Fall sports teams pave the way for ‘Cougar Nation’
MVNU’s fall sports teams are off to a great start this year. Below is a quick recap of their seasons so far.
Volleyball — The unbeaten MVNU volleyball team has won 15 games in a row to start off the 2015-2016 season. The Cougars, who are receiving votes in the NAIA National Volleyball Poll, have been powered by junior Annelise Rohrer and freshman Kristen Osborn. MVNU senior libero Marlowe Beatty has received NAIA National Defender of the Week honors twice, and been named the Crossroads Player of the Week four times. The Cougars look to extend their win streak to 16 on Saturday when they take on Taylor University at home in Ariel Arena.
Women’s Soccer — The women’s soccer team is off to a great start to the season. The Lady Cougars are 7-2 after Tuesday’s game, are currently ranked 20th in the NAIA National Women’s Soccer Poll. Leading the way for the Lady Cougars are senior Rachel Baker, who has 7 goals to go with 3 assists on the season, and junior Emily Heaton, who has found the back of the net 5 times and assisted her teammates once. The Lady Cougars look to extend their win streak to six tonight when they travel to The University of Saint Francis.
Men’s Soccer — The men’s soccer team came into the week with a 4-2-2 record after edging Cornerstone University 1-0 last weekend. The Cougars, who are showing a more balanced attack this year. Three players — senior Preston Spurrier, sophomore Josh Alexander and freshman Thorben Glusing — each have scored three goals apiece already this season, while freshman Noah Larson has powered the Cougars with four goals in the first eight games of the season. Also standing out for the Cougars is sophomore goalkeeper Adam Miller, who has saved 70 percent of the shots he has faced.
Cross Country — MVNU senior Josh Richardson is continuing to impress on the cross-country course as he came in fourth place out of over 200 runners at the Otterbein University Invitational last weekend. Richardson’s time of 25:59:2 was just six seconds short of the first place runner. Richardson’s performance at Otterbein University was good enough to earn him his second Crossroads League Runner of the Week honors. MVNU came in sixth place out of 17 teams at the Otterbein Invitational. The Cougars will see more action on Oct. 2 at the Cedarville University All-Ohio Race.
Golf — MVNU Senior Charlie Phillips has powered the Cougars throughout their fall season, winning two tournaments. Phillips came in first place at the Bethel College Invitational then followed up with a first place finish at the Spring Arbor University Invitational. MVNU came in first place out of eight teams at Spring Arbor. The Cougars compete again Oct. 5 when they play in the University of Saint Francis Invitational.