August 31–September 6
Welcome to the newest segment from Sansom Sports Media’s Bearcat coverage! This new, weekly piece will highlight all Cincinnati Bearcat Athletics, making sure you don’t miss anything!
Welcome to the newest segment from Sansom Sports Media’s Bearcat coverage! This new, weekly piece will highlight all Cincinnati Bearcat Athletics, making sure you don’t miss anything!
Volleyball: Bearcats Split Weekend at Popcorn Classic
Cincinnati volleyball experienced a little bit of everything this week, beginning with a tough 3-0 loss to Santa Clara in its home opener before bouncing back with a sweep of Valparaiso at the Popcorn Classic. Against Santa Clara, the Bearcats were unable to overcome a strong Broncos attack, despite a double-double from Sydney Nolan, who finished with 12 kills and 12 digs. Kate Lijic continued her impressive start to the season with 30 assists, reaching the 30-assist mark for the third consecutive match.
The Bearcats responded in a big way Friday, sweeping Valparaiso behind a career performance from sophomore Izzy Busignani. Busignani posted career highs in kills (13), digs (8) and blocks (2), while Nina Scrucca hit an impressive .538 with nine kills. Lijic once again controlled the offense with 42 assists. Cincinnati closed the weekend against Michigan on Saturday, falling 3-0 despite a monster performance from Nolan, who recorded 24 kills and 10 digs. The Bearcats pushed Michigan to two extended 28-26 sets, showing plenty of fight despite the final result. Cincinnati now looks to build on the positives from a competitive weekend as the young season continues. They’ll be back in action 9/10 at 5:00 at Morehead State, and then vs. Michigan State on 9/11 at 4;00, also in Morehead.
Women’s Soccer: Bearcats Battle Central Michigan to a Draw and a Victory over NKU
Cincinnati women’s soccer battled Central Michigan to a 1-1 draw Thursday night, moving the Bearcats to 1-2-2 on the season. Cincinnati created several opportunities throughout the match, with Lexi O’Shea hitting the top of the crossbar in the first half and leading the team with four shots. Central Michigan eventually broke through in the 66th minute, but Cincinnati responded just 10 minutes later when sophomore Bryana Gaynor found the back of the net to level the match. Gaynor finished with three shots and two on goal as the Bearcats continued to battle until the final whistle.
Cincinnati continued the momentum on Sunday vs. Northern Kentucky where they won 2-1 after goals from Bryana Gaynor (23′) after a header bounced her way and the net was open. NKU opened the 2H strong with a goal in the 66′ before a Lexi O’Shea shot hit the crossbar and Tiana Campbell put it in the back of the net.
Cincinnati is back in action on 9/13 at 7:00 vs. Eastern Illinois at Gettler Stadium.
Football: Cincinnati Opens the Season With a Statement
While several Bearcats teams were battling throughout the week, football provided the biggest exclamation point on Saturday. Cincinnati opened the season with a convincing 34-15 victory over Boston College, giving the Bearcats an impressive start to the 2026 campaign under head coach Scott Satterfield. Cincinnati controlled the game on both sides of the ball, showing the physicality and execution needed to come away with a statement victory against an ACC opponent.
The win gives the Bearcats plenty of momentum heading into the next stretch of the season, while also providing an early glimpse at what this Cincinnati team could accomplish in 2026. There is obviously a long season ahead, but opening the year with a 34-15 win over Boston College is a strong way to get things started.
For a more in-depth look at Cincinnati’s victory, check out my full recap below.
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