Photo by mvcyclones.com
MV Women’s cross country took home the regional and conference championships at the NJCAA Region IV and Skyway Conference Championships this past Saturday.
By Joey Fernandez, Sports Editor
Cross country: Both teams make school history
Every single men’s and women’s cross country runner broke a personal best time of the year in the Regional and Conference championships Saturday as both teams won conference titles and qualified for nationals.
“That’s unheard of,” Coach Dimitri Dimizas said of the individual bests all happening at the same time. “They were ecstatic.”
The women’s team was the bigger news as it pulled off an upset over nationally ranked Carl Sandburg College for a regional title.
Both teams competed in a combined meet at Kishwaukee College. Moraine Valley cross country made history as both teams qualified for nationals in the same year for the first time. Nationals are Nov. 13 in Richmond, Va.
“The men are nationally ranked, so the expectation is to finish where they finished,” Dimizas said. “The women had an upset to qualify so I just want them to continue to improve.”
Men’s soccer: Tough loss brings dramatic end to season
The Cyclones nearly pulled off a major upset in the first round of the NJCAA Region IV Division II playoffs Saturday at Triton College. But MV lost 2-1 in overtime, ending the season. Still, sophomore captain Fernando Barragan was happy with how the team fought.
“I was proud of myself and this team because going into the game as the last seed facing the first seed it should usually be an easy game but we brought it to them,” Barragan explained.
With the loss, the team will be entering the off-season with ten sophomores who could potentially be leaving the team.
Men’s soccer season concluded with a heartbreaking 2-1 loss in overtime at Triton College in the first round of the NJCAA Region IV Division II playoffs.
Women’s soccer: Shutout loss concludes inconsistent season
Ending a season that coach Gerry Norris described as “one step forward, two steps backwards,” the MV women’s soccer team lost 2-0 to South Suburban College Saturday in the NJCAA Region IV playoffs.
Finishing with a 6-7 regular season record, Norris believed a few extra wins and a higher seed would have paid dividends towards a farther push into the playoffs.
“I would have loved to have finished higher.” Norris said, “We should’ve beat Elgin and Triton, and that would have given us a better chance.”
With only four sophomores on the roster, much of the team is expected to return next season.
Women’s volleyball: Teamwork leads to hot streak
Winning 9 out of their last 10 matches, the team has gone through their best stretch of the season going into the NJCAA Division IV Quarterfinals on Saturday Nov. 6. Coach Lauren Lorenz attributes the hot streak to teamwork and learning how to play well alongside each other.
“I think they’ve gotten better with their teamwork, and their fluidity has really grown the last couple weeks.”
With their last regular season game Thursday, Oct. 28, playoff preparation has begun with the team setting the expectations. Lorenz explained the team’s high aspirations, “We’re all hopeful that we can make a run for that spot at nationals.” he said, “Everyone’s been working hard.”
Men’s basketball: Third-year opportunity brings depth
The men’s basketball season begins at home Tuesday against Kankakee Community College.
Head coach John Chappetto is very confident in his team and the talent that has been put in place. “We have five players with a third year of eligibility and mixing them in with the talented newcomers adds a lot of depth to the team.”
Chappetto has already started pushing the high-tempo style of play on the players in practice and scrimmages.
“On the offensive end,” he said, “we look to push the ball and create easy scores using our athleticism.”.
Women’s basketball: Chemistry a priority going into season
While the regular season has yet to begin, the women’s basketball team has been practicing and playing exhibition games for almost a month. Sophomore G/F Maggie Manthey believes the team is continuing to improve.
“I feel like the chemistry on our team has slowly been getting better,” she said. “We have had a few team-bonding activities. I think our first game being an overnight trip will help tremendously.”
With 11 of the 16 players being sophomores, the team will look to use their experience as an advantage. The regular season begins Friday at Parkland College.
You must be logged in to post a comment.