Lee University was the NCAA Division II leader in Strike Out Cancer fundraising for the American Cancer Society last year, according to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. Lee's Lady Flames raised $7,711. "We are so humbled to do our part to help support those that have been affected by cancer," coach Emily Russell said in a Lee release. "We were personally affected last year as (assistant coach) Jessica (McIntyre) battled Hodgkin lymphoma. We were made aware daily of the struggles for not only the patient but their entire family and support systems." Among other things, Russell's Lady Flames sold T-shirts and designated the Fridays of McIntyre's treatments as definite days for the shirts to be worn. "It was awesome to see the support across campus," Russell said. Michigan was the overall winner in the NFCA's initiative for the ACS with $163,000 raised. LSU followed as the Division I winner with $72,000.01.
Soccer
' Tennessee Wesleyan freshman forward Harry Baggaley made the United Soccer Coaches' 2018 NAIA All-East Region first team announced this week, and Bryan College seniors Dino Jones and Charlie Clarke were second-team all-region. All three are from England. Baggaley is an NAIA third-team All-American and was the Appalachian Athletic Conference player of the year and Golden Boot winner in 2018 after Clarke was the Golden Boot honoree and offensive player of the year in 2017. Center back Jones anchored the Bryan defense that allowed no goals or one in 13 of the Lions' last 14 games.
Basketball
» The Lee basketball teams both routed Shorter in a Gulf South Conference makeup doubleheader Wednesday in Rome, 84-37 in the women's game and 75-36 in the men's. Colton Blevins scored 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting in 19 minutes for the Flames (4-5, 2-0), who led 35-14 at halftime, and Ryan Montgomery had 14 points and 10 rebounds while Cody Jones grabbed seven rebounds. For the Lady Flames (7-2, 2-0), who led 28-7 after one quarter and 47-16 at halftime, Becca Cheeks scored 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting in 16 minutes, Abby Bertram had 11 points with three 3-pointers and four assists and Haley Schubert added 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting and made five steals.
» Lee men's coach Bubba Smith announced the signing of 6-foot-8 forward Noah Boler from Decatur (Alabama) Heritage High School. The 220-pound Boler is averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds a game as a senior, and Smith praised his all-around ability. "Noah brings us a special skill set at the post/forward position. He is a great passer, can handle the ball, has (shooting) range to 3, can score multiple ways and can affect shots at the rim," Smith said in a Lee release, noting that he has known Boler and his family for a long time. "Not only a great talent but an even better person with great character that fits what we are looking for in our program."
» Bryan College moved up two spots this week to No. 17 in the NAIA Division II women's basketball poll. The Lady Lions are 10-1 with a nine-game winning streak and are in first place at 8-0 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. Second-place Milligan (9-0, 7-0) is ranked 23rd.