Braves Climb One Spot To 9th In NCAA Super Region I Rankings
ERIE, Pa. – UNCP split four dual meets over the weekend to move up one spot in the NCAA Super Region I rankings, while three individuals made their season debut in the weekly listing by the region's head coaches.
Despite a convincing 33-12 upset over 14th-ranked West Liberty, as well as a respectable showing against 10th-ranked Pitt-Johnstown, the Braves (4-4) managed only a move to No. 9 in the latest region listing. Second-ranked Newberry continues its reign as the team to beat atop the poll, while Pitt-Johnstown, Merychurst, West Liberty and Kutztown rounded out the top 5.
Brendon Parker-Risk, all-American Mike Williams and Shane Nolan continued their stranglehold on the No. 2 position in the 157-, 165- and 197-pound rankings, respectively, while three other Braves made their 2011-12 debut in the individual listings. Shiheem Bryant jumped into the 184-pound rankings in the No. 5 position while, fresh off a big win over third-ranked Nick Wykoff of West Liberty on Saturday, newcomer Daniel Ownbey checked into the 141-pound rankings at No. 6. Fellow freshman Kristoff Thomas attained that same ranking in the 149-pound listing.
The Braves will be back in action again on Monday when they suit up to battle local rival St. Andrews (3-5) in a 7 p.m. dual meet inside the English E. Jones Center. Admission is free.
