TACOMA, WA — The Rogue Community College Ospreys volleyball team earned a win followed by a loss at the NWAC Volleyball Championships on Saturday, Nov. 23, brining the team's inaugural season to an end in fifth place at the double-elimination tournament.

The Ospreys (28-5, 14-2 NWAC) started the third day of the tournament facing Bellevue College (25-13, 8-4 NWAC), a team that had already eliminated two No. 1 seeds. The Ospreys, seeded No. 1 in the South Region, played an intense back-and-forth match, pulling away in the third set to win 2-1.

The Ospreys next faced Pierce College (38-3, 12-0 NWAC), the only other remaining No. 1 seed. Rogue played the Raiders tight and close but ultimately couldn’t find an answer to the big hitters that Pierce had. The Ospreys fell 2-0 and were eliminated, ending the season in tie for fifth place.

The Osprey ended their historic first season with a final record of 28-5. Along the way, the team collected:
— Seven Player of the Week awards in the NWAC South Region.
— Two nods for Adidas Conference Player-of-the-Week.
— Four players selected as All-Stars.
— One Coach of the Year award.
— the South Region Championship and the No. 1 seed out of the South, making it to the third day of the NWAC Championships.

RCC vs. Bellevue: 23-25, 25-23, 15-5
Violett Togagae 10K 9D
Paia Togagae 8K 14D
Allie Hertager 6k (hitting .500)
Olivia Wallace 25A 10D
Trinity Atuatasi 16D

RCC vs. Pierce: 18-25,19-25
Allie Hertager 8K (hitting .500)
Olivia Wallace 21A
Trinity Atuatasi 14 D


NWAC Website: www.nwacsports.com

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A19-033

TACOMA, WA — The Rogue Community College Ospreys volleyball team lost its first match of the day Friday, Nov. 22, but rebounded to win a second match to advance in the NWAC Volleyball Championships.

The Ospreys (28-4, 14-2 NWAC) came out hot against Treasure Valley (23-14, 11-5 NWAC), dominating the first set only to fall in the next three to lose 3-1.

The tournament is double elimination, so the Ospreys next squared off against Linn-Benton (28-12, 13-3 NWAC) in an elimination game. They lost a close first set then controlled the final two to win the best-of-three match 2-1, earning the opportunity to advance to Saturday.

The Ospreys will play Bellevue (26-12, 8-4 NWAC) at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23. They will need to win four best-of-three matches to make the championship match that takes place Sunday, Nov. 24.  

RCC vs. TVCC: 25-20, 20-25, 20-25, 19-25
Paia Togagae 17K 16D
Violett Togagae 11K 16D
Addy Lowder 8K
Noelani Beard 8K
Olivia Wallace 39 Assists

RCC vs. LBCC: 23-25, 25-20, 15-12
Paia Togagae 14K 10D
Violett Togagae 9k 9D
Olivia Wallace 28 Assists 8D
Trinity Atuatasi 18D

NWAC Website: www.nwacsports.com

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A19-032

TACOMA, WA — The Rogue Community College Ospreys volleyball team swept their opening matchup of the NWAC Volleyball Championships on Thursday, Nov. 21. As the No. 1 seed out of the South Region, the Ospreys faced No. 4 seed Skagit Valley College. The Ospreys won 3-0 (25-20, 25-15, 25-16).

The Ospreys (27-3, 14-2 NWAC) went back and forth in the first set with Skagit (5-7, 10-27 NWAC) as they worked through their first-ever post-season appearance. As a first-year program and South Region champion, all eyes were on Rogue and it took the players a moment to find themselves. After closing out the first set, they won the second and third in smooth fashion to the 3-0 win.

The Ospreys were led by their trio of hitters with Violett Togagae getting 15 kills, Noelani Beard with 11, and Paia Togagae with 16 while hitting .444. Olivia Wallace had 40 assists and Trinity Atuatasi had 20 digs.

The Ospreys move to the next round where they will face Treasure Valley Community College (22-14, 11-5 NWAC) at 10am Friday, Nov. 22. The NWAC Volleyball Championships is a 16-team double-elimination tournament held at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center.

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-031

MEDFORD – The Rogue Community College Ospreys downed Southwest Oregon Community College 3-0 at home on Tuesday November12 to cement a Northwest Athletic Conference South Region Championship. The commanding victory was the final match of the Ospreys’ first volleyball season. Their win, combined with a Lane Community College loss, edged the Ospreys into the South Region Championship.

The Ospreys (26-3, 14-2 NWAC) were celebrating sophomore night against Southwest Oregon (17-17, 4-12 NWAC). After dominating in the first two sets, they played a close third to win with ease 3-0.

(25-17, 25-13, 25-20)

In Eugene, Lane Community College (22-9, 13-2 NWAC) fell to Linn Benton Community College (27-10, 13-3 NWAC) at home 3-2. The loss pushed Lane (13-2 NWAC)into a tie for first place with the Ospreys (14-2 NWAC). Lane has one more match on Nov. 14, but even with a victory the Ospreys will be top seed out of the South as they have the tiebreaker; beating Lane in regular season play. It is the first championship in Rogue’s history and tops of the historic first year for Ospreys volleyball.

The Ospreys will head to Tacoma, Washington for the NWAC Volleyball Championships on Thursday November 21. It is a 16-team double elimination tournament. The Ospreys will be the #1 seed out of the South.    

Ospreys Athletics: www.roguecc.edu/athletics.
NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index.

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys volleyball team started hot then struggled in the middle before finding their rhythm in the third set to win the match 3-1 against Umpqua Community College at home Friday, Nov. 8.

The Ospreys (25-3, 13-2 NWAC) came out looking strong against Umpqua (18-18, 4-11 NWAC) in the first set as they cruised to a solid 25-14 win. They stumbled their way through the second set, losing 25-19 after falling behind early. In the third they played a back-and-forth match but pulled ahead late to win 25-17. And in the fourth set they cruised to a comfortable win, 25-17.

The Ospreys will host Southwestern Oregon (17-16, 4-11 NWAC) Tuesday, Nov. 12 in their final game of the regular season. The Ospreys sit in second place in the South Region and are locked in for a playoff spot. 

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index


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A19-029

MEDFORD — Bouncing back after a tough loss the previous night, the Rogue Community College Ospreys volleyball team downed Linn-Benton Community College in a competitive 3-1 match on the road Saturday, Nov. 2.

