Softball continues hot streak

Pioneers get ready for senior day, playoffs

As the Point Park softball team comes into the final week of regular season play, it found momentum both offensively and defensively while tying the team record for most wins in a season under head coach Michelle Coultas.

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Down Memory Lane

I’ll never forget the moment when I truly believed that Point Park had legitimate, competitive athletic teams.

Men’s, women’s golf teams continue to succeed

Both the men’s and women’s golf teams’ seasons are coming to a close but are making sure that they finish up strong.

Third baseman Crowell looks to win, play professionally

Sophomore University of Northwestern Ohio (UNOH) transfer Jordan Crowell is enjoying this season thus far simply because of the mere fact that his new team is winning.

Pioneers prepare for playoffs

Point Park created quite a buzz this past week around the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as its regular season came to a close.  Out of 189 NAIA teams, the Pioneers, (35-13 14-6 Kentucky Intercollegiate Athlectic Conference) (KIAC) finished fourth in batting with a .343 team average and 23rd in pitching with a 3.32 team ERA.

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Tee time

In my mind, the overall goal in athletics is to always improve. Improvement should be the focus from year to year and game to game. Whether it's a team that failed to make the playoffs last year or a team that went undefeated, somehow, improvement is a possibility.

Softball wins in walk-off fashion

The Point Park softball team faced six Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) games, and it came out of the week in second place in the conference.

Golf goes into full swing

Both the men’s and women’s golf season are full speed ahead and both have found success on the golf course.

Pioneers clinch KIAC crown

With the help of a late-game rally, Point Park secured the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) Regular Season Championship Sunday with a 3-2 victory in game four of a weekend home series against Indiana University Southeast.

Pioneers perfect over weekend

Softball team goes 4-0 in weekend series

The Point Park softball team has had its problems both this and last season with errors, but it played a cleaner game this weekend and displayed solid pitching to go 4-0 on the week.

Baseball team runs winning streak to 13

After 39 consecutive road games, Point Park (22-11, 12-4 Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) (KIAC) was awarded a gift from the baseball gods this past weekend. The five minute bus rides to Point Park field at Green Tree Park, where threats of severe weather held off, allowed the team to sweep a four-game series against Brescia University (Ky.).

Men’s golf wins first invitationals of 2013

Following a disappointing end to their fall season, the Point Park men’s golf team has won both of its team events and had golfers win the individual tournaments.

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Conference Call

Why is there is sometimes a negative connotation about the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)? Why is it considered to be the lowest tier of collegiate athletics?  The Point Park men’s golf team proved in their recent tournament that the NAIA should not be viewed as the weakest link.

Banquet celebrates winter sports teams

A national tournament, highest scoring offense in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competition wins sum up the Winter Sports Awards Banquet held last Thursday.

Zelenka overcomes odds for return

Going into the 2011 American Mideast Conference (AMC) playoffs, Kristen Zelenka was in a good spot, as she was the AMC Pitcher of the Year, enjoying a successful senior season and also finishing up all of her finals. But things would soon take a turn for the worse.

Softball leaves Kentucky victorious

A second straight weekend in Kentucky yielded wins for the University’s softball team as it took three of the four contests.

Baseball moves to first in KIAC

Team sweeps four-game series against Berea

The University’s baseball team departed its weekend series at Berea College (Ky.) Saturday with a four-game sweep under its belt, adding more pivotal pieces to its campaign for back-to-back National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) World Series appearances.

Softball splits conference games

First trip to Kentucky yields two wins

The Point Park softball team had its first trip to Kentucky and came back with mixed results, winning two of its four games.

Baseball salvages weekend series

Starting pitching highlights roadtrip wins

After losing the first two of a four-game series at Alice Lloyd College (Ky.) on Friday, Point Park’s baseball team recovered Saturday by winning the series’ two remaining games.

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Snow Business

Everyone is aware that Phil the groundhog wasn’t so accurate in his prediction on spring arriving early.  Two groups especially aware of that fact are the men’s baseball and women’s softball teams.

Baseball suffers slow start

No. 6 team in the NAIA stumbles to .500 opening

The start to the 2013 season was not kind to the baseball team, as the Pioneers started the year with a 9-9 overall record and 2-2 mark in conference play.

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Unpredictable start

Coming off of a highly successful season including a trip to the National Associate of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) World Series, the Pioneer baseball team was expected to start the 2013 season off with consistency and winning. However, 18 games into the season, the Pioneers are sitting at .500 with a 9-9 overall record.

Softball swings into season

Pioneers start 2013 season strong

Predicted to finish second in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC), the Point Park softball team opened its season in Florida where it won six of its first 10 games of the season.

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Changing of the guard

Heatherington, Ardinger, Zelenka, Birko, Austin.  These are some of the last names of Point Park seniors who are finishing up their legacies as Pioneers in the winter and spring sports.  If you’ve been reading The Globe for the past couple of years, chances are you have read these last names at least a dozen times.

Women's basketball season comes to an end

Pioneers capture KIAC title, lose in first round of NAIA tournament

After winning the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) Tournament, the Point Park women’s basketball team could not win the first round of the national tournament ending its season.

Basketball star ready for next step

Heatherington plans to take game to Europe

One of the highest score players in university history, T.J. Heatherington’s illustrious basketball career here at Point Park has come to a close.

Baseball swings into new year

Coming off of a school record 53 wins and a 5^th place finish in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) World Series in 2012, the 2013 Pioneers baseball team is looking to build on the foundation last year’s squad laid.

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End of an era

I distinctly remember the day T.J. Heatherington committed at Point Park. As a senior in high school, I was still undecided on where I would be attending college, but Heatherington’s commitment captured the headlines of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and other media outlets in the Pittsburgh area.  As one of the highest scoring players in the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL), as a high school player, Heatherington’s commitment to Point Park was a huge day for the Pioneers.

Pioneers advance in tourney

Women's basketball dominate IU Southeast to go to conference finals

The last time the Point Park women’s basketball team played at Community College of Allegheny County South Campus, it lost on senior day and started a shooting funk. Despite continuing struggles, the team defeated Carlow University in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament (KIAC) quarterfinal play 54-44.

Men fall in first round

Men's basketball season ends at the hands of CCU

Upon the moments leading into the men’s basketball tournament quarterfinal game on Saturday, the Point Park Pioneers, entering as the No. 5 seed, had high aspirations of coming out on top over Cincinnati Christian University (CCU), the No. 4 seed, as they had accomplished twice earlier in the regular season. That was not the case this time around, ending in a defeat of 87-70.

Pioneers clinch KIAC crown

Women's basketball wins record 22 regular season games

It was a tiring week for the Point Park women’s basketball team, as they finished up their regular season struggling through three games but ultimately to winning the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) regular season title.

Pioneers drop key game

KIAC playoff seed, opponent not yet determined

The Pioneers suffered a 101-94 loss against Daemen College at Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) South on Wednesday, Feb. 13, as Daemen College’s pair of 30-point scorers proved to be too much to overcome.

Softball gearing up for 2013

The Point Park softball team hopes that senior leadership and new off-season training will help prepare for a rigorous change in schedule this year.

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20/20 vision

Women’s head coach Tony Grenek has turned the women’s basketball team around in just two years.  For the second season in a row, Grenek has led his Pioneer team to a 20 win season.  By winning the final two games of the reugular season, the Pioneers finished with 22 wins.

Pioneers stumble on senior day

Women's basketball needs win over Carlow for top seed

Maeve Gallagher was one of five seniors being recognized as part of Senior Day; however, she was in disbelief when her teammates allowed an opposing player to drive past them for the game winning lay-up.

Heatherington's performance sparks win

Senior guard matches career-high 42 points in win over Berea

Senior point guard T.J. Heatherington’s 42-point explosion led the Pioneers to a 110-97 home victory against Berea College in Kentucky.Senior point guard T.J. Heatherington’s 42-point explosion led the Pioneers to a 110-97 home victory against Berea College in Kentucky.

Intramurals offer range of options

After searching through the papers and spotting the job description, Jerad Cypher, Point Park’s current intramural coordinator, immediately fell in love with the position. Cypher concluded that the position was for him due to his experience as the intramural coordinator at California University of Pennsylvania.

Pioneers survive close shave

Team elipses $3,000 goal in "Play 4Kay" game

The night could not have gone any better for the Point Park University women’s basketball team as they not only won in the final seconds against rival Daemen College in Amherst, New York, but also exceeded their Play 4Kay goal of raising $3,000.

Pioneers split road test

Point Park University men's basketball team got back into action with an 83-70 Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference [KIAC] win at Cincinnati Christian University after a nine day layoff.

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Poll position

In virtually every sport from the high school level up, there are pre-season polls that rank who the best teams are in each conference. The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) are no different, as they have recently released the softball and baseball polls.  In the KIAC coaches’ poll, the Pioneer baseball team is ranked first while the women’s softball team is ranked second.

Cheerleading takes a jump

When Alicia Lyons began attending Point Park as a freshman in 2009, she took it upon herself to start a team for the sport she loves — cheerleading. Four years later, the Pioneers, led by senior team-captain Lyons, are preparing for their first competition on Feb. 9 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

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Calling the game

Point Park has always had a stellar athletic department and student-run media outlets that covered the games. For a smaller National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) school, great coverage of athletic games isn't always the case since the athletic programs don't typically receive much attention.  Now more than ever, the coverage of the games has gotten better with an exciting new addition to the athletic department's coverage.

English transfer comes up big

6-foot-9-inch center has 'good footwork,' 'leads by example'

Point Park University’s men’s basketball team is pulling together to fight for a winning record (11-8). Babatunde (Babs) Somoye is a new addition to the team for the 2012-2013 season. 

Women’s basketball takes strides

Pioneers post a pair of wins to stay in first place in KIAC

The Point Park women’s basketball team find themselves in an identical position to last year, an 18-4 overall record. Now with two wins this week, the time is in first place in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC).

