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Justin's Place Named Official Charity of 2025 Defender Kentucky Three

Will Coleman and Off The Record. Photo by Tilly Berendt. Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), has selected Justin’s Place, a therapeutic horse farm in Wilmore, KY, dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and disorders and their families, as the Official Charity of the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™. The event returns to […]

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Justin's Place Named Official Charity of 2025 Defender Kentucky Three

Will Coleman and Off The Record. Photo by Tilly Berendt.

Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), has selected Justin’s Place, a therapeutic horse farm in Wilmore, KY, dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and disorders and their families, as the Official Charity of the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian™. The event returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, April 24-27.

Produced by Equestrian Events, Inc. (EEI), a non-profit, charitable organization that supports the development of equestrian sports by staging sporting events at the highest level, the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event presented by MARS Equestrian features one of only seven annual 5* three-day events in the world. Known as “The Best Weekend All Year,” the event annually attracts nearly 90,000 spectators who also enjoy extensive shopping, a variety of hospitality experiences and a wide array of demonstrations. In addition to the traditional CCI5*-L, the event also features the Cosequin® Lexington 4* and Kentucky International CSI5* presented by Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

The core mission of Justin’s Place is to create a nurturing space where children with disabilities and disorders can connect with horses and experience emotional and physical benefits. Established in memory of Justin King, a compassionate young man who had a deep affection for children with different abilities, the farm provides a serene environment where extraordinary children can find peace and joy through equine-assisted services.

Programs include Barn Buddies, a weekly session for children aged 3-12 that features therapeutic horseback riding, sensory petting zoo interactions and educational games. Another program, Stable Moments, pairs adoptive or foster children with trauma-informed mentors and horses for one-on-one sessions that foster healing and personal growth. The Vaulting Club introduces participants to gymnastics and dance on horseback, improving confidence, body awareness and teamwork. In addition to these structured programs, Justin’s Place offers community programs such as field trips, special education experiences and professional development workshops for educators.

“For decades, EEI has donated to multiple charities that serve our local community and the equestrian industry, and we are thrilled to support Justin’s Place as this year’s Official Charity,” said Molly Day, EEI Executive Director. “They work tirelessly to provide a safe environment for extraordinary children in Central Kentucky to help them experience the joy of horses, and we are proud to support their amazing programs.”

“Justin’s Place is honored to be featured at the 2025 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event!” said Allie Barnett, Executive Director of Justin’s Place. “We look forward to sharing our mission of bringing joy to children in Central Kentucky who need it most through the power of horses.”

More information can be found at https://www.justinsplaceky.com/.

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Saints Track & Field to Wrap Up Regular Season in Missoula Friday Saturday

Men’s Track and Field | 04/25/25 | 2:25 PM Story Links Helena, Mont. – The Carroll College Track and Field team wraps up the regular season at the Montana Open in Missoula, Mont. on Friday April 25 and Saturday April 26.    The Fighting Saints will send a team of over 50 […]

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Men’s Track and Field | 04/25/25 | 2:25 PM

Helena, Mont. – The Carroll College Track and Field team wraps up the regular season at the Montana Open in Missoula, Mont. on Friday April 25 and Saturday April 26. 

 

The Fighting Saints will send a team of over 50 athletes to compete against the University of Montana, Montana State, and multiple other Frontier Conference Schools.

 

Saturday’s meet will serve as the Frontier Conference Championships in the 3000m Steeplechase. Brycen Gardner, Luke Decker, Oliver Morris, Erika Arthur, and Jenna Castro will compete for the Saints. Gardner has already qualified for Nationals in the event, while Morris and Decker each came within 10 seconds of qualifying. Arthur is a senior this year wrapping up a strong career at Carroll.

 

Besides Gardner, Carroll has a large group qualified for the NAIA National Outdoor Championships this season. Carson Krack – last week’s Frontier Conference Decathlon Champion – and Tucker Monaco will both compete in the Decathlon at Nationals. Weston Means (High Jump), Zack Gacnik (10,000m), Joshua Smalley (Pole Vault), Madalen Shipman (800m), Brynn Wandle (Pole Vault), and the Men’s 4x800m Relay are also qualified.

 

The rest of the Saints will also be chasing personal bests and qualifying marks on what is projected to be a great weather weekend in Missoula. In particular, Hunter Gum threw close to the NAIA Standard in the Shot Put again last week, as did Reuben Hornby in the Javelin. Hornby hit the NAIA A Standard last spring. Claire Bucklin’s 400m Hurdle personal record brought her within 2 seconds of the qualification time. 

 

On Friday, field events begin at 1:00 pm Mountain Time with Saints competing in the hammer. Field events begin at 10:30 am Saturday and running events will start at noon.

 

The full schedule for the meet is available HERE

 

Entries and heats are at the following LINK

 

The Saints will return home next week for the Frontier Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships on May 4-5.

 

Follow Carroll Athletics on Twitter and Facebook and Carroll Track & Field/Cross Country on Facebook and Instagram for race and season updates.

 

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California club’s girls 18 team heads to national championships

WHERE THEY’LL REPRESENT THE 831.. TAKING ON THE NATIONS BEST. VO- THE SAND CITY VOLLEYBALL CLUB’S 18 GOLD GIRLS TEAM.. IS HEADING OUT TO SALT LAKE CITY UTAH.. COMPETING IN USA VOLLEYBALL’S GIRLS JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT..IT’S THE TEAM’S FOURTH YEAR HEADING TO THE TOURNAMENT.. BUT THIS YEAR.. WAS A LITTLE DIFFERENT.. SOT VID 0080 […]

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WHERE THEY’LL REPRESENT THE 831.. TAKING ON THE NATIONS BEST. VO- THE SAND CITY VOLLEYBALL CLUB’S 18 GOLD GIRLS TEAM.. IS HEADING OUT TO SALT LAKE CITY UTAH.. COMPETING IN USA VOLLEYBALL’S GIRLS JUNIOR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT..IT’S THE TEAM’S FOURTH YEAR HEADING TO THE TOURNAMENT.. BUT THIS YEAR.. WAS A LITTLE DIFFERENT.. SOT VID 0080 1:03:50-1:04:01 MAYA GIANNINI SENIOR AT PALMA HIGH SCHOOL VO- THE CLUB.. KNOWS A THING OR TWO ABOUT ADVERSITY.. NEEDING TO GRIND OUT A CHAMPIONSHIP BID.. WITHOUT HAVING A FULLY HEALTHY TEAM. SOT VID 0076 52:51- 52:58 NATALIE MENDOZA SENIOR AT SALINAS HIGH SCHOOL BUTT VID 0076 53:45-53:57 JENNIFER RIVERA SENIOR AT SALINAS HIGH SCHOOL VO- A GROUP OF HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS FROM ALL OVER THE CENTRAL COAST.. LOOKING TO PUT A STAMP ON THEIR LAST CLUB VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT.. WITH GOALS OF BRINGING BACK A NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.. SOT VID 0080 1:04:47-1:04:54 BUTT VID 0074 49:54-50:04—- 50:07-50:09 THE TOURNAMENT BEGINS FRIDAY…. ENDING ON SUNDAY.. AND WITH EVERYTHING THEY’VE BEEN THROUGH.. HOPING THEY STAY HEALTHY THIS W

Sand City Volleyball Club’s girls 18 team heads to national championships

The Sand City Volleyball Club’s girls 18 team is heading to Salt Lake City, Utah, to compete in the USA Volleyball’s Girls Junior National Championship Tournament after overcoming a season filled with adversity.”I’m really excited because this team has gone through so much, and we all thought it was going to be the worst season ever, and it turned out to be a really great season,” said Maya Giannini, a senior at Palma High School.The team faced numerous challenges, including not having a fully healthy roster throughout the season.”I don’t think there was a single tournament that there wasn’t someone sick, like the past three tournaments, honestly, there was a lot to deal with,” said Natalie Mendoza, a senior at Salinas High School.”I feel so rewarded to get this because there’s other teams that want the same thing. They want the dream of going to nationals, especially in their last season, it’s your last chance to make it big,” said Jennifer Rivera, also a senior at Salinas High School.The group of high school seniors from across the Central Coast is determined to make their last club volleyball tournament memorable, with hopes of bringing back a national championship.”There’s a lot of girls who aren’t going on to play in college, so leaving out on the court for them because this is their actual last matches,” Laela Burges, a senior at San Luis Obispo High School. “To be able to coach the same players for four or five years in a row is fantastic,c and they just keep proving themselves, each year, year in and year out. Super proud, just a super proud coach,” said Kit Moore, head coach of the Sand City Volleyball Club.The tournament begins Friday and ends on Sunday, with the team hoping to stay healthy and perform their best.See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

The Sand City Volleyball Club’s girls 18 team is heading to Salt Lake City, Utah, to compete in the USA Volleyball’s Girls Junior National Championship Tournament after overcoming a season filled with adversity.

“I’m really excited because this team has gone through so much, and we all thought it was going to be the worst season ever, and it turned out to be a really great season,” said Maya Giannini, a senior at Palma High School.

The team faced numerous challenges, including not having a fully healthy roster throughout the season.

“I don’t think there was a single tournament that there wasn’t someone sick, like the past three tournaments, honestly, there was a lot to deal with,” said Natalie Mendoza, a senior at Salinas High School.

“I feel so rewarded to get this because there’s other teams that want the same thing. They want the dream of going to nationals, especially in their last season, it’s your last chance to make it big,” said Jennifer Rivera, also a senior at Salinas High School.

The group of high school seniors from across the Central Coast is determined to make their last club volleyball tournament memorable, with hopes of bringing back a national championship.

“There’s a lot of girls who aren’t going on to play in college, so leaving out on the court for them because this is their actual last matches,” Laela Burges, a senior at San Luis Obispo High School.

“To be able to coach the same players for four or five years in a row is fantastic,c and they just keep proving themselves, each year, year in and year out. Super proud, just a super proud coach,” said Kit Moore, head coach of the Sand City Volleyball Club.

The tournament begins Friday and ends on Sunday, with the team hoping to stay healthy and perform their best.

See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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Broncos Earn Second Place Finish at WCC Championship

Story Links SANTA MONICA, Calif.– The Santa Clara women’s beach volleyball team picked up three huge victories on Friday, defeating USF 3-0, Saint Mary’s 3-1, and Pepperdine 3-2, advancing to their first WCC Beach Volleyball Championship in program history against #4 LMU at Ocean Park in Santa Monica, Calif. The Broncos […]

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SANTA MONICA, Calif.– The Santa Clara women’s beach volleyball team picked up three huge victories on Friday, defeating USF 3-0, Saint Mary’s 3-1, and Pepperdine 3-2, advancing to their first WCC Beach Volleyball Championship in program history against #4 LMU at Ocean Park in Santa Monica, Calif. The Broncos ultimately came up short against LMU, falling 3-0, but took home a second place finish in their first ever WCC Tournament Championship game, their best conference finish in program history.
 
vs. USF
 
Santa Clara 3, USF, 0
 
The Broncos defeated USF 3-0 in their first match of the day. Sadie Snipes and Sammy Wood defeated the Dons 22-20, 21-18 and Alexandra Urbina/Ciara Cantlen won their matchup at the No. 3 spot 21-10, 21-12. Kawena Chillingworth and Teagan Wilson closed out the victory for the Broncos with a 21-18, 21-14 victory.
 
1. Noelle Niederman/Holland Jackson (SCU) unf. vs. McKenna Towne/Kaydence Stormes (USF) 21-19, 11-19, unf.
2. Sammy Wood/Sadie Snipes (SCU) def. Letizia Aquilino/Branson Lennon (USF) 22-20, 21-18.
3. Ciara Cantlen/Alexandra Urbina (SCU) def. Rylie Reeves/Burkleigh Smith (USF) 21-10, 21-12.
4. Kawena Chillingworth/Teagan Wilson (SCU) def. Lucy Speier/Jacquelyn Strawn (USF) 21-18, 21-14.
5. Callie Loughran/Ava Stoddard (SCU) unf. vs. Francesca Stanschus/Rainie Stevens (USF) 21-23, 15-11, unf.
 
vs. Saint Mary’s
 
Santa Clara 3, Saint Mary’s, 1
 
The Broncos defeated Saint Mary’s 3-1 for their first victory against the Gaels this season. Sammy Wood/Sadie Snipes again gave the Broncos the victory in the No. 2 spot, and Ciara Cantlen/Alexandra Urbina earned a victory at the No. 3 spot. The Broncos fell at the No. 4 spot with Kawena Chillingworth and Teagan Wilson, but secured the dual winning at the No. 5 spot in a three-set thriller  25-23, 13-21, 15-11, taking the dual 3-1.
 
1. Noelle Niederman/Holland Jackson (SCU) unf. vs. Allie Cataldo/Hannah Couch (SMC) 21-17, 18-21, 12-13 (unf.).
2. Sammy Wood/Sadie Snipes (SCU) def. Clarissa Klein/Chloe Swanson (SMC) 21-18, 20-2, 15-11.
3. Ciara Cantlen/Alexandra Urbina (SCU) def. Angelina Bour/Nya Crump (SMC) 21-19, 24-22.
4. Hannah Glick/Sedona Sherman (SMC) def. Kawena Chillingworth/Teagan Wilson (SCU) 21-16, 21-18.
5. Callie Loughran/Ava Stoddard (SCU) def. Grace Travis/Genevieve Bane (SMC) 25-23, 13-21, 15-11.
 
vs. Pepperdine
 
Santa Clara 3, Pepperdine 2
 
In the semifinal matchup against Pepperdine, the Broncos again showed their resilience fighting back against a tough Waves team. Callie Loughran/Ava Stoddard started things off with a quick victory in the No. 5 spot 21-12, 21-8. The Broncos then fell in the No. 2 and No.1 spots to give Pepperdine a 2-1 lead. However, Ciara Cantlen/Alexandra Urbina won in the No. 3 spot to even up the match 2-2, bringing the match to a final winner-take-all match at the No. 4 spot. Kawena Chillingworth/Teagan Wilson took care of business for the Broncos, winning 21-14, 21-18, sending the Broncos to their first ever WCC Championship game in program history.
 
1. Kate Clermont/McKenna Thomas (Pepp) def. Noelle Niederman/Holland Jackson (SCU) 21-16, 21-15.
2. Emma Eden/Ella Foti (Pepp) def. Sammy Wood/Sadie Snipes (SCU) 21-15, 21-14.
3. Ciara Cantlen/Alexandra Urbina (SCU) def. Madison Oriskovich/Bella Avelar (Pepp) 21-16, 21-16.
4. Kawena Chillingworth/Teagan Wilson (SCU) def. Marley Johnson/Emi Erickson (Pepp) 21-14, 21-18.
5. Callie Loughran/Ava Stoddard (SCU) def. Deanie Woodruff/Kenzi McSpadden (Pepp) 21-12, 21-8.
 
vs. #4 LMU
 
Santa Clara 0, #4 LMU 3
 
The Broncos fell to No. 4 LMU 3-0 in the WCC Championship. The Broncos gave the nationally ranked Lions all they could handle, ultimately falling just short. It was an incredibly run for a Broncos team originally picked to finish third place in the WCC Preseason Poll, including a victory over #17 Washington earlier this season and a Pepperdine team receiving votes in the national poll in the WCC tournament.
 
1. Chloe Hooker/Vilhelmiina Prihti (LMU) unf. vs. Holland Jackson/Noelle Niederman (SCU) 21-15, 17-11 (unf.).
2. Michelle Shaffer/Anna Pelloia (LMU) unf. vs. Sammy Wood/Sadie Snipes (SCU) 19-21, 21-14, unf.
3. Abbey Thorup/Lisa Luini (LMU) def. Ciara Cantlen/Alexandra Urbina (SCU) 21-11, 21-13.
4. Isabelle Reffel/Magdalena Rabitsch (LMU) def. Kawena Chillingworth/Teagan Wilson (SCU) 21-7, 21-10.
5. Tanon Rosenthal/Gi Poletti Corrales (LMU) def. Callie Loughran/Ava Stoddard (SCU) 21-13, 21-19.
 

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Bucknell University

PHILADELPHIA, Pa.- Bucknell men’s track & field concluded its expedition to the Penn Relays on Friday with several throwers participating in the discus and shot put.  Results Wade Shomper continued his successful junior season in the shot put with a sixth place finish in the College Shot Put division. His first throw of 16.42m (53-10.50) […]

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PHILADELPHIA, Pa.- Bucknell men’s track & field concluded its expedition to the Penn Relays on Friday with several throwers participating in the discus and shot put. 

Results

Wade Shomper continued his successful junior season in the shot put with a sixth place finish in the College Shot Put division. His first throw of 16.42m (53-10.50) was his longest of the day. His next throw went 16.01m (52-6.50). Shomper fouled on his third attempt but his first mark qualified him for the finals. His next two tosses were in the 53-foot mark. The final throw went foul. 

Braden Stryker finished tenth in the shot put, missing qualifying for the finals by less than a foot. The senior continued to increase his mark with each attempt and his third try went 15.98m (52-5.25). 

Stryker made the finals in the discus, placing ninth. The event started inauspiciously for the senior with his first two throws flying foul. He rallied and his third attempt went 48.71m (159-9), his best mark of the day, and earned him entry into the finals. He fouled twice more until his last fling flew 47.12m (154-7). 

Angelo Regec also competed in the discus. He finished 12nd, missing the finals, with a best toss of 47.91m (157-2), which arrived during his first attempt. He fouled in his last two chances. 

Bucknell men’s track & field complete the day at Bloomsburg’s Maroon & Gold Invite before traveling to tomorrow’s Red Flash Open hosted by Saint Francis. 

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Mackey Arena to host IHSAA boys state volleyball championships

Lafayette area high school plays April 1 to April 19 From stellar snags to grand slams, check out these top Lafayette area high school plays in softball, baseball and boys volleyball between April 1 – 19. WEST LAFAYETTE — Mackey Arena which hosted the 2021 Final Four and IHSAA regional boys basketball tournaments is set […]

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WEST LAFAYETTE — Mackey Arena which hosted the 2021 Final Four and IHSAA regional boys basketball tournaments is set to usher in a new era of boys volleyball in Indiana.

The host gym for Purdue men’s basketball and women’s basketball will be the inaugural site of the first IHSAA boys volleyball state championship, the IHSAA announced on Friday afternoon.

Mackey Arena will host two semifinal matches and the state championship on Saturday, May 31, 2025, wrote IHSAA sports information director Jason Wille in a press release.

The first year of IHSAA boys volleyball has seen 136 programs competing statewide.

Boiler Juniors Boys Volleyball Director Andrew Fuller who has been a lead in growing the sport in the Lafayette area praised the IHSAA’s decision to host the state boys volleyball tournament in Mackey Arena. Mackey Arena holds a seating capacity of 14,876.

“I think the IHSAA putting the state championship at Mackey Arena is a great opportunity spearhead growth as we continue to grow the sport and work with them to provide opportunities for more players,’ Fuller said.

Along with running the boys programs at Boiler Juniors based in West Lafayette, Fuller is also head coach at Carmel.

“I hope plenty of people can come and see this great event,” Fuller said. “It’s been a tremendous venue both for Purdue basketball and for Big Ten Conference sports events. I think it’s a great opportunity to spearhead the growth of boys volleyball.”

Ethan Hanson is the sports reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette. He can be reached at ehanson@jconline.com, on Twitter at EthanAHanson and Instagram at  ethan_a_hanson



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Six WCC Championships In A Row For LMU Beach Volleyball

Story Links SANTA MONICA, Calif. – #4 LMU Beach Volleyball won the West Coast Conference Tournament Championship for the sixth consecutive season and will represent the WCC in the NCAA Tournament Next week in Gulf Shores, Ala., for the fifth consecutive time. The Lions won two duals on Friday, each by […]

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SANTA MONICA, Calif. – #4 LMU Beach Volleyball won the West Coast Conference Tournament Championship for the sixth consecutive season and will represent the WCC in the NCAA Tournament Next week in Gulf Shores, Ala., for the fifth consecutive time.

The Lions won two duals on Friday, each by a score of 3-0, to go a perfect 3-0 in this year’s tournament. The Lions opened the day with a 3-0 win over 2-seed Pepperdine before taking down 4-seed Santa Clara in the Broncos’ first final WCC Championship Finals appearance.

 

Head Coach John Mayer is the first coach in school history to lead the Lions to six consecutive conference championships in any sport.

 

LMU, ranked fourth in the nation, will learn their opening round matchup for the NCAA Championships in this Sunday’s selection show. NCAA.com will air the selection of the 16-team tournament at 10:00 AM.

 

Match 9 – LMU vs. Pepperdine

Official Beach Volleyball Results

#4 LMU vs Pepperdine

04/25/2025 at Santa Monica, CA —

Match Score: #4 LMU 3, Pepperdine 0

 

  1. Chloe Hooker and Vilhelmiina Prihti (LMU) vs. Kate Clermont and McKenna Thomas (PEP): match was unfinished, 21-16, 14-7
  2. Michelle Shaffer and Anna Pelloia (LMU) vs. Emma Eden and Ella Foti (PEP): match was unfinished, 21-17, 14-10
  3. Abbey Thorup and Lisa Luini (LMU) def. Madison Oriskovich and Bella Avelar (PEP): 21-15, 21-13
  4. Isabelle Reffel and Magdalena Rabitsch (LMU) def. Marley Johnson and Emi Erickson (PEP): 21-12, 21-14
  5. Tanon Rosenthal and Giuliana Poletti Corrales (LMU) def. Deanie Woodruff and Kenzi McSpadden (PEP): 21-9,  21-10

 
MATCH NOTES
Order of finish: 3, 4, 5
 
Match 12 – LMU vs. Santa Clara
Official Beach Volleyball Results (Final)
#4 LMU vs Santa Clara
04/25/2025 at Santa Monica, CA —
Match Score: #4 LMU 3, Santa Clara 0
 

  1. Chloe Hooker and Vilhelmiina Prihti (LMU) vs. Holland Jackson and Noelle Niederman (SCU): match was unfinished, 21-12, 17-11
  2. Michelle Shaffer and Anna Pelloia (LMU) vs. Sadie Snipes and Sammy Wood (SCU): match was unfinished, 19-21, 21-14
  3. Abbey Thorup and Lisa Luini (LMU) def. Alexandra Urbina and Ciara Cantlen (SCU): 21-11, 21-13
  4. Isabelle Reffel and Magdalena Rabitsch (LMU) def. Kawena Chillingworth and Teagan Wilson (SCU): 21-7, 21-10
  5. Tanon Rosenthal and Giuliana Poletti Corrales (LMU) def. Callie Loughran and Ava Stoddard (SCU): 21-13,  21-19

 
MATCH NOTES
Order of finish: 3, 4, 5
 
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For complete coverage of Loyola Marymount University athletics, visit LMULions.com. We encourage you to follow along with all the action on social media as well. Follow along by following us on Twitter, liking us on Facebook, and following us on Instagram.
 



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