As the 2009-2010 NSU athletics season headed into the final month of competition, the Sharks have enjoyed another successful year. From the fall sports to the spring sports, here is the 2009-2010 season at a glance.
Women’s golf continues to go from strength to strength as they claimed back-to-back national championships. Among their many successes was a victory at the Hoya Invitational, which they won by six strokes. Junior Sandra Changkija claimed her fifth victory of the season with a final round, one under par, 71.
Women’s Rowing finished third overall at the Sunshine State Conference Championships. The Varsity 4 team secured first place for the fifth consecutive season. The Sharks were narrowly defeated overall by fierce rivals Barry University.
The men’s cross country program had their best season in 2009. The Sharks qualified for their first NCAA Division II national championship where they finished 23rd. Senior Matt Meagher led the Sharks as he garnered All-SSC and All-Region honors.
Women’s soccer endured a tough season, but enjoyed a landmark victory over Tampa University. The win was the Sharks’ first over the Spartans in program history. The Sharks claimed a 3-2 victory courtesy of goals from senior Elizabeth Brauher and juniors Alexis Hernandez and Kesiah Wattley.
Men’s soccer had a disappointing season. The Sharks enjoyed their best game of the season as they defeated Lynn University in the SSC Quarter Finals. With the game tied at 2-2 after overtime, it was the Sharks who came out victorious, 7-6 in a penalty shootout.
Women’s volleyball hadanother impressive season reaching the NCAA Division II South Regional’s. Despite losing to the Eckerd Tritons at the South Regional’s, the Sharks defeated the Tritons on the road in the regular season. The Sharks clawed their way back with an 18-16 victory in the final set for a 3-2 victory.
The men’s basketball team enjoyed a solid season with a young squad. One of the Sharks’ best performances of the season came when they defeated local rivals Barry University 74-72 on the road. Down by 19 points, the Sharks rallied and secured the victory courtesy of a three-pointer by sophomore Rob Huntington with three seconds left on the clock.
Women’s basketball found it tough this season, but can look bback on a number of good games. The Sharks beat the Eckerd Tritons, 54-53, on the road breaking a six-game losing streak. With the win the Sharks claimed an all important SSC victory and also snapped a six game-losing streak. Junior Abbie Tepe hit the winning basket with five seconds remaining.
The men’s golf team began their season in the best possible way. The Sharks claimed the Golfweek Spring Invitational courtesy of a two stroke victory over the University of West Florida. Sophomore Ben Vertz led the Sharks as he finished in ninth place with a score of 219.
Despite a tough start, the men’s baseball team won seventeen of their last twenty games and hopes to continue their fine form heading into the latter end of the season. The Sharks highlight of the season was a 9-8 victory over Rollins College.
Women’s softball began the season in blistering form. However, recently the Sharks have struggled to find their rhythm. One of the Sharks’ best games of the season came as they defeated the University of West Florida 7-6 earlier in the season.
NSU athletics made great strides this year as the Sharks became one of the most competitive teams in the SSC.
