Injuries taking toll on Benedictine

Nothing derails a football team faster than injuries, and Benedictine is proof.

With five key players already missing significant time with injuries, including the Eagles' starting quarterback, running back and wide receiver, coach Jon Cooper said they have been snakebit.

The Eagles have started their season 0-3 and scored a combined 19 points. Cooper said the team has been frustrated but knows the conference schedule brings new opportunities. After a bye this week and Kalamazoo College the following week, Benedictine starts NACC play.

"We've got some talented players with injuries, but we think all five of them will be back and able to play very soon. We are also developing depth. They are developing in to good football players," Cooper said.

Elmhurst:

While many of the faces have changed, the results haven't for the Elmhurst women's volleyball team. After losing six seniors from last year's Division III playoff team, the Bluejays have gotten off to a 14-2 start.

Coach Julie Hall said this team is focusing on the moment and still jelling as a team, but she is happy with where they are. With all the new faces Hall said they still have a lot to work on and have learned from last year not to worry about the big picture.

"They are obviously doing a great job," Hall said. "I'm excited with this group. They are just a great group of women that get along and understand each other. The team chemistry is amazing."

Hall said one of the biggest lessons they have learned is knowing they can play with the best in the country or get beat by any team.

"Even though the kids know they are capable of great things, they have to stay focused," Hall said.

Wheaton:

Any team with goals as lofty as the Wheaton women's soccer team's can have a tendency to momentarily lose focus. The long regular season finally took a toll on the Thunder when it lost its first game of the year.

"Up until this point we haven't played with much urgency," coach Pete Felske said. "The players seem to just be playing fairly lethargically. Just going through the motions, not playing with real sharpness or energy."

Despite not playing up to expectations, the Thunder has continued to dominate most of its opponents. Felske said it has controlled both possession and shots on goal in all of its games.

Felske said he hopes the loss shakes up the team and gets the players to focus on the little things more. With their eyes on a national title, Felske said it is the small details that will put them over the top.