In this issue: USD volleyball’s win streak hits 12, local hoops teams shine in their home openers, SDSU doubles pair punches an NCAA ticket, and regional soccer squads face tough losses. Also inside: today’s Timeout Term, Attacking Third, and a quick quiz on USD’s record win streak.

The USD Toreros were a point away from defeat but managed to hold on for a five-set victory over the surging St. Mary’s Gaels, 22-25, 25-20, 19-25, 27-25, 15-5. The Toreros maintain their perfect start to West Coast Conference play, with 12 straight wins. Read more here.

The 2025 USD volleyball team has the program’s longest win streak since 2022, when the program advanced to the NCAA Final Four.

For the answer, read here.

UC San Diego volleyball (6-19, 4-9 Big West) defeated UC Santa Barbara (17-8, 9-4 Big West) for the first time ever, and did it emphatically by winning in straight sets, 25-22, 26-24, 25-22 at the Thunderdome on Friday.

Three players recorded double-digit kills, including Ireland McNees and Molly McCluskey (13 each) and Katie Rapp (11). Maija Nepszy and Mika Rome had 25 and 13 assists, respectively, while middle blockers Lucia Barroso and Jasmine Saran collected four blocks each.

The Tritons then lost to Cal Poly on Saturday, 25-19, 19-25, 16-25, 14-25.

SAN DIEGO – San Diego State’s Jo-Yee Chan and Vessa Turley defeated Furman’s Lillie Murphy and Elle Warren 6-2, 6-3 on Saturday afternoon at the ITA Conference Masters at Barnes Tennis Center to earn a bid into the NCAA Doubles Championships Nov 19-23. To advance, the pair downed teams from University of North Florida, Tarleton State, Ohio State, and Furman.

College basketball season tipped off with plenty of wins around the region. SDSU, UCSD and USD won their home openers this week.

SDSU overwhelmed CSU San Marcos, 95-35. The Aztecs put on a clinic, beating Division II CSU San Marcos for their home opener. The team also unveiled its 2024-25 Mountain West Championship banner. Read more here.

UCSD defeated Denver 72-54 in their first home game. Sabrina Ma scored 19 and eight others scored to start the season 1-1.

USD also won at home, then lost the next two. USD played three games in six days, winning its home opener against Bethesda before dropping two to UC Irvine and CSU Northridge. Read about the home opener here.

D1 teams often schedule home games with D2 opponents as a tune-up for the season. They typically do not expect to be challenged, must less beaten, but that’s just what happened to Long Beach State on Nov. 1. The Beach dropped an exhibition game to D2 (shhh, don’t tell them that) Point Loma Nazarene. Eiley Tippins scored a game-high 23 points, while Ruby Vlahov (18 points) and Izzy Navarro (15 points, 6 assists) also finished in double figures. Hannah Golan led all players with 14 rebounds.

BOISE, Idaho – After ending regulation and two overtimes 1-1 against No. 1 seed Boise State on Wednesday night, No. 4 seed SDSU lost the penalty-kick battle, 3-2. San Diegan Mia Lane (Eastlake HS) scored in regulation in the 50th minute. Read more here.

Point Loma Nazarene defeated Fresno Pacific 3-0 on Saturday’s senior night, and clinched the No. 3 seed for playoffs. Sophomore Gianna Masinter and two seniors, Alyssa Ketcham and Emma Rogers, scored.

No. 6 Wave FC lost a 1-0 heartbreaker in extra time to No. 3 Portland Thorns in Portland on Sunday in the quarterfinals of NWSL Champsionship. Read more here.

Our online store is now open in time for holiday shopping! What’ll it be? A sweatshirt or a tee?

⚽ Attacking Third, also called the Final Third, is the section of the field closest to the opponent’s goal where a team tries to score. You may have heard of the soccer podcast Attacking Third from CBS Sports that covers the National Women’s Soccer League, US Women’s National Team and more.

🎤 While we’ve got you thinking about podcasts, stay tuned! We’ve got our very own podcast coming soon, the Athlete’s Commute, where you’ll learn more about your favorite athletes while on their way to practice.