Union County fall sports will be in full swing by mid-August with the Lady Patriot golf team already entering the third week of the season starting Monday. Here's a look at some of the sporting events on the near horizon.

The Pats are back on the gridiron starting Friday night with a controlled IHSAA scrimmage against South Decatur at Curry-Phenis Field. Season opener for Joel Hofmann's squad is Aug. 18 as TEC rival Northeastern visits. This will be Hofmann's seventh year on the sidelines, still looking for a record above .500 and a sectional game win.

The soccer teams hosted Richmond for season-opening scrimmages Wednesday. The boys, under the direction of Dave Reeder, will start 2023 officially with a girl-boy doubleheader at New Castle Saturday; Suzanne Minges' Lady Pats will take the Trojan pitch first at 10 a.m.

UC alum Dillon Miller leads the boys tennis team again this fall as the Patriot racquet men head to Blue River Monday afternoon for starters.

The always competitive Lady Pats' volleyball program looks to continue its winning ways this season, beginning the year with a bang at the East Central Invitational Saturday morning. Former Patriot standout Allison Kassens returns as mentor.

Phil Cox's cross country harriers are still in training mode for now but take the starting line Aug. 19 at the Monroe Central Invitational. There's also a middle school event at Monroe that day.

Girls golf continues action Tuesday in Charlottesville to face Eastern Hancock. Another dual meet is scheduled for two days later at Richmond.

Come out and support your Patriots!