Pac-Tending 10-07-09

"After hearing the soccer coaches' proposal for this change, the committee agreed that the date change would improve attendance for NCAA games held during Thanksgiving week and ultimately enhance the championships."

- NCAA chairperson for the Division I men's soccer committee and St. John's athletic director John Diffley regarding the NCAA's decision to move 2009 second round NCAA tournament matches to the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

The 2009-10 championship season continues at the Creek and the conference continues to show its strength in women's volleyball as a conference record eight teams are ranked in the national poll.

Meanwhile, at NCAA HQ, in a move to increase attendance, revenue and visibility, the 2009 men's soccer second round NCAA tournament matches were moved to the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Arizona

In football, defensive back Devin Ross was named as the conference's defensive player of the week.

Oregon State

In football, junior James Rodgers was named as the conference's offensive teams player of the week.

UCLA

In men's soccer, the Bruins tied Washington, 1-1, to move to 6-1-1 overall on th season and 1-0-1 in conference play.

Arizona State

In women's soccer, the Sun Devils received a verbal commitment for 2011 from midfielder Alex Doller.

USC

In football, safety Taylor Mays and receiver Damian Williams were named as the conference's defensive and special teams players of the week.

In women's soccer, USC received a 2011 verbal commitment from forward Jessica Musmanno.

Stanford

In volleyball, junior outside hitter Alex Klineman was named as the conference's player of the week.

California

In women's soccer, head coach Neil McGuire returned to the team this week.

WSU

In soccer, 22nd-ranked [RPI] Wazzu lost to Portland to drop to 7-3 overall on the year.

In volleyball, 25th-ranked Wazzu swept Arizona and then squeezed by Arizona State to move to 3-1 in conference play and 14-1 overall on the year.

Washington

In football, Washington added Eastern Washington, Hawai'i and Wisconsin to their future schedules.

Oregon

In women's soccer, Oregon received a verbal commitment from 2011 forward Shanelle Simien.

+++++++sponsored by Greg Davis Sports Photography+++++++++

Autumn is here…and you know what that means…It's time for a whole new season of Cougar Athletics! Football, soccer, volleyball, men's & women's basketball, baseball, track & field and tennis, just to name a few, are coming up right around the corner. If you need "game action" photographs for your newspaper, magazine, web site, blog, etc., then Greg Davis Sports Photography should be your choice for all things "Cougar" and "Pac-10 Conference"! Coverage for specific athletes or upcoming events is also available. Check out the images from games, practices and events from last season, and be sure to come back often for uploads from all of this season's action.