USC athletes get a jump start on the fall semester

Though classes begin today, USC athletics has already been busy preparing for its upcoming seasons.

The No. 19 women’s soccer team kicked things off on Friday with its first game of the season at McAlister Field. USC started five freshman, including goalkeeper Shelby Church who takes over for departed standout Kristin Olsen. Church made some clutch saves and only conceded one goal in her debut. Unfortunately, the Women of Troy’s offense was unable to find the back of the net and USC took a 1-0 loss to University of San Diego.

The football team was also preparing for its upcoming season with the annual preseason scrimmage on Saturday. The 111-play scrimmage pitted the offense against the defense, with the offense scoring six touchdowns  only to have the defense counter with four interceptions. Quarterback Mitch Mustain was picked off twice and Matt Barkley once, but Barkley’s interception was returned 35 yards for a touchdown by cornerback Shareece Wright.

Last but not least, 2008 Olympic silver medalist Rebecca Soni won the 100m breaststroke at the Pan Pacific Championships, which started on Wednesday. Her time of 1:04.93 is the third-fastest time ever in the event.