Irvine, CA – June 20 – The USA Women’s National Team beat Spain 9-8 tonight at William Woollett Aquatics Center. Jenna Flynn led the charge for Team USA with three goals while Amanda Longan went the distance in net to record 13 saves. Team USA will play against Spain again on Sunday afternoon at Long Beach City College at 4:00pm et/1:00pm pt. Tickets to the match are available here. The match will stream LIVE on Overnght with stats from 6-8 Sports.

Team USA and Spain were locked in an old school defensive battle in this contest. The United States struck first from Rachel Gazzaniga on a counter attack and then Bea Ortiz leveled the score for Spain. Midway through the opening frame, Anna Pearson earned a penalty and Flynn converted from five meters for a 2-1 lead which stood at the end of one. The second period remained scoreless until Flynn was able to find the back of the net on a power play courtesy of Tara Prentice. Daniela Moreno cut the deficit in half for Spain before Gazzaniga put away her second goal to push the lead back to two. Paula Camus would respond for the visitors on the ensuing possession to make the score 4-3 in favor of Team USA at halftime.

The low-scoring feud continued into the third quarter with great saves from both goalkeepers. Nearly three minutes in, Jovana Sekulic earned an exclusion and Emma Lineback fired one into the back of the net on a player-advantage. Five more minutes went by before Anni Espar scored on a counter attack for Spain to leave the score at 5-4 for the United States entering the final frame. In the fourth, both offenses picked up their games. First, Ryann Neushul converted on a penalty attempt before Moreno scored on a Spanish power play, Elena Ruiz put one away on a penalty try, and Alba Muñoz rang the register during a 6-on-5 opportunity for Spain’s first lead of the game. Flynn and Pearson responded with back-to-back power play goals to regain the American edge prior to Ari Ruiz knotting things back up with just under two minutes to play. Team USA had control of the ball had looked to Pearson in set who drew two exclusions in quick succession leaving Neushul open to step up and put away the game-winner. In an attempt to tie the score late, Spain would not get a shot off and the United States claimed a 9-8 victory.

Team USA went 6/18 on power plays and 1/2 on penalties while Spain went 3/11 on power plays and 1/1 on penalties. 

Scoring – Stats

USA 9 (2, 2, 1, 4) J. Flynn 3, R. Neushul 2, R. Gazzaniga 2, E. Lineback 1, A. Pearson 1

ESP 8 (1, 2, 1, 4) D. Moreno 2, A. Ruiz 1, A. Espar 1, B. Ortiz 1, E. Ruiz 1, P. Camus 1, A. Muñoz 1

Saves – USA – A. Longan 13 – ESP – M. Terre 5

6×5 – USA  – 6/18 – ESP – 3/11

Penalties – USA – 1/2 – ESP – 1/1

 

It has been a season to remember for the Westmoreland Elite 14 Purple girls volleyball team. The squad began playing in October and honed its game throughout the year to make history.

The 14 Purple team qualified for the 2025 USAV Girls Junior National Championship, becoming just the second team from Westmoreland Elite to play in a national tournament. The team will travel to Dallas on June 24-29 to compete in the Freedom division, the sixth tier of the championship.

Coach Gene Larson has overseen his players’ development throughout the season. He has coached volleyball for 45 years, including Westmoreland Elite teams for 10 of those years.

The team embarked on the season with unimpressive finishes of 19th in the Frozen Lake Festival in Sandusky, Ohio, and 16th in the Steel City Freeze in Pittsburgh. Larson thought his players were capable of performing better.

“Early on, we struggled a bit because … we have young players,” Larson said. “After our first couple of tournaments, we started competing.”

The team then strung together two of its best tournament results. It was runner-up in the gold division of the Athletix tournament in Columbiana, Ohio, and it took first in the Erie Sports Center tournament in consecutive weeks to set an improved tone for the season.

The team was playing its best volleyball entering the Lucky Charm tournament in Harrisburg. That was important because finishing third in that tournament allowed it to qualify for the national championship.

Outside hitter Lilah Mrdjenovich has been a key player this year and was a major reason why the team could reach the national tournament.

“She’s been our most consistent player all year long, definitely led us in kills, probably blocking and serving and likely led us in passing every tournament,” Larson said. “We’ve had some all-around good players, but she has been our leader.”

Mrdjenovich, middle blocker Rylee Hestin and setter Lexi Temple are three prominent players in the lineup from Penn-Trafford.

“Penn-Trafford has a strong middle and high school program,” Larson said. “It is nice to get girls from that background.”

Larson also noted that defensive specialist Sofia Weimer and setter Clare Audia, who are both from Hempfield, are key players.

“I hope they’re competitive in every set of every match. … The reality is, at nationals, you can play well in every match and still not win because it’s a really strong tournament,” Larson said. “I haven’t set any expectations, except (to) play how we’ve been practicing.”

In 1978, Larson started playing volleyball in California, and he began coaching in 1980. He came to Pittsburgh to play volleyball at Pitt. The Trinity Christian School coach also played on and coached gold medal-winning teams at the Keystone State Games, so it is far from surprising his 14 Purple team qualified for the national championship.

“Volleyball is one of the defining areas in my life,” Larson said.

The other time one of the club’s teams made the girls junior national championship was the Westmoreland Elite 17 Black team in 2021.

