Calvin continued its conference sports dominance this fall, winning MIAA titles in five fall sports over the last week: men’s cross country, women’s cross country, women’s volleyball, men’s soccer and women’s soccer.
Men’s cross country continued their dominance of the MIAA with their 27th straight MIAA championship — all under coach Brian Diemer. Junior Josh Ferguson took third in the race but led the Knights. Senior Paul Lewis from Albion won the race and was named Most Valuable Runner, the first time since 1984 that a runner from a school other than Calvin or Hope has earned the title. The Knights move on to regionals, which they will host, on Nov. 16.
The women’s cross country team won their eighth title in nine years — also under Coach Diemer. Freshman Cassie Vince won the race with an 11-second victory. Second place finisher and senior Sheri McCormack from Hope was named Most Valuable Runner. The Knights move on to regionals on Nov. 16, which they have the honor of hosting this year.
The volleyball team won their fourth straight MIAA championship against Kalamazoo on Friday, clinching the shared possession of the title with Hope. Senior Megan Rietema is the writer’s choice for MIAA Most Valuable Player. The Knights start MIAA tournament play on Friday night when they take on St. Mary’s at the Van Noord arena, this year’s location for the MIAA championship.
Men’s soccer clinched their seventh-straight MIAA title on Saturday. Junior Travis Vegter is the writer’s choice for MIAA Most Valuable Player since he leads in goals and points. Calvin will host the first round of the MIAA tournament on Thursday and the top remaining seed after semi-finals will host the finals on Saturday.
Women’s soccer won their seventh MIAA title in nine years after defeating rival Hope College 1-0 on Monday afternoon. Both teams came into the game in a tie for the conference lead, but a goal from sophomore Taylor TenHarmsel in the 29th minute was enough to make Calvin the conference champion. Calvin will now host the first round of the MIAA tournament against the fourth-seeded Adrian Bulldogs.
