Sports
In Liberia's version of baseball, there are no bats and no men

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By MONIKA PRONCZUK
MONROVIA, Liberia (AP) — It was a perfect pitch. The ball sped straight across home plate, where it was met with an equally powerful kick. Perryline Jimmie sprinted toward first base after her kick as her teammates erupted in cheers on the sidelines.
Jimmie, 23, is a professional player of kickball, a close cousin of baseball that is beloved by women in Liberia and played all over the country from schoolyards to public squares and dirt fields. Since its introduction in the 1960s, it has become the nation’s second-most popular sport after soccer.
Kickball in Liberia has the rules of baseball but there are no bats, and players kick a soccer ball instead of the larger, lightweight ball used for the game in other places.
There also are no men.
“In Liberia, (kickball) is our tradition,” said Jimmie, who noted many girls start playing kickball from an early age. “This is why you see women playing kickball in Liberia.”
In 1964, Peace Corps volunteer Cherry Jackson noticed that, unlike boys, the students at the all-girls school where she taught in Monrovia, the capital, didn’t play any sports, according to Emmanuel Whea, president of Liberia’s National Kickball League.
Jackson, an American, tried to teach the girls baseball but quickly realized they were much better at hitting the ball with their feet. That was the start of what became a custom for girls in the country of about 5.6 million people.
“When you’re a girl growing up in Liberia, you will play kickball,” Whea said.
Kickball is played in other parts of the world, including in the United States, where it is a common elementary school game for girls and boys. But only in Liberia is there a women-only professional league.
The National Kickball League was created in 1994 to bring people together as Liberia was reeling from a civil war.
The league was set up “to bring the ladies together and use them (as part of) the reconciliation process of Liberia,” Whea said. “We had just left the civil war, and everybody had just scattered … So kickball was one of those sports used to bring Liberians together so they could have the time to hear the peace messages.”
Whea has big plans for the league, including expanding it to men and introducing the game to other African countries. However, his mission has been complicated by a lack of resources, especially in a region where women’s sports often are underfunded.
Saydah A. Yarbah, a 29-year-old mother of two, admits it is hard to make ends meet on her athlete’s salary despite playing kickball for 10 years. Her earnings are “not even near” what male athletes earn, she said.
In Liberia, many sports, including soccer, are male-dominated. Despite kickball being a sport played by women, the league is led by men from the coaches to the referees and league officials.
The league encourages women but they really don’t want to be coaches, Whea said.
“Their husbands might have a problem with them working full time (and) for some, their relationship will not allow it,” he said
Yarbah plans to change that narrative by becoming a coach when she retires, allowing her to share her passion for the sport with others, including her two sons, she said.
“They are not going to play kickball for now,” she said. “But probably in the future, they are going to introduce kickball to men.”
For the moment, kickball remains a women’s game. Men sometimes come during their practice, Yarbah said, but they do not stand a chance.
“They don’t know the techniques of the game,” she said. “So we always win.”
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Sports
Bentley draws #6 seed in NCAA Quarterfinals
WALTHAM, Mass. – Shortly after winning its third consecutive NCAA DII East Regional Championship, the Bentley volleyball team was named the #6 seed for the NCAA Quarterfinals at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The Falcons take on #3 Point Loma Thursday, Dec. 11, at 12 p.m. (EST).
Bentley returns to the site of the 2024 NCAA Quarterfinals, where the Falcons made volleyball history. Bentley became the first #8 seed to beat the #1 seed when it outlasted Ferris State in five sets.
Bentley is the only program to reach the NCAA Quarterfinals in each of the past three seasons.
A preview of Bentley’s 2025 NCAA Quarterfinals appearance will be published later this week.
Sports
Rams place second in 2A state volleyball tourney | Local Sports
Sports
Women’s Lacrosse Brings On 12 New Faces for 2026-27 Academic Year
RIVERDALE, NY – Manhattan Women’s Lacrosse Head Coach Jenna Dingler has announced 12 additions to the Jaspers program ahead of the 2026-27 academic year, on Monday afternoon. These names include Mary Kate Cappiello, Gianna Cirelli, Gianna Felicetti, Maddie Francis, Gwen Gyurovits, Molly McCann, Maggie Piatt, Kennedy Poser, Ellie Scardina, Gabrielle Sohngen, Morgan Rodoff, and Capri Valentino.