Baseball team receives rings

Over 250 fans filled CCAC South not just to watch Point Park University basketball but to cheer the baseball team as they receive their National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) World Series rings.

Schartner shines in time at Point Park

Finding a college that best suits a student can be tough and Emily Schartner learned the hard way upon realizing her school was not what she wanted.

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Te'o time

A 21-year-old student-athlete is the main headline in the national news because he reportedly was part of an online dating hoax. If the whole Manti Te’o mess proves anything, it’s that college athletics can have a huge impact on the media and the rest of the world. 

Basketball team shoots for cure

Play 4Kay event aims to raise $3,000 for women's cancer

This season has been full of important games for the women’s basketball team, but their Feb. 1 game against Daemen College may make the biggest impact. The large payoff of the game is not in terms of their record, but rather the charities they are supporting, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund and Play 4Kay initiative.

Women's basketball stays hot

Team puts together successful stretch over break

While students were away for break, the Point Park Women’s Basketball Team still had plenty of work to do which included the bulk of their conference games.

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Hitting their stride

After a rough start to the season, the men’s basketball team has quickly bounced back with a five game winning streak.  As the New York Giants proved, the playoffs essentially mean that previous records don’t matter, and the only thing that matters come playoff time is who is hot.

Men's basketball rebounds

The Point Park men’s basketball team had some trouble dealing with breaks in their schedule; however, they were able to play together and come away with a winning record during winter break.

Twitter poll celebrates top 10 in 2012 athletics

The Point Park athletic department held a Twitter poll to determine what 10 sports stories were the most significant to the university in 2012. It allowed the Twitter community to vote on which team’s effort was the most noteworthy of the year.

Pioneers win from behind

Women's basketball beats Indiana Southeast 74-69

The women’s basketball team made a long road trip to Indiana and found themselves down 13 points at the half to Indiana University Southeast however they did not give in.

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Conference Travelin'

Once upon a time, collegiate athletics included conferences that aligned schools close in proximity; however, proximity doesn't mean anything to universities anymore, as level of competition and money are always the deciding factors.

Men's basketball drops three in a row

Pioneers lose last three games against West Liberty, Indiana Southeast and Brescia

Playing three games last week, including matchups against two ranked teams, the Pioneers sought to build on their early season success.

Men's basketball supports new team

Freshmen add strengths to team dynamic

Bob Rager’s offense calls for a fast and up-tempo pace in order to outscore the competition.

Rager, who is in his 24th season as head coach of men’s basketball, employed that system into this year’s version of the Pioneers.

Through the first six games this season the Point Park men’s basketball team averaged 99 points per game.

Women's basketball has rocky start

The women’s basketball team started the season with a 4-2 record after dropping the final game in each of two trios of games.

Women's volleyball ends season

The agony of defeat is always a crushing blow in sports, but for the volleyball team, there was the coup de grace of not making a return trip to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Tournament.

The Pioneers finished 30-10 on the season and had a conference record of 9-1. With that mind, it was disappointing for defensive specialist Margaret Gillooly, one of nine seniors to see her volleyball career end on this note.

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Balanced Scoring

The men’s basketball team underwent quite a transition since last season.  Last year, T.J. Heatherington, who led the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division II in scoring with 24 points a game, led the team. One offseason later, at least five players who can put up big numbers each game balance the team.

McNeal adds new talent

The average college basketball player does not transfer twice in his or her career or play against Duke University. Gabe McNeal is a transfer junior on the men's basketball squad and has already proved that he is not the typical National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes level player in many aspects.                 

Men's soccer season ends

The ultimate goal for the Pioneers this season was to make it to the national tournament – and they did. However, they did not stay there for long.

Pioneers score nationals

The Pioneers are going to the national tournament.

The men’s soccer team defeated Asbury University in the unaffiliated conference tournament finals on Saturday afternoon and will advance to the opening round of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics tournament on Nov. 17.

Volleyball falls in the fifth set

Down two sets to none, the Point Park volleyball team could have given up but it fought back and tied the match against Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) foe Indiana University East on Saturday.

Pioneers ready for season

Despite making it to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Tournament last season, the women’s basketball team finds themselves in the exact same role as last year: underdogs.

Women's soccer season ends

The women’s soccer team’s record-breaking season ended as the Pioneers lost to Carlow University 1-0 in overtime in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) championship.  The loss denied the Pioneers from a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) tournament bid but the team still solidified its place as the best women’s soccer team in school history.

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Success

Historically, Point Park University hasn’t been known as a top-notch athletic institution. However, with recent improvements in programs such as the cross-country teams and the golf teams, Point Park teams are winning more than they’re losing.

Volleyball clinches second seed

Pioneers to participate in KIAC tournament

With its two wins making a good first impression in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, the volleyball team clinched the second seed in the conference tournament.

Men's soccer enter the playoffs

Last November, the Pioneers expressed signs of disappointment after losing to Robert’s Wesleyan College in the American Mideast Conference finals by a score of 1-0.

If the team won that game it would have advanced to the national tournament.  With the loss, its season came to an end.

This week the Pioneers will be back in the playoffs for the second straight year.  While this team has a much different roster than the one that lost in the finals last season, the holdovers may have taken away lessons from that experience.

Pioneers playoff bound

Women's soccer first winning season

The women’s soccer team is preparing for the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference playoffs after a successful regular season. The Pioneers finished the regular season with the best record in school history at 9-7-1, but endured a tough stretch with five losses in October.

Runners qualify for nationals

On Saturday, the men’s and women’s cross country teams traveled to Richmond, Ind. for the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship meet where each team qualified runners for the national meet on Nov. 17. This marks the first time Point Park has qualified runners for nationals since the school became a member of this conference.

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Transfer Talent

As a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes institution, Point Park typically brings in plenty of transfer student athletes. The school has an ability to nearly match the scholarships provided by larger colleges and universities. Therefore, the coaches have a chance to get talented players from schools that were looking to transfer for a variety of reasons.

Pioneers start winning streak

For the first time this year, the men’s soccer team has a three-game winning streak.

Volleyball meets competition

The volleyball players knew they were up against tough competition this weekend going into their five on-the-road matches.

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Heading to Playoffs

The women's soccer team had the chance to beat its rival, Carlow University, and win the regular season conference championship on the same night.

Carlow won the game with only two minutes left.

Point Park alum plays in world series

Don Kelly may have been an National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes All-American in his last year on the Point Park University baseball team in 2001, but he comically remembers practicing on the Mon Wharf with whiffle balls.

Pioneers finish last

The men’s and women’s cross-country teams traveled to North Canton Ohio on Saturday to compete in the Walsh Invitational, and each team came in third out of three teams.

Volleyball makes big comeback

Pioneers beat IU Southeast and Berea

Last Wednesday the women’s volleyball team did something it had not done since Oct. 2 and 3, 2009: lose two consecutive matches. On Oct. 2, 2009, the Pioneers lost 3-2 to then American Mideast Conference foe Cedarville on the road. The next day they lost 3-0 to another conference foe in Shawnee State.

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Different Futures

Pete Bridge discusses the futures of former American Mideast Conference teams.

Pioneers undefeated in KIAC

The last five games for the men’s soccer team have followed a trend: the team will win a game, then lose the next game, win again and so on.

Women's soccer scores

The women’s soccer team ended its three game losing streak with a 4-0 win against conference foe Asbury University and finished with its first tie of the season versus Cincinnati Christian University.

Women’s soccer falls short

The Pioneers lose two non-conference games this week

The Point Park University women’s soccer team went winless in a week of two non-conference matches with a 1-0 loss to Ohio Valley University and a 3-1 loss against Seton Hill University. The two-game skid came after three straight blowout victories the week before.

Saudi Arabian adapts to America

Khaled Zena moved to the United States from Saudi Arabia in 2009 for college at the age of 17. He attended Northampton Community College in Bethlehem, Pa., for two years and then transferred to Point Park University last year after he heard about the quality of the school’s international business program.

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Playoff Ready

Pete Bridge talks about Don Kelly's legacy.

Pioneers keep moving forward

Approaching the midway point of its season, the team reflects on the first half and tries to make adjustments for the final stretch, something that is not different for the Point Park volleyball team.

Volleyball repeats as tournament champs

While the week did not get off to the best of starts for the Point Park Volleyball Team, they were able to defend their championship in Florida to end the week.

Cross-Country falls short at CMU invite

Point Park University’s men's and women’s cross-country teams competed in the Carnegie Mellon Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 6. The men got 15th out of 16 teams while the women got 15th out of 17 teams

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Rule of three

Pete Bridge muses about the origin of the sports term "hat tricks."

Men's soccer goes undefeated in conference play

Tuesday, Oct. 2, the Pioneers defeated Wittenberg University 4-2 in Springfield, Ohio.

Freshman goalkeeper makes impact

Freshman goalie Erica Roney figured she would not get much playing time since she is a first year player.  It was not until the bus ride to the game that Roney found out  she was going to be leading her team in the net.

New pioneers fortify men's soccer

Diverse roster spans four continents, 14 different countries

The men’s soccer team carries players from four continents, totaling 14 different countries, on its roster.

Golf teams swing into action

Senior Austin Elder had an important 20-foot putt that, if made, gave his team a chance to start the fall season with a win.

Volleyball serves coach milestone win

Following a conference loss to Indiana University East, head coach Mike Bruno was still looking for his 300th career victory heading into the week – something the Point Park University volleyball team made sure to accomplish.

Women’s soccer kicks into high gear

The Point Park women’s soccer team continued their run in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference this past weekend with two more victories. Point Park defeated Brescia University 3-0 on Saturday and Midway College on Sunday with a score of 7-0.

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Most people don’t understand the scholarship rules for student-athletes in college. It’s widely-known that most Division I athletes receive full scholarships or close to it. What about the Division II, III, and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes?

