Henley Anderson, Dripping Springs

Gentry Barker, Lake Travis

Chloe Frizzell, Anderson

Jenna Hehman, Vandegrift

Mya Ibarra, Johnson

Chloe Kelly, Westlake

Riley Malloy, Austin High

Camille Presley, Austin High

Kerrington Thornton, Round Rock

Joy Udoye, Cedar Park

Other Austin-area players to watch this season:

Pearland Oilers

Manvel Mavericks

Dawson Eagles

Dobie Longhorns

South Houston Trojans

Pasadena Memorial

Alvin Yellowjackets

Sam Rayburn Texans

(Bold Denotes Playoffs)

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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Chris Stewart, Shadow Creek

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Tristan Willis, Shadow Creek

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Joseph Credit, Pearland

BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Damarcus Hodges, Dobie

ON THE CUSP: Dobie Longhorns

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…

After storming through district play with an unblemished 8-0 record and clinching their fourth consecutive title, the Shadow Creek Sharks concluded the season at 9-2 – though a stunning 31-28 playoff loss to Fort Bend Elkins brought their postseason to an abrupt end. Second-year head coach Tyrone Green will look to harness that disappointment as motivation for a team still seeking its first state championship since 2019. Shadow Creek’s offense returns plenty of firepower, led by senior wideout Chris Stewart – last season’s 22-6A Offensive MVP and a Texas-commit – who racked up 922 receiving yards and 18 total touchdowns. Junior RB Tristan Willis, the district’s Offensive Newcomer of the Year, added nearly 1,000 all-purpose yards and 14 scores, while Houston-bound junior receiver Aden Starling is back after a brief transfer with Iowa Colony. Sophomore WR Jaylen Addai, the son of former NFL running back Joseph Addai, brings elite pedigree and early D1 attention. On the line, junior Demarcus West is expected to step into a bigger role. Defensively, the Sharks are anchored by senior linebacker and reigning Defensive MVP Giavani “Tommy” Baker. The front seven features proven talents like Deneim Scott and Nathan Harris, while the secondary is headlined by Utah-commit Carter Stewart (first-team, all-district) and rising junior Kevin Jackson—a versatile athlete with offers from several Power 5 programs. Additionally, second-teamer and three-star collegiate prospect Brandon Sherrard (Jr. DB) provides considerable coverage from the cornerback position. With veteran leadership, high-end skill talent, and playoff motivation, the Sharks are poised to make another deep run—this time with their eyes firmly set on reclaiming the state crown.

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Expectations remain high in Pearland as the Oilers return a veteran-heavy lineup with both production and athleticism. After finishing 9-3 last fall and pushing into the 6A-D1 Area Round, head coach B.J. Gotte enters his fourth season with a team that looks primed to take the next step. Senior signal-caller Jake Westmoreland (first-team, all-district) leads the charge after a sharp junior season where he threw for over 1,600 yards and 21 touchdowns with just two picks. His go-to target, senior Jordan “Jet” Hernandez, is back after lighting up defenses for 1,094 yards and 15 scores. Up front, three-star lineman Nicholas Howard (Pitt-commit) and junior Colby Rao form the foundation of a solid offensive line, while junior Ryan Miller could emerge as the next feature back in the wake of Tate Chisolm’s graduation. The defense, meanwhile, is stacked with next-level talent. Kansas-commit and first-team, all-district selection Joseph Credit (77 tackles, 9 TFL, 5 sacks) anchors the linebacker corps, flanked by Illinois-bound pass rusher Jaylen Stewart (first-team). Safety Zeke Alkire (Air Force), another first-teamer, adds stability on the back end, while junior DE DeMarco Jenkins (Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year), senior Amari Wilks (LA Tech), and LB Anthony DeLeon round out a deep, experienced unit.

