The Bell Ringer | Monday, April 18, 2022 Vol 67. Issue 2

Monday, April 18, 2022 Vol. 67, Issue II

STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF AUGUSTA UNIVERSITY

AU’s Tyshaun Crawford went 12-for-12 with 25 points and 14 rebounds in the semi-final game against IUP to send the Jaguars to the DII National Championship game. (Photo by Chris Rickerson)

Jaguar hoops journey

Turbulent offseason turns into historic championship run

By Chris Rickerson Sports editor

Before the Augusta University men’s basketball season started, it was announced that the Jaguars’ former assistant coach would be fired and head coach Dip Metress would be suspended for the first three games of the season.

The Jaguars decided to hire volunteer coach Zach Tinkham as the assistant and bring back legendary coach Lenny Carlson to help out with the team as a volunteer coach.

Carlson has played or coached in over 1,300 college and professional games and appeared in 11 postseason tournaments at the NCAA Division I, Division II and NAIA levels during his time at Augusta, University of Connecticut and Indiana State. He helped

AU to three straight NCAA appearances 2008-2010.

“They’re great,” said Metress about his two coaches.

“Lenny has been around a long time. Zack has done a great job. Just proud of the fact we were able to get to play the last game of the year.”

AU star center Tyshaun Crawford said the coaches have meant a lot to him throughout his journey as a Jaguar.

“They’re my support system; they are my family away from my family,” Crawford said. “They treat me like I am one of theirs.

Just having those guys around me is great.”

While many had their doubts about the team, a lot of people knew the Jaguars had the talent to make a run.

AU senior forward Jack Johnson said he knew they would be in the champion-

ship game all along.

“At the beginning of the season, I knew exactly what was going to happen to us,” said Johnson. “I felt this a long time coming as soon as we came back from that COVID year. I saw what we were working with.

There were certain things that happened throughout the season that Coach Dip said that led me to believe that we could really do this thing.”

Augusta won their first three games of the season on the road without Metress, then once he rejoined the streak continued as they started off 9-0.

Early on the team had highs such as scoring 126 points against Allen University, but with highs came lows such as AU’s first loss of their season in its Peach Belt Conference opener at Columbus State after a bad

offensive outing.

The Jaguars suffered a second early-season loss on the road, at Lander.

The turning point came after a 79-66 road loss to Peach Belt Conference rival Flagler without key freshman Ja’Queze Kirby, who had a family matter to attend to. During the last 30 seconds of the game, Metress called a timeout to huddle with the team.

“We found a little fire on the road when we lost to Flagler without Kirby who was at a funeral,” Metress said. “I remember calling timeout with 30 seconds to go and saying ‘if we play this way and we get Kirb back, we’re going to win some games.’”

AU went onto win 19 straight games to record the best finish in school history with a 33-4 overall record.

The Jaguars won the PBC

title, hosted the Southeast Regional championship and defeated Queens 77-76 on the program’s biggest shot,

by Miguel Arnold. They even made a run all the way to the national championship, defeating Chico State and Indiana University of Pennsylvania before losing 67-58 to the defending champ, Northwest Missouri State.

“I knew we were going to have to lose to a good team in order to not win, and we lost to a team that was better than us that night,” Metress said during the Jags’ welcome home celebration.

Even though they lost in the title game, the Jaguars now are back in Augusta with all their supporting fans and their heads high, ready to begin the journey toward another run at the national title next season.

