As Olivet Nazarene University kicks off the 2017-2018 academic year, several Tiger athletic teams are starting their fall season of competition. Here are a few highlights from the opening games.
Football
Tiger football met Kansas Wesleyan University for the home opener on Saturday, August 26, 2017. When the clock read 0:00, the standing-room-only crowd was on its feet applauding the Tigers’ victory, 31-24. Rashaan Gaymon, a junior majoring in sport management, had six catches for 133 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning score in the final 30 seconds of the fourth quarter.
The Tigers’ win in their season opener was their first since 2015. This was also ONU’s first win over a nationally ranked opponent since 2011.
“What a game!” says Head Coach Eric Hehman. “I was really proud of how our team battled. Our team stayed positive and in the present on each play. I like our physicality and our energy. It was a good first game.”
Men’s soccer
Following a tough loss in the season opener, Tiger men’s soccer tied 1-1 with Cornerstone University in the home opener. Even with two 10-minute overtimes, neither team prevailed. Tiger forward Tumi Moshobane — an international business major from Soweto, South Africa — scored his first career goal during the game.
Women’s soccer
Beginning the season with a tournament, Tiger women’s soccer snapped back on day two of the Columbia Classic to pick up a win over Missouri Valley College. Sarah Buffum, a sophomore nursing major, scored her first goal of the season. Freshman Emily Hulliberger added her first college goal, which was the game winner.
Volleyball
Tiger women’s volleyball downed a NAIA-ranked opponent in the Saint Thomas Classic at Saint Thomas University in Florida. Against Missouri Baptist, Jeslyn Roat — a senior majoring in social work — finished with 17 kills. Freshman psychology major Kayleigh Kastelein ran the offense, dishing out 43 assists. Four Tigers finished with double-digit digs, led by Alex Ewalt — a junior majoring in chemistry — with 24.
Against Saint Thomas University, Kayleigh finished with 35 assists. Jeslyn dominated at the net with 20 kills. Alex had 22 digs, and Micki Quackenbush — a sophomore majoring in dietetics — contributed 15 digs.
On the road again over the weekend, the Tigers will be at home in McHie Arena on Sept. 5 for their first conference match against Indiana University South Bend.
For more information about the Olivet Tigers athletics program, contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@olivet.edu or 800-648-1463.
