The Student News Site of University of North Alabama

The Flor-Ala
The Student News Site of University of North Alabama

The Flor-Ala
The Student News Site of University of North Alabama

The Flor-Ala
All content by by Sports Editor Andrew Fulmer
North Alabama junior outfielder T.J. Lockett eyes up the umpire at the plate during the Lions home game versus Shorter Feb. 26. The Lions earned a 2-0 sweep over visiting Miles during a midweek double-header March 28.

Lions take two in spring break double-header

March 28, 2017
Small-school sports reinforce true passion

Small-school sports reinforce true passion

March 23, 2017
North Alabama senior pitcher Hillary Carpenter winds up against Lee March 11 in Florence. The Lions are back in the hunt in the Gulf South Conference standings after sweeping West Alabama March 18-19 to improve to 9-6 in the GSC.

Softball finding traction halfway through season

March 23, 2017
Freshman guard Emma Wallen shoots a jump shot against Valdosta State Feb. 18 at Flowers Hall. Wallen broke the school record for three-point field goals in a season with 73.

Record season comes to end for women’s team

March 9, 2017
North Alabama Assistant Athletic Director of Communications Jeff Hodges addresses the crowd gathered at UNAs announcement of its transition to Division I-Football Championship Subdivision Dec. 6. Hodges was named the 2017 Arch Ward Award winner March 3 for his contributions to the sports information profession.

Jeff Hodges named Arch Ward Award winner

March 3, 2017
North Alabama sophomore guard Savannah Stults goes to the rim against Valdosta State Feb. 18 at Flowers Hall. The Lions clinched a playoff spot in the win against the Blazers.

Women’s team clinches conference tournament bid

February 22, 2017
Andrew Fulmer

Athletes, celebrities deserve personal opinions

February 10, 2017
North Alabama senior Patrick Twesme drives a putt at the TVA Community Credit Union Invitational Oct. 18 at Killen. The Lions enter the spring season ranked eighth nationally after two first-place team finishes in four tournaments during the fall season. 

Golf set to take on spring schedule

February 5, 2017

Lions snap losing streak versus Shorter

February 4, 2017
North Alabama rugby player Trevor Brooks pitches the ball back to a teammate in the Lions season-opening victory against Vanderbilt at Veterans Park. The Lions went 6-1-1 during the fall portion of their season, and must win all three of their scheduled spring games to be eligible for playoffs

Rugby enters spring season with postseason hopes

February 3, 2017
North Alabama forward Austin Timms goes for a layup against Delta State Jan. 28 in Florence. The Lions trailed by as many as 28, but let DSU escape with a 84-79 victory.

Men’s team comeback bid thwarted

January 28, 2017
North Alabama guard Ivy Wallen draws a foul as she drives to the basket against Delta State Jan. 28 at Flowers Hall. After scoring 57 points in the first half in its previous game versus Mississippi College, UNA failed to score that much the whole game versus the Statesmen as they dropped their first home game, 55-52.

Lions drop first home game of season

January 28, 2017
UNA strength and conditioning coordinator Steve Herring exhibits proper form in incline bench press at the UNA Strength Facility. Herring brings over 30 years of experience in strength and conditioning training to UNA Athletics.

Athletics names new strength and conditioning coach

January 27, 2017

Lions dominate Mississippi College

January 26, 2017
Senior guard Dimario Jackson tries to make a play off a screen versus Lee Jan. 19. Jackson leads the team in scoring thus far, averaging 15.9 points per game.

Men’s basketball surges midseason

January 26, 2017

Softball ready to commence 2016 title defense

January 26, 2017
North Alabama junior first baseman Kyle Hubbuch readies himself to swing during a game in the 2016 season. Hubbach is one of 17 returners from last seasons team looking to make an impact in 2017.

Baseball looks to returners, new faces for impact

January 26, 2017
Junior forward Michaela DeKilder goes up for a layup in the paint versus Lee Jan. 19. DeKilder has led the Lions in rebounds this season, including 20 against Union Jan. 9.

