Sports
Braves Minor League Recap

(21-21) Charlotte Knights 7, (18-24) Gwinnett Stripers 1
- Ronald Acuña Jr., RF: 2-for-3, 2B, .667/.667/1.000
- Carlos Rodríguez, LF: 2-for-2, 2BB, .301/.340/.366
- Nathan Wiles, SP: 5IP 6H 3ER 2BB 1K, 2.23 ERA
The Knights came into Gwinnett and left with a win thanks to some late inning power by the Charlotte Offense. Nathan Wiles pitched well, surrendering three earned runs over five innings of work but even that was too much as the Stripers offense was held to one run and seven hits thanks to some rough work with runners in scoring position (1-for-9).
The Stripers struck first scoring in the bottom of the first thanks to an Eddys Leonard single that scored Jarred Kelenic. The game remained 1-0 until the fifth inning when a barrage of two out hits, along with a throwing error by Ronald, amounted to three runs for the Knights. Domingo Gonzalez would come in and pitch two scoreless innings to maintain the deficit at 3-1 heading into the eighth. That’s when disaster struck as Enoli Paredes surrendered another four runs, all with two outs, to extend the Knights lead to 7-1.
The rehabbing Ronald Acuña Jr. went 2-for-3 with a single and a double and while he did have a throwing error that led to a run, he also had an outfield assist as he threw out a runner at second base.
(16-18) Columbus Clingstones 4, (16-18) Knoxville Smokies 1
- Ethan Workinger, DH: 0-for-4, BB, .260/.339/.587
- David McCabe, 3B: 1-for-5, RBI, R, .270/.411/.410
- Ian Mejia, SP: 7IP 3H 0R 2BB 5K, 0.98 ERA
Yet another brilliant start by Ian Mejia in what is becoming an absolutely amazing stretch of games for the pitcher. This time, Ian navigated across seven innings of scoreless baseball, and hasn’t given up a run, let along earned run, since April 12th. He had virtually no room for error as the Clingstones offense struggled against almost everyone the Smokies threw out at them.
The Clingstones were able to bring in a run in the top of the second when Kevin Kilpatrick singled in Geraldo Quintero with two outs. Following Ian Mejia was the newly promoted Austin Smith (1IP 1H 0R 1BB 1K – 0.00 ERA) who came in and continued his impressive stretch of play – picking up his first hold in Double-A. After giving up two earned runs in his first appearance, Austin has surrendered one run across 1 run over his last 11 appearances.
With the Clingstones clinging to a 1-0 lead they turned to Ellison Joseph who unfortunately blew the save following a 1 out sacrifice fly. After exchanging zeroes in the 10th frame, the Clingstones broke out for three runs including a David McCabe double, to take a 4-1 lead heading into the bottom of the 11th. Rolddy Muñoz gave up one hit but closed the door on the Smokies, giving Columbus the victory.
(20-16) Rome Emperors 4, (25-11) Greensboro Grasshoppers 5
- Lisandro Espizona, SS: 1-for-5, HR, RBI, R, .250/.289/.457
- Titus Dumitru, LF: 2-for-4, HR, RBI, 2R, .277/.340/.400
- Will Verdung, 1B: 3-for-4, .291/.367/.345
- Dylan Shockley, C: 2-for-4, HR, RBI, R, .286/.286/.429
- Herick Hernandez, SP: 5.2IP 5H 5ER 2BB 6K, 6.67 ERA
The game started off with a blast as Titus Dumitru connected on his second homer of the season in the first inning of the game giving the Emperors a 1-0 lead. That lead did not last long as Herick Hernandez season long struggles continued as he gave up a two-out two run homer to give up the lead. The exchanging of runs would continue as Dylan Shockley and Lizandro Espiznoa connected on a pair of solo homers in the top of the second to give the Emperors the lead right back. They would then add on a run in the top of the next inning with a no out single by Will Verdung would score Titus Dumitru who was on first to take a 4-2 lead.
That lead, however, would quickly evaporate as Herick Hernandez would give up a two out double that would score a run to close the gap to 4-3. He would then give up a pair of homers in the fifth innings to give the Grasshoppers the ultimate 5-4 lead in the fifth inning. Despite the four runs scored, the Emperors went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position, strike out 9 times, and walk just one time. Outside of the long balls by Titus, Lizandro, and Dylan nobody else on the team was able to get a hit, let alone score a run.
