This week in Texas sports: 'Horns soccer undefeated, volleyball continues to roll

It's easy to forget when the fall semester rolls around that there is more to Texas sports than just football. And ironically, in trying times such as these, it's football that we want to be forgetting.

Have no fear, for I present to you my new weekly column that rounds up the week in sports outside of Texas' "Big Three" — that is, sports that are not coached by Tom Herman, Shaka Smart, and David Pierce.

Without further ado, here's some sports going on right now to keep an eye on.

Women's Soccer

Texas soccer finished only at No. 82 in the nation in RPI a season ago after a mediocre 8-9-1 season.

The Longhorns, however, have stormed out of the gate to begin the 2017 year.

Texas is off to a 5-0 start for just the first time since 2008 thanks to a tremendous defense that has allowed only two total goals. The 'Horns' most notable win was a regular season opening 2-1 home victory over Rice on Aug. 17.

Texas' Sept. 1 game at top 25 Cal was unfortunately cancelled, but the 'Horns will face a significant test this Friday when the team hosts No. 25 Colorado. You can catch that game at 6 pm CST at Mike A. Myers Stadium, or watch it on the Longhorn Network.

This Texas soccer team is exciting because it’s led by a core of underclassmen. The 'Horns have 10 total freshman on the roster, and only three seniors. Texas has not been to the NCAA tournament since 2014, but that could change if the 'Horns continue to shutout opponents.

Women's Volleyball

Though the Longhorns started the season with a 3-1 loss to now No. 2 Florida, Texas has bounced back to restore the dominance that has come to be expected of the team.

Since the loss, Texas has defeated No. 14 Oregon 3-1, Villanova 3-0, Georgia Tech 3-0, and No. 15 San Diego 3-1.

Next up for the 'Horns is the American Campus Classic tournament in Austin. Texas will be playing No. 1 Minnesota on Friday at 8 pm CST at Gregory Gym.

Cross Country

On Sept. 1, Texas cross country kicked off its season at the Aggie Opener in College Station.

Sophomore 'Horn Destiny Collins took first place out of 52 runners with a 4100m time of 14:05:3. Collins dominated the run, beating the second place runner by over 17 seconds.

The 'Horns next meet will be at the Texas Invitational in Round Rock on September 14.

Golf

Golf is the next Texas sport in line to begin the season, with both men's and women's team gearing up for tournaments next week.

No. 6 Men's golf kicks off with the Fighting Illini Invitational at Olympia Fields Country Club (Illinois) on Sept. 15. Expect the 'Horns to be led by seniors Scottie Scheffler and Doug Ghim, who will both be competing in the Walker Cup this weekend.

No. 18 Texas women's golf starts Monday, as the girls will play at the Dick McGuire Invitational at the Championship Course of the University of New Mexico. Senior Sophia Schubert improve upon an Honorable Mention All-American season a year ago, and won the U.S. Women's Amateur Championship in August.

Also on the radar...

Keep an eye out for Texas' dominant swim team to return this October, as well as rowing and tennis which will begin in the fall.

See, Texas is a sports school after all.