Mount Hood

Soccer drops game to Concordia 2-0

By: Jamal Smith 
Sports Editor

The Western women’s soccer team fell on the road to Concordia University Saturday Oct. 17, 2015.

After a scoreless first half, the Wolves conceded two goals, with the first coming in the 57th minute, and the second in the 90th with seconds remaining in the game.

The Wolves’ best chance at a goal came in the 86th minute when junior Kealakekua Makekau (M/D) sent a cross into the 18-yard box which junior Taylor Higa (F/M) volleyed just over the top of the goal.

During the course of a late five minute push, Western would take five shots on goal but were unable to find the back of the net.

After the heart-breaking loss, the Wolves overall record is 6-6-1 and 2-5-1 in GNAC conference play.

Volleyball falls short in close contest with Concordia

By: Jamal Smith 
Freelancer

The Western Oregon volleyball team lost at home in four sets on Oct. 13, 2015 to Concordia University (CU). The set scores were 25-19, 25-22, 21-25 and 25-20, in favor of CU.
The Wolves fell behind in the first set 5-12 but clawed their way back, eventually bringing the score to 14-19. It would continue to go back and forth from there, but CU would eventually win the set 25-19.
CU won the second set after a tight battle, resulting in 25-21.
After the two-set break, the Wolves came out with great energy and determination, winning the third set 25-20.
The fourth and final set was even at 13-13, but CU would outscore the Wolves 12-7 to close out the match.
First year player Amanda Short (OH), led the Wolves with 13 kills, and she also tallied 1 ace and 2 blocks. Junior Paige Kelsey (S/OPP) had 9 kills, 1 ace and 6 blocks.
The loss brings the Wolves’ overall record to 4-14 and 1-8 in GNAC conference play.
The Wolves’ hit the road on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2015 to take on Montana State University, before heading home for a two game stand against Seattle Pacific University on Thursday Oct. 22, 2015 at 7 p.m. and then Saint Martin’s University on Saturday Oct. 24, 2015 at 7 p.m. in the New P.E. Building.
For more information about the game or to purchase tickets, please call 503-838-8917 or visit the New P.E. Building, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Soccer posts 3-1 loss to Seattle Pacific

By: Jamal Smith 
Staff Writer 

The Western women’s soccer team lost 3-1 at home to Seattle Pacific University (SPU) on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015.
The loss brings the Wolves’ season record to 5-5-1, and 1-4-1 in GNAC conference play.

In another blow, senior forward and leading goal scorer Makana Pundyke suffered an injury in the 5th minute after the ball struck her in the head. Pundyke would not return for the rest of the match.

SPU scored their first goal in the 34th minute after a cross into the home goal box, finding its way past sophomore goalkeeper Lindsey Mabinuori. Mabinuori would have a spectacular save later in the half, denying the Falcons an opportunity to go into the half two up.

Western came out in the second half with more energy and increased possession.

The Wolves’ efforts paid off in the 53rd minute when junior forward Savannah Bogan equalized the score at 1-1 with a shot into the top right corner.

Bogan was assisted by freshman midfielder Dacia Alexander. “The goal was a good all-around team effort. It was good work by Dacia to get the second ball, and we are all confident in each other to take good shots,” stated Bogan after the match.

Seattle Pacific would go on to grab another goal in the 63rd minute, and then again right at the death in the 86th minute. “It’s always a battle with them [Seattle Pacific] and we have to compete because they are a quality team,” stated Wolves head coach Steve Ancheta. “But our girls worked hard today.”

Western’s next two games are on the road where they take on Saint Martin’s University on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015 and then Concordia University on Saturday, October 17, 2015.

Tough stuff at Powder Tuff

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By: Rachael Jackson 
Freelancer

The third day of Homecoming Week, Wednesday Oct. 14, 2015 hit a peak with the boys’ Powder Tuff volleyball game.

Sharing the day with Pink Out, most players and spectators wore pink garments, such as shirts, socks, and bandanas, in order to raise breast cancer awareness.

The game began with a huddle around the Assistant Director of Intramural and Club Sports, Ben Prahl. Normally the game is broken up between teams of those who live on- or off-campus, but low attendance meant teams were mixed this year.

The audience sat attentive as the first plays were set in motion, the first points garnering excited whoops and cheers.

