Football's on the road, but there's lots of other, home PC sports

The Presbyterian Blue Hose men’s tennis team finishes their fall schedule with a dual match against the Newberry Wolves at the Templeton Tennis Courts on Friday, October 27 at 2 p.m.

Pedro Cardoso and Javier Matos have each recorded a team-high five singles wins this fall. David Mamalat has collected four wins this fall. Loup Alleno, Austin Skoog, and Denim Yadav have all posted singles wins this season.

PRESBYTERIAN-NEWBERRY SERIES

The Blue Hose have recorded nine straight wins over Newberry including a 4-3 win on the road in their last match on October 15, 2022. Matos and Cardoso recorded singles wins in that match.  

SCOUTING NEWBERRY

This year, the Wolves posted a 6-1 win over Converse on October 14. Newberry captured the doubles point while also winning five of the six singles matches.

The Presbyterian College Blue Hose women's volleyball team returns to Templeton Gym for two Big South Conference matchups this weekend. First, PC faces off against the USC Upstate Spartans on Friday, October 27 at 6 p.m., followed by a match against the UNC Asheville Bulldogs on Saturday, October 28 at 2 p.m.

GAMEDAY INFO – FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27

Presbyterian (7-13, BSC: 5-4) vs. USC Upstate (11-10, BSC: 4-5)

WATCH – ESPN+

LIVE STATS – StatBroadcast

GAMEDAY INFO – SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28

Presbyterian (7-13, BSC: 5-4) vs. UNC Asheville (6-17, BSC: 0-9)

WATCH – ESPN+

LIVE STATS – StatBroadcast

A LOOK AT THE BLUE HOSE

Presbyterian starts the weekend tied with Gardner-Webb for third place in Big South Conference standings with wins over Charleston Southern, UNC Asheville, USC Upstate, Gardner-Webb, and Radford. Senior opposite, Kasey Battle leads the Blue Hose in kills with 204 (2.55 kpg), she has also recorded 40 total blocks, and 103 digs. Sophomore setter, Anna Baranski leads the team in assists with 339 (4.91 apg), she also has 19 service aces, and 149 digs. Sophomore libero, Sophia Del Valle leads with 299 digs (3.99 dpg), she also has 71 assists, and 17 service aces. Senior middle blocker Hailey Grocholski leads PC in both solo blocks (16) and assisted blocks (52). Grocholski has recorded 38 career solo blocks (7^th in program history), 183 block assists (8^th in program history), and 221 career total blocks (8^th in program history). Senior middle blocker Jordan McAda has 13 solo blocks, 44 assisted blocks, and 57 total blocks on the season. McAda has recorded 32 career solo blocks (8^th in program history).

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT – USC UPSTATE

The Spartans currently have a 4-5 Big South Conference record with wins over UNC Asheville, Charleston Southern, Gardner-Webb, and Radford. Over the first 21 matches of the season USC Upstate averaged 12.18 kills per game while hitting at .193 percent. The Spartans stat leaders include junior outside hitter Ashleigh Nicoll who leads the team with 213 kills (2.92 kpg), she also leads the Spartans with 29 service aces. Junior libero Julia Gladhill leads USC Upstate with 239 digs (3.92 dpg), sophomore middle blocker Ady O'Grady leads in blocks with 13 solo blocks and 54 block assists. These teams faced off earlier in the season where the Blue Hose walked away with a 3-1 victory. The Spartans lead the all-time series between the two teams 11-9. USC Upstate is coached by Ali Skayhan who is in her first season as the Spartans head coach.

SCOUTING THE OPPONENT – UNC ASHEVILLE

The Bulldogs have a 6-17 record going into the weekend with wins over Alabama A&M, North Carolina Central, Maryland Eastern Shore, Marshall, South Carolina State, and UNC Greensboro. Over their first 23 matches of the season UNC Asheville averaged 10.6 kills per game while recording a .151 hitting percentage. The Bulldogs stat leaders include junior outside hitter Matilde Teixeira who leads the team in kills with 227 (2.91 kpg), she also leads the team with 18 service aces, sophomore defensive specialist Katie Nichols leads the Bulldogs with 178 digs (2.25 dpg), and junior middle blocker Baylor Herlehy leads with 24 solo blocks and 68 block assists. These teams played a match earlier in the season where the Blue Hose won with a final score of 3-1. The Bulldogs lead the all-time series between the two teams 20-12. UNC Asheville is coached by Amber Haver who is in her first year as head coach for the Bulldogs.

BIG BLUE MANIA

The Presbyterian College Athletic Department is delighted to announce a fan fun event for basketball enthusiasts and the community at large - Big Blue Mania: Basketball Fan Day. Mark your calendars for October 29th, a day filled with excitement and sportsmanship, to be held at Templeton Gymnasium on the vibrant campus of Presbyterian College. The event will start at 4:00 pm.  

