By Michela Gritti
The spring semester for the Braves started with a full week of athletic events, as UNC Pembroke teams returned to action across campus and on the road with strong performances in basketball, wrestling, track and field, and swimming.
Women Basketball
The UNC Pembroke women basketball team opened the week with a road win at Erskine on January 17, defeating the Flying Fleet 69 to 67 in Due West, South Carolina. Four Braves scored in double figures, and the team recorded 21 second chance points off offensive rebounds. UNCP controlled much of the game and held on late to improve its conference record.
The Braves continued their momentum on January 19 with a home win over Converse, earning a 68 to 50 victory at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court. UNC Pembroke shot 45.5 percent from the field and had every player score. The Braves also limited Converse to just 32.8 percent shooting and finished with a 42 to 30 advantage in rebounds. The win marked UNCP second straight victory and another strong showing at home.
Men Basketball
The men basketball team also had a productive week, extending its winning streak with two convincing performances. On January 17, the Braves defeated Erskine 78 to 53 on the road. UNC Pembroke never trailed and made 14 three point shots while shooting over 52 percent from the field. The bench played a major role, contributing 49 points.
Two days later, the Braves returned home and earned an 88 to 68 win over Converse. UNC Pembroke shot 55.6 percent from the floor and dominated the boards with a 43 to 18 rebounding advantage. The Braves scored 20 second chance points and continued to assert themselves in Conference Carolinas play.
Track And Field
Track and field opened the semester at the Mondo College Invitational in Winston Salem. Sofia Skidmore and Shamar Fields highlighted the meet with fourth place finishes and personal best performances. Skidmore ran the women 800 meters in 2 minutes 20.12 seconds, while Fields posted a 6.79 in the men 60 meters. Overall, the teams combined for seven new personal bests during the event and many other successful performances.
Wrestling
Wrestling added to the successful week with strong results in both dual and tournament competition. On January 15, No. 24 UNC Pembroke earned a 34 to 12 conference win at Mount Olive after winning the first seven bouts of the night. The Braves followed that performance by hosting the second annual Braves Open on January 17, where Jose Zambrano Canuto, Bryce Gadson, and Nigel Williams each captured individual titles. Sixteen wrestlers recorded at least two wins.
Swimming
The women swim team competed on January 16 at Campbell, falling 141 to 121 despite winning six individual events and one relay. The Braves closed the meet with a victory in the 400 yard freestyle relay and will return to action later this week as they get ready for the conference championships.
With several teams collecting wins and strong individual performances, UNC Pembroke athletics opened the spring semester in a great way. Hopefully, that momentum will carry into the next stretch of the season, including the start of the baseball schedule.
The UNC Pembroke baseball team will open its season on January 30 against Tusculum at 3 p.m. at Sammy Cox Field. The game will mark the first official game played on the new baseball field, which is part of the new sports complex on campus. The opener event will give fans their first look at the team while also celebrating a great addition to UNCP athletics facilities.
As conference play continues and the spring sports get on their ways, the Braves also get ready for a busy, competitive and successful spring semester.