Defense leads men's soccer

Men's soccer is hot on the trail of a repeat MIAC Championship after 1–0 wins against St. Olaf and Carleton.

The Scots (9–3–1, 6–0–1 MIAC) have shut out their opponents in nine of their last 10 games. Wednesday's win against Carleton temporarily puts the Scots in first place, one point ahead of Gustavus Adolphus (6–0–0 MIAC).

Last Friday, the Scots edged an inspired St. Olaf team that was looking to climb up the standings after a strong conference start. Facing an attack-minded Oles team and difficult playing conditions in Northfield, the Scots struggled to create attacking chances in the first half.

In the second half, the Scots gradually began to take hold of the game but nearly surrendered a goal off an Oles corner. Defender Mike Dannenberg '05 cleared the ball of the line. However, Macalester dominated possession and it was only a matter of time before the Scots would get on the board. In the 58th minute, Nathan Knox '04, the Scots' offensive kingpin, dribbled past two Ole defenders before finding Andrew Wissler '06 with a beautiful pass against the grain. Wissler made no mistake from inside the six-yard box to record his first collegiate goal.

Last Wednesday night, Macalester continued its charge for another conference title with a 1–0 win at home against Carleton. Midfielder Patrick Kelly '05 scored the only goal for the Scots.

The Scots will get a rest over Fall Break before playing two non-conference games in Wisconsin. If the Scots win at Concordia-Moorhead on Oct. 30, the conference title should come down to a matchup against Gustavus at home on Nov. 1.
Women's soccer hangs in title race

After a disappointing 0–0 draw at home against St. Olaf on Friday night, the Scots found themselves outside of the MIAC title race. However, after Tuesday's overtime win against Carleton and a draw between conference co-leaders St. Thomas and St. Benedict, Macalester (7–1–5, 5–0–3 MIAC) is still in contention for yet another first-place finish.

Last Friday, the Scots held a decisive advantage against St. Olaf but were unable to capitalize on their chances. The Scots had the best chances in the first half, but in the 19th minute, forward Anna Gierke '05 headed wide and 15 minutes later, Meghan Leahey '06 connected on a cross from Sarah Oviatt '04 but could not find the target.

The Scots redoubled their efforts in the second half, firing 10 shots at the Oles' goal, but the game remained scoreless after 90 minutes. Macalester, knowing that the game had crucial championship implications, pressed forward in the overtime periods, but St. Olaf keeper Kara Olson denied the Scots what would have been a valuable win.

Macalester's offense remained stagnant at Carleton on Tuesday afternoon, but the Scots finally found the net in overtime. Seven minutes into extra time, Claire Parisi '03 found a loose ball at the top of the box and chipped a shot over the keeper to give new life to Macalester's title hopes.

Lisa Bauer '04 made eight saves and earned her eighth shutout of the year.

With three games remaining, the Scots sit in third place, one point behind the Tommies and the Blazers (two points for a win, one point for a tie).
Volleyball's playoff hopes set back

Volleyball's playoff hopes were given a boost after a come-from-behind 3–1 win over Hamline last Friday, but Wednesday's 3–0 loss to St. Olaf puts the Scots in a must-win situation.

After losing a close 30–27 first set to Hamline, the Scots (8–14, 3–6 MIAC) found themselves down 29–27 in the second. The Scots, however, staged an impressive comeback, winning the next four points to tie the match at 1–1. Macalester used that momentum to take the lead with a 30–25 win in the third set before breezing past the Pipers in the fourth set, 30–17.

Carley Bomstad '04 led the way for Macalester with 25 kills and five blocks while setter Amanda Slyker registered 48 assists.

At home to St. Olaf on Wednesday, the never-say-die Scots battled for their playoff lives, but lost three close sets, 30–26, 30–25. 30–25.

Macalester's two remaining conference matches are against St. Catherine's and MIAC leaders St. Thomas. The Scots will likely need to win both matches and get help to reach the top six and qualify for the playoffs.