Mary Kate Capiello – Midfield – Drexel Hill, PA
Prior to College: Four years of varsity lacrosse at Bonner Prendie Catholic High School … Stands at 92 goals and over 100 career assists … Four Time All-Catholic Selection … Played basketball, field hockey, track, and soccer as well at the varsity level … Team Captain for both basketball and lacrosse … Four years of student council.
Why Cappiello Chose Manhattan: “I chose Manhattan for the welcoming community and the way it felt like home right when I got to campus. I love both the coaches and atmosphere here.”
Dingler Quote: “Mary Kate is a versatile, athletic midfielder who brings a competitive edge and toughness to the midfield.”
Gianna Cirelli – Midfield – Mahopac, NY
Prior to College: Played three years of varsity lacrosse at Mahopac High School … Tallied 87 goals, 101 ground balls, 27 assists, and 63 draw controls in her ongoing career … Also been a varsity cheerleader, track runner, and tennis player … All-Section and All-League selections … Honor Roll first three years of high school.
Why Cirelli Chose Manhattan: “I chose to go to Manhattan University to play Division I women’s lacrosse because I love the beautiful campus and the supportive community it offers. Manhattan offers amazing opportunities to student-athletes, such as amazing training facilities and coaching to strong acadmemic support. This helps me balance both my academics and sports. Their psychology program is known to be amazing which will challenge and inspire me to grow both on and off the field. Manhatttan felt like the perfect place to call home while being able to pursue my passion for lacrosse and getting a great education, along with making lifelong friends.”
Dingler Quote: “Gianna is a small, but mighty attacker out of Mahopac High. She will bring speed, skill, and a high-level of playmaking ability to the offensive end.”
Gianna Felicetti – Attack – Lindenhurst, NY
Prior to College: Two seasons of varsity lacrosse at Kellenberg Memorial High School … Accumulated 70 draw controls, 25 goals, and 20 assists … Honor Roll student … Played at the club level for Long Island Top Guns.
Why Felicetti Chose Manhattan: “I love the atmosphere, coaches, campus, and location.”
Dingler Quote: “Gianna will bring size, power, and versatility to both the offense and the draw circle.”
Maddie Francis – Attack – Simsbury, CT
Prior to College: Four years of varsity lacrosse from Simsbury High School … Netted over 100 career points … CIAC Class L State Champions in the spring of 2025 with Simsbury … First Team All-State and CCC All-Conference past two seasons … High Honor Roll and AP Scholar.
Why Francis Chose Manhattan: “I chose Manhattan because I loved the lacrosse program and absolutely fell in love with the campus! I love having all the opportunities that Manhattan offers me!”
Dingler Quote: “Maddie will come in as a creative attacker, bringing quickness, vision, and playmaking ability to our offense.”
Gwen Gyurovits – Attack – Voorheesville, NY
Prior to College: Five years of varsity lacrosse at Voorheesville High School … Accumulated 130 goals and 96 assists for a total of 226 points … Three-Time First-Team Colonial Council All-Star … Times Union Athlete of the Week … Also played two years of varsity soccer.
Why Gyurovits Chose Manhattan: “I chose Manhattan because the coaches along with the players on the team had great energy and made me feel very welcome when I first met them. The campus and its location was appealing. Along with the campus, I loved the city environment around it.”
Dingler Quote: “Coming in as a dynamic draw specialist and midfielder, Gwen adds strength, skill, and fierce competitiveness to our unit.”
Molly McCann – Goalkeeper – Hatboro, PA
Prior to College: Played varsity lacrosse at Upper Moreland High School … Recorded over 100 career saves in her first season as goalkeeper … Breakout Player of the Year (2024) … Member of National Honors Society … Top 9% of graduating class.
Why McCann Chose Manhattan: “I chose Manhattan University because overall it was such a great fit for me. The campus is beautiful in a perfect location, a good mixture of the neighborhood of Riverdale and a 35 minute subway to Times Square and just over 90 minutes from my home. Manhattan was filled with such friendly people walking on campus, professors, coaches, and teammates. Manhattan is very well known for their engineering program which I want to pursue in college, as they just got a new building for engineering! Being a part of a great conference like the MAAC, I’m looking forward to my upcoming years at Manhattan!”
