After only two weeks from the beginning of the semester, JCU varsity teams have already faced their first tests in their respective tournaments. As a first evaluation, all the teams who played this week showed different levels, but each one of them gave their best regardless the final outcome.

Let’s have a short recap about what happened!

MEN’S BASKETBALL
History seems to repeat, and we are very excited about it. After last-semester amazing achievements of our Men’s Basketball team, our new Spring-2020 team has already proved to be worthy of carrying our “Dream Team” legacy, with a crushing victory against St. Charles Basket (SCB) in the UISP tournament. Our Gladiators won the game 80-38.

“The game wasn’t as demanding as we were expecting, but we started off with an important victory and a well-played match, especially on a teamwork level,” coach Serraino commented.

JCU immediately took the lead, gaining a substantial advantage in the first quarter for 16-5. In the second quarter, SCB seemed to react a little bit more, catching up a few points over our Gladiators even though it was never enough to overcome the result. The second quarter ended 18-12 for JCU.

In the third quarter, JCU gained back a remarkable score distance, winning 16-6. Even though, JCU found some difficulty with shooting from outside the area, the defense worked efficiently, preventing the opposing team any chance at scoring.

“Overall, every player contributed greatly to the victory,” Serraino added. “Despite we have been training together for only two weeks, the team was able to work in perfect synergy, finding good and efficient solutions with the other teammates. This is the kind of basketball that I like to see, and I’m sure that we can achieve more important results in the long run.”

MVP – Hutch Hershberger for his excellent perfomance in defence

NEXT GAME:
Friendly Game – Petriana vs JCU | Monday, February 10 | 9:00pm | Petriana Court

WOMEN’S 5vs5 SOCCER
Another great performance comes from JCU Women’s 5vs5 Soccer team in their first game of the Universities of Rome Championship reprise.

Despite, our Lady Gladiators couldn’t get the win in this first game against La Sapienza (LSU), they surely didn’t let the opponents win easily.

The game was very intense, and both teams expressed a good soccer on the field. The game ended 4-3 for LSU, and JCU missed the victory by a thread.

Both teams started off strong, and the game was a back-to-back scoring with LSU taking the advantage and JCU immediately tying the result. The first half closed 2-2 thanks to the goals of our new players Bowen and Stackhouse.

LSU vs JCU – Tori Bowen’s goal

The second half took on a similar path to the previous one. The opponents gained the advantage again with two more goals, but JCU tried to restore the fate of the match thanks to another goal by Stackhouse. However, there was no time left, and the game ended with LSU victory.

“We played really well, and we never gave rest to the opponents,” coach Farina pointed out. “Unfortunately, we didn’t really exploit well all the opportunities we had to score, and those times that we dropped our focus, the opposing team scored. But, overall, I am really satisfied with my team!”

MVP – Rose Stackhouse

NEXT GAME:
JCU vs UFI | Monday, February 17| 9:30 pm | Trastevere Stadium

Earlier this week, JCU Men’s 5vs5 Soccer and Coed Volleyball teams also played their first games of the semester, but the results were not as positive. Despite the two teams gave their best until the last minutes, there is still a lot to work on to improve on different aspects from techniques to tactics. However, we are sure that our coaches will be able to guide you and teach you well, and if you work hard, you will soon get the reward you deserve.

NEXT GAMES:
Men’s 5vs5 Soccer – JCU vs UFI |Wednesday, February 12 | 9:45pm | Trastevere Stadium
Coed Volleyball – USCS vs JCU | Tuesday, February 11| 9:30pm | Largo F. Vito, 1