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Monday, April 18, 2022

Meet the editors

Carlos Rodriguez, Co-editor in chief

Rakiyah Lenon, Co-editor in chief

CALENDAR of EVENTS: April 18 • 10 a.m. to noon — SAAM Motivational Monday at Christenberry Field April 19 • 7:30 p.m. — Celebration of the Soul of Georgia Artists at the Maxwell Theatre April 21 • 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. CSSR Fellow Presentations at JSAC Coffehouse

Janell Williams, Features editor

Chris Rickerson, Sports editor

• 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. — Augusta Univeristy Orchestra Concerto Competition Concert at the Maxwell Theatre April 23 • Noon - 2 p.m. President’s Cookout at Douglas Barnard Amphitheater • 6:30 - 9 p.m. — Augusta Greenjackets AU Alumni Night at SRP Park

Codi Kimball, Social media editor

Rachel Balducci, Advisor

May 13 • Commencement

NEWSPAPER STAFF:

Editors in Chief

Bell Ringer Staff

Carlos Rodriguez carrodriguez@augusta.edu

Preston Hall prhall@augusta.edu

Rakiyah Lenon rlenon@augusta.edu

Shelbie Summerlin ssummerlin@augusta.edu

Features Editor

Katron Hugee khugee@augusta.edu

Janell Williams jwilliams30@augusta.edu

Sports Editor Chris Rickerson crickerson@augusta.edu

Social Media Editor Codi Kimball ckimball@augusta.edu

Madison Keel mkeel@augusta.edu Aaron Smith madsmith@augusta.edu

Advisor

Iana Crane icrane@augusta.edu

Rachel Balducci rbalducci@augusta.edu Address all correspondence to:

Mikaela Graf mgraf@augusta.edu

The Bell Ringer

Aenea Clark aeclark@augusta.edu

April 25-26 • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Finals Frenzy

Spring in Augusta:

‘The Garden City’ blossoms with its signature azaleas during Masters Week

JSAC Building, Room 237 2500 Walton Way Augusta, Ga 30904

McKenzie Morgan mcmorgan@augusta.edu

Website:

www.aubellringer.com

EDITORIAL POLICY

Letters to the editor must be accompanied by the author’s name, phone number and email address. All columns and letters to the editor are the opinion of the author. The views expressed in the Editorial section do not necessarily express those of The Bell Ringer, a designated public forum.

Anything submitted to The Bell Ringer is open to be edited or rejected. However, The Bell Ringer staff gives all opinions a fair chance to be heard. All letters will be edited for grammar and style. If you would like to contribute a column or a letter to the editor, send an email to: carrodriguez@augusta.edu or rlenon@ augusta.edu.

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Augusta’s signature azaleas were in full bloom at the peak of the spring season just in time for The Masters. (photo by Rakiyah Lenon)

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THE BELL RINGER

AU Alumni prepare for annual Alumni Weekend

By Mikayla Graf Staff writer

Augusta University will be hosting this year’s Alumni Weekend from April 22 to April 24.

The annual celebration features fellowship, food and fun for the whole family as alumni reunite at their alma mater for one weekend.

Alumni Engagement Coordinator Katherine Chavous encourages all available alumni to take this opportunity to stay connected with and support their former institution.

“Alumni weekend is a great time for our alumni to come back to

campus for fellowship and to celebrate their alma mater with their classmates,” Chavous said.

The weekend begins at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, April 22 with the Dental College of Georgia’s 43rd annual Marvin C. Goldstein lecture series and luncheon, as well as the College of Allied Health Sciences Dental Hygiene Day. Alumni from all colleges are invited to a free President’s Cookout with President Brooks Keel at the Douglas B. Bernard Amphitheater from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, followed by the Pamplin PopUps from 1 to 3 p.m. Attendees can

Raising awareness: AU displays T-shirts for The Clothesline Project Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Title IX Office members, and other volunteers joined the Title IX Coordinator, Julie Kneuker, in hanging up T-shirts around the Summerville campus on April 11 for The Clothesline Project. The event was part of Augusta University’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month. If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-656-4673.

www.aubellringer.com

also register online for this year’s Augusta Greenjackets AU Alumni Night, beginning at 6:05 p.m. that evening. Tickets are $15, including ballpark food and will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis due to limited quantity.