The first set was an all-time battle as the Ospreys (24-3, 12-2 NWAC) built a nine point lead only to see Linn-Benton (24-10, 10-3 NWAC) crawl back to tie it at 21. The two teams then went back and forth with Rogue controlling the leg up to a 35-33 finish. The second set saw the Ospreys fall behind only to crawl back but lose a close one, 23-25. The Ospreys led the entire third set and finished 25-18. The fourth set saw the Ospreys build an early lead and again control the set 25-15 to win the match 3-1.

The Ospreys were led by sisters Paia (16 kills, 13 digs) and Violett Togagae (16 kills, 21 digs), along with Olivia Wallace who had 45 assists and 13 digs.

The Ospreys will be home for their final two games of the regular season. The first is Friday, Nov. 8 versus Umpqua (18-15, 4-8 NWAC) and the final game of the regular season will be Tuesday, Nov. 12 versus Southwestern Oregon (16-16, 3-11 NWAC). The Ospreys are in second place in the South Region and locked in for a playoff spot. 

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-028

MEDFORD — It was a battle of the NWAC South Region on Friday, Nov. 1 as the No. 1 Rogue Community College Ospreys faced the No. 2 Lane Community College Titans in Eugene. The Ospreys battled all game long as they pushed it to five sets but ultimately fell 3-2.

The Ospreys (23-3, 11-2 NWAC) came out strong against Lane (20-8, 11-1 NWAC) in the first set as they built a big lead only to see Lane charge back. The Ospreys held off for the first set win, 25-21. The second and third sets were almost identical as the two teams battled back and forth the entire time with Lane coming out on top both sets, 29-31 and 25-27. In the fourth set the Ospreys cruised to a 25-13 victory to push it to a fifth and final set. In the fifth the Ospreys led 8-6 and then broke, losing 13-15.

The Ospreys lost the match 3-2, dropping to second place in the South Region, a half game behind Lane. They are set to face Linn-Benton (24-9, 10-2 NWAC) on the road Saturday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m.

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-027

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys saw all three teams competing at home Saturday, Oct. 26. Volleyball hosted Chemeketa and won 3-0 to clinch a spot in the NWAC playoffs. Women’s soccer battled through a tough match against Portland but fell 1-0, ending their season. Men’s soccer played their final game of the year and battled to a 1-0 win over Portland.

Volleyball:
The Ospreys (23-2, 11-1 NWAC) were looking for a win against Chemeketa (12-21, 5-6 NWAC) to secure a spot in the playoffs. They found it Saturday as they rolled through Chemeketa in three. They easily handled the first two games before finding themselves in a back-and-forth battle for the final set; 25-14, 25-12, 27-25.

The Ospreys clinched a playoff spot and remain in first place in the South Region with four games to play. They will be on the road for their next two games, facing Lane (19-8, 10-1 NWAC) on Friday, Nov. 1 and Linn-Benton (23-9, 9-2 NWAC) on Saturday, Nov. 2.

Women’s Soccer:
The Ospreys women (5-7-5, 5-3-4 NWAC) were looking for a win against Portland (10-5-3, 7-2-3 NWAC) to earn their first ever playoff berth. They battled through an incredibly intense match — there were broken hands, noses, and strained knees — and they fought on, putting everything on the line. Unfortunately there was only one goal in the match and it went to Portland. The Ospreys lost 1-0, eliminating them from the playoff hunt. Maddie Pineda picked up a yellow card in the match. 

The Ospreys women finished the season in fourth place in the South Region.

Men’s Soccer:
The Ospreys (5-6-4, 3-5-2 NWAC) knew they were playing their final game of the season when they hosted Portland (3-7-3, 2-6-2 NWAC). Looking to go out on a high note, as they fell just short of playoffs, the Ospreys battled the entire match and finally found the net in the 88th minute. Raul Reyes collected a ball at midfield and sent it forward with a header to Jorge Tarango who chipped  it over the keeper for the goal. The Ospreys won 1-0.

Three Ospreys picked up yellow cards during the match: Bryan Garcia, Rosendo Juarez and Josue Reyes. The Ospreys men finish the season in a tie for fourth place in the South Region.

Ospreys Athletics: www.roguecc.edu/athletics
NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-026

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys volleyball team battled Clackamas Community College to a 3-2 win at home Friday, Oct. 25.

The Ospreys (22-2, 10-1 NWAC) fought hard but dropped the first set against Clackamas (10-21, 2-9 NWAC), controlled both the second and third sets, lost themselves in the fourth, and pulled out a win in the fifth set; 21-25, 25-18, 25-10, 18-25, 15-10.

It was a team effort all around as everyone had great plays and everyone had errors. They worked through the issues, battled back as a team, and earned the win. It puts the Ospreys at 22-2 overall and 10-1 in the South Region, remaining in first place.

The Ospreys are back at it again tomorrow night, Saturday, Oct. 26 at 5 p.m., when they host Chemeketa Community College (12-20, 5-5 NWAC). 

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-025

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys volleyball team won 3-1 in non-conference match at New Hope Christian College in Eugene on Wednesday, Oct. 23, improving to 21-2 overall.

The Ospreys (21-2, 9-1 NWAC) controlled the majority of the match against New Hope (7-7 NCCAA) finding difficulty in the second set but regaining control in the third to win in four: 25-10, 22-25, 22-13, 25-17.

The Ospreys will be at home for their next two matches. They face Clackamas (10-22, 2-8 NWAC) on Friday October 26th at 6:30 and Chemeketa (12-19, 5-4 NWAC) Saturday,  Oct. 27 at 5 p.m. Both matches will take place at The Court House in Medford. The Ospreys remain in first place in the South region of the NorthWest Athletic Conference.

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-024

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys women’s and men’s soccer teams each played to a draw on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The women finished 0-0 at home against Chemeketa while the men also finished scoreless at Southwestern Oregon.

Women’s Soccer:
The Ospreys women (5-6-5, 5-2-4 NWAC) hosted Chemeketa (1-11-2, 1-8-2 NWAC) looking to lock in a playoff spot with a win. They would not find it as the two teams battled all match but ultimately finished with a 0-0 draw. Faith Aurello received a yellow card and goalkeeper Alycea Jones had five saves on the day.

Men’s Soccer:
The Ospreys men (4-6-4, 2-5-2 NWAC) needed a win on the road at Southwestern Oregon (3-5-4, 3-2-4 NWAC) to stay alive in the playoff hunt. They played a great match but ultimately finished with a 0-0 draw ending their chance to make the playoffs. The Ospreys received three yellow cards: Josue Reyes, Parker Lauffenburger and Jonathan Tovar.

