Cleveland State University is witnessing a vibrant start to its fall sports season, encapsulated in the latest edition of Viking Sports Weekly for September 15. This weekly update highlights events, athlete achievements, and team performances across various sports, providing insight into the university’s athletic prowess and community engagement.
Upcoming Events
The week of September 15-21 is packed with exciting competitions for various Viking teams, including volleyball, soccer, cross country, and golf. On Thursday, September 18, the volleyball team will host Kent State at 6:00 p.m., while the women’s soccer team will be on the road to face Detroit Mercy at 7:00 p.m. The next day, the men’s tennis team will be at the WMU Invite, and volleyball will travel to Akron for a match at 6:00 p.m.
The packed schedule continues into Saturday, September 20, with men’s tennis still participating in the WMU Invite and the prestigious ITA All-American Championship. Additionally, the Vikings’ men’s soccer team will play against Oakland at 7:00 p.m., which is an important Horizon League clash. Sunday brings more action with men’s tennis, golf contests, and the women’s soccer team’s match against Oakland at 1:00 p.m.
Viking of the Week Nominees
Highlighting individual excellence, the Viking of the Week nominations celebrate athletes who have made significant contributions to their teams. Notable nominees include:
- Ryleigh Alcala (Women’s Soccer): She marked a milestone with her first collegiate goal and assist, playing a key role in a 3-0 victory over Morehead State.
- Isabella Caraballo (Women’s Swim & Dive): She excelled in her season-opening tri-meet, winning both the 500 and 1,000-yard freestyle events.
- Ryan Poling (Men’s Soccer): Achieving his first shutout in a scoreless draw against Milwaukee, he made four crucial saves during the match.
- Brody Simms (Men’s Golf): His remarkable performance at the Joe Feaganes Marshall Invitational earned him the individual title, marking a significant achievement as the first individual win for the Vikings since 2019.
Women’s Soccer Insights
The women’s soccer team is making great strides as they shift into Horizon League play. They secured consecutive shutouts, with their most recent being a commanding 3-0 victory over Morehead State. Ryleigh Alcala’s impressive performance not only contributed to the victory but also underlined the growing strengths of the team, particularly as they prepare for critical league matches against Detroit Mercy and Oakland.
Men’s Soccer Performance
Cleveland State’s men’s soccer team has begun their Horizon League matches with determination. The team earned a point with a 0-0 draw against Milwaukee. Ryan Poling emerged as a standout player in this match, demonstrating solid goalkeeping skills that will be essential as they head into their crucial home game against Oakland on Saturday.
Volleyball Highlights
As the volleyball team closes out their non-league schedule, they are looking to build momentum from a recent win against Duke, marking their first victory of the season. Players like Bryn VanVleet and Vayda Delventhal have made notable contributions, with VanVleet’s offensive prowess and Delventhal’s defensive skills featured prominently during the three-day Wolfpack Invitational tournament.
Cross Country Update
Cleveland State’s cross country team is gearing up for the All-Ohio Classic. Ana Crangle aims for her third consecutive top-ten finish, which speaks volumes about her consistency and strength as an athlete. The team’s performance in this upcoming meet will be crucial for establishing their competitive dynamics early in the season.
Golf Team Progress
The men’s golf team is also making great strides as they prepare for the Earl Yestingsmeier Invitational. After achieving several top-10 finishes in prior tournaments, including a third-place finish at the Golden Grizzlies Intercollegiate, the team will rely on the leadership of players like Brody Simms, who recently captured an individual title.
Swimming and Diving Overview
Cleveland State’s swimming and diving teams recently participated in a season-opening tri-meet where both teams secured victories against Milwaukee and Green Bay. Following a successful debut, both teams will take a short hiatus before returning for the Akron Zips Classic on October 11. Freshman swimmer Jaden Davillier and Isabella Caraballo proved instrumental with their individual wins, showcasing the depth of talent in the program.
Men’s Tennis Season Kickoff
The men’s tennis teams will kick off their fall campaign with the WMU Invite and ITA All-American Championships this weekend. This marks the beginning of a packed tournament schedule, during which athletes will seek to refine their skills and strengthen their competitive edge ahead of the winter season.
Conclusion
The dedication displayed by the athletes and the breadth of competitions in this week’s Viking Sports Weekly not only celebrates Cleveland State’s commitment to athletic excellence but also highlights the vibrant community that rallies behind these teams. From volleyball to soccer, and cross country to golf, each sport plays a pivotal role in representing the spirit and determination of Viking athletics. The ongoing support from fans and families contributes significantly to the athletes’ motivation and success. As the season unfolds, fans should keep an eye on these teams and athletes, and engage in the journey towards success and community spirit. Be sure to follow updates, attend games, and support your Vikings as they strive for excellence both on and off the field.
