Soccer, Volleyball On Deck

Football got the 2010-11 sports year started for Central Oklahoma last weekend and now it's time for soccer and volleyball to take center stage.

Both teams kick off their season this weekend, with soccer at home and volleyball on the road. Coach Mike Cook's squad hosts the Broncho Invitational, with UCO set to take on Nebraska-Omaha Friday and Truman State Saturday. Coach Jeff Boyland and his spikers go to the West Texas A&M Invitational for four matches, playing two each on Friday and Saturday.

There are no seniors on the soccer roster, but the Bronchos are brimming with young talent and should continue to build on a championship tradition. This weekend's games will also be a good indicator of where UCO stands in regards to the top teams in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Assocation, a league the Bronchos will join in 2012-13.

Look for an aggressive, pressing offensive attack and strong defensive play by UCO this weekend at Tom Thompson Field.

Four seniors are ready to lead the volleyball team that is looking to bounce back strong from two consecutive sub-par years. A rash of injuries in both 2008 and '09 severely limited the Bronchos, who are certainly capable of being one of the top teams in the LSC if they stay healthy.

UCO has plenty of offensive firepower and should get the season off to a good start in Texas.

A LOOK BACK: Though UCO lost its football season opener to Pitt State 31-20 last Saturday, there were a lot of positive things that went on at Wantland Stadium. First and foremost was the great crowd -- nearly 8,500 -- that ranks as the biggest in at least 10 years.

The retro uniforms worn by the Bronchos looked great, dozens of former players came from near and far for a pre-game cookout before being recognized at halftime and the game atmosphere was simply fantastic.

And on the field, the Bronchos showed many promising moments both offensively and defensively before losing out to Pitt State's fourth-quarter surge. A win would have obviously been the best topper to the night, but all in all it was a great start to the season.