Cardinal Sports Update Friday, March 12,  2010

William Jewell College men’s basketball team returns to national tournament
The William Jewell College men’s basketball team has earned a spot in the 73rd Annual Buffalo Funds-National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship. Coined college basketball’s toughest tournament, the 32-team field will compete at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo., March 17-23.

The Cardinals (22-10) will take on the number two seed in the tournament Concordia University of California (30-3) on Thursday, March 18 at 6:15 p.m. Central Time.

Jewell ended the 2009-10 regular season in third place but earned a spot in the NAIA Tournament by winning the Heart of America Athletic Conference tournament in a 47-46 overtime thriller over Lindenwood University. The HAAC will serve as the host conference of the National Tournament.

Overall this marks the 13th time that Coach Larry Holley has led his team to the National Tournament. This year will mark the third time in school history the Cardinals have qualified for the NAIA Division I tournament and the third time for Coach Holley. Back in 1988 the men’s team reached the elite eight of the NAIA Division I tournament held at Kemper Arena.
“We are excited to play in the tournament,” said Coach Larry Holley. “Concordia will be well coached and will play outstanding defense but we are playing very well right now and we look forward to the challenge.”

The complete tournament bracket can be found at the NAIA website or downloaded as a pdf file.

William Jewell College women’s basketball getting ready for national tournament
The William Jewell College women’s basketball team has earned a spot in the annual National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Women’s Basketball Division I National Championship. The 32-team tournament will be held March 17-23 at the Oman Arena in Jackson, Tenn.

The Cardinals (26-7) will take on the number two seed in their bracket Oklahoma Baptist University (30-3) on Thursday, March 18 at 9:00 a.m. Central Time.

Jewell ended the 2009-10 season as regular season and conference tournament champions of the Heart of America Athletic Conference and have won 10 consecutive games.

“Our team is playing very well right now and we are excited to get back to the National Tournament,” said Jewell Coach Jill Cress. “We will continue to work hard over the next week as we prepare for the tournament.”

The complete tournament bracket can be found at the NAIA website or downloaded as a pdf file.

William Jewell College women’s tennis team ranked in top 25
The William Jewell College women’s tennis team has climbed another spot in the latest National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics women’s tennis poll. The Cards are now ranked #22 in the nation after being ranked #23 last week.

The Cards stand at 6-0 on the season after defeating Bethel College, Tabor College and Friends University last week.

The Cardinals will next take on Georgetown College March 15 at 8:00 a.m. in Orlando, Fla.

WJC Athletic Calendar
Mon. Mar. 15
M/W Tennis vs Georgetown College @ Orlando, FL 9:00 a.m.
W Tennis vs. Southern Nazarene @ Orlando, FL 3:00 p.m

Tues. Mar.16
Baseball @ Ottawa University 1p.m.
M/W Tennis vs. Oklahoma Baptist @ Orlando, FL 9:00 a.m.

Wed. Mar. 17
Baseball @ Culver-Stockton 1:00 p.m.
M/W Tennis @ Webber International 9:00 a.m.
M/W Tennis vs. Shorter College @ Orlando, FL 12:00 p.m.

March 17-23
M/W Basketball NAIA Division I Tournament

March 18 -20
Men’s Golf @ Evangel University Invitational

Sat., March 20
Outdoor Track & Field @ CMU Open
Baseball HOME vs. Lindenwood University 1:00 p.m.

Cardinal Club Luncheons
Join us on campus for the next Cardinal Club luncheon, open to all fans of Cardinal Athletics. You’ll hear from our coaches and a special guest speaker, and enjoy lunch with former classmates and athletic department staff. Bring a guest and enjoy a $5 all-you-can-eat lunch in the private Yates Dining Room located in the Yates-Gill College Union. Reservations are not necessary but are encouraged to ensure everyone can be accommodated. As the luncheon draws near, visit www.jewellalumni.com/events to reserve your spot. Here are the dates:

April 16: Speaker TBD

HAAC Standings
For the latest up to date standings of all Cardinal Athletics we invite you to check out our conference website here.