Sports

Harbor’s unbeaten beach volleyball team repeats as SCCAL champ

Harbor High’s beach volleyball team swept Soquel 5-0 to cap a perfect regular season at Main Beach in Santa Cruz on Friday. Harbor went 10-0 overall, 6-0 in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League. It’s the Pirates’ third straight league title and second straight undefeated season. It was senior day on the beach and and […]

Published

1 month ago

May 3, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Harbor High’s beach volleyball team swept Soquel 5-0 to cap a perfect regular season at Main Beach in Santa Cruz on Friday.

Harbor went 10-0 overall, 6-0 in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League. It’s the Pirates’ third straight league title and second straight undefeated season.

It was senior day on the beach and and the teams honored Soquel seniors Bella Hogan and Lily Juarez-Sapone as well as Harbor’s 10 seniors, including Isla Johnson, Maren O’Farrell, Tea Stockwell, Grace Stryker, Zoe Kemos, Sabine Kemos, Callahan Stone, Sandy Enriquez and Zara Leiben.

The Pirates won all five matches in straight sets.

Johnson and O’Farrell beat Lana Walding and Emma Bendetti, 21-10, 21-18 at No. 1.

Stockwell and Stryker beat Jaden Coleman and Gemma Reyes 21-11, 21-17 at No. 2

Dylan Schutz and Liberty Niesen defeated Hogan and Juarez-Sapone 23-21, 21-9 at No. 3

Cecile November and Lise Corstorphine beat Alexis Monahan and Rebecca Aiello 21-8, 21-6 at No. 4, and the Kemos sisters defeated Ruby Hyatt and Abby Harawy 21-7, 21-6 at No. 5.

The SCCAL pairs tournament takes place on Thursday and Friday.

College baseball

At Feather River 12, Cabrillo 4: Diego Grabiel had a hit, one RBI, and a run scored but the Seahawks lost in Game 1 of the teams’ best-of-three CCCAA NorCal Regional first round playoff series Friday in Quincy.

Nico Hilger had two walks, one RBI and scored a run for the No. 21 seed Seahawks (18-22). Donovan Thorpe had a hit and one RBI, and Adrian Castaneda and Jay Patterson each scored a run.

Shane Danley had four hits, four RBI, and scored twice for No. 4 Feather River (32-9). Dylan Marx hit three doubles, had one RBI, and scored three runs.

Jayden Andrade earned the win, and Oscar Knapp took the loss.

Game 2 is Saturday at 2 p.m.

Boys track and field

PCAL Mission Championships: Watsonville senior Nathaniel Aceves-Aguilar took first in the long jump (19 feet, 11.5 inches) and triple jump (39-06.75), and second in the 110 hurdles (18.71 second) at the Pacific Coast Athletic League Mission Division Championships at Rancho San Juan High in Salinas on Friday.

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Watsonville High’s Jocelyn Guzman competes in the 100-meter hurdles race during the PCAL Mission Division Championships in Salinas on Friday. Guzman finished third with a time of 18.43 seconds. (Raul Ebio – Santa Cruz Sentinel)

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King City (169 points) took first out of six teams, and the Wildcatz (77) were third.

Wildcatz junior Lisandro Pantoja took second in the discus with a school-record distace (156-5) and third in the shot put (43-4).

Watsonville freshman Noel Navarro took second in the 300 hurdles (44.36), and senior Gerardo Acosta-Perez took third in the 110 hurdles (18.75).

PCAL Cypress Championships: Monte Vista Christian junior Owen Bingham took first in the 110 hurdles (18.81) and second in the 300 hurdles (47.66) in the PCAL Cypress Division Championships at Pacific Grove High on Friday.

Pacific Grove (161 points) took first out of five teams. The Mustangs (90) took third.

MVC junior Conor Gilliam took first in the 800 (1:58.32).

MVC (juniors Patrick Tracey, Gilliam, and Gavin Beckmen, and senior Joshua Tepoorten) took first in the 4×400 relay (3:32.13).

Tepoorten also took second in the 200 (50.98).

MVC (junior Patrick Tracey, sophomore Sean Williams, junior Boston Ashe, and Tepoorten) took second in the 4×100 relay (44.63).

Beckmen took second in the 3,200 (10:11.82) and third in the 1,600 in the third best mark in school history (4:36.65), and sophomore Isaiah Ortega took third in the pole vault (10-0), the second best mark in school history.