The Ospreys women and men play at home Saturday, Oct. 26 in back-to-back games against Portland Community College. The women will need to win or tie to make playoffs. It will be the final game of the season for the men.

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-023

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys volleyball team and women’s soccer team were in action Saturday, Oct. 19. Volleyball won 3-1 on the road at Clark. Women’s soccer was at home against Clackamas and fought back from an early deficit to tie 2-2.

Volleyball:
The Ospreys (20-2, 9-1 NWAC) were looking for a win against Clark (11-17, 2-9 NWAC) after dropping their first region match the night before. The Ospreys won the first two sets before Clark came back to win the third. The Ospreys reemerged to win the day with a final match score of 3-1.

The Ospreys were led by Grace Landis with 21 kills and 11 digs, Noelani Beard with 14 kills, and Olivia Wallace with 40 assists and 17 digs.

Women’s Soccer:
In pursuit of their first-ever playoff berth, the Ospreys (5-6-4, 5-2-3 NWAC) made it hard on themselves early when they allowed Clackamas (1-7-4, 1-5-4 NWAC) two goals in the first eight minutes. In the 40th minute, a foul in the box set up Maddie Pineda for a penalty kick. She hit it true and the Ospreys were down 2-1 at the half.

The Ospreys stayed on the attack in the second half but struggled to finish at the net. In the 70th minute, Clackamas committed another foul in the box which gave Pineda her second penalty kick of the day. The match ended with a 2-2 draw.

Volleyball is on the road again next as the team travels to Eugene Wednesday, Oct. 23 for a non-conference match against New Hope College. The same day, women’s soccer will play host to Chemeketa (1-10-1, 1-7-1 NWAC). Game time is 1:30 p.m. at US Cellular Community Park Field 14.

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-022

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys volleyball team battled Mt. Hood on the road Friday, Oct. 18. Down two starters, the Ospreys (19-2, 8-1 NWAC) kept up as best they could but fell 3-1 to the Saints (11-11, 4-6 NWAC). The matches were close as the two teams fought all night long (21-25, 25-23, 26-28, 18-25).

Noelani Beard and Grace Landis led the Ospreys with 16 and 11 kills respectively. Trinity Atuatasi and Jeanie Palsis had 23 and 18 digs. Ospreys Volleyball next face Clark College (11-16, 2-8 NWAC) at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19.

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-021

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys men’s and women's soccer teams returned from Clark College on Wednesday, Oct. 16, with a win and a loss, respectively. The Ospreys men earned a 3-1 victory while the women held the score close until late in the second half but ultimately fell 4-1.

Women’s Soccer:

Sitting in second place in the NWAC South Region, the Ospreys women (5-6-3, 5-2-2 NWAC) headed to Clark (9-3-1, 9-0-1 NWAC) looking for a positive result but knowing a loss to the first-place team would not hurt their playoff chances. The Ospreys played the first half tight, preventing Clark from getting any opportunities until allowing a goal just before the half. Clark scored again quickly in the second half, closely followed by a goal for the Ospreys when Asha Sanders assisted Anna Serna to put Rogue on the board. Clark, however, notched two more before the end of the match, resulting in a 4-1 loss for the Ospreys.

Men’s Soccer:

Knowing they need to win out the regular season to have a shot at making the playoffs, the Ospreys men (4-6-3, 2-5-1 NWAC) took a step in the right direction Wednesday at Clark (4-4-2, 2-4-2 NWAC). Rogue took the lead early with Rosendo Juarez scoring in the sixth minute followed by a Jhoel Sarraude goal in the 36th minute to put the Ospreys up 2-0 at the half. Clark put in a goal in the 58th minute but the Ospreys reciprocated in the 63rd to end the match with a 3-1 victory.

The Ospreys women will next host Clackamas (1-7-3, 1-5-3 NWAC) at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at US Cellular Park Field 14. The women remain in second place in the South Region. The men have a BYE this weekend and will be on the road for their next match, Wednesday, Oct. 23 at Southwestern Oregon (3-5-3, 3-2-3 NWAC).

Ospreys Athletics: www.roguecc.edu/athletics

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-020

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys volleyball team enjoyed a 3-1 win on the road against a well-prepared Umpqua squad on Friday, Oct. 11.

The Ospreys (19-1, 8-0 NWAC) faced tough competition for the first two sets as Umpqua (16-11, 2-4 NWAC) played them close, with each team winning a round 25-23. The Ospreys found their form in the third set and took the final two (25-13, 25-17) to complete the match 3-1.

The Ospreys were led by Violett Togagae who had 21 kills, 16 digs and two blocks and Olivia Wallace who had four kills, 27 assists and 13 digs. As usual there was plenty of support across the roster with 53 total kills, 51 assists, 88 digs and nine blocks.

The Ospreys remain in first place in the South Region at 8-0 and 19-1 overall. They will be on the road for their next two matches: Friday, Oct. 18 at Mt. Hood (11-10, 3-5 NWAC) and Saturday, Oct. 19 at Clark (10-15, 1-7 NWAC).     

Ospreys Athletics: www.roguecc.edu/athletics

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-019

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys gutted out a 2-1 win against Southwestern Oregon in Coos Bay on Wednesday, Oct. 9, while the men lost 5-2 to Chemeketa at home.

Women’s Soccer:

The Ospreys (5-5-3, 5-1-2 NWAC) were game five of a six-game road trip as they faced Southwestern Oregon (0-9-1, 0-7-1 NWAC) Wednesday. Looking to keep their momentum going, the Ospreys played consistent pressure, dominating the shot count 12-4. Both Ospreys goals came in the second half, the first in the 54th minute when Faith Aurello found the back of the net. In the 58th minute, Anna Serna found Asha Sanders for the Ospreys' second goal. The won the match 2-1.

A red card was issued to the team, and Taylor Marshall, Stephanie Roe and Alexia Serrano each received yellow cards in the match.

Men’s Soccer:

The Ospreys (3-6-3, 1-5-1 NWAC) were hoping to find a win against Chemeketa (5-3-1, 5-2-0 NWAC) to spark a run in the back half of the season and make a playoff push. While they played hard and consistently all match, the goals were not to be found. Chemeketa led 4-0 before Rosendo Juarez found Jorge Tarrango for a goal in the 85th minute. Gavin Wilmott scored the second goal on a late penalty kick. The Ospreys lost the match 5-2.

Both teams have a BYE weekend this weekend and will be in action next Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Clark College in Vancouver. The Ospreys women are currently No. 2 in the NWAC South Region while the Ospreys men sit in sixth place.

