Peacocks In the Playoffs: UIU to Face Minot State in First Round

Upper Iowa will take on the Minot State Beavers inside the RCTC Dome on Thursday morning (11 a.m.) to kickoff the First Round of the NSIC Softball Tournament

Steven Wilson - Graduate Assistant, Sports Information at Upper Iowa

4/30/2013 5:11:00 PM

The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Tournament

Tournament Page || Stats || Bracket || Scoreboard

Directions to the RCTC Dome in Rochester, MN

Game Notes: Upper Iowa || Minot State || Northern Sun Conference


This Weekend in Peacock Softball... Last weekend, the Peacocks earned four wins to secure their first playoff appearance since the 2009 season. This Thursday, UIU - which wrapped up the fifth seed in the playoffs - will head north to the RCTC Dome in Rochester, Minnesota for its first-round matchup with fourth-seeded Minot State (36-7, 18-6 NSIC). The Peacocks and Beavers will battle it out on the South Field beginning at 11 a.m. to kickoff the 2013 Northern Sun Conference Tournament.

The Series... The Beavers hold a 3-1 advantage all-time against Upper Iowa including a split this year back on April 6 in Fayette. MISU and UIU have met only one other time, but the Beavers took both of those contests back in 2012.

On Deck... In usual double-elimination format, the Peacocks are guaranteed two games in the NSIC tournament. UIU will play both of those games on Thursday if the Peacocks lose their first game, or UIU will advance to Firday if they beat MISU in the first round.

She’s No. 1 ... Last year, Hailley Haning (#1) burst on the scence at Upper Iowa and led UIU with a .361 batting average. Well, her encore is an even better senior season. The Armington, Illinois product had a team-high 15 runs batted in and 13 hits last week, while slugging .692. Haning also tied Whitney Williams as the duo both scored a team-high nine runs. Haning, who transferred to UIU as a junior from Heartland Community College, is ranked 12th or higher in the NSIC in 4 different categories. She also is tied for 17th in the conference with teammate Katie Mnichowicz with 33 runs scored in 2013. In just two years at Upper Iowa, Haning has set multiple school records, including a program-best 38 RBIs this year. She also ranks third in career batting average (.369), 6th in career doubles (23), 8th with 121 career hits and 7th all-time with 66 career runs batted in.

Bank of “Am-Erica”... Sophomore catcher Erica Kirgan was money last weekend against Bemidji State and Minnesota Crookston as she racked up double-digit RBIs (10) and led the team with a .900 slugging percentage. The Ankeny, Iowa native hit an even .400 from the batter’s box and earned her third home run of the year.

“WILL- I - AMs”... Sophomore Whitney Williams has been a diamond in the rough for UIU in 2013. Not only is she second on the squad among starters in batting average, but her .377 average is ranked 13th in the conference as well. The Pella, Iowa native is also second on the team with 9 steals, which ties her for 12th in the NSIC. This past week, Williams was above .500 in both batting average (.524) and slugging percentage (.571). She also drove in three runs, scored nine times and had the second most hits on the team with 11.

Right on “Tara-get”... Catcher Tara Duran is one of only two sophomores in 2013 to earn 20 or more RBIs during the regular season. Duran collected three RBIs against the Peacocks’ NSIC opponents this past week while slugging .583 and hitting .333. The Colorado Springs native has led UIU in hitting all year long and currently holds a .417 batting average, which ranks fifth all-time in UIU school history. Her team-high .475 on-base percentage also cracked the top-ten list in school history ranking ninth. The Liberty High School product also leads the team this year with a .597 slugging percentage, which ranks ninth all time at UIU. Duran is currently second on the team with a .984 fielding percentage from behind the plate.

Cold-“Flooded”... After earning her tenth victory of the season from the rubber in game two against Minnesota Crookston on Sunday, Jacqueline Flood joined teammateBrooke Redmond in becoming just the 2nd pair of pitchers in school history to earn double-digit victories in a season. Redmond and Flood set history though, as they were the only freshman duo to accomplish simultaneous ten-plus-win seasons. This year, Flood earned a one-hitter against the University of Mary, posted a season-high 11 strikeouts against Concordia University and recorded two shutouts. The Mount Vernon, Illinois native has also been impressive from the batter’s box, racking up 31 runs batted in and scoring 25 runs.

It’s Routine for 13... This season, Rachael Anello (#13) has made tough plays look routine from the batter’s box and from first base. Currently she is admist the team’s longest hitting streak at 17 games while her five home runs and two grand slams are also team-highs. Anello joined three others in 2013 in the top ten all-time at UIU with 12 doubles, while her .585 slugging percentage ranks nith all time. Anello also finished the year tied for seventh all-time with home runs (5), and tied for ninth all-time with 50 hits.

“Bails” Never Fails... Despite 15 of the 16 Peacock hitters batting over .333 last week, no one was swinging the bat more effectively than senior leftfielder Bailee Haberman. Haberman hit .643 and slugged .786, while drawing a team-high 7 walks against Augustana, Bemidji State and Minnesota Crookston. The Torrence, California native’s .452 on-base percentage this season is currently ranked 11th in the NSIC, while her 9 doubles are tied for ninth-most in the conference. After earning nine runs batted in last week, Haberman moved up to third on the squad with a total of 28 RBIs this season.

“Six”-teen or Better... Brooke Redmond (#6) is currently ranked 16th or better in the conference in four different categories. Her 14 wins from the pitching circle rank tenth in the league, while her 114.2 innings pitched fall in at 15th. She also holds the 15th spot in the NSIC with a .249 opposing batting average. Redmond posted a 1.05 ERA and went 3-0 in four appearances last week bumping her up to the 14th spot in the NSIC with a 2.75 cumulative earned run average this season. Redmond posted 13 strikeouts and held the Peacocks’ opponents to a .192 batting average last week. Her 14-5 record is also tied for the second most wins by a Peacock pitcher in school history. This year, Redmond leads the Peacocks with 14 complete games from the rubber.

Follow Along... You can follow all of the action from the NSIC Softball Tournament from the comfort of your own home. Just click on the scoreboard, bracket and stats pages above to view all of the action as it happens live. You can also follow the action through Facebook, or through Twitter.

Peacocks Set Multiple School Records; Finish Regular Season Strong

Game One - Upper Iowa – 15, Minnesota Crookston – 2

Game Two - UIU – 7, UMC – 0

Steven Wilson – Graduate Assistant, Sports Information at Upper Iowa

4/28/2013 4:41:00 PM

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

FAYETTE, IA – The 2013 Upper Iowa Softball team has set all sorts of school records in Division II play under current Head Coach Anna Van Wetzinga. Sunday marked another record-setting day as UIU posted a total of 22 runs and 27 hits off the Golden Eagles of the University of Minnesota Crookston. In game one, senior Hailley Haningracked up five runs batted in against UMC, while the offense scored a total of 14 runs in the first inning alone en route to a 15-2 win after just five innings.

