Sports

Monadnock Ledger-Transcript – ConVal volleyball players hit the road with travel teams

Published

8 months ago

May 1, 2025

Eight members of the ConVal girls’ varsity and JV volleyball teams keep their skills sharp by playing travel volleyball throughout the winter and spring, competing in tournaments as far away as Las Vegas and going up against teams from all over the country.

“Playing against really talented girls from all over is incredibly tough because the competition is on a whole different level. Every player is fast, powerful and smart on the court. You’re constantly challenged physically by the speed and strength of their game, and mentally by their ability to read plays and stay composed under pressure,” said ConVal varsity co-captain Zadie Marshall.

Marshall and fellow co-captain Ivy Armstrong-McEvoy play for Junior Dynamo NH Volleyball Club based in Milford. This winter, tournaments with Dynamo took them to Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Connecticut and Boston.

Most of the players travel 45 minutes to one hour each way to practice with their club teams, balancing schoolwork and other sports. All eight players also work during the school year and the summer.

“I would say that the most-challenging thing about playing travel volleyball is staying on top of schoolwork during tournament weekends,” Armstrong-McEvoy said. “It can be challenging to complete school assignments while also focusing on playing. A lot of my energy is saved for the games I have to play during the day, and I try my very best to use the rest of my energy on assignments. Although sometimes, all I want to do is take a nap after working hard on the court.”

Ava Van Horn, Regan Kirlin, Piper Bernier and Emily Simard play for the Capital Region Black Hawks Volleyball Club, which is based in Concord. When asked what she thinks is the best part of travel volleyball, Simard said she enjoys getting to play at a higher level.

“Depending on what bracket we are placed in, at all our tournaments, we seem to play a few higher-level teams, which I definitely enjoy,” Simard said. “I also like being able to meet and play against new people and to get to experience more game play during tournaments.”

All the players agree that playing travel volleyball is a very different experience from playing on the ConVal team.

“I would say that club volleyball is a lot different than the ConVal season. For me, I learn a lot of my skills during the club season, and then showcase them during the ConVal season,” Armstrong-McEvoy said.

Van Horn said the best part of playing travel volleyball is making new friends.

“From my experience, the social and physical dynamics of school and club teams are very different,” Van Horn said. “A highlight of my club season has been connecting with the girls and forming ‘forever’ friendships. Not only do we share a love for the sport, but now each other as well.”

Bernier said, “I really enjoy playing club volleyball because it gives me the opportunity to compete at a high level with players from all over, which pushes me to grow as an athlete. I can see noticeable growth in my skills and confidence, and I’m truly proud of that. I’m also really grateful for all the coaches. ”

Bernier said varsity and club volleyball are “hard to compare, since they’re so different.”

“I also really enjoy high school volleyball. The energy on our team is always so positive, and I’m surrounded by supportive teammates and peers. One of the best parts of school volleyball is the support we see at games from the students and parents. Club and school are so different, but I’ve learned a lot from both,’ she said.

Kirlin, a sophomore, balanced winter club volleyball with skiing on the ConVal Alpine team.

“Learning to play cohesively as a team with limited practice time is a real challenge, since we only practice twice a week, and one practice is optional,” Kirlin said.

Kirlin feels her travel team, the Black Hawks, are very supportive, and she appreciates the quality of the coaching.

“My travel team coach really cares, and spends time talking to us about how we can improve as players,” Kirin said. “I loved getting to play in a set position where I can grow and improve as a player, but also fill in where I am needed elsewhere on the team.”

Sophomore Grace Schuneman, who plays for the Mill City Orange, said travel and varsity volleyball are “very different.”

“It takes longer to come together on travel teams because very few girls know each other. The time commitment and the extra work required to be successful means sacrificing in other areas. It’s also really a year-round commitment,” Schunemann said.

Schuneman plans to attend volleyball camps to work on her skills throughout the summer.

Junior Ashlynn Williams, who plays for Meraki Volleyball in Bedford, travels just under an hour each way.

“Travel volleyball has way high expectations and it really will push me to make strides in my volleyball career,” she said.