Women’s hoops dominates down the stretch

January 26, 2017
North Alabama sophomore guard Tavaras Tolliver passes the ball on the perimeter in the Lions home game against Lee Jan. 19. The Lions dominated in the paint, out rebounding the Flames 45-21 in the 83-66 victory.

UNA men’s basketball cruises past Lee

January 20, 2017
North Alabama junior guard KeKe Gunter drives up for a layup against Lee Jan. 19 at Flowers Hall. The Lions led by as many as 20 before Lee came back in the 4th quarter with 24 points, but UNA stood strong and sealed the win, 74-69. 

Lions edge past Lee

January 19, 2017
North Alabama Director of Athletics Mark Linder addresses the crowd at the universitys Dec. 6 press conference at the Guillot University Center announcing acceptance to the ASUN Conference. All UNA sports will compete against the current eight ASUN schools beginning in 2018 except for football, which will compete in the Big South Conference.

Lions join conferences with competitive teams

January 18, 2017
New North Alabama head coach Chris Willis looking on as the Lions played in the Division II National Championship in Kansas City, Kansas, Dec. 17. Willis has spent the past 15 years at UNA as an assistant under three different head coaches, and is tasked with replacing legendary head coach Bobby Wallace.

Chris Willis named new head football coach

December 22, 2016
North Alabama head coach Bobby Wallace studies the team during spring practice in 2016. Wallace announced he is retiring from football Dec. 20 after leading the team to the 2016 national title game, and steps away as the all-time winningest coach in school history.

Wallace announces retirement from football

December 20, 2016
Junior guard Jeff Hodge Jr. passes the ball to junior forward Sharwyn McGee in the post against Alabama-Huntsville Dec. 4 at Flowers Hall. The Lions will have a 12 day break to make adjustments after a 86-71 defeat to West Georgia at home Dec. 19.

UNA drops home game to West Georgia

December 19, 2016
North Alabama forward Katelyn Nunley enters the game against Oakwood Nov. 17 at Flowers Hall. The Lions sealed a perfect 9-0 record headed into a holiday break with a 73-62 victory over West Georgia.

Lions remain perfect heading into holiday break

December 19, 2016
Two North Alabama coaches console junior receiver Dre Hall in the final moments of the national championship game against Northwest Missouri State in Kansas City, Kansas. The Lions lost the game 29-3 to end the 2016 season 11-2.

Lions fall in national championship game

December 18, 2016
North Alabama football players (L-R) Ryan Harper, Khyle Jackson, James Rivers and Josh Tate posing after their graduation ceremony Dec. 13 at the Guillot University Center. The student-athletes will miss the originally scheduled commencement Dec. 17 as they face Northwest Missouri State in the national championship game at Kansas City, Kansas.

University holds special ceremony for football players

December 13, 2016
Junior guard Jeff Hodge Jr. (left) and senior guard DeAndre McKinnie celebrate before North Alabamas home game against Alabama-Huntsville Dec. 4. The Lions rebounded after the loss to the Chargers to come away with a dominant victory versus Huntingdon Dec. 10 at Flowers Hall.

UNA MBB defeats Huntingdon at home

December 10, 2016
North Alabama defenders Sheldon Lewis (52) and E.J. Parnell celebrate a stop in the Lions second round showdown against North Carolina-Pembroke Nov. 26 in Florence. UNA went on the road to face Shepherd in the semifinals and defeated the Rams 23-13 to earn a spot in the Division II national championship game for the first time since 1995. 

UNA defeats Shepherd to earn spot in national championship game

December 10, 2016
Ronald McKinnons Harlon Hill Trophy on display on the campus of North Alabama at Flowers Hall. The trophy commemorates the most valuable football player in Division II annually, and is named for former NFL star and UNA great, Harlon Hill.