Women's soccer struggles

After a perfect 4-0 start to the season, the women’s soccer team was riding a winning streak that was a complete confidence builder. However, one tough week led to two straight losses against La Roche College and Davis & Elkins College. Each matched ended with the same result, a 2-1 defeat in games that Point Park was extremely competitive.

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Up to Par

Senior Austin Elder will certainly tell you four years can make a huge difference. No, this isn't about Obama or Romney, but about the men's golf team. This team went from not existing one year, to placing 18th place in an 18-team tournament the next year and then winning that same tournament three years later.

Game, set, match

The Pioneers volleyball team was up two sets to one on Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC) foe, and 19th ranked, Indiana University East. However it was unable to hold on, losing in five sets.

Caluori finds home with Pioneers

Middle hitter Livia Caluori is an integral part of this year’s volleyball team; however, her journey can best be summarized by one word: almost.

Pioneers travel to Penn State-Behrend Invitational

The men’s and women’s cross-country teams traveled to Erie on Saturday, Sept. 16 for the Penn State-Behrend Invitational. The men’s team placed sixth out of 17 teams while the women’s placed fourth in the 5,000 km race.

Volleyball takes home Tri-Match

Following a tough loss a week before, the Pioneers won their two home matches in the Student and Convocation Center.

Stammer impresses in new role

Kristina Stammer is stepping it up this year as a player and a leader. In her second year on the women's soccer team at Point Park University, head coach Maggie Kuhn realizes what the junior brings to the team.

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How fast is fast?

What does a time of 26 minutes and 55 seconds in a 4.9 mile race mean to you? It probably doesn’t mean much since most people have never ran that far and fast in their lives.

Pioneers undefeated in KIAC

Point Park University only faces competition in men’s soccer from four schools in the new conference, and the Pioneers play each of those teams one time this season.

Volleyball finishes second

Last week, the Pioneers opened their home schedule at the Point Park University Tournament and finished runners up, compiling a record of three wins and one loss.

New Pioneers stand up

Men's soccer adjusts with 18 new recruits

The men's soccer team felt a hit when Filippo Martinuzzi, who is a major part of the team, pulled a leg muscle during preseason.

Lady pioneers begin season undefeated

With two victories in a row, the women's soccer team has started the season as if they have something to prove. A big 5-0 win over West Virginia Tech followed by a 2-1 victory over Geneva College provided a strong beginning to a season that started with many uncertainties.

Cross-country perseveres through weather

On Sept. 8, the cross-country team kicked off its season by competing at the Waynesburg Invitational.

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Ace Athlete

In the common title “student-athlete,” the accomplishments on the athletic field are usually much more impressive than those in the classroom. Student-athletes who fail to meet basic GPA requirements or attendance policies fill the headlines in newspapers across the country. Head volleyball coach Mike Bruno doesn’t have that to worry about with senior Lindsey Oberacker.

Cross-country prepares for the distance

With the first meet of the year scheduled for Saturday, both Point Park University’s men’s and women’s cross-country teams are anticipating successful seasons and improving from last year.

Soccer teams shoot for consecutive playoff berths

Both men's and women's teams add new members with new goals

After earning a trip to the playoffs in 2011, both Point Park University’s men’s and women’s soccer teams are looking forward to improving on last year’s strides and make noise in their new conference, the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC).

Pioneers ace first series

Volleyball succeeds as co-champions of the Fairmont State University Tournament

The week started with fun but then at the Fairmont State University Tournament, the Point Park University volleyball team got down to business winning all four of its games and becoming co-champions.

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Class Act

The women’s volleyball team has a senior class that recently achieved their 100th victory.  This places them near the top of all of the classes in Point Park University’s athletics history. This leads to the question: which class claims the top spot?

Grunn strives to excel

Senior leads cross-country team, classroom

Dylan Grunn is excelling at Point Park University in something he had never done before arriving on campus: cross-country. Grunn, now a senior broadcast production and programming major, is the No. 1 runner for the men's cross-country team.

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Summer proves successful for Point Park sports

When students go home for the summer, they miss out on plenty of Point Park University athletics news. As a new academic year starts, it's appropriate to recap what happened over the summer.

Volleyball rallies with fans approval

All home season matches set to play in Student Center

Following a successful 36-6 season, the Point Park University volleyball team will face the challenge of being in the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference as well as a tougher schedule this season.

Seniors score 100 wins

The Point Park University Volleyball team started the season as co-runners up after a 3-1 win for the Pioneers during a weekend at the Michigan-Dearborn Early Bird Collegiate Challenge.

Kuhn adds new spark to the Lady Pioneers

Coming off of the first playoff berth in its history, Point Park’s women’s soccer team is introducing Finleyville native and Ringgold High School graduate Maggie Kuhn as the team’s new head coach.

Confidence controls Pioneers

Ending a year where they climbed to 23rd overall in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics rankings and fell just short of a berth in the World Series tournament, the Pioneers baseball team has built on that success. The team climbed to 9th ranking overall and put themselves in good position for a World Series run.

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No-hitted wonder

It’s one of those things that is so full of superstition and praise that people can’t even talk about it while it is happening.  It is a rare statistic in a game full of statistics.  A collegiate baseball or softball team would be lucky to see one happen in a decade or so.  Lady Pioneers pitcher Kelsey Robertson achieved something that cannot be overstated.  In pitching a complete game on Monday, April 16th against Walsh University, Robertson threw a no-hitter, one of the ultimate achievements in sports.

Two Pioneers pitch first no-hitters

It was not until near the end of their games that pitchers Kelsey Robertson and Ashlie Kuhn realized that they were close to wrapping up one of the best single game accomplishments one could possibly get: a no-hitter.

Baseball team reaches forty wins

With an 11-1 thrashing of Fisher College on Saturday during an abbreviated contest, the Point Park University baseball team completed their season sweep of the American Mideast Conference and reached the 40-win plateau.

Pioneers travel down the middle

Softball falls to non-conference teams in six-loss weekend

Despite defeating American Mideast Conference opponent Carlow University last week, the Point Park University softball team was unable to defeat the non-conference opponents that comprised the remaining six games that week.

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Coaching Vacancy

Former Point Park University women’s soccer coach Mark Platts resigned from his position a little over a month ago. Platts led the Lady Pioneers to an 8-28 record over the past two years, including a playoff appearance in 2011. Although that record may not seem too stellar, the team was full of younger players.

Athletes ‘score’ at student awards

Players, parents and students joined together in the Lawrence Hall Ballroom last Monday to celebrate the accomplishments that were made during Point Park University’s exciting winter sports season.

Baseball wins four over Walsh

In what may have been its most important week of games it would play before the playoffs begin, the Point Park University baseball team posted a 5-1 record last week, including four wins over American Mideast Conference rival Walsh Universi

Malone match ups motivate Pioneers

Baseball snaps 18-game streak with three losses and a win

After accumulating a winning streak that spanned four weeks and 18 games, the Point Park University baseball team dropped three in a row against Malone in route to a 3-3 record over the past week.

Double-headed divide

Softball splits weekend games against Fairmont State, West Liberty

The Point Park University softball team faced nonconference foes Fairmont State University and West Liberty University April 3 and 4, and split both doubleheaders to put its record at 17-13 on the season.

Column As I See 'Em

Level headed

College athletics always seem to have certain trends.  A recent storyline is one of true freshman not only contributing to, but also leading, their teams to success.  Maybe freshmen Kate Reese and Audrey Eisentrout won’t be leaving college after one year to go to the pros, but they still are achieving very early.

Conference play commences

Women’s softball boosts season record 15-11

Going into the week hovering around the .500 mark, the Point Park University softball team compiled a record of 7-1 on the week and boosted its record to 15-11 on the season.

Column As I See 'Em

Triple 9s

In one week, the Point Park University baseball and softball teams came together to produce three results with the number nine. The Lady Pioneers defeated American Mideast Conference team Houghton twice, each by the score of 9-0. Also, the men’s baseball team jumped from the “receiving votes” section of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics top 25 rankings to being ranked number nine in the country.

Nine Innings, Ninth Overall

Now posting a 28-3 record and in the midst of a 16 game winning streak, the Point Park University men’s baseball team has jumped from being unranked at the start of the season to ninth overall in the most recent National Association Intercollegiate Athletic poll.

Column As I See 'Em

Peluso pushes towards pro

The pinnacle of all athletics is the professional level. They make more money, receive more attention and respect, and perform at a higher level than any other tier of athletic leagues. For all of these reasons, Point Park University should be hoping senior Derek Peluso gets drafted just like his father did.

Tullio tackles the mound with motivation

Pioneer baseball pitcher becomes all-time saves leader

Ever since he has been able to walk, Mike Tullio has been playing baseball. Though his playing field has eventually changed from the living room where he used to play T-ball to the pitcher’s mound of Green Tree Park, the sport has played a large role in the senior relief pitcher’s life.

Lady Pioneers in ‘softball mode’

The Point Park University softball team had a rough start to the season going 3-7 on its Florida trip, but the team is looking to revert back to it's winning ways.

Baseball sweeps doubleheader series

Riding the momentum of seven out of nine possible wins in the Russ Matt Central Florida Invitational, the Pioneers baseball team won all five of their non-conference matchups this past week. “We’re playing good enough to win, and that’s what good teams do: they find ways to win,” senior third-baseman Lee Bodnar said in a Sunday afternoon phone interview.

Lady Pioneers foresee a good season

Ending in October with a first-ever tournament win at the Grove City College Invitational, the Pioneers practiced and prepared for the beginning of the spring season.

A spring break of golf awaited the Point Park University women’s golf team at the Norman Course at the Barefoot Landing Resort in South Carolina. The Pioneers had a set schedule on the trip and played matches on three of the resort’s four courses.

Putting Point Park ‘on the map’

Women’s Basketball halts historic season, remembers success

Playing seven games in 12 days, the Point Park University women’s basketball team started the season 4-3 and searched for a win to kick-start its season.