The Peacocks’ defense then carried UIU through game two, shutting out the Golden Eagles to earn a 7-0 victory in conference play and secure the Sunday, and the weekend sweep. With the victories, the Peacocks improve to 28-14 overall this year and 15-7 in the conference – both of which are Division II records for UIU.

Furthermore, the 2013 Peacock squad not only set a record with two weekend sweeps in NSIC play during the season, but the Peacocks also scored a program-best 59 runs over this past weekend.

"Everyone came out ready to play and I am really proud of my teammates," said Haning, who's a team captain this year. "We played our style and we were able to capatilize on our hits today."

GAME ONE RECAP

The Peacocks wasted no time jumping on their guests in the first of two contests with UMC. After Whitney Williams was the first to get on base with a double, Hailley Haning brought her home with her first RBI of the day. Three batters later and with the bases loaded, Bailee Haberman was walked to give the Peacocks a 2-0 lead.

Tara Duran then earned her first RBI of the day as she was hit by a pitch and Lauren Marlinghaus crossed home plate. Adrienna Olson singled to bring home a run beforeKatie Mnichowicz unloaded two of the bags with a single to left.

Still with just one out, lead-off hitter Rachael Anello went back up to the plate. After a single from Anello, Williams brought a runner home with a base hit to left. With the bases still loaded, Haning unloaded them in a hurry with a three-run double to left centerfield.

"I just try to make solid contact when I'm up there," Haning said. "When you are aiming for base hits those extra-base hits will come eventually."

The Golden Eagles earned a pop-up from Marlinghaus for out number two before the scoring barrage continued with a RBI-single from Jacqueline Flood. Olson then completed the parade with a bases-clearing, three-run double down the leftfield line.

In all, the Peacocks had 14 runs off 12 hits and they had only played one half of an inning.

The Golden Eagles did respond with home runs in the bottom of the first and second innings, but UIU had its lead and coasted to the 15-2 victory through just five innings.

Despite the four-bag jacks from UMC, Brooke Redmond was solid through five innings earning her 14th victory and 14th complete game of the season. Her 14 total wins ranks second all-time at UIU trailing only Angie Weber who had 15 in 2004.

Haning and Olson combined for nine RBIs in game one, while Mnichowicz posted two and Haberman, Flood, Williams and Duran all added one.

GAME TWO RECAP

It took a bit longer for UIU to get its offense going in game two, but the Peacocks produced runs in bunches. In the top of the third, Williams laid down a perfect suicide squeeze bunt that brought Mnichowicz home from third. Then, Haning singled up the middle to earn her sixth RBI of the day as Williams scored from second base.

"I've just been trying to stay relaxed at the plate," Williams said afterwards. "Coach Bradberry tells me to stay on-line, stay tall and keep my hands short to the ball. That's just what I have been trying to do and it's been working lately."

The Peacocks held their 2-0 lead until the top of the fifth inning. Anello worked to get on base with a bunt before stealing second base moments later. Williams then earned her third run batted in of the day with a single up the middle. Marlinghaus added run number four for UIU with a double to centerfield, before Erica Kirgan continued her hot streak with two more RBIs off a single to right. Kirgan finished the weekend with ten RBIs, while Haning earned a team-high 13.

Olson capped off the Peacocks’ scoring raid and her impressive afternoon with her second RBI-double of the day, this one to left field. Olson’s only RBI of game two, but fifth of the day, gave the Peacocks a 7-0 lead and the defense did the rest.

Flood was impressive from the rubber going all seven innings, not allowing a single run off three hits en route to her 10th victory of the season. The defense also didn’t commit a single error behind her, ensuring the Peacocks’ fifth shutout of the year.

With the 7-0 victory, the Peacocks sealed the books on a magical 2013 season, which included many record-breaking individual performances.

Haning shattered a number of records, the most outstanding of which was her school-record 38 RBIs in 2013. Haning also now holds the third spot in the record books with a career batting average of .369, the 6th spot for career doubles with 23, the 8th spot with 121 career hits and Haning finishes 7th all-time with 66 career RBIs.

Haning just barely missed her single season mark of 66 hits (2nd all-time) from 2012 as she finished with 55 in 2013 (tied for 5th all-time). She did however tie for tenth all-time at UIU with 146 at-bats in a single season.

Lauren Marlinghaus, Haning, Anello and Haberman all cracked the top-ten list with double-digit two-baggers from this past year, while Anello finished tied for seventh all-time with 5 home runs, ninth with a .585 slugging percentage and tied for ninth all-time with 50 hits in a season.

Tara Duran cracked the top ten all-time list with a .475 on-base percentage which is tied for ninth all-time, while her .417 batting average - which led UIU throughout 2013 - finished fifth in the books.

Finally, Mnichowicz moved into a tie with Haning for fifth all-time in school history with a total of 33 runs scored in a season. Mnichowicz also tied her freshman mark of 13 stolen bases, which ranks seventh all-time. Anello rounds out the records with a seventh place finish in the books with 32 runs scored this season.

The Peacocks can now look forward to their first playoff trip in four years. The Northern Sun Conference Tournament will be played in Rochester, Minnesota on May 2-4. The brackets will be released later this week.

Peacocks Dominate Beavers; Score 37 Runs En Route to Sweep

Game One - Upper Iowa 16, Bemidji State 2

Game Two - UIU 21, BSU 8

Steven Wilson – Graduate Assistant, Sports Information

4/27/2013 7:26:00 PM

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

FAYETTE, IA – The Upper Iowa Softball team entered this weekend as one of the hottest teams in the Northern Sun Conference. On Saturday, the Peacocks wasted little time and held nothing back against the Bemidji State Beavers, lighting up their guests for 37 combined runs and 42 total hits including nine doubles and three home runs. Senior Hailley Haning helped lead the offense to victory in game one as she notched a season-high four RBIs, while the defense did its part holding BSU scoreless for four straight innings to seal the 16-2 victory through six innings.

The Peacocks’ offense put the hurt on once again in game two as Rachael Anello and Erica Kirgan combined for 10 runs batted in and helped the Peacocks dominate the Beavers, 21-8, securing the sweep in conference play.

With the victories, UIU sits at 26-14 overall and 13-7 in NSIC play, while the Beavers fall to 8-37 overall and 2-26 in conference play. The Peacocks have never lost to BSU in Division II play; UIU holds a 13-0 series record against the Beavers.

Game One Recap

The Beavers, who were the designated home team in both games, scratched the board first in game one as Crystal Bowen singled to left field and a UIU fielding error helped BSU secure a 1-0 lead.

The Peacocks responded in the top of the second inning with an RBI-single to centerfield from Rachael Anello. Two batters later, Hailley Haning sent another shot right up the middle which brought Anello and Katie Mnichowicz home. UIU never trailed again, but that didn’t mean the Peacocks were satisfied on offense.

