Sports
Broncos Fall in Opening Day Thriller at Notre Dame
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Many Broncos saw career highs on a night where Santa Clara women’s volleyball twice held a big lead in the final set, but were unable to come away with the statement victory at Notre Dame to open the season on Friday night at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Ind. The Broncos fought back after trailing 1-0, winning sets two and four to force a decisive fifth set, but despite an early lead were unable to hold on at the end. Their lineup featured a pretty balanced attack with three players posting double figures in kills led by Cate Shanahan with 13. Macy Hinshaw had a game high 40 assists, while Lexi Trapani led the Broncos with 22 digs.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Notre Dame (1-0) scored the first five points to open the game, forcing a Santa Clara timeout. However, the Broncos fought back, scoring three in a row capped off by a kill from Morgan Hayes to cut the Irish lead to 8-6.
- Four straight points from the Broncos put them ahead 12-10, but the Irish nodded up the score once again at 13. Both teams went back-and-forth until Notre Dame took a slight edge, 23-20, and finished off the set 25-23.
- The Irish again got off to a hot start in set two scoring three straight points, but Santa Clara (0-1) evened up the score at 5 after a kill by Cate Shanahan. An ace by Macy Hinshaw capped off a four point Bronco rally, causing a Notre Dame timeout. The Irish scored the next two, but the Broncos again capped off a four point rally this time with a kill from Shanahan to go up 14-9. The Broncos rode the momentum to the end, closing out set two, 25-17.
- Notre Dame took an early 6-3 lead in set three, but the Broncos again got within one after a kill from Grace Flanagan. Three straight Bronco points tied it up at 17, but Notre Dame rattled off a 7-1 scoring run to end the set with a 25-18 victory.
- An ace from Layla Truitt put the Broncos up 6-2 to begin set four, and later 8-3. However, three straight points from Notre Dame cut the Bronco lead to just one. Five straight points off kills from Hayes and Shanahan extended the Bronco lead to 17-10, but five straight Notre Dame points cut the lead to 19-17. Four more Irish points gave them a 21-20 advantage, but the Broncos rallied to go up 23-22. Two more Irish points put them at match point, but a kill from Truitt kept the Broncos in it. Three straight Bronco points sent them to a decisive game five with a 27-25 victory.
- An ace by Ashlynn Reilly capped off a four point rally for the Broncos, forcing a Notre Dame timeout. Another ace by Shanahan put the Broncos ahead 7-2, and a kill from Hayes made it 11-6. Another kill from Hayes made it 13-9. An attacking error from Notre Dame made it 14-10, but the Irish scored four in a row to tie the game at 14. A kill by Shanahan ended the Irish rally, but three straight Notre Dame points ended the match, 17-15.
NOTABLE NUMBERS:
- Macy Hinshaw recorded a career high 40 assists, adding 19 digs for her third career double-double.
- Cate Shanahan had a career high and team-leading 13 kills.
- Lexi Trapani tied her career high with 22 digs.
- Layla Truitt became the first Bronco to hit .400 or better since Oren Abutbul (.414 vs. SMC on Nov. 4, 2023). *minimum 12 kills
- Morgan Hayes recorded a career high 11 kills, while Tia Kapihe also had a career best with nine kills.
- Outside Hitter Ashlynn Reilly made her Bronco debut, recording a team-leading three service aces.
- Santa Clara falls to 6-6 overall against Notre Dame all-time.
UP NEXT:
The Broncos will cap off the Catholic Challenge tomorrow at Noon P.T. against Villanova. Live stats for the match are available here.
Dec. 20, 2025, 2:35 p.m. ET
KANSAS CITY, MO ― On Thursday, No.1 Kentucky punched its ticket to the NCAA volleyball championship match by winning a five-set thriller against No. 3 Wisconsin that defied logic.
“Congrats, guys. We couldn’t have played any worse,” head coach Craig Skinner told his team in the huddle after Kentucky dropped the first set, 25-12, with a .056 hitting percentage.
The Wildcats, who will play Texas A&M for the national championship on Sunday (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC), did not lead in a single major statistical category against the Badgers, but it didn’t matter. Kentucky clawed back and evened the match 1-1. The two teams traded blocks, kills and long rallies until late in the fourth set when two Badgers’ errors left the door open for the Wildcats. Kentucky, seemingly powered by Wisconsin’s mistakes, stormed out to a 6-1 lead in the fifth set. But, the Badgers weren’t done.