Each of the players said the best part of travel volleyball, aside from making new friends, is winning tournaments. Marshall said the hours of practice “were all worth it” when Dynamo finished the season on top.

“Winning in a division above our usual level was the highlight of the season because it proved how much we had grown as a team and how hard we had worked. We weren’t expected to come out on top, and every match pushed us to play smarter, harder, and more together than ever before. That win wasn’t just a trophy; it was a statement that we could compete with the best and hold our own,” she said.

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Jimmies continue indoor season at Dakota Alumni Classic at NDSU

Published

10 minutes ago

December 13, 2025

Your Sports Nation

FARGO, N.D. — The University of Jamestown women’s track and field team continued their indoor season with strong performances at the NDSU Alumni Classic, showcasing talent across sprints, jumps, and pole vault events.

Competing against tough regional competition, the Jimmies demonstrated growth and competitive spirit throughout the meet.

Sprint Highlights

Freshman Emily Erhardt placed 19th in the 400 Meters with a time of 1:07.33.

Jumping Events

Sophomore Sydney Ulrich earned 10th place in the Long Jump with a mark of 4.90 meters (16’1″). Sophomore Monica Goven posted a 9th-place finish in the Triple Jump with a leap of 10.12 meters (33’2.5″). Sophomore Ruth Harris followed with a 12th-place finish in the Triple Jump, recording a mark of 9.62 meters (31’6.75″).

Pole Vault

Sophomore Ruth Harris cleared 3.10 meters (10’2″) in the Pole Vault, securing 11th place.

WHATS NEXT?

The Jimmies return to the track on January 15th at the Northern State Dual in Aberdeen, S.D.

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Texas A&M vs. Louisville volleyball final score, stats, highlights

Published

12 minutes ago

December 13, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Updated Dec. 12, 2025, 10:12 p.m. ET

After dropping the first two sets, No. 3 seed Texas A&M (25-4) stormed back to beat No. 2 seed Louisville (26-6) 3-2 in the NCAA women’s volleyball tournament Friday night.

Texas A&M moves on to play Sunday against either No. 1 Nebraska or No. 4 Kansas, who play at 9:30 p.m. ET Friday night. Here’s how the Sweet 16 heavyweight match played out:

Final score for Louisville vs. Texas A&M women’s volleyball

FINAL: Texas A&M wins 3-2, taking final set 15-12.

Set 5: Texas A&M 3, Louisville 2

No. 3 Texas A&M completed a reverse sweep against No. 2 Louisville to advance to the regional final for the first time since 2001 after winning the fifth set, 15-12. The Aggies were able to swing the momentum of the game with their blocking ability, led by Ifenna Cos-okpalla’s 12 total blocks.

Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky (20 kills, 10 digs on .245 hitting), Kyndal Stowers (16 kills, 11 digs on .282 hitting) and Emily Hellmuth (12 kills on .226 hitting) each recorded double-digit kills.

“We just weren’t finishing the last end of the set,” said an emotional Lednicky, who was three blocks away from a triple double. “We’re like, we’re not letting them sweep us. We know how to grind, we know how to dig it. We saw it in the TCU match and we did just that last one.”

Tensions boiled over in the fifth set. Louisville head coach Dan Meske earned a yellow card for swatting the ball because he thought the referee missed a carry call during a long rally Texas A&M won to go up 12-10.

Louisville’s Chloe Chicoine finished with a game-high 26 kills hitting .300 in the loss.

Set 4: Louisville 2, Texas A&M 2

No. 3 Texas A&M took a 17-8 lead after holding No. 2 Louisville to a -.143 hitting percentage to start the fourth set with its defensive prowess. The Aggies stretched their lead to as many as nine points, but Louisville went on a 7-1 run to come within three points of Texas A&M. The Aggies didn’t relinquish the lead this time. Texas A&M finished the fourth set on a 4-0 run to force a decisive fifth set.

Texas A&M held Louisville to .000 hitting in the fourth set. The Aggies hit .267 and recorded nine blocks. Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky (18 kills on .333 hitting), Kyndal Stowers (14 kills on .243 hitting) and Emily Hellmuth (10 kills on .200 hitting) each have double-digit kills. Ifenna Cos-okpalla is up to 11 blocks.

