Pac-Tending 10-19-05

"This is an exciting time for women's athletics."

- NCAA senior vice president Judy Sweet, commenting on the upcoming 25th anniversaries of most major women's collegiate sports.

The women's hoop predictions were set free at the Creek and - surprise, surprise, - Stanford was picked to win the conference again. For the sixth time in a row, the Cardinal were predicted by the women's coaches to win the conference title. The vote was nearly across the board – USC received one first-place vote.

Meanwhile, at NCAA HQ, a clarification was in order and was made – a conference's senior woman administrator is officially recognized as that conference's highest ranking female administrator and preferably even with assistant commissioner.

USC

The top-ranked Trojans defeated Notre Dame, 34-31, to remain undefeated at 6-0 overall and 3-0 in conference play. Running back Desmond Reed is out for the season with a knee injury. Running back Reggie Bush was named as the conference's offensive player of the week.

Oregon State

The Beavers upset California, 23-20, to improve to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Running back Jimtavis Walker quit the team. Linebacker Keith Ellison and punter Sam Paulescu were named as the conference's players of the week in defense and special teams.

In men's hoop, guard Josh Tarver broke his right foot and will miss the next six weeks.

Stanford

The Cardinal defeated Arizona, 20-16, to move to 3-2 overall and 2-1 in conference play. Offensive lineman Brian Head is out for the season with a knee injury. Next year's Big Game against California will be moved to December 2.

Oregon

The 15th-ranked Ducks defeated Washington, 45-21, to move to 6-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play.

California

The 25th-ranked Bears lost to Oregon State, 223-20 to fall to 5-2 overall on the year and 2-2 in conference play.

In men's hoop, forward Marquise Kately has withdrawn from school.

In women's hoop, sophomore center Jessica Lawson was lsot for the year to an ACL knee injury.

Senior goalkeeper Ashley Sulprizio was named as the conference's player of the week.

WSU

The Cougars lost to UCLA, 44-41 in overtime, to drop to 3-3 overall and 0-3 in conference play.

In men's hoop, center Chris Henry and guard Rodney Edgerson will be out – both with back injuries – and both may have to redshirt the season.

In soccer, WSU split with the Arizonas, defeating Arizona, 2-1 in overtime but losing to Arizona State, 4-2, to move to 8-6-1 overall and 1-3 in conference play.

In volleyball, the Cougars were swept by USC and UCLA to fall to 8-12 overall and 1-6 in conference play.

Washington

The Huskies lost to Oregon, 45-21, to drop to 1-5 overall and 0-3 in conference play.

Senior goalkeeper Chris Eylander was named as the conference's player of the week in men's soccer.

UCLA

The 8th-ranked Bruins defeated WSU, 44-41 in overtime, to remain undefeated on the season at 6-0 and 3-0 in conference play.

Arizona State

Tight end Jamaal Lewis will miss the next two weeks with a shoulder injury.

Arizona

The Wildcats lost to Stanford, 20-16, to fall to 1-5 overall and 0-3 in conference play.

In men's hoop, center Alex Jacobson gave a verbal commitment to Arizona. Jacobsen selected Arizona over USC and Oregon.

In women's hoop, forward Shannon Hobson will redshirt this season due to a back injury. Twin centers Rheya and Rhaya Neabors gave a verbal commitment to the Wildcats.

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

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