Junior quarterback Buck Smith completed 27-of-40 passes for a career-high 276 yards and two touchdowns, leading the football team to a 41-28 victory over Lake Forest College in the season opener Sept. 1 at Francis Field.
Washington U. totaled 246 yards in the first half, including 159 yards on 18-of-25 passing by Smith. The Bears totaled 434 yards of offense in the victory, their highest total since recording 454 yards against LaGrange College Oct. 7, 2006. The Bears defense allowed just 17 yards rushing on 22 attempts. An announced crowd of 2,448 fans was in attendance at Francis Field. Washington University (1-0) returns to action Saturday, Sept. 8, at Westminster College.
Volleyball posts perfect weekend
The fourth-ranked volleyball team posted a perfect 4-0 record at the Illinois College Invitational from Aug. 31-Sept. 1 in Jacksonville, Ill.
The Bears swept Bethany Lutheran College and Cornell College Aug. 31, and defeated tournament host Illinois College and Millikin University Sept. 1. WU junior outside hitter Nikki Morrison led the team’s offense, compiling 63 kills, 5.25 per game, a .452 hitting percentage and nine blocks. Washington University returns to action Friday, Sept. 7, when it will host No. 15 Ohio Northern at 3 p.m., and Central College at 8 p.m., in the Washington University National Invitational.
Strong showing for Cross Country teams
The men’s cross country team finished first and the women’s team placed second at the WU Early Bird Meet held Sept. 1 at Central Fields in Forest Park. This marks the fourth time the men have captured the team championship in five years of hosting the meet. Senior Jesse McDaniel was the top finisher for the men’s team placing fifth out of 124 runners, finishing the 8K course in 26:25.27.
Washington University totaled 63 points as four runners placed in the top 20. Senior Kate Pentak was the top finisher on the Washington U. women’s side, placing eighth in a time of 14:56.81. Senior Tricia Frisella (ninth, 14:58.02), senior Lisa Sudmeier (10th, 15:04.20) and sophomore Molly Schlamb (11th, 15:04.65) finished behind Pentak as the Bears had four of the top 11 runners. Washington University returns to action Sept. 15 at the Maryville Classic in St. Louis.
Men’s soccer begins season with shutouts
The No. 23 men’s soccer team started its season with two victories in Memphis, Tenn., over the weekend.
The Bears shut out Rhodes College, 3-0, Aug. 31, and Millsaps College, 3-0, Sept. 2, not allowing a shot on goal in either game. Sophomore John Smelcer started in goal for both games, bringing his career shutout total to eight. Sophomore John Hengel scored a goal in each game. Washington University returns to action tonight, when it hosts Westminster College on Francis Field at 7 p.m.
Victorious trip for women’s soccer
The No. 11 women’s soccer team opened the season with two victories at the Rhodes College Classic in Memphis, Tenn.
Sophomore Therese Fox, a transfer from the U.S. Military Academy, netted the game-winner for the Bears in the 49th minute in a 3-1 win over Birmingham Southern Sept. 1. Sophomore Caryn Rosoff scored the first goal of the season on a corner kick in the 19th minute to put WU up 1-0.
Senior Carrie Sear made three saves in the nets picking up her 18th career victory. Washington U. followed that up with a 3-0 victory over Rhodes College on Sept. 3. Sear made one save in the nets as she picked up the shutout for the Bears. Washington University (2-0) returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 8, against Transylvania University at the Glenn Hyundai College Showcase in Lexington, Ky.