Sports

Fordham Athletics Host 91st Annual Block F Awards Dinner

Story Links Gallery: (5-1-2025) 2025 Block Awards Dinner Bronx, N.Y. – As the 2024-2025 season begins to wind down, the Fordham University Athletic Department held its 91st annual Block F Awards Dinner in the Rose Hill Gym on Wednesday night to honor Fordham University’s student-athletes for their accomplishments during the academic […]

Published

2 weeks ago

May 1, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Gallery: (5-1-2025) 2025 Block Awards Dinner

Bronx, N.Y. – As the 2024-2025 season begins to wind down, the Fordham University Athletic Department held its 91st annual Block F Awards Dinner in the Rose Hill Gym on Wednesday night to honor Fordham University’s student-athletes for their accomplishments during the academic year.

Among those honored were water polo’s Jacopo Parrella, who was the recipient of the Vincent T. Lombardi Award as Fordham’s top male student-athlete, women’s cross country/Track & Field’s Katarina Birimac, and women’s swimming’s Ainhoa Martin, co-recipients of the Claire and Jack Hobbs Award as Fordham’s top female student-athlete, and head water polo coach Brian Bacharach, who received the Iron Major Award as Fordham’s Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year.

Charles Guthrie, Jacopo Parrella, and Chris Dietrich — Charles Guthrie, Jacopo Parrella,

and Chris Dietrich

The Vincent T. Lombardi Award is presented to the Male Athlete of the Year for distinguished athletic achievements in the winning tradition of Vince Lombardi. The award honors the memory of one of Fordham’s famed Seven Blocks of Granite, who is considered one of football’s greatest coaches.

Parrella, the MVP of the 2024 Mid-Atlantic Conference Championship, was a major reason for the water polo squad’s success this year as the Rams won their fourth straight league title and finished the regular season undefeated. He was named 2024 Mid-Atlantic Conference All-Championship Team after compiling eight goals, two assists, and six steals in three games at the championship. Parrella finished the season with 48 goals and 42 assists for 90 points as the Rams advanced to the semifinals of the NCAA Championship. But more than his numbers, Parrella was the heart and soul of the team for the last four years. He moved position to allow the Rams to field their strongest team, and was responsible for guarding the other team’s top perimeter players.

Charles Guthrie, Katarina Birimac, and Chris Dietrich — Charles Guthrie, Katarina Birimac,

and Chris Dietrich

The Claire & Jack Hobbs Memorial Award is presented to the Female Athlete of the Year who has achieved outstanding athletic accomplishments. The award is named in honor of the late Claire and Jack Hobbs. Jack was a 1938 graduate of Fordham College and a 1941 graduate of Fordham Law, and he and his wife were avid Fordham followers.

Birimac, who earned All-Atlantic 10 honors in both cross country and indoor track and field, finished second at the 2024 Atlantic 10 Cross Country Championship to earn Second Team All-A-10 honors. It was the highest finish ever for a Ram at the Atlantic 10 Championship and she is only the fourth Fordham woman to earn All-Atlantic 10 honors in cross country. Indoors, Birimac took first in the 5K at the 2025 Atlantic 10 Indoor Championship and paced third in the 3K. She also was the Metropolitan indoor champion in both the 1000m and mile run and was a silver medalist in the mile run at the ECAC Indoor Championship. Academically, Birimac was named Academic All-Atlantic 10 for the indoor season.

Charles Guthrie, Ainhoa Martin, and Chris Dietrich — Charles Guthrie, Ainhoa Martin,

and Chris Dietrich

Martin, who also won the Hobbs Award last year, won two individual titles at the 2025 Atlantic 10 Championship. She took gold in the 400 individual medley for the second straight season in 4:13.40, as well as the 200 breaststroke event in 2:11.55 for First Team All-Atlantic 10 honors. Both winning times were NCAA “B” cut times. Martin also picked up a silver medal and Second Team All-Atlantic 10 accolades in the 200 individual medley, as well as a bronze as a part of the 800 freestyle relay, which set a school record in 7:17.59. Academically, she was named to Academic All-Atlantic 10. Martin closes out her Fordham career tied for the most A-10 titles of any swimmer in the history of Fordham swimming (six) and only the second female swimmer to qualify for NCAA’s.