There are several other paid events to register for throughout the weekend, including award banquets and receptions for each of the colleges. Two of the award-winning alumni that will be honored at this year’s receptions are Dr. Philip Coule, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for AU Health System, and Alissa Eckert, co-creator

of the iconic, ball-like image of the COVID-19 virus.

“It’s a way to honor our distinguished alumni and our outstanding young alumni,” Chavous said. “And just see and hear updates about the school and find out what’s been happening since they’ve been gone.”

All attendees should make sure to view their respective colleges’ event list and are highly encouraged to register online before the event.

For a full list of Alumni Weekend events, FAQs, and more information on how to register, visit https:// www.augusta.edu/alumniweekend/.

(photos taken by McKenzie Morgan)

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Monday, April 18, 2022

Student Life

Questions surround resources for student parents

By Elizabeth Janiak Staff writer

For Jocelyn Bogden, a junior English major with a minor in Communications, being a mother of three girls means nightly studies after the kids have gone to bed and many sleepless nights. For her to keep up with the workload from school, she has to work harder.

“There is definitely a difference between being a student with children and a student without children. It means more responsibility and more priorities,” she said, “I have people to worry about other than myself.”

Although Bogden is grateful for professors who are flexible with her unpredictable timetable, she still wonders why the daycare was abolished from Augusta University.

At the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, Augusta University shut down the childcare system for students due to lack of funding and has not been revitalized since.

Problems arose for the student-mother as she explained that when she first got accepted to AU, she was

The office of Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs is in Bellevue Hall on Summerville. (photo by Elizabeth Janiak)

put on a waiting list for the daycares in her area.

“Out here it is impossible to get in,” she said.

Bogden even considered bringing in her youngest child to class one day when struggling to find support.

“I almost brought her, but I was afraid teachers wouldn’t allow her to be there,” she said.

The struggles for students, like Bogden, are exactly what the faculty and staff at the Augusta University

Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs strive to relieve.

“There are student parents who we help, but it usually has to do with withdrawals from classes,” said Student Assistant Corinne Knight.

“Or, this just came into my mind, when they tell me that their kid has Covid and are missing classes.”

Knight said that the department usually has a staff member who could help traditional and parent

students alike that used to check on the wellbeing of students saying their job was to “call the students to see how they are doing.”

Unfortunately, the position is currently vacant as they are in search for a new hopeful.

Questions arise surrounding the number of resources that are available in support of student parents and what solutions could help alleviate the struggles of these parents within the Augusta

University system.

Knight states she is unsure of why the childcare was abolished and why it has not been revitalized again, yet she suggests that the Division of Enrollment and Student Affairs could “create a position for the department specifically to help oversee parents.”

“I don’t believe the university system has enough resources for parents,” said Bogden.

Yet, her solution is not unlike those that were attained during the height of the pandemic.

“Record the class lectures,” she said, “I wish more classes were like that.”

She recounted a moment with a professor who was aware of her predicament, as they were also a parent themselves and offered Bogden the option to watch the class either live or in her own time, through the recording of her lecture and discussion.

“She was very understanding of my situation and told me not to worry,” Bogden said. “She understood that there is a life outside of school.

Opinion: What is the next step for AU’s graduates?

By Janell Williams Features editor

Graduation. For some, this can be a time filled with joy and feelings of accomplishment. For others, this can be the scariest semester ever. Yes, graduation marks the end of one era into another where students can embark on a new life journey to what’s next, but what is next? How can you get to what is next? How do you even figure it out? Augusta University offers many resources that can help students find the answers to these questions.

Augusta University’s Career Services department offers a lot of great resources to help students plan out a path for post-graduation.

Some of the resources include Handshake, career fairs and the very helpful staff. Students can meet with a career advisor to get a personalized plan to fit their career goals and

interests.

“This is the first and most critical step to prepare for a career after graduation,” said Director of Career Services Julie Goley.

