Sasquatch Control Own Playoff Destiny

R.J. Merritt recorded his fourth straight shutout as the Community Colleges of Spokane men’s soccer team downed Everett Community College 5-0 Tuesday afternoon in Spokane.

Clayton Thomas had a goal and two assists for the Sasquatch (8-4-4 Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges), while teammate Kenny Krestian tallied a goal and an assist.

CCS plays Thursday at Edmonds Community College and Friday at Everett. By winning their final two games, the Sasquatch would clinch a berth in the NAACC playoffs.

In the Northwest Conference of Independent Colleges, Whitworth defender Matt Kinder and midfielder Joon Kang were named to the men’s all-conference soccer team and Pirates coach Steve Simmons was designated coach of the year. Whitworth midfielder Rio Three Stars received an honorable mention.

On the women’s side, Pirates coach Damon Haggerot received coach of the year honors. Forward Jennifer Tissue and midfielder Joy Cullen were selected to the all-conference team.

College volleyball

Eastern Washington freshman Kim Exner was named the Big Sky Conference player of the week.

Exner, a 6-foot-1 middle blocker from Vernon, British Columbia, helped lead the Eagles (3-9 Big Sky, 8-18 overall) to back-toback wins over Weber State and Northern Arizona.

Exner had 27 kills and 19 digs in Eastern’s win over Weber State. She had 15 kills and six blocks to help beat Northern Arizona.

College basketball

Eastern Washington University’s men’s basketball team will open its 1995-96 season on Thursday when the Eagles host the Townsville Suns from Australia in an exhibition game.

Tipoff is 7 p.m. at Reese Court in Cheney. No admission will be charged.

Led by new head coach Steve Aggers, the Eagles return all five starters from last year’s team that finished 6-20 overall and 2-12 in the Big Sky Conference. Top Eagles returning include 1994-95 Big Sky newcomer of the year Melvin Lewis and D’mitri Rideout, who was recently selected by his teammates as captain.

Eastern officially opens the season on Nov. 26 at Washington State before hosting Washington on Nov. 28.

, DataTimes