Whitworth gets first-round bye

After a few appearances in the NCAA Division III Tournament, the Whitworth men finally got what they were hoping for – a Wednesday off.

The Pirates (16-1-1), who had to play a first-round matchup on the Wednesday prior to the first weekend of NCAA Tournament action in 2001 and 2004, were awarded a first-round bye this year.

Whitworth will host the winner of Wednesday’s Redlands (16-2-2) vs. UC Santa Cruz (17-1) match on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Whitworth.

Coach Sean Bushey is particularly grateful the Pirates, who won a second straight Northwest Conference title and are the top seed in the West Region, won’t have to travel.

“We are thankful (for the bye),” Bushey said. “We put in the work to end up a No. 1 seed in region, and we are thankful to be abel to get rest.

“We’ve always had reverse effect – playing on Wednesday and traveling on Saturday, and last year it took it’s toll. … Our conference is such a grind, it’s good to have an extra day, or few days, and spend the first few days focusing on us.”

Regardless of who wins Wednesday, Bushey knows the Pirates will face a tough challenge.

“Both are talented teams who always do well in the tournament and nationally,” Bushey said. “Either one is an extreme test for us.

“We’re glad to be at home,” he added. “Our field plays on the bigger side of most campuses… . It should play to our advantage. …

“We’re hoping it’s cold. California guys don’t get used to that. We’d like some (snow) flurries.”

Zags’ Josten honored

Gonzaga sophomore forward George Josten is the West Coast Conference player of the week.

Josten scored three of GU’s seven goals for the week as the Bulldogs went 2-1, both wins in WCC play.

He has 11 goals to rank sixth on the Gonzaga single-season list, and his 16 career goals are tied for sixth.