Advisors gather information from students including major(s), career aspirations, work experience and personal interests to tailor a career path for students, help them develop a resume and offer pointers for proper interview etiquette and attire. Handshake is an online job board that caters to entry-level employees. The job portal can be accessed by the website, www.handshake.com, or via the mobile application. It is conveniently connected to AU, so the login is the usual Login ID and password used for all other AU systems. Throughout each semester the Career Services department also hosts many events to assist students with finding employ-

ment, improving interview etiquette and updating resumes. There is another coming up on Thursday, April 28, in UH 219 and via Microsoft Teams from 4:00 PM- 5:00 PM. This is the Linked Up with LinkedIn event to help students improve their LinkedIn profiles to connect with employers. More information on this event and the many resources that Career Services has to offer can be found on their website at https://www.augusta.edu/ careerservices/staff.php or by visiting the office in UH210.

Another great resource available to students is the Student Counseling and Psychological Services department. When it comes to the “what’s next?” feeling, the wonderful counselors in this department are available for all the help AU students and staff could need.

“This is a normal feeling.

You get into a routine with your friends, schedules, and activities. Now it all has to change,” said Licensed Psychologist Director Dr. Elena Petrova.

The SCAPS center is a valuable resource that students can utilize to help them cope with the mental strain that comes with graduation prep.

Some coping mechanisms that Dr. Petrova and the SCAPS team recommend are exercising, meditation, and spending time with friends and loved ones. A part of the transition into a new chapter is finding a place to continue doing the coping exercises. For example, if you take a daily walk to clear your mind and de-stress, try finding a local park or path near your new home to keep up the routine.

“It can be so easy to get comfortable when you take a break, but don’t get

comfortable. Accept that your plans may change on the next journey and find a balance for yourself,” Petrova said. Self-care is one of the key aspects of the transition to life after graduation. Remembering to take a moment to appreciate oneself and be proud of the advances made thus far. Instructions for making appointments to meet with the SCAPS team can be made on their website at https://www.augusta.edu/ counseling/index.php.

Graduation can be a scary thought. Whether going to grad school or leaping into a new career, change can be a horrifying thing to deal with. Thankfully, Augusta University has free and accessible resources available to students to help guide them through their final semesters and prepare them for life after college.

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THE BELL RINGER

Best places to study on campus

Reese Library:

• The Reese Library is the perfect place to prepare to ace those final exams. With three floors to study on, there is plenty of space and resources available to help with studying. Emma Kate Morgan, Access Services Librarian at Reese Library, says the second and third floors are the most popular among students because of the open study rooms and the plethora of computers. The Reese Library is located on Augusta University’s Summerville Campus in the Jaguar Student Activities Center.

Greenblatt Library:

• The Greenbelt Library is located on the Health Science Campus. It has two floors with open study and presentation rooms, quiet reading areas and a computer lab. Like Reese Library, the private study rooms are the most popular places for students to study, according to Greeblatt Library associate Benitta Askew.

Academic Success Center:

• Located in University Hall on the Summerville Campus, the Academic Success Center is the one-stop-shop for your academic needs. The ASC offers in-person tutoring, drop-in tutoring, virtual tutoring, one-on-one sessions, and small group sessions through online appointment scheduling. Inside the ASC are quiet study spaces, large whiteboards, laptop stations and a complimentary coffee bar.

JSAC:

• The Jaguar Student Activity Center is the heartbeat of the Summerville Campus and offers study areas on the first and second floors of the building. There are tables inside the food court and sofa chairs in the common space area on the first floor. The second floor is a quiet area with more sofa seating and device charging stations. While studying, you can grab a bite to eat inside the food court that offers smoothies, coffee, pizza, sub sandwiches, chicken, salads, wraps and grab-and-go food items.

Amphitheater:

• The Amphitheater is a large open outdoor space where you can sit or lay on the turf stairs to study for exams. The Amphitheater is also the perfect place to unwind or take a break from long hours of studying.