PCAL Santa Lucia Championships: Pajaro Valley senior Izaak Ocampo took first in the 100 (11.61), 200 (24.55) and long jump (20-11.5) in the PCAL Santa Lucia Division Championships at Greenfield High on Friday.

The Grizzlies (126 points) took first out of eight teams. St. Francis (118) took second, Pacific Collegiate School (32) was sixth, and Kirby (15) was seventh.

St. Francis senior Derek Anderson took first in both the 110 hurdles (18.19) and 300 hurdles (48.05), and junior teammate Jacob Jimenez took first in both the triple jump (40-2) and high jump (5-8).

Pajaro Valley senior Luis Torres took first in the discus with a school record (150-10).

PCS sophomore Jude Holmlund took first in the pole vault (11-0) and Pajaro Valley senior Carlos Anaya took second (9-6).

Pajaro Valley junior Giovanni Villanueva took second in both the 110 hurdles (18.71) and 300 hurdles (48.11).

Kirby freshman Oliver Dooley took second in the 400 (55.07) and third in the 200 (25.41). Pajaro Valley junior Erik Michi took second in the 800 (2:16.29) and third in the 1,600 (5:06.32).

PCS freshman Alexander Profumo took second in both the 1,600 (5:00.82) and 3,200 (10:45.66).

St. Francis junior Coy Jordan took second in the long jump (18-4.5) and classmate Robert Gomez Jr. took second in the high jump (5-8).

St. Francis (juniors Joseph Dayrit and Gomez Jr., sophomore Vince Tovar, and Jordan) took second in the 4×100 relay (45.41). The Sharks (senior Johnny Croghan, Gomez Jr., sophomore Vince Tovar, and senior Van Ridgway) also took second in the 4×400 relay (3:48.18).

Pajaro Valey senior Aron Bernabe took second in the shot put (39-2).

Croghan took third in the 800 (2:18.15) and sophomore teammate Evan Salguero was third in the 300 hurdles (50.39).

Pajaro Valley junior Luis Martinez took third in the 3,200 (11:07.18), sophomore teammate Andrew Chavez took third in the long jump (18-0), and the Grizzlies took third in the 4×100 relay (45.68).

Girls track and field

PCAL Mission Championships: Watsonville senior Katelynn Ruiz took first in the 1,600 (5:28.03) and 3,200 (11:55.56) at the PCAL Mission Division Championships at Rancho San Juan High in Salinas on Friday.

Stevenson (115.6 points) took first out of six teams, and the Wildcatz (69) were fourth.

Wildcatz senior Jocelyn Guzman took first in the 300 hurdles (48.90) and third in the 100 hurdles (18.43), and junior teammate Azucena Sandoval took second in the 3,200 (12:02.34).

Watsonville (sophomore Aileen Reyes, junior Lizbeth Gomez Abrica, freshman Julieta Garcia, and senior Jocelyn Guzman) took second in the 4×400 relay (4:23.67).

PCAL Cypress Championships: Freshman Anna Conca took first in the 800 (2:30.89) and 1,600 (5:20.33) in the PCAL Cypress Division Championships at Pacific Grove High on Friday.

MVC (178 points) took first out of eight teams.

MVC (freshmen Charley Moggia, Kylie Fitzpatrick, and Norah Rondia, and senior Madison Bandy) took first in the 4×100 relay (52.61). The Mustangs (sophomore Finley Castro, freshman Carly Heitzenrater, sophomore Chloe Shaw, and Conca) also took first in the 4×400 relay (4:29.31).

Senior Kylie Brunelli took first in the 3,200 (12:10.45) and second in the 1,600 (5:22.49).

MVC swept the top three spots in the pole vault: senior Nyree Delfin (8-6), freshman Gabby Telles (8-0), and freshman Eleanor Crane (7-6).

Bandy took second in both the 100 (13.23) and 200 (27.20), and Heitzenrater took second in the 100 hurdles (18.06) and third in the 300 hurdles (54.51)

Castro took second in the 400 (1:04.93), senior Hannah Woodford took second in the 800 (2:41.15), and Rondia took second in the 300 hurdles (53.27).

Shaw took third in the 400 (1:08.22), Castro took third in the 1,600 (5:26.82), and Moggia took third in the 100 hurdles (18.70).

