Eugene, Ore.- Bucknell sophomore Evelyn Bliss earned Second Team All-America honors in the javelin for the second consecutive season on Thursday night. Bliss finished 12^th, joining fellow javelin thrower Maura Fiamoncini as the second two-time All-American in Bucknell women’s track & field history. Her finish improved one slot on her placement at the 2024 National Championships. Her accomplishment marks the seventh All-America laurel in Bucknell women’s track & field history. 

“It was not exactly what she was hoping for but she still hit over 180 feet which has consistently been a top eight throw every year until today,” said Bucknell head coach Kevin Donner. “It is still a one spot improvement from last year and she is still a Second Team All-American. We are all very proud of Evie’s sophomore season and she still has the World University Games in Germany and the USATF Championships back in Eugene in the next 4-6 weeks.”

Results

“Today was a very competitive day,” said Bliss. “I unfortunately didn’t put it together like I have before, but the javelin is always a learning experience and I’ll come back better prepared.”

Bliss threw first in the second flight of 12. Her first toss went 46.46m (152-5), placing her 11^th. The top seeds, including Bliss at four, filled the flight and their resulting throws dropped Bliss to 19^th by the time her second chance arrived.

The Bucknell star answered the challenge, uncorking a strong 54.19m (177-9) throw. The mark immediately rocketed into sixth place, putting her in position for the finals, of which only the top nine advanced. Unfortunately, Bliss’ compatriots on the second flight proved adept at their business and five better throws returned her to 11^th.

Bliss, as she often does, delivered her best throw in the final attempt. Her third heave flashed against the effervescent Oregon sky and settled into the soil at 55.09m (180-9). The throw was impressive but did not shake her from her 11th-place standing. She remained 11^th until Missouri’s Valentina Barrios Bornacelli’s attempt placed the Tiger at fourth, moving everyone below down a spot.

“I think we’re both proud and upset at the same time,” said throws coach Ryan Protzman. “There’s probably never a year that her throw doesn’t make the final. It was her fourth best throw ever and she made adjustments and improved each throw. She can be upset but she has a lot to be proud of. Those ladies in the top nine did amazing. We are going to learn from these results and be ready to attack the same goal of chasing a national title. So proud of Evie for her body of work the last two years. She has already accomplished so much and the sky is the limit for this hard-working young lady!”

Fiamoncini was a three-time All-American, earning 13^th (2018), 9^th (2019), and 3^rd (2021). The COVID-19 pandemic dashed her opportunity for a four-peat. Bliss will have the chance in 2026 to equalize her feat and in 2027 to surpass it. 

Bornacelli performed admirably in both of her final attempts. She won the national championship, achieving a personal record of 62m (203-5) in the last round of the finals. Georgia’s Manuela Rotundo placed second with a throw of 60.35m (198-0), while TCU’s Irene Jepkemboi secured bronze with a toss of 60.31m (197-10).

Bliss’ summer will continue with her participation in the FISU World Championships (July 21-27) and the USATF National Championships (July 31-August 3).

 

Clio Phillip and teammate Ericka Gaspard wore wide smiles as the St Lucian pair celebrated a golden finish at the just concluded Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association (ECVA) Under-21 Beach Volleyball Championships, bringing home top honours in the women’s division after a flawless run on home sand.

“We feel great, we are excited, and we are happy. This is what we came to do…win the gold!” Phillip declared after the final in St Kitts and Nevis.

And win they did, with authority.

Phillip and Gaspard were in a class of their own throughout the tournament, storming through all five of their matches without dropping a single set. The highlight came in the final, where they outclassed Antigua & Barbuda’s Jassania Joseph and Jaya Carr 21-11, 23-21 to seal the title.

Though they were momentarily tested in the second set, which they trailed 19-20 in what could have forced a decider. But the St Lucian pair dug deep, their confidence holding firm under pressure.

“We really had to work hard in the last set, but our confidence allowed us to push through the last points,” Gaspard noted.

Antigua & Barbuda’s Jassania Joseph and Jaya Carr accept their silver medal.

In the bronze medal match, Dominica’s Alyssa Bully and Joyan Pascal fought through a tense three-set battle to edge Anguilla’s Deandra Fleming and Lavesha Richardson 21-14, 20-22, 15-7, to round out the women’s podium.

On the men’s side, Dominica’s Mervin Mingo and Bill Frederick reaffirmed their dominance with a second consecutive ECVA title, as they dispatched St Lucia’s Rio Victor and Peter Emmanuel in straight sets, 21-17, 21-15.

The bronze medal showdown also delivered drama, as Grenada’s Zerick and Hamilton held off a spirited challenge from St Kitts & Nevis’ Sundar and Pencheon to win 21-17, 12-21, 15-11 and secure third.

The top three teams in both divisions have now booked their spots to represent the Eastern Caribbean Volleyball Association at the NORCECA U-21 World Championships Qualifier.

SUWANEE, Ga. — The Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) today announced its 17th annual spring All-Sportsmanship teams. A total of 86 student-athletes were selected to the 2025 squad in the sports of baseball, men’s and women’s golf, softball, men’s and women’s tennis and men’s and women’s track and field.

Each head coach was asked to elect one member from his or her team who displayed good sportsmanship throughout the 2025 spring season. 

The 2025 SCAC All-Sportsmanship honorees for the spring sports season are listed below:

2025 All-Sportsmanship Baseball Team
Austin College – Scott Hosmer, Sr., Charlotte, North Carolina
Centenary College – Lenny Forth, Jr., Flower Mound, Texas
Concordia University (Texas) – Carson Riley, So., Liberty Hill, Texas
University of Dallas – Caleb Hohman, Sr., Huntingdon Beach, California
McMurry University – Riley Hood, Jr., Abilene, Texas
University of the Ozarks – Britton Smith, Jr., Cave City, Arkansas
Schreiner University – AJ Rodriguez, Sr., San Antonio, Texas
Southwestern University – Josh Werner, Sr., Missouri City, Texas
University of St. Thomas (Houston) – Dillon McKee, Sr., Lago Vista, Texas
Texas Lutheran University – Mathew Elizondo, Jr., Eagle Pass, Texas
Trinity University – Trajan Lee, Jr., Dallas, Texas

2025 All-Sportsmanship Men’s Golf Team
Centenary College – Tyler Jones, Sr., Stonewall, Louisiana
Concordia University (Texas) – Koke Dolce, Jr., Spicewood, Texas
University of Dallas – Rex Soulierre, Sr., Omaha, Nebraska
McMurry University – Cullen Timms, Sr., Mansfield, Texas
Schreiner University – Matt McKenzie, Jr., San Antonio, Texas 
Southwestern University – Bryce Stiemert, Sr., Medford, Oregon
University of St. Thomas (Houston) – Landon Chau, Jr., Houston, Texas
Texas Lutheran – Tobey Wills, Sr., Richmond, Texas
Trinity University – Carter Code, Jr., Calgary, Alberta, Canada

2025 All-Sportsmanship Women’s Golf Team
Centenary College – Jordyn Templeton, So., Columbus, Texas
Concordia University (Texas) – Paige Zehner, So., San Antonio, Texas
University of Dallas – Kimberly Burch, Sr., Dublin, California
McMurry University – Karen Santos, So., Crane, Texas
Schreiner University – Hailey Yancey, Fy., Montgomery, Texas
Southwestern University – Isabella Valenzuela, Jr., League City, Texas
University of St. Thomas (Houston) – Regina Perez, Jr., Monterrey, Mexico
Texas Lutheran University – Jacqueline Springs, Sr., Seguin, Texas
Trinity University – Carmen Kennett, Sr., Missouri City, Texas

2025 All-Sportsmanship Softball Team
Austin College – McKinley Hanksin, Fy., Forney, Texas
Centenary College – Emma Crow, Jr., Krotz Springs, Louisiana
Concordia University (Texas) – Mayston Post, So., Columbus, Texas
University of Dallas – Katie Duffy-Relf, Jr., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
McMurry University – Samantha Gonzalez, So., Hamlin, Texas
University of the Ozarks – Mack Lucio, Sr., Bedford, Texas
Schreiner University – Kendall Lippold, Jr., Richmond, Texas
Southwestern University – Logan Kieselhorst, Fy., Friendswood, Texas
University of St. Thomas (Texas) – Avery Pinz, Fy., Montgomery, Texas
Texas Lutheran University – Riley Futrell, Sr., Florence, Texas
Trinity University – Ella Whitacre, So., Roanoke, Texas