Dingler Quote: “As a lifelong lacrosse player, Molly brings energy, competitiveness, and a steady presence between the pipes. She will be ready to make an immediate impact.”
Maggie Piatt – Attack – Indianapolis, IN
Prior to College: Four years of varsity lacrosse at Bishop Chatard High School … Led the state in assists, led team for last three seasons in both goals and assists … All-Conference and All-Area selection … Honorable Mention All-State … National Honors Society member and Honor Roll selection.
Why Piatt Chose Manhattan: “I chose Manhattan for the diversity, as well as a new experience away from home.”
Dingler Quote: “Maggie brings size, power, and versatility to the offense and draw circle.”
Kennedy Poser – Midfield – Monmouth Beach, NJ
Prior to College: Two years of varsity lacrosse at Ranney School … Tacked on 76 goals, 74 ground balls, 14 assists, 128 draw controls, and 33 forced turnovers … Shore conference Leader in goals scored and draw controls (2025) … First-Team Independence Division (2025).
Why Poser Chose Manhattan: “I chose Manhattan because I wanted to both be in the city and play lacrosse.”
Dingler Quote: “Coming in as a skilled, competitive midfielder, Kennedy brings speed, talent, and a strong work ethic.”
Ellie Scardina – Defense – Farmingdale, NY
Prior to College: Played varsity lacrosse at both Farmingdale and Saint Dominic High School in Oyster Bay … Two-time All-League … Accumulated 31 caused turnovers, 22 goals, and 16 assists … Varsity starter since freshman season … Two-time scholar athlete.
Why Scardina Chose Manhattan: “I chose Manhattan because I love the atmosphere and the welcoming I got when I first stepped onto campus, it felt like home.”
Dingler Quote: “Coming in as a tough and talented defender, Ellie brings grit, discipline, and a lockdown presence to the defense.”
Gabrielle Sohngen – Defense – Port Jefferson Station, NY
Prior to College: Four years of varsity lacrosse at Comsewogue High School … Anchored the defense for her team in that time … Unsung Hero Award and Warrior Award … Also plays varsity field hockey … National Honors Society member.
Why Sohngen Chose Manhattan: “I chose to attend Manhattan University because of the atmosphere and people. The team dynamic is amazing and it felt like home to me. The teammates, coaches, and staff all made me feel so welcomed. I love that the classes are smaller which enables me to get more individualized instruction and enforces a better learning environment.”
Dingler Quote: “Being a hardworking defender, Gabrielle adds toughness, determination, and a team-first approach.”
Morgan Rodoff – Defense – Lansdale, PA
Prior to College: Four years of varsity lacrosse at North Penn High School … All-League Suburban One … Honor Roll selection.
Why Rodoff Chose Manhattan: “I chose Manhattan for the location, the academics, and the super welcoming team and coaching staff.”
Dingler Quote: “Steady and strong, Morgan brings good energy, a relentless work ethic, and a commanding defensive presence.”
Capri Valentino – Attack – Allentown, NJ
Prior to College: Four years of varsity lacrosse and team captain at Notre Dame High School in Lawrence, NJ … Career statistics include 137 goals, 121 assists for a total of 258 points, along with 50 ground balls, 16 draw controls, and three forced turnovers … All-Trentonian Attacker of the Year … All-CVC First-Team … Honor Roll selection.
Why Valentino Chose Manhattan: “I chose Manhattan because I loved the coaching staff, and I’ve been going to NYC since I was little and I cannot wait to live there. I’m super excited to be a part of the lacrosse program, it seemed like a family and I can’t wait to take part in the team bonding.”
Dingler Quote: “A highly decorated attacker, Capri brings creativity, precision, and a pure scorer’s mindset. Her vision of the attack will add a ton of value to our offensive unit.”
Follow Manhattan Women’s Lacrosse on X (@ManhattanWLax) and Instagram (@ManhattanWLacrosse_).
Sports
Vixen Volleyball Serves Up Comeback Season • Sweet Briar College
Starting in August, Williams Gym welcomed back the sound of balls bouncing, sneakers squeaking, and the scoreboard buzzing as Vixen volleyball returned to Sweet Briar.
