Football

Jan. 5, 2026

Walk-off overtime TD on 4th down to clinch 2026 FCS Championship

Jan. 5, 2026

Watch the final play of the 2026 FCS championship game, where Montana State quarterback Justin Lamson connected with Taco Dowler on a must-get fourth down touchdown to tie the game in overtime, setting up the walk-off extra point to clinch MSU’s first title since 1984.

NEW ORLEANS – Despite a late 12-0 run in the final five minutes of Monday night’s game, the East Texas A&M University men’s basketball team could not mount the comeback at Lakefront Arena and fell 83-73 to the New Orleans Privateers.
 
The Privateers scored the first five points of the game and never trailed, nor was the game tied at any point beyond the opening seconds. Being held to just five points through the first 10 minutes and trailing 17-5, the Lions answered with a 9-3 run to bring the game within six.
 

Six of the nine field goals made in the first half for the Lions came from deep. In the second half, East Texas A&M brought the game within one possession for the first time since the early minutes of the game on a 9-2 run at the 15:12 mark.
 
The next six points were scored by the Privateers over the next 1:30 to increase their lead back to nine and then jumped out to a game-best 65-50 lead with 7:51 to go. The Privateers were up 69-54 at the 5:53 mark of the second, tying their largest lead of the night.
 
For the next three minutes and 44 seconds, the Lions did not allow a point and cut the deficit down to 69-66. The next eight points were scored by the Privateers, cooling off the Lion rally.
 
Ronnie Harrison (Forney) totaled another double-double as he scored season-best 29 points, while adding 12 rebounds. Damian Garcia (Houston – Dobie) added 18 points for the Lions and Vinny Sigona (Prestonwood Christian Academy) scored 12 off the bench.
 
Gianni Hunt (Lakewood, Calif.) stuffed the stats sheet with five points, six rebounds, and team-high seven assists. For the Privateers, Coleton Benson scored 17, going 10 for 11 at the line.
 
The Lions have now lost five in a row and drop to 6-10 on the season and 1-5 in Southland play, while the Privateers improve to 5-10 overall and 3-3 against Southland opponents.
 

POST GAME INTERVIEW
 
UP NEXT

The Lions return home to Commerce to host A&M-Corpus Christi on Saturday at 5 p.m. and then A&M-Corpus Christi next Monday at 6:30 p.m.

 

-ETAMU-

LONGVIEW — East Texans earned all-state honors, including first-teamer Elizabeth Corbitt of Spring Hill, on the Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association Class 4A volleyball team, the organization announced on Sunday.

Corbitt, who helped Spring Hill to the state semifinals,  made the team as an outside hitter. She was the All-District 16-4A Hitter of the Year as the Panthers were unbeaten in league play.

She had a school record 559 kills, along with 46 blocks, 300 digs and 35 aces.

Earning second-team honors at middle blocker was Lindale’s Alyssa Potts, who helped the Lady Eagles to the state semifinals. She had 323 kills, .433 hitting efficiency, 51.4 kill percentage and 145 blocks.

Earning third-team were the Spring Hill duo of outside hitter Savannah Irwin and Libero/defensive specialist Kaylee Londeau, and middle blocker Brooklyn Brannen of Bullard and Giselle Webster of Kilgore.

East Texans making honorable mention were middle blockers Brooke Gisell of Lindale, Alli Bitter of Carthage and Maggie Thompson of Sulphur Springs.

HM outside hitters were Julie Guidry of Bullard, Preslee Hardy of Sulphur Springs, Jordan Flodder of Van, Kayla White of Van, Addison Alexander of Canton, Kalia Andres of Bullard, Ella Hutchens of Lindale, Rainey Johnson of Sulphur Springs and Bryleigh Mayhan of Pine Tree.

Setter honorable mentions were Carly Chadwick of Pine Tree, Elle Litchenburg of Kilgore, Caroline Cockerham of Carthage, Julia Garrick of Bullard, Harper Hodges of Sulphur Springs and Macy Luster, Lindale.

Peyton Taylor of Sulphur Springs and Laney Alexander of Carthage were honorable mention at Libero/defensive specialist.

