Athletics News
|
| PVCC Home |
Athletics News |
| Latest Articles | All This Year's Articles | Go to PVCC Home | Back to Athletics Home |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Athletic News Articles from 2008
Pumas Adopt a Family The PVCC softball team, working with the College's Student Life Office, recently participated in the college wide Adopt-A-Family program. This past Wednesday, the members of the Puma softball team delivered a van full of wonderful Christmas gifts to their adopted family of five. More than a few tears of joy and happiness were shed by, Mom,Dad, the three children as well as the entire team. Numerous and memorable pictures were taken and shared. Thank you's from the family left lasting images that will not be forgotten by PV's student athletes. Many thanks to each member of the team and to coach Candrea for their efforts in contributing the College's mission of "positive social change." Outstanding job Pumas!
Oelschlager named NJCAA All-American For the third year in a row a member of the Paradise Valley Community College Women’s Soccer team earned individual NJCAA All-American recognition. The NJCAA announced the women’s soccer All-American teams, awarding freshman forward Ally Oelschlager 2nd team honors for her contributions to the 2008 Puma season. Oelschlager finished the year with 12 goals and 10 assists. She earned First Team All-Conference honors as well. With the efforts of Oelschlager the Pumas completed the season with a record 18 wins and an 18-2-2 overall record. PV posted single season highs for most wins, goals, individual goals and individual assists. Their season ended in a 1-0 loss to Chandler-Gilbert in the Region Finals in October.
NATIONAL CHAMPS! Relying on a formula that carried them to victory in three previous championships this season, the Paradise Valley Community College men’s cross country team won the National Junior College Athletic Association’s national cross country championship title Saturday in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The Pumas started conservatively and then ran through the championship course like a pack of wolves, eating up the course and the competition. Placing their top five runners between 16th and 28th places, Paradise Valley’s 33 second spread, from their first through fifth runners, left them with a score of 97 points to runner-up South Plains College’s 109. “There is power in numbers”, said Coach Dave Barney, “When you see your whole team right there with you it gives you incredible strength! These guys go out there, find their teammates, and they start rolling! Once they get started, it’s hard to stop them!” Leading the charge for the Pumas was sophomore Eric Harasyn who finished 16th overall with a time of 25:20 over the eight kilometer course. Finishing only two seconds behind Harasyn was freshman Tailhar Hasson. Hasson finished in 17th place with a time of 25:22. Following Hasson, the Pumas continued to pack in with George Alex in 21st (25:32), Aaron Sherf, 23rd (25:39), Jeremy Sudbury, 28th (25:53), Denis Patrick, 37th (26:12) and Marcos Bailon in 42nd (26:22). “These guys were big-time today,” commented Barney, “They ran with poise, they ran with confidence, they ran their race! They’ve been believers all season long and they were believers today! Dreams do come true- they come true right here!” Saturday’s victory marks the second national title for the Pumas in five years, all seven of the PV men were named to the National Junior College Coaches Association All-American team and Coach David Barney was named NJCAA Men’s Cross Country National Division I Coach of the Year. The Paradise Valley women also ran well at the national meet, finishing seventh overall with a score of 221 points. Iowa Central Community College won the meet for the second year in a row with a low score of 53 points. “I’m pleased with our women’s team- we’ve got a squad of seven freshmen with very little experience”, said Barney, “We had a tough year last year- for us to come back and finish seventh is a big step in the right direction. You watch these girls, they’re going to be in the mix next year!” The PV women were led by freshman Hailey Hanna who finished tenth place overall with a time of 18:41. Hanna was followed by Kacee Hildebrandt, 30th overall (19:37), Natalie Robinson, 39th(19:45), Erin Sesemann, 81st(20:43), Bobbi Ann Cooley, 90th(20:52), Megan Young, 93rd(20:54) and Charla Christopher, 106th(21:08). Hanna was named second-team NJCAA All-American, and both Hanna and Hildebrandt were named to the National Junior College Coaches Association All-American team. Women’s Soccer Pumas season ends After a record 18 wins during the year, including a Region I tournament win over Pima College, the season came to an end Saturday night for PV's Pumas. The Pumas fell to Chandler/Gilbert CC 1-0. Chandler/Gilbert notched the game's only goal in the 75th minute, then survived numerous PV scoring chances to claim the title. Both Nicole Acosta and Michelle Martin had great chances to score in the game's final 10 minutes but were denied by the Coyotes' goalkeeper. CG's keeper deflected Acosta's shot from close range off the post and made a diving deflection for a save off a free kick from Martin. PV posted single season highs for most wins, goals, individual goals and individual assists. Six PV women were named to All-ACCAC teams. This was the 3rd appearance for PV in the region finals in the last 4 years. Women’s Soccer Pumas advance to Region I Championship On the strength of a hat trick by sophomore forward Chloe Hansen, the Pumas erased a 1-0 halftime deficit to claim a 3-2 victory over Pima, in today's Region I semi-finals. Hansen found the net 3 times in the first 18 minutes of the second half to stake PV to a 3-1 lead, a lead they would not relinquish. A Pima goal in the 85th minute made things very interesting down the stretch but PV held on for the win. The Pumas now advance to Saturday's Region I Championship match. Their opponent, site and game time are yet to be determined, pending the outcome of the other semi-final taking place Wednesday evening. Cross Country Pumas Men and Women - Region Champs! PV's men (27 points) far outpaced their nearest challengers Central Arizona (52) and Pima (68) to lay claim to the Region I Championship yesterday at Kiwanis Park in Tempe. All 7 of PV's men finished in the top 11 in dominating the 8K race. Jeremy Sudbury (2nd) and Eric Harasyn (4th) earned 1st team All-Region honors. George Alex (6th), Tailor Hasson (7th), Aaron Sherf (8th) and Marcos Bailon (10th) claimed 4 of the 5 slots on the 2nd team. Denis Patrick (11th) earned honorable mention status. Sudbury covered the 8K meter course in 25:15.4 (an average mile time of 5:04.9). Hailey Hanna led the PV women to the championship with her overall 3rd place finish to earn a spot on the All-Region1st team. Hanna covered the 5K women's course in 19:35. Natalie Robinson (6th) and Kacee Hildebrandt (7th) earned places on the 2nd team. Erin Sesemann finished 12th and earned honorable mention status. Bobbi Cooley (17th), Charla Christopher (18th) and Megan Young (25th) contributed to the Pumas team win as well. The PV women tallied 45 points to top regular season front runner Pima (49) and Central Arizona (68). Women’s Soccer Pumas end regular season with 17th win PV's Pumas ended the 2008 regular season with a 4-1 win over Cochise College on Saturday. The Pumas (17-1-2) earned the #2 seed in this week's Region I tournament and have a bye in today's first round. PV will host the winner of Monday's Scottsdale (6) vs. Pima (3) first round match on Wednesday at 2PM at Shoenhair Field. Chloe Hansen buried a PK in the 47th minute to get PV on the board and erase a 1-0 half-time deficit. Less than a minute later Kayla McClain scored on an assist from Ally Oelschlager. Just over 6 minutes later, Michelle Martin headed home a cross from Hansen to give PV a 3-0 lead. In the 75th minute, Hansen added her 2nd goal of the day, with an assist from Nelly Reynoso. Hansen's goal tied Jo Radcliffe's single season record for goals at 13. Radcliffe is now playing at UTEP. "This was a great way to end regular season, conference play. We are very pleased with how we have done so far this season but now it is time to start preparing for playoffs," said coach Kacey Bingham. Women’s Soccer 6 Pumas earn All-ACCAC honors No less than 6 PV Pumas were voted by coaches to All-ACCAC women's soccer teams yesterday. Leading the way was freshman forward Ally Oelschlager who was the overall #2 selection. As one of the top vote getters in the ACCAC, Oelschlager will also earn an All-American nomination. A trio of PV players were named to the 2nd team; goalkeeper Jessie Walworth (SO), defender Sami Palmer (FR) and midfielder Nicole Acosta (FR). Sophomore forwards Chloe Hansen and Simone Marshall earned honorable mention status. "Our kids have worked very hard this season, our sophomores over 2 seasons and are deserving of these selections," noted Pumas coach Kacey Bingham. "Hopefully they will continue to be successful not only this season but beyond," she added. Women’s Soccer Pumas top Glendale - climb to #10 The Pumas raised their single season high win total to 16 yesterday with a 5-0 vicotry over the visiting Gauchos from Glendale CC. PV (16-1-2), up 2 spots to #10 in this week's national poll, got goals from 4 players and assists from 5 as they dominated play in the match. "We struggled to finish goals in the first half but second half we did a good job finding the back of the net. Our back line was solid and we were very pleased with our defensive efforts," noted coach Kacey Bingham. Nicole Acosta scored twice and had an assist. Michelle Martin, Mimi Salazar and Ally Oelschalger also scored for the Pumas. Salazar, Oelschlager, Sami Palmer and Chloe Hansen all had assists on the day. Hansen's assist was her 11th on the year, a PV single season record. PV closes out the regular season Saturday against Cochise. Kickoff is at 2:30pm at Shoenhair Field. The Pumas will have a first round bye in next week's Region I playoffs. The first round is Monday, PV will open at home on Wednesday at 2PM. Their final seeding and opponent are yet to be determined. Women’s Soccer Pumas post best ever 15th win PV's Pumas (15-1-2) posted 2-0 victory at Scottsdale on Saturday night. The win eclipsed the previous single season high for team wins (14) set in 2006. "Our team did a very good job of staying composed until the end of the game," noted coach Kacey Bingham. Chloe Hansen found the net in the game's 4th minute for PV's first goal. She took a far post cross from Nicole Acosta and finished first touch. The Puma's second goal came off a corner kick from Kayla McClain when Ally Oelschlager volleyed home the corner. PV's shutout was its 8th of the year. Keeper Jessie Walworth recorded 7 saves in 90 minutes of work. Walworth leads the conference in goals against average at .081. PV's other goal keeper Mimi Salazar was named last week's ACCAC keeper of the week. PV hosts Glendale (WED, 3:30) and Cochise (SAT, 2:30) this week in the last 2 regular season games of 2008. Cross Country Strong showing at T-Bird Classic The Pumas cross country teams ended their regular season schedules this past Friday with strong showings at the Mesa Thunderbird Cross Country Classic. In a meet where team scores were not tallied, both the men’s and women’s teams were clear victors in most any method of unofficial scoring. The women’s team, coming off their best performance of the year at last weekend’s Border Wars race in Illinois, had another solid race at the Mesa meet placing three runners under twenty minutes. Freshman Hailey Hanna led the charge for the Pumas again, as she placed third overall in the Open/University invite. Hanna’s time of 18:57 over the 5000 meter race was the top time registered by a junior college runner and over a minute faster than she ran on this very same course only three weeks ago. “All of our women are really starting to run now,” commented Coach Dave Barney, “Now, is the time we’ve been preparing for all year.” Kacee Hildebrandt (19:40) and Natalie Robinson (19:50) backed up Hanna’s placing with seventh and ninth place finishes, and more importantly, finished closer time-wise to the top Puma than they had previously this season. “In cross country, it’s important to keep the gap between your first and fifth runners as close as possible- we’re closing that down- that’s a good sign, “ stated Barney. Following Robinson in, and rounding out the PV scoring, were Erin Sesemann (20:22), 16th, Bobbi Ann Cooley (20:30), 17th, Charla Christopher (20:51), 19th and Megan Young (22:53), 26th. Paradise Valley’s men’s team showed more of the same, as they, for the third meet in a row, placed at least four runners in the top-ten. The Pumas settled for six this week as Jeremy Sudbury (25:08), Tailhar Hasson (25:26), Eric Harasyn (25:59), George Alex (25:59), Aaron Sherf (26:00) and Marcos Bailon (26:00) placed fourth, fifth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth. They were backed up by Dennis Patrick (26:11) in 11th, Chris Frazier (26:32), 15th, Luis Figueroa (26:54), 16th, Cory Lymer (28:26), 26th, Blake Perrin (28:28), 27th, Jordan Hunke (29:13), 28th, Emmanuel Shimy (29:49), 32nd, and Monroe Tahmahkera (32:34), 38th. “The guys wanted to go out and run a little faster than they did here, at the conference meet, a few weeks ago”, said Barney. “They did a great job!” The Pumas will have this week off, and will then return to action at the NJCAA Region I Championship meet on Tuesday, October 28th. The region championship will take place on the same course as the conference, and Mesa’s, meet, at Kiwanis Park, in Tempe. The women will start at 10:00 a.m. and the men will begin at 10:45 a.m. Women’s Soccer Salazar - ACCAC Keeper of the Week Paradise Valley's Mimi Salazar is the ACCAC Women's Soccer Goalie of the Week for the week ending October 19th. Salazar played only 45 minutes against Mesa but stopped all three of the T-birds' shots as the Lady Puma's won 3-0. PV has yielded just 16 goals in 18 games on the season. The Pumas have psoted 8 shutouts to date in the 2008 season. Women’s Soccer Pumas blank Mesa - Set record The nationally 12th ranked PV women shutout Mesa 3-0 yesterday to notch their 14th win of the year (14-1-2). Kayla McLain had a hand in all three goals, scoring once and assisting on the other 2 Puma tallies. Mimi Salazar headed in a McClain corner kick in the 17th minute for the game's 1st goal. In the 77th minute, McClain took a far post cross from Nicole Acosta and finished, first touch. Michelle Martin took a through ball from McClain, beat her defender and finished in the 81st minute for the final goal. PV's keepers Jessie Walworth and Mimi Salazar each logged 45 minutes in the net for the shutout. "The 3 goals gave us 55 goals this year and allowed us to top our record for most goals in a season (52 in 2003)," mentioned head coach Kacey Bingham, "we hope we can continue our scoring efforts for the rest of the season." PV travels to Scottsdale CC for a 7pm match on Saturday. Just 3 matches remain in the 2008 regular season for the Pumas. Women’s Soccer Pumas battle to draw The two top ACCAC teams, to this point in the season, battled to a 1-1 tie at Chandler/Gilbert CC on Saturday night. The tie earnd the Pumas 1 point in the standings and pushed their season overall record to 13-1-2. CGCC scored the only goal in the first half in the 23rd minute on an uncontested shot from 30 yards out. PV evened the score after the break on an Ally Oelschlager goal in the 57th minute. Sami Palmer won the ball in the back line and dribbled all the way into the final third before laying the ball off. Oelschlager made no mistake off the Plamer pass and blasted it past the keeper. Coach Kacey Bingham said, "it was a very competitive game where both teams played well." "Our attack did a very good job creating dangerous scoring opportunities thoughout the match," she added. Simone Marshall had 2 very good scoring opportunities that CG defenders had to clear the off the goal line. Chloe Hansen appeared to have the game winner in the second OT period when she lobbed a high shot from 25 yards out. The CG keeper just got a hand on the shot to tip it out. PV goal keeper Jessie again drew praise, "she had another stand out game playing the full 110 minutes, Bingham noted. Just 4 games remain in the regular season. This week, the Pumas host Mesa on Wednesday at 3:30 then travel to Scottsdale on Saturday for a 7pm match. Cross Country Puma harriers best at Border Wars The Paradise Valley Community College men’s cross country team dominated Southern Illinois University’s Illinois/Missouri Border War Cross Country Championship meet Saturday in Edwardsville, Illinois. The Pumas placed four runners in the top ten over-all and won with a low score of 42 points to runner-up Pittsburg State’s 61. “Our guys ran very well today,” commented Coach Dave Barney, “it's fun to go out and rough up some universities.” PVCC was the lone community college in the 16 team field. The Pumas were led by sophomore standout Jeremy Sudbury who placed fifth over-all with a time of 26:21 for the 8000 meter course. Sudbury was the Pumas’ top scorer here last year also, when he placed 14th overall. Sudbury was followed closely by freshmen Tailhar Hasson, seventh (26:27), Aaron Sherf, ninth (26:35) and George Alex, tenth (26:43). Freshman Denis Patrick was next for the Pumas in 21st place (27:00) and was followed in by Eric Harasyn, 33rd(27:15), Marcos Bailon, 36th(27:19), Luis Figueroa, 66th(27:56) and Monroe Tahmahkera, 159th (31:15). “Jeremy had another great race, but so did quite a few of the other guys,” reflected Barney, “ They’re doing an awesome job of packing it up!” PVCC’s women’s team also had a strong day at the “Border Wars” placing eighth out of the 16-team field. “This was a huge step forward for the women,” said Coach Barney, “We’re finally starting to come together.” Leading the Pumas was freshman Hailey Hanna, who placed 6th overall in the field of over 130 runners. Hanna’s time of 18:45 was the fastest ever run by a Paradise Valley runner on the SIUE course. “I’m really proud of Hailey! She ran like a champ today”, said Barney, “She’s going to be a force to be reckoned with by the end of the year.” Following Hanna’s front running, were strong finishes by freshmen Kacee Hildebrandt, 35th (19:53), Natalie Robinson, 38th (19:55), Charla Christopher, 58th (20:30), Bobbi Ann Cooley, 63rd (20:40) and Erin Sesemann in 67th (20:42) place. Next up for the Pumas is the Mesa Thunderbird Cross Country Classic, Friday, at Kiwanis Park in Tempe. Both the men’s and women’s races will start at 7:00 a.m. Women’s Soccer PV rolls The Pumas (13-1-1) raced to a 5-0 halftime lead and never looked back to post an 8-1 win over visiting South Mountain yesterday at Shoenhair Field. Seven different PV players found the scoring column in the lopsided win. Chloe Hansen, Simone Marshall and Nicole Acosta each scored a pair of goals. Katie Jarvinen and Kayla McClain also found the back of the net. Both Hansen and McClain also added 2 assists each. Marshall, Acosta, Michelle Martin and Katie Smith each had a helper in the game. Keepers Jessie Walworth and Mimi Salazar each were in goal for a half, with SMCC's goal coming late in the game. "We were very happy with our attacking efforts today. We had a very good start and that is what we were focusing on going into the game," noted coach Kacey Bingham. The rematch with the league leading and undefeated Coyotes of Chandler/Gilbert is up next for the Pumas on Saturday. Match time is 7:00 Saturday night at CGCC. Cross Country Puma Men 3rd at G.C. Invitational The Paradise Valley Men’s cross country team placed third this past Saturday at the Grand Canyon University Invitational held at the White Tank Mountains Regional Park. PVCC, running without their top eight runners, still managed a third place finish in the 10,000 meter race. PV finished four points behind Gateway Community College and 32 points behind winner Dine College who scored 34 points. “We rested our top eight this week, they ran a great race last week at the conference championships, and they’ve got a tough one coming up at the Border Wars,” commented Coach Dave Barney. “The guys that we did run were coming off injuries. They’re still a bunch of very good runners, they’re just on their way back, and this race gave them another opportunity to get going!” The Pumas were led by Chris Frazier in seventh place, with a time of 35:19. Following Frazier were Chad Baker, eighth place (35:26), Cory Lymer, 12th place (35:53), Monroe Tahmahkera, 21st place (37:47), Jordan Hunke, 29th place (39:29), Emmanuel Shimy, 39th place (40:36) and Blake Perrin in 41st place (41:24). On the women’s side, the Pumas were represented by lone runner Charla Christopher. Christopher placed sixth overall in a time of 27:28 over the 6000 meter course. “Charla needed this race! She went out relaxed, and then had some fun!” said Barney. “She’s really going to help us out down the stretch.” Paradise Valley travels this week to Edwardsville, Illinois for the Missouri/Illinois Border Wars meet. The men are currently ranked 6th in the national poll. The women are ranked 11th nationally. Women’s Soccer Pumas nip GateWay PV's women overcame a very sluggish start and first half to defeat GateWay's Geckos 2-1 at the Rose Mofford Sports Complex Saturday night. Gateway scored the only goal of the 1st half and led at intermission. Sophomore Simone Marshall had a proverbial hand in a pair of late goals to rescue the Pumas. In the 83rd minute, Marshall headed home a Michelle Martin free kick that banged off the cross bar. Five minutes later Marshall put a through ball to Chloe Hansen who then was 1 v 1 with the keeper. Hansen made no mistake and scored the game winner. "I was a little disappointed with how our team started the game. The second half was a much better half for us but we need to be prepared from the start of the game," noted coach Kacey Bingham. The Cougars of South Mountain CC will come to PV's Shoenhair Field on Wednesday. Kickoff is slated for 3:30pm. Women’s Soccer Pumas rally for a victory PV’s Pumas rallied with 3 unanswered goals to erase a 2 goal second half deficit yesterday against Phoenix. The Pumas (11-1-1) three tallies came after the Bears had found the net twice in the first 5 minutes of the second half. Ebonee Wimberly scored first for PV in the 53rd minute. A goal from Michelle Martin (73rd) equalized. Simone Marshall’s goal (87th) proved to be the difference in the match. Sami Palmer and Nelly Reynoso had assists. Keeper Jessie Walworth made 6 saves in her 90 minutes of work in the net. Coach Kacey Bingham was proud of her team’s effort, “We were missing some key players in this game so we knew that the rest of the team needed to step up and that's exactly what they did.” “Our team showed a lot of character and heart to be able to come back after going down 2 goals,” Bingham added. PV’s women play GateWay CC next. The match is scheduled to kickoff at 6pm Saturday night at the Rose Mofford Sports Complex. The RMSC (25th Avenue between Dunlap and Peoria) is GateWay’s home field. Men’s Soccer Pumas earn victory in OT Patience and persistence earned PV's Pumas a hard fought victory over the visiting Bears from Phoenix College yesterday afternoon. PV (2-10-1) erased 1-0 and 2-1 deficits before scoring the game winner in the second 10 minute overtime period. Dyson Larricq scored in the first half, Jonathan O'Connor in the second half to pull the Pumas even. O'Connor's was a tremendous goal, a left footed top corner blast from ouside the 18. In the second OT Matt Kennedy, followed up after a Justin Vega shot and banged home a loose ball for the game winner. "Our guys have been through quite a bit this year but they have persisted," noted coach Steven Green. "It has been a challenge with all of us learning quite a bit. It was excellent for the guys to be rewarded after hanging in there and being behind twice in the game," he added. PV's 3rd road trip in two weeks is this Saturday, when the Pumas venture north to play Yavapai College. Kickoff is slated for 6pm. Women’s Soccer Walworth named NJCAA Keeper of the Week PVCC goalkeeper Jessie Walworth, a sophomore from Goodyear, AZ. (Millenium HS) has been named