By: Bayley Goodman
Staff Writer
IU South Bend athletics is almost in full swing after a nonexistent fall season and reduced winter season with the women’s basketball team playing four games and men’s team competing in just two. IU South Bend is expected to have eight sports competing in the Spring.
Volleyball, which typically plays strictly in the fall, will begin their season at home on Feb. 24 against the St. Ambrose Fighting Bees. This will be the Titans first game in 458 days after last seen in the opening round of NAIA National Tournament against Madonna University in 2019.
After a 22-14 record during the 2019 season, the volleyball team graduated five seniors but return Hannah Marchand, CCAC co-player of the year, and McKenzie Powell who earned first team all-conference and was CCAC setter of the week four times.
Baseball and softball were two of the primary teams to feel the full force of COVID-19 as both of their seasons were cut short in March of 2020 after only playing a combined total of 22 games compared to a normal 79 combined game schedule.
Both teams hit off their season on the road on Feb. 26 when baseball travels to Indiana Wesleyan, and softball journeys south to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods for doubleheaders.
Men and women’s tennis normally play fall and spring games to complete their schedule. Last season, the two teams were able to complete their fall season before canceling a total of 21 matches starting in March due to COVID-19. While the pandemic continued through the rest of 2020, tennis was forced to cancel their fall season leaving them with only four scheduled matches for the men and four for the women.
Similar to tennis, men and women’s golf also play a split season sport. They were able to compete in most of their matches before having to cancel their last invitational and the CCAC Championships. After having no fall season, the men have four scheduled invitationals and the women have three before they set to compete in the CCAC Championships.
Lastly, women’s soccer, who like volleyball normally only plays in the fall but was pushed to the spring. Currently, women’s soccer has a conference only schedule prepared for the 2021 season kicking off on Feb. 27 at Newton Park against the Cardinal Stritch Wolves.
Indiana University South Bend has updated their fan policy for the spring sports but are not allowing fans for indoor sports. This includes outdoor sports, such as soccer and tennis, who have to play inside due to weather.
Since fans are not allowed for indoor games, RRSN will livestream the competitions so fans will still have the opportunity to watch their favorite Titan players. Outdoor sports such as baseball, softball, tennis and soccer are allowing no visiting fans.
If you are a family member of an IU South Bend Titan then you may attend an outdoor game but must maintain at least six feet between others and wear your mask properly at all times.