Hill Trophy celebrates 30th anniversary

December 10, 2016
University President Kenneth Kitts (left) and Atlantic Sun Conference Commissioner Ted Gumbart shake hands to confirm UNAs partnership with the ASUN Dec. 6 in the Guillot University Center. The Lions will participate in Division I athletics starting in fall 2018.

UNA accepts Division I athletics invitation

December 6, 2016
Junior guard KeKe Gunter drives for a layup in North Alabamas Gulf South Conference opener against Alabama-Huntsville. Gunter led the team in scoring with 21 points in UNAs 70-66 victory over rival UAH as the Lions improve to 7-0 and 1-0 in Gulf South Conference play.

UNA women take down rival UAH

December 4, 2016
Junior guard Jeff Hodge Jr. goes up for a layup in North Alabamas game against Alabama-Huntsville. The Lions let a 50-50 first half tie slip away in the second where they fell 91-79 at Flowers Hall.

Men’s team falls to UAH at home

December 4, 2016
Redshirt sophomore Frank Williams prepares to rush the offensive line in a quarterfinal matchup against North Greenville in Braly Stadium Dec. 3. The Lions rolled to a 38-0 win and will advance to the semifinal round for the first time since 2008.

Lions roll into football semifinal

December 3, 2016
Senior guard Dimario Jackson drives for a layup in North Alabama’s game against Lane Nov. 26 at Flowers Hall. After dropping the game to Lane, the Lions got back in the W column with a 86-74 victory over Miles heading in to Gulf South Conference season Dec. 4.

Lions rebounding after first loss

December 3, 2016
Andrew Fulmer

Citizens should become aware of white privilege

December 1, 2016
Junior guard KeKe Gunter attempts a long-range shot in North Alabamas game against Auburn-Montgomery Nov. 29 at Flowers Hall. The Lions are now 6-0 entering Gulf South Conference play.

Women’s basketball continues hot start

December 1, 2016
Sophomore forward Dakota Holtzclaw attempts a three point field-goal in North Alabamas home game against Miles Nov. 29. UNA got back in the win column with their 86-74 victory over the Golden Bears.

UNA bounces back against Miles

November 30, 2016
Sophomore guard Savannah Stults drives for a layup in North Alabamas final non-conference game against Auburn-Montgomery in Florence. The Lions finished up a perfect 6-0 start to the season with the 87-55 victory.

Lions extend winning streak to six

November 29, 2016
Junior wide receiver Ray Beasley hauls in a pass in North Alabamas previous meeting with North Greenville Oct. 22 at Braly Stadium. The Lions defeated the Crusaders 52-21 in that game.

Football preview: North Greenville

November 29, 2016
North Alabama junior guard KeKe Gunter looks to pass the ball in the Lions early season matchup against Alabama A&M at Flowers Hall. After beating Fisk, UNA is off to its first 3-0 start since 2013.

Women’s basketball wins big over Fisk

November 23, 2016
North Alabama players run onto the court during pregame introductions at Flowers Hall during their game against Cumberland Nov. 19. The Lions earned a tough win over the Phoenix to begin the season 3-0 for the first time the since 2013-14 season.

Lions men’s basketball win close over Cumberland

November 19, 2016
Junior guard Jaclyn Heath passes the ball to a teammate in North Alabamas home opener against Oakwood Nov. 17. The Lions improve to 3-0 on the season and UNA head coach Missy Tiber improves to 4-1 in home openers in her UNA career.

Women’s basketball trounces Oakwood in home opener

November 17, 2016
Junior hitter Lexie Bradley and sophomore setter Jayden Davila-McClary (20) celebrate a big play against Valdosta State in the opening round of the 2016 Gulf South Conference tournament Nov. 15 at Flowers Hall. The Lions swept the Blazers and never allowed Valdosta State to score more than 16 points in a set.