the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) "Keeper of the Week." Walworth was in net for both Paradise Valley victories last week. She stopped 2 shots in a 2-0 win over Cochise College and 7 more in 2-1 OT victory over Pima Community College. She stopped two shots against Cochise, then posted seven saves in the 2-1 victory over Pima. Walworth currently leads Region 1 with a 0.85 Goals Against Average. This is the second time Walworth has been named "Keeper of the Week" by the NJCAA as she was so honored last season as well. PVCC's Pumas are currently 11-1-1 overall and ranked #12 in the NJCAA national poll. Cross Country Puma men claim ACCAC championship The Paradise Valley Community College men’s cross country team took a strong step forward in their quest for a national championship title Friday, while the women’s team ran into some interference as both teams participated in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference Cross Country Championship Meet. The Puma men won their second straight conference title in fashion, placing four athletes in the top five and seven in the top ten. PVCC beat instate rival Central Arizona College by a score of 22 to 55 (low score wins), with Pima College a distant third with 78. “We ran a very strong race”, commented Coach Dave Barney, “but Central is a much better team than we saw today. I don’t think that we’ve seen the last of them.” Paradise Valley was led by freshman George Alex who finished second overall in a time of 26:24 over the eight kilometer course at Kiwanis Park in Tempe. Alex was followed closely by teammates Tailhar Hasson (26:25), Jeremy Sudbury (26:27), Eric Harasyn (26:29) and Aaron Sherf (26:33) who placed third, fourth, fifth and seventh respectively. Rounding out the team for the Pumas were Denis Patrick (ninth in 26:44), Luis Figueroa (tenth in 26:53), Marcos Bailon (twelfth in 27:14), Chris Frazier (fifteenth in 27:44), Chad Baker (20th in 28:34), Monroe Tahmahkera (29th in 29:07), Jordan Hunke (41stin 31:17) and Emmanuel Shimy (49th in 34:02). While the Puma men were on top of their game Friday, the women’s team faced one challenge after another, finishing fourth overall with a score of 70 points. “We had a couple of our women overheat with one of them ending up in an ambulance, another dropped out with a foot injury- we just never got going today”, mused Coach Barney. “Thank goodness it’s September! To have a day like this and be just one point out second place isn’t all bad. We’ve still got plenty of time.” On a high note, the Pumas were led by freshman Hailey Hanna who placed fourth overall with a time of 20:10. “Hailey ran a very good race, but she’ll be a lot better than that when it counts in November.” commented Barney. Hanna was followed by Bobbi Ann Cooley (fourteenth in 21:32), Kacee Hildebrandt (16th in 21:40), Erin Sesemann (17thin 21:47) and Natalie Robinson (19th in 21:52). Next up for PVCC will be the Grand Canyon University Invitational on Saturday, October 4th, at the White Tank Mountains Regional Park. The Pumas will sit out some of their men’s squad, and the women will not compete. Women’s Soccer Pumas nip Pima in OT The action was fast and furious as the game wound down Saturday afternoon in Tucson, as PV's women outlasted Pima 2-1 in OT. Simone Marshall tallied the game's first goal in the 82nd minute on an assist from Kayla McClain to give PV a 1-0 lead. What many thought would be the game winner proved not to be as Pima got the equalizer just 2 minutes later. Buoyed by the outstanding play of goalkeeper Jessie Walworth (7 saves), PV (10-1-1) battled into and through the first overtime. Two minutes into the 2nd OT period Nelly Reynoso found the net for the game winner. Marshall picked up the assist to accompany her earlier goal. "It was the second OT game with Pima this year and it was obviously great for us to come out on top in this one," coach Kacey Bingham said. "We struggled to find our rhythm early in the match but played increasingly better as the match went on. We were able to put much more pressue on Pima in the 2nd half and overtime," she added. The Pumas host Phoenix College Wednesday at 3:30pm. Women’s Soccer Puma pair earn ACCAC honors Simon Marshall and Jessie Walworth were named ACCAC Player and Goalkeeper of the Week, respectively, today. Marshall, a sophomore for Ironwood High School, scored goals in both PV victories last week and also added an assist. Marshall is in the top ten among ACCAC scorers for 2008 with 7 goals and 3 assists for 17 points. Walworth, a sophomore from Millenium High School, stopped 7 shots in the team's OT win against Pima on Saturday after stopping 5 shots earlier it the week against Cochise. Walworth leads the ACCAC in goals against average at .85 yielding just 5 goals in 530 minutes. Men’s Soccer Pumas fall at AWC Pv's men made the trip to Yuma and battled the Matadors to the wire. Two second half goals by the hosts, the second coming in the 90th minute, spelled defeat for the visiting Pumas. "Our guys competed and played hard througout," said co-head Steven Green. "We put everyone in the box for a free kick in the last minute in a final attempt to get the equalizer and did not convert," he added. Finding the back of the net continues to be a bugaboo for the Pumas (1-9-1). PV attempted 11 shots, forcing 7 AWC saves. PV keeper Tyler Watterson registered 11 saves on 16 Western shots. PV returns to action Saturday, again on the road, in Tucson against Pima CC. The match begins at 12 noon. Women’s Soccer #12 Pumas post 4th straight shutout PV's women, up two notches in this week's NJCAA national poll to #12, made the long trek to Douglas yesterday and came away with a 2-0 victory over Cochise. The Pumas (9-1-1) came out hard and got first half goals from Ally Oelschlager and Simone Marshall. Nicole Acosta and Katie Smith drew assists. PV had 8 shots on goal in the first 25 minutes of play. Jessie Walworth posted 90 minutes of shutout goalkeeping, extending PV opponents' scoreless streak to over 360 minutes. "In the second half we lost some of our momentum and struggled to possess the ball," noted Puma mentor Kacey Bingham, "we will have to stay more consistent in the second half of the season to continue to be successful." The second half begins Saturday when the Pumas journey to Tucson to play Pima CC at 2:30. The teams battled to a 4-4 tie in the both teams' first match of this year. Cross Country Harriers run well in '08 debut This past weekend marked the start of PVCC’s 2008 Cross Country season and the Pumas proved that they were ready to race in an impressive showing at the Dave Murray Invitational in Tuscon. The women’s team took fourth overall with 106 points, behind winner ASU (27 points), Arizona and Pima Community College. The top finisher for the women was freshman Hailey Hanna, who took 21st place in a time of 15:19. Hanna was the second Junior College runner overall. Natalie Robinson finished 2nd for the Pumas in 28th place with a time of 15:50. Robinson was followed by Kacee Hildebrandt, 30th in 15:59; Charla Christopher, 36th in 16:21; Erin Sesemann, 37th in 16:22; and Bobbi Ann Cooley, 42nd in 16:49. “We were seventh here last year, so I’m really happy with where we are right now…All of the girls ran extremely well, but Erin Sesemann had the race of the day with an impressive performance,” says Coach Barney. On the men’s side, the Pumas took third overall, placing behind ASU and Arizona. ‘The guys are off to a great start this year,” says Coach Dave Barney, “Our top three freshmen really stepped it up and ran great races.” These three freshmen were Tailhar “Big Brown” Hasson, placing 20th in a time of 19:44; Aaron Sherf, taking 22nd in 19:50; and George Alex; placing 25th in 19:53. Following those three were sophomore Jeremy Sudbury, placing 30th in 20:15; Eric Harasyn, 33rd in 20:22; Luis Figueroa, 38th in 20:36; Denis Patrick, 41st in 20:53; Cory Lymer, 42nd in 20:56; Marcos Bailon, 51st in 21:15; Chris Frazier, 52nd in 21:27; Chad Baker, 70th in 22:35; Monroe Tahmahkera, 77th in 23:18; Jordan Hunke, 78th in 23:26; Emmanuel Shimy, 79th in 23:31; and Blake Perrin, 84th in 24:51. The Pumas next stop will be the ACCAC Conference Championship meet which will take place this Friday at Kiwanis Park at 9am. When asked about his expectations, Coach Barney replied, “The men are the defending Conference champions; and the women are looking for a little redemption - it should be interesting!” Women’s Soccer #14 Pumas bounce Glendale The nationally ranked PV women took care of business on Saturday defeating the host Gauchos of Glendale by a score of 7-0. Seven different Pumas entered the scoring column in the lopsided victory. After taking a 4-0 lead into half time, PV (8-1-1) tallied 3 more times after intermission. "Our top line did a great job finishing today. Assists came from all over the field and we were happy with the overall effort," noted Pumas coach Kacey Bingham. Simone Marshall led the scoring parade with a hat trick, the first of the '08 campaign for the Pumas. Chloe Hansen found the bag twice and added an assist. Michelle Martin and Ally Oelschlager each had a goal and two assists. Nicole Acosta, Katie Smith and Sami Palmer each added an assist for PV. The Pumas still sit at #14 in the national poll and will hope to move up after a pair of shutout victories last week. Keepers Jessie Walworth and Noemi Salazar both were in net in both games last week. A pair of road games await the Pumas this week. They travel to Cochise on Wednesday (3PM) and to Tucson for rematch with Pima on Saturday (12P) to start the second half of the season. Men’s Soccer Pumas break the ice The Pumas stepped on the pitch Saturday looking for their first win of the season against Mesa CC. The Pumas dominated the most of the early action and just before the end the first half, Boris Vidovic took a bouncing ball at the top of the eighteen and finished on the far left side of the goal. PV led 1-0 at the half. The Pumas came out strong in the second half and in the 51st minute, Vidovic scored his 2nd goal of the game. After receiving a ball in the box, Vidovic dribbled left around the defender and tucked it away for a 2-0 Pumas lead. Coach Steven Green said, "this win was what the team needed because the boys having been playing well but have not been able to pull the three points at the end of the match. This will be a stepping stone for us and give us some confidence going in to the next game." That next game is Wednesday at home versus Scottsdale. Kickoff is at 1pm at Shoenhair Field. Women’s Soccer Pumas blank Mesa PV's women returned to their winning ways on Saturday at Mesa, blanking the T-birds 3-0. The Pumas notched their 6th win of the year on the strength of goals by Chloe Hansen, Nicole Acosta and Ally Oelschlager. "We played for a full 90 minutes against them," said coach Kacey Bingham. "They were a good team. We played hard the whole game and our kids showed they were willing to compete the full 90," she added. After a scoreless first half, Chloe Hansen took a flick on from Ally Oelschlager in the 60th minute and rocketed a shot into the net off the far post. Nicole Acosta scored her goal next, finishing after a free kick from Michelle Martin in the 72nd minute. In the 88th minute, Oelschlager headed home a nice cross from Hansen for the game's final goal. PV hosts Scottsdale this Wednesday at 3:30. Women’s Soccer Pumas suffer 1st loss In a battle of conference leaders, the visiting Coyotes of Chandler/Gilbert CC scored twice early in the second half, then hung on for a 2-1 victory over PV's Pumas yesterday afternoon at Shoenhair Field. The loss drops the Pumas to 5-1-1 overall but leaves them in 2nd place in the ACCAC standings. Chandler found the back of the net on a beautiful header and a long, high shot within a 5 minutes span early in the second half. The PV club responded, creating numerous scoring chances and finally pulled to within a goal with 11 minutes left when Nicole Acosta scored on an assist from Ally Oelschlager. PV could not however get the equalizer. "I think we created enough scoring opportunities to win the game but we are still struggling to find the back of the net. I was pleased with how well we played and we will continue to work on finishing our scoring opportunities so we can get a better result," said coach Kacey Bingham. Up next for the Pumas is a Saturday evening 7pm match at Mesa CC against the Thunderbirds. Men’s Soccer Pumas fall to South The game started of with a lot of energy as the Pumas came out looking to break their losing streak. Things just didn’t go the Pumas’ way early as SMCC scored their first goal in the 12th minute of the match. South scored another 2 goals before half, making it 3-0 at half-time. Coach Steven Green went to a 3-5-2 to start the second half with immediate results. In the 52nd minute, John O’Conner scored off a bouncing ball in the eighteen to break the Pumas scoring slump. The Pumas kept pressing. Shortly after O’Conner’s goal, Roberto de Lima converted a PK after being fouled in the box on a break away, to make the score 3-2. PV continued to press the action in pursuit of a tie but SMCC scored on on amazing strike off a free kick at the top of the eighteen to make the score the score 4-2 SMCC. Both teams added late goals for the 5-3 final. Women’s Soccer Pumas down SM for 5th straight A 5 goal second half barrage paved the way as PV topped South Mountain 7-2 on Saturday. A goal in the 33rd minute by Simone Marshall gave PV the lead at half-time 2-1. Five goals in the first 25 minutes of the second half sealed the victory. The win is the 5th in a row for the Pumas (5-0-1). "We had a hard time finding the back of the net in the first half, "noted coach Kacey Bingham. "We stepped up in the second half and executed much better, particularly in the final third of the field." No less than 6 Pumas contributed to the season high 7 goal effort. Chloe Hansen and Ally Oelschlager led the way, each scored 2 goals and had an assist. Kayla McClain added a goal and 2 assists. Both Marshall and Nicole Acosta notched a goal and an assist. Stacy Hock contributed an assist in her first action of the season. "It was a great team effort," Bingham added, "the whole team contributed to the win." Though still relatively in the early season, PV's next match is a big one. Conference leading Chandler/Gilbert comes to Shoenhair Field on Wednesday. Kickoff is slated for 3:30pm. Women’s Soccer Pumas blank GateWay PV's women ran their win streak to 4 with a 3-0 victory over GateWay CC at the Reach 11 Sports Complex last night. The Pumas are now (4-0-1) overall and 2-0-1 in ACCAC play. Chloe Hansen, Ally Oelschlager and Sami Palmer each recorded a goal and an assist in the win. Coach Kacey Bingham was pleased with the improved effort of her charges, "I think our team came out very focused and organized in this game. We did a very good job of possessing the ball from the start and creating dangerous scoring opportunities. The 3 point scorers for the night did a great job executing in the final 1/3 of the field." The Pumas had 13 shots on goal. Goalkeeper Mimi Salazar also drew praise for her efforts. Wednesday's shutout was Salazar's second of the young season. PV's Pumas travel to South Mountain CC on Saturday for a 12 noon match against the Cougars. Men’s Soccer Pumas fall to Yavapai PV's men continued their trend of improvement but last night's opponent made the going tough at the reach 11 Sports Complex. The visiting Roughriders from Yavapai posted a 4-0 defeat over the host Pumas. Three first half goals by the visitors put the Pumas (0-4-1) in an early hole. Yavapai's overall team speed and size proved to be a challenge. "Our guys played hard and showed some excellent flashes," said first year coach Mate Kozul. "We are on the right track but the schedule has been difficult early." The Pumas did possess the ball well at times but had trouble generating serious scoring chances. "If our guys keep working, we'll have a chance," he added. Scott Macon drew praise for his work as a central defender. Jonathan O'Connor and Joao Vandik earned high marks for their work in the offiensive end. Up next for PV is a match at SMCC on Saturday morning. Kickoff is at 9:30am. Women’s Soccer Pumas win 2 PV's women (3-0-1) posted a pair of non-conference match victories over the holiday weekend. PV defeated Dakota County Technical College (MN) 2-0 on Friday, then topped Western Nebraska 2-1 on Saturday. Against Dakota County, Simone Marshall found the net in the first half on a nice run after a nifty pass from Ally Oelschlager. After half time, Michelle Martin banged home a rebound after a shot and assist from Nicole Acosta. PV outshot the visitors 15 - 3. "We played better as the game went on, our kids used the large field at Rose Mofford well," noted coach Kacey Bingham. On Saturday, PV mounted a 2 goal second half comeback for the second time in their last 3 games. Oelschlager and Kayla McClain found the net after intermission to pace the Puma win. Acosta and Sami Palmer had assists. "Both teams played very hard and the game was relatively even," Bingham said, "we were fortunate to get the victory." PV returns to ACCAC action this week with a home game against Gateway CC at 6PM on Wednesday. That game is at the Reach 11 Sports Complex at Cave Creek and Deer Valley roads. Saturday, PV travels to South Mountain CC, with game time at 9:30am. Men’s Soccer PUMAS drop a pair The PV men have already faced their share of adversity in the season's first 2 games. The Pumas dropped a 6-0 decision to Pima in their opener last Saturday and a tough 1-0 loss at Phoenix College last night. PV played the second halves of and finished both games a man down. "Our guys are not where they need to be, for a number of reasons, but they are working hard and have the talent to play in our conference," said first year head coach Mate Kozul, "it has been a learning experience for all of us." "We made big strides from game 1 to game 2, " he added, "we have a good group of guys and if they continue to work we will have a chance." Two non conference games are up next for PV. The Pumas will host games Friday against Dakota County Technical College and Saturday night against Western Nebraska at 7:30 at the Rose Mofford Sports Complex. Women’s Soccer Late rally downs PC After trailing for most of the evening, PV's Pumas tallied twice in the last 14 minutes of the 2nd half to claim a 2-1 victory at Phoenix College last night. The victory was the first of the season for the Pumas (1-0-1) after an opening 4-4 tie with Pima on Saturday. "We went down a goal early but I'm proud of our team for working hard and coming back to score a couple goals at the end of the game," noted coach Kacey Bingham. With just over two minutes remaining, Michelle Martin banged home the game winning goal on a free kick from 40 yards out. Martin's goal came on the heels of the game tying goal by Nicole Acosta in the 76th minute. Chloe Hansen drew the assist on Acosta's goal. Six different players have scored PV's six goals on the young season. Eight players have notched either a goal or an assist to date in 2008. A pair of non-conference matches are up next for the PV women. The Pumas host Dakota County Technical College on Friday at 5:30. PV hosts Western Nebraska on Saturday at 5:30. Both matches are at the Rose Mofford Sports Complex in Phoenix.
PUMAS battle to draw in opener The 2008 season began with a tie for PV's women. The Pumas battled visiting Pima to a 4-4 draw after a steamy 110 minutes Saturday afternoon. Both teams earned a point in their first match and first conference match of the season. PVCC coach Kacey Bingham had mixed emotions afterwards, "I felt that we came out very strong in the first half and went up 3-0 but lost our focus and let Pima back into the game. The second half was a good battle between both teams. When we play good teams we have to do a better job of protecting our lead." Four different Pumas tallied goals. Chloe Hansen, Marissa Dobbs, Simone Marshall and Ally Oelschlager found the net for PV. Hansen and Marshall also had assists. Kayla McClain and Katie Jarvinen also tallied helpers. PV travels to Phoenix College for a 4:30 contest on Wednesday 8/27.
4th Annual Puma Classic Golf Tournament http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/athetics/pc_register.html The Athletics Department at Paradise Valley Community College is proud to announce that the 4th Annual Puma Classic Golf Tournament. The 2008 Classic will be held Saturday, September 13th at Rancho Manana Golf Club in Cave Creek. All proceeds from the fund raising event will benefit PVCC student athlete scholarships. The event is a 4 person scramble with a shotgun start at 7:30am. Single player tournament entry fees are $85. Hole and tournament sponsorships are available at numerous levels. More tournament information is available at this link: http://www.pvc.maricopa.edu/athetics/pc_register.html or by contacting tournament director Greg Silcox at 602.787.6622.
Turf added to PVCC baseball field The dream is becoming reality as turf was added to the baseball field at PVCC last week. On Wednesday, July 23, Tifway 419 sod was added to the infield and foul territory. Mid-iron stolons were applied to the outfield on Thursday, July 24. The first mowing is expected in 3 weeks. Fall practice for Puma baseball is scheduled to begin in eary September.
Former Pumas chase Olympic dreams Three former PVCC athletes, April Steiner-Bennett, Vince Mosca and Britney Rogers recently competed in the Olympic trials in Track and Field. Another former Puma, Daniel Kanyaruhuru qualified for the meet but chose not to run after a long season that included an NCAA DII Indoor National Championship. Additionally, three athletes that formerly trained at PVCC in preparation for this meet were at the trials as well. "PVCC Track and Field" was well represented and was heard multiple times over the public address system at the trials. Former PVCC Track and Field Athletes at the trials; April Steiner-Bennett: Currently ranked fifth in the country. Placed 5th at the trials in 2004. Contender to make the team. At PVCC for '99 and '00 seasons winning a National Championship and setting four National Juco Records. Vince Mosca: Currently ranked fifteenth in the country. Competed this weekend at the trials but failed to advance to the finals. Placed 13th at 2004 trials. At PVCC for '00 season. Britney Rogers: Currently ranked 26th in the country. Competed last Monday at the trials but failed to advance to the finals. At PVCC for '04 and '05 seasons placing third at the NJCAA championships in the heptathlon. Athletes with PVCC connection; Nick Hysong: 2000 Olympic Champion. Competed Friday at the trials but failed to advance to the finals. Trained full time at PVCC from 2000 - 2004. Still trains at PVCC occasionally. Stacy Dragila: 2000 Olympic Champion. Former World Record holder. Trained full time at PVCC for 2001-2004. Brian DaCunha: 3rd place at 2003 NCAA for Univ. of Florida. Trained at full time at PVCC for 2004 season.
Former Puma earns trip to Beijing Former PVCC pole vaulter April Steiner-Bennett cleared 15' 1" at the US Olympic Track and Field trials over the weekend, claiming a spot on the US National team for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. Steiner-Bennett, a Mesa Moutain View High School product, competed for PVCC during the '99 and '00 seasons. As a Puma, April established four NJCAA records. She finished 5th at the 2004 trials. http://www.azcentral.com/sports/olympics/articles/2008/07/06/20080706steinerbennett.html
Over 100 at open tryout Last Thursday, just over 100 players partcipated at the first ever open tryout for PV baseball. Coach Victor Solis was both surprised and pleased at the turnout. "Things just snowballed in the last 2 weeks," he said, " the response from our community has been incredible." "We were hoping we could find a couple position guys and always are on the lookout for arms," he added. The Puma's fall roster has really taken shape. "We've been able to successfully recruit many of the guys we targeted, hopefully the tryout will just about put an end to our recruiting," Solis finished. Solis and PVCC baseball are indebted to coach Roy Muller and crew at PV High School for use of their facility for the tryout. Field construction, on the PV campus, is slated to be completed by mid-August.