In the fourth inning with two runners on, Anello stepped up to the plate again. This time, she drilled a pitch to right field for the RBI-double as Adrienna Olson scored. Haning then followed suit and brought her fellow senior home with an RBI-single to left field.

Whitney Williams ended the three-run fourth inning for UIU as she took advantage of a BSU wild pitch, scoring from third on the mistake.

Tara Duran got in on the action in the top of the fifth inning and extended the Peacocks' lead even more. With a runner on first, Duran homered for the second time this season over the left-center wall to put UIU up, 8-1. Duran made it a 9-1 game with a single to left in the sixth which allowed Madie Wilkin a chance to score. Erica Kirganthen pinch hit and unloaded the bases with her third home run of the season. The freshman’s jack was a three-run shot over the centerfield wall and put UIU up 14-1.

“I wasn't hitting the ball well coming into today,” Kirgan admitted. “It felt good to get out there and make solid contact. I was just trying to capitalize on my opportunity and the next thing I knew, it was over the fence.”

Haning added her fourth RBI of the game with another RBI-single before the Peacocks wrapped up the eight-run sixth inning with a Wilkin RBI-single to right field that brought Bobbi Jo Ney across the plate.

The Beavers made one final push scoring a run in the bottom of the sixth thanks to a home run from Nicole Dupay, but the damage was done and the Peacocks sealed the six-inning 16-2 victory.

From the rubber, Brooke Redmond was awarded her 13th win of the season after going the distance and tying a season-high with six strikeouts.

Game Two Recap

Despite the momentum from the first contest, the Peacocks had a sluggish start in game two. Nicole Dupay picked up right where she left off for BSU though. The Beavers’ rightfielder jacked another pitch out of the park to give her team a 1-0 lead heading into the top of the second.

UIU bounced right back. This time it was Bailee Haberman who got things going for the Peacocks as she earned an RBI-single to left field to tie the game at 1-1. Adrienna Olson gave UIU its first lead with a sacrifice hit and the Peacocks never looked back.

In the third inning, Hailley Haning — who has been one of the most consistent hitters for UIU in 2013 – gave her team a 4-1 lead thanks to a two-run double to left centerfield. For Haning, it was the senior’s 13th double of the season – a team high.

Erica Kirgan rounded out the scoring in the third inning with a sac-fly to right field which brought Lauren Marlinghaus home from third.

Yet despite the 5-1 lead, the Beavers bounced back in the bottom of the third. Lyndsey Peterson earned an RBI-single before Mikayla Osterman reached on a fielder’s choice and brought home a run to pull BSU within two runs, 5-3. Chelsey Watson then tied the game at five with an RBI-blooper to right center.

It didn’t take long for UIU to respond. Haning earned yet another RBI-single to help her team retake the lead in the fourth before Jacqueline Flood blew the game open with a two-run double to right centerfield. A batter later and with the bases loaded, Kirgan once again brought everyone home with a three-run double to right field. Haberman, Flood and Haning all scored on the play.

UIU added three more runs in the top of the fifth as Haberman notched her fourth RBI of the day with a sac-fly to left and Kirgan added two more runs with yet another double as UIU took a commanding 14-5 lead.

Peterson nearly brought her team back with a grand slam in the bottom of the fifth inning, but was called out and a run was taken off the board after base-runner interference.

None the less, the Peacocks headed to the top of the sixth with a 14-8 lead and they were looking for more.

Anello delivered. The senior first baseman jacked the first pitch she saw in the seventh inning over the right field wall for her own grand slam. Flood, Haberman and Olson were all brought home from Anello’s fifth jack of the year.

“I noticed she had been trying to get ahead of hitters all game long,” Anello said. “I was just trying to be aggressive and good things happened.”

Lauren Marlinghaus added runs 19 and 20 with a double to right center, while Haberman added the final run with her fifth RBI of the day on a single to left field, ultimately securing the 21-8 win. The Peacocks’ 22 hits and 21 runs in game two were both season-highs, while Kirgan set a career-high with 6 runs batted in off just three hits.

“Coach Van told me before the game that I would have my chances tonight because I had a good round in the cages,” Kirgan said. “So there wasn’t really any pressure on me. I just got up there and hit and it worked out for me.”

Anello tied for a season-high with four RBIs off four hits, while Haning led UIU with 7 total hits, followed by Haberman with six hits, five runs scored and five RBIs.

The Peacocks will now look ahead to their Sunday matchup with the University of Minnesota Crookston (3-36, 2-26 NSIC) at 11 a.m. inside the Eischeid Softball Complex. The Golden Eagles earned a split against Winona State on Saturday, shocking the Warriors in a 5-4 game two upset. Click here to view a preview for that game, or click here to view the game notes.

“We can’t take them lightly,” Anello said about UMC. “They’re going to be another scrappy team, so we just need to do what we do best and take care of business.”

Peacocks' Feathers Plucked as Wildcats Earn the Sweep

Game One - Wayne State College - 13, Upper Iowa - 5

Game Two - WSC - 7, UIU - 3

Photo By: Erica Marlinghaus

Steven Wilson – Graduate Assistant, Sports Information at Upper Iowa

4/3/2013 4:37:00 PM



Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

WAYNE, NE. - An early lead in game one and a late comeback in game two weren't enough for the Upper Iowa Softball team to earn a victory against the Wildcats of Wayne State in Nebraska. The Peacocks were swept for just the second time this season and for the first time in conference play. Despite the losses, the Peacocks' Lauren Marlinghaus (pictured above) connected on her second home run of the year and Casey Musgrave recorded her first collegiate RBI.

"Big innings really hurt us again today," Head Coach Anna Van Wetzinga said. "We have to do a better job pitching ahead in the count and executing, pitch to pitch."

The sweep drops the Peacocks to 14-10 overall this year and 1-3 in NSIC play, while the Wildcats improve to 16-6 overall and 7-2 in conference play.

GAME ONE RECAP

The Peacocks couldn’t have asked for a better start. Jacqueline Flood, who has been red hot for the Peacocks over the last month - racking up five runs batted in and at least one hit in each of her last five games - got the Peacocks on the board early. In the top of the first inning with Hailley Haning at second, Flood roped a double to right center to put the Peacocks up 1-0. The two-bag knock was her 18th RBI of the season – good for first place on the team.

UIU extended its lead in the top of the second inning as Adrienna Olson earned her 11th RBI of the season with a single to centerfield that scored Tara Duran. Katie Mnichowicz had the second run of the inning as she stole home plate from third and Bailee Haberman rounded out the three-run inning with an RBI-single, but the Peacocks’ 4-0 lead would disappear quickly.

In the bottom of the third, the Wildcats’ scored six runs on four hits thanks to a Vicki Nielson grand slam over the right field wall.

