Hillsdale College’s club soccer and rugby teams began their season this past weekend. Men’s soccer won 4-0 against Ferris State University, women’s soccer lost 4-2 at home against Central Michigan University, and rugby lost 24-5 against John Carroll University.
Men’s soccer dominated Ferris State in a shutout victory, according to junior Dylan Hughes.
“Our first game was really encouraging,” Hughes said. “Despite never practicing as a team, we had some beautiful moments and a great outcome.”
Seven freshmen joined the men’s soccer team this year.
“The upperclassmen are extremely excited about the capabilities of the freshmen class, and coach Graham has a lot of talent to work with in the games to come,” Hughes said.
Hillsdale Men’s Club Soccer will play its next game against Saginaw Valley State University at home on Sept. 7 at 1 p.m.
Women’s soccer moved into a more competitive league this year, with the guidance of coach Ken Koopmans.
“This league will allow us to have the consistent competition we need to improve,” junior Miriam Ritchey said.” “We have a strong team.”
The new league has a shorter season but the Chargers will face off against tougher teams.
While remaining neck and neck the first half, Women’s soccer lost its first game of the season against Central Michigan University 4-2.
“Today’s game was encouraging to show that we can compete in our new league,” Ritchey said. “Although we lost at the end, we were the first to score, and we led for much of the game.”
Ritchey and sophomore Katie Holford each scored one goal for the Chargers.
“After our first game, I’m super excited to take on the new league,” Holford said.
The women play their next match on Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. against Michigan State University away at Michigan State.
Last season, Hillsdale College Club Rugby also moved up a division to the Cohen Cup, the men’s small college national championship.
“It was our first year in our division last year and we crushed most of our games,” junior Paden Hughes said. “We won the championship too. This division will be harder, but I think we’ll improve a lot.”
Rugby lost 24 – 5 against John Carroll University in its first game.
“We were using a lot of rookies, but they exceeded expectations and we ended up performing a lot better than we did mid-season last year against the same team,” senior Brendan Henzel said. “I think once we can nail the basics down we have a lot of potential and could end up beating John Carroll in the playoffs.”
Hillsdale College Club Rugby’s upcoming game is home on Sept. 14th at 2 p.m. The team will play Southern Indiana University.
“I think having people in the stands is so impactful on the energy in the whole stadium,” women’s club soccer player and junior Maryellen Petersen said. “It’s so beautiful and exciting to have people cheering. It’s such a good feeling having fans show up to support us.”