Good morning! “The goal is to take a look at ourselves and what can we improve on; whether it be scheme, technique, or fundamentals.” Defensive coordinator D’Anton Lynn shared his mindset during the Trojans’ bye week on the latest edition of Quick Hits with Keely Eure.

What else can you find in today's edition of The Three Torches?

⚽️ Trojans earn shutout win in Big Ten opener
🤽‍♂️ First action in home waters
⚔️ And much, much more!

📈 STOCK UP

🔼 Statement Made. USC soccer played its first-ever Big Ten game against a familiar foe on Thursday night, taking down Washington 1-0 to open up play in the new conference for both teams. The Women of Troy, who have yet to play a home game, move to 5-1-1 overall with the win and open Big Ten play 1-0. Helena Sampaio gave the match its only goal in the 21^st minute, grabbing a failed clearance and depositing it in the back of the net for her first goal of the year. The Trojans continue Big Ten play on the road with a pair of games next week, heading to Purdue on Thursday and Indiana on Sunday.

🔼 Watch Out. USC women’s golf had a trio of players named to the preseason Big Ten Player to Watch list earlier this week. Catherine Park, Bailey Shoemaker and Jasmine Koo were the three Trojans named to the list, and lll three of these players have earned several preseason accolades, as they were all named to the ANNIKA Fall Watch List and received preseason All-American status from several outlets.

🔼 First One Down. In the Trojans’ first match of the SoCal Cup, USC volleyball shut out Utah State in a 3-0 sweep at the Galen Center. The victory improves the Cardinal and Gold to 4-2 on the season, and 9-1 all-time against the Aggies. Ally Batenhorst once again led the way with 11 kills while Adonia Faumuina was not too far behind, recording eight kills of her own with one block.

🔼 Home Sweet Home. Trojan men’s water polo sets up for its first action in home waters this weekend, hosting three games in two days at Uytengsu Aquatics Center. USC's home opener puts the Trojans up against No. 9 UC Irvine at noon on Saturday just before a 1:30 p.m. clash with Whittier. On Sunday, USC takes on No. 4 Pepperdine at 1 p.m. USC started the 2024 season ranked No. 4 in the national preseason poll and tied at No. 3 in the preseason MPSF Coaches Poll. Currently 4-0 overall, USC ranks No. 3 in the nation as of the latest set of national rankings. 

Today’s Top Tier Performance presented by ARCO goes to USC men’s golf trio, Antonio Safa, Gavin Aurilla, and Jackson Rivera. The three Trojans were named to the preseason Big Ten Players to Watch list, joining the Women of Troy’s trio. The honor comes fresh off the team’s first title since 2020 where Aurilla led USC with his first top-ten placement with the Trojans.

Today’s trivia question is brought to you by Smart & Final. With more than 3,000 club-sized items and an assortment of quality, value-priced products, including farm-fresh produce, dairy, deli, meat and seafood, as well as grocery and household essentials. Smart & Final has your every need covered — all without a membership fee!

All The Wins. USC Athletics is known for its winning ways, and through the first couple of weeks in September, more than a few Trojan teams have racked up the wins to start the 2024-25 athletic calendar year.

Our question today: which USC Athletics program has racked up the most wins so far this season?

Think you got it? Scroll down to the bottom of this email for the answer!

🗣️ SPREAD THE WORD

Do you know a friend or family member who is a USC fan? Simply forward them this email and they can sign up to receive The Three Torches by clicking the link below to subscribe. The Three Torches is sent every day and is completely free!

📅 THE WEEKEND AHEAD

Friday, September 13
🎾 Women’s Tennis @ Battle in the Bay Classic in San Francisco, CA
🏐 Volleyball vs. Ohio @ 7 p.m. in Los Angeles, CA | Tickets | Big Ten Network

Saturday, September 14
🎾 Women’s Tennis @ Battle in the Bay Classic in San Francisco, CA
🤽‍♂️ Men’s Water Polo vs. UC Irvine @ Noon in Los Angeles, CA | Watch
🤽‍♂️ Men’s Water Polo vs. Whittier @ 1:30 p.m. in Los Angeles, CA | Watch

Sunday, September 15
🎾 Women’s Tennis @ Battle in the Bay Classic in San Francisco, CA
🤽‍♂️ Men’s Water Polo vs. Pepperdine @ 1 p.m. in Los Angeles, CA | Watch

⚔️Click here to view the full USC Trojan Athletics Calendar

🎉 TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: Soccer!

With last night’s win over Washington, Trojan soccer has the most wins of any USC program so far in the 2024-25 season. Men’s water polo is not too far behind with four wins of their own.

⚔️ Have a great weekend, everyone!