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Show 1 - 7 * rvi!^; *••-••> •• ;•;: A •**- ;*•> ,-r - I orts The College Times WMF i" • M M — I I — Bll MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2007 Utah Valley hoping to get involved in all the upsets Nixon thriving through change Jason Adkins Sports writer Coaching a college basketball team for more than a few years is a rare feat these days. UVSC women's coach Cathy Nixon is one of those who are defying the stereo- types of college coaches as she starts her 13th season at the helm of the Wolverines. Ultimately, Nixon's commitment to the program stretches to 17 years, as she assisted for four years before taking charge. As Nixon is preparing for the team's fifth season of NCAA play, she said it's a far cry from where she started. "I came here as an assistant coach and made $500 a year," said Nixon. See NIXON- B12 Best season ending with Independent tournament Ben Webster Sports editor With the most wins at the NCAA Division I level already in the books, and the regular season out of the way with a game against Nevada Saturday, the women's volleyball team turns to the Independent Championship. Utah Valley (18-9) SeeVOLLEYBALL-873 Ben Webster Sports editor When a basketball team like No. 12 Marquette schedules a team like Utah Valley, the high-ranked team likes to think it's scheduling a win. Sometimes it happens that way, and other times it turns into a shocker. That's why they play the games. Of course, Utah Valley isn't just happy to get on Marquette's schedule; the team wants to go for the SportsCenter-rnaking upset. Utah Valley coach Dick Hunsaker said, "It doesn't mean much just to get on the schedule. When we start competing and winning these games, or getting these teams to come here, then that's something." Well, Marquette isn't about to play Utah Valley in a home-and-home format, so the Wolverines have to take what they can get, play hard NCAA, rowdy crowd on hand for final exhibition him a game-high 27 points. After a tough-fought first Assistant Sports editor half, the Wolverines pulled As the clock ticked down away in the second, thanks to on the Wolverines' 79-67 Toolson and Brady's remarkpreseason win over the Grif- able play. fins of Westminster College, "When you come out Utah Valley got more than and you see a good crowd, the win: They also got a it gives you energy to play," glimpse into the future. Brady said. "You want to With representatives from perform for the people that the NCAA in come out and attendance, spend their along with time and their / give the crowd all the 3,643 screammoney to see ing fans, the credit for the early lead in you. It's albar was set as the game. ways a big to what Utah Coach Hunsaker energy boost Valley is cawhen there pable of and are people in what the futhe stands." ture may hold. As the "I give the crowd all the Wolverines continue to make credit for the early lead in the transition as a Division I the game," coach Dick Hun- program, it is important for saker said. "They energized them to be invited into a us, and I thought they were well-respected conference. sensational." With the incredible fan Utah Valley standouts support Utah Valley had Ryan Toolson and Jordan against the Griffins, the Brady were sensational, as NCAA has to take notice. well. A baseline, two-handed While there are certainly throw-down by Brady early other factors, strong fan supin the first half sent the crowd port can't hurt the Wolverinto a frenzy. ines' cause. "Those two guys were Utah Valley played their fun to watch out there," said season opener when they Hunsaker, referring to his traveled to take on the Brontwo stars. "Our student body cos of Boise State last weekand fans are starting to see end. They will then hit the that, our play — it's fun; it's road again where they will all right." play Marquette and Arkansas Brady would finish with State before returning home 20 points on 8-of-10 shoot- to take on Troy in their first ing and nine rebounds, while regular season home game of Toolson's soft jumper gave the year. Matt Beaudin See COLUMN *B14 Making most of tournament Ben Webster Sports ediiof With the United Soccer Conference(USC) tournament being played on campus the women's soccer team is trying to make the most of what has been a tough season. It's been a rough road at times this season but playing the tournament gives the Wolverines a chance to turn things around a bit. And by beating New Jersey Institute of Technology 3-0 in the semifinals, the team's season looks a little different. Ken Hoglund / College Times 5eeSOCCER.SU Utah Valley forward Jordan Brady ignites the crowd with his breakaway dunk in the second half of his team's preseason victory. Fully loaded to begin season ley experienced, they also Matt Beaudin . pride themselves on the Assistant Sports editor depth of their bench. "Our depth is one of After coach Nixon's our strengths," Nixon said. lady Wolverines handily "I intend to go 10 players defeated Eastern Oregon deep, at times, this seain their one and only preson." season game, the coach While getting that who has been a fixture of kind of help off the bench Utah Valley basketball had would be great, it may not several reasons to be opbe needed with scorers timistic about her team's like Robyn Fairbanks and upcoming season. Sandy Marvin on the floor. With several players The two combined for returning who contributed 37 points in the win over significantly last season, Eastern Oregon. experience on the floor However, they also got will be one of the Wolverfour steals from reserve ines' strengths. point guard Asumi Na"It's nice to have some kayama and tough play leadership back," Nixon from seniors Rebekah Pesaid. "We can review some terson and Susie Cornejo things, rather then teach, everything brand new." Not only is Utah Val- See WOMEN'S BASKETBALL -fi12 Looking to lock up a trip to nationals Ben Webster Sports editor A No. 2 ranking is no small feat for Utah Valley hockey, but things can get better after this month. Virtually clinching a spot in the national tournament in March is what is at stake when the Wolverines play in the American Collegiate Hockey Association Western Classic. It's only November, but this month the team heads back to Colorado for games against No. 1 Colorado and a game against No. 3 Eastern Washington. Utah Valley sitting at 10See HOCKEY-8/4 Looking ahead Ken Hoglund / College Times Forward Mike Dougulis (center) skates away from Colorado State defenders in Utah Valley's 3-2 win. Nov. 16 against Utah, 8:30 p.m. Nov. 17 against Walla Walla, 8:30 p.m. |