Junior Grace Ehlert scored a penalty kick in women’s soccer’s 8-1 win over Trine. (Bri Nitsberg | Student Life)

As the fall semester gets into full swing, WashU sports made their return to competition this weekend. Though football, cross country, and women’s golf wait until next weekend for their 2024 debuts, WashU’s soccer teams and volleyball kicked off their season over the weekend. Here’s everything you need to know about Bears athletics from the week of Aug. 25 to Sep. 1:

No. 2 Women’s soccer

After outscoring opponents 38-0 in non-conference play last fall, the Bears got off to a rockier start this year, conceding the first goal in both of their matches against Trine University and Centre College. However, in both contests, the Bears prevailed, scoring eight unanswered to win their season opener 8-1 over Trine and notching a pair of second-half goals to beat Centre 2-1. Junior Grace Ehlert led the way over the weekend with three goals, while first-year Olivia Clemons, sophomore Madison Foley, and junior Ella Koleno all added two each. The Bears’ only game next weekend will be a home match against North Central College on Friday afternoon.

Men’s soccer

In their first games under new head coach Andrew Bordelon, men’s soccer dominated. The Bears cruised past Millikin University for a 5-0 victory on Friday, then dispatched Rhodes College 2-0 to finish this weekend with a pair of shutout wins, thanks in part to sophomore goalkeeper Adam Mallalieu. Offensively, sophomore Quentin Gomez scored four goals, and junior Zach Susee added one goal and two assists. The Bears will travel to Aurora University Friday night for their next contest.

No. 17 Women’s volleyball

Volleyball went 2-1 at the Kathryne Pals Legacy Invitational in Minnesota to start their season. They defeated Coe College, who is receiving votes in the national top 25, in a five-set thriller to open the season, but fell short against two top-ten opponents — No. 2 Hope College and No. 7 University of Northwestern — in a doubleheader Saturday. Senior Zoe Foster was named to the all-tournament team after recording 33 kills. The Bears will host California Lutheran University, Trinity University (Texas), and Tufts University in the East to West Battle next weekend in St. Louis.