By Hailey MacDonald, Editor-in-chief
The fall sports season is in full swing at Western New England University. Athletes moved onto campus a few weeks early in order to prepare for their seasons — seasons that didn’t happen last fall due to the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Now, however, athletes are more than ready to continue their athletic careers in a Golden Bear uniform.
Saturday, September 4 marked a huge 24-13 win for the Football Team over Springfield College in the annual Pynchon SAW game. They walked away with the Pynchon SAW Trophy for the second year in a row. Last Friday night, September 10, they competed under the lights at Westfield State University and came out with a 48-0 victory over the Owls.
Men’s Soccer started off their season strong with a 2-1 win against Clark University, a 4-0 win over Westfield State University, and a 1-0 win against Keene State College. They tied Brandeis 0-0 after trailing into double-overtime in their first game of the season, but they’re now on a three game win streak. They have two home games coming up: Tuesday at 4:00p.m. against Babson, and Saturday at 3:00p.m. against the University of New England.
The Women’s Soccer Team pulled off a 5-0 win over Fitchburg State University on September 11 and a huge 2-1 win against Springfield College on September 12. They currently have a record of 3-2 and head to New York to face off against Union College on Wednesday, September 15.
Men’s Golf traveled to Middlebury College in Vermont last weekend to compete in the Duke Nelson Tournament. They placed 14 out of 23 schools, with senior Ryan Zogby shooting a 75 and 71 on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. They travel up to Old Orchard Beach in Maine on Thursday, September 16 to play in the Commonwealth Coast Conference Qualifier.
Women’s Volleyball has a positive record of 4-2 and won four straight games to start off their season strong. They were victorious over Elms College, Framingham State University in two separate games, and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. They travel to Westfield State University on Wednesday, September 15 for their next game.
Women’s Tennis begins their season on Wednesday, September 15 on the road at Endicott College.
Women’s Field Hockey came out on top against Wheaton College 2-1 on September 4. They currently have a record of 1-2 and will be travelling to Rhode Island this weekend to compete against Roger Williams University.
Men’s and Women’s Cross Country competed in the Smith Invitational Meet in Northampton, Massachusetts on Saturday, September 11. The Men’s Team came in fourth out of nine teams while the Women’s Team came in sixth out of eight teams. Matt Provost and Anthony Spooner placed 16 and 21 out of 72 runners, respectively. Emily Kowall and Victoria Burke placed 22 and 38 out of 68 runners, respectively.
All athletes, regardless of vaccination status, are tested for COVID-19 twice per week. Teams are wearing masks indoors at all times and taking steps to stay safe and diligent against the virus in order for their seasons to run smoothly.
Follow the Athletics Department on Instagram @wne_goldenbears to stay up-to-date, and visit their website wnegoldenbears.com for scores, in-depth reviews, photos, and more.
