College Sports Recap: September 9-15, 2024

Football remains the centerpiece of fall collegiate sports, and the week delivered some key results. In a significant victory, Cal Poly notched their first win of the season by defeating Western Oregon 31-14. This victory was driven by a solid performance from the Mustangs’ quarterback, who threw for over 200 yards and connected for two touchdown passes. The defense also stood tall, forcing key turnovers to maintain the lead.

In junior college football, Saddleback triumphed over Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) with a 38-24 victory. Saddleback’s offensive unit was on fire, scoring multiple touchdowns in the second half to put the game out of reach. Meanwhile, Hancock College earned a hard-fought 40-27 win over East Los Angeles, powered by a balanced offense that combined a strong rushing game with efficient passing.

Another close contest came from Mount San Antonio College, who pulled out a 22-14 victory over Ventura College. Their defense made the difference, holding Ventura scoreless in the final quarter to seal the win.

Men’s and Women’s Soccer

In men’s soccer, UC Santa Barbara (UCSB) faced off against Westmont in an exciting exhibition match that ended in a 2-2 draw. The Gauchos were behind twice in the match but managed to come back each time, thanks to an aggressive attack that resulted in goals from two standout players. Westmont’s defense held firm under pressure, but UCSB’s determination ensured a thrilling finish to the exhibition.

In women’s soccer, Cal Poly Pomona dominated Westmont with a 5-1 victory, demonstrating their offensive prowess from the start. Pomona’s forwards were clinical in front of goal, while their defense smothered Westmont’s attack, allowing only a single consolation goal late in the game. This win pushes Cal Poly Pomona further up the rankings in the women’s soccer standings.

Women’s Volleyball Action

The women’s volleyball landscape saw some notable performances this week. The top-ranked Pittsburgh Panthersswept UC Santa Barbara in straight sets, continuing their impressive run. Pittsburgh’s powerful front-line attack was simply too much for UCSB to handle, with standout hitter Kayla Lund racking up 18 kills in the match. UCSB had flashes of brilliance, but Pittsburgh’s experience and depth made the difference in this decisive 3-0 win.

Western Oregon also claimed a 3-0 victory over Westmont in another matchup, showing dominance throughout the game. Western Oregon’s fast-paced offense was in full flow, with their setters consistently finding the right angles for powerful spikes that Westmont struggled to block.

Men’s Water Polo: Inland Empire Classic

The Inland Empire Classic brought fierce competition in men’s water polo, with UCSB having a strong showing. The Gauchos won both of their matches, defeating Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 12-9 in a tightly contested game and then crushing La Verne 25-9. UCSB’s water polo squad is building momentum, with standout players like Tommy Kennedyleading the way with his defensive skills and scoring. The Gauchos’ ability to capitalize on counterattacks and control the tempo of the game made them the clear winners in both matches.

Cross Country Kicks Off

While cross country might not receive as much media attention as other sports, the runners have kicked off their fall season with grit and determination. At the Bill Dellinger Invitational, hosted by Oregon State, both the men’s and women’s teams from Northern Arizona University (NAU) delivered standout performances. The men’s team, led by Nico Young, placed five runners in the top 10, finishing first overall with a commanding score. On the women’s side, Kelsey Chmiel led NAU to victory, crossing the line first and helping the Lumberjacks dominate the field.

Field Hockey Recap

In field hockey, University of Maryland edged out Iowa 3-2 in double overtime. The Terps, perennial contenders, found themselves in a back-and-forth match before Bibi Donraadt scored the golden goal, sealing the victory. Maryland’s aggressive playstyle and relentless pressing helped them claw back from a 2-1 deficit in the final quarter to force overtime, eventually delivering the win in a thrilling fashion. With this victory, Maryland maintains its strong position in the Big Ten, inching closer to securing the regular season title.