Division I state champion Decatur landed the two top honors. Ava Green of Decatur was voted Player of the Year and Decatur’s Stormi Snider was Coach of the Year.

Green, a sophomore, was an outside hitter. She had 556 kills, 95 digs and 56.5 blocks for state champs.

Voting was conducted by TSWA members based on nominations from coaches and media members from around the state.

 Blue Bell/Texas Sports Writers Association

Class 4A All-State Volleyball Team

COACH OF THE YEAR: Stormi Snider, Decatur

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Ava Green, Decatur

FIRST TEAM

Middle blockers: Keoni Williams, Eagle Mountain; Emma Pollard, Gatesville; Rebecca Lucksinger, Bellville

Outside hitters: Ava Green, Decatur; Elizabeth Corbitt, Spring Hill; Paisley Pavliska, La Vernia

Setter: Molly Aubert, Eagle Mountain

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Lexi Nichols, Eagle Mountain

SECOND TEAM

Middle blockers: Shaelyn Ward, Aubrey; Alyssa Potts, Lindale; Harper Smith, Decatur

Outside hitters: Libby Tedder, Springtown; Allegra Foreman, Stephenville; Avery Keck, La Vernia

Setter: Grace Fortune, Decatur

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Hannah Forshee, Sweeny

THIRD TEAM

Middle blockers: Sayler Peck, Decatur; Brooklyn Brannen, Bullard; Giselle Webster, Kilgore

Outside hitters: Savannah Irwin, Spring Hill; Brooke Lacewell, Eagle Mountain; Belle Seibert, Sweeny

Setter: Bailey Hampton, Aubrey

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Kaylee Londeau, Spring Hill

HONORABLE MENTION

Middle blockers: Janey Baker, China Spring; Addison Kramer, Lorena; Makenna Hertless, Floresville; Brooke Gisell, Lindale; Alli Bitter, Carthage; Elsie Law, Salado; Jadyn Lindgren, CC Calallen; Maggie Thompson, Sulphur Springs; Bella Elliott, Liberty; Jessa Cox, Cuero; Austyn Flowers, Seminole

Outside hitters: Charlee Mack, Hillsboro; Meredith Muramoto, China Spring; Julia Guidry, Bullard; Trinity Laney, Wimberley; Peighton Purser, Farmersville; Lilli Sandoval, Wimberley; Mazzy Johnson, Salado; Preslee Hardy, Sulphur Springs; Jordan Flodder, Van; Kayla White, Van; Addison Alexander, Canton; Kalia Andres, Bullard; Ella Hutchens, Lindale; Rainey Johnson, Sulphur Springs; Bryleigh Mayhan, Pine Tree

Setter: Carly Chadwick, Pine Tree; Elle Litchenburg, Kilgore; Caroline Cockerham, Carthage; Julia Garrick, Bullard; Caitlyn Gerick, China Spring; Stevie-Kate LaDuque, Stephenville; Charli Niu, Salado; Grace Martinez, CC Calallen; Harper Hodges, Sulphur Springs; Macy Luster, Lindale

Libero/Defensive Specialist: Emma Conley, Aubrey; Peyton Taylor, Sulphur Springs; Hope Escobar, Decatur; Brooklyn Quintanilla, Springtown; Karis Carpenter, La Vernia; Laney Alexander, Carthage

LA JOLLA, Calif. — The 2026 men’s volleyball season gets underway this week as UC San Diego welcomes three opponents to La Jolla and LionTree Arena.
 
The Tritons host Jessup on Tuesday in the season opener before facing Daemen on Friday and Rockhurst on Sunday. All three contests begin at 7:00 p.m., with Tuesday and Friday’s matches airing on ESPN+.
 