(18-17) Augusta GreenJackets 4, (20-16) Columbia Fireflies 1
- John Gil, SS: 1-for-3, 2R, SB, .242/.333/.317
- Owen Carey, CF: 2-for-4, 2 RBI, .290/.371/.411
- Eric Hartman, 2B: 1-for-4, RBI, .215/.345/.380
- Isaiah Drake, LF: 1-for-3, R, 2B, .261/.341/.369
- Jeremy Reyes, SP: 4.2IP 5H 1ER 3BB 7K, 2.61 ERA
It was a fantastic day on the mound for the GreenJackets as Jeremy Reyes and Jacob Kroeger would be the only two pitchers needed – with Jacob covering the final 4.1 innings and giving up just one hit while striking out six. Reyes, making his second start following his return from the IL showed improved life on his fastball sitting between 93-98 with added movement. While it wasn’t his best start, as he did give up three walks, it was nice to see him throw the ball 79 times and maintain his velocity pretty well. After giving up a run in the first he would lock it down for his final 3.2 innings of work and lead with a 2-1 lead.
Those two runs were scored in the third inning when Owen Carey would hit a two run single that would score Mac Guscette and John Gil. They would then tack on another run in sixth inning when Eric Hartman doubled in John Gil to extend the Augusta lead to 3-1.
Thanks to Jacob Kroeger’s excellent work on the mound replacing Reyes, the 3-1 lead stuck until the 9th inning when Augusta would add on another run to push the lead to 4-1 which was more than enough for Jacob.
(4-4) FCL Braves 2, (3-5) FCL Orioles 5
- Jose Perdomo, SS: 4-for-4, 2B, .333/.385/.394
- Dalton McIntyre, CF: 1-for-2, BB, SB, .207/.343/.207
- Rudit Pena, SP: 3IP 8H 6ER 4BB 3K, 12.79 ERA
- Jose Devers, 2B: 0-for-0, 4BB, 2R, .500/.857/.500
A few notable performances out of complex ball as top positional prospect Jose Perdomo went 4-for-4 with a double. The rehabbing Jose Devers went 0-for-0 across four plate appearances and drew a walk in each one – moving his OBP up to .857 while in Florida. After surrendering six earned runs across the first three innings Wilmer Guerra, and Jeiki Beltran would pitch a combined three scoreless innings in a game that ended after seven innings.
Sports
Aggie Volleyball Signs Gianna Bogan Ahead of 2026 Season
DAVIS, Calif. — As UC Davis volleyball prepares for their first season in the Mountain West Conference, head coach Dan Conners has signed his first recruit for the new season, with Gianna Bogan joining the Aggies in the 2026 winter quarter.
“We are very excited about Gianna joining the program. She has excellent ball control skills and a fast arm.” Said Coach Conners.
“Most importantly, she embodies the cultural characteristics that fit Aggie Volleyball with a hardworking, resilient, and team-first attitude. We anticipate that Gianna will take advantage of the opportunity to have an immediate impact.”
A 6’0 outside hitter for Rocklin High School, Bogan had a decorated career for the Thunder, collecting over 1,000 career kills during her junior season while being named a First-Team All-Sierra Foothill League player as a sophomore, junior, and senior.
As a senior, Bogan also served as the on-court leader for a team that became the first public school in the California San Joaquin Section to make a run at the CIF volleyball open state final, the high school state championship of volleyball. She was also given the “Pursuing Victory With Honor” award at the competition, which recognizes student-athletes for exceptional sportsmanship, ethics, and character.
Her 326 kills also led Bogan to be named to the Optimist All-Star Game, an annual Sacramento area charity event, where she was named MVP of the volleyball competition.
By joining the team in January, Bogan will have the opportunity to practice with the Aggies ahead of the rest of the 2026 signing class, which will be announced in the spring.
ABOUT UC DAVIS ATHLETICS:
UC Davis, the No. 2 ranked public university by the Wall Street Journal, is home to 40,000 undergraduate students and 12,000 employees. Ranked #1 in Agriculture and Forestry as well as #1 in Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis is located in a true California college town nestled between world-class destinations such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley and Lake Tahoe. Over 650 Aggie student-athletes compete in 25 Division I varsity sports, with 16 sports transitioning to the Mountain West Conference beginning in 2026–27.