The Aggies are going for the reverse sweep, the team’s first since September 2024.

Set 3: Louisville 2, Texas A&M 1

No. 3 Texas A&M head coach Jamie Morrison said his team needed to do a better job at finishing at the end of the set if they wanted to extend their season against No. 2 Louisville after giving up leads in the first two sets. The Aggies did just that in a third set that featured 15 ties and five lead changes.

The Aggies had a 23-21 lead in the third set before Louisville tied it up at 23-23 following back-to-back kills from Chloe Chicoine. Texas A&M’s Kyndal Stowers responded with a pair of kills herself to give the Aggies the set, 25-23.

Texas A&M’s Logan Lednicky (14 kills on .333 hitting), Stowers (11 kills on .259 hitting) and Emily Hellmuth (10 kills on .261) each have double-digit kills as the team is collectively hitting .292.

Meanwhile, Chicoine is up to 19 kills on .405 hitting. Cara Cresse added seven blocks.

Set 2: Louisville 2, Texas A&M 0

New set, same scenario. Much like the first set, Texas A&M was the first team to reach 15 points. The Aggies had a 21-16 lead in the second set, before Louisville staged another comeback. The Cardinals went on a 9-1 run to take the lead and clinch the second set, 25-22, to take a 2-0 lead over Texas A&M.

Louisville capitalized on 14 total blocks and three aces. Chloe Chicoine (11 kills on .400 hitting) and Payton Petersen (10 kills on .563 hitting) led the Cardinals in kills.

Logan Lednicky has nine kills, while Emily Hellmuth and Kyndal Stowers each have seven kills for Texas A&M.

Set 1: Louisville 1, Texas A&M 0

No. 3 Texas A&M had control of the first set and was the first team to 15 points, but No. 2 Louisville went on a 5-0 run to tie it up at 17-17. Five more ties ensued before Louisville ultimately created some separation to take the first set, 25-23. Louisville hit .457 and had two players with six or more kills — Payton Petersen (seven kills on .778 hitting) and Chloe Chicoine (six kills on .600 hitting).

NCAA volleyball tournament regionals schedule

All times Eastern

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Chargers’ Townsend breaks G-MAC record at Akron Haynes Lancaster Open

Published

26 minutes ago

December 13, 2025

Your Sports Nation

One of the Hillsdale College women’s track and field team’s top competitors unwrapped a nice early Christmas present for herself on Friday afternoon.

Senior Tara Townsend traveled solo to the Akron Haynes Lancaster Open, looking to get one final crack at her signature event, the pole vault, before heading off to Christmas break.

The trip proved more than fruitful for Townsend, as she cleared three bars on the first attempt to set a new personal best clearance of 4.20 meters, and in the process breaking the Great Midwest Athletic Conference indoor record in the event of 4.16 meters held by Morgan England of Findlay since 2021.

Townsend placed second behind defending MAC pole vault champion Cassidy Allen of Akron at the meet, and with the vault moved into the top spot in the nation in NCAA DII to date in the event.

It’s the latest in a successful run at Hillsdale for Townsend, who earned her first All-American honor in the pole vault at the 2025 NCAA DII Outdoor Championships this past May. Her latest accomplishment sees her closing in on the indoor program record of 4.25 meters, held by multi-time All-American and Hillsdale College Athletics Hall of Famer Kayla Caldwell since 2013.

Townsend and the Chargers are off for the Christmas break, and will return to Akron for the Al Campbell Invitational for their first meet back in action on Jan. 16.

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Nebraska volleyball vs. Kansas recap, stats and highlights

Published

27 minutes ago

December 13, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Dec. 12, 2025Updated Dec. 13, 2025, 12:05 a.m. CT

Nebraska volleyball entered the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament after sweeping Kansas State last Saturday. The Huskers faced the Kansas Jayhawks, who defeated Miami in four sets.

Nebraska dominated the match from start to finish, sweeping Kansas (25-12, 25-11, 25-12) and allowing just 35 total points. The Huskers, meanwhile, earned 41 kills off 80 attacks for a .450 hitting percentage. The Huskers’ defense, meanwhile, posted 10 blocks and 48 digs to hold Kansas to 25 kills off 103 attacks and a .029 hitting percentage.

