Sophomore Ellie Laird serves the ball during one of volleyball’s three wins over the weekend. (Alexa Marcus | Student Life)

Washington University kicked off its football season with a 24-point victory over Rhodes College; No. 2 women’s soccer beat North Central College 5-1; and No. 16 women’s volleyball swept the East to West Battle, including a 3-1 victory over No. 5 Trinity University (Texas). Here’s everything you need to know about WashU sports from the week of Sep. 2-8.

Football

Football bested Rhodes College 44-20 in their season opener on Sep. 7. The Bears, who were trailing Rhodes 10-13 at halftime, put on a dominant performance, scoring 34 points to Rhodes’ 10 in the second half. Senior quarterback Clark Stephens led the Bears’ offensive campaign, throwing for 289 yards and one touchdown. Senior wide receiver Collin Goldberg tallied 158 yards on 13 receptions, and senior Kenvorris Campbell rushed for 75 yards and two touchdowns for the Bears. Over the weekend, WashU also learned that the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) voted to revoke the Bears’ associate membership, which will take effect at the conclusion of the 2025 season. After a bye week, WashU continues the season with their home opener against Carroll University on Sept. 21.

No. 16 Women’s Volleyball

The No. 16 WashU volleyball team swept the East to West Battle on Sept. 5-7, beating California Lutheran University, No. 5 Trinity University (Texas), and Tufts University. Throughout the weekend, the Bears gave up only one set, defeating two opponents 3-0 and defeating Trinity 3-1. Senior Jasmine Sells, who has scored 80.5 points this season, was named to the All-Tournament Team. WashU’s next game will be just a few blocks away at Fontbonne University on Sept. 11.

No. 2 Women’s Soccer

No. 2 women’s soccer defeated North Central College 5-1 on Sept. 6. The Bears’ offensive charge was led by first-year Olivia Clemons, who recorded her first collegiate hat-trick and leads WashU in goals — scoring five through three games. Graduate student and All-American Ally Hackett rounded out the scoring for WashU with two goals, including one in the third minute. The squad continues their non-conference campaign with two away-games against Westminster College (MO) and DePauw University on Sept. 10 and 13.

Men’s Soccer

Men’s soccer went 0-1-1 this weekend, tying Aurora College 2-2 and losing to North Park University 0-2 on Sept. 6 and 8, respectively. Both of WashU’s goals against Aurora came in the second half, with junior Nathan Szpak finding the back of the net in the 65th minute and sophomore Ethan Wirtschafter scoring in the 86th minute to level the score. The Bears, who are currently 2-1-1, will continue their campaign with an away-game against Greenville University on Sept. 11 and two home-games against Webster University and Principia College on Sept. 14 and 17.