Watching from the sidelines and nearly hit by a wayward ball, Shay Guyton, a senior and Community Health major, surveyed the game with a watchful eye.

“It’s really great that there is so much spirit displayed,” Guyton said, “I’m loving that people are wearing pink, the students, the players, even Wolfie.”

Though they did not practice beforehand, most players seemed to come prepared with a working knowledge of the game.

One player, Reece Blatch, a junior American Sign Language Interpreting and American Sign Language Studies double major, mentioned he plays volleyball at both Seaside and Corvallis. A source from the crowd pointed out several of the players that take part in intramural and open gym volleyball. Their skill showed as both sides held their own during the game.

The boys played a series of rounds, the game ending with the home team taking the win with a final score of 25-20.

Don’t miss the Powderpuff game, taking place Friday Oct. 16, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. The game will take place on the turf field. Show up early for a tailgate at 5:30 p.m. and stick around after the game for a fireworks show.

Upset

By: Jamal Smith 
Staff Writer

The Wolves football team edged out undefeated University of Northern Alabama (UNA), winning at home 24-22 Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, at McArthur Field.

The Wolves were considered massive underdogs against UNA, who came into the game as the no. 6 ranked team in the country in Division II football.

Throughout the game, the Wolves defense was spectacular. On Northern Alabama’s first drive, junior Danny Hankins (DB) intercepted UNA’s Luke Wingo (QB).

After the Lions forced a punt on Western’s next possession, the Wolves created another turnover when senior Jonathan Breland (LB) got to Wingo and forced a fumble. The Wolves capitalized and went ahead 3-0 on a 39 yard Jesse Correa (K) field goal.

Northern Alabama’s next drive was cut short after yet another turnover; this time an interception by Breland who would have a total of two interceptions for the game and one forced fumble.

Junior David Sowards (QB) would lead the Wolves downfield on the next possession, but UNA stopped the offense in the red zone, setting up an apparent 4th down field goal.

Western had other plans and faked the field goal. Sophomore Paul Revis (WR) threw a touchdown pass to sophomore Devin Williams (DL). WOU would go up on Northern Alabama 10-0 going into the second quarter.
The Wolves’ defense continued their outstanding form in the second quarter, forcing UNA to punt twice, and adding another forced fumble, this time by junior Jeremy Moore (DL).

The only blemish in the first half for WOU’s defense came late in the second quarter when Wingo would connect with one of his wide receivers for a 60-yard touchdown. The Wolves led the Lions 10-7 at the half.

Just a few minutes into the third quarter, Wolves quarterback Sowards limped off the field after being hit on a pass attempt. He was replaced with third-string sophomore Phillip Fenumiai (QB).

“You just have to wait for your time to get in there and just go to work, and everything that you prepare for in the offseason just makes its way into the game,” said Fenumiai after the game.

The Lions would score the only points of the third quarter on a field goal, and then score another field goal early in the fourth quarter, taking the lead 16-10.

Fenumiai led the Wolves to two unanswered fourth quarter touchdown drives; the first ended when Fenumiai scrambled for a 13-yard touchdown, and the second on a Fenumiai 8-yard pass to junior Andy Avgi (TE) which increased the Wolves lead to 24-16.

The Lions would show why they were ranked the number six team in the country on their next drive, answering the Wolves touchdowns with an 11 play, 68-yard touchdown drive of their own.
However, with the score 24-22, WOU’s defense stopped the Lions from converting on the 2 point conversion. With 1:24 remaining in the game, the Lion’s kicked an onside kick, which Northern Alabama recovered near midfield.

Lions quarterback Wingo marched Northern Alabama downfield with a five play, 42-yard drive that put the Lions in field goal position on Western Oregon’s 23 yard line with just seconds remaining in the game.
On 2nd down and 10, Wingo dropped back to pass, but Wolves’ linebacker Breland jumped the rout and got his second interception of the game, sealing the victory for the Wolves.

“To put the game away against the number six team in Division 2 football, it is a great feeling for me personally but I just love my team,” stated an exuberant Breland after the game. “My defense, my offense, I love playing with these guys and I was just glad to make a play for them.”

“I’m really proud of our defense stepping up in a big way and getting the ball to our offense,” said Wolves’ head coach Arne Ferguson. “We capitalized in the fourth quarter when we needed to.”

The win against UNA brings the Wolves’ record to 3-3 overall, and 1-1 in GNAC conference play.

