Fall 2018 Magazine

18 Magazine.BethelCollege.edu Around Campus Sp rts Update BethelCollegePilots.com Men’s Soccer 1 The men secured an appearance at the NCCAA National Tournament for the fourth straight year last season and look to parlay that into another successful season, despite being picked sixth in the Crossroads League preseason poll. Returning for the Pilots are NCCAA All-Americans senior Samuel Biek and junior Tanner Gibson, as well as threats on the offensive side of the ball, sophomore Jose Barquin, an NCCAA North Central All-Region Team selection, and senior Bruno Jaeger (six goals each). The men opened their home slate at Morey Field on Aug. 23 with a win against Cleary (Mich.) Women’s Soccer 2 Last season, the women qualified for the Crossroads League tournament quarterfinals for the first time since 2013, and there is reason for optimism at Morey Field this year. Back this year are NCCAA North Central All-Region Team selections, senior Rebecca Kanpol and junior Kama Hardy (identical 2-goal, 4-assist seasons in 2017), along with sophomore Nicole Fosnough. Veteran players, paired with an impressive incoming class, has head coach Jamie Lindvall eyeing an improvement in the win column. The women debuted at home on Aug. 23 in a tie with Calumet St. Joseph (Ind.). Women’s Volleyball 3 The women were on the verge of some impressive wins in Coach Katie Weiss’ inaugural campaign (14 wins) and look to convert those efforts into the win column this season. Senior Kassandra Williams has a chance to reach 1,000 kills and 400 blocks for her career while senior Payton Anderson continues to climb the program record book in assists (1,639 entering season). Picked seventh in the Crossroads League preseason poll, the Pilots are ready to turn some Continued on p. 20 heads. The women stepped onto Mike Lightfoot Court in Gates Gymnasium on Sept. 7 for the first time in 2018. Men’s Rugby 4 The men finished their 2017-18 campaign with an appearance at the Heart of America Classic, a qualifying event for the Collegiate Rugby Championship, and are set to build upon a successful 8-2 season. Senior Efe Ovie returns for his final campaign and looks to set the program record for career points scored and tries scored (currently in second in both entering season). 2017 NSCRO Heart & Soul Award winner Nick Chevalier also returns to the pitch, as well as a steady combination of returners. The men opened up their season on Sept. 15 at the Elkhart Moose Rugby Grounds. Men’s Golf The men finished the spring with an eighth-place finish in the Crossroads League Championship. Senior Nick Myers and junior Roman Ojala lead a young men’s squad into five invitationals this fall with their lone home match of the fall at Blackthorn Golf Club in South Bend on Sept. 21-22. Women’s Golf Two top three finishes, including a tournament win at The Battle at Brookwood, have the women ready to get back into action in the fall. NCCAA All-American Jaycee Bunner, along with Crossroads League All-Conference honoree Katie Brooks, lead the talented cast of all five returners into seven fall matches and a shot at a return trip to the NCCAA National Championship. The women teed up for their lone home match of the fall at Blackthorn Golf Club in South Bend, Sept. 21-22. 1 2 4 3 #23 JACKSON DIDION ’19 #17 MALERIE MECH ’19 (TOP LEFT) JAMARI ROBINSON ’19 #14 KAMA HARDY ’19