Men’s Soccer (10-8-1)
The team improved on their 6-12-4 finish in 2010 and look to do even better in 2012. PBU finished 4-5 in the very competitive Colonial States Athletic Conference, missing out on 3rd place by only 1 game, and missing out on a CSAC post-season spot only through tie-breakers. The men were able to boast impressive victories over Cabrini College, a first-ever, and Centenary College. The men also took CSAC powerhouse Marywood University to overtime, losing 1-0. The Crimson Eagles earned the #1 seed in the NCCAA East Region but lost in the regional final in PKs to Lancaster Bible. Sophomore Gary Bruce earned First Team All-CSAC and NCCAA East Region Player of the Year accolades. Sophomore Jeremy McAlack garnered Second Team All-CSAC recognition. Senior Dave Simon, junior Seth Mangum, and sophomore Dave Shaffer were named NCCAA First Team East Region.
Women’s Soccer (3-15)
With only 7 returning players for the 2011 season, first year Head Coach Laura Behnke had the task of laying down the groundwork for rebuilding a program that needs stability. On the back of their 5 returning starters, the Crimson Eagles started the season off 2-1, with wins over SUNY-Cobleskill and Valley Forge Christian College. Despite eventually losing, PBU also held Colonial States Athletic Conference powerhouse Neumann University to 1-0. Throughout the season, the facets of a strong program were there with the ladies playing some attractive soccer. PBU controlled and dominated several games but were unable to put the ball in the back of the net. Sophomores Amara Mills (5) and Kathleen Meacham (4) led the team in scoring.
Women’s Tennis (9-6)
For the second year in a row, the Women’s Tennis team finished one game out of the Colonial States Athletic Conference playoffs. The Crimson Eagles finished the season with a 5-5 record in conference play. They recorded two wins over conference rival Baptist Bible. In singles play, Junior Tara Munro had the best record for the season, winning 10 of her 14 matches, in the 4th and 5th spot. Sophomore Dana Hartman was close behind, finishing 9-3, playing in the 5th and 6th spot. The #1 spot is always the toughest to play in, but PBU’s senior Katelynn Wilson handled the pressure, going 9-5 for the season. On the doubles side, Dana Hartman and junior Meghan Whittington were the Crimson Eagles most successful tandem. The two finished the season 9-5 in the #3 doubles spot.
Women’s Volleyball (19-14)
First year Head Coach Ben Fuller stepped into his role and helped the Women’s Volleyball not miss a beat; they improved improve from their 16-16 record from a year ago. The team finished 7-4 in the Colonial States Athletic Conference, but for the second year in a row was knocked out of the playoffs by Marywood, losing 3-1. However, the Crimson Eagles upset Baptist Bible in the NCCAA East Region championship final 3-0 to book their trip to Kissimmee, FL and a chance to compete in the national tournament. The national tournament took place in early November, results can be found online. Senior Tricia Taylor and sophomore Erin Greenwood earned 2011 All-CSAC Honorable Mention.
Cross Country (Men: 24-104, Women: 42-79)
Last season, the Crimson Eagles sent only one representative to the NCAA Mideast Regional competition. This season, the cross country team sent full squads of both men and women to compete. Head Coach Eric Bofinger was confident that the teams had enough depth and shown improvement to merit competing against the best programs in the region. Cross Country also hosted the First Annual Crimson Eagle Invitation, in which both men and women finished in first place. Senior Ellen Squier continued to be the best female runner for the Crimson Eagles, while sophomore Brandon Brzezinski routinely turned in the best time for the men.
For up-to-date information about PBU Athletics, visit www.pbucrimsoneagles.com