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Liddard levelling up, British title and Conway in his sights

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Liddard levelling up, British title and Conway in his sights
In the space of 15 weeks, rising middleweight contender George Liddard has headlined a Matchroom NXGN card and been the chief-support act on a bigger bill with very different victories banked as the 23-year-old continues staking his claim for British honours.

While these are milestones he wouldn’t have envisaged happening so soon, it’s testament to the behind-the-scenes work with a dedicated team led by head coach Tony Sims and an unwavering belief that if you’re studious with your craft, those efforts will be rewarded.

After passing a career-best challenge against Derrick Osaze and going the 10-round distance for a first time in January, Liddard bossed proceedings from the off before a 5th-round stoppage of Aaron Sutton to defend his newly-won Commonwealth Silver title.

That matchup was a British title eliminator and having shared the same bill as new champion Kieron Conway (23-3-1, 7 KOs), Matchroom chief Eddie Hearn revealed it was no coincidence post-fight and called their respective bouts two semi-finals. A week shy of two months on from that destructive 5th-round stoppage win, he’s eagerly anticipating news.

“I’ve been getting back into the gym the last few weeks, looking forward to getting a new fight date after a nice couple holidays,” Liddard told The Ring.

“Definitely feeling recharged and ready to go back into camp when we get the call. I’m excited for a very big end to the year. I’m hearing October or maybe late September, but want to start camp this month and be in the best shape. I worked my way up and it’s interesting seeing how the tables turn, now in a completely different spot to two-and-a-half years ago but this is what I’ve worked for.”

Billericay’s Liddard (12-0, 7 KOs) spoke in the build-up about wanting to make history as the country’s youngest-ever middleweight champion, eclipsing Nick Blackwell’s decade-long record when he achieved the feat with a 7th-round finish of John Ryder aged 25 in 2015.

Ryder moved up a division, twice challenging for world honours before calling time on his career last year and now features in the Sims gym as Liddard’s assistant coach. Learning from someone who shared the ring with undisputed super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, Jaime Munguia and WBO interim light heavyweight titlist Callum Smith is invaluable but serves as a reminder: there’s always more that can be done in pursuit of greatness.

“I’ve watched it [the Sutton win] back a few times since, I look for things that other fighters and coaches would view as weaknesses. I’m pleased, it was a mature performance, patient at times but devastating too and I’m glad it wasn’t a one-and-done, got some rounds in there and handled business very well against an opponent with a 19-1 record.

“I learned an awful lot from the Osaze fight, he came to bully me as the younger and less experienced guy, trying to smother and spoil my work but I’m not allowing myself to be bullied. I showed I can box on the back foot, there were mistakes that I could’ve done better with, we worked on them and that made me sharper heading into the Sutton fight. That was a good showcase for me, showing different areas of my arsenal and learning from it too.”

Much like others, he points to learning patience and tempering those aggressive tendencies to suit his fight tempo better as the level of opposition steadily intensifies.

“I’m quite a gung-ho fighter, want to make my mark from the get-go and in previous fights, doing that can affect how I box for the rest of the night. Having done the rounds, I’ve understood the pace I can fight at now and that has helped me outside the ring too.

“Everyone knows I’m pushing for the British title fight next but if we can’t get it over the line, I have to be patient and mature enough to understand it’ll come. I’ll get the job done against whoever is put in-front of me, that’s another step for me maturing as a man, not just a fighter.”

While there will be an anxious wait to see how things unfold over the next ten days or so, given the BBBofC’s monthly circular is set to be released shortly and Conway’s pathway to European honours brews in the background, Liddard can only focus on himself.

If Osaze was the gutcheck he needed to kickstart his year, he was flying on all cylinders and enjoying himself against Sutton to make a durable opponent look rather ordinary.

The Bristol man’s first career loss came via a 10-round split decision against Gerome Warburton during a British title eliminator in February 2024 and 15 months later, both were given their second defeat by men with a point to prove for very different reasons.

“On paper, Aaron had a better record – Osaze had been in against better operators, but had an awkward style that would give a lot of people a hard night’s work. People will say all sorts, I didn’t order it as a British title eliminator but it was and in my eyes, every fight is a step-up. I don’t really pay attention to the outside noise but I’ve put what I’ve learned into practice and will continue doing so.”

