Kelly Conn-Contributed

By Colin Marklowitz —

Tennis

Despite strong efforts in singles play by Emma Pederson (So, Eau Claire, Wis.), Kelsey Pederson (So, Lake Elmo, Minn.) and Anna Lano (Jr, Chaska, Minn.), the University of Wisconsin–Stout tennis team lost to University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh in Menomonie last Saturday, Oct. 4.

Both Pederson’s and Lano battled hard, taking their matches to three sets before getting knocked off. In No. 3 doubles, Pederson and Danielle Lutz (So, Maple Grove, Minn.) also came up just short, falling 8-6.

Stout heads to University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point on Oct. 10 before closing out the season at University of Wisconsin–Whitewater on Oct. 18.

Men’s cross country

Another meet and another strong showing for the Blue Devil men’s cross country team. Leading the way for Stout was Patrick Jenkins (Sr, Cambridge, Wis.), who finished eighth of the 385 runners on a wet and windy day in Colfax, Wis. at the Blugold Open. Stout also finished fourth overall as a team. Tony Cass (Jr, Hortonville, Wis.) and Devin Sauvola (So, Eagle River, Wis.) finished the 8-kilometer course in 17th and 19th place, respectively.

Women’s cross country

With Kathleen Thorn (Jr, West Salem, Wis.) pacing the team, the Blue Devil women ran to a seventh place finish at the Blugold Open. Thorn finished 19th in the field of over 400 runners. Also in the top 100 for Stout was Morgan Sweeney (Jr, Plum City, Wis.) in 59th place, Sydnee Braun (So, Neenah, Wis.) in 62nd, Jordan Keich (Sr, Menomonie, Wis.) in 83rd and Josie Peterson (Sr, Brookfield, Wis.) in 100th.

Up next for both teams is the UW–Oshkosh AAE Invitational in Winneconne, Wis. on Saturday, Oct. 18.

Women’s soccer

It was a tough week for the Blue Devils soccer team, as nothing seemed to go right. Twice in a row Stout took more shots than their opponents and twice the Blue Devils lost 0-1. The Blue Devils hope to rebound during homecoming week as they take on Hamline University on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. and University of Wisconsin–Superior on Friday, Oct. 10 at 8 p.m.

Men’s golf

The Blue Devil golf team wrapped up their fall season last week with an eighth place finish out of 28 teams at the Division III Midwest Regional Invitational on Sept. 29 and 30 in Wisconsin Dells, Wis. Each of the five Stout golfers shot rounds under 80 over the two-day event. Blake Lentner (Sr, Ramsey, Minn.) was the Blue Devil’s top golfer, shooting a 79 first round and a 76 second round to finish tied for 25th place.The Blue Devils will resume their season in the spring.

Homecoming preview

The Blue Devils return to Don and Nona Williams Stadium Saturday, Oct. 11 for the homecoming game. Nothing is going to come easy for Stout though, as the opponent is none other than the defending Division III national champion University of Wisconsin–Whitewater.

The high-powered Warhawks attack is off to another great start this season, going 4-0, 1-0 WIAC to begin the year. Stout, on the other hand, has stumbled out the gate, losing three of the first four games including a 32-7 defeat at the hands of UW–Oshkosh last weekend.

In order for the Blue Devils to contain UW–Whitewater’s potent offense, they will need to control the line of scrimmage. Stout’s defensive end Alec Zoern (Sr, Germantown, Wis.), tackle Jamie Rohrig (Sr, Owatonna, Minn.), nose guard Josh Archibald (Sr, Cottage Grove, Wis.) and end Kevin Houts (Sr, Bloomington, Minn.) are the guys up front who take on the bruisers of the offensive line.

This year, the line has done a good job of eating up blocks as evidenced by the play of senior linebacker Luke Bakkum (Oconomowoc, Wis.), who leads the team in tackles, sacks and tackles for loss. The safety trio of Tyler Naatz (Sr, Menomonie, Wis.), Austin Ludowese (So, Stewart, Minn.) and Collin Laursen (Jr, Mondovi, Wis.) have also been free to make plays in the secondary.

On offense, Stout needs to get the running game going early. The team’s strength lies in the running back duo of Tanner Kuehn (Sr, Fairchild, Wis.) and Adolfo Pacheco (So, South Elgin, Ill.). Both backs bring speed to the table and can be dangerous if they get out into space.

If Stout can establish the run early, it will open up passing lanes for the young quarterbacks who have spent time under center due to the loss of Hank Kujak (Sr, Blair, Wis.) in the season-opener.

Aaron Koerner (So, Colby, Wis.) and Garrett Peterson (So, Menasha, Wis.) split time last game and a timeshare may be in store for the future. If they have time to throw, receivers Aaron Jenny (Sr, Spicer, Minn.) and Cody Rosemeyer (Sr, Gilman, Wis.) have been dependable targets this year.

Jenny leads the conference with five touchdown receptions and is tops on the team in both catches (15) and yards (175). Not far behind him is Rosemeyer, who has 14 catches for 174 yards.

The Blue Devils will have to control the ball and try to keep their defense fresh. So far this season, they have struggled to sustain drives, but not due to the lack of playmakers. If they can string together some longer drives and control the ball on offense, the Warhawks may be in for a big surprise.

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