Sports

Bayern Munich spark joy in inaugural World Sevens win

Published

7 months ago

May 24, 2025

Your Sports Nation

By Catherine MacKenzie (23/05/2025)

Above: Bayern Munich win the inaugural World Sevens. Photo: FCBfrauen on X.

The inaugural World Sevens tournament taking place in Portugal this week has been about fun first-and-foremost. Teams have spent longer working out their ‘introduction acts’ than they have on tactics and had a rare opportunity to network with each other in a neutral, social environment.

There have been social media posts from clubs showing their players enjoying the sunshine whilst sightseeing; playing at the beach; watching other sports like beach volleyball and eating ice creams.

The tournament initially caused raised eyebrows across the women’s game for its scheduling – being mere weeks away from a major tournament for many of the players involved – but instead of a tough tournament leading to injuries and exhaustion, it became a medium for teams to have a team-building holiday akin to some kind of multi-organisation voluntary corporate retreat.

The atmosphere around the stadium aided this. A DJ was playing music permanently – even throughout games – and players sat around the pitch in directors’ chairs to watch each other’s games. The player of the match trophy was a branded water bottle, and the stands were very close to the pitch, meaning fans were a key part of the game.

The format prompted fun as well – ‘roll-on-roll-off’ substitutions caused frequent occasions where commentators would get player names mixed up (particularly Bayern Munich’s goalkeepers Mala Grohs and Ena Mahmutovic, who frequently switched at half-time).

Beyond that, the structure of the game itself created excitement – a small pitch meant teams were initially missing the pitch completely with their corners, and the short halves of only fifteen minutes meant there was little time to gain momentum.

The opening games were more cautious as teams figured out what the format felt like. Some teams (like Manchester City) raced out of the gates and seemed to adapt to the new surroundings with ease. Once teams clocked on to the lack of offside rule and smaller spaces to work with, the chains were off, and the games became more stretched – exemplified by a more settled Ajax taking Manchester City to penalties.

Overall, the teams who performed the best also seemed to have the most fun. The two teams who reached the final – Manchester United and Bayern Munich – both have an ethos of togetherness at their core, which made them naturally good competitors in the seven-a-side format.

They knew how to work together closely; communicated clearly and enjoyed it when their teammates took the risks that are paramount in these kinds of games, even if the risks did not pay off.

Ahead of a massive summer with a serious major tournament, most discussions are inevitably around team selections and tactics. Many players will be feeling immense pressure at this point – England feeling the pressure of trying to retain a major trophy, Spain wanting to add to their World Cup win in the face of off-pitch tribulations.

At the end of the tournament, Manchester United and champions Bayern Munich celebrated together on the pitch – there was a conga line and hugs between the sides – in a scene emblematic of the three days as a whole.

Instead of creating a greater burden on players by forcing additional games before a busy summer, the World Sevens has provided a welcome reprieve for both players and fans, reminding us all that at its heart, football is about fun.

Standout teams

The universal consensus seems to be that tournament winners Bayern Munich – nicknamed ‘Vibes FC’ on social media – have been the standout team of the tournament, and for good reason. They scored the most goals – three or more in every game except the final – and looked like they had the most fun doing so. It is a fitting end to Alexander Straus’ tenure as manager to win a tournament’s inaugural trophy. Their ‘introductions’ were also top-line, such as creating a bicycle illusion and a rock band.

**Above**: Bayern Munich fun. **Photo:** FCBfrauen on X.

Their fellow finalists Manchester United also provided entertainment – from cartwheels during introductions to captain and centre-back Maya Le Tissier scoring a standout goal. On the pitch, United had perhaps the most to lose from this tournament.

Manager Marc Skinner has been forthright with his comments that United are short of funds and winnings would help them build a team capable of competing in the Champions League next year. It is telling that despite this pressure, the team still managed to play with such joy and freedom.

**Above:** Manchester United introduction. **Photo:** ManUtdWomen on X.

Less prolific in terms of goal-scoring but with some impressive performances, Roma were also a standout team. Their game against Benfica was particularly fun to watch, especially the final five minutes (including three goals).

Standout players

Young Ajax and USWNT midfielder Lily Yohannes scored a goal in every game and caused defences trouble with her technical ability. Yet to celebrate her 18^th birthday, the midfielder has already scored for the senior USWNT, and it is unlikely that Ajax will be able to hold on to her for much longer.

United youngster Simi Awujo was also on good goalscoring form throughout the tournament – including finding the top corner in the final against Bayern Munich. Lacking gametime in the WSL, she is likely an important asset for a United who are heading into the Champions League next year.

A little older but no less impressive, Bayern Munich’s 30-year old Serbian midfielder Jovana Damnjanovic ran riot and seemed to want to play every role on the pitch. One second, she was backing up her goalkeeper with an important clearance. Seconds she was setting up a goal at the other end. Her work rate was stellar and her relationships with her team-mates clear to see.

The next World Sevens is due to take place this autumn in the United States, comprising of eight NWSL teams.

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Dallas Pulse set to make history in season opener at Comerica Center

Published

34 minutes ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

North Texas’ first women’s professional volleyball team will officially launch its inaugural season on Saturday, Jan. 10.

DALLAS — For North Texas volleyball fans, Saturday’s season opener represents more than just a first serve, it’s the beginning of something the region has been waiting for.

The Dallas Pulse, the region’s first women’s professional volleyball team, will open its inaugural season Saturday, Jan. 10, hosting the Indiana franchise at Comerica Center in Frisco.

The matchup marks the first Major League Volleyball game played by a Dallas-based team and is a milestone moment for the metroplex.

The Pulse will play 14 home matches during the 2026 Major League Volleyball season, giving local fans a consistent opportunity to support a women’s pro team built in their own backyard.

Saturday, Jan. 10 – Indy
Thursday, Jan. 15 – San Diego
Thursday, Feb. 5 – Omaha
Sunday, Feb. 8 – Grand Rapids
Thursday, Feb. 19 – Indy
Sunday, Feb. 22 – Grand Rapids
Friday, Feb. 27 – Orlando
Friday, March 13 – Columbus
Sunday, March 15 – Atlanta
Saturday, March 21 – San Diego
Thursday, March 26 – Atlanta
Friday, April 17 – Columbus
Friday, May 1 – Omaha
Sunday, May 3 – Orlando

Leading the team into its first season is head coach Shannon Winzer, who was named to the role in September. The January debut places Dallas at the center of the league’s early growth as women’s professional volleyball continues to gain momentum nationwide.

The timing feels right for North Texas. The region has long been a volleyball hotbed, producing elite athletes through nationally recognized club programs, championship high school teams and top-tier collegiate programs. Until now, many of those players, and the fans who followed them, had no local professional team to rally behind.

Dallas Pulse leadership told WFAA that they hope to change that.

Season ticket deposits are currently open, and the Pulse holds the No. 1 overall pick in the Major League Volleyball Draft scheduled for Nov. 24, giving the team a chance to add a cornerstone player ahead of its debut season.

Major League Volleyball is also preparing for future growth, announcing plans to add expansion teams in Washington, D.C. and Northern California in 2027.

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Iola outside hitter takes top honor on Texas 2A all-state volleyball team | APG State News

Published

51 minutes ago

January 2, 2026

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Tritons Set for Preseason North American Challenge

Published

2 hours ago

January 2, 2026

Your Sports Nation

LONG BEACH, Calif. — UC San Diego men’s volleyball will prepare for the upcoming season with four exhibitions this weekend as part of the North American Challenge. The event will be hosted by Long Beach State on Friday and Sunday at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.

The Tritons will play two Canadian sides, Alberta and Calagry. They will play each team once on both days of the challenge.

SCHEDULE

Friday, Jan. 2

2 PM – vs Calgary

4:30 PM – vs Alberta

Sunday, Jan. 4

12:30 PM – vs Alberta

3 PM – vs Calgary

Live stats for all four matches will be available HERE. Fans interested in attending matches can purchase tickets through Long Beach State HERE.

UP NEXT
The Tritons open the 2026 season at home next Tuesday, Jan. 6. Jessup will visit LionTree Arena for a match that begins at 7 PM.

About UC San Diego Athletics
After two decades as one of the most successful programs in NCAA Division II, the UC San Diego intercollegiate athletics program has begun a new era as a member of The Big West in NCAA Division I. The 24-sport Tritons earned 30 team and nearly 150 individual national championships during its time in Divisions II and III and helped guide 1,400 scholar-athletes to All-America honors. A total of 83 Tritons have earned Academic All-America honors, while 39 have garnered prestigious NCAA Post Graduate Scholarships. UC San Diego scholar-athletes exemplify the academic ideals of one of the world’s preeminent institutions, graduating at an average rate of 90 percent, the highest rate among public institutions in NCAA Division I or II. For more information on the Tritons, visit UCSDtritons.com or follow UC San Diego Athletics on social media @UCSDtritons.

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Sports

Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball Hosts The North American Challenge

Published

3 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

LONG BEACH, Calif. – With the season just around the corner, the Long Beach State Men’s Volleyball team will host the North American Challenge, a preseason exhibition tournament featuring four teams from the United States and Canada. The two-day event will take place Friday, January 2, and Sunday, January 4, with matches held at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid.

Joining the Beach in the tournament are UC San Diego, Calgary, and Alberta, bringing together a competitive mix of NCAA and U SPORTS programs for early-season action. The tournament will feature eight total matches across the two days, providing fans with a full slate of high-level volleyball.

Schedule
Friday, January 2

Time	Matchup (Home vs. Away)
11:30 AM	Long Beach State vs. Alberta
2:00 PM	UC San Diego vs. Calgary
4:30 PM	UC San Diego vs. Alberta
7:00 PM	Long Beach State vs. Calgary

Sunday, January 4

Time	Matchup (Home vs. Away)
10:00 AM	Long Beach State vs. Calgary
12:30 PM	UC San Diego vs. Alberta
3:00 PM	UC San Diego vs. Calgary
5:30 PM	Long Beach State vs. Alberta

Following each match, a Player of the Match from each team will be recognized. At the conclusion of the tournament, an All-Tournament Team will be selected.

Tickets can be purchased HERE.

Live statistics for all matches will be available via BeachLiveStats.StatBroadcast.com.

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Pitt volleyball | Panthers add Kentucky MB Jordyn Dailey

Published

3 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Pitt received a commitment from former Kentucky middle blocker/right-side hitter Jordyn Dailey.

Dailey is a redshirt sophomore and will have two years of eligibility. The 6-foot-2 North Carolina native racked up 188 kills, 116 blocks and 42 digs over the past two seasons. Dailey recorded 142 kills, 82 blocks and a .314 hitting percentage in 2024. Her numbers dipped to 46 kills, 34 blocks and a .211 hitting percentage in 2025.

Pitt lost middle blocker Ryla Jones to Penn State through the transfer portal.

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Kats sign six to 2026 roster

Published

3 hours ago

January 1, 2026

Your Sports Nation

HUNTSVILLE – The Sam Houston volleyball program and head coach Brenda Gray announced the signing of six student-athletes to play for the Bearkats for the 2026 season.

The signing class consists of outside hitters Annika Brooks, Brenlin Garlitz, Justice Rachal, Kameron Rector, Lauren Pyle and Sarah Odell.

“All of these young ladies bring a passion and energy that Sam Houston Volleyball thrives upon,” head coach Brenda Gray said. “They all come with numerous accolades both on the court and in the classroom.”

Annika Brooks • 6-3 • RS • Halletsville, Texas • Sacred Heart Catholic School / Blinn College

Blinn College

– 2025 second team all-conference selection

Ovilla Christian School

– 2021 second team all-district selection as freshman

– 2022 first team all-district selection as a sophomore

– 2022 honorable mention all-area

– 2023 first team all-district selection as a junior

– 2023 TAPPS first team all-state selection

– 2023 honorable mention all-area selection

– 2023 TAPPS academic all-state selection

– 2024 first team all-district selection as a senior

– 2024 TAPPS first team all-state selection

– 2024 TAPPS academic all-state selection

Texas Tornadoes (Club)

– 17s bid to nationals

– 18s bid to nationals

Gray on Brooks …

“Annika brings size and a blocking presence to our game on the right side. We are so fortunate to have her join us this spring.”

Brenlin Garlitz • 5-10 • S • Waxahachie, Texas • Ovilla Christian School

Ovilla Christian School

– 2022 TAPPS second team all-district selection as freshman

– 2023 TAPPS first team all-state

– 2024 TAPPS first team all-state

– 2024 Ellis County All-Star Team

– 4-time state champion

Texas Advantage Volleyball (Club)

– NRG 15s bid to nationals

– NRG 16s bid to nationals

– TAV 18s Black: 5th at nationals

Gray on Garlitz …

“We are excited to bring in a dynamic setter to help run our floor. Brenlin runs a quick offense and brings a passion and love for the game that is undeniable.”

Justice Rachal • 5-8 • OH • Cypress, Texas • Bridgeland HS

Bridgeland HS

– 2-time first team all-district selection

– District Offensive Player of the Year

– AVCA Phenom Watch List

– 2-time academic all-district selection

– GHVCA postseason second team choice

– 2023 honorable mention all-district selection

TAV Houston (Club)

– GJNC 16U all-tournament team (Liberty)

– GJNC Third place 17 American

– GJNC 17U all-tournament team (American)

Gray on Rachal …

“Justice will be a crowd favorite from the start. She has a contagious energy and a vertical leap that will add to the excitement on the outside position.”

Kameron Rector • 5-11 • OH • Midlothian, Texas • Midlothian HS

Midlothian HS

– 2023 District Utility Player of the Year

– 2024 Academic All-District selection

– 2025 district MVP

Mad Frog (Club)

– Girls Junior National Championship

– All-Tournament team

– 16 & Under USA Tournament

Gray on Rector …

“Kameron is just so solid all around and will bring a defensive prowess and ball control that a team always needs to continue their success.”

Lauren Pyle • 5-8 • S • Longview, Texas • Hallsville HS / Tyler JC

Tyler JC

– 2025 Region XIV Setter of the Year

Hallsville HS

– 2021 first team all-district selection

– 2021 honorable mention all-state

– 2022 District Setter of the Year

– 2022 all-state selection

– 2023 District MVP

– 2023 All-East Texas Player of the Year

– 2023 all-state selection

– 2023 academic all-state selection

East Texas Alliance (Club)

– 17s bid to nationals

– Won Lonestar Classic

Gray on Pyle …

“It is good for us to get an experienced floor leader on the roster and we are excited to have her join us in the spring to begin running our offense and bring her expertise that she delivered in junior college”.

Sarah Odell • 5-11 • OH • Tomball, Texas • Tomball HS

Tomball HS

– 2023 first team all-District 15-6A selection

– 2024 and 2025 District 15-6A Outstanding Offensive Player of the Year

– 2024 and 2025 first team all-District 15-6A

– 2024 and 2025 academic all-District 15-6A

– Played club at North Houston Elite Volleyball

Gray on Odell …

“There is an explosiveness to the outside that is needed in this league, which Sarah immediately gives us as a complete, six-rotation player who will help balance our offense.”