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There’s no rebuilding at Manvel – just reloading. Coming off a 6-6 season capped by a playoff win over Hightower, the Mavericks retain a dynamic core with the tools to raise their ceiling this fall. Senior QB Camren Renfro (second-team, all-district) is back to command the offense after throwing for over 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns, while adding nine more scores with his legs. His chemistry with senior wideout Antoine Wilder (first-team) gives Manvel a dangerous duo in the passing game. The backfield will feature junior up-and-comer Xaiden Brown – who is expected to have an even bigger year, following a season that saw him rack up nearly 700 all-purpose yards and nine total touchdowns – alongside veteran tailback Eric Mosley III, who transferred from Iowa Colony. Up front, senior OL Paulo Camacho adds a veteran presence in the trenches. The defense may be comparatively young, but it’s headlined by top-end talent. Junior cornerback Karnell “Greedy” James Jr. enters the spotlight as a three-star recruit with Power 5 offers from programs like Texas, Cal, and TCU. Linebacker Samuel Weary, also a junior, brings energy and upside to the middle of the defense. With a mix of established leaders and emerging stars, Manvel enters the season hungry to prove they belong among the region’s top contenders. If the Mavs can build off last year’s foundation, expect a deeper postseason push.

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Dawson enters 2025 with fresh leadership and a relatively balanced array of players aiming to push past last year’s 6-4 finish. New head coach Jaybo Shaw, hired in December 2024, inherits a team eager to return to playoff contention after narrowly missing out in 2024. On offense, Luke Brown (Sr. QB) steps into the starting role following the graduation of standout Max Zavala. Brown will be supported by a sturdy offensive line anchored by junior Carter Ceasar, a second-team, all-district selection, and senior Taryn Hill. Versatile junior Corey Brown (22-6A Utility Player of the Year) and senior Josiah McFarland add dynamic playmaking ability as two-way athletes. The Eagles’ defense features senior leaders across the board, including outside linebacker Kingston Ephriam, who earned an all-district honorable mention, MLB James Higgins, and safety Bryson Flynn. The combined experience and leadership will be critical if Dawson wishes to establish themselves on either side of the ball.

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The Dobie Longhorns, under second-year head coach Daniel Fitzmorris, approach the new campaign in hopes of returning to playoff form following a 6-5 result last season. After capturing the district title in 2023, Dobie reached the postseason but saw their run cut short in the Bi-District round against Ridge Point. Losing star tailback and two-time District MVP Cam Matthews (Memphis) to graduation leaves a significant hole in the backfield. However, Dobie’s offense still features some notable returning talent, including senior guard Camron Robertson, a first-team, all-district pick, and junior center Alonzo Chapman, who earned second-team honors. Additionally, senior Damarcus Hodges is poised for a breakout year as the likely lead back. On the defensive side, the Longhorns will lean heavily on senior OLB Desmond Talib, another first-team, all-district standout.

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Progress may not always show up in the win column, but South Houston heads into this fall with reasons for optimism. After winding up with a 3-7 record last season, the Trojans return a handful of key weapons who could accelerate their climb under head coach Patrick Longstreet. Junior quarterback Keke Baker is back under center after earning second-team, all-district honors, offering stability and playmaking potential on offense. Senior Tyren Brewster adds versatility across the board—primarily in the secondary, but capable of lining up anywhere when needed. Defensively, junior lineman Xavier Muhammad headlines the group as a rare talent. The four-star recruit and multi-sport standout was named District 22-6A Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year and has already drawn offers from notable D1 collegiate programs such as Iowa, TCU, Rice, Houston, and SMU.

…

Following a 3-7 outing in 2024, Pasadena Memorial returns a strong group of impact players as coach Jamie Crocker enters a pivotal season. The most noteworthy, of which, is standout offensive lineman Devan Robison, a three-star senior with offers from programs like Oklahoma, Houston, Stanford, and Baylor, and Ole Miss. He’ll help protect senior QB Logan Johnson, who earned second-team, all-district honors. Furthermore, junior receiver Landon Johnson adds a dependable target, while senior linebacker Arturo Aguilera brings leadership on defense.

