Gamma Rho lost the all sports title for the first time in 15 years. The women of Lambda Chi Zeta officially won, making it their third all sports title and the first time they have won since their revival in 2020. The results from pool doubles and soccer so far have been enough, finally eliminating all other clubs from all sports contention. Athletic directors Olivia Hampton and Megan Arendse spoke on what winning all sports meant for them.
“I’m super excited and proud of our girls,” Arendse said. “We just went out and had fun, worked hard, and we showed up and supported each other.”
“It’s been awesome. It’s such an honor to work with all the girls,” Hampton said. “Especially those who don’t love sports, they still tried so hard and put their hearts into it. We had stronger athletes but also people who haven’t played a lot who stepped up and did an amazing job.”
This officially marks the second time in intramural history at Oklahoma Christian University that Gamma had a 14 consecutive all sports streak snapped by a rival club, the first time being in 1999-2000 year when Theta Theta Theta won. Athletic director Sophie Mae Smith commented on how the year was still a success in Gamma’s eyes.
“Obviously it’s disappointing to lose, but at the end of the day the memories that we made this year are far more valuable than any trophy,” Smith said. “Win or lose, we are so proud of all of our girls and are thankful to just be able to play.”
Women’s Soccer
Lambda’s most recent win was a 4-1 win over Theta. Despite Theta’s best efforts and tying the game early on and also being down a player, Lambda’s offense clicked and their depth ran through the exhausted Theta back line. Rain delays will give Theta time to get ready for the freshmen, an almost identical team who’s seen similar results up to now.
Another week, another tough overtime loss for Beta Beta Sigma. Despite saving a penalty of their own and earning one themselves, Beta only scored once against the freshmen and lost during the five minute golden ball. Beta will look to bounce back next week.
Men’s Soccer
A strong performance from a hybrid Alpha Gamma Omega/Freshman B team took care of business against Delta B, winning by a score of 4-3. Aidan Laxson was the main star of the game, winning tackles and keeping the offense moving along with Alpha athletic director Jaxen Roden.
Meanwhile in the A league, the freshmen dominated Delta A winning 5-1. The freshmen’s back line held during an aggressive downwind attack from Delta in the first half, before the team pulled away during the second half. The loss sets Delta back after strong performances against fellow A teams Chi Lambda Phi and Kappa Sigma Tau, and they will have to find answers soon.
Women’s Intramural Athlete of the Week: Kaylin Utley (Gamma Rho)
Dominating in the midfield and moving up on attack, Kaylin Utley is a human highlight reel. Utley’s touch and passing makes her a player that needs to be marked, and her ability to work the ball through her teammates makes it difficult to focus on her. Utley’s performance this week included several shots on target, and some goals to her name. Gamma has won soccer for the last couple years now, and Utley is here to help maintain that streak.
First Runner Up: Jenna Stilling (Beta Beta Sigma)
Having to work on both attack and defense is common for star players on rosters featuring less soccer experience, but somehow Jenna Stilling always has enough stamina to win the ball back on defense and push forward on attack. Stilling’s field awareness also comes in clutch in a second way: her ability to see the field and long ball it to her strikers. Her quarterbacking has kept Beta in tight games all the way until the end, and she will continue performing like this as the season progresses.
Second Runner Up: Gamma Rho’s Pool Doubles teams
The two duos of Mary Ellen Stolte and Natalie Smith along with Claire Risley and Yasmin Orellana were in fine form during the pool doubles tournament, with both teams making the finals after multiple hardfought wins. Smith and Stolte had to win a drawn out quarter final duel against one of Lambda’s teams, while Risley and Orellana had their own marathon match in semis. With both parties agreeing to not play the final match and just take the points, They all finish tied for first in the bracket, earning the first ever four-way tie.
Men’s Intramural Athlete of the week: Caleb Benjamin (Freshmen)
From making runs in the box to finding open passing lanes for his team, Caleb Benjamin can do it all. Benjamin’s presence creates instant pressure on a team, and he was crucial in the freshmen’s triumphant defeat over Delta. Looking towards the playoffs, the freshmen are looking poised to take the entire league and Benjamin is poised to win an All-Intramurals nod.
First Runner Up: Cotter Hensal and Luke Patterson (Chi Lambda Phi)
After winning the ping pong doubles tournament last year, Cotter Hensal and Luke Patterson are back to back doubles champions. Hensal and Patterson comfortably ran through the bracket, handling the competition with ease. Only nearing the end of their sophomore year, Hensal and Patterson are poised to continue dominating the ping pong scene for years to come.
Second Runner Up: Joel Hendricks (Freshmen)
Winning a soccer game is a team effort, and one man who fought just as hard as the rest against Delta was Joel Hendricks. Hendricks had to handle taking tough shots from both his opponents and his own team, from mid air collisions while fighting for a header to taking a power shot straight to the gut, Hendricks still found ways to get back up and keep fighting. Hendrick’s defense creates the dominant unit known as the freshmen team, and his presence on the pitch will continue being a threat for all who have to play them.
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