Fall Sports in Full Swing at UC Davis

Last week we previewed the season. Here's a look at some other sports: 

Men’s soccer starts the season with a focus on their returning sophomore class.

With a full year of experience under their belts, the second-years will be looking to make a big difference in 2011.

Attacking midfielders Alex Henry and Alex Aguair both showed flashes of brilliance last season and Kevin Schulte set a school record with four assists against Cal Poly.

Couple that trio with fellow sophomores goalkeeper Omar Zeenni and forward Nick Grigoriev, and the Aggies have a chance for major improvement this season.

On the women's soccer team has started the season 2-1, tallying a win over rival Sacramento State. For the second year in a row the Aggies will rely on the defensive experience of senior Aisha Lott. Lott was named to the Big West Conference first-team last season.

On the offensive end, UC Davis will look for contributions from freshman Lexi Poppoff who scored in the team’s first contest against San Francisco.

UC Davis volleyball is already off to a hot start. The Aggies won their first three matches of 2011, sweeping their games in the Northern Colorado Classic. Allison Whitson has been a standout performer early on, tallying a team-high 46 kills.

UC Davis men’s water polo begins the 2011 season ranked 13^th in the nation and hanging on to championship hopes. The Aggies will rely on experience this season, with fifth-year seniors Kevin Peat, Ryan Hagens and Adam Salit all looking to repeat on solid seasons.

The Aggies field hockey program is looking to continue on its growth in its third year as a program. The Aggies outshot Pacific 31-3 in
their 3-1 win to open NorPac Conference play. UC Davis will rely on the offensive prowess of junior Nadia Namdari and sophomore Cloey LemMon.

UC Davis cross country will be hoping to build on 2010. Senior Jonathan Peterson finished 14^th in the nation last season and will be looking to improve on that finish in 2011.

On the golf course, the Aggies are looking to have yet another strong season on both the men’s and women’s teams.

The men’s team loses Austin Graham from last year’s squad, but the return of senior Tyler Raber and sophomore Matt Hansen means the Aggies will have a chance at a second-straight Big West Conference title.

On the women’s side, the Aggies start the year ranker 23^rd in the nation. Juniors Amy Simanton and Demi Runas will expect to continue their success with another NCAA Championship appearance this season.

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