Anteater of the Week: Ally Bolden

Ally Bolden – Women’s Volleyball

September 3, 2025

Sophomore Ally Bolden has been named the Sgt. Pepperoni’s Anteater of the Week after helping UC Irvine women’s volleyball to a 2-1 record at the season-opening Wildcat Invitational in Ogden, Utah.

Bolden closed out the two-day tournament with a career-high 12 kills and nine blocks in a 3-2 win over Nevada. The 6-foot-2 middle blocker committed just one hitting error on 22 swings for a .500 clip. Her nine blocks were the most in a match by any Big West player through the first week of the season. 

Bolden added seven kills and five blocks in UCI’s 25-15, 25-22, 25-13 sweep of Southern Utah.

For the week, Bolden averaged 1.83 kills and a Big West-leading 1.33 blocks per set. She also ranks seventh in the conference with a .340 hitting percentage.

UC Irvine is back in action this weekend, hosting the Anteater Classic, Sept. 4-7. The ‘Eaters are set to face Freson State on Friday, Colorado on Saturday, and Penn on Sunday. 

Nolan DiCenzo - Men's Soccer

August 27, 2025

Senior Nolan DiCenzo has been named the Anteater of the Week after helping lead UC Irvine men's soccer to a 2-0 season-opening victory vs UCLA.

DiCenzo played all 90 minutes on the back line that held the Bruins to just six shots, two shots on goal, and two corner kicks. In the tight match-up, the teams were tied up at the half with both vying for momentum. The 'Eaters then broke through on an Isaac Powell goal in the 64th minute to take the lead.

With a 1-0 advantage, DiCenzo delivered the dagger in the 82nd minute. A corner kick was sent into a crowd in the box and ended at the feet of DiCenzo. He settled the ball and launched it towards goal, finding the back of the net to secure the victory for UC Irvine, 2-0.

This was the second goal of DiCenzo's career and the first since his freshman year in 2022.

The win was the first for UCI in the series since 2013 and marked the fourth victory for the ‘Eaters over UCLA in their 24th all-time meeting.

UC Irvine is back in action this week with two home games vs Cal State LA on Aug 28 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Aug 31 vs North Florida.

Mia Colombini - Women’s Soccer

August 20, 2025

Senior Mia Colombini has been named Anteater of the Week after leading the UC Irvine women’s soccer team to a 4-1 season-opening victory at Grand Canyon.

Colombini got the scoring going for the ‘Eaters in the sixth minute. A set piece from the far sideline by Trinity Morales hit the crossbar and was recovered by Milan Heisdorf who crossed the ball into the box where Colombini tapped it in for a 1-0 advantage.

After being knotted up at halftime and GCU coming out aggressive in the second half, UC Irvine took back control in the 65th minute. A long shot by Colombini whipped towards goal, the Lopes' keeper fumbled the save, and Fiona Shin crashed the net to put back the game-winner. That started the Anteaters’ second half charge, with the team adding two more goals in the 68th and 77th minutes, claiming the win 4-1. 

Colombini netted her second career goal and second career assist. She also had a team-leading four shots, including three on frame.

UCI opened the campaign with a victory for a fourth consecutive season.

The 'Eaters are back in action this week at San Diego on Thursday, August 21. They are then set to host Washington in their home opener on Sunday, August 24.