Northampton’s Conway isn’t known as a puncher per se but has power behind his solid fundamentals, reeled off three knockouts in his last four appearances and naturally has sights set on returning to world-level contention after 10-round defeats by Souleymane Cissokho and Austin Williams a year apart on Canelo undercards stateside.

Liddard likes the matchup and insists he wouldn’t be so adamant on this being next, if Sims and co weren’t confident he was ready.

“It’s a great fight, hopefully we can headline with it and make for another solid night of British boxing. I’m not one to say that I’d knock him out but genuinely the way I’m feeling and progressing, I don’t see it going any other way. I’m too fast, strong and tough.

“There will be doubters saying it’s a step-up too early but when I destroy him, they’ll say it was too easy a British title fight. I don’t think it’s too early and Tony wouldn’t put me forward for it if he didn’t think I was capable of doing so, let’s get it on.”

The conversation shifts onto gymmate and friend Jimmy Sains (10-0, 9 KOs), who won the Southern Area title an hour before Liddard’s ringwalk. It wasn’t another highlight reel knockout, but a comfortable 10-round decision he should appreciate even more now.

“I’m very pleased for him, winning against a tricky opponent in Gideon who comes to win – Sam Gilley found that out – can be an awkward customer for everyone so it was nice to see a shutout win for Jimmy.

“We train together and are a tight-knit bunch, use each other for sparring a lot, eight of his ten fights have been on the same card as me and we’ve shared a lot of the lights together. Southern Area is a stepping stone towards English title contention next and it’s exciting times for our gym, two middleweight prospects coming through.”

A quick glance on Liddard’s social media channels and you’ll see he wasn’t just recharging his batteries on holiday.

“I had back-to-back all-inclusive holidays, eating plenty as you can imagine, but had a half-marathon booked beforehand and had to get it done. One hour 31 minutes isn’t half-bad for someone who wasn’t in prime shape, I enjoy running. A lot of fighters hate roadwork but it’s calming for the mind, I enjoy doing difficult things.”

He’s the only man not named Mark Jeffers who relishes running quite this much and even indulged in some miles abroad during his 23rd birthday celebrations in Rhodes, Greece then 60 miles away in Bodrum, Turkey.

“I can see why some people don’t enjoy it – can be very hard at times – but it’s all about mind over matter, get mentally stronger and it’s still a part of training, just like putting your wraps on and hitting the bag.”

Now he’s in full flow. Passionately talking about his beloved West Ham’s striker problem and a growing love of exploring different cultures, whether that be city breaks or seeing what the fuss is about in southeast Asia.

Armed with improved shot selection and a contingent of fans willing to follow his journey, he’ll have plenty of time to tick off destinations from a burgeoning bucket list between camps. Now, his foot is on the proverbial accelerator seeking to conquer domestic level and complete the vaunted prospect-to-contender jump in a division needing a youthful refresh.

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Tennessee volleyball vs Utah State, Lady Vols upset in first round

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Updated Dec. 4, 2025, 9:00 p.m. ET





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2025 DI women’s volleyball championship: Bracket, schedule, scores

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The DI women’s volleyball championship is here. The tournament continues Friday, Dec. 5 with both first and second round matches and lasts until the national championship on Sunday, Dec. 21 at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

The full 64-team bracket was announced on Sunday, Nov. 30. Thirty-one conference champions earned automatic bids to the tournament, with the NCAA DI women’s volleyball committee selecting 33 other teams as at-large picks.

Here is everything you need to know about the 2025 women’s volleyball championship.