Baseball Field Progress Though the official "Opening Day" or PV's first home baseball game in January of 2009 is still months away, much work has been completed recently to prepare PV's on campus "home field." The field is targeted to be ready for the Pumas to begin fall practice at the beginning of the fall term in August. Here is an update as to specific progress. - The backstop and batters eye are nearly completed. - Dugout walls are up. - Almost all fencing and gates are in. - Dugout roofs are poured. - Foul poles have been added. Work to prepare the infield and foul territory for turf installation began Friday 6/13 and is ongoing. Outfield stolons are to be applied by the end of June. The scoreboard and flagpole are due to be installed by June 26. Women’s Golf Women compete in Daytona Beach finish 11th in the nation The Puma women returned from their second straight NJCAA Women’s National golf Championships last week and posted an 11th place finish. Their national tournament result was close to expectations as the PVCC squad was ranked 12th in the NJCAA poll prior to the tournament. There are just under 100 women’s teams in the country. A quartet of Puma players endured wildfires, smoke and tough conditions over 3 rounds at the LPGA International course in Florida. Wild fires, set the day before the tournament began, forced cancellation of the opening round of the 72 hole event. “Our kids struggled a bit early on in the tourney,” said coach Cindy Campbell, “but we came back nicely to post our team best total the last day.” Nerves played a part in the team’s early round struggles as 3of PV’s 4 competitors were freshmen. “It was excellent experience for us, we’ll use this to build from for next year,” added Campbell. The Pumas posted a team total of 1099 strokes in the 3 rounds, just 9 shots out of a top ten team finish. Sophomore Alex Ward posted a team low 3 round total of 263, including her tourney best 84 in the final round. Ward finished in 40th place overall among 112 individuals. Two shots behind in 43rd place was Kelley Stapleton at 265. Kendall Martin (282-64th) and Shannon Robertson (289-71st) comprised the second half of PV’s team score. Track & Field Michaud claims 2nd National Championship, leads Puma Women For the 2nd time this year, Jamie Michaud captured an Individual National Championship in the pole vault. This time it was at the NJCAA Outdoor National Championships in Levelland. TX. Michaud cleared 11’ 8 ½” to lead a 1-3-5 PV finish in the event. Erica Rutley cleared 11’ 2½” for 3rd place. Laura Faris jumped 10’ 2 ¾” for 5th. In March, Michaud captured the indoor national championship with a jump of 11’ 3 3/4’. PV’s other points in the meet came from the 4x400 relay team of Faris, Rutley, Angelyn Avery and Marissa Maki. The quartet came in 7th place, earning the Pumas 2 points. Fourteen different Pumas qualified for the championships. Over 35 teams participated in the event, 29 teams scored. Track & Field Men finish 18th at Nationals A trio of Pumas placed in the top 8 in the NJCAA National Outdoor Track and Field Championships in Levelland, TX. Last week. The three led PVCC to an 18th place overall finish. Kyle Fugit led the way with a runner up finish in the pole vault. Fugit cleared 15’ 10 1/2” en route to his 2nd place finish. The result was bittersweet though as only the number of misses in the competition kept Fugit from claiming his 2nd national outdoor title. Kevin Potter nabbed 6th place in the hammer throw at 162’ 10”. Potter also qualified for the discus final but did not score in that event. Jeremy Sudbury captured PV’s other point in the 3,000 meter steeplechase by finishing 8th. His time of 9:52.12 was four seconds faster than his qualifying time. Over 40 colleges sent participants to the meet, 29 teams scored. Fourteen Pumas qualified to compete at the National Championships. Women’s Soccer PUMA Captain signs with Ft. Lewis All-American and team captain, Samantha Smith has committed to play Women's soccer at Fort Lewis University in Durango, CO for the 2008-2009 season. Sam was a major offensive threat and play-maker at center-midfield for her two seasons as a Puma. Sam says she looks foward to having an immediate impact on the field for Fort Lewis and is excited to take on the challenge of excelling at the next level. Sam plans to major in business or marketing at Fort Lewis. Women’s Soccer PUMA stays local, signs with GCU Puma Captain Jessica Schartz has signed her letter of intent to play women's soccer for Grand Canyon University in the 2008-2009 season. Jessica, an ALL-ACCAC defender, will also be playing defense for the Antelopes. Jessica will join a roster of familiar faces from her past club teams and ACCAC rosters, not to mention her old coach, Stevie Gill who has recently been named the new head coach at GCU. She will major in Early Education at Grand Canyon. Women’s Soccer Baseball tryout information Coach Victor Solis has announced that information for open tryouts for the 2008-09 Puma baseball team has been finalized. Tryouts will be held June 19th at Paradise Valley High School at 9AM. Those interested in trying out should contact Solis via email: victor.solis@pvmail.maricopa.edu or by telephone 602.787.7031, for the required forms prior to June 19th. Registration is required. Check in will begin at 8:30AM. PVCC will provide Baum bats, baseballs and other equipment needed for use during the tryout. Each player must provide his own work out clothes, baseball spikes and glove. There will be a $5 fee to tryout. Men’s Tennis Pumas aid Special Olympians On Saturday, May 3rd, the Arizona Special Olympics was held at Arizona State University. The Summer Games involved more than 1,000 athletes, 500 coaches, 700 volunteers, and hosted seven sports. The PVCC men's tennis team helped to give leadership in tennis. The team members directed competition in skills and singles play. They tossed balls, recorded scores, positioned players, and generally encouraged the athletes throughout the skills event. During the singles tournament, each team member, was a chair umpire for five to seven matches. The Arizona Special Olympics is an activity that has been on the PVCC men's tennis calendar for three years now. Coach Paajanen commented, "that as the competition gets going, the athletes and PVCC players begin to interact, with laughter and high-fives. The excitement is contagious and all have a memorable time."
Pumas sweep South Mountain PV's Pumas battled back from a big deficit to capture yesterday's first game against South by a 12-9 score, then hung on for a 6-5 win in the second game to complete the sweep. "Our team battled back from being down 9-2 to win, it was great to see them continue to battle and do the things they needed to do to be successful," said coach Nick Candrea. The deficit was the largest that PV has overcome this year. Sam Cooley picked up the win. PV hitters tallied 12 hits in the game, 9 coming after the 4th inning. Jamie Glazener notched the pitching victory in the night cap, overcoming problems with her command in the middle innings. "Jamie responded well, she got a bit angry and threw very well after giving up an home run and a walk in the 4th inning," added Candrea. Kelsey Carter and Kim Gallindo each knocked in 2 runs for PV in the game. Vicki Meza added 2 hits as well. The Pumas close out their 2008 campaign on Thursday at home against GateWay CC. The double header begins at 2:00.
Daytona Beach bound The Pumas are on their way to Florida........ Despite finishing third in the season's final tournament at Aguila GC yesterday, PV's women secured a 2nd place finish in the final ACCAC standings. The Pumas solidified their berth into the 2008 NJCAA Women's National Tournament in Daytona Beach FL., May 13-16. Mesa CC captured the team title at Aguila, with Pima CC finishing 2nd. Four Pumas will test their mettle over 72 holes at the Plantation Course at the LPGA International complex in Daytona Beach. Alex Ward, Kelly Stapleton, Shannon Robertson and Kendall Martin will make the trip along with coach Cindy Campbell. This is the second straight year the Pumas will compete nationally. The PV squad placed 7th overall in 2007.
Puma booter signs at UTEP Sophomore Brittany Gonzalez has committed to play Women’s Soccer at the University of Texas at El Paso for the 2008-2009 season. Brittany played defense and offense for the Pumas in the 2006 and 2007 seasons. The Pumas were co-conference champions in 2006 with a record of 14-2. This past fall they ranked as high as 6th in the nation, finishing second in the conference with a record of 12-2 overall. Brittany will reunite with former Puma teammate Amanda Jo Radcliffe who transferred to the Miners last year. For more information about this story, please visit www.cstv.com/sports/w-soccer/stories/041808aai.html .
The timing is good The Puma men picked the right time of the year to turn in their best performance of the 2008 season. The Pumas posted their season low round (284) and tournament total (575) at the Eastern Arizona tournament at Mt. Graham Golf Course Monday and Tuesday in Thatcher. A pair of Pumas captured individual medals as well. Ross Benson carded back to back 69’s for a 138 total and 2nd place overall. Trevor Germann posted a pair of 70’s for 3rd place at 140. It was the first time since 2005 that two Pumas claimed individual medals in the same ACCAC tournament. “Our guys’ play was very encouraging,” said coach Jack Snyder, “Tuesday was our best round of the year and hopefully that is a sign of good things to come at the Region tourney in 2 weeks.” After a solid round of 291 on Monday, the Pumas went under par at 284 on Tuesday for a two day total of 575 and 4th place as a team. PV was just 1 shot behind 3rd place South Mountain and 4 shots behind 2nd place Chandler/Gilbert. Scottsdale captured the team title at 565. On Monday, Joey Mendenhall (75) and Paul Trittler (77) posted the other scores that counted toward the team score. On Tuesday, Mendenhall shot even par 72 and Ryan Busbee added a 73. “I’m very pleased with the guys’ performance, we’ll need to keep it up for 2 weeks,” said Snyder in reference to the 72 hole Region I tournament at Rio Rico, May 2-4.
Pumas rebound in game 2 PV’s women captured the nightcap of yesterday’s twin bill at Scottsdale. The lopsided 12-1 win was the result of Puma bats pounding out 11 hits. Jamie Glazener battled a case of the stomach flu to go the distance in picking up the win. Vicki Meza knocked in 3 runs and Rachelle Maki 2, in support of Glazener. The top 4 batters in the Puma line-up, Trisha Sappington, Kelsey Carter, Ashley Rodriguez and Kim Galindo, continued their strong efforts against the Artichokes. The one bad inning scenario again unfolded in the first game as PV fell 7-4. Six unearned runs crossed the plate in the Scottsdale 2nd inning, sealing the Pumas fate. Sam Cooley pitched well but fell victim to a couple defensive errors and three walks in the 2nd. A late rally in the 6th drew the Pumas to within 3 but the threat ended there. There are six games left in the 2008 season for the Pumas. They travel to Chandler/Gilbert for a noon double header this Saturday. Home doubleheaders await next Tuesday versus South Mountain and Thursday against Gateway at 2PM.
Pumas place 2nd PV's women golfers placed 2nd at the Chandler/Gilbert tournament yesterday and Monday at Toka Sticks GC in Chandler. The Pumas took another huge step toward securing a berth in the 2008 NJCAA National Tournament in Daytona Beach Florida, in May. Just one tournament remains in the regular season, at Aguila GC in two weeks. PV's team total of 675 was higher than in the two most recent tournaments but only 10 shots behind 1st place Mesa. Pima was a distant 3rd with 711 total strokes. Alex Ward (3rd) and Kendall Martin (5th) claimed individual medals with 2 day scores of 81/80 - 161 and 86/81 - 167 respectively. An ACCAC title is still with the grasp of the Pumas but they will need help. PV would have to win the final tourney of the year and have the front running T-Birds from Mesa finish 3rd.
Split eludes Pumas The Puma softball squad continues to face more than its share of adversity after a doubleheader yesterday at Glendale CC. The Pumas dropped both ends of the twin bill to Glendale by scores of 11-2 and 12-11. After taking a 2-0 lead in the 1st inning of game 1, the Pumas allowed 9 unearned runs in 2 innings. "Sam (Cooley) was throwing strikes as we have asked her to, we just didn't make plays behind her, "said coach Nick Candrea. In game 2, the Pumas got off to an even more promising start and led 9-1 after 2 innings. Trisha Sappington drilled a 3 run HR, Ashley Rodriguez added a pair of doubles, Kelsey Carter hit the ball hard all day, particularly in the 2nd game. The same bugaboos that have haunted the Pumas all season, continued after the 2nd inning. Walks, errors and just enough GCC hits led to 11 unanswered runs and a 12-9 Gaucho lead. Still the Pumas battled back closing to within run in the 7th inning, leaving runners at 2nd and 3rd after the final out. "It is very hard to watch at times, surely it has been hard for the players as well" said Candrea, "our kids play hard, stay up and always battle, we just have not been able to deal with adversity and negative things that happen during games." The Pumas host Phoenix College for 2 games Saturday at noon.
Pumas finish 1-4 in San Diego The PVCC men's tennis team finished their trip to California in a round robin event against host San Diego City College, LA Pierce College, and Hope International University. The all day format consisted of playing 8 game pro-sets for doubles and 6 game sets for singles. The Pumas dropped 3-6 to LA Pierce College, 0-9 to Hope International University and 2-7 against San Diego City College. Coach Paajanen was not unhappy with the results, "The final scores don't tell how well everyone played throughout the day, against some very good competition." In the only doubles victory of the day for PVCC, Oliver Clark and Feroz Rast secured a 8-4 win over LA Pierce College at the No. 1 flight. Single flight match wins were made by Feroz Rast at No. 4 against LA Pierce (6-4) and San Diego City College (6-1); Adam Sutherland at No. 6 against LA Piece (6-3); and Scott Carter against San Diego City College (6-1). "By the end of the day, play started at 900AM and finished at 500PM, the guy's had had enough tennis," added Coach Paajanen. The Pumas finish their regular season 6-13 overall and 2-8 in the ACCAC. The Pumas will play in the Region I Tournament at Paseo Raquet Club in Glendale, AZ on April 16 and 17.
Pumas split two in California Paradise Valley men's tennis team defeated non-conference Imperial Valley in their first sweep of the season on Thursday in California. But the victory dance would only last a day, as the Pumas dropped 7-2 to Southwestern College Friday afternoon. PVCC beat Imperial Valley College 9-0, sweeping all three doubles matches easily and hanging on to the six singles flights. Oliver Clark survived Anthony Villagana 6-2, 6-7, 13-11 at No. 1 singles. The No. 2, 3, 4 and 6 singles were decided in straight sets. At No. 5 PV’s Scott Carter pulled out his match against Jimmy Benevides. After dropping his first set 1-6, Carter came back to win the second 7-6 to head to a tiebreaker which he claimed 10-6. "This was our first sweep of the season,” commented Coach Paajanen, “It was a good way to start our trip”. Paradise Valley was unable to repeat the magic over Southwestern College, dropping 7-2 to the Southern California team. In doubles PV’s Oliver Clark and Feroz Rast were able to secure a win over Southwestern’s Ryan Bell and Christian Cruz 8-4, but only Feroz Rast was able to convert a singles victory over Danny Ballez after a three set tiebreaker (5-6, 6-3, 10-8). Micah Briscoe and Shaun Rade one a set a piece in their singles matches, but were unable to hold on for the win in the tiebreaker. After some down time at the beach the Pumas will head to San Diego to play LA Pierce College and Mt. San Antonio on Saturday.
Paradise Valley signs first baseball players The Puma’s new Head Baseball Coach, Victor Solis, has been busy recruiting players for the inaugural Paradise Valley Community College ball team. Solis, who started only a month ago, has already signed five players for the 2009 season. First to sign a letter of intent was Ben Dorman, a left-handed pitcher who will graduate from Marcos De Niza in May. Dorman, a native of Arizona, has a 3-0 (1 save ERA 2.86) record after 15 games at Marcos this season. He has a .388 batting average and .488 on base percentage earning 1 home run, 3 doubles, 12 runs and 7 walks. Dorman’s team at Marcos is the 2007 defending 5A-II State Champions. His parents are Paul and Marla Dorman Also signing with the Puma’s in 2009 is Timothy DiVito a jack of all trades from Sandra Day O’Connor HS. DiVito has played as an infielder, outfielder and pitcher for his high school team. Another big signee for the PV program is Andrew Maggi a varsity infielder from Brophy College Preparatory, the 2006 high school State Champions. Maggie has played a variety of positions from short stop to third base. His parents are Craig and Sara Maggi. Rounding out the first signed recruits are high school teammates Andy Silcox and Ryan Gardner of Mountain Ridge. Gardner is a right handed pitcher and Silcox is an outfielder. “It is exciting that we are getting kids from very successful high school programs,” commented Coach Solis, “They know how to win and will be the core of team for next two seasons”. The Pumas will get started with fall ball in August and will play their first intercollegiate game in January 2009. Tryouts will be held in the summer in the new college baseball facility which is now under construction. Interested players and sponsors should contact Coach Victor Solis at 602-787-7031 or victor.solis@pvmail.maricopa.edu .
Pumas split with South Game one was all Paradise Valley. The Pumas demolished the cross-town Cougars of South Mountain 11-2 Tuesday. The Pumas were an unstoppable hitting machine, earning 15 total hits. “Our top four players each earned two hits each against South,” said Coach Candrea. Pitcher Sam Cooley earned the win giving up only a two run home run late in the game. “Sam played a great game,” commented Coach Candrea, “she was in total control and the defense backed her up”. But the Pumas could not take seal the deal in second game. Where they did well in the first, hitting, they struggled with in the second. Not able to get the bats swinging the Pumas lost 3-2 to the Cougars. A base hit, walk and three-run homer put South in the lead. PV tried to get bat-on-ball to grab the advantage in the 5th inning, but ball after ball went straight to the SMCC defense or popped-up in the infield. Puma Pitcher Jami Glazener was tagged with the loss. “It was hard for Jamie,” said Coach Candrea, “she pitched a great game,” adding “offensively we just did not get it done”. The Pumas will play Mesa Community College on Saturday, April 5 at PVCC. Game times 12pm/2pm.
Pumas on the bubble The Pumas strugged as a team in their second ACCAC meet of the season Saturday. PVCC lost to Glendale 65-53 and to Pima 103-50 in the men's team competition. On the women’s side the Pumas lost 116-68.50 to Glendale and were only narrowly defeated by Pima 92.00-85.00. On the track Paradise Valley's Eric Harasyn was the single new Puma qualifier for the day winning the steeplechase with a time of 9:46.54. PV’s Jeremy Sudbury was just behind in a time of 10:02. He will need a 9:59.96 to qualify. The Pumas are only seconds off qualifying for NJCAA Outdoor Nationals in numerous events. The Men’s 4x100 relay team finished in second place in 44.33. Qualifying is 42.22. In individual events Erica Rutley (100 hurdles), Jacob Desanti (110 hurdles), Nicholas Vidaurreta (200/400 meters), Marissa Maki (100/200 meters) and Amjed Al-marridi (100/200 meters) are less than 2 seconds off their qualifying times for nationals. On the field, PV’s Kevin Potter continued to throw above the qualifying mark in the men’s hammer event winning with a 48.11m toss. In the pole vault Puma’s Jamilyn Mischaud and Erica Rutley went one-two in the vault besting their last conference meet jumps of 3.30m with a 3.57m and 3.42m vaults respectively. In the men’s vault the Pumas made improvements, but still remain short of qualification. PV’s Kelly Taylor won the vault event with his mark of 4.24m. The Pumas will get another chance to meet their times and marks next Saturday, April 5 when they host an all-comers meet. For detailed results see www.maricopa.edu/cctf/results/track/2008/080329_ACCACParadiseValley.html
Pumas sweep Scottsdale The Paradise Valley softball team notched a twin bill sweep of the visiting Artichokes from Scottsdale CC on Tuesday. The 2 conference wins were strong steps toward the team's goal of an ACCAC playoff berth. The Pumas (7-21/3-17) have a steep hill to climb to get there but are still in the hunt for a playoff berth. "We definitely tried to keep it exciting," said mentor Nick Candrea, "we had big leads in both games, tried to make interesting down the stretch but came out on top and did what what we wanted to do." PV pitchers Jamie Glazener and Sam Cooley both notched wins, with Dani Hoffman earning the save in game 2 in relief of Cooley. "Dani did a great job, she came in throwing strikes and just settled us down as SCC made a comeback in the 2nd game," said Candrea. Trisha Sappington and Kim Gallindo paced the Puma offense on the day. Sappington notched 4 hits in 7 trips to the plate and broke the school record for doubles in a season with 13. She knocked in 3 runs, scored 2 run and stole a base. Gallindo went 4/8 in the 2 games with 6 RBI, 4 coming on a second game grand slam. Cooley helped herself in the nightcap with 2 hits a home run, her second in 3 games. "It was nice to get a couple wins, our kids have been working hard and we did what we needed to do," finished Candrea. The Pumas host Chandler/Gilbert, one of the teams they are chasing on Saturday. The double header begins at noon.
Puma Outdoor Meet Entry Now Available The Puma Indoor Invite is scheduled for Thursday, April 3 and Saturday, April 5. Meet information is now available for team and individual participants. Please go to DirectAthletics at www.directathletics.com/meets/track/9065.html for all meet entry. Long and middle distance running events begin at 6:00PM on April 3. Throws, jumps and sprints events begin at 10:00AM on April 5. Entry Fees Teams: $100.00 / gender Individuals/Open: $20.00/ entrant Please call Todd Lehman at 602-787-6621 for more information.
Pumas 7th at GateWay tourney The Paradise Valley Men’s Golf team posted a 7th place team finish at the GateWay CC tournament at Papago GC this week. Their 7th place finish leaves the Pumas in a 5th place tie in the standings of the 10 team ACCAC conference. "Our guys didn't play particularly well," said coach Jack Snyder, "we unfortunately took a step backward as the Region tourney approaches." The Pumas have another event remaining on the schedule to get back on track before the Region I tourament, at Rio Rico CC south of Tucson, May 2-4. PV posted team totals of 304 and 307 over the 2 day, 36 hole event. Joey Mendenhall led the Puma effort with scores of 75 and 72 for a 147 total. Trevor German was 2 shots back at 73/76-149, despite battling a serious case of stomach flu on the 16th hole of day 2. "Given his condition, Trevor hung tough and played well, a lot of guys would have just packed it in," Snyder noted. German and Mendenhall are in contention for All-ACCAC honors. Ross Benson (79/78-157) and Ryan Busbee (78/81-159) were PV's 2 next low scorers. Mesa and Scottsdale tied for team low score (568) with Mesa prevailing in the scorecard playoff to capture the tourney title.
