Player of the week: Noah Fifita, quarterback, Arizona football
Noah Fifita, in his second career start as Arizona‘s quarterback, showcased another exemplary performance against No. 9 USC, leaving a lasting impression on Arizona fans and highlighting a bright future for the program with him at the helm. His outstanding performance earned him Pac-12 Freshman of the Week honors and the esteemed Shaun Alexander Award Freshman of the Week. This recognition is well-deserved, given his remarkable performance against the Trojans, where he threw for an impressive 303 yards and 5 touchdowns, marking a career-best.
Fifita‘s ability to excel on the field against AP top-10 ranked opponents in his first two starts further highlights his talent despite his limited snap count. He has now joined a select group as the 10th quarterback in the past two decades to achieve this feat. Additionally, he demonstrated exceptional precision, completing 71.4% of his passes, setting a career-high with 35 pass attempts.
In his five game appearances and two starts, Fifita has thrown 8 touchdowns while only conceding two interceptions. His consistent performance and poise in the games he’s played so far this season have solidified his status as an emerging star in college football. The awards are testament to his achievements, and many more accolades will likely follow as he continues his collegiate career.
Team of the week: Arizona volleyball team vs. UCLA and USC
The Arizona volleyball team demonstrated remarkable resilience in their recent matches this past week. Coming off a four-game losing streak, the Wildcats bounced back with a strong performance against UCLA on Friday, Oct. 6, securing their first conference win of the season. In this match, they were able to finally play a complete game, resulting in a 3-1 rout of the Bruins.
Key players Sofia Maldonado Diaz, Jaelyn Hodge and Jordan Wilson were instrumental in the team’s success, collectively contributing 40 of the team’s 55 kills. Their consistent and impactful performance was evident throughout. The Wildcats outscored UCLA 89-83 over the four sets, showcasing their control at the net and their ability to capitalize on crucial moments.
In their following match against USC on Sunday, Oct. 8, Arizona faced a formidable opponent and once again exhibited impressive nerve throughout the match. Despite a narrow defeat in a five-set contest, the Wildcats showed their ability to thrive under pressure. Wilson led the offense with 20 kills, closely followed by Maldonado Diaz with 16 kills and Hodge with 12 kills. This trio’s stellar performance underscores the team’s potential and the promising future ahead that lies ahead.
Overall, the team’s recent matches showcased their talent, and ability to compete at a high level. Now it’s about stringing together consistent performances as they aim to build upon these two performances as the Wildcats continue Pac-12 play.
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