2025 DI women’s volleyball championship bracket

👉 Click or tap to see the interactive bracket

DI women's volleyball bracket

2025 DI women’s volleyball championship schedule

All times listed in ET

  • First round: Dec. 4-5  
  • Second round: Dec. 5-6
  • Regionals: Dec. 11 and 13 or Dec. 12 and 14
  • Semifinals: Thursday, Dec. 18
  • National championship: 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21 | ABC

  • Selection show: 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 30
  • First round: 
    • ThursdayDec. 4 
      • No. 5 Colorado 3, American 0
      • No. 6 Baylor 3, Arkansas State 2
      • No. 8 UCLA 3, Georgia Tech 2
      • No. 5 Miami (Fla.) 3, Tulsa 1
      • No. 4 Indiana 3, Toledo 0
      • No. 6 UNI 3, Utah 2
      • North Carolina 3, No. 6 UTEP 1
      • Utah State 3, No. 7 Tennessee 2
      • No. 1 Kentucky 3, Wofford 0
      • No. 3 Purdue 3, Wright State 0
      • No. 4 Kansas 3, High Point 0
      • Cal Poly 3, No. 5 BYU 2
      • No. 3 Creighton 3, Northern Colorado 2
      • No. 3 Wisconsin 3, Eastern Illinois 0
      • No. 2 Arizona State 3, Coppin State 0
      • No. 4 USC 3, Princeton 0

DI women’s volleyball championship history

Here is the complete history of DI women’s volleyball champions:

2025 DIII women’s volleyball championship: Bracket, schedule, scores

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 NCAA DIII women’s volleyball tournament.

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5 dark horses in this year’s NCAA volleyball tournament bracket

Here are some teams that could pull off upsets in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament.

READ MORE

Michella Chester’s 2025 NCAA volleyball bracket picks and predictions

The 2025 NCAA women’s volleyball bracket is here. Check out Michella Chester’s regional, semifinal and national champion picks before the tournament kicks off.

READ MORE





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Track & Field Opening Indoor Season with Split-Squad Weekend – Penn State

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UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Penn State track & field is set to begin its indoor slate with a three-meet split-squad weekend. The Nittany Lions will start their week in Philadelphia on Friday, Dec. 5 at the Penn Opener, also competing on Saturday, Dec. 6. On Saturday, there will also be Nittany Lions competing at the Bucknell Opener in Lewisburg, and the Sharon-Colyear Danville Season Opener in Boston on Saturday. Dec. 6.

Penn State is set to begin the 2025-26 indoor season while continuing to build off its success from a season ago. The men’s squad finished 12th in the Big Ten last indoor season while the women finished seventh. The squad returns six All-Americans from last year’s indoor team including 2024 First Team All-Americans Handal Roban and Hayley Kitching.

Head Coach John Gondak enters his 12th season leading the Nittany Lion track & field program. His coaching resume includes 62 First Team All-Americans and 11 Big Ten team titles.

PENN OPENER – Friday-Saturday, December 5-6

Live Results | Watch on Saturday (ESPN+)

Penn State will send seven athletes to compete at the Penn Opener. Maddie Pitts will be the lone competitor on Friday in the pentathlon.

BUCKNELL OPENER – Saturday, December 6

Live Results

The largest group of Nittany Lions will be headed to Lewisburg to compete in the Bucknell Opener. 36 athletes in field events and sprints will be the main competition group for PSU this weekend at Bucknell.

SHARON COLYEAR-DANVILLE SEASON OPENER – Saturday, December 6

Live Results | Watch (FloTrack)

Penn State will be sending 10 athletes to Boston for season opening action. The middle distance/distance group will make up the group competing against some of the top talent in the nation.

FULL 2025-26 INDOOR TRACK & FIELD SCHEDULE

Dec. 5-6 – Penn Opener | Philadelphia, Pa.  

Dec. 6 – Bucknell Opener | Lewisburg, Pa.  

Dec. 6  Sharon Colyear-Danville Season Opener | Boston, Mass.  

Jan. 17 – Nittany Lion Challenge | University Park, Pa.  

Jan. 24 – Penn 10 Team Elite | Philadelphia, Pa.  

Jan. 30-31 – Penn State National Open | University Park, Pa. 

Feb. 7 – Sykes & Sabock Challenge | University Park, Pa.  

Feb. 13-14 – Tyson Invitational | Fayetteville, Ark.

Feb. 13-14 – David Hemery Valentine Invitational | Boston, Mass.  

Feb. 20 – Penn State Tune-Up | University Park, Pa.

Feb. 27-28 – Big Ten Indoor Championships | Indianapolis, Ind.  

Mar. 13-14 – NCAA Indoor Championships | Fayetteville, Ark. 