Ospreys Athletics: www.roguecc.edu/athletics NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys volleyball team remain undefeated in the NWAC South Region after a 3-1 win at home Saturday, Oct. 5, against Linn-Benton Community College. Meanwhile, the Ospreys soccer teams were on the road Saturday at Lane Community College in Eugene, where the women earned a 0-0 draw and the men fell 3-0.

Volleyball:

The Ospreys (18-1, 7-0 NWAC), holding on to first place in the NWAC South Region, wanted to keep the momentum going against No. 3 Linn-Benton (19-9, 5-2 NWAC) on Saturday after taking down No. 2 Lane the night before. And they did just that, winning the match 3-1. The Ospreys played strong in the first set, winning 25-19, battled to a 25-23 win in the second set, lost the third set 25-21 after falling behind early, and then closed out the match by winning 25-16 in the fourth set.

Paia and Violett Togagae again led in kills, with 11 and nine respectively. Noelani Beard followed with seven and Addy Lowder had six kills to go along with her eight blocks. Bella Fudoli and Olivia Wallace had 15 assists each and Trinity Atuatasi had 40 digs.

Women’s Soccer:

The Ospreys women (4-5-3, 4-1-2 NWAC) started the second half of their season in second place in the South Region, their highest position in program history. Squaring off against Lane (3-4-3, 3-1-3 NWAC), the two teams played a largely defensive match with only 16 combined shots on the day, six of them on target. The two teams played the full 90 minutes and finished with a 0-0 draw.

Men’s Soccer:

The Ospreys men (3-5-3, 1-4-1 NWAC) also started the second half of their season and they needed a result against Lane (5-1-3, 5-1-0 NWAC) that would help to turn their season around, they would not find it. They fought hard in the first half, battling to a 0-0 tie at the break. Lane opened up the scoring in the second half and ultimately ran away with it, resulting in a 3-0 loss for the Ospreys. Josue Reyes had a yellow card in the 45th minute.

Ospreys Volleyball is in Roseburg next, taking on Umpqua (16-10, 2-3 NWAC) to complete the first half of the season, Friday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m.

Women’s Soccer is also on the road again next, traveling to Coos Bay to take on Southwestern Oregon (0-7-1, 0-5-1 NWAC) at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9. The Ospreys women sit in second place in the South Region with 14 points. Men’s Soccer will play at home Oct. 9, hosting Chemeketa (3-3-1, 3-2 NWAC) at US Cellular Field #14 at 4 p.m. The men sit in fifth place place in the South Region with 4 points.   

Ospreys Athletics: www.roguecc.edu/athletics

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-017

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys volleyball team held on to the top spot in the NWAC South Region after defeating second-place Lane Community College in a closely contested 3-1 home match Friday, Oct. 4.

The first set showed why the two teams are ranked at the top. They battled back and forth until Rogue won the game 29-27. The second set saw Rogue pull into form as they won with a comfortable 25-16 margin. The third set saw Lane battle back and earn a 26-24 win. The fourth set was another close battle but Rogue pulled ahead for a 25-20 win to earn a 3-1 victory on the match.

It was a complete team effort for the Ospreys: Paia Togagae led with 10 kills, her sister Violett Togagae had nine, and Noelani Beard had eight. Trinity Atuatasi had 30 digs followed by Jeanie Palsis with 18 — two of the six players who had double-digit digs.

The Ospreys remain in first place in the South Region and will host third-place Linn-Benton Saturday, Oct. 5, at 2 p.m.  

Ospreys Athletics: www.roguecc.edu/athletics

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-016

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys women’s and men’s soccer teams finished with a win and a loss against Portland Community College on Wednesday, Oct. 2 in Hillsboro. The women picked up a 1-0 win thanks to Taylor Marshall’s sixth goal in the last week. The men dropped their match 3-1.

Women’s Soccer:

The Ospreys (4-5-2, 4-1-1 NWAC) headed to PCC (6-4-2, 3-1-2 NWAC) knowing they needed three points on the road to move up in the standings. They played a contested back-and-forth first half with both sides looking but neither finding the goal. Coming out in the second half, Portland picked up its attack and had the Ospreys on their heels until they were able to counter in the 60th minute and Taylor Marshall worked around the right side to find the net, putting the Ospreys up 1-0. Emily Majors received a yellow card in the 83rd minute.

Men’s Soccer:

The Ospreys (3-4-3, 1-3-1 NWAC) traveled to PCC (2-4-2, 1-3-1 NWAC) looking to get some momentum going before the second half of the season. They would not find it. They played a tough first half, getting outshot by Portland, but managed end the first half down just 1-0. The second half saw the two teams get very physical and multiple cards were handed out for both teams. In the 59th minute both teams received red cards and the match momentum shifted. Portland put in two more goals before Omar Hernandez scored the lone goal for the Ospreys in the 89th minute. The Ospreys lost 3-1. Rosendo Juarez and Josue Reyes both received yellow cards. 

Both the men’s and women’s teams are on the road again Saturday in Eugene. The women will be up first against Lane (3-4-2, 3-1-2 NWAC) and the men will follow also against Lane (4-1-3, 4-1 NWAC) in back-to-back matches starting at noon.

Ospreys Athletics: www.roguecc.edu/athletics

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-015

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys women’s soccer and volleyball teams were in Salem taking on Chemeketa on Saturday, Sept. 28. Women’s Soccer had an offensive explosion, winning 9-0, led by Taylor Marshall who had four goals and two assists. Volleyball played a gritty back-and-forth match, coming from behind to win in five, 3-2.

Women’s Soccer:

The Ospreys (3-5-2, 3-1-1 NWAC) were on their second of six road games Saturday when they faced Chemeketa (0-7-1, 0-4-1 NWAC). They came out with offensive, led 3-0 at the half, and never quit as the Ospreys put in nine goals over the course of the match, allowing zero. 

Taylor Marshall led the way with four goals in the 19th, 72nd, 78th and 85th minutes. Asha Sanders had two goals, assisted by Marshall in the 5th minute and Alexia Serrano in the 75th. Stephanie Roe scored unassisted in the 42nd minute, Liliana Mejia scored in the 50th after the second assist by Marshall, and Maddie Pineda scored a penalty kick in the 56th minute. There was one yellow card in the match for the Ospreys: Faith Aruello in the 68th minute.