2025 All-Sportsmanship Men’s Tennis Team
Austin College – Trey Salyer, Sr., Frisco, Texas
Colorado College – Nick Anderson, Jr., Minneapolis, Minnesota
Concordia University (Texas) – Adrian Munguia, Gr., Harlingen, Texas
University of Dallas – John Paul Ellwanger, Sr., Magnolia, Texas
McMurry University – Mason Bagwell, So., Pampa, Texas
University of the Ozarks – Kao Lenkopane, Sr., Gaborone, Botswana
Schreiner University – Andrew Reyes, Jr., Mission, Texas
Southwestern University – Parth Patel, Jr., Lewis Center, Ohio
University of St. Thomas (Houston) – Pooya Tork, So., Houston, Texas
Texas Lutheran University – Cash Herrera, Jr., New Braunfels, Texas
Trinity University – Eric Liao, Sr., Taipei, Taiwan

2025 All-Sportsmanship Women’s Tennis Team
Austin College – Bailey Standokes, Sr., Haslet, Texas
Colorado College – Avery Hickman, So., Fort Collins, Colorado
Concordia University (Texas) – Kayla Pena, Gr., Rio Grande City, Texas
University of Dallas – Kathleen Roset, So., Tampa, Florida
McMurry University – Jenna Vincent, Jr., San Angelo, Texas
University of the Ozarks – Gabriella Davis, Jr., Russellville, Arkansas
Schreiner University – Katherine Bergeron, Fy., San Antonio, Texas
Southwestern University – Kimberly Duncan, Jr., San Antonio, Texas
University of St. Thomas (Houston) – Aimee Tran, Jr., Houston, Texas
Texas Lutheran University – Lindsay Beville, So., New Braunfels, Texas
Trinity University – Trinity Levy, Jr., Camarillo, California

2025 All-Sportsmanship Men’s Track & Field Team 
Centenary College – Christian Cormier, So., Lafayette, Louisiana
Colorado College – Aidan Disney, Jr., Toulca Lake, California
Concordia University (Texas) – Jacob Land, Sr., Carrolton, Texas
University of Dallas – Martin Lane, Fy., Hot Springs, Maryland
LeTourneau University – Austin Jett, So., Magnolia, Texas
McMurry University – Reagan Owen, Sr., Sonora, Texas
University of the Ozarks – Jace McAbee, Fy., Grove, Oklahoma
Schreiner University – Sean Dansby, So., Pasadena, Texas
Southwestern University – Emilo Salas, So., Amarillo, Texas 
University of St. Thomas (Texas) – Aden Mazyck, Fy., Katy, Texas
Texas Lutheran University – Garrett Haass, Jr., La Vernia, Texas 
Trinity University – Pierce Jackson, Sr., Addison, Texas

2025 All-Sportsmanship Women’s Track & Field Team 
Centenary College – Gabrielle Malagarie, Fy., Lafayette, Louisiana
Colorado College – Asha Soni, Jr., Boise, Idaho
Concordia University (Texas) – Kimora Roberson, So., Katy, Texas
University of Dallas – Maya Prochnow, Fy., Kichberg, France
LeTourneau University – Alayna Galloway, Jr., Montgomery, Texas
McMurry University – Madelyn Gollihar, Jr., Clyde, Texas
University of the Ozarks – Chloe Weathers, Jr., Clarksville, Arkansas
Schreiner University – Malanie Gonzales, Jr., Houston, Texas
Southwestern University – Lily McWhorter, Jr., The Woodlands, Texas
University of St. Thomas (Texas) – Aniyah Johnson, So., Fort Polk, Louisiana
Texas Lutheran University – Katie Kostelnik, So., Hallettsville, Texas
Trinity University – CC Gray, Sr., Scottsdale, Arizona

To view an archive of past All-Sportsmanship teams, click here.

The University Interscholastic League Legislative Council met Wednesday and approved several rule changes across UIL academics, athletics, music and general policy.

In athletics, the council voted to remove the pilot status from water polo, officially sanctioning it as a UIL sport. The council also expanded the current best-of-three series pilot for all baseball playoff rounds prior to the state tournament. Previously limited to Classes 5A and 6A, the expansion now includes 3A and 4A.

“Some schools perceive some coaches as employing gamesmanship while negotiating playoff series details,” UIL’s website stated. “According to the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association, there has been an increased number of instances of schools threatening to invoke a coin flip to determine whether the series will include the best-of-three games or a single game if other demands, such as requiring the opponent to play at their home field or to travel great distances, are not met. Requiring a best of three series unless both schools agree to a one game series eliminates that negotiating tactic.

“For the past two years, in Conferences 5A and 6A, the current pilot program has been successful. The updated pilot expansion aims to align playoff formats across conferences and provide greater consistency throughout conferences in the postseason.”

The council also approved an amendment to Section 1204 of the UIL Constitution and Contest Rules, clarifying regulations regarding scratches and the payment of officials, aimed at better supporting member schools.

In music, a new policy allows marching bands one additional hour of rehearsal time for each non-school day during calendar weeks with fewer than five instructional days.

The council also passed an amendment granting UIL staff the authority to make rule changes as needed to comply with legislation enacted by the Texas Legislature.

All approved rule changes are scheduled to go into effect Aug. 1, pending final approval by the Texas Commissioner of Education.

For more information, visit UIL’s website www.uiltexas.org.

——

Standing Committee on Athletics

The Standing Committee on Athletics reviewed several additional proposals and took a range of actions, with some moving forward for further study and others being denied, rejected or receiving no action.

Proposals Under Continued Study:

— Adding girls’ flag football

— Implementing a shot clock in basketball

— Instituting a mileage cap for playoff game travel

— Updating the PE substitutes exception list

— Creating an optional spring training period for water polo

— Allowing college students in approved programs to coach

— Permitting use of pyrotechnics under professional supervision

— Changing soccer scrimmage rules

— Adding lacrosse as a UIL sport

— Expanding exceptions to the full-time employee coaching requirement

Proposals Denied, Rejected, or Receiving No Action:

— Adding boys’ volleyball

— Adding Conference 3A soccer

— Requiring participation in both volleyball and basketball

— Granting automatic home-field advantage in first-round playoff games to district champions

— Allowing off-campus PE students to participate in after-school activities

— Limiting scratches to a maximum of two

— Mandating instant replay in all playoff games

— Changing regional and state tennis tournament dates

— Reinstating or expanding steroid testing

— Eliminating the requirement that shirt tails be tucked in during play

— Limiting coaching disruptions in volleyball

— Granting varsity eligibility to students in programs of choice

— Adding bowling as a UIL sport

— Adding gymnastics coaches to the UIL Concussion Oversight Team

— Adding table tennis as a UIL sport

EUGENE, Ore. – No. 11 Texas Women’s Track and Field is tied for eighth place following Thursday’s action at the NCAA Outdoor Championships after scoring eight points from two field events. The Longhorns also advanced four track events to Saturday’s finals.

The women’s shot put saw sophomore Nina Ndubuisi finish with the bronze medal with her third-round throw of 18.50m (60-8.50). The throw is the third-farthest throw in UT history, and the third-place result marked Ndubuisi’s best finish at the NCAA meet in four appearances. Her previous best was a fifth at this season’s indoor championships. The third-place finish scored six team points for Texas.

Senior Chrystal Herpin concluded her Longhorn career and finished 11th in shot put with a throw of 17.19m (56-4.75) to earn Second-Team All-America honors.

Sophomore Aaliyah Foster posted her best finish at the NCAA Championships, finishing seventh in the long jump with a wind-aided mark of 6.47m (21-2.75). Her seventh-place finish scored two points for the Longhorns.

The women’s 4×100-meter relay of Carleta Bernard, Holly Okuku, Kenondra Davis and Ramiah Elliott advanced to Saturday’s final after running a time of 43.01 from Heat 1. The time was the sixth-fastest qualifying time of the day.

Akala Garrett solidified her title as a dual hurdler qualifying for both the 100-meter hurdles and the 400-meter hurdles. The sophomore posted the seventh-fastest time in the 100-meter hurdles at 12.93, earning the automatic qualifying spot by finishing second in Heat 2. She later qualified for her second NCAA final in the long hurdles with the second-fastest time at 55.0, the fourth-fastest mark in school history. Freshman Mackenzie Collins finished 17th overall for USTFCCCA Honorable Mention All-America recognition.

Senior Kenondra Davis was the final Longhorn to advance to a Saturday final, recording a personal best in the 200-meter dash with a time of 22.45. The time moved her to No. 6 on the school’s all-time performer list. Freshman Holly Okuku placed 21st in the event in a time of 23.11.

Texas Scorers:

Nina Ndubuisi – Shot Put – 3^rd (6 pts)

Aaliyah Foster – Long Jump – 7^th (2 pts)

All-America Honors:

Nina Ndubuisi – Shot Put – 3^rd – First Team

Aaliyah Foster – Long Jump – 7^th – First Team

Chrystal Herpin – Shot Put – 11^th – Second Team

Mackenzie Collins – 400mH – 17^th – Honorable Mention

Holly Okuku – 200m – 21^st – Honorable Mention