FOLLOW THE NITTANY LIONS

Follow along with the team on our social media pages on Facebook (PennStateTFXC) and X/Instagram (@pennstatetfxc). Live updates on race day regarding start times and other important notes will be posted on X.



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Women’s Volleyball vs University of Alaska Anchorage on 12/4/2025 – Box Score

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UAA subs: Hansen, Elena; Trotter, Hannah; Byrne, Trinity.



UAA subs: Hansen, Elena; Trotter, Hannah; Byrne, Trinity.






UAF subs: Flynn, Kellan; Smith, Ainsley.



UAF subs: Flynn, Kellan; Smith, Ainsley.




UAF


0-1


[Henderson, Cynphany] Attack error by Henderson, Mikala (block by Beck, Emma; Riba, Martina).



0


Alas. Fairbanks

1

[Henderson, Cynphany] Attack error by Henderson, Mikala (block by Beck, Emma; Riba, Martina).






UAA subs: Hansen, Elena.



UAA subs: Hansen, Elena.




UAA


1-1


[Hansen, Elena] Kill by Henderson, Mikala (from Henderson, Cynphany).



[Hansen, Elena] Kill by Henderson, Mikala (from Henderson, Cynphany).

1


Alas. Anchorage

1






UAF subs: Flynn, Kellan.



UAF subs: Flynn, Kellan.




UAF


2-1


[Flynn, Kellan] Kill by Guc, Elena (from Henderson, Cynphany).



[Flynn, Kellan] Kill by Guc, Elena (from Henderson, Cynphany).

2


Alas. Anchorage

1




UAF


3-1


[Flynn, Kellan] Attack error by Ivakina, Lee (block by Engelauf, Presley; Guc, Elena).



[Flynn, Kellan] Attack error by Ivakina, Lee (block by Engelauf, Presley; Guc, Elena).

3


Alas. Anchorage

1




UAF


3-2


[Flynn, Kellan] Kill by Burney, Bella (from Malikova, Johana).



3


Alas. Fairbanks

2

[Flynn, Kellan] Kill by Burney, Bella (from Malikova, Johana).






UAA subs: Trotter, Hannah; Byrne, Trinity.



UAA subs: Trotter, Hannah; Byrne, Trinity.




UAA


4-2


[Trotter, Hannah] Kill by Lyons, Haylee (from Henderson, Cynphany).



[Trotter, Hannah] Kill by Lyons, Haylee (from Henderson, Cynphany).

4


Alas. Anchorage

2




UAF


5-2


[Onaga, Tessa] Kill by Lyons, Haylee (from Byrne, Trinity).



[Onaga, Tessa] Kill by Lyons, Haylee (from Byrne, Trinity).

5


Alas. Anchorage

2




UAF


6-2


[Onaga, Tessa] Attack error by Byrne, Trinity (from Galloway, Madison).



[Onaga, Tessa] Attack error by Byrne, Trinity (from Galloway, Madison).

6


Alas. Anchorage

2




UAF


6-3


[Onaga, Tessa] Kill by Byrne, Trinity (from Trotter, Hannah).



6


Alas. Fairbanks

3

[Onaga, Tessa] Kill by Byrne, Trinity (from Trotter, Hannah).




UAA


6-4


[Ivakina, Lee] Attack error by Guc, Elena (from Henderson, Cynphany).



6


Alas. Fairbanks

4

[Ivakina, Lee] Attack error by Guc, Elena (from Henderson, Cynphany).




UAA


7-4


[Ivakina, Lee] Kill by Guc, Elena (from Henderson, Cynphany), block error by Burney, Bella.



[Ivakina, Lee] Kill by Guc, Elena (from Henderson, Cynphany), block error by Burney, Bella.

7


Alas. Anchorage

4






UAF subs: Smith, Ainsley.



UAF subs: Smith, Ainsley.




UAF


8-4


[Smith, Ainsley] Kill by Henderson, Cynphany (from Onaga, Tessa).



[Smith, Ainsley] Kill by Henderson, Cynphany (from Onaga, Tessa).