Fueled by massive nights from Mimi Colyer and Carter Booth, Wisconsin kept coming and pushed Kentucky to the brink. It took a colossal push from outside hitter Eva Hudson (29 kills on .455 hitting, seven digs), freshmen Kassie O’Brien and Trinity Ward, libero Molly Tuozzo (17 digs) and Brooklyn DeLeye (15 kills, 14 digs) to fight off the Badgers. Hudson slammed the door on Wisconsin’s title hopes with two final kills, but it was DeLeye’s defense in the fifth set (six digs) that made the difference.
“The cool thing about this team, I thought we’d done it all, and I thought we found every possible way to win, and tonight was a different way,” Skinner said after the Wildcats beat Wisconsin. “The way they played, the heart that they show is immeasurable. I keep telling them they’re transformational leaders in the way they go about it, what they’ve done for the sport.
” Proud of them. But the job isn’t finished.”
The Wildcats said they knew from the first practice in January that they would be playing for a national championship. Hudson revealed this week she didn’t think any growing (from the beginning of the season until now) was needed. She said she knows Kentucky is ready. In her opinion, it’s just a matter of soaking in the environment.
Deleye echoed Hudson’s sentiment about taking it all in. Yet, the junior did admit an underlying thought; none of the players on the Wildcats’ roster have been to a Final Four. Only Skinner has been to the national championship stage and won. He was an assistant on the 2020 team that brought a trophy back to Lexington.
Deleye shared that all year long, the Wildcats have been talking about their “why.” She says there’s a lot of pressure that comes with volleyball, especially in the SEC tournament and NCAA tournament, where they earned wins over UCLA, Creighton and Wisconsin. Yet, Deleye and Hudson both agreed the Wildcats are just out there to have fun and “play with joy.”
“In the last few games, have drawn smiley faces on our hands or somewhere where we can see it to remind us to play with joy,” Hudson said. “Some of the best times in volleyball, and when we’re really playing well, is when we’re all playing with joy and bouncing off one another. Kind of have those reminders in those pressure situations, too, is a really good thing.”
Kentucky said in the midst of their joy and between sets, they look one another in the eyes. Everything is moving at such a fast pace that the Wildcats want to take the time to connect and say “I got you” to each other to promote unity. They needed that same reminder deep in the match against Wisconsin when the season and a possible championship were on the line.
In a sequence that seemingly went unnoticed, DeLeye and Tuozzo took a brief moment to look at each other and nearly simultaneously make a “mask on” gesture. However, Tuozzo later explained that it wasn’t a “mask” she and Deleye were proverbially putting on. It was a helmet.
“Helmet on, ready to dig,” Tuozzo said matter-of-factly.
Deleye added when there’s an open hole or the block is not there, someone will typically step up into the seam, and “whatever happens happens.” Kentucky will live with the results, knowing it put its “body on the line.” With two losses this season and an impressive 28-match winning streak that also includes an October victory over the Aggies, Kentucky has maintained its composure throughout the NCAA tournament.
The Wildcats have taken multiple moments during the Final Four to talk about how their “accountability partners” have helped them. Players on the roster have someone who can pick them up on days when they may struggle and remind them not to get caught up in what they aren’t doing. That collective support and belief in one another started at the beginning of the season and has translated into joy at the highest levels of volleyball, something that has even impressed Skinner, who is in his 21st year of coaching.
“Because they play with such joy, I want to coach more players like that. I want players that you don’t really have to coach body language and enthusiasm,” Skinner said. “If you do, you’re spending all your effort on the wrong things. We can spend our energy on how do we put the pieces togetherand form a system to go around that.”
“(It’s) trying to find those people that are driven internally, and have an enthusiasm, infectious enthusiasm for life. Those guys, being around them every day, I look forward to that.”
Sports
2025 AVCA All-American | First Team At the AVCA Major League Volleyball All-America / Players of the Year Banquet presented by Nike, Elia Rubin was recognized as a 2025 AVCA All-American First Team selection. Reflecting on the honor, Rubin shared: “It’s such a huge honor. Being surrounded by so many amazing people makes it even more special. We were a young team, and every day brought a different challenge—but that’s what made it so much fun.” Rubin emphasized the importance of enjoying the journey and credited her teammates and coaches for creating a season defined by growth, connection, and joy. Congratulations to Elia Rubin on an outstanding season and First Team All-American recognition.