Column As I See 'Em

All-American

America is great and so is being named an All-American.  Of course there’s a difference in the divisions and categories of schools, but being an All-American is something to be proud of.

Pioneers pack in after playoff disappointment

The season for the men’s basketball team can be summed up in one word – inconsistent, which led to its downfall in what was a statistically impressive run in 2011-2012.

Womens basketball players reflect

Maria Romano is one of two freshmen on the Point Park University's women’s basketball team, and when looking for colleges got some advice from someone who is now one of her teammates.

Baseball builds from beginnings

Florida invitational brings Pioneers seven out of nine victories

Last year proved to be a major turning point for the Point Park University Pioneers baseball team. After stumbling through six consecutive losing seasons, the 2011 squad broke the trend, compiling a 38-13 record, reaching the American Mideast Conference tournament finals and ending the year ranked as the 23rd best team in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Column As I See 'Em

Tackling Tourneys

As one national championship dream was brought to an end, another dream within Point Park athletics is starting to look like a realistic possibility.  The Point Park University women’s basketball squad reached its goal of qualifying for the national tournament, but failed to surpass the first round.  During the same week, the men’s baseball team improved its record to ensure a solid shot at a national tournament.

Pioneers finish No. 1 in AMC

Lady Pioneers continue to make history

With the Point Park University’s women’s basketball team up 12 points in the American Mideast Conference tournament final, Point Park Head Coach Tony Grenek removed his starters so that he could hug all of them, and let the home crowd applaud their efforts this season.

Point Park Surrenders in Sioux City

Maeve Gallagher was in disbelief as the buzzer sounded and the Point Park University women’s basketball team was on the short end of its first round National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Tournament matchup against Corban University.

            The Pioneers were almost 0.1 seconds away from moving onto the second round, but they were eliminated by a 60-58 score. Leading the way in scoring for the Pioneers was Joncelyn Peterkin who had a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds. April Austin scored 16 points, passing 1,000 points in her Pioneers career.

Pioneer men fall in the first

Loss to Wilberforce at AMC tournament ends basketball season

The season came to an abrupt end for the men's basketball team on Saturday after losing its first and only playoff game to Wilberforce University.

Column As I See 'Em

Going Dancing

One hundred and thirty teams compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Division II in women's basketball. Of those, 32 qualify for the single elimination national tournament to try to become the number one in the nation, and of those 32, Point Park University is one of them.

Pioneers finish No. 1 in AMC

Lady Pioneers continue to make history

With the Point Park University’s women’s basketball team up 12 points in the American Mideast Conference tournament final, Point Park Head Coach Tony Grenek removed his starters so that he could hug all of them, and let the home crowd applaud their efforts this season.

Column As I See 'Em

Hoops, hopes and a historical season

It's not yet March, but it's still time for some madness of our own. The Point Park University women's basketball team has locked up the No. 1 seed in the upcoming American Mideast Conference tournament.

Daemen downs Pioneer men

Foul trouble by key Pioneers led to a disappointing loss on Saturday afternoon.

Senior day scores success

Men’s basketball wins senior day game for second straight year

After a busy week for Pioneers men's basketball, the team landed an improved spot in the American Mideast Conference playoffs.

Column As I See 'Em

Accomplished Alumni

Paul Zeise, Bob Pompeani, Michael Holley and Don Kelly: three respected names in the world of sports journalism and one professional athlete that all attended Point Park University. These names, along with recent media attention to the athletic programs, are giving Point Park a more respected name.

Column as I see 'Em

The World of Rankings

What does being ranked No. 25 in the nation really mean?  Who knows? I sure don't.  What I do know is that it's obviously a good thing and the Lady Pioneers basketball team cracked the top 25 for the first time ever.

Pioneers clinch AMC playoff spot

Two wins give men’s basketball 11-9 overall record

The Point Park University's men's basketball team played two games last week and won both in dominating style, clinching a spot in the American Mideast Conference playoffs.

Pioneers reach lucky 13

The Point Park women's basketball team is continuing to make milestones and strides in their first season under Head Coach Tony Grenek.

Column As I See 'Em

Addiction to Twitter

This is an example of what my Twitter account looks like on a Point Park University game day.

And then there were six

Six games remain for men’s basketball after falling to 9-9 overall

The Point Park University men's basketball team played its final home game of January against American Mideast Conference (AMC) rival Daemen College on Saturday and fell by a score of 82-78 in front of a crowd of over 750 people.

Column As I See ’Em

The Three Ball

Can you imagine basketball without the 3-point line?  Just picture the basketball court without that arc that has changed the sport forever. 

Shifting to KIAC

2012-13 brings new conference

Starting in the 2012-2013 season, Point Park University athletics will be leaving the American Mideast Conference and become a part of the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

Column as I see 'em

‘Sporting’ a new conference

The strength of a conference for a college athletic department is the equivalent of a steering wheel for a car.  You need both in order to go in the right direction.  The American Mideast Conference (AMC) was not particularly a poor one, but it was not an impressive one either.

Consecutive conference games ahead

Pioneers to face 10 AMC opponents in upcoming games

After nearly a month's absence from the court, Point Park University's men's basketball team played three games in the first week of 2012. The extended break allowed the team to rest and gave players who were dealing with injuries time to recover.        

Boston trip results in win for women's basketball

Team ‘tired’ after busy travel schedule

April Austin moved into second place on the Point Park University career three-point chart on Saturday, Dec. 3 against the University of Rio Grande, with 23 points.

Record-setting season comes up short

NAIA tournament the goal for next season’s volleyball team

The Point Park University volleyball team made a name for themselves by making nationals for the first time and accumulating a 36-6 record for the 2011 season.

Men’s basketball hitting its stride

After a 1-3 start, Pioneers on a 6-2 run entering break

Despite losing three of their first four games, the Point Park University men's basketball team (7-5) finished the 2011 portion of their schedule two games above .500 despite losing three of their first four games.

Volleyball team ‘proud’ of playoff run

On match point in the first round of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Tournament, Kelsey Cox of Indiana Tech spiked a ball which deflected off libero Alyssa Hall and ended Point Park University's volleyball season.

Intramurals offer additional physical activity opportunities

Basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, soccer offered weeknights

Colton Gerhart keeps his eyes on the volleyball descending above him, swings at just the right moment and lands yet another point on floor of the opposing team's court in the fifth floor gymnasium. In celebration, he and his teammates bust a move to Beyonce before the next play begins.

Women's basketball team hopes competitive edge can lead to playoff run

At 4-3, the Point Park University women's basketball team may not have the most impressive record, but they believe that they have a good enough team that can take them to nationals.

Baseball alumnus finds MLB postseason success

The lights of October baseball are bright, and maybe the brightest lights of all are at Yankee Stadium in New York City.

That is where Point Park University alum and current Detroit Tiger Don Kelly stepped up to the plate and left his mark on history.

Men's basketball team finds identity early in season

The Point Park University men's basketball team (6-4) has had a shaky start to their season. 

After winning their first game against York University with a score of 81-75, they lost three straight games before rebounding to win five in a row.

Pilkinton’s ‘strong English mentality’ an asset

Journalism program lures transfer student to Point Park

The sound of a siren–the game was over. On Sept. 30, Point Park University's men's soccer team played Houghton College, tying the game 1-1 at Cupples Field. It was exasperating, but the frigid rain and gloomy sky made everyone antsy to go home faster.

Pioneers fall to Houghton

Women’s soccer hopes to build on first playoff run

Just five years ago, the Point Park University women's soccer team earned its varsity status. Two years ago, they brought in Mark Platts as the new head coach.

This year, it was able to reach another milestone; it earned its first playoff berth as a varsity team.

NAIA Nationals near for Pioneers

Libero Alyssa Hall and defensive specialist Margaret "M.J." Gillooly both dove and stretched as far as they could, allowing Lindsey Oberacker to hit a ball which just clipped the line.

Historic season ends with 12 wins for men’s soccer

In a historic season for the Point Park University men's soccer team, the Pioneers tied the program's wins record en route to making it to the American Mideast Conference (AMC) championship game for the first time.

Grunn, Rouse lead Pioneer runners in St. Louis

Dylan Grunn finished first for Point Park University's men's cross country team in St. Louis, Mo., to help the team finish 11th of 13 teams.

Playoffs pressure Pioneers

Improvements in the past two seasons to the Point Park University men's basketball team secured them a brief trip to the playoffs last season. This year, the Pioneers are striving for more.

Volleyball sets all-time wins record

The Point Park University Volleyball team had a historical game last Friday as they defeated Houghton College on Senior Day three sets to zero and winning a program best 33rd victory on the season.

Pioneers fall in AMC championship

Men’s soccer loses finals in single elimination tournament

The Point Park University men's soccer team took the field Nov. 4 and 5 as the host of the American Mideast Conference (AMC) tournament at Century United Complex in South Park, Pa.

The Dugout

Women's soccer sneaks into playoffs

Entering its Oct. 25 game against local rival Carlow University, the Point Park University women's soccer team needed a win to secure an American Mideast Conference (AMC) playoff spot. It lost a tough 1-0 game which forced the team into a tie with Carlow for that last spot with one game remaining.

One-goal losses haunt Lady Pioneers

Despite Kristina Stammer's two goals, Point Park University's women's soccer lost to Roberts Wesleyan College 3-2 at Cupples Stadium Friday morning but move on to the playoffs anyway."I hope we can get past Houghton [College] so we can focus on who we have to face next. I just want to keep looking forward," Stammer said in a phone interview Saturday.

Volleyball win streak ends at 16

The Point Park University volleyball team saw its 16 game winning streak come to an end when it lost a five set match to Gannon University last Tuesday, dropping its record to 31 wins and five losses.

Costumed companions run Freaky 5K

Snow White passed out T-shirts, Pac-Man conversed with his ghost nemeses, and a giant donkey received high-fives and hugs from everyone in attendance.

From movie characters to fairy tale favorites, everyone was ready to run.

