News Summary

In a thrilling matchup at the Peach Belt Conference Tournament, Lander University defeated No. 4 seed USC Aiken with a score of 6-4. This victory allowed the Bearcats to advance to the semifinals, where they will face top-seeded University of North Georgia. The game was paused due to weather conditions, with Lander trailing at that point. The PBC Championship is set to follow, with both teams showing great potential this season.

Dahlonega, Georgia – Lander University achieved a significant upset in the Peach Belt Conference (PBC) Tournament by defeating No. 4 seed USC Aiken with a score of 6-4. This victory marks a pivotal moment for the Bearcats, as they advance to face top-seeded and No. 10-ranked University of North Georgia in the semifinals of the tournament.

The game took place Saturday afternoon at The Hill in Dahlonega, where Lander improved its overall season record to 25-24 following the win against USC Aiken. The match was initially interrupted in the top of the fourth inning due to weather conditions, when Lander was trailing 3-0. The game is set to resume on Sunday, May 4, at 1:00 p.m. from the point it was halted.

As the PBC Tournament progresses, Lander’s victory places them in a crucial matchup against the University of North Georgia, which is poised to be a challenging contest. UNG recently earned the top seed in the tournament and secured the Peach Belt Conference regular-season championship with a record of 26-2, reflecting their dominance throughout the season.

While Lander prepares for their semifinal clash, the PBC Championship will follow the semifinal game. Should UNG win their tournament opener against No. 8 seed Clayton State on March 5, at 5 p.m. at the Convocation Center, they would then advance deeper into the tournament with aspirations for further success.

The upcoming PBC Championship marks another milestone for the University of North Georgia women’s basketball program. This achievement delineates their fifth regular-season title in PBC history, having previously won in 2006, 2018, 2019, and 2022. With aspirations to secure their fifth PBC tournament championship, the Nighthawks are currently ranked No. 1 in the NCAA Division II Southeast Region and No. 8 nationally.

The tournament, scheduled to run from March 5-9, draws attention not only from the campus but also the broader community. Tickets for the quarterfinal games are priced at $10, with free admission offered to UNG students, faculty, and staff through a QR code via the Campus Groups app, as well as to children aged 5 and under.

Head coach Buffie Burson, who is in her 31st season with the team, has built a strong program with several NCAA tournament appearances, including a national semifinal in 2022. Under her guidance, the team has demonstrated a remarkable focus and adaptability, showcasing a roster that features impressive scoring contributions from multiple players.

Graduate guard Caroline Martin currently leads the Nighthawks with an average of 17 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Other significant contributors include Emily Trushel with 14.8 points and 5.5 rebounds, Averie Jones with 11.2 points and 4.4 rebounds, Ansley Hall with 10.1 points and 4.8 assists, and Kendall Emener with 8.7 points and 5.3 rebounds. Their collaborative team effort has been key to their successful season.

The outcomes of both Lander’s baseball game and UNG’s basketball tournament will be closely watched as fans remain hopeful for continued success. With the PBC Championship and NCAA tournaments on the horizon, both programs are poised to make their mark in the competitive landscape of collegiate athletics.

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Author: hereaiken