PCAL Santa Lucia Championships: St. Francis junior Peyton Orradre and PCS freshman Iris Paten each took first in thee individual events in the PCAL Santa Lucia Division Championships at Greenfield High on Friday.

St. Francis (112 points) took first out of seven teams. Pajaro Valley (69) was fourth, and PCS (33) was seventh.

Orradre took first in the 100 hurdles (17.38), 300 hurdles (52.66), and triple jump (32-6), and Paten took first in the 800 (2:29.76), 1,600 (5:25.78), and 3,200 (12:08.08).

St. Francis junior Camila Suarez took first in the discus (75-8) and second in the shot put (26-2).

Pajaro Valley senior Ellie Moore took first in the pole vault (7-6), and junior teammate Emily Lopez took second in both the 800 (2:46.72) and 1,600 (6:04.72).

St. Francis junior Julie Lopez took second in the long jump (13-5.5), classmate Mia McClendon took third in the 400 (1:06.98), and senior teammate Carley Anderson took third in the triple jump (31-10).

Pajaro Valley (Lopez, freshman Kylie Moore, junior Alyssa Moore, and freshman Liz Zamora) took first in the 4×400 relay (4:36.41). The Grizzlies (juniors Scarlet Gomez and Alyssa Moore, senior Ellie Moore, and Zamora) took second in the 4×100 relay (54.86), the third best time in school history.

St. Francis (sophomore Malia Madrigal, junior Giselle Meschi, senior Sophia Fitzpatrick, and junior Mia McClendon) took second in the 4×400 relay (4:42.78).

Pajaro Valley senior Jocelyn Jimenez-Rincon took third in both the shot put (22-4) and discus (70-10), and freshman teammate Liz Zamora took third in the high jump (4-8).

High school baseball

Santa Cruz 5, at Scotts Valley 4; 8 inn.: Caleb Cmaylo drove in Fernando DaCosta for the game-winning run in the top of the eighth inning, and the Cardinals earned a big win in SCCAL play Friday.

DaCosta finished with three hits, including a double, and two RBI. Cmaylo had a hit and two RBI.

Damos Deworken, Seth Jin and Matteo Caltabiano each had a hit and run scored for the second-place Cardinals (10-10, 7-3). Cam Fusari had a hit and one RBI.

Kit Deforest had two hits, one RBI, and a run scored for the third-place Falcons (10-10, 6-4). Bryce McDonnell had two hits and a run scored. Eli Velez had a hit and two RBI. Lukas Bloom had a hit and one RBI. Kaleb Wing had a hit and run scored. Nick Acton also scored a run.

Morgan Toohey threw a scoreless eighth inning and earned the win in relief of starter Jason Graff, who gave up four runs, two earned, over seven innings. Acton was tagged for the loss.

On Saturday, Santa Cruz hosts Burlingame (9-12) in nonleague action at 11 a.m., and Scotts Valley plays at The King’s Academy (9-9) in a nonleague game in Sunnyvale at noon.

At Harbor 1, SLV 0: Pierre Bell scored the winning run for the Pirates on a double steal in the fourth inning of their SCCAL win Friday.

Winning pitcher Naiche Fish gave up five hits and two walks over six innings. Logan Felich struck out two batters in his scoreless seventh inning and earned the save.

Noah Solano, Aiden Boles and Bell each had a a hit for the Pirates (14-9, 5-6).

Larrabee Mitchell and Bennett Woolfolk each had two hits for the Cougars (3-17, 0-11).

Senior Jordan Renteria took the loss. He gave up three hits and three walks over six innings and struck out three.

SLV hosts North Monterey County (11-10) in nonleague action on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Harbor hosts Aptos on Tuesday at 4 p.m.

High school softball

At Monterey 10, Watsonville 1: Amelia Martinez doubled and had one RBI in the Wildcatz’s loss in the PCAL Gabilan Division action at Monterey Coast Prep on Friday.

Ruiz Bella had a hit and scored Watsonville’s lone run in the fourth inning. Mia Espinoza had two hits.

Junior Denae Lee hit two home runs and had three RBI for the Toreadores (16-3-1, 8-0). Eastin Jennings laso homered.

Watsonville (11-10, 1-7) hosts North Salinas (5-14, 0-9) on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

Soledad 13, at MVC 12: Kayla Fullalove-Silveira, Samantha Bertoldi, and Ava Alvarado hit home runs for the Mustangs in their PCAL Mission Division loss Friday.

