Bluejay Sports Corner – 12/3

Headliner: Elmhurst Football Goes out with a Bang!

The Bluejays took the field Saturday, Nov. 16 against another conference opponent, the Big Blue of Millikin University. The Jays won on senior night with a blowout score of 35-7. Ending the regular season with an overall record of 3-7.

The Jays took to the turf right after the seniors were celebrated for their dedication and commitment to the program. Coming out on offense a little soft with a punt on their first drive, but the Jays defense was able to force a fumble and get the momentum rolling back in EU’s direction.

The Jays scored on the second drive on the day with a four-yard rushing touchdown from junior, Taveon Porter, who had a game for the ages.

Although the Jay’s defense had a great game, only allowing seven points the whole game, the Jays’ offense had its best game of the year totaling 369 yards on the day.

The offense was led by Porter who had 151 yards on the ground along with two touchdowns of his own. With the addition of junior, John Odom, throwing for 236 yards on 22 passes and three touchdown passes. Leading receiver junior, Jacob Cockrell had a season-high 134 receiving yards and received two of the three passing touchdowns.

The Jays defense was outstanding as well during the game, forcing five turnovers along with only 39 rushing yards allowed. Adding to the stat line, the Jays totaled five sacks.

In their last game of the season, the Jays came out prepared and ended on a great note! Congrats to the seniors and team for a fun year of Elmhurst University Football!

Blujays Men’s Basketball:

Bluejays Men’s Basketball started these past couple of weeks, with the team starting strong.

Although the Jays dropped their first game to #15 ranked Wisconsin Lutheran, they bounced back with two straight wins against, The University of Olivet, and Mount St. Joseph University.

The Jays were led by junior Dominic Trelenberg, who had a career night with 26 points, shooting 71.4% from the court on Oct. 14, along with grabbing seven rebounds and having three assists in the contest.

The defense was working extra in the first half of the game, while the second half was all Jays, as they led by 21 points in the second half. Leading to a win for the Jays, 66-50.

Mt. St. Joseph met the Jays at home and did not give much of a fight. The Jays took the win 69-56 while leading the whole game.

The Jay’s defense came into play, holding MSJ to 17 points in the first half. In total only allowed 56 points throughout the game.

The game was led by junior Jaiden Malichi, who had a team-high 11 boards, which helped the Jays propel their offense.

The offense shot a good 45.6% from the court, and it was enough to put away MSJ.

The Jays forged on as they played several games over the holiday break.

The team traveled to Indiana to take on the #1 Trine University in Angola, IN where they unfortunately lost 67-95.

From there they returned home to play St. Mary’s University where they pulled out a win on Tuesday, Nov. 26 with an impressive score of 82-68.

While the Jays gave it their all against Concordia University Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 30, they unfortunately lost with a still-impressive score of 67-82.

Catch their next home game tomorrow, Dec. 4, against Augustana College.

Bluejays Women’s Basketball:

The Jays women’s Basketball team came out on fire this year, as they are undefeated through the first week of games.

The Jays beat Rockford University 68-64, being led by Kristin Bukata who had a whopping 27 points in the home opener. Which helped lead the Jays to a 68-64 win against Rockford.

As Head Coach, Cameron Tucker got his first win as Head Coach of his career.

The Jays took down Mount Mary in blowout fashion with a score of 94-40!

Being led offensively by senior Lindsay Novak who had a team-high 14 points. Along with freshman Jaikyliah Ravizee, who had a great all-around game tallying six points, nine assists, five rebounds, two steals, and a block.

Head Coach Cameron Tucker, got his second win as a head coach!

As the Jays started off hot, Milwaukee School of Engineering gave them the hardest win of the year. The Jays took down MSOE 57-54 in the last second of the game.

In the first two quarters, the Jays got outscored 35-21 but that did not discourage the Jays, as they came out hot for the last two quarters.

The fourth quarter was big for the Jays, as they went on a 21-5 run in the fourth quarter to win the game 57-54.

The Jays were led by Kristin Bukata who had 16 points, eight rebounds, and two assists.

The Jays held strong with their winning streak over the holidays, with several victories against Alverno College, Eureka College, and Manchester University.

Tomorrow, Dec. 4, the team hopes to continue their winning streak as they compete in their first CCIW game against Augustana College in Rock Island, IL.

Men’s Wrestling:

Elmhurst Men’s Wrestling, as a team, started 1-1 as they dropped their first match to Millikin 5-41. However, the Jays came back against Wheaton and took home the win, 38-12.

The Jays started off hot against Wheaton as sophomore Donovin Fields opened up the meet winning the match 16-1.

Freshman Connor Kelly secured the win for the Jays via pin.

The Jays took home a win 38-12, to even out their record.

On Wednesday, Nov. 20 the Jays traveled to Rock Island, IL where they unfortunately lost their match to Augustana College with a final score of 11-30.

On Nov. 23, the Jays continued on the road to the Concordia Open in Mequon Wisconsin, earning some notable personal placings for a few of the wrestlers.

Freshman Rhenzo Augusto placed third in his weight class, while Graduate student David Ortiz placed sixth in the heavyweight division.

Catch their next home match this Thursday, Dec. 5 against Carthage College!

Womens Wrestling

As the Jays had their first match at the Pointer Open, they faced seven of the top 25 teams in the nation.

None of the Jays were able to advance into the brackets, but sophomore Clara Rice was able to get the first win in the history of Elmhurst Women’s Wrestling.

The Jays’ second match was hosted at Plymouth, Wisconsin. Four Jays wrestlers battled in the Lakeland Scramble. However, none of Jay’s wrestlers were able to take home any wins.

The team competed in their first-ever Dual Match on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at Augustana College, losing with a score of 10-40. This history-making match was led by impressive performances on the mat by Freshman Veronica Cosio and Sophomore Eve Castrajon.

Catch their next matches today, Tuesday, Dec. 3 in Aurora IL, where they will compete against Aurora University and Quincy University!