Men’s Cross-Country
The Piedmont University Men’s Cross Country team etched their name in history by winning the 2023 CCS Men’s Cross Country title.
Finishing first overall out of the six teams competing in the championships, the Lions dominated the championship meet, with five Lions finishing in the top 10.
“I can’t believe we did it,” says senior Walker Capelle who finished third overall in the event with a time of 27:50.9. “After being so close last year it’s amazing to potentially end my career on a high note. We ran asdetermined and as driven as possible and that’s why we won.”
Capelle’s finish was the second best on the team as Layton Bradford ran a 27:35.9 for second place overall. Tucker Cox (28:39.6), Jadon Gonzales (28:57.9) and Gary Halverson (29:04.7) finished 7th, 9th and 10th, respectively. Additionally, Capelle and Bradford both earned All-CCS First Team honors and Cox, Gonzales and earned All-CCS Second Team honors, while head coach Jamie Jimison won the 2023 CCS Men’s Cross-Country Coach of the Year.
Up next for the Lions is the NCAA South Region Championships on Nov. 11.
—Simon Johnstone
Women’s Soccer
The women’s soccer team is coming off a huge win in the CCS Tournament Quarterfinals edging Lagrange College 2-1 on Saturday.
After Lagrange scored the first goal of the game, Piedmont answered with two goals of their own, both by sophomore Sierra Judson. This was Judson’s second multi-goal game of the season. and that would be all the Lady Lions needed to win the game.
“Coming back from being down in the second half was really exciting,” said sophomore Paige Kluba. “I’m very proud of everyone for coming together and being positive even when times gottough. It gave us a great burst of energy heading into the semifinal game on Wednesday.”
The Lady Lions will take their 5-2-1 conference record to Tennessee on Nov. 1 for a CCS Tournament semifinal game at Maryville College at 6 p.m.
—Pierce Crane
Men’s Soccer
The men’s soccer team lost 2-1 to Maryville in the opening round of the CCS Tournament on Wednesday, ending their 2023 campaign.
After a really back and forth first half ending in a 0-0 tie, Maryville struck first at 67:35 for the 1-0 lead. After another Scots goal, freshman Nathan Jacome scored on a header assisted by sophomore Cristi Pascaru cutting the lead to 2-1. But despite outshooting Maryville 20-12, the Lions could not find the back of the net to tie the game.
“It is a hard loss,” Jacome said. “We have so much more to prove. We played our hearts out and my heart goes out to our seniors — what a season it was.”
The Lions finished the 2023 season with a 6-9-3 overall record, 3-3 in conference play.
—Dylan Bodney
Women’s Cross-Country
The cross-country Lady Lions ran into the CCS Championship Meet looking to defend their 2022 crown, but instead finished in 3rd place in the seven-team tournament.
The hosting Lions competed amongst six other teams with the men and women running separately, yet as one cohesive team. Sophomore Skyler Seeber finished in 24:52.9 for 3rd place out of 56 runners, earning All-Conference First Team recognition. Super senior Jaycie Ponce finish in 7th place with atime of 26:34.5, earning second team honors alongside sophomore Hanna Marlow (27:10.4, 11th place).
“Placing third overall is something I am proud of and something this team worked so hard to earn,” Ponce said.
The Lady Lions next meet is the NCAA South Region Championships on Nov. 11 in Mount Berry, Georgia.
—Abbey Grace Venham
Women’s Swmming
The women’s swimming team is coming off a double sweep, defeating Warren Wilson and William Peace.
“I am always happy going into a meet because I love my sport no matter what my results are after the race,” said freshman Kelly Mashburn.
Mashburn came out strong setting a new program record with a 57:25 in the 100 free. Alongside her, Madison Nance set another new program record in the 100 IM with a time of 1:06:77. Caroline Massaro had four wins in solo victories in the 50- and 100-yard backstroke. Massaro also had wins in two relays with the 200 medley and 200 free. Mashburn, Jenise Waithe and Jillian Cash together win the 200 free relay. Head coach Teddy Guyer now has 404 career wins.
“I looked up at the scoreboard and saw 57:25, I was full of joy and pride in myself because I completed my goal,” Mashburn said.
There is a break in the Lions schedule until the Igloo Invite in Sewanee, Tennessee on Nov. 17.
—Bailee Nolan
