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#8 Pepperdine Wins Seventh MPSF Championship, Earns NCAA Auto-Bid

Story Links Next Match: vs. TBD 5/8/2025 | TBD May. 08 (Thu) / TBD vs. TBD MALIBU, Calif. – The #8 Pepperdine men’s volleyball team captured the MPSF Tournament title for a seventh time with a 3-1 win over #5 USC Saturday night […]

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MALIBU, Calif. – The #8 Pepperdine men’s volleyball team captured the MPSF Tournament title for a seventh time with a 3-1 win over #5 USC Saturday night at Firestone Fieldhouse. The Waves secured the championship by scores of 26-24, 25-20, 21-25, 25-21, in front of a roaring crowd of 1,005.
 
“The energy was just huge,” head coach Jonathan Winder said after the win. “Our guys were grateful (to host the tournament), I think we played at a level that we haven’t all season and the amount of effort that they gave was incredible to watch.”
 
With the win, the Waves claim an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament in Columbus, Ohio set to play out May 10-12. The selection show for the tournament airs Sunday at 1 p.m. on the NCAA website.
 
Ryan Barnett was named the tournament MVP while teammates Jacob Reilly and Cole Hartke were awarded All-Tournament Team honors.
 
Barnett paced the Waves with 23 kills on .333 hitting %, while Ilay Haver delivered 11 kills and 19 receptions with only a single error, leading the Waves’ defense with 18 digs. After trading blows through the first three sets, Pepperdine pulled away late in the fourth, capped by a block from Cole Hartke and William Whidden with a USC attack error to follow for the title.
 
“I just want to credit the institution and our guys and certainly to the Lord,” Winder said. “So much of our season has been about our faith while trusting in the path that the Lord has for us.”
 
BIG WAVES
Ryan Barnett (R-Jr./Westhampton Beach, N.Y./St. Edward’s): 23 kills, .333 hitting %, 11 digs, 22 service receptions with no errors
Ilay Haver (Jr./Tel Aviv, Israel): 11 kills, 18 service receptions with only 1 error, 18 digs, 2 blocks
Jacob Reilly (Jr./Cyprus, Texas/CUI): 12 digs, 26 service receptions with only 1 error
Cole Hartke (Fr./Barrington, Ill./Barrington HS): 8 kills, 3 aces, 4 blocks
Gabriel Dyer (Gr./San Clemente, Calif./UCSD): 44 assists, 2 aces, 4 digs
 
WAVES VS. TROJANS
PEPPERDINE ATTACK BY SET
Set      K          E          TA        Pct
1          14        7          34        0.206  
2          12        3          32        0.281  
3          11        10        36        0.028  
4          14        4          38        0.263  
 
USC ATTACK BY SET
Set      K          E          TA        Pct
1          12        5          39        0.179  
2          13        4          36        0.250  
3          11        3          27        0.296  
4          12        5          32        0.219  
 
PLAY-BY-PLAY
Pepperdine seized early momentum in set one, riding kills from Barnett and Haver to a slim 13-11 lead. USC fought back, tying the set at 24-24, but a critical block from Hartke and Whidden lifted the Waves to a 26-24 win.
 
In set two, Pepperdine’s offense clicked. Barnett dominated from the left pin and Hartke delivered a pair of timely aces, helping the Waves dominate the frame and cruise to a 25-20 win.
 
The Trojans responded in set three, taking advantage of Pepperdine’s .028 hitting percentage to pull away late. Despite a late service run by Hartke, USC held on 25-21 to extend the match.
 
The fourth set saw the Waves regain composure. Haver and Barnett combined for clutch kills, while Reilly anchored the back row. Leading 23-21, Pepperdine shut the door with back-to-back points — including a block from Hartke and Whidden — to seal the 25-21 set win and the program’s first MPSF Tournament title since 2022.
 
UP NEXT
Pepperdine awaits its placement in the NCAA Tournament, set to be revealed Sunday at 1 p.m.
 
STAY CONNECTED
Keep up with all things Pepperdine Athletics by following the Waves on X and Instagram and find more on PepperdineWaves.com.
 