Now trailing, 6-4, the Peacocks turned to the top of the lineup for some run support. In the fifth with two runners on, Lauren Marlinghaus flied out to centerfield, but was awarded the sacrifice-RBI as Haberman scored from third base.

After the Peacocks closed the gap to just one run, the Wildcats pulled away again with another six-run inning. This time, it was Sam O’Brien who hit a two-run four-bagger over the right centerfield wall. Then, with the based loaded, the Wildcats scored two runs on a single to left field from Kylee Simpson. Two more runs crossed home plate before the Peacocks could stop the bleeding and end the fifth inning.

The Wildcats added one final insurance run in the bottom of the sixth inning, ultimately securing the 13-5 victory.

GAME TWO RECAP

WSC carried its momentum into the night cap game as the Wildcats earned a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. The Peacocks bounced right back as Lauren Marlinghausconnected on her second home run of the season. The freshman slugger, who has started every game at third base this year, earned a total of two RBI on Wednesday and now has a total of 12 this year.

Simpson and the Wildcats retook the lead in the bottom of the second with a RBI-single before adding another run in the bottom of the third.

Before UIU could climb back into the game, WSC kept up the heat with another big inning. This time, the Wildcats scored four runs, all of which came on RBI-singles, in the bottom of the fourth.

Down 7-1, UIU made one final push.

Jenna Hermsen led off the inning with a walk before Kaite Mnichowicz doubled to left centerfield. On the next at-bat, Erica Kirgan grounded out, but Hermsen was still able to score and pull the Peacocks within 7-2. Casey Musgrave continued the run as she reached base on a single and recorded her first run batted in of the year as Mnichowicz crossed home plate.

The comeback ended there though, as the Wildcats secured the final two outs and earned the 7-3 victory.

The Peacocks left six runners on base in the final game, including two in the seventh inning.

"As a whole, we need to find consistency as a team on both sides of the ball," Van Wetzinga concluded.

Upper Iowa must now look ahead to its home-opener this weekend as they host the Beavers of Minot State for a double-dip on Saturday. First pitch will be thrown at 2 p.m. inside the Eischeid Softball Complex. Click here to watch the game, or click here to follow the live stats.

Peacocks Conclude Non-Conference Schedule with Sweep of Lewis

Game 1 - Upper Iowa 2, Lewis 0

Game 2 - UIU 9, Lewis 5

Steven Wilson – Graduate Assistant, Sports Information at Upper Iowa


3/20/2013 4:59:00 PM

Box Score 1 | Box Score 2

ROSEMOUNT, IL. – The Upper Iowa Softball offseason was full of pitching question marks, but two Peacock freshmen have stepped up nicely in the early goings of 2013.Brooke Redmond (pictured above) and Jacqueline Flood were close to perfect as they helped UIU sweep their final two non-conference games of the year against Lewis University, 2-0 in game one and 9-5 in game two.

“I was really happy with the way we bounced back from our last double-header,” Head Coach Anna Van Wetzinga said. “In the first game, we played very good defense, especially our outfield. They ran down some balls that were hit hard.”

For Coach Van Wetzinga one thing was for sure heading into 2013 – her seniors would decide how far the team could go and those senior captains delivered on Wednesday morning once again. Outfielders Hailley Haning and Bailee Haberman and infielder Rachael Anello all notched two or more RBI against the Flyers, helping the Peacocks earn the sweep and improve to 13-7 overall this year.

GAME ONE RECAP
Freshman pitcher Brooke Redmond was dominant against the Flyers in game one. Redmond went all seven innings, struck out two batters and never gave up a run or a walk the entire game. While Redmond gave up only seven hits from the pitching circle, the offense just needed to get a lead to ensure the victory.

The Peacocks did just that in the top of the third inning. With the bases loaded, Rachael Anello roped a single to right field as Jacqueline Flood and Hailley Haning crossed home plate. Anello would ultimately be stranded on base but her fifth and sixth runs batted in of the season were ultimately the game-winning runs as the Peacocks held on for the 2-0 victory.

UIU totaled seven hits in the first game, but stranded nine base-runners. Taking Redmond’s spot in the hitting rotation, Flood led the team with two hits in only three at-bats as the designated player.

Redmond was awarded the victory, her seventh of the season in just nine starts. Redmond also stranded six of the Flyers’ base-runners to ensure the shutout – her third her 2013 season.

“Brooke came up with the big pitches when it mattered most and got out of some jams,” Van Wetzinga said. “I wish we could have gotten some more hits in game one, butRachael Anello got a very timely hit to help us earn the victory.”

GAME TWO RECAP
The Flyers took an early 1-0 lead after a gutsy steal in the top of the first inning. The Flyers called for the double-steal with two runners on. First, Lauren Hanford stole second, then Michelle Vucsko picked the Peacocks’ pocket as she stole home to give her team a 1-0 lead.

Whitney Williams helped the Peacocks answer right back as she earned her eighth RBI of the year on a single in the top of the third to tie the game at 1-1. Then, after Katie Mnichowicz drew a walk, Bailee Haberman knuckled a ball to left field which brought Williams home.

No stranger to big innings, Hailley Haning earned two more UIU runs with a double to center field. This time, Mnichowicz and Haberman were plated and Haning advanced to third in the chaos. Flood brought her home, though, as the freshman earned the sac-fly RBI to round out the five-run inning for the Peacocks.

“We attacked much better offensively,” Van Wetzinga said. “We also hit the ball a lot harder in that second game.”

UIU increased its lead to six runs in the top of the fifth thanks to another RBI from Haberman and an RBI-single to centerfield from Lauren Marlinghaus, who is now tied for fourth on the team with 10 runs batted in.

Down by six with three innings remaining, the Flyers started their run. They notched two runs in the bottom of the fifth after a Hanford two-run double. Then, Lewis earned a run in both the sixth and seventh innings, but it wasn’t enough.

The Peacocks added two more runs in the top of the sixth in an inning reminiscent to the Flyers’ first inning. With Haberman on first and Mnichowicz on third, Van Wetzinga called for a steal. First, Haberman made it safely to second, then Mnichowicz stole home to give UIU an 8-4 lead. Mnichowicz is 6-for-9 when stealing bases this year - both are team-highs.

Haning rounded up the scoring with an RBI-single through the right side of the Flyers’ defense which plated Haberman.

Flood was in charge of the pitching duties for the Peacocks in game two and she responded admirably. The freshman went all seven innings and earned her fourth victory of the young season, 9-5.

“They got some runs, but we didn’t give up the big inning by making errors,” Van Wetzinga concluded. “I thought Jacqueline Flood kept her composure throughout the game.”

The Peacocks will now prep for the start of conference play, which is scheduled for next Tuesday at Winona State barring weather changes.