…

Alvin looks to turn the page in 2025 with new head coach Matthew Bass taking the reins of the program, in hopes of rebuilding momentum after a 3-7 finish last fall. While the Longhorns face a tough climb in 22-6A, a few key returners provide some stability through the transition. Senior center Jacob Baez, a first-team, all-district selection, anchors the offensive line alongside junior Jacobi Small. On special teams, senior kicker Enrique Garza should continue to be a reliable presence as Alvin looks to take a step forward under new leadership.

…

After back-to-back winless district slates, Sam Rayburn sets their sights on turning the tide. Led by fourth-year coach Sergio Gonzalez, the Texans bring back a solid mix of senior vets and promising juniors, including dynamic athlete H’Rei Jones and fullback Ruben Vasquez – both second-team, all-district selections. Quarterback Malachi Rivas and lineman Cristian Mendez add experience on offense, while juniors Juelz Byrd-Acuna and Julian Montelongo bulk up the defensive trenches. Additionally, Coen Holliday and Josiah Vela are both proven contributors in the Rayburn secondary.

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Editor’s note: The following message was sent to CSU faculty and staff on Aug. 7.

Dear Colleagues,

In just a couple of weeks we’ll welcome students back to campus! We’re also gearing up for an unforgettable season of fall sports—CSU’s last as part of the Mountain West Conference.
 
This fall we’re celebrating you, our remarkable CSU employees, with free tickets to two designated Faculty and Staff Appreciation games. These events will bring together our whole community to support our outstanding student-athletes and connect with fellow Rams. You can claim two free tickets to both a football game and a volleyball match:

• Show your Ram pride at the football game against University of Texas at San Antonio at Canvas Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 20. 
• Fill Moby Arena on Thursday, Oct. 30, when our volleyball team plays Fresno State. Costumes are encouraged for this “Volloween” game!

Event start times are still being finalized, and we will let all ticketholders know as soon as times are confirmed. Claim your football and volleyball tickets and remember to support all of our teams this fall: CSU Football, Women’s Volleyball,  Women’s Golf, Men’s Golf, Women’s Soccer, Men’s Cross Country and  Women’s Cross Country.
 
Follow the steps below to claim your two complimentary volleyball tickets and two complimentary football tickets and to purchase additional discounted tickets for family and friends. We can’t wait to see you there.
 
Thank you for all you do and Go Rams!
 
Amy Parsons
President
  
John Weber  
Director of Athletics

Claim your complimentary Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day football and volleyball tickets. Deadline to reserve tickets is Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. Please make sure to get all the football and volleyball tickets you would like (including claiming your complimentary tickets and purchasing additional discounted tickets for friends and family) when you sign on. You will only have one-time access to this promotion once signing on with your employee ID.

1. Click this link – csurams.com.evenue.net
2. You will be asked to enter a password – enter your employee ID number, not including the dash or number after the dash. Your employee ID is located on the front of your Ram Card (123456789-0)
3. Select the football game vs. UTSA and click “Buy Now – $0+”
4. Select your seats. When selecting your seats, two boxes will appear, one box is labeled, “Comp Fac/Staff” and the other is labeled “Fac/Staff Discount.” You may select a maximum of two “Comp Fac/Staff.”
5. You may also select additional seats choosing “Fac/Staff Discount.”
6. Select “Add to Cart.” Please note that you will not be able to leave a single seat open when selecting seats. For example, if you are selecting two seats out of three open seats, you will receive an error message when attempting to add to cart.
7. To go back into the promotion from the cart, select “Continue Shopping in this Promo” on the bottom right-hand side of the screen and select your volleyball tickets – please note the volleyball tickets will be placed in general admission seating
8. Click the “Check Out” button.
9. A box will appear to either log in or create an account. If you already have an account with the Rams Ticket Office, log in. If not, please create an account.
10. Click the “Place Your Order” box.