MATCH DETAILS
Match 1
UC San Diego vs Jessup
Tuesday, Jan. 6 | 7:00 p.m.
LionTree Arena | La Jolla, Calif.
Series Record: First Meeting
Watch | Live Stats
 
Match 2
UC San Diego vs Daemen
Friday, Jan. 9 | 7:00 p.m.
LionTree Arena | La Jolla, Calif.
Series Record: UC San Diego leads 1-0
Last Meeting: UC San Diego 3, Daemen 0 on Jan. 10, 2025 (Box)
Watch | Live Stats
 
Match 3
UC San Diego vs Rockhurst
Sunday, Jan. 11 | 7:00 p.m.
LionTree Arena | La Jolla, Calif.
Series Record: First Meeting
Live Stats
 
ABOUT THE UC SAN DIEGO TRITONS
Roster | Schedule & Results | Statistics

• Location: La Jolla, Calif.
• Conference: Big West
• AVCA National Ranking: 10
• Big West Preseason Poll: Tied 4th out of 6

ABOUT THE JESSUP WARRIORS
Roster | Schedule & Results | Statistics

• Location: Rocklin, Calif.
• Conference: MPSF
• AVCA National Ranking: None
• MPSF Preseason Poll: 9th out of 10

ABOUT THE DAEMEN WILDCATS
Roster | Schedule & Results | Statistics

• Amherst, N.Y.
• Conference: NEC
• AVCA National Ranking: None
• 2025 NEC Finish: 3rd out of 5

2026 BIG WEST CHAMPIONSHIP
The Hawaiian Islands presents the 2026 Outrigger Big West Men’s Volleyball Championship will be April 23-25 at the Bren Events Center on the campus of UC Irvine. All six Big West squads will participate.
 
The top two seeds after the regular season will earn a bye to the semifinal round of the single-elimination championship. Tickets will go on sale at a later date.
 
UC San Diego Athletics completed a department-wide transition to NCAA Division I in 2024. All Tritons sports are eligible for conference and national postseason play.
 
AMONG THE RANKS
The preseason AVCA National Collegiate Poll sees the No. 10 Tritons set to face fellow ranked opponents in 16 of their 25 matches this season. Those contests will be an even split between home and away.

• No. 1 UCLA
• No. 2 Hawai’i
• No. 3 Long Beach State
• No. 6 UC Irvine
• No. 7 Loyola Chicago
• No. 8 BYU
• No. 11 CSUN
• No. 12 Lewis
• No. 17 UC Santa Barbara
• No. 18 Princeton

2026 BIG WEST OUTLOOK
The Tritons were picked to finish in a tie for fourth in the 2026 Big West Men’s Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll. That mirrors UC San Diego’s finish at the end of the 2025 season.
 
All six Big West teams are ranked nationally. Hawai’i has the best national ranking, checking in at No. 2.
 
Long Beach State was picked to win The Big West after winning the national championship last season.
 
BIG SHOES TO FILL
In 2025, UC San Diego saw opposite hitter Anthony Cherfan, setter Bryce Dvorak and outside hitter Josh Schellinger earn both All-Big West and All-American honors in their final season with the Tritons.
 
HEAD COACH BRAD ROSTRATTER
Brad Rostratter enters his fourth season leading UC San Diego in 2026. He was named head coach of the men’s volleyball program on October 7, 2022. Rostratter earned his first career win with the Tritons on Jan. 5, 2023, when the team defeated Lincoln Memorial in five sets at UC Santa Barbara’s Asics Invitational. It was the team’s season opener. Rostratter collected his first Big West victory on the road at CSUN when the Tritons swept the Matadors on March 16, 2023. A National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Coach of the Year and two-time Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) Coach of the Year, Rostratter came to La Jolla from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, Calif., where he served as the men’s volleyball head coach since the program’s inception in 2019. He led the Lions to a pair of GSAC regular season titles, a league tournament title, and two appearances at the NAIA National Tournament.
 
Complete Rostratter Bio
 

 
UC SAN DIEGO ON THE WORLDWIDE LEADER
Most UC San Diego home men’s and women’s basketball games, men’s and women’s soccer matches, men’s and women’s volleyball matches, baseball and softball games are broadcast live on ESPN+. For more information on where to watch UC San Diego volleyball, visit UCSDTritons.com/live.

WHY THE TRITONS?

The Triton is described as the offspring of Poseidon and Amphitrite, a demigod of the sea with a lower part of the body like that of a fish. It is known as a mighty and fierce sea warrior. Given UC San Diego’s close proximity to the Pacific Ocean and its connections with the world-famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the Triton became our mascot in 1964.

