By Scott Morganroth
A week ago, I drove by the new FAU Football Stadium and, after seeing the progress, it looks like everything is moving along in time for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, a half a mile on campus, the football team is conducting Spring Practice drills, as it prepares for the 2011 season. The annual Spring Football Game is scheduled for Saturday, April 23.
The Men’s Basketball Team concluded its season on March 16 in Coral Gables, as the Miami Hurricanes ousted the Owls from the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) by routing them 85-62. The Owls set a school record with 21 wins and finished the year with a 21-11 mark. FAU also set a school record for longest winning streak at the Division One level with eight.
This past weekend, the baseball team concluded a three-game series against the South Alabama Jaguars by winning two games at Stanky Field in Mobile, AL. The Owls won two of the three contests as their record stands at 19-13 overall and 7-5 in the Sun Belt Conference.
The Owls have faced a couple of key state schools.
On Feb. 22, Florida hammered FAU 13-2 at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter.
Twenty-four hours later at FAU Stadium, the Owls rebounded with a 7-4 win over the Miami Hurricanes. The two teams squared off again on March 15, but Miami avenged its loss with a 7-4 win at Coral Gables. Their final meeting will take place in Coral Gables on May 17.
Alex Hudak leads the team with a .439 average and also is tops on the squad with 50 hits. Nick Deljudice has 25 RBIs along with a .336 average. Andy Mee has four homers and a .323 average and 23 RBIs, while Raymond Church has amassed 17 walks.
Paul Davis is the team’s top pitcher with a 6-1 record, a 2.26 ERA in 51.2 innings pitched. RJ Alvarez leads the team with 39 strikeouts and has a 4-2 record. Josh Gonzaqa has compiled a 4-2 record with a 3.11 ERA with two saves.
The Owls will face Louisiana Monroe this weekend at FAU Stadium. After this series, FAU will travel to Orlando and face the University of Central Florida Knights on Tuesday, April 19.
Scott Morganroth can be reached at www.scottsports33.com.