 
 





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DePaul University Blue Demons – Official Athletics Website

COLLEGE STATION, Texas – DePaul track and field opened its stay in College Station with four statement performances on Wednesday, as every Blue Demon improved upon their West Region qualifying mark. The day was highlighted by Alex Bernstein punching his first ticket to the NCAA Championships, while Demetrius Rolle and Darius Brown advanced to their […]

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COLLEGE STATION, Texas – DePaul track and field opened its stay in College Station with four statement performances on Wednesday, as every Blue Demon improved upon their West Region qualifying mark. The day was highlighted by Alex Bernstein punching his first ticket to the NCAA Championships, while Demetrius Rolle and Darius Brown advanced to their respective quarterfinals set for Friday.
 
Bernstein delivered a moment to remember in the men’s hammer throw, erupting with a scream after a clutch final attempt sealed his spot at the NCAA Championships. Ranked 20th in the West entering the week, the senior unleashed a 65.36m mark on his third and final throw to place 11th and claim one of 12 qualifying spots. It marks the first national appearance of his career, and he’ll now head to Hayward Field among the top 24 hammer throwers in the country.
 
Just minutes later, Jaiden Gary stepped into the ring and nearly added another Blue Demon to the Eugene-bound list. The freshman, seeded 49th in the region, shattered expectations with a personal-best 18.28m toss to finish 20th overall, less than half a meter shy of advancing. He placed third among all freshmen in the West and capped a standout debut season with a performance that bodes well for the future of DePaul’s throws unit.
 
Darius Brown, a seasoned postseason competitor, remained steady in the 110m hurdles. The senior ran a clean 13.48 to finish seventh in the opening round, advancing comfortably to Friday’s quarterfinal. 
 
Demetrius Rolle made the biggest leap of the day. In his NCAA postseason debut, the graduate student surged from a No. 35 seed to finish 17th in the 100m with a time of 10.39, good for a spot in Friday’s quarterfinal round. He and Brown will now each compete in their respective events among 24 athletes vying for a top-12 finish and a berth to Eugene.
 
Due to unforeseen circumstances, DePaul was without 800m qualifier Dustin Hudak, as he was held out shortly before the race. 
 
NCAA West Preliminary Rounds
E.B. Cushing Stadium – College Station, Texas
Wednesday, May 28
 
Men’s Hammer Throw: 11. Alex Bernstein – 65.36m (q)
Men’s Shot Put: 20. Jaiden Gary – 18.28m (PB)
Men’s 110m Hurdles: 7. Darius Brown – 13.48Q
Men’s 100m: 17. Demetrius Rolle – 10.39q
Men’s 800m: Dustin Hudak – DNS
 
UP NEXT: Graduate thrower Kash Allen will compete in the women’s shot put on Thursday evening at 6 p.m. CT as the Blue Demons continue their historic run in the NCAA West Prelims.
 
FOLLOW THE BLUE DEMONS

For all of the latest on DePaul Cross Country, Track & Field, stay tuned to DePaulBlueDemons.com and follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, and X.





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Texas A&M Athletics

BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – Texas A&M track & field’s Aleksandr Solovev highlighted the opening day of the NCAA West First Round, booking the teams’ first spot to the NCAA Championships Wednesday at E.B. Cushing Stadium.   Solovev punched the Aggies’ first ticket to the national championships, taking the top spot of the men’s pole vault with […]

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BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – Texas A&M track & field’s Aleksandr Solovev highlighted the opening day of the NCAA West First Round, booking the teams’ first spot to the NCAA Championships Wednesday at E.B. Cushing Stadium.
 
Solovev punched the Aggies’ first ticket to the national championships, taking the top spot of the men’s pole vault with a clearance of 5.42m/17-9.25. The junior entered the meet at the third height and cleared a pair of bars to ensure his qualification to Oregon.
 