TRITON VOLLEYBALL TALK

As part of UC San Diego’s transition to Division I, the Athletics Department launched a weekly podcast, Tritoncast. New episodes of Tritoncast are available on the most popular podcasting apps and on UCSDTritons.com. For individual show information and listen links, follow Tritoncast on X @Tritoncast.

GET SOCIAL WITH UC SAN DIEGO VOLLEYBALL

Keep up with the Tritons all season long on social media through X and Instagram. The team’s handle is @ucsdmvb.

FOR THE YOUNGER CROWD

Got some young Triton fans in your family? If they are eighth grade or under, check out the Junior Triton Club. Membership includes a free t-shirt, admission to over 100 UC San Diego home athletic events, and much more!

GEAR

For the latest Triton apparel and accessories, click here.

UP NEXT

The Tritons will travel to Utah for their first road trip of the season. Two matches with No. 8 BYU are set for Jan. 16-17.

About UC San Diego Athletics

After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 24-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 39 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world’s preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in NCAA Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.

 

Less than a month after announcing her commitment to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga beach volleyball program, Camryn Neal was one of three Silverdale Baptist volleyball players to be selected to the Tennessee Sports Writers Association’s all-state volleyball team.

Neal showcased her versatility throughout her prep career with the Lady Seahawks as she finished with over 1,200 kills and 1,100 digs to go along with nearly 900 assists and over 225 aces.

In her senior season this past fall, Neal helped Silverdale Baptist to a 29-win season and runner-up finish at the TSSAA Division II-A state tournament, where she had 20 kills and 16 digs in a four-set defeat to Middle Tennessee Christian in the finals. Neal finished the season with 402 kills, 316 digs, 75 aces and 20 blocks.

Teammates Caroline Hilton and Sophie Easterday joined Neal on the TSWA Division II-A team.

Hilton finished her prep career with over 2,000 career assists, including 1,067 this season to go along with 252 digs, 78 aces, 67 kills and 12 blocks.

Easterday, a junior, led the Lady Seahawks in kill percentage (52.8), hitting percentage (.452), and blocks (70).

The Chattanooga area had 12 all-state selections, including two each for Arts & Sciences and Baylor following Final Four runs in Class 1A and Division II-AA, respectively.

CSAS seniors Amanda Gardner and Savanna Moore helped lead their team to a program-best 34 wins. Gardner earned district and region tournament MVP honors as she finished the season with 363 kills, 386 digs and 99 aces, while ending her prep career with over 1,200 digs. Moore led the Lady Patriots with 472 kills and added 250 digs, 55 aces and 20 blocks.

Baylor’s all-state selections were senior Emma Mulvaney and junior Rory Oleksik. Mulvaney paced the Lady Red Raiders with 390 kills while adding 224 digs, 55 aces, 47 assists and 32 blocks, while Oleksik starred defensively with 525 digs and also led the team with 69 aces.

Other area players earning all-state honors are CSLA sophomore Sydney Heisig and Sale Creek junior Jalyn Hammons in Class A, Signal Mountain senior Becca Rogers in Class AA, Cleveland senior Gunny Brock, and GPS junior Cat Nygaard in Division II-AA.

Heisig had 403 kills, 278 digs, 86 aces, 49 blocks and a 92.4 serving percentage for the Lady Eagles.

Hammons recorded 430 digs for the Lady Panthers.

Rogers had 448 kills, 463 digs, 180 blocks and 84 aces for the Lady Eagles.

Brock compiled 538 kills, 329 digs, 64 aces, and 30 blocks to lead the Lady Blue Raiders to a district and region title.

Nygaard finished with nearly 400 digs for the Bruisers.

Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.

TSWA all-state volleyball selections

Class A

OH – Derionna Bell, Gordonsville, Sr.

OH – Amanda Gardner, CSAS, Sr.

OH – Sydney Heisig, Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts, So.

OH – Campbell Leathers, Eagleville, So.

OH – Savanna Moore, CSAS, Sr.