Rebekah Allick finished perfect on the night to lead, going 9-of-9 in attacks. Andi Jackson also delivered nine kills for Nebraska while also leading the team in blocks with five. Harper Murray put together a strong outing for the Huskers, tallying seven kills, 10 digs and four blocks.

Virginia Adriano and Taylor Landfair each posted five kills and combined for nine digs. Manaia Ogbechie and Teraya Sigler combined for five kills off seven attacks. Bergen Reilly earned 30 set assists for the Huskers.

Nebraska now faces Texas A&M in the NCAA regional final on Sunday. The Aggies pulled off a miraculous reverse sweep over Louisville to reach the Elite Eight for the first time since 2001. The match will start at 2 p.m. CT and can be seen on ABC.

Huskers to the Elite Eight (Nebraska 25-12)

Nebraska gets the sweep in dominating fashion.

Nebraska’s sweep in sight (S3/Nebraska 20-9)

The Huskers about to take the Sweet 16 with an exclamation point.

Huskers on a run (S3/Nebraska 15-7)

Nebraska is now on a 5-2 run.

Nebraska shutting Kansas down (S3/Nebraska 10-5)

The Huskers continue to hold Kansas to .000.

Huskers can’t be stopped (S3/Nebraska 5-1)

Nebraska continues its run into set three.

Set point

The Huskers take set two (Nebraska 25-11)

After Kansas cut Nebraska’s lead to 9-7, the Huskers outscored the Jayhawks 16-4 to take set two.

Nebraska on fire entering the redzone (S2/Nebraska 20-9)

The Huskers’ run grows to 11-2, including six straight.

Huskers expand their lead (S2/Nebraska 15-9)

Nebraska goes on a 6-2 run to open up its lead.

Nebraska staying in front (S2/Nebraska 10-7)

The Huskers up by three over the Jayhawks.

Huskers keeping the lead (S2/Nebraska 5-3)

Nebraska stays ahead despite trading blows with Kansas.

Set point

Huskers take set one (Nebraska 25-12)

Nebraska finishes set one by holding Kansas to a -.024.

Nebraska alone in the redzone (S1/Nebraska 20-8)

Huskers setting the tone in set one with a 12-point lead.

Huskers remain up by nine (S1/Nebraska 15-6)

Though the Jayhawks earned a 3-0 run, Nebraska keeps a firm lead.

Nebraska dominating (S1/Nebraska 10-1)

The Huskers are holding Kansas under .000.

Huskers up early (S1/Nebraska 5-1)

Nebraska starting off hot.

Early block party

Starters

Match time set

Nebraska and Kansas is set to begin at 9:25 p.m. CT.

Aggies advance

Texas A&M pulls off the reverse sweep to advance to the Regional final.

Set five incoming

Nebraska/Kansas gets pushed back again after Texas A&M forces a fifth set against Louisville.

Texas A&M/Louisville head into set four

The Aggies take the Cardinals to a fourth set, pushing back Nebraska/Kansas start time.

Here’s how to watch Nebraska-Kansas volleyball on Friday, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

What channel is Nebraska volleyball vs. Kansas on?

TV Channel: ESPN2

Livestream:ESPN+ (subscriber only)

Nebraska-Kansas volleyball in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament can be seen on ESPN2. Huskers Radio Network will have audio coverage of all Nebraska matches on Huskers Radio Network affiliates, Huskers.com and the Huskers app. John Baylor and Lauren Cook West will be on the call. Streaming options for the game include ESPN+.

