Tough

After two utter heartbreaking losses by Armstrong tennis at the national championships just a few days ago, unfortunately the blog has to relate details of yet another tough defeat as the Pirates missed making the match play cut by two strokes - and two players bogeyed the final hole of their respective rounds.

Coming down to the final holes, there were five teams competing for essentially three spots. North Alabama posted a good number, but also had their final player bogey the last hole of their round. Malone and Indiana (Pa.) each looked like they were out of it but played their final nine holes well. And the roar that went up on hole 9 when Indiana's final player sank a birdie putt to break their tie with UNA and put them into the eighth spot was a great moment for DII men's golf.

But it still does not take away from the sting of what has been a memorable, yet ultimately tough several days for three very good Armstrong athletic teams. All three played their hearts out and represented themselves and the University well. All three have nothing to be ashamed of for the effort they displayed on the court and on the course. And in the end, we all are Pirates.

Now focus shifts to Armstrong softball. The blog is not in Salem physically but you can find all the details of the Pirates' drive to a national title on armstrongpirates.com, on facebook at www.facebook.com/armstrongpirates and on twitter @ArmstrongPirate.