Pac-Tending 09-10-08

"She is one of those kids that want to be the best. It's not cocky, just confidence. She always wants to be first, even if it is team sprints."

- Club coach Rob Spencer speaking about new Arizona State women's point guard hoop recruit Deja Mann.

The championship run for the Creek is starting early as Pac-10 teams already sit at or near the top of national polls in football [USC #1], soccer [UCLA#1] and volleyball [California #4].

Meanwhile, at NCAA HQ, all 10 bid cities – including Phoenix - for the NCAA Men's Final Fours from 2012 to 2016 have been designated as finalists.

California

In football, the Bears demolished WSU, 66-3, in their conference opener and sophomore running back Jahvid Best was named as the conference's offensive player of the week.

Arizona

In football, the Wildcats defeated Toledo, 41-16 in a non-conference game and kick returner Keola Antolin was named as the conference's special teams player of the week. Receiver Terrell Reese was suspended indefinitely after his arrest for a DUI.

Oregon State

In women's hoop, Oregon State received a verbal commitment from forward Kate Lanz.

Arizona State

In men's hoop, guard Corey Hawkins gave a verbal commitment to Arizona State.

In women's hoop, the Sun Devils received a verbal commitment from point guard Deja Mann.

USC

In women's soccer, the Women of Troy – ranked #1 in some national polls – defeated Alabama. 7-1, and tied a school record for most goals scored in a match.

WSU

In football, the Cougars were clobbered in their conference opener, 66-3, by California and senior defensive lineman Fevaea'i Ahmu was briefly suspended after failing to appear in court for a minor in possession charge against him earlier in the year.

In soccer, 37th-ranked Wazzu tied West Virginia to move to 1-1-3 overall on the year.

In volleyball, the Cougars lost to Eastern Washington to fall to 3-3 overall on the year.

Washington

In football, BYU slipped by Washington, 28-27, which received a verbal commitment from linebacker Andru Pulu and granted a release to junior linebacker E.J. Savannah.

UCLA

In women's soccer, the top-ranked Bruins defeated UC-Irvine, 3-0, to remain undefeated at 4-0 overall on the year.

Oregon

In football, the Ducks defeated Utah State, 66-24, in a non-conference game.

Stanford

In volleyball, middle blocker Foluke Akinradewo was named as the conference's player of the week.

In women's soccer, the Cardinal received a verbal commitment from forward Courtney Verloo.

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