Nebraska volleyball vs. Kansas time today

Date: Friday, Dec. 12
Start time: 30 minutes after the Texas A&M-Louisville match at 6 p.m. CT

The NCAA regional contest between Nebraska and Kansas starts 30 minutes following the conclusion of the Texas A&M-Louisville match, which begins at 6 p.m. CT from the Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Nebraska volleyball 2025 schedule (30-0, 20-0)

Aug. 22 – vs. Pittsburgh – WIN 3-1 (25-22, 25-11, 20-25, 25-23)

Aug. 24 – vs. Stanford – WIN 3-0 (25-13, 25-19, 25-14)

Aug. 29 – at Lipscomb – WIN 3-0 (25-13, 25-21, 25-15)

Aug. 31 – vs Kentucky – WIN 3-2 (24-26, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 15-8)

Sept. 5 – vs. Wright State – WIN 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-20)

Sept. 7 – vs. California – WIN 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-12)

Sept. 12 – vs. Utah – WIN 3-1 (21-25, 25-8, 25-18, 25-13)

Sept. 13 – vs. Grand Canyon – WIN 3-0 (25-12, 25-23, 25-18)

Sept. 16 – at Creighton – WIN 3-2 (25-17, 21-25, 25-18, 24-26, 15-9)

Sept. 20 – vs. Arizona – WIN 3-0 (25-19, 25-23, 25-18)

Sept. 24 – vs. Michigan – WIN 3-0 (25-6, 25-15, 25-13)

Sept. 27 – vs. Maryland – WIN 3-0 (25-14, 27-25, 25-14)

Oct. 3 – at Penn State – WIN 3-0 (25-6, 25-15, 25-13)

Oct. 4 – at Rutgers – WIN 3-0 (25-17, 25-15, 25-16)

Oct. 10 – vs. Washington – WIN 3-0 (25-14, 25-18, 25-16)

Oct. 12 – at Purdue – WIN 3-0 (25-23, 25-16, 25-15)

Oct. 17 – at Michigan State – WIN 3-0 (25-15, 25-18, 25-20)

Oct. 19 – at Michigan – WIN 3-0 (25-18, 25-13, 25-18)

Oct. 24 – vs. Northwestern – WIN 3-0 (25-17, 25-13, 25-17)

Oct. 25 – vs. Michigan State – WIN 3-0 (25-15, 25-15, 25-18)

Oct. 31 – at Wisconsin – WIN 3-0 (25-22, 25-19, 25-13)

Nov. 2 – vs. Oregon – WIN 3-0 (25-21, 25-20, 25-12)

Nov. 6 – vs. Illinois – WIN 3-0 (25-11, 25-15, 25-14)

Nov. 8 – at Minnesota – WIN 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-20)

Nov. 14 – at UCLA – WIN 3-1 (25-17, 25-23, 19-25, 25-15)

Nov. 16 – at USC – WIN 3-0 (25-13, 25-16, 25-20)

Nov. 20 – vs. Iowa – WIN 3-0 (25-15, 25-21, 25-18)

Nov. 22 – at Indiana – WIN 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-22)

Nov. 28 – vs. Penn State – WIN 3-0 (25-14, 25-11, 25-14)

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Gulycz Took First In Shot Put, Track & Field Teams Claimed 18 Top-12 Finishes

Published

42 minutes ago

December 13, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Men’s Track & Field | 12/12/2025 9:46:00 PM

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

>> The Saint Francis track & field teams competed in its second indoor meet at the Wagner Seahawk Shootout.
>> Saint Francis compiled seven top five performers and 18 top 12 finishes.
>> Sophomore Clark Gulycz took first place in shot put.

FLASH WOMEN NUGGETS

The women’s team accumulated eight top 12 performances.

Olivia Renk finished sixth in the 60-meter dash and eighth in the 300-meter dash on the women’s side. The sophomore ran in a time of 7.73 in the 60-meter and a 39.80 time in the 300-meter.

Morgan McNaughton came in hot during the 3000-meter run. She placed eighth with a time of 10:27.97.

Once again Rylee Nicklas placed in the top 10, this time in ninth place for shot put. The sophomore threw an impressive 11.33 meters. Nicklas also placed ninth in weight throw with a reach of 13.83 meters.

Taylor Foster picked up 12th place due to leap of 10.83 meters.

Two Red Flash placed in the top three for women’s pole vault. Karsyn Ford reached 3.45-meters and Aubrie Wells was right behind her with 3.15-meters.

FLASH MEN NUGGETS

The men’s team registered 10 top 11 finishes on the day.

