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At Triple A, Phillies' Andrew Painter enters new stage

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Andrew Panter walked toward the Lehigh Valley IronPigs dugout after the third inning Thursday night and shook his head in disgust. “I love,” catcher Garrett Stubbs later said, “that he was pissed.” That is the whole point of the top Phillies prospect’s assignment to the International League. Advertisement It’s time to play […]

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At Triple A, Phillies' Andrew Painter enters new stage

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Andrew Panter walked toward the Lehigh Valley IronPigs dugout after the third inning Thursday night and shook his head in disgust. “I love,” catcher Garrett Stubbs later said, “that he was pissed.” That is the whole point of the top Phillies prospect’s assignment to the International League.

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It’s time to play the game.

“Before the game,” Stubbs said, “I told him, ‘Look, there’s going to be at least one time during this game where something doesn’t go the way that we want it to. … Something’s going to happen and you’re going to have to be a man and be a competitor and figure your way out of it. And so that moment happened.”

No one will remember the 60 pitches Painter threw Thursday over three scoreless innings in his Triple-A debut against Worcester, putting him one step away from the majors. Most of those 60 pitches were competitive. He featured a sharp curveball. He touched 98 mph. He even threw back-to-back changeups to a hitter. It could have been better; it could have been worse.

Painter, 22, has not been a rehabbing pitcher for a few months now. But, as he walked off the mound at Coca-Cola Park, it marked the unofficial end of an arduous recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent in July 2023.

Before Thursday, Painter’s four appearances this season were about removing the rust from years without facing another team. (His only other game action in the past two years came in the Arizona Fall League in 2024.) He had to establish his fastball. He had to prove to himself he could do the most basic things on a mound. He was doing all of this against inferior hitters in the Florida State League.

Now, Painter has to pitch.

“This is the easiest way to say it: He’s been, rightfully and intentionally so, me versus myself,” Phillies pitching coach Caleb Cotham said earlier in the week. “Because there’s a progression. There are some limits. And, yeah, he’s got great stuff. So he can go do that and get a lot of people out. Now, it’s going to start shifting more to me versus you. It’s: ‘I’m going to do anything I can to win today.’ It’s progressing to that type of mindset. Finding spots to take the reins off and be like, ‘Hey, this is your game. Go beat them.’”

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In the third inning, Painter recorded two quick outs, then started to tire. His pitch count rose higher than it’s been since September 2022. He walked the bases loaded. The first walk, to touted Boston Red Sox prospect Roman Anthony, was a good fight. The next two walks were not as competitive. With the bases loaded, he ran a full-count to a hitter with 400 career plate appearances in the majors and fired a 95 mph fastball. Painter escaped with a popout to first base.

go-deeperGO DEEPERTop 100 MLB prospects 2025: Keith Law’s rankings, with Roman Anthony at No. 1

In an ideal world, Painter would have been more efficient and pitched into the fourth inning. Whatever. The Phillies would rather save the inning for later in the season anyway.

“Worked myself out of a jam,” Painter said, “and at the end of the day, can’t complain about that.”

The Phillies are excited to see Painter at this level because, at times, it looked like he was on autopilot while at Low-A Clearwater. He acknowledged it; he was throwing so many fastballs in his four starts there. Hitters, even the youngest ones, figured it out. Three years ago, before his elbow surgery, Painter was a fastball-heavy pitcher as he ascended to Double A as a teenager.

“It is time, probably starting now, to embrace the art of pitching,” Cotham said. “Or the art of planning to pitch. That’s just another step that everyone has to go through.”

Painter often uses his high-powered fastball earlier in counts because he commands it so well. When ahead in the count, he’ll go to his breaking balls. Or he’ll just throw more fastballs.

Painter had thrown a first-pitch fastball to 34 of the 45 batters (75 percent) he faced in his four starts at Low A. He did it to 10 of 13 batters in Thursday’s start. Most of them were called strikes. One was a popout.

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Stubbs, considered a strong pitch caller, will be Painter’s professor at Triple A. He still called a bunch of fastballs — 45 percent of the time — and the advanced stuff won’t come until Painter’s second or third start with the IronPigs. In Stubbs’ mind, Painter has to be a part of the process. See how hitters react. Learn what works here. Learn what does not.