Charles Guthrie and Brian Bacharach — Charles Guthrie and

Brian Bacharach

Bacharach picks up his second straight Iron Major award as the Fordham Coach of the Year, third overall, after leading the water polo squad to its fourth straight MAWPC conference championship and fourth consecutive NCAA championship appearance. This year he took the team to a new level as the Rams went undefeated in the regular season en route to the championship. Fordham was then awarded a three-seed for the NCAA National Championships where the Rams defeated Long Beach State in the first round, Fordham’s first ever water polo win at the championship. The Rams then fell to USC in overtime in the semifinals to close out the season with a 32-1 record and tied for third in the national rankings.

Following the season, Bacharach was named ACWPC National Coach of the Year

The night opened with a special recognition of former Director of Academic Advising for Student Athletes, Frank Taylor, who was presented with a special Celebration of Service award.

Below is a list of the other award winners:

Patrick Kenneally Award – Alex Usatine (Sr., Men’s Basketball Head Manager): The Patrick Kenneally Award is presented to a Fordham student who serves the Athletic Department in capacities other than athletic participation. The award honors the memory of Pat Kenneally, equipment and business manager for 54 years.

Usatine has been the epitome of Fordham Basketball and Fordham Athletics throughout his four years of service as a student manager, and this year, as head manager. Not only does he support the student-athletes and coaches in every way imaginable, he has also been a phenomenal friend and mentor to countless other managers. During his time with Fordham Basketball, his positive impact has been felt by many. Whether he arrived at the gym at 4:30 a.m. to ensure that practice loops were washed in time for 6:0 a.m. practice, or if the team didn’t get back to campus until 4:00 a.m. after a road game in Chicago, Alex always had a smile on his face and was willing to put others’ needs before his own every single time.

Terence O’Donnell Award (Sportsmanship & Dedication) – Abdou Tsimbila (Gr., Men’s Basketball): The O’Donnell Memorial Award is presented to the Fordham athlete who best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship, loyalty, dedication and self-discipline. The award is in memory of Terry O’Donnell, a 1955 graduate who died in a military plane crash shortly after graduation.

Tsimbila, a four-year member of the men’s basketball program, despite his size, he was always a calming presence for his teammates, even when things weren’t going as planned. Arriving at Fordham in 2021 he immediately became part of the RAMily and was as dedicated to the program as anyone. He fought through adversity and injury, never letting it get him or his teammates down, always being a smiling face for others to turn to. He leaves Fordham with his name in the record book but more importantly with his name associated with an award that sums up what he has meant to the program and university.

Jack Coffey Award – Steve Westerduin (Senior Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Event Management): The Jack Coffey award is presented to a Fordham administrator, alumnus or coach for outstanding contributions and dedication to the athletic program. It is named for the late Jack Coffey, long-time baseball coach and graduate manager of Athletics.

Westerduin, who has been a member of the Fordham Athletic Department since 2014 when he served as an intern, is the backbone of the department. He works tirelessly to make sure all the facilities are in working order for games and practices and his dedication to Fordham on a daily basis for over a decade is second-to-none. Westerduin is constantly putting out fires and making the most of his situation and also adds to the department’s culture and looks for ways to improve the work environment.

Benedict T. Harter Award – Gannon Brady (Sr., Baseball): The Benedict T. Harter award is presented to the Gabelli School of Business senior athlete who has made significant academic and athletic contributions. The award honors Ben Harter, Gabelli School of Business Class of 1939, a former dean of both Fordham’s undergraduate and graduate schools of business, who was an avid follower and supporter of Fordham Athletics.

Brady is a four-year member of the baseball squad. He is a multiple Atlantic 10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll recipient and was also named CSC Academic All-District last spring. This year he has a 1-1 record with one save for the Rams with a team-high 17 appearances.

Kieran Award – Lauryn Sweeney (Sr., Volleyball): The Kieran Award, presented to the Fordham College senior athlete who has made significant academic and athletic contributions. The award honors the memory of John Kieran, Fordham College Class of 1912, and a famous radio broadcaster, sports editor of the New York Times and a member of Baseball’s Hall of Fame.