The group on the track secured 12 spots to Friday’s quarterfinal rounds, headlined by Ja’Qualon Scott who got the ball rolling on the track as the junior secured his spot to Friday’s meet in the 110m hurdles. The junior won the third heat of the event in 13.24 which stood as the No. 1 time of the first round. Continuing his dominance, Scott added his second top time and quarterfinal spot of the day in the 400m hurdles winning the fifth heat with a time of 49.06. Bryce McCray also ensured his advancement to Friday after finishing second in the first heat with a time of 50.44.
 
The 1,500m duo of Cooper Cawthra and Luca Santorum continued the momentum for the Aggies, as both advanced to the following round of the event after earning automatic qualification out of their respective sections. Cawthra took second in heat three in 3:44.91, while Santorum placed third in heat two with a time 3:55.98.
 
Ernest Campbell added his name to the list of advancing Aggies, placing second in heat six with a time of 10.43 to earn an automatic qualification spot.
 

A&M’s decorated 400m group made their presence felt on the oval, ensuring three spots to Friday’s competition. Auhmad Robinson led the group, winning the opening heat of the event in 45.60 for automatic qualification, while Hossam Eddine Hatib grabbed fourth in 45.79 to claim the fastest timed qualifying spot. Cutler Zamzow was the third of the group to move on, finishing second in heat 5 with a mark of 46.44.
 
The governance on the track continued in the 800m, as Sam Whitmarsh snatched the third heat and fastest time of the event in 1:46.83. Kimar Farquharson also battled his way to Friday, finishing second in heat five with a mark of 1:47.83.
 
Mason Mangum secured the last quarterfinal spot of the day in the 200m, crossing the line in 20.85 in a competitive fourth heat.
 
Next Up
The Aggies return to E.B. Cushing Stadium tomorrow for the second day of the NCAA West First Round.
 

To learn more about Texas A&M Track & Field/Cross Country, visit 12thMan.com and follow @aggietfxc.



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York Sophomore Named To Illinois 1st Team All-State In Water Polo

ELMHURST, IL – York High School sophomore Ethan Allen has wrapped up a remarkable year, achieving historic milestones both in academics and athletics, and earning national recognition in the sport of water polo. Allen, who finished his sophomore year with honor roll, has become the first sophomore in York High School history to be named […]

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ELMHURST, IL – York High School sophomore Ethan Allen has wrapped up a remarkable year, achieving historic milestones both in academics and athletics, and earning national recognition in the sport of water polo.

Allen, who finished his sophomore year with honor roll, has become the first sophomore in York High School history to be named Illinois 1st Team All-State in water polo. His performance this season was nothing short of exceptional – he led the Dukes in scoring with 117 goals and played a critical role in helping the team secure a 3rd place finish at the Illinois State Championship, the highest in the school’s water polo history.

But his success isn’t stopping at the state level. Allen has been selected as one of only 15 boys across the country to represent the United States on Team USA at an international water polo competition in Serbia in August 2025. It’s a prestigious honor that places him among the nation’s most elite young athletes.

This summer Allen will be training in Southern California, traveling to Greece for advanced international training, returning to California to compete in the Junior Olympics with Socal water polo team, and finally joining Team USA in Serbia for the highly anticipated international tournament.

Ethan Allen’s accomplishments at such a young age reflect a combination of talent, discipline, and drive. As he continues to grow on the national and international stage, both the York community and the broader athletic world will be watching closely.



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No. 11 Women’s Track and Field advances three to NCAA Championships

Story Links COLLEGE STATION, Texas – No. 11 Texas Women’s Track and Field advanced three to the NCAA Outdoor Championships on the second day of the NCAA West First Round at E.B. Cushing Stadium. Seven Longhorns later advanced to Saturday’s quarterfinals. Sophomore Aaliyah Foster was the first Longhorn to book a trip […]

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COLLEGE STATION, Texas – No. 11 Texas Women’s Track and Field advanced three to the NCAA Outdoor Championships on the second day of the NCAA West First Round at E.B. Cushing Stadium. Seven Longhorns later advanced to Saturday’s quarterfinals.

Sophomore Aaliyah Foster was the first Longhorn to book a trip to the NCAA Championships after finishing seventh in the women’s long jump with a mark of 6.44m (21-1.50). Foster has now reached the NCAA meet all four times (2 indoor, 2 outdoor) in her career for Texas.