Previously active from 1979-2010, the volleyball program saw success on the court with three student-athletes named to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) All-Conference Team in 1995, 2001, and 2002. In spring 2025, Vixen Athletics announced the return of the program, giving new life to volleyball at Sweet Briar. To lead that charge, AJ Escobar was tapped to serve as head coach.
Starting a new program involves facing numerous challenges, chief among them recruiting a team and preparing for competition. In lieu of taking a year to plan and recruit, Escobar jumped right in to start a season of independent competition. This year’s roster was composed of 12 student-athletes, including returning students, incoming first years, and transfers. Escobar, accompanied by Gracyn Wright ’28, came to Sweet Briar from St. Andrews University following the announcement of the university’s closure.
“From the moment he arrived on campus, Coach Escobar has shown exactly the kind of vision, energy, and resilience we were looking for to bring volleyball back to Sweet Briar,” said Director of Athletics Donna Meyer Hodgert ’89. “He has faced every obstacle head-on—from a roster of largely inexperienced athletes to jumping straight into NCAA competition without a recruiting year—and he’s done it with unwavering positivity. Coach Escobar’s determination, and belief in our student-athletes have already reenergized our program and laid a foundation for the future of Sweet Briar volleyball.”
When looking at the current student body to fill out the team’s roster, Escobar sought out athletes that understand Sweet Briar and know what it means to be a Vixen.
“Many on the team were already a part of the College. They know how the school runs, they know what’s expected, and they know how to be a part of Sweet Briar,” Escobar said. “That was my biggest thing when I was holding tryouts in August, finding athletes that fit those criteria. We also benefited from students who brought true athleticism to the team.”
Among those who joined the team as a returning student was Clara Delattre ’25, a senior leader on campus who brought a lot of assistance to Escobar and the team. The comeback season featured a full schedule of 21 games, offering the Vixens many opportunities to strengthen their skills and build the foundation of the program.
“Rebuilding the volleyball team has been an incredible experience,” said Rachael Hunt ’29. “I met an amazing group of girls, forged strong bonds that I’ve never found anywhere else, and my athletic capabilities were explored in ways that have been unique to this team.”
“In three years, I’d love to be established in the ODAC as a fierce team, having a consistent and competitive atmosphere,” he said. “The support from Donna Hodgert, Brian Hensley, Nicole Schimmenti, our athletic trainers, and everyone in Athletics, as well as President Hutson, throughout a chaotic start was absolutely amazing and fantastic. I’m very appreciative of them. They do their jobs very well. Thank you.”
Sports
Introducing Vandal Volleyball’s Fall Signees, Gabby Marshall & Zola Zuccolo
MOSCOW, Idaho – As they prepare for the upcoming season, Idaho Volleyball continues to strengthen the foundation of the program’s culture. The additions of incoming freshmen Gabby Marshall and Zola Zuccolo reflect the commitment head coach Romana Redondo Kriskova and her staff have made to bringing in athletes who elevate the standard through both mindset and character.
Coming off of a season with a team composed mostly of athletes in their first tear in black and gold, Idaho finished with one of the more successful campaigns since the program’s most recent conference championship appearance in 2018. For a program on a rise unseen in recent years, Marshall and Zuccolo are the next pieces to pursue Idaho’s return to the postseason.
MEET GABBY
An incoming freshman middle blocker from Hershey, Pa, Marshall is one of two newcomers joining the Vandals’ 2026 roster. She spent four years competing with Fusion Volleyball Club and was a three-year starter at Hershey High School, where she established herself as a dominant presence at the net on both offense and defense.
The 6’2″ middle brings tremendous length to the net, posting an 8’2″ standing reach and a 10-foot flat approach jump. Her size, paired with strong timing and anticipation, allows her to consistently shut down opponents’ attacks, disrupt offensive rhythm, and anchor the defense.
Marshall is also engaged in service, volunteering with Special Olympics and initiatives supporting students with developmental delays or additional needs. Academically, she plans to major in Biology and pursue a Bachelor of Science degree.
“I’ve always loved the quote “hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard,'” said Marshall. “What drew me to Idaho was just how different it was from all the other colleges I had offers from. The team and the coaches were exactly what I was looking for. I’m so excited to be a Vandal that it still feels a little weird saying it.”