Sweeney is a four-year member of the volleyball program. She is a double major in International Political Economy and Theology with a concentration in American Catholic studies and is a multi-Atlantic 10 Academic All-Conference selection. She was named team MVP this year and served as a 2024 team captain.

Kiwanis Community Service – Mallory McClellan (Sr., Softball): Fordham Kiwanis is part of a worldwide service organization that is committed to improving the quality of life through volunteer action. The members of Fordham Kiwanis, comprised of university faculty, staff, and administrators, wish to recognize student-athletes who not only excel in academics and in their respective sports, but who are also committed to working in community service activities.

McClellan, a four-year member of the softball program, has served as the campus ambassador for Strong Girls United (SGU) for the past three years, and has been a member of the group the past four years. She has helped Fordham female athletes, specifically the softball team, partner with Public School 55 in the Bronx for the past four years working with third through fifth grade girls with a focus on increasing mental and physical well-being among these students. She has used the SGU material to develop an age and skill appropriate curriculum for these students, and coordinated getting her teammates to and from the school in the fall the past three years. McClellan’s efforts with the group were highlighted on The Today Show.

Ram Rising Award – Amy Mallah (Assistant Equipment Manager): The Rising Star Award recognizes an emerging leader at Fordham Athletics who demonstrates a passion for their work, Fordham Athletics, and the Fordham tradition. The recipient shows promise in their field and is making a large impact on the Fordham community in the short time that they have been a part of the Fordham Athletics staff.

Since joining the equipment room last fall, Mallah has been fantastic in the organization of the team equipment and the ordering gear for next year. Her exceptional dedication and impact in the equipment room has helped to push the Fordham Athletics branding forward and she has ensured the equipment room runs smoothly while demonstrating passion for her work.

Marty Glickman Award – Lou Orlando: Presented to the WFUV student play-by-play announcer who best follows the examples taught by Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Glickman. The award honors the memory of Marty Glickman, who was the broadcast coach at WFUV from 1987-99.

Orlando, a senior, worked his way up the ranks to eventually become the main play-by-play voice of the football and men’s basketball Rams while also serving as the Sports Manager at WFUV. He can also be heard calling Fordham baseball and softball games in the little spare time he has.

National Strength and Conditioning All-American Strength and Conditioning Athletes of the Year – Tommy McAndrews (Baseball), Jessica Zebrowski (Swimming)

Athlete Academic Achievement Awards: (Presented to senior student-athletes who have been selected for outstanding athletic and academic achievement with a 3.5 GPA or better):