8


Alas. Anchorage

4




UAF


8-5


[Smith, Ainsley] Kill by Byrne, Trinity (from Trotter, Hannah).



8


Alas. Fairbanks

5

[Smith, Ainsley] Kill by Byrne, Trinity (from Trotter, Hannah).




UAA


9-5


[Galloway, Madison] Service error.



[Galloway, Madison] Service error.

9


Alas. Anchorage

5




UAF


9-6


[Lyons, Haylee] Kill by Riba, Martina (from Trotter, Hannah), block error by Henderson, Cynphany.



9


Alas. Fairbanks

6

[Lyons, Haylee] Kill by Riba, Martina (from Trotter, Hannah), block error by Henderson, Cynphany.




UAA


10-6


[Malikova, Johana] Attack error by Riba, Martina (block by Hoshock, Peri).



[Malikova, Johana] Attack error by Riba, Martina (block by Hoshock, Peri).

10


Alas. Anchorage

6




UAF


11-6


[Hoshock, Peri] Kill by Engelauf, Presley (from Smith, Ainsley).



[Hoshock, Peri] Kill by Engelauf, Presley (from Smith, Ainsley).

11


Alas. Anchorage

6




UAF


12-6


[Hoshock, Peri] Kill by Henderson, Mikala (from Smith, Ainsley).



[Hoshock, Peri] Kill by Henderson, Mikala (from Smith, Ainsley).

12


Alas. Anchorage

6




UAF


12-7


[Hoshock, Peri] Kill by Allen, Tia (from Malikova, Johana).



12


Alas. Fairbanks

7

[Hoshock, Peri] Kill by Allen, Tia (from Malikova, Johana).




UAA


12-8


[Allen, Tia] Attack error by Henderson, Mikala (from Smith, Ainsley).



12


Alas. Fairbanks

8

[Allen, Tia] Attack error by Henderson, Mikala (from Smith, Ainsley).




UAA


13-8


[Allen, Tia] Attack error by Riba, Martina.



[Allen, Tia] Attack error by Riba, Martina.

13


Alas. Anchorage

8




UAF


14-8


[Henderson, Cynphany] Attack error by Beck, Emma (from Galloway, Madison).



[Henderson, Cynphany] Attack error by Beck, Emma (from Galloway, Madison).

14


Alas. Anchorage

8




UAF


15-8


[Henderson, Cynphany] Kill by Engelauf, Presley (from Henderson, Cynphany).



[Henderson, Cynphany] Kill by Engelauf, Presley (from Henderson, Cynphany).

15


Alas. Anchorage

8




UAF


15-9


[Henderson, Cynphany] Kill by Beck, Emma (from Malikova, Johana).



15


Alas. Fairbanks

9

[Henderson, Cynphany] Kill by Beck, Emma (from Malikova, Johana).




UAA


16-9


[Hansen, Elena] Kill by Henderson, Cynphany (from Onaga, Tessa).



[Hansen, Elena] Kill by Henderson, Cynphany (from Onaga, Tessa).

16


Alas. Anchorage

9




UAF


16-10


[Flynn, Kellan] Kill by Beck, Emma (from Engelauf, Presley).



16


Alas. Fairbanks

10

[Flynn, Kellan] Kill by Beck, Emma (from Engelauf, Presley).




UAA


17-10


[Trotter, Hannah] Kill by Guc, Elena (from Henderson, Cynphany).



[Trotter, Hannah] Kill by Guc, Elena (from Henderson, Cynphany).

17


Alas. Anchorage

10




UAF


17-11


[Onaga, Tessa] Kill by Byrne, Trinity (from Trotter, Hannah).



17


Alas. Fairbanks

11

[Onaga, Tessa] Kill by Byrne, Trinity (from Trotter, Hannah).




UAA


17-12


[Ivakina, Lee] Attack error by Hoshock, Peri (from Henderson, Cynphany).



17


Alas. Fairbanks

12

[Ivakina, Lee] Attack error by Hoshock, Peri (from Henderson, Cynphany).




UAA


18-12


[Ivakina, Lee] Service error.



[Ivakina, Lee] Service error.

18


Alas. Anchorage

12




UAF


18-13


[Smith, Ainsley] Attack error by Lyons, Haylee (from Smith, Ainsley).



