Welcome back fellow Cougars, to the sports recap that puts SXU sports in the know and on the map. Today, we are covering the two exciting games that has occurred for the week of 9/5.
Women’s Soccer
Mon, Sept 5th
The winless Cougars match up against the 2-1 Aquinas College Saints. Will the Cougars get in the groove by attaining their first win, or will Aquinas prove too tough to beat at home?
First Half
Aquinas started out aggressive, shooting at the goal twice in a one-minute span. Sophomore goal keeper Carly Bledsoe was ready though, as she saved SXU from being scored on both times. Nearly 30 minutes later, Aquinas scored its first goal, putting them up 1 goal to none. In the final 15 minutes, Aquinas continued to dominate by getting 2 more shots off towards the goal, but Carly Bledsoe continued to save the shots to give SXU a fighting chance, heading into the 2nd half.
If SXU wants to win this game, they need to be more aggressive on offense. Their defense was good, but they had no shot attempts at the goal in the first half. This is something that needs to change in the 2nd.
Second Half
15 minutes in, and 3 shots on the goal later, Aquinas scored their 2nd goal of the game. Two minutes later, they scored another goal, putting them up 3 goals to none, and possibly cementing the game in their favor. SXU had no shot attempts at the goal for the total game. Their lack of offensive aggression was really the contributing factor to their loss.
Despite the loss, Carly Bledsoe is definitely a player to be noted as she had 10 saves for the total game.
Women’s Volleyball
Tuesday, Sept 6th
The 5-2 SXU Cougars matched up against the 2-6 Saint Ambrose Hornets.
Set 1
The first set was a decisive 25-18 victory for the Cougars. They led the whole set, and were simply unstoppable on offense. This is mainly attributable to sophomores Helena Atton and Alex Lambros, as they were simply Kill-ing it out there. Both combined for 7 total kills, a trend which will continue throughout.
Set 2
Saint Ambrose, who was feeling the burn of defeat in the last set, came out to play this time as they led the Cougars for the first half of the set. Down 16-13, the Cougars went on a 9-1 run to put them up 22-17. Saint Ambrose came back on a small run on their own, but was unable to overcome the offensive flare of SXU as they took the set 25-22.
Set 3
Knowing they are at risk of defeat, SAU was looking to make a comeback for the ages. This would have been a good story, but SXU had other plans. SXU went on a 13-6 run to close the game out at 25-14.
The dominance SXU held was a result of stellar play from Helena Atton. Ms. Atton put on a career performance with 7 kills and 3 blocks. Way to go Atton, and way to go Cougars.
That’ll end the recap. Join me again on Monday for more SXU sporting recaps.
Kenneth Washington
Sports Editor