Volleyball:

The Ospreys (16-1, 5-0 NWAC) found themselves caught in a gritty back-and forth battle against Chemeketa (9-18, 2-3 NWAC). They fell in the first set 16-25, fought back and earned the second set 25-23, then lost a close battle 25-27, only to tie the match 2-2 with a 25-16 set. It came down to the 5th set and the Ospreys won the match with a 15-11 result. The Ospreys are 5-0 and in first place in the NWAC South Region standings.

Liu Paia Togagae led the way with 17 kills, seven digs and three blocks, followed by her sister Violett Togagae and Allie Hertager with nine kills apiece. Olivia Wallace had 38 assists and 17 digs, Trinity Atuatasi had 26 diggs and Violett Togage threw in 18 of her own.

Women’s Soccer is on the road Wednesday, Oct. 2nd against Portland (6-3-2, 3-0-2 NWAC) while Volleyball is at home for its next two matches. The first is against Lane (13-7, 4-0 NWAC) Friday, Oct. 4th at 6:30 p.m. at The Courthouse Family Fitness in Medford.

Ospreys Athletics: www.roguecc.edu/athletics

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-014

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys volleyball team earned a 3-1 win on the road Friday, Sept. 27 at Clackamas Community College in Oregon City.

The Ospreys (15-1, 4-0 NWAC) came out hot against Clackamas (9-15, 1-3 NWAC) looking to gain the early advantage in the first of two road games. They did just that by winning 25-19. The second game proved to be a challenge as they were dominated and fell 10-25. The third set saw the Ospreys get back to playing form as they won the set 25-18. The Ospreys finished the match in the fourth set by winning 25-15 to win the match 3-1.

Noelani Beard led with 9 kills, Violett Togagae had 8, and Addy Lowder had 7. Setters Olivia Wallace and Bella Fudoli combined for 24 assists and Trinity Atuatasi had 25 digs.

The Ospreys next play Saturday, Sept.28 at 2:30 p.m. against Chemeketa Community College (9-17, 2-2 NWAC) in Salem. The Ospreys sit in first place in the NWAC South Region standings. 

Ospreys Athletics: www.roguecc.edu/athletics

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-013

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys women’s and men’s soccer teams were in action on Wednesday, Sept. 25. The women were on the road at Clackamas and won 1-0. The men hosted Southwestern Oregon and drew 1-1.

Women’s Soccer:
The Ospreys (2-5-2. 2-1-1 NWAC) were on the road against Clackamas (0-5-1, 0-3-1 NWAC) looking for a road win. Theys took the advantage early when Taylor Marshall put in a goal in the 10th minute that would end up being the deciding goal. The Ospreys ended the day with a 1-0 win. There was one yellow card for the Ospreys: Stephanie Roe in the 49th minute.

Men’s Soccer:
The Ospreys (3-3-3, 1-2-1 NWAC) were hosting the first-place Southwestern Oregon Lakers (2-4-1, 2-1-1 NWAC). History has shown the matches will be physical and this one was no different. The first half went scoreless as both sides attacked but could not find the net. Southwestern got a penalty kick in the 51st minute to go up 1-0. The Ospreys equalized in the 69th minute when Luis Cerna played it back across to Jhoel Sarraude who found the net. The match ended with a 1-1 tie. There was one yellow card for the Ospreys: Omar Hernandez in the 58th minute.

Women’s soccer plays on the road this Saturday, Sept. 28 at noon against Chemeketa (0-6-1, 0-3-1 NWAC). Men’s soccer has a bye this weekend and will be in action on the road against Portland (1-3-2, 0-2-1 NWAC) Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 4:30 p.m.    

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index


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A19-012

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys men’s soccer team was on the road in Salem Wednesday, Sept. 18 taking on Chemeketa Community College. It was an aggressive game between the two squads, but Rogue earned the victory with a 2-1 result.

The Ospreys (3-2-2, 1-0-1 NWAC) were looking for only their second victory in against Chemeketa (1-2-1, 1-1-0 NWAC) in program history and they got off to a good start in the first half. In the 20th minute Rogue earned a penalty kick and Jhoel Sarraude put it away to put the Ospreys up 1-0. The score remained 1-0 going into the half.

Coming out in the second half Chemeketa equalized in the 69th minute. Eleven minutes later, Luis Cerna found Omar Hernandez at the top of the box; Hernandez turned, fired and scored to put the Ospreys up 2-1. It would prove to be the deciding goal. The Ospreys won the day 2-1.

Four Ospreys earned yellow cards during the match: Daniel Ramirez, Gavin Wilmott, Parker Lauffenburger and Josue Reyes.

The Ospreys are home for their next two matches. They host Clark College (2-1-1, 0-1-1 NWAC) Saturday at 3:45 p.m. at US Cellular Community Park field 14. The Ospreys men currently sit in second place in the South Region.

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-009

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys volleyball program continued to have success at the weekend Crossover Tournament in Centralia, Washington. The Ospreys went 3-1 overall, dropping their first match of the year, but remain at a strong 12-1 and in first place in the NWAC South Region.

The Ospreys opened up against Centralia (6-21) and won the match 3-0. Next up, facing Southwestern Oregon (12-6) for the third time this season, the Ospreys lost their first match with a 3-1 result. The following day they played Big Bend (9-6) and won the match 3-1. They finished up against Green River (2-14) winning the match 3-0.

The Ospreys dropped their first match of the inaugural season but continue to surprise and surpass expectations as they remain in first place in the South Region with a 12-1 overall record.

The Ospreys are home for their next two matches when they host Mt. Hood Community College (9-5) at 6:30 p.m. Friday and Clark College (8-8) at 5 p.m. Saturday. Both games will take place at The Courthouse Family Fitness in Medford. 

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-009

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys women’s and men’s soccer teams and women’s volleyball opened play in the NWAC Southern Region on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Volleyball remained undefeated on the year with a 3-1 win on the road. At home, the women’s soccer team fought to a 1-1 draw and men’s soccer dropped the match 2-1.

VOLLEYBALL:
Ospreys Volleyball (9-0, 1-0 NWAC) dropped its first set of the year to open region play against Southwestern Oregon (10-4, 0-1 NWAC) and never looked back. The Ospreys fell 25-13 to open up, then earned three straight sets 25-21, 25-19 and 25-18 to win the match 3-1. Noelani Beard led the Ospreys with 14 kills, Trinity Atuatasi had 26 digs, and Olivia Wallace and Bella Fudoli combined for 33 assists.