Pumas drop to Spokane Non-conference Spokane Community College defeated PV’s men’s tennis 8-1 Thursday. Puma Oliver Clark earned the only match point for PV winning 6-2, 6-1 over Spokane’s Mike Shelton. “Oliver looked really good in singles today,” said PV Head Coach Paajanen, “He did not miss many shots and kept his opponent off balance”. PV lost the rest of their singles matches in straight sets. In doubles Oliver Clark with partner Feroz Rast gave Spokane a run for their money but could not hold on, losing 6-8. “Oliver and Feroz played well in doubles but came up a bit short,” commented Coach Paajanen. In No. 2 doubles PV’s Rade and Carter dropped 3-8 to Shelton and Person. At No. 3 Spokane’s Gant and Rasmussen topped Briscoe and Sutherland 8-2. PVCC (2-8 in the ACCAC and 5-9 overall) will head to California on April 3 for four non-conference match-ups to get ready for the Region Tournament back in Phoenix April 16.
PVCC falls 5-4 to CC of Spokane Paradise Valley's women dropped their final non-conference match of the season, losing 5-4 to visiting Community College of Spokane. The Pumas (3-12) will head to the Regional Tournament on Wednesday, April 16. PVCC's Natalie Faddis beat Spokane's Morigeau at No. 5 singles. Faddis and Jennifer Maxwell also won their No. 2 doubles match 8-4 over Morigeau and Skeman. Maxwell won her No. 3 singles match against Skeman 6-4, 6-3. PVCC's Barbara Easterly readily defeated Hardwikk 6-2, 6-1. Spokane captured the No. 1 doubles flight over Allison and Mary Jo McArthur 8-3 as well as the singles matches against the Puma pair. With three points to the Puma four points in matches, Spokane earned the victory off of PV’s forfeitures at No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles matches for PV not fielding a full team.
PVCC men blanked by SCC Scottsdale Community College swept host Paradise Valley 9-0 Tuesday in the last conference match of the season. PVCC moves to 5-8 overall, 2-8 in Arizona Community College Athletic Association play. Every match was decided in straight sets. SCC's Thomas Rizk beat Oliver Clark 6-2, 6-1 at No. 1 singles. Alex Weiland beat Shaun Rade 6-0, 6-0 at No. 2. Richard Lindstrom narrowly defeated Micah Briscoe 6-4, 6-4 at No. 3. Andrew Waltz defeated PVCC's Feroz Rast in matching sets of 6-1 at No. 4. Puma’s Scott Carter and Adam Sutherland each lost 6-1, 6-1 at the No. 5 and 6 flights to their Scottsdale opponents. In doubles Scottsdale's Rizk and Weiland posted a 6-2, 6-1 win over Paradise Valley's Clark and Rade at the No. 1 flight. Scottsdale’s Waltz and Borhani fought off Briscoe and Carter 8-3 at No. 2 doubles while SCC’s Crowley and Lindstrom downed Rast and Sutherland 8-0 at No. 3. The Pumas will host Spokane Community College at 2:30PM Thursday. The Pumas will compete in Region play April 16-17 which will determine qualification for nationals.
Pumas win tourney! The PV golf squad won the SCC tournament yesterday at Pavilion Lakes. The Pumas team total of 641 was 29 shots clear of 2nd place Pima (670) and 34 shots better than 3rd place Mesa (675). The tournament win is the first of the year for PV and put the team in serious contention for the ACCAC title. "Our kids were so excited, we were fired up after playing well on Monday and used our excitement to continue to press our advantage on Tuesday, " said coach Cindy Campbell. The Pumas did just that. After a team total of 324 on Monday, PV came back with a season low 317 on Tuesday. A trio of Pumas earned medals for their individual efforts. Alex Ward carded a 72 for a 36 hole total of 155 and 2nd place. Markie Payne earned her second medal of the year with rounds of 75/82. Stephanie Ng had a two round total of 159, good enough for 4th place. Kelly Stapleton drew praise for a back 9, 39 on Tuesday. Christina Ramirez posted a season best 84 in round 1 on Monday. "We're enthused to play at Toka Sticks (Chandler/Gilbert Tourney) in 2 weeks," added Campbell. Our immediate goal is to contend for the conference championship as we prepare for the national tournament." added Campbell.
Lady Pumas finish regular season with loss Scottsdale Community College women's tennis team beat Paradise Valley at Glendale 6-3 Tuesday. But PV, who lost to the Artichokes 7-2 in the first half of the season, was able to grab an additional match in their second meeting. Paradise Valley won out in the No. 1 and No. 3 doubles flights. At No. 1 White and Easterly topped Uzeta and Such 8-6 while Faddis and Maxwell bested SCC’s Jauregui and Lemon 8-4. Mother-daughter pairing Allison and Mary McArthur lost to Klemphere and Hinze 1-8. In singles Paradise Valley's Natalie Faddis earned the only Puma singles victory for the day against Lemon 6-0, 6-1 at No. 6 singles. Scottsdale’s Hinze topped Kara White after three sets 6-1, 4-6, 6-1 at No. 1 singles. At the second flight Allison McArthur struggled against Uzeta who won out 6-2, 6-0 over the Puma. PV’s Easterly had a good early start against SCC’s Klemphere winning the first set 6-4 at the No.3 flight. Klemphere came back with her own 6-4 win in the second set and then won out over the Puma 6-2 in the third. At No. 4 Puma Jennifer Maxwell let go 4-6, 4-6 to Jauregui and at No. 5 Mary McArthur was blanked by SCC’s Such. PVCC (3-9 in the ACCAC) will play non-conference Spokane CC on Thursday.
Heartbreak hotel vs Clackamas Saturday's doubleheader against Clackamas (OR) CC proved to be double trouble for the host Pumas. The Pumas played better ball for longer periods of time and were within 1 strike of a win in the second game but dropped 5-1 and 6-4 decisions to Clackamas. The PV squad outplayed the opposition for the first 6 innings of both games but twice let 7th inning leads slip away. Jamie Glazener pitched, "her best game of the year by far in shutting out Clackamas on 1 hit through 6 innings. A defensive error opened the door to 5 runs and the loss. Glazener struck out 12 in the complete game effort. PV's run came courtesy of a bases loaded walk to Dani Hoffman in the 4th inning. The Pumas managed just 3 hits in the game. "It was very disappointing," added Candrea, "Jamie deserved a better outcome." In the second game, Sam Cooley was almost as good in the circle for the Pumas. She yielded just 2 hits through 6 inning, before Clackamas struck for 4 hits and 4 runs in the 7th. "Sam pitched very well too, she and all of us were disappointed to come up short," noted Candrea. Trisha Sappington had 3 hits with 2 doubles in the night- cap. Vicki Meza added a pair of hits and 2 RBI in the game. The Pumas get back to ACCAC play this week with home doubleheaders against Scottsdale (TUE) and Chandler/Gilbert (THU) this week. The action starts at 2 PM at PV on both days.
Harasyn qualifies at Willie Williams Classic Freshman Eric Harasyn cracked the top ten in the men's 1500m at the Willie Williams Classic Saturday hosted by the University of Arizona. Harasyn set a personal record of 3:58.04, qualifying in the event for the NJCAA Outdoor Nationals. Harasyn was the first community college student-athlete to cross the finish line. The event was won by Diego Borrego of Mexico in a time of 3:51.01. “Eric ran very well,” said Head Coach Dave Barney, “despite fighting off a cold, he was able to PR”. Also competing for PV were Jordan Hunke, Angel Sanchez and Jeremy Sudbury. Hunke placed 38th in the 1500m in a time of 4:19.76. Sanchez followed, placing 39th in a time of 4:21.07. Jeremy Sudbury had to withdraw from the 5000m due to illness. Harasyn and the PVCC team will compete in their second conference meet this Saturday. Paradise Valley will host the meet. Events begin at 11:00AM.
Kanyaruhuru earns NCAA championship title Former Puma Daniel Kanyaruhuru has been named a 2008 United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s (USTFCCCA) Men’s Division II Indoor Tack and Field All-American. Kanyaruhuru captured the national title in the 5,000m at the 2008 NCAA Division II Indoor Track & Field Championships that took place on March 14-15 in Mankato, Minnesota at Minnesota State University. Daniel attends Queen University a private university in Charlotte, North Carolina where he is coached by Scott Simmons. Daniel competed for the Pumas under Coach Dave Barney in the 2004 and 2005 cross country and track & field seasons. In 2005 he helped lead the Pumas to a NJCAA DI Team Cross Country National Championship title. Kanyaruhuru who was the number one seed going into the NCAA DII Championships secured the 5,000m title with a time of 14:12.85. Earlier this year Daniel was named an All-American in cross country for his fifth place finish at the 2007 NCAA Division II Cross Country Championship. Form more information about Daniel please visit www.queens.edu/news_detail.asp?press_id=2421§ion=athletics .
Pumas sweep twin bill PV's Pumas captured both ends of their doubleheader yesterday against Skagit Valley (WA) CC. Both games ended via run rule with final scores of 9-1 and 10-1. The PV squad has won 4 of its last 6 games. PItchers Sam Cooley and Jamie Glazener both threw complete games to claim the victories. "Both pitchers had better command and they had to be excited to have thrown like they did and to have had their defense play very well behind them," said coach Nick Candrea. Cooley yielded just 5 hits and struck out 7. Glazener faced just 15 batters, gave up an unearned run and struck out 5. The Pumas played errorless ball in the first game and committed just 1 error in the second game. Lauren Jardine paced the PV offense in the opener going 3-3, with 2 RBI and a home run. Dani Hoffman added 3 RBI with a single and a sac fly. Kim Gallindo added a home run and 2 RBI in the night cap as a part of her 3 for 3 hitting effort. Kelsey Carter and Ashley Rodriguez had a pair of hits apiece. Rodriguez knocked in 4 runs. The Pumas host Clackamas (WA) CC Saturday at 12pm.
Puma netters drop two The Thunderbirds did not give up many chances Thursday, beating the Puma netters in both the men’s and women’s matches. In the women's match, PVCC's Natalie Faddis made it two-for-two this week besting Blackburn of Mesa 6-4, 6-4 at No. 6 singles. At No. 1 Kara White topped MCC’s Cerda after a three set tiebreaker 4-6, 6-4, 10-7. The Puma ladies dropped all three double matches, losing 4-8 at No. 1, 1-8 at No. 2 and 3-8 at No. 3. The Pumas finished the match 2-7 dropping 3-8 in the conference. In the men's match, PVCC's Scott Carter beat Thunderbird John Decker after a three set tiebreaker 3-6, 6-3, 10-8 at No. 5 singles. “Scott was the last match off today, but he hung tough for the win,” said Puma Head Coach Jim Paajanen. The Pumas gave a good fight in the No. 1 and 3 doubles flights with Clark and Rade falling 7-9 to MCC’s Schwartz and Wardenburg at No. 1 and Sutherland and Rast dropping 6-8 at No. 3. The No. 2 doubles flight went down 1-8 in favor of MCC. The loss puts PVCC's men at 2-7 in the conference. PV will play Scottsdale Community College on Tuesday, February 19. The men's team will play at home.
Pima captures 2 from PV The Aztecs from Pima CC in Tucson took a pair of ACCAC softball games from the host Pumas yersterday by scores of 10-1 and 5-3. The same bugaboos haunted the PV squad as Pima scored 5 unearned runs in the 4th inning of the first game to break open a 1-1 game. One errant pitch in the second game ended up as a 2 run home run for Pima, givng them the 2 run margin of victory. "We just haven't been able to put our entire game together at the same time yet," said Nick Candrea, the Pumas mentor, "it has been hard to explain and I'm sure is hard for our players to deal with as well." "At times we have shown flashes of brilliance and at times we don't know how to react but the teaching and learning and work will continue, we are still in the hunt to get into the playoffs." There were indeed flashes of brilliance for the Pumas during the doubleheader. Trisha Sappington had a pair of two base hits on the day and made a spectacular diving catch in centerfield in the 7th inning of the second game. Ashley Rodriguez smacked a 2 run home run in the nightcap to tie the score at 3 all. Two non-conference twin bills are next for PV on Thursday vs Clackamas CC, WA (2PM) and Saturday vs Skagit Valley CC, WA (12PM).
PV netters improve against Glendale Glendale Community College women's tennis team beat Paradise Valley at Glendale 5-3 Tuesday. But PV, who lost to Glendale 8-1 in the first half of the season, managed to improve the loss by 2 matches at their second meeting. Two of the doubles matches ended in default, with Paradise Valley claiming the No. 1 flight and GCC crediting the No. 2. At No. 3 Glendale’s Anderlin and Tosuner bested Faddis and Maxwell 8-0. In singles Paradise Valley's Natalie Faddis beat Tosuner 6-2, 2-6, 7-5 at No. 6 singles. “This is as big win for Natalie,” said Coach Buchanan. PV also earned a default win at the No. 4 flight. Glendale’s Pehlic topped Kara White 4-6, 3-6 at No. 1 singles. At the second flight Allison McArthur struggled against Andelin who won out 6-1, 6-2 over the Puma. At No. 5 singles Mary McArthur lost out to GCC’s Sauer 6-0, 2-6. GCC and PVCC both forfeited the No. 3 singles spot. PVCC (3-7 in the ACCAC) will host Mesa Community College 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20.
PVCC men swept by Glendale Glendale bested Paradise Valley 9-0 Tuesday in Gaucho country. PVCC who is undefeated in out-of-conference matches, cannot seem to put enough matches together to win more contests in the ACCAC. In singles, all the matches were decided in straight sets. GCC’s Jakub Szymanski beat Oliver Clark 6-2, 6-1 at No. 1 singles. Eric Schroeder beat PV’s Shaun Rade 61-, 6-3 at No. 2. The Gaucho’s Andy Green wobbled in the second set, but managed to pull out a 6-1, 7-5 win over Micah Briscoe at No. 3. George Laura had some difficulty defeating PVCC's Feroz Rast in the second set, but eventually won out 6-1, 7-6 at No. 4. PV’s Scott Carter and Adam Sutherland were defeated 6-1, 6-0 and 6-1, 6-1 respectively. In doubles the Puma’s gained some games against Glendale but were unable to capture a match. GCC’s Laura and Fesko fought off PV’s Clark and Rade, defeating the pair 8-5 at No. 1. PV’s Rast and Sutherland made the similar gains for the Pumas, losing out 8-5 to GCC’s Schroeder and Elliot. PV lost the No. 2 doubles flight 1-8 The Pumas head to Mesa on Thursday, March 20 to play the Thunderbirds.
Pumas post 601 at Hillcrest The Pumas posted mixed results in the most recent ACCCAC golf tournament, this past Monday and Tuesday at Hillcrest GC in Sun City West. After a disappointing team total of 304 on Monday, PV rebounded somewhat with a sub 300 round of 297 on Tuesday. In each of the last two tournaments, there has been a low round or two posted by the Pumas but the team has not yet played well together over 2 days. Freshman Ross Benson posted a personal season low 71 on Monday, yet PV's next low scores were 75 (Joey Mendenhall) and 78 (Corey Lietzau-Mourer). Benson followed his 71 with a 75 on Tuesday. Trevor German carded a stellar 69 on Tuesday but PV's next low score Tuesday was a 77 from Mendenhall. Benson's 2 day individual total of 146 was just 2 shots out of a medal. PV's scores are somewhat reflective of the conference as a whole. "Teams have been really up and down from tourney to tourney, if our guys put it together we'll be right there at the end," said coach Jack Snyder. "Ross played very well, other than 2 drives on Tuesday he played great," Snyder added. PV finished in 7th place overall in the team standings at Hillcrest but remained well withing striking distance in terms of total strokes. Scottsdale captured the overall team title at 578 besting Chandler/Gilbert (578) in the tie breaker. PV's 601 total was 1 shot better than Mesa, which won last week's tourney. The Pumas are off until March 24/25 when they will test themselves against Papago GC in the GateWay CC tournament. Final team scores: Scottsdale 578 Chandler/Gilbert 578 South Mountain 586 GateyWay 588 Pima 589 Glendale 597 PV 601 Mesa 602 Phoenix 606 Eastern 636
Pumas edge out San Diego CC for win Paradise Valley men's tennis team hung on for a win over San Diego City College Monday, 5-4. Paradise Valley's Feroz Rast determined the final point with a 1-6, 7-6, 6-3 win over Dwaine Smith at No. 4 singles. "With everyone watching, Feroz came back after losing the first set in a very short period of time to secure the victory,” said Puma Head Coach Jim Paajanen, “No pressure, he got the job done." Also securing singles victories for the Pumas were Oliver Clark who defeated Tom Andrews 5-7, 6-3, 6-1 at No. 1 and Shaun Rade who topped Chris Sua 6-3, 7-5 at the No. 2 flight. In doubles PV’s Oliver Clark and Feroz Rast beat Tom Andrews and Ray Tabuena 8-3 at No. 1 doubles. At No. 2 Micah Briscoe and Shaun Rade bested Chris Sua and Jeffrey Castro 8-2. The Pumas lost matches at No. 3 doubles as well as No. 3, 5 and 6 singles flights. DOUBLES 1. Clark/Rast vs. Andrews/Tabuena PVCC 83 2. Briscoe/Rade vs. Sua/Castro PVCC 82 3. Carter/Sutherland vs. Smith/Delgado SDCC 18 SINGLES 1. Oliver Clark vs. Tom Andrews PVCC 57 63 61 2. Shaun Rade vs. Chris Sua PVCC 63 75 3. Micah Briscoe vs. Ray Tabuena SDCC 26 06 4. Feroz Rast vs. Dwaine Smith II PVCC 16 76 63 5. Scott Carter vs. Elias Delgado SDCC 46 26 6. Adam Sutherland vs. Jeffrey Castro SDCC 36 36
PVCC goes 0-2 in California Paradise Valley Community College women’s tennis team spent their spring break in Southern California taking in some sun, surf and tennis. The Pumas played two matches on their three day excursion, losing to Cerritos College 8-1 and Riverside Community College 9-0. This moves the Pumas 3-8 overall for the year. PVCC’s Jennifer Maxwell won the only match for the trip, besting Cerritos at No. 5 singles 6-2, 6-1. PV’s White and Easterly also came close to a victory at No. 1 doubles against Cerritos losing out in the third set tiebreaker 9-8. The Pumas earned several games against Riverside, but could not put it together for a match win. Despite the losses the Pumas had a great trip and even stopped in to watch the pros at the Pacific Life Tournament qualifying rounds. PV vs Cerritos College 3/12 8-1 Doubles: White/Easterly Cerritos 8-9 (5-7 tiebreak) A.McArthur/Dwyer Cerritos 0-8 Singles: White Cerritos 1-6,2-6 Easterly Cerritos 0-6,2-6 McArthur Cerritos 0-6,0-6 Maxwell Paradise Valley 6-2,6-1 Dwyer Cerritos 0-6,0-6 PV vs Riverside 3/13 9-0 Doubles: White/Easterly vs. Houston/J.Vatelia Riverside 4-8 Maxwell/McArthur vs. Andrade/P.Vatelia Riverside 0-8 Dwyer/Riverside player vs. Meador/Tebeau Riverside 4-8 Singles: White vs. Houston 3-6,4-6 Easterly vs. J Vatelia Riverside 0-6,1-6 Maxwell vs. Andrade Riverside 4-6,0-6 McArthur vs. P Vatelia Riverside 0-6,1-6 Dwyer vs. Meador Riverside 1-6,1-6
Maki and Faris qualify for nationals It was a day for a pair of Pumas and season bests at the Central Arizona Relays & Multi Events outdoor meet last Thursday in Coolidge. Maki a freshman jumps and multi event athlete from Buckeye Union HS, continued her streak of season best improvements qualifying for outdoor nationals in the women’s high jump. Maki placed second in the event, making the 1.60m mark. “Marissa did really well, she keeps improving and is so close right now to making he next height,” said Puma Co-Head Coach Todd Lehman. In the vault sophomore Laura Faris (Cactus) earned a spot to represent PVCC at outdoor nationals in May with her vault of 3.12m. Faris joins teammates Jami Michaud (Mountain View) and Erica Rutley (Canada) who qualified earlier in the season. Michaud and Rutley were one-two in Coolidge. Both hit the 3.57m height, but Michaud took the win with less overall misses. "It was great to see Laura come out and qualify," Coach Lehman said. "The team really pushes each other in practice and in competition." In the decathlon freshman Matthew Tormey (Sunrise Mountain) placed fourth with 5014 points which included two season bests in the ten events. Tormey was second in the men’s long jump with a leap of 6.23 meters for a season-best. He also posted a 8.12m toss for a season best in the shot put. PVCC's men’s 4x100 relay team of Amjad Al-marridi (Barry Goldwater), Juan Mendez (Horizon), Kelly Taylor (Mountain View) and Nicholas Vidaurreta finished third in 43.93. They will need to skim a little more than a second to a 42.22 to qualify. PV sprinters also placed third in the men’s 1600 medley (3:35.97) and the women’s 4x400 relay (4:26.77). In the hurdles sophomore Jacob Desanti posted a season best in the 110 and 400 meter hurdles. He placed third overall in the 110 event in a time of 16.14. In the 400 he placed fourth in 57.92. Freshman, Jacob Bartell (Pinnacle HS) hit a season best height of 1.86m in the high jump. In the throws Bruce Bale (Mountain Ridge) , Chris Hall (Paradise Valley), and Kevin Potter (Lake Havasu) were all able to claim season best marks. The Pumas did not run in any distance races and team scores are not kept. The Pumas will split up this week with half the team competing at the Willie Williams Classic in Tucson, AZ and the other half at the Glendale Community College Relays.
