Bluejay Sports Corner – 10/22

Photo by Kayleigh Wieska

Headliner: Football

After a big win on homecoming against the Vikings of North Park, the Jays took on the Firebirds of Carthage College on Saturday, Oct. 5, and did not disappoint with a final score of 23-17. With a big help from the defense only allowing a total of 17 points and 347 yards of total offense. At the same time, keeping the opposing quarterback at bay holding him to 152 yards of passing.

Sophomore Malakai Correa led the defense with a total of nine tackles, and five solo tackles. Along with senior Chris Reaves who had two pics himself that helped seal the win for the Jays.

The offense was led by junior wide receiver, Jacob Cockrell who had four receptions for 131 yards receiving, which led both teams in yardage. Two of those catches were recorded for touchdowns. Rushing was led by graduate student Darius Lane with a total of 41 rushing yards, but had a touchdown, helping lead the Jays to victory.

The Jays scored three in the first, 14 in the second quarter, and six in the fourth which was enough to outstand the Redbirds. The defense was able to shut out Carthage in the second and fourth quarter propelling them to a win.

On Oct. 12, the Jays played against Augustana College where their two-game winning streak came to an end in a score of  21-35.

The losing streak continued as the Jays were defeated by Washington University in St. Louis during a home game on Saturday, Oct. 19. While the Jays gave it their all on the field, they couldn’t bring it home, and the game ended with a score of 10-49.

Looking ahead, the Jays’ next home game will be against Carroll University on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Women’s Soccer: 

The women’s soccer team hosted two conference games under the lights this past week as they split the games 1-1. The Jays played North Park University, and North Central College.

The Jays offense played well enough to take the win against the Vikings of North Park, being led by sophomore Michelle Cuervo, who had the only goal between both teams.

While the Vikings outshot the Jays, the defense was able to step up. Was led by freshman Erin Fitzharris who had eight saves and was able to keep North Park off of the scoreboard. Leading to a Jays win (1-0).

The Jays then faced North Central College and were not able to stop the offense of the Firebirds as they put up seven goals, to the Jays’ zero.

They turned it around on Saturday, Oct. 19, when they defeated Illinois Wesleyan University on Senior Day with a score of 1-0.

Looking onward the team looks to take on Carthage College in Kenosha, WI this Saturday, Oct. 26.

Men’s Soccer:

In the last few weeks, the Jays have played a handful of conference games that did not end in their favor. However, the defense has been holding its own over the past couple of weeks, being led by sophomore goalie, Ryan Nguyen who has been making an abundance of saves over these weeks.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, the Jays ended their home game against Illinois Wesleyan University in a 1-1 tie.

The Jays look to get ahead as they face Concordia University next Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Women’s Volleyball:

Last week, the Jays hosted their yearly invitational and were able to take both wins against Wartburg College, and the University of Wisconsin River Falls.

The Jays were able to beat Wartburg University three sets to one. Being led by senior Elise Rossing who had 12 kills helping the Jays secure the victory. Along with a great defensive performance from senior Jada Wiley, and junior Gianna Ptaszek, who each had 11 digs.

In the same tournament, the Jays took down University of Wisconsin-River Falls, three sets to one. Being led offensively by senior Jada Wiley who had 15 kills, and defensively by senior Kellyn Kennedy, who had 13 digs herself.

On Friday, Oct. 18, the team competed against Carroll University for their Pink Out Breast Cancer Awareness Match and took home the gold with a score of 3-1.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, they weren’t able to carry that momentum, losing 0-3 to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

The Jays look to take on the Firebirds of Carthage College this Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Men’s Golf:

On Oct. 10, the men’s Golf team wrapped up the fall season at the BenU Fall Invite. The Jays were able to place fourth out of 16 teams.

Leading the Jays was senior Will Sherman who shot a collegiate-best 74, which was enough to tie him for fourth place individually. Followed by sophomore Riley Taylor, who shot 76 and placed ninth individually.

The Jays as a team scored a total of 309 securing them the tie in the fourth spot, and helped the Jays close out a successful fall season.

Women’s Cross Country

The Jays competed in the Drews-Neubauer Invite on Saturday, Oct. 19 in La Crosse, WI, and gave it their all, placing 13th out of the 20 teams.

They ended with a team total of 322 thanks to the hard work of junior Molly Roberts and her 56th-place finish with a time of 24:10:6.

Two Jays also reached new personal best times, sophomore Jessica Solar with a 67th-place finish and a time of 24:29:3, and sophomore Julietta Contreras with a time of 26:39:6.

Up next the Jays will race into the CCIW Championship on Saturday, Nov. 2, in Warrenville IL.

Men’s Cross Country

The men’s team also competed in the Drew-Neubauer Invite on Oct. 19, placing 15th out of the 20 teams.

The Jays ended with a team total of 395 thanks to the hard work of the team, and the team’s fastest runner, freshman Eric Martinez, who placed 71st in the race with a time of 27:05:6.

On Nov. 2, the Jays will also head into the CCIW Championship race, hoping to forge ahead.