WALLACE STATE ROUNDUP: Mullican signs with Blue Mountain College; Freeman earns scholarship

Published 3:11 pm Friday, December 8, 2017

HANCEVILLE — Wallace State sophomore Dalys Mullican didn’t seriously consider playing golf until after her sophomore year of high school.

Fast forward a few years later and Mullican already knows where she’ll continue her golf career upon graduating from Wallace State. Mullican, a Fairview High grad, signed a letter of intent with Blue Mountain College on Wednesday.

“I went on a recruiting trip there earlier in the year and decided it was a good fit for me. I’m excited to be able to play on the four-year level. Since I started playing, it’s been a goal to play collegiate golf. I’m excited I get a chance to fulfill that dream,” Mullican said.

Mullican and the 11th-ranked Wallace State women’s golf team recently wrapped up their fall season with a tremendous win at the Jeff State Invitational. 

Mullican finished fourth overall.

As the Wallace State women prepare for their third spring season in program history, NJCAA Hall of Fame coach Dan York is thrilled to have players of Mullican’s caliber sign with four-year programs. 

“When we started this program a couple of years ago, I never would have dreamed we would already have players signing these scholarships. Dalys Mullican is a good athlete, and she has grown and matured as a golfer since she’s been here,” York said. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Dalys and I’m proud of her.”

Mullican and the Lady Lions won the inaugural Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) championship last season and finished 12th at the NJCAA Division I national championship.

“I think we have the team to contend again for the conference championship and place even better at the national tournament,” said Mullican, one of two sophomores on this season’s roster.

Mullican was an All-Tournament selection last March at the Calhoun Invitational.

Blue Mountain, located in Blue Mountain, Miss., competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Southern States Conference. The Blue Mountain women’s golf program has recently reintroduced its program.

“I know Dalys has made a big impact on the program at Wallace State, and I know she’ll come in and have an immediate impact for our program and institution. We have a young program ourselves. She’ll be able to come in and provide our program with experience to help it grow even more. She’s an excellent golfer,” said Blue Mountain golf coach Kevin Barefield.

Wallace State Tennis

Wallace State sophomore Check Freeman earned a scholarship Wednesday for the men’s tennis team after having a walk-on spot last season.

“This means a lot. I worked hard last spring to earn this scholarship. I never slowed down in practice, and I did my best to make my teammates better such as imitating our opponents in practice,” said Freeman, a 2016 Cullman High grad. “Coach (Tony) Franklin has noticed, and he’s been very good to me. It’s been a great year and a half so far, and I’m excited about next semester and the season.”

Freeman and the men’s tennis team will be seeking a second straight ACCC tournament championship in 2018 after winning one in their inaugural campaign last season – after the program was rebooted.

“We’re ready to get going, and Check is the type of player you want on your team. He works hard every day and does everything we ask of him. He played a big part for us last season to get us better. He’s a great person and fun to be around,” Franklin said.

The Wallace State men’s tennis team opens the 2018 season Feb. 3 at Huntingdon. 

Wallace State Volleyball

Wallace State volleyball setter Abby Borden was named a National Junior College Athletic (NJCAA) Division I honorable mention All-American on Thursday.

Borden, a 5-foot-10 setter from Arab, led the Alabama Community College Conference (ACCC) with a single-season school record 1,429 assists in 2017, and she added 298 digs. Over her two-year career, Borden amassed 2,546 career assists – another program record.

Borden averaged 10.43 assists per set and racked up 40 or more assists in 14 matches.

It was a year of accolades for Borden as she helped the Lions win their ninth consecutive ACCC tournament championship and 10th straight ACCC regular season title. On the path to a 34-10 record, Borden was named the 2017 ACCC Player of the Year, the NJCAA Player of the Week in October and earned ACCC Player of the Week honors on three occasions.

As a freshman with the Lions, Borden was a 2nd-team All-ACCC selection after leading the conference in assists.

Borden and the Wallace State volleyball sophomore class were a part of 72 wins and two conference championships during their two-year tenure, leading the Lions to a 9th straight NJCAA Division I national championship appearance and a conference-best 17th overall.

Borden continues the Wallace State volleyball streak of having at least one player recognized as a NJCAA All-American since 2009.

Kelsea Bivins and CeCe Hall were 2nd-team NJCAA All-Americans in 2016 and 2015 respectively. Syretha Pride was a 1st-team selection in 2014. Borden joins BreAnna Thompson (2014), Kianna Delaney (2013), Erika Baker (2012, 2011), Lesley Bemis (2011), Taulise Dunklin (2010) and Cassie Daniels (2009) as honorable mention selections.