For more information, visit https://ucdavisaggies.com/.
Sports
Kentucky volleyball game time today, Wisconsin vs UK Final 4 channel
Updated Dec. 18, 2025, 1:07 p.m. ET
KANSAS CITY, MO — Top-seeded Kentucky volleyball plays No. 3 Wisconsin tonight at the T-Mobile Center in the Final Four of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament.
UK is riding a 26-match win streak into the national semifinal. As pressure to remain perfect and advance to the NCAA Championship mounts, the Wildcats are employing little reminders to stay loose and poised.
“We recently, in the last few games, have drawn smiley faces on our hands or somewhere where we can see it to remind us to play with joy,” outside hitter Eva Hudson said Wednesday. “Some of the best times in volleyball and when we’re really playing well is when we’re all playing with joy and bouncing off one another.”
“You just kind of have to go back to it’s just a game. The next day will come no matter what happens,” outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye said. “… We’re out there to have fun and play with one another and just carry those memories throughout our life.”
Both Hudson and DeLeye earned First Team All-American honors from the American Volleyball Coaches Association Wednesday. Starting libero Molly Tuozzo was named to the third team, while setter Kassie O’Brien made the second team and was named National Freshman of the Year.
Here’s everything you need to know to keep up with the match from home:
No. 1 Kentucky vs. No. 3 Wisconsin will be broadcast live on ESPN. The match will start about 30 minutes after the first national semifinal between No. 1 Pitt and No. 3 Texas A&M concludes. That match is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Both matches will be played at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.
Authenticated subscribers can access ESPN via TV-connected devices or by going to WatchESPN.com or the WatchESPN app.
Those without cable can access ESPN via streaming services, with Fubo offering a free trial.
Buy Kentucky volleyball tickets here
Read about how UK volleyball coach Craig Skinner’s people-first approach had vaulted the program to sustained national relevance here.
The Wildcats are known for their bench choreography. Read how UK’s sideline antics have helped lead it to the NCAA Volleyball Tournament national semifinal here.

Kentucky and Wisconsin volleyball did not play this season, so today’s match will be their first meeting of the year.
Today’s national semifinal will be the third meeting between UK and Wisconsin. The Wildcats are 0-2 against the Badgers, having played in Madison in 2021 and in Lexington in 2022.
UK volleyball won the 2020 NCAA Tournament, which was played in April 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Wildcats have played in 27 NCAA Tournaments, including this one (1983, 1987-88, 1990, 1992-93, 2005-2025). Twenty-one of those appearances came under Skinner.
UK has made 15 NCAA Regional Semifinals and now two Final Fours. The program has one national championship from the 2020-21 season.

If UK beats Wisconsin tonight, the Wildcats will play the winner of No. 1 Pitt vs. No. 3 Texas A&M in the NCAA Championship Sunday. Here’s a look at the tournament schedule:
- Semifinals: Dec. 18 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri
- Championship: Dec. 21 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri
Click here to view the complete bracket.
- Aug. 23: Kentucky 4, Ohio State 0 (exhibition)
- Aug. 30: Kentucky 3, Lipscomb 0
- Aug. 31: Nebraska 3, Kentucky 2
- Sept. 5: Kentucky 3, Penn State 0
- Sept. 6: Kentucky 3, New Hampshire 0
- Sept. 10: Pitt 3, Kentucky 0
- Sept. 13: Kentucky 3, SMU 1
- Sept. 14: Kentucky 3, Houston 0
- Sept. 18: Kentucky 3, Louisville 2
- Sept. 20: Kentucky 3, Washington 0
- Sept. 24: Kentucky 3, South Carolina 0
- Sept. 26: Kentucky 3, Georgia 0
- Oct. 3: Kentucky 3, Ole Miss 0
- Oct. 8: Kentucky 3, Texas A&M 1
- Oct. 12: Kentucky 3, LSU 0
- Oct, 15: Kentucky 3, Auburn 0
- Oct. 19: Kentucky 3, Florida 2
- Oct. 24: Kentucky 3, Mississippi State 1
- Oct. 26: Kentucky 3, Alabama 0
- Oct. 31: Kentucky 3, Vanderbilt 0
- Nov. 2: Kentucky 3, Texas 0
- Nov. 6: Kentucky 3, Missouri 1
- Nov. 9: Kentucky 3, Tennessee 1
- Nov. 14: Kentucky 3, Oklahoma 2
- Nov. 16: Kentucky 3, Arkansas 0
- Nov. 23: Kentucky 3, Auburn 0 (SEC Tournament Quarterfinals)
- Nov. 24: Kentucky 3, Tennessee 1 (SEC Tournament Semifinals)
- Nov. 25: Kentucky 3, Texas 2 (SEC Tournament Final)
- Dec. 4: Kentucky 3, Wofford 0 (NCAA Tournament First Round)
- Dec. 5: Kentucky 3, UCLA 1 (NCAA Tournament Second Round)
- Dec. 11: Kentucky 3, Cal Poly 0 (NCAA Tournament Regional Round)
- Dec. 13: Kentucky 3, Creighton 0 (NCAA Tournament Regional Final)
- Dec. 18: Kentucky vs. Wisconsin (NCAA Tournament National Semifinal)
Click here to see who the Badgers have faced this season.
