Sports

Park’s men’s and women’s soccer teams kick off their seasons

Natalya Nalivaiko Editor

Men’s soccer began the season with a 3-0 home field win against Ottawa University on Sept. 11.

Senior forward Mohamed Ndaliro came out with the first goal of the game, with a perfect set up by senior midfielder Rama Emeka Aniakor. The two scored again, leaving it 2-0 before half time. In the second half, senior midfielder Daniel Araya scored the final goal of the game.

The Pirates came out a few days later to collect a win over No. 1 ranked Missouri Valley College, pulling out a victory, 2-1, in overtime.

The next two games were not in favor of the Pirates. The men’s team tied with Clark University in double overtime, and later on that week, had a loss of 3-0 against MidAmerica Nazarene University. However, Park then had a victory over Graceland University in double overtime for a 2-1 win.

The men’s team stands at 3-1-1 for the season, but Park’s women’s soccer has had a tougher time.

The Pirate’s first game of the season, against William Woods University, was canceled. They played their second game against University of St. Mary, yet tied 1-1 in double overtime. Next came another canceled game, this time against Ottawa University.

Finally, on Sept. 14, the Pirates were able to continue their season with a match up against Missouri Valley College. However, the Vikings beat the Pirates, 4-1.

The next three games for the Pirates were not successful either. Clarke University won 3-0, MidAmerica Nazarene took the win 2-1, and Graceland University won 2-1 in double overtime against Park, leaving the Pirates with a record of 0-4-1 for the season.

Park’s women’s soccer hopes to turn things around on Julian Field.

For the upcoming Homecoming weekend, the women’s team will face Mount Mercy University on Saturday. Oct. 2 at noon.

Park’s men’s soccer will play after, also facing Mount Mercy, at 2:30 p.m. The two teams hope to bring home two victories for the Homecoming weekend at Park.

PHOTO COURTESY/ Dale Grosbach

Senior forward Mohammed Ndaliro is in a mid-run down Julian Field in a match against Ottawa University on Sept. 11.

October 1, 2021

PHOTO COURTESY/Dale Grosbach Nada Meawad attacks out of the back row against University of Saint Mary in Breckon Sports Center on Aug. 27.

Women’s volleyball takes 8th straight sweep against Grand View University

Natalya Nalivaiko Editor

The No. 6-ranked Park University women’s volleyball team beat No. 24-ranked Grand View University in a three-game sweep on Saturday, Sept. 25.

The women’s team traveled to Grand View’s home gym in Des Moines, Iowa, and dominated the game at their opponents’ home court. The game scores were 25-22, 25-16 and 25-20, all in favor of Park.

A few players took charge in this game, leading to the Pirate’s win. Senior opposite hitter Noura Meawad led the team in kills at 17 while senior outside hitter Nada Meawad followed with 12 kills and 22 digs in the game.

As for assists for the night, senior libero Rebekah Rothacher had seven assists for the game and freshman setter Vera Beltrame, who was a Heart of America player of the week recently, led the team with 32 assists.

On the defensive side of the game, freshman middle blocker Debora Bernardi had the most blocks of the game with five and dominated with eight kills, while Noura Meawad had two solo blocks. In the back row, sophomore libero Giovanna Bello had 15 digs in the game, setting a new personal season high.

Park women’s volleyball has seen a lot of success this season. Following the win over Grand View, the team beat No. 12-ranked Central Methodist University at home, 3-1. That extended their win streak to 10. The team record stands at 13-2 on the season and 6-0 in the Heart of America conference.

For the Homecoming events this weekend, the Pirates will play on Friday, Oct. 1 against Baker University in Breckon Sports Center at 5 p.m.