MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama women’s basketball coach Rick Pietri has received a contract extension through the 2013 season, athletic director Dr. Joel Erdmann announced Tuesday.
Pietri Extension Follows 21-Win Season
The Lady Jaguars finished 21-11 last season, giving the program back-to-back 20-win seasons for the first time in 21 years. South Alabama also reached the semifinal round of the Sun Belt Conference tournament for the first time since 2003 and only the second time since 1989.
Pietri earned his 150th career win at the collegiate level on Feb. 14. With 154 victories, he ranks second on South Alabama’s all-time women’s basketball wins list and first in Sun Belt Conference victories with 75.
Thanksgiving Classic Field Set
Men’s basketball coach Ronnie Arrow announced the field for the second annual South Alabama Thanksgiving Classic, to be played Nov. 25-26 at the Mitchell Center. Utah Valley, Georgia State and Alcorn State will join the Jaguars.
Georgia State and Utah Valley open the tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 25, at 5 p.m., followed by South Alabama against Alcorn State at 7 p.m. On Thursday, Nov. 26, the consolation game is set for 2 p.m. and the championship game for 4 p.m.
Baseball Delays Start of Fall Practice
Wet field conditions forced head baseball coach Steve Kittrell to postpone the start of fall practice until Sunday afternoon at the earliest. The Jaguars had been scheduled to begin their 45-day practice period Thursday.
Kittrell made the decision because NCAA rules allow only 45 days of team workouts in the fall, with the period beginning at a team’s first official practice. Depending on the weather, the Jaguars may begin Sunday at 2 p.m.
Soccer Match Moved to Silverbacks Park
Friday’s soccer match between South Alabama and Georgia State has been moved to Atlanta Silverbacks Park because of unplayable conditions at Georgia State’s home field. Kickoff was moved up from 6 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Silverbacks Park has a synthetic surface similar to South Alabama’s football practice field, which the soccer team used for practice this week with permission from head football coach Joey Jones.
“We were very fortunate Coach Jones allowed us to practice on their field this week,” Jaguars soccer coach Varga said. “I’m very grateful he allowed us that opportunity.”
Volleyball Closes Tournament Slate
The volleyball team plays its final tournament of the regular season this weekend at the Lady Panther Invitational, hosted by Prairie View A&M. The Jaguars face Nicholls State at 1 p.m. Friday, then play Prairie View A&M and Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Saturday before opening Sun Belt play.