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Check out the full story at www.aubellringer.com

Final exams are May 4-11

Monday, April 18, 2022

PAGE 6

Movie review: Does this film have the “X” factor?

Movie theaters in Augusta are showing “X” at various times. (photo provided

by McKenzie Morgan)

By McKenzie Morgan Staff writer

When I heard that A24 had come out with a new film, I had to see it. I waited until I had a free Tuesday to go to the theater because Evans Cinema has half-off tickets on Tuesdays. The wait was long and painful. As soon as Tuesday night came, I gathered up my movie-watching gear and headed to the theater.

A24 is an American entertainment company that has produced several hits such as “Hereditary,” “Lady Bird,” “Midsommar,” etc. The creators specialize in film and television, with their most popular show right now being Euphoria. “X” is the latest film to be released from the company, and there are many more shows and movies on the way.

When my boyfriend and I arrived at the cinema, we were the only ones there. I was shocked because I had heard such good things about “X”, but we thought it would be a fun experience to be able to shout our grievances or laugh loudly at the screen without judgment. And it was.

While I do not think the movie was the best thing I’ve ever seen, it did keep me entertained for a couple of hours and the more I think about it, the more I like it. I enjoyed the cinematography a lot. Many of the scenes had interesting angles I would never even think to use and the colors and grain of the film perfectly matched what I imagined the 1970s looked like. The director and editor, Ti West,

consistently kept the audience engaged with camera shifts and cuts. The music was also phenomenal with the film featuring a singing scene with one of my favorite songs, “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac. Like old 70s slasher horror movies, utilizing practical effects, West makes the movie look more realistic and nostalgic.

Mia Goth, who played both a young filmmaker and a killer older woman, had exceptional versatility in her acting. The duality of her characters was shocking. I didn’t even realize she played both characters until I looked it up after watching the film and was also shocked to find out the rapper Kid Cudi was an actor in the movie. Another actor in the film, Jenna Ortega, provided convincing screams and looks of terror, while Brittany Snow provided the screen with her beauty and vocals. All of the characters were eccentric in their ways and were all surprisingly likable, causing the film to have several different perspectives.

While the movie’s pacing could have been better, and the film was quite predictable, I found the movie gripping and hilarious, and though humorous scenes were prevalent, tension ran high throughout. The film still had the creepy and repulsive tone that was intended. Every character shined their bright light onscreen, and the cinematography had a touch of new and old. This movie has the ‘X’-Factor.

Opinion: How to spend summer

By Iana Crane Staff writer

Summertime is quickly approaching leaving students with more time to do other things besides homework! If you plan on spending your summer here in the CSRA, here are a list of things that can help you pass the time this summer, whether it be visiting restaurants, volunteering, working a job, or exploring outdoors, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

If your focus is to keep the money rolling in, then here are some places that could help with that.

1. DoorDash. Have a car and a valid license? This job allows you to work as much or as little as you want. Aside from setting your own hours, you can also set your own schedule! Late nights, early mornings, or midday, its up to you.

2. Lifeguard. The pools will definitely be filled with swimmers looking to have fun. Check with your local gyms to find out more information on

the hours and days.

3. Amazon. If you’re looking to stay busy with income, then this is a great option for you. Amazon recently hosted an info and recruitment session on campus April 14th at in the JSAC ballroom.

If your focus isn’t making money but instead is staying busy, here are some great volunteer opportunities that allow you to do just that.

1. Piedmont Augusta.

Piedmont offers over 35 volunteer service areas. Whether you are a healthcare major or not, there is a spot for you.

The hours vary and the assignment is based upon your abilities and interests. For more information on their volunteer services, you can contact the volunteer services office at 706-774-8877.

2. ForcesUnited. ForcesUnited is a veteran’s organization that aims to help service members, veterans, and their families to connect with services and programs that will improve their lives and empower them

in the community. To volunteer, you must complete a background check and a brief application.