Pumas sweep twin bill PV's softball squad used solid offense and just enough defense to capture both ends of twin bill yesterday against visiting Mott Comunity College (MI). The Pumas banged out 27 hits on the day during their 6-5 and 8-5 wins. Jamie Glazener allowed only 1 runner to 2nd base prior to the 7th inning in pitching a complete game victory in game 1. Glazener hung on for the win despite a series of defensive mistakes in the 7th. Mott tallied 5 unearned runs to make the game interesting. "That's what we have had a tendency to do, we make one mistake and it has snowballed," said coach Nick Candrea, "Jamie threw perhaps her best game of the year." The Puma offense accounted for 27 hits on the day, 12 in the first game. Trisha Sappington had 5 hits on the day with 3 RBI, Kelsey Carter had 4 hits to go with 4RBI. "We hit the ball well but can still do better in some situations," said Candrea, as his club left multiple runners on base in both games. For the year, the team sports a respectable .320 batting average. In the nightcap, PV scored 4 runs in the 6th inning to overcome a 5-4 deficit and earn the sweep. Winning pitcher Sam Cooley helped herself with a 2 run double in the inning. Cooley had 3 hits on the day with 2 doubles. With runners on first and second, second baseman Lauren Jardin made a nice defensive play to end the game. She snagged a hard hit ball headed for right field and threw to first to seal the win. Five consecutive home doubleheaders in await the Pumas, with three next week. Pima CC, Skagit Valley (WA) and Clackamas Valley (WA) come to PV on Tuesday (3/18), Thursday (3/20) and Saturday (3/22). Division 2 foes Scottsdale and Chandler/Gilbert travel to PV for twin bills the following week.
Pumas place 5th PV's men fell back one place after the second day of competition at Palm Valley GC yesterday. After posting a season low 292 on Wednesday, the Pumas carded a 298 total on Thursday to finish in 5th place out of 10 ACCAC teams. For the second straight tournament, sophomore Trevor German medaled. After a second place finish last week, German finished 6th this week with rounds of 69/75 for an even par total of 144. Fellow soph Joey Mendenhall was 2 shots back at 146 after a one under par 71 in the 2nd round. Paul Trittler continued his improved play with rounds of 73 and 76 for a 149 total. Ryan Busbee posted a 76 for PV on the day. "Our guys are right there and have a chance," said coach Jack Snyder, "we're constantly improving and if we continue to do that we'll be there at the region tourney in May." Trittler's recent play drew praise from Snyder as well, "he struggled early on this year but has posted 2 consecutive good rounds, he is excited as are we all about his play." Mesa captured the team championship with an even par total of 588. In the final standings, Scottsdale, South Mountain, and Chandler/Gilbert were sandwiched in between Mesa's T-birds and the Pumas. "We have closed the gap each week," added Snyder, "our guys are beginning to believe." The Pumas return to action Monday and Tuesday, March 17 and 18 at Hillcrest GC. Tee times both days are at 12 noon.
Going low........the trend continues! For the fourth straight round, PV's Pumas posted a season low score. This time is was a best ever in PV women's team history! The Pumas carded a team total of 318 strokes in the 2nd round of the Mesa CC tournament at Dobson Ranch GC. The 318 total was the tournament low but not quite enough to catch Mesa in the final team standings. PV's rounds of 332 and 318 left them at 650 strokes and in 2nd place, 6 shots behind MCC. Mesa posted rounds of 323 and 321 for a 644 total. "Our kids played great, they should be really, really proud," commented coach Cindy Campbell who was excited as well. "Our kids know what they can do, these are the scores we can and should be shooting, though we still want to and can improve." Alex Ward, playing in the last group of the day and using a tip from assistant coach Riley Darveaux, posted a personal and season best score of 75 to lead the Puma effort. After struggling in Monday's 1st round, Stephanie Ng came through with a 79 on Tuesday. Kendall Martin and Markie Payne tallied 82's in posting the first ever sub 320 team score. The PV golfers will look to continue the trend when they resume play after a 2 week break. Scottsdale CC hosts the next tournament on the schedule, March 24/25 at Pavilion Lakes GC.
Pumas in 4th, scores dropping The Pumas are in the hunt. After a shaky 8th place start in the first tournament of the year, PV's golfers improved to 5th in last week's second event. After todays' first round of the 3rd tourney of the year, the Pumas continued their ascent up the team standings. The Pumas posted a season low team total of 292 at Palm Valley GC, site of this year's NJCAA national tournament, and stand in 4th place. PV is just 1 shot out of 3rd (South Mtn) and 4 shots out of 2nd (Mesa). Scottsdale leads after 1 round at 282. Sophomore Trevor German put up a season low 69 to lead the Puma charge. Ross Benson posted a season low 73. Joey Mendenhall and Paul Trittler added 75's. "Trevor is just playing great golf, he tied the low score in last week's tourney and is just 1 shot back today," said coach Jack Snyder. It was the overall team effort though that drew the most praise from the mentor, "our kids are pretty excited and should be, our progess in the last month has been excellent." "We're looking forward to playing with the big boys in the last group tomorrow," Snyder said of his team's pairings, "Mesa and Chandler/Gilbert were quite a bit in front of us earlier in the year so we'll see how tomorrow goes." In the long run though, tomorrow's round is not as important as the team's ultimate goal of playing well in May at the Regional tournament. Tee times for the Pumas run from 12:15 to 12:52 at Palm Valley GC in Goodyear.
PV Tennis hosts 3rd Annual HS Doubles Tourney PVCC men’s tennis hosted their 4th Annual High School Flight Doubles Tournament on Wednesday, March 12th, with 11 different schools competing. GIRLS The Horizon High School girls were the champions followed by closely by Deer Valley, and in third place North Canyon. The Flight winners were: #1 -- Shelley Johnson and Chelsi Redpath (Horizon), for the second year in-a-row, beat Ashley Brunk/Hallie Liu (Shadow Mt), #2 -- Jessie Trink and Cassie Corcoran (Horizon) beat Alyson Fix/Brittany Brewer (Deer Valley), and at #3 -- Alex Pressler/Cassie Edwards (North Canyon) beat Corrie McDonald/CaseyHenrichsen (Deer Valley). BOYS The North Canyon boys, the defending champions, repeated for the third straight year. Mingus was a close second and Sunrise Mt. finished third. The Flight winners were: #1 -- Joe Adewumi and Sean Sehorn (North Canyon), for the third year in-a-row, beat Brian Thieme/Thanat Khamlua (Mingus), #2 -- Alex Lineberry/Paul Paradise (Mingus) beat Rajit Kapoor/Auggie Cala (North Canyon), and #3 -- Mark Beall/Drew Halley (North Canyon) beat Boaz Witbeck/Josh Rogers (Sunrise Mt). Congratulations to all who competed!
Pumas continue to improve For the third straight round, PV's Pumas lowered their team score. In the first round of the Mesa CC tournament at Dobson Ranch GC, the team posted a season low stroke total of 332. Despite the new team low score, the Pumas were in 2nd place in the team standings behind Mesa (323). Pima was in 3rd at 345 with Chandler/Gilbert in 4th at 397. The overall depth of the Puma squad is showing as the scores of PV's #3 through #6 players comprised the 332 total. Alex Ward posted her season best round of 81. One shot back was Kendall Martin at 82. Shannon Robertson and Kelly Stapleton finshed with 84 and 85 respectively. "Our players were so excited to have played so well," coach Cindy Campbell said, "if we can continue to improve and get contributions from all of our team members we will eventually come out on top." The tournament continues on Tuesday. The second 18 hole round at Dobson Ranch GC begins at 10am.
Puma netters rocket past Rock Valley Paradise Valley breezed by Rock Valley on Monday 7-2 in a non-conference men’s tennis match proving that paper and Pumas can beat rock. PVCC claimed the top five singles matches and two of the three doubles matches to secure the win. At No. 1 doubles Oliver Clark/Shaun Rade defeated Rock Valley’s Jesus Roman and Andy Neyer 8-1. At the No. 2 flight Micah Briscoe and Scott Carter blanked Randy DelaCruz and Tomasso Ignesti 8-0. PVCC forfeited the third flight to give Rock Valley a point. In singles Oliver Clark rolled past RVC’s Jesus Roman 6-1, 3-6, 6-1 at No. 1 singles. At No. 2 PV’s Shaun Rade squeezed past Andy Neyer 7-6, 7-6. Puma Micah Briscoe went 6-1, 6-2 over Rock’s Randy Dela Cruz at No. 4. Though losing his first set 4-6 to Jordan McDonald of Rock Valley, PV’s Scott Carter refocused winning the second and third sets 6-3 to claim the No. 5 singles match for the Pumas. Without a sixth player for the day, the Pumas forfeited the No. 6 singles flight to Rock Valley. The Pumas improved to 4-5 with the win. Even Puma Head Coach, Jim Paajanen got some time on the court, playing a non-competitive match up against Rock Valley in No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles. We are happy to report that he is 2-0. The Pumas will play another non-conference match home on Monday, March 17 against San Diego City College at 2:00pm.
Pumas improving PV's softball Pumas are improving. The lessons though are being learned the hard way. Despite leading through 6 innings in the second game of Saturday's doubleheader with Yavapai, the Pumas dropped the game, 4-3 and both ends of the twin bill (5-0/4-3). In the nightcap, freshman pitcher Jamie Glazener threw her best game of the year but was victimized by an errant pick off attempt in the 7th inning of a 3-2 game. The ill fated attempt sailed into left field allowing 2 runs to score, handing Yavapai the win. "Jaime and Sam (Cooley) pitched their best games of the year," said coach Nick Candrea, "the second game was a heartbreaker." Freshman Kim Galindo (3rd base) led PV's offense against Yavapai and had 10 hits in 15 plate appearances for the week. Kelsey Carter added 4 hits on Saturday. Vicki Meza drew praise for her solid defensive work at 1st base. "Our kids have been working hard," added Candrea, "we've been finding ways to lose, we need to turn that around and find ways to win." Despite the slow start in terms of wins and losses, the Pumas still have a shot to reach the playoffs. "We've played 18 games but have 34 still to go, we have yet to play most of the teams that we'll compete against for a playoff berth, so as long as we work hard and continue to improve we'll be fine," he noted. The Pumas travel to Yuma Tuesday for an ACCAC twin bill against AWC, then return home for non-conference doubleheaders against Mott CC (MI) and Lake Land CC (IL) on Friday and Saturday.
Michaud wins national championship title Freshman Jamie Michaud (Mesa Mountain View) won the women's pole vault title Friday at the National Junior College Athletic Association Indoor National Championships held at Eastern Illinois University. Michaud's victory gave Paradise Valley Community College's Track & Field program its 20th individual pole vault title in the school’s history. Paradise Valley women's team scored 25 points to finish 13th overall. The Pumas men's team had six points to finish tied for 21st. Michaud vaulted 11’03”.75 to win the title. “It was a really exciting and fast atmosphere,” said Jamilyn, “I was in a slump and to comeback and win, was great”. Teammate Erica Rutley captured second place and an NJCAA All-American honor with her vault of 10’09.75". In 6th place was Laura Faris with a jump of 9’10.00” which earned her a coaches All-American nod. Jamilyn and the Pumas are thrilled to keep their winning history in the pole vault event intact. “It is nice to keep tradition going especially having two teammates there with me on the podium,” commented Michaud. But she is not ready to rest on her laurels, “I definitely hope to break 12’ for outdoors, I need to PR each meet and I will be there.” Co-Head Track and Vault Coach, Todd Lehman could not be happier with the result of the women’s competition. “It was very emotional,” said Lehman, “the ladies jumped very well. It was an awesome competition to watch. Erica almost made the 11’04.00” mark, but just touched the bar, giving Jamilyn the edge”. Normally top contenders, injury kept the men’s pole vault team sidelined, including 2007 outdoor national champion Kyle Fugit who was primed and ready to capture the indoor title. “Kyle was leading the country in the vault before nationals and I could hardly watch the competition without him there,” said Coach Lehman, “He will be ready to get back in it for outdoors”. On the track freshman Eric Harasyn placed 5th earning coaches All-American honors in the 3000m run with a time of 8:40.79. Julius Bor of Cloud County won the national title in 8:22.41. PV’s Las Vegas import, Jeremy Sudbury placed 9th in 9:04.49. Harasyn also ran to a 7th place finish in the mile with a time of 4:21.21. It is likely that both will earn coaches All-American honors once the number of foreign athletes in each event is reported. In the 5000m Jeremy Sudbury placed 17th running a 16:01.93. “Sudbury struggled in a slow heat,” commented Coach Lehman, “and with no one to run with, he could not keep pace with his PR”. The leader Lekanah Kibet of Rend Lake finished the 3.1 mile distance in 14:38.78. In the 4x800 PVCC kept pace with all their projected splits (Angel Sanchez, Mitchell Moses, Jordan Hunke and Juan Quintero) running an 8:06.07 for 9th place. In throws Puma Kevin Potter placed 12th in the weight throw with a toss of 13.91 meters (45’07.75”). Jason Robbs of Neosho County won the title with his throw of 60’03.25”. On the women’s side PV’s freshman multi athlete Marissa Maki qualified in the first semi-final heat of the 400 meters. She finished 7th in the finals in a time of 58.78 to earn coaches All-American honors. Maki also grabbed 7th place in the high jump with a mark of 1.55m (5’01”) and 10th in the pentathlon with a total of 2895 points. “Marissa is a great competitor for us,” said Coach Lehman, “She will continue to place well and earn points”. With the indoor track season now official over the Pumas will concentrate on outdoor national qualification. The team will next compete at the Central Arizona College Relays beginning March 13th.
PVCC men swept by Pima Pima swept Paradise Valley 9-0 Thursday in Tucson. It's been a roller coaster week for the Pumas, who defeated GateWay 7-2 Tuesday to break a four game losing streak. PVCC, 3-5 overall and 2-5 in Arizona Community College Athletic Association play, could not permanently reverse the trend in Aztec territory. In singles, all but one match was decided in straight sets. Pima’s Nick Caldwell beat Oliver Clark 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1 singles. Ian Esquer beat PV’s Shaun Rade 6-3, 6-1 at No. 2. The Aztec’s James Shrock beat Micah Briscoe 6-0 6-1 at No. 3. Ruben Medina had some difficulty defeating PVCC's Feroz Rast, but eventually won out 7-5, 6-4 at No. 4. Only the Puma’s No. 5, Scott Carter, caught a glimpse at potential victory. Losing the first set 1-6, he came back to win the second 6-4. But Carter’s opponent Mark Pitzlin was not going to give up the game, besting the Puma in the tiebreaker 10-5. In doubles Pima’s Caldwell and Preston-Carpenter fought off PV’s Clark and Rade, narrowly defeating the pair 9-7 at No. 1. The No. 2 and 3 Puma doubles flights were downed 8-3 a piece by Pima. The Pumas will host non-conference San Diego City College on March 17 at 2:00PM.
Pima bests PV Lady Netters, but Zertuche wins out Pima defeated host Paradise Valley 6-3 Thursday. The Pumas who defeated Pima by the same count earlier in the year, could not repeat the performance. PVCC, now 3-6 in Arizona Community College Athletic Association play, has only a few matches to go in the season before regional competition begins. The sole PV match win for the day went to tennis newcomer, Jazmin Zertuche who blanked Pima’s Eunice Sanchez 6-0, 6-0 at No. 5 singles. This is the first win for Zertuche this season. At No. 1 Pima’s Ali Brackey fought off Kara White, defeating the Puma only after a third set 4-6, 6-3, 6-7. Also in a narrow victory, Rachel Lockey of Pima bested PV’s Barbara Easterly 4-6, 6-1, 3-6 at No. 3. Puma Jennifer Maxwell lost out 4-6, 4-6 at No. 5 singles to the Aztec’s Jenn Hamel. Pima forfeited No. 2 singles, due to injury. In doubles Pima’s Hamel and Sanchez fought off PV’s A. McArthur and Zertuche, narrowly defeating the pair 8-6 at No. 2. At No. 1 White and Easterly were downed by Pima’s Brakey and Lockey 3-8. Pima forfeited the No. 3 doubles flight. The Pumas next head to sunny California for a spring break trip. They will play Cerritos College on March 12 and Riverside Community College on March 13. While in Cali the team will watch the pros at Pacific Life Open. The Pumas will return to the valley to play Glendale Community College on March 18 at Glendale, game time 1:30PM.
Men's Tennis captures a win The Paradise Valley Men’s Tennis team opened the second half of the season with a win Tuesday, beating the Geckos of GateWay 7-2. At No. 1 doubles PV’s Clark and Rade blanked O’Dell and Campillo 8-0. On the next court, Puma’s Briscoe and Carter won out over GWCC’s Dalbey and Fisher 8-4 in the No. 2 flight. PV’s Rast and Sutherland lost the No. 3 flight 8-2 to Borunda and Baldwin, putting the overall score 2-1 in favor of the Pumas heading into the singles matches. In singles the Pumas won decisive victories at the No. 2 and No. 3 flights. At No. 2 Shaun Rade went 6-0, 6-2 over GWCC’s Jonathan Dalbey. At the three-spot PV’s Micah Briscoe pushed by Alex Fisher 6-2, 6-3. The Pumas wanted a little more drama in the other matches, going to three set tiebreakers at the No. 1, No. 4 and No. 6 flights. PVCC’s Oliver Clark won his first set 6-3 and lost the second to the same count against Scott O’Dell of GateWay in the No.1 flight. Clark held on for a third set victory, 6-0. At No. 4 the resilient Puma, Feroz Rast, dropped the first set 6-7, but came back with a 6-2 and 10-8 tiebreaker win over Arturo Borunda. At No. 6 PV’s Adam Sutherland lost out 2-6 in the first, but overcame the Gecko’s Dustin Baldwin finally 6-4 and 10-8. PV’s No. 5 singles match was the other loss for the day as GWCC’s Anthony Campillo overcame Scott Carter in two sets of 6-2. The Pumas (3-4 ACCAC) head to Tucson Thursday, March 6 to face the Pima Aztecs for the second time. Game time, 2:30PM.
PVCC names Rico and Kozul to Men’s Soccer staff Paradise Valley Community College announced Edson Rico and Mate Kozul as the new Co-Head Coaches of the Men’s Soccer program. The pair replace Timothy Marchisotto who successfully coached the Pumas to a playoff chance in 2007. PVCC Men’s Soccer will be entering its tenth season of intercollegiate competition in the Fall of 2008. The Pumas compete in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Rico and Kozul started their playing careers together at Yavapai College. The two were on the Roughrider inaugural team in 1989 and again in 1990 when the team won their first NJCAA National Championship title. Edson, who was named to the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2006, was their star forward and all-time leading scorer; Mate played defense. Both Edson and Mate left the United States to play professional soccer in Europe. Edson played for FC Kampenhout 1st Division team in Belgium. Mate also played for Belgium in 1st Division FC Westerlo; he later transferred to FC Rijeka of his native home, Croatia. The pair began regular coaching careers in the United States in the late 90s with the USISL Arizona Saguaros. Mate took up the mantel of Head Coach, Assistant General Manager and defensive player for the Saguaro team, earning USISL Pro League “Coach of the Year” honors in 1998. Edson assisted Mate with coaching duties and was the lead forward player. In 2000 Coach Kozul and Rico moved their coaching and playing talents to the Tucson Fireballs (USL). Kozul also coached several club teams in that time. In 2007 Edson and Mate formed the Sonoran Foothills Soccer League. The club focuses on the development of soccer and team skills for children between the ages of 3-11. Coach Edson and Mate are excited about leading their first collegiate team. There are confident they can develop the Pumas in to one of the top contenders in the county and conference. “Edson and Mate are really enthusiastic about joining our program,” commented Athletics Director Greg Silcox, “their ability to relay their professional and personal experience will be a big asset to our students”. The Pumas are currently recruiting for the 2008 season. Potential players or those interested in the Men’s Soccer program may contact PV Athletics via the web at: www.paradisevalley.edu/athletics/ or by phone at 602.787.7173.
Getting closer The PV women took another step toward winning an ACCAC tournament on Tuesday by finishing second at the GateWay tournament at Pagago GC. For the second straight event, the Pumas led after round 1 of the 2 day tourney. After having been tied with Mesa at 354, the Pumas posted a team season low round of 342 on day 2. PV's low score was not quite low enough as Mesa's T-Birds posted a team 340 for an overall total of 694 to win by 2 strokes. In addition to their 2nd place tournament finish, PV's tournament total of 696 strokes was also a team best finish for 2008. "It was very exciting for our players and team, "said coach Cindy Campbell, "we came charging back on the back nine and almost caught them (Mesa), our kids played much better and definitely learned from last week's experience." Markie Payne shot a stellar 37 on the back nine and totaled 83 strokes on the day for a 4th place individual finish. Stephanie Ng came in with an 87 and just 40 shots on the back to capture 6th place overall. Kendall Martin returned to her normal form and carded an 85. Alex Ward posted an 87 despite suffering from flu-like symptoms throughout the round. "This should be a big confidence boost for us,"added Campbell. Alex Ward also drew high praise for her efforts while definitely being sick and under the weather. Next up for the Puma women is the Mesa CC tournament at Dobson Ranch GC, March 10 and 11.
Pumas 5th - German ties for 1st The home course advantage proved to be just that for PV's golf team. The Pumas posted a 2nd round team total of 306 for a combined total of 616 strokes and 5th place in their tournament at Estrella Mountain Ranch GC. After a disappointing team finish (8th) in the 1st tournament of the year, this result was more to the liking of first year head coach Jack Snyder. "Our guys played much better, though we still have a way to go to play to our capability," he said, "Trevor (German) was outstanding, his 72 was just 1 shot back of the low score of the day." German posted a tournament low 147 shots over 36 holes (+3) but lost the tie breaker (2nd day score) and finished 2nd individually. Ross Benson, Corey Lietzau-Morer and Ryan Busbee all improved their play from day 1, carding 78's. German's medal finish follows on the heels of Mendenhall's 5th place individual finish in the previous ACCAC tournament in Tucson. Next up for the Pumas is the Glendale CC tournament at Palm Valley GC, March 12/13.