“Western Oregon, we’re here to play,” stated Breland. “We had it a little bit rough in the beginning of the season, but we feel like right now were we are at, we will just keep climbing from here.”
The Wolfpack’s next game is against Central Washington University on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015 at 1:05 p.m. on McArthur Field.

For more information or ticket sales, please contact the ticket office at 503-838–8917, or stop by the New P.E. Building, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Men’s club rugby eyes national championship

By: Jack Armstrong 
Copy Editor

The Western men’s rugby club is looking forward to their most successful season yet.
On the back of returning seniors and an injection of fresh blood underclassmen, the prospect for a winning run at the USA National Rugby Championship is starting to seem more and more plausible.

“We actually made the Varsity cup last year,” said Sean Pomeroy, a Prop at the club, and a senior education major. “We hosted Montana State and won, but due to unforeseen circumstances, we couldn’t progress on to the finals.”

Pomeroy was hopeful saying, “with the Squad we’ve put together this year, I really think we have a shot at the National Championship.”

According to Pomeroy, there were enough interested players to form a secondary squad this season.

“We have around 40 players total in the club,” he said, “some play on b-side, and we have people who swing between a-side and b-side, but we try to take as many people with us to games as possible. It helps to learn the game and get questions answered.”
Questions like: what exactly does a prop do in rugby?

“A prop acts like a guard on a football team,” said Pomeroy, “we do a similar job to an offensive lineman.”

There is a wide range of positions with lots of different play styles offered for students interested in joining the team.

Rugby season is year-round, and students wanting to try out can stop by any team practice. The club meets every Monday through Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. on the turf field next to the softball diamond.

“We’ll take anybody we can get who has a love for big hits and tough play,” Pomeroy said.

The Wolves face a tough challenge in their next game in the NCRC 7’s Championship hosted in Ellensburg, Wash. on Oct. 17, 2015.

A full schedule of matches and a contact page for interested students can be found on wourugby.org, and on the WOU Men’s Rugby Facebook page.

Women’s soccer triumphs in conference game

By: Jamal Smith 
Freelancer

WOU vs. Central Washington University (CWU) – Oct. 3, 2015

The Wolves women’s soccer team got their first conference win at home on Sat., Oct. 3, 2015 over Central Washington University with a final score of 2-1.

Senior Makana Pundyke (CF) scored two second-half goals which secured the WOU’s comeback victory.

CWU took the lead after a goal in the 20th minute when the ball bounced around in the box and found its way into the back of the net.

Although the Wolves had multiple opportunities to score in the first half, they were left empty handed going into halftime.

In the second half, Western had better ball control and more energy which put pressure on CWU’s defense.

The Wolves first goal came in the 56th minute on a Brooke Steinberg (D) free kick just outside of the 18-yard box. The free kick was headed off the top of the crossbar by senior Dana Goularte (D), and after a scramble, Pundyke put the ball past CWU’s goalkeeper.

Pundyke got her second goal in the 63rd minute when a scrum in the box saw the ball fall to her from a corner kick from junior Kealakekua Makekau (CM).

Western’s head coach Steve Ancheta attributed the Wolves’ second half success to half-time adjustments. “In the second half we pressed a little bit higher which caused them a little bit of stress and it led to free kicks and penalty kicks,” Ancheta said.
The Wolves improved their overall record to 5-3-1 for the season, and 1-2-1 in GNAC conference play.

WOU vs. Concordia University (CU) – Oct. 5, 2015

The team lost 2-0 at home on Tuesday against Concordia University. The loss brings the overall record to 5-4-1 and 1-3-1 in GNAC conference play.

Concordia got their first goal in the 20th minute on a free kick at the top of the goal box. Although Western’s goalkeeper, Lindsey Mabinuori, was able to make the save, she couldn’t get both hands on the ball and a Concordia player took advantage by finding the back of the net.

In the second half, the Wolves applied the pressure and had great ball control but couldn’t conceive a goal. Western had multiple chances to score that saw the ball go just wide of the goal posts on multiple occasions.

Concordia’s second goal came in the 59th minute on a thru ball on a counter-attack.
The loss to Concordia was the second game in the Wolves’ three game home stand. The next home game is on Saturday October 10th at 11 a.m. against Seattle Pacific University before they hit road to take on Saint Martin’s University on Saturday, Oct. 17th.