Fordham College at Rose Hill

Natalia Alvaraz, Dance

Trey Bradford, Football

Taya Davis, Basketball

Anne DiRago, Cheer

Lauren Donovan, Dance

Molly Ewing, Rowing

Owen Hardy, Soccer

Audrey Hayes, Volleyball

Anna Hinck, Rowing

Amelia Hong, Dance

Aarav Jhunjhunwala, Squash

Taz Kanjanakaset, Swimming & Diving

Jillian Klostermann, Rowing

Emilie Krog, Swimming & Diving

Thomas Lecari, Water Polo

Jaehee Park, Swimming & Diving

Andres Perez, Baseball

Arianna Psareas, Rowing

Kaitlyn Ross, Track & Field

Lauryn Sweeney, Volleyball

Christian Taylor, Swimming & Diving

Madeline Wambach, Swimming & Diving

Emilee Watkins, Softball

Sydney Wells, Softball

Gabelli School of Business

Anya Alfonsetti-Terry, Track & Field

Caitrina Barton, Cross Country/Track & Field

Lorraine Bergmann, Tennis

Michael Biryukov, Swimming & Diving

Gannon Brady, Baseball

Alex Casarella, Baseball

Brian Desmond, Men’s Swimming & Diving

Abigail Doyle, Soccer

Molly Farrell, Swimming & Diving

Will Haslett, Football

Lucas Isaacman, Squash

Mark Katsev, Water Polo

Chris Konefal, Golf

Karina Lacson, Dance

Daniel Langlois, Swimming & Diving

Ainhoa Martin, Swimming & Diving

Leire Martin, Swimming & Diving

Tristan McFarlane, Soccer

Gabriel Melillo, Water Polo

Ryan Meyer, Baseball

Helen Moloney, Cross Country/Track & Field

Jake Mrva, Golf

Brian Nussbaum, Basketball

Jacopo Parrella, Water Polo

Len Ray, Swimming & Diving

Bryan Ruland, Golf

Rodolfo Sanchez, Cross Country/Track & Field

Anthony Scarlata, Baseball

Mya Sharkey, Swimming & Diving

Emma Rose Shaughnessy, Swimming & Diving

Madison Soucey, Soccer

Bennett Van Liew, Squash

Carley Walker, Rowing

Madison Wong, Swimming & Diving

Kevin Zahariev, Swimming & Diving

Team MVPs

Men’s Basketball: Jackie Johnson III

Women’s Basketball: Taylor Donaldson and Irene Murua

Cheerleading: Annie DiRago

Men’s Cross Country: Nathan Bezuneh and Sean Reidy

Women’s Cross Country: Katarina Birimac

Dance: Karina Lacson

Football: Matt Jaworski

Golf: Jake Mrva

Rowing: Eliza Collins

Men’s Soccer: Daniel D’Ippolito

Women’s Soccer: Liina Tervo

Squash: Bennett Van Liew

Men’s Swimming & Diving: Christian Taylor

Women’s Swimming & Diving: Ainhoa Martin

Men’s Tennis: Dhillon Virdee-Oakley

Women’s Tennis: Lorraine Bergmann

Men’s Indoor Track & Field: Njaminaweh Abdul-Latif and Rodolfo Sanchez

Women’s Indoor Track & Field: Katarina Birimac

Volleyball: Lauryn Sweeney

Water Polo: Jacopo Parrella

Note: Baseball, Softball, and Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track will name an MVP at the conclusions of their seasons.

Link

Sports

Francis Howell Central sweeps Francis Howell North to claim district championship

By Joe Harris | Special to the Post-Dispatch ST. PETERS — Francis Howell Central senior Chase Williams couldn’t wait to take the court on Friday. The Spartans setter had plenty of motivation as he and his teammates took on district rival Francis Howell North in the boys volleyball Class 1 District 6 championship match at Fort […]

Published

8 minutes ago

May 17, 2025

Your Sports Nation

By Joe Harris | Special to the Post-Dispatch

ST. PETERS — Francis Howell Central senior Chase Williams couldn’t wait to take the court on Friday.

The Spartans setter had plenty of motivation as he and his teammates took on district rival Francis Howell North in the boys volleyball Class 1 District 6 championship match at Fort Zumwalt East.

“This is probably the most anticipated I’ve ever been for a volleyball game,” Williams said. “I was thinking about it all day. I went into it thinking, you know, if it’s 1-v-6, if it’s me versus them, I’m coming out on top. I’m not losing district finals my senior year.”

Williams was true to his word, running the Howell Central offense to near perfection in a 25-22, 25-12, 25-16 win.

Howell Central (30-3-2), the state runner-up last season, will play Pattonville (11-13-1) in sectionals.

Jason Campbell ripped 16 kills and Gavin Schlatter and Ethyn Durham each had seven for the Spartans. Williams finished with 30 assists, while Braden Harton led a lock-down back row defensive effort.

“We’ve been preparing all week,” Howell Central coach Steve Le said. “We had a good game plan coming in, and they executed pretty well.”

Samuel Fitzsimmons and Joshua Windsor each had nine kills and Luke Hollinger had 23 assists for Howell North (18-8).

“I think mentally clawing our way back so close (in the first set) and then losing it hurts mentally,” Howell North coach Robin Yuede said. “They’re a seasoned team. They’re a great team. If I got to lose to someone, it might as well be them.”

Howell Central won both regular season matches but needed a dramatic reverse sweep to pull out the second meeting. The Spartans saved the drama this time.

After taking the first two sets, Howell Central’s block set the tone early in the third set as the Spartans jumped out to a 5-0 lead. Campbell, Levi Brimm and Durham each had stuffs in the frame.