PVCC announces head baseball coach Paradise Valley Community College named Victor Solis of Phoenix, Arizona as the Head Baseball Coach for the most recent intercollegiate addition to the Puma Athletics Program. Baseball is PVCC’s 12th sport. PV Baseball will begin competitive play in the spring of 2009, competing within the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) and the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). Solis is an Arizona native. A graduate of Brophy College Preparatory, he attended Glendale Community College and played baseball. After completing his Associates Degree, Coach Solis transferred to Grand Canyon University where he and the Antelopes competed in the NAIA National Championships. Mr. Solis completed his MBA at Oklahoma City University where he also served as an assistant coach. Victor has coached baseball for over 15 years. He spent three years at his respective Alma matters, Brophy College Preparatory and Glendale Community College, as well as five years at the University of Arizona and two years at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Solis brings unique knowledge and experience of starting a baseball program from scratch to Paradise Valley Community College. In 2006 Solis built the inaugural GateWay Community College team and in his second year was able to bring the new team to a 21-34 overall record. In 2007 he was honored by being named the head coach for the USA Junior National Team who competed in the Pan American Games in Ixtapa, Mexico, winning the Bronze Medal and qualifying for the World Championships in the summer of 2008. “Victor is as perfect fit given his knowledge of Arizona and the conference as well as his ties to local high school programs,” said Athletics Director Greg Silcox, “he has really hit the ground running and builds the level of excitement surrounding our program”. Field construction for an on-campus facility off of 32nd Street is currently underway and should be completed for the fall practice season in September. Potential players or those interested in the program may contact PV Athletics via the web at: www.paradisevalley.edu/athletics/ or by phone at 602.787.7173.
Pumas in front PV's women golfers are in a familiar position after day 1 of the GateWay tournament, this time they hope to seal the deal. For the second straight ACCAC tournament, PV's Pumas are on top of the leaderboard after 18 holes of a 36 hole event. Their team total of 354 left PV tied with Mesa. Pima CC, of Tucson is 3 shots back at 357. PV's women were tied with Pima after the first round of the previous tournament but did not finish strong. "We've been in this boat before," said coach Cindy Campbell, "we hope we'll be better able and better prepared to handle it this time." Markie Payne posted a team best 87 at Papago GC and is in 2nd place in the individual standings. Stephanie Ng and Alex Ward carded 88's and are tied for 4th place. Kelly Stapleton (91), Kendall Martin (96) and Chrisitina Ramirez (99) also teed it up for the Pumas. A team score of 340 continues to be the Pumas' goal. "We are capable, we just have to go out and do it, Kendall's score was really out of character for her," added Campbell.
Pumas host tournament - improve play PV's Pumas have improved their game on their home course. PVCC is the host for the 2nd tournament of the ACCAC 2008 schedule at Estrella Mountain Ranch GC. PV's scores are improved and perhaps a bit of the home course advantage is showing. PV posted a team total of 310 strokes on a windy day that was tough on the field. Sophomores Trevor Germann (75) and Joey Mendenhall (76) paced the PV team with Ross Benson (79) and Ryan Busbee (83) rounding out the top 4 counting scores. Chandler/Gilbert led the team standings at 298. the rest of the field is tightly bunched with Mesa and Scottsdale both at 306, South Mountain at 307, Pima at 309 and PV in 5th at 310. Play on day two begins at 11am today.
Tough day for the Pumas PV's Pumas dropped a pair of ACCAC contests to league leading Phoenix College at PC today. The visiting Pumas found themselves down big early in both games and could not recover. The Bears captured both games of the twin bill easily 16-0 and 17-0. "They hit the ball extremely hard and we continue to struggle by giving up too many free passes," coach Nick Candrea said. The Pumas mustered only 3 hits in the day. Samantha Cooley absorbed the loss in the first game, allowing 8 bases on balls and hitting a pair of batters. "Jamie (Glazener) threw it better in the second game and when she threw strikes, they hit the strikes that were thrown," noted the mentor. Non-conference foe Spokane Falls CC from Washington state is next on the schedule, Friday at 2pm. Conference opponents Yavapai and Arizona Western then are next before another pair of non-conference teams come to town the following week during spring break.
Future field site cleared The Paradise Valley CC Baseball Field Project is underway. The relocation of trees and removal of brush is now complete at the future site of the on-campus facility. The facility will be south of the main campus off of 32nd Street and will include a natural turf field, block dugouts and a batting tunnel. Digs to establish electrical work for the field and walkways will also get started soon. A temporary pathway has been identified for pedestrians to use between the main campus and existing athletics fields during the 3-4 month project. Field construction should be completed by late July in time for fall baseball training. PVCC will open its first season of intercollegiate baseball, January 2009.
Eastern blanks PVCC Paradise Valley women's tennis team dropped all nine flights to Eastern Arizona Thursday, March 28. In their second match up with the Gila Monsters, the Pumas did not fair any better. In the only close match of the day, PVCC’s Jennifer Maxwell put a big battle at No. 4 single but eventually fell to Eastern's Meghan Skinner, losing 4-6, 3-6. Eastern Arizona's Laone Botshoma beat Kara White 6-2, 6-0 at No. 1 singles. Gianinna Mulky beat Allison McArthur 6-0, 6-0 at No. 2. At the No. 3 spot, Morgan Maylen beat PVCC's Barbara Easterly 6-0, 1-0. Easterly had to retire due to illness. Paradise Valley's Jazmin Zertuche lost to Shaka Orr 6-0, 6-0 at No. 5. Mary McArthur who substituted for the injured Natalie Faddis fell to EAC's Jessica Smith 6-0, 6-0 at No. 6. In doubles play, Botshoma/Mulky defeated White/Easterly 8-0 at the No. 1 flight. Maylen/Skinner beat Allison McArthur/Jazmin Zertuche by the same score at No. 2 pairs. At No. 3 Orr/Williams beat Faddis/Maxwell 8-2 at No. 3. Paradise Valley (2-5 ACCAC) will host Pima at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 6.
Mesa takes both from PV Host Mesa Community College bested Paradise Valley Community College in Tuesday’s doubleheader, 7-4 and 8-5. Mesa broke open a 4-0 Puma lead with several unearned runs. Paradise Valley (1-7 ACCAC) committed several errors and walked a few batters to give the Thunderbirds the opener. The second game went much the same, with the Pumas out hitting their opponents but unable to maintain their lead as errors and pitching issues allowed Mesa a few key opportunities to score, finishing 8-5. Despite the loss Coach Candrea is seeing improvements. "We out hit Mesa, but errors let the games go the other way," said Candrea. "It is promising to see that we can compete and hit against a team." Paradise Valley pitcher Sam Cooley allowed only one hit in the first game loss. Jamie Glazener pitched the second. PVCC will play Glendale Community College at home Saturday, March 1. Game times 12:00/2:00PM.
Site for PVCC men's golf tournament to change The site of the ACCAC men's golf tournament PVCC is hosting on March 3rd and 4th has been changed. The tournament, originally scheduled at Hillcrest GC, will now be held at Estrella Mountain Ranch Golf Club in Goodyear, AZ. The dates and costs remain the same, the first tee times have been moved 30 minutes earlier to 11:30 am on both days. Payments should be made out to Estrella Mountain Ranch Golf Club. For questions or concerns, please contact Paradise Valley Community College Athletics at 602-787-7173.
Puma Men 2nd, Women 3rd at ACCAC meet Paradise Valley qualified five individuals for nationals and picked up three head-to-head team wins Friday at the first outdoor season ACCAC meet hosted by Central Arizona College. PVCC beat Phoenix 96-36 and Pima 89-78 while losing to Central 135-49 in the men's team competition. Central Arizona and Pima beat PVCC 121-34 and 65-52 respectively in the women's meet team total, and the Pumas beat Phoenix College 55-44. On the track Paradise Valley's Eric Harasyn qualified for the 1500 meter run with a time of 3:59.90. Central’s Jordan Chipangama just edged out the Puma winning the event in 3:59.24. PV’s Jeremy Sudbury also competed in the 1500 placing 4th overall with a time of 4:10.28. Marissa Maki finished 3rd in 200 meter dash behind Saravia Richardson and Liann Kellman of Central. Maki’s time of 25.78 was enough to qualify the Puma for the NJCAA Indoor Nationals. She will need a 24.84 to get to the line for the outdoor championships. The Pumas struggled to close the qualifying gap on the track, but they did manage six third place finishes in individual running events. On the field, PV’s Kevin Potter qualified in the men’s hammer throw event tossing a 48.36m. Adonson Shallow of Central clinched the top spot with his throw of 50.24m. Puma Chris Hall tossed a 27.47m. For the women PV’s Taryn Thompson diversified her throwing effort earning 2nd place in the discus, javelin and hammer and 3rd in the shot. In the pole vault Puma’s Jamilyn Mischaud and Erica Rutley went one-two in the vault cracking the outdoor vault qualifying height of 2.97m wide open with a matching pair of 3.30m jumps. In the men’s vault the Pumas struggled to meet the national mark. Topping out at 4.09m the PV vaulting squad ate up 2nd through 5th place in the event. They will need to hit a 4.54m to qualify. Former Puma Martin Nevarez won the men’s vault, but also failed to qualify with his vault of 4.39m. Puma jumper Jacob Bartell leapt a season best in the long jump hitting the 6.83m mark. He placed third in the event, behind Central’s Keenan Hall (7.90m) and Kurt Felix (6.92M). Bartell also placed third in the men’s high jump. The Pumas will head to the NJCAA Indoor National Championships in Charleston, Illinois on March 7-8. The event will be held at Eastern Illinois University. For detailed results see www.maricopa.edu/cctf/results/track/2008/080222_ACCACCentral.html
Pumas drop two The lessons continue to be tough for the PV softball squad as the Pumas fell twice to Eastern Arizona, the defending division I region champion, Saturday in Thatcher. PV's women dropped 17-2 and 13-4 decisions and are 1-5 in conference play and overall. "Eastern has some players that are big and physical that can really swing the bat and hit the ball well," said coach Nick Candrea, "but we have to understand the significance of throwing strikes." "Our pitchers will have to throw every series and have to find a way to keep improving mentally and physically," he added. The Pumas continue to play solid defense and are improving at the plate offensively. Fielding errors have been few and the Pumas turned another double play against Eastern. Ashley Rodriguez again led the Puma hitters with a pair of hits in each game. Trisha Sappington, Lauren Jardine and Vicki Meza each notched a couple hits on the day for the Pumas. The Pumas travel to Mesa for a Tuesday 2PM twin bill and return home next Saturday (3/1) for a noon double header against Glendale.
SCC overtakes Puma Tennis 7-2 Mom always said that vegetables are important and Scottsdale’s Artichokes proved the point on Thursday, besting Paradise Valley in both the men’s and women’s matches 7-2. In the women's match, PVCC's wins came at No. 1 singles and doubles. PV’s Kara White beat SCC’s Hinze 6-4, 6-1 in the singles flight. With partner Barbara Easterly at White’s side, the pair defeated Such and Uzeta of Scottsdale 8-5 in the doubles match. Easterly was overcome in her No. 2 singles match by Uzeta who scraped by the Puma in a three set tiebreaker 5-7, 6-4, 10-7. The Puma No. 3 doubles team of Allison McArthur and Jazmin Zertuche went down in favor of SCC, but made a good run winning three games in a row before bowing out 6-8. Paradise Valley lost the No. 2 doubles and No. 3-5 singles flights in decisive matches to the Artichokes of SCC. In the men's match PVCC struggled to put up points, but were able to earn wins at the No. 3 doubles and No. 6 singles matches. Scottsdale had to forfeit these flights for not fielding a full team. The Puma men lost No. 1 and No. 2 doubles matches 0-8 to SCC. In singles the Pumas won a few games, but lost out in each contest to the dominant Artichokes. The loss puts PVCC's men at 3-2 in the conference. The women are 2-4. The PV men will have a week off returning to play GateWay CC on Tuesday, March 4 at 1:30PM on the PVCC home courts. The women’s squad will take on Eastern Arizona College Thursday, February 28 at PVCC; game time 1:30PM.
Pumas swept by Thunderbirds Mesa Community College swept host Paradise Valley 9-0 Tuesday. The Pumas have now lost their second straight match after starting the season with two wins. PVCC is 3-2 overall, 2-2 in Arizona Community College Athletic Conference play. But the blank score for the Pumas does not tell the whole story. With three of the singles matches decided in tiebreakers; these cats don’t go down without a fight. In No. 1 doubles MCC’s Schwartz and Wardenburg defeated Clark and Rade 8-5. At the No. 2 and No. 3 spots PV could only manage one game a piece against their Mesa rivals, leaving the final verdict 1-8 in favor of the Thunderbirds. In singles Mesa’s Dan Schwartz got past Oliver Clark 7-6, 6-7, 11-0 in the tiebreaker after a second set loss to the Puma at No. 1. Kurt Wardenburg beat Shaun Rade 6-0, 6-3 at No. 2. PV’s Micah Briscoe won several of his games at No. 3, but lost out in the end to Kevon Orear of Mesa 6-4, 7-5. At No. 4 Zack Galas beat out PV’s Feroz Rast 7-6, 6-0. Mesa’s John Decker held out over Scott Carter’s second set rally, beating the Puma 6-1, 1-6, 10-7 at No. 5 and in the 6 spot, PV’s Adam Sutherland succumbed to Tyler Trent in the tiebreaker 6-4, 6-7, 10-5. "We had some close matches, but nobody could put any points or games together at one time to get a win," said Puma coach Jim Paajanen. The Pumas will play region power house Scottsdale Community College at SCC on Thursday; game time 1:30pm.
PVCC women drop Mesa match Paradise Valley women's tennis team lost its match to Mesa Community College Tuesday 7-2 in Thunderbird country. The Pumas won a singles match and one doubles contest, but Mesa’s hungry birds ate up the other five singles matches and claimed two of the doubles flights to win the day. In the plus column, Kara White of Paradise Valley beat Ivette Cerda 4-6, 6-4, 10-4 at No. 1 singles. "Kara pulled off a great win at #1 singles in a match that was an extreme test of patience,” said PV’s Coach Buchanan. “By playing smart and pinpointing her opponent’s weakness, she secured a win," added Buchanan. Kara was half of the doubles magic that secured the Pumas their only other win for the day, as she and Barbara Easterly handily defeated their MCC opponents 8-4 at No. 1 doubles. Easterly also pushed hard in her No. 4 singles match but ultimately lost out 7-5, 2-6, 7-10 to Nga Le of Mesa in a three set tiebreaker. MCC’s Beth Baeza blanked Allison McArthur 6-0, 6-0 at No.2 singles. Paradise Valley's Jennifer Maxwell earned some games but lost out at No. 3 singles, 5-7 and 3-6 to Mesa’s Nikki Serrano. In mirrored sets of 2-6, 3-6 the Puma’s Natalie Faddis and Jazmin Zertuche lost to their MCC counterparts at No. 5 and No. 6 singles respectively. Rounding out the doubles Mesa’s Le and Villarreal beat Faddis and Maxwell 8-3 at No. 2 and Hurst and Blackburn swept PV’s McArthur and Zertuche 8-1. "Once again the lady Pumas fought hard but came up short in a few close matches," commented Coach Buchanan. Paradise Valley is now 2-3 in the conference. They will play Scottsdale CC at home on Thursday, February 21 at 1:30PM.
Puma Women finish 3rd PV's women golfers fell back a bit on day 2 of the Pima CC tournament at Fred Enke GC in Tucson. The Pumas posted a 2nd day total of 360, up 14 shots from their day 1 total. Their 2 day total of 704 (346/360) strokes left them them 3rd in the overall team standings behind Mesa (347/348-695) and Pima (347/350-697). "It was a tough day for us, particularly after we played so well yesterday but we'll come back," said coach Cindy Campbell. Markie Payne (86) and Kelly Stapleton (86) paced the Pumas on day two. Payne's two day total of 170 was the low total for the Pumas. Despite their 3rd place team finish, PV remains in the thick of things for their 2nd consecutive national tournament berth. Papago GC, March 3rd and 4th, will be the site of the 3rd tournament of the year for PV's women.
Men's golfers rebound For PV's men, day two of the first conference tournament of the year brought significantly improved results. The Pumas posted a team total of 299, dropping 16 shots from their first day's total at Rio Rico GC, south of Tucson. Sophomore Joey Mendenhall posted they day's best round with a sparkling four under par 68. Mendenhall finished the tournament in red figures at 1 under par 143. Ross Benson (74) shaved 7 strokes of his first day total. Trevor Germann (75) dropped 3 shots. "Our guys seemed to settle down and were just much more comfortable on the course," coach Jack Snyder said. Final team and individual standings were not immediately available after the tournament. Results will be posted when they become available.
Pumas in 1st place tie After day one of the Pima CC women's golf tournament, PV's women golfers are in a first place tie. The Puma's opening round team total of 346 strokes is an early season best and puts the Pumas in a first place tie with the host Aztecs. Crosstown rival Mesa is just 1 stroke back at 347. "Our team played really well today, our hard work in the form of practice and a practice round at Fred Enke paid off," said coach Cindy Campbell, "it was a huge improvement from our first tournament." A pair of Puma freshmen, Markie Payne and Kendall Martin, led a balanced team effort, posting 84's. Kelly Stapleton was 2 shots back at 86. Shannon Robertson and Alex Ward both came in with 92's. The low 4 individual scores comprise the team total for the day. Play on day two of the tournament tomorrow at Fred Enke GC in Tucson should prove to be exciting. Pima captured the first tourney of the year on PV's home course. The Pumas will look to return the favor tomorrow.
1 up, 1 down in 1st twin bill PV's Pumas opened their 2008 campaign with a split against GateWay CC on Saturday. The debut for the Pumas and 1st year head coach Nick Candrea resulted in a split with the Geckos. The Pumas pounded out 27 hits on the day and committed just 1 error. "We were at a bit of a disadvantage because Gateway had played 11 games already and it was our opener, but with the exception of 1 inning, our kids and team played very well," said Candrea. That one inning however negated a 5-2 PV lead after 5 1/2 innings in the opener and cost PV the game. Gateway plated 7 runs on 5 hits, 2 walks and a hit batter to erase the PV lead. Sophomore Samantha Cooley (0-1) had given up just 3 hits and 2runs prior to the 6th. "They just hit the ball in the 6th," Candrea said, "we played good defense but left 11 runners on base." A trio of Pumas had 2 hits apiece in the game, Ashley Rodriguez, Vicki Mesa, Lori Ellis and Cooley. In the nightcap, PV pounded out 16 hits in support of winning pitcher Jamie Glazener (1-0). Glazener yielded 2 runs on 4 hits and did not walk a batter. Rodriguez and Ellis had 3 hits, Mesa and frosh Kelsey Carter each had a pair of safeties. Carter knocked in 3 runs. "We would have like to have won both games but overall it was a good day. Our defensive effort was a pleasant surpise," noted Candrea. Next up for the Pumas is a home opening twin bill with perennial ACCAC power Central Arizona on Tuesday. Game time 2:00PM.
Rough start for Pumas It was an inauspicious debut for PV's men's golf squad at Rio Rico GC on Sunday. After a solid front 9, the 2008 Pumas fell back on the inward half. "It was the first tourney of the year and the overall inexperience of our guys showed," said 1st year head coach Jack Snyder." "They weren't happy about it and we surely have something to work on," added Snyder, "we will play better tomorrow." Sophomore Joey Mendenhall carded a 75 to lead the Pumas. Trevor German (so) added a 78 for PV. Corey Lietzau-Mourer and Ross Benson added 81's for a team total of 315. Only Mendenhall and German have significant tournament experience from last year. "The guys weren't happy about our play today but the bright side is that there is lots of golf left before the Regional tourney in May," Snyder added. The total left PV tied for 9th in the team standings, well back of the overall tournament leader Scottsdale. South Mountain (290) was the leader among divsion 2 colleges. Play in the 36 hole event continues today at 9am.
Pumas close out regular indoor season strong Freshmen Eric Harasyn and Marissa Maki were the big players for PV in Saturday’s Paradise Valley Indoor Invitational. Maki, who is second on the NJCAA pentathlon leader board, took first place in the 400 meter dash besting her time of 58.83 earlier in the year with a new time of 58.67. Maki also led in the 200m dash in 26.01, a .50 season improvement. She placed second in the long jump with a 4.96m leap, a season best, and second in the high jump with a 1.55m mark. Harasyn won the 800m run in a season best 1:58.45 and he topped the 1500m in 4:08.82, just seconds off the 4:05 qualifying mark. In the 1000m PV’s men ran alone. Freshman Jordan Hunke was first in a time of 2:38.63. He will have to push to a 2.38.16 to qualify for nationals. Hunke was followed by Juan Quintero 2:40.75, Angel Sanchez 2:42.29 and Matthew Tormey 3:01.25. Puma hurdler Jacob DeSanti ran a 9.11 in the 60-meter hurdles in a three-competitor final. Desanti bested Glendale’s Mark Hughes who finished in 9.45. The event was won by Kele Maifea of Glendale in 8.91. In throws, PV’s Kevin Potter continues on the edge of qualifying in the weight throw event tossing a 14.07m. He will need a 14.90. In the shot put, Kevin made 13.37m; the event was won by unattached athlete Collin Post with a toss of 15.38m. Fellow Pumas Bruce Bale and Matthew Tormey tossed an 11.64 and 8.04 resepctively. Phoenix College’s Miguel Gonzalez and Demetrius Lavant each cleared 6-5m in the long jump. PV’s Jacob Bartell rounded out the top three in the event with a 6.46m jump. Teammate Matthew Tormey placed fifth with a 6.12m leap. Bartell placed fourth in the high jump with a 1.83m mark. Aaron Robinson of the Arizona Puma club won out with a 2.01m. In the vault, Patrick McHugh cracked the 4-meter mark with a season best jump of 4.12. Paradise Valley ran solo in the 4x400-meter relay in 3:30.53. The Puma male sprinters Nick Vidaurreta, Amjad Al-marridi, Juan Mendez and Mitchell Moses also continued to make headway in their respective sprinting events. In the women's competition, PV’s Erica Rutley placed third in the 60 meter hurdles in a time of 10.12. Glendale’s Trya Porter 9.14 was tops with unattached Kayla Todnam placing second in 10.05. In shot put PV’s Taryn Thompson tossed a 9.46m for second place. Alesha Asijie from MCC won the event with a 12.57m mark. Aiesha is fourth in the nation at the Juco level in the shot put. PV’s Jamilyn Michaud and Erica Rutley tied for second in the pole vault at the 3.20m mark. Teammate Laura Faris tied for seventh at 2.85m. Lauren Pew from MCC topped with a 3.35m jump. The Pumas head into the outdoor season at Central Arizona College February 22 at 3:00PM. Events at this meet can be used to qualify for indoor or outdoor nationals as needed. The indoor season will official close at the nationals in Charleston, Illinois beginning March 7.
