Golf
After a sixth place finish at the Morris Williams Invitational, the Flames focused on their main task, the Big South Championship. The Flames were unable to defend their title and finished two strokes back as a team, for second place. Mathieu Fenasse won the individual title at the event after a spectacular final round.

Mathieu Fenasse, photo courtesy liberty.edu

Earlier in the month Niklas Lindstrom picked up another Big South Golfer of the Week award after placing fourth in the Morris Williams Invitational. The following players also picked up Big South 2013 honors: All Conference-Chase Marinell, Niklas Lindstrom, Mathieu Fenasse, All Championship Team-Max Mckay, Mathieu Fenasse, Scholar Athlete of the Year-Max Mckay.
Liberty will most likely make the NCAA tournament which begins March 16 and lasts over two weeks.

Women’s Lacrosse
The Lady Flames finished with an 8-10 (4-3) record in 2013, a program record of wins in a positive year for Liberty Lax. They were eliminated by Davidson in the semifinals of the inaugural Big South Tournament. Goalkeeper Kristen Masullo picked up a Big South Defensive Player of the Week honor for games played April 8-14. Jen Freymond made the All Conference first team while Nina Dunay, Chloe McIntosh, and Kristen Masullo were named to the second team. Amber Nichols and Chloe McIntosh were also named to the All Conference Tournament team.

Softball
The Lady Flames finished up the regular season on a 14 game losing streak, bringing their overall record to 19-35. They were very competitive in conference games this season, so it isn’t out of the question that they make a run in the Big South Tournament, but they must be more consistent on defense. Sammi Shivock played great April 8-14, winning the Big South Player of the Week for this period. The Big South Tournament starts May 9th.

Men’s Tennis
The tennis team only picked up one win in the month of April, a rough finish to an 11-11 season. The Flames lost to Campbell in the Big South Tournament to end the season. The Flames won all their matches in two sets and lost all their matches in three sets in the heartbreaker. Shea Thomas and Egon Samaii made the All Conference Doubles team, and Thomas also was named to the singles team. Jorge Azuero was named Big South Conference Scholar Athlete of the Year. Siim Tuus is the only senior, and has been a perfect example of a senior leader. He received the Jerry Falwell Leadership Flamespy at last night’s awards, and is highly regarded by fans and teammates because of his passion and dedication along with his wide support for all Flames athletics.

Women’s Tennis
The Lady Flames also finished 11-11, and much like the men, they struggled down the stretch. Rebekah Jenkins earned Big South Player of the Week on April 2 after a strong final week of March. After winning their first round matchup, the Lady Flames lost in the Big South Conference semi-finals to Winthrop to conclude the season.

Brant Tolsma, photo courtesy liberty.edu

Track and Field
Liberty hosted both the Liberty Collegiate Invitational and the Big South Championships during the month of April. Both the men and women were able to win the Big South Championship. The men won in dominating fashion, almost doubling the next highest score. Various Flames won their events, and many events were swept by Liberty competitors. The compilation of awards was astounding. Numerous Flames won track or field athlete of the week throughout the month as well. Ryan Smith and Mychelle Cumings were awarded Outstanding Field Performers at the Big South Championships while Brant Tolsma was named both men and women’s coach of the year. Tolsma, a very accomplished athlete himself, is the most successful of all Liberty coaches, dominating competition year in and out. This year was no different as he continues to bring Liberty to new heights.