“I like getting blocks because I don’t get a whole lot of them,” Campbell said. “So, whenever I do, it really turns me up.”

Campbell’s sixth kill of the set brought up championship point and a Knights’ hitting error ended the 68-minute match.

“Our passing was on point today,” Williams said. “Just running the middle just slightly off the net, giving them space to swing away, working in our right side from time to time, and then really working in those back row options … really went well tonight on offense.”

Yuede said the future is bright for the Knights with a strong group returning.

“These guys just love the game, and so they work hard,” Yuede said. “You know, we’re not the tallest, we’re not the strongest, we don’t have, you know, an entire team that plays club ball, but these guys work hard every day.”

Spartans start strong

Kills by Durham and Campbell helped give the Spartans a 21-17 lead in a tightly-played first set. A Williams ace brought up set point and a Schlatter laser clinched the opener for Howell Central.

Campbell and Schlatter each had five kills and Josh Hadden put down three aces for the Spartans in the first set.

“We thought it would be a good game,” Campbell said. “They definitely showed out. But, I mean, we turned up, we played how we play.”

Adkerson is aces

Howell Central took control of the second set with an 11-0 run sparked by Trent Adkerson’s aggressive serves. When he wasn’t putting down his two aces, Adkerson flustered Howell North’s serve receive leading to several hitting errors as the Spartans jumped out to a 15-3 lead.

“He’s got a great deep float serve,” Le said of Adkerson. “He serves way back, so there’s that extra time and the extra movement that you get.”

Campbell put down five kills and a Harton ace helped Howell Central take a 2-0 lead.

Playoff picture

Howell Central will travel to Pattonville in sectionals on Tuesday, May 20. The Pirates, who were the No. 3 seed in District 5, upset top-seeded Ladue in the championship match on Thursday.

The Spartans swept the Pirates on March 29.

“If the kids do what they did today, we should be OK,” Le said. “I mean, they played with great energy, they had great serving, great blocking. I always tell the kids that with blocking, passing and serving, if you win two out of the three, usually you win the game.”

Francis Howell Central def. Francis Howell North 25-22, 25-12, 25-16

05/16/2025 - Boys Volleyball - FH North vs FH Central — Francis Howell Central players celebrate as the ball fall to give them a three set seep and the victory during the District 6 Championship match held on Friday May 16, 2025 at Fort Zumwalt East High School in St. Peters.

Rick Ulreich, Special to Post-Dispatch

Link

Sports

Mira Costa boys volleyball wins CIF-SS Division 1 championship over Huntington Beach

Mira Costa’s team celebrates their victory after the CIF-SS Division 1 boys volleyball championship game between Huntington Beach High and Mira Costa High at Cerritos College Friday May 16, 2025. (Photo by Michael Goulding, Contributing Photographer) Mira Costa’s Grayson Bradford (20) scores over the defense of Huntington Beach’s Colin Choi (10) during the CIF-SS Division […]

Published

26 minutes ago

May 17, 2025

Your Sports Nation

1 of 16

Expand

NORWALK — There were swings of momentum, both good and bad, but in the end, the Mira Costa boys volleyball team faced a sprint to 15 points in the fifth and deciding set of the CIF-Southern Section Division 1 championship match.

“After the fourth set, we said this is a fresh set to 15, as simple as that,” senior Thatcher Fahlbusch said. “We didn’t have to complicate that. We were all clear-minded and this is the result.”

The top-seeded Mustangs (34-3) won that sprint to cap a five-set thriller Friday at Cerritos College against second-seed Huntington Beach to win 25-19, 22-25, 25-19, 29-31, 15-11 and claim their first CIF-SS title since 2021.

“We had such a tough week with the passing of our friend (Loyola’s Braun Levi) and everyone came together and worked so hard,” senior setter Andrew Chapin said. “We did it. We won. We were supposed to win by more, but we did in the end and I’m just happy we were able to win.”

While the team celebrated, coach Greg Snyder took a seat on the bench to relax. It was that sort of match.

Mira Costa, who defeated Huntington Beach in two sets to win the Redondo Tournament back in February, didn’t have much trouble winning the first set. Huntington Beach responded scoring the first seven points of the second set and never relinquishing the lead.