Field construction begins The upcoming Baseball Field Project and Q Building Pathway is scheduled to begin February 18, 2008. Preparations for construction will start with the relocation of trees and removal of brush. Digs to establish electrical work for the field and walkways will also get underway. A temporary pathway has been identified for pedestrians to use between the main campus and Q Bldg. during the 3-4 month project. Field construction should be completed by late July in time for fall baseball training. PVCC will open its first season of intercollegiate baseball, January 2009.
GCC beats both PVCC squads by 8-1 count Glendale’s Gauchos doled out an equal measure of punishment Thursday, beating Paradise Valley in both the men’s and women’s matches 8-1. In the women's match, PVCC's Barbara Easterly beat Sauer 6-2, 6-1 at No. 5 singles. At No. 1 Kara White was overcome after a three set tie-breaker to Phelic 1-6, 6-4, 3-10. The Puma ladies gave a good fight in the No. 1 and 2 doubles flights, losing each only 6-8. No. 3 doubles went down 2-8 in favor of GCC. Coach Buchanan was not disappointed with the result, "Glendale is a strong team throughout, I'm proud of how our Pumas fought through some tough matches". In the men's match, PVCC's Feroz Rast beat Stephen Elliot 6-2, 6-3 at No. 4 singles. The Puma’s No. 6, Adam Sutherland battled back in the second set 7-5 after a first set loss of 2-6. He succumbed in the tie-breaker 6-10 to GCC’s Filip Bryan. The Puma men lost all their doubles matches to the tune of 3-8 count to the Gauchos. The loss puts PVCC's men at 1-2 in the conference. The women are 2-2. PV will play Mesa Community College on Tuesday, February 19. The men's team will play at home.
Lady Pumas knock down Pima The Paradise Valley Women's Tennis team beat Pima Community College Tuesday 6-3. This is the first time that the Pumas have topped the Pima team in several years. In No. 1 doubles PV’s Kara White and Barbara Easterly defeated Pima's Bethany Kashian and Ali Brackey 8-6. The Puma mother-daughter duo fought back from 2-6, overcoming the Aztecs in six straight games. No. 2 doubles Paradise Valley’s Natalie Faddis and Allison McArthur won some games, but Jenn Hamel and Rachel Lockey of Pima topped the Puma pair 8-4. Pima forfeited the No.3 doubles match. In singles, PV's No. 1 Kara White won out over Ali Brackey in a two-set tie breaker, 7-6(7-2),6-7(5-7),10-8. No. 2 Allison McArthur was defeated by Bethany Kashian 6-1, 6-0 and No. 3 Jennifer Maxwell lost out to Rachel Lockey 6-3, 4-6. At the four-spot PV’s Natalie Faddis pushed past Jenn Hamel 6-3,7-5 and at No.5 Barbara Easterly swept Eunice Sanchez 6-0, 6-2. Pima forfeited the No.6 singles match. “This win was very exciting for the team,” said Coach Buchanan, “we had some battles, but were able to close the matches well and get the win”. Paradise Valley tackles the undefeated Gauchos of Glendale at home February 14 at 1:30PM. Doubles: #1 White/Easterly vs. Kashian/Brakey PV won 8-6 #2 Faddis/McArthur vs. Hamel/Lockey PV lost 4-8 #3 Pima forfeit Singles: #1 Kara White vs Ali Brackey PV won 7-6(7-2), 6-7(5-7), 10-8 #2 Allison McArthur vs Bethany Kashian PV lost 1-6, 0-6 #3 Jennifer Maxwell vs Rachel Lockey PV lost 3-6, 4-6 #4 Natalie Faddis vs Jenn Hamel PV Won 6-3, 7-5 #5 Barbara Easterly vs Eunice Sanchez PV Won 6-0, 6-2 #6 Pima forfeit
Entries close today for PVCC Indoor Invite The Pumas will host the PVCC Indoor Invite on Saturday, February 16. Entries close today, February 12 at 11:59PM. All entries must be made through Direct Atheltics at www.directathletics.com/meets/track/7834.html . Entry costs are $100/team/gender and $20 per individual. All-comers welcome. To see a schedule for the meet, visit www.pvc.maricopa.edu/athletics/docs/0708TrackMeetInfo.pdf . Changes to the schedule are likely. Any changes to the time schedule will be reposted by Friday, February 15 at Noon.
Pumas drop first match of season Paradise Valley’s Men’s Tennis team lost for the first time this season, losing 8-1 Tuesday to Pima Community College. The Pumas' lone win came at No. 5 singles, where Scott Carter beat Ruben Medena in a two set tie-breaker 6-2, 1-6, 11-9. “Pima has improved from last year,” Paradise Valley coach Jim Paajanen said. The rest of the day belonged to the Aztecs. Pima’s Nick Caldwell blanked Oliver Clark 6-0, 6-0 at No. 1 singles. Ryan Esquer defeated Shaun Rade in the same fashion winning 6-0, 6-0 at No. 2. James Strock beat PVCC's Micah Briscoe 6-0, 6-2 at the No. 3 spot. Steven Weintraub survived a three set trial against Feroz Rast 6-1, 5-7, 11-9 at the fourth flight. At No. 6, Mark Pitzlin bested Adam Sutherland 6-1, 6-0. In doubles Caldwell and Esquer breezed past Clark and Rade 8-1 at No. 1 doubles. Strock and Weintraub swept Briscoe and Carter 8-0 at the No. 2 spot, and Medena and Pitzlin edged out Rast and Sutherland at No. 3 with a 8-4 win. “We are going to struggle with some of these more competitive teams,” commented Paajanen, “but, we will continue working on our skills and improving our game”. Paradise Valley (1-1 ACCAC, 2-1 Overall) heads to Glendale Thursday, Valentine’s Day, at 1:30 p.m.
Pumas give season best performances at Gaucho Invite Paradise Valley’s Track & Field team laid down 21 season best performances on Saturday, February 10 at Glendale Community College. Adding to the national qualifier list for the Pumas were Eric Harasyn and Mitchell Moses in the 800m. Harasyn crossed the line first, overall, in a time of 1:58.49. Harasyn also qualified in the 3000m earlier in the year. Following close behind Harasyn was Mitchell Moses who picked-up his first national event qualification in a time of 1:59.68. Season best performances were made by Nicholas Vidaurreta and Amjad Al-marridi in the 200m. Vidaurreta also laid down a season best time of 50.77 in the 400m, just three-quarters of a second off qualifying time. In the 1000m Juan Quintero and Jordan Hunke came in 2-3 with season best times of 2:39.36 and 2:43.02 respectively. In the women’s 800m Marissa Maki ran a PR first place race in 2:31.07. She will need a 2:28.54 to qualify for the event at nationals. In the hurdles Erica Rutley ran a season best 10.15. The field events also saw a good deal of season best Puma performances. Throwing shot put, Taryn Thompson laid out her best toss of the year at 30’08.00 (9.34M). Thompson also found a season top in her weight throw performance of 26’00.00 (7.92m). On the men’s side, Kevin Potter tossed his season best in the shot, hitting 42’03.00 (12.87m). In women’s vault Jamilyn Michaud hit the top of the NJCAA leader board with a 11’07.00 (3.55m) vault. Also leading the NJCAA on the men’s side, PV’s Kyle Fugit vaulted a PR 16’0.75 (4.90m) at the Glendale meet. Giving season best performances were fellow vaulters, Trace Richardson (4.12m) and Jay Rawlings (3.97m). Jacob Bartell and Matt Tormey had season toppers in the horizontal jumps. Bartell gave a tri-fecta performance earning his season best in the high jump 6’ (1.83m), long jump 20’0.75 (6.11m) and triple jump 41’7.5 (12.68m). Tormey grabbed his season best with a 5’6 (1.68) mark in the high jump. In Multi events Marissa Maki and Matt Tormey gave PR performances at the Gaucho Invite. Maki currently leads the NJCAA with 2765 points. The Pumas will be back on their home surface on Saturday, February 16 for the PVCC Indoor Invite. The event begins at 11:00AM.
The change up It’s a whole new softball game for Paradise Valley in 2008. Still a fairly young program, the Pumas have struggled to compete against the more established teams in the conference. In 2007 they finished a disappointing 5-27 in the ACCAC and 15-35 overall. Consistency was the biggest issue for the Lady Pumas, who would challenge a big team on one day and lose to a weaker team a few days later. But new sheriff has come to structure and focus this wild Puma town. From day one under new Head Coach Candrea’s leadership, the message was clear—this is a different Puma team. In addition to new attitudes and outlooks the team selected a new team motto “Be as good as you can be, today!” which is emblazoned on the practice uniform and hearts of the Puma squad. “Our goal is to put a team on the field that will compete in each and every game,” says Coach Candrea, “This dedicated focus to excellence will show in the way they present themselves both on an off the playing field”. To better his chances, Candrea has put together a crack coaching team in Head Assistant Coach Jeff Griffith from Cactus High School as well as Volunteer Assistants K.T. Thompson from Northwest Christian Academy and Lori Helmer the Puma pitching coach from Cactus High School and Florida Southern College. “This is an excellent group to work with. They bring a lot of experience and dedication to the sport and to player development,” says Coach Candrea proudly. Though most of the team was recruited by PV’s former coaching staff, Candrea has been impressed with their adjustment to his coaching methods and ideas. “I have stressed daily to this team that hard work pays off and we do work hard each and every day,” comments Candrea. Returning for a second season with the Pumas are ASHLEY RODRIGUEZ who struggled with injury most of the 2007 season and is excited to get a chance to prove her mettle at short stop this year. Fellow sophomore infielder VICTORIA MEZA (1st Base) is also back in 2008. Rounding out the PV old guard is pitcher SAMANTHA COOLEY and 2nd base hitting ace LAUREN JARDINE who smashed the PV record for doubles with her 11 in the 2007 season. Jardine also had a season 24 RBIs that placed her in third in the school record books. Joining the Pumas for the 2008 season are some exciting new prospects and transfers. In the infield: KIMBERLY GALINDO (Apollo HS) at 3rd Base and DANIELLE HOFFMAN (Buckeye Union) at 2nd Base/Pitching both earned several high school All-Region honors for their work on base. They are joined by RACHELLE MAKI another graduate of the Buckeye Union high school and softball program. In the outfield: LORI ELLIS a transfer from perennial DII softball powerhouse Phoenix College will bring her leadership defending the back turf to the outfield crew of TRISHA SAPPINTON (Mountain Ridge), KELSEY CARTER (a multi-sport athlete from Pinnacle HS who earned 1st Team All-Region honors in 2007) and ASHLEY GARCIA (North Canyon HS). Pitching/Catching: It is often said of both softball and baseball that the game is between two people, the pitcher and the catcher. This year the Pumas will ask a lot of their first year pitching and catching team. Despite her love for the New York Mets, something that a diehard Yankee fan like Coach Cadrea would have a hard time swallowing, freshman JAMIE GLAZENER (Ironwood HS) is ready to put pro-team rivalry aside to toss them for the Pumas. Handling Glazener’s 2nd team All-Region earning combinations are catchers VALENTINA RODRIGUEZ, a late freshman transfer from Yavapai College, and KIRSTEN ENOS a club player from Estrella Mountain Community College. Coach Candrea has worked the team hard in the fall and pre-season. With no lights on the field he pushes the team to the brink of darkness every night, when the only way you know they are still out there is from the ping sound of the bats hitting the ball. Candrea also demands high marks in the classroom and the team delivered with a 3.044 GPA in the fall. Candrea is excited to see how this re-focused attitude and preparation fairs in competition. “The entire team has responded well to the new coaching staff and methods,” states Candrea, “now we are ready for games”. Paradise Valley begins their season on February 16 against Gateway Community College. Their home opener against DI Central Arizona College begins at 2:00 on February 19.
Two for two, the Pumas beat Imperial Valley PV got off to a shaky start against Imperial Valley College of California, but the Pumas fought back winning the non-conference match-up 5-4. In doubles the Pumas struggled to get on the board. Only the No. 1 seed partnership of Oliver Clark and Shaun Rade, who beat Cris Palacio and C. Lopez of Imperial 8-6, proved profitable for the Puma netters. Things turned around in singles for the patient PV cats who captured 4 out of 6 matches. At. No. 2 singles PV’s Shaun Rade outlasted Cuco Lopez in three sets 2-6, 7-5, 10-5. Micah Briscoe held out against Anthony Villagrana at the No.3 seed, winning in a three set tiebreaker 6-2, 2-6, 10-4. Feroz Rast (No.4) and Scott Carter (No. 5) rolled over their Imperial opponents Jose Perez 6-2, 6-2 and 6-1, 6-3 respectively. Losing out in No.1 singles was Oliver Clark who dropped 1-6, 4-6 to Cesar Godinez. At No.6 singles Adam Sutherland gave it a good run losing the first set 1-6, he came back to grab the second 6-1. He lost the tiebreaker to Jorge Navarro10-6. The Pumas will face Pima Tuesday, Feb. 12 2:30pm at home. DOUBLES 1. Clark/Rade (PVCC) def. Cris Palacio/C. Lopez, 8-6 2. Villagrana/Sal Arbello def. Briscoe/Carter (PVCC), 9-7 3. E. Lopez/Nararro def. Rast/Sutherland (PVCC), 8-4 SINGLES 1. Cesar Godinez def. Oliver Clark (PVCC), 6-1, 6-4 2. Shaun Rade (PVCC) def. Cuco Lopez, 2-6 7-5 10-5 3. Micah Briscoe (PVCC) def. Anthony Villagrano, 6-2 2-6 10-4 4. Feroz Rast (PVCC) def. Jose Perez, 6-2 6-2 5. Scott Carter (PVCC) def. Edgar Lopez, 6-1 6-3 6. Jorge Navarro def. Adam Sutherland (PVCC) 1-6, 6-1, 10-6
Men's Tennis wins season opener The Paradise Valley Men’s Tennis team opened the season with a win today, beating the Gateway Geckos 8-1. The Pumas won all of their singles matches in straight sets. The only loss of the day was recorded by PV’s No. 3 doubles team of Adam Sutherland and Feroz Rast. “It was a good first match,” commented veteran Head Coach Jim Paajanen, “It gets us on the board.” The Pumas have little time to cool their heals as they head into their next match against non-conference Imperial Valley College of California tomorrow Friday, February 8 at 3:00PM on the PVCC courts. DOUBLES 1. O’Dell/Campillo vs. Clark/Rade PVCC 8-5 2. Fisher/Dalbey vs. Briscoe/Carter PVCC 8-3 3. Borunda/Baldwin vs. Rast/Sutherland GWCC 6-8 SINGLES 1. Scott O’Dell vs. Oliver Clark PVCC 6-1, 6-1 2. Anthony Campillo vs. Shaun Rade PVCC 6-1, 6-3 3. Arturo Borunda vs. Micah Briscoe PVCC 6-2, 6-4 4. Alex Fisher vs. Feroz Rast PVCC 6-2, 6-2 5. Dustin Baldwin vs. Scott Carter PVCC 6-3, 6-3 6. Jonathon Dalbey vs. Adam Sutherland PVCC 6-4, 7-5
Puma women 2nd The Paradise Valley Women’s Golf team began their quest for a second straight NJCAA National tournament berth with a 2nd place finish in the first tournament of the 2008 season. The Pumas posted a 2nd day score of 359 for an overall total of 713 strokes. Pima CC posted their second straight 346 for a tournament winning total of 692. “Even though the scores were high for Paradise Valley, I was pleased with the 2nd place finish, said 4th year coach Cindy Campbell, “with 5 freshmen and 1 sophomore, the first college tournament of the season is always a learning experience.” Two freshmen captured medals for the Pumas. Kendall Martin took 5th carding a 2 day total of 175. Kelley Stapleton was 1 stroke behind at 176 for the 6th place medal. Sophomore Stephanie Ng posted PV’s low round of the day with an 86. Next up for the Puma women is the Pima tournament at Fred Enke GC in Tucson, February 19th and 20th.
Pumas battle course and weather PVCC’s women golfers battled not only the course but the weather yesterday as well in their first tournament round of the 2008 season. Through the rain, wind and cold temperatures, the Pumas posted a team total of 346 at Cave Creek GC, their home course. Their 354 total put them in 2nd place overall behind front running Pima CC (346) and ahead of 3rd place Mesa (356). Kelly Stapleton (84) and Kendall Martin (85) led the way for PV’s women. Stephanie Ng and Markie Payne posted a 92 and 93 respectively for the Pumas. The second round of the 36 hole tournament continues Tuesday with tee times starting at 10:30am.
Puma netters lose to Gila Monsters 9-0 The Paradise Valley Women’s Tennis team lost 9-0 Tuesday to the Gila Monsters of Eastern Arizona College. “The team played well,” said Head Coach Buchanan, “the final score does not reflect some of the efforts that were made”. Kara White and Barbara Easterly gave PVCC its best chance of a victory, but fell 7-9 at No. 2 doubles to EAC’s Laone Botshoma and Gianniana Mulkey. The Puma pair up 6-2 early in the match, were worn down in the end after a 16 match points. “This was a true nail biter to the end,” said Buchanan, “unfortunately a change a strategy at the wrong moment turned it the other way”. In No. 5 singles PV’s Barbara Easterly was defeated by Shaka Orr 2-games-to-1 after a 10 point tie breaker. Easterly, who dropped the first set to Orr 6-3 fought hard in the second set winning 6-2 to gain the tie-breaker chance, but dropped it 10-1. EAC’s Jessica Smith edged passed PVCC’s Natalie Faddis 6-2, 6-4 at No. 6 singles in the other competitive match for the Pumas. Also winning games for the Pumas were: Kara White who dropped 0-6, 2-6 at No. 1 singles to Botshoma, Jennifer Maxwell who lost 2-6, 1-6 No. 4 singles to Meghan Skinner, and Jazmin Zertuche who picked up 1 game against Morgan Maylen finishing 1-6, 0-6 at No. 3 singles. “Eastern is a tough team, we will definitely need to work on our closing to get more set wins,” commented Buchanan. The Pumas will get their chance to work out their issues in their home opener against Gateway Community College on Thursday, February 7 at 1:30PM. RESULTS EASTERN 9, PVCC 0 DOUBLES 1. Laone Botshoma- Gianniana Mulkey (EAC) def. Natalie Faddis-Allison McArthur (PVCC) 8-0 2. Morgan Maylen-Meghan Skinner (EAC) def. Kara White-Barbara Easterly (PVCC) 7-9 3. Shaka Orr-Williams (EAC) def. Jazmin Zertuche-Jennifer Maxwell (PVCC) 8-0 SINGLES 1. Laone Botshoma (EACC) def. Kara White (PVCC) 6-0, 6-2 2. Gianniana Mulkey (EAC) def. Allison McArthur (PVCC) 6-0, 6-0 3. Morgan Maylen (EAC) def. Jazmin Zertuche (PVCC) 6-1, 6-0 4. Meghan Skinner (EAC) def. Jennifer Maxwell (PVCC) 6-2, 6-1 5. Shaka Orr (EAC) def. Barbara Easterly (PVCC) 6-3, 2-6, 10-1 6. Jessica Smith (EAC) def. Natalie Faddis (PVCC) 6-2, 6-4 PVCC record: 0-1 ACCAC
Maki hijacks the 400m at NAU meet She may be just a freshman, but Marissa Maki (Buckeye Union) is not afraid to show her stuff in the big leagues. Maki qualified for her second NJCAA indoor nationals event on Saturday at the NAU Mountain T Invitational. Winning the 400m open with a time of 58.83, Maki was well ahead of her nearest competitor Jackie Shea 1:00.47 an unattached athlete from NAU. Maki was also less than one-second out of the qualifying time for the 200m with a 26.34 run. Maki’s efforts earned 13 points for the PV women who finished in 12th place out of 20 teams with a 16 point total. Fellow Puma, Laura Faris finished the 400m in a time of 1:02.42 picking-up the additional 3 points for the Lady Pumas. NAU won the meet with 124 points and Maricopa rival Mesa CC earned 5th with 54 points. On the men’s side, sophomore Kevin Potter came in 2nd in the open weight throw with a 14.46 toss just short of the 14.90 qualifying mark and earning 8 points. Ian Nunya an unattached NAU athlete won the event with throw of 15.18. In the men’s open pole vault freshman Patrick McHugh, Kelly Taylor and Jay Rawlings along with sophomore Trace Richardson were all shy of the qualifying height of 4.27m, but their vaults earned the PV team14 points. Rounding out the scoring for the men was freshman Mitchell Moses who finished 3rd with 6 points in the 800m open run in a time of 2:07.71 and Bruce Bale who earned 3 points for his weight throw of 10.01m. The Pumas team came in 8th out of 25 teams with a total of 31 points. The NAU Lumberjacks won with a point total of 153. PVCC will compete in the Gaucho Indoor Invitational Saturday, February 9 at Glendale Community College. For more Mountain T's results, visit www.directathletics.com/results/track/7261.html .
PV Lady Soccer nominated for Academic Team of the Year The Pumas had a great season in 2007. Earning the second spot in the conference, the Pumas narrowly missed the region championship in a semi-final upset to Chandler-Gilbert. But now the Pumas have a chance to prove that they have victories outside of the field of play, by being the Paradise Valley’s fall sport nominee for NJCAA Academic Team of the Year. The Pumas earned an accumulative grade point average of 3.07 through the fall of 2007. This is the fourth year since 2003 that the Pumas have been recognized for this honor. "We are very proud of our women's soccer team," commented Coordinator of Student-Athlete Services Helice Agria, "They have consistently shown that they know what it takes to get it done in the classroom and that is the legacy we want to have at PVCC. It’s all about student success; real students, real sports".
PV Soccer players to represent college at All Star competition The ACCAC All Star Soccer exhibition match is held to showcase the talents of conference soccer players. This is the second year for the All-Star event which features mostly sophomores in an effort to assist them transition to the NCAA or NAIA level. Both a men’s and women’s match will be played and several four-year university and college coaches will be on-site to watch, meet and recruit players. Playing on this year’s team for Paradise Valley are Josh Beson, Roberto Delima, Scott Macon, Juan Mendez and Cory Norris for the men. Brittany Gonzalez, Laura Ramirez, Jessica Schartz, Shelby Snyder and Samantha Smith will represent the Lady Pumas. The games will be played at the Reach 11 Sports Complex (Cave Creek & Deer Valley Rd.) on Saturday February 16th. The women’s game will begin at 6:00pm with the men to follow at 7:45pm.
