General | 8/31/2021 12:31:00 PM

By Mark Jagord
 
There's excitement around the RIT campus, especially for fans and participants of intercollegiate sports as the Tigers get ready to kickoff another fall season.
 
But this fall season will be different than any other. That is because it's been 23 months since the Tigers participated in an official fall competition due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
That all ends on Wednesday, Sept. 1 when three Tiger teams resume action with two of the three teams playing at home.
 
The women's soccer team is the first fall team back in action with a 4 p.m. start against visiting Keuka College at Tiger Stadium. Both men's soccer and women's volleyball teams follow with 7 p.m. starts with the ladies hosting Alfred University in Clark Gymnasium while the men travel to SUNY Brockport.
 
"The opportunity for play is back in our hands and we aren't taking it for granted," said women's volleyball captain Kiana Walker. "The determination and work ethic are at an all-time high for the fall teams. Our energy and excitement for the upcoming season have us ready for anything."
 
All three Tiger teams in action on Wednesday haven't played since the 2019 Liberty League postseason. Counting the days gone by since then to Sept. 1, it has been 663 days for volleyball and 662 for both soccer teams.
 
"Being back for preseason this year is really special for me because getting back on the field with my teammates and coaches after such an irregular year and working towards our season goals is something I'm truly grateful for having this year," sophomore men's soccer defender Patrick Kenyon said. "Having lost a year due to Covid, we're training with much more focus and intensity to have a successful season together and I'm looking forward to it."
 
"I'm so excited to be back on the field," said senior women's soccer defender Rebecca Hext. "After two years without a full season, it feels as though nothing has changed and everything is clicking right away. The team is so happy to be back playing and we have been having so much fun so far. I can't wait to see what the season brings."
 
Jessica Wagner, a senior women's soccer midfielder added, "After two years of preparing for this moment, we are extremely grateful for the opportunity to step on our game field together this season."
 
Visit ritathletics.com and follow @RITAthletics on Twitter for the latest information, updates and live game links.