For more information visit https://forcesunited. org/contact/.

Giving back to the community is important and working a job can also be time consuming. So here are some ways to kick your feet up on a budget this summer!

1. Rae’s Creek Aqueduct & Waterfall. The aqueduct is free of charge and is also surrounded by a walking trail. The aqueduct has one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Augusta.

2. Augusta Candle Co. At Augusta Candle Co. you can browse and sniff the various scents, or you can create your own scent into a candle, wax melt and more.

There are several options of things to do over the summer break even if you just decide to relax.

However you decide to spend it, be safe and enjoy your time away from school.

THE BELL RINGER

PAGE 7

Sports

Men’s golf coach to end reign after spring campaign

By Chris Rickerson Sports editor

Augusta University men’s golf coach Jack O’Keefe will be stepping down at the end of the current season.

“My time here at Augusta University has been fabulous,” O’Keefe said. “This was my first head coaching position, and it has been a wonderful experience. So many great memories and times with these young men on some amazing trips all around the country.”

The highlight of his tenure was coaching Broc Everett to the 2018 NCAA Division I individual championship. That gave the Jaguars their third national title in men’s golf after AU (then Augusta State) won team titles in 2010 and 2011.

“Being there every step of the way with Broc Everett when he won the 2018 NCAA Individual Championship was the highlight of my coaching career,” O’Keefe said. “And with the 2018 Augusta team entering the final round in 8th place of the NCAA Regionals and shooting 14 under par (NCAA Regional School Record) and finishing 4th as a team to advance to the NCAA Finals was a close second. It was a total team effort that final round. Also, most of the guys that have been here at Augusta University on my watch have gradu-

O’Keefe has coached the Jaguars since December 2013. (Staff photo)

ated, which is the most important thing in the world for them and me.”

AU has made five NCAA Regional appearances under O’Keefe.

In his playing days, O’Keefe was an outstanding golfer at the University of Arkansas before going on to play professionally.

He played in the U.S. Open in 1996 and on the PGA Tour in 1997. O’Keefe also was the Hooters Tour player of the year in 1995.

While the Jaguars last few seasons have not been great like years past, O’Keefe still has had a huge impact on his current

golfers’ careers.

“Coach was awesome,” said AU men’s golfer Jack Vajda. “He gave me an opportunity to play collegiate golf and I owe him for that.

His expertise is second to none and I’ve enjoyed my time learning from him,” “I wish him the best going forward. He’s very knowledgeable so I know he’ll be okay going forward.

We are all grateful for him especially because he gave all of us a chance here at Augusta, but we wish him the best and thankful for his time here.”

Along with the impact O’Keefe has had on his

current athletes, there still is one goal in mind for him and the team and that is a conference title.

“It would mean lot to me to help coach secure a win in his last season,” said golfer Gareth Steyn.

“I have a great relationship with coach O’Keefe and it’s disappointing to see him go. Coach has really placed a priority on our conference championship.

We are optimistic and confident heading into the most important part of the semester and hopefully we get the job done!”

The Jaguars men’s golf team will be competing in

the Southland Conference Championship in McKinney, Texas on April 25-27.

They moved to the Southland Conference in 2021 after previously being in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.

“I would love for this team to finish the year off by winning the Southland Conference Golf Championship,” said O’Keefe.

O’Keefe’s next move after the season concludes will be working in Business Development for Arkansas-based Simmons Bank.

Simmons Bank currently sponsors 2021 Masters runner-up Will Zalatoris.

AU baseball and softball look to finish season strong

By Chris Rickerson Sports editor

Augusta University baseball and softball has struggled during the 2022 season with both teams being at the bottom of the Peach Belt Conference standings.

The Jaguars baseball team is currently 12-24 overall and 4-13 in the PBC. While the AU baseball team has struggle to consistently win, one of the bright spots on the season has been the production from their offense. The Jaguars have put up 6 plus runs in half of there games this season.