Gulycz had a standout performance, taking first place in shot put. He threw 16.64m. Wyatt Jumper took 11th place with a throw of 14.05m. Both Gulycz and Jumper placed top seven in the weight throw. Gulycz launched his way into fifth place with 14.16m. Jumper threw 13.62m to put himself into seventh place.

Coming off a huge leap, Tyler Craft finished in eighth place with 6.77 meters. Not far behind him was the freshman, Nehemyah Williams. Williams collected 10th place with a jump of 6.71m in the men’s long jump.

Once again, Craft and Williams placed high in the triple jump. Craft bumped up to fifth place with a takeoff of 14.33m. Williams jumped 13.86m to sit him in the 10th spot.

Sophomore, Ayden Martinage, took fifth in the high jump with a lift of 1.95 meters.

The junior, Dylan Andrews, extended his way into fifth place by a stretch over 4.05 meters.

NEXT UP FOR FLASH

Saint Francis track and field will head down the road to compete in the Penn State University Nittany Lion Challenge. This will be held at the Ashenfelter III Indoor Track next Saturday the 17.

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Louisville volleyball score today, Texas A&M-UofL NCAA Tournament game

Published

45 minutes ago

December 13, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Updated Dec. 12, 2025, 10:08 p.m. ET

No. 2 seed Louisville volleyball fell to No. 3 seed Texas A&M in five sets Friday night at Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, ending the Cardinals’ season.

The Cardinals finished Dan Meske’s inaugural campaign as head coach 26-7 in Lincoln, where Meske’s collegiate coaching career began as a graduate assistant for the Cornhuskers 18 years ago.

Louisville earned several American Volleyball Coaches Association awards for its performance in the tournament’s first weekend. Four Cardinals made the All-South Region first team: Kalyssa Blackshear (OPP), Nayelis Cabello (S), Chloe Chicoine (OH) and Cara Cresse (MB). Outside hitter Payton Petersen received an honorable mention.

Coverage from the match:

The Cards fall in a reverse sweep to the Aggies.

There have been seven ties in this winner-take-all set. The first to 15, winning by two, advances to the regional final.

Louisville will play its second five-set match in the NCAA Tournament, as it looks to avoid a reverse sweep. Texas A&M had nine blocks alone in the fourth set to UofL’s three.

The Aggies come out strong in a must-win set. They’ve caught up to Louisville’s 12 blocks. Texas A&M has 54 kills to UofL’s 50. The Aggies take a 4-0 run into the media timeout.

In a set that featured 15 ties and four lead changes, the Aggies emerged victorious. If Texas A&M claims the fourth set, both teams will engage in a fifth winner-take-all set, where the first to 15 points (winning by two) will advance to the regional final.

Chicoine has a match-high 15 kills. The Cards have 10 blocks, led by Cresse’s seven.

Louisville clinches the second set with an 8-0 run, featuring two aces from setter Nayelis Cabello. The Cards are one set away from their fifth consecutive Elite Eight appearance. Petersen and Blackshear now have 11 and 10 kills apiece.

The Aggies are the first to 15 again behind a 3-0 scoring run just before the set’s first media timeout. Louisville’s defense is playing tough with six blocks. Petersen is up to a match-high nine kills.

The Cardinals had a well-timed 5-0 scoring run in the middle of the set, taking the lead at 21-20 for the first time since the first point of the match. Payton Petersen leads all players with seven kills (at a 77.8% clip), followed by Chloe Chicoine’s six (60%). Cara Cressee has three blocks.

The Aggies have 10 kills on 15 attempts. Payton Petersen and Kalyssa Blackshear lead Louisville with three kills apiece of the Cards’ eight total.

Today’s match between No. 2 seed Louisville and No. 3 seed Texas A&M is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Bob Devaney Sports Center in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Buy Louisville volleyball tickets here

No. 2 Louisville versus No. 3 Texas A&M will be broadcast live on ESPN2.

Authenticated subscribers can access ESPN2 via TV-connected devices or by going to WatchESPN.com or the WatchESPN app.

Those without cable can access ESPN2 via streaming services, with Fubo offering a free trial.

If Louisville wins tonight, it will play the winner of No. 1 Nebraska vs. No. 4 Kansas on Sunday in Lincoln. Here’s a look at the tournament schedule: