Engineers begin spring sports on a solid note
The men’s basketball team are headlining the nation with their strong play, while baseball, softball, tennis, and women’s lacrosse are among the teams to watch out for
Men’s Baseball (1–3) started off with a win against Trinity University behind a strong outing by Zachary Kopstein ’20, but dropped their next two matchups against them and lost to No. 1 UMass Boston.
Men’s Basketball (24–5) continued to see outstanding play from AJ Jurko ’19 as they pulled out wins in the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament, against Brockport and Johns Hopkins University. The Engineers will face Middlebury College in the semifinal matchup Friday evening.
Men’s Track and Field competed in the Tufts Last Chance Qualifier, the final meet ahead of nationals. Alec Reduker ’20 finished third in the high jump with a season-high 6 feet, 9.5 inches and is now 14th in the nation. Chris Washington ’20 was fourth overall with a jump of 6 feet, 6 inches. Benton Wilson ’21 finished third in the 200 with a 22.40. Also highlighting the event was Mac Gregg ’21, who placed third in the long jump (21 feet, 8 inches), and Ryan Prinster ’18, who placed third in the triple jump (45 feet, 8.5 inches). Liam Ackerman ’21 finished third in the pole valut (14 feet, 9.5 inches). Cody Bratten ’18 finished 6th in the shot put and Jon Fakkema ’19 finished 6th in the weight throw.
Men’s Volleyball (12–2) cruised past their opponents at Lasell College and have now won four straight matchups. Thomas Nelson ’20 was awarded UVC Player of the Week honors after notching up 56 digs in three matches leading the Engineers to a 3-0 week.
Women’s Basketball (18–10) fell to Marymount University in a heart-breaking elimination game in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, despite a double-double from Taylor V’Dovec ’19.
Women’s Lacrosse (1–1) won an overtime thriller against Keene State College, 16–15, but couldn’t find any momentum against Plymouth State University as the Engineers took the loss, 17–11.
Rifle took third place at the MAC championship with 4,295 points. The Engineers were highlighted by Jesus Herrera ’20, who finished 5th in smallbore and David Bustillos ’18, who took 8th place in air rifle.
Women’s Softball (4–2) started off the season in strong fashion. Sarah Von Ahn ’20 stole the headlines when she was named the NEWMAC Softball Offensive Athlete of the Week. In that span, she batted .579 with 12 RBI.
Women’s Tennis (1–0) made a mockery of St. Lawrence as the Engineers took care of their opponents by a 9–0 margin in the spring opener. Elysa Kohrs ’18 and Libby Rickeman ’21 were named the NEWMAC Doubles Team of the Week for their outstanding play at the opener.