Scott Soltis, Sports Editor Lauren Packer, Assistant Sports Editor tik-#: The Behrend Beacon Softball blanked by opponents by Lauren Packer assistant sports editor This past week was rough for Behrend's softball team. The Lions dropped four games against two key AMCC opponents. On Saturday, Behrend traveled to Penn State Altoona for a doubleheader against the 2002 AMCC runner-ups. In a battle of the Penn State campuses, the Lions of Altoona knocked off Behrend in both games. Behrend came closer to beating Altoona than ever before in their first game. However, Altoona hung on for the victory over Behrend, 4-3. In the second game, it wasn't the same story. Altoona unloaded against the Lions, shutting out Behrend 8-0. "We almost had the first game won, which would have been awesome, but I think we can use it as learning experience. It should make us want to win that much more," said freshman pitcher Kim Raff. The Lions continued that way of thinking in Thursday's game against Pitt-Bradford. Again, Behrend came close to winning the first game of the doubleheader. The Lions' bats I ' 'ill l'i Hi 1 iiii", II by Adrian Rhodes staff writer The Penn State Behrend lacrosse team will play Allegheny College on Sunday at I p.m. and Fredonia on Saturday, April 12 at 3 p.m. The team will close its home season on Sunday, April 13 when it takes on Slippery Rock University. Yes, Behrend does have a lacrosse eßron's by Jennifer Woolson staff writer Leßron James, the 18-year-old St. Vincent-St. Mary High School student basketball player from Ohio, was recently declared eligible for the NBA draft in mid-June. "King James" is widely favored to be the no. 1 draft pick regardless of which team receives first pick in the lottery. This has made James the subject of much controversy, as he received a $50,000 Hummer H 2. The vehicle was supposedly crosse could not ignite an offensive performance and Behrend dropped a close game-one 3-1. In the second half of the twin-bill, the Lions suffered a total offensive let-down. Behrend could not push a single run across the plate. "Our offense is picking it up, but it is not where it should be," said shortstop Charity Marsh. Meanwhile, Pitt-Bradford rocked the Lions' pitching staff for 13 runs. Behrend skidded to a four-game losing streak, falling losing 13-0. "Our defense is what keeps us in the games. When the defense goes, so do the wins," said Marsh. "The pitching is good, considering we only have two pitchers. Kim Raff and Becky Corbin have been switching off and doing a great job between the two of them," said Marsh. Raff went 2-2 in the previous week and is sixth in the AMCC for ERA. Corbin is fourth in the AMCC for ERA and the leader for saves. The Lions are awaiting the return of junior Stephanie Covert to solidify and a small staff. Covert has been sidelined with an injury to her pitching arm since spring training ring a game team. Lately, the presence of the Behrend Lacrosse Club has been a little more pronounce with new sweatshirts The truth of the matter is the lacrosse team has been quietly making its mark as it heads into the end of its season. Four years ago, two students seniors Chauncey Hartwig and Michael May-, approached athletic answers: shoes? given by James' unemployed mother. St. Vincent- St. Mary has also been able to charge higher prices for game tickets due to James' popularity. It even signed a contract with Pay-Per-View to show high school games, a relatively unheard of practice. James and 17-year-old Bosnian, Darko Milicic, figure to be extremely high picks. They will without a doubt become instant millionaires upon entering the NBA , despite their age and lack of world experience. Behrend student athletes claim they would pass up the money in favor of higher education. i. ,,, ,,,..., iii s :SN: i ~,,..,:. ~ 'i ll .: ij"" Friday, April 4, 2003 director, Brian Streeter, about beginning the clubs. Their idea was met with enthusiasm. The product of the three men's determination led to the formation of the Behrend Lacrosse Club, an intercollegiate club sport designed for competition against other academic institutions. In addition to being one of the founding fathers, Hartwig serves as What would you do Freshman pole-vaulter, Anne Urbansky, predicts that James will lose his love for the game by going pro straight from high school. She also believes he's putting his career at risk. "He should go to college first," Urbansky said. "If he gets injured, he's done and there'll be no degree for him to fall back on." Holly Greiner, freshman soccer forward, agrees. "I think he's missing out on a lot of life experiences that take place in college," she said. Besides fun weekend activities, these life experiences include ECM president of the club and as a starting attackman for the team. Mays also continues to be a dominant force serving as the team's goalie. Diversity is the name of the game when it comes to this season's team. Currently, the team consists of 18 traveling members; the complete roster tops out at 21 players. The age and skill of the team ranges from senior veterans with solid experience like Hartwig and May to players new to the game of lacrosse itself. "Eight weeks ago was the first time I ever picked up a lacrosse stick," said freshman Jason Howell. What the Lions lack in experience they make up for in dedication. Duffle bag swung over his shoulder, sweat on his brow, and lacrosse stick in hand, junior Michael Hargather returns from practice every weekday after 6 p.m., as does the rest of the team. "With evening classes and other activities during the week and games on weekends, it's hard to make everything fit into the schedule," said Hargather. "But we all make do; we put in our time for the good of the team." A winning season is a battle yet to be won by the Lions. Four years into the program the closest triumph has been a series of forfeits last season. Still, the Lions march on, heads held high, enjoying the game. "Sure, it would be great to win a game," said Hartwig, "but we are out there to have a good time." learning how to take care of yourself. Kwame Brown, power forward for the Washington Wizards, went from high school to his first pro season in 2001. He lacked basic life skills and the Wizards evevntually had to hire a maid to teach him to be self-sufficient. Will the same thing happen to James? Tune in next season and find out. Page 10
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