Get to Know... UIU Softball's Bailee Haberman

The senior from Torrance, Cal. is third on the team in rbi's with 12.
Steven Wilson - Graduate Assistant, Sports Information

3/21/2013 1:45:00 PM

Senior leftfielder Bailee Haberman was instrumental in helping her team sweep the Lewis University Flyers on Wednesday as the Torrance, California native racked up two RBI in just three hits. Haberman, who is a team captain in her final year, is currently third on the team with 12 RBI through 20 games this year and Wednesday marked Haberman’s fourth multi-RBI game this year.

Read on to delve deeper and get to know this exercise science major…

Getting Personal…

Facebook or Twitter?	Both
Do you Snap Chat?	Yes
Favorite Piece of Technology:	My iPhone
Favorite Movie:	The Dark Knight
Favorite Pro Athlete:	Kobe Bryant
Favorite TV Show:	Dexter
Favorite Food:	Sushi
Favorite Band/Artist:	Florida Georgia Line
What do most people not know about you:	I do not speak Spanish

Time to Put Your Thinking Cap On...

Four people (Dead or Alive/Real or Not Real) that you want to invite to dinner:	Heath Ledger, Miley Cyrus, Luke Bryan, & Emma Watson
Your Most Memorable Sports Moment at UIU:	Being an athlete of the week!
Your Most Memorable Sports Moment Ever:	Winning the CIF championship in back-to-back years in high school.
Any Pre-Game Rituals:	I don’t believe in that stuff.
Sport you’d like to play other than softball:	Volleyball, even though I’m terrible at it.
Why was UIU the right choice for you:	The faculty is always willing to help and everyone is so nice!
Who is your role model and why?	My mother. I hope to one day be as caring and wise as she is. She puts others before herself and I truly admire that.
What do you want to be when you grow up?	I want to be a nurse, but most importantly, I want to be happy.
What advice would you share with young athletes?	“Don’t blink & don’t ever take any day for granted, it goes by way too fast.”

Haberman owns a .966 fielding percentage through 20 games this year, but currently ranks third among Peacocks with 12 runs batted in. She is one of three senior team captains in 2013.

Despite Rain, Peacocks Take Flight in Fayette and Defeat U-Mary

Chris Smith and the Peacock offense amassed 573 total yards and scored 36 points to defeat U-Mary at home on a rainy afternoon.




Steven Wilson - Graduate Assistant, Sports Information at Upper Iowa

9/28/2013 4:13:00 PM

Box Score

RECORDS

Upper Iowa (3-1 NSIC) || University of Mary (2-2 NSIC)

RECAP

It didn't take long for Upper Iowa quarterback Cole Jaeschke to break the all-time passing yardage record and all-time touchdown passes record on Saturday afternoon as the Peacocks hosted the University of Mary. Nor did it take Chris Smith long to surpass 2,000 yards rushing in his career. Both of those records fell quickly as UIU stormed back from a sluggish start to score 36 unanswered points on the Marauder defense – 22 of which came in the third quarter – to fly past their guests and earn their third victory of the season, 36-7.

The win pushes UIU out to a 3-1 record in the Northern Sun Conference, while the Marauders fall to 2-2. Yet U-Mary wasn't going to be an easy pushover.

The Peacock defense got a full dose of the Marauders' high-powered aerial attack on the games' opening drive. After a 69-yard touchdown pass and catch on U-Mary's first possession, the Peacock defense responded with two interceptions, both in the endzone, thanks to plays by Chayz Holt and Jordan Andera and a blocked field goal attempt by a diving Keaton Martin.

Holt's interception was pivotal as U-Mary was looking to extend on its early 7-0 lead. The Marauders controlled the ball on UIU's 5-yard line facing 2nd-and-goal. U-Mary tried to complete the fade rout to the far pylon, but Holt stepped in front of the pass. He was tackled immediately, but his play stopped an imminent score.

The Peacocks answered with a score of their own to tie the game before adding another seven with a Jaeschke touchdown pass. Now leading by seven, the Peacocks looked to their defense for another stop. Martin erased another redzone trip for the Marauders as he blocked a 24-yard attempt that could have pulled U-Mary with four, 14-10, but the miss kept the Peacock advantage at seven points.

The home team's defense held the Marauders to just 67 rushing yards in the game and forced their guests into 9 punts. The strong play by the defense and effort by Smith and Evan Dornink on the ground gave Upper Iowa a huge advantage in time of possession, 34:58 to 25:02. The advantage marked the first time this season that UIU has been on the plus side of this category despite their 3-1 record.

U-Mary knew they needed a strong offensive outing if they were to keep up the Peacocks, who were even more potent on offense.

On the very first drive of the game, Jaeschke passed for 47 yards – 24 more than he needed to break the school's all-time passing yardage in a career record. As the redshirt-junior quarterback moved UIU into scoring range, the offense faltered. He would have to wait until the team's fourth possession to break his next record – the all-time touchdown mark.

With U-Mary leading 7-0 in the second quarter, Smith provided the spark for the offense as he tied the game up with his sixth rushing touchdown of the season. On the Peacocks' next possession, Jaeschke hit Derek Giesking on an 11-yard touchdown pass to give UIU a 14-7 lead after a successful two-point conversion. For Giesking, it was his first TD reception of the season, but for Jaeschke it was a record-tying touchdown toss and the 48th of his UIU career.

One play after catching the record-tying TD, Giesking made another nifty play on the two-point conversion. He took the lateral from Jaeschke, but didn't run it in. Instead, he passed it to Lucas Hefty in the left corner of the endzone - a pass reminiscent of his high school days when he was playing quarterback.

With the offense kicking into high gear, the defense followed suit. UIU stifled U-Mary in the second half and proved to be a dominant defense in the third period, holding their guests to just 24 total yards, while forcing four punts and picking off a pass.

The Peacock offense was just as lethal after the intermission. UIU scored on three straight possessions, each drive taking less than three and a half minutes. Jaeschke and Shay Gutman hooked up for a 21-yard score to start the third-period scoring barrage for the home team. It was fitting that Gutman, who could surpass the all-time receptions mark at UIU next season, snagged the record-breaking touchdown pass. But the Peacocks weren't quite finished. Smith scored for a second time on a nine-yard run with 4:27 remaining in the period. Gutman then added another touchdown reception to his stat line as he caught a 17-yarder from Jaeschke with 1:22 left in the third.

In all, the Peacocks posted 22 points on their guests in the third quarter to take a commanding 36-7 lead. Through those three quarters, UIU's signal-caller racked up 317 yards passing and went 21-for-30 from the pocket. Jaeschke now has a total of 50 career touchdown passes as a Peacock.

Giesking led all receivers with 108 receiving yards, while Smith finished with 187 total yards rushing and two touchdowns. Smith now has a total of 597 rushing yards in 2013 and 2,157 career rushing yards. Smith was the fastest Peacock to reach that feat and now stands just 1,041 yards away from surpassing the career-mark of 3,198 set by T.C. Hicks (2004-07).