Hobel adjusting to soccer, school in new country

A young man with straw colored hair laughs with ease in the brand new Village Park in Downtown Pittsburgh. He is being teased by a man many years his elder – the man responsible for his 4,000 mile journey to the United States.

And he could not be happier.

Soccer snowed out

Men’s team misses opportunity to break wins record

With the American Mideast Conference (AMC) tournament on the horizon, the Point Park University men's soccer team, 11-4-1 overall, 6-3-1 in conference, finished their regular season last weekend.

The Dugout

Men’s soccer is playoff bound

The Point Park University men's soccer team is headed for the playoffs.

In 2009, I was the Globe's beat reporter for a men's soccer team that finished with a record of 1-15-1. The team scored eight goals all season. Freshman Francis Tabi led that team with four goals.

Volleyball set to host AMC Tournament

Team sets wins record with 31, consecutive wins record with 16

The Point Park University volleyball team defeated Carlow University, Davis & Elkins College and Bluefield State College this past week, boosting its record to 31-4 on the season and achieving several milestones along the way.

Rugby gains momentum

Campus organization doubles membership

In less than a year, Point Park University went from not having a rugby team to having one that won a match 85-0.  The team, which is officially a campus organization, has gained stability and recently beat Allegheny College in a friendly match.

Women’s golf embraces historic first tournament win

Caroline Collins helped lead the Point Park University women's golf team to victory on a windy Saturday at the Grove City College Invitational and finished first of three teams to complete their fall season on Oct.15.

Pioneers clinch homefield advantage

Men’s soccer seizes No. 1 seed, head to playoffs for first time since 1998

The Point Park men's soccer team (11-3-1 overall, 6-2-1 in conference) entered the week of Oct. 17 on a high. They had won three straight games, two of which were against fierce conference rivals, Houghton College and Roberts Wesleyan College.

Volleyball wins both AMC matches

The fourth annual Volley for Vision turned out to be a successful one for the Point Park University Volleyball Team as they defeated Daemen College and Roberts Wesleyan College in American Mideast Conference (AMC) play to improve their record to 28-4 overall.

Pioneers bond through mid-season trip to Florida

The Point Park University women's volleyball team had a "perfect" stay in Clearwater, Fla. for the Clearwater Christian tournament.  The team went 5-0 over the weekend and took home the championship plaque.

Fourth Annual ‘Volley for Vision’ an inspiration

Cassie Bruno was born 15 weeks premature to Point Park University Volleyball Head Coach Mike Bruno and his wife Jennifer, and were ready to go home after going to Magee NICU, however they were stunned to learn that their daughter had stage five Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), an eye disorder that causes blindness and restricts victims to walking with a cane.

Men’s soccer ranks first in conference

Pioneers voted number one by coaches in Unaffiliated Conference rankings

In a week where they received both team and individual honors, the Point Park University men's soccer team (10-2-1, 5-1-1) was busy on and off the field.

Elder finishes first again, prepares team for spring

Men’s golf team’s improved competition pushing players to perform their best

Austin Elder led the Pioneer men's golf team to first place out of eight teams when they traveled to the Mt. Union Fall Invitational on Sept. 25 and 26.

Volleyball transfer brings depth, determination

Sophomore Lhota’s confidence fits with ‘team philosophy’

Brittany Lhota achieved her life-long dream when she was granted a full athletic scholarship to play volleyball at the University of Pittsburgh, but shortly after her arrival there, she felt disappointed, overwhelmed and owned by the team.

Pioneers win Clearwater Christian Tournament title

Defeat of Walsh for first time in Point Park history, caps 5-0 weekend

Down 24-25 in the second set last Tuesday against Walsh University, the Point Park University volleyball team could easily have panicked as they had never defeated the Cavaliers.

Unpredictable weather a road block for runners

Dylan Grunn and Keri Rouse keep the men and women's cross country teams moving forward during the Carnegie Mellon University Invitational, while the runners once in lead take time to get healthy before American Mideast/Midwest Unaffiliated Conference Meet in St. Louis, MO.

Sports club offers array of action

New group explores biking, filiming, photography

What do skating, biking, filming and photography all have in common?

They are all an integral part of the up-and-coming Action Sports Club at Point Park University.

Cheerleaders act as 'ambassadors of school spirit' during Spirit Week

Point Park University's Spirit Week was an effort to increase school pride and showcase the athletic team's achievements.  The cheerleading squad saw this as a golden opportunity to highlight their talents and define their purpose on campus.

Lady Pioneers hit the road

Volleyball team brings home three wins in three days

The Point Park University volleyball team faced three days of road games and traveling, and finished the trip by winning all three American Mideast Conference (AMC) matches and improving their record to 20-4.

Men's soccer shoots for playoff berth

Pioneers move forward, capture close games

Over the past few seasons, Point Park University's men's soccer team has had to endure tough times and poor luck. Two years ago, injuries and an ineligibility ruling of midfielder Alex Sala haunted the squad as they limped to a one-win season. Last year's group was able to improve to an 8-9 record, but five one-goal losses haunted the young team.

Women’s soccer bounces back from slow start

4-1 stretch works to erase initial 0-5 season record

The Point Park University's women's soccer team did not get off to the start they wanted, beginning the season with a record of 0-5.

Walstra breaks all-time wins record

With the win Wednesday against Salem International, men's soccer head coach Jeroen Walstra became the leader in wins in Point Park University men's soccer history. From four wins in his first season to eight wins in his most recent year, Walstra has turned the program around in his five years with the team.

Collins, women’s golf continue to break records

Caroline Collins continu to lead Point Park University's women's golf team  with the lowest shots on the team and help break records after each of the tournaments hosted by Ursuline College, St. Vincent University and University of Northwestern Ohio.

The Dugout

Home fields, gyms to benefit Point Park Athletics

As a Point Park University senior, I have seen three years of Pioneer sports teams struggle as a whole, with baseball, softball and volleyball being the only exceptions to the frequent losses.

T-shirt night serves up a win

Volleyball team wins three of four, including second home match

Defensive specialist Amanda Ardinger's diving rescue helped bring the women's volleyball team a win during the Lady Pioneers' rally against Carlow University last week in the Student Center and Convocation Center.

Scoring from Brazil to the 'Burgh

Freshman Lucas Silva exceeds coach’s expectations after joining soccer team

When Lucas Silva was just 15 years old he was playing for the Brazilian professional soccer team, Corinthians, in his hometown of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Elder drives men’s golf team to early season success

Pioneers finish second at the Grove City Invitational, first at Mt. Union Invitational

Strengthened by dominating performances from junior Austin Elder, the Point Park University men's golf team started its third season with strong showings in two non-league tournaments.

Pioneer men's soccer utilize ‘technically sound’ play

From the start of the season, there has only been one goal for the Point Park University men's soccer team – to make the tournament of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Family, World Cup team inspires Evans

The entire world watched as the U.S. women's soccer team was triumphant against China in the World Cup in 1999. This win was especially sweet, because it was won on United States soil at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. While this may have seemed like a normal soccer game with a fantastic ending, it changed the life of one 10-year-old Munhall, Pa. girl forever.

After winning nine straight, women's volleyball lose two

After winning nine consecutive games, the Point Park University volleyball team lost two of their three contests this week, dropping their record to 14-3 so far this season.

Runners work through ‘mental game’ as a team

Cross Country battles rainy course at 3,500 foot runway in Waynesburg

Point Park University's cross country teams battled in the sludge down a runway at the Waynesburg Invitational Saturday, Sept. 10 but did not take off with the men finishing sixth out of nine teams and the women finishing eighth out of 12 teams.

First home volleyball game an ace

In the first Point Park University sports event on campus, the women's volleyball team defeated Pitt-Johnstown three sets to zero in front of an enthusiastic standing room crowd of around 300 people at the Point Park Student and Convocation Center, pushing its record to nine wins and one loss.

Head Coach Mike Bruno took in the game and the atmosphere surrounding it, enjoying being a part of history.

Women’s soccer shoots for conference success

Women's soccer, like all sports, has its ups and downs.  In the recent history of the Point Park University women's soccer team, there have been a lot of downs.

But for a team that has not won an American Mideast Conference game since 2008, bucking that trend is a big deal.

'Kick Cancer Team Game' raises money for breast cancer research

The women's Point Park University soccer team hosted a "Kick Cancer Team Game" against Walsh University in an American Mideast Conference (AMC) game on Sunday, Sept. 11 at Founder's Field for their home opener, ending in a 1-0 loss with a goal from Walsh's Carley Adams early in the second half.

Runners strengthen for first meet

Men's and women's cross country overcome the heat at Westminster Invitational

Point Park University men's and women's cross country teams have been training hard to start their seasons on the right foot beginning Saturday, Sept. 3 against Westminster in New Wilmington, Pa.

 After ending last season with the best record that the Pioneers have seen in years, the men's team has been training just as hard to finish this season even better than the last.

The Dugout

Men's soccer still strong sans 'Schecky'

The Point Park University men's soccer team is lucky to be returning 10 of their 11 starters from last year's surprising team. Unfortunately, the one starter not playing for the Pioneers this fall was last season's leading scorer.

Forward Manuel Schneckenreither from Feldkirch, Austria scored 11 goals and finished with 24 points. The second leading scorer from last year, forward Francis Tabi, had six goals and 17 points.

Tournament triumphs set up for success

Volleyball team heads into first-ever home game after winning four in a row

In defeating all four opponents they faced, the Point Park University volleyball team came home from the Fairmont State Tournament with a tie for first overall in the tournament with Edinboro University.

Junior defensive specialist Amanda Ardinger, a leader on the team, who ended up showing her abilities all over the volleyball court, was pleased with the results the team had in the tournament.

Athletics pioneering a new image

New image comes from Pioneer athletics history

A green Bison stands prominently in the foreground, a graphic depiction of the city of Pittsburgh lies behind.