Tickets will be delivered via e-mail in September.

ST. JOHN’S — The 2025 Canada Summer Games are underway in St. John’s, Nfld, with young athletes from all over the country converging on the east coast for the massive multi-sport event.

Sportscage.com will have daily coverage from the competition, beginning with a look at all the action from Sunday as the first week of the Games kicked off.

Men’s Baseball

Saskatchewan got off to a solid start, rolling to an 8-1 win over Alberta to immediately establish themselves as a medal hopeful.

Team Sask is in the tournament’s top pool alongside Quebec, Alberta, B.C. and Ontario.

A three-run third inning gave Saskatchewan a 3-0 lead, and after Alberta got one back in the fifth, Team Sask made sure there would be no comeback with four in their half of the inning to cap scoring on the day.

Shaunavon’s Mason Fauser led the offence, going 2-for-3 with a pair of runs scored.

Meadow Lake’s Brandt Spencer got the opening game start for Saskatchewan and allowed two hits in 3 ⅔ innings, striking out three. Balgonie’s Landon Hebig finished things off, giving up a single run and also striking out three.

Saskatchewan returns to the field Monday afternoon when they take on Quebec.

Men’s Basketball

Team Sask dropped a close 71-65 decision to New Brunswick in their opening contest.

Saskatchewan is in Pool C alongside New Brunswick, Yukon, Nunavut and Nova Scotia.

The contest was as back-and-forth as could be, with New Brunswick leading 11-10 after the first quarter and 35-22 at the half before Saskatchewan roared back for a 55-49 lead thanks to a 33-point third quarter.

Saskatoon’s Kaden MacAngus led Saskatchewan with 15 points, Regina’s Mofope Soyemi scored 13.

Saskatchewan is back in action Monday when they take on Nunavut.

Women’s Basketball

It was a good start for Saskatchewan, as they led from start to finish on their way to a 77-53 win over Newfoundland.

Team Sask is in Pool C with Newfoundland, Nunavut and Manitoba.

Saskatchewan took a 24-15 lead out of the opening quarter and never looked back, holding a 37-26 edge at half and 57-37 lead through three quarters.

Regina’s Jael Wells led Team Sask with 15 points, while Saskatoon’s Ryan Deutscher scored 13 and Regina’s Hayden Kot — Saskatchewan’s flag bearer during the opening ceremonies on Saturday night — scored 11.

Saskatchewan continues their tournament against Nunavut on Monday afternoon.

Women’s Box Lacrosse

Team Sask picked up a win in their opening contest, taking an 8-5 victory over Prince Edward Island.

Saskatchewan is in Pool B alongside P.E.I., Manitoba, Newfoundland and New Brunswick.

Team Sask took a 2-0 lead out of the first period and led 4-2 through two before pulling away with four third period goals.

Weyburn’s Ella Schenher and Regina’s Amy Teichler each scored twice for Sask, while Riceton’s Hunter Moon had a goal and an assist. Moose Jaw’s Kyler Pladson, Wakaw’s Marti Burechailo and White City’s Mandy Moen had their other markers, Weyburn’s Maci Patterson picked up two assists.

Saskatoon’s Alyssa Auschstaetter picked up the win in goal.

Saskatchewan’s next game is Monday morning against New Brunswick.

Swimming

Regina’s Owen Eisler finished 15th in the men’s 800m freestyle in a time of 9:14.88. Quebec’s Oliver Blanchard won gold in 8:14.61.

Regina’s Macey Harlos finished 13th in the women’s 1,500m freestyle in 18:26.45, Prince Albert’s Clara Gelhorn finished 17th in 19:42.91. Ontario’s Isabella Cooper won gold in 16:58.19.

Team Sask — including Eisler, Regina Joshua Austin-Koyl, Regina’s Soren Hansen and Martensville’s Scott Heinbigner — finished eighth in the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay in a time of 8:18.54. Quebec took gold in 7:37.94.

