Athletes Beyond Bartow: Robinson helps lead Emmanuel to NCCAA title
Former Excel Christian Academy standout Elijah Robinson was part of a National Championship team at Emmanuel College. Emmanuel is transitioning to NCAA D-II status and was ineligible for post-season play in the NCAA. The 6-5 swingman helped the Lions capture the National Christian College Athletic Association national title where he notched a double-double in the championship game.
This update also includes local athletes competing in college golf, softball, tennis, and track and field. NOTE: The baseball update was published in a separate article this week. NOTE: Nicholas Sullivan, The Daily Tribune News, contributed to this report.
BASKETBALL
ELIJAH ROBINSON — Emmanuel College, Sr., G/F, Excel Christian Academy)… posted a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds in the championship game of the National Christian College Athletic Association tournament. He helped the Lions win the title with an 85-65 win over Southwestern Christian. In the first round, he had 18 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals. He had a quiet night in the semifinals, putting up just nine points before bouncing back in the championship tilt.
GOLF
MAGGIE ASHMORE — Augusta University (Sr., Kingston, GA, Heritage Golf Academy, HIlton Head, SC)… tied for 12th individually in the 3M Augusta Invitational hosted by Augusta University this past weekend. She shot 75 in each of her first two rounds before a fantastic four-under-68 to close strong. The Jaguars finished tied for second with Purdue — nine strokes back of champion Georgia. Augusta will play in the Henssler Financial Intercollegiate hosted by Kennesaw State Mon.-Tue, March 26-27 at Pinetree Country Club in Kennesaw.
LINDSEY BONNER — York University (Fr., Cartersville HS)… finished 18th as York won the Mary Washington Eagle Invitational over the weekend. Bonner shot 112-102 in the 36-hole event. The Lady Spartans compete next in the Ursinus Spring Invitational Saturday and Sunday in Elkton, MD.
HANNAH MAE DEEMS — Mercer University (Sr., Taylorsville, GA, Darlington HS)… improved each round at the 3M Augusta Invitational. She shot 78, 76 and 73 over the three rounds to land in a tie for 36th. Mercer placed ninth in the 15-team event. Next for the Bears is the LSU Tiger Golf Classic Friday through Sunday in Baton Rouge.
SOFTBALL
SIERRAH GANI — Georgia Highlands CC (Fr., OF, Cass HS)… went 0-for-2 in both games of a Sunday doubleheader split with South Georgia State College. She drove in one run in the first game, an 8-3 loss. GHC (19-12, 7-3) plays at USC Salkehatchie Wednesday and returns to conference play Saturday at West Georgia Tech.
CASSIDY HOWREN — Reinhardt University (Sr., C, Adairsville HS)… went 4-for-17, highlighted by a 3-for-4 performance in the first game of the week, in six appearances over the past seven days. She had an RBI in that standout outing against Point University. The Eagles (13-17, 3-4) host Tennessee Wesleyan Thursday in an Appalachian Athletic Conference matchup.
SYDNEY HODORFF — LaGrange College (Jr., C, Woodland HS)… finished 5-for-11, including a double and a triple, over four games this past week. She added one walk, three runs scored and three RBIs. LaGrange (9-15, 7-3) entertains Piedmont Saturday and Brevard College Sunday in doubleheaders.
HANNAH KNAPP — Coastal Alabama CC (Soph., C, Adairsville HS)… Knapp was hitless in her only at bat of the past week, striking out in a 14-5 win over Lurleen B. Wallace CC. The Eagles (9-22, 3-1) host Coastal Alabama South CC Tuesday, play at Enterprise State CC Thursday, and host Bishop State CC Saturday.
KAILAH RAIN — Embry Riddle University (Sr., OF, Cartersville HS)… (photo right) was 5-for-16 in five wins over the previous seven days. She scored six runs, drove in five and stole three bases to improve to 12-for-12 in stolen base attempts. ERU (22-6, 12-3) hosts Columbus State University Wednesday and plays a three-game Sunshine State Conference series at Tampa University Friday and Saturday.
BAILEY ROBINSON — West Georgia Tech CC (Fr., Inf., Adairsville HS)… Robinson finished the week 2-for-7 with a walk in six plate appearances. WGTCC (4-16, 0-10) hosts Georgia Military College and LaGrange College Thursday and will entertain Georgia Highlands CC Saturday evening.
ANNALYN YANTIS — Samford University (Jr., P, Cartersville HS)… took a pair of losses in three appearances (two starts) for Samford this past week. She pitched three innings out of the bullpen in a loss to Mississippi State; she had six solid frames in a 2-0 loss to Belmont; and she allowed eight runs (three earned) over 5 1/3 innings against St. Bonaventure. Samford (7-23) plays visiting Alabama A&M Wednesday before traveling to East Tennessee State University Saturday and Sunday for a three game Southern Conference series.
TENNIS
PEYTON GOLLHOFER — Ball State (Jr., Cartersville, GA; Laurel Springs Academy)… eased to a No. 1 singles win in Ball State's 4-3 loss to Dayton on Friday. She won the match 6-1, 6-4, but she fell in a doubles match with Victoria Sec by a score of 6-2. BSU (7-5) hosts Miami (OH) Friday and plays at Bowling Green Sunday as Mid-American Conference play begins.
TRACK AND FIELD
BREE COLE — Jacksonville State University (Fr., Cartersville HS)… wound up 45th in the 5000-meter run at the Yellow Jacket Invitational this past weekend at Georgia Tech. Next meet for the Gamecocks is the Choccolocco Challenge in Oxford, AL March 30-31.
SPENCER FIELDS — Rhodes College (Jr., Kingston, GA; Darlington HS)… had a great showing in the 5000-meter run at the Rhodes College Track and Field Invitational. He placed third out of 81 participants. The Lynx compete next at the Harding Invitational Saturday in Searcy, Arkansas.
ANNA HIGHTOWER — Georgia Tech (Jr., Cartersville HS)… placed second in the pole vault at the Yellow Jacket Invitational, clearing 3.85 meters. The Yellow Jackets participate in the Florida State Relays Friday in Tallahassee.
BLAKE PERRY — Jacksonville State University (Sr., Cartersville HS)… Perry finished 21st in the 100-meter hurdles during the Yellow Jacket Invitational. The next meet for the Gamecocks is the Choccolocco Challenge in Oxford, AL March 30-31.
SAMANTHA PATTERSON — Jacksonville State University (Sr., Woodland HS)… took fourth in the pole vault with a top clearance of 3.55 meters in the Yellow Jacket Invitational. The next meet for the Gamecocks is the Choccolocco Challenge in Oxford, AL March 30-31.