MEET ZOLA
Coming to Idaho from Beaverton, Oregon, Zuccolo brings strong club and high-school experience, adding depth to the setter position. She was a two-year varsity starter at Jesuit High School, helping lead the program to the 6A State Championship and an undefeated 12–0 league record. After her senior season, she earned OSAA First Team All-State honors. Zuccolo also competed with Athena Volleyball Academy, where she played on the 18 Gold National Team.
Zuccolo had an outstanding high school career, capped by an even stronger senior season at Jesuit. As the Crusaders’ setter, she recorded 567 assists, ranking among the top five totals in the state of Oregon. She also added 143 digs, 44 service aces, and 22 total blocks. Her offensive impact and all-around consistency position her well to make a strong transition at the collegiate level.
FOLLOW THE VANDALS
To stay up to date with Vandal Volleyball, follow the team on Instagram (vandalvolleyball), X (IdahoVolleyball) and visit govandals.com
Sports
No. 12 BYU to face No. 22 Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl – BYU Athletics – Official Athletics Website
PROVO, Utah — No. 12 BYU has accepted an invitation to play No. 22 Georgia Tech in the Pop-Tarts Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, on Saturday, Dec. 27. The game is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast nationally on ABC.
The Cougars (11-2) and Yellow Jackets (9-3) are being featured in the 36th edition of the annual bowl game played in Florida that first began in Miami as the Blockbuster Bowl in 1990. This year’s game will be the third year under Pop-Tarts’ title partnership and the 25th played at Orlando’s Camping World Stadium.
This is BYU’s 42nd bowl invitation which ranks No. 24 all-time among FBS teams. Georgia Tech is playing in its 48th bowl game, ranking No. 15.
Series History
This will be the fifth meeting between BYU and Georgia Tech in a series that started in 2002. The Cougars own a 3-1 advantage to date, with a 2-0 record in Provo and 1-1 mark in Atlanta. This will be the first bowl matchup and neutral site game between the two schools. The last meeting was 38-20 BYU win at LaVell Edwards Stadium in 2013. Georgia Tech won the first game in Atlanta by a 28-19 score.
Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech achieved a 9-3 record, including victories over then No. 12 Clemson and eventual ACC Champion Duke, to earn a No. 22 final CFP ranking on Sunday. Like BYU, the Yellow Jackets started the year with an 8-0 record to earn a top-10 ranking in the major national polls. Tech is coming off a hard-fought 16-9 defeat against now SEC champion No. 3 Georgia in Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Georgia Tech and BYU played one common opponent during the 2025 season. The Yellow Jackets opened the year with a 27-20 victory over Colorado of the Big 12 in Boulder. The Cougars also visited Boulder this year, opening Big 12 Conference play on the road against the Buffaloes with a 24-21 come-from-behind victory.
The Yellow Jackets boast an offense that ranks No. 12 in the nation, producing 466.3 yards per game with a balanced attack. Tech is ranked No. 19 in rushing offense at 203 yards on the ground on average and No. 29 in passing offense at 263.3 yards per game.
BYU Cougars
Led by 2025 Big 12 Coach of the year Kalani Sitake, BYU achieved its fourth double-digit victory season in the past six years and was one of just 10 FBS teams to finish the 2025 regular season with 11 or more victories. The Cougars reached the 11-win mark for the second consecutive season and for the fourth time under Sitake among a total of 14 overall 11-victory campaigns in the history of the program.
The Cougars have tied for the best conference record in back-to-back seasons and this year finished as the league runner-up after falling for the second time this year to No. 4 Texas Tech on Saturday in the Big 12 Championship game. Sitake has led the Cougars to 22-4 over the past two seasons, the sixth-best record in all of the FBS with a an .846 win percentage.
BYU’s strong complementary football features the No. 19 scoring defense at 19.0 points per game and No. 34 scoring offense with 31.9 points per game. The Cougars were also among the best red zone teams on both sides of the ball, with the defense allowing scores just 72.92 percent of the time to rank No. 9 nationally and the offense scoring at a 92.45 percent clip inside the 20 for No. 10.
Ticket Info
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