Kentucky’s 2025 and 2020-21 teams were both crowned SEC champions.
The 2020-21 team went 24-1, dropping one conference match to Florida (3-2) and never losing on its home court.
The 2025 team is 29-2, riding a 26-match win streak dating back to September and encompassing the whole SEC slate as well as every match at Historic Memorial Coliseum.
The Wildcats have won nine consecutive conference titles, which is a Power Four conference volleyball record.
Kentucky volleyball takes a 26-match win streak into the Final Four after going perfect in SEC play and at Historic Memorial Coliseum this season.
Craig Skinner’s contract with Kentucky volleyball runs through June 30, 2029. His base salary is as follows:
- July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023: $450,000
- July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024: $475,000
- July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025: $525,000
- July 1, 2025-June 30, 2026: $525,000
- July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027: $525,000
- July 1, 2027-June 30, 2028: $525,000
- July 1, 2028-June 30, 2029: $525,000
Skinner also receives $5,000 per contract year (payable on July 31 and Jan. 31) for “media and endorsement” obligations.
His incentive-based bonuses are not cumulative and include:
- $50,000 for a Final Four berth;
- $75,000 for an NCAA Championship
Yes, UK is spending its 2025-26 revenue-sharing budget on the following sports: football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, baseball, softball and volleyball. The athletics department declined to provide a sport-by-sport spending breakdown when asked by The Courier Journal earlier this year.
Other schools that confirmed to The Courier Journal that they’re spending revenue-sharing dollars on volleyball are:
- Louisville
- Nebraska
- Ohio State
- Minnesota
- Creighton
- BYU
- TCU
- Texas A&M
Hudson and DeLeye are Kentucky’s star outside hitters. DeLeye is a junior and was named the Lexington Regional’s Most Outstanding Player.
Hudson transferred to Kentucky from Purdue for her senior season. She was named to the Lexington Regional All-Tournament Team. Hudson was also awarded SEC Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.
Both players have been critical for UK’s success all season. They proved especially clutch during the Elite Eight match, combining for 32 of the team’s 47 kills.
- Trinity Ward (DS/Libero, Fr., 5-foot-7)
- Ava Sarafa (Setter, R-So., 6 foot)
- Jordyn Dailey (Middle Blocker/Right Side, R-So., 6-foot-2)
- Kassie O’Brien (Setter, Fr., 6-foot-1)
- Eva Hudson (Outside Hitter, Sr., 6-foot-1)
- Brooke Bultema (Middle Blocker, R-So., 6-foot-3)
- Georgia Watson (Outside Hitter, Fr., 6-foot-3)
- Kennedy Washington (Middle Blocker, So., 6 foot)
- Molly Berezowitz (DS/Libero, Jr., 5-foot-5)
- Molly Tuozzo (DS/Libero, Jr., 5-foot-7)
- Hannah Benjamin (Outside Hitter, R-Fr., 6-foot-1)
- Lizzie Carr (Middle Blocker/Right Side, R-Jr., 6-foot-6)
- Brooklyn DeLeye (Outside Hitter, Jr., 6-foot-2)
- Asia Thigpen (Outside Hitter, So., 5-foot-11)
Click here to see who plays for the Badgers.
Reach college sports enterprise reporter Payton Titus at ptitus@gannett.com and follow her on X @petitus25. Subscribe to her “Full-court Press” newsletter here for a behind-the-scenes look at how college sports’ biggest stories are impacting Louisville and Kentucky athletics.
