Senior forward Paige Monaghan celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Marquette last season. Monaghan was named Big East Offensive Player of the Year last season. Collegian file photo.
ANDREW FAVAKEH | STAFF REPORTER | dfavakeh@butler.edu
From overtime goals to furious comebacks and memorable moments, Butler’s fall sports season never fails to entertain and excite. Here’s a look at ten can’t-miss matchups for the Bulldogs’ fall slate.
- Men’s soccer at Indiana (Oct. 16)
With 20 Hoosiers on the two rosters combined, this game is an in-state affair. Indiana and Butler were both ranked in the top 10 in the United Soccer Coaches poll, so there is clearly talent on both sides. The last five meetings between these two teams have gone into overtime. Last season’s game set a record for fans at the Sellick Bowl.
- Football vs. Morehead State (Sept. 29, Homecoming)
Butler and Morehead State both return their top quarterback, running back, and wide receiver so a high-scoring shootout is feasible. Homecoming is a time where students’ pride is flying high. The football team will look to turn fans’ giddiness into a victory.
- Women’s soccer vs. Notre Dame (Aug. 26)
Sophomore forward Caitlyn DiSarcina, who tallied eight goals and one assist last season, is back along with top goal scorer and assist producer, senior forward Paige Monaghan. The team also retained junior Hannah Luedtke and sophomore Leonie Doege, Butler’s two goalkeepers, who let up a combined seven goals all of the last season. Both teams received votes in the most recent United Soccer Coaches poll.
- Volleyball vs. Creighton (Sept. 28)
Butler’s volleyball team faces their highest-ranked opponent in their first Big East home match. Last year, Butler almost upset Creighton, who was ranked No. 17 at that point and had home court advantage. Butler won the first two sets, but eventually lost the match 3-2.
- Football vs. Dayton (Oct. 27)
Four consecutive losses to Dayton adds an extra level of intrigue. This time, Butler gets a chance to defend their home turf versus a formidable Dayton squad who returns their All-Pioneer first team running back, Tucker Yinger. Last year, the Bulldogs were up at halftime 22-10 but went scoreless in the second half. Redshirt junior Will Marty and redshirt senior Sam Schrader combined for 317 passing yards, but a late game collapse resulted in a loss.
- Men’s and women’s golf in the Butler Fall Invitational (Oct. 1-2)
As the only fall tournament in Indianapolis, this event has a special significance to Butler’s golf teams. Juniors Patrick Allgeier and Logan Sabins lead the charge for the men’s team. The pair combined for eight top-five finishes last year. Senior Lauren Tibbets attempts to improve on her impressive fifth place finish at the event last year.
- Football at Valparaiso (Oct. 13)
Butler was flying high as they headed into their final game last season against Valparaiso. Despite a late surge in the contest, the Bulldogs lost to the Crusaders, 36-28. This year, they aim for revenge for last year’s loss on senior night. From 2011 to 2013, Butler beat Valparaiso by an average margin of 43 points. They hope to do the same in the mid-way point of this season.
- Men’s and women’s cross country in the Butler Twilight Invitational (Aug. 31)
In last year’s only home meet, the men’s and women’s cross country teams swept the competition. They beat IUPUI, Ball State, and the University of Indianapolis. This year, they try to repeat that performance. Junior Josephine Thestrup dashed to first place in last year’s event.
- Women’s soccer at Georgetown (Oct. 21)
The Butler women’s soccer team finish their season with a trip to face Georgetown, who was picked to finish first in the Big East Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Last year, the Bulldogs went undefeated in conference play and tied with Georgetown. The Hoyas are their last major test before embarking on the Big East Tournament.
- Men’s soccer at Creighton (Sept. 15)
The men’s soccer team will look to set a positive tone for the season with a win over Creighton to open Big East play. Last season’s game against Creighton saw junior forward Brandon Guhl bury two shots. Butler ultimately pulled it out in overtime, 3-2. Following a roughly .500 season, the Bluejays didn’t make the top 25 but did receive votes in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll.
Follow Andrew on Twitter: @drewfav