INSIDE THE TEAM STATS

Total Offense: UIU 573| NSU 309

First Downs: UIU 31| NSU 15

Turnovers: UIU (6) 3 INT, 2 Fumbles, 1 on Downs | NSU (3) 2 INT, 1 on Downs

UIU STANDOUTS

Jaeschke (317 yards and three touchdowns) | Smith (34 carries for 187 yards and 2 touchdowns) | Giesking (6 catches for 108 yards and a touchdown) | Lucas Hefty (5 catches for 66 yards) | Gutman (8 catches for 66 yards) | Keaton Hosch (4 catches for 86 yards, 3 punt returns for -2 yards) | Evan Dornink (7 carries for 54 yards) | Tim Tuggle (9 tackles, five solo) | Jordan Andera (4 tackles, 1 for a loss, 1 interception) | Alex Wahl (6 tackles, 1 pass breakup) | Tyler Fisher (7 tackles) | Chayz Holt (1 tackles, 1 Interception) | Ethan Douglas (7 tackles) | Tyler Fisher (7 tackles) | Martin (5 tackles, 1 FG block)

UP NEXT

The Peacocks will head to Winona, Minnesota to take on the Warriors of Winona State University next Saturday at 6 p.m. Last year's contest with the Warriors was decided by three points in Fayette, 45-42.

Day 7 of 36: Short Player Nicknames

With the official kickoff of the 2013 NFL Regular Season only five weeks away, I thought I would take the time to bring you 36 days of football trivia, knowledge and in-depth story-telling to build some excitement for the season. On day seven, I breakdown the seven best short player nicknames!

7 – Running Back - Lavon Albert Mitchell or “Stump”

6 – Running Back - Lionell “Little Train” James

3 – Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco – Return Specialist and Running Back - Nolan “Super Gnat” Smith

5 – Wide Receiver - Jerome “Ice Cube” McNeil

4 – Miami Dolphins - Running Back - Don Nottingham or “The Human Bowling Ball”

2 – Half Back – Jack “Soupy” Shapiro – 5-foot-1/2” – World record holder for being the shortest player in league history

1 – Carolina Panthers - Middle Linebacker - Sam Mills or the “Field Mouse” – What the heck does a field mouse have to do with a football player anyways?

Up Next: Tomorrow I will break down one of the toughest quarterbacks in league history. His name is legendary and his words were even more valuable. He threw for 4,000 yards and 20 touchdowns in the season just before he won the Super Bowl. His team asked him to throw less. Can you guess who it is?

Day 6 of 36: The True Mayor of Title Town

With the official kickoff of the 2013 NFL Regular Season only five weeks away, I thought I would take the time to bring you 36 days of football trivia, knowledge and in-depth story-telling to build some excitement for the season. Day six goes back in time as we briefly look at the storied history of the Green Bay Packers and the true mayor of Title Town.

When 6-foot-1, 205-pound Herb Adderley first arrived in Green Bay, he had the unfortunate realization that he was going to have to compete against future Hall-of-Famers Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor for a spot in the Packers offensive backfield.

Yet that didn’t stop the Michigan State star running back from making the team, or the starting lineup. Legendary Head Coach Vince Lombardi saw Adderley’s raw talent and knew he needed to have it – that much was evident when he picked the Philadelphia, Pa. native with the 12th overall selection in the 1961 draft. In college, Adderley not only led his team in rushing in 1959, but he also led his team in receptions – from the running back position!

With excellent speed and strong hands, Adderley’s athleticism was on full display early in the 1961 season as he started fourteen games and picked off his first pass of his storied career. The very next year – after fully adapting to the position and the speed of the pro game – Adderley showed what he could do. He picked off a career-high seven passes and returned one for a touchdown.  

According to packers.com, Lombardi once said, “I was too stubborn to switch him to defense until I had to. Now when I think of what Adderley means to our defense, it scares me to think of how I almost mishandled him.”

Adderley also excelled in returning kicks, averaging nearly 28 yards per return in his second season. Over the course of nine seasons, he racked up 3,080 career kickoff return yards, which is still the third best total in team history, behind only Steve Odom (4,124) and Al Carmichael (3,907). Packers.com also states, “His career average of 25.67 yards per return is also among the upper echelon of Packers greats, as is his 103-yard kickoff return against the Baltimore Colts in 1962.”

In his fifth season in the green and gold, Adderley collected six interceptions returning three for scores – a career best. Two years later, he added to his resume by intercepting a pass from Raiders quarterback Daryle Lamonica in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl II before returning it 60 yards for a touchdown to seal the win.

In 1970, just two years after he helped the Packers seal their second Super Bowl victory and third-straight NFL Title, Adderley packed his bags and went to play for the Cowboys.

Following the 1972 season with the Cowboys, Adderley retired. In his career, he played in five NFL title games and two NFC title games, winning all seven. His only Super Bowl loss in four tries was with the Cowboys in Super Bowl V.

For ten straight seasons, Adderley intercepted at least three touchdown passes and finished his career with 39 total picks. In all, he attended five Pro Bowls (1963-67) and earned Associated Press All-Pro honors ('62-67, 69) seven times. He was a consensus All-Pro in 1965 and in 1966.

For his efforts, Adderley is thought of by many as the best cover corner of the 1960s. With six championship rings choked around his fingers, even the naïve football fan can admit that Adderley was simply a winner – a winner in the true sense of the word.

Day 5 of 36: Cutler and Marshall are a Match Made in Heaven

With the official kickoff of the 2013 NFL Regular Season only five weeks away, I thought I would take the time to bring you 36 days of football trivia, knowledge and in-depth story-telling to build some excitement for the season. On day five, I will try to mix it up a little bit and talk about a different team. The Chicago Bears have a storied history, one which includes a terrifyingly-good 1985 team and a multitude of great players like "Sweetness" himself Walter Payton, Mike Ditka, Brian Urlacher, "The Fridge" William Perry and Dick Butkus. Today, I will talk about a current duo - Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall.

I am familiar with Brandon Marshall from his playing days in Miami, but he was never really able to break out in South Beach. There is no doubt he has the talent, but he needs a strong-armed quarterback to get him the ball. And that's just what he has in Chicago with Jay Cutler.

Although last year was a disappointment for the Bears - missing the playoffs despite a 10-6 record - there are many who think that the combination of Cutler and Marshall can be deadly in the NFL this upcoming year, and they should.

Last year Cutler was reunited with Jermey Bates - a former coach for the Broncos - who stepped in as the quarterbacks coach and allowed Cutler some mobility in play-calling. For the first time since joining the Bears in 2009, Cutler was able to audible at the line of scrimmage and it paid dividends.

With the Vanderbilt product under center the Bears were 10-5 - Cutler ultimately missed a game due to an injury, but was still able to throw for 3,000 yards and 19 touchdowns. The bad news was, he was sacked 38 times - the second highest total in his career.