“We’ll learn a lot about him as a competitor,” Stubbs said. “That’s what this is about. We know how good the stuff is.”


Andrew Painter made four appearances at Low-A Clearwater before Thursday’s Triple-A debut. (Mike Janes / Four Seam Images via Associated Press)

Painter struck out five in three innings. All five strikeouts came on the curveball. It’s a premium pitch when right. He’s throwing a slider that he manipulates depending on the count or situation; he can throw it harder with more vertical movement or a little softer — around 87-88 mph — with horizontal run. It might be two different pitches, but Painter is calling it one slider for now.

Then, there’s the changeup. It’s a newer pitch, one that Cotham sees as essential. The Phillies, who rallied to complete a three-game sweep of the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday, emphasized it during the spring. It remains a work in progress, but it’s a pitch Painter can deploy to be less predictable.

To begin the third inning, facing Worcester’s No. 8 hitter Corey Rosier, Painter went slider, changeup, changeup, curveball. Rosier took the first changeup for a ball, then swung through the next one.

Stubbs challenged Painter there. Had he ever thrown consecutive changeups to a hitter?

“I don’t think so,” Painter said. “That’s something I’ve been working on this spring. Still getting used to it, but the only way it’s going to get better is with reps.”

That’s the whole point of this. The Phillies have an elaborate plan for Painter, who has logged 14 1/3 innings in the minors this season. They are trying to preserve as many innings as they can for the summer when Painter could be in the majors. Right now, there is no rush. The Phillies have a strong and healthy rotation. They have time for Painter to explore the intricacies of sequencing a veteran Triple-A hitter.

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Stubbs saw hints of it Thursday night. At one point, Painter shook off a pitch Stubbs called. The young righty wanted to go changeup. He shook a few more times that inning.

“I love that he was starting to gain some confidence in that third inning and really feeling like he wanted to go to certain pitches,” Stubbs said. “That just tells me he was starting to think along with the game.”

So, by that measure, Thursday was a success. In the majors, the Phillies want their starters to have a balanced portfolio against righty and lefty hitters. There is more planning; Cotham is intentional with how he asks the catchers to lead his pitchers through an opposing lineup.

The mission at Triple A, then, is rather straightforward. “Think like a big-league pitcher,” Cotham said. Painter is not one. Everyone expects him to be one — and soon.

For now, a little adversity with three consecutive walks and a rising pitch count is the best teacher.

“I worked myself out of it,” Painter said. “There’s no one coming to get you. So, it’s really just you against the hitter.”

(Top photo of Andrew Painter: Mike Carlson / MLB Photos via Getty Images)

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Andrew Dubs named new Arizona Wildcats track and field/cross country head coach

The Arizona track and field/cross country programs have a new head coach after more than two decades under the leadership of Fred Harvey. Arizona has hired Virginia Tech associate head coach Andrew Dubs to take over the programs, the school announced Monday. Dubs has been with Virginia Tech for seven years with previously stops at […]

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The Arizona track and field/cross country programs have a new head coach after more than two decades under the leadership of Fred Harvey.

Arizona has hired Virginia Tech associate head coach Andrew Dubs to take over the programs, the school announced Monday. Dubs has been with Virginia Tech for seven years with previously stops at Iowa, Harvard, North Carolina and Auburn.

“Coach Dubs brings a proven track record of success made possible by exemplary preparation,” Arizona athletic director Desireé Reed-Francois said in a statement. “His vision, energy, and commitment to student-athlete success—on the track and field, in the classroom, and in life—make him the right leader for the next chapter of Arizona Track & Field/Cross Country.”

Dubs has helped coach 79 NCAA Qualifiers, 32 individual All-Americans, 18 conference champions, and numerous all-conference selections during his tenure.

“This opportunity to lead Arizona into the future is a dream come true for me, and I’m honored to follow the legendary Coach Harvey,” Dubs said. “Coach Harvey has built Arizona into one of the top programs in the country and has had a historic career.

Dubs specializes in throwing, which are consistently some of Arizona’s top performing events. Dubs himself was a four-time Big East shot put champion at UConn.

Dubs inherits an Arizona program that placed in the middle of the pack at Big 12 Track and Field Championships.

Arizona will complete the 2024-25 season at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Ore. this weekend. The Wildcats have 16 athletes headed to nationals.





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Meet the eight teams competing in the inaugural Boys Volleyball State Tournament | News

The Minnesota State High School League’s inaugural Boys Volleyball State Tournament begins Tuesday, June 10 with the championship match set for Thursday, June 12. All 11 games will be played at Schoenecker Arena on the University of St. Thomas campus and streamed by NSPN.tv. Here’s a look at the tournament schedule with notes about each […]

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The Minnesota State High School League’s inaugural Boys Volleyball State Tournament begins Tuesday, June 10 with the championship match set for Thursday, June 12. All 11 games will be played at Schoenecker Arena on the University of St. Thomas campus and streamed by NSPN.tv.

Here’s a look at the tournament schedule with notes about each of the eight qualifying teams.

Tuesday, June 10 — Quarterfinals

No. 6 St. Paul Central (21-5) vs. No. 3 Rogers (25-1), 11 a.m. — St. Paul Central prevailed in a dramatic fifth set against Eagan in its section final, 17-15. Rogers finished runner-up the last two years in state tournaments hosted by the MN Boys High School Volleyball Association. Senior Grant Anderson was named to the 2024 all-tournament team. The Royals haven’t lost since their season opener against St. Michael-Albertville, who they beat in a five-set section final.

No. 7 Hopkins (17-8) vs. No. 2 Eastview (27-3), 1 p.m. — Hopkins was swept twice by Wayzata in the regular season, but knocked off the Section 6A No. 1 seed Trojans in a five-set final. Eastview split two matches with top-seeded Eden Prairie, winning a best-of-three meeting on April 26 and falling in five a month later.

No. 5 North High School-North St. Paul (25-2) vs. No. 4 Spring Lake Park (23-7) — North has won 12 straight matches, including a best-of-three victory against Spring Lake Park on May 17. Senior Remi Xiong was on the MN Boys High School Volleyball Association’s all-tournament team last year after helping Spring Lake Park finish fourth.

No. 8 Park Center (13-8) vs. No. 1 Eden Prairie (24-2) — The No. 5 seed in its section, Park Center swept No. 1 Hmong College Prep Academy in the semifinals and outlasted No. 6 Roseville Area in a five-set final. Eden Prairie was ranked No. 3 by the Minnesota Boys Volleyball Coaches Association and took down No. 1 Bloomington Jefferson in a section final.

Wednesday, June 11

Consolation semifinals, 11 a.m.

Consolation semifinals, 1 p.m.

Semifinals, 3 p.m.

Semifinals, 5 p.m.

Thursday, June 12

Consolation final, 11 a.m.

Third place, 1:30 p.m.

Championship, 4 p.m. 



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Men’s European qualifiers deliver goals galore on day two

Malta captain Steven Camilleri top scored against Ukraine with four goals. Photo: Abby Bonello After Sunday’s opening clashes, the action kicked off in all the other groups on Monday in the men’s qualifiers for the 2026 European Water Polo Championships. Slovakia delivered the first upset as they beat Germany, while Georgia hit 41 goals against […]

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Malta captain Steven Camilleri top scored against Ukraine with four goals. Photo: Abby Bonello

After Sunday’s opening clashes, the action kicked off in all the other groups on Monday in the men’s qualifiers for the 2026 European Water Polo Championships. Slovakia delivered the first upset as they beat Germany, while Georgia hit 41 goals against Bulgaria – an unusually high number, but perhaps not any longer in this new water polo played in a 25m field.

European Water Polo Championships
Men’s Qualifications, Day 2

Monday 9 June 2025

Group A (Kranj)

Great Britain 13-5 Czechia
Slovenia 13-11 Poland

Group B (Istanbul)

Germany 8-13 Slovakia
Sweden 16-13 Finland
Türkiye 12-13 Slovakia
Germany 30-3 Sweden

Group C (Tbilisi)

Switzerland 13-23 Israel
Georgia 41-10 Bulgaria

Group D (Gzira)

France 19-7 Portugal
Malta 13-11 Ukraine

France star Thomas Vernoux struck twice against Portugal in Malta. Photo: Abby Bonello

Slovakia enjoyed a tremendous day in Istanbul as they landed six points from their two matches. First, they upset the Germans with a big 8-13 win, then in the evening they could also down host Türkiye in a nail-biter to take the pole position to qualify.

A devastating 0-5 run against the Germans did the damage in the middle two periods, as the Slovaks jumped to a 2-8 lead. The Germans then had a better spell, but Slovakia’s Adam Furman scored a crucial action goal to make it 7-10 and soon another double reset the five-goal gap, which the Slovaks maintained until the end.

They were back for more in the evening and kept their momentum against the Türks, as they stormed to a 0-4 lead in eight minutes. However, the home side started climbing back and with eight minutes to go they only trailed 8-9.

The Slovaks managed to respond well once more, as an early goal from Furman dashed their rivals’ hopes to go even, then, at 9-11, Patrik Tisaj’s double in 49 seconds made it 9-13. The Türks produced a late surge, but their final goal came in the last second, which was too late to save the match to a shootout.

The Germans bounced back from their earlier defeat with a devastating win against Sweden, who won the Nordic classic against Finland in the morning.

Great Britain coach Tim Dunsbee masterminded a brilliant victory against Czechia on day two. Photo: Gorazd Kavčič (Gorazd Kavcic/www.rezultat.si)

In Group A, Great Britain clinched a brilliant win over Czechia. Early in the second quarter, the Czechs led 3-5 – and few would have thought that in the remaining 21:47 minutes only the Brits would score goals. It happened, though, as Great Britain produced a devastating and clinical 10-0 run, completely shutting out the Czechs with some superb defending.

Hosts Slovenia had to overcome some headaches against Poland. The first half was not only balanced, but the Poles even led 5-6. The Slovenians then raised their game and started dominating in the third and once they took a three-goal lead, their win was never in danger.

Elsewhere, Tbilisi staged a scoring festival, as the two matches in Group C produced a mind-blowing 87 goals.

Israel pulled off an easy win against Switzerland, 23-13. Then came Georgia and Bulgaria and a staggering feast of 41 hits from the home side – they reached double digits in all four periods.

In Gzira, France opened their campaign with a comfortable cruising against Portugal. In contrast, Malta had to dig deep to claim all three points against Ukraine.

The hosts got off to the better start and held on to a three-goal lead for most of the first half. In the third, their concentration levels seem to drop, as the Ukrainians smelled blood, and with a fine man-up goal from Danylo Sokolov they came back to even in the last second of the third at 9-9.

What’s more, with 5:36 on the clock, they went 10-11 up, but Malta had more left in the tank for the finish. The home side hit back with a 3-0 run in the last four minutes, with Steven Camilleri leading the charge as usual, as the captain added two action goals late on to seal the win.

Malta goalkeeper Jake Tanti made some instrumental saves in his team’s victory over Ukraine. Photo: Abby Bonello

Watch all the action live on www.euroaquaticstv.com and stay up-to-date with all the results/tables by clicking here.

Gergely Csurka for European Aquatics



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Volleyball announces 19-member recruiting class for 2025

Benedictine Volleyball and head coach Victoria Hurtt is excited to announce the addition of several talented newcomers who will bring fresh energy and skills to the team. These athletes come from diverse backgrounds, each with unique strengths and a shared passion for the game.  This year’s recruiting class features 19 incoming student-athletes who will join […]

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Benedictine Volleyball and head coach Victoria Hurtt is excited to announce the addition of several talented newcomers who will bring fresh energy and skills to the team. These athletes come from diverse backgrounds, each with unique strengths and a shared passion for the game. 

This year’s recruiting class features 19 incoming student-athletes who will join Coach Hurtt and the Ravens, who earned a 2024 Heart Conference Tournament Championship while qualifying for the program’s second straight appearance in the NAIA National Tournament.

Aubrey Wisker – 5’11” Outside Hitter (Denton, Texas) 
Aubrey Wisker brings a strong presence to the court as a versatile 5’11” Outside hitter. Hailing from Denton, Texas, Aubrey is known for her powerful play in the front row, where she can both terminate the ball and keep it in play when needed. Her positive attitude on and off the court, combined with her all-around skill set, make her a valuable asset to the team. Aubrey’s ability to play multiple roles with reliability and precision will no doubt contribute to the success of the Benedictine College volleyball program. 

Faith Schaper – 5’10” Middle Pin Hitter (Flower Mound, Texas) 
Faith Schaper, a 5’10” middle pin hitter from Flower Mound, Texas, is a consistent and intelligent player with a high volleyball IQ. Her calm demeanor and ability to understand the nuances of the game set her apart. As she continues to add explosiveness to her play, Faith will undoubtedly become a highly effective and dynamic presence on the court. 

Cibeles Bothwell – 5’6″ Libero (Spring, Texas) 
From Spring, Texas, Cibeles Bothwell is a dedicated 5’6″ libero who brings a wealth of defensive skill to the team. Her strong work ethic makes her an ideal leader on the court. Cibeles is a standout defensive specialist and serving expert, with a relentless passion for the sport. Her ability to read the game makes her an invaluable asset to the team, and we can expect her to be a great asset in the defensive lineup for years to come. 

Wren VanCleave – 5’9″ Setter (Bonner Springs, Kan.) 
Wren VanCleave, a 5’9″ setter from Bonner Springs, Kan., is a dedicated and hardworking athlete who thrives in a fast-paced environment. A great communicator and teammate, Wren excels in running a high-tempo offense that keeps opponents guessing. Her ability to move the ball efficiently and keep all players involved in the offense will be crucial to the team’s success. With her excellent court awareness and coachability, Wren is poised to make a lasting impact on the program. 

Peyton McAtee – 5’10” Right-Side (Lee’s Summit, Mo.) 
Peyton McAtee, a 5’10” pin hitter from Lee’s Summit, Mo., brings athleticism and a positive, team-first attitude to the court. With her long wingspan and raw potential, Peyton is capable of excelling as a right-side hitter in the future. Her coachability and eagerness to grow as a player make her a standout prospect, and we are excited to see how her game develops as she continues to mature in the program. 

Isabella Franco – 5’3″ Libero (Shawnee, Kan.) 
A true example of dedication and hard work, Isabella Franco is a 5’3″ libero from Shawnee, Kan., who embodies the spirit of a committed student-athlete. Isabella is known for her consistent and solid platform, combined with quick feet and an unyielding work ethic. Her positive attitude and drive to improve, both on the court and in the classroom, make her a well-rounded and promising player. Isabella’s energy and leadership will undoubtedly shine as she continues to develop as an essential part of the team. 

Audrey Franks – 5’11” Right-side Hitter (Hemet, Calif.) 
Audrey Franks, a 5’11” Right-Side from Hemet, Calif., is a high-quality hitter who takes a powerful approach and delivers a strong swing. Her ability to step up in crucial moments and her physicality on the court make her a force to be reckoned with. We look forward to watching Audrey’s continued development as she plays a key role in the success of Benedictine College volleyball. 

Lexi Dykes – 6’0″ Middle Blocker (Trenton, Texas) 
Lexi Dykes, a 6’0″ middle blocker from Trenton, Texas, brings a strong all-around game to the team. Lexi is a powerful player with excellent blocking skills and a strong swing. Her competitive nature, leadership qualities, and deep understanding of the game make her an essential asset to the team. We’re excited to see how Lexi will help anchor the front row and provide leadership on the court. 

Barbara Terra – 6’0″ Middle Blocker/Pin Hitter (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) 
Hailing from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Barbara Terra is a 6’0″ middle blocker and pin hitter who brings an international flair to the team. For Barbara, volleyball has been life-changing, opening up opportunities and offering a new perspective on the world. She is eager to continue learning and to showcase the potential that others have seen in her. With her powerful presence at the net and strong determination, Barbara will be a key player as she continues to develop in the program. 

Grace Black – 5’10” Outside Hitter (Omaha, Neb.) 
Grace Black, a 5’10” outside hitter from Omaha, Neb., is a consistent and adaptable player. No matter what challenges she faces, Grace always finds a way to put her best foot forward when it counts the most. A team player at heart, Grace is willing to play any position that benefits the team, always keeping a calm and quiet presence. Her positive leadership and flexibility make her an important and reliable part of the Benedictine College volleyball family. 

Mackenzi Briesacher – 5’7″ Setter (Edwardsville, Ill.) 
Mackenzi Briesacher, a 5’7″ setter from Edwardsville, Ill., is a smart and coachable player who excels in any position she is asked to play. Primarily a setter, Mackenzi is a hard worker who understands the game and is always looking to improve. Her willingness to contribute wherever needed and her dedication to her craft make her a valuable asset to the team. We look forward to watching Mackenzi continue to develop as a key player in the program. 

Lainee Mustain – 5’6″ Defensive Specialist/Libero (Lee’s Summit, Mo.) 
Lainee Mustain, a 5’6″ defensive specialist/libero, is one of the hardest workers on the team. Known for her leadership on the court, Lainee excels at serve receive, reading plays, and getting to the ball quickly. She is also a reliable setter when the team needs a second set of hands in the back row. Lainee’s commitment to constant improvement and her passion for the game make her a key piece of the defensive lineup. 

Jojo Vander Woude – 5’11” Middle Blocker (Nokesville, Va.) 
Jojo Vander Woude is a 5’11” middle blocker from Nokesville, Va., who is known for her strength and versatility. Jojo hits with power and precision, and she uses her intelligence to strategically place balls for points. Her excellent attitude, work ethic, and commitment to the team make her an invaluable member of the squad. We’re excited to see her continue to develop and contribute to the team’s success. 

Rayleen Gladden – 6’0″ Middle Blocker (Bentonville, Ark.) 
Rayleen Gladder, a 6’0″ middle blocker from Bentonville, Ark., is a true team player who will do whatever is asked of her. Rayleen is a great teammate with a strong work ethic and a willingness to develop and grow within the program. Her dedication to improving and her positive influence on the team make her a valuable asset. We believe that Rayleen has a bright future ahead and are excited to see how she progresses in her career here at Benedictine College. 

Reagan Demos – 5’6″ Defensive Specialist/Libero (Bakersfield, Calif.) 
Reagan Demos is a 5’6 defensive specialist from Bakersfield, Calif., Benedictine College is thrilled to welcome her to its volleyball program. Known for her exceptional ability to adapt and adjust her gameplay, Reagan brings both skill and determination to the court. Her sportsmanship, respect for others, and unwavering support for her teammates foster a positive and motivating atmosphere. We look forward to seeing Reagan make an impact on and off the court as she embarks on this exciting journey with the Ravens! 

Candance Lenzen – 6’0″ Middle Blocker (Hinckley, Minn.) 
Candance Lenzen, a talented 6’0″ middle blocker from Hinckley, Minn., to our volleyball program. With her height, agility, and strong defensive presence at the net, Candance is set to be a key asset for the Ravens. Beyond her physical abilities, she embodies the qualities of a dedicated and team-oriented athlete. Her work ethic, determination, and commitment to excellence make her a standout both on and off the court. She not only strengthens the team’s defense but also inspires those around her with her leadership and passion for the game. We are eager to see Candance’s impact this season and beyond as she begins her journey with the Ravens! 

Geme Ajekwu – 6’2″ Middle Blocker (Lawrence, Kan.) 
Geme Ajekwu, a 6’2″ middle blocker from Lawrence, Kan., is a strong addition to next year’s volleyball roster. A true all-around athlete, Geme brings versatility and drive to the court. Her competitive nature and desire to improve at her position make her a dynamic force with immense potential. Geme is just as impressive a leader in both the classroom and the gym. Her vibrant personality brings energy and joy to the team. We’re excited to see Geme’s growth and impact as she joins the Raven family! 

Kasey Lovar – 5’0″ Libero/DS (Odenton, Md.) 
Kasey Lovar, a 5’0″ libero/defensive specialist from Odenton, Md., to the volleyball program. Kasey brings heart, hustle, and a competitive edge to the court, along with a relentless drive to grow and succeed. Her encouraging spirit and team-first mentality make her an incredible teammate, always uplifting those around her and celebrating their successes as much as her own. Her strong sense of character, positive attitude, and team-oriented mindset make her an invaluable addition to the Ravens. We can’t wait to see the impact Kasey will make at Benedictine! 

Caroline Oppermann – 5’8″ Right-side (Houston, Texas) 
Caroline Oppermann, a dynamic and intelligent right-side, is known for her strength, speed, and court awareness. Caroline is a force at the net, reading plays quickly and executing with precision. She brings not only physical dominance but also a high volleyball IQ, making her a smart and strategic player in both blocking and attacking. We are thrilled to welcome Caroline to the Raven family and can’t wait to see her make an impact on and off the court! 

Benedictine finished the 2024 season with an overall record of 25-8 while posting a 13-4 record in the Heart of America Athletic Conference to earn second place. They hosted the Heart Tournament Championship, beating MNU in five sets to earn an automatic berth in the NAIA National Tournament. They traveled to California for the Opening Round, falling to The Master’s University.

www.ravenathletics.com | #UnleashGreatness | www.benedictine.edu



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Pair of WPIAL teams still alive in hunt for PIAA boys volleyball titles

By: Don Rebel Monday, June 9, 2025 | 10:28 PM Christopher Horner | TribLive Shaler’s Richard O’Brien (13) celebrates with Adam Hoffman after scoring against Ambridge during the WPIAL Class 2A championship match May 24. In the 2012 PIAA boys volleyball championships, Chambersburg defeated Pennridge in the Class 3A finals and Bethlehem Catholic knocked off […]

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Monday, June 9, 2025 | 10:28 PM


In the 2012 PIAA boys volleyball championships, Chambersburg defeated Pennridge in the Class 3A finals and Bethlehem Catholic knocked off York Suburban in the 2A title match.

That was the last year the PIAA boys volleyball finals were contested without a WPIAL representative.

Heading into the 2025 PIAA boys volleyball semifinals, two District 7 teams are still alive for state gold with North Allegheny in 3A and Shaler in 2A.

Here are the sites and times for the PIAA boys volleyball semifinals Tuesday along with all the first-round and quarterfinal results from the state playoffs.

Class 3A

Semifinals

Tuesday’s schedule

North Allegheny (17-1) vs. Central York (17-2) at Bald Eagle at 5 p.m.

Governor Mifflin (19-1) vs. Cumberland Valley (20-0) at Penn Manor at 7 p.m.

Quarterfinals

North Allegheny 3, Penn-Trafford 1

Central York 3, Spring-Ford 0

Governor Mifflin 3, Northeastern York 2

Cumberland Valley 3, Abington Heights 0

First round

North Allegheny 3, Palmyra 0

Penn-Trafford 3, State College 0

Central York 3, Seneca Valley 0

Spring-Ford 3, Northeast 1

Northeastern York 3, Pennsbury 2

Governor Mifflin 3, Emmaus 2

Abington Heights 3, Bethlehem Freedom 2

Cumberland Valley 3, Unionville 0

Class 2A

Semifinals

Tuesday’s schedule

Shaler (18-1) vs. Meadville (17-0) at Sharon at 6 p.m.

Manheim Central (21-0) vs. York Suburban (18-3) at Penn Manor at 5 p.m.

Quarterfinals

Shaler 3, Brandywine Heights 0

Meadville 3, Ambridge 0

Manheim Central 3, Dock Mennonite 0

York Suburban 3, Holy Redeemer 0

First round

Shaler 3, Saegertown 0

Brandywine Heights 3, West Shamokin 1

Ambridge 3, Obama Academy 0

Meadville 3, South Fayette 0

Manheim Central 3, Palumbo 0

Dock Mennonite 3, Crestwood 2

York Suburban 3, Lansdale Catholic 1

Holy Redeemer 3, Carver E&S 0





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Twelve Athletes Chosen to Compete at 2025 Girls U19 Pan American Cup

Colorado Springs, Colo. (June 9, 2025) — USA Volleyball has selected 12 athletes to compete on the 2025 U.S. Girls U19 National Team at the NORCECA U19 Pan American Cup, June 24–28 in Kingston, Ontario, Canada. The 12 were chosen from the 19 members of the Girls U19 National Team who trained June 1-7 at […]

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Colorado Springs, Colo. (June 9, 2025) — USA Volleyball has selected 12 athletes to compete on the 2025 U.S. Girls U19 National Team at the NORCECA U19 Pan American Cup, June 24–28 in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.

The 12 were chosen from the 19 members of the Girls U19 National Team who trained June 1-7 at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Those selected will participate in a second training block from June 20-22 in Chicago, Illinois, before heading to Canada.

