Links Roundup: Dukes Doing Work on the Pitch

Here’s a brief look at some of the JMU related stories you might have missed, highlighted by some big moments for a couple of former JMU soccer stars, CJ Sapong and Christina Julien.

Blogger Blair Hawkins says CJ Sapong might be the “Sporting Kansas City’s new face” and is a strong contender for MLS rookie of the year.

Sapong’s goal and assist in Kansas City’s 2-1 defeat of Portland earned him Soccer by Ives Rookie of the Week.

CJ’s recent form has helped Kansas City vault into 4th place, leading MLSsoccer.com’s Mike Levitt to place him 2nd in his Rookie of the Year rankings.

Here is the video of Sapong’s finish against Portland.

While her team didn’t have much success, former JMU soccer star Christina Julien started a match for ‘Canada’s Womens National Team and became the first JMU athlete to ever play in the World Cup.

Former Diamond Duke, Dave Herbek is currently riding an 11 game hitting streak for the Chicago White Sox rookie league affiliate, the Great Falls Voyagers.

Herbek blasted 2 homers to help the Voyagers snap a 2 game losing skid.

Herbek’s former teammate Jake Lowery is racking up accolades including the Johnny Bench Award, presented to the best catcher in college baseball.

Lowery has a .923 OPS through 15 games for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers, a Class A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox.

And in non-sports news, JMU grad Elizabeth Crot was crowned Miss Virginia.