WOMEN'S SOCCER:
The Ospreys women (0-4-2, 0-0-1 NWAC) hosted Lane (0-3-1, 0-0-1 NWAC) to open region play. The Ospreys led the match 18 shots to nine but found the net only once. They gave up the lone goal in the first half then rebounded with a stronger pace in the second half. In the 58th minute, Asha Sanders set up Taylor Marshall for their goal. The match ended with a 1-1 draw. There were two yellow cards issued in the match, with Coach Rusty Veth receiving the only card for the Ospreys.

MEN'S SOCCER:
The Ospreys men (2-2-2, 0-1-0 NWAC) faced a tough first match with the Lane Titans (1-0-3, 1-0-0 NWAC). The Ospreys came out soft and allowed a goal in the 19th minute. They responded quickly with Omar Hernandez heading a free kick ball back to Josue Reyes who hit it in stride to tie the match 1-1. Late in the first half Lane scored again to put them up 2-1. Neither team scored in the second half. There were four yellow cards handed out during the match; Gavin Wilmott earned the lone yellow for the Ospreys.

Ospreys Volleyball is on the road again this weekend when they head to Washington for the Centralia Crossover Tournament. Women’s Soccer will host Southwestern Oregon (0-3-0, 0-1-0 NWAC) on Saturday, Sept. 14 at noon at US Cellular Park Field 14. Men’s Soccer will play its next game on the road against Chemeketa (1-1-1, 1-0-0 NWAC) on Wednesday, Sept. at 4 p.m.

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-007

MEDFORD – The Rogue Community College Ospreys Men’s and Women’s soccer team took on North Idaho College on Saturday September 7th. The Ospreys men were up first and earned a 2-0 victory. The women followed in a tense match and earned a 3-3 tie.

Ospreys Men:
The Ospreys (2-1-2, 0-0-0 NWAC) were hosting their home opener and their final match before beginning region play when they took on North Idaho (2-2-0, 0-0-0 NWAC). The first half saw both teams testing each other, looking for opportunities but neither could find the goal and they went into the half tied at 0-0. The two teams battled hard as they came out in the second, both looking for the goal that might make the difference. The Ospreys found it off a corner kick when Bryan Garcia collected the ball and put it into the net in the 53rd minute to put the Ospreys up 1-0. The match stayed close until late when Luis Cerna crossed the ball and found Julian Jackson who scored in the 87th minute to put the game away with a final score of 2-0.

There were 6 yellow cards during the match with 3 Ospreys going in the book: Jorge Tarango, Julian Jackson, and Josue Reyes. 

Ospreys Women:
The Ospreys (0-4-1, 0-0-0 NWAC) were hosting their home opener and final match before beginning region play as they face North Idaho (1-1-2, 0-0-0 NWAC). The Ospreys came out flat and lacking energy and gave up 2 goals in the first 30 minutes. They went into the half down 2-0 after only mustering 3 shots in the first half. They responded to the half time speech from head coach Rusty Veth and came out in the second half full of energy. Christian Hendrix picked up her 3rd goal of the year off a corner kick to get the Ospreys within 1 in the 72nd minute. After a defensive error allowed North Idaho to go up 3-1 the Ospreys responded and put in two more goals in the 77th and 80th minutes. Both goals were long distance rainbow shots that cleared the keeper. The first was by Liliana Mejia and the second was by Faith Aurello. Both goals were assisted by Taylor Marshall. The Ospreys would end the match with the 3-3 tie.

The Ospreys are back in action Wednesday September 11th when they begin regional play in back-to-back games against Lane CC at US Cellular Community Park field 14. The women start at 1:30 and will be followed by the men at 4:00.  

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-006

WEED, CALIF. — The Rogue Community College Ospreys volleyball team remains undefeated after a 3-0 victory at College of the Siskiyous on Monday, Sept. 2.

The Ospreys (8-0, 0-0 NWAC) came out flat against the College of the Siskiyous Eagles (1-4). They struggled to communicate and fell behind early in the first set, then crawled back into the game and earned a 25-23 result. The second match played smoother and finished 25-15. The third set looked like the first as they struggled and fell behind early but ultimately fought back and earned the 27-25 victory to sweep the match.

Ospreys Volleyball remains a perfect 8-0 on the year in the inaugural season as a program. Yet to drop a set, the Ospreys head into the beginning of region play feeling good about their first-season potential. They currently sit in first place in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Southern Region.

The Ospreys head to Coos Bay to take on Southwestern (8-3, 0-0 NWAC) at 2 p.m Wednesday, Sept. 11 to open Southern Region play. 

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

### A19-005

WALLA WALLA, WASH. — The Rogue Community College Ospreys women’s and men’s teams finished up their Eastern Washington trip against Walla Walla on Saturday, Aug. 31. The women improved their play from the day before but fell 4-0 and the men battled all game long to a 1-1 draw.

The Ospreys women (0-4-0, 0-0-0 NWAC) took on the Walla Walla Warriors (4-0-0, 0-0-0 NWAC) looking to improve on their struggles from the day before. They played tight and tough defense for the first 65 minutes of the match, giving up just one goal in the 13th minute. After coming into the second half down 1-0, the Ospreys pushed but were unable to generate any offense. They let in a goal in the 65th minute to go down 2-0. The final two goals came in the last five minutes, bringing the final score to a 4-0 loss. Goalkeeper Lauren Elmore collected 13 saves with the four goals allowed. Taylor Marshall received a yellow card in the 86th minute.

The Ospreys men (1-1-2, 0-0-0 NWAC) were facing a perennial Final Four team in the Walla Walla Warriors (2-1-1, 0-0-0 NWAC) on Saturday. Frustrated from their last-minute loss the day before, the Ospreys were determined to come away with points in this match. It was a defensive slugfest for most of the match. In the 39th minute a foul was called on the Ospreys while defending in the box which led to PK goal for Walla Walla. The Ospreys were down 1-0 at the half. Knowing they had a chance, the Ospreys came out pressing and hunting for a goal. In the 84th minute, Jhoel Sarraude put one in the net to end the match 1-1. Four Ospreys received yellow cards: Julian Jackson, Bryan Garcia, Kip Parowski and Parker Lauffenburger.

The Ospreys have a week of rest before both teams host their home openers against North Idaho College in back-to-back games Saturday, Sept. 7, starting with the men at noon followed by the women at 2:30 p.m. These are the final matches before both teams begin region play. 

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-004

PASCO, WA — The Rogue Community College Ospreys women’s and men’s soccer teams were in Pasco, Washington, on Friday, Aug. 30, taking on Columbia Basin College in back-to-back games. The Ospreys women fell to CBC 6-1. The men played second in a close physical match but ultimately lost 3-2.

