Although the Baruch College Bearcats men’s soccer and women’s volleyball seasons came to an end two weeks ago, the Bearcats men’s and women’s basketball teams tipped off their seasons this week.

Additionally, Bearcats cross-country and swimming and diving both saw action this week.

Women’s basketball

The women’s basketball team got off to a hot start this season, winning each of its first three games.

The team’s season started on Nov. 9, when it played the Yeshiva University Maccabees and won in a nail-biter, 62-60. Kristina Arvelo led the way in the matchup, sinking the game-winning free throws after getting fouled on a layup. She posted 32 points, eight rebounds and three assists on the outing.

The women cruised to victory in their next two games. On Nov. 12, the Bearcats played the Rosemont College Ravens, handily winning 71-44. It was a blowout from the first quarter, when the Bearcats jumped to an early 23-9 lead. Arvelo led in scoring with 20 points, while Mia Castillo posted 18 points, eight assists and seven rebounds.

The Bearcats finished a series of back-to-back games on Nov. 13, decisively beating the Cedar Crest College Falcons 75-53. It was a close game in the first half, but the Bearcats ran away with it in the third quarter, outscoring the Falcons 31-10 in that period.

Castillo posted a double-double in the victory with 16 points and 12 assists. D’Andre McRae led the team in points with 20.

The team continues action on Nov. 16 against the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.

Men’s basketball

The men’s basketball team split its first two games of the season, losing its season tip-off against the Stockton University Ospreys on Nov. 12, 69-60, but defeating the Chatham University Cougars the following day, 85-76.

The Bearcats started the first half of their game against the Ospreys locked in a tight matchup, trailing by just three points at the half. But the team fell short in the second half, eventually losing in a close matchup. Jehmehl Fair led the way with 16 points, five rebounds and three assists.

The men rebounded the next day, defeating the Cougars in another close contest. The Bearcats outscored the Cougars by 10 points in the first half and maintained their lead throughout the second.

Fair led the team in scoring once again, posting 17 points, while Emil Purisic posted a double-double with 13 points and 12 assists.

The men resume action on Nov. 15, when they play the Saint Joseph’s College of Long Island Golden Eagles.

Men’s and women’s cross-country

The men’s and women’s cross-country teams fought hard in this past weekend’s NCAA Division III Regional Finals, but ultimately finished in 24^th place, last among their scored opponents.

Among the men, Riley Walz and Daniel Sedgh led the way, finishing 113^th and 114^th, respectively. Walz posted a 29:10.6 time, while Sedgh posted a time of 29:13.0.

Among the women, Jillian Quinn and Julia Cuttone led the way, finishing in 140^th and 142^nd, respectively. Quinn posted a time of 31:36.9, while Cuttone posted a 32:13.0.

Both teams have finished their seasons and will now prepare for the fall 2023 season.

Men’s and women’s swimming and diving

The men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams participated in a tri-match hosted by the Sarah Lawrence University Gryphons on Nov. 12, competing against the Gryphons and Brooklyn College Bulldogs.

The men had an excellent outing, dominating the Gryphons 128-16, while handily defeating the Bulldogs 99-60. The women split their matchups, losing a game to the Gryphons, 88-71, while defeating the Bulldogs 93-54.

On the men’s side, Youssef Elkhouly placed first in the 200 free, posting a time of 1:50.06, and won the 500 free with a time of 5:16.10.

Moreover, Jordan Lin came in first in the 400 Individual Medley with a time of 4:57.45, Eli Meron placed first in the 100 butterfly posting a time of 56.48 and Fernando Lopez won the 100 free with a time of 1:00.29.

On the women’s side, Kira Chen won the fast 50 free with a time of 27.88 and the 100 back with a time of 1:04.45. Kaetlyn Chavez won the 100 free with a 1:01.51 time and Kristen Zhou won the 500 free with a time of 7:11.73.

The teams do not have another game until Dec. 2, when they compete in the Eastern College Athletic Conference matchup.