Sports

I’ll never forget the day I was cut from Murrieta Valley High School’s baseball team. I can tell you the date: Dec. 2, 2005. Just getting off the phone with my dad, I rode shotgun in my mom’s Ford Explorer as I arrived at school at 7 a.m. I probably rolled my eyes as Mom said, “Make good choices” or, “I love you” too loud. I shut the door with my black JanSport backpack slung over my right shoulder.

SERVICE: The Anteaters totaled 17 aces in two comeback victories against the Gauchos and Bruins.

BIG WEST: The Anteaters opened up conference play with a sweep of the CSUN Matadors.

WATERPOLO: Prior to blowing out Hartwick, UCI needed two fourth-quarter goals to beat the LMU Lions.

Compiled by Ian Massey, Staff Writer.

VOLLEYBALL: After being swept by the Bruins, UCI responds by sweeping the Ohio State Buckeyes.

On Thursday, the 2011 Major League Baseball season is expected to commence. Baseball is often divisive: love it or leave it. But it doesn’t take a diehard to appreciate the sport. On occasion, I’ve heard people voice their displeasure for the game of baseball to me, citing the game’s methodical pace, extended season and stagnant activity.

Springtime usually features the dramatic finishes of March Madness, the renewed hope that fills the hearts of every baseball fan because of a brand new Major League Baseball season and the final playoff pushes by teams in the National Basketball Association and National Hockey League.

BLOWOUT: In two games against CBU and UMD, the Lady Anteaters combined to score 32 goals.

Compiled by Ian Massey, Staff Writer.

With UC Irvine’s first round 79-72 loss to Long Beach State in the Big West Tournament, the 2010-2011 ’Eaters squad will on paper look very similar to the 2009-2010 team: a disappointing 13-19, (6-10 Big West) record and early exit in the postseason. Flashes of promise were mired by frustrating inconsistency. But this year was different. This year there was hope.

COMEBACK: After serving 10 months in prison, Chris Kearney has resurrected his tennis career at UCI.