18


Alas. Fairbanks

13

[Smith, Ainsley] Attack error by Lyons, Haylee (from Smith, Ainsley).




UAA


19-13


[Galloway, Madison] Kill by Henderson, Cynphany (from Smith, Ainsley).



[Galloway, Madison] Kill by Henderson, Cynphany (from Smith, Ainsley).

19


Alas. Anchorage

13




UAF


20-13


[Lyons, Haylee] Attack error by Allen, Tia (from Trotter, Hannah).



[Lyons, Haylee] Attack error by Allen, Tia (from Trotter, Hannah).

20


Alas. Anchorage

13




UAF


21-13


[Lyons, Haylee] Attack error by Byrne, Trinity (from Trotter, Hannah).



[Lyons, Haylee] Attack error by Byrne, Trinity (from Trotter, Hannah).

21


Alas. Anchorage

13




UAF


21-14


[Lyons, Haylee] Kill by Allen, Tia (from Trotter, Hannah).



21


Alas. Fairbanks

14

[Lyons, Haylee] Kill by Allen, Tia (from Trotter, Hannah).






UAA subs: Sapon, Eleasha.



UAA subs: Sapon, Eleasha.




UAA


21-15


[Sapon, Eleasha] Attack error by Henderson, Mikala (from Smith, Ainsley).



21


Alas. Fairbanks

15

[Sapon, Eleasha] Attack error by Henderson, Mikala (from Smith, Ainsley).




UAA


21-16


[Sapon, Eleasha] Kill by Allen, Tia (from Trotter, Hannah).



21


Alas. Fairbanks

16

[Sapon, Eleasha] Kill by Allen, Tia (from Trotter, Hannah).




UAA


21-17


[Sapon, Eleasha] Attack error by Henderson, Mikala (from Smith, Ainsley).



21


Alas. Fairbanks

17

[Sapon, Eleasha] Attack error by Henderson, Mikala (from Smith, Ainsley).




UAA


22-17


[Sapon, Eleasha] Kill by Henderson, Mikala (from Onaga, Tessa).



[Sapon, Eleasha] Kill by Henderson, Mikala (from Onaga, Tessa).

22


Alas. Anchorage

17




UAF


23-17


[Hoshock, Peri] Kill by Henderson, Mikala (from Lyons, Haylee).



[Hoshock, Peri] Kill by Henderson, Mikala (from Lyons, Haylee).

23


Alas. Anchorage

17




UAF


24-17


[Hoshock, Peri] Kill by Henderson, Cynphany (from Smith, Ainsley).



[Hoshock, Peri] Kill by Henderson, Cynphany (from Smith, Ainsley).

24


Alas. Anchorage

17




UAF


24-18


[Hoshock, Peri] Attack error by Henderson, Mikala (from Hoshock, Peri).



24


Alas. Fairbanks

18

[Hoshock, Peri] Attack error by Henderson, Mikala (from Hoshock, Peri).




UAA


25-18


[Allen, Tia] Kill by Henderson, Cynphany (from Smith, Ainsley).



[Allen, Tia] Kill by Henderson, Cynphany (from Smith, Ainsley).

25


Alas. Anchorage

18






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#11 Creighton Volleyball Outlasts Northern Colorado to Advance to Second Round of NCAA Tournament

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Courtesy of Rob Anderson, Creighton Athletics

OMAHA, Neb. 
— No. 11 Creighton Volleyball was pushed to the brink but survived to win its 21st straight match on Thursday evening, opening up NCAA Tournament play with a 3-2 victory over Northern Colorado. Scores of the Bluejay triumph were 25-12, 23-25, 23-25, 25-17, 15-8.

Creighton earns itself a Second Round match-up against Northern Iowa (26-5) after the sixth-seeded Panthers finished off their first reverse sweep in the NCAA Tournament since 2022 with a 15-25, 21-25, 26-24, 25-20, 15-10 win over Utah. Creighton defeated the Panthers at D.J. Sokol Arena on Sept. 14 to close out play at the Bluejay Invitational.