This year with added depth throughout the offensive line, Cutler should be able to get more time to throw to his favorite target.

Catching 41-percent of your team's passes is a ridiculous stat in itself. Marshall accomplished that feat last year while setting franchise records in receiving yards (1,508) and total catches (118). Those were also career-highs for Marshall and he set a career high in touchdown receptions with 11. Marshall's 118 catches was also 89 more than the next best receiver on the team - Earl Bennett (29).

Marshall also became just the fourth wideout ever to have at least four 100-catch seasons in a career joining greats Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrison and Wes Welker. He was named to the Pro Bowl last season marking the first Bears' receiver to earn that accomplishment since 2002 and just the second since 1971.

After establishing their chemistry in Denver for many years, Cutler and Marshall have become Chicago's match made in football heaven and 2013 should be fun to watch for Bears' fans.

Day 4 of 36: FOUR BURNING QUESTIONS

With the official kickoff of the 2013 NFL Regular Season only five weeks away, I thought I would take the time to bring you 36 days of football trivia, knowledge and in-depth story-telling to build some excitement for the season. In Day four, I break down four major questions I had coming into Sunday night’s Hall of Fame Game featuring the Miami Dolphins and the Dallas Cowboys.

Although I would love to start this segment out with questions about newly-acquired Dolphins wide receiver Mike Wallace and his new found bromance with Ryan Tannehill or Tony Romo and his hefty contract, that’s sadly not an option. That’s because the biggest question facing either squad lies in their offensive lines.  

Question #1: How will Jonathan Martin fair at the left tackle position?

Martin had a good start on Sunday night. You know that because his name wasn’t mentioned for the first handful of plays. Yet as soon as NBC commentator Cris Collinsworth mentioned Martin and all the question marks surrounding his play, Martin gave up too much ground and the outside edge to the Cowboys pass rush on a busted screen play. Despite the ultimate result of an incomplete pass, the play highlighted Martin’s inability to solidify the blindside for his second year quarterback.

The harsher reality for the Dolphins is the lack of depth on the outside of the offensive line. Dallas Thomas was too inconsistent to even be considered a possible starter, getting beat around the edge in pass rush situations and getting pushed into the backfield in running situations. It’s no wonder the Dolphins sought out a multitude of O-linemen in the offseason, before failing to sign a new left tackle.

Looking back at Martin, the potential seems to be there with his size and strength and maybe with even more experience over the next four weeks he will improve, but don’t tell the media that.

They’re skeptical on the whole situation. Cris Collinsworth was the last to say it stating, “Maybe if they sure up the offensive line, the Dolphins will be contenders this year.” Earlier this week, the Miami Herald’s Armando Salguero reported that Martin was manhandled and “owned” by pass rusher and teammate Olivier Vernon among others and his post-game comments on Sunday were similar.

Miami Head Coach Joe Philbin said he thought Martin wasn’t doing too badly during practice. “I think his sets have been good,” Philbin said. “The thing an offensive lineman consistently has to work on is the timing of the punch, kind of like a boxer. It’s more like a jab. That consistency in the punch is something we have to have him continue to work on.”

Question #2: Because it’s way too early to judge the Cowboys recent contract negotiation and fat contract given to quarterback Tony Romo, I will stick to talking about the impressive play of rookie center Travis Frederick.

I can see what the Cowboys liked so much in rookie center Travis Frederick to move up to draft him near the end of the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Against the Dolphins, Frederick was very solid in run blocking, even opening up freight-train like holes in the middle of Miami’s defense at times.

What’s more, he sounds like the smartest center in the game today, and he’s a rookie! Frederick was a double-major in college and now he’s making calls that are surprising teammates like Jason Witten who said, “I’ve never seen a rookie do that.”

Tony Romo also commented on the rookie’s ability to help the offense as he told Trey Wingo of ESPN that Frederick “is blowing people away in camp. [We] like everything about him.”

Frederick also saw some action at guard, which highlights his versatility – something very important on the Cowboys offensive line.

Question #3: How healthy does Mike Wallace look and how much chemistry does he have with Ryan Tannehill?

I had to sneak this one in here no matter what, so here it is.

In accordance with reports from the Miami Herald earlier this week, Wallace told reporters he’s battling a groin injury, but later stated the issue was not too serious. That injury held him out of Sunday night’s game and that conservative approach from the Dolphins was expected.

Wallace did comment on his anticipation for this game though, saying “This is a new situation for me, so I just want to get out there and feel it out, get with my new teammates and have a great time.” Maybe that drive will get him on the field in week 2 of the preseason.

If not, Wallace could face a barrage of questions from the likes of Omar Kelly from the South Florida Sun Sentinel and Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.

Earlier in the offseason, Kelly said, “We’re three days into training camp and the Mike Wallace factor hasn’t been felt so far.” He went on to say that Wallace hasn’t roasted any cornerbacks, shown off his run-after-catch skills or shown any chemistry with Ryan Tannehill, adding a yet to each of the aforementioned statements.

Adding that yet was big. It shows that, along with every other Dolphin fan in South Beach, Kelly remains optimistic about Wallace’s future with the team. Whatever the circumstances, Wallace might want to make it onto the field soon or there could be blood.

Question #4: With such lofty expectations (1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns), how does Lamar Miller look as the No. 1 back?

Entering Sunday night’s Hall of Fame game, Dolphins second-year running back Lamar Miller had lofty expectations for the upcoming season.

Sadly, if Lamar Miller’s first carry of the preseason is any indication of where this team is going, the Dolphins are going to need some help. Miller fumbled his first handoff – a ball he never had complete control of and a fumble officially credited to Tannehill – but that lone act is sinful in head coach Joe Philbin’s book. The team even commented this week that they want to force turnovers, not commit them.

Luckily, Miller’s big-play-or-bust style helped him save face. The next two plays he touched the ball he showed off his speed to the outside for back-to-back ten-yard gains.

Miller still has a shot at the number one spot in the backfield considering it was only the first preseason game, but looking back to his own expectations he set this offseason he’ll have to show Philbin a whole lot more in their next four games.

Only three players since 2008 have had 1,500 yards and 15 touchdowns in a single season – Arian Foster in 2010, Michael Turner in 2008 and DeAngelo Williams also in 2008. Every one of those guys saw 270 or more touches during their respective seasons to accomplish that feat, yet last year in Miami, Reggie Bush was the go-to runner, but he had just 227 touches over the 16-game season. Another confounding problem for Miller reaching those lofty numbers lies in the new-faced receiving corp.

With so many newly added passing options, Tannehill and the Dolphins offense is expected to throw the ball more in 2013 than they did in 2012. That might be hard to do considering they passed on 55 percent of their plays last year.