OH – Morgan Ryan, East Robertson, Jr.

OH – Gracie Sims, Union City, Sr.

OH – Jena Wright, Merrol Hyde Magnet, Jr.

MH – Millie Emerson, Summertown, Sr.

S – Brooke Briggs, Gordonsville, Sr.

S – Presley Campbell, Eagleville, Sr.

S – Gentry Hansen, Merrol Hyde Magnet, So.

L – Jalyn Hammons, Sale Creek, Jr.

L – Preslee Knowles, Eagleville, Jr.

L – Breleigh Winters, Loretto, Sr.

Class AA

OH – Anarela Mejias Ayala, Valor Prep, Jr.

OH – Abby Baker, Creek Wood, Sr.

OH – Stella Huber, Lexington, Sr.

OH – Jentelle McNairl, Valor Prep, So.

OH – Makayla Moore, Sullivan East, Fr.

OH – Abigail Prado, Seymour, Jr.

OH – Becca Rogers, Signal Mountain, Sr.

OH – Jacey Taylor, Chuckey-Doak, So.

MH – Rylee Key, Dyer County, Jr.

MH – Wesley Thornton, Crockett County, So.

S – Raylie Gray, Volunteer, Jr.

S – Emery Huddleston, Upperman, Jr.

S – Kierstyn Ray, Dyer County, Jr.

L – Ella Burd, Lakeland Prep, Sr.

L – Evie Rogers, Dyer County, Jr.

Class AAA

OH – Elia Dinsmore, Independence, Sr.

OH – Addie Harris, Arlington, Jr.

OH — Gunny Brock, Cleveland, Sr.

OH – Eliza Hicks, William Blount, Sr.

OH – Maggie Kalisz, Summit, Sr.

OH – Mia McGrath, Siegel, Sr.

OH – Daisy Oatsvall, Brentwood, Sr.

OH – Molly Teague, Blackman, Sr.

OH – Sydni Vice, Houston, Sr.

MH – Keira Garinger, Clarksville, Sr.

MH – Eliza McKnight, Brentwood, Sr.

S – Mela Brice, Dobyns-Bennett, Sr.

S – Lauren Duncan, Brentwood, Sr.

S – Lucy O’Daniel, Science Hill, So.

S – Amanda Shanahan, Summit, Sr.

L – Isa Dau, Science Hill, Jr.

Division II-A

OH – Jada Burns, MTCS, Sr.

OH – Darby Felts, Lakeway Christian, Sr.

OH – Sadie Kroeger, PCA, Sr.

OH – Camryn Neal, Silverdale, Sr.

OH – Anna Ofenheusle, Friendship Christian, Sr.

OH – Anna Clay Shirley, MTCS, Sr.

MH – Kayte Madison Bjornstad, PCA, Sr.

MH – Sophie Easterday, Silverdale, Jr.

MH – Kendall Stansbury, Knoxville Grace, Sr.

S – Addison Addair, Lakeway Christian, Sr.

S – Bailee Culpepper, MTCS, Sr.

S – Caroline Hilton, Silverdale, Sr.

S – Sarah Johnson, Northpoint, So.

L – Addison Burks, MTCS, Sr.

L – Annie Harney, BGA, Sr.

Division II-AA

OH – Tallulah Carney, Knox Webb, Sr.

OH – Heidi Green, Father Ryan, Jr.

OH – Mia Kinney, Knox Catholic, Jr.

OH – Emma Mulvaney, Baylor, Sr.

OH – Camille Northcross, Briarcrest, Jr.

OH – Raegan Reeves, CPA, Sr.

MH – Lucy Haywood, CPA, Sr.

MH – Haylee Munsey, Knox Catholic, Sr.

MH – Nancy Ward, Briarcrest, Jr.

S – Maddie Hobbs, Pope John Paul II, Jr.

S – Elise Jensen, Lipscomb Academy, Sr.

S – Sarah O’Connor, Briarcrest, Sr.

L – Ella Fisher, Pope John Paul II, So.

L – Cat Nygaard, GPS, Jr.

L – Rory Oleksik, Baylor, Jr.