Reign of Troy
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USC Trojans sports news roundup: Soccer wins Big Ten, volleyball falls, more

In today's USC sports news roundup, we look at a conference title for the soccer team and updates on the volleyball and women's basketball programs.

ByMatthew Conner|
March 11, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans mascot waves a flag during the second half in the first round of the Pac-12 Conference tournament against the Arizona State Sun Devils at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Trojans defeated the Sun Devils 67-64. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
March 11, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Southern California Trojans mascot waves a flag during the second half in the first round of the Pac-12 Conference tournament against the Arizona State Sun Devils at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The Trojans defeated the Sun Devils 67-64. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

With a 1-0 win over No. 8 UCLA on Sunday afternoon, the USC women's soccer program captured the Big Ten regular-season title in the program's first season in the conference. Now, the Trojans are ranked as high as No. 4 in the latest national polls.

The game's only goal came from Maile Hayes, a senior forward from Texas. She found the back of the net in the 36th minute and the Trojan defense did the rest. It was Hayes' team-leading eighth goal of the season.

Meanwhile, it was the ninth shutout of the season for goalkeeper Laurence Gladu. Gladu made two saves in the second half as UCLA managed only five shots for the entire game.

Now, the Trojans turn their attention to the Big Ten Soccer Tournament. They will play their first game of the event Sunday at 10 a.m. in Minnesota.

Juju Watkins named to top shooting guard watchlist

Women's basketball star Juju Watkins has been named to the Ann Meyers Drysdale Shooting Guard of the Year Award preseason watchlist. That's no surprise given that she won that award last season.

The Ann Meyers Drysdale Award honors the top shooting guard in the nation. It is named after the Class of 1993 Hall of Famer, the first player, regardless of gender, to be chosen for an All-America Team in four consecutive college seasons.

Also named to one of the Naismith Starting 5 award watchlists is point guard Talia von Oelhoffen. The senior was named to the Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Watch earlier this week as well.

The USC women enter the season ranked third in the nation. They begin their season next week in Paris, France when they take on No. 20 Ole Miss.

USC volleyball falls at Penn State

Also on Saturday, the No. 16 USC women's volleyball team fell to No. 3 Penn State on the road three sets to one. The Trojans are now 14-6 overall and 6-4 in Big Ten play.

Outside hitter Ally Batenhorst led all players with 19.5 points scored on 16 kills, a service ace, and five blocks. Batenhorst also collected nine digs and passed 33 balls for the Trojans. Meanwhile, outside hitter Jadyn Livings scored 13 kills on .235 hitting to go with nine digs, four blocks, and a service ace.

The Trojans return to the court on Thursday night to face UCLA at Pauley Pavilion. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. Pacific and can be see on the Big Ten Network.

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