No need to fear, the underdogs are here The underdogs this year? Maybe. But the Pumas did not let that get in their way in 2007. Battling it out to the end in the Regional tournament in April, the Pumas cinched the third spot and trip to nationals in their very last doubles match. A bit of a nail biter for sure, but the reward was worth the stress. At nationals in Plano, Texas PV showed that they deserved that chance, earning a 12th place team finish the highest placing since the program started in 1996. The Pumas finished the regular season 6-3 in the conference and 12-7 overall. Losing most of their top players from the previous season, the Pumas will have to work twice as hard in 2008. “Six out-of eight players from last year are gone, it is now time to build upon their successes,” says Head Coach Paajanen who is now in his 5th season with the Puma team. Returning for Paradise Valley is OLIVER CLARK a 2nd Team All-American individual player in 2007 with a 5-4 record. Clark also earned conference recognition with doubles partner Mic Saeed, completing the regular season with a 5-2 overall record. Also back for a second year, but first year of competition, is FEROZ RAST who was a red shirt last season. “Oliver and Feroz will be counted on to give leadership to the newcomers,” commented Paajanen. With only two sophomores, the team has to rely on freshman to step-up early and often to win points. A former volleyball player and graduate from Greenway HS, freshman MICAH BRISCOE has the hops to get some of that work done. The volleyball player formula has worked well for PV in the past as 2007 Puma veteran Clinton White, and high school volleyballer, earned the only opening day points at nationals for the Paradise Valley team. Briscoe’s fellow freshman teammate and volleyball player SHAUN RADE (Centennial HS) will also put the cross-sport theory to the test. Completing the Puma team is SCOTT CARTER a former varsity tennis player for Greenway HS and ADAM SUTHERLAND a graduate of Horizon HS. Even if there is not a lot of bark for the Puma team this year, they are ready to take a bite out of 2008; hoping to prove the old adage that “Every dog has its day.” Paajanen is aware that his team is green, but he is optimistic. “The conference has improved from last year and our inexperience will be evident in the early part of the season. There will be no lack of effort from the players and I hope that will make a difference come April and region tournament time.” PV gets their first chance at the Maricopa County Community College District preseason jamboree at the Phoenix Tennis Center February 1. They open the regular season at Gateway Community College on February 7 and their first home contest is against non-conference Imperial Valley College out of California on February 8.
Putting out their best for 2008 The PV Lady Pumas had an incredible season in 2007. Tying for second in the ACCAC the Pumas made their first team trip to the national championships at the Plantation Halifax course in Daytona Beach, FL. Not shy of too much success, they finished in 7th place in the nation just behind conference rivals Pima and ahead of Mesa. Adding the icing to the victory was Puma 4-year transfer Kass McGrath, whose 13th place 321 stroke total earned the first individual NJCAA All-American spot in the program’s nine year history. What could the Pumas do after that? They went to Disney World of course! But now it is time for the Pumas to show that they are more than one drive wonders as they head into their first 2008 season competition, a home match, at Cave Creek GC on February 4-5. Although several of last year’s players are not returning, including McGrath, Coach Campbell is not phased. “We have several awesome players and the depth is to our advantage,” says the optimistic Head Coach Campbell, “We are shooting for number one.” Returning for the Pumas is 2007 2nd team All-Conference player ALEX WARD who peaked at the right time, earning a 4th place medal at the conference closer. Alex finished in 52nd place and third for the team at nationals. Also returning, is STEPHANIE NG who played for the Pumas in 2006. Stephanie was 1st Team All-Conference for the PV, placing 2nd individually during the season. Her hiatus has only made her hungrier for victory. Joining the PV roster for 2008 is freshman KENDALL MARTIN (Canyon Del Oro HS; Tucson) a top 25 finisher in the high school state tournament and consistent top 3 player in SAJGA tournaments. Hailing from Coach Campbell’s day job, Deer Valley HS, is CRISTINA RAMIREZ who will lend her top 6 high school state finish performance to the Puma card. Rounding out the squad are: MARKIE PAINE who played HS golf in Las Vegas, NV and chose PV when her family relocated to Kingman; SHANNON ROBERTSON a two-year high school varsity player and CO-Captain of her St.Mary’s team in 2007; and KELLEY STAPLETON a Saguaro HS graduate and player who earned the 2007 JGAA Sportsmanship Award. Coach Campbell is excited about the prospects. “The talent on the team looks really good,” commented Campbell who is now in her sixth season with the Pumas. “They have a great deal of potential and the goal is to be one of the top 3 teams in conference and qualify for nationals as a team.” The season opening tournament at Cave Creek GC begins at 10:30AM.
It’s a family affair It has been a hard recruiting season for the Pumas. The numbers were up and down on a daily basis leaving the new Head Coach Kristin Buchanan to fear that a full-team may not have emerged to compete. “It's been quite the roller coaster for women's Puma tennis this season. One day we were ecstatic to have a full team of seasoned players, the next we'd receive a call one of the players fell through for various reasons,” said Buchanan. “I was so glad to have my tremendous assistant coach, Tom Walker, with me throughout the ordeal.” Tom, who was a former pro-baseball player, signed on with Kristin to help coach and recruit this fall. Just when things seemed to be at their bleakest, a sudden change of fortune came in the form of a familial bond which prompted two ladies to fill in the remaining spots on the court. Let’s call them “The Mom Squad”. BARBARA EASTERLY (mother of first year player and ASU transfer KARA WHITE) and MARY JO MCARTHUR (mom to second year player ALLISON MCARTHUR) took to the net for the love of the sport and their daughters. The moms were hesitant at first, but upon coaxing from their daughters the pair decided to move from recreational and adult league tennis and take up the racquet for Paradise Valley. “I am super excited,” says Barbara Easterly, “To be a scholarship student-athlete at 42 is fabulous and someday I can tell my grandchildren that their mother and I played together on the same college team!” As for the daughters, they are not bothered about having their moms on the team. “It’s exciting to see my mom out there, it is fun,” says Allison McArthur. Kara White is also pleased with mom turned teammate arrangement. “I am happy for my mom. She really enjoys playing and I am proud to have her on the team,” says Easterly’s daughter Kara, “Having her on the team ensures that we will have a promising season.” Also on the roster for the Pumas this spring is returning player JENNIFER MAXWELL, whose injury kept her off the court most of the 2007 season. 1st year players NATALIE FADDIS (Washington HS) and late addition JAZMIN ZERTUCHE, a transfer from Cochise College in Douglas, AZ, complete the line-up. Freshman MALORIE DWYER (Barry Goldwater HS) will be a red shirt and #1 fan of the Puma netters. The Pumas, who were 4-8 in the conference and 4-11 overall, will try to get off the line of service swinging as they continue to earn more program wins. With a team to field certain, Buchanan is optimistic these days. “The team is thrilled to begin playing matches next week and to see how all their hard work and practice will payoff,” commented Coach Buchanan, “We're excited to have a full team of players with a strong desire to win matches and have fun at the same time. It's going to be a great season for Puma tennis.” The Pumas compete in the Maricopa County Community College District preseason jamboree at the Phoenix Tennis Center February 1. They open the season at Eastern Arizona College on February 5. PV’s first home contest is against Gateway Community College on February 7.
Nine Pumas qualify at track season opener PV opened their ninth Track & Field Season with a bang on January 26th, qualifying one individual for each year of its team's history for the NJCAA Indoor Nationals. On the track, 1st year sophomore Matt Rowell led the way by smashing the 8:58.17 NJCAA qualifying time in the 3000 meter run with a time of 8:54.88. He was followed by freshman teammates Eric Harasyn (8:54.91) and Jeremy Sudbury (8:55.37). Jumping in her first college meet, freshman Marissa Maki hit the 1.55m qualifying mark in the high jump event. Maki also competed well in the long jump with a mark of 4.93m. She will need a 5.37m to qualify. In the pole vault, all four of the lady Puma vaulters earned qualifying spots. Topping the event was freshman Erica Rutley with a jump of 3.50m. Following her closely down the runway were teammates Lauren Cruzan (3.35m), Jamilyn Michaud (3.20m) and Laura Faris (2.85m). For the men, defending pole vault outdoor national champion Kyle Fugit sailed into indoor nationals with his vault of 4.72m. Several Pumas are within striking distance of qualification marks in their events. Kevin Potter was only 47cm from qualifying in the men’s weight throw while Mitchell Moses (600m), Nicholas Vidaurreta (400m, 200m), Juan Quintero (1000m) were only seconds off the pace to make nationals. For full race results visit Direct Athletics at www.directathletics.com/results/track/7835.html . The Pumas get another shot at their respective marks in NAU Lumberjack country at the Mountain T Invitational in Flagstaff on February 2.
Rain or shine, PVCC track opens season The Paradise Valley Community College Track & Field will open their indoor track season as they host the annual Puma Indoor Invitational on Saturday, January 26. The meet, which starts at 11:00AM, is welcome to all-comers as well as teams. Hundreds of participants from around the running community, as well as local 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities are expected at the event. Participants will get to break a new track surface at the Puma home, a project which was completed at the facility in November. A new pole vault pit was also installed. Although rain is forecasted for Saturday, the Pumas will not let it dampen their spirits for the new season. The Pumas completed the 2007 indoor track season in twelfth place for the women and eighteenth on the men’s side at the NJCAA Indoor National meet held at Texas Tech University last March. Two All-Americans, Kyle Fugit and Nancy Piazza, were named in the pole vault event. This year’s prospects look just as good for the Puma team. With several returning veterans, talented freshman and some exciting new coaching staff, the Pumas are ready to work the formula that has kept them as one of the top teams in the conference and nation. “We are excited to get started this year,” commented Coach Lehman, “Our XC kids had a lot of success and are fired up to keep it going on the track. Many of our incoming freshmen had outstanding high school careers and I expect each of them to have tremendous seasons.” DISTANCE The distance team is a bit male heavy this year, but despite the gender gap the team is ready to make all their laps count. Returning for distance events are ANGEL SANCHEZ (Safford HS) and JUAN QUINTERO (Carl Hayden). Sophomores MATTHEW ROWELL (Blue Ridge HS) and STEPHANIE WILSON (Greenway HS), both red shirts in track last year, are more than ready to put on their track spikes for the Pumas. Rounding out the distance events are freshman RENON FURR (North Canyon HS), ERIC HARASYN (Buena HS; 2007 5A DI State Champion 3200m, 1600m Runner Up), JORDAN HUNKE (Bradshaw Mountain HS), GEOFF OLSON (Greenway HS), JEREMY SUDBURY (Las Vegas, NV), MONROE TAHMAHKERA (Mountain View HS). Coming off a very successful cross country season this fall, with a 6th place in the national meet in Illinois, the men’s distance team is ready for the challenges of the 800m, 1500m, 5000m and steeplechase events on the track. The distance team is coached by Co-Head Track & Field Coach Dave Barney. Former Puma and Track and Cross Country All-American, Sereena Harmon will assist for a second season. JUMPS/ MULTIS The jumps and multi team for the Pumas this year are all first year student-athletes. In the numerous jumping events (high, long and triple) are AMJAD AL-MARRIDI (a transfer from Glendale CC), ANGELYN AVERY (Millenium HS), JACOB BARTELL (Pinnacle HS; 2006 Long Jump HS State Champion) and KENNY GUNDRUM (Sinagua HS; HS All-region high/long jump, 200m). Freshman MARISSA MAKI (Buckeye Union HS; 1st State 100m, 200m/2nn in State High Jump) will tackle jumps, sprints and the heptathlon for PV. MATTHEW TORMEY a freshman from Sunrise Mountain HS will compete in the Decathlon. Coaching the multi events in 2008 is Brian Keehn. Keehn who coached with PVCC in 2004 is a former two sport student-athlete at Paradise Valley and two-time All-American in the pole vault and decathlon events. Keehn also participated in Puma soccer. Joining the coaching staff in multis and jumps is Heather Keehn a former All-American at PVCC in the jump and multi events. Heather comes to PVCC after coaching at the high school level in Missouri. SPRINTS/HURDLES Coach George Page will be leading the sprints for his second season as an Assistant Coach with the Pumas this spring. Coach Page made a radical improvement to the sprint program at PV last season as he coached two Pumas to All-American honors and Adrianna Vargas to an individual national championship title in the 800m run at the outdoor nationals. Jennie Otanicar a former coach at Cactus Shadows HS will be taking on the hurdles coaching duties in 2008. Otanicar was a HS All-American and competed at the collegiate level at Kansas University. Returning for the Pumas in the sprints and hurdles events are JACOB DESANTI (Paradise Valley HS), LAURA FARIS (Cactus HS) and JUAN MENDEZ (Horizon HS). Joining the sprints/hurdles team is Amjad Al-Marridi and freshman Angelyn Avery, HAILEY BUSHCUR (Queen Creek HS), Kenny Gundrum, Marissa Maki, MITCHELL MOSES (Mountain Ridge HS; 2004 5A State Champions 4x800) and NICK VIDAURRETA (an import from the M Soccer program). THROWS Recruiting efforts for the 2008 season were focused on building a more comprehensive throws program for the Pumas. This year PV will have four throwers and a new coach, Sara Shisslak a former thrower for and recent graduate of Arizona State University. Returning red shirt KEVIN POTTER (Lake Havasu HS) leads the Pumas with his dedication to weight and skills training in the shot put, discus and hammer. The Pumas picked-up freshman BRUCE BALE (Mountain Ridge HS), CHRIS HALL (Paradise Valley HS) and TARYN THOMPSON (Queen Creek HS). “After an unfortunate accident last year, that kept him from competing, we are excited to see what Kevin Potter can do in the throws,” mentioned Lehman. “His training has gone well and we are happy to have his leadership on the team.” VAULT The Pumas are ready to pounce on the event which has brought many individual national championship titles to PVCC—the vault. For the men, returning two-time All-American and individual outdoor national champion KYLE FUGIT (Centennial HS), will get things rolling on the runway for the PV vaulters. Kyle is joined in the event by fellow sophomore, TRACE RICHARDSON from Farmington, NM as well as newcomers PATRICK MCHUGH (Henderson, NV), JAY RAWLINGS (Blue Ridge HS) and KELLY TAYLOR (Mountain View HS). “Kyle Fugit is fired up to defend his outdoor title and has trained very well this fall” says vault and Co-Head Track & Field Coach Lehman. But Lehman thinks things will get even more interesting for the lady Pumas. “We have three women on the team this year that have a legit shot at breaking the NJCAA record in the vault-4.00 (13’1 ½) and I will be very excited to watch them battle for that mark throughout the season.” Sophomores LAUREN CRUZAN (Sunrise Mountain HS) and LAURA FARIS (Cactus HS) will set the bar high for the PV lady vaulters. Cruzan earned All-America status for her 3rd place finish in the pole vault event at outdoor nationals in May 2007. The multi talented Faris also runs sprints and hurdles for the Puma team. New to PV vault in 2008 are freshman JAMI MICHAUD (Mountain View HS; 5A HS State Runner Up, Pole Vault) and ERICA RUTLEY who comes to PV all the way from British Columbia, Canada. Erica will be competing in the vault, sprints and hurdles. The pole vault is coached by Co-Head Track & Field Coach Todd Lehman and assisted by former Puma pole vault national champion, Dayson Phelps. Though Coach Lehman won’t try to guess what the weather will bring on Saturday, he does believe that the outlook is sunny for the season and nationals. “This is by far the best staff we’ve ever had at Paradise Valley. They bring great energy and knowledge to the program which can only benefit our student-athletes.” The Pumas will bring their sunny dispositions to the Mountain T Invitational on Saturday, February 2 at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ.
Baseball Head Coaching Position Re-opens The Athletic Specialist Position for the Head Baseball Coaching job at Paradise Valley has re-opened. Due to a paperwork issue the position was opened again externally through Friday, January 25. Any previous applicants for the original posting will not need to reapply. New applicants have an opportunity to submit their paperwork to the MCCD District Office up to 5:00PM on Friday. For a detailed job posting and information on how to apply please see the MCCD District Human Resource web site at www.maricopa.edu/hrweb/ .
Puma Indoor Meet Entry Now Available The Puma Indoor Invite is scheduled for Saturday, January 26. Meet information is now available for team and individual participants. Please go to DirectAthletics at www.directathletics.com/meets/track/7835.html for all meet entry. Running events begin at 11:00AM. Throws and vertical jumps begin at 11:00AM with horizontal jumps to follow at 12:00PM. For a detailed schedule of events please see www.pvc.maricopa.edu/athletics/docs/0708TrackMeetInfo.pdf Entry Fees Teams: $100.00 / gender Individuals/Open: $20.00/ entrant Please call Todd Lehman at 602-787-6621 for more information.
Hardball hits PVCC in Fall 08 Baseball is coming to PVCC in Fall 2008. Regular updates on coaching staff, recruiting, season preparation and field construction will be posted in the news feature at the baseball home page at www.pvc.maricopa.edu/athletics/s_baseball.php For more information, contact the athletics department at 602-787-7173. Interested in joining the team? Fill out an athlete questionnaire at www.pvc.maricopa.edu/athletics/joinus.php
Puma Indoor Meet Entry Now Available The Puma Indoor Invite is scheduled for Saturday, January 26. Meet information is now available for team and individual participants. Please go to DirectAthletics at www.directathletics.com/meets/track/7835.html for all meet entry. Running events begin at 11:00AM. Throws and vertical jumps begin at 11:00AM with horizontal jumps to follow at 12:00PM. For a detailed schedule of events please see www.pvc.maricopa.edu/athletics/docs/0708TrackMeetInfo.pdf Entry Fees Teams: $100.00 / gender Individuals/Open: $20.00/ entrant Please call Todd Lehman at 602-787-6621 for more information. Track & Field Pima bests PV Lady Netters, but Zertuche wins out Pima defeated host Paradise Valley 6-3 Thursday. The Pumas who defeated Pima by the same count earlier in the year, could not repeat the performance. PVCC, now 3-6 in Arizona Community College Athletic Association play, has only a few matches to go in the season before regional competition begins. The sole PV match win for the day went to tennis newcomer, Jazmin Zertuche who blanked Pima’s Eunice Sanchez 6-0, 6-0 at No. 5 singles. This is the first win for Zertuche this season. At No. 1 Pima’s Ali Brackey fought off Kara White, defeating the Puma only after a third set 4-6, 6-3, 6-7. Also in a narrow victory, Rachel Lockey of Pima bested PV’s Barbara Easterly 4-6, 6-1, 3-6 at No. 3. Puma Jennifer Maxwell lost out 4-6, 4-6 at No. 5 singles to the Aztec’s Jenn Hamel. Pima forfeited No. 2 singles, due to injury. In doubles Pima’s Hamel and Sanchez fought off PV’s A. McArthur and Zertuche, narrowly defeating the pair 8-6 at No. 2. At No. 1 White and Easterly were downed by Pima’s Brakey and Lockey 3-8. Pima forfeited the No. 3 doubles flight. The Pumas now head to sunny California for a spring break trip. They will play Cerritos College on March 12 and Riverside Community College on March 13. While in Cali the team will watch the pros at Pacific Life Open. The Pumas will return to the valley to play Glendale Community College on March 18 at Glendale, game time 1:30PM. Softball 4 in row to finish the season The Pumas swept a double header from visiting GaeWay CC yesterday and ended the year on a strong note. The home squad posted wins in its last 4 games, sweeping twin bills from South Mountain and the Geckos from GateWay. PV's posted a final record of 9-31 in conference play and 13-37 overall. PV captured the first game by a score of 8-1 behind a strong pitching effort from Sam Cooley. Stalwart hitters Ashley Rodriguez, Kelsey Carter and Trisha Sapington had multiple hit games as the top half of the Puma batting order continued its strong play. The Pumas hammered 14 hits in the night cap to post a lopsided 13-4 run rule victory. Jamie Glazener earned the pitching victory. After a home run from Rodriguez earlier in the game, Sappington ended the affair with a walk off 2 run big fly. "It was a tough year in terms of wins and losses," said 1st year mentor Nick Candrea, " but our team continued to battle and work hard." "It was a pleasure to be around them and it was nice to be able to end the year with some success on the field and on such a positive note" he added.
Women’s Soccer Women post 2 wins Add Carriage Returns to Pasted Text Women’s Soccer Add Carriage Returns to Pasted Text Women’s Soccer Add Carriage Returns to Pasted Text Women’s Soccer Women’s Soccer Oelschlager named NJCAA All-American For the third year in a row a member of the Paradise Valley Community College Women’s Soccer team earned individual NJCAA All-American recognition. The NJCAA announced the women’s soccer All-American teams, awarding freshman forward Ally Oelschlager 2nd team honors for her contributions to the 2008 Puma season. Oelschlager finished the year with 12 goals and 10 assists. She earned First Team All-Conference honors as well. With the efforts of Oelschlager the Pumas completed the season with a record 18 wins and an 18-2-2 overall record. PV posted single season highs for most wins, goals, individual goals and individual assists. Their season ended in a 1-0 loss to Chandler-Gilbert in the Region Finals in October. Women’s Soccer Oelschlager named NJCAA All-American For the third year in a row a member of the Paradise Valley Community College Women’s Soccer team earned individual NJCAA All-American recognition. The NJCAA announced the women’s soccer All-American teams, awarding freshman forward Ally Oelschlager 2nd team honors for her contributions to the 2008 Puma season. Oelschlager finished the year with 12 goals and 10 assists. She earned First Team All-Conference honors as well. With the efforts of Oelschlager the Pumas completed the season with a record 18 wins and an 18-2-2 overall record. PV posted single season highs for most wins, goals, individual goals and individual assists. Their season ended in a 1-0 loss to Chandler-Gilbert in the Region Finals in October. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Last
updated: November 22, 2009 Paradise Valley Community College- URL-http://www.maricopa.edu © 2009 Maricopa County Community College District. All Rights Reserved. Click here for Questions or Comments. 
|