The Ultimate Fan Experience

Basketball Fan Day promises fun for fans of all ages. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the 2023-2024 Men's and Women's Basketball teams, as well as the spirited cheer squads. It's a chance to connect with the athletes and show support for their upcoming season.

To kick off the festivities, the Dare Devil Dog Show will dazzle the audience with its acrobatics and action-packed routines.

Autograph Sessions and Trick-or-Treating

This close to Halloween means even more fun with a delightful trick-or-treating opportunity with the players.

A Community-Focused Initiative

This event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Laurens County Community Foundation and PL Developments. Their support enables the Athletic Department at Presbyterian College to provide this experience to the community at no cost, fostering a sense of unity and togetherness.

Make sure to join us on October 29th at Templeton Gymnasium for a fun time of sports, entertainment, and community spirit.

Let's paint the town blue with excitement and cheer as we gear up for an exhilarating basketball season ahead!

The Presbyterian College Blue Hose men's and women's basketball season tickets are now on sale.

A season ticket costs $100 and covers all men's and women's home basketball games.

Tickets can be ordered through gobluehose.com as well as by downloading the Hometown tickets fan app.

NEW THIS YEAR!

Our fan experience has been upgraded with the addition of 16 court side seats. For more information on availability and pricing contact Jen Williams, Assistant AD for Sales and Marketing at jewilliam@presby.edu or 864-833-8269 before they're gone.

Men's Basketball

The Blue Hose are entering their fifth season under the helm of head coach Quinton Ferrell, who was a former standout player at Presbyterian from 2003-07.

• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS – The Blue Hose return three starters and seven letterwinners off last season's team. The returning letterwinners: seniors guards Crosby James (9.3 ppg, 42 three-point field goals made), Trevon Reddish-Rhone (7.2 ppg, 2.2 apg), and guard/forward Kobe Stewart (7.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg), junior guard Marquis Barnett (9.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg), a 2022 Big South All-Freshman team selection, and sophomores guards Houston Jones (2.5 ppg, 20 games played), and Quadir Pettaway (1.9 ppg, 19 games played), and forward Jaylen Peterson (1.1 ppg, 14 games played).
• NEWCOMERS – Joining the returners are seven newcomers: juniors guard Jamahri Harvey, a UNCW transfer, forward Jonah Pierce, a transfer from Francis Marion, forward Kaleb Scott, a Georgia State transfer, and guard Samage Teel, a transfer from Winston-Salem State, rounding out the roster are freshmen guards Kory Mincy, Carl Parrish and Henderson Williams.
• 2023-24 SCHEDULE – The schedule is highlighted by 15 home games with non-conference home games against CIU, Citadel, Tennessee Tech, Florida A&M, Mid-Atlantic Christian, Kennesaw State, and Johnson & Wales. On the road in non-conference play, Presbyterian plays Vanderbilt, Elon, VMI, Furman, and Wake Forest.

Women's Basketball

The Blue Hose are entering their sixth season under the direction of head coach Alaura Sharp. PC was ranked second in Big South Conference preseason polls which is their highest preseason ranking in program history.

• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS – The Blue Hose are returning five starters and 13 letterwinners led by senior center Bryanna Brady (13.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 31 blocks), a 2023 Second Team All-Big South selection, along with 2023 Big South All-Freshman team members sophomore guards Aubrie Kierscht (8.7 ppg, 65 3-pointers made) and Tilda Sjökvist (8.2 ppg, 3.4 apg). The rest of the returners, seniors guard Laila Grant (5 ppg 2.6 rpg,), guard Christina Kline (5.8 ppg 4.1 rpg), forward Nuria Cunill (5.1ppg, 4.6 rpg), junior guards Mara Neira (9.8 ppg, 39 steals), and Big South All-Academic team selection Paige Kindseth (2.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg). Rounding out the roster are sophomore guard Ashley Carrillo, seniors guard Sonia Sato and forward Dagne Apsite, sophomores forward Dennaye Hinds and guard Natalie Herrin and newcomer freshman guard Laney Scoggins.
• 2023-24 SCHEDULE – Presbyterian kicks off its 2023-24 season on Monday, November 6 when the Blue Hose travel to Manhattan, Kansas to take on the Big 12 Conference opponent Kansas State. The Blue Hose begin the 16 game Big South Conference schedule at home against Charleston Southern on January 3rd.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN:

DAVIDSON, N.C. – An annual PFL tradition between two nearby rivals, the 2023 edition of the Carolina Border Clash is all set for this Saturday in the Tar Heel State. The Presbyterian College football team looks to reverse last season’s defeat at the hands of Davidson as they’ll joust with one of two remaining unbeatens across league play.

As is customary for the PC/Davidson duel, kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM tomorrow night, broadcasted via the Wildcats’ all-access network. The Blue Hose have carved a reputable aura when competing away from home, downing Wofford and Dayton in close calls when playing the visiting side.