Saskatchewan finished seventh in the women’s 4x200m relay, with Harlos, Martensville’s Nicole Godbout, Regina’s Gillian Kimens and Saskatoon’s Piper Lejback touching the wall in 9:06.47. Ontario won gold in 8:20.75.

Moose Jaw’s Leo Zheng finished sixth in the Para Men’s 200m (S1-5, S14)  / 400m (S6-13) freestyle with 644 points, with B.C.’s Ken Stroud winning gold with 825 points.

Prince Albert’s Ali Signe Diehl recorded 647 points to finish seventh in the Para Women’s 200m (S1-5, S14)  / 400m (S6-13). Ontario’s Alyssa Smyth won gold with 920 points.

Men’s Soccer

It was a tough start for Team Sask as they ran into one of the pre-tournament favourites and dropped a 2-0 decision to Ontario.

Saskatchewan is in Pool B with Ontario and B.C.

The contest was a close one, as the game was tied after the first half before Anthony Frasca and Hugh McKee scored for Ontario in the 51st and 55th minute.

Team Sask plays B.C. on Monday and will be off until Thursday, when they’ll either play in a qualification game or the semifinals.

Women’s Softball

Saskatchewan couldn’t have found themselves in a closer game in their opening contest, as Alberta scored in the top of the seventh inning and would take a 1-0 win.

Katherine Thiessen was a major part of that, as she held Saskatchewan to a single hit and faced only one batter over the minimum, striking out 10.

Saskatoon’s Kylee Banerd had Saskatchewan’s lone hit, that coming in the second inning. Martensville’s Emma Frisky and Regina’s Alexa Edmands each drew walks.

Saskatchewan starter Frisky had a solid outing of her own, scattering six hits and striking out nine while pitching into the seventh inning. Moose Jaw’s Ava Unser inherited a baserunner in the seventh and couldn’t shut Alberta down, allowing the single run and taking the loss.

Team Sask is in Pool A alongside Alberta, B.C. Nova Scotia and P.E.I. and next face Nova Scotia and B.C. on Monday.

Tennis

Canada Games tennis is played under a team format, with two men’s singles, two women’s singles, a men’s doubles and a women’s doubles team making up each match.

Saskatchewan got off to a great start, taking a 5-1 win over Manitoba.

In men’s singles, Regina’s Ethan Guo defeated Jeff Nguyen 6-1, 6-1, while Regina’s Arya Guha downed Jacob Yee 6-0, 6-3.

In women’s singles, Regina’s Karina Berska defeated Natalina Zappia 6-4, 6-4 and Regina’s Isabella Yan downed Maryia Gedz 6-0, 6-1.

In women’s doubles, Regina’s Anna Klemner and Saskatoon’s Margarita Ter-Grigoryan took a 6-3, 6-2 win over Gabby Prince and Ashley Schneider.

The only loss against Manitoba came in men’s doubles, where Regina’s Michael Lu and Kaiden Gui dropped a 3-6, 6-0, 10-5 decision to Evan Deely and Max Peters.

Saskatchewan is in a pool with Nova Scotia, Manitoba and New Brunswick and are next in action on Monday when they take on New Brunswick.

Men’s Beach Volleyball

Lloydminster’s Luke Enstrom and Saskatoon’s Paul Mytopher are in Pool A alongside Alberta, Nova Scotia and Ontario.

They begin play Monday against Nova Scotia and Alberta before facing Ontario on Tuesday.

Women’s Beach Volleyball

Saskatoon’s Erika Markentin and White City’s Alexa Smith are in Pool D alongside Manitoba, New Brunswick and Quebec.

They begin play Monday against New Brunswick and Manitoba and face Quebec on Tuesday.

Overview

In Group A, Spain came from 4-2 behind to down Netherlands 13-7 and New Zealand did the same to best Israel 12-11.

