Sergio Guerra, Sports Editor/Photographer 

UNCG Men’s Soccer reached the Sweet Sixteen in the NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship for just the fifth time in program history. Two rounds against tough opponents in Elon and Virginia saw the Spartans advance to face No. 15 seeded NC State in Raleigh on November 30th. UNCG’s season would come to a heartbreaking end following a 2–0 loss to the Wolfpack. Meanwhile, the Greensboro Swarm would split a two-game set against the Capital City Go-Go in the G-League, maintaining a 6–4 record in the East. 

UNCG Men’s Soccer Season Comes to an End 

The UNCG Spartans had quite the postseason run in the NCAA national tournament – defeating Elon at home in the first round and upsetting No. 2 Virginia away from home in the second. Both of those rounds were incredibly close matches that the Spartans were able to win via penalty shootout. In round three of the competition, UNCG Men’s Soccer was tasked with taking down No. 15 seeded NC State in Raleigh on Sunday, November 30^th. 

The NC State Wolfpack earned a bye in the first round of the tournament due to its high seed. NC State was in action during the second round, where the Wolfpack defeated the Marshall Herd 2–0 thanks to goals from Donavan Phillip and Riley Moloney.  

Under consistent rain showers, NC State would take down the UNCG Spartans with a scoreline of 2-0. Donavan Phillip would get on the scoresheet once again to take his season tally up to 18 goals – third highest in the nation at the time of writing this. The Wolfpack’s victory means that they will travel to Washington, D.C. to take on Georgetown in an Elite Eight matchup. NC State is the last North Carolina team left dancing in the NCAA tournament. 

Meanwhile, UNCG Men’s Soccer season will end after the incredibly competitive match in Raleigh.  Forward Arnaud Tattevin finishes the season as the Spartans’ top goalscorer with 12 goals. Forward Enzo Dovlo follows closely behind with 10 goals scored and leads the team in assists with eight. On the other side of the field, goalkeeper Seth Wilson finishes the season with 59 saves and seven clean sheets. 

Greensboro Swarm Splits the Weekend 

The Greensboro Swarm was back home on Friday, November 28^th to take on the Capital City Go-Go, the G-League affiliate of the Washington Wizards. However, the Go-Go would spoil the homestand after winning an overtime thriller 109–107. Antonio Reeves led the Swarm with 22 points on 9/18 shooting, knocking down four three-pointers in the process. Center PJ Hall impressed on his outing for the Swarm with a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double.  

The Swarm would close the weekend by traveling to Capital City on Sunday, November 30^th, where Greensboro would grab its sixth win of the season (6-4 record). Tidjane Salaun led the Charlotte Hornets affiliate with 20 points while also grabbing six boards and three assists. Guard KJ Simpson followed closely behind with 19 points and six assists.  

The recent performances by the Greensboro Swarm have caught the eye of the Charlotte Hornets. The NBA side has recalled Tidjane Salaun from the Greensboro Swarm, ending his G-League assignment. The Hornets have also transferred guard Antonio Reeves, who is on a two-way contract. These roster changes will surely impact the Swarm’s offensive output, which will be put to the test on December 5 against the Westchester Knicks in Greensboro. 

Women’s Basketball Wins on Thanksgiving Eve 

UNCG Women’s Basketball was in action on the eve of Thanksgiving against North Carolina Central University where the Spartans would grab a 54–47 win on the road. Jeni Levine led the Spartans with 18 points while also notching five rebounds and three steals. Jaila Lee was also crucial to UNCG’s offense, registering 15 points and four rebounds. Meanwhile, Rylan Moffitt led the Spartans in rebounds with 10. 

The Spartans are back in action against Columbia College on Tuesday, December 2^nd at 11 a.m. to celebrate Education Day.