Christendom Athletics is back in action. The college’s men’s and women’s soccer teams and women’s volleyball team opened their 2026-27 seasons this past weekend, with the soccer teams each earning shutout victories and volleyball picking up its first win of the year.
Men’s Soccer
The men’s soccer team, looking to build on last season’s momentum, opened its season in front of a roaring home crowd, taking on Williamson. Philip Vander Woude opened the scoring early in the first half before Joey Jalsevac added two goals in quick succession to give the Crusaders a commanding 3-0 halftime lead.
Christendom continued to dominate after the break. Vander Woude scored again early in the second half before completing his hat trick just three minutes later on an assist from Jalsevac. Following an own goal near the 60th-minute mark, Luke Vander Woude capped the scoring with less than three minutes remaining to secure an emphatic 7-0 shutout victory.
Women’s Soccer
After advancing to the USCAA National Championship semifinals last season, the women’s soccer team opened its new campaign with a road victory over Penn State Mont Alto.
Maddie Lie put Christendom on the board just two minutes into the match before Maria Blank doubled the lead in the 42nd minute. Christendom’s defense preserved the advantage throughout the second half, while goalkeeper Serena Keller recorded eight saves to earn a 2-0 shutout victory.
Women’s Volleyball
Following a tough 2025-26 season, the women’s volleyball team looked to start fresh at the USCAA Tip-Off Tournament hosted by Penn State Beaver.
Christendom opened the tournament with a 25-12 victory in the first set against Penn State Beaver before following it with a 25-20 win in the second. Beaver claimed the third set, 25-21, but the Crusaders responded by winning the fourth set to secure the opening-match victory.
Lucy Stahl paced Christendom with 16 points and 10 kills, respectively, while Ivy Akers recorded a team-high 16 digs.
The Crusaders faced stiffer competition in their final two matches of the tournament, falling in straight sets to Kent State Tuscarawas and Cincinnati Clermont. Stahl once again led Christendom in points in both contests, including a match-high 14 points against Cincinnati Clermont.
For schedules, results, and more information, visit christendomathletics.com.