Volleyball wins first round of GSC tournament

November 15, 2016
Sophomore defensive specialist Ava Carnley digs an opposing kill in UNAs rematch versus West Florida Nov. 11 in Florence. After being swept at West Florida earlier in the season, the Lions fell once again 3-1 in the teams first home loss of the season

Volleyball drops first home game of season

November 11, 2016
Sophomore forward Katelyn Nunley runs down the court in a home game last season. The Lions finished the 2015-16 season 5-22.

Women’s basketball looks to improve upon last season

November 7, 2016
Senior defensive back Philbert Martial returns a punt in the North Alabama game against West Florida Nov. 5 in Florence. UNA clinched a fourth-straight Gulf South Conference championship in the win, which is the most consecutive conference football championships in the GSCs 46-year history.

Lions win fourth straight conference title in blowout

November 7, 2016
Senior linebacker Barron Miller (44) leads the team out onto the field for UNAs home opener vs. Valdosta State Sept. 17. Miller, along with a number of other seniors, will take the field at Braly Stadium for the final regular season home game against West Florida Nov. 5 for senior day.

Football preview: West Florida

November 4, 2016
Lions offensive players celebrate a Terence Humphrey touchdown against Valdosta State Sept. 17 in Florence. North Alabama looks to clinch a conference title with two games left.

Football on verge of fourth-straight title

November 3, 2016
Senior Alyssa Bova (14 white) prepares to bicycle kick against Valdosta State Oct. 23 in Florence. The Lions put on a dominant performance en route to a 5-0 victory on senior day. 

Lions stride past Blazers on senior day

October 23, 2016
Junior libero Ashtyn Kapovich (17) and sophomore setter Jayden Davila-McClary (20) dive for the ball in the Lions game versus Shorter Oct. 22. UNA won the match 3-1 after previously falling to Shorter on the road 3-2 Sept. 16.

UNA volleyball downs Shorter in four sets

October 22, 2016
UNA sophomore setter Jayden Davila-McClary lobs up an assist in the match versus the Lee Flames Oct. 21 at Flowers Hall. Davila-McClary placed the Lions in scoring opportunities frequently through the night with 36 assists. 

Lions volleyball douse Lee Flames

October 21, 2016
Senior defensive end Tyler Smith scoops up a fumble during UNAs 45-0 win against Shorter on homecoming Oct. 15. The Lions hope for a strong defensive performance against Super Region 2 foe North Greenville Oct. 22 at Braly Stadium.

Lions prepare for important regional opponent

October 21, 2016
Senior quarterback Jacob Tucker drops back for a pass against Shorter in the homecoming game Oct. 15 at Braly Stadium. Upon receiving the waiver from the NCAA, UNA is now eligible to be selected for post-season play despite playing fewer games than the 10 games required.

UNA football receives waiver allowing playoff eligibility

October 19, 2016
The UNA volleyball team huddles around assistant coach Jennifer McCall at Flowers Hall. The Lions now have 14 sweeps on the season.

Lions volleyball defeats West Georgia, 3-0

October 18, 2016
Freshman Shelby Wall (left) and sophomore Paige Porter look for a pass during UNAs 3-1 win over Delta State Oct. 12 at the Bill Jones Athletic Complex. The Lions improved to 5-6 on the year and 4-3 in conference play.

UNA soccer defeats Delta State at home

October 12, 2016
Junior kicker Kevin Henke attempts an extra point against West Georgia Oct. 1 at Braly Stadium. Henke scored the game winning extra point to put the Lions on top, 24-23.

Former baseball player transitions to football

October 8, 2016
Andrew Fulmer

National anthem protest sparks true patriotism

October 6, 2016

UNA football game at Florida Tech canceled

October 5, 2016
Junior middle hitter Jessica Austin attacks the ball vs. Mississippi College Oct. 1 at Flowers Hall. The Lions totaled 40 kills during the game, and limiting the Choctaws to 14.