In Group B, USA had the better of champion Hungary in the last quarter, winning it 5-2 to upset Hungary 11-10. Greece also had to come from behind to beat Italy 13-11.

In Group C, Argentina defeated Mexico 16-7 and Croatia downed Brazil 18-9 with all its goals coming from senior internationals.

In Group D, China had the better of Canada 12-8 and Australia swam over South Africa 17-4.

Match Reports

Match 1, Group C, MEXICO 7 ARGENTINA 16 (1-4, 2-5, 2-2, 2-5)

Mexico may have started the scoring but Argentina quickly regained the initiative and bounced out to a 4-1 lead through four different players a full two minutes from quarter time. Anahi Bacigalupo, fresh from the Singaporean World Championships, scored off her left arm from a rebound at centre forward for 5-1 at the top of the second quarter and her second goal. She scored her third from penalty as Mexico stayed in touch, but by the end of the half, Argentina was 9-3 up thanks to Bacigalupo scoring from a six-metre foul with 33 seconds remaining.

The third period was even with Mercedes Feliciano scoring her second for Mexico with a backhand shot off counter for 11-5 at the final break. Bianca Perasso nailed her fourth and Maylen Sampedro her third — the first of three penalty goals with team-mate Juana Masini grabbing her second goal and Vivian Rangel her second for Mexico. Masini made it 15-6 from the top on extra and Felciano threw the last goal from centre forward for 16-7 at 1:20.

Match Heroes
Perasso and Bacigalupo scored four each and Sampedro and Masini netted three apiece for Argentina. Feliciano scored three goals and goalkeeper Alma Luna made 13 saves for Mexico.

Turning Point
The 5-1 advantage early in the second quarter had the match in the bag for Argentina.

Stats Don’t Lie
Argentina proved it superiority on shooting with 36 to 15, secured four from four on penalty while giving up three, made 10 steals to one and converted the sole extra chance while denying Mexico its two attempts.

Bottom Line
Argentina has senior world championship-honed players and this proved the difference today.

Match 2, Group D, CANADA 8 CHINA 12 (2-3, 1-2, 2-4, 3-3)

Two goals in the last six seconds was exciting enough in a match where China held sway despite the constant attentions of the Canadians. Jaya Basu scored the two opening goals for Canada with the second on penalty after a long break for a technical issue. China responded with the next three goals before the first break and extended the lead to 4-2 in the second quarter, but not until 2:51 when Huang Zerui converted her second extra-player goal. Goals were traded in the final minute with Katherine Featherstone and senior international Zhang Yumian making it 5-3.

Zou Yuhe took it out to 6-3 on extra before Featherstone on extra and Sydney Krushen from a six-metre-foul shot narrowed the score to 6-5. Zou, Zhang Yumian and Shi Yitong from the deep right gave China an excellent 9-5 margin by the final break. Natalia Blazevic gave Canada hope early in the fourth on extra. Both teams took a timeout as the match closed to well inside the final three minutes. Zhang Jingwen, another senior international, converted extra from the deep left and Melania Segulja drilled from the top for 10-7. Krushen had her penalty attempt saved and Zhang Yumian scored at the other end at 0:54. Canada sent up seven field players, lost the ball, China shot and the ball stopped short of the line; two players chased and the Canadian was ejected. The ball came to the attacker who scored into an unguarded goal. With six seconds left on the clock, Canada restarted and Blazevic sent in a missile that was deflected by a defender, beating the goalkeeper for 12-8 on the buzzer. Splendid finish.

Match Heroes
Zhang Yumian netted four goals and Yan Xintong pulled in nine saves for China. Blazevic, Featherstone and Basu scored two each for Canada.

Turning Point
China coming from two down to two ahead by midway through the second period and throwing in a three-goal spurt in the third quarter for a four-goal advantage.

Stats Don’t Lie
China was excellent on extra plays, converting six from eight while Canada planted four from six. Canada missed one of two penalty chances; China made eight steals to six and needed only 24 shots to 27 for the victory.