MVC (9-13, 3-10) scored nine runs in the third inning to take a 10-6 lead, but the Aztecs took the lead for good with their six-run fifth.

Bertoldi finished with four hits, three RBI, two stolen bases, and two runs scored. Alvarado had two hits and three RBI, and Fullalove-Silveira had three hits, three stolen bases, and scored twice. Gianna Johnson had three hits, two RBI, and scored three runs, and Isabel Piccini had two hits and scored twice.

MVC hosts vs Santa Cruz in nonleague action on Monday at 4:30 p.m.

Boys lacrosse

Los Gatos 21, Soquel 11: Jed Del Favero had six goals and one assist in the Knights’ nonleague loss on Thursday night.

Tanner Trowbridge scored four goals for the Knights. Enzo Bik netted 1 goal.

Goalie Daniel Bjorn made 22 saves for the Knights, who host Hollister on Monday at 5 p.m.

Reporting Scores

Coaches are encouraged to report scores and highlights to sports@santacruzsentinel.com following games. Please include your name and contact number in the email.

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Malibu High Boys Golf takes third at CIF Championship — again • The Malibu Times

The Malibu High Sharks boys golf team placed third at the CIF Southern Section Division 6 Team Championship on May 19. Photo courtesy of the Malibu High Boys Golf team Sharks come within two strokes of the title, capping a strong season with second straight third-place finish The Malibu High Sharks boys golf team placed third at […]

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40 minutes ago

June 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

2025 Brody Graham winning league MVP and Malibu winning the league title3 — The Malibu High Sharks boys golf team placed third at the CIF Southern Section Division 6 Team Championship on May 19. Photo courtesy of the Malibu High Boys Golf team

Sharks come within two strokes of the title, capping a strong season with second straight third-place finish

The Malibu High Sharks boys golf team placed third at the CIF Southern Section Division 6 Team Championship for the second consecutive season on May 19 at Meadowlark Golf Course in Huntington Beach.

The Sharks were two strokes away from claiming the championship.

The team’s head coach, Anna Deshautelle, said Malibu played outstandingly.

“When we had the lead, we were playing really well,” she said. “As a team, this was probably our best effort of the season. We were solid as a team.”

Alta Loma claimed the title with 411 points. Damien placed second with 412. Malibu’s 413 slotted them third. The field included 17 other teams.

Sophomore Maxon Chiate and senior Hank Norby each shot 78 to lead the Sharks, while senior Brody Graham finished with 79. Senior Roman Parra had 87, senior Rhys Alterman had 91, and Remington Runyan had 107.

2025 Brody Graham winning league MVP and Malibu winning the league title2 — The Malibu High Sharks boys golf team placed third at the CIF Southern Section Division 6 Team Championship on May 19. Photo courtesy of the Malibu High Boys Golf team

The Sharks — propelled by savvy putting — started the match hot and led the field through the first nine holes. But their momentum cooled during the final stretch, Deshautelle explained.

“We were solid on the front nine,” she recalled. “On the back nine, we had a couple of missed strokes, and a couple of bad luck things happened. I could see we had the banner but then we didn’t. That’s golf, though.”

Malibu entered the championship with confidence, having won the Citrus Coast League title. Graham won league MVP honors, and he and Chiate competed in the individual golf championship on May 15.

“I felt like we were in a good position,” Deshautelle said. “Finishing third in CIF Division 6 isn’t a bad season.”

She praised the squad’s four seniors, who are heading off to college.

“Hopefully, they keep playing golf for fun,” she said. “Golf is a game you can play your whole life. It can open doors for you if you go out and play with the right people. I’m hopeful they will keep playing recreationally.”

