Stephanie Blair | Editor-in-Chief
Soccer
The women’s soccer team holds a record of 0-2-1 in the conference, after a tied game on their home turf against Montana State Billings with a score of 1-1. Results of the Sept. 26 match against Concordia were not available as of press time.
Wolves soccer will return to Western Oregon’s soccer field on Sept. 30 to face Seattle Pacific.
Cross Country
The men’s cross country team has taken every spot on the podium over the course of their first three meets for the season — first, then third, then second. The team is being led primarily by senior, national record holder in the distance medley relay and last year’s GNAC Male Athlete of the Year David Ribich.
The women’s team has had more trouble finding their footing this season, having taken fourth, ninth and then fifth as a team in their first three meets.
The next time students can catch the Wolves cross country teams competing in Monmouth will be on Nov. 4 for the NCAA Division II West regional meet — the last meet before nationals, hosted in Indiana this year. However, the next meet is only a short drive away, in Salem at Bush Park for the Charles Bowles Invite.
Football
Western’s football team has had two near-victories in conference thus far, losing their first game by a single touchdown and their most recent game by a single point in overtime. See our coverage by Zoe Strickland. Overall, the team’s current record is 1-3.
Students will have their next chance to support the Wolves at home on Oct. 14, when they’ll be facing the Wildcats from Central Washington University.
Volleyball
Wolves Volleyball team, led this year by new coach Tommy Gott, is very young this year, with only six upperclassmen on the roster. They currently hold a record of 1-3 in conference play, with a 5-6 record overall. They fell to Central Washington University on Sept. 23 after falling short of points in all three sets: 17-25, 21-25, 22-25.
Senior outside hitter Alisha Bettinson led the team in game stats for the Spet. 23 game, with 16 kills on 42 swings. Junior and outside hitter Mariella Vandenkooy followed in second position for game stats, with 6 kills.
Western fans will be able to cheer for the Wolves at home next when the team faces Montana State Billings on Oct. 7 in the New PE building.
GNAC Student Athletes of the Week
Each week, the Great Northwest Athletic Conference recognizes athletes who have excelled in their sport. Over the first four weeks of selection, seven Wolves have received this award.
Aug. 28 – Defensive Volleyball Player: Mackenzie Bowen, junior
Sept. 4 – Women’s Soccer Player: Alyssa Tomasini, first-year
Defensive Football Player: Bo Highburger, junior
Sept. 11 – Defensive Football Player: Curtis Anderson, redshirt first-year
Special Teams Football Player: Adrian Saldana, junior
Sept. 18 – Defensive Football Player: Tyler Johnson, senior
Men’s Cross Country Runner: David Ribich, senior