UNA volleyball defeats Mississippi College in sweep

October 1, 2016
Senior hitter Natasha Fomina attacks the ball against UAH Sept. 29 in Florence. The Lions swept the Chargers to improve to 14-1 overall and 6-1 in Gulf South Conference play.

Volleyball defeats Chargers at home

September 29, 2016
Senior defensive back Levi Fell celebrates a home victory over Valdosta State Sept. 17. The Lions enter the West Georgia game after huge wins over Valdosta and at West Alabama Sept. 24.

Football preview: West Georgia

September 29, 2016

Recent grad spent summer biking across US

September 28, 2016
Sophomore midfielder Margarida Sousa (left) chases the ball during a match against rival West Alabama Sept. 25. UNA lost to the Tigers 3-1 and fall to 2-2 in conference play.

Lions fail to catch up to West Alabama

September 25, 2016
Junior outside hitter Ana Gabriela Pacheco attempts an attack against Union Sept. 23 at Flowers Hall. The Lions improved to an 11-1 record and 3-1 in Gulf South Conference play.

UNA volleyball sweeps Union at home

September 23, 2016
Junior midfielder Beatriz Fernandes competes for a 50/50 ball during UNAs contest with Alabama-Huntsville Sept. 21. UNA won 2-1, earning its first home conference win of 2016.

Soccer: UNA defeats UAH at home

September 21, 2016
Redshirt freshman running back Terence Humphrey dives towards the end zone against Valdosta State Sept. 17 at Braly Stadium. The Lions totaled 199 yards and four touchdowns on the ground against the Blazers.

Lions crush Valdosta State in home opener

September 18, 2016
Gracie Billups visiting Leo III and Una Sept. 16 at George H. Carroll Lion Habitat. Billups met the UNA softball team last May in Denver during their national championship run. 

Softball championship inspiration visits Shoals

September 17, 2016
UNA senior defensive back Philbert Martial drops back in coverage during Valdosta States last visit to Braly Stadium Nov. 22, 2014. The Blazers defeated the Lions 33-31 in the opening round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.

Football preview: Valdosta State

September 16, 2016
UNA volleyball players celebrate a momentum-building point against West Alabama Sept. 13 in Flowers Hall. The Lions opened Gulf South Conference play with a victory, improving to 9-0 overall.

Lions sweep West Alabama to open conference play

September 13, 2016
Senior midfielder Stacey Webber attempts to break away from a defender against Tampa Sept. 11. The Lions fell to 1-3 on the season after a 2-1 loss to the Spartans.

Lions fall to Tampa in non-region match

September 11, 2016
Sophomore midfielder Margarida Sousa dribbles around a defender against Nova Southeastern Sept. 9 during the Lion Shootout tournament nightcap. Tied 1-1 in overtime, Sousa scored the winning goal in the 108th minute to give UNA its first win of the year.

Lions edge Nova in overtime thriller

September 9, 2016
Junior Vick Gilbert reaches over a Vanderbilt player in a line-out. UNA won the Sept. 3 game against the Commodores, 20-0 at Veterans Park.

Rugby club defeats Vanderbilt in season opener

September 9, 2016

Lions fall to rival Jacksonville State

September 1, 2016
Former UNA linebacker Brion James pummels a Jacksonville State receiver Sept. 14, 2013, at Burgess-Snow Field. The Lions and Gamecocks will renew their rivalry on Sept. 1 at Jacksonville.

Lions commence season against former rival

August 29, 2016
Former UNA catcher Kevin Hall prepares to swing against Miles College Feb. 6. Hall, a former first team All-Gulf South Conference selection, signed a free-agent contract with the New York Mets last week.

Hall signs minor league contract with Mets

July 20, 2016
UNA bass fishermen (from left to right) Andrew Tate, Makenzie Henson, Sloan Pennington and Caleb Dennis come up with a fishing strategy at McFarland Park April 4. UNA finished second in the Cabelas School of the Year standings this season.

UNA bass fishing finishes second in national rankings

July 8, 2016
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