The Ospreys women (0-3-0, 0-3-0 NWAC) played a solid first 25 minutes against the Columbia Basin Hawks (4-0-0, 4-0-0 NWAC), allowing just one goal that came off an awkward bounce that went off the keeper's hands and was called over the line by the assistant referee. Over the next 10 minutes, the Ospreys let in three more to come to a half time score of 4-0. The Ospreys played well in the second half, fixing some of their mistakes and capitalizing on a corner kick opportunity. Christian Hendrix scored off the corner kick in the 58th minute to give the Ospreys their lone goal. Emily Majors picked up a yellow card in the 60th minute. Keeper Lauren Elmore had 9 saves with the 6 allowed goals. The Ospreys lost 6-1.

The Ospreys men (1-1-1, 1-1-1 NWAC) found themselves in a close and very physical match against the Columbia Basin men (2-1-1, 2-1-1 NWAC). The Ospreys opened up the scoring early when Kip Parowski took the ball off a defender and laid it in for Jhoel Sarraude who found the back of the net in the 5th minute. The score remained 1-0 through the half. Columbia Basin capitalized on a back-line mistake and put one in during the 47th minute to equalize at 1-1. Omar Hernandez scored on a penalty kick in the 55th minute after the CBC defender received a red card in the box and was sent off. The Ospreys were up 2-1, but were unable to hold on to the lead. They let a goal sneak in during the 62nd minute and again during the 85th minute to lose the match 3-2. Omar Hernandez picked up a yellow card in the 56th minute.

The Ospreys are both back in action Saturday, Aug. 31 when they take on Walla Walla Community College in back-to-back games. The women play first at noon followed by the men at 2:15 p.m.

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-003

MEDFORD — The Rogue Community College Ospreys Volleyball team hosted its first-ever home game Tuesday, Aug. 27 at The Court House. The first-year program started its season 6-0 at the opening tournament last weekend and kept up the streak going in a 3-0 victory against New Hope Christian College of Eugene.

The Ospreys were excited to be hosting their first-ever home game and came out with energy, winning the first set 25-17. They struggled through the second set with some miscommunication but still found victory with a 25-21 final. The Ospreys closed out the match in a back-and-forth third set that ended 25-23.

The Ospreys play in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) in the Southern Region. They currently sit atop the standings with a 7-0 record. They are on the road for their next match when they travel to take on College of the Siskiyous Monday, Sept. 2 at 3 p.m.

NWAC website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-002

The Rogue Community College Ospreys Athletics program is beginning its fifth year of men’s and women’s soccer and its first year of women’s volleyball. All three programs began their 2019 season this weekend at the NWAC Soccer Friendlies in Tukwila, Washington, and the NWAC Volleyball Showcase in Springfield. Men’s soccer took home a victory and a draw, women’s soccer dropped both matches, and volleyball stunned by going 6-0 in straight sets.

Men’s Soccer showed promise in their fifth year after a disappointing fourth season by winning their first match 3-0 against Treasure Valley and fighting to a 2-2 draw with Blue Mountain. Raul Reyes, Julian Jackson and Josue Reyes each had a goal while Jhoel Saurrade had two. Luis Cerna picked up an assist while Omar Hernandez collected two. Men’s Soccer next faces Columbia Basin on the road at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, in Pasco, Washington.

Women’s Soccer had a tough draw in their first match and fell 3-0. They gave up two early goals and one late. Two players went down in the match. The Ospreys responded well the next morning taking on Everett. They put two in net but allowed three and fell 3-2. Anna Serna and Christian Hendrix both had goals for the Ospreys. Women’s Soccer next faces Columbia Basin on the road at noon Friday, Aug. 30 in Pasco.

Women’s Volleyball began its first ever season at the Volleyball Showcase and stunned by going a perfect 6-0 in straight sets. Each match was played best of three and the Ospreys went a perfect 12 of 12. The play began against College of the Redwoods (25-8, 25-20) and continued with Big Bend (25-11, 25-17), Mt. Hood (25-21, 25-17), Columbia Basin (27-25, 25-22), Wenatchee Valley (25-14, 25-13), and finished against Southwestern Oregon (25-21, 25-16). Next up, the Ospreys will host New Hope Christian College for their first-ever home game at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27 at at The Court House in Medford.

NWAC Website: https://nwacsports.com/landing/index

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A19-001

The Rogue Community College Ospreys women's volleyball team launches its inaugural season this weekend at the NWAC Fall Festival in Springfield. With just a day to recover, the team will followup its six-match tourney schedule with RCC's first-ever home volleyball match Tuesday in Medford.

The team's home opener is a non-conference match against Eugene's New Hope Christian College. Game time is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at The Court House, 709 N. Phoenix Road in Medford.

The team's roster includes two sophomores and 12 freshmen. In addition to five local players, head coach Christine Nelson recruited six players from Hawaii, two from Alaska and one from Idaho.

"Christine has built a strong first-year team with a mix of local and out-of-town athletes. Even with getting in late on the local recruiting cycle, she managed to find five players from the valley — all players that we expect to contribute right away," said RCC Athletic Director Darren Van Lehn.

"All are longtime volleyball players who are excited to be a part of Rogue history and setting the bar for Ospreys Volleyball going forward," Van Lehn said. "This team will be one of the more important in Rogue’s history as it establishes the beginning of growth for Ospreys Athletics."

RCC launched Ospreys Athletics in 2015. Volleyball is the third sport in the department's repertoire, which includes men's and women's soccer. A cross-country program was discontinued in 2018 due to low participation.

2019 RCC Volleyball Schedule

2019 RCC Volleyball Roster

RCC's Ospreys Athletics: https://www.roguecc.edu/athletics

NWAC Website: http://www.nwacsports.org/

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A19-003

The Rogue Community College women's soccer team lost its season opener today in a 3-0 match with Yakima Valley Community College at the NWAC 2019 Soccer Friendlies tournament in Tukwila, Washington.

"It was a tough first match up, but one thing that is consistent with Rusty's teams is that they learn from their mistakes," RCC Athletic Director Darren Van Lehn said, referencing head coach Rusty Veth. "They get better and better as the season goes. I expect them to compete for a playoff spot for the fourth year in a row."

The Ospreys next play Everett Community College at noon Friday in Tukwila. Their first home game will be Sept. 7, when the Ospreys men and women host North Idaho Community College in back-to-back games at U.S. Cellular Park in Medford.

Now in their fifth season of Northwest Athletic Conference play, the Ospreys women's roster includes 12 freshmen and seven sophomores. Tapping into new recruiting areas such as Hawaii and Idaho, Veth is looking to move the program into its first-ever playoff season.

