OLIVER KIMOKEO | sports editor

What an exhilarating week it has been for campus athletics.

The Cougars had three home volleyball contests in a row as well as three women’s soccer regional matches at the Cougar soccer complex. The football team wrapped their regular season in Florida and basketball is just starting up. To top it off, cross country did excellent at their regionals and look poised to run up a storm in Kenosha next week at their national tournament.

While it is my duty as a sports journalist to remain as an objectionable observer, I find it difficult not to get emotionally invested in our teams as an APU student and sports fan.

This week, the joys were high and the fallbacks were disappointing.

First, on Nov. 1, I was shocked when men’s soccer dropped their first round regional game. I took for granted that they were invincible, especially for Region II. However, the game will be a blessing in disguise for the team.

They gave themselves a week of rest and their national aspirations will not be affected. It is better that the loss happened at regionals as opposed to nationals when one loss will end the whole season.

Then, on Nov. 2, three major events occurred and the day will go down as a very special day in Athletics history: the breaking news of the aquatics, the women’s soccer regional semifinal, and the UCLA basketball exhibition.

Women’s soccer played an exciting overtime game in which they proved they can play as physical as any team out there.

Covering the UCLA game was a great experience. However, losing by 50 points was a tough pill to swallow. I know men’s basketball was playing against one of the best teams in the country but it is tough to take a 50-point loss for any game.

Saturday, Nov. 3 brought action for a majority of the sports. Football has done an excellent job late in the season and to finish with a winning season after starting 2-5 is a testament to the character of the team. Also, volleyball had a solid win against a NAIA top 10 team. Sweeping the Point Loma Nazarene season series will help in a big way.

Finally, on Nov. 6, women’s soccer was playing in their regional final and volleyball hosted Biola. I am impressed with the way women’s soccer did not stop trying to score a goal even though they could not push one through after 70 minutes. All season, women’s soccer have faced their challenges head on. Next week, they will prove to the nation how special their team is.

For volleyball, getting swept by Biola in three games on our home court is disappointing for our school pride. The Eagles are excellent this year—they are the only team to defeat NAIA No. 1 Fresno Pacific. However, the Cougars are capable of playing better.

The Cougars may get their third chance to knock out Biola next Tuesday in the likely Region II first round game in La Mirada.