Sports
Texas A&M volleyball wins first national championship
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Logan Lednicky had 11 kills, Maddie Waak had 29 assists and Texas A&M won its first NCAA volleyball championship, sweeping Kentucky 3-0 on Sunday.
The Aggies (29-4) accomplished the rare feat of defeating three No. 1 seeds. They defeated Nebraska and Pittsburgh earlier in the tournament. They did not drop a set in the final four.
Texas A&M led 13-10 in the third set before a kill by Lednicky started a 6-1 scoring run for a commanding 19-11 lead, six points from the national championship.
At 24-18 in the third set, Kentucky held off a couple of match points before the Aggies took advantage of a free ball and Ifenna Cos-Okpalla delivered the championship point, crushing a set from Waak out of the middle.
Kyndal Stowers finished with 10 kills and hit .304. Cos-Okpalla added eight kills, hitting .235 and Lednicky hit .250.
Eva Hudson had a match-high 13 kills for Kentucky and Kassie O’Brien had 34 assists.
The Aggies hit .257 as a team, compared to Kentucky’s .148.
Set scores were 26-24, 25-15, 25-20.
The Aggies trailed throughout the first set until they tied the score at 20 and also saved a set point to tie it at 24. The Aggies took their first lead at 25-24 on an attack error by Kentucky’s Brooklyn DeLeye, her fifth of the set. Stowers finished off the 26-24 first-set win for the Aggies with a tip off the Kentucky block.
After taking that 25-24 lead, the Aggies did not trail at any point in the rest of the match.
Kentucky (30-3) continued to struggle at the net in the second set. The Wildcats had nine errors in the first set and six more while falling behind 19-9 in the second. The Aggies continued to dominate, winning 25-15 after outhitting their SEC rival .253 — .077.
Stowers and Lednicky had eight kills each in the first two sets, with Stowers hitting .368 and Lednicky .240.
Sports
Men’s Volleyball Picked to Finish Fifth in Inaugural Season’s NEC Preseason Coaches’ Poll
BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The NEC has announced the 2026 Men’s Volleyball Preseason Coaches’ Poll, that featured the Manhattan Jaspers placing fifth, per release on Tuesday afternoon.
“I’m excited to begin competing this weekend, after a semester of hard work with the team,” said Head Coach Chris Schortgen.
“We have a competitive schedule ahead of us full of opportunity and I know our guys will make the most of these opportunities.”
The Jaspers open their stint as Associate Members of the NEC with a 15-squad roster, which includes 12 freshmen, and will be immediately eligible to compete in the 2026 NEC Men’s Volleyball Championship come the end of April.
Full List:
T1. Daemen (3)
T1: Saint Francis (2)
3. LIU (1)
4. FDU (1)
5. Manhattan
6. University of Maryland Eastern Shore
7. D’Youville
This season, the Jaspers have packed in a schedule that features teams like Penn State, and Loyola Chicago, while playing home matches against Roosevelt, and conference foes such as LIU, Saint Francis University, and FDU to open its Draddy Gymnasium residency.
The Men’s Volleyball program will open its first ever season on Saturday, January 10, when the Jaspers visit the Nittany Lions of Penn State for a 3 p.m. start in State College. The contest will be viewable on Big Ten Network Plus with a paid subscription.
Sports
Gleason Named Head Sports Performance Coach
VESTAL, N.Y. – The Binghamton Division of Athletics has announced that Lori Gleason has been named its new Head Sports Performance Coach. Having served as an assistant and associate sport performance coach on the staff since 2006, she was promoted to the head job effective Jan. 2.
Gleason will oversee the sports performance programming for all 21 Bearcat athletic programs. In this role, she will lead two assistant sports performance coaches and collaborate closely with team coaches and student-athletes to establish and uphold training programs and performance standards that support continued growth and development of student-athletes.
“Lori has a long-standing reputation as a leader and mentor whose impact extends well beyond the weight room,” Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Sports Medicine & Performance Kara Gorgos said. “Her elevation to Head Sports Performance Coach is a testament to her dedication to Binghamton Athletics and her proven ability to continue raising the performance standards of our student-athletes. We are excited for the continued evolution and advancement of our sports performance program under Lori’s leadership.”
“I would like to thank Binghamton University, Director of Athletics Eugene Marshall Jr, the search committee, and my supervisor Kara Gorgos for this incredible opportunity to move into the role of Head Sports Performance Coach,” Gleason said. “Also, for the continuous support I have been given, I would like to thank my family and coworkers/coaching staff. I am very excited and look forward to growing our area, as well as collaborating with our staff as we all work together to achieve what is most important for our student athletes to be successful in their sport and performance.”
Since being hired as an Assistant Sports Performance Coach in 2006, Gleason has worked directly with seven of the Bearcat athletic programs, six of which have captured America East team championships during her tenure. In addition, Gleason has worked with a track & field program that has produced one NCAA champion as well as seven other All-Americans during that same span.
In 2024, Gleason was elevated to Senior Assistant Sports Performance Coach. Her additional duties included collaborating on the Bearcat teams’ performance programs and injury prevention tactics, establishing a 15+ week Preventive Exercise Plan specifically for ACL injuries and providing mentorship for the Sports Performance interns. In addition, Gleason served as an Athletic Department staff liaison for the Student-Athlete Mental Health Committee.
A 2002 graduate of SUNY Cortland, Gleason went on to earn her Master’s Degree in Applied Exercise Science from Springfield College in 2006. She served as both an intern and graduate assistant strength coach during her years at Springfield.
TRANSACTION
Binghamton University – Lori Gleason named Head Sports Performance Coach
Sports
UCSB Track and Field Announces 2026 Season Schedule
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – UC Santa Barbara has officially announced their meet schedule for the upcoming 2026 outdoor season. The calendar features 14 regular-season meets during the spring, 13 of which will be held across California, featuring three home meets. Following the regular season, the Gauchos will compete at the Big West Championships and the postseason continues into June with the NCAA West Preliminary Round and the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
The season will kick off with two home meets on Pauley Track, featuring the two-day Sam Adams Combined Events on March 5 and 6, followed by the Gaucho Relays on March 7.
The Gauchos will compete in two more meets for the remainder of March, including the Westmont Dual on March 13 to the neighboring Westmont College. Their next stop will be at the Jim Bush Legends Meet, hosted by UCLA on March 28.
On the first weekend of April, UCSB will compete in three separate meets, featuring the Stanford Invite and Mike Fanelli Distance Carnival in the Bay Area, as well as the Triton Invite in San Diego. Each meet will be two days, held on April 3 and 4.
Up next, the UCSB heptathletes and decathletes will take to the track at the Bryan Clay Multi April 9 and 10, overlapping with the Challenge Cup on April 10.
Santa Barbara will be featured in three different meets the following weekend, marking their return to Azusa Pacific from April 16 to 18 for the Bryan Clay Invite. The Guachos will also be seen in action at the Long Beach Invite hosted by Long Beach State April 17 and 18, as well as at the renowned Mt. Sac Relays at Hilmer Lodge Stadium April 16 to 18.
The Gauchos will take to their home track one last time before entering the postseason at the UCSB Invite, the two-day meet being hosted from April 24 to 25. The following weekend, Santa Barbara will travel to the Northeast, where they will compete at the prestigious Penn Relays hosted by the University of Pennsylvania.
UC Santa Barbara’s postseason opens up with the Big West Multi Championships held on May 8 to 9 at Anteater Stadium in Irvine, Calif., then the remainder of the championships meet schedule will fill up two action-packed days of competition May 15 and 16 at Long Beach State.
Based on their performance throughout the postseason, the Gauchos have the chance to move on to the NCAA West Prelims hosted by the University of Arkansas, May 27 through 30. The NCAA National Championships will be held June 10 through 13 in Eugene, Ore.
Sports
Texas Sports Writers Association honors El Paso HS volleyball players
Jan. 6, 2026, 12:18 p.m. MT
Three El Paso high school volleyball players have been named to the Texas Sports Writers Association All-State volleyball team for the recently completed 2025 season.
- Chapin junior outside hitter Zoeh Cereceres was named Honorable Mention All-State in Class 5A. This past season, she had 501 kills, 43 aces, 35 blocks and 191 digs. Cereceres helped Chapin to the District 1-5A title and one playoff victory.
- Eastlake senior middle blocker Mia Carrasco was named Honorable Mention All-State in Class 6A. Carrasco finished the 2025 season with 240 kills and 115 blocks. Carrasco helped the Falcons to a District 1-6A title and two playoff wins.
- Eastlake freshman outside hitter Giselle Gandara was named Honorable Mention All-State in Class 6A. Gandara finished the season with 427 kills, 378 digs and 58 blocks. Gandara was also named a Freshman All-American in Class 6A by MaxPreps after the recently completed season.
Felix F. Chavez can be reached@fchavez@elpasotimes.com; @Fchavezeptimes on X
Sports
B-CU Begins Spring Schedule at Gamecock Opener
Columbia, SC. – The Wildcats will participate in their second indoor meet of the season as they begin 2026 at the Gamecock Opener. The meet takes place on Saturday, January 10 at the Carolina Indoor Track & Field Complex.
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Bethune-Cookman completed their first indoor meet of the season at the Birmingham Indoor Icebreaker as five Wildcat participants finished in the top ten of their respective events.
Freshman Carlos Moore had the highest finish, picking up third in the men’s triple jump with a 45-11.25. Moore also finished eight in the men’s long jump with a 22-00.75
Sophomore Nyidjah Ives picked up ninth place in the women’s 800m run with a time of 2:28.37.
Sophomore Tyler Washington finished seventh in the men’s shot put with 13.97m.
Fellow Sophomore Ashton Matthews was tenth in the men’s high jump with a 6-02.75
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South Carolina hosts the event at the Carolina Track & Field Complex. The venue features a banked six-lane 200m Mondo track, a separate throws area, two pole vault areas, two jumps runways, and two high jump areas along with an eight-lane 60m straight track on the infield.
Saturday’s meet is set to begin at 10 a.m., with men’s high jump and women’s pole vault.
Running events will begin at 11 a.m. and run through 7:10 p.m., concluding with 4 x 400s.
The full schedule can be found here.
Follow Bethune-Cookman Track & Field Cross Country on Twitter (@BCUTrackXC) and Instagram (BCUXCTF) for all of the latest news and updates. For all Bethune-Cookman Athletics news, follow us on Twitter (@BCUAthletics), Instagram (@BCU_Athletics) and www.bcuathletics.com.
–#HailWildcats–
Sports
Men’s Volleyball Hosts No. 7 Loyola Chicago For Two-Match Series
HONOLULU – The No. 2 University of Hawai’i men’s volleyball team continues its eight-match, season-opening homestand with a pair of matches against No. 7 Loyola Chicago, Thursday, Jan. 8 and Friday, Jan. 9 at Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center. Both matches begin at 7:00 p.m. The Rainbow Warriors (2-0) are coming off a two-match series sweep of NJIT while the Ramblers (0-0) will make their 2026 season debut.
PROMOTIONS & GIVEAWAYS:
Thursday, January 8 – Hawai‘i Heroes Night
It’s Hawai’i Heroes night! Brought to you by First Hawaiian Bank. In recognition of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day (January 9), join us as we pay tribute to our brave first responders throughout the match.
Ticket Promotion:
First responders receive 50% off select adult tickets. Tickets are limited and in special sections.
How to Get Tickets:
· Online at etickethawaii.com (bring your valid first responder ID for ticket pickup)
· In person at the Stan Sheriff Center Box Office – valid first responder ID required at time of purchase
Friday, January 9 – Alumni Appreciation Night
Hawaii Pacific Health is sponsoring “Alumni Appreciation Night,” featuring exciting giveaways including rainbow fans and amazing prizes. It’s Aloha Friday and fans are encouraged to come in their finest Aloha apparel. Prior to the match, former UH volleyball legends return to the court for a nostalgic showdown in the annual UH Alumni vs. Alumni match at 4:00 p.m
Ticket Promotion:
UH Alumni Appreciation Discount
All University of Hawai’i Alumni will receive 30% off upper level adult tickets (maximum of eight). Tickets are in special sections. Supplies are limited and other restrictions may apply. Get your alumni tickets to select UH events at https://hawaiiathletics.evenue.net/promotions/UHALUM2526
| MATCHES #3-4 | ||||
| Who | #2 Hawai’i (2-0) vs. #7 Loyola Chicago (0-0) | |||
| Date | Time | Thursday, Jan. 8, 7:00 p.m. and Friday, Jan. 9, 7:00 p.m. | |||
| Location | Honolulu, O’ahu — Bankoh Arena at Stan Sheriff Center | |||
| Television | Spectrum Sports. Kanoa Leahey (play-by-play) and Chris McLachlin (analyst) | |||
| Live Stream | ESPN+ (blacked out in Hawai’i) | |||
| Radio | ESPN Honolulu (1420AM/92.7FM). Tiff Wells (play-by-play) | |||
| Streaming Audio | ESPNHonolulu.com; Sideline Hawaii app | |||
| Live Stats | HawaiiAthletics.com | |||
| Game Notes | Hawai’i | |||
| Digital Program | Click Here | |||
| Social Media | @HawaiiMensVB |
|||
SERIES INFORMATION
Overall: UH leads 13-3
In Honolulu: UH leads 12-3
In Chicago: UH leads 1-0
Neutral: None
Postseason: None
Last Meeting: Jan. 5, 2024; LUC, 3-2
Streak: LUC, 1
FIRST SERVE
- UH leads the all-time series 13-3, including a 12-3 advantage in Honolulu.
- The teams split a pair of matches in a season-opening series in 2024 with UH winning the opener in straight sets and the Ramblers taking the rematch in five. The teams also opened the 2022 season in Honolulu with UH winning both matches — the opener in straight sets and the rematch in four.
- UH setter Tread Rosenthal made his collegiate debut against LUC in 2024 and finished the two-match series with 90 assists, six aces, four kills, 13 digs, and three blocks. His 58 assists in a five-set loss remains his career-high.
- Head coach Charlie Wade has a 4-1 record versus LUC.
- LUC captured its first MIVA title since 2015 last season in Shane Davis’ return as head coach. The Ramblers finished 25-4 and advanced to the NCAA Championship quarterfinals.
- Davis has a 290-92 all-time record in his 13th season at LUC, which includes a pair of national titles in 2014 and ’15. He spent eight years as head coach of Northwestern’s women’s team (2016-23).
- Loyola Chicago assistant coach Dalton Solbrig was a four-year letterman for the Rainbow Warriors (2016-19) and member of two NCAA Tournament teams, including the national runner-up squad in 2019.
- UH has a 73-13 combined record against current members of the MIVA. Quincy is the only current MIVA team which UH has not played.
- Hawai’i is coming off a dominant two-match series sweep of NJIT last week in Honolulu. The Warriors hit a combined .517 with 23 team blocks and 11 aces.
- UH has a 14-match win streak in the month of January dating back to 2024 with its last loss to Loyola Chicago.
#HawaiiMVB
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