Bottom Line
China has a handful of senior internationals, which will put it in good stead for upcoming matches.

Match 3, Group D, SOUTH AFRICA 4 AUSTRALIA 17 (0-5, 1-5, 2-2, 1-5)

Australia signalled its intentions to head into the top grouping with a strong start to the tournament, turning the 5-0 opening quarter into 10-1 at halftime. Taafili Taoso scored from centre forward and on counter en route to being named player of the match. Anneliese Pamp scored from deep right to close the first-quarter scoring and scored off a cross pass for 9-1. She could have had three if her penalty attempt had no creased the bar and gone over the top. Tayla Dawkins scored on counter on the next attack for her second and the 10-1 scoreline.

The second quarter started well for South Africa with Bella Imbriolo and Mia Loizidis scoring and two more Aussie goals had the scoreboard at 12-3 with Pamp netting her third on counter. Three more Aussie goals started the fourth quarter with Bless Daly leading the way with her third. Jaime van den Bosch scooped in the ball from centre forward for 15-4 with Australia finishing with two penalty goals and one to Taoso.

Match Heroes
Pamp, Taoso and Daly all scored three goals for the Aussies.

Turning Point
Australia showed its intent from the start and never lifted the foot off the throat.

Stats Don’t Lie
Australia scored just one from four on extra but denied South Africa all six chances; buried three from four on penalty; made seven steals to four and outshot South Africa 31-24.

Bottom Line
Australia has a balanced team with plenty of junior experience.

Match 4, Group A, NETHERLANDS 7 SPAIN 13 (3-1, 2-4, 1-5, 1-3)

Spain has the team to go far in Salvador and not just outside the complex on to the beach. Spain found itself trailing 3-1 after scoring the opening goal but played consistent water polo to level the match at four and five by halftime. Ariadna Temprano scored two outside shots and Olympic gold medallist Isabel Piralkova converted a penalty foul as two Pien Gorter goals kept Netherlands in the picture. Gorter, who contested the senior worlds last month, had earlier scored the 2-1 go-ahead goal.

Three Spanish goals, including a second Piralkova penalty strike, changed the face of the match. Tess van der Meer grabbed her second goal for Netherlands but Carlota Penalver and Piralkova sent the score to 10-6. Gorter failed in her penalty attempt just before the final break. Spain shot out to 13-7 with another Dutch penalty attempt failing to go in and Piralkova converting extra for that 13^th goal at 1:15. A Dutch timeout yielded nothing and Spain had completed the last three quarters 12-4.

Match Heroes
Piralkova finished with four goals and Spanish goalkeeper Blanca Colominas made nine saves. Gorter made a hat-trick for the Netherlands

Turning Point
Netherlands took away the early advantage from Spain but Spain was in control by the end of the third period.

Stats Don’t Lie
Spain struggled on extra with one from seven while Netherlands converted four from 10. Spain made all four penalty attempts to Netherlands’ one from three. The Spaniards plundered 10 steals to three and shot 32-27.

Bottom Line
Spain had tried and tested players at the higher level against a Dutch team containing players from last year’s U18 world championships.

Progress Points

Group A: Spain 3, New Zealand 3, Israel 0, Netherlands 0
Group B: Greece 3, United States of America 3, Hungary 0, Italy 0
Group C: Croatia 3, Argentina 3, Brazil 0, Mexico 0
Group D: Australia 3, China 3, Canada 0, South Africa 0

Day 2 Schedule

Match 09. 09:00. Group D, China v South Africa
Match 10. 10:30. Group D, Australia v Canada
Match 11. 12:00. Group C, Croatia v Mexico
Match 12. 13:30. Group B, Italy v Hungary
Match 13. 16:00. Group A, Israel v Netherlands
Match 14. 17:30. Group C, Argentina v Brazil
Match 15. 19:00. Group B, United States of America v Greece
Match 16. 20:30. Group A, Spain v New Zealand