<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><item href="/pre-go-live-resources/_migration/2026-08-21/magazine/fall-2020/hope-remains-though-seasons-delayed-pandemic.html" dsn="news"><pubDate/><title>Hope Remains Though Seasons Delayed by Pandemic</title><excerpt>Westmont’s fall and winter athletic seasons have seen limited action, but several sports have offered inspirational moments. Prioritizing the health and safety of its student-athletes, Westmont decided to play contact sports only against opponents who test for COVID-19 before all athletic contests. Men’s and women’s cross country were the only fall teams to compete, as men’s and women’s soccer and volleyball pushed their seasons to the spring. The men’s and women’s basketball seasons began about four weeks later than usual and in front of empty bleachers. Illustrating the tenuousness of the season, the Nov. 14 men’s hoops opener was scrapped the day before after an opposing player tested positive for the coronavirus.</excerpt><author/><image>
            
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