"After finishing one spot short of the playoffs for the last three seasons, we're looking to break that barrier in year five," Van Lehn said. "We sent three players on to the NAIA last year. This program is as primed and ready as it has ever been for a run to the championships."

2019 Ospreys Women's Soccer Schedule

2019 Ospreys Women's Soccer Roster

RCC's Ospreys Athletics: https://www.roguecc.edu/athletics/

NWAC Website: http://www.nwacsports.org/

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A19-002

The Rogue Community College Ospreys men's soccer team kicked off its 2019 season this morning with a 3-0 win against Treasure Valley Community College at the NWAC 2019 Soccer Friendlies tournament in Tukwila, Washington.

"As of now, we're undefeated," said RCC Athletics Director Darren Van Lehn. "It's a great way to start the season."

Now in their fifth season of competition in the Northwest Athletic Conference, the Ospreys aim to bounce back from a winless 2018 season. Head coach Greg Millick returns for his fifth season with the program boasting a lineup of 26 men, the largest roster in the program's history.

The team returns 10 sophomores this year and brings in 16 freshmen. While the majority of the team is made up of local athletes, Millick expanded his recruiting area into Hawaii, Florida and Texas.

"While last year was a disappointment, this group is one of the most talented Millick has ever put together," Van Lehn said. "He's looking to match the 2017 program that competed for the region title. There is no confusing it, the goal for this season for the men is to be better than they have ever been and win the Southern Region title. And with their roster, they are feeling ready for that run."

The Ospreys (1-0) next play Blue Mountain Community College at 8 a.m. Friday in Tukwila. Their home opener will be Sept. 7, when the Ospreys men and women play host to North Idaho Community College in back-to-back games at U.S. Cellular Park in Medford.

2019 Ospreys Men's Soccer Schedule

2019 Ospreys Men's Soccer Roster

RCC's Ospreys Athletics: https://www.roguecc.edu/athletics/

NWAC Website: http://www.nwacsports.org/

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A19-001

MEDFORD — Ospreys Athletics is proud to announce the hire of Christine Nelson as head coach for the inaugural season of women's volleyball at Rogue Community College.

Nelson brings more than two decades of experience coaching volleyball and basketball at the high school and collegiate levels. She comes to RCC from Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen, Washington, which also competes in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC).

In her six-year tenure as head volleyball coach at Grays Harbor, Nelson was responsible for resurrecting the program after a seven-year hiatus. RCC Athletic Director Darren Van Lehn said he's eager to draw on her experience building a volleyball program.

“I am extremely excited to have Christine as our first head coach," Van Lehn said. "Building a program is a challenging task so to have someone who has experienced that process — as well as already competing in our conference — gives our program the best opportunity for success in year one.”

Van Lehn also praised Nelson's depth of experience both coaching and recruiting. She has coached for over 21 years at the club, high school and collegiate levels, and has already begun scouting unsigned athletes in the Rogue Valley.

“Christine’s skill at recruiting is something I highly value," Van Lehn said. "Her ability to find quality athletes from her local area and complete her roster with recruits from places like Alaska, Hawaii and Las Vegas will help Ospreys Athletics move into recruiting zones we previously had never touched.”

The Ospreys women’s volleyball program will begin its regular season Sept. 11. The team's home court will be at The Court House, 709 N. Phoenix Road in Medford.

RCC launched Ospreys Athletics in 2015. Volleyball becomes the third sport in the department's repertoire, which includes men's and women's soccer. The cross-country program was discontinued in 2018 due to low participation.

Nelson holds a bachelor’s in physical education from Pacific Lutheran University and a master’s in education from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In addition to volleyball, she was head coach of the women’s basketball team at Grays Harbor College and previously served as assistant coach at Concordia University in Portland, where she helped rebuild that program. During that time, the Cavaliers won two Cascade Conference Championships and qualified for the NAIA National Tournament, making the Sweet 16 in the 2008-2009 season.

NWAC Website: http://www.nwacsports.org/

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A19-035

The Rogue Community College (RCC) Ospreys women’s soccer team is proud to announce that three sophomores have signed letters of intent to play at the university level next season. Ospreys forward Logan Billy and defenders McKenna Frison and Lara Nuttall have signed on to play in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Ospreys Athletics hosted a celebration with friends and family Friday, March 8.

Billy and Nuttall are transferring to Multnomah University in Portland. Frison is heading to Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri. The trio make up half the Ospreys’ sophomore class, and their transfers are another sign of growth for the four-year old women’s soccer program at RCC. The team sent its first player to a four-year program last fall when Haley Janky transferred to play for Oregon Tech.

 "It's pretty amazing to say that for every player who has come into this program and truly wanted to play at the next level, we have not only found a home for them but they are also receiving athletic aid," Ospreys head coach Rusty Veth said at Friday’s celebration. "It's really cool to have so many people come out to support these ladies tonight because it truly takes a village to get to this point."

Veth shared a few words about the three transferring players.

Lara Nuttall (Creswell High School, Eugene) "stood out to me right away when I first saw her play four years ago,” Veth said. “She ran a back line masterfully. Luckily for Rogue, fate put us in the same place again down the road and I convinced her that she was too good to not be playing college ball. She brought a level of maturity and confidence to the program at a time when we needed it."

Logan Billy (South Medford High School) "came into the picture very late in recruiting two years ago but it was clear that she was an athlete,” Veth said. “She was coming back from injury and we talked in great depth about it and how she could come back and still have an impact and be the player she never knew she could be. She stuck to the game plan laid out for her and, in her second season at Rogue, she was the leading scorer for the team and made the NWAC All-Star team. Over her time at Rogue, I've seen her love for the sport grow astronomically."

Of McKenna Frison (Crater High School), Veth said, "There isn't anyone I've ever coached that I could say deserves to be in this position more than McKenna. She is a different breed of person. She never lets anything hold her back. She is honest about strengths and weaknesses and attacks every challenge that comes her way. I've never heard anyone speak ill of McKenna and have always admired the way she is able to stay out of drama and on the grind in the classroom and on the field. It's been one of the greatest joys of my career as a coach to see her confidence grow as she has made such great strides in her technical and tactical abilities. She just has so much character and really is the epitome of someone who leaves it all on the field." 

The Ospreys women’s soccer program is recruiting strong and looking to carry forward an even larger sophomore class this fall. The season opens Sept. 11.

RCC Ospreys Athletics: https://www.roguecc.edu/athletics/teammsoccer.asp

NWAC Website: https://www.nwacsports.org/