Despite being out-shot 23-3, the Freed-Hardeman University Lions played strong defense against the Campbellville University Tigers but came up short in a 2-0 defeat.
It was an early deficit for the Lions (8-4-2, 0-3-0 MSC) when Eduardo Almansa made one save, but was unable to stop the rebound that allowed the Tigers to score their first goal at 3:39. Thabo Mahlaha had the first offensive opportunity with a shot at 8:27, but it was blocked. From there, Almansa stopped the next two shots on goal in the first half to keep the score 1-0 at halftime.
Campbellsville (8-4-2, 1-2-0 MSC) continued to send shot after shot toward FHU’s goal, but unsuccessfully until scoring their second goal in the 64th minute to settle the score at 2-0.
Seabata Ts’emane had FHU’s only shot on goal with Julien Rouyer joining Mahlaha for all three FHU shots. Almansa made nine saves.
Up Next
FHU will have another match in the Bluegrass State when they visit Midway (Ky.) University on October 22.
The field was unchanged after the second round of the 2024 Besso’s FHU Fall Invitational with the Lady Lions picking up the victory on their home course at Chickasaw Golf Course for the second year in a row. Shaving two strokes between rounds, FHU’s 323 (+35) allowed them to stay ahead of the pack by six strokes with a total of 648 (+72).
Hannah Ruth Walton and Maria Ortiz shared the Lady Lions’ top score with 159 (+15) and tied for fourth place. Walton had three fewer strokes in the second round with a birdie at all three distances: the par-3 eighth, the par-4 fourth, and the par-5 first to end with 78 (+6). Ortiz carded a birdie on the par-5 14th to go with 10 pars to finish at 78 (+6).
Reagan Malone jumped two spots on the leaderboard to finish in a tie with Makenzie Wilson for 15th place by shooting a two-round 166 (+22). Malone’s second round score of 82 (+10) was highlighted by birdies on the par-5 ninth and 13th holes. Wilson scored 85 (+13) with the help of nine pars. Riya Key finished up the team scoring with a share of 19th place with 167 (+23). In the second round, she had 10 pars including five straight to score 84 (+12).
As an individual, Ansley Pratt was knocking on the door of the top-10 with her 165 (+21) giving her part of 12th place. In the second round she shot 78 (+6) helped by back-to-back birdies on the par-4 second and third holes before sinking five consecutive pars from the 13th through the 17th holes.
Also as an individual, Maggie Crouch finished with a two-round 181 (+37) to end in 38th place. Collecting a birdie on the par-5 first hole, in the second round she finished with 87 (+15). Harper Shelton finished in a tie for 46th place with 181 (+37). She carded two pars in the second round where she shot 96 (+24).
The Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lion soccer team visited the No. 12 Campbellsville University Tigers where the hosts rocketed 40 shots toward the FHU net to defeat the Lady Lions 9-0.
Freed-Hardeman (4-8-0, 0-3-0 MSC) began on their heels when the Tigers took one shot before a full minute elapsed before scoring the first goal at 2:56. The Tigers continued to pepper the FHU net, scoring an additional four goals before the halftime break.
Tsielo Mokebe got the best chance off for the Lady Lions, sending FHU’s lone shot on goal toward the Campbellsville (13-1-0, 2-1-0 MSC) net which was swatted away. Hadley Husband and Ellie Wood had the other two shot attempts in the 9-0 loss while keeper Ava Pierce tallied 15 saves.
Up Next
FHU will dip out of Mid-South Conference play for the final time on October 26 as they visit the Midway (Ky.) University Eagles.
Despite leading the Bethel University Lady Wildcats in multiple statistical categories, the Freed-Hardeman University Lady Lions fell in a 3-1 (19-25, 25-20, 25-21, 25-19) decision Thursday night.
After trading points, the Lady Lions (12-13, 1-7 MSC) called a timeout after the Wildcats scored five unanswered points to take an 11-7 lead early in the first set. The meeting of the minds did the trick, as FHU came out of the timeout on a 7-1 streak to take a 14-12 lead. The Lady Lions kept the Wildcats at arm’s length the rest of the set when Audrey Orton’s kill closed the book on a 25-19 set win for the Lady Lions.
The second set was equally close until the Lady Wildcats (13-7, 3-4 MSC) sped away on an 8-1 run to take a 14-9 lead. FHU eventually climbed back within one point where Avery Harris tallied three consecutive kills to return to serve, but every time the Wildcats answered. A late push from the hosts tied the match with Bethel winning 25-20.
Bethel stormed out in the third set by scoring the first five points, but again the Lady Lions climbed their way back, eventually knotting the set 14-14 after a tandem block from Harris and Alyssa Austin. Back-to-back kills from Harris and Orton gave FHU their first lead of the set, but Bethel answered and kept the Lady Lions at bay until winning the set 25-22.
FHU opened the fourth set strong, but Bethel’s front row stood strong, blocking attempt after attempt by the Lady Lions until the 25-19 set ended the night for FHU.
Alanys Ruíz Rivera and Audrey Orton led the Lady Lions with double-doubles: Ruiz Rivera tallying a team-high 14 kills while Orton garnered 12. Both all-rounders pulled up 13 digs. Both front rows were active with the teams combining for 16 blocks with Alyssa Austin leading the FHU defense by being involved in four blocks.
Up Next
The Lady Lions embark on a Kentucky road trip where they will first meet the (RV) University of the Cumberlands Patriots on October 24 before visiting the Tigers of Georgetown College on October 25.
During a week full of Homecoming celebrations, Freed-Hardeman University will recognize the amazing achievements of its 2024 men’s basketball team and their journey to becoming NAIA National Champions. FHU guests and athletic supporters are invited to Brewer Sports Center’s auxiliary gym for a special Breakfast of Champions Saturday, Nov. 9 at 9 a.m., for a morning full of recognition, celebration and camaraderie. Tickets are available at tinyurl.com/FHUBreakfastOf- Champions.
“The 2023-24 Lions’ basketball season was unforgettable, earning them a place in FHU history,” Chris Ramey, director of alumni engagement, said. “There’s no better moment than Homecoming for our community of supporters to come together, relive their remarkable journey and celebrate a championship that will be remembered for years to come.”
Under the leadership of Head Coach Drew Stutts, Assistant Coach Grant Burns and Graduate Assistant Clark Gandy, the FHU Lions were named the 2024 NAIA National Champions earlier this year after finishing their 2023-24 season with an overall record of 32-4. The team defeated the Langston University Lions to claim a 71-67 victory in the championship game on March 26.
Members of the championship team include Quan Lax, JJ Wheat, Peyton Law, Hunter Scurlock, Geraldo Lane, Chase Fiddler, Jayden Carroll, Devin Hill, Ryley McClaran, Dalton Colbert, Keydon Bassham, Sam Powell, Christian Stackpole, Phil Horton, Grigorii Sibilev and Devin Tomlinson.
In addition to team accomplishments, several individuals also earned special recognition during the season. Geraldo Lane broke the single-season field goal percentage record with 67.8%, Quan Lax led as a 1st-team All-American, Hunter Scurlock was chosen as the Chuck Taylor Tournament MVP and Coach Drew Stutts was named NAIA Coach of the Year.
To purchase tickets for other Homecoming events and to view the full week’s schedule, please visit fhu.edu/homecoming.
