The University of Idaho Argonaut

Much has been written about Idaho's success on the defensive side of the ball this season. The 24 goals and 251 shots that Idaho allowed were the third lowest total in school history, a testament to the defensive skill of the Vandals.

Anna Sandman, like most college soccer players, started her soccer career at a young age. Starting at age 5, Sandman remembers her mother coaching her on all aspects of the game. Unlike many other players, however, Sandman never realized her true position until later.

Vandal running back Deonte Jackson runs through drills during practice Tuesday afternoon. Jackson and the Vandals take on the Fresno State Bulldogs Saturday in the Kibbie Dome, a game that will be nationally televised on ESPNU. Kickoff has been moved to 7:30 p.m. Nick Groff/Argonaut

This season of football for the Vandals has been a test — a test of skill, a test of strength and most of all a test of adversity. So far, the Vandals have proved they can pass all three, but with the goal of a bowl game lingering in their heads and three more games to go, the Vandals still realize the test is not over.

“We may give up a bunch of yards against our defense, but as long as we have more points than the other team, that’s what it comes down to,”

Idaho coach Robb Akey said. “Yards don’t cost you points as long as you keep it one yard short of the goal line.”

Vandal guard Mac Hopson, who was named Preseason All-WAC First Team, drives to the basket over sophomore forward Luiz Toledo during the first public inter-team scrimmage Oct. 30 in Memorial Gym. The Vandals open their 2009-2010 campaign tonight in an exhibition contest against St. Martin's in Memorial Gym. Tipoff is set for 8:05 p.m. Nick Groff/Argonaut

Tonight’s matchup between the Idaho Vandals and the St. Martin’s Saints may be an exhibition game — but don’t tell coach Don Verlin or his players that. To them, it might as well be the NCAA Tournament.

“You always have to take these games seriously,” Verlin said. “We’re going to go out there and play to win.”

Idaho earns their sixth consecutive win with a victory over Louisiana Tech on Thursday. The team is now 9-3 and will play New Mexico State in Las Cruces tomorrow before heading back to campus to finish out the season.

Vandal gaurd Shaena-Lyn Kuehu takes a jump shot over Northwest Christian Beacon guard Lori Renner Nov. 1 in Memorial Gym. The Vandals cruised to an 82-52 victory over the Beacons. Kuehu and the Vandals have their next exhibition game tonight against Eastern Oregon in Memorial Gym. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. Nick Groff/Argonaut

With the season opener against Gonzaga coming up, coach Jon Newlee and his staff will look to work out any kinks this weekend as the Vandals play host to Eastern Oregon today in the last exhibition game of the year.

Despite cruising to an easy  82-52 victory over Northwest Christian Sunday, Newlee said there is definitely room for improvement, which he hopes to see today.

Idaho's Jill Flockhart jumps over Hawaii goalkeeper Kristina Ehrett to score the first goal of the game. The Vandals led 2-0 at halftime, but lost the game 3-2. It was the last game for seniors Ashley Perez, Sari Morrison, Anna Sandman and Lydia Beyerlein. Ilya Pinchuk/Argonaut

The Vandals’ season may have ended with disappointment, but the loss doesn’t detract from a fantastic season for the up-and-coming Vandal squad.

“The sky is the limit from this team,” coach Pete Showler said. “The team has taken huge strides — they have the ability to become a very good team, the next step is making sure they believe it.”

Six players head to Seattle in last fall tournament

The Idaho men’s tennis team will close out their fall season today with their fifth fall tournament, the University of Washington’s PNW Intercollegiate Tournament. The team has been everywhere from Boise to Las Vegas throughout the fall and look to finish strong in Seattle. 

The University of Idaho swimming team practices Wednesday afternoon. The Vandals head out to California to face San Diego State Friday in their second meet of the winter season. Kate Kucharzyk/Argonaut

Jager, team prepare for second meet in California

Improved from last year and off to a good start, the Idaho swim team heads to San Diego to face off against San Diego, UC-San Diego, San Diego State and Texas Christian.

Head coach Tom Jager said last year the team didn’t beat either Washington State team but already beat their gray team this year with a disqualification in a relay so the improvement is noticeable.