September doesn't just mean the start of classes and schoolwork; it is also the start of an active AU fall sports lineup.
Often, when someone thinks about AU sports, the basketball team is the only thing that comes to mind. While they have been successful in the last few years, the AU field hockey, volleyball and soccer teams have also succeed in their respective sports. The fall season holds several NCAA tournaments and Patriot League Championships just like in the springtime.
Of the fall teams, the women's volleyball team has been the most successful. The Eagles coach Barry Goldberg has accumulated a record of 296-187 over 19 seasons with the school. His success has not come in just a few unbelievable seasons, and his consistency has shown on the court, as the Eagles have been selected as Patriot League preseason number one for the eighth year in a row.
Along with their strong coaching staff the team returns most of their members, only losing four members to graduation. To go along with their veteran squad, the Lady Eagles also have the world's tallest female twins returning in front of the net. They have been an important part to AU's success in the last few years and look to continue their dominance again this year.
The volleyball team opens their season Aug. 28 at George Mason University, and their home opener will be on Aug. 29 against George Washington.
AU's field hockey team has also put together a stretch of winning seasons and has created a winning atmosphere. The ladies will begin their season Aug. 28 against Indiana in search of their seventh consecutive Patriot League Title. Five-time Patriot League Coach of the Year Steve Jennings 12 will be returning behind the bench for American.
The team's success has not come without recognition as they are ranked in the national top 20 in both the coaches' and RPI polls for the sixth consecutive year. With the Lady Eagles only losing three to graduation, they look to continue that dominance.
Among the players returning are Patriot League Rookie of the Year Tatum Dyer, Third Team All-American Christine Fingerhuth and All-Mid Atlantic Region and Patriot League Second Team selection Kristin Gebhart. All of these players, including several other national selections, will be attempting to continue Jennings' smash mouth defensive minded hockey.
It is clear that the ever-evolving talent pool paired with Jennings' coaching style has been fruitful, as the team rides a 43-game conference win streak. They have struggled recently against non-conference opponents however, and will have to make it through their first nine games before seeing a League opponent. They open up their conference schedule on Oct. 3 at Holy Cross.
The final two sports of the fall season are men's and women's soccer. Both teams have struggled in recent past but look to improve off of last year. The men's team finished the year in the Patriot League semi-finals with a final record of 9-7-3 overall. The women didn't have quite the same success posting a 5-10-4 record, but have certainly made progress towards winning.
Perhaps the most important thing for the men to concentrate on is continuing their success at home and in the conference. They had a record of 5-2-1 at home and a 5-1-1 record against conference opponents; winning these games are how teams become champions. The Eagles were successful in overtime, winning several nail-biters in extra time. These wins are crucial since they often boost morale and give a team confidence.
The AU fall sports line is packed with great games. AU Athletics has something for everyone. Not only can everyone enjoy good matches, but they also can be part of a winning culture. While not all teams are on top of their respective Leagues, they are certainly moving in the right direction.
You can reach this staff writer at atomlinson@theeagleonline.com.