It is all part of Point Park University Athletics' new logo, aimed to give Point Park University sports a clearer identification in the Downtown area, around campus and within the section. 

Transfer student 'go-to-girl' on and off the field

When Kristina Stammer found out she was pregnant in the fall of 2008, her first thoughts were about soccer, the sport she loved and was naturally talented at.

"The first thing that popped into my head was ‘oh my god, will I be able to play soccer," said the now 22-year-old transfer student. 

Volleyball starts season off on the right foot

Lady Pioneers place second in Aces in August Classic

The Point Park University Volleyball team spent this past week at the University of Rio Grande in Ohio where they participated in the Aces in August Tournament and placed second.           

The team faced some stiff competition while at the two day tournament.

A place to call home

New student convocation center to come

Baseball won their last two games against Penn State greater Allegheny on April 17, 2011.

Holy Igloo, Batman!

The Penalty Box

In case you have been living under a rock for the last month or so, the next Batman movie "The Dark Knight Rises" film will be filmed in Pittsburgh this summer.  That's right that means that the "Batmobile" will be cruising the streets of Pittsburgh and Batman will be jumping from buildings.  The other big rumor coming from this film is that the Civic Arena, formally known as Mellon Arena, could be used for an explosion scene in the epic sequel.

Pittsburgh Pirates' bullpen speaks on season

Morton, Crotta comment on their performances

The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a bizarre season so far as the team has performed well on the road and struggled at home, while the opposite was true last season.

The team won only 17 total games on the road last season and won 40 of its 81 games at home.

One of the big bright spots this season has been Charlie Morton, who through his start on April 15 has compiled a record of two wins and zero losses while posting an Earned Run Average (ERA) of 1.64, a huge turnaround from last season when he struggled to record outs. After struggling last season in Major League Baseball (MLB), Morton would be sent down to the Minor Leagues to work on his game.

Point Park athletics to get a home court with new Convocation Center

Point Park Athletic Director Daniel Swalga has been at Point Park for the last five years and for many athletic events, he has had to travel to places such as CCAC (Community College of Allegheny County) South and Green Tree Sportsplex.  He thought when he first arrived here that eventually the school would have a home place to play and now the pieces are falling into place.

Lady Pioneers fight for clutch wins

After losing four consecutive games to three different teams, the Point Park University Softball team was battling to stay alive in the second game against Ursuline College late last Thursday. 

In the top of the second inning with Point Park leading 1-0, Ursuline's Liz Miller, hitting number eight came to the plate with the bases loaded.  Miller then hit a grand slam making the game 4-1.

Grise’s leadership contributes to success

Pioneers maintain 25-6 record, 6-2 in conference

The last few years have been long and troubling ones for the Pioneers' baseball program. After stumbling through a 13-26 record last season, they needed to call upon some of their best players in order to turn their fortunes around.

Players like team captain Brian Grise.

The senior outfielder and elementary education major has played a vital role this year, boasting a.359 batting average and 19 stolen bases. His defensive play has been just as impressive, committing only one error in his 31 games played.

Ardinger contributes to two sports

Volleyball, softball player has ‘perfect timing’

Amanda Ardinger learned the value of hard work in high school when her volleyball team lost the Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League (WPIAL) championship, but then returned the next year and took home the title.

Ardinger, now a Point Park University sophomore, carries the same hardworking attitude when playing infield and outfield for Point Park softball and defensive specialist for Pioneer volleyball.

Opening day should be a national holiday. Enough said.

The Penalty Box

It's that time of year again when the snowfall finally stops, Rita's opens its doors, the Penguins are heading to the playoffs, and best of all its baseball season. This is my favorite time of year because it is opening day around Major League Baseball (MLB).

For the last three years, I have walked through beautiful downtown Pittsburgh on my way to PNC Park for the Pirates home opener.   Every year, I think to myself as I look at the thousands of people crossing the streets wearing Pirates gear with pride, seeing parents who called off work and kids who are missing school, "why is this not a national holiday?"

Women's golf team adds five new recruits

Team hopes Collins can make a difference

It may be safe to say the Point Park University's women's golf team boasts its best recruiting class ever in 2011.

The program will launch its third-overall campaign in the fall, and the team hopes one of its biggest recruits, Caroline Collins, will come in and make an instant impact.

Running prodigy returns

Ryan Sheehan a real 'class act'

He laces up his running shoes every morning at 5a.m. and hits the dewy pavement for his daily jog.

Rain or shine, his dedication keeps his feet moving each day for training, twice a day, five times a week.

Ryan Sheehan, 27, a native of North Baldwin, Pa. and 2010 overall winner of the Pittsburgh half marathon is a committed runner who continues to strive for excellence.

The Dugout

The next few seasons key for Pirates turnaround

Yes this is a Pittsburgh Pirate column. I would not blame you if you stopped reading but if you stick with it I will make it worth your while.

The Pittsburgh Pirates will not break their professional sports record of consecutive losing seasons this year nor will they win the division, challenge for the wildcard, or even win more than 75 games.

I hope I am wrong but I think Rebecca Black has a better chance of winning a Grammy than any of those things happening this season.

Chi Alpha Sigma honors athletes

National Athletic Honor Society ceremony adds success

On Friday March 18, Point Park University held a luncheon at the Engineers' Society in downtown Pittsburgh to honor 27 student athletes for their accomplishments both on and off the field.

"Chi Alpha Sigma is the National College Athlete Honor Society," Director of Athletics Dan Swalga said. "A not for profit organization founded at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana in May of 1996, the Society recognizes students who receive a varsity letter in their sport while maintaining a 3.4 or higher cumulative GPA through their junior or senior years.  The mission of Chi Alpha Sigma is to bring honor and recognition to deserving student athletes, their families, teams, athletic departments and colleges in much the same way that Phi Beta Kappa honors scholastics.  All levels of competition in the NCAA and NAIA can participate.  Both the NCAA and NAIA approve the concept and mission of Chi Alpha Sigma."

Marathon sells out, charities help runners register

On May 15, 2011, Pittsburgh will host its 22nd running of the marathon race.

Although the Pittsburgh marathon only has a history of 22 years, the actual past of the marathon dates back to 490 B.C. when the soldier, Pheidippides completed the run from Marathon, Greece to Athens, Greece.

Pioneer baseball stepping up to the plate

The Penalty Box

The Point Park Pioneer baseball team looks to have finally turned things around after years of finishing under .500 and missing the playoffs.  So far this season they look to have changed from the laughing stock of the American Mideast Conference (AMC) to real contenders.

Sidney Crosby skates but that is just the first step in a long road

Penguins' superstar center Sidney Crosby is finally skating after suffering a devastating concussion in back to back head shots on January 1^st against the Washington Capitals and January 5^th against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Crosby has now missed 30 games with his concussion and has only just started skating which definitely casts a shadow on his return to the Penguins this season. There are only 11 games left in the season which puts a lot of pressure on Crosby to get into game shape quickly, begin practicing with the team, and take physical contact – all without experiencing headaches or dizziness between now and his return.

Baseball finishes strong in Florida

Pioneers compile record of 9-3, say trip was ‘worthwhile’

While many vacationed for Spring Break to enjoy the time off, the Point Park baseball team went to Florida to play in 12 games, compiling a 9-3 record.

The trip allowed the team to bond and mixed fun with the competitive atmosphere.

Pioneers rebound after 16 consecutive losing seasons

Rebuilding a program is no easy task. Three straight losing seasons could put a damper on the program.

Coming into this season, they had suffered back-to-back 16 loss seasons. But that did not discourage them this year, as they became the American Mideast Conference (AMC) Cinderella team to make the playoffs.

Lady Pioneers receive honors, move on

In retrospect, Point Park University's sophomore guard April Austin has no regrets about what her team accomplished in the 2010-11 season.

In fact, she's proud.

Despite the team falling short of the postseason for the second year in a row, the women's basketball team made history.

Lady Pioneers venture to Florida

New additions, conditioning plan strengthens team

            After missing the playoffs by one game last season, the Point Park University softball team is looking to strengthen their weaknesses and come back for the 2011 season.

The Penalty Box

Pens add capable players to replace Sid and Geno

The National Hockey League Trade Deadline has come and gone and Penguins' General Manager Ray Shero decided not to make another trade on Monday after acquiring forwards James Neal, Alexei Kovalev, and defenseman Matt Niskanen.  These deals show their dedication to the future as well as their commitment to winning now, despite the injuries to superstars Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

‘Chemistry’ will set tone on break

Pioneers’ trip to Florida will test abilities

As of Sunday afternoon, many Point Park students will be relaxing and enjoying their Spring break. Some may even go down to Florida to catch some sun. However, even though the baseball team is heading down to Florida during Spring break, they are going to work hard.

Instead of relaxing, the Pioneers will be traveling down to Winter Haven, Florida to play 10 games in five days while at the Russmat Invitational. They participated last season in the same event and finished with a 4-5 record. They ended the season with a 13-26 mark, their best record in three seasons.

Large roster to benefit Lady Pioneers

Miller, Navarro will bring experience to team this coming season

Head Coach Michelle Coultas' 2009-2010 team graduated only two seniors after last season and this year has seven new freshmen. In addition, one recruit from a junior college and one transfer giving her the largest softball roster for a team at Point Park University with 24 girls. 

"There's always someone over your shoulder...I have so many girls who are versatile," Coach Coultas said.

Leadership, new additions bring hope of playoff run

Stating that Point Park University has a rich baseball history may be an understatement. They have gone to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) World Series ten times, which is 5th all time in section history. However, they have struggled the past few years and even though they may have ended the year with a 13-26 record, (their best record in the past three seasons) they hope to use last year's experience as a stepping stone.

Boshkova 'fits perfectly' with, adds potential to team

It is Wednesday morning after Tuesday night's women's basketball game in Houghton New York where the Pioneers defeated the Highlanders 57-48, and forward Anna Maria Boshkova is running on only three hours of sleep.