FIRST TEAM
Delayni Baird, so., Hollidaysburg: Made the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Class 3A All-District first team. … Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association all-state selection. … Finished with a team-high 657 assists. … Had 69 aces and 157 digs.
Addi Basenback, sr., Hollidaysburg: Second-team Mirror all-star as a junior. … Made the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Class 3A All-District first team. … Recorded 251 kills and 35 aces. … Also contributed 161 digs for the District 6 champion Lady Tigers.
Erica Brouse, sr., Central Cambria: Mirror second-team all-star as a junior. … Helped Central Cambria win the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference championship. … Made the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Class 2A All-District first team. … Led Central Cambria with 326 kills.
Kynlee Budny, so., Hollidaysburg: Second-team Mirror all-star as a freshman. … Made the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Class 3A All-District first team. … Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association all-state selection. … Had 260 kills and a 0.305 hitting percentage.
Rylan Crowell, sr., Tyrone: Mirror second-team all-star as a sophomore. … Helped Tyrone go 8-8 in the regular season and qualify for the District 6 playoffs. … Surpassed 500 career kills for her career this season. … Had 11 kills and 13 digs in a four-set win over Penns Valley. … Made the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Class 2A All-District second team.
Allie Dziabo, sr., Central Cambria: Mirror first-team all-star as a junior at Bishop Carroll. … Helped Central Cambria win the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference championship. … … Made the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Class 2A All-District second team. … Led Central Cambria with 100 blocks and added 169 kills.
Lily Gergely, so., Penn Cambria: Finished with 275 kills and 49 aces. … Compiled 266 service points and 159 serves received. … Had 61 blocks and had 75 digs. … Helped Penn Cambria go 10-8 and qualify for the District 6 playoffs. … Made the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Class 2A All-District first team.
Olivia Gregg, jr., Bishop Carroll: Second-team Mirror all-star as both a sophomore and freshman. … Finished the year with 271 kills and a 0.365 hitting percentage. … Had 378 digs and 50 aces this season. … Helped Bishop Carroll finish 12-8 in the regular season and advance to the District 6 Class 1A quarterfinals.
Braelyn Hall, sr., Juniata Valley: Mirror first-team all-star as a junior. … Inter-County Conference first-team all-star. … Went over 1,000 career digs for her career during her senior season. … Helped Juniata Valley go 10-8 in the regular season and qualify for the District 6 playoffs. … For her career, she had 252 service points, 47 aces, 30 assists and 1,033 digs.
Rachel McClellan, sr., Glendale: Mirror first-team all-star as a junior. … Inter-County Conference first-team all-star. … Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association all-state selection. … Finished with 452 kills, as well as 237 digs, 144 service points, 48 aces and 10 blocks for the Lady Vikings.
Kenzi McLanahan, so., Hollidaysburg: Second-team Mirror all-star as a freshman. … Made the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Class 3A All-District first team. … Libero for the District 6 champions. … Had 232 digs and 50 aces. … Had a 2.08 SR rating.
Emily Olienyk, jr., Bishop Carroll: Mirror first-team all-star as a sophomore. … Helped Bishop Carroll finish 12-8 in the regular season and advance to the District 6 Class 1A quarterfinals. … Finished with 273 kills and a 0.311 hitting percentage. … Had 83 aces and 81 blocks for the Lady Huskies.
Rowyn Ruddek, jr., Central Cambria: Helped Central Cambria win the Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference championship. … … Made the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Class 2A All-District second team. … Led Central Cambria with 348 digs and 378 serves received. … Added 21 aces.
Annalyse Yost, sr., Altoona: First-team Mirror all-star as a junior. … Made the Pennsylvania Volleyball Coaches Association Class 4A All-District first team. … Second-team Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division all-star. … Finished with 163 kills, 47 blocks, 26 aces, 76 digs and 78 service points for the Lady Spikers. … For her career, she had 380 kills, 167 blocks, 31 aces, 109 service points and 117 digs.
SECOND TEAM
Raina Alexander, jr., Williamsburg
Abby Anthony, sr., Tyrone
Sophie Becquet, sr., Bishop Carroll
Maraya Bittner, sr., Altoona
Amberly Detterline, jr., Northern Bedford
Kate Eckenrode, so., Penn Cambria
Payton Hinish, sr., Claysburg-Kimmel
Riley Kauffman, jr., Central Cambria
Calla Miko, sr., Portage
Kerrie Mock, sr., Central
Kaitlyn Mortimore, fr., Claysburg-Kimmel
Mara Pablic, so., Central Cambria
Marina Petucci, sr., Altoona
Madi Skebeck, sr., Glendale
Carly Sowers, sr., Cambria Heights
Dec. 20, 2025, 12:39 p.m. CT
- Former Florida middle blocker Jaela Auguste has committed to the Wisconsin Badgers volleyball team.
- Auguste was a 2025 AVCA third-team All-American and the SEC’s 2024 freshman of the year.
- The 6-foot-2 transfer has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Wisconsin volleyball has made its first big splash in the transfer portal.
Ex-Florida middle blocker Jaela Auguste has committed to the Badgers via the transfer portal, she announced on Instagram on Dec. 20.
Auguste was a 2025 AVCA third-team All-American after averaging 2.69 kills per set and 0.98 blocks per set while hitting .344. Her hitting percentage was eighth-best in the SEC this season. She also was the SEC’s 2024 freshman of the year after starting in 29 matches and hitting .404.
“So beyond excited to announce my commitment to Wisconsin!” Auguste said in her Instagram post. “So grateful to be able to continue my career at such a great program! Thank you to all the people who have helped and believed in me through this process!!”
The 6-foot-2 middle blocker has two seasons of eligibility remaining. She fills a key void for the 2026 Badgers, as starting middle blockers Carter Booth and Alicia Andrew were seniors in 2025.
![Florida middle blocker Jaela Auguste (4) slams past Texas during an NCAA women’s volleyball game at Steven C. O'Connell Center Exactec arena in Gainesville, FL on Friday, November 7, 2025. [Alan Youngblood/Gainesville Sun]](https://www.jsonline.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/11/08/NTGS/87159497007-gai-fl-tn-volleyball-42806.jpg?width=660&height=466&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
She is the Badgers’ first transfer portal commitment following the 2025 season. Five UW players have departed via the portal – Addy Horner, Aniya Warren, Maile Chan, Tosia Serafinowska and Trinity Shadd-Ceres.
Sports
At the AVCA Major League Volleyball All-America / Players of the Year Banquet presented by Nike, Brooklyn DeLeye was recognized as a 2025 AVCA All-American First Team selection. Reflecting on the honor, DeLeye shared: “This is such a high honor. We talk about grit, competitiveness, and joy all the time. Playing alongside my teammates this year has been amazing—I wouldn’t be here without them, our staff, and my family.” DeLeye’s season was marked by resilience, connection, and a shared commitment to excellence. Congratulations to Brooklyn DeLeye on her First Team All-American recognition.
Dec. 19, 2025, 7:33 p.m. CT
- Two Wisconsin volleyball freshmen, Aniya Warren and Addy Horner, have announced their intention to enter the transfer portal.
- Warren, a backup libero, and Horner, a backup setter, were behind other talented underclassmen on the roster.
Two Wisconsin volleyball freshmen appear to be taking their talents elsewhere in 2026.
Backup libero/defensive specialist Aniya Warren and backup setter Addy Horner are entering the transfer portal, they each announced on Instagram on Dec. 19.
Horner, in addition to sharing a post from a transfer portal account that listed her entry, said on her Instagram story that she is “beyond grateful” and thanked Badger nation. Warren said in an Instagram post that she is entering the portal to “explore new opportunities and continue my growth.”
“I want to start by sincerely thanking Wisconsin for welcoming me with open arms and so much love,” Warren said in the Instagram post. “A huge shoutout to the incredible coaching staff, my amazing teammates and the wonderful city of Madison for all the support and kindness I’ve received. This experience has meant the world to me.”
Both freshmen had impressive moments in the 2025 season, but were behind other talented underclassmen on the roster.
Starting libero Kristen Simon earned Big Ten all-freshman team honors as she averaged 3.47 digs per set. Charlie Fuerbringer, a third-team All-American in 2024, was an all-Big Ten first-team honoree in 2025 despite missing a month of the season with a shoulder injury.
Warren, the top-ranked libero in her recruiting class, appeared in 50 sets this season and totaled 65 digs and six reception errors. Horner, Prep Dig’s No. 1 setter in her recruiting class, appeared in 71 sets either as Fuerbringer’s injury replacement or a serving specialist.
The volleyball transfer portal window began on Dec. 7 and will continue until Jan. 5. Warren and Horner’s announcements come one day after the Badgers’ season-ending loss to Kentucky in the Final Four.
Kentucky ‘playing with joy’ heading into NCAA volleyball title match
How Dallas Converts Sporting Events Into Long-Term Economic Growth
College Football Playoff is here, but sport’s soul is gone
2025 AVCA All-American | First Team At the AVCA Major League Volleyball All-America / Players of the Year Banquet presented by Nike, Elia Rubin was recognized as a 2025 AVCA All-American First Team selection. Reflecting on the honor, Rubin shared: “It’s such a huge honor. Being surrounded by so many amazing people makes it even more special. We were a young team, and every day brought a different challenge—but that’s what made it so much fun.” Rubin emphasized the importance of enjoying the journey and credited her teammates and coaches for creating a season defined by growth, connection, and joy. Congratulations to Elia Rubin on an outstanding season and First Team All-American recognition.
2025 Mirror Girls Volleyball All-Stars | News, Sports, Jobs
Grizzly Youth Academy graduates largest-ever class of cadets
Wisconsin lands All-American middle blocker Jaela Auguste via portal
Outdoors North: John Pepin | News, Sports, Jobs
Curb Records and Motorsports manager reflects on Biffle’s legacy
Four soccer hosts announced for 2026-2027 Youth National Championships
At the AVCA Major League Volleyball All-America / Players of the Year Banquet presented by Nike, Brooklyn DeLeye was recognized as a 2025 AVCA All-American First Team selection. Reflecting on the honor, DeLeye shared: “This is such a high honor. We talk about grit, competitiveness, and joy all the time. Playing alongside my teammates this year has been amazing—I wouldn’t be here without them, our staff, and my family.” DeLeye’s season was marked by resilience, connection, and a shared commitment to excellence. Congratulations to Brooklyn DeLeye on her First Team All-American recognition.
Page Not Available – Woodlands Online
$2.1 million transfer portal QB predicted to join College Football Playoff team
Accessible Hockey Ventures : Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation
Wisconsin’s Aniya Warren, Addy Horner to enter transfer portal
First Tee Winter Registration is open
Fargo girl, 13, dies after collapsing during school basketball game – Grand Forks Herald
CPG Brands Like Allegra Are Betting on F1 for the First Time
F1 Las Vegas: Verstappen win, Norris and Piastri DQ tighten 2025 title fight
Sycamores unveil 2026 track and field schedule
Two Pro Volleyball Leagues Serve Up Plans for Minnesota Teams
Utah State Announces 2025-26 Indoor Track & Field Schedule
SoundGear Named Entitlement Sponsor of Spears CARS Tour Southwest Opener
Redemption Means First Pro Stock World Championship for Dallas Glenn
Jo Shimoda Undergoes Back Surgery
Texas volleyball vs Kentucky game score: Live SEC tournament updates
Bowl Projections: ESPN predicts 12-team College Football Playoff bracket, full bowl slate after Week 14
How this startup (and a KC sports icon) turned young players into card-carrying legends overnight
Robert “Bobby” Lewis Hardin, 56
Indiana’s rapid ascent and its impact across college football
-
Motorsports1 week agoSoundGear Named Entitlement Sponsor of Spears CARS Tour Southwest Opener
-
NIL3 weeks agoBowl Projections: ESPN predicts 12-team College Football Playoff bracket, full bowl slate after Week 14
-
Motorsports2 weeks agoDonny Schatz finds new home for 2026, inks full-time deal with CJB Motorsports – InForum
-
Rec Sports2 weeks agoHow Donald Trump became FIFA’s ‘soccer president’ long before World Cup draw
-
Rec Sports2 weeks agoBlack Bear Revises Recording Policies After Rulebook Language Surfaces via Lever
-
Sports3 weeks agoMen’s and Women’s Track and Field Release 2026 Indoor Schedule with Opener Slated for December 6 at Home
-
Motorsports3 weeks agoMichael Jordan’s fight against NASCAR heads to court, could shake up motorsports
-
Rec Sports2 weeks agoDavid Blitzer, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment
-
Motorsports2 weeks agoJR Motorsports Confirms Death Of NASCAR Veteran Michael Annett At Age 39
-
Motorsports2 weeks agoRick Ware Racing switching to Chevrolet for 2026