Sports
Johansson Earns Big Ten Weekly Honors – University of Nebraska
Sports
21 NJAC Women’s Volleyball Players Earn Academic All-District Recognition
PITMAN, NJ — The New Jersey Athletic Conference had 21 student-athletes named to the 2025 Academic All-District® Women’s Volleyball Teams for NCAA Division III, as announced by the College Sports Communicators (CSC).
The Academic All-District® honor recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances on the field and in the classroom. Honorees were considered for advancement to the CSC Academic All-America® ballot, with finalists denoted by an asterisk. First-, second- and third-team Academic All-America® honorees will be announced January 13, 2026.
The 21 NJAC honorees are listed below by institution:
Aubre Adams, Kean
Annabelle Valencia, Kean
Bryn Bautista, Montclair State
Sofia DiProfio, Montclair State
Camryn Muuss, Montclair State
Lily Thomas, Montclair State
Katie Bishop, Ramapo
Ava Best, Rowan
Gabriella Cooper, Rowan
Hutton Cordrey, Rowan
Vanessa Hutchinson, Rowan
Shayla Moody-Santos, Rutgers-Newark
Jaedyn Simba-Malasarte, Rutgers-Newark
Kristen Burton, Stockton
Kate Louer*, Stockton
Lauren Sommer, Stockton
Rileigh Wilson, Stockton
Kristian Glenn, William Paterson
Laura Gruener, William Paterson
Abby Houpt, William Paterson
Cecilia Miller, William Paterson
Sports
Four Eagles Named To CSC Academic All-District Volleyball Team
GREENWOOD, Ind. – North Carolina Central student-athletes Neira Joldic, Loren Johnson, Makenzi Searcy and Manuela Cripa Nasser earned spots on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Division I Volleyball Team this week.
The CSC Academic All-District honor recognized student-athletes who were at least a sophomore academically and athletically, posted at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point average and played in at least 90 percent or started in at least 66 percent of the team’s games in the 2025 season. Liberos qualified as starters for nominating purposes.
The CSC Academic All-America® program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions — NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III and NAIA.
Sports
Three Monarchs Named to Academic All-District Volleyball Team
NORFOLK, Va. – The 2025-26 Academic All-District Women’s Volleyball teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, were announced earlier this week with Kate Kilpatrick, Adrienne Peji, and Elisa Maggi all earning the distinction.
The Academic All-District teams recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances both on the court and in the classroom. The CSC Academic All-America program separately recognizes honorees in four divisions – NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II, NCAA Division III, and NAIA.
To be eligible for the honor, student-athletes must earn at least a 3.5 grade point average, compete in 90% of their team’s matches, or start in at least 66% of the team’s matches. Liberos, although not counted in stats as starters, were counted as such for nominating purposes. Nominees must also have completed one full calendar year at their institution and be at least a sophomore both academically and athletically.
Click here to view this year’s Academic All-District teams.
This marks the second time Kilpatrick and Magi have earned Academic All-District honors and it is the first time for Peji.
Kilpatrick appeared in 25 matches for the Monarchs this season, all at libero, and led the team with 28 service aces and 353 digs (3.84 per set). Her other season totals included 102 assists, 28 points, and a 93.6 serve receive percentage. The Raleigh, North Carolina native reached double-digit digs 21 times, to include a season high 23 digs versus Georgia State on Oct. 18. The junior became the first Monarch in program history to eclipse 1,000 career digs.
Peji played in all 27 matches for ODU, starting eight, and led the team in sets played with 99. Her junior season saw her tally 196 digs (1.98 per set), 26 assists, 17 aces, one kill, and 18 points. The defensive specialist from Virginia Beach had 10 double-digit dig performances, including a new career high of 16 digs at Coastal Carolina on Oct. 4.
Maggi started all 27 matches, played in 98 sets, and finished the regular season ranked fourth in the Sun Belt in both total attacks (1,006) and attacks per set (10.27). She led the Monarchs with 357.5 points and 315 kills (3.21 per set), was second on the team with 220 digs (2.25 per set), and was third with 21 aces and 39 blocks. The junior from Pavia, Italy turned in four double-doubles and was named to both the UMBC and VCU All-Tournament Teams.
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