In the third set, it was Mira Costa jumping out early with four consecutive points and never looking back, moving one set away from the championship glory.

Huntington Beach staved off elimination winning a wild fourth set (31-29), that saw Mira Cosa serve four times for championship point.

“I thought we were going the win because of the way we had been playing,” Snyder said. “I knew Huntington was good, but man they definitely showed up to play and gave us everything we could handle and more so. That’s a great team, they played great defense. I think we played pretty well, we could have served better, but other than that we played pretty strong.

“I don’t know what it is about this gym, we don’t like to serve here, but they played exceptional, they deserved to be here.”

Mira Costa probably could have had easier night, but the Mustang missed 21 serves in the match.

“That is disgusting,” Snyder said.

To the Mustangs’ credit, they found what they need in the fifth set. After a side-out battle early, the Mustangs took a 7-5 lead on a kill by Chapin and an attack error by the Oilers. The lead would get to five on a kill by Grayson Bradford to make it 12-7.

Later, Bradford would put the finishing touches on the night with a right-side attack for his 25th kill, clinching the championship.

Mateo Fuerbringer added 17 kills, Fahlbusch and Alex Heins had nine apiece and Wyatt Davis finished with six.

Mira Costa was making its second consecutive appearance. Last year, the Mustangs were swept by Loyola.

“I think for the most part, they handled the pressure,” Snyder said. “I think it did burn the guys from last year. I said it before this match, that I think somehow, the team that loses the final, comes back the next season with a hunger that really can’t be replicated or created in another way. What that means for next year? Maybe that happens for Huntington. Hopefully we’ll be good enough to battle back and get here again and that advantage will be ours again. That’s next season. I’m still worried about regionals and what’s left in front of us.”

Link

Sports

AVP Huntington Beach Open delivers exciting clashes and memorable victories

HUNTINGTON BEACH – The 2025 AVP Huntington Beach Open wrapped up last Sunday, treating beach volleyball fans to a weekend of high-stakes action under the California sun. The tournament, held at the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, has been a staple on the AVP calendar since 2000, and this year’s event carried the added significance of […]

Published

42 minutes ago

May 17, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The men’s championship match featured a commanding performance by top-seeded duo Andy Benesh and Miles Partain. The pair defeated the second-seeded team of Chase Budinger and Miles Evans in straight sets, 21-14, 21-14. Known for their dynamic chemistry, Benesh and Partain controlled the court, demonstrating why they previously clinched the 2023 Huntington Beach title.

For Budinger, a former NBA player, and his partner Miles Evans, the loss highlighted their grit and determination throughout the tournament. They had advanced to the final after a grueling three-set semifinal victory over Billy Allen and Taylor Crabb, 24-26, 21-19, 15-13. This marked another strong showing for Allen and Crabb, with local hero Allen hailing from Fallbrook.

On the women’s side, fans were treated to a thrilling three-set showdown between first-seeded Taryn Brasher and Kristen Nuss, and third-seeded Terese Cannon and Megan Kraft. Brasher and Nuss, who finished third in 2023 and second in 2024, finally secured their first Huntington Beach Open title with a hard-fought 21-17, 21-23, 15-9 victory. The pair’s toughness on the sands solidified their status as one of the top teams to watch heading into the AVP League season.

Taryn Brasher (L) and Kristen Nuss won their first ever AVP Huntington Beach Open title. Valley News/Bryan Malloch photo

Cannon and Kraft, though falling short of the crown, impressed throughout the tournament, particularly in their semifinal victory against the second-seeded team of Melissa Humana-Paredes and Brandie Wilkerson in another intense three-set match, 21-15, 19-21, 15-12.

For Fallbrook native Billy Allen, the Huntington Beach Open was a homecoming of sorts. Partnered with Taylor Crabb, Allen advanced to the semifinals, where they narrowly lost in three sets to eventual finalists Budinger and Evans. Allen, a veteran of the AVP circuit since 2004, has built a storied career that includes tournament wins in Seattle and a successful run as co-host of the podcast “Coach Your Brains Out.”