The 6-foot-1-inch Bulgarian native not only never misses a game, but she also goes to class the morning after, no matter how late she gets back to Point Park University.

Bruno looks forward to 'improve the program'

The Point Park University's volleyball team had its second best season in team history last year, but that was not enough to prevent it from losing in the first round of the American Mideast Conference (AMC) playoffs.

New pioneers stay 'vocal,' pitch in on, off court

Menzies, Carr embrace supporting roles

Center David Menzies and guard Mike Carr, members of the Point Park University men's basketball team, both had starting roles on the court by their senior years of high school. Both are area natives who understood what their roles would be when they joined the team and are now developing their skills further while in supporting roles.

Now sophomores at Point Park, they are content with just chipping in for now.

PirateFest attracts fans, friends

            The Pittsburgh Pirates held its annual three day Pirate Fest at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on Jan. 28 through Jan. 30.

            The Pirates made some changes to this year's carnival event, as Friday which has traditionally had the lowest turnout was opened only to season ticket holders. The Pirates were rewarded, as Friday's attendance was 3,500 people up 1,500 people from last year's Friday session. The Friday session was available to Pirate season ticket holders only.

Steelers do not make it to seventh heaven

The Penalty Box

The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming home empty handed for the 2010 season but they have nothing to be ashamed of.  They came into this season with no starting quarterback for four games, a defense everyone said was too old, and not many picked them to even make the playoffs.  They had the opportunity to become seven time NFL champions but six will do until next season.

Men’s soccer has ‘limitless potential’ next year

Even though Point Park University's men's soccer team is graduating only one senior, midfielder Adelmo Palaza, next season has limitless potential which can be exploited by recruiting to fill any gaps.  This is something that fourth-season Head Coach Jeroen Walstra is experienced with and on Feb. 4 he signed his first recruit, José Vaccarello.

Coach Kosanovich leaves after five years

As the Point Park University's Lady Pioneers begin the last half of their season, preparations are already being made for the next season.

A fundamental change is being made as Head Coach Sam Kosanovich will relinquish his title, a position he has held for five years.

Running game is best defense against Packers

The Dugout

The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been associated with a physical defense as well as a tough running game.

In order for the Steelers to win Super Bowl XLV, both the defense and running game will have to elevate their games even higher than they did in the AFC Championship Game.

Beatty makes an impact on Point Park women

Lady Pioneers remain steady at eighth place in AMC

Hustling, hardworking and focused were three terms that Point Park University Head Women's Basketball Coach Sam Kosanovich used to describe junior guard Kristen Beatty.

A transfer from the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Beatty has found a way to adjust to the game on Point Park's level. She made the trip south down Interstate 279 to the North Side where she starred on the CCAC-Allegheny women's basketball team.

Douse keeps position as leading scorer

The Point Park University Men's Basketball Team had a very eventful week last week, and it started with some accolades for the team's leading scorer Kris Douse.

Douse, a senior forward was named American Mideast Conference (AMC) Player of the Week for played from Jan. 17 to 23. Douse averaged 32.7 points per game during that stretch, highlighted by a 45 point effort in a 110-100 loss against Mount Vernon Nazarene University. The 45 points he scored in that game tied Assistant Coach Gabe Bubon for most points scored in a single game in Point Park Men's Basketball history.

Platts signs Robinet, among others

Recruiting class of 2011 set to make ‘large impact’

 For the Point Park University women's soccer team, the 2010 season marked the beginning of the Mark Platts era, and the team finished with a record of four wins and 13 losses and lost all 10 contests in conference play.

 "I believe last season was a great success for our team and as a building program," Captain Lauren Evans said. "We came in with a new coach and a lot of new recruits and came out a strong, better skilled and more united than I have seen so far in my three seasons.  I think we need to just keep our momentum from last season and train hard this spring to have a solid season in the fall."

Optimism runs high for duo of young golfers

After a 28-year hiatus, Point Park University's men's golf team returned last season and Head Coach Gabe Bubon believes the team's performance has met his.                 

His star sophomore, Austin Elder, aspires to be a part of the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA) Tour and not only competing against, but "beating Tiger Woods," he said.

In the less distant future, he sees himself competing for a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national championship.

Here we go

The Penalty Box

For the eighth time, the Pittsburgh Steelers are heading back to the Super Bowl, and this time they will be taking on the Green Bay Packers.  Now the Steelers only need one more victory to get to seventh heaven.

Lady Pioneers break losing streak

With 19 minutes left in the second half, junior center Joncelyn Peterkin went up for a defensive rebound. When she landed, she rolled her ankle and had to sit out the rest of Tuesday. Jan. 18 Pioneer women's basketball conference game against Roberts Wesleyan College.  Peterkin returned with six rebounds the next game and 15 more in a Point Park University win over Wilberforce University on Saturday, Jan. 22. 

Sanchez, the Jets only hope for victory

The Dugout

The only team that can beat the Steelers on Sunday is the Steelers.

The New York Jets accomplished what many people, including myself, considered impossible this season: they defeated the New England Patriots in Foxboro.

Playoffs a possibility for Pioneers

In the world of sports, turning a 9-16 team into a playoff contender is no easy task, but it is the one facing Point Park University's men's basketball team.

Last year's team was young and injury-prone, so despite a good out-of-conference record, their poorly late in the season against their conference foes. This year, they were set to prove that they were a playoff worthy team and that they could make some noise in the AMC.

Coach Torres hopes he has found his missing pieces

Last season marked the beginning of a new era for Point Park University's men's baseball team, which finished with a record of 13-26 following Head Coach Loren Torres' assumption of leadership.

Team’s ‘fortunes’ reliant on rebounding

If their few intial games are any indication of Point Park University's women's basketball team's fortunes, success will be found on the backboards where rebounding occurs frequently.

Douse contributes to Point Park family

Kris Douse started playing basketball because he literally had out grown his initial sport: football. Standing 6 feet, 7 inches tall, Douse is one of the newest members of Point Park University's men's basketball team.  Douse, a forward and senior business management major, as well as a transfer from Delaware State University, has been making his presence known on the court this season.

Pioneers continue to surprise

Team displays strong play despite being picked to finish eighth in AMC

Despite being picked to finish eighth in the American Mideast Conference, the Point Park Pioneers have gotten off to a fast 4-2 start.

Lady Pioneers shoot for winning season

With a 3-2 record, early playoff hopes are promising

Technically speaking, if a team ends a season with a 14-13 record, they are an above-average squad, but nothing more. However, for last year's Point Park University's women's basketball team, that record indicated a major change in the program.

The Penalty Box

Clint Hurdle has hurdles to jump with Pirates

A few weeks ago, the Pittsburgh Pirates announced the hiring of Clint Hurdle as their new manager.  He was the hitting coach for the Texas Rangers this past season. Before that, Hurdle was the manager of the Colorado Rockies and took them to a World Series appearance in 2007.

Steelers forget to show up in Primetime

The Penalty Box

Prior to preparing for the Steelers and Patriots matchup this past Sunday, I sent a mass text message to all the Steelers fan I knew, reminding them of the game that night. 

I now regret doing so after witnessing that utter defeat at Heinz field.

'Promising' season comes to an end

Their first game was a win against Rio Grande before the first class was in session and their first major injury to a junior who had 236 kills the year before was not long after. 

They won against their cross town rivals Carlow but lost to their conference rivals Walsh for the third year.

Point Park cheerleaders flip into their second year

Point Park University cheerleading squad is heading into its second year as a club sport and is trying to earn a spot on Point Park athletic website.

"It's a big issue; we're [still] considered a club," Myrandah Straub, Point Park's sophomore cheerleading captain, said. "We can't get the funding from [United Student Government] because they think athletics is helping us out, and we can't get the funding from athletics because they think USG is helping us out."

Men’s soccer takes a ‘step forward’ to next season

After coming off of a season which produced a record of 1-15-1, the Point Park University men's soccer team lost a 1-0 overtime contest to Notre Dame College (Ohio) ending the season with a record of  8-9 and a record of 2-6 in the American Mideast Conference (AMC). Had the Pioneers won the game, the team would have achieved its first winning season since 1998.

Lady Pioneers make fourth playoff appearance

Rallying to three straight wins, the Point Park University's women's volleyball team earned its fourth league playoff birth in the past five years while posting an impressive 29-9 record.

Heatherington has high hopes for season

T.J. Heatherington has welcomed his younger brother Robbie Heatherington, a freshman guard, to Point Park University's men's basketball team. The two of them have been playing together since they were 4 years old.

Steelers look for revenge on rival

The Penalty Box

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be haunted after their Halloween performance in New Orleans against the Saints. It was their first of three consecutive games on national television against tough competition. Each will be a chance for the Steelers to show a national television audience that they are a serious title contender.

Men’s Basketball ready for tip-off

Back in 2007, Point Park's University's men's basketball team reached the pinnacle of any sports team as they captured the American Midwest Conference (AMC) championship. However, the following seasons have resulted in records that were worse than the campaign before, leading to last year's 9-16 campaign. Led by 22nd year Head Coach Bob Rager, this year's squad is hoping to buck the losing trend.

Roddy ‘kills’ it on the court

Senior right side hitter Rachel Roddy led the Point Park University's women's volleyball team with a season high of 23 kills Friday night in a win against Cedarville University, catapulting the team into a favorable position for a playoff run.

Pens student rush continues at Consol

Mid-afternoon, they began trickling around the corner of the Consol Energy Center.

Past the Trib Total Media gate, the line began next to the will call booth at the box office.

Sometimes the line may even wrap around the side of the building, too long for the eager fans at the back of the line to even come close to scoring a ticket.

Lady Pioneers slay Daemen

Team shuffles off recent loss to Malone University

Instead of the normal seriousness during Point Park University's volleyball team's warm-up, the players that had their worst loss of the season just days before was doing the "Cupid Shuffle," a popular dance to a song by the same name. 