Finally, what about Daniel Thomas’ big-body running style and it’s negative effect on Miller’s final touchdown numbers? Surely, the smaller Miller will sub-out in goal-line situations. Maybe not after Thomas’ disappointing game against the Cowboys.

Still, all these arguments point to a stifling run game in Miami, but to really answer this question. One just needs a little patience. We will know with time.

FOUR MORE POINTS -

·         Lane Kiffin seems to have rejuvenated the Dallas defense. He brings an energy to the squad and it showed in the HOF game. His cover-two scheme worked to perfection in the second quarter as DeVonte Holloman picked off a tipped Matt Moore pass over the middle and returned it 75 yards to the house.

·         One bright spot in Sunday night’s game was the quick burst of the Dolphins rookie running back Mike Gillislee. If Miller ever becomes a bust – which I don’t see him being – maybe the Dolphins hit it big with Gillislee.

·         The Dolphins linebacking corp. looked weak. The addition of Phillip Wheeler seemed more of a downgrade than an upgrade after Wheeler was beaten badly on the very first Cowboys pass just before missing Lance Dunbar in a routine open-field tackle. Also, Koa Misi will need to improve in shedding blocks unless he wants teams running to his side every down. His broken arm tackles aren’t scaring anyone.

·         Lastly and sadly, Art “The Bulldog” Donovan – the very first Hall of Famer in Baltimore Colts histoy – passed away at the age of 89 on Sunday night. He remains the only Hall of Famer born in The Bronx, New York. He will be missed (1924 – 2013).

DAY 3 OF 36: THREE UP-AND-COMERS

With the official kickoff of the 2013 NFL Regular Season only five weeks away, I thought I would take the time to bring you 36 days of football trivia, knowledge and in-depth story-telling to build some excitement for the season. Day three includes three young stars in the National Football League, or as I like to call them three up-and-comers!

Up and Comer No. 1 – Greg Hardy – Defensive End – Carolina Panthers

Normally you don’t see sixth-round draft picks making that much of an impact in a professional football game on Sundays. Besides Tom Brady, these players are usually your run of the mill type of guy, resorting to special teams play and occasionally a substitute.

However, Greg Hardy is not your typical sixth-round pick.

Hardy may make his impact felt on special teams – he’s a gunner on punt team coverage despite starting at defensive end for the Panthers – yet his main contributions come in pass rush situations. At six-foot-four and 290 pounds, you wouldn’t think of Hardy running down speedy kick returners. Nor would you assume this mammoth of a man have the speed and explosiveness that he does.

Hardy originally fell in the draft because he elected to return for one final season at Ole Miss. A broken bone in his right foot kept Hardy from reaching his lofty expectations in his senior season, but the Panthers still took a chance on him.

In 2012, Hardy had his best season as a pro and the sky is the ceiling for this young man. Last year, he racked up 11 sacks in just 15 games and he played the majority of those games with a cast on his left hand. He also amassed 41 total tackles in his third year after earning 38 in his sophomore campaign.

Called “The Kraken” by his teammates, Hardy has earned respect around the league. That’s why you should keep an eye on him this year.

Note - Dan Hanzus of NFL.com and Around the League also took note of Hardy's exceptional talent and breakout ability: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000218144/article/making-the-leap-no-16-panthers-de-greg-hardy

 Up and Comer No. 2 – Bruce Carter – Middle Linebacker – Dallas Cowboys

Considered one of the top 2011 NFL Draft prospects, Bruce Carter hasn't lived up to that hype in his first two seasons in Big-D. Coming into year three though, he is slated to start at weakside linebacker in Lane Kiffin's new 4-3 defense. Over the past two seasons, Carter has earned valuable time on the field, playing in a total of 21 games in two years and registering 78 combined tackles (70 alone last year).

Carter is a hard-hitter with run-stuffing ability, but he’s also very good in coverage. Against the Atlanta Falcons last year, Carter was up against one of the best tight ends in the business in Tony Gonzalez and he held his own. As a replacement for the injured Sean Lee, Carter showcased his solid speed – he chased Julio Jones down in a foot race, although Jones wasn’t at top speed – and with a little more experience and another year under his belt this young man could become one of the best in the game if he keeps progressing.

Carter’s biggest weakness seems to be shedding blockers. At 6-foot-2 and 246 pounds, he has the size to play effectively between the tackles, yet has struggled in the past to shed blockers when they get into his chest.

His upside still seems impossibly high, as the other teams in the NFC East found out last year, Carter couble be a star in the making.

Finally, it’s nearly impossible to run around him - maybe that explains the move to weakside linebacker - and if he can keep away from lineman at the second level, he should be fun to watch over the next couple of years.

Note- Just one day after I posted this, NFL.com Around the League writer Gregg Rosenthal chose Carter as his number two player to "make the leap" in 2013. He says, "Carter arguably was the fastest inside linebacker in the NFL last year. And he won't be playing on the inside any longer. Heading into his third season, Carter will be showcased as the weakside linebacker in new defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin's 4-3 scheme. That was Derrick Brooks' old position. It's Lance Briggs' position. Carter and Cowboys middle linebacker Sean Lee could be this generation's answer to Briggs and Brian Urlacher."

He continued, "Carter has sprinter-like long speed, but he also shows impressive quickness to get around defenders. He didn't "guess" wrong too often and often beat offensive linemen and fullbacks with his anticipation."

"Carter ranks No. 2 on our list because he showed the full package last year in 11 games before dislocating his elbow," Rosenthal concluded. "His physical attributes leaped off the screen. He was solid in run defense and a sure tackler. He stood out as a pass defender... Carter did an excellent job in zone and man coverage, slowing down players as varied as Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin and Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez."

See the full report here: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000226075/comments/making-the-leap-no-2-cowboys-lb-bruce-carter

Up and Comer No. 3 – Markus Wheaton – Wide Receiver – Pittsburgh Steelers

With the departure of Mike Wallace to the Miami Dolphins this past offseason, look for the Pittsburgh Steelers to rely on young talent to carry the receiving corp. this year. Markus Wheaton is one of those young playmakers with a tremendous upside.

A third-round selection this past draft by the Steelers, Wheaton was sensational as a senior at Oregon State. As a Beaver, he earned All-Pacific-12 Conference honors in his final year in the orange and black and in his collegiate career he recorded 227 receptions for 2,994 yards and 16 total touchdowns. He also competed for the track team, specializing in the 60-, 100- and 200-meter races.

In the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.4 forty-yard dash and collected a 37-inch vertical jump. This year we will see if Wheaton’s raw skills can transfer to the pro game. You already know where my bet is.

Also keep an eye on:

-          Saalim Hakim, wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints. His speed could be deadly in the coming months with Drew Brees throwing him the football.

-     Adrian Tracy, defensive end for the New York Giants. Known for their dominant pass rushers, fans of the Giants may not see a lot of Tracy over the next season, but the young man has serious talent. If you don’t believe me, then check out this video: