Sports

Beyond The Lane Lines: Russia Remains Optimistic

Get your news fix on happenings outside the pool with the latest ‘Beyond the Lane Lines.’ With each edition, we collect personal stories, little-known facts, and general items of interest from around the world. Read on and learn something new this week. #1 U.S. Center for SafeSport ‘Perpetuated Fraud’ Against Court Earlier this year, Seminole […]

Published

3 months ago

May 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

#1 U.S. Center for SafeSport ‘Perpetuated Fraud’ Against Court

Earlier this year, Seminole County Florida judge John Woodard severely criticized the U.S. Center for SafeSport for ‘perpetuating fraud against the court’ and ‘intentionally withholding exculpatory evidence’ in a case involving a teen water polo player.

The player accused Kelsey McMullen of bullying her and Woodard ruled that ‘prosecutors received only partial information from the center as they looked into the case beginning in 2022, and that the center would not cooperate when law enforcement opened new cases against McMullen’s accusers and the center for reporting false information.’ (AP)

The court order said the center “perpetrated a fraud upon the court, the People of the State of Florida, the Sheriff’s Office, the State’s Attorney Office, and defendant; “intentionally withheld exculpatory evidence;” and “acted in bad faith, intentionally, and with malice.”

For its part, the Center responded, “The Order is without jurisdictional, factual, or legal basis and the Center is weighing its legal response.”

“The Center was not a party to this criminal proceeding. As such we were never notified, never appeared, and were never afforded an opportunity to present evidence or arguments to refute the false information provided by the lawyer to the court in this case.”

This isn’t the only U.S. Center for SafeSport headline in recent months. We reported how the organization fired CEO Ju’Riese Colón in April.

#2 Paris Olympics Opening & Closing Ceremonies Director Allegedly Cyberbullied

Last week Thomas Jolly, the artistic director who designed the Paris 2024 Olympics Opening and Closing ceremonies, saw seven people appear in court last week connection with his cyberbullying case.

The charges spun out of Jolly’s filing formal complaint with the Paris prosecutors’ office last July, citing homophobic, antisemitic slurs and aggravated insults wielded his way.

Jolly’s Opening ceremony spectacle received generally positive revies, although there were controversial components which included drag queens posing as member’s of Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper.’

Of the alleged cyber abuse, Jolly said, “Critique, that’s my life… but when it involves discrimination, it becomes criminal. I didn’t set out to mock any religion.” (AP)

A verdict in the Jolly’s case is expected at a later date.

#3 Kit McConnell to Become Chief Sport Officer for Brisbane 2032

Kit McConnell, long-time sports director of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is set to become the Chief Sport Officer for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic organizing committee.

McConnell brings 11 years’ experience as the International Olympic Committee’s Sports Director, and within the Sports Department at the Sydney 2000 Organizing Committee.

AOC CEO Matt Carroll said of McConnell’s appointment.

“With decades of experience in the Olympic movement, Kit has a deep understanding of what sports, athletes and hosts need to deliver an exceptional Games.

“Having someone of Kit’s caliber leading the sport program ensures that the interests of sports and athletes remain at the forefront.

“Kit understands what it takes to deliver a world-class competition schedule that engages fans, athletes, and stakeholders alike and his expertise will be pivotal in fostering strong collaboration with member sports and National Olympic Committees worldwide.

“Kit’s leadership in the sports program will be critical in shaping a Games that enhances Australia’s proud Olympic legacy and the AOC looks forward to collaborating closely with him and the wider Brisbane 2032 team in this vital role.” (Australian Olympic Committee)

McConnell is set to begin at his new post on July 21st.

#4 Russian Sports Minister Remains Positive About Athletes’ Futures

Mikhail Degtyarev, Russia’s Sports Minister and head of the Russian Olympic Committee, is remaining relatively upbeat regarding the prospect that his nation’s athletes will be able to once again represent Russia at major sporting events.

Degtyarev said this week, “Of course, the assessment of the decision to disqualify our athletes from international tournaments in many sports is unambiguous: this is happening for political reasons, this is discrimination. It is unfair that we are deprived of the flag and anthem at the Olympics and at the European and World Championships. Nevertheless, slamming the door and burning bridges is the wrong way.

“Our main goal remains a full-fledged return to world sports. There is high confidence that the membership of the Russian Olympic Committee in the IOC will be restored in the near future, and in 2028 Russia will be able to compete in the Olympics under its own flag and anthem. This summer, our athletes will go to the Universiade in Germany, for the first time in six years.” (The Sports Examiner)

As we reported, one small step along Russia’s journey back to sports normalcy included European Aquatics allowing Russian and Belarusian junior athletes to compete in all aquatics disciplines going forward except for water polo.

#5 Paris Opens Seine Swimming This Summer

After hosting the Paris 2024 open water swimming, the river Seine will be opened for public swimming beginning this July.

There will be three outdoor pools within the river, one opposite L’île aux Cygnes (Swan Island) near the Eiffel Tower, one not far from Notre Dame (Our Lady’s) Cathedral, and one near the National Library.

They will have changing rooms and showers, be supervised by lifeguards, and offer space for sunbathing, a statement from the city said. Additionally, water quality will be continually monitored.

You can read more in our initial report here.

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Sports

Freshman Class Gets Started at Cedarville, Likely Another Record

College students will be converging on college campuses across the country in the coming days. At Cedarville University, where a projected 1,175 freshmen will move into their residence halls beginning Friday, August 15, enrollment trends appear to be favorable for another record enrollment. With the arrival of the new students — and upper classmen later in the weekend — the […]

Published

7 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

With the arrival of the new students — and upper classmen later in the weekend — the energy on campus is unmistakable.

Students helping freshmen move into the residence halls during Getting Started Weekend. During Cedarville’s traditional Getting Started Weekend, new students will move into residence halls, attend workshops, take placement exams, explore student activities and gather for worship — all while forming the friendships and rhythms that will shape their college years. Parents, too, will share in the experience through dedicated workshops and worship moments designed to help them support their students with confidence and hope.

Among those stepping into this new chapter are twins Julie and Ari Tompkins — two standout athletes from Mogadore, Ohio, whose journey to Cedarville is defined by faith, family and fierce competition. For them, the start of college isn’t just a new season — it’s the continuation of a lifelong bond and a calling to grow in both their sport and their spiritual walk. The sisters chose to room together for their freshman year, bringing their lifelong bond into their shared dorm as they prepare to compete on the university’s nationally ranked track and field team.

The twins are no strangers to high achievement. Throughout high school, they excelled in track and field, basketball and cross country, earning multiple state championship appearances. In track, their shared passion culminated in back-to-back state runner-up finishes in the 1,600-meter relay — a feat made even more meaningful by their bond.

“We’ve been called ultimate competitors,” said Ari, “but we’re also each other’s biggest supporters. Every race, every practice — we push each other to be better.”

That competitive drive was honed early. Raised in a sports-loving family, the twins learned the value of hard work from their father, a former wrestler. “We always had to do something every season,” said Julie, “and we grew up going head-to-head in everything.”

Julie and Ari Tompkins signing to run track at Cedarville University. Though their high school careers were filled with accolades, the journey wasn’t without challenges. Injuries sidelined them at different times, and the heartbreak of losing a state title by 0.01 seconds tested their resolve. But they credit those moments — and their faith — for shaping their perspective.

“We struggled with the idea that our sport defined us,” said Julie, “but getting second helped us realize that God sees us the same whether we win or lose. That was a powerful lesson.”

Their spiritual growth became a foundation for everything else, especially as they considered where to attend college. Though they initially considered separate paths, the idea of splitting up proved too difficult.

“We’ve done everything together,” said Julie. “Even if we’d gone to different schools, it would’ve felt like something was missing.”

Their decision to come to Cedarville was fueled by assistant track and field coach Max Kittle, the track team and the feeling of home on campus. “On our second visit, we practiced with the team and went to chapel,” said Ari. “It just felt like home.”

Now first-year students and teammates on the Yellow Jackets’ track and field team, the Tompkins sisters are ready for the next level — both in sports and in life. Julie is majoring in exercise science with hopes of becoming a physical therapist for a professional sports team. Ari is studying criminal justice and plans to become a firefighter, EMT or FBI agent.

“Getting Started is a special time for incoming Yellow Jackets,” said Lianna Peters, Getting Started director. “We want new students to be excited to participate in all that Cedarville has to offer.”

Returning student leaders remember the impact of the week vividly.

“I remember the nerves and excitement as I moved 13 hours from home and saw Sting leaders lining the road,” said Eli Nord, another Getting Started director. “That weekend helped me find my footing.”

“Through my first weekend on campus, I was able to settle into my dorm and classes, meet some of my closest friends and get plugged into the community,” said Katey Decker, another Getting Started Director.

Julie and Ari are hopeful for what’s ahead — spiritually, academically,and athletically. Julie’s goals include earning straight As, growing in her faith and helping the track team reach Nationals. Ari is focused on building a strong community, preparing for EMT certification and competing at a high level.

And though their futures may one day lead them in different directions, for now, they’re exactly where they belong: side by side, at the starting line of something new.

Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio’s largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu. 

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Sports

NJCU Women’s Volleyball Reveals 2025 Schedule

By: Contact: Tom Krychkowski; Assistant Athletic Director for Communications & Marketing Story Links JERSEY CITY, N.J. | The New Jersey City University women’s volleyball program has unveiled its 2025 schedule under the guidance of new head coach Britni Jaskot. The Gothic Knights will compete in five tri-matches throughout the season, opening […]

Published

8 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

By: Contact: Tom Krychkowski; Assistant Athletic Director for Communications & Marketing

JERSEY CITY, N.J. | The New Jersey City University women’s volleyball program has unveiled its 2025 schedule under the guidance of new head coach Britni Jaskot. The Gothic Knights will compete in five tri-matches throughout the season, opening the year on the road before debuting at home in early September.

“I’m incredibly excited for the upcoming season,” said head coach Britni Jaskot. “NJCU Women’s Volleyball has a strong foundation with talented returners and three promising incoming freshmen. We are also welcoming three impactful transfers who I believe will make an immediate difference on the court.”

The season begins Friday, August 29 in New York City, as NJCU takes on John Jay and Colby-Sawyer in a tri-match hosted by John Jay College. The Gothic Knights make their 2025 home debut on Wednesday, September 3 at 7:00 p.m. against Pratt Institute at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center.

“While we’ll be a smaller roster this year, the team is full of hardworking, committed athletes who are ready to give everything they’ve got,” said Jaskot. “One of our transfers, Diane Pugay, brings valuable experience from DeSales and will be a strong all-around presence for us. Kai Fitzpatrick adds grit, intelligence, and the kind of energy that lifts a team.”

September’s early home schedule also features matchups against Cairn (Sept. 6) and Wilkes (Sept. 11) before the Gothic Knights hit the road for a tri-match at Penn State Berks with Wilkes on September 13. Additional road contests follow at SUNY Maritime (Sept. 16) and Penn State Harrisburg for a tri-match with Pitt-Greensburg (Sept. 20).

On her experience from playing in the NJAC, Jaskot had this to say. “Transitioning from playing in the NJAC to now coaching in it is truly special. I’m especially looking forward to our matchup against Kean—my alma mater—which will be a full-circle moment for me.”

NJAC play begins Tuesday, September 23 when Rutgers-Newark visits Jersey City.The home stretch continues against St. Elizabeth (Sept. 25) and Alvernia (Sept. 27) before the Gothic Knights travel to Ramapo (Sept. 30). October features key NJAC matchups against Montclair State (Oct. 2, home), Rutgers-Camden (Oct. 14, away), Stockton (Oct. 21, home), William Paterson (Oct. 23, away), and Kean (Oct. 28, away).

The regular season closes with a November push, as NJCU travels to Bard College for a tri-match with Ithaca (Nov. 1) before returning home to host Rowan in the NJAC finale on November 4.

For the latest news, updates, and information on New Jersey City University sports, visit njcugothicknights.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Gothic Knights news by following NJCU Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

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Swimmer Tang Cheng-Yao, 96, wows the crowd at the World Aquatics Masters Championships

SINGAPORE – For nearly five minutes, Taiwanese swimmer Tang Cheng-yao commanded the attention of an entire arena at the World Aquatics Masters Championships. On Aug 10, about 150 competitors, officials, family and friends were on their feet at the WCH Arena, the cheers and applause thunderous as they shouted words of encouragement to the 96-year-old […]

Published

11 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

SINGAPORE – For nearly five minutes, Taiwanese swimmer Tang Cheng-yao commanded the attention of an entire arena at the World Aquatics Masters Championships.

On Aug 10, about 150 competitors, officials, family and friends were on their feet at the WCH Arena, the cheers and applause thunderous as they shouted words of encouragement to the 96-year-old swimmer as she splashed her way to the finish of the 200m freestyle.

Partially blind in her right eye and deaf in her left ear, the nonagenarian was the oldest female competitor at the July 26-Aug 22 championships.

She was the only swimmer in the 50m and 200m freestyle and the 50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke events (95-99 age group), and even set a championship record of 12 minutes 54.04 seconds in the 200m breaststroke on Aug 12.

But records are not what Tang aims for, as being in the pool gives her happiness and keeps the doctor away.

Speaking via a translator, Tang, who was born in Anhui, China, said: “Swimming makes me rarely sick. But my swimming journey has seen countless battles. In my youth, I swam with great energy, but now, at 96, I am slower.

“At such an advanced age, some have already given up… yet here I am, still swimming. But of course, after swimming, it’s either sore here or painful there.”

Back home, Tang, who has two sons and two grandchildren, swims 400m every day, though it takes a long time because “I swim very slowly”.

In the winter, when it gets too cold to swim, she goes on long walks.

She first learnt to swim when she was four, when her parents took her to the seaside in Shandong.

She credits her longevity in the pool to her Christian faith, adding: “I just keep my body and mind well every day. I go to classes at church as a small group, and I live joyfully. My religion comforts me and I don’t burden myself with worries, and that’s why I can focus on what I like to do.”

Even as a century beckons for the 96-year-old, she plans to continue swimming and taking part in masters competitions.

She said: “It all depends on whether God gives me time. If he lets me live, I will swim.”

Tang has enjoyed her time in Singapore, where she had celebrity-like status at the arena with multiple requests for photographs as fellow athletes and officials marvelled at her longevity in the sport.

Tang Cheng-Yao is 96 and is the oldest female participant at the World Aquatics Masters competition in Singapore.

PHOTO: SINGAPORE 2025

The fiercely independent swimmer also shared an anecdote about her arrival in Singapore, when staff at Changi Airport offered her a wheelchair as she disembarked from the plane.

She initially declined, turning to her 74-year-old son to ask why others assumed she needed one.

Tang said: “Reluctantly, I complied but felt embarrassed, and I questioned my age constantly. My son assured me it was just company policy, and he said to me, ‘You can run, you don’t need a wheelchair’.”

The World Aquatics Masters Championships features about 6,000 athletes aged 25 and above from around 100 countries and territories competing in swimming, diving, water polo, artistic swimming, and open water swimming.

The swimming competition ran from Aug 7 to 14, with water polo and diving to be contested from Aug 16 to 22 and Aug 17 to 22 respectively.

Among the participants at the month-long event were others like Tang, who defied their ages by remaining active and competitive.

Japanese swimmer Kazuo Yasuda, the oldest male competitor at 97, is about four months older than Tang.

There was also Margaret Jopling, who at 90 made her overseas debut and swam in the 50m and 800m freestyle, 50m and 100m backstroke and 50m breaststroke.

Australian swimmer Margaret Jopling smiling after completing the 800m freestyle heats at the World Aquatics Masters Championships on Aug 7.

ST PHOTO: BRIAN TEO.

The Australian swims to stay mentally and physically fit, but more than that, she cherishes the friends she has made in the masters community and at her club, Port Macquarie Masters.

“I have always been competitive, and I love being in the water,” said Jopling, who is single.

“My objective in a competition like this is to finish the race and not get disqualified. And yes, it keeps me fit, but I love that it keeps me in with all my friends. I live alone and I look forward to meeting them at swims. In Australia, we have social events, Christmas parties and those sorts.

“I have enjoyed my time in Singapore and I hope to go to more masters events overseas after this.”

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Rock lands seventh in PSAC West preseason poll

Story Links Roster | Schedule | 2024 Statistics LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University volleyball team was slotted seventh in the 2025 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division preseason coaches’ poll, the conference office announced Thursday. Reigning Atlantic Region champions Gannon garnered four first-place votes and was projected […]

Published

16 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Roster | Schedule | 2024 Statistics

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – The Slippery Rock University volleyball team was slotted seventh in the 2025 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division preseason coaches’ poll, the conference office announced Thursday.

Reigning Atlantic Region champions Gannon garnered four first-place votes and was projected to win the PSAC West while defending PSAC Tournament victors Indiana (Pa.) captured three first-place votes in second place. The remainder of the Western Division poll saw Clarion claim third followed by Seton Hill, Pitt-Johnstown, Edinboro, The Rock and California (Pa.).

Shepherd was situated first in the PSAC East with four first-place votes while East Stroudsburg and Shippensburg tallied two first-place nods apiece in second and third place, respectively. The remainder of the Eastern Division prognostication saw Bloomsburg in fourth followed by Millersville, West Chester, Lock Haven and Kutztown.

Slippery Rock has been on the brink of achieving its first winning record since 2014 in each of the last three seasons after finishing 12-14 in 2024, 14-15 in 2023 and 14-16 in 2022.

While SRU will be tasked with replacing three-time All-PSAC West outside hitter Erica Selfridge and the program’s career digs leader Kate Lachendro-Biery as well as key contributors Chelsie Wheeler and Aslyn Pry there is still plenty of reason to be optimistic as The Rock brings back 10 athletes that appeared in at least 14 matches a year ago to go with a promising incoming recruiting class.

A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP

First-year head coach Dylan Lasher was chosen as the next leader of the Slippery Rock volleyball program on March 28, 2025. Lasher is the 13th head coach in SRU varsity volleyball history.

Lasher comes to Slippery Rock after most recently serving as the head coach of both the women’s and men’s volleyball teams at Thiel College. He has also been a head coach at both Chatham and Millikin. Overall, he has 10 seasons of collegiate head coach experience (women’s + men’s).

Lasher’s coaching resume includes being named the Presidents’ Athletic Conference Coach of the Year on two occasions – in 2017 as the women’s coach at Chatham and in 2025 as the men’s coach at Thiel.

The Ford City, Pennsylvania native served five seasons as the head men’s volleyball coach at Thiel and added the role of head women’s coach prior to the 2024 fall season. He inherited a women’s program that went 3-22 in 2023 and immediately made it a contender in his first full season with the squad by guiding the Tomcats to a 17-9 record in 2024.

The 14-win improvement from 2023 to 2024 was the second-best year-to-year improvement among all 419 NCAA Division III women’s volleyball programs that fall.

Lasher rounded out his coaching staff over the summer with the addition of assistant Raquel McDonald. A familiar face to Lasher, McDonald comes to The Rock after spending two successful seasons at Thiel where she assisted in all facets of the men’s and women’s volleyball programs.

RETURNING SENIORS

The Rock’s 2025 senior class features three all-conference caliber athletes in middle blocker Lauren VonderHaar, outside hitter Callie Chevalier and setter Jaeden Yost. Veterans of a combined 227 collegiate matches, all three have been mainstays in SRU’s lineup since stepping foot on campus in 2022.

VonderHaar has firmly established herself as one of the top middle blockers in the Atlantic Region over the last two years. One of three athletes to start all 26 matches a season ago, VonderHaar recorded 122 blocks (41 solo / 81 assisted) defensively in addition to 111 kills via a .221 attack percentage on offense. She closed 2024 ranked 22nd in the nation, and fourth in the PSAC, in blocks per sets (1.26).

Yost has served as Slippery Rock’s lead setter in each of the last three seasons. Along with VonderHaar and the now-graduated Selfridge, Yost was one of three Rock athletes to start every match a season ago. In addition to delivering 550 assists (5.67 per set), Yost also compiled a team-high 40 aces and ranked third in digs with 218 (2.25 per set).

Chevalier has displayed the ability to take over a match on any given night as evidenced by her 28 career double-digit kill performances. Last season, Chevalier went for 210 kills in 22 matches (79 sets) on a .177 attack percentage to go with 42 blocks.

The trio are all ranked among the program’s all-time best in a vareity of statistical categories. Yost opens her senior year slotted ninth in program history in career assists (1,705) and 17th in aces (113) while VonderHaar is 10th in total blocks (258) and Chevalier being positioned 25th in kills (645).

Rounding out The Rock’s senior class is libero / defensive specialist Arielle Walter who has played in 15 matches through the first three years of her career.

RETURNING JUNIORS

After seeing limited playing time as rookies in 2023 the junior trio of opposite / outside Hitter Kaitlyn Danszczak, defensive specialist / setter Brooke Farrah and middle blocker / opposite Victoria Nalbach all saw a serious uptick in playing time a season ago.

Danszczak started 14 matches while making 22 appearances en route to finishing the season with 104 kills and 24 blocks. Nalbach added 20 blocks in 18 matches and Farrah split time as The Rock’s second setter with 159 assists and nine aces in 19 contests.

RETURNING SOPHOMORES

Six of The Rock’s eight-athlete freshmen class from 2024 will return for their sophomore seasons.

Outside Hitter / defensive specialist / libero Marley Annis, libero Kara Pasquale, setter Paityn Krause and defensive specialist / outside hitter Gwen McCarthy all saw playing time as rookies.

As a freshman, Pasquale appeared in 24 of The Rock’s 26 matches while leading all Rock rookies in sets played (89). She concluded the year ranked third on the team overall in aces (26) and fourth in digs (169 / 1.90).

Krause split time as Slippery Rock’s second setter during her rookie campaign on the way to recording 234 assists (3.97), 115 digs (1.95) and 11 aces across 20 matches.

As outsides a season ago, opportunities were sparce for Annis and McCarthy behind the veteran quartet of Selfridge, Wheeler, Chevalier and Danszczak. The pair combined to provide SRU with 60 kills, seven aces and 10 blocks with McCarthy making 15 appearances and Annis 14.

After not appearing in a match as rookies, outside hitter Ava Haynes and middle blocker Addison Jones will compete for expanded roles in their second year with the program.

WELCOME TO THE ROCK

The Rock’s 2025 freshman class is made up of nine athletes covering the entire court. The new enrollees come from three states in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Michigan.

2025 SRU Freshman Class

Name-Position-Hometown (in Pennsylvania unless noted)

Hayden Deming – Outside Hitter / Opposite – Mattawan, Michigan

Ash Deniker – Middle Blocker – Greensburg

Alayna Esselink – Middle Blocker – Richmond, Michigan

Abby Kolcum – Setter – Chardon, Ohio

Emry Rumbaugh – Outside Hitter / Opposite – Kittanning

Leah Schreckengost – Libero / Defensive Specialist – Freeport

Cassidy Stancombe – Libero / Defensive Specialist – Johnstown

Sidney Stevenson – Libero – Pittsburgh

Addie Varnish – Setter – Carnegie

THE SCHEDULE

In addition to the always-competitive PSAC West round-robin gauntlet, Slippery Rock will play 13 non-conference matches as part of its 27-match schedule in 2025.

Of its 20 unique opponents, nine closed last season in possession of a winning record with four earning NCAA Tournament bids.

From top to bottom the PSAC West is one of the strongest divisions in the nation. A true “no nights off” league, six of the eight Western Division programs had winning records a year ago with Slippery Rock nearly being the seventh after finishing just two matches under .500.

The bulk of Slippery Rock’s non-conference slate occurs at the start of the year. The Rock officially open the 2025 season with four matches at the Fairmont State Classic (Sept. 5-6) against Elizabeth City State, UVa.-Wise, Palm Beach Atlantic and host Fairmont State.

SRU then moves on to the Hall of Fame City Challenge (Sept. 12-13) where it will face host Malone, Bluefield State, Illinois Springfield and Bloomsburg. The final four-match weekend of the season comes at the D’Youville Tournament (Sept. 19-20) with tilts against Assumption, host D’Youville, Frostburg State and Kutztown on deck.

The Rock’s final non-conference match of the regular season will serve as SRU’s home-opener when Shippensburg visits Morrow Field House 2 p.m. Sept. 27.

Slippery Rock’s PSAC West schedule features home-and-home matches with its seven division foes beginning Sept. 24 at Clarion and running until its Nov. 15 regular-season finale at Edinboro.

If Slippery Rock finishes in the top four of PSAC West standings at the conclusion of the season, The Rock will see their season continue into the PSAC Tournament for the first time since 2008.

2025 PSAC Preseason Coaches’ Poll

First-place votes in parentheses

West Division

1) Gannon (4)

2) IUP (3)

3) Clarion

4) Seton Hill (1)

5) Pitt-Johnstown

6) Edinboro

7) THE ROCK

8) California

East Division

1) Shepherd (4)

2) East Stroudsburg (2)

3) Shippensburg (2)

4) Bloomsburg

5) Millersville

6) West Chester

7) Lock Haven

8) Kutztown

To stay up to date with all that happens at The Rock, follow our official Athletic Communication accounts on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter, @Rock_Athletics), Facebook (RockAthletics) and Instagram (RockAthletics).

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Georgia Southern cross country announces 2025 schedule

Story Links Statesboro — The Georgia Southern cross country program has released its 2025 fall schedule, which includes several key road trips for the Eagles. The season will open on Aug. 29, when the Eagles travel to Spartanburg, South Carolina, to compete at Milliken Research Park. Following the season opener, Georgia Southern will […]

Published

26 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Statesboro — The Georgia Southern cross country program has released its 2025 fall schedule, which includes several key road trips for the Eagles.

The season will open on Aug. 29, when the Eagles travel to Spartanburg, South Carolina, to compete at Milliken Research Park.

Following the season opener, Georgia Southern will head to Tallahassee, Florida, for a meet at Apalachee Regional Park on Sept. 12, hosted by Florida State University.

On Sept. 26, the Eagles will stay closer to home with a meet in Milledgeville, Georgia, before traveling to Hardeeville, South Carolina, on Oct. 11.

The final regular-season meet is scheduled for Oct. 18, when the team returns to Milliken Research Park for one last tune-up before the conference championship.

Oct. 31 marks the start of postseason action with the Sun Belt Championship in Foley, Alabama. Last season, the Eagles finished 12th at the Graham Creek Nature Preserve.

Should any Georgia Southern individual or team qualify during regionals, they will proceed to the NCAA Championships on Nov. 22 in Columbia, Missouri.

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Volleyball Set To Host Teal-Black Scrimmage

Story Links CONWAY, S.C. –— The Coastal Carolina volleyball team will host its annual Teal and Black scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 3 p.m. inside the HTC Center. Like all regular-season home matches, Saturday’s match is free and open to the public. Doors will open 60 minutes before the event. […]

Published

28 minutes ago

August 14, 2025

Your Sports Nation

CONWAY, S.C. –— The Coastal Carolina volleyball team will host its annual Teal and Black scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 16, at 3 p.m. inside the HTC Center.

Like all regular-season home matches, Saturday’s match is free and open to the public. Doors will open 60 minutes before the event.

The intrasquad scrimmage will provide Chanticleer fans with their first look at the 2025 squad, which features eight newcomers under third-year head coach Steve Loeswick.

Coastal returns seven letterwinners from last year’s squad, which finished 13-17 overall and 7-9 in Sun Belt games, led by first-team all-conference selection Jalyn Stout.

The Chanticleers’ 2025 schedule includes nine matches against teams that competed in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, with home dates against North Carolina and South Carolina during the season’s first week.

Coastal opens the season with an exhibition match at College of Charleston on Friday, Aug. 22, at 7 p.m.

The regular season officially begins the following week as the Chanticleers host Maryland on Friday, Aug. 29, marking the first time since 2021 the CCU will start the season at home.

For complete coverage of CCU volleyball, follow the Chants on social media @CoastalVBall (Twitter/Instagram), facebook.com/CCUChanticleers (Facebook), @GoCCUSports (Instagram), or visit the official home of Coastal Carolina Athletics at goccusports.com.

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