UNF WSoccer made its first Division 1 appearance defeated D2 Rollins college 2-1 in their first exhibition match of the season. UNF controlled much of the play but fell behind 1-0, before getting 2 goals from a freshman playing in her first game.
It was a brutally hot afternoon in Jacksonville and their was very little creative play displayed from either side. Fairly big crowd on hand as well.
Bret 7, I am interested in learning more about UNF athletics especially the basketball program. Specifically, how did UNF do in DII competition? What are the expectations for the upcoming season? What about the team itself--any returning stars or incoming talent?
Good luck
GO BUCS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UNF should overall be a strong addition to the ASUN. They were highly competitive (along with Kennesaw St.) in perhaps the best overall DII conference, the Peach Belt. Look for them to compete for the conference title in Baseball (national runner up last year), Volleyball, Softball and Tennis pretty quickly.
As far as Basketball, UNF is going to struggle for a while. They have some pretty good guards returning but very little size. They got off to a horrendous start last year but really played well down the stretch. I like their coach Matt Kilcullen alot. He has some D1 experience at Western Kentucky and JU. I am not sure if he can be a great recruiter here but his kids play very hard for him.
The Women's team had a great run for a couple of years and was ranked as high as #2 nationally 2 seasons ago. Last year was a total disaster so it is a big question if they cay squeeze out a few wins this year.
One big thing that UNF has going for them is their facilities. First class basketball arena, baseball stadium and tennis complex. Very nice soccer stadium and softball complex. Very dedicated and competent athletic department staff. Head and shoulders ahead of crosstown JU and soon to be in-state rivals Stetson in my opinion.
Curious why ETSU left the SoCon. You guys had some success their from what I recall.
I could be wrong, but I believe UNF is coming to UCF for basketball this year.
Hope your boys are ready!
Leaving the Socon was certainly not wanted by Buc fans, coaches or (perhaps not) the administration. It was forced upon us by the Southern Conference because we lost our football program (which, incidentally, is a huge source of contention among everyone who loves Buccanear athletics). To make a very long story short, the Souther Conference claimed that participants must have a football program (Even though UNC-Greensboro does not). A few years ago, VMI was booted from the Socon for the same reasons.
Fans are still understandably sore and resentful towards the Socon as well as the ETSU adminstration for not funding the football program. Its a heated debate that won't die down anytime soon. I am personally ready to move on, but I appreciate how loyal and passionate Buc fans are on both sides of the debate.
You are correct...we were very successfull in the Socon (notwithstanding last year), particularly the last 4 years. 2 of the last 3 yeas we dominated the conference and earned a berth the big dance on both occasions. We went to the wire with Cinncinati and Wake Forest and lost by a combined 6 points.
All of that said, I'm hopeful about the future of ETSU athletics and optimistic about our upcoming season in the Asun, esp. in Bball. I think we are the team to beat in Men's Bball. We have a extremely strong core returning will some outstanding recruits. We will see however.
The Knight Time Wrote:I could be wrong, but I believe UNF is coming to UCF for basketball this year.
Hope your boys are ready!
According to the ooc released by ucf athletics we could play UNF this year. It would be in our holiday classic held over christmas break. Probably to an empty arena as well.
I am really interested to see how UCF will fare in CUSA. My school (Saint Louis U.) was a member of the conference up until this year. It was a great basketball league, but obviously was hurt by Cincy, Louisville, DePaul, Marquette and Charlotte's defections.
It was a hell of a league for travel though. We made several trips to Memphis and New Orleans for road games that were outstanding.
Other than UAB and Memphis, I think UCF should match up pretty well in hoops. Coach Kirk seem to always find some very good jucos to plug in. I think also be very competitive in most of the other sports.
I have been out of the Orlando market for over a year. A few things...
1) Are there plans for a new basketball arena yet?
2) Any signs that the football team will be better this year (you guys need to move past USF again)?
Bret7 Wrote:1) Are there plans for a new basketball arena yet?
2) Any signs that the football team will be better this year (you guys need to move past USF again)?
I agree with you that UCF should matchup well with everyone except UAB and Memphis. They might be too strong for us just yet. As far as a new bball arena one has been announced and it should be ready for the 2007 season (is what im hearing.) It will be attached to the current arena and seat 10k people.
Our football team is definitely better than last year, but im not sure we are better than USF yet. I think both teams are very equal with USF having a slight advantage at some positions. The game should be a fun one.