The U.S. Girls U19 National Team won gold at the Pan Am Cup in both 2022 and 2023, and won gold last year at the NORCECA Continental Championship. This year, the team will be in a pool with Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela.

2025 U.S. Girls U19 National Team for the NORCECA Pan American Cup
(Name, Position, Height, Birth Year, Hometown, High School, Region)

1 Taimane Ainu’u (S, 5-11, 2009, Kapolei, Hawaii, Iolani HS, Aloha)
2 Nejari Crooks (OPP, 6-1, 2009, High Point, N.C., Wesleyan Christian Academy, Carolina)
3 Cala Haffner (L, 5-8, 2009, Fort Wayne, Ind., Carroll HS, Hoosier)
4 Taylor Harrington (MB, 6-3, 2009, Arlington, Va., Wakefield HS, Chesapeake)
5 Olivia Henry (OH, 6-5, 2009, Bayside, N.Y., IMG Academy, Florida)
6 Megan Hodges (MB/OPP, 6-5, 2009, Ladera Ranch, Calif., San Juan Hills HS, Southern California)
7 Marissa Jones (S, 6-2, 2009, Atlanta, Ga., Woodward Academy, Southern)
8 Kari Knotts (OH, 6-3, 2010, Marietta, Ga., Hightower Trail MS, Southern)
11 Westley Matavao (OH, 6-0, 2009, Ontario, Calif., Mater Dei HS, Southern California)
13 Shayla Rautenberg (MB, 6-3, 2009, Pleasant Dale, Neb., Milford HS, Great Plains)
14 Ireland Real (OH, 6-4, 2009, San Clemente, Calif., Santa Margarita Catholic HS, Southern California)
18 Kyla Williams (MB, 6-4, 2009, Cleveland, Ohio, Gilmour Academy, Ohio Valley)

Alternates
9 Pulelehua Laikona (L, 5-8, 2009, Gilbert, Ariz., Mesa HS, Arizona)
10 Leilani Lamar (OH, 6-2, 2009, Tampa, Fla., Tampa Preparatory School, Florida)
12 McKenna McIntosh (OH, 6-1, 2009, Stockton, Calif., St. Mary’s HS, Northern California)
15 Josalyn Samuels (S, 6-1, 2009, Harrisburg, S.D., Harrisburg HS, North Country)
16 Marlee Steiner (MB, 6-4, 2009, St. Louis, Mo., Lindbergh HS, Gateway)
17 Caroline Ward (OPP, 6-0, 2009, Lizton, Ind., Tri-West Hendricks HS, Hoosier)
19 Shaye Witherspoon (OH, 6-3, 2009, Wildwood, Mo., Lafayette HS, Gateway)

Coaches
Head Coach: Jamie Morrison (Texas A&M)
Assistant Coach: Michelle Chatman Smith (LOVB)
Assistant Coach: Maggie Eppright (LOVB)
Performance Analyst: Michael Bouril (Mississippi State)
Athletic Trainer: Rebecca Himes (PVF)
Team Lead: Alex Purvey (NTDP)

2025 Girls U19 Pan American Cup  Schedule
All times Pacific
Subject to change

June 24
10 a.m.: Puerto Rico vs. Mexico
12:00 pm: USA vs. Venezuela
2 p.m.: Chile vs. Dominican Republic
4 p.m.: Canada vs. Costa Rica

June 25
10 a.m.: Puerto Rico vs. Venezuela
12 p.m.: USA vs. Mexico
2 p.m.: Chile vs. Costa Rica
4 p.m.: Canada vs. Dominican Republic

June 26
10 a.m.: Mexico vs. Venezuela
12 p.m..: USA vs. Puerto Rico
2 p.m.: Costa Rica vs. Dominican Republic
4 p.m.: Canada vs. Chile

June 27
10 a.m.: 3A vs. 4B
12 p.m.: 3B vs. 4A
2 p.m.: 1A vs. 2B
4 p.m.: 1B vs. 2A

June 28
8 a.m.: Classification 7/8
10 a.m.: Classification 5/6
12 p.m.: Bronze Medal Match
4 p.m.: Gold Medal Match



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