R.I.P: 2010 Men’s soccer playoff hopes

Last year's Point Park University's men's soccer season was a hard pill to swallow. A young, injury-riddled team could not seem to catch a break during an unfortunate one-win campaign. The entered this season with chips on their shoulders, waiting to prove they were better than their record indicated. 

Elder Ready for Win

            As Point Park University's golf team began wrapping up at the Grove City Invitational, the last tournament of the fall season, sophomore Austin Elder thought he had won his first golf tournament.

            Elder and his best friend, freshman James Daley, realized they had tied for the title. They checked their scorecards to determine who had scored lower on the most difficult hole. 

Men’s golf finishes season strong

Sophomore’s consistency leads young, talented Pioneers

This year's golf team has performed a complete turnaround from last season. In only its second season of existence, the Point Park University's men's golf team has won two tournaments and finished in the top six in all five tournaments in which they have competed.

Volley for Vision victory

Pioneers raise funds, awareness for blind research

For Head Coach Mike Bruno, the victories against West Liberty State College and Urbana University last Saturday had little to do with the profound feeling of inspiration that engulfed him and more to do with the soul-stirring rendition of the "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Shaylin Abrams, a talented blind elementary school student.

Pirates legends relive legendary shot

This story is almost pulled out of a fairytale: tied in the bottom of the 9th a huge underdog sends its second baseman to bat, and he hits a walk-off homer against the most hated team in sports to win the World Series in seven games. The shot has become so immortalized in the eyes of Pirates fans that yearly rebroadcasts of the game are played at the remnants of the Forbes Field wall in Oakland to celebrate the anniversary of arguably the biggest and most famous home run in baseball history.

Volleyball looking for big tournament run

The Penalty Box

The Point Park University women's volleyball team showed their drive to make it far this season during "Volley for Vision" this past Saturday against West Liberty University and Urbana University.  They destroyed both teams in three sets each. 

Volleyball succumbs to Walsh

Sophomore outside hitterLindsey Oberacker had a total of 17 kills in front of a standing room-only crowd that gathered to watch Point Park University battle against their rival, but it was not enough to get the win in the rematch of last year's American Mideast Conference (AMC) tournament championship.

Williams keeps her feet moving year-round

Soccer player.  Hip-hop dancer.  Tap instructor.  These are not three different people with different faces and personalities. All three embodied in one Point Park University student who is breaking down the walls that separate cliques and overcoming the struggles of living a balanced and organized life.

Hall of Fame inductees honored

Golfer Sam Depe III, basketball player Linda Keibler-Guercio, soccer player Chris Heh and baseball playerDonnie Kelly were all inducted to the Pioneer Hall of Fame on Sunday Oct. 10 in Lawrence Hall in front of family, friends and members of the Point Park University community.

Rowland rises to excellence

Junior, Andrew Rowland, keeps a steady pace and a confident stride when the race starts and willingly falls to the middle of the pack. After all of the other runners' adrenaline is spent, Rowland passes them with ease, one by one and takes the victory.

Hall of Fame adds four members

Point Park University will name its newest Pioneer Athletic Hall of Fame members on Oct. 10. The honorees are current Detroit Tiger Don Kelly, basketball player and soccer star Chris Heh, golfer Sam Depe III and volleyball and softball player Linda Keibler-Guercio.

Steelers ready for Big Ben’s return.

The Penalty Box

The time is finally here: "Big" Ben Roethlisberger's return to the Steelers and the NFL.  The Steelers were able to complete the four-game mission without Big Ben under center, and they were able to win three of the four games.

Lucas leading Pioneers to victory

Junior Shane Lucas had but one word to describe how it feels to have more wins three weeks into the 2010 season than all the wins combined in the 2009 season, "awesome."

            As a whole, the Point Park University men's soccer team has had more wins in six games this season than they had the entire last season combined. The team currently has a record of 5-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play, and are "looking to go to play-offs," Lucas said.

Volleyball team continues to win

The Point Park University women's volleyball team won two of its last three games, including a 3-0 conference win over their Oakland neighbor, Carlow University.

The other two games were played this past Saturday in the Shippensburg Tri-match where the Pioneers won one game and lost the second.   

Baseball team finds a new home and maybe new future

The Penalty Box

Point Park University's baseball team gets to play on a new field of dreams this season, and hopefully the move will trigger a winning record, which is something the team has not been able to attain since the early 2000s.  

Dettorre finds time to run

 An out-of-breath Carleigh Dettorre sat on the stage of the JVH auditorium after an eight-mile run.

Lady Pioneers fall short

Point Park University freshman, Anna Shaw, had a career high of 16 saves and faced a total of 29 shots, but it was not enough to stop Walsh University from beating the Pioneers in a 2-0 conference loss Friday evening at Founders Field.  

Geary, Roddy rise up

Junior setter Katie Geary led Point Park University women's volleyball with over 50 assists on Saturday to help the team win one of two games in a tri-match hosted by Wheeling Jesuit University.  

Volleyball spiking the competition

The Penalty Box

Point Park University's women's volleyball team seems as if has been the most successful team at the school in the past year.  The Pioneers were 32-8 last season and that leads me to believe they are ready for another run with many returning faces.

Soccer player expresses feelings about upcoming season

Junior Shane Lucas had but one word to describe how it feels to have more wins three weeks into the 2010 season than all the wins combined in the 2009 season, "awesome." 

AMC conference may lose value

Point Park University has been a long-time member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), but a possible change to the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) could alter this. Even though these rumors have been swirling around for over a year, the speculation for the move seems to have increased as of late.

Schnecky’ continues to make major goals

Freshman Manuel Schneckenreither scored both of Point Park University men's soccer goals in a 2-1 conference win against Walsh University.  

Former Point Park Basketball star still living the dream

To this day, Bobby Franklin, remains the all-time leading scorer in Point Park University men's basketball history. 

Siblings unite on the volleyball court

Sibling rivalry is a basic psychiatric trait that many families experience during their lives. A far less common occurrence is when siblings are on the same sport team. That has happened not once, but twice this year for Point Park University's sports teams.

Men’s Soccer kicking it into gear

The Penalty Box

Point Park University men's soccer team is off to a strong start this season with 3-1 overall, having beat Fransican University at home, and both Thiel College and University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg on the road.  Their only loss was to non-conference opponent Geneva College this weekend, 4-1.

Hughes injured, team continues on

Junior Zoe Hughes has over 200 kills in her first two years on the Point Park University volleyball team, but she will not be adding to that stat during her third year. 

High expectations on the par

The men's golf team is gearing up for five tournaments this fall with high hopes to improve their season records from last year. 

Austrian players add strength

Despite the fact that the men's soccer team has only played a handful of games this season, they already have a better record than last year's team, which limped on to a one-win season following the ineligibility ruling of Alex Sala.

Soccer coaches ‘anchor’ team’s success

Platts and Weary bring new strategy to the field

Mark Platts and Jessica Weary were brought onto Point Park University's athletic staff this summer as the women's soccer team's new head coach and assistant coach.

                Platts, a native of Wetherby, England, began playing soccer when he was only 5 years old. He

continued playing club soccer until he was accepted at Walsh University and started playing for their men's "football" team.

The most wonderful time of the year: Football season

The Penalty Box

It is that time of year when everybody pulls their jerseys out of their closets, cleans their grill and gets their kickoff party invitations out.

It's the start of football season.

Every team starts off with a clean slate for the 2010 season.

Cross Country adds valuable runners

The 2010 men's and women's cross country team at Point Park University hopes to improve their times this season and capitalize on the addition of two new, number one runners to the program.

Men’s soccer ‘fit’ for improvement

The Point Park University men's soccer program is on track for improvement and is fostering an optimistic outlook for the 2010 season.

Young Bucs need help

The Penalty Box

Well the Pirates have done it again. Tacking on another losing season to their already record streak of 17, to 18. For almost two decades, Pirates baseball has been the laughingstock of Major League Baseball (MLB). Why should next year be any different?

New coach hopes for team’s success

With a new coach and new team members, Point Park University's women's soccer team is kicking off their season with many changes.

Seniors say farewell

For Joe Cox, who has played baseball since the age of six, the end of his college career would bring back memories of a game he has loved, including a game this season when his team played Malone University to a veritable standoff.

Softball winds down season

Five games remain for women’s team with playoffs still on horizon

It is uncertain what the end of the Pioneers' softball season has to bring, but thus far it has proven to be a successful. The softball team is currently 6-5 in the American Mideast Conference (AMC) and 17-9 overall. However, they still have five games left until the end of the regular season.

Pucks, Passes and Pierogies

PP&P bids farewell

Over the past four years, I have seen a lot around this school.

Baseball looks forward to 2011

With new coaching staff in place and a slew of new players, the Point Park University baseball team did not know what to expect as they took to the diamond for the long baseball season.

Athletes ‘get there’

Point Park graduates make professional teams

Even though Detroit Tigers center fielder Don Kelly graduated from Point Park University, he did not feel as if he had to prove anything to anyone because of his success competing in tournaments against Division 1-A talent.

Swinging to success

Few college students will say their degree is a backup plan for a professional sports dream, but that is not the case for senior Darin Kowalski.

Softball girls enjoy work with Pirates

Leftfielder Amanda Ardinger has been playing softball for so long, she cannot remember the exact number of years. When she received an e-mail from her coach announcing that the Pittsburgh Pirates were looking for ball girls, she applied, interviewed and they hired her on the spot.

Cooking up a fastball

Mike Tullio throws high heat on the mound for Point Park University's baseball team. But off the field, he handles a completely different kind of heat.

Heinz Field potential winter wonderland on New Year’s Day

Pittsburgh could be host for 2011 Winter Classic

Rumors have been swirling since the start of the Winter Classic a few years ago concerning when Pittsburgh is going to get its chance to host this memorable National Hockey League (NHL) event.  The 2011 Classic was supposed to be held in New York City, but due to scheduling issues, Pittsburgh is now on the top of the list.