As fall sports ramp up, several University of Evansville teams are showing their strength, resilience, and depth. From cross-country trails to volleyball courts, the Purple Aces are making noise across the seasons.

 The University of Evansville men’s and women’s cross country teams have opened the 2024 season with dominant performances and record-breaking runs. At the Panther Prowl, both teams swept their races, led by Chase Hayes winning the women’s 5K in 18:03.9 and James Cruse taking the men’s 6K at 18:48.3, earning MVC Runner of the Week honors. At the John McNichols Invitational, Samuel Lea won the men’s 8K in 24:47.35, while Hayes ran a personal-best 22:29.93 for 15th in the women’s 6K. The season’s highlight came when Lea and Cruse shattered a 43-year-old 8K record, running 24:14.4 and 24:22.4 — now the top two times in program history. Hayes also posted the seventh-fastest 6K in school history at 22:10.8. The Aces’ strong start signals one of their best cross country seasons in years. 

The University of Evansville men’s soccer team has surged between September 10 and October 7, showcasing strong offense and steady defense. The Aces battled Xavier to a 3–3 draw before defeating Southern Indiana 3–0 to reclaim the Mayor’s Cup, led by Andres Escudero’s two goals. Evansville followed with wins over Butler (2–1) and Bowling Green (3–0), marking their first conference victory of the season. During this stretch, the Aces scored 14 goals and allowed just 10, with 118 shots and 47 on target. Freshman