“1-9 have stepped up big for us at different times,”

said AU baseball coach Chris Howell. “With good starts on the mound and consistent offensive approach, we have a good chance to win.

With only 12 games remaining on the season, Howell also spoke on what the team needs to improve on moving forward.

“We have to improve on the mound and finish the season,” he said. “We have improved on the mound over the course of the season. Our guys are continuing to work on their game and prepare for the next outing. It’s been a long tough season, but we will continue to compete and

enjoy the game.”

The Jaguars softball team is currently 13-22 and 2-13 in the PBC. AU softball has also had some trouble on the mound, but Coach Melissa Brocato said that is not the only setback for the Jaguars.

“For the last nine games we have, we need to focus on staying positive,” she said. “While yeah, we can say pitching has been a little of a nemesis this year since we haven’t had a lot of pitchers, that’s the main thing. I think we have good pitching; I just don’t think we have enough it, but I think our hitters, we could be producing more.

We have left a lot of people on base recently; I think we need to bear down and focus in on pushing them across and I think will see more success.”

Brocato also spoke on some of the bright spots on the season and some players that have performed well.

“I think Jakayla Sullivan has had a great season, she has improve every year she’s been here,” Brocato said.

“I think we have some up and coming impact players, we got some really strong freshman that I think are going to feel some big shoes when our seniors are gone.”

The Jaguars softball team

next series will begin on the road against Young Harris on Friday, April 15, at 3 p.m. They will finish off their three-game series the following in a doubleheader with game one starting at noon and the final game at 2 p.m.

AU’s baseball team next series will begin at home against North Georgia on Friday, April 15, at 2 p.m.

The Jaguars will finish off the three-game series the following day in a doubleheader with game one starting at noon, followed by the final game at 3 p.m.

You can find the results and stories of all games at aubellringer.com.

PAGE 8

Monday, April 18, 2022

Clara Bascunana Demiguel strikes the ball against her opponent at the Newman Tennis Center (photo by Madison Keel)

AU women’s tennis having outstanding season

by Aaron Smith Staff writer

Following a 4-3 victory over Lander University on April 2, the Augusta University women’s tennis team improved its record to 16-3 on the season.

The Jaguars were on a three-match winning streak and looking to continue their winning ways against Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College on April 15.

AU Coach Michael McGrath said the women are headed in the right direction.

“I think we have great chances to win both matches against ABAC and Georgia College,” he said. “The conference tournament is later this year, but I think we’re in a good place.”

A big part of the recent success of the women’s tennis team is the play of freshman Claudia Borbon Roca, who is ranked No. 17 in the latest Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) rankings. Roca has only lost one match this season. McGrath also touted freshman Julia De Macedo Moraes’ play.

Both Roca and Moraes are among the top singles players in the Peach Belt Conference.

“I think our success mostly comes from the two new freshmen that we brought in this year,” McGrath said. “They’ve done an outstanding job for us, and quite frankly they’ve made all the difference in the world.”

For the men’s tennis team, they are coming off of back-to-back losses against Anderson University and Lander University, which brings the men’s overall record to 13-8 on the season. The men’s team started off the season with a strong four-game winning streak.

McGrath said the AU men’s team is capable of getting back to winning ways.

“Lander was ranked above us,” he said. “We played well, and the score didn’t reflect the effort. In our losses, we’ve only lost to teams who have been exponentially better than we are, but I think we’ll bounce back against ABAC and get ourselves reader for the tournament.”

The men were in fifth place in the conference and No. 23 in the latest ITA rankings. The Jaguar men host matches at Newman Tennis Center against Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College and Troy University before the Peach Belt Tournament for men begins on April 29. Check out aubellringer.com for the latest update on the Jaguars season.

Clara Borbon was recently ranked No. 17 in the DII ITA singles rankings. (photo by Madison Keel)