Allen’s connection to his California roots remains strong, even after relocating to Idaho with his family. The father of one continues to balance his roles as an athlete, coach, and writer, sharing his experiences in books like The Inner Knight.

With the Huntington Beach Open officially in the books, players now shift their focus to the AVP League, set to begin its second season on May 23 in Palm Beach, Florida. Two additional California stops are planned for this summer’s league schedule, including events in San Diego and Los Angeles.

The stakes remain high for athletes vying not only for league glory but also to further establish themselves on the international stage, as many of the weekend’s standout performers are also preparing for the 2024 Olympics.

The 2025 AVP Huntington Beach Open was a weekend packed with talent, thrilling matchups, and electric energy that only beach volleyball can bring. From the dominant performances of champions Benesh and Partain to the dramatic battles on the women’s side, this year’s tournament left an lasting mark on the sands of Huntington Beach.

Send local sports tips and info to sports@reedermedia.com.

Link

Sports

Randall’s Havi Valdez, Layla Romero sign with respective colleges to play volleyball

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Randall volleyball seniors, Havi Valdez and Layla Romero, both signed with their respective colleges on Friday to further both their athletic and academic careers. Valdez signed with Taft College volleyball, while Romero signed with Hesston College volleyball. The girls were on varsity and were both a part of the 2022 state […]

Published

1 hour ago

May 17, 2025

Your Sports Nation

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Randall volleyball seniors, Havi Valdez and Layla Romero, both signed with their respective colleges on Friday to further both their athletic and academic careers.

Valdez signed with Taft College volleyball, while Romero signed with Hesston College volleyball.

The girls were on varsity and were both a part of the 2022 state championship winning volleyball team.

They were also both a part of three consecutive state championship appearances with the Lady Raiders.

Valdez says that she will take lessons learned at Randall to college.

“I think I learned how to be a really good leader…like we faced a lot of [adversity,]” she said. “I just became more of a leader and just was able to grow in different ways.”

Romero says her playing style has drastically improved and she will be able to utilize that at the next level.

“Definitely my serving….I was so terrible at serving until this year,” she said. “It took me a lot to learn how to do certain things and my footwork and all that stuff. The coaches really helped me.”

Taft College ended their season at 27-5 overall, while Hesston College finished with a 7-16 overall.

Link

Sports

Basing Heroic Again, Stanford Advances to Final Four – Stanford Cardinal

WACO, Texas – Max Basing saved six match points and rallied for a tiebreaker win, clinching a 4-3 victory for No. 5 Stanford men’s tennis over No.12 Mississippi State in the NCAA quarterfinals at Hurd Tennis Center. Stanford improves to 26-5 on the season and advances to its first Final Four since 2003. The fourth-seeded […]

Published

1 hour ago

May 17, 2025

Your Sports Nation

WACO, Texas – Max Basing saved six match points and rallied for a tiebreaker win, clinching a 4-3 victory for No. 5 Stanford men’s tennis over No.12 Mississippi State in the NCAA quarterfinals at Hurd Tennis Center. Stanford improves to 26-5 on the season and advances to its first Final Four since 2003.

The fourth-seeded Cardinal, appearing in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2012, led early after doubles with the decisive point coming on court two. After a tight battle went to the Bulldogs on court one, against the top pair nationally, Samir Banerjee and Alex Razeghi earned a 6-4 win on court three. After defending a pair of Mississippi State match points at 5-4, Henry von der Schulenburg and Kyle Kang won via tiebreaker on court two, 7-6 (3).

Godsick made it 2-0, opening singles action with a 6-3, 6-4 victory on court five. The win was his 16th of the year, and he improved to 13-2 in dual action on the season. Winning his 22nd match of the season, von der Schulenburg made it 3-0 Stanford with a straight-set win of his own, 6-4, 7-5. The win was the 15th in a row for von der Schulenburg and his 18th in dual action.

Mississippi State pulled back wins on courts two, six and one, respectively, to tie the match at 3-3, leaving Basing as the lone Cardinal remaining to clinch the match. Basing trailed 5-4 in the third set, and 40-0 in the potentially decisive game, before fighting off four consecutive match points. Basing trailed 40-30 at 6-5, again saving a pair of match points from the Bulldogs to push the match into a third set tiebreaker. Basing took a 5-3 lead midway through and didn’t look back, earning his 19th victory of the season, and 16th in dual play.

