UMFK Athletics Recap and Homecoming News
It was another action-packed weekend for the UMFK Bengal athletic teams as the Women’s Soccer team continued its winning ways, Women’s volleyball defeated its rival, and the Men’s Soccer team defied the odds against some of the best teams in the country.
With only one game on the schedule this week, Women’s soccer took full advantage of their one and only opportunity as they traveled down to Boston and took care of business against Fisher College, winning the match 4-0. Yuli Sanchez had a hat trick with three goals on the day. The Bengals are currently ranked as the number two overall team in the USCAA.
Women’s Volleyball hosted the second of their three home matches of the season when their rival, the University of Maine at Presque Isle, came to town. The Bengals defeated the Owls in both matches in three straight sets Wednesday night. Rachel Nance was an elevation sensation as she soared above the net throughout the night, collecting points for the home team. On Friday, the Bengals struggled against Maine Maritime Academy, losing in three sets, but they remain amongst the top teams as they are currently tied for 3rd place in the USCAA.
The Men’s soccer team took on the role of David versus multiple Goliath’s this past week on their southern road trip through Ohio and Kentucky. After coming to a draw with Union College and the University of Northwestern Ohio, as well as losing to West Virginia Tech, the Bengals rallied at the end of the trip to defeat the University of Rio Grande, the 6th ranked team in the NAIA, 2-1 in double overtime. Despite being down 1-0 early in the contest, Travar McCollah netted one home for UMFK to tie the game late in the first half. Then it took two extra periods for Nickalous Gayle to finally slip past the defense after a pass from Alexi Sarmis and score the game-winner for the Bengals.
It was a very successful trip for the Men’s soccer team and a job well done by the Bengals. Going 2-1-2 on the long trip against much larger schools with two or three times the resources says a lot about the tenacity and grit the Bengals have. The Men’s soccer team is tied for first place in the latest USCAA rankings poll.
All of our Fall sports teams are playing at home this weekend in celebration of Homecoming. Make sure to check out all of the athletic events that are taking place live from the UMFK Sports Center and Alumni Memorial Field. On Saturday, the Men’s soccer team takes on Bryant & Stratton College at 2 PM. On Sunday, the Women’s Soccer team faces off against U-Maine Machias at 12 Noon, with the Men’s game following the conclusion of that one. In the Sports Center, the Women’s Volleyball team looks to stay unbeaten at home as they also will play U-Maine Machias at 3 PM.
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