Senior Chrystal Herpin and sophomore Nina Ndubuisi both qualified for the NCAA meet in shot put with two top-six finishes. Herpin will compete in her final meet as a Longhorn and second NCAA outdoor meet after finishing fifth with a throw of 17.55m (57-7). Ndubuisi was sixth with a throw of 17.15m (56-3.25) and has reached all four NCAA meets in her young career.

Graduate transfer Elizabeth Stockman advanced to Saturday’s quarterfinals in the 1500-meter after qualifying on time at 4:17.25. It was the 14th-fastest time of the afternoon. The top-12 in Saturday’s race will advance to the NCAA Championship meet.

Junior Carleta Bernard also advanced to the quarterfinals after running a season-best time of 11.19 in the women’s 100-meter dash. It was the 13th-fastest time of the day.

Two Longhorns later advanced to the 400-meter hurdles after Akala Garrett posted the fastest qualifying time in 55.87 for the 19th-fastest time in UT history. Freshman Mackenzie Collins also advanced with the ninth-fastest time of the day in 57.34.

Texas later qualified three in the 200-meters first round led by junior Kenondra Davis who finished in 22.87 and freshman Holly Okuku who posted a time of 22.88. Bernard qualified for her second individual event crossing the line in 23.09.

RESULTS:

Akala Garrett – 1st – 400mH – 55.87 Q

Chrystal Herpin – 5th – Shot Put – 17.55m (57-7)

Nina Ndubuisi – 6th – Shot Put – 17.15m (56-3.25)

Aaliyah Foster – 7th – Long Jump – 6.44m (21-1.50)

Kenondra Davis – 7th – 200m – 22.87 Q

Mackenzie Collins – 9th – 400mH – 57.34 Q

Holly Okuku – 9th – 200m – 22.88 Q

Carleta Bernard – 12th – 200m – 23.09 Q

Carleta Bernard – 13th – 100m – 11.19 Q

Eva Jess – 13th – 10,000m – 34:36.21 

Elizabeth Stockman – 14th – 1500m – 4:17.25 q

Amity Ebarb – 29th – 800m – 2:07.39

Nita Koom-Dadzie – 41st – 200m – 24.07



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Havea, Bosko Advance to NCAA Outdoor Championships

Story Links COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Arizona women’s track and field thrower Tapenisa Havea and long jumper Jenica Bosko advance to the NCAA Outdoor Championships on Day 2 of the West First Round.   Tapenisa Havea (shot put) and Jenica Bosko (long jump) advance to Eugene while Taylen Wise (100m […]

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COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Arizona women’s track and field thrower Tapenisa Havea and long jumper Jenica Bosko advance to the NCAA Outdoor Championships on Day 2 of the West First Round.

 

Tapenisa Havea (shot put) and Jenica Bosko (long jump) advance to Eugene while Taylen Wise (100m hurdles), Jade Brown (100m and 200m), McKenna Watson (100m and 200m), Ava Simms (400m), and Antonia Sanchez Nunez (400m hurdles) qualified for the quarterfinals on Saturday.

Havea grabbed the 12th and final qualifying spot for the NCAA Outdoor Championships with a throw of 16.25m (53-3 ¾) in the shot put. It marks her first appearance at the Outdoor Championships since 2023, when she qualified in the discus.

Bosko leaped 6.42m (21-3/4), marking a season best, to finish 10th in the long jump and earn a berth in the NCAA Championships. It will be the second straight year that Bosko has competed in Eugene, after appearing in the long jump at the US Olympic Trials in 2024. This marks her first time advancing to the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

Brown’s time in the 100m of 11.05 (.046) was an all-conditions school record as she just edged Shawnti Jackson, 11.05 (0.49) (Arkansas) for first place in the heat. Brown broke her program record in the event (11.27) set on March 8, 2025, in Tucson. 