The semifinals appearance is the 21st in program history for the Cardinal, which is looking for its 18th NCAA title in program history. The Cardinal improved to 5-0 all-time against the Bulldogs with the win.

Stanford will take on No. 1 Wake Forest in the NCAA semifinals on Saturday, May 17 at 2 p.m. PT (4 p.m. CT). The action will be broadcast on ESPN+.

[4] No. 5 Stanford 4, [12] No. 12 Mississippi State 3

DOUBLES
1. No. 1 Jovanovic/Sanchez Martinez (MSU) d. No. 70 Godsick/Hudson Rivera (STAN), 6-3
2. No. 47 Kang/von der Schulenburg (STAN) d. No. 60 Baroni/Martinez Serrano (MSU), 7-6 (3)
3. No. 48 Banerjee/Razeghi (STAN) d. Milanovic/Novansky (MSU), 6-4
Order of Finish: 1, 3, 2

SINGLES
1. No. 28 Benito Sanchez Martinez (MSU) d. No. 7 Samir Banerjee (STAN), 4-6, 6-4, 6-4
2. No. 67 Petar Jovanovic (MSU) d. Kyle Kang (STAN), 2-6, 6-2, 6-3
3. No. 101 Max Basing (STAN) d. No. 111 Niccolo Baroni (MSU), 3-6, 6-2, 7-6 (5)
4. No. 73 Henry von der Schulenburg (STAN) d. Dusan Milanovic (MSU), 6-4, 7-5
5. Nico Godsick (STAN) d. Bryan Hernandez Cortes (MSU), 6-3, 6-4
6. Mario Martinez Serrano (MSU) d. Alex Razeghi (STAN), 6-4, 2-6, 6-4
Order of Finish: 5, 4, 2, 6, 1, 3

Link

Sports

James F Davenport Obituary – Pasadena (1940-2025)

James F. Davenport, Jr. OBITUARY James Franklin Davenport Jr., born on August 2, 1940, Pasadena, California, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved son of James Franklin Davenport Sr. and Margaret Ives Davenport and brother of Eleanor “Nonie” Travers (deceased). Jeff, as he was affectionately known, derived […]

Published

1 hour ago

May 17, 2025

Your Sports Nation

James F. Davenport, Jr.

OBITUARY

James Franklin Davenport Jr., born on August 2, 1940, Pasadena, California, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved son of James Franklin Davenport Sr. and Margaret Ives Davenport and brother of Eleanor “Nonie” Travers (deceased).

Jeff, as he was affectionately known, derived from the initials of his first and middle names, JF, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He spent most all of his 84 years in Pasadena, attending Polytechnic School, Menlo School, and later the University of Southern California, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and was also a world class swimmer and water polo player.

Jeff went on to enjoy a successful career in finance spanning more than 50 years, working with EF Hutton, Alex. Brown & Sons, Deutsche Bank, Lehman Brothers, Jefferies, and later RBC. He was renowned for his natural charm, his inquisitiveness with everyone he encountered, his profound work ethic, and his unwavering dedication to exceeding his client’s expectations.

Outside of his professional life, Jeff found immense joy in owning thoroughbred horses for decades, with a special fondness for Santa Anita and Del Mar. He was also an avid golfer, runner, and hiker. The Davenport family has been proud members of the Valley Hunt Club in Pasadena for over 65 years. Jeff was the last living Count in the Visart de De Bury et de Bocarme noble line.

Jeff’s passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and the many others whose lives he touched. His infectious smile, positivity, generous spirit, and sharp sense of humor brought out the best in those lucky enough to know him. His unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness was truly unmatched.

Though his physical presence is no longer with us, Jeff’s spirit will continue to inspire and uplift those who loved him. He is survived by his four children and their spouses: Jamie (Susie), Jonathan, Caroline (Bianca), Beau (Briana) and grandsons, Luke, James, Mark, and Hugo.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, private services will be held.

Link