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Eleven Huskies Chase Championships In Eugene

Published

56 minutes ago

June 9, 2025

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Schedule of UW athletes at NCAAs (all times Pacific) | Complete Event Schedule

Wednesday, June 11

Men’s Events

4:21pm – 1500m Semifinals – Nathan Green

4:35pm – Pole Vault – Scott Toney

5:58pm – 800m Semifinals – Kyle Reinheimer

Thursday, June 12

Women’s Events

4:21pm – 1500m Semifinals – Chloe Foerster, Amina Maatoug, Sophie O’Sullivan

4:35pm – Pole Vault – Amanda Moll, Hana Moll

4:38pm – 3000m Steeplechase Semifinals – Maggie Liebich

Friday, June 13

Men’s Events (plus Women’s Heptathlon)

11:45am – Heptathlon 100m Hurdles – Sofia Cosculluela

12:45pm – Heptathlon High Jump – Sofia Cosculluela

2:45pm – Heptathlon Shot Put – Sofia Cosculluela

5:12pm – 1500m Final – Nathan Green

6:14pm – 800m Final – Kyle Reinheimer

6:43pm – Heptathlon 200m – Sofia Cosculluela

Saturday, June 14

Women’s Events

3:30pm – Heptathlon Long Jump – Sofia Cosculluela

4:45pm – Heptathlon Javelin – Sofia Cosculluela

6:11pm – 1500m Final – Chloe Foerster, Amina Maatoug, Sophie O’Sullivan

6:24pm – 3000m Steeplechase Final – Maggie Liebich

7:43pm – Heptathlon 800m – Sofia Cosculluela

7:55pm – 5000m Final – Julia David-Smith, Amina Maatoug

SEATTLE – The big meet to crown the outdoor champs goes down in Eugene this Wednesday through Saturday. Hayward Field plays host once again to the NCAA Outdoor Championships and eleven Huskies are on their way to vie for hardware.

Men’s events will take place on Wednesday and Friday, and women’s events go on Thursday and Saturday, with the exception of the multis, as Sofia Cosculluela will compete in the heptathlon from Friday-Saturday.

Track events all four days will be televised live on the ESPN networks, while field events will have dedicated live streams on ESPN+. Day one on Wednesday will go live on ESPN at 4 p.m. Day two on Thursday will also be live on ESPN at 4 p.m. Day three on Friday will be on ESPN2 at 5 p.m. and day four will be on ESPN2 starting at 6 p.m.

The Husky women’s team has eight athletes set to compete in nine events, with the men adding three in three events. Amina Maatoug is the one Dawg entered in two events, doing the 1,500-meters and the 5,000-meters. Indoors, Maatoug also doubled at nationals, taking fifth in the mile then coming back to finish fourth in the 3k.

The women are coming off a fourth-place NCAA Indoors finish and hoping to rack up another big point total and crack the top-10 outdoors as well. Washington has finished in the top-25 in four of the past five NCAA Outdoor Championships on the women’s side.

The Husky men were 19th indoors this season, and are going for a fourth consecutive top-20 finish at the outdoor championships.

Several Huskies are set for their first career individual NCAA Championships this week. Sofia Cosculluela in the heptathlon and Maggie Liebich in the steeplechase are set for their first nationals, while Julia David-Smith competes as an individual for the first time, after running on the DMR indoors.

On the other side, Nathan Green is back for his fourth-straight NCAA Outdoors, as one of the favorites for the 1,500m title which he won in 2023. UW has won the past three titles in that event, with one from Green and two from Joe Waskom in 2022 and 2024.

Amanda and Hana Moll head into the women’s pole vault as the top two seeds once again. The sophomores went 1-2 at the NCAA Indoor Championships this year. Both have one indoor national title to their credit and both are seeking their first title outdoors.

Athletes reached Eugene by surviving the West and East Preliminary Championships two weeks ago in College Station, Texas and Jacksonville, Fla. respectively. Each site advanced the top-12 athletes or relays in every event on to Eugene for fields of 24 in each event.

Team scores are compiled by individuals and relays finishing in the top-eight in their events. Points for the top eight places are the standard 10 for first-place, 8 for second, then 6-5-4-3-2-1 for third-through-eighth. The USTFCCCA All-America format remains the same this season, as the top-eight finishers in every event will be named First Team All-Americans, the 9-16 finishers will be Second Team All-Americans, and 17-24 will be honorable mention.

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Eleven Huskies Chase Championships In Eugene

Story Links NCAA Outdoor ChampionshipsJune 11-14 | Eugene, Ore. | Hayward Field Streaming Links: Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Field Event Specific Links Live Results Men Start Lists | Women Start Lists Schedule of UW athletes at NCAAs (all times Pacific) | Complete Event Schedule Wednesday, June 11Men’s Events4:21pm – 1500m Semifinals – Nathan Green4:35pm – Pole Vault – Scott Toney5:58pm – 800m Semifinals – […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Eleven Huskies Chase Championships In Eugene

Schedule of UW athletes at NCAAs (all times Pacific) | Complete Event Schedule

Wednesday, June 11
Men’s Events
4:21pm – 1500m Semifinals – Nathan Green
4:35pm – Pole Vault – Scott Toney
5:58pm – 800m Semifinals – Kyle Reinheimer

Thursday, June 12
Women’s Events
4:21pm – 1500m Semifinals – Chloe Foerster, Amina Maatoug, Sophie O’Sullivan
4:35pm – Pole Vault – Amanda Moll, Hana Moll
4:38pm – 3000m Steeplechase Semifinals – Maggie Liebich

Friday, June 13
Men’s Events (plus Women’s Heptathlon)
11:45am – Heptathlon 100m Hurdles – Sofia Cosculluela
12:45pm – Heptathlon High Jump – Sofia Cosculluela
2:45pm – Heptathlon Shot Put – Sofia Cosculluela
5:12pm – 1500m Final – Nathan Green
6:14pm – 800m Final – Kyle Reinheimer
6:43pm – Heptathlon 200m – Sofia Cosculluela

Saturday, June 14
Women’s Events
3:30pm – Heptathlon Long Jump – Sofia Cosculluela
4:45pm – Heptathlon Javelin – Sofia Cosculluela
6:11pm – 1500m Final – Chloe Foerster, Amina Maatoug, Sophie O’Sullivan
6:24pm – 3000m Steeplechase Final – Maggie Liebich
7:43pm – Heptathlon 800m – Sofia Cosculluela
7:55pm – 5000m Final – Julia David-Smith, Amina Maatoug

SEATTLE – The big meet to crown the outdoor champs goes down in Eugene this Wednesday through Saturday. Hayward Field plays host once again to the NCAA Outdoor Championships and eleven Huskies are on their way to vie for hardware.

Men’s events will take place on Wednesday and Friday, and women’s events go on Thursday and Saturday, with the exception of the multis, as Sofia Cosculluela will compete in the heptathlon from Friday-Saturday.

Track events all four days will be televised live on the ESPN networks, while field events will have dedicated live streams on ESPN+. Day one on Wednesday will go live on ESPN at 4 p.m. Day two on Thursday will also be live on ESPN at 4 p.m. Day three on Friday will be on ESPN2 at 5 p.m. and day four will be on ESPN2 starting at 6 p.m.

The Husky women’s team has eight athletes set to compete in nine events, with the men adding three in three events. Amina Maatoug is the one Dawg entered in two events, doing the 1,500-meters and the 5,000-meters. Indoors, Maatoug also doubled at nationals, taking fifth in the mile then coming back to finish fourth in the 3k.

The women are coming off a fourth-place NCAA Indoors finish and hoping to rack up another big point total and crack the top-10 outdoors as well. Washington has finished in the top-25 in four of the past five NCAA Outdoor Championships on the women’s side.

The Husky men were 19th indoors this season, and are going for a fourth consecutive top-20 finish at the outdoor championships.

Several Huskies are set for their first career individual NCAA Championships this week. Sofia Cosculluela in the heptathlon and Maggie Liebich in the steeplechase are set for their first nationals, while Julia David-Smith competes as an individual for the first time, after running on the DMR indoors.

On the other side, Nathan Green is back for his fourth-straight NCAA Outdoors, as one of the favorites for the 1,500m title which he won in 2023. UW has won the past three titles in that event, with one from Green and two from Joe Waskom in 2022 and 2024.

Amanda and Hana Moll head into the women’s pole vault as the top two seeds once again. The sophomores went 1-2 at the NCAA Indoor Championships this year. Both have one indoor national title to their credit and both are seeking their first title outdoors.

Athletes reached Eugene by surviving the West and East Preliminary Championships two weeks ago in College Station, Texas and Jacksonville, Fla. respectively. Each site advanced the top-12 athletes or relays in every event on to Eugene for fields of 24 in each event.

Team scores are compiled by individuals and relays finishing in the top-eight in their events. Points for the top eight places are the standard 10 for first-place, 8 for second, then 6-5-4-3-2-1 for third-through-eighth. The USTFCCCA All-America format remains the same this season, as the top-eight finishers in every event will be named First Team All-Americans, the 9-16 finishers will be Second Team All-Americans, and 17-24 will be honorable mention.

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Craig Kessler selected next LPGA commissioner and sees explosive potential

Craig Kessler selected next LPGA commissioner and sees explosive potential In this image provided by the LPGA, Kraig Kessler, shown here in his role as chief operating officer at the PGA of America, was selected Wednesday, May 22, 2025, as the 10th commissioner of the LPGA. (LGPA via AP) DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf WriterPublished: June […]

Published

1 hour ago

June 9, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Craig Kessler selected next LPGA commissioner and sees explosive potential

In this image provided by the LPGA, Kraig Kessler, shown here in his role as chief operating officer at the PGA of America, was selected Wednesday, May 22, 2025, as the 10th commissioner of the LPGA. (LGPA via AP)

DOUG FERGUSON
AP Golf Writer
Published: June 9, 2025

The LPGA has selected Craig Kessler as its next commissioner, turning to the PGA of America’s chief operating officer to help the 75-year-old league better capitalize on the growth in women’s sports.
Kessler, 39, is the 10th commissioner in LPGA history, replacing Mollie Marcoux Samaan, who stepped away after three-and-a-half years in January. He formally takes over on July 15.
“I don’t think this is one of those opportunities where we start with 100 days of listening. It’s time to explode out of the gates,” Kessler said.
He said his priority would be for people to pay attention and think, “Something incredible is happening to the LPGA and I have to part of it.”
Kessler, a Georgetown graduate with an MBA from Harvard Business School, had been with the PGA of America for just over two years and was a candidate to become the CEO until the organization wanted a PGA professional in the role and hired Derek Sprague.
“We set out to find a transformational leader with a deep appreciation for the LPGA’s legacy and a clear vision of what’s possible for our future,” said John Veihmeyer, the chairman of KPMG who chairs the LPGA’s board of directors.
“Craig is an inspiring and engaging leader, who brings a unique mix of executive leadership experience, deep relationships in the golf industry, and a genuine commitment to elevating women and girls through golf.”
Vicki Goetze-Ackerman, president of the LPGA Tour and part of the search committee, said the committee was looking for someone who could build trust and partnerships, have vision and illustration energy. She said Kessler ticked every box.
“There was not one person who met Craig in this process that wasn’t wowed,” she said.
He said he would lean on four themes — building trust, being visible, building fans and building a financial future “that looks even better for the next 75 years.”
“Everything we do is filtered through those four pillars,” he said.
Kessler, who grew up in California, has been viewed as a rising figure in the golf industry in recent years and was seen having a private conversation with PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan at Augusta National on the eve of the Masters.
His most recent direct contact with the LPGA was during the KPMG Women’s PGA, a major jointly run by the PGA of America.
Kessler said he was willing to listen to any organization that could help the LPGA grow. When asked about the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, the financial backer of LIV Golf that also has invested in the Ladies European Tour, he replied, “Anyone willing to have a conversation will be welcome.”
Prior to his two years at the PGA of America, Kessler was CEO of Buff City Soap when it expanded from 100 to 260 stores, and he was COO of Topgolf. He also spent six years as an operating partner in private equity, first with Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. and later with Providence Equity.
“This isn’t just about leading a sports organization. It’s about redefining what’s possible,” Kessler said. “This role is deeply personal to me, not just as a professional opportunity but as a chance to make a difference in the world and create new opportunities for others.”
Kessler has been in the Dallas area since 2016. He said his wife and three sons — ages 5, 7 and 9 — would remain in Dallas and he would be located wherever the job takes him.
There has been speculation over the years about the LPGA moving away from headquarters in Daytona Beach, Florida. Kessler said it was far too early to contemplate that.
Liz Moore, the chief legal and technology officer, will stay in her role as interim commissioner until July 15.
The LPGA celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, and has operated independently from the PGA Tour. The total prize fund this year is approaching $130 million as women are getting more corporate support.
Women’s sports across the landscape has seen a spike in money and interest, though the LPGA has lagged behind in getting attention despite story lines like Nelly Korda winning five straight tournaments last year and Lydia Ko winning the Olympic gold medal to qualify for the LPGA Hall of Fame, followed by her victory in the Women’s British Open.
Kessler said he has met with dozens of industry leaders as he prepared for his new roles and has met some of the players, including Korda, during the interview process.
“I hope they know they have a commissioner who cares deeply and who’s going to work his tail off to take this organization to the next level,” he said.
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Sports

CCU IN OMAHA: Chants Sweep Auburn Super Regional, Book Return Trip To MCWS

Story Links AUBURN, Ala. — Coastal Carolina University Baseball is headed to the Men’s College World Series for the second time after sweeping the Auburn Super Regional with a 4-1 victory over the fourth-seeded Tigers on Saturday inside Plainsman Park. The No. 13 Chanticleers […]

Published

2 hours ago

June 8, 2025

Your Sports Nation

AUBURN, Ala. — Coastal Carolina University Baseball is headed to the Men’s College World Series for the second time after sweeping the Auburn Super Regional with a 4-1 victory over the fourth-seeded Tigers on Saturday inside Plainsman Park.

The No. 13 Chanticleers (53-11) won their 23rd-straight game and swept a ninth-consecutive weekend series.

Tied 1-1 in the seventh, Sebastian Alexander sparked a rally with a leadoff double. Walker Mitchell delivered the go-ahead RBI single to left, and two more runs came across on a fielding error and a bases-loaded hit-by-pitch.

Mitchell added insurance in the eighth with another RBI single, finishing 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Alexander doubled twice and scored twice as part of a three-hit day.

Jacob Morrison was strong in his start, scattering six hits and one run while striking out six over six innings. Hayden Johnson closed the door with three scoreless frames, striking out five to earn the win in relief and improve to 5-0.

Auburn (41-20) managed eight hits but left 11 runners on base. The Tigers took a 1-0 lead in the second on a two-out RBI single from Chase Fralick but were blanked the rest of the way.

Coastal Carolina will make its second-ever College World Series appearance next week in Omaha.

Notebook
Chants Headed Back to Omaha: Coastal Carolina advances to the College World Series for the second time in program history and first since capturing the national title in 2016. The Chanticleers are riding a 23-game winning streak, the nation’s longest active streak.

Mitchell Delivers in the Clutch: Walker Mitchell provided the go-ahead RBI in the seventh and an insurance RBI in the eighth, finishing 3-for-5. He has recorded multiple hits in five of the last six games.

Alexander Sets the Table: Sebastian Alexander went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a walk and two runs scored. He now has 12 doubles this season and has hit safely in 14 of his last 15 contests.

Morrison and Johnson Shine on the Mound: Starter Jacob Morrison allowed just one run over six innings in a no-decision, while Hayden Johnson tossed three shutout frames to earn the win. Johnson improved to 5-0 on the season with a 3.03 ERA across 32.2 innings.

Bodine Nears Defensive Milestone: Catcher Caden Bodine threw out two runners in Friday’s win and added another strong defensive effort behind the plate Saturday. With 45 career runners caught stealing, he is one shy of tying the program record of 46.

Up Next: Coastal Carolina will await its opening-round matchup in Omaha. The College World Series begins Friday, June 13, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska.

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Sports

Ryder Dodd Wins 2025 Cutino Award

Published

2 hours ago

June 8, 2025

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UCLA freshman Ryder Dodd has been awarded the 2025 Peter J. Cutino Award, recognizing him as one of the top players in NCAA water polo. Dodd is the first Bruin to win this honor since 2021 and the fifth overall in UCLA men’s water polo history. His outstanding performance included scoring twice in the NCAA Championship game, helping the Bruins secure their 13th national title. Additionally, Dodd set a league record with 102 goals during the season, further solidifying his impactful debut. He also earned multiple accolades, including ACWPC National Player of the Year and MPSF Player and Newcomer of the Year.

By the Numbers

Dodd scored a league-record 102 goals and 134 points in the season.
He scored in all 28 games of his rookie season, with multiple goals in all but one game.

State of Play

Dodd’s achievement contributes to UCLA’s legacy in water polo, marking the first time they’ve had a Cutino Award winner since 2021.
His 102 goals not only broke MPSF records but also set a UCLA freshman record, indicating his exceptional talent.

What’s Next

As with past winners, Dodd is poised to continue making significant contributions to NCAA water polo. His early success may lead to further accolades and possibly a professional career, depending on future performance.

Bottom Line

Dodd’s recognition as the Cutino Award winner exemplifies his outstanding talent and contributions to UCLA’s storied water polo program, signaling a bright future ahead for the athlete and the team.

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