Sanchez Nunez finished third in her heat (58.10) of the 400m hurdles to gain automatic qualification into the quarterfinals of the event on Saturday at 5:25 p.m. MST. Sanchez Nunez will be in lane three of heat three for the competition.

Advancing to Quarterfinals on Saturday

Taylen Wise – 100m Hurdles: 15th (13.22)

Jade Brown – 100m: 3rd (program record: 11.05) | 200m: 22nd (23.30)

McKenna Watson – 100m: 23rd (11.33) | 200m: 19th (23.27)

Ava Simms – 400m: 18th (52.47)

Antonia Sanchez Nunez – 400m Hurdles: 19th (58.10)

 

Other finishes

Erin Tack – Javelin: 14th (51.31m/168-4)

Jathiyah Muhammad – Pole Vault: 17th (PB: 4.32m/14-2)

Mackenna Orie – Shot Put: 21st (15.80m/51-10)

Keilee Hall – 400m Hurdles: 28th (58.95)

Lauryn Love – Shot Put: 37th (14.70m/48-2 ¾)

Brooke Nordman – 400m Hurdles: 41st (1:00.65)

 

The Arizona women’s track and field team will be back in action on Saturday, with five athletes looking to earn their way to the NCAA Outdoor Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

 

The men’s track and field qualifiers will be back on the track tomorrow with the discus starting Day 3 at 11 a.m. MST.

FRIDAY, MAY 30 (DAY THREE) (WATCH LIVE) 

Men’s Discus (11 a.m.) – Youssef Koudssi, Zach Landa, Sam Hala’ufia

Men’s 4×100 Relay (3 p.m.) – James Onanubosi, Brian Limage, Isaac Davis, Tyson Tippett

Men’s 110m Hurdles (4:15 p.m.) – Zach Extine 

Men’s 100 Meters (4:35 p.m.) – Tyson Tippett

Men’s 400 Hurdles (5:25 p.m.) – Yan Vazquez 

 

FOLLOW THE WILDCATS!

Fans can keep up with the latest in Arizona Cross Country and Track & Field by following us on Facebook (ArizonaTrack), X (@ArizonaTrack), Instagram (@arizonatrack), and YouTube (@arizonawildcatstrack).



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Denver Volleyball Signs Maddie Winkler Ahead of 2025 Campaign

Story Links DENVER – The University of Denver volleyball program has signed freshman Maddie Winkler to its 2025 roster, head coach Megan Pendergast announced on Thursday.   “Maddie Winkler is one of the most competitive and high-achieving athletes we’ve had the chance to recruit,” Pendergast said. “Her determination, work ethic […]

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DENVER – The University of Denver volleyball program has signed freshman Maddie Winkler to its 2025 roster, head coach Megan Pendergast announced on Thursday.
 
“Maddie Winkler is one of the most competitive and high-achieving athletes we’ve had the chance to recruit,” Pendergast said. “Her determination, work ethic and relentless drive to improve make every team she’s on better. Every time I watch Maddie, she looks sharper, more dynamic and more confident. We are absolutely fired up to add her to our roster and can’t wait to see the impact she’ll make in our gym and in our program.”
 
Maddie Winkler – Keller, Texas – Keller H.S – Libero – 5-5
BEFORE DENVER:
2024 Second Team All-District…2024 Academic All-State…2023 Varsity Newcomer of the Year…2023 Second Team All-District…2023 Academic All-District…2022 AVCA Phenom Watch List…2022 6A State Semifinalist…2022 GJNC Open Bronze Medalist…2021 GJNC Open Silver Medalist…2019 GJNC American Bronze Medalist…Played her club volleyball for Texas Advantage Club.
 
PERSONAL:
Chose the University of Denver because of the welcoming atmosphere and supportive staff, its strong academics and its great location…Hopes to pursue a career in sports medicine or orthopedics after graduation…Also enjoys baking, cooking and spending time with friends and family.
 
Season tickets for the 2025 season are on sale now and can be purchased here.
 
Visit DenverPioneers.com for complete coverage of all 18 of Denver’s NCAA Division I sports.

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@DU_Pioneers and @DU_Volleyball on Twitter

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