“We’re a really strong team. We’ve had fun throughout,” Larson said. “I think our strengths are serving and timely hitting. (I’m) so proud of the girls for accomplishing this feat.”

In a vote that ended June 20, Cincinnati.com readers selected the Enquirer/Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine Athletes of the Year for the 2024-2025 fall season.

LORMAN, Miss. – Gabrielle Harris has been named the Interim Head Volleyball Coach at Alcorn State University for the 2025 season. 

We are excited to announce Gabrielle Harris as the new interim head coach of Alcorn State Volleyball. Coach Harris has demonstrated strong leadership, a deep understanding of the game, and an unwavering commitment to the growth of our student-athletes both on and off the court. Her passion and energy are exactly what we need as we continue building a competitive and culture-driven program. We’re confident she will lead our team with integrity, vision, and purpose during this important transition.” — E. Dwayne Robinson, Director of Athletics, Alcorn State University

 

She previously served as the Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator during the 2024 season. In that role, Harris was responsible for coordinating the offense, conducting opponent scouting, and overseeing player development. She also assisted with program operations, including but not limited to managing team travel.

Most recently, Harris was selected as a recipient of the 2024 AVCA Diversity Award by the American Volleyball Coaches Association. This prestigious program mentors and develops emerging volleyball leaders through a series of educational seminars focused on both professional and personal growth. Her attendance at the AVCA Convention was proudly sponsored by the Big Ten Conference. 

Before joining Alcorn, Harris served as the Assistant Volleyball Coach and Director of Student Involvement at Tennessee Wesleyan University. While in Athens, she also worked as a Master Coach at Victory Volleyball Academy, where she supported organizational development and mentored fellow coaches. Additionally, she gained valuable experience through a graduate internship with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Volleyball Program.

A former collegiate athlete, Harris played for Tennessee Wesleyan University, where she later transitioned into a coaching role following her playing career.

In 2024, Harris earned a Master of Science in Sports Administration from Arkansas State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Physical Education, which she completed in May 2022.

 

What They’re Saying About Coach Harris

 “I am thrilled for Gabby and even more excited for Alcorn State. Gabby is one of the most passionate coaches I have come across in the last few years. Her light shines through in every conversation. The athletes in her program will have a tremendous experience with her at the helm.” – Jen Flynn Oldenburg, AVCA President/Ohio State University Head Coach 

 

“Coach Harris embodies leader, mentor, and coach.  I am eager to witness her personal and professional trajectory as she takes on this assignment with Alcorn State women’s volleyball! I am confident in her ability to immerse herself into the role and lead the Braves’ program with vision and excellence.” –Mr. Kennedy D. Wells, Director of Membership, American Volleyball Coaches Association

 

“Gabby is on the fast track in the coaching world. She’s earned every opportunity through her work ethic, commitment to learning, and passion for the game.  I’m excited to see where her coaching journey takes her – this is just the beginning.” –Julie Torbett-Thomas, University of Tennessee Chattanooga, Director of Volleyball 

 

“Congratulations to Coach Harris on her new title as Interim Head Coach! Gabby has a genuine passion for the game and a strong understanding of how to develop her players on and off the court. Her grit and determination are qualities that make her a great leader. I’m so excited to see her lead and build a successful program!” – Kylie Whaley, Tennessee Wesleyan University Head Coach 

 

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CHICO, Calif. – The Chico Unified School District Board of Education has upheld a previous decision regarding a complaint against a girls volleyball coach.

In a meeting on Wednesday night, the board voted unanimously to maintain the Chico Unified School District’s earlier decision not to remove Coach Chas Konopka, following an investigation.

A letter from the superintendent in late May informed parents of the decision. The letter also mentioned steps taken to prevent similar complaints in the future.

Families had appealed the original decision that was made back in late April.

Seven players attended the board meeting to rally support for their appeal. One parent told Action News Now that 90% of returning players will not try out this season with Konopka remaining as the volleyball coach.

The Chico Unified School District stated that they have identified areas for improvement within the school athletic programs.

The athletic staff for the 2025-26 school year will receive additional training on best practices for interacting with student-athletes.

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By: Scott Eddy, Assistant Athletics Director for Strategic Communications

ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. – Bonnies golf graduate Peter Byrne has earned recognition on the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District At-Large Team for his work in the classroom and on the course.

Academic All-District® Men’s At-Large teams, selected by College Sports Communicators, recognize the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances in competition and in the classroom.

The At-Large Teams include the sports of golf, fencing, gymnastics, ice hockey, lacrosse, rifle, skiing, volleyball, water polo and wrestling.

Byrne recorded a 3.71 cumulative GPA in his graduate studies this past year. He earns Academic All-District distinction for the second consecutive year after graduating with an undergraduate degree in marketing and a 3.66 cumulative GPA.

The Orange, N.J. native played in every event for the Bonnies this year with a low round of 68.

Honorees were nominated by and voted on by athletic communications directors nationwide. To be eligible, student-athletes needed to be at least sophomores academically with a 3.5+ lifetime GPA while playing in at least 70 percent of the team’s team scoring events.

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For the latest news on St. Bonaventure athletics, stay connected on social media. Follow the Bonnies on X @GoBonnies and get golf updates @BonniesGolf. Keep up with the Bonnies on Facebook /GoBonnies and on Instagram @GoBonnies. Bonnies Golf can be found on Instagram @BonniesMGolf.