Rec Sports

Spark Off the Bench Keys Long Beach Poly Comeback Over Yorba Linda – The562.org

Published

3 months ago

October 22, 2025

The562’s coverage of Long Beach Poly Athletics for the 2025-26 school year is sponsored by Former Jackrabbits Wendell “WoWo” Moe, Jr. & Tyson Ruffins.

It was shaping up to be one of those nights for the Long Beach Poly girls’ volleyball team. Battling injury and illness, the Jackrabbits got out to a flat start against Yorba Linda in the first round of the CIF Southern Section Division 2 playoffs. They dropped the first set and were in danger of losing the second, trailing 23-22 when head coach Gerald Aquiningoc pointed at JV call-up Ellie Iamaleava and subbed her in. She responded with back-to-back blocks to give her team the lead as they went on to win the second set and the match, 18-25, 25-23, 25-14, 26-24.

Iamaleava was one of two JV call-ups to step into critical roles for Poly tonight, as she finished with five kills and three blocks. Setter Mina Orbiso also had 15 assists in a 6-2 system, as both were in their first varsity action with the Jackrabbits.

“They’ve been practicing with us, doing double duty practices all season,” said Poly coach Gerald Aquiningoc. “We’re very familiar with what they can do, and it’s honestly like, next girl up. We have Plans A, B, C, D, and tonight we had to work all the way through. I’m really proud of them being able to come in here and execute.”

Aquiningoc said he was not planning on playing the lower-level players in the match, but felt pushed to by circumstances.

“Things weren’t working and I figured, if we’re going to go out, we have to exhaust all the options,” he said. “We can’t leave anything, no sub unturned. Ellie is a sparkplug too–we were really flat and we were looking for something, and we know that we have three or four players who give us that big spark when they do something. We were looking for something like that and it worked.”

The Jackrabbits looked flat in the first set, as they saw a 14-11 lead evaporate as part of a long service run by Yorba Linda’s Kyndra Long, who had two aces as part of an 8-0 run that would put Yorba Linda up 23-16. Poly’s usually boisterous crowd was silent and its usually rowdy bench was subdued as Yorba Linda took the first set 25-18, closing on a 13-2 run to do so.

The second set was a battle but Poly led 20-18 after an ace by Keola Aquiningoc, a lead that would ultimately disappear as they fell behind 23-22, prompting Aquiningoc to call a timeout, and to put Ellie Iamaleava in.

The sophomore said she did her best to stay locked in while on the bench.

“The entire game I was trying to stay ready, I was trying to expect to go in and fill a spot if they needed,” said Ellie.

McKennah Iamaleava led the way for the Jackrabbits with a stat-stuffing line of 20 kills, 18 digs, and two blocks. She was also cheering more loudly for her little sister than she was for herself.

“I’m very proud of my sister, coming in from the bench is hard and her play really energized us,” she said.

That energy carried over into the third set in a huge way as Poly led 22-4 after Ellie Iamaleava had a 5-0 service run that included an ace, and Cheeky Talaga had a 10-0 service run with three aces. The Jackrabbits went on to win easily but faced some turbulence in the fourth set.

Yorba Linda led 21-16 and looked well on their way to forcing a fifth set. But a kill by London Caldwell set up a Lauren Foster service run that flipped the score.

Foster had three consecutive aces as part of a 7-0 run that put Poly up 23-21. The Jackrabbits yielded three points to fall behind 24-23, but two errors by Yorba Linda put Poly back on top, and they grabbed match point on an by Cika Talaga.

The Jackrabbits hit just .141 in the match as they had multiple starters hit a negative number. Cika Talaga had 10 kills but 11 errors to go with them as she battled illness. After McKenna Iamaleava’s 20 and Talaga’s 10 kills, Ellie Iamaleava was third on the team with five, and she did it with a .417 hitting clip.

Cika Talaga had 16 digs and Aquiningoc had 11. Foster led the way at setter with 21 assists and seven digs.

Yorba Linda was led by Kelsey Pastian’s 14 kills.

The Jackrabbits (27-9) will advance to the second round of the Division 2 playoffs, as they travel to Corona Centennial on Thursday.

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Rec Sports

Photos: Fort Lewis College women’s and men’s basketball take on Westminster University

Published

1 hour ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Both Skyhawks teams were victorious on Saturday afternoon

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Donald Bangham, Jr. of Fort Lewis College finger rolls the ball over Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Ashten Martinez of Fort Lewis College plays defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Massal Diouf of Fort Lewis College blocks a Westminster University shot on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Cassius Carmichael of Fort Lewis College dunks the ball against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Chuol Deng of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College passes the ball while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Jaxon Smith of Fort Lewis College puts up a three-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Makaya Porter of Fort Lewis College drives to the basket while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Lauren Zuniga, left, Fort Lewis College women’s baseketball head coach, and assistant coach Maggie Espenmiller-McGraw are all smiles with player Claudia Palacio Gámez after winning the game against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Stewart Erhart of Fort Lewis College splits the Westminster University defense on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College puts up a 3-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College plays defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Claudia Palacio Gámez of Fort Lewis College fights off the Westminster University defense on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Josie Davis of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Trey Curry of Fort Lewis College takes away a passing lane while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Fort Lewis College plays tough defense against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Savanna Dotray of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Donald Bangham, Jr. of Fort Lewis College goes for the ball while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Savanna Dotray, left, and Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College fights for the ball while playing Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Natalie Guanella of Fort Lewis College comes off the floor during the Westminster University game on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Katie Lamb of Fort Lewis College puts up a three-point shot against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

Makaya Porter of Fort Lewis College puts up a shot while playing against Westminster University on Saturday at FLC. (Jerry McBride/Durango Herald)

Jerry McBride

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Rec Sports

City to unveil sports park master plan

Published

1 hour ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

FAIRBORN — The community is invited to attend a community presentation on Fairborn’s Sport Park Master Plan. The event will be held at the Fairborn High School Performing Arts Center on Sunday, January 18, at 3 p.m.

According to the city, the plan outlines proposed improvements to the Fairborn Wee Hawks Football and Fairborn Little League fields at Ernie Apt. Park. The city’s goal is to create a modern, much-needed athletic facility for local youth.

Park planners say that during the presentation, you’ll be able to see the proposed layout and upgrades, learn how the improvements will benefit young athletes and families, and ask questions.

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Rec Sports

The wildest hockey brawl of the year was at an AHL intermission youth game

Published

2 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals, won a game 3-2 on Saturday, breaking a tie in the third period while short-handed. That’s not what fans were buzzing about from the game on social media.

Between periods at the Giant Center in Hershey, Pennsylvania, a standard mites game became very un-standard when a bizarre brawl broke out between the two youth teams.

Countless haymakers were thrown with tiny gloved fists. Multiple kids charged full-speed into the fray. At least one kid punched a teammate. The crowd, or at least the louder fans in the stands, was loving it. There are no officials in sight. Which is unfortunate, because at least one kid can be seen dangerously trying to kick an opponent with his skates.

The spectacle peaks at the 47-second mark when a goalie charges in and completely lays out an opponent who was grappling with his teammate.

What’s that? You want another angle?

Details are admittedly sparse here. We don’t know if any of those kids sustained an injury on the ice, or what even caused the brawl aside from youthful aggression. We’re just talking about something you don’t expect to see at a youth hockey game.

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Rec Sports

PEM hosts area athletes in wrestling invitational

Published

2 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

PLAINVIEW, Minn. (KTTC) – Wrestlers filled the gym at Plainview-Elgin-Millville high school for the 2026 PEM Wrestling Invitational.

Eight schools took the mat: LARP (Lewiston-Altura/Rushford-Peterson), Pine Island, FCLMC (Fillmore Central/Lanesboro/Mabel-Canton), Lake City, WWC (Winona/Winona Cotter), La Crosse Logan/Cent., Cochrane-Fountain City, and the host school PEM.

The Bulldogs came out on top at home, leading the way with 206.5 points. LARP finished in second with 201.0 points. The team results are as follows:

PEM – 206.5
LARP – 201.0
Pine Island – 192.0
Eau Claire North – 111.0
FCLMC – 96.0
Cochrane-Fountain City – 70.5
Lake City – 47.5
WWC – 47.5
La Crosse Logan/Cent. – 39.0

An individual champion was crowned in each weight class. Those champions are as follows:

107 – Mason Zabel, PEM

114 – Owen Zabel, PEM

121 – Reid Ihrke, PEM

127 – Christian Zibrowski, LARP

133 – Michael Alexander, LARP

139 – Owen Lange, LARP

145 – Jag Foster, Pine Island

152 – Aiden Graner, PEM

160 – Ben Grabau, Pine Island

172 – Calvin Arentz, La Crosse Logan/Cent.

189 – Kane Larson, FCLMC

215 – Logan Peterson, PEM

285 – Chase Drazkowski, LARP

Find stories like this and more, in our apps.

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Native Youth Olympics preparations under way | Sports

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Ketchikan athletes had the gym to themselves on Friday as they warmed up for the Native Youth Olympics kick-off scheduled for 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the Clarke Cochrane Gymnasium at Kayhi.

Henry Agony practices the One Foot High Kick during the Native Youth Olympics open gym at the Clarke Cochrane Gymnasium on Friday, Jan. 8, 2026. Staff photo by Christopher Mullen

Nina Varnell practices the Alaskan High Kick during the Native Youth Olympics open gym at the Clarke Cochrane Gymnasium on Friday, Jan. 8, 2026. Staff photo by Christopher Mullen

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Rec Sports

NDSU handles business against Omaha WBB in blowout fashion | Sports

Published

4 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Your Sports Nation

The Omaha women’s basketball team remains winless in conference play and suffered its third-largest loss of the season at the hands of North Dakota State.

The Mavericks (2-17, 0-4 Summit League) were blown out by the Bison (15-2, 4-0 Summit League) by a score of 94-39. The game marks the fifth time this season that Omaha has lost by 50 or more points.

NDSU controlled the game from the start. They opened the contest by scoring 15 straight points before Omaha’s Leekaya Burke Perryman ended the run with a layup.

The Bison put together another 9-0 run as the quarter wound down. Regan Juenemann beat the buzzer with a layup, but NDSU led by a whopping 20 points after the first.

The second quarter was followed similarly. The Bison matched their first-quarter total of 24 points and led 48-11 entering the locker room.

The third quarter proved to be the dagger in the backs of the Mavericks. Omaha almost doubled its first half score with ten points in the quarter, but 27 Bison points put the game out of reach. NDSU led 75-21 entering the fourth.

With North Dakota State’s subs in the game for majority of the final ten minutes, the Mavericks were resilient, only being outscored by one point in the final quarter.

Juenemann led the team with 15 points, being the only Maverick to finish in double figures. The freshman shot 6-for-10 from the field in 30 minutes off the bench.

Avril Smith continued crashing the boards, grabbing 15 rebounds in the contest and eclipsing 200 total boards on the season.

Recent addition Reilly Palmer logged her first statistics of the season, recording one rebound and one assist. Lainey Maehl also made her collegiate debut for her first appearance as a Maverick.

Molly Lenz topped the Bison with 24 points on the day, a career high for the junior. In total, four NDSU players scored in double figures.

The Bison shot 42.9 percent from the field and 44 percent from 3-point range compared to the Mavericks’ 27.1 percent and 18.8 percent marks in both categories.

Omaha returns home to host St. Thomas (8-9, 1-2 Summit League) at Baxter Arena on Thursday, Jan. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

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