, Pfeiffer.
PLEASE NOTE: At least half of the teams in a sport must have competed within the previous week for honors to be awarded.