Five women had multiple kills in the first set as Creighton powered past Northern Colorado, led by six kills from Ava Martin. Martin also had a pair of aces late in the set to solidify CU’s 25-12 victory. The Jays hit .438 and had 17 kills to UNC’s six kills on .000 hitting and never trailed in the frame.

UNC snapped Creighton’s 17-set win streak with a 25-23 victory in the second set, which featured nine ties and five lead changes. Isabel Bennett had go-ahead kills to make it 23-22 and 24-23 and Alayna Tessena put down the winner on set point. Northern Colorado had 15 kills and 18 digs in the second set and held the Bluejays to 11 kills and .200 hitting. Martin had seven kills for CU in the second set, while Sydney Breissinger added six digs.

The Bears won the first three points of the third set and moved in front 8-4 to force an early timeout from CU head coach Brian Rosen. The stoppage did little to improve the fortunes for the hosts, who called another timeout six points later after falling behind 12-6 to the Big Sky Tournament champions. The second timeout did the trick, as the Bluejays countered with an 8-2 burst to even the score at 14-all. Northern Colorado settled down, never surrendering the lead, and led 23-20 before one last push from the hosts. Martin pounded her 18th kill of the night, and Nora Wurtz followed with her 56th ace of the fall to cut CU’s deficit to 23-22 and lead UNC coach Lydnsey Oates to call timeout. Martin slammed a cross-court kill to tie the score at 23-all, but UNC answered with a Zoe Gibbs kill for a set point opportunity.  The Bears won the set on a Bluejay attack error, 25-23. 

The Bluejays got off to a 6-2 lead in the fourth set thanks in part to three early UNC hitting errors, then extended the advantage to 14-6. The Jays won the set 25-17, with freshman Abbey Hayes stepping up with a team-best four kills. CU had 4.5 blocks in the set, including one of set point from Reinhardt and Martin.

Creighton got off to a quick start in the fifth frame, scoring the first three points on two Martin kills and a UNC attack error. CU led 8-3 at the changeover

Martin was dominant with 30 kills on 65 swings, while Jaya Johnson finished with 12 kills. Reinhardt rounded out the Bluejays in double figure kills with 10. Annalea Maeder closed the match with a double-double, delivering 53 assists and 20 digs.

Tessena led Northern Colorado with 14 kills, while Brynn Reines finished with 11 kills

First serve of tomorrow’s Second Round match is at 6:30 p.m.

NOTES:  Creighton improved to 18-14 all-time in 15 NCAA Tournament appearances, including a 12-3 mark in the First Round … Creighton has won 21 straight matches, its third-longest streak in program history … Creighton is now 8-4 in home matches in the NCAA Tournament, including five straight victories … Creighton has won its last 11 home matches this fall … Creighton is now 4-1 all-time against Northern Colorado … Creighton has won 68 straight matches over unranked foes and 56 non-televised matches in a row … Ava Martinmoved into third place in CU history in career service aces with 126 … Ava Martinhad her 25th straight match with 10 or more kills and 108th in a row with five or more kills … Ava Martin had her 13th career match with 20+ kills, and seventh this season.





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Throwers Set Personal Bests At Liberty Kickoff

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LYNCHBURG – Propelled by a pair of personal-best performances in the weight throw, the Elon University women’s track and field team opened its indoor season Thursday at the Liberty Kickoff inside the Liberty Indoor Complex.
 
In the women’s weight throw, the Phoenix placed two athletes inside the top four. Adriana Clarke claimed runner-up honors with a personal-best toss of 18.14m, moving into third on Elon’s all-time performance list. Isabella Johnson finished third overall at 17.33m, also marking a new PR for the sophomore.
 
Elon also featured three competitors in the pentathlon. Senior Lizzie Lopez was the top Phoenix finisher, placing seventh with 3,510 points. She highlighted the event by tying for first in the high jump with a clearance of 1.65m. Freshman Greta Urbonaviciute debuted with a tenth-place finish and 3,309 points, landing inside the program’s top-10 performance list. Classmate Carolina Frada scored 2,832 points to place 11th in her first collegiate pentathlon.
 
ON DECK
Elon continues action at the Liberty Kickoff on Friday, beginning with the women’s 5,000-meter run at 10 a.m.
 

— ELON —



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