Saturday will denote the 35^th all-time meeting between Presby and Davidson, a streaky series that has favored the Wildcats in recent times. After the Blue Hose received four straight victories against their rival, three of the past four have swayed in the other direction (including a 56-24 Davidson win at Bailey Memorial Stadium last September).

Head coach Steve Englehart’s club has been dealt a tough hand in regards to their upcoming final two road trips, made to play guest two weeks apart against the Wildcats and later Drake in Des Moines, two squads that are a combined 8-0 in PFL action going into this weekend.

GAMEDAY CENTRAL

WHAT: Presbyterian (3-4, 1-3) at Davidson (5-2, 4-0)

WHERE: Richardson Stadium (Davidson, N.C.)

WHEN: Saturday, October 28 | 7:00 PM

FOLLOW THE ACTION

WATCH: Davidson All-Access

LIVE STATS: SideArm

TWITTER: @BlueHoseFtball

GAME NOTES: Presbyterian Notes | Davidson Notes | PFL Weekly Report

Opponent Profile

• Representing the Pioneer League in the 2022 FCS Playoffs, Davidson has picked right back up where they left off by steamrolling their way to a five-game winning streak, the longest in the division.

• After posting an 8-3 record last season, the Wildcats have continued to press an elite rushing attack that has conjured 301 ground yards per game (second among all FCS schools, trailing only #2 Montana State).

• Since a surprising 0-2 opening, Davidson has compiled an average of 53 points per contest during their impressive streak of W's, including a 28-point decision over Marist, a 22-point win versus San Diego, a three-touchdown triumph against Valparaiso, and an 84-6 annihilation of St. Andrews last month.

• Under head coach Scott Abell's guid­ance, the Wildcats rank fourth in the country with 480 total yards per outing, leading all FCS comers with a passing efficiency rating of 187.72.

Last Time Out

• On the 2023 edition of Homecoming at PC, the Blue Hose defense overwhelmed Marist last weekend and played a crucial role across a low-scoring progression. The Red Foxes would muster a mere three points from their offensive unit, which didn't appear until the 4th

quarter.

• Unfortunately for the blue and garnet, that same stinginess was applied to Marist's front seven and beyond, who accounted for two defensive TD's and a special teams safety that proved to be the difference-maker in a 19-10 ballgame.

• Next to Alex Herriott's 16 tackles, the accompanying PC D surrendered only 22 passing yards when the Red Foxes opted to throw. That's the third-smallest number given up all season at the FCS stage, helping Presby outgain the New Yorkers by 108 yards when the smoke had cleared (293-185).

• Although the past couple matchups in­side of conference terrain have favored both defenses, coach Englehart's squad still ranks seventh nationally in yards per catch (14.6).

Herriott Acquires PFL Defensive Player of the Week

• Junior linebacker Alex Herriott (PC's leading tackler since 2021) was chosen as the division's Defensive Player of the Week on October 22. The captain of a unit that did not let Marist's offense into the end zone over the entire 60-minute matchup, Herriott brought down a Red Fox ball-carrier 16 times as the Blue Hose fell by a slim 19-10 margin.

• One of the nation's best at his position, Herriott has collected 48 solo tackles since September (fourth in FCS) while his 76 tackles overall place him in the country's top 10. He leads the Pioneer Football League full-stop in both of those categories.

• He has now assembled 10 separate performances in his illustrious PC career with a double-digit number of stops, doing so five times this season and in four consecutive contests.

• After picking up 93 tackles in 2022 as a sophomore, Herriott is averaging nearly 11 per game as the season's PFL stretch chugs on. Approaching next weekend's trip to Davidson for the Carolina Border Clash, he has logged 230 tackles in 29 games (good for sixth-place in PC's 16-year Division I history).

Mikko Makes Jerry Rice Award Watch List

• First-year kicker Mack Mikko has been summoned to the 2023 FCS Jerry Rice Award Watch List, presented by Stats Perform and FedEx Ground. The annual honor, awaiting its 13th recipient, is presented to the most outstanding freshman player in the Football Championship Subdivision.

• Making the cut of 22 individuals nationwide – while being the only special teams player on the entire list – Mikko gets the invite after pouring in 11 field goals in seven appearances this season (the second-highest among any kicker at the FCS level regardless of class).

• Debuting in 2011 and named after legendary Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice (who attended Mississippi Valley State University), the award is voted on by a national panel of more than 40 sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers, and other various dignitaries.

• Other notable past honorees include eventual NFL stars Cooper Kupp (Eastern Washington, 2013), Chase Edmonds (Fordham, 2014), Trey Lance (North Dakota State, 2019), and current